Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice

Chapter 2: What's wrong, Hotaru?

Beep Beep Beep

"Jeez, that Hotaru. The party is today, and I can't get through to her cell phone. If she was going to take a vacation, she should tell me. I haven't seen her since we went shopping for dresses."

Although I should trust my friend, I still feel uneasy. It feels like something bad is going to happen, and being a powerless non, I become more and more anxious.

I rub the stamp I have on my shoulder. It's something I do often when I am stressed and uneasy. Did Hotaru get into some trouble?

I try her cell again, and this time, she picks up.

"Finally, Hotaru! Why haven't you picked up?"

"Nothing. My cell phone just ran out of batteries." She says in a tired voice.

"Hotaru, do you think I'm your best friend for nothing? I know you better than anyone, and I definitely know you have more than one cell! I've called each and every one of them, but not a single one went through. Good gracious!" I yell.

"They all ran out okay? Also, we've had many um...meetings for the party last night. And speaking of the party, I don't think it's a good idea for you to come anymore..."

Wow, the great Hotaru actually couldn't find the words to say for a second there?

"That is just plain stupid, Hotaru. Please tell me what really happened! I can help you!" I plead with a bit of pain in my voice.

"Fine, Mikan, I'll still take you, but please stay close to me at all times. I'm sorry, but as a Royal, I have many things I can't tell you." Hotaru sighs while giving in.

"That wasn't much of a fight was it? But anyways, it's alright if you don't tell me everything right now, I just hope that you still have your trust in me." I murmur.

Hotaru scoffs. "I also know you inside out, Mikan, I have also been your best friend for a long time. I'll always have trust in you. Don't underestimate me. I'm not as low as you."

"Hotaru, you devil! Was that supposed to be an encouragement? Cause it didn't sound like one! Sounded more like an insult! Neh, Hotaru!" I spit into the receiver while making a face.

I hear her chuckling on the other end and I roll my eyes. Finally stopping, she softly replies, "Thanks Mikan, you just made me forget my worries. I have to go now, mother is calling for me. I'll be at the meeting place in 10."

I feel a tap on my should and I turn around expecting Hotaru. What I didnt expect was being smacked in the face.

"Hotaru...isn't the BAKA-gun only for when I'm being an idiot?"

"When aren't you?"

I frown but it immediately disappears from my face when she hands me an alice stone.

It was made so that my nullification Alice could be amplified, enough that it can be strong enough to nullify the Alice of a Royal as well.

The stone is a dark blue color, almost black; and it is shaped like a star. I grin a bit at Hotaru's child-like taste but fold my fingers over the round surface anyway.

"Thanks, bestie"

At the Hyuuga estate

"IT'S HUGE!" I can't help but exclaim. It's even bigger than the Imai Palace, which I've been to once. I look over at the many other Royals as well, but none of them even glance my way.

Everyone is dressed in elegant robes and gowns. I've never been to a Royal get-together before, so I stare at them with awe. Hotaru looks over at me, and leaves me to my gawking, before finding it too annoying and dragging me to the entrance gates.

There, we meet two guards who are checking the identity of each person. Before they even get to us, I start shaking. Hotaru, being much calmer than I am, talks to the guard in a smooth voice.

"Hotaru Imai with guest."

It was simple, but the guards understand. They check her name off of a list and gesture for us to enter.

She glides in and I follow, but as I bow my head to acknowledge the guards and take a step, I trip. Landing face first, I receive suspicious glares from both guards. Blushing and quickly standing up, I brush myself off and hurry over to where Hotaru is waiting.

I'm so glad I'm not alone!

Oops, spoke too soon. Something at the buffet table catches her eye. And she shimmies away faster than an eel.

And..

I'm alone again. I walk around looking for something to do, and I come across a machine I've never seen before. It must be a Hyuuga original. Nons like me don't get to see these often. They are machinery that have been passed down for generations among the Hyuugas.

I put my hand out to touch it, when a voice speaks up from beside me-

"Hey, if you lay a finger on that, I'll kill you."

The voice is masculine and smooth, like tempered chocolate. I tense up, and nervously I turn around to see a guy around my age. His attire is more informal than the other guests, but then my eyes widen as a realization dawns upon me: he isn't a guest. Taking in the sight of his dull red eyes and coal black hair, I swallow.

Those are the original traits of a Hyuuga.

SS99