Love Negima!

Ken Akamatsu created Love Hina and Mahou Sensei Negima. All characters are used for entertainment purposes only.

Chapter 9 : Fight! Grand Battle of the Bridge!

"Where is he? He's late," said Naru as they stood around the train station, the only thing left running in and out of the City at the moment except for private vehicles. "He's not usually like this."

"I have felt an odd stirring on the wind," said Motoko. "Perhaps something is happening."

"Hmm," said Negi. Undoing the straps on his staff, he jumped onto it. "Tell you what, I'll go look for him."

"All right, stay sharp," said Sarah with a grin. "This is like out of something like say Resident Evil."

"Um, okay,"said Negi, unnerved as Kamo climbed up to his shoulder.

"It's quiet," said Negi as he flew across the skies. "Nothing of the sort around."

"There's supposed to be repair crews here," said Kamo. "Hey, Aniki, look down there!"

"Hmm? There's someone down there," said Negi. Putting his staff into a dive, he flew down to the roof and leapt off. "Hey, Keitaro-san! What are you doing here?"

"Negi Springfield," said Keitaro and Kamo was immediately on edge from the tone of voice. "The mistress invites you to a duel."

"Negi! He's in a thrall!" exclaimed Kamo and Negi's staff was in his hands immediately. Keitaro looked up and chuckled, his eyes full of a deep blue light.

"Very perceptive," said Keitaro and Kamo startled. "But this is a very special thrall. You see, for the duel, I will act as the Ministra Magi. I cannot feasibly do it without being of some mind and body."

"This isn't a thrall it's more like possession," said Negi. "All right, where at?"

"The bridge," said Keitaro, indicating the bridge connecting the main entrance hub. "Come, we will go now." With that, he launched himself into the air, and bounded away across the rooftops.

"Definitely a semi-possession," said Kamo as Negi launched himself into the air as well. "Keitaro can't do that."

"What can I do?" asked Negi in a worried tone. "I can't fight against Keitaro-san."

"Better him than some battle-hardened Ministra Magi," said Kamo. "C'mon, lets get going."

"He's been gone too long," said Naru, getting up. "I'm going to go looking for him."

"It's not going to be easy, stumbling around in the dark like this," said Kitsune. "Do you have any idea where he could be?"

Naru shook her head. "Not a clue."

Just then, Su gasped simultaneously with Sarah and Shinobu. "Negi," they chorused.

"Something's wrong," agreed Motoko. "This darkness is all wrong. Lets get going."

"I am afraid I cannot allow that," said Chachamaru as she hovered overhead with a whine of engines. "You see, mistress has plans that must not be interrupted."

"What the heck," said Kitsune and Naru growled.

"So you're some kind of crazy robot? Well far be it from us to back off!"

"Please, I have no intention of fighting," said Chachamaru. "But if you must persist, I will."

"I have heard enough," said Motoko as he drew her sword. Chachamaru dropped to the ground and there was a brief blip as she slid into a fighting stance.

"Well, I can't let my buddy Motoko have all the fun," said Su, pulling out her card. "Adeat!" Her weapon appeared and she grinned. "Bet you didn't expect this!"

"Adeat!" added Sarah and her swords appeared in her hands.

"Um, Adeat," said Shinobu, her frying pan coalescing into her own hands. Naru, Kitsune, I'll cover the escape."

"Ministra Magi, Shinmei Ryu Swordswoman, threat level A. Releasing safeties." said Chachamaru. There was a hiss of steam and then her hair turned blue. With that, she launched herself at Motoko who flung herself at Chachamaru in the same instant.

"Go!" called out Sarah as she unhooked her other sword and she ran into the fray. "We'll cover your escape!"

"You three be careful!" called out Naru as she and Kitsune ran away, Shinobu deflecting any debris that flew in their direction.

"WHOA!"

Steel clashed against paper fan and Setsuna stared at Asuna who stared back. "Er, sorry," said Asuna, lowering her harisen. "You felt it too?"

"That unsettling sensation," said Setsuna with a nod. "Yes, I did."

"Sechan," called out Konoka who ran up with Nodoka, Yue and Haruna in tow. "What's going on?"

"We couldn't get into our room when we felt that weird pulse," said Yue. "Is there something wrong?"

"It's Evangeline," said Kazumi, coming around the corner with Tama-chan on her shoulder. In her hands was clenched the wand from the World Tree. "She's gained a lot of power, possibly all of it back now."

"So, the Dark Evangel walks again," said Setsuna. "Konoka-ojousama, I cannot allow you to come with me."

"But why?" asked Konoka and Asuna scowled.

"Hey, Setsuna-san, Konoka wants to help and she's pretty strong herself, if unfocused."

"But her spells are not even ready," protested Setsuna. "I could not bear thinking of you going into a situation of combat."

"We're not going to get around this arguing are we?" sighed Haruna. "Look, lets get to the roof first and then decide what to do."

At the roof, Haruna flipped open her artifact and in a shining flash, a vehicle appeared. "It's not pretty but it'll do. Everyone in, I'm driving."

With a thunderous roar of turbines, the engine took off. "Nodoka-chan, get out your book," called out Haruna. "I need you to navigate to where the fighting is."

"Okay," said Nodoka, pulling out her book with a call of "Adeat". After a moment of concentrating, she said, "The main event is at the bridge. There is a fight down near the train station but I think Motoko-san and the others are dealing with it."

"So to the bridge," said Haruna, steering the flying machine towards the bridge and she pushed the engines to full. The machine burst forward.

"I'm here," said Negi as he landed. Standing in the middle of a small crowd of students, Evangeline smirked. "Let them all go," he demanded.

Evangeline ran a finger over the jawline of Akira and said, "Nope. They're here because they too are under my thrall. Lets see how long you can keep it up, little Magister Magi."

"But five against one? That ain't fair!" protested Kamo.

"Who said it would be five against one?" asked Keitaro as he landed and stepped back beside Evangeline. "Go to it, my students."

"Aw crap," said Kamo as the girls leapt as one.

"MYUH!" There was an explosion of flames and the girls dropped short of their target as the box-like ship dropped down and the girls leapt out of the vehicle. "Hold on there, Eva-chan," said Asuna. "We're here to stop you."

"Hmph, always the troublemaker, Kakurazaki," said Evangeline. "And Asakura. You too. I see. Well, perhaps you should deal with your classmates first!"

"Eh?" asked Asuna and then she found a arm wrapped with a ribbon. "Wha? EEEEEK!"

With a mighty swing, Asuna was pitched overhead and she hit the ground with a bone-jarring thud. "GO!" cried Haruna as Setsuna jumped into the fray along with Kazumi.

"This way," said Konoka as she and Yue dragged Negi to safety while Haruna landed the vehicle on the side of the road and she and Nodoka jumped out. "Do you think they'll be fine?"

"They should be," said Negi. "Those girls aren't really in a full thrall like Keitaro-san is."

Sure enough, the girls had been knocked out by the combined force of the others and Evangeline smirked. "Well... looks like your friends are good, boyo. But lets see how they handle this." She held up a hand and smirked viciously. "Oh Sensei, it's time for you to play."

Setsuna and Asuna flinched as Keitaro walked before Evangeline who smirked and held up a card that had Keitaro's picture on it. "No way!" gasped Asuna.

"Activate the contract, Ministra Magi Urashima Keitaro for ten minutes!" Laughed Evangeline and Negi squeaked in fear.

"Oh my god that's sick and wrong," he whimpered as Keitaro burned with dark flames. Konoka looked at him and he said, "Only Magi of really extraordinary levels of magic can hold a contract for that long at full blast. We're screwed. Haruna-san, get everyone else out of here!"

"But what about you?" asked Haruna.

"Do as I say! She's too powerful to take head on!"

Haruna grit her teeth but shouted, "Everyone into the ship!"

Piling the slumbering girls into the ship, Haruna jumped into the drivers seat as she waved to Asuna, Konoka and Setsuna. "C'mon you three!"

"We're going to stay here," called out Asuna. "Go, go!"

Haruna sighed as she hit the engines. The boxy ship launched itself into the air as Negi looked at the remaining three. "Why are you three staying behind?"

"Silly kid, you need help," grinned Asuna.

"Well then, lets keep going then," said Konoka. "Negi-san, how long can you give us power?"

"For you and Asuna-san and Setsuna-san, about fifteen minutes if I just add to your defense."

"It will have to be enough," said Setsuna.

The three girls pulled back and Konoka said, "Basic idea, we're going in to wear down Keitaro-sensei. I'm sure Evangeline is just pumping his power up so he can take hits."

"Better plan fast then," said Asuna.

"Right." Negi held up his own two cards and announced, "Activate the contract, Ministra Magi Kakurazaki Asuna, Konoe Konoka, Sakurazaki Setsuna for one hundred and fifteen seconds!"

"Adeat!" added Asuna as her harisen appeared in her hands and Setsuna tightened her grip on her sword.

"Nice light show," said Evangeline, unimpressed. "Go."

Keitaro's foot shifted and Setsuna yelped as she was blown back from an unseen force. "What the heck was that?" exclaimed Asuna and then she felt the force blow her back as well like a punch to the stomach.

"That was a move Seta showed us!" cried Negi but Konoka's shout of "FOCUS!" Snapped him back into thought as he held up his hand. "Rastil Maskil Magister...!"

"Lic Lac Li La Lilac! Twenty spirits of darkness!"

"Twenty spirits of light!" chorused Negi as they fired. The energy blasts erupted all around the fighting area as the girls were buffered from the fierce winds.

"Nice," said Evangeline as she held up her hand again. "Lic Lac Li La Lilac! Twenty Spirits of Thunder!"

"Rastil Maskil Magister! Twenty Spirits of Ice!"

"Not this time," grunted Setsuna as Keitaro lashed out with a kick and was blocked by Asuna on the other side. "Opening! Cutting Evil Blade!"

CLANG!

Setsuna gasped as Keitaro smirked from behind the large shield that had materialized onto his left arm. "You didn't think it would be that easy, did you?" With a tremendous heave, he pushed the girl aside and then deflected Asuna's strike with ease as he launched a furious assault that drove Asuna to her knees.

"Asuna-san!" Shouted Setsuna but was suddenly grabbed by Chachamaru who had her in an iron grip. The girl looked a little beaten up but otherwise fine. Setsuna struggled against the iron grip and failed.

"Damnit, why are you doing this?" growled Negi.

"It's your father who cursed me in this hellhole for the last sixteen years," snarled Evangeline. "He said he would come and undo the curse, but he went and died. Well, if I'm going to escape, I need to drain the blood of a very powerful magi, like his son. Nothing personal, but you're going to have to die now." said Evangeline.

"Eva-chan... you're not serious, are you?" asked Asuna and Evangeline smirked.

"I think that's obvious," sneered Evangeline as she advanced onto Negi. "Hey, boyo, you should be proud. You're about to undo a curse. Be happy you're going to do something your father never did."

"HEY YOU!"

Evangeline turned and then she was struck by a large frying pan, sending her careening across the bridge, skidding to a halt. Shinobu panted and brandished her large frying pan. "No one touches him, especially not you!"

"I suppose that would have hurt," said Evangeline as she got up. "So Chachamaru didn't slow all of you down. A pity."

Asuna, siezing the chance, tossed her harisen to the other hand and with a yell, slashed across Keitaro who was dropped, slumping to his knees. The shield that he wore on his arm fractured and then splintered and Evangeline gaped. "What the hell!"

"Uh... what...? What happened here?" asked Keitaro. "Are we in a fight?"

"Yes, and the fight is still on!" shouted Evangeline as she flew backwards and held up a hand. "Lic Lac Li Lac Lilac!"

An explosion of wind erupted around the small group and Evangeline shielded herself from the ferocity of the blast. Inside, Negi was helped to his feet by Asuna. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"Yeah, but I'm drained. No one has the power to match against Evangeline-san," said Negi.

"Then we'll have to put in a ringer," murmured Keitaro as he got to his feet. Naru caught him before he could fall over.

"You're in no condition to do it," said Naru sharply.

"What now?" asked Shinobu. "The rest of us don't have any artifacts that we could fight with and Negi-san's drained."

"Um..." said Konoka. "I'm still good."

"Konoka-chan, you don't know any spells," said Naru and Kitsune nodded.

"It'd be foolish," said Setsuna.

"There is one thing, but it hasn't been done before," said Kamo. "Keitaro! Kiss Konoka-chan!"

"GEH!" chorused everyone and Kamo continued. "Keitaro is still being powered by Evangeline! If he makes a dual pactio, one will override the other in the best case scenario or even better, grant him dual power! That'll be enough to deal with her!"

"Sounds like a plan," said Keitaro as he looked at the black flames wrapped around his body. "You up for this Konoka-chan?"

"Yes!" said Konoka. "If it'll help us deal with Evangeline-san..."

"There IS one problem," said Kamo. "It may not work, resulting in a Rebound."

"Rebounds are dangerous," said Setsuna. "Konoka-ojousama... could be killed as with Keitaro-sensei."

"And you didn't bring this up BEFORE!" Demanded Keitaro.

"It didn't seem like a big deal!" Protested Kamo and Naru grabbed the Ermine.

"How much time do we have?" she demanded. "I'll make the pactio if I need to!"

"Er... the Wind Barrier will hold for another two minutes," said Negi.

"Aneesan may be good," said Setsuna. "But a single pactio won't be enough."

Keitaro sighed. "Kamo... if there is a Rebound... is there a way I can take it?"

"Eh?"

"Just answer the question!" Keitaro snapped.

"Er... yeah. Just activate your artifact and it'll take it. Granted you won't be able to MAKE another pactio again but..."

"A minute fifteen," warned Negi.

"I'm willing to take the risk," said Konoka. "Sensei... lets do this."

"Are you sure? I won't let you die."

"You won't let me, that's the big thing. You and Sechan are the same," said Konoka, smiling.

"All right."

"PACTIO!"

When the wind barrier died down, Konoka stood in the middle of the road with Keitaro the others retreated to the background. Evangeline smirked as Chachamaru flew down next to her. "We have fifteen minutes to settle this. Lets see what you got."

"You'll do fine, Konoka-chan," said Keitaro, determination in his features.

"Right. Activate the contract, Urashima Keitaro for 120 seconds!" called out Konoka, holding up a card.

Evangeline gasped. "What? NO!"

There was a burst of black and white light that shot up from Keitaro's location. The black shield regained form on one arm and a white set of knuckles the trailed up to his arm formed on the other. Evangeline snarled. "So you dual pactioed, even knowing you could get hit by a Rebound. Cute, Konoka. Very cute. Lets see what you got! Lic Lac Li Lac Lilac!"

Konoka threw her hand up into the air as a burst of unfocused power erupted into being in her hands. With a wordless cry, she hurled the beam of light at Evangeline who countered.

"Twenty spirits of darkness!"

From Evangeline's hand, twenty black burst of light erupted outwards. From Konoka's hand, the thick blast of wild magic blasted out as Keitaro met Chachamaru into the middle of the battle field.

"Lic Lac Li Lac..." chanted Evangeline but found several spears of wild magic heading towards her. "So soon!" she gaped and she was forced to terminate the spell. "Hm, she's a quick study. But it's like fighting an amateur with a bazooka."

"Konoka-san has to finish the fight soon," said Negi as Haruna patched him up. "She's expending magic without focusing it first. She'll run herself dry that way."

"Hey, Negi, what's that attack you use often? The disarming spell?" asked Naru.

"Um, that's the Flans Exclamanio."

"Got it. Hey, Konoka-chan! Use Flans Exclamanio!"

Evangeline laughed. "Disarming? Oh for petes sake. Lic Lac Li Lac Lilac! Spell of the thousand voids, dark mist engulfing all..."

"Flans Exclamanio!" Shouted Konoka, pointing a hand. From her hand a torrent of wind erupted, wild and unfocused as it buffered Evangeline around like a pinball in a tornado.

"We need to put a stop to this now," said Kamo. "Don't we have some kind of spell book we could use?"

"I have no idea," said Negi. "We're out of options."

"Oh me, oh my, I hope I'm not too late," said Mutsumi and the whole group jumped. Mutsumi, still a little girl, held up a spell book that Evangeline recognized. "Will this help?"

"GEH!" cried Evangeline. "What the hell are you doing with THAT!"

"It's the Book of Melusedek!" Exclaimed Negi happily. "Mutsumi-san, where did you get it?"

"Fu fu fu, it was in the room that Evangeline-san locked me in." Said Mutsumi cheerfully.

"This is just what we need!" Exclaimed Negi as he took the book and thumbed to the book marked page. "This is...! All right, stand back!"

"Aw crap," grunted Evangeline as she held up a hand begun her spell. But Negi was already fast into it.

A long string of Latin issued from Negi's lips as he formed the seals. Evangeline grimaced and continued chanting the spell to End of the World but Negi was faster. "INFERNAL SCHOLASTICUS!"

The ball of light that appeared in his hands seemed to thin for a moment before reality stretched itself. There was a sound of thunder rolling over hill and vale and then Evangeline was blasted by the power. Lights flickered on at that moment and there was a tremendous power surge that ripped every bulb on the Academy City to shreds.

Evangeline dropped to the ground and Chachamaru caught her. With a haggard cough, she said, "You win brat. Looks like you condemned me to an eternity here."

"I... didn't," said Negi as he handed the book back to Naru. "At least I don't think so."

"What do you mean?" demanded Evangeline.

"Well... the Infernal Scholasticus Curse is tied to land, right? Well, I sort of rerouted the spell."

"Explain," said Evangeline.

"Well, it was just an idea but in the phrasing of the spell, it said 'Bind one to the land of my choosing' so I decided that maybe it'd be better if you were bound to something else : the Hinata House. As such, you can come and live in Hinata House. At least that's what I THINK I did."

"Mistress we are currently five steps away from the electrical field," said Chachamaru. "Shall I step forward?"

"I'll do it," said Evangeline, getting out of her partners arms. Taking four steps forward, she took a fifth. Steeling herself, she took a sixth. There was a slight fizzle and a pop and Evangeline opened her eyes. Then, her power exploded outwards as she cackled maniacally. "OH YEAH! I'M SO CRAZY STRONG I'M A CHEAT CODE! AH HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"I hope you placed safeguards," said Asuna and Negi rubbed his head in embarrasment.

Evangeline cackled as she let her magic fade. "Hey, boyo, even though your old man was an asshole, you're okay." She turned and smiled. "So... got room for one more at your dorm?"

"Eh? You really mean it?" asked Negi and Evangeline smirked.

"Boyo I'm TIED to your home now. I can travel there because there's a Mana Link trailing between here and there. That's why I'm not screaming in agony right now. So come on, chop chop, I want my stuff moved ASAP!" With that, she marched back onto the grounds of Mahora and pushed at Negi. "Lets go kiddo, times a wasting!"

"Looks like everything's going to turn out well," said Naru as Motoko, Sarah and Su ran up.

"Aiyee, please stop biting me!"

"Aw c'mon, you're more tasty than sensei was!"

"And I'm not tasty?"

"You're more salty than anything else. Negi is sweet."

"Okay, that's enough talking about bodily fluids!"

"Well, looks like this is good bye, Evangeline-san," said Keitaro and Evangeline grinned.

"Hey look, I can still come back for your "Final Exam" and maybe this time I'll actually pass it for once," said Evangeline. "About that Contract though."

"Oh, um, well, yeah, um," stammered Keitaro and Evangeline snorted.

"Look, you have one of the rare few dual pactios now. Keep that Ministral of yours safe or I'll eat your head. Got it?"

"Yes ma'am," said Keitaro, subdued.

"Everyone else? I'm about to head out after sixteen years in here. It's been fun and for anyone I bit, water under the bridge, okay?"

"But we'll miss you," sniffled Makie and Evangeline smirked.

"I'll visit. Yo, Chachamaru, lets get a move on!"

Chachamaru bowed politely as she shouldered a bag and Chachazero sat on her head. "Thank you for the memories everyone."

"Sorry I couldn't kill anyone," said Chachazero and some of the girls shivered at the frank statement.

"So," said Kazumi. "The villain gets off scott free and out of school. And we're down to twenty nine students. So what was that book you guys used anyhow?"

"You mean this?" asked Yue. "Just a legendary magical book that we found at the bottom of the Library Island."

"I was WONDERING where it got to," said Asuna. "Hey, Yue-chan, lemme borrow it."

"I don't think so," said Yue and Asuna's expression fell. "I'm using it for magical research, not making myself smart instantly."

"Eeeh? How did you know I was going to do that?" demanded Asuna and Haruna laughed.

"You're not Baka Red for anything, you know!" Haruna exclaimed.

"HA-RU-NA!" With an enraged cry, she tore off after Haruna who was laughing and running around.

"So what are you going to do now?" asked Kazumi of Konoka. "Going to still keep partnered with Keitaro?"

"I have to," said Konoka as she looked at the card. "After all, he's a good friend. He's reliable, dependable..."

"Oh ho, sounds like someone is in love already," said Kazumi and Setsuna's expression went slack into shock.

"Aw, Setsuna's jealous!" added Kazumi and Yue added, "Kiss her, Konoka."

"Sure!" exclaimed Konoka and Setsuna blinked in surprise as the other girl practically jumped on her. Kamo stared for a moment before muttering "I doubt we'll Rebound" before drawing up a circle as fast as Erminely possible. Magic spun up from below the ground and Setsuna's card shone for a moment. Pulling away, Konoka giggled and Setsuna blushed and touched her hands to her lips. "Now you don't be mad, okay Sechan?"

"Konoka..." said Setsuna, her face burning red with embarrassment.

"Oh my god her outfit is so cute on this!" exclaimed Konoka, having snagged Setsuna's card from the air. In addition to the soft white wings, Setsuna also was dressed in a hakama bottom, a short white and red top that was open with sleeves that hung loosely from her arms, open at the shoulders and tied at the wrists with ribbons. And she had silver metallic bandages around her chest, baring her flat stomach. "Do it for me, will you Sechan?"

"I... I..." flushed Setsuna and then tore off, "KYAH I CAN'T!"

"Aw, Sechan! Come back!" called out Konoka as she ran after the girl. Haruna tore across the way from the other direction, laughing like Su as Asuna swung at her with her harisen.

"Idiots," was Yue's remark as Nodoka and Keitaro could only nod. Mutsumi could only laugh.

"Fu fu fu."