Chapter 9: Genius Love and Jealousy
 Ami knew that cry from anywhere. She raced through the halls of Juuban High. Usagi was standing in front of where the latest test scores were listed, sobbing.

I got such a horrible score! Mom and Dad will ground me for sure, Usagi sniffled.

It's okay, Usagi, you didn't get the worst score. Apparently Seiya did, Ami said, trying to reassure her.

Yeah, but he's an alien, Usagi cried.

Hmm, that's not a good excuse for him, is it? Because look who has the top scores, Ami said, pointing up. Usagi looked, and gasped. Ami and Taiki were tied for second place, and Kakyuu was first!

Waitaminute...I thought she went to the college, Usagi spluttered.

She wanted to be in MY school...she just does college-level work, Ami sighed. Beaten by a ditzy alien, though one who was cute, charming, lovely, sweet, had fans crowding around her...what?! Kakyuu was surrounded by apparent admirers, blowing kisses, while Minako looked on, seething with jealousy.

Hey! I'm school idol, Minako Aino! PAY ATTENTION TO ME, NOT THAT NERD!!! she screamed, jumping up and down.

Sorry, SHE'S the new idol! one boy called.

Wait! Ranma! I'll change! Minako called. Taiki shoved through the crowd and dragged the protesting redhead into an empty classroom. Usagi and Ami followed, listening in at the door. They could hear Minako mumbling something bitter about smart people, then she was gone.

Taiki! Why did you pull me away from my fans?! whined Kakyuu.

They just want you to teach them stuff so they can be lazy. Geniuses don't get real friends, Taiki scolded her.

That's not true! You just don't WANT me to have other friends because YOU want me for YOURSELF!! Kakyuu snapped, rarely was she an angry-type, but Taiki's lectures had pushed her over the edge.

Princess, that's not true. But I am bonded by duty to protect you, he said.

Liar! You're jealous of Seiya for being with Hotaru! You're jealous of Yaten and Makoto! And most of all, you're jealous of Ami! Kakyuu shouted.

Jealous of me?! Why? exclaimed Ami, bursting into the room.

Why is Kakyuu not allowed to have friends? begged Usagi, right behind her blue-haired buddy.

Because geniuses never have real friends. I never did, and neither will you, Taiki said coldly.

That is NOT true! I'm Ami's friend, and so are the other Sailor Senshi! Usagi cried.

What about Seiya and Yaten? Aren't they your friends too? Kakyuu asked, confused.

I do TOO have friends, like Usagi said, added Ami huffily.

Seiya and Yaten...leave them out of this... Taiki started to say.

No, I will NOT! All four of us were great friends, what's gotten into you? Kakyuu begged, tears forming in her eyes.

They've abandoned the cause for foolish love. They never loved a pair of geniuses, Taiki retorted, still calm and cold.

What?! I refuse to believe that nonsense! You're jealous of Ami and me, you want me, and you just wish I didn't have the top score! Kakyuu screamed.

Splash!!

Water streamed all over Ami, Taiki, and Kakyuu. Of course, Ami was male now. Usagi stood, angry, holding a bucket.

That's enough, Taiki! You're either apologizing to Ami and Kakyuu, or I'll tell Mom you misbehaved and have you sent back to the orphanage, she said sternly. Kakyuu grabbed her, pleading.

NO PLEASE!!! Don't send him there! I heard that IS the place they beat up on smart people!!

He deserves it for what he said to you, Usagi gasped.

I don't want him to lie an apology. I'd rather have him be truthful, Kakyuu pleaded some more.

Okay, then this is just a warning, Taiki, Usagi snapped, and she yanked him out the door to go home. Chibi-Usa met them at the door.

Why is Taiki wet? It's not raining, she asked.

I dumped water on him. He wants Kakyuu for himself, Usagi explained.

Don't tell lies, Miss Usagi, Taiki retorted, closing his bedroom door. Chibi-Usa thought. He wants Kakyuu? Matchmaker time!

Natsumi held a device in her hands that would trap two Senshi together. Finally, FINALLY she would get her harem.