Warning
Three weeks later...
"...a provisional government has been implemented by the UN. Japan's seat in the Security Council has now been removed, leaving the organ with only 9 non-permanent members. Today, the Council declared 14 votes in favor of an emergency government to be placed in Japan, regulated by UN officials..."
Usagi yawned before wincing from a pain in her neck. She rubbed the aching area, feeling it tense from looking up at the television hanging from the ceiling. With no proper support from the chair she sat in, the blonde decided to gently lay her head on top of her arms on the bed next to her. Yawning again, she craned her head to look up at the television.
"...the former prime minister of Japan, along with other officials, will be prosecuted by the International Court of Justice for war crimes and genocide, amongst other illegal state affairs. Peace keeping task forces have already begun to attend to citizens who are affected by the horrible events which took place..." the reporter's dull voice continued to buzz in the quiet room.
Feeling her eyes begin to close Usagi sat up and reached for the remote control which lay on a table next to her. Looking at the small clock as she grabbed the device, it read 11:25 p.m.. The blonde sighed tiredly before turning the television off as she stretched.
"Sorry Mako-chan but I have to go. My mom is probably worried sick and I'm really tired," Usagi said as she got up and looked at the girl laying motionless on the hospital bed "Don't worry, I'll be back tomorrow. Besides, Minako is in the room next door, she came to see you today so she'll probably be able to come tomorrow.".
Usagi stood there staring down at Makoto; the rushing sound of the respirator pumping air and the feeble blip of her heart monitor was the only response.
The blonde smiled with her eyes behind some tears "I think Rei will be able to leave her bed tomorrow too so she can visit as well. I'll see you soon, Mako-chan" she whispered. Bending down and parting some stray hairs from Makoto's face, Usagi gave her a gentle kiss on the forehead.
Sad but relieved to leave the depressing room, Usagi barely gave the knob of the door a slight twist before she jumped a little in her spot "Oh! I almost forgot!," she yelped quietly. Turning her heel and fidgeting around in her bag, she walked back to the side of the bed and took out a bundle carefully wrapped in a white sheet.
"I found it when...when she left to get you" - Usagi choked between tears. She placed the bundle on the table and unwrapped it. Inside was Jupiter's henshin pen, pieces of it's green diamond were sprawled on the white fabric. "I'm sorry it broke, I shouldn't have taken it with me. Still, I thought you'd like to have it anyway" the blonde whimpered. She carefully wrapped the pen and pieces tightly and left them on the bedside table. She walked away.
"I found it under her pillow..." Usagi whispered, looking back at Makoto, before opening the door and leaving.
That night, the sky was clear and filled with stars. Though it was still winter, a warm and gentle breeze blew against Usagi as she walked back home. The sounds of the streets were louder and happier than they had been in months. For the people of Tokyo it had been three weeks since the shadow of fear had been lifted bringing with it some grieving but also a light of new hope. It felt safe and warm to walk the streets again, filled with kind and caring police officers, making it their job to maintain peace. It was like the tragedy had served to unite and strengthen the community despite the death of so many.
Usagi continued her long path, stopping to watch families and friends pray for the one's they lost. The night was decorated by so many candles being lit that it was hard not to stare. She felt a stab to her heart when she thought of Ami and how...they hadn't been able to say goodbye. With everyone in the hospital and Michiru disappeared, she felt lonelier than ever. Even Mamoru wasn't able to get back for another month a least, it being impossible to get back into the country after what had happened. Usagi, two weeks ago was forced to visit Ami's mother to give her the bad news but when she got to the apartment, no one was there. She hadn't dared to try again, not after feeling like she had. Deep in her heart, Usagi wished no one would ever answer the door.
"Usagi-chan..."
The blonde's thoughts were broken by the eerie sound of her name being called. She jumped and shrieked, twisting around to find the source. "Who's there!" she demanded with a shrill tone in her voice.
"Shh...be quiet! I can't be seen talking to you!" Luna protested from above.
"Luna? Is that you? You're...alive?" Usagi murmured overwhelmed as she looked up at the concrete wall beside her where two cat eyes stared down at her.
"Yes, it's me Usagi-chan. I came back" Luna said kindly, her owner's happiness to see her was pleasing. She was about to jump down into embracing arms when she noticed the blonde glaring angrily at her.
"Where were you? Why did you leave us? Do you have any idea everything that happened! Ami-chan died!" Usagi screamed, angered tears rolling down her face as she clenched her fists ready to hit someone or something.
"You don't understand! Be quiet so I can explain!" - the cat urged nervously looking around to see if anyone was there - "I died too" she whispered finally jumping down from the wall and in front of the outraged girl.
Usagi made a move to attack but stopped "You...died? How? You are right there!" she complained pointing an accusing finger.
"Please calm down! The house isn't far, why don't we get there and I'll explain everything. Maybe I could have something to eat?" Luna said in a calm yet pleading voice.
The blonde looked at the cat and noticed she was underfed, sighing she nodded "Fine but you'd better have a very good explanation because I'll throw you back on the street!" she threatened , receiving a nod. She walked quickly, Luna at her heels. They didn't utter a single word to each other as they arrived the house.
"What did I tell you? I don't want you out at these hours! I know your friends are in the hospital but...Oh! You found Luna! Where did she show up?" Mrs. Tsukino praised as her daughter and the black cat entered their residence. The older woman grabbed Luna and cuddled her happily.
"She was roaming outside the house" Usagi informed bitterly before yanking the animal away from her mother - "Goodnight" she whispered before running up the stairs and slamming her door.
"Well? What happened? Why'd you leave?" the blonde attacked when she was safely behind the locked door of her room.
"Usagi-chan! Open this door now! You need to feed that poor cat! I have some food!" Mrs. Tsukino hollered from the other side.
Luna's smiled but it faded when her owner frowned down at her. Usagi got up, unlocked and opened the door, took the plate of food from her mother and slammed the door again. She sat down on her bed in front of the cat and lifted the plate over her head "Explain" she demanded.
Luna licked her lips and eyed the food eagerly "Alright, I'll explain. While you were away, Artemis spotted a dark energy coming from some rats near one of the hospitals uptown. He noticed they began to mutate and kill each other and a few days later die. We both investigated the hospital and felt the same energy coming from the patients inside"
"And you didn't bother telling us?" Usagi interrupted.
"Listen to me! While we were investigating we tracked the source so we went to look for it. But...Artemis didn't tell me he had been bitten by one of the rats at the hospital. He became sicker and sicker until I couldn't handle him anymore"
"What did you do?"
"I didn't do anything. One night, when he was trying to kill me I begged him to stop. He tried to but it seemed impossible so...he jumped in front of a bus on the road" Luna said wincing at the memory.
Usagi's eyes grew wide, her jaw fell "He did that? Oh Luna! I'm sorry!" she moaned, taking the cat in her arms and squeezing her.
"It's okay! He's fine!" Luna wheezed, trying to detach herself from the sobbing girl.
"He's fine? He didn't die?" the blonde asked wiping away the tears from her swollen eyes.
Being dropped on the bed, the cat caught her breath "Y..es! I mean, he did die but he came back. I did too" she said.
"So...you died too? How did you die?"
Luna's cheeks turned red as she looked away "I got...caught in a rabbit trap. Luckily no one ever came to eat me so I just starved" she said sounding embarrassed. Her eyes roamed over to the plate of food.
"Oh! Sorry! Here, here" Usagi said pushing the bowl over to the cat who began wolfing down the food.
"...you two came back, like the senshi have. Then that means...Is Ami-chan alive? and Haruka-chan?" the blonde cried excitedly, sending cat food flying all over her bed.
"I don't know about Haruka. Their apartment has been emptied and we can't find Michiru. But yes, Ami-chan is alive" Luna answered quietly.
Feeling a hand slide gently through her bangs, Ami opened her eyes and looked up at her mother who was sitting on her bed and caressing her. She smiled at the older woman who looked older than she had remembered her. The young girl sat up and rubbed her extremely tired eyes.
"Come on honey, come eat some breakfast" Saeko Mizuno said as she continued to play with her daughter's hair.
Ami looked around and felt very confused. She knew she was in her room but deep inside she felt strange and detached. Her dazed out stare went ignored by her mother who pulled her into a tight embrace.
"I'm so glad you're safe. I'm so relieved you decided to go to Germany, you had me worried!" the older woman whimpered as she held the smaller girl.
"Germany...?" Ami breathed into her mother's shoulder.
Saeko let go and wiped her face "Come on, let's eat something and you can tell me all about it" she said getting up and leading the way. The woman walked with a limp and grabbed a cane which was propped against the doorway.
The blue haired girl couldn't believe what she was seeing, hurriedly she pulled the covers off and sprang out of bed. Reaching the kitchen, her mother was sitting at the table sipping some tea. Ami approached her carefully, the light from the windows exposing the older woman's scarred and worn out face.
"What's the matter Ami? I appreciate what you've been through but it was time to get out of bed. You've been there for a week!" Saeko said sounding less friendlier than before.
"A week?"
"Yes, since I picked you up from the airport. You flew in with those UN soldiers. Don't you remember what a fuss it was to get you in?"
Ami blinked her eyes repeatedly and shook her head "No. What happened to you?" she asked feeling the need to throw up, her head began pounding in pain.
"Enough Ami-chan! I've explained this to you too many times!" - Saeko shouted as she banged her clenched fists on the table - "please...let's try to have a nice breakfast and move on..." she whispered holding her face in her hands.
The blue haired girl nodded silently before beginning to eat the food in front of her with small bites. The frustrating pressure in her brain prevented her from enjoying the meal but she still tried to eat as much as possible. Her mother, sitting in front of her, also ate uncomfortably. Within long minutes of silence, Ami began to heave and shed tears.
"What's wrong? Come here" the older woman said as she got up and limped over to her daughter who she hugged "Don't cry my dear, we're alive. Let's be happy about that and look ahead".
"I'm...sniff...sniff...so confused!" Ami wailed as she tightened the embrace with her mother.
Saeko released the smaller girl and grabbed her face gently "I know it's hard and you're probably still in shock but everything will be okay, I promise. We're together and that's all that matters, alright?" she said wiping the tears from her daughter's burning cheeks.
Ami nodded between gulps and gasps, she gave her mother a long hug before letting go and returning to her food. Satisfied, the older woman smiled and began clearing her dishes.
"By the way, Usagi-chan called this morning. She's coming over in a little bit so hurry up and get ready." Saeko said casually as she scrubbed a pan.
Ami frowned and looked up at her mother in doubt "Who?" she asked sounding annoyed and confounded.
Luna shook her head angrily as she walked next to Usagi "She won't remember anything without her henshin pen. Leave her alone!" she demanded looking up at the blonde.
Usagi, skipping with a bag in her hand, smiled down "I don't care. Do you know why? Because I want to be friends with her even if she doesn't know who I am. Besides, I bet when she sees us all she'll remember" she said confidently.
The cat shook her head "This is a bad idea and you know it. What are you going to say when you see her? She's probably very confused right now and you showing up will only make things worse. Let's go see grandpa Hino and go back home or to the hospital. Listen to me" she suggested tiredly. She had been cautioning the blonde since the night before but nothing said seemed to help.
Usagi stopped at the entrance of the Hino shrine and looked down at Luna with a sympathetic smile "I know you mean well but it's something I have to do. I promise I'll be smart about it, don't worry. I owe it to Makoto as a friend, at least to let them meet each other. If Ami doesn't want to see us again then I'll leave her alone" she assured before beginning to walk up the steps of the shrine. Luna rolled her eyes and sighed and then followed the blonde up the steps.
When the pig tailed girl and cat reached the top of the temple they were surprised to see Rei's grandfather sweeping joyfully. They approached him and he gave them a satisfied grin.
"Hello! I'm glad to see you again!" the old man said filled with energy.
"Hi! I see you're feeling much better, I'm glad" Usagi replied happily.
"That soup and rice balls you've been bringing have really done the trick" - grandpa said, rubbing his belly - "How is my Rei-chan doing? Is she better?" he asked with a somber tone.
The blonde nodded vigorously "She's much better! I think Rei-chan will be able to get out of bed today! Now that you're feeling well, why don't you come visit her?" she said, handing a bag of food over to the old man.
Grandpa Hino opened the bag and smelled it. He smiled and licked his lips "I think I will. Yuichiro should be back today so I'll ask him to take over the place while I'm gone. It's been crowded with people these last few days" he added.
"Well, I hope you do come. I have to go now but I'll see you soon!" Usagi said before bowing and turning back to the steps.
"Thank you!" the old man cried as he waved at the blonde's retreating backside.
The young girl and cat walked down silently and into the streets where they proceeded towards Ami's apartment. The day was cold but filled with sunlight, the stores and stands were already filling up with happy costumers, a sweet smell of cinnamon and honey invaded Usagi as she passed a steaming cart of freshly made treats.
"It's like nothing ever happened"
"Exactly. Which is why you should leave Ami-chan alone. I can't believe you're so calm" Luna whispered as they passed a hoard of people crossing the street.
"Leave it alone. I'm going to do it whether you like it or not" Usagi hissed annoyed as she flashed her gritting teeth at the cat. She stopped in front of a very elegant building and blushed at the doorman who was looking at her suspiciously after catching her talking to her pet. The blonde reached the door with an uneven smile on her face and was stopped by the man standing there.
"Er, who are you visiting, ma'am?" the doorman asked nervously.
"Oh. I'm here to see Mizuno Ami. I'm her friend, Tsukino Usagi" Usagi responded with an embarrassed grin on her face.
The man nodded and slightly opened the door to inform another man who guarded inside. "He's just calling the Mizuno residence to let them know you are here" the doorman informed with a friendly smile.
For the last hour Ami and her mother had been discussing over who Usagi Tsukino was. Saeko was furious since she insisted her daughter knew her very well and they were practically best friends. She mentioned the other three girls but Ami could not remember ever being friends with them. Feeling very uncomfortable by a visit from a girl she barely knew or remembered from high school, the blue haired girl gave up and went to take a shower and change. When she came out from her room, clean and clothed, Ami groveled back in when she found her mother instructing over the intercom for their guest to come up.
"Stop acting silly and come out! She's coming up! You'll remember her when you see her!" the older woman demanded from the living room. Within minutes the doorbell rang and Saeko greeted Usagi as she let her in. "Ami-chan! Usagi-chan is here!" she screamed patiently.
"Come here, sit down. Would you like something to eat? Some tea?" Saeko offered as she leaded the blonde to the sofa.
Usagi shook her head and sat down "Thank you, I'm fine." she respectfully replied. She tried hard not to stare at the limping and scars of her friend's mother.
The older woman smiled "You'll have to forgive her, she's still a little shocked since she returned from Germany. AMI-CHAN!" she suddenly hollered.
A door slowly creaked open and small steps could be heard. From behind the wall, Ami appeared red in the face and looking down, her hands clenched and hidden behind her. She looked up and grinned anxiously at Usagi who smiled.
"Well? Aren't you happy to see Usagi-chan? Come on, say hello" Saeko encouraged as she waved her daughter over.
Ami bit her lip and clumsily walked over to the sofa. She sat down and gave the blonde a crooked smile "Hello Usagi-chan" she mumbled looking down at her feet.
"Hello, Ami-chan. How are you?"
"Fine." the blue haired girl answered flatly.
Saeko looked back and forth at the two uncomfortable and silent girls. She clasped her hands together and smiled "Well, I'll leave you two alone. I'm off to the hospital so, Ami-chan, I'll see you tonight, okay?" she said grabbing her cane can purse. She walked off to the door.
"What? You're leaving?" Ami asked in protest.
"Yes. They need me at the hospital more than ever. I'll see you tonight" the older woman responded, clenching her lips in frustration before leaving the apartment.
As the door clicked shut, the genius grabbed her forehead in pain. She turned to look at the girl next to her and shifted a little in her seat. "I'm sorry, I have a headache" she announced a little randomly.
"That's okay. Do you need anything?" Usagi asked kindly. She made a move to place her hand on Ami's shoulder but thought twice.
"No. I'm fine. Listen, I'm sorry about this. I don't have many friends and my mother is just worried about me, so...I'm very sorry she called you to come" the genius said still looking away.
"No! She didn't call me! I came on my own. Er, do you remember me at all?" Usagi carefully asked.
Ami finally looked over at the girl sitting next to her "I do. You go to my school, right? You're always late to class, oh! Sorry! I mean, you're sometimes a little tardy..." she said quietly.
The blonde's face fell "You're right, I'm always late. Is that all you remember?" she asked hopefully.
The blue haired girl gave a little shrug "I guess so. Well, I remember you hanging out with Naru Osaka and Gurio Umino? And a blonde girl...something Aino? And...a very tall girl...Kino?" she replied kindly.
"Yes! Makoto! Do you remember her?"
Ami flinched from the blonde's over excited response "I guess I do. I've never talked to her, she's a little...intimidating. I don't have many friends. Why?" she asked curiously.
Once again, Usagi's smile turned sad "Oh, nothing. I just thought...maybe you'd remember her. She thinks you're great" she said stupidly. Realizing her mistake, the blonde waved her hands innocently.
The blue haired girl's face turned a crimson red "She...thinks I'm great? I...I barely know her. Why does she think that?" she asked while playing with her fingers nervously.
"No, no, she just thinks...well...that it's great how...good you are at physics! Mako-chan has a really hard time with them and you're so good. You know, we admire you..."
"Oh. Well, If she needs help...I can tutor her, if she wants to. She's welcome to come over, if she likes" Ami stuttered, her face feeling hot and flushed.
Usagi smiled at the reaction but held her posture "Alright, I'll let her know. She's not well right now so It'll have to wait. I should probably go...".
"What's wrong with Makoto-chan?"
Unsure of what Ami knew about the whole mess in Tokyo, the blonde held her tongue "...well, she's in the hospital but she'll be fine. Nothing too serious, don't worry. I'd better go, I'm going to go see her" she said getting up.
With uncommon forwardness, Ami grabbed Usagi's arm as she began to walk away "Wait! You know something...tell me! Please!" she begged.
The blonde looked at her sadly "I don't...".
"Please! I'm so confused! Why does my mother say you and I are friends? What about Kino Makoto? And Aino and...Hino? Just tell me what's going on! I can't remember anything! Please help me!"
Usagi swallowed with difficulty "I can't help you, I'm sorry Ami-chan. I just thought...you'd remember. I'm sorry I bothered you. I have to go now..." she said pulling away.
Ami grabbed the blonde and held her tighter "No! You know something! Tell me, please! Show me! You don't know how this feels! I can't explain anything that's going on, I'm trapped. I want to see Makoto-chan, take me!" she pleaded.
"I can't, I shouldn't..."
"I promise I won't be a burden. If it's awkward and strange...I'll leave you alone. You have to understand, there's a longing I have, I can't explain it but...I feel like you have something to do with it. You probably think I'm crazy but...you came here for a reason, right?" Ami said with a desperate glare and tone in her voice.
Usagi sighed and looked at the piercing blue eyes in front of her "Alright, you can come with me. I have to warn you though, it's probably going to be more confusing than now" she said, remembering Luna's words.
Ami nodded eagerly. She grabbed her keys and brushed past the blonde and out the door. Usagi scratched her head nervously before following the blue haired girl.
Michiru poured some steaming tea into a cup. Blowing a little on the hot liquid, she wrapped the recipient in a paper towel and walked over the living room of her new apartment. She placed a coaster on the table and on it the cup. The violinist sat down and cuddled into the taller girl sitting next to her.
"Thank you" Haruka said as she pulled her girlfriend closer.
"I'm glad you're back. I thought I lost you..." Michiru murmured, giving the blonde a kiss on the neck.
"You knew I'd come back. We can't be apart, it's impossible. Ying and Yang" Haruka giggled.
The aqua haired girl gently hit her lover on the chest "I was worried. You barely recognized me for two weeks! Anyway, it's alright now..." she said taking Haruka's chin in her hand and giving her a kiss.
The tall blonde returned the affection and smiled "I know. I just wish it could always be like this. How about moving to India? Would you like that?" she asked mockingly.
"Maybe" - Michiru grinned - "Do you think we should have told Usagi-chan and the others? They might not even know Ami-chan is probably alive. We did desert the apartment. What do you think?" she asked as she playfully began to unbutton Haruka's shirt.
"I think we should spend sometime alone until everything has calmed down and then..." Haruka gently pushed Michiru down and began to kiss her neck and collar - "...we can let them know we're here. Right now, I only have eyes for you..." she whispered seductively. Her kisses trailed down to a large scar on Michiru's shoulder. Smiling, she touched and kissed the blemished area.
"I'm sorry for asking but...has the city always been like this? Why are there so many UN soldiers? And why are there so many burnt buildings?" Ami asked astonished by the changes in Tokyo.
Usagi waved her hand dismissively "Don't worry about that, it's just what needed to be done. You know, after what happened" she said calmly. From the moment they left Ami's building, the blonde tried to explain what had happened for almost the last six months in Japan while the genius was in 'Germany'. The blue haired girl was incredulous and dumbfounded since she couldn't recall hearing anything about it but the evidence on the street made it all a little clearer.
"I feel like I've been in a coma all my life" Ami said with a desperate chuckle.
"You'll get used to it, hopefully. You should have seen it before..." the blonde replied trying to sound funny. The remark just made the two girls more uncomfortable than they already were. Deciding that silence was better, they walked quickly and nervously. Luna at their heels.
When they reached the hospital, the genius noticed the black cat stopped behind them and sat steadily "Um, is the cat yours? It's been following us since we left" she asked looking down at the strange animal.
"Oh! Yeah, she's mine. Her name is Luna. Don't mind her, she likes following me around" Usagi said giving Luna a disapproving smirk.
"Ok." Ami said as she followed her new friend into the building, her eyes staring back at the familiar black cat sitting obediently on the sidewalk. For some unknown reason, the feline gave her a chill and lightning bolt pain on her forehead. She touched the pain stricken area and winced.
"Are you alright? We can leave if you'd like" Usagi said, noticing the blue haired girl's sudden reaction.
"It's nothing, just a little headache" Ami assured as they waited by the elevator of the hospital.
"Listen, can I ask you a really weird question?" - the blonde asked as the doors of the elevator opened and she let Ami in first - "It's alright if you don't answer.." she added getting in.
The genius nodded, still holding her head.
"Well...where would you hide something really secret? Like if you had a gun, where would you keep it?" Usagi asked tentatively.
Ami turned to look at the other girl strangely "A gun? I don't have one and if I did I'd probably keep it out of my house. Why?" she replied curiously.
"No reason. Here we are." the blonde said as the elevator ringed and opened it's doors. They stepped out into a blue hallway filled with nurses and doctors. Usagi grabbed Ami's arm before she could go any further.
"She's not alright, okay? She's been in a coma for the last three weeks. Like your mother, her face is...different" the blonde dared to warn.
Ami nodded reassuringly. Though she didn't understand why her classmate was being so serious and precaution, she understood her position by just being there. The two girls walked between a hall filled with rooms, patients and family in each one. Doctors and nurses walked a little more casually, holding pads and trays, than in any other hospital Ami had been in. This made her a little more calm as Usagi stopped in front of a room almost at the end of the hall.
"We're here. Are you okay?" the blonde asked, her hand on the doorknob.
The genius nodded confidently even though she could hear voices on the other side of the door. Following Usagi, she entered the room and was surprised to find a blonde and black haired girl in a wheel chair inside. Both girls were huddled over a brunette patient in the bed.
"Hey Usagi! Good to see you, I thought...Ami-chan?" Minako's croaked in amazement. She burst into tears and limped over to Ami and hugged her tightly. "Oh my god! I can't believe it! I thought you were dead! We all did!". The blonde's cast on her arm almost broke Ami's neck.
The blue haired girl tensed up and struggled against the girl holding her. She looked over at Usagi, searching for help.
"Come on Mina-chan, you barely know her" - the pig tailed blonde chuckled nervously - "Come on now, let her go" she said pulling Minako off of the scared girl.
Rei, just as astounded but with a little more perception, got the hint "Sorry about her, she's just a little sensitive right now. Mizuno Ami? You study with them, right? I'm Hino Rei. Nice to meet you" she said wheeling herself towards the three girls and holding her hand out to the confused genius.
Ami took the miko's hand "Nice to meet you" she said, eyeing an equally confused Minako who was struggling against Usagi's strong hold. She noticed the black haired girl was just as scarred as her mother. A long cast ran down from her foot to her thigh. Various bandages aligned both her arms.
"Well, these are my friends Ami-chan. And that in the bed, is Makoto Kino" the odango head said pointing towards the unmoving brunette in the room.
"Oh. Yes, I remember her..." the blue haired girl mumbled uncomfortably. The three other girls looked at her expectantly so she approached the bed slowly.
"We'll leave you two alone. You should talk to her, they say it helps" Rei said before heaving herself up from her chair and opening the door, she motioned the two blondes to follow her.
"Wait! Why can't she remember..." Minako tried to say before Usagi held her mouth and pushed her out of the room.
Ami stood, alone and confounded, next to the bed where Makoto laid. Feeling very awkward and embarrassed, she looked around to see if anyone was watching. The room was silent except for the constant beeping and pumping coming from the machines connected to the tall girl in the bed. She looked at the comatose girl and noticed the same scars on her face as her mother's. Upon further and uncomfortable inspection, she also noticed scars on her arms and a very long one leading from her collarbone down into...wherever. The small girl felt she should leave but decided it would be rude to Usagi. Biting her lip, she walked around the bed and sat in a very uncomfortable chair beside the bed.
"Hello Makoto Kino. I'm Ami Mizuno. We go to the same school" Ami said, feeling very stupid. She shifted in her seat before looking at the girl in the bed. Her eyes traced the strong jaw and long lashes on Makoto's face. She wanted to touch them but again felt awkward and confused. The blue haired girl looked at the long scar embedded along the brunette's upper right eye down to her lower cheek. On impulse, she got up and trailed her finger across the broken skin, gently grazing the breathing mask on Makoto. She felt a small grope in her heart which made her stop and quickly sit back down.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be touching you..." Ami apologized to a comatose girl. Realizing the situation, she laughed. "You can't even hear me, can you?" she said mostly to herself.
"I wish I knew what happened to you..." the genius whispered as she boldly touched a scar on Makoto's arm. Her hand hovered down until she reached the sleeping girl's hand and held it. "Am I supposed to know who are? Why am I here?" she asked, gently playing with the fingers she held.
"To be honest, I thought I would have some answers coming here. Usagi-chan was right, it became more confusing. I mean, Why would you think I was great? I'm just good at school, so what? Still, if you'd like, I can help you with physics. It's not that hard if you try. Although, I've seen you in class and honestly all you do is fall asleep of scribble notes to Usagi-chan or...Minako-chan?" Ami began to ramble comfortably.
"I'm not being mean or anything. Everyone is good at something. I've heard you're good at sports and Home Ec.! Maybe I can tutor you in physics and you can help in Home Ec. I'm really bad at making pies and cookies but I'm also really bad at softball. Maybe we should get together to study, you can help me and I can help you! Of coarse, when you wake up..." the blue haired girl sighed, realizing she was holding hands with Makoto. She was about to let go before she grasped how at ease she felt. Deciding it was better, she didn't let go.
"Your friends care for you a lot. I don't really have friends, although my mother seems to think so. Look at the flowers they left you. I know you like them, you're in the gardening club" Ami said as she looked over at the vases filled with flowers on her beside table. She carefully grabbed at a lilly, a petal slowly fell onto a bundle wrapped in cloth laying next to the arrangement of flowers. Looking at it tentatively, Ami shrugged and unfolded the sheet.
"Wow. This is a very nice pen, though it's broken" the blue haired girl said as she touched the remaining green gem on the pen. An electrifying sensation, harsh but comforting, ran down her body. She jumped and looked at the object with a scared face. Deciding it was none of her business, she folded the pen again and left it alone.
"I shouldn't be here" Ami quickly said as she got up. Walking towards the door, she couldn't stop looking at Makoto. Feeling safer and more relaxed than at home, she stepped back and returned to the horrible chair. "Okay, I'll stay a little longer. But I can't leave too late, alright? Just awhile longer..." she said grabbing onto the taller girl's hand.
For hours and hours, Ami talked about everything. She released herself from what she wanted to be, her worries and even confided to Makoto about her recent confusion. Like when they were lovingly holding each other last summer, she talked about her dreams and hopes. Her entire day was spent talking to a comatose girl she didn't know. No one ever came back, not even Usagi. As night sailed through, Ami, unabashed, was holding Makoto's arm and slurring her averages to get into medical school. Without realizing it, the genius slumped over and fell asleep against the bruised and scarred arm she was holding.
"Oh! I didn't know anyone was in here. Are you a relative?" a nurse asked while walking in at dawn.
Ami opened her eyes and in a daring attempt tried to keep them open against her heavy eyelids. She yawned against her hand and tried falling back to sleep. She still held Makoto's ragged arm.
"Well? Are you a relative? Come on, wake up and answer me!" the nurse demanded as she trotted over to Ami and tried to pull her up.
"I'm sorry! I'll leave!" the blue haired girl cried, fighting off the woman who was chucking her away.
Looking back, Ami felt her heart ache and tare. As she opened the door, Usagi bumped into her.
"Oh! Sorry Ami-chan. Well, since you're here. We should talk" the blonde said as she eased the genius back into the room.
"About what?"
"About everything that has happened" Usagi responded as she pulled Ami, She gave the nurse a harsh look who left angrily.
What? what's going on? sorry, pulling a chuck palahniuk move on you! don't worry, still a few chapters away from finishing. everything will be explained later on, just couldn't resist myself with this chapter. I feel like i kinda disappointed a few fans though, so please review! Mexico! Vamos adelante! el juego sigue en pie! argentina sera bueno en futbol pero somos mejores en todo lo demas!: btw, sexipistol, me debes 500 pesos! jaja. Enjoy, have fun and I'll update soon! Finally! the title makes a little sense! listen to the song and think about Ami's predicament. and than...review about it!