**Hey Readers. I'm sorry that the script was messed up on this chapter twice. It should now be fixed. If anyone knows how to make it stop doing that, feel free to message me. Also, I originally wrote chapters 4 and 5 as one chapter, so if it doesn't seem like it's going anywhere, it does; I promise**
Yusuke plodded down the hill, mumbling under his breath. "Stupid old woman. Can't she give me a break for once?" I kept my eyes focused on Genkai's house, waiting until the top of the temple disappeared. "Put me down." Yusuke stopped and looked at me, confused. "Genkai's not watching anymore, so you don't have to carry me. You wanted a break, didn't you?" I voiced what I had been thinking. His face flushed with embarrassment. "So you heard me, huh?" I wiggled my way out of his grip and nodded. Yusuke looked off to the side and scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, I've got nothing against you. It's just the old bat has had be training non-stop for six months." "I get it," I interrupt gently. "I've been through training as well, just not with Genkai, but I can imagine you probably want nothing more than to get back to your loved ones. How did you come to train with Genkai?" Yusuke just shrugged it off, even more embarrassed than before, "Nah, I just don't want to have to work anymore! Video games and wrestling here I come!" We set off again down the hill to the bus stop.
By the time we reached the bottom of the hill, I was practically bouncing with energy. The bus wouldn't arrive for thirty more minutes, so I decided to occupy myself by pestering Yusuke with questions. I learned that the only friend he had was a girl and a rival and he got in trouble a lot at school, when he actually went. I walked up and down a bench like a balance beam while I told Yusuke about myself. "I go to Juuban Jr. High. I've got a few friends my own age, but I mostly stick with my cousin and her group of friends. It's easier that way; since I live with Usagi and her husband. I hope to be able to help the world someday." I looked up at the clear blue sky and sighed. "I know it sounds silly, but I enjoy helping people, call it a hobby." We chatted and asked questions back and forth until the bus pulled into the station.
On the bus, Yusuke lounged back and took a nap. With no one to talk to, I turned to the window to watch the world go by. I was startled by my own reflection; my plum-colored hair hung limp and was mostly out of its braid, there were bags underneath my deep gray eyes, my skin was bright pink from laying in the sun for hours, and I had scratches and bruises lining my arms and legs. I frowned and let my hair loose before sitting back. I couldn't even transform correctly; how am I going to manage saving the world? Can I live up to the legacy of Sailor Moon and the Sailor Senshi? I sure hope I can. And who would transport me like that?
A sharp pain in my side pulls me from my thoughts. I turned to look at Yusuke. "Why so serious?" He asked fully awake and paying attention. Lie Yume. He can't know what you are really thinking about. I shrugged my shoulders, "It's nothing really. I'm not looking forward to returning to school when I get back." "Why do you care so much? School isn't something to get stressed over." He seemed genuinely confused. "For you maybe," I look at my hands. "My cousin was a slacker when she was in school, so everyone expects me to be the same. So, I have to work extra hard to exceed expectations. I will not be seen as lazy or anything bad." Yusuke laughed. "That is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard!" He got serious really fast before continuing. "You can't be anything other than what you are. Don't let other people dictate what you do." His words of wisdom make me smile. I playfully punched his shoulder. "Hey, what was that for?" "You act like this tough guy, but on the inside you're a marshmallow." We poked and teased until we got to our junction.
"Thank you for walking with me this far," I bowed, but he waived me off. "It's nothing. Really. So I guess I'll see you around." He took off down the street. A minute later I heard a loud voice yell, "Yusuke!" I smiled to myself. Just a friend my ass; She is so his girlfriend, no matter what he says. I turned in the opposite direction and headed towards home.
"I'm home!" I yell, coming in the door. Usagi rushed out and hugged me, nearly suffocating me in the process. "Oh Yume! We were so worried!" She cried. I worm my way out of her grasp and said, "I'm sorry I worried you, but I'm fine. Grams found me and took care of me. I thought she had called you." "She did," Mamoru chimed in from the kitchen. "That doesn't stop us from worrying. Welcome home. Dinner will be ready in an hour." "Okay! I'm going to take a shower and change, but then I'll come down and help you!" Usagi let out a horrified gasp. "What happened to your uniform; it's ruined!" I chuckle nervously, "Yeah, uniforms typically aren't made to withstand transportation and floating in the ocean for prolonged periods of time." Usagi shook her head. "We'll deal with it later. Just go get changed."
After my shower, I changed into a loose tunic and some tights before coming down to help Mamoru with dinner. I pick up a knife and start chopping some veggies for a salad. After taking a deep breath, Mamoru starts a conversation with me.
"How's school?"
"It's fine."
"Oh? Are you sure it's going alright?"
"Yeah? Why?"
"We got a call from your teacher yesterday."
I stopped chopping and set down my knife. Looking at Mamoru, I asked, "Oh? And what was that about?" "She said you have been not paying attention and have been really disrespectful towards her." I started chopping again, hanging my head from guilt. I should have known it would catch up with me eventually. "Yeah, I was pretty rude on Friday, but she deserved it!" I started getting defensive. "She was rude to me first. She said I hadn't been paying attention all week, which isn't true. Friday really was the only day I was out of it, but can you really blame me? I know what I did was wrong and I will apologize, but she was being unreasonable too." I looked up to see Mamoru throwing me a look that said 'I'm very disappointed in you.' I look away again; nothing is worse than making Mamoru disappointed. They've done so much for me. They've taken me in after mom died and this is how I repay them, by sending them more problems. "I'm sorry Mamoru," my voice barely above a whisper. "I'll try and do better." "No more getting in trouble?" he bargained with me. I nodded and worked more on dinner.
Soon enough, dinner was done and I started placing all the dishes on the table when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it" Usagi ran to get the door. There was a few minutes of low voices before Usagi let out and excited yell. "Ah! Yume!" she sprinted into the kitchen, holding a letter. "Guess what?" I cocked my head to the side in confusion. "You've won a scholarship!" She hopped with excitement. "Really? Which school?" I raced to be beside Usagi and to see the letter. I was still confused. When did I apply for a scholarship? She held the letter to her chest and danced around the room. "Imagine! My own cousin getting in to Meiou! And on a full scholarship too!" My face lit up with happiness and we hug while Mamoru watched us, laughing at our excitement. "That's great Yume!" He said, giving me a hug. "Wait," I stop dancing. "Meiou is on the other side of town. How will I commute? What about my uniform?" I start listing off potential problems that could pop up from this. "Yume," Mamoru took me by the shoulders. "It will all be fine. We have time to figure this out." "Yeah, it says you don't fully start until next week. This week is just for getting your records transferred, getting your uniform, and I quote, 'Getting acquainted with the wonderful opportunities that Meiou can offer you'." They both smiled at me. "We'll make it work," Usagi whispered gently to me.