Authors Notes are now at the bottom

Disclaimer: I don't own Negima

Setsuna looked up at the archway that marked the entrance to the Shinmeiryuu training site. Memories of the time spent training here, in the forest, on the cliff, by the waterfall flitted through her mind. Every beating, bruise, scrape, and broken bone had been worth it, for they had all been for Konoka, made her a better protector for Konoka. And ultimately….Setsuna reached out and touched the archway, ultimately they had led her back here.

Her fingers tightened on the strap of her sword case and she shrugged her shoulders to reposition the strap of her duffel bag. She took a deep breath, brought up her other hand to brush her shirt pocket, took a step forward, and passed under the arc. Almost immediately she was met by two other members of the Shinmeiryuu. She bowed to them as they approached,

"My name is Sakurazaki Setsuna, I am here for the Duel." The two people, one man and one woman, bowed in reply. The man spoke first,

"We know all about it, Sakurazaki-san, and about the Trial. The leaders of the Associations and most of the members are already here." The woman smiled at Setsuna.

"I'm Kamyia Kaoru, and this is Sagara Sanosuke. We are to bring you to your room, then brief you on the exact procedure. If you will follow us?" Setsuna nodded and followed the two adults down the main street. Setsuna looked around as she walked. The headquarters hadn't changed much, it was still the town it had been before she had enrolled in Mahora. The armory was to her left, the blacksmith across from it. Setsuna smiled slightly and wondered how old Totosai was doing. He was a little eccentric, but no finer sword could be found then the ones made by him. He worked exclusively for the Shinmeiryuu, her own sword had been made by him.

A group of children ran past, wearing the standard Shinmeiryuu robes, on their way to the children dorms. Behind that was a school. Both that dorm and the school were for children up to age 13. Setsuna turned her head to look across the way, here was another dorm and school, for years 14 to 18. The Shinmeiryuu took in all ages, the only requirement being a strong will to learn the teachings and the honor to keep them. For a brief moment, Setsuna wondered what her life would be like, if she had stayed here, dedicating her life to Shinmeiryuu. But the thought left as soon as it was formed. While she was committed to the teachings of the Shinmeiryuu, her life was devoted to protecting Konoka, and she had never wavered from this choice.

They continued on, passing private homes and a few other shops until Setsuna could see the main building, the actual headquarters of which the town was built around. In front of it was the main dojo was the highest ranking of the five dojos. The other four dojos were in the four far corners of the town. To the left of the dojo was a smaller building which handled the day to day affairs of the town. To the right of the dojo was a two story apartment building where guests were housed. Setsuna's two guides headed there.

"You will be staying here." Kaoru said as Sanosuke pushed open the door. There was a window that was opened, letting the sun stream in, lighting up the modest room. There was a small kitchenette off to the side, and a bathroom connecting to the main room. Near the kitchenette was a small table, and besides that a loveseat. The main room had a single bed in the middle, with a closet on one side, and a small desk and chair on the other. Instantly Setsuna was aware of a man sitting in the loveseat. He was dressed casually in a light green kimono, his hair cut short around his head, and a pair of plain brown glasses perched on his nose. From the open book that lay in his lap, it appeared he had been waiting for them.

"Elder!" Setsuna gasped and dropped onto one knee, bowing down her head. Behind her, she heard Sanosuke and Kaoru murmur,

"Elder Konoe" as they bowed deeply. Eishun Konoe chuckled lightly as he closed his book.

"I'm sorry if I startled you. I just thought it would be nice to have a chat with Setsuna-kun before things got too hectic." Eishun stood up off the couch and smiled gently at Kaoru and Sanosuke,

"Do not worry. I will inform Setsuna-kun of everything she needs to know. You may come to collect her tomorrow." Sanosuke glanced up, his mouth open as if to retort, but a swift kick in the shin from Kaoru had him shutting his mouth.

"Of course Elder" Kaoru answered smoothly, recognizing a dismissal when she heard one. She backed up, pushing Sanosuke back with her, and quietly shut the door.

"Oooow! Why'd ya kick me Jou-chan?"

"Because you're mouth was going before you're brain caught up! Oh that's right, you don't have one do you?"

Setsuna kept her head down, but she could feel the blush spread as Sanosuke's and Kaoru's voices faded away. She didn't dare speak, couldn't meet the Elder's eyes, and her mind was flailing about frantically.

Why does he want to speak with me privately? Is he going to order me to draw back? Fire me? Does he know about my feelings for Ojou-sama? He doesn't approve! He'll forbid me to see her again! It doesn't matter, he can't stop me from doing this. No one can.

"Setsuna-kun" the gentle sound of his voice, and the affectionate way he said her name had Setsuna looking up at Eishun, who was smiling down at her.

"I thought I said you needn't be so formal with me. Come, sit down with me. I meant it when I said I just wanted to talk with you." Setsuna quickly looked back down and shook her head.

"I couldn't Elder! One as I is not worthy to speak in such a manner with you, let alone sit in you're presence!"

"Anyone who is brave enough to invoke the rules of Trial on behalf of one they love" Eishun replied softly, "is more than worthy." Setsuna glanced up at him, too startled to blush. Eishun reached down and held out his hand to her.

"Rise Setsuna-kun. We have much to discuss" Setsuna stared at his hand, as if she had never seen it before, then looked back up at him. There was something in his eyes that had her hesitantly placing her hand in his. He hauled her up and steered her to the loveseat, taking the chair at the desk for himself. When Setsuna objected, wanting him to have the more comfortable seat, he held up his hand and shook his head.

"Traveling from Mahora to here in the span of a day is no easy task. I will come to no harm sitting here. Be comfortable Setsuna-kun." Setsuna swallowed and nodded, dropping her duffel bag on the floor besides her, and carefully propping her sword case against the side of the couch. Then she gingerly sat on the edge of the leather couch, sitting straight and rigid, a compromise between being comfortable and being in an uncomfortable position, as she thought was proper. Eishun watched her with a knowing smile, placing his elbows on the arm rests of the chair and steepleing his fingers together.

"You are something of a prodigy within the Shinmeiryuu, Setsuna-kun. No other has learned so much in such a small amount of time. You can exert absolute control over every aspect of yourself. Except…" Eishun's eye's softened, "Your feelings for my daughter." Setsuna could feel the flush rise and cover her face, and she looked down at her lap, where her hands where clenched into her skirt. She bit the inside of her cheek and kept silent, at a loss as to what to say. She didn't want to disappoint him the way she had the Headmaster, but she wouldn't apologize or renounce her feelings either. She would understand however, if the Elder dismissed her. She mentally braced herself, waiting to hear the words she dreaded most.

Eishun sighed and closed his eyes, gathering his thoughts. "My fondest goal in life, the ambition closest to my heart, is to see my daughter happy. It was why I kept her ignorant of her magic for so long. I wanted her to experience life as any other teenage girl should. I knew once she learned of her magical heritage, her chance to live a carefree childhood would be over. I knew her blissful ignorance would not last forever, although I had hoped it would last longer than it did." He opened his eyes and placed his hands in his lap, leaning back and gazing out the window.

"Knowing this, my wish would be for her to find happiness despite the hardships her magic will bring. I wanted her to know love, the joys of loving and being loved. My father-in-law believes that this can happen through an arranged marriage, that she can learn to love someone, and that such a suitable person should be found for her. I have always believed differently, but alas I had no choice. As her father, I rebelled against an arranged marriage, but as the leader of the Kansai Association I could see no way around it." He turned, catching Setsuna's eyes with his own, and smiled.

"But it appears that my wish was granted after all. My daughter speaks of you often, Setsuna-kun, and every time she does her face lights up and she glows with a joy I have never seen from her before. You have taken care of her, protected her. You make her happy. In short," Eishun's eye's gleamed, "you have loved her." Setsuna stared at the headmaster, stunned. Her heart was beating like thunder in her ears, her mind jumping to every possible conclusion of his words.

"Sir, what…." Setsuna swallowed hard, trying to bring some moisture to her dry mouth, "what exactly are you saying?"

"I am saying…" Eishun leaned forward a little and smiled at Setsuna as if she had given him a gift he had most desired, "thank you, Setsuna-kun. You have given my daughter that which I had feared she would never have. And in doing so, have made her happier than she's ever been." She couldn't believe her ears. Setsuna was sure that she must have heard wrong, misinterpreted something he said. She had to know for sure, hear him say the words, but asking him to would be the hardest thing she had ever done to date. Her hands began to tremble, and she clutched them in her lap,

"Y-you, you mean to say that, you, approve, of of of…..my love for Ojou-sama?" Setsuna croaked, forcing out the words. She was so uptight, that Eishun's sudden laughter nearly had her leaping out of her skin.

"It was more than I could hope for! Konoka has now found someone who can be her friend and lover, protector and teacher! And is well versed in this world of sorcery." He murmured, almost to himself, "If I could have chosen the qualities of one for her, I do believe it would be the ones in you." He solomed slightly, as he watched Setsuna's stricken expression. "Love is to rare a commodity to bind in silly rules and restrictions." He reached out and patted Setsuna's tightly clenched hands, "I approve, Setsuna-kun."

Those words seem to wash over the young samurai, to echo in her ears, I approve, Setsuna-kun. I approve…approve… Setsuna felt something inside of her, a barrier in a deep dark corner of her heart, begin to break. Until just this moment, she hadn't realize that, down in the very farthest crevices of her heart she had been afraid, afraid that her feelings were…wrong, unnatural, the same way she feared that she was wrong, and unnatural. This icy part of her was pushed away, hidden where its chill couldn't consume her. But at the Elder's words, and his completely unrestricted acceptance and approval, Setsuna could feel this ice began to crack, to allow warmth to shine in. Another flush began to spread upon Setsuna's cheeks, but this one was of pleasure.

Eishun chuckled inwardly as he watched the play of emotions on Setsuna's face, to end at one of joy. The poor child had been blessed with the curse of being different, and he knew she was plagued with self doubt due to society's idiotic views on what should be right and wrong. He had hoped his own assurance that he was not affect by such nonsense would help her overcome these doubts, and it appeared he was right. He wished he could leave it at that, but he had to go on, for both her and Konoka's sakes.

"However…" he trailed off and sighed inwardly as Setsuna clamped down on her emotions to present to him a calm and collected, if slightly weary, face.

"You must realize Setsuna-kun, that you're chances of winning this Trial are extremely slim. If you lose, I cannot control what you're punishment will be. I have heard the members talking amongst themselves, you are not a popular figure among them." His eye's lost their merry gleam, and he seemed to grow older, becoming the leader of a powerful organization, instead of Konoka's loving daddy.

"I want you to stay with Konoka, to continue to bring her happiness. If she is to be married off, she will need the joy you bring her more than ever. However, to put it simply, I do not think that this will happen, should you lose." He eyed Setsuna closely, "I believe I can get you out of this, with no harm done. Think about it carefully, do you want me to call off the Trial?" Setsuna closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The Elder had been generous enough to be completely honest with her, and while she wasn't used to vocalizing her feelings, she felt it only right to do they same.

"Thank you, Elder, for you're concern. Truly, one such as I is not worthy of it. But I have already had plenty of time to meditate on the subject on my time traveling here. My answer remains the same as it was with the Headmaster. I will not withdrawal the challenge, and I will not back down." Setsuna reached up and placed her hand onto of her breast pocket, feeling the pictures that lay over her heart.

"It isn't just the fact that an arranged marriage would devastate Kono-chan, nor that Kono-chan should have the freedom to choose her own mate, instead of having one thrust upon her. Don't get me wrong, I am doing this, first and foremost for Kono-chan. But…" her hand clenched gently around her pocket, "To watch Kono-chan…..in the arms of another, to see them together, him holding her, kissing her. To stand by and watch her married off to one that didn't even make her happy? No. I can't stand by and see her become another's."

Eishun nodded. He had expected no less. While part of him hated to have Setsuna in such a dangerous position, another part of him, the selfish part of him, wanted her to continue with the Trail. To prove her love for his daughter, and to free Konoka from this curse. For winning the Trial was the ONLY way that Konoka would be completely liberated from such harsh demands of the Associations.

"Then I will speak no more of the subject." Eishun stated. He reached over to the desk and pulled out a binder and a few folders. "Come, let us begin the briefing."

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"Is this it?" Negi asked, as he stared up at the huge archway that loomed out of the forest. Asuna smacked him on the head with her fist.

"What do you mean, 'is this it?'! You have the map idiot!"

"This is it." Konoka stated and swept past a startled Asuna and Negi, the latter rubbing his sore head.

"You are trespassing, strangers" a voice said coolly, as a young women in Shimeryuu robes stepped from behind a pillar, her hand resting lightly on the blade sheathed at her hip.

"Are ya lost kids?" a young man stepped from the pillar on the other side, casually cracking his knuckles. "Don't worry, we'll show you to the exit."

Immediately Asuna and Negi placed themselves in front of Konoka, Negi grasping his staff in his hands, and Asuna crouched down for battle. Before anyone could say another word however, Konoka gently pushed Asuna and Negi away, stepping in between them, to meet the young man and woman.

"My name is Konoe Konoka. I am here to see Sec- Sakurazaki Setsuna." The man and woman stopped their threatening movements abrutptly, to stare at Konoka in surprise.

"No way! You're the Konoe brat?" The young man stuck his hands in his pockets and squinted at Konoka, " Who woulda thought you would actually come! I- OW!" The young man cried clutching his head, rubbing the sport that the woman just smacked with her sheathed sword. The woman stepped in front of her partner, bowing to the three younger people.

"Forgive our rudeness Konoe-ojousama. We had no idea you would be coming. My name is Kamiya Kaoru, and my…" Kaoru rolled her eyes, " 'associate' is Sagura Sanosuke."

"Do you always greet guests so hospitably?" Asuna asked as she eased from her battle pose, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"Only the ones that could be a threat" Sanosuke grumbled, still rubbing his head. Asuna snorted,

"Come on! Look at us!" She grabbed Negi and pulled him over as he yelped at the rough handling, "this one is only ten for crying out loud!"

"But still a wizard of incredible power. Rule number one, never underestimate anyone. Only children would make such a mistake" Sanosuke grinned mockingly at Asuna. Asuna's eyes flashed and she opened her mouth for an outraged retort, when a light smack on the head cut her off. She turned, rubbing her head to look at a slightly expasturated Konoka as she tucked away her mallet.

"Can we focus here Asuna?" Konoka asked wearily. Asuna winced, and grinned apologetically at Konoka. She had gotten carried away.

"What is wrong with you! Show some respect!" Kaoru grumbled, smacking Sanosuke in the head with her sheathed sword again, no light tap like Konoka's had been. As Sanosuke clutched his head and muttered curses, Kaoru turned back to the others, bowing.

"Please excuse him. He was dropped on his head as a child. Repeatedly, and in sucession." Kaoru ignored Sanosuke's cry of protest. She looked at Konoka, her eyes soft, "I am truly sorry that you were not greeted properly Konoe-sama. We did not receive word of your arrival. Those that did not pass on the information will be punished."

"Oh no. That's alright!" Konoka replied hasitlly, "You didn't receive word because I didn't send any." Konoka figited slightly, "I umm, well, no one, quite, knows we're here." Kaoru stared at Konoka in surprise, and even Sanosuke stopped nursing his head to look at Konoka in bemusement. Sensing her unease, Negi stepped up besides Konoka,

"We came as soon as we heard that Setsuna-san had Challanged the Associations on Konoka-san's behalf."

Asuna added wirly,

"There wasn't time to notify people, if you get my drift" Kaoru's eye's flashed in understanding.

"Ah. I see. Come, we shall escort you to both the Elders." Kaoru started to turn around.

"Umm." Konoka bit her lip hesitantly as Kaoru turned back around to look at her expectantly.

"Can I see Secchan first? I really need to talk to her." It took Kaoru a moment to realize that "Secchan" was Setsuna, and her leg whipped out to kick Sanosuke's ankle, effectively turning his muffled laughter at the name to muffled curses at the pain.

"I'm sorry Konoe-sama, but Sakurazaki-san is in meditation right now, and can not be disturbed. However, when she finishes, I'll be sure to inform you. For now, I must take you to your father and grandfather." Kaoru sounded truly regretful, and Konoka sighed and nodded. Asuna, Negi, and Chomo exchanged glances. The Headmaster was NOT going to be happy to see them…

Asuna swallowed hard as they walked into the Headmaster's chambers. She could feel his disapproval, even if she couldn't see his eyes underneath his shaggy eyebrows. At least her father doesn't seem angry Asuna thought as the three made their way forward. The headmaster was sitting at a desk in the rooms that the Shinmeiryu had given him. Eishun had been sitting on a couch close by but stood when they walked in.

"Konoka?" Eishun said in surprise.

"Daddy!" Konoka ran to her father, and Eishun opened his arms to scoop her up. Asuna and Negi stayed standing, awkwardly, where they were, doing their best to not meet the headmaster's disapproving gaze.

"I should have realized you would come" The headmaster muttered, tiredly rubbing his balding head. He glanced at Asuna and Negi, "all of you"

"I'm sorry Gramps, I know you didn't want us to come" Konoka replied, distangling herself from her father. "But I have to see Secchan!"

"It is to late granddaughter. I have already tried to stop Setsuna-kun from continuing with this foolishness, but she is adamant."

"But if I could just-"

"Even if you could convince her, it is still too late" the headmaster interrupted, "when she is done with her meditation, she will proceed immediately to the Duel sight. In fact it is almost time now."

"Excuse me" Everyone turned to look at the doorway, where Kaoru was bowing low. "I am here to inform Konoe-ojousama that Sakurazaki-san has finished her meditations and is in the locker room. Should Konoe-ojousama still wish to meet with her Champion, she now has a few minutes of doing so." Konoka whirled around, to stare up at her father imploringly.

"Please Daddy. I have to see her" Eishun eyes were soft as he gently stroked back a strand of Konoka's hair.

"I see no harm in it." Eishun said, more for the headmaster's benefit then for anyone else's, "Go." Konoka hugged her father again, before running over to Kaoru. She whirled around and quickly bowed to the room, then followed the Shinmeiryu master out.

"Quick! Follow her!" Chamo whispered, anxious to get away from the headmaster, but as Asuna and Negi turned to make a hasty escape, the headmaster held up a hand.

"A word, Negi, Asuna." Reluctantly the two turned back around to face the headmaster and Konoka's father. The headmaster placed his elbows on the desk and steepled his fingers as he regarded the pair.

"Do you know why I did not want my granddaughter here?" he asked carefully. Negi and Asuna looked at each other, then back at the headmaster, simantanously shaking their heads.

"Father" Eishun said warningly, and the headmasters gaze shifted to him,

"They need to understand, son-in-law. They need to learn about the other side of magic, our way of life." The headmaster looked back at Asuna and Negi. He seemed much older, no longer their mischeivious headmaster, but a man who has seen to much in his life and was simply…tired.

"Because the chance is great that Setsuna-kun will not only lose the Duel, but suffer the ultimate consequence," The headmaster met each pair of eyes, "It is very likely that she will die."

"Die?" Asuna repeated, horrified, while Negi simply stared at the headmaster in shock. The old man nodded gravely,

"You see why I, we," he nodded at Eishun, "did not want Konoka here. Seeing a friend die on one's own behalf…it is not something I would want stained in her mind" The headmaster wearily rubbed at his eyes.

"While the punshiment, should she lose, can not be death" Eishun added softly, not meeting their gaze, "It is always a risk that the Champion may die in combat."

"How could you?" Asuna whispered, her eyes wide, her fist clenched as she stared at the adult men. "All of this, is your fault. All because you have to force Konoka into marriage! And now Setsuna may die because of it? Is that really worth the price?"

"Do not speak of things that you do not understand!" The headmaster snapped, banging his fist on the desk. "There is too much at stake here! Without a suitable partner, Konoka will not be able to lead both the Kansai and the Kanto Associations and put a stop to these foolish battles!"

"I understand that you don't trust Konoka to find a partner for herself! I understand that you don't think she has what it takes to do it on her own!" Asuna snarled back, her eyes aflame. "Instead you run her life for her! Choosing her path to suit your ambitions! If you want Konoka to bring peace then let Konoka do it! Obviously whatever you've tried to do hasn't worked, so what makes you think this will? How can you let Setsuna die for something so FOOLISH?"

"She won't die." Negi whispered, his head bent down Asuna broke off and looked down at the boy. His hands were clenched tightly around his staff, and he seemed to tremble.

"She won't die!" He repeated louder, lookin up and meeting the headmaster's eyes.

"Aniki…" Chamo whispered, and Asuna laid a hand on the boy's shoulder. Negi stared at the headmaster,

"Setsuna-san will not die. She would never allow harm to come to Konoka-san." Negi's eyes hardened. "She's strong, you'll see. She'll win."

The headmaster sat back and sighed, closing his eyes. The will to argue suddenly drained from him.

"So we will."

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Setsuna sat cross legged on the bench, her hands resting lightly on her knees, her sword propped up besides her. Slowly she breathed in, holding it for a second, then gradually let out the breath, repeating this exercise. She only had a few moments more before the Trial began, and she was determined to use it to calm her mind and body.

"SECCHAN!" Setsuna's eyes flew open as a force collided into her, knocking her back and off the bench, to land with a hard thump on the stone floor. Her eyes met Konoka's, as the other girl was sprawled atop of her, hugging tightly, and for a moment Setsuna could do naught but lay there, stunned.

"O-ojousama! What, how?" Setsuna stammered, trying to find her voice.

"Asuna and Negi-kun brought me here." Konoka answered the half spoken question as she scrambled off Setsuna to kneel beside her. Setsuna sat up, her eyes narrowing as she mentally cursed both student and teacher for putting her in such a position. She had meant for them to guard Konoka at the school! Not bring her here! Konoka continued on, grasping Setsuna's arm and tugging in earnest.

"Secchan! How could you just leave like that? I was so afraid we wouldn't get here in time! You can't do this Secchan!" the young healer's grip on Setsuna's arm tightened. Gently Setsuna reached over and pried Konoka's hand off her arm, setting it down, then standing up.

"Do not concern yourself, Ojousama. You mustn't worry about me. Take Asuna-san and Negi-sensei and wait at the Guest Quarters. There is no need for you to be here." Konoka scrambled to her feet, her face crumpling slightly, hurt at Setsuna's casual brush-off. Setsuna turned away and reached down for her sword, strapping it to her back, aching that she was causing Konoka pain, even though she knew it was for the healer's own good. She didn't want Konoka to see the Duel, just in case the worst happened.

Konoka shook her head and pushed back the hurt, resolved to stop Setsuna from entering the Duel. She stepped in front of Setsuna, blocking her as the samurai turned to leave.

"Secchan, you know who the Associations picked for their Champion! I know you're good, but there's just no way you can win! You could get hurt!" she wailed. Swept by emotion, Konoka stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Setsuna's waist, pressing her face into the stunned and blushing samurai's shoulder.

"They can pick any punishment they want if you lose." Konoka's teary voice was muffled by Setsuna's shirt, "If you loose, they might forbid us from ever seeing each other again!"

If I loose, it will be because I'm dead, so it won't matter. Setsuna thought sardonically, but her hands came up to gently grip Konoka's shoulders, bringing the distressed healer back a little so Setsuna could meet her eyes. She smiled slightly and brought up a finger to press it against Konoka's lips.

"Don't worry, Kono-chan. If you can believe in me, I swear I won't let you down. I can do anything, if I know you believe in me. I will fight this Duel, nothing will stop me from protecting you." Gently, Setsuna pushed Konoka to the side and continued on to the door that would lead her out into the dueling arena. Konoka watched her go, her eyes wide and swirling with frantic emotions.

"Wait!" Konoka cried her voice strangled, just as Setsuna laid her hand on the door knob. "I don't understand! Why are you doing this?" Setsuna paused; she could feel Konoka's eyes staring at her back. Time was brought to a halt as it seemed the very air was hanging poised, waiting for Setsuna's response. Setsuna closed her eyes, her hand trembling slightly. Despite her brave words, Setsuna knew that this was very likely her last day among the living. She may never see Konoka again, never talk to her again. This could be her only chance. And besides, she could not deny Konoka anything, not even the truth.

"Because I love you" Setsuna whispered, just loud enough for Konoka to hear. Of all the things she could have said, it was what Konoka had least expected to hear. As she stood there stunned, Setsuna opened the door and stepped through, never looking back, gently closing it behind her. The sound of the shutting door snapped Konoka out of her daze, and she rushed to the door, flinging it open.

"Secchan! Wait!" Konoka cried out and started to go after her, when she was caught by the shoulders with a large hand. She looked up to see one of the Shinmeiryuu swordsmen there, guarding the door.

"I am sorry Ojousama, but you can not proceed. Only the duelists are allowed beyond this point. Please go back to the stands where your father and grandfather are."

Helplessly, Konoka watched as Setsuna made her way across the field, before turning and racing away to the stands. She would stay and watch Setsuna fight. Setsuna would win, she had to.

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Setsuna marched silently to the middle of the field, one hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword. She ignored the murmur of the crowd around her, her senses already tuned to the Duel, blocking out any and all distractions. Her eyes were trained on the figure standing in the middle of the field. The woman was tall and extraordinarily beautiful. Her long hair fell in waves down her back, as black as night. She was dressed in the traditional fighting robes of the Shinmeiryuu but woven of the finest of silk. Attached to her gently curving hip was a long sword, a twin to Setsuna's. Perched on her shoulders was a beautiful white crane. One delicate pale white hand caressed the feathers on the bird's crest as the bird crooned its pleasure. As Setsuna stepped before her the woman ceased her ministrations and turned her head to smile at the young samurai.

"Setsuna. It is good to see you again, although I wish it could be under less hostile circumstances." Setsuna bowed deeply.

"I am glad to see you as well. It will be an honor to Duel with the leader of the Shinmeiryuu," Setsuna looked up into the woman's kind brown eyes, "Motoko-sensei."

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Okay I decided to do AN down here so people have an easier time skipping them if they want lol. This chapter was a long time in coming, but I hope it was worth it! With any luck, the next chapter will be the last. And probably the longest too. Please leave a review, it's what I live for. And now for personal thank yous for everyone who has left a review:

Astarael00- ((bows)) gomen! I know the third chapter was short. But this one was longer! I hope it makes up for it!

Darkfumae- ((rubs back of head sheepishly)) Sorry for the shortness of the third chapter. How was this one for size? And as for Setsuna dying...well we'll just have to wait and see eh?

Lazy author- ((thumbs up))

Crimonson Whisper- Thanks! This pairing has fast become one of my favorites as well! I'll try to keep the last chapter a good one!

Serai- ((rubs chin)) there's gotta be a pacto fic out there somewhere. I'm sure one will be written sooner or later. More of my fic will be coming soon! Thanks!

Rain54- Thanks so much! Gotta add a little humer to hold of depression eh? There will defiantly be alot of interaction with them, don't you worry!

Yuki Myco- Hey thanks! I'm glad that I fixed the problems, if you see anymore, please do tell me. As for the headmaster well...it's not that he dosn't understand her feelings, he just feels that this is more important. After all, he is trying to bring peace to the two most powerful magical associations in Japan. But I understand what you mean. I hope you continue to read and like the fic!

xX K-Chan Xx- What kind of cookie? I would work really fast for some of those Thin Mints...((winks)) Don't worry, I'll continue to update, cant stop now when it's almost done!

Klacy- haha! Keep that excitment up! We're almost there! I hope you continue to read my fic, it's lovly to know it touched someone ((winks))

xSojix- why thank you! That's quite the compliment! I hope you continue to think so!

Bailey- ((hugs back)) thanks so much, but it wasn't any trouble at all ((grins)) thank you for going through the trouble of reviewing!I hope this wait wasn't too long!

Iamet- Eeep! Eva threats are sure to get me working faster! ((winks)) And don't worry Catten ((taps your nose)) I'm still working on the other fic lol.

x Liz San x- thanks! You can thank my beta reader Oka for keeping track of the spelling, not to mention spellcheck, a git from the gods ((winks)). I hope you still love the fic!

Bailey0202- sorry for the wait! I hope the chapter was good enough to make up for it!

Azu Luna- ((waves a banner)) Long live the lady knight and her princess! So true. Thanks for the compliments! Characterazation is the one thing that always worries me most. I'm glad you think I'm doing it right!

I really like your story!- I'm so glad! lol. Believe me, I would rather be writing this then papers for college. ((grumbles)) darn college, it always gets in the way of writing.

Sid- Konosetsu are perfect for each other! Ya don't have to tell me twice. ((grins)) I'll contine to write till the story is finished! Never fear!

4 \ 0 \ Y \/ 0 \/ 5- Thank you! Being called great is quite the compliment! I'll continue to update, don't worry!

kotalover108- I'm so glad! Thank you!

Sayuri ((blushes)) Thank you very much! I'm honored that your first review was with my fic! I know it takes me a while to update, but I will update! Especially since there's only one more chapter left (I think lol). I'm glad you think I got their personalities down, and hopefully you still think so. I try to stick with the manga as much as I can. I hope you had good holidays as well!

hunter13a- ((bows)) thanks! I'm glad my fanfic has the essentials ((winks)).

demonic archangel- I'm honored that you added me to your alert list! And thank you very much. I shall continue, never fear!

Amanda- OO dang! that's dedication! ((bows)) thank you! I hope my fic dosn't call you any more trouble lol, and I hope you continue to love this fic!

Phew! Okay I'm done. I hope you all continue to leave reviews, and thank you once again for doing so! ((waves)) until next time!