Disclaimer:

-sigh- I so do not own Gakuen Alice.

Author's notes:

-sigh... again- Hi guys, this will be the last chapter this week and i think i'll not update for a while... Stupid mid year test i s coming and... -run around and scream- i have to study... Anyways, a lot of thanks to:

Anime-Lover220

Kyaaa Love ur review I'm really glad u like this short chapter -scratch head- anyways, i'll apologize if i'll seldom update for the next couple of days. Exam and... -sigh- Can't wait to hear from you soon

Chokoreeto-Hime

Hihi Chocolate Princess Ur "hime" at the end of your name really suits you I think it's cute XD Glad you like this short chappie as well And to your question, 'when is ruka gonna appear?' Hehehe... -evel laugh- Pretty soon...

Kay, kay, next chappie

Torn Between Love and Duty

Chapter 6: Welcome back

Mikan's POV

Today's dad's birthday. Everyone in the nation is celebrating this special event in the kingdom's ball room. People from all parts of the social pyramid has been invited. Wealthy and poor, big and small. Everyone, and i mean everyone is invited...

Except me.

Holding back the tears that is going to flow out, i fell back and lie on the bed.

This happens every year since i was born. The same never ending routine for 17 years. Why is that? Because they are afraid of me. They are afraid of my alice.

Heh, nullifying alice... I remembered what my mom told me. She has nullifying alice as well. She died from and illness. Before she died, she told me to be grateful for the alice i owned. And told me that i was the most beautiful girl she had ever seen.

That was when i was 10.

Standing up, i decided to head for the garden. My head is spinning so wildly from all the thinking, besides the illness, that is...

I remembered my dad's birthday when i was 11. A year from my mom's death. I made a handmade kitty doll and headed to the kingdom's ball room. Excited, i pushed through the door. All eyes are on me. Most of them are glares that resembles anger and fear.

I was only 11 then. I didn't know anything.

I saw my dad at the edge of the stage. For some reason, he looked terrified.

Rushing to him, i was suddenly pulled back. The vilagers pushed me away from him. I dropped my doll and was facing a mob of angry villagers. They pushed me out of the ball room and shut the door locked.

That night... I cried.

I stayed in my room and thought about the incidents when my mom was still around. I now know why she forbids me to attend any events. She was trying to keep me away from them. Away from all the dangerous world. She always made excuses like the crowded place is a very dangerous place or she is very lonely so she wants me to accompany her.

And now, without her, the filth from this world has reached to me.

I hold onto the wall hoping i can gain my balance. The world is spinning again. I feel tired. I soon fell down.

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Natsume's POV

Hmm... i didn't see ...her ...anywhere. I looked everywhere for this damn place but there's no sign of her. Maybe she didn't came... but it's impossible, today's her insane pop's birthday. She couldn't have missed this special occasion.

The thought about last week scares me. She suddenly collapsed through the hall. I know this is not a fever. It's something else.

I heard my paranoid meter blinking. I exited through the door and entered a big hall. I searched for her everywhere, but no sign of her...

I hope nothing happens to her...

What the hell??

What shit was i thinking about????

I cared for HER?!

Must be this champaign overdose. I need to knock my head in the shower room until it bleeds after i found her.

I walked towards her room. It was empty. For some reason, i was starting to get worried. Ok, not worried about HER, i was more worried about... well, my job! That's right, i couldn't seriously have 'feelings' for her. It was merely to keep... my mission!

Ignoring the battling facts coming out my head, i continued to search for her.

After the long wild goose chase, i sat on the bed. Suddenly, a thought came in. I remembered the Sakura garden where she usually goes when she is disturbed or worried.

Standing up, i rushed there.

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Mikan's POV

It feels like a thousand needles are penetrating through my head. Trying to move my aching body, i noticed that i wasn't on the ground. And as an addition, my body was moving.

A hand is placed on my back while the other one is placed on my tights. A thought strike me. I was being lifted by a person... bridal style.

I lifted my head up while trying to open my eyes. The blurred vision began to clear as i recognized that person.

Those amazingly beautiful hazel eyes stared back at me.

He smiled as he said, "Mikan-chan, i'm back" Then, he kissed my forehead softly.

I blushed furiously, "R-Ruka-sama...?"

"You'll never change... you do know i'm worried about your illness, right?"

I giggled a little, "I know that... and... welcome back... Ruka-sama."

He pulled me in and kissed my lips gently.

Suddenly, i heard someone behind us. A deep panting sound. I broke the kiss and turned my attention. I saw...

...Natsume...

Author's Notes:

CLIFF-HANGER!!!!!! Kuro-chan I can feel the pain in your heart XO I can't believe i'm writing this... i'm feeling guilty for causing you pain... -taking out a knife and attempt suicide- Wait, i can't do that, i'll be more guilty if i died and cannot update this story anymore... -throw the knives away-

-Ahem- anyways, i'll repeat again. i'll not update for a while as you can see, i have a mid year test coming -run around and sream- I'll try to find the time to update and please, review, ne? XDXD

5:41 pm, April 24, 2007