Ahha! Coundown to Mahorafest. The old man reveals the truth of the World Tree... and i have to say, this is probably the longest chap I've ever put out. Will it get even longer after this? We'll see if it does.
I do not own Negima nor Ragnarok Online.
Thoughts in italics.
The Truth of The Tree
Gamiya's fingers wandered over the keyboard. It was evening and he had been looking through lots of videos and music tracks for stuff to log into his Preferences. His recent foray into the Internet has led him to come here once a week to trawl through for interesting songs. In his mind, the bards of this world were extremely varied in songs, unlike his world, where the songs seemed to be classified into ballads and story-telling. He was quite engrossed; he didn't realize someone had entered the computer lab.
"Good evening, Iroi-sensei," greeted Chachamaru.
"Huh? Oh, hello there Cat," replied the high priest. He gave her a look over; she was dressed in a kimono with a light floral pattern and her hair was tied up.
"Well, you look quite pretty today. What's the occasion?" he asked.
"I am to pass out leaflets promoting the Go Club and the Tea Ceremony club," she stated. "I had just come from meeting Negi-sensei. I gave him a brochure and a coupon for the Tea Ceremony's outdoor session," she explained further. Somehow she seemed hesitant to say more.
"You seem troubled," he said after a moment of silence, "Is anything the matter?"
Her eyes started veering away from his face when she said, "I overheard Nodoka asking Negi-sensei out on what seems to be a date, right before I passed the items to him. I tried to ask him too, but I panicked and… why are you laughing, sensei?"
Gamiya certainly was chuckling, but not really laughing outright. "This is only the first time I've heard of a robot being nervous, shy and having a school girl crush on someone, Cat. Sorry for laughing but I really can't help it," he explained with a grin. After calming down, he then said, "Hakase was definitely right when she said you were growing up. All these feelings are pretty much what a normal girl would and should feel right now. You are becoming more human then you give yourself credit for, Cat. Don't worry about this. The time will come when you will know what to do. Believe it."
She stared at him for a moment and then she bowed to him and said, "Thank you sensei." Straightening up, she took a piece of paper out from her sleeve and handed it to him. "This is the Tea Ceremony Club's outdoor session coupon. Please do come," she explained.
He took the coupon and slid it into his suit pocket. "Many thanks. I can't promise you, but I will try to attend," he replied.
"Thank you sensei," the gynoid said before bowing once more and leaving.
After she left, Gamiya sighed and turned back to the computer screen. The song had just about finished loading. Before he could play it, however, Madoka and Ako came into the lab.
"Iroi-sensei! We would like to extend an invitation for you to come to the Mahora Concert on the second day!" exclaimed the cheerleader.
"A concert? I don't see why not," said the high priest.
"Here, sensei! The ticket," she said jovially. Her friend just stood beside her without a word. He took the piece of paper and placed it in the same pocket as the session coupon.
He thanked them and played the video. A tune that sounded familiar to both girls started streaming through.
"Good bye, sensei," they muttered as they walked out. He waved them off but kept his eyes and ears glued to the computer.
"Who knew… sensei listens to music?" said Ako as they walked. They were headed to the music room where they had to meet Misa and Sakurako.
"He has a pretty good voice, you know? He could probably take part in the concert," commented Madoka, thinking back to the Kyoto trip.
"He'll probably be sleeping around that time," joked the nurse's assistant.
"Maybe," replied the cheerleader. She wondered if that would be so. Would Iroi-sensei miss the concert?
The following days were… pretty much uneventful. Gamiya found himself alone in his room, lying on the bed. Negi had stayed in the class to assist the girls in finishing the haunted house on time. He didn't really give much thought to that. He looked out the window for a second and saw that the evening sun made it look as bright as day.
He sighed and thought, "Tomorrow would be the eve of the festival. Sure to be a great rush to try and finish the haunted house. I wonder if I should lend a hand, not that I have any experience in building stuff. They're probably almost done, anyway."
He then decided to take a shower and get ready for an early bed time. Wrapping himself in a towel, he took his basin and bathing articles to the bathroom. Letting loose a sigh, he didn't notice that the door had a 'Being Used' knob tag on it and let himself in. To his great and utter surprise, he caught Sister Shakti drying her hair with her towel. Having gotten an extremely good view of the nun cum mage, he did have the decency to blush. Unfortunately for him, his inner pervert made him give her the thumbs up.
She stared it him, her eyes clearly showing her anger that was directed at him. Wordlessly, she picked up her basin and threw it at him; it connected to his head and knocked him off balance, sending his head crashing to the tiled bathroom floor and getting him knocked unconscious. He didn't know how long he was out since he only woke up when someone flooded his face with water. It was Sister Shakti.
"You better not mention what happened earlier to anyone, do you understand?" she said coldly.
"Earlier? Just how long was it that she left me here!" was his mental outburst, but outwardly, he nodded.
"Get dressed. The Dean is calling a meeting," she said coldly as she turned her back on him and walked out.
The high priest scratched his head in annoyance. Then, he decided to just do as she says for now and took a shower before getting changed into his teacher's attire.
"Psst, why is Sister Shakti angry with you?" whispered Misora. The three of them were heading to the steps near the World Tree plaza.
"Let's just say I walked in on something divine," Gamiya said cryptically. It didn't exactly give her an answer but at least he could keep the incident quiet.
"What did I hear back there?" Sister Shakti suddenly asked as she turned around and gave a smile with her eyes closed. This smile didn't mean 'I am happy to meet you today' but more like 'Say anything and you're dead'.
"Nothing doing," said the high priest, deciding that further angering her would only make things worse. He could definitely attest to that.
Silence fell once more that morning as she turned around and continued on her way.
"Wow," Misora finally said, "Good luck, Father. Whatever you did, you need all the luck you need."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence," he said sarcastically as the two of them followed after the Sister. It wasn't before long that the three reached their destination. He noticed Misora putting on some sort of cloth face mask, but didn't ask her about it since it didn't seem too important at the time.
"Ah, welcome to you three," greeted Konoe Konoemon, once more in his calm attitude. There were others too and they nodded their greetings to the newcomers. Some he recognized, others he didn't know.
"Good morning, Dean Konoe," greeted Sister Shakti and Misora.
"Hey old man, what's the meeting about?" asked the high priest bluntly.
"How rude! Show some respect," a woman replied sternly. She wore a white power office suit, black miniskirt and black tie. She also carried a sword with her, which reminded him about Setsuna. Her long blonde hair reached the tip of her skirt and she wore a pair of square-rimmed glasses.
"Oh ho ho, your first meeting and already you are garnering interest, Iroi-sensei," said the Dean as he laughed. "I also believe this is the first time some of you had met. I know you have met Takahata-sensei, Seruhiko-sensei and young Kotarou-kun here. Everyone else, please introduce yourselves," he said as he gestured to them.
"Kuzunoha Touko," the woman said, looking disdainfully at him. Then, with a flick of her head, she turned away and ignored him completely.
"Galdolfini," said a smartly dressed, dark-skinned man.
"Wait, did you say Gandalf?" asked the high priest in disbelief. The names sounded really similar.
"Gan-DOL-fi-ni," the dark man reiterated, emphasizing on the 'o'.
"Ah, my apologies," the high priest said.
Gandolfini then said, "The two behind me are my comrades-in-arms. That's all you need to know."
Gamiya nodded in understanding. "So, he and those two are likely not part of the school staff then. Must be professionals or something," he surmised in his mind.
"Nijiuin Mitsuru," said a rather portly man.
"You can just call me Professor Akashi," said a smiling, bespectacled man.
"Takane D. Goodman," said a long haired blonde wearing a St. Ursula uniform.
"Sakura Mei," said a girl with strawberry colored hair done up in two ponytails. She also held a broom behind her back.
"Natsume Megumi," said dark haired girl. She had her hair done in two braids that adorned the sides of her spectacled face. She had on a Mahora Elementary uniform.
"It seems there are mages all over the schools here," he surmised, "This must be some mage meeting or something."
"Oh? Negi-kun," the old man suddenly said, "We've been waiting for you."
Looking to the side, Gamiya saw the kid walking up the stairs with Chamo riding on his shoulder. With him was Setsuna.
"Now then, let's start the meeting," announced the old man, "Negi-kun, I hope you are feeling more at home?"
He continued as he stroked his rather long beard, "The people assembled here… are usually scattered and working among university town's various places: Elementary, Middle, High Schools and University… Magic Teachers… and Magic Pupils. Let's do it everybody."
Negi, quite loudly, voiced out his disbelief. Everyone in turn greeted him and some of the men shook hands with him.
Gamiya, on the other hand, sauntered up to Setsuna and said, "Well, I never would have imagined this place to have so many mages. I bet you didn't know either."
"Yes," she agreed, half whispering, "I didn't know either. Although, I probably shouldn't be surprised that my master is here too."
"Oh, so that ice queen is your master? You are quite unlike her," he said as he looked at Touko.
"I've expressedly gathered us here today because a problem has come up," the Dean then said when all the introductions were done, "Ladies and gentlemen, we must decide on how to use our strengths to defeat it."
"An enemy?" asked Kotarou eagerly.
"Again? Is it someone very strong?" asked Negi worriedly.
"It's not like on the field trip," explained the old man, "It's a serious matter but not along that line. But, it's still very serious. You know the World Tree legend of unrequited love?"
"Aaah, it's a famous but worthless story among kid's I'm living with," Kotarou suddenly explained, "On the last day of the school festival, people wish on the World Tree, hoping it will grant their desire. Exactly the sort of thing…"
"Huh, sounds like a big, steaming, pile of…" Gamiya started to say but was elbowed harshly in the ribs by Sister Shakti.
"Father, please. There are children here," she warned him.
"Feh, I still say it's just a fairy tale," reiterated the high priest, albeit a little more politely.
"Oh, no. It is definitely not a fairy tale," said the Dean, "I mean there is definitely a strong chance of the request being granted. It's helped once every twenty two years." This was amidst the gasps of surprise from the two boys.
"Ladies and gentlemen, from now on, throughout the time of the school festival until sunset of the final day, the legend of the World Tree will come true," Dean Konoe announced, "So you must watch out for this behavior, and block any confessions made by the pupils."
"Huh? You're not letting their wishes be granted?" shouted Negi and Kotarou.
"Isn't that just a superstition?" asked Setsuna.
The old man chuckled and said, "To be brief, the student's call it the World Tree and take care of it, but it's not just an ordinary tree. Its official name is Sacred Tree Bontou and there is a very strong, magical power hidden inside. In other words, it's a place where the Wood Magic builds up. Once every twenty two years, the magic builds up and overflows its boundaries. From the World Tree in the center, six points around it gather its strong magical power. This plaza we are standing in are one of those points."
"This huge magical power does not give a person anything they desire to have or to do," he explained further, "In short, things such as world conquest, a desire for a hundred billion yen, or selfish nonsense such as a girl's panties it won't grant. What it does grant can really be a trap for the young. The reason we're concerned with restricting confessions is…"
He paused before continuing, "It achieves a success rate of a hundred and twenty percent! A spell of such a power class must be used correctly! Really, this should have occurred next year but due to weather abnormalities due to sun spots, its one year early! Accordingly, in this time of emergency, I'm drafting you to help us in dealing with the situation."
"But, having sweethearts is a normal experience isn't it?" asked Negi. He didn't really seem to believe what the old man was saying.
"Ridiculous! What a thing to say!" retorted the Dean, "The underlying principle for a magic user is completely opposite. A person needs permanence to manipulate their spirit. But if love isn't there, one becomes a slave if the person they love cannot shoulder the burden, and the situation becomes unpleasant."
"This is starting to sound like brainwashing to me," Gamiya thought seriously, "The old man was right to get this meeting together."
"A considerable number of rumors about this have already spread through the pupils," stated the Dean.
"This is probably the first time I ever encountered such a problem," the high priest thought to himself, ignoring what statistics were presented by Touko and Professor Akashi, "As much as I don't like messing around with matters of the heart, this brainwashing magic is dangerous to have around. I wonder why the old man doesn't get someone to cut it down. I mean with magic it should be easy. Or if you have to get some outsiders to work on it, they could always dig up the tree from the roots. What could the old man be hiding down there if he had to resort to contingency plans like this? I kinda wish that weird assassin was here along for the ride. Serpentblade would probably be able to get to the bottom of this. He would probably…"
"Somebody is watching us," Mei suddenly said. Everyone looked to the sky. Gamiya scratched his head, wondering who Mei was referring to. All he could see was Sayo and some mechanical contraption flying around.
Something clicked in the bearded man's hand, who was one of Gandolfini's comrade-in-arms. The man then flicked something out of his hand that shot out towards the sky. Instantly, the high priest flung out his hand and quietly cast Kyrie Eleison over his ghostly friend. He didn't know where the man was aiming, but the high priest would rather be safe than sorry. He didn't need to worry, since the unseen projectile impacted the flying contraption instead.
"There's a strong feeling of magic in that machine," said the bearded man.
"Students… they're finding out who the mages are," commented Mitsuru, "There are intelligent students who despise us, aren't there?"
"Chase them," ordered the Dean, "If they get too far there'll be too much publicity about this. Limit the number of pupils who find out."
With that, most of the mages moved out, leaving behind Takahata, Seruhiko, Gamiya, the nuns, Setsuna, Negi, Kotarou and Chamo.
"They won't do anything rash, will they?" the high priest wondered aloud.
"Not to worry, Iroi-sensei," assured Seruhiko, "At most, their memories will be altered and they will think of what they heard were nothing more than rumors."
"Well, as long as they don't think of confessing!" said the old man curtly, "The main concern is that adolescent students don't make a big mistake. However, sincere magic users may properly make a successful request. Use discretion."
Then he calmed down and said, "Fine. Now all of us will take patrol shifts until the end of the festival. Everyone, scatter."
Gamiya sighed and walked off. "How annoying," he thought, "Maybe I should ask Mana if she was being hired for this. Then, I could just hang out with her instead. Where is Sayo?"
It didn't take him too long to sense her as she was the only ghostly denizen he recognized. Plus, Kazumi was already trying to comfort her.
"Hey, you okay Aisaka?" he asked. The ghost's eyes teared up as she ran to him and hugged him.
"It was so scary," she mumbled.
He was taken aback, but then he pats her head and said, "Hey, it's all good. I even cast a barrier over you, so no worries, okay?" He then looked at the reporter and asked, "What were you doing here?"
The reporter scratched her head and said, "Well, I wanted to have a look around the plaza for any interesting going-ons, but when I was nearing the plaza, I got this strange feeling that I had to run away from here. Only after Sayo here told me Negi was here that I was able to try my best to ignore this feeling of dread to come here to observe what was going on. The weird feeling is gone now, though."
"Must be the old man's doing to keep the meeting private," he thought. Then he tapped Sayo's head gently and said, "Aisaka, you can let go now."
"Ah," she sounded as she let go, actually blushing.
"You know, I have some stuff to think about for a while. I'll see you two around," he said as he excused himself. He then walked on and disappeared into the crowd.
Gamiya continued walking. The crowds seem to be growing as more and more people came for the festival. He even spotted a stall selling tickets to some pre-night festival. The whole time walking, he thought back to holidays he took with Curina to the other islands. The various festivals they took part in were quite reminiscent in atmosphere, although lacking in size. Having getting involved in the festival made his homesickness even more pronounced. He dearly wished his wife was here with him.
Suddenly, he felt something fly by overhead. Taking a moment to glance up, he saw Negi, Kotarou and Setsuna leaping off buildings while keeping themselves airborne. Setsuna was carrying Lingshen.
"What's going on now?" he thought, thoroughly annoyed. It seems that several figures in black were chasing them.
"I don't suppose they could use the extra hand. Maybe I'll stay on the sidelines a bit this time," he surmised as he slowly picked up the pace. When he was sure nobody was looking, he then ducked into a deserted alley and used Teleport to get to the roof.
By that time, the group had successfully fended off their pursuers and the high priest saw them jump down into another alley further ahead. He then took a seat on one of the covered chimneys and waited. He didn't need to wait for long; he heard footsteps and saw Gandolfini racing across the roof top. A moment later, Setsuna came flying out of the alley way and landed on the roof. When they came face to face with each other while weapons were drawn, they looked surprised to see the other person.
Having seen them hesitate, Gamiya teleported to the chimney nearest to them and said jovially, "Hello! Fancy meeting you here!"
It took a while, but the hunter group, the prey group and Gamiya all gathered in one of the many gardens here in Mahora.
"Okay, mind filling me in? With all the madness going on the rooftops, it's a wonder nobody thought of magic when they saw the supposed fireworks happened," said the high priest, aiming to set the discussion and wanting to find out what's going on.
"Yes, we would indeed like to understand the situation. Isn't that right, Negi-sensei?" started Gandolfini, "Why are you protecting the student that causes so much trouble?"
"Why? Because I am Chao-san's teacher," replied Negi, "If a student is being attacked, a teacher should go and help."
"What! You are Chao Lingshen's teacher?" asked the dark skinned mage, who looked rather taken aback.
"Unfortunately, so am I," added the high priest, who didn't sound apologetic at all for using that word, "Mind telling us as to why you were chasing her in the first place?"
"So, that means you haven't heard of the stuff about Chao Lingshen?" asked the mage, "In that case, we please let us handle things on this side. Please come here, Chao Lingshen."
Immediately, two masked figures appeared and took hold of the genius student's arms.
"Hey, you still haven't told us what she did yet, Gandalf," protested Gamiya instantly, already thinking that the discussion was taking a turn for the worst.
"As I said earlier, it's Gandolfini," corrected said mage calmly, "But, I am sorry. We have already warned her three times for her actions."
"Please, what are you going to do to Chao-san?" asked Negi.
"We plan to erase her memory pertaining to her knowledge of magic," explained Takane.
"As I said, we have already warned her three times," added Gandolfini, "For the sake of us mages to live peacefully in modern society, our existence should be kept secret. Both of you know this. Normal people should not be allowed to know this."
"I can understand, but…" started the kid but was cut off by the mage.
"Because of a certain event, it allowed Chao-san to know quite a bit, but there is no reason to tell her everything," explained the mage, "This time, she used cameras to spy on the meeting where no one else can enter."
"The meeting earlier… that was Chao's camera?" asked Gamiya, slightly surprised. He knew it was in her power to create such a thing, but why would she do it?
"It was. Thus, she has broken a rule. If the school rule is broken, even if it's a normal student, there will still be punishment," reasoned the dark skinned mage, "Our warnings have been ignored and she had already been caught three times. We did say that if she was caught after the third warning, she will be punished."
"Hmm, that's right," admitted Lingshen.
"Well, you do have a point there," agreed the high priest.
"But, it isn't good to erase people's memories!" protested Negi, apparently taken aback by what the two were agreeing to.
"Chao-san is a dangerous person, this is a must," explained the mage calmly, "Even that criminal Evangeline is helping her, we have to be careful."
"Evengeline-san is not a bad person!" protested Negi.
"Yeah, she isn't bad, she just likes to suck your blood," thought the assistant teacher sarcastically, "Although, as much as I agree with his reasoning, Chao might also forget about my weapon since it probably involves using magic as well." He kept those thoughts to himself as he listened to Takane confront Negi with a rumor she heard. Gandolfini then requested for Chao.
"Can you please not do anything to the students of 3A?" asked the kid, his face suddenly taking a serious turn, "Please do not assume my students are criminals or dangerous people! Chao-san is my student. Please hand over all responsibility to me!"
Gamiya chuckled and added, "I think I'll be game for this too. Let Chao off for now. The both of us can handle this."
"Hmm, I understand. I will trust both of you for today," the mage finally said, "But if you can, please be careful. If there is a next time, there's a chance you will be turned into ermines. So, the rest is up to you."
"Heh, if they can catch me that is," said the high priest with a smirk.
Gandolfini shook his head in amusement and led his team off.
"Ah, both sensei's really helped me out there! Thank you so much!" exclaimed Lingshen joyfully.
"Nah, you're over exaggerating," Negi humbly said. Then, he asked, "But Chao-san, you are being called a dangerous person by them, what have you done before?"
"Uh, that is a secret," she said,
"Ah, this can't be since I have responsibility," protested Negi.
"You mean both of us, kid," said the high priest as he tapped the kid's head with his elbow.
"But then, compared to this incident, Negi-kun, do you have anything troubling you?" she asked suddenly. Noting his troubled face, she then continued, "For the sake of you helping me, I will help you on anything that is troubling you. This is Chao Lingshen's power of science!"
"Well, my schedule is too full," admitted Negi, "I have too many places to visit that I don't think I can make it to some of them. And I promise to visit too…"
"Ah, no problem! I have the solution!" exclaimed the genius as she somehow magically produced a pocket watch. She handed the item to the kid and waited.
"Er, thanks Chao-san… I guess," said a confused looking kid teacher.
Negi, Chamo and Setsuna then said their goodbye and left, leaving Gamiya and Lingshen behind.
"Erm, sensei, I've finished upgrading your mace," she then told him.
"Well, that was partly why I supported the kid in getting you released to us," he said with a grin.
"Aww, and I thought you cared about me too," she said as she pouted.
"I do. Didn't I say partly?" he replied cheekily.
"Heh. Ren bu ke mao xiang," she quoted.
"Oh, getting cheeky, are we?" he asked teasingly. Then, he asked with a smile, "So when, can I get it?"
"Not to worry. We can meet in the blimp! Find me there a little bit before noon time," she said.
Time seemed to pass quickly as he went strolling through the campus, walking past the bustling crowd and the festival participants; some seemed to be finishing their stalls of events while others seemed to be siting back and taking a break after having finished their preparations. He wondered what Lingshen did to his mace; wondered what happened during that event that led her find out about magic. Didn't she say she learnt it from Evangeline? Yet Gandolfini mentioned of another event. Was she lying? What about Hakase? Were all of them involved at the very start? All he had were questions and no answers.
Looking around, he found himself at the shrine steps.
"Good evening, sensei," greeted Mana as she came down. To him, he assumed she had just closed shop and was heading back to the dorms.
"Hello there, I've been meaning to ask you something," the high priest said as he proceeded to ask her about the Dean's request.
"I believe I did receive such a job," she replied, "Though, I had the distinctive feeling that he was crying when I told him my price."
Gamiya chuckled and then asked her, "Anyway, I was wondering if I could join you during your shift."
"I don't mind that, sensei," she said, "You're welcome anytime. You did say you consider me a friend."
"That I did, that I did," he agreed, "Well, I think I better get going."
Just then, the sky exploded with color as the fireworks signaled the start of the pre-night festival. He then turned around and said, "Well, good night, Mana."
"Good night, Iroi-sensei," she replied as she watched him walk off into the night.
Note:-
Ren bu ke mao xiang - English equivalent would be, 'do not judge a book by its cover', if I'm not mistaken that is...