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
The New Life at Mahora...
Chapter 59:
Sour and Bittersweet
A Love Magister Hina Negima! fanfic by James "Ray" Edwards
Setsuna considered this for a moment, before taking a long drag out of the special ramune again. The conditions seemed fair enough, and if she was to protect Kanako from her own folly, this was a necessary exchange. After all, she would only have two months at best to prepare for the --- duel; a battle that she could not afford to lose.
"Very well, I accept, Kanako-sama."
"Good, now what the HELL was that about earlier? You and Aoyama-teme; you two go back a while, don't you?"
As expected, Setsuna knew Kanako would want to know about her relationship with Aoyama-sempai, but... "Yes, we do, but --- but I'm afraid I cannot relate this tale to you yet, Kanako-sama. I'm --- I'm not strong enough yet. It's a long one, and it'll take much time."
"Hmm, all right, but if you decide to tell Keitaro-niisan first, you'd better pick your words carefully. Whatever Nii-san knows, I will know eventually, understand?"
"Hai." Setsuna smiled faintly.
"Eh? What's the smile for?"
"Oh! Etou, it's nothing --- really, Kanako-sama." She really is quite protective of him, isn't she?
"Out with it, Setsuna. It can't be that bad, and if you're thinking about making any moves on Nii-san, before the day I give you permission to address him by his first name in my presence, outside of a combat or training situation, think again."
The demon girl blushed hotly, diverting her gaze firmly onto the can of ramune in her hands. "It's --- It-It's not like that, Kanako-sama!"
"Oh great, another someone other than me finally took notice of Keitaro-baka," pouted Kanako rolling her eyes airily, as she messaged her temple. "And I thought I could have him all to myself too."
"Eeeehh?" Is she --- is Kanako-sama serious?
"Nevermind THAT! Embarrassing remarks aren't allowed!"
"Ah...as you wish, Kanako-sama." What did she mean by all of that just now? She thought she could have... Urashima-kun...all to herself?
"...Anyways, what's this business about a duel that's got Aoyama-teme so riled up?"
Setsuna sighed and took another long drag out of the ramune, emptying it completely. Somehow, she managed to notice not the deadly glare Kanako was shooting her at a perceived insult. Of course, by the time she looked back, the Urashima girl had already returned back to her staid, almost lethargic demeanor. She supposed this was the way Kanako really was out in public, which in a way was sort of cute, considering the clash between her real self and the ruthless malevolent "B----! Kanako" from yesterday.
"Oi, I'm still waiting for an answer, Setsuna!" Kanako prodded her with a stern gaze.
"Ah! S-Sorry, Kanako-sama."
"Stop apologizing already. You can do that later!"
"S-Sorry..."
"You're doing it again."
Setsuna blushed, trying her best to stem the flow embarrassment well up inside her. The average person might have been insulted or angry at such treatment, but she had been through much worse by far. "Uh, well --- Kanako-sama, do you know what is the true name of this world?"
"'The true name of this world'?" Kanako blinked. "Setsuna, what do you mean by that?"
"'En-do-ress I-rru-shion,' or in other words, 'Endless Illusion,' that's the true name of this world. Do you understand why?"
"Hmmm, does this have something to do with these black hot pants you have on instead of panties?"
At this point, the raven-haired girl was deathly aware of the breezy draft flowing across her nethers. Setsuna's shocked gaze tracked straight down to where Kanako's hand had conveniently lifted up the hem of her Mahora Academy uniform's pleated skirt for inspection, which she now realized was too short! Turning chibi yet again, she squealed blushing bright red as she tossed the empty can of ramune aside (fortunately landing somewhere in a conveniently placed trash can), and slammed her skirt back down with both hands.
"Ka-KA-Kanako-sama! Wha-What's the meaning of --- that's-!"
"I was asking you the same thing," the hazel-eyed girl shot back casually, though curiously the metaphoric cat ears had returned in full force complete with a twitching tail peaking out from underneath her pleated skirt. "You weren't planning to use these to --- impress --- Keitaro-niisan, were you?"
Setsuna spluttered ineffectually, trying to come up with a suitable retort, when a sudden revelation struck her. Had Kanako just made a joke? Had THE Urashima Kanako just made a joke? Why this girl was just full of surprises!
"What are you giggling for now, Setsuna? This is serious business here, and I'm still waiting for an explanation for both of my questions."
"S-Sorry, Kanako-sama. It's just that everyone's been so --- strange with me as of late, ever since I've been --- re-reunited with Aoyama-sempai: Negi-sensei, Mana-tanuki, Kei-Urashima-kun...Shishou, and finally you, Kanako-sama."
"'Strange'? What do you mean by that?" Mana-tanuki? Who is that? What did that Springfield brat do to her? And --- tsk, she definitely has some feelings for Onii-chan. Guess I'll have to take that into account down the line.
"I --- I don't really know how to describe it, but I feel it's a good feeling."
"Is that so?"
"Hai, Kanako-sama."
"In that case, let's hold off about Endless Illusion and answer this: what do you feel for Keitaro-niisan?"
Again, the hanyou girl felt the heat in her cheeks as an uncontrollable flush spread across her complexion. She had not expected the topic to come up so suddenly because even she had not given it any serious thought yet. Still, Setsuna supposed now was a good time as any to start.
"Kanako-sama, I --- I'm not quite sure, but I feel..."
"Do you know what 'Love' is, Setsuna?"
"I-I think so..."
"Who do you love?"
"Well, that's...um, if it were possible, in the least I would like to be her pactio partner..."
Kanako was unfazed completely at the very real insinuation that the latest edition to her family might just swing that way or may have discovered a new tendency, just recently (obviously), to play BOTH sides of the field. She did not care about things like that because all that really mattered to her was her dear brother's happiness and the well-being of her family. If Setsuna could be useful to that end, then whatever she did in her own time mattered not, even if it was a little a bit --- raunchy.
Besides, Keitaro-niisan was hers, and SHE would decide who she would share him with, hmph!
"Riiiiiiii-ight; now, is it Aoyama-teme or someone else?"
"Ah, th-that's-!"
"Better yet, do you love me, Setsuna?"
"Ka-Kanako-s-sama?" the fool-headed girl spluttered, clearly taken aback by the sudden question.
The Urashima girl simply shook her head at this childish reaction, at least it was to her. "Just like I thought, hmph. You're still too young, Setsuna, still a child. You don't know what 'Love' is, and I'm pretty certain you don't have much experience with it either."
"Wha-What?"
"Stay with Nii-san." I hope I don't choke on my tongue for saying this...ugh. "...Stay with us. And you'll come to understand eventually --- just don't do something terribly stupid, okay?"
Setsuna blushed, a rare smile blossoming on her face. It was not that she was embarrassed, just... Was this Kanako's way of showing her acceptance? The Urashima girl knew about her, and although she had not seen the real her like Keitaro had last night, Kanako had taken care of her when she had fallen apart.
"My dear Keitaro's a very sensitive character, and when he screws up himself, I always have to go patch things up and get him up off his feet, except once..." Kanako drifted off, gazing upwards at the sky, a distant look in her hazel eyes. However, before Setsuna could inquire, she promptly continued, "That's a story for some other time, understood?"
"H-Hai, Kanako-sama," the yojimbo conceded, even as her mind was ablaze with new questions. 'My dear Keitaro'? To refer to her brother like --- I don't even know what word I should be using...! Just how close are these two?
"Good, now before we talk about this --- Endless Illusion-thing --- are you going to be free this Saturday?"
"Saturday?"
"Actually, are you free on the afternoons usually?"
"Well, I..."
"You're with the Kendo Club, aren't you?"
"Yes, but I..."
"You're planning to quit?"
Sadly, Setsuna nodded. She did not want to admit it, but as Aoyama-sempai had openly expressed her intention to join the Kendo Club, she could not afford to be present. Another chance encounter, alone and with no one to support her, would surely end in disaster.
"Hmph, whatever. Tenth-dan sch-ment-dan kendo. Ugh... It's not like you need to be with them anymore. You have us now, Nii-san and I, and you will train with us from now on."
"Ka-Kanako-sama?"
"And since we're going to be together from now on, I'm going to have to see about your wardrobe."
"A-Areeeeeeeeeeeee?"
"I won't have you running around in skanky hot pants --- unless --- fufufufu, it's for Keitaro-niisan's eyes only! Of course, don't take it as a sign that I'm going to let you have him. Any woman, girl, or whatever who wants to be close to him has to go through ME first."
"E-Etou..." I --- I don't what to say. With Kishyuu-sempai and Arisugawa-sempai, it was --- different. But, if I had been as old as I am now, would Arashi-san have reacted the same way too to --- I suppose --- protect Sorata-san?
"Which means the moment you and me get some free time, we're going out shopping, understand?"
"Shop-Shopping --- with you, Kanako-sama?"
"Aa, and even if you don't have much a fashion sense, I'll be teaching you the ropes nonetheless. Consider the experience a part of your 'Loosen Up' training."
"H-Hai." Again, those words "Loosen Up" paired together with "Training"... How do they have anything in common at all?
"Now, what's this Dueling and Endless Illusion nonsense about? And is Aoyama-teme really as good as she claims to be?"
The air grew solemn once more, but somehow she was able to manage a faint smile. It was strange to think of such a thing, and despite whatever differences they might have, Setsuna felt she could trust Kanako with her life. Unlike Keitaro, his younger sister's way may have been less clear and prone to apathetic malevolence, but underneath all that frigid ice, there was something --- warm: compassion, empathy, loyalty, and --- (although it made her blush to think of it) --- love. Very likely, it was not a gift that the cool girl gave away easily, and so it made her feel even more special that perhaps, just maybe, they were becoming friends.
Setsuna did not have the courage to ask her if they really were friends, but for now, she supposed this arrangement --- whatever it was they were supposed to be to each other --- was all right. "I shall try my best to answer, Kanako-sama."
"Go ahead, Setsuna," Kanako simply nodded. Hopefully, the demon...no, the girl --- Setsuna'll just answer my questions instead of dancing around on the subject. I really hate it when people do that. So what if I'm a certified genius? Sometimes, even I want the answer to given to me on a silver platter.
"Before you can understand the sacred meaning of Duel, we need to understand what Endless Illusion is."
Oh God, let's get it over with already, dammit. We don't have all day right now. "OOOooo-kay..."
"Endless Illusion is the system of order that has bound society, humanity as we know it, ever since its inception in time immemorial. For as long as we know, or at least what I've been taught, the Magi have been the guardians of peace and the shepherds of the people. In another age, they would've been able to walk the streets with equal status to a noble or greater, but as time went on, science and technology supplanted the Old Ways, and it became necessary for the Magi to retreat into the shadows."
"How typical. And let me guess, it's because of this system that people like me and you can continue to live as we are?"
"No, not just us, Kanako-sama. Everyone. Human society could only grow thus far with the grace of Endless Illusion. If everyone knew the truth now, after so long, there'd be anarchy. Most sovereign governments and their leaders don't even know of its existence, although there're a few exceptions here and there. For example, the British Prime Minister and the Queen of England is very well aware of the existence of Magi and the great task they face, thanks to their strong ancient ties with 'The Clock Tower,' the Association's official main headquarters in London."
"You've got a lot respect for the mages, don't you? It wouldn't happen to have something to do with this --- She --- form earlier now, would it?"
Setsuna stammered timidly, trying her best to maintain her composure to no great avail unfortunately. "Well..."
"Hmm, that reminds me. You work for the Konoe family, don't you?"
"Y-Yes, Kanako-sama...to an extent. Technically, I'm still a member of the Kensai Association --- the paramilitary arm of all the Magic Associations in Japan --- despite of my contract with the Konoe Clan."
"Good enough. Are they mages too, or are they some kind of ancient demon-slaying-martial-arts-whatever samurai family like --- at least I think she is --- Aoyama-teme?"
"I --- I'm not sure if I can answer that..."
"Oh, fine. Ask me a question then, Setsuna. Think that'll be more fair?"
"Ask --- Ask YOU a question, Kanako-sama?" Setsuna blurted out in astonishment, causing Kanako to roll her eyes.
"YES. Ask ME a question. I did say information was a two-way street, right?"
"Um, well..."
"Would you like to know who the demon child in our class is?"
"I --- suppose so." If the --- threat were to become a risk to Konoka-ojousama, I may've no choice but to...
"On one condition: you don't harm a hair on her head until I say you can, understood?"
Setsuna blinked. Did Kanako really just say that? Why would she have any empathy at all for a --- well... Actually, I'm part demon myself, so I guess... "Wha-What?"
"Rainyday Zazie, Student Number Thirty-One. She's our only lead if we're ever get to the bottom of the monster that Konoemon-yarou has left to roam around this school. Without her, the chances of us finding Aizaka Sayo, Student Number One, who was apparently the last victim of the monster, are slim."
"Wait a second, Kanako-sama. Did you --- did you just say Aizaka Sayo?"
"Duh. Didn't you notice the empty seat in our classroom."
"Well, truthfully, I never noticed," stammered the hanyou girl with a faint blush.
Kanako shot her a lazy sidelong glance, tempered with a slightest whiff of mortification, which made Setsuna shrink back a little, before the girl simply shook her head. "Figures, a yojimbo --- a bodyguard like you isn't much help in this particular area. Anyways, don't worry about it. You, Keitaro-niisan, and I'll take care of this problem."
"Very well, Kanako-sama." It's good to see that Kanako-sama does have a sense of justice, though I wonder, what will she do after this is all over?
"Now, can you answer, Setsuna?"
"Oh, um --- yes, I suppose, Kanako-sama. The Konoe Clan is --- a magi family, quite old in fact with an extensive bloodline wrought in magic."
"Hmm, it figures. What about Aoyama-teme? Does she got something to do with this mess too?"
"Hai, Aoyama-sempai is the heiress to the Shinmei Ryu, the Aoyama Clan's sacred fighting style that has honed and passed down from generation to generation. They've amassed followers and recruits in the hundreds of thousands, and carry an influential voice in the Kensai Association, as they are one of the few remaining true samurai families."
"Hmm, just a quick reminder --- the Kensai Association is the paramilitary wing of the Magic Associations here in Japan, right?"
"Yes, Kanako-sama."
"Great, our information really is a bit behind the times. I'll have to see about updating it later when we get a chance to go home."
"Our --- information?"
"You didn't think our family has been able to survive this long by being deaf and dumb?"
"Etou..." When she means 'our family' with such emphasis? Does that include me now, as well?
"All right, let's finish off this Dueling business. We're running short on time, and we're going to have probably run to class to make it in time."
"Eeeeeeh? We've been talking that long?"
"Setsuna, don't make me say it again, please?"
"Ah, sorry, Kanako-sama," Setsuna apologized swiftly. She considered her words briefly, mulling over all that had happened and all she had learned thus far, before frowning visibly. Strange forces were at work here. In a few short months, Kanako Urashima, who steadily grew more dear to her by the minute, the younger sister of a --- precious person to her, was to duel Aoyama-sempai. It was just too many coincidences to be a shear twist of luck.
Could Kanako-sama as she is now really defeat Sempai? "Duels are exactly what they are, Kanako-sama, and by accepting the invitation, you've wagered not only your life but all that is dear and priceless to you for the sake of honor."
"Hmmm, how old fashioned, but I guess it suits someone like Aoyama-teme," Kanako replied to her, apparently unconcerned by the gravity of the situation. This grave lack of concern, however, disturbed Setsuna greatly. Either she was a damned fool or extremely confident in her abilities, and it was something the half-demon girl had to find out for herself.
"But --- Kanako-sama, this is a very serious business. If Aoyama-sempai doesn't kill you outright in the course of the duel-!"
"Oh, she likes 'em bloody and nasty, huh? A fight to the bitter end? Hmph, how ironic that behind all that elegance and samurai pride, she's just as bloodthirsty as they come, if not more."
"Well...it's not always the case from what I've heard, Kanako-sama. Sometimes, Aoyama-sempai likes to take --- trophies."
"'Trophies'? What do you mean by that, Setsuna?"
"I'm uncertain on the subject. I'll need to inquire more from my professional colleagues, but I hear, it isn't always a life that Aoyama-sempai seeks in retribution or compensation, Kanako-sama."
"Fair enough, do what you can, Setsuna. We'll talk more about this with Keitaro-niisan --- later," Kanako stated simply, grabbing her book bag as she stood up. "Time's up; let's go."
Setsuna followed suit herself in the same fashion, but gasped in astonishment when she found the hazel-eyed girl's outstretched hand waiting for her. She stared wide-eyed at the hand, uncomprehending and disbelieving, before she finally met Kanako's lazy gaze shaded with the barest glimmer of curiosity that promptly sent her blushing. Why was Kanako doing this, offering her hand to her like that?
"Ka-Kanako-sama?" she stammered at Kanako, tentatively, not sure what to expect.
The Urashima girl's reply was calm and casual, "Well, what're you waiting for?"
"But-But...why? ...Why are you so calm about all of this? Aoyama-sempai's..."
"I already told you once, didn't I, Setsuna?"
"Eeeehh?"
"I don't lose. I've never lost a fight, ever. That's why I'm not worried. That's why I can be the way I want to be. Now, are we going or what? There's not much time left before the next class."
"...But, how can you-?"
"I'm not going to leave you alone, Setsuna. I'm starting to see things a little clearer now, why Keitaro-niisan took you with us, and I've concluded that you've become our responsibility. I don't know what his feelings are for you, but I'm slowly starting to understand mine, and right now, you need more protecting than I do, so take my hand."
"Kanako-sama..."
"You won't be alone anymore, Setsuna, and long after you think or believe you don't need us anymore, we'll still be here for you, always, that's a promise. I won't die because I don't lose..."
A promise for me? Again, the questions and the doubts bubbled to the surface, as Setsuna stared at the strange sister of the equally strange young man who had saved her, given her sanctuary as a --- a part of his family. Why? Why would Kanako, Keitaro --- why would they go this far? Was there even any need for any further explanations?
"And Kei-oniichan's an idiot. A super brave idiot --- and idiots never die," Kanako told her with a beautiful radiant smile; something she had never shown to an outsider before, come to think of it. "Come on, let's go together, Setsuna. After all, I think we might just be friends now."
Friends.
"And with these two hands, I'll protect you, Onii-chan, and everyone."
To Be Continued...
Author's Notes:
WHA-TA-TA-TA-ATTA! One more BLAZING UPDATE! San --- Ni --- Ichi --- ZERO! BA-BANGU! Episode 59 has landed and is live to you on the netsphere waves!
The plot continues to thicken: what is Love, baby? Kanako pops the big question and is completely unfazed by Setsuna's reply? Could this be the fabled Kono-Setsu-Motoko angle that only some crackminded love-love fiend from below could have devised? Geez, she's sure open-minded, then again, Kanako seems to be pretty dead set on having Keitaro and not letting anyone else have a go at him without her permission. Talk about possessive! Though it remains to be seen if she has plans for Setsuna herself, mwahahah! Not to mention, will Setsuna ever fess up how she really feels about Keitaro? Gah, the suspense!
And so the world's true name is revealed with more plot than I can surmise elegantly. I think it is official now that Motoko is one scary gal with super bad mojo: killing people is one thing, but taking Trophies? Sheesh, what's up with that? But on the bright side, yes! Everybody raise the roof up! Kanako has finally revealed her inner "YUUSHA!" and taken Setsuna in as her friend. The ultimate double offense of darkly cute is set and Keitaro is most certainly doomed! So what's going to happen next?
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. It's getting close to exam time; I'll try to get back to y'all on the last set of reviews, but rest assured they were all great motivating words to me, so don't feel left out if I couldn't make it back to you.
So without further adieu, that wraps it up, folks (see you around the same time as usual, unless I somehow work a miracle and get out one more episode): Peace out! And hold it together for exams!
Omake!
Naze Nani Glass Moon Desu
Episode Preview!
Chapter 60:
So How About It?
"That thing you fought yesterday --- pretty impressive thing you did, by the way, with the lightning magic --- wasn't the only ugly thing around here. In fact, there might just be a lot more, not to mention those Hollows will be back."
Tsudzuku!