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 49:
Train me, Urashima-sensei?
A Love Magister Hina Negima! fanfic by James "Ray" Edwards
...she was really, really dead serious.
Keitaro sweatdropped, giving a helpless chuckle under the ever growing intensity of the raven-haired girl's gaze. The longer she stared at him, the more determined Setsuna seemed to become. In the orange haze of that sunset, on that particular day, it was a terrifying --- yet equally inspiring and exciting sight to see. He could feel his doubts, the critical alarms that had been raised the moment she revealed not just her intentions but who she worked for exactly, fading away.
Somehow, he had the strangest feeling he could trust her with his life.
"Yare-yare, looks like I was right. Things are already getting more troublesome."
"I won't change my mind, Urashima-sa...no, Urashima-sensei," she told him resolutely. "There's no mistake. If I'm with you, I can grow stronger. You're the one who can teach me that which I'm lacking as I am now."
"But --- But I'm not even a master of the Urashima Shinkage Ryu-"
Oh snap, he did not just say...
"'Urashima Shinkage Ryu'? That's the name of the fighting style you used back there at the park, isn't it?"
Yes, he did just say it.
"Uh, well, yeah. But-But! You see, I'm a special case. I really, really shouldn't be training anybody! If you really wanted to learn the full extent of it, you'd need to learn the female half of the style, Juuken, from Kana-chan. I've only been taught a faux version of the male half of the style, Juudoken. It's a complementary partner style built around Tao philosophy, that is the foundation for Zen, and like Yin and Yang, the two halves..."
Keitaro paused yet again, slapping himself on the forehead. Instead of making an excuse to make him appear incompetent, he had begun to explain the basic fundamentals behind the School of the Urashima Shinkage subconsciously. To make matters worse, Setsuna appeared to be intrigued and even more determined than before to learn from his family style.
"'Gentle Fist' and 'Severe Fist'?"
"Severe Palm," he corrected automatically again without realizing, much to his private chagrin. Me and my big mouth!
"I've to admit my Hakuda is somewhat lacking. The Shinmei Ryu did not place hand-to-hand combat in particularly high standings in its curriculum, except for as a desperation tactic, an emergency parry, or to disarm an opponent."
"Well, we're more like shinobi or warrior monks, I guess."
"Hmmm, I suppose this will be a learning experience in more ways than one, Shishou."
"O-Oi, S-Sekkun! I never said I'd train you-" Keitaro paled, his jaw going slack for the umpteenth time that day. Oh great, not had he only encouraged her, but now she was calling him "Master"! "Sh-Shoot, I already said I shouldn't-"
Setsuna smiled at him, and boy, what a dazzling smile it was; he could feel his heart racing at a mile per minute at the mere sight of her smile. "Yes, but you wouldn't have told me these things if you didn't intend to in the first place, would you, Urashima-sensei?"
"Ack!" Did I really plan something like that all along? No freakin' way! "Um, look, if you want to be able to trash Hollows in one punch like nobody's business just like me, it probably won't happen. The main reason I'm able to do that is because of my freakishly huge reiatsu. Sure, I do have a pretty big well of chakra too, but I can't really consciously control either of them. I can't mold my chakra at all, and the best I can do with it, is just kind of force it out in big explosive waves, sorta like what I do with my spirit energy."
"Then perhaps, I can teach you something as well, Shishou. My ki (or chakra as you call it) control is nearly flawless. Naturally, it has to be because of my profession as yojimbo."
"Wha-really?" What does being a bodyguard have to do with that for?
"Hai."
"Oh, uh --- ack! Don't change the subject like that, and like I said, I don't have any real reiatsu control either. I've got these locks inside me that regulate it, and I can force them open, but otherwise... Well, it'd just --- it just kind of moves on its own. It comes to me when I need it, but otherwise it just comes and goes of its own will."
"Like it's alive?"
"Yup, even Kana-chan can't figure out what's the deal with it, although it seems to be stronger when she's around me. Hina-obaachan and Haruka-obasan are pretty mum on the subject too..."
"Perhaps, we might be able to understand it better, Shishou. The Shinmei Ryu have conducted extensive studies on the nature of reiatsu due to its critical nature in the disposal of Hollows and other denizens from Keiji. Also, it's a very crucial element in the sacred act of soul burials."
Soul burials? Even Tsuruko-san mentioned the same thing, and Sekkun seems to know her too. Are they from the same school? If so, doesn't that mean she also works for the Kensai Association? He knew a thing or two about the paramilitary arm of the Mage's Association here in Japan, although it was largely a grass roots organization that had sprung up to support the various regional branch Magic Associations, but what was the Shinmei Ryu's connection in all of this? The name sounded so familiar to him.
Kana-chan would probably know the answer to his question, considering how much she studied in the family archives back home at Hinata Inn.
Keitaro sighed wistfully, realizing and accepting at last that his fate was sealed. There was no way he could have said no to Setsuna in the first place, especially not after learning that she was yojimbo and in the employ of the Kensai Association. Kanako was going to scream bloody murder for sure, but in a way, things may have just turned out for the better. The alternative options left to him in this sort of situation were not the sort of actions he was willing to support with a clean conscience.
"All right, you can keep the jacket, Sekkun," he told her with a laugh.
Now, it was Setsuna's turn to be surprised, her cheeks coloring a bright red. She had most certainly not been expecting a reaction like that out of Keitaro, and in fact, she reckoned they would have been arguing for at least another hour or more.
"U-Ura-Urashima-sensei?" she stuttered, feeling more than a little touch self-conscious beneath the ardor of his smile.
"Oi, now I won't mind (too much) if you call me that when we're actually training, but don't worry, we'll work on loosening you up plenty."
"Loo-L-Loosening me up?" What did he mean by that?
"It'll be all right. Hina-obaachan and Haruka-obasan did the same thing to me too when I first started. In fact, now that I look back... Four years... Hmm, yeah, I was about your age actually when I started learning the family style."
What he was only fourteen when he started learning? "Th-That's impossible. How can you be so strong?"
"Actually, I'm nothing compared to Kana-chan when she's really serious"
"You mean, Kanako..."
"Oh, she's been learning since she was a kid, a tensai naturally, from what they told me. I never showed any potential until recently, and you bet she's going to flip when she hears about this. The fact of the matter is, we're probably gonna have to practically adopt you, if we're ever going to get anywhere with your training."
Adopt me? He can't be serious, can he? "I --- I see."
"Anyways, just hold onto that jacket, and next time we meet, I'll teach you how to sew, if you already don't know."
"S-Sewing?" Setsuna blurted out impulsively, "but what does that have to do with anything?"
"It's all part of the 'Loosening Up' process, trust me. Even I had to learn it the first time. Oh, and if you need to reach me, there's a set of business cards in the pockets of my jacket too, at least I hope they survived."
"Business cards?"
"Home phone, cell phone, e-mail, address, and other stuff like that."
"I --- I understand."
"Cool! Now then, let's go meet, Kana-chan. She must be worried sick waiting for me-"
"I'm --- I'm sorry, Urashima-sensei, but I must decline," Setsuna told him quickly, diverting her gaze away. Many things had happened today and she needed time to sort her jumbled, excited thoughts. Besides, it was not as if she was running away, was she? It was not as if she was jealous of that insidious girl either!
Keitaro kept talking about Kanako as if she were the greatest thing in the world. Every time he mentioned his little sister with such affection and sentiment, it left an eerie lurch in her stomach that she could barely ignore. How could he care so much for such a terrible person? Surely, her master was not blind, but what else could there be to that wretched girl's character?
"Aa, that's right. You probably need some time to meditate and cool off," the ronin laughed jovially with an understanding nod.
"H-Hai."
"Hmmmm, hm! All right, in that case, take it easy on yourself, Sekkun. If you're not doing anything important tonight, I'd definitely recommend you go spend some time with your friends."
She blinked at the young man quizzically, as the concept of spending time with friends to relax was virtually an alien concept to her... "Spend time with my friends?"
"Yeah, I'm sure you have a few friends, even though you might not realize it."
"I have --- friends?"
"I don't think you're as bad off as Kana-chan, but in the worst case, you can come spend the night at our place, if you want. Either way, being around other people and socializing will help you loosen up for sure."
He doesn't think I'm as "bad off" as Kanako? "What do you mean by that?"
Keitaro beamed at her, not realizing that his new "student" was actually referring to his dear little sister. "You'll find out eventually, and I hope that you two can become friends too."
...but for him, Setsuna supposed she could try to --- loosen up. That raccoon girl, Mana Tatsumiya, did leave an open invitation for her to the Tatsumiya Shrine tonight for dinner.
"I --- I'll try."
"Well then, I guess this is where we part ways, but before I go..." I don't wanna have to do this, but she needs to understand...
Keitaro's light-hearted demeanor shifted with an earnest air, his jaw set firmly, as his dark brown eyes pierced her soul. She gasped, blushing involuntarily yet again, unable to speak underneath the domination of his penetrating gaze, fright and anticipation filling her racing heart. With the blazing setting sun at his back, it was as if he had transformed into a samurai, a proud and noble warrior of old bathed in glorious gold and red, right before her trembling eyes.
"Promise me, Setsuna," he spoke emphatically to her, "that not a word between us, you and I, and my family, ever leaves your heart. I don't care if it's the Konoe family, the Shinmei Ryu, the Kensai Association, the Kanto Magic Association, the Mage's Association, or whoever the hell else! No. One. Can know about us, Setsuna. Not a soul."
"Shi-Shishou..."
"Anonymity is our best asset, Setsuna, and we've been able to exist for this long because no one knows who we are or what we are exactly. You've become involved with us, with me, with my family, the Urashima family. If you accept this pact, you will be the first outsider in centuries to be bound into the head family that has overseen the protection and prosperity of those under our dominion. You won't be alone anymore, I can promise you that."
"A pact?" I --- I won't be alone anymore?
"We're all connected to each other, regardless of blood, background, or station. I can't explain it myself, but it's like this feeling, small yet warm, a sense of kinship and community we all share. It's been like that for generations from what I've been taught --- and you --- you're about to join that legacy."
Regardless of blood, background, or station? How could such a thing be possible?
"But know that if you refuse, then you'll leave me only two choices, both of which I've already thought about a lot --- long before it came to this, and they're the same two choices I'd have to consider with anyone who found out about my family, regardless of who or what they are: One. We'll have to erase your memories about us, about what happened today, all of it."
The raven-haired girl reared up in alarm, taking a shaky step back away from the ronin. "Wha-What? E-Erase my mem-mories?"
"Two. If you resist or refuse the easy way out, I'll have to erase --- you."
Setsuna flinched at the cold edge of steel in his baritone, her stricken eyes transfixed upon Keitaro's unfeeling face. He was a terrifying sight to behold, a black silhouette against the setting sun. An unnatural fear pounded in her heart screaming for her to run, to flee from his sight, but she was powerless, paralyzed by an unspeakable killing intent that had gutted her spirit before she even realized it.
This man. This man is a monster, an assassin, her mind screamed at her. I --- I can't breathe! It's just like that time with...Aoyama-sempai. He fooled me, completely! Why didn't I notice before? Why didn't I see through his trick? Why? Why? WHY? No. NO. He's... He's going to-!
Suddenly, the raven-haired girl found the strength she needed to breathe again. Setsuna staggered back awkwardly, clutching at her throat between ragged gasps for air. A thick sheen of sweat was slick on her brow, as she shot a vehement glance through her matted bangs at the visage of that traitorous boy --- only to meet his hurt eyes.
"Sekkun..." Keitaro murmured softly.
She gaped openly in bewildered shock. What had happened to the black assassin from only a moment ago? She had seen him standing there for sure. Surely, her own eyes would not deceive her, and yet all that remained now, was just Urashima Keitaro, his shoulders slouched tiredly as his dark eyes glistened, torn with regret and --- duty.
That look... Where have I seen it before? Torn between... Duty and Damnation.
Yes, it was the very same expression she had worn on her face many, many times.
"I'm sorry." Will she ever forgive me for this? And what am I going to do about Aoyama-san? She knows too...
"Keitaro..." That face? Are we the same after all? I feel as if he's carrying an incredible burden on his shoulders...
"So what's your choice, Sakurazaki Setsuna?" the young man asked her with a heavy heart.
This was going to be bad. He just knew this was going to be bad. There was no way she was just going to abandon her way of life, her loyalty to...
"I accept, Urashima Keitaro," she replied, standing with her head held high and her back straight with earnest resolution.
...she what?
Once again, their roles had reversed as Keitaro stared in Setsuna in a mixture of wonder, relief, and shock. "B-But... But why, Sekkun? What about-"
"There're only two important people I have left in this world, Shishou, and I can't help either of them if I remain trapped in this world of sin, weak and powerless as I am."
"A world of sin?"
"Hai. Ojou-sama. Sempai. I want to help them, to save them from drowning in this world created by the Magic --- no, the Mage's Association."
"Sekkun, you're not thinking of..."
"No, I have no intentions of fighting the Mage's Association or my brethren among the Kensai. I want to help Konoe Konoka-ojousama and --- Aoyama-sempai --- by opening their eyes to the truth."
"Heh, they must be very important people to you, aren't they?" Hm, 'Aoyama-sempai'? She could not mean Tsuruko-san, could she? Or is it her little sister, Motoko... Wait? The House of Konoe? Konoe Konoka-ojousama? ...What the? Isn't the Headmaster of Mahora Academy Konoe Konoemon? If that's the case --- oh crap! It just gets better and better, doesn't it?
"Yes, and if I go with you, I'm certain that one day..." she drifted off wistfully, her lips curling into a dainty smile. "One day I'll be strong enough to set things right."
Despite his own growing worries, Keitaro could not help but return her smile as well, and perhaps, everything would turn out all right, after all.
"Now, we're best friends, Sekkun."
It was a small step, but an important one nonetheless, and a big one too.
"Arigatou --- Urashima-kun."
To Be Continued...
Author's Notes:
Kyuuu-BAAAAAAAANN! It's that time again for our weekly broadcast of your sought after show, Glass Moon, and we here at J-Easy productions are proud to present: Episode 49. And my, oh, my! Keitaro really can't win an argument against a girl, can he? On the other hand, he can be surprisingly bad-you-know-what! when the situation calls for it. "Adopting" Setsuna into the family? Sheesh, the Urashima's are pretty nuts about keeping to themselves in this metaverse? Keeps making you wonder what the heck they're trying so hard to hide. On the other hand, Keitaro ain't completely dumb either as he seems to be trying to make something out of the Konoe Clan connection. Just what kind of game can the Headmaster, Konoka's grandfather, be playing here?
As for Setsuna, dang, when this girl wants something, she gets what she wants. Hard to say if she has Yuuko Ichihara's legendary "In Her Clutches!" man-boy-toy-slave attaining powers, but it must be pretty darn effective. Setsuna's already got her foot through the door; now, let's see if she can pull herself the rest of the way in with Kanako probably doing everything in her power to make life miserable until she's proven wrong otherwise. Can these two really get along? And just how exactly does Setsuna plan on going about setting things right between herself, Konoka, and Motoko? What the heck happened between these three in the past? Will she be able to make it through the bizarre training regiment of the Urashima Shinkage style? Is love blossoming in the air?
Well, maybe we'll find out on the next episode of Glass Moon-desu!
Reviewers and readers alike, I'd like to thank you all very much for your continued patronage. Remember, I encourage each and everyone of you to feel free to comment, review, and/or discuss the story. Your comments can really make a difference, I assure you, and if you're up to it, feel free to ring me up on AIM, or even send me an e-mail (although you really don't need to boost my ego too often). You know how to get in touch with the maestro here.
So without further adieu, that wraps it up, folks (see you around the same time as usual): Two more episodes left to go! Just two more! And Volume 1 is done!
Omake!
Naze Nani Glass Moon Desu
Episode Preview!
Chapter 50:
Who's Your Headmaster?
"Ask and ye shall receive: HUAH! Be Cool!"
Tsudzuku!