Black Cat Means Good Luck Chapter 26: A Very Confusing Feeling, a gakuen alice fanfic

Chapter 26: A Very Confusing Feeling

There, they rode along the crystal lake reflecting the golden rays of the setting sun. Mikan felt the wind pass rapidly by the strands of her auburn hair. She felt the breeze touching her face. She brought her eyes on the firecaster who was busily operating the bicycle. She looked at his hair which danced gracefully in the wind. She held on him tighter and a smile entered her lips. She felt his heart beat fast again. She wondered why it was beating so fast. She then felt blood rushing to her head. She, too, felt her heart beat faster. She felt dizzy and continued to hold on tight on the firecaster. She brushed her face on the firecaster's back. She did not know why she did that. All that she knew is that she didn't want to let go of him. She felt confused of this feeling. However, it also made her somewhat happy.

The blew the steam from her coffee and took a sip from it. She placed her lavender eyes towards the window and looked at the colorful environment outside. It has been days since she left the academy. Winter has already ended and spring has begun its reign on the earth. Leaves started to sprout from the branches of the trees. Flowers began to bloom early in the morning. The fresh vapor of the morning dew was scented by the inventor's dainty nose. She rose from her seat and went towards the door. She went outside the house and breathed the early morning air. She listened to the songs of the birds as they greeted her. On her scooter she sat, and began to journey the town. She passed through the narrow streets and along the houses lined up properly along the sidewalk. She continued her trek until she finally reached a familiar wooden house far away. Flowers with various colors and sizes embedded the lush green grass of the yard. She went off her vehicle and went towards the door of the house. She knocked three times and waited for an answer. The door slowly opened and aquamarine eyes began to emerge. A familiar smile appeared from that figure's face which led the inventor in a long daze.

Ruka: Ohayo, Imai. You're here early. Come on in.

Hotaru: (in shock.) H-hai. Whatever.

She entered the house and Ruka closed the door for her. An uncomfortable aura surrounded the two which led them no communication. There was silence. They entered the house further where they found a familiar brunette looking at the refrigirator worriedly. Of course, as a bestfriend, Hotaru approached Mikan in order to find out about her problem. The nullifier smiled a bit as she saw the presence of her beloved Hotaru. However, she looked at the refrigirator again. The inventor placed her lavender eyes towards the contents of the refrigirator. There she found out that her bestfriend's "family" had run out of food. She looked at the Animal-boy who looked worryingly at the brunette, then at the person found at the further part of the room sitting on a chair playing with the ebony cat.

Mikan: (showing a list.) Hotaru, can you do me a favor? Can you go to the market and buy me these? Ruka-pyon does not know where to find the market. Natsume is lazy to do the favor for me. And I have a lot of things to do in this house. Will you please do it for me?

Hotaru: Mikan, you know that if I do someone a favor, that someone pays me for my labor, right? I don't know if I can do it. You don't have the sufficient amount of money to pay me. And I can't go there, already. I have just arrived. It would be a waste of time for me if I go back to the market.

She saw the brunette bow her head in disappointment. She felt a sense of guilt run towards her heart. She looked pitifully at her bestfriend who continued to bow her head. She then felt the presence of the Animal-boy come towards them. He placed his hand gently on the brunette's shoulder. He showed his most gentle smile again and began to speak.

Ruka: Don't worry, Sakura-san. I'll do the groceries for you. Just tell me the direction. Maybe I can talk to one of the animals here for directions.

Hotaru: It will be impossible for you to go to the market using that technique. First, the market is a very far place from here and you won't be able to find it by just asking for directions from animals. Second, it's a waste of time. Third, you will become a laughing stock of the century if they see you talking to your precious animals.

Ruka: Are you mocking me?

Hotaru: No. I'm just telling the truth to you, moron. I guess I have no choice but to accompany you to the market then, right, Nogi?

She felt someone looking at her. She looked at the nullifier who was showing a sign of gratitude to her. She felt the body of the brunette being brought to her. She was hugged. She took her BakaCannon Millenium and shot Mikan on the forehead. As expected, Mikan lay motionless on the floor. Ruka freezed in shock as these things took place. Natsume, on the other hand, revealed a smirk and continued playing with the cat. Hotaru blew the smoke from her BakaCannon and placed her lavender eyes on the Animal-boy.

Hotaru: Oi, Nogi. We need to go. It's a long ride from here. You need your bicycle. However, if you are interested to ride my scooter, you must pay me 500 rabbits. But, it's okay if you still want to use your bicycle. However, it will be tiring for you. I suggest that you should ride on my scooter.

Ruka: (sweatdropping.) I'll use the bicycle instead.

Hotaru: Well, as you wish. Oh, Hyuuga-kun. If Mikan wakes up, don't let her see any signs of water in her surroundings. She will vomit and faint again.

Not knowing if the firecaster will obey her or not, she turned her back and proceeded towards the door. The Animal-boy followed her from behind. The both of them finally went outside and rode on their vehicles. They sped along the long winding roads of the town. As they continued their journey, an eerie silence dominated the two. Not anyone of them started to talk since they began their trip. As they went farther, the two of them traveled slower as the time went by. Ruka began to feel bored as they rode on their vehicles. He looked at the inventor who continued to look emotionless as usual. He wanted the both of them to talk about something, anything, just to make their trip lively. He started to think about a topic. Then, something flashed in his head.

Ruka: Oi, Imai. Many people say that a person is not normal if he doesn't experience loving the opposite gender. I wanted to ask you this for a long time now. Have you ever loved someone in the academy?

He saw the inventor jerk in shock and bow her head. He looked closer at her face and saw a faint tint of red on her visage. Yes, she does - or not - did love someone in the academy. But, who? He felt his heart beating fast again. He felt a strange heat traveling towards his head. Who is that person she loves? Who? He then looked straight on the road they were taking. Silence dominated them again. They continued their journey slower than the speed they had when they started. Finally, they arrived at their destination - the market. It was a loud place. The vendors' voices traveled around the whole market. Numerous people went through the numerous narrow passages in that place. The two of them left their vehicles and went into the market. Hotaru took the list from her pocket and looked at the writings on the paper. She scanned the market and pointed to the place where numerous large meats were sold. The two of them went towards there and started to buy their needs. Ruka noticed that the inventor was such a famous person in the town. As they passed through various people, he found them greeting her. She greeted them back emotionlessly. He smiled as these took place.

Hotaru: I guess that we bought everything. We should go back. Baka might be worrying about us, now. We spent a lot of time in this place.

Ruka: (smiling.) Hai.

Hotaru: Why are you smiling?

Ruka: Nothing.

Hotaru wondered about this. However, to avoid suspicion, she rolled her eyes and turned her back on the Animal-boy. He, on the other hand, just followed her from behind. Then, unexpectedly, a group of five large boys their aged, went in front of them. The couple stopped walking. The largest boy showed a large grin on them. Hotaru and Ruka just glared at him. The boy went towards the inventor and introduced himself. He called himself "Sugar Daddy" (A/N: Ewww!) . He then puckered his lips and aimed for Hotaru's lips. Ruka seeing what might happen, clutched his fist and aimed on Sugar Daddy's nose. The boy landed on his back and relieved the pain on his nose. The Animal-boy, then, feeling the consequences of punching really hard, blowed on his hand and kissed it. The other four boys let their leader stand on his feet. Sugar Daddy wobbled because of the dizziness he felt after the impact. He adjusted his eyesight first and took a look on the Animal-boy. He marched towards Ruka, held his collar, and lifted him high. Ruka kicked the boy's abdomen and Sugar Daddy groaned in pain. He let go of the Animal-boy who took a large tomato and placed it on the large boy's mouth.

Ruka: (pushing the tomato into Sugar Daddy's mouth.) Well, now. I see that big boys aren't tough at all. I like it better if I push an apple into your mouth. I'll call a friend of mine and roast you and make you our meal. How do you like that?

Hotaru: Stop it, Nogi. I think it's not the right time for you to announce your triumph over these guys.

A strong impact then was felt on his head. Ruka gasped in shocked and fell on his face. He heard the laughter of the other large boys. They surrounded him and began to kick his body. He groaned in pain. He found himself weakening as each kick and punch arrived on his frail body. He slowly brought his aquamarine eyes towards the direction of the inventor. He found her being held tight by Sugar Daddy. He saw her looking worriedly at him. He tried to fight back. However, a large wood was hit on his head. He heard his name being called by Hotaru. He tried to look at her again, but failed. He closed his eyes and said her name. The last sound that he heard was, "Baka".

He washed his hands and looked at the ebony cat sitting next to the kitchen sink. It was already late in the afternoon and the inventor and the Animal-boy haven't returned yet. He brought his crimson eyes far out the window. He began to worry. He felt a pat on his back. He turned around and saw the brunette smiling at him. Obviously, she wanted to do something to relieve the boredom she was suffering after several hours waiting for the other couple to come back home. He rolled his eyes and looked out the window again.

Mikan: Oi, Natsume. Let's ride our bikes! It's getting boring in here.

Natsume: We have to wait for them. Maybe if we'll leave, they might arrive and not find us.

Mikan: (pouting.) Come on, Natsume! Pretty please! Pretty, pretty please!

He looked at her as she continued pleading him. He wanted to laugh at how she looked like. However, he has to maintain his composture. So, he just smirked and looked out the window again. He felt her pulling his sleeve while saying "Pretty please". He began to become irritated and agreed to ride their bikes. Mikan, showing intense happiness, hugged him tight and ran towards the door. The firecaster just remained motionless when she did that. He felt his heart beating again. He tried to relax and carried the ebony feline out the door. There, he found the brunette looking sadly at her bike. When she saw Natsume, she pointed on the wheels of her bike. They were flat. Natsume approached the bike and examined the wheels. Small holes were found on the wheels. Obviously, something - or someone - poked something sharp on the wheels. He suspected Sakura. He looked at the cat who was acting innocently at him. He knew right away that Sakura had something to do with this. He then walked away from the brunette.

Mikan: Hey, where are you going?

Natsume: It's hopeless. Your wheels have holes in them. It will be impossible for us to pump air in them. We don't even have spare wheels. We better go back inside.

As he was going back the house, he felt something warm pressed on his back. Then, he felt a wet substance being absorbed by his shirt. He looked back and saw the brunette burying her head on the firecaster's back. She held him tighter. Natsume just stayed motionless and shocked. Mikan pleaded him to let her ride on his bike. She wanted to ride with him. As she held tighter on his back, he felt his pulse, the sound of his heart. It raced rapidly as she continued to hug him. She then turned silent and continued to listen to his heart beat and wonder why it was beating so fast. Natsume, knowing what the nullifier was thinking, released himself from her and agreed to ride on his bike with her. Mikan shouted for joy. The firecaster brought the cat and put her inside the basket situated in front of the bicycle. He then put himself on the bike. Mikan then sat on the seat of Natsume's bike. She held on his back. The firecaster paused for a while to stop his heart pound fast. He then started to run the bike towards the lake.

The sun started to set and the firecaster stopped their journey. Mikan ran towards the lake and sat on its side. Natsume took the cat and left the bicycle. He approached the nullifier and sat on her left. She inhaled the fresh lake water and looked as its crystal waters traveled with the wind. She looked at the sun as it slowly hid in the mountains.

Mikan: Isn't it beautiful, Natsume. I never thought that I would see it again. I never thought that I would return home again. This wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for you, Natsume. Arigato gozaimasu.

She saw him just look at her. She smiled at him and looked at the lake again. She then felt something placed on top of her hand. It held her hand tight. She looked upon her hand and saw the firecaster's hand on it. She brought her chocolate eyes on the face of Natsume. She felt the blood racing towards her head again. She felt dizzy as she continued to gaze at his eyes. She bowed her head and sat silent.

Natsume: We better return home. Maybe Ruka and Imai are already there.

Mikan: (clutching her chest.) H-hai.

The two of them, along with Sakura, went to the bicycle and rode on it. They hastingly returned back to the house. However, it was dark. It was silent. Obviously, there was no one home. Natsume parked the bicycle out of the house and went back inside the house. The nullifier already had went in first. He began to worry. The brunette, on the other hand, looked at the pictures hung on the wall. Most of them were pictures of her and Grandpa. She looked at Natsume who was standing silently at the door. He was patting Sakura. She then remembered that one of the reasons why she wanted to go home was to make Natsume feel how it was like to have a family. However, because of her "stupidity", that didn't happen. She went out of the house and sat on the bench. She cried silently blaming herself for what had happened. Natsume saw her crying. He then went towards her and sat beside her.

Natsume: Oi, Polkadots. What's wrong?

Mikan: (drying her tears.) I-it's nothing. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine.

Natsume: I know something is wrong. You can't hide it from me, Polkadots. Now tell me. What's wrong?

Mikan: I'm so ashamed of you, Natsume. I know you expected to see a family in my home. Because of my stupidity, you never get to feel how it is to have a family. You never get to feel how it is to be cared for. I'm such a loser! I'm so sorry, Natsume! It's all my fault.

She placed her hands on her face and continued crying. Natsume felt pity for her. He looked at the ebony feline in his arms. She was telling him to do something about it (A/N: If you know what I mean.). He put the cat down on the ground. He pulled the brunette closer and embraced her. Mikan was shocked of what had happened. She then found comfort in his embrace. She held him tighter.

Mikan: (in her mind.) Natsume. I don't know why you are doing this. But, thank you. You made me feel better. I don't know why, but somehow, I feel that I'm always comforted when you are beside me, despite the fact you always insult me or everything. I don't know why, but I somehow feel that I want to be with you always. I'm confused, Natsume.

Then, they felt presences approaching them. Finally, the inventor and the Animal-boy arrived. Mikan released herself from the firecaster and approached the other couple happily. Hotaru was still holding the groceries in her hand. The brunette happily hugged each of them.

Mikan: Where have you two been? Natsume and I were worried sick about you!

Hotaru: Nogi came into a fight with bullies in the market.

Ruka: Hey, I was saving you from - what was his name again? Oh, Sugar Daddy. He was trying to harrass you.

Hotaru: (smiling.) They were big guys. You can't take them. Just look at you. You look like a whimp.

Ruka: I'm sorry if I was saving your life and your dignity. You should have seen Sugar Daddy's face when I placed the tomato in his mouth. It was so funny.

Hotaru: (smiling.) I found that very funny, too.

The two of them laughed a little. After a few moments, silence dominated the environment. Mikan broke the silence and told them that she was going to cook supper. She took the groceries from Hotaru's hands and ran into the house. Natsume followed her inside. The other two felt another uncomfortable aura surrounding them.

Hotaru: Oi, Nogi. Why did you try to save me, even though you know that you couldn't take them and I already had the appropriate tools to beat them?

Ruka: I don't know. My body just moved.

Hotaru: (touching Ruka's face.) Your wounds look bad. You should soothe the pain with ice.

She continued touching the wound on his face. Ruka felt his heart beating fast (A/N: These people should be hired for a band of heart drummers. Their hearts often beat fast.). He looked deeply into Hotaru's lavender eyes. He slowly raised his hand and placed it on hers. The inventor was shocked. They soon continued to look at each other. However, the inventor found out it was already late and she should go home. She took her hand and ran towards her scooter. However, before she left, she looked again at the Animal-boy lit by the moonlight. She started her scooter and went back home.

Driver: Are we all set?

Mikan: Hai!

Driver: Well, let's go back to the academy. Fasten your seatbelts, minna.

Their journey back to the academy started. Mikan looked outside the window and looked as their journey lengthened. She remembered the happy times she enjoyed with her "family": Natsume, Ruka, Hotaru, and Sakura. She then looked at the firecaster sitting in front of her. A smile crept in her face as she remembered the memories she had with him inside the house. He was like a brother she never had. However, she felt something in her heart again. As she raised her eyes towards him, a new feeling developed inside of her. Everytime she looked at him, she always felt confused and happy at the same time. All she knew was that she made him feel the love and care of a family even though Grandpa wasn't there. She looked outside the window again, and closed her eyes. She uttered a little prayer in her lips.

Mikan: Dear Grandpa, we're going back to the academy again. I know things didn't turn out right when we first came home. However, those days were the happiest days of my life. All the most important people in my life were there: Hotaru, Ruka-pyon, Natsume, and Sakura. They made me happy despite the fact that you're gone. They made me believe that you are always here beside me. I'm happy I have them, Grandpa - especially Natsume. Even though he's a pain in the neck sometimes, he's a really special person. Well, we have to return to the academy. I hope to see you again. Mikan

Konnichiwa, minna! I'm sorry for the very late update! I'm so sorry! I'm just to busy with this enrollment thingy. Oh no! Classes are approaching! No! I hate it! Well, that's life. Phew! This is the twenty-sixth chappie. I hope you like it even though it's very short. I can't wait to finish this fanfic, you know. The next chapter will be the last chapter, so hold on to your seatbelts, everyone. It will be a great ending... I think. It will be The End?

Here are the wonderful people who managed to give me great reviews: akerue, kimmie911, UnreadableMe, ruin princess, and xxanimeloverforever18xx. Thank you very much - especially kimmie911 for giving me a whole lot of reviews, and I mean a lot!

Please continue supporting this fanfic and my other fanfics to come. I love you guys! Read on, and please review!