~ New Moon ~
Chapter Six



Hey minna! How did you like the last chapter? Sorry that there was no Usagi. I just couldn’t work it in. *shrug* She is in this chapter a ton though as well as P-chan. *wink* This chapter is longer than my others have been so I hope you like it! Oh and thanks to Lady Rinehart for Dr. Tofu’s name! R&R! I don’t own Sailor Moon or Ranma 1/2 so don’t sue me! Thanks! Ja ne! =^-^=


Notes:  *    *  - Thoughts
   --------  - Short passage of time
   <     >  - Telephone conversation
   /    /  - Panda signs *LOL*


~Tendo Dojo, Nermia ~

Kasumi Tendo smiled as she chopped some carrots for the dinner that night. In the distance she could hear faint yelling. If possible, she smiled wider. *Akane and Usagi are so helpful! Training with Ranma day in and day out!* A sudden crash interrupted her cutting however when some plaster fell from the ceiling onto the counter next to her. She looked up, startled. *Oh my! I hope they haven’t hurt themselves!*

The guilty parties in the crash however weren’t on the floor howling in pain. They were both howling with laughter.

“Oh! I can’t believe that Akane! You totally smashed him!” Usagi wiped a tear of mirth from her eye. “I didn’t even know people could bend that way!” Ranma, currently on the floor glared at the blond. “You think it’s funny?! Maybe you should try it Meatball head!” The pig tailed martial artist tried to remove his leg from behind his head and bend the knee in the correct direction.

Akane muffled a giggle. “Oh lighten up Ranma! You got what you deserved.” Usagi nodded with a wide grin on her face. “As Akane said the first day we met, she’s going to beat some sense into you!” She giggled again as Ranma finally managed to get into a kneeling position.

“Well, what was the reason for hitting me this time you un-cute tomboy?!” Akane glared at him but Usagi grabbed her arm before she could punch him again. She looked at the blond quizzically. “What did you stop me for?” Usagi sighed. “I think that’s enough for the day Akane. Even though he’s a jerk he doesn’t deserve to have his brains plastered on the wall.” Akane blushed. “I wasn’t going to hurt him THAT much!”

Ranma stared at Usagi in shock. *And here I thought she was going all violent like her sister! At least she has some pity. Wait! I don’t want anyones pity!* He jumped to his feet and glared at Usagi. “Thanks but no thanks. I don’t need your help Meatball head!”

Usagi felt her eye twitch at the name. “Making fun of a girls hair is unforgivable!“ She turned to him, her battle aura springing to life. “On behalf of this dojo. . ” She spun once on her heel and and held her hands in a strange but familiar pose. “. . I’ll punish you!” Akane sweat dropped. *Where did that come from?*

Ranma was thinking along similar lines but his thought process stopped when Usagi’s foot connected with his chin. *Ouch! I’ve got one thing to say about her, as crazy as she is she sure can kick!* He went flying through the far wall and landed in the koi pond. A few seconds latter a familiar red head popped out of the small pond. “What the heck was that for you dumb meatball head?!”

Usagi, instead of getting angry again, giggled. “Wow! That was weird!” Her giggling turned to raucous laughter and she soon had to lean against Akane. “I wonder why I said that?!” The blue haired teen stood for a few seconds, with an annoyed look on her face, then stepped to one side. “Ack!” Usagi flailed for a few seconds and then fell to the floor with a muffled ‘Oof!’.

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The Tendo family was crowded around the table trying to eat. It was more difficult however due to the fact that two Saotome’s were battling for every piece of food on the table. Usagi stared. *I’m never going to get used to this.* She reached for the platter containing the rice balls but her arm was intercepted by a large, harry, black and white paw. The blond looked up in exasperation. “Mr. Saotome! I was trying to get that!”

The giant panda turned his head in her direction. /Win some, lose some./ Ranma meanwhile hastily cleared the plate of the rice balls. “Thanks pops!” The panda spun his head back around and let out a growl when he saw the platter devoid of food. /Your going to pay for that boy!/

Ranma smirked as he popped the last rice ball in his mouth. “Ha! Lets see you try it old man!” Kasumi frowned in worry. “Oh dear!” Nibiki however tried something a little more productive. “You two can fight if you want but then you will miss dessert.” The duo quickly sat back down, innocent faces in place. Ranma smiled. “Oh really? What
is for dessert Kasumi?”

The brunette blinked a few times at the quick change of attitude but then smiled brightly. “I made an American style apple- “ She was interrupted however by the phone ringing. “Oh dear! Usagi, can you get that? I have to take the pie out of the oven.” Usagi nodded once, a smile similar to Kasumi’s on her face. “Sure sis!” She bounded down the hall and skidded to a stop next to the phone.

“Moshi moshi.” She caught her breath as she waited for a response. <Usagi? Is that you?> She felt her breath catch in her throat. *Is that?. . . * “Dr. Tofu?! Is it really you?!”

Usagi could clearly see in her mind as Ono Tofu smiled. <Yes it is. How are you Usagi?> Usagi however could see right through him. “I think you mean, how’s Kasumi.” She smirked as she heard him stutter slightly. <Um, well.. . .What I mean to say is. . . . . . yes. How is she?>

Usagi smiled. *It’s so kawaii how he acts! He must truly be in love. Oh poor Akane.* “She’s fine and so is everyone else. How are you? Are you back from America already?” <Yes. I’m in Juban right now, visiting my niece.> Usagi blinked. “Your niece? Oh! Is it that girl who’s picture you have in your office? The one with long black hair?” <Why yes it is. Although she is a lot older now. Actually, she is your’s and Akane’s age.>

Dr. Tofu straightened his glasses as Rei walked from her room in his direction. He interpreted her elaborate hand gestures to mean she wanted him to ask about the lessons. He nodded his head once to say he understood then turned his attention back to the conversation.

“In fact, she and a few friends of hers were wondering if you and Akane would give them martial arts lessons.” He heard an excited gasp over the line. <Really?! Me and Akane teach a class all by ourselves?! Ooooo, that’d be so fun! Hold on a sec, I’m going to see if Akane wants to and if Dad will let us.> He heard her set the phone down and a few seconds latter a distant yelling. <Dad! Akane! Gu
ess what!. . . > He turned the phone slightly and looked up at Rei. “I think you guys will probably get your lessons. As long as it’s okay with their father that is.” Rei nodded then something occurred to her. “Uncle, how much would it probably cost us?”

Tofu blinked once at his niece. “I don’t know Rei. Maybe you guys could work out some sort of trade or something. These two girls aren’t all that interested in money. They’d probably want you to-” He was startled by the sudden yell of joy over the phone that got steadily louder as the source of the noise got closer. He held the phone at arms length and Rei giggled slightly. *That girl sure can be loud! I heard that from all the way over here!* <
Alllrrriiight! Hey! . . . Hello? Dr. Tofu? You still there?> The Dr. pulled the phone back towards him. “Yes I am. I take it your father said yes?”

Usagi grinned from ear to ear. “He sure did! In fact, he was so proud that me and Akane were specially requested that he started crying!” Usagi paused. “Actually, he probably would have cried anyway.” Her attention was drawn to the end of the hall as Akane rounded the corner, a grin on her face as well. “Usagi! This is great! When will-” She was pushed out of the way by a certain aqua cursed boy, however, before she could reach the blond.

“You mean it’s actually true?! You two get to teach some strange chicks from Juban and I don’t get to help? “ He stared at Usagi and then at the phone in her hand and had an idea. With an evil grin he dashed into the bathroom and doused himself with some cold water. He ran back to the hallway and snatched the phone from Usagi’s startled fingers.

“Hello? Is this Dr. Toga?” Over the line Dr. Tofu automatically corrected the speaker. <Tofu. . . . Wait a second. Who are you?> Ranma grinned as he held Usagi back with one hand as she reached wildly for the phone. “My name is . . . . um. . . Ranko Tendo! Yeah! Ranko! I’m here visiting my cousins.” <Ranko? That’s strange, I’ve never heard of you before and I thought that I knew all of the Tendo relatives.>

Tofu scratched his head as he tried to remember if Kasumi had told him about a Ranko Tendo. *Oh well. I probably wouldn’t have remembered anyway. I always get so muddled around Kasumi.* He blushed before he turned his attention back to the phone. <I. . . I’m a very distant cousin so you probably wouldn’t have heard of me before.> Dr. Tofu smiled even though the girl over the line wouldn’t be able to see him. “Then I’m happy to meet you Ranko!” <Thanks Doc! I have a question for you though. You know how those girls of yours want to have Akane and Usagi teach them? Well, what if someone else helped them?> Tofu blinked. “Who would you have in mind?” He heard a strange gargled sound instead of an answer.

Ranma-chan struggled against the two sisters as one grabbed her arms and the other tried to strangle her. *Man! So close too!* She twisted in Usagi's grasp and managed to free one of her arms which she used to pry Akane’s hands from her throat. “There! That’s better! Oh! I was thinking that maybe Usagi’s fiance would be a good teacher. I’ve seen him fight and he’s even better than those tomboys!” She ducked one of Akane’s arms as it swung for her head.

“You think some guy should help teach my niece and her friends? They might never get a class done!” Dr. Tofu chuckled and Rei stared at him before running to grab the other phone and listen as well. “So Usagi has a fiance? I always thought she would be the first!” <Really?! Why is that?> “Well, as I’m sure you know, she is a very kind person. As well as being very attractive. I especially like how she does her hair. So unique!” He heard a slight click that told him Rei had turned on the other phone. “What is her fiance’s name?” There was a slight pause before the answer came. <Oh. His name is Ranma Saotome.>

Ranma-chan was stunned by the Doctors description of Usagi. She turned towards the blond before she answered. *I guess she is pretty cute. Especially when she’s angry. Do I . . . like her?* “Oh. His name is Ranma Saotome. “ He was surprised by who answered though. It was a girls voice! <It’d be great to have another teacher! I don’t think the others would mind.> Ranma-chan blinked. “Um, doc? Are you still there? Who is this?” <Yes. I’m still here Ranko. That’s my niece. She is one of the girls that are going to take lessons there.>

Usagi let out a frustrated sigh. *Who does he think he is?! Taking the phone from me and then offering to teach with us! Now he’s decided to have a whole conversation with Dr. Tofu! That’s it! Akane can take care of him! I’m going for a walk!* She turned away from the still battling duo and made her way to, and out, the front door.

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Ryoga sighed as he recalled his day. After tripping into a public swimming pool then being chased around an open meadow by a hungry hawk, and not being able to find any hot water, he had finally reached the small park he was currently resting in. *Not only am I lost as usual but i don’t have my pack and I’m stuck in my cursed form! This day couldn’t possibly get any worse?* He heard rustling in the bushes next to him and when he turned to see what it was he encountered the angry face of a large black dog. *I obviously spoke too soon!* He rose to his hoofed feet and with a loud bwee ran as fast as his little piggy legs would carry him.

Usagi, just a short 20 yards from the bushy refuge of the wandering martial artist, stared as a small black shape shot from the bushes. She would have dismissed it and continued on her walk if she hadn’t noticed that it was being chased by a big dog. *Oh the poor thing! I have to help it!* “Hey! Leave that . . . piggy alone you stupid dog!” She started running after the two animals. As luck would have it, the zigging and zagging of the piglet actually made the chase easier for the swift blond.

“Alright mutt!” Usagi grabbed it’s collar and turned it so it was facing her. “You go home right now before I call the pound! Do you hear me?!” The dog seemed to understand her and after she let it go, ran from the park with it’s tail tucked between it’s legs. Usagi grinned. *That’s the first time a dog has done what I told it to! Ha!* She turned to the piglet, which had been watching her with an astonished look on it’s small face, and crouched and held her hand out to it. “Come here little piggy. I won’t hurt you!”

Ryoga blinked a few times. *Is it really Usagi? She. . . she just saved me! I can’t believe it!* He edged closer to her and was again surprised when he felt her hand on his head. *Is she. . . petting me?* He blushed slightly but didn’t pull away.

The blush going unnoticed, Usagi looked the small animal over for any injuries. *It sure is a cute little pig. That little bandanna is a nice touch!* Out of impulse she picked it up and hugged it close to her. “I’d better get you home so I can make sure your not hurt or anything. Maybe I can keep you too!”

Ryoga felt his heart stop. *She wants to keep me as a pet? What if she finds out I’m not really a piglet but actually Ryoga?* His mind played out a scene of a tearful Usagi as she stared at him in shock. * ‘Ryoga. Is it really you? But I thought. . . ‘* She turned from him and started crying. Ryoga shook his head to banish the thought. *I don’t think I’d be able to stand it if she looked at me like that.* He tried to struggle out of Usagi’s grasp but she just held him tighter, causing him to blush. *On the other hand I’m sure it’ll be okay for just a little while.*

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Usagi opened the front door of the dojo as she held her new pet with the other hand. “I’m back!” Kasumi, in the kitchen washing up the dishes, wiped her hands and went to greet her. “Did you have a nice walk Usagi?” She smiled brightly at her youngest sister but then noticed what she was holding. A small black piglet with a yellow and black bandana around it’s neck. “Oh my!”

Usagi beamed at her sister. “Isn’t it kawaii? I found it in the park. It was being chased by a dog, the poor thing. I think I’ll call it P-chan” She tickled his ear slightly causing ‘P-chan’ to bwee happily. A loud thud caused Usagi to jump slightly as Ranma suddenly landed in the middle of the room followed closely by an enraged Akane. “You stupid tomboy! Can’t you take a joke?!” Akane responded by pouring a nearby cup of water on the ‘pervert’.

Ryoga stared in astonishment. *Ranma? Is that really him? That means. . . he’s cursed too! Not much of a curse though. At least he can pick things up and talk.* He bweed in sudden anger, drawing the attention of the two new additions to the room.

Ranma-chan shook the water from her hair as she made her way towards Usagi. “What the heck is that meatball head?” Usagi frowned. “It’s my new pet. P-chan.” Ranma-chan was pushed aside by an ecstatic Akane. “Oh Usagi! He is soooo Kawaii!” Usagi grinned. “That’s why I named it P-chan. You know, pig-cute!” Akane nodded as she rubbed P-chan’s head.

Ranma-chan climbed back to her feet. *I don’t see what’s so cute about a stupid dirty pig!* “Let me see that!” She grabbed the pig from Usagi’s arms before she could protest. “Hmmmm. This thing isn’t all that cute. In fact, it smells just like- YEOW! Let go you stupid oinker!” She swung her hand in the air and managed to dislodge the black piglet from her finger.

Ryoga only had one thought in his mind before he collided with the wall. *At least I don’t smell as bad as you Ranma Saotome!!* He hit with a thud and slid to the floor, stunned.

Usagi was understandably furious. “Ranma no baka! I can’t believe you did that to P-chan!” She ran over to Ryoga and cradled him to her chest just as he cleared his head. He blinked his eyes a few times then blushed a deep red at his position.

Neither Akane or Usagi noticed the blush but Ranma-chan did. *Hmmmm.* She picked the piglet up yet again but this time for a specific reason. “Yup. Just as I thought. Male. You dirty minded pig.” Usagi bonked Ranma-chan on the once. “Leave P-chan alone Ranma!”

Ranma frowned as she rubbed her head where Usagi’s fist had struck her. “Whatever meatball head.” She started towards the door and Usagi blinked a few times to register the fact that Ranma was leaving. “Hey! Where are you going?” Ranma-chan turned back and looked at her and Akane coldly. “To take a hot bath. Thanks to your maniac of a sister.” She deftly caught the small book end Akane threw at her and started out again when Usagi’s voice stopped her.

“Wait! Can you take P-chan with you?” Ranma blinked then frowned. “You want me to take a bath with a pig?!” Usagi sighed. “Just get him clean. Please Ranma?” Ranma stared for a few seconds then finally nodded with a sigh. “Come on you little pest.” She picked the piglet up by it’s bandana and made her way to the bathroom.

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“You really are a lucky little pig you know that? Any other person probably would have just chopped you up for there stew. I guess Dr. Tofu was right, Usagi is a pretty nice girl.” Ranma-chan adjusted her grip on the piglet as she tried to make her way to the furo. “Stop squirming!” She finally managed to get a good grip and with a quick fling tossed him into the middle of the hot water. She made her way to the edge ready to help the piglet out but was quite surprised by the sight that greeted her eyes.

There sat young teen wearing a yellow and black bandana and not much else. (AN: *LOL*) Ranma gasped. “Ryoga?! But I just put that pig in. . . . Hey! Did you happen to go to a place in China called--erk!” Her sentence was cut short as Ryoga’s fist shot towards her. “Die Ranma!!”


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Cliff hanger!! *LOL* I always hate it when authors do this but I just couldn’t help it! Besides, this chapter was getting pretty long and I needed to stop it. So what’d you think? Review with ANY comments! *LOL* Ja ne!
stonekid@etv.net
Tsukino Neko
=^-^=