Hi everyone :) Took me some time to write this chappie. I intentionally made this long since idk as a sorry again for updating so long. Might take me some time again lol since exam week has come for my school. ._. Anyway hope you enjoy :)
Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice. :)
Mikan's class was very enthusiastic and excited since their educational trip would be held today. Everyone had their small handbags with some items in it that were asked and required for them to bring such as a shopping list for the buying of food in the marketplace later, some threads and needles, hankerchiefs, a little booklet for guidelines (for some who didn't pay attention during class), and some other stuff. These bags were then put in the carriages once everyone was present. Their first task for today was really tingling Mikan's mind since they weren't at the town yet. They were at the Palace Garden to pick up some flowers to sell to the townsfolk later.
"Why do you think we need to do these tiring things?" tiredly asked by Chiharu, one of Mikan's classmates.
"As what Imai-sensei always says, it's probably a test or a basis for the next Princess." another of Mikan's classmate, Mikiko, replied.
"Ah just stop complaining and do what's asked. You're really hurting my precious ears." Luna irritatedly said, trying to pry off a caterpillar on her booted left foot.
Mikan was actually amazed on how peaceful and united her classmates can be when it comes to school tasks. She was always disturbed by the fact that (yes this time she'll use the word) her classmates can get really bitchy when it comes to fighting over who becomes the Princess/bride of the crowned Prince. It's also annoying since no one really knows who the Prince would choose. It never crossed her mind either that the Prince would pick her. She sighed, shaking away these thoughts and continued on picking flowers, putting these flowers side by side inside the basket provided by the Academy. Then a small yet distinct ringing of a hand bell was heard.
"Everyone, I expect you to be done choosing and picking your flowers. Please proceed to your assigned carriages now." Hotaru announced.
Upon hearing this, the girls squealed in excitement. Ah, the joy of seeing the town again. Mikan wasn't really as enthusiastic as the others since she lived at a nearby village, up on the hill. Curiosity is what Mikan felt, getting a little bit excited. She walked with the rest of the group to the carriage as she smiled to herself.
~~~~~~PRINCESS ACADEMY~~~~~~
Four white, distinct, and proud horses were click clacking their feet on the ground as they ran towards the Hyuuga Palace with a carriage trailing behind them. The said carriage was very magnificent and eye-catching, getting some attention from the people of the kingdom. It had golden knobs and locks, as well as its roof. It had detailed painting of a meadow with its baby blue background. Definitely, someone important has come.
The carriage slowed down a bit after making its way into the Palace's pathway. It finally came to a full stop accompanied by the neighs of the horses. The coachman went down from his position to open the door of the carriage and assist whoever was in there. He opened the door and a lady came into view, her gray tresses swaying with the wind, her blue and gentle eyes moving around obviously looking about and observing the place.
"It never changed huh." The lady whispered quietly, with her gentle and kind voice ringing. After this statement, she thanked her coachman and went inside the Palace.
~~~~~~PRINCESS ACADEMY~~~~~~
The girls were on their way towards their carriages when they saw this elegant and ever so beautiful carriage making its way towards the Palace doors. They were, of course, awestruck with the carriage. It came to a full stop and the coachman went down from where he was sitting to assist the visitor. Once the visitor came out, the girls were more awestruck with the maiden's striking beauty and the aura of kindness she's giving off. Whispers and comments were heard but Hotaru interrupted them all saying, "Everyone please proceed immediately now to your designated carriages." authority and impatience evident on her voice.
Everyone then scurried off away but Mikan was left, not really stricken by the carriage neither its beauty nor the beauty of the maiden who went out but because she was feeling nostalgic and familiar with the maiden's face and yes, she's definitely seen her somewhere.
"Mikan, go on now for Christ's sake." Hotaru said, massaging her temples.
Hearing this, Mikan awoke from her thoughts and smiled apologetically to her best friend and silently went to her assigned carriage, still pondering and thinking of who that maiden may be.
~~~~~~PRINCESS ACADEMY~~~~~~
The ride going to town was enjoyed by Mikan. She was really having a good time looking at the different sites of the town from shops to bakeries and from bakeries to the beautiful and natural sites available. She also heard horses click clacking their hooves on the ground, definitely music to her ears. She sighted some happy families too enjoying themselves having their family bonding. She also enjoyed twining the flowers she picked to make a wreath.
"Ne, Nonoko-chan what flowers did you pick?" Anna asked.
"Hmm roses, daisies, pansies, tulips and uh oh that's it." Nonoko replied, looking at her basket from time to time to look at what she actually picked.
"How about you Mikan? What'd you pick?" Anna asked, curiosity evident in her voice.
"I only gathered Roses and Sakura petals." Mikan smiled.
"Eh? Aren't we told to sell flowers as a whole or something?" Anna replied, confused.
"I'm making them into leis." Mikan cheerfully replied, continuing on making flower wreaths.
"Nee, Mikan-chan is so talented." Nonoko sighed.
"Thanks for the compliment Nonoko-chan."Mikan giggled.
Right on time, just after their conversation finished, their carriage came to a full stop. The coachman of their carriage opened their doors and assisted them one by one as they went out of the transportation. All the other pupils who came out of their assigned carriages went on their way to different places in town. One would be at the park, the other near some shops. At about 12:00 pm, all of them would meet up to where their carriages were parked, near the end of town. Mikan was left alone now and she was roaming around the town. She went to a nearby day care center where all of the village children study their first and basic education. Many bought her wreaths mostly parents not only because they were beautifully made, but because the kids loved her and her creation. Then, there was a silver-haired teenage boy who was alone, crouched near a lamppost. She came up near him and offered him the last wreath available.
"Hi there, want the last one?" Mikan asked, then smiled.
The lad looked up at Mikan, a tired look on his face with his eyes slowly drooping and being pulled by the gravity.
"Mou, what a tired-looking guy. He looks like he went through a lot of stuff." She thought, then frowned.
"Aah another maiden I see. If you're here to flirt with me, I would rather prefer if you leave me." He yawned and rubbed his eyes.
Mikan was taken aback. She was surprised to hear someone assume that she'd flirt with a guy. Never in her life has she flirted with a guy, moreover planned to flirt a handsome one at that.
"Please don't tell me you're a relative of the Royalty." Mikan said monotonously, rolling her eyes at the same time to the lad.
The lad went wide-eyed at what she just said. He chuckled as a response to Mikan then gradually laughed.
"E-eh? You surely are crazy." She said, confused at the laughing lad.
"Not a relative, maybe an acquaintance would do." He replied and smirked.
"You act pretty like the Prince in some ways." Mikan said, tilting her head sideways.
"Ah I have to go, Yoichi Hijiri's the name by the way." Yoichi smirked. He turned his back and waved to Mikan as he went to wherever he's going.
Of course Mikan was hung up with what just happened. Not only did she met someone who's pretty handsome, she met someone who acts like the Prince and who in some ways have said that he's related with the Royalty. Mikan was of course curious with whom the lad really is. Putting her thoughts aside, her right hand was still holding one last flower wreath. She puts it in the basket and heard the clock tower's loud bell telling everyone it's already 12:00 pm. She scurried away towards their carriages.
~~~~~~PRINCESS ACADEMY~~~~~~
"Are the coachmen complete?" Hotaru asked.
"Yes." Ruka replied, looking at his checklist time at a time.
"How about the pupils?" She asked.
"Everyone would probably be on their way by now. The tower has already rung its bell." He said.
Hotaru massaged her temples again. Not only is her work stressing and tiring the shin out of her, she was having a hard time with Ruka as well. It was pretty damn awkward up until now, though they're just talking and working with each other professionally. She was still bothered by what he said during the masquerade ball. It was like a switch in her was balanced between Ruka's palm but he ended up turning it off again. It left Hotaru to conclude something yet again it still imprinted confusion and disruption. She kept on remembering what he said, "I don't know what on Earth am I feeling for you. Why are you always popping in my mind? I'm supposed to like someone whose age is the same as me, not a girl who's 3 years younger." This statement wasn't all about the confusion; it also made Hotaru more curious of what she was actually feeling. Never before has this thing happened to her, feeling weird when someone and a guy for that, gets surrounded by swooning co-workers or when she actually makes her happy with all the secretive blackmailing she has been doing.
"Imai-san, you look like you're thinking about something important." Ruka observed, raising a delicate brow.
"None of your business Nogi." She sighed.
Luckily, after their oh so awkward conversation the students were coming towards their carriages by groups. One by one, everyone had gone into their designated carriages. Meanwhile, Hotaru was checking the carriages if all the pupils were there with the help of Ruka. After that, both of them went to their own carriage and sat with the company of awkward silence.
~~~~~~PRINCESS ACADEMY~~~~~~
Everyone had fun with their educational trip. In fact, even Luna enjoyed it including her minions as well. All of the girls enjoyed especially the sewing activity. Most of them enjoyed buying goods and food in the marketplace as well. They're finally back in the palace now, trying to get some rest. Resting for Mikan is finding a good peaceful place. She decided to go the Palace Garden and went out towards the woods. She looked for a big tree to be able to rest under its shade and successfully found one in a beautiful Sakura tree. She sat down happily when she heard a rustle. The rustle became louder and distinct, it came from above her! She looked up and saw that the Prince was there, now staring at her.
"Why are you here?" irritation evident in his tone.
"I was just looking for a peaceful place to rest." Mikan said, shrugging of the Prince's initial reaction.
"You can go to other trees you know." He said, fully paying attention to Mikan now.
"I'm too tired and lazy to." She said, yawning. Natsume then jumped off from where he was.
"Ah then I'll be the one to leave then." He said, his back was facing Mikan. Mikan then remembered her last flower wreath which no one bought.
Mikan stood up then she cheerfully said, "Ne, Your highness before you leave I'll give you something."
Natsume stopped and faced Mikan, curious at what she's going to give. Mikan then went near him and placed the wreath around his neck.
"How lame." He said, turning his back once again though inwardly he felt kind of happy.
~~~~~~PRINCESS ACADEMY~~~~~~
The maiden was smiling to herself as she walked down the different corridors and hallways of the Palace. She felt nostalgic and happy seeing that only a few things were changed like the carpet, some wall decors, and vases. She happen to pass by other old and familiar paintings as well. She stopped on her tracks in front of a room with large oak doors closed tightly with abstract carvings and knocked twice. A female voice was heard saying, "Come in!"
The said maiden opened the doors slowly and allowed herself to get in the room. Reminiscing while walking down the corridors was one thing, but in this room she found herself remembering valuable memories of her and him.
"A-ah w-why hello there Nobara-chan." The surprised queen greeted.
The lass smiled to the queen and replied, "How have you been Your gracious."
Hohohohoho Nobara has come. And no she's not gonna be bitchy lol. Reviews are LALALOVED and Flames/Criticisms should be constructive :)