Side A : Mahora Sensei Keitaro!
Written by Shaun Garin
Love Hina and Mahou Sensei Negima are owned and copyright Ken Akamatsu and all characters are used for entertainment purposes only.
Chapter 11 : Buried Memories
"Oh, you're awake?"
Asuna opened her eyes to look up at Seta who was tending to the fire as Sarah snoozed quietly on his lap. Nearby, Keitaro was pulling artefact after artefact out of the san while Negi read over the book that had been their guide for the entire journey. Close by next to the fire Nyamo napped with Shinobu napping right behind her looking like a pair of matched book ends. Seta held up one of the fish they had caught at the ruins and held it out. "Here, eat this. You'll feel better."
Asuna sat up and took the fish. Taking a bite, she asked, "How long was I out?"
"Mmm, about an hour," said Seta, rubbing his head. "The psychic backlash of breaking the first layer of protection on this place did a number on you since you share the same anti-magic nullification as the ruins. How's your head? Experience any bad dreams?"
Asuna made a face. "Yeah," she said sourly. "You could say that."
How could she say anything else? That she could remember a sunset like this one a long time ago, sitting around a camp fire with Seta, a bunch of older hot guys and... Eva? In all her life, Asuna was CERTAIN she didn't have ANY of those memories. Now she wasn't so sure.
Lighting up a cigarette, Seta exhaled sharply before adding, "We'll be heading in deeper tonight, when the book says the second layer can be broken. I'm sorry but we'll need your help again, if you're up to it."
"I know," said Asuna, clenching her fist and looking determined. "After all, you need me to do it and that Philosopher's Stone won't find itself."
Seta nodded as he raised his mug to his lips. "Certainly hope this is worth the risk that Daniel is putting us through." It was uncertain to what type of risk Seta was referring to as he sipped his hot tea.
"Take another left, and step over the discoloured flagstone," said Negi as the group manoeuvred around the corner and each one gingerly stepped over the discoloured flagstone. A definite warning sat there as the remains of what appeared to be a few locals lay there. "There will be a wall forty paces ahead and then we want to press the small switch on the right side. Do NOT walk past it without doing so."
Keitaro who was in the lead and voted most indestructible reached the switch first and tabbed it. Immediately a KA-CHUNK could be heard in the walls and spears erupted out from the walls no more than four paces in front of them in a seemingly random pattern. Keitaro winced as he realized WHERE the spears hit. "It's like something out of Indiana Jones down here," he said as they threaded their way through the disarmed trap.
"But no Nazis," quipped Kamo and Tama-chan Myuhed her assent.
"Duck down, do not touch the plants overhanging," instructed Negi and they ducked the low hanging plants. "And then we're clear. We should enter the next room where the timed switch should be active in another ten minutes."
Sure enough, the familiar rounded room came into view and was similar to the previous seal room. Turtlese decorated the walls with stories of Paralantis as the Stargate-like device stood, blocking the entrance to the next area. The glowing blue liquid-like appearance of the device sparkled but the crystal on the podium was not glowing. "So what now?" asked Shinobu curiously.
"According to this, we're going to have to wait until the moon reaches its apex and floods the moon crystal with light similar to how the sun crystal was flooded with light when we reached it," said Negi, book marking his place with his copy of Asuna's pactio card. "Then I feed Asuna power and she breaks it. Simple."
"Something hasn't been sitting right with me," said Sarah, drawing attention to herself. "Why is Asuna the only one who has magical negation? It's really common to the people of Pararakelse apparently since Nyamo has it but why does Asuna have to be the one to break it papa?"
"Ah, that's a story to be told once Asuna breaks the next part of the seal," said Seta, ruffling Sarah's hair. "Truthfully it's not mine to tell but she has a right to know why she can only do it."
"So you're saying I have a history with this?" asked Asuna.
"How much do you remember of your childhood, Asuna?" asked Seta as they settled in to wait.
"Not much. Just that my parents died and that Takahata-sensei has been taking care of me since I was little," said Asuna. "Although..."
A brief thought of the dream skirted through her mind and Asuna added, "This place really seems familiar."
"Memories are fleeting, and sometimes even true memories can grow dim with time while false ones become stronger." Everyone looked at Nyamo who blushed and hit behind Shinobu who patted her hand.
"In any case," said Kamo as the moon's light poured through the ceiling and struck the moon crystal. "It's time. Go ahead big brother, Asuna."
"Adeat," called out Asuna, getting up and her fan materialized in her hands as Negi held up a hand.
"Activate the contract for Kagurazaka Asuna for twenty seconds," he called out and magical power burst into being, flaring around Asuna as she took a mighty swing and with a mighty crash, shattered the moon crystal into a million pieces.
The Stargate-like device holding the seal together suddenly blossomed out as a shockwave of psychic energy burst outwards as the blue water surged forth and then slurped itself backwards, vanishing into nothingness as Asuna stumbled and landed on her backside. Memories overtook all conscious thought and the last thing she heard was Sarah remarking "There she goes again..."
"Magic power in the right hand, chi in the left." A brief fizzle and Takamichi swore silently. "Aw nuts!"
"You have a long way to go," said his teacher, an older man who looked remarkably similar to Takamichi in every way as Asuna watched her younger self watch them. Instead of looking through the eyes of her younger self however, she was floating overhead in a spiritual form, and as usual, naked.
Asuna resolved to pack at least a platoons worth of panties the next time something like this happened.
The little Asuna sat on the ground a little ways away and held up her hands. "Magic in one hand, Chi in the other..."
There was a brilliant burst of light thrown off the fusion of magic and life energy and Gateau laughed heartily. "Looks like the little princess is learning faster than you are!"
"Hey!" Asuna looked up at the approach of the young man whom she now identified as Nagi Springfield. The resemblance to her pactio partner was definitely there as he jogged up. "Sorry we're late, Albrieo held us up."
"Correction, you held us up," said the dark haired handsome man and now Asuna had a face to put to the unfamiliar man. Behind them, Seta laughed and Haruka kicked him in the shins to quell his guffaws. Tara hid a smirk.
"So how's our little princess working out?" asked Nagi, that grin she remembered being in the first time she had the dreams plastered across his face. "Looks like you're learning faster than Takamichi!"
"Aw don't say that," whined Takamichi. "Say Asuna, do you need a partner if you're going to be a big time sorceress?"
"... She doesn't need one," said Evangeline, speaking up for the first time and Asuna marvelled on how bland the shrimpy vampire's tones were. "She can handle herself."
"Aw, Eva-chan don't be like that," said Nagi and to Asuna's surprise, ruffled her hair. "So Asuna-chan? Who do you want for your pactio partner? Takamichi perhaps?"
"... I want Nagi," said Asuna, making the menfolk roar in laughter.
"This is getting old," mused Asuna as she woke up in the cavern that previously housed the shimmering barrier gate. The others has obviously waited for her to wake up on her own as the menfolk plus talking Ermine were making charcoal rubbings on the Turtlese language that dotted the walls while Nyamo set to photographing them in the light of the moonlight that continued to reflect off the pieces of the shattered moon crystal. Shinobu had set up the small portable stove and was currently making a little tea for Asuna to come to full awareness while Tama-chan sat on her head, overseeing the procedure. Sarah napped in the corner and perched on an equally sleepy Gidget, seemingly blissfully despite her surroundings.
Shinobu pressed the mug of tea into Asuna's hands and she sipped, ignoring the heat. "So how long this time?"
"About an hour and a half," said Shinobu. "Do you feel up to going to the next seal?"
"Sure, why the hell not?" said Asuna, sitting up too fast and feeling dizzy from the sudden movement. "There's what, four, five crystals left, right? If this is like anything from Final Fantasy, we're going to need all the strength we have to face off against the boss at the bottom of this shaft!"
"You heard the lady," quipped Kamo. "Lets get a move on people."
The second and third crystals of metal and fire were respectively easy to manoeuvre towards with little to no resistance save for an ugly little incident involving Asuna's underwear and a semi-perverted trap. Along the way, Seta enlightened them on his history with what people called the "Dream Team" or as he liked to call it "Nagi's ball of misfit friends".
"Most of us knew each other in high school and then college later on," said Seta as they worked their way down to the earth crystal. "Takamichi, Haruka, Tara and I were all in Mahora for most of our elementary years before Takamichi and I went off in different directions for a little while before the war got into full swing. Mahora was one of the powerful neutral zones because people went there to seek sanctum from the war. Takamichi continued to study under Gateau since he was born without the ability to recite spells."
"It's what inspired Rowling's squibs," added Negi as they ventured deeper into the ruins. "Anyone can cast magic but there are some who are incapable to harness it using activation keywords."
"Gateau we knew as a gym teacher in Mahora," said Seta, taking up the narration once more. "He taught myself the rudimentary ability of Kanka, the art of magic and chi fusion. Takamichi decided that it was what he wanted to specialize in and while I went across the seas to Germany to study with my old friend Daniel Elric, we soon met again when Tara and Haruka came to fetch me. The way between the east and the west had begun to bubble up and well, it was a madhouse for a while."
"What sparked the fighting anyhow?" asked Shinobu curiously.
"The East accused the West of stealing sacred magic and the Western countries denied it fully. Obviously both sides came to a head when a brawl broke out between the big leaders of both magical societies. As usual, America stood alone while the western countries of England, France and Germany went to war against Japan and most of Asia. It was when Tara, Haruka and I were attacked and Tara was an American citizen, Sarah's mother."
"Mama was attacked for no reason and of course she defended herself," said Sarah. "Papa saved her and as a result, they got sucked into the war. America joined shortly afterwards."
"So what happened?" asked Keitaro.
"Eishun, one of our comrades became the head of the Kansai Magical Association and due to the efforts of his father-in-law Konoemon, they were able to bring the fighting to a halt in a five day peace summit in Mahora Academy under the World Tree. A lot of eastern magi would love to get their hands on this stone so we need to steal it before they get wind of its existence." Seta shrugged as they rounded the corner and the next crystal came into view. "There it is. Negi?"
Negi popped the book open and read through it. "Asuna must break it but I need to enchant her weapon with an earth element."
"Fun," grimaced Asuna. The memories were getting steadily stranger during the course of the trip downwards and she was certain they were coming to a head. Lately she had dreams of seeing a war rage around her.
A quick chant from Negi and Asuna took a swing at the glowing earth crystal. The crystal shattered loudly and once more Asuna fell into the swell of memories that burst from the depths of her mind.
"Can I feel?"
The quiet question from Asuna made Tara turn and smile. The floating Asuna, nude as usual hovered overhead and watched as the little Asuna reached over and patted Tara's stomach. It was not completely swollen from the effect of childbearing yet but the new life growing inside it was definitely there. "It's quiet," said the little Asuna.
"I'm certain your folks are very happy, considering that they thought you were never going to have a kid," said Haruka who sat near them around the campfire. The dark haired woman was already nose-deep into a coffee as she looked as tired as the others.
"I suppose so," said Tara with a soft smile. "Say, did you hear what Seta did this morning?"
"Feh, I was certain I was going to rip his lungs out," said Haruka with a snort, earning a curious look from both Asuna. "Imagine that, saying that he'll choose one of us when he turns thirty."
"I think it's sweet," said Tara, tapping her lips with a knowledgeable look. "At least he's thinking about his future, right? We're almost eighteen now and certainly we have plans when this damn war is going to end."
"Mmm... so did Seta tell you his plans?" asked Haruka.
"He said he's going to try for Tokyo University. He's nineteen now and he's been studying in between fights."
"Imagine that, Noriyasu Seta studying." Haruka sipped her coffee and Asuna felt herself being pulled out of the dream once more.
The rest of the trip down to the bottom of the ruins was quick going as Seta had decided that they simply could not wait around when the Stone got closer and closer to where they were and carried Asuna down on his back. For the next two stones of Water and Wood, Asuna merely smashed away and collapsed into Seta's arms. The trips were getting a bit more complex requiring teamwork to disarm but soon they entered the final room. In the middle of the room stood the Philosopher's Stone, a calm looking blue color in nature but there was one last crystal standing in front of them, separating them from their goal.
"One last crystal of lightning," said Negi. "Go ahead Asuna-san, smash it."
"What that's it? No enchantments no miniature puzzles?" asked Asuna quizzically.
"Nope," said Negi, shaking his head. "Go for it."
Asuna took a deep breath as she hefted her harisen. The last crystal, the last segment to her memory. Lately the dreams had been relatively tame but something insider her dreaded the last crystal as it thrummed with electrical discharges inside the smooth surface. Taking a deep breath, she said to herself, "All right, here goes." Lifting her harisen, she reared back and with a loud "HIIIIYAA", smashed the crystal which discharged with a thunderous clap.
"I was careless," coughed Gateau as he lay against the stones. He looked over at the burning remains of the island jungle and then looked up at Takamichi and Seta who stood. Both were badly injured as well but still standing. Once more, Asuna was standing in her ethereal form but there was a difference as she could see through her own small eyes once again. "Nagi is fighting them right now."
"Master you shouldn't speak," said Takamichi softly.
"Takamichi, you always care for someone else," whispered Gateau. "Do me a favour? Erase Asuna's memory."
Reaching out with bloody fingers, he ruffled the girl's hair one last time. An inexplicable sorrow and rage built inside Asuna as she clasped his rough hand. "I... don't want her to remember just yet," said Gateau, his voice fading. "Not like how she saw her parents die... in front of her..."
Gateau Kagura Vandenburg gave one last cough and with a deep throated sigh, passed away as the flames built higher around them.
Takamichi took Asuna's hand and said, "Come on. We have to go."
"Gateau..." Asuna whispered.
"He's
in a better place now," said Seta but he too was unwilling to watch
the man being consumed in the fire.
"Gateau..." without warning, the hurt, pain and rage built up and in a single moment, Asuna's memory crashed and splintered.
In the real world, Asuna jerked awake screaming as everyone watched her in concern, hovering overhead. Seta had collected the Philosopher's Stone and had secured it into a box. Asuna looked at the others and the same horrified sadness welled into her chest. "Gateau... he..."
"So you remember," said Seta, hanging his head.
"Why? Why didn't you TELL ME!" raged Asuna as she beat on Seta's chest, gripping his shirt. "Why? Why...?"
Seta enfolded her into his arms and Asuna immediately tightened her grip, as if never to let go. Hot tears poured down her cheeks as he murmured, rubbing her head. "Because, Gateau wanted to spare your pain."
Small arms encircled Asuna's neck and Sarah hugged her close from behind. Asuna could only cry as the little girl whispered, "It's all right. I felt the same when Mama died... don't worry."
"All this for the Stone," said Keitaro. The group had immediately headed for the surface and he was playing with the sand as Asuna cried herself to sleep in the van. Seta had said he would drive more safely since there was no rush to return to Japan just yet."
"Such a sad past," said Shinobu. Seta had related the tale leading up to Gateau's death. The rest, Seta had said, was for Asuna to tell. "Isn't there anything you can do for her?"
Keitaro shook his head. "Only be there for her. I'm only her sensei, not her father. I wish I was her father; that way I could be with her."
"Ah... Keitaro, you should not have said that," said Nyamo but with a sudden burst of blue light, the stone shone from within the box for a moment, startling everyone.
"Well I'll be," said Seta, a sad soft smile gracing his expression. "Is everyone ready to go?"
"Yeah, I think so," said Negi. "I'll watch over Asuna-san. You can all get some rest before we get to the airport."
Nodding, the group piled in, some resting atop Gidget in order to maximize space. Tama-chan landed on Keitaro's shoulder and Myuhed unhappily. Keitaro rubbed her head and said, "I really wish I was her father. If only to ease her sadness."
There was another muted burst of light from the box and Seta smiled as he put the van into drive. "Be careful what you wish for, Keitaro," he said as he planted a fresh cigarette into his mouth and took off across the dunes at a more sedate pace.
"Everything looks to be in order," said the girl at the check in station. "Eight tickets to Narita International."
"Eight?" chorused the others and Seta grinned.
"Nyamo said she wanted to come attend Mahora," said Seta, resting a hand on Nyamo's shoulder who blushed. "So I took the liberty of arranging her class enrolment, books and airline ticket." Gidget Myahed and Seta chuckled. "And Gidget is coming as well."
"Are you kidding? That's great!" exclaimed Shinobu happily and Nyamo smiled.
"Shinomu," she said in her shaky Japanese and the assembled group chuckled.
"Shall we get going?" asked Seta, pointing to the airplane that sat idling on the runway.
"Just a moment," said Keitaro as he looked around. "Asuna-san's not here. I'll go find her."
Taking off, Keitaro hadn't far to go as he found Asuna watching the airplanes land in the viewing area. "Hey, are you ready to go?" he asked.
"I dunno if I can," said Asuna, looking out into the desert that was visible further across the runways. She turned towards Keitaro and her eyes were full of tears. "How can I leave here knowing that people died in front of me, just to fight some damn war?"
"Asuna-san," said Keitaro, taken back from the ferocity in her voice. Then, steeling his resolve, he placed both hands on her shoulders. "Asuna, you cannot change the past. No about from what Seta told us, Gateau fought to PROTECT you. Don't throw that protection away. Don't throw his MEMORY away just because you're lonely and upset. If you were my daughter, I'd so the same thing."
Asuna startled and stared into Keitaro's earnest brown eyes. "I promise," said Keitaro, nodding. "You and Konoka-chan and everyone else, you guys accepted me, made me feel complete. You've been with me on adventures and we've fought together and lets face it; we're good friends. I wouldn't throw those memories away any more than Gateau would do to yours."
Asuna sniffled and with a cry, launched herself into Keitaro's arms. Keitaro felt his ribs crack from her tremendous strength and he gasped out, "Asuna, choking not breathing."
"Sensei... I'm sorry," whimpered Asuna as her grip became tighter and Keitaro went a little blue.
Flight 201 from Pararakelse to Narita International Airport Japan now boarding on runway four. All passengers report to the departure gate four.
"Konoka-chan!" called out Haruna, knocking on the door. The door opened and Konoka put her fingers to her lips. Haruna had a moment to look chagrined before saying in a softer voice, "Is sensei in?"
"Yeah he and Asuna came back last night and they're sleeping off the jet lag," said Konoka. Then she noticed the parcel in Haruna's hands and one end was opened. She made a face. "Is that sensei's mail?"
"Yeah, but look who sent it." Holding it up with a wide grin, Haruka displayed the return address of Tokyo International Children's Services. "It's adoption papers."
"Huh? What do you mean?" asked Konoka. Curiosity getting the better of her, she pulled the pages out and scanned it. Her eyes went wide. "You mean...?"
"Yep," said Haruna. "This is going to be a GOOD gossip tonight!"
"Good morning everyone," said Keitaro, walking into the room. He absently noticed that Mutsumi still remained in a younger version. The twenty two year old girl had taken a shine to look as young as Evangeline or even younger via age deceiving pills.
"Stand, bow!" ordered Ayaka as Keitaro told them to take their seats.
"Now then, I believe Mutsumi-san was the one who took over for me, right?" said Keitaro and there was a murmur of agreement. "So what's all new before I begin?"
Haruna's hand went up immediately, as with Sakurako's. "Sensei!" blurted out Sakurako. "Is it true that Asuna's your daughter now?"
Keitaro fell over in shock. "WHAT!" he exclaimed and the same sentiment was echoed from Asuna's seat. The reddish haired girl was out of her desk and exclaiming loudly, "What the hell is that all about?"
"Keitaro," said Mutsumi, walking up in her chibi form and holding out the papers. "Looks like someone's been going through your mail. Fu fu fu."
Keitaro pulled out the papers and read out loud weakly, "I Urashima Keitaro hereby adopt Kagurazaka Asuna on the date of March Twenty, Nineteen Ninety Nine as my daughter and heir to the Urashima Falling Leaf Ninjutsu and the Urashima Sweets and Confectionery..." Keitaro looked upwards to heaven and asked, "Can things get any worse?"
"Oh, Keitaro, you have a new student," said Shizuna, suddenly showing up with Nyamo in tow who waved shyly with Gidget right behind her. "Why don't you introduce her?"
Keitaro thudded his head against the floor, similar to how Asuna was smacking her head against the desk. Tama-chan went flying away as Gidget tried to eat her.
"So Asuna, are you an Urashima now?" asked Kazumi, leaning over the back of her desk chair, microphone out.
Asuna growled, the sound muffled from the table. "I'm NOT calling him papa, that's for sure."