Girls Over Flowers

by Firery Ice

Tsukino Usagi is a "commoner" girl going to an elite school. There, she crosses paths with the richest and most powerful clique. Will she fall for the leader of the S4, the rich and arrogant Hino Rei, or will the sweet and sensitive Mizuno Ami win her heart? *YURI*

10. Chapter 10

Girls Over Flowers Episode 10:Relationship Games Pt. 1

*XXX*

Although she was exhausted, Usagi managed to hop off the bike when they arrived at the Hino residence. Rei flew from her car and almost made it into the house before she felt someone grab her arm. She looked over to find a certain blonde."How did you...?"

"Talk to me!"

Rei yanked her arm away. "Get away from me, you cheater!" As Usagi's grip turned to iron, she tried to shake her off by running away. While Usagi did let go, it didn't stop her.

"Never!" "Usagi proceeded to chase Rei around her spacious yard. The girl managed to dive into her car. She screeched away, leaving Usagi in her dust. Just then, a car pulled up. The window rolled down, revealing a tan woman with long hair.

"Get in!"

"Hm?"

"You need to catch her, don't you? Come on!" Usagi reluctantly got in, and held on as the woman hit the gas pedal.

Rei looked in her mirror to see the silver sports car following her. She knew it well and knew only one person could be following her. 'Hell no! I refuse to let her catch me!' She quickly turned a corner, hoping to lose them.

The tanned woman smiled as Rei tried to get away. "Oh Rei-Rei, surely you know me better than that!" Usagi blinked at the nickname. 'Rei-Rei? Who the heck IS she?' She yelped and gripped the seat as the car suddenly took a wild turn and cut off Rei's red car.

The woman jumped from her car, stick in hand. Usagi looked on in horror as she went after Rei. "You little- GET OVER HERE!" She cornered Rei and began to hit her. The girl in vain tried to cover herself, but the hits were plainly heard. "Ouch! Quit it Onee-chan! Stop it!"

"O-Onee?!" Usagi looked incredulously at the woman, who stopped hitting her sister and pointed her weapon at her. "What's wrong with you? Who taught you to treat a girl like that?"

"Aish. Leave me alone." The elder Hino pointed her stick to Usagi.

"Apologize."

"Why? She wronged me first!"

"I understand that, but it was rude to run from her, especially when she was planning on apologizing."

"But-"

She locked eyes with Rei and took a single step forwards, but Rei refused to budge. Her deep breath seemed to signal Rei's victory, who began to grin triumphantly, only to shout in pain as her sister yanked her cheek.

"You little brat! I leave for a while and you turn into THIS?! I. Said. Apologize." She pushed Rei forward, who finally seemed to give up.

"I'm sorry, Usagi. That was rude of me." Usagi opened her mouth to return the sentiment, but as interrupted.

"How rude of me. My name is Hino Setsuna, better know as Meioh Setsuna to my fans." Usagi nearly slapped herself at not recognizing her. 'Of course! Shingo told me Rei has a sibling!'

"I-ah, it's very nice to meet you. I'm a big fan of your movies!" She bowed back to Setsuna.

"Well, as fun as this is, we ARE holding up traffic, so let's continue this in a much more comfortable location." Setsuna blithely pushed Usagi into the car, much to Rei's annoyance.

*XXX*

Makoto, Minako, and Usagi all sat at the large table enjoying dinner. Setsuna soon seated herself at the head and began eating. "It's certainly been a while, no?"

Mr. Kaidou soon interrupted. "She refuses to come down."

Setsuna didn't bat an eye. "Well, skipping one meal won't kill her." She then turned to her guests once more. "It seems my thoughtless sister has decided to begin a juvenile war by fasting. And how do you all feel about the current situation?"

Makoto looked down at her plate, uncharacteristically shy. "I hate it. I can't stand to watch the S4 split up like this. "

Minako scowled. "I suppose I don't actually like it, but-"

"Alright then. It's been decided. Mr. Kaidou!"

"Yes, Young Madam?"

"Bring out that crab and caviar I brought with me, please. Don't forget the bottle of Cristal!"

"Yes, Young Madam."

Setsuna turned her attention to Usagi. "Eat a lot, Usagi, okay? If you're going to battle against that fool, you'll need your strength." Usagi giggled quietly and nodded. The actress then lifted her glass. "To the idiot girl upstairs, cheers!"

*XXX*

The car pulled up outside Usagi's house. "Thank you, for all this."

Setsuna smiled mysteriously. "We'll see if you're thanking me after I'm really finished."

Usagi hesitated. "Why are you being..."

"So nice to you?" Usagi nodded. "You've met my mother, correct?" Another nod. "Well, it's probably about as hard for a rich person to get into heaven as it is for them to have true friends. My mother, however, believes you don't need them."

"Why?"

"Because no one is good enough for the heir of Hino Group, of course. "

"But Rei still has the S4."

"Exactly. For someone with such high status and lacking nothing, it's nothing short of a miracle she has those girls."

Usagi felt her shame well up again. "I'm sorry. It's my fault they're fighting and breaking apart. "

"Don't be. They won't split up that easily. Besides, I'm quite grateful to you. Rei seens to be on the path to becoming more human. " Setsuna was silent for a moment, then spoke again. "If friendship is a sufficient condition, love is a necessary one. Now you need to prepare yourself. Starting tomorrow, it becomes hectic."

Usagi nodded and got out of the car, smiling. 'Maybe this won't be so disastrous after all!'

*XXX*

Rei scowled in her seat. "Not a thing about not eating!" She began to pace. "Stupid Kaidou, not even having a butler being me a snack. Damn, I'm so hungry!"

"Young Mistress."

Rei started and stood up, glaring. "You're going to do something like this?!"

Kaidou lifted his eyebrows. A maid came in, but he waved her off. "I'm sorry, please take it back."

Rei stuttered as they both walked out, closing the door behind then. She leaned against her sofa and groaned. "Ah, I'm starving!"

*XXX*

As per the usual these last few weeks, the school was in an uproar.

"It's Hino Setsuna!"

"The legendary Charisma Queen of Mugen Gakuen!"

"No way, she's too pretty!"

"I heard she's married to the successful Chiba Mamoru." The tall woman made an effort not to smirk as the students parted for her. She didn't acknowledge them as she made her way to her destination.

*XXX*

Rei sat cross legged on the principal's desk. "So, will you expel them...Or shall I expel YOU?"

The principal wiped his sweat at her intimidating tone. "I- ah-"

"Quit it!" Rei stiffened as her sister entered the office. "God, what is wrong with you? You're insane!" Since she didn't have a stick, she settled for whipping Rei with her purse, who tried to stand on the desk to get away, only to be thrown on the floor. Setsuna put her foot on her chest, frowning.

"Geez, why are you bothering me at school?"

"How dare you try and fire the principal?" She broke into a smile. "Go ahead and try it. I'll be your next principal. I wonder if you'd ever graduate?"

Rei stood up and adjusted her clothes. "Don't make stupid jokes, Onee."

Setsuna straightened out Rei's coat, causing her to flinch. "My dear Rei-Rei, we may have bad tempers and a horrid sense of humor, but we aren't the type to joke, am I right?" Her misleading smile and joyful tone changed as she grabbed Rei's ear. "Now shut up and follow me." She proceeded to drag Rei from the office.

"Ah ah ah Onee, ah ah ah!" Rei grimaced as she was pulled out into a hallway. Setsuna motioned to the S4 and Usagi. "Follow me."

"Ow ow ow ow... Let me go..."

*XXX*

"The type of person I hate the most?"

"A rude one."

"A person who brags a lot?"

"A disgraceful one."

"One that never forgives friends?"

"A stingy one."

"One that can't accept defeat?"

"An overly nostalgic one."

Rei's answers were sullen as her sister circled her. All 6 were in one of the living rooms of the Hino estate, sitting and waiting.

"Alright then. Hino Rei, Mizuno Ami, you two will compete. If Rei wins, both Ami and Usagi leave. If Ami wins, they both stay and no one speaks of this again."

Rei scowled. "No! I never agreed to this."

Makoto stood up joyfully. "I agree to this!"

Minako nodded her consent.

Ami looked at Setsuna. "Thanks, Onee-San."

Usagi put up her hand. "I agree!"

Rei's scowl deepened. "Who said you could vote? This is ridiculous. I refuse!"

Setsuna banged her stick. "Majority rules. Let's do it!"

Rei stood up. "Who said-" She was cut off by her sister pointing the stick in her face with a threatening look. Rei gulped, before sitting back down. She glared at Ami. "I want to pick what we do."

Makoto looked at her. "That wouldn't be fair."

"Of course not Mako, I have it all prepared. Bring it here!"

They all turned to look at the large machine being brought in. "In here are 10 balls, each with a different event. Some you have tried, some you haven't.

"What? Give us things we've done before. More specifically, things I'm good at!"

Setsuna shook he head. "No matter what, one would have an advantage over the other. You've heard luck is skill too, right?" Rei snorted.

Ami looked up. "I'll do it."

Setsuna looked at her sister and narrowed her eyes. Rei paled before crossing her arms. "Fine. I accept too."

"Good! I'll announce the event two days in advance, in front of everyone. No matter how much of a disadvantage you have, you must consent or the opponent automatically wins. Now, the three in the triangle come up here."

Ami and Usagi got up, but Rei remained sitting. On her way up, Usagi flicked Rei's head and motioned for her to get up.

"Three...Triangle?" She looked at Makoto and Minako. Makoto nodded her head. "Wait... Me?" Rei whispered, pointing to herself.

"Yes you, dumbass. Get up here." Setsuna bonked Rei before pulling her out of the chair. Rolling her eyes, she had Usagi press the button. A ball popped up, and she took it, then had Ami and Rei do the same.

Setsuna took out the ball and announced the event. Ami looked at Usagi, who looked back uneasily. Rei threw her head back in a groan.

*XXX*

Naru looked up. "Horseback riding?" She and Usagi were folding napkins. "So, who's better?"

"Ami."

"Yes! So you have a better chance of survival."

"Naru!" Umino bent down at the table. "I've told you several times, fates aren't quite that easy to predict."

"Oh, so you must have gotten a sign. What did they say?" Naru asked, slightly mocking.

Umino took a deep breath. "The possibility..."

"The possibility..." They both leaned in slightly.

"...is 50/50." Usagi rolled her eyes and Naru batted him with her towel.

"Stupid! We know that! You're so useless."

*XXX*

Rei was practicing hard at the riding grounds. She brutally pushed the horse, slapping it to get it to speed up. Eventually, it couldn't take it anymore and threw her. Rei landed heavily in the snow.

"Young Mistress! Are you alright?" Rei scowled and pushed the aide away. "It's Ares' condition. You're pushing too hard, please use a different horse."

"No. I can't do it if it's not that one. Coach Jun..."

"Yes?"

"Be honest. Do you think I can win?" Before he could answer, she shook her head. "Never mind. I'll determine my own destiny"

*XXX*

Ami gently stroked her horse, JiHoo. Coach Jun approached her. "Do you think He'll be okay to race?"

"We'll, I've been asking him to do well tomorrow, since it's an important race. Please take care of him for me."

"Must you do this?" Jun almost seemed pleading.

Ami looked away. "If I could, I most certainly would avoid it."

"Young Mistress, I didn't raise these horses for you two to race on childish whims."

Ami nodded. "I know, I'm sorry for this." She turned to JiHoo. "I'm truly sorry."

*XXX*

It was the day of the race. Everyone gathered in a large indoor racing track. As they all seated, the competitors came out. Rei was on a large black horse and dressed in an all black riding suit. Ami was a stark contrast on a slightly smaller white horse in all white. The cheers from the school spectators were slightly varied as they rose to the starting line.

Usagi blinked as she took them in. 'That's what was so weird...'

Setsuna sat on the edge of the seating area above the racing ground. She raised her hand, and Makoto and Minako stepped away from where they were holding the horses still. She snapped once, and the two girls took off, riding around twice before heading outside, Ami in the lead.

*XXX*

The two riding styles were distinctly different, reflecting each riders' personality. Rei was harsh and aggressive, slapping the horse to pick up speed, while Ami did push hers, it was in a gentle and caring manner.

As Ami continued on ahead of her, Rei stopped as she noticed a sign, and remembered Jun's warning. 'The mountain trail will be too much, even fatal for his condition.' She frowned. 'But it's faster... He'll be alright, won't he?' She nodded and continued the rocky trail, as opposed to the smooth one Ami had taken.

*XXX*

Rei scowled and slapped the horse harder as it whinnied. 'You're moving too slow! Hurry! I Must win.' She grit her teeth and hit harder.

*XXX*

Setsuna calmly flipped a page in her novel. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Usagi and Naru fidgeting. Naru leaned over to whisper to Minako. "What's their track record?"

Minako lolled her eyes in thought. "49 wins and 1 tie?"

"In favor of who?"

Makoto chuckled. "None of us can beat Ami." Naru nodded, smiling to herself.

Setsuna raised a thoughtful eyebrow. 'I wonder how this will turn out?'

Makoto stood up. "Look! It's... It's Rei!" The spectators cheered as they ran out to congratulate the heiress, who was coming in on her obviously ragged horse.

Naru shook Usagi. "What are we going to do?" Her friend didn't answer, too absorbed in her own thoughts.

*XXX*

Ami was feeding her horse carrots in the stables as Usagi came up behind her. "Want to pet him?"

Usagi brightened immediately. "Oh, can I?" She giggled and quickly touched his snout, then gave him a long stroke.

Ami smiled. "His name is JiHoo."

Usagi waved. "Hi, JiHoo! My name is Tsukino Usagi! JiHoo, it must have been hard, but you did well today. Thank you. " Ami handed her a carrot stick, which Usagi happily gave to the horse, who snorted.

"What's this? Really!" Usagi turned to Ami. "He says he wants to take me for a ride!" This earned her the half smile she knew so well.

"I think you're right, I got that too."

^XXX*

Ami lead the horse on foot while Usagi cautiously rode. She swayed from side to side, but still felt safe. They stopped, and Ami gave the horse a sugar cube. The two laughed as they left foot prints in the snow.

*XXX*

Rei looked worriedly at Ares. The horse had collapsed in his stable and now a vet was looking at him. "This horse will not race again."

"No! Do something! Please!"

"I'm sorry, Miss." With that, he ducked his head and walked past her, bowing to Setsuna, who had entered the stable.

"You may have won the game, but you lost the race. I hope you learned something today, Rei. If not, then Ares has suffered needlessly." She turned and walked off, leaving Rei to her thoughts. Shocked, she slid down and looked at the ground.

*CXX*

Setsuna walked into the sitting room, holding the box containing the challenge. "It's Ami's turn, right?" She took out the slip and paled as she read it. Shakily, she told the others what it said. Rei broke out into a large grin, while the others looked worriedly at Ami, who put her head into her hands.

*XXX*

Ami tossed and turned in her bed that night.

(Dream)

The child cried loudly as the flames grew. A little girl sat covered in blood on the side of the road as she cried loudly for her parents into the cold night.

"MOMMY DADDY!"

(End Dream)

"NO!" Ami sat up as the screams echoed in her head. Then she got out of bed. As she glanced out the window she noticed it was morning. Sighing, she got dressed.

*XXX*

Ami sat in a blue sportscar, with one hand on the wheel. The other held the keys and she attempted to put them in several times. Her hands shook so badly she kept dropping them. Finally her hand managed to get them in, but when she tried to start the car, her own mental pain stopped her as she had visions of her childhood.

Sitting back, she repeatedly slammed her hands on the steering wheel before bursting into tears as the screams echoed again in her head.

*XXX*

Rei walked happily into the dining room. "Good morning!" She said cheerily as she sat down. "And what is everyone up to?"

Minako looked down at her food, trying to hide her smile. Rei sampled her food and grinned before turning to the chef. "This soup is awesome!"

Makoto looked at her. "Are you really going to do it Rei?"

"I didn't pick it, she did. I guess it was bad luck. What was that saying?"

"Being lucky requires skill." Setsuna said coldly.

"Ah yeah!"

Minako looked up. "I don't think Ami can do it. Can she even drive?"

"We'll, she doesn't have to. If she forfeits, it will automatically be... What's the word?"

"Win by default." Setsuna snapped her newspaper as she turned the page.

"Right! Win by default. That gives me 2 wins, so no need for a third competition. I knew this would happen! What comes along goes around! Justice will reveal dominance!"

Setsuna put her paper down. "What the heck is she saying?"

Minako sighed. "What goes around comes around."

Makoto chuckled. "Justice will assert itself."

Setsuna scoffed. "Rei-Rei, you're really that happy?"

Rei nodded happily. "Oh yeah! I'm super excited "

"Okay, good for you." Setsuna rolled her eyes as she excused herself. As she passed by her sister, she smiled devilishly and slammed Rei's face into her soup.

"ONEE-SAN! What are you all looking at?!" She glared at her friends, who were trying to hide smiles behind their drinks.

*XXX*

Usagi walked out on to the fire escape, and quickly checked to see if Ami was there. Sighing sadly, she leaned against a pole and blew air put of her cheeks before walking back inside.

*XXX*

Usagi walked up the stairs to the second level of the school and was met by the Trio.

"I hope you are mentally ready." Kaorinite said.

"Ready for what?"

"Mizuno absolutely cannot win. So the competition is over now. You, Tsukino, will be kicked our as planned!" Mimete smirked.

"Have you packed your bag yet?" Telulu asked.

"It's not over yet! I believe in Ami."

"Tch. Oh please. Just a while ago you said that about Hino-Senpai!"

"Low class people have no consistency!"

"I get goosebumps thinking about how badly Mizuno will be hurt because of the likes of you."

Usagi furrowed her brows. "What do you mean?"

*CXX*

Usagi stood outside the shop, deep in thought. Naru stood next to her and the two sighed in unison.

"I should tell her not to do it."

"Isn't there an alternative? Can't you ask that sister for help?"

"She's done too much already. "

"So you'll just accept defeat?"

"I'd rather do that than break Ami's heart."

"You think she'd let you do that?" Suddenly, Umino stuck a bag between them.

Usagi looked at him in confusion. "What is that?"

"If she can't be stopped, she should be supported. Hurry and go!"

Usagi smiled and took the bag. "Thanks, boss!"

As Umino and Naru watched her go, he posed a question. "What day is the race?"

"Why?"

"Well... Princess Andromeda will be there! Oh, what should I wear?! Naru, how is my skin? It's damaged, right? I should go to a spa!"

"What a pathetic guy! What is wrong with him?"

*XXX*

Ami watched the black and red car cup around the track. As she sat in a chair, she didnt notice Usagi until she spoke next to her.

"I need to ask you something."

"Go on."

Usagi took a deep breath. "How did you get your license?"

"So you heard, huh?" At her nod, she continued. "Michiru taught me. I didn't want to, but I also didn't want to be embarrassed, so it tried my hardest."

Down on the track, Rei looked up from her car and saw the two talking.

"Please stop." Usagi said quietly.

"Why?"

"Because all of this isn't worth it. I didn't exactly beg to go to that school."

"It IS worth it. I don't know if I will win, but I want to at least try. " She noticed the package. "Aren't you going to give that to me?"

Usagi giggled. "Oh right. Do you want to eat it now?" At her nod, she opened it up and placed the containers in front of Ami, who immediately dug in.

"It's delicious."

"Please, take more!"

Rei looked up again and saw Usagi and Ami laughing and talking. She got distracted and lost control of the wheel for a few moments, causing the car to spin.

The squeal of tires broke Usagi and Ami from their conversation and they looked down to see the race car swerving around. Attendants immediately rushed off to help. Ami studied the scene before the corner of her lips tugged into a slight smile as she bent down to eat more.

'So it's like that, huh?'

*XXX*

Rei strode into the building angrily. She proceeded to throw and hit her attendant with her helmet. "Do your job correctly! That shitty car... Are you trying to get fired?

*CXX*

Rei concentrated intensely on the racing game on the S4 lounge as her friends watched. Minako perked an eye row at Makoto, who shrugged her shoulders.

*CXX*

Ami walked around the room, silhouetted by the soft lights that came through her translucent windows. She bent over a chair closed her eyes, before moving to sit in to. She sat back and slouched as she closed her eyes.

*XXX*

Usagi lay in bed, unable to sleep. Every time she tried, she could see images of potential disaster that could befall Ami. Tossing and turning to no avail, just pulled the covers up.

*XXX*

"So, Mina, have you finished your new collection yet?"

"Yes."

Setsuna nodded as she took a sip of tea. "When did you sat the exhibit was?"

"Ah, probably...Next month I think."

Setsuna laughed before she noticed Usagi and Naru come in.

"Hey! Come on in!" She gave Usagi a tight hug. "The weather is beautiful, isn't it? Come and take a seat!"

Setsuna enthusiastically rushed them to where she had been sitting. Naru sat next to Minako, who refused to meet her gaze.

"What would you like? The cocoa here is special, would you like to try that?" Both declined, but Setsuna gave another cheery smile. "Don't say no, it's really something! Kaidou, could you please bring us some?"

*CXX*

"Hey buddy." Rei looked up from where she had been adjusting her gloves to see Makoto. "I'm begging you, just forget all this."

At Rei's silent glare, she shook her head. "Just be careful then."

*XXX*

I'm another room, Minako was trying the same thing. Ami was zipping up her leather jacket as she appealed.

"Quit being stubborn and stop it."

"Oh, are you worried?"

"Please be careful."

Ami picked up her helmet. Walking past her Minako, she shot her a confident grin. As the two walked out, they were intercepted by Naru.

"Um, excuse me, but you realize if you lose it's all over. Is there something special you're hiding? Some sort of trick? You do right? You should..."

Ami pursed her lips. "An ace?" She glanced behind her and met Rei's eyes. "Yeah, I do." She strode over to where Usagi was and wrapped her in a hug. Rei watched in shock.

Usagi tried to get out but Ami didn't let go. "Don't move. I know it's silly but this is the plan. Help me out."

She straightened up and glanced at Rei. Then she leaned in and brushed Usagi's cheek with her lips. Rei swallowed and clenched her fists. As Ami walked away, Usagi blushed bright red as Naru swarmed around her.

'Sorry, Rei. I'm just looking out for her.'

"You're crazy, Mizuno Ami. That's twice!" Rei snarled, then started. "Wait, plus the airport... Three times! You're dead."

*XXX*

Ami sat behind the wheel of the car, hands shaking slightly. She took a deep breath and started the car. 'Everything will be ruined if I let this beat me!' Cracking her knuckles, she put her hands steadily on the steering wheel and gassed the engine. She looked over to her competitor, who refused to meet her eye.

The light flashed green, and both cars took off. Rei was excellent at driving and quickly took the lead as the cars does off down the track. Ami tried her best to get in beside Rei and get ahead, but the girl kept cutting her off.

'I refuse to let you win!'

Gritting her teeth, Rei stepped on the gas and took the sharp turn. 'Its only one lap, so I HAVE to make this count!' Just then, she remembered Ami kissing Usagi and her hand slipped. Her car swerved slightly and Ami took the opportunity to get beside and ahead. Rei slowed down as she tried to banish the image from her head, but it was too late by the time she had her speed back, Ami had raced past her and crossed the finish line.

*XXX*

Up in the seating section, Usagi and Naru exploded from their chairs and hugged as they jumped in a circle.

"SHE DID IT!"

*XXX*

Ami calmly exited her car and took another deep breath as she tried to relax. 'If I never do this again it'll be too soon!'

Rei meanwhile jumped out of her car and stomped on the ground, throwing her helmet to the gravel. 'Stupid... FINE. I'll beat her next time!'

*XXX*

Everyone was gathered in the sitting room for the final time. They could feel the tension in the air, it was neck at neck and this was the deciding challenge. Setsuna walked in and flicked her still stewing sister.

"Accept defeat graciously Rei. Now, this is Usagi's choice." She took out the slip and her eyes twinkled with mirth as she called it out. "Swimming."

Rei sat up and stomped her foot. "NO! I won't do it! I absolutely REFUSE!"

Setsuna pursed her lips. "We'll in that case, I suppose the win goes to-"

"Wait a minute! I'll do it. I'll go in Rei's place." Everyone looked at Minako, who had spoken. "If you'll allow it, of course. I'm afraid I just can't let it end like this. Please?"

Setsuna shrugged. "I don't have a problem with it. Ami, Usagi?"

Before Usagi could open her mouth, Ami spoke up. "I agree. I'd feel bad if I won this way."

Setsuna nodded. "It's been decided; Minako will race in place of Rei-"

"WAIT!" Everyone looked at Usagi, who had spoken. "I want to race too. This battle is my fault, I want to help contribute somehow."

Minako raised her eyebrows. "This is serious business. I certainly won't go easy on you. Mako, you in for a tag team?"

The tall girl nodded. "Oh yeah. "

*XXX*

"HARDER! HARDER! GO FASTER!" Rei's face was red from shouting. She was supervising Makoto and Minako's swimming practice. The contest was tomorrow; they needed to be in top form.

'Of course, if my plan works out, none of this'll be necessary.' She mused.

*XXX*

"Come on, Usa. I know you can do this." Usagi popped up at the end of the pool. "See. Your times are pretty good, we might have a chance."

Usagi blushed at her praise. "You know, you should probably practice too."

Ami waved her concern away. "I have a pool at the house, I'll practice then. Besides, you need it more than me." She handed her a towel. "Make sure you get your rest."

*XXX*

Naru sighed as she watched her friend collect plates. "Geez. Why do you have to be so headstrong? Ms. Mizuno is a perfectly good swimmer, no?"

"I already told you. I need to feel like I contributed."

"You're the only person I know crazy enough to contribute to their own downfall..."

"But she's being ostracized because of me."

"Oh yeah, and losing will make it alright?"

"That's why we're going to win!" Usagi announced proudly.

"And you're confident about this?" Naru asked, and groaned when she got an enthusiastic head shake. "If only we had a time machine to see what would hap-"

"USAGI! Faster! Go go go! 3...2...1...!" Umino snapped awake from his dream. Both girls immediately swarmed him.

"Did you dream about the race? What happened?"

Umino sighed. "From what I remember, the race was neck at neck, approaching the finish line. Then, just as the winner was to be declared..."

"Yes..."

"It went black."

Usagi blinked. "What?"

"It became dark. I woke up."

"Ugh! How useless!"

Naru stood up. "I guess we have no choice."

"What?"

"We should put laxatives into Minako's porridge or something."

"Naru!" Umino was horrified. "No matter what you can't sink that low."

"Oh please. You have four eyes but can't see the enemy?"

"That's not the point! How could you use my sacred porridge? No! Unacceptable! This porridge brings health to the sick, consolation to the weary! How else can I say it? SACRED!"

Naru rolled her eyes. "Fine, fine. How about we run her over with a bicycle?"

"NARU!"

*XXX*

Minako popped out of the water to look at the person standing in front of her.

Naru say with her on the catch a few moments later. Minako say back, pursing her lips. "So you want me to lose on purpose?

"It doesn't matter if you win or lose; it doesn't really concern you. But for Usagi... This is her education."

Minako snorted. "You may have a point, but I've already decided. I won't kill myself over this, but I won't lose on purpose."

"But-"

"Didnt I tell you before? I warned you to that it was a good idea to stop her."

*XXX*

"WHAT?!" Usagi cringed at her father's tone. She looked with shame into her lap.

"I-I- I might be getting expelled from school."

"Why?"

Before she could answer, Shingo cut in. "It's because she cheated on Hino with Mizuno!"

"Shingo!"

Ikuko gasped. "Usagi, is this true?"

"NO! Well, maybe a little... I never said I was dating Rei anyways. I didn't really do anything wrong!"

Kenji sighed. "Ah you really take after your mother."

Ikuko blushed. "K-Kenji! Don't tell then such things."

He ignored her and continued. "Now based on personal experience, when you find out your girl is two-timing you, it helps if she apologizes. I can speak for Hino-sama, but it's worth a try."

Usagi frowned, thinking it over. 'I'm going for a walk."

*XXX*

"Hey, Odango, where you headed so late?" Rei stuck her head out the window.

"On my way to the pool of course, I have to train one more time before tomorrow."

Rei raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You really want to win that bad?"

"Well, we really don't have a choice!"

Rei frowned and got out if her car, leaning against it and facing the other girl. "Why her? If it wasn't Ami..."

Usagi frowned back. "Why do you care so much, Hin-" she was cut off as Tei pulled her into a hug, whispering into her ear.

"Say it, just once. Say you like me and I'll let it go."

A/N: yeah. Not really any reason for why this wasnt out earlier other than I was too lazy to write it. As consolation, a double feature! Now get on to the next chapter and see what happens!