APH: First thing first… an apology is in order and I shall do so under my own pain of death.
MX: That is all there is to say in all the long wait that he has put you all under. So here is the next installment.
APH: Hope nothing is out of place or the quality dropped. Remember, everything happened for a reason!
Disclaimer: I am getting tire of these… You all should know what this is.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Edo… where is it again?" Yuki asks herself as she flies in the clear sky searching for the hotel Negi and students situated themselves in yesterday. "Why can't Sarah-nee-sama give a more clear direction? Wait, scratch that, why am I here in the first place?"
Flashback…"So they already make their move…" Konoemon says as he stroke his beard. While he continues to look relaxed, the three other companions in the room, namely Sarah, Evangeline, and Yuki, know differently. The head master is thinking… More like brooding on what to do.
"I would suggest sending back up, but I cannot go unless risking massive retaliation. Eva-chan can't go because we don't want you stamping your hands out. Yuki-chan can't go because we have no clue to her combat ability save for her metallic cross, which I might add, is also an unknown. No offence Yuki." Sarah explains before giving an apologetic smile to the small elf. Said elf just smiles and shake her head.
"True. Although I expect that Hoshiiko girl to be there by tomorrow, I believe it is still not enough." Evangeline says as she stroke her chin with a thoughtful frown on her face. "And like Sarah said before, neither of us can go for various reason. I also believe you cannot spare any magical teachers without their cover blown, right?"
"…That is correct." Konoemon says before letting out a tire sigh. "What should we do? From what Negi tells me in his phone call back a while ago, they had employ some rather strong mercenaries. Not to mention, Nicolas is there."
"W-W-WAIT! REWIND!" Sarah suddenly leaps off her chair and wave her arms around. "NICOLAS?!?! AS IN NICOLAS SPRINGFIELD??!?!?! NEGI'S UNCLE… err… how many times removed? ANYWAY THAT'S NOT THE POINT! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW DANGEROUS HE IS?!?!?!"
"Hai, I know of his reputation. He is someone that can give you a run for your money, but not without his own cost." Konoemon says before he pulls out a thick folder with the word 'Nicolas Springfield' printed on in big, red, bold letter. "As you can see, his record is rather impressive and his sense of moral is also not to be insulted. But most of the times he puts his job first and relationships and moral second. That is why he is…"
"One of the most wanted mercenaries for both bounty and job." Evangeline finishes the line before her frown deepens. "This is indeed a problem. If I remember correctly, he once practice-!"
"It will do you good not to speak of it." Sarah suddenly warns the chibi vampire with an edge in her tone. "It will do no good digging up the past. Beside, the result of that incident is still somewhere in the world with no trace what so ever. Not even Saki can find anything on him, and he is one of the best information gathering specialist you can find."
"Ano… if I can suggest something?" Yuki, who had stay silent for the most part, suddenly spoke up.
"Oh, let's hear it. I might be good." Konoemon says with an encouraging smile, knowing the elf has a sense of inferiority when it comes to being helpful. Can't blame her as her size did contribute to not able to do certain things.
"Err… I think if we can give a letter to Nicolas and somehow offer him something better, he'll abandon his post as an enemy." Yuki suggested, but seeing the rather blank expression on everyone's face, she quickly jump to conclusion. "AAHH! S-S-S-SORRY! I-I-I-IT'S A BAD IDEA! I MEAN-!"
"No way! THAT'S ABSOLUTLY THE BEST IDEA SO FAR!" Sarah exclaims as she smother Yuki into her chest. "YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER!!!"
"MMMM MMM MMMMM!!!"
"I do believe even elf needs air." Eva mumbles and Sarah blinks a few times before the elder vampire release a gasping elf. "But I agree, that is a rather nice plan… But what can we offer?"
"…If I do remember correctly, he is an accomplished Alchemist who can mix all sorts of potion." Konoemon says, and as if a light bulb was suddenly turned on, everyone share the same look of understanding.
"We can offer him a job in the school…" Sarah begins as a grin starts to appear on her flawless face.
"…And as an accomplished Alchemist, he understand chemistry to the last detail…" Evangeline says as she starts to rub her hands in glee.
"…And also, this school is known for attracting information whether purposefully or simply as rumors…" Yuki says before a beaming smile appears on her face.
"And let's not forget, we do also attract many magical personnel." Konoemon finishes with a hearty laugh. "Brilliant!"
"…Err… just one problem… How do we get a letter to him?" Yuki asks, and the atmosphere suddenly seems too dense with disappointment. "…I forgot about that part…"
"…Oh wait… I have just the perfect way… Hehehe…" Sarah says as she slowly turns her head towards a dreading Yuki. "Oh yes… the perfect way…"
Judging by the strange shadow that manage to appears despite the room being quite nicely lighted, as well as the eyes that glow with a strange unholy light, Yuki suddenly finds herself wishing nothing worst happens.
XXXXX WARNING! RANDOMNESS!!! (YES PEOPLE! IT'S BACK!) XXXXX
"Also, I have something I just dying to let you try out." Sarah says as an evil aura starts to radiate off of her.
"Um… I… I do believe it's best if I simply go and deliver the letter… Now…!" Yuki says and makes a mad dash for the door… More like launching with the force of a rocket towards the door. However, when you're being chased by a vampire of nearly (or maybe even) a thousand years old, escape is NOT an option. "EEEP!" And Yuki learns that the hard way when she was forcefully yanked out of the air.
"Ohohoho, where do you think you're going my cute little Yuki-chan!" Sarah says sweetly, even going as far as to add more sugar on the last '-chan' part. Now Yuki is truly terrified.
"Err… S-Sarah-nee-sama… I… err… The letter…"
"Hohoho, Yuki-chan, we haven't even started on that yet." Konoemon says happily, but only tilt his head in confusion when Yuki turns big, shiny, and teary eyes towards him and mouth the word 'traitor.' 'What did I do?' The old man thought as he blinks away.
As for Evangeline, she was once again reminded why she starts to do her own shopping a while after Sarah came back into her life. 'Ah, she always has this fetish with dressing people up… Wonder if that's a symptom of turning into a pedophile.'
"Anyway, as I was saying…" Sarah chirps as she reaches behind her and pull out a case out of nowhere. "Let's see if these fits…"
"IIIIIIIIYYYYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNN!!!!"
End of flashback XXXXX AND RANDOMNESS XXXXX
'Oh… that's right… I want to get away from her…' Yuki thought as she peer down at herself to find the French-maid uniform that fits her rather well… much to her horror. 'I wonder how Negi-nii-sama will think when he sees me in… this… Sarah-nee-sama… So cruel…'
XXXXXXXXXX
"Hmm… and then a right turn… and here we are!" Hoshiiko exclaims happily as she claps her hand together. "There is the hotel that Konoka-ojou-sama and Negi-chan is staying at!"
Picking up her suitcase, which is a small, brown pulling type with a long handle, the girl starts walking towards the hotel in anticipation. "Now let's see… I remember I didn't exactly introduce myself properly to Negi-chan last time huh?"
The girl has a beaming smile on her face as she think of all the stuff she can do with Negi (APH: And none of them perverted thank you very much) when she gets to know him better. "KYAAA! I CAN'T WAIT!"
"…Can you quiet down?" A monotone says from her left, startling the girl and causing her to jump two feet into the air. "Impressive… but only for a human."
"Eh?" Hoshiiko mumbles before turning to the left to stare… at a girl with a strange mix of purple and brown hair… cat ears… green eyes… and a… tail… "Ah…!" Without warning, Hoshiiko launches herself at the unexpected cat girl with a battle cry.
"EH??!!" The cat girl just exclaims before leaping off of the fence she was balancing on a moment ago. Her green eyes widen to comical proportion as the fence shattered into pieces. "W-W-W-WAIT A MINUTE!"
"There is no explanation, foul demon. I will not allow you to harm the students in this hotel." Hoshiiko says before pulling out a pair of wore but sturdy leather black gloves and put them on. "Now, prepare to be pummeled."
(APH: For those that think Hoshiiko is a polite child, you aren't wrong. It's a simply little thing call giddiness that's causing the girl to act… well, a little too hyperactive in my standard.)
XXXXXXXXXX
Neko finds herself between a hard place and a huge rock. On one hand, she is unwilling to ask for her supposed guardian for help because of her pride. On the other, she is faced with a girl in a white cheongsam that goes down all the way to her ankle with slits as high as to her hip on the left side. The outfit is complete with combat boots, pair of black, old, but lethal gloves, and blue strings as decoration on the cheongsam. Next, Neko notice that her hair covers her right eye and part of her right cheek, and the rest only reaches slightly past her shoulder. The left side is pinned up via two hair clips.
All in all, Neko finds the new comer rather innocent in looks… But looking back at the demolished fence, her attacker is anything BUT innocent as she ducks under yet another bone-shattering punch.
"H-H-H-H-HOLD ON! JUST LISTEN TO ME!!" Neko tries to reason as she starts to feel her side hurting again. 'Shimatta! If this keeps going, it'll hurt like hell!' Neko thought as she shoves a kick away. 'Can't attack unless I want to aggravate my wound even further. DAMN YOU NICOLAS!!'
XXXXXXXXXX
Hoshiiko is irritated how the girl can keep avoiding her attack. Make no mistake that Hoshiiko knows her speed is not that great, but even so, it is enough to match most lower class demons.
The 'one-eyed' girl grit her teeth as she sent a quick left jab that only manage to graze the demon's arm, who back flip away and stumbles while continues to try and reason with her. "GAAAH! PLEASE HOLD ON A SECOND!"
"YOU WILL NOT ESCAPE!" Hoshiiko shouts as she plants her left foot into a tree with a flying kick, having her supposed prey ducking once again. Using her momentum, Hoshiiko twists herself in midair and sent a right heel towards the crouching demon. "HI-YA!"
FOOSH! And miss only by a hair's width, but not without taking out a few individual hairs. Landing on her right foot, Hoshiiko quickly crouch herself and sent a low swipe hoping to either a) tumble the demon or b) makes her jump.
The demon choose the latter, 'Good.' Planting her foot into the ground where the demon was a while ago, Hoshiiko lifts up her other leg to send the girl flying. But what she imagined did not occurs as the demon crabs onto her leg and swing herself a few meters away. "CAN'T WE BE CIVILIZE HERE?!?!" The demon cries as she lands on her hands and feet.
Hoshiiko did not miss the slight flinch or the hand movement that was meant to grab onto the demon's side. Knowing the demon to be injured before, the girl decides to press her advantage, and lunge for her prey.
XXXXXXXXXX
"HOLD STILL DEMON! SO I CAN EXECUTE YOU!" The attacker screams as she launch into a quick combo that Neko mostly avoid save for the few that graze her. Said places the yukata she was wearing have holes appearing.
"WOULD YOU JUST HOLD ON A MINUTE!?!" Neko shouts as her eyes widen as the attacker's fist shattered a rock. "WAAHHHH!!"
"Grrr… You're a rather persistence one. No problem, take this, SHINKUUGEN!" The attacker shouts out before sending a palm strike at Neko. The cat girl skillfully avoided the attack by ducking via instinct. KRUNCH! And look back, to see the print of a palm at least three times bigger imbedded into a tree. "EEEEEHHH?!?!"
"The shinkuugen, or empty fist, is simply a palm strike full of charged ki. If hit at point blank, I believe you can see the result." Neko's attacker says before putting herself into a stance with her left foot out, right leg bent and knee almost touching the ground. Her left hand is open with palm facing down and her right is up with its palm facing out. The left and right arm form a perfect straight line as the attacker's leg muscle tense. "Now, prepare yourself!"
'Oh great…' Neko thought as dread builds up in her. 'I don't think I can avoid that… This will hurt like a bitch…'
"Now, EAT THIS! HAKKE RYU: HEKI! (Eight diagram style: pierce)" With that, the attacker is shooting towards Neko like a rocket with her right hand seemly ready to pierce her heart.
'Oh great… I'll be killed!' Neko thought as time slows down for her. She sees in detail how her attacker's right arm moves into a piercing position before launching. However, something yellow at where the attacker's right eyes should be caught Neko's attention. 'Eh? Nani…?'
What occurs next happens in a blur, as instead of pain in her chest, Neko felt pain in her side as she was tackled out of the way by a small blur. Said blur then duck under her attacker's thrust simply by accidentally slipping on a patch of wet grass. Her attacker, seeing the attack miss, cannot regain her balance, thus throwing herself onto the blur. The two roll forwards before coming to a stop by slamming into a tree. The tree rock with enough force that several birds were knocked off their perches and land on the ground with a loud THUD! Thankfully, none of them seem hurt… How that occurs, no one knows.
Then Neko notice her rescuer. Namely, one Negi Springfield, trying to regain his bearing… while his head rest on the attacker's chest with his legs spreading her attacker's wide. To say Neko finds herself blushing would be an understatement…
XXXXXXXXXX
'Owie… what hit me?' Hoshiiko thought as she rubes her head to try and not faint. That's when she notice that there is something laying on top of her chest and her legs… are spread… rather…
"EEK!!"
XXXXXXXXXX
Negi Springfield felt as if he just went through a 'session' with Sarah. His head is pounding, his body is aching, not to mention, whatever he lands on is rather solid… Wait… if whatever he is on top of is solid and is suppose to be hard… why are there two mound of soft thing under his head… and why oh why he felt as if he just screw himself over…?
"EEK!!"
Oh, there is his answer… KA-POW!!! "WAAAAAAH!!!"
"…" Neko just stares as Negi was send tumbling face first into a tree, smash through it, and continue to roll until his face was planted onto a rather large rock. '…Glad I avoid her attacks…'
"Y-Y-Y-Y-YOU DESPICABLE PERVERT! I SHALL HAVE YOU… NEGI-CHAN?!?!" Hoshiiko gasps as she realizes who her victim is before quickly running towards the dizzy child. "WAAAH! I'M SO SORRY! I DIDN'T REALIZE IT WAS YOU! …But that is still rather unacceptable you know?"
"Ah…" Negi just moans before opening an eye to peer at the teenage girl above her. "…Do I know you?"
"Ah, that's right, where is my manner." Hoshiiko says before she takes a few steps back and bow at the waist. "Wadashiwa Hazumi Hoshiiko, yoroshikou!"
"Ah! You're the girl that was here when Locke was confined in the infirmary." Negi says as realization sets in. "Err… what are you doing here if you don't mind me asking…"
"Oh yeah, that's right. I have a little problem to solve." Hoshiiko says with a smile before turning towards Neko, who continues to look with biddy eyes. "Now then demon, prepare to be-!"
"Eh? Neko-san is not dangerous." Negi says, causing Hoshiiko to blinks as she was interrupted half way through her declaration. "She is under my protection… Um, it's hard to explain…"
"…Wha…?" The teenage girl just blurred out before looking from Negi to Neko then back and forth. Red question marks start to appear on top of her head, and soon, the background is full of them, in various sizes and positions. "Nani? Eh? What?"
"Ah… now that you will finally listen, I suppose I should introduce myself." Neko says as she brushes the dirt off her sleeves. With her face back into the stoic expression before the whole battle starts, the cat girl gives a curtsy with a smirk. "The name is Neko… Kagemaru Neko, pleasure to make your acquaintances."
It was not the fact that the sarcasm is so thick in the end that shocks Hoshiiko. It's the demon, or more like haiyou's last name that shocks her to no end. "K-K-K-K-K-K-KAGEMARU?!?!?!"
"…Hai… I don't see what is so surprising." Neko says, but with a knowing smirk that grows bigger as Hoshiiko's eyes widen further.
"B-B-B-B-B-But…!"
"Why Hazumi-san, it's not that big of a surprise." Neko says as her amusement clearly shows in her green eyes. "After all, you almost killed the second daughter of the clan head, so you shouldn't be that surprise."
That did it.
"NNAAAAAAAAAANNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII?!??!?!?!"
XXXXXXXXXX
Yuki is considering giving up. After all, Kyoto is a large place, and flying at such a high altitude is starting to kill her both mentally and physically. Not to mention the letter that looks oversized in a pouch equally as oversized dangling from her is starting to get heavy.
"Mou! Why can't I find it?!?!"
"NNAAAAAAAAAANNIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII?!??!?!?" A loud scream emits from near a building, almost causing the small elf to lose the letter. After juggling it a few second and sighing for ensuring its safety, Yuki decides to investigate.
'Besides, I'm sure hiding in those trees is better than hiding in some random bushes near the road. And I need to rest a bid.' With that in mind, the tiny elf makes her way towards where the scream was emitted. Making sure that it's the place, Yuki descends into the tree to a level where she see something black, something brown, and something that's a mix of purple and brown. On closer investigation, Yuki finds the person she is seeking all alone. "AH! NEGI-NII-SAMA!"
XXXXXXXXXX
"AH! NEGI-NII-SAMA!" A voice shouts from above, in the trees. Looking up, Negi blinks as something small darts towards his face.
"Wha-ITAI!" Negi grunts as something hits his head rather hard. Reaching up and grabbing the offending object, he finds himself holding no other than, "Yuki-chan?"
"NEGI-NII-SAMA! I FINALLY FOUND YOU!" Yuki shouts happily as her eyes become extremely big and teary. "I thought I'll never get to see you again…"
Negi sweat drops as his eyes turns to two dots and says, "…Yuki-chan, I'm not going to die or something… You makes it sounds like I will or something."
"Err… oh yeah huh. At least I don't jinx you like Sarah-nee-sama does." Yuki reminds and felt a shiver through the hand holding her in place. "Negi-nii-sama?"
"Ara? Is it really that terrifying?" Hoshiiko, who makes herself known, asks as she sees Negi went from healthy to extremely pale in a matter of nano second.
"You… don't…. want to know…" Negi says as he cries waterfalls from his eyes. "Sarah-san can be rather cruel with her humor sometimes… and I learn the hard why that whatever she says won't happen tends to happen…"
"Ah… mad-skill jinxing…" Neko, who makes herself appears for the first time for Yuki, says as she stroke her chin with a sly look on her face. "So if she says you won't get eaten by a bear, you'll find a bear chasing you one way or another at the same day, yes?"
"…Don't remind me…" Negi mumbles as he crawls into a corner and brood, remembering a certain episode in the mountain.
"In another words, Sarah-san has a rather strange sense of humor that tend to send someone into misfortune unconsciously." Hoshiiko concludes as she cross her arms under her breast. "Indeed, something you do not want to mess with."
"The question is how does she do it." Yuki says as she pulls herself onto Negi's head. "There is no explanation for such a phenomenon that even Konoemon-sama finds hard to explain."
"Hmm… this is indeed interesting…" Hoshiiko and Neko say at the same time, both having a rather gleeful expression on their faces. "I can't wait to see it in person…"
'…These people are scary…' Negi thought before snapping out of his stupor. "Chodo, Yuki-chan, just what are you doing here?"
"Oh! That's right! We come up with an idea on how to eliminate Nicolas as a threat." Yuki says happily, which disappears as a face of horror appears on Negi's face. "Mm… is there something wrong?"
"OF COURSE THERE IS!" Negi exclaims as he starts to rave around. "I MEAN, YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT MY UNCLE… how many times removed? Anyway, YOU GUYS ARE TALKING ABOUT KILLING HIM!!!"
"Eh? We never say a thing about killing." Yuki says as a proud smile appears on her face. That's when Neko notice the letter dangling in an oversized pouch from the elf. "You see, since he is a mercenary, we can offer him something better."
"Eh?" Negi couldn't believe what he is hearing. Would the principal go so low as to do that?
Seeing the look on Negi's face, Yuki quickly launch into an explanation least he starts hating her and the principal. "I-I-IT'S NOT LIKE THAT!!! S-since Nicolas is known to be rather renowned for his knowledge on chemicals, Konoemon-sama think that we can offer him a job to teach in the school."
"And how does that help? It doesn't sound good when the income is decreased by so much. Not to mention, what he earn in a year can probably be done by simply beheading someone else in a day." Hoshiiko says as she taps her chin in thought. "Come to think of it, if he's anything like Locke-san, he'll go after bounty rather than stay in one place."
"And just how is he similar to Locke-san?" Negi asks, having only known the slayer for a short few days.
"If I'm correct, the two of them are obsess with money." Hoshiiko says with a huge smile on her face while Negi sweat drops. "While Locke-san has a addiction to coffee, he also has this fetish for money. You see, he is a rather stingy person when it comes to money."
XXXXX Somewhere inside a large room… XXXXX
"AAACHHOOOO!!" Locke sneezed only to be bulldozed over by Hana. "DAMN IT YOU WENCH! THAT HURTS!!"
"I would suggest you pay more attention to the training." Hana says as she drops into an offensive stance. "Now, prepare yourself."
"HOW DO I DO THAT IF MY HANDS ARE TIED BEHIND ME AND MY FEET ARE TIED TOGETHER?!?!?!?!"
"Well, that's where imagination comes into play." Hana says before looking out of the corner of her eyes to Arda, who's calming sipping a cup of tea. "Isn't that right, Lady Arda?"
"Hmm? Oh, of course, now, continue training. Oh and Hana? Aim below the belt." Arda says before going back to her drink.
As for Locke, he can only stare in horror before jumping away just in time from a fist. 'Oh dare Kami, please don't make people think about me now!!!'
XXXXXXXXXX
"…Is that so…" Negi says with small dots for eyes. Hoshiiko just giggles as she remembers all the time she bugs Locke to buy her lunch.
"Well, anyway, it's pointless to say that if we don't try ne?" Yuki asks as she pulls the letter up. "Besides, I'm sure he'll at least listen if it's Negi-nii-sama!"
"EH? ME?!"
"Of course! You are his nephew… how many times removes? Still, I'm sure he'll listen to reason if it's his relative he is talking to."
"It'll be pointless…"
"Besides… eh?" Yuki suddenly stops after hearing Neko's comment. "Why not? I'm sure he'll listen."
"…He won't. He is a heartless bastard." Neko says in her monotone, but you can see the rage burning in her eyes. "He won't listen to his relatives. He won't accept your offer because killing is for much easier than teaching."
"How would you know?" Negi asks, deciding to defend Yuki as the girl looks as if she'll burst in tear. "We never tried! It isn't good to put conclusion on people we don't know."
"…It's pointless. I'm warning you now." Neko says before she turns around and walks away. "…Have to replace this yukata…"
"…What's her deal?" Hoshiiko asks before coming to a realization. "Come to think of it, why is she here?"
XXXXX A few minutes later… inside the Hotel's lobby… XXXXX
"…You got to be… kidding me…" Hoshiiko asks as her left eyebrow continues to twitch. Judging from the expression that Negi and Asuna wear, it's not some kind of joke it appears. "…You're serious… you, the guardian of the second daughter of the Kagemaru clan head…" If she's a little conscious of herself, she'll be horrified that her manners all fly out the window, land in a box, sealed in by nail, tossed into a safe, and then launch into the deepest depth of space. "This is simply… unbelievable!!"
"…Err… now that you put it that way… I just found out how much shit I dig myself in…" Negi says as a cloud of gloom loom over him. "What have I done…?"
"Negi-sensei, it's inappropriate to use such distasteful language." Setsuna says as she rest her hands on her lap. "Besides, now that I know who she is, I can understand a few things."
"And that being?" Asuna asks, still not having grasp the gravity of the entire situation as well as why Setsuna is sitting with them right now.
"While, for one, we already know that Neko is half demon." Setsuna starts by stating the most obvious for the benefit of Hoshiiko. "Next, we know that she's from a royal background, thus explaining her issue with pride." The kendo girl says to Asuna as Hoshiiko already learn that the hard way. "Then the bitterness she exhibits, it's due to –and I believe it's more truth than simply stories- that her sister is currently missing and she suspect human conspiracy."
"In short, she thinks that her sister's disappearance is because humans abduct her or something?" Asuna asks, and seeing Setsuna nod with a serious face, baka red sighs as she lean back into the sofa in the room. "Well, that really explains her bitterness."
"Oh, I… err, sort of forget about a tiny winy detail…" Setsuna says in a small voice that Negi and Setsuna finds strange coming from the usually rather tough girl. "Um, since she's… a Haiyou (half demon), she is… in constant danger of being assassinated by pure blood demons…"
"…I think I'm going to die…" Negi says once he took in everything. It's bad enough that Neko is the second daughter of the clan head, it's even worst knowing that she's in constant danger of being killed by full-blood demon. As if it's not enough, Hoshiiko decides to put in something that just simply doesn't help.
"If I'm correct, the clan head of the Kagemaru has many enemy both in and out of the clan. So with Kurosame, the rightful heir and Neko's sister, missing, Neko become the next in line." Hoshiiko starts, completely oblivious to the imaginary stones with the word 'burden' on that drop onto Negi's shoulder. "So in that sense, Neko may be assassinated by one of her own clan members… Eh, Negi-chan, you alright?"
"…What have I got myself into… What have I got myself into…" Negi mumbles as he crawls into a corner, which dimmed to almost look black, with ghost fires appearing on top of his head. "…What have I got myself into…"
The other occupant sweat drops as they witness the depression Negi seems to be in.
"Aniki isn't taking this very well is he?" Kamo asks from Asuna's shoulder.
"Of course not ero-Kamo. Negi-nii-sama just learned that he might have to fight off full-fledge demons from Neko." Yuki hissed from Asuna's other shoulder before realizing her mistake as Negi become even more like a ball. "Ah…"
"Mm, does this happen often?" Hoshiiko asks, not knowing the life of the young Springfield and curious to a degree. "I mean, I'd thought he will at least be panicking instead of going into a depression."
"Negi-sensei was forced to mature rather quickly. After all, who wouldn't when they are on guard constantly?" Setsuna explains before shifting her attention to a clock on the wall. "…It will appear that the trip to the Cinema Town will be starting in a few minutes. In that case, I will bid you good day for now." Setsuna says before standing up with a bow and start walking towards where the group is to meet.
"Oh, that's right! Aniki! We need to deliver the letter to the Kansai Magic Association!!" Kamo says as he pulls out a letter out of nowhere. "Aniki! This is the perfect opportunity! You can't waste it!"
"…" Negi continues to sulk in the corner as the light got dimmer and the ghost fires multiply.
"…This… doesn't look good…" Kamo says before tapping Asuna's shoulder. "Ne, ane-san, can you do something about this?"
"Of course, who do you think I am?" Asuna asks before gently putting Kamo and a confused Yuki down on the table. "Besides, I'd being wanting to do with for a while…" The baka red says as a sinister aura engulfs her. Kamo wonders if that is really the best choice will Yuki just sit a little closer to him in terror. Hoshiiko can only inch away as she starts to drip cold sweat.
Who would have thought this girl to be so terrifying? As if her beating up Sarah and Locke isn't enough, now this?
"Sa, shall we begin…?"
And the next five minutes are no different than the time when Negi accidentally bumps into a frustrated Sarah the day of departure.
Yup, it's painful…
XXXXXXXXXX
"Maybe you had overdone it a bit…?" Hoshiiko asks as she steadies a wobbly Negi by her side. "I mean, there is going to be a lot of explaining to do when it comes to Sarah-san…"
"W… Wakata… it's just that… um…" Asuna falters as she can think of no reason why she gives that beating. Maybe it's because she held a grudge for the kid for suddenly dropping into her life? Or is it because she wants to pay him back because the principal interrupted them yesterday? Or maybe it's simply a heat of the moment thing? Well, the result is that Negi is sort of in la-la land while they walk down a row of never ending corridor… Speaking of which, just how long had they being walking in this thing? "Ne, Hoshiiko-san, how long had we being walking?"
"Hmm… I'd say for quite a while… Ne, Yuki-chan, you know?" The older girl asks the tiny elf that's resting on her head peering left and right with a suspicious look on her face. "Yuki-chan?"
"Something… doesn't feel right…" The small elf says before she fly up and dart forwards. The group could only blinks as the elf disappears in the distance, wondering if she'll get lost in such a huge place. Just then, Asuna snaps out of her stupor at Yuki's speed and decides to intervene before things get out of hand.
"AH! MATTE! YUKI-CHAN!!" Asuna shouts before something hits her head rather hard. "ITAI! WHAT'S THE BIG… Eh? Yuki-chan…?"
"Nyan…" The small elf moans as she rubs her head. "Shouldn't done that… Anyway, I think we're stuck in some sort of dimension…"
"Hmm… just as I suspected…" Kamo says with a glint in his eyes. "I'd notice that we're passing some rather familiar stuff lately…"
"Like that vending machine?" Yuki asks while pointing a small finger to, indeed, a vending machine. Kamo face faulted and drops off Asuna's shoulder before he appears just an inch from Yuki's face. "EEP?!"
"DON'T RUIN MY DISCOVERY LIKE THAT!" Kamo shouts, and thus another argument between the familiar and the elf begin. Asuna sighs in exasperation, thinking that it's not the time to argue while Hoshiiko only giggles in fascination as Yuki pulls out a metallic cross out of nowhere. Negi… well, he is still counting the amount of stars circling his head, but he can tell that they're decreasing in number somehow.
All of them however didn't notice several shadows watching them from the trees near by; one bearing excited grin, one smiling with glee, and another simply regard them with a blank expression. Then, the one smiling in glee grin before saying, "Well, I guess it's time to start…"
XXXXXXXXXX
Nodoka simply doesn't understand her situation.
First off, there is the kissing game yesterday, which somehow she win… even if by accident. The game that Kazumi suddenly set up in the middle of the night is just too bizarre. It's like they're in another world all together. Especially that little kiss… It almost felt as if she's filled to the brink with power!
Then, there is that little prize, namely a card of her with several books floating behind her with a giant tome opened in front of her. If not for the strange symbols and the language written on the card as well as the fact that she has no recollection of taking a picture like that, Nodoka will simply disregard it as something made with Photoshop. (APH: Behold the awesomeness of that invention!!! MX: Which YOU have no idea how to use… APH: …True… so sad…)
Next is the fact that she over heard the entire conversation with Negi saying something about magic… the ermine Kamo talking about pactio… and Asuna suddenly holding a giant paper fan. Oh, and there is the matter with the word 'Adeat' and the fact that she seems to get this giant book that READS mind… Oh, the images Yue has…
'Wait, no! Bad thought Nodoka!' The shy girl scolds herself as her face flames up.
"Eh? Nodoka, is everything alright?" Yue asks with her usual stoic expression, but the worry is clear in her voice. "You look all red…"
"Fufufu… could it be that you're thinking of Negi sensei? Why Nodoka, I never know that you have it in you." Haruna, a girl who is known as the gossip queen, says as she has a large grin slapped onto her face. Of course, her comment only causes her shy friend to blush even redder and launch into a denial.
"W-W-W-WHA! I-I-I-I-I'M NOT THINKING ABOUT NEGI-SENSEI! I MEAN I'M NOT… I… KYAAAHHH!" Nodoka stutters as she waves her hands in front of her. However, seeing Haruna's grin grew larger, Nodoka feels as if her world is going to end.
"Oh really? Hmm, but that won't do Nodoka. Denying yourself is not a good thing."
"W-W-WHA!"
"Paru, have mercy on the girl." Yue says as she pinches Haruna's cheek and drags her down.
"ITAI! Yue-chan! No need to be harsh!"
Meanwhile, Konoka is dragging a rather reluctant Setsuna all over the Movie Town going 'kya' once in a while when seeing cute little merchandise. Setsuna, while happy, also wants to simply dig herself a grave and disappear from the world. Right this instance, she is contemplating if getting blast to pieces by Sarah will be faster or simply commit seppuku to preserve her sense of honor. There is also the fact that she is dressed in an elegant kimono while Setsuna herself is dressed in a samurai outfit…
It won't be so bad if bystanders don't comment on how cute they look together.
"SET-CHAN! LOOKIE! IT'S SO CUTE!!!" Konoka once again squeal as she picks up a small figure in the shape of a puppy. You can see the hearts flowing out of the girl as she nozzle the figure with her cheek. "KYA! KAWAII!!!"
"O-ojou-sama!" Setsuna whispers as she tries to restrain her lady from scaring any more people when in fact she just want to drag the girl away. Then there is that little part of her that wonders what Negi-sensei is doing. He, Asuna, Kamo, Yuki, and Hoshiiko just simply up and disappear when they reach Cinema Town. Hope they're not doing something dangerous.
Off on another place, Ayaka sighs for the nth time as she, in a courtesan's outfit, sits on a bench while looking rather depressed. Ku Fei, who is dressed in a ninja outfit while munching on some dango, look over to the class president and asks, "Ne inncho, why so down-aru?"
"While Ku Fei-san, I'm just sad that I'm not with Negi-sensei right now." Ayaka sighs again as she picture all the outfits she can get Negi into. This only causes her to sigh once again.
"Well, then why didn't you go with him-aru?" Ku Fei asks and knows that it's the wrong question when a large, red vein pops out on the president's head.
"Why? Why you ask… It's simple." The furious girl whispers before standing up and points to a bunch of girls that's trying to strip each other bears. These girls are the Cheerleader Trios, Makie, the Narutaki twins, and Yuna. As for Ako and Akira… the two girls have given up trying to stop them a long time ago and simply decide to watch. "IT'S BECAUSE I'M STUCK WITH LOOKING AFTER YOU BRATS AND MAKE SURE THAT NONE OF YOU GET YOURSELF INTO STUPID SITUATIONS!!!!!!"
"C-calm down inncho… you're causing a scene… aru…" Oops… wrong thing to say again…
"Grrrr… KU FEI-SAN!!!!" Ayaka screams as she makes a grab for the Chinese girl, who jumps away with jets of tear coming out of her eyes.
"IYA!!!"
Near by in a shop, Chao Linshen is currently advertising her Chao Bou Zi, which quickly become popular. Her partner and chef, Satsuki, continues to make more while serving them at the same time. It's amazing how the slightly round but cute girl is keeping up with the demand.
"SATSUKI-CHAN! MORE BOU ZI!!"
Hai, hai. Satsuki says in her unique style with a smile. If things are the way they are, then Chao Bou Zi will open another shop soon.
Kaede and Mana, two of the most deadly girls in Mahora for their beauty, figures, and skills, sit inside a booth not so far from the rampaging inncho sipping tea. The two beauties decide to enjoy some peace from the usual hectic life of their middle school life style. No words are exchanged as they both respect the other's desire for some quiet time.
Chizuru, the girl with the biggest bust, and Natsumi is nowhere in sight. Where the two girls have gone is a mystery to everyone, but no one worries, as they all know that the two can take care of themselves… Especially Chizuru, that onee-sama is practically fearless; people wonder if it's simply because she's not the brightness crayon in the box.
Chisame is nowhere in sight as while. Knowing her, she is probably somewhere quiet with Internet outlet. There are some Internet cafés around here, so the possibility is there.
Zazie… the quiet and mysterious girl is off somewhere, probably practicing her magic trick, which is mastered to a degree that even someone like Sarah finds them amazing, and that's saying something.
Misora… hmm, that prankster is still in the hotel, saying something about wanting to catch some sleep. Hopefully when the class gets back, no one will finds themselves glue to a chair or finding their undergarments hanging somewhere. Misora is almost as worst as the Narutaki twins… Almost.
Kazumi… hmm, now just where is that reporter some girls wonder. But then again, if she's out somewhere trying to get a scoop, then by all mean let her. People learn to never get between Kazumi and a scoop least they want to find herself the subject of her… sometimes rather dangerous interrogation.
So there are all the girls minus Chachamaru, Evangeline, and Sarah, enjoying their visit to one of Kyoto's most renowned site.
None of them suspect that one of the girls, the most air-headed one, is being targeted.
XXXXXXXXXX
Speaking of Kazumi…
"…Why can't you simply leave me alone…?" Neko asks as she tries her hardest not to purr under the treatment Kazumi laid on her. "…Why not go with the others to Cinema Town?"
"Hmm… I want a peaceful day today. Last night is enough excitement for a day." The paparazzi girl says as she continues to pat Neko's head. Said Cat Girl is trying very hard not to lean in more, showing she enjoys it, or move away, thus showing weakness. "Besides, it's not everyday you get to meet a cat girl."
"That's true… b-but must you do this to me?" Neko asks, and mentally cursing herself for that little stuttering. Seeing the grin on Kazumi's face and the fact that now she finds her head resting comfortably on afore-mentioned girl, Neko knows that she's caught, judged, and is about to sentence. "…Eep…"
"Glad you like it." Kazumi says with a big grin before she starts to scratch Neko's big, fluffy cat ears and grin in satisfaction at the half whimper half moan the girl release. "Now just relax and enjoy." 'A cat will be a cat, even if she's half demon. Too bad I can't keep her as a pet.'
XXXXXXXXXX
Setsuna, while trying to keep herself from keeling over because Konoka refuse to leave her alone, is also keeping her guard up. Then there is also part of her mind that keeps going over to a particular girl with green eyes. Said girl is currently staying at the hotel to recover from a nasty bruise the night Konoka was kidnapped.
The kendo girl wonders if she manages to locate a kindred spirit in some form. After all, half demons tend to get shunned by both humans and demons.
The kendo girl is also pondering on the probability of someone attacking on broad daylight. While it is nearly impossible, it is not out of the picture as for high-level mages and demons, erasing and planting memories are easy tasks. A simple spell or a wave of a hand and the person will forget what happened or simply believe a certain event never occurred.
Just then, Setsuna finds herself once again being dragged off by her ojou-sama. Tossing her thoughts out of the way for now, the girl decides to enjoy what little happiness she can gather from this innocent girl.
XXXXXXXXXX
"This is getting nowhere…" Asuna snarls as she sits down in frustration. The small party of three (or five if you count Kamo and Yuki) decides to take a break after wondering around the entire time trying to locate strange things such as markings or paper seals. So far, they are not coming up with anything.
"Ah, it seems hopeless, but we got to keep trying." Negi, who finally regain his bearing a while ago, suggest as he looks to the left and to the right… "…Just where are we suppose to keep looking for?"
"We're searching for seals or simple markings that are out of place." Hoshiiko says before she also disposes herself onto the bench they passed by so many times. "Mou, I wish Arda-san is here… She'll probably just blast us out of her."
"And destroy the Kansai Association in the process." Asuna mumbles, trying to exaggerate Hoshiiko's hope, only to blink as said girl looks rather sheepish. "…Masaka… she can actually do that?"
"Well… from what I can gather from Lady Arda, she is on par with the Thousand Master." Hoshiiko says, and judging by the look Asuna is sending her, she figures that the redhead understand just how dangerous the people she knows are. "Mm, don't worry. Arda won't do things like blasting people to oblivion."
"…I doubt that…"
"Anyway, since we're stuck here for now, let's learn more about your pactio, ane-san!" Kamo says as he climbs from Negi's shoulder to Asuna's in a matter of seconds. "While we did cover the fact that it can be converted into weapons, the pactio also comes with other benefits!"
"Oh? Such as?" Asuna asks, thinking that if nothing can be done, why not learn something more about this contract she made with Negi.
"For one, pactio allows you to draw magic from your mage, thus boosting your power!" Kamo explains as he takes out a chocolate stick and smokes it like a cigarette.
"Hmm? I didn't know that." Negi says as he looks at Kamo curiously.
Yuki, who is resting on top of Negi's head, tip her head as she suddenly remembers a book she read on magical contract. "Mm, I remember reading something about magical contracts. It is said that the contract benefits the users in many ways. One of them is like ero-Kamo says; it boosts the user's power. Then there is also the fact that it reduces damage deal to the user… The amount is related to the amount of magic drawn from the 'master.'"
"Eh? Really? That sounds fun." Hoshiiko says as she claps her hands before standing up and dragging Asuna up with her. "C'MON ASUNA-CHAN! LET'S SEE WHAT THIS PACTIO CAN DO!"
"Eh? Why do we have to?" Asuna asks, bewildered as the older girl manhandle her.
"Ane-san, it is good to be prepared. Besides, you never know when it'll come in handy." Kamo explain as he looks at Asuna before having a smug expression on his face. "Or… you can simply use your body as a shield for aniki…"
"And get my cloth destroyed in the process? No thank you." Asuna snarls before giving into Hoshiiko's begging. "Alright, I'll try it."
"Okay. First, ane-san, please hit the rock over there as hard as you can." Kamo instruct as he points to a rock not far from the bench. The redhead stares at the rock before turning to Kamo asking if he is crazy. Seeing the serious look on the ermine's face, Asuna shrugs before deliver an axe kick to the stone… and hops on one foot while crying over her other one.
"ITAI-YO!!!"
"Ma, it's not that hard." Hoshiiko says before slamming her fist into the rock, and creates a dent with a radius of five inch and an inch deep. "See, it's rather easy."
"…She's a monster… Aniki, you have a gift for attracting scary people…" Kamo says with a sweat drop while Negi stares with biddy eyes and nod dumbly. Snapping out of his stupor, Kamo turns to Asuna. "Ane-san, this is your regular power. You see, it hurts to hit the rock right?"
The addressed girl just glares at the ermine while hugging her abused leg and sniff. Seeing that he betters get it over with, Kamo launches into the next phase.
"Alrighty! Now aniki, take out ane-san's pactio card!"
"Okay…" Negi says before reaching into his jacket to retrieve said card. "…Mm… now what?"
"Now repeat after me." Kamo instruct before leaping onto Negi's shoulder again. "I, Negi Springfield, hereby activates the contract with Kagurazaka Asuna for 120 seconds."
Negi blinks before shrugging and did as instructed. Once he finishes, Asuna suddenly moans in pleasure as she feels a wave of power rushes through her. "Ah! T-this… feels really good…"
"Hohoho, of course it does!" Kamo says before he was hit in the head by a metal cross. "OW! WHAT'S THAT FOR!?!?!"
"THAT'S FOR HAVING PERVERTED THOUGHT!" Yuki shouts. "Now then, Asuna-san, please hit the rock again." The elf instruct as seeing that Kamo is in no condition to teach, decides to take over.
"Um… y-you sure? 'Cause it hurts rather badly last time…" Asuna whines as she looks at the rock with hesitation.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine!" Yuki reassure the girl with a beaming smile. As for Negi, he simply observe as he feels the pull on his magic reserve. It is small, and can be ignored, but he deduces that if left unchecked, it'll drain him rather badly.
"O-okay… HI-YA!!!" Asuna once again launches an attack at the rock, which instead of hurting herself like she expected, the rock gets smashed into pieces rather easily. What's more fascinating is that some of the pieces even went flying for a few feet. Asuna's bi-color eyes widen as her mouth hang open in awe while Hoshiiko blinks at the astonishment of the action. "…Wow…"
"S… SUGOI! ASUNA-CHAN! THAT'S TERRIFIC!" Hoshiiko shouts in delight as she inspects the damage done to the rock. "Wow. This pacts enough power to dent metal!"
"As you can see, your strength is increased as well as your speed and agility. Now, you'll be a rather formidable opponent to most men." Yuki says while Negi continues to stare dumbfounded at what this partner system can do. "Oh, and one more thing… does it hurt?"
Blinking at the question, Asuna suddenly notice that not only does it not hurt, the burning sensation from before the contract activate is gone and her heel is fine. Looking up at Negi with amazement, Asuna's respect for the child rise another level.
"Sorry to spoil your fun, but I'll be taking that letter from you." A cheerful voice says before something large drops onto the walkway, sending a large cloud of dust up into the air. Asuna and Hoshiiko quickly cover their eyes from the dust while Negi quickly uses a light wind spell to disperse the particles. Ones the air is clean again, Negi and Asuna's jaw drops as in front of them is a giant spider. It is just like any other spiders, except that it is roughly the size of a monster truck.
And man… those hair on its body certainly doesn't help with their image of a spider being harmless… In fact, it's rather nasty.
"…So you decide to finally show yourself." Hoshiiko says before dropping into a fighting stance. Her eyes immediately lock onto the three people standing on top of the spider. One of them is a boy about Negi's age, with wild black hair and dressed in a small version of a high school uniform. The dog-ears and tail on him identify him as a inu youkai. The one in the middle is a woman who's in a rather revealing kimono… but to say it's a kimono will be wrong. A pair of glasses is perched on top of her nose while her long black hair frames her face. The last is what appears to be a man with a slip of paper attached to his face. Judging from his long arm sleeves and baggy pants as well as martial art shoes, Hoshiiko immediately come up with the name of the creature. "…Jun Shi…"
(APH: Jun shi is an Asian version of zombie. Instead of sluggish movement, they are mostly known for jumping around and sucking souls instead of eating flesh. However, jun shi can also be dangerous opponents if they live long enough, has a strong will, or is being controlled by a master of paper seals/talisman. These corpses also do not feel pain and can fight until their bodies are destroyed or their heads blown to pieces. Other wise, they will not fall. Pai Long from Shaman King is an example.)
"Ohohoho, as expected of the heir to the Guardian, such a smart girl. It's too bad that we might have to kill you." The woman says before she does a mock bow. "The name is Chigusa… Amagasaki Chigusa, at your service."
"You! YOU'RE THE WOMAN FROM LAST NIGHT!" Asuna shouts as she immediately call forth her… um, paper fan and held it at an offensive position.
"Why can't we just settle this peacefully?" Negi asks as he held his staff in a defensive position. Hearing this, Chigusa laughs a laugh that sends shivers down Yuki and Kamo's spine. It makes the woman sound mad.
"Peacefully? Now why should I listen to a little Western Mage like you, hmm? Why, western mage was never about solving things peacefully in the first place, so DON'T you DARE start boy!" Chigusa spats before point a finger at the boy. "Eliminate him."
Nodding at the command, the jun shi launches into a flying kick at the child. Negi stumbles back at the suddenly assault and closes his eyes waiting for the pain. When none came and the only thing that greets him is a meaty thud, Negi opens his eyes to see Hoshiiko blocking the kick while sending a palm strike back. The jun shi jumps back from the strike and lands in front of the giant spider. "Ne, Negi-chan, you alright?"
"H-hai… Just what is that thing?" Negi asks as he watches the man… thing… whatever it is drops into a fight stance. Hoshiiko narrows her single eye before also dropping into a stance while answering Negi's question.
"That is an Asian zombie. Unlike those of western type, the eastern zombies are more agile, stronger, faster, and certainly smarter." Hoshiiko says as she feels sweat forming on her forehead. "In fact, from what I can judge from the attack before… This one may be out of my league…"
"This isn't good! We have to retreat!" Kamo says as he yanks at Negi's hair. His counter part, Yuki simply stare at the jun shi as if it is something vile.
"Ohohoho! Indeed. This one was a martial art master way before you were born girl!" Chigusa says with a sinister laugh as she looks to her other companion. "Kotarou, the boy is all yours."
"Hehe, finally! I'm dying of boredom!" The boy shouts in glee before he leaps for Negi just as the jun shi has, only this time, he is stopped by Asuna instead. "HEY! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA! HAVING A WOMAN FIGHT IN YOUR PLACE?! COWER!"
"YOU SHUT YOUR MOUTH YOU FLEA BAG! You will not touch Negi!" Asuna shouts before swinging her fan to try and hit the dog boy. Keyword being tries as the demon proves to be too agile for the girl. "HOLD STILL!"
Meanwhile, Hoshiiko also begin her match with the corpse that proves to be everything the girl describes it to be. It is fast, it is strong, it is flexible, and it is brushing off her attacks as if they were nothing. Hoshiiko can only grit her teeth, making a note to kick her father's ass if she makes it out of here alive.
"Hmm, how interesting. I see that I should have brought more people with me." Chigusa says before she turns her eyes onto Negi, who is torn between helping Asuna, assisting Hoshiiko, and taking out the giant spider. "Now then boy, what will you do?"
"…N-Negi-nii-sama… I don't like this…" Yuki says as she whimpers under the intense gaze of Chigusa and hides herself into one of Negi's pocket. The boy only gulps as he finds himself with no choice but to take out the spider.
He prays that he can do it fast before any of his companions got hurt.
XXXXXXXXXX
"Umf!" Setsuna groans as she blocks another strike from a demon that suddenly pops out of nowhere and attacks her and Konoka. It appears that this organization is rather bold in their move. Good thing she brought her sword along or she might be ribbons of meat by now. "OJOU-SAMA! PLEASE GO TO SAFETY!"
"D-demo -AH!" Konoka gasps as she was shoved out of the way by Setsuna just in time to avoid the hilt of the demon's sword.
'Damn it! I can't do much with ojou-sama here! Where are those blasted girls when you need them!' Setsuna thoughts as she blocks another swing and counters, only to have the demon jumping out of her range.
For the girls Setsuna is talking about, they are Ku Fei, Kaede, and Mana. The three is currently busy trying to navigate their ways to Konoka through multiple demons that is currently attacking them. It is a good thing that they are in Movie Town as some of the things the demons are using are rather outrageous if they are not. But the crowds gathered are a priority as their safety is rather important.
"Hmph, these demons are rather bold to attack in broad day light." Mana observes as she slides here and there, ducking and jumping over attacks while flinging tooth picks, the only weapons she can use safely, back as counters. "Damn it, these tooth picks are no good."
"Fufufu, think of this as training de goruzu." Kaede says as she moves herself into the defense of an oni and backhands him away. "Besides, it is good exercise de goruzu."
"I can't believe it. You're treating this as a game." Mana sighs as she stabs a toothpick with extra strength into the hand of an oni. "If you forget, we have to find a way to keep Konoka safe."
"Daijobou aru! Konoka has Setsuna with her aru!" Ku Fei shouts as she ki-blast a demon into another. "What we need to do is get the crowds away from here aru yo!"
"Easier said than done!"
As for the other girls, including most of soon-to-be 3-A, the girls are looking frantically while trying to decide what to do. They can go and help the four that's fighting, or they can get Konoka out of there… or they can simply run away and apologize later. All of them have consequences that the girls find hard to come with and thus their dilemma.
"W-W-W-WHAT SHOULD WE DO?!?!" Makie shouts as she waves her hands around wildly. "W-W-W-W-W-WE NEED TO HELP KONOKA!!!"
"AND GETS HIT BY THOSE MONSTERS?! UH-UH! NOT ME!" Yuna shouts as she points at one of said monsters, which glare at her for the insult. "EEK! SCARY!!"
"I think this is a movie, but isn't this taking it a bit too far?!" Ayaka shouts as she tries her best to make sure the girls stay with her. "MOU! JUST WHAT IS GOING ON HERE??! …Jodo… WHERE'S NODOKA?!?!?"
XXXXXXXXXX
"GAH!" Hoshiiko gasps as the jun shi she is fighting sinks a large fist into her stomach before delivering a kick to her chest that send her crashing into a wood pole. "D-damn…"
The girl finds the situation to be really bad. It is a good thing that Negi manage to defeat the giant spider and Chigusa went away, saying she has business to do, it is not good that said business happens to be Konoka and Negi finds himself under the mercy of Kotarou, who is pounding away at him while avoiding Asuna as if she doesn't exist. Even when the boy is using a contract on himself and Asuna at the same time, the dog boy proves to be too fast for Negi… at least for now.
Herself isn't doing any better as there are some bruises and cuts on her. There is also a gush on her forehead that's currently dripping blood and the liquid almost got into her eye a couple of times. 'What to do… I can't go for frontal assault because I'm sure he is expecting it… Trick doesn't work that well and I'm certainly not fast enough to go around it. I can't go to Negi or he'll get pummeled, but if I don't help, it'll be even worst… What to do what TO DO!??!?!'
XXXXXXXXXX
Asuna finds herself frustrated, pissed, and most of all, desperate. The damn fleabag refuses to stay in one place and Negi looks as if any more and he'll go to la-la land! The girl herself sports a few hits, but the contract reduce the damage enough. And it looks like the boy is unwilling to hit a girl, a big advantage for her… If only she can HIT HIM!
Her train of thought is broken off as Negi gasps once again and was sent tumbling into her chest. "N-NEGI!"
"Che, this is the level of a western mage?" The boy named Kotarou says with a smirk on his face. "I got to say, I'm not impressed."
"WHY YOU!"
"A-A-A-ANE-SAN! ANIKI ISN'T GOING TO HOLD!" Kamo shouts as he leaps onto Negi and tries to get him out of his daze.
"ASUNA-SAN! WHAT SHOULD WE DO?!?!" Yuki sobs as she clings onto Negi's tie. The elf feels useless as her size permits her to do basically nothing but hide. This is one of those moments where Yuki wish she can somehow transform into a human-size elf.
'Kuso… I can't hit him and he's too fast for me to prevent him from getting to Negi… What should I do… what should I do… Wait, what would Sarah do… Sarah… THAT'S IT!' Asuna sudden has a light bulb shining brightly on top of her head. Smirking, the girl has to restrain herself from outright laughing sinisterly. 'Oh yes… pay back time…'
XXXXX Few minutes earlier… XXXXX
Nodoka is sitting on the edge of her butt reading her… err… book. The action is so intense right now that the girl gasps alone with every fist and kicks exchanged. She decides that while the book may be naughty in a way, it is actually a rather interesting tome of blank pages and magic crayon that simply appears already drawn. Then there is also the text.
"I wonder what Asuna is going to do…" Nodoka asks herself, and as if by command, the book flips a page by itself and the content of what Asuna is going to do appears. "Eh? But didn't she already tried that!? That won't work! She needs to do something else…" The librarian says as she nibbles on her lower lips, completely oblivious to the battle going on not too far from her.
In fact, the battle is commencing only a few meters away.
"C'mon Asuna-san! You can do it! BANG No, no! Not like that, go for the head! Crunch! GAAH! Duck! DUCK!! WHOOSH!!! NOW WHERE ARE ALL THESE NOISES COMING FROM?!?!" The usually quiet girl snapped, which causes everyone in the facility to freeze… or would have if anyone actually notices her. "Eh? Now why are Asuna-san and Negi-sensei here…? Chodo… masaka…"
Then Nodoka notices the smirk on Asuna's face as she reaches inside her jacket and produce a single piece of paper. Not just any piece of paper, one that's shaped likes a human with something written on it. "Eh? I wonder what is that…?" Then, as if commanded once more, the book flips and produce an explanation as well as what the piece of paper contains. "Eh? A shinigami…? Of Sarah-san…? Um?"
"TIME FOR REVENGE FLEABAG!!" Asuna shouts as she tosses the paper into the air…
XXXXXXXXXX
Negi's head is pounding him. He felt as if a truck hit him at 90 miles per hour, stops, reverse, and roll over him again before dropping its cargo all over him. Yeah, it's not pretty. Of course, the declaration Asuna gives about revenge doesn't help. That's until he notice a familiar sheet of paper that floats in the air… glow, then in a poof of smoke, transform into someone very familiar to him. "S… Sarah-san…?"
"EH? NEGI! YOU'RE AWAKE!!!" Asuna shouts with joy before bringing her fist onto the top of Negi's head in a sound smack. "DON'T EVER DO THAT EVER AGAIN YOU GOT THAT?!?!?!"
"I-Itai… hai…" Negi moans as he robs his head before noticing a sobbing mass on his tie. "Eh? Yuki-chan? What are you crying for?"
"…N… Negi… nii-sama…" The elf hiccups before launching herself into Negi's face, knocking the child down flat onto his back while sobbing even harder. "NEGI-NII-SAMA!!!"
KA-BOOM! "WAAH!" A painful yelp sounded a right after an explosion. Quickly sitting up and pulling Yuki off at the same time, Negi's eyes widen as he sees Sarah slamming Kotarou into the cement ground with a sickening crunch.
"That's…"
"That's not Sarah." Asuna answers before hosting Negi up by the shoulder. "It's only a shinigami. We got less than five minutes before it ran out so we better hurry and think of something to GET OUT OF HERE!!!"
"Edo… Asuna-san… why are you guys here?"
"Well, that's easy Honya-chan. You see, it's because… HONYA-CHAN!!!" Asuna exclaims before pointing a finger at the surprised librarian. "W-W-W-W-W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!?!"
"Eh? Edo… I… um… I was just taking a walk when I come in here… and um… that is…" Nodoka stutters as she covers her face with her hand, trying to hide the fact that she actually followed Negi over here before she lost him. It isn't very successful, especially when her eyes keep traveling to a confused child every few seconds.
"…Right." Asuna says before something black flew past her and landed right between Nodoka's legs. "Eh?"
"O-O-O-Owie… w-what was that?" Kotarou moans as he opens his eyes to see… "Eh? Pink? Oh, it's pink-panties nee-chan!"
"…IYADA!!" Nodoka screams before sending a kick into Kotarou's face so strong that it sends him flying into a girl with black hair that partially covers her right cheek. Just then, a red blur rushes pass Nodoka and lands a punishing fist into a man with a slip of paper on his face. Said man was sent flying as the blur was revealed to be Sarah. "…Asuna… san… is that even safe? I mean… if I'm not wrong, we're trap here and we only have less than two minutes to find an escape route…"
"Oh that's right… Wait, how did you know that?" Asuna asks as Negi continues to blink in his innocent way, suggesting that he is still clueless.
"Err… the book… and… um… ki… ki… su… umm…!"
"Right, explain later, need to get out of here!" Asuna exclaims before bringing a fist down onto Negi's head once again. "OI! NEGI-BOZOU! WE NEED TO FIND A WAY OUT!!!"
"WAH?!! OH! THAT'S RIGHT! KAMO! YUKI! YOU GUYS KNOW ANYTHING?!?!"
"W-well… there is the book…" Yuki says as she peeks over the book to see pictures constructing themselves. "…This seems to be able to extract informations…" The elf says as she watches the pictures turn into bunch of jumbled up words in a thought bobbles coming from a chibi-Yuki's head.
"Um, it seems to create whatever I want to know… Like what Asuna is thinking right now…" Nodoka says as she turns a page and sure enough, another picture build itself and soon Asuna is staring at the painted version of her thoughts.
"So the books read thoughts… THAT'S IT! WE CAN USE IT TO FIND OUT HOW TO GET OUT OF THIS PLACE!!!" Kamo shouts as he quickly leaps onto Nodoka's shoulder. "NOW ALL WE NEED TO THAT GUY'S FULL NAME!!!"
XXXXXXXXXX
Kotarou has no idea how things turn from fun, to boring, to getting the shit beat out of him by a shinigami. He admits that from what he can sense, he can stand up to this piece of paper easily with his power, it's just that the damn thing keeps pounding him over and over that the boy finds himself hard press to counter.
'Whoever made this is going to pay when I found the creator!' Kotarou thought as he ducks under a punch only to be hit in the ribs by a powerful leg swipe. 'Powerful punches, strong kicks, iron-hard skin… must be a dark creature…' Just then, something grabs onto his throat, thoroughly choking him and depriving him of any air. Opening one eye just barely, Kotarou stares into two empty eyes (characteristic of a shinigami without a controller) as well as the small smirk on the person's face.
From the looks of things, Kotarou established it's a girl or woman. At least six foot, well-built for speed but possess scary strength. Doesn't seems to have a lot of magic power… but flexible enough to not need it… Oh, and those crimson eyes are creeping him out.
Wait, crimson eyes… Looking closer, Kotarou confirms his theory.
'Yup… slip pupils… a vampire… I'm screwed…'
XXXXXXXXXX
Hoshiiko would have kiss the Sarah clone if she isn't busy trying to keep her left arm from falling off. It's dislocated at her shoulder, that's for sure, and her right ankle is swelling up due to an accident where she twisted it. She might have a few broken ribs, or at least bruises on her chest area 'cause she's having trouble breathing with the pain each one causes. Then lastly, the blood finally got into her eye, and it sting.
"Oh I love you Sarah…" Hoshiiko whispers as she observes the broken body of her opponent, which is twisted to a position that'll surely kill a man. His back is bent past 90 degree, his arms twisted at an unnatural angle. His legs are clearly broken and his neck is bent side way. It's clear that he won't be getting back up… Now she just needs to find a way out of this place.
"HOSHIIKO-SAN!" A voice shouts, making the girl turn to see Negi, looking worst for wear, running towards her. "Hoshiiko-san! Do you know the name of that inu youkai?"
"Regrettably, I do not, but I'm sure he is of the Inugami clan." Hoshiiko says as she limp over to the child. "Ne, you alright? Nothing broken?"
"Wha? Hoshiiko-san! You should be worried about yourself! We need to get that shoulder fixed and that ankle does not look okay to me! Do not strain yourself!" Negi exclaims as he went into the ever so rare 'mother-hen' mode and starts to berate Hoshiiko to the damage she receives. "Honestly! That cut on your forehead may be infected! We need to get you some medical attention immediately! And… And… And are you having trouble breathing?"
"That is-!" Hoshiiko winces as she tries and gives a reassuring smile. Of course, that wincing gave her away.
"I know it! You're having trouble breathing!!!" Negi shouts, only to get hit on the head by Asuna, who has by now reached the two with Nodoka in toll.
"You're supposed to get that dog's name! Not berate her for holding that zombie off!!"
"G-gomen!"
Then a thud alerts them of the other enemy, the inu youkai. Looking over, the group found the demon to be gasping for air with a piece of paper floating and landing in front of him. That's when Asuna remember the whole five minutes thing. "Oops…"
"My, my. I leave you alone for a few minutes and this is what I see?" A voice calls out, and the owner appears crouching near the inu youkai. Nicolas, in his white trench coat, tight shirt, baggy jeans, and what Negi now is able to identify as a kwon dao, smiles as he pokes the panting dog boy. "Ouch, must be rough."
"Y-you think, b-bastard."
"No need to use such harsh words." Nicolas says before he stands up and look at the battered Negi and Co. "Oh my, Chigusa must had put you through quite a bit. Although, I wonder…" Looking at the crumbled corpse laying a few feet away, Nicolas stroke his chin in what appears to be thinking. "It's not everyday that someone can destroy a jun shi of that caliber. While it's easy for me, I'm sure he is a match for you…" Seeing the little piece of paper in front of his 'partner' and reading the name on it, the merc gives off a predatory smile. "Ah, that's why…"
"W-What do you want?" Asuna asks, already tired and battered from the battle with the dog boy. She is in no hurry to battle Negi's supposed uncle.
"Now, now. No need to be rude." Nicolas says before he jab a finger at himself. "I just want to know Negi's strength as of today. Let's put it this way. I'm going to make you a deal." Nick, short for Nicolas, says as he slams the kwon dao onto the pavement with force. "If you, Negi, can last against me for 30 seconds in that condition, I'll let you all out of this dimension. If not, I'm leaving you all here and I'll be taking that little elf on your head… How about it?"
"This won't do…" Hoshiiko hisses as she tries to ignore the pain her arm is causing. "We don't have time for this."
"Oh, on the contrary, you don't have a choice…" Nicolas only smiles as he opens an eye to reveal dangerous brown orb underneath that glints with excitement. "Now… let's start."
XXXXXXXXXX
APH: Well, here is the next installment. For those that think Sarah is sort of a Mary Sue, do not worry, I'm doing everything for a reason and that idea WILL be fixed. It's a little something that I allow all that contains Springfield blood can do. And that's all I'm saying on that issue. As for Hoshiiko's level… Let's put her on par with Ku Fei. Let's just say in the magical world, and when comparing to people like the Thousand Master, Evangeline, and even maybe Konoemon, she is but a child with the ability to fend off lesser, and if lucky, middle class demons. Same goes for Neko.
Sarah: Bad news… MX is now MIA…
APH: (turn to Sarah) …Please say you're joking. I know it's a new year an stuff, but to go MIA on me?
Sarah: I hope I can say I'm joking. See? (Point to a coffin the Negima casts are happily preparing) We're already making a coffin for him.
APH: …Err… right… The point is, MX is missing, so I'm lacking an editor/beta. Nothing major, just that you guys now might have to put up with some stupid mistakes.