Disclaimer: This is a nonprofit fictional story, a FanFiction based on Ken Akamatsu's Negima. I do not own Negima, or most of the other characters included in this work, excepting where it is stated in the author's notes. It is not intended or presented for any commercial profit or personal gain; it is simply a story written for personal fulfillment and presented for public enjoyment, and as an honest homage to the fine story conceived and written by Ken Akamatsu, as well as all the other (innumerable) works that find place herein (and their authors).
Chapter One: New Year's Resolution
The New Year dawned, and with it the final term of the girls' middle school lives.
Japanese schools generally operate year-round, starting in April and ending in March. Rather than a summer vacation to mark the end of a school year, they have many small holidays sprinkled throughout and three significant breaks—at summer (the largest one), the end of December for Christmas and New Year's, and at the end of March for the end of the year and transitions. Rather than dividing the year's grades into quarters and semesters, the Japanese instead break apart the academic progress into terms that encompass the periods between these breaks, making the first term the longest by far (running almost five months, April through sometime in July), the second next longest (roughly four months, September through December) and the last the shortest (not quite three months, January through March). Some translations of these 'terms' have used the more familiar language for Americans, semester, although this is grossly incorrect, as a semester clearly indicates one of two segments. Trimester has been used on occasion, including this work, and it more properly designates three periods, but also somewhat incorrectly, as it usually refers to pregnancy and generally indicates an even division, which, as we just noted, does not properly describe the school terms.
Therefore, we shall resort back to 'term', and the girls, after their New Year's celebrations and traditional Japanese New Year's cleaning activities, returned to school.
As did Kain. He had spent large portions of the previous term, after the return from Arcanus Myrror, traveling about preparing the Gates and even the world itself for his grand master plan he had concocted, but, he finally assured his murmuring class, all the work he could do, at least for the rest of their school year, had been completed. Therefore, he was now free to resume his regular strenuous activity of devoting his whole attention to being their homeroom and English teacher.
With Luana having rather ably filled in for him during his trips, and now being settled and seemingly quite content as a teacher, she was being assigned to substituting for other classes as needed, as well as serving as a source of information for the Magic Council, who were making their own preparations for the coming transition to a magical world.
And Kain had undergone another rather significant transition. They had watched the frightened young man grow more and more comfortable with them over the previous year and the first term, more and more confident as he grew used to being with them and overcame the challenges that assaulted him. They had been startled by his sudden transition after his return from Arcanus Myrror, when he had a new confidence, but an underlying aura of darkness that revealed itself in subtle ways. Now, he was once again subtly but clearly different—there was a peace in him, a contentment they had never before seen. The relaxation he showed before was not feigned, or an almost uncaring lack of emotion. He was cheerful, amiable, content, completely unflappable. Of course, he usually had demonstrated these qualities, but they had been a not-so-subtle shell before. Many members of his class delighted in prodding and upsetting that shell, eliciting perturbed reactions from their Sensei through teasings and suggestions, and in some ways treated him more like a playmate or even plaything, their younger brother more than their teacher. It was one of the things he'd grown used to, but that shell was always evident—even if he recovered quickly, he could not stop his emotions from showing when they decided to play with him.
After the summer incidents, that naïve innocence and vulnerability was gone, replaced by the biting sarcasm and almost cruel retorts he could give in reply. He was still amiable and cheerful when things were proceeding smoothly, but their toy was obviously gone. Now, however….
Now, when they flirted and teased, he flirted and teased back…but in a different way. Rather than shutting down the teasings when they came with rebuttals that embarrassed the aggressor, he alternatively played along to a point, feigned innocence and misunderstanding, or simply passed over the comment as if it was insignificant.
The gist of the matter was that they once again sensed his change—they had perceived his naïve innocence in his first moments, understood just how the darkness lurked in the depths of his heart after his transformation, and now understood that a great weight seemed to have been somehow lifted off of his mind and heart. It comforted them, too; he wasn't 'back to normal'—and after what they had all gone through, none of them could likely ever reach that state—but he had definitely 'gotten better'.
It was all very well demonstrated by the first assignment he gave them once the calendar flipped over.
"In America, it's tradition to make a 'New Year's Resolution' each year," he explained to them. "And now, looking at where we are—looking at all that's happened this year, looking at what we've gone through, the things we've experienced, and simply the fact that you'll be transitioning from middle school and the world of children to high school and the first real steps of adulthood—I think it would be appropriate for our class to do the same. I want you to consider this carefully, and take a few days on this assignment—which, since this is the English class, should be written in English." Kain waited a few seconds for the obligatory groans, then continued, "Think hard on what you want to do to better yourself this year, what you want to accomplish, or what steps forward you want to take. What changes you want to make to yourself or your life."
Risa raised her hand. "What if we wanted, for example, to win Kain-sensei's heart…?" The obligatory laughs.
"It should be something different and unique," Kain replied quite easily without missing a beat. "If it's something common enough that our class could form a club to pursue it, it isn't significant enough to merit a true New Year's Resolution." The class laughed over this reply, and finally Kain went on, "It might be something fairly small—perhaps someone feels left out because she isn't familiar with a lot of the movies the others have seen, and she resolves to watch one of these movies each month to acquaint herself with them and thus grow closer to her peers. It might be something as large as completely eliminating a significant vice from her life. It might be something in between these…but I'd like you all to take this seriously. This is an important time in your lives, in a lot of ways…taking this seriously can help you make the most of it."
8-8-8
Ami, Yue and Nodoka sat at a table in the Middle School Library, a few books spread between them, but their focus was on the papers in front of them.
"Resolutions…" Yue murmured. "What are we looking forward to this year…? What do we intend…?"
Ami sat silently, playing with the pencil in her hand. "Well," she said finally, "if we're being honest…there's certainly something that we all want…each one of us, looking forward…."
"Eh?" Nodoka and Yue started. "W-what do you mean?" Nodoka demanded.
"Well…I mean, all of us want to return to Arcanus Myrror…don't we?"
Her friends continued staring, then exchanged looks, then turned back to Ami. "O-oh…of course," Yue murmured. "I mean…I need to return to Garderobe and resume my education as a HiME…I did promise Nina-san and Arika, after all…."
"And I want to return to Fairy Tail," Nodoka added. "I am a Fairy Tail wizard now…I want to rejoin them, and go on adventures and…and all the rest. I'd like to form a treasure-hunting group amongst Fairy Tail…."
"But what about you, Ami?" Yue pressed. "I thought…that you wanted to become a doctor, like your mother…."
"Yes…." Ami stopped twirling her pencil and instead put it just under her bottom lip as she looked up at the sky. "Being a doctor…has been my dream. But before, when I didn't know anything about magic…that was the most realistic, most useful thing I could think of doing. My mother raised me alone, after my parents divorced…she nurtured and encouraged me…there is nothing I can think of more wonderful than her and the work she does. But now, discovering magic…discovering just what it is…it's rather clear that medical science can only go so far. Well, I mean, that was actually obvious; we're constantly improving the science, increasing the boundaries of medicine, but still, the existence of magic completely changes how medicine will be affected. I could become a 'simple' doctor, but now, I think I have the opportunity to become a magical doctor.
"Healing magic isn't completely reliable—magic itself is difficult to use to cure the human body, and most recovery magic only comes easily to people like Kagome-chan, who have a natural inclination towards 'Shamanism' or 'Onmyôdôjutsu', spiritual-based magic, or to those who directly invoke White Magic—magic drawn from Celestials. But Kain-sensei always said that magic was more like a science…and there should be ways to combine magical and medical technology to create real magic doctors—not just healers, but physicians who use magic to tend to the well-being of all people. The magical world, only inheriting the advancing sciences of Earth in small doses, hasn't really pursued that avenue very much. But now, with the worlds becoming more closely linked and with magic on its way to becoming a recognized resource and power on Earth, I think that this would be an extremely useful endeavor."
"T-that's true," Nodoka admitted. "Even amongst mage guilds like Fairy Tail, healing magic is rare and difficult…b-but how would you go about finding a way to begin this research?"
"I spoke with Jade-san and Overcast-san while we were over there," Ami replied. "I discussed some of these ideas with them, and they were receptive. They said that they'd be willing to support and sponsor me if I wished to study at a magical school in Grandall. I've been studying and making some preparations, and I already have my resolution—I'm going to finish my schooling here, and begin readying myself to transfer over there during my first year in high school. I'll…have to talk to my mother, tell her about…some of this…it will be difficult…but I know that it's my calling."
Yue nodded, musing over this. "Yes…I've already been making my own preparations. I think I'll be able to go directly back to Arcanus Myrror once we graduate from middle school. I…just need to discuss that with Kain-sensei…."
"Mmm." Nodoka looked slightly crestfallen. "I…I would like to return as soon as possible, but…I think that…I should complete high school before I go back to Fairy Tail…I mean…even if I want to be a wizard, I am a teenage girl from Earth, and…."
"Well, I'm sure you'll work it out," Yue assured her. "Ami's right…she and I can easily make our resolutions along this path for this year, but you can still improve yourself…here, let me figure out the standard mage grading levels and we'll find where we can realistically but optimistically place you this year through some self-study…." She smiled at her friend. "It's kind of funny…after I finally accepted you as friends and we continued our Mahora lives together…I thought it would be natural for us to continue in this manner at least until we were through high school. But now, sooner than we thought…we might be separating after all…."
"But we've found our own paths," Ami agreed, smiling back. "It's all right…even if we leave each other after this year…we'll still be friends…and as wizards…it'll be that much easier for us to meet each other again…right?"
They all agreed. They made their promise—to support each other, and never lose their friendship, to stay in touch, no matter what happened….
8-8-8
"Resolution…." Kagome had one elbow on her desk, one arm laying across it, her head turned upward, and her pencil balanced on her upper lip. "I have…I know what I want to do, but to have a proper resolution for this year?"
"Resolution? Is this more of your 'homework' stuff? You've never talked about that before."
Kagome glanced out of the corner of her eye at Inuyasha, sitting once again in the window frame halfway through entering via that portal. Her annoyance probably wasn't properly conveyed in that small look, and he hopped inside with his usual lack of care or worry over her objection to his entrance. He had at least been trained to make sure the occupants weren't changing, but Kagome was still the only person he really wanted to have anything to do with here at Mahora, and since this was the usual place she could be reached when she wasn't in class, they couldn't dissuade him from coming to bother her. After all, it was all they could do to keep him from bothering her at school.
Kagome dropped her pencil into her hand and sighed. "Kain-sensei wants us to write about our most significant plans for the upcoming year…something we will do to benefit ourselves." She glanced over at him again. "Anyway, what are you still doing here? Kain -sensei fixed all the Gates back to Arcanus Myrror…shouldn't you be going home now?"
"Home? What home?" Inuyasha huffed. "I never had one to begin with. Well, I'll probably go back eventually, but it just opened a couple weeks ago anyway, and I don't got anything to do. Those old grandpas on the Magic Council here that talked to me before will probably want to send me back with some job or other, so I'll wait until then. That's what Kain said, anyway. But he also told me I could stick around as long as I wanted. I don't know that I want to, but I don't really have a reason to leave yet."
"Did he?" Kagome murmured, and Inuyasha glanced over at her, confused by her unusual tone. She shook her head and sighed. "Never mind. In any case, I need to get back to this assignment! I need to figure out a resolution for the year!"
"Is it really that hard?" Inuyasha demanded. "You always seem to know what you want to do. That's what you keep telling me. Just right down one of those things, how you're 'going into high school' or whatever."
"No, no, it can't be just that! We're all going into high school! Most of us, anyway! Ah!" Kagome scratched at her head in frustration. "I mean, I know part of what I want to do with my life…and it's not just finding a fiancé like my grandfather wants. No…." She sighed. "I need to become a master healer…someone strong enough to cure the petrification on Kain-sensei's village. But I won't accomplish that this year, I know that. But…I'm not even sure what steps I can take in that direction…."
"Why don't you find a proper teacher first?"
Kagome sat rock-still for several moments. Then she slowly turned to Inuyasha, a strange mask upon her face. "Huh?" she demanded.
Her look took Inuyasha aback. "W-what? What's the matter?"
"What do you mean, find a proper teacher? I've been studying magic for almost a year now…technically, longer than a year, if you count all the extra time we get from Alyssa-chan's resort!"
"Well, yeah, but how many people there are healers?" Inuyasha shot back, relaxing now that he understood Kagome's consternation. "Kain can't really use good healing magic…none of your friends do. You need a natural talent, ability with spiritual magic or Celestial magic ties so you can use White Magic."
Kagome stared for several more seconds, then turned back to her paper, one arm folded and the other hand fingering her chin, her eyes actually staring past the physical objects as her mind worked. "No, that's true…why didn't I ever think of that? Finding a teacher to really help me work on healing magic…that's just the thing I need!" She rose and looked back at Inuyasha, smiling at him. "I need to do some research before I really can write this resolution down, but that's the start I need! Come with me!" She threw her jacket on and started for the door.
"Huh? Where are we going?" Inuyasha demanded.
"To find a teacher, of course! Or find where I can find one!"
8-8-8
"A personal tutor? For healing magic?" Tear Grants looked at Kagome appraisingly.
"That's right," Kagome replied. "I've been working towards that since I first learned about magic. You see, my power…seems most inclined towards that aspect, and I think it suits me. I've done well with it, and I have the Tenseiga, too, but if I really want to become a healing mage, I think I need a proper education for it. So I wanted to find someone who can teach me more directly."
"Well…that's a worthy goal, especially for the Principal's granddaughter," Tear admitted. "But why are you so determined about it, anyway?"
"Oh, because I need…." Kagome suddenly trailed off as a realization dawned on her. Tear stared at her in confusion as her brain worked.
('I need to heal Kain-sensei's village…and…his 'aunt' Mira is the real blood relative of Tear-san. She's a healer, too, but obviously she doesn't have the power to fix the problem. Obviously, that doesn't mean I can't, or that she can't teach me, but…bringing that up with her….')
"I made a promise to someone," she finally said, her voice low and quiet. "There's someone I need to cure, really; I want to be a healer so I can use magic to help people, in general, but especially, there's work that I personally need to do."
Tear continued her appraising stare, then finally nodded. "Fair enough. That kind of selflessness is an important quality for healing magic. But I'm afraid I wouldn't make the best teacher for you. My healing magic comes because I am a Spellsinger; my family was blessed in ancient times by a Celestial, so White Magic flows through our veins, infusing my magic hymns, and most especially all my healing magic. Your own power in your family derives more from Onmyôdôjutsu, spiritual magic, and while it produces similar effects…."
"Yeah, it's different," Kagome agreed with a sigh. "Well, it was worth asking, but I understand. I can at least ask this: do you have any suggestions about where I could go to find a more appropriate teacher? The Saginomiya family, possibly?"
Tear frowned and gave Kagome's question due consideration. "…Not the Saginomiya family, I think. They use Onmyôdôjutsu, but their matriarch has dedicated her powers and the training her family receives towards the extermination of spirits, and even delves into blood magic, which weakens their ability to use healing magic. You probably are already a superior healer to anyone in their family, even Isumi-chan. You might find some wizards amongst the Kansai mages back at your father's home; they might be your best bet. Otherwise, in Arcanus Myrror there are several groups and races that are able to use spiritual-based healing magic; they are rare, but not so rare as Earth mages."
"Races…" Kagome murmured. "Yes, that's true, isn't it?" She smiled and nodded, then bowed. "Thank you very much, Tear-senpai. You've been a great help." Then she turned and started away.
"What's that about?" Inuyasha demanded as he began to follow her. "You seem unusually confident…."
"I've figured out what I'm going to do," Kagome sang. "I know where I can go for training…and, more importantly, I know what I can put to my personal resolution for the New Year!"
8-8-8
From Nanami Jinnai: establish a business between Arcanus Myrror and Earth, preferably using the El-Hazard.
From Miyu Greer: Maintain status as guardian of Alyssa.
From Kazumi Yoshida: While moving into high school, become part of the Magic Integration Experiment.
From Kanade Yûki: Maintain the dominance of class 3-A moving into high school.
From Ami Mizuno: Move into the First Magical Academy of Grandall to begin research on medical magic-science.
From Nodoka Miyazaki: Attain B-level magic capabilities and return to Arcanus Myrror to become a full-time member of the guild Fairy Tail.
From Akari Heiro: Attain journeyman martial arts acknowledgement from the masters of Hokushinryû.
From Kagome Higurashi: Find a tutor for healing magic and attain A-level Healing Certification.
From Yukari Hirai: While moving into high school, become part of the Magic Integration Experiment.
From Momo Hinamori: Properly optimize the organization of 5th Company in capacity as its lieutenant.
From Risa Harada: Find a properly magnificent boyfriend and, using boyfriend and artifact, become properly-recognized queen of Mahora Girls' High School.
From Riku Harada: Help the High School Girls' Lacrosse Team attain championship status.
From Miki Hanabishi: Help establish connections between local governments and Arcanus Myrror's powers.
From Chisame Hasegawa: Survive the integration of magic and mundane worlds.
From Yuki Nagato: Continue on.
From Kiami Tsukimori: Attain Jônin rank as a Fu-Ma Ninja.
From Alyssa Searrs: Graduate (finally) from school, be freed from curse, and confront Kalan Lockeheart.
From Erika Sendô: Move seamlessly into high school, including through the school's leadership, and help the Magic Council maintain the smooth transition into the new future.
From Izumi Segawa: Make it into high school and ensure it is the same class.
From Caria Spetzer: Solve the Magi-Theoric equation and complete the Psy-Ma-Cyber effect.
From Kaoru Konoe: Attain a ranking at national competition in track in preparation for receiving an Olympic invitation.
From Rakasu Klein: Ensure the success of Operation Blanketing.
From Hinagiku Katsura: Ensure continued success and prestige of Mahora Academy in all its ventures.
From Matake Ogata: Continue the traditional success of the High School Girls' Volleyball Team
From Rei Ayanami: Aid Kaya and Erika Sendô in their integration into the coming future.
From Yue Ayase: Transfer successfully back to Garderobe Academy and complete the first year of the Pearl course.
From Riza Asakaze: Make it into high school and ensure it is the same class.
And from Mai Tokiha….
Several volunteers, including Ami and Kagome, read their plans out loud and even elucidated on them, greatly impressing both Kain and the rest of the class. All passed their papers up to Kain, who made small marks of encouragement on them all and special marks on several of those papers. He smiled at what he read as he went through them. Miyu and Yuki, with their inhuman ideas and concerns, had to be excused. The Baka Rangers also knew the limits of their abilities and ambitions, although Miki apparently was looking to be seriously useful. Alyssa's goal was brutally honest and self-explanatory, and Caria's was rather indecipherable. Kaoru, Matake and Riku knew where their main desires and abilities lay. A few others had rather…unique goals….
"Overall, I'm quite satisfied," Kain acknowledged as he finished up class that day. "You are all special…this year, and for many years in the future, you will be able to accomplish some amazing things. I look forward to seeing them all in action."
8-8-8
"Kain-sensei…you wanted to see me?"
Kain was actually, unusually for him, in the teacher's office, as his note had instructed. Obviously, from what his note on her paper had said, Kain wished to discuss Kagome's plans with her, but heading into the Den of Teachers with all those others around was still somewhat intimidating.
"Yes." He rose and headed for the door, motioning for her to move with him. "There's an empty office next door; we can discuss these things privately there."
He closed the door behind Kagome when they entered and seated himself behind the desk after motioning for Kagome to sit in the chair in front. "So…you didn't give too many details, but I assume you have some idea about how to acquire tutelage for your healing arts?"
"Well, yes," Kagome explained, brightening considerably; she had anticipated this conversation, and come prepared. "I've already asked around, including talking with Tear-senpai, but quite honestly there aren't any proper magicians of the right type around to train me in healing magic. However, there should be some close by in Arcanus Myrror, right?"
"Ah." Kain nodded. "Yes…I understand. You need spiritual healing magic, not Celestial- or White Magic- based; the difference, although subtle, is important enough to us. I know several—Ellis and Faina, being high elves, actually use the same kind of spiritual healing magic you're gifted in, and Yayoi as well, in fact. Any one of them could serve as your tutor. I could send a message to Artoria and see if she'll have one of them sent here to work with you…."
"I would appreciate that, Kain-sensei; but honestly, I think I'd just as much rather go and at least speak to them myself; I'm not eager to rush off into adventure again, but it would be a nice break to go back, and…well…."
"Your grandfather would prefer you not leave the school for something like that," Kain pointed out. "He capitulated to your desire to travel with me when everyone was going, but for something so simple, all by yourself…."
"I won't be by myself," Kagome insisted. "I plan to take Inuyasha with me; he's part of the reason I'd rather go. I think he…could really use the trip himself, since he's been stuck here for over four months now…."
"Ah, I see…if you go, you could use the chance to be rid of him…?"
"No! Not…not really. I mean…it's not like I want him around or anything, but…he has kind of grown on me after all this time, you know? Whether he stays or goes, that's his decision now, although I admit I wouldn't feel right if he didn't at least have the choice. W-what am I saying? In any case, it'd be good for both of us to take a trip, see a bit more of Arcanus Myrror and all, and find myself a good tutor! Two birds, one stone, you know?"
Kain smiled. "All right. I understand. Artoria should have returned with all of them to Avalon by now, which you probably are aware of since you mentioned seeing a bit more of Arcanus Myrror. I can't promise anything, of course, but I will certainly speak with the principal on your behalf and see what can be arranged. I'll definitely support you, Kagome. Now, it is about time for my second appointment; if you see her, could you send her in…?"
"Eh? Ah…all right…."
Kagome excused herself and left…and less than a minute later Yue nervously poked her head inside. Kain motioned for her to enter and have a seat.
"K-Kain-sensei…" Yue offered tremulously as she took her seat. "Was my…goal a little too untoward? Is it perhaps troubling you that I wish to return to Garderobe?"
Kain stared at her for a second, then burst out laughing. "No, no…" he insisted. "I'm sorry. I suppose I can understand how you came under than impression, but that's not the case. Rather, this interview is to discuss how I can help you achieve your goal."
Yue blinked, stunned. "Er…I suppose that's comforting…but why me, exactly? I saw Kagome-san just now, and…she shared her goal with the class, so I also suppose you must have discussed her plans in more detail, but…neither Nodoka nor Ami received this…invitation. Why have I merited your p-particular interest?"
Kain shrugged. "Ami has her situation well thought-out; she's already making arrangements with important individuals in Grandall. And Nodoka's plan doesn't require particularly exceptional circumstances—in fact, despite the abundance of mages, Fiore doesn't have any particularly strenuous tests required to even call oneself a mage. The magical grade she's seeking is one you three have discovered on your own and which she recognizes as a personal mark of achievement, validating her status as a mage for her own peace of mind. But you, however, are associated with a particularly noteworthy and exclusive school of magical education."
"W-well, perhaps so…but I am already a student there, am I not? Can't I simply return…? …No, that is naïve thinking, isn't it? The president pulled many strings to keep me safe there while I was a wanted amnesiac. Now that I am once again Ayase Yue, and not Yue Yumemiya…."
"Exactly," Kain agreed. "Naturally, we shouldn't expect any opposition from Mashiro Kazahana, but the other voices that man the board of the school will have questions; she was able to dodge them with smoke and mirrors, using the Gates and upcoming Festival as a distraction, but returning you to that school without incident isn't possible." Yue's face fell, and Kain continued, "I mean without effort, not that you can't go. You have a good grasp of the magical education and licenses you'll need to acquire to be considered worthy, but even beyond that you'll need some sort of sponsorship. I'll talk with the principal about getting you that. Also…I know only a little about it, but I was thinking about your status as a HiME."
"What do mean, Kain-sensei…?"
"You still have your Pearl GEM you used while guarding the Festival, don't you?"
"Ah…yes." Yue fingered the earring as she considered this. "It has no power, though, not now—I don't have a contracted Master, of course, and being here, on the other side of the Gate, I'm too far from Garderobe to call on the power of the Founder. There's no Pillar or recognized teacher to activate it, anyway…."
"Well, that's not totally true. You do have a contracted Master."
"What…? You, Kain-sensei?" Yue demanded, stunned.
Kain nodded. "I've been thinking about it for a bit. With your permission, I'd like to test something." He rose and bid her do the same; as she complied, he snapped his fingers, and instantly they were out in the Mahora wilderness rather than the small office. "Here is the best place. It's not the same kind of contract exactly, but in your condition, I suppose it will do."
He suddenly moved in close to Yue, almost causing her to panic, but as he leaned his face down very close to hers, he casually put a hand on her shoulder as well to hold her and keep her from withdrawing. "Ayase Yue, in my name, unleash your power," he murmured, and then kissed the small jewel on her ear.
Yue felt the surge of power well up at the cusp of her consciousness; it had been so many months since she last used it, but it was familiar all the same. Almost instinctively, she declared, "Materialize!"
The Pearl Robe manifested itself onto her, and she stared at it in wonder, almost as if she hadn't seen it before. "It really is…" she murmured.
"Well, it might be pointless," Kain noted. "I'm not expecting any more fighting…at least not soon, certainly not for the rest of this year. Still, I think it may be good for you to be able to practice with that Robe and keep your skills with it if you're preparing to go rejoin the school."
"Y-yes…thank you." Yue dismissed her Robe and bowed to her sensei.
Kain nodded and returned them to their little office. "Well, I think that that will do for now. I'll start activating it for you during our training sessions at Alyssa's from now on. And, moving forward, we'll start working towards smoothing everything out so you can return as soon as you're comfortable…."
"Y-yes! Thank you very much!"
8-8-8
Mai met Kain as he returned to the dorms late that evening. "Well, the busy teacher is taking all of his roles very seriously now, isn't he?" she commented. Kain shrugged, and she pressed, "Now, you never did say anything about yourself…after all that talk to us about making plans for ourselves, what about you? What resolutions have you made?"
Kain shot Mai an exasperated, bemused look. "Really? Everything else I'm doing isn't enough for you? You want me to take on more than I've already got on my plate?"
"Well, no…but maybe you should, at least a different sort of responsibility. I mean, sure, I know what you've been up to, what you're doing…but it's all your work for the worlds, for this great project. You have so many plans and activities and preparations, but it's not what you were talking about in class. None of it specifically is to better you, or your situation. It's not the kind of thing you could make one of those resolutions about. So, c'mon: don't you have something you'd like to really do for or about yourself, some improvement for the upcoming year?"
Kain laughed and shook his head. "I don't know…it may be hypocritical, but I am pretty bad at those kinds of things. That kind of introspection…while normally it comes easily, it's harder to actually do. And in my case, I am so absorbed by all this…you may say it's different, but to me it's the same kind of labor, same kind of stress and effort whether it's a specific self-improving goal or whether it's the job I have to do. I guess…like Yuki said, right now all I can promise to do is 'carry on'. Everything I really want to change or do…isn't really possible right here. With the next few months set…I'd like to see past them before focusing on my personal wishes, desires, and needs."
Mai held up her hands in defeat. "Fine. I suppose that's the advantage of being the 'adult' among us, as young as you are. I just thought it might do you some good to focus on something else for a while…but if you can't, then there's nothing more to say." She turned and headed into the building without another word.
Kain waited a moment, watching her. "You're doing very well with it," he murmured. "I do envy your ability to focus on the present rather than worrying about the future. But, for me…I can't split myself like that. If I don't focus all-in on it, I'll go the other direction, and I'll abandon it…and I can't afford to do that." He shook his head and then moved inside.
F I N
Author's Note: Start to the Year
There are only a few major things I need to hit in this Act, so I have to build the stories around them. In this case, I really wanted to look forward at what some of these girls have on their plates. Kagome got to do some Inuyasha-level adventures with Inuyasha before, but her place in my story is actually markedly different—she's supposed to be the healer, and we haven't really focused on that aspect of her so much. Planning it in her future is good, too.
Ami was another one I really pondered. She's been a big part of the team in theory, but not in reality—she's the 'other friend' of the two big players from the original Negima, Nodoka and Yue. But she's the genius girl, and should have some additional significance. Normally, she'd be content to be a normal doctor…even in Sailor Moon, her normal life desires never changed, despite being one of the noble ladies of the Moon Kingdom. But in this case…the magical plane isn't just a memory, or a possible, obscure and separate future, but an impending reality; as she learns and grows with magic, wouldn't it be natural for her to try to merge her normal desires and the incoming magical world? Natural, and reasonable; thus she gets this moment of shout out.
And, finally, Yue. Yue's got the most ambitious dreams of all, being a HiME of Garderobe, and there's a lot involved there…but, in some ways, those days there were her happiest, anyways. She longs to return, but it won't be easy—luckily she has Kain around to help out.
We'll focus on her a little more next chapter before moving on to that most dreadful of days….