Chapter 4: Alice

Natsume immediately locked his door as soon as he entered his room and sighed to himself. What happened at the benches was totally uncalled for, which was what made him scared and walked away. Initially, he wanted to interrogate the girl about Persona, the academy, everything she could possibly know. But he couldn't.

Why didn't he do that? It was because the new girl was fucking gorgeous, she left him speechless. When the wind blew her flowing brunette curls, he swore she smelled like strawberries. When he saw how the sunset hits her face, he saw she was blinding him with her beauty. How her eyes sparkle was so dazzling, that he was mesmerized by her stare.

But it wasn't just on the bench when he noticed these strange feelings. He also felt them when she smiled at Youichi on the way to Central Town, as well as that time she gave him the Howalons. Even when she carried Youichi on the way to the dorms was adorable… Natsume sighed again out of frustration.

He knew right away what these feelings were, and he hated himself for it. He only knew the girl in less than a day and he admits it's stupid, but he can't help the fact that he likes her. He doesn't know how much he likes her, but apparently plenty enough to keep him distracted.

Natsume thought that maybe it's one of the reasons the Academy assigned her to be his partner. Not only does she has Nullification, but she's so innocent and so pretty that even the notorious heartbreaker, Natsume Hyuuga, would fall over heels for her. She's the perfect watchdog, and Natsume has to go along with it like the time he was partnered with Koizumi.

Usually, he would be mad that the Academy would go that far to manipulate his feelings. Like how they tried using Koizumi Luna to get close to him.

Back in the day, Luna was also the new girl that everybody seemed to love. She was pretty, sweet and meek towards her classmates. However, Natsume knew instantly she was actually a manipulative bitch that would soul-suck anyone she could get her hands on. Honestly, half the class was practically zombies when she came into the picture. Hell, even some of the teachers were controlled by her because she was downright out of control. Surprisingly, it was Persona who reported to the higher ups that Luna was getting out of hand and was going to endanger the whole school if they don't do something.

Apparently, her initial mission was to stay low and watch over Natsume from doing anything stupid. If he showed signs of disobedience, she was allowed to use her Soul-Sucking Alice to maintain him. But the higher ups didn't know how unstable Luna was, and the mission utterly failed.

One would think that the Academy would've learned their lesson back then, but he guessed they didn't. Now they sent this beautiful creature as his partner, and for the first time in so long, he's afraid.

Unlike the crazy Luna, Mikan was obviously born to be loved by others. Sure she is obviously stupid and gets into ridiculous arguments, but she's a ray of sunlight that would warm up a person's day. She is genuinely kind, sweet and lovable, which are certain traits that Natsume and most people in his life don't possess. He swears that the more time he spends with this girl, the more he'll like her, which scares the living shit out of him.

The more he starts to like her, the more scared he gets when the Academy will one day take her away from him. He knows what's her mission, and he knows it's temporary. So the feeling that the Academy will once again take away the things he loves the most will add on to his list of hatred towards this school, so he should just stop liking her, right?

But can he resist her beautiful smile? Avoid the sight of her curly locks swaying in the wind? Stop his heart beating from her presence?

The more he ponders, the more unlikely he will come to hate her. This is a problem.

"What is wrong with me?" said Natsume as he stares at his ceiling.


High School Dormitories

"Ah Persona, you're hurting me!" cried Mikan as he forcefully pulls her in the hallways, but he continued to stay quiet until he threw her into her room.

"Persona I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"Did you know what you just did?" Persona angrily interrupted. Mikan's mouth instinctively shut themselves up in fear she would say something that further worsens the situation, cause she once experienced what happens when Persona is furious.

"Your mission was to just stay low and watch over Natsume. Other than that, you're allowed to live your life as a normal student, like you've always wanted. But instead, I heard that you ditched the first day of school and going on a date with...with that boy!" He said angrily.

"Persona, please! I can explain what happ-"

"If you were to get into trouble, I don't think I'll be able to help you Mikan-sama. They might lock you up in an institution like the last person that was given this job, and I won't have the power to do anything about it. O-or they might even do something worse. So please, don't you ever do anything like that again." He said as he hugged her tightly.

Mikan suddenly felt guilty for what she had done, and hugged the masked man back with a response "I understand".

Seriously, she knows the academy will do deep shit if things get out of hand. First of all, this is Alice Academy, where the impossible becomes possible. Manipulate fire? Corrosion? Normally stuff like that are only found in movies like the X-men and they became superheroes right? But this school doesn't help you control your alice for the greater good of the world. It's a government affiliate school that hone alices for the sake of their country. In this case, Mikan, Persona, and everyone here are technically property to the Japanese government. If they deemed Mikan unacceptable, then they'll get rid of her like they did to her parents.

Persona remembered that day as if it was yesterday, and he prays to God that it will never come.

"Mikan-sama, you know how much I love you and care for you." He said as he gripped her tightly.

"Yea, I know" she replied.

Of course she knows. She has known about his feelings for as long as she could remember. But it's not what you think, he just loves her because she is Yukihara's child.

He loves her because she has his Alice.


Without the mask, Persona is a man named Rei. It's been so long since anybody has seen his actually face, but he can digress just by looking at Sergio.

When Rei and Sergio were 8, they were abandoned by their parents because they both possessed the Corrosion Alice. But compared to his brother, Rei's Alice was obviously out of control to the point he was locked in a dungeon. Sergio, on the other hand, was given proper education and freedom as a student. Nevertheless, Sergio would secretly meet his brother at the small window at his prison cell in the Middle School Garden, and tell him about his day. Rei loves his brother and appreciates that he stops by whenever he can. However, he sometimes finds him annoying because he talks about three things, in particular, he couldn't understand.

First of all, Sergio once talked about how he's always nervous whenever a new semester starts, cause it's like a new beginning or something like that. He always says that he'll get better grades to move up the star rank and have his brother out. Rei didn't get that because the reason he's imprisoned was his Alice was unstable, so how moving up the hierarchy will change anything?

Secondly, his brother also talked about a new technology called a computer, where you're able to retain any knowledge through a thing called the Internet. Rei didn't understand the technicality of it unless this was done by an Alice.

Third of all, Sergio talks about his crushes in school. Such as, this girl with a psychic Alice that could foretell the future from her crystal ball. Another time was when he had a crush on this guy from another class that could grow plants.

Rei didn't understand the concept of love, because what was the use for loving a stranger if you could love your family? Back then, all he needed to get by was his brother and his unconditional love, until that one day.

For the first time in four years since his imprisonment, he had a visitor.


Elementary School Dorms

Sergio silently unlocked and entered Youichi's room to check up on him. To his relief, the boy was sound asleep and he heard that he had a wonderful time at Central Town from Selena. He looked around and saw shopping bags near the doorway, but he left it alone for privacy sakes. He then sat next to the boy's bedside and caressed his grey hair lovingly.

"I'm glad you had a fun day" Sergio whispered and kissed the little boy on the cheek.

From the corner of his eye, he saw pajamas scattered everywhere on the floor. The man sighed, wondering if Youichi will ever learn how to clean after himself. He hates to admit it, but Sergio's not getting any younger. Sometimes, he could feel his back aching from bending down or his feet cracking from being on his feet all day.

After he threw Youichi's pajamas to the laundry, he searched through the boys top drawer to find another set of pajamas. Instead of finding what he was looking for, he found something interesting at the bottom corner of the drawer.

It was a polaroid picture that Sergio remembered taking a year ago with Mikan. He was really excited about using the camera when one of his students brought it to class one day. He didn't know why, but he really wanted one. Maybe it was because it resembles an instant camera he loved back in his childhood. But nowadays, people use their phones for pictures, so instant cameras were not sold anymore.

It was during Valentine's Day, which was the time Mikan comes and goes visiting the Academy. Miraculously, she didn't have any missions or training at that day, so Sergio took the opportunity to take her out with Youichi to dinner.

They went to a fancy restaurant located in Central Town, and it was the first time he ever had his kids in fancy clothing. Sergio made Mikan wear a skin tight red dress with a low v-cut to show off the lady she became. Little Youichi was also dashing with his gray suit and his hair gelled back.

Looking back, it made the man feel like a proud father because he can totally see his kids developing into fine individuals. At the same time, this made him sad.

As much as he cares about these kids, they aren't his. In the back of his mind, he doubts to himself that the kids didn't turn out the way they were because of his influence, but it's who they already are. For instance, Youichi is a loving child because his parents were lovable as well. Mikan is admirable and powerful because Yukihara-sensei was adored by everyone and Yuka was strong as the rumors go.

Sergio, on the other hand, came from hateful parents that abandoned their children and a psycho brother that still doesn't know the difference between right from wrong. For as long as he can remember, he often thinks maybe he was a bad seed too. He had abided the laws of the academy by heart and worked as an Alice teacher after graduating. But one day, there will be a time where he'll be no better than his parents and brother.

Which was why back Rei did not change because of his brother, but for a man named Izumi Yukihara.


"Hello, you must be Rei" said the dazzling man with the shiny blonde hair and warm hazel eyes.

Rei, profound by this man, didn't say anything.

"Hey I won't bite. But I am good looking for the ladies to want a piece of me." The boy's response was full of disgust, and the man just ended up being embarrassed.

His name was Izumi Yukihara, and he was a handsome fellow that was assigned to take care of Persona. His brother, the High School Principal, requested Izumi to take over a child that was locked up for a while. Rei was neglected for so long because there was no one that could possibly stand against his strong corrosion alice. Even his twin brother, Sergio, wouldn't be able to survive from it. However, now that there was a formidable person that could look at him without fear and could properly give him what he needs, he could one day get out of his prison.

Hearing the story of Rei, Yukihara sympathized with this child. During his motorcycle gang days, many of his comrades were abused children, former sex-slaves or refugees from far away countries. Many of his members had a story about them, and it was his job as a leader to hear all of them. To listen and to understand their pains and struggles they undergo. How in the world did they affiliate themselves to his silly motorcycle gang if they can do something greater? They told him this group he organized gave these people a sense of belonging. It was his sincerity and his kindness that made these people turn their heads to him and decided to stay with him.

It was the same qualities that his older brother, Kazumi Yukihira, saw in him when he suggested Izumi to apply to become a teacher in Alice Academy. In addition to noticing his little brother was an Alice, he also saw his potential to change the way the school functioned. Instead of this strict, militaristic ways that would cause students to doubt themselves, Izumi could bring out the best in student, for he believed all alices are good. It's how you use them would you declare whether one's evil or good. That is why he is the most suitable to handle Rei.

The boy just stared at this man with cautious eyes. He was the first visitor he had after all these years, besides his brother and the occasional lady that brings him meals.

"But seriously, it's really nice to meet you. From here on out, I will come visit every day and teach you many things. I will bathe you, feed you, clothe you, I will take you as my own. I just hope that one day, Rei, you'll come to like me as much as I like you" he said. Then he leaned out his hands for a shake through the gates.

The boy was confused with him. Why would he say he likes him if this was the first time they met? Even more so, why in the world did he extend his hand to him? Doesn't he know he could kill him?

"Come on now kid, don't leave me hanging," he said. Then he pulled out his hand and shook it.

"Lesson 1: If you're introduced to someone, shake their hands. Wait, now if you think about it this is Japan. So the polite way to introduce yourself is through bowing. But whatever, you'll get the gist of it in the future." He laughed.

Rei was dumbfounded from this man's touch. In actuality, he was the first person that has ever touched him. He doesn't remember if his mother ever kissed him, or if Sergio ever hugged him. Nevertheless, this was the first time he ever felt a persons warmth. It felt so nice, Rei started to tear up.

"When I'm around, you don't have to be afraid. I will always take care of you"

As promised, Izumi would come to visit Rei every day after he was done with his class sessions and the occasional teacher meetings. At first, Rei was hostile around him, so they kept their distance between the bars. But after a month, Rei started to become adapted to his presence and would even allow him to enter his cage. During his visits, he would teach him how to read, write, solve simple math and so on. When Sergio comes to visit, Izumi would gladly invite Rei's brother inside and help him on his studies. With the help of adult supervision, Sergio was able to assist his brother without getting hurt in the process.

This was a time Rei was at his happiest. He was able to meet his twin brother face-to-face without boundaries, learn something new every day, but most importantly, feel loved? In all honesty, the boy really didn't know how he felt towards his teacher. All he could comprehend was that he felt happy when he was with him. Every day was like a new adventure, even if all of this took place in an underground cell.

It was until that day when Rei realized his feelings about his sensei.

One day, the middle school principal permitted Izumi for him and Rei to use the bathroom. One wouldn't be civilized if they don't know how to bathe properly right? Taking this as an opportunity to learn about one's body, Izumi would also teach him hygiene and sex education there as well. He brought toothbrushes, shampoo/conditioner, towels, and even a chart of the human body.

Now you may all wonder, why in the world would he teach a young body as indecent as sex education? Actually, no, it's not indecent at all. As Rei's body starts to show changes, Izumi believed it would be important to understand what one will be expecting of the body and the safety precautions of the inevitable, sex. As it was appropriate to teach children nowadays in the age of 9 for girls and 10 for boys, it is certain that Rei should learn too as he was almost 13 years old. Early awareness about these topics are really important, especially if you want to protect yourself.

But on that day, Rei finally figured out what he felt around Izumi.

He was in love with him.

It was different from the love that he has with Sergio, because Rei's heart begins to beat whenever Izumi was close to him. He even started to notice things about him that he had never noticed before, like how sharp his chin was, his long eyelashes, his pink lips, and his broad shoulders. Whenever he gets a pat in the head, he imagines his soft fingers caressing his face.

The one and only person that would ever notice the things Rei was feeling was Sergio.


Elementary School Dorms

Sergio's phone vibrated, and it was a call from Persona.

"Hello, brother dearest. How may I help you?" He answered with a bit of sass.

"Mikan-sama's friend is finally awake, and I would like it if you could check up on her" Persona said with a serious tone.

"Oh my god, she's awake?"

"Yeah, this afternoon. The nurse said 'She'll be undergoing rehabilitation tomorrow' and I was told it would be great if she had company" Persona said.

"I'm fine being with her and all, but don't you think it's appropriate to send Mikan-sama instead? I mean, they're best friends and stuff" Sergio asked.

"….let's just say I grounded her…"

"…what did you do?"

"…" Then Persona hanged up.

Sergio sighed. He honestly doesn't know what's going through his brother's head.

He still doesn't know if he considers himself as a father figure, a brother figure or anything platonic along that line. But Sergio has this intuition that Persona probably misplaced his feelings for Izumi-sensei towards Mikan.

Is it her kind personality that resembles her father so?

The way she acts?

Is it her Alice?


It's been about two years and to Sergio's utter surprise, it seems like his brother hasn't laid hands on Izumi-sensei. His speculation was that although Sensei could nullify his brothers alice, they could only touch each other for a certain amount of time. Rei once told him that the longest he could touch Izumi's hand was about 10 minutes. Therefore, his brother probably has this delusion that if he touched sensei, he could taint him or destroy him or something dirty around that line.

Normally, Sergio would encourage others to follow their hearts and do things they love to do. Heck, even Sergio gets naughty with some high school boys behind the school gym. However, it's been confirmed that Sensei was going out with an Alice high school student. But she's no ordinary Alice user, but the infamous Alice reaper that even his friends are afraid of. The Elementary School Principal's sweetheart. The national treasure, you name it. Overall, it would terribly break his brother's heart if he knew of sensei's lover, and the least Sergio would want was for Rei to meet her.

But as if God didn't hear Sergio's prayers, it was fated for Rei to meet Yuka for a golden opportunity.

During these two years, Izumi realized how powerful Rei's Alice was. It was so out of control, that his own skin is gradually turning black. For this child's sake, he needed to figure out how to suppress it. If not, he fears this child will die. But recently, he figured out a plan that could possibly save this boy he holds dear.

One day, Izumi-sensei brought Yuka into Rei's dungeon in hopes to take some of his Alice away. He admits that it was a dick move to ask his girlfriend for a favor, regarding of her Alice she wholesomely hates. But luckily, she was happily obliged if her Alice could save someone.

Rei and Sergio, on the other hand, were not pleased to see her. Rei reacts to strangers with extreme caution, so his Alice seems to be lethal than usual. If Yuka wasn't careful, she could get herself killed. Sergio was upset for a different reason, where he was upset that he would have the balls to bring his goddamn girlfriend here.

Izumi could feel and see the tension floating in the air from the twin boys, but he promised to himself that Rei was getting out of there.

No matter what.


High School Dorms

Persona's phone rang, and looked at his screen for the caller ID. It had the name Kuonji, where little did everyone know, was the name of the Elementary School Principal.

"I'm sorry, I gotta take this, " he said and turned away from Mikan.

The brunette stared at Persona's back and waited for him. Surely, she knows what he'll say next. It doesn't take a psychic Alice to figure out what will happen next.

After 5 minutes, Persona finally hangs up.

"You have a mission tonight." He said to her, then opens her top drawer to throw her her white cat mask.

'I knew it' Mikan thought.

To be continued...