Summary: Five years have passed, and a new student enters the academy. She seems okay... yet Natsume gets the eerie feeling that she's out to get HIS Mikan. The pieces don't fit, and he has to figure it out before it's too late... N X M ... R & R!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice. Surely y'all know this by now?

Okay, here's the deal. This is my first ever fanfiction (in this account, that is). The whole Mikan-Natsume relationship everyone loves is introduced in the first paragraph, but Mikan is due to enter the scene in the first chapter. The prologue is just to introduce you all to the new kid. So before you close this fic in exasperation saying stuff like, "where on earth is MIKAN?!", take that in mind.

Anyway, enjoy! Don't forget to READ and REVIEW! :D

~ ø Sephyr ø ~

***

Fifteen-year-old Black Cat was perched on the highest branches of the tallest tree in Gakuen Alice – the only tree that could overlook past the fortified gates of the academy and possibly beyond that. He liked to sit on that particular branch on particular days, pondering on particular thoughts – thoughts that riddled him to no end, and these days, they were mainly centered around a young brunette with large brown eyes and a beautiful smile. At the thought of his Mikan, a certain sensation of possessiveness overwhelmed him and the edges of Natsume's lips curved upwards, though by such a tiny degree that it was barely noticeable. What irritated him to no end, however, was that the young girl seemed completely oblivious to his unconcealed feelings for her. In a way, her ignorance pained him, but it also relieved him, somewhat.

The sun overhead was shining brightly, and Natsume was gratified that the leaves of the tree helped to shelter him from the sun's rays. He didn't take too well to sunlight, mainly because it was too damn bright, and that annoyed him, for reasons he couldn't explain.

Today was a day like any other.

That was, until he saw a shiny black limousine pull over at the front of the gate.

Visitors? How strange … Gakuen Alice hadn't had guests in forever. Suspicion crossed Natsume's crimson orbs. He had learned long ago not to trust this academy when it came to things out of the ordinary.

Wait, was that Narumi-sensei? What the hell was he doing there?

Natsume silently hopped down a branch, trying to grasp a better understanding of the situation. He was intrigued, and yet burning with suspicion. His muscles tensed as he saw the car's door being opened by a valet.

A girl about his age stepped down from the limousine. On first sight, she was very small, barely topping five feet, possibly five one. She had shoulder-length blonde hair that fell in curls and wore a simple white dress. Natsume watched as she hopped over to Narumi-sensei, who was wearing a smile on his face. They started talking.

Tch, there was nothing special about her at all. Natsume's brow kitted together in confusion: Is she a new student?

But why were there so many bodyguards around her? There had to be at least thirty black-dressed, beefed men standing pompously around the girl. On closer inspection, Natsume could see that each of them had at least three guns stuffed in their belts. Wait, THREE?

What's with all the armed men?

Natsume could see Jinno, Serena, Nodacchi and at least seven other teachers walking up behind Narumi. They weren't as cheerful as usual (except for Jinno - he was never cheerful); in fact, they seemed quite solemn.

What's with all the teachers?

Natsume felt his eyes widen involuntarily as he saw another man who suddenly appeared amidst the small gathering. He was all clad in black and had numerous accessories placed on his body. Worse of all, he had a knowing smirk on his face. Pure rage seemed to purr deep within Natsume. Persona.

What's with Persona?

Something was not right, Natsume figured. Why did everyone bother to come just to welcome one stupid girl? Why trouble themselves over one stupid girl? Shouldn't they have better things to do, other than paying attention to one stupid girl?

Just who was that girl anyway?

***

There ya go! I've finished the prologue! :D And don't worry ... It'll be an N X M fic! Hoping to see reviews popping in! Don't forget to press that little button below this! C'mon, it ain't that hard... I'd love to know what y'all are thinking about this! No flames, please, though constructive criticism is by all means welcome.