I do not in anyway own any content related to Mahou Sensei Negima, this is a fan made story
The sound of crickets gracefully vibrated through the cold air. It was late and almost everyone was asleep. Konoka was kind enough to allow Joy to sleep with her while Negi offered Alicia his sleeping area. The problem was that she couldn't sleep, it was annoying really. After so long, she finally gets somewhere nice to stay and she can't even get to sleep, the irony. She turned her head over to Joy, who was happily snuggled up with Konoka. The sight made her smile, the two of them looked like sisters that had just had a long day...well...they did have a long day.
The room was slowly heating up again, creating an uncomfortable feeling around her. She could cope with it, but with everything that has been going on, sleep was going to be impossable. What more could she possibly do that didn't involve waking everyone else up? She started to look around, cheking if everyone was fast asleep. Asuna had her back against the wall as her legs were awkwardly positioned over the bunk beds. Negi, who was sleeping on the floor, quitely lay there, looking precious. Being ten sure had there advantages...although they had disadvantages aswell. Alicia took note of Negi's mouth, it was wide open with drawl spilling out onto the pillow. She didn't find it distgusting, it was quite funny actually. One of the most powerful mages she had met really was just an adult in a kids body, too bad he didn't act more like a ten year old. He should be enjoying his childhood more...but this was the path he had taken.
Turning back to Konoka, her first impressions were that she would make a great wife someday, being able to handle kids at her age was most certainly a big advantage. Not only that, she was adorable both mentally and physically. The way she looked and acted could make anyone fall for her. Her daughter looked happy, being warm and comfortable...something Alicia couldn't have given her if it wasn't for Negi. She felt bad, making her daughter suffer like that. The feeling would float away though when she reminded herself that they needed to be in that position to save Joy's life. And now all that could be possible if the demon doesn't stop them. Technically, Negi hadn't helped her with the trip yet, so the demon had no right in attacking. But hey, it's a demon...chances are it will attack anyways.
The moon glistened in the air, reflecting its glowing light into Alicia's eyes. She looked out the window, noticing the beauty of the night. It was a first for her, being able to experiance the natural night sky without having to worry about almost everything in one go. It still bothered her though...for once, she wanted to have a day with her daughter where everything...well, where everything was just ok. That will never happen until the curse has been lifted. One week...after so many tries, she had one week left. It only felt like yesterday that the promise she made to her daughter was made. The promise that no matter what, she would keep her safe from anything.
As she continued to look out the window, the sight of all things beautiful got to her. They reminded her too much of her daughter and what she might miss if...the unfortunant happens.. She needed to be alone...just for a while. Trying to stop herself from making any weaping sounds, she covered her mouth. Waking up to a crying women would be a little irritating...at least, that's what she thought. She could feel the tears push themselves out of her tear ducts, twinkling in her eye as they prepared to fall. Wasting no time, she shuffled the covers of her and rolled of the bed, almost hitting her feet on the sleeping boy before her. Negi was still sound asleep, but not for much longer if Alicia wasn't out the room in mere seconds. She raised her leg high and curled it over Negi, trying so hard not to wake him. Her flexable body lifted over him and managed to make it across the room.
Somehow, she had managed to make it to the door without making a sound. Without hesitation, she quickly pulled the handle down. Feeling the first tear finally drop forced her to let out a squel. The door swung open and Alicia ran out, to sad to even close it. Now that she was alone, the weaps grew louder as she ran down the hall. She had no idea where she was and how to get out, but that didn't stop her from continueing through the dorms. Still trying to hold in the tears, she made a sharp turn to the right. To her suprise, an easily accessable exit was in clear sight. She ran faster, barging through the door as the tears uncontrollably fell. She jerked her head back and forth, flinging the tears through the air while being unable to accept reality of her life.
She didn't run far since she was tired from both crying and running. Her back hit the wall and screeched down the concrete. Now that she truely was alone, she could let her crying out with it's full potential. Although it was a sad sight, Alicia was use to it. She would cry like this at least once a day, but this time it was different. The tears were both cries of hope and sadness. Hope being Negi and the others helping her, sadness being that her daughter only has one week to live and there was a high chance that they could fail again. That was what hurt the most...her daughter having one week to live and she didn't even know it. Alicia's head was burried into her knee's as the painful thoughts continued to haunt her. Without Joy, she was nothing.
Her weaps echoed through the valley. Alicia wasn't sure if anyone could hear her, after all, she was just outside there dorms. The clear tears ran down her cheek, dripping off her face and landing onto her wrist where it would make it's way pass the sleeve on down her soft silky skin. The pure sadness was too much for her, she just didn't care anymore. If saving her daughter meant giving her own life then so be it, Alicia wasn't going to let her daughter suffer like she has for the past three years.
Her breathing stuttered as the loud cries took them over, she tilted her head up to look up at the skys. Stars gleemed brightly at Alicia, she could have sworn that they were moving...forming a shape of what appeared to be an outline of her daughter. She just desperately laughed, unable to do anything else that could make the situation look any worse. If there was a way, Alicia didn't want to know. Where her tears were still silently making there way down her cheek, the wind would swiftly whistle across them, giving Alicia a small tingle that felt good. She simply shook her head, feeling good wasn't going to do anything, not until they were in Eygpt.
The atmosphere was perfect, something Alicia wished would go away. It only deepened her thoughts on how much she will miss with her daughter and forced more tears out. It wasn't until a voice called out to her that she covered herself up. It was shameful to see a full grown women crying on her own.
"You shouldn't be out here like this" whispered a voice.
She recognised the voice from earlier. Still covering herself up with her hands, she made a little peak hole, revealing Setsuna. She was quitely standing there in what appeared to be her night wear, checking up on Alicia.
"I couldn't help it..." sobbed Alicia.
Setsuna sat down beside's Alicia, trying to show her that she wanted to hear what she had to say.
"I know this looks strange, seeing an adult cry like this...but what more can I do to stop my pain? I would rather cry than let my rage take over" cried Alicia.
"No, I find it quite respectable. Only someone with courage could cry for there loses".
"How can I not cry? Right now my daughter is happy...that is something I have been trying so hard to for almost three years. What kind of mother am I?".
"Don't talk like that, nothing good ever comes with putting yourself down".
"It's not just that though. Her life is based off a lie! She doesn't know what happened to her father. She doesn't know that she only has a week to live. I can't even tell her why we keep travelling from place to place. Do you know what that is like? Having your daughter ask everyday where were going, when were going to go home, how long until we see our family again? Only to be rejecred by me making up some damn excuse that involves lieing".
"I understand you're pain but...".
"You don't understand. It's not just my recent loses but what I could lose. A mother and child should not have to experiance such a tragedy. Do you realise that most of her childhood, we have not once had any fun? Just think about it. Think about everything my daughter is going to miss because I wasn't strong enough to protect her. Her next birthday, her first real christmas that didn't involve us having to go away for the holiday because of this hell raising curse. Why? Why couldn't it have been me instead of her? Why couldn't I have been stronger! My daughter doesn't deserve this! She should have a normal life with her normal mother and father! But thats not going to happen now because this curse has cost me everything but her. Don't you dare say you understand my pain, you know nothing!" shouted Alicia.
She jerked herself around, showing Setsuna she meant what she said. The tears were running down her face like mad but she didn't care.
"My daughter...Joy...she's all I have left. I wanted the best for her...and failed. I forced her to come with me, leaving her friends and family behind and making her cry. I just want to see her happy again...I...I just...I want her to be free. Now that theres a chance for that to happen, my hope has risen. But what if we fail? I will be the one who experiances my daughter...my blood and flesh...to die infront of her mum, begging for my help. I will hold her in my arms and tell her that everything will be ok...and she will believe my lie. What kind of mother does that? Lies to her daughter her whole life, keeping the secret that she may die in a week from her. Did I tell you that she thinks her father is alive? She is looking foward to seeing him. She cannot wait to finally meet her father...how am I going to break that to her? No child should have to be told that her father isn't coming to see her because...because that demon took him away from us. My life...her life...is based on a demons fantasy".
Setsuna was speechless...Alicia was right, she didn't understand her pain. It only made the words come out of her mouth more hurtful to herself than Setsuna. It took alot to make Setsuna upset and Alicia managed to do it within minutes. After expressing how much she loved Joy and what could happen just...made Setsuna tremble with sorrow. She lowered her head, feeling shameful for making Alicia bring it up.
"Please...forgive me" whispered Setsuna.
Alicia took note of Setsuna's tone of voice and realised that she had went too far. She shouldn't be taking out of sadness and rage on her, espeically when Setsuna gave up her resting time to check on her. Now she felt selfish, caring only about what she thinks. Her voice softened as she started to speak.
"No..no, forgive me...I went to far. I had no right upsetting you with my emotions. Im talking like it's already over but I still have a week. If I need to give my life to save hers then so be it...just promise me you'll look after her better than I did. Give her the childhood she never got from me" sobbed Alicia.
"Don't say that. You're a great mother, one of the best I have ever seen. You can't blame yourself for taking away what little she had...because you were trying to give back something special...A chance to grow up, a better future...and most importantly...love. You should be proud to have done so much for her. I promise you this, we will get to Egypt and we will save your daughter".
Alicia couldn't help but cry even more than before, if that was possible. She leeched herself into Setsuna's arms, crying out loud. It was weird in Setsuna's eyes. A student comforting an adult? There's something you don't see everyday. Setsuna closed her eyes and allowed Alicia to embrace her.
"May I ask how old you and you're daughter is?" asked Setsuna.
Alicia looked up at her, not expecting that type of question.
"Im 24 and Joy is 6..." cried Alicia.
Setsuna was suprised that they were both so young. Alicia's blonde hair was so beautiful as is reflected the moons rays of light.
"I haven't had much of a chance to speak with your daughter...tell me about her" said Setsuna.
She knew that letting Alicia talk about her daughter would allow her emotions to stop going crazy and calm down. Alicia stuttered at first, still recovering from her weaps.
"She's smart and beautiful...her personality could brighten anyones day up. She likes to talk about me and...her father...".
Shivers went through Alicia and into Setsuna, letting her know that Alicia wasn't comfortable talking anymore.
"It's ok...I wont bring this up with anyone else. This will be between you and me, I promise" comforted Setsuna.
The two looked out into the sky, watching the stars form themselves infront of the moon and creating what appeared to be a fake eclipse...the demon was mocking them and they knew it.
The day was...not exactly how they fortold it to be. Darkened clouds roamed above Mahora, blocking out any form of light that could warm up the area. The ravaging coldness thickened the air with shivers as gusts of wind forced themselves to pound against the dorm's windows. The sight was miserable, making any fun day planned ruined. The atmosphere blistered with agony, creating a depressing feeling that could effect anyone greatly. Unfortauntly, neither of them had actually woke up...which was bad, seeing as they needed to speak with the dean about getting to Egypt without any problems.
Konoka slowly woke up, suddenly feeling something warm spread across her face. She didn't take note of it at first and kept her eyes closed, enjoying the comfortable feeling of her soft bed. It took Konoka a moment before realising that what wasn't there was Joy. As another warm batch hit her face, she opened her eyes. Joy stood at the end of her bed and leaned over Konoka, inches away from her face. Her silent breathing sweeped over Konoka while she dug her head further back into the pillow, trying to make more space between them. If it wasn't for Joy's smile, Konoka most probably would have flinched, scaring Joy in the process.
Konoka could smell the fresh scent of shampoo in joy's hair from the bath she had last night. She watched as Joy admired Konoka, thinking she was a princess. Who could blame her? Konoka did look just like a princess, even after waking up. The two awkwardly stare at each other, waiting for one another to speak. Konoka knew there was something on Joy's mind, she just needed to wait for the nervous child to let it out.
"You're pretty..." whispered Joy.
What looked like something important was just a harmless compliment, just like any child would make. Konoka sighed with relief, knowing that nothing was wrong. She simply smiled back and let out a small laugh, children can be so unexpected at times. Joy took a step back, giving Konoka more space to move. She pushed her upper body up, leaving the small head print in her pillow to slowly faid away. She lifted her hand and clenched it into a fist, allowing her to rub her eye, brushing away any signs of sleep that was still left. She found Joy cute, looking so sweet as she watched Konoka's sparkling hair sweep over her shoulders. Konoka tilted her head side to side, using the back of her hands to flick the hair away, making it swiftly run down her back.
"Why thank you" smiled Konoka.
Just when she thought everything was ok, Joy's smile turned into a frown. She gently crawled into Konoka's bed, sliding under the covers and popping out the other end. She position her arms around Konoka's waist and looked up at her, looking like she was about to cry. Konoka's eyes widened as Joy's eyes started to water. There was something about Konoka that made joy feel safe around her, whether it be the small fun time they had the night before or some other unnoticed reason, she just felt safe.
"Wheres my mummy?" softly whispered Joy, the stutter in her voice notified Konoka that she was one bad answer away from crying.
Konoka blinked with confusion...wasn't her mum over...out of the bed? The new discovery concerned Konoka. Surely Alicia wouldn't have left without a good reason...right? Before Konoka could do anything, she had to think of a good reason to tell Joy why her mother wasn't by her side. Her first thought was to tell her that her mum went for a walk...without leaving a note or anything similar to tell them. After a few moments, Joy could barely keep her tears in as she awaited Konoka's answer.
"She went ...uh...to get some food!" stuttered Konoka.
Joy tilted her head, Konoka's answer was...reasonable enough to convince her that she was telling the truth. Her hand unwrapped itself from Konoka and she ran her sleeve across her watery eyes, wiping away the glistening tears. Her mouth managed to make out a smile as Joy sweetly giggled with joy. Konoka on the other hand turned her attention to the bed Alicia was suppose to be sleeping in. She could see the outline of a figure still faintly stained onto the bed, meaning it hadn't been long since she had left the room. Knowing this, Konoka could at least relieve her stress from the idea that she may have left. Joy unexpectedly started to bounce up and down the bed, happy to know that her mother will be back any minute. Konoka turned her attention back to Joy, wondering what to do next. Remembering that Joy was still only a child, she should treat her like a child...right?
Using her hand, she patted Joy's head, assuring her that everything was ok. Needing to get up, Konoka moved her arms under Joy and lifted her of the bed gently placing her on the floor and giving Konoka more mobility with her legs. She swung them out from under the covers and lifted herself of the bed. She breathed in hard, taking in the fresh air that she looked foward too each morning. But with the worries that only just hit her, the relaxing feeling didn't have the same effect it usually did on her, bringing disappointment into Konoka's life. It was only when a large gust of wind hit there window that she noticed how dull the day was, anothing disappointing sight for Konoka. The day wasn't going well for her, she just hoped that her grandfather would help in someway with the trip that awaited them.
Luckily Konoka didn't feel tired or it would take a miracle for her to deal with everything in one go. Before even thinking about telling Negi the situation currently going on, she looked over the bunk bed, expecting Asuna to still be asleep. And she was, happily enjoying her lie in that she didn't get yesterday. By a funny coincidence, Asuna had somehow managed to turn herself around, sleeping on the opposite side of the bed where the ladder was. It was a funny sight that Konoka couldn't help but laugh at, almost waking Asuna in the process. Konoka still wondered where Asuna went yesterday, but now wasn't the time to ask. She was interrupted by a tug on her shirt, slightly pulling her down as the grip tightened. As she looked down, Joy was quitely waiting to ask Konoka another question. She had her thumb in her mouth, so it was a little hard to understand her.
"Im hungry...when is my mummy going to get back?" innocently asked Joy.
According to Alicia, Joy wasn't always like this. She would usually be alot more quite, probably because there was no one else to talk to. Being an only child without a father and having a mother who was always rushing her everywhere must have tweaked with her emotions and abilities at least a little. Konoka hesitated to answer, struggling to think of something to say. Only when Joy started to hum with fascination for Konoka did she get her answer.
"She shouldn't be too long sweety" smiled Konoka, trying to comfort her was harder than she thought.
Sweety? That was the first thought in Konoka's mind. She was glad Alicia wasn't in the room when she said that, otherwise there would have been an extremely awkward moment that involved alot of evil glaring. Was Konoka the new babysitter for Joy? She didn't mind looking after her but...sweety was abit to much, especially since she was still a student.
Dragging her attention away from the disturbing sentance, she turned to a tired looking Negi who was happily drowning in his own sleep. Konoka wasn't the type to complain...but Negi really should set his alarm, even on weekends. Ignoring the small problem, she went ahead and leaned down by the sleeping boy. Slightly tilting her head down, she began to whisper him awake.
"Psss, Negi-Kun...wake up" whispered Konoka.
He laid there, taking no note of Konoka. It was as if she never said anything at all. This time though, she lifted her arms and placed it over Negi's shoulders. Without a second thought, she starting to gently shake him while continueing to whisper in his ear.
"Wake up Negi-kun, it's important" whispered Konoka.
Joy sat on Konoka's bed, kicking her feet around as she watched the two act like her age. A chilish giggle escaped her mouth as a minor thought came into her mind. She couldn't help but ask the obvious question.
"Do you love him?" smiled Joy.
The sudden question made Konoka shoot up with suprise. It was such an unexpected question by a child like her. Unable to explain to Joy what she was doing, Konoka just sat there, rubbing the back of her head as she made a nervous laugh.
"No no no, were just good friends" replied Konoka, she certaintly made it look like they were good friends.
Negi then woke up, being disturbed by Konoka's comment. He groaned with irritation, it was the first time he had slept on the floor and it was very uncomfortable for him. Without his glasses, everything was just a blur to him. The little figure that was Joy on Konoka's bed just looked like a fuzzy outline of someone. Thinking it was Konoka, Negi stretched his arm out to the side, quickly trying to find his glasses. Instead, he was met with something smooth and soft. Konoka just giggled as Negi ran his hand over her wrist, desperate to find his glasses. Konoka turned to her side where Negi's glasses were. She grabbed hold of them and waved them across the air, positioning them on Negi's face, allowing him to see properly.
"Ah! Thanks" said Negi.
As his sight changed from blurry to clear, Negi could finally see what he was touching. To his suprise, his hand was on top of Konoka's, forcing Negi to yelp out with suspence as he jumped back, making it obvious that he didn't mean to do anything like that with Konoka. He stuttered for a moment, watching Konoka smile at him.
"K-Konoka! I didn't...I apologise!" shouted Negi.
"Oh Negi-kun, you can be such a gentleman sometimes. I didn't find anything wrong with that...especially since you couldn't see" smiled Konoka.
Negi sighed, what a way to start his day. He smiled back at Konoka before turning to Joy who was still kicking her legs around. The fact that Alicia wasn't awake yet was a suprise to him...what an even bigger suprise was that she wasn't even in the room! He frantically looked around, trying to make sure he was wrong and hoping that she was still here.
"Where's Alicis?" asked Negi.
Konoka leaned foward, placing her head only a few inches away from Negi's. She didn't want Joy hearing there conversation.
"That's what I was about to tell you...she's not here. By the looks of the bed, it hasn't been long since she left. I was hoping you could go out and look for her while I make Joy some breakfast" explained Konoka.
"Uh...sure I guess" replied Negi.
"Thanks Negi, I can always rely on you" smiled Konoka.
Konoka's smile was great, it made Negi feel light headed with an astonished look in his eyes. She reminded him of an angel that didn't earn it's wings yet. Although, it would be pretty outstanding if she didn't, Konoka had done so much for everyone, she deserved wings. Her scent dazzled around his face and she turned, making her way over to Joy who was slowly tiring herself out...which in a way was good, meaning that everything would calm down again. It was a mystery how Asuna hadn't been woken up yet, but if Negi and Konoka couldn't wake her up on a school morning, it was going to take more than a small child to do it on a sunday, especially a cold sunday where warmth was what anyone cared about in the morning.
Almost in a trance, he forced his eyes away from Konoka, tilting his head back and looking up at the door handle. Alicia disappearing brought up all sorts of questions. Where was she? Why did she go? Will she be back? Each thought rotated around his head, bouncing back and forth like a bowling ball. Finally being fed up with sitting around doing nothing, he jumped to his feet. His determination got the better of him as he pulled the handle down and stormed out the door, completely forgetting that he was still in his night wear. Konoka just watched, finding it hard to believe that Negi could be so clumsy. She slapped her hand across her forehead, wondering if she should just tell him.
Negi fast walked down the hallways. He didn't know what time it was or where Alicia could have went, but that wasn't going to stop him. His head frantically turned side to side, looking down other halls and trying to spot Alicia, hoping she was ok. As he made his way around the corner, a flash of light blinded him for a moment. Negi lifted his arm and covered his head, slightly turning away to avoid the lights rays. As he trembled foward, he was getting use to the light. He lowered him arm and turned to the light that was seeming to come from the exit, blasting it's way through the glass. A small shadow scarred it's way outside the glass, indicating that someone was leaning on the wall outside. Could it be Alicia? There was only one way to find out.
He slowly approched the glass door, tilting his head to the side to see if he could find out who was there without any disturbance. To no success, he had to walk out in the freezing cold. Pressing his palm against the heavy door, he pushed hard, creating an irritating creaking sound while doing so. The air chilled into the building, whistling past Negi and making him shiver. The air was fresh, but no thanks to the blistering cold that could annoy anyone. He watched the shadow slightly move, letting him know that whoever was beside the wall had been alerted by his presence. Feeling the temperature, Negi wanted this to be over and done with. Unsteadily, he walked away from the building, shaking like mad in the process. Another breeze hit him, making Negi let out a long sigh as the cold air coughed out of his mouth, only to be slapped back into his face as he took another step foward.
He leaned over, poking his head around the wall. There was someone there, but it wasn't Alicia. Infact, it was someone Negi didn't expect at all to be outside on such a cold morning. Her long blonde hair flowed over her shoulder and down her chest, she was just as suprised when she saw Negi out in the freezing cold with nothing but his night wear.
"Ah, Negi-sensei!" shouted Ayaka with joy.
It was always good to see the class rep, but Negi couldn't talk right now. How was he going to slither away without being rude to the girl that basicly admired him the most out of the whole class? Maybe she had seen Alicia.
"Ayaka, good morning" smiled Negi.
"Good morning to you to Negi...arn't you cold?" asked Ayaka.
She had to admit, Negi was even more cute in his night wear...it was just another image she could add to her collection of Negi in clothes she would have loved to see him in. She smirked, wondering if Negi was doing this on purpose or...
"A little, but Im looking for someone. Have you seen a women with blonde hair and blue eyes...she looks a little like you" replied Negi.
"Hmm? Im afraid not sensei, sorry I couldn't be much help" answered Ayaka.
"No worries, it was good to see you" winked Negi.
Ayaka's eyes brightened up as the world around her flashed. Negi may not be sticking around, but at least he made her feel special...well...more than usual. Her face faintly perked up as her cheeks turned a flowery pink colour. She watched Negi turn his back, only for him to twist himself back around, waving his finger up and down with a question on his mind.
"Uh, why are you out here by the way? I wouldn't expect you to be out so early in the cold" asked Negi.
"Why sensei, don't you know? I come out early each morning, the air is always at it's freshest only after the sun rises...well, the sun that is hiding behind these ugly clouds. But when I come out, im usually prepared for the whether...unlike somebody" giggled Ayaka as she pointed at Negi.
He was confused at first, wondering why Ayaka was laughing. He then looked down...FINALLY realising that he didn't change out of his night wear. Negi panicked as he jumped up and down, feeling stupid for not noticing sooner.
"Ehh! Whoops! Hehe, this isn't like me at all" panicked Negi, desperately trying to think of an excuse.
"You really should be more careful Negi sensei, luckily im really the only one who wakes up this early. Otherwise it could have been alot worse. Don't worry though, your embarressment shall stay with me forever!" shouted Ayaka, leaning on one knee and holding Negi's shivering hand in the process.
Negi nervously rubbed the back of his head, faintly whispering out a small "Hehe" sound. Ayaka realised her grip, letting Negi continue his search for the mystery women...that looked...just like her?
"Ehh? Sensei is looking for another women who has equal beauty to me!" shrieked Ayaka, only just realising one of the possbile solutions to Negi's answer.
Trying to warm himself up, Negi wrapped his arms around himself, fiercly rubbing his arms to create warmth. The chilling wind that Negi breathed in shot up his nose, giving him a strange tingling feeling that made Negi feel uncomfortable. Now the coldness was both inside him and out, making his skin turn pale. Waking up early without any food or drink and walking out into the blistering cold wasn't exactly his brightest idea, but with Alicia missing and her daughter still in the room, what more could he do? Wait and hope she shows up? No, Negi wasn't like that. He would happily suffer a little just to check if she was ok, especially to keep Joy's happiness up.
With his feet tight together, he shuffled around the area, hearing and feeling his teeth clutter together repeatedly. Why was it so cold? That's just how things go...one day it's perfect, the next it's like hell, what could Negi do? He was a mage but not a god, controlling the weather was far out of his reach, thats if it was even possible to do such powerful techniques. Although, it wouldn't be very useful...making everyday the way he wanted would be dull.
The birds were still cherping...which was weird to Negi, being the current temperature and situation. He could feel his ears sting as the gust of winds crashed past them with force. Only after walking a while did he finally catch someone in the corner of his eye. As he turned, he struggled to sigh as Alicia was in his sight, leaning down over by the flower garden. She certainly did look warm...only making Negi's needs bigger. He staggered over to her, still feeling awkward about what he was wearing.
"A-A-Alicia" stuttered Negi.
The blonde haired beauty turned with a smile, only for it to turn into a shocked looked when she saw how cold Negi was.
"Negi! Why are you out here like this?" shouted Alicia.
Before he could respond...not that he was in any rush, she grabbed Negi's hand and pulled him closer. His flesh was unbelievably cold, it was lucky the two had found each other or Negi would have turned into a frozen popsicle. She didn't have to try very hard to pull Negi down to his knee's, he practically wanted to rest on the ground. He gently laid himself into her warm clothes as she wrapped her arm around him. She really was a motherly figure, something Negi didn't have much knowledge off...
"Your freezing! What were you doing, running around in nothing but your night wear?" asked Alicia.
Negi embraced the warmth, feeling much better as his body tingled with comfort, being able to relax. Being so close to Alicia felt weird. Yesterday he was blasting his magic at her, now there so close that they would look like a mother and son. Ouch, the thought hit him hard. Negi never knew his mother, he can't remember the last time he was held in her arms.
He quitely sat there, still in Alicia's arms, feeling pretty selfish that he didn't think about his mother more often...It was always about his father, Nagi, the man he idolised the most in his own life, the man who he dreamed about both awake and asleep. It wasn't his falt though...his life being so unfair...he never knew his mother, what she looked like, how she acted...nothing came to his mind. It was all a blur, something he was use to when it came to remember his past. He sloped his head down, looking at the soft grass they were sitting on. The green piece of nature brushed against them, irritating his skin. Alicia, being a mother, could easily tell that something was wrong with Negi...personal problems. She knew the difference between mental and physical problems, even if both were very alike.
"Did I do something wrong?" asked Alicia.
Negi slowly sighed, looking up at Alicia with grief. Now he was the one worrying her. Whats worst is that now he was going to have to tell her about his mother that he hardly knew. Unless he lied? Which most certainly wasn't what Negi intended to, especially to another mage like himself. That wasn't why though...the truth was, Alicia didn't deserve to be lied to, not when she has given so much so save Joy. She told him the truth about why they were here...and now it's his turn.
"You should be proud...being a mother" whispered Negi.
"W-What do you mean?".
"The way your holding me...it reminds me so much about my mother...and how we never spent time together".
"You never knew your own mother?".
"I guess not. To be honest, besides Asuna and the others...you are the closest thing to a mother that I have experianced. I know it may seem mean to my own mother but...I don't even know who she is. I have been so occupied with my father, I never took the time to remember her because...well, I don't know what she looks like, I don't know what she sounds like...what her voice sounds like as she sings me to sleep. All of this has reminded me of how much I miss her...and how much I want to see her again".
The long explanation didn't freak Alicia out, infact, it touched her. Negi was a young boy who had to grow up without his mother and father, a little like Joy. Only now does he start to remember why his life feels so empty, because he has no memories of being held by his mother or being hugged by his father. She remembers hearing a rumour that Negi met his father during a tournemant around Mahora's festival...but it wasn't exactly a happy reunion. Knowing that Negi saw Alicia as a motherly figure only after a day made her feel honoured, Negi being known for his politeness and magic abilities and all. He was a hard kid to impress, and if being a motherly figure wasn't impressive then she didn't know what was. She pulled him closer, letting him know that she cared.
"Negi, do you really see me as a motherly figure to you?" asked Alicia.
"Of course. Your kind, sweet, beautiful. You have everything a mother should. Joy is lucky to have someone like you" smiled Negi.
Alicia opened her mouth slighty, amazed. It was the first time someone really said that she was a good mother to Joy.
"T...Thank you" stuttered Alicia.
"No, thank you" whispered Negi.
"You can't give up on your mother though...even if you don't remember it, she really cared about you. Trust me, being a mother myself, I know that somewhere in your heart, her love is inside of you, waiting to burst out when you need it the most".
"I...I never thought about it like that. Your right!" smiled Negi, perking himself up.
"Now...back to why your out here in your night wear" noted Alicia.
"We were worried about your absence, thinking that something may have happened. I wasn't going to let some cold weather stop me from looking for you and checking if you were safe" whispered Negi.
"Oh Negi, you really are ten. We adults like some time to ourselves you know. I wanted to look around Mahora, it looked so beautiful. But im flattered that you care so much about me" smiled Alicia.
"Hehe...Thats just me, I always want to be sure. Although, your daughter wasn't happy that you were gone. She looked upset".
"She woke up this early? That's a first. I would have never gone out if I knew she was awake. Although...you three were there, so I guess my thoughts got the better of me. I didn't mean to worry you...guess I should have left a note".
"Don't worry about it...but did you get any sleep at all last night?".
"I did during some parts of the night...I still feel refreshed though, being that you offered us the nicest place we have slept in after weeks of living in self made shelters...".
"I wish we had met sooner...I want to help both of you" whispered Negi.
"I know you do, and I find it sweet that you would take your time to help us".
"Are you kidding? I would give everything to save your daughters life. Speaking of which, we should get ready to speak with the dean. When it comes to this sort of stuff, he has a sweet tooth...but it's going to be hard to convince him to let us all go. With me being a teacher and everything..." replied Negi.
"Anything will help" smiled Alicia.
Still sharing there warmth, the two slowly rose, ready to go back to the dorm and prepare to meet the dean. Who knows, the day may be dull but his spirit will be high, all Negi could do was hope that at least the dean would allow him to go with them to help.
After returning to the room to themselves ready, they left with confidence, knowing that there chances were pretty high when it came to the dean. Alicia, Joy and Negi entered the hallway, hearing Konoka shout "Good luck!" as Negi gently closed the door. Funnily enough, Asuna's voiced groaned through the door right after. So many things could have woken her up and out of everything, Konoka's polite voice did it! How awkward, but humourous at the same time as Negi smirked. He turned his attention to Alicia and Joy, who were hand in hand. They really were family, thats why they seemed so great together. His head tilted up and down, noding to them that everything was ready. Joy, not understanding a thing he was doing and where they were going, just made a silly face at him While Alicia noded back. The three of them walked side by side, taking up the whole hallway.
The deans office was still a while away, giving Negi some time to learn more about Alicia. With Joy there, he couldn't ask the more important questions, but that didn't mean he couldn't learn about her normal life.
"So Alicia, Do you have any hobbies?" asked Negi.
"Hobbies? Well...when I was back at our village before...you know. I collected magical artifacts. I saw your collection while staying in your room, it's impressive. I find it hard to believe that your ten" winked Alicia.
"Hehe, what was your rarest artifact?".
"Oh, thats an easy question. The Rope Of Eternal Bleeding. I know it may sound wei-".
"Really! There was only a few made in the world from what I heard! The Rope Of Eternal Bleeding allows the holder to numb there oppenents hands by freezing the blood, making there spells useless. How did you aquire it?" joyfully said Negi.
"I see that you have been doing your research. My father gave it to me for my eighteenth birthday. I guess that since I became a full time magister, my father could trust me with such a rare and powerful weapon".
Just as Negi was having, he immediantly remembered Joy and grinded his teeth together as he looked down. She was paying no attention to either of them, it was like the conversation never happened. Although, Joy being a child, maybe she didn't understand what they were talking about.
"Should we be talking about this infront of..." whispered Negi.
"Don't worry, it's fine. She doesn't know what were talking about" smiled Alicia.
With that worry aborted, Negi could consentrate on more important questions.
"I hope you don't mind me asking, but was your husband a mage?" asked Negi.
"Oh, yes. We were destined to be together when we made our first pactio, it was a wonderful moment. His name was Darilym Shauz. He was quite a famous mage" replied Alicia.
"Does that mean Joys..." whispered Negi as he pointed down at her.
"To tell you the truth, I don't know yet. She should be able to use magic but has shown no signs of it. No aura, no spells, nothing. I have a theory though. Since she has no clue about magic, she hasn't even attempted to use it. As her mother, I can decide whether to teach her the basics straight away or wait a while".
"Wouldn't you rather keep it a secret to her?" asked Negi.
"I would, but thats not going to be possible. Sooner or later...if the curse if lifted, the magic will start bursting out of her. Think of it as a fizzy drink that has just been shaken up. The lid slowly twists itself loose until finally after being bottled up so much, the fizzy drink will explode out of the bottle. That's basically my daughter but with magic. She's going to learn sooner or later, I just prefere to wait until I know it's safe to tell her" explained Alicia.
"Heh, I guess that makes sense".
"My turn to ask you something. Is it true that you beat the famous Takamichi in a tournemant?" asked Alicia.
"Wow, this news spreads fast" thought Negi.
"Well...im going to be completely honest here. It may have looked like I defeated him, but inside...I know that he could have kept going. I still wonder who might have won if he continued going...".
"Whether he let you win or not, you must have done a lot to impress him".
"Maybe...we'll just have to wait until next time".
"I have one more question that im itching to ask...but, it may be abit personal to you".
"Go ahead".
"Did you really meet your father, Nagi Springfield?".
Negi smirked, remembering that small time with his father was one of the best moments in his life. He couldn't help but chuckle with joy.
"I met him alright, and I wouldn't have changed anything about it" smirked Negi.
He placed his hand over the scar on his cheek, something to remind him of his father.
"He gave me this scar...it's a sign of love if you ask me. Im not going to stop though, not until I truly find him" whispered Negi.
Alicia watched Negi, admiring his bravery and thoughts. It wasn't until he stopped and spoke that she noticed two large round doors infront of them.
"Were here" notified Negi.
From what was a long walk turned into a small hop across the stepping stones. All that talking must have kept Alicia amused and made her lose track of time. She watched Negi lift his arm and calmly knock three times on the wooden doors. He awaited the deans approval to enter.
"You may enter" croaked a voice.
Without hesitating, Negi pushed the door open, forcing an head aching creak echo through the room as the door slowly opened. The room was dark and stuffy, just how the dean liked it. The smell of old books and dust scented the air, just how the dean liked it. The only light was a little lamp in the corner of his desk, revealing the dean himself. As Negi walked in, the dean took notice of the two women behind him.
"Ho ho ho, Negi! Come in, I see you have brought guests" shouted the dean happily.
"Yes sir, I don't mean to intrude on you so early on a sunday, but I have an important request" notified Negi.
"Ahh, thats ok Negi. Please, sit! Introduce your friends" smiled the dean.
The wrinkles on the old mans face were very visable from afar, his forehead sloped down and almost bulged over his eyes. Negi took a seat while Alicia and Joy were fine standing. The dean seemed like he was in a good mood...which was good, right?
"I am Konoemon Konoe, the dean of this school. May I ask for your names?" asked the dean.
"I am Alicia and this is my daughter, Joy" answered Alicia.
"Beautiful names, beautiful names indeed. So Negi, what can I do for you?".
"Ah, well...this is a little hard to explain. You see...Joy has had a curse put on her by a demon. Over the past three years, Alicia, her mother, has tried so hard to save her daughter by going from country to country, trying to reach the cure to lift the curse" explained Negi, whispering to keep the conversation away from Joy.
"Oh dear, this is most unfortunant. What is the cure?" asked the dean.
"To be in the middle of a solar eclipse..." whispered Negi.
"How unusual, a very rare cure to catch indeed".
"Alicia has repeatedly tried but was always one step away before the eclipse happened, forcing her to find another. Joy currently has five days left before...the unthinkable can happen".
"This is serious Negi, what was it that you wanted to request?".
"Well...The next eclipe is in Egypt and...Alicia has literally ran out of money to buy any plane tickets. We were hoping that the school...could pay for her trip" nervously explained Negi.
The dean leaned back on his chair, stroking his chin with fascination as he wondered what to do. He would make a small grunt every now and then, making Negi flinch with nerves.
"I don't suppose you want to go with them, young Negi?" asked the dean.
He gulped, ready to give his answer.
"I would feel more comfortable if I did. I know this may be pushing it but I beg you, for Joy's sake, allow me to go with them" begged Negi.
"Hmm...Negi, you do realise that by interfering with the demons arrangement, you will be putting yourself in great danger? Im not sure I can allow you to go. I will be happy to pay for there tickets if it means saving a young life that still has plenty of time...but as for you".
Alicia quickly cut in, attempting to convince the dean himself.
"Please kind sir, our safety is dire to Negi. I know he teaches for you but...all this will distract him from his job, affecting the students. I plead for your cooperation, allow Negi to help us in this unfortunant quest to save my one true meaning of life, my daughter" said Alicia.
The dean watched Alicia nervously stumbled around, holding her daughter tight. He looked down at Joy, who was sweetly smiling at him.
"Very well...Negi, I will allow you to join there trip, but I want Setsuna to join you. Facing such a heartless demon will be tough on your own, which is why not only will Setsuna be joining you, I will hand pick another to join your trip" whispered the dean.
Negi and Alicia's eyes lite up with excitement, Joy now had a bigger chance of success of surviving this horror.
"Thank you sir!" shouted Negi.
"Ho ho ho, with Setsuna, meet your ally by the school gates when the clock hits five. I hope you succeed...but please, be careful" replied the dean.
Negi jumped for joy, making his way over to the door followed by Alicia and Joy.
"Oh, Negi, I almost forgot. Take this" informed the dean.
He reached into one of he draws on his desk and pulled out a piece of paper and pen. While Negi approched the desk, the dean started to write a small chant on the paper.
"Promise me that whether you fail or not, you will use this chant to make your way back to Mahora" asked the dean as he offered Negi the paper.
He hesitated at first, slowly taking a firm grip on the paper.
"Good luck Negi, I wish you the best" whispered the dean.
Negi took the paper, glaring at it while wondering what it did.
"Thank you sir" replied Negi.
The three made there way out, all happy and excited, leaving the dean to reminisce about his choice.
Heres chapter 2! I love this story, even if it does tire me out after writing so much =P
I would love as many reviews as possible please! The more I get, the more confidence I get to make these stories. Whether it be a comment on how I can improve or a simple compliment, anything will do =)
Any reviews will be appreciated!
Thanks for reading!