The Reborn

Chapter 6

Kiss –n- Tell

Disclaimer: I don't own this series or any other series. I am just floating an idea. I am making no money, nor plan to, off this venture. If you think of suing me over this, then grow up.

I would like to first personally thank all of those reviewing my stories. I enjoy reading your comments, and try to correct the grammatical errors I miss with my final read-through as well as my spell checkers. The suggestions you all make will help make this story better for everyone to enjoy, as well as allow my to fix some plot holes I may unintentionally leave. If you find any, let me know, and I will correct them and repost the chapters.

Please feel free to review, and make comments. If you find a spelling or wordage mistake, feel free to let me know. Thank you.

Also, please check out my other stories. I try to keep a constant level of dedication to all of them.

In the backyard at the Meioh estate, Haruka was sparring with Ranma...male Ranma.

Despite the embarrassment of sleeping together—not that Haruka would even joke about such an event, considering she and Michiru had spent the next few weeks trying to figure out why they did that—Haruka had not let up in her training with Ranma.

Sure, she was still a little pissed that someone two years younger than her was easily outclassing her, but she enjoyed the fact that she was always getting better—something more than a few bad guys could attest to.

Of course, she had other things on her mind...something Ranma noticed.

"Okay, Haruka. That's enough for the moment." He walked to the bench where their stuff was, grabbing his towel and tossing her hers. "What's up? It's like you're not even here."

Haruka bought herself some time by taking some sips of her water. It wasn't that she didn't want to tell her best male friend the news she had—she did—but she didn't know how to tell him.

It had been a few days since her, Michiru, Makoto, and Minako had caught his fiancée; Nabiki, playing tonsil-hockey with a hot little redhead. During that time, the four had been discussing how exactly to reveal this to said friend; tempering the Inners' boy-crazy need with the fact that their mutual friend would soon have his heart torn open.

Initially, they had decided to first check and see exactly who this girl was to the engaged couple. After all, if the duo had slept with others before, they might be doing so again.

Of course, the Outers made certain that the Inners didn't discover that bit of info. If they did, though while it would definitely be funny, they had no wish to sick the Inners on their friends.

"Just worried about an upcoming test," she lied.

Ranma nodded, seeming to accept it, but he could read Haruka well enough to know she was worried about something else.

Haruka took in a deep breath, trying to steal up the courage to ask her question. "Ranma, I was in the park a few days ago... I saw Nabiki hanging out with a girl I've never seen before."

Ranma nodded as he began his stretches, not getting the point of what Haruka might be suggesting.

Hell, just because Ranma was older and not as sexually naïve didn't mean he was no longer clueless.

"You know her? She a little shorter than you, red hair, nice figure..."

Ranma choked on his water, barely keeping himself from exposing his curse.

"You okay? You look like you tried Minako's cookies again."

Ranma nodded, thumping his chest to try and help cough up the water. "Yeah...I'm fine."

"So I take it you know her."

Ranma nodded. Think, Saotome, think! "Um...she's my sister."

This time it was Haruka's turn to send water down the wrong pipe. "SISTER! You have a sister!"

Ranma nodded. "We thought she was dead, but she apparently got shipped to another home. They just now realized their mistake and put us into contact." Please buy this!

Haruka paled. Nabiki is cheating on Ranma with his own sister? Granted, the babe is hot, but still... Ewwwwwwwwww. "What's her name?"

Yes, she bought it. You 'da man! "Her name's Ranko."

"SISTER!"

Haruka checked her eardrums to ensure they hadn't been busted by the yell of her fellow conspirators. "Yes, his sister, Ranko. Apparently a bureaucratic snafu placed her in another home and labeled the other as dead. They just got reunited."

Michiru shivered. Inside, she was wondering what sort of sister would steal her brother's fiancée. After all, did Ranko hate him that much? Maybe the girl's life had been hell.

But still...

Minako took a dramatic pose. "Oh, to find family once again and to have her betray him as such!"

Makoto nodded. "But Nabiki isn't innocent in this."

Michiru just shook her head. "Ranma's such a nice guy. I can't believe he's letting this happen if he knows."

The girls all shuddered, a thought of another perverted possibility going through their heads, but they shoved that thought aside.

Who would be that weird to do such a thing?

In our universe, several execs at Cartoon Network sneezed, as they debated returning Sailor Moon to the lineup in America.

The girls shook the thoughts clear.

"Okay," said Haruka, "how do we do this? We can't go in there assuming he knows, and we can't go assuming any of them are innocent, as much as I hate to say it."

Minako stood up. "We need to separate them. Two of us can talk to Ranma while the others talk to Nabiki."

"Right," said Michiru, "and I guess you two will just volunteer to talk to Ranma?"

"Of course," said Makoto.

"Like hell you will!" snapped Haruka. The last thing she was going to do was let the lonely straight girls talk to a possibly available male friend. Knowing those two, they might sink Ranma and Nabiki's whole relationship before they got the truth out. "We'll talk to Ranma, and you two will talk to Nabiki and this Ranko if you can find her."

"Don't you trust us?" asked Minako, her eyes in puppy-dog formation, tears at the ready.

"NO!" said the two Outers.

Sailor Nemesis gulped at the water, her own workout done in the training room of Castle Pluto.

Sailor Sol, however, was still going strong...as was Solaris Knight.

Nemesis watched the two trade attacks, currently staying only on physical ones. When Pluto had informed them that Instant Shuanshontsuniichuan would not permanently split Ranma in two, they began to use it.

After all, who better to test out Ranma's female Senshi form than his male Senshi form?

"They seem to have less power split like this," said Pluto beside her, the Mistress of Time occasionally stopping in to spar as well as observe the newest additions to the team.

Anything to keep away from the nosy roommates of hers.

"I figure the power's divided evenly between them. They'll have to work twice as hard to get back up to their mono-level. But if anyone can do it, Ranma can."

Pluto nodded. "How long before you reveal yourselves? Little Lady, Diana, and I can't keep hiding forever."

"We'll have to do it soon," said Nemesis as the two Solar Senshi began to move on to their magic attacks, the room's shield coming up to protect the observers. "Haruka saw me kissing Ranma-chan in the park a few days ago, and he told her she was his sister, Ranko."

Pluto shook her head. "Both of you fucked up on that account."

"Hey," said Nemesis, "she was just so cute, pouting like that when the curse activated."

"Can't you control yourself?"

Nemesis snorted. "Been there, done that. One past life as a nun really makes you appreciate the little sins."

"And the fact that you exposed yourselves wasn't a consideration?"

Nemesis shrugged. "Worrying about it won't change things now."

"But you do have to reveal yourselves earlier than planned. Now you'll have no choice but to tell them all the truth, assuming of course they don't avoid you all out for cheating on your fiancé with his sister."

Nemesis nodded, not even flinching as the Frisbee of Death slammed into the field before her, and skirted along the edge of it before returning to Sailor Sol's outstretched arm. "Not his best idea."

"Like yours was any better."

Nemesis shrugged. "Hey, I'm a happily engaged woman; so sue me that I wanted cuddle-time."

Pluto shook her head. "You better tell them today. Your phones have been ringing. I think they want to divide and conquer and find out how much is really going on."

Nemesis nodded. "After they finish training. She's still a little weak on the shield and he's still trying to correct his equilibrium in this weaker form."

Pluto nodded and left. Hope the Gates have a record button.

Somehow, I think this will be priceless.

Ranma stretched as he waited for Haruka and Michiru in the park; his workout still making him sore. Damn, who knew fighting me was such a hard chore.

If I'd known this could happen, I'd have used that stuff decades ago.

Of course, he wasn't relishing this upcoming conversation. He knew what they wanted to talk about, glad that Minako and Makoto were talking with Nabiki instead of him.

Not that he had anything against them. They were two wonderful ladies, and he truly hoped they'd find the right man/woman/unknown for them.

He just wasn't willing to test Nabiki's patience for such things. After all, he vividly remembered what she did to him as Demeter and Ramius.

Some of that stuff made the Nekoken look tame.

"Hey, Ranma!"

He turned to see the two Outers walking to him, waving to get his attention.

Didn't matter though, he just knew Nabiki would still beat his ass after this. After all, foot-in-mouth hadn't left him yet.

Nabiki sighed as the two Inners sat across from her in the Crown Arcade, three banana splits between them.

Of course, the joyous food did little to stop the glares from her friends. Of course they're upset; they think you're cheating on one of their friends.

Bad Nabiki, bad.

"So, ladies, how can I help you?"

"Ranma, you know we'd never hurt you on purpose, right?" asked Michiru.

"Of course," said Ranma, looking at them, as they sat down at an empty picnic table. "You guys are two of my best friends. Hell, I don't know what I would've done without you two."

Haruka nodded. "Ranma, we...saw...something that we think you ought to know about. We're just worried that you'll either hate us for telling you, or end up denying it."

"What is it?"

"You heard me," said Minako in a conspiratory whisper. "You were sucking that redhead's face and cheating on that hunky fiancé of yours."

"Me?" said Nabiki, acting innocent.

"We saw you at the park with her on your lap," said Makoto. "Really Nabiki, why are you trying to break Ranma-kun's heart by making out with his sister?"

Nabiki sat back. "You know, I can't tell if you two are upset or trying to see if I'll let you join in."

Smirking, the hidden Senshi of Nemesis smiled as their eyes went wide.

"That's not it!" growled out Ranma. "Listen, I know Nabiki likes girls. You think I've forgotten what happened two years ago?"

The two girls across from him blushed. "That's never happening again," muttered Haruka.

Ranma shook his head. "And before it, you would have just as vehemently sworn it would never happen in the first place." Seeing their attention drifting towards what they referred to as the incident, Ranma got them back on track. "And no, I am not doing that with my sister."

"My, what dirty minds you two have," Nabiki teased. "While I might enjoy the full court, I doubt Ranma-kun wishes for those types of relations with Ranko." Nabiki, however, was remembering both the Copy Mirror and Happosai's little Splitting Incense. Well, what they don't know won't hurt me.

"So," Minako nervously giggled out, "he knows and you three aren't..."

Nabiki shook her head. "Really, you think me so low as to do this behind Ranma's back?"

Makoto shook her head quickly. "Of course not!" She looked around, before resuming her whispering. "But why would he let you do that to his own sister?"

"Love?" said both girls in surprise.

Ranma nodded. "The family agreement is for either me or my sister. If Nabiki is happier with her, then I'll let them have that. Ranko's agreed to the same."

"And you're doing this because you love her and want what's best for her?" asked Michiru, still not believing this.

Ranma nodded, trying to look a little disheartened; internally thanking Nabiki for insisting on those acting lessons back in the Fourth Grade. "I love her enough to let her go if need be. Would you rather I end up some jealous demented moron seeking to steal her back and not caring if I took the whole world with me?"

"Of course not," Haruka said nervously, scratching the back of her head, and giving the occasional chuckle; trying not to think of Ranma as the next Queen Beryl.

"Listen," said Ranma, turning serious, "I know it ain't the best idea, I know it ain't right with most people.

"But...I ain't going to choose between them on this issue. I just got Ranko back in my life, and I'd hate to throw away the only family I got left over this, and I love Nabiki too much to cage her with me if she's happier with someone else."

"So, you're just going to string him along while you do stuff with his sister," Minako hotly accused.

Nabiki sighed. "For the last time, we've already discussed it.

"Besides, what would you do if a guy liked both you and Makoto, and needed time to decide?"

"That's different," said Makoto. "Besides, he would choose me."

"WHAT?"

"Well," said Makoto, turning to her friend, "I'm excellent at domestic tasks, while you blow up radios while trying to change their channels."

"Do something like that once..." muttered Minako.

"This is all moot," said Nabiki. "Ranma, Ranko, and I will handle things as we see fit. And no, we will not be getting together to do that. I might be adventurous, but not to that point."

The girls looked ready to protest, but remained silent while Nabiki's glare was fixed on them.

Sighing, Nabiki placed her elbows on the table, following the classic "Gendo Ikari" pose. "Listen, I know you care for Ranma; a friend in the least, maybe a hot time under the sheets at the most."

She smiled inwardly seeing them blush. Inners, so easy to read. Damn cats should have found them some consorts by now.

Oh well, time to tease. "Well, feel free to come over tonight and find out exactly how good he is. Just remember, sharing includes me as well as my fiancé."

Leaving, she missed the looks of contemplation on both girls' faces, or she might have remembered a rule from Nerima.

Never offer something unless you're serious.

Because you might offer it to someone who'd accept.

The three were now walking down a path in the park.

"Well," said Haruka, "can't say I approve, but I hope it really works out for you, Ranma."

He nodded. "Can only hope for the best. Either way, someone gets hurt, but at least the heart's been served."

Michiru nodded, not really certain if she could be in his position should such a situation occur.

Of course, this meant she'd have to work a little harder in ensuring the Inners didn't try and influence Nabiki's choice towards red instead of black.

Promising to not watch anymore Vegas movies, Michiru placed her hand on Ranma's shoulder. "No matter what, Ranma-kun, we're here for you."

Haruka nodded, slapping him on the back, and still slightly peeved that he was the only guy she could do that to who wouldn't budge. "Yeah, you can count on us."

Ranma nodded, glad to have female friends like them...who weren't trying to bed him like the ones in Nerima had done.

His cursed form...even he wasn't stupid enough to believe that would hold true.

Sailor Nemesis watched from the shadows as the Inner Senshi were once again having their asses handed to them by another Shadow Soldier. "Really, we need to start training them to at least aim."

She shook her head as four more came out, toying with the Senshi. "Bastards are still too cocky," she said, after checking to make certain no more were hiding.

During the first battle, they had let one remain to give Solaris Knight a way out. For some reason, Nemesis couldn't teleport him through her medium.

Pluto said it was most likely due to him being an agent of light while she was one of shadow. Those two just didn't mix.

Right now, she knew that Solaris Knight was assisting the Outers, while Sailor Sol was hanging back as backup, still not trusting her ranged attacks.

Sailor Nemesis sighed. We really need to get together and show ourselves. It'll put off suspicion in case they learn of Ranma's curse sooner than later.

Truthfully, she was relatively surprised that the four had bought the story. She had been hoping that Usa would tell them what they had originally done, but she was being tight-lipped to prevent a paradox.

Of course, Nemesis was really starting to hate that damned excuse.

Taking out her daggers, she let the feral nature of the Nekoken begin to rise, her eyes slowly slitting into cat-like pupils. Oh well, nothing a nice bit of exercise won't fix.

Holding out her hands, she gathered her magical energy, as they neared Sailor Mercury, intent to take out the supposed brains behind the operation. "Shadow Shroud."

Soon, a dark fog rose and covered the entire battlefield; which was a corner on a slow-traffic street.

To anyone in that mist, you wouldn't even be able to see the hair on your head, no matter what frequency your eyes saw with.

To Nemesis; it was home, it was clear as day; as if it was truly noon. After all, she was the Princess of Shadow, despite what these interlopers believed themselves to be.

Normally, she might leave one alive to question.

But foot soldiers rarely had such information.

Slipping into the shadowy mist, she quickly slipped around the soldiers; her knives stabbing into multiple vital areas in under a second in each one.

Smiling, she walked out of the mist and ended up standing before the Senshi. "Really, we must stop meeting like this."

The Shadow Shroud faded into the ether as light seemed to now pierce it.

The Inner Senshi gasped as they saw their attackers standing in pain, blue blood dripping from multiple wounds, before they gave one last gasp, and collapsed to the street. Soon afterwards, they exploded into dust.

Nemesis smirked as she held up her two blades, kissing them, before sheathing them in her wrist gauntlets. "Seriously, you need to really work on this "please let this shot hit" tactic of yours."

Mars growled, not liking being dressed down as she was. "Oh, and what makes you so special?"

Nemesis blurred and was soon standing before Mars, her knives out again and placed in a scissor formation, prepared to cut into Mars's throat. "Really, I would have figured you one to actually think. My skills are far beyond yours in both physical combat and that of my magic.

"I took them out with cold intensity, while you were throwing around fire like it was a pyromaniac's wet dream."

"Stand down, Nemesis!" commanded Sailor Moon.

Nemesis smirked, before backing up, placing the daggers once again in her gauntlets. "Yes, my Queen."

"Now," Moon said, walking between the two, "there will be no more fighting between ourselves. We either stand united against them, or fall. And I will not have my Senshi bickering like common children over a toy!"

"Okay," mumbled Mars, and Nemesis just nodded.

"Now," said Sailor Moon, turning to the only Outer Senshi there, "can you train us to fight them better than we have been?"

Nemesis nodded. "Perhaps, but you should seek training through her," she said, pointing to Mercury. "She has a source that has been assisting in her training. Utilizing it will prepare you for what we could offer."

Mercury looked confused, but they all paled as Nemesis explained. "We would hardly be guardians if we didn't already know who you really are."

Seeing their fear, she waved off their concerns. "Really, if I meant any harm, you'd all be dead by now."

Turning serious, she stared at Moon. "You can no longer afford to sit and do nothing to prepare. Train while you can, because eventually, these soldiers will either be stronger, or will divide you up to where we cannot protect you all.

"Childish concerns are gone from now on. You are either warriors, or I suggest you find others to give your mantels to who will become such."

"Hey," yelled Mars, "we've protected this world plenty of times!"

"And yet a simple Shadow Assassin gives you trouble. These creatures make Galaxia pale in comparison. Either adapt, or die out. Your choice means little to me at this point."

"And what makes you so much better?" asked Mars.

"Simple," said Nemesis as she began to fade into the shadows, "I was made for this."

The other Senshi rushed to the shadow, hoping to catch her, but Nemesis was already gone.

"Damn it!" yelled out Mars. "Why didn't you order her to stay, Sailor Moon?"

Sailor Moon stood still, her mind still contemplating what Sailor Nemesis had said, and wondering if perhaps...their luck was about to run out.

"Is everyone okay?" asked Solaris Knight, as he dropped the energy feed to his buckle shield, causing it to fade and show the injured Outer Senshi, fresh from being healed by Saturn.

Said girl looked winded, using her glaive as a support. "Yes, they're okay now."

Solaris nodded, as he stepped forward, placing his hand on the jewel in her chest bow, and sending some of his energy through it to revitalize Saturn before her transformation stopped to allow her rest.

The others didn't know what to do, but Pluto held them back as Saturn's posture corrected, and she was once again standing tall.

The Senshi of Silence smiled, feeling like she could take on a Shadow Assassin by herself. "Thank you, Solaris Knight."

Smiling, the Knight of Sol bowed. "You're quite welcome, Little Note." With that, he took off to the roofs, leaving a gaping Saturn behind.

Slowly turning, Saturn looked towards Pluto. "Was that..."

Pluto nodded. Saturn was second to her in regaining memories of their lives during the Silver Millennium, and it was no surprise that the girl would have no trouble remembering the name of the man who had called her that.

After all, he had helped train her, and acted as her adopted older brother for the lonely Senshi of Silence in Training.

"Pluto," asked Neptune, "what's going on?"

Pluto smiled. "Does the name "Ramius" ring any bells?"

Uranus didn't know why, but she felt the burning need to beat the hell out of whoever that name belonged to. "I have a feeling we weren't on the best of terms."

Pluto nodded. "You both were arrested several times for fighting; mostly in bars and such. You had a love-hate relationship: you loved to hate him."

Saturn didn't care about any of that. All she cared about...was that he was back.

Smiling, she turned back to the others to head home. Ramius was back.

In her heart, she knew everything would be fine now.