Well, here's the next chapter. Hope you enjoy it.

3/24/10: Rewritten/Edited

Disclaimer: Nope, still not mine.

Natsume walked purposefully toward the building that housed his victims. He knew exactly where Persona would be – kowtowing to that despicable man, Principal Kuonji. Natsume wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The bitter chill of night around him didn't touch him as he approached the great looming structure of the Elementary School Building. The responding bang of doors slamming open rang through the hall as he welcomed himself in. It was only seconds before the Fuukitai came running.

Most of the Fuukitai, arguably the smarter ones, got one good look at the fire wielder's face and thought better of confronting him. His expression was black, murderous, enough to send even adults cowering. The rest of the Fuukitai, the stupid ones, yelled at him to stop, running forward to restrain him. Those that tried immediately began screaming as their clothes caught fire. None hindered him.

He continued his way up the stairs and down the hall, his mind focused on one thing only. When he saw the door he had run through just the day before, he felt a thrill of anticipation rush through him, as dark as the rage in his heart. Once more, he slammed the doors open.

They stood together on the far side of the room, looking in his direction. Their expressions were expectant. They had anticipated him. He smirked. They had no idea what he had planned for them, or they would have run. All the better for him that they were arrogant pigs.

"Ah, Natsume. Nice of you to join us." The principal sneered at the furious boy. "Such a pity about your little heartthrob." Here, he had the audacity to shoot a furious glare at Persona. As if he truly cared what happened Mikan. Natsume felt himself on the brink of losing control as his wrath burned hotter than ever. Persona bowed his head in apology, though his expression was guarded, unreadable. What a farce of an apology: apologizing for destroying the principal's goods, not snuffing out a human life.

"It really is such a shame. I had such plans for young Mikan."

"Don't!" Natsume shouted, boiling. "Don't you dare say her name! Don't you contaminate it with your vile mouth!"

The principal started to respond, but thought better about it. Something about Natsume's dark expression screamed Danger! The principal looked warily at the boy as it occurred to him that perhaps he had underestimated this calculating child. Persona's expression deepened into a frown as he analyzed the boy.

Natsume laughed bitterly, wildly, as he watched the change in their countenance. They were getting it, were they? That these were their final moments? He was not like the others that had confronted the principal. Unlike Yukihara Izumi, Yuka, and his dear Mikan, he had no qualms about snuffing out this black-hearted murderer and his deadly marionette right where they stood. He knew Mikan would disapprove, kindhearted angel that she was. But she was not here to restrain his hand, not anymore. No, this monster and his evil puppeteer had seen to that. A mistake they would not have long to regret, unfortunately.

He had had enough of this idle chatter. It was time to end this. He was very familiar with the layout of this building and was quite satisfied to know that there just so happened to be a staff kitchen on the floor just below. And in the wall of the kitchen, was a tank of gas to supply the stove. It would be the perfect place to start. Focusing all his power, he looked up and smiled in a way bordering on insanity.

"Shine."

The superheated tank exploded, rocking the building. Parts of the walls and floor blasted away, revealing the night beyond, while others continued to crumble and break apart. Natsume stood firm as the room rocked and shook and had the brief satisfaction of catching the panicked, horrified looks of his victims before he fueled the flames so much that they blocked his vision. He could feel his Alice tearing him apart, destroying him from the inside. He kept pushing, fueling the flames, forcing more power into the raging inferno. He couldn't feel the heat of the flames, but the pain inside his body burned excruciatingly.

He screamed in agony and heartbreak, a heart wrenching sound, releasing a final burst of power, before he gave into the blackness that welcomed him. As it consumed his mind, he smiled gently. He would join her soon. His Mikan.

Across the school, the explosion shook those sleeping and awake. Students and teachers alike sprang from their beds as sirens rang through the crisp night air. Smoke billowed up from the Elementary School Building, blotting out the moon and stars that the two children had gazed at in silent companionship only hours before.

Shine – no, this is not an English word. It is Japanese for "die"

So yeah, this chapter was a bit shorter, but that's ok. I mean, how long do you need a seriously depressing chapter to be. A scary Natsume. I love it when he looks really angry in the manga. It's rather intimidating. Lol. Anyway, enough of me talking. R&R onegai!