Waking Mercury cpt 8

One, two, three, and four… That’s it? Four little boys, trying to have there way with me no doubt. Ha! Time to have a little fun. A wicked gleam appeared in the eyes of the schoolteacher. Juni, had become aware of the men following her around a mile away from her apartment. Needless to say she wasn’t scared in the slightest. In fact, she was happy for this little interlude. Slowly taking energy is effective, but hardly fun. Forcefully extracting it on the other hand…

Juni, started to slow her steps just a little. Making sure that the boys were still following, she slipped into the maze of alleys that are always present in a city. Come along little humans, follow me. After all I’m just a defenseless woman. Easy prey to such strong men as you. Juni started to play with the men’s emotions, much like she did with Ami‘s. Only this time she wasn’t mirroring her preys thoughts.

The four young men, bolstered by Juni’s mental prodding, quickly slipped into the alley behind her. They were all healthy and strong, and in their early twenties. If their target had been anyone other than whom it was, there would have been no complications. Sadly, luck wasn’t with them tonight.

Juni made sure that she led the four stalkers far away from prying eyes. When she thought herself far enough she quickly slipped out of her clothes, and hid them behind a dumpster. She had just finished setting her glasses on the pile when the four men showed up.

“Lady, I don’t know what the hell your doing down there, but now your going to have some fun with us.” The obvious leader of the group walked ahead of his cronies. He smiled appreciatively at the naked woman in front of him. Whistles and cat calls sounded from behind him. He was a big guy, he looked like he could easily handle himself in any situation. Except this….

The four men watched in horrified fascination, as the small “helpless” woman started to change. Her skin began to stretch and tear. Once smooth and pink, it took on a leathery texture and a hideous dark red color. The sounds of bones snapping and muscles stretching filled their ears. In a matter of moments, the seven foot tall Garabon stood in front of them. They wanted to run, to forget this nightmare, but they couldn’t. The Yoma of knowledge had increased their fear to such levels that they could only stare, and cry.

Garabon walked the few paces that separated them. One of the young toughs wet himself as she approached. Garabon smiled evilly at them, revealing a mouth full of razor sharp teeth. Each at least an inch and a half in length, there was no doubt in what damage those teeth could cause. Now within range, the yoma’s massive hand reached out and grabbed one of the men by his face. The other men could only watch as their comrade was lifted up to the horrible teeth. They could only stand helplessly, as those teeth tore into his neck. When their friends body, now a dried out husk, hit the floor they were finally able to scream.

“Hey little bean, how was school today?” Ayanee and her daughter had just sat down for the nights dinner. Ami was in a semi-dazed state. She was still trying to figure out exactly what it was that happened with her teacher. “Hey, are you ok? You seem kind of dazed.” Ami glanced up at her mother, broken from her musings. Her mother looked really concerned.

“I’m fine mom, really. It’s just…” Ami paused for a moment, not sure if she should continue.

“Just what?” Ayanee waited for Ami to respond, but it didn’t seem like she was going to. The young doctor reached out and brushed her daughters bangs out of her eyes. She gently cradled her head and looked at her with concern. “Honey, you can talk to me about anything, you know that right?”

It’s true that the two of them always talked about anything. If ever there was something wrong, or if things were just right, Ayanee was always there to listen. The relationship was good for both of them. Ever since she was three, and Ami’s father left, all the two women had were each other. They always found comfort in the fact that one of them would always be there. A blessing for the young girl who never had any friends, and the doctor who couldn‘t dare to make any.

Why should this be any different? Ami placed her hands in her lap and cast her eyes down. Ayanee looked on worried, and waited for her daughter to decide if she wanted to talk or not. Because, you really don’t know what this is all about yet. And I don’t know if mom would approve of some of my feelings. “Gomen-nasi, I just have some things I need to figure out my own.” Ami noticed the hurt look in her mothers eyes. “But, I will tell you about it when I have it all sorted out.”

Ayanee sighed and looked at her daughter. What’s wrong little bean. Your silence is scaring me. We have always talked about everything. What is it that is bothering you, that you can‘t share with me. Maybe it’s just stuff that happens at your age. You are getting older now. ::sigh:: Thirteen, my baby is thirteen. Ayanee held back a small sniffle. She quickly composed herself before she spoke. “Alright honey, just promise me that if it’s anything dangerous, you will tell me about it right away.”

Ami quickly reassured her mother that it wasn’t dangerous. She also tried to apologize again, but Ayanee was understanding and didn’t push anything. For that Ami was grateful. After their brief talk both women quickly ate dinner and went about their normal routine. However, the night was clouded by the many things they had on their minds.

Ami, couldn’t sleep. Images of Juni kept filling her thoughts. I don’t understand, what is it about her that makes me feel so… I don’t even know how I feel. I just know that I want to see her again, and hear her voice. ::sigh:: If this is love I have it bad. But what is love? How do you even know if you have fallen in it? And how can I feel this way after only two meetings? I thought this stuff always took awhile. Ami thought back for a moment over all of her studies and interests. Well, ok maybe I never actually studied this so I’m just guessing about these things.

After a moment the perplexed genius decided that she couldn’t do anymore tonight. I can’t dwell on this, I can’t seem to think of the answers on my own. Who do I talk to though? I wish I could talk to mom, but I just can’t. Maybe Makoto. Ami’s mood brightened a little bit. Yeah, Makoto is older than me, she has to have dated once or twice… Well maybe. As hard as she tried, Ami just could not picture Makoto dating. It won’t hurt to ask I suppose.

The young girl turned to look at her alarm clock. 2:30! “I need to go to sleep.” All this will still be here when I wake up. With that Ami curled up and tried to get some sleep. It took awhile, but she was finally able to drift off. Although, she never did stop thinking about Juni.

“Why can’t I take you?” Ayanee asked, when Ami brought up the subject of buying glasses with Asagai-sensei. Ami had forgot to ask her mom the previous night, so she figured to make it a quick discussion over breakfast. Currently it didn’t seem to be turning out that way.

Ami fidgeted a bit, not wanting to look up at her mother. “I just think I would feel more comfortable going with her.”

Ayanee raised an eyebrow, more puzzled then hurt by her daughter’s response. “How’s that?”

Ami already had her answer ready, and confidently delivered it. “Because, you’re my mother, and you will tell me I look good no matter what I get. In addition, she wears glasses, so she knows the current styles. Besides, I trust her judgment on that because she looks so beautiful in hers.” Ami blushed a bit when she said the last sentence.

The blush did not go unnoticed by her mother. Uh oh! I hope this is just normal teacher admiration. “I can understand that Ami, but I don’t know her well enough to let you go off with her alone.”

“But you leave me alone to be taught by her.” Was Ami’s immediate response.

Ayanee’s was equally prompt. “That is totally different. There are many other students with you at the time. It’s not just you and her.”

“Ano… Well, what if someone came with me?” Ayanee looked questioningly at her daughter as if to ask who. “How about Kino-san? Please Mom, I would really feel better about this whole glasses thing if I had Asagai-sensei to help me find ones that wouldn’t make me look stupid.”

Ayanee was silent for a moment. Usually, Ami was very complacent when it came to her decisions. She never questioned, or argued for anything. This was obviously something she wanted a lot. However, Ami’s blush got her a little worried. After all even if she didn’t show it, her daughter was at the age where dating and such started to become a big factor in life. That, and it wasn’t completely out of the question that her daughter was gay like she was. Ayanee just didn’t want her daughter to become overly fond of her teacher. That, and it was a little strange for a teacher to suggest to do something like that with a student alone. But, she did ask Ami to get permission, so that showed some level of responsibility. What to do? What to do?

“Alright, I’ll tell you what. You can go,” Ami immediately smiled. “if Kino-san goes with you, and I call and talk to Asagai-san first.”

“Arigato oka-san!!” Ami hugged her mother.

“Your welcome little bean.” Ayanee smiled fondly at her daughter and returned her hug. “I’ll give her a call while you're at school today. If Kino-san agrees you can go tomorrow after cram school.” Ayanee stood up and tousled her daughter’s short black hair. “Alright now you finish getting ready, and splash some water in your face. You look like you're about to fall over.” Ami looked a little sheepish at that.

As Ami trudged off to go get ready, Ayanee quickly finished her breakfast. When she finished she grabbed her bike gear and started to head out the door. “Take care Ami! I’m leaving.” The young doctor laughed as she got a barley audible grunt in response from Ami. Poor girl looked like she used all of her morning energy in our conversation. I wonder why she’s so tired.

“Ohayogozaimasu, Kino-san.” Makoto waved a hello to Ayanee’s greeting. The doctor was just getting on her motorcycle and was about to drive off when she saw Makoto heading towards the house. “Are you picking up Ami for school?”

Makoto nodded. “Is she still here?” She asked a little nervously, as if she expected her to not be.

“Yes she is, just announce yourself and go right in. I need to be going though.” Ayanee revved up her bike’s engine and turned to look at her daughters friend. “Your hair looks fantastic by the way, Sayonara!!” With that she took off down the road at frankly, very dangerous speeds.

The tall girl blushed self consciously at the compliment and gently ran her fingers through her hair. At a whim she had decided to wear it down today. That was a style she hadn’t used in over two years. Not since… Well no need to go into that. Usually she kept it up in a simple pony tail, but today she spent extra time brushing it out and putting on a headband to keep it down. The result was well worth it, as she thought it made her look a lot more feminine and beautiful.

Makoto walked up to the Mizuno’s front door. She stood there a moment before walking in. She had to double check that she had everything. Books, backpack, bentos, and extra breakfast. Good, alright, I’m going in. Makoto brought her hand up to open the door, but paused when she gripped the door knob. Why am I nervous, damn Makoto get a grip girl. Taking a deep breath, Makoto walked on in.

“Good Morning.” Makoto called out as she walked into the Mizuno’s house. She stood in the doorway for a few moments waiting for a reply. Not getting one she took off her shoes and walked in. She heard some noise from the back of the house, so she decided to wait in the dinning room. The tall girl had just sat down when Ami came rushing in, trying to get her stuff together.

Ami, because she was only half awake, and rushing about, tripped over herself when she ran into the dining room. “Ack!!” She was about to crash into the ground, when she was caught by a strong pair of arms. Huh? Mom’s not this thick. Ami turned her head to look at her savior. She got a little week kneed when, Makoto’s lightly smiling visage greeted her. Ulp! “Kino-san!!! Arigato, ano… Why are you here so early?”

The strong half Brazilian, easily hefted Ami to her feet. Her arms cradling her a bit to help steady her. “Oh, no reason.” Makoto smiled a mischievous smile. “I’m just here to pick you up.” With that she hefted Ami up in a cradled position.

“AAhhhhhhhh, Hahahaha!!!” Ami cried out at first, but that gave way to a laughter that Makoto joined in on. After their laughter calmed down, Ami looked up at her “savior”. “You know, Kino-san, you can put me down now.” Although she said that, a part of her really didn’t want her to. For a brief moment, for the first time since the previous night, all thoughts of Juni were erased from Ami’s mind. Right now all she could focus on was the powerful, and beautiful, woman who cradled her in her arms. Wow, this feels… so… right.

Makoto tightened her embrace a bit and twirled around, breaking Ami from her thoughts and causing her to laugh again. “Nah. I think I’ll keep ya for a bit. Who else is gonna save ya?” Butterflies formed in Makoto’s stomach as Ami smiled a sweet smile up at her. Kawaii… She is so…!?! What am I thinking??? Makoto blushed furiously and quickly set Ami down.

Still laughing, Ami turned around to face her friend. “Arigato, Kino-san. I really needed something to wake me up this morning.” The young genius paused when she noticed her friends hair. “Kino-san your hair looks beautiful!! Kino-san?”

Makoto stood in front of Ami with a slightly panicked look in her eyes. What was I doing? How could I have thought that? This is wrong… isn’t it? Huh?

“Kino-san? Daijobu?” Ami was waving her hand in front of Makoto’s eyes.

“Huh?” Makoto shook her head a bit and focused back on what was going on. “Hai, Mizuno-san, I just kinda spaced out there for a sec.” Makoto tried to casually laugh it off.

“Are you sure? You really looked out of it.”

“Ha ha!” Makoto laughed nervously. “Yeah, fine, no prob… Hey we should get going, you ready?” Makoto shifted around nervously, hoping Ami would just drop it. Hey I almost forgot!! “Oh hey, Mizuno-san I brought my breakfast with me and I thought maybe we could share, since I brought so much and all.” Ami looked like she was about to protest. Makoto immediately stopped any rebuff of her offer though. “Awe c’mon please, I just don’t want any of it to go ta waste, ya know?” Besides you look way too underweight. You need some meat on your bones.

Ami accepted the change of topic, and was charmed at Makoto’s obvious ploy. I suppose I really am getting too skinny. Especially if other people are noticing it. I do need to take better care of myself. “Ok, I would like that. Arigato Kino-san. Just wait here a second, I just need to grab my bag and I‘ll be ready to go.” Ami grabbed her things and in a few moments the two girls were on their way to school.

“You know Kino-san, I am perfectly capable of carrying my own books.” Ami looked at the small load of bentos she was carrying, then to the big stack of books her companion was hauling around.

“Yeah, I know. It’s just that I don’t mind at all. ‘Sides it gives me a bit of extra exercise.” The tall girl shifted all the books to one arm, and flexed her muscle in the other one. She grinned down at Ami as she showed off.

Ami smiled and gently slapped her friends arm. “Ha, like you need any exercise.” The small genius tried to flex her muscle. She frowned at the sight of the bony little toothpick that passed off for her arm. “If anyone needs exercise it’s me. ::Ugh::!!”

“Well you know, if you wanted to you could, ah, uhm…”

“Could what Kino-san?” Ami looked up at her friend, her eyes had this cute little sparkle in them, which caused Makoto to space out a little more.

“Huh?” Makoto cleared her head as Ami nudged her. Damn it, what is wrong with me? “Oh, yeah I was saying that you could come and join me for my exercises if you wanted to.”

“Really!!” Ami’s face lit up at the offer. The just as quick her enthusiasm faded. “But I couldn’t keep up with you, I don’t think I’ve ever exercised in my life.”

The older girl was quick to reassure her friend. “Don’t worry about that, I have been reading up on personal fitness and I could start you on some easy stuff. Then soon you will get stronger and more athletic. But it will take awhile, it requires a lot of patience and willpower.” Ami still looked a little unsure. “Please Mizuno-san, it would be great to have an exercise partner. It would be great for you, and I haven’t had one in years.” Makoto looked a little down as she thought about when exactly it was she last had a partner. That asshole still gets me down. I swear if I see him again I WILL kick his sorry little ass.

“Ok.” Makoto looked down at Ami, a little confused cause she was thinking about something totally different. Ami clarified seeing the questioning look on the burnets face. “I would love to be your exercise partner.”

That helped focus Makoto immediately. “Really? Sugoii!!!!” The half Brazilian’s whole demeanor brightened remarkably. “You won’t regret it Ami-chan!! I promise, we’re going to have a lot of fun. This is great!!” Wow having good company for my exercises will be a wonderful thing. It’s always better to work with someone that way you can encourage each other. “I usually exercise in the mornings before I go to school, and after your cram school starts. But I suppose we could do it before you go.”

Ami couldn’t help but mirror Makoto’s obvious excitement. Nor did she miss what Makoto called her. The young girl smiled and blushed. I think I liked that… I know I did. Wait a sec. I need to ask Makoto about coming to get glasses. How did I forget about that up until now?

By this time, the girls had arrived at school. Makoto looked around for a second and spotted a nice slightly hidden place where they could sit. “Perfect, Hey Mizuno-san let’s sit down under the tree over there. It’ll be the perfect spot to eat our breakfast.” Ami nodded in agreement and the two girls made their way over to the tree and settled themselves. Both young woman sat in companionable silence as they ate Makoto’s breakfast.

“Kino-san, this is delicious. Did you make it yourself?” The girl in question nodded in the affirmative. “Wow, do you cook other things as well?”

Makoto quickly finished swallowing before she answered. “Actually, cooking is my favorite hobby. Even more so than exercising.” Ami was obviously impressed. Makoto took another bite before she had an idea. “Hey, I should cook for you and your mom sometime.”

“I would love that, and I know mom would. How bout this weekend?”

Makoto nodded slightly, already thinking of what she would make. “That would be perfect, I’ll be sure to cook you up a feast.”

After they finished eating Ami was ready to ask her friend about going with her to look at glasses with Asagai-sensei. “Hey Kino-san?” Makoto looked over waiting for Ami to continue. Why do I feel so strange asking her this? It’s like subconsciously I don’t want them to meet. Huh? Well, regardless I need her to come with me if I want to go. “I was wondering, I need to get some glasses.” Ami gulped and blushed, really embarrassed by the admission.

“Well, it’s like this my cram teacher knows a really good place to get them. But, the thing is I want to go with her because she has great style and I know she will help me pick a pair that won’t make me look stupid.” Makoto looked on amused at Ami’s unusual babbling, waiting for her to get to the point. “I was wondering though, if you could come with me. Because my mom says she doesn’t want me alone with my teacher in a non-school setting, because she doesn’t know her well enough.”

Makoto scratched her head in question for a moment. “I’ll go with, but don’t you think it is kinda weird?”

“You will!!! Thank you.” Ami almost shouted she was so happy. “Wait, what do you mean weird?”

“Well…” Makoto stood up and started doing a few stretches. “How often do teachers really spend a bunch of solitary time with students. I just think it’s weird, I mean how do you know he’s not just being nice to get a little lolita action?” Ami eyes widened feeling a bit guilty because yesterday she felt that, that would be welcome. “I was just kidding he’s not really IS HE?” Makoto’s face twisted into an admittedly terrifying scowl, as she kneeled down in front of her friend. Ami was too shocked to respond right away. “Damn it Mizuno-san if he does anything inappropriate I will…”

It was then that Ami found her tongue and stepped in. “No it’s nothing like that. He’s not even a guy, my teacher is a woman.” Ami was hoping that would end Makoto’s rant. She still blushed a bit though because even if Juni wasn’t thinking those things, she surely was. Although not in the carnal sense that Makoto was painting it.

“Oh.” Now it was Makoto’s turn to get embarrassed, both because of her out break and because she realized that she was being overprotective and a bit jealous. She wouldn’t acknowledge the last part however. “Well er uh…” Ooops, change of subject time. “Why glasses anyways? There are other alternatives.”

Relived that Makoto dropped the subject, Ami quickly answered. “Like what?”

“Contacts.”

“Eeeeeeew.” Ami squinted at Makoto’s suggestion. “I am not going to get something that I have to stick in my eyes. Besides I’d end up forgetting I was wearing them, or I’d smash them.”

Somehow, I seriously doubt that. “Hey, there’re not nearly so hard to take care of as you might think.” Makoto debated with herself for a second before continuing. “See, I wear them myself.” Ami immediately focused her attention on her friend as she put her fingers onto her eyes. When she removed them, her gorgeous brown eyes were replaced by equally striking, and far more beautiful green ones. Ami held a surprised look on her face. Makoto quickly replaced the lenses and dropped in a few eye drops.

“Sorry about that, I guess I kinda weirded you out huh?”

Ami shook her head no. “Not at all.” Ami looked at her friends face for a moment. Makoto started to squirm under the scrutiny. “You know, you are absolutely gorgeous with green eyes.”

Makoto was now blushing furiously. “Do… uhm do you really think so?”

“I do. Why do you hide them Kino-san?” Oh my, I can’t believe I am actually telling her this. When did I get confidence. Why would I need confidence to do this? She’s just my friend. I’m just trying to make her feel better, that’s all. Yes, that’s it, I’m just trying to cheer her up. The two girls gazes locked. They sat for a moment just looking unsurely into each others eyes. There was something there, but neither could understand or accept it yet. Why is my heart beating so fast?

Oh God, why do I feel like this, all she did was say I’m beautiful. But, no one has told me that. Well, not since my parents… I can’t, I just, oh god this is all wrong. “Thank you, Mizuno-san. That means a lot to me to hear someone (you) say that. The truth is though, I just don’t need another reminder of my mixed parentage for other people to ridicule.” Makoto looked down for a moment. “Shit… I gotta tell you the truth. Stay away from contacts, they suck! I just wear these things to try and blend in a little. I even have a pair of glasses at home that I put on as soon as I’m ready to stay there for the night.” Makoto obviously looked really down. “Pretty stupid huh?”

Ami scooted next to her friend and wrapped an arm around her strong back. She rested her head on her shoulder providing comfort and support for the older girl. “No, no it’s not at all. There is nothing wrong with wanting to fit in. I used to try, but, I gave up after a little while.” Ami paused to choose her next words. Makoto rested her head on Ami’s and sighed in contentment. Another unconscious act that neither girl paid attention to. “I decided that I was better off on my own. I was just lying to myself though, I always wanted to fit in no matter what I tried to tell myself. But now…”

After a momentary pause Makoto tried to prompt Ami along. “Now what?”

Ami turned in Makoto’s embrace so she was face to face with her friend. “Now I have you, so it doesn’t… matter… anymore.” Oh Kami-sama I want too… “Right Makoto-chan?” Kami what am I doing? I like Juni, not Makoto. But I, NO, I do like Makoto. I just, I just need to…

She just called me Makoto-chan! Makoto lit up noticeably and smiled at her young friend. hugging her a little tighter. Lucky for them no one was around watching what was about to happen. “Hai Ami-chan.” That felt good to say. It’s wonderful having a… friend?… again.

The older girl looked down at the young genius she held tightly in her arms. Ami was looking up at her with an intense look in her eyes. Makoto gulped as butterflies filled her stomach and she became a little light headed. Ami gently closed her eyes and slowly leaned up toward her friends face. What is she?!? Not understanding why Makoto closed her eyes as well and leaned to meet Ami half way. What am I?!?

I just, I just need to… Kiss her. The two girls lips met in a brief, but indescribably sweet, and gentle kiss.

Oh Kami-sama… Oh God…

What did I… Did she just…

Unsure of what they had done, they ended their first kiss quickly. However, they didn’t relinquish their embrace. Both genius and athlete gazed into each others eyes. They saw fear, hope, confusion, and something else that neither could describe… Love

A love that was thousands of years old, struggling to re-ignite in the reincarnated forms of two soul mates. Though neither girl could see it just yet. They still had to many insecurities or morality questions that blocked their vision. True, they were lovers in their past lives. However, they just met in this one. And even though the spark of love is still there, they are different people now then they were then. Even when and if Ami and Makoto finally accept their feelings it would be a tough battle to make it work.

I… I kissed Makoto!

Ami, just kissed me!

And, she kissed me back. Ami smiled to herself and slowly covered her lips with her fingers trying to savor it. Makoto I am so happy to share my first kiss with you.

But… But, I kissed her back. Makoto took on a disbelieving looks, as her fingers rose to cover her lips. I can’t believe that happened I mean she’s a girl and… and… Oh shit this is not right. This can’t be happening to me. A troubled, frightened look set itself on Makoto’s face. God help me I liked it. I’m going to hell…

Ami was about to express her feelings of thanks to Makoto when she saw the look on her face. “Makoto-chan, th… Makoto-chan?” Oh no why does she look like that. Ami started to tear up, as she pulled away from their embrace. She regrets it, oh Kami now she’s going to hate me. Why did I…

Makoto was broken from her morose thoughts as Ami pulled away from her. Wha… why is she. Damn it Makoto!! You just kissed the girl and now you probably look like you hate her. Makoto calmed down and took on a look of worry and concern. Shit I gotta fix this. I WILL NOT loose my only friend over this. “Hey Ami-chan what’s wrong?”

As Makoto leaned over, Ami flinched away and started crying as she huddled into herself. Makoto backed off looking and feeling very guilty. “I’m sorry Kino-san I shouldn’t have kissed you please don’t hate me. Please don’t…”

“Ami-chan.” Makoto leaned back to Ami and took a hold of her shoulders. Slowly she brought Ami into her and cradled her in a hug. “I don’t hate you. I could never hate you.” Ami nervously looked at Makoto through teary eyes trying, hoping to see truth in her statement.

“Really.” The young girl managed to choke out between sniffles. “Do you promise?”

“I promise.” Makoto leaned down and kissed Ami on the forehead. “Here dry your eyes.” Makoto handed Ami a small hanky she had in her pocket.

Ami still looked a little unsure as she dried her eyes. “Your not mad at me for kissing you. I know it’s strange for me to…”

The older girl cut her off. “Not at all, best friends kiss all the time right? It’s totally normal. You just surprised me is all.” Yeah that’s it. It was just a friendly kiss between two friends. That has to be it, I’m not like that. I know I’m not. “Still friends Ami-chan?” Makoto looked at her friend hoping that she had calmed down.

“Hai!! Makoto-chan.” Ami smiled. Relieved, Makoto did too.

Questions? Comments? Drop me a line Poepah@yahoo.com, I will always respond to an e-mail.