Half of a Soul
A/N: Finally back from sick leave (and from the five day wait for to let me upload this)…but with terrible news. (Again…very very very sorry for the lateness…and the cliff hanger.)
IMPORTANT NOTICE MUST READ!!!:
I may have to discontinue writing all of the fictions, and I need everyone's help to continue. Through a burst of over protectiveness from mom and some not-so good things I have received due to these fictions (I will not state what, to protect the people involved), mom has issued a challenge. In order for me to continue writing- I must receive at least 25 reviews in Chapter Ten of Half of a Soul. That is 25 REVIEWS in ONE CHAPTER.
I know I may not deserve that many reviews, but PLEASE HELP!!! I do not wish to end all of my fictions- especially when I may be disappointing the wonderful people who have followed my writings so far. Please, even one word reviews will work- and anonymous are fine too- just as long as there are 25 reviews. Please help me and review for this chapter. If everything goes well and mom does not stop me from writing- I promise I will do a new chapter the immediate week end after the 25 reviews have been reached as a special Thank You for everyone. Please please please help me!!!! (bowsclingsandusespuppyeyes)
Explanations for Chapter Nine:
The story continues with Evangeline and the Mahora Warriors, who are still in search of Setsuna and Konoka. Nodoka seemed to be able to see where Konoka is, leading the warriors in the search, while Eva secretly contacted Chachamaru to notify someone (stated here- a female someone) before the "old geezer" arrives.
Meanwhile, in the battlefield, the demons were losing against the Setsuna and the rest, while Chibi Konoka and ChibiSetsuna watched them. ChibiSetsuna wanted to help the others in their battle, but ChibiKonoka stops her from doing so, formulating a plan to help Setsuna and Konoka get together.
The scene switches to Setsuna as she tried to keep focus on the battle, while Konoka cheered her from behind. Unaware of the two chibis coming towards her, Setsuna was unable to stop ChibiSetsuna's attack and the chibi manages to pull the her sword from its sheath. ChibiSetsuna flies away afraid of Mean Setsu, whom she knew would appear, yet ChibiKonoka flies to calmly towards the demon, asking uncontrolled Setsuna for a challenge.
Switching scene once again, ChibiChizuru and ChibiYuuna were going to find reinforcements, but on the way, they happened to find Asuna and the others claiming that something is blocking Nodoka from being able to track where Konoka is. The two chibis approach them, to lead Asuna and the Mahora Warriors towards the demon camp.
Back at camp, Mean Setsu's appearance had been noticed by Kaede and Mana, who distrusted her because of the earlier capture of the Konoe princess. They surrounded the uncontrolled demon, who seemed unafraid of the situation as she captured Konoka in her embrace once again, and flew off with the princess.
They flew off towards the river that they had fallen in the night before, enjoying the scene as Mean Setsu carried Konoka towards the water and they began to water-skate. After a while, the demon brought the Konoe heir back to shore, asking her if she enjoyed it. Mean Setsu leaned towards the blushing princess, and they were about to kiss ( with ChibiSetsuna very clueless about the situation and ChibiKonoka covering her eyes), yet Konoka moved away before their lips could touch.
Uncontrolled Setsuna turned away, saddened by this, and explaining to Konoka that she is a part of Setsuna too, and if Konoka loved Setsuna, then she should love Mean Setsuna as well. Suddenly, a girl with double swords attacked them, and Konoka unsheathed Setsuna's sword in attempt to help her. Light appeared from the sword, and Setsuna and Konoka were enveloped by it. Afterwards, Setsuna was revealed, wounds all over her body while she collapsed onto the ground, clothes soaked with blood…
Explanation for Mean Setsu's revelation that Setsuna is a girl:
I am very happy to receive so many reviews that questioned about Mean Setsu's words that indicated of Setsuna's gender (shows that everyone is reading Furu's novice fic very carefully. Yes, Furu did mean for Mean Setsu to say this at the very end of her speech to Konoka. As for her purpose in saying this- did she mean to say it? Or was it an accident?- it will be revealed soon.
However- I don't think anyone noticed- there was another person who (though not supposed to know that Setsuna is a girl) used "she" to address Setsuna in Chapter Nine. This detail is very important to reveal a secret in why Mean Setsu revealed this to Konoka, and Konoka's reaction (or no- reaction) in this chapter.
Explanation to what happened with the sword:
This happening is another clue to one of the main mysteries in this story. In total, I have revealed that Setsuna turns into Mean Setsu whenever the sword is unsheathed. This is another detail to the secret- why did it flash and injure Mean Setsu when Konoka unsheathed the sword? More details will be revealed soon (and of course, this is another secret for the Detective Challenge- if anyone figures out the entire sword mystery. Hint: There have been many smaller clues throughout the chapters on this mystery).
Reviews Replies for Chapter Nine:
Ryuu: (huggles) Thank You for the review!!! Eh! And thank for the Japanese translations too!!! Yupyup!!! That is where Furu planned to use "her"…butbutbut! There may be more to this indication then expected…hehe…more will be revealed next chappie. Gomen for the evil cliffy…butbutbut!!! Ryuu's cliffy was evil too!!! (crosses arms and pouts)
Ryu-chan: Thank You for the review!!! Hmmn…did Kono-chan notice when Mean Setsu revealed that she's female? Or did she ignore it? Or is it something else all together? Hehe…Much Much will be revealed next chapter. (Gomen…it's just…Furu had planned for it to be in this chapter so that people wouldn't be left still very very curious…but the part comes a bit later…and this chapter proved to be too long already…) Btw!!! Furu hopes to read more of your fics soon (though…please do take your time if you need it. Furu hopes that everything is going well).
anonymous: Yay! A detective challenge point (if you are participating). The sword really is connected to Setsuna somehow…but in more ways then Furu can reveal right now…(much much will be hinted in this chapter…and the next chapter too). Thanks for the perceptive review!!!
Icha-kun: Gomen for the late update. Thanks for the review!!! It was really really nice…
Ari Matoya: (huggles back) Points for the detective challenge!!! Yupyup! (nods enthusiastically) Mean Setsu did indicate that she is female. The double swords attacker really is Tsukuyomi, and Eva did notice something odd about Setsuna and her other half. Hmn...at this point Furu cannot reveal yet whether everyone becomes a demon by pulling the sword…(butbutbut!!! Another good point for noticing that the flash was related to pulling the sword and connecting it to Secchan's demon half). Much Much thankies for the review!!! Furu is very happy that you noticed so much, and thank you for showing Furu the CD cover!!!
Shinata-Riyoko: Thanks for the review!!! Erm…(sweat drop) Setsuna is actually a girl, pretending to be a guy…Sorry for the confusion. (points to chapter three) The beginning chapters of the fic explains Secchan's reason for disguising as a guy.
Hikari: Gomen!!! (bows) Sorry for the evil cliffy…and for taking so long…andandand…(bows and hides). Thank You for the review!!! Hehe…Furu loves Mean Setsu too (though Secchan is awesome in her own way). Setsuna collapsed because of a reaction created when Kono-chan unsheathed the sword. As to the reason why…lots of hints will be given in this chapter…(and even more in the next)
The Shiny Sword: Thank You for the review!!! It was really really nice of you. Sorry for taking so long to update…Yupyup! Furu did mean for Setsuna to "accidentally" reveal that she is female. Butbutbut!!! Whether she really meant to say that…and if Konoka actually noticed it, will not be revealed until the next chapter. However…there are many hints in this chapter that might reveal the reason…
Alix: Thank You for the review!!! (sorry for the evil cliffy…I hope this chapter helps the confusion…erm...a bit...before revealing some of it soon…) Gomen for taking so long to update!!!
Yashan-kun: Ahh! You asked very good questions! (points for the detective challenge!!!) Yupyup. Furu did mean for Setsuna to reveal that she is female. (Btw…most of the 'oddities' that seem as careless mistakes or points forgotten to mention in the story may actually be intended hints…). Yay! You're the only one (at least, the only one who said it in the reviews…) to question who Evangeline was talking about when she was talking to Chachamaru. Though Furu can't reveal it just yet…I must say that the person she addressed would become important in around chapter twelve or thirteen. And a question that Furu thinks deserves two points in the detective challenge: Why is Secchan able to keep her cool this time without actually killing anyone? (nods) Mean Setsu is Setsuna's uncontrolled demon form. She is supposed to be deathly…yet seems very sensible and human in the last chapter. This point is one of the most important hints to gradually reveal the change in Mean Setsu. As for the reason why this change is taking place…(to be revealed soon). Thank You for your most observant review!!!
mufujifi: Gomen Gomen!!! I hope this chapter's ending wasn't that much of a cliffhanger…Sorry for the late update!!! And the evil cliffy!!! Thank You for the review!!! (bows)
DarkRai: Thank You for the kind review. Furu will never abandon my fics!!! (unless I am forced to…which in this case…Furu is forced to discontinue if Furu doesn't receive more than 25 reviews to show to mom…) Sorry for the cliffy!!! (hehe…I hope your questions were answered in this chapter…If not…there will be more answers in the next chapter…)
Jisatsu: (glomps) Thankiethankies for the review!!! Ehehe…gomen for the evil cliffy…butbutbut!! Furu is willing to give spoilers…(smiles) Furu will answer any questions you have to my utmost ability!!!
C. :Thank You for the review. I am very sorry for taking so long to update…Furu hopes that this chapter doesn't disappoint!!!
ranakane-fan-gal: Thanks for the review! Furu has to say that your very nice review helped encourage and inspire me lotslots, and I am very happy to hear that you enjoyed reading it (eh! Furu is greatly honored to know that this story is your favorite KonoSetsu story and that it had inspired you. Surely…there are many great KonoSetsu fic writers everywhere…and Furu's novice skills are not that much comparable). I am sure that you write very very well!!! But yes…school work is really important. Hmmn…depending on the length of the chapters…I can't be sure how many chapters there will be (we will be reaching the turning point- or middle- of the story in Chapter Eleven/Twelve…so there will probably be at least twenty something chapters to this story. Yes…Furu is a high school student. (ehehe…thanks for the really nice comments…but I am still quite a novice in writing, actually. Only started my first fic- which is Half of a Soul itself…since November of last year…). As for Furu's age…(smiles) Furu is eighteen (current high school student…but graduating soon)
the-secret-ninja: Thank You for the review. I am very sorry for the lateness of my updates…hmmn…as for Setsuna disguising as a boy- when Konoka will realize her as a girl….(smiles) it will be revealed quite soon. Eh! And thank you for the super nice PM…the geisha-thing is okay, actually…Furu didn't understand it that much…(yupyup! Ryuu really is a good person, ne?) Sorry for not replying to it…a lot of things happened…and….Sorry for kinda-mean response from Kazie-chan (Kazue), by the way.
Kazie-chan: Thank You for worrying about Furu…Butbutbut…please don't fight in the review section…(sobs) and Kazie-chan? Please don't let mom stop me from continuing my fics…(cries)
Hikagi: Thank You for the review. It made Furu really really happy. You are very nice. Furu will try hard to not disappoint!!!
Kei: Thank You for the review!!! Furu is very happy to receive such kind words from you, and I hope that I will not disappoint. (I'll try to update faster from now on, since summer vacation is almost here)
Chapter Nine has received the most reviews out of all the chapters so far. I am very happy because of this, and Thank You for all of your support.
Disclaimer: I do not own Negima nor Love Hina. They both belong to Ken Akamatsu.
Notes: Setsuna's thoughts are in italics. Konoka's thoughts are in /italics/
Chapter Ten: Sword Life
"Secchan!"
The sword dropped to the ground beside them with a dull clatter, and Konoka knelt down beside the bleeding demon, taking Setsuna into her embrace.
"Secchan…Secchan!"
An amused laugh echoed into the air, and Konoka turned towards the source to see the double swords girl sheathing her two swords. The girl tied the two swords around her waist, then crouched beside the Konoe princess.
"Very well done! I've never really been able to injure Setsu-sempai as much as you have!" The girl giggled. "You must be quite powerful!"
"Who?" Konoka looked back and forth from the unconscious demon to their giggling former-attacker. "You knew Secchan?"
"My name is Tsukuyomi! Nice to meet you!" The girl bowed, and continued. "Of course I know Setsuna-sempai! We went to the shinmei-school together."
The Konoe heir blinked, confused.
"Then…why did you attack us?"
Tsukuyomi smiled.
"You should know, right? While Setsuna-sempai is my hero, Tsukuyomi knows it is her duty to rid Setsuna-sempai of the evil person that is taking over her mind."
A cough resounded from the demon resting on Konoka's lap, and they both turned to see Setsuna wincing slightly from the pain of the wounds.
"In other words, Tsuku-Kohai idols the other Setsuna, but hates me."
Setsuna turned her red eyes to the princess, reaching one shaking hand towards Konoka's cheeks and wiped a tear threatening to fall from the princess's eyes.
"Were you worried about me?" the demon whispered.
"You-!" Tsukuyomi stood up.
"Secchan!? Are you okay? What happened? I didn't mean to…I-"
"Shhh…" The demon placed one finger onto Konoka's lips, wincing once again, as fresh blood continued to flow from her wounds.
"It wasn't your fault. I'll explain to you what happened later. Now is not the right time." The demon attempted to stand, leaning onto Konoka's hold for support.
"Secchan, don't stand. You're hurt, and-"
"A few wounds are not enough to cause serious injury to me."
"But it should have!" Tsukuyomi frowned, and raised her two swords. "Why aren't you turning back into Setsuna-sempai after your blood has been drawn? Where is Setsuna-sempai? What have you done to him?"
The half-demon grinned. "I didn't say those wounds were not enough to cause injury to the other Setsuna, did I?"
Both Konoka and Tsukuyomi's eyes widened.
"What do you-!?"
Setsuna snickered. "In other words, dear Setsuna couldn't take the sword blast, and I've become dominant."
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Her embrace of the chibis became increasingly tighter as the battle of the two shinmeiryuu students continued. She watched as Setsuna seemed to dodge Tsukuyomi's double swords easily. A quick jump to the right, a steady block with her hands and the Omnyou talismans…each and every move performed with swift accuracy, gaining more and more annoyance from the younger shinmei student each time the half demon's move to evade the swords was successful.
"Kono-chan! I can sense more demons quickly approaching. Your friends will soon find this place. When they arrive, you must leave with them. They will be able to protect you."
Another swing of double swords. Another quick dodge to the left. Yet Konoka could see that Setsuna was getting slower, getting weaker. Konoka could see precious blood flowing from the half demon's wounds.
Another thrust. This one hit its mark, and a gash formed on Setsuna's right shoulder.
"Secchan!" The Konoe princess exclaimed, releasing the chibis from her hold as she ran closer.
Behind her, the chibis whispered to each other.
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"Kono-chan. You have to leave. NOW!"
With a frown, Konoka gave ChibiSetsuna and ChibiKonoka a brief hug, then released them and turned towards her guardians. With a slight glance at Setsuna, Konoka sighed, and headed towards the direction of the Kansai temple, waving her hands to indicate to the Mahora Warriors to follow.
Both teams of Mahora warriors (Ayaka and Asuna's groups, along with the thousand master's son and the various chibi counterparts) had arrived at the river scene at the same time. Without much of an explanation, the Konoe heir had nodded reluctantly to the half demon's outcry, and lead her protectors away from the battle. The warriors followed her confusedly, shrugging their shoulders at each other as they watched her kneel down suddenly, use a length of torn cloth from her clothes to wrap something she had picked from the ground, and stand up once again.
She shook her head when they raised their eyebrows in silent questioning. Holding the securely bound object in tight embrace, she headed off once again, perplexed protectors closely behind.
"Konoe!
A call erupted from the area close to riverside, and they all turned to see the grinning face of Evangeline.
"Don't worry, kiddo. Setsuna will be fine. Go home."
Konoka smiled, about to speak, when a red haired girl stepped beside her.
"So you're nice after all, Eva-chan!"
The vampire's demeanor darkened immediately.
"Why you-!"
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"What did you do to Setsuna-sempai!? Why aren't you turning back!?"
Deftly, uncontrolled Setsuna jumped backwards, avoiding the swinging weapons.
If this continues, I'll be too tired to avoid the attacks. There must be a way to-
A flash of dark magic between the two shinmei-students separated them momentarily from the close combat.
"Remember me?"
A proud voice echoed from behind, as both samurai girls stopped their current fight and turned to face a smirking Evangeline.
"Eva-chan." Setsuna teased, chuckling as Evangeline scowled.
"That's not nice! Even if you are Setsuna-sempai's master, you should know that it's not polite to interrupt during a sword fight!"
The half demon watched, slightly amused, as a vein seemed to appear on the dark mage's face when she turned to regard Tsukuyomi with glaring eyes. Evangeline whispered a few words, and a dozen strings flew towards Tsukuyomi, clasping into her glasses and pulling them away. With a deathly glare, the vampire sent the strings away, and they flew off into the forest, taking the pair of glasses- and poor Tsukuyomi- chasing after them.
"There. She should have known better then to challenge the puppet master!" Evangeline clapped her hands twice, then turned towards Setsuna.
The half demon grinned.
"What did you need to talk to me about, that made you need to send Tsukuyomi-kohai away so quickly?"
Evangeline took a few steps forward, eyeing Setsuna warily.
"Where is your sword, Setsuna? What did you do to it?"
The half demon gave an easy shrug. "Nothing you should worry about. It's gone."
Their distance closed in an instant, and the vampire's hands held clasped Setsuna's throat, her eyes boring into her disciple's.
"What do you mean, 'it's gone'? A good sword never leaves its master. Especially one like yours. The Tasogare no Arashi is no common sword to be past from generation to generation amongst the heirs to the demon throne. Without the sword, how will you claim-"
"Forget the sword."
"Tell me, Setsuna. Where is it? Only an extremely powerful person would be able to take the sword away from its master. The Tasogare no Arashi is living sword. It has a soul of it's own. It can never leave its master unless-"
"Forget the sword, I said! There is something I must do. And I'm willing to risk everything for it to succeed."
Setsuna's voice was calm, and her hands were strong as she tore the puppet master's hands away from her throat.
"Do you have any idea what would happen to you-?"
"I realize all the consequences of my actions. If you are worried about your disciple, then you should focus on finding a way to bring Setsuna back. Protect Setsuna from me and the risks I plan to take."
Evangeline turned to leave, eyes hidden underneath her blond hair. She stopped when she reached the head of the forest, her back still facing the half demon.
She did not attempt to face Setsuna as she spoke, her voice cold and firm.
"Fine. I suppose you don't need my help with the ones that are approaching, either."
She flew away from the riverside towards the forest, and promptly disappeared.
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"So you're the one we've been searching for. They told me to capture you alive."
Feigning carelessness, Setsuna pretended not to see the dark haired boy appearing from the forest, with more than a dozen high level demons close behind. Her head faced in a different direction, the demon heir closed her eyes as the wind blew through her hair.
"The name's Inugami Kotarou."
Setsuna smiled, crimson eyes still closed.
"Pay attention when we're talking to you! Or are you afraid to face us?"
The boy raised his fists, and jumped forward, intending for his punch to connect with the half demon's shoulders. Kotarou's eyes widened when his hands met thin air, and he spun around, searching for any trace of his opponent.
A few drops of blood fell onto the ground from a tree nearby, alerting the wolf-like boy. Setsuna was a few feet above him, white wings outstretched as the half demon landed onto the tree branch. Kotarou smirked, and signaled the demons behind him to start shooting arrows at their opponent.
Argh!!! I can't let this go on much longer. I had planned to leave quickly unnoticed. Yet these wounds are giving me quite a disadvantage.
Setsuna flew higher to avoid the arrow onslaught, unaware that the enemy had managed to get behind her, about to send their weapons into the air, aimed towards her back.
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"Setsu-mmmphhhhh!!!"
ChibiSetsuna's arms flailed as she felt the other chibi cover her mouth. She stomped her feet, trying to shake her head and break free of the tight grasp.
"Mpppph!! Mppph Mmmmmpphhhh!!"
"Shhhh! We're not supposed to let those demons know that we're here!"
ChibiKonoka sighed and kept a tighter hold on ChibiSetsuna. "If you want me to release you, will you stay quiet?"
ChibiSetsuna nodded, her eyes wide and teary. She clung tightly to ChibiKonoka when the other chibi released hold.
"Butbutbut ChibiKono-chaaaaan!!! Setsuna is in danger! We need to help! We need to help!!!"
ChibiKonoka shook her head.
"We won't be able to help much. Besides, she's coming. I can feel it."
ChibiSetsuna tilted her head. " 'She's coming?' "
Giving ChibiKonoka's shirt a gentle tug, the smaller form of Setsuna smiled shyly.
"Weh? Uhm…who's coming?"
ChibiKono-chan shook her head dejectedly, her face in her hands.
"I give up."
Another tug on her shirt made the little Chibi turn towards ChibiSetsuna.
"Please please? Tell Chibi?"
A soft whimper. A pair of puppy-round eyes.
ChibiKonoka sighed.
"Do you remember what Mean Setsu told you to tell me?"
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Like an angel cloaked in white, the figure flew above the trees, clothes fluttering in the wind along with long, chocolate-colored hair. Gentle brownish black eyes glanced to and fro in search of something beneath, while her hands clutched a long thin sword that dazzled in the sunlight. Her face was veiled by a delicate white cloth from the below the eyes and downwards (similar to ninja-style), yet beauty could be recognized from the graceful features hinted behind the threads.
Suddenly catching sight of what she had been searching for, the figure flew downwards, like a butterfly descending gracefully upon the sweetest of flowers.
"Careful!" White-robed maiden's voice, pleasant as melodious song of heavenly harps, rang into the air.
A flash of the sword. Two demons fell from the air.
Setsuna twisted around to see the maiden giggle. "You look like you would need some help."
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Deeper inside the forest, hidden behind the branches of countless trees, Evangeline stood amongst the shadows watching the maiden's sword light up the treetops as the girl battled the demons alongside Setsuna.
The vampire narrowed her golden eyes.
"The legendary Yuunagi shines once again after thousands of years of disappearance. What are you planning, Setsuna? Who is the girl fighting beside you? Be cautious, my student. For if demon myth holds true, then it has been said that the wielder of Yuunagi will one day slay Tasogare no Arashi's master. Be very careful, Setsuna. For she has the power to destroy you."
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End.
A/N: Many secrets have been addressed in this chapter, and many more would be revealed in the next. I hope everyone enjoyed the story thus far, as we begin to reach the turning point in Chapter Eleven. Please, if you have had even the slightest satisfaction in reading my stories…please aid this hopeless fiction writer in her desperate attempt to continue writing fiction.
PLEASE REVWIEW!!!
Note on Tsukuyomi:
Tsukuyomi is a rather interesting character to characterize. Her obsessive ness over Setsuna, and her need of eyeglasses make her very cute. (Furu doesn't think that she would affect the KonoSetsu relationship any, since her cute obsession towards Setsuna seemed to lean more towards admiration than romantic love or the desire to claim Setsuna as her own.) Though she did not get to do much in this chapter, she will play an important part in future chapters…(and of course…no worries! Tsukuyomi is not here to break the KonoSetsu relationship, though, her relationship with Konoka -yes Furu meant Konoka, not Setsuna (hinthinthint)- might prove to be quite interesting…)
Notes on the swords:
Yuunagi: meaning- evening calm. The mysterious maiden currently wields this sword. (Where did she come from????)
Tasogare no Arashi: meaning- twilight tempest . This had been Setsuna's demon sword, given to her by her father. This sword is currently missing. (Or is it?)
(name and definition thanks to Ryuu. Thank You Thank You Thank You for helping me with the Japanese!!!)
Next Chapter on Half of a Soul: Awakened Light
(at least…I hope there is a next chapter…if Furu survives through the challenge of 25 reviews…please please please…help me!!!!!)
What is the secret between the two swords? Who is the young mysterious maiden who'd come to Setsuna's aid? Did Konoka and the Mahora Warriors get back to the temple safely? Why didn't Konoka mention anything about hearing Mean Setsu use "her" to address Setsuna? Next Chapter…many mysteries revealed at last! Gramps continues with his plans…and more Chibi troubles!!!