Title : Parallel
Author : Mistress Symphony
Chapter Title : Soulful Gown

Main Pairing : NatsumexMikan

Category : Romance / Fantasy

Rating : For Teen(s) – T; May contain language or scenes that are sensitive and not suitable for our very young readers!

Summary : AU. She had already planned all for her dream wedding but, for some cursed reason, she found herself time-traveling and being wedded to a guy she hasn't even met before. The she is: Sakura Mikan.

Standard Disclaimer : Gakuen Alice Does Not Belong To Me.

Inspired by : Legend by Jude Deveraux. The novel merely inspired me but the story would go to a different direction.

- - -

September 28, 2007

I frowned as I stared at the three-fold mirror, "I don't like this." I commented and sulked. I was really frustrated because this is the nth wedding gown I've tried on but it gave me no satisfaction. Being me, I couldn't help not to stomp my right foot down the circular podium where I currently stand.

"And what, pray tell, are your criteria in gowns?" my best-est friend, Hotaru-chan stated in incredulity. Though she sounds the same every time, being the monotonous person that she is, I know that she just asked me a question.

I silenced, thinking what IS my criteria. I've been thinking about the same thing ever since I've tried the first gown. It's not exactly a criterion but a word. It's been prancing and dancing in my brain but I couldn't make it out which annoys me to no end.

After several moments of being engrossed but being futile at the same time, I give up and told Hotaru-chan in a low sorrowful voice: "Hotaru, I don't like this gown..."

I began to stare deep down into Hotaru's amethyst eyes, trying to communicate with her through mental-telepathy. It works most of the time. I hope this time is one of those mosts.

Finally, Hotaru, get what I wanted to tell her for she had heaved a sign and beckoned for me to get change inside the changing room.

I am a fast dresser so by the time I got out, the designer was still talking with another costumer.

"You said you like them." she lectured me. Despite the fact that Hotaru's almost emotionless, Hotaru's still human in her own way. I know that she feels guilt for having pointing tons of gowns and staying for a long time only to come out of the shop with nothing. Heck, it's not just her, I too feel guilty.

I frowned and sulked more as I began to fold the gowns I've tried on to compensate and to lessen my guilt, "I did but when I put these on, I feel something important is missing..." I muttered and stopped myself from saying more when I did see at the corner of the eye that the designer is already making her way towards us.

I imagined her to have this displeased expression on her face so I decided not to meet eye-to-eye with her and proceeded to bow down repeatedly. I didn't stop bowing even though I was already feeling woozy. It would only take a hit from Hotaru to stop me from doing it.

Soo... Hotaru being such a "nice" friend, hit me, a signal that I should already stop—and that I'm embarrassing her.

I obeyed and tentatively lifted my eyes first followed by my head—meeting a pinkish serene eyes, smiling.

"It's okay, you needn't to worry," the amiable and incredibly stunning lady said, "I do know how you exactly feel. These gowns, no matter how expensive they are, just don't come along with you." she placed a long and slender finger atop her chin. Perhaps thinking what to say next, "That must mean that you're not compatible with them but to something else."

I cupped my cheeks in trouble-panic. She might've misinterpreted me! "Oh no! It's not that the gown isn't gorgeous enough for my taste! They're all stupendous believe me but—"

She cut me off and finished my sentence. At that very moment, she said the word I've been trying to find in my inner-dictionary that almost sucked my world out, "—but it lacks soul." she smiled then got the gowns I've neatly pilled up from a nearby table and placed her pale porcelain-like hand over my shoulder.

Damn. Stop being nice. You're killing me with guilt!

"Good luck."

- - -

It is past nine by the time we left the dress shop and is about to go home but I remember that I need to buy some antiques that my grandpa requested. So, Hotaru, who is a reluctant best-friend, needed more push than to offer subtle hints, as I painstakingly convinced her to tag along with me.

I'm not used into seeing archaic items that is why I've never been inside an antique shop before.

Asking instruction from random bystanders, Hotaru and I found ourselves standing in-front of a structure that looked just as old as the things they sell inside on it. On an oak wood sign says in elegantly written gothic letters: "Antediluvian. Since 1750."

We got in and I feel a creepy aura that made me persistently attach myself to Hotaru while she persistently detach herself from me.

True to its name, the shop is filled with archaic items. The size is like a regular 40-person classroom. The lighting is dim and the cemented walls was painted genius-ly to make an illusion that it's wood painted with high quality varnish. There is no other patron but us inside. Good thing they don't have a mummy's sarcophagus here or I'll surely faint on the spot. I really dislike archaic items! It reminds me that I fear ghosts and curses. The only antique that I love is my grandpa—but don't tell him that.

Scared like hell, I rapidly searched for the items that my grandpa told me to seek out: ashtray, pipes, tea set, old books and etcetera. Whatever are those for, I have no idea and I don't have time to think. Soon after I've finished, I heaved a sigh of relief.

We can finally get out of this creepy place.

However as I ambled to the cashier, something caught my eye and stopped dead on my tracks, betraying my plan. It's a palm-sized golden key resting on top of an old wooden table.

I am fascinated for I've never seen a key as big as this. Smiling non-stop, I began to pick up the key and examined it. I am expecting to see some inscribed words that say: "The Key to The Secret Garden" but instead, I see in barely-there letters spelled: "SAKURA".

I squealed inwardly as I read again to confirm what I saw. It is indeed our family name, Sakura. I began to feel excitement and blood rushing through my veins. It's not everyday you find some old key that contains your family name right? I don't care if "Sakura" is a very common name. For a Sakura to find a Sakura is like telling me that it's meant to be.

Thrill and happiness filled me and without second thoughts, I shoved the key with the other antiques and went out of the store with a smug smile on my face.

- - -

It is already eleven when I got home for Hotaru and I had a hard time hiring for a cab (most are taken). By the time we did, we were caught in a huge traffic jam. It turned out that it was caused by the colliding of cars from the confusion of the broken traffic lights. Of course being me, I couldn't help but to complain where do my taxes go.

Anyways, I still managed to get home safe. Seeing the sign "Home Sweet Home" I smiled and slowly creaked the door open. I know it is late so I suppose grandpa is already having his night's sleep. However, to my surprise, grandpa is there, his smile and arms are wide open. He might have heard the gate being opened.

I can feel my tears gathering around my eyes at this very moment, touched. My first instinct is to leap into his arms, my exhausted energy seemed to have been replenished.

People say that I should stop doing "that" for I'm already twenty-two. I really don't get them, I try to act mature but it seems that every effort of mine is unrecognized.

Bummer...

"Now, now, Mikan," grand-pappie laughed heartily and detached himself affectionately from me, "Let's set aside this moment for a while, you have a visitor,"

Visitor?

I blinked then looked at my grandpa as if confirming if what I've heard was true.

As soon as he nodded, I began searching the whole first floor and caught a glimpse of blonde hair at the refectory.

Aha. Now I know who is he.

He is Ruka, the guy to whom I am be wedded to. I love Ruka so much and I know he loves me too. Although our love we have for each is not romantically but is purely based in strong bond of friendship, we have engaged ourselves because of the vow we made to each other.

The vow was made ten years ago and it was: If we couldn't find any suitable partners in life in ten years time, we would have to be each other's last alternative. We were kids when we made it, but we both believe that a vow is a vow so we opt to fulfill it. Not to mention Ruka-pyon would make a good husband... I just hope he thinks that I too would make a good wife.

"Ruka-pyon!" I exclaimed and hugged the sapphire-eyed guy sitting at the most end of the table. I laughed. "Why are you here, miss me already?"

"So not," he denied and laughed as well. Ruka-pyon looks so cute when he smiles. He's like an angel!

Ehe. You can pretty much tell from how I described him that I am so obsessed with him.

"I brought your stuffs from work because you didn't show up today."

My mood began to sink, "Why would I? I would just see the face of that stupid and pathetic boss of yours."

He sighed dramatically and I can feel that he's going to reprimand me, "You can't blame Jinno-dono, you always slack in your work. Seriously Mikan, don't you care whatever happens to your financial status?"

"No. Besides, I'm gonna marry you," I joked then hit playfully his shoulder but he didn't like it.

"Mikan, I'm not always there to provide everything you need—"

"I know, I know. I was just trying to humour you." I safeguarded then sat beside him, "Hotaru-chan and I are planning to do catering business, what do you think?"

I actually don't have to ask him for I know it'll definitely make him happy but you know, just to spice things up.

"That's great!" he exclaimed. He excitedly placed both of his hands over my shoulders as if the business was his own. "I've always known that you cook great. Way to go! Be assured that I'll support you!"

I bit a reticent smile, "Thank you Ruka-pyon!" I hugged him again.

"Yeah, you're welcome," he said serenely then detached himself from me, "It's nice seeing you both again but I would have to leave. Unlike you I have a job."

I deadpanned. It was now his time to joke and it was now my time not to like the humour.

I frowned and looked away but then he let out a peace-offering smile and then patted my head.

"Kidding."

Of course I can't stay annoyed with him but I decided to continue playing the part of an annoyed friend, puffing cheeks, "Stop doing that, I'm not a baby,"

He chuckled, "See you,"

- - -

"Oww... How sweet. Be sure to give me a grandchild as fast as you could okay?" grandpa remarked flippantly as soon as Ruka-pyon's no where inside the house.

I stuck a tongue at him then laughed.

"By the way, did you do what I've told you?"

I nodded then being reminded, I stuffed my right hand on my jeans' pocket, checking if the golden key is in there.

I smiled dreamily and am about to think what sort of garden can it open but a clap from my grandpa brought me out from being passive.

"Good. I think now's the time."

The time?

It sounds like in some clichéd dramas.

- - -

By the time I was back to my senses, I already found myself at the attic and my grandpa is already on his way down. I think he is saying: "Take good care of the chest,"

Chest?

Great. What's with grandpa acting and saying such confusing words? At least he could have at least provided me some useful keywords. I wanted to ask him but he might have explained to me everything while I was spacing out so I decided not to.

I glanced down and saw the chest that grandpa was talking about.

So this is it.

I crouched down and examined it.

It's as big as a twelve-inched tee-vee. It is made up of mahogany coppice, gold and some little semi-precious stones.

Weird.

I've been inside the attic a lot of times but I've never seen this chest.

Weirder.

The chest is locked. Urgh. How am I supposed to open this? Chop it to pieces? I mean, grandpa could have at least provided me some KEY!

I blinked.

Key?

Weirdest.

I know the idea is downright stupid. How could this random key that I've bought from an antique shop could be the key to this chest?

I laughed for moments until I didn't find it funny anymore instead finding the situation so freaking scary!

I battled my mind if I should carry out my plan in opening it. There's always tomorrow when all is bright but then again, if I leave this here, curiousity will kill me.

'Fine.'

I've half-decided and soon found my shaking hand trembling madly and tentatively inserted the key inside the chest's keyhole.

I twisted it slowly, wishing—praying it wouldn't budge.

To my horror it did.

My first instinct is to widen the gap desperately between the chest and me. Who knows that thing might be cursed—well... maybe not... after all, grandpa gave it to me. He can't mean me any harm. I'm sure of it... quite.

I gulped and picked up a random long object, which is a broom, and while shutting my eyes and hiding my face, I used it to push the chest open—if anything comes out, I'll hit it with the broom.

After few seconds when nothing happened, I cracked an eye open and heaved a sigh of relief. I began to tentatively approach the chest—finding while clothe. Curious about it, I hauled it out and revealed to me the most stunning gown ever (for me at least).

It's an old white multi-layered European-style gown full of black laces and frills. I think I've seen one of these types in the movie titanic—or maybe I'm just mistaken. Comes with it are the gloves, stockings, chocker, veil, shoes and... papers?

I didn't bother to pull those old papers out for I think it would meet its ultimate destruction if I touch them. I suspect they're marriage documents.

Moving on, the first thing that had occurred to me is that: It's mom's.

Grandpa probably doesn't know what's inside because if he does, he could have stopped me from buying a gown.

Excitement rushed into my veins that made me don the complete set. If my memory serves me right there should be a mirror somewhere around—

'Aha. Found you.'

I stood in a yet another mahogany wood human-size mirror.

I sigh dreamily.

The gown's a perfect fit. It is as if it was meant for me. With this gown, I feel a strange sensation that I would most probably call: Contentment and bizarrely enough, Déjà Vu.

'Yes, this is the gown for me.'

Brainwashing my own brain with this, I stared at the mirror for some time. Suddenly, my vision began to blur and shake that even made me see someone else at the reflection viewed at the mirror. Bemused, I spun my head only to see no one. The woozy feeling got stronger and I supported myself by thrusting my palm against the mirror.

- - -

Unknown Time and Dimension.

The moment I opened my eyes, I concluded that whatever I'm seeing, this is just a dream.

Why you ask?

The supposed to be attic turned into a busy street where the structures of houses, the clothes of the people, and the community reminded me very much of the old Japan I've seen in picture books.

What explanation could it be but a dream? What did you think, that I've been warped to the past? Hah! Don't make me laugh.

I checked my clothes, half-thinking that I'm dressed in a yukata but I was still wearing the same gown I've donned before I've started dreaming this dream. Oh no, people might think I'm weird so I began to fret and flapped my arms in rising panic but a cold voice interrupted my brooding.

Tsk... Can't even brood in peace.

"Move out." it said and turned around to meet a pair of crimson eyes that made me shiver. He is mounted on this awesome black stallion and his shadow loomed over me.

I coiled back. Not because he told me so but because his eyes are so dammed scary.

If looks can kill, consider me a zombie.

My breathing momentary stopped as he passed. As soon as I hear the shoes of the stallion clicking on the ground, I know I am safe. But then, I think this is the nightmare of all nightmares when I heard the clicking sound stopped and a cold voice bellowed: "Oi!"

I convinced myself that I wasn't the one whom he called out—however—I am tempted to turn my head and gave in.

"Rewarding" me from giving with temptation is the crimson-eyed guy striding rapidly and furiously towards my direction.

Please tell me those angry eyes aren't directed to me.

Before I could ever start to figure why is he like that, I was grabbed ruthlessly by the "my" choker that made me CHOKE and gasp for breath.

I trembled and stared at his eyes in vain to search for answers and at the same time, trying in vain to remove his hands from the chocker that is chocking me.

"What are you doing in this gown?" he demanded, skipping formal introductions. Oh well, I think it's more situation-appropriate to do that. I mean, you don't find any person who would grab you by your clothes just to "cordially" introduce himself.

If you know someone, please let me know.

"Let me go!" is my brave answer. Ha! Can someone praise me now for my intrepid act? He might be bloodcurdling but I was been reminded that this is my dream, meaning I rule here.

He tightened the grip more, not recognizing me as his creator.

What's with these people just staring at us? Can't they at least help me? I shrugged inwardly. Oh well, dreams are usually weird, I even feel pain in this one.

Wait. Wait. Wait. WAIT.

Did I just say that I could feel pain?

Holy—

"Fine." I barely heard him say and let go off me as he nudged me to a side. I am not in my proper psyche because of the sudden realization that has just dawned at me.

'You're numb Mikan! You can't feel pain! C'mon, tell him to stab you!'

I once again felt woozy because of this overwhelming shock that caught me off-balance. I know I am stumbling down but I am betting that I won't feel any hurt so I didn't fight to regain my composure, alas a hand grabbed me by my arm abruptly and boorishly—hauled me up.

It is the harassing guy. "Thanks..." I managed to croak out and began to undo frenetically the chocker in case he intends to grab me there again.

He averted his eyes and folded his arms. Seems to me that he doesn't acknowledge that he saved "me".

"You might ruin the dress,"

I raised a brow.

What's with this guy? Are gowns his fetishes?

I don't even want to know as I began dashing to run away from this jerk!

Who wouldn't?

He's a freak!

And now, forgetting about riding his stallion (much to my relief), this guy is chasing after me (much to my horror)!

"Stop right now or I'll kill you!"

Of course I didn't! Someone who's in his right mind won't!

God knows what he will do to me.

I admit, I've fantasized being chased by a good-looking guy imploring for my love but not when he's ORDERING me to stop or he'll kill me!

I glanced to my back to check our distance and to my dear horror he's just meters behind me!

I need to hide somewhere!

Somewhere!—Any place would do! God... please!

I immediately spotted a church.

Without having second thoughts, thinking that it is the answer to my prayer, I entered my so-called sanctuary.

Like an angel ready to rescue, I saw a priest and quickly clung to him, pleading to take me in for a madman's after my dear life.

The priest nodded in understanding and gave me a reassuring smile.

I sighed in relaxation.

Just then, I heard the doors of the church shot open, unveiling a demon who is attempting to break in into a church!

He strutted towards us and grabbed my hand.

"This woman," he said as he panted, "She's married to me but is unfaithful. 'Kindly' renew our vows and remind her, her duty,"

The priest nodded like a saint and obeyed without even confirming it by asking me if I know anything.

What the—what happened about protecting me from a madman! This is HE I'm talking about! Renew? Father what are you—

"I now pronounce you as husband and wife,"

I blink.

Come again?

"You may kiss the bride."

Did I already wake up? Is this already my wedding day and the person that I'm wedded to is Ruka and I'm just daydreaming the whole time?

Yeah, I smiled with relaxation. That might be—

I was turned around by these vice-grip hands clasped on my shoulder and forced me to look at his—Oh God, I don't wanna say it but they're sharp crimson eyes.

So much for the sweet and lovable words, this guy just ignored it and drawled the set of cursed words:

"You have no escape now."

- - -

Author's Note :
Chapter edited. There isn't much change so it's okay if you won't re-read it.