Time for some damage control

I sat in my room a long while simply staring at Shampoo's naked form lying on my bed, sleeping. The magic of the water had faded a while ago, reverting me to female form, and honestly, I felt the night was a total mess and wasn't happy with it at all.

I had this great plan... okay, not so great plan... okay, now it felt like a totally ill thought out disaster. I was really wondering where my head was. I mean, even the whole 'be a guy' thing was an impulse more of the moment than a considered thought, some new angle to try out. Now particularly, with me sporting all kinds of new bruises, it felt like a stupid decision, one of many. And now... ugh. I didn't even get to enjoy it! She passed out before I could!

"Why the long face?" Lust asked.

"Isn't it bloody obvious?" I asked. "This is a total bust."

"Yes, it isn't up to your usual standards, I will admit," Lust replied with a nod. "Want me to suppress the memory?"

"Yeah, that's probably for the best," I said and got up. "Getting her home is going to be tricky."

"Why not do a little request of your ball contacts. They're familiar with this sort of thing. I'll ensure she doesn't fully awaken until she reaches home."

I nodded and headed out.

XXXXX

How did I get here? I had arrived at the Nekohanten, feeling exhausted and smelling of sweat. I vaguely remembered walking up the road to the door, but everything before that was... well, even calling it a blur would be incorrect. More like a wisp I just couldn't grasp.

I entered and found great grandmother waiting for me. "My goodness, Shampoo. Whatever have you been upto?"

I didn't know how to respond. I think I was doing something with Ranma? Did something happen?

Cologne approached me inquisitively, noting my confusion. "Here, let me see you," she instructed and I obediently knelt down so she could take a closer look. "No visible head injuries. How's your vision?"

"Is fine."

Cologne frowned. "I'll have the doctor come over and give you a look. You might have taken a hit. Seems like you were in a fight."

A fight? Something about that felt right, so I nodded. "No doubt an encounter with one of your rivals. You were hoping to see Ranma as I recall. Take a seat, I'll make the call."

An hour later, Dr. Tofu had finished his exam and given me a clean bill of health, although I did feel physically exhausted. So, we all just accepted that it must have been a fight, and the details could be worked out later.

So I adjourned to the bathroom for a shower. There I cleaned myself for a long while feeling the remnants of the familiar sensation of arousal. Given the private surroundings, I decided to indulge myself, using both my own fingers and pulsing setting of the showerhead. As I continued I closed my eyes simply enjoying the sensation.

However, as I approached my climax, flashes came to me. A man I didn't know. A fight. It all faded away without context. I felt a sudden sense of longing.

My time in the shower restored me, but it also left me with the strangest feeling.

XXXXX

The next day, my anxiety got to me, so I visited the Nekohanten. I had to be sure Shampoo was back to normal. My grand ball contact claimed Shampoo was somewhat lucid when she was let out, but somewhat wasn't good enough. I needed to be sure I hadn't done lasting damage.

The sight of Shampoo waiting tables eased my mind considerably. Seeing me, Shampoo gave me one of her usual annoyed looks before returning to her work.

"Akane Tendo, what brings you here?" Cologne asked from the doorway to the kitchen. "Is it something to do with yesterday's events?"

Yesterday's events? I stole a brief glance at Lust, but the demon seemed as shocked as me. Steeling myself I walked over. "I was just a bit worried about Shampoo. She was a bit... confused when she left."

"Yes, she seems to have no recollection of yesterday's events. Perhaps you could fill in the details? There was a fight, correct?"

"Uh, yeah," I said. "Over Ranma."

"As I expected. I'm guessing Shampoo was struck in the head during the scuffle and didn't feel the full effects until later. Fortunately, we Amazons are well trained in self-healing arts so there was no lasting damage it seems."

"That's good," I said with a smile. "So, I guess I should get home now that I know she's fine."

Cologne nodded and allowed me to depart. Outside I let out a heavy breath, one I did not realize I was holding. "Lust?"

"I'm as confused as you. That old one is resistant to my effects it seems. She shouldn't be questioning things."

That's not good. That could really mess up my further plans. Still... I'm not sure I want to go forward with them anymore. As I struggled with this, Shampoo suddenly called out to me.

I started and turned to her as she approached. "Yes?"

Shampoo looked at me harshly, but then in uncertainty. "Was... man at fight?"

"Man?"

Shampoo frowned, and then shook her head. "Never mind." Without another word, she returned to the restaurant.

"I think she is remembering you."

"I thought you suppressed those memories."

"Suppressed, yes, not erased. I can't fully erase memory. I'm guessing you made a strong enough impression that something resurfaced."

"Well, that shouldn't be a big problem. Not like I run around in that form. Honestly, not sure I want to use it again after that mess," I said with some relief.

Alright, it's official... as much as I hate it, Shampoo is off the menu.

XXXXX

Akane's hiding something, I know it. She was nervous when great grandmother questioned her, and when I talked about the man I saw just a glint of shock in her eyes. She knows something. I'm going to find out what!