Yume…ka…?
A fan fiction by Aoi Kitsukawa
Disclaimer: Gakuen Alice is belongs to Higuichi Tachibana-sensei, I only borrow the characters in the manga. Please enjoy reading it!
Author's Note: I lost my ideas and spirits when I finally finished my Political Sciences' assignment! Very sorry for uninteresting story… Huhuhuhu~! ToT
Hints:
ESP-Elemetary School Principal/ Kuonji.
HSP-High School Principal/ Kazu Yukihira.
MSP-Middle School Principal/ Hii-sama.
Kuroran no Kimi-Black Orchid Princess
Kakitsubata-The Leading Princess a.k.a Shizune Yamanouchi.
Mikan no Kimi-Sakura Mikan
Summary: After the ESP was captured, the school finally in peace, but several people had to pay a heavy price for the freedom. And the worst is Principal Kazu Yukihira! Between life and death, he suddenly had a dream. A dream from the past…
After such a long time…
I'm finally come back here…
The place where we met before…
Everything…
Is not a coincidence…
It's a 'hitsuzen'…
However…
Is this what you should get after such a long pain and suffering?
The 'price' that I pay…
In order to meet you some day, once again, that unexpectedly turns out like this…
Had been taking such a long time to appear…
Dream 3: The predecessor from the past.
Sometimes, not everything that we want happened in the way that we wish for…
….
"So you're conforming about this?"
Mikan looked at her front view. She was actually inside of her uncle's office, with Jinno, Yuka and her late father-Yukihira Izumi, watching them as the adults were now staring at the newcomer at the office door.
Where am I?
She looked at her parents; both of them seemed a little bit shocked, while Jinno looked a little bit stress, and her uncle…
She could saw that time; her uncle's eyes were gentle, yet, contained some kind of curiosity in his deep blue eyes. The way he looked at the newcomer seemed that he already expected, but still, he was still a little bit shocked with the sudden arrival.
"Kuroran no Kimi?"
She heard her mother called the newcomer's name; a name of the member of Hanazono, and then she finally looked at the newcomer's face.
Her face seemed blurry, but mysteriously, she could saw an obvious scar on her right forehead; barely hidden by her black bang. She had a long, straight-shining black hair that seemed floating in the air; she was taller than her mother was and seemed a little bit shorter than her father seem. She looked thin, but for some reason, she could felt some kind of strong power and aura that surrounding that Hanazono princess.
"If you're conforming about this, then I'll also…" She said as she slowly left the door and walked to her parents.
"Support whatever decisions that you make, in the future."
What? What did she said?
Mikan was blink for a while. Where exactly herself right now? In time-travel? No.
If she was in time-travel, there's no way she could go on her own. Besides, aside from Nodachi, only Tsubasa that was able to perform the Time-travel Alice.
Could it be that she was in a dream?
Mikan looked closely at the Hanazono princess, as she saw her uncle walked closely to her father's side.
"You're willing to support both Izumi and Yuka?" He asked.
She was silent for a while, and then grinned a little as she leaned down her head for a while. She then lifted her head and reached for her parents hands. She clasped both Yuka and Izumi's hand on each other's hands, and then pulled them closed to her face.
Mikan was unable to see her eyes, but her expression was comfortable. She saw everyone looked at the girl with curiosity, as well as a worried feeling.
"I'm willing to support them if that is what they want to. Besides…"
"I'm already paying the heavy price for the sake of the people whom precious to me, important to me, people whom I loved and cared for…"
Huh!
Wait! Did she say something about paying the heavy price?
Sometimes people need to pay a very heavy price for sake of something that they want…
Mikan suddenly realized that she heard the same words before, and this time, the princess said the same words, although a little bit different. Who exactly she was?
"All that I want in my life, is to see the people whom I loved and cared for live in peace and happy forever."
"Such a small wish; it's something that I couldn't able to achieve…"
Mikan saw the worry looked of her uncle, Jin-Jin (Jinno), Yuka and Izumi, as she slowly let go of their hands and walked away from them, towards the door. She paused at the door, and smiled with the smile that Mikan believed it was something that came from the deepest part of her heart.
"Be happy…"
After the girl left, all Mikan could saw was…
A pitch black.
"Is everything alright, uncle?"
Himitsu looked up at his right side; a tall, mature-figure woman with black hair and mysterious eyes with the same colour as her hair, looking at him with some kind of feeling inside her eyes. She slowly approached him and took a seat next to him.
They were in the kitchen that morning, as they wanted to have some breakfast before starting their own work. She took a cup and poured some milk with coco into it, while Himitsu already made himself a cup of coffee.
His wife-Hatsune, was making some food for the family, while his children were still preparing themselves to go for work. Himitsu read the newspaper, and then sighed as he saw a title for the news that morning.
THE GAKUEN ALICE'S ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL WAS CAUGHT FOR MISUSING HIS POWER AND PARTICIPATED IN ASSASINATIONS.
"For such a long time, then they finally get their hands on that awful man," Said Himitsu as he opened another page.
"Well dear, it's not easy to find the evident you know," Said Hatsune as she placed some miso soup on the table.
"It's not because they can't find it. It's because they also hand-in-hand with that bastard."
Both of the husband and wife looked at her, quite amused with her words, before she took a sipped of her drink. Himitsu just glanced at his wife, and Hatsune nodded her head as she went back to the kitchen.
"Kuroran no Kimi," Said Himitsu.
She glanced at him.
"I know you still angry with what had happened to you in the past…"
"But at least consider your words in front of your aunt."
"She knows it already; she needs to understand myself too! Not me who should understand everyone all alone!" Snapped Kuroran no Kimi.
"Still hard to change you honey," Said Hatsune as she placed the rice bowls on the table.
Hatsune and Himitsu-both of them were aunt and uncle to Kuroran no Kimi, the princess in Hanazono under Hii-sama; the Middle School Principal of Gakuen Alice. They were married when Hatsune was 20 years old. Hatsune came from tradition family-Kamigawa family, whose was expert in ikebana and sado, as well as kyudou.
Actually, Hatsune was never known, before her marriage; that her fiancée or husband-to-be-Himitsu, was an Alice. All that she knew during her life as a daughter of Kamigawa family was that Himitsu was a teacher in Gakuen Alice, but she had no idea that it was a school with children and adults with special ability, including Himitsu.
Hatsune only knew the truth when a year before their marriage, Himitsu's parents and her father had met her and proposed her to become a wife of Himitsu. Since Himitsu's family was an old, tradition family with a background of onmyoudo and samurai linage, with additional fact that they also served the Temple of Seiryu for generations, accepting their proposal would be an honour to Kamigawa family. Besides, Himitsu's father was the head of the family, thus making Himitsu as his successor prior to his position as the first child in his family. She was the third daughter of the family, and the brightest among her sisters, thus making her as a suitable woman for Himitsu's wife.
However, the way they were married was quite…funny!
Why? It was because the school was not easy to let go any of the students or even the staffs to the outside world. Himitsu was among the few people whom got the exception to go out from the school; once a month. If not because of his family's influences, he could not able to go out freely, and married her after that. When she was told about the truth of Himitsu, she was so shocked that she nearly rejected the proposal from his family. She, Kamigawa Hatsune, married to a person with special ability named Alice but without freedom? How can she live like that? Without any freedom?
Luckily, Himistu appeared at that time. He was told that Hatsune was in deep despair, so he came to explained everything to her. Probably it was the love of the first sight, he was not able to let go of her, and said that he will returned back and married her. A year later, Himitsu returned to his hometown, and quite surprising, both of the family quickly married them as he reached the house. Both Himitsu and Hatsune were shocked and stiff like a stone, but manage to act like what a normal wedding couple always does. (Huh!)
Sometimes Hatsune wondered why her husband-the former teacher in Gakuen Alice; was so protective with the children of Alice. He was retired from the school when their eldest son-Atsushi was 2 years old; leaving the school that he cared so much. Several days later, he was manage to explain and telling her the truth of what exactly happened inside the school, the way the children had been treated in a cruel way, thus shocking her.
That was why she understood her niece's aggressive behaviour whenever any topics about Gakuen Alice was bringing up in front of her. She was one of the victims of certain greedy people; who are using them only for the sake of their selfish matter. In addition, because of her incident, she could not dare if any of her siblings would be catch and taken into the academy.
"Not change, huh?" Said Kuroran no Kimi.
Himitsu looked at her, as he said, "Did you use kotodama to make people calling your princess's name? Including me?"
A little laugh was heard in the kitchen, as the young woman looked at him and smirked.
"Indeed. Well, it's for the sake of my secrets, of course."
"What a spoiled lady…" Muttered Himitsu.
"Who's spoiled? You perverted uncle!"
"Yo-you…!"
Uh oh!
"That's right, otousan. What exactly happened yesterday?"
Like an instinct, all of them looked around and saw a woman with black, short straight hair, with her right forehead was covering with her long bang, and a pair of lively black eyes looked at them. She wore a brown suit with a turtleneck sweater, with her white coat on her left hand, making her looked like a mature woman.
"Reiko, it's rare to see you this morning," Claimed Hatsune as she placed several dishes on the table.
"Well okasan, I'm having an appointment with my client this morning. He's going to London so he needs some regular check-up," She said, as she sat down next to Kuroran no Kimi.
Reiko was the only daughter of Himitsu and Hatsune, and cousin of Kuroran no Kimi. She was working as a dentist, and was rarely seeing in the early morning unless there was something that she needed to do.
"Asking about yesterday, Reiko?" Asked Himitsu.
"Did something happened, otousan?" Reiko said and took up her chopsticks. All of them then started to eat silently.
Himitsu sighed as he heard Reiko's question. He actually did not like to light up the matters that he found out yesterday; after desperately searching the reasons why he was there, in the academy…
And what exactly he found out after that was not good news to him either.
The reaction of Principal Yukihira's assistant-Jinno-sensei was good enough to show how much the impact of the bad news that he founded from the unconscious man. His face was pale, as well as shaking as he slowly fell on his knees, totally in deep shocked. He had wondered where did he get the smile and calm behaviour that time; why wouldn't he reacted just like Jinno?
He sighed once again, catching the attention of his niece. She looked at him with question in her eyes, as she quickly finished her breakfast.
"Everything is not alright, isn't?" She said, as she slowly put her chopsticks down and said 'thanks for the food'.
Reiko and Hatsune looked at them, while Himitsu tried his best to answer her question.
"Well, it's only that…"
"No need for you to explain," She said as she rose and took her dishes.
"I already know what exactly happened there."
She placed the dishes into the sink and walked away, taking her coat that was hanging on her chair.
"I see…"
"Then why you didn't want to come back then?"
The princess paused as she looked at him. Her black, mysterious eyes stared at the man in middle forties, as she said to him with a cold voice.
"There's no need for me to come back."
"Are you sure?"
"Even you didn't want to admit it, at least consider about the man who's important to you; who's fighting for his life."
She did not answer. Instead, she sighed and walked off.
Himitsu looked at her, and then rose from his seat. He took his coat, black glasses and hat, and then walking to the door.
His niece was nowhere to find out.
"You know the truth, but how long you can pretend to ignore it?" He murmured as he started to become invisible.
"I'm also like you, worrying him…"
And then, he was disappeared!
Mikan slowly opened her eyes as she felt the sunray kissed her cheek. She sighed a little as she slowly rose from her bed, and looking at her surroundings. She saw Hotaru sleeping next to her side, with plasters on her face and hands; looked peaceful in her sleep.
Mikan realized that she was sleeping in Hotaru's room; as her mother had to use her room. Many of her friends were in the hospital, with several students that had the same condition like them; receiving treatment at the hospital for overnight, or several days.
She was lucky as she and Hotaru was allowed to be released as an out patient; while the others like Natsume (He's obviously need more attention of course!), Tsubasa, Nobara, Narumi and some of her friends needed to be hospitalized. What made her surprised was Jinno also need to be hospitalized!
Remembering Jin-Jin so sudden made her felt some kind of nostalgic. He had saved her from being caught by the fuukitai, although in the end he ended up knocking her head! He also protected her from the enemies attack, making herself felt like that she was truly been protected by a teacher. Of course, outside he looked like a SCARY DEMON, however he was actually a kind and a caring person. He was only did not know how to reveal or show his soft side.
Mikan looked at Hotaru before she suddenly remembered about their yesterday's conversation. Her uncle was in coma; how long he will be in his deep sleep, nobody would know, or probably nobody would dare to make an assumption when he will be back.
Will she be able to bear the loneliness and sadness alone, without her uncle's cold yet gentle present?
She really does not know what to say anymore…
Mikan sighed once again as she slowly shook Hotaru's shoulder gently, as she suddenly remembered that she had planned to visit everyone at the hospital, including Jin-Jin and Kazu. She needed to wake Hotaru up in gentle or otherwise…
BAKAN!
"GYAAAHH~~!"
"Hmm…don't disturb my sleep, you moron…" Said Hotaru, sleep talking as she took back her BAKA CANON into her blanket.
She will ended up being 'shot' by Hotaru, in her sleep! (Sweat drop)
Soon after that, there was a loud scream, followed by several sounds of loud bang erupted…
Himitsu walked alone in Central Town, where several people were busying themselves buying their stuff. He was walking alone in one of the paths, crossing the empty road, which usually was crowded even during school days. He was; however, do not surprise it at all.
After the rebellion in the school, all the activities in the academy was nearly fall down. All the offices and departments were closed all week, the dormitories were nearly empty, as a large number of students were in the hospital, some stuff had to do mission at the outside, which means dealing with the government authority and police about what should they do and many more. He even heard that the current president of the student council-Goshima Hijiri, was in charge to deal with everything, together with Misaki-sensei, Serina-sensei and of course, Jinno-sensei.
Talking about Jinno, Himitsu had nothing but concerned about that man. He seemed totally in shocked, and probably traumatized; he learned the truth from him, but his action that time could not been considered as a normal behaviour. It was a very bad news, yet he can still stay calm and the worst, smiled.
What kind of act did I do that time? It's so stupid…If that woman knows about this, she'll kill me for sure!
Just imagined his niece with such furious face was enough foe him to shaking terribly!
He finally stopped himself at a flower shop where the owner just opened her shop. Outside of the door, there were several fresh flowers with many colours; some of them were from the Technology Class, as there were singing flower, smiling flowers, talking flowers and many more. Some of the flowers were also from the outside of the academy, as well from the oversea.
Himitsu looked at the 'weird' flowers as he frowned and said, "Giving them this flowers would only cause trouble..."
He suddenly remembered his niece as he once giving her the talking flower. In the end, she screamed frighten and threw it right on his face!
He looked over the flowers as the shopkeeper saw him and said, "Hello sir, good morning. Would you like to buy some flowers?"
Himitsu smiled as he raised his hat, as a sign of greeting, "Well hello young lady. Could you please take for me a bouquet of lavender?"
"Oh my, lavender? So you must love this flower," She claimed as she went to search for the flowers.
Himitsu smiled as he looked at the other flowers. He saw the name of the owner; Hanako, on the tag name.
Hanako, child of flower, huh?
"No, not really actually. It's just that, my niece loves this flower very much. Besides…"
The owner looked at him and realized that his face seemed a little bit sad.
"It reminds me a lot of her mother; my little sister…"
The owner; Hanako, just looked at him as she realized he was in such sentimental mood. He must be loved his sister very much, and he loved his niece in the same way he loved his sister, that was what she thought.
At the same time, something appeared on his head and suddenly HIT him, shocking of both Himitsu and the flower lady.
DEBUKK!
"GYAAAAAH~~!"
"Oh sir! Are you alright?" Asked the lady.
"Oh, I'm fine…it hurts actually…huh? What is this?" Asked Himitsu as he took the paper under the ROCK that hitting his head and read it.
PERVERT UNCLE! STOP FLIRTING AROUND WITH GIRLS, STUPID~!
Both of them sweat dropped and turned white, as they saw what exactly written on the paper.
It seemed that his niece had discovered him 'sweet-talking' with other woman and turned mad!
"Spoiled lady! I'm just buying some flowers!" He screamed madly, as he torn the paper into pieces.
Hanako just sweat dropped, as she offered Himitsu another flowers, "Would you like another flowers, sir? I bet you must be wanted to buy to pay some visit at the hospital."
"How do you know, Hanako-san?"
"Oh, because of the sudden incident that occurred in this school, many people were sending to the hospital. One of my part-timers' friend is among those people in the hospital, she told me about."
Himitsu was silent. He looked again the flowers in his hand. The flower of Lavender; the flower with the meaning of devotion.
It was the request of his niece, the princess of Hanazono…
Kuroran no Kimi.
The Princess of Black Orchid.
He knew that his niece was not kind of person, who would tell everyone about her feelings, or even the secrets of her heart. She was a woman with secrecy, full with mysteries and hidden talents. She would let people to think about her hanging words that always contained with puzzles and sometimes mysteries, together with her meaningful smile for the others to uncover the secret of her words.
However, when it comes to this man-Yukihira Kazu, she seemed a little bit different. She was always acting that he was nothing with her, pretended that they were just like the rest of the students, a normal relationship between student and teacher. However, as an adult that already faced many obstacles and the taste of life in his life, he knew she was trying to avoid many eyes from looking at her concern towards the HSP.
At least that was what he able to discover about her.
Himitsu sighed as he looked at Hanako and asking her to give him another bouquet of flowers, which was Iris, as Hanako nodded her head and went inside the shop, trying to find the flower that he wanted. He looked at the rest of the flowers, and some of them were Lily of the Valley, Lavender, Eucharis Lily, Calia Lily, Azalea, Aster, Roses, Zinnia, Arbutis, Iris, Ivy and many more. He realized that he seemed to be drowning with these fresh flowers in front of him, inhaling the sweet scent of the flowers when he suddenly was disturb by voices of quarrel girls.
"Why did you shoot me in the first place Hotaru? It's really painful!"
"I already told you, wake me up gently. But you didn't follow what I said."
"I did! It's you who didn't wake up and shot me instead!"
"Well, your scream is really loud. I hate it Mikan."
"Hotaruuuuuuu~~!"
After such a loud screamed, Himitsu heard a sudden bang from his right side. He turned to his right side and saw MIKAN was flying away from her friend Hotaru; being attacked by her BAKA CANON, while Yuka was trying to stop the fight between the two girls.
"Now, now girls. Stop fighting, will you?" She said, hopeless.
Azumi Yuka, mother of Sakura Mikan, was totally sweat dropped when she saw her daughter fighting with her…best friend?
Even Himitsu was sweating dropped, watching the unusual fight!
"Nee Hotaru, let's go buy some flowers!" Claimed Mikan, after such 'interesting' fight.
"Hmm, good idea. But if you want to buy it as much as you want, you have to pay me for using my invention," Said Hotaru as she pointed at her carriage, which contained lots of presents and gift.
Apparently, both Mikan and Hotaru, together with Yuka, went to Central Town to buy some gifts for their friends at the hospital. Mikan, Yuka and Hotaru were already buying some gifts for their friends, and the last list was flower. They went to same flower shop where Himitsu went for, and then as both of the girls word fighting to each other, they heard a man's voice, greeting them.
"Good morning, young ladies."
When they looked in front of them, they saw a man in middle forties, with black glasses on his face and wearing brown evening coat and hat stood in front of them.
It was Himitsu.
Kazu opened his eyes as he slowly rose from the place where he was lying on. He did not remembered when did he fell asleep after he watched his own past; he only remembered as he followed his small self walking away with his parents, and the light slowly turned dim. He was a little bit confused when he realized that he was no longer in the green field where he first met his small self, and he seemed at someone's house.
He then looked at himself, and he saw that the clothes that he was wearing now were a little bit different from before. He wore green shirt with short sleeves that reaching his elbow, and green loose pant. This clothes, however, reminding him of hospital's clothes.
Could it be he was in a hospital now?
A sudden panic came across him as he wondered what exactly happened to him in the first place. He did not remember anything at all, how he ended up in his own past, or why he was wearing the clothes.
What exactly happened to him?
Sounds of running footsteps awaken him from his thought, as he saw his small self, running towards his house. He was running under the rain, as he was returning from his school. However for some reason, Kazu could sensed that his small self was a little afraid and trying to run away from someone else. His house was a half-traditional Japanese house, and when little Kazu (his small version!) reached to the door, it was suddenly opened, and revealed someone from inside.
A young man in early twenties appeared, with the black short hair and barely bangs that covered his forehead, wearing black coat and blue navy necktie, looking at him. His eyes were black; mysterious eyes that shining even in a dim light. Dark like an endless night, dark like an eternal night, dark like a shadow…
Completely dark.
"Oh, hello little one," He said, smiled gently.
Kazu looked at the visitor, as the little Kazu seemed a little bit shocked that time. He looked at him with wide eyes, and followed by several men from his back. Little Kazu was terrified, and luckily his father appeared just in time.
"Kazu-kun?" Satoru said, shocked.
"Oh, his name is Kazu-kun?" Said the man with black mysterious eyes.
Fear had boiling inside him, and ignored the guests and the respect for the elder, little Kazu quickly rushed inside, threw his shoes off on the floor and ran towards Satoru, hiding behind his back. Even his father was shocked with his act.
"Kazu-kun, what's wrong?"
Little Kazu shook his head as he kept looking at the man that smiled to him. His fear was building up again as his eyes saw bright aura on him. He hid behind Satoru's back, and at the same time trying to find his mother.
"Okaasan, where's okaasan?" He said.
That man, seemed understood what exactly little Kazu felt, looked at Satoru and said, "Well, Yukihira-san. Please excuse us for now. In mean time, we'll try to contact you again."
"Of course, Himitsu-sensei," Said Satoru, as he bowed to them.
The man named Himitsu bowed to him, together with the others and then walked away. Satoru was silent for a moment before he looked at his son, who was still clenching his yukata tightly. Only when Akari-his wife, appeared, little Kazu let go of his yukata and ran towards his mother.
"Okasan!" Little Kazu cried, as Akari drew him into her embraced.
"Kazu, did you see that light again?" Asked Satoru, as he looked at his crying son.
"I…I don't want to see it, otousan…" Said little Kazu. "But it keeps on appear!"
Satoru looked at Kazu, and then Akari. He swore that time, his wife had already in tears, as she kept holding Kazu, their only child and son.
At the same time, Kazu looked at his parents as he slowly remembered what exactly happened that time.
The people from the academy came to take him away from his parents…
Because he was an Alice.
And he was just 10 years old!
Amano-sensei looked at the unconscious man in front of him, as he kept checking his vital to make sure he was not in serious condition.
Yesterday's conversation with Himitsu and Jinno was the worst. Seeing Jinno shaking that terrible was the shocking moment in his life. He never saw that man who has well known as the stern person, turned out to become like a fragile glass that would be shattered into pieces in any time.
Yes. The news that he heard from the mouth of Himitsu was true. He knew what kind of man Himitsu was. He knew. He might be looked carefree and happy go lucky, but when it comes to something serious, his words were cannot be denied, and was a man with words and acts. Only the way he telling people about the things he know sometimes can be irritating too. Just looked how he did to Jinno, and he knew he did not like the method that he used during that time.
Amano-sensei looked at Principal Yukihira, as his hand touched his pocket coat. He then took out something from the coat and looked at the necklace in his hand.
It was belonged to Principal Yukihira.
During the surgery, he saw the necklace on his neck, so he removed it in order to make sure the procedure can be easily perform on him. After the surgery was success, he kept the necklace with him for a while, and he had thinking that time to give it to Sakura Mikan; HSP's niece. However, the sudden appearance of Himitsu caused him to suspend his plan.
He looked at the necklace that contained several Alice stones on it. Some of the stones were in pale yellow with orange-the nullification stone that belonged to Yukihira Izumi; Principal Yukihira's late brother, blue-purple, green, yellow, blue metallic…
That person's Alice stone was also there…
Amano-sensei sighed as he noted the HSP's set of vitals in his chart, and then walked away from the room after finished his work…
"Thank you so much for helping us!"
Mikan, Yuka, Hotaru and Himitsu were finally arriving at the Gakuen Alice's hospital, where the four of them were now in front of cafeteria. The girls and Yuka were very grateful to Himitsu for helping them choosing the flowers for them, as not only Mikan, even the genius Hotaru and Yuka were clueless in Hanakotoba.
"I never know that each of the flowers have their own meaning," Said Mikan as she looked at the three bouquets of flowers that Himitsu were holding.
"Sir, can I know what are the meaning of these flowers that you are holding?" Asked Mikan, curiously.
"Oh? Which one little one?" Said Himitsu as he smiled to her.
"Hmmm…that one!" Pointed Mikan to the White Lily.
"Oh, White Lily huh? It means purity and chastity."
"Chastity?" Asked Yuka.
"It comes from the Latin words castitas, castus which means pure," Said Himitsu as he laughed a little.
"And Iris?" Asked Hotaru.
"Iris means faith, hope, wisdom and valor, and Lavender is…" Himitsu paused his word as he sighed slowly, caught the attention of Mikan, Yuka and Hotaru.
"And?" Asked Mikan.
"Lavender is devotion…and faithful."
Mikan, Hotaru and Yuka were silent. They realized that he seemed not happy, or sad. It just that, he seemed a little bit weird for a while, as he seemed remembered something.
"Well then young ladies, please excuse me. I have someone to visit," Said Himitsu suddenly, as he took his head and bowed, before excused himself.
Mikan and the others were only nod as they bowed to him, and watched him walked away from them.
"Mikan, let's go," Said hotaru, as Mikan kept looking at Himitsu.
"Oh, alright," She said, and then followed them, not before she turned again at her back.
I wonder why he seems so familiar with me. I mean…As if I have already meet someone that just like him…
"Hii-sama, how's your body?"
Inside of the luxurious hospital room (It is a first class ward!), sitting on the bed was the MSP; Hii-sama. She was a beautiful woman with Barrier Alice, and the strongest owner of Barrier Alice, thus naming her as the academy's goddess protection. Together with her was her successor and blood relative-Masachika Shiki, and one of her Hana Hime-Kakitsubata or Yamaguchi Shizune.
After the rebellion was over, Hii-sama had taken to the hospital as her body had become so weak since she had overused her Alice for such long time. Luckily, the school was not been invaded by the outsiders or intruders, as some of her Hana Hime were also possessed Barrier Alice, plus her relative Shiki-the strongest one, were able to protect the academy.
Hii-sama was well-known as a person who's dislike men, however in her case with her relative, she seemed not bother as she slowly touched Shiki's face that was placed with plasters and bruises, and Shiki was letting her did that. Her act that time reminded him of his birth mother, who used to do the same thing to him.
Shiki looked at her, as she slowly said to him with gentle voice, "I'm fine Shiki. Nothing to be worried about. Besides, the Longevity Alice stones inside me are still available."
Shiki just sighed as he touched his left arm that was bandage up to his shoulder, and slowly leaned against his chair.
"You say it…and it reminds me of Principal Yukihira," He said, as his expression was change from calm into worry.
"What do you mean by that, Shiki-san?" Asked Kakitsubata.
He closed his eyes as he wondering that if it was the right thing to tell Hii-sama about Principal Yukihira's condition. As far as he remembered, both of them were good friend, and they supported each other if one of them needed some help or in trouble. He worried if he told her everything, she might be worried more than usual.
"Shiki?" He opened his eyes and saw four more eyes were eyeing him mow, with calm but worry that can easily read from their faces. He sighed and was about to open his mouth, when suddenly a knock was heard and revealed a man in middle forties, shocking everyone in the room, especially Shiki.
"Greetings everyone," He said as he took of his hat.
"You're…the man from yesterday," Said Shiki.
"Oh yes, young man. By the way, could you please help me with these flowers?" He asked as some of the flowers were about to fall down. Luckily, for him, Kakitsubata was able to catch two of them and held by herself. He thanked her for her help, and then walked closer to the bed.
"It's been a long time since I met you, Hii-sama," He said, as he handed the flowers of White Lily to Shiki. Shiki calmly accepted the flowers, but not with his eyes that fill with curiosity.
"Yes, of course, Himitsu-sensei," Said Hii-sama, as her answer further shocking Kakitsubata and Shiki.
"You know him, Hii-sama?" Asked Kakitsubata.
"Yes, Kakitsubata. He is my former teacher," Said Hii-sama.
"The Leading Princess, huh? You sure had train this young lady into such a proper woman," Said Himitsu as he took a chair and sat on it.
"Thank you for the praise, sensei. By the way, you suddenly appeared in a time like this, why was that?"
Himitsu's face turned serious, as he glanced at Shiki. Shiki, at the other hand, felt a sudden chill that came across his body; he felt like his heart was about to stop. Both Hii-sama and Kakitsubata were aware with the sudden change of air, as they looked both of the men in front of them.
"Shiki-san, right?"
A nod.
"You still not are telling her about the matter?"
"What? What is it? What's the matter?" Asked Hii-sama.
Shiki was hesitating, he knew it was the time to tell her about Principal Yukihira's condition, but he was afraid of her reaction. However, a touched on his shoulder awoke him to reality and realized that Himitsu looked at him, gently.
"Tell the truth, Shiki-san. After all, she had the right to know it."
"About what?"
Shiki looked at Himitsu, and then sighed. He had been in dilemma about this, and taking all his courage, he told Hii-sama about what exactly happened, except for the part that Himitsu himself decided no to tell then, about what had happened to Jinno.
After telling her the truth, Hii-sama was speechless. She was shocked to hear about her friend was now in coma; unknown when he will be able to wake up. She felt a little bit guilty, as she was awake already and not him. Kakitsubata held her as she was about to faint.
"But Shiki-san, is there any way to make him wake up from his coma?" Asked Kakitsubata.
"It's hard to say, Yamaguchi-san. It has something to do with his mind state. It's not easy to wake a person who's his mind is not stabile. Sometimes it can take months or even years to wake him up," Explained Shiki.
"It is a coincidence?" She said.
"Nothing in this world such as this 'coincidence', Yamaguchi-kun." Said Himitsu.
"Huh?"
"There is no such thing as coincidence and that every single action and decision is inevitable, because…" Said Himitsu, as he rose from his seat and walked towards the window.
"Without them, other related events in the future could not happen."
All of them were silent, as what Himitsu had said was true at all. Every single action and decision was related to one another, as it can cause other events to be happened in the future, or not.
Hii-sama looked at her former teacher, as she seemed in her deep though before she spoke, "Sensei…"
"Yes?" He said, turned his face to her.
"Why did you suddenly come back here?"
Himitsu was silent. He already aware with that question, and yet he still felt like guiltiness had build inside of him.
"It's been such a long time, I assume."
"…"
"Your promise to him; to Principal Yukihira…"
Kakitsubata and Shiki were now staring at Himitsu.
"Why now did you fulfill it?"
Himitsu turned himself from the window; the outside was starting to rain, wetting the land that was full with memories, whether it was good or sad memories.
"After such a long time…I'm finally come back here…"
"The 'price' that I pay…In order to meet him some day, once again, it had unexpectedly turns out like this," Said Himitsu.
"The price?" Asked Hii-sama, her face seemed confused.
"Nothing is a coincidence…It's a 'hitsuzen' Hii-sama…" Said Himitsu. "It had been taking such a long time to appear…"
"Did something happen to you that causing you like this?" Asked Shiki.
"Indeed, young man. Something terrible…"
"That I can't tell you what exactly it is. It's too much to tell," Said Himitsu as he closed his eyes.
Something terrible happened in my life, and I couldn't dare to tell you about it…
Suddenly Hii-sama had a flashback in the past; a young girl in 14s was standing in front of her, saying the same words just like Himitsu.
"Then, what should we do, Himitsu-sensei?" Asked Shiki.
Himitsu looked at him, shocked.
"You must know how to do with him! Amano-sensei had already said that his mind state is not stabile at all! Why don't you help him, sensei!" Said Shiki as he grabbed Himitsu's hand.
"Shiki," Said Hii-sama.
"You say you know him for such a long time! And yet, why did you come back right now? Why not before everything turns out like this?"
"After such a long time, that man had been fighting alone, keep all his feelings lock up in order to protect everyone that he care and love for! No freedom, no family, no protection!" Shouted Shiki, frustrated.
"What exactly those make you unable to see him, even just once? Why don't you give him a support to him, even just a little? You say that you know him, and yet, letting him alone like that! It's not fair!"
"Shiki-san, calm down! Please, don't make everything worse!" Cried Kakitsubata, as she pulled Shiki from Himitsu.
At the same time, Amano-sensei was walking along the path when he heard Shiki's voice from Hii-sama's room. He went to the room and luckily, the door was open.
"Well, it's already worse, Yamaguchi-san!" Said Shiki, as he breathed heavily.
"Do you think I'm not care about that child?" Said Himitsu, sternly. His words made Shiki, Hii-sama, Kakitsubata and Amano-sensei shocked.
"I have done everything that I could to protect him, even when he was taken into this academy! I did everything I can to protect him from anything that could hurt him!" Snapped Himitsu.
"In the end, he must make his own decision that could affect his own future. What exactly happened to him is what exactly I want to know!"
"Why was that? "Asked Hii-sama.
"For any wish you must pay a price that is equal in value, it must be perfectly balance…"
"And that is what happened to Kazu-kun!"
"A price?" Said Kakitsubata.
"You keep saying those words, sensei. Are you trying to make the same incident as yesterday?" Said Amano as he stepped in.
"Amano-sensei?" Said everyone.
The old doctor sighed as he looked at them and said, "30 years ago, you promise Principal Yukihira that you'll come back to see him. I bet the reason you unable to fulfill your promise is because of your recent role as the head of your family and as a Priest of Seiryu Temple, isn't it?"
"Wait! 30 years ago! Then why he seems in middle forties?" Claimed the shocked Kakitsubata.
"Did you dig up my background?"
"I have lots of informers, sensei," Said Amano.
"Who exactly are you?" Said Shiki, his eyes wide.
A sighed was heard, as Amano looked at Himitsu who calmly looked at him back.
"I'm a predecessor from the past young man," He claimed.
"That man was…" Amano said.
"The former principal of the high school division, the Alice-user that has the same Alice as Principal Yukihira…"
"Principal Himitsu."
"What!" Said both Kakitsubata and Shiki, as they stared at Himitsu, with smirked on his lips.
"His Alice is Longevity? Just like Principal Yukihira?" Asked Shiki.
"Longevity, huh?" He said, with smirked.
Amano-sensei looked at Principal Himitsu in front of him, the former High School Principal and Kazu Yukihira's predecessor. A man with Alice of Longevity, the same Alice with Principal Yukihira but his existence was much more mysterious from Principal Yukihira.
"He's actually trying to come here ever since he retired from this school but something had stuck him from coming here," Explained Amano.
"Indeed. My role as a priest had prevented me from comes here," He said. "It's also the price that I pay so that Kazu-kun would able to meet with his family, and have courage to fight against the ESP."
"However, I didn't think that it'll turn out like this," Said Himitsu.
"As his predecessor, you must be worried about Principal Yukihira, isn't sensei?" Said Hii-sama.
"Yes, of course," He said, as he took the other flowers on the small desk at the end of the bed and slowly walked away.
"Would you like to come with me, Shiki-san?"
"Eh?"
"I bet you must be wanted to know many things right now," He said. "Well then Hii-sama, it's a pleasure to meet you. Until we meet again."
"Yes."
Kakitsubata looked at them, and then said, "Hii-sama, does Mikan no Kimi knows about this?"
The name 'Mikan no Kimi' caught Himitsu's attention as he turned around and asked, "Kakitsubata, who's this Mikan no Kimi (Mandarin Princess)?"
Hii-sama and Shiki looked at him, and Shiki said, "She's Principal Yukihira's niece."
A sudden surprise came to him as he remembered a young girl with auburn hair, tied up in pigtails and with lively eyes that he felt like he had seen before. An image of Mikan; the child that he met that morning came into his mind.
"Is her name is Mikan? With auburn hair that tie up with pigtails?" He asked.
His words made everyone surprised. Kakitsubata came to him and asked, "Sensei, how do you know her?"
Himitsu was silent for a moment, and then he said to her, slowly.
"I met her this morning, coming together to this hospital with her and her friends…"
Hitsuzen:
It's meaning inevitability, destiny, or fate, as being the driving force in the world. Himitsu states that there is no such thing as coincidence, and that every single action and decision is inevitable, because without them, other related events in the future could not happen.
Hanakotoba:
A Japanese language of flowers. Since after World War II, the Japanese way of thinking, lifestyle and habits have been influence by Western thoughts; therefore today it is not uncommon to find young Japanese people unaware of their own traditions, including the one about flowers and their meanings. They usually refer to the flower language of European origins, instead of their own. Also, greeting cards made in Japan follow the codes in this flower language.
3rd chapter is finish…and a failure! Suddenly I lost my ideas and can't do the same writing style like before! UURRGGGHHH! What an irritating matters! Could it be that I need in desperate situations so that I could write it better than before?
Anyway, in this chapter I reveal what kind of connection between Himitsu and the Hanazono princess although it is not that much. And Himitsu's Alice is reveal in this chapter but not the Hanozono princess. She is, according to Himitsu, a mysterious person, and it's not easy to reveal it.
I'm sorry if this chapter is kind of boring; I really don't know what to write right after I finished my assignment last week. I'm so sorry if this chapter is not satisfy anyone, terribly sorry!
To:
Marrylissa: Yeaahhh~! Really twisted story! That's my style! Hehehe~!
Lily: No. HSP is not going to die very soon. The story is still far away. I know you like him as much as I do!
The HeideePayas: Yes, he's not going to die yet; not too soon. Anyway, thank you for your story alert. I really appreciate it.
Piffile: Hahaha, thank you for your review. Yeeeesssss~~~! Lots and lots of plots! And MORE INTRIGUE! There is a mystery behind Kazu's condition, so please wait for it.
Thank you for your support. Let us meet again in the next chapter (?). Ja ne!
