Chapter Thirteen

Phenomenon

They walked to Raye's Temple mostly in silence, only glancing over at each other occasionally. Despite the fact that he could read people so well, he found Ami's mother, Umiko, quite baffling. She was angry as if he was coupled or paired, a human phenomenon he had observed, but the fact was that he and Ami weren't in any sort of paring. The mortal world was quiet different than the Negaverse.

Ami looked over at Kaiba for a second. "He's almost like an alien to this world," She thought as she watched him closely inspect the most mundane and ordinary things like parking meters and clocks. Even though he didn't understand this world, he was able to make thoughtful observations about it, Ami noticed. While walking by a public fountain, Ami sat down on the edge to rest. Kaiba took a seat next to her then gazed into the water.

"What in the world are you doing?" Ami exclaimed while she watched Kaiba quickly plunge his arm into the water.

He pulled his arm out and opened his hand. "There's treasure in the bottom of the water."

Ami almost laughed, but kept in so she wouldn't humiliate the man. "No, that's money. People use it to buy things here."

"Do I have enough to buy anything?"

She looked at the Yen coins in his hand. "Maybe a cup of coffee or something, but that's not your money. Put it back."

"But I found it, Mizuno-san. It's mine."

"No, people throw money into the fountain to make a wish."

"Wishes? What kind of wishes?"

Ami shrugged her shoulders. "Some wish for fortune or fame or maybe even happiness." She grabbed one of the coins out of Kaiba's hand, closed her eyes, and threw it back into the water.

"What'd you wish for?"

"I can't tell you."

Kaiba hunched his eyebrows. "Why not?"

"The wish won't come true then."

Kaiba looked deeply into the water and stared at all the shiny coins down at the bottom. "You know, Mizuno-san, I think people should save this money stuff and do something useful with it instead of throwing it away on wishes."

Revelation struck Ami's mind. She hadn't thought of that before.

Kaiba shrugged his shoulders. "But nevertheless…" He flicked one of the coins into the water with his thumb.

"What you'd wish for?"

He smirked at her. "Not telling."

His smirk made her suspicious. "What are you going to do with the rest of the coins?"

"You said I had enough to buy coffee. What is coffee?"

Ami stood up from the fountain. "Come on. I'll show you."

"We have Amara's Planet Crystal, Michelle's, Hotaru's, and Trista's…" Lita listed off.

"Yeah, but we don't know if Trista's will be of any service since her powers have faded and Beryl is in control of her staff." Amara said

"But we still have it," Serena piped up.

"Raye, have you discovered anything in the fire?" Michelle asked. Raye shook her head in reply. "The fire has been difficult to read lately. Ami isn't capable of teleportation or telepathy like Trista. We'll have to use our own powers to find her."

"We've come up with nothing at HQ or through Ami's supercomputer," Artemis said.

Darien stood up from off the wall. "We have to do something. We can't just leave her in the hands of the Negaverse."

"What do you propose we do, Prince Endymion?" Trista asked.

He shook his head. "I don't know. We're so powerless compared to them, and we don't even know how to use these trinkets that Tuxedo Samurai told us to get. Besides the fact that we don't even know who he is."

"Maybe Tuxedo Samurai could help us?" Mina suggested. "But how could we convince him to join our side?"

"He is on our side, Mina!" Raye snapped.

"He isn't on anybody's side. He just does whatever he wants, and it makes me suspicious." Darien said.

"Tuxedo Samurai protected us many times at the risk of his own life! He isn't our enemy." Raye said.

"Well, if he's our friend, he should be inclined to help us retrieve Ami from the Negaverse," Hotaru stated.

Michelle nodded. "She's right."

"We have to have an assault on the Negaverse. We need to be offensive." Amara slammed her hand into the table.

Raye stood by the door against the wall listening for her grandfather or Kyoji. She had all of her friends in the tea room for the Sailor meeting—all Sailors, one Tuxedo, and two cats delegated in the room. She quickly hushed the crowd when she thought she heard voices coming down the hallway.

"My granddaughter is in here." Her grandfather spoke, standing outside the tea room. "Fancy that Raye throws a party and doesn't invite her grandfather."

"I'm sure you still have Raye's affections, Himura-san."

Raye's eyes bulged as she stood by the doorway. She quickly slid open the door and looked out. In the hallway stood a young blue-haired girl standing next to her grandfather. Her eyes met with Raye and she smiled warmly. "Hello, Raye-chan."

"AMI!" Raye exclaimed. She grabbed Ami by the wrist and pulled her into the tea room. Everyone had the same reaction and rushed toward her for hugs. The dismal atmosphere instantly changed to excitement and chaos as they all tried to hug and touch their friend. She accepted some of the first few hugs and pats, but she backed them off and pushed them away. "Everyone, please…"

"How did you get back?"

"Are you alright?"

"What did they do with you?"

Ami raised her hands. "Everyone, please, listen!" She waited until they grew silent. "Before I answer any questions, I want you to meet someone." She stepped back and looked out into the hallway. Raye's grandfather had left. She looked at Kaiba and smiled. He gingerly came forward into the doorway and walked into the room. Immediately everyone gasped then jumped into a defensive position.

"It's General Kaiba! Attack!" Lita yelled.

They all starting charging at him in one mad rush. Darien grabbed hold of his arm while Mina got the other. Lita had leapt over the tea table and grabbed a hold of his shirt while Serena grabbed his leg at the ankle. Ami hollered for them to stop. They only stopped because it was so unusual to hear Ami scream at all.

"Enough!" Ami hollered. "Kaiba is no longer a General of the Negaverse. He has changed is ways and has seen the light."

Amara pointed at Kaiba. "That's the scum who kidnapped you! He's brainwashed you!"

"He's the one who saved me! I would have died if it wasn't for him!" Ami looked around at her friends with desperation across her face. "Please, believe me! Kaiba is good now!"

They stared for a few moments then slowly backed off one by one. Darien released Kaiba's arm while Lita released his shirt. Serena crawled away from his ankles while Mina still continued to hang on his left arm.

Mina looked up at the former General, stars in her eyes. "You want to sit with me?"

"Um…I guess…" He thought while he spoke.

Ami's eyebrows hunched over.

Mina guided the General over to the tea table still clinging onto his arm. "Have a seat right here."

"Okay," He said. "Have you ever had coffee? It's a very good thing to buy."

"Yes, of course." Mina smiled. "My favorite coffee shop…" She trailed off in conversation with Kaiba.

"So, Ami! You've got to tell us everything!" Serena said. "Come on, sit down over here!" Serena guided her friend to the head of the table.

It took hours for Ami to explain everything to her friends about her kidnapping and experience in the Negaverse. Proving himself to be useful, Kaiba explained and informed the Sailor Scouts of what he knew of Beryl and her plans—which wasn't really much, but it was more than the Sailors knew at the time. But after they had finished Sailor business, the group of friends started to celebrate and converse in other matters. As the night grew darker, the outer Sailors took Trista home and Darien left because of his early classes in the morning. Only the Inner Scouts and Kaiba remained in the tea room as the clock struck 9PM.

Ami sat in the corner with her arms crossed over her chest. She glared hard at the long-haired blonde who had latched onto the blue-haired man. Kaiba had quickly made his way into the hearts of the Sailor Scouts with his witty humor and observations about earth. The blonde was flirtatious and playful with her words, eyes, and even the way she pouted her lips when he teased her. Everything inside Ami would tighten as if her innermost being was screaming. "What is wrong with me? Why am I feeling like this?" Ami wondered to herself as she watched the blonde interacting with the man.

"Is there something wrong, Ami?" Lita asked.

Everyone stopped their conversations to look over at Ami.

Ami looked up from the floor, breaking her thoughts. She looked around to see all eyes staring at her. "Huh? What?" She froze. Lita knew her the best out of all the Sailors, but not extremely well. She hoped she could fake it so she shook her head. "No, nothing's wrong. I don't feel well that's all."

Lita nodded. "Yes, you have been through a lot. Perhaps if you eat something or get some sleep you'll feel better."

Ami nodded. "You're probably right."

Everyone turned back to their conversations except Kaiba. His piercing blue eyes remained on Ami for a few moments. He studied her as she looked back down to the floor.

"Kaiba, have you ever been to the movies?" Mina asked.

Kaiba turned his attention away from Ami and looked at Mina. "Where is movies at? I've never been there."

For hours upon hours the Queen laid by the pool watching the past, present, and future unfold. As she watched, some pieces of the puzzle would be revealed, but so much of it was a mystery to her. As time passed and scenes unfolded, she found her infatuation with the Moon Prince grow stronger and stronger every hour. If she married him, she could legitimately rule Crystal Tokyo and be just and good, if not even better than her rival, Queen Serenity. Queen Serenity had stolen Prince Apollo of the Sun from her, Princess Serena had stolen Prince Endymion of Earth from her, but she would not let Sailor Mars steal the Moon Prince from her. It was her turn to have what she wanted—power and prestige. All she would have to do is find the Moon Prince, marry him, and sit on the throne while Crystal Tokyo is birthed into existence.

Soon would be the time to set the events in motion. She padded her pocket that held her dark crystal in it. It was almost at full-strength, and when it was, she could start the birth of Crystal Tokyo. Soon, she would be Queen of all the Universe, and the Moon Prince would be at her side.

She sighed while waving her hand over the waters. A new scene unfolded before her. Her nose wrinkled when the first person she saw was Princess Serenity but her distain relented when the Moon Prince came into view. The two, similarity dressed the clothing style of the Moon King, walked down a long pathway toward the palace. The stone pathway led across the shore of the great lake in front of the beautiful palace. The two, who also looked so similar in physical features, gently strolled along the shore while chatting.

"Dear Serena, I only say these things because of you safety. We are unaware of Prince Endymion's alliances. There have been rumors that the Earth Kingdom has been making negotiations with Queen Beryl and the Negaverse…" The Moon Prince stated.

"Darien would never do such a thing as siding with her! There must be a mistake!" Princess Serenity interrupted.

"I have confirmed facts from my intelligence scouts that Queen Beryl has been in contact with the Earth Kingdom."

Princess Serenity looked him in the eye. "Are you not like a brother to me?"

He looked at her confused. "Yes, I am you brother."

"Then as my brother, believe me when I say that Prince Darien is not with the Negaverse. He is good-hearted and trustworthy."

The Moon Prince stared into his sister's bright blue eyes. He faintly smiled. "You always see the best in people, my sister."

She smiled back. "Yes, even you." She brushed the hair out of his eyes as a loving sister would.

He sighed and continued to stroll at a slow pace. "It is a wonderful day, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is." Serena smiled while twirling her umbrella that was rested against her shoulder. "Quite beautiful."

They walked a few feet in silence merely absorbing the scenery with their eyes. They had lived in the Moon Kingdom all their lives, but they could never grow tired of the beautiful landscape of the Moon.

"Cousin, tell me something."

"Oh, I'm your cousin now?"

The Princess faintly laughed. "Okay, brother, tell me something."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Why do you wear a silver ring on your finger?"

The Moon Prince stopped in his tracks. "What are you talking about, Princess?"

She stopped and pointed toward his hand. "That silver band. Why do you wear it?"

"It's a piece of jewelry—nothing more. I believe I had found it one day and decided I…"

"Liar!"

He looked at her with a frown. Even when she called him a liar, she did it rather gracefully.

"Why does Princess Raye wear the same band?"

The Moon Prince gulped. "Princess Raye wears the same band?"

"Stop pretending like you don't know. You and I know both that you were never any good at lying. Now tell me, why do you and Princess Raye wear the same band? I thought you hated each other. What is going on?"

The Moon Prince bit his lip and looked his sister in the eye. His face started to flush a little.

"Do you two really like each other and haven't told anyone."

He glanced away. "You could say that…"

She stared him down. "What do you mean by that?"

He looked around to see if anyone else was around. "You have to promise not to tell anyone what I'm going to tell you. I mean it. You cannot even tell Queen Serenity."

Princess Serenity looked around. "Can't even tell Mom? This must be some secret. What is it?"

He gulped again and leaned in close to his sister. "Princess Raye and I have been secretly married for almost two months now."

"WH…" Princess Serenity tried to exclaim but the Moon Prince covered her mouth.

"Look, I know everyone thinks we hate each other, and we used to. But then about a year ago, I really started to like her and the same thing was happening to her but we never admitted to each other then we ended up kissing one night then we started a secret relationship for six months then we just decided to get married secretly. We were planning to tell Aunt Serenity after things cool down with the Earth conflict." He rattled off rapidly in one blur.

Princess Serenity used her hands to remove the Prince's off her face. "Brother, I am really very happy for you and Raye, but I'm afraid the politics of our position…"

"I know," He sighed while glancing to his feet. He looked back up into Serenity's eyes. "But I love her."

The Princess smiled. "I know. I could tell just by the way you've been looking at her lately."

"Do you think anyone else suspects?"

Serenity shook her head. "And if they do, I'll steer them in the wrong direction." She smiled. "I won't tell anyone. Not even our mother."

The Moon Prince smiled. "Thank you."

It was late. Only Ami and Kaiba remained at the Temple with Raye discussing what Kaiba's living arrangements would be. It was agreed upon that Kaiba would stay at the Temple as a guest for ¥3000 ($25) a week. Kaiba noticed the slight frustration on Ami's face as he realized it would take almost all of Ami's week allowance to pay for his room at the Temple, but it was settled that Kaiba was to spend the night there while the other Sailors would work on finding him supplies and Darien would give him old clothing.

After it was agreed, Raye headed off to her bedroom while Ami started to make her way towards the exit of the Temple. She held her arms over her chest to keep herself warm as she walked. She still felt sick, angry, and confused inside.

"Mizuno-san! Wait!"

She turned around to see the blue-haired man chasing after her. She stopped walking and waited for him to catch up.

He exhaled deeply, his breath freezing and blowing away in the wind. "Mizuno-san, can we talk?"

"It's late, Kaiba, I really should get home."

"Then at least let me walk you home. It isn't safe at night." He glanced around. "There are people like me who might kidnap you." He faintly laughed then stopped once he saw she wasn't laughing. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing." She continued to walk again.

He followed behind her. "Mizuno-san, stop."

She stopped.

"Can I please walk you home? It really isn't safe."

She pondered silently for a moment. "Alright."

They walked down the long stone stairs of the Cherry Hill Temple together in the cold dark. They headed off in silence for a few minutes, almost reaching the halfway point, then Kaiba spoke his mind.

"Why were you upset earlier?"

"I wasn't upset. I was sick."

"I don't believe you."

Ami started to walk faster. "I don't care what you believe."

He smirked at her feistiness. "What is wrong with you?" He walked faster. "Mizuno-san! Tell me what's going on! Mizuno-san!"

"Leave me alone!" She broke out into a sprint.

He started to run and grabbed a hold of her arm when he caught up to her. He quickly spun her around, pulling her toward him and causing her to smack right into his chest. He quickly grabbed her in his arms to keep her pinned against him.

The both panted heavily while the steam from their breaths poured out into the cold air. She was pinned in his arms with no way of escape, and his blue eyes stared her down. One look into his eyes made her start to cry.

"What' s wrong?" He asked gently.

"I don't know," She sobbed and looked away.

He grabbed her chin with his hand and forced her to look at him. "Ami-chan."

She didn't need to be forced to look at him after he called her that. Even though tears still dripped down her face, her eyes were wide open with surprise.

"In my time here on Earth, I have observed a phenomenon between people. They couple up. They don't just use each other for self-gratification. They form something like a relationship with each other. I have heard all my life that love is bad, not really understanding what it was, but I think this is what love must be—a commitment and devotion to another human being."

Ami glanced away, frustrated. "Yes, Kaiba, now please, I need to get home…" She tried to pull away, but she found herself being jerked back. When her face almost came into view of his, she felt his lips over hers.

Her heart exploded. While his lips were cool and refreshing, it set her heart and soul on fire. It only lasted a few seconds, but it lingered on as he pulled away slowly from her upper lip. He brought his head back and waited for her to open her eyes. Once she did, he smiled warmly at her which made her faintly smile back in surprise.

He shook his head with a smirk. "I knew your friend Mina was making you jealous tonight. Why didn't you say anything?"

Ami glanced away. "I didn't think you would feel the same way about me." A heavy tear poured from her eye. "I mean, I waited so long for Shoji, and he never…"

"Hush." Kaiba wiped away the tear. "He's a coward. He doesn't deserve to have you."

"I just thought you'd never see me that way. I just felt like it was happening all over again—I was getting attached, and then you'd be interested in someone else. Gosh, just the way Mina was hanging all over you tonight! It's not like it's never going to happen again! I mean, you're so attractive and good-looking…" She stopped herself and blushed once she realized she said too much.

"Ami-chan."

She was caught in surprise again and looked up at him.

"I have seen this phenomenon of people coupling together and making a relationship. I would very much like to do so with you, if you would agree to it."

Ami looked around. "Are you sure? I mean, there are so many other girls out there, and I'm sure they'd all love to date you…"

"You're the one I want, Ami-chan." He silenced her again with another kiss, this time making it deeper and more sensual. It wasn't just a kiss between kids on the schoolyard, this was a kiss between a man and woman. He pulled away leaving her wanting more and melting in his arms.

After a few moments, she pulled away from his arms and She composed herself, wiping the snowflakes off her jacket. "Well, I suppose I should be getting home. It's late." She continued walking toward her house.

Kaiba silently followed and after a few seconds, grabbed her hand and held it. She looked over at him with red cheeks while he only smirked back at her.

"Does this mean we're boyfriend and girlfriend?" She asked.

He stopped walking, making her stop, and he looked over at her. "What? Are we not friends?"

"No, we are friends. It's just a special title for people."

"What does it mean?"

"If I'm your girlfriend, it means you only hold hands, and…" She blushed. "…only kiss me, and if you're my boyfriend, I only hold your hand and kiss you. Nobody else."

"Well, if that's what it means then I guess we are." Kaiba pondered for a moment. "Does this mean we are in relationship for life?"

She shook her head. "No, it doesn't. If we were in relationship for life, we would be husband and wife."

"Ah, yes, I have heard of this. I understand. They are married for life. I didn't realize that marriage was supposed to be about love and relationship. How do you know if you should be married?"

"By going through the boyfriend and girlfriend stage," Ami said, she continued to walk, guiding Kaiba along.

They walked in silence only holding each others hand until they reached Ami's street. Kaiba recognized the street and glanced over at Ami. "Do you think someday we can be married?" He asked, bluntly.

Ami blushed furiously. "I don't know. We'll see."

They continued in silence until they reached Ami's dark house. She walked up to the door with Kaiba and stood on the porch digging for her keys. Kaiba looked up into the starry night sky since the clouds disappeared. She found the key and stuck it into the lock. "Well, goodnight, Kaiba. Thanks for walking me home."

He smiled. "Thank you for being my girlfriend, Ami-chan."

She blushed even more but he couldn't see it in the dark. He leaned forward and kissed her hot, embarrassed cheek. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight," She uttered.

He turned around and started to walk away. She stood for a moment and watched him leave. He turned around and waved, and she waved back in the dark. Instead of opening the door, she turned and ran right into it. She grabbed her head and mentally scolded herself as she opened the door.

She headed upstairs and changed in clothes. She did all of her bedtime preparations as she normally would. When she laid down and crawled into her covers, the biggest smile crept onto Ami Mizuno's face, and she slept with the smile all night long.