Chapter 15: We Make It in The End

He might as well take charge.
Featuring a rumor and a reassurance.

Gakuen Alice and its characters are the wonderful creations of Tachibana Higuchi.

"I don't know where that rumor that you and Mikan broke up came from, dude! Koko and Kitsu might be the worst pranksters in the academy but I know they wouldn't go that far," Mochu said as he breathed heavily.

He was currently trying to catch up to Natsume, who was very, very pissed off. They were running as fast as they could to reach Bear's cabin in the Northern Woods. Mikan was hiding there at the moment.

"Whoever it was, I'll make sure they see hell," Natsume said as he ran faster. He had not slept much for the last two days, owing to the fact that he dreamed of Persona. His conversation with the High School Division's Student Records Director was taking its toll on him.

And now, this ridiculous rumor had spread and created pure chaos.

A very troubled Yuu Tobita had knocked on Natsume's room 10 minutes ago, where he was busy testing out his brand new gaming console. He had been playing with Mochu all afternoon. When Mochu opened the door, Yuu took a deep breath and declined Natsume's invitation to come in.

"Hi, Natsume! Ah, you see, I don't know how to explain it either, but it seems that some err, members of Mikan's fan club thought you two were no longer together."

Natsume frowned and clenched his fists.

"Mikan Sakura has a fan club?" Mochu said with amusement written all over his face.

"So um, some, well, a lot of people have been trying their luck with her. I thought I should let you know, Natsume."

"Hn. Where is she, Yuu?"

"Hotaru had wisely advised her to go to Bear's cabin. She should be there now. Meanwhile, Hotaru held an auction to distract some of Mikan's fans. Hotaru forced Ruka, Koko and Kitsu to help her with the auction."

"Did you just say she was holding an auction? What is she auctioning and how in the world would that help in this kind of situation?" Mochu's face turned to one of pure confusion.

"She was auctioning one of Mikan's ribbons. Well, at least she said it was Mikan's. Anna and Nonoko helped Mikan to escape as the auction started. Sumire told me everything. She's in the dormitory common room below, utterly exhausted."

"Thanks, Yuu. Come with me, Mochu. You should be useful if we come across those bastards who are stupid enough to venture into the Northern Woods."

So that is why Natsume and Mochu were now running to Bear's Cabin. When they were at the halfway point to their destination, they saw Nonoko and Anna resting against one of the trees.

"Sorry, Natsume. We couldn't keep up with her any longer. I've always known Mikan could run, but she was running really fast today," said Nonoko.

"I think I'd run that way too, if I was being chased by a horde of people. I think I now understand why you guys dread Valentine's Day," said Anna.

Natsume and Mochu saw some empty vials and pouches surrounding the two girls. It was either the containers of what Mikan's fans tried to give her or the containers of the substances Nonoko and Anna used to help Mikan escape. Natsume decided not to ask.

"Thanks for helping out. Mochu, help them get back to the dormitory."

"Alright. Go on, Natsume. Be sure to keep me informed on how the rumor started."

"Wait!" Anna held up her hand. She stood up, slowly. "I can tell you right now why they thought you and Mikan broke up. It's because Mikan had her hair cut."

"I still don't understand. I know Natsume likes her hair to be long and to be let down. But even if she decided to cut it, it could just be because an argument had occurred. She could cut her hair to annoy Natsume. Why does it have to be a break-up?," Mochu said.

Natsume glared at Mochu.

"Some girls have their hair cut during life-altering moments in their life," Nonoko said as she too, stood up. "But Mikan already told everyone that she is still in a relationship with you, Natsume. Her fans just didn't listen."

"She displayed the silver bangle you gave her, too!" Anna said. "I don't know why her fans persisted. She had to nullify some people as well."

"So, it's true! She has a fan club! Were they just hiding all this time? I wouldn't blame them."

"Shut up, Mochu. Help them get back to the dormitory. I won't tell you a third time."

"Got it, dude."

Natsume found Mikan alone in Bear's cabin. Her hair was now at shoulder length. She almost hit him with a golf club as he entered the door.

"You didn't tell me you played golf, Polka dots."

"Oh my goodness! It's you, Natsume. I'm sorry. I don't even know how I got this golf club. When I came here I just found it in my right hand! It was so chaotic. Did you see Nonoko and Anna along the way? Are they alright?"

"Mochu is escorting them back to the dormitory."

"That's a relief. Well, I guess I can relax now that you're here and I know Nonoko and Anna will be okay." Mikan put the golf club in one corner.

Natsume came closer. "Why, Mikan?"

"Huh? Why what?"

"Why did you have your hair cut? I don't remember us breaking up."

"That has no connection whatsoever, I promise. Someone from the Middle School Division must have started a rumor, Natsume. Some middle school students were at the salon with me when I was getting my hair cut a few hours earlier. It was so weird having all sorts of students popping up. They were trying to give me stuff and parading their talents and alices."

"I heard you had to nullify people."

"Yes! Did you hear about Hotaru's auction too? She wasn't even offering a ribbon that belongs to me! It was just some random ribbon. I can't believe she's still chasing after profit at this time. Though it did help distract some people. I should get part of the proceeds from the auction! Poor Ruka-pyon, Koko and Kitsu! Hotaru has to give them part of the money she raised. I'll see to that."

"Forget about that auction. Tell me. Why did you have your hair cut?"

"You're not going to like it."

"I already don't!"

"Natsume, it's a visible proof of my determination. I've regained my three alices for a reason. I want to hone each of them and use them for good — to help others. I've been lucky. I've got a whole support system behind me. Other Alices with powerful gifts don't enjoy the same luxury. I'm pursuing a course in Human Welfare in university. As an Alice with rare gifts, I ought to consider and protect the welfare of others like me. That's why I cut my hair. I'm sorry. I hope you can understand."

Natsume just sighed and shook his head.

"Natsume, my hair will grow back. By the time it does, I want to be a stronger person. Please don't be angry at me."

Mikan held Natsume's hands and they stood silently for a while.

"There's no use being angry with you, you foolish girl. I'll direct my anger to those idiots who chased you around. I'm going to hunt them down at all costs. Don't blame me for anything that happens to them."

"Hey! Don't hurt them, Natsume!"

"Did they hurt you?"

"No. Your girl is strong!" Mikan said. She smiled.

"Why are you looking at me like that? I'm not jealous, Polka dots."

"I didn't say that, Natsume." She laughed. "I just wanted to tell you something. It's good news, I promise. I met Noda-sensei yesterday."

"So?"

"He came from the future. He saw our future, Natsume!"

"He saw you leave the academy right after we graduated?"

"No, it wasn't that. Noda-sensei saw something way better, Natsume!"

"What could be better than that?"

"Take a guess."

"Just tell me."

"He saw a wedding! A wedding, Natsume!" Mikan released Natsume's hands and twirled around Bear's cabin. She hummed a tune Natsume didn't recognize.

"Ours?"

"No. Noda-sensei saw us attending our grandson's wedding! Isn't that great! We make it, Natsume! We make it in the end. We get to have a family and see our grandson married." Mikan frowned. "Aren't you happy, Natsume?"

"I'm just afraid to hope, Mikan." Natsume whispered.

Mikan took Natsume's hands again. "Don't be. We make it, Natsume. We make it in the end. I've always believed we could do it. Now we know we will. Noda-sensei has brought us reassurance. We have a great future."

Natsume embraced her tightly. He slept well that night.

After three weeks of punishing Mikan's fans, Natsume made a decision. He led Mikan to their Sakura tree one afternoon.

"I''ll train you, Polka dots. We start in three days. Prepare yourself."

"Eh! But—"

"No buts. I'll train you. Why, are you afraid you can't take it?" Natsume smirked as he played with a lock of Mikan's hair. He thought that she looked cute with her new hairstyle.

"You'll be harsh on me, I just know it! But I'll make you see how persistent I can be."

End of Fifteenth Chapter