All characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi with the exception of The Decision Master, he is an original character made for this story.

12

"I'm sorry, the only way for Shampoo to get her love back is for her feelings to be released. Someone has to open that box back up."

"How do we find him though? How can we get our hands on that box?"

"I have people out looking, and I have a feeling who has the box, but if I'm right, he's impossible to find, unless he allows it."

"Who is he?"

"He's known as The Decision Master. People hire him to help them fix things, come to term with loss, move on from heartbreak. He helps people decide on a future course of action."

"I didn't ask for his help."

"No, but maybe one of your finances did. Maybe someone wanted you to finally make a decision. From what I hear he isn't cheap, but does solid work."

"If all he wanted was for me to make a decision, then why lock away Shampoo's love? Wouldn't that make it more difficult to keep to the resolution?"

"It hasn't yet. It seems like having the struggle has made you more committed to her. You have already ended the other engagements while trying to help Shampoo. Maybe this was part of his plan. Are you sure he didn't say anything else to you before he left?"

"Not that I can recall. Shampoo, did he say anything to you?"

"He say sorry, but that it should be okay in end."

"Ranma, are you sure he didn't say anything else? Did he leave anything?"

"No he didn't say anything and when we were free it was just Shampoo laying there."

Shampoo checked her pocket and found a note. She held it up. "Airen check pocket too."

Ranma searched his pockets and came up empty.

Cologne took the note from Shampoo and unfolded it: Ranma and Shampoo, I hope this note finds you both well. I'm sure by now you have realized that we must meet again if Shampoo is to be restored to her past self. I'm sure you miss that future that was promised to you by now, and it can still be yours. All you have to do is return to my compound and Shampoo will be freed. If you are unsure, retrace your steps.

Ranma looked up at Shampoo, maybe it was his own feelings, but he thought he could see hope reflected back in her eyes. "Shampoo, let's go back."

"Not today, you're not." Cologne interrupted. "You both just got back. Why don't you shower and sleep on it, then you guys can head out in the morning. You won't be able to see much in the dark."

Reluctantly, Ranma caved to her demands. To make things easier, he stayed at the Nekohanten. Shampoo bathed first, and after she was settled in her room, Ranma went to take his bath. He stayed in the tub for a while, trying to remember anything during the chase with the gorilla that might help him relocate where they were kept, but he just remembered jumping through the trees.

After his bath, Ranma was taken to the guest room, and he settled in his futon. Cologne had given him clothes to change into, so she could wash his and have them ready for him in the morning. He stripped down to his boxers, before climbing into the futon; it did not take long before Ranma was asleep. Not too long after he fell asleep, the door to his room opened and someone crept inside. Shampoo crawled into his futon and snuggled up to him. Ranma felt the softness pressed against him, and woke to find his hand fondling that same softness. Ranma pulled the covers back and found Shampoo in his futon. He quickly removed his hand from her chest.

"Shampoo belong Airen. Airen no need worry."

"But Shampoo, is this what you want right now?"

"Shampoo want make Airen happy."

"I won't be happy, if you don't want this too. Let's just wait until we get you back to normal before we do anything like this."

Shampoo nodded. If she could, she'd love Ranma even more for saying no.