This has to be one of the most creative Mai-Hime fics I've come across. It has the advantage of having Hime's be widespread and "in the light of day", scenarios that I find interesting. Natsuki and "Tanuki" make a great team, their vibes are quite entertaining. Hm, we've met Tokiha mommy and Takumi, I really hope that you haven't written Mai out of the story (Mai/Kagutschi is my favorite, Natuski/Duran right after. So, Fumi is around, but we haven't seen Mashiro, though I have a feeling that she's the one that alerted Tokiha-sensei. Interesting that a Hime has been accepted as a teacher, especially one that powerful. Of course that bastard Nagi is pulling the strings again... grr.

Glear, and not Sears? Huh, though I doubt there's any real difference to them. I have a feeling that Glear Inc has as much interest in anti-Hime weaponry, as anti-Orphan,if not more. Especially as seen in the corporate line on Himes. "Put the flame on my daughter," indeed. I certainly noticed the Column in the lobby of the Glear building, so whatever has happened with the "Festival", and it appears that among the many HiME present in the world, there are still those that are key, one of them has died...

As I read this, I've noticed that this story was started close to 4 years ago, and updated a year ago. I hold out some hope that you'll find the inspiration and time to continue the story. If not, at least I've got some interesting ideas to play with in my mind.

So whatever changed things

Hm... damn. I wanted to see a resolution to this story arc... this is an awesome take on Mai-HiME, so I hope you'll update at some point in the near future, but it's been a year. I won't get my hopes up...

OMG.
I cant get over how frekkin good this story is!
The characters, the plot, the details -EVERYTHING is amazingly writen.
I

Having read the story as it is so far, I've managed to calculate a "basic" timeline based on dialogue and setting. Apparently, this story is set in mid-19. Natsuki in Chapter 1 mentioned that the first HiME was born "about fifty-five years ago," and the first "crowning" was "about ten years later," which leads to dates of 1944 and 1954 respectively. Plus, with apparently thousands of HiME among billions of people, along with HiME having existed for several decades by now, this leads to one wondering what the effect the existence of HiME would have on popular culture (Think about it: you have women in REAL LIFE who can summon weapons and creatures from out of nowhere; this is practically "comic-book" material!). Maybe you can explore that to some extent in the next books!

Hell yes! You updated! *pulls party popper -the non-drug type, kids-*

I was pleased to see Tanuki get it big time from all quarters in this chapter *smirks* I felt really bad for Natsuki last time. Shizuru's reaction was right on the mark (rabid hordes of Shiznat fans cheer in the background) and even Fumi (is Mashiro her CHILD in this?) got in on the disapproval (which basically tells you how screwed he was right there). I didn't feel the resolution of the partnership issue was irritating, it felt natural. Unless two people irrationally hate each other (and despite their differences, I really don't think Natsuki and Tanuki do), it's unlikely they will carry on animosity pointless when there are more important issues to deal with (maybe the logic is: 'the sort-of-enemy of my enemy is my partner').
I'm still really intrigued as to what actually happened with Natsuki to warrant being collared (why am I not surprised First District is responsible for that technology *grins*), but I suppose we'll find out eventually. I also liked 'meeting' Akira -she's one of my favourite characters *grins* the process of her crowning (I like that word for the process) and understanding Gennai was interesting as well (I wonder what Natsuki's first reaction to meeting Duran was...)

The Weirdo-Trio grow more bizarre -and dangerous by the chapter. When you mentioned 'red eyes' I was all "aha" (cautiously though, 'cause many conclusions I jump to are often wrong), but I turned out to be right (for once). It just begs the question of exactly what the hell /he/ wants with such a bunch of losers...

I really like the way you show the police work being done in this, it's logical and interesting without being overly complicated to understand. I felt bad for Tanuki managing to lose the Weirdo-Trio though *winces* that had to be embarrassing.

Great chapter, looking forward to whenever the next one is *grins*

Wow this is a great chapter like alway. Hope you update soon ^_^

This universe is so cool. I love your version of Natsuki -' "I'm not a child," she said, pouting childishly'- (Shizuru too, although we've seen somewhat less of her *pouts childishly* that stunt she pulled with switching to crap parteners was classic though) and the original characters, they all have interesting quirks and personalities that make them seem like people who could exist somewhere in the world.
I also really like how you should the bond between Natsuki and her child (incidentally, I always thought 'Durhan' was spelt 'Duran', not that it especially matters I suppose) as not many stories mention it much or speculate on how HiMEs communicate with their Childs. The amount of effort you've put into this really shows and makes the whole thing very worthwhile and enjoyable to read. I really hope that a) you do continue this and b) you update soon *grins*
(a couple of last things I was curious about:
1. I know both Shizuru and Natsuki are young teens, but does Shizuru 'love' Natsuki or is she still unaware of such things?
2. Are all HiMEs required to fight Orphans or can they lead 'normal' lives? Also, do they have to have training or are they left to their own devices once they've been crowned?)

wow u finally updated ! *jumpingaroundinjoy* that was a great chapter. I like the angst lol. Hope u update soon

this was the first fic i read on this site, i read while i had bronchitus and got to miss shool, that was about a year ago, really happy i get to read a new chapter, page breaks were'nt as confusing as they usually are to me.

I don't know how I missed this story until now, but I'm glad to be reading it. This story takes the whole "new partner" idea and turns it on its head. You've made OCs that aren't two-dimesional and forgettable; they actually move the plot along. I like the cultural references, both American and Japanese, that remind me that the story takes place in Japan (i.e. the ways kanji can be read to explain Natsuki's level of 'booksmarts' and that she hasn't had normal schooling).
'Tanuki' is an interesting character, he can be charismatic, but at the same time gets himself into a lot of trouble with the people around him--especially Natsuki. He makes a good detective, but he can't read people very well. At the end of Chp. 6, he screwed up more than he thinks he did. Yes, he lost Natsuki; what's worse is he treated her like a 2nd class citizen when he told her to wait in the car. He views her more like baggage or an animal than a person. Here, you have a world where HiME are well-known, yet terribly misunderstood and treated with prejudice. He hasn't made an effort to learn more about his new partner so that he can really work with her. In addition to that, he believes she's little more than a child. Natsuki's had to do a lot of growing up very quickly, and in some aspects is very precocious. Yuuki made the mistake of a lifetime by brushing her off. I have a feeling that Chief Akitori will be the least of his worries. Depending on how others at the station see the situation, he could have a lot of displeased co-workers waiting for him. Honestly, I'd rather see him joining a politely-irate Shizuru for tea.
On a side note, I'm wondering what Natsuki did to get tried before a court. Only time will tell. I look forward to whatever comes next.

Wow, talk about story necromancy. You updated!! I was mostly keeping you on my alert list so I could peruse the chapters for a laugh when the urge arose. I love the humour that is subtly present in most scenes, poking fun at the characters. This chapter was well appreciated not only due to its existance, but also because of the glimpses at how Natsuki came to be where she is. Now I must ponder this Glearcorp business.

Anyway, I know it's hardly up to you, but I hope the next chapter will be along someday soon. Keep going!!

Great chapter, liked how you went into Natsuki's past with Kumaji. Can't wait to read more ^_^

a good start
i really, really like the cat thing
is that Mikoto or one of the other cats from otome?

Glad you got that pairing out the window early or rabid shiznat fans would be breaking down your door
which isn't to say it *has* to be shiznat, just not him. or Takeda. or any guy for that matter
*Waves sword*
got that?
[/threaten]

now to read some more^^

glad to see you back

even happyer to see natsuki do something she should have done ages ago, that collar just pisses me off

Very awesome story so far, I can't wait to read more. I hope you update soon ^_^