Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 79 - Reason

{Author}

After classes, Misaki went straight to Narumi-sensei's office after hearing that the teacher was sick. Meanwhile, Mikan and the others headed to Central Town to pick up some items for Narumi-sensei.

As Misaki reached the door to Narumi's office, she paused upon hearing a heated conversation within.

" How long do you intend to keep this matter? With a condition like that... Do you want to die?!" a voice roared. Misaki, standing on the other side of the door, listened silently to the discussion.

" Just wait, I'll go and talk to the principal," the voice added, coming closer to the door.

Narumi-sensei's voice, now calm, replied, " No, wait. It's useless; my hand won't heal unless I do what the principal asked me to do."

" He ordered me to investigate whether Mikan has the STEAL Alice and make her suck out the poison from my body," Narumi added, causing Misaki's eyes to widen in shock.

Listening in, Misaki learned about Narumi-sensei's assumptions regarding the ESP's interest in Azumi Yuka, the purpose of the Steal Alice, the connection between Mikan and Yuka, the ESP's hatred for the Nullification Alice, and more.

" But, of course, I will not let Mikan suck this out of my body. Besides, her having such an Alice is just my assumption," Narumi chuckled at the end of his statement.

Filled with newfound information, Misaki quickly left and headed back to her dormitory.

That night, Misaki decided to visit Hotaru. " So, what do we have, Misaki?" Hotaru asked as she sat on a chair, looking at her friend.

" It seems like Mikan's new Alice is drawing suspicion," Misaki began.

Hotaru hummed in agreement. " I second that. Mikan shouldn't know. With Luna's presence nearby, I still can't relax. It feels like something is going to happen."

Misaki sighed. " We both agree not to let Mikan know about her Alice and the assumptions. It's best if she doesn't know anything for now."

Hotaru couldn't help but think about the student council president who overheard their conversation about Mikan being associated with the Steal Alice when she was with Ruka and Mikan in Central Town.

" I'm worried about Mikan," Hotaru admitted.

Misaki shook her head and gave Hotaru a reassuring pat on her back. " Me too. However, I am willing to exchange my position just for her safety," she said with a smile.

Hotaru was puzzled for a moment. " What do you mean?" she asked, giving Misaki a concerned look. " Misaki... Are you-?"

Misaki smiled a little. " Ah? Nothing... But I promise, I won't tolerate anyone who'll make Mikan unhappy. That's the least I could do for the both of you."

" I... Thank you," Hotaru replied with a smile before sighing. The two continued to talk to each other until they started to feel sleepy so Misaki headed back to her room and fell asleep.

However, Misaki woke up in the middle of the night and sat down. She quietly got up from her bed and headed towards the room's window.

Opening it, a whisper carried by the chilly breeze reached her ears. " Misaki..."

Shivering from the cold wind, Misaki looked around for the source of the voice that had called her name.

Jumping out of her window and landing on the moist grass, she heard the voice once again, " Misaki."

" Who...?" Misaki shakily breathed as she looked around, her senses on high alert.

Walking down the path with tall trees, the bright moon allowed her to see her surroundings clearly. " Misaki," a guy suddenly appeared behind her, startling her.

" Oh, geez!" Misaki whispered loudly, turning to face the person who had approached her.

Misaki's eyes widened. " N-Natsu..." she trailed off.

Natsume stood there with his disheveled hair, tired eyes, and battered clothing. His face and body were marked with bruises and cuts.

Without saying a word, they locked eyes. Misaki felt tears welling up. " Don't punish yourself anymore... Natsume," she managed to say, moving closer to him.

" Stay away from that stupid girl and Luna... Do not be reckless this time," Natsume spoke, his eyes unwavering.

With a tired and weak voice, he added, " Misaki... Please be selfish and save yourself... Just this time." Misaki's breath caught, and her emotions overwhelmed her.

She rushed toward Natsume, embracing him tightly as tears streamed down her face. She had missed him after all the trouble Luna had caused, making it a difficult time for both Misaki and Mikan.

" I already promised... Anything for Mikan, I am willing to take the risk," Misaki whispered. Natsume placed his hand on Misaki's back.

" Stop... Why do you insist on protecting her? Why not hide and save yourself from them? You could do better, Misaki," Natsume questioned but didn't push Misaki away.

Misaki wiped away her tears. " Mikan is my friend, as well as Hotaru. This is the first time I've had real friends, and I would do anything to make them happy. I feel a strong connection between me and Mikan, as if I am meant to watch over her. I must ensure she is safe until I get my answers," she replied, now looking directly at him.

" Too dangerous..." Natsume sighed heavily. Misaki held his hand, rubbing her thumb across it, offering reassurance.

Misaki looked at his hand while smiling. " Natsume, I've already forgiven you for your behavior toward me and Mikan. I've been waiting for you to approach us," she said, now looking straight into his eyes.

" Come back, Natsume. Don't be so hard on yourself anymore. Don't leave me... I've missed you," Misaki confessed. Natsume was stunned by her words, unable to respond.

Misaki used her water Alice to heal Natsume's cuts and bruises. " Take care of yourself... Please," she reminded.

After fully healing him, she left him there, returning to her room to take a shower and rest. She decided to discontinue her search for the voice that had called her earlier.