Summary: Post Chapt. 161. it's the day after the Mahora Festival. Chao has been defeated and everything returned to normal but when someone from Negi's magic school attacks him and his partners, all the rules are changed. With the arrival of a new threat and Negi's growing feelings for one of his students; how far will he go to protect them? Multi Pairings. Some should be obvious by the end of this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Negima. Negima is owned and created by Ken Akamatsu.

CHAPTER 1: Ministra No More

"This is it. The official last day of the Mahora Festival."

These were the words of ten year old mage teacher Negi Springfield. His brown eyes stayed drawn to the ceiling of the dorm room he shared with two of his students. He had used his magic to enchant the ceiling above his loft to shine with stars at night. The events that transpired at the Mahora Festival changed his entire life. Everything had been going just fine until the Maho Ultima tournament. He had fun going around and trying out all of the attractions the festival had to offer. Getting to know some of his students better was another benefit of the festival. Setsuna-san, Mana-san, Chachamaru-san, and Yotsuba-san; he never spent much time with them unless it had to do with training or school purposes. It was fun. Even the tournament wasn't too bad. During which he fought his teacher Takahata T. Takamichi and a friend of his fathers, Albireo Imma. Even though Negi lost to Albireo, he gained valuable information on his father. It was after the tournament that brought him the biggest change.

Something happened that he hoped would never happen again. He was once again forced to fight one of his students. He had been betrayed by several of the girls from his own class. At the head of this betrayal was Chao Lingshen, someone that up until now he had thought of as a sweet and harmless girl. Together with Chachamaru, Hakase and Mana; Chao planned to reveal the existence of mages to the world. So many things had been lost and so little gained. All because they didn't share the same beliefs. Somehow Negi, his Ministra, and the rest of the school managed to stop Chao and her mechanical army. But at what cost?

After the battle Chao left them for her own home in the future. Memories of many of the students had to be erased. His battle with Chao had left him both physically and emotionally drained. Negi felt a void inside him from his missing student. However, he had bigger problems to worry about right now. This morning he had a meeting with the other mage teachers to decide what would happen to Chao's accomplices. Revealing the existence of mages to members of the non-magical world was a serious crime. Their punishment would not likely be light. At the time it looked like a good idea to stop Chao, it seemed like the right thing for him to do. Now he wasn't so sure. If he hadn't got involved his students wouldn't be in trouble right now. On the other hand, if he hadn't fought he would be an ermine right about now. All he ever wanted was to be a mage and a good teacher. The gods sure were having fun in keeping him from doing so.

"I have to decide what I'm going to do about the girls," he whispered to himself. "My only question is: Should I be a mage or a teacher? What would Takamichi do?"

Negi turned over on his side. Across the room in the other beds lay his two roommates, Kagurazaka Asuna and Konoe Konoka. Both girls were dozing peacefully, unaware of the new dilemma. He smiled. The two of them were like sisters to him. Negi had stayed with them since his first days in Japan. What would he do if they were the ones on trial? Actually it was probably better not to think about that.

BEEP BEEP BEEP

Negi glanced down at his watch and groaned. If he wanted any chance of making this meeting he had to wake up now. Pulling himself out of the bed he grabbed his favorite green suit and slid down the ladder. Kamo slept on through the noise. There was no point in waking the ermine yet. Negi hurried into the bathroom and closed the door behind him. He stripped off his pajamas and turned on the water in the shower. No meeting had bothered him as much as this one did. He even forgot that he hated to take baths. He stepped under the piping hot water and sighed. It felt so good against his still sore body. After spending nearly a half hour in the shower he stepped out.

Steam covered the small bathroom and fogged up the mirror. Negi changed quickly. His tie was knotted haphazardly around his neck and he missed a couple of buttons on his jacket. He swiped his hand across the mirror in order to check his reflection. Long crimson locks of hair hung down in front of his face. He suddenly felt so much older. Attempting for a neat appearance, he ran a hand through his hair and tied it back. Finally it fell back into its usual messy look. Satisfied he quietly stepped out of the bathroom.

"Unnnh, Negi-kun?"

Negi turned around sharply. Konoka stared at him from her bed. He couldn't help but notice how cute she was when she first woke up.

"Is everything (yawn) alright?"

"Y-yes," he answered quietly. "Sorry Konoka-san. I didn't mean to wake you up."

"Then go back to sleep." Asuna growled grumpily.

"I can't. The teachers called an emergency meeting for this morning. I have to go."

"Can't you blow it off?" Asuna asked rolling over on her side.

"No I can't. This meeting is really important. I don't even have time for breakfast."

Konoka sat upright like a bolt of lightning. Her eyes darkened dangerously. "You know it's not good for you to skip breakfast Negi-kun," she scolded. "Besides, you're exhausted." The brunette stood up and began to fix his coat and tie.

"Don't worry Konoka-san. I'll have a big lunch."

"You better."

"… Does this have anything to do with Chachamaru and the others?"

Konoka stopped fidgeting with his buttons and looked him right in the eyes. Negi Looked at Asuna who was staring at him blearily from her bed. "Yes. Were going to decide what will happen to them."

"…It doesn't look too good. But I'll try my best to help them."

"Un. We'll leave it to you Negi-kun."

"Are you ready to go Aniki?" Kamo called from the loft. "We have to hurry or were going to be late."

Negi nodded at the two girls and headed for the door. On his way out he felt Kamo jump down onto his shoulder. The trip to the principal's office was long and uneventful. Neither of them knew what to say to calm the others nerves. Despite Kamo's attitude towards enemies Negi knew that he didn't want the girls to get hurt. It seemed like hours before the duo reached the office. At the end of the hall on the right side sat Chachamaru, Mana, and Satomi. Each one of them looked like they were getting sent to the guillotine.

Standing opposite of them was a small blond haired girl. She was just a little shorter than Negi and her skin was a little pale. Her cold green eyes stared intently at the group of girls in front of her. It looked like she was daring one of the girls to move. Even though she wore one of the school uniforms she looked oddly out of place. Her eyes flickered onto to Negi for a brief second, then flitted back to the girls. Negi walked over and stood next to her, ignoring the glances from his students.

"Glad you could make it bouya," Evangeline greeted irritably.

Negi jumped and turned to face her. "Ah, ugh yes. Good morning master. You aren't in trouble as well are you?" He asked nervously.

"Of course not!" The Shinso sneered. "I had no direct involvement so I'm not in trouble. They want my opinion on the matter."

There was a moment of tense silence in the room. Mana stared hard at the as if she were holding a conversation with it. Satomi looked the most nervous. She was wringing her hands and staring at her shoes. Chachamaru merely looked regretful Negi wondered what happened to be going on in their heads. Were they anxious, nervous, or scared? He wouldn't blame them if they were.

Negi's brown eyes slid over to look at the blond next to him. He wished that she would talk to him. Then again after their kiss he sort of expected they would be nervous around one another. Not to mention the current situation wasn't a comfortable one. Luckily Kamo was there to break the odd silence.

"What do you think will happen to them?" The ermine whispered.

Evangeline noticed Mana tense just a little bit. She wouldn't have been surprised if the demon hunter heard the question. "I think we all know what's going to happen here."

Mana moved back to her original look after hearing this. Negi seemed not to notice her subtle movements or the conversation.

"Master?" Evangeline hummed and turned to face him. "I thank you for the…"

"Don't! You can bow down to me later."

"…Master?"

"Yes Chachamaru?"

The robot glanced nervously at her feet. "What is going to happen to us?"

Evangeline couldn't bear to look Chachamaru in the face. "I don't know," she lied quietly.

"I see. I am sorry master, Negi-sensei."

Before either of them could reply, the doors to the office swung open revealing another girl with bright red hair. Negi recognized the girl as Sakura Mei. She was one of the Ministra Magi in the school. She was dressed in her school uniform making her look like a normal student. The poor girl looked rather nervous.

"Um… they are…they're ready for you." She hurried back into the office, obviously frightened of Evangeline.

Negi looked at his master curiously. Evangeline responded with a shrug saying, "She got bossy with me earlier. So I threatened her."

Both Negi and Kamo shivered. They had both been on the receiving end of Evangeline's threats. Despite her size the girl was scary. Mana was the first person through the door followed closely by Satomi and Chachamaru. Negi and Evangeline followed them closing the door. The principal sat at his desk surrounded by the mage teachers. Takamichi stood off to his right looking supremely calm. To the left were Mei and her senpai, Takane Goodman. Kitaragi (AN: The bearded mage that can shoot beams from his finger.) ordered the four girls to line up in front of the principal's desk. Negi and Evangeline walked over and stood beside Takamichi. An intense burning feeling stirred in his stomach. This was it.

Konoe Konoemon stared at them from his desk. He stood up to address his students. "Principle-sensei, may I make a request?"

"We'd prefer if you wait until the end of session to make all requests." Akashi replied in his calm voice.

"That is alright. Go on Mana-kun, make your request," Konoemon gently urged.

"Arigatou," Mana answered respectfully. "Sir, I have been loyal to you for quite sometime now. I wish for you to not sugar coat anything and get to the point. That is all."

"And this is the wish of you as well?" The girls all nodded. "Very well. As you all know, the crime to commit conspiracy is a very serious one. The punishment will be very harsh. Takamichi-kun, Negi-kun, Evangeline, you know them best. If you wish to say anything on their behalf you may do so, now."

Takamichi cleared his throat and fixed his glasses. "All of them are good students and good girls. It doesn't excuse what they have done, but I would like to point out that their intentions were just. Also they are still just children."

The girls blanched at being called children. However they didn't complain. Every little bit helped.

"Arigatou, Takamichi-kun. Evangeline?"

"I have nothing to say." A second glance at Chachamaru changed her mind. "But on Chachamaru's behalf, she cannot disobey orders from Lingshen or Hakase-san. For obvious reasons." Evangeline avoided eye contact with the robot and stepped back.

"That will be noted as well. What about you Negi-kun?"

Negi stared at the ground hard. A drop of sweat trickled down his forehead. Nothing he could say would make it better for any of them. All eyes were on him, waiting for him to defend his students. "…I have nothing to say," he answered dryly.

Everyone in the room stared at him. Everyone had been shocked into utter silence. Shock showed clearly on Takamichi's face. He expected Negi to say something in defense of his students. Satomi and Chachamaru looked hurt at their sensei's apparent lack of concern. Mana also seemed a little upset. But she didn't blame Negi one little bit. He had no reason to help them. The paper shook his head and handed a paper to Gandolfini.

"Very well then. Gandolfini-kun, will you please read them the list?"

The dark skinned mage smiled grimly. "As you already know, revealing the existence of mages is a serious crime. In light of the events we are trying our best to get the sentences reduced. Hakase Satomi-san; not being of the magical world the highest sentence you can receive is life in an ermine camp." Satomi paled, a small 'eeep' escaping her lips. "The best we can do for you is 25 to life. Tatsumiya Mana and Karakuri Chachamaru; having previous involvement in magic, this is considered treason. Treason is punishable only by death or deactivation."

Hakase stared at Mana in shock. She never knew that the demon hunter ran that kid of risk. However, neither she nor Chachamaru complained."

"Sir…I hired Mana and Chachamaru. If it will save their lives I am willing to accept full responsibility for their actions." Hakase offered.

"…Noted," Gandolfini stated. "Now that you understand the charges you will be escorted to the agents outside."

Takane and Mei walked forward, ready for any resistance. "Please follow us."

"NO!" Negi cried, startling them. "I-I do have something to say! Chao-san was released into my custody. I failed to keep her out of trouble. As such, I am obligated to take full responsibility for her, as well as my other students."

"Negi-sensei don't!" Mana said quickly.

"ANIKI! THINK ABOUT THIS!" Kamo shouted.

"BAKA BOUYA!" Evangeline tackled him to the ground and straddled his chest.

"Negi-kun what are you suggesting?" Seruhiko asked.

"I suggest that Mana-kun and the others be released into Negi-kun's custody," Takamichi suggested.

Everyone looked at Takamichi as though he had grown a second head. All except for Negi. He was on the ground being choked by Evangeline. This went largely unnoticed by the rest of the room.

"Are you sure about this Takamichi-kun?" Mitsuru asked. The portly mage shifted his gaze to Negi. "You remember what happened the last time."

"I'm very sure. As long as Negi-kun and the rest of the teachers agree." Takamichi turned to the scene on the floor and sweat dropped. "Eva, can you give Negi enough time to respond?"

Evangeline glared at him but let go of her apprentice. "Fine. We can finish this later." She climbed off of Negi and dusted herself.

Takane and Mei helped him back to his feet. He rubbed his neck with his hand. He began to shake from his master's glare. Once he got himself under control he nodded.

"Sounds good," he said in a raspy voice.

Konoemon nodded. "Very good. Of course this decision has to be unanimous."

Kitaragi gave him a non committal nod and continued to smoke his cigarette. Seruhiko, Mitsuru, Mei and Takane all gave enthusiastic thumbs up. The only ones that didn't respond were Evangeline and Gandolfini.

"Huh? Oh, I don't care what you do with them," Evangeline sighed. She wouldn't admit that she was happy to have Chachamaru stay.

"And what about you Gandolfini-kun?"

Gandolfini looked at the dean then back at the accused girls. He sighed and fixed his glasses. "I would rather not ruin such promising young lives." He smiled at them.

Chachamaru and Satomi smiled in relief. The young scientist had to fight the urge to shout for joy. Mana simply smirked at them. Konoemon smiled and addressed them once again.

"Takane-kun, please go inform the mages that they are no longer needed."

"Yes sir." The blond saluted and hurried from the room.

"Now of course," he began, "some form of punishment is required. So listen carefully. Mana-kun all of your weapons will be confiscated. You are banned from the Biathlon and combat for a period of one month."

Mana grimaced. She hated to have her weapons taken from her. "I understand," she said reluctantly.

"Good. Satomi-kun you are banned from all club activities as well as the various campus labs."

Banned from the labs! Satomi looked like she was about to have a nervous breakdown. She had been about to agree when a thought occurred to her. "P-Principal-sensei, you can't ban me from the labs completely. Chachamaru needs occasional diagnostic checkups."

Konoemon stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I see. Then on these occasions one of the mage teachers will escort you to and from the labs. Your punishment is also for a month. Agreed?" Satomi nodded happily. "Chachamaru, you are banned from combat as well as your club activities for a full month."

"Understood." She bowed slightly at the waist.

"Now for you Negi-kun."

Negi gulped and nodded. "Ye-Yes!"

"Under no circumstances are you allowed to use magic for a full month. Do you understand?"

Negi nodded solemnly. Evangeline looked a little angry at this. "I-I understand."

"Evangeline I want you to enforce this punishment."

"Yeah, yeah." She waved her hand at him airily. "I'll get you for meddling with us old man," she whispered.

"What was that Eva?"

"Nothing Takamichi." "Your next!!!!"

"Well it is almost time for classes to start. So does anyone have something to add? No? Okay, dismissed." The teachers and students began to file out of the room. "Negi-kun?"

"Yes?" He asked wheeling around.

"Make me proud."

Negi gulped and gave the dean a nod. He hurried out of the office and pulled the doors closed behind him. As soon as he turned around Satomi swooped down on him. She held the young teacher tightly in her arms, nuzzling his cheek with hers.

"I knew Negi-sensei would help us!" She squealed happily.

"And you're damn lucky to!" Evangeline scoffed. "I was pushing for the death penalty!"

Satomi looked at Evangeline but didn't let go of Negi. "Come on Evangeline you know you would miss us."

"Not likely."

Negi smiled at the banter between his students. "Alright everyone. Class begins soon, so go and get ready."

Satomi thanked him again and ran off. Chachamaru bowed in her usual polite manner. "Arigatou Negi-sensei."

"Come on Chachamaru. We have to get ready."

"Yes master." Chachamaru followed dutifully after her master. "Master really does care about us!"

"AH! Baka robot!" Evangeline cried rounding a corner. "WHAT HAVE I TOLD YOU ABOUT THAT?"

Negi chuckled and started to follow after them. At least some things hadn't changed. A hand closed around his arm holding him in place. A cold chill ran down his spine. Mana stared down at him with icy blue eyes. For some reason he always got the impression that she was going to kill him. Brown eyes stared into pale blue for what seemed like forever.

"Why?" Mana whispered.

"E-excuse me," he stammered.

"Why did you stick up for us? We betrayed you. The decision to help us makes no sense."

Negi smiled at her. "What kind of teacher would I be if I didn't help you? Besides, you don't need a reason to help someone."

Mana's face lit up in surprise. A memory from long ago stung at her heart and made her look sad. "Tatsumiya-san? Are you alright?"

Mana shook her head and glanced back at Negi. He looked really concerned. "Don't worry I'll be fine." Her voice was back to its silky quality. "I better go and get ready for class."

Negi watched her go with a frown. It was obvious that she was bothered by something. Knowing her, she would take it to the grave.

"Aniki!" Kamo tapped him hard on the head. "Shouldn't the teacher get to class before the students?"

"I guess so."

"Aniki?"

"I'm fine Kamo-kun. Come on!"

"MADE IT!" Negi exclaimed.

He threw open the door and walked in. The girls were already in their seats and chatting animatedly. "Blew it!" Kamo whispered.

Negi sighed and walked over to his desk. This day just kept getting worse and worse.

"Everyone!" Ayaka stood up to gain the classes attention. "Everyone stand! Bow." The class did as they were told. "Be seated."

Negi waited for the class to sit back down. "Good morning everyone!" He greeted enthusiastically.

A resounding, "Good morning!" Came from the class

Negi smiled. His gaze drifted over to Asuna who was half asleep at her desk. He shook his head. "Okay everyone. Talk amongst yourselves but listen for the roll call!" he grabbed his class roster and rifled through it. "Sayo-san!"

"Here!" The ghost girl called cheerfully.

"Kazumi-san!"

"Yo!" The paparazzi smiled and flashed him a peace sign.

Negi continued to call roll one by one. Finally he reached student #12 Ku Fei. When he came into the room he noticed that she wasn't there. She always came to class.

"Has anyone seen Ku Fei-san?" He asked the class.

Everyone shrugged but Setsuna raised her hand. "She said that she's not feeling well, Negi-sensei."

"I see. Arigatou, Setsuna-san." "I hope she's going to be okay." Negi continued to call roll. When he reached Chao's name his face fell. He actually almost called her name out and had to mentally kick himself. Eventually he called the last person on the roll, Zazie, stood again to address the class. "Alright everyone, settle down. Now I know everyone is still excited after the festival. But we have o get back to class."

There was a groan throughout the class that made him smile. The Narutaki twins even gave a dramatic wail of doom. Negi raised his hands up in defense. "We have to get back to class," he stated again. "But today is not the day." This time there was a cheer from the students. "So here's the plan. I think everyone needs to cool off after what's happened. I'm going to hand out the tests we took before the festival. After that it's a free period!"

"Yahoo!" Makie cheered.

"Looks like it's a good thing I forgot my books!" Sakurako laughed.

After all the tests were handed out Negi returned to his desk. He decided to leave the girls to their own devices for the day. He needed some time to think things over. His battle with Albireo, Chao, his punishment, and now Ku Fei's absence all had him on edge.

Asuna looked over her paper at Negi. She had passed the test (barely) but she worried about her teacher. She wondered if his current mood had anything to do with the events of the festival.

"Oi, Konoka Setsuna-san?" Konoka pushed her fortune telling deck to the side and glanced at the red head. Setsuna stopped looked up from the paper that she had been absently drawing on. "Do you guys notice anything wrong with Negi?"

Konoka nodded vigorously, her hair flying into Setsuna's face. "Now that you mention it. I just thought it was because of the teachers meeting he had."

Setsuna pushed Konoka's hair out of her face. "He's probably worried about Ku Fei."

"Oh! Secchan, is she going to be alright?" Konoka asked worriedly.

Setsuna looked around and beckoned them closer. "She told me she was sick. But I think she really misses Chao-san."

"Makes sense." Asuna nodded. "Those two were best friends."

"Kagurazaka!"

The three girls turned around. Standing over them was Chisame. The net idol looked rather annoyed by something. "Did you get this on your paper to?"

Asuna looked at Chisame's paper. In the upper right hand corner, were the words, 'See me after class', written in red ink. Asuna looked at her paper and saw the same words. Setsuna and Konoka saw the words on their papers as well.

"What could he want to see me about? I got an 80 on the test," Chisame griped.

"We all have it on our papers." Setsuna looked around the room. Kaede looked confused by something also. "I think Kaede has one too."

"Maybe it has something to do with the festival." Konoka offered helpfully.

"Great! Just when I thought I was finished, they pull me back in!" Chisame growled dramatically.

Asuna once again took to staring at Negi. "Negi. If you're having trouble, why don't you come to me?" once again she felt that sinking feeling that he didn't trust her. A hand on her shoulder jolted her from her reverie. She found herself staring directly into Konoka's smiling face.

"Don't worry Asuna. I'm sure Negi-kun is going to be fine."

Asuna glared at her but blushed. "I'm not worried about that little brat! He could get hit by a bus for all I care!"

And so the class carried on like that. Once the bell rang the girls filed out in their hasty manner; offering their teacher a quick goodbye. The class filed out until it was only his followers left. Negi quickly shut the door. He didn't want anyone to hear what he had to say. The girls stared at him, waiting for him to start.

Negi cleared his throat. "Please, just listen to me. And don't interrupt until I finish." He felt extremely nervous, but this had to be said. "I want to thank you all for sticking by my side during the festival…I couldn't have done it without you." He had to put his hand up to stop them from responding. Taking a deep breath he said, "That's why I'm going to give you a choice. Things could still get dangerous for you. If any of you want to leave, I won't blame you. I can end a Pactio, so it's all up to you."

The girls were stunned into silence. Eventually, Haruna was the first one to come to her senses. "Negi-kun, do you not want us to help you anymore?" She asked dejectedly.

Negi waved his arms frantically. "N-N-No! I didn't mean it like that."

"Are you sure about that sensei?" Everyone's eyes turned on Chisame. She stood against the wall with her arms across her chest. "I mean you never wanted our help in the first place. Right? I can't believe I was foolish enough to help you." She grabbed her bag off the desk and stormed angrily from the room.

"Chisame-san!"

Asuna waved her hand. "I'm gonna go and talk to her." The redhead leapt up from her seat to chase after Chisame. She bolted out the door just in time to catch her. "Wait, Chisame-chan! Where are you going?!"

Without turning around she said, "I'm going home. You should do the same."

"But why? After all you've done for Negi, why abandon him? Why now?"

Chisame turned her head to glare at Asuna. "I did what I did out of pity. Also, I wanted my normal world back. Besides, it was a mistake to help him at the festival. He wasn't even sure he believed in what he was doing."

"Negi wasn't thinking like that!" Asuna said. She was a little louder than she meant to be.

"Really? Why don't you ask him then?" Asuna lowered her fists. To be honest she was afraid to ask. "Thought so. You may think that the nine of us are special, but we aren't. Girls like you, me, and Miyazaki don't belong in his world. You know it's true."

"Why are you so damn difficult?!"

"Am I being difficult or realistic? Think about it."

Asuna watched the brunette walk away. Maybe Chisame was right. After all, she failed to protect Negi on several occasions. Maybe they weren't meant for that world after all. Numb with shock she walked back to the classroom. Negi turned to face her, his face dropping. It didn't look like it went to well.

"Wh-what did Chisame-san say?" Nodoka stammered.

Asuna shook her head. "She, ugh, she wants some time to think about it," she lied quickly.

"I guess that's fair enough." Negi didn't really believe her. "What about the rest of you?"

"I told you that if you ever need me to call. I still believe in Negi-bozu. I want to see you get stronger.-De Gozaru." Kaede smiled warmly at him. Negi smiled back.

Haruna nodded. "I get to help a cute mage save the world. I actually get to live a manga. You better believe I'm staying."

"That's a good reason," Yue said sarcastically. She was drinking another of her odd flavored drinks. "I also believe in Negi-sensei. I want to do anything to help." She blushed slightly.

Nodoka smiled brightly. "I don't know how much help I can be. B-but I want to help sensei. Even if it's just for a little while!" Like Yue, she also blushed.

"AHHaHa!" You always get so dramatic Negi-kun! Why would we want to leave?" Konoka asked, patting him on his head.

"Ojou-sama," Setsuna shook her head. Sometimes Konoka didn't get the picture. She walked up to Negi and placed Yuunagi against the desk. "I stand by what I said at the festival. I'll always be here." She bowed slightly at the waist.

Kamo smirked at her. This in turn earned him a death glare. He shrank back, and then turned to Asuna. "That just leaves Ane-san."

"A-Asuna-san?" Negi was nervous about her more than anything. He didn't know what he would do without Asuna to help him.

Asuna looked at him curiously. "He looks so nervous. No! I do belong in this world. I have to protect him. No matter how much of a brat he is." Asuna glared back at him. "Of course I am! You already dragged me into everything! I can't leave a brat like you on your own!"

Negi fixed his glasses, blinking back the tears. These girls really were something special. To be a great mage you needed great partners. If that's true then he was going to be the greatest.

"Thank you everyone! I'll try my best to!"

"You need to relax to," Konoka advised.

"That's right! Make sure you show up to the party at Eva-san's resort later," Haruna said evilly.

"Masters having a party?"

Asuna smirked. 'She is. She just doesn't know it yet."

The girls began to chat excitedly about the party. Negi smiled. He was lucky to have met them all.

"Isn't this great Aniki? A party and all of our Ministra, well almost all, are going to stay."

Negi nodded but his smile faded. "Yeah."

"Uh oh. What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just a little worried about Ku Fei-san."

"…Yeah me too."

Negi smiled again. He had an idea. "I think I know where she might be! Kamo-kun, go back to the dorms with Asuna-san." He set the ermine on the table and ran for the door.

"Where are you going Negi-kun?" Konoka asked.

"I just remembered something!" He called running out of the door. All he needed now was to find Ku Fei.

Ku Fei sat on the edge of the schools roof, watching the sunset. Since Chao left the young Chinese girl felt horrible. Normally this kind of thing didn't bother her. This time she felt like she lost a sister. A demented, genius, Martian sister, but a sister none the less. A part of her hated Chao for what she did to them. Another part, wanted her to come back. That just wasn't going to happen. She had to face that fact. That's why she came up to the roof. This was the only place where she could be alone to think.

"The sunsets really pretty up here." Ku Fei leapt to her feet and spun around. She dropped her guard instantly. "I thought you would be up here."

"How did you know?"

"I remember you telling me during training one time that you liked to come up here to think," Negi said with a friendly smile. "Mind If I join you?"

Ku Fei smiled and sat back down on the edge of the roof. Having Negi here wouldn't be too bad. She could use the company after all. She patted the ground next to her in an inviting fashion. Negi sat down and lay back on the roof, to stare at the clouds. He could barely feel Ku Fei's eyes on him.

"You weren't in class today," he said suddenly.

Ku Fei jumped at the sudden statement. "Yeah…I-I should have come… b-but I d-d-didn't…" she stuttered terribly the trailed off.

"Don't worry. I'm not mad at you."

"You're not?" She asked aghast.

"Of course not." He gave her a dazzling smile. "You don't have the best grades in the class but you never miss a day. When you didn't show up I was worried about you."

"Really?" Her facial expression slackened. "That's sweet. I am a little sick."

"That's what Setsuna-san told me. But she thinks the real reason, is that you miss Chao-san."

"I don't miss her."

"Really?"

"Yes." Negi showed her his best 'I don't believe you' face. Ku Fei shifted nervously. She wasn't getting out of this one. "Okay, maybe I do," she succeeded. "Chao was my first real friend and my best friend. So when she betrayed us I was really hurt. Then when the fight was over, I though things would go back to the way they were. Then she just left. It's like I lost a sister."

Negi could see the tears building in her eyes. He hated it when girls cried. "I had to leave my best friend to." That came out so suddenly that it surprised both of them.

"…What happened?"

"When we graduated from Meridiana we got sent to different places for our training. She's back in London and I got sent here. I didn't think I could make it without her, but here I am."

"I just miss her."

"Yeah. This is going to sound corny. But if you remember her you won't lose her."

Ku Fei chuckled. "That was corny. I guess you're right though."

"I'm a teacher I have to be right." They laughed again and Ku Fei gave him a genuine smile. He stood up and dusted himself off. "Until I gets better you just need help." He offered her a hand. "Don't forget that you have friends who care about you. And you can always come to me. I'll help you as best as I can."

Ku Fei let him pull her to her feet. "Thank you Negi-bozu." She ruffled his hair playfully.

Negi mock glared at her. "Come on. The others are downstairs waiting for us. We don't want to be late for the party."

"Party! Yahoo!" She cheered excitedly. She jumped up in the air, and then ran for the access door.

Negi shook his head and turned to watch the evening sky. A strange feeling told him that everything was going to be okay. Even his worries about becoming a Magister Magi left him. He had all he needed right here. He just had to concentrate on becoming a good teacher for now.

"NEGI-BOZU! HURRY UP!"

"Yeah, everything's going to be fine."

END CHAPTER

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