A/N: As always, thank you for the reviews and continued support. You guys have been amazing.

I suppose when you try to write a fic relating to something that's not completely done yet that factual errors are inevitable. I've tried to write this fic in a way that leaves room for anything particular that may come up. With the storyteller that KA is however, this is rather difficult task. In the end, it might just be easier to declare parts of this story as AU instead of trying to explain little differences here and there. Anyway, we'll see how things develop.

Also, in this story, just to clarify, Setsuna's mother Yuko has no relation to the canon Yuuko in Negima (Yuuna's mother).

One final thing, I've change my spelling of Kotaro to Kotarou.

Warning: un-beta read

Disclaimer: I don't own Negima.

Illumine

…..Chapter 7…..

Security had been tightened immensely in Megalomesembria since their visit three years ago. Konoka supposed it was only natural. When there is a national threat that puts the public in danger—even if it all works out in the end—governments want to look like they have a handle on the situation. There was nothing wrong with this reaction per say, but the new transportation laws and the increased military and police forces were getting in their way. And that was only making it harder to get to Setsuna.

She supposed she should be grateful for the relative ease at which they passed through the gateport. Negi had been tense throughout the whole exchange, almost as if he expected Fate to emerge from every shadow. Ayaka had gawked at the view of the city, much like they all had done when they first came to the Magic World. Besides these little details, their group could have passed for anyone. There had been a bit of a fuss from the customs official who handled their transfer on the Magic World side when she realized who they were, but Asuna had been quick to stop the worker from acting out of the ordinary. She even managed to procure a couple of hooded cloaks out of it to better hide her and Negi's identity. So they had made it through and they were in the Magic World, and Konoka had felt that much closer to Setsuna. Despite her anxiety, with the use of her friends' talents, it had all been easy so far.

She shouldn't have been surprised when they encountered their first setback.

They had barely gotten off the ground just outside the city limits in another Haruna-created vessel courtesy of Imperium Graphices when they were flagged as an unidentified airship. A small fleet of some sort of state military police had flashed around the goldfish ship—a copy of the original Great Paru-Sama—entrapping them within a magic barrier and demanding registration and release of any extraneous magic spells on the vehicle via intercom. They certainly did not have any registration to give and the ship itself was an artifact creation so who knew if it would count as 'extraneous magic.' Quick compliance—grounding and powering down the airship—on their part let them walk away without incident, but also without a means of transportation.

Now gathered loosely together in one of the many city squares Konoka wondered if they had made the right decision in that moment. They could have broken through the magic barrier and caused a ruckus, but they would have been well on their way to Tharsis and the crow demons' village. They could have also revealed their identities as Ala Alba, and there would have been a small possibility they would have been free to go. However, she suspected the more likely scenario would have been an escort to government buildings. That would have left them entangled in bureaucratic nonsense and also with public knowledge of their presence in city. And it certainly seemed their absence from the Magic World had not diminished their popularity. Ayaka had positively gaped at the intricate statue depicting Ala Alba's likeness just outside of the gateport, but more indicative to their fame was the fresh flowers, small gifts, and personal notes that had been recently placed at base of the statue. Konoka had gaped at the sheer number of such items.

She fidgeted and cast a glance at Chisame. Her classmate looked like she was asleep, propped up on a bench between a hooded Negi and Chachamaru. Her artifact, Sceptrum Virtuale, was gripped loosely in one hand on her lap. Chachamaru was currently holding onto Chisame's laptop. The machine was running, and the gynoid was rapidly typing on the keyboard, keeping a running dialogue with Chisame inside the Internet. The click of the keyboard was the only hint of normalcy amid the fantastic setting of Mundus Magicus. Well, that, and Asuna and Ayaka, whose awkward attempts at apologies were quickly escalating into another nonsensical shouting match.

She gave them a sidelong glance. Asuna's shoulders were pinched upwards and her body leant in toward Ayaka. She almost looked like she was about to reach across and grab the other girl by her shoulders. Curiosity peaked; Konoka found her attention drawn momentarily to the two and away from the prone form of Chisame. She ignored their words, increasingly laden with the same ritual insults—monkey, shotacon, brute, baka—and focused on their body language. They were barely a foot apart, their cheeks flushed in rage, their shoulders squared into each other. Their hands rose and fell as they slipped around actually touching each other until Ayaka poignantly jabbed a finger right below Asuna's collarbone. "You idiot!" The normally statuesque blond near roared. She punctuated her subsequent words with another jab. "You run off without a thought—"

Asuna grabbed the offending hand with one of her own before Ayaka could land another jab, and out-shouted the blonde. "I didn't want you to get hurt okay!?"

"—not even considering the—" Ayaka's mouth snapped shut mid sentence and she stared at the other girl with wide eyes as Asuna's words were finally processed.

"Yeah! You heard me!" Asuna said into the following silence. Her voice was still raised even as she gently held Ayaka's hand. "I didn't want you to come along because I didn't want you to get hurt! This world is crazy—just look around right here! That statue of all of us outside the gateport? That doesn't even begin to tell the story of what we went through last time."

"I know that," Ayaka said slowly with composure Konoka admired. The class president laid her free hand on Asuna's shoulder. Her gaze, where before it had traveled from narrowed and angry to wide-eyed surprise, was now settled into a sort of heartbreaking tenderness that was fully encompassed on to Asuna. "You told me. Asuna… Setsuna is a friend. I want to help. I also want to be here for you. I want to protect you from—"

"Protect me? This world doesn't know what to do with me! If something happens, I can protect myself," Asuna said sharply. But she didn't lean away or withdraw her hand, Konoka noted. Can't you see what Ayaka's trying to say Asuna? She's not so worried about your physical wellbeing as your emotional and mental. Come on, Asuna. Let her protect that for you! Konoka wished she could jump into the conversation to say just that, but both of her classmates would have been horrified to hear such a thing aloud. Having to cope with the reality of her identity as the Twilight Imperial Princess and all that history it entailed, along with the extremely varied reactions from the Magic World populous to her identity, had been like climbing a mountain after running a marathon for Asuna those three years ago. Her roommate had been held together by a thin, worn knot after the dust had settled from the climax of their first trip to the Magic World and she was left with the knowledge of her lineage and past. Ayaka had seen the damage first hand and had soothed the hurt and uncertainty better than Konoka, Negi, or Setsuna at the time. Of course the class president would worry about Asuna's potential reaction when she returned to the Magic World for the first time since then. Konoka didn't doubt that some loyalty and friendship to Setsuna played a roll too, but she knew Ayaka was smart enough to recognize that the real attributes and abilities among their class to pull off a rescue did not rest on her shoulders. She really cares about you Asuna. Don't let your pride get in the way of that.

"And so can Negi and everyone else," Ayaka added, "but I'm here—"

Konoka watched Asuna's muscles twitch as she clenched Ayaka's hand tighter and interrupted the blonde. "I can't rescue Setsuna if I'm too busy worrying about you!"

Ayaka's eyes lost a little of their tenderness as her head titled up haughtily. "I know how to defend myself."

Asuna growled, "Get real Iincho. This is not a game."

"I know! Setsuna's life is at stake! Why are you so infuriating?" Ayaka shot back. Despite their sharp words, they had yet to release their handhold.

"I've already told you! I worry about you, you idiot! I care about you!"

"Well so do I!"

This is ridiculous. They're so busy shouting their feelings they don't hear what the other one is saying. Konoka wanted to shake them both. It didn't help that now they were attracting onlookers beyond their own group. If someone looked too closely…

She heard the click of the laptop lid being shut and then a low groan from behind her. Turning, she found Chisame stretching between Negi and Chachamaru. She forgot all about Asuna and Ayaka as a bubble of anticipation worked its way into her throat.

"Yeesh! I wish this damn thing could do something better with my body while I'm in the Net," Chisame said. She glowered at her artifact momentarily and then turned a glare onto Negi. "I'm blaming you."

"S-Sorry," Negi winced.

Chisame huffed. "Don't worry about it. I'll blame the rat instead," she said tossing a look at Chamo who sat on top of Haruna's head.

"Your computer Chisame-san," Chachamaru offered, holding the laptop out.

"Yeah thanks," Chisame responded, banishing her artifact and then taking the laptop. She slid it into her backpack with practiced motion. "Alright Konoka, I think I've found what we've wanted. Most of the black market traffic here seems to be coming from this one source—a guy who goes by the name Claw."

"Claw?" Konoka echoed curiously.

"It's an intimidation name thing against his other black market competitors," Chisame snapped. "It's not like he would put his real name out there for the police to find either. Anyway, it looks like we can get everything we need from him—a ship, fake license, and a fake registration. For a price."

"That's where I can come in!" Haruna announced. Konoka noted that everyone but Asuna and Ayaka was listening to them. "Check it out! They take away my ship? I'll just make money to buy another one with the details to go with it."

Konoka smiled at Haruna's enthusiasm and at the idea that if everything went well, they could be on their way to Setsuna in an hour. "Well let's go!"

"Not so fast!" Chisame said. "Are you sure we should just walk in there without a plan? We're going to essentially visit a black market, mafia dealer…shouldn't we, you know, prepare in some way."

Konoka bit her bottom lip. Chisame made a good point. She shot a glance at Negi, trying to read his expression, but the hood of his cloak kept his face shaded from her vantage point. Around her she could feel her friends waiting and ready for anything. Distantly, she heard Ayaka and Asuna yell at each other.

"I'm ready to take on anyone!"

"Yeah, you're training doesn't even compare!"

"Just because I wasn't put through boot camp with you doesn't mean I haven't been trained properly!"

Goodness, what were they even shouting about now? But it didn't matter as Konoka remembered exactly who she had in her company. If there was ever a group that could react to any situation, it was this one. Besides, this Claw character should be pleased to have some quick business, why would he try to cause trouble?

"I think we'll be okay," she said finally. "It's not like we're looking to cause trouble. We just want to do a little business. Everyone just act normal..." Normal probably wasn't the right word for her friends. "Don't do anything rash, okay?"

She took a couple of steps, her friends shifting uncertainly behind her, and then Konoka realized she had no idea where to go.

Kazumi saved her. "Hey Konoka, how about if I send out a few scouts to lead the way?"

Konoka colored. She really wasn't suited to this leader thing—Negi would have known from the beginning that the best thing to do would be to utilize Kazumi's artifact. She nodded her head in Kazumi's direction with an embarrassed smile. "Please."

And just like that, they were on their way. Kazumi's Occulus Corvinus and Sayo scouted the path and guided their way through the city after Chisame assisted by pointing in the general direction she expected Claw to be found in from her search online. Asuna and Negi, both cloaked as two of the more recognizable members of their party, walked beside her along with Kazumi who gave her continuous updates. Others followed behind in small clusters in order to avoid stares that would come with a large clump of people. Ayaka stalked Asuna's heels, glaring at the back of her head, seemingly unfinished arguing and trying to send a message despite the other girl's deliberate attempts to ignore her. Personally, Konoka thought Ayaka was acting a bit like an elementary school boy—being mean just to get his first crush's attention.

Their surroundings changed slowly. The nice buildings with tasteful décor and wide, busy streets gave way to weather-stained walls and narrow, dark alleys. The deeper they traveled into this part of Megalomesembria, the thinner the crowds became. There were less people on the streets and more seedy bars and questionable stores. Lewd, predatory, and threatening glances replaced curious and friendly stares. Konoka would not call this area destitute by any means from the comparisons she could draw from videos and pictures of slums across the world she had seen in school, but it was definitely a little more worn compared to the main thoroughfare they had been in previously. Here, the streets were still mostly clean, the people, while gruff, were healthy, and there was a lack of despair that seemed to dominate ghettos of the Old World. The increasing feeling of danger though was an entirely different matter. She wondered where all of that police force they had seen earlier had disappeared too.

She knew she wouldn't have noticed the menacing air if it wasn't for Negi's tense walk or Asuna's furtive glances beside her. She was not a warrior like they were, and Setsuna always tried to keep her as far removed as possible from danger even though Konoka had been more willful about learning magic over the past few years. Asuna and Negi put her on edge though, even if neither had said anything. Still, Kazumi received no messages of trouble from any of her scouts so they pressed ahead. When a report finally came back from Occulus Corvinus that matched Chisame's information gleaned from her sojourn online on Claw's base, Konoka breathed a sigh of relief…only to jump in surprise as a hand tapped her shoulder.

"This one will go confirm the location if you would like Konoka-dono," Kaede said with an apologetic smile.

Konoka didn't hesitate. "Thank you Kaede. That would be great. We'll wait here."

"Follow this one Kaede," Kazumi said, pointing at one of the scouts of her artifact as it began to dart away.

Kaede nodded once, and then, after the slightest of movements, seemed to disappear on spot. The only sign of her quick departure was the rustle of noise and the flash of color that brushed by Konoka's vision. She got one more brief glimpse of Kaede as the ninja rounded a corner before vanishing.

"Showoff." Konoka heard Mana mutter as the others gathered together.

Ku Fei's bright, mischievous smile caught her attention even though it was directed toward the mercenary. "Why don't you chase then aruyo?"

Mana shot the Chinese girl a dry look. "Kaede can handle herself just fine. I don't see the need to waste the energy or manpower of sending two people when one person is sufficient."

Ku Fei's grin remained as she nodded with uncharacteristic submission. "'Course. Sorry Mana."

The mercenary looked at the martial artist out of the corner of her eyes with an almost petulant frown gracing her normally austere features, obviously wondering what Ku Fei was actually trying to say. The sharp eyes blinked, and Konoka found that hawk gaze leveled on her with Mana's typical quiet intensity. "Any orders before Kaede returns…Ojou-sama?"

There were many things about Mana Tatsumiya that Konoka found echoed in Setsuna. It didn't help that the two were roommates and fighting partners. They shared a quiet composure and confidence that hinted at inspiring skill. From a distance they seemed to be independent, aloof young women driven by duty. Both could be entirely too professional or formal depending on the situation. And it was Mana's formal usage of "ojou-sama" that made Konoka really stare at her classmate as she shook her head.

Certainly, Mana had long called her "ojou-sama," and always with respect. She never said it mockingly, challengingly like Evangeline might, and never with a blush or stutter like Setsuna used to do. The mercenary was nothing if not professional. So when she heard that hint of hesitation, when she thought about Mana's behavior since her birthday party, and when she actually met that hawk-like gaze, Konoka realized just how uncertain Mana was about their situation. That was something else, Setsuna and Mana had in common—both cared regardless of their professional exterior. Setsuna certainly was more open about it, especially since Konoka had her way with her. Mana was largely still cold and professional, but she cared too, even when the signs were much more subtle. Or to the point of near nonexistence, Konoka thought as the mercenary narrowed her brow when her stare lingered.

They're many differences between my Set-chan and Mana too. Konoka's heart thudded painfully as her desire to see Setsuna waxed as she looked away from that sharp glare. Setsuna's gaze was only deadly cold toward her enemies. She was sharp only when she felt as if there was a threat. Setsuna was gentle and shy…and strong and capable. And passionate—once you get behind those blushes and stammers. Setsuna was contradictory, and Konoka loved her for it. She loved that her ministra was a dangerous warrior who would worry about something like if her pancakes turned out well. She felt herself smile. Setsuna always fretted about the most nonsensical things, but that only showed just how much she cared. That also made Konoka worry at times because her girlfriend would be so concerned with others, she would forget to take care of herself.

Konoka fingered the necklace—the birthday gift from Setsuna. Her ministra often held her personal wellbeing on a lower tier. It was something they fought about even now, even when Setsuna was so much better than what she used to be. Or, more correctly, Konoka scolded Setsuna who would most of the time just nod her head submissively, which missed the entire point of the scolding. And then the crow demons came and made the degradation all too real…

Blue and green swam into her vision. "Konoka!"

She jumped back, startled, the sheath of Yuunagi banging against the back of her knees. Her heart pounded in her chest as if she had just run a mile at full sprint. Asuna peered at her worriedly, hands on her hips "Paru asked you a question…"

It took a moment for her to find her voice and untie her tongue. "Sorry," she smiled apologetically at Haruna who had her artifact out yet again. "What is it?"

"I thought I should go ahead and create money for our coming expenses. Any objections?"

"Good idea," she answered sincerely. It only made sense. This Claw character probably wouldn't take anything that just materialized right in front of him.

"Right," Haruna flashed a confident grin and gave a thumbs up, before turning to Chisame. "Yo Chiu-chan, how much do you think we'll need?"

Konoka missed the rest of the conversation as she found a strong hand at her elbow, pulling her slightly away from the crowd of classmates.

"Are you alright?" Asuna whispered. Her features were drawn with worry underneath the hood of her cloak.

"Yes, I'm sorry," Konoka said. It was the only thing she could say. She realized what it must have looked like—her gazing off into space not responding to anyone. It wasn't even just what she looked like. She knew she couldn't just shutdown like that. Setsuna hadn't even been missing for a full day yet, and she was losing it. This was more than a little troublesome. Stay focused!

"As long as you're not jumping off into the deep end yet." Asuna's attempt to smile lightly was ruined by the worry still present in her eyes. "You know you can always talk to me, right?"

"I know," Konoka responded meeting Asuna's multicolored stare.

"Heh," Asuna grinned fully. "Roommates forever right?"

"Forever," Konoka giggled, letting familiar levity take over. They really had been roommates forever. They had lived with each other as much as they had with anyone else… Well, that is if you disregarded Asuna's past before Mahora. It was hard to hide anything from a person that had seen you at your best and worst since middle school.

"Negi doesn't like this area too much," Asuna said as their smiles faded and gestured toward the teacher.

Negi's tension wasn't obvious to the untrained eye, but his whole body was wired tight under his cloak even as he talked with Nodoka and Yue. If Konoka hadn't lived with the boy for a couple of years and hadn't seen that same kind of tension in Setsuna before, she doubted she would have recognized any difference.

"What is it?" Konoka asked after a moment.

"It's just a lot of bad magic running through this part of the city. It doesn't mean we're going to get jumped or anything, but it's there. I'm thinking that there are some serious gang problems here."

"And Claw would be one of these gang leaders… I hope I'm not leading us into anything dangerous…" Konoka murmured.

Asuna clapped her on the shoulder with a broad smile. "Don't worry! It's not like we won't be able to handle it."

That wasn't idle boasting, and it did make Konoka feel a lot better.

They didn't have to wait much longer for Kaede to return. Konoka, though, spent the remainder of the time growing increasingly exasperated as Asuna and Ayaka went through cycles of glaring and staring longingly at each other. Just when Ayaka looked as if she was going to open her mouth—to yell or to confess, Konoka wasn't sure—Kaede swooped in as silent as the night. Ala Alba quickly gathered around her.

"Asakura-dono," Kaede began with a respectful nod, "you're artifact always impresses me. It knew right where to go and supplied a running video of my surroundings."

Kazumi grinned wickedly and gave her a thumbs up as she momentarily looked up from a video screen from one of the scouts. Sayo, who was resting on the reporter's shoulder, cheered.

"The base is composed of a string of huge warehouses, but we will find Claw in the one closest to the wharf. It is this one's opinion that the area is mostly deserted except for gang members."

"Based on what I see here, I agree," Kazumi spoke up.

They both turned expectant gazes to Konoka, and she heard an echo of Asuna's warning of danger in her head. She felt Negi at her shoulder, silently supporting and unwittingly pressuring her. She licked her lips nervously and gently grasped her necklace. "What…" We could still go about this the legal way...but this is to save time and annoyances. This is for the best because who knows what kind of mood the Senate is in and there is no way we'd be able to reach friends who could help us without others finding out. Right, we're going to do this, but…but how? Does Negi feel like this every time he makes a decision regarding people's lives? I really don't want to be a leader… I just want to rescue Setsuna. She turned, catching the teacher's eyes underneath the hood of his cloak. "What would you do Negi?"

He frowned pensively, "Well, there's a couple of options. We could all go directly into the warehouse and be upfront about everything. Or we could send just a small group," he said. His features softened supportively. "It's really up to you."

Is this some secret test of character? No it doesn't matter. There's no sense waiting then… She took breath and nodded her head. "Let's go; all of us. We're just doing business, we're not looking for a fight. Paru, you have the money?"

"Yep! As ordered," Haruna grinned, holding up two metal briefcases.

And that was that. Kaede and Kazumi led them through the winding streets, and before long they reached the first warehouses along the wharf. Konoka felt eyes on their party, deliberately watching and judging them. It made her skin crawl. For the millionth time, she wished Setsuna was there, but for the first time since her ministra went missing, it was so she could feel safe. Not that she wasn't safe, what with the likes of Negi, Kotarou, and her classmates, but still… When Setsuna was by her side, Konoka doubted that she would even be able to stub her own toe. That was an exaggeration of course, but it didn't change the fact that with Setsuna, Konoka felt wholly and completely safe. She normally agonized more over Setsuna's own safety then any possible danger because as much as she knew that she was safe, her ministra wasn't. Setsuna would always take a bullet for her.

And I would do the same for her.

With that in mind, Konoka walked ahead of Kaede and Kazumi and pushed open the heavy doors of the largest warehouse located next to the desolate wharf. Without any more regard, she entered the yawning opening ready to do business Claw and get after Setsuna.

The inside was cavernous, easily the size of a couple of sport stadiums and filled to the brim with airships. There were hundreds of them of all different sizes and types. None were as large as Haruna's goldfish ship, but there were still some that could easily hold their group. But these ships didn't hold her attention for long. Claw's gang was waiting—magical, human, demon, beast, mostly young and mostly male—and all had weapons trained on them. She could hear Kotarou growling faintly behind her at the threat and felt her companions shift, ready for a fight. Surprisingly, Negi's presence on her heels seemed relaxed in comparison to earlier. She figured it was due to the threat being right in front of them and not just some menacing air of danger.

She took a few steps forward, feeling surprisingly calm and in control. I'm just here for business. Gang, black market, whatever, it's what these guys do for their business. She was unsure of actually who she should be speaking to so she just announced their purpose without delay."We're here to see Claw."

"And what does a pretty thing like you want with our boss?" a voice drawled. The crowd parted, and a scruffy man emerged, strutting slowly forward into the gap. He was lean with brown hair and unkempt goatee. A wicked-looking dagger hung from the belt from his jeans, and his shirt, only halfway buttoned, seemed to be made out of some sort of reptile skin. Reaching the front of the gang, his heavily lidded eyes scanned her, lingering on her chest and legs. Konoka forced herself not to blush, not to feel uncomfortable. The man took a deep drag from the cigarette dangling from his fingers as a smirk worked its way across his lips. "Surely daddy can help you out."

That earned some nudges and chuckles. "I can show her daddy!" A voice rumbled from the crowd, which only enticed the gang further.

"She's got lots of pretty little friends too!"

"And even a couple of boys by the looks of it—hey Shiraki! Shiraki, that's just your thing!"

"Fuck you, you bastard!"

"That's your thing man! I'd rather have the tall blonde myself!"

"Hey!" That was Asuna, voice laced with indignation. "Back off creep!"

"A spitfire! That's how I like 'em!"

"She's probably fuck ugly under that cloak, you can have her!"

Konoka kept her eyes on the scruffy man that continued to leer predatorily. She remained calm, her eyes narrowed and her mouth drawn in a thin, straight line. She told herself he was just making sure they were serious about being here, but the man was obviously enjoying the lewd banter. Finally, just when Konoka was about to fidget, to glance back at her companions, to strode forward and slap some manners into someone—it didn't matter, she couldn't just stand there any longer—the man held up a hand, the smoke of his cigarette coasting in the air. The gang drew silent.

The scruffy man took a final drag of his cigarette, seemingly enjoying having all the attention on him, and flicked the butt of it at her feet. "And what do you want with Claw?"

She resisted the urge to fling some magic into his smug face. "We need to purchase a ship, and a license and registration," she said. "We have the money." She was relieved her voice remained cool and composed.

The man's smirk widened. "You don't have to runaway you know? We can take good care of you here."

"No thank you. If you are unwilling to make a deal with us, we will take it elsewhere," she said politely. "I'm sure your competitors would be grateful for the added business." She only hoped they did have competitors in the black market, otherwise that statement would make her look like a fool. Chisame had mentioned something about it earlier, but she should have confirmed that detail when she had a chance.

She was relieved when the smirk evolved into what Konoka thought was supposed to pass for a conciliatory smile. "Now, now, let's not be hasty. We just had to make sure you were serious before going to our boss. It would be my hide if I bring something useless. We like to keep business fresh here for both us and potential patrons. You're safe…unless you prove to be a waste of time."

She didn't doubt that last part. "Fine. Now if you would please, take us to him. We are in a hurry."

"Not so fast." The man held up his hands in what must have been an attempt at a placating gesture. "We can't have your whole party going. You may bring two of your companions. The rest can wait right here."

"Of course. Ne—" She clamped her mouth shut. Shouting Negi's name for this whole gang to hear would probably not be a good idea. They might just think it was an alias or nickname, but they might also believe it was for real, especially if they thought any of them looked familiar. If the gang thought it was the Negi, maybe they would be more willing to help. But there was also a possibility they would want a fight. Konoka understood that a lot of hot-blooded fighters caught up in pride saw opportunities to fight and possibly win against the kid savior of Mundus Magicus as a chance to increase their own fame—ignoring, of course, the fact that Negi could beat up just about anyone blindfolded. People could be so senseless when it came to reputation.

She half-way turned, seeing her companions waiting expectantly behind her. She was just going to have Negi and Asuna accompany her, but she hesitated…maybe... In fact, now that she thought about it, she knew exactly who to bring and knew they would be well-suited. "Honya-chan?"

"Y-Yes?" Nodoka stuttered softly.

"Would you come with me?"

"Yes, of course," Nodoka said, stepping forward. She seemed surprised, and Konoka wasn't sure if that surprise was from the usage of her old nickname or from being chosen. She trusted Nodoka to remain composed and thoughtful during the exchange with Claw though, and her artifact would be useful just to make sure that nothing untoward was happening under the surface.

"And Tatsumiya-san?" Konoka said.

Mana took the two briefcases of money from Haruna and approached silently, accepting her decision with a firm nod. The sniper would be there for firepower and her knowledge as a mercenary. Mana was probably the one with closest ties to the gritty underworld among their group.

"Thank you," Konoka said to both Nodoka and Mana as the sniper passed off one of the briefcases of money to the resident mindreader. "We're ready then."

The scruffy man nodded and beckoned them forward. Turning, he pointed directly to half-a-dozen men who stepped out of the crowd to follow him. The rest of the gang parted again, this time with wolf-whistles and leers. Konoka forced herself to walk straight through, and not turn around for assurance from any of the others. Everyone staying would be just fine. Her shoulders squared and her head held high, she followed. She briefly worried about Nodoka walking through this crowd, but she knew her friend was a lot stronger-willed then she seemed. As for Mana…well, the mercenary could give better than she could get. One direct, killing glare from her, Konoka knew for a fact, could send a grown man crying for his mother.

"So it's been bothering me," the scruffy man said suddenly after they passed through the crowd and into the open space of the warehouse, "you look familiar. And I'd swear I've heard the name Tatsumiya before. What's your story? Is that your gang? You looking to get into the business?"

"Hell yeah, a gang of hot girls! Someone should get on that," one of their escort said.

"Shut up and let the lady talk," the scruffy man drawled. "Now if you would…?"

He was waiting on her to speak. Konoka let her eyes rest on the numerous airships they passed to earn an extra moment, spotting other humanoid figures lurking in the shadows of the warehouse. Just how big was this gang? "We're a…group of sorts. Each of us has a certain skill so we lend out our talents where they're needed, which is why we might look familiar. We've grown up together, and one of our number has disappeared. She owes us a lot so we can't let her get away so easily." There. That wasn't so hard, and it was close enough to the truth.

"And what's your talent?" he smirked. "Because I can guess a few things if you don't want to say."

His words were dripping with innuendo, and Konoka forced herself not to shudder as she responded. "White magic."

"Hmm. And your friends babe?"

"Don't call me that," Konoka said.

"So give me your name. Boss will want to know it anyway."

"K…Kanako," she said, hoping he didn't find her hesitation too suspicious.

"Kanako-chan huh? I like it. You can call me Dragon."

Mana snorted.

"That's not nice," he said lowly. "I can show you the two reasons why if you'd like."

"Not necessary," Mana said. "I can assume you must specialize in some form of fire technique, and thinking you're a big shot, you adopted the name. The second reason probably has to do with your lower anatomy. You can save whatever perverted come on you have because no, I do not want to see it and I doubt its competence if you feel the need to use 'dragon' to refer to it."

Konoka's breath caught her in her throat. Mana just insulted the man's fighting and sexual prowess in one go. There probably wasn't a better way to draw a testosterone-laden gang member's ire then to question both. Even the rest of their escort seemed to wait with bated breath for their leader's reaction. To her surprise, Dragon tossed back his head in a lazy guffaw, and Konoka exhaled. "So what do these friends of yours do?" the man said to her, waving lazily at Nodoka and Mana.

Konoka threw a cautionary glance at her classmates. Mana met her eyes and nodded discreetly in response. "Honya is a researcher and Tatsumiya is a sniper."

"No shit! A sniper!?" One of their escorts exclaimed.

"I'd be happy to demonstrate," Mana stated coolly. A hand disappeared underneath her jacket, no doubt gripping one of her many guns as glared at the man who had spoke. He paled and quickly looked down.

Dragon snickered. "Not bad. I quite like this broad! Sure you don't want to hang around babe?"

Seeing the chance, Konoka missed Mana's no doubt biting response as she quickly murmured to Nodoka, "Go ahead and get your artifact out so we have it for the meeting."

Nodoka nodded furiously, and glanced quickly at their escort. Konoka did as well, noticing that they all seemed drawn to the exchange between Mana and Dragon. Quickly, and as discreetly as possible, Nodoka summoned Diarium Ejus. With no flash of light or loud call to draw attention, Nodoka quickly tucked the innocent-looking book under her arm.

Konoka shared a smile with her friend at their success before turning her attention back on Mana just in time to hear: "…so what's the story here? Running an operation this big under the noses of the Senate?"

"Claw is involved both in legal and illegal racing. That's where all the money and power came from originally. Anyone in the neighborhood could have told you that. Your researcher isn't doing her job if she doesn't know that," he said jabbing his thumb at Nodoka. "Anyway, as you probably know, Claw runs a legal business selling airships, but most of the money is made with deals like the one you're about to strike here. Things have really been booming since the new air laws have come into place."

"You're rather free with your information," Konoka said. These guys seemed entirely confident that they their operation would not be busted.

"Boss brings order to the streets. The police have other things to worry about," Dragon said as they came upon a group of gang members, blurry beastmen for the most part, who were very obviously standing guard at a small passageway between two airships. They shuffled out of the way as Dragon turned off the main course of the warehouse to take this small path. A closed door stood at the end, and it was here Dragon led them.

"Boss will be inside the office here. Claw doesn't mind if potential clients hang on to their weapons, but if you so much as put a hand to the hilt of that sword…" He drew a line across his throat for emphasis. "That goes for your friends as well. Mind your manners," he said.

That was all the warning Konoka got. Dragon flung open the door and strolled inside. Konoka, Nodoka, and Mana followed, sandwiched between members of their escort.

The first thing Konoka noticed was the heady fragrance of jasmine. The second thing she noticed was the very, very beautiful woman sitting behind the large mahogany desk. Konoka blinked hard, unsure if she just walked into an alternate universe. None of her immediate surroundings looked as if they belonged with the gritty warehouse and coarse gang members. The decorations to the large room reminded her of her grandfather's study. One large window opened to the deserted wharf, casting in midmorning sunlight. On the other side, she could see the figures of two more guards placed at the edges. Bookshelves rested along the walls, and overstuffed armchairs were placed at intervals. A divan sat in one corner with a blanket and pillow haphazardly tossed on it. A small calico cat was purring on top of the pillow, kneading its claws into the material.

The setting though was just an accessory to the woman who sat at the desk in the center of the room. The woman was not fully human, Konoka could tell instantly just by her aura. Enough time around Setsuna and Kotarou had taught her how to distinguish a halfbreed. This woman had dark, dark hair, so black it hinted at blue, and rich mocha skin. A pair of furry black animal ears rose from the top of her head that Konoka could not immediately identify. The woman wore a white blouse, and left enough buttons undone to reveal a generous chest as she bent over her work. Konoka forced herself not to stare. Claw probably had women by the dozen just like this who worked for him. This one, she figured must be his secretary.

"I got some girls ready to strike a deal for the works," Dragon said respectfully as he approached the desk. The other members of their escort backed up against the walls, looking more at attention than ever before.

The woman didn't pay them any mind immediately. Instead she scribbled furiously on the parchment in front of her. Konoka glanced at Mana and Nodoka who had both placed their briefcases of money on the floor. The mindreader nervously fiddled with the extravagant Comptina Daemonia, the magic item that unearthed names, on her index finger, and had opened the Diarium Ejus to its middle pages. Mana was utterly still except for her eyes, which jumped from person to person in the room, obviously sizing them up. Finally, just when the silence was about to drive Konoka crazy, the woman gave a particularly majestic ending flourish on the parchment in front of her and looked up.

The women's eyes were a midnight blue-black that matched her hair. She stood gracefully, revealing a tall, full figure, tailored khaki trousers, and a thick black tail that flicked around her legs. "Thank you Dragon," the woman said in a voice that oozed sex.

This woman is no secretary. Surely she isn't… But Konoka knew she was. Her mental image of Claw—an older gentleman with slicked back hair and grizzled features—utterly destroyed, Konoka struggled to make sure her features remained impassive.

"My, aren't they the cutest things? I imagine the boys were perfectly horrid to them," Claw said to Dragon, who promptly seemed to melt on spot. She then turned directly to Konoka. "I apologize for my team of perverts. And you are?"

"I-I am Kanako," Konoka said, failing to keep the stammer away. She blushed under that stare. Oh my god, stop acting like a middle-school girl! You're an adult! And Setsuna, the love of your life, your sun and stars, is waiting on you! Get on with it! Fortunately her next words came out stately and composed. "These are my associates Tatsumiya and Honya."

Konoka's heart nearly stopped as Nodoka pointed the Comptina Daemonia right at Claw and steadily demanded, "What is your name?"

"My apologies," Mana said swiftly, "Honya is quick to confirm the identity of anyone who plans to strike a deal with us. It's a nervous habit of hers."

"No apologies necessary," Claw said with a velvet laugh. "And, in this place, you may call me Claw. Am I correct in believing that you are looking for an airship complete with a fake license and registration?"

"Yes," Konoka responded, just barely managing to keep herself from glancing at Nodoka and Mana. She wondered if they had somehow organized that act ahead of time. "We need something fast, something that can hold about fifteen people. It doesn't have to be equipped with a full living and sleeping quarters. As long as there is space for all of us, it doesn't matter."

"Hmmm…let me think…let me think…" Claw said, pulling a thick folder off her desk. She flipped through the pages inside rapidly before stopping. A finger tapped deliberately against the parchment. "Ah yes, I have just the one. As you probably noticed, I have many, many airships—all types and kinds, so I'm able to fulfill just about any request. Dragon, if you would, go with the boys outside to prepare this one for our guests to inspect..." She handed him the sheet of paper from the folder.

"Yes boss," Dragon said, glancing at the paper. He strutted by, making sure to shoot Konoka a lewd grin.

"Dragon," Claw said warningly.

His head snapped up to meet her gaze, his eyes wide.

"Not here," she replied waving a finger.

"Sorry boss," he said, sounding contrite and ducking his head. The gesture made him seem years younger than he was. He quickly slipped outside, the door closing with a soft click behind him.

"Now, in regards to your license and registration…You would think this would be the difficult part, but if you possess the very magic machinery that makes the official stuff, it's a whole lot easier and very much real," Claw said with a hint of a satisfied smile gracing her features. She sauntered to one of the bookshelves, and Konoka couldn't help but be envious. Each movement the woman made looked as if it was part of an intricate dance.

"How did you get such machinery?" Konoka asked. She exchanged a quick glance with Nodoka who gave her the okay sign. So far so good…

"That is a secret," Claw said, turning back around and holding a curious metal wand in her hand. She smiled, walking forward toward Konoka. "I've confirmed your interest. My boys are preparing the ship for your inspection. I see you have a payment prepared. All that's left is to get your license and registration." She reached up, gently touching Konoka's shoulder and gesturing her to walk ahead toward the door. "Shall we?"

Claw's gang practically fell over themselves in their efforts to please their boss. Konoka felt like she kind of understood. The woman was polite, charming, and incredibly smart and beautiful. It was hard to see her as a gang leader, a black market dealer, and a criminal. But these were all facts about Claw too. It was just hard to remember these details as she led them through a whirlwind of processing to get their fake license and registration printed. Not that they got to see the actual process—that remained behind closed doors—but it had involved their transport to five different locations in the string of warehouses. Once the printing was completed, Claw took them to inspect the airship, which had been brought outside. It was a sleek marlin type, made for speed with a comfortable cabin and a three-person cockpit. Nodoka and Mana stayed loyally by her side, and the Diarium Ejus had not revealed anything threatening. She wondered about the others, but knew they had to be alright. Claw promised in that husky voice of hers that she was having them brought to the airship right now.

Everything was working out just fine. Soon she would be on her way to Setsuna.

The thought of her ministra was what made her heart really race, and not whatever spell Claw seemed to cast on all those in her vicinity. Unable to keep a small smile off her face at the idea of reuniting with Setsuna by swooping in heroically on the Marlin vessel, Konoka descended from the airship. She headed toward Claw, Dragon, and a number of other gang members who waited expectantly for her approval.

"Everything's perfect," she said with Nodoka and Mana flanking her. They both still held a briefcase of money each.

"That's good to hear. The ship is ready to go as soon as you are, and you now have your license and registration. All that's left is payment," Claw said pleasantly.

"Of course. Honya, Tatsumiya…" Konoka said, glancing at the two.

Nodoka was forced to close her artifact and tuck it under her arm. The pages collided together in a dull third as she handed over a briefcase of money with Mana. Dragon took both cases, flipping them open to reveal the stacked bills created by Haruna. Claw nodded her head at the sight, withdrawing the curious metal wand she had picked up in her office from the pocket of her trousers. "Great! This is a perfect amount for our services. Now, please don't be offended at this…" She lightly waved the wand in their direction before beginning to pass it over the contents of one of the briefcases. "It's standard procedure whenever we accept transactions. We've had some trouble in the past with counterfeit. Quite silly really, these people who try to deceive me after what I do for them, but this little artifact distinguishes between real and fake objects. We just want to ensure we're not being cheated by any magical means…" Claw trailed off as the wand in her hand issued red sparks, and Konoka froze, forgetting how to breathe.

She heard Nodoka gasp and Mana curse as the polite, charming, intelligent, and beautiful woman, looked up and narrowed her eyes with killing intent. Konoka felt suddenly as if she was fighting Evangeline again. This woman was very, very dangerous. This woman made her opponents prey. Beside her, Dragon growled and snapped his fingers viciously at the other gang members in the immediate vicinity, and an assortment of weapons were leveled at them.

"Fake money? You girls tried to cheat the wrong person. After everything I did for you…"

Claw's voice was low and dangerous, but Konoka was more focused on the woman's hands, realizing exactly how the halfbreed earned her name. Emerging from the sleeves of her white blouse, Claw's hands grew bigger, thicker and were now coated with black fur. This detail was insignificant in comparison to the gleaming silver claws that emerged from her knuckles.

"You'll regret messing with me… No one tries to cheat my gang. No one. There are consequences to such actions." And then, with a wild roar, "KILL THEM!"

A/N: Cliffhanger!

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