Author's note: I planned on making Hotaru and Mikan reunited in this chapter, but I change my mind and reserve it for the next chapter..gomene.
I hope I won't make you bored and disappoint you in this chapter :) I really thank all those who review the previous chapters. You really made my day!
Enjoy Reading! and Please leave a Review.
Summary: To be able to be with her friend Hotaru, Mikan go to Alice Academy and be reunited with her best friend. But seems Fate has another plan for she is now face in trouble for she came back to Alice Academy and to her best friend as a blind Mikan Sakura. She's blind! how will she handle it? Will she regain her sight?
Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice. As simple as that.
Perfect Seems Impossible
Chapter 9: Bold Decision
A raven-haired guy and a silver-haired young boy see a place where they could talk privately. They stop in their tracks and now facing each other.
Natsume now looked at his little kohai.
"Youichi, what do you want to tell me?" he asked him with his hands both on his pocket and leaned on the trunk of the tree near them.
Youichi looked to his 'onii-chan', thinking that did he really do the right thing in approaching him with his problem. He then sigh and place as well his hands on both his pockets.
"Persona approached me.." Youichi started.
Natsume's attention now fully on Youichi. Secretly wishing that the next thing he'll hear won't make the life of his hated teacher in his Dangerous Ability Class in hell like what he did to him, of what he told to his more like younger brother. He sensed that he would hear something bad soon. Bad.
Youichi is aware to Natsume's reaction and he sensed that whatever revelation he will told to him, probably it will make him to optimum level of anger towards the Dangerous' Ability adviser and maybe to Academy as well.
Youichi's gaze fell on the upper part right arm almost near to the shoulder of his 'onii-chan'. Even though there's a shirt of Natsume's uniform covering it. He noticed the white bandages wrapped to it. Oh yeah, he heard from Ruka, his other close friend or more like a brother just like Natsume in the Academy but the closeness is more on the fire caster, that Natsume was fresh from the Mission's last night. Probably he got the wounds or worse like that from the mission.
He hoped that it was not worse than his wounds that will lead Natsume in his trademark pain after overusing his Alice. He knows very well the consequences if Natsume overused his Alice.
A thought and idea came through in his young mind. He suddenly made his decision. He only hoped that it will turn out good and...worthy.
Natsume is waiting him to continue.
He sighed for the second time. "Persona approached me…and said that you're getting weaker, oniichan." He uttered the words. Oh, he wished that Natsume won't notice he's lying.
Natsume's left brow raise. Is that all he wanted to say to him? Is that what Persona told to Youichi?
He examined the silver-haired boy's face. He is usual to his seem cold looks. He looked at his olive-green eyes. It seems emotionless just like what he 'used' to wear. This kid is just like him in many ways. He found something words in Youichi's eyes but he just shrugged it off. If there's bothering Youichi, he will surely share it to him or to Ruka and they will advice him the best way to do. In the other words, he believed that Youichi won't hide or lie things to him.
Well that was he believe.
Natsume straighten his stand. "Is that all you wanted to say, Youichi? You're here to say that I'm becoming weaker of what that stupid Persona told you? You know me well, boy." He said and patted the hair of Youichi. "I can take care very well myself. " he continued. He thought that Youichi will tell him that Persona asked him to do missions for the Academy too.
Little he knew, that was exactly Persona told Youichi.
He won't tolerate it and he'll do anything to make Youichi's life be not like his. Working for other people and be used by them. He already saved Ruka by it and he probably can do it again for Youichi.
Youichi feel guilty for lying to Natsume, but he knows it will be for the best. He changed his mind on approaching and telling Natsume what bothering him and come up to an idea that if he will receive the 'proposal' of Persona he would help his oniichan in his very own way to get him out of the dark he used to be in.
Maybe he would accept the proposal and have a deal with Persona that he'll do missions and in return to that give Natsume lesser or if possible no missions.
Natsume show a small smile. "You should look at yourself and not me. And don't get near or talk to Persona again, Youichi. Do you understand?" he stated and once again patted the hair of the Spirit Manipulator.
Youichi simply nodded making himself congratulate for a nice job well done in his act. It seems Natsume didn't notice he's lying. He doesn't need to know any of this. He should keep it to himself and ask Persona not to tell Natsume.
Natsume seem satisfied of his answer. "I will go now, Youichi. Wanna go with me?" he asked him.
"Nope, oniichan. I'll go somewhere else." He answered.
"Whatever." Natsume place his hand on his pockets and turn his back ready to go away. "See you around, Youichi." He said and made a small wave and finally go.
Even Natsume is nowhere to see, Youichi is still there, thinking something.
After few moments, he finally decided to walk and end up on the nearby lake of the Academy's Northern Forest. No one would dare to go there 'coz it's slightly isolated and all students probably are in the Academy.
He was resting on the grass under the shade of the tree there. He's closing his eyes and is still thinking. He almost smiled to the thought that he is taking the same path of what Natsume is leading. A path that is dangerous. A path that could make his life--.
"Hi, little boy!" a girl voice interrupted his thoughts. He opened his eyes and saw a smiling brunette near him. 'She's the hag that Natsume-niichan with.' He noticed her closing eyes. Oh yeah, he heard the news about this only girl who get close to Natsume and Ruka, the blind new student.
"What are you doing here, old hag?" He asked coldly. Even she's close to the two most important persons for him in this Academy, it doesn't mean he'll be nice to her right away.
Mikan's smile is still there and her direction is on the Spirit Manipulator. She ignored the name he called to her. He's just a kid, you know. But she's actually thinking 'This boy is like the pervert Natsume.'
"You-chan, you should not talk like that to your senpai." She remarked instead, then sits beside him.
Youichi just ignore her and thinking of ways to get her rid here. If he'll use his Alice, it's useless she could not see it anyway.
Minutes passed and they are silent for a moment then Mikan speak a words. "So, are you alright You-chan?" she asked to the little boy.
Youichi smirked "What made you think I'm not alright?" he take back.
Mikan want to sweat dropped 'This boy is really just like Natsume, the way he talk and the tone. No wonder they are attached to each other..'
Mikan's face is now facing the lake as if she can see the scenery. "Persona talked you." She pointed in a low voice but enough for Youichi to hear it.
His gaze fell upon the brunette. "You heard us talking."
Mikan slip a smile on her face "Actually I just passed by and hear you both." She lied.
The truth is after the two boys left her she had the urge to follow them. And if she wanted to follow, she'll follow. She also had the feeling that there is something will happen.
She position herself comfortably on the one of the branches of the tree where Natsume and Youichi talked but only five trees distant from where the two talked 'privately'. From there she could hear what they're talking courtesy of her remote-hearing Alice, one of her new stolen Alice. Yeah, she knows it's rude to eavesdrop, but she's too curious of what they'll talk. Besides, it's better to eavesdrop than to read minds right?
She heard then the name of Persona. Somehow she felt the tension between the two boys. She could fell their aura. Worried as for Natsume. Hesitation as for Youichi. Even she couldn't see them talking she know where the conversation goes.
After the two talked, she could still feel Youichi's presence. He's lying to Natsume. She knows it, that's why she followed Youichi up to here and to find out his reason personally.
"Hn." Youichi managed to say.
"I know you lied to Natsume. Tell me what's your reason, Youichi." She inquired as if it was the normal thing to said. Actually she could read his mind if she'll just hold his hand and activates her Mind-reading Alice.
Yup, Koko can read minds without contact to the person, but Mikan can only read minds if she'll have a contact to the person. That's how she survived in regular classes in classroom. And guess who she always held hands to read what the teacher wrote on the classroom board?
"None of your business, old hag." He replied bluntly. Telling his bored to her company. "Besides why would I tell you?" he added.
Mikan smile to his stubbornness "Because maybe I can help you." She now faced the boy. "If my instincts right Persona asked you to go to missions and I think you'll accept it soon." She concluded while placing her finger to her chin as if thinking.
Youichi look at her in disbelief. She hit it. She's right, now he's laying his cards to the pretty brunette.
He then found himself telling her the conversation between him and Persona…
A man with a white mask approached him. He knew this man very well. The man who made his Natsume-niichan life in hell and stuck him in the dark. What now business this man want to him? He sensed something bad.
"Youichi Hijiri." He called while smirking.
He just gave him a death-glare. "What?"
"Tsk.Tsk. Just like Kuro Neko. I'm not surprise if you'll be like him someday. Powerful and strong." He said and with the use of his Alice he dissolved into ashes the leaves he touched near them.
He didn't flinched and just remained cold in front the bastard. "Cut the crap Persona."
Persona smirked again "I came here to say that you're getting stronger and.." he hung the words intentionally.
"You want me to go unto missions just like Natsume-niichan." He continued vaguely.
Persona nodded profusely while he place his fingers, with many controlling device, on his chin as if he's thinking while still smirking "Brilliant. I know I won't be hard on you. But we want you to go to training before doing missions."
'What a--' "No." he simply rejected, turning his back ready to leave Persona.
"You can't say No and you know the consequences if you'll reject us. Your 'beloved' Natsume-niichan will be in more danger and could be…well, dark will envelop him… forever." He smirked. He really enjoyed torturing his 'beloved' students. "Oh, I let you think and I'll just come back to get your answer."
With those words Persona left him gritting 'No wonder Natsume-niichan hates this Academy'…
Mikan who was listening all along is thinking of what moves will be the best thing to do. She sighed as she lay on the grass.
"…And I'm thinking that I will accept the proposal and through that I could help Natsume-niichan." He said while looking at the lake.
"Pathetic." Mikan suddenly voiced under her breath that made the attention of the Spirit Manipulator avert on her.
"Yeah. I'm pathetic." He's annoyed of what she commented. He stood up and ready to leave her there when he heard her giggle. He looked at her and found her standing up as well. She came closer to him. "Of course I'm not referring to you, You-chan." Oh she couldn't let the moment pass that the Spirit Manipulator starting to be nice at her.
"Look, I think you should not give a damn attention of what Persona told you." She said, smiling.
Now Youichi is confused "What do you mean, old hag?"
She scratched her head at the back. 'Hag again.Geez.' "I'll help you."
"How?" He couldn't understand this girl.
Mikan just smile mysteriously "Just wait and watch me, You-chan. But first don't tell Natsume or anyone about this, okay?" she patted Youichi's hair before leaning to gave him a kiss on the cheek that makes Youichi surprise and blush.
"There. I already kissed you" she smile childishly. "You're kawaii, I know it." She started to walk away. "Remember what I said Youichi and don't worry anymore. I'll help you and Natsume. Ja!'' she said and now out of sight to Youichi's eyes.
"Tsk." Youichi only said and touch the cheek where Mikan kissed him. He had no idea what Mikan is planning to do. He also doesn't know why she's doing this.
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That night were skies are full of bright stars, and probably all students is now in their own room resting, two figures can be seen talking somewhere at the Academy's ground.
Black-haired man with white mask and a brunette with hazel eyes.
Mikan our lovely brunette is leaning on a tree while looking seriously at Persona.
"What do you want, Shiro Neko in this late at night?" Persona asked. You couldn't guess what he's thinking right now.
Mikan straighten her stand and look at those bright stars. "Am I not enough for the Academy to let an innocent little boy to join the dirty work, huh Persona?" she started.
Persona can't help but smirked. "Are you insulted Shiro Neko?"
Mikan's brow twitched then faced him "I'm not kidding here, Persona. I just don't see the point why you would want Youichi to go to a missions and worse to send him to training!" she now lose her calm.
Persona remain calm looking amused to the brunette. "Your emotions, Shiro neko. It could lead you to danger." He sited. He seems didn't gave any attention of what she's saying.
Mikan closes her eyes to relax herself. This man surely angered her easily. When she opened now her eyes, she somehow calmed. "My point is the Academy doesn't need to recruit new Alice user to go to a missions. We are lots in the Dangerous Ability Class to do it." She stated the fact.
"You're pointing now, Shiro Neko that I don't need Hijiri and the others new to do missions."
"Exactly." She said nodding. Wait. The others? "What do you mean the others?"
Persona smirk "You're funny…" Is that a compliment? "..I don't hold the Academy, Shiro Neko. I just take orders from the Headmaster." He said pointing to end the conversation.
Mikan was caught off guard to his statement. So the Academy is behind all these right along. How dummy she is, of course it's them. The Academy is the one who sent her to missions and in the training at the first place, right?
"You mean you're recruiting many Alices, and what are their ages Persona? 5, 8, 10, 13 years old?" she said while covering her eyes with her bangs. It flashbacked on her the time when she's still 13 yrs. old and sent to training. Is what her life will be happen, too, to the others and to Youichi as well?
Persona silent for a moment. "We need reserve Alices. Every year there is graduating and two years from now you'll be graduating also or…."
"…dead." She ended. "And everyday there is suffering in pain.." She's thinking of Natsume. "..and cursing the Academy" she looked seriously to Persona. The grudges now are getting visible.
"You're thinking too much, Shiro Neko. We need additional forces because AAO is getting stronger." he looked at those hazel eyes "Even you…remember, you almost risked your life because of that curse of Death Alice. He's powerful Shiro Neko. How much more now probably they got new powerful forces against the Academy and they'll attack us anytime.."
Mikan flinched at his statement. The mere mention of the Curse of Death Alice made her again in dangerous aura.
Persona noticed and feels it too.
But Mikan now is thinking of analogy. She's sure that the new recruited is still young like Youichi. And if they face powerful Alices from the AAO or worse face the Curse of Death Alice? What will happen to them? Oh she doesn't want to think badly. But of course, you can't escape reality.
But one thing is for sure. 'Curse of Death Alice is only mine. Only mine.'
"I believe that I am the only one who has the Nullifying Alice here." She now said.
Persona waited her to continue, giving her the Oh-yeah-you're-the-only-one look.
"Stop getting new Alices and spare Youichi." She demanded.
Persona doesn't know where this is leading. "And why? Order of Academy is my job."
She ignored him. "And stop sending Natsume in missions. He's in pain." She added her demand.
Persona brow raise, his two masterpieces Shiro and Kuro Neko is really getting along, isn't it?
"And why?" he again asked.
Her hazel eyes meet his eyes. He could tell through her eyes, that if he won't agree to her, there would something will happen to him.
"I'll double time." She simply answered, turning her back to go away but before that she glanced at him once more, leaving words that would explain everything.
"I will do all their missions." After she gave Persona a don't-tell-anyone-about-this-or-you're-dead glare she left.
Leaving an almost smiling Persona, Shiro Neko is one heck stubborn masterpiece.
He looked at the sky and found no bright stars now unlike a while ago.
Kaye2bu: What do you think of this chapter? I know, No Natsume and Mikan moments but don't worry I'll make it on the next chapter. :)
My original plan is to make Hotaru and Mikan be reunited, but as I write the story I change my mind and took an advance scenes. Our dear Mikan take all the missions for Youichi and the other new innocent Alices, as well as for Natsume. What will happen now? Will our flame caster knows it?
Find out! Please review. Comments and suggestions are very well accepted. Ciao:)
