Waking Mercury cpt 6

The next morning, Usagi, was purposely trying to be late. Luna immediately called her on it. And, for the first time in the few months she’s known her, Usagi, stood up to her feline mentor. That, as can be expected did not go well. Luna berated and yelled at Usagi until she was crying uncontrollably. She was so shaken up by this that she didn’t even go to school. She had to pretend she was sick. Luna left telling Usagi that it is noble to protect ones friends, but in this case it was important that she didn’t. Usagi still refused to help. The determined cat didn’t seem to care saying that she would easily find “the girl” on her own.

Ami had waited for Usagi, but didn’t see her. She had been sad, coming to the faulty conclusion that because she missed her yesterday, Usagi didn’t want to be her friend anymore. The truth was far from that, but Ami had no way of knowing. And as far as her track record with friends go this was a common occurrence.

The young genius wasn’t overly depressed though. As she walked to her school she actually smiled, thinking that by lunch her new friend would show up. For some reason, Ami knew that Makoto would be a great friend for a long, long time.

Unfortunately, the young genius had an especially rough morning. When she got to school she was immediately called into the office. The principle gave her a stern warning that if anything like what happened yesterday happened on school property, there would be severe repercussions. Mostly though, he was just blowing steam. The ruffled man had been bitched at by the three sets of parents directly involved, and by at least a dozen others who overheard their children talking. What they didn’t understand though, was that because it wasn’t on school property he had no control over what happened. He was just pissed and couldn’t help take a little of his stress out on Ami, and a whole lot on Makoto when she had come to talk to him really early that morning.

The rest of the morning drug on for Ami. She had to deal with the silent treatment everyone was giving her. Just being associated with, and especially seen hugging Makoto had blacklisted her with just about everyone at her new school. Ami didn’t care about that though. She had already met a great friend, and she had the Crystal Academy to attend. The only thing that hurt at first, were the names they called her comrade. Psycho karate bitch seemed to be the favorite. Didn’t they understand it was self defense? No, they just found another reason to hate a girl that already had problems fitting in.

By the time lunch arrived Ami was ready to leave. The silent treatment had turned to hateful glares and then name calling. All she wanted to do now was find Makoto. The young girl knew however that she couldn’t immediately unburden all her problems on her new friend. Makoto would have had an even worse time. Especially if her time at the police station went poorly. So she would have to have a strong shoulder to cry on, if her friend needed it. Ami looked around for a while and not seeing her friend she walked now depressed to the library.

Sure enough, when the tall brunette walked onto school property she was met with hostile glances and slanderous words. She couldn’t defend herself either. Mizuki-sensei told her she would be suspended for a minimum of one week if she challenged anyone else to another fight. And so, she just stoically took the verbal beating from her peers.

After Makoto had signed in to school, she immediatly went to find Ami. Staying away from the other girls the athletic brunette made her way to the library. She didn’t really know why she chose the library to check first, she just felt that’s where Ami would be. True enough the petite girl sat hidden in a corner lost in a book. Makoto silently walked up to her friend and sat down next to her. Poor Ami, she looks like she had it rough today.

As Makoto situated herself, Ami looked up from her book and smiled reassuringly at her friend. Truthfully she wished she could just cry on Makoto’s shoulder and release some of the frustration she has been feeling all morning. She told herself that she wouldn’t though. Makoto was strong for her yesterday, so she would be strong for Makoto today. And judging from the looks of her, she would really need it.

“Are you alright Kino? How did it go this morning?” Ami queried, just as Makoto was about to ask the same question.

Thank you, for caring Ami. I can tell you feel like shit and you’re asking about me first. Thank you. “It went pretty crappy actually.” The older girl sighed and leaned her head back on the wall. “All three families are pressing charges after all. And I almost got locked up for fleeing the scene. If Shinozaki, er if my lawyer wasn’t there I probably would have been. I guess he was wrong about me getting off free.” Ami set her hand on Makoto’s as a sign of support. The gesture was noted and greatly appreciated by the stressed teen. “As it is I still need to go to court for all the lawsuits as soon as the three of them are better. My lawyer says that I should win hands down though.”

“That’s horrible Kino, I hope that doesn’t go bad for you.” Ami consoled her friend. Makoto could see the obvious care and concern in her eyes. “Is there anything I can do?”

“Yeah, you could testify. But you know what?” Makoto kept on, the question was rhetoric anyway. “If those assholes want to do that then I’m going to sue right back and it is in my legal rights. Ah fuck em… Enough about me though, Mizuno are you alright?” Makoto leaned in close to Ami and gently laid her arm across her shoulders. Ami was startled by that and flinched, but only because she was afraid someone would see and more people would call her worse names than they already have. Logically Ami knew she shouldn’t worry about it, but the flinch was instinctual. And by the look of hurt in Makoto’s eyes she immediately regretted having done it.

The tall girl started to pull her arm away, hurt that Ami wouldn’t accept her gesture of support. Ami wouldn’t let her though and leaned into the nook of her arm. Surprised, Makoto put her arm back and gently hugged her. “Sorry Kino, I’ve had a pretty rough morning too.” Ami trembled slightly in Makoto’s arms, trying to hold in her tears.

“It’s ok Mizuno, if you need to cry I’ll hold you, just let it out.” Ami immediately buried her head into Makoto’s bosom, and started to sob quietly. The taller girl felt awkward for a second at the sudden really close contact. Soon she adjusted and was softly stroking Ami’s hair and whispering calming words to her friend. Oh crap, what do I do? I never did this before. There that seems to be working. Yeah, just calm down my friend. I’ll find out what happened. And then I’ll kick their ass.

Ami ended up crying through out lunch. When classes were to start she was obviously in no condition to attend. Makoto took her to the office and they explained their situation to the principle and he let Ami sign out, and reluctantly agreed to let Makoto go. Only because Ami agreed to give her some tutorials after school the next day. Afterwards, the two friends gathered their stuff and left for home.

On the way to Ami’s house, the two girls decided to stop at the park that they had found when they fled from the fight scene the day before. Makoto had found a set of swings that had been empty and they sat there in silence for awhile.

It took a few moments, but soon Ami began to talk. “You know, it didn’t bother me at first.” Makoto looked at her questioningly. “The silence, and the stares… But then the stares turned to glares and they started to call you names, and then me.” Ami paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. Her companion waited patiently, she didn’t think it wise to interrupt just yet. “I know that shouldn’t bother me, but I really wanted it to be different at this school. I wanted to be outgoing and have friends. Now I can’t! And it’s not even my fault.”

Makoto flinched a bit thinking that Ami was going to blame her for this. She also started to feel a little angry at her for that. Her concerns however were squashed when the small teen continued. “It’s not yours either. It was those ignorant girls. And no one seems to be able to comprehend that. All they see is that you challenged them to a fight and sent them all to the hospital. I don’t think they even care that the boy pulled a knife.” Ami sighed and rested her head in her hands. “It’s just so frustrating.”

Wow! Ami sounds like an adult. I wonder how old she is. Hey mind now’s not the time to worry about trivial stuff. Makoto watched her friend for a moment. Damn, she is really bummed. I’m used to this shit by now, but she doesn’t seem to handle it to well yet. I need to get her to lighten up a bit, everything’s to tense. Hey I know!!

The tall half Brazilian walked behind Ami’s swing then slowly started to push her. The smaller girl was startled at first but then started to smile a bit and enjoy it. “You know Mizuno, All you can do is grin and bear it. That might not sound like the best advice, but that’s how I get through it all.” Makoto continued to give the swing slow steady pushes. Ami leaned back and just let herself relax. “And yeah, your social life is probably dead now. But…” Makoto stopped talking for a minuet. Ami stopped the swing and turned to face her friend.

“What is it Kino?”

“Well I was going to say that uh. You have me.” Makoto blushed a bit. “I mean that I will be happy to be your best friend, and I’ll stick by you no matter what.” Oh crap I’m babbling, It’s just that I never hade a best friend before. What if she says no, I just met her… I’m so bad at this type of stuff.

“Arigato Kino. I would really like that. And if I am an outcast because of it, then so be it. You are worth it.” Ami shyly smiled at her friend. “I’ll stand by you too.”

Makoto was now blushing furiously, she had defiantly reached her fuzzy moments quota for the day. And it was starting to make her feel uncomfortable. Ack!! I need to change the subject. “Hey, you wanna go to the arcade or the mall or somethin?”

Ami thought this over for a moment. She was nervous about being that far from her house again. The young teen defiantly did not want a repeat of last time. On the other hand, she really did want to go to the Arcade with Makoto. Besides she only had one other episode since then. “I would like that.”

“Great!!” Makoto smiled and gathered up all of Ami’s and her own books. The smaller girl tried to protest, but the older teen insisted. The two friends left the park playfully arguing, and in much higher spirits then when they entered.

Hidden in a tree above the swing set, a small black cat with a crescent moon scar on her head watched the odd pair with confused interest. I’m not positive if you’re a Yoma or not girl. You seem like a genuine human… But, no human gives off that much energy. Perhaps your possessed, or just haven’t awoken yet. For now though until I get more evidence I’ll leave you be.

C’mon, C’mon, C’mon ah no, no, no, wait their yah go no NO! “Shit!!” Andrew Cook, partial owner of the Juban Crown Arcade and all around swell guy, stood fighting a loosing battle with one of the harder game machines. The infamous Sailor V Super Turbo Hyper Fighters Edition Deluxe . He had just died for the sixth time when the door chimed. Oooh guests. At this hour? No one usually comes in till after 2:00. Hey, wait a second is that? It is!!

“Ami how are you, are you ok? I was worried. How is Usagi? Whoa!!! And who is your friend?” Yow, she is hot!! Look at that tight body and those eyes. Little muscular but…huh? “What did you say? Sorry I spaced out for a second.” Andrew laughed it off, embarrassed that he didn’t hear a word of Ami’s reply.

“I’m doing fine, and I haven’t seen Usagi. What about you? How is your shoulder?” Ami repeated what she had said, a little worried as to just what Andrew had been thinking of. He had a really weird grin on his face.

“Ah my shoulders fine, good as new.” The tall American flexed his muscles and showed off the good use of the joint in question. “See?” Ami laughed at the older boys antics, Makoto looked on with interest. “So Ami are you going to introduce me to your friend here.” Andrew flashed a dazzling smile to Makoto who had been wondering how Ami knew such a hot guy.

“Andrew, this is my… Best friend, Makoto Kino.” Ami decided that she liked the way that sounded. Coincidently so did Makoto ;-)

“Good to meet you Andrew.” Makoto put her hand out and shook Andrew’s hand in the “traditional” American greeting.

Andrew happily accepted the shake. “Trust me the pleasure is all mine.” Damn, she has a strong grip there. “So how did you and Ami meet?”

“At school.”

Andrew waited a moment, thinking there would be more to her statement. Ha!! She’s just like Chiba when I first met him.

“Hey, you mentioned wounds, when did all that happen?” Makoto questioned, remembering the exchanged concerns.

“Ami hasn’t told you!!! Oh wow you would never believe it. You see…” Andrew proceeded to give Makoto an embellished (especially his part) version of the events the previous Friday. After the tale Makoto looked up at Ami with shock.

“No Way!! Mizuno how come you didn’t tell me that?” Makoto was amazed by the story. sure she knew monsters existed, but they were still relatively new and rare. The fact that her new best friend was attacked by one was news indeed.

Ami was obviously VERY uncomfortable with the topic. “Ano… I was out of it and don’t…” Makoto shushed Ami placing two of her fingers to her lips. She gave Ami an understanding look.

“It’s ok you don’t need to say anything. I understand completely.” Ami thanked her friend with a look and a sweet smile. Andrew was about to ask why, when he noticed the gesture himself. And especially Ami’s reaction.

Huh? My parents used to do that kind of shit all the time. HEY WAIT A MIN… Andrew suddenly had a huge grin on his face. If either of the girls were looking at him he would have had to explain that. I HAVE LESBIANS IN MY ARCADE!!!!!

“Ano…” Makoto, please don’t make me explain this. Ami’s eyes pleaded with her friend to let the subject drop. I want to say, but we still don’t know each other well enough yet, and I’m scared. I just don’t want you to think I’m a freak. “I was out of it and don’t…”

Ami stalled for a moment and was about to continue. However, before she could two fingers were gently placed on her lips, stopping her explanation. Ami blushed slightly and her eyes misted over a bit. Arigato Mako… Thank you for understanding. Ami’s eyes gentled and sent a feeling of thanks to her friend. Her fingers are rough, like she works with her hands all day.

Makoto slowly removed her hand. Ami unconsciously, (Or consciously, if she really understood her feelings or what she was doing.) kissed the tips of Makoto’s departing fingers. Perfect.

Makoto didn’t seem to notice.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. Both girls spent time getting to know each other a little better. They already knew a few details, but not the trivial stuff. They told a few things about their past. They talked about favorite foods, colors, hobbies, you name it. All the while Ami was amazing Makoto with her video game prowess. She even won a prize from the Sailor V video game. It was a elegant gold plated pen, with an interesting symbol placed on a blue background mounted at the top.

Ami was really impressed by the quality of it. She had never seen a pen of it’s quality. Much less a prize at an arcade that wasn’t a cheap piece of trash. Makoto was also a bit impressed by it. Ami decided that it would be her lucky pen and that she would use it only to do the hardest exams and the most important papers.

Andrew, (Who was intently watching both girls the entire time they were there.) also saw the prize pop out of the machine. Which both confused and surprised him, considering that there wasn’t a prize slot on the machine before.

The afternoon ended with Ami having to leave for her first day at the Crystal Academy. She had told Makoto about it, and the older girl seemed very interested and happy for Ami. She even promised to walk her there and see her off. Ami was very happy with this gesture.

“Arigato, Kino.” Ami thanked her friend as they arrived at the Academy.

Makoto Smiled at her friend. “Hey, no problem Mizuno.” The brunette easily replied, then hesitated for a moment. “Hey a… ano…” Makoto stuttered a bit, wondering why it was so damn hard to ask her new friend such a simple question. Ami noticed it and thought it was endearing. Shit, why am I even nervous, It’s not like I’m asking her out or anything. “What I was saying , I mean, is that errr.” Makoto finally got fed up with herself and just blurted it out. “Would it be ok if I picked you up for school in the morning?”

The smaller girl smiled and blushed a bit, though not as bad as Makoto was. “I would love that Kino, but I like to be there at least a half hour early.” That was a white lie, but she would rather get there a half hour later than usual rather than miss walking with her friend in the morning.

“Hey, that’s no problem.” Makoto laughed, and nervously and scratched the back of her head. “I’ll see you then.” The taller girl then abruptly turned and started running home. “Enjoy your first day at the academy!!!” Makoto’s last words barely reached Ami. But they did, and Ami was very pleased.

I will Makoto, and I can’t wait to see you in the morning. Ami stood a moment in front of the Academy and cleared her thoughts. The occasional student would pass by, as she prepared herself for the days lessons. Finally, when she felt centered she walked in to her first day. Both of collage level school and unbeknownst to her at the time, a new life.

Please let me know what you think. Questions? Comments? Drop me a line Poepah@yahoo.com, I will always respond to an e-mail.

Oh if any one is curious, I got the pen idea from the Manga.