~ New Moon ~
Chapter Eight

Hi minna! Thanks for all the reviews and e-mails! That’s why I’m updating so
soon. I hope you didn’t mind my cliffhanger too much. *evil grin* I might just do it
again you know! *LOL* This chapter is focusing mostly on the trip to Juban with
the unexpected guest. *S* Hope you like! Ja ne! R&R! I don’t own Sailor Moon or
Ranma 1/2 so don’t sue me! You won’t get much if you do anyway! =~-^=

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

~Tendo Dojo, Nermia ~

“Hello! What can I hel---PUU?!!” There in the entryway stood the senshi of
time. Sailor Pluto. The green haired woman looked quite understandably surprised.
“Princess?! You recognize me?!” Akane stared and Ryoga just. . . fainted.

Setsuna quickly regained her composure. “Hello Usagi. It seems like an
eternity since I’ve seen you. Who is this?” She turned to indicate Akane. The blond
in front of her glanced from Akane to Setsuna and back again. “She’s my sister,
Akane Tendo. Hey sis, can you leave us alone for a little bit? This is my . . . pen pal
from. . uh . . Australia and we have some talking to do.” She shoved the protesting
girl through the open door then closed it behind her. “But Usagi! We have to---”

“Whew. That was close! By the way, how’d you find me here?” Setsuna
studied Usagi as the blond guided her around to the back yard. *She looks just the
same. Why does she remember me though? Does she remember everything? If so, why
is she still here instead of in Juban?* “Well, a friend of mine sort of said he saw
someone by the name of Usagi in this area. It was the best lead I’ve had in months
so I decided to check it out. I’ve been really worried about you princess.”

Usagi sheepishly stared at the ground. “I’m sorry Puu. My life has been so
good here. I’ve even learned how to fight again! I just didn’t want to give it up by
letting you know where I was.” The green haired time warrior shook her head in
confusion. *Why has everything changed so much?* That was when she caught sight
of what was in her princess’s arms.

“Ryo--! Uh, I mean, Usagi? Where did you get that little piglet?” Usagi
stared at her quizzically before answering. “I saved him from a big dog in the park
last night so I decided to keep him.” The blond finally seemed to register the fact
that P-chan was out cold. “Huh? Why’s he asleep? Well, I’ll just wake him up the
same way Akane does to me! Water!” She leaned over the family koi pond and
scooped up a handful of the chilly liquid. Setsuna gasped as she realized what was
about to happen. “Princess! Don’t!” She snatched P-chan from Usagi’s arms right as
the water fell where the piglet had previously been, soaking Usagi’s jacket.

“Puu! What’d you do that for?! Now I’m all wet!” Setsuna smiled slightly.
“I’m sorry princess but I think we should have our talk before your pet awakens so
as to have no distractions.” The blond removed her small jacket, since it was wet
(AN: Duh!) , and set it on the ground to sit on. “Okay Puu. I’ll go with you on that
one. Just stop calling me princess. It makes me feel uncomfortable. You know that!”
Setsuna giggled slightly as she sat down, setting Ryoga on her lap. *I can’t believe
Usagi is keeping Ryoga as a pet! I guess he did help find Usagi-chan after all.*

“Alright Usagi. Now, do you want to tell me why you are here or should I
just ask you some questions?” The blond yawned and shrugged as her answer. “Do
what you want Puu.” The time senshi nodded. “Very well. First of all, why is it you
still have your memory? The other senshi all lost their memories when they were
reborn.”

Usagi sighed. *I guess I won’t be able to nap after all.* “Actually, I don’t
really remember much. Only about being the princess, a little bit of what life was
like back then, and you and the outers.” Setsuna blinked. “Really? You remember the
outers? What about the inners?” Usagi shrugged. “I can remember that there were
inner senshi but not much else comes to mind.” The blond squinted in sudden
concentration. “There’s also a dream I’ve had of someone with black hair calling me
meatball head but I might just be warping Ranma’s image or something.” She giggled
at the thought. *The guy in my dream was WAY hunkier than Ranma! Although, there
were some similarities. Hmmmm. And what about that other guy? He was even more
of a fox!*

Unbeknownst to the two, Ryoga was starting to recover from his shock.
*Oh, what a nightmare! To think that Setsuna knew Usagi--* He glanced up from his
current position and gulped. *Why me?* He was curled up in the lap of the senshi of
time while his blond angel sat just feet away. “Well, I still find it strange that you
remember the outers.” Ryoga’s ears pricked. *Outers?* Usagi cocked her head to
the side slightly. “What’s so odd about it? They were my best friends!”

P-Chan was startled. *Didn’t Setsuna tell me once that she was the leader
of some sort of outer senshi? Does that mean Usagi has something to do with
them?!* Setsuna felt P-chan shiver and glanced down in surprise. *How much has he
heard?! This won’t be good if he finds out who Usagi really is. I’d best continue this
conversation later.* “Usagi? I think your piglet is awake now.” The blond let out a
squeal of happiness. “P-chan!” She picked the still stunned pig from off of Setsuna’s
lap and hugged him tightly. Setsuna caught P-chan’s eye and slowly raised an
eyebrow.

“You sure seem VERY affectionate of this piglet Usagi.” She kept her eyes
locked with Ryoga’s who suddenly developed a deep blush. “Yup! I love my little P
-chan!” She emphasized her statement with another tight squeeze, causing Setsuna
to giggle. “He sure is kawaii. Where did you get that wonderful bandana?”
Internally Setsuna smirked. *Well, Mr. Hibiki, seems you have a slight crush on the
Princess of the Moon!*

Usagi fingered the yellow and black bandana. “He was wearing it when I
found him. It does look good on him though.” They were interrupted by Akane.
“Usagi! Come on! We have to leave now if we want to catch the early bus!” The two
girls, piglet still being hugged (=~-^=) , leapt to their feet to face Akane.

Usagi turned on her best pouting face. “Akane! I haven’t seen Puu since
forever!” Akane glanced behind her, trying to spot if Ranma was sneaking up.
*Stupid pervert! Why does he think he has to accompany me and Usagi everywhere?*
“Well, have her come with us or something! Just hurry! Ranma’s going to try and
follow us.” Setsuna blinked. “Ranma?” She turned to Usagi. “Who’s Ranma?”

The blond blushed as Akane impatiently tapped her foot. “He’s my fiance.”
Setsuna’s jaw dropped. “But. . .but your already engaged princess!” Akane stopped
her tapping and turned to the green haired woman. “What are you talking about?”
She squinted her eyes. “And why do you keep calling my sister Princess?” Setsuna
nervously played with a bit of her hair. “Oh, that! It’s just my nickname for her.
That’s all.” Usagi nodded vigorously as Akane continued to watch them suspiciously.
“Yup! That’s all!”

Akane sighed. “Alright. We’d better go right now though. I think I hear
Ranma coming down the stairs.” The group turned to go, automatically falling into a
line with Usagi in the middle.

Ryoga was deep in thought as the small group made it’s way to the bus
station. *Why in the world did Setsuna turn up at the Tendo house? Is she
following me around? I don’t think she came just to visit with Usagi or else they
both wouldn’t have been so surprised. And what about that whole thing with ‘Outers’
? I’m going to have a long conversation with Setsuna, next time I can that is!*

“Usagi? I have a quick question.” Usagi turned to Akane with a smile. “What
is it sis?” Akane giggled slightly. “Well, I couldn’t help noticing that you keep
calling your friend Puu. That’s not her real name is it?” Setsuna smiled since she
had overheard the question. “Nope. My real name is Setsuna Meiou. I’m staying in
Juban for a short while. Visiting friends and relatives.” Akane blinked. “Really?
Who? We might just know some of them!” Usagi grinned. “Yeah Puu! Who are you
visiting? Is it anyone else from our little ‘club’?” The blond winked but only
Setsuna noticed.

“Actually, yes, Usagi. I’ve also called some of my immediate family to meet
me there this weekend.” The time warrior sent a meaningful glance towards the
blond. Usagi blinked and her jaw dropped. *Immediate family? But I thought that
her whole family was cursed? Lost or something like that. Hmmmm. That must mean .
. . * “Do you mean . . . .” She looked at Setsuna pointedly, so as to convey her
meaning. Setsuna nodded. “Yes. Haruka, Michiru and Hotaru are coming to visit me
this weekend. They might even stay if they like it there.”

Usagi started jumping up and down. “Yahooooo! I can’t believe it! They’re
really coming Puu?! I get to see them again?!” Akane blinked at her excited sister.
*Why is she so excited? When did she meet all these people?* P-chan bweed as
Usagi hugged him close again then started spinning with him, dancing to imaginary
music.

*Oh princess! To see you happy again. * There was a sudden rustling behind
them and being the seasoned royal guardian that she was, Setsuna noticed right
away. She frowned. “It seems as though we’re being followed by something.” Akane
nodded and frowned as well. “I wonder what.” She scanned the horizon then slowly
turned her head to the tree at the side of the road. *Just as I thought!* She
smirked at Setsuna. “Look. Usagi’s fiance has caught up with us.” She nodded her
head towards the to tree.

Setsuna glanced at the tree. There, in the upper branches, was a young man
with black hair wearing a red Chinese shirt. “Ms. Tendo? Do you have any idea why
he is following us? And hiding in a tree of all things?”

The blue haired girl shook her head. “None at all, and please, just call me
Akane.” Setsuna nodded. Usagi meanwhile was still dancing with P-chan, who was
trying his best not to throw up after all the spinning. *She sure is. . (erk)
energetic about seeing these people.* He bweed again, this time more of a plea than
a cry of surprise.

Usagi quickly stopped at the sound. “P-chan? Are you okay?” She titled her
head to the side as she regarded the slightly green piglet. “Are you sick? Hey!
Akane! Setsuna! I think P-chan is sick for some reason!”

The two turned as one towards Usagi when they heard a sudden crack
followed by a yell. They turned back to the tree as Usagi ran up. “What was that?”
The blond blinked as she regarded the crumpled form of Ranma on the ground.
“Ranma? What are you doing here?”

Ranma scowled as he stood and brushed himself off. “Is there anything
wrong with me wanting to go to Juban? Besides, Kasumi and Nibiki sent me with a
list of things they want you to get for them.” Akane frowned and crossed her arms.
“Then why were you hiding in a tree?!” Ranma rubbed the back of his head in
embarrassment. *How am I going to explain I was watching Ryoga with Usagi?
Stupid jerk. He DID cuddle with her!* “Um, well, I just wanted to see . . . uh. . who
this is!” He pointed at Setsuna who only stared at him.

“My name is Setsuna Meiou and I’m a friend of Usagi’s. Pleased to meet you
Mr. ?” Ranma smirked. “Saotome. Heir to the Saotome school of anything goes
martial arts.” He held his hand out but Setsuna didn’t accept it. “Saotome? Where
have I heard that name before? Oh yes!” She glanced at P-chan and smirked. “My old
friend seems to hold a grudge with you Saotome. Perhaps you know him. His name is
Ryoga Hibiki.” Setsuna tried to suppress a giggle as P-chan bweed in protest.

Ranma looked from P-chan to Setsuna and back again. *Something fishy’s
going on here. If she knows Ryoga, does she know about the curse?* Instead of
answering her he studied her closely. Usagi, nervous at Ranma’s actions decided to
answer for him.

“Actually Puu, we ran into a Ryoga on the way home from school the other
day.” She grinned. “He’s pretty good at martial arts from what I saw. He even made
the road shatter with his bare hands!” Akane nodded. “After that he knocked a whole
section of the wall down too!”

Setsuna smiled. “Yes, he’s quite a strong young man. As surprising as this
may sound, I even taught him some of his tricks. You probably haven’t seen all he
can do though Mr. Saotome.” P-chan was just listening, unable to say anything for
himself. *So now she’s taking the credit for teaching me is she?!* Usagi continued
petting P-chan. *Ryoga Hibiki.* She grinned. *He was pretty kawaii come to think of
it! Especially those little fangs!* She giggled to herself.

Ranma decided to take a chance on his theory of whether or not Setsuna
knew about P-chan. “Did you know he’s cursed?” P-chan’s head flew up and his heart
started beating faster. *Is he. . . is he going to tell Usagi?* Usagi frowned.
“Really? How's he cursed?” Setsuna quickly came to P-chan’s rescue. “He’s cursed
to wander. Always lost.” *P-chan let out a sigh of relief. *Thank you Setsuna!*

Usagi’s frown stayed on her face however. “Puu, isn’t that sort of like the
curse on your family?” Setsuna nodded. “It is, in some ways, the same curse.” Usagi
scratched her head in confusion. “What do you mean by that?” P-Chan was also
confused. *Her family is cursed? I didn’t even know she had a family! I guess she
knows how I feel, never getting to see her family since they’re lost.* He sighed
unhappily.

Ranma cut in, however, before Setsuna had a chance to explain. “He has
another curse too.” Setsuna’s eyes narrowed as she turned to glare at the pigtailed
boy. “And what do you know about his other curse Mr. Saotome?” P-chan also glared,
no longer nervous since he knew Setsuna would keep Ranma from leaking his secret
out. *How dare Saotome do this to me!*

Ranma gulped at the intense double glare he was currently receiving. “Uh,
well, I know what it is but I promised him I wouldn’t tell anyone else!” Setsuna
nodded once, glancing meaningfully from P-chan to Ranma. “See that you don’t or else
I may also help Mr. Hibiki take his revenge.”

Usagi gulped at the statement. *Wow. Puu’s really serious about this! She
must be really good friends with Ryoga or his curse is especially bad!* She hugged
P-chan once then whispered so only he could hear, “I hope he’s going to be okay P
-chan. I’ve known lots of people with curses and lots of them end up dead because of
them.” P-chan blushed. *She cares about me! Me! Ryoga Hibiki!* He smiled as brightly
as his little piglet body was able and bweed in happiness.       

Akane was feeling pretty impatient. *Come on! I want to see Dr. Tofu!* “If
you guys are done talking then lets go catch the bus! We’ve only got 10 more
minutes before it’s scheduled to leave!” Ranma frowned at P-chan. “You mean your
taking him along too? Are you sure they allow pets?” Usagi was prepared to argue
with her pig tailed fiance but instead sighed. “I guess your right. P-chan? Do you
know the way home?” P-chan shook his head vigorously. *Stupid Ranma! He knows I’ll
get lost and probably not see Usagi for weeks!*

Akane growled in frustration. “9 minutes! Usagi! Just put him down! We
have to go!” She turned and started jogging to the bus. Usagi sighed. “Bye P-chan!”
Setting him down she moved quickly to catch up with Akane; leaving Ranma, Setsuna,
and Ryoga behind.

*I’ll get you for this Ranma!* P-chan growled and was preparing to pounce
on Ranma when he was suddenly engulfed with hot water. Setsuna stood over him
pouring the contents out of a thermos that she had pulled from her sub space
pocket. (AN: *LOL* ) Ryoga stayed on the ground for a few seconds before it
finally registered in his mind that he was naked. “Setsuna! Couldn’t you have
waited?!” He dashed behind the tree Ranma had hidden in earlier.

Ranma scowled at Setsuna. “So you DO know ‘bout his curse!” She nodded.
“Your friends with Usagi right? Did you know that he slept in her bed last night?!”
Setsuna blinked than giggled. “Mr. Hibiki! I can’t believe you! Maybe I should tell
Usagi-chan about your curse!” She than pulled his whole pack, change of clothes
included, from her sub space pocket.

Ranma stared, slack jawed. “How the heck did you do that?!” Setsuna tossed
Ryoga the change of clothes and set the pack on the ground beside her. “Mr.
Saotome, I have something that I need to share with you. I am-” “What?! Why are
you telling him who you are?!” Ryoga had finished changing in record time and was
now fuming next to Setsuna.

Ranma was totally lost. “What the heck are you two talking about?! I
already know who she is!” Setsuna shook her head. “Ryoga, there is something I need
to tell you too. Later. But first. “ She turned to face Ranma with a serious look on
her face. “You are Usagi’s fiance correct?” Ranma blushed. “Yeah. It wasn’t our
choice though! It was our dads’!”

Setsuna smiled sadly. “Did you know that Usagi is already engaged?” Both
Ryoga and Ranma stared. “What?!”, they said in unison. “As you know, Usagi is
adopted. What you don’t know is that she still knows who her real parents were, and
so do I. I actually used to work for her parents before they died.” She looked to
the ground. “Her parents engaged her to a boy from another plane-- er, country.”
Ryoga blinked. *Did she just say . . . planet?!* “When her parents died, it is assumed
that the prin. . .young man died as well. I know otherwise though. He is alive, just
lost somewhere. I’ve told you both this since it is obvious that you both seem to
like Usagi.”

Ranma cut in. “Me?! Like a meatball head like her?! No way!” Ryoga turned to
Ranma slowly. “Ranma! How many times do I have to say not to call her that!” He
was just about to attack when Usagi suddenly ran up to the trio. “Hey! The bus is
going to- is that you Ryoga?!” Much to the lost boys surprise he suddenly found
himself being hugged tightly by the blond. *Is it possible?! Is she really hugging
me?!*

She let go and smiled brightly. “How are you? Sorry we all ran away from
you the other day.” Ryoga could only stutter and Ranma glared. “You seem very happy
to see him Meatball head.” Usagi cringed. “Don’t call me meatball head!” She pulled a
mallet out of her sub space pocket. “Now say sorry or else!”

Setsuna sweat dropped. “Usagi-chan? I think the bus is going to be here
soon.” Usagi blinked, the mallet held high above her head. “Oh. Yeah.” She suddenly
held up her hands in a V sign. “Akane bought the tickets so we’re all set!” She
turned to Ryoga. “Do you want to come to Juban with us? We’re going to have lots
of fun!” Ryoga smiled back at the petite blond. “Are...are you sure It’s okay that I
go with you?” Usagi smiled, and so did Setsuna. “I’m sure. Come on!”

She took off for the bus station, Setsuna and Ryoga close behind. Ranma
glowered at Setsuna and Ryoga’s retreating figures. *Not only do I have pig boy to
contend with but now some lost fiance who’s supposed to be dead!* He sighed and
jogged to catch up with Usagi. *Why me?*

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

How was it? Sorry that Puu is sort of OOC. Just thought that if she was in this
sort of situation, this is how she might act. *shrug* For those of you waiting for
my DBZ/SM x-over, (if any!) I won’t have it finished till next week. One reason is,
I CAN’T THINK OF A TITLE! *pulls hair out in frustration* The only one’s I can
think of have all been done! *frown* Oh well. Ja Ne!
stonekid@etv.net
Tsukino Neko
=^-^=