Life Beyond Betrayal- Shugo chara and Gakuen Alice crossover fanfic

Everyone has those days; the days that were bad from beginning to end. You have that feeling, the bad feeling that will never go away until it all over. For some it isn't that bad. It would probably be something as simple as a bad grade on a test or even breaking a bone. But for others, everything that could go wrong goes wrong. We had those days but they were just the beginning.

Mikan ~

"Mikan Sakura to the main office… Mikan Sakura…" I furrowed my eyebrows wondering what I had done. I didn't ponder at all. I began to walk to the office ignoring the whispers of the class. I never did anything bad; I wasn't like Natsume. I couldn't help but ponder. Maybe I was set up with something. It was the only reason I could think up in time. So I took a deep breath and entered ready to defend myself.

"Welcome Mikan." I looked up in surprise. The secretary smiled at so I decided the news wasn't going to be bad.

"Hello!" I smiled back. I felt relieved now. I had expected an angry secretary to take me to the principle. But this was new.

"So, just go straight down the hall and turn right there and knock," she explained pointing down the hall. I nodded and made my way down the hall. I knocked as loudly as I could with my small hands. The door creaked open. It was dark inside and I wasn't sure if anyone was inside. With my heart beating fast inside my chest, I took steps in side. I jumped when I saw a light turn on a few feet ahead of me. There was a table and a man was sitting on the end.

"Um... Hello?" I was confused and frightened but I didn't want to be rude.

"Welcome. Please sit down." He sounded pretty cheerful so I felt a little better. The lights in the whole room came on and could see clearly. The long table was filled with people on both sides with an empty spot on the opposite end which I suppose was for me. The people who were filled up on the side were all dressed in black, and for some reason, they were wearing animal masks.

"So, I suppose you are a bit confused by all this right Mikan?"

"Yeah, I am. I didn't do anything wrong" I furrowed my eyebrows as I tried to look back. I had to be sure.

"You didn't. In fact, I called you here today to deliver some good news."

"Really? Whoa, what is it?"

"Well, you seem excited. What would you say if we found your mom?"

"But, Grandpa said Mom had to go away for a very long time." I was even more confused that I was originally. Mom left when I was only 5 years old. Why would she show up now?"

"Well, Grandpa did tell you a bit of the truth but, do you want to know the whole truth? How about I tell you everything that happened?"

"Um... okay. But, do I get to see my mom after this?" My memory of my mother was pretty blurry. My grandpa said I looked like her but I always thought my mom would be way prettier than me. I guess I should be mad about her leaving. My childhood was pretty rough without my mom. Kid used to make fun of me, at least until I become best friends with Hotaru. She was the only one I could really call a friend back then. Without her, I probably wouldn't be the same person. But at least I knew she didn't abandon me, at least, until now.

"Okay. Let's see. You mom used to go to this school too. She has an Alice too, you know. She had the same one as you. Anyway, she graduated and met your dad and they had you. But, then, your dad turned out to me a bad person and betrayed her and he sent the Anti-Alice organization after her. In order to save you, she dropped you off at you grandpa's house. She got captured too. She finally managed to escape and she came here. Just so she could come and see you. She came to see me too, because I'm her brother."

"So, she was being chased by bad people? Did they do anything bad to her? Is she okay? Wait... You're my uncle?"

"Don't worry, she is fine. She will be here soon. And yes, I am your uncle. I never felt the time was right to tell you," he laughed while putting his hand on neck.

"Oh cool! Can I call you Uncle?"

"Sure why not."

"So, um... who are these people?" I said pointing to the people of the side.

"Oh... They're my good old trusty bodyguards."

"Oh... Are they always there? Do they talk? They have been quiet the whole time and I was wondering..."

"Yes, they do talk. Oh look. Your mom is here." I stopped talking immediately and looked in the same direction he was.

"Mom..." I suddenly felt my mouth dry out and my eyes fill with water. I hadn't seen her in seven years. I had no memories of her left in my mind and I was so beyond happy, I could barely breathe.

"Mikan... my baby..." Her voice was the only thing I could say stuck with me all these years. It sounded like the voice that used to sing to me at night. It was voice that sounded so motherly, soft and kind; it was the voice that used to help me sleep at night when she had just left me. I was full on sobbing at this point. I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my chest. The kids from back home were wrong. My mom didn't abandon me. She was just protecting me. She was crying too I realized. She must have missed me too. I can't exactly remember what happened after that; I did recall a moment in which we were led out of the room. So I wasn't surprised when I found myself on my bed. I began to search around immediately.

Was it all a dream? I didn't have to look around very much to find my mother had simply fallen asleep besides me. I felt my beating heart calm as I stared her. It was dark outside, I realized. I should be sleeping too. The next day, I had to go to school again. I hated the fact that even though I just met my mother, I couldn't spend every moment with her. But, I held it in and took myself to school. I got there on time for once. My mother had woken me up right on time. I was tired and drained from yesterday but I still had a smile on my face. I couldn't wait to tell Hotaru about it. She would probably act like she didn't care but I know she did. She was best friend and I knew her better than everybody.

Eventually, everyone came in. As soon as Hotaru came in, I jumped into her arms happy and content, at least until she hit me with the baka gun. It hurt a bit so I whined.

"Where were you yesterday? I was looking for you. You still owe me rabbits."

"Um... I found my mom," I said happily.

"What?" Her eyes widened a bit.

"Yeah...you can meet her today if you want. I'm sorry about yesterday. I was really busy because I haven't seen my mom in so long and she came back. You would want to meet her right?"

"Yeah..." Hotaru smiled at me a little and I guess she was going to say something but Natsumi-papa came in yelling.

"Listen up everybody. We have a new student today." We all looked up to see a new girl standing beside him. She had strawberry blonde hair and cold blue eyes. She was really pretty and all the guys in the class suddenly had blushes on their cheeks. I looked beside me to see if Natsume did. He looks pretty unaffected though. But, then again, so did Ruka. I smiled a bit. I still have chance.

"Hello, I am Luna Koizumi. Please treat me well." After that, everyone pretty much looked at her until she sat back down. Her experience was a quite different from mine. But, I didn't have time to worry. I just couldn't wait for the day to end. And when it need, I was itching to leave.

"Hotaru, do you want to go see her now?" I asked excited to finally show the one person who believed me this whole time.

"Alright..."

Without waiting for anyone else, I took Hotaru to my attic room so she could meet my mom. I found my mom going through my album I had brought from home. My mom looked up to see Hotaru. She smiled happily and said hi. It was awkward at first but being the blabber mouth I am; I broke the ice quickly. Hotaru didn't say much but she smiled at me a bit though.

After that, I spent every day with my mom. Sometimes Hotaru came but sometimes she didn't. Eventually all my friends found out my mom was here. I felt bad that I hadn't been hanging out with them so much. But, it wasn't everyday your mom showed up again. I had to value the rest of our time together. I guess I wasn't graceful enough though. It had been two weeks since my mom had came back for me. I was going to go show her Mr. Bear in the woods when I saw some shuffling in the woods. There were men with strange uniforms. My mother stiffened immediately.

"Mikan, I want you to run and get help. I love you"

"What?"

"RUN! Don't look back and don't come back until you get help. Run..." Her voice faded away as I got farther away. I felt the tears in my eyes which made it hard to see. I tripped over some tree roots but I got back up quickly. I went against my mother's wishes and look back one last time. I regretted my decision. I looked back in time to see her stabbed in the chest mercilessly, her blood spraying in the air. Her piercing scream was the last thing I heard. I was sobbing. I couldn't breathe. The men were chasing me now. I was just a kid. I was only twelve. I wasn't fast enough to run past these men. Suddenly I was pulled to the side and a hand covered my mouth. He quickly pushed me behind him and a dark mass of dark essences shot out of his hand. The men who were chasing me dropped dead. I looked up at him. He was the guy who Natsume was always talking to. I had no time to ask question before I passed out.

Shooting out of bed with a start, I burst into tears. Another nightmare… I had them nearly every day. What must be done to make them leave? I had no time to dwell on my thoughts however. The clock read eight a.m. That would leave less than thirty minutes to get dressed and make it to school in time. The chill could be felt in my tiny attic room which resulted in wearing my winter uniform. It was a chilly walk to school but I managed to make it inside my classroom without freezing to death. My classmates all looked up only to be disappointed to see it was just Mikan. If only this was what was bothering, but it wasn't. My life has been like this for quite a while now.

With Luna, who needs me? I am no one. Luna didn't take my place, I was never that important to them. I was just a space. They treated her with respect, something they never did to me. Because of her, there was no longer any space for a loser like me. Hotaru no longer talked to me. My mother died just last month. Hotaru didn't even come and visit me in the hospital room. She wouldn't need someone like me anymore. Now, Hotaru finally has a best friend she was proud of, Luna. But, she isn't the only one. Natsume no longer talks to me except to mock me. And above all, Luna had managed to do the thing I failed at. She was Natsume's girlfriend. Luna was everything I was wasn't. But I still had hope. But I needed to be realistic. It wasn't just because of Luna that they were acting like that. I would never blame my mother, it was my fault. I never cared enough to think about their feelings. How would I feel if they all got to meet their parents and I didn't? I would be hurt so it is to be expected that they were, even Hotaru. I never thought that maybe she missed her parents too. They all think I deserved it. They all think I deserved to have my mother killed in front of me.

Class was the same. I still sat in the spot with Natsume and Ruka. They weren't here yet so I could have a bit of quiet before the insults come. Peace didn't last long however. Natsume and my old friends walked in with Luna. I don't know what they were talking about but they seemed happy. My heart ached to know I wasn't a part of it. But, I would never deserve to be happy.

"Why are you sitting there? That's my seat now. You sit over there," Luna announced pointing to the front of the room. That wasn't my spot but I didn't want to anger them anymore. The other students all stared at me waiting for me to move. So pathetically, I rose from my seat and move to the front unable to summon the courage to ask what was going on.

Class started as soon as Jinni-sensei walked in. He was in an especially awful mood. It was even harder now to blend into the rows of students. As expected, he had written a math problem and called me up to answer. I have always been stupid. I was even more behind though. I didn't pay attention when my mother had first come and I surely didn't pay attention now. It was time for him to get me back now. The snickers and little giggles were easy for me to hear. They all expected me to get the wrong answers. But what can I expect? I know I will get it wrong myself. Unable to even understand the question, I simply wrote a number. Thirteen... It was wrong. The laughter was no longer quiet. My face heated up in embarrassment and felt the wetness in my eyes. I looked back at the class. Silent tears were falling. Luna sat in the back; her head was leaning on Natsume's shoulder, a huge smirk on her face. Then, for the first time since my mother left, I was sent to the office.

"Let me guess... They found your dad too." Luna said mocking me. Angry murmurs were heard from the other students. They agreed.

Fleeing from the classroom, I rushed to the office. Tears were falling and I was unable to stop them. I deserved this. Taking a deep breath, I summoned the courage to enter the door without letting my uncle see this way. I wiped my eyes and stepped in. The secretary raised her head when she saw me. Seeming to read my mood, she directed me to my uncle's office with no words, only reassuring smiles. His office was the same as always. I waited for him dramatic entrance.

"Mikan..."

"Hello Uncle," I replied quietly.

He shot me a worried look. He sighed and finally cut to the chase. "I wanted to know if you would want to go to Alice Academy in America. After everything that happened, the board and I have agreed that you need to improve your Alices. The Alice Academy is the best place for you to learn."

"But I have a choice?"

"Yes. We didn't want to force you."

"Thank you. Let me just ask my...friends. I will come by later with my decision. Bye." I walked out of his office. Narumi's class would have started by now. That means it would be free period. Right as I was about to twist the doorknob on Narumi-sensei's door, I heard my name mentioned. I put my hand down and began to eavesdrop of the conversation. It was probably the dumbest and smartest thing I have ever done.

"I swear to freaking god, why is she still here?" exclaimed Permy. My eyes began to burn. She was like the sister I never had. I knew she was upset with me, but I never thought she would be the type to say that ever.

"I know. Honestly, she just doesn't get it. She is so stupid. We need to do something or she won't leave." Luna said. I wasn't surprised she hated me that much.

"I just hope whatever it is works. The plan needs to show her that she was never my best friend. If only she would just realize that I just pretended to be nice to her because she was such a loser; no one wanted to be friends with her. She is so weak and annoying" Hotaru said. Hotaru... She never cared? She was just being nice. The only friend I've had since childhood was just being nice. I was so stupid.

"I hope so, especially with her weird crush on me." So, Natsume knew. He just didn't care. He didn't want me.

"She just can't take a hint can she? She is such an idiot."

"We probably are going to be more aggressive with things, or she will never leave." I opened the door. They were all sitting in a circle. They all looked to see me standing there in the doorway sobbing my heart out. They were quiet after that, none of them saying a word of apology or shock. Every single one of them had a smug look written on their faces. I didn't stick around to hear more insults. Tears were running down my face as my thoughts were finally confirmed. Mikan Yukihara was not wanted around here. Sadness and bitterness filled my heart. The walk back to my attic room was a blur. I just remember crashing onto my bed and crying myself to sleep.

Waking up that morning was hard. The only thing I wanted to do was lie in bed and cry but I couldn't. I needed to go to my uncle's office today. I need to inform him of my decision to leave. I dressed up quietly with no need to rush. I could practically feel the dark circles that had formed from the weeks of stress and worry. I could only hope that today is the last day I would have to deal with them. The secretary had been expecting me. She gave me a sideways glance before she walked away, leaving in the room. For once my uncle didn't have the dramatic lighting. He was simply sitting in his seat. His bodyguards were gone. Instead, there were people in business suits. My uncle looked a bit worried but I paid him no mind.

"I will be going to Alice Academy."

"I hope you understand that you can't take back those words. This is final."

"Yes, I understand. When do I leave?"

"We had planned a flight for tomorrow. Is that too early?"

"No. It's perfect. Thank you."

"Of course, I will send your brother with the time. Get prepared. You may leave now." I bowed to him before leaving. Not feeling the need to go to school, I headed to my attic room to begin packing thing. To say the truth, I don't really have anything in here that is valuable anymore. I don't want to bring anything with me. Going to the school is like getting a second chance; I'm not going to mess it up this time. My suitcase was quite empty. All I was bringing were the few things I had brought from home. I took out the photo album my mother had been going through. I went through the entire picture and took out everything with Hotaru in it. I didn't need the memories. Two letters fell out of the album. I took each one and read the writing on each white envelope on it. They were from my mother. She had one labeled, after my death, and another labeled, for when you are sixteen. I immediately sat on top of my bed and opened the letter gently.

Dear Mikan,

I am sorry. I was never the mother you deserved. When I came back, I was utterly impressed with how well you turned out. You were always smiling and trying to make feel better about abandoning you. I know you told me countless times, I did it to protect you, which I did. But, I can near forgive myself. All those years passed by and all thoughts were about you and your brothers. I know my death is near whether I am ready or not. So, Mikan, I have one wish for you to do for me. I know I am quite a selfish mother. I noticed the separation I caused between you and your friends. I want you to find your smile again. I know by now, you feel alone and betrayed. Therefore, I don't expect you to have a smile now. But, I want you to find it again. For that to happen, you need people who love you unconditionally no matter the condition. Find someone who will love you no matter how you are. I love you.

Love,

Mom

I ended up crying for a long time. I realized I could spend all my time like this however I had to say goodbye. It was my last day after all. Around 5pm, I finished up and went on a short trip. My goodbyes were tearful for sure. When, Persona or Rei had saved me that day. He told me some of the things Mom had forgotten to tell me. He and Youichi were my half brothers, my father's children. I had to say goodbye to him and all the people in my special ability class, and Narumi. My other brother, Rei, made himself scarce once again but I will be seeing him later. I will give him my good bye then.

The next day came slowly, since I had a hard time sleeping. But, today was it. I have been waiting for this for long time. I will finally be free. I got dressed quickly. My brother was there outside waiting for me. He looked different today. He seemed to be dressed normal civilian clothes unlike his dark garb that I'm used to seeing.

"Good morning…" I said with a small fake smile on my face. He eyed me carefully but he didn't say a word about the fakeness I was displaying.

"Good morning. As you know, today is the day you are leaving. The transportation will be here in an hour so, go to school for a while." He murmured. He was never the talkative type.

"Okay." I muttered back not looking forward to school.

"Cheer up, it will get better." I stopped walking and turned around. He was gone. I smiled a little bit.

The classroom grew quiet as I walked. I felt really self-conscious as I felt all the eyes on me as I walked to the seat I hated. Natsume shot me a glare but I simply ignored him. I wanted to just disappear. I walked into the classroom. Narumi-sensei gave me a sad smile and I returned it back.

Class hasn't started yet so everyone resumed to whatever they were doing. I had no one to talk to so I simply kept my head down and tried to remain unnoticed. It was going well too, that was until Luna walked up to me. My eyes widened in shock when she slapped me across the face. My cheeks burned in anger and shame. I put my hand over the cheek that was slapped as I felt my tears build inside. Just a little more… just a little more…

"Look here Mikan, I don't know who you think you are but get up. I'm Natsumi's girlfriend and you aren't. That seat belongs to me and no one else." She yanked me out of the seat, her nails digging into my arms. I yelped in pain. I had forgotten about yesterday. I had forgotten she had proclaimed this seat as her own. God, why was I so stupid?

"Now, Luna, that's enough! Sit in your seat." Narumi saved me from the most humiliating moment of my life. I heard the snickers. Hotaru even patted her on the back as though she was the one in need of comfort. I felt the scratches Luna had left on my arm. They definitely were bleeding a bit. I sat there crying as the class continues. Narumi noticed as well and I could see that he wanted to comfort me but he couldn't. So, I can say I've ever have been so happy when Rei walked in.

"Mikan, it is time to leave."

"Okay," I replied, getting up from my seat.

"What?" I turn my head to see Hotaru looking confused

"I'm doing what you all wanted. I'm leaving"

I followed my brother out of the classroom giving Narumi one last sad smile.

Amu ~

"Hurry Amu!" Tadase yelled as he was surrounded by X-eggs. I nodded sharply before transforming with Miki.

"My heart: Unlock!" With that out the way, I began to attack. I managed to separate the guardians and their character from the X-eggs that were holding them back. I sighed in relief now that they were safe. It was a mistake. I had let my guard down too soon. I was attacked and I fell but I recovered quickly.

"Amu!" I heard my characters call my name. I look uo to see that they had been taken away from me now. I look at the other guardians wondering why they weren't moving. My confusion increased as I noticed Utau and Ikuto had even showed up. Knowing Tadase, I expected him get up immediately and begin to ask Ikuto questions. Perhaps Utau were the ones behind these eggs. But in the end, he ended up striking out some kind of a conversation.

"Why aren't you guys helping?" my voice quiet. I was tiring out now and I wouldn't be able to take care of all of these eggs alone.

"If you can't do it yourself, then you shouldn't be part of the guardians," Ikuto said, his voice impassive.

My brows furrowed as confusion hit me. Was this some kind of test? I didn't have time to think as I continued my solo fight feeling myself losing. So this was how they thanked me for saving the lives of their characters? There were too many X eggs now. They had hatched now. I didn't have the strength to do this on my own. Laughter sounded through my ears. Kukai was laughing. Why? He should be helping. We are friends. Isn't that what friends do? My train was caught off as I hit the ground. But, I was too tired to get up. My body refused to listen to my demands as I saw my characters screaming my name. Miki was knocked out too. I felt her still transformed with me but I couldn't hear her thoughts anymore. Before I lost consciousness, I was forced to see my characters force back into their eggs and crushed. The laughter was still ringing in my ears.

I don't know what happened after that. I just remember waking up on the ground after that. The night sky was dark and cloudy warning me of the future rain. Looking around, I realized I was still at the park. No one was here. They left me.

"Amu? Are you okay?" Miki said floating above me. She looked worried.

"Yeah...I'm fin-"I started crying. I couldn't believe I lost them. My characters... My heart was aching as I realized I failed. I failed and none of the guardians cared enough to help me.

"Amu... I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough. If only I was stronger." Miki started crying too.

"No. It's your fault. It's mine. If I were stronger, I could have saved them too. I am so worthless. I am so sorry." Dry sobs racked through me. I don't know how long I sat lay down on the ground crying, but I do know, I have never cried like that before. I managed to pull myself together and walk home. It wasn't the safest time to walk home alone but what could I do? My so called friends left alone. The rain started to fall. I knew I was going to drenched by the time I could possible make it home. I was tired, my legs hurt, my heart hurt. I was nowhere near ready to get home. But I didn't have a cell phone with me. No one was going to pick me up. My knees have out underneath me as failed to take another step. The rain poured down heavily on me as I could no longer move a muscle.

"Amu! You just have a little more to go. I promise. Don't give up" Miki said trying to soothe me. I realized I was causing her more pain. Managing to stand myself up again, Miki pulled my hand forward. I could barely see anymore and I was cold. I just wanted to fall asleep. But, I could let her down again today. She deserved someone better than me. Somehow, I managed to push through all of this. I had arrived at my front door. I didn't have the strength to knock on the door so Miki did for me.

"Amu! Where have you been? I was worried sick! Your father is driving around looking for you." My mother's loud screams were the first things I heard when the door opened. I looked up at her before I felt my body give up on my again. I passed out.

I woke up later. It as bright outside and it hurt my eyes a lot. I was confused at first until the memories of yesterday hit me. I felt a hard headache hit me. I immediately began crying hard. I suppose I wasn't very quite apparently. My mother ran up the stairs. She began to pat my back letting me cry there without saying a word. I didn't say a word to her and she didn't question me. She was the best mom in the world. She seemed to understand everything. I didn't want to talk. Not especially after everything the stupid guardians put me through yesterday. Because of them, I lost Suu and Ran. They were the only ones that were the only friends that were always there. They made me smile everyday and kept a smile on my face. But now, they are gone. I don't know what to do now. Here I was crying to my mom. I was so weak. I couldn't even keep myself together in front of my mom. I was just making her worry unnecessarily again. But I couldn't stop. They sobs were hurting me. I could feel my thought hurting so much now. I just wanted to stop now. Eventually, nothing was coming out. I managed to stop.

"I'm not going to ask what happened. I just want you to lie down and I will go bring you some food okay? You can tell me when you are ready." I simply nodded my head not trusting myself to open my mouth. When she left, I realized how much of a lonely person I was. It was quiet in my room. If Ran and Suu were here we would probably be laughing about something. I would be trying to keep my laughter quiet. I would be happy. But now it was just Miki, I felt even lonelier. At least I still have her. I felt the silent tears running down my face.

I didn't get up the next morning to go to school. To be honest, I didn't get up for the rest of the week. I lay in bed all day. Sometimes crying, sometimes looking at the wall blankly. But I had Miki. I can say I have a new appreciation for my family, especially my mom. She never forced me to tell her what happened. She simply took care of me. She kept me fed and she made sure I took care of myself. I told I loved her; she simply smiled and told me she loved me too. Ami prove to be a lot sweeter than what I gave her credit for. She came into my room once a day to talk to me. Sometimes she would dance, sometimes she would sing. She tried her best and I thank her for that. Even my dad, the childish idiot, came into my room as well. He talked to me about other things. I earned a lot about him. I am glad I have these people as my family.

Eventually I smiled. I still felt pain in my heart but it didn't feel like I was choking next Tuesday, I pulled myself together. I decided I was going to school. I had to get answers for what happened. I walked into the school. It was quiet. Everyone was looking at me. It wasn't the usually 'cool and spicy' reaction I was used to. I took a deep breath and decided to pay them no mind. It was more important for me to get to my first class. I had homeroom with Tadase and Nagihiko. I hope to use these fifteen minutes to confront them. I walked in to see them talking among themselves happily. They stopped when they saw me walk in. Miki followed after me quietly.

"Explain yourselves." I slammed my hand down on their tables. I would act like I was mad. I wasn't. If anything, I was heartbroken. But, I wouldn't let them know that though.

"There is nothing to explain. You have failed as a Joker. Because of this, we have decided that you will no longer be part of the Guardians. Utau has decided to take the position. I think it is a great idea as well because she has two characters and you have... one." He pointed upward at Miki who was sitting on my shoulder. I couldn't believe.

"You guys set me up. Did you really need to stoop that low?"

"You have no proof. We didn't do anything." Nagihiko said with a straight face.

"Stop lying. If you didn't want me in the guardians, you could have told me. You didn't have to kill my characters. Utau still works with Easter. I hope you know."

"Yes, I think I would know what my girlfriend is doing. Ikuto was the one who helped us after all. Just be happy you still have Miki." Tadase said smugly. At that moment, I felt my throat tighten up and my eyes getting watery. I walked away to go to the bathroom. Just when I had felt that I was finally read to do this, it turns out I really wasn't. The guardians were the only friends I have ever made. Why would they just threw me aside like that? On top of that, they set me up to lose the only other friends that I had. I knew I was worthless but I tried to hide it behind that facade. Despite all that, I let my guard down. In the end they finally saw the real me. The worthless one...I left school having no real reason to stick around. I knew my parents were home and Ami too. They would question why I am coming home soon but I had no choice.

But I was in for a surprise. Once I entered my home, I found my mom packing everything up. "Amu! I am so glad you are okay. I was about to come pick you up. Look, I want you to go to your room and grab everything you can fit into a bag. Your father is helping your sister. I will explain later. Just hurry." She looked so panicked so as much as I would love to stay around and ask questions, I did as I was told. I grabbed the family picture, my character box which was empty. Miki helped me out. I barely took much just things with good memories. I was grabbing the heart locket my dad gave me for my birthday when I heard my mom scream. I barged out the door to find my dad doing the same. My heart was pounding in my ears as I ran downstairs. I saw a man dressed in black tackling my mother. He pulled out a knife.

"Mommy!" Ami was screaming. I began to run to help my mother but my dad pushed me back. My mom was stabbed continuously her blood everywhere. My mom…

"Amu, I want you to take your sister and run all the way to the police station. Tell them what has happened. Okay? Don't look back. Go now." I barely registered what he said as I watched my mother get killed in front of me. I grabbed Ami's hand and dragged her to the door.

"No! Mommy! Daddy!" She begun to cry and I felt the tears building up in my eyes as well. I hesitated slightly before I burst out and ran. At some point, I picked up Ami, and we both ran. The police station felt like it was miles and miles away. But when it finally came into view, it was the last piece of determination I needed.

"Please! You have to help. My parents are in trouble. A weird guy in black showed up at my house and he attacked my mom. I saw that he had a knife but that's all I saw. You need to hurry and help them, please." I felt dizzy and sick. The fact I can't do anything. Miki floated above me as I talked.

"Okay, I need you to tell me who you are."

"Amu Hinamori!" His eyes widened but he grabbed a phone and said some weird things into the phone that I could barely hear. I sat down in a chair with Ami. I tried to keep myself together for Ami. She was bailing about Mommy and Daddy. I wanted to do the same but I couldn't. Miki ended up talking to her to try to keep from crying more. Suddenly, some men showed up at the police office as well. I was scared but the police officer I had talked to told me that they were good guys.

"Your parents are dead. We are sorry. We came too late. Would you like to visit your home one more time before we carry out your parent's will?

"Can I go, just by myself? I don't want Ami to see."

"Yes. Let's go." There was a limo waiting outside for use. I rushed in my heart going into panic. Silent tears running down my face.

When we arrived at my house, there was a team of people in black waiting outside. I ran inside and collapsed in the doorway. The living room was covered in blood. You could see there was struggle. As I looked down, I saw the bodies. My parents... they are gone. I crawled to my mother. The dead body in front of me became blurry and soon I wasn't able to see anymore. My heart ached. The bloody carpet underneath me got even more soaked as drop of salty water splashed down. The dry-racking sobs soon enveloped me making it nearly impossible to breath.

"Mom! Wake up! Please, they are lying. You can't die. I am sorry for everything. So you have to wake up. You can't just lay there. Move please! Mommy1 I love you. You have to get up please!" I saw my Dad's body far away from hers. "Dad! You too! I know you are tired but you have to get up. I love you too much," I squeezed his cold unmoving hand. All I wanted was to bleed like him. I sobbed until there was nothing left for me to cry. My eyes hurt painfully but I didn't stop until I couldn't do it anymore. That's when the man who led me here finally spoke

"I know you grieving but you need to come with us. It still isn't safe. Your sister is waiting for you in the care. I suggest you change your clothes first though." I nodded silently not really hearing him. But, I need to be strong for Ami. They gave me some clothes and took me to a private area to change.

The car ride was silent. My sister was the only one making noise as she sobbed loudly. I couldn't do much because I was numb. I faintly remember stroking her brown hair through my fingers. I made a promise to myself that day. I would never let anyone hurt my sister no matter who they were. The driver and the man didn't say anything. I could only hope that I was making the decision by going with them. The city streets soon turned into trees and soon were deep into the woods. They keep driving and I felt myself start to worry. I didn't have time to question myself however. The car stopped in front of abandoned building. Vines and leaves were growing on that building and it was falling apart. Parts of the brick that once were on the building were on the growd surrounding it.

"Follow me." The man said getting out of the car. I stayed put. There was no way I was going into that building. It sure didn't look safe.

"Come on. I assure no one will get hurt. It is purposely made to look like this to keep people out. It looks better from the inside." That was the first time he had tried to make me feel better about my current situation. So I decided to believe him. I got out of the car and took Ami's and we got out. It was dark inside and I was scared. Ami squeezed my hand tightly and I could feel how scared she was too.

"Stay close behind me so you don't get hurt." But the man knew what he was doing since he walked through the darkness with a type of sureness radiating from him. Eventually when I guess we had walked all the way across, a keypad glowed in the dark. I saw him type in a bunch of numbers quickly. A quiet beep sounded and he pressed his finger on something. After that a door opened and he stepped in. I hurried after him pulling Ami with me. Miki also kept close. It turns out that the door was actually an elevator that took us down a few floors.

I was in for a surprise to see many people all downstairs. They looked up to see who entered before going back to their work. I felt tense and tired but I followed the man as he walked away. Eventually he stopped at a big black door at the very end.

"Go on in. They will explain everything. I will go back to do some things. I'll come back to take you to your new location." He explained before bowing and walking away. I pushed the door and walked in. The room was dull and it had a desk. A man sat at one end while more men in black suits sat in the seats on the sides.

"Please, sit" The man at the edge of the table waved his hand to the two chairs across from him. I walked quickly to the seat, Ami was whimpering but I had no control over anything. Miki stayed quiet as she has been for a while. We sat there for about a minute simply staring at each other. The he spoke again. "Welcome… I know today must have been a rough day but it is best to get these things out of the way" He paused to chuckle. "The people here are members of the Alice Protection Agency. Alices are like magical gifts that children of the world are born with. I can see you have one of those… What are they called?" He pondered to himself. I was too stunned to say anything. Ami shuffled uncomfortably next to me. "Ahh… yes, Shugo characters… Your mother had some herself. She used to work with us you know, your father as well. Those two were inseparable since day one. Your father had the elemental Alice. So, when your mother gave birth to you, she decided to leave us and of course your father followed. But she kept in contact. Due to her time with us, the Anti-Alice Organization, AAO, were after the two. She told us that both of you had Alices of your own. Those two knew that their death was near, so she told us to take care of you two. Of course I couldn't say no to her. But I had hoped to save them. Sadly, we came too late. The death of two of our best really hurts. But in her will, she had asked that you two are trained so you could protect yourself. In order to do that, We have to take you to our schools.

But, Amu, you have two Alices, elemental and Shugo maker based on your mother's information. Ami, she suspects that you have voice manipulation and mind barrier. Since your Alices are so strong, we will send you to our schools, I am afraid you will be separated. Ami, we will keep you here in Japan at our schools, since you are still young. But Amu, we need your strength in the upcoming war with the AAO. We will ask you to train with the best to assure our win in the end. Don't worry. Your parents have taken care of expenses. Your planes is waiting for you. You will receive more information once you arrive. Good Bye." I was dazed. My own parents…I knew something had been fishy about why we moved here but I didn't expect it to be all this.

The man from earlier come back with a friend. "Follow me." Ami had fallen asleep so I lifted her up onto my back. I knew it would be uncomfortable for her with my book bag on my back but I had no choice. I followed the man quickly. The plane was just outside, Ami was taken away from me. It was hard as I heard her screams but it was for the best. Miki and I entered a plane. I sat down next to her tears in my face. My first plane ride was filled with nothing but pain and silence.