..Memory Lost..

Summary: Mikan is a soldier and Natsume is a prince. He died because of the war. She made a contract to the sorceress to sacrifice her most prized possession that is his memory of her to bring his life back. Now that his memory is gone how can they be together?

Disclaimer: We don't own Gakuen Alice..

Chapter 2: Under the Sakura Tree

oOoOo

-Natsume's POV-

I am a thirteen year old prince and I have here my soon to be princess, Mikan. We were playing at our secret place. It's a beautiful garden filled with flowers and at the middle of it is a Sakura Tree. We both love this place. This is where we used to play together when we were kids until now.

We have just finished playing so we are currently staying under the shade of the Sakura Tree, resting and feeling the wind in our face. I am leaning at its trunk while her head is on my lap. I gently caressed her hair. I don't know when I started liking this girl. It was like, she was the only person I ever think about, the only one that runs through my mind, and when I'm with her, it feels like I am not me. And what's with her smile that makes my heart pounding so fast that I can't stop it every time I see it.

"Ne Natsume-kun, have you ever wondered what will we become when we grow up?" Mikan asked me. Of course I'll be with you.

"Iie. How about you?" I lied. I can't say those things and I want to know what she thinks.

"Hmmmm I think, we'll be always together! Or I want it that way. Don't you?" Mikan said opening her eyes as she asked me. Those chocolate orbs are looking straight at me that made me nervous and blush. Good thing I'm a great blush hider.

"If you want it that way then it will." I said still caressing her hair but she stood up. Her long brown hair slid down my fingers as she sits up.

"You are just pushing yourself to say it! I want you to mean it!" She said her face is getting closer to mine.

"Hey I mean it!" I argued. I really mean it! Look I'm blushing madly here just trying to control it.

"Iie! I want you to promise me and mean it!" She really is stubborn and cute when she's like that.

"I promise that when we grow up we'll be always together! And I mean it!" I said stepping back as she comes closer.

"Good. Pinkie swear!" She showed her pinkie, waiting for my pinkie to lock it.

"Pinkie swear." I said and our pinkies locked. That's our sign of our promise, pinkie swear.

"Now can you please step a little back? Your face is getting closer to mine." I said it. I can't believe I said that. Of course I don't want it but I must remain my coolness. Stupid pride.

"Ahh-gomene." She said moving a little from me.

"Oi, Mikan." I called her.

"Nani?" She asked.

"You're a little too far from me." I said. And she came closer.

"How about this?" She asked, she was about a meter away from me. Wait, do I smell bad? I hope not.

"This?" She came closer and now we were sitting side by side.

"This." I corrected her as I lay her head at my shoulder while I'm holding her waist and her head, perfect.

"Can we stay like this for a while?" She asked. Of course, why not? I want it like this.

"Sure." I replied.

"Arigato, Natsume." She thanked me and closed her eyes.

Why does she have to say all the things that I wanna hear? Why does it have to be her when I know I don't even have a chance? Why does it have to be you Mikan? I leaned my head on top of hers and closed my eyes.

I woke up from my dream. I saw a raven boy and a brunette girl sitting under the shade of the Sakura Tree. Who are those people? But, it seems familiar. Somehow, I felt happy. I don't know why but…Aaaaaah. Never mind. I better go back to sleep. Just thinking of those things makes my head hurt and sleepy.


(Normal..)

The war has long passed. It was 6 months ago since that thing happened. So I guess everyone has already moved on, or so I thought.

Mikan is now a soldier. After what she did during the war, everybody idolized her. Her beauty is amazing. She already has long brown hair that's up to her chest which brings her pale-white skin out with her bangs which brings out her chocolate orbs. Not to mention that she's almost as popular as the royalties and because she's the only girl in the army, she gained a lot more points for popularity. And the last thing that she can be proud of is that she's the only girl in the army. Because of that, many tried to court her but she turned them all down. Reason? Unknown.


-Mikan's POV-

"Good work. You may go now." I said dismissing all of them.

"Hai. Arigato Sakura-sama." They replied.

Stupid Tsubasa-nii. He made me do this just because that ouji (prince) didn't show up. He is supposed to be here to practice us and my brother as the head soldier; he is supposed to be teaching them not me! Just because those soldiers are so tame when I'm around, hmph. Better fix my things so I can get the hell out of here.

"Imouto-chan!" I heard my brother called. I looked back, quite irritated.

"Nani!?" I asked.

"Are you gonna go home right away?" he asked me.

"Why? You and Misaki-chan are gonna have a date?" Misaki is his girlfriend. Just so you know.

"Hehehehe. That's correct." He smiled at me. As an imoutou of his, I need to follow him.

"How about the twins?" I asked. Remember, we have two more siblings. Apparently, they were twins.

"I asked Koko-kun and Yuu-kun to take care of them." He said, sounding like it is so easy.

"But you know those two have a crush on Koko and Yuu." I argued. But it's true! Nonoko and Anna have a crush on those two.

"Look, they are 15 years old, what's wrong?" Tsubasa said. He is the greatest playboy ever. But I think he is serious about Misaki. And when it comes to fighting, don't mess with him. He's really powerful.

"Fine, but be sure you're ok with them." I gave up. But I guess it's really ok.

"Sure. Arigato imoutou-chan! Daisuki!" He laughed before leaving me alone at the room.

"Hai. Hai." I replied.


Now, I'm left here all alone. What's worse is that I need to bring his bag too. I finished packing my bag first then I need to bring these bags back home. I carried both bags. W-O-W this is heavy. I can't even see a thing when I walk with these things in front of me. Good thing there is no door here.

I started to walk down the hallway. Oh by the way, we are in the palace. This is where the prince Natsume told us to go when we practice. I really don't know why either. Maybe he likes one of our soldiers? Oh my god! He's gay! I knew it. He is gay. This past 6 months, I just felt it, that he likes someone. When we practice he's kinda looking for someone. And when I look at him I just saw him blush. I stopped walking for a moment.

Maybe he found someone new? Oi Mikan, remember the payment? He forgot everything about you. Yah, that's right he forgot you so stop wasting your time on something so stupid. And he didn't even loved you like you love him, he only thinks of you as a friend at that time. Stupid, stupid Mikan, how come you didn't realize those?

I started to walk again. The pain I feel in my arms carrying the armors weren't that heavy as it was a while ago. But the pain I felt in my heart grew big, like it was digging a lot bigger and deeper hole. Why can't I move on? WHY!? Damn it. I feel like crying now. I walked a little faster then suddenly…

"Itaii…." I cried in pain. I fell down because someone bumped into me. Is he blind or is he just spacing out?

"Gomene." I apologized. I opened my eyes to see who it is.

"Oh, it's just you." I added with a little smirk. It's just the prince. I must act like I don't care.

"What do you mean it's just me?" He retorted. Maybe he's mad. Oops.

"You're the prince and it's just you. Get it?" I answered back.

"Yeah I'm the prince so you must respect me." He said with great pride.

"Eh? You're the one who bumped into me and I was the one who's kind enough to say sorry."

"So you are kind? Then respect me as the prince." He ordered. What am I an idiot? Well I'm kinda am. But this is not the right time for that. I'm trying to win some argument.

"Nope. Bleh." I stuck my tongue out and started to pick my things that fell down.

Oops. I think he's really mad. I feel some scary atmosphere just at my back. Don't look back Mikan. Don't look back. Ok, I give up. I must know what his face looks like. I looked back slowly. And just what I expected it to be. I laughed really loud.

"What are you laughing at!?" He asked. I could say he really is mad at me this time. That fire at his background grew bigger and the feeling grew darker. But his face!! It's really funny!

"Nothing, nothing. Natsume, just calm down." I said with a smile. I also stopped laughing. His background became calm. I laughed a little after that, he didn't saw it though.

I continued to pick my things up. That face he made is still in my head that was so hilarious! Suddenly I felt some presence nearing me. I looked at my side then I saw…

"Natsume? Ano…gomen I mean ouji. What are you doing?" I asked quite confused. He is helping me and I called him Natsume accidentally. Ok, this is embarrassing.

"Picking up your things, baka." He replied then stood up carrying almost ¾ of my things that was scattered.

"I know what you did. And by the way thanks. Now give me that." I said trying to get my things back. But no use, he won't give it to me. Damn ouji.

"Yada. You might bump into somebody again." He said with a smirk. Stupid smirk. I hate it, since back then. Damn, I remembered it again.


(Normal…)

Mikan made a sad face. Natsume saw it and tried to speak.

"I'll bring this to you until you get to your destination. That's my apology so just accept it." He said then started to walk.

"Ha-hai." Mikan replied then speed up a little to catch up to Natsume.

"By the way, where are you going?" He asked as soon as Mikan went beside him.

"My secret place. Wanna see?" Mikan asked with a smile, that made Natsume blush a little.

"Then it will not be a secret anymore if you show it to me, baka." Natsume said trying to hide his blush.

"Then it will be our secret place. Fine with that?" Mikan asked.

"Hn." He replied.

"I'll take that as a yes."

The two walked together and even teasing sometimes. When you looked at them you can tell that they are close, like they have known each other for a long time. For Mikan, this is true. But for Natsume…he felt this.

"I don't know why, but I feel like I have known her for a long time now but it is the first time that I have been this close to her. And the most awkward thing is that, she's a girl! I got to admit, it's the first time I talked to a girl like this. Wait, she seems familiar. Is she the girl that saved me?" He thought.

"Oi, are you the one who saved me during the war?" Natsume asked changing the topic that they were currently in.

"Hai. Don't tell me you have forgotten that?" Mikan pouted.

"Hmph. Don't tell me you're mad just because I have forgotten about that part where we met?" He smirked.

"Of course I am! Why wouldn't I be? I was the one who saved your life back there and you tell me that you don't remember me? That's harsh." Mikan acted like she was hurt. Then she laughed.

"Or you just have some feelings for me?" Natsume said looking at her.

"And why would I?" she retorted.

"Because I'm cute, handsome, hot, and the prince?" He said proudly.

"Hey! Just because you are the prince that doesn't mean that everyone will fall for you! Conceited-vein-jerk-ouji." Mikan made a face after that which gained Natsume's attention.

And it started, their argument once again was lively and full of teasing. Few minutes later, they have reached their destination, Mikan's secret place.

"So here we are!" Mikan said showing Natsume a beautiful garden. It is full of beautiful flowers. Each has its own color blooming beautifully at the green shade of the grass. And the center piece of it is the Sakura Tree that stands-out with each of its pink petals swaying by the beat of the wind.

"This is my favorite place!" Mikan put down her things then started to run like a child to the Sakura Tree.

"This place is not bad. How come I didn't see this place since I'm the one who stayed here longer?" Natsume wondered.

"Ouji-sama! Bring those things down and come here!" Mikan called waving her hands up.

"HAI, HAI!" Natsume replied. "What an interesting girl" he thought as he put the things down.

He ran towards Mikan as soon as he put the things down. They played a little bit like they were children playing at the garden. They were merry and it feels like they have all the time to themselves today. Few hours have passed it was past noon. At the shade of the Sakura Tree, both of them rest.

"That was fun, ne ouji?" Mikan asked.

"Hn." He replied, still tired.

"I'll take that as a yes." Mikan said.

"You know what ouji? You reminded me of my childhood friend. He has this look that everyone likes and we always play here at this garden. It was our secret place and at this tree, I still remember that promise." Mikan narrated.

"What promise?" Natsume asked.

"A special promise that when we grow up will be together, always. But I guess it will not come true." Mikan's voice that was an enthusiastic one earlier became sad. She hugged her knees and buried her head on her arms.

"Doushitte? What happened?" Natsume asked quite concerned.

"He will not remember me, anymore." She said looking at him.

"Are you sure?" Natsume asked.

"Hai. I did something that affected him, that's why he will not remember me." Mikan said.

"Don't worry about that. There are still a lot more guys out there. There's a million of them and you can choose whoever you want!" Natsume said and Mikan started to laugh.

"What!? Here you go again, laughing with no reason!" Natsume said irritated.

"Nande mo nai. I just couldn't believe that you would say those words!" Mikan said laughing.

"Hn. Just forget what I said." Natsume said to Mikan. His arms crossed at the back supporting his head.

"Yada! Bleh." Mikan replied sticking his tongue out.

"You really do interest me." Natsume said, unconsciously. He smirked after that.

"Nani?" Mikan asked looking at Natsume.

"Nande mo nai." He replied.

For an hour, they were silent. Feeling the breeze in their face, and just watching the Sakura petals fall down.


-Natsume's POV-

An hour has passed and still we were silent. None of us spoke and I do not know why. Maybe she fell asleep. I looked at her and I saw a sleeping angel. I pulled her closer to me and leaned her head on my shoulder. This feels like my dream. The dream I had a while ago.

This is so awkward, me being close to a girl is impossible. But when I'm with her, I feel unusual. It's something that I can't understand and I don't know why. It's a wonderful feeling that I have missed though this is just the first time I did this to a girl. Mikan, thanks for everything. I will never forget this moment. I lay my head on top of hers. Later did I notice that I have fallen asleep.

I woke up and I saw the sun is almost setting. Is it that late already? I looked at my right hoping that Mikan will be there. Unfortunately, she's not. Instead, there's a note with a Sakura petal on top. I picked it up and read it. It says:

Dear vein-conceited-jerk-Natsume ouji,

Thanks for today. I'll remember what you said. "Don't worry about that. There are still a lot more guys out there. There's a million of them and you can choose whoever you want!"

Soldier Sakura.

I smile after I read the letter. Tch. Soldier Sakura. I put the letter at my pocket and stood up.

I went back to the castle, going straight to my room but one of my servants called me.

"Ouji-sama, king and queen wants to speak to you." He told me.

"Arigato. Tell them that I'll be coming." I replied.

"Hai." He said then went away.

I looked first at the window. The orange atmosphere made me smile. Then I remembered something, "Repeating is one change. Don't avert your eyes from the differences." I murmured then went to the king and queen.


-Mikan's POV-

Sakura's residence…

"Nee-chan! Dinner's ready!" I heard Nonoko called.

"Hai!" I replied.

I was at my room that time looking at the window watching the sunset. From here, I can see the castle. It was big and because of the sunset, the original white color of it became orange. What beautiful scenery, I thought. I looked at the picture that I was holding. It was me and Natsume-kun when we were 5 years old. It was taken at our secret place. We looked so happy at this picture. I just hope this will last forever, but I guess it's impossible.

"Thanks for today, ouji-sama." I murmured. I put the picture down and removed my necklace and placed it on top of the picture. I smiled before going down.


(Normal…)

Somewhere where the sorceress lives…

"Imouto-san." Subaru said.

"Hai?" Hotaru replied putting down her tea.

"Do you think that what happened today is a destiny to both of them?" Subaru asked sitting down across the table where Hotaru sits.

"You know what, onii-san?" Hotaru started looking at the crystal ball in front of her. "What they so call destiny is a lie. People make their own choices that lead them to where they are now. Do you believe in that, onii-san?" She asked looking at her brother with a smirk on her face.

"Tch, you really are impossible imouto." Subaru said before standing up.

"Thanks, onii-san." Hotaru said then looked at the crystal ball where you can see Natsume talking to the royalties.


With Natsume…

"Child, you are already 20 years old and you'll be 21 in just a few more months. Don't you think you need to get married?" The queen Hyuuga asked.

"What!?" Natsume said in surprise.

"What your mother is telling you is that you'll be taking our position later on and we are getting old. We don't have enough time, you know." The king Hyuuga explained.

"Tch. Then why don't you give it to Youiichi? You know, he really is excited about the king thing." Natsume said pointing at his little brother who just showed up out of nowhere.

"Yeah! Why won't you! I'm already 15 years old! I can handle things!" Youiichi said agreeing to Natsume.

"Youiichi my dear, you are still young to be a king. And besides to be a king, you need to be a crown prince first." Queen Hyuuga said patting the head of Youiichi.

"What!? That is so unfair!" Youichi pouted after.

"And besides, to be the king you must need a queen too." King Hyuuga said.

"WHAT!?" Both of the princes shouted in unison.

"That's the rule." Queen Hyuuga added.

"Tch, stupid rules." Natsume murmured.

"I will give you some time first, Natsume. Please look for your bride. When you step at the age of 21 you must already have a bride." The king said.

"Tch." He replied.

"Fine, you may go now. Please be careful." The queen dismissed both of them.

"Hai. Arigato." Both of the princes said then went out the room.

oOoOo

TriXi: hmmmm.. end of chapter 2!

--secret-: W-O-W! its pretty loOOoooOng!!

star: it is?

TriXi: o.O

xXiceyfireXx: it's hard you know!

star: i know!

TriXi: so if readers don't like it, xXiceyfireXx takes the blame? that's the cycle right?

--secret-: here it goes again...

xXiceyfireXx: anyway, reviews please! happy reading!!

TriXi: yeah right..

star: additional 10 reviews for next update? (atleast) Pretty please! With sugar on top! I'm begging you know!