Chapter 3: Fate

A couple of days have passed and Ami became her usual self once again. She becomes engrossed in her studies and reading books. Although she still thinks what has happened she still goes to bookstore and rent out books.

Jareth has distanced himself from Ami and continues his classes. He occasionally goes back to his labyrinth and ponders what to do. Should he destroy the reminder of his heart being broken or keep it to remind him of her. Is there nothing for him now?

Shin works as he goes to college. Having no real plans, he does anything to pass the time.

What will become of Ami's predicament?

Before their first class started, Usagi was hanging out with Ami.

"You better get going Usagi, class will start soon."

"Alright meet me at lunch okay?"

"Of course. See you there."

Ami waved Usagi good bye and giggled seeing as Usagi was walking backwards and nearly fell over a desk and its occupant. When Usagi turned to see where she was going out the door, her red face turned pale. The teacher at the desk saw her standing there blocking the way for someone and hurried her out.

"Ms. Tsukino, you best be getting to your class unless you would like detention."

Usagi gave a hopeless glance at Ami before she went out the door clearly avoiding the person at the doorway. Curious of Usagi's sudden change in behavior, Ami strained her neck to see what was wrong and hoped that she hadn't.

Strutting in full of pride and confidence, Shin hands papers to the teacher.

"Here are the files you wanted."

The teacher thanked and formally introduced Shin as the new teacher assistant. Most of the girls started to bat their eyes at him while the rest were too shy to meet his gaze. The guys somehow admired Shin.

Only two were disgusted or frightened to see him there. Trying to hide behind some books, Ami eyed Shin suspiciously. Jareth however straightened in his seat having a staring or rather glaring contest with him.

After a few moments, the teacher started the lesson while Shin eased back at the desk in front meeting each gaze and prolonging Jareth's. Ami was too busy taking notes to notice him much but felt only his daunting presence.

Teacher's assistant! Really, that has to be a lie. Shin comes in in here with his white T and jeans, how very professional.

After what seemed an eternity in the class the teacher dismissed them for the next class. Students as well as Ami darted out just to see some friends before the next class. Jareth hung in the class a little while longer trying to find some connection Shin had to Ami.

Shin was pleased that there was no trouble concerning the two that did not trust him. He knew there was going to be much fun in school.

"Usagi!" Ami called out running up to her, frightened.

"I'm so sorry Ami, leaving you alone, nothing happened right?" Usagi grabbed Ami hands trying to comfort each other.

"No nothing but he's up to something."

"We'll discuss it to the others after school." Ami nodded in response.

Ami never did make it to the karaoke bar later. She walked home distracted, thinking the conversation she had with Shin.

*****Flashback*****

After school, Ami hurried out the last class and went around the building to the karaoke bar when she spotted Shin leaning on the wall. Ami hesitated a bit but rushed forward keeping their distance wide. Shin however caught up and stopped her with his hand on her arm.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"Somewhere." she responded suspicious of his curiosity.

Shin and Ami stayed quiet for a moment when Shin suddenly broke the silence.

"Come with me." he pulled her arm in the direction but stopped when Ami asked where.

"Come with me and you'll find out."

"I don't think I want to." Letting go of her arm he stared down at her. Seeing she was determined not to go anywhere with him and also a bit frightened he sighed.

"Why don't you trust me?"

"Why?" she raised her eyebrows as if he was joking. "Because you were, are, the enemy and you made me go against my friends. That's why."

"I am no longer you're enemy, I am powerless now you know." he said with frustration and anger. Taking a breath he continued. "Also I didn't make you against you're friends."

"Of course you did, I would never fight them, I never did and still don't. Whatever you did to me, it made me attack them, I didn't feel like myself," She calmed herself and continued, lowering her guard.

"I was...angry, sad and hurt." Her eyes pricked from tears but controlled them before confronting Shin again. She was angry at him, it was written in her eyes.

"That wasn't me."

Shin was taken aback. Why would she hate him when she was weak, he made her stronger. Despite her fighting abilities she was strong in mind and heart.

Could she not see what I did for her? Could she not show some appreciation?

"The cloud of darkness that I unleashed did in fact brainwash you but it did not give you that strength."

"What do you mean?" Ami took a step back and Shin smiled while he took a step forward.

"I mean that your strength as Dark Mercury came from you." he pointed at her but she simply shook her head.

"The cloud also unleashed your deep dark feelings. Those emotions you felt were your own and if I were to guess it were directed at your friends."

"No." Ami was getting more terrified. "No."

"Were you not sad, angry and hurt all because of your friends?" Shin was relishing in her pain and fear. He knew he was going too far though. This was never part of the plan.

H...He's right. We were breaking up; we were separating and leaving me behind. I tried to hide it but all the pain was still there!

"Ami." he said softly reaching for her. She slapped his hands away and ran.

*****Back to Reality*****

Ami lay on her bed fighting away tears when her mother came through the door. She sat up in bed.

"Mother you're home early." she held the door open for Ms. Mizuno.

"Yes. The manager kicked me out saying I need a break." The mother took off her shoes.

"Would you like some tea?"

"Please sweetie." Ami filled the kettle with water and placed it on the stove while her mother sat on the dining table.

"How's school coming along?" Ami's mother undid her bun and took the cup that Ami placed in front of her.

"It's going fine, mother." Her mother sighed in exhaustion.

"That's good. Oh sweetie, there's an internship happening for a week of different careers, and they have doctors that will give you hands on training. You have vacation, don't you?"

"It's a four day weekend actually."

"Well I'm sure your friends will give you the homework and you can catch up fine."

Will they be okay without me? The youma can come and attack people and they needed my help. Then again it's doctoral school that can help with my plans.

Ms. Mizuno watched her daughter pondered on a question that was an easy answer.

"You should go. It will help you. You should start packing." Ami reluctantly left to her room and sat on her bed. Seeing no way she can refuse to her mother, she popped out her suitcase from her closet and called Makoto.

"Do you really have to leave?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry but this will be good."

"Have you told everyone else yet?"

"No, I was planning to tell them tomorrow."

"Alright we'll have a party."

"Yeah sure." Hanging up on her friend, Ami let out a sigh.

They'll be fine without me.