Special Alice (Gakuen Alice / Alice Academy FF)

SA 88 - Resonate

{Author}

After the other kids had been captured, Ruka barely managed to escape the clutches of the Fuukitai. He sprinted as fast as his legs would carry him, taking refuge behind some bushes. Meanwhile, various animals emerged to obstruct his pursuers.

" Ha..." Ruka panted heavily but kept moving. In a moment of respite, he suddenly thought of Mikan's worried face.

" I wonder if they managed to escape..." he muttered to himself, closing his eyes briefly. " Sakura, please be safe."

Satisfied that his chasers were no longer on his tail, he crouched down behind a bush, trying to catch his breath. He couldn't help but wish for Mikan's safety, along with Misaki and Natsume.

Then, out of nowhere, he felt a hand on his right shoulder, causing him to jolt with wide eyes.

Meanwhile, Hotaru remained unconscious, and Hayate was carrying her. He had defied the Fuukitai when he saw Hotaru in trouble.

" Ugh..." Hotaru groaned, and her voice caught Hayate's attention.

" Cool Blue Sky!" he exclaimed. "You..." Hotaru mumbled weakly.

" I've taken care of those people who were tailing you. Are you okay? Are you awake now?" Hayate inquired with concern as he gently placed Hotaru on the ground.

Hotaru glanced around and realized they were at the Hanahime-den. Hayate gave her a quick overview. " It's not a place where Dangerous Ability Types can easily enter..."

Unperturbed by his explanation, Hotaru began walking, taking Hayate by surprise. " Cool Blue Sky."

" Thank you for your help, but I can manage on my own now. Goodbye," Hotaru stated in her usual monotonous tone as she walked away.

Hayate shook his head. " No, you can't. If they catch you, they'll punish you."

Hotaru turned her blank expression to him and asked, " Who are you, anyway?"

Hayate gasped, feeling as though Hotaru's words had pierced his heart. Hotaru scrutinized him from head to toe.

" Oh... You're that wind user boy from the Dangerous Type, right?" Hotaru recalled the time she had been defeated by Hayate.

The boy looked at Hotaru after realizing she remembered him. " Why did you help me? By doing this, they would punish you. Why don't you just leave... Idiot," Hotaru said, then turned away. Nevertheless, Hayate persisted.

" You don't need to worry about me. Rather than you being punished... I mean if something happens to you..." Hayate insisted, urging her to stay.

Hotaru sighed and opened the door, and Hayate was surprised to find himself right behind her.

" Ah... Hotaru," Mikan gasped in surprise.

Hotaru was equally surprised. "Misaki, Mikan."

Mikan and Misaki rushed over to Hotaru, enveloping her in a tight hug. They were relieved to see each other again.

" I'm so glad you're okay," Misaki said, sighing as she pulled away, her face flushed from the exertion.

" Hotaru," Mikan said, her eyes brimming with tears. Hotaru sighed as she closed her eyes for a moment. " You two already know about my transfer, right?" she inquired.

Mikan bit her lower lip, her eyes welling up with tears, and nodded. " I'm sorry, Hotaru. It's my fault," she confessed, gripping Hotaru's right hand tightly.

" If I hadn't come to this academy, Misa-chan wouldn't be in trouble, and Hotaru wouldn't have..." Mikan began, resting her forehead against Hotaru's hand.