Chapter 10: Linking Opposites
Chibi-Usa thought. She remembered when Usagi had tried to play matchmaker for her and Masanori. That had been a disaster, with her butting in and also the daimon attack as well. How could she play matchmaker for Taiki and Kakyuu? It seemed like Taiki loved the cheerful redhead; why else would he be so upset about her getting close to anyone? Chibi-Usa wanted him to be happy. Would getting Kakyuu to love him do that, or would it just get both of them angry at her? The only way would be to do it and find out. If she were to wait, she'd just wonder and worry and not get anywhere.

Natsumi grinned. This was going to be perfect! A great chance to get them together and then capture them! She walked into the teleportation room, clutching her device, and then disappeared.

She appeared in Tokyo and flicked her fingers. Good, the perfect outfit. She looked so perfectly scary as a dominatrix. Maybe she could get Taiki to dress up in HER dominatrix outfit too.

Chibi-Usa? Can you come with me to pick up Taiki from school? He doesn't seem to be back yet. This is very odd, since Usagi said she had gone to Rei's house, so Taiki didn't go with her, Ikuko requested, breaking the pink-haired girl out of her reverie.

Okay. I'll come with you, Chibi-Usa agreed. While Ikuko was looking away to start the car, Chibi-Usa grinned. Her plan was working perfectly! All she'd have to do is get Taiki and take him to the Mizuno house!

Chibi-Usa, honey, what are you so happy about? Did you do something exciting in school? asked Ikuko, curious.

Yeah! We're learning about adding numbers, it's very exciting! And can you drop us by Ami's apartment? She's going to help me with something and Taiki is too, Chibi-Usa said.

My my, what a diligent student you are; wanting such smart people to help you study, said Ikuko, very pleased with her

After they picked up Taiki from school, Ikuko headed for the Mizuno apartment.

This isn't the direction home, Taiki said, confused.

I know, Chibi-Usa said you and Ami were going to help her study, Ikuko answered brightly.

I never agreed to that, Taiki said.

Come on, your princess is there! Chibi-Usa exclaimed. Then she blushed, extremely embarrassed. When was she going to learn to be a proper lady and not blurt out things like that?!

My princess? I assure you, Ami is not my princess. What makes you say that? Taiki demanded.

Noo...the redheaded one, Kakyuu, you called her princess' on the phone, Chibi-Usa squeaked. Before Taiki could respond, pies slammed into the windshield and Ikuko lost control of the car, screeching to a dangerous halt in the middle of an intersection. Natsumi yanked the door open and in one swift movement, Taiki and Chibi-Usa were linked to each other by a tether that held both their left wrists.

What are you doing to them?! HELP!!! screamed Ikuko. She reached for her car phone to call the police, but Natsumi threw it into the traffic, where it was promptly run over. Laughing like a maniac, she shoved Ikuko out of the driver's seat.

You two have those magic powers! Use them!! begged Ikuko, who was squished on top of Taiki in the front passenger seat.

Moon Crisis, Make....

Maker Star...

That was as far as they got, as Natsumi shoved them both out of the moving car. But she had made the mistake of not jumping out herself, and she and Ikuko careened down the road, separated from her captives.

With an incredible stroke of luck, Taiki and Chibi-Usa were pretty much unhurt, as they landed right in the middle of a pillow vendor's wares.

Crazy kids and their crazy driving, he mumbled as they crawled away from the road.

Chibi-Usa called over her shoulder. They hid behind some bushes. Looking out, they could see people's backyards. Where were they going to hide at? Even more importantly, how were they going to get home? Chibi-Usa reached for Luna-P. Oh no! It had been left in the car! How was she going to call the other Senshi to rescue them?! Did Taiki have anything to call with? Should she dare ask him...the ground was moving! OW!

Stop pulling me! It hurts! she whined. Then she thought. Do you have any phones with you?

Then get up and let's go home, ordered Taiki.

But do you know the way home? Chibi-Usa asked, confused. Taiki stopped. He didn't. How WERE they going to get home? Chibi-Usa's phone question...nope. He didn't have a phone. And his change had fallen out when they had been thrown from the car. But there was another question, and he asked it as they crawled under a bridge. Cars zoomed over their heads, but they were safe for now.

How do you know what I call Kakyuu? Taiki asked, suspicious.

I heard you talking to her on the phone. And it sounds like you don't want her to be with Ami. Is that because you're in love with her? Chibi-Usa said, giving a question in response to another question.

No, but I must protect her. She is the Princess and she must remember her place in society, Taiki said stiffly, turning his head away. But Chibi-Usa noticed a slight blush on his cheeks.

But if your planet's gone, then she's not the princess of anything anymore. It seems like she just wants to be a normal girl here, and a normal girl can be with Ami. Why does she have to follow rules about not being with common people? Chibi-Usa asked, still stuck on her idea that Taiki was secretly in love with Kakyuu.

Because she is the Princess as long as we are with her, Taiki responded, still not looking directly at the pink-haired girl.

Why can't she be free? I know you want her to be safe, but Ami wouldn't hurt another Sailor Senshi. Unless...is it because Seiya's hanging around Hotaru and Yaten's getting friendly with Makoto? Chibi-Usa questioned. She was determined to pry the information out. Taiki did not answer this time. Chibi-Usa's heart pounded. His silence reminded her of the way Setsuna and Hotaru acted. No, it wasn't love, but she...she just wanted to be his friend. But how could she get him to like her? Was playing matchmaker the right way? Or was it too intrusive? Chibi-Usa furrowed her brow, thinking deeply.