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Webmaster Note:  Hi again, well same thing happened again...little numbers all 
over the place.  Hope you can tolerate it.  Will be fixed, I  promise.

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~ New Moon ~
Chapter Nine


   Hi minna! :( Sorry Œbout last chapter. I guess it wasnıt as good as the others,
ne? I hope this ones up to par though! Also, I have finally finished a good copy of
prologue and chapter one for my DBZ/SM x-over. (yipee. *yawn*) Iıll have it up in
about a week. Sorry so long, especially since I already have it done! Iım just a tad
bit too busy with school. Itıs homecoming after all! *sigh* Havenıt been asked to
the dance though. *mutters under breath, figures!* =~-^= Sorry for talking so much! 
*hehehe* I donıt own Sailor Moon or Ranma 1/2 so donıt sue! Iım not making money
off of these so there isnıt really any reason to right? *LOL* R&R~ Ja ne! Neko
-Chan  
=^-^=

Notes:   *        *   - Thoughts
       --------   - Short passage of time

~Somewhere in-between Nermia and Juban~

   Usagi Tendo stared out the grimy window of the bus, watching the last bit of
the morning fog being burned away by the slowly rising sun. Beside her sat her dark
haired sister, Akane, who was playing with a piece of string to pass the time. The
blond lazily turned her head to see what the rest of their small group was doing.

   Setsuna and Ryoga were huddled together in seats diagonally across the aisle,
whispering heatedly. She only caught a few bits of the conversation from her seat.
It sounded like, ŒLost. . . .pig. . . moon. . . outersı. She had the strangest feeling they
were talking about her. (AN: LOL) 

   Turning her head she caught sight of Ranma. He was in a seat directly across
from the two Tendo's. He was leaning back in his seat and staring out the window
just as Usagi had been doing moments before. *Bored.* The blond sighed and shifted
in her seat so that she was facing the aisle, and Akane. 

   ³Akane? Will you trade seats with me?² Akane stopped trying to undo the
knots covering her fingers. ³Why? I thought you liked the window seat?² Usagi
blushed and started playing with her hands. ³Oh come on Akane. I just want to . . .
you know . . . get to know Ryoga a little more.² Her blush increased as Akane
started giggling. ³Oh! Donıt let me sit in the way of true love! After you!² She
stood and scooted into the aisle to allow Usagi room to edge passed.

   Ranma, who had really been watching Usagi out of the corner of his eye, slid
his foot into the aisle. *Going to go get cozy with pig boy eh?* Typically, Usagi
tripped over his out stretched foot with a loud squeal of fright.
³Whoaaaaaahhhhhh!!² Ranma snickered as Usagiıs arms started flying everywhere,
trying to grab at anything that would steady her. He stopped his laughter when he
felt her hand grip his pigtail tightly and tug.

   ³YEOW! Whatıd you do that for you dumb meatball head?!² Clutching the back
of his head in pain the pigtailed martial artist scowled. Usagi however didnıt have
time to answer since she was still off balance, and falling. As she felt her center
of gravity shifting over the edge she clenched her eyes shut and felt certain she
was about to die. *This is the end! And I never had a chance to try that new flavor
of ice cream!* 

   Her still flailing arms came into contact with something and she held on for
dear life as the bus took a sharp turn and she fell to her left, completely on top of
whatever had saved her. After a few seconds she opened her eyes. Only to come
face to face with Ryoga, who was currently as red as a tomato. 

   ³Uh, sorry Ryoga. He he! Um, I didnıt see you there?² Usagi rubbed the back
of her neck in embarrassment. *Great. Now I klutz out right in front of him! Nice
going Usagi!* She squirmed slightly, trying to get her feet into a good position to
lever her into an upright position. She didnıt take into account the effect her
squirming would have on the lost boy. 

   Setsuna chuckled. She had been getting nervous with some of the questions
Ryoga had been asking her. Such as, why did she know Usagi? What was the whole
thing with Œoutersı about? Then the one that had really made her squirm. Why did
you choose me to help you? *How was I going to answer that one? Tell him the
truth? He would never believe me!* The green haired woman smirked as Ryoga
started stammering.

   ³Us-Usagi?² The blond stopped as she was halfway to her feet, no longer in
the awkward position. ³Yeah Ryoga?² The lost boy blushed yet again. *Should I tell
her Iım in love with her? Or would she just laugh? -sigh- Why would she want me
anyway?* ³Here. I thought you might like it. Itıs never done me any good after all.² 

   He held out a shiny silver compass, tied to a frayed piece of string. Usagi
slowly took the offered gift. ³Ryoga! Itıs-² He cut her off as he stared at the
floor of the bus in shame. ³I know itıs not much but I wanted you to have it. I got
it in a small shop somewhere in England.² 

   ³I love it Ryoga.² Usagi smiled brightly at him as Setsuna looked on with a
smile. ³I can move somewhere else if youıd like Usagi-chan.² Usagi, who had finally
regained her Œbusı legs, nodded with a blush. ³Thanks Pu-, uh, Setsuna. I was planning
to come over and talk with Ryoga anyway.² The bandana clad youth felt his pulse
quicken. *She was coming over to see me? Just me? Could it be that she-* ³Oooof!²

   Ryogaıs head collided with the back of the seat in front of him as a hand
pushed him forward. A hand that belonged to a certain jealous Saotome. *Stupid
jerk! Just who does he think he is?! Trying to steal my fiance away, eh? Well, Youıll
find Iım a little harder to beat than that!* Plastering on a fake grin Ranma swung
around to stand next to Usagi in the aisle, facing Ryoga. ³Hey! P-chan! Howıre you
doing buddy?²

   Ryoga tried to hold his temper in. We watched in astonishment as Ranma slid
his arm around Usagiıs shoulders. The pig tailed boy grinned at the obviously
enraged teen. ³So whatıve you two been talking Œbout? Hey Ryoga! Did you know that
Usagi has a pet piglet?² *That does it.* ³Ranma! How dare you come here and call me
that name! Prepare to die!² He stood up and glared face to face with Ranma. The pig
tailed teen was blocking his path to the aisle and he had nowhere to turn where he
was wedged in between the seats.

   Ranma smirked at his predicament and never noticed when Usagi slipped out
from under his arm. ³Ranma.² He turned at the sound of his name and immediately
went flying down the aisle with the momentum of the fist which had just connected
with his jaw. ³Stop picking on Ryoga!² She frowned and turned back to Ryoga, who
was still stuck between the seats.

   ³Since weıre both already standing, how Œbout we just get our own seat?² She
waited for an answer but only received a nod. *Does he not want to sit with me? I
know! Heıs probably shy!* A closer look at his very red face confirmed it. Usagi
smiled brightly as she sat in the seat across from Setsuna and in front of Akane. 

   Ranma had picked himself up by this time and was watching Usagi and Ryoga.
He wanted to go right back up there and sit by Usagi himself! What stopped him
was a smirking senshi of time. *Sheesh! Doesnıt she remember that Iım Usagiıs
fiance? She looks like sheıs just waitinı for a reason to chop my head off!* He
scowled at Setsuna but went back to his seat, still stealing glances at the duo
across the aisle.

   Ryoga tried to make himself stop blushing. *Why do I have to be so shy? Oh
Usagi.* They sat in silence for a few seconds until Ryoga decided to break the ice.
Unfortunately, it was at the same time that Usagi was going to try the same thing.
³Usagi, I-² ³Ryoga, do you-² They stopped and stared at each other then started
laughing. ³Maybe you should go first, Usagi.² Ryoga fidgeted slightly and tugged at
his bandana to try and straighten it. 

   Setsuna couldnıt help but grin at the two of them. *Those two always did make
the perfect couple. A whole lot better than that Martian prince.* She frowned at
the thought. *To think, him and the princess were going to get married! If Ryoga
hadnıt shown up . . . * She turned back to watch them.

   ³Ryoga, do you know how you got your curse?² Ryoga felt his heart stop. *She.
. . she knows?* His face drained of color and Usagi frowned in concern. ³Does it
bother you to think about it?² All that Ryoga could manage was a small nod. *She 
does! She knows! She was just playing along the whole time! Maybe, she doesnıt
mind?* He started calming down at that thought. *Finally! Someone besides Setsuna
that I can to to about my curse!*

   Usagi giggled slightly. ³It must be quite an inconvenience, ne?² Ryoga smiled
slightly. ³You have no idea! It always happens at the worst times.² Usagi nodded. ³I
bet. It mustıve been pretty powerful magic to do something like that to you. Iıve
actually known a couple of people with the same curse as you.² She giggled again.
³They were always telling me how hard it was.²

   Ryoga was grinning now. ³Oh, it is. I mean, just the other day, someone tried
to eat me!² Usagi stared. ³Eat . . . you?² Now Ryoga was puzzled. ³Well, yeah. With
this sort of curse that sort of thing can happen all the time.² Usagi frowned as she
tried to think out the logic in that. ³How would getting lost make people want to
eat you?² 

   Ryoga once again felt the blood drain from his face. *Ahhhhhhh! What have I
done?! She meant my directional curse! I almost gave away the fact that I am P
-chan!* He shuttered at the thought then noticed that Usagi was still looking at him
strangely. ³Oh! Well, that was just a joke! Ha ha! A joke!² He nervously tugged on
his bandana again, drawing Usagiıs attention to the piece of cloth.

   ³Hey! I never noticed before but your bandana looks just like my pet P
-chanıs!² She grinned at him as he cringed down in his seat, trying to pull his hair
further down over the fabric. ³Really? Fancy that!² *How can this be happening to
me? Do the fates hate me?* 

   Usagi nodded. ³Where did you get it anyway? Maybe P-chan came from the area
you got it from.² Ryoga shrugged and glanced over at Setsuna. ³I canıt really
remember where I got it. I usually donıt even know what town Iım in.² Setsuna was
frowning. *His bandana?* 

   Usagi shrugged. *At least I got him to relax! Um, a little.* Suddenly the bus
screeched to a halt. Usagi popped out of her seat and threw her fist into the air.
³Oh! Itıs our stop! Lets go!²She posed dramatically. ³Shopping, here I come!² Ryoga
stood next to her and they moved down the aisle. (If only it were a diff. kind of
aisle! *LOL*)

   Akane and Setsuna got off the bus and turned to each other. ³Since those two
seem so happy together, maybe we should just leave them alone. Iım going to the
Cherry Hill Temple to see a friend of the family, do you want to come?² Setsuna
nodded but was puzzled. *Who is she planning to meet there? Is it one of the
scouts? This is getting stranger by the minute.* 

   ³Iıd be happy to go with you. I, in fact, have to meet some people there as
well. After we go though would you be able to accompany me to my house there? We
may as well just go there to wait for Usagi since I know that she wonıt be done
with her shopping till pretty late.² Akane nodded. ³Sure. We may as well all plan to
meet there since weıre all going different places.² Setsuna nodded in agreement and
Akane caught Ranma, Usagi, and Ryogaıs attention.

   Ranma had been sulking. *Why is she so happy with him?* He was the first to
reach Akane and Setsuna. ³What?² His sulk was evident in his voice and Akane
looked  at him strangely before answering. ³Whatıs wrong with you?² He frowned.
³Nothings wrong you  tomboy. I just donıt know if I want to go shopping or not.²
Those were actually his thoughts, not just his excuse to Akane. *After all, if those
two are going to be acting like that the whole time, I might not be able to keep
myself from killing the stupid jerk.*

   Said Œstupid jerkı was standing right behind Ranma, totally unknown to the pig
-tailed boy. ³Really Saotome? Well, Iıd be more than happy to escort your fiance for
you.² Ryoga couldnıt help but to smirk as Ranma fumed. *He IS jealous! Funny to
think of though. I may not be able to beat Ranma in a fight but maybe I can beat him
at love.* His thoughts were cut short however as Usagi bounced up to Ranma with a
grin. 

   ³Ranma! You have to come with me! After all, we are engaged.² She hooked her
arm around Ranmaıs, then hooked her other around Ryogaıs. Both boys glared at each
other over the blonds head. Setsuna and Akane just sweat dropped. *How can she be
my sister? Sheıs got them both ready to tear each others throats out!*

   ³Usagi? Do you know where Setsunaıs staying here in Juban?² Usagi blinked a
few times, than wordlessly shook her head. Setsuna smiled. ³Thatıs alright. Iıll just
mark it on this map.² Akane proceeded to tell them of the plan to meet at Setsunaıs.
Then, they went there separate ways.

------------

   ³Ryoga! You look so kawaii!² Usagi giggled as she took in the sight of Ryoga in
a full tuxedo. He looked quite uncomfortable.  Ranma, who was leaning against the
open dressing room door, laughed. ³Nice look pig boy!² Ryoga frowned. ³Usagi, maybe
you should see what Ranma looks like in one of these. After all,² He smirked, ³he
will be wearing one when you get married, right?² *IF they get married.*

   It had been Usagiıs idea to go into the menıs dress store. She told them she
was tired of trying on clothes and thought it was their turns. What she really
wanted was to have some fun. 

   Usagi turned to Ranma with a grin. ³Your right Ryoga! Ranma! Get into this
tuxedo right now!² She pulled a random tuxedo off the rack and shoved him in
through another open door. ³Donıt come out till your all ready!² She grabbed Ryogaıs
arm and with a wink, guided him to another stall. ³Hurry! Change back and weıll try
to lose him!² She giggled. *This is fun! I wonder how long itıll take poor Ranma to
find us.*

   Ryoga had an evil smile on his face as he changed back into his normal mustard
colored shirt and dark green pants and leg binders. *Now youıll know what itıs like
to get lost Ranma!* He opened the door to the small dressing room, expecting to see
Usagi. What he saw was. . . nobody. Nobody but Ranma in his tux that is.

   The two turned to each other slowly, staring in disbelief. Then, as one, they
grabbed each other by the shoulders  and yelled. ³She ditched us!² After a few
seconds in this position, they realized who they were clutching. Ryoga backed away
hastily, as did Ranma. They both glared. ³Itıs your fault she left P-chan. She
probably got tired of your smell.² 

   ³Ha! She only wanted you to come because of your extra money. Usagi would
never like you Saotome!² Ranma growled in anger. ³Oh yeah?! Well, you wanna know
the only reason she was holding onto your arm and being nice to you? She was
guiding you! So you wouldnıt get lost! Usagi just felt sorry for you. She doesnıt like
you!²

   Ryoga felt his heart shatter. *He. . . heıs right. That must be the reason.
After all, how could someone as beautiful as Usagi like me? Let alone love me!* He
stumbled back a few steps. ³Your right Ranma.² The pig tailed teen got a good look
at Ryogaıs face and was surprised to see tears. *Heıs cryinı? Why? Because of what
I said about Usagi?* 

   The lost boy lifted his head, letting his tears flow freely down his cheeks.
³Goodbye, Ranma.² He bounded passed Ranma to the front of the store, where he
picked up his pack and sprinted in a random direction. Ranma was stunned. *Heıs
giving up that easily? Naw, it has to be some sort of trick.* He waited a few
moments, expecting Ryoga to some running back in yelling ŒDie Ranma!ı. 

   With a sigh he turned back to the dressing room to change back into his red
shirt and black pants so he could find Usagi, or Ryoga. *Why did she leave anyway?
dumb meatball head.*

-------------

   Usagi smiled at the mall fountain as she sipped at her root beer float. It was
a statue of a tall woman with flowing gown and hair, holding out her hands. A small
stream of water was flowing from her cupped hands to splash softly in the small
coin strewn pool at the bottom. All around the woman were eight other small
statues  of tiny angels with wings. Each was holding a different object. 

   The one with short hair, closest to Usagi, was holding a small harp. The
fingers were sculpted perfectly and looked as though they were actually plucking
the tiny strings.    Her wings were pulled tight against her back as her eyes were
closed in concentration.

   Two on either side had long hair. One was holding a bow, drawn back and ready
to fire. Her wings were opened to their fullest, but the tips were bent in slightly. 
The other was holding what looked like a large broad sword, held high over her head.
Her wings were pulled around to circle her sides. Next to the one with the bow was
a slightly taller statue of an angel with a ponytail. She was holding a staff that
looked like a branch in one hand, and a small sprig of some sort of flowery plant in
the other. 

   These four werenıt what was making Usagi smile, however. It was the next
four. *The outers.* The first was a tall angel with her wings held open to their
fullest at her sides. She was holding a sword in front of her face, almost like a
salute. *Sailor Uranus, most protective of all the senshi.*

    Next to her was a petite angel with shoulder length wavy hair. This one was
sitting on a rock with her legs crossed and was holding a small hand mirror out in
front of her. *Sailor Neptune, smart and beautiful but with hidden strength.*

   The next statue made Usagiıs smile dim slightly in sadness. It was a small
angel with a short bob, holding her wings half opened. Her large eyes were staring
at the passersby with a look of anguish. She was holding a tall staff, with a large G
shaped blade on the end, out to her side. *Sailor Saturn, senshi of destruction.
Destined to always be lonely. Strongest of the senshi and holder of the silence
glaive.*

   The final statue was of a tall angel with long hair, part of it drawn up in a
bun. She was standing with her side facing the crowds of shoppers, wings held down
with he tips dipping into the water. Holding her time staff crossed in front of her
body her other hand was held next to the top of the staff, by the garnet orb.
*Sailor Pluto, Puu. My best friend and the closest thing I had to a sister until
Akane. Keeper of time and possibly more lonely than Saturn. Always watching the
gate.* 

   Usagi sighed as she finished her drink. *Guess I may as well go walk around
now. After all, those two are either fighting or are trying to find me.* She walked
passed the trash can, easily throwing the empty cup across the 15 foot gap. As she
was making her way out of the food court she accidentally bumped into someone,
knocking their books to the ground.

   ³Oh, Iım sorry!² She quickly bent down to help retrieve the books. ³Thatıs
alright. I wasnıt looking where I was going either.² She glanced up at the speaker.
*Wow! What a hunk!* The Œhunkı had wispy brown hair and cool blue eyes. ³Hello, my
nameıs Alan.² He held out his hand as they both stood up. Usagi blushed. ³My name is
Usagi.² She gripped his hand but started blushing even more as instead of shaking it
he kissed the back softly. ³Itıs a pleasure to meet you Usagi.² She looked up into
his eyes for a few moments before blinking and taking a few steps back.

   ³Oh! Iım sorry! I have to go! Bye Alan!² She waved as she turned and jogged to
a distant store. *That was really creepy!* Right after she walked away from the
boy he was joined by a girl. She had similar eyes and longer brown hair. ³Who was
that Alan? I think I may be jealous.² She glared as she waited for his answer.

   ³Hmmmm? Oh, it was nobody Ann. Just another of these earth girls. You know
your the only one for me.² He hugged her slightly and they continued walking.
Something caught Annıs eye, however, just as they turned the corner. It was Ryoga,
lost as usual. He was mumbling under his breath as the couple approached. ³I was
sure it was that way. Maybe if I turned right instead of left?² Ann was grinning.
*He sure is handsome! Maybe I should help him!* She detached herself from Alan and
bounced over to the lost boy.

   ³Excuse me? Are you lost? Iıd be happy to help you.² Ann smiled as Ryoga
blinked at her quick speech. ³Yeah, sure. Can you tell me where this is?² He pointed
at the map that Setsuna had given him with her house marked. Ann nodded. ³Wouldnıt
you rather I show you instead?² She leaned closer towards him and fluttered her
eyelashes. Alan was not happy. *First she gets mad at me for liking that blond girl
and now sheıs flirting with this earthling.*

   ³Ann I think we need to go. Now.² He frowned at his Œsisterı as Ryoga tried to
back away from her without her noticing. Ann turned her head away from Ryoga and
stalked back over to Alan. ³What do you mean Alan? Ryoga took the distraction as
his chance to escape. As he was walking around another corner he shook his head
slightly. *What a strange girl.* That was when he noticed he was back where he had
started, the food court. 

+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+

Howıd you like it? If you have any questions just e-mail me. Suggestions too. I even
accept flames! *grin* Ja ne!
stonekid@etv.net
Tsukino Neko
=^-^=