Taken Away (Gakuen Alice)

28.) Leverage

Natsume

Persona's words replayed in my head almost like a broken record, constantly reminding me everything he was capable of. To his enjoyment, he watched me struggle to balance my girlfriend's feelings and her opinion about me once news got out about the Ice Queen. His order was strictly to silence her in any method I found fit. I can't imagine a simple 'Give up or else' will change the stubborn girl's opinion. I have to make sure the message sticks. Do I find enjoyment in this? No, but my options are pretty limited. Neither of us could conciliate a way to make sure Polka Dot's was safe.

The hallways to the girl's dome was empty, a clear invitation. I made sure no one could recognize any of my features. For some strange reason, girls are able to identify me off the bat. I don't know if it's my raven hair or my crimson eyes that makes girls attracted to me. A smirk piled on my face. Maybe this could be another teasing tactic I could employ on Polka Dots.

I pulled down my mask closer to my face and took cover next to the nearest wall. The sound of footsteps were coming towards my direction. About three girls were squealing, something about a fight. Typical, it's probably another girl fight between Luna and Sumire over stupid issues. Once I judged the course was clear, I furtively made my way to the second floor towards Ice Queen's liar. To my luck, her door was already wide open
as if she was expecting me.

I invited myself in despite the odd tension in the room. For a reputed clean freak, her entire room was a mess. Piles of blueprints and pictures were scattered on the floor with Hotaru laying on it, staring at the ceiling. If I wasn't here under Persona's order, I would have been a little bit concern from her unusual behavior. But I could infer it has something to do with this secret weapon against Persona. She acknowledged my presence and based on how she wrinkled her nose, she didn't like this anymore than I did. "So he sent you." It sounded more like a comment than a question.

I took off my mask to make direct eye contact at the stressed black haired girl. She slowly sat up to return my gaze, a emotionless expression on her face. "What?" She grumbled under her breath. "See something you like?" Her comment made me have a similar expression. My face scrunched up as I broke eye contact and ran a hand through my hair. I came here with one intention and that was to silent her and get whatever she has Persona intimidated by.

"I'm going straight to the point, give up whatever you have against Persona." With the accumulation of stress I was experiencing, I was afraid my hair would fall. "Let's be reasonable, I understand you feel this is the best way to keep that idiot out of harm, but seriously, this whole academy is against our favor. Persona has been a respected teacher throughout the years. He took up the job no one wanted in handling the 'problem students'." I airquoted. "Although his methods are cruel, it's effective in getting the job done." I gave her a cold smile, a flashback seemed to have made it's way, but I shrugged it off. It was no time to get emotional and sentiment. "Who else going to take up that job?"Although there was some truth in my words, I had this naive glimmer of hope change would happen. "I spoke with him. Your threat was clear; He promised to lay off her."

Hotaru laughed. "Do you really believe his words?" She made a point. "Don't you want to know what he's pissing his pants about?"She was teasing me and it was working. Under all the weight I had on my shoulder, first Persona, now Hotaru, my patience was thin, but my curiousity was sparked. I wanted to know so damn bad what she had against him, but pride was on the line, and so was
Polka dot's safety.

"No." There was a bit doubt in my voice.

"You don't?" Hotaru repeated.

"No." I said more firmly. "And I suggest you stop this path-"

"Okay." She simply said catching my offguard. Was that all it took?

"Repeat that for me again, still processing."

"I promote freedom of speech, I salute you for that." Hotaru looked down at the flickering flame in my hand. "But I'm not going to stop."

I gritted my teeth. "What do you have over him that you are so positive and willing to risk Mikan's life?"

"You really want to know?"

"No, I'm just wasting valuable time I could be spending with my girlfriend." I said sarcastically. It seemed like my sarcastic comment was not acknowledge as she looked at me with the straightest look ever.

"Go to her then. What are you doing here? ..Idiot."

I let out a frustrated sigh, lighting my flame up. "Spill."

"Blow out the fire first." She looked down at my flame.

"What?"

"You want to know my secret weapon? I need to see where your loyalty lies." Hotaru eyed me. "Because I can make a few guesses."

"My loyalty lies wherever I can keep Polka Dot's safe."  I furrowed my eyebrow taking offense to her words.

"Then prove it." She challenged me. "Blow out the fire."
I
glanced at the fire and than at her. Only thing in my head was Mikan's safety. If I put this fire out and team up with her, would Mikan really be safe?

She shook her head in disappointed. "I'm not an idiot, neither are you Kitty." She had a soft smile. It's only purpose was to mock me. "I care about that idiot as much as you do. But there's other methods than being Persona's little bitch." She said simply. Bitch? Did she just call me a bitch? I glared at her as she continued to speak, and I knew she noticed the impact on her words. Behind the coldness and mock to it, she wasn't wrong. Persona was using leverage against me to do his dirty work. No one in the school body would understand. My ego and pride weren't allow me to report his unfit position as an instructor, even than, as mention with the loads of experience, they weren't care. If he has this own way to manage the dangerous and problematic kids, they will let him get away with almost anything. First time I seen him so worked up. "Before you put all your trust in him and make a big mistake, did he fail to mention that idiot tried to escape today?" My eyes widen, I felt a whole other load added on my shoulder. "Persona found out."

"How do you know?" I narrowed my eyes. Persona failed to mention that to me. Hell, what was that idiot thinking escaping on her own? I leave for one minute and she does something so stupid without consulting me.

After exchanging a few challenging looks, I sucked in my pride and blew out the fire. A grin spread on her face and sat up. She took that as a yes.

"Now you're my little bitch. Let's get to business."

I let out a low growl, I'm instantly regretting this.
-------------
A/N- Finally updated! I know, I'm slow😭 Next chapter would be coming in about a week, I already have a clear idea on what path I'm going to take. I just need to pull some time to work on it.
But!
Question Time!
1.) How do you think Persona will react to Natsume betrayal?
2.) Another character is going to make it's appearance pretty soon, any guesses? >: D
3.) I stan Hotaru and Natsume's friendship, how about you?
Hotaru: He's my little bitch
Natsume: I hate you