Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 14 - Natsume's Slave

{Author}

Ruka observed the ongoing festival, and his attention was momentarily diverted when he heard Natsume mention Mikan. His friend had declared that Mikan was his "slave" for the week. 

" She's useless. That's the only thing I can think off. " Natsume seemed uncharacteristically indifferent about the whole matter, explaining his perspective bluntly, but Ruka couldn't help but feel a little sorry for Mikan. She seemed genuinely disappointed as she expressed her desire to go shopping with her friends. " But, I'm going shopping with Prez and Hotaru this afternoon! I was even looking forward to it." Mikan grumbled

Mikan's eyes sparkled with hope as she turned to Ruka, clinging to him for support. " Say, Natsume, why don't you let her go, just for this afternoon?" Ruka suggested, looking at Natsume with a hint of empathy. Mikan nodded enthusiastically, her gratitude evident.

Ever since Misa-chan's arrival, Ruka couldn't help but notice that Mikan had become even more energetic and cheerful. Her mere presence had a revitalizing effect on those around her. He wondered if Natsume felt the same way, given that he was no longer as harsh or distant with Mikan. Perhaps Misa-chan's influence had a softening effect on Natsume.

As the group continued to explore the technical area of the festival, Ruka noticed Mikan's amazement at the various attractions and vendor stalls. It was already the second day of the festival, and the campus was abuzz with excitement.

Ruka couldn't help but wonder about Misa-chan's whereabouts. She had agreed to join them today, but she seemed to have disappeared, not even appearing at the dormitory. It was unusual for her not to keep her commitments.

Meanwhile, Misa-chan was hidden behind some bushes, making sure she remained out of sight. Persona had called her earlier to discuss her mother, leaving her anxious and confused.

" Since you've been a good student, I'll give you an update," Persona began. Misa-chan listened intently, wondering what had happened to her mother. " About what?" she tilted her head to a side.

" Your mom," Persona continued, " got into an accident. She was taken to the hospital last night." His smirk sent shivers down her spine as he revealed the news.

Misa-chan's anxiety and concern were evident as she exclaimed, " I want to see her! She needs me! What happened to her?!"

Persona's chuckle added to her distress. " And that, I won't allow. She'll be fine. Worry about yourself instead."

He approached her, and his presence was menacing. " Remember, Misaki, just be a good girl, and you'll be fine. If you don't obey me, you'll see what will happen." With a final warning, he walked away, leaving Misa-chan feeling powerless and trapped in this enigmatic place called Alice Academy.

As time passed, Misa-chan decided to head back to the festival area, but she opted to stay on the sidelines among the trees. Climbing up a tree, a habit she had developed since her arrival, gave her a sense of solace and allowed her to observe the surroundings.

While contemplating her friends' activities at the festival, Misa-chan recalled her promise to Inchou to visit his haunted house in the morning. However, she wondered if it was still operating, as she hadn't seen anyone exiting the attraction.

Descending the tree, Misa-chan decided to take a teleportation booth to the Latent area.

" To the Latent area please. " I said, the student nodded happily. 

 " Alright, don't worry it's free. " he said and we rode his broom stick. She made her way to the attraction, encountering teary-eyed students coming out of the house.