Disclaimer: Ken Akamatsu owns Negima not I

AN: I am going to give you readers a warning. This chapter and future chapters will become darker in nature. Gore and violence will not be a foreign concept. If you take offense or do not appreciate fics of this nature, I strongly urge that you turn back now. This is an advance warning!

The moon drifted in a twinkling sea, seemingly so far away yet still reaching out to the sleeping earth with its soft fingers of light. In the forest near the school, a dark shadow moved like liquid disturbing nothing in its path. Still, within seconds the moonlight caught several small reflections of silver moving at lightening-like speed pursuing after the shadow; a speck of glitter chased the darkness. Rustling noises and sharp snaps soon interrupted the peaceful atmosphere. The very forest was seemingly awakened with the sounds of determined pursuit.

Soon a large form shot out of the forest continuing to move at a rapid speed while another smaller form silently slipped past, blocking the path of the larger form. As if afraid, the moon hid behind the clouds and the land once more faded to darkness. A quick, calculated combination of swings was all that was needed to bring down the brute. The force from a before unseen blade first tore apart superficial flesh. The larger opponent swung its muscled arm in a panicked attempt to end the life of the smaller attacker, leaving its body vulnerable. The silver blur quickly dodged under the colossal arm and brought its blade up from below. True to its mark, the razor-sharp steel sliced from groin to head, symmetrically splitting apart the monstrous form.

Another form departed from the forest, smaller than the bulky shadow but slightly larger than the other. As if sensing the danger had been averted, the moon emerged from behind the clouds, setting a pale light upon the field and the two figures. The corpse was slumped upon the ground on its stomach, its face hidden in shadow away from the moon. Setsuna and Mana both stood next to this human-shaped demon. Blood slid down a slender blade embedded in the demon's skull. "I guess you didn't need my help, Setsuna." The usual monotone voice of Mana announced with a slight smile. "It would appear that more and more demons are flooding through."

Setsuna propped her foot on the skull before jerking out the blade. 'Yes, it would seem that more demons are coming through the barrier.' She thought to herself, a troubled expression set upon her features. 'I wonder why… Is it because they can sense my Lady's magic growing? I must talk to the headmaster about this. She is in danger.'

Frustrated with the silence, Mana stooped down to look closer at the corpse. She noticed two earrings on the left lobe. A single obsidian stone embedded each ring. "It would seem this demon is no ordinary demon. If what rumors say about that is true," Mana pointed to the earrings, "then he's part of special elite gang of demons called Hell's Gang."

"Hell's Gang?" Setsuna echoed, speaking out loud for the first time.

"Yes, they are made of rebel demons, which are well-known for their sadism and brutality. That's about the only thing anyone knows about them though."

"I see. What is a rebel gang doing inside the walls of Mahora?"

"I don't know." Mana responded, standing up again.

An awkward silence invaded the area between the two warriors.

"I'll clean up here." Setsuna simply stated, surprising Mana on the sudden change of subject.

"Are you sure?"

"I still owe you." Mana smirked at the masked attempt before resting her rifle's muzzle on her shoulder.

"I was meaning money-wise not chores, but if you insist then I won't stop you." She turned away taking a few steps before pausing, "Setsuna." Her voice became serious. "Be careful." Mana walked away, vanishing into the quiet forest.

Setsuna finished disposing the corpse. Her thoughts continued to stray Mana's warning, troubling her even further. She did not know why but for some reason a foreboding feeling had draped itself around her. The impending sense of doom had gripped her and the only solution she could think of was the headmaster. Wiping her sword clean with a handkerchief, Setsuna winced at seeing some light scratches on the steel. 'I'm sorry for not properly taking care of you. Once we get home, I promise to give you a thorough cleaning and polishing.' She carefully sheathed the blade giving it some rest.

Glancing at the sky, she guessed how late the night had become. She stretched her arms and headed for the dorms. Instead of heading to her room, she stepped up next to the door that protected her princess and rested her head upon its edifice. She stood outside the door for several minutes, listening to the slow and steady heartbeats within. She then silently stepped away and breathed a sigh of relief before heading to her room to retire.

A meeting was held as several rough looking demons gathered inside a small room. A single candle provided the only source of warmth and light allowed. Arguments and fierce yelling swelled inside, putting everything in a state of chaos. "Silence!" a forceful voice boomed resulting in complete obedience. The owner of the voice sat upon a stone bench, drinking a grayish liquid with a strong stench to it. He motioned with his hand to the demon sitting next to him and leaned back upon his bench.

"The reason we are gathered was because some disturbing news has reached our ears. A few hours ago, Dixmus was murdered within the walls of Mahora." A toad-like creature spoke. His face looked as if boils covered every inch of skin. "Some of our boys witnessed him being attacked by a girl."

A loud uproar pursued from the disbelief that slammed into the occupants of the room. Within seconds the room had begun to riot. Curses and insults were flung at the young samurai girl in a pitiful and useless defense of Dixmus, too late and too far out of place to have any real effect. . A hand rose belonging to the same demon that had carried a dominating voice earlier, silently commanding quiet to the room once more. "Dixmus was a fool to enter Mahora without thinking. He disregarded my orders and look where it landed him. Dead!" His voice vibrated with contempt.

"My brother was never bright, but he was strong." The dominating demon continued, "My second in command is now empty thanks to some mere samurai girl. That tells us that Dixmus was weak to be defeated by her, but he was my brother. I want information regarding this girl and anything related to her. I will have the heart of the girl who killed by brother as payment and retribution! I will take away what is most important to her and make her regret ever being conceived!"

A deafening maelstrom of approval soon filled the room. Meanwhile, Setsuna positioned her now polished sword against her bedpost. Turning to her desk, she picked up a picture frame she received from Konoka, holding the two pictures taken of them in Kyoto. A genuine smile graced her face as she fondly looked at the girl standing next to her. 'Konoka' she pondered lovingly, 'you mean more to me than life itself, yet I can never let you know that you hold the essence of my heart.'

AN: Now a note to all my reviewers, thank you so much! bows to the supporting fans I greatly appreciate all your reviews and comments. I honestly did not expect this much but grateful! I hope I can still receive your support and help as I continue this story.