Chapter 5: Fake Light

Little Falcon: So sorry for the long delay guys. I have lots of reasons but I'm sure you're not interested to hear it, which is good because I don't want to tell them. Anyways, I'm back with another update. Read and review like always.

Standard Disclaimer: I only own the idea that's all. If I did own this series I'll be the happiest person on earth!!!

"Ano, Natsume," her smile was radiant despite the confusion obvious from her melodic tone. One moment, she was introducing herself to the class and then the flame caster was pulling her out of the room, in the next. The long white corridors were empty at this time; class was going-on after all. But why is it that she found herself smiling and holding his hand tighter with every step? "Where are we going?"

Within moments, they were outside- under a nice shade where the sun and the trees seemed to have cooperated to make the perfect spot for them to relax. "I want to take a nap," he proclaimed. Soon after, he sat on the cool grass and pulled her down to sit beside him. Her protests and questions were silenced instantly when Natsume laid his head on her lap and close his crimson eyes.

After blinking a few times out of surprise and embarrassment, her gaze softened as she looked down at his face, so relaxed but still dashingly handsome. The dark bags under his eyes did nothing to mar his perfect features. He stayed up all night, watching me sleep. Gently, Mikan brushed away a few stray strands of hair from his eyes and unconsciously began to hum a tune while the mild wind blew.

Natsume didn't let her go until it was already time to return to their respective dorms. A sigh escaped her lips, both surrendering and delighted. Somehow, she found it so hard to resist the fire caster's aggressive requests even though she was a bit surprised to find this possessive side of him. It was only when someone pulled her arms so roughly and slammed her back against the wall, did she came back to reality.

These faces that hovered so close to hers were familiar. These people were in her class, from what her memory dictates. Their violent actions and the sadistic smirks on their pretty faces told her that they didn't want to make friends. "What do you want?" Mikan struggled to be free.

"Just because you have that Nullification Alice, doesn't mean you have the right to go seducing our 'prince'," one shrill voice said, followed by others who seem to say the same thing- they wanted her to stay away from their 'prince', Natsume. I see how some things never change. Despite her predicament, she found herself smiling as she recalled being in the same position years back. "How dare you mock us," one girl raised her hand in anger. Mikan closed her eyes in reflex, waiting for the hit until…

"BAKA! BAKA! BAKA!!!" a familiar sound made her look again. Those girls scattered immediately as rain of 'Baka' bullets targeted them.

"Imai-san, why are you protecting her? Do you know her?!" one yelled at the top of her lungs. The bullets stopped hailing down on them as the Alice Inventor's cold gaze traveled from the group of girls to their sole victim.

"Don't make the wrong assumptions. You guys were so noisy I can't concentrate on my work," she felt a slight pinch in her heart as she heard her best friend's words. Although she knew that Hotaru was only saying those things to keep up with the façade of her being a new student, her short discomfort came with no warning but she managed it well with the right rationalization.

"Only I do the bullying around here," another person stepped forward with her curly hair and cat-like eyes. "Sumire-san," as her well plucked eyebrow rose as she glared at the frantic girls who retreated almost all too quickly after receiving her deadly look.

"HOTARU-CHAN! PERMY!!!" Mikan lunged at them when they were in the confines of the Alice Inventor's large room. Maintaining her act took control than she thought. "BAKA! BAKA! BAKA!!!" her advances were met with her best friend's merciless 'Baka' bullets.

Hotaru was never a person to show her emotions but she was a sweet girl who cares a lot for her friend that much Shouda knew. The cat-dog Alice shook her head as she watched Mikan's face contort into an unusual shape because Hotaru was pushing her face away so strongly.

"Ne, did you hear? Natsuki has a new album!!!" the commotion outside the room, called their attention.

"Really?! Let me see…" it's amazing how information from the outside can enter the Academy despite no one being allowed to go out. Then again, it's a small matter, especially when lots of students have 'talents' to make it possible.

Her chestnut eyes wandered to the visible walls keeping them in. only a few minutes after, an alarm was sprung- someone was trying to get out… again. This incident was so common that no one even bothered to pay attention, except for her.

"Is something wrong?" Hotaru sensed the trepidation her friend tried to hide.

"Its nothing, Hotaru-chan," replied the Nullification Alice user then she resumed trying to hug her childhood friend and Imai pushing her away.

*****

"You're wasting your time and energy, you know," out of the darkness, a figure stepped forward while watching him closely.

Turning around would be wasted effort since he knew that voice all too well. "What are you doing here, pigtails?" he spat as sweat beaded his forehead while his amethysts orbs glared furiously at the towering walls.

All around them were the fruits of his failed attempt to break, scale or even touch the impenetrable barrier. "I was here before you were and I'm only telling you the obvious, Night," only a handful of people knows his real name and this girl was one of them.

This was his third attempt to get out. The third day of hoping to even touched that accursed boundary. No matter how hard he denies it, Mikan told the truth. "It was a mistake to enter this Academy. I want to get out! She's out there. Natsuki's out there! Her damn manager tricked me into coming here!" Night a.k.a. Midou Gin continually picks up things lying around with his Alice then throws them at the wall but it didn't even made a scratch.

"That's not the way it works. You can't get out whenever you want to. Narumi-sensei told you that and you accepted the terms, did you not?" she covered her eyes from the debris flying around like confetti.

"THAT WAS BEFORE I KNEW THAT SHE WASN'T REALLY HERE!!!" his words came out of his gritted teeth as he tried again and again until he was finally exhausted. His spiky silver hair stuck to his neck uncomfortably while his skin was marred with dirt and grime.

"It would only take a few more months. All you have to do is wait," sitting beside his defeated form; she consoled him with an almost motherly tone.

"I can't wait," the model shook his head violently. Finally, he raised his purple gaze to meet hers. "You know what it's like to wait," the pain in his eyes was almost tangible that Mikan flinched inwardly. Truthfully, she knew the torment of waiting. How time seemed to dragged on each day like a huge mockery to her hopes of seeing Natsume again. "I can't… I just can't,"

Now, she found herself lost for words. Being sympathetic to his plight, she knew no words can make him feel any better. The lengthy pause proved to be more therapeutic than any conversation.

Suddenly, his eyes lit up as he held her hands tightly. "YOU can help me get out!"

"No!" her answer was automatic.

"Only I know that you have the Teleportation Alice so I'm sure they didn't take precautions about you teleporting out of the academy," her struggles seemed to have no effect against his vice-like grip. "I still receive information regarding Principal Kuonji. Knowing you, you're probably itching to get on another job. What I have will surely make a great damage in his plans. I can tell you all I know, just… let me see her,"

Her resolve was shaken at once after hearing Gin's offer. The principal's clone, Z, wouldn't have a clue that I was still receiving information so he won't be expecting me come into the picture. I can help mom… and everyone in the Academy will be safe after everything is over. I can do it, I know I can. After all, Night only wants to see her. No one will even realize were gone.

Giving a stern nod, the two disappeared out of the Alice Academy and to the place where the famous singer was said to have a concert.

A middle-aged lady wearing a crisp suit was smoking in the back stage when someone appeared in front of her out of thin air. Her cigarette escaped her painted lips and landed on the floor as she gaped in shock upon recognizing the two figures. "What the hell are you doing here?" Her question was directed more to the guy than the girl because she knew that his presence was trouble.

"You tricked me!" Gin grabbed the older woman's arms so tight and shook her roughly. "Where is she?" he didn't care whether people were starting to stare or whether the lady was in pain of his hold.

Astonishingly, the lady manager seemed to be cool and collected despite the rough treatment. She still managed to step on her still lit cigarette on the floor, stared at the young lady behind her aggressor before she gave the information Gin needed. "Dressing room," her voice held no fear but an amazing show of authority as of she was the one giving the threat.

Mikan stared after the running young man before he disappeared in a corner. She knew where to find him. As she returned her gaze at the older woman, a light smirk appeared on her beautiful face. "What were you thinking, telling Night that Natsuki's in the Alice Academy?"

The shocked look on her face was well played if not for Mikan already knowing that it was all an act. "Oh I did?!" then she crossed her arms. "My bad…"

The two shared the same kind of smile before Mikan disappeared before her eyes.

Little Falcon: Read and review please…