By Heather Noss
Yet as always, things were not as simple as they should have been. Ryo, Michiru's father, had learned the truth of Michiru's psychic ability to block her thoughts from outsiders in the days following the dance. He was shocked, but he admitted he had long suspected his rebellious second daughter had abilities she did not openly display. He was secretly relieved, and after some awkward late night talks, it was clear the two were returning to the closeness they had previously enjoyed.
As Ryo's daughter, Michiru was certain he would have eventually forgiven her for lying to him so long about this talent. He still trusted her, and would likely mentor her in the use of this ability. Now that the secret of her crystal dream was out in the open, she could seek his advice on dream interpretation. Since one of her dreams had show a version of the future, others may as well. Ryo had lots of experience in that area.
The question that was plaguing her thoughts was how her twin had taken the news. The night before, after they had defeated Tanzanite, Neko and Michiru had talked about what happened at the dance. It was natural for Neko to expect confusion, anger and horror from Michiru. What she found was a sister who had long ago accepted what the man in her dreams had done. She had spent the last 14 years living and reliving the scene at the dance in her dreams, growing to love the man even as he killed her family. Neko did not have that luxury.
*Oh, and let's not forget that you just went, "Surprise! I can keep my thoughts from you. Isn't that cool?!" Ugh!*
Sure, all of this was weighing heavily on the emerald-haired girl. However, her immediate concern was Jian-wa. Ever since the dance he had been avoiding her. Even when they were together he was distant, unresponsive. In Michiru's mind there was only one possible conclusion. After he had been purged of the evil energy Tanzanite had been poisoning his soul with, he realized he had no romantic feelings the second Mizuno twin. The events of the dance had left Michiru weak and suffering from amnesia. Jian-wa, now a kind and good person, could not bring himself to break up with her in that condition.
The idea that Jian-wa was being forced into any relationship was horrible. Knowing that it was a relationship with her that was making him so unhappy was too much. It was a good thing that Michiru didn't cry easily otherwise she would have been a sight. The only man she had ever loved, the man she had died for, did not return her feelings. He didn't want her, and now he would finally tell her.
Jian-wa had asked Michiru to meet him in the Kempo room after fencing practice. The note had said it was important. Everyone now knew Michiru's memory was intact, her strength returned. She was convinced that Jian-wa was going to break it off, no longer feeling compelled to stay with her.
As the girl slowly made her way to the designated meeting spot, she again thought of her twin. It was heartwarming how much Neko and Tenshi had grown to love each other in such a short time, regardless of how Michiru teased her sister. Her quiet, thoughtful twin had found a wonderful man, and Michiru couldn't be happier for her.
Yet, even this happy thought couldn't raise her spirits. The love she saw between Neko and Tenshi only made it more obvious that fate had decided she was to spend her days alone, her life devoted to the protection of her family. The concerns she had shared with her father in the days before the dance were coming true, just not in the way she had anticipated. She had found true love at the dance, but it was unrequited love.
Breathing deeply to force down the tears that threatened to escape, Michiru squared her shoulders and continued on her way, determined to show no weakness to her love. She wanted Jian-wa to leave with a guilt-free conscience.
Hurrying past the locker rooms, she saw Tenoh Tenshi come out of the college level locker rooms. *Pole-vaulting practice must be over.* Then Michiru did a double take. Tenshi had come out of the women's locker room. She stopped and double checked. *Why would Tenshi-kun be in the women's locker room? He must have been looking for Neko-chan. Wait�Neko-chan would be on the other side, in the high school locker rooms!*
The emerald-haired beauty's violet eyes flashed and narrowed dangerously. How dare he?! He had the most amazing girl in the whole world, and was sneaking into the women's locker room to peek at them changing!! How could he?!
Michiru clenched her hands into fists, squeezing until her nails drew her own blood. "I will not allow you to hurt my sister, you Peeping Tom! Not now, not ever!" Heading directly towards her target she yelled, "Tenshi-kun!"
*~*~*~*~*~*
Tenshi stopped in mid-step and turned. She smiled upon seeing Neko's twin, but she stopped when Michiru's expression came into focus. Frowning deeply, she called, "Mi-chan, doushita?"
The young woman didn't answer until she was only a few feet away. She looked as if she was struggling to control her emotions.
"Tenshi-kun, just what the hell do you think you were doing?"
"Mi-chan, what do you mean? I just got out of pole-vaulting." Tenshi frowned deeper. Michiru was speaking at a normal volume, but every word dripped with venom.
"I mean, just what do you think you were doing in the women's locker room?! Trying to get a peek, were you! How could you do that to Neko-chan?"
Tenshi was shocked. Peek? What was she talking about? Then it hit the older teen. Michiru thought she was a man, and was accusing Tenshi of being a Peeping Tom! "Matte, Mi-chan, let me explain!"
The response was cold and sharp. "There's nothing to explain. I don't care if you are Haruka-san's son! I will not allow you to hurt Neko-chan like this!" With those words she took a menacing step towards her target.
Tenshi stepped back. This was not good. Michiru was about to pick a fight with her. *What do I do now?* She knew the second Mizuno twin had won more than one fight defending a sibling. Michiru was aggressive, fast and strong. Suddenly Tenshi was hit with the fact that she was facing a red belt in Kempo while she was only a white belt. Even Tenshi's larger size and height wouldn't be any advantage against the anger and adrenaline running through Michiru.
She was also acutely aware of what had happened to the last person Michiru had faced when she was this upset. Last night General Tanzanite had been blown away! This could easily turn into a repeat performance if something didn't happen to stop it!
The cheerful greeting of Neko filled the deadly silence. *Thank Kami-sama,* Tenshi thought. She had no place telling Michiru that she was a girl and not a guy. This wasn't her sister, and Neko must have had some reason for not telling Michiru the truth. If this mess was going to be cleared up before she ended up in a hospital bed, it was up to Neko.
