"Dragon, really? You expected her to fall on me? I'm not the landing zone, that's Noire and T.O's job." Hey! We are not!
Shino: "So you have to tell them about how your age is over a hundred?" "Yeah, white lies."
Class 3-A, Kuro's POV
*Grunting in despair* Clem oi la Clem! It's been years but you didn't change that kind of appearance! And I DID tell you not to come here without calling me! Why…
I cover my face with both my hands, indicating how screwed I am right now. Half of the girls are cuddling my granddaughter, a quarter of them just taking pictures, and the rest are bombarding me with questions like "How is your granddaughter so cute?" or "How can you be already over a hundred years old?". Basically I'm stuck in a situation that that I have no safe way out.
Luckily, Negi defuses the situation a bit: "Girls, please return back to the seats, and let her go. We're having classes now." "AWW!" That's all of the students' reactions, after hearing that. At least…
"Dada Kuro! Check it out! I found…" I immediately cover her mouth with my hands as she rushes to me, in order for her not to spill that out. As the others look at us with curious eyes, I just smile back at them. "It's something between us, don't worry." I then pull Clem out of the class…
"Clem, I thought I told you not to come here." I pull her towards the area below the staircase, as I start asking her: "Besides, don't say anything about magic or such. Most of the girls here aren't aware of it."
"Yes, I'm aware. I only told them about your age and our relationship." "*Sigh* And I'm trying to avoid spilling the former. Anyway, you told me you found something." "Ya, Dada. I felt three Share energy source in the class. Two of them are definitely the CPU Candidates, but the last one felt very faint."
"Yeah, because I accidentally turned the girl into a CPU like us. She was a Shinso Vampire, and she drank my blood a few days ago, the CPU part of my mixed into her blood, and you have the result." "OH! So she will be my new aunt?" "That… you can ask her if you want, but not in public." "Then, about the others…" "I will decide when to tell them, okay?" "Okay!"
"Your granddaughter arrived, Kuro?" Both of us turn to see Shizuna with a smile on her face. "Good morning to you two."
"Hey, it's Mina!" Forgetting my order already girl? *Chuckle* Mina just giggles at the little girl's cuteness, as she carries her up and cuddles her, making her giggle as well. "You smell nice…"
I shake my head in amusement at the scene, as I ask: "So you're heading to our class, Mina?" "Yes, the Headmaster wanted to talk to Negi about the trip to Kyoto next week. Apparently Kansai Magic Association doesn't want him to go there." "Reasons?" "We're not sure… But you knew." "Yep. Well, let's return to the class and…" I ruffle Clem's hair up, making her squirm in discomfort. "Clean up the mess little Clem created before I reached the classroom."
Class 3-A
"Yes, I am over century old. You girls are happy?" Goddamn puppy eyes. Why does it work every time?
"Then, how?" "I am a time traveler. I was cursed when I was using my time machine so travel to a place. Due to that, I got thrown out of the cycle of life, and I'm officially undead, even though I'm still able to maintain my 'living' status." It's still the truth… at some points.
"But time travelling is not magic?" "No, it's technology. Though, only when we managed to deal with radiation, then would we move to that." "Do you know exactly how it works?" "That… The scientists who made it want the way to time travel to remain secret. Only they knew how it works." Not lie either. Unless Doraemon wakes up and tells me everything, then there's no way I would know how that works.
Negi then stops them: "Alright girls. You can question him later. Right now, I'm having an announcement…"
And after that, basically Clem becomes a member of class 3-A, for some reasons. Meh, not exactly a bad thing. Just to make sure she didn't spill out any 'too secretive' info, then I'm good. Though, because she's here, the girls get distracted even more than when I was arrived. *Sigh* Things can't get worse, and I will guarantee that.
The next day
"What?" "Exactly what I said." "And the Headmaster…" "He said it's a great idea." "*Sigh* Just go in, Negi."
Basically, Negi won't stay in the girls' room anymore, but in my current room. Not that I mind, really. I just make the face so that I won't be asked more about it.
"Sorry Kuro-sensei, I don't want to be a burden…" "Don't worry. Besides, staying with the girls is not really what a gentleman would do, wouldn't he?" "That's true…" "Anyway, you seem to be a little bit too excited…" "OF COURSE! We're having the trip to Kyoto, and I can try to find a clue about my father!" "*Chuckle* Good for you. Anyway, I'm going out now, you want to come?" "Yeah, I don't have anything to do now." "Alright. Clem, let's give you a tour around the place." "OKAY DADA!"
Outside
"Did you buy the right map this time Kuro? *Snicker*" "OBVIOUSLY!" "Dada got lost?" "Yeah, stupid me being tricked again."
The three of us are walking on the street of Mahora Academy, with me holding the right map. Although it's just me guiding Clem with Negi following me… it feels like I'm walking with two of my kids. *Sigh* I hope this didn't turn awkward…
"Hey look! The new teacher is playing with his kids!" …Just my goddamn luck.
"Misa, please. That joke is…" "Everyone would say that!" "Not you too Sakurako." "Alright, that's enough teasing Kuro-sensei. Speaking of that, are you planning to buy something for the trip?" "Probably something to make sure Nitta-sensei won't get in our fun, Madoka." Negi just sweatdrops at my statement, and the girls' excitement that I would stay on their side. "That's not responsible from you, Kuro." "Hey, I know Nitta wants the best for the students, but his methods of helping don't work on all of them. And definitely won't work for class 3-A members."
"Hey Kuro-sensei, can you sing?" … Shiet! "Um… not good…" "But not bad either, Dada." "Okay! Once we get what we need, we go to a karaoke. Agree everyone?" "Agree!" Damn… you… Creator… *whistling while checking Facebook*
Evening
"Damn… you…" "Sorry, the girls were a bit wild…" "Not you, Negi. You have nothing to apologize for." We just headed back to the room, with Clem immediately playing with the tablet. "Clem, something new?" "Nothing Dada. Aside from Aunt Neppy sending you adult stuffs." "… Don't kid me like that, girl." "*Giggle* But seriously, Sakuya gave a report about Chachamaru's model. The people from Mahora can build the converter, but the materials can only be bought from Lastation." "I see."
"You get a lot of work in your hand, don't you Kuro?" "That's for being a leader of a land, Negi. So, about what happened yesterday…" "I think that's a good lie from you." "Half-truth to be exact. Anyway, let me fix the room a bit…" A bunk bed appears, with a garret being built by removing the wall. "Good enough." "Wow, you are so incredible." "*Chuckle* Having a bit too much power and a little cheat, but if it's for better, I don't mind. Anyway, want something to eat?" "Just anything is fine, Kuro." "Clem?" And she just pulled out… "Clem…" "*Sticking her tongue out* Not today, Dada! Grandma doesn't want you to have it." "*Crying* Clem, please… put it away." "Nope!" WHY!?
Midnight
DAMN YOU CREATOR! Not my fault. HOW COULD IT NOT? To be honest, that's just you being careless. But, who would have thought that's Ultra IF? We did warn you… At the last second! Still yours. Sc…rew… you.
I decide not to sleep tonight, since I'm missing a few updates from Research Land. Noire managed to help with the converter, but the payment will be a lot, so I have to figure out a fair trade with her. About the skin of Chachamaru, surprisingly, Plutia could help with that. Yes, you heard me right, the clumsy CPU out of everyone. For some reasons, her dolls looked more and more human-like, and to one point, I wasn't able to determine which one is my real Charlotte when she put the human-size Charlotte doll right next to her. When I decided to ask… she just did… Anyway, I gave her Chachamaru's outlook, and she happily made a skin… and a doll of hers as well. Welp, I will give that to Chachamaru later, hope she will like it.
About her emotions, I asked Vert for that, but then she redirected it to Neptune. Reason for the former: She knew more online friends than Neptune, so there's a high chance she would create an AI that can create emotions. And if you ask why I didn't use Blank Soul like I used on Penny… Because I want to make it a test to see if the CPUs have improved or not.
Hmm… 1 o'clock… *Calling button pressed* *Waiting* *Click* "Who's that?" "Still awake, Eva?" "Vampire's hours. What do you want?" "About the trip to Kyoto…" "Unless you found a way to bypass that seal." "Don't worry. I have a way. Bored?" "*Smirking* A stroll in the night?" "Why not?" "Meet me at the Cherry Blossom Street." "Okay."
Cherry Blossom Street
"Quiet, peaceful…" I start the conversation, as we start walking on the street. Eva has adorned her white dress, with the white umbrella for the complete outlook. "Though, I don't think you like that, but at least…" "Who said I don't? This is an ideal time for me to rest." "Rest. *Snicker*." "Yeah. About your granddaughter, why is she here?" "Clem being Clem." "She did that all the time?" "Yeah. Just being here and there. After she turned 9, we're not bothered to keep an eye on her." "That's irresponsible." "That's only because she can take care of herself, and Yami already looked after her." "Yami? You mean Darkness?" "That's Clem's other half, due to her being half Goddess and half Undead, and she's immortal." "That's stupidly complicated." "I know."
… "You know. While I sometimes stroll here, I have never been with a person…" "Chachazero and Chachamaru?" "Not them. Having their company is good, but not having someone to really talk to is…" "Right" "How did it feel, Kuro? When you loved someone…" I freeze for a tick, before chuckle: "Really? Why did you ask that?" "It's just… when I saw your granddaughter's smile, I can feel the full happiness. I was turned into the Shinso Vampire by that Lifemaker, and after that, all I know is to fight and survive… And when I thought I have found someone for myself…" "By all means Touta and Nagi?"
We both stop, as she glares at me. "How did you know?" I decide not to hide, and pull out the volume 1 of both series. She recognizes the covers: "They are…" "Yes, the people you know and will know." I give the Negima one for her, as she flips the papers to see the past events when Negi came. "That's how I know about you all, about your past and your power being sealed." I pocket the UQ Holder back to the pocket dimension, as she starts shaking a bit. "So… all the time…" "No, you are real." "HOW CAN YOU…" "Look. I know it's hard to follow, but listen to my explanation. These Creators… yes, they created the world, but all they did were recording your life, not making it. We're in one right now." Silence. I continue: "It may sound weird, but that's the truth. If I knew that Clem would come here, then I wouldn't have the problems in Monday. My Creator can only record it as well. Hell, if he can save me from the beginning, he would have done so. But he's powerless, and all he could do to keep me 'alive' is to keep writing about my life. But when he stops, I stop existing as well."
The sound of wind is the only thing we can hear… Then, she asks: "About the seal…" "My blood inside you broke it." "And you hid it from me." "*Sigh* Look, I'm sorry. But Nagi and I want the same thing for you, so…" *STABBED!* Blood dripping from my mouth, as I feel her arm thrusting through my body. "That's for hiding the truth from me." She pulls the arm off, as I drop to the ground, blood flooding out of the wound. In the last second before my mind shut down, I saw her flew away without turning back, with the book in hand.
…
…
"Kuro-sensei." I hear Chachamaru's voice, as I open my eyes. I'm lying on my back, and… that's a ceiling… Eva's room's ceiling. I turn to my left to see Chachamaru. I plan to sit up, but then feel something wrapping around my waist…
"Don't…leave…" I turn to my right, to see a sleeping Eva, with her arm in that position. I decide to lay back, as I ask the robot girl: "What happened?" "Master was angered a bit when she went back. I asked her, and she told me about everything." "I see. She's very pissed if she stabbed me like that…" "She did regret it." I raise my eyebrow. "She? Regretted?" "At least, from what I saw it. She then ordered me to bring you back here, since she said no one would like a teacher being brutally murdered like that." "But if I'm right, there was no longer blood?" "Yes, but I still followed her order, since you're still unconscious."
I then take a look around, and see the book I gave her. I use my magic to pocket it, then ask: "What did she do to me?" "Um…that…" The girl stutters at her work. I immediately understand: "You have started developing emotions?" "I…I don't know…" "*Sigh* Okay, don't have to say it. But, was that an adult thing?" "No." "Good." I then teleport myself out of the bed. "So, what do you think about the truth?" "I don't care, as long as Master is okay with it." I briefly turn back to see the still sleeping Eva. "I don't know… she took the hit quite hard last night…Anyway, what time is it?" "Five in the morning." "Thanks Chachamaru. I need to return now. Take care of her, please." "It's my job, Sensei."
Now that's hardcore gore. You said it. Also, I thought she would just leave? It seems because you managed to convince her. And she owed you for saving her from the seal. Luckily that works, but damn that hurt. What did you expect though? Also, you might want to return back now. Why? You will see.
The supervisor's room…
THIS…IS…YOUR…DOING… Nope! One hundred percent innocent! BUT…YOU… DIDN'T…STOP IT… Uh… oops?
You know Negi's habit already. And his target this time: My granddaughter. *Tsk!* I know there's something wrong already, but…
I instantly pick him up, as he slowly opens his eyes to see my not-so-happy-smiling face: "K…Kuro-sensei? Is there something…" "Mind explaining why you're in Clem's bed?" I spin him so that he's facing the girl in question. And that wakes him up instantly: "I'M SORRY! I DIDN'T KNOW THAT!" "I know who to blame and that's not you, but please restrain from doing so in the future." "OF COURSE! I'M SORRY!"
The teacher's office
"Already?" "Yeah." I told Shizuna about what happened, as we're preparing for our classes. "Eva took it hard." "Can't blame her. Hope she would go to class frequently from now on." "She did, right? No missing during that day…" "Yeah…" She then snickers. "About this morning…" "*Tick!* Don't talk about that."
Class 3-A
"Negi, you are an idiot!" "I said my apology to him already! Please stop pulling my ears Asuna-san!" I decide not to be in that mess, as I sit next to Eva, who doesn't react at first… "Eva, look, I know you are…" "I know. And I will keep this quiet for you." … "Um, Eva? I thought you would just go away and not caring about this place anymore." "First, I'm not abandoning the place I could call home now. Second, if what you said was the truth, then you're here to help fixing the future, aren't you?" … "Where did you get that? I only told you I would help Negi…" She points a finger up. "… You met my other selves?" "Yes." … C…R…E…A…T…O…R…
"Hey Kuro-sensei! I thought you're into someone like Nodoka!" The reporter reporting in, as the poor girl blushes in embarrassment. I sigh: "Other than that, you want to ask something, Asakura?" "About the time travel, can we go with you?" "No. There's a high chance you would be cursed like me. And it's not pretty when you're stuck in your age while the others go away." The girl backs away in fear. "Yeah… I can see your point."
"Um, Dada? Are you still mad at Negi? Don't be like that. Besides, he's warm…" And that's the cue as I use my knuckles to rub her temples, hard, making her squirm in pain. "I'm… trying to throw that image away…" "OWOWOW! DADA! I won't talk about anymore! OWOW!" "And that's for eating the pudding right in front of my face as well." "OWOWOW!"
Yang: "*Snicker* Even Clem made fun of your misfortune." "Everyone does. *Whimpering*"
The rooftop, Third Person's POV
"That's fun to watch." "Yeah, can't expect nothing less." Chao and Hakase were standing on the rooftop of the school, admiring the scenery around them. They're speaking about the shenanigans happened during the semester. "I'm a little surprised though. He can cover up his real age with time-travelling thing." "Girls in our class are not that bright to recognize he's not telling the whole truth." "I didn't, either. But about the little girl with him… she's cute." "*Giggle* Can't deny that." "And about what Eva knew last night…" "Can't believe that we're being recorded the whole time."
"Then you better be used to it." A familiar voice, yet strange tone spoke up behind them. They turned to see Clem, but, while they're expecting a bright smile, they're witnessing a smile that would indicate a person's planning something bad. "Don't mind about my smile. That's just how I look like."
Chao's guard was up, as she asked: "Who are you?" "Think of me as Clem's dark side. Anyway, what do you think about that truth?" "… Disturbing. But that's why Kuro is here, right?" "You are correct. We knew, or at least we knew from what our granddad told us, that your future is a bit screwed up. That's why he's helping you right now." "… Is that true? What about his quest to find…" "Yes, that's also one of his priorities. However, your future is more important."
"Yami, you're scaring them." Kuro walked out from the door as he headed to the little girl and rubbed her head, while bowing to the duo. "Sorry about her, her nature is a bit hard to comprehend, but you will get used to it." And to the duo's surprise, the girl just closed her eyes and enjoyed the affection, while purring a bit. "Anyway, yes, the truth is a bit hard to swallow, but I guarantee that I will make the future better."
Chao and Hakase lessened their guard, and Chao said: "I will be the judge to that. So, about the trip…" "You don't have to interfere. The problem between Kansai and Kanto, I and Negi will deal with it." The time traveler nodded. "Very well. Let us return to class, shall we?"
End of Friday
"You're asking for more protection?" "I'm sorry, but you know the reason why we can't let class 3-A go to Kyoto that easily." "*Deadpan* We will handle that. We always have back-up plans, so don't worry." "I hope so. About Eva…" "She could go with us. She's free from the seal." "I thought she would just go away." "She has her own reasons." "Hm… people would be scared that…" "They might alter the plan, but the more they do, the more they expose themselves." "I see. That logic is good enough. You can leave." "Have a good day, Headmaster."
Kuro left the office, then leaned on the door and sighed. And not surprisingly, Clem was next to him. "So?" "We're going to need a lot of miracles in this to pull through." "Shouldn't we just call Marvy and be done with this?" "Not that easy. The enemies are not that merciful. It's not like Gamindustri, Clem. *Sigh* Let's just return to our home, we will figure it out later."
Then Kuro's phone rang up, as he picked up the call. "Hello?" "It's me, the guard from before." "Oh hi. What do you have in your mind?" "Can you go and help me checking the cameras in the cafeteria? For some reasons they stopped working at once." "That problematic? Okay, I will head there soon." "Thank you."
"What was that Dada?" "The security guard. She's asking me to deal with the cams in the cafeteria." "Oh. Okay, then I will head back first." "See you later."
The cafeteria
"Hello. What's the matter?" "I did tell you in the phone. We thought we could fix them, but they were fried up to the point of no turning back." The guard gave Kuro one of the remains of the cams. He started messing with the inside, until he found what he needed. "The camera's memory… its remnant to be exact." "Won't do any goods to us." "But enough to me." He pulled his phone out and placed the chip on the screen. After a minute, *beep!*, Kuro threw the chip away and started opening the memories…
Tuesday… nothing strange…
Wednesday … the camera was still working…
Thursday … the same…
Friday… the same… huh? Wait, the guard was walking to it… and she destroyed it?
Immediately the whole area was covered by a dense mist. 'An ambush.' Kuro thought, as he looked around to try to find the culprit. Then…
*CLASH!* Kuro casually brought his right katana up to block a hit from a kodachi that's aimed for his head. A dagger was swung from the left side of the opponent, but Kuro just moved the right katana so that it blocked both the weapons of the same time. Then the opponent jumped off, as the mist vanished away, revealing the maniac Shinmeiryuu swordswoman.
"Oh my, you can block my attacks even when I'm covered with mist." Kuro just sheathed the katana back and made it disappear, before asking: "Why are you here? I thought you're working for Fate." "But I want to fight you now. I will fight Setsuna-nee later, but now, I want you." The girl just giggled 'innocently' as she used her dagger-holding hand to cover her mouth. Kuro sighed. "Crazy."
"Speak time is over, Nii. Let's fight." She rushed to him and aimed the sword to his head, only to hit his after-image. She then felt the presence of Kuro behind her, as she turned back and raised her weapons in a defensive stance, and then she got flung away with an attack. Regaining balance, she tried to attack again, but all of them were blocked by something invincible, as Kuro just back-pedaled in every attack. She even tried to hit his blind spots, but they didn't work either.
After seeing that it's going nowhere, she decided to knock him off. Using Tsukimi No Yozakura, she created a wave of cherry blossoms surrounding Kuro, as she hit Kuro with all she had. After the attack, she turned around to see Kuro standing there, unmoving. She sighed and sheathed her weapons. "The fight is a bit short, Nii. But you're so boring, not attacking back at all."
"Because if I did so, you would have been cut in half." An arm was placed on her left shoulder, as she felt a weight leaning on her. She turned to look at her opponent, who's completely fine, as he's looking at his left nails in boredom. "You're good, but you're holding back as well. You don't want to cause too big of a ruckus in the Academy, so I decide to cover this place with a time spell, so that everything outside is frozen."
The girl widened her eyes in shock. The person's not affected by her attacks at all. But then she smiles. "But you don't scare that I could still stab you from this position." "It wouldn't do anything. And I could counter it easily."
The girl giggled again and pushed his arm off her shoulder. "It seems you're funnier than I thought. I hope we can fight more seriously in the future. You can stop using the spell now." The man just flicked his left fingers, and sounds of window cracks indicated that the spell's over. "Now, I will have to leave. See you in the future!" And with that, the girl ran away.
The assistant sighed again. "Crazy maniac." Then he pulled out his phone and called the real guard. "Hey, you might want to check the cafeteria's cameras, they're dead." "How?" "Don't know, just found them in pieces." "Damn it. Alright, I will deal with them later. Thanks for calling me." "You're welcome." *Call ended* "Cuoi tuan ma no the nay day. Haiz."
Monty: "That girl sounded awfully like Tyrian." "Now you're saying it, yeah, a little similarity."
Returning back to the dormitory…
*Knock, knock* *Door opens* "Kuro-sensei, I didn't expect you to come." "Stuffs happened. Is there anyone inside?" "They are out. Why…" "Can I come in and talk? It's a bit privacy." "O…Okay, Sensei…"
Once inside, the girl served her teacher a glass of tea, before sitting at the opposite side of the table. "Sensei, what do you want to talk about?" "Know any maniacs that's from Shinmeiryuu?" That sent an alarm to the girl, as she asked: "What do you know about me?" "Enough to say, Setsuna. But I know you're here to protect Konoka, so I have no quarrel with you." The girl relaxed. "But we have a problem. Someone from Kansai sent a mercenary to the Academy. I have sued her away, but that's still worth to tell you." The girl's grip on the glass got harder. "What do you want me to do?" "Your priority is to protect Konoka, but from what I heard from that girl, she said she will fight us no matter what. All we need to do is keeping Konoka out of harm ways before dealing with the girl." "Did she say anything about who hired her?" "No, but I already knew who hired her. A person named Fate, and he's mine to deal with. You girls will avoid him until being noticed. Then try to run with Konoka." "Easier to say than do. And why do you think you can fight this Fate alone?" "He's around Eva's level. Could be more but I doubt it." "… That's not good." "Unless somehow we can bribe Eva to safeguard Konoka, then we're all fine."
… "Do you REALLY think it would work? Also, I thought she's sealed here?" "Then your update's a bit slow. Anyway, that's all I want to say. Oh and, prepare your mind. I will make you confess your feelings to Konoka in this trip. Bye." Kuro then stood up and walked away, leaving a confused Setsuna behind. Then, when he's out and the door was closed… "WHY DID YOU SAY THAT SENSEI!"
Returning back to the supervisor's room
"Dada, someone attacked you?" "Someone from Setsuna's place. But it's nothing serious, just the person being in a bloodlust." "You're speaking about it way to casually." "It's a small deal to me. But if that person was targeting any of you, then that's a different story."
"Then Setsuna is our enemy?" "No. I said they're from a same place, but they're enemies. Setsuna is here to protect Konoka, while the other wanted to take her away. That's also the reason why Kansai Magic Association didn't want us to come, because it could risk her safety." "So that's why the Headmaster wanted me to give the letter to the leader." "And ask me to prepare more protections for Konoka." "What can we do now? Do you have any friends to call for this?" "I would rather them staying out of this. But I will consider that option."
Night, time stopped
"Yukari." "It's rare for you to call me directly." "I want to ask you something: How did Eva manage to remember Touta?" "You said it out loud." "Yes, I did. However, there's a problem: IF I'm going to change the future, then how will Touta exist? If he would just be born naturally, then why did he have to return to the past if he didn't have to deal with the Lifemaker?" "Who said you will manage to do so?" "Both you and I know I WILL change the future." "How about Flash?" "Flash?" "I think you could check it yourself. The Creator suggested about it." "Hm… *Checking the episode* The Flashpoint Paradox… So Eva now has two memories, but they're mixed together too well that she doesn't notice the differences… I think it's good enough." "Do you need something else?" "Actually no. This is actually easier than I thought. Thanks for the info." "Anytime. Also, the Hakkero…" "*Tsk!* You had to hide it in there and force it in my hand, didn't you?" "Well, you accepted it, so no escaping. Bye bye."
Jaune: "She put something into that thing?" "*Point to the new ring* That." "Oh."
Ren: "A forced marriage to a person you don't know." "More like an agreement. We did need a year later to know each other before the marriage."
Time resumed, Kuro's POV
*Sigh* I look at the screen again, when The Flash talked to Batman about what he has gone through. I hope things are not going to go like that. T.O, can you help me? That's our job, remember? But I won't interfere, since it might get messy down there. It's better for you not coming now, Kurome. Do I need something more to deal with this? Calling the girls from our world is not a smart move. I know. Haizz…
"You are still awake, Granddad?" "I am, Yami. A little thinking about the future." "Shouldn't we tell them, so that they can help us?" "… Do you think they would accept the fact I destroyed their world?" "The others have forgiven you, so I'm sure they would." "*Sigh* Sooner or later…I'm going to sleep now. You should, too." "Okay. Goodnight, Granddad."
Saturday, just after waking up
Why didn't I think of that sooner? *Phone pulled out* *Buttons pressed* *Tut…Tut* *Click* "Hello?" "Hey, Viola, having free time?" "Yes. What do you need?" "I found the rest." "… REALLY?" "Yes. However, I'm not confident to tell them myself, so I need you to tell the story with me. Can you?" "Of course! When can I get there?" "About three more hours. Everyone's still not awake yet." "Okay!"
Hours later
"Uhm, sensei? Why did you call us here for?" Negi, Asuna, Setsuna and the twin, along with Shizuna-sensei, are sitting around to kotatsu, as I sit next to them and wait for the person to come. And the question's asked by the twin. "We're waiting for the last person to come." Clem is watching a kid's show, not really paying attention to us. Shizuna asks me: "Who did you call?" I just raise my left hand and close it, as the Share rings shine up. Then, a portal appears behind me, as the others stand up in surprise. Fuka shouts: "A portal? Kuro-sensei, you can use magic?" I nod, and say: "Fuka, Fumika, from this point now on, whenever we're not in class, don't call me Sensei." Then I turn my head a ninety to the left and take a glance at the portal. "You can come out now."
"The transporting stuff isn't fitted to anyone, Kuro." The person walks into the room, with a robe covering her whole body. But a tint of her long purple hair's out of the hoodie. I just chuckle. "Sorry, but that's for not raising suspicious to the others."
Fumika is a bit intimidated by the figure, as she hides behind Asuna. "Kuro-sensei, who's this? She looks scary…"
The person blinks, then removes the hood to reveal a face of a young girl, with warm violet eyes and long purple hair. Although her facial has changed a bit…
Shizuna exclaims: "Nepgear? Is that you?" The girl tilts her head: "Kuro told you about me?" "You two know each other. Come, take a seat."
As Nepgear sits next to me, I see how the others react: Negi, Asuna and Setsuna are only awed at the portal as it closes; Clem has left the TV and starts snuggling on the Candidate as the later hugs the little girl tightly; and the rest are shocked at the CPU's appearance…
"You three can drop the surprised faces now. Yes, that's your friend, Nepgear." The girl in question asks me: "What do you mean by that?"
Negi connects the dots, as he asks his students: "Fuka, Fumika, you're the same as Shizuna-sensei, aren't you?"
Silence occurs in the room, as I decide to prepare the call to Willow Schnee. Fuka and Fumika try to find a way out, as they look at Shizuna, with their eyes pleading for her help. 'So they did talk with each other.' I speak up: "There's no reasons to hide anymore you two. I have discussed with Shizuna about this. Also, I think you will feel better when you talk to this person." I press the call button…
"Can't you call me at any better times?" A groggily woman looks at the screen as she's a little pissed at the rude wake-up call. I then point to the twin. "How about talking to your little twin sisters to start the day?"
And that's an instant adrenaline as Willow shouts into the camera: "YOU FOUND MY SISTERS?" I point my thumbs to the twin, as she notices them. "… You two…" Then she transforms into Blanc, the CPU of Lowee. "I think this form will be better to talk to."
"BLANC?" The twin stands up and gets closer to the screen, as Fuka asks: "Is that really you? I thought you were…" "Big Sis…" Fumika sheds a tear out of her eye's corner now, with Shizuna now starts wiping the tears out of their faces. Blanc nods, as she's tearing a bit too. "It's good to see you all again. But I think Kuro would turn you back before we continue our conversation."
"Turn us back?" The twin turns to me, as I raise my left hand and the rings shine again, this time the light engulfs them both and Shizuna, forcing the others to cover their eyes. When the light dies down, the rest looks to see that the trio has returned back to their old selves.
"ROM, WE ARE BACK TO OURSELVES!" "Yes, we are…" And their personalities are still there, good.
Asuna and Setsuna's mouths are hanging out, as Negi just smiles about the reunion. Then, the two Candidates start hugging Nepgear out of happiness as well. "It's good to see you again! You have kept your promises!" "You are the best, miss Nepgear!"
Nepgear's face drops down. And Rom catches that up: "What's wrong, miss Nepgear?" "It's… complicated. Let's sit down and we will talk about this."
When the twin and Mina return to their seats, Setsuna asks me: "Why did you call us here? I thought it's private to…" "I will tell the whole class about this eventually in the future. But now, I tell you this, because we will go to Kansai, and I need you to trust me enough to help you." "So that's the reason."
Mina then starts the explanation: "I think we should explain to Negi, Asuna and Setsuna about the place we were from, Kuro." I nod and press a button on the tablet, and the hologram of Gamindustri appears. "This is Gamindustri, where the four Goddesses reside in four nations. The Goddesses are: Purple Heart leading Planeptune, Black Heart leading Lastation, White Heart leading Lowee, and Green Heart leading Leanbox." For each person I flash their images on. "Their roles are to protect people from any dangers, and give people what they need through technology productions. Though, they had another hidden objective, it was to fight each other to gain the title of the True Goddess. But after a few events, they decided to stop the fight and focus on what they're really for."
Mina blinks at my explanation. "I don't remember the Goddesses were at war." "That's because that half was from the new Gamindustri."
Asuna interrupts: "Okay, I'm too confused now. Shizuna-sensei said the event wasn't occurred, and you said it's from another Gamindustri? Can you make it straight?"
I look at Nepgear, who nodded solemnly. Then I explain: "You remember about me saying that I'm from Vietnam, right? That's the truth, but not enough. I'm from Vietnam from another Earth. There are multiple versions of a planet and universe, running parallel against each other. I think you can understand…" And I can see smoke coming out of her ears. *Sigh* Forgot that she's a Baka Ranger.
Setsuna: "Can you give us the situation of one world at a time? This is really confusing when you speak about many at the same time."
I nod. "Sorry. Anyway, Rom and Ram's world had an evil force, Deity of Sins. Her plan was to eliminate every Goddess and turn itself into the sole ruler of the world. The Goddesses worked together to fight the woman…"
"And you won, right Nepgear? That's why you are here to tell us that!" Rom and Ram jump in place, excited that their deaths weren't in vain.
The girl's face darkens and she doesn't say anything. Rom notices that: "Miss Nepgear?"
"I failed you all. Our Gamindustri is gone, nowhere to be found again."
That instantly drops the room into a deep silence… Only for Blanc to break it: "This is the hard truth, you two. But you must know."
Shizuna's body shakes a bit. "So after that day, everything went south…"
Ram shouts: "Impossible! I thought the sword…" "You mean this one?" I make Gehaburn appear, making the girls stumble back in fear. "Unfortunately, you girls didn't find out a crucial fact: Deity of Sins can't be killed."
Negi decides to ask: "How powerful was this Deity of Sins?" "Around your father's level of power, and more in her intelligence."
Shizuna then continues the story: "After the others were gone, Nepgear herself defeated Dos and sealed it inside the blade. Then, she gone hidden, thinking that without her, the world would be better. However, a year later, she was possessed by Dos, and started controlling the monsters attacking the whole Gamindustri. It's only a matter of time before everything's killed."
Before the twin sends the hatred out, I intervene: "Don't blame Nepgear or anyone in this. You have no idea that Dos can't be killed. Anyway, the world's about to collapse, if I didn't come to help."
Asuna: "So that's the time-travel part you told us before?" "No. My Earth hasn't reached that level of technology, even though it's possible."
Shizuna: "With his power, he managed to save us and rebuild Gamindustri, and maintain the state till over a decade later when Dos released every monster and killed everyone."
"At least that's what I assumed at that point. Turned out some of them got teleported away by an outside force. And the ones who were killed that day were reincarnated, like you four."
Blanc then says: "Haven't you revealed yourself yet?" "Not to the twin." "What…" Hybrid Heart changed. "I'm like you three now, a CPU. However, it's more in the title and not in who I am. Though people would call me one to easily address me."
Rom: "But how?" "Just messing with your Share, sorry about that. Continue what we have left: Even though I managed to send Dos to another world, but… it costed Nepgear's life as well." Silence. "The only survivors that time were me, my kids and Histoire. We then destroyed the world so the Darkness couldn't spread, and we teleported ourselves to another random universe. And we ended up in the one where everything started. And this time we fixed it good, along with a few friends who were teleported to there. And things go better from then."
Everyone's staring at me, trying to comprehend what I just said. Then Ram asks: "Then where did you end up to, Blanc?" "A world called Remnant, along with another CPUs. And you two might be aunties now if the relationships are counted like that."
"Huh?" The two now have O-eyes in confusion. I just interrupt: "In the future. Anyway, we stop here now. In short, Fuka and Fumika were from Gamindustri, and they're the reincarnations of Ram and Rom, along with Mina, who's Shizuna now, being their Oracle."
Setsuna crosses her arms annoyance: "So what's the next thing you want to talk about?" "How about the wings you're hiding?" And she sits straight up in surprise: "How did you know?" Shizuna sent a glare to me, with the meaning of 'this is another world you know', then she says: "Kuro knows a lot, so it's hard to hide from him."
"Though, don't need to show it here, just tell us who you are." Setsuna hangs her head down, a little shame: "I'm a Hanyou, and…" She takes out her eye contacts to reveal pink eyes instead of the normal brown they have seen before. "I suffer from albinism, and my wings are white instead of black. I was exiled from my tribe, but Konoka's father has brought me to their place, and I owe him a lot. From that point, I decided to dedicate myself to protect Konoka with all I have, but…"
"Stop." I interrupt her, since I can guess what her next words are. "That past, you can keep to yourself. Also, don't feel guilty for that. Now you've trained a lot, so put those trainings in work as you need to protect the princess out of harm ways. And we will offer helps with all we have."
Setsuna tries to argue: "But…" "That's what the Headmaster wanted us to do." She turns to the young teacher. "As a teacher, we will do what we can to protect our students. Also, she's a good friend of ours. You can have our words for it." Asuna agrees: "You're Konoka's friend for a long time already, so you are ours as well. If we don't trust in each other, then who would?" "…Thanks, all of you."
"But that doesn't mean you will get out of this without a few scratches." All of them turn to look at me. "I'm sorry, but you know 'no pain, no gain'. I'm attempting to change the future, but one wrong move could cause lots of troubles. If you don't get harmed, then the future could be turned dark."
Negi asks in disbelief: "You want us to…" "Note here: I have to do so because it's related to the future. If there's a chance for a damage that's not threatening, then I will intervene."
Shizuna deadpans: "What if we're in danger that might kill us?" "I said threatening, meaning about changing the future. I'm not planning to let any of you die." I leave them a second to understand it. "Anyway, Ram, Rom, this time I don't want you two to be a part of this. But, I want you to distract the others as best as possible, since we're not going to return to the resort for at least a day or so. Mina, try to deal with Nitta for me."
"What about me, Kuro?" I just chuckle at Nepgear's question. "Actually I called you here just to enjoy the weekend, and reveal the truth. There's nothing else, that goes for you too Blanc." "Is that so? Well then, I will end the call now. And take care of yourself, Ram, Rom, Mina." The mistress of Schnee gives out her smile before the screen turns off. "Okay, about the plans, I will tell it during the trip. For now, enjoy the weekend. And if you need something, don't hesitate to ask. Because… the future is taking its first steps of changing by our wills."
"Well, I think that's enough for the night. You guys should rest now."
Ozpin: "I have arranged guest rooms for you all, so you can rest there." "Thanks very much."
Ruby: "So when will we listen to your story again?" "Maybe once in a few nights." "YES!"
Yang: "That much?" "Twenty years is a long time. Goodnight you all." "GOODNIGHT!"