Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 65 - Lights Out

{Author}

Mikan's question had set the tone for the day's lesson, and Narumi was brimming with enthusiasm as he stood near the teacher's table. Beside him were Misaki-sensei, Serina, and a cardboard cut-out of Nodacchi. The topic of the day was all about Alice stones, a fitting choice given Mikan's recent discovery of an aquamarine stone.

" Since Mikan opened up the topic of our lesson, let's learn how to make an alice stone." 

Mikan couldn't contain her excitement and proudly displayed the aquamarine stone to the entire Class B. Narumi, ever the opportunist, decided to seize this teaching moment. In the absence of the real Nodacchi, he asked Tono to be a substitute. Narumi began by revealing the colors of their respective Alice stones. Misaki-sensei's stone was a serene blue-green, Serina's was a blend of rose-purple and blue, Nodacchi's was a delicate light green (although he had mysteriously disappeared once again), and Narumi's own stone shared the rich hue of an eggplant.

Tono took on the role of explaining how to create an Alice stone. The key, he emphasized, was imbuing it with the emotions and feelings that represented the essence of the Alice user. The more sincere and heartfelt the emotions, the more powerful and meaningful the stone would become. He also made it clear that Alice stones were not meant for selfish purposes, as using them for personal gain would diminish their significance.

As Tono lectured, Permy couldn't help but daydream. " Ah, my heart~ Why isn't Natsume making an Alice stone for me~?" she sighed dreamily, her eyes taking on a heart-shaped sparkle as she gazed at Natsume, who was quietly immersed in his manga.

Narumi, overhearing Permy's comment, chuckled softly. " I think I have a pretty good idea why, Sumire-chan," he said with a knowing smile, not wanting to leave Permy feeling embarrassed.

Misaki, meanwhile, was lost in thought. She sat in a corner of the room, anxiety gnawing at her, as she contemplated her ability to create an Alice stone. She was especially concerned about the possibility of it turning out to be something different from what she had expected, given her affinity with the water Alice. 

" What's with the long face?" Tono inquired as he approached her, noticing her uneasy expression.

" I'm kind of nervous about making one, senpai," Misaki confessed, her voice trembling slightly, her lips nervously nibbled. Tono surveyed Mikan and the other students, observing their efforts to create their Alice stones, before turning his attention back to Misaki.

" Think about how your alice will help the person you're giving it to. Just focus on the main one, Misa-chan," he advised, emphasizing the word "main" to encourage her. Misaki's eyes widened at his words. " S-senpai... you—" she began, but Tono cut her off with a hushed tone. " Not today. We'll talk about it next time. For now, go ahead and create yours. I'm sure Mikan and the others would love to see your stone."

Misaki nodded, and Tono left her side to assist other students. She took a deep breath and focused her concentration on the task at hand, clasping her hands together to commence the process.

Koko, ever the source of random trivia, couldn't resist chiming in with an interesting fact. " Hey, did you know that if you exchange Alice stones with someone, it signifies that you'll always be together? Giving your stone to someone is like proposing to them." 

Misaki's brow furrowed at this unexpected revelation. " Huh?" she mumbled in puzzlement, glancing at Koko, who wore his usual smile. 

" Misaki, did you hear that?" Kitsuneme asked, appearing behind her suddenly and causing her to jump slightly. 

" Why me?" Misaki asked, scratching her head in confusion.

Mikan's eyes glistened, and she blushed like a schoolgirl with a crush. " That's so sweet!" she squealed, her voice rising to dolphin-like levels of excitement.