Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 21 - Who is this?

{Author}

In the subsequent class, Misaki sensei had a unique strategy to prevent cheating: each student was given a cactus that would serve as a watchful guardian, ready to punish anyone who dared to cheat.

As the test began, the cacti displayed various personalities, some scaling their pots and perching on the students' heads. Misaki's cactus, on the other hand, rolled back and forth across her desk, occasionally pausing to inspect her work. A funny spectacle, no doubt.

However, the situation took an unexpected turn when Mikan abruptly stood up and pointed at her cactus.

" He just looked at my answer and laughed!" she exclaimed. Misaki sensei advised Mikan to ignore the cactus and concentrate on her test.

Despite Misaki's advice, Mikan was clearly upset. "He was laughing at anything that I wrote!" she cried, a pout marring her features.

Inchou took notice of Koko's arm, covered in cactus needles. Concerned, he inquired, " Doesn't that hurt?"

Koko admitted that he had cheated but claimed that the pain didn't bother him much, as it had been worth it. He chuckled and added, " Everything you wrote must be wrong," causing Mikan to cry even harder. Her classmates empathized with her, offering comfort and support.

The next class comprised both English and Math, which Misaki found to be a daunting combination. She knew that these subjects could be challenging, making it crucial for her to perform well.

Day two of the exams arrived, bringing Home Economics as the first two periods. Misaki and her classmates proceeded to the kitchen laboratory, where they were paired up for a practical cooking test. Misaki found herself partnered with Sumire, whom she affectionately referred to as "Permy." Their budding friendship brought a sense of relief, as they both aimed to excel in the practical exam.

" Misaki, light up the stove, and we'll start," Permy instructed. Misaki followed her directions, feeling confident that their collaboration would yield a favorable outcome. Together, they prepared a delicious fried rice and seaweed soup dish, a significant improvement over Misaki's earlier perception of Permy.

With the practical test completed, Inchou announced the transition to the next subject, and the students quickly settled into their seats. For this test, Misaki found herself seated at the back, away from her close friends.

In the midst of the exam, a substitute teacher named Serio entered the room, bearing a somewhat familiar aura. " I am a substitute for your Social Studies teacher, Makihara sensei. I'm Serio." He announced. 

" Cheating is easy with a substitute teacher." The students, however, noticed Serio's suppressors. " Forget it, look at his hands and ears, it's probably alice suppressors."

Misaki overheard her classmates' hushed conversations about the substitute teacher's methods and felt a shiver run down her spine. A sense of foreboding washed over her.

As the students quietly took the test, Misaki couldn't help but sense that something unusual was happening. Misaki was among the first to complete their tests, and the unsettling atmosphere gradually dissipated as the others finished.

After collecting the test papers, Serio left the room giving both Natsume and Misaki a final glance. The atmosphere immediately lightened. Students began chatting loudly, comparing their answers and expressing their relief that the test was over.

Misaki stepped out of the room and noticed Natsume engaged in a conversation with Serio, the substitute teacher. Curious, she tried to remain inconspicuous, hiding herself as she listened in on their conversation. Misaki headed towards the bathroom, but she couldn't simply walk past them, sensing the palpable tension between the two.

"Hey. What are you trying to pull?" Natsume panted, his breath slightly labored, indicating that he may have run to catch up to Serio.

Serio paused and fixed his gaze on Natsume, who greeted him with a scowl filled with disdain. " Wearing that disguise, what is a creep like you doing inside a classroom?" Natsume growled, his voice layered with hatred and confusion.

In response, Serio explained, " I was under orders from the headmasters."

Misaki's curiosity grew as she heard the reference to the headmasters.

" They told me that your eyes aren't as wild as they used to be. They told me to investigate the cause myself," Serio continued, revealing that he had been closely monitoring Natsume.

Natsume seemed to want more information. " Don't tell me..."

Serio indicated that there was more to the story. " I might as well learn about the kitten of the different color you're hanging around with lately. Not only that..."

The term "kitten" suggested that he was talking about Mikan, who Misaki knew had some connections and secrets within the academy. She was intrigued and wished to know more.

" The red panda seems more interesting than we thought. The headmasters want me to keep an eye on her as they are starting to take a liking," Serio added cryptically.

The term "red panda" referred to another student, someone whose significance had not been apparent until now. Misaki was determined to piece together the clues she had overheard.

Upon hearing the unfamiliar code names, Natsume questioned, " What do you mean?"

Serio sighed, expressing the gravity of the situation. " Seeing you seated there, taking the test quietly, is unusual, even though it's useless. You don't even have any family to come back to for a long time now."

The harsh reminder cut deep, as it seemed to be a sore point for Natsume. Serio continued, " The headmasters advise their pet cat to avoid having new favorites, especially that kitten of different color. Don't you even try to get too close to the little red panda."

Natsume was clearly angered by these developments and retorted, " You're the ones who made me that girl's partner." Indicating that the faculty decided to pair up Mikan and Natsume together.

" Don't even tell me who I should not be talking to." Natsume gritted his teeth in frustration, knowing that he has no control over these academy officials. The only thing that he could do was to rebel against their orders from time to time with punishment as his consequence.

Serio ended the conversation by issuing a warning. " That's not what the headmasters wanted. Careful, all walls have ears and eyes." He then disappeared down the hall, leaving behind a trail of crushed leaves from a potted plant, indicating that he had used his Alice to harm the plant.

Misaki couldn't help but wonder about the mysterious world she was entangled in, where the headmasters pulled the strings and students were forced to dance to their tune like puppets.