Hell Spawn

Esteemed Sirs and Ladies, salutations.

What will follow is a most interesting account of one of the lesser known incidents to occur at Mahora, which, whilst lacking the scale of the Mahorafest Conspiracy, was no less dangerous to the magical world.

Mahora should already be a name familiar with all of you. For years it has enjoyed a constructive partnership with Meridana, providing a proving ground for high achieving students from the famed Welsh Magic Academy. Many of the finest mages we know to this day learned their lessons at Mahora, and indeed, some began their training there. Yet there is so much more to the Academy than simple training.

Always, mages stationed there have been forced to rise above and beyond the call of duty. The demon attacks, the shades, the Nightmare Clown, and of course, the now infamous Mahorafest Incident are all examples of situations in which the mages of Mahora have performed admirably, averting disaster with the skill becoming of legends. With each successive incident, the name of the Academy became more and more widespread, and soon, all knew of the exploits of the notable members. More importantly, it was because of these incidents that the White Wings became who they are.

The White Wings. A name synonymous with valour and courage. Each and every one a true mage and partner, loyal to the cause to the last. Always, they were at the forefront of the response to each threat to the Academy. There actions became so notable, that full knowledge of their exploits is now a requirement of every child bearing magical power.

Following the legend of his father, Negi Springfield never realized the legacy he was creating.

But for all their potency, all their might, trust and skill, the White Wings have stared defeat in the face many times. And always they managed to pull through, always thanks to the help of their friends. This is one of the most valuable lessons their legends teaches us, is that one should never forget the allies they have made. This is what has been attributed by its members to the high success rate of their missions. A simple bond of loyalty and trust.

However, in this account, the White Wings were forced to the brink of annihilation, as were their allies. How could this be possible? How could the talented Negi Springfield possibly lose when surrounded by his partners? And what manner of power saved them?

The answer, my dear readers, is yours to discover...

Chapter 1

This tale, told not least,

Involves a reporter, a beauty and a beast.

"Negi-sensei!"

"Yes, Kazumi-san?" The ten year old prodigy turned and regarded the reporter.

There was a sudden flash of light and a click. "Thanks!" answered the red head.

Negi simply blinked. "Erm, you're welcome. Now, as I was saying…"

Kazumi Asakura was no longer paying attention. Flicking through the memory card in her camera, she found the photo she had just taken. Perfect.

"What are you planning now?" asked her desk mate curiously.

"Oh, nothing much, just creating a database with information about our class. Which reminds me, smile!"

Sayo Aisaka simply stared in confusion as Kazumi brought up her camera and snapped another quick photo.

"And thank you," added the girl with an easy smile, glancing at the screen of her digital camera. "Ooh, you came out rather nice on this one!"

"Really? Let me see!" replied Sayo excitedly, leaning over to glance at the small screen. She smiled as the image resolved itself. She was clearly visible on the photo, looking like a real, solid person. Kazumi was grinning as she caught Sayo's expression. Her desk mate was regularly gloomy and none too cheerful, ad so she had made it her mission to brighten up the ghost's life. As well as finding the scoop of the century, but that was something else entirely. And speaking of a scoop…

"Sayo-san, did you hear that report on the news last nig-" Kazumi trailed off, catching the blank look on Sayo's face. "I'll take that as a no then."

"What? Did something happening?" asked the ethereal girl, full of curiosity now.

"I'm not sure I should tell you, after all, you are rather easy to scare for a ghost…"

Sayo laughed nervously. "Well, y-yes, I suppose I am. Perhaps it would be better not to tell me then…"

"Tell you what, Sayo-san?" Negi suddenly interrupted.

"N-nothing, Negi-sensei!" exclaimed the startled ghost, blushing slightly. Kazumi hid a laugh behind a polite cough. Even Sayo had a crush on Sensei. It was almost like a soap opera, with all the girls vying for Negi-sensei's attention. So far the odds were three to one on Nodoka, the favorite of the gamblers to win his affection. It would make a nice story if she succeeded, the shy book worm winning the heart of possibly the most desired guy on campus at the time. Kazumi grinned, and pulled out her notebook, ideas already forming in her mind on how to ink this with her database project.

A happy ending of sorts? Maybe more like a nice background to explain the relationship between them? But then I'd have to write about all the relationship's in class, and no one is exactly forthcoming on that…

But the mark of a good reporter is to uncover truths others want hidden! I managed to discover Negi-sensei's secret, so this should be a snap!

The bell rang out suddenly, shattering her thoughts. She grinned as she watched her teacher try in vain to keep some semblance of order as the class stormed out of the stuffy room into the glorious freedom outside.

Quickly packing her things, and after saying a cheery "See ya!" to Sayo and Negi, Kazumi dashed off with the rest of the stampeding class, leaving behind an exasperated teacher and confused ghost.

Sprinting flat out through the vacated corridors, the red head soon found what she was searching for. The computer labs. With a sly grin she slipped inside, making sure she was alone. Of course she was. Everyone was outside enjoying their free time. Ideal. Wasting no time she dumped her bag by the nearest computer and switched in on, tapping her fingers impatiently on the monitor waiting for the ancient machine to boot up. Honestly, why is all the school equipment so old? It's not like they can't afford any newer machines! She sighed. Then again, I guess most of that funding goes on repair work. The bill for fixing all the damage from the Mahorafest itself must be about a mile long…She suddenly smiled victoriously as the computer finished starting up. With all the energy of a teenage girl, she set to her task. First logging in, then opening the program, then hooking up the camera to the PC. Her fingers danced across the keyboard, the clattering of keys the only sound in the deserted computer room. All too soon all her photos from the hectic day were safely transferred onto her secure account. No chance of some air head stumbling across pictures relating to magic. With a contented sigh, she leaned back and gazed at the ceiling, wondering again at what she was doing.

I am a reporter, sworn to spread the truth, to reveal what is hidden from the masses. Yet I can't just reveal magic to the world. Being an ermine is NOT an option. She chuckled slightly as she remembered the looks on everyone's faces when they had been told that little fact. Packing her bag, she cast one quick glance outside, seeing the rest of her class heading towards the dorms. Catching sight of a certain dark haired individual, she felt herself smiling again. Flicking the power off and throwing her bag over her shoulder, she ran off again to catch up with her classmates. She had about an hour of free time before she would need to start writing up a report on the mystery that had been shown to her last night on the news. It was only because of chance that she heard about it. Or was it fate? Still, such a puzzle…and with her insight, she was sure she could crack it and gain renown the likes of which she could scarcely imagine.

"This is getting out of hand," said Gandolfini in disgust, throwing down the paper he had been reading.

"What is it now?" asked Toko Kuzunoha, glancing from her own newspaper.

"That girl, Asakura-san, she's been writing stuff again."

Toko smiled slightly. "Oh? Has she been writing bad things about you again?"

The man clenched his fists, keeping himself calm. "Oh, so very funny. What I was referring to was the report on the Mahorafest in the school paper and-" Further talk was interrupted as almost every teacher in the lounge lunged for the school newspaper he had thrown down. Gandolfini sighed as he watched the normally peaceful lounge become the site of a brawl. For all their standards, the teachers were often more rowdy than the students. It was almost embarrassing to be one of them. He glanced over the battle to where Takahata was sitting, also watching the combat tiredly.

One pack of cigarettes says that Toko wins mouthed the dark skinned man to the calm teacher. Takahata smirked and mouthed back. Deal. As one they turned their attention back to the brawl for the paper. Miss Kuzonoha was in the thick of it, using her rolled up newspaper as if it was her trademark blade. Seruhiko was trying to crawl through the whole affair and reach the school paper, but he was noticed by Akashi, who promptly grabbed his leg and yanked him from the paper.

"What's going on here?" an authoritative female voice demanded. All the teachers froze and looked to the door. Sister Shakti stood there, staring disapprovingly at the heap of bodies, with Toko standing on top, holding the school magazine in victory. Takahata sighed and threw a pack of cigarettes at Gandolfini. The dark skinned mage plucked them out of the air and slid them into an inner pocket, glad that Sister Shakti hadn't seen that exchange, pre-occupied as she was with being angry at the childish teachers.

"What are you thinking?! We are meant to be suitable role models for our students, and here you are, acting like 3A!"

Most of the teachers winced visibly at the insult. That class was infamous amongst the staff for being the most riotous class that the Academy had ever seen. Only Takahata had come close to keeping them calm. Negi had kind of calmed them, though not by much.

"What about 3A?" asked the child teacher, entering the lounge.

"Nothing," replied Sister Shakti hastily, turning around and leaving the lounge. Negi watched her go, giving the other teachers time to get back to their various tasks before the brawl began. When the young prodigy turned his attention back to the lounge, all was it as it should be, only with Toko reading a school newspaper, and some of the faculty members sporting bruises and black eyes. Somehow Negi doubted he wanted to know what happened. He'd had enough crowd control problems for one day. Without a word, he strode over and collapsed onto the couch where Takahata was sitting.

"Rough day?" asked the older teacher in sympathy. Negi groaned in response.

"You taught my class before me. Do I really need to say?"

Takahata shook his head in response. "I understand. That class takes skill and energy to manage. Fortunately you have both." He was rewarded with the younger teacher's smile.

"Thanks Takamichi."

"You're welcome Negi-kun."

"Hey, Haruna-san!"

The dark haired girl turned to the speaker. "Oh, hi Asakura-san, what's going on?"

"My report is almost finished! Want to see?" asked the red head, pulling something from her bag.

"Actually, I was meaning to talk to you about that."

Kazumi stopped along with Haruna. "What do you mean?"

"The editorial group has been ranting about you for ages now. Didn't you hear?"

"Hear what?" asked the journalist, feeling dread gnawing away at the corner of her mind.

"Oh, well nothing nice really," continued Haruna slyly. "But as you obviously haven't heard, then it means they are right after all…"

"Right about what?" demanded the journalist.

"They say you've lost your touch, focusing on minor events and so on, and that you should be made into an editor," replied Haruna evilly, smiling at the delicious gossip. "So what are your comments about that, Miss Reporter?" She looked at Asakura, waiting for an answer. None was forthcoming.

Kazumi stood there, dazed. Haruna stared at her expectantly. She began to wish she had an artifact like Nodoka's, as mind reading would prove invaluable in such a situation.

Kazumi was still in mild shock. I-I-I've lost my touch?! Focusing on minor events? MADE INTO AN EDITOR?!?! She clenched her fist, her eyes blazing with suppressed anger. They dare to demote me?! I am no paper pusher! I am a reporter! The finest damn reporter this Academy has ever seen! And they say I'm LOSING MY TOUCH?! There had to be a way out of this, there had to be. There always was.

And there you have it, my second Negima fanfiction underway. As always, please leave a review!