AN: I own nothing. Research indicates that Sunrise owns Mai Hime. This is just an idea in my head that came out in story form.

PROLOGUE

6 months ago

At 2:30 a.m. on the 30th floor of the Kasumigaseki Building, President Hiroyuki Yoshino observed the beautifully lit expanse of Tokyo below. Yet such a striking sight could not hold Hiroyuki's attention, for the troubles confronting him would not wait. As the newly appointed President of Searrs, Hiroyuki was faced with a dilemma. Since the end of the recent carnival and the demise of the Obsidian Lord it seemed to Hiroyuki as if Searrs no longer had a purpose.

Since childhood Hiroyuki had known the secret of the Hime and the great role Searrs would play in the next carnival. The Yoshino family had a long and proud history of involvement in Searrs and its previous incarnations. Indeed, it was only within the last century that Searrs officially became the "Searrs" currently known. Given this familial history, Hiroyuki had been raised with a purpose. He was to help bring Searrs to victory in the carnival and thus to enter the golden age of Searrs rule. Shortly after completing his education Hiroyuki was given a job within Searrs. Due to his unrelenting loyalty and perseverance, Hiroyuki had been rewarded with promotion after promotion. As of last week he had achieve his greatest goal, but also his worst defeat.

The untimely death of the former President was a shock to the Board and all involved. In an act of urgency the Board appointed him interim President with instructions to repair any and all damage. In light of this directive Hiroyuki had sent Searrs head of Public Relations, John Smith, to make amends with the Obsidian Lord. With an active presence in Fuuka, the defeat of the Obsidian Lord and the end of the carnival had not escaped Searrs attention.

Thus, Hiroyuki was faced with the situation at hand. Searrs was an umbrella corporation wherein each subsidiary was fully capable of functioning on its own. The only real link between all the facets of the company was the centuries old goal to win the carnival and bring about the reign of Searrs. With this prospect now out of the picture, Hiroyuki was at a loss as to his next move. As the situation stood, there appeared no need for Searrs to continue to exist. Hiroyuki was dreading having to tell this to the Board.

Hiroyuki's thoughts were suddenly broken by the slow creak of his office door. Upon turning his head Hiroyuki ascertained that it was Searrs head of Public Relations, John Smith. After casually nodding towards the intruder, the President returned his gaze to the Tokyo night sky.

"Smith, I'm surprised you're back so early from your trip. Tell me, what brings you to Tokyo when you were supposed to remain in Fuuka?"

"Everything is quiet in Fuuka and business is settled there," Smith replied.

"Whether that is true or not, you were told to remain in Fuuka until instructed otherwise. I believe the board themselves ordered as much."

Suddenly Hiroyuki heard a soft click and felt a sharp pain in his chest. Looking down, he noticed that his shirt was starting to grow red and damp. I've been shot. Hiroyuki fell to his knees, the lights of the city below reflected in his eyes.

"The board has had a change of heart," Smith finally replied. Placing the gun in his suit pocket, Smith slowly approached Hiroyuki's slumped body. Smith delivered one quick kick and Hiroyuki's body collapsed to the floor. "You're not right for the position Hiroyuki. The Board is aware of your lack of vision for the future of this company. The death of the Obsidian Lord is not the end. To think as much is too narrow minded for an organization such as Searrs."

As Hiroyuki lay dying on the floor of his office he felt Smith's stare and saw his satisfied smirk. Smith calmly watched as Searrs former President's life slipped away. After he was satisfied that his job was complete he began his real purpose for returning from Fuuka so soon. Pulling out his cell phone, Smith pressed the re-dial button and placed the phone to his ears. "It's done."

The other end of the phone responded "Good. I will proceed with the second stage."

Smith hung up the line and proceeded to pick up the briefcase he had left at the door to Hiroyuki's former office. Bringing the case to the desk Smith pulled out twelve seemingly identical manila envelopes. However, the contents of each had been carefully chosen and were individually unique.

"It has begun."