Disclaimer:

Love Hina and Mahou Sensei Negima is the creative property of Ken Akamatsu, who created this wonderful anime/manga series. Shingetsugan Tsukihime and Fate/stay night is the creative property of TYPE-MOON. Anything not attributed to Akamatsu-san or TYPE-MOON belongs to their respective owners, such as references to Cowboy Bebop (the Swordfish II) that is a creation of Sunrise and Shinichiro Watanabe, BLEACH is a creation of Kubo Tite, and vice-versa. This story is written purely just for fun, guys; please for God's sake, don't sue me! I'm just a high school student with too much free time on his hands! On the other hand, any specific author created characters I created for this fic (despite how unoriginal they may be at times) are mine. So without further adieu, let's get on with the show!

The Surgeon General's Warning:

Read at your own risk. Multiple pairings inside folks, with KanaxKei and KanaxNegi, just to name a few! You never know what you're going to get so read on (I might even do some alternative stuff, if you know what I mean).

Blue Blue Glass Moon, Under the Crimson Air

I Wanna Go To A Place...

Chapter 03:

To Mahora Academy

A Love Magister Hina Negima! fanfic by James "Ray" Edwards

The train bound for Mahora Station came shortly thereafter, roaring humbly to a stop at Shinjuku Station where it admitted two Urashima siblings without regard and took off. Of course, the dispersing white fog of cold that permeated throughout the station was something of an odd sight, but the conductor largely shrug it off as a trick of the early hours of dawn. Other eyes, however, were not so naive, and they were very much interested in what had happened, missing the departing siblings by minutes.

A strange foreign bird glided gracefully through the air, red and golden feathers gleaming like crystals from the moisture in the air. Turning towards the tracks, it gave a flap of its powerful wings and made a beeline towards a tall figure clad in red and white, giving a loud cry in greeting. She wore a wide-brimmed bamboo hat, with a secure leather strap to hold it in place, that hid her features from inquiring eyes, as long raven tresses spilled down her back past her waist. Her white gi and red hakama was a perfect match for the katana she held at her side, radiating elegance and power in tune with her very being, though it was disguised as a common wooden cane. After all, it would simply not be prudent to walk in public so flagrantly armed.

"Ara, Suzaku-han? What are you doing here?" the woman greeted cheerfully, offering her forearm to the descending bird. The receding sleeve of her white gi revealed a leather forearm guard perfect for a falcon handler and a handy perch that the strange creature certainly appreciated by the warbling cries it gave to her. "I thought I had sent you home, a phoenix such as yourself should not be out wondering alone in this day and age."

The golden-beaked phoenix reared up proudly, puffing out his great chest feathers as he folded his enchanting wings in. He was as big as a bald eagle, if not more, and he was afraid to push his weight around either. Suzaku's crystal blue eyes bespoke of wisdom and intelligence that few words could describe, alight with a faint blue flame that could never truly die.

"Phiyah!"

"Oh, really? I had no idea you had gotten home so fast."

"Phii?"

"Oh, me? Well, nothing special; something just happened to catch my eye, that is all."

"Phiiiiiiiyah! Phiyah!"

"Oh, Suzaku-han, you do me too great an honor to come out all this way, just for a 'bird-brained girl' like myself."

He promptly gave her an irritated lash at the woman's backside from his three extended pinions, earning a childish yelp from her as she teetered forward from the blow.

"Mou, Suzaku-han, do not be so rough! It is not easy being a perch for you. My poor, poor arm must be going dead from the strength of your talons. Somebody would think I was your mate by the-"

"Phiyah!" The flutter of wings announced his sudden flight to the air. This human was always much too irritating for his tastes, even so, he was certain she could take care of herself well enough without getting into too much trouble while not on his watch. Surely, the clan elders could not have picked a better representative for the monumental task at hand, especially considering the loyalty she has shown in the past.

"Ara-ara, running away again, are we? But that is all right, I promise to take good care of myself, Suzaku-han!" she cried back gaily as the phoenix disappeared out of sight, leaving her alone once more.

This was a private investigation, and it was better that he was not around in the first place. Suzaku and the Elders thought alike and acted alike in more ways than one. He was the perfect set of eyes and ears, loyal to a fault. If he had divined just what she was doing here, he would have called for a termination squad at once. Oh yes, he would too, but then that would be a terrible waste because she had not encountered chakra like this for a very long time indeed. The kind of chakra that should not exist in the heart of Tokyo.

Bending down, the mysterious swordswoman procured the frozen frame from the pile of frost at her feet. She marveled at the shattered lenses frozen by a powerful weave of chakra that had yet to even dispel. "Most interesting to find a warrior --- no --- warriors of such power, but I sincerely doubt that the Kensai Association would appreciate the novelty of such power. Heaven forbid should the Magic Associations notice them. I wonder where they are, the two children who did this?"

Her veiled gaze traveled to the tracks bathed by the brightening light of morning.

"Hmmm, perhaps, I should pay a visit to dear Motoko-han today too, since it is on the same way. Fufufu, now won't that be a hearty surprise? Her first day at Mahora Academy... Ho, I can hardly wait!"

When Keitaro Urashima came to, the world was a surreal swirl of colors, slightly out of focus, and happily bouncing along on a bizarre landscape made of sharp right angles and lines. His first instinct was to open his mouth to express his utter stupefaction, but on second thought, he decided to hold his tongue for a few more minutes, allowing his senses to sort them selves out. He was in an air-conditioned train carriage, the orange-yellow cityscape of Tokyo racing by at a comfortable pace through the windows. The red-orange orb in the distant horizon was fast rising up, an hour or so and it would be daylight.

This must be the train bound for Mahora Station, but how did...? thought the young man contemplatively as he reached up to message the bridge of his nose. To his surprise, Keitaro finally noticed that his field of view had changed from the regular rectangular vision from his normal glasses to a more a circular tunnel view, like he was looking down a pair of binoculars. Somebody had changed his glasses!

Glasses; that's right, his glasses had broken when he had tried to stop...

"Onii...chan..." came a voice barely above the ambient hum of the air conditioners circulating in cooled air.

Glancing to his right, Keitaro became aware of a familiar weight leaning against him, a bouquet of silken raven-hair resting between the crook of his neck and shoulder. The warmth of her small soft hands, as dexterous as a surgeon's scalpel, intertwined with his own that always made him feel uncouth and coarse. It was Kanako all right, sound asleep like a carefree kitten. She must have been exhausted from carrying him into the train's cabin and then using her own chakra to heal his injuries, as even his "remarkable" fortitude was no match for her power. Of course, an ordinary person or the average martial artist would have surely been killed, that is why it is part of his duty to see to it that no such catastrophe should come to pass.

The dark brown-haired young man gave a tentative sigh, brushing aside carefully the stray locks of hair on his younger sister's face. Poor Kanako, I must've worried her sick again doing something stupid like that. I should be taking care of her, not the other way around.

The eerie twinkle of bells broke his concentration suddenly, and it took all of his willpower not to lunge from his seat into a defensive stance. Every muscle in his body was coiled up, tensed like the hammer of gun ready to ignite the cartridge of a bullet with one swing. He told himself again and again that this was a quiet neighborhood in Tokyo, mostly singles and students. It was still roughly six o'clock morning and the chances of anybody having seen them, much less comprehending what had happened at the station, was highly unlikely. Even if somebody saw them...

Well...

...it wouldn't be too difficult to disappear again. They had lived many places over the years. Maybe they could move to Hawaii in America this time! The weather was supposed to be wonderful over there and nobody would be the wiser at all.

That's right. Calm down; I have to stay calm, Keitaro breathed sharply in his embroiled thoughts. Doing something stupid now would just blow everything to hell. It's not like somebody's out to get us. We just --- we just can't let anybody know, that's all. Stay calm.

"Ara, ara, I am terribly sorry," whispered a bemused feminine voice, punctuated by another round of tinkling bells, "I did not mean to disturb you two, that I did not."

His dark brown eyes snapping to attention, he discovered a most curious sight just sitting across aisle from himself and Kanako: a red hakama, a white gi, a wooden cane, and a wide-brimmed hat made from bamboo that veiled her face in shadows. There was a red string wound around the handle of the cane too, complete with golden bells attached to the ends. Just sitting down, it was easy to see that she was an usually tall woman by Japanese standards, and by her formal (and somewhat archaic) accent, she must have been from Kyoto.

"You two were just so awfully adorable together that I could not help but giggle in sentiment!"

"Wh-Wha?" Keitaro stared back with wide eyes, the faintest blush creeping up his cheeks in embarrassment.

"Tell me..." The woman held up her hand and wiggled her pinky at him in a rather naughty gesture. "...would she happen to be that way with you by any chance?"

Once again through Herculean effort, the bespectacled young man held back the urge to freak out; in this particular case, with a spectacular spit-take. He understood completely what she was insinuating and did not know whether to be surprised that an older woman would be making such a gesture or to be completely mortified.

"Oh, by the look on your blushing face, it is that way, am I not right?"

"N-N-N-No, no!" he hissed back. "You got it all wrong."

"Ara-ara? I do?"

"She's my, uh..."

"Does she do enjou or uri?"

AGAIN, it took a Herculean effort for Keitaro not to blow a gasket, fountains of blood spurting from his nose, as he power posed in righteous fury, and layeth the Holy Grenadeth unto this...

"...No."

"Then is he-"

"NO."

"...hmmm, this is difficult." Inquiring question marks began to pop over the mysterious woman's head.

"Imouto."

"Imouto?"

"Yes."

"Im-ou-to?"

"Y-e-s."

She stared at him with her unseen gaze.

He stared back with the faintest twitch in the corner of his eyes as the lenses of his glasses fogged up white.

"Oh-hohohohoho! Gomennasai; I seem to have made a considerable err in presuming you two to be a young couple (or the young lady to be your hired companion)," the woman whispered back sheepishly as a sizeable sweatdrop appeared on the side of her hat. "You two looked so perfect, so close together that I could not fathom that it could have been anything else. Truly, it was a rather romantic notion: two young lovers riding the morning train together...ahhh, it makes me blush to think of it!"

Keitaro stared slack-jawed at the pinkish aura that surrounded the woman completely with glittery stars and hearts. Was this woman crazy by any chance?

"Uhhh --- that's very --- flattering, ma'am."

"Oh, and so well-mannered too! I must regrettably apologize for any grief I've caused you, as you two honestly appear to be made for each other."

"Uh... Well... Ehhh..."

"Speaking of which, you would happen to be --- in the market per say, by any chance, would you, O-nii-san?"

"E-Eh...eheheh...I-I...Wha?" The bespectacled young man could have sworn he saw the woman wink slyly at him.

Fortunately (or Unfortunately), he was saved from any further embarrassment when Kanako mumbled something about a "Onii-chan no Baka" and promptly snuggled up closer to him in a very possessive manner that pretty much screamed, "Mine!" Keitaro sweatdropped at this "outburst" and was about to apologize profusely out of habit when he looked back to see that, well...

"Whoa."

...the Mysterious Woman from Kyoto had disappeared without a trace, like she had never been there in the first place.

"That was close, much too close, that it was."

She sighed.

"Any longer and I might have lost control. Doki-doki! My heart has not been this excited for a long time, much too long! Fufufufu! That young man, that girl --- his little sister..."

She nodded affirmatively in acknowledgement of her deduction.

"There is certainly no mistaking it. They are the ones responsible."

She smiled.

"I am going to enjoy a future meeting with them, most certainly. They are a most interesting pair, that they are, fufufufu."

The heartbeat.

It was the common melody that all human beings share, a one-two symphony that marks the beginning and the end of life.

One-Two.

Some people might have thought it a bizarre fascination, but to Kanako, it was just as soothing, romantic, and powerful as the greatest works of music man has ever conceived.

Bach.

Beethoven.

Mozart.

Tchaikovsky.

Beautiful.

However, there was one heart that was different from all the rest, one that she loved most dear to heart. His heart, in truth, was not any different from that of any other human being. It had the same rhythm, the same melody that Mother Nature had crafted into every person, but his heart was special to her. She did not have to read his heart, try to reason his feelings, or hope that he was telling her the truth, like she had to do with so many other different people, every day. When she listened to his heart, Keitaro told her everything, even the things he could not say.

Onii-chan. Onii-chan's --- carrying me, just like old times, she thought to herself as a smile crept up her serene face. I know it's selfish of me. He's worried, has been worried ever since he failed the exam. Nii-san's such a bad liar. Still, I like it when we can be close --- like this, just us together. It's safe and warm, his smell; I don't think I could want anything more. But...

She frowned.

...it's not right for him to carry me all the time either. I am a part of him as much as he is a part of me. That's why --- that's why I have to help him. Keitaro-niisan, please --- let me help carry you too.

"Oi, Kana-chan, can your hear me? Oi..."

Keitaro.

"...come on, sleepyhead, wakey-wakey," Keitaro crooned playfully back to his passenger who responded with a sleepy groan. He had been carrying her piggyback-style since they arrived at Mahora Station some twenty minutes ago, lugging her bookbag by its shoulder strap. "The morning's started now, you know. The sun's up in the clear blue sky, white clouds --- in fact, Mahora Academy's right up ahead! Sure, it's not really the first day of the new school year since you transferred in late right into the last leg of the third semester, but it's still your first day at school!"

Kanako was less than amused by his sentimental description and responded by wrapping her arms tighter around his neck, earning a slight gulp from her elder brother. She would rather be home fast asleep than all the way across Tokyo in Mahora-ku. Her old school was only twenty minutes away from home by foot, after all, and that certainly did not warrant waking up at the crack of dawn just to get to school early. Mahora Academy was plainly a troublesome exercise of her patience.

"Hora, do you really want me to carry you all the way to class too, Kana-chan?"

Come to think of it that was not a particularly bad proposition either because the regular flood of students trying to beat the morning rush would not arrive for at least another forty-five minutes. She would certainly appreciate the extra effort on his part and the faculty could be damned for all their propriety.

"I take it that's a yes, huh?"

"Uhnnn."

"Sheesh, I must have really overdid it, didn't I?"

"Unnn."

"Hmmm."

"Hnnnnn."

"Ne­-ne, Kanako?"

"Hm?" Using her first name only? Her big brother must have had something important to say.

"After school today, let's go out together to Yorokonde and celebrate, okay?"

Sleepy-eyed, she lifted up her head, craning her neck around the back of his head to glance at his face. "That restaurant? Ce-le-brate?"

"Yeah, to mark the anniversary of your first day at your new school!" He smiled amiably.

"Hmmm..."

"Plus afterwards, we can go to Tokyo Tower and we can --- talk."

"Talk?"

"Uh-huh, about Tokyo U, your day at Mahora Academy, me being a Roninsei, and trying out for Tokyo U again."

"...Nii-san."

"Guess I was running away from you without even realizing it, huh, Kana-chan?" Keitaro laughed sheepishly as he gave a shrug of his broad shoulders, shifting her weight about on his back. "I know I'm a month late, but it's better now than never, right? Hahaha! ...Promise?"

Right then, Kanako wondered if her big brother could listen to her heart too. Maybe it would have been too embarrassing to let him know about the bundle of joy she felt surging through her own heart. His first act at Shinjuku Station and now this; yes, there was no doubt about his feelings for her. Keitaro did not hate her. He did not blame her for his failure to get into the prestigious Tokyo University. She was happy, so very happy to learn that all her doubts were misplaced all along, and that he still loved her all the same.

"It's a date then, Kei-niichan!" she slyly teased him with renewed vigor.

"W-What! D-D-D-D --- a DATE!"

"Now now, your dear imouto is just look out for your best interests. Besides, you haven't gone out on a d-a-t-e in forever, so you should be grateful you have me around!"

"Uhhh, ummm, aren't you going a little overboard with this?" The dark brown-haired young man's cheeks were reddening visibly.

"Remember your training regime, nii-san!"

"Couldn't we call it something else, like --- uhh --- sibling bonding or something?"

She rapped him lightly on the back of the head. "Silly! I was just kidding all right?"

"Huh?"

"Nii-san, do you really want to make it a date?"

"HEEeee? Geez, you're confusing me again."

"Hmmm."

"Kana-chan?"

"About earlier, Keitaro..."

Now, it was his turn to have his ears perk up to attention. Kanako could hardly wait to savor the mischief she was about to unleash, all for the sake of her big brother's betterment. Of course, she was really serious about it too, as she did have something of a cosplay fetish, to be honest.

How embarrassing, how out of character, and how completely liberating cosplay is, she thought proudly with a smile.

"...I was serious."

"Wha? Earlier? When?"

"In my room."

"Your WHAT?" Keitaro staggered under the weight of the implications, almost sending them both to the ground in a heap, but managed to keep his balance. "Kanako!"

"I'd model for you any time, Keitaro-niisan; whatever you want: swimsuits, school uniforms, cosplay --- and if you're ex-tra nice, a little something special --- just. for. you. But that'll be our little se-cret, okay?"

For the second time that morning, a pitched yelp pierced the air, accompanied by a geyser of blood from a monstrous nosebleed, courtesy of one Keitaro Urashima. With his noble sacrifice, the heavenly Gods of Ken Akamatsu and the many fans were pleased, the world would know of Love Hina and Negima! --- and it was good.

Amen to that!

"SEE YA LATER, KANA-CHAN!" Keitaro shouted back at the top of his lungs as he made like "High Ho, SIL-VA (Silver)! AWAY!" at top speed, kicking up a miniature white tornado in his wake. So powerful was his retreat that he sent skirts, ties, and anything that was not secured properly flying, much to the righteous indignation of anybody who was unfortunate to cross paths with his flight path.

It was quite simple really: Get Away as Far as Possible from Kanako (before she changed her mind)!

His sister cutely waved him off, a content smile on her face, not caring in the slightest at his abrupt departure. There would be plenty of time to have more fun with him later. "Haii, nii-san; take care of yourself!"

"I LOVE YOU TOO!" He waved back.

Then, just like that, Keitaro was gone and she was all alone, standing in the threshold of the main gate entrance to Mahora Academy. The sun was out in full at a rather cheery 8:15 AM in the morning, showing off the grand majesty of the school's vast campus for all to see, which frankly put Tokyo U to shame with its broad avenues, gardens, and various attractions that would be fitting for an imperial palace. Everything was provided even an on campus university, and to be honest, Mahora City was practical built around the school, supporting a great deal of its needs and wants at will.

"How boring and pretentious," Kanako mumbled under her breath, an eerie steel edge creeping into her voice. Damn that old man for showing up on her front doorstep. I thought orientation was horrible enough, but this garish place has worsened in the time I was gone.

Where there should have been beauty, she perceived only ugliness. She was not in the least impressed by this bombastic show of power that would have awed and cowed the average person. "I think I'm already starting to regret coming here. Oh well, at least I should show up to class before anything else."

This was the true face of a genius, Kanako Urashima. Without the sun by her side to bathe her heart with love, she was as cold and distant as the full moon.

To Be Continued...

Author's Note:

To the folks who've read and reviewed thus far, thank you. Feel free to say what you feel; criticism with the good and the bad makes the world go round and author's better storytellers. Once again, thank you for your time and enjoy the show.

Cultural Note:

Enjou is short for enjoukousai, which translates roughly to "compensated dating," wherefore an older man would essentially hire a female "escort" to go out with him. Uri is pretty much prostitution to a capital "P."

Peace out.