Last time

"…um. I got to go Toki. I'm registering for Mugen soon, don't wanna be late."

Well, he thought, if he didn't know any better, Motoki could of said that she'd been hanging around a certain Senshi of the Sky way too much, but then again, he hadn't seen that certain person.

Oh well.

"Good luck," he said, hoping to encourage her.

She grinned, "I don't need it."

He watched Usagi leave the arcade, heading in the direction of home.

'"I don't need it?"'

What was that about?

It seemed that Usagi kept a lot from him. He frowned; Mamoru would need some serious explaining to do…

…In the mean time, he thought evilly, he could, nah. Motoki decided against getting them back together again, he found the Mamoru he knew wasn't suitable for his sister, no matter that he was his friend.

Motoki then thought back to this morning, Usa had said that recovering his memories was easy. He felt it, her power. Motoki couldn't explain it, his sister seemed to have a limitless amount of power.

Just how powerful was she?

And how the Hell did she get it?

*****

Promise Moon, Moon Promise

~Blaze

Chapter 04: Prodigy?

*****

Usagi got back home. "Mom, Dad I'm back!"

"We're in here sweetie." She followed the voices into the kitchen.

They were still there?

"Are you two alright? You haven't moved since I've left."

Ikuko noticed her daughters strange look. "Of course we're alright," then not being able to help herself and definitely not used to her daughter's mature personality she added, "Sweetie, are you sure?"

Usagi gave a cheerful and reassuring smile and chirped, "sure."

"Alright then," dubious looks are thrown between parental units and a show of concern slipped through them as they glanced at their daughter. "Let's go."

They got into the car. All the while Ikuko and Kenji reflected upon the remarkable change of their daughter. Sure Usagi was known for a spark of maturity every now and then, like visiting her cousin often, baby-sitting, and driving. But that was it. And now… a serious turn to her education that would do them proud, not to mention the fact they'd be reduced to tears.

What was wrong with their little girl?

They arrived in fifteen minutes, Usagi thought; it won't take long to get here from home… perhaps a 30 minute run.

They went into the large main building that housed the administration office.

A man sat behind the only desk in there, it was very polished and business like. But the welcoming smile changed the cold interior of the room.

"Hajimemashite douzo yoroshiku, watashi wa Yakoma to moushimasu.*"

Usagi taking the initiative, bowed low, handing her business card towards her superior.  Though the card wasn't so formal as one might have on an executive's business card, it sufficed, stating who she was, it, so to speak, was her life statement on a card. "Hajimemashite, Douzo Yoroshiku, watashi no namae wa Tsukino Usagi desu."

The Tsukino's balked at their daughter's serious greeting. They watched as she did the usual business interaction one would behave towards a prospective client. They stood agape, amazed as she bowed low and still until the Administrator took the card from her outstretched hand and read over it.

Where did the sunny smile go?

They breathed a sigh of relief as their daughter then smiled warmly at him.

Introductions then went forth as the meeting commenced.

Though it was not stated in the introductions, the nameplate on the polished oak desk affirmed that Yakoma-sensei's first name was Riyuu.

Yakoma was a handsome man; exceptionally young for such a prestigious school, he looked about twenty-five. He had tousled light brown hair with some sun streaked high lights, warm black eyes that crinkled warmly under silver reading glasses. His white long sleeved dress shirt was immaculate and his black slacks were pressed as the shoes shined faultlessly under the tailored hem. He looked up from the files he recently received from Juuban koukou. It was also a plus that he wasn't so stuffy as one might usually be when managing school's such as this.

"Usagi-san," he started regretfully, "the prerequisite grade to enter Mugen is much higher than the entrance scores you've recently taken. I don't think the establishment will allow you. This school is famed for their prodigies and intellects. What makes you think the school would allow you entrance with such poor academics in your records?" He stated sternly yet kindly.

Truthfully with open honesty and confidence, she stated, "I admit I don't have the best of grades in Juuban Gakkou, but I believe if I've sent a few transcripts and a recommendation from a sponsor of your school you'd find I'd be the perfect student. No, I will not take the easy step. If you allow me, I'll take the equivalency test one must take to enter this school and see if I apply or not."

Yakoma could find no fault or guile in her words as he gazed into truthful and determined eyes. He was intrigued. His files stated that of a shy, low self-esteemed, and poorly attitude girl who faulted in her academics. Yet, this child spoke properly with such confidence, stood rigidly, and faced him like she was her superior, which in a way, he was. Curiously, he allowed himself to think of her proposition… he had to wonder who and what she talked of though. After examining the merits, he allowed himself a small nod to indicate his approval.

Usagi literally jumped with excitement, in her mind, the jumping would happen after she left the office. It would do no good if her display of maturity were erased by one needless whoop for joy.

Smiling brightly, as her eyes expressed the excitement she felt, she thanked him. "Thank you."

"When do you feel you can take the test?" Wanting to give her time to study, Yakoma allowed her a date of choice.

"Now."

His hands stilled over the leather bound planner on his desk, surely she was kidding? Geniuses may have graced the hall of Mugen but they leapt at the chance for a month to study and she wanted none?

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

Gazing at her, discerning whether he should schedule it instead, his resolute retracted as he saw the determined and forceful eyes that stared unwavering at him.

"Let me retrieve the exams then."

All the while the Tsukino's just stared.

And stared.

And stared.

Yes, they understood exactly what went on but they didn't think their daughter would even know half the words she spoke.

Finding a voice, Kenji stammered, "Pumpkin, maybe you should study, it would be best to study."

"Yes dear, who knows how hard the test can be. You haven't even seen the preliminary exam!"

Usagi's heart warmed at their concern. She was glad to have caring parents like them; she knew they would always be there for her.

"Hai, I'm sure… Don't worry." She told them with a playful wink and V for victory sign.

They loved Usagi, they wanted what was best for her, and though they felt as if they'd later be proven wrong, wanted to protect her from the failure if she did the exam. They were proud though. Proud that she had instigated this meeting on her own and continued it on her own.

Kenji bit back a cry; his baby girl was growing up and didn't need him anymore. Feeling similar and sympathetic, Ikuko patted Kenji's hand as she gazed lovingly at her husband then looked at Usagi's back and couldn't help but feel the gush of pride exude from her eyes.

Uncertain eyes watched the girl's display as Yakoma came back with a seemingly thick for an exam booklet.

"Standard procedure requires the exam applicant to be tested in a quiet room free of distractions."

The four headed towards the closest empty classroom in silence with the two parents left to sit outside.

He opened the door to a spacious and comfortable auditorium like classroom. Giving the test papers to them he said, "I'm sure you know what to do. I'll be sitting on the teacher's desk if you have any questions and to make sure you don't cheat," at her quick and sharp look he amended, "standard procedures."

Usagi shrugged. She was a bit nervous now, the Kyoto Daigaku were of vocational standards, she had only taken politics, at the urging of a friend, Art (most forms of it), and a bit on Music. She liked to experiment, and more importantly, have fun in what she loved. She did know the stuff Haruna-sensei taught, after all, there was that theory about remembering things you learned in your sleep and Haruna-sensei had that loud carrying voice…

But the smarts she relied on was the things she learned by her… tutors. She had at least four of them who taught everything they knew.

Glancing at the first question she looked at the clock, 10:30, she thought, I have two hours.

Here goes.

…

…

…

Done.

Rechecking the pages, she was satisfied with her answers and closed the booklet. "I'm done."

Yakoma frowned looking at the clock, it was only 12:18, and it wasn't possible to finish it all under two hours…

"You have a few more minutes, are you sure you want to stop?"

"Yes."

Never had he heard a statement so sure in its answer. He glanced at her, curious, if the files were correct, it was said she wasn't the most confident person and shied away from any type of spotlight. He assumed her previous personality was a farce. What brought her real self to the fore now?

Taking the exam from her, he told her, "I'll have the exams checked in two hours at the latest tomorrow afternoon."

Usagi grew confused. "So soon?"

He smiled. "You are the only one I have to grade compared to the mass the school would have to correct."

Usagi blushed. There went her supposed smartness. Feeling the tension over and the formalities ebb, she put a hand to the back of her head and laugh nervously in typical Usagi style.

Yakoma felt like laughing. Well, the files did say she was a cheerful and nice girl, at least that didn't leave, he thought. The girl was different all right. From serious to goofy.

They walked out of the classroom to see two people ready to drop dead.

Usagi sweatdropped, they were told she would have two hours to test, why couldn't they have just gone home or something.

Shaking her mother who was leaning on her drooling father. "Haha… Wake up."

Ikuko woke, remembering where she was she quickly stood, face flushed in embarrassment. Unfortunately, Kenji had also used his wife as leaning support and smacked his forehead on the bench's arms.
Usagi winced as she noted the large bump already protruding from his brow. At least he didn't scream…

"Itaii!!!"

She winced, embarrassed, she guessed since he had been abruptly awakened, that her father's sleep induced mind reacted late.

Nevertheless she spoke a shamed, "Chichi…"

Hearing his daughter's voice, he stopped and looked at his surrounding, coloring a deep red for his scene.

Coughs were heard in the empty echoing hallway.

Yakoma just stood there, highly amused of this family's disposition.

Usagi bowed her head. "Thank you very much Yakoma-sensei. I hope next time we meet will be of good news."

Smiling slightly, she trails behind her fast pace thoroughly embarrassed parents.
Intriguing indeed.

~~~~~~~~

*Hajimemashite- It's good seeing you for the first time or How do you do

Douzo Yoroshiku- Likewise (saying how do you do in return)

If you say these two together it'll be… How do you do (Hajimemashite), please to meet you (Douzo Yoroshiku).

Haha- contrary to popular belief this is what you say to your own mother. To someone else's its Okaasan

Chichi – same as above, you say this to your own father. To someone else's its Otousan.

I know this was short… but bare with me… along with reading the LotR trilogy, school, and doing some serious editing… and now I have to learn more about FY for this fic… Yes you heard it ppls… the decision has finally be made.. It's FUSHIGI YUGI, I've also figured out HOW it will be possible for SM to go to FY or vice versa…

If there is a pair for Usa who is the guy/girl and couples..

You guys are probably wondering how the smarts came to be?? Wellz.. Don't worry it ain't by magic but she's had a little secret help as she grew up. Then again, maybe she ain't smart… maybe she just did any kind and it was all an act?? What now?? Guess minna!! Oh… and should Riyuu be anyone special? Riyuu means cause/reason in Japanese so I thought it would be a perfect name.

BTW… They will be speaking always be speaking Japanese unless I say otherwise where they will speak Eigo… or English. As you can see I DON'T KNOW MUCH NIHONGO (Lolz) I've just started taking classes this year. Very fun… I am seriously hoping JP club will hold an Anime night… wait… there is that field trip to see the sunset on the mountain… hm.. I'm giddy w/excitement..

R&R ppls.. I decided to give this fic a second shot…

Much mahal and mahalo

~Cbee-chan