Hey there guys, first off thanks for reading 'Moon over the castle'. Those review meant a lot to me. Next, I wana give a shout out to a fellow writer, Triblade. Thanks man for your input and proof reading this. Another person I wana say hello is A mr Lunar! Thanks for them tips mate. You should be my face popping at your little get together in 'ask the Negima crew' hopefully in the not so distant future.

Right, to business. This is in fact a rewrite. I got a very constructive review and after looking over it, I decided to redo that pile of # ,and seek help from some of the more experienced writers and reviewers. (You know who you are, thanks mates). After doing a complete format change, this is what came out so give it a go.

Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own anyone or anything in this fic. They belong to Ken Akamatsu. And with his track record, things aren't gona change anytime soon.

Changing Seasons

It has been 2 weeks since the festival incidence. Things were back to normal at the Mahora School. Birds flying in the air, the wind blowing softly, girls enjoying their lunch in the open garden, everything was fine and well in Konoe's beloved school.

But things are never fine and well in this school. Why you say that dear readers? Well let's go back a couple of days shall we?

One week ago

An emergency hearing was held in the Magic Country. The reason? The Council of Magic was not pleased on how the Festival incidence was handled. They ordered everyone who was directly responsible to attend this hearing. Fortunately for Negi, he was under strict orders from the Dean himself to not attend this hearing. Accompanying him were Takahata and Alberio. As expected, things did not go smoothly.

"We prevented a catastrophe!" the Dean shouted. Clearly he wasn't pleased on how this turn of event came about.

An old man, his face covered by his hood raised his hand in protest. "But the simple fact that this incidence occurred was a result of you and your staff's negligence. I find your lack of attention to security rather…… disturbing."

Stepping in between this feud of words, Takahata did his best to diffuse the situation. "With all due respect sir, the problem was dealt in a swift and efficient way. No casualties were reported and the integrity of this society has not been broken. All of this were…."

Before Takahata could continue, he was stopped by yet another member of the Council by the name of Elder Samuel "YOU BROUGHT INNOCENT CIVILIANS INTO A SKIRMISH. YOUR OWN STUDENTS. THAT VERY ACT DEFIES THE EXISTENCE OF OUR ORGANISATION. TO PROTECT AND ASSIST THE INNOCENT! NOT TO HARM!" The Council member shouted in outrage. Takahata could only remained quiet, knowing full well that what he said was indeed true.

The Council Head, intensely frustrated with the direction the Hearing is going, decided to take things into his own hands.

"ENOUGH!" He shouted as he thumped the floor with his staff

With that outburst, the entire hall was covered in silence. The Council Head cleared his throat before continuing. "The chamber will discuss the situation and deliver onto you our judgment. Return in an hour's time".

Just as Konoe's party were about to exit the hall, a familiar voice stopped them.

"Wait…."

The Council Head turned to the source of that voice. "What is it Magus?" he asked

The Magus slowly stood. Deciding to take his time into choosing his words, he finally spoke. "I think I have a suggestion that could be most beneficial for all parties"

The Council head, intrigued by this revelation, beckoned him to continue.

"Be brief Magus" said Elder Samuel, who moments ago, was berating Takahata.

The Magus, although slightly annoyed that he had been interrupted by a third party, decided to maintain his manners and continued. "Thank you." he said, though he didn't mean it. Some members even caught a hint of sarcasm in the Magus's voice

The Magus slowly walked to face the Council. Along the way he spotted his old friend, the Dean, and managed to give him a small nod and a wink. The dean saw this and returned the gesture. Deep down he knew that his old friend had one last ace hidden in his sleeve.

The magus finally stood in front of all the Council members, while surveying the Hall, he made sure to make eye contact with each Member. Clearly what he wanted everyone to hear what he was about to say. Finally he began. "I understand the Chamber's reaction to the Mahora Incidence. It was unfortunate that it happened. Nevertheless, the situation was handled efficiently and the secret of our existence was not exposed."

The Council Head nodded in acknowledgement. He could deny the fact that what the Magus said was indeed true. Detecting the Council Head's gesture, he proceeded. "To cut a long story short, I propose that we send a representative of the council to oversee the general security of Mahora!" The Magus waited for his suggestion to sink into all those who were present.

As expected, a member of the council objected his proposition. "Surely you jest Magus. Sending one more Mage will not change anything."

The Magus smiled. "With all due respect Councilman, but…….. I never said anything about sending another Mage."

Again, silence draped the halls. Everyone lost in their own thoughts. The Magus, sensing the tension, cleared his throat to break the silence. Taking this opportunity to speak, the Council Head turned to Konoe and asked, "Do you have any objections?"

"I have none" was all Konoe said. He turned to the Magus. Discreetly, he flashed a thumbs up. The Magus merely answered his signal by giving Konoe yet another one of his 'trademark' winks. He then again, faced the council.

"So be it….. Contact him as soon as he returns from his assignment in Africa. When you do, brief him on the situation at hand. This Hearing is now adjourned."

Somewhere in Africa

A lone hooded figure stood before a cowering man, his left hand, covered in the fires of hell itself. The frighten man could only beg for his life. "I BEG YOU….. DON'T KILL ME; I HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THIS……….. I'M JUST A GUARD!"

The figure kneeled in front of the rebel. His eyes flashed a bright red before returning to its original colour. His once blazing hand, returned to normal. "Tell me where the villagers being held. Show me where your leader is. Do that and you live to see tomorrow's sunrise."

The soldier, thanking his god for His mercy, told the lone figure everything. "Of course! I'll tell you everything! The villagers are being held at the prison, at the far end of the camp, beside the guard house. The 'Hakimu', (Swahili for leader) he lives in his living quarters, near the armory."

The figure took a moment to plan out his next move. The rebel again pleaded for his life. "Please, I've told you all I know……" before he could continue, the figure, gave a hard right hook into his gut. The rebel was unconscious before he fell to the ground.

Walking past the knocked out guard, he thought to himself. "I'll let the others deal with you."

Before he could head to the prison, voices emerged the unconscious captive. His radio was still on. "WHATS HAPPENING THERE? REPORT IN NOW!"

Slowly, the figure seized the radio from the guard. His thumb brushed the side of the call button as he brought the radio's microphone nearer to his lips. " Crimen mos exuro in meus incendia!..."

His left hand began to ignite, reducing the radio to ashes.

Right that's it, flame em if you like, but try to be civil in it ok? Tell me if you like the new format. Right, I'm gona go back to sleep. See ya in the next one.

Writer's translation: The guilty will burn in my fire