"My name is Ami Mizuno. I was born on September 10th. I'm a Virgo, and my blood type is A. My hobbies are reading and playing chess! One of my morning routines is arriving at the school where I work so I can read a book before everyone else gets here! My favorite food is sandwiches because they allow me to read and eat at the same time. Blue is my favorite color, my favorite sport is swimming, and my favorite subject to teach is science!

But something I'm still not good at dealing with, even at 29 is, well, dating. You see, it can get complicated when you also fight for love and intelligence as a Pretty Sailor Guardian!"

Double Jeopardy

Chapter 1: Through the Looking Glass

Ami loved her job as a science teacher at Juuban Middle School. She taught in many of the same rooms as she had once been a student. She enjoyed the subject she taught which she hoped to pass on to her students. She felt she contributed to society. She also enjoyed the familiar setting as she ate lunch near the same bench and the same tree her friends had eaten lunch by when they attended, and she just loved teaching. Especially when she saw true understanding cross a student's face.

Everything about it, that is, but the last four minutes of the final class for the day. That was when she had to scramble to finish her final lecture of the day and tell 30 students what their homework assignment was before they ran out the door at breakneck speed. This was particularly hard today since it was Friday.

Even though the bell hadn't rung, she was already listening to the sounds of books being closed, backpacks zipping up, and students chattering excitedly. Some students were already standing up and stretching. Every time she saw them do this, no matter how hard she tried, she felt that the students saw her as another boring adult and didn't care about her or her class.

She spoke calmly and rapidly as her losing battle with the second hand came to its unavoidable conclusion. "Now, I need you to read chapters 4 through ... Pay Attention! 8 during break and answer the questions at the end of each chapter. Try to remember the important information on Boyle's Law in chapter 7. Remember, you will be tested on this when you get back. You all have my email quiet down back there I am not finished address so if you have any questions just let me know, and-"

The bell rang out, interrupting Ami. She quietly slunk back to her desk, currently piled with the last tests of the semester she had to grade, and watched as all her students leaped out of their seats and ran for the door, some of them getting stuck between each other and the door frame in their mad rush. All her students except one.

Hotaru quietly wrote down the last notes Ami had left on the board. As always, she neatly packed her supplies, then walked over to Ami's desk to say goodbye before going to the parking lot to meet her parents for the journey home.

Once the rest of her classmates had left, Hotaru said, "It was a good lesson today. The visual aids on buoyancy were helpful in your explanation, and I think most of them took the time to write down the homework assignment. It was kind of you to give us so little homework for the break. Some of the other teachers weren't as thoughtful."

Ami smiled as she looked up from her grading and said, "Thank you Hotaru, but you don't have to stand up for me. I don't like it when they rush out like that, though I know it isn't personal." She removed her glasses to rub her eyes then said, "So, what are your plans for the weekend?"

"Well, let's see ..." The girl said excitedly holding up her hands as she counted off, "Haruka Papa, Setsuna Mama, Michiru Mama, and myself are attending Haruka Papa's race at the Tokyo Five Hundred tomorrow. Next, we are planning on doing some shopping at the mall, then I was thinking you and I could go to the restaurant where Makoto works and-"

Ami held up her hand, stopping Hotaru there as her smile grew slightly, "I get the picture," laughed Ami. "And since you are going to ask, I plan to finish my reading on theoretical physics, then I have a psychology book I am just dying to read, plus two competing textbooks the school is thinking of using next year to replace your current one for my class. After that, I may wander the net, grade these latest tests," she said picking up some of the papers for emphasis as she continued, "and Minako has insisted that I 'get out of the house for a while'. So, I have not decided what to do when she finally locks me out of the apartment for a few hours. I have some plans for next Saturday that I need to finalize, and after that, I don't know. Maybe I'll relax. possibly even live a little and watch television."

"Yeah... exciting ... well I need to go, or Haruka papa will think you gave me detention or something. See you later!" With that, Hotaru walked calmly out of the room, and as soon as she was out of sight, Ami heard Hotaru's feet carrying her as fast as they could down the hall.

The blue-eyed teacher suddenly remembered something she needed to tell Hotaru. Ami shouted down the hall after her student and fellow protector of the galaxy, "Do not forget to tell Haruka that Minako, Rei, and Usagi plan to go to the race tomorrow!" but she could already tell Hotaru was long gone.

Now that she was alone, the soldier of fresh water packed all her papers in her bag, and took one last look around the classroom before leaving. Ami sighed quietly, thinking about how much she missed being on the other side of the teacher's desk some days. Even though she appeared not much older than her students, she was starting to feel her age. Not physically, or necessarily because she was old, but rather in her heart.

Ever since the sailor warriors had reached the age of nineteen, except Hotaru who was younger, and thus still growing, none of them seemed to have aged even though now they were pushing thirty. They all knew they would be alive and relatively young in appearance even by the 30th century, but none of them had thought about what they would do once people started noticing they weren't aging. Ami had spent countless hours thinking about that. That and all of them being older in general.

. . .

A little later, Makoto was also getting off work. She was so caught up in her joy that she nearly skipped along the sidewalk. As she turned a corner heading back to her apartment, she almost didn't realize she was about to trample a familiar pedestrian.

"Hey Makoto! If you don't slow down, you're going to kill someone!" laughed her friend Minako as she changed direction and skipped down the sidewalk beside Makoto. "I haven't seen you smile like this for quite a while! What's up?"

"Nice to see you too, Minako." Makoto stopped skipping and started walking like a normal human being, reining in her joy before she stepped on someone. At 6 feet even, Makoto was a bit of a giant in Tokyo. Even still, she couldn't keep the happiness out of her voice as she spoke to her long-time friend, "I just got some good news from the restaurant owner. I want to wait until we all get together on Wednesday to let everyone know."

"Well, can you give me a hint? I promise not to broadcast it across town like I did last time Ami told me about your promotion." Minako meant actual broadcasting since she had a job as a morning radio DJ.

"I haven't forgotten about that. That's more reason for me to wait. So ... uh, how is Ami anyway? I've been so busy lately in the bakery training new staff that I haven't spoken to her for about a month." At the mention of Ami's name, Makoto went from being happy to feeling worried. The Guardian of Thunder hoped that her blond scatter-brained friend wouldn't notice her sudden change in mood.

"Ami? She's fine. She's been spending more of her free time in her room again. I worry about her. It's like I live in that apartment by myself some days. Well other than Artemis that is. He's usually hollering at me to clean up or something else the instant I walk through the door. I think they BOTH need to get out more. To be fair, he sneaks out to raid the neighborhood's garbage cans on trash day and to see Luna. I don't know. It could be worse, I suppose. I could be rooming with someone who didn't pay their share of the rent and bills on time. Or worse! With Rei! Can you picture me living at a Shinto shrine? That woman does a ton of work. I shouldn't complain. At least I get lots of privacy with Ami as a roommate. I'm gonna toss her out of the place for 3 days next week minimum. I got new locks and everything. Speaking of which - do you mind if she crashes at your place? I've got a suitcase packed for the occasion already and everything!"

Minako spoke so quickly that Makoto wasn't sure Minako had taken a breath. It also took her a moment to catch up to what she had asked. "Wha ...? I guess she can stay with me for a few days ... I have an extra room in my new place. It'd be nice to have the company, too. Just make sure it's OK with her before you ask. I don't want her to feel like she is imposing on me or anything like that. You know how she is."

Now the taller woman looked down at her shorter companion and said more seriously, "I don't want her getting the thought that this was my crazy idea either. I'm not going to stop her if she tries to kill you this time. Really, Minako. Throwing her out of her own place is a little low, even if Ami could use some fresh air. I mean, her name is on the lease." Then Makoto smiled and said, "If I hadn't known better, I'd say Ami planned this from the beginning just to get some peace and quiet from you and your loud music. It's far more creative than your usual antics!"

Minako looked up at her friend sweetly, and said as if she were completely innocent, "Cool! So, it's a deal then! Well, I gotta go. See ya soon!" Then as she ran full speed down the sidewalk, she shouted over her shoulder to Makoto, sounding a little irritated, "By the way, Ami is finally starting to like my collection of pop music! I told you so!"

Once Minako was out of sight from Makoto, she whispered to herself, feeling rather clever for what she was setting in motion, "This is going to be easier than I thought!"

. . .

Minako and Ami shared a small, two-bedroom apartment with Artemis. The front door opened into the living room and kitchen with a small hallway running to the two bedrooms and the bathroom. Other than their highly individualized bedrooms, the place was sparsely decorated. It wasn't much, but it was home.

Ami unlocked the door to the apartment, dropped her bag full of papers by the door, and then went straight to her room. Her bedroom was a bit cramped, but it was where she was the most comfortable in the world. She had a small twin bed in the far corner with a simple blue bed set. In the other corner near the window was a desk with a lamp and a high-tech computer she had built herself. There were stacks of books near the desk waiting for her to finish. On the wall hung a signed Starlights poster and several pictures of her friends and family. There were three bookshelves full of books on nearly every topic, two file cabinets, and a dresser.

Ami sat down at her desk and booted up her computer. All the information in the world was at her fingertips when she was here. But she wasn't interested in surfing the net or reading the latest scientific advancements. She was more interested in the small chat window and talking with someone she had come to think of as very special.

Unfortunately, CherryPieLover wasn't online. Ami had been somewhat 'dating' Cherry online for three months now. Partially for safety, and because Ami was too shy, they had yet to see a picture of the other. Also, they both were a little jittery about friends finding out their sexual preference, and again to play it safe, the two women had not met in person yet, though they were planning on doing so soon.

Ami decided to look at more pictures of her friends on her computer. She had them as far back as 1995 and up to the present. Her conversation with Hotaru earlier had caused her to think about her long-time crush, whom Ami was pretty sure at this point felt they were just friends. She opened one of the picture files of Makoto and got lost in the image's green eyes for some time. She felt a little guilty still having feelings for Makoto now that she and PieLover were becoming closer, but she knew that boy-crazy Makoto wasn't an option. So, that was that.

Just as Ami was closing the image, a chat window appeared in the center of the screen.

CherryPieLover: I just got the most wonderful news, and I've got to share it with someone before I burst!

Ami suddenly felt childishly excited to see that Cherry was online as she typed her message back.

PBJ1978: Hello to you too. I take it, I am the first to hear this wonderful news?

CherryPieLover: Yes. I plan on telling the rest of my friends when we get together later in the week, but since we have never met in person, I figure I can tell you now and not have them feel jealous. They tend to all want to be the first to know.

PBJ1978: Ha ha! Sounds like my group of friends. I cannot wait to meet you in person. We are still on for next Saturday, right?

CherryPieLover: Hey! Don't change the subject! But yes. 8:30 PM just as we planned. Speaking of restaurants, let's go back to what I was trying to tell you for a moment. The owner of mine has decided to sell me the restaurant at a loss since she has more than enough to retire and because she thinks I will keep the business running with pride for years to come.

PBJ1978: You weren't kidding. That is wonderful! You'll need to tell me where you work when we meet so I can try the food. You keep teasing me about your cooking skills. I hope you're as handy with a skillet as you boast!

The two secret lovers talked until Ami heard the front door open. She quickly typed an apology, closed the program, and picked up her physics book just in time for Minako to toss open the door to Ami's room.

"How many times do I have to ask you to knock before entering?" asked Ami looking over the top of her glasses at Minako as she spoke.

"Two or three more times should do it," answered the blond cheerfully. "So whatchyaupto?"

"Reading," Ami said as she gestured with the book. Then she sat back in her chair, turned to face Minako, and asked, "So what kind of social nightmare are you going to try to drag me into now?"

Minako looked a little disappointed. "That's not fair. I know I screwed up when I tried to set you up with that last guy. I'm only trying to help you, you know. You've always got some reports to write, tests to grade, or computer programs and research to get done. You never get out! I swear you're losing some skin color. You need to get out a little more. I thought we would get some dinner. I've already arranged for us to eat at Usagi and Mamoru's house, too."

Ami looked at Minako smiling in amusement, trying not to speak to her as if she were one of her students. "Minako, you know that I am a teacher. I need to study to keep up with current information and changes in the scientific world." Then Ami blurted out before she realized what she was saying, "And it may please you to know I have a date next Saturday. So quit bothering me about going out!" As soon as she finished Ami turned beet red.

Minako looked at Ami with her mouth and eyes wide open for a moment, then stammered, "Since when? But I was going to - But you never - How did you - Well, that's great!" Then Minako leaned on the door frame with a cheesy grin and asked, "So who's the lucky guy?"

Still turning yet another shade of red she responded, "Look Minako, it's nothing. I'm meeting up with someone I have some interest in and just seeing where it goes. I probably won't get past the first date with my luck. Uh, you were saying something about going out to eat? Great Idea! Why don't you get going!"

At this point, Ami was pushing Minako out of her room and toward the front door. "You go out and have a great time, and I will finish, uh ..." Ami reached down and grabbed the bag full of tests she had sat down next to the door earlier as she continued, "Finish grading these! Yeah, I'll grade these. Have a great evening out on the town and let me know how it goes, OK? Bye!"

Minako had just enough time to say, "But I -" before Ami closed and locked the apartment door.

As she leaned against the door, Ami decided a nice warm shower would help her relax. She didn't often talk about her personal affairs because it made her uncomfortable wondering what people would think or assume. Even her closest friends. So, she headed to the bathroom, undressed, and stepped into the shower. The warm water felt good on her skin and seemed to wash away all her fears and uneasiness. Once she felt like herself again, she got out, dried off, wrapped a towel around herself, and then looked at her reflection in the large mirror over the sink.

Deep blue eyes stared back at her as she thought about the day's events. She sighed as she closed her eyes realizing the shower hadn't made her relax as much as she wanted.

Ever since she was a kid, romance made her uncomfortable. So, she had spent most of her teen years with her face hidden behind books. It had taken her many years to understand the reason for it. When she finally admitted to herself that she was a lesbian, she had originally felt like she had a huge weight lifted from her shoulders that she hadn't noticed existed until that moment. It made her feel stressed when she stopped and thought about it.

Japan is a very conservative country to live in, so being openly gay isn't common even in the LGBT community. This made her feel she had to hide this fact from her family and coworkers, even if Tokyo had non-discrimination policies. She felt bad for not even telling the other Guardians. It wasn't that she was worried about losing their acceptance, however. Ami knew her friends would accept her for who she was no matter what. It had more to do with how embarrassed she would be if Makoto found out how she felt about her.

On top of that, getting older made her situation more precarious. The thought of spending a lifetime that could potentially last thousands of years or more, experiencing watching the person she fell in love with aging and dying long before she was a terrifying thought. Or worse yet spending that long lifespan alone. She loved her friends, but she longed for a more intimate relationship. It made that part of her life much more difficult since she was still painfully shy and was still in the closet. As she looked at her reflection a moment more, she started to feel frustrated with her face in the mirror.

She sighed and said, "You need to stop worrying about this, you know that? Just once why can't you say to hell with it? Let yourself fall in love and seize the moment already! It's no one's business but your own if things work out or not with you and Cherry, so stop worrying about it!" She stared at her reflection as if waiting for a response.

Ami could feel all her frustration with herself coming to a boil. Years of loneliness were taking a toll on the Guardian of Water now that she couldn't hide from her feelings behind books or mountains of extra homework. She sighed again as she slumped her shoulders looking at herself. "You need to relax. Everything is going to be all right. You'll see."

That was when everything started. The glass surface rippled like water as her reflection moved, reaching out as if touching the other side of the mirror. Ami quickly drew back and looked at her reflection with shock as the water-like mirror smoothed itself back out. Her reflection, on the other hand, smiled sinisterly.

When she was starting to think she had imagined it, she watched as the background in the mirror changed entirely from a reflection of the wall behind her to solid black. Her reflection backed up several feet, then ran forward.

"I must be dreaming," said Ami out loud, then she screamed in terror as her reflection jumped through the bathroom mirror smashing it and sending glass flying everywhere! Ami felt the sharp glass cut into her skin, realizing with growing anxiety that it wasn't a dream, she staggered away from a literal mirror copy of herself, and she started to understand it was very, very real.

The clone looked at her curiously, then as if remembering its purpose it said with a little sarcasm, "Goodnight!" as she grabbed the stunned Ami's head with both hands and smashed it against the counter as hard as she could. Ami felt a sharp pain, heard herself groan loudly, then everything went black.