okay here is another random chapter... well i thought that natsume saving mikan from leaving academy should be something special so this chapter is about that plot... thank you for all you support and i am glad that i could be of any help to voice your imaginations... arigatou...pls rnr...ps pls do correct my japnese if wrong somewhere... i really do want to learn japanese T_T

At hospital~

"Mikan, natsume will be fine now. It would be best if you too get your wounds attended." sakurano placed a sympathizing hand on Mikan's shoulder.

"hmm Mikan. Don't worry I will stay by natsume." Luka-pyon added. He had already gone for the checkup.

Other class B students were also there. Some were in bandages, some fit and fine. They all looked worriedly at Mikan.

Now that natsume was out of danger students were occupied with other victims. Narumi sensei was already sedated for faster recovery. Persona couldn't really be helped at the moment considering in this weak state his Alice was unstable. Yes but he too was put to a nice good sleep.

Reo too soon recovered and was sent off. HSP and future MSP decided to let him off the hook this one time for all his help.

Mikan simply nodded.
"I will go after a few moments." she uttered under her breath. Not really willing to let go of Natsume's hand that she was holding.

Out of nowhere a horse hoof comes flying and hits Mikan on the head.
"Baka! Go already and get yourself looked after. Don't go around making others worry for you." Hotaru said.
"either way he is not gonna wake for sometime now. So you too better go and get well before he sees you like this."

Mikan eyes watered. Hotaru care for her so much. She runs towards Hotaru.
Hotaru
Hotaru
Hotaru

.

she took out an improvised version of baka gun and pointed it at Mikan.
"considering you are hurt I was holding back but if you don't go now I will make you to go one"
"haiiii" Mikan says, suddenly erect.
She wiped her tears and said smiling
"I will go and come back as quickly as possible." and she rushes out of the room.
A soft smile plays across hotaru's lips.

Mikan with bandages all around her face and limbs returned back to natsume. She quickly walked to his bed and took his hand back within her hold. Once she feels the familiar warmth she heaved a sigh. "yokkata"
Then looked at everyone that were looking at her, surprised.
"Nina... Arigatou. For worrying over me and for taking care of Natsume." she said with a smile.
Ruka-Pyon standing on other side of the bed said "daijob this. We were all worried about natsume." and returned her smile.

After a week~
Mikan was sleeping on the chair beside Natsume's bed. Her hand still holding his. After living through one of her worst nightmare Mikan was comforted only when she could feel Natsume's heat.

Natsume stirred a little in his bed. After a moment he opened his eyes in horror.
"what happened of ESP?"
He at once sat and then winced when felt fatigue and pain shot through his body.

He breathed heavily for a moment. Trying to bear the pain. Once his breathing returned to normal he looked around, anxiously. Watching Mikan by his side he relaxed a bit. Guess Mikan was not wrong when she decided to stick around Natsume like a glue.

A soft smile appeared on his face when he realized how dearly she was clinging to his hand. With his other hand he reached forward to touch her cheeks. He marveled at her soft skin. Cherishing this rare moment.

But soon, too soon for Natsume's liking, her eyes snapped open.
"Na..Natsume? Y-you awake?" Mikan asked half in surprised and half in sleepy voice.
"baka!" natsume addressed her at her stupidity.
"you really are awake. Natsume you are awake" she squeaked.
"Nina.. Nina. Come fast. Natsume is awake." she went out. Running and shouting.
"baka" natsume muttered under his breath but otherwise smiled.

Everyone came running to see natsume. For a minute Natsume's breath was caught in his throat after seeing the flood of people.

Not only elementary student but dangerous ability class, special ability class and Narumi sensei with Misaki sensei were there.
"oye what's this?" he asked, feeling a little odd.
"natsume.." it was Ruka who forgot everything and came forward to get a glimpse of his friend. He went straight beside him and stood there. Cherishing every movement in his body.
"Ruka... Don't worry. It was nothing." natsume said, feeling responsible for making him worried.
"you Baka, baka, Baka! You stupid baka. You fool. You idiot. You thick headed Baka!" Ruka exclaimed, crying.
"Baka..." Hotaru said.
"baka" "baka" "baka" others ranted.

"..." natsume sat still, shocked.

"natsume... You Baka. You made us all so worried. You fool going to that extent... You seriously are an idiot" Mikan filled in the gaps for everyone with teary eyes.
"now promise us and this time a true one to take care of yourself, you baka"

"..." no reply.

Finally a smile escaped his lips.
"I really am a fool. Huh. Gomenen Nina. I promise."

Mikan came forward and eloped him in a hug. Everyone burst into a laughter, wiping tears of their eyes.

Ruka stood there, smiling to himself. That was until Mikan ask him for a group hug.
He stood there dumbfounded. Looking between Mikan and natsume.
But after seeing the smile on both of their faces he made a leap for the opportunity. And soon others too came forward to join their hug.

Soon atmosphere chilled and everyone settled to normal gossips. Updating natsume on what he missed. Mikan took it to a corner. Standing far from the joyous crowd. Looking from afar.

"Mikan you know that now you can't stay here. I am sorry even after being principals this is out of our hand." both HSP and future MSP said to Mikan.

Mikan's eyes watered.
"natsume..."
"we understand. We will arrange something so that you can stay here until he awakes."
"we can atleast make some arrangement so that you can have a decent goodbye." both the principals assured her.
Sniff~ sniff~
"Arigatou. I know it will be too troublesome for you but please this time let me stay, yukihara uncle and Shiki uncle, Arigatou, a lot" she beamed.
Both the principals too smiled. Well lost in their past. In reflection of yukihara and yuka in their daughter.

She reared back to reality. Her eyes wet again at the painful memory. Natsume, Ruka, Hotaru and Tsubasa noticed a sniff and finally got their eyes on the lonesome girl in the corner.

Everybody looked at her wide eyed.
"Nina I am so happy. Natsume is finally awake. Now I can finally return to Ji san. I am so glad you are alright." sniff~ sniff~

Everybody adorned an expression of understanding.

"hoorah what are you spouting?!" natsume exclaimed, only person who was oblivious to the arrangement.

"Natsume Mikan had third type Alice. While fighting off the ESP soldiers and recruiting you her Alice was exhausted." Ruka explained with sad eyes.
"Oye Ruka don't brag. Tell me the truth!" natsume turned anxious.
Ruka stood silent. He believed that bit explanation was enough. Anything more will be adding fuel to the fire.

"natsume it's true. It doesn't really matter. I would have had to go sooner or later. I am fine really. I am just very lucky that I got to see you before I had to leave. Don't worry once outside I will write you all everyday. And I will also go to see Aoi and Ruka-Pyon family. I will wait for you all to graduate then we will all unite like this time. So Nina cheer up." she smiled.

Everyone else also faked a smile but for natsume. He got out of his bed and went to Mikan. Everyone gasped and moved forward to support him but seeing the look on his face refrained themselves.

He pinned her to the wall and stared intensely into her eyes.
"you are really planning on leaving me?!"
"natsume..."
"just answer!"
"I don't. But I can't stay here without Alice. Hotaru, Tsubasa senpai, Ruka-Pyon, Narumi sensei, everyone... Everyone. I can't stay." Mikan shouted her feelings out.
"then fight! Don't give up that easily. Baka!" natsume too shouted.
"I don't want too. I can't. Nina worked so hard to return peace back to the academy. I can't let everyone efforts go in vain. I cannot lead everyone to same darkness."
A moment of silence and realization passed. Everyone stood wide eyed except for Mikan who was busy crying.
"cht-" natsume grumbled and walked off the room. Ruka went to follow him. But..
"stay" the feelings behind that single word made him hold himself back.

Outside in the forest next to hospital natsume strolled aimlessly. One thing going through his mind. He couldn't believe Mikan was breaking their promise. They promised to stay together, by each others side for forever.

He couldn't believe Mikan was that selfish. But it was true that it was not her but natsume who was being selfish. He too knew that if Mikan stayed and something bad happens to the academy his conscience won't let him live. He too was too selfless to have his own happiness at cost of his friends.

"cht-" he hated this helplessness too much. He wanted to grow old, to have power to control his own life, to protect people he cared for. He punched his fist in nearby tree.

In the hospital everyone tried to cheer gloomy Mikan.
"don't worry Mikan chan. I am sure natsume kun will be alright." ichinou said.
"yeah. I am sure he will understand." Anna said.
"yeah I am sure he will definitely see you off with a positive face." Tsubasa senpai said.
"hai hai. Natsume sure is a bright kid." Narumi sensei added.
Mikan only nodded and sniffed.
"sunimasen" and she ran out.

She went all around the forest. She knew natsume always went to forest to take shelter whenever he wanted to be alone. She searched and searched but to no avail. Finally exhausted from physical exertion and mental drama she slumped herself against the tree trunk. She stood bowing her head as tears fall out of her eyes one by one, like crystal.

Above her on that tree branches, sat a boy. Equally pained as the girl below.

"horrah you are here! Everyone is waiting for you." Narumi sensei appeared out of blue.
"huh?" was all Mikan could say.
"now now come on. I will show you." Narumi said. Guiding her towards the dorms.

Before leaving though he did give a look to tree top or to the boy hiding within the leaves.

As Mikan opened the door to her room, bright light and confetti blinded her vision.
"waaaa~" escaped her lips as her wet surprised eyes took the scene before her.

Everyone was there with party materials and gifts. They all wished her a 'happy life' together as soon as she overcomed the surprise attack.

She quickly wiped of her tears and said smiling
"Arigatou Nina. A lot."
"Mikan chan if you will have to leave tomorrow we will make sure that tonight will be your most fun night." Anna and ichinou said.
"mmmm" Mikan nodded.

And so the fun started. They drank drinks, ate cakes and deserts, danced, singed, discussed each others secrets and on. Finally it was time to part for the night but before that everyone gave Mikan a farewell gift.

It varied from flowers, to chocolate, to hallowan, to crazy inventions, to things she desired, to the most lovable gift- a picture of yukihara sensei and yuka senpai. By the end she was yet again in tears eventhough she was smiling. Everyone laugh at her stupidity but otherwise bid their goodbye.

Once left alone she dropped on the floor. One thought clouding her mind.
"natsume..!" he didn't even come to farewell party. Tears flowed nonstop. She hugged herself tight to hold it together. She knew how much this farewell was gonna hurt him and others. She herself couldn't really accept it that she would have to leave. But she was glad that for everyone a bright future awaits. That she was able to be part of this world. That she got to know more about her parents.

She didn't know if this academy was good or bad. She was too naive to decide that. But she did know it was important to her. The memories of this place will always remain in her heart. She would never forget this place eventhough it would be painful.

She cried her eyes out there. The boy stood on the windowsill, watching it all. Feeling the girl's pain, but still refusing too come out. He feared he might further weaken her or might not let her go if he would really have to say goodbye. He sat on the sill, preparing himself for tomorrow.

The sun rose. Everyone gathered around the gate. Mikan came to the entrance where everyone was waiting. She smiled at everyone but anyone could notice the red rims below her eyes. Still they ignored it and faked a smile. It would do no good to break now.

"Arigatou" was all Mikan said. But that word was enough to convey her feelings to everyone. They stood their, some holding her hands and some holding small part of her back.

Soon a car stopped at the main gate and Ji san mount down the car. Everyone's face brightened up but there heart shrunk to the point it didn't exist. Mikan waved and smiled at her Ji san. Then she turned around to bid final goodbye to everyone.

But she stop in her tracks. Natsume still hadn't showed. A sole tear escaped her eyes. She sure wished to say her final goodbye to him. To make her feelings reach him. But guess now she was out of time.

She sniffed and then cheered up again. She shouldn't make it more difficult for everyone else.
"Nina we will meet again when you all pass out. So don't worry. I am sure it will be fine." she said her last cheering words to the students of the academy.

She walked towards the gate where her Ji san stood. She one last time looked back at others to see some of them wiping their tears and some waving her cheerfully.
"sayonara" she waved one last time.

She turned back and froze.
"baka!" a very special guest said. He was leaning against the door.
She ran towards him like she was missing a train and crushed him between the doors and herself. She burried her head in his shoulders like never intending to let go of him.

His cold eyes softened and he whishpered
"you planned to go without seeing me?"
"you dummy! Whose fault do you think it was?!" she exclaimed, but was far too happy to be really angry or to let go of him for that matter.
He just smiled. He put his hands inside his pocket and took something out.
"here, your farewell gift" and entrusted something small and round in her hand.

She opened her fist and was surprised to see that nothing at all was there. She gasped. Whatever it was, it was absorbed by her body.

But she was not the only one who gasped. The HSP came forward hurriedly to join the duo.

"Mikan... The g-glow!" HSP uttered, not believing his eyes.

"hmm you forgot you gave me your Alice stone. Didn't you? Or you thought that I used it up all? Huh? Either way who needs an useless Alice like your nullification one." natsume explained. Being the utter cold fool that he was.
"baka" was all Mikan could say through her tears.
Natsume facade too broke and he too gave his rare smile as he pulled Mikan into his arms.

Behind them every student rejoiced and a faint smile appeared on Ji san's face. His little Mikan has finally found a place where she belongs.

"see this way you even got to see your Ji san." natsume whispered in Mikan's ears.
At once Mikan's head shot up and she got the glimpse of her smiling Ji san.
"Ji san..." she uttered. And natsume to turned around to look at his in laws family, letting Mikan go.

Finally everyone noticed a faint figures standing beside the car, looking from afar. Hotaru and subarou came forward.

The lady and man too came forward, a little hesitant. As soon as they saw Hotaru standing with subarou at the gate they came running to meet their long lost child. Finally noticing the longing in his eyes.

All four stood in front of each other, only the iron gate separating them. Mrs Imai broke down and cried her eyes out. She reached her hands to touch his son. Subarou stood still. Enjoying the love he missed so much.

Mrs Imai couldn't control her emotions and her legs gave away. Mr Imai too crouched to support his wife. Subarou just stood there, not knowing what to do.

Finally he too knelt and brought his hand out to encircled his mom. Soon everyone reached out for a family hug. All three lost in their new found happiness. Hotaru stood aside, enjoying the moment.

Mrs Imai stretched her hand out and took Hotaru by her hand. She pulled her gently and Hotaru too joined her family.

On the other side Ji san and Mikan too saw their neighbors family moment. Ofcourse Mikan was again in tears. She looked at her Ji san and both smiled at each other.

"Ji san... Gomen now I can't come with you.." Mikan said with her teary eyes.
Ji san simply shook his head and said
"no no it's fine. I am glad that I got a chance to see you."
"Ji san" she reached to hug him.
But...
"baka! Don't go around with your runny nose!" he said, after punching her head.
"awww.. Ji san..." Mikan said as she massaged her head.
"Mikan take care of everyone you care for." Ji san said as he knelt and ruffled Mikan's hair.
Mikan stared for a moment but then beamed her bright smile.
Natsume noticed this family moments and smiled. Others too smiled at this outcome. Nobody has expected this from the tragedy they were expecting.

hope you all like it... and also tell me if you want me to continue such random stuff... but they all be related to after effects of chap 166... :)