(AN: This whole thing came to me during a day of work. Of course I work nearly everyday, but STILL this does not have any use in the ongoing saga of Meta and is considered a movie or OVA of sorts. Most of this typing was done under the music of Two Mix, which is a SUPERB group. Meta's theme even comes from them. Oh well, enjoy the story!)
An Unavoidable Fate...A Message of Caution
Serene, calm, peaceful. These were the words that described modern day Japan. It had been at least 2 months since problems had been happening. "Mamo-chan...do you ever...wonder?"
"Wonder?"
"If...this world was ever meant to be...peaceful? Is it our full destiny to constantly keep this planet at peace? Are we allowed to live relatively carefree?"
"Oh? Why do you suddenly think that?"
"I guess...I'm just worried that something is going to happen. It usually does...since I first met you...I haven't had a long peaceful time. It's always something new. I mean I do love this planet and you...but...do you ever wish that things would just stay peaceful forever?"
Mamoru looked up at the clear night and searched hoping to find the correct words. "Of course I do. Peace is what I constantly strive to achieve. I want to be able to raise our family in a world devoid of evil, and corruption."
Usagi smiled and nodded, "That's what I want to do for our family as well. I want to be able to have them grow up without fear and suffering. Such a wonderful dream for us both...and together...we'll achieve it." Mamoru gave Usagi a calm look such that made her blush up in the cheeks. She slowly closed her eyes and moved her head toward Mamoru. Both set of lips moved closer and closer together until air could not escape. The kiss of love had been sealed, and the two lovers enjoyed it like it was the first kiss for each of them. Soft, warm, relaxed, loved.
On a rooftop about 3 blocks from Mamoru's apartment another set of lips spoke softly in the warm fall air. "There still is a chance we can stop the events from happening! We have to present ourselves to them and tell them what will happen!"
Another figure on the same rooftop shook his or her head and replied, "No young one. They must not learn of events to come at this time. All we can do for now is wait and use this time to prepare. Prepare for the time when we will reveal everything to them."
The soft-spoken figure walked over to the other and put his or her head on the other figure's shoulder. "Ok...but promise me one thing."
"Name it."
"That you'll always love me. No matter what happens. That I can count on your love to light my way to the right path, and mine to yours."
A slight wind blew by and the larger figure said, "Love...is such a simple thing...but when amplified and believed in, it can have devastating power." The larger figure turned his face toward the smaller figure and said, "My love will light the way for you, but your love will keep the light shining farther in your own path. Mine...is a path that must be stumbled in darkness until I can forgive everyone." The larger figure slowly moved his or her hand down the smaller figure's long hair and said, "Come...we've done enough watching for the night. Tomorrow is another day for you to train."
The figures disappeared into the night air and another slight breeze blew across Usagi and Mamoru. Usagi felt something on the wind and asked, "Mamo-chan...did you just feel that?"
Mamoru gave her a confused look and shook his head, "Is everything Ok Usako?"
Usagi looked out across the city and said, "I'm not sure. I felt something...but I couldn't tell what it was. Maybe just a slight chill."
Mamoru turned around and said, "How about we go inside and I'll make you some tea."
Usagi jumped up and said in her giddy schoolgirl voice, "Yeah! Mamo-chan makes wonderful tea!" She clung onto his arm and walked inside with her boyfriend.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Two days later...
"Good day students. We have a few new faces entering our school. So I would like you to meet Shane Jones, and Jessie Benjamin. Both are exchange students from the United States so please treat them with respect."
The students stood up and bowed replying with the traditional hai. "Where shall we be sitting sensei?" Shane asked turning his head.
"Hmm...well, it appears there is a spot open at the front of the class, and one in the back."
Shane looked at Jessie and she nodded to him. "I'll take the spot in the back sir." Shane said bowing in respect.
Shane walked to the back of the class and all of the students looked at him as he passed by. Minako was a little red and passed a note over to Usagi quickly while the teacher wasn't looking. Usagi giggled a little and wrote something back on the paper and slipped it back to Minako. Minako giggled and looked over at Usagi who giggled some more. Jessie walked over and took the empty seat next to Usagi. Usagi smiled and said, "Konnichiwa Jessie-san! Atashi wa Tsukino Usagi. Yorosiku!" Jessie smiled back and nodded. Usagi looked a little puzzled and said, "Don't you speak Japanese well, or are you just shy?" (AN: This could be what is considered translated in a way.)
Jessie shook her brown/black hair and said, "It's not that...if I miss what sensei is saying...then I'll have trouble on the homework."
Usagi's head hit the desk and she thought, "Oh no...she's just like Ami-chan!"
Jessie giggled and answered, "Don't think that because I want to get notes down that I don't want to have some fun after school."
Usagi perked up and replied a little louder, "Hai! I know just the place to hang out!"
Sensei turned around from his talking and said, "Tsukino-san!"
Usagi's face turned red and she put it back down on the desk embarrassed.
Jessie giggled and whispered when the teacher had turned back around, "Thank you Usagi-chan. I would like that a lot!"
Shane was busy writing down notes when the girl he sat next to nudged him gently in the side. Shane ignored it until she nudged him again. He whispered from the side of his mouth, "I'm warning you...don't do that again. I'm busy."
The girl next to him whispered back to him, "Well how am I supposed to get your attention if you're taking notes down?"
Shane stopped for a second and made a slight, low laugh. He replied, "How about you wait until school is out or the period is over? Then we'll talk."
The girl completely ignored his comment and said, "Atashi wa Kino Makoto. Yorosiku!" She beamed a smile at him, and he put his pen down to look at her.
"How about we talk after the period is over. Ok?"
Makoto blinked a few times and thought, "What is this guy's problem? He needs to relax a little and act a little nicer."
Shane continued taking notes and Makoto put her head on her bent arm giving a slight sigh. "So what happens when we have a test and we can use notes? You gonna just pull everything from memory?" Shane whispered to Makoto concentrating on the board still.
"Huh? We're not allowed to use notes on a test. Didn't you know that?"
"Well...no, but aren't you worried about studying?"
"Not really. I have a study group I attend at a friend's house once or twice a week."
"Ahh...wakarimasu." Makoto nodded her head and Shane said, "But how does a study group help if you don't have the notes to study?"
Makoto went blank and whispered, "Uhh...you don't mind if I copy yours to catch up?" She made a cheesy, embarrassed grin.
Shane made a wry, lowered eyebrow grin. "You catch on fast I see."
Makoto still had the grin and took down the notes as fast as she could.
After school...
Jessie stood in front of Shane and said, "I'm going to head out with Usagi-san for a bit. Do you mind?"
Shane shook his head, "That's fine with me. Just get back in time. That's all that I care about Ok?"
Jessie nodded and made a slight blush. She skipped back over to where Usagi was waiting and waved to Shane leaving the school.
Shane finished packing his things and was about to leave when Makoto stopped him and asked, "Shane...uhh...I know this might be a silly thing to ask, but...uhh..."
Shane looked at her and said, "What do you want to ask me?"
Makoto grit her teeth and said quickly, "Would you like to go do something fun since you're new here?!"
Shane blinked at her confused and said, "How about we slow down and put some space in front of each word."
Makoto sighed and said slower more relaxed, "Would you like to head out and see Tokyo since you're from the States?"
Shane gave her the same smile from earlier and replied, "I'd love to but I haven't the time today. I have to head home and get some work done. Sorry." He gave her a slight wave and headed out of the room.
Makoto gave a slight frump and snapped her fingers saying, "Damn." Makoto put her books away and exited the room as well to meet her friends at the arcade.
Royal Crown Arcade...
"This is the arcade where I visit when I'm bummed out or just plain bored," Usagi said letting the glass doors fwoosh open.
"All right. I love arcades!" Jessie let out a jump of glee.
Usagi grabbed her by the wrist and said, "Come on! Hopefully if my friend is working you can meet him!" Usagi dragged her friend to the counter and said, "Motoki-san!"
A kid that looked about 21 with light brown hair turned around. Jessie saw his green eyes and she swooned instantly. "Ka...Kawa...ii!" she said with hearts beating in her eyes. She shook her head instantly and poured out, "K...Konnichiwa! Atashi wa Jessie Benjamin! I'm from the United States! I'm an exchange student this year! Yorosiku!" She bowed in respect and her face turned red.
Motoki looked surprised and said, "A student from the States? Wow. I've never met a student from the States! I've visited there once or twice, but only for a day or so. What's it like over there?!"
Jessie giggled and said, "It's just like Japan, only with more land, and everyone speaks mostly English."
Motoki laughed and nodded, "I would imagine! So...Jessie was it?"
Jessie nodded, "Hai!"
"Jessie, I'm Motoki. My sister is down the street at the restaurant working. My dad owns this who Crown area, so it's kinda a luxury you could say."
Jessie nodded and said, "So what game do you think I should play?"
Motoki shrugged, "I'm not sure. The most popular game right now would be the racing game. Usagi-chan why don't you show her the game?"
Usagi nodded, "Hai Motoki-san!"
Motoki winked at her and flipped her a few token, "And this one is one me. Ok?"
Usagi blushed and nodded, "Arigato!" Jessie was pulled over to the racing game and Usagi sat her down on one side of the helm. Usagi walked over and sat in the other helm of the racing game. She put the tokens in and winked at Jessie, "It's not that hard. Just have some fun. Ok?"
Jessie nodded and waited for the race to start. The green light hit and Jessie cranked on the gas. Usagi was surprised at how well Jessie was doing, but gave a light semi-evil grin, as one would do when trying to win a competition. It was tight the whole race, but in the end Usagi pulled out a win. Jessie was quite pleased with the game and stood up. "Is there anything else in this place that's worth trying?"
"Well..."
"Oh...Odango atama!" a familiar voice called out.
Usagi turned around and said happily, "Haruka-san! Michiru-san!"
Jessie blinked, "Usagi-chan...who are these people? Friends of yours?"
Usagi nodded and said, "Jessie-chan, this is Tenoh Haruka, and Kaioh Michiru." Michiru bowed and Haruka extended her hand in greeting. Jessie blinked for a second and shook hands with Haruka.
"So are you two girlfriend and boyfriend?" Jessie asked.
Haruka looked at Michiru confused and made a slight laugh, "I'm sorry to break the news, but I'm a girl."
Jessie's eyes grew and she replied, "No way! You can't be! You have such a...flat chest!"
Haruka was completely taken back and burst out laughing, "That's the first time I've ever had someone say that to me when I tell him or her I'm a female!"
Jessie blushed and hid her face with her school bag and said, "Gomen."
Michiru made a slight laugh, "It's Ok Jessie, I'm actually surprised that someone would say such a thing to Haruka!"
Jessie poked her head out from behind the bag and said, "Wait a minute. You didn't use a suffix ending." Michiru looked at her confused. Jessie lowered her voice and asked Michiru, "Are you and Haruka...you know...are you two..."
Michiru still looked confused and suddenly made a slight laugh, "Don't worry little one, there's still a chance for you to get Haruka." She winked at Jessie who shook her head.
"Michiru-san..." Jessie made a defeated sigh and finished, "Oh! I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself to you! I'm Jessie Benjamin. I live in the United States, but I'm here as an exchange student this year. It's nice to meet you!"
Haruka smiled and said, "Well, it's nice to know you're like odango atama in the sense you're really cheerful."
Jessie smiled and nodded. In America we have lots of arcades as well, but most of them are dark and usually boys hang out in `em. Not a lot of girls are really good at the games so it's rather dull. Here I see lots of girls playing so it's really good competition for me!"
Michiru put her hand near her mouth and laughed lightly. "Well, it's nice to meet you Jessie. I'm sure we'll run into you more."
Jessie nodded and looked at her watch. "Ahh! I'm late!"
Usagi tilted her head slightly, "Late for what?"
"I have training lessons today. I'm learning how to wield a katana, but thus far I don't have enough skill to wield my sensei's blade. So I'm training with a spare katana of his."
"Wow. It's rare that a woman would want to learn how to wield such an ancient and sacred blade," Haruka said, "It's great that you want to branch out."
Jessie put a hand behind her head and laughed, "Well, when you put it that way...I guess you could say I'm one of a kind!"
Haruka nodded, "Well, if you're late, would you like a ride to your dojo?"
Jessie nodded quickly, "Hai Hai! Thank you very much Haruka-san!"
Michiru waved to Usagi as they exited the arcade doors and hopped into Haruka's yellow convertible. Haruka hit the gas and they took off. Usagi smiled and noticed her friends coming into view down the street. She yelled at them and waved with glee coming out of her voice.
Haruka's car...
"So have gotten to visit much of the city since you got here?" Haruka said as the evening wind blew through her light brown hair.
"Iee," Jessie replied, "but there is SO much I do plan on seeing while I'm here."
"This is a very beautiful place isn't it."
"Hai!"
"So you're from the United States. Is it pretty over there as well?" Michiru asked turning around in her seat to face Jessie.
"The country side is very beautiful, but the cities from where I'm from are very polluted. It's not the best place to live, but it's a good place to call home."
"I see. So you're in the 11^th grade?"
"Hai."
"Haruka and I are both 17 and in the 12^th grade. What about you?"
Jessie's face blushed a little and she looked down with her eyes somewhat embarrassed, "Umm...well...I'm..."
Haruka made a slight laugh and said, "Don't worry little one, no one will cause you problems about it."
Jessie nodded and said, "I'm...14."
"14?! Wow! You're a very intelligent little girl!" Michiru said beaming a smile.
"Not really intelligent...more along the lines of rich. My dad owns numerous chains of successful businesses. So I had the best of everything. Part of it was my natural ability, and a lot of it was my father wanted me to skip ahead a few grades. He thought the curriculum was too easy for me."
Haruka made another slight laugh and turned onto a street Jessie had pointed out. Jessie told Haruka to stop in front of one of the many skyscraper located within the area. Jessie hopped out and Haruka said, "Well, it was nice to meet you Jessie-san. Just make sure you got a way home. This is a safe city, but you can still never tell around this area. Especially during the night."
Jessie smiled and said, "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine." She bowed and took off through the revolving glass doors of the building complex.
5^th floor...
Jessie hurried to get her training outfit on fearing that she would be punished by her sensei. After getting her outfit on, she ran out to the wooden floor where the lessons took place. She was quite surprised at how many people were missing. Usually there were 20 people and the sensei here at this time, but instead all she saw was 2 or 3 people apart from herself. The sensei was nowhere to be found, and she sighed a breath of relief. She began her stretches and looked over to one of the students who was already training with one of the wooden swords the students used. It was forbidden for a student to use a real katana until they could prove to the teacher that they could control the blade and use it the right way. She walked over and noticed that it was the other exchange student that had arrived with her. She sat down in front of him about 15 ft away and watched him work the weapon carefully. His face was tight, but calm and concentrated, his muscles bulged like they were
being pushed to the max, but they moved with relative ease like wind was non-existent. Each slash of the wooden blade was like a tapestry playing itself out on the paper. One slash here was one stroke of a brush applying itself. His form was nearly flawless, and it appeared that the blade itself had become part of his body with how well he could control it. After another series of moves the boy stopped and took a slight breath. "Well, someone has been practicing," Jessie said impressed.
The boy finally noticed that Jessie had been sitting there and took a towel to wipe his sweaty face off. "Nah, just something that comes a little more natural than most I would have to say."
"Do you know where sensei is Shane?"
Shane shook his head, "Sorry Jessie, I haven't a clue. I'm actually surprised at how many kids are actually here. It's already late, but we only have 4 or 5 people here. Where did everyone go? The one thing that I'm somewhat puzzled with is how late sensei is. I mean 5 or 10 minutes isn't bad, but when you hit the 30-minute mark. Something is amiss there." Shane wiped more sweat off his face and shrugged, "I don't know, maybe there was some gridlock traffic, although I'm doubting that right away."
Jessie thought about her conversation with Haruka a little and asked Shane, "Uhh...Shane?"
Shane turned his head back toward her, "Hai?"
"How...old are you?"
"I'm 18." Jessie's eyes grew big and she hid her blushing face. Shane tilted his head a little, "Is...everything Ok Jessie?"
"Hai, daizyobuu desu."
"Then why are you blushing?"
Jessie made a quick, embarrassed laugh and said, "Wha-what gave you that thought?"
"Oh...maybe that you're still blushing like a red balloon?"
"Uhh..." Jessie froze caught in her own words.
"Is something the matter?"
"Well...uhh..."
"I'm not going to force anything out of you. If you decide to tell me go ahead."
"It's just...I'm only 14." Jessie turned her head to the side and a few slight tears escaped, "Go ahead and laugh at me. Go on, I can take the jeers."
"Jeers? Laugh at you?"
She turned her head back toward him, "All the boys I talk to, when they find out I'm only 14, they mock me like a little kid! It's not my fault I was born into a rich family!"
Shane replied, "Jessie, I'm not like the other boys. I respect your intelligence."
She looked back at him with slightly red eyes, "You...you do?"
Shane nodded, "Of course. I wish I had the intelligence you do at your age."
Jessie sniffled once or twice and shook her head, "I'm sorry to just start yelling at you like that."
"Don't worry, I don't think any less of you. Now how about we do some practicing until sensei gets here?"
Jessie nodded and finished her stretching. Then she went over to the wooden katana stand and picked one out. She took a few practice swings and walked back over to where Shane was. She got into a stance and said, "Ok...I'm ready."
A few hours later...
The dojo was empty, except for Shane and Jessie still sparring. "Stay focused! You're getting reckless!" Shane yelled as Jessie took a few slashes at him. Jessie took a few more slashes and Shane took her down by the leg. "Jessie. You have to stay focused. Your concentration is all over the place. How do you expect to wield a real blade if you can't control it?"
Jessie hit the ground with her palm, "I can't! I can't stay focused! Every time I find my center point, something appears to me, and I lose my concentration!"
Shane sighed and said, "How about we call it a day then. I don't need you to end up getting hurt."
Jessie put her wrists on her hips and said, "You don't want to hurt me? You mean you don't want me to kick your butt."
Shane took the towel from earlier and said wiping his face off, "If you say so Jessie, if you say so..."
Jessie crossed her arms and said, "That's right if I say so."
Shane headed back to the dressing room and changed into his street clothes. Jessie was still on the floor stretching when he returned. "You gonna be able to make it home by yourself? I mean it is rather dark out there."
Jessie rolled her eyes, "Please...this isn't the States. Japan is rather safe to walk in at any time of the day."
Shane shrugged, "Ok, but just remember, I warned you." He turned around and gave a hand wave real quick, and exited the dojo through the door.
"He talked like he was trying to pick me up or something! I'ld expect that from guys, but the one I came with to Japan? Talk about crazy." Jessie took a towel out and wiped the sweat from her head. "It's weird that sensei didn't show up today. I wonder if everything is Ok?" She got up and moved to dressing room changing back into her regular street clothes. She put her watch back onto her wrist and noticed it was 8:00. Way past sundown at this point in the year. She thought nothing of the time and grabbed her bag leaving the dojo.
Bottom floor of the business complex...
Jessie exited the revolving glass doors and began the 3-mile walk back to where she was staying with a family. About a mile into her homeward trek, she noticed a shadow seemed to creep up on her as she walked past streetlight to streetlight. She simply shrugged and thought nothing of it. She continued onward and kept an eye on the shadow. It seemed to keep creeping closer and closer to her and eventually she turned around to see what was causing this shadow to appear. Nothing appeared to be behind her, not even a cat that might have lost its way. She thought for a second and realized she had been knocked around more than she thought at her lessons. She turned back around and in front of her a large figure dressed in an old school fedora, and a tan trench coat. She froze for a second startled by this human's sudden appearance right in front of her. She sighed and moved past the human saying, "Excuse me."
The person grabbed her by the shoulder and turned her around facing him or her again. "Where do you think you're going?" finally spoke in a low voice.
"Excuse me?!"
"I said...where do you think you're going?"
Jessie gave the person a dirty look and said, "I'm going home. What do you think you're doing stopping me like that?!"
"Don't you think it's a little late for a little girl to be out this late?"
Jessie sighed a bit perturbed and replied, "Don't you think it's a little sick to stalk girls?"
The person made a slight rough sounding laugh and said, "I would hardly consider what I've been doing stalking."
"Then what do you call walking behind me the whole time, following me?"
"Well, it just depends on what I have in mind." The person grabbed her arm more forcefully this time and didn't let go as he had her shoulder. "Now how about you give me some sugar?"
Jessie finally registered that this guy wasn't a stalker, but a rapist, and tried to break free of his grip. The rapist threw her to the ground and tore off her pants, and shirt leaving her in her panties, and bra. Jessie screamed trying to do something to protect herself, but to no avail could she get her assailant away. She still kicked at him hoping to get a chance to run away, but the criminal pinned her arms to the ground with his legs and took off his trench coat. From there he began to unbutton his pants with a sick look of glee on his face. "Hey bitch! How about you leave her alone before I kick your ass?!" a voice yelled at the sick pervert.
The rapist turned his head and saw another person standing a short distance away. "Well, you must have a lot of balls trying to stop me. I guess I'll just kill you and then finish what I started!" He pulled out a gun and started firing rounds at the other person. The guy laughed as he fired, but soon looked stunned as his target started to walk toward him, like he was unaffected by the bullets. When he got into a better light the reason why was clear. In his hand he held a katana that looked ancient, but powerful. "But! I shot you! How did you dodge all the bullets?!"
"Dodge? As in...avoid? I didn't dodge your bullets, I simply deflected them with this blade here."
"WHAT!"
The other person came closer and closer slowly until he was about 10 ft away. "Now, how about you let her go, and I'll let you live."
The guy refastened his pants and pulled a knife out from his other pocket. He flipped it over revealing the sharp blade and started moving his hand about like a proficient user of that weapon. "How about you get the hell out of here before I make you spill your guts right here?" Jessie was too terrified to even move. She was free of the twisted man's grip, but she was so afraid, and traumatized to move she simply shivered scared beyond belief.
The rapist made a few feigning jabs with the knife, but the other person simply stood there unfazed by his meager fakes. "Come on...don't try to scare me. If you want to test out your skills, quit stalling and come get some!"
"You little creep!" The rapist said thrusting the knife forward, "Sinee!"
"Simpleton..." He sidestepped the thrust and made one quick slice with the blade. The knife dropped to the ground with a bloody hand still holding onto it. The rapist screamed and hid his arm that had been cut off at the wrist. He ran off yelling profanities and disappeared from view down the street. Jessie was still terrified, and looked up at the person that had saved her. A little blood still remained on the blade, and he knelt down covered her with a blanket. Slowly he helped her back to her feet and handed back to her the pants and shirt she wore. "Jessie...shhh...it's Ok...he's gone. You'll be fine..." the stranger cooed trying to sooth her fear hugging her gently.
"T-that-that guy...just...he nearly..." she broke down crying into the stranger's chest.
"Jessie...shh...it's Ok...he's gone. He's gone..."
Jessie looked up at her protector with her water-fill pools and asked, "Who...are you?"
"It's me...Shane...from your class," he replied gently trying to calm her.
She dug her head back into his chest and started crying again still in complete fear and shock at what she had just gone through. She whispered out, "Thank you...so very much," and continued to sob great tears.
The next day...
Jessie did come to school, still looking over her shoulder fearing someone else would try the same thing. It was astounding she had convinced her guardians to let her go to school despite their constant resisting, but she had to prove this wouldn't affect her. More than it already had. Last night was like a nightmare for her. After Shane had helped her back to her home, she had to tell her parents about the rapist, and how Shane had saved her. Her parents were stunned to see here in the condition she was in, and her mother guardian wept with her, not only for what had happened, but also that someone had come to her aid. Her father guardian was a bit teary eyed himself, but graciously thanked Shane, and told him that he was welcome in their house anytime. Jessie tried to keep the memories of how she was nearly raped out of her mind, but it was very difficult trying to do. It affected her walking, and her concentration of where she was going. Eventually she found her way to
school and walking into her classroom looking very gloomy. She sat at her desk and noticed that Shane had already arrived reading a book. She replayed the part where Shane had been comforting her, and felt a little warmth come into her body. It was something that she had neglected to feel when the actual event had taken place. In that same instant she realized she had yet to thank Shane for saving her life last night. She hesitated to get out of her chair and slowly, somewhat fearfully approached Shane. "Ummm...Shane?"
Shane lowered his book and looked at Jessie, "Jessie! Hello...are you feeling any better?"
Jessie felt like crying, but held the tears in and replied, "Yes, I'm feeling much better. Thanks again for saving my life last night."
Shane made a slight blush and said, "It wasn't nothing. Lucky I was just passing by on my home as well."
Jessie made a slight sniffle and a little tear came to her eye. She wiped it away and smiled feeling the burning sensation to weep grew greater and greater. Eventually she could hold it no longer and burst into tears running out from the room. Everyone looked over at Shane like he had done something wrong and Shane sighed. He got up and started to chase after her. On her way out, Jessie passed by Usagi and her friends who were on their way to classroom as well. Usagi heard Jessie crying and yelled, "Jessie-chan! Daizyoobu desu ka?!"
She saw Shane running out after her and grabbed him by the arm before he was out of reach and said angered like he was the culprit, "What did you say to her?!"
Shane returned the gaze and said, "I didn't say anything to her, and I'm trying to help her! Now let go of my arm!" He yanked it free from her grasp and ran after Jessie as fast as he could. Jessie ran into the women's restroom, and sat in one of the stalls crying scared out of her mind. Shane heard her sobs and said from outside the restroom, "Jessie, come out of there and I'll take you home."
Jessie sobbed and replied, "I'm scared Shane...I'm afraid to leave! I feel so...helpless!" She buried her head into her knees and wept harder.
Shane sighed and knew that if he were caught he would be in BIG trouble. He made a few hesitant noises and walked into the restroom. He walked over and stood by the stall Jessie was crying in and said, "Jessie, I know you feel helpless, but this is when you need your friends to help you get through the fear. The helplessness. Usagi is there for you if you talk to her, your folks are there for you."
Jessie looked up and asked, "Are you there for me as well?"
Shane nodded and said, "Yes Jessie, I'm here for you as well. I'm your friend. I'll always be there for you."
Jessie made a few more sobs and finally got a slight hold on her tears. She opened the door to the stall and hugged Shane tightly crying a little on his school uniform. "Thank you for helping me through this," she stuttered from the tears.
Shane put his arms around her and rubbed her back gently. She looked up at him and blushed at him with tears still in her eyes. He wiped a few of them away and said, "Now how about we get out of this restroom before-."
A girl walked into the restroom and noticed Shane. She screamed and ran out yelling, "A pervert in the restroom!"
Shane blushed and thought, "Oh shit!"
Principal's office...
"You know I could expel you for what you did," the principal said looking at him through his thick spectacles. Shane couldn't say anything in his defense fearing the wrong thing would assure him to be expelled. "Well? Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Shane looked up at him and asked, "May I ask you something sir?"
The principal narrowed his eyes and nodded his head slightly, "You may."
"If you were the only one who could do something, but it meant breaking a few rules. Would you do it?"
The principal made a slight hum and asked, "Is this in defense of what you did?" Shane looked at him almost determined to get a reply before he said something else. The principal made a slight low, gruff laugh and responded, "If it was important enough, and the boundaries I overstepped were within reason to be broken."
"Having said that sir, if you knew that I was the only one trying to help that student through and ordeal, would you allow me to break the rule I just had?"
"I didn't know that there was any ordeal with a fellow student to begin with, but...if it were a justified reason for what you did, then I would have to say yes."
"Then you would understand that I had the best-."
"But!" the principal silenced him, "That still gives you no reason to have been in that restroom."
Shane looked defeated and said, "But SIR! You just said that if given a situation similar to mine-."
"A situation you have yet to tell me about. I can't just let you off the hook without a reason. Tell me why you were in that restroom, and I'll consider what I do."
Shane lowered his head and felt hesitant to say anything. "I...I'm sorry sir...I can't...tell you why. It's not like I wouldn't tell you if I had the choice! It's just-." Shane sighed and shook his head, "I can't tell you sir. I'm sorry."
The principal sighed and stood up from his desk putting his hands clasping one another behind his back. "If you can't give me the reason, then I have no choice but to punish you for this incident."
Shane nodded his head and left the room defeated by the principal's words. When he returned to his classroom, the instant he opened the door, the room went silent and all eyes were on him. Shane simply walked over to his desk and sat down still being watched by his fellow classmates. They still eyed him intently before he said, "Don't you have something else you should be doing?!"
They eyed him for a few more seconds before the whispering began, and from there rumors formed like funnel clouds harboring torment. Shane sighed and Makoto looked asked him, "So what happened in the principal's office?"
Shane looked over at Makoto disgusted and said, "Have you no shame at all? What happens is my business. Not yours."
"Don't have to be so abrasive about it...I was just trying to help," Makoto sat back on her chair.
Shane sighed and thought, "Whatever happens, I know I did the right thing in the end."
After school...
Shane had to report back to the principal's office to discover his punishment, and of course he felt awful about having received punishment for doing the right thing, but he wasn't the one in charge of the school, and he did have to abide by the rules regardless. Jessie caught him before he made it to the office and said, "Hey...Shane?"
Shane stopped and gave a slight smile, "Don't worry about what happens to me. You just concentrate on school. If it turns out I get kicked from school and taken back to America then don't worry about me, just have fun here."
Jessie still shivered a little, and said, "But...I don't want you to leave...what happens if someone tries that again? Or worse?"
"Like I told you earlier, it was only luck that I heard you, I don't think luck happens twice. Not on a matter this dramatic."
Jessie sighed and smiled, "Well, I'm just glad you did save me once, and I hope that whatever happens you'll be happy."
Shane nodded and headed down the hall to await his fate. He stopped at the door reading the kenji inscribed upon it and took one great sigh. "Here goes..."
Two hours later...
Because Jessie didn't have training today, she decided to head back to the arcade with Usagi, and meet her other friends. "So he could be kicked out of school because he didn't tell the principal what he was trying to do?" Minako said.
Jessie nodded somewhat depressed that all this boiled down to a simple thing as helping someone through a hard time and could magnify into getting kicked from school. "He so BADLY wanted to tell the principal why he did it, but he did it to protect me."
"You never did tell us why he went in there," Ami said adjusting her glasses.
Jessie blushed, "Uhh...it's rather...personal..."
Usagi raised an eyebrow and made a slight grin, "Oh...really?"
Jessie caught her and said, "I-it's not that Usagi-chan! Really! It has nothing to do with either of us liking the other!"
Usagi made a more evil type grin and said, "Oh...sure...that's how it begins, both of you deny your feelings for one another, and then it goes from there!"
Jessie started to feel the tears swell in her eyes and she said, "Usagi-chan...you...you don't know what happened!!" She slapped her across the face and finished, "I thought you were my friend Usagi! It appears that if you make a joke about something like this, then you're not!"
Jessie ran out of the arcade crying, and Usagi put her hand where Jessie had slapped her. "Jessie-chan..."
"Usagi! How could you hurt Jessie's feelings like that?!" Rei said in her snippy tone.
"Rei-chan...I...I didn't know I was..."
Jessie's house...
Jessie's guardian parents both worked late that night, so Jessie was alone crying in her room. A million things were active in her mind, but only a few were registering to her actual conscious thought. The rest were brewing in her sub-conscious just wanting a taste at freedom. Jessie kept crying feeling alone, cold, scared. She wanted to feel happy, but there was nothing happy to think about. Usagi embarrassed her, but she was still so shaken up that the slightest thing tripped her off. She knew that it was wrong to jump to such quick actions as she had. Her eyes were bloodshot and red, from all the crying she had done. A knock at the front door made her aware, and she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. She got up and made her way to the front door, trying to make it look like nothing was wrong with her constantly wiping away whatever water lay near her eyes. After a few seconds she asked, "Who is it?"
"It's Shane. Can I talk with you?"
Jessie felt sudden warmth enter her and opened the door in a hurry. "Hey! Come in!" Shane entered and took his shoes off at the door. Jessie smiled and asked, "So what's going on?"
Shane sighed and said, "Jessie...sit down for a second." Jessie suddenly feared the worst and sat down on the couch in the family room. Shane sat down beside her and sighed closing his eyes and putting his hand on his forehead like a headache was coming on. "I have good news, and I have bad news."
"Good news first."
"Good news...the principal has taken no action against me."
"So you're still in school?!"
Shane nodded, "But..."
"But?"
"You now have to take classes to deal with what happened to you. I...I told him what happened, but it's complete confidentiality."
Jessie closed her eyes tightly and smacked Shane across the face screaming, "How could you tell him!? I thought I could trust you!!"
Shane lowered his head a red mark forming where Jessie slapped him. "I'm...sorry."
Jessie pointed to the door and yelled, "Get out!! I don't want to see your face EVER again!"
Shane looked up to say something but shook his head and headed towards the door. He stood in the doorway for a few seconds and said after getting his shoes back on, "At first I thought I was doing the right thing by telling no one, but, telling no one would only result in you having an emotional scar that would never heal. I was wrong to think telling no one was the right thing in the end. It was the wrong thing."
Shane walked out to the gate of the house and let himself out. Jessie slammed the front door shut and put her face in her cupped hands. She felt betrayed. It was like her whole world was crumbling under her feet. Now she had to go to some stupid those were raped classes, and listen to be told it wasn't her fault. She knew the whole drill of what the overseers of the class would say, and frankly, she didn't give a care. However, since it was a school order to go to the classes, she had to go, or end up in a same situation as Shane had been in, and she had NO intention of heading back to the states anytime soon.
That night...
Jessie lay on her bed wide-awake. She wondered about the past events from the past 48 hours, but couldn't stop thinking about a certain part. Where she had blown up at the very person whom had saved her. She turned her head to the side trying to just let it all slide by, and fall asleep. Eventually all she could think about was the part where she slapped Shane and what happened after that. It kept playing in her mind over and over like a badly scratched CD. After a while she thought if slapping him was wrong. Not because he saved his life, but because all he was trying to do was look out for her. She sighed and lay upon this thought slowly falling into a slight slumber.
"Jessie...Jessie," Something seemed to be calling out to her. Jessie moaned and turned her head. The voice called out again, "Jessie...Jessie..." This time Jessie opened her eyes and looked around.
"Hello? Anyone there?" she said still looking around the room.
"Jessie...Jessie..." the voice still called out her name.
"What do you want?! I can hear you, but where are you?" She slipped out of bed and opened the door to her room. She walked for what seemed like a few seconds, and she suddenly found herself near the base of Tokyo Tower. She blinked a few times and looked around to make sure she wasn't going insane. Sure enough, she was standing at the base of the Tower. "How...did I end up here?" She looked around.
"Jessie...Jessie..." the voice called out to her.
Again Jessie looked around for where the voice might be calling for her from. She looked up and near the top of Tokyo Tower a light shown. It seemed to draw attention to her, and she ignored the voice as it called out to her once more. She headed to the elevator of the tower, and it opened its doors automatically. Jessie stepped in and was taken to the top of the tower where the light was coming from. When the elevator doors opened Jessie had to shield her eyes till they became used to the bright light. When she lowered her hand she saw a somewhat translucent figure emanating the light. "Who...who are you?"
"Jessie...you must make up...with Shane."
"What?"
"You must make up with Shane."
"Why must I make up with him? He lied and betrayed me!"
The translucent figure moved a few steps towards Jessie and replied, "If you don't...the future...will be destroyed..."
"Destroyed? Destroyed by what?! Who are you?!"
"You must make up with Shane..."
A humming sound started to grow louder until something like a snap sounded. Jessie jolted out of bed in a cold sweat. She put a hand on her forehead and closed her eyes moaning a little. "What...was that dream about? If I don't make up with Shane...the future...will be...destroyed?" She shook her head and wondered if it just something she had eaten causing that bad dream. Slowly she lie on her bed and fell asleep once again.
Next Day at school...
Jessie thought about the dream from last night as she sat at her desk, and stared at the ceiling. Usagi and walked into the classroom, chipper as usual, and looked over at Jessie. "Jessie-chan..." she remembered her words from yesterday and lowered her head a little.
"Usagi-chan...just go over to her and apologize. Hopefully she'll forgive you," Minako said to her.
"But...what if she's still mad at me?"
"Usagi-chan...what if she's not? Have you ever thought of that?" Makoto said trying to back up Minako.
"Mako-chan...Minako-chan." Usagi perked right up and nodded with a cheerful smile. She walked over to Jessie who was still in a trance and said in a cherry tone, "Konnichiwa Jessie-chan!" Jessie didn't move from her position and Usagi continued a little scared that at some point Jessie would just attack her. "Uhh...I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. A lot of times I see something and I open my mouth. It's a bad habit I have. I'm sorry, can we please be friends again?" Jessie still stared at the ceiling and made a slight hum. Usagi blinked a few times and brought her face closer to Jessie and said with a pair of flat eyes, "Jessie-chan..."
Jessie made a slight hum again as Usagi waved her hand in front of her eyes and poked Jessie on the arm slightly. Jessie didn't seem to respond to anything Usagi did, and eventually she sighed and looked over at Minako and shook her head. The door to the classroom opened and Shane stood in the doorway. Almost on command Jessie snapped out of her trance and looked at him. Shane looked at her for a second and walked back to his seat like he had just stared a hole in her. Jessie looked ahead and put her head on her folded arms. "Should I tell him I'm sorry for overreacting?" Jessie pondered.
Usagi poked her on the arm slightly and she looked over finally aware of Usagi's presence. "Jessie-chan...I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to be so rude to you."
Jessie made a slight smile and nodded, "It's Ok Usagi...I was just...a little shaken up yesterday. I'm sorry I took it out on you."
Usagi nodded and replied, "It's Ok Jessie-chan," Usagi moved closer and said in a much quieter voice, "but if you ever do find a guy...I can help you out a little." She winked at Jessie and made a little giggle.
"Usagi-chan...can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
Jessie looked at her fuku and started twirling the fabric around her finger a little and said, "If you slapped a guy...would you apologize?"
Usagi put a finger to her chin and thought for a second. "Well, it depends. If I ever hit my Mamo-chan I would usually apologize to him because it's usually my fault something happened." Usagi cooed and replied, "Mamo-chan...how I would rather be in his arms now than at school."
"Uhh...Usagi-chan?"
Usagi's eyes turned to little hearts and she repeated, "Mamo-chan..."
Jessie poked Usagi a few times and got no response from her. Jessie sighed and pinched Usagi on the arm breaking her from her romantic swooning trance. "Jessie-chan why did you pinch me!?"
"You kinda when off there for a second. Sorry, but would you ever slap a guy?"
"If it was appropriate. Yes I would."
Jessie looked back at Shane, who was reading a book, and looked back at Usagi. "What if you were wrong for slapping someone, but are afraid of what they'll say if you apologize?
"You never know what'll happen if you don't try."
Jessie thought for a second, "The world...will be destroyed, if you don't make up with Shane." She shook her head at the thought and said aloud, "They I guess I have to make sure that it doesn't." She took a deep breath and stood up out of her chair. The bell to the beginning of class rang and she groaned. She would have to wait until after first period to talk to him.
After school...
Jessie still hadn't talk to Shane all day. Every time she built up the courage something came out of the blue and deflated her balloon. It had gotten to the point where she might not even be able to talk to him at practice that day. Jessie walked out of the classroom gloomy. She exited the school and began her trek home disappointed in herself for quitting when the going got tough. About half way there she noticed a large group of kids screaming and cheering. As she drew nearer she saw that nearly 200 kids had formed a circle around a fight and were chanting. She looked at both kids and gasped. One of them, who looked like had been getting his ass kicked, was Shane. The other kid, nearly a foot and half bigger than Shane sneered and took a few more feigns at Shane's face. Jessie squeezed her way through until she was on the inner end of the circle and felt like his beating was her fault. It appeared that his head wasn't even in the fight. He didn't have the same look as the
night he had protected her. It was like he was a completely different person. Her eyes started to tear and she ran between the fight looking at Shane and just blurting out, "Shane, I'm so sorry for what I did! I know you can never forgive me for what I did, but...please know that you did the right thing!"
Shane just looked at her and couldn't speak. The other kid grabbed Jessie by the arm and spun her around. "What do you think you're doing? Trying to stick up for your little punk friend?"
"You leave him alone you bully!"
The other kid laughed and the rest of the kids laughed with him, "It's that pricks fault in the first place! He should watch where he's going instead of running into people!"
Jessie reached back and slapped the bully across the face boldly replying, "Leave him alone or I'll make you pay!"
The kids murmured amongst themselves and one of them asked, "What are you going to do Urasaki?"
The larger kid looked over and then looked back at Jessie saying, "I'm going to kick this little exchange student's ass for slapping me!" Urasaki reared his fist back and thrust it forward with a great deal of velocity. It ripped across Jessie's face and made her cheek swell instantly as it knocked her back a little. The kid walked over and brought another punch forward tearing into Jessie's stomach. Jessie cried in pain and keeled over sobbing. The kid spit on her and said, "Don't you EVER slap me again bitch...you got it?"
Urasaki felt a tap on his shoulder behind him and turned around. A fist blasted him squarely in the nose and his head was whip lashed back. He stumbled a few steps back and touched under his nose. It dripped with blood and he looked over at Shane. Shane looked like a deep hatred had been set off in him, and he held his fists up at the ready. "Come get some...punk," he taunted. Urasaki growled and screamed throwing a punch at Shane. Shane moved his head and decked him across the cheek, and a crack was heard as the fist hit flesh. "There are two things you should NEVER do. The first," Shane said ripping a punch into the goon's stomach, "Is hit a girl! The second," he finished with a die-hard uppercut that floored Urasaki, "is you should NEVER call her a bitch." The crowd started to disperse and Shane looked over at Jessie who was cowering on the ground like a scolded dog. Jessie scrambled to her feet and hugged him sobbing madly. Shane put her arms around her head and gently
hugged her back. "Shhhh...everything is going to be Ok," he cooed to her trying to sooth her cries.
"Shane...I...I'm...so...*sniffle*...sorry...I'm sorry...I...slapped you! *Sobs*"
Shane shook his head slowly, "Don't worry about it. Everything is going to be fine." He raised her chin up to his face and looked at her cheek. "Hmm...we better get you home and get some ice on that bruise." Jessie smiled and touched his slightly bruised cheek tears still coming from her eyes.
"What about you?"
Shane shook his head, "Don't worry about me, I'm a fast healer." Jessie sniffled and nodded. Shane walked over and picked up her book bag dusting it off. He handed it to her politely and said, "Here you are young maiden." Jessie giggled and took it from him.
"Thank you kind sir." Shane and Jessie headed off toward Jessie's house to get patched up somewhat.
Jessie's guardian house...
"Here's some ice for your cheek," Shane said slowly applying the ice to the cheek of Jessie. She made a strained face but calmed herself after a few seconds, and seemed to look into Shane's eyes. They were blue in color, but they seemed to be more navy in color than when she had seen them before. She licked her lips and said with a hint of hesitation, "Uhh...Shane?"
Shane kept attending to her and said, "Yes?"
"Uhh...I had a...dream last night..."
"And?"
"And...well, it said that if I didn't make up with you..." Jessie trailed off.
Shane looked into her eyes and said, "Huh?"
"That...the world would..."
"The world? What would happen to the world?"
Jessie licked her lips a little afraid and finished, "It said the world...would end."
An Unavoidable Fate...A Message of Caution
Serene, calm, peaceful. These were the words that described modern day Japan. It had been at least 2 months since problems had been happening. "Mamo-chan...do you ever...wonder?"
"Wonder?"
"If...this world was ever meant to be...peaceful? Is it our full destiny to constantly keep this planet at peace? Are we allowed to live relatively carefree?"
"Oh? Why do you suddenly think that?"
"I guess...I'm just worried that something is going to happen. It usually does...since I first met you...I haven't had a long peaceful time. It's always something new. I mean I do love this planet and you...but...do you ever wish that things would just stay peaceful forever?"
Mamoru looked up at the clear night and searched hoping to find the correct words. "Of course I do. Peace is what I constantly strive to achieve. I want to be able to raise our family in a world devoid of evil, and corruption."
Usagi smiled and nodded, "That's what I want to do for our family as well. I want to be able to have them grow up without fear and suffering. Such a wonderful dream for us both...and together...we'll achieve it." Mamoru gave Usagi a calm look such that made her blush up in the cheeks. She slowly closed her eyes and moved her head toward Mamoru. Both set of lips moved closer and closer together until air could not escape. The kiss of love had been sealed, and the two lovers enjoyed it like it was the first kiss for each of them. Soft, warm, relaxed, loved.
On a rooftop about 3 blocks from Mamoru's apartment another set of lips spoke softly in the warm fall air. "There still is a chance we can stop the events from happening! We have to present ourselves to them and tell them what will happen!"
Another figure on the same rooftop shook his or her head and replied, "No young one. They must not learn of events to come at this time. All we can do for now is wait and use this time to prepare. Prepare for the time when we will reveal everything to them."
The soft-spoken figure walked over to the other and put his or her head on the other figure's shoulder. "Ok...but promise me one thing."
"Name it."
"That you'll always love me. No matter what happens. That I can count on your love to light my way to the right path, and mine to yours."
A slight wind blew by and the larger figure said, "Love...is such a simple thing...but when amplified and believed in, it can have devastating power." The larger figure turned his face toward the smaller figure and said, "My love will light the way for you, but your love will keep the light shining farther in your own path. Mine...is a path that must be stumbled in darkness until I can forgive everyone." The larger figure slowly moved his or her hand down the smaller figure's long hair and said, "Come...we've done enough watching for the night. Tomorrow is another day for you to train."
The figures disappeared into the night air and another slight breeze blew across Usagi and Mamoru. Usagi felt something on the wind and asked, "Mamo-chan...did you just feel that?"
Mamoru gave her a confused look and shook his head, "Is everything Ok Usako?"
Usagi looked out across the city and said, "I'm not sure. I felt something...but I couldn't tell what it was. Maybe just a slight chill."
Mamoru turned around and said, "How about we go inside and I'll make you some tea."
Usagi jumped up and said in her giddy schoolgirl voice, "Yeah! Mamo-chan makes wonderful tea!" She clung onto his arm and walked inside with her boyfriend.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Two days later...
"Good day students. We have a few new faces entering our school. So I would like you to meet Shane Jones, and Jessie Benjamin. Both are exchange students from the United States so please treat them with respect."
The students stood up and bowed replying with the traditional hai. "Where shall we be sitting sensei?" Shane asked turning his head.
"Hmm...well, it appears there is a spot open at the front of the class, and one in the back."
Shane looked at Jessie and she nodded to him. "I'll take the spot in the back sir." Shane said bowing in respect.
Shane walked to the back of the class and all of the students looked at him as he passed by. Minako was a little red and passed a note over to Usagi quickly while the teacher wasn't looking. Usagi giggled a little and wrote something back on the paper and slipped it back to Minako. Minako giggled and looked over at Usagi who giggled some more. Jessie walked over and took the empty seat next to Usagi. Usagi smiled and said, "Konnichiwa Jessie-san! Atashi wa Tsukino Usagi. Yorosiku!" Jessie smiled back and nodded. Usagi looked a little puzzled and said, "Don't you speak Japanese well, or are you just shy?" (AN: This could be what is considered translated in a way.)
Jessie shook her brown/black hair and said, "It's not that...if I miss what sensei is saying...then I'll have trouble on the homework."
Usagi's head hit the desk and she thought, "Oh no...she's just like Ami-chan!"
Jessie giggled and answered, "Don't think that because I want to get notes down that I don't want to have some fun after school."
Usagi perked up and replied a little louder, "Hai! I know just the place to hang out!"
Sensei turned around from his talking and said, "Tsukino-san!"
Usagi's face turned red and she put it back down on the desk embarrassed.
Jessie giggled and whispered when the teacher had turned back around, "Thank you Usagi-chan. I would like that a lot!"
Shane was busy writing down notes when the girl he sat next to nudged him gently in the side. Shane ignored it until she nudged him again. He whispered from the side of his mouth, "I'm warning you...don't do that again. I'm busy."
The girl next to him whispered back to him, "Well how am I supposed to get your attention if you're taking notes down?"
Shane stopped for a second and made a slight, low laugh. He replied, "How about you wait until school is out or the period is over? Then we'll talk."
The girl completely ignored his comment and said, "Atashi wa Kino Makoto. Yorosiku!" She beamed a smile at him, and he put his pen down to look at her.
"How about we talk after the period is over. Ok?"
Makoto blinked a few times and thought, "What is this guy's problem? He needs to relax a little and act a little nicer."
Shane continued taking notes and Makoto put her head on her bent arm giving a slight sigh. "So what happens when we have a test and we can use notes? You gonna just pull everything from memory?" Shane whispered to Makoto concentrating on the board still.
"Huh? We're not allowed to use notes on a test. Didn't you know that?"
"Well...no, but aren't you worried about studying?"
"Not really. I have a study group I attend at a friend's house once or twice a week."
"Ahh...wakarimasu." Makoto nodded her head and Shane said, "But how does a study group help if you don't have the notes to study?"
Makoto went blank and whispered, "Uhh...you don't mind if I copy yours to catch up?" She made a cheesy, embarrassed grin.
Shane made a wry, lowered eyebrow grin. "You catch on fast I see."
Makoto still had the grin and took down the notes as fast as she could.
After school...
Jessie stood in front of Shane and said, "I'm going to head out with Usagi-san for a bit. Do you mind?"
Shane shook his head, "That's fine with me. Just get back in time. That's all that I care about Ok?"
Jessie nodded and made a slight blush. She skipped back over to where Usagi was waiting and waved to Shane leaving the school.
Shane finished packing his things and was about to leave when Makoto stopped him and asked, "Shane...uhh...I know this might be a silly thing to ask, but...uhh..."
Shane looked at her and said, "What do you want to ask me?"
Makoto grit her teeth and said quickly, "Would you like to go do something fun since you're new here?!"
Shane blinked at her confused and said, "How about we slow down and put some space in front of each word."
Makoto sighed and said slower more relaxed, "Would you like to head out and see Tokyo since you're from the States?"
Shane gave her the same smile from earlier and replied, "I'd love to but I haven't the time today. I have to head home and get some work done. Sorry." He gave her a slight wave and headed out of the room.
Makoto gave a slight frump and snapped her fingers saying, "Damn." Makoto put her books away and exited the room as well to meet her friends at the arcade.
Royal Crown Arcade...
"This is the arcade where I visit when I'm bummed out or just plain bored," Usagi said letting the glass doors fwoosh open.
"All right. I love arcades!" Jessie let out a jump of glee.
Usagi grabbed her by the wrist and said, "Come on! Hopefully if my friend is working you can meet him!" Usagi dragged her friend to the counter and said, "Motoki-san!"
A kid that looked about 21 with light brown hair turned around. Jessie saw his green eyes and she swooned instantly. "Ka...Kawa...ii!" she said with hearts beating in her eyes. She shook her head instantly and poured out, "K...Konnichiwa! Atashi wa Jessie Benjamin! I'm from the United States! I'm an exchange student this year! Yorosiku!" She bowed in respect and her face turned red.
Motoki looked surprised and said, "A student from the States? Wow. I've never met a student from the States! I've visited there once or twice, but only for a day or so. What's it like over there?!"
Jessie giggled and said, "It's just like Japan, only with more land, and everyone speaks mostly English."
Motoki laughed and nodded, "I would imagine! So...Jessie was it?"
Jessie nodded, "Hai!"
"Jessie, I'm Motoki. My sister is down the street at the restaurant working. My dad owns this who Crown area, so it's kinda a luxury you could say."
Jessie nodded and said, "So what game do you think I should play?"
Motoki shrugged, "I'm not sure. The most popular game right now would be the racing game. Usagi-chan why don't you show her the game?"
Usagi nodded, "Hai Motoki-san!"
Motoki winked at her and flipped her a few token, "And this one is one me. Ok?"
Usagi blushed and nodded, "Arigato!" Jessie was pulled over to the racing game and Usagi sat her down on one side of the helm. Usagi walked over and sat in the other helm of the racing game. She put the tokens in and winked at Jessie, "It's not that hard. Just have some fun. Ok?"
Jessie nodded and waited for the race to start. The green light hit and Jessie cranked on the gas. Usagi was surprised at how well Jessie was doing, but gave a light semi-evil grin, as one would do when trying to win a competition. It was tight the whole race, but in the end Usagi pulled out a win. Jessie was quite pleased with the game and stood up. "Is there anything else in this place that's worth trying?"
"Well..."
"Oh...Odango atama!" a familiar voice called out.
Usagi turned around and said happily, "Haruka-san! Michiru-san!"
Jessie blinked, "Usagi-chan...who are these people? Friends of yours?"
Usagi nodded and said, "Jessie-chan, this is Tenoh Haruka, and Kaioh Michiru." Michiru bowed and Haruka extended her hand in greeting. Jessie blinked for a second and shook hands with Haruka.
"So are you two girlfriend and boyfriend?" Jessie asked.
Haruka looked at Michiru confused and made a slight laugh, "I'm sorry to break the news, but I'm a girl."
Jessie's eyes grew and she replied, "No way! You can't be! You have such a...flat chest!"
Haruka was completely taken back and burst out laughing, "That's the first time I've ever had someone say that to me when I tell him or her I'm a female!"
Jessie blushed and hid her face with her school bag and said, "Gomen."
Michiru made a slight laugh, "It's Ok Jessie, I'm actually surprised that someone would say such a thing to Haruka!"
Jessie poked her head out from behind the bag and said, "Wait a minute. You didn't use a suffix ending." Michiru looked at her confused. Jessie lowered her voice and asked Michiru, "Are you and Haruka...you know...are you two..."
Michiru still looked confused and suddenly made a slight laugh, "Don't worry little one, there's still a chance for you to get Haruka." She winked at Jessie who shook her head.
"Michiru-san..." Jessie made a defeated sigh and finished, "Oh! I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself to you! I'm Jessie Benjamin. I live in the United States, but I'm here as an exchange student this year. It's nice to meet you!"
Haruka smiled and said, "Well, it's nice to know you're like odango atama in the sense you're really cheerful."
Jessie smiled and nodded. In America we have lots of arcades as well, but most of them are dark and usually boys hang out in `em. Not a lot of girls are really good at the games so it's rather dull. Here I see lots of girls playing so it's really good competition for me!"
Michiru put her hand near her mouth and laughed lightly. "Well, it's nice to meet you Jessie. I'm sure we'll run into you more."
Jessie nodded and looked at her watch. "Ahh! I'm late!"
Usagi tilted her head slightly, "Late for what?"
"I have training lessons today. I'm learning how to wield a katana, but thus far I don't have enough skill to wield my sensei's blade. So I'm training with a spare katana of his."
"Wow. It's rare that a woman would want to learn how to wield such an ancient and sacred blade," Haruka said, "It's great that you want to branch out."
Jessie put a hand behind her head and laughed, "Well, when you put it that way...I guess you could say I'm one of a kind!"
Haruka nodded, "Well, if you're late, would you like a ride to your dojo?"
Jessie nodded quickly, "Hai Hai! Thank you very much Haruka-san!"
Michiru waved to Usagi as they exited the arcade doors and hopped into Haruka's yellow convertible. Haruka hit the gas and they took off. Usagi smiled and noticed her friends coming into view down the street. She yelled at them and waved with glee coming out of her voice.
Haruka's car...
"So have gotten to visit much of the city since you got here?" Haruka said as the evening wind blew through her light brown hair.
"Iee," Jessie replied, "but there is SO much I do plan on seeing while I'm here."
"This is a very beautiful place isn't it."
"Hai!"
"So you're from the United States. Is it pretty over there as well?" Michiru asked turning around in her seat to face Jessie.
"The country side is very beautiful, but the cities from where I'm from are very polluted. It's not the best place to live, but it's a good place to call home."
"I see. So you're in the 11^th grade?"
"Hai."
"Haruka and I are both 17 and in the 12^th grade. What about you?"
Jessie's face blushed a little and she looked down with her eyes somewhat embarrassed, "Umm...well...I'm..."
Haruka made a slight laugh and said, "Don't worry little one, no one will cause you problems about it."
Jessie nodded and said, "I'm...14."
"14?! Wow! You're a very intelligent little girl!" Michiru said beaming a smile.
"Not really intelligent...more along the lines of rich. My dad owns numerous chains of successful businesses. So I had the best of everything. Part of it was my natural ability, and a lot of it was my father wanted me to skip ahead a few grades. He thought the curriculum was too easy for me."
Haruka made another slight laugh and turned onto a street Jessie had pointed out. Jessie told Haruka to stop in front of one of the many skyscraper located within the area. Jessie hopped out and Haruka said, "Well, it was nice to meet you Jessie-san. Just make sure you got a way home. This is a safe city, but you can still never tell around this area. Especially during the night."
Jessie smiled and said, "Don't worry about it. I'll be fine." She bowed and took off through the revolving glass doors of the building complex.
5^th floor...
Jessie hurried to get her training outfit on fearing that she would be punished by her sensei. After getting her outfit on, she ran out to the wooden floor where the lessons took place. She was quite surprised at how many people were missing. Usually there were 20 people and the sensei here at this time, but instead all she saw was 2 or 3 people apart from herself. The sensei was nowhere to be found, and she sighed a breath of relief. She began her stretches and looked over to one of the students who was already training with one of the wooden swords the students used. It was forbidden for a student to use a real katana until they could prove to the teacher that they could control the blade and use it the right way. She walked over and noticed that it was the other exchange student that had arrived with her. She sat down in front of him about 15 ft away and watched him work the weapon carefully. His face was tight, but calm and concentrated, his muscles bulged like they were
being pushed to the max, but they moved with relative ease like wind was non-existent. Each slash of the wooden blade was like a tapestry playing itself out on the paper. One slash here was one stroke of a brush applying itself. His form was nearly flawless, and it appeared that the blade itself had become part of his body with how well he could control it. After another series of moves the boy stopped and took a slight breath. "Well, someone has been practicing," Jessie said impressed.
The boy finally noticed that Jessie had been sitting there and took a towel to wipe his sweaty face off. "Nah, just something that comes a little more natural than most I would have to say."
"Do you know where sensei is Shane?"
Shane shook his head, "Sorry Jessie, I haven't a clue. I'm actually surprised at how many kids are actually here. It's already late, but we only have 4 or 5 people here. Where did everyone go? The one thing that I'm somewhat puzzled with is how late sensei is. I mean 5 or 10 minutes isn't bad, but when you hit the 30-minute mark. Something is amiss there." Shane wiped more sweat off his face and shrugged, "I don't know, maybe there was some gridlock traffic, although I'm doubting that right away."
Jessie thought about her conversation with Haruka a little and asked Shane, "Uhh...Shane?"
Shane turned his head back toward her, "Hai?"
"How...old are you?"
"I'm 18." Jessie's eyes grew big and she hid her blushing face. Shane tilted his head a little, "Is...everything Ok Jessie?"
"Hai, daizyobuu desu."
"Then why are you blushing?"
Jessie made a quick, embarrassed laugh and said, "Wha-what gave you that thought?"
"Oh...maybe that you're still blushing like a red balloon?"
"Uhh..." Jessie froze caught in her own words.
"Is something the matter?"
"Well...uhh..."
"I'm not going to force anything out of you. If you decide to tell me go ahead."
"It's just...I'm only 14." Jessie turned her head to the side and a few slight tears escaped, "Go ahead and laugh at me. Go on, I can take the jeers."
"Jeers? Laugh at you?"
She turned her head back toward him, "All the boys I talk to, when they find out I'm only 14, they mock me like a little kid! It's not my fault I was born into a rich family!"
Shane replied, "Jessie, I'm not like the other boys. I respect your intelligence."
She looked back at him with slightly red eyes, "You...you do?"
Shane nodded, "Of course. I wish I had the intelligence you do at your age."
Jessie sniffled once or twice and shook her head, "I'm sorry to just start yelling at you like that."
"Don't worry, I don't think any less of you. Now how about we do some practicing until sensei gets here?"
Jessie nodded and finished her stretching. Then she went over to the wooden katana stand and picked one out. She took a few practice swings and walked back over to where Shane was. She got into a stance and said, "Ok...I'm ready."
A few hours later...
The dojo was empty, except for Shane and Jessie still sparring. "Stay focused! You're getting reckless!" Shane yelled as Jessie took a few slashes at him. Jessie took a few more slashes and Shane took her down by the leg. "Jessie. You have to stay focused. Your concentration is all over the place. How do you expect to wield a real blade if you can't control it?"
Jessie hit the ground with her palm, "I can't! I can't stay focused! Every time I find my center point, something appears to me, and I lose my concentration!"
Shane sighed and said, "How about we call it a day then. I don't need you to end up getting hurt."
Jessie put her wrists on her hips and said, "You don't want to hurt me? You mean you don't want me to kick your butt."
Shane took the towel from earlier and said wiping his face off, "If you say so Jessie, if you say so..."
Jessie crossed her arms and said, "That's right if I say so."
Shane headed back to the dressing room and changed into his street clothes. Jessie was still on the floor stretching when he returned. "You gonna be able to make it home by yourself? I mean it is rather dark out there."
Jessie rolled her eyes, "Please...this isn't the States. Japan is rather safe to walk in at any time of the day."
Shane shrugged, "Ok, but just remember, I warned you." He turned around and gave a hand wave real quick, and exited the dojo through the door.
"He talked like he was trying to pick me up or something! I'ld expect that from guys, but the one I came with to Japan? Talk about crazy." Jessie took a towel out and wiped the sweat from her head. "It's weird that sensei didn't show up today. I wonder if everything is Ok?" She got up and moved to dressing room changing back into her regular street clothes. She put her watch back onto her wrist and noticed it was 8:00. Way past sundown at this point in the year. She thought nothing of the time and grabbed her bag leaving the dojo.
Bottom floor of the business complex...
Jessie exited the revolving glass doors and began the 3-mile walk back to where she was staying with a family. About a mile into her homeward trek, she noticed a shadow seemed to creep up on her as she walked past streetlight to streetlight. She simply shrugged and thought nothing of it. She continued onward and kept an eye on the shadow. It seemed to keep creeping closer and closer to her and eventually she turned around to see what was causing this shadow to appear. Nothing appeared to be behind her, not even a cat that might have lost its way. She thought for a second and realized she had been knocked around more than she thought at her lessons. She turned back around and in front of her a large figure dressed in an old school fedora, and a tan trench coat. She froze for a second startled by this human's sudden appearance right in front of her. She sighed and moved past the human saying, "Excuse me."
The person grabbed her by the shoulder and turned her around facing him or her again. "Where do you think you're going?" finally spoke in a low voice.
"Excuse me?!"
"I said...where do you think you're going?"
Jessie gave the person a dirty look and said, "I'm going home. What do you think you're doing stopping me like that?!"
"Don't you think it's a little late for a little girl to be out this late?"
Jessie sighed a bit perturbed and replied, "Don't you think it's a little sick to stalk girls?"
The person made a slight rough sounding laugh and said, "I would hardly consider what I've been doing stalking."
"Then what do you call walking behind me the whole time, following me?"
"Well, it just depends on what I have in mind." The person grabbed her arm more forcefully this time and didn't let go as he had her shoulder. "Now how about you give me some sugar?"
Jessie finally registered that this guy wasn't a stalker, but a rapist, and tried to break free of his grip. The rapist threw her to the ground and tore off her pants, and shirt leaving her in her panties, and bra. Jessie screamed trying to do something to protect herself, but to no avail could she get her assailant away. She still kicked at him hoping to get a chance to run away, but the criminal pinned her arms to the ground with his legs and took off his trench coat. From there he began to unbutton his pants with a sick look of glee on his face. "Hey bitch! How about you leave her alone before I kick your ass?!" a voice yelled at the sick pervert.
The rapist turned his head and saw another person standing a short distance away. "Well, you must have a lot of balls trying to stop me. I guess I'll just kill you and then finish what I started!" He pulled out a gun and started firing rounds at the other person. The guy laughed as he fired, but soon looked stunned as his target started to walk toward him, like he was unaffected by the bullets. When he got into a better light the reason why was clear. In his hand he held a katana that looked ancient, but powerful. "But! I shot you! How did you dodge all the bullets?!"
"Dodge? As in...avoid? I didn't dodge your bullets, I simply deflected them with this blade here."
"WHAT!"
The other person came closer and closer slowly until he was about 10 ft away. "Now, how about you let her go, and I'll let you live."
The guy refastened his pants and pulled a knife out from his other pocket. He flipped it over revealing the sharp blade and started moving his hand about like a proficient user of that weapon. "How about you get the hell out of here before I make you spill your guts right here?" Jessie was too terrified to even move. She was free of the twisted man's grip, but she was so afraid, and traumatized to move she simply shivered scared beyond belief.
The rapist made a few feigning jabs with the knife, but the other person simply stood there unfazed by his meager fakes. "Come on...don't try to scare me. If you want to test out your skills, quit stalling and come get some!"
"You little creep!" The rapist said thrusting the knife forward, "Sinee!"
"Simpleton..." He sidestepped the thrust and made one quick slice with the blade. The knife dropped to the ground with a bloody hand still holding onto it. The rapist screamed and hid his arm that had been cut off at the wrist. He ran off yelling profanities and disappeared from view down the street. Jessie was still terrified, and looked up at the person that had saved her. A little blood still remained on the blade, and he knelt down covered her with a blanket. Slowly he helped her back to her feet and handed back to her the pants and shirt she wore. "Jessie...shhh...it's Ok...he's gone. You'll be fine..." the stranger cooed trying to sooth her fear hugging her gently.
"T-that-that guy...just...he nearly..." she broke down crying into the stranger's chest.
"Jessie...shh...it's Ok...he's gone. He's gone..."
Jessie looked up at her protector with her water-fill pools and asked, "Who...are you?"
"It's me...Shane...from your class," he replied gently trying to calm her.
She dug her head back into his chest and started crying again still in complete fear and shock at what she had just gone through. She whispered out, "Thank you...so very much," and continued to sob great tears.
The next day...
Jessie did come to school, still looking over her shoulder fearing someone else would try the same thing. It was astounding she had convinced her guardians to let her go to school despite their constant resisting, but she had to prove this wouldn't affect her. More than it already had. Last night was like a nightmare for her. After Shane had helped her back to her home, she had to tell her parents about the rapist, and how Shane had saved her. Her parents were stunned to see here in the condition she was in, and her mother guardian wept with her, not only for what had happened, but also that someone had come to her aid. Her father guardian was a bit teary eyed himself, but graciously thanked Shane, and told him that he was welcome in their house anytime. Jessie tried to keep the memories of how she was nearly raped out of her mind, but it was very difficult trying to do. It affected her walking, and her concentration of where she was going. Eventually she found her way to
school and walking into her classroom looking very gloomy. She sat at her desk and noticed that Shane had already arrived reading a book. She replayed the part where Shane had been comforting her, and felt a little warmth come into her body. It was something that she had neglected to feel when the actual event had taken place. In that same instant she realized she had yet to thank Shane for saving her life last night. She hesitated to get out of her chair and slowly, somewhat fearfully approached Shane. "Ummm...Shane?"
Shane lowered his book and looked at Jessie, "Jessie! Hello...are you feeling any better?"
Jessie felt like crying, but held the tears in and replied, "Yes, I'm feeling much better. Thanks again for saving my life last night."
Shane made a slight blush and said, "It wasn't nothing. Lucky I was just passing by on my home as well."
Jessie made a slight sniffle and a little tear came to her eye. She wiped it away and smiled feeling the burning sensation to weep grew greater and greater. Eventually she could hold it no longer and burst into tears running out from the room. Everyone looked over at Shane like he had done something wrong and Shane sighed. He got up and started to chase after her. On her way out, Jessie passed by Usagi and her friends who were on their way to classroom as well. Usagi heard Jessie crying and yelled, "Jessie-chan! Daizyoobu desu ka?!"
She saw Shane running out after her and grabbed him by the arm before he was out of reach and said angered like he was the culprit, "What did you say to her?!"
Shane returned the gaze and said, "I didn't say anything to her, and I'm trying to help her! Now let go of my arm!" He yanked it free from her grasp and ran after Jessie as fast as he could. Jessie ran into the women's restroom, and sat in one of the stalls crying scared out of her mind. Shane heard her sobs and said from outside the restroom, "Jessie, come out of there and I'll take you home."
Jessie sobbed and replied, "I'm scared Shane...I'm afraid to leave! I feel so...helpless!" She buried her head into her knees and wept harder.
Shane sighed and knew that if he were caught he would be in BIG trouble. He made a few hesitant noises and walked into the restroom. He walked over and stood by the stall Jessie was crying in and said, "Jessie, I know you feel helpless, but this is when you need your friends to help you get through the fear. The helplessness. Usagi is there for you if you talk to her, your folks are there for you."
Jessie looked up and asked, "Are you there for me as well?"
Shane nodded and said, "Yes Jessie, I'm here for you as well. I'm your friend. I'll always be there for you."
Jessie made a few more sobs and finally got a slight hold on her tears. She opened the door to the stall and hugged Shane tightly crying a little on his school uniform. "Thank you for helping me through this," she stuttered from the tears.
Shane put his arms around her and rubbed her back gently. She looked up at him and blushed at him with tears still in her eyes. He wiped a few of them away and said, "Now how about we get out of this restroom before-."
A girl walked into the restroom and noticed Shane. She screamed and ran out yelling, "A pervert in the restroom!"
Shane blushed and thought, "Oh shit!"
Principal's office...
"You know I could expel you for what you did," the principal said looking at him through his thick spectacles. Shane couldn't say anything in his defense fearing the wrong thing would assure him to be expelled. "Well? Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
Shane looked up at him and asked, "May I ask you something sir?"
The principal narrowed his eyes and nodded his head slightly, "You may."
"If you were the only one who could do something, but it meant breaking a few rules. Would you do it?"
The principal made a slight hum and asked, "Is this in defense of what you did?" Shane looked at him almost determined to get a reply before he said something else. The principal made a slight low, gruff laugh and responded, "If it was important enough, and the boundaries I overstepped were within reason to be broken."
"Having said that sir, if you knew that I was the only one trying to help that student through and ordeal, would you allow me to break the rule I just had?"
"I didn't know that there was any ordeal with a fellow student to begin with, but...if it were a justified reason for what you did, then I would have to say yes."
"Then you would understand that I had the best-."
"But!" the principal silenced him, "That still gives you no reason to have been in that restroom."
Shane looked defeated and said, "But SIR! You just said that if given a situation similar to mine-."
"A situation you have yet to tell me about. I can't just let you off the hook without a reason. Tell me why you were in that restroom, and I'll consider what I do."
Shane lowered his head and felt hesitant to say anything. "I...I'm sorry sir...I can't...tell you why. It's not like I wouldn't tell you if I had the choice! It's just-." Shane sighed and shook his head, "I can't tell you sir. I'm sorry."
The principal sighed and stood up from his desk putting his hands clasping one another behind his back. "If you can't give me the reason, then I have no choice but to punish you for this incident."
Shane nodded his head and left the room defeated by the principal's words. When he returned to his classroom, the instant he opened the door, the room went silent and all eyes were on him. Shane simply walked over to his desk and sat down still being watched by his fellow classmates. They still eyed him intently before he said, "Don't you have something else you should be doing?!"
They eyed him for a few more seconds before the whispering began, and from there rumors formed like funnel clouds harboring torment. Shane sighed and Makoto looked asked him, "So what happened in the principal's office?"
Shane looked over at Makoto disgusted and said, "Have you no shame at all? What happens is my business. Not yours."
"Don't have to be so abrasive about it...I was just trying to help," Makoto sat back on her chair.
Shane sighed and thought, "Whatever happens, I know I did the right thing in the end."
After school...
Shane had to report back to the principal's office to discover his punishment, and of course he felt awful about having received punishment for doing the right thing, but he wasn't the one in charge of the school, and he did have to abide by the rules regardless. Jessie caught him before he made it to the office and said, "Hey...Shane?"
Shane stopped and gave a slight smile, "Don't worry about what happens to me. You just concentrate on school. If it turns out I get kicked from school and taken back to America then don't worry about me, just have fun here."
Jessie still shivered a little, and said, "But...I don't want you to leave...what happens if someone tries that again? Or worse?"
"Like I told you earlier, it was only luck that I heard you, I don't think luck happens twice. Not on a matter this dramatic."
Jessie sighed and smiled, "Well, I'm just glad you did save me once, and I hope that whatever happens you'll be happy."
Shane nodded and headed down the hall to await his fate. He stopped at the door reading the kenji inscribed upon it and took one great sigh. "Here goes..."
Two hours later...
Because Jessie didn't have training today, she decided to head back to the arcade with Usagi, and meet her other friends. "So he could be kicked out of school because he didn't tell the principal what he was trying to do?" Minako said.
Jessie nodded somewhat depressed that all this boiled down to a simple thing as helping someone through a hard time and could magnify into getting kicked from school. "He so BADLY wanted to tell the principal why he did it, but he did it to protect me."
"You never did tell us why he went in there," Ami said adjusting her glasses.
Jessie blushed, "Uhh...it's rather...personal..."
Usagi raised an eyebrow and made a slight grin, "Oh...really?"
Jessie caught her and said, "I-it's not that Usagi-chan! Really! It has nothing to do with either of us liking the other!"
Usagi made a more evil type grin and said, "Oh...sure...that's how it begins, both of you deny your feelings for one another, and then it goes from there!"
Jessie started to feel the tears swell in her eyes and she said, "Usagi-chan...you...you don't know what happened!!" She slapped her across the face and finished, "I thought you were my friend Usagi! It appears that if you make a joke about something like this, then you're not!"
Jessie ran out of the arcade crying, and Usagi put her hand where Jessie had slapped her. "Jessie-chan..."
"Usagi! How could you hurt Jessie's feelings like that?!" Rei said in her snippy tone.
"Rei-chan...I...I didn't know I was..."
Jessie's house...
Jessie's guardian parents both worked late that night, so Jessie was alone crying in her room. A million things were active in her mind, but only a few were registering to her actual conscious thought. The rest were brewing in her sub-conscious just wanting a taste at freedom. Jessie kept crying feeling alone, cold, scared. She wanted to feel happy, but there was nothing happy to think about. Usagi embarrassed her, but she was still so shaken up that the slightest thing tripped her off. She knew that it was wrong to jump to such quick actions as she had. Her eyes were bloodshot and red, from all the crying she had done. A knock at the front door made her aware, and she wiped the remaining tears from her eyes. She got up and made her way to the front door, trying to make it look like nothing was wrong with her constantly wiping away whatever water lay near her eyes. After a few seconds she asked, "Who is it?"
"It's Shane. Can I talk with you?"
Jessie felt sudden warmth enter her and opened the door in a hurry. "Hey! Come in!" Shane entered and took his shoes off at the door. Jessie smiled and asked, "So what's going on?"
Shane sighed and said, "Jessie...sit down for a second." Jessie suddenly feared the worst and sat down on the couch in the family room. Shane sat down beside her and sighed closing his eyes and putting his hand on his forehead like a headache was coming on. "I have good news, and I have bad news."
"Good news first."
"Good news...the principal has taken no action against me."
"So you're still in school?!"
Shane nodded, "But..."
"But?"
"You now have to take classes to deal with what happened to you. I...I told him what happened, but it's complete confidentiality."
Jessie closed her eyes tightly and smacked Shane across the face screaming, "How could you tell him!? I thought I could trust you!!"
Shane lowered his head a red mark forming where Jessie slapped him. "I'm...sorry."
Jessie pointed to the door and yelled, "Get out!! I don't want to see your face EVER again!"
Shane looked up to say something but shook his head and headed towards the door. He stood in the doorway for a few seconds and said after getting his shoes back on, "At first I thought I was doing the right thing by telling no one, but, telling no one would only result in you having an emotional scar that would never heal. I was wrong to think telling no one was the right thing in the end. It was the wrong thing."
Shane walked out to the gate of the house and let himself out. Jessie slammed the front door shut and put her face in her cupped hands. She felt betrayed. It was like her whole world was crumbling under her feet. Now she had to go to some stupid those were raped classes, and listen to be told it wasn't her fault. She knew the whole drill of what the overseers of the class would say, and frankly, she didn't give a care. However, since it was a school order to go to the classes, she had to go, or end up in a same situation as Shane had been in, and she had NO intention of heading back to the states anytime soon.
That night...
Jessie lay on her bed wide-awake. She wondered about the past events from the past 48 hours, but couldn't stop thinking about a certain part. Where she had blown up at the very person whom had saved her. She turned her head to the side trying to just let it all slide by, and fall asleep. Eventually all she could think about was the part where she slapped Shane and what happened after that. It kept playing in her mind over and over like a badly scratched CD. After a while she thought if slapping him was wrong. Not because he saved his life, but because all he was trying to do was look out for her. She sighed and lay upon this thought slowly falling into a slight slumber.
"Jessie...Jessie," Something seemed to be calling out to her. Jessie moaned and turned her head. The voice called out again, "Jessie...Jessie..." This time Jessie opened her eyes and looked around.
"Hello? Anyone there?" she said still looking around the room.
"Jessie...Jessie..." the voice still called out her name.
"What do you want?! I can hear you, but where are you?" She slipped out of bed and opened the door to her room. She walked for what seemed like a few seconds, and she suddenly found herself near the base of Tokyo Tower. She blinked a few times and looked around to make sure she wasn't going insane. Sure enough, she was standing at the base of the Tower. "How...did I end up here?" She looked around.
"Jessie...Jessie..." the voice called out to her.
Again Jessie looked around for where the voice might be calling for her from. She looked up and near the top of Tokyo Tower a light shown. It seemed to draw attention to her, and she ignored the voice as it called out to her once more. She headed to the elevator of the tower, and it opened its doors automatically. Jessie stepped in and was taken to the top of the tower where the light was coming from. When the elevator doors opened Jessie had to shield her eyes till they became used to the bright light. When she lowered her hand she saw a somewhat translucent figure emanating the light. "Who...who are you?"
"Jessie...you must make up...with Shane."
"What?"
"You must make up with Shane."
"Why must I make up with him? He lied and betrayed me!"
The translucent figure moved a few steps towards Jessie and replied, "If you don't...the future...will be destroyed..."
"Destroyed? Destroyed by what?! Who are you?!"
"You must make up with Shane..."
A humming sound started to grow louder until something like a snap sounded. Jessie jolted out of bed in a cold sweat. She put a hand on her forehead and closed her eyes moaning a little. "What...was that dream about? If I don't make up with Shane...the future...will be...destroyed?" She shook her head and wondered if it just something she had eaten causing that bad dream. Slowly she lie on her bed and fell asleep once again.
Next Day at school...
Jessie thought about the dream from last night as she sat at her desk, and stared at the ceiling. Usagi and walked into the classroom, chipper as usual, and looked over at Jessie. "Jessie-chan..." she remembered her words from yesterday and lowered her head a little.
"Usagi-chan...just go over to her and apologize. Hopefully she'll forgive you," Minako said to her.
"But...what if she's still mad at me?"
"Usagi-chan...what if she's not? Have you ever thought of that?" Makoto said trying to back up Minako.
"Mako-chan...Minako-chan." Usagi perked right up and nodded with a cheerful smile. She walked over to Jessie who was still in a trance and said in a cherry tone, "Konnichiwa Jessie-chan!" Jessie didn't move from her position and Usagi continued a little scared that at some point Jessie would just attack her. "Uhh...I'm sorry about what I said yesterday. A lot of times I see something and I open my mouth. It's a bad habit I have. I'm sorry, can we please be friends again?" Jessie still stared at the ceiling and made a slight hum. Usagi blinked a few times and brought her face closer to Jessie and said with a pair of flat eyes, "Jessie-chan..."
Jessie made a slight hum again as Usagi waved her hand in front of her eyes and poked Jessie on the arm slightly. Jessie didn't seem to respond to anything Usagi did, and eventually she sighed and looked over at Minako and shook her head. The door to the classroom opened and Shane stood in the doorway. Almost on command Jessie snapped out of her trance and looked at him. Shane looked at her for a second and walked back to his seat like he had just stared a hole in her. Jessie looked ahead and put her head on her folded arms. "Should I tell him I'm sorry for overreacting?" Jessie pondered.
Usagi poked her on the arm slightly and she looked over finally aware of Usagi's presence. "Jessie-chan...I'm sorry about yesterday. I didn't mean to be so rude to you."
Jessie made a slight smile and nodded, "It's Ok Usagi...I was just...a little shaken up yesterday. I'm sorry I took it out on you."
Usagi nodded and replied, "It's Ok Jessie-chan," Usagi moved closer and said in a much quieter voice, "but if you ever do find a guy...I can help you out a little." She winked at Jessie and made a little giggle.
"Usagi-chan...can I ask you a question?"
"Sure."
Jessie looked at her fuku and started twirling the fabric around her finger a little and said, "If you slapped a guy...would you apologize?"
Usagi put a finger to her chin and thought for a second. "Well, it depends. If I ever hit my Mamo-chan I would usually apologize to him because it's usually my fault something happened." Usagi cooed and replied, "Mamo-chan...how I would rather be in his arms now than at school."
"Uhh...Usagi-chan?"
Usagi's eyes turned to little hearts and she repeated, "Mamo-chan..."
Jessie poked Usagi a few times and got no response from her. Jessie sighed and pinched Usagi on the arm breaking her from her romantic swooning trance. "Jessie-chan why did you pinch me!?"
"You kinda when off there for a second. Sorry, but would you ever slap a guy?"
"If it was appropriate. Yes I would."
Jessie looked back at Shane, who was reading a book, and looked back at Usagi. "What if you were wrong for slapping someone, but are afraid of what they'll say if you apologize?
"You never know what'll happen if you don't try."
Jessie thought for a second, "The world...will be destroyed, if you don't make up with Shane." She shook her head at the thought and said aloud, "They I guess I have to make sure that it doesn't." She took a deep breath and stood up out of her chair. The bell to the beginning of class rang and she groaned. She would have to wait until after first period to talk to him.
After school...
Jessie still hadn't talk to Shane all day. Every time she built up the courage something came out of the blue and deflated her balloon. It had gotten to the point where she might not even be able to talk to him at practice that day. Jessie walked out of the classroom gloomy. She exited the school and began her trek home disappointed in herself for quitting when the going got tough. About half way there she noticed a large group of kids screaming and cheering. As she drew nearer she saw that nearly 200 kids had formed a circle around a fight and were chanting. She looked at both kids and gasped. One of them, who looked like had been getting his ass kicked, was Shane. The other kid, nearly a foot and half bigger than Shane sneered and took a few more feigns at Shane's face. Jessie squeezed her way through until she was on the inner end of the circle and felt like his beating was her fault. It appeared that his head wasn't even in the fight. He didn't have the same look as the
night he had protected her. It was like he was a completely different person. Her eyes started to tear and she ran between the fight looking at Shane and just blurting out, "Shane, I'm so sorry for what I did! I know you can never forgive me for what I did, but...please know that you did the right thing!"
Shane just looked at her and couldn't speak. The other kid grabbed Jessie by the arm and spun her around. "What do you think you're doing? Trying to stick up for your little punk friend?"
"You leave him alone you bully!"
The other kid laughed and the rest of the kids laughed with him, "It's that pricks fault in the first place! He should watch where he's going instead of running into people!"
Jessie reached back and slapped the bully across the face boldly replying, "Leave him alone or I'll make you pay!"
The kids murmured amongst themselves and one of them asked, "What are you going to do Urasaki?"
The larger kid looked over and then looked back at Jessie saying, "I'm going to kick this little exchange student's ass for slapping me!" Urasaki reared his fist back and thrust it forward with a great deal of velocity. It ripped across Jessie's face and made her cheek swell instantly as it knocked her back a little. The kid walked over and brought another punch forward tearing into Jessie's stomach. Jessie cried in pain and keeled over sobbing. The kid spit on her and said, "Don't you EVER slap me again bitch...you got it?"
Urasaki felt a tap on his shoulder behind him and turned around. A fist blasted him squarely in the nose and his head was whip lashed back. He stumbled a few steps back and touched under his nose. It dripped with blood and he looked over at Shane. Shane looked like a deep hatred had been set off in him, and he held his fists up at the ready. "Come get some...punk," he taunted. Urasaki growled and screamed throwing a punch at Shane. Shane moved his head and decked him across the cheek, and a crack was heard as the fist hit flesh. "There are two things you should NEVER do. The first," Shane said ripping a punch into the goon's stomach, "Is hit a girl! The second," he finished with a die-hard uppercut that floored Urasaki, "is you should NEVER call her a bitch." The crowd started to disperse and Shane looked over at Jessie who was cowering on the ground like a scolded dog. Jessie scrambled to her feet and hugged him sobbing madly. Shane put her arms around her head and gently
hugged her back. "Shhhh...everything is going to be Ok," he cooed to her trying to sooth her cries.
"Shane...I...I'm...so...*sniffle*...sorry...I'm sorry...I...slapped you! *Sobs*"
Shane shook his head slowly, "Don't worry about it. Everything is going to be fine." He raised her chin up to his face and looked at her cheek. "Hmm...we better get you home and get some ice on that bruise." Jessie smiled and touched his slightly bruised cheek tears still coming from her eyes.
"What about you?"
Shane shook his head, "Don't worry about me, I'm a fast healer." Jessie sniffled and nodded. Shane walked over and picked up her book bag dusting it off. He handed it to her politely and said, "Here you are young maiden." Jessie giggled and took it from him.
"Thank you kind sir." Shane and Jessie headed off toward Jessie's house to get patched up somewhat.
Jessie's guardian house...
"Here's some ice for your cheek," Shane said slowly applying the ice to the cheek of Jessie. She made a strained face but calmed herself after a few seconds, and seemed to look into Shane's eyes. They were blue in color, but they seemed to be more navy in color than when she had seen them before. She licked her lips and said with a hint of hesitation, "Uhh...Shane?"
Shane kept attending to her and said, "Yes?"
"Uhh...I had a...dream last night..."
"And?"
"And...well, it said that if I didn't make up with you..." Jessie trailed off.
Shane looked into her eyes and said, "Huh?"
"That...the world would..."
"The world? What would happen to the world?"
Jessie licked her lips a little afraid and finished, "It said the world...would end."