Sorry for the delay of the 4th chapter, the holiday has been a horrible week. Thanks for all the reviews. Enjoy the CHAPTER!!! I'm sorry, but it might be TOO long.

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Chapter 4: The Missing Person

Mikan's POV

Gosh! I'm so tired! I've been using too much of my energy. That Ryo destroyed my mood. I was getting to the fun part of killing my enemy.

I put my school bag down on my dressing table and stared outside the window. It's beautiful. I thought. The wind blowing in my room's direction. The green scenery of the forest.

I jumped on my bed, feeling proud of myself. I've accomplished my first mission. Now for the next one.

I got back up and reached for my phone. I went to the Inbox and read my message from Master.

MP: I saw your little battle. You've done well considering the fact that you didn't pass my defend lessons yet. You've now got a better brain. You could actually think and calculate in the time of need. I've got business with the Underworld tonight; we'll postpone the lessons date in a couple more days. You need your rest. As do I.

Ja Ne

At least he's not torturing Natsume anymore. I did only have two choices. One, letting Ruka suffer along with Natsume, second, I take Natsume's place and let the both of them be happy.

The Academy knows of my training, but they didn't know that I agreed the training with Master Persona.

I think I'm gonna take a walk outside. It's so boring.

I stepped outta my room and walked downstairs.

I opened the giant door that revealed my dreams.

Natsume waiting outside holding his hands out for me.

AH!!! THAT'S A NIGHTMARE!!! GET IT OUTTA MY HEAD!! GET IT OUT!

But it's true. Natsume is in front of the dorm. But he isn't holding his hands out. But he WAS smiling.

Awwww!!! HE LOOKS SO CUTE!!

WAIT-A-MINUTE!!! WHAT AM I THINKING???

GET THAT THOUGHT OUT!!! OUT!! OUT!!

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Natsume's POV

"Oi, Strawberries!" I called out.

"What do you want Natsume?" Mikan asked strangely serious stomping towards me.

"Look. I'm sorry for rushing into things yesterday, Kay? I was just curious. I mean… A lot of things have been going on. I just can't put my mind straight. Get what I mean?" I said.

"For some reason, no. I don't get what you mean," Mikan said looking confused.

"Shall we take a walk to Central Town? Or do you want to break out of school and get some Ramen?" I asked with a grin on my face with the thought of breaking out.

"I don't want Ramen. Though I do miss Jii-san's Grilled Unagi," she said.

"Unagi?? Tch…Hate those things. They're disgusting," I said making fake puking noises.

"OK then. To the town," she said punching her fist in the air in her usual hyper spirit self. Smiling and skipping around. Yanking my sleeves to the direction of her bike.

I think I sortta blushed when she said that.

"Ne, Natsume. Do you want to drive?" she asked smiling and holding out her keys then tilting her head wondering.

"I guess," I said, taking the keys from her hands and revved up the engines.

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We drove to Central Town and stayed in a small café.

She seemed so happy. I have no reason why.

"Ne, Natsume. Aren't you ordering anything?" Mikan asked.

"Umm…" I said looking back at the menu the waitress gave me.

"Maybe just a mocha latte with a bowl of mushroom soup, garlic bread. Chicken porridge and a small Banana Split," I said. Just ordering everything from the top of every page in the menu.

"You're eating quite a lot today. What's gotten in to you?" she asked looking worried.

"Betsuni," I said, looking away from her eyes.

"If you wanna say something, say it before you get hurt," she said. Looking over her shoulder towards the counter of the café.

"Well-. It's something that I could only tell you in private," I said.

"Look around you. There's hardly anyone here except for the workers and some elementary students. What's on your mind?" she asked.

"I guess you're right. You see, things have been getting a whole lot weirder to me these past few months," I said. Taking a small piece of the garlic bread that I ordered and leaned back to my chair.

"Sorry, I don't understand. What's weird?" she asked taking some of the fries she ordered.

"I'll put it simply that -" I was interrupted by the Academy's announcement.

"Attention to all students of the Academy, tonight we'll be having a Ceremony, a Dance Ball in the Great Alice Ballroom near the High School Division. The theme and occasion will be announced later tonight. That is all."

"OH YAY!!! A dance!!!" Mikan said clapping her hands together smiling.

Darn the interruption. I could've just told her how I felt.

Wait-a-sec

"Hey, umm… Strawberries?" I said. Looking at her straight in the eye. She has lovely olive-brown colored eyes. I never realized that.

"Mn…Yes?" she said tilting her head to the right.

"Well, you see- " I said. Lifting my right hand to the back of my head. "Would you like to go to the Ball tonight?"

"Of course! I'm gonna bring Hotaru, Ruka, Yuu. It's gonna be a blast," she said.

I saw her eyes twinkling with delight and excitement.

"You don't get it. What I'm saying is…go to the Ball with me…would you?" I asked facing away wondering what she would answer.

"Why not? It's been a long time since we danced anyway. When was the last time? 3 years back?" she said smiling to me and counting her fingers.

"Remember the Festival before Miss Aniya takes over?" she asked looking at me with those huge sparkling eyes.

I just nodded.

"It was nice wasn't it? The exact day when Ruka propose to Hota-" she stopped looking confused as if remembering something so important.

Then I realized why.

No way! She couldn't have remembered that incident. Please God. NO!

"Ne, Natsume. Did Hotaru propose to Ruka or vice versa?" she asked putting her hand on her chin tilting her head again.

I fell down the chair.

She's SO stupid. Thank God. I grabbed the chair back up.

"It's vice versa, I think," I said sitting back down. Honestly I never knew they actually coupled 3 years ago.

"Really? Oh well. I could've sworn Hotaru took out her Baka Gun just in case Ruka rejects her," she said with a loud sigh.

"I always wonder why I am the only person who gets shot by the Baka Gun?" she asked.

"I heard she made a new version of the Baka Gun. Have you seen it? I hope it's not painful, or big for that matter," she said biting her nails looking worried.

You have NO idea. I thought.

Remembering that fact that me and Ruka was the first 'Rats' to be tested on the Baka Gun XXL.

"YES! It's Humongous!!!" I said drastically.

"IIIIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!" she screamed, face pale. Looking down on her food, poking her Chicken Chop continuously.

"It's not fair. Why does a cruel girl like her bully me?" she said still poking on her chicken. Then cut one on pop it into her mouth. All of a sudden she spat it out.

"Doushite? Something wrong with it?" I asked looking at her disgusted purple face.

"The chicken is raw, they didn't cook it right. Yech! I hate raw things," she said spitting the leftovers of chickens in her mouth.

"Hmm… The things I do for a stupid girl name 'Strawberries'," I said then snap my fingers and burn the chicken till it's well done.

She poured some more gravy on the burnt chicken, cut another small piece and chomped it.

"Sukoi!!! It tastes so good!!!!" "Arigatou Natsume," she said. Smiling then continuing on eating the rest of her meal.

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"Come on. I'll pick you up later at 7.30, Kay?" I asked getting up from my chair.

"Sure. In the mean time, I'll be going to Hotaru's Lab. She asked me to go there this morning," she said. "It's nearby. Go on, take my bike," she said, throwing the keys over.

"See Yah Too-Niiiiiight!!!" she shouted running in the direction of the Lab.

Hmm…at least she's in a good mood. I won't spoil it for her tonight then.

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Hotaru's POV

Hmm…a dance tonight eyh? Ruka called to inform me. Wonder what I should wea-?

"HOTARU!!! Do you have any new dresses?" Mikan came in slamming the door.

When will she ever act normal? I glared at her.

She saw my glare and take a step back and was in a new Judo formation that we learned in P.E. Hand over face and the other hand facing front chest. Left leg front and right leg back??

"Mikan, Your leg is in the wrong position," I corrected her.

"Oh. I thought the formation feels different, A-Ha-Ha-Ha," she laughed hand over her back.

"Oh yes!" she said punching her hand. "Back to the topic. Do you have any dresses I could wear Hotaru?"

"I only have 3. Green, Red and Black. You can't have the black. I'm wearing that one tonight," I said.

"In that case. I'll take the red one. It's so cute! With a Z cut on the bottom and top with silk pink ruffles. I can borrow this right?" Mikan asked.

"Yeah. Oh, here, wait. There are pink elbow-length gloves here too. Okaa-san gave it to me a few months ago," I said handing over the gloves.

"Perfect! Thanks so much Hotaru! See you tonight," she said, running outta the door waving back.

The things I do for Mikan. I better get ready for my date.

Wait! Ruka didn't tell me what time he'd come. Darn that boy.

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END of POV

I better hurry. Natsume isn't allowed in the Girl's Dormitory after 5 so he should probably be waiting downstairs. Mikan thought.

She ran towards her wardrobe; get out her pink high heels. Brings a small Pink Purse with a Red Rose latch and ran down to the door.

He must be here already. I could've sworn I heard my Bike's break. She thought. Running down and down and down the staircase.

Hotaru suddenly pops outta the blue. More or less from a wall.

"AAAAAAHHH!!! Hotaru! How'd you get out of the wall like that??" Mikan asked facing the wall Hotaru came out of.

It was made of metal and inside the wall it has some sort of cushion and carpet. Next to the metal, there were buttons pointing up and down.

"It's a lift Mikan. How long have you been outdated?" Hotaru asked, looking at her with a surprise expression.

She just stood there looking blur and tilts her head.

"Mikan. Are you THAT stupid?" Hotaru asked wearing a black outfit different from the one Mikan saw in the Lab. The dress is sleeveless and thigh-length with white ropes dangling all over her. She also wore a pair of white knee-length boots, a pair of silver hoop earrings and gold highlights on her raven colored hair. (Totally OOC)

"Hotaru. It's a dance not a rave. What's with the boots?" Mikan asked changing the topic.

"The announcement didn't say to wear formally did it?" Hotaru asked grinning.

"I guess not. But still-"

BEEEEEEEEP!!!

"It seems that Natsume's here," Hotaru said after hearing the bike's horn.

"Hmm…I thought so," Mikan said glancing out the window. "Hey, Ruka's with him." She pointed out.

"Nani??" Hotaru said followed her to the window.

Sure enough, Ruka was there in a black leather suit with blue jeans and a pair of blue-striped sport shoes holding his helmet in his arms.

He seems to be riding a bike. I could've sworn he hated bikes. Hotaru thought.

Natsume on the other hand was wearing a black 'white-skulled' T-Shirt with a black leather jacket over it, black army-style jeans and black sport shoes. Wearing his favorite earring on his left ear as well as a diamond made watch. (In a word, he looks H-O-T!!!)

"OI!!! Strawberries! We've been waiting got that! I ain't standing here like a stupid idiot any longer, come on Ruka," he said wearing his helmet back on and Ruka followed.

Mikan stepped out of the door making Natsume blush a little as seeing her in the red dress

Ruka blushed too.

"If you don't wanna bring me to the dance just say so. I could always go with…" she stopped when she think of who to go with.

BEEP!!

Mikan's phone beeped. She took it out of her purse and read the message.

Tsubasa: Hey Mikan. Do you have a date yet? I just wanna see if I could maybe accompany you since you save me and all. Reply.

My life saver!!! Thought Mikan.

Mikan smiled and glanced back to Natsume. "I could always go with Tsubasa."

Natsume looked back at her. Facing her with rage and anger. He looked back at Ruka then faced Mikan.

Ruka nodded and got down the bike.

"Fine!" he said hysterically.

"Ruka, come on. We'll take my bike," Hotaru said pulling on Ruka.

"Sure thing," he said.

Mikan: Sorry Tsubasa. My date is not letting me go with anyone other than him. LOL.

Mikan sent a reply to Tsubasa's message.

Natsume revved up the engine and sped off to the Great Alice Ballroom.

When they arrive, Mikan took out her phone in her purse and read the next message from Tsubasa.

Tsubasa: A little overprotective ain't he now? chuckles I'll see you at the ball then. I need to thank you properly after all. Oh and do I have to be well mannered to meet the Princess and the Prince of the Academy? If I do, I'll make a good impression on bowing to him and ignoring him later.

Mikan started to reply his message. Natsume tried to take a glimpse of what she wrote, but she used the restroom excuse to send the message.

Mikan: He's not overprotective. At least, I don't think he is. It would be nice about the bowing part, but what's with the prince and princess crap? BTW, do you know the occasion and theme of the ball? I'm totally clueless.

Mikan ran out of the bathroom and took Natsume's hand and stepped inside the hall.

As she stepped into the hall, everyone cheered and applause to her presence. She heard a 'BEEP!!' sound of her phone and found Tsubasa in the crowd.

Tsubasa: You're about to find out.

Mikan saw Tsubasa's face and gave him a smile. Natsume glared at Tsubasa and Mikan nudged him.

"Do you know about any of this?" I whispered to Natsume as we walked down the red carpet to the hall's stage.

"Not a thing. I wasn't informed about the formal attire either. You looked well prepared," Natsume whispered back, giving a little smile and looked at the crowd.

Sure enough he was right. The whole Academy; boys wearing a tuxedo and the prefects in their uniform (their uniform is more or less close to Tuxedos). The girls, mostly in dresses other than Hotaru of course.

"It looks like you're the one who stands out the most. Practically all girls have eyes on you," I whispered and giggled a little.

"Don't get too jealous. I haven't dance with one of them, yet," he whispered back in a mocking tone.

"BASTARD!!" I whispered back in a slightly louder tone.

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Mikan's POV

When we reached the stage, I felt uneasy. I mean the whole Academy from the first years and so forth has their eyes on ME!!

"We don't know what this is about so might as well relax. Who knows? They might be awarding the 'Pathetic Girl' award today," Natsume joked and let go of my hand.

I grabbed his hand back, holding it tightly and shaking it.

"What's wrong? Daijoubu?" Natsume asked as my grip on his hand grew tighter.

I could tell my face was white. I could sense Persona around here.

He was supposed to be in the Underworld. So this presence might not be him. I reassured myself.

BEEP!!!

I took my phone and read the message.

MP: I'm still in the Underworld. You know very well your mind is an open book. I could read it anytime I want. So what's this presence you're feeling? Oh, look around you. You could probably sense someone's missing from the background. I'll contact you later to see what presence this is.

"Mikan, you OK?" Natsume asked.

I hid back the phone in my purse and nodded.

I didn't seem to convince him about my expression and the way I act.

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"Minna-san!!! Let's welcome the 'Princess' and 'Prince' of the Academy!!! Sakura Mikan and Natsume Hyuuga!!!" Mr. Narumi said.

I wasn't even aware that the ceremony has started. I looked around everyone was clapping. But I didn't hear anything. My mind was un-focused. I keep on feeling the presence of the 'fake' Persona.

Then I looked around. I saw all my classmates present except…Ruka!!!

"Natsume!" I whispered tugging on his sleeves. He looked at me. "What's wrong" he asked.

"Where's Ruka? I thought he's supposed to be with Hotaru," I whispered back.

He started looking around. His face was in shock when he didn't find Ruka. I looked at him and he nodded.

Mr. Narumi was talking something about the ceremony. The reason is mainly because I have defeated Miss Aniya.

Then, the celebration started with music and a dance.

Natsume was looking around for an opening. But all of the hall's doors are closed. We don't feel the presense of Ruka anywhere near the Ballroom's ground. Then he looked up and grins.

"Natsume! Don't you dare! The school has built this Ballroom with every last drop of sweat they had," I said looking displeased with his thoughts of destroying the rooftop of the Ballroom.

"All the more reasons for me to destroy it," he put on an evil grin and got ready to destroy the roof.

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Please R&R. Tell me what you think of it and what I need to improve on.

Ja Ne.