An original character is introduced here, all others belong to Rumiko Takahashi.
3
Ranma then felt arms wrap around him from behind and something soft pressed against his back.
"Airen came after Shampoo." The sentence uttered with tenderness.
Ranma realized what that softness was and his face turned bright red. "I'm glad you're safe, Shampoo, but where are we?" He looked around, but he didn't recognize the area, and he was very familiar with this forest. It's like we've been transported somewhere else.
He tried to wriggle out of her grasp, but then felt her arms ripped away. He turned and saw that she was pulled under the water.
"Shampoo!" he called out as he tried to reach for her, but he couldn't find a trace of her.
"Do not be alarmed!" a man's voice called out from all around him.
"Who's there? And what have you done with Shampoo"
"A friend, and don't worry, she's safe."
"She's safe? Where is she? What have you done with her?"
"I've done nothing. The real question is what are you going to do with her?"
"What do you mean?"
"I mean will you keep her or set her free?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Don't play coy. We both know that you are out here, because you were called out on your inability to select one of your fiancees to keep. You came out here to try and make a decision, but you lack the ability to decide on your own, so I thought I would offer my assistance."
"If this is how you help people, then forget it. I'm better off figuring it out on my own. How do you know all that anyway? Who are you?"
"Unimportant. What is important is I have helped many people make hard decisions and I have the tools to help you make the right decision."
"Why would you help?"
"I am under contract to do so."
"What do you mean under contract?"
"Unimportant. Now, you are worried for Shampoo's safety, so let me assure you she is safe."
A cracking noise sounded and smoke appeared. When it cleared there was a cage and inside the cage was Shampoo. Ranma began running toward the cage, but the ground between them collapsed away, until there was a chasm several feet wide. He stopped before he fell into the darkness.
"What is happening? Shampoo, are you alright?"
She nodded her head, but couldn't answer.
"How about a little game?"
"Game? What the HELL is going on?"
"I told you before, I am trying to help you with your dilemma. Now, part of the reason you cannot make a decision is because you don't know how you feel, and part of the reason you don't know how you feel is because you do not truly know and understand the young women you are bound to. I want to help you learn about your fiancees, and about your own feelings."
"I don't need help like this, now let Shampoo go."
"I will, if you can answer just one of the following questions correctly."
"Should be simple enough."
"Why does Shampoo want to marry you? Now Shampoo, be a dear, and write your answer on the white board in there. Once she is done writing you are free to give your answer."
Shampoo hastily scribbled her words on the white board. "Alright Ranma, your answer."
"Because she believes I defeated her, and it is the custom of her village that she marry the man that beats her in combat."
"Shampoo, your answer please."
Shampoo flipped her board over. It read: Shampoo love Ranma.
"First question wrong. Next question, why does Shampoo use tactics like memory erasing shampoo, red string of fate, or pill bracelets? Wait for her to write her answer."
Again, Shampoo quickly scribbled on the white board.
When she was finished Ranma answered, "Because she is trying to marry me."
Shampoo flipped her board over. Her answer read: Shampoo no have another way to spend time with Ranma.
"Wrong again. See you don't seem to know or understand the women bound to you."
"Just stop this already, and let her go."
"I told you. We need to get you to a decision and keeping her here may help accomplish that goal. Say goodbye to Shampoo for now."
Another cracking noise and smoke rose up.
"Shampoo!" Ranma called out, but when the smoke cleared she was gone.