Disclaimer: I do not own Negima or any of the characters they are the property of their respective creators. Please be aware that no profit is being made from this work of fan fiction.
Spring break began almost immediately after the exams ended, starting off a chain of events that left me truly thankful when the summer term started. First of all, the girls decided to throw a party to celebrate their success, Hasegawa-san had declined and, being the man I am, I followed her, bent on convincing her to reconsider. When I reached her dorm room I found her dressed in what could only be described as a bunny costume, one that more resembled those worn by the so called 'playboy' bunnies I had seen in a magazine one of the other boys had brought along one time. It showed off her figure nicely, I was surprised to learn that without her glasses she was actually rather attractive, an opinion it seems was shared by a number of people across the Internet.
I had heard rumours about the idol phenomenon in Japan but had never experienced it for myself, it was quite a shock finding out one of my students was an idol in her own right. What followed was a rather hurried conversation, during which I managed to convince her to come along, although on the condition that she was allowed to change. I agreed of course, waiting for her before escorting her down to the front lawn where the others were waiting, more than a little surprised when she took hold of my arm, much to the contention of the majority of the girls, in particular Asuna. The party was a great success, despite the fact I spent the entirety of it receiving a number of questioning glances and one angry one.
The next day I decided to take a stroll around the grounds, waking up early I had gone into the town and had breakfast at a small café I found that oddly enough served western food. An elderly English gentleman who had come over during the war as a young man and fallen in love with the country and decided to stay had run it. He had been overjoyed at encountering a fellow Englishman and we spent a good hour or so discussing happenings in England and our impressions of Japan. When I mentioned that I was working as a teacher he mentioned that his grand daughter was attending the academy and that perhaps I should look her up some time. More than a little embarrassed I took my leave, but not before he made me promise to come back again soon. I gave my word before returning to the academy.
On returning I was ambushed by a lost boyfriend announcement, something that was sure to get me into trouble with the faculty later, and hauled off to the observatory. After a very embarrassing encounter with Asuna and later Konoka in which she had explained that she had made the announcement as a joke, one that neither I nor Asuna found funny, the pair of them were called away and I was left to the tender mercies of the Narutakis. They proceeded to walk me all around the school, making sure to include all the athletic club locations and very nearly the girls' locker room…that last one was narrowly avoided, they had the cheerleaders distract me as they slowly walked me backwards. It was just as some of the girls were reaching out to grab me I caught on and made a run for it.
After I finally decided it was safe to slow down, and the twins caught up with me, they apologised before showing me to the on campus café and conning me into buying pudding and parfait for them both. Afterwards we walked over to the world tree and the two of them told me of its legend…after they both kissed me, asking that I would treat them to pudding and parfait again. When I got back to Asuna and Konoka's apartment and opened the class list to make some notes I was shocked to find that someone already had, upon reading them I had blushed heavily, catching the attention of Asuna and Konoka, which in turn led to a rather awkward discussion…
The following day, I found myself visiting Ayaka, some misplaced ideal about getting to know the class representative slightly better. Of course Asuna and Konoka insisted on coming along, much to the dismay of Ayaka. She spend almost the entire day flirting openly with me, recounting memories of when she had been younger and the various fights she and Asuna had gotten into. I was shocked to realise that despite how they acted the two of them were in truth good friends, although if Asuna's expression was anything to go by when we went to the pool signalled that they might be for much longer…Ayaka's bikini left little to the imagination and started another fight between the two that had Ayaka throwing Asuna out.
Feeling that I was the cause I stayed behind, trying to placate Ayaka's anger, despite that fact I knew that later I would have to face Asuna's wrath. She calmed down after a little while, telling me about her little brother…I comforted her as best I could, for a moment seeing a different side of her. When at last she was feeling better I bid my farewells and made my way back to the dormitory, stopping along the way to pick up some pocky as a kind of peace offering. Asuna accept it grudgingly, only after grilling me about what had happened between Ayaka and me after she and Konoka had left. When I reassured her for the fifteenth time that nothing had occurred between Ayaka and myself, she finally gave in and accepted the pocky before returning to her studies.
The following day was perhaps the most difficult of all; a letter from my sister arrived and was intercepted by Asuna. She insisted on leaning over my shoulder as I listened, moving especially close when my sister mentioned the need for me to find a 'partner'. This sparked a question asking whether I had a fiancée…forcing away thoughts of Anya I proceeded to explain the whole concept of the 'minister magi' in hope that she would drop the subject. No such luck as she continued to assert that it was really an excuse for finding a lover. Soon, Konoka had overheard and proceeded to announce it to half the dormitory…I spent much of the rest of the day running and hiding from the girls when they kept asking me to let them become my partner.
I managed to escape, only to run into Konoka, dressed quite differently too normal. The subsequent conversation revealed that she had been preparing for an o-mimai…further discussion revealed this was a kind of matchmaking service, the idea of it being to help a girl find a suitable husband. She explained it had been her grandfather's idea and that she had escaped halfway through. She showed me a few of the candidates, as I was flicking through I was more than a little shocked to find my own picture in there. I quietly slipped it away, making sure that Konoka didn't see, I really am going to have to talk to the dean about this later, I thought when he first arrived and told me about Konoka being available he was joking…
She then had the marvellous idea of reading my fortune to see who would be my ideal partner, not that I had any choice in the matter. She went through a number of criteria until she at last informed me that my ideal match was Asuna…this lead to a heated denial on my part which only caused Konoka to tease me further before she tripped over and landed awkwardly, her kimono opened in such a way as to give me a quite clear view of her panties. Embarrassed, I had helped her up only to have her lock eyes with me, her face suddenly serious.
"Negi-sensei…you know, I don't think I'd mind going on one of those dates if you were the one to accompany me…"
Stunned I was not prepared when she closed the distance between us momentarily and kissed me gently before pulling away. I stood there in a stunned silence as she walked out, leaving me alone with my thoughts. It was in that state that the other girls found me…that was the final moment of peace I had for the remainder of the spring break, as the girls refused to allow me another.
Time passed and soon the new semester began, signalling the girls third year at the junior high. I woke up on the couch as usual, my futon still yet to arrive. This morning my limbs felt stiff and heavy, I had spent far too much time recently running, escaping from the girls when they kept asking me about my background, that and either attempting to jump me or get me to marry them. Not exactly how I wanted to spend my spring vacation, in the end I was glad when the term restarted as it seemed to bring them all to their senses. I dressed in the bathroom as usual, before leaving early and wandering into the town, I decided to visit that small café once again. As soon as I entered the old man greeted me in hearty tones, signalling for me to sit down. A moment later he emerged with two cups of tea in hand and sat down opposite me.
"So, Negi, how are things going in the teacher business?"
I chuckled in response, thinking back on the numerous mishaps that have plagued me since I first came to Japan.
"About as well as they can do when your teacher to a class of teenage girls."
The old man simply laughed in response.
"There was a time when I was your age when I would have killed to have so many girls all fawning over me."
"Well, if you were my age then I would be happy for you to take my place. Those girls seem hell bent on wearing me out…"
"Oh?"
I sighed before explaining about what happened.
"Basically, I got a letter from my sister back home, one that asked me if I found a partner yet. Unfortunately, some of the girls overheard and somehow managed to get the idea I was looking for a wife and spent every waking moment afterward trying to get me to propose. I'm only fifteen! It's too early for things like that!"
Once more the old man simply chuckled in response.
"You know, before I left England there was a girl I used to like, I was very much in love with her but I was afraid to tell her how I felt. For years I struggled with myself, torn between confessing and remaining silent. In the end I finally decided to tell her only to find it was too late, she was already married. After that I swore I would never again hesitate, if I fell in love again I would tell them at once."
I paused for a moment, considering his words. His story had struck a chord with me, making me reconsider my previous thoughts, that perhaps I was being too hasty in ruling out any kind of romance. After all, there had been no complaints by the faculty about the lost boyfriend announcement and the head master himself had tried to set me up with his granddaughter…noticing the time I realised that I had to leave now if I wanted to get there on time.
"I think you're right…thank you Binsento-san. You've given me a lot to think about."
The old man responded with a kind smile.
"You're welcome Negi-kun, please do remember that you are welcome here any time, and please, bring you're girlfriend next time."
Flushing with embarrassment I made my farewells before running to the station, getting there just in time for the train. It didn't take me long to find Asuna and Konoka, I stood beside them in the carriage even as my thoughts were elsewhere, pondering over what Binsento-san had said.
"Hey! Negi-bozu!"
I was pulled from my daze by Asuna's voice, for whatever reason, she was obviously upset that I had spaced out.
"What is it Asuna?"
"What's wrong with you today? First, you disappear off before either Konoka or I are up without a word, then when you finally show up you just stand there and ignore us without even apologising or telling us where you went!"
"Oh…sorry."
She growled at me before turning away, leaving me to stare at her back, in truth I don't know why she's so upset. Since the airport she's been acting differently around me, her moods seem to shift so suddenly I just can't work out what the hell is going on with her. I looked over at Konoka, silently asking if she knew what was wrong. She simply smiled back at me and shook her head, signalling that she did know but wasn't telling. Sighing in defeat, I was glad when the train finally pulled into our station and we hurried off to make the run to the academy. We barely made it in time, just as I was changing my shoes Shizuna-sensei intercepted me and pulled me to one side, waving for the girls to go on ahead.
"Good morning Negi-kun, how was your spring break?"
"Tiring…uh, I mean busy, Shizuna-sensei."
She chuckled slightly at my slip up before taking a more serious tone.
"Do you know that today is body measurement day?"
"Body measurement day?"
"Yes, today the girls will have their bodies measured to update the school records. You should remind them about it at the start of class."
"Ok Shizuna-sensei."
I bowed and departed, heading towards the classroom when she called out to me.
"Oh and Negi-kun."
"Yes Shizuna-sensei?"
"Try to keep your girlfriend from making any more announcements."
Her words left me speechless, not knowing what else to do I made a break for it, heading to my class. Even as I walked in the door her words were still echoing in my mind, so distracted by the was I that I never noticed the chalk board eraser that someone had placed above the door, right up until the point it landed on my head. The next few moments were spent coughing and brushing chalk dust from my hair. A quick glance around the room revealed no suspects…for a moment I considered reading minds but after the last time I did that, with just a single girl, I think I best not. The female mind is not a place men were meant to see, let alone understand. Taking my position at the head of the class, after putting back the eraser in its rightful place, I addressed the class.
"Hello again group A. I'm your teacher, Negi Springfield, and welcome to the third year. We'll be with each other through next March, and I'm very much looking forward to it."
Various cheers and call of excitement met this by most of the class, although one or two of the girls remained silent. Most notable amongst these was one girl sitting on the back row, her eyes fixed upon me, something unsettling in her gaze. A brief rifle through my memory returned the fact her name was Evangeline A.K. McDowell and that she was a member of the Go and Tea Ceremony clubs. I don't know why, but she continued to regard me as a predator looks at prey, something that made me feel rather uncomfortable. When at last she looked away I was sure I felt a slight hint of magic in the air but quickly dismissed it, focusing instead on the task at hand.
"I realize there are many of you I've hardly talked to yet. I'm hoping to make time for all thirty-one of you this year."
I paused once again as my word were met with another round of cheers. I waited for them to die down before continuing.
"Ok, now it seems that today is body measurement day so you should all get your bodies ready to be measured…"
Just after I said it I realised just how that sounded…almost at once the class erupted into a series of catcalls and lewd comments. Before anyone could try anything I stepped outside the classroom, trying to hide my embarrassment. Filtering out the background noise of constant chatter, I turned my thoughts elsewhere, allowing them to drift, eventually settling once again on Asuna. I'm fairly certain that she was the one who put the eraser above the door, even if she didn't have her trademark smirk on her face afterward. To be honest she looked a little worried…I really don't understand girls. One minute she's mad at me, the next she's worried…I know she said she liked me and we did have that moment during the whole lost boyfriend fiasco but still I don't really know how she feels.
"Dammit! How am I supposed to figure this out when I don't even know how I feel!"
"Sensei!"
I looked up to see one of the other girls approaching me, her face fraught with worry.
"Negi-sensei! Come quickly! Something terrible has happened!"
This of course caught the other girls attention and soon I found myself red from embarrassment as they all peered out of the classroom to see what was wrong…wearing nothing but their underwear. Sufficed to say I made a quick exit, before any of them could either a) accuse me of being a pervert or b) try and show off their body. I ran to the sick room to find Makie lying there, unconscious. As I approached her, I immediately felt something was wrong but was forced to take a step back when the other girls arrived. Tuning out their conversation I instead focused on Makie and the unfamiliar presence that surrounded her…I sensed unfamiliar magic, magic of a type I had not encountered before, dark magic.
"Negi?"
I looked up to find Asuna leaning very close, a questioning look on her face.
"Yes Asuna?"
"Negi…you've been awfully quiet. Is there something else wrong with Makie?"
Feeling no need to worry her further I decided keep my suspicions secret for now.
"No, I have no worries about Makie-san, it's probably just a mild case of anaemia. Look, there are some thing I have to go and take care of, so please don't hold dinner for me tonight, I'll be sure and pick something up while I'm out."
Without waiting for a reply I walked out, already going over in my head the items I would need for hunting a vampire.
When I reached cherry blossom street it was deserted, luckily the girls had decided to steer clear. Thankful for this small respite I began to search along the street, expanding my senses, looking for any trace of the magic I had felt before. At first I found nothing, the traces were too faint, too old to be of any use to me. Frustrated, I was about to move elsewhere when suddenly I felt a surge of power and was barely able to dodge out of the way in time. A freeze spell instantly froze the ground where I had been standing. I traced it back, turning my head towards where it had been launched only to find a figure dressed in black standing there, looking back at me. For a moment I felt something was amiss, that the figure before me seemed wrong in some way. Then the wind picked up and her hat blew away.
"Evangeline-san!"
"Hmm, you're more powerful than I expected, dodging my freeze spell like that. It seems I may have to take this up a level."
Bracing myself for a second attack I was surprised when she turned and ran, forcing me to follow. I was further surprised when I found myself having trouble keeping up with her without expending a small amount of magic. I was ready for her when she took to the air; already I summed the wind around me and followed her riding upon my staff. Something about her actions didn't add up, to hold a flight spell without a broom or other magical item requires a level of mastery well beyond my own, yet at the same time she was using catalysts to cast the freeze spell…I smell a trap but I don't have a choice, I have to find out what the hell is going on before she goes after anymore of the other students.
"Stop it Evangeline-san! I don't want to hurt you!"
She simply laughed in response, moving faster. Having no choice now I summoned the wind sprits even as I kept a second spell in reserve to break her flying enchantment. She reflected them all, showing a level of mastery that once again gave me pause before the full force of my second spell hit home, forcing her down onto on of the rooftops. I landed soon after, swallowing nervously when I realised she was wearing very little, forcing down my embarrassment I focused instead on the task at hand.
"Now, Evangeline-san, tell me why you were attacking the other students."
"And why should I do that?"
"Because if you won't tell me by choice then I'll have no choice but to use force…"
I was bluffing, I just hope she doesn't realise that. To my misfortune she seemed to catch on as her stance became defiant.
"Oh really? The son of the Thousand Master attacking a defenceless student? I think not."
As those words left her lips I found myself frozen, shocked by her reference to my father. I haven't seen him since the day he passed on his wand and left me in the care of my grandfather. Ever since I've been working as hard as I can, hoping one day to reach his level and go beyond so that when he finally does come back he will be proud. The fact that she knows about him worries me on some level, there is more to this that I know…for now it seems that we are in a stand off, she is out of catalysts and I won't attack a defenceless opponent. The problem is I still can't allow her to escape; I just need to find a more…subtle method to prevent it. If I keep her talking then perhaps I can buy myself enough time to think of something better…
"How do you know about my father?"
She simply laughed in answer to my question.
"Oh, I met him once, a number of years ago. He cast a certain spell on me, one I would very much like reversed."
It was at that moment a shadow detached itself from the rooftop above and land behind and to the side of her. This was bad news, the fact she has partner changes this entirely, she has someone to defend her while she casts, I on the other hand, am stuck depending on my own reactions. This battle just got a whole lot harder…
"Let me introduce my partner. 3-A student number 10, minstel magi, Chachamaru Karakuri."
Before I could react Chachamaru had closed the distance between us, slipping through my defences and putting me in a rough arm lock. With my arms held behind me securely there was little I could do to stop Evangeline as she walked forwards, grinning widely.
"Now, you wanted an explanation didn't you? Here it is…since your dear father defeated me I've spent the last fifteen years stuck studying along side these annoying, ditzy, junior high school girls! The only way to break it is to drain the blood of a relative of the Southern Master…guess who the lucky relative is?"
She stepped closer mouth opening to show her fangs, I braced myself for the pain but was shocked when it didn't come. Opening my eyes I found her standing there, that same look from before on her face, the predator sizing up its prey.
"Of course, blood isn't the only way, it's just the simplest. Other bodily fluids work as well…well, one other in particular. And the best part is it doesn't have to be taken orally…"
My eyes widened as I caught on, I struggled desperately but to no avail, Chachamaru had a firm grip on my arms. Evangeline's hands moved to my shirt, ripping it open without bothering to open the buttons. Her hand moved up to my chest, gently stroking across my exposed flesh.
"I don't expect you've ever been with a girl before, have you? Hmmm, perhaps if you're good enough I might keep you around afterwards as my love slave."
Her hand moved southwards, towards the waistband of my trousers when suddenly a foot came out of nowhere and kicked her in the face, sending her stumbling to the ground. Almost immediately the grip on my arms was released as Chachamaru ran to her mistress's side. I turned to find out who my saviour was only to find the last person I expected standing to my side.
"Asuna! What the hell are you doing here?"
"Saving you from being raped by this pipsqueak it seems. Evangeline-san, you know you're supposed to ask someone's permission before you do something like that."
Evangeline had stood up now, her hand pressed up against her cheek. She turned at hateful glare towards Asuna.
"Asuna! The full time troublemaker, I should have known it would be you! I've seen how you look at him when you think no-one is looking…how about we forget about the kick to the face if I let you go second?"
For a moment Asuna was utterly silent before anger exploded out of her and she launched herself at Evangeline once again, this time sending her flying off the roof. The last thing I heard as she fell out of sight was her parting thoughts.
"Hmmm, perhaps I should have said I'd let her go first."
A/N: Ok, so the first part was a bit compacted but as much as I tried to work out the last part of book 2 it refused to come out right. So, what you see is what you get, a quick fire rendition of those events leading into the emergence of Evangeline and a whole horde of trouble for our favourite teacher…
Thanks everyone for reading.
Hououza
Chapter preread by That Other Guy