Waking Mercury cpt 9

“Mizuno-san, Kino-san!!!”

The sound of a voice calling her name broke Ami from the book she was reading. The young girl set her book down and checked her watch. Still don’t need to be in class yet, I wonder who’s looking for us? She debated for a moment whether or not she wanted to leave her comfortable spot resting against Makoto. The voice sounded again, convincing Ami that it was time to get up. Drat!

“Makoto-chan.” Ami nudged her human pillow in the ribs to wake her. After they talked a bit, they still had thirty or so minuets before school started. Makoto decided to take a nap, while Ami read a book while still leaned up against her companion. Who incidentally in her sleep had wrapped an arm around Ami, the young genius didn’t mind in the least.

Now though the voice calling their names needed attention, so Ami needed to extract herself from her friend. “Hmmm, ish it shtime for school lready?” Makoto slurred as she tried to wake up. “ohay ohay ‘m up.” Releasing Ami, the tall girl stood up and started to work out a couple kinks. Makoto perked up a bit more, when she heard someone calling them. “Hey Ami-chan, someone’s calling us. Did we miss school?”

“No we still have ten minuets before class starts. I think it’s Hatoshi-sensei, we should see what she wants.” Makoto extended her arm to help Ami up to her feet. Ami yawned a little as she was gathering her books. “Thank you for letting me use you as a pillow by the way.”

Makoto blushed a little. “No problem, that’s what friends are for.”

“Oh there you are, what are you doing hidden back here?” Miyuka Hatoshi, the two girls teacher, had finally found them.

“We just had breakfast and Ami-chan was studying. What cha need Hatoshi-sensei.?” Makoto casually answered her teachers question, although she did sport a nice red tinge to her cheeks as she said it. Ami was even worse. Miyuka noticed, but didn’t comment on it.

“Actually I saw you head back here earlier and I needed to talk to you.” The two girls finished gathering their things as Miyuka continued. “If you would please come with me to the conference room I need to talk to you about why you cut class yesterday.”

Both girls looked surprised at their teacher. “But, Makoto-chan and I received permission before we left, and we did all the make up work.” Makoto had a guilty look on her face.

Damn, I knew I forgot something yesterday!

“I know, I know, but I need to know what happened and maybe the three of us can think of a way to avoid it next time.”

Makoto looked at her like she was clueless. “I don’t see how to prevent that, If someone threatens Ami-chan, then I will respond in kind. Simple as that.”

“Bu…” Miyuka tried to interrupt.

“And as far as the aftermath goes, well I don’t see how we could have done anything to avoid it. So, if that’s all I’d like to just go to class.” Makoto turned to go. Ami looked a little unsure but stayed silent. She gave a quick bow to her teacher before she turned to follow Makoto.

“Please wait!” The young teacher called out after her departing students trying to get their attention. “Look I admit, I don’t know the whole story, but I just want to help you. Please, give me a chance.” Miyuka held her breath waiting to see if the girls would accept her offer. She about gave up when Makoto turned around and started walking back towards her. Ami just waited behind to see what would happen.

Makoto walked up to her teacher and stood face to face with her for a moment. “Look, I won’t get my hopes up, but for Ami-chans sake I’ll see what you have to say.” The tall girl turned to see if Ami agreed. Seeing a hesitant nod she returned her attention to Miyuka. “Alright, lets go.”

The girls teacher nodded and the three of them headed off towards the conference room. I hope I know what I’m doing. These girls are obviously going to have an even harder time than I thought. As their teacher, I need to offer them as much support as I can. I just hope I don’t let them down.

Unfortunately, good intentions don’t fix a situation. After hearing the whole story Miyuka tried to come up with a few good suggestions, but not many. Makoto didn’t have any expectations though, so she wasn’t disappointed. Ami tried to be a little optimistic, but she to stopped hoping for much around half way through their meeting.

The only idea that Hatoshi-sensei had that held any merit, was to join a club or some type of sport. This would be a way to force other students to get to know and rely on them. Only problem with that is that Makoto and Ami didn’t want to do anything without the other. This of course ruled just about everything out. Ami wasn’t athletic at all, so she couldn’t participate in any of the sporting stuff that Makoto might want to. And Makoto wasn’t studious enough to have the patience to join any of the “nerdy” clubs that interested Ami.

Miyuka was baffled as to how two people who were so different managed to bond so fast. She also worried as to how close they actually bonded. Most people wouldn’t notice it, but Miyuka was currently going through the new love stage herself, so the signs were obvious. The way they stood so close together, the casual glances, the occasional touch. She had no problems with this, it wasn’t too out of the ordinary for two girls to experiment before they were married. The young teacher just feared that it would be another point that would give the two young women grief. But on the other hand, if they found comfort and companionship in each other they might be able to get through all the crap they were sure to be put through.

And so the meeting adjourned and the three women headed to class, one to teach and two to learn. Although, truth be told Ami would have taught the class better. The morning went by as well as could be expected. Makoto was scolded for not doing her make up work, and Ami gave up following the class and just started to study on her own. Miyuka took note of this and had an idea that might help Makoto at least, and maybe a few other students. She decided to think on it and bring it up to Ami later that day.

Lunch arrived none too soon for Makoto and Ami. The two friends made their way to the library, which was quickly becoming their favorite lunch spot. The librarian was against it at first, but the girls had promised to keep quiet and clean up when they were done. So, he reluctantly agreed.

“So, Ami-chan what do you want to do about Hatoshi-sensei’s suggestion?” Makoto asked over bites of her bento. Ami for once was actually eating more than a few bites. Not only did Makoto make enough breakfast for her, she also made her lunch as well. This made Ami feel a bit guilty, which she brought up. However, Makoto told her that she enjoyed cooking more when someone was able to enjoy her food. So, Ami gracefully accepted her offer of preparing lunch from there on.

A few minuets went by and Ami still hadn’t answered Makoto’s question, so the tall brunette repeated it. Still not getting an answer she looked at her younger friend who just sat staring, and taking a bite from the remains of the huge lunch every now and again. “Hey, Ami-chan… Daijobu?”

“Makoto-chan, what is love? And how do you know if you love someone or not?”

Ami’s question came out of nowhere and caught Makoto off balance. “Er uhm well that is…” Oh great what made her think of that? Please oh please don’t let it have anything to do with this morning. I can’t handle that right now. Makoto herself was still more than a little troubled and confused over the brief kiss the two girls shared. Well if it is, It would be better if I found out now. “Ano… Why do you ask?” ::gulp:: “Anyone in particular?”

This time it was Ami’s turn to be flatfooted. She wasn’t supposed to ask that. How do I answer, I don’t even know. I know I like Juni, but I think I like Makoto too. Drat, I shouldn’t have brought it up. Well I need to say something. “No, no one in particular, I was just wondering. I have never been in love before, and I just wanted to know.” A little lie, but that’s all I can say for now.

“You’ve never been in love?” Makoto for some reason found that to be incredibly hard to believe. “But, why? Your defiantly old enough to at least have lo… How old are you anyways?” The older girl realized she didn’t even know Ami’s age, so who knew if she was even old enough to have had a boyfriend before. Something else crossed Makoto’s mind which made her more than a little uneasy. Oh great what if she’s twelve or something, and I just kissed her. Oh great I was worried about her teacher, and I could be the cradle robber. “Huh, what’s that I didn’t hear you?” Caught up in her own musing Makoto didn’t hear her friends answer.

Ami fidgeted nervously. “I’m thirteen.” The young girl winced at the look of shock on her friends face.

Holy Shit!!! She’s three years younger than I am. Damn it I am a cradle robber. “Thirteen?” Makoto questioned hoping that maybe she had heard her wrong.

“Yes, but I turn fourteen in three and a half months!” The young genius quickly said the last part hoping it would make her friend look a little less shell shocked. Please don’t stop being my friend Makoto, I know I’m young but…

Three Months? I just turned sixteen a month ago. Thank God we’re only two years apart. Any more and I couldn’t handle it. Finally seeing Ami’s panicked look Makoto ignored her concerns and reassured her friend. “Thirteen, huh? Well you are defiantly old enough to have dated before, so why not?” That’s it, pretend like it doesn’t even matter. Good she’s responding well.

Yokata, she isn’t going to leave. “I never met anyone I liked before. Besides, even if I did I didn’t know what I was feeling. Which is why I asked you the question in the first place.”

Thinking back to the question Makoto sighed and looked down at the table. Memories of two years ago flooded back to her. Memories of a girl in love, used, and tossed aside. When she answered it was in a cold bitter voice, that made Ami more uncomfortable. “You’re in love when all you can do is think about the other person. When your near him you just want to hold him and never let go. And when he does hold you, you know everything is going to be alright.” Makoto paused a moment, debating whether to continue. I don’t know what happened between us this morning Ami, but above all else you’re my best friend. I need to warn you of the realities out there. I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.

“Whenever you do feel that way though, be careful.” Makoto took Ami’s hand and looked at her with a look of concern. “Make sure that he loves you the same way. And he’s not just using you.” Makoto said the last words in a whisper. She sat for a moment longer before she grabbed her things and left. Too many painful memories were resurfacing, and she needed to be alone.

She was up and out of the library before Ami could respond. Leaving a very worried and confused young woman behind. Wha… Ami lightly smacked her forehead. Ah Ami you baka, She probably had an old boyfriend that treated her bad. And I went and brought up her painful memories. Ami was about to follow, but thought better of it. No, she probably needs some time alone. If she’s not in class though I’m going to go look for her.

That decided the young genius took her seat and pulled out a book to study. Well now I know what love is, but is that what I am really feeling. ::Sigh:: I don’t even want to think about it, I’m just going to study like normal and see what happens. Besides If I am going to be a doctor like my mother, then I don’t have time for a romance. Decision made Ami pushed aside her thoughts and began to read. Ten minutes later the lunch bell rung and the young genius headed off to class.

I hope Makoto’s there, worrying about her is giving me a terrible headache. Ami walked out of the Library massaging her pressure points in hopes that the headache would leave. Busy with that, she didn’t notice the librarian's water leap out of his cup and splash onto the rug behind her.

Ami stumbled into class seconds before the late bell sounded. She barely noted that Makoto did make it as well. The young girls headache was starting to progress into a migraine. By this time Ami knew what was going on, but she was in to much pain to form coherent thoughts and do something about it. One of the crueler students stuck her foot out to trip her as she tried to pass by.

Makoto looked up from her desk just in time to see Ami fall flat on her face two rows in front of her. Lucky for the other student the big half Brazilian didn’t see what happened. Both Hatoshi-sensei and Makoto made it to Ami’s side at the same time. “Ami-chan Are you ok?” Makoto tried to help Ami to her feet while at the same time shooting glares at the girls who giggled. Hatoshi also gave the girls a stern warning to be quiet while this was dealt with.

As Makoto propped Ami up she noticed that her friend hadn’t said a word, nor had she made any sounds of protest. “Ami-chan?” ::Gasp:: “Sensei what’s wrong with her!!” Makoto gasped out to Miyuka who was scolding the class. Seeing that her student was about to panic the young teacher quickly went to her side to ease her fears.

Miyuka clasped Makoto’s shoulder to try and help soothe her. She was already panicking trying to get a response from Ami, who just gazed at her with no sign of understanding. The rest of the class stared in fascination, not used to seeing Makoto in a panicked weakened state. “Kino-san I need you to calm down.” When Makoto didn’t turn to face her Miyuka gave her a harsh shake to get her attention. Poor Kino-san, I guess Mizuno-san didn’t say anything about her condition. For all she knows Ami’s like this because she fell.

“Kino-san!” The panicked teen finally turned her attention to her teacher. “I need you to take Mizuno-san directly to the nurse’s office, ok?”

“HAI!!” Makoto still slightly panicked scooped up her incoherent friend and started for the door. Miyuka stopped her before she could run out though.

“Kino-san it will be ok, Mizuno-san has a special condition. This happens to her often and she will be fine. But, I want you to stay at the nurse with her until she wakes up ok?” Miyuka spoke in a soft comforting voice, like one would use to talk to a scared child. Makoto was calmed a bit by this, and when she left she wasn’t nearly as frightened.

I hope Kino-san gets through this ok, she looked pretty bad. And now it is good to know what to expect when Mizuno-san gets sick. She had been told to expect it of course, but she really didn’t know what it would be like. The young teacher sighed and turned to face her students. They wore many different expressions as they talked amongst themselves. Most were of casual curiosity, others of malicious glee, and even one or two who showed concern. Miyuka took note of them in case she needed to pair Ami and Makoto up with anyone for projects.

“Ok, everyone quiet!” It took a few minutes to calm everyone down. Once she had everyone’s attention Hatoshi-sensei went back to teaching her class.

“So, Ami-chan what happened?” Makoto had just spent the last hour and a half watching over her friend at the nurse’s office. Needless to say she was clueless as to what just happened, not to mention slightly hurt. Hurt, because Ami never told her about her condition. Even though, according to Hatoshi-sensei, it happened often.

Not getting an answer Makoto silently watched her friend as they slowly took the long way back to class. Why won’t she answer me? “Ami-chan wait.” The half Brazilian took Ami’s hand and led her to a small area off the main hallway. “Look, I just want to know if you're okay. If what happened is going to happen again. I mean… I just… What if… Can it hurt you?” Makoto was starting to get frustrated with her friends silence. Ami turned her gaze away from her friend. She looked at the floor fidgeting nervously and still not showing any sign of talking. “Look I’m supposed to be your best friend. Why can’t you confide in me?”

Ami was scared. Her mother had told her not to tell anyone why these things happened or about any of the strange occurrences that came with them. Ayanee had said that trusting someone with this information could be dangerous. Dangerous, because it could be used against her. Either to make her look crazy or at the very least make someone want to lock her up and study her. These were of course the worst scenarios possible, but Ayanee did not want Ami taking any chances.

Ami looked at Makoto about to just brush it off and not tell her. Not only was she thinking of her mothers warnings, but Ami was also afraid that learning of her condition would make Makoto not want to be around her any more. However, one look into her strong friends eyes told her otherwise. She really cares, she’s not afraid or wierded out about me. Once again she thought of her mothers warnings. Despite all that though, she somehow knew that she could trust Makoto with anything. Sorry mom, I… I need to tell her. But not now, we need to get back to class. “Makoto-chan?” Ami finally replied to her friend, who was now waiting patiently for her to speak.

“Hai?”

“I am fine, I didn‘t get hurt this time.” Ami hesitated a moment but then continued on. “I’ll tell you about it but it will take a while. Lets finish class first and then we’ll talk.” The young genius walked up to her friend and gave her a tight hug. “Thank you for caring.”

The tall girl returned the hug tenfold. “You don’t need to thank me for that. It’s what friends do right?” Ami smiled at her friend with tears in her eyes. Makoto returned the smile, and gently wiped away the young girl’s tears. “C’mon then, lets go finish learning for the day.”

Ami chuckled at her friends words as they returned to class. “You should never finish learning you know.”

“Yes well, to each their own. If you wanna spend your free time studying that’s your own choice.” The taller girl turned and smiled brightly at her friend. “I on the other hand will put my time to much better use by cooking, exercising, and playing video games!!”

By the time the two girls made it back to class they were both in much higher spirits.

When the two girls returned to class Hatoshi-sensei gave Makoto her assigned reading, and pulled Ami out into the hall for a private discussion. “Mizuno-san, how are you?” Ami got a little embarrassed, she didn’t really like having to much attention put on her.

“I am fine, aside from a headache my spells don’t hurt me.”

“That’s good to hear.” Miyuka studied Ami for a moment. Well, it would help her interact with a few students. And At the very least maybe Kino-san’s grades will get better. “Mizuno-san, I noticed that you were not paying any attention in class this morning.”

Ami turned red as a beet, totally embarrassed by being caught. “Gomen, I will never do it again I’m sorry.”

Miyuka laughed silently at her students sudden outburst. “It’s ok, actually I was hoping that you would do it more often.” Miyuka laughed again at Ami’s look of total utter confusion. “I take it you stopped paying attention because you already knew everything I was explaining.”

Ami started to cringe back, used to teachers scolding her for upstaging them. So when she answered it was in a very timid voice. “Yes, I just wanted to do some studying on my own. I meant no offence, I just already knew what you were teaching.”

“Mizuno-san, don’t worry about it. That’s what I thought was the case. Actually principle Mizuki and I were afraid that we wouldn’t be able to challenge you here. That we would be below your level.”

Ami was both embarrassed by the praise, and totally flabbergasted as to why Hatoshi-sensei seemed to think nothing was wrong with this. Most of the time she had to pretend to listen to the class just so she wouldn’t insult her teachers intelegence. She had a brief thought of the first time she corrected a teacher in something. That as can be expected didn’t go over very well, and she rarely ever did it again.

“Since what I am teaching the class isn’t going to hold your interest I propose that every morning I give you a separate assignment and set of study materials that are closer to your level of learning. Also, I wonder if you would be open to tutoring some of the more troubled students in our class.” Now Miyuka became uncomfortable not sure how Ami would respond to her next statement. “One of the students who needs the most help is Kino-san.”

Ami seemed a little surprised, but mostly concerned. She didn’t comment though, so Miyuka continued. “She has the will, she just has a hard time grasping the material. It’s the same with the others that I would assign to you. If you would just spend the last hour of class tutoring them, I think It would make a noticeable impact on their overall marks.” The young teacher looked at her genius student trying to gauge her reaction. Ami still seemed surprised by this whole situation. “Well what do you think?”

Not wanting her teacher to change her mind Ami answered almost immediately. “I would love to… But, do you have any study materials that are up to my level?”

Miyuka nearly face vaulted, not expecting that question. “Just what level are you studying at?”

Ami flushed again already knowing what kind of response she was going to get. “Ano… I am studying at second year college level right now.”

Gah!!! Miyuka’s eyes widened and her month hung open for a split second before she composed herself. “Yes uhm well, You have your own study materials I am guessing?” Ami nodded yes. “Ok then how about you show me what you are going to be looking over at the beginning of class then I can go over anything you don’t understand after class. How does that sound?”

The young genius smiled, glad that she didn’t have to waste her time on pointless reviews anymore. “Sounds great. But, how do I tutor Makoto-chan and the others?”

“That would be part of your assignment. To come up with a good study plan, which I will clear before class starts. I get to school half an hour early so drop it by whenever you get here.”

Ami was smiling brightly now, very excited about her new position/assignment. “Do I get to start tomorrow?”

“Miyuka nodded yes and returned her students obvious excitement. “No better time than the present. You can spend the rest of the day working on tomorrows lesson. Now if you don’t have anymore questions, then let’s get back to work.” Both women entered the classroom feeling a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Miyuka because she found a way to challenge Ami and perhaps get her a little acceptance. And Ami was happy that she was going to be able to work at her advanced pace and not have to dumb herself down to follow the class.

“Alright Ami-chan, what kind of exercises would you like to start with?”

“Nani?” Ami was confused. She had spent the rest of school worrying about telling Makoto about her condition. And now it was like her friend had totally forgot. Or more than likely she is giving you a chance to gather your thoughts. Thank you Mako. Hmmmm I wonder If she’d let me call her that… Nah!!

Makoto turned around and smirked at her friends confused, and then wondering look. “Would you like to start on weights, aerobics, karate, biking, swimming? You name it I have tried it at least once.” The taller girl seemed really excited as she continued talking to her friend. Who was now paying her full attention. “I can’t thank you enough for agreeing to do this. It means a lot to me.” The younger girl just smiled and clasped her friend on the arm.

Hmm what do I want to try? The young girl pondered her decision for a moment. Finally undecided she turned to her older friend for guidance. “I can’t choose, I really don’t know much about any of them. Can you tell me a little about each, then I can make an educated decision.”

“Hah, No problem.” Makoto happily agreed and started walking towards a bus stop near the school. “I’ll tell you while we take a bus to where I normally do most of my exercises. It’s a really great place, and I know the owner. C’mon.” The excited athlete laughed a bit as she ran ahead of her small friend. Ami couldn’t help but share Makoto’s enthusiasm and soon she too was laughing while she chased after her friend.

When the bus finally arrived, Makoto had just finished explaining about nine different activities that Ami could easily start with. As they rode to their, “secret” as Makoto put it, location Ami spent the time weighing the prose on cons of each. Makoto happily sat back and listened as Ami as questions and thought out loud.

“Well, I think I’ve nailed it down to three.” Ami announced as they exited the bus. They still had a block to walk so Makoto led the way as Ami continued to speak. By the tone in her voice she seemed almost as excited as Makoto. “Yoga, swimming, and a martial art.” Ami stood, quiet for a moment. While she stood in thought she had the cutest look on her face. Or so Makoto thought. Her eyes were looking up into the air while her brow was slightly scrunched. The cutest thing of all though was the way her lips pooched out just a little bit almost like a pout.

Huh, I refuse to feel guilty about thinking that she looks absolutely adorable right now. Because that’s just Gods honest truth. Makoto smiled down fondly at her friend.

After a moment Ami spoke up again. “Makoto-chan, do you think I’d be to small or week for a martial art?”

The older girl was quick to answer. “No, not at all, people of all shapes and sizes can learn any martial art. It just takes time and practice. Although, since you have no athletic background you might have trouble with the endurance part. But, since you will be working on yoga and swimming that shouldn’t be a problem.

Ami look wide eyed at her friend. “You mean I’ll be doing all three?!?”

Makoto chuckled at Ami’s shocked expression. “Sure will!! Don’t worry though, you’ll do great. I will work with you on the swimming and whatever Martial Art you choose, and then while your in Yoga I will do some weights.” Makoto paused and turned to a huge building that they were walking past. “And here we are!!” The tall brunette struck a pose like she was presenting a huge award or something. Ami laughed out loud at this, but she caught her breath when she realized where they were.

“Oh WOW!!! You actually know the owner of this place?” Ami stared in disbelief.

“Sure do, Ami-chan welcome to Mugen College and Academy!!”

“Bu..But Makoto-chan, this is THE most prestigious school in all of Japan.” The young genius was still amazed. She herself someday hoped to attend this college when she finally finished high school. “How do you know the owner?”

Makoto was still smiling broadly, very happy that she decided to surprise Ami with the location of most of her workouts. It was obvious that even though they were just going to be exercising, that Ami was getting a thrill just being near it. “I can introduce you to him if you want, his name is Professor Tomoe, Souichi. ” Makoto answered getting back to Ami’s question. “He likes to tell the story of how we met, so I‘ll leave that to him. If we’re lucky his wife will be there to. She is a really sweet lady.” Makoto walked up to the automatic entry doors, and stood, waiting for her new exercise partner to join her.

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