Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 109 - Farewell

{Author}

In the comforting embrace of Ruka, Mikan weeps, her heart heavy with sorrow. Her tears are a testament to the pain and uncertainty that shroud the Academy in these troubling times.

Meanwhile, Yuka remains in Yukihira's room, her mind clouded with uncertainty as she gazes into the void. The persistent ringing of the phone, now on its fifth call, serves as a haunting reminder of Yukihira's absence.

Just as the phone rings once more, the HSP, Izumi's call comes through, leaving a voicemail message inquiring about Yukihira's whereabouts. Yuka's concern deepens with each unanswered call as she ponders the reasons behind Yukihira's prolonged absence.

" It's me, Izumi. Where are you now?" The voicemails continue, stretching into the lunchtime hours. Yuka's gaze remains fixed on the telephone before her.

Suddenly, the sound of hurried footsteps pierces the air, and the door slams open.

Jinno bursts into the room, calling out desperately for Yukihira. " Yukihira! Are you here?" Simultaneously, Yuka rushes toward the door, her heart filled with hope, expecting it to be Yukihira. However, the sight that greets them leaves them both stunned and disheartened. " Sen...sei," she whispers.

Breaking the silence, Jinno instructs Yuka to return to her own dorm. " Azumi, you go back to your dorm."

Anxious for answers, Yuka queries Jinno about Yukihira's whereabouts. Jinno's response reveals that, after their phone call the previous night, Yukihira had gone to meet PSP. Jinno is convinced that Yukihira wouldn't choose to hide.

Yuka, overwhelmed by confusion and worry, presses for more information. Jinno promises to contact her if there are any developments and advises her to maintain a low profile, urging her to inform him of any issues that arise.

In another part of the Academy, the ESP resumes his psychological manipulation of Persona. He plants seeds of doubt and falsely frames the situation as an unfortunate accident.

" This is an accident. It isn't your fault," he insists, claiming that Yukihira has multiple facets to his character, and Rei has only seen one side of his beloved teacher. To aid the boy in moving forward, he continues his deceitful monologue, portraying what has befallen Yukihira as mere destiny.

Inside his private chamber, the ESP burns a scented substance, enveloping the room in an eerie atmosphere. He reassures Rei that he is no longer alone and emphasizes that he saved PSP's life, branding himself as Rei savior. He instructs Reito sleep, promising that he will awaken to a new life.

Amidst these events, Nobara is in tears, her emotions overwhelmed by the unfolding tragedy. It remains unclear whether her tears are shed for Persona, Yukihira, or both.

Word spreads throughout the school about Yukihira's unexplained absence, with rumors circulating that he has embarked on a journey or been dismissed due to the problems he caused. Yuka, visibly worried, contemplates the enigma surrounding Yukihira's disappearance. Shiki, Mina, and Naru attempt to lift her spirits, but the weight of uncertainty proves difficult to bear.

" Hey, Yuka-chan~. We've heard some not-so-good rumors about Yukihira Sensei's disappearance. Where could--" Mina is cut off by Yuka, who appears extremely worried.

" Sensei is not the type who'll just disappear without any notice," Yuka defends, feeling that something isn't right.

In a somber moment, Jinno and the High School Principal confront the tragic sight of Yukihira's lifeless body covered with a white cloth inside a room at the Primary School Principal's building.