Chapter 1

A peace on surface

DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN GAKUEN ALICE ;)

(A/N: This is based on only the anime, so completely different from the manga development of incidents and relations)

Vacation at Alice Academy is no more fun than the rest of days. Obviously, not a bit less, too.

But the red haired little girl is in no mood of fun. Very unlikely her, Mikan Sakura was walking alone through the woods so that no one can see her now. She stopped by a tree, and looked above. Her vision went blurred within a moment.

"Hotaru.." she sobbed, and then started crying.

"The fountain started itself again.. Don't you get dehydrated ?" a cold voice came from behind. Mikan looked back. "Natsume.." she tried to come closer. He prevented.

"What's more the idiot is up to?"

Just a question was required, and Natsume was next flooded with her words, that how Hotaru went for training at foreign for a week, and now how she is feeling, may be she would never be back.. etc. etc..

"And the trip is ten days. You are making a hell out of it.. Geez, I curse myself for talking with this idiot again.. Can't you hold back for three more days?" He starts leaving.

"Hey!" a hand stops him, the girl cheery again, "You are right, three days.. may be I overthink.."

"May be?" Natsume winked, "Any way, I've better things to do.." He did not want to stay there anymore, fearing he would express himself more..

"will you go with me the central town tomorrow?" He heard Mikan from behind.

"Dream on..."

A smile somehow crept on his face on the rest of his way, until he saw a familiar figure before him.

"Persona!" His jaw tightened, "Now-"

"Keep out of my way!" Persona was as cool as always, "The higher ups already released you from your duties."

"Yes, and no credit to them, they feared the students."

"I don't want to talk with you anymore" Persona had his eyes glare cold, "You were relieved because of the complex situations raised back then, and there were stupid questions of morality. But.." he knelt towards Natsume, "That does not mark end to it, There always was 'Natsume's and so would be the business."

He jumped back, "Enjoy retirement!" and left within a glimpse of eye.

"There are..always.." Natsume repeated, What did he meant?

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"What's bothering you, now?" Serina asked a unrest Narumi, "The academy is back on roll, and much brighter.. your ideals are at last seeing the light."

Narumi replied, standing near the window, more like talking to himself, "You know, There's a student in this elementary division passout who can make you see whatever he wants.."

"Illusion alice, well.." Serina murmured. "What do you want to say? This is just an eyewash?"

"Probably. The higher authorities are involved in all these, and we can see only what they are showing us..unless.."

"Unless we clear our glasses enough to see through." Another voice came.

"Oh, Mr. Jinno.." Narumi eexclaimed, "You heard.."

"Whatever happens, we shall fight together." Misaki came out, "Mikan started it again, and we would not lose this Institute anymore."

Narumi smiled, "Thanks all.. that sure brings back memories.."

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The classes started today.

A new class on middle, and after that everyone went for visiting the three new students joined. Strange enough, Natsume went along with them, may be there is something he wants to check out..

Ruka was far away from the excitement, with his own world of animals.

SNAP!

He jumped up roaring at once, "You again..! Give me that photo now! Hotaruu!"

Hotaru smiled a bit, and the chase began.

He did not thought, why he was the one she finds for a fight or teasing.

He never does.

Hotaru smiled again.