Side B : Love Negima!

Written by Shaun Garin

Love Hina and Mahou Sensei Negima are owned by Ken Akamatsu. All characters are used for entertainment purposes only. The song used in this chapter Wake Up! is copyrighted by myself (c) Shaun Garin 2005 and this is the first time it has ever been used. Completely original. Really.

Chapter 7 : The Great Trio! Naru-Eva-Kit!

"Rrrgh," said Naru as she plunked her head down on the desk. "I just can't concentrate right now. I wonder why?"

Heaving a tremendous sigh, Naru picked up a book and opened it. Paging through it without really stopping to read the stuff, she looked out the window. "Certainly is quiet with everyone out right now."

Setting down the book, Naru reached out and thumbed through the books on her shelf before pulling out a random book. Opening it, Naru blinked. "Oh wow, it's my Mahora Photo Album! This certainly brings back memories."

Paging through the book, Naru giggled at a picture of her and Kitsune standing in front of the school. "Back then, things were the same."

"Awwwuuuu, hurry up Kitsune-chan! If we're late again, Kazuki-sensei will have our heads!"

"Maa, don't worry," giggled Kitsune as she ran a brush through her hair. Her younger dormmate scampered around the room, frantically pulling the things together for the frenzied run up towards the campus. "I'd worry about Niita-sensei anyhow. He likes to torment little girls," said Kitsune with an evil chuckle and a perverted wiggling of her fingers.

"Awwuuu," moaned Naru. "Hurry up!"

Kitsune laughed and set down her brush. "All right scaredy cat, lets get going."

The panicked run towards Mahora Academy was a daily event for the pair of girls and half the school. The trains ran constantly back and forth from the dormitory residences to the districts of the Academy City, and the last train usually skirted the first warning bell. Failure to get there on time usually resulted in some deep-seated pranks from the Attendance Committee or a stern lecture from the grim man known as Niita-sensei. Niita was the guidance counselor and was something of an ogre to the students.

Bursting into the classroom of 2-F, Naru slumped into her desk and moaned. "When will it end?" she wondered to herself.

"Hey Naru, you're almost late again," grinned a girl named Kana. She was a girl taller than Naru with a smattering of freckles on her nose. "What's the matter? Kitsune keep you up?"

"No, she's just late as usual," grumbled Naru as Kitsune lazily sauntered in and sat down.

"Did you hear that we're getting a new student today?" asked Mizuki.

"I heard," said another girl named Yuu. "Her name is Evangeline McDowell. Although there's something odd about that girl."

"Oh?" asked Naru as this was the first she heard of the new student.

"Yeah. Some say she lives on campus and attends school every so often," said Yuu with a grin. "She's from Europe or somewhere around there, cause she's definitely not Japanese."

"I heard she never talks to anyone," said Mizuki. "And that she's antisocial."

The door opened once more and Kana lowered her voice. "There she is, Naru-chan."

Naru turned to look at the girl. She was short, barely out of her child years with long blonde hair that flowed down to her knees. There was an elegant grace around her that allowed her to move softly. Her eyes were a deep blue color but she had an annoyed expression on her face. Her manner of seifuku was of the Junior High Division although she didn't look happy to be there whatsoever. Sitting down in the furthest corner desk, she folded her arms and appeared to go to sleep.

"Wow, she looks like she has issues," remarked Mizuki.

"I think..." said Naru as she got up. "She needs to be welcomed."

Walking over to the girl, Naru smiled at Evangeline. Evangeline looked up at her, cracking open an eye. "What do you want?" she asked curtly.

"Hi, I'm Naru. Do you want to be friends?" asked Naru, smiling down on her.

To everyone's surprise, Evangeline's expression melted into a shocked look before she reached out. "Sure, why not. Friends."

"I wonder how Eva-chan is doing," wondered Naru as she paged through the photo album. "She was so quiet from the long time I knew her."

"Hey, whatcha looking at?" asked Kitsune, appearing overhead. Naru jumped and fumbled the photo album. Reaching down, Kitsune paged through it and grinned. "I remember this," she said, holding up a picture of Evangeline, Naru and Kitsune at the Mahora Festival. "It took us so much time to get her into that Yutaka."

"NO! I absolutely refuse!" protested Evangeline. "I refuse to wear that Yutaka!"

"Aw c'mon," grinned Kitsune as she started to pull Evangeline's shirt off. "Lets get that plain old school outfit off and into this! It's the festival!"


"I refuse!" wailed Evangeline as Kitsune yanked the smaller girl's shirt off.

"C'mon, you gotta!" added Kitsune with a laugh as she grabbed for Evangeline's bra. "Oh, and you're supposed to go naked under here!"

"Kyah!"

"Kitsune-chan!" exclaimed Naru. "You shouldn't torment Eva-chan like that!"

"Aw c'mon, it's fun," grinned Kitsune. "I'm just messing with you, Eva-chan."

Evangeline glared at Kitsune as she wrestled on the yutaka, messing up the knot on the back intentionally before Kitsune went and fixed it. "You definitely have issues."

"Can't argue with that. Oh, c'mon the festival is starting! Time for Naru-Eva-Kit to make a wonderful appearance!"

"Naru-Eva-Kit? It makes us sound like some pop singers," giggled Naru.

"I don't like it," said Evangeline.

"It's better than the Trio of Doom," pointed out Kitsune and Evangeline's lips quirked into a smirk before she laughed.

"All right fine. Naru-Eva-Kit it is."

"Sure are a lot of memories in here," said Kitsune as the pair of girls shared a drink outside on the rooftop. "So, what made you wanna haul out the old photo album, huh Naru?"

Naru shrugged as she laid back on the roof, holding the album open in one hand and staring at the multitude of pictures from her junior high years. "I don't know really," said Naru after a long moment. "For some reason, I sort of feel like I can't concentrate, like I couldn't back in junior high."

"Hmm," said Kitsune as she sipped her beer. "Well, you're finally out of high school now but you haven't done anything but read and pick on the kid. You're missing something Naru."

"Maybe you're right," said Naru as she paged through the photo album. "It's not that I hate being here, it's just that I have to be doing something."

"And you can't study as a result," said Kitsune. "Hmm... how about we go on a little trip? The others are in class and I'm sure the kid can ferry us there anyhow."

"Hmm? Where to?" asked Naru.

Kitsune grinned. "We're going to go back to the old stomping grounds. Pack your bags girlfriend, we're going back to Mahora Academy!" With that, Kitsune posed.

"Eh?" said Naru.

"Are you two all right back there?" asked Negi. "I'm sorry this couldn't be any faster but I'm carrying three people."

"No it's okay," called out Naru. "Just keep going, we're almost there."

Negi had been roped into transport as Seta and his van were nowhere in sight. Loading a backpack or two, the two girls, one boy and an ermine piled onto the wizarding staff with Kitsune pretty much balancing on the end while she clung to Naru's shoulders while Naru clung to the staff as well. Despite Negi assuring them that the wind magic he employed would keep them on the staff, Kitsune and Naru could not help but worry about falling off. Kamo-kun, long since used to this situation had ridden on the forefront, doing a credible imitation of the recent Titanic movie.

Breaking over the horizon, Negi exclaimed, "Wow! Is this your old school, Naru-san? Kitsune-san?"

"It sure is kiddo," said Kitsune as the staff rocketed towards the school. "Land in that grove of trees near the outskirts."

Coming to a soft landing, the girls jumped off and Naru shivered as she huddled in her jacket. "Oh god that was cold. Anyone who said flying in the arms of a superhero without a jacket must have been insane."

"I'm sorry Naru-san, but I kept the wind barrier up to stave off most of the chill," said Negi apologetically. He then looked up at the western house that seemed more like a cabin than anything else. "Is this it?"

"Yep," said Kitsune. "Looks like it's still inhabited too. Hopefully Eva-chan is there." Striding up to the door, Kitsune rapped her fist on the door. "Hey, anyone home?"

There was a moment pause and then the door opened to reveal a tall green haired girl with peculiar ear adornments. "Yes?" she asked. "Have you come to visit the Mistress?"

"That depends," replied Kitsune cheekily. "Is your mistress Eva-chan?"

The girl raised an eyebrow and then stepped aside. "Please come in. I will inform the mistress that you are here miss..?"

"Narusegawa Naru, Konno Mitsune and Negi Springfield," said Kitsune. "We're old friends. Well, cept for the kid of course."

The girl bowed. "I am Chachamaru. I will go fetch her now."

The interior was just how Naru remembered it, full of dolls and various other knickknacks that made the house feel like it was full of life and presence. Evangeline by nature was a very private girl but somehow she and Kitsune had managed to befriend her and even include her in their two-girl friendship circle and made it a wonderful Tri-girl circle. "Just how I remember it," said Naru, sitting down and picking up a doll that seemed to look back at her.

"Mistress? You have visitors."

"Send them away, Chachamaru," ordered Evangeline. "I'm tired from hunting last night."

"They said they are Miss Narusegawa, Miss Konno and Mr. Springfield," said Chachamaru and Evangeline jerked up from her bed in shock.

"What?" demanded Evangeline and Chachamaru repeated the names. Evangeline went pale. "No... no no no! I can't let them see me like this! No! Chachamaru, tell them I'm sick... or dead or not here! Anything!"

"Is something the matter mistress?" asked Chachamaru.

"Do as I SAY!" With that harsh rebuke, Chachamaru bowed and walked downstairs. Evangeline watched her leave and with a sob, fell back into bed. "Why? I can't let them see me like this. Not changed... after six years."

Then, the last name registered in her mind. "Springfield? It can't be..."

"The mistress is ill," said Chachamaru. "I am sorry but she is also contagious. Please return at a later date."

"Hmmm, contagious huh?" said Kitsune, eyebrow raised. "Heh, she just doesn't wanna see us right now."

At Chachamaru's curious expression, Naru elaborated. "When we went to junior high together, whenever Eva-chan didn't want to talk to us, she'd shut herself in her room saying she was sick. In a way, I suppose she's not happy to see us."

"I do not know your relationship with the mistress," said Chachamaru. "Please elaborate."

Kitsune grinned. "Mistress this, mistress that. I think our little Eva-chan got herself a servant. In any case, we're school friends. Went to junior high with her in any case. Don't worry, when she wants to talk, we'll see her in town. She knows where we hung out anyhow. C'mon Naru, Negi. Ermine."

Bidding Chachamaru goodbye, the four headed out of the house.

From the top of the stairs, Evangeline watched the girls and Negi leave. "There's no doubt about it," she whispered to herself. "It's HIS son."

"Aniki, I felt some powerful magic in that house," said Kamo once they were out of earshot of Evangeline's household.

"Are you sure?" asked Negi curiously. "I didn't really feel it."

"Oh yeah, it's there. Faint but there."

"What are you talking about perverted ermine?" asked Naru. "If anything, it's YOU who's giving off magical vibes."

"I don't think so," said Kamo, shaking his head. "It almost feels suppressed but there's definitely some magic in there somewhere."

Kitsune shrugged. "Magic this, magic that. If Eva-chan has her secrets, so do we. Don't we Mr. Talking Ermine and Mr. Magister Magi in Training?"

Negi coughed into his hand uncomfortably. "Well, I suppose so. Hey, where are we going anyhow?"

"To our hang out," said Naru. "A crepe stand near Cherry Blossom Street. We always went there; Kitsune, Eva-chan and I."

"Oooh, the Ishikawa Killer Brew is being sold there too!" Kitsune exclaimed, punctuated with a fist into an open palm. "Whadda say, ermine? Wanna split a bottle?"

"Sounds good to me," grinned Kamo and Naru and Negi sighed.

"The crepe stand," Evangeline said to herself as she peeked around the corner. "Damnit. I want one too. They're probably buying me a strawberry and cream one."

"Mistress shouldn't you be back at the house?" asked Chachamaru from behind Evangeline. Evangeline jumped and whirled on her partner. "I thought you were unwilling to go and meet your old classmates."

"Hmph," said Evangeline as she peeked around the corner. "I just don't feel comfortable doing that right now."

"As you wish."

"Oooh, the crepes are so goood," moaned Naru as she bit into one. "Just as I remembered it."

"So crepes are pretty popular in Japan, huh?" said Negi as he bit into a gourd crepe. "Whoa, it's bitter!"

"Silly, you got a gourd crepe," said Naru. "Oh geez Negi, you're dripping cream all over the place!" Pulling out a paper towel from the dispenser, she wiped up the puddle. "Eat better, okay kiddo?"

"Aaaah, sorry Naru-san," said Negi. "I never really had crepes myself before."

"That's so cute, Aneesan," grinned Kamo from his own beer. "You look like brother and sister!"

Naru huffed. "Well he's only nine and a half. Just a kid really."

"Naru-san!" protested Negi.

"Now now you two, settle down," chuckled Kitsune. Looking up, an eye opened and she called out, "Oi! Keitaro!"

Naru whirled to see Keitaro in the company of Konoka, Su who had headed out a day ago, and Satomi who was conversing with Su on some kind of technological subject. "Hey, Perverted Ronin-sensei!" shouted Naru and Keitaro fell over in shock. "Get over here!"

"Naru-san, hi!" greeted Keitaro. "What's up?"

"So you going to introduce us to your new squeeze?" grinned Kitsune and Satomi fell over in shock.

"WHAT!" Screeched Satomi and Naru got a death glare expression on her face.

"It's not like that!" shouted Keitaro, gesturing wildly. "She's Su's new friend and it's better than leaving Su and her alone together!"

POKE.

Keitaro blinked and he looked over as his finger had pushed into Naru's breast. Naru growled angrily and then Keitaro went flying. "YOU PERVERTED IMP!"

"PRGH!"

"Mouuu, this is so bitter!" exclaimed Naru. "Kitsune I don't see why you like these gourd crepes!"

"Nyah haha!" laughed Kitsune. "I just don't like too many sweet things, that's all. Hows your strawberry and cream crepe, Eva-chan?"

"It's good," said Evangeline. Inwardly she was moaning. Strawberries and cream were some of her old vices from the old country and it was a pleasant thing to be able to enjoy them whenever she wanted.

"It's gotta be more than good," said Naru. "Ishikawa-san's Crepe Stand is the best stand in the entire school!"

"Hmm, well maybe she's in too much bliss to allow us in," said Kitsune. "What's the matter, do you get off on strawberries and cream?"

Evangeline went red. "Kitsune!"

"Nyah ha ha! Just kidding!" laughed Kitsune.

"So, our final exams are coming up," said Naru. "Kitsune, you're in High School now. What do you think you'll be doing?"

"Hmm," said Kitsune, tapping a finger on the table. "Well, I'm gonna finish High School but not here. I'm running a bit low on funds and mom and dad aren't really up for giving me more. So I'm going to head to Hinata City when you two graduate Junior High."

"Eh? You're leaving?" asked Naru. "But why?"

"Tuition and funds girl," said Kitsune. "It's a real big drain since I'm doing it myself. How about you Naru?"

"Um, well, I was hoping to find a public school too," said Naru after a moment. "Tuition is really steep and these last three years have been really expensive."

"I see," said Evangeline. "I'm finishing here. And then living off campus in my house. Maybe go to College here."

"Good luck with that," grinned Kitsune. "Once I graduate from High School, it's the slacker life for me!"

"To the slacker life, the life of a student and Eva-chan's dream," said Naru, holding up her half-eaten crepe. The girls bounced their own crepes off hers and chorused, "To life."

"Wake up your dream... ride the life high..." sung Naru quietly and Kitsune smiled.

"Add the wings of evolution to your life..." added Kitsune and Negi looked at them.

"That's a pretty song," said Negi and Kitsune nodded.

"The trio of Naru-Eva-Kit were also a popular girl group on campus back in the day," said Kitsune with a grin. "That was the main song that we played. Completely original."

"Wow, I'd love to hear it," said Negi.

"Hmm, do you think Ishikawa-san has that old guitar in the back?" asked Naru and Kitsune grinned. The older girl got up and soon came back with the guitar. Strumming a few chords, Kitsune went into a fast paced beat.

Wake up your dream, ride the life high

Add the wings of evolution to your life

Power grasps within your gaze

You just have to feel the life

Magic swirls around us

Become a hero tonight

The world around us shatters

as we burst onto the fray!

Wake Up! It's a life for all to enjoy!

Wake Up! This ain't no lively parade!

Wake Up! The world is full of strife!

Wake Up! It's time for us to do miracles!

Naru-Eva-Kit, full of life

wonderful love tonight

the life of a free bird is one for us!

Wake up your dream, ride the life high

Add the wings of growth to your life

Miracles are within your grasp

As we go off riding towards the sun!

Flight and the world before them

The live wonderful that we all share

Given a chance to soar like a bird

and then we sing out together!

Wake Up! The world around us is failing!

Wake Up! The life around us is crumbling!

Wake Up! It's time for our world to become whole!

Wake Up! It's Time!

Naru-Eva-Kit, full of dreams!

Wonderful spirit tonight

the life of a soaring eagle is for all!

Naru abruptly broke off as the people around them clapped and cheered wildly. Blushing red, she waved at the others and Kitsune grinned as she set aside the guitar. "Bravo Naru," she said with a grin. "That's the spirit I remember."

"Indeed it is," said Evangeline as she sat down next to them. Her eyes had a bit of tears in them. "Hi, Kitsune, Naru."

"Eva-chan!" exclaimed Naru and Kitsune. "Oh my god have you filled out!" added Kitsune.

Evangeline smiled. Tonight was a full moon, a red one which imparted most of her powers to her. Using them frivolously wasn't an option, but tonight she was in an older form of about nineteen years old that she was able to access with her limited draw from the Moon-based Mana. It certainly wouldn't do to look like the usual flat-chested fifteen year old they all remembered from the old days. Dressed in capris and sandals and a form-fitting sweater, Evangeline grinned and said, "I think there's a strawberry crepe waiting for me."

"Hahahaha! Good old Eva-chan!" laughed Kitsune. "Negi, go get her a large!"

"Sure! Nice to meet you Evangeline-san, I'm Negi Springfield," said Negi as he bowed and then rushed off towards the line.

"Cute kid," said Eva. "Love child?"

"Of course not," giggled Kitsune as Naru coughed. "He's just the manager of our dorm. Long story."

"I can listen."

Authors Notes : Please proceed to Side A : Mahora Sensei Keitaro! Chapter 8