Don't Judge a Book by its Cover

.;.

Normal POV

Chaos would be a fitting word to describe what was happening in Class B. Students who were once shell-shocked were now screaming, couples were running into each other looking wide-eyed at the spot where Luna Koizumi disappeared, and a certain amethyst eyed girl was taking pictures with a wide smirk on her face.

Narumi watched his students with a smile and raised his palm up. Activating his Alice, he let his pheromones soothe the minds of each of his students until they settled back into their seats with a dazed look on their face. He clapped his hands together. "Okay! Now that you all have calmed down, the rest of the class time is free period!"

"Woah woah woah wait Naru!"

"You can't just leave us like this!"

"What kind of teacher are you?"

Narumi sighed to himself as his class erupted in shouts. The sad little perks of being Class B's homeroom teacher. "What exactly do you want from me my pretties?"

The class stared at him with an open mouth. Did he not see what had just happened to Luna and Mieko—Mikan—or whatever!

"Narumi…seriously?"

"Yeah! Explain to us what just happened!"

"Where's Luna-sama?"

"And who the heck is Sasaki-san?"

A bombardment of questions continued to erupt in the class and Narumi sweat dropped at his students. Hotaru Imai blinked at the classroom indifferently before putting down her camera and getting up from her seat.

"Hotaru? What are you doing?" Ruka asked his seatmate.

She ignored his question and instead walked over to where Narumi stood. He looked at her hopefully and Hotaru glared at him.

Baka Baka Baka

The class held a breath as Hotaru's baka bullets hit the ceiling. The bullets ricocheted off the wall until finally crashing down on each student's head in the classroom. A chorus of 'ow's rang throughout the room, each rubbing their head from the impact.

"Shut up idiots. You are all annoying." Hotaru said, blowing off the smoke from her gun.

"Hotaru-sama! Tell us what's going on." A girl asked, looking at Hotaru with worry in her eyes. "What happened to Luna-sama and who the heck is Mieko-san?" The class nodded their heads and all eyes turned to Hotaru.

Hotaru's eyes twitched at the intensity of her classmate's stares. She cursed a girl under her breath before turning to a raven-haired lad in the back. "Hyuuga."

The crimson-eyed man turned to look blankly at her. "What Imai?" He answered back, a slight tone of irritation breaking through his voice. He was still annoyed by the game the class just played not too long ago.

"Go find that idiot and figure out where she took Koizumi."

Natsume glared at the inventor. "And why the hell should I?"

Hotaru smirked at him. "Do it or I'll tell your parents the little confession you made not too long ago."

Natsume's eyes narrowed angrily. "I don't give a damn who you tell. And how the hell am I supposed to know where she is anyway?"

"You'll know." Hotaru glared back. She nodded her head at the door where the brunette girl left. "Go now. While I'm still patient."

Natsume rolled his eyes, but nevertheless pushed himself out of his desk and walked out of the classroom. Hotaru turned to look at Narumi.

"I'm going to find Youichi and Rei. Take care of these idiots."

"Hotaru! Wait!"

She turned as Ruka got up from his seat in a hurry. She sighed. "What is it this time Bunny boy?"

Ruka walked over to her. "I want to help."

Hotaru narrowed her eyes. "Why?" She crossed her arms and smirked. "I could have sworn you had something against Mikan for what she did."

A classmate gasped at Hotaru's statement as their ears listened into their conversation.

"I was." Ruka sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "But Mieko—Mikan-san...I believe what she said during the game. I don't think she was lying to us about herself anymore."

Hotaru analyzed the boy for a few seconds, before walking out the door. He let out a long sigh before running after her. The class remained silent as the door banged shut behind the two heirs before they erupted in their usual gossip.

"So Sasaki-san really was Mikan in disguise?"

"I can't believe that…"

"You heard what Hotaru-sama said."

"That was some disguise man."

Narumi shook his head before clapping his hands together. Of course Hotaru would leave him with this situation. "Alright class, enough with the gossip. Settle down."

"Narumi-sensei…you knew all this time didn't you?"

"Yeah! How could you have let her do this to us?"

"She's the one responsible for all of our businesses!"

Koko pursed his lips together as his classmates went on another rampage of questions. He rolled his eyes. Thank Kami-sama I don't have to listen to their thoughts. He rotated his orange Alice stone in his hands unconsciously. Sumire looked at him secretly and narrowed his eyes at his actions. She reached out and grabbed onto the rock.

"What is this?"

Koko moved back, and removed the girl's hands around his necklace. "It's an Alice stone."

Sumire clicked her tongue against her cheek. "I'm not stupid Koko, I know it's an Alice stone. I meant who's is it?"

Koko looked at his seatmate and gave off a smirk. "Why? You jealous?"

Sumire's cheeks instantly turned red and she turned away from him. "I was just asking. Geez idiot…"

Koko smiled and reached out to ruffle her hair. Sumire glared at him and swatted his hands away. "It's a Nullification stone Perms." Sumire's eyebrows rose. "It helps with controlling the thoughts I hear."

"And that's…" Her voice trailed off, her head perked in curiosity. Koko smiled and nodded his head.

"Yup. Mikan-chan gave it to me awhile ago."

Sumire looked away from him then and stared at the chalkboard behind Narumi. Mikan did that for him? Why would she do that? Doesn't she hate all of us?

"She doesn't."

Sumire looked at him and narrowed her eyes. "I thought that stone was meant for you to not listen into people's thoughts idiot."

Koko smiled. "I said it was meant to control the thoughts, not prevent." He winked at her and Sumire glared at him. "And Mikan doesn't hate us. She never did."

"Right." Sumire snorted. "That explains the state of the class."

Koko shook his head. "Our class is always like this."

"Yeah but it doesn't explain why she went through all this. She only messed around with us."

"She had her reasons." Koko paused and reached over to pat his seatmate's shoulder. "And if she really hated us, none of us would be standing here alive."

Sumire sighed, knowing what Koko said was a joke, but he was right. For once. She clenched her fist and got up from her seat, ignoring the glances her classmates were giving her.

Anna and Nonoko looked at her in surprise. "Sumire?"

The girl crossed her arms and rose her nose into the air. "I won't stand being fooled by her." She looked over at Narumi. "If you excuse me, I'm leaving." Not waiting for his response, she turned her heel and stepped out of the room.

Koko shook his head at his seatmate's action before getting up from his seat as well.

"Koko?"

"Where are you going?"

He looked at the twins before giving them a cheeky grin. "Don't really know." He shrugged his shoulders. "Want to come with?"

Anna and Nonoko took a glance at each other before nodding their heads. "Okay."

The three headed towards the door, before a stammering Yuu asked them to stop. They turned their heads around.

"W-wait. I-I'm coming with you guys!"

Anna smiled and Nonoko clapped her hands. "Of course Yuu!"

He smiled at them before turning to Narumi. "I-I'm sorry Sensei!" He bowed his head.

Narumi smiled and waved his hands. "It's alright my loves. Go on. Save your friends!"

They smiled at him before the 4 remaining Top 10 members left the room. Narumi grinned. Only they could be the ones to prevent Mikan from doing anything else.

"Naru! Did you forget about us?"

"Can we leave the classroom too?"

"Yeah! I want to see what happens!"

Narumi exhaled and scratched his head. Now if only someone could save him from his students!

.;.

Natsume's POV

I kicked the ground in frustration while looking around for the stupid brunette.

God damn her. I growled and looked to the sky. There wasn't a cloud in sight. I narrowed my eyes as the bright light from the sun blinded me for a few seconds. How the hell was I supposed to find that idiot?

I clenched my fist. Why the hell do I even care? Luna and Mikan could have killed each other for all I care.

I continued walking forward, my hands in my pocket while listening to the silence of the campus battling with my thoughts. Why is it that I have to find them? Imai would be able to track them down a thousand times faster than him with one of her stupid inventions. And why should I do something for Imai anyway? Her and her idiotic invention embarrassed me in front of the entire class.

I placed a hand over my lips and groaned. Damn it. Stop thinking about that idiotic kiss! Like hell I enjoyed it. Imai's invention was lying for sure. Why the hell would I like kissing that ugly beast of a girl? That ugly beast that lied. That ugly beast that made a fool out of me. That ugly beast that wasn't really an ugly beast to begin with. That ugly beast that was actually beautiful. That ugly beast that had such soft lips—

Woah.

Get it together Natsume.

I groaned and walked over to a nearby tree and banged my head on the trunk. Stop thinking about her. Remember all of the bad things that she's done to your life. Remember? You asked for a peaceful year, and you got her instead. She sucks. She's an idiot. She means nothing to you. Don't let that snake get to you! I shook my head and pounded the tree trunk. The leaves scattered to the floor from above and I slid my body down to the ground.

I opened my palm out in front of me and unfurled my Alice. A small red flame appeared in front of me and I watched as the flame burned in my palm. I let it grow bigger, the heat flicking off into the air. I smirked when I noticed a change in my Alice. There was no smoke. Maybe the training with S.A helped after all. I shook my head. Not S.A. Mikan. His training with Mikan actually helped.

I shook my head and stared at the dirt floor. I knew I should've done something to her before class started. This is what I get for giving an idiot a chance. A beautiful idiot. A beautiful idiot that I wanted to press my li—

"Ughhhh. Get out of my head!"

As I flicked a rock away from my hand in frustration, I heard an explosion. I looked to the right and saw a smoke cloud coming from the Northern Forest. I growled and clenched my fist before bolting to the noise.

Damn this girl for making me feel this way.

.;.

Normal POV

Ruka followed an arm length behind the inventor as she maneuvered her way through the middle school building. They were looking for Youichi first, as the middle school building was the closest to the high school one. Ruka looked at Hotaru from behind. Her skirt was flowing gently behind her, while she looked down at her Seeking Invention that pinpointed the whereabouts of just about anyone. Ruka stared blankly at the inventor and had an unconscious feeling to reach out and touch the girl in front of him. He quickly shook that thought out of his head. Damn it Ruka. Pull it together. He wacked his head in frustration and continued looking at the back of the inventor's head, letting his thoughts wander…

"Quit staring at me Bunny Boy."

Ruka flushed and looked to the ground. "I-I wasn't staring."

Hotaru rolled her eyes and took a left down the hall. "I may not have eyes on the back of my head, but I'm not stupid."

Ruka shook his head, his cheeks getting brighter. "I-I was m-mearly just looking to where we were going."

Hotaru stopped abruptly, making Ruka almost bump into her back. "Hey what—"

His sentence was cut off when a bright flash of light burst in front of him.

"A blushing Bunny boy…this will make me some profit."

Ruka blinked his eyes before huffing. "Hotaru! Stop taking pictures of me!"

Hotaru smirked and stuffed the photo in her dress pocket. "Not my fault you're so photogenic."

Ruka's eyes widened and his cheeks turned red again. Hotaru saw that and narrowed her eyes. "If you're thinking I just complimented you, you're even stupider than I thought."

"W-what was that then?"

Hotaru sighed and turned away from him to continue walking. "You're only my money bank Bunny boy, remember that."

Ruka pursed his lips. "I still don't understand Hotaru." He let out a breath, his frustration building. He needs to let her know. "I know I made a mistake when we were young, but why is it still continuing? I think I learnt my lesson when you released pictures to the entire world when we were kids."

Hotaru stopped walking after hearing his words, and Ruka looked at the inventor. Hotaru spun around and glared at the boy in front of her. "If you even have to ask that, you didn't learn your lesson just yet."

Ruka furrowed his brows. "What do you mean Hotaru?" He shook his head. "I've been blackmailed since we were 5. 5 Hotaru! It's been more than 10 years."

"Then 10 more wouldn't make a difference."

Ruka pursed his lips and stared at the stoic woman in front of him. He just doesn't understand! "Hotaru," He paused and stared into her amethyst eyes. "Can you just please tell me why you keep blackmailing me?"

Hotaru stared blankly at the Bunny boy in front of her and rolled her eyes at his determined face. "Do you even remember why I started blackmailing you in the first place?"

Ruka nodded his head. Hotaru rolled her eyes. "Then you should know the reason why."

Ruka groaned and rubbed the back of his head. "I know that, just…I don't understand why you keep doing it! I compared you to other girls, and I'm sorry for that, just—"

"And there you have it Bunny boy." Hotaru interrupted, waving her hand in the air at Ruka's statement. Ruka stared blank faced at her and furrowed his brows.

"What? There I have what?"

"You know you're pretty stupid to be apart of the Top 10." Hotaru said, turning around to continue her path.

Ruka shook his head and grabbed onto the inventor before she could leave. "Wait Hotaru."

Hotaru glared at Ruka and shook off her held wrist. "Don't touch me."

Ruka let his hands drop. "Just tell me what you meant."

Hotaru looked into the pleading eyes of the boy in front of him. She clicked her tongue against her cheek before sighing. "All you had to was say sorry." She finally whispered under her breath.

Hotaru turned her heel and walked away before the open-mouthed boy had a chance to reply. She reached the middle of the hall and knocked on the door to her left. Akihiro-sensei walked to open the door and his eyes widened at the presence of the heiress.

"Imai-san…And Nogi-san…what are you doing in the Middle School in this hour?"

"Youichi Hijiri Sakura. I need him." Hotaru said, staring back at the teacher. Akihiro sweat dropped at her sudden command but nodded his head nonetheless. Turning back to his students he called for the boy and after a few seconds the grey haired lad stood near the entrance.

"Hotaru? Ruka? What are you doing here?"

"Youich—" Ruka started.

"Your idiot sister made a mess during class. We need you and your brother to fix it." Hotaru interrupted.

Youichi's eyes widened but nodded his head. "I'll call Nii-san."

.;.

Top 10's POV

"Ahh! This feels nice!"

"Shouldn't we be doing something Koko?"

The mind-reader looked to Anna. "Like what?"

Anna looked to Nonoko who shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know…just something. I don't like just sitting around after what just happened with Mie—Mikan and Luna."

Koko side-glanced at the baker and smiled. "So you forgive Mikan for what she did?"

Anna glanced at her twin and pursed her lips in thought. "I agree with what Ruka said in class."

"I agree too…Even though Mikan-chan was in a disguise this entire time,"

"We don't think she was lying to us about her personality at least."

Koko smiled at the twins reasoning and placed his hands behind his head to rest on the wall. They were currently in back of the high school dormitories, leaving saving the day to the 3 heirs that had left the classroom before them.

"I-I agree with that too…just why would Mie—Mikan go through all that trouble?" Yuu spoke up. He was twiddling his fingers on a loose string on his dress shirt in thought.

"True…What made her decide to do it anyway?" Nonoko questioned as well.

"Koko, I know you know why."

The four heirs turned their heads at the sound of new voice.

"Sumire!"

"Where'd you go?"

Sumire gave them a small smile before taking a seat next to Koko. "I was going to go find where Mikan and Luna was, but I couldn't track them."

Koko smiled and poked the cheek of the girl next to him. "Just let Natsume handle them. He's more than capable."

Sumire swatted the hand away. "Yeah yeah. But back to what I said."

Koko rose his brows but shook his head. "Sorry to disappoint you Perms, but I actually don't know why she disguised herself in the first place.

"You don't?" Yuu said, surprised.

Koko shook his head again. "The only thing I knew was that Mieko was Mikan. I don't know any other thing besides that."

"So…" The 3 turned to the twins.

"Why would Mikan disguise herself?"

"And go through such lengths to make sure no one found out?"

The 5 heirs looked to each other in thought. Why would she do that?

"Hey look Misaki! It's the chibis!"

They turned their head and saw Tsubasa and Misaki walking out from the second high school building.

"What are you guys doing here? Shouldn't you guys have class?" Misaki asked, taking a seat next to Yuu.

"We got excused. Mika—Mieko-san had an argument with Luna." Yuu answered back, adjusting his glasses.

The two older heirs took a glance at each other and then looked back at the 5 in suspicion. They caught Yuu's mix up with their kouhai's name.

"Mieko you say?" Misaki said questionably.

Yuu nodded taking his own glance at his classmates.

"Not Mikan?" Tsubasa asked then, getting 5 stares from this friends.

"Tha-that w-was j-just,"

"Oh shut it already Yuu. Tsubasa, Misaki, do you know anything concerning Mikan being Mieko?" Sumire interrupted, not wanting to waste any more time.

Tsubasa looked and Misaki who nodded her head. "Yeah…we found out at the dinner party."

"And you didn't bother to tell us?"

"We're sorry Sumire, but we promised Mi-chan we wouldn't." Misaki answered reaching over to pat the girl on her leg.

"We were more of a special case considering we knew Mikan when she was little." Tsubasa added.

Sumire gave them both a look. "So you guys know the reason why Mikan disguised herself then."

Tsubasa and Misaki glanced at each other again, before turning to Sumire. "Look, Mikan meant no harm at all." Tsubasa said, shaking his head.

"No harm? She almost killed Luna in the classroom."

Misaki let out a gasp. This was news to them. "Wait, what?"

Yuu nodded his head. "W-we were playing a game in class, and things got sort of out of hand." He said sheepily.

"Out of hand?" Misaki asked again.

"He meant Luna went cray and almost stole Mikan's soul, but Mikan retaliated with her Alices." Koko said, giving the two older ones a grin.

Tsubasa stared at the mind reader open mouthed before shaking himself out of his daze. "Mikan never did like it when other people used their Alice on her other than Hotaru…"

Misaki shook her head. "She did it in self-defense. I hardly call that harming."

Sumire shrugged her shoulders. "Well, either way. You guys know the reason why."

"We do." Tsubasa answered, pursing his lips.

"You guys do?"

"Is it really bad?"

"We sort of like Mikan-chan…"

"We hope it wasn't a bad reason."

Misaki smiled at the twins. "It was a perfectly logical reason. Mikan had to do a lot of convincing to even come to Gakuen Alice in the first place."

"What are you talking about Misaki?" Yuu asked.

Misaki looked at Tsubasa and he shrugged his shoulder to her. "I mean…it's no harm if we tell the little chibis why. It'll get out eventually. Especially what they said that happened."

Misaki nodded her head and turned to the 5. "Okay…well it started off like this…"

.;.

Normal POV

"She did WHAT!?"

Ruka nodded his head at the two brothers exclamation.

"To WHO!?"

Hotatu rolled her eyes and shot the brothers a glare. "Need we repeat ourselves bakas?"

Youichi gave a small pout but shook his head at her words. Rei pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head.

The 4 were currently in Mikan's dorm room. After Youichi pulled some strings with Akihiro-sensei, he called his brother and they teleported to the only private room they could think of.

"Why would Mikan do that? She knows she's not supposed to use her Alices outside of missions." Rei said.

"Well…She was just saving herself. I mean, Luna was trying to steal her soul." Ruka said, letting his voice rise at the end.

Youichi grimaced. "I hope Nee-chan hurt her." He growled, cracking his fists together. "No one messes with the Sakuras without paying." Rei placed his hand on his shoulder.

"We don't know what she did to her. I asked Hyuuga to find her." Hotaru answered, walking around Mikan's dorm room, looking for some food.

"Natsume?" Youichi questioned, looking at the inventor.

"Hn." Hotaru answered, finally finding some chocolate crabs in her best friend's refrigerator.

"Why would he agre—" Youichi turned to Hotaru who gave him an icy glare in return. "Never mind."

Rei let out a sigh before scratching his head. "I'm not too sure what we can do at this point." He looked at Youichi. "I mean…what's done has been done."

Ruka bit his lip. "But w-we have to explain to the class! They were going nuts after they disappeared."

Youichi shrugged his shoulders. "Mi-chan says your class is always crazy though."

"This was a different type of crazy You." Hotaru spoke up, taking a bite of her snack. She turned to him before wiping her mouth. "I would think by now they'd be dialing up their parents." She turned to Rei. "This is bad for the Sakura's name."

Rei closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. "You're unfortunately right." He pursed his lips in thought. "I guess the only thing we can do at this point is tell the world."

"You mean like a press conference?" Ruka asked questionably, looking at Rei.

Hotaru tilted her head in thought. "That's not a bad idea actually." She turned to Ruka. "You really were some use." Ruka's cheek turned pink and looked away from the inventor.

Rei rolled his eyes at the two but nodded his head. "It might calm down the class and accept Mikan's and the Sakura's powers in the business industry."

"Plus we never had a press conference for just us 'kids' just yet." Youichi added.

Rei nodded his head at his brother's words. "Okay. Then it's settled. I'll call mom and dad." He then took a phone out from his pocket and dialed a number. Youichi looked over to Ruka and Hotaru.

"I think you should go find Natsume and Mimi-chan to give them a heads up."

Hotaru rolled her eyes and walked over to throw away her remaining crab shells. "I sent Hyuuga to do the dirty work for a reason."

Youichi chuckled but shrugged his shoulders. "He should be done getting her in check by now."

"I just hope Luna is alright." Ruka said, getting up from his seat.

Hotaru smirked and looked over her shoulder at Ruka. "I have a feeling she got just what she deserved."

.;.

Mikan's POV

I opened my eyes to the sight of bare land in the middle of the Northern Forest. I smirked at the end point of my teleportation I decided upon and observed the lump on the ground in front of me.

Luna was shaking, her hands covered her bruised face while she pulled in her legs to form a ball. I almost felt sorry for her, until I remembered what went on in the classroom just a few minutes ago.

"Koizumi, don't be like." I said, reaching out to touch the girl.

She instantly flinched when my fingers hit her shoulder. "Don't touch me." She hissed out.

I smirked and grabbed onto the collar of her uniform and pulled her up. She groaned from the unexpected force but staggered onto her feet. Her blonde hair was flying in all directions and her uniform was covered in dirt. She wacked away my hand on her collar. "What do you want from me Sakura?" She said, glaring at me.

I smiled and crossed my arms. "You asked me before if you wanted to be friends, Koizumi." I leaned my body foreward and grinned when she stepped back. "I'm giving you that chance."

"Like hell." She spat back. She clenched her fist and scowled. "If you want to kill me, then do it. I'm not afraid." She sneered. "No one would be your fucking friend when they find out you're a murderer."

I shook my head and chuckled into my hand. "You think I brought you here to kill you?" She gave me a confused look and I rolled my eyes. "If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it a long time ago."

Luna let out a loud breath. "Then why the hell are we here then?"

"I already told you." I reached out and grabbed onto the blonde's wrist. "I want to be friends."

Luna struggled under my grasp. I grinned and used my Alice to set a ring of fire around us. Her eyes widened in fear.

"Wh-what are you doing?"

"Making sure you don't escape friend." Emphasizing the word friend, as it left my mouth. She twisted her arm down, and broke out of my grip.

"Just let me go Sakura." Her eyes glazed in fear as the flames moved closer around us. "I didn't do anything."

I laughed out loud. "Didn't do anything?" I crossed my arms and glared at the girl in front of me, pausing the advancement of the flames. "You failed the test. In more ways than you could ever imagine."

She stared at me in confusion. "Test? What test?" She hit the air with her hands. "What the fuck are you talking about Sakura?"

"Do you know the reason why I even came to Gakuen Alice in the first place under the alias, Mieko Sasaki?"

"Why the hell should I care?"

I rolled my eyes at her attitude. "Your parents asked me to look after you."

Her eyes slightly widened at my words, but narrowed back into her usual glare. "And why the fuck would my parents do that?"

I smirked at her and made a vine sprout out from the ground, she stared at me in shock and backed away. "They were worried for you Koizumi. As were all the heirs and heiresses in Gakuen Alice. I was to," I made the vines wrap around her legs and her wrists. She screamed. "Watch over you and test you guys to see if you had what it took to take over your parent's business."

"What are you doing to me Sakura! Let me go!" She yelled. She struggled against the vines but winced when the vines only grew tighter around her.

"So like I said," ignoring her cries. "You failed the tests I gave you. You aren't fit to take over your parent's business." I smirked and looked into the tearful eyes of the soul-sucker in front of me.

She screamed at me and tried again to push her arms out.

I grinned. "Are you scared you can't use your Alice on me?" I saw fear in her eyes and I smirked. "You know what…I don't think you're fit to have your Alice along with your company as well. Don't you think?"

Luna clenched her teeth together and struggled again. I smiled. "I thought so." I placed a hand over her heart and she widened her eyes as my palm started to glow.

"W-w-what are you doing?" She screamed at me. "S-stop that!"

I grinned and shook my head. "Your company is done for. And now say goodbye to your Alice."

Her eyes widened as she saw a pale blue stone form around the light. She screamed and before I could finish the job, she forced her hand back and broke free from the vines she was in and pushed me to the ground.

I grunted from the impact as she fell on top of me. She quickly shook out from her daze before grabbing onto my neck. "How dare you bitch! No one messes with me." She threatened and she activated her Alice. In turn, I activated my own. Our Alices glowed in the arena around us and my eyes widened in surprise as the glow took over my entire senses. This was bad. This was really bad. If two dangerous Alices are used at full power together…

I braced myself as a loud boom exploded in my ear. I flew into the air by the impact, my body smashing into a tree before falling to the ground. I let out a loud groan when my body hit the floor. I let out a gasp and squeezed my eyes shut as the ringing in my ears slowly left my body, leaving me with a crap load of pain. I heard Luna do the same across the way from me. I let out a soft moan. Good, she wasn't dead. That was never my intention.

"Mikan!"

I lifted my head and opened my eyes to the sound of a new voice and turned to my left. It was Natsume. I groaned as I forced myself up from the ground. I staggered a little at the movement and I felt hands grip the sides of my waist to steady me. I shrugged out of Natsume's grasp and weakly dusted off some charred remnants on my skirt. He looked me up and down.

"What the hell just happened here?" He finally asked after making sure I was okay. I ignored his question and brushed past him, looking ahead to Luna who was still on the ground. He followed my vision and immediately let out a growl and jogged over to Luna. He moved her hair away from her face and knelt down to see if she was breathing. He glared at me and shook his head.

"Damn it Mikan. What the hell happened here? You almost killed her."

I rolled my eyes and rotated a crook in my shoulder and winced at the pain that shot up my arm. "She's the one that interfered with my Alice."

He pinched the bridge of his nose before getting up from the ground. "Teleport her to the hospital wing."

I rose my brows. "And why should I?" I asked, crossing my arms over my chest.

"She's hurt, and I know you didn't intentionally do this on purpose." He answered back staring at me with his crimson orbs. I looked away and rolled my eyes. How the hell would he know that?

"If you did it intentionally you wouldn't have gotten hurt as well." He said again, as if answering my thoughts. I turned to him and scowled.

"So what? She deserved it."

He rolled his eyes and look down to Luna. "No one deserves this type of punishment." He looks at me with an intense gaze. "Don't be S.A with her. She's not worth it."

I clenched my teeth at his words before shaking my head and snapping my fingers. Luna's unconscious body glowed for a seconds before disappearing completely. Natsume smirked at my action and walked over to me. I looked away from his stupid face.

"Just because I did what you said, doesn't mean anything."

He shrugged and crossed his arms. "Sure it doesn't."

I glared at him. "So what?" I hissed out. "Is this the time where you gloat in my face? You knew my secret all along. What are you going to do to me now Hyuuga?"

He rolled his eyes before staring at me. "You already got your punishment. That explosion did enough damage." He brushed off a leaf that was stuck in my hair and looked down at me. He brushed his fingers across my scarred cheek and I instantly flinched from his touch. He smirked. "Besides, it's nice seeing this face rather than your fake one for once."

I felt my cheeks start to heat up but I swatted his hand away. "Keep making jokes Hyuuga." I frowned at him. "Now what are you really going to do to me?"

He thought for a few seconds before smirking at me. Grabbing my arm, he pulled me into a tight hug. I winced as his arms wrapped around some freshly made bruises on my waist. He noticed and loosened his grip around me, but continued to hug me nonetheless. His head fell onto the crook of my neck and my face began to heat up as I felt his hot breath hit my skin.

"W-what are you doing Hyuuga?"

"You know you're stupid to be the richest heiress."

I growled and started to struggle against his group, but he held on to me. "Let go of me!"

"No."

"Yes!"

"No."

"Let me go!"

"I said no."

"Let me goo—"

Suddenly he pushed me out of his arms abruptly and I almost fell at his sudden action. He grabbed onto my wrist before I could however and he smirked. I glared at him. "What the hell?"

"That," he said pushing me back to place. "was your punishment."

I stared gaped mouth at him and shook my head. "A hug?" He nodded. I scoffed. "After all I put you through. After everything that happened," I rose my brows at his stoic face. "You hug me as a punishment?"

He shrugged his shoulders and smirked at me. "Why did you want more than a hug?"

My cheeks turned red and I turned away from him to walk away. Natsume is so stupid!

"Where are you going idiot?"

"Getting as far away from you as possible!" I said angrily, not looking back.

I heard him walk toward me and I started to walk faster. I heard him growl and he grabbed onto my wrist. "Let go of me."

"Are we really going to argue about that again?"

I spun around and glared at him. "You are so—" I let out a breath. "So unbearable Hyuuga!" I shook my head angrily. "I get so worked up when I'm around you you know! You are just so irritating and so confusing! One minute you're hugging me and the next I just want to throw a fireball in your fac—"

His head suddenly touched my forehead and I blinked my eyes rapidly cutting off what I was about to say.

"You're stupid you know that?" He whispered, looking down at my stupefied face.

"S-stop playing with me." I stammered out, my cheeks turning pink once again.

He gave me one of his infamous smirks before tracing his hand against my cheek. I felt his gaze on my lips and he knelt his face down toward me. My eyes widened as I felt his breath hit my lips. I saw the corners of his mouth smirk before leaning his head down further. I closed my eyes, and waited for the impact.

It never came.

I heard a chuckle above me and I opened my eyes to an amused set of crimson eyes. I felt my mouth drop and I immediately hit the person in front of me.

"Stupid Hyuuga! I said stop," I hit him again. "Playing," Hit. "Games with me you stupid perverted bastard!" Hit. Hit. Hit.

He brushed off my punches and smirked down at me before looking over my shoulder.

"Imai you can come out now."

I turned my head around and saw Hotaru with a held camera in her hand. I knew that look on her face that she was watching us since the hug. I gave a pout and limped over to her. "Ru-chan! Why didn't you stop him!"

Baka Baka Baka.

I fell to the ground from the hits of her baka gun. I winced at the added pain and looked up at Hotaru in tears. "That hurt Hotaru! I just suffered an explosion not too long ago you know!"

She smirked at me before offering her hand to pick me up. I gladly took it and I jumped into her arms. "Ru-chan!"

She rolled her eyes and shrugged her body out of the hug. She looked around at the charred grounds of the Northern Forest and sighed. "Baka. You went too far this time."

I pouted my lips and crossed my arms. "I blame Koizumi."

"Luna? Where is she by the way?" I turned my head to look over Hotaru's head and saw Ruka coming out from the forest.

"Ruka-pyon!"

He gave me a small smile. "Mie—I mean Mikan." I gave him a small smile as well and folded my hands in front of me.

"It'll take some time getting used to."

He look at me apologetically and I shook my head. "Don't be like that Ruka-pyon. It was my fault for doing the whole disguise in the first place." He nodded his head, but smiled nonetheless.

"I understand Mikan. It's okay."

I grinned at him and grabbed onto Hotaru's hand. She immediately held up her baka gun and pointed at me. "Stop fooling around baka." She turned to Natsume. "You found her too slow. Why do they call you the infamous Black Cat when he can't even handle preventing an explosion?"

I heard Natsume growl behind me. "Whatever Imai. No one's dead."

Hotaru glared at him before turning to me. "We're only here tell you, there'll be a press conference in an hour."

I blinked. "What?"

Hotaru rolled her eyes. "Because of the mess you caused, our classmates are freaking out as usual and want answers. Your brothers set up a press conference for you to explain your multitude of Alices along with the explanation of why you came to Gakuen Alice in the first place."

I groaned. I hate press conferences! I felt a flick on my shoulder and turned to look at Natsume. "It's your fault for going S.A on Luna. Blame yourself, idiot."

I stuck my tongue out at him before hooking my arms with Hotaru. "Whatever. She deserved it." I looked back at Ruka and Natsume. "Let's just get this over with then, hmm?"

.;.

Mikan's POV

The rest of the day passed by in a big blur. I could go into details, such as when Hotaru hit me on the head on live television…or when my mom pinched my cheeks angrily after she found out what I did to Luna on live television…or when Natsume flicked me on the head for no apparent reason on live television…I think you get the picture. Stupid live television. That is why I hate interviews of any sort. My reveal of my Alices was almost as bad as when the Takahashi's went live those many years ago. I shuddered.

"Mikan-chan!"

I turned around and saw Anna and Nonoko running up to me. I smiled. "Anna-chan, Nonoko-chan."

Anna smiled at me. "Where are you going right now?"

I looked back to where I was heading and shrugged my shoulders. "I was just going for a walk before dinner."

Nonoko looked at Anna and they gave each other a special look. I narrowed my eyes in suspicion. "Do you wanna come join us instead?" Nonoko said, nodding her head toward the high school dormitories.

I pursed my lips in thought. I didn't particularly want to talk with the Top 10 after everything that happened during the press conference. But Anna and Nonoko gave me a small pout. I sighed in defeat. "Fine, alright."

They squealed in delight before taking my hand and dragging me forward. I inwardly smiled. I was actually sort of glad they weren't angry at me for lying to them. None of the Top 10 were surprisingly. Well…except for Luna who was still hospitalized. Her parents weren't mad at me at least. They said they'd have a serious long talk with her once she's better. In America. They couldn't trust her in Japan any longer. Also…Natsume might still be mad at me. But with that stupid boy I can never tell…

"Hey kouhai! You actually came!" I shook my head out of my thoughts when I heard Tsubasa welcome me.

I grinned at him. "Anna and Nonoko-chan are quite convincing."

The twins gave me a wide grin before taking a seat next to Yuu. Tsubasa patted an empty spot next to him. "I'm glad we sent them then! Sit near me Mi-chan!" I gave him a suspicious stare from what he said but took up his offer and knelt down next to him. Misaki next to me gave me a pat on my shoulder in greeting.

Everyone from the Top 10 were there. Except for Luna of course. Koko and Sumire were across from me, Koko giving me his usual goofy grin and Sumire had her arms crossed in contempt. Hotaru and Ruka were next to them. Hotaru was busy looking through photos on her camera, while Ruka was frowning at the ones she decided to keep. Anna and Nonoko were adjusting their postions on the ground to make themselves comfortable again, and Yuu was awkwardly adjusting his glasses. Everything seemed normal for once.

"Can we just get this over with?"

I rolled my eyes at the crimson eye man that just spoke. Things really were normal. "Get what over with?"

He looked at me and narrowed his eyes. "Apologize."

I raised my brows. "Apologize?"

He rolled his eyes. "Are you deaf stupid woman?"

I turned to him and looked around the group. Koko had a smile on his face but nodded his head at Natsume's word. I frowned. Anna and Nonoko were smiling at me as well, but waited for my reply. Heck all of them were giving me that creepy smile. "You guys brought me over here to apologize?"

Anna's grinned widened. "Yup!"

I frowned at her and Nonoko. "And to think I thought you guys actually wanted to hang out with me."

They gave me a sheepish shrug. "Well…"

"If we said anything different,"

"We had a feeling you'd get suspicious,"

"And run away."

I sighed but gave them a smile in return. "It's okay." I turned to the group. "I guess I deserved that."

"It's alright Mikan! I personally didn't think you need to apologize but you know how uptight Natsum—" Koko's voice was cut off when his sleeve caught on fire. I quickly nullified it and glared at the man who did it.

"Hyuuga! You can't burn people just for the fun of it!"

"And you can't test people just for the fun of it." He retaliated back. I groaned.

"I already said. Your parents wanted it."

He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "Our parents definitely didn't say to lie to any of us."

I groaned again and brought my face into my hands. Tsubasa and Misaki rubbed their hands over my back. "It's okay kouhai." Tsubasa said.

"We understand. Koko was right, Natsume just wants the apology." Misaki said. Natsume glared at her but she shrugged her shoulders. "What, it's true."

Natsume growled and turned to me. "Just give me an apology."

I rolled my eyes. "Not with that attitude."

"You really wanna go there woman?"

"Yeah. I do."

"You're such an idiot."

"You're a bigger idiot!"

"Loud-mouthed."

"Unbearable bastard."

"Ugly beast."

"Bloody devil!"

"Lowlife liar."

I bit my cheek. "Take that back!"

"No."

"Ugh…you're so fu—"

Baka Baka Baka.

We rubbed our heads at the bullets and looked to Hotaru.

"I'm tired of your constant arguments. Just leave bakas." Hotaru spoke up, pointing the baka gun at us. I pouted my lips.

"Ru-chan!"

"Tch…You will always annoy me Imai."

Hotaru smirked and crossed her arms. "It's my job Hyuuga. Now leave."

I stuck my tongue out at her before rising from the ground. "You're mean Ru-chan." She shrugged her shoulders. I rolled my eyes at her and turned to Natsume. "Let's just go. I'm too tired to keep losing an argument with Ru-chan."

Natsume growled under his breath before getting up. "You seriously owe me Imai."

"By the end of today, you'll be owing me something Hyuuga." Hotaru said, rubbing a cloth over the lens on her camera.

"Whatever."

He brushed past me and walked toward the forest. "H-hey wait for me Natsume!"

I quickly nodded a goodbye to the group before catching up to him.

We walked in silence for a while, enjoying the nice cold breeze. I realized that he was leading us to his Sakura tree near the Northern Forest. I smiled.

"Hey Hyuuga."

He didn't turn his head. I rolled my eyes.

"Hey Hyuuga." I said again, this time louder.

I heard him give a soft growl under his breath but still didn't turn his head. I let out a huff. He's going to play that game then.

"Hyuuga. Hyuuuuga. Hyuuuuuuuuga!"

"What the hell do you want Little Girl?" He finally shouted, turning to me angrily. His eyes widened slightly when he saw no one behind him. He let out a groan before spinning around in a circle. "Turn off your stupid Alice."

I giggled into the air and watched as he clenched his fist. "I mean it Little Girl. You're the one that wanted my attention."

"Oh have some fun Mr. Grumpy Pants." I unveiled my Alice and he turned to look above him. I swung from the tree and jumped to a higher branch.

"Hey you're going to kill yourself doing that."

I smirked at Natsume's reaction and twirled off to the ground, and landed on my feet.

"Don't judge a book by its cover, Natsume."

He rolled his eyes before reaching over and flicking me on the forehead. "Yeah yeah. You don't know the contents until you've opened it."

I smacked him in the shoulder for flicking my head, but intertwined my fingers with his. He instantly looked down and tried to shrug out of my grasp. "What are you doing Sakura?"

I looked at him at him and smirked. It's always fun teasing him. "You don't like it?"

He growled at me but yanked my hand forward, giving up trying to get his hand to himself again. I felt him tighten his grip, and I looked at him and smiled.

This stupid boy… Underneath the evening light, I saw his cheeks turn a slight shade of pink and I smirked. This reminds me.

"So…about that last test in the classroom." Natsume turned to me and rose a brow. I grinned. "Did you really enjoy the kiss?"

Natsume's eyes narrowed and he looked away, his cheeks turning a darker pink. "That damn Imai." He hissed under his breath.

I laughed and shook my head. "I should follow my own advice with you."

He looked down at me. "What?"

"Don't judge a book by its cover. You're much more different than what I imagined you to be."

Natsume rolled his eyes. We continued to walk in silence in the cool night breeze until he paused for a few seconds. I turned to him confused. His crimson eyes were looking at me with an intense gaze and I felt my own cheeks slowly turning pink. "Why are you staring at me like that?"

He smirked and placed his hand on top of my head. "Did you just imply you want to 'open' me up, Polka Dots?" His eyebrows raising suggestively.

My eyes widened and my mouth dropped. His smirk grew when he saw my expression. "You know, you could've just asked. My legs are always open for you." His eyes gazed down to my chest. "I always preferred this body rather than your ugly one." He pinched my cheek before walking away from my stunned body, waving one hand in the air in a goodbye.

I blinked my eyes, slapping my red cheeks in bewilderment. Regaining my sense of thinking, I finally scoffed at the man walking away from me. "Hyuuga you damn pervert! I'm going to bankrupt your entire company for even suggesting that corrupted thought of yours!" I yelled before chasing after him.

.

And now readers. I'll let you imagine what happens next in their lives.

And don't worry.

I won't judge.

;)

.

.

.

Final A/N: I am happy to say...that after exactly 4 years {July 25 anniversary yo!}, my first ever FanFic, Don't Judge a Book by its Cover is over. Honestly…when I first thought of this story idea, I never expected anyone to like it. (Or for me to actually complete it OTL) But after 300+ reviews, follows, and favorites…I'm eternally grateful to all of you who supported me through my 4 year journey. {Even with my 2 year absence…} This story is nothing like how I imagined it to be, but I'm glad some of you guys enjoyed it nonetheless!

Maybe one day I'll come back and edit the chapters…but as for now I love you all just as much as I love Gakuen Alice. :')

Stay forever beautiful my sweet Howalon lovers.

Always,

Little Miss Thinker

PS: His Little Bride will also be my last FanFiction. Just a heads up. :)