Black Cat Means Good Luck Chapter 25: I'm Going Home, a gakuen alice fanfic

Chapter 25: I'm Going Home

Mikan's name wasn't mentioned. He looked at the brunette once more. He saw her hiding her face with her bangs. All her hardwork, all futile. She wasn't going home after all. A tear then rolled down her face. He then saw Sakura comfort her master. Mikan cried silently in her seat. He brought his eyes once more towards Jinno. He saw him adjust his eyeglasses and looked at the paper once again.

Cold wind rushed into his room and into his face. He felt the chilly sensation blowing into his visage. He opened his tired crimson eyes and looked at his open window. Snow was gradually melting and cold water began to drop towards the ground. He arose from his bed. He proceeded towards the bathroom and took off his garments. He turned on the shower and thought about the event that happened last night. He remembered the words that endlessly rang in his ears: "Arigato, Natsume... for making me feel that I'm important to you. I never thought that you felt this way about me. I'm so thankful that you're my friend. You made this day so special for me." He felt his heart beat fast. A smile crept in his lips. That night, was a very special night. He never felt happier when he saw the brunette's expression of gratitude for him. She was happy and it was enough for him. He turned off the shower and exited the bathroom. He did his usual habits and went out of his lair.

He walked past the cold streets of the academy. He saw the other students walking with their books in their hands. It was their first day of school for the year. He continued to walk until he finally reached his destination. He then arrived at his classroom. The others were still sleepy because of the party last night. He scanned the classroom and found his bestfriend sitting at the farthest part of the classroom. It was odd because a certain brunette wasn't seen beside the blond-haired teen. He went towards the Animal-boy and sat on his left. He then saw his bestfriend's aquamarine eyes look at his ruby ones. A smile was created in Ruka's lips and he greeted the firecaster. Natsume just nodded. He then put his eyes on the empty seat beside him. He felt the cold wind blow into his face again. Where the heck is Polkadots? Then, he heard a loud slam coming from the door. Finally, the nullifier arrived - with the cat.

Mikan: Yes! I'm not late! Hey, you guys left me cleaning your mess! How could you? You were the ones who prepared the party. You're so mean!

She greeted each and everyone of her classmates. Some greeted her back, and some just ignored her. When she finally reached her seat, she greeted both of her male seatmates. Ruka greeted her back and the firecaster just continued to ignore her. But, deep inside he was happy that the idiotic Mikan isn't absent. He secretly brought his eyes towards the brunette. Little did he know that she was looking at him, too. When their eyes met, both of them jerked in surprise and bowed their heads. He again looked at the brunette and he saw her playing with their Sakura. The school bell rang and all of them expected the entrance of their most odd teacher, Narumi-sensei. However, they heard familiar loud footsteps approaching the door. A dark silhouette appeared on the translucent window on the door. The doorknob turned and entered the person they least expected, Jinno-sensei. With him, was his favorite stick, his pet frog, and a piece of paper. The class was curious on what was written on the piece of paper. What was it? He proceeded to the table and looked at each and everyone of the class. He adjusted his eyeglasses and looked at the piece of paper he was holding.

Jinno: Vacation's over, and I know you all enjoyed your night. I know you are expecting your Narumi-sensei to come inside your classroom. However, he will be late for some insignificant reason.

Yuu: What is it, sensei?

Jinno: He's going to steal Misaki-sensei's whip beans again. Anyway, your performance this school year is very satisfactory. I'm proud of you. As you all know, every year, the academy lets honor students have one week vacation in their hometowns. The piece of paper I am holding right now is the list of Honor Students. They will leave later this afternoon.

Natsume heard the brunette beside him mumbling words in her mouth. She was closing her eyes and clasping her hands. She was praying. How she wanted to go home, he realized. He brought his eyes towards the teacher and listened to what he was going to say.

Jinno: The honor students of this year are: Hyuuga Natsume, Imai Hotaru, Tobita Yuu.

Jinno: There is a new honor student in this class. We, teachers, agreed to give her the award because of her perseverance in attaining high grades. I admit that she improved immensely. The last, but not the least, honor student in our class is Sakura Mikan. Congratulations.

The teacher revealed a smile towards the brunette. Natsume looked at the brunette and he saw her cry tears of joy. He sighed in relief to see her happy. He then heard the teacher create a few coughs. Jinno cleared his throat and took something from his pocket. He showed the class what he was holding. They were two special stars. Natsume saw them, too. Two of their classmates will be awarded the special stars.

Jinno: I know you are surprised. I know you know what these are. Today, I'm going to award two of our students these special stars because of their exemplary performances in class. The two who will receive these stars are: Imai Hotaru and Sakura Mikan. Please come in front and take your stars.

He saw Mikan jump from her seat excitedly and leave Sakura. He smirked a little and took the cat into his arms. He brought his crimson eyes towards the brunette who excitedly took her special star and thanked their homeroom teacher. Jinno gave each of the new special stars a handshake and both of them went back to their seats. Mikan happily took off her three stars and placed her shining special star on her collar. She showed her stars to her male seatmates. Ruka congratulated her. Natsume, on the other hand, kept on looking on the brunette. How he wanted to congratulate her. He then looked at the cat in his arms that somewhat told him to congratulate the brunette. However, he just rolled his eyes which made the newly-ranked special star irritated. The teacher cleared his throat once again and planned to leave the classroom. However, Ruka stood up and called the teacher's attention.

Ruka: Sensei, I know I have already asked you this for quite a number of times, but... If the other honor students will leave, will Natsume be staying here?

Jinno: Because he has no home to go to, well, I guess he has to stay.

Ruka: Oh.

As these words rang in the firecaster's ears, his heart began to beat slowly. It has already been years since he last seen the outside world. He missed the hills that he once played on. He missed the trees where he once picked fruits from. He wanted to see new faces. How he dreamed to see that place one more time. However, it was impossible, for he has no home but the academy. He then saw the brunette stand from her seat.

Mikan: Well, if that's the case, Sensei. Can Natsume go home with me? It's all right. We're not alone. Grandpa is staying in my house and he will be happy to accept Natsume.

The whole class was shocked. Natsume? Go home with her? That's crazy. However, they saw her expression wherein she knows what she was doing. Natsume was surprised of what she said. He can't go home with her. The teacher thought about it. Then, he looked at the brunette.

Jinno: The teachers and I have been thinking of ways on how to let Natsume spend his vacation on the outside. However, we cannot come up of ideas to make him go home. Your idea is good, Sakura. And I agree to let Natsume go home with you.

The whole class was shocked, especially the Natsume-Ruka fan club. Natsume is going home with Mikan. The firecaster felt his heart beat fast again. He was going to home with Mikan. He and she alone in the house with her grandfather. But, he looked at his bestfriend who was bowing his head. Ruka will be left alone in the academy if he leaves. So, Natsume called the attention of the teacher. Jinno then brought his eyes towards him.

Natsume: Oi, Jinno. I want Ruka to go with me.

Jinno: But, Natsume. He isn't an honor student.

Natsume: I won't let Polkadots go home if Ruka isn't coming with me.

Jinno: If that's the case, very well. He will go home with you. All right, class. I have to go. I still have a class in the other class. Honor students, you better leave the classroom early and pack. So you won't have any problems leaving the academy.

Jinno left the classroom and the class kept silent. Natsume looked at his bestfriend who smiled in happiness. Ruka thanked him and he gave him his oh so famous smirk. Then, they heard a loud slam on someone's table. It came from the president of the Natsume-Ruka fan club. Her expression on her face showed intense anger. She glared at the brunette who was looking at her back. Sumire rose from her seat and approached the table of Mikan.

Sumire: Why you little! What did you give Jinno-sensei that he will give you the honor student award and the special star? You are a nobody, Sakura! How could you even be this successful when you were a good-for-nothing idiot when you first came here? You're so unfair! Maybe you just did these dirty things just to be with my Natsume-kun and Ruka-kun! I hate you! You're going to pay for this!

The class then saw Sumire transform into a cat-dog using her alice. Her hands formed into claws with sharp nails on them. Sumire screamed to the top of her lungs and prepared to attack the brunette. Mikan shielded herself using her arms and expected to feel wretching pain. However, when she heard Permy's loud squeal, she looked at the figure before whose hair was burning. The classroom was filled with smoke and the odor of burning hair. Everybody's attention turned towards the firecaster who was controlling the fire on Sumire's hair.

Natsume: Oi, Permy. If you lay a hand on her, I will definitely kill you. Now scram before I change my mind in sparing your life. You're so pathetic.

Sumire dashed out the room and silence dominated the class. They were surprised of what had happened. The firecaster then stood on his legs and brought Sakura in his arms. He started to walk away from his seat and approached the door.

Natsume: Oi, Polka, Imai, Tobita, Ruka. Let's go and pack. We need to leave early.

Yuu, Mikan, Ruka, and Hotaru: Hai!

The four of them went with the firecaster and they altogether went out of the classroom. They walked out of the school building and proceeded to each of their rooms and packed their things.

One by one, they entered the long, black vehicle. They closed the door and their journey began. Slowly, the limousine passed through the vast roads of the academy. Then, they finally reached the gate. The gates opened and the car passed through them. Finally, they're out of the academy. The passed through immensely tall architectural structures of the city. They passed along rivers where birds of different sizes flew above the crystal clear waters. It was a long ride. They even ate dinner inside the limousine. All of them stared at the vast night sky where millions of stars were embedded on it. It was wonderful. They slept inside the limousine. Then, morning came. They were in a certain city where they saw many people hurriedly walking and crossing the streets. It was a very hectic city. The students in the car witnessed the glory of the large structures that stood tall on their streets.

Yuu: This is the city where I live.

Mikan: Really? There are so many big buildings here. I even thought of myself as an ant.

Ruka: Is this place really busy?

Yuu: Yes. Many of the people here are professionals. That is why this place is very busy. Most of the people here are business people.

Mikan: Interesting.

Driver: Tobita Yuu. I'm going to drop you here.

Yuu: All right. I can see my parents from here. Well, see you next week, guys. Enjoy your vacation!

Mikan: Bye, Iinchou!

The journey continued. As the distance from the limousine to the academy got longer, the sizes of the buildings decreased. Vast lands of everlasting whiteness glowed from the outside. Lifeless trees stood side by side along the road they took. Numerous snowy hills rolled on the vast white plains. Then, they finally reached their destination, Mikan and Hotaru's hometown. There, the foursome - along with Sakura - were dropped. They walked until they reached their destinations. Hotaru went into her home and Mikan arrived into hers. The nullifier hurriedly ran into her home and expected to see her grandfather. However, there was a gloomy aura flowing inside the house. It was dark. No one was present. All of their furnitures, their things, were dusty. The firecaster and the Animal-boy then took off their shoes and entered the house. They saw Mikan standing alone thinking deeply.

Ruka: (touching Mikan's shoulder.) What's wrong, Sakura-san?

Mikan: I don't understand. Where's Grandpa? He's supposed to be here this time of the day. Usually, he would be sleeping on the couch.

Ruka: Maybe he's out buying some groceries.

Mikan: I hope so. But, I really have a feeling that something is wrong.

Ruka: Don't worry. I know he's all right.

While the other two were talking, the firecaster toured the living room. It was small. But, it was also very accomodating. However, he felt a cool breeze blowing on the right side of his face again. The hair on his skin began to stand on its end. Something is wrong in here. He looked at the pictures placed on the wooden shelves. They were dusty that it seemed that no one has lived here for quite some time. A grim aura surrounded him. He then saw a picture frame unexpectedly fall from the shelf. He luckily caught it and placed it where it was originally placed. As he placed it back where it was, he saw an envelope lying on the shelf. It was covered with dust. He took it and read the writings placed on it. The name "Mikan" was written on it. Surely, it came from her grandfather. He approached the nullifier who was worriedly waiting for her grandfather.

Natsume: (giving the envelope.) I guess this is for you.

Mikan took the letter and took what was inside. It was for her, all right. Her grandfather wrote it for her. It was dated a month ago. The letter said:

My dearest Mikan,

I hope that you're going to read this letter. I'm sorry if I didn't wait for you. We both know that Grandpa is already very old and I know that my time to leave the world is coming near. I miss you, my dearest granddaughter. How I wanted to see you grow and turn into a very beautiful woman, just like your mother. However, I know it is impossible. I know you are having a great time there in the academy. As long as you are happy there, I am happy. I'm sad that I never got the chance to see you. Oh, my dearest Mikan. My time is up. All that I can promise you before I leave is that I will always look upon you from heaven and protect you the best way that I can. I will always love you, Mikan. Always. This house, it will belong to you. You will own all of these things in the house. I hope that it will be enough for you to remember our happy lives together. I hope that you will always remember me when you see this house. We had made so many wonderful memories here. I hope you take care of this house as I took care of it hoping that you will come back home, Mikan. Take care of yourself, Mikan. And always remember that I will always love you. You will always be my precious cherry blossom that makes my life in full bloom. Again, I love you.

Grandpa

Tears began to flow from her chocolate eyes. He's gone. He was really gone. Her years of hardwork just to see him was again all futile. She brought the letter to her lips and kissed it. The letter then was soaked wet because of her tears. The once happy brunette's face turned into a face filled with grief and sadness. She could only wail. She dropped down her knees and sobbed loudly. It was a pitiful sight. She kept calling her grandfather hoping that all if this was a fraud. Ruka felt sorry for her and took her in his arms. He felt the brunette pull his shirt because of so much agony. She dug her head into his chest and cried bitterly. Her tears soaked his shirt wet.

Mikan: It's all my fault! If only I studied hard earlier, I still would still have to meet him! I'm a bad granddaughter. If only I didn't leave him! It's all my fault!

Ruka: It's not your fault, Sakura-san. It's just that, it's already his time to leave the world.

The brunette continued crying and Ruka didn't know what to do. He tightened his embrace hoping that she would get tired of crying. Then, he saw the firecaster approach the both of them. He released the cat and brought his hand on her head. Mikan felt Natsume's hand on her head and she looked at him.

Natsume: Mikan. I know that it is hard for you. I have experienced what you are experiencing now. It's painful. I know. But, it has already happened and crying does not solve the problem. Your grandfather would not be happy seeing you crying over him. How can he leave the world peacefully if you cry for him? You have to let him go. I know he's looking at you right now, wanting you to calm down. Stop crying so he won't worry about you. He'll always look after you.

As these words were said by him, the nullifier stopped crying. She wiped her tears and embraced the firecaster tight. The latter was surprised. On the other hand, Ruka just looked at the two. Natsume then took his arms and embraced Mikan back.

Natsume: It's okay... It's okay.

The sun shined on their faces. They slowly opened their eyes and rubbed them. Ruka looked at Natsume, and the latter looked at him back. They brought their eyes on the space between them. Mikan was gone. The two rose from the floor on where they slept on and began to worriedly find for the brunette. Suddenly, an aroma of bacon and eggs rose into the air. Obviously, someone was cooking food. They hoped that they would find her. Luckily, they did find her and Sakura. The cat was drinking milk.

Mikan: Ohayo, Ruka-pyon! Ohayo, Natsume!

Ruka: I see you're in a good mood.

Mikan: Thanks to you two. I'm sorry if I acted weird yesterday. It's just that for many years I longed to see my grandfather. But, I didn't get the chance to see him. Well, as others would say, we have to move on. So, you hungry? I made breakfast.

Ruka: Yup. I'm starving.

The two males sat on their seats and waited for the brunette to finish cooking. After a few minutes, they began to eat their provisions. They ate quietly. Then, they finished eating and helped her wash the dishes. Mikan went outside of the house and found three bicycles. She went towards them and touched them. They were still okay. Obviously, her grandfather cleaned them and took care of them while she was away. She called the males to come to her. They did.

Mikan: These bikes belonged to me, Grandpa, and Hotaru. However, because Hotaru created something to substitute her bicycle, she no longer used it. Want to ride?

The boys agreed. Mikan rode on her own bike. Natsume rode on her grandfather's bike which had a basket in front of it. He placed Sakura there. Ruka then rode on Hotaru's bike. They then started their journey. They toured the town. They met many people along the way. Finally, they reached the lake. They found a familiar figure standing on its side. The figure brought her lavender eyes on the threesome. Obviously, it was Hotaru. Mikan stopped her bike and ran towards Hotaru.

Mikan: Hotaru!

Hotaru: I know what happened. I'm sorry.

Mikan: It's okay. Like what they say, we need to move on. What are you doing here?

Hotaru: I missed the times when I was here.

Mikan: Want to swim?

Hotaru: No. Remember the last time we swam in this lake? You drowned and you made me and your grandfather worry to death.

Mikan: It was a long time ago. Don't worry about me. I know how to swim already.

Hotaru: All right. Just don't swim in the middle of the lake.

Mikan: (pulling Hotaru's hand.) Okay. Okay.

The two girls ran towards the lake and swam in it. The males, however, just sat on the lakeside and watched the girls enjoy the cold water. (A/N: Remember, spring was already approaching. That's why there is water already.) Hotaru stopped and looked at the boys. She told them to join them. However, they declined. Then, they heard splashing and shrieks. They brought their eyes towards the middle of the lake and they saw the brunette drowning and shouting for help. Ruka hurriedly jumped into the lake and went towards the brunette. He took her and brought her towards the shore. She was breathless and everybody began to worry.

Hotaru: Oi, Nogi. Do the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Ruka: (nervously.) W-why me?

Hotaru: You like her don't you? You're supposed to do that to her.

Ruka: But...

Natsume: Imai's right. You should do it. It's your chance.

Hotaru: (holding the camera.) I'm waiting.

The Animal-boy agreed and prepared to do the impossible. He felt his breath as he neared his face towards the brunette's. Beads of perspiration rolled down his face. He opened her mouth and closed his eyes. He brought his lips towards her preparing to give her the sufficient amount of air in her mouth. As his lips were nearing hers, Mikan unexpectedly coughed out water. Ruka's face was sprinkled by the water that came out of her mouth. He hurriedly sought for his wet handkerchief and wiped his face.

Mikan: Where am I?

Hotaru: That's what you get for not listening to me.

Ruka: What a relief.

Mikan: If only I didn't watch that movie!

She remembered the scenes that appeared during the movie "Idle Hands". She hallucinated for many times that she was being choked by an evil hand. She also had numerous nightmares about that evil hand in just one night. Because of that, she decided not to sleep. The time slowly passed by and she felt that she was going to sleep. However, because of her fear of being attacked by an evil hand, she tried her best not to close her eyes. She then felt her eyes getting heavy. She must do something in order to protect herself. Her eyes were getting blurry. She saw a patch of short ebony hair in front of her. "Hotaru," she said. She hugged the figure before her and she went to sleep. On the other hand, Natsume felt something warm being brought to his body. He slowly opened his crimson eyes and realized it was the brunette. He heard the Animal-boy yawn. Ruka woke up in the middle of the night and saw the brunette hugging the firecaster. He saw Natsume's surprised face. He laughed at the sight and went back to sleep. The firecaster then felt his back being pushed by something. He looked back and saw Sakura with a smile on her face telling him to do something (A/N: If you know what I mean.). He then placed his arms on the brunette and embraced her tight. He never let go of her during that night.

In the morning...

Natsume: Oi, Polkadots. Wake up.

Mikan: Hmmm?

She then saw the firecaster's face in front of him. It was inches away from her. She saw their position. She screamed at the top of her lungs when she realized what they looked like. Natsume then released himself from her and went out of the bedroom. She was left alone with Sakura. The cat went near her and went on her lap.

Mikan: What did I just do? Darn! What did just happen? Was I the one who did that? It's so embarrassing! But, last night I felt my body being hugged by somebody. Did he do it to me? It's impossible. Come on, Sakura. Let's eat breakfast.

Sakura: Meow!

Konnichiwa, minna! Phew! That's the twenty-fifth chapter! I'm so happy that I'm almost finished with this fanfic. I'm planning to make another cool fanfic, you know. I guess some of you have the idea on who's going to end up with him now. It's becoming a little obvious you think? Well, just continue to read.

I would like to thank the following for reviewing my story: black sun angel, -KuroTenshi11-, and euca1995. Thank you very much!

That's right, -KuroTenshi11-. I am a Filipina. Sure. I can be your friend. If you want me to be your friend in friendster, my e-mail add is or just search for '-nNekzZ-'. My ym e-mail add is found at my bio if you want to chat with me.

I'm almost finished, guys! Please continue supporting this story and the other stories I'm going to make. Please review! Ja ne!