Gakuen Alice: My Presumptive Part 2

windlady

Summary: 8 years ago, a huge fire broke in the academy due to an unknown cause. While everyone else was busy helping to put off the fire, Natsume found the chance to rescue Aoi, his little sister, who has been held captive by the academy. But then while being chased by powerful pursuers, he accidentally bumped into Ruka, his best friend, and thus the blonde was forced to join his escape. And currently, after spending the 8 years away from academy as a member of the group called "ALB", he returned to the academy only to find out that he's been forgotten by that only person whose smiles mattered for him the most. Amidst the many secrets and mysteries that he slowly unearths, Natsume accidentally gets into another series of adventure as he battles for the sake of his friends and for the promise of retrieving his most important person's memories.

A/N: Oh! Welcome, buddy! Welcome to my first fanfic. Actually, I'm not sure if this is good enough. I'm not confident about it so I wouldn't dare recommend this. My story begins to where the anime series of our beloved Gakuen Alice lifted off. I haven't read the manga so I'm sorry but I might violate some facts from the story plot. I only used bits of information I found on the net, spiced it up, and I also invented some characters here.

This starts 8 yrs after the last episode wherein Hotaru had her laboratory renovated. Yup! They are around 17 and 18 years old here. Thanks for reading my notes and please review. ^_^

Disclaimer: Nope. I don't own Gakuen Alice. (I love Gakuen Alice!) I would rather wish I was a character in Tachibana-sama's masterpiece though.

Episode 1: "Thoughts Afloat"

It was just one of those ordinary days. The clouds patch up the crystal sky. Trees formed comfortable canopies for those who'd love to take a rest from the sun's summer heat. The air surrounding a certain dormitory was warm and yet it felt comforting. Certainly, it's still too early in the morning. Dew drops slid easily from fresh greenish gardens while the emperor of heavens went up to its habitual hiking. Yellow rays emit from his crown to which the white cotton balls, his subjects, compliment on.

Playful wind danced the curtains away from an open window. And thus, the early morning sunshine gently touched a sleeping figure lying on a soft lacy bed. The room is wide and neat. Wooden flooring, cream walls with a light touch of faded yellow, a small study table in a corner beside a cute pinkish dresser as well as the Piyo-printed lampshade and a hen-like alarm clock on a side table, and, surely, even the sweet feminine scent, all of them were graciously explored by the sun's embracing light. As the room grew warm, the delicate figure twitched and turned a little then embraced her soft white pillow tighter as if in a deep dream.

"Natsume..." she uttered a name softly.

Beneath those eye lids, restless movements began. Her breathing unsettled and her heart beat raced in such a great intensity only to be terminated by a single tear drop rolling on her rosy cheeks and then came a sudden pause. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open. Hazel orbs stayed dull and unfeeling. The warm sunlight met her blank gaze and emotionless face. She sat down and stared at the lovely scenery out of her window while the warmth embracing her wiped that small tear away.

"So you're finally awake, eh?" said a voice from the entrance of her room.

The auburn-haired girl turned her gaze towards the beautiful guy. Oh! And it happened again did it not? She wasn't able to recognize his presence. Her eyes traced her room and saw how spic and span it is. So different from what she could remember last night. He has successfully invaded her room again. Talk about privacy. How awful.

Her shoulders momentarily shuddered before she released a yawn. Her drowsiness just can't let her off with ease, can't it? The guy stifled a laugh but failed miserably as she heard muffled laughter from his direction. So quickly, her eyes darted towards his face. Those hazelnut orbs were narrowing a bit.

"What?" he gave her a bored look. "You're so messy. Not in anyway a girl's room I'd say."

And again, he gave her a cold shrug. Just like what he's always done since the day they became partners. It was her beginning with him. And though, she's quite sure there's something else she has lost back then… she doesn't care anymore. In front of her, stands this guy. He's someone whom she knows she can depend on. He's someone whom she can bet her life on. So, no matter what it is that she had lost, it wouldn't matter. Not even the slightest.

With that thought, her eyes intently studied his features. He's handsome even with that simple attire he usually wears at home... just like today. Tall, pale-skinned, well-built body, a calming voice, short mahogany hair- unruly fixed yet still ruggedly enticing, expressive amber eyes akin to hers and a warm smile painted on his kind face.

"Oh?" He smiled at her teasingly. "Fell for me already?" He grinned at her in a boyish way. "Huh, Mikan?"

"Kai…" she called him faintly as her eyes lit with her warm smile.

Meanwhile…

'The train is taking a long time...'

He wondered how long it would take before the filthy thing moves. Man, he did want to yell at the crew. But that would only shorten his patience. It is what he learned. A little control of that temper he possesses. Trying to avoid exposing his still-bad temper, he turned his gaze out of the window.

There are many citizens in the station. Some of them are boarding the same train he is in, some are giving their goodbyes and farewell wishes, while there are also several who are buying things from the food and item shops. Everyone seems to have their very own purpose and destination in life. This train, filthy and old, yet still he knows that it has a destination. A goal to achieve. He pondered for a moment on his own thoughts. Some years ago, around 8 years, he had not much of a goal. Of course he did but, at the same time, did not really. Shaking his head to relieve himself of such paradoxical ideas, he focused on the movement of those around him.

'Truly, it is pathetic.'

As busy as how they always have been in their everyday lives, nobody seemed to notice how important it is to have something to look forward to. Those people around him never knew of what 'that' organization caused them. They never knew how beautiful it is to live without something to hold you back from doing something you wanted. They will never understand why it is so important to cherish everything that is here and now. They can never find the real essence of being human and doing what a human does. Because 8 years ago, he was the same as they are. He used to be just like everyone else.

True. He's an alice. He's ranked Special. He's experienced more pain and is more mature than most who are around his age. He has witnessed bloody fights and even won every single of them till he's become the best weapon as a genius of the most genius. He's unique in so many ways but underneath all of it, he's nothing more than they are. For if he only knew back then what he has learned over the past 8 years, he wouldn't have acted so rashly. He would have tried to smile every pain off his face. He would have tried his best to live like 'that' person. He would have chosen not to be impulsive and patiently wait just like what his best friend has always suggested. Then, he wouldn't have wasted so much time doing reckless things. He wouldn't have to be feeling this way since the day he left. But now… He's going to set things right.

It has been a long time since he opened this jammed part of him…and now he is bound to return. To 'that' place once more.

8 years… It has been that long since he last walked on Tokyo's busy streets. But those nights and days were cruel. He was bounded into an oath. Oh. How well he can remember that oath. It came from that darkness and obedience is the only thing that can shield everything that he considers precious to him. Blood. Death. Screams. Agony and tears. He can remember everything clearly. They left scars on him, after all. But right now, Tokyo is different. He's no longer chained into a sea of suffocating darkness. He's grown and changed. An almost kiss to a boundless paradise. Almost a free person.

And having recalled Tokyo, he recalled a certain place. A place filled with torment and yet is oozing with memories he yearned to grasp. He wants to meet them again. A certain group of people. Those crazy and noisy people who are pretty annoying at times but very much worth the bother. He released an exhausted sigh as he rubbed his temples. Sudden thoughts about them can be harmful. Headache.

A certain face. Someone so precious to his heart has cured him. He would love to see how much she's grown. How she will react or what she will say if they meet again. Is she mad at him? Was she saddened when he left? Is she still the clingy brat on his sleeve or is she a lady now? Maybe he could spare some time with her or maybe she would start dragging him to Central Town again? Or has she forgotten him after those years, just somewhere lost within the pages of a forgotten diary?

He couldn't just believe that. For they've shared quite a time too back when they were 10.

It wasn't long after she arrived that he started getting bothered. He remembered the very first time they saw each other. He recalled seeing her with Narumi one day while he attempted to escape. She was standing in a daze when their eyes met. Those amber eyes inspected his mask in amazement. And his initial impression is that she's just some common stupid fan girl. He was angered when his alice didn't work on her, he kept bugging himself why he isn't strong as to be capable of attacking an idiotic girl. And his world stirred even more when she found her way to his best friend. Dodge ball. She was then an image of a mushy flirt who's trying to get everyone to stay with her. But everything else changed as time passed them by. Every time he doubted her, she proves him otherwise. And so, even without his consent, his strong façade melted with her smiles and laughter…

'How can a stupid girl like her be a threat to a mask as hard as diamonds are?'

Yes. It is true. He's Natsume Hyuuga. A black cat.

He would never have to mind emotions. That was how it should always be... and it was ought to be like that forever. But then…

"N-Natsume…"

"He's… I'm sure. He's just around here. He's surely looking for us."

"B-but it's too dark in here."

"If I would really fall in here even if it's too dark, he'd still come. Even if I tell him not to…"

"Oh! I know what you mean. If it was the other way around and it was Ruka who's here, in this dark place, you'd also save him, right? Even if it means your life… You really are friends…"

He lingered at the memory. He is quite aware of it. He softened when she entered his heart and even Persona noticed it too soon. Doubts infested his heart when the said man confronted him. He can't protect her and his sister at the same time when the tough moment comes. But then this girl had his world stirred no matter how hard he had sworn not to let her sink into his own darkness… And her name?

Mikan… Sakura, Mikan..

That stupid girl with her stupid auburn pigtails which would always twirl in the end. And in her eyes… In those big round eyes, he sees a mirror. He could see her innocence. That's the only place where he can understand the meaning of light. It was her who showed him what he thought can never exist. What he thought will never be possible in this world. What he used to believe he shall never feel in his entire life.

Now, it has been years since the day that he first met her. 8 years…

And he is finally freed from the academy. It was his greatest wish back when he was 10. He has been released now from those ties. No longer restrained. With no burdens, he can stand up as her protector. Now, he can do what he wants with his life.

Nogi, Ruka?

He's fine. Natsume is sure he left him in a safe place with Aoi. Yes, during that fateful night, Ruka left with him. His best friend was hesitant at first but the circumstances back then left them no choice but to flee together. Or else there may be dire consequences. But today and for the rest of their lives, he knows Ruka will be safe. He wouldn't let anyone's life be endangered again. He's seen enough number of comrades die and he can't afford losing more.

Aoi…

Yes, it was Aoi, his little sister, who mattered most to him back in the academy. She was held captive to make him obey anything the academy desires. She's the very reason that he stayed sane during his missions. She's the only string he held on to during his toughest times and the most painful moments… before 'she' lighted a new path in his life.

Her memories were long forgotten… probably Persona's work. But, then, he continued to work on his plans of retrieving her. And when he finally saw the chance to steal her back from Persona, he gave all his strength in fighting for his poor little sister. It was hard. Their pursuers were strong. He was tensed. He acted hastily. But he managed to succeed with his plans. Together with Aoi and Ruka, who was forced by him to runaway as well, he escaped.

…forgetting something else… Leaving behind something he might have somehow…

-cherished?

Mikan…

"..that baka.." Natsume whispered with a voice that seemed to be in pain and longing.

The train honked its horn. His thoughts quickly faded as his body almost jolted in attention. He still has that kind of reaction from his harsh trainings. Something which he's unsure of, if he's happy of or disgusted about. Clouds of dark smoke emerged from the train's chimney. He watched them mingle and fade in contact with the skies.

Finally! The rusty junk slowly began to move. It gave ugly rumbling sounds, as if a noisy mechanical machine is being tried after a couple years of retirement. Green fields started parading his view. Civilization might be farther than he thought it will be. This will take longer than the raven-haired boy expected.

Crimson eyes slowly closed, drifting off to a deep sleep.

He is now coming back... on his way…

…To his little sister, Aoi, who would be waiting for him now that she's slowly recovering from her Amnesia.

…To Ruka… to whom he is greatly indebt to.

And to 'her'... whom he was wishing from within him… was also… was somehow…

…waiting for his return?

***END***

TEASER: Episode 2: "The Current Scenario"

"We need to prepare a good welcoming for Natsume." Ruka continued, smiling.

But then, Natsume got her heart without exerting much effort. Oh? Who am I kidding? Natsume has suffered enough, has endured more than he could ever bear and he deserves her more than anyone else… even more than I do. He loves her as much as I once did. If not, perhaps even more than I could ever have. And in return, she has always loved him. Him and never me. True that it broke me… completely.

"I haven't given up on her." he smiled painfully.

I was lost for words as I stared at her face. I couldn't bring myself to pronounce her name. I couldn't react as well. She looked at me expressionless for a while before having her brows furrowed.

A/N: May, 2009 - So how is it? LOL. I just can't believe how poorly written this story is. Like what I said, this is undergoing MAJOR revisions and so I might not upload a new episode soon. I'm dying of humiliation now so no need to add insult to injury. Anyway, you see the small dialogue there in italics? That came from a real episode in Gakuen Alice anime series, the one about Haunted House (In wikipedia, it is the Episode 18: Just the Two of Us, in the Dark). Sorry for the poor translation. I did that on my own. *chuckles* Well, this is hard work so I guess I deserve a review? I accept suggestions, constructive criticisms, any kind of help and loads of sweet reviews topped with strawberries and cream! *winks*

~windlady