Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 121 - A Small Gift

{Author}

In the quiet hospital room, Shiki, the HSP, and Jinno gathered around Noda-sensei, discussing the pressing matter at hand. " So, the Elementary Principal demands you to return the clone alices you've stole with Yuka. in the past?" Nodacchi asked while reading the letter of request which was issued to Shiki.  Noda-sensei, curious, questioned why the ESP would want the stones back, especially since his current child body wouldn't be able to create another clone.

" The thing is he's backing this with my history as a criminal along with his right to ownership. In the end, I had no choice but to accept it. Though I'm sure that even if I refuse, given how prepared he is about this issue he wouldn't accept it easily." Shiki said before releasing a sigh. Shiki, aware of the limitations imposed by his deal with the ESP, acknowledged the situation. He couldn't use his status as the academy's protector to defy the ESP's demands.

" As long as the truth remains that I was part of a criminal organization before no matter what my motive was, even if I am also now protecting the academy with a barrier it's already impossible to use this same reason against him more than once." Even though they were not currently residing in his body which the ESP might already know about. 

" We can't hand over the stones to him unless we identify his motive."Jinno chimed in, revealing that the ESP was making a move, and the repositioning of the Alice stones was just a "step" in his larger plan.

As Shiki contemplated the situation, he recalled Himemiya's and Yuka's words to him. He feared that the ESP's refusal might lead to the loss of his guardianship over Misaki. " The Principal might even know that the stones are not residing in y body. Even if the stones are with me, he would just ask Misaki or even Mikan to take those out. If this isn't resolved yet and he claims that he received utmost damage from this, then it would deem me improper to be Misaki's guardian anymore." 

Skipping ahead to the Christmas Ball, a beloved tradition at the academy, the festivities unfolded with familiar customs, yet an undeniable void lingered in the absence of Misaki. Hotaru, usually laden with a large pile of food, looked expectant, as if anticipating someone's arrival. Serenely seated by the dining table, she indulged in her festive feast.

Inchou observed Hotaru's demeanor. " Are you waiting for someone, Hotaru-chan?" he inquired.

Hotaru responded briskly, " As always, the Christmas Ball. I wonder if Misaki..." Her sentence was cut short as Sakurano approached, delivering a Christmas card from Subaru.

" Sorry I'm late," Sakurano apologized with a smile. " I really did my best to make it on time. Here's a card for you."

Accepting the card, Hotaru's thoughts momentarily drifted. " Tell him I hope he's managing well," she muttered to herself, acknowledging Subaru's characteristic stoicism.

" He was really looking forward to seeing you today, but unfortunately, Nobara's in critical condition right now. That's why he wanted to send you a card... By the way, the Christmas card you sent him, he didn't say anything about it, but he was happy," Sakurano explained, offering Hotaru a pat on the head.

In the lively atmosphere, Permy scanned the surroundings in search of Natsume. " Hey, hey, did anyone see Natsume-kun?" she inquired.

A classmate responded, " He was last seen near the Christmas Tree but—" Koko interrupted him, cautioning against revealing Natsume's location. " Don't tell Permy where Natsume is! She'll only bother him."

Permy gasped, delivering a playful smack to Koko's head. " How'd you know?!" Koko held his head, smiling. " Permy, you're as persistent as ever. Good luck with that."