Chapter 5

Girl

Question 11: What was the first snack you gave to me? When you know the answer, go to the dining hall.

''What an unusual question,'' Mikan remarked softly. She hauled the entrance open and jolted her hand back when the door exposed one of her good pals. ''Koko!''

Oh yes, Yome Kokoro or Koko for short and aka the Mind Reader. He flung the brunette a playful grin and she smiled back.

''Hey Mikan!''

''Hi, what are you doing here, Koko?''

Ignoring her question, he clutched her wrist and dragged her to the uninhabited dining table. Koko gestured her to sit down which she did and he sat down across from her. There was a severing dish in front of her with a silver top covering the mystery food. Curious, she was about to take the top off until Koko slapped her hand away.

''Ouch!'' she complained. ''Why did you do that?''

''You can't take the lid off until you answer the question,'' her friend explained.

''What question?''

''Question 11! What was the first snack you gave to Natsume?''

''Oh yea! Oops,'' Mikan responded while shaking the back of her head.

Koko sighed. This girl, he thought, is such an idiot. ''So what's the answer?''

''Um, let me think, Koko.''

''I'll give you a hint. The day when you gave Natsume his first snack from you was one of your early days at Alice Academy.''

''So you and I were still in the Elementary School Division.''

''That's right!''

''I see…um…''

''You still don't know?'' The clueless girl bobbled her head with a frown plastered on her face. The Mind Reader sighed. ''I'll give you another hint. The day you gave him it was your first day of Central Town. Now, do you know what snack you gave Natsume?''

''Oh my, gosh! How didn't I know immediately? It's a Fluff Puff!''

''Correct!'' he confirmed in a contented tone. ''Now lift up the top to reveal the mystery food!''

Mikan nodded her head. She positioned her fingers on the cover and raised it. Her irises expanded and her mouth drooled.

''Fluff Puffs!''

''Yep, Natsume thought you might get hungry during the scavenger hunt, so he bought some Fluff Puffs for you.''

''Aw, that was so sweet with him!'' she remarked while already munching on one.

''Well, here's clue 12,'' Koko said and handed her the note.

''Thanks, Koko!'' Her companion stood up from his seat. She saw this and watched him with curiosity. ''Where you going?''

''Um, somewhere,'' he replied somewhat nervous. ''I'll catch you later, Mikan!''

Before the brunette could utter a proper goodbye back, he dashed out of the dining room in quite a hurry.

''That was weird,'' she declared and took another bit of her delicious snack. ''Oh well, more Fluff Puffs for me!''

Meanwhile, Koko was leaning on the door while holding a walkie-talkie near his ear. ''Imai, you almost broke my cover. Mikan could have found out!''

''Whatever Yome,'' the blackmailer replied, monotone,'' go and help with the decorations for the final destination of the scavenger hunt.''

''Roger that!''

Koko unclutched the communicating device, shoved it back in his pocket, and began running to his next station.

Mikan who was finally done with the pile of Fluff Puff wiped her mouth with the napkin next to the silver plate. She then took the note from the table and discovered what the next letter was. A simple ''G''. She grinned victoriously and began to read the other side.

You're almost done, Polka Dots. Only a few more to go.

''Awesome!'' she commented with big happy smile.

Question 12: When's my birthday? When you know the answer, go to Youichi. He's in his room.

''Yea! I get to go see Yo-chan!''

Mikan jerked out of her seat with the twelfth clue inside her pocket and rushed out the door. A big smile was plastered on her happy face. She hasn't seen Youichi in years! Well not really, the last time the brunette saw Youichi was on Valentine's Day since she made him some chocolate, but to her it felt like years.

Corresponding to Natsume, his ''father'', he has tons of crazy girls that are obsessive over him. The young chap even has his own fan club! Well, she wouldn't be surprised. Youichi has grown up to a fine seven year old with smooth ashen locks and deep twilight blue orbs. Anyone would go crazy for him by just one glance. Mikan giggled at that thought. Even though her Yo-chan was an attractive lad, she still thought of him as that little three year old who sat on Natsume's lap. He was so adorable Mikan thought. Of course, Youichi doesn't sit on his ''dad's'' lap anymore since he's supposedly in his opinion a ''grown boy'' but he does occasionally go on the raven-haired boy back for a piggyback ride.

She seized the knob and opened the unlocked door. It revealed Youichi lying on his divan while reading a manga. Mikan giggled softly. Like father like son, she thought.

''Hey Yo-chan! How you-?''

''You should knock before entering somebody's room, idiot?'' he icily snapped, still not taking his eyes off his reading material.

She laughed his comment off with a sheepish smile. Yep, totally like father like son, she thought. ''Oh, sorry about that,'' she responded while strolling up to the pasty child.

''You're here because I have the thirteenth clue, right?'' he asked finally positioning his gaze on the chestnut girl.

''Yep!'' Mikan confirmed.

''So what's the answer, old hag?''

''The answer is No- OLD HAG! WHO ARE YOU CALLING 'OLD HAG'!'' she exploded, enraged, ''I'M NOT OLD! I'M ONLY SEVEN YEARS OLDER THAN YOU!''

''That just proves me point, moron,'' he coolly stated.

''Huh? I'M NOT A MORON!''

''Just tell me the answer already.''

''Oh yea, right!'' she said with a sudden beam. ''The answer is November 27! I'm right, right?''

''Hn,'' Youichi simply replied.

''Yea, I'm right!'' she bursts out knowing that 'Hn' that was just like Natsume, was a yes.

''Whatever,'' he then slapped the next clue on her forehead,'' here's the next clue.''

''Ouch…thanks Yo-chan.''

She took the note off from her temples and discovered the next alphabet symbol. An ''I''! Like ''I'' for ice cream! Mikan thought with a smile. The merry lass then flipped to the other side.

Question 13: Who's the person I hate the most? When you know the answer, go to Ibaragi. She's in the DA training room.

Mikan couldn't help, but sweat drop. What a harsh question she thought.

''What's the question?'' Youichi probed with a deadpan façade.

''Who's the person I hate the most?'' she responded.

''I know the answer.''

''You do! Can you tell me?''

''No, Okaa-chan.''

''AH! WHY CAN'T YOU…Okaa-chan? Why did you call me that, Yo-chan?'' Mikan asked in a gentle and curious tone.

''No reason,'' he answered as he flipped to the next page of his manga.

''Oh…,'' she uttered quietly, but then a jolly beam on her face. ''Well, Okaa-chan will see you later! Bye bye, Yo-chan!''

''Whatever.''

Knowing that cold reply was his and Natsume's way of saying, 'Goodbye,' she left in a hurry to go to Nobara.

''It's because soon you'll become a part of Otou-san's and mine's family.'' Youichi glanced up from his book. ''Stupid Okaa-chan didn't close my door.''

Mikan was sprinting to the DA training chambers. She never heard such a thing until Natsume told her two years ago. The brunette lugged the gate and entered. She witnessed the famous Ibaragi Nobara aka the Ice Princess flinging icicles at targets. Her title says it all. She acquires the Ice Alice-the exact opposite of Natsume's. Even though she has the Alice of Ice, she's not icy at all. Mikan's thoughts to describe the Ice Princess are kind, sympathetic, warmhearted, shy, anything, but mean! They easily became friends the first day they met. Mikan remembered that nobody wanted Nobara's assistance in the decoration for the Christmas Ball. The Nullifier could relate to her since nobody wanted her help in the beginning as well. The generous girl asked her for help and of course, Nobara nodded her head while blushing. Things were rocky in the beginning for the two lassies. The Ice Princess froze all the sponge cakes. Natsume had to defrost the cakes with his Alice. After the mishap, Mikan then encouraged her to try again. The brunette used her Nullification to control her Ice Alice and it was a yummy success.

''Mikan-chan?'' Nobara uttered softly while waving her pale hand near her face.

The daydreaming girl vibrated her head, snapping her from her deep thoughts. ''Hi, Nobara-chan!'' She then gave her a snug hug before continuing. ''I haven't seen you in ages!''

''Mikan-chan, I saw you last week.''

''You did?''

''We went to Central Town together.''

''Oh, yea right! Oops, sorry.''

The Snow girl smiled at her oblivious chum then tugged her wavy cobalt locks behind her ear. ''Do you know the answer to Natsume's question, Mikan-chan?"

''Oh, is it me?'' she replied, uncertain.

''Um, not really.''

Nobara knew without doubt that wasn't the answer. She knew that Natsume cared and loved her more than anyone else. Mikan just didn't know since the rough lad also called her unpleasant nicknames.

''Can you give me a hint?''

''Ok,'' she responded softly. ''It's a male and he is a teacher.''

''Narumi-sensei?'' she instantly answered. ''Natsume ditches class when he's the teacher and calls him gay.''

''Sorry, but no.''

''Jin-Jin!''

''No, Mikan-chan,'' her companion replied between soft giggles. ''Try again.''

''Koko? He always burns his hair.''

Nobara quavered her cranium in place of a ''No'' and reminded the lost brunette once more the mystery person was teacher. Mikan tapped her jawbone and focused. It's a male and a teacher at this school, she contemplated in her head.

''Is it Tsubasa-sempai? He is charge of the SA class,'' she commented.

''No, but you're close. The mystery person is a teacher of one of the Alice-based classes.''

''Persona!'' Mikan immediately exploded. The possessor of clue 14 bobbled her head. ''Yea, I got it right! I'm so ha…''

The ecstatic chestnut lass abruptly blocked her throat from letting more sounds leak. Her aura of merriment vanished when she saw the melancholy in her friend's sapphire irises. Her cerulean haired mate was gazing down at the petty floor. Mikan blinked several times as if the miserable expression on her pal's face would disappear.

''Hey Nobara-chan, are you ok?'' she probes, concerned.

The brunette's sweet voice snapped the Snow Woman out of her deep thoughts. ''Huh? Oh…I'm alright Mikan-chan.''

''You sure?'' She nodded her head in response. To the Ice Princess's surprise, Mikan lightly gripped her hands and smiled at her.''Nobara-chan, I know something is bothering you. You can tell me. We're friends aren't we? Friends are supposed to be there for their friends! Right?''

''Mikan-chan…''

To Nobara, Mikan is the sweetest, most selfless person she ever met. She always cared about her friends, heck, even mere strangers! She was just that kind. Nobara was so grateful to have her as a friend.

''Please tell me what's wrong. I can help!'' the gallant girl added with a brighter beam.

''Well…I don't think…''

''Yes, keep going,'' Mikan said while bobbling her head.

''I don't think Persona is a bad person. Even though Natsume and a lot more of the DA class hate him, I don't. Persona has been through some tough times in the past. He's really a kind person. He just doesn't want to reveal that side of him.''

After she confessed her true feelings of his teacher, her mind replayed precious moments of her and Persona.

''Don't.''

Even with his firm command, the little adolescent with wavy cerulean tresses and pale sapphire orbs kept approaching him.

''Don't touch me,'' he instructed harsher, but the naïve girl still wouldn't listen. ''If you do, you'll…if you touch me…''

His vocal sounds instantly halted. His irises expanded and throat suddenly felt dry. Words couldn't describe what he was feeling. He couldn't believe what was happening. Someone was touching him. If someone or something came in contact with him, even just for a quick second, they'll have black marks which will spread and worsen as time passes; in conclusion the person would eventually die. And here was a little girl holding tightly his hand. To add to the insanity, the girl says-

''It's so warm.''

Her cheeks suddenly felt a wet sensation. She ignored it and continued reminiscing.

The diminutive elementary school girl eyes caught something that interested her. A field of flowers. She skipped towards it and grabbed a cluster of them. The lassie twisted around and remembered that she wasn't the only one here. She ran to her companion and offered him one of the florets she collected. He was hesitant at first, but since she wasn't going to give up any time soon, he accepted it. The curly haired girl could tell that her teacher was shocked even though he had his snow-white mask on. She afterwards noticed a tear gradually rolling down his pale cheeks then splashing onto the ground.

''NOBARA-CHAN!"

The pondering girl was snapped out of her thoughts. She observed her friend's distressed façade and soon smiled at her to reassure her.

''Are you alright? You're crying,'' Mikan stated as she put her hand on her shoulder.

''Yes Mikan-chan, sorry to worry you,'' she answered then wiped her watery eyes with her thumb.

''I think Persona isn't a bad person either,'' Nobara's topaz irises widened. ''I don't really know him well, but the feelings you told me towards him are so sincere. He must be a good person! I hope that Natsume, the DA class, and everybody else can see him the way you do!''

''Mikan-chan…thank you.''

Unexpectedly, the optimistic brunette clutched the blue haired girl's wrist. She told Nobara to follow her and before she could object, Mikan already began to drag her. She led them outside where the warm sun shined brightly.

''Mikan-chan, why did you bring me here?''

''Nobara-chan, you want to let everyone know that Persona isn't the bad guy they think he is, right?'' She bobbled her head in response. ''Ok, well the first step is to scream this,'' Mikan leaned and whispered in her ear.

The Ice Princess's immediately altered in a deep scarlet. She shook her head furiously. ''I can't do that...that's too embarrassing.''

''Yes, you can!'' Mikan exclaimed trying to boost her confidence. ''Isn't that how you truly feel about him?

''Yes, but I'm too scared to.''

''Well, just close your eyes and take a deep breath,'' Nobara did as she instructed. ''Now, shout to the world what you think of Persona!''

''PERSONA IS A GOOD PERSON! HE'S MY NUMBER 1!''

Her opinion echoed all across Alice Academy. Teachers inside classroom, students inside their dorms, doctors and nurses inside the hospital wing, inhabitants in Central Town, etc. heard it. Mikan was flabbergasted that her bashful friend had such a big voice. Nobara fluttered her eyes open and stared down at the floor. Mikan smiled brightly at her flushing friend and gave her a pat on the back.

''Good job, Nobara-chan!''

''T-Thanks.''

''What the hell was that for?''

The two girls jerked their bodies and rotated around to see whose icy voice belonged to. Nobara and Mikan gulped.

''P-Persona,'' they both uttered in unison.

''Why are you out here when you should practicing in the training rooms, Nobara?'' he questioned.

''I j-just wanted to s-speak my m-mind,'' she confessed.

Persona gestured her to come to his side. She nodded, but before she did, Nobara stuffed her hand in her denims and brought out the next clue. She carefully placed it in Mikan's palm.

''Here's clue 14, Mikan-chan.''

''Thanks, I hope I didn't cause you any trouble.''

''Don't worry about me. Now, go find the rest of the clues.''

''Ok, I'll catch you later, Nobara-chan!''

The two girls embraced before they headed to their different directions. Before Mikan went too far from the student and teacher, she stopped her feet and whipped around just to make sure Nobara was going to be alright. Her hazel irises enlarged in amazement what she witnessed. Persona was gently petting the Ice Princess's head. They were both gazing affectionately at each other.

''Let's head back to the training rooms. I still have many things to teach you, Nobara,'' he remarked with a small grin that only the girl in front of him could see.

''Sure thing, Persona.''

Even though Mikan didn't know what they were saying, she smiled anyway. ''You are right, Nobara-chan. Persona isn't a bad person after all.''

The grinning chestnut girl spun around and left the two. She started to jog, but then her heels stopped. A vital thought occurred to her.

''WHERE ON EARTH AM I HEADING TO!'' she burst out loud.

She sighed. Mikan remembered she just acquired the 14th clue. She opened it and the note revealed an ''R''. She smiled mentally at the progress she was making. Mikan then flipped to the other side.

Question 14: What was our conversation at the lake during the time we were retrieving the antidote for Imai and Iinchou 's Alice from ''Z''?

''This is a tough question,'' she muttered then continued reading.

No, this is not a difficult question. You're just an idiot to not know the answer.

''JERK!'' she exploded, but then sweat dropped. ''Wait…how does he know what I'm thinking?''

You're very predictable, Polka Dots.

''Even in messages, he has to call me 'Polka Dots'!''

When you know the answer, go to Iinchou. He's in the classroom.

''Eh! But that's so far away from here,'' she mumbled with a pout.

Don't be lazy, fatty.

Mikan made a mental note to smack Natsume once she saw him. She sighed before jogging to her next destination.

Not wanting to waste precious time when she reached the classroom, Mikan began to think of the answer to clue number 14. Flashbacks of those dark days engaged in her head. A frown was plastered on the girl's face. She remembered when Iinchou lost his Alice and Hotaru taking the hit for her then ended up in the hospital. Mikan could remember the grief and guiltiness she felt that day. But of course Hotaru, not desiring to see her best friend's sad, ordered her to not worry about her and smile. She did as she told, but still couldn't help the sorrowfulness. Mikan promised that she was going to save her best friend and find Iinchou's Alice no matter what which led her, Natsume, Ruka, and Tsubasa to go on a journey to find ''Z''. The brunette chuckled lightly when he recalled the time she eat the Gulliver's Candy and transformed into a 15 year old girl. Tono told her to do ''it'' with her once she saw her and even from this day, she still didn't know what he meant.

Her flashbacks led to the time when Ruka told herhewould give her his Alice Stone and vice versa. Then Bunny Boy left since he wanted Natsume to see the nice view of the lake. To Ruka's unknowing, the sneaky raven-haired boy was hiding in the bushes. He revealed himself to Mikan when his best friend left. In Mikan's and Natsume's awkward silence, the little brunette realized that her Alice works best whenever Natsume's around. Since she feels like he needs her Alice the most, she tells Natsume she'll give him hers. She still could clearly remember the startled expression he had which disappeared short seconds after. It was Mikan's turn to have a shocked façade since he declined her offer. They began to argue which led to splashing water at each other. Mikan could feel her face heat up when she recalled Natsume recommendation.

The raven-haired boy hid his crimson irises with his dark bangs. He recalled the blissful face of his best friend.

''You only need to make a stone for Ruka…''

Precipitously, he drew out water from the glossy lake and splashed some on the little girl next to him. The chestnut girl winced at the wet sensation placed upon her and glared at the culprit.

''WHAT DID YOU DO THAT FOR! HEY-!''

''Too noisy you ugly girl, stupid ugly girl.''

''YOU-!'' She, on impulse, followed the same actions he did. Splash water all over his body. ''MENTIONED UGLY WTICE, YOU STINKY FOX-!"

''Stupid ugly girl, slow ugly girl, extremely ugly girl,'' he remarked back and yet again, plopped water on her figure.

''DON'T ADD STUFF ON TOP OF 'UGLY GIRL'-!''

The poor dank lass started to cough furiously. She drew her knuckles to her face and coughed towards it. After she cleared her throat, she raised her hand up to her ponytails and tried to squeeze the watery substance out. Unaware to her, her companion was staring at her with also a dank face. Her proposal rang through his ear. ''If I grow up, and become powerful, and make a fantastic Alice Stone, I'll give that to Natsume.''

''Hey…ugly girl.''

''I'm not answering you!''

''Do you still plan to have that kind of hairstyle in five years' time?''

''…What?''

She raised her eyes and focused them on the person next to her. He had a blank, nonchalant façade while she had a wide-eyed, dumbfounded one. Suddenly, the young raven-haired fella lifted his hand and gently clutched one of the brunette's pigtails.

''That hairstyle won't be suitable in five years' time,'' he told her. ''Put your hair down.'' He afterwards released her locks and whipped around to head back to their campsite.

''You…what are you…suddenly saying that kinda thing,'' she stuttered.

He stopped in his tracks and turned half-way around to face the dumbfounded girl. ''Put it down. It looks better that way.''

The chocolate eyed girl furiously reddened at his comment. ''Who's…who's just gonna listen to what you say…''

''Let's go back,'' he replied back impassively.

''Wait…wait a minute…''

Before the blushing girl followed her erratic and unpredictable friend, she noticed something. The moon that was just so blurry, she thought, has somehow become so bright.

''Iinchou!''

''Mikan-chan, good afternoon.''

''Good afternoon,'' she responded with a sweet smile.

Mikan waddled up to her buddy. Her hazel orbs caught so many papers on the class president's desk. Yes, Tobita Yuu, is also the class representative in Mikan's class. He won the elections in a landslide. Well, his only competitor was Sumire aka Permy. It wasn't really a shocker that Permy didn't win. Iinchou speeches were moving and considered for the good of Alice Academy, while Permy just blabbed on about how cool are Ruka and Natsume and how they should have a one day off from school to celebrate her two idols.

''Wow, you have so many papers on your desk. You must be very busy.''

''Not really,'' he responded at the same time filling out some documents. ''I just have to finish this then I'm done for the day.''

''I see, well that's good!''

The class representative finally put his gaze on his classmate. He smiled gently at her. ''Mikan-chan, do you have the answer to clue number 14?''

''Yes I do! I've came up with the answer on my way here.''

''Fantastic, what is it?''

''Well, Natsume and I were talking about how Ruka-pyon and I promised when we grow up we were going to trade Alice Stones-''

''Mikan-chan, do you know what that means to exchange Alice Stones?'' Iinchou asked with raised eyebrows.

''Now, yes, but before, no.''

''Oh I see.''

''Anyways, then I said I was going to give Natsume an Alice Stone too, but he rejected it. He also said that I already promised Ruka-pyon, but then I replied back saying that I could just make two.''

''That would be strange. Having two fiancés,'' her friend pointed out with a sheepish grin.

''I know, I wish I knew what it meant before,'' Mikan confessed while scratching the back of her head. ''Afterwards, Natsume and I started to argue which led to splashing water on each other. Suddenly, he grabbed one of my ponytails and said that I should put my hair down when I get older.''

''Good job, you answered it correctly,'' he said with a pleased smile before handing her the next clue.

''Thanks, Iinchou!''

Mikan keenly read the next letter. It was ''L''. She then flipped to the other side to read the next clue.

Question 15: Why do I call you 'Polka Dots'?

Mikan cringed at the question. She knew the answer to this immediately. It was obvious. Mikan alleged that Natsume was smirking when he wrote this, and she was absolutely right.

When you know the answer, go to Aoi. She's outside the Middle School Building.

Mikan's hazel orbs expanded and she forgot how to breathe. Iinchou noticed her frozen appearance and positioned his hand on her shoulder.

''Mikan-chan, are you alright?''

''A..Aoi…is here…''

''Yes, I know. The guys and I had a little party with her last night.''

''EH! AND YOU DIDN'T INVITE ME!''

''Sorry Mikan-chan, but the only reason why is because at the gathering we were planning the scavenger hunt for you.''

''Oh, ok,'' she replied still sounding disappointed, but suddenly cheered up. ''Well, it can't be help! Aoi-chan is waiting for me! I'll catch ya later, Iinchou!''

''Please take care of yourself, Mikan-chan,'' he replied back even though she already departed.

Mikan was soaring down the steps. Sense of enthusiasm was rushing through her blood. She was so eager to see her pal. The brunette hasn't seen the raven-haired lassie since last Christmas and missed her very dearly. Hyuuga Aoi, the sister of the famous Hyuuga Natsume, was here at on Alice Academy grounds. The school finally became less strict and allowed friends and family members to visit the students here at school. The rule was overthrown when the students had enough of being treated like caged birds and started a riot two years ago. The teachers and principals, unable to calm them, overwritten the rule. Everyone rejoiced especially Mikan. She immediately wrote a letter to her grandpa saying to please come visit her which he did a couple of weeks later. Mikan evidently remembered their reunion. It was very different than what she expected it to be.

She rushed through the hallways, not bothering she was still in her pajamas. The chestnut girl instantly jerked out of bed when her teacher, Narumi-sensei, called her telling her he had the most marvelous news. When he told her, she was so happy she could cry, but stopped herself since she still didn't see him yet. Not paying attention to what's in front of her, she collapsed backwards on the floor and groaned.

''Watch where you're going, Polka Dots?'' a voice growled.

Mikan glanced up and saw the famous and popular Hyuuga Natsume. She giggled and jumped up with a cheery smile. Usually, Mikan was going to shout at Natsume, but not today. The young crimson eyed lad stared at her suspiciously.

''Why are you so smiley about, idiot?''

''I'm not going to let your attitude ruin my day!'' she exclaimed while curving her lips into a bigger smile. ''Well if you excuse me, I have to go and meet him!''

The last word aggravated Natsume. Just when Mikan was heading off to meet her special person, he grabbed her by the wrist and instantly pinned her on the wall.

''WHAT THE HECK! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?'' she screeched and started to squirm from his grasp, but to no gain.

''Who's this 'him' you're yelling about?''

''Let me go, Natsume! I have to see my Ji-''

''Mikan-chan?''

The restrained girl whipped her head right and the pinner aka Natsume, followed her actions. Her hazel orbs widened and her throat suddenly felt dry. She felt her heart beating out of her chest with joy. Cold tears were streaming down her face. A few feet from her were her lovable Grandpa. She hasn't seen him for two years, but it felt like decades for her and him. He had more wrinkles on his face, but Mikan didn't mind. She thought he looked cuter. Her grandfather held a wooden walking stick in his left hand. She was a bit surprised to see that, but since her grandpa was pretty old, she should expect he needed a bit of assistance. He wasn't alone. Narumi-sensei was standing right next to her grandpa with an overjoyed smile.

''Jii-chan!'' Mikan exclaimed with joy.

''Jii-chan…?'' Natsume uttered then broadened his eyes as well. ''Oh shit...''

''WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO MY GRANDDAUGHTER!'' he exploded with vehemence.

Natsume immediately let go of Mikan and tried to explain, but really, what could he explain. Was he just going to say,' Oh I just pinned your granddaughter because I didn't want her to meet the allegedly believed boy I was jealous of?' Before he could move out of the way, the vicious grandpa charged at Natsume and started spanking him with his crane.

''Jii-chan!'' Mikan shrilly yelled.

''WHY ARE YOU HARASSING MY GRANDDAUGHTER?''

''He usually does this every day. It's a usual routine for Mikan-chan and Natsume-kun,'' Narumi stated with a grin.

''Narumi-sensei! Don't say that!'' the brunette shouted with a pout.

''I'm going to kill you, Naru,'' Natsume muttered with clenched knuckles.

''OH SO YOU HARASS MY GRANDDAUGHTER EVERY DAY! YOU HAVE SOME GUTS TO DO THAT, PUNK!''

''Jii-chan, stop! He's my friend!''

The venomous grandfather stopped his beating and strolled to his daughter with a happy grin. Mikan smiled back at her grandpa sheepishly before heading towards Natsume.

''Natsume, are you ok?''

''I never thought I'd say this, but I think your grandpa is scarier than Persona,'' he muttered.

Mikan giggled. ''Natsume meet my Jii-chan, Jii-chan meet Natsume! I know you're going to get along just fine.''

Is this girl blind? Didn't she see what her old man just did to me? Natsume pondered. Jii-chan smiled and approached the young lad. Before Natsume could retreat, Mikan's grandpa wrapped his arm tightly around the boy's shoulder.

''We're going to get along just well,'' he added, but then leaned down to Natsume's ear so no one could he what he was going to say besides him,'' unless you harass my granddaughter again.''

''Hn, whatever.''

Since the precious memories were occupying her mind, Mikan didn't notice that she was already outside. Her hazel orbs widened in glee at the sight in front of her.

''Aoi-chan!''

''Mikan-chan!''

The two friends dashed to each other's arm. They squeezed each other as if they were going to die if they let go.

''Aoi-chan, I missed you so much.''

''I missed you too!''

Eventually, the two cheery girls released each other and exchanged looks.

''You've grown so much,'' Mikan commented. ''You're look so much mature.''

The younger lassie chuckled. It was true though. Aoi was already 11 years old. Her hair touched to her shoulders, her once pudgy, round face was replaced with a slender one, her crimson irises shined so holy, and she was to the height of Mikan's shoulder.

''Thanks,'' she responded,'' So, Mikan-chan, do you have the answer to clue 15?''

''Yes,'' she mumbled, remembering she was still on a scavenger hunt that Natsume set up,'' he calls me…'Polka Dots' cause it's the design of my panties.''

Aoi tried to hold her laughter, but it was futile. She had her right palm on her mouth and the other on her tingling stomach.

''Mou, don't laugh.''

''Sorry, Mikan-chan, I couldn't help myself.''

The laughed at brunette heaved a sigh. She couldn't help, but join in the merriment. Soon, it died down. Unexpectedly, Aoi snatched Mikan's hand and the chocolate eyed girl stared at her puzzled.

''What are you…?''

''Come on, Mikan-chan!'' the girl with eyes of a rose cheered and started to run with Mikan closely behind her.

''Where are you taking me?''

''Central Town!''

Aoi and Mikan entered the buss with glazed smiles. After the two pals took a seat, the raven-haired crimson-eyed child dispensed Clue 16th to the chirpy brunette. She gladly accepted it and scanned the back. The letter was an "'L'' this time. Mikan turned to the other side and lightly blushed as she read the question.

To be Continued