Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 25 - Warphole

{Author}

Misaki and Natsume quietly slipped out of the meeting room once they had learned about their new mission from Persona while also tackling about the recent breach in the academy. The ESP wasn't very pleased with the outcome and haring that Mikan was meddling with the academy affairs like that. Misaki was irritated by the whole situation, but as they were sneaking out, they inadvertently overheard a conversation between Narumi-sensei and some other teachers.

Misaki froze in her tracks as they approached a glass pane on a balcony, which was currently closed. However, from their vantage point outside, they could hear the conversation clearly.

" Oi..." Natsume started to say something, but Misaki placed her index finger over her lips, signaling for him to remain silent. She was intent on eavesdropping on this conversation.

Misaki glanced at the glass pane, and Natsume followed her gaze, spotting Jinno, the Terror Teacher, on the other side. They remained concealed and unobserved.

Jinno spoke, " Imai's condition... No one can guarantee, it may worsen. The principal has already ordered that her parents should not see her."

One of the teachers beside Narumi began to ask a question but was interrupted by Jinno, who continued, " Her parents put a lot of effort into keeping her away from the school. The principal is unlikely to allow them to meet."

Narumi sighed and rubbed his temples, a hint of frustration on his face.

The little Misaki outside, her eyes widened in shock at the revelation that Hotaru's parents were not allowed to see her.

" That's too much!" Misaki whispered, frowning. She could hardly contain her frustration at this revelation, while Natsume continued to listen attentively to the conversation and covered her mouth since she might get exposed.

Jinno sighed and crossed his arms. " If the principal doesn't agree, there's not much we can do."

Narumi was silent all the time, he placed his hand down and looked at Jinno who was still speaking. " Thinking that this kind of problem may happen to one outstanding pupil like Imai who is specially noticed by the principal..." he trailed off. 

" Sakura Mikan, who was with Imai during the incident, she should realize that the principal would not let her off so easily." he added. 

" That child..." Jinno said. Narumi, who had been silent throughout, finally spoke, " Since when did you know, Jinno-sensei?"

Misaki gently removed Natsume's hand from her mouth, then mouthed, 'We need to go.' to him.

Once they were back inside the building, Misaki quickly made her way to the hospital, with Natsume trailing close behind.

They arrived outside Hotaru's hospital room, the glass pane serving as a barrier, and it was clear that she needed to rest. Misaki gazed at Hotaru through the glass, while Penguin, Hotaru's robotic penguin, stood outside looking incredibly worried.

" Quick, save her..." the penguin cried out. Misaki gave Penguin a sympathetic look before Natsume casually kicked it out of the way.

" Hey, don't be so violent, Natsume," Misaki chided. She picked up Penguin to protect it from any further harm from Natsume.

Suddenly, a voice broke the silence. " Don't do that to Penguin. You'll pay for it if it's damaged - it's quite expensive, you know."

Misaki glanced at Hotaru, who was now looking back at them. The hospital bed separated them, and Hotaru seemed weak.

" Why are you guys here?" Hotaru asked, her voice cracking and dry. " Misaki, the place where you should be right now is by Mikan's side."

" Do me a favor and be with Mikan and Misaki. Take care of them for me," Hotaru requested Natsume to be by the two girls as she lay in the hospital bed unconscious.