Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 83 - Swimming Class

Dear Mom,
There were so many things that happened here and to our class. I bet that if you knew about it, you will be mad at me. I have been so careless lately, but I've decided to protect my friend, Sakura Mikan. I don't even know but I have a feeling that something is about to happen so I would lend her a hand. The academy sure bears great mystery, mom. I wish you were with me.

Your daughter,
Ashikaga Mirai Misaki

{Author}

Days had passed since Mikan and Bear's quarrel regarding the Steal Alice. Ultimately, Mikan assured Bear that she would never steal his Alice, and they ended up becoming friends after facing numerous students who were after proof of her Stealing Alice in the hope of boosting their star ranks.

It had been a challenging time for Mikan, but she had managed to persevere. These days, Mr. Bear was no longer being tough on Mikan, and they had developed a friendship, which was something Mikan truly cherished.

Class B found themselves at the academy's pool area, as they were about to have a summer swimming class. Mikan and her classmates changed into their swimming attire – one-piece swimsuits for the girls and shorts for the boys.

Mikan excitedly ran near the pool. " This looks like so much fun!" she exclaimed with her hands up. However, her enthusiasm led to a minor mishap when she tripped over one of Hotaru's worm inventions, landing face-first.

"Ack!" she cried out. Inchou noted the sign near a couple of chairs that read 'No running near the pool.'

" She probably didn't see it," Inchou commented. Misaki suddenly spoke beside him, causing him to jump.

" She didn't," Misaki remarked, crossing her arms as she looked at Mikan.

The class began, but Mikan noticed that Hotaru was not part of the swimming class; instead, she was having a session with Subaru and Sakurano.

" Eh? Hotaru..." Mikan called out. Inchou, Permy, and Ruka turned to look at Hotaru, who was using a Styrofoam board to stay afloat.

As Hotaru struggled to paddle with her feet, she suddenly sank, and Subaru had to hold her up to prevent her from drowning.

Permy was wide-eyed. " Don't tell me she can't swim."

" You can see that she can't," Inchou said quietly, and Ruka sighed as he watched Hotaru's difficulties.

" If it were a kind-hearted teacher, she might be exempted. But since her brother is teaching, she'll have to work hard for the upcoming swimming test," Inchou noted, feeling sympathy for Hotaru, who continued to struggle.

Mikan felt torn, not sure whether to feel sympathetic or something else, realizing that Hotaru couldn't swim. " After all this time, I didn't know about this," she said with a little snort. Hotaru gave her an icy glare upon hearing this.

Koko suddenly appeared and pointed at Hotaru. " Look! She's glaring at you!"

" You'd better prepare yourself later!" Kitsuneme nodded and gave Mikan a light pat on the back.

Misaki observed the scene from a distance and noticed Natsume looking glum, sitting alone on a bench away from the class. He didn't participate in the pool but had his feet in the water.

Natsume watched their classmates with his typical expression before turning his gaze away, pretending to cough. Misaki sighed, causing the water to splash by kicking her feet. She was worried about Natsume but glad to be away from the missions of the Dangerous Ability Class.