Act 12:
Yuka knew the whereabouts of the Z organization in Kansai. She believed Reo was still in charge of the group there. Yuka teleported herself outside an old abandoned mansion. She looked around. The wind blew coldly, the leafless trees were covered with snow and it seems like no one was outside the barrier. She could sense the barrier's presence. "Talk about amateur," She rolled her eyes. She crept her way beside the gate walls and she looked for a spot where there were no lookouts. Yuka walked around the house with caution. "Achoo," She sniffled. "The cold is getting worse." She hugged herself.
She took another step and saw her way in. There were no guards around. Yuka experienced an adrenalin rush once again. She ducked when she saw two uniformed guards pass by. Her heart started racing as she looked from left to right. She ran towards her next hiding spot which was behind the bush that surrounds the mansion walls. While she crouched behind the bushes, she placed her old-reliable ear plugs. She decided to crawl, so that it would save her time rather than running all over the place while hiding behind things.
The mansion wasn't exactly old and abandoned. It was actually well kept and people were inside. So aside from the Barrier Alice, there was also a person with an Alice of Illusion inside.
She mentally thanked the snow for being white because her white coat would have gotten dirty if not for it. She endured the icy snow seeping into her bones as she clenched her jaws. Finally she reached the main doors but two people were guarding it. From her point of view, she could see them clearly and she thought if they were to turn their heads and look down, they would see her. She took a few crawls backward grabbed a stone big enough to knock people unconscious, stood up and ran at full speed. She jumped onto one of the guard's shoulder, wrapped her legs around his neck and hit his head with a stone really hard. With one swift movement, while the person fell down she grabbed his handgun inside his coat and pointed it to the astonished guard beside them. He also had a gun pointing at her.
"Drop the gun," Yuka commanded.
"You drop the gun," He growled.
Yuka raised a brow when she noticed he was going to call for back up. He held the radio tightly and was about to raise it in front of his mouth. "Oh no you don't," Yuka dived in front of the guy and kicked his feet. He lost his balance and fell into the ground. He dropped his gun as he fell on the snow. Yuka kicked the radio away and mounted him. She covered his mouth with her right hand while her left arm choked him slightly. "I want you to answer me honestly if you don't want to end up like him,"
Despite of the cold, the guy sweated. He couldn't push Yuka away from him no matter what he does. He felt weak because of her arm on his throat.
"I don't see you using your Alice," She smirked. "So it must be useless in this kind of situations," She mocked. "So be an obedient child and tell me what I want to know. Where's Reo?" She let go of his mouth but she readied herself in case he shouts. She was thankful that she doesn't have to use her Alice because she didn't know whether she could be detected by the person with the Barrier Alice or not.
"Do you think I'd tell you that easily?" He retorted.
"Honestly, no," Yuka took out a handkerchief and stuffed it in his mouth. She held his hand and slowly bent his index finger. He shouted in pain but all that could be heard were low moans. His index finger cracked loudly. "There'll be more where that came from," She held his middle finger. "Now tell me where he is located. Don't lie to me because I will come back for you and will surely bring you hell." She took the handkerchief out of his mouth.
"Never," He hissed. He was losing his strength. Yuka put in the cloth inside his mouth once again.
"Seriously, you lot are such amateurs, especially the one with the barrier," She muttered as she broke his middle finger. The guy cried out in pain. "In the old days, we were a lot better than you." She considered breaking the ring finger. "It must be the cold huh?"
She looked at him without any emotion. "Tell me where he is now."
He was shaking after Yuka took the cloth out of his mouth. "M—mas—master b—bedroom…" He stuttered.
"Of course," She rolled her eyes. "So where is it?"
"T—the se—second floor to the r—right, it's—it's the last door on the l—left." He replied begrudgingly and fearfully.
"Good boy," Yuka smiled.
"Damn you," He groaned.
"Good night," She hit his head hard with the gun's base where you insert the magazine.
Yuka didn't bother dragging the bodies where they couldn't be seen since she knew they would wake up any minute and that the house should contain plenty of men. She opened the door slowly and she rolled her eyes when she saw no one. She looked from left to right before running up the stairs.
"Halt!" A guy shouted as soon as he saw Yuka. He just came in from the other room. He took out his radio and informed the others. Yuka shot his hand and the radio buzzed because of the bullet. She ran up the stairs and turned to her right. Two people went out of the room. They were still taking out their gun but Yuka immediately shot their legs. They fell on the ground.
"She's over here!" One shouted and teleported in front of Yuka.
"Wrong move," She stole his Alice and pushed him away. She threw it at him and began to run again.
"Almost there," She was running out of breath. Suddenly someone got hold of her hair. She was yanked back. Another hand took away her gun. "I am not giving up easily," She teleported in front of the room and smiled. "Stop following me, you stalkers!" She opened the door and locked it.
Reo sat up sluggishly and took off the sleeping mask. "What's all that racket?" He yawned. His eyes opened wide. "Yuka-sempai! You should have told me you were coming," He stood up. He was completely topless.
"Put on some clothes," Yuka said with disgust. "it's too cold to be topless."
"I don't feel cold at all," Reo said as if he was astonished. "I am too hot to begin with," He winked. Despite of his words, he put on a robe.
There were furious knockings on the door. "Reo-sama! Reo-sama!"
"Could you do something about them?" Yuka crossed her arms and pointed a gun at Reo. "I'm in a hurry,"
"Hold your horses," Reo said submissively. He walked towards the door and opened it. He thought whether he should let them in to take away Yuka or not.
"I already knocked four down and took one of your men's Alice, if you don't want to suffer the same fate as them then make them go away."
"Alright, geez," He rolled his eyes. "All of you, stop bothering us,"
"But Reo-sama,"
"No buts!" He replied impatiently and closed the door. "Can you stop pointing that gun on me?"
"I can't, sorry," Yuka made Reo sit at the center of the room.
"So why are you even here?" Reo asked. "Should I offer you some wine? Coffee?"
"Where's Mikan?" Yuka rolled her eyes, ignoring his offer.
"How should I know?!" Reo shrugged. He crossed his legs and rested his arms on the arm-chair like he evaluated Yuka from head to toe.
Yuka shot the wall. "Bullshit! Where's Mikan?!" Yuka repeated.
"I said I don't know!" Reo replied with frustration. "If I do know, do you think I'd be here in front of you half naked?!" He gestured towards his body.
Yuka blushed. "You're right." She sulked. "Also if you had her, the security would have been pretty tight. Your barrier here also sucks."
"Hey now," Reo looked irritated. "You don't have to pick on my men," He sighed. "but in the old days, we did had a pretty awesome team,"
She fell on the floor and hugged her knees. "It must be the other party, eh?"
"Maybe, damn, they're fast." Reo stood up but sat back again when Yuka pointed the gun at him again. "Oh, come on," He complained.
"You know me," Yuka smiled sadly and stood up again. "Do you know where they could be?"
"Not really, from what we had been doing recently, he could still be at Tokyo."
"How about the others?"
"We're keeping track of them and not to mention destroying them. You know the boss."
"You really admire him that much?" Yuka teased.
Reo blushed. "N—no!" He denied. "Anyway, I think your daughter is there,"
"I was informed that they changed the administration."
"It doesn't matter. Do you think he would give up easily? Even though there are no recent activities coming from him, I know he's planning something bad. I hate it that we can't wipe him out completely."
"You're right," Yuka bit her lip. "Thanks," Then she disappeared.
…
It began to snow once again. Natsume saw Yuka approach the house. She hugged herself because of the cold. He opened the door and melted the snow on her path. She smiled and gave him her thanks. "I'm not as strong as I used to be," She smiled. "I get tired easily after using my Alice."
Natsume knew she was lying. Her wrists were bruised when she took off the coat and she had some blood on herself. "I'll take a bath first then we'll go back to Tokyo."
Natsume just nodded. "Do you know where she is?"
"I have a clue on where she is," Yuka's face darkened. She clenched her fists and walked ahead.
Natsume grew impatient. He couldn't think straight especially when Yuka talked like she expected him to decipher everything or that he already knew what she was talking about. He decided to roam the house to pass the time. He walked wherever his feet would take him. He opened a few doors and when he saw a room with mandarin orange wallpaper, he knew exactly that it was Mikan's room. He hesitated at first but then he decided he'd enter her room. He saw a few pictures on the wall like Mikan's solo pictures and Mikan's picture with her parents and her grandfather. She even had a picture with Yuka hugging Izumi while he kissed her on the cheeks.
Natsume walked towards the study table. There were some thin books and beside it was a picture. He studied it. He saw four smiling children two girls in between the two boys. A black-haired girl hugged Mikan and beside that black-haired girl, was a blond boy who crossed his arms. Aside from the girl, a boy held Mikan's shoulder with his left hand. Natsume raised a brow. He studied the boy. He had auburn hair and dark-brown eyes. He seemed too close to Mikan. Natsume clicked his tongue and felt hot all over his body. "What am I getting all worked out for?" He decided to go out.
"Please tell her that I'd be back later." Natsume told Ojii-san before leaving.
"It's okay since Yuka and I will talk, but don't be out for too long." The old man smiled and waved good bye.
Natsume nodded and left the house. When he closed the gates shut, he saw a familiar face turn to the corner. He unconsciously followed the person and was taken aback when he saw the boy stop in front of the street of the Sakura residence. Natsume took a step back so that the boy wouldn't notice him. He balled his hands into a tight fist when he realized the reason why the boy seemed familiar. He was the one in the picture holding Mikan's shoulder. He was still the same except for some slight changes like his hair had slightly grown and he seemed more mature than childish.
The boy stared at the Sakura house like he wanted to go inside. He didn't even notice the raven-haired boy staring at him intently. Natsume looked at where the boy was watching and he even felt hotter when he saw the window to Mikan's room. Without thinking he went up to the boy and punched him on the face. The boy fell on his back.
"Damn it! What was that for?!" The auburn haired boy demanded.
"What business do you have here?" Natsume mercilessly stepped on the boy's chest.
"Why do you care?!" The boy's face flushed. He breathed heavily.
"Don't worry, I don't really care," He lit up a fire on his palm as a sign of warning. He didn't care whether the auburn-haired boy knew about Alices on not. He just wanted to cool down.
"I'm Kennichi! Geez! I'm… Mi—the girl living—who lived there—I'm her acquaintance." He brushed his hair back and then tried to lift Natsume's foot but he couldn't. "So you're an Alice huh?"
Natsume shrugged.
"You're like her, so you guys must be close." Kennichi smiled sadly.
"It's none of your business." Natsume took his foot off of the poor kid. The fire he created disappeared.
"Take care of her," Kennnichi said as he stood up.
"Why were you here?" Natsume demanded.
"Let's just say, I still felt guilty after all these years and I really liked her but I don't deserve her. I don't even deserve to call her name."
"You got that right," Natsume muttered.
Kennichi ignored Natsume's sarcasm. "You know I planned on going after her… I heard she was at Tokyo. If I got accepted at the Gakuen Alice since I was an Alice, that's when I can chase after her."
Natsume glared at the boy. "You shouldn't." His ember eyes were threatening, it seemed like the boy would suddenly burst into flames if he responded wrongly.
"More like I couldn't." Kennichi stared at the sky. "My Alice disappeared."
Natsume couldn't care less. In fact the conversation began to bore him. The hotness he felt disappeared. "Whatever," He turned around and walked away.
"Tell her I'm sorry," The boy called out.
Natsume ignored him. "I am not anyone's messenger." He entered the house again and decided to stay put. He got the steam off of his system and punching the boy made him feel better. He opened the door and saw Yuka and Ojii-san talking.
"I'll ask for Shiki's help,"
"You came home early," Ojii-san looked amused. "A while ago, you seemed ticked."
"I felt better," Natsume shrugged.
"That's good," Yuka walked towards Natsume. "We're taking you home."
"I am not going home," Natsume took a step backwards.
"I don't know if I could keep you safe. I don't know his limits." Yuka said seriously. "If he was replaced, then I am certain that the person who replaced him is much stronger."
"I can keep myself safe," Natsume said with determination. "And I don't give a damn on who ever this him you're referring to."
Yuka sighed. "Kids these days are ignorant and stubborn." She looked at him like how a snake would look at his prey. "Don't say another word about this, whether it's Ruka or anyone close to you. It's for Mikan's safety and for her well-being."
Natsume nodded.
"Good," Yuka held Natsume's arm and looked at Ojii-san. "We're off now,"
"Take care," Then Yuka and Natsume disappeared.
They appeared in front of Gakuen Alice. Natsume looked at Yuka. "Why here?"
"You'll see." Yuka didn't let go of Natsume. She once again teleported them to the Middle School Principal's office. She let go of Natsume and held onto the nearby chair. "I need a drink," She muttered. Instantly, someone handed her water.
"I knew you'd be here any minute." It was Shiki, the current Middle school president.
"Stalker," Yuka accused.
"Everyone's a stalker for you."
"Nonsense," Yuka laughed. "Do you know where Mikan is kept?"
Shiki shook his head. "I have no clue on where she is. I am sorry."
"Can someone fill me in?" Natsume asked impatiently. He crossed his arms and irritably tapped the floor with his foot.
"Who is this?" Shiki looked at Natsume, ignoring his the boy's words.
"Mikan's friend," Yuka replied.
"You do know that this is delaying us," Natsume walked towards the window. His eyes narrowed and then widened.
"I am coming up with plans as we go along the way," Yuka replied with irritation.
"She's here," Natsume pressed his palms on the window.
"I know she's here, that is why I took us here," Yuka retorted.
"No—" Natsume motioned Yuka to look out the window. "Look," He pointed towards the walking brunette. She seemed like she had things on her mind and she looked uneasy.
"Mikan!" Yuka disappeared and was at her daughter's side in an instant.
"That was fast," Shiki commented as he made his way towards the window.
"Why would she be here?" Natsume asked Shiki.
"Obviously, you didn't know that aside from Z, the former Elementary School Principal wanted Yuka to do his dirty work and after the incident that revealed Mikan's Alice stealing he wanted Mikan as well."
"You said former."
"Yes," Shiki paused for a while. "did you know that no one had seen the current Elementary School Principal yet? Well, except for Mikan. All we know was that he had the same name as Kuonji. No thought was given much because he didn't continue the former ESP's dirty deeds. There were no issues and the like. The administration changed much after that incident… at least in a passive way, I think."
"How about her dad?" He referred to Mikan's faher, Izumi.
"He doesn't really go to the principal's office. He just takes the tour for his business transactions." Shiki answered.
"What incident are you talking about previously?"
Shiki smiled. "That's not my story to tell."
"I won't seem to understand adults like you," Natsume moved away from the window and went towards the door. "but I will find out everything that has anything to do with Polka." He looked at Shiki for the last time and slammed the door shut.
…
It was almost sundown. It still snowed and the snow piled up once again. The breeze blew coldly but Yuka didn't mind. She was relieved to see her daughter. "Mikan!" Yuka wrapped her arms around her daughter and began to cry.
"Mom!" Mikan was shocked to see her mother at the Academy and also that Yuka was crying.
"Did they hurt you?" Yuka held Mikan in front of her and scanned her.
"No," Mikan assured.
"Why on earth do they have to kidnap you?!" Yuka sobbed.
"It does seem like that," Mikan scratched her cheek. "but they really didn't do anything to harm me. Besides I could take them on anytime," She replied proudly.
"That is not something to be proud of Mikan," Yuka replied sternly.
"Okay," Mikan shook her head up and down. A boy walking outside the school building caught her eye. His raven hair flowed with the gust of wind, his ember eyes meant business and he was fast approaching. "What is he doing here?" She looked at her mother. She decided not to cower behind her mother despite of the fact that she felt nervous.
"He wanted to be your knight in shining armor." Yuka giggled.
"I don't." Natsume reached them in time to hear Yuka's incredible explanation. She gave him a don't-you-dare-tell-her-what-you-know as Yuka hugged Mikan again.
"Yeah, that's a bit absurd," Mikan held her mother's hand and waved dismissively.
"She owes me," Natsume told Yuka.
"How is that?" Yuka raised a brow.
"She bothered me, so she had to pay for it." Natsume made a staring contest with Yuka.
"It's hard to believe you're Kaoru's son," Yuka thought again. "maybe not."
"It's hard to believe you're not diagnosed with bipolar illness," Natsume retorted. "A moment you were—"
"Natsume!" Mikan's eyes widened.
"It's so unusual that you're not bothered like you were earlier."
"Because what matters most is that she's here," Yuka glared at Natsume.
"The culprits weren't caught and you're okay with that." Natsume pointed out.
"I am not okay with that," Yuka defended.
"You look like you were," Natsume insisted.
"Please, stop the bickering and let's just go. Maybe if I explain the situation to you guys, you'd all understand?" Mikan felt flustered.
"Fine," Natsume and Yuka chorused.
"Natsume-kun's going to treat us," Yuka pouted.
"Oh sure, because after your daughter got abducted, I brought some money first and then phoned my servant to take me to your house to inform you about her situation,"
"You're one cocky little kid," Yuka pinched Natsume's cheeks really hard. "You're so rude," Natsume shove Yuka gently. "Come on, we're going home," She held Mikan and Natsume on the arms. In an instant, they appeared in front of the Yukihira Mansion.
"Having teleportation Alice is really convenient," Natsume commented.
"Yeah," Yuka replied. After entering the Yukihira mansion, they proceeded to the living room. Yuka started the conversation "So what happened?"
"The Elementary School Principal asked my hand in marriage." Mikan blushed. "He was sorry that he had to invite me that way. I mean in a way that it seemed like he kidnapped me—"
"He what?!" Yuka's eyes widened. "He's old enough to be your grandfather and he asked you to marry him?!"
"Excuse me, tea Yuka-sama?" A servant poured the three some tea.
"Thank you," Yuka said abruptly. "tell us more,"
"He told me he would like to marry me as soon as possible. He doesn't want anyone marrying me first." Mikan blushed once again. "Mom, he's not that old. He's just a kid, like me."
"He's not old, wrinkly and old?" Yuka took a sip of the tea. She tried to calm her nerves.
"No mom," Mikan giggled.
Everyone was silent. "Oh," Yuka said finally but she can't help herself but still be suspicious. "I'm going to rest now, tell me the details next time." Yuka stood up. "Excuse me," She walked away.
"She's just worried." Natsume took a sip of the tea.
"Yeah," Mikan played with her hair.
"So what happened next?" Natsume asked.
"Well," Mikan took a deep breath. "I turned him down. I told him I'm too young to think about those things,"
"Said the girl who agreed to have an arranged marriage," Natsume commented.
"It was for mom," Mikan replied defensively.
"So what did he do?" Natsume asked impatiently.
"N—nothing," Mikan looked away. "Anyway, thank you for sticking with my mom. She could be very unreasonable sometimes," Mikan smiled apologetically.
"Yeah, she is." Natsume shrugged.
Mikan felt awkward. "Oh, do you want to go see my greenhouse?" Mikan stood up.
"Yeah, sure, whatever." Natsume followed her.
Mikan walked out the door and walked back. "It's too cold, I'll get something to warm me up," She giggled. Natsume held her close and lit a fire.
"Lead the way." He unbuttoned his jacket. They shared his jacket and Mikan told herself not to get too self-conscious but she couldn't because of the fact that one: Natsume still wore the jacket thus making them very very close, two: She could almost feel his body warmth if not for the remaining cloth and three: Natsume's arm was around her shoulders. Mikan blushed as they walked towards the greenhouse. She felt her heart racing and her cheeks felt hot.
"Does he know?" Natsume asked out of the blue.
"Who knows what?" Mikan looked at Natsume then looked at the ground again when she realized their faces were inches apart.
"Does the principal know you're Sakura?" Natsume asked again.
"I am so not Sakura," Mikan laughed nervously.
"There's no use hiding it, I know because I went to your Ojii-san's place with your mother," Natsume opened the greenhouse door for Mikan when they arrived. After that, Mikan broke free from Natsume.
"Seriously? That doesn't connect at all." Mikan was still defensive.
"The mailbox says Sakura," Natsume rolled his eyes.
Mikan held her breath. She doesn't know what to do next. "Alright, but please don't tell anybody." She pleaded. "I mean, I don't want people—I mean…" Mikan was out of words.
"Does he know?" Natsume asked again.
"No," Mikan replied.
Natsume ruffled Mikan's untied hair and then began to look at the plants. There were orchids, roses and other flowers. They surround the place like mushrooms. The place sends out a nice spring-like vibe. There were even butterflies roaming around.
"So you knew because of that?" Mikan asked curiously.
Natsume didn't answer. "Why did you turn him down?" He asked.
"I told you—"
"Do you like someone else?" Natsume looked at her with an aura of seriousness.
"I don't," Mikan's face turned fifty shades of red.
"Oh really?" He stared at her in disbelief. He remembered the auburn-haired boy. He turned away and ignored Mikan.
"Really," Mikan insisted. Natsume still ignored her. "Natsume," Still no response. "Natsumeeee," She shook his shoulders. "You idiot," She pouted.
"You know I met an auburn-haired guy from where you lived."
She thought for a second. She placed her index finger on her chin. "Kennichi?" Mikan looked puzzled. "What about him?"
"Nothing," He shrugged. Natsume inspected Mikan. She doesn't look like she understood completely. "He said he's sorry."
"He did huh?" Mikan smiled.
"You do like him," Natsume accused.
"N—no," Mikan laughed. "He's just someone I know from way back." She explained. "Too bad he's not here, I wonder what happened. He said he'll see me soon."
"He lost his Alice," Nastume replied. He walked away and looked at the plants once again. It's not like he cared but he doesn't like to stand still and talk about a girl's love interest, especially Mikan's love interest.
"That's too bad," Mikan frowned. "but I can't do anything about that." She sighed. Natsume continued to pave the stony path. Mikan followed from behind and began humming. "Natsume, do you want to call Ruka-pyon and Hotaru over for dinner?" Natsume didn't reply. When he saw the garden set, he sat down. "Answer me Natsumee," She said beside his ear as she stood beside him.
"Stop it," Natsume covered his ear.
"Then answer me,"
"Do what you want," Natsume crossed his arms.
"You're no fun," Mikan pouted. "What's with you?"
"Nothing," Natsume didn't look at Mikan's eyes.
"Yeah right," Mikan stuck her tongue out.
Natsume looked at her for a moment. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you,"
Mikan was taken aback. "That's new," She whistled. "It's alright," She tried to laugh to bring back the happy atmosphere.
"I shouldn't have let you out of my sight." He suddenly hugged her. Mikan felt uneasy because she just stood there and Natsume felt heavy because he was sitting.
"It—it was my fault for going out on—on such a day," She didn't know whether to hug him back or not.
"You know what happens next don't you?" He asked as he buried his face on her silky brown hair.
"What?" Mikan finally decided to hold Natsume's back.
"I won't take my eyes off of you,"
"What?!" Mikan broke free from Natsume.
"You heard me," He smirked.
"Did mom tell you to do so?" Mikan asked in disbelief. "You really shouldn't." Mikan took a step back.
"Not really," Natsume stood up.
"How did things come to this?" Mikan's face flushed.
"I know how brute Sakura could be," Natsume said meaningfully. "I always see you with bruises."
"Nonsense," Mikan waved her hand dismissively. She began backing up whenever Natsume took a few steps forward.
"I know you occasionally get into fights," Natsume smirked when Mikan ran out of space to move backwards.
"Stalker," Mikan placed her hands on her hips.
"You do have a reputation at school." Natsume continued.
"That has nothing to do with what happened today," Mikan threw her arms in the air out of frustration.
"It does," He closed the gap between them and held her hair to his lips. "I will protect you, not matter what." He gazed directly in her eyes.
Mikan blushed really hard. She felt her heart on her head, her stomach twisted into a knot and she felt nervous. His look made her want to melt. She turned away and hoped he wouldn't hear her heart beat. "I don't need protecting," She whispered. When she looked back at Natsume, who was closer than ever, her face flushed once again and she pushed him away. "Urgh! You're being weird again!" She shouted and ran away. After putting enough distance between them, she stopped and turned back. "I'm calling Hotaru and Ruka-pyon over," After that she ran out the greenhouse.
…
As soon as Yuka excused herself, she locked herself in her room. She immediately dialed a few numbers and waited for the other person to pick up. There were only two special phones and Yuka has the other one. It looked like a normal phone but it was designed by a person with Alice of Invention like Hotaru so there was no way that the phone could be bugged or traced.
"Yes, the new Elementary School Principal is actually young. Mikan described her as a kid like her. Yes… His name is still Kuonji. He didn't do anything to her except for the fact that he proposed to her… No… No… She refused him… Nothing happened so far… I will… Un… I know… Stop reminding me that the former ESP told me to marry him too… I understand…" Yuka hanged up the phone.
She plopped on her bed and closed her eyes. "I'm exhausted…"
…
"Imai-san," Ruka knocked on Hotaru's bedroom door. After taking a bath, Ruka accepted the clothes that Mrs. Imai lent him although it was a bit big for him. The clothes belonged to Subaru when he was still a boy. Ruka was told to come to the veranda for some snacks. Mrs. Imai also asked Ruka to call Hotaru to join them.
He dried his hair with the towel he was holding. He waited for Hotaru's response for about a minute or so. He knocked again.
"It's Hotaru-sama," He could barely hear what she said.
"Imai-san—" Ruka started but Hotaru cut him off.
"I am not opening the door until you call me Hotaru-sama." She said once again and this time her voice was louder and more demanding than before.
He sighed. "Your mother told me to call you for some tea and snacks." Ruka brushed his wet hair back. He hung the towel over his shoulders and knocked again.
"My mother is called Imai-san, and I am Hotaru-sama." Hotaru said stubbornly.
Ruka gulped as he choked out the words."Ho—Hotaru-sa—sama…" Ruka felt his cheeks grew hot. "Y—your mother is calling you for a snack." He could hear some movements coming from the other side of the door.
"That's better, how hard could that be?" Hotaru smirked after opening the door. She walked ahead of Ruka with a devious aura.
The poor boy followed Hotaru to the closed veranda and joined Mrs. Imai for a cup of tea. The veranda was enclosed with a thick bullet-proof glass which could be opened using a remote control. It served as a case whenever it rains or snows. Hotaru was the one who constructed the veranda with her inventions such as her huge mechanical pig.
Mrs. Imai, Hotaru and Ruka ate in silence after they arrived at the veranda. A few minutes later, Mrs. Imai looked at her watch. "Oh my, it's getting late." Mrs. Imai chuckled. "You kids stay as long as you like but don't wear yourselves out," She stood up and walked back inside the house.
"I'm still hungry," Hotaru looked at Ruka.
"What am I supposed to do?" He raised a brow and looked at Hotaru with a weirded out expression.
"Go get me some crabsticks."
"You have servants here you know." Ruka turned away. "And you could just eat the biscuits; they go well with the passion fruit tea…" His voice trailed off. He still looked away. When he didn't hear Hotaru's reply, his head slowly turned back to face her. She was staring at him with a blank expression.
"I want those crabsticks now."
Ruka gulped once again. He stood up and walked towards the kitchen. If Mrs. Imai didn't offer him to eat some dinner earlier, he would have gotten lost. He memorized where the kitchen was located. Ruka poked his head on the door and looked for the chef. No one was inside the kitchen. Ruka opened the fridge and looked for the crabsticks at the freezer. He heated them at the microwave.
"Why am I allowing her to boss me around?" Ruka sweat dropped. He leaned on the counter and waited for the crabs to be heated.
"You're taking too long," Hotaru complained.
"What?" Ruka asked in disbelief. "I just got here and I just heated your food."
"You're too slow," Hotaru crossed her arms. "Apologize to me,"
"Imai-san—"
"That's Hotaru-sama for you," Hotaru intercepted Ruka. She watched him intently as she waited for him to call her Hotaru-sama again.
"I—I am not calling you that again," Ruka frowned.
"Fine, then hurry up." Hotaru left the room.
"Ruka sighed. "What is up with that girl?" He shook his head. As soon as he heard the microwave's ding, he put on some cooking gloves and took the crabsticks out. He returned back to the veranda and saw Hotaru holding her phone. She seemed worried and agitated.
"What's wrong with you?" Ruka placed down the crabsticks at the table in front of Hotaru.
"Mikan's not picking up," She grunted.
"She must be asleep." As Ruka sat down, his cellphone rang. "Hello?" He walked away from Hotaru and went inside the house. "Why did you call Yuka-san?"
"Mikan's not yet home," Yuka's voice was filled with worry. "By any chance, is she still with you? She told me she wanted to tell you something,"
Ruka blushed. "Well, we parted a while ago and I am here at Imai-san's house because of the snowstorm."
"So is Mikan there?"
"I'm afraid not," Ruka shook his head as if Yuka could see him.
"What did she tell you?" Yuka asked out of curiosity.
"She, uh, she called off the engagement…" He felt shy about telling Yuka the truth.
"She did huh," Yuka chuckled. "I'm sorry Ruka-kun," She apologized.
"It's nothing, I saw it coming." Somehow Ruka felt lighter.
"Thank you for taking care of her," After that Yuka bid farewell.
Ruka hung up the phone and went out to the veranda. He saw Hotaru talking to someone on the phone. After that Hotaru stood up. "She's not yet home," Ruka assumed that Hotaru talked to Yuka. She seemed restless. "I'm going to look for her," She walked pass Ruka.
"In this snow storm?!" Ruka asked in disbelief. He caught her wrist and held her tightly.
"She is precious to me," Hotaru glared at Ruka. "you should also be worried." She accused him.
"I am!" He scowled. "But we don't know where she could be, we should just stay put. Even with your brilliant inventions, you can't face this snow storm."
Hotaru bit her lip. She doesn't want to admit her defeat. She felt surprised when Ruka pulled her and then hugged her. Her eyes widened. Her instinct told her to push him away but when he held her back, she felt like crying. "That idiot…" She whispered.
"Mhmm," Ruka relaxed when he confirmed that Hotaru won't be hitting him.
"I will beat her to death tomorrow when I see her." She gently pushed Ruka and walked away. Hotaru returned to her room and went to bed. She tossed and turned but she couldn't get Mikan out of her mind. She finally sat down. She decided to wear her thickest clothes and go out for a moment. She opened the door and was astonished once again by Ruka. He sat at the floor opposite of her bedroom door. When he heard the door open he looked up.
"So I was right," Ruka smiled.
"No you were not," She looked away.
"I told you to stay put."
"You're not the boss of me." She felt her ears burn.
"Yuka-san called. She told me that her daughter was at Natsume's house."
"Why didn't you tell me? Why is she there?"
"Same reason as to why I am here,"
Hotaru sighed in relief and went back to her room. "You don't need to guard me anymore. I won't be going anywhere." She turned her back. "Thank you," She closed the door.
…
The faint light found its way to Hotaru's room. She blinked a few times and yawned. She looked at the alarm clock. It was quarter to eight o'clock. She jumped out of bed and showered hurriedly. "Stupid Mikan," She muttered.
"It's rare to see you oversleep." Mrs. Imai smiled as soon as her daughter entered the dining room. Hotaru ignored her mother and sat in front of Ruka quietly. He looked at her and smiled. "No classes today."
"I see," Hotaru mumbled.
"Have you called Mikan yet?" Ruka asked.
"She still wouldn't answer," Hotaru growled. "If Natsume did something to her, I will kill him."
"Hotaru," Mrs. Imai looked at her daughter in shock. "You can't talk about murder in front of the dining table."
"I'm sorry," Hotaru said bluntly and began to eat.
"Natsume wouldn't do such a thing," Ruka defended.
"I don't trust him," Hotaru said straightforwardly.
"I'm telling you, he's nothing like that." Ruka insisted. His eyebrows met.
"Whatever," Hotaru shrugged. "If I don't hear from Mikan any time soon, I will definitely send out a nuclear bomb on that bastard's house after I got Mikan away from him."
"Your words Hotaru," Mrs. Imai said with a warning tone.
"Sorry," Hotaru glowered at Ruka.
…
Hotaru busied herself at her lab. Ruka was with her all the time. He just sat there looking at the inventions she was making. Hotaru kept reminding Ruka of what she will do when Natsume did Mikan harm.
"I will shoot his head with this." She held out a ray gun.
"It's a pity you can't," Ruka rolled his eyes.
A few minutes later Hotaru held out a giant claw. "I will pluck his eyes out from their sockets if he doesn't return Mikan to me."
"I know," Ruka shrugged.
Moments later Hotaru gawked at Ruka. He gave her a look that says what's-with-you?-you-weird-girl. She sighed and sat on the floor. "I'm tired."
"So?" Ruka crossed his arms. He had a vague idea of what she might possibly want.
"Carry me to the living room." She held up her arms.
Ruka refused. "Not this time Imai," He shook his head.
"I wonder what people will think if they saw this…" She took out something from her pocket and then showed it to him. Ruka's eyes widened with disbelief. In front of him was a picture of himself hugging the huge Piyo with googly eyes.
"Hey!" He was about to grab it when Hotaru withdrew her hand.
"Carry me now." She ordered.
"Give me the picture first," Ruka tried to bargain.
Hotaru smirked. "Alright," Her eyes glinted.
As soon as Ruka received the glossy photo, he tore it apart. He looked at Hotaru with loathing eyes. He unwillingly carried Hotaru bridal-style towards the living room. She smiled when he gently placed her on the couch. "Go get me some popcorn." She took out another picture from her pocket.
"Just how many copies do you have?!" Ruka demanded.
"Who knows?" Hotaru fanned herself with her right hand. "I'm getting impatient here,"
"Alright, I get it," Ruka grumbled.
Hotaru sighed, grabbed the remote control and watched a movie. Ruka positioned himself beside Hotaru when he arrived to give her the popcorn. Hotaru felt cold so she told Ruka to get some blankets. Once again, Ruka begrudgingly followed Hotaru's orders. At the middle of the movie, Hotaru fell asleep and her head fell on Ruka's shoulder. He didn't wake her up but instead he fixed the blanket on Hotaru's shoulder so she won't get cold.
…
The moon rose up to the sky and snow still descended to the ground. Hotaru woke up and the first thing she saw was the screen saver of the flat screen television. She felt something on her head. It was Ruka's head resting on her head. It seemed like he also fell asleep. The black-haired girl stayed silent for a few minutes and then poked Ruka's cheek. "Wake up or I'll punch you on the face with no mercy," She took out her horse-hoof glove from who-knows-where. Ruka blinked a couple of times and then jerked away from Hotaru. He stared at her with caution as he eyed the horse-hoof glove.
"Phone call for you, Hotaru-sama," One of the house keepers entered the room.
Hotaru received the phone and nodded at the house keeper. "Hello, this is Hotaru,"
"It's me Mikan,"
"Oh," Hotaru hung up. A few seconds later, the phone rang again.
"I'm sorry!" Mikan wailed. "I promise to call you whenever I get stranded at a person's house!"
"Darn right you should," Hotaru sounded pissed off.
"Come over," Mikan said without beating the bush. "Let's have dinner together. You could even stay the night,"
"No," Hotaru replied without hesitation. She was making Mikan pay for making her worry so much.
"But—" Mikan's voice was about to cry.
"No," Hotaru said firmly. She already decided and she was not about to change her mind.
"Natsume—"
"What about him?"
"Natsume is here and—"
"We'll go," Hotaru stood up and looked back at Ruka. "Get ready and we're going to Mikan's house."
"Now?" Ruka rubbed his eyes.
"That's a stupid question," She pointed out.
"And that's a Stupid answer," He retorted. "And how are we going to get there?"
"Asking that sort of question," Hotaru clicked her tongue. "I've built a lot of things and they include transportation." She smirked. "Be ready for about ten minutes or else I'm leaving you here." She commanded and left.
…
Hotaru wasn't bluffing when she said she built many things and they included transportation machines. She built a hovercraft with rabbit ears for its blades. It was small and convenient for two people. It's color was light pink and it even had a bunny tail at the back.
"Hop in," Hotaru handed Ruka his safety helmet.
"Isn't this a bit childish for your taste?" Ruka blushed when he rode the hovercraft.
"I made this when I was still an eight-year-old girl," She shrugged like it was normal for little girls to build such machinery. Ruka sweat dropped and stayed silent. The Third floor ceiling opened when Hotaru pressed a button. Snow infiltrated the room. After the hovercraft left the parameters of the house the roof closed once again.
…
Mikan stared at the ceiling after the call. She lay on the couch at the living room with the phone still on her hand. Natsume still hadn't come back from the greenhouse. She felt uneasy once again. She remembered how the Elementary School Principal talked to her. She could never forget his devious smile, his mysterious eyes and his threatening words. Mikan closed her eyes and inhaled and exhaled deeply. She didn't know what to do but she couldn't tell anyone because of Kuonji's threat. Her head ached from all the thinking. Soon, Mikan felt light and dizzy at the same time. After a few seconds she was consumed by the darkness and fell asleep.
…
Author's corner (May be deleted or edited after revision):
For sweet little: I'm sorry I failed to mention that they both have their own drivers. When you pointed that out, I imagined them really driving and I thought it was sort of off but cute but yeah twelve-year-olds can't drive. I hope it didn't cause so much misunderstanding.