Magister Negi Magi is owned by Ken Akamatsu and Kodansha Ltd. Tokyo in Japan, and by Funimation and Kodansha USA in the United States, NOT by me.
Other characters are also the property of their respective creators and owners, not me.
Some characters created by kafka'sdragon for his 'Markham Chronicles Negima' story are used here with his permission. Kafka'sdragon often contributes ideas, paragraphs, or entire sections of a chapter, and such help is much appreciated.
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"…and so following The Five Nations Conference; life on both worlds entered a period of relative calm…"
-Kazumi Asakura, author of 'The Chaos Decades'
Mage War
Chapter Thirty-five: Calm Before The Storm - Part One
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(Tokyo, Japan, outside the office of the Minister of Finance, late spring 2022)
Climbing into a limousine along with her Chief of Staff; Minister of Finance Ayaka Yukihiro shook her head in response to what Mariko Anjin had just said. "I know being nominated for a Peace Prize along with Doctor Hu Li Long is a significant resume enhancer. I still believe though that it's better to retire when my reputation is good; rather than wait for some event which causes uncontrollable problems."
Upset by Ayaka's words; Mariko sat back with an annoyed huff into her seat. "I still feel like you can still do more good than you think by staying in the government."
With a sigh; Ayaka reached out to pat Mariko on the knee. "Don't worry Mariko; I'm quite sure you'll be able to secure a seat in the Diet from your prefecture when the time comes…" leaning back; she turned to watch through the windows as the scenery on the way to the Prime Minister's Residence flashed by, "…besides; Naomi is doing acceptably as CEO of Yukihiro Group; but if it's going to start growing at a faster rate; I to need to take control of it again."
Remaining quiet until they started to pull into the driveway of the Prime Minister's Residence; Mariko finally set up with a serious look on her face. "Is there anything that would convince you to stay in the government?"
Already thinking about how to present her resignation to Prime Minister Akawa and not thinking seriously; Ayaka shrugged, "Being nominated for Prime Minister perhaps?"
Eyes going wide; Mariko stared at Ayaka in surprise for a moment; then smiled slightly and sat back. "Well; you certainly think big; don't you Minister Yukihiro."
Mariko seeming to suddenly give up raised Ayaka's curiosity; but she didn't have time to as any further questions as the limousine came to a stop; and a waiting footman stepped forward to opened the door so they could exit…
(-)
Still suffering the lingering aftereffects of his heart attack the previous year; Tomori Akawa stood up to greet Ayaka in business slacks, a shirt and tie; but wearing a bathrobe in order to help himself stay warm. "Minister Yukihiro, thank you for coming by on such short notice."
Taking Akawa's hand, Ayaka gave it a quick shake and was glad to find some of the Prime Minister former strength seemed to be returning. "You seem to be recovering finally; Mister Prime Minister."
Returning to his desk, Akawa nodded before sitting down. "Thanks to your efforts with The Five Nations Conference; I was able to rest more than I would have; though I've still been busy… Congratulations, by the way, on your nomination for a Nobel Prize."
Sitting down with legs crossed and finger intertwined, Ayaka gave a gracious nod. "Thank you."
Reaching for document he'd asked his secretary to prepare; Akawa glanced over the contents briefly before looking up at Ayaka. "Your Chief of Staff relayed that you had something important to discuss with me; but that you would be willing to listen to a proposal I had before we did so."
Suddenly suspicious, Ayaka flicked her eyes briefly towards Mariko before sitting up and focusing her attention on Akawa. "What is that Sir?"
Placing the page on his desk, Akawa turned and slid it towards Ayaka. "It is my intention to recommend to Emperor Naruhito that you receive strong consideration as his recommendation to the Diet to replace me as acting-Prime Minister, until what should hopefully be an official confirmation to the position in the 2024 elections."
Stunned, Ayaka had no recollection of how the page that had been presented came to be in her hands. She carefully read the recommendation Akawa had prepared; noting the different points he felt were relevant; and found that she would have supported such a person herself… "I… I don't know what to say; Tomori…"
Smiling, Akawa sat back in his chair, "Say you'll accept."
With a resigned sigh, Ayaka nodded. "I accept."
Relief obvious on his face, Akawa leaned forward on his desk. "I know the possibility of becoming Japan's first female Prime Minister is daunting; but with your success in resolving the conflict between the two China's; nomination for a Peace Prize; and the current state of Japan's culture; the time is right to shatter this glass ceiling."
Hearing the Prime Minister's words; Ayaka thought about how 'Wakai toshi no kindai;' a movement to redefine the role of women in particular, and young Japanese as a whole in society; was still strong; over fifteen years after being given form by Kazumi Asakura and her old classmates in Dekopin Rocket. Along with other cultural changes she was aware of; it was difficult to offer an argument to counter what Akawa had just said. "Very well then; I'll go back to my office and make the arrangements I'll need to have in place when you present the recommendation."
As Ayaka stood, Akawa did so as well; "What about what you wanted to discuss?"
Showing a smile that was proper and polite, but stiff; Ayaka shook her head. "Don't worry, Mister Prime Minister; it doesn't matter anymore."
Willing to accept that, Akawa came from behind the desk and escorted Ayaka back out of the office.
(-)
For nearly the entire trip back to the Office of the Minister of Finance; Ayaka glared at a Mariko who was trying hard not to grin like a Cheshire Cat. When her Chief of Staff couldn't contain herself any longer and started to laugh; she slapped a hand down angrily on the car seat, "YOU KNEW HE WAS GOING TO DO THAT!"
Taking a deep breath, Mariko nodded and worked to get her breathing back under control. "Yes… I'm sorry… The Prime Minister suggested I not tell you; that way it would be less likely you would be able to come up with a way to refuse."
Finally letting her scowl fade to a smile, Ayaka let her shoulders fall in defeat. "Like I said; you'll make an excellent politician in your own right when you finally choose to stick your hand in."
With the cat finally and completely out of the bag, Mariko finally let out a laugh to relieve the tension that had been held in since she and Ayaka first left to go see Prime Minister Akawa.
(-)
(Sibirsky, Russian Federation, Headquarters of 35th Strategic Rocket Division)
Coming through the door into a prefabricated officer's billet, Lt. Colonel Victor Ramius tossed his hat onto the apartment's small desk; draped his greatcoat across a chair; then sat down heavily on the bed…
His first day on his new job had been considerably more than that… Nearly a week spent on a fact-finding and inspection tour for the 35th Strategic Rocket Division's commander; with sleep coming in fits and starts in the passenger seat of a Zil military truck as one of a number of enlisted drivers rushed him between the different locations occupied by the division. At least the drivers got to sleep while he was conducting his inspections…
Leaning forward, elbows on his knees, face in his palms; he wished desperately that Anya Cocolova was there… Perhaps it was selfish; wanting her to be in such a remote place just to massage his shoulders; but he also desired the presence of someone he enjoyed talking to…
Two years… In two more years, barring any problems, he should be promoted to full colonel; and there would no longer be any significant barrier to his asking her to marry him…
Well; there was one barrier; but even the fact she was a mage was becoming less and less of an issue. He had even read recently about a young man in Japan who had applied to marry a girl from the Mundus Magicus who had cat-ears… or maybe it was dog-ears… Either way; mage or not; he fully intended to marry Anya. Of course she had some say in the matter; but hopefully he would be able to persuade her to his way of thinking when they finally had the chance to see each other again…
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(Flagstaff, Arizona, United States)
With the volume turned low, the television played in the background, doing nothing to mask the steady beeps and blips of the bedside monitor. Gerald sat quietly at his wife's side, waiting for Kathy to awaken from her surgery induced sleep.
Ironic, the concerned husband thought to himself. When he met Kathy, their situations were reversed. A young marine lieutenant at the time, Gerald was at Bethesda Naval Hospital, recovering from a wound he received during the Panamanian invasion. Too busy feeling sorry for himself; he hadn't noticed the red-headed nurse standing nearby until she politely cleared her throat. Holding a bouquet of flowers sent by his parents, she smiled as suddenly the world no longer seemed quite so bad.
Once he'd gotten back on his feet, both figuratively and literally, Gerald proposed and she accepted; that was 29 years ago. Through all those years, building a business, running for congress, the mess of the Financial/Mage crisis and the recently concluded Five Nations Conference, Kathy had never failed to support him. His wife was as steady as the Rock of Gibraltar, until the day she fainted on the Capitol steps.
Growing up in the 1970s, cancer was a terrifying word; however, medical knowledge had advanced since then to a point where cancer patients were apt to live many, pain-free years beyond diagnosis. Still, he was scared when the doctor mentioned the Big C. Even though the surgeon said everything went well, if he lost…
"That's an interesting story don't you think?"
Turning towards the sound of Kathy's voice, Gerald saw that she was awake and gazing up at the TV screen. "Would you mind turning up the sound?" she asked.
"Eh, what? Sound?"
An interview of a young couple from Japan was being shown. The man seemed normal enough even if his shirt; emblazoned with the words 'Keep Calm and Carry On;' was a trifle out of date. His companion was also very normal looking except for fur covered ears and a tail sticking out from appropriate places. Both had attended the school in Tokyo that integrated students from all over Japan with those from the Economic Recovery Zone, and after college they shocked the world by applying for a wedding license.
Anime fans around the world rallied to support their 'One True Pairing' though those in opposition to such a union weren't far behind.
"What do you think the Japanese government will decide?" his wife calmly asked as if she hadn't just had surgery.
"I think after a great deal of discussion, they'll allow it," Gerald answered after a moment's thought. "…even if it means other changes to their marriage laws."
"I think it's wonderful that two people from such vastly different cultures can find happiness together," she remarked.
"Kathy… I…"
Kathy faced him and smiled, just as she had that very first time they met. "I'll be fine Gerald," she said as her hand reached out for his. "This is one of those 'bumps in the road'."
"It's more than just a 'bump'," Gerald replied.
"Maybe," she responded as her expression grew serious, "but it's no excuse for you to start slacking off."
"Slacking off? Whatever…?"
"You listen to me Mr. 'the Honorable Congressman' Gerald Prescott," his wife demanded. "Just because I may be bed-ridden for a while don't think you can avoid work."
Here the woman pointed up at the television. "The US fell behind Japan on this space elevator thing; we're not going to do it again."
A slow grin spread across the congressman's face as he gripped his wife's hand. "We've come a long way from Bethesda haven't we?"
(-)
(Megalo-Mesembria, MMBI Gateau Kagura von Vandenberg Building)
As she came to another dead end in her research into the truth behind her mother's death; Yuna Akashi closed the records book she was examining and sat back in her chair. Pretty much she had confirmed in several ways the things she already knew; Rikku Akashi had been killed in an alleged hit-an-run accident, and the driver had never been caught. She even knew the fates of several suspects; but as for WHO might actually be responsible… that had been something she had not been able to discover…
Sporting a five-day growth of beard; the investigator in her unit responsible for alleged necromancy and demon-related crimes came into the office and all but collapsed at his desk. "Hey Rick… tough case…?"
Nodding, the investigator tossed his dark colored, wide-brimmed hat on the desk; then ran a hand through sweat-soaked hair. "I guess I should be happy it was just another demon-summoning gone bad… actual necromancy thankfully being pretty rare of course; but that doesn't make me any happier…"
As Yuna watched, Rick unbuckled a heavy belt and placed it and the weapon it held on his desk. A gun-mage like she was; he used a modern, chrome-plated Colt revolver somehow acquired from the Mundus Vertus instead of something like her magic-based grenade-gun and needler. "Well; good for you then… Resolving that case in Burhiwuud left you looking like death warmed over…"
Shaking his head, Rick gave an exhausted laugh before looking up at Yuna. "Don't remind me…" getting up; he walked over to examine the cover of the book on her desk, "Still our girl for cold-cases huh?"
With a resigned sigh, Yuna shrugged and sat back. "It keeps me off the street; even though I haven't had much success…"
Scratching his beard while doing so; Rick reached out and flipped open the book. After looking at the edition page; he examined several other pages in different places before finally looking at Yuna. "This is a relatively new edition; and is doesn't have much detail about older cases. Have you been to the municipal records library down by the gateport? With your seniority you should be able to access all the physical Lawgiver files that have been cached there."
Shocked by Rick's words; Yuna stared at him open-mothed. "I've been once or twice; but it just looked like copied records to me…"
Straightening up, Rick shrugged. "In the upper areas of the Lawgiver section that's the true; but down lower there are older; less abridged editions of previous case books. The only reason I know that is I stumbled across them when I was researching old cases of alleged necromancy."
Happy to have a revived line of research, Yuna smiled, stood up, and held out a hand. "Thanks."
Grasping Yuna's hand, Rick gave it a firm shake. "Don't mention it."
(-)
Three days of research in the records library by the gateport; after her normal shift of course; had produced no revelations for Yuna…
Greater detail in some of the reports of course; as Rick had said; but nothing really significant that expanded her previous knowledge…
Giving a stretch, she heard the scuff of a shoe across the floor near the door to the room and turned to see who was there… Seeing nothing, she got up to go see if anyone was outside and received a blow across the side of her head for the effort…
Though she was unaware of it happening; the visually stealthed attacker knelt to Yuna's crumpled, sprawled form and examined the heavily bruised and swollen side of her face. Satisfied his victim was beyond caring, the person rose back up and began quickly searching through the materials that had been gathered and placed on the research desk in the middle of the room.
Just as he finished looking through the last book and gave an annoyed grunt; an impact in his lower back sent him flying across the desk to crash to the floor on the far side… Managing to twist around in the grip of whoever had launched the attack; he was momentarily stunned to see abused face of the Lawgiver he would have sworn was lying all but dead moments earlier… The woman obviously understood someone was in her grip as they grappled and rolled back and forth across the floor; but was having a hard time directing her punches without being able to see exactly where to place them…
Several strikes to the woman's ribs produced the expected crack of broken bones and shouts of pain; but she stubbornly managed to hang on to a handful of stealthed clothing when he finally managed to squirm free and stand up.
Angry more for the pain her healing factor put her through that the actual fact of being attacked; Yuna took a risk and let go so she could stand; then put everything she had behind a blow that would leave her vulnerable to a counter-attack, but would hopefully find something delicate… The meaty sound of her fist's impact said the target was likely a hip or thigh instead, but produced a howl of pain all out of proportion to such a basic hit…
Enraged by the unexpectedly prefect strike against an old wound; Yuna's attacker deployed and made a chopping swing with the collapsible baton he'd used previously. Though the blow was partially deflected by a raised arm at the last second; he had the perverse satisfaction of knocking her silly once again… No longer caring about subtlety, he limped back over to the entrance to the room; then tossed in a random burst of fire sagita before slamming the door shut and locking it from the outside.
Blinking, Yuna rose to her hands and knees as the fires sparked by the sagita slowly began to catch and start to do real damage… Thanks to her Pactio artifact and previous experience with its fire-based abilities; she knew she would quickly have to choose between breaking down the door and chasing after her attacker; or staying put and dealing with the fires before they really got out of hand…
(-)
As the emergency service mages thoroughly went through the research room in particular, and the library as a whole to make sure no trace of fire or the potential for such remained; Yuna sat outside on a low granite railing, accepting the attentions of a healing mage.
"Maybe I need to open an investigation into you! This isn't the first time you've had bruises or wounds a healing mage says should have meant death."
After a short laugh turned into a wince of pain as the healing mage continued to work the burns she'd collected on her hands dealing with the fire, Yuna gave a tired sigh, "Nah; nothing you need to worry about Rick; my healing factor is more like a vampire's than anything else…"
Somewhere deep within her travels using Cassiopeia 4; a certain blonde, five-hundred year-old loli-vampire sneezed…
Looking over towards the library, Rick shook his head. "What was that all about anyway? Dusty old records and someone tries to kill you just for looking at them?
After thanking the healing mage as that person finished up, Yuna looked over at her fellow investigator." I guess some cold-case isn't so cold after-all? There's information about hundreds, if not thousands, of cases in there; mostly closed of course; but some are still open… How would anyone even know where to start to figure out which one that was about?"
Reaching out, Rick patted Yuna on the shoulder. "Well, you should go on home. I may deal mostly with rare magic; but I can still do a normal investigation! My sprites have recorded your initial statement; if I have any more questions; or if whoever works the case if someone else takes over does; we'll give you a call."
Nodding; Yuna stood up and headed for the nearest transit stop. Not trying to be too obvious; even though she likely knew she was expected; a female plain-clothes Lawgiver followed close behind to make sure nothing unfortunate happened on the way back to her apartment. Likely the woman would remain nearby until relieved of the duty, or until it was decided there was no longer a threat…
Reaching the apartment Yuna went inside, activated the lights, and collapsed heavily onto the couch.
"Nyaa…?"
Looking down, Yuna saw the cat she'd inherited along with the apartment… Quite obviously a magical creature; the cat looked just as young and energetic now as it had when she'd first moved in. "Hey Buddy…"
Coming forward, the cat allowed Yuna to rub its head for a while, then jumped up on the couch and stood waiting expectantly…
Shaking her head at how perceptive the cat was; Yuna reached to retrieve an age-yellowed envelope from her back pocket. Printed in an eloquent hand across the front were eleven words;
Accident and death investigation, Rikku Akashi
Unofficial Conclusions
Gateau Kagura Vandenberg
Discovered while pulling burning books out of shelves so the sagita fires would have a harder time spreading; Yuna removed a single page from the envelope and discovered it was a video letter. Setting the page down, she flattened it out on her coffee table, then pressed play symbol and sat back.
As an image of Ala Rubra's long dead Gateau Vandenberg appeared and began to speak, the cat jumped into her lap, circled a few times, then settled in for the long haul. Under Yuna's relaxed hand and a smile that grew as the message from the past played; it soon began to purr…
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(National History Museum, Buenos Aeries, Argentina, gateport terminal connecting with the Independent Educational City State of Ariadne in the Mundus Magicus)
Even with her old classmates Misora Kasuga, Mana Tatsumiya, (now married and named Mana Serizawa,) and Zazie Rainyday hovering nearby; she still felt alone…
Her parents had been killed during the eruption of Mt. Ontake near Nagano, her grandparents were all dead from natural causes, and she had no brothers or sisters…
At one time strongly attracted to Negi Springfield; Akira Okochi had convinced her that the needs of the Blue Mars Project made their former professor an impossible to obtain goal romantically; after all the thinking she'd done; it was difficult to disagree…
Old friends had offered help making connections with the school in the new Tokyo Bay Economic Development Zone, or with the ISSDA… She might eventually take advantage of those offers, but first she needed to see the two people who might still qualify as family…
Standing together with Mana and Zazie, Sister Cocone Rosa shook her head and sighed with resignation…
Nearby; Sister Misora Kasuga had answered her cellphone, listened for a moment, then excused herself and stepped aside. Now she was trying not to disturb those who were in the terminal by whisper shouting as she argued with whoever was on the other end of the conversation…
"What's with that, Sister?"
Looking up at Mana, Cocone shrugged, "I'm not entirely sure why they want to do so; but several important Clergy here in South America want to promote Misora and make her a Priest…' at Mana and Zazie's raised eyebrows, she gave a wry smile, "…the claim is that she has developed connections with the people and leaders across the continent that can't fully develop if she remains a nun. Whether she is declared neuter, an honorary male, or remains officially female; the thinking is Misora will be able to do even more good if she has the authority of a priest."
After watching for a moment, Zazie nodded knowingly; "…and I suppose she doesn't feel that way…"
Now it was Cocone's turn to nod, "'Mysterious Sister' prefers not to draw attention to herself when it's avoidable; but I'm afraid that won't work for much longer."
Turning back, Mana looked over to where Nodoka Miyazaki was sitting alone on a bench. "Zazie and I brought her here; but we have to go to The Hague for Milos Stepanec's trial; you and Misora need to stay here in South America… Is she going to be okay going to Ariadne all alone?"
Cocone shrugged, "I don't know…"
Obvious and noticeable; the signal of a transfer from Ariadne to Buenos Aries sounded in the waiting area. An hour from now the natural flow of energy would produce the effect which would result in a return transfer back to Ariadne.
Feeling curious and tired of wallowing in self-pity, Nodoka decided to watch and see who had come through from the Mundus Magicus… A lot have time had passed since she'd worked on Library Island… One of the things she'd enjoyed doing with her friend Yue Ayase had been people watching…
Taller now, but still nearly flat-chested; Yue Ayase was one of the first people to walk out of the transfer chamber and come into the waiting area… "Yue… YUUEEEE!"
Someone jumping off of a bench and throwing themselves at her very nearly triggered Yue Ayase's Valkyrie Brigade self-defense training… Fortunately she recognized who it was at the last moment and held back… "Nodoka… How unexpectedly wonderful… I'd not heard any news…"
Leaning back, Nodoka scowled at Yue; but her friend finally smiled, and took her into a fierce hug that made it perfectly plain how relieved she was, "Thanks Yue; and I'm sorry; it was a bit sudden…"
Finally separating, Yue held Nodoka at arm's length, "I did hear about your parents... That really was an unexpected situation, for everyone…"
Shoulders dropping a bit, Nodoka nodded, "Yeah… At least they were together when the bodies were finally found…" shaking her head, she took a deep breath and smiled, then reached out and playfully put a hand on Yue's chest… "I suppose it's also an unexpected situation that you don't seem to have grown any!"
Yelping, Yue jumped back and crossed her arms across her chest, "It… it's like Chamo and my friend Konata in Ariadne always say! Small breasts are statuses! There's always a place and a need for them!"
After a moment of silence, Nodoka stepped forward and hugged Yue again. The hug was returned; ending only with the first announcement that transferees to Ariadne should start getting ready. At that she stepped back, but kept hold of her friend's hands… "You already know about me; what the short version of what you've been up to?"
Reaching up, Yue pointed at a small badge attached to the lapel of the casual suit she was wearing, "I just finished a stint as a Valkyrie Brigade squad commander after officer candidate school; Emily granted my request to be placed on reserve status; and I've come back to visit for a while. I'm hoping to get a job with the ISSDA; but there might be trouble transferring my credit from Ariadne; I don't know for sure yet."
Letting go of Yue and leaning close, Nodoka put a hand next to her mouth and smiled conspiratorially; "You always did like those 'Lord Darcy' books more than Doyle's Holmes books; maybe you could become a magical detective if things don't work out."
Images of disheveled police detectives, barely getting by private investigators living with their parent and getting beaten up constantly, and one who needed a kid to solve his cases flashing through her mind's eye prompted Yue to shake her head vigorously, "NO WAY! I haven't gone through all I have just to become someone who lives in an office in the shady part of town!"
Hearing the departure call again, Nodoka smiled and went to retrieve her bag. "I'm going to go to Dracogenia via Ariadne; Zazie asked me to deliver a message to the Dragon Clans for her; but if the main reason I'm going there doesn't work out… Well; maybe I'll come back and play Watson for you."
Stepping back, Yue nodded and gave her friend a sharp Valkyrie salute, "From this point forward; may life treat you with greater kindness than it has previously seen fit to."
Smiling, Nodoka returned the salute with a polite bow, "Thank you."
Having finished her argument with Father Infigo, Misora Kasuga was now standing with her friends and watching as Nodoka took her bag and left for the departure gate. "Can you see how much better she looks after talking to Yue? I think she'll be okay now; despite everything that happened."
Before they waved and went to greet Yue Ayase themselves; no one with Misora felt the need to object to what she had said.
tsuzuku
Author's Notes:
Sibirsky, Russian Federation: A restricted municipality and region; and actual Headquarters of 35th Strategic Rocket Division.
Necromancy: Magic used to turn corpses into walking dead.
Mt. Ontake: On September 27th, 2014, without any warning such a thing might occur; Mt. Ontake erupted. Caught on the mountain while hiking or during other activities, more than seventy people were injured, killed, or declared missing.
Lord Darcy: Main character in a series of stories by author Randall Garrett starting in 1966. While an oversimplification to do so; it would not be entirely incorrect to say the Darcy stories are about a Sherlock-Holmes type detective in an alternate history where magic is commonplace.
"Disheveled police detectives, barely getting by private investigators living with their parent and getting beaten up constantly, and one who needed a kid to solve his cases:" Columbo of the Los Angeles Police Department, (Columbo) James Rockford, (The Rockford Files) and Richard Moore. (Case Closed)
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