"Author's" note: My excuse for not updating the last whole month: Exams. It's kind of bad to inform you now. (feels guilty) I shall repent by working furiously on the next few chapters. Haha. Thanks for all your reviews and support for vampire fangs. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Gakuen Alice and it's a fact.
Chapter 11 – Challenge
Hotaru walked down the corridor, dismissing the meek glances she was receiving from the curious bystanders. Her eyes strayed towards the rooms, scanning them for the presence of a particular brunette. Though she didn't want to admit it, that silly girl has always been on her worry list. That baka, always getting into trouble she could not handle. She had apparently been dismissed from her job yesterday and Hotaru clearly knows whose doing was this: Natsume Hyuga, her current lord and Ace of the Hyuga clan. Her mood darkened simply by just thinking of him. Why Mikan though? She frowned. There are so many other girls in the world.
Hotaru paused in her tracks, just in time to catch the blur of green rushing past her. She sighed, catching a glimpse of the auburn hair that swept past. Without a noise, she vanished in the eyes of the humans, but was merely chasing after the pair in the eyes of vampires, not that there were any (vampires) to witness.
o.O.o.O.o
She muttered darkly under her breath. How dare she?! How dare this worthless human become the gypsy of our ace! How dare the brunette seduce her Natsume-sama!! Sumire Shouda was indeed at the verge of explosion, but she must keep calm. She must not ruin the reputation of Natsume-sama as the would-be wife (not that it will come true) of the Ace. She must endure this treacherous predicament. "Elegance and beauty," she recited repetitively in her head, that was how the previous Ace was and what she must be now even though the burden in her hands was a wretched item. She was immensely relief as she reached the bend at the corner – the deserted classroom, rumored to be haunted by a blood-sucking ghost. Quickly she shoved her burden into the room, shutting the door behind her. She heaved a sign of relief. Mission one – getting the stupid burden out of people's sight is complete. Now for the second mission, she glared at the brunette, now in the hands of… Koko. A vein protruded out of her forehead. Of all hands…why…was she in the hands of Koko!
"Sumire, come on, you can't just shove Mikan-chan in without telling the poor soul why,"
"I can and I will. That silly twit is going to ruin the reputation of Natsume-sama, flaunting that mark around."
Koko sighed, tilting the brunette's head slightly to get a closer look. Indeed the mark is not covered. He cocked a brow. Something isn't right about the mark, but he just couldn't place where. Oh well, it doesn't matter. In one fluid motion, Koko retrieved the bandage concealed in the drawer. All that was heard was the light rattle as the drawer hit its frame.
"You are going to spoil the drawer if you continue doing this,"
Kitsume flopped down on the couch next to Kokoromi. With a quick flick, the bandage was now held in his hand.
"So Sumire, you brought her here…"
"To shut her mouth and ascertain our authority,"
"But didn't lord Hyuga tell us not to harm her?"
"He did, but he didn't say we couldn't deal with her and besides, she needs punishment for sticking her nose into our affairs."
Surmire retorted, glaring at Kitsume as he attempted to wrap the bandage around the brunette's neck.
"O for pit's sake, she's not an invalid, give it to her, Kitsume," a fairly agitated Permy growled, snatching the bandage away from his hands. She then proceeded to dump the roll on the brunette's lap.
"Cover up that mark. You have no right to destroy Natsume-sama's ace reputation, you lowly slave."
"Huh?" was the initial reply of a rather puzzled brunette as she allowed the words to sink into her brain. Who was a slave of whom? What's an ace? What mark? Her hand reached out to touch her "tattoo", feeling another sense of de ja vu. Oh…it's not covered. He had taken it off and he…kissed her. Fiery roses presented themselves in the cheeks of the brunette as she recalled the stolen kiss... His touch still tingled at her jaw. The feeling of his soft, luscious lips against hers lingered in her mind. It had actually felt good, but…"So this is how kiss feel like." A vein popped out, as the brunette felt a surge of anger. His words rang annoyingly in her head. Well that…stupid perverted, ecchi, arrogant, depressing, incomprehensible, idiotic jerk! What did he know about a girl's first kiss? Mikan grabbed the bandage and began to wind it around her neck, ignorant of the curious stares she was getting.
"Hey, will anyone tell me what is going on?" the brunette glared at the three figures, demanding an answer. Her voice echoed in the room, too loud to ignore.
"Oh and thank you, permy…" she chirped in, earning the sweatdrops of the three figures. Permy twitched a brow. What has the girl been doing? Doesn't she realize that she is in a dangerous situation with three vampires? Doesn't she even know? Yet she goes off into her own world! This girl is so dense! How worrying! Wait…why was she worrying about her? She is a rival. Argh! Have to be stricter with her.
"Anyway, Permy, I don't know what you are talking about. What has this mark got to do with him anyway?"
Yes! Opportunity given! Sumire swiftly grabbed a fistful of the brunette's hair, but only managed to tug just enough to cause pain for Kitsume's hand held hers. Koko glared warningly at her.
"Fine," Sumire muttered, releasing her hold. "But you," she pointed at the brunette, "Shall address him as Natsume-sama!"
Mikan winced, her hands messaging her sore scalp.
"Okay, Permy. Why is he so important anyway?" Mikan pouted, oblivious to the slight pinkish hue on the boys' cheeks.
"Natsume-sama," Sumire enforced once more.
"Nat-su-me-saaa-maaa," Mikan added reluctantly as Permy sent her a death glare
"Natsume-sama is our Ace, the highest ranking position in our society and every girl's dream guy. You better remember that mortal. He is the sun that shines in the…drabbles on"
"What society… Mortal…." Mikan whispered, realizing the meaning of the words,
"Permy…you are a vampire!"
"Listen to people when they talk!"
A bump appeared on the brunette's head as a fist slammed down. Sumire sweat dropped, she felt her hatred for the brunette ebbing away. Well it took her so long to get it. It's kind of hilarious though she absolutely had no liking towards the girl. But at that moment, the brunette doesn't seem that bad.
"Since you know of vampires, this makes my job easier," Sumire changed her tone unconsciously to a friendlier one. Her hands crossed before her chest.
"Mikan Sakura, I, Sumire, rank S7 of the Shouda clan challenge your position as the Ace's gypsy,"
"Sumire!" protests came from the boys and the brunette's reply to that challenge is:
"S7? Ace? Gypsy? WHAT?"
"What do you mean what?" Sumire cried, outraged by her reply. Is the brunette faking ignorance?!
"It's a ranking system in the vampire society, Mikan. Starting from the lowest, W2, R3, U4, V5, X6, S7, E8, N9, T10, Jack, Queen, King and Ace the highest. Gypsies are people whom vampire sucked blood from or partners, which mean you, are one of them. Other than that, you don't need to know anything else unnecessary."
A monotone voice came from behind. The speaker turned towards Sumire, reciting like a machine.
"S7 Sumire from the Shouda clan, brought up to be the gypsy of the current Ace. Alice: Dog, cat Predisposition. Born in May 31st, Gemini with half-blood parents. Want me to elaborate more?"
Sumire turned a shade of grey, facing the speaker.
"T10 Hotaru Imai. How long have you been here? If you have come to stop me, it's useless, cause I…"
Hotaru shrugged.
"I have been here long enough, but have not come to stop you, S7. I had expected it will be as such. There is no surprise that anyone would like to claim the position of the Ace's gypsy after that stubborn mule had taken one. Besides, you have to make her agree first and we have to be the witness to the agreement, don't I?" Hotaru pointed out. She settled comfortably on top of the desk.
"Hotaru…you knew about vampires?"
Hotaru glanced at the brunette.
"Of course she knows, she is a omph!" Sumire was cut off by a blast from the baka gun. A venomous glare headed Permy's way.
"Hotaru?"
"Yes I know,"
Mikan attempted to reach for Hotaru, but was grabbed on the collar by Sumire.
"Oi, baka, are you going to agree to my challenge?"
"But I have no reason to. Hotaru…"
Mikan flailed her hands towards Hotaru.
"Let go Permy!"
"Agree to my conditions first!"
"NO!!I want Hotaru!!"
"Hurry up and agree!"
Hotaru sighed for the second time. She didn't need Mikan to know yet after keeping it from her for so many years. The two boys stared amusingly at the scene.
"How long do you intend to hide, principal?" Hotaru murmured, watching as the pair bicker.
"Ahh….as expected of Hotaru-chan," The principal said in his usual drawl, appearing beside the inventor. His pale grey eyes glinted in amusement.
"I didn't know that Hyuga san would have such a kawaii gypsy. It makes me want to steal her away from him. "
Hotaru narrowed her eyes on him, but kept her lips pressed firm. The principal sat beside the inventor, becoming the next spectator of this event.
"You would not object to this fight ne, Natsume-sama?"
Natsume strolled in wordlessly. In his hand was the dirtied plaster.
"Hn…,"
"You want to see her alice, no?"
Natsume glared at the principal, but kept his peace. He did wanted to know polka-dot's Alice and besides who couldn't do with a bit of comedy. All watched as the two girls, a vampire and a mortal get tangled up in the weirdest position.
"Agree to this challenge, Baka!"
"Why should I?"
"I want Natsume-sama!!"
"Then have him! I don't care!"
"Really?"
"Yes," Mikan panted, pushing the vampire away, "You can have him," The temperature soared a few degrees higher, much to the discomfort of those in the room except the ignorant brunette.
"So…you agree to the challenge?"
"Who said I did?"
The temperature cooled slightly.
"But you said I could have him!"
"Yes,"
Once again the room became stuffy and hot.
"Then I have my challenge! Yes!" Sumire paraded around the brunette.
"But…"
A cough interrupted any more discussion.
"Sumire-chan, three days from now in the night at the school courtyard, I will ensure none will enter. The fight will be there. Is it okay?"
The principal concluded eager to get this done before they were all fried by Natsume. Sumire nodded; elated by the fact she would become the gypsy of Natsume in three days. Her purpose of living would be fulfilled in just three days from now. She could imagine the glory, just standing beside Natsume Hyuga as his gypsy.
"As for what type of fight it will be, I would come up with it, but I advise that you leave now," The principal warned.
Sumire blinked, noticing the figure beside the principal, Natsume Hyuga….with a rather ferocious look on his face. Chilled despite the heat, Sumire obediently left the room in a snap of a finger.
"Principal…" a menacing snarl came from behind him.
The principal smiled weakly, making his way towards the brunette – his safety line.
"I believe this is the first time we met, Mikan-chan. It is an absolute pleasure,"
Taking her hand into his, he lowered his lips, only to find that the brunette had withdrawn her hand.
Mikan was charmed by his actions. Unfortunately, she had recalled once more the incident that happened mere minutes ago (her first kiss), which explained her now dark and stormy mood. Her gaze fixed upon the guy before her.
"I don't know you,"
"I'm Zen. Zenachy Hyo. Yoroshiku and if you haven't notice, the room temperature is rather high,''
Zen expertly change the topic, watching as Mikan's mouth shaped into an 'O', but her face disbelieving.
"But there isn't much change in the temperature…" She murmured, intending not for any to hear. To her, there certainly was nothing wrong with the room. Still the sides of her mouth perked up into a broad grin. All feelings of annoyance had dissipated.
"Yoroshi…'
The brunette felt an arm around her, dragging her aside. The culprit was a rather pissed Natsume. At the side of her eyes, she saw a flicker of flame appeared on Zen's shirt. He gave an ominous glare that states "I will personally kill you later", before shooting a few at his audiences. Without giving the brunette a chance to respond, Natsume lugged the brunette off. What had the brunette got herself into now?
As the couple left, Hotaru suddenly let out a snicker. So that was the reason why Natsume had kept her. An impish smile graced the features of her face as she left the puzzled principal.
Ending note: Haha. I spent a lot of time on this chapter. Hope you liked it.