Title: The Bride of the Fire God

Summary: This is what human brides were made of, mere living dolls, just toys to be sacrificed for entertainment.— Mikan Sakura. "We sent the wrong bride."

Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice.

This story is un-beta'ed. Again, it would take a lot of time to publish this story if I did :'(

Word count: 3,924

Chapter 9: A promise never broken

BASED ON MISAKI HARADA'S POV

I can still clearly remember that day, ten years ago. The day we exchanged vows under the soft light radiating from the moon. Two moon that symbolizes us. He was the left, I was the right. One cannot shine without the other. Just like how days had been made. Moon for the night, and sun for the day. It will never be completely called a day without the other. Just like us. Forever will be together. Even if spaces grew in between us, like walls that technically separated us from each other, surely, we will find a way to break them soon. With a love so strong, it'll break any barriers. Neither fate nor destiny would change our path.

"You have to understand the rules, my dear daughter! You are living for almost four centuries and still, like now, you haven't choose any of the guys in the ball we have set only for you or even date anyone in the palace. Seriously, what is wrong with you?"

"Misaki, it is time for you to wed,"

"You must marry!"

For the twentieth time, GOD, those words echoed in my already, occupied mind. I took a deep breath, stood up from my lazy chair and started walking in circles. If anybody was so hard on this predicament, it would most definitely be my parents and certainly not me.

I hate them.

I hate all this stupid rules. Ugh. They're nothing but a piece of trash.

And most of all…

I hate my life.

"Crap." I cursed under my breath, hatred and disgust coated my words. I lightly strike my head with my open palm and tried to cool down.

Sure is, you can handle this on your own, Misaki, think of a way..think..think..think… I coolly thought, gently massaging my now throbbing temples as to ease the tension built inside of me. I stopped, dead on my tracks as an idea flashed on my thinking mind. A cheshire grin cracked itself on my thin, pink lips as I, for the third time of today's sunny morning, ran a hand through my shoulder-length, strawberry-blonde hair, completely making it look messier or rather, chaotic. You know what I mean. My style.

"If talking to them wouldn't do, then avoiding them shall be the answer." With my meticulous, astutely thought solution, I breathe once, gathering courage as I exiled my room. My whole walk to the long, unwinding and straight hallway was all quiet. I descended the huge flight of stairs that will lead me directly to the palace's front door but when I saw the guards standing in front of it, my shoulders literally slumped down in defeat and my self-confidence melted to insecurity. I paused on the middle of the red-carpeted staircase and frowned. I subsequently faked a cough, intentionally gaining their full attention. I like making scenes.

Before I could even make out a dishonest excuse, a silky voice entered from behind. I froze on my spot, my fingers wriggling on my side. I know who it was.

"I am glad that I make it up on time. Such a pleasure on my side since I wouldn't waste my time on searching for you anymore, Misaki dear." It was indeed my mother's voice.

I gulped submissively, my back still facing her as I gritted my teeth with my hands that voluntarily curled into fists.

"What is it that you want?" I asked piercingly, never caring to give one rightful respect and honor suited for her status.

I turned on the heels of my feet and insipidly gawked at her .She chuckled modestly, smiling so bright as she walked towards my direction. She raised a hand and was on the process to reach out to probably tuck my hair when I slap her hand away. I don't want her. I hate her.

"State what you want. I am not buying my time to spend it worthlessly with a stupid deity like you." I said sharply, glaring at her as I stood up sternly on my feet. I am not afraid of her.

"Without doubt, I know that you don't want me to turn you into a stone, do you, my dear?" She supplied calmly, a motherly smile on her face. "It would be drastic, if you ask."

Behind her deceitful masked emotion is a devil.

I blinked once, staring at her suspiciously as her fake expression wavered easily, now, revealing her true nature. She stared down at me, merciless eyes flashing with detestation as she wore a dark scowl on her face. "I can kill you even if you're my daughter. It doesn't matter."

Is this what they call a loving mother?

"Go do what you want. I am not scared." I opposed courageously but somehow, the twinge of mixed anxiety and fear on my voice made me feel horrid. It was horrible. Awfully horrible.

My mother snickered wickedly as she partially discovered my voice that seemingly cowered at the back of my throat.

"Since you can't do it yourself," She paused, flipping her hair back at place. "—me and your father came up with a better solution." I heard her unleash a low laugh before resuming. "You are engaged with the spirit god."

After hearing what my mother just said, almost immediately, my eyes widened in shock as I gasped air.

This couldn't be happening.

Meanwhile..

MIKAN SAKURA

This is it. The day I'll meet them. Natsume's family. His father and his brother. Heck I'm nervous.

So like almost immediately, my hands went auto-pilot which seemed to gain the fire god's attention. I hate making a scene.

Natsume raised an eyebrow of confusion, his eyes fixed on my hands as he laid back on the large couch opposite to mine. And knowing that I have to behave when he's around, I stopped fiddling almost at once. I blinked my eyes thrice innocently and without any further notice, the scene from yesterday replayed on my head that was quite near on success of drowning me with embarrassment, my eyes went wide and my cheeks felt so warm. Before he could even notice me, I quickly averted my gaze somewhere else to hide my small blush. God. Just because of him, I look stupid. This is so awkward and embarrassing, I tell you.

Not hearing any word from him or even from me, a huge ear piercing silence engulfed the whole area and it was me who broke the silence.

"W-Where's Youichi? I-Isn't he coming with us?" Too many questions. I know. But for heavens sake, I'm stuttering to death!

"He's not coming. I told him." was Natsume's immediate response, monotone and blunt. I almost laugh at his reply. Just can't imagine them.

Few more minutes, Anna came and announced that the carriage was already waiting for us outside. Without any minute wasted, he stood up on his feet and went to where I am. I stood up, hesitant to look at him in the eye so I just bowed my head, eyes on the ground but once in awhile, I seldom spare a glance at him.

"I guess, I'm not yet ready to meet your, uh, father…" I told him the truth, slowly raising my head on the ground to stare at him in the eye. Cold.

Okay. I'm taking back my words. It seems like this man's brain hadn't registered that word. Well, probably, any of those words.

"I don't care." He defended, looking offended as his eyes luminated a sharp line of bloody ruby. Back to normal. The fierce fire god.

Does he really love me?

With what he's showing right now, I doubt that he was certain and honest.

I socially smiled at him, ignoring the aura that surrounded him that was undeniably giving me some goosebumps. I mentally shook my head, clearing the thought away. "Perhaps you could just give me a sec—" immediately, he cut me off as he harshly grabbed a strand of my hair closer to him and burn the edge into brown, died hair. Seriously, what is with him?

Is this the way we should treat each other? After what happened yesterday?

"Hey!" I said in between gritted teeth, closing my palms into fists and pushed him away from me afterwards in exasperation. "You don't have to do that, yah know." I snarled, snatching my hair out from his grip and eschewed, hiding my facial expression under the shadows of my bangs. "Geez..." I sighed, examining the burnt strand closer before throwing it back on its original place. I flipped one of my pigtails off from my shoulder before turning on the heels of my feet, facing him again with a murderous glare present on my face.

Not hearing any word from one another, a deafening silence rose in between us, which is, I care less for it. The fire god didn't let a chance slip; he grabbed my left arm and towed me with him.

"S-Stop—" I bit my lower lip, almost at the brink of giving up. "Let go of me, Natsume! You're hurting me already," I yelled loudly, painstakingly releasing a disgruntled groan.

"Not my problem." He bluntly blurted out, strengthening his grip on my little arm. For the first time of this day, I flinched, standing on my toes as to lessen the pain. I hissed but didn't rebel against the god. At last, He shoved his hand away, so by now, I am gently chafing my arm as I, by force, hopped into the horse drawn carriage.

Realizing the spot where the fire god decided to settle in, I quickly quitted and seated at the vacant body sit opposite to his. For the whole ride slash tour, we stayed silent. I filled my stomach with the scenery through the access window while Natsume, on the other hand, kept himself busy with his usual pastime which is nothing but playing with small, harmless fireballs in his hand. I don't know if it really was harmless, I just thought so. Half an hour later, our trip ended safely as we reached our destination safely and it was the arrogant god who exiled the carriage first then followed by me. He wasn't even showing care towards me, his new bride. Ugh, why am I even calling myself his wife? Yeah, because I am. I'm his wife. New toy. Dang it.

NORMAL POV

The fire god didn't buy a minute to get off of the transport vehicle first and almost immediately, he proceeded to walk by his own towards the old palace.

"Hey, Natsume, wait for me!" Mikan cried out, tugging her kimono's lower skirt up so she could run and catch up the fire god's pace but neither using her effort too much, she was way too far. But though, not giving up on her hopes, she continued chasing after his footpaths.

"Can't you hear me? I said, Hyuuga Natsume, wait up!" Despite Mikan's rowdy protests of wanting him to grant even one of her wishes, yet he had not took her personally, did not even give a mind to be affected by his young bride. He stayed unattended, almost closer to being mute; he clicked his tongue and shrugged his shoulders. Mikan gathered enough strength to run faster, she bent on her knees deeper as she sprinted. She released one hand to her skirt, leaving the entire job to her stressed hand as she extended her other free hand in front, almost reaching the fire god's back. She gasped, ready for the downfall but successfully, was able to get a hold of Natsume's loosened arm cloth. She quickly managed her footing, placing perfect balance in place. "S-Sorry.." Mikan jumped off a bit, startled. She bowed her head down, completely showing her apologies which only gained a roll of the fire god's eyes. A loud tap resonated, catching Mikan's bare attention. She raised her head from being low and gaped at the newly arrived guest. A dirty-blonde lad with striking lemon-honey eyes confidently smiled at her. Mikan scarcely shot a smile back at him.

"What's with the mutual smile you two had been sharing?" The fire god obnoxiously inquired, cocking a conceited eyebrow of authority.

Mikan blinked once before averting her eyes to face her companion, her big hazel eyes sparkling with innocence. Right. Her husband.

"You are so funny, Natsume!" Koko bursted into a hysterical laugh which Mikan joined in. I know. It was contagious.

"What?" Natsume demanded, glaring at Koko with foul eyes that glinted with neglectance of friendship.

Sweating so hard, the friendly beam on Koko's face didn't disappear as he tried to laugh it out, lightly planting a knock on the fire god's back. "You never failed making me laugh."

"You just have to show us the path and nothing else. I am not in the mood to play with you," Natsume said coldly, surprisingly of good judgment.

"Man." Koko snapped his fingers, pouting. "You're no fun at all. Heck you're the typical Natsume." He mumbled, in a way that it hard to identify on either it was a wail or cheery comment. Remembering the other companion, he stole a glance at Mikan then back to Natsume. A frown on his face.

"Damn. You haven't told me that your new bride is a hot chick, Natsume!" Koko amazingly gave his complement, blaming Natsume. "By the way, what's her name?" He asked, curious as he narrowed his eyes into a scrutinizing gaze. Natsume rolled his eyes then shrugged his shoulders.

"Right." Koko expectantly knew what it meant. His eyes looked bored as it formed like peanuts. He faked a cough before throwing his attention to the brunette.

"Hi," He greeted, a wide grin on his face. "Koko. You?" He interestingly inquired, offering a handshake which Mikan gladly accepted.

"Mikan." She introduced, smiling as she withdrew her hand. Koko's grin broadened as he began shuffling the raven-haired lad's hair while teasingly saying, "Heard it, fire god? Her name is Mikan. MIKAN." He emphasized the last word, mocking.

"Stop it, Koko." Natsume demanded, gritting his teeth in annoyance as he tried blocking Koko's hands with the aid of his right lower arm. Mikan giggled, smiling cutely at how childish these two gods could be. Koko stopped his current actions as he speechlessly stared at the brunette.

"Got a problem, little girl." Natsume demanded, not questioned. His eyebrow twitched a little as he travelled and locked his gaze with his bride.

"H-huh?" Mikan stammered, embarrassed at how she gained their attention.

"You just…" Koko blinked his eyes, making his mind totally occupied. "…laugh."

Mikan faked a nervous yet also a timid laugh with her hands waved in front. "I-It's not a b-big deal anyways, it m-meant nothing." Her intentions were pure but unfortunately the gods believed it was a lie.

"Don't you dare, little girl." Natsume threatened, preparing a hand in front to summon minor fires.

"I swear! My laugh meant nothing!" Mikan cried, crossing her index fingers across each other with her eyebrows pulled down.

"Don't make me mad if you don't want that frizzy, ugly hair of yours gone into ashes." This time, fire was created on the tip of the fire god's finger. "I won't even have second options on doing that." He dangerously warned, glaring at the brunette.

Mikan backed off, anxious of what she's into. She stared at both gods, unstable eyes gleamed with fear. Unsteady steps cowered her until it reached to the extent that her back slightly bounced back as it hit the wall. I'm trapped. She thought, gulping; feeling dryness in her throat.

"Enough, Natsume. You're scaring her already." Koko said, defending Mikan as he placed a hand on Natsume's shoulder.

NATSUME HYUUGA

As far as I recall, it was when I heard this little bride of mine roll a laugh, my mind automatically cooled down. I don't want to think about it. Even how hard I try not to be mad at her, I always end up being one. Just like now. If Koko didn't stop me, then, she'll totally be dead.

Silence in between the three of us engulfed and neither one of us volunteered to speak up. My little girl stayed distant from where I am. She was walking beside Koko who was a few steps before me. I gritted my teeth in anger and clenched my fists tighter. Now I'm regretting those things. Just like before, twenty years ago.

I wanted to snatch her away from Koko and hold her hand. But I can't. Just can't.

Koko turned the golden knob and opened the door wider and stepped back to let the guests in. Me and my little girl. Don't even try contradicting, I own her.

"Still good as new." Koko said with a smile as he stared at us who walked inside. Our footsteps echoed.

My little girl looked around, checking things with this cheerful look on her face—yeah, whatever.—while I go open the lights, turning the switch on.

My old room.

Koko gave me the key and there, he rush out of the place, leaving me and my little girl behind. Alone.

I joined in, on her exploits, I mean. I walk a step behind her with this infamous and usual look on my face. Cold.

I was about to give her an instruction, more so, a warning but out of the blue, a sudden attack of nausea gripped on me and I winced, hurrying to the en suite bathroom.

Thankfully, the restroom wasn't too far from where I am. Quickly, I made a beeline for the nearest stall, throwing open the door and gagging painfully over the bowl.

When the last half-digested remains had left my stomach, I feebly flushed the evidence and sank to the floor, resting my head against the wall. Almost immediately, I heard loud clatters and shuffles. She was scampering towards me. My little girl.

"A-Are you okay?" She inquired, worry etched all over her face. When she spoke, it barely gave me the impression that she's concerned. Anxious, she knelt down in front of me and placed a hand on my forehead to probably check my temperature.

In a split second, her hazel eyes widened. I gave him a forced, confused look before I saw her back to her composure while saying, "You caught a fever."

NORMAL POV

Half-conscious, Natsume was able to discern a pair of blurry hazel pools, and her chestnut hair...

"...Mikan." He breathed heavily, hardly forcing himself not to collapse. He noticed Mikan's eyes were soft and full of worry. Never in his life had he called his ex-wife's names. She was indeed an exception. And so as for Yuka too.

Mikan tried to lift him up, assisting him to get up but her efforts were put into clean and nothing. Her help was fruitless.

Natsume forced himself up but it felt like a mistake as his stomach lurched and he felt the need to vomit. "I can stand up just fi—"

Before he could even finish his statement, his weak body gave up as his shaking knees collapsed.

"I'll help you." Mikan volunteered, kneeling before him. Natsume grunted in reply, determinedly finding his feet and walking slowly, his burden shared by the brunette.

Mikan held out both hands to him as he took them as he began to lead him forward.

He could hardly recognize the area around him, it kept on shifting in and out of focus; nausea creeping all over his body. He gritted his teeth, feeling the small impact thrusted on him as he was unintentionally unguarded by the fall out from the young brunette's grasp.

He winced, sluggishly rolling over his bed until his back came to face with the door. Sweating so hard, Mikan only thought of one thing. Help him change his clothes.

It was quite uneasy for her and it brings the idea of distress. And truthful as it is, every girl would feel something odd at times like this.

The pressure.

Him.

Her.

Alone.

No other choice.

Mikan gulped urgently, the bed sunk as she plopped down on the bed, her hands on either Natsume's side, her feet flanking him as well.

Her face blushed crimson red every time she analyzed the situation. She was on top of her. An odd position—rather opposite. Awkward.

The room started to heat up, proving that it was affected by the fire god. Mikan couldn't resist, staring at those cold sweat patches trickled down from his forehead only made her shiver and without breaking down, she knowingly knew that she couldn't do more than helplessly gulp in nervousness for a thousand times.

She blinked her eyes once in surprise, eyes staring down unbelievably on his lips which were then pried open. Natsume could hardly make out the words "Hot." out of his mouth's movement. He brought a hand up to reach his neckline with her hand attempting to tug his clothes off.

Without even thinking, Mikan grabbed his hand with hers, still blushing. "Let m-me do...that." With that reassurance statement, Natsume calmed down as his hand went loose and weak on his side. In vain, Mikan attempted to pull his sleeves of as gentle as she could, and there, showing of a small peep of his well-built body. Mikan gulped hard and bit her lower lip at the irresistible muscles that were rippling at almost everywhere but her dreamy daze ended when his breathing became heavy and noisy, and nevertheless faster than a normal man would breathe.

Should I continue this? Till the end? Those question rung in her mind, burning her innocence with mellowness. She hesitated on her work, eyes fixed sideways to avoid being attracted. She was a girl. He was a boy. Anything could happen anytime.

She nodded meekly, a determined look on her face. I can do this. She encouraged herself mentally, darting a stern look back at her job. Help Natsume change.

When she was about to pull the clothe lower to his abdomen, a voice entered out of the blues.

"Uh, what are you two doing?"

Natsume's fever was way too fast. The story was way too fast too. Don't kill me for that please XD

Sorry if it took me an eternity to update. Sigh. I got myself busy and hooked up with school activities and glad as it is, it ended so well yesterday.

I won—as the first placer—in the Ms. Nutrition costest and got the best Techno wear costume (Which I had myself cosplaying a random character from the internet) Ms. Congeniality (which I doubt that I was) and also got the second place on the talent potion which I have danced Gee from SNSD while cosplaying the role of SeeU.

It was fun, if you ask me. Hah.

So…

Before leaving this page and before you start browsing for another story, why don't you guys leave a review and tell me if I how this story has been going? More reviews, the higher the chance that I would update fast.

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