Disclaimer: I don't own Mai hime

A/N: It's been kicking around in my head for awhile now and if I'm honest I just wanted an excuse to revisit these characters. If you haven't read When We Were Normal then you won't understand this at all. So I hope you're willing to step back into this world after such a long time away.

Questions, rants and comments PM me or add them in a review and I'll answer. If you just want me to answer a review anyway tell me since I usually don't unless asked. Thanks!

XxXx

The sun was struggling to stay in the grey sky as the wind blew harshly across it. The whole day was still ahead of it but it had at least finished its uphill climb and was descending slowly but gratefully. The villagers where bundled up in their winter clothes as they went about their day. It was the official lunch hour of the island as most shops were shutting and the resident sex god was running hastily down the main street in order to get to the doctors surgery as fast as she could.

Natsuki and Shizuru separated quickly as Midori barreled passed them. Natsuki looked at her watch "I can't believe it's twelve already, we're late meeting the others."

Shizuru shrugged "Haruka didn't come after us so I wouldn't worry too much about it."

Natsuki frowned but had to agree. They made their way back to the gifted house. Outside the long traditional Japanese building Chie was leaning against a pillar. When she saw them approach she sighed gratefully. "Thank god you guys are here. Haruka is moaning about having to skip school, I swear every other girl is glad to have a day off except the teachers pet."

Shizuru and Natsuki grinned at each other as Chie rolled her eyes. They went into the living room and knelt around the long table. They would usually have their meetings in the garden but it was much too cold this time of year.

"We're learning fractions," Haruka complained to Yukino "if I fall behind then Nina will tease me and you said I'm not allowed to hit her."

"No you're not allowed to hit her and I told you already that I'll make sure you catch up after the meeting," Yukino sighed having explained this to Haruka multiple times before.

Haruka having never been to school before had to start at the very beginning. As a result she was in Nina and Erstin class despite being a few years older. Natsuki personally would have been too embarrassed to do what Haruka was doing but Haruka had no concept of shame.

"We tried to talk to Midori but she was counseling all morning and then lunch came around," Natsuki shrugged as the others knew it was impossible to get Midori away from Youko at that hour. Shizuru admired them exceedingly but no matter how much she pouted Natsuki would not follow their example.

"It doesn't matter, Midori won't leave the island anyway," Yukino said "Nick and Vera are safe and settled here."

"And she's a sex god," Shizuru just had to add.

"…And she's a sex god," Yukino nodded begrudgingly. No matter how many times they said that it just sounded wrong on many levels. "Haruka and I are leaving, have you thought it over?" She asked the others.

Shizuru and Natsuki shared a look before nodding. "We talked about it and decided that we would go too. I feel terrible living off the islands kindness especially since we have no skills to pay them back."

"You know that it doesn't bother us," Chie said quickly "most of the islands lives revolve around gifted."

"But they've never had so many mooching off their resources," Natsuki said grimly. "I want to finish school and get a job as a mechanic. There's one car on the island and the jungle is too thick to use it for any length of time."

"Everything is in walking distance," Chie shrugged not seeing the problem.

"I want to go to a city, I love the kindness of the islanders but I miss the crowds," Shizuru said "and I want Natsuki and I to go to school and get real jobs, that don't involve motor oil," Natsuki was much better than a simple mechanic.

Natsuki glowered at her knowing what she was thinking without using her power.

"And what about you Chie?" Yukino asked to get them back on topic.

"I would have said yes a year ago but now I have Aoi. She won't leave so I won't either. Although we'll come and visit you guys so you better have room," Chie said.

"Then it's decided," Yukino said with finality "We're going to Sunrise."

XxXx

"We should leave them here," Natsuki said softly staring at her tea. "The island is simple and Nina is safe here. She and Erstin will take care of each other and the village will help. Plus Midori will look after them. We don't know what we're going into on this new island, Mai tells us how wonderful it is but I'm not that convinced. So many mutants in the one place is a target, one that SEARRs is fully aware off."

"I agree," Shizuru said simply sipping her own tea. She was definitely taking some with her when they left. The mint flavor of the island leaves was addictive.

"Besides Erstin and Nina have friends here. They're doing well in school and Nina's discovered football. Taking them away would be disruptive. I mean the new island may not even have football and Erstin doesn't like me anyway so it's not as if she'll be heartbroken," Natsuki argued.

"Hmm," Shizuru agreed. The island tea was really nice but she was looking forward to Sunrise, Mai had said they had opened up economic routes with outside countries. They should have a wider variety of tea, oh, and biscuits. She hadn't had some good English chocolate in ages.

"Though if we leave Nina alone with Erstin there's no telling what she'll do to her given half the chance. Nina's young and naïve and Erstin could manipulate her. But then Midori's worse than the two of them. She locked Nao and Mai up in SEARRs in skimpy outfits! I know, Mai told me! We don't really know Youko but she's good with her own kids but that's not to say that she'll look out for Nina and Erstin," Natsuki sighed in annoyance as her brow wrinkled with thought.

"…So I'll tell them to pack up their stuff tomorrow," Shizuru said lightly as Natsuki hung her head in defeat. She hoped there would be scones on the new island.

XxXx

This is a government broadcast. Sunrise, a safe haven for mutants and outcasts everywhere. We aspired to live in peace and safety with the rest of the world. Our human brothers and sisters are getting over their fear of the unknown and together I know we can work for a new, better, world.

The day of persecutions is setting and the sun is rising on a better tomorrow.

Fumi Himeno President.

XxXx

Natsuki fidgeted in her uniform and glanced around nervously at the crowds. Her mental shields were on full so she wasn't getting any annoying headaches. She couldn't make herself calm however as she remember the last school opening ceremony. Shizuru took her hand and she felt better but still kept an eye on the doors.

The large hall was sparsely decorated and packed with chairs. Every chair was filled with students in blue uniforms. Mai sat next to Natsuki with a wide smile on her face. They were all together again or nearly anyway. Schooling on Sunrise was free and the government had an open door policy for all mutants. Things were looking up.

"Hello I'm President Fumi and I'm here to welcome you to the beginning of the school year. Whether this is your first time or not I want you to all feel welcome. You've joined a new up and coming country and the backbone of any country is its students. As the next generation it is up to you to shape the world into a place you, we, can all live in. Whether you do this by entering politics or joining the world of work you will be making a difference." The pink haired woman smiled at the whole room. Beside her sat two young girls, one with purple hair in a wheel chair and the other a striking blonde. A silver haired boy cast a glance at the crowd. He was standing behind the golden haired girl with his arms crossed. There was something smug about him that put Natsuki immediately on edge. The boy scanned the crowd repeatedly and when he got to their row Natsuki shivered as their eyes locked. The boy smiled at her but it wasn't a nice smile, before he moved on.

"I know if we all work together the sun will rise and a new dawn will shine on a bright future," Fumi smiled as the students roared in a thunderous applause. They all wanted to believe in a future they could live freely.

XxXx

"If you drum that slogan anymore people will start eating it," Alyssa said snidely walking beside Mashiro down the corridor.

"They may have to if you annoy anymore diplomats," Mashiro said "we need to be nice to the outside world to keep trade routes open."

"I told you that I don't like China," Alyssa said "the government hasn't even heard of human rights and if that's how they treat their human citizens they'll do worse to us."

"Your principles will not feed the nation," Mashiro snapped "You're going to apologize to the diplomat this afternoon while I oversee the student housing. Damn it Alyssa we've accomplished so much in these last few years. Our dream of equality is almost a reality."

Alyssa snorted then sighed "I'm sorry sister, sometimes it feels like we're dreaming and any moment now we'll wake up to find father standing over us back in our cages."

"We are no one's mutts Alyssa. Not anymore," the two sisters shared a smile.

"I'll go take care of the diplomat, you go find your puppet and write the next announcement," Alyssa said agreeably.

"Don't call Fumi a puppet. You know no one would listen to us looking as young as we are," Mashiro said glad the argument was over.

Alyssa watched her sister disappear from view. When it was safe to do so a soft mocking clapping filled the corridor. "When Sunrise establishes its own Oscars, you are a shoe in," Nagi allowed himself to be seen.

Alyssa dropped the fake smile and glanced sideways at her servant cuttingly. "What did you find?"

"There are a few recruits that look promising," Nagi said "our little force will get a few new members for definite."

"Good," Alyssa said darkly shadow stealing over her fair face.

"Oh," he said gleefully "you'll never guess what I spotted in the crowd. A handler and her Hound."

The weight of a long escaped collar choked Alyssa and her rage transformed her into something dangerous. Nagi smiled widely, that look always meant fun.

XxXx

"Whose stupid idea was this," Erstin grumbled and Shizuru agreed whole heartedly with her. She looked around the small apartment that the school provided. It had a small area that she supposed was the living room and a small kitchenette. There was only one bedroom and with only enough room for two beds. It was a far cry from the gifted house where they each had their own room.

"We have a better view," Natsuki gloated as she looked out the window. "Our room looks out onto the main street not some stinky back alley."

"I don't see why Nina and I can't share a room," Erstin glared at Natsuki.

"You know very well why you can't," said Natsuki but from the prolonged silence after Shizuru assumed that the telepaths where in the middle of a mental argument. They fell into that sometimes without realizing.

Shizuru sighed and went to put her things away. She would of course have preferred to sleep with Natsuki but did see the sense in having their own space. She didn't even mind Erstin as long as the other girl was kept away from Natsuki. She laughed then as she remembered that it could have been worse.

"No! I'm not sharing a room with her!"

Shizuru grinned and went out into the corridor to see the commotion. The arguing had drawn a few of the other students out from their rooms. Nao was barring the door to the apartment that she had already been living in. Since they had come to the island nearly half a year earlier Nao and the others had places to stay and jobs.

"Nao you're going to have to share with one of us," Yukino explained patiently.

"Not her!" Nao pointed and adamant finger at Haruka "she's crazier than Nina!"

"Hey!" Natsuki yelled offended on Nina's behalf.

"Shut it fatty!" Nao snapped.

"We went through this last year, you are not sharing a room with him!" Akane stalked down the hall dragging Kazu with her. Reito followed after her with a slight scowl.

"They won't let you share a room with him," Reito pointed out.

"You tried to jump him in the shower!" Akane glared.

Reito grinned unrepentant "I was doing my part for the environment by conserving water."

Akane came to a stop in front of them. "Who needs a roomy?" she demanded.

"Haruka does!" Nao said quickly.

"No, she's too crazy," Akane dismissed "who else?!"

Yukino grinded her teeth in annoyance. Haruka was not crazy just a little rough around the edges. She was educated in the proper social norms which made her a little intense for most people. She was learning and her reputation for craziness was undeserved. She was just a little too literal sometimes.

Their bickering grew louder and louder until Mai came stalking down the corridor drumming loudly on a pot. "What is wrong with you people?!" She yelled "we're finally back together and alls you're doing is fighting! We should be happy!"

The group look suitably chastised. Nao opened her mouth but closed it quickly as Mai glared at her. "This is what we're going to do. Kazu you're going to room with Takumi, Nao you going with Akane-no arguing! Haruka you're with Arika. It'll keep her away from Takumi at least," Mai grumbled the last part.

The group tried to protest but Mai glared them all down. They nodded and shuffled off to their rooms to unpack. Mai nodded satisfied. They were worse than children sometimes.

XxXx

"Hello and welcome to another year of hell," The teacher stood at the top of the room leaning against the chalk board. She had her arms folded over her white blouse and a black skirt that came to mid calf. With her short blonde hair, sparkling earrings and glaring blue eyes she wasn't anything like Natsuki's gran who was her last teacher. "I'm Ms Omega. I will be attempting to instill in you the basics of mathematics, and due to my cursed life and inability to suck up to faculty members, I might also be your physics teacher."

"Too bad she doesn't teach biology," the boy across from her whispered to his friend.

"I don't know, I could learn a lot about force from her," the dark haired boy grinned back.

Ms Omega slashed the air in front of her with a slender finger before picking up a thick dictionary and placing it in the tear she created. The dictionary slammed down on top of the dark haired boys head and then again on his friends. The thump echoed in the room as the boys cried out in surprise and cradled their injuries. "Sunrise being a relatively new foundation hasn't gotten around to its laws on corporal punishment. I suggest you remember this before opening your mouth in my class." Ms Omega sneered before turning back to the chalk bored.

The rest of the class passed in silence with no one daring to make a sound. Later at lunch Natsuki took her seat next to Shizuru. Shizuru smiled brightly at her and held out her hand "time table," she ordered.

Natsuki rolled her eyes and dug in her bag she handed it over to Shizuru "sandwich," she ordered back. It was a fair trade. Shizuru handed over half her lunch while she compared their time tables with an intensity that bordered on inappropriate. "Does anyone else have Ms Omega?" Natsuki asked.

"I think I have her for science," Mai said trying to keep Mikoto away from her lunch.

"She's crazy," Natsuki said seriously.

"In a good way?" Mai asked glancing away from her sandwich. Mikoto acted quickly and stole it. Mai growled in frustration but stole Nao's sandwich mid bite.

"Oi!" Nao protested but Mai just stared at her and she grumbled giving up the fight. Natsuki smirked at her and she mouthed 'bite me!'

"In a Haruka scary way before we escaped," Natsuki still smirking answered Mai's question.

"Where are they by the way?" Mai frowned and glanced around the dining hall "you don't think they got lost do you?"

"Nina, Erstin and Haruka where in my class before lunch," Mikoto said "Erstin dragged Nina off somewhere dark and Haruka got kept behind by the teacher."

"What did she do?" Yukino asked anxiously. Mikoto shrugged.

"I bet she hit someone," Natsuki guessed in a low tone turning to Nao.

"No deal," Nao whispered "I saw her teacher, I would hit him, in fact I've had to stop Mai from doing that."

"Why?" Natsuki asked intrigued.

"He's a little perverted," Nao said "if it wasn't for how short staffed the school is then I reckon he would be kicked out but…" Nao shrugged. There weren't many teachers willing to teach in a mutant school.

"He tried to give Mikoto cat ears!" Mai growled infuriated as she overheard the conversation.

"How cute!" Shizuru said then eyed Natsuki. Seeing the look the other girl scooted her chair away and shook her head furiously.

"It is not cute!" Mai snapped. No one argued.

XxXx

"You can't be a bum," Nao said as they walked down the corridor "You need a job and that's where we're going."

"Where do you work?" Natsuki asked. Her irration was mounting just being close to Nao.

"In a restaurant that has only discover music from the nineties downwards," Nao complained "every day I have to sit through the golden oldies crap." Natsuki laughed.

"You ask!"

"No! You!"

Two boys shoved each other and argued in loud whispers as they walked down the hall. When they drew closer the boys froze ridgitly embarrassed. The blonde boy recovered quicker than his friend and handed them a flyer smiling grimly with the effort to appear charming. "There's a welcome back party on floor ten. It's going to be cool you should come."

"Thanks," Natsuki said taking the flyer and moving to walk passed.

"She's so hot," the brunette boy sighed and she turned to look at him sharply. He jumped and quickly turned away before nearly running down the corridor.

"I bet if you peep into his head now you'll get a real show," Nao grinned at Natsuki's disgust.

"Keep that up and I'll tell Shizure that you're encouraging me to cheat on her," Natsuki grinned this time as Nao paled.

XxXx

"We seem to have a very interesting group this year," Nagi smiled as he climbed in the window of Alyssa's office. His wide smile contained a cold glee as Alyssa stopped writing and looked up sharply. He strolled over to the desk that dwarfed the blonde and perched on the edge of the table.

"I told you to look into handler and hound," Alyssa said coldly.

"I did and that's how I learned that their friends are just as interesting," Nagi said happily.

"Get to the point," Alyssa said putting down her pen "are they spies for SEARRs?"

"Actually, they're reneged. It's a touching love story," Nagi placed his hand over his heart and mock swooned "a handler falls in love with her Hound but fate are against them! With the help of an unruly group of mutants they escape and create a wide fracture in SEARRs Japan. Touching."

"Nagi," Alyssa glared.

"Fine, fine," he dropped the drama airily "most are powerful but only two have the physiological profile equipped to be an Angel."

"Go ahead with recruitment," Alyssa said "if the success rate is acceptable."

"And the Hound and handler?" Nagi said nearly vibrating with excitement at the possibilities.

"Forget them," she took a deep breath to submerge the rage. Mashiro needed her to put the nation before old vendettas. Nagi wilted but his sharp beady eyes blaze anew as he lightly pushed himself away from the desk. He nodded and went to walk out but called out over his shoulder "oh," Nagi made sure to stare deeply into Alyssa's eyes as he told her the best part. His keen gaze was the only betrayer of his keen desire. "The handler? She's Yukino Smith, President Smiths daughter. I trust you remember the man that made you a mutt?"