Book Of Days
A Mahou Sensei Negima Fanfiction
Chapter 2: Novus Aevum
Saturday 19th June 2002
When Will was discharged from the hospital, he found Haruna waiting for him outside.
"I thought you were released today," she said, "I don't have lessons, as it's the holidays, so maybe I could show you round Mahora academy as it is in the 20th century?"
"Well sure, but before we go, the principal told me that my motorbike, rifle and pack were found with me, have you any idea where they are?"
"Oh sure, they are in a garage round the back of the principal's office, we'll go there first."
"Good and, I also need to buy myself some new clothes, Takahata-San lent me these but they don't really fit. Is there anywhere I can buy some?"
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the small lock up where Haruna had said Will's motorbike was being kept. They pulled open the door and Will wheeled out his bike. It was slightly dusty but otherwise looked like new. He went back into the garage and came back out holding his coat, swords and rifle. He slotted the swords into two specially designed sheaths on the side of the bike, bound the rifle onto the pack at the back, and put on the long coat. He climbed astride the bike and beckoned for Haruna to climb on behind him.
"It will be a lot quicker and easier if we ride into the town," he said, and she nodded and climbed onto the bike.
"Ok, you ready?"
"Sure."
"Here we go then." He gunned the engine and the bike sped off. It became clear to Haruna that not only was he an expert rider, but that he was so used to this bike that it was almost part of his body. They weaved in and out of buildings, trees and people as they sped through the campus. They finally pulled up in the town square and Will parked the bike.
"Ok, over to you, Haruna-san," he said, "where do we go now?"
"Please," she said, "call me Paru-chan, and I think there is a tailor's just down this road."
An hour later, Will was the owner of a smart black suit, a number of shirts and various trousers and shorts. He also bought a smart pair of brogues, plus a pair of light hiking boots. Those were the shoes he was wearing now, along with a beige pair of trousers, dark turquoise shirt and a navy blue jumper. Haruna had to admit he looked good. Will had insisted he buy her something as well, and she now owned a knee length summer dress, which even she thought made her look a little bit cute. Will then said he would buy her lunch, and over the meal Haruna started to tell Will about all the new changes since the 1930s. He had a bit of trouble understanding about computers but otherwise managed to get his head round most new technology.
When the pair got back to Mahora Academy, Haruna raised another issue, "where are you going to sleep tonight, I mean, Negi-Sensei sleeps in Asuna & Konoka's room but me, Yue and Nodoka are the only ones who know you now and our room is really cramped as it is."
"It's alright, I have a tent in my pack, when I travelled around I used to sleep in it all the time."
"Are you sure, I expect we could sort something out with one of the teachers?"
"Honestly, it's fine, it's only temporary, I intend to take my offered teaching job when school starts again in three weeks, so I will be provided with accommodation then."
"Ok, then, that should be good."
She turned to leave.
"Oh, before you go, thank you, Paru-chan, for saving me, you have helped me in more ways than you imagine."
She puzzled over this cryptic message for a long time, lying awake in bed for a long time musing.
Three weeks later.
The girls chatted happily as they all poured into the classroom, the main topic was who was going to be the class' new homeroom teacher, Negi would still teach them English but was the homeroom teacher for the new class of 1H. The girls had put into play the old trick of a board eraser above the door, guaranteed to catch almost any teacher. The doorknob turned and the new teacher walked in. The eraser started to fall, but then time seemed to slow. The mysterious man, his face still in shadow, drew a small pistol from his hip, and, with a single shot, knocked the missile out of the air, he than returned the pistol to its holster, and time seemed to go back to normal. He walked up to the desk and addressed the shocked girls. Only Haruna, Yue and Nodoka recognised who he was.
"That trick has been used so many times," he said, "It's starting to get old. I'm your new homeroom teacher, Will Newman. I will also be teaching you chemistry. Now, then, I don't know much about you apart from what the previous teacher wrote in your reports. Can you stand up one at a time and say something about yourself and your interests. We'll start with student #1, Aisaka Sayo.
The girls all duly stood up and told will about themselves. Once they had finished Will said it was only fair if he told them about him.
"Well, my full name is William Joseph Kieran Newman; I'm 16 years old, Blood type B, 210cm tall, weigh 200lb and my birthday is the 9th October. I like antique weapons, books, especially manga of the shōnen genre, chemistry, kendo and shooting, I own a 1930's Winchester Model 60 rifle and a modified Smith & Wesson revolver, which you have seen already. I also have a 1931 Norton Model 30 motorcycle, which I ride everywhere. My favourite food is Okonomi and I am partial to a nice cup of sake. I am sleeping in room number 104 in block D, but I don't want any of you coming in there later than 8:00 at night, except in an emergency, and if you do need me, always knock. If I am not there, one of the other teachers will probably know where I am, or there will be a notice on the door."
A bell rang.
"Well, that's all I have time for now, I am teaching you for chemistry 6th period, and I will see you at afternoon registration. Until then, goodbye"