Chapter 9: On the way

"Now," he said and snapped his fingers. Everyone's heart beat in anticipation, but they ended up appearing under the Sakura Tree. Raven looked at their faces and laughed. "We can't get there with teleportion. First, we have to go to the point where Htrae is closest to this world,"

Hotaru glared at him.

"Then we teleport there," Raven laughed.

BAKA BAKA BAKA.

They appeared at what seemed to be in the middle of a endless purple portal. The group seemed to be gliding forward. Hotaru looked at Raven for an explanation, which he hastened to answer, before he felt the wrath of her Baka Gun. AGAIN

"We're in the Shinda no Sekai (Dead World), the only way to get to Htrae from Earth. You can Sit down and relax, fellas. It's gonna take a while,"

The group nodded, and the the atmosphere became quiet again. The tranquil air made it easy to calm down, and they stood in un-awkward silence, all deep in thoughts.

Mikan moved closer to Natsume and snuggled up in his chest, absorbing the warmth of his chest. Natsume was slightly surprised inside, but calmed when he saw it was only Mikan. He smiled at her peaceful state as she closed her eyes. Natsume smiled and began to stroke her hair.

"Natsume..." Mikan said softly to the said boy, turning her head towards him.

"Mmh?"

"I really... L...L..." Mikan stuttered to get the words out, feeling her face getting hotter each second.

Natsume leaned in and kissed the brunette on the lips, shutting her up. "I love you too," he said.

They continue to stare at each other, before a voice shattered their peace.

"Hey love birds, better get ready, we're almost there," Raven called out to them.

Natsume grumbled inwardly as Mikan stood up. She seemed to have took all the warmth along with her.

"Before we pass, unfortunately, you guys have to pass a test," Raven said.

The Earth people exchanged glances.

"What kind of test?" Ruka asked.

Raven smiled as they seem to come to a halt. In their path were two kids. One of them had dark brown hair and light brown eyes which scanned them emotionlessly. The other was a complete opposite of his silent companion, with brown hair and dull green eyes that stared at them with defiance.

"Hey, Raven-sama," The green eyed boy said, grinning while the other just bowed.

"Hey, Zaki. Sora. Can't they skip the test, we're in a hurry here,"

Sora, the emotionless boy shook his head.

"Rules are rules, Raven-sama. Sorry about this," the green eyed boy, Zaki, said.

Zaki looked at the group and Hotaru got hit by a pang of recognition.

"Aren't you. . . "

"Good Luck!" Zaki said, cutting her off.

And the Earth Alices felt themselves falling out of consciousness.

Natsume's POV:(Please don't hate me! I know I said that I wouldn't use POVs, but I thought it would be better. I'm sorry!)

I opened my eyes slowly, and at once I knew that I was alone. There was no one around me. I let my eyes adjust to the dim place. Apparently, I was in this humongous corridor, even bigger than my special star room. It was clear that whoever owned this place was filthy rich because the room was decorated with crystals and silver. Good thing it was dim, or I would have sure get blinded.

"N-N-Nat-sume,"

I felt my insides froze as I heard that familiar voice.

"N-Natsume,"

I spun around, my heels making this loud squeaking sound. She wasn't there.

Natsume. . .

I ran down the corridor, towards Mikan's voice, ducking as I felt something to my right. It was a giant axe. Typical trap but very dangerous.

Finally, I reached the end of the corridor after pit falls, shooting arrows, lava and so many other cliche traps. Nothing I couldn't handle.

I entered a room and I felt half of myself die. A brunette was in a metal cage, hanging over this endless pit.

MIKAN!

End of Chapter 9

Next Chapter: Live!

Sorry, it's a short chapter this time. And I want people's opinion. Should I go through the test properly or just skim over it? I feel like I'm dragging this story too much. Putting in the test was a last minute decision for me, entering a story idea I had a long time ago. I don't mind if you say I should just delete it altogether or something. I think I'm dragging this too.

Ja-ne!
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