Well, I'm embarrassed. It has taken me so long. Yes, I have a major exam that lasts longer than two months. Crazy right? I have one year to prepare for it. Thanks to lolmomo88 and Brookiielyn for encouraging me to continue writing this story. I will be back in action by November. Promise. Let's get reading shall we?

-Pluepg

Let's Take A Walk Around Alice Academy!

Recap: She fell, her bum colliding with the marble floor. She rubbed her now aching backside and looked up at the person, she gasped as she saw...

She rubbed her now aching backside and looked up at the person, she gasped as she met with a white masked-face staring down at her. Umira resisted the urge to scream as she trembled in fear. This man gave off a death-like aura and had that spooky look. Silently, he ignored her and walked away. The blue-haired girl remained rigid for while before getting up again, her legs still like jelly. She dared not look behind at him; it was best that she does not meet this man again.

After walking around the hallways, she chanced on a giant building. Glancing around, she silently opened the door and peered inside. What she saw left her in awe. It was an enormous library filled with books of every kind, ranging from all genres that spread to enormous levels. Heading for the section on school curriculum, she borrowed a few books before silently walking out, making sure that she would visit again on another day. Umira was lagging behind in her lessons and she would need to catch up as soon as possible. Luckily, she had the ability to memorise things at a glance, allowing her to have a huge head start. Just then, she looked up from her books to see Ruka. Surprised, he asked her what she was doing here in the middle of the night

"I thought of taking a walk and decided to borrow some books for school. What about you?" Umira inquired, curious to know why he was out late at night.

Ruka remained silent before offering to teach her and give her some tips, seeing as both of them were not as tired yet. Umira shrugged as they sat down underneath a tree, the moonlight illuminating their books. A couple of hours soon passed before they walked back to the dorm together. As they approached the second level, she bid him goodnight before walking up, leaving behind a slightly blushing Ruka. Proud of herself for finishing half of the syllabus she was left behind in, she displayed a small smile before softly opening her room door and closing it behind her. She looked up to see Natsume's bed empty. Surprised, she wondered where he had gone before placing her books on her study table to change into her pajamas. Silently, she crawled into bed as she went through the day's events in her head.

Just as she fell closed her eyes, the door opened and closed. She opens her eyes to see Natsume hunched and grabbing at his shoulder. Quickly, he made his way to the bathroom, not noticing that Umira was awake. Umira sat up and looked at the floor. Softly, she clasped her mouth and gasped as she saw drops of blood on the ground. Getting up from the bed, she calmly knocked on the door, worried for her roommate.

"Natsume? Are you alright in there?" She asks worriedly, waiting for his response.

"It's none of your business. Go away." His muffled grunt came from behind the door. He sounded like he was in great pain.

"But you're hurt, I saw the blood on the floor! If-"

"Get lost! I don't need your help! Leave me alone!" he roared from behind the door.

Umira's heart sank before hesitatingly pulling away and proceeding to clean the blood off the floor. Slowly, she takes one last look at the door before climbing into bed. Morning soon came and the chicken alarm clock next to the bed had started clucking away profusely. Immediately, Umira shot up and jumped out of bed, rushing straight for the bathroom. Natsume silently got up as he stared at the bathroom door that Umira had slammed. While Umira was still in the village, she used to get up this way and feed the chickens. The minute she closed the bathroom door behind her, she realised that she was no longer in her village anymore, as it was burnt down by a large forest fire. Suddenly, she felt tears fill her eyes until she wiped them away. She was determined remember the past that she had forgotten. However, she could only remember that the only person that could help her was in this school. She had forgotten who that person was though… Umira sighed before bringing herself out of her thoughts to brush her teeth and get dressed.

When she emerged from the bathroom, Natsume swiftly walked passed her and into the toilet to bathe, slamming the door behind her. Only shocked for a moment, she resumed placing her dirty pajamas in a basket before packing her bag. By the time she finished, Natsume had appeared from the bathroom in a fresh uniform before walking straight out the door, dumping his clothes in her basket in the process. Umira was shocked and was irked that the gesture meant that she would do his laundry for him. Pouting, she just grabbed her bag and followed after him. Making sure to teach him a lesson when they got back.

Walking down the steps of the academy's new sports stadium, Umira spotted Yuu, Hotaru and Mikan chatting together. Quickly, she joined them while Natsume made his way to Ruka's direction.

Just then, the teacher announced cheerfully, "Alright kids, next week will be the first ever scavenger hunt camp organised by the school! This camp will test on how you are able to utilise your alice under specific situations as well as how you are able to work with your partner. In addition, you will have to find a list of items and make it back as soon as possible."

Hotaru was about to walk away until she heard something interesting.

"The first team that comes back will win 10,000 rabbits to spend in the city area!"

Immediately, she returned back.

"However, your partner will have to be your roommate in order to be able to foster the bond between the both of you."

Mikan could only stare in disbelief, she was the only no star, she had no partner! Suddenly, Ruka announced that he did not have a roommate either. Quickly, the teacher grouped them together to silence any concerns. The pair could only remain silent as they glanced at each other. The other students were excited, as they had already become good friends with their roommate. This scavenger camp would be a cinch. However, Umira was rather worried as Natsume and her were not close terms, not to mention the event they had last night. Yet, she took it with a pinch of salt and accepted it. She would have to find some way to get onto his good side; either that, or he would have to deal with her presence.

"For this scavenger camp, you will need to be in tip top shape, so from now on, we shall start training! Yuu, you will be in charge!" as soon as gave Yuu the position, he flung his whistle for Yuu to catch and walked away.

After deciding on what to train on, they started with a race. Natsume, Mikan, Hotaru and a couple of other students were in line. As Yuu blew the whistle, Mikan tripped on her own feet. Umira couldn't help but think that she was really unlucky. Natsumei was quite light on his feet, but Hotaru sped past him in her swan scooter. Umira stared flabbergasted, is she allowed to do that?

Mikan called out "Hey Hotaru! Give me a lift!"

"No. There's only room for one."

"Aw, come on! What kind of friend are you!"

Their conversation soon ended as well as the race when Hotaru came in first and Natsume second. As for Mikan, obviously she came in last. The next batch of students was up. Umira stood up from the side bench and made her way in one of the lanes. Permy-haired Sumirei, Yome and a chubby girl with her hair tied up in pigtails. When the whistle was blown, the pigtailed girl concentrated and immediately teleported to the finish line. Umira was astounded, that was not fair! While Umira was distracted, Sumirei ran past her.

"You're just another slow nobody!" She sneered as she sped up.

Irritated, Umira focused her energy on her running and started sprinting. Gasps could be heard from the sidelines. As soon as she opened her eyes, she was at the finish line. Surprised at her own speed, Umira turned to look behind to see an exhausted Sumirei running towards the finish line and stopping.

"How can you not know that you have a Super Speed alice? It's so obvious to everyone around you!" Sumirei demanded, incredulous to Umira's claim.

Umira could only remain silent for the rest of the lesson. If she had an alice that could create barriers, how could she have a super speed alice as well? Taking note the questions in her head, she decides to ask Mr Narumi after physical education class. Unknowingly, another curious stare was directed at her from the side of the track.

Physical education soon ended as the students headed for the showers. Normal classes carried on and time seemed to fly past. It had been months since Umira had sat in a proper classroom, let alone read any books. Yet, she could still remember every detail written in her past textbooks. Truthfully, in the past, she found it rather astonishing that she could recite her textbooks word for word. However, she took no notice of it and assumed that it was because she was more hard-working than the rest. Only now, she realised that her intelligence was a little more than just hard work. The minute the bell rang through the halls, it marked the end of classes. As she walked through the halls with Hotaru, Yuu and Mikan, she learnt that that the students are given a short lunch break before heading to their joint classes. However, Yuu was soon interrupted by Mikan's protests. Sumirei was dragging her away by the collar, carrying a broom in hand. Apparently, those that were below the three star rank had to stay behind and clean the school. Unfortunately for Mikan, being a no star meant that she had to do the dirty jobs that no one else wanted.

As the trio were walking out of the school, Umira noticed a white table in the trees near the sidewalk. Yuu explained that Mr Narumi liked to sit there after classes. Remembering what had happened this morning, Umira asked if they would accompany her to see him. Glancing at each other, Yuu happily agreed while Hotaru excused herself. She needed to continue with her inventions.

"Mr Narumi." Umira politely called as she approached the table.

The blonde teacher turned away from his cup to tea to look at her. He was sitting alone.

"Umira! Yuu! What brings you to these parts?" he asked cheerfully as he set his cup down.

"I would like to ask you something about my alice."

Umira swore she almost saw Mr Narumi's expression shift for a split-second.

"What about it?"

"This morning, during physical education, Sumirei claimed that I had The Super Speed alice. If that is so, then what was that barrier I had done outside school?" Umira asked as she seated herself opposite the teacher; Yuu joining her as well.

"Well…there are certain special people in this school that possess more than one alice, and it just so happens that you are one of those people. Therefore, you have the Super Speed and the Nullifying alice."

"You mean Umira is just like Mikan?" Yuu asked in curiousity.

"Yes. Except Umira has somewhat more control over it – even though she is unaware of how she does it." The teacher held back a small chuckle at the thought.

"So Umira should be placed in the Special abilities class right? Just like Mikan?" Yuu asked once more.

Mr Narumi paused for a while.

"Not exactly, the fact that she has more control over her alice puts her in the dangerous type. I'm sorry if you are offended by this Umira, but the school decides where the students go, not I."

Umira shook her head. She was fine with the placement. If her alice was considered dangerous, then so be it.

"What about Yuu? What class is he in?" Umira was hopeful that the class president would continue giving a helping hand even into her joint classes.

"I'm in the latent type, mostly for those that have alices that are related to the mind. Like Teleportation or like mine, the Illusion alice. Hotaru is in the technical type, for alices that are based on technology and research. For example, Hotaru is an inventor. "

"What about you Mr Narumi?" Umira re-lighted her hopeful eyes.

"Oh, I'm in charge of the somatic types. A class for alices that are mostly related to the body and other living things as well. If you were wondering, the other student in class B that is in the dangerous ability as well, is right over there."

Mr Narumi pointed to the direction of the sidewalk. On its other side was Natsume, napping under a shady tree.

Umira stiffened before silently groaning to herself.

"Well, I'll just have to get used to him. Thank you for the information." The cerulean-haired girl gave a gentle smile towards the teacher.

His violet eyes widened a little before returning the smile.

"N-now, the both of you should be heading to class soon. Go ahead and get something to eat." Mr Narumi stuttered for only a moment before resuming back to his tea.

Taking that as a signal to leave, Umira and Yuu made their way out of the bushes and back onto the sidewalk.

'Strange, that smile…she reminds me of someone.' The teacher thought as gazed at the two students heading their separate ways.

Slowly, the Umira made her way across the grass towards the base of the tree, careful not to wake the honour student up. As she crouched silently, she studied his face. He looked calmer than the first time she had seen him. Compared to the fierce and cold outlooks that he directed at others, he seemed more – at peace. From the black locks of his fringe, to his rather fair complexion, Umira could feel a sense of familiarity. A memory that she couldn't seem to grasp at the back of her mind.

She was soon brought out of her reverie by Natsume's words.

"How long are you planning to stare at me?" the boy asked as he kept his eyes closed.

Umira tensed. Embarrassed, she felt her face heat up as a blush spread across her cheeks. Had she really been staring at him so intensely that it woke him up?

"A-aren't you going to joint class?" she managed to stutter out, hoping that he would show her the way – or at least tell her how to get there.

Natsume remained silent for a while, as if pondering his answer. Then, he stands up and asks her to follow him. Taking it as an answer to take her there, she trailed behind him. Umira didn't dare to walk by him, side by side; it was too awkward to do so.

After passing by a few hallways, the duo arrived at a door. The pole that usually held a gold sign was empty. It appeared to be an abandoned classroom. Was Natsume planning to attend joint class in the first place? Umira couldn't help but wonder as tiny alarm bells rang in her head. Wordlessly, Natsume slid open the door and walked in. Umira followed behind him as she peered into the classroom. She was right, it was an abandoned area. There were tiny cobwebs hanging on the walls and dust coating the tables and chairs.

There were only a few figures seated in the room. A tiny boy at the age of three with grey-brown hair and blue eyes sat at a couple of benches away from the board. He was dressed in the same uniform as Natsume, presumably from the younger class. At the back of the classroom, was a bandaged student with shiny black hair. He was donned in a yellow uniform. To Umira, he was the creepiest in the whole room – like an injured student who had fallen on his head before his death. Far left of the classroom, a girl with icy-blue, wavy hair that flows down to her shoulders, pale skin and a pair of gentle blue eyes. She was dressed in a blue uniform, much identical to her own.

The only students that took notice of them were the boy and the girl. The bandaged student cared little of their presence. The boy quickly got off his seated and ran towards Natsume to hug him. Immediately, Natsume walked towards the little boy, sat them down in his seat and placed him on his lap. The boy began playing with the honour student's hair. Umira could feel her eyes soften a little and nervously sat at a desk in front of them, wiping the dust off an area. She had no idea how a joint class functioned and the students didn't look as hospitable. She could only wait for a teacher to arrive.

"Hey everyone." A rather enthusiastic voice emerged from behind the doorway. A girl with long chartreuse hair in a blue uniform stepped in.

"I have a message from Persona that class is cancelled today. Hajime, you're wanted by him."

With that, the student with glossy black hair stood up and made his way out of class. The rest remained seated. The student upfront only shrugged until she met eyes with Umira. Curious, she approached her.

"Hey. You're new, Persona didn't tell me about you."

"M-me?" Umira was overwhelmed by her hospitality.

"Oh, where are my manners? My name is Yugisa Hikari. You can call me Hikari. I'm in the Middle School Division. Mind control is my game. What about you? What horrible things did you do to get in here?"

Natsumei twitched a little. Only the little boy noticed.

"Leave her alone Yugisa." He answered coldly.

"Fine. I'm just welcoming her." She stated, clearly offended. However, she ignored his previous words and continued on.

"So newcomer, what's your name?"

"My name is Kenzei Umira. I'm in the Elementary School Division. I have the Barrier and Super Speed alice." Umira introduced herself rather softly.

Hikari looked like she was about to comment until Natsume shot her a look that stopped her. Instead, she continued.

"As a responsible senior, I will take this chance to introduce you to our tiny family. The girl at the back is Ibaragi Nobara. She has the ice alice and is in the Middle School Division just like me. The only girl in our family." Hikari proudly announced, pointing at her. Umira could notice Nobara flinch before turning red, not daring to look at Umira in the eyes.

"The guy that just left the classroom is Yakumo Hajime, a High School Division student. He has the Insect Pheromone alice. The boy over there is Hijiri Youichi. He has the Ghost Manipulation alice. Of course, there are a few others as well but they're a little…busy." Hikari paused for a while at the last word, contemplating the right terms.

"Anyway, if you ever need help. You can come to me. Since there is no class today, I'll be leaving. Chiao!" Hikari waved goodbye as she jogged out of the class.

"Oh yes." She stopped short.

"Natsume, Persona calls for you at sundown." After that, she left.

Meeting Hikari was rather brief and Umira had to stare for a while in order to register what had just happened.

"What are you staring at?" Natsume asked to bring her out of her muse.

"What are you staring at?" A little voice copied after him.

It was from Youichi.

Shocked, Umira stifled a tiny giggle. It was amusing to see the anti-social Natsume paired with such a young child. It was like having a little Natsume duplicate. Natsume glared at her. Immediately, she felt a cold presence surround her. She looked past her shoulder to see a white ghastly appearance. It was Youichi trying to avenge Natsume by using his spirits. Umira paled a little before she silently took in a small breath. Crouching to Youichi's eye level, she spoke gently.

"Did Natsume teach you to do that? It's not nice to scare people. Let's be friends alright?"

Youichi was taken aback by Umira's reaction – apparently Natsume was too. Most girls would run at the sight of Youichi's spirits. Umira too was shocked at herself, she had not known what came over her. Youichi could only nod as he reached forward to tug at her hair. Umira flinched a little before gently patting his head and smile in response. The two boys could feel Umira exude quite an amount of motherly love. It was rather unexpected, even for Umira herself.

After a while of playing together with Youichi in the class, Umira decided to take the boy back to his dorm. Natsume excused himself.

Another round of sumptuous dinner with Hotaru and Yuu soon ended as Umira head back to her room. Natsume wasn't at dinner today either. Umira made sure to take back a couple of chocolate milk cartons for herself. Since as long as she could remember, she always had a craving for an excessive amount of chocolate milk. Seating herself at the desk, she opened her notebook and began zooming through her homework assignments. She was soon brought out of her mathematics question by a loud thump at the door. Her head jerked towards the direction of the door. Slowly, she sat up and walked towards the door. As soon as she opened it, her face paled as her heart started to palpitate wildly in fear and worry.

"Natsume." She could only gasp out.

End

Preview

Umira: What has happened to Natsume? We'll be busy with many things by the next week, I wonder how will the Scavenger Hunt be like?

Next Chapter: Preparing for…?

Please Rate or Review or both.