Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 68 - New Term

{Author}

Many significant events had unfolded in the lives of Mikan and her friends. Otonashi, the student with the Divination Alice, had been transferred to the Junior Division. Despite this change, Mikan and her friends successfully performed at the graduation ceremony. However, a classmate lost their Alice, resulting in their departure from the academy, but left with gratitude for Class B.

Now, spring had arrived, bringing the blooming of cherry blossoms. However, not everything was as joyful as it seemed. Mikan was plagued by recurring dreams of Persona, leaving her feeling afraid and uneasy. At times, she even sought refuge in Hotaru's room to escape the haunting visions.

Misaki still had to perform tasks both inside and outside the premises of the academy for Persona and most likely for the ESP whom she sometimes had to meet in person. The girl has been going in and out of the academy's hospital for rest and recovery, Hotaru and Inchou assisted to fill the gaps in her academics for which she is grateful for them.

Natsume on the other hand didn't have much time with his friends nor Misaki as he was constantly getting punished or was out for official work given by Persona as well as if they wanted to keep him away from distractions and limit his interaction with Misaki. 

A new term had begun, and Class B had smoothly advanced to the sixth grade. However, there was an unsettling absence that cast a shadow over their otherwise joyous occasion. Misaki, Natsume, and Tsubasa were nowhere to be found.

It had been three days since anyone had seen Misaki and Natsume, and their mysterious disappearance weighed heavily on the minds of their friends. Mikan couldn't help but worry about the two of them, especially Ruka, who was likely concerned for Natsume's safety.

" Come on, we'll be late for the Student Council Inauguration at the middle school grounds," Inchou reminded everyone. Hotaru and the others hurried to the venue, concern evident on their faces.

" Look! The new Student Council President," Koko exclaimed, pointing at the stage where a young man was delivering his speech. Beside him stood Sakurano and the other former Student Council members.

On the right side of the stage, Misaki, Natsume, and the remaining Council members had gathered.

" Goshima Hijiri-san, a 3rd-year high school division student," Koko elaborated. Mikan and Hotaru exchanged glances, both feeling uneasy.

As Goshima Hijiri announced the newly established rules to strengthen the Student Council, unease spread through the crowd. The introduction of "Fuukitai," a group that would monitor and heavily punish students for breaking academy rules, was met with displeasure.

The students gasped in disapproval, and even Sakurano and Subaru's expressions conveyed their disagreement. Misaki glanced at her side, noticing a group of masked enforcers, known as "Fuukitai." The sheer number of enforcers sent shivers down her spine, causing her to break into a cold sweat.

After the ceremony, the students returned to their designated classrooms, accompanied by the ever-watchful Fuukitai. Misaki found a bench to sit on, contemplating the recent changes and the unsettling atmosphere at the academy.

'Why did it have to come to this?' Misaki thought, her fists clenched in frustration.

" Misaki, what do you say? I'll spare Sakura from receiving a harsh punishment for causing so much trouble," the Elementary School Principal said, a wicked smirk on his face as he reclined in his chair.

Misaki stared at him in silence, her eyes unwavering. Natsume, standing beside her, watched her closely. " Your mother doesn't have to find out about this, you know," the ESP added.

'If it's for Mikan's sake,' Misaki thought, her resolve firming. She cast a brief glance at Natsume before accepting the offer.

Natsume, too, agreed, but his motives were to ensure Youichi's transfer to the Somatic Abilities Class.

'How much time do I have left?' Natsume wondered, observing Misaki, who was glaring at the ESP.

" I'll have both of you clean up the mess. It should be easy work," the ESP said with a smile, delighted that Misaki and Natsume would once again serve under him directly.

" Misa-chan!" Mikan's voice called out as she spotted Misaki, who was lost in thought.

" Misa-chan!" she called again, finally capturing Misaki's attention.

Misaki's eyes widened when she saw Mikan running toward her. " Mikan-chan?" she muttered, her voice tinged with surprise.

" I heard that you and Natsume were traveling. Are you coming back to class?" Mikan inquired, causing Misaki to sweat a bit.

'Must have been Ruka,' Misaki thought, scratching her neck before chuckling. " Maybe?" she replied with a shrug. Mikan hugged her tightly.

" Right before you leave again, Sakurano, Subaru, and Shizune-senpai have become education trainees!" Mikan exclaimed, her embrace still firm.

" That's great to hear," Misaki replied with a smile. Mikan nodded, humming thoughtfully.

" But they said that I shouldn't get caught by Fuukitai and should avoid contact with them unless necessary," Mikan added, a hint of concern in her voice, which caught Misaki's attention.

'Did they sense something dangerous lurking around Mikan?' Misaki wondered, giving Mikan a quick look.

" Oh yeah, here's something that might surprise you. Tomorrow, our class is getting a new transfer student!" Mikan announced, leaving Misaki at a loss for words.

" I see, hope it goes well for our class... Well, I should be going now. See you around, Mikan-chan," Misaki said, patting Mikan on the back before walking away. Rushing to get ready for the task of the day. 

From a distance, someone was watching their interaction. " You're here, Koizumi-san. Let's go?" the voice suggested.

The girl with strawberry blonde shoulder-length hair gave Mikan a brief glance before walking alongside the older individual.