AN: Another one taking more than a month, I know and apologize profusely. It's a little shorter than chapter 6, but if I tried to start the next scene, it would have taken far longer. It also would have inflated the chapter size immensely. So that will be in Chapter 8. As always, beta'ed by VVoltronSV, and the All Purpose Negima Fanfiction Thread on TV Tropes.
"Afternoon Matinee" (continuation of "Bright and Busy Day", 353)
Asuna slowed down once she was approaching the food court area. She headed to get her usual lunch, smiling just a little at the prospects of it. Another thing I would have missed, right there. She shook her head slightly at her own thought, getting through the lunch line quickly, and glancing around at the tables to see what was available, and who was sitting where.
The lunch area was busy as usual, with a whole mass of students. There was one empty two person table, in a semi-private area, which she smiled at and headed for. She glanced around to see where anyone else might be sitting, but didn't see too many from her class. She glanced at the clock a little worriedly. She still had plenty of time to eat, so that wasn't a problem. She hoped she hadn't missed something, though, that the class was doing. It was a troubling thought. If the class was doing something she'd have a better chance of talking to more of them about staying.
She tried to shrug off the thought, though. She wanted to enjoy her lunch, and there was nothing she could do about it anyway if they had, the stop at the office had taken longer than she'd wanted due to the run-in with Fate. Which was another thing she really didn't want to think about during her lunch, so tried to push back out of her head for the moment. She relaxed, eating very quietly.
And totally unaware of who had entered after her. A pair of round glasses watched Asuna from beneath red hair, trademark scowl in place. And the mind behind the glasses and scowl was debating whether to approach. Something was up, she knew that for certain. And she wanted to know what... With the things happening before, and the suddenly shift starting with this morning... Hasegawa Chisame finally decided, and moved for the table. She slipped up quietly to avoid being noticed, until she set her plate down with a thunk. "So, Asuna... Care to let the uninformed in on what suddenly changed yesterday?"
Asuna blinked at Chisame, frowning just a little bit. "To which do you refer, exactly?" She sighed inwardly. I'd hoped she wouldn't accost me this soon. Oh well. "I mean, I had to miss class yesterday for various reasons, but... you should be used to that by now. I'm working on a way to limit it in the future..."
Chisame narrowed her eyes further at the response. "Yeah. That's why everyone really close to you was acting so down and out over the last few months, and wouldn't tell anyone else what was going on? And especially the last week or so..." She shook her head. "Then suddenly they all miss a couple hours of class, and you miss a day. Now they're all happy as a lark, and Iincho and Sayo are recruiting people to help convince more class members to stay on for high school, saying that you're doing so as well. Something changed, and don't tell me it didn't. Now I'm even hearing that Chao has been seen on campus again! So I know something weird is up."
"I... can't really talk about most of it here, too public of a location. And I'd rather not have to skip lunch... I already was held up because I saw the wrong... person, in the hallway while heading to the office to handle some forms." Asuna smiled just a little then, looking over to Chisame. "Remember how you said you'd lost both Negi and I to events elsewhere, though? Yesterday was going to be the permanent loss, the last time anyone would see me. But..." She glanced around a little. "Chao happened, and there's a growing chance that you might not lose either of us entirely." She looked around to make sure the coast was clear. "Because of what was going to happen, I didn't want people to know about it. Even Setsuna had to find out second hand. Part of the plan to fix matters elsewhere..." She trailed off.
"So you were going to vanish without telling anyone, and just have a little goodbye after and hope it satisfied people who'd never see you again?!" Chisame's scowl deepened, and she leaned her head slightly, light glinting off her glasses and hiding her eyes. "Classy, really classy. Now you say we aren't losing you, and might not even lose Negi entirely? What the hell... Bigger change than I thought. And don't think I didn't notice the change in hairstyle."
Asuna sighed very softly then, trying to get at least some eaten while Chisame spoke. "Look. When we're finished eating, we can go somewhere private and if you'll keep it to yourself, I'll tell you what happened. But right now? I wanna get some food down while I have a chance. And we still have to get back to study for tests afterward, remember..."
Chisame made a soft 'hmph' at Asuna in response, but nodded. "Fine..." She ate her food quickly then, as did Asuna, to finish up with time enough to get through it. Once both were finished, they dropped their trays, and looked for an empty room they could lock long enough for the discussion.
The explanation of what went on took several minutes, during which Chisame's expression seemed to turn more and more foul. Asuna sighed inwardly as she saw that, wondering how much she'd get it with both barrels once she was done. In hopes of avoiding too much wrath, she even mentioned the letter she saw in the time capsule of Chisame and Negi from the other timeline. Chisame's expression, however, didn't lighten. When Asuna's explanation of things was finished, Chisame stared at her for a moment or two. Then...
"What the hell is wrong with you, to agree with all that?! I know I said we were losing both of you, but I didn't think you'd take it to THAT kind of extreme! And on top of that you bring Chao Lingshen back after the Mahorafest incident, along with a copy of Evangeline!" Chisame's voice was at a volume that without the soundproofing, would probably be heard in the next three classrooms. "And you willingly trusted them on the outside to make sure you woke up? They don't give a damn about you, that was proven! Hell, you're lucky someone didn't go in there and take you out to try using you for something else! And obviously they didn't give a damn if you woke up... An extra thirty years! Really! And obviously whatever I did wasn't enough! And to top it off, you hid all of this from nearly all of us, even making the two of your best friends who did find out, hear it second hand! This reminds me why I never wanted to get involved in all the weirdness. It makes all those close to it insane!"
Asuna winced just a bit as Chisame started in with her official tirade about the situation, shaking her head at points. She didn't look away though, as Chisame ranted about anything and everything. At the end, she sighed very softly. "Maybe there was another solution, maybe there wasn't. But the attempt to fix it had to happen immediately. At any rate, that was my yesterday morning. All hundred thirty years of it." She shook her head. "Still need to vent at me about it further? Or would you rather hear about what's been going on since yesterday afternoon? I can almost guarantee you'll feel better about Chao being here after."
Chisame hmph'ed. "I highly doubt that, Kagurazaka. It'd take something pretty damned spectacular. But I'd 'love' to hear what insanity you're trying to pull now, immediately after all that other stupid stuff you just did. And honestly, after all that I just mentioned, I somehow doubt you're going to be topping it this fast."
"It isn't stupid at all actually. Ayaka didn't think it was, Sayo didn't... even Takahata-sensei and Principal-sensei are in on it now. So just sit back, and listen to me explain what we've spoken to Chao about. And how it will affect Negi, the school, and the class. It's better than you think..." Asuna smiled then, launching into the explanation of her grand plan. Chisame listened to the explanation with an expression slightly less foul than before. Her expression calmed a bit as the explanation went on further, except for when Chao was mentioned. That brought her nearly back to being as foul as before. The rest, however, calmed her back down to a point. Asuna went on to explain what had happened earlier in lunch hour, both with Fate and with Takahata and Konoemon.
"... And you came up with all this yourself, since last night? It shows in the if's. I'd planned to stay anyway, if I could while advising him. It isn't like we graduated high school or anything, like some people seem to act. It's middle school. Graduating it means you go on to high school then if you can, to higher education." Chisame grumbled, thinking about how many had planned on leaving. "This would make that a lot easier as well. For all the ifs, especially relying on Chao so much... It's semi-workable even. If, as you say, she's already on board with it." She paused for a moment, narrowing her eyes again. "So, what do you plan on saying to anyone else who caught onto how suspicious yesterday and today are?"
Asuna paused as the question was asked, glancing down at the floor for a moment, then looking at Chisame again, more seriously. "I'm... not sure. Maybe I could just say a version of the truth as it stands..." She smiled a bit then. "I went to find a way to fix everything, and came back with a way to keep Negi and make sure everything is better." She glanced at the clock. "We should be getting back to class, though..."
Chisame hmphed slightly. "That still makes you utterly crazy for doing it. Even if it sounds better than what was intended." she shook her head and glanced to the clock, making a noise. "Damn, didn't realize we'd been talking that long..." She hurried for the door. "We're gonna be late if we don't hurry."
Asuna smiled, and hurried along behind, to head back for the afternoon session.
The class was almost ready to begin session again when Chisame and Asuna arrived. They quickly settled into their seats for post-meal attendance-taking, and study for some of the other classes with tests.
Asuna tried to keep up her notes diligently, writing and writing whenever the teachers said things. Negi was particularly good for English, as she'd mentioned that morning, for stopping and re-explaining if someone didn't understand. Some of the afternoon teachers weren't, and she was trying to keep good notes for anyone who hadn't. She'd planned to talk to those who were in the know about things after classes had ended, after all. And if it all went well, they might be able to do a little bit of training to keep in shape, and a lot of studying. Eva's would be perfect for that, if allowed. The other clubs would probably wish to meet before that, however...
So going to Eva's could be done during evening study. If the class studied as a whole, hopefully Negi or Hakase would be able to explain anything from the lectures that the teachers failed with. But it would require someone to have proper notes to do it with, for the classes he wasn't around for. He had work to be doing when he wasn't in class after all, especially now. And it seemed easier to take notes than it used to, especially with the worry about the test no longer there.
And when she wasn't taking notes on the subject matter, she was taking notes on other things. Reminding herself of who all had pactios now outside of the main Ala Alba group, for one, and what each of them did. And what use they might be in a situation. A few good new support staffers added to the group wouldn't hurt, if they were intending on keeping it together, after all. Though in that arena, she scribbled down one specific note to herself in relation to one specific pactio. Keep nullification field up at all times when near Chizuru's artifact! She almost laughed, thinking about it. No need to use the leek on me, nope! It won't have any effect anyway. I'm making sure of that, to keep it out of my asshole. She smiled to herself, shaking her head a little bit and glancing over in Chizuru's direction. It occurred to her then that one or two Ala Alba members didn't have pactios, and she made note to mention that to Negi as well, and discuss whether it might be an idea, at least in Sayo's case. Then she turned her attention back to her other notes, both for the team and for the classes. I'll discuss that with him when we're not studying for tests, though. He needs to be helping them study.
After two afternoon class periods with other teachers, it was finally time for study hall. Negi's return to the room was greeted by some with relief. The class soon settled in to its normal din, talking and studying going hand in hand. At least to the extent that it usually did during study time, while Negi was overseeing it.
At the moment, Negi was at the front of the classroom, simply maintaining watch and enjoying the time he had with his students. Asuna smiled just a little as she watched him a moment. Then she felt a buzzing vibration from her pocket, and blinked out from watching, glancing back and forth and pulling her phone to check it. The message wasn't entirely unexpected, but she hadn't quite expected it to be arriving this early. Application accepted for Mahora Security. And wanting her to come later in the day to get her procedure manual, and get her initial briefing on upcoming events that would be requiring security to be maintaining extra watch. She didn't notice Negi glancing her way until he cleared his throat softly. She blushed and switched the phone off, slipping it back into her uniform jacket. Negi didn't quite let it go with that though, he was still curious. "Interesting text message, I take it?"
Asuna blushed a little as the quiet comment drew more attention back in her direction, grumbling just a little. I suppose I was just asking to be singled out that time, for checking it. She relaxed herself then, smiling and shrugging. "Just finding out another stop I'll need to make after class. Aside from perhaps the English Culture Research Club..." She smiled just a little. "having an unofficial meeting later, in our usual training location, to get some more studying and other discussion done possibly." She glanced around to the Ala Alba crew quickly, smiling. Then looked back to Negi. "Outside of that, evidently they might want me starting security before next semester starts. The message was them wanting me to stop in to get a copy of the procedure manual and initial briefing."
A few of then blinked, but there was much smiling and nodding among them as well. And a bit of surprise at the mention of what the text was about. Some hadn't known yet that she was intending to stay, figuring she would be going back to her real 'home', and gone after the semester ended.
She would have mentioned the other part, but nothing was 'certain', yet on that front, until she had confirmation from Chao and possibly Hakase. Once she knew that end was going smoothly, and the acceleration of the project was underway, she would mention it. The sooner the better, both for the project and for keeping the class together. She glanced back idly at the class, noticing one less than enthused expression. Evangeline. Of course. I'll have to talk to her later. Eva noticed her looking, and sent her a glare. She turned around, smiling once Eva couldn't see it.
The remainder of the study hall settled into the general din of students studying and reviewing. Some doing it in groups were a little more noisy than others, but none were trying to do the stripping game version at least. She, however, was busily thinking about what she needed training in and how she'd need to train for it. She wasn't as good as she needed to be, with anything. Lets see... continue training with Setsuna for the big sword, I'll need to hang around the casters while they're practicing... Hmm. I should find out if it's possible to adjust the null field to let something with a particular signature gather and go out unaffected. If so, I need to learn how to do it, if not, I need to be careful about controlling the size so I'm not blocking outbound attacks. Kanka... well, I shouldn't be trying to divide my attention that many ways, really. If no way to learn that kind of control over the null field is available immediately, I'll practice with what I know. If I can learn enough on my own... I know he probably wouldn't mind teaching, but if I'm stretched thin I don't want to be bothering Takahata over it as well. She nodded to herself.
With that decided, she settled in her seat slightly, and waited for the class to end. A glance at the clock told her she wouldn't have to wait long. She smiled a little bit, wondering what would await her at the security office.
Konoka smiled over to Asuna as she put her books back in the bag. "So, off to security then? Good luck! We going to be seeing you between the security meeting and the meeting at the resort?"
Asuna nodded quickly, smiling in return. "Depends on how long the security briefing takes. Hopefully it won't be too long. They know I'm going on the trip, I'm certain. Not sure if they'll be trying me out on foot patrol or whatever else. They might want me to learn the procedure manual first..." She made a face then. "And probably during our vacation at that..."
The idea of that gave Konoka a little bit of a pouty face, for just a moment before she smiled again. "Well, hopefully not too much during the trip. I mean, it's our graduation trip, after all... That's supposed to be our time to have fun and not worry about it."
"I'm not worried about it. I'll study it on the plane and when we're doing something boring. I'm sure not all the activities will appeal to everyone after all. And whenever one comes up that doesn't appeal to me, I get study time in. No worries at all." She smiled and hopped up, gathering her books, and making sure she had a fresh notebook at the front of the bag for when she got to security. "Anyway, I'd better get going, don't want to be late!"
Konoka nodded and smiled. "See you later then!" She waved then, as Asuna hurried out from the classroom.
Asuna hurried to where the security office was, scampering across campus as quickly as she could manage through the traffic, trying to avoid it and keep going when possible. Even then, it took a few minutes to get to the security office. She checked the text message as she approached, for which room she needed.
When she entered the security office, the man at the desk smiled to her and nodded. "Miss Kagurazaka, I'm guessing? You're expected, and can head to room 3 for your appointment. The staffer who will be doing your briefing is already there waiting."
She blinked then and nodded. "Hope I didn't keep them waiting too long." She hurried down to room 3, sliding to a stop at the door, and opening it slowly, with a soft knock. "I'm here! Hurried as quick as I could..."
"You didn't bump anyone or knock them over trying to get here more quickly, did you, Asuna?" The door opened totally, and Takahata was standing in the security room, smiling as he saw her. "I know that one time was an accident, but I still worry when you say that."
Asuna smiled brightly upon seeing Takahata waiting for her. Then blushed hard. "I was as careful about hurrying as possible. I didn't hit anyone." She smiled then. "I've gotten better at dodging and avoiding since then. Keeps me from bowling people over. Don't want to get into trouble already, after all..." She slipped into the room totally then, and closed the door, settling in for the briefing. "Never thought it would be you doing the briefing..." She smiled.
Takahata nodded and smiled a moment, then his expression got more serious. "I'm the one who does it sometimes for those among the security staffers who are in know, and have to keep the school safe from both mundane and magic level threats. Technically, you're still a junior staffer, as a student. Unofficially, well, we discussed that."
"I'll be talking to them tonight about it, we'll be meeting in Eva's resort later on, when the clubs are all out and done for the day. I know Setsuna already does foot patrols at least. I'm sure there will be no objection to jumping in if it's an emergency. Outside of that, though..." Asuna frowned slightly, thinking. "The others aren't in security. We needing more security staffers? I could probably convince some of them to join..."
"I'm pretty sure we won't be too hard up for junior staffers, actually. And there are plenty who won't want to sign up, I'm certain. Having them in emergencies should be enough, hopefully." He considered a moment. "Going to be going to Eva's tonight, huh? Planning on training? Or are some of them going to be studying there as well?"
Asuna smiled just a little bit. "Yeah, it's officially a study session for us and whoever anyone wants to come outside of it. I'm planning to ask Ayaka if she wants to come..." A brief pause. "Any training will be done within the group tonight. Eva didn't look too happy to be having us crashing her place later, so unless she's wanting to beat someone up for it, especially me... I didn't plan on bothering her for it. The studying especially will go better if Negi is there. Depending on Chao, he might need to be talking to her, Hakase and Fate, but... hopefully that won't take all night, even if it does happen today."
Takahata nodded a little bit as he listened to that. "Well, I guess you'll see what happens on that front when you get there. Still, you shouldn't be using that for studying too much. Might upset some of the teachers who know about it. For now, however..." He held up the procedural manual for the Security Department. "You need a copy of this, and should be learning it as soon as possible. Your job will be starting very soon after you return from your graduation trip."
"Before the new semester starts? Huh. Didn't realize anything would be going on at that point. Won't the students be off campus at least mostly?" Asuna pondered that. "So what exactly is it that's going to be happening during the break?"
"A hopefully quiet diplomatic conference between the Kanto and Kansai associations, and one of the larger American ones, partially. The Americans are also talking about showing some of their younger students the campus and how it operates. On the outside, to teachers who aren't in the loop, it's been cited as a group of American private school students. Basically looking at Mahora as an alternative to their current schools." Takahata frowned slightly. "The number of students isn't high, but if any rogue elements get it in their heads to try taking any disputes with the American organizations out on the students in any form, we need to be able to prevent it. And if there aren't enough chaperones, and there might not be, we may need to help watch them during their visit, and when they tour the city."
"And of course, only the ones in the know can help with the situation. I may talk to a few of them about that, I'm sure this is a situation where some of the girls would be glad to pitch in. Still... depending on how many there are..." She frowns. "When they go look at the city and surrounding area will be the most potentially dangerous. How young are we speaking of here, though?" Asuna frowned. "I'm hoping that they're smarter than to bring primary school age children here."
Takahata shook his head. "That's the problem, really. They're bringing a group of seven and eight year old kids. Negi might have have been overly mature at that point, but these kids won't be." He sighed. "But no one tried to dissuade them, evidently, so... yes, if some of the girls could help, that would be great. Mana will be around likely, but she might be charging us if she has to pull us off the fire too often."
Asuna started flipping through the manual as she listened to Takahata telling her the details of the first situation, nodding at some of the points made. When he finished, she frowned severely. "Sounds as though it has the potential to turn into a disaster if it goes bad. Mana likes kids, but... yeah, if she sees us as unable to take care of the problem, she'll likely charge. Still... good encouragement to do it ourselves without her." She flipped further through the manual, looking over the procedures and forms required for it. "I'll get the procedure manual learned before that, anyway. First one I'll ask for helping with it is probably Konoka, with Setsuna already on it, she'll likely want to help..." She trailed off slightly, thinking, almost laughing after a moment, looking to Takamichi as she did and raising her eyebrows.
Takahata nodded just a bit. "Yes, Konoka is also good with children, another good reason to have her high on the list for helping." He blinked as Asuna trailed off and started laughing, blinking just a bit curiously. "Er... what's so funny?"
"Ever miss the days of just going out and dealing with a situation, and evaluating it on site as it happened? Without the paperwork and procedures and everything?" Asuna shook her head then, still smiling. "If he saw us now, with procedure books and all the careful planning that might go out the window... Depending on whether they bring the numbers implied and indicated, and what kind of problems and rogue elements show up, what kind of problems might happen internally from the sheer fact that it's little kids..." She ticked off all the potential hiccups on her fingers. "Anyway, he'd either laugh at how meticulous we're trying to be without having seen the situation, or just shake his head that we've gotten like this."
That drew a laugh from Takahata, as he understood. "Or just remind us that no plan survives contact with the situation. Probably right though, it could be either. Look at us, all the recklessness gone, practically being bureaucrats." He shook his head a little bit, still smiling. "I'm sure he'd be happy to see you finding it so funny. Still, the situation is different. Not like the old Rubra days. We're not going to be wandering to a new location to fix something else once we're done, so we need to handle the situation more responsibly in terms of documenting it for others, and having plans in place. Any questions on the procedure manual, so far?"
"Suppose so. And obviously Ala Alba is limited on some counts by student status, unless there's a chance to get excused for absences caused in the line of resolving a major problem. I'd rather not wind up having to ask for that, though. Not even sure we'll be operating like that really. If we do wind up having to go places to fix anything, it'll be nice to have a home we can come back to after. Rather than cheap hotels, or rented rooms." Asuna laughed just a little at that. "Still, not sure who we'd use as a public face at this point, anywhere, even using a cover. Might be good to have Ayaka in totally for that..." She stopped herself then. "And I'm getting off topic again, sorry. No questions so far. It's pretty straightforward. Too many forms to fill out, but they don't look overly hard either."
"Ayaka or Chizuru, anyway. Naba Heavy Industries is going to be involved as well, after all. And didn't I hear she has a healing artifact? I'm surprised you haven't asked her about being support staff already, now that you can avert the breakup." He smiled then. "Suppose there hasn't been time, right? Anyway, yes, a little off topic again. Good to hear that there aren't any questions on the manual. Just make sure you know it and are ready to chaperone the kids."
The mention of Chizuru made Asuna twitch promptly, looking over at Takahata. "Actually, I was thinking about her earlier today in study hall. Mostly in terms avoiding the artifact you just mentioned. Did anyone tell you how it worked? It came out as the working version of her older home remedy with the leeks. For myself, I'd rather not be violated by a leek. I'm actually quite glad I can make sure it won't work." She smiled a little bit then, nodding. "Anyway, anything else you need to go over with me for the briefing?"
Takamichi blinked, giving Asuna a curious look at that. Then thought about it more. "Oh... that remedy..." he winced. "Definitely not something wanted, even if it does work." He shook his head then and laughed. "And that was about it for the briefing. That and the foot patrol sign-up sheet..." he gestured to it. "You should make sure you read the manual before doing that, though."
Asuna nodded just a little and smiled. "Yeah, worse than that, the artifact is mind-affecting to some extent as well. All in all, damned scary." She looked at the sign-up sheet and nodded. "Okay then. I guess I'd better get back to the dorm, if that's all. Need to start studying the manual, and get ready for Eva's tonight. And hope the 130 years asleep before coming back hasn't affected me too much in combat. I'd hate to be all signed up and ready to start security work, only to find out I've suddenly become useless in a fight. But that's for tonight, I'm hoping Setsuna will be able to help me work that out and fix it if needed." She reached for the door handle then, opening it up. "Always good seeing you, at any rate. See you later maybe."
"It's a possibility." Takahata nodded a little and smiles. "Have a good evening, Asuna-chan."
"I'm planning on it!" She slipped out the door then, not hurrying too much until she was outside. The foot traffic had gone down some, making the trek quicker.
As Asuna arrived back at the dorm and hurried up the stairs, the first thing she noticed was that the door to her room with Konoka and Negi was open. She smiled a little bit. She figured on Konoka being back. Yet it wasn't Konoka's voice she heard. She didn't hear what exactly was said, but she smiled more, recognizing Setsuna's voice. She slowed her approach to the door, tapping on the frame before entering. "You two wanting to be alone, or can I drop my books before heading to grab a bite and get to Eva's for the study meeting?"
The reaction to the implication was quite immediate. Setsuna started blushing beet red, and Konoka dissolved into giggles seeing it. Meanwhile, Chamo stuck his little head out the door to look at Asuna, his little face and voice giving the distinct appearance of disappointment. It crept into his voice as well. "Nothing exciting going on here, ane-san. Setsuna hasn't loosened up quite that much with Konoka, yet-"
He was interrupted after that comment by a shadow falling over him. Setsuna picked him up by the scruff of the neck, and held him so her eyes would meet his properly. "Such comments are improper. You should not even be joking about them."
Chamo gulped as he looked at Setsuna's intense glare, squirming just a little bit. "Aww, c'mon, nee-san... You and Konoka-san should totally be enjoying one another more. Especially when I'm around to see it!"
Setsuna's blush intensified, even as she glared. Konoka, meanwhile, slipped up from her bunk, still giggling, and wrapped her arms around Setsuna quickly. "Secchan, he's just being a silly perv, that's just how he is. Don't be too mean to him. He's been helping me some on my other study work as well. I had to stop for finals in the normal classes, but..." She smiled.
Asuna just shook her head, giving Chamo a... less than serious scowl. "Little perv of an ermine. You really are going to step over the line some day, you know that? And someone with a temper worse than mine will do something horrible to you. You're just lucky I'm in too good of a mood to do it myself."
Setsuna looked over to Asuna at that. "Speaking of which, should I guess this meeting tonight is partly about maintaining Ala Alba under it's official club name listing and status, for the next school year?"
"Yeah, that's a big part of it. I thought we should touch base just in case, I'm hoping we can keep a stable group together in case something comes up." Asuna slipped in and dug the textbooks out of her bag, leaving the notes for the classes. "Not to mention dealing with what we found out about Negi's father, when over there. It may have been an illusion trying to draw him into a trap, but it may not have been. We need to figure out which, and figure out what kind of action to take to resolve it and get him back. Depending on circumstances, I'm rating that as a long term project, though. In the short term, I'd like to keep us together, yes. And maybe be able to handle smaller situations if they come up. As good as the training in the resort is, field experience is still better." She smiled then. "Since I'm staying around, I'm also hoping to pick back up on sword training. I haven't had it out since coming back, and I don't want to find out that I'm really rusty and thus useless, if I try to pull it out in a situation."
"You have been improving, but you have much to learn still." Setsuna nodded a bit. "And since you went so long without wielding the blade, even while asleep, it is smart to be checking first. This can be handled in Eva's later tonight. Once we are done studying, of course."
Asuna smiled and nodded, then looked to Setsuna. "Potentially assisting with emergency situations was one of the things discussed during the security briefing, between Takahata-sensei and I. In theory, even if Negi is busy, between the rest of us we can bring more to bear on a problem than the security staff can. Also..." She sighed. "Mention was made of a situation coming up after break, that I'm dreading on two levels. If the conference with the American groups heads towards what happened prior, Negi or I will likely be dragged there to say something about it. Since Negi might be busy, and I'll be there for sure..." She trailed off, and looked to Konoka. "Anyway, the second issue with it is them bringing some little kids from their magic schools on a field trip here. Since the campus will be empty and all. But not enough chaperones, and security staff limited to those 'in the know'. That is being discussed as at least a dry run for more of us helping security, past those signed up. Since it's a 'nice, easy job' that basically involves babysitting seven year old kids." She made a face. "That's also going to be the start of me working for Security directly, as well."
Konoka laughed at the face and shook her head. "Great first job for you, since you don't like 'brats', yes?" She grinned and giggled again at the expression Asuna gave to the comment. "Hmm... Not all of us are good with kids though. I'm sure I could probably help, though." She looked over to Setsuna, smiling still. "Hmm, maybe we could be doing foot patrols and stuff together... it could be nice and romantic..."
Setsuna blushed hard at that and sighed very softly. "Kono-chan ojou-sama..." She shook her head a little bit. "The matter could be serious if someone tries to capture the children. And we need to make sure they don't cause problems..."
"I know..." Konoka laughed. "Just hoping to have some fun along with it. Guess we'll have to save it for when we're not patrolling, then." She slipped up to give Setsuna a hug then, causing her to blush further.
"Yeah, great first job..." Asuna sighed and shook her head, smiling just a little after. "All kinds of little brats to deal with." She laughed a bit at Konoka and Setsuna. "Foot patrols will be part of it, some of us will probably have to go along if they go see the rest of the city as well. Can't be letting them cause a problem in the shopping areas, either."
Setsuna frowned and nodded slightly at that. "Our courses of action will be severely limited at that point. They have of course been warned of the consequences of exotic misconduct. But with limited supervision, the idea may be tempting."
Konoka laughed and shook her head. "You're both silly. I'm sure it'll be just fine. They'll behave for us if we're watching them. It'll be a good experience. We just need to keep them entertained. That's all."
"That's all, huh?" Asuna snorted, making sure she had her notes, her bath supplies, and anything else she would need for Eva's, packed up properly. "Because that's just so easy... I haven't the slightest idea what will keep 7 year old kids entertained outside of sitting them in front of their own cartoons. Since at least half the anime shows on are definitely not for kids." She shouldered the bag then. "Anyway, supper, then on to Eva's for the study session and any discussions that need having. Depending on how far the rumor of my departure got spread, I'll probably have to deal with that as well. Ayaka found out somehow after all." She sighs. "Anyway, discussion hopefully will be for when Negi shows up."
They nodded quickly, and she slipped out the door, heading for supper. All the while pondering what would happen at Eva's later.
