Disclaimer: I do NOT own Gakuen Alice

Hey everyone! Sorry for the late update... I was supposed to update last Dec. 25 but my mood on that day was horrible because of some... problems and I procrastinated so I was able to finish this just today.

Thanks for all those who alerted me and added this story to their favorites. It really means a lot to me. it's a great Christmas Gift!

Belated Merry Christmas and Advanced Happy New Year!

now on to the story...

"Are you sure it's okay?" Mikan asked her aunt, "You won't get mad at me?" She added.

"It's fine Mikan-chan." Kaoru smiled reassuringly, "Just don't kill him alright?" She added.

"I won't." She replied back sincerely, "Because if I do, I'm no different with that filth." She spat angrily, disgust coating every tone of her voice.

"Mikan-nee, can you really do that?" Aoi asked as she glanced up worriedly, she really didn't agree to this, but since her mom agreed, she really can't stop her sister from doing things.

"I'm not sure, but Aoi, I have to do this." She replied, but paused. That came out wrong, she's sure that its not it, no one pressured her to do it. After a moment of silence, she finally spoke, "No let me rephrase that: I feel the need to do this." She said as she glanced down, meeting Aoi in the eyes as she smiled reassuringly.

"Hush Mikan, fix up that smile." Kaoru suddenly said as her eyes glanced warily at the lean figure coming their way, "He's coming." She warned.

Mikan did as told and fix up a breath-taking smile that caught everybody's attention, single and married men alike had hearts in their eyes, while women either watch in admiration or envy. Aoi did the same making her look as if she's the epitome of cuteness –which she already is.

"Ah, Kaoru." The lean figure greeted in fake happiness as he made his way towards the middle-aged woman.

She bowed and signaled the two young ladies to do the same, albeit reluctantly, they followed.

"Rise my dear." He ordered, his lips tugging up to form a fake welcoming smiled, "Who are you're guests?" He asked, obviously intrigued as it is not everyday his wife brought guests in the party. Besides that fact, another one is that the brunette one strangely reminds him of a girl he knew so well but can't point out who.

She rose and signaled the two to do the same, "They both came from the Sakura kingdom, my dear." She replied, keeping her cool, though her stomach is already doing weird somersaults. Something tells her that something bad is going to happen. Not today, but in the near future. But she hoped that if her gut feeling is right, that bad thing won't happen soon.

"Why are you two in masks?" He asked, these two young ladies are quite suspicious, he can't trust strangers to just turn up in his castle even though Kaoru invited them. He can't even trust his own wife. Not that he ever did.

Mikan stepped up, "Greetings king." She greeted, forcing herself to smile at him, "I am Michiko from the Sakura Kingdom." She introduced herself, "As for the mask, I guess we didn't get the memo correctly." She replied with a voice coated in sugary apology, "We thought this is a masked ball since most of the balls we attended are, we really don't attend normal balls like this. But now that we're here and didn't know any of these strangers, I think it's kind of embarrassing to take these off now, besides we feel unsafe if the public sees us." She explained as she moved her fingers gracefully to emphasize her point, varying her actions to the words she spoke, and altering the tone of her voice depending on what she says, thus making her lie seem real.

Aoi stayed silent as she observed the features of her so called biological father. He looks old due to all the wrinkles scattered on his face. He also has piercing ruby eyes, the kind of shade she has. He looks strict, a kind of person that would certainly be called ruthless. He doesn't look welcoming at all nor does he look friendly.

"Ah, Sakura kingdom, the land where most cherry blossoms bloom and one of the few lands that won't sign allegiance with me." He said thoughtfully putting venom at the last few words, "The land where the deceased queen was born and supposedly rule." He added, his voice in mock hurt.

"Yes." She agreed, her voice turning cold at his mockery.

"Excuse me my king; I'll entertain some of the guests." Kaoru informed excusing herself. The tension between the two seems to be increasing. She can feel Mikan's hatred at the king, though her husband doesn't seem to notice. She suddenly felt suffocated and felt the need to get out.

"Michiko-sama, allow me to wander around." Aoi asked, somehow, leaving them is part of the plan, but the thick tension felt suffocating and for once she realized that the king is an idiot for not sensing the vibes her sister is giving off. But as she pondered about how idiotic her father is, her thoughts were cut short by Mikan's quick yes.

"Isn't it such a shame that the two are murdered?" She asked turning her attention to the king, preventing herself to raise an eyebrow in an accusing manner as she smiled to herself about how the plan flowed freely so far. But a part of her wondered if the king can feel all the negative vibes she's releasing as she mentally hoped he didn't. Luckily for her, he seemed relaxed and oblivious to it.

"I agree." He said as he took a sip at the wine. But the hinted insincerity didn't miss her ears. "Do you have a reason for attending only masquerade balls?" He asked, his voice drawling out maliciousness.

"Like you said, the great queen of Alstromeria was murdered and you know that she's of royal blood, a supposedly heiress to the Sakura throne, my kingdom won't risk any danger for any royal bloods or noble's life, if we ever go to parties out of our kingdom, it'll not be a surprise if they're only attending masquerade balls, no one knows how we look like, except the townspeople." She replied. What she said wasn't really a lie, since the incident, the said kingdom became even tighter with security. The incident is also one of the reasons why that kingdom never signs allegiance with Alstromeria. As of now, they can't trust anyone from the latter.

He sneered. It seems like it had affected them more than he imagined. But then again, Yuka is the eldest, her parents' favorite and was always the role model of her younger siblings, it's actually considered as a small reaction. "Would you care for a dance?" He asked as he held his palm out, shoving the wine glass onto the passing waiter.

She stared at it, preventing herself to sneer, as she shook her head with forced politeness, "No thank you, I would love to try your refreshments, the long trip is exhausting." She replied. There's no way I would accept a dance from a murder, it's like touching the hands that was spilled with my parents' blood. She thought as she curtsied and left.

The king smiled maliciously at the retreating figure, "She's interesting…" He muttered as he grabbed another glass of wine from a passing waiter and took a sip from it.

"Yuka." Kaoru called as she sneaked inside the auburn haired woman's cell.

Yuka's ears perked up as she instantly grasped the golden bars hindering her from freedom, "Kaoru, what are you doing here? If Akihiro finds out, he might have you beheaded! You shouldn't be coming here!" She warned, her voice hushed.

"I know." Kaoru said as she covered Yuka's hands with hers, "I just want to make sure that you're ok."

"I'm fine Kaoru." She replied, "You should go back before he'll notice you're missing."

She sighed, "He doesn't care about me Yuka." She said as her hands fell limply to her side, "He loves you, even though I'm his wife."

"No don't say that." She comforted, "He loves you, and he's just blinded by envy that he doesn't realize that you're the person that is meant for him."

"I hope you're right." She replied as she averted her gaze, "Did you eat?" She asked.

"Yes, thanks for the food you sneaked in while I was sleeping." She thanked as she tucked her auburn tussles behind her ear. "I really don't trust the food Akihiro is sending."

Her ruby orbs held hazel ones as she smiled, "You're my best friend, and of course I can't let you starve to death." She said.

"How is she?" Yuka suddenly asked as she sat on the perfectly polished marble floor.

"You mean her?" She asked.

Her friend nodded.

"She's fine; she's living with me along with my daughter." She informed with a smile, "She's such a sweetheart." She gushed.

"Which 'she' did you mean?"

"Mikan." She mouthed.

Yuka's happy smiled turned into a longing one as her eyes focused on her reflection on the floor, "Thank you Kaoru for taking care of her."

"It's nothing; it's the least I can do." She replied.

"You should go," Yuka said, "Akihiro would be visiting me soon."

"How did you know?" Kaoru asked, obviously confused.

"He always visits around this time." She replied hastily, "Now go!" She urged, willing her friend to get out of this… hell hole, as she preferred to call it.

She sighed, "Fine," she reluctantly agreed, "But I promise, someday, I'll get you out of here." She promised as she left.

Mikan, please don't do anything to harm yourself. Yuka thought.

Mikan shook her head; she had been declining dances since she finished talking with the king. They're all starting to get in her nerves! Inwardly sighing, she took a cookie ever so enticingly before taking a small bite from it, licking the cookie crumbs from the sides of her lips in a seductive way. She might as well be out of her character for the time being, but hey, it's all part of the plan. She has to lure the right person out and it's making her impatient! So far, none of them is the prince. She needs to lure out the prince, or she won't be able to execute her plan.

"You seemed to be enjoying yourself." A deep and husky voice whispered at her ear, his breath caressing her skin, and even though she's not facing him, she can hear the smirk from the tone of his voice. Finally! She thought ignoring the tingling feeling that ran down her spine. Somehow, she likes the sound of his voice.

"Well, there's nothing better to do." She replied back, refusing the urge to face him as she took another bite in a nonchalant way. Afraid that if she makes eye contact she'll feel something else.

"Well, you can always choose to dance." He said as helped himself with some juice.

"Oh I would love to dance." She replied as she faced him, her lips forming an inviting yet mysterious smile, the kind of smile that's just so hard to resist as if there's some sort of a case beneath it that just lures you in, a case that has a deep meaning, a meaning that you must find out, you know… that kind of smile. "But none of them seems suitable to dance with." She added, "I found none of them pleasing." She said as gathered her courage before looking up to meet his gaze, her eyes peeking curtly through her lashes.

Crimson clashed with hazel once again and for the second time of their lives, time seemed to stop, no one seems to be in the room, just them…

He smirked as he broke of the trance, he likes the girl, she's just so… cryptic and… alluring at the same time. There's something in her that just draws you in. "Do you think I'm suitable enough?" He questioned, his lips touching the brim of the wine glass flirtingly.

She gave him a challenging smile, mischief dancing in her pupils, "Why don't we try it, Natsume-sama." She purred as she placed her unfinished cookie back to her plate. Her lips tugged up to form a seductive smile. She feels disgusted with herself.

So she does know me. He thought as he placed the wine glass on the table before taking her hand and bringing it towards his lips, "May I have this dance?" He asked, a smirk forming on his lips, his pupils dancing with the same mischief she has. Well, two can play the game.

"Yes you may." She replied. Everything's going well. She thought as she let herself be led towards the dance floor.

The soft classical music filled the air once again as the two gracefully danced, matching each movements in perfect sync. The guests all held their breath as they saw the perfect chemistry of the masked lady and the young prince as they danced around the center. Soon, more of them cleared the dance floor giving the couple more access of the space. They started to leave one by one until only the two are left alone dancing. They just stood at the sides, awe-struck at the way they danced. It was just like a something that would come out from a fairytale book, the prince and the princess dancing. It looks so magical.

"I heard your good with swords." Mikan said as they glided across the dance floor, unaware of how many awe-struck stares they're receiving, by this time, she is quite enjoying herself, basking in the soft classical music lingering in the background. No. She thought. This is wrong; I should not feel this way. She panicked, but she hid it surprisingly well. All she ever wanted to do is run away from his embrace and away from that foreign feeling, to stop that sudden euphoria traveling in her veins. But at the same time, she is disgusted with herself, disgusted to even be doing this, disgusted that she even flirted and acted like a total harlot, disgusted that she felt that way.

"Yes, I've been training since I was small." He replied nonchalantly as he twirled her around.

"Hmm…" She thought thoughtfully as her eyes traveled towards the grandfather's clock, mischief filled her eyes which are instantly paired with a devious smile, but she kept silent as her gaze returned to the floor and continued to dance. Well, this can be her chance, to both run away for a while –and take her time to breathe and calm her heart– and to execute the last part of the plan for the day. She's thankful that her mind isn't as slow at thinking the way it usually is.

The grandfather clock ticked signaling that there's only 5 minutes left before 12 o'clock.

She looked up at him, her mysterious smiled gracing her lips once more, which immediately caught his attention. As much as she wanted to dance with him more, she still have a game to play and she wont let this hindering feeling (of which she can't point out what) to stop her.

Ding!

"I am afraid I must go." She said as faked a shameful look as she looked away before pushing him and running out, albeit reluctantly. But she didn't need to worry about not seeing him… that's how cliché everything is. Since she made a Cinderella-like entrance, then she must make a Cinderella-like exit.

And just like the cliched story, he went after her.

He ran down the stairs and paused after the tenth step as he calmed his breathing. His crimson eyes searching for any sign of her then that's when he suddenly saw a dagger coming for him, fortunately having quick reflexes, he ducked down just in time to avoid being hit. A little surprised of the sudden attack, he scanned the area looking for any signs of the intruder.

A short tinkling laugh reached his ears as his gaze darted towards the source of the enticing laugh.

"Nice reflexes." A voice called out, "As expected." She added giggling slightly.

The voice rang in his ear as he racked his brain trying to remember where he heard it, when it suddenly clicked, the voice belonged to the girl he had danced with. "What's with all this?" He asked coldly. He couldn't have fallen for her trick, could he? And he even thought this girl is different.

"Oh dear, there's no need to be that cold Natsume-sama." She said, still not making herself visible to him, "I just wanna play." She added, a mischievous smirk gracing her rosy lips. "I just wanna test how good the prince is."

He smirked, perhaps she's still different, after all, what kind of a stereotypical lady would challenge him like this, and anyway, he's always up for challenges. "Suit yourself," he said, "but wouldn't it be unfair if I can't see you?"

"Hmm? Your certainly right about that." She replied as she jumped and landed gracefully in front of him. "So prince." She muttered as she circled around him like a predator ready to pounce on its prey. "I will ask a question." She informed as she stopped in front of him, another cryptic smile gracing her lips.

"Hn." He muttered, signaling her to go on.

"May I have this match?" She asked coyly, the tips of her fingertips touching his chest through the fine fabric.

He smirked, "Wouldn't it be hard considering you're a girl, wearing that?" He challenged referring to her lacy clothing.

"There's a good reason why I made this dress loose and not puffy." She replied, smiling as she quickly withdrew her hand..

"Aoi, where's Mikan?" Kaoru asked as she looked at her daughter worriedly.

"Outside." She replied, worry dancing in her eyes, "I think she's really serious about doing that."

"It's okay Aoi. I'm sure he wouldn't do anything to hurt her." The middle aged woman replied earnestly.

"I hope Mikan-nee won't hurt herself, he's trained since he was young, she just trained a few months ago!" She frantically replied throwing her hands in the air out of panic.

"Aoi, it's okay, she's a fast learner." She retorted kindly, giving her daughter a reassuring look, "Just trust her."

Mikan quickly caught the dagger between her fingers as she stared at him, sweat dripping from the sides of her face, "You're good." She complimented, a smirk forming on her lips.

"You're not so bad yourself." He replied as he positioned his sword in a defensive style.

"Hmm.." Her smirked widened as she positioned her dagger in an offensive way ready to aim. "Thank you." She purred as they started to circle each other, both trying to find a way for one to lose. And with one swift movement, she threw it towards him.

He blocked the attack using his sword and without him noticing she quickly took an extra dagger hidden in her dress and ran towards him, the tip of the dagger aiming towards his chest. Luckily, he noticed her attack and is able to stop her in time still with the use of his sword. She quickly ducked down and took back the other dagger she threw at him before jumping in the air and landing gracefully a meter away from him. He took it as a chance and advanced towards her, his sword positioned to aim at her neck which she quickly dodged and used it as a chance to stab him at the front, careful not to hit any complicated organs.

Ding! Dong! Ding! Dong!

"Oops!" She said bemusedly as he fell down, his right hand clutching the part where she stabbed, "I say, I must go." She informed, "And I'm serious this time." She quickly added, her voice serious, her hazel eyes piercing through him.

"Why are you doing this?" He asked, his voice void of any emotion.

She smiled him her signature cryptic smiled before saying, "Sooner or later you will know this is for the best of your well-being." She said before she bended down, kissed his forehead and left.

The scent of strawberries hinted with tangerines continued to linger in his nostrils as he watched the retreating figure, then she looked back and flashed him an apologetic smile before completely disappearing. Oddly enough, she reminds him of that lady with a younger sister…. perhaps? He isn't sure how that little girl is related to her, but back to the point, that girl's apologetic smile reminded him of her. That kind young lady he met at the market.

He groaned, it's unfair how this girl got away with stabbing him without a wound or even just a simple scratch. This girl's interesting. He thought as his thoughts flickered back to the girl he met at the market, But I'm attracted to that girl too? How is this possible? He thought to himself as he limped back towards the castle.

Ruka gasped at what he saw "Natsume?" He called out worriedly as he rushed to his friend's side, "What happened?" He asked.

"Tsk." He muttered as he continued to limp inside, "Nothing." He quickly replied. He really didn't want to discuss about anything right now. His stupid brain is going nuts thinking about her.

Ruka sighed before helping him climb the stairs, "Why are you wounded?" He questioned again.

"It's nothing Ruka." Natsume replied as he sent his friend a glare, practically telling him to just drop it off.

The blonde one sighed, "I'm not going to be held responsible for this." He said, deciding to drop it off. It's no use arguing with the prince anyway. "I'll just go call someone to tend your wounds." He informed before leaving.

Natsume sighed, yet again, as his mind drifted off to you-know-where… erm, who, in this case.

"NATSUME?" a certain voice said making him roll his eyes, "What happened? Why are you wounded?" It asked angrily, "Do you not know what could happen if you have died? I would be left with no heir to the throne!" it scolded. His father couldn't even pass as a human being, with his heartless personality, how could he ? –it rather. And look at king Hyuuga now, his only son could die and yet all he ever cares for is continuing his empire!

"I apologize." He muttered forcibly as he continued to clutch his wound.

"You apologize? YOU APOLOGIZE?" He boomed exasperatedly, "Can your apologies take back that wound?"

Geez, like your banter can. He thought as he impatiently thought what took Ruka so long.

"I swear Natsume, if you'll ever die I'll make sure you'll wind up in hell!" He said fury evident in his voice.

Don't worry, I'm already in hell. He retorted in his thoughts as he bit back his tongue to avoid saying it out loud.

"That's it! I'm sending you to the Sakura Kingdom!" He boomed as he looked sternly at the crimson-eyed lad, "You'll stay there and live as a normal citizen; you'll come back here on the day of the pass-over ceremony." He stated sternly.

Natsume replied with a glare, "Why do I have to go to that town? They hated your guts!" He retorted, trying to make his voice as monotonous as he could.

"Yes they don't like me." The king snarled as he looked him, "But they don't know you. You'll be safe there, and you can come back on the day I'm gonna pass my throne." He firmly stated. "And that's final! One more comment from you, I swear I'm gonna make your life like a peasant in that town!" He threatened before storming out of the room.

He slumped back in his seat as he sent a heated glare on his father's back.

You have no idea how much he despised that thing.

As soon as it –as Natsume preferred to call him– was out of sight, Ruka came bursting in with the castle's nurse and a medicine kit.

"I'm back." Ruka announced.

His glare turned to his friend as he eyed him, "What took you so long? That hag's banter is irritating." He asked, well, more like hissed.

Ruka shuddered, "Sorry, but I have no intention of facing the king." He replied.

The nurse just sighed in an 'I-understand-what-you-feel' kind of way.

"Me neither." He shot back as the nurse started to do her work.

"So, who gave you that wound?" Ruka asked.

"Cinderella." He shot back obviously annoyed, "I don't know her name Ruka." He hissed.

"Okay, no need to get mad." He said, raising his palms in defense. "But indeed. It is pretty much alike Cinderella's story."

He glared.

"But it might be better if she left her shoe instead of that wound isn't it?"

"Tch."

"Come on Natsume, lighten up."

"How can I lighten up? She left me a wound and didn't get one herself!"

"Wow, she must be good."

He glared at him.

"Okay… But who knows you might see her again."

"I hope." He mumbled under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing Ruka, nothing."

Mikan took off her mask before splashing her face with water; she looked up and saw her cosmetics running down her face. "I look hideous." She commented as she pointed at herself in the mirror, colored powder running down her cheeks towards her chin and down towards her neck.

"No you don't!" Aoi immediately piped in, "Wash your face properly Mikan-nee. I'm sure you don't want to sleep looking like that." She added, referring to the entire smudge the water made.

The brunette smiled and did what her younger sister suggested.

"It's good to know that he didn't hurt you." The raven-haired girl said out of the blue as Mikan wiped her face with a face towel.

"Mikan-nee, where on earth did you gain the guts to do that?" she asked exasperatedly, you can't actually blame her since she's worried, for both her adopted sister and biological brother whom she never met… at least she hadn't met him yet. But her concern is most specifically on Mikan, since she grew up with her and spent almost every waking moment together with her and Ji-chan. Ji-chan's gone, and she didn't want to loose Mikan either. Her brother is well-trained and it is such a relief that Mikan came home with no wounds or bruises, as of now she couldn't care more about her brother, for one they're not close and didn't have any brother-sister bonding, not that she had any plans doing that…yet.

Mikan shrugged as a response as she placed the towel down, "Aoi, I'm going back to my room. I'm going to change." She informed before rushing out of the bathroom.

To tell you honestly, she didn't know. She didn't know where she had the guts to do that. There's just something in her that made her want to execute her plan perfectly. Perhaps it was revenge? Or perhaps it was because she knows she needed to. Or maybe it was because of that tiny flicker of unknown emotion that went to her, an emotion that made her feel like wanting to impress him, to lure him in and make him hers… though that came out wrong. But perhaps it was one of those or if not –all.

She bended her knees, resting her chin on them and her arms hugging her legs as she remembered what she did. It was weird. It was so unlike her. Wearing provocative clothes, flirting, dancing and fighting… those are things she has never dreamed of doing. She hates provocative dresses, she feels disgusted ever thinking about flirting, she's too clumsy to dance without tripping and she never dreamed of fighting, she dreaded holding those things, things that are used for murder, she never thought she'd have the guts to even hurt someone.

Hurt.

It was always in her dictionary, she has seen it every day, and she could feel it through the people she sees on the streets everyday. But she never thought of inflicting hurt or pain to anyone. The Mikan earlier isn't her; rather, the Mikan she knew these past weeks is a stranger.

Her stomach churned at the thought, guilt finding its way in her heart and conscience tugging, whispering to her that whatever she's going to result in doing will bring more bloodshed. She released the breath she's been holding as she shifted, placing her forehead on her knees in replacement of her chin. That made the moon gain access to faintly light her room.

You're doing this for his own good. She reassured herself. There's nothing to feel guilty about. He would be sent away, away from here… away from the danger of people killing him if they would know that he is the heir of that ruthless king. You're doing this to keep him safe.

Why do you care so much for him? The sudden thought entered her mind quickly snapping her off her trance as she raised her head in shock. Her eyes wide open.

She finally snapped out of it with a shake of her head. That question isn't important. The answer is quite easy, it's not really her who cared for him, and the two girls just rubbed it on her. She was just carried away. Yeah, she could live with that thought.

With that, she lay down on her bed and finally drifted off to sleep.

Mikan yawned as she felt the sun's rays hit her skin rather harshly. She fluttered her eyes open as she stretched, then yawned once again before sitting up straight. Her dainty fingers curled into fists before rubbing her eyes with intent to rub sleep away. She yawned again, her eyes half-awake as she surveyed the room.

The window located at her right is wide open, letting the wind and the sun gain access to her room. The chirping birds were clearly heard and the furry squirrels can be seen running on a nearby tree. She smiled; the kingdom looks so peaceful when it's morning. (Chaos usually starts when it's near lunch.)

And that is how she likes it. She hopes that this peacefulness would retain permanently, but it seems like an impossible dream. Now that she thought about it, if she wanted to bring peace in this kingdom, she has to make a move not just sit there and watch for change to happen. She sighed, now fully awake. If her plan would work, then there would be a great possibility for it to happen.

A soft knock snapped her out of her trance making her stare at the wooden door expectantly, "Mikan-chan, Kaoru-sama's son is here. She wants you to get dressed." A feminine voice informed.

Hearing her, Mikan stumbled out of bed to open the door as quickly as she could. Her hazel eyes looked at the blonde maid, her eyes wide with shock, "Kaoru-ba-san's what?" She asked, hoping whatever she thought she heard isn't the one she actually heard.

The maid's blue eyes looked up in confusion, the young lady is usually attentive so –as Mikan liked to put it –they wouldn't have to waste their precious time repeating the words they just said when they could have used that time to do something better, but nonetheless she smiled kindly at her. "Kaoru-sama's son is coming." She repeated.

Hearing that, she could feel her blood drain as she dismissed the maid with a strangled 'thank you' before closing the door shut. Only one thought crossed her mind as she stared at her pale reflection, this could NOT be happening. She meant, isn't that weird? The guy she almost killed –good thing she used a dagger and didn't hit any vital organs –is visiting and hello? She just can't act ever so casually about that. It's plain absurd. Period. Besides, the guilt tugging her conscience didn't help. The churning in her stomach didn't help either. It suddenly made her want to gag and her sweaty palms didn't hide the fact that she's nervous. What if the prince recognized her? But nah, it's impossible, she wore a mask that concealed half of her face, baring only her eyes, nose, lips, chin and half of her cheeks.

Sighing, she let her last thought overrun her entire being, making her cling to that one relief.

After that, she got dressed.

"Natsume!" Kaoru gushed as she threw her arms around her son's muscular body, "I'm so glad you came to visit." She said happily before letting go. A huge smile gracing her lips.

"Tch." Natsume muttered his facial expression as emotionless as ever, although he is mentally smiling.

"Hello Kaoru-sama." Ruka greeted, bowing respectfully.

The middle aged woman shot him an acknowledging smile before turning her attention back to her son. "Since you're here, I'll introduce you to your sister!" She announced excitedly, beaming at the raven-haired lad.

He shrugged in response as if he could only care less when in fact he is happy, excited and nervous to meet his long –not really– lost sister. He is happy that he'll see her sister, excited to know what she looked like and nervous if his sister would like him. He meant: what if her sister won't like him because he's a son of the tyrant king, well, technically, she is also a child of that thing, but his point is, he was raised by the king. She might think he is as ruthless as their father is.

"Kaoru-ba-san, I'll go hang out beside the lake to read this book!" An alluring voice –that is somehow familiar to Natsume–rang cheerfully and he can't help but be intrigued to who this girl is. His eyes involuntarily moved to the source of the smile causing crimson to clash with hazel.

Seeing him, Mikan's eyes widened with shock. He can't be here this early! She groaned inwardly. All the effort of planning to avoid him now became useless since he's here already and she prayed –more like begged– kami-sama that he would somehow leave her alone.

"Have we met before?" He uncharacteristically blurted and as soon as it left his mouth he inwardly cursed himself.

Both Mikan and Kaoru tensed but luckily the brunette remembered something, "As a matter of fact, yes." She admitted.

Kaoru looked at her like she is crazy her expression asking her what in the world she's doing.

"We met a long time ago in the market place… I was with a little girl." She added which made her aunt relax in relief.

He thought about it and remembered, "Yes, I remember." He agreed remembering that little incident where a little girl oblivious to the threat little things done can do to her bumped onto him.

"Thank you for not lashing out on her. I have no idea that it was you Prince. I just realized it now." She thanked and it was the truth though, bowing her head respectfully her eyesight landing on the spot where she stabbed him. Her heart instantly clenched with guilt and she silently whimpered, "If you may excuse me I need to go outside." She said before rushing out.

She sighed as she leaned her back against the concrete wall in the mansion's garden. She closed her eyes and a pair of crimson eyes flashed in her mind. She blushed as her eyes hastily shot open.

Distraction

That's exactly what she needed to take her mind of things… to be more precise… of him. Her feet scurried hastily to the training grounds taking a pair of her favorite daggers along the way before ripping a part of her dress so the skirt ended mid-thigh.

Aunt Kaoru is gonna scold me for this. She thought before she started attacking the dummy.

"It was really kind of sad. Jii-chan raised us since we were babies. He really was a kind old man." Aoi said to fill her brother a few stories of her past.

"Who killed him?" He asked, although he already knew the answer.

"It's obvious Natsume-nii." She replied, rolling her eyes, then she frowned, "One thing I didn't understand though, why would he kill him?" She asked.

He shrugged, "I don't know Aoi. I really don't understand that old man." He replied as he turned his gaze to the side and saw none other than Mikan, throwing her dagger precisely at the dummy. He stopped as his gaze focused on her.

Sensing that her brother stopped, she walked to where he is and followed his line of sight, smirking she looked at her brother, "You like her don't you?" She questioned, expecting him to say yes.

"No." He replied bluntly.

Her smirk dropped replaced by a frown, "Why not? She's unique!" She insisted as Mikan ducked under the arm of the dummy, picked up her dagger and stabbed its back, "You have to at least feel attracted to her!"

Seeing what she did, he furrowed his eyebrows as he thought of where he saw those exact movements.

"Nii-san!" Aoi whined to get to her brother's attention, which she successfully did.

"To make you shut up, I do feel attracted to her." He replied as he continued to remember where he saw those and why those are so familiar.

Brunette hair, hazel eyes and a dagger… Then it clicked

Aoi grinned at that but was easily replaced by confusion once she saw him drawing out his sword and jumping down the balcony, landing with perfect grace before darting towards her sister, alarmed she shouted out her sister's name.

Hearing Aoi's call, she reflexively blocked Natsume's attacks by the dagger she's currently holding.

"So it's you." He isn't asking for confirmation, he is more like stating a fact.

"Yes." She agreed as she hopped 5ft back before crouching in a defensive stance, "I believe you are in no condition to fight with that wound I gave you." She stated, throwing her dagger at a nearby tree.

"Why did you do that?" He asked referring to the past event.

She sighed, "I'm hitting two birds with one stone." She replied monotonously.

"What exactly do you mean by that?" He asked, furrowing his eyebrows, his ruby eyes glaring dangerously though a tiny part of him is glad he found out who she is.

"Come and follow me, I'll tell you along the way." She said before flashing him a smile.

"…so that's it." She said, finishing her speech.

"Nice plan you got there." He commented.

She smiled. "I'm surprised that you weren't angry."

"Why would I? In fact, I love to see him go where he belongs."

"But, Aunt Kaoru loves him… it was kind of hard for her to agree, but then she gave up. She said she couldn't be selfish."

Silence fell upon the pair as they made their way towards the pond. But the silence isn't awkward nor was it tensed, it's quite the contrary actually. The silence that fell upon them is soothing and sort of relaxing. They're actually enjoying each other's company.

But it didn't really stay like that for long, courtesy of Mikan, when she suddenly yelped and slipped on the wet pavement. Guess the clumsy part of her really didn't leave. Thankfully, Natsume caught her on instinct and Mikan stared at him to thank him, too bad her words got stuck on her throat as her mind blanked and thought of nothing but how gorgeous his eyes look. Unknown to her, he also thought of the same thing as they slowly leaned in, seemingly drawn by an alluring force hidden beneath their eyes. They're hearts thumped with scary synchronization as their faces neared each other, their lips almost touching when–

"Onii-san! It's time to leave!" Aoi called as she ran towards them unaware of the heated atmosphere, but stopped short as she noticed their position. She turned beet red with embarrassment as she uttered a two lettered word, "Oh."

Hearing her, they both blushed before they quickly looked away as Mikan wiggled out of his embrace. "A-aoi." She acknowledged as she tried to steady her breathing. What was that? She thought to herself, not really able to process on what they were about to do.

"Hn." He muttered, trying to look indifferent as he tried to get rid of the blush trying to spread on his cheeks.

Aoi grinned. She likes where this is going. Just then, an idea came into her mind "Gomene Onii-san, I was supposed to accompany you but I remembered that I have something to do." She apologized, feigning sincerity. "I guess Mikan-nee can accompany you instead." Hazel eyes widened with shock as the blush (which just left) returned to grace her cheeks again, "I think she wouldn't mind."

"I'll show my way out." He said monotonously upon seeing her reaction as he action to leave.

"No!" Aoi frantically yelled.

He stared at her.

"Er, I mean," She stuttered trying to regain her composure, "Mikan-nee won't mind." She said before glancing at her sister, "She will accompany you out." She said again as she gave her sister a puppy dog eyes, practically begging her to just escort him.

Not really able to resist her she gave a hesitant nod matched with a hesitant smile.

"Yes!" She cheered, cupping her skirt, she gave the brunette a thankful smile, "Then I'll leave. Ja~" She said before leaving.

Mikan sighed, and then shrugged, "So let's go?" She invited, shoving the embarrassing event on the back of her mind.

He nodded.

"So uh…" Mikan started as she formed a smile, "Here!" She exclaimed gleefully as she twirled around, about to make a big smile but is able to make a big frown instead when she tripped (yet again) on her own feet making her fall on top of Natsume and incidentally connected their lips. Closing her eyes in the process, actually expecting to fall on the cement rather than him.

With a surge of need to feel her lips, he kissed her, ignoring the surging pain he felt when his back landed on the cement before lowering his head slowly so he's resting against the cold smooth surface of the area.

Mikan, with the same surging desire, kissed back as her fingers involuntarily run themselves through his hair. Her heart thumped rapidly in her chest as heat flooded her cheeks. She felt something wet licked her bottom lip making her clear her head and realize what she's doing. With a gasp (due to lack of her) she pulled herself up, flushing tomato red as she bowed down hurriedly, "Here's your stop, I must go." She quickly said before leaving.

Seeing her in that state, he smirked. Well at least he has something to look forward to when he comes back.

"Mikan, I'm so sorry.." Yuka mumbled silently in her sleep, "I'm so sorry… my dearest daughter." She whispered as a tear fell down her cheek.

Akihiro's eyes became wide with shock, before it narrowed dangerously. Look of shock gone, now replaced with maliciousness. "So you do have a child." He muttered as a side of his lips tugged up to form a smirk.

Yuka whimpered as she shifted her position. "Mikan, I hope you're okay…" She mumbled, more tears fell.

"And she's alive." He sneered. "With a chance of taking my throne away from me." He stared back at her and clicked his tongue, "No can do my dear, no child of Izumi could take my throne away from me." With that, he silently walked out of his throne, calling a guard to come over.

"I want you to search the entire kingdom for a girl named Mikan. Take them in. All of them." He barked, narrowing his eyes murderously. Time to crush this little town's small ray of hope. He thought before letting a loud and evil cackle echo across the empty hallway.

The guards shuddered with fear. Just what is the king thinking?

Hope you liked this! :)

Please review! Your thoughts are really appreciated, it'd be nice to hear it when I just got back on

fanfiction. It's been really long since I've updated!

Zen