A Sailor Moon Fanfiction: The Pledge of the Sun.

Chapter 102

It was after school at Juuban Middle. Ami was just heading out of the classroom to meet up with Usagi and the others for a study session when she heard the vice-principal call her.

"Ms. Mizuno? May I have a moment with you?"

Ami stopped just before she left the classroom. "Yes, Sir?"

The vice-principal then held out a textbook. "I found this in the A.V. room," explained the teacher. "I believe this belongs to you."

"Oh, thank you very much," Ami thanked as she took the textbook back.

"You know, Ami, I've been feeling a bit worried about you," said the vice-principal. "It's not like you to forget your textbook. Is something bothering you?"

"Uh... not really," replied Ami.

"Just so you know, this is your entrance exam year, so I'm expecting great things from you," the teacher went on. "You are one of the brightest students this school has to offer. So make sure to study hard."

"I will, Sir," nodded Ami.

"That reminds me. I've heard that you've been tutoring some of our less than accomplished students prepare for the exam," continued the vice-principal. "Won't helping those slackers take time away from your studies? You can talk to me if they are dragging you down."

Ami knew that the vice principal was looking out for her, but she couldn't help but feel a bit hurt. "But even if you're the vice-principal, I don't think it's fair to say they're dragging me down," she said firmly. "I would think that you would encourage students to do their very best."

"Yes, you're right, of course," the vice-principal relented. "But my point is that your priority is to concentrate on your studies, and nothing else. So anyway, I must get going."

The vice-principal went on his way, leaving Ami by herself. But, as she walked down the stairs, she still couldn't help but feel upset.

"It's always my grades and nothing else," Ami sadly mumbled to herself as she continued on her way.

She didn't notice that Usagi and Harusuke were over by the shoe lockers as she walked out. The two Tsukinos had overheard everything Ami and the vice principal said, and not only was Usagi upset, but she felt regretful too.

"I'm dragging her down?" Usagi mumbled sadly. "As much as I hate to say it, he might be right."

"Don't let it get to you, Sis," soothed Harusuke. "That vice principal was just looking out for Ami, aside from being a total jerk."

Just then, Naru came stomping up. "So this is where you've been hiding, Usagi!" she spoke, sounding annoyed. "Have you been hiding from us?"

Usagi felt puzzled. "Why would I be hiding?" she asked.

Naru answered by yanking Usagi to her feet. "Because you promised me pizza if I let you copy my homework, or did you forget?"

"Um, are you sure I said that?" Usagi asked, still confused.

"Yes, you did!" Naru snapped. "And Umino gets one too!"

And before Usagi could protest, Naru dragged the ordango blonde right out of the shoe lockers, with Harusuke following while shaking his head exasperated. He then looked back to where Ami left, feeling a bit worried.

"I just hope that Ami's OK," Harusuke thought to himself. "She always was the type of person who acts brave but can be a bit sensitive."

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The next day, Ami was still feeling depressed as she sat on the stone steps in Juuban Park. As she sat there, she heard a voice call out to her.