Disclaimer: Gakuen Alice belongs to Higuchi Tachibana. Not Stolen is created by me, and OCs Demi, Principal Ichinose, etc.

A/N: A relatively short-er chapter ahead. Just had to cut it since it would end up extremely long . In any case, still, enjoy. ^^And thank you very much to all those who reviewed/favorited the story and me--THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I assure you that Not Stolen won't be ending yet, there are still twists after the Extraction, so keep reading and keep reviewing too :)

CHAPTER NINE: ENTRUSTING AND ASSURING

Mikan shifted from her seat and subconsciously gripped Natsume's hand tighter. She was nervous…like hell. Everyone inside the room was silent, making her all the more fidgety. Today was the day—Natsume's Alice Extraction. Inside one the private suites of the headmasters located at the infirmary's premises, were Mikan, Natsume, and the three division principals of Alice Academy. Everyone was quietly sitting around a ceramic tea table in the living room—waiting.

Natsume, sensing her anxiety, gave her an assuring look. He wore his usual stoic face—Mikan could normally read what his countenance is hiding, but today, he was very hard to read. She didn't know what exactly he was thinking or feeling, and that made her a tenfold more uneasy. Mikan tried her best to calm down by inhaling and exhaling…repeating it again and again, again and again.

A voice broke the eerie silence in the room. "Mikan…Are you alright?"

Mikan looked up to meet the sharp eyes of the owner of the voice—her uncle, the High School Principal. Beyond his formal demeanor, concern was clearly etched on his face. Mikan, startled, faked a laugh.

"Y-yes, sorry, I'm alright," she answered, realizing the way she was inhaling and exhaling before appeared like she was hyperventilating or something.

Kazu simply nodded and took a quick glance at the wall clock above the fireplace.

"They will be arriving in a couple of minutes," he voiced, sternly looking at the couple in front of him. "Are you ready?" he asked, directing it to both Natsume and Mikan.

Instead of looking at each other, the two young students averted their gazes from each other and remained silent. The Middle School Principal raised a brow. 'Of course not,' she thought. A hint of pity grazed her usually menacing features. She knew the situation was hard for them both, and what lied ahead was as difficult as a path of thorns.

The sound of the door lock clicking caught everyone's attention. Silhouettes of a young girl and a man in his thirty's dawned at the entrance of the room, making Natsume stand up. Mikan, too, stood up in anticipation.

"Nii-chan!" a girly voice which sounded like it just hit puberty filled the once silent room. A raven-haired teen came running from the door towards the circle of people at the center of the room—specifically, towards the guy with the same raven locks as her.

Aoi Hyuuga.

She dashed to her elder brother and embraced him tight. "Nii-chan!" she exclaimed once more, happiness evident in her crimson orbs. Natsume smiled and patted her in the head. "Buriko," he muttered his 'pet name' for his younger sister. Aoi retorted with a pout, but was erased quickly as she hugged her brother once more.

Aoi, seeing Mikan beside her brother, squealed once more. "Mikan-chan!" She quickly strode over to where Mikan was standing and gave her a tight hug. "I missed you! How are you doing, Mikan-chan? Or…should I say, Nee-chan?" she said, followed by a teasing laugh.

Mikan blushed and laughed in embarrassment, softly pinching Aoi in the cheeks. "I'm fine, Aoi-chan, and I see you are too. I'm so happy to see you again," she said in a warm voice.

The long-haired man with Aoi soon followed the crowd, an apologetic smile on his cheerful countenance. "Sorry for Aoi barging in like that," he said, bowing his head to the three highest officials of the academy. "We're very honoured to meet you," Natsume's dad followed-up, bowing his head in courtesy once more.

Principal Ichinose let out a low laugh. "Don't worry about that. Pleased to meet you too, Mr. Hyuuga," he said, motioning everyone to sit down. Aoi and Natsume's dad took their places beside Natsume and Mikan on the long sofa.

Natsume held the brunette's hand once more, sending a message through a tight grip on her hand. Mikan met his crimson orbs and smiled reassuringly. 'We can do this,' she thought, conveying the same thought to him. He nodded in response.

For the next couple of minutes, the headmasters explained to the Hyuuga family in detail what would take place today. They continuously expressed their apology in being the ones responsible for risking Natsume's life so far especially before the Alice War, thus the current predicament he was in. Natsume's dad looked pretty shocked by what his son had undergone, but silently continued to listen to the academy's officials. Aoi hugged her brother's left arm when Principal Kazu explained Natsume's current health condition—about his Alice overuse and the nearing of the final stage. Hii-sama continued by explaining the only method to save Natsume's life, giving Mikan meaningful glances as she chose her words carefully as to not hurt the brunette furthermore.

Everyone in the room looked at Mikan with different reactions when they heard the consequences of the method—disbelief, pity, appreciation, understanding, encouragement. The brunette had to clench her jaws tight to refrain from crying. 'I need to be strong,' she chanted to herself, which helped since the lump on her throat eventually faded away. She cast a glance at Natsume, who was staring with concerned eyes at her. When hazel met crimson—a silent exchange of feelings occurred—trust, assurance, strength…and love. Mikan felt her chest tightened with a swell of emotions. She smiled at Natsume, who in turn, answered her with a squeeze on their intertwined hands.

"It might be best for Hyuuga-kun's health after the extraction if he wouldn't encounter a huge amount of shock, especially regarding his memories. So, as much as we want him to remember as soon as possible, it would be wise to give him one to two weeks allowance to recover before telling him the truth of his memories," Principal Ichinose advised, sending an apologetic look to Natsume and Mikan. He continued, "We couldn't guarantee if Hyuuga-kun could remember everything on his own since this is a first case for the academy too, so I would advise you as his family to be careful in inducing the recovery of his memories. The Academy wouldn't mind too if he recalls or if you remind him about being an Alice before, since telling lies might confuse him when he recovers his memories."

Principal Kazu cleared his throat after the Elementary School Principal's explanation.

"This is the best that we could do for your son, Mr. Hyuuga. After the extraction, Hyuuga-kun will be completely returned to the world outside—as a normal, non-Alice boy. However, as amendments for the Academy's faults, we will continue to send stipends for your family and Hyuuga-kun. Also, whatever medical assistance and queries you might have regarding his condition after the extraction, you can contact the Academy anytime."

After a short span of silence, Mr. Hyuuga nodded and cast a reassuring look at his son. Natsume responded in a curt nod.

"Oh, Hyuuga-kun…" Hii-sama called out, catching everyone's attention once more. "About your Alice Stone after the extraction—"

Natsume, understanding what she meant, wore a solemn face and answered in a firm voice.

"Mikan will hold on to it," he replied, seeing the Middle School Principal wear a satisfied smile. Natsume turned to the speechless brunette beside him and mumbled, low but loud enough for everyone to hear. "It belongs to you," he stated, sending complex meaning to his words.

Mikan felt tears sting her eyes. She understood, of course, just like the promise he made to her yesterday. Entrusting her his Life Force Alice Stone—meant that he entrusted her with himself, with his whole being. He meant that he belonged to her. A tear rolling down her cheeks, she replied with a smile and a nod. Natsume pulled her closer to her and kissed her hair, telling her to stop crying.

Everyone watched silently as the pure and honest expression of love unfold before their very eyes. Each one of them wished for the welfare of their relationship after this important event. Everyone appreciated Mikan's strength for sacrificing a big deal for Natsume's sake.

Principal Kazu had to cut off the grave silence, knowing the couple might need a little bit more of time together.

"Mikan, Room No. 715 downstairs would be where the extraction will take place. I assume you already know what to do from there on. Mr. and Ms. Hyuuga will be staying with me at this suite until the extraction is over. They would be escorting Hyuuga-kun soon after the operation, since we couldn't let students see him leave the academy grounds with his parents."

Mikan already knew about Natsume leaving as soon as the operation is finished, but she couldn't help but freeze at the thought. She wouldn't see him for long right after. The thought made her want to cry once more, but the words of her uncle resounded in her head.

"I know it's difficult, Mikan… But the more you see him without his memories, the more you will be hurt. That's why, this is better for you too," Kazu convinced his niece during their short conversation regarding the final directions about the extraction.

Natsume cast a worried glance at Mikan, but she did her best not to look troubled about it. This was part of her sacrifice after all, she thought. She just needed to be strong.

"With that said, we must take our leave now. You can stay here for the moment, or you can go outside for the meantime… talk to your friends, take a walk around, whatever you want. However, keep in mind that the extraction must start at 15:00. That's all," Principal Ichinose reminded Natsume and Mikan. The brunette averted her gaze, unable to hide the pain in her eyes. It was as if the end was closing in on her.

"It was a pleasure having you as a student of Alice Academy, Natsume Hyuuga," Principal Kazu proclaimed, his voice warm and honest. "Your great sacrifices to help cure the illness of Alice Academy that had continued for almost a century due to Kuonji… will always be remembered."

Natsume sharply took in a deep breath and looked at the three headmasters, his family, and finally…a lingering one on Mikan. He faced the Academy's officials once more, and said the following words in a firm and heart-warming voice.

"I'm glad… that I came to Alice Academy."

Everyone smiled in appreciation and understanding… while Mikan wasn't unable to refrain from crying once more. She felt relieved—that all her efforts of changing Natsume's viewpoints about the Academy, of showing him that darkness was over and now he had to see the light all around him—all of those wasn't in vain. She was happy for him. And she hoped, too, that he will find happiness in his new environment as part of the normal society after.

***

"Eh, Hotaru did!?" Mikan asked, totally surprised with what Natsume just mentioned.

The flame-caster nodded indifferently. "She showed up in front of my room, gave this, and threatened me," he replied, scoffing at the memory. The inventor threatened him to do his best to remember Mikan—as if he won't—and told him that he would certainly shoot his head with her Baka Cannon if he ever forgets to remember about Mikan. 'What the hell,' Natsume thought, still not able to be in 'good' terms with his girlfriend's best friend.

Mikan let out an amused laugh. "Haha, that's just like her. Well, she's just probably worried, that's why she went to all the trouble to make something like this…" she said enthusiastically, examining the thing in front of them, laying above the table.

Aoi curiously peered at the red box. "Ne, what's inside the box?"

Mikan, also clueless of what the contents were, looked at Natsume with questioning eyes. Natsume shrugged, 'Nothing. Just pictures,' he thought of answering, but when he recalled he put something on his own as well, he thought otherwise. "Memories," he simply replied.

Both girls exclaimed simultaneously. "Really!?" If Natsume hadn't known better, they could pass off for sisters. Well, technically, in the future, they would be, he thought amusingly.

The brunette touched the box, looking pensive. "Memory box, huh?" she muttered to herself. She cast a glance at Natsume, smiling. "You think this will restore all your memories?"

The guy pulled her closer to him, her head resting on his shoulder. "Of course, Polka. Who knows, I might not even need that. But…just to be sure."

Aoi giggled. "Then, I'll be the one holding on to this special box right? To make sure that Nii-chan recovers his memories, and remembers Mikan-chan!"

The couple blushed and shifted in their seats, both sitting up straight. The younger Hyuuga continued to chuckle when she saw their reactions.

"Shut up, Buriko," Natsume grumbled, still a bit red from the unexpected 'assault' from his sister. "You should do your job well and protect that box, or else I will feed you to the wolves, ugly brat," he threatened, half-serious and of course, half-joking.

Aoi stuck out her tongue and grabbed the box on the table and hugged it. "I will definitely protect this, Nii-chan! So don't you worry, you will be all lovey-dovey with Mikan-chan again as soon as you remember," she said, still giggling tauntingly at the couple.

Natsume rolled his eyes while Mikan laughed embarrassingly. The couple exchanged meaningful looks.

"Stay here with Buriko for the while, Polka," Natsume said when the laughter between the two girls died. "I'm going to go out to see Ruka, Youichi, and the others… before—" he dragged his sentence, not wanting to ruin the good atmosphere, so he quickly started another one. "I'll be back before lunch."

Mikan smiled and nodded. Natsume stood up, bent down and gently touched her right cheek, giving her a gaze saying I'll-be-back-soon, then strode on towards the door out of the suite, his hands inside his pockets. The brunette followed him with her hazel orbs, feeling a bit sad to see his leaving form.

The anticipated gloom soon evaporated when Aoi exclaimed, "Yay! Time for girl-to-girl talk!"

The nullifier laughed when the young Hyuuga started bombarding her with questions—starting from the conspicuous silver band she wore on her little finger. Mikan indulged in answering the young girl, her mind empty of the anxiety she should have regarding the extraction later this afternoon. For the meantime.

***

"Natsume," Mikan called out his name, her unwavering gaze still on the soft ripples of the water in the pond.

After having lunch together, both of them took a walk around the academy grounds, and ended up staying at one of their secret spots—the hidden pond deep in the Northern Woods. Mikan had found this place a year ago when she was running mindlessly, after having a huge spat with Natsume at their Sakura Tree. She was so upset that she didn't know where she was going, and when she ended up here, she calmed down, but she realized she didn't knew where she was. She was afraid to leave the place, but when it started to rain, she cowered near the tree trunk just in front of the pond and cried. After quite a while, she fell asleep…and was awoken by a worried and rain-drenched Natsume. After making up, they both started hanging out at the peaceful place when they had time, or if they wanted to be together alone.

Natsume cast a glance at Mikan. He noticed that the brunette's gloomy aura had come back, and she looked terribly nervous. He reached out to hold her hand—it was cold. He felt sympathy wash over him, knowing that she was suffering this much…because of him. 'Damn,' he cursed himself, desperately trying to think of what to tell her.

"E-everything will be alright…ne, Natsume?" Mikan asked in a tiny voice, her tone frantically pleading for an assuring answer.

He silently mouthed another profanity. He wasn't good with words…and he didn't know what to tell her now. He stared at her, completely in dilemma of what good to say to her. Finding nothing, he pulled her close and embraced her tight.

"You will remember me, right, Natsume?" Mikan asked once more, her voice now broken. She started to sob on his chest, while he continued to hold her tight—savoring the few moments he had left with her.

He kissed the top of her head and whispered. "Don't worry, I will," he assured, and added with emphasis, "—Definitely."

Mikan gently pulled from his embrace and wiped her tears away. She looked up to meet Natsume's crimson orbs, searching for something. He returned her gaze, feeling lost in her hazel orbs—her eyes, her features, her entirety. Natsume wanted to etch every single detail of her in his mind, carve her into his system, so as not to forget—so as to remember. He tenderly traced the contours of her face with his fingers, carefully, slowly… memorizing every detail of her, letting his eyes drown with her whole being—until he was confident that she was there…concrete, alive, present in his mind. He prayed it was enough, enough to just even recognize her, to minimize her pain by just even remembering her name, what she looked like, who she was.

"Give me strength to overcome this with you, Natsume…" she whispered, still locked inside his crimson pools, searching for strength, searching for confidence—just like what he had been all along to her: a pillar, an undying support, a never-ending source of strength and willpower—the missing piece of herself.

Natsume slowly bent down, closing the little distance between them, until his lips eventually reached hers. As his own found its rightful place with hers, like a lock it was—just right, just perfect, inescapable—as he drowned into the sensation of tasting her sweet strawberry lips, he just knew…he was hers and she was his. Their lips danced their own lovely rhythm—slow, sure, in accord with each other. Perfectly molded into one another's—there was no he or she—just them.

Slowly, hesitatingly…the lip-lock came to a stop. It was as hard as pulling off a magnet from steel. But humans need air—and the kiss inevitably had to halt.

Mikan stared at Natsume. "I love you," she whispered, burying her head on her chest, clutching onto him tight.

Natsume held on to her left hand on his chest, the silver promise rings, as if drawn together, sat firmly on their little fingers—side by side. Not wanting to part. A sign that either won't be complete without the other.

"I love you too," he muttered, followed by a soft 'I'll fulfill my promise', before stooping down to kiss her once more.

A soft beep interrupted the solemn moment between them. It was time.

Mikan looked at Natsume with a resolute gaze. "Let's go," she said in a firm voice.

He nodded, held her hand close to his chest, and teleported to Room 715 of the Alice Academy Infirmary.

A/N: Next chapter: The long-awaited (...or not) moment of the Extraction. I planned to put it in this chapter but it would leave a major cliffy so I trimmed it :D

So, please leave some reviews. ^_^ Anything is welcome: praises, comments, suggestions, death threats, or whatever (except flames :p)... lemme hear from you! :) If you review, the currently teleporting Natsume and Mikan might end up in front of you and not at the infirmary, haha! :D