it's been 84 years...

[guardian_of_protection]

... We're really doing this again, huh? I'm not gunna lie, for a while I thought we were done for good.

On the one hand, we had a ton of fun years ago. Cute boys, big adventures, helping people out...

... On the other hand, I can't just abandon my schoolwork, not to mention Usagi! so, sorry, but I'm not going anywhere.

... I don't have a choice again, do I? ... Some things never change. Oi... I'm going to bake out my stress.

Comments

[geniustheveil]

[Did someone say schoolwork?

Must have, because here's Ami with that friendly smile.]

Mako-chan, if you'd like some help with your studying, we could do it together.

[guardian_of_protection]

Ami-chan!

I could always use some help there... But I think my mun might be pulling me out of school altogether.

[geniustheveil]

But why would she do that?!

[Just when Ami was so happy to see you taking your studies seriously, too. The thought of no school is very distressing!]

[guardian_of_protection]

[Although for Makoto, that's one of the best parts about being in a game...]

You know these people are. They think it's way more fun to plop me on an island, or a spaceship, or a magic forest...

[geniustheveil]

[That sounds... a little alarming, to tell the truth.

It says something about their lives as senshi that Ami doesn't even question the plausibility of Makoto being sent somewhere - even somewhere magical (they've visited Elysion, after all, at least Ami has). No, what worries Sailor Mercury is simply this:]

Do you mean alone? [Because Mako said 'me' not 'we'... and Ami's always thought it would always be 'we'. She's changed her whole future and goals for it.]

[guardian_of_protection]

... Yeah... Sort of. I mean, there are other people there, but... When I've been sent to these places before, I've... never seen you guys.

[Which irritates and saddens her. She's trying to hide it. Failing, but trying.]

That's why I have to figure out some way to stop this. I'm going to do everything in my power to keep us together!

[geniustheveil]

[There's no use in despairing, so what Ami does is turn thoughtful instead.]

There should be some way. We've stayed together until now, and we can face this together, too.

[guardian_of_protection]

[Hearing Ami agree does put her at some ease.]

Heh...! That's right. Besides, without you, all my tests would have red marks! What game would accept someone as dumb as me?

[geniustheveil]

Any place would be lucky to have someone like you, Mako-chan. [Because Ami is an encourager. It's true, too, though: Mako has so many talents and unique qualities.]

[guardian_of_protection]

Ah, you're sweet, Ami-chan. Next time we do study group, you're getting the biggest piece of cake!

[Which will hopefully distract you from noticing she bakes when she's supposed to be studying...]

[geniustheveil]

[Let's be real, Ami is never distracted from that.]

I'll even cut it for everyone. [You can bet that will include some math. And not just fractions. Radius, diameter...]

[guardian_of_protection]

[ami why would you ruin dessert like that]

Well, if you're going to do that, you'd better be accurate! Usagi might cry if hers is even the tiniest bit smaller than the others.

[geniustheveil]

She can even measure it herself.

[Is that the tiniest bit of smugness in her pleasant smile? Surely not. But she has found a way to make Usagi do math; be impressed.]

[guardian_of_protection]

[Gigglesnort.]

Your genius is almost scary...!

[geniustheveil]

[That might be a small giggle of her own, demurely hidden behind a hand.]

That's right. It's no good if I can't use it to help Usagi-chan, too.

[lightthedarkness]

MAKO-CHAN! [You are getting hugged tightly, Makoto.]

[guardian_of_protection]

[Oof! She catches you, chuckling.]

Usagi-chan, you could be a football player with tackles like that!

[lightthedarkness]

Only if the quarter back is holding cookies or something.

[guardian_of_protection]

Heh, you're the second blonde senshi to ask for cookies! Guess that's what I'm making!

[lightthedarkness]

Well, whatever Mako-chan makes is amazing! I eat anything you cook. Yours is my favorite food ever.

[guardian_of_protection]

How about I make some cookies shaped like Luna? Kitty ears and all?

[lightthedarkness]

Oh my gosh! That would be adorable!

[guardian_of_protection]

Hmmmm, as long as I'm doing that... I've got some white icing left over, I can use those to make some of the other ones Artemis! 'Course, I'll need a taste tester...

[lightthedarkness]

I VOLUNTEER TO BE TASTE TESTER! [You know her so well, Makoto.]

[guardian_of_protection]

Heh heh!

... Yu always know how to lift my mood, Usagi-chan.

[lightthedarkness]

And you always know how to lift mine! I'm so glad to see you, and not just because of your cooking!

[guardian_of_protection]

[Ruffles the top of her head a bit.]

So... does that mean you don't want any cookies?

[Just teasing!]

[lightthedarkness]

[Big fat alligator tears appear.]

You would deny me your cooking?

[guardian_of_protection]

Heh heh! Usagi-chan, you're such a crybaby. Guess I'll have to make these cookies with extra sugar to keep you sweet!

[lightthedarkness]

Really! [Mako, you're going to cause her cavities.]

[guardian_of_protection]

Really really!

[Usagi's sheer presence causes cavities, call it even.]

[lightthedarkness]

EEEEEEEE!!! [Tackle hug again!]