Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 9 - Central Town

{Author}

Every month, the students at the Alice Academy received their allowances based on their star rankings. The amounts varied: 30,000 yen for Special Stars, 10,000 yen for Triple Stars, 5,000 yen for Double Stars, 3,000 yen for Single Stars, and a mere 500 yen for those without any stars.

Mikan couldn't help but whine as she gazed at her 500 yen allowance. It seemed insignificant to her. " Just 500 yen?!" She managed to exclaim aloud.

Inchou tried to console her, saying, " 500 yen is enough, Mikan-chan. Don't worry."

Their attention shifted when they overheard some classmates discussing something intriguing. Misaki, who had a monthly allowance of 15,000 yen, was sitting next to Ruka. Her expression hinted at something she was contemplating.

Curiosity got the better of Mikan, and she inquired, "What is the Central Town?" Her question prompted Hotaru, who was usually quiet, to provide a direct response.

Hotaru explained that the Central Town was essentially a shopping street located within the school's boundaries. Inchou couldn't help but chuckle at her succinct explanation. " That's such a direct response."

Their classmate chimed in, adding that most items in Central Town were crafted by Alice users, and there were numerous shops and food stalls to explore.

Inchou encouraged them to explore Central Town for themselves, stating, "Seeing is believing. Why don't you check the town out? I need to shop for the Culture Fest too."

Misaki, deep in thought, was still puzzled by many aspects of the school. She found the entire setup suspicious. She had a room, ample food, and now an allowance, despite not having a star ranking. She mused about what made her situation so different and peculiar.

Determined to find some answers, she decided to seek out Narumi-sensei. She left the classroom, earning curious stares from her classmates. She eventually spotted him strolling alone, clipboard in hand, and humming to himself.

Upon greeting him with respect, Narumi-sensei smiled at her and inquired, "Sensei!" 

" Is there something you need, Misa-chan?"

Misaki handed him back the allowance, which she had yet to touch, expressing her concerns. She felt it was unfair to receive these privileges without a star ranking. " This is too much for me."

" Why are you giving this back to me? It's yours~" Narumi smiled at the student and handed it back to her hand. 

" I haven't been ranked yet, why do I feel like I'm treated specially. Aren't I just a normal alice student?" Misaki questioned. 

" You know Misa-chan, it's been decided by Persona and the higher-ups that you'll be treated exceptionally. It may be unfair to the others but I'll try and tell them to rank you okay? " Narumi-sensei, seemingly unfazed, pinched her cheeks and chuckled. He reassured her, emphasizing that it was rightfully hers.

" Now accept your allowance okay? It's already yours. I'll see you around hmm? "  As Narumi-sensei left with a pat on her head, Misaki couldn't help but wonder why they treated her so differently. She was sure they had ulterior motives, probably related to her other Alices, but she had no intention of revealing her full potential.

Back in the classroom, Misaki didn't find Ruka by her side. She decided to rest her head on the desk for a short nap.

During her nap, someone tugged on her blazer. Groggily opening her eyes, she saw a familiar child by her side, sitting on Natsume's lap. She hadn't realized they were sitting so close to each other.

"You-chan," she greeted the child with a slight smile before letting out a small yawn.

Mikan approached them on her knees, asking Natsume to accompany her to the Central Town. Misaki observed the interaction but didn't interfere.

" Who's that kid, is he yours?" Mikan noticed the cute child and was captivated by his appearance. Hotaru couldn't help but comment on the child's resemblance to Natsume.

Natsume shot Mikan a glare and held up his hand conjuring a small fire. " I'll burn you... "

" He's Hijiri Youichi a 3 year old boy, he's too attached to Natsume so he usually comes here to play. " Ruka explained. " Also from Misa-chan and Natsume's ability class."

Misaki found the situation amusing as the child, You-chan, was prompted by Natsume to mimic his taunting words. 

" Baka." You-chan suddenly blurted out.

" Ugly. " Natsume spat at Mikan. 

 " Ugwy. " You-chan mimicked Natsume. This boy is seriously a bad influence. 

 " Go away monkeys. " he coldly said and looked at the two boringly. 

 " Go waway mwonkeys. " You-chan repeated. I saw Natsume's satisfied smile towards Youichi. He-- smiled.

Then, You-chan used his Alice to drive Mikan and Permy away. Misaki couldn't help but observe their interactions silently, engaging in an unspoken conversation with You-chan with just only their eyes.

Later, they all headed to the Central Town, and Misaki couldn't help but be amazed by the lively atmosphere filled with stalls and shops. She decided to buy a red pouch, which she believed might come in handy, and kept it in her pocket.

She had briefly wandered alone, as she preferred solitude at times. 

" Hey, Idiot." Misaki heard Natsume call out as she was wandering alone. The girl was surprised to see Natsume since she knew that he was with Ruka and others.

" Weren't you with Mikan's group awhile ago?" She pondered. Natsume looked away. " They're no fun anyway."

As the afternoon passed, Misaki couldn't help but notice that Natsume had stayed close by her side. He hadn't returned to Mikan and the others, and she couldn't fathom why. Nevertheless, she was content with her solitary walk.

After some teasing interactions with Natsume, Mikan and her friends found Misaki again. They shared stories of their adventures in Central Town and that Mikan actually performed to buy a howalon, a fluffy candy that looked like clouds. Misaki wanted to try one as well and decided to write it down her list once she comes back to the Central Town again.

As they returned to the dorm, Misaki couldn't help but sigh in her room. The mission she'd been on still weighed on her mind, and she yearned to avoid future missions. She didn't want to harm others with her abilities, and she merely wished to use them to protect.

With that in mind, she went to sleep, hoping for a brighter day ahead and no more missions that would haunt her.