Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 13 - Alice Culture Festival 2

{Misaki}

"So, an Aladdin and the magic lamp RPG?" Narumi sensei glanced at the entrance of the RPG. It looked impressive, a testament to the effort the students had put into it. This adventure promised to be exciting.

"Yes, you guys are Aladdin when you enter the maze. You will encounter the other members of the Special Abilities who are playing as genies. You must defeat them to continue your venture," Tsubasa senpai explained. The game sounded like a lot of fun, but I wasn't sure if I'd be able to complete it.

"And the rules to defeat a genie," he added.

"First, no violence. If you hurt anyone, you are immediately disqualified. Second, you can't use your Alice, but instead, you can use one of the weapons we prepared that is in the box. Using Alice is allowed when it is required. Third, you must beat the genie in order to remain. Once you can't beat the genie under the given time, you are escorted out. If you can make the genie say 'I give up,' then you can pass. Easy, right?"

Narumi sensei, Ruka, Permy, and I each selected a weapon from a box. Ruka ended up with a rope, Permy got talking earbuds, Narumi sensei got a flashlight, and I found myself holding a candle. I couldn't help but wonder about the purpose of the candle.

We entered the maze one by one after a designated waiting period, and as I walked through it, I encountered various puzzles that needed to be solved. I did my best to complete them, but I wasn't entirely confident in my chances.

"Good to see you here," a familiar voice greeted, and I looked up to see Tsubasa senpai in a genie costume. He looked very charming, but I needed to focus on the challenge at hand. I greeted him with a nod. If I weren't in a game I could have spent my time appreciating his looks especially his genie costume.

"Same goes for you," I replied with a smile, but there was a slight nervousness in the air as I noticed my shadow casting on the floor.

"Well then, lady, your mission is to touch me without using your Alice," Tsubasa grinned mischievously. His Alice allowed him to control people's actions by stepping on their shadows, which made this task tricky.

I pretended to be unable to move, making sure not to reveal that I could nullify or block his Alice. The urge to scratch my itching nose was unbearable, but I couldn't give away my secret ability. Just a little longer, I thought.

Maybe this is where I should've used my candle equipment but it'll be too complicated. I acted confused. "Are you giving up?" Tsubasa inquired, his tone filled with amusement.

I responded with a noncommittal hum, and he escorted me out of the maze like a true gentleman. I've failed, and as I exited the maze, I noticed Permy, Ruka, and Narumi sensei waiting for me. It appeared that none of us had been able to complete the challenge.

"Look, Misaki failed too!" Narumi sensei laughed, trying to lighten the mood. I smiled and joined in the laughter, hiding my disappointment. 

"Too bad, Misa-chan. It's alright. I'll give you this as a token," Tsubasa senpai whispered, handing me a colored stone. I was curious about its purpose but accepted it gratefully.

"What is this for?" I asked. "Keep it safe with you," he replied with a smile before patting my head. I nodded and pocketed the stone as an obedient junior of his. If I were a bit older I would've fell in love with senpai with his small gestures yet I know my limits as someone who is younger than him.

Whispers began to circulate among the other students. "Natsume. It's Natsume."

I followed the murmurs and spotted Natsume standing next to Koko, the mind reader. Natsume was a cute boy, and my shipper instincts instantly paired him with Permy. 

" Natsume-kun~!" She gazed at Natsume with stars in her eyes, screaming with delight as she tried to run towards him. Natsume sidestepped her, causing Permy to collide with a wall.

" Oof!" Permy exclaimed. Seeing such scene I scratched my nape feeling embarrassed for Permy yet pitying her situation.

" Oh, Natsume!" I greeted him cheerfully, and Ruka and I approached him.

" Why are you here?" Ruka asked while cuddling his rabbit.

Koko answered for Natsume. " We were looking for you, Ruka, and somehow ended up here."

" Try the maze, it's fun! Besides, Mikan looks adorable in her costume," I suggested, grinning at the thought of Mikan-chan. " Right sensei? Ruka-pyon?"

Sensei and Ruka agreed, but Ruka appeared a bit flustered. " Err- yeah. " 

Koko and Natsume decided to give the maze a try. Narumi sensei left us to check his class's booth, and I asked him to bring back some snacks. A little while later, he returned with two packets of cookies. Meanwhile, Tsubasa was carrying a crying Mikan and led her to a table filled with lamps.

"Since Natsume finished the maze, you can pick one of the lamps here, and the owner of that lamp will be under your control and grant you three wishes," Tsubasa announced.

Natsume ended up with Mikan's lamp, which left her tearful.

"Nooo, Misa-chan!" Mikan cried out, rushing toward me and hiding behind me as though Natsume were a monster.

"Don't worry, Mikan. I'll make sure he won't give you a hard time," I assured her, patting her back.

It was going to be interesting to see how Natsume and Mikan would interact under these circumstances.