Disclaimer: I've never owned nuffin.

A/N Wow... So long time no see, (sorry about that) I had almost given up on this story for a couple of reasons one of which is the manga kept robbing my ideas or having better ones. (That Lighting form shit as bonkers, made my meteor thing seem like BS but, it was the same principle, even if i did it first theirs was WAY better) Then my old computer crashed and I lost my nearly completed chapter and that sucked. Then when I did try to start re-writing it I was plagued with technical problems that come with having a compact laptop, like the control button being too close and when you hit control and backspace on a the browser I use is like hitting the last page button. So I lost no lie about 30,000 words rewriting the same conversation over and over again. Battery problems on top of that, because then I get into it I'm not looking at the battery life. So that is the end of the whining/excuse section.

Any of you who like this story have one person (other than me) to thank for the fact that it will continue. Chaos Productions formerly Slipknot, wrote me a message filled with the kind of positive feedback the movie commercials dream of. It's hard to let down someone who talks as highly of my story as that. He threatens the Punisher on people who won't read my story. That's some sincere shit, one comic head to another. So, I must thank him and you should too, at least if you like this.

I wrote and rewrote this a hundred times and by the time it got down it was just okay, but I wanted to start something new so I could get back into it. This is mostly a set up chapter, you'll see what I mean, Hope you enjoy.

BlaZe

Chapter 12

Scouting Reports

"Well I don't understand this guy at all." A young man's voice pierced the silence of the fog. He was squatting and peering over a cliff at the very top of a mountain. He stood up shaking his head turning to his companion. He was about 17, fairly tall for his age about six foot and built like an aristocrat. Like he'd never seen a hard days work in his life, slender and smooth. He wore clothes that were simple in their design but extravagantly made of the finest material. Just a dark button down shirt and black slacks.. He wore some kind of pendant but t was concealed under his shirt.

"What makes you say that?", said the second. He appeared extremely uninterested at what his cohort was staring at so intently. Instead he rested leaning on a rock with his arms behind his head and his eyes closed. Not even opening them to answer.

The voice now took on a tone of complete and genuine confusion. "He's surrounded by women who should be in some kind of naughty calendar somewhere, yet right now the person who he feels the strongest for is the one other man in the group. Well, I use the term "man" loosely.", he was back staring over the edge again.

"Maybe that's just the way he swings." He yawned and opened one eye briefly. "But shouldn't you already know the answer to that question anyway?"

"That's the problem, I know the answer and it still doesn't make any sense." Now a slight hint of annoyance crept into the tone. "I mean have you seen these women? No way. No man overrides that kind of beauty. A couple of these girls might even be worth going to war over, you know 'Helen of Troy' style." The out spoken one shook his head again.

Standing up his companion stretched letting out a long yawn. Now that he was upright his height was towering He stood at nearly 7 feet tall and unlike his partner there was no air of superiority about him. He might be well polished now; his hair and clothes immaculately kept. But it would be obvious to anyone looking that this man had seen hardship. First they'd probably notice the scar running clean across his face as if someone had tried to cut his head in half right under hs eyes. The second were his hands, rough and strong, not to mention, when closed more like clubs than fists. His clothes were also well made but even simpler his clothes were a deep green and without so much as a pocket.

After he finished stretching the taller one asked. "So does this mean he's the one?"

Going back to look off the mountain the other responded with a frown. "I think it does... Damn, I really wanted it to be one of those girls. Really just about anyone of them would of done. Imagine how much fun it could of been." His grin was like a predators.

"You're a sick boy do you know that? But this does change things. It will be much harder for one of us to catch the boy off guard. The original infiltration plan won't work. We need to tell the Master. See if he can think of a way to salvage this without making it a smash and grab." He walked to the far edge of the of their little plateau and gave one last look back towards their quarry. "For such a pussy ability, that sight of yours really comes in handy." He laughed just before jumping straight off the side of the mountain.

He'd heard too many cracks about his abilities lack of firepower to let that bother him. Instead what plagued him was the fact that despite all the abilities held within his eyes he still didn't have X-ray vision. He could see into peoples souls but couldn't tell what these girls were wearing under their clothes... Pity he thought to himself as he followed his companion.

Back inside it took several minutes of everyone talking at one before everyone calmed down the only one who hadn't said a word the whole time was Zazie herself. All questions directed at her had been quickly answered by her attendant. As it turned out, she'd been princess all along.

"She only went to the mundane world because her father insisted she had to see what life was all about." He shook his head in disagreement, "Personally I don't see the point I no better than anyone how trivial life is. What's important is the balance."

Zaze just stamped her foot at her attendants words and he quickly recanted, "However I'm sure his majesty knew what he was talking about, after all we sent away a child and received back a woman." He flashed an obviously exaggerated smile at his princess.

"So why didn't you tell us you were from the magic world Zazie? You would've been one of the group." Ku asked a question that Negi already knew the answer to.

"Because Necromancy is considered a forbidden magic. And if she knew about all the magical authorities that were always in and out of Mahora and almost always involved with us somehow, she know better than to risk letting out the secret, am I right?"

Zazie just smiled brilliantly and nodded, Negi continued, "And if I remember correctly this explains why you were always so quiet..."

The attendant cut him off, "You must be very well studied to know something like that." His look became appraising, as if sizing Negi up. "It's true, she has 'The Voice'." When most of the group looked at him puzzled he explained. "Her voice can be heard and felt by beings on both sides of the gates. Her voice not only holds great power but it doesn't sound even close to natural. If anyone who knew enough heard her voice there would be no hiding who she was."

"But I've heard Zazie speak before and her voice didn't seem any different." Kaede who seemed to know everything up until now, broke into the conversation.

Suddenly the chamber seemed to vibrate with a sound until the listeners realized the vibrations were in their heads and in it echo in a sinister yet distant voice what their ears registered in a sweet, soft voice that came from just a few feet away. Zazie said, "That's because I never actually spoke to you I made sound come out of my mouth using magic. I hope you can forgive the deception. I would have trusted each of you but that trust was not mine to give. Too much depended on my secret remaining that way."

Unlike when she was revealed as the princess this surprise was took in absolute silence. Dumbfounded faces stared as her and only one expression varied at all. Kotaro's face looked more entranced then shocked. There was something almost tangible in his gaze. In a barely audible gasp "perfection". He was glad it went unnoticed and Negi spoke first.

"Amazing, so that's the voice of the Keeper of the Gates" No matter how far Negi came at heart he was still a little bookworm geek and knowledge excited him, "I can't believe you were in my class that whole time and I only found this out now. I'm impressed at your ability to suppress your powers to avoid detection."

Once again the attendant stepped in to speak, "Well actually, we bound most of her powers before she left and back then she wasn't the keeper yet. Her father the King was responsible for the gates.

"Well that explains it. You must be pretty important to be trusted with such a task. Sealing her powers couldn't have been a choice made lightly and you were the one to perform the ritual. You know, it occurs to me that you never actually told me you name..." Negi's curiosity had been growing about the attendant since he started talking for the princess, that last statement had peaked it.

"No I didn't" the man said flatly as his cold eyes narrowed on Negi. He obviously didn't appreciate Negi's inquisitive nature, and certainly had no intention of saying anything until a soft almost growl came from behind him. His hard stare cracked into a look of annoyed obedience and he turned around looking up at Zazie. "But your..."

The two words was all he said as Zazie's glare shut down any hope of appeal. Negi noticed Zazie seemed much more lively now that she wasn't hiding everything about herself. He smiled to himself both at her utter refusal of her subordinate, and at the irony of a girl who is more alive around death.

The girls and Kotaro were all listening to the conversation, each in there own way absorbing the information. Kaede was as curious about the man as Negi was, but unlike Negi she'd know about Zazie, not that even Zazie knew it of coarse. What's the good of being a trained ninja if you don't sneak around finding out secrets every once in a while. So this is Zazie's home huh? It's too bad her father is dead, he seamed very nice. At least to his daughter. I would've have liked to actually talk to the man though. This man however... I can feel Zazie's distrust of him and I can't say that I blame her. I've only just meet the man yet I feel like he is something that must be destroyed, not even human.

Ku Fei was still working out the implications of being Zazie being a princess. So I wonder why she didn't wear nicer clothes back in school? And if she their princess why doesn't she tell them to fix up this place? Hey... this place might not look all that good, but all royalty have one thing in common at least She felt herself getting excited and fought the urge to burst out. This means she must have... the best food in this whole country. Who cares how this place looks f we can get some really good grub outta this. Wow I have to make sure to mention how hungry we are to Zazie.

Kotaro on the other hand could barely think straight at all his eyes hadn't left Zazie once and for the first time since he'd been free Kotaro had hs guard completely down. You could have hit him in the head with a rock and he still wouldn't have noticed you. So beautiful... Those eyes... that skin... her smell...(Even more powerful of a turn on for him)... and that voice... what was that? It was like she was talking to him with two separate voices. One more seductive than the other, but both hypnotizing. I want to know why that voice in my head sounded so close...

After he realized he had no hope of keeping his silence the man turned to the group and spoke looking at Negi. "Fine boy, if you must know, My name is Faust. And before you ask, since you are so well read, I will imply your next question and answer, yes. I am the Faust, or Faustus as I was once called." Never had Negi seen a name with so much distaste for his own name.

Negi took the news that he was talking to the basis of myths across the world pretty well, "So you made a deal with the devil?" His eyes were now appraising Faust the same way he himself had earlier been judged. "So, how'd that go?" Negi was forced to repress a smart ass smile. If this man is who he says he is...

"Not as well as I had hoped..." The man said without betraying a hint of emotion. "...I didn't see the irony of my agreement."

Kaede didn't know much about history and mythology but she knew enough to know people who made deals with the devil weren't to be trusted. She looked over at Negi and after a second he felt her stare and returned a glance. In a split second look she and Negi told each other volumes. From now on they'll be watching this guy so hard they'll know how many breaths he's taken.

"Oh really? In the legends they say that you were saved by the angels after you got you happiness. Well, at least that's what some of them say, there are others that say you burned in hell. None said you were still living though." Negi's statement implied it's own question.

"Stories are told to have endings filled with neat morals and consequences for people who do bad and rewards for those who do good. How often do you find that real life mimics this symmetry?" Now he betrayed a smug glare.

Negi conceded, "So what's the real story?"

Faust hesitated, he looked back at Zazie one more time. She firmly nodded and he told the story. "First off, it wasn't the devil. As far as I know there is no, The Devil. One of the few things the legend did get right was his real name, Mephistopheles. He was a sorcerer, not a mage or wizard and yes there's a difference. Sorcerers were people born of the magic tree directly one of the first great mistakes of ancient magic. They thought their powers were rivaling that of the gods so they tried to make people in their own image. They wanted them to be natural conduits of magic though so that they could serve their new masters well. And they succeeded marvelously."

"But I though you said this was a mistake?" Ku Fei was puzzled she couldn't see where this was going.

"They did their work too well. Their creations were powerful beyond words, and they could think for themselves. You see, unlike mages/wizards who have a container of magical energy and no matter how deep and vast it is, it's still finite. Also human bodies are not made to conduct vast amounts of magical energy. Hence the reason for staffs and other magical conduits. While the Sorcerers draw there magical from the world itself as they are always connected to the world tree. Also they were designed specifically to channel magic so there bodies can produce magical charges that no mage could ever dream of. On top of everything else they were immortal"

Negi seemed to be listening even more intently then before if that were possible. Faust noticed but said nothing as he continued. "It wasn't long before this incredible beings began wondering why is was that they were serving inferior masters. So they rebelled..." He snorted a laugh. "More like, said they were leaving and made anyone who tried to stop them disappear. They tried to make a settlement for themselves but one thing became very clear very quickly. Beings with so much power couldn't live in close proximity without conflicts arising and with their level of power, a conflict meant new maps had to be drawn."

"I can only imagine, if these people were as strong as you say... I mean I can do some serious damage in a fight.. so.." Negi was trying to come to grips with this new information.

"Most of the ancient stories of mass destruction were not mythical Gods or floods or any of that. It's what happens when sorcerers fight. The Great Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, The Dark ages, all thanks to squabbles between these beings. Also they are the basis of most modern religions, Jesus was a Sorcerer. So was Merlin, but by the time he was being called that he'd lost most of his power and calmed down a bit. "

Kaede unlike Negi didn't find the history lesson all that interesting, "So what does this have to do with your story?"

Looking slightly annoyed at the interruption he continued. "As I said most theology is based on these people, including the story of the Devil or as I knew him, Mephistopheles. The stories came about because he was an especially powerful sorcerer and he had a very twisted sense of humor. He loved to tempt mortals by offering the thing they wanted most at a cost. Always some consequence that, while never directly malicious would always end in either great torment or death of the deal maker."

"I can see why superstition and legend would surround such a man." Negi said thoughtfully.

"It didn't help that almost all the things he delivered would be impossible without magic. Sudden crop growths, love ones brought back to life, ailments healed, and of coarse the gift of immortality that I received." Again he stopped for a moment this time with a distant any bitterly amused smile. "I thought I was so clever, I wanted to learn about everything and to experience every happiness."

Sounds like a pretty good idea to me. A bit selfish, but certainly not bad things to wish for. Negi could see the appeal. "So what went wrong?"

"When he sad my life would end only when I obtained true happiness and total understanding. Believe it or not the key word in that sentence is 'and'. Ignorance truly is bliss, knowledge and happiness are mutually exclusive. You cannot have them both." His face returned to it's previous dead stare. "Of coarse he knew this when he made the deal. He was also keenly aware that immortality wasn't really a gift at all. Almost a hundred years later I saw him, after my family and friends were all long dead, and he told me he did it just so he could see how long I could last before going insane. I defiantly told him that I had no intention of losing my mind as long as there was still pleasures to be had and knowledge to be learned. I'd didn't realize how naive I was, but again he did."

"After laughing he just said, 'Then Faustus, you will be my eternal entertainment.' He disappeared and I never saw him again. I later heard he'd died in a battle with another sorcerer but I can never be sure. His magic remains, I could never manage to undo it."

Negi went to say something since the flashback was obviously over, but before he could voice even a single question Faust switched gears. "Now I believe when we were outside you asked if we could provide you with information about the area. Since the princess trusts you enough to make me tell you my story, I'm sure she wouldn't mind me telling you everything you want to know. So tell me what information do you seek?"

Since this was in fact the reason why they were all here, Negi didn't wallow on his curiosity. "Well, like I said outside, anything you can tell us. Who lives out here? What kind, if any threat might they pose? If you have any kind of map of the area that would be really helpful."

Faust almost laughed at the idea of a map. "As you can imagine the fog makes it very hard to get ones bearings, or any sense of distance, but we do have a rough map of the area that we could give you. Though I warn you that distances will not be to scale. Think of it as more of a guideline then an accurate portrayal. As far as people, that's also a bit hard to tell. There are a few halfling tribes, mostly the ones that aren't generally excepted. The dragon hanyo clan being the most dangerous of them. Though if you really are the 'White Wing' I doubt that they would be a serious threat to you. But they are powerful and extremely hard to kill so I figured they were worth mentioning."

The group shared a look of acknowledgment and concern, all except Kotaro that is a wide smile broke out on his face, "Always good to see family." Just the tone of his voice could make you wonder if there were any malicious meanings for the phrase 'good to see'.

Faust looked down his nose at the grinning Kotaro, "I'm sure. They are aggressive, proud, and above all stubborn." Suddenly everyone was looking at Kotaro for some reason, Faust continued. " Their leader changes constantly. It's a society rules by force, so whoever is the strongest is the leader. And since the only rules for challenging the leader are; One, you must announce your challenge, so no sneak attacks. Two, the leader must be fit to fight. Three, once a challenge is made their is no backing out, battles are to the death. So if you are stronger then the leader you should have no problems."

Negi and Kotaro looked at each other, and knew they were having the same thought. Faust continued

"There is also a rather large camp of outlaws; thieves and mercenaries mostly. Truly the dregs of society if you ask me, but they are great in number and by their very nature mysterious. It's a place you go if you don't want to be found. People come and go from there all the time so their overall strength isn't something that can be accurately judged. One never does know who you'll find in such a place."

Before he could help himself Negi perked up at the idea. A place you go if you don't want to be found...

His thought was cut short by a small nudge from Kaede who had closed the distance between them instinctively. She knew instantly what Negi would think and they needed his mind here, not thinking about his father. Faust continued, apparently obvious.

"There leader however, unlike the Dragon Hanyo's, has been an invariable constant. His name's Chaos, but most of the camp just calls him Boss, even though very few actually work for him. The people there have no definitive allegiance to him or each other. They fight amongst themselves quite often, Chaos is the one who always settles the dispute.

Negi smile, "How ironic, Chaos brings order. I guess he doesn't live up to his name." Kaede shook her head at him, but Kotaro had an amused smirk.

Faust didn't even flinch but continued, "Perhaps, he usually settles the disputes by killing all involved. Or at very least, if it's clear who is the guilty party is he'll just kill them." That shifted the mood of the group, he wasn't so funny now. "He is a formidable man, in every sense of the word, calculating, decisive and brutal. Not someone to be trifled with."

"Does he have any loyal followers?" This didn't exactly sound like their man, but it was the best lead they had so far. So Negi added, "Strong ones?"

Faust looked at Negi quizzically and answered in a wary tone, "As a matter of fact yes, he's got a decent number of people who consider themselves his gang, and a small number of people who he considers his men. And they are certainly skilled."

The group shared a few looks, except for Negi who seemed to be arranging things in his mind. After a minute he spoke, "Okay, anyone else out there?"

Faust too seemed to be arranging things in his mind. His eyes locked on Negi. "Like I said there are other hanyo's, all types of viscous creatures live out in the fog..."

Ku Fei jumped in, "Oh don't worry about them, we've beat up pretty much every kinda magical creature there is." She smiled cracked her knuckles.

Faust, spoke almost flatteringly but there was something under his false smile. "I don't doubt it, why even out here in the fog we've heard some of your stories, I must say I am disappointed that Asuna Kagurazaka did not accompany you here, I would've greatly liked to meet her." the stress he bput on her name was slight but didn't go unnoticed.

Negi didn't like it at all, suspiciously he asked, "Oh? And why is that exactly?"

"A rare gift she has, I have lived for thousands of years met millions of people yet I know of less then ten people with such an ability. In a life of endless repetition, I find oddity fascinating." Faust didn't betray himself this time.

Negi didn't buy that answer for a second but decided to let it go for now. "So, before we got sidetracked you were saying?"

Faust thought for a second, "Ah yes, why I believe you are capable of handling yourself I must warn you these are not your average magical creatures, they are the remnants of the ancient beast that once ruled this world. Some of them have powers akin to magic and others are completely impervious to it, nearly invulnerable."

The group was fairly unanimous in it's unspoken disbelief. Kotaro actually laughed, "Maybe where you come from, but we've hear that a thousand times. Invincible just means they haven't met us yet." Negi's head dropped and shook but if you'd looked you would've seen him laughing, it was good to have Kotaro back.

Faust only gave a mocking smile, "Laugh now, but heed my words, if ever you come to the base of a mountain or ruin, that isn't on the map we gave you. Don't go anywhere near it. In fact, get as far away from it as you can, as fast as you can."

Kotaro rolled his eyes, "Why? Are you going to tell my it's some gaint turtle?"

"No, not a turtle, a dragon. One whose scales reflect all magical energy like a mirror. Not to mention his mountainous size, building sized legs, enormous tail and similarly colossal mouth with which to breath fire the likes of which you have never seen in your worst nightmares of hell." By the time he finished he was almost shouting his trademark composure almost completely lost.

Kotaro's eyes were wide and he was leaning back slightly, he put his hands up, "Relax I get it, really scary dragon."

Faust went stoic again, "We've lost thousands to it over the years, those unfortunate enough to try or have to face it, all dead. Fleeing is your only option."

"Thanks for the heads up, I'll make sure we keep our eyes open", Negi needed to keep Faust talking. "So that's everyone one?"

It took Faust a moment to collect his thoughts, "As far as what you are looking for I think so, there are a few wanders out there, people who mine or gather things that can only be found here. But they are more survivalists and merchants than anything... and there is an man who live with his children up on the very north tip of the valley. But I don't think either is really of your concern."

Negi found it odd that a man would bring his family to live here, but in his travels he'd found odder things than that. So, "I think you're right, but your information will help us out a lot. Now we have somewhere to start and what and who to look out for." Now we just have to figure out why we're here, He added to himself. "But, I'm afraid that we must be going now. Since we know the dangers we must get back to our group and inform them and make arrangements." He bowed slightly, "Thank you again, you may have saved out lives." Negi was always a bit too polite.

Before Faust could respond Zazie spoke, Your welcome, I'm so glad we can help." her voice was softer then before, Negi realized she must be whispering, the celestial part of her voice was more like a soft hum in the brain that you didn't need verbalized to understand. "I've missed all of you very much." Her eyes scanned over them filled with warmth pausing at each of them.

When her eyes met Kotaro's his knees almost gave way. He didn't know why she was having this effect on him, but at the moment it didn't seem like an important question. Not nearly as important as when will I see her again.

Kaede looked back, wisdom beyond her year in her dark eyes as the golden eyes came upon her, "Zazie, thank you for your help, it's been good to see you again. Hopefully we will see each other again soon." They shared a smiled.

Ku Fei simply smiled and waved and they were lead back out through the entrance minutes later. They had been anxious to talk but Negi shook them off. It's better to plan in private, just in case.

So that's it for now, but as you can see I've set up a whole bunch of stuff to go down, not to mention all the steamy bits that will scatter in there. Which bring me to my current point. To appease the loyal fans I will also bring back the vote. Somone is getting themselves some Negi next chapter and you guys get to pick. vote for your favorite but NOT ONE I"VE DONE PLEASE. I will however bend to your patient whim if you deem a repete.

Til we meet again (hopefully on the review page)