Waking Mercury cpt 3

It was Monday morning in Japan. Ami Mizuno sat underneath a large maple tree. She was an hour early so she made herself comfortable and was soon deep in thought. This was her first day of school in this new city. Although that was a large part of her thoughts, they mostly focused on the weekend.

The day after the “incident” had been rather interesting. First, early in the morning a few reporters had shown up to try and get her and her mother to make a statement. She just told them that she was out of it, and didn’t really remember much. That satisfied them to an extent, but they still tried to dig a little more. Ayanee Mizuno wasn’t in the mood to have people pester her daughter, so she kicked em out. Her and her mother then had a long conversation about what kind of safety measures could be taken to prevent this from happening again. And then there was the dinner with Usagi, which was somewhat strained and subdued. That is until the subject was changed from the “incident” to other topics, like video games. Ami thought that over all, it had gone well and perhaps she really could have a decent friendship with this girl.

On Sunday Ami had received a very welcome, and surprising call. A Juni Asagai had called and offered her a partial scholarship to the Crystal Star Academy for the Gifted. After talking it over with her mother for about, oh one minute. They decided that after school on Monday, they would tour the classes and see if it was something they might be interested in. From what Ms. Asagai said on the phone however, pretty much already made up Ami’s mind. The school was somewhat small, and exclusive. Students of all ages attended and studied together. Most also had time for one on one study sessions with the teacher. The only thing that bothered Ami (though not by much) was that the school followed a strict curriculum circled around a new computer based teaching method. The program was supposedly just developed, and was called the Crystal Disk Method.

Ayanee knew Ami was excited by the multi age environment, so she seriously checked out a couple things. All of Ms. Asagai’s credentials turned up good. In addition all of the students in her program have shown incredible improvement in their studies and placement tests. So all that aside, all they had to do was check out the campus and meet her in person. Ami was very hopeful and felt pretty good about the situation.

“Oh No!!” A sudden thought popped into Ami’s head. I was supposed to meet Usagi and Naru to walk to school. How could I have forgotten. I can’t go back either it would take to long. Geez I hope they won’t be to angry at me. Ami felt really sad and guilty. Just great I make some friends for the first time in years and I start it out by standing them up.

The short haired girl hung her head low and sulked. Ami looked up as two feet came into her vision. She looked up to see a teacher looking down at her.

“Excuse me, but are you lost?” The teacher looked at Ami with a questioning expression. “The Junior High is a couple blocks down the road.”

Ami blushed and if possible looked a little more crestfallen. Here we go again. She thought sadly. “I know ma’am, I am supposed to be here.”

“Really?” The annoying teacher asked skeptically. “Then can you tell me your name and grade, and whose class you are supposed to report to”

Ami stood up and dusted off her uniform, already knowing she was going to have to go to the principles office for a quick file check. “I am Ami Mizuno, grade 10 and I am just starting today, so I’m not sure what class I’m to report to yet.”

The teacher sighed and rolled her eyes. Great, I am not in the mood for this, it’s to early in the morning. “Look, Ami is it? Please just go back to the junior high, I don’t even want to know what kind of prank your pulling. But, you are obviously to young to be here. Please leave.”

Ami sighed in frustration. Why does this always happen to me? “I’m not trying to trick you ma’am, please take me to the office to verify my records.” Ami looked back at the ground.

The teacher now way past annoyed just turned around and motioned for Ami to follow her. “Fine, follow me and we’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Ami slowly walked behind the teacher her first day was definitely not starting out well. I just need to think positive, and hope the rest of the day won’t be this bad.

Upon walking into the office Ami was assaulted with loud voices screaming back and forth at each other. Wow! This kind of chaos and school doesn’t start for another half an hour. Ami blushed as a very “colorful” insult was thrown at one of the unseen speakers.

“Oh great not her again.” The teacher that had been escorting Ami sighed and ran her hand through her hair. “Young lady wait here I will be back.” The lanky teacher walked into the principles office. (The source of the noise) Ami just sat in the corner chair and tried to make herself look small.

“Principle Mizuki.” The teacher addressed an older balding man sitting at his desk rubbing his eyes. She had to speak loud over the three girls who were yelling at each other. The principle looked up at her and waved her over, ignoring the feuding students. “I am sorry I am late I got caught up with another student.” The lanky teacher blushed a bit.

“It’s alright Arasawa-sensei, now go over there and sort out your students. Hatoshi-sensei should be here shortly to speak for hers. You stay here I will go see what’s keeping her.” Ugh, it is to early and I am to old to be dealing with this crap. If Arasawa can’t control her students, then she can have the headache. I need some tea. The aging man stood and walked out the door still ignoring the curses flying from three of the rooms occupants.

The old principle got some perverse sense of satisfaction, when he slammed the door and startled everyone into silence for exactly five seconds. Then the yelling started again. He shook his head and chuckled. He looked up at a noise and almost blushed in embarrassment. Hatoshi-sensei and a young looking girl with short black hair and deep blue eyes stared at him with blank looks. “Ano..” ::cough, cough:: The balding man quickly composed himself and looked at the rooms two occupants. “Hatoshi-sensei, go deal with Makoto. I’m going to get some tea I want the five of you to try and have this settled before I get back.

Miyuka Hatoshi nodded at her boss. She then steeled her nerves and entered his office. The shouting had increased dramatically. Both Ami, and Principle Mizuki cringed. The door slammed again and the noise was drowned out, a little.

The principle studied the young girl for a moment then quirked an eyebrow at her. “Mizuno?”

“Hai” Ami looked up at the principle.

“Did Arasawa-sensei bring you here? She’s the one that went in before Hatoshi-sensei”

“Hai” Ami replied. “She didn’t believe I went to your school.” She looked down again.

The principle shook his head and started walking to the door. “Just wait here, I need my tea then I’ll see to it that you are scheduled properly.” He left muttering to himself.

Ami gulped. Seeing as she had nothing better to do, she pulled out a book and started to read.

“Will The four of you shut up!!!!!” Miyuka walked into the room to see two students and her colleague Mani Arasawa, yelling at her student. Who, was admittedly doing a great job of giving as good as she got. Everyone looked at her for a second before they all started yelling again. Shit…

“You can’t talk to me like that…..” “Arasawa-sensei, can she do that?” “Makoto, you bitch!!!” “But Sensei this is all their fault…. What do you mean bitch? Say that again and I’ll-”

“Makoto!!!” Shouted Miyuka. “Finish that threat and you will defiantly be in some trouble. I Apologize to the rest of you, but I need to get some order.” The frazzled teacher brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Alright now what is that all about anyways.”

One of the girls, Sana, from Arasawa’s class stepped forward. “We were just walking to our lockers minding our business when this psycho karate freak started yelling at us. Ritsako and I tried to mind our own business, but the crazy over there kept trying to pick a fight.” Sana finished, her cohort Ritsako smiled at her. Makoto stared at them with her mouth open in shock, not even understanding how she could spout such bullshit, and have it sound believable.

“Well Makoto.” Arasawa prompted. “If you don’t deny it we have to assume it is true and you are the one to blame.” Makoto sputtered about to reply, but was cut off again. “And let’s see.” The lanky teacher flipped through a note pad on the principle’s desk. “This would be the third offense. Punishable by suspension. Three of those and you can finally be expelled.” Arasawa turned to look at the athletic brown haired student. Her eyes shot daggers at the younger girl. It was no secret that, that outcome would be perfectly acceptable to her.

“Now just you wait one moment Arasawa-senei.” Miyuka cut in. “Let Makoto say her piece. And, further more that last comment wasn’t necessary.” Arasawa directed her daggers from Makoto to her fellow teacher. Miyuka just returned them tenfold. “Go ahead Makoto, Say your piece.”

The near six foot girl nodded thankfully to her teacher. “The only reason I yelled at those two, Is because I heard them calling me a freak and a half breed. And It almost got into a fight because they wanted to escalate it. Although future warning, girls.” Makoto said the last word with enough venom to knock over an elephant. “I could have easily torn your skanky little asses apart.”

“MAKOTO!!” Miyuka interjected before things really got ugly again. “That is quite enough.” She then turned her gaze to Arasawa. “If you don’t agree with this let me know. Ok girls. Since both of you say different things, and there is no way to tell who is truthful or not.” She paused for a moment preparing herself for the backlash she knew she was going to get. “All three of you will have detention for three days. You two,” Miyuka looked at Sana and Ritsako who were both fuming. “will be taking your days first. Makoto yours will be Thursday to Saturday. Do I make myself clear.” One, Two, Three, here we go.

“Hatoshi-sensei that’s not fair!!” All three chorused simultaneously. “It’s this (Bitch, Skank, Cunts) fault not (Mine, Ours).

“Students watch your language!” Arasawa put in. “I think Hatoshi-sensei is fair in this judgment. Now you two get to class. I’ll be there in a moment.”

“Hai!” Both girls chirped, then gave light bows before leaving the office.

“What about me?” Makoto questioned. “Can I go now?”

“No, Kino-san not yet I need to talk to you for a moment.” Miyuka turned to look at her fellow teacher. She seemed to just be kicking back and watching. “Arasawa-sensei, do you have any more business here?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I do. I need to get to the bottom of some junior high student trying to sneak onto our campus.”

“I’ll take care of it.” Miyuka replied. “Please excuse us I need to talk to Makoto in private.”

Arasawa rolled her eyes and snorted lightly at Miyuka before she too left the room.

“Now Makoto. We need to have a serious talk here.”

The tall athletic girl looked nervously at her teacher. ::Gulp::

Principle Mizuki was only gone for a moment to get his tea. Upon return the battle was still going strong, but there at least seemed to be a little order to it. Still, he was in no mood to enter that so he sat at the unoccupied desk in the main office and sipped at his tea. His gaze wandered over to the genius student that had enrolled in his school last week. Her head was glued to her book, she hadn’t even noticed him come in.

This poor girl is going to have a hard time here. I already know the other girls are going to eat her up. She is going to need some one to guide and watch her. But who? Not a teacher. Certainly not, she’d only be more alienated than she already will be. Perhaps… Wait a moment. Yes, that might just be crazy enough to work. The old principle frowned and sighed. Or I could be signing her social life’s death warrant. Oh well, what’s an old man to do? At least all her practical needs are taken care of. She will be in Hatoshi-sensei’s class. She is the most patient teacher in the school, and her class is right next to the nurses office. Just in case.

“Mizuno-san” The old principles voice broke Ami away from her book. “Please come here, I have a few papers for you to fill out, and I need to speak to you about a few things.”

“Hai, Ami walked up to the desk and started to fill out some sheets. She looked up at the principle a moment. “If you want, you can talk while I fill out sheets. I can keep track of both at the same time.” She then went back to her papers.

Ha! Principle Mizuki laughed to himself. If even one of my teachers could do that, my job would be a heck of a lot easier. It’s a shame this girl can’t go full time to a private school. I can already tell we won’t challenge her at all. “Mizuno-san, I am aware that most of the students that skip grades have trouble fitting in socially. And to be blunt, I know for a fact that in this school you will have just as much if not more troubles. Therefore, what I propose is that I partner you up with one of our uhm how should I say this, more outspoken students. She is not the most popular of girls herself, but she is also new and at the very least the two of you could look out for each other.”

Ami continued to read and write through the papers. “I admit that fitting in is my biggest concern. Will this girl be okay with that?”

“She will be fine with it. I hope. In the meantime You need to report to Hatoshi-sensei’s class. She is busy for the moment but will be done shortly.”

Just then the door was shoved open and two very irate looking students barged out. “What a Bitch.” One of them commented. “I can’t believe we got in trouble to. Well, we are just going to have…”

“To do what?” Both girls noticed the principle looking at them with a very angry glare and a little girl sitting in front of him watching as well.

“Nothing sir, both girls bowed and quickly hurried to their class. Stupid principle, and who was that little creep watching us. I need to make sure and give her a proper welcome later. Ritsako opened the door to her homeroom and let her friend in before following. You too Makoto. This isn’t over yet.

“Makoto, level with me here. What really happened?” Miyuka looked at her student with genuine concern.

“I told you.” Makoto mumbled. The tall girl paced around the room a moment to get control of her anger. Her long brown had come undone from the topknot she normally kept it in. Her rich brown eyes fumed, as she paced around the room like a panther waiting to attack it’s prey. Miyuka noticed this and made the same comparison. She also remained silent knowing that the girl needed to calm down. She thought to herself, how she would never wish to be on this girls bad side as she aged. Even now at 16 years of age Makoto stood five foot eleven inches tall. She was all muscle as well, yeah a panther was a great comparison.

After collecting herself she turned back to the teacher. Miyuka noticed tears building in the young girls eyes. Somehow, she knew that she wouldn’t let even one fall. “I am just tired.” Makoto began in a very subdued voice. “I have only been here a month, and I’m already getting harassed. So, I’m a big girl. I like that, and I’m no less feminine than the rest of them. But the thing that gets me the most, what really hurts is when they start taunting me about my heritage. I can’t help that. Shit…” Makoto looked a little sheepish for a moment. “Gomen, I can’t help that, and truth be told I wouldn’t change it. I love my mother and I’m proud of my Brazilian heritage. But those bitc.. those girls just really know how to rattle me.”

“I understand Makoto, and I sympathize with you. But, in school you need to control your temper. You have been doing good in that you haven’t hit anyone. But you’re going to have to do better. If you keep on this track you are going to have to find another school… Again.” Miyuka brushed her hair back, it was a nervous habit of hers. “Makoto, When are your parents getting back? We are going to have a conference with them.”

Makoto paled at the mention of her parents. “Uhm, Ano, I don’t know.” Makoto was caught flat footed. She couldn’t think of an answer and the one she gave sounded really week. Makoto looked away from her teacher. “What I mean is…”

Miyuka interrupted her student. “Makoto?” The young teacher studied her student for a moment. “You don’t live with your parents do you?” Makoto tried to sputter out an answer but couldn’t find the words. “You’re a run away aren’t you?” Makoto’s eyes shifted and she slowly nodded at her teacher, even though that was far from the truth.

Miyuka sighed and put a hand on her students shoulder. “How long have you been on your own?”

“Se… Three years.” Makoto stumbled over the answer again, realizing that she couldn’t explain how a nine year old survived on her own for seven years. Truth was her parents were dead. They had died in a plane crash when they went to go visit some of her mothers friends in Brazil. The young girl had no living relatives, and didn’t want to go to a foster home. She ended up bribing a few people with the help of her family lawyer, a good man by the name of Shinozaki Kenjo. Together they were able to make it seem that Mr. Kino had survived the plane crash. In truth, The young girl had been making all the decisions. And was doing a pretty damn good job of it. Her parents had a huge savings so she was well off for at least another five or so years. “You’re not going to tell anyone are you?”

Against her better judgment, and after seeing the fear in her young students eyes. Miyuka relented. “No, I won’t. But you need to try extra hard not to mess up Makoto. Maybe you can find a way to take some anger management classes.”

Makoto was about to reply when there was a knock on the door. Miyuka moved away from her student. “Think about it.” she mouthed before principle Mizuki walked in.

Wow, what luck!! Makoto walked happily out to the schools courtyard lunch in hand. No detention, And all I have to do is watch out for the new girl. Makoto’s eyes scanned the courtyard. All I have to do is find her. I meant to say hi in class, oh wait there she is. The tall girl spotted Ami worming her way through a couple other students trying to get back in the building. Huh, I wonder where she is going. Oh No!!

Makoto’s “good friends” Sana and Ritsako were both heading in Ami’s direction. Neither of them looked very friendly. Sure enough when they passed, Sana smacked the smaller girls books and lunch onto the ground. The lunch landed right in front of Ritsako who proceeded to smash it. That’s it, Those bitches are gonna get theirs.

“Hey little genius girl.” Sana taunted. Ami’s eyes started tearing up, as she started trying to pick up her books. Any of the other girls around quickly found something else to do. Or they watched from a distance. No one wanted to be on these two girls bad side. “Hey brat I’m talking to you.” Sana lifted Ami’s chin with her shoe, to look at her.

“What did I do to you?” Ami questioned, tears running down her face.

“We just wanted to make sure you got a proper welcome, that’s all.” Ritsako walked behind Ami getting ready to shove her over. “We can’t have you thinking your better then us. Then what would we do.” Ritsako’s foot was just about to push into Ami’s back when she herself was shoved away.

“Don’t you have anything better to do than pick on people?” Makoto fumed as she got up in Ritsako’s face and started the smaller girl down. Sana started heading towards her friend to back her up. Ami looked on in amazement.

“Hey freak show!!” Sana taunted. “Why don’t you mind your own fucking business and let us deal with the little girl over there.”

Makoto glanced quickly at the girl in question. She was looking at her with awe, and thanks. Looks like this girl never had anyone, or herself ever stand up for her. Even if I wasn’t getting compensated for this I’d do it any way. “Sorry douche bag, but there is no way I’m gonna let you start treating my friend over there like shit on her first day.” Ami’s eyes widened in surprise when Makoto said this.

“So what the fuck you gonna do about it, you under bred circus side show.”

“After school, Off campus meet me in the park. I don’t feel like being suspended so I’ll take care of you then.” Makoto flashed a truly icy smile to the two girls in front of her.

“Fine” Both girls shouted in unison. “But you better be there, or your little girlfriend is going have hell on earth while she goes to our school.” “Yeah!” Ritsako backed up her friend. Then both gave a glare to Makoto and Ami, then stormed off.

Oh I’ll be there all right. The tall brunette turned to Ami who was still staring at her in thankful wonderment. She rushed over to her and knelt by her side. “Hey are you alright?” Ami nodded dumbly. “Here let me help you up.” The small girl reached out and took her saviors hand. She noticed immediately the strength of her grip. She blushed thinking how week hers must seem.

“Domo Arigato.” Ami bowed politely to the girl in front of her.

“Don’t worry about it.” Makoto replied as she scooped up the smaller girls books and lunch. She took a glance at the shy girl who was watching her with grateful uncertain eyes. Ami was wearing The schools normal uniform, a black and white fuku. It appeared however that it got scuffed up a bit. Ami didn’t look to worse for wear however. “By the way, I am Makoto Kino.”

Ami blushed as she looked up at the tall girl, who had saved her from the two bullies. “Ami Mizuno.” Ami stuttered out quietly. Why is she being so nice to me? What does she want?

“Here, I’ll walk you to where ever you were headed. So, where to Mizuno?” This girl is WAY to shy. And I thought I had problems.

“I, I was going to the library.” Ami stated as she started to reach for her books.

Makoto dodged out of the way and started walking. “The library it is then. And don’t worry, I’ll carry your stuff.”

Ami just shrugged and followed. Well, I guess I can talk to her there. Huh? Ami looked around and noticed everyone chattering excitedly. A few called out to her benefactor, with encouragements of good luck. I wonder what that’s all about.

On the way to the library Ami realized who this girl must be. “You must be the student that Mizuki-sensei asked to watch out for me.” Ami blushed wishing she didn’t need the protection, but glad it was there.

Makoto held open the large door for the library and motioned Ami in. “Well, that’s why I was looking for you. But I would have helped anyways.”

“Why?” Ami whispered this so Makoto barely heard it.

“Huh?”

“I asked why, no one ever helped me without wanting something from me or knowing me first.” Even Usagi seems more interested in getting me to help her in school and video games. Least I can do if she really saved me like that. Makoto was waving her free hand in front of Ami.

“Hey you were spacing out. I was saying, that I know what it feels like to be ridiculed and picked on. And besides you really look like you need a friend. So, I guess we could be kindred spirits.” The taller girl pulled out a chair for her new friend and sat across from her.

Ami sat and looked at the table, and then into Makoto’s rich brown gaze. “I think I would like to be your friend. But, most people who try stop after a few weeks.” You seem genuine, but why should you be any different.

Makoto studied the shy young girl for a moment. Look kid can’t you see this is as hard for me as it is for you. I haven’t said this many kind words to anyone for years. I wonder what makes you different. “Look Mizuno, I’m just trying to be friendly. I need a friend probably as much as you do.” Ami looked disbelieving at that. “And as far as how long we might be friends? Kami only knows. But, I am willing to try hard. Are you?” Makoto looked at Ami with a serious face for a moment then gave her a dazzling smile.

“Hai!” Ami smiled as well. “I would like that.” I hope your as good a person as you seem Makoto.

“Great!!!” Wow, why do I feel so happy right now? “Hey Mizuno? You wanna share my bento? Yours seemed to have gotten smashed by those two girls outside.”

“I would love that. Thank you.” Ami’s stomach grumbled right then. Both girls blushed for a moment then started to giggle. “Guess I’m hungrier then I thought.”

Both girls dug into Makoto’s rather giant lunch. Well, Ami tried to just peck at it. Makoto knew she had to be starving though, so she kept passing her more. After lunch they sat at their table stuffed and content. “Kino? Who were those girls and why are you going to meet them after school?”

Makoto gave Ami an extremely questioning look. Ami got embarrassed thinking that she asked a stupid question. “Those were the schools bullies. Well two of the more out spoken ones anyways. And I uh.” Makoto started to shy away from the answer knowing for some reason that her new friend would not be to happy about it.

“What Kino?” Ami looked at her friend seriously looking for an answer. What are you so nervous about?

Makoto gulped and proceeded. “I challenged them to a fight.” Ami’s eyes widened at the thought.

“Kino, You can’t fight both of them!!! That’s not fair, and why do you need to fight them. Just ignore them.” Makoto flinched at the volume of Ami’s voice.

“Shhh Ami we’re in a library.” Ami turned beet red, but still looked at her new friend with concern and question.

Wow she is really worried about me. With the exception of Shinozaki and maybe Hatoshi-sensei no one has ever. Not since. Makoto let that thought die. “Don’t worry Ami, those two won’t be a problem. And besides with bullies like that sometimes beating some sense into them is the only way to get them to stop. Trust me I should know.” Makoto softly said the last words. Ami understood why, and she knew that she had indeed found a kindred spirit in Makoto Kino.

“Well,” Ami tentatively placed her hand on her friends shoulder. “If you go, I’ll be right there to. I’ll make sure they don’t try anything sneaky.”

Makoto smiled thankfully at her friend. I appreciate the support, but those two will be a piece of cake. The bell signifying the end of lunch rung. Both girls silently thanked each other and headed off towards class, together.

Somewhere on the moon. The spirit of the great Queen Serenity, smiled.