After having an emotional day at Library Island and especially when training after, Nodoka desired for a hot bath to wipe away all the sweat that she accumulated. She asked Haruna and Yue if they are going to the baths. Haruna told Nodoka that they were getting something to eat first, but to go ahead down and relax.
Nodoka opened the dorm door and walked out into the hallway. She looked over toward Negi's dorm room and gave a big sigh.
"What do you want? Have him go with you to the bath so you can bathe together," said Nodoka's inner voice.
Nodoka began to blush and silently said, "No...yes...maybe...just that it would definitely be a step in the right direction for me to get him."
"Yes it would be. But, would he even recognize it as a step forward or just two friends going to the bath despite being the opposite sex," responded her inner voice.
"True, but I can imagine what Chacha did for him in that bath they took," said Nodoka to herself.
"You should ask Chachamaru-san about the bath then," said the inner voice.
"I cannot do that. That would be invading Negi-sensei's privacy," responded Nodoka silently.
"You are curious though what she and he did," said the inner voice as Nodoka had a scene in her head of Chacha touching Negi in certain areas.
At that moment, Asuna walked out of her dorm room that she shared with Negi and Konoka.
"What are you doing zoning out into space there bookworm?" asked Asuna.
Nodoka jumped due to her not hearing Asuna come out into the hallway. Nodoka responded, "Um...nothing Asuna-san."
"Are you sure? Was it Negi?" asked Asuna.
Nodoka did not say a word.
Asuna saw that Nodoka was heading down to the baths and asked if Nodoka would mind some company. Nodoka told her that she was welcome to join her.
As they were walking down toward the baths, you could hear a pin drop as it was quiet between the two girls. "Um Negi..." spouted Asuna.
"Where is he?" asked Nodoka looking all over.
"He is not in the dorm nor went to the baths. I was going to say I heard you had a very emotional day," said Asuna.
"Oh sorry I guess you can say I did," responded Nodoka.
The two of them got undressed and headed toward the baths. A few girls from other classes were down the baths. They got in one of the baths to relax.
"Ah that hit the spot after training with Setsuna-san," said Asuna.
"How is that going?" said Nodoka meekly.
"It is going I guess well. I still have a lot to learn though," responded the twin bell wearing red head.
"Yeah I always thought getting involved was going to be easy," said Nodoka.
"So what did happen to you earlier?" asked Asuna.
"Just me being stupid as always around Negi-sensei," responded the bookworm.
"What did the idiot do this time?" said Asuna.
"Oh nothing Asuna-san. It was my misunderstandings that got to me. I never knew being in love with someone that does not love you back can be hurtful at times," sighed Nodoka.
"Like what misunderstandings? So I can beat Negi-kun for not doing them again," said Asuna.
"No do not do that. You remember when he left me with you that night at Chao Bao Zi? When Chisame-san took him somewhere. That is when it started with the misunderstanding. Negi-sensei promised to be by my side since the abduction. But he left me with you," said Nodoka.
"Yes I remember us eating and you already ate with Negi-kun. I told him that I would protect you if something did happen as he went off with Miss Net Idol," replied Asuna.
"When he came back and got me and you just left because I told you to. Fei Ku was there so she was capable I guess since she is Negi-sensei's martial arts master. Well anyway, I put up a front that everything was fine," said Nodoka.
"And what next?" asked Asuna.
"Then at Library Island he wanted to take me to lunch. Or rather he wanted someone to go with him since you were training and Konoka-san was off with her fortune-telling club. I did not want to see him so I took off. He saw Haruna-san and Yue-san. He asked either one if they could go. Haruna-san pushed Yue-san into going. I saw them leaving and misunderstood that for a lunch date," said Nodoka as she began to clean herself.
"Yeah I could see how it would look if Yue-san was really interested in Negi-kun. But was it really a date or him not wanting to be alone?" asked Asuna as she also began to clean herself.
"If only Asuna-san knew about Yue-san's feelings toward Negi-sensei," said Nodoka to herself.
"Well about the resort?" asked Asuna.
"Oh you heard about the treatment Eva-chan gave Negi-sensei during their training? He passed out as Chachamaru-san looked over him. Well I mistook them in a hallway with just towels on," said Nodoka.
"WHAT?" yelled Asuna.
"It is not what you think because I shamefully thought that too. He was severely drain and beating up enough that he had trouble walking to the baths. Chacha-san offered her assistance to him as he agreed. There was no details about what happen within the baths," said Nodoka.
"So you do not think her and him did anything then?" asked Asuna.
"No she is just a magical robot right?" asked Nodoka.
"Yeah that I think likes Negi-kun," said Asuna to herself.
"What are you thinking?" asked Nodoka.
"Nothing. Yeah you are right. Chacha-san would or could never do such things," replied Asuna.
The two got out of the bath and headed toward the girl's changing room.
"This place too huge for my little legs. He is not here like they said he would be. And yet that is what his diploma said he would be a teacher in Japan," said the mysterious voice.
The clock tower was run down and still looks like it was ready to fall at any given moment.
"Oh what beautiful flowers. Has he ever been here?" said the voice.
"Who is he?" replied the Class 3A resident ghost, Sayo.
"A...a...ghost in broad daylight?" replied the voice shivering.
"Oh sorry am I scaring you? That is not my intention," replied Sayo.
"No...you did not scare me. Just did not expect to see one here," responded the voice.
"So you are looking for someone?" asked Sayo.
"Just a brat kid who should be back home and not here with all these big breasted girls," said the voice.
Sayo looks down at where her chest should be and sighs.
"Sorry to disturb you, but I need to get going," responded the voice as she disappeared.
"Oh well hope it finds whoever it is here to see. Did not even see who it was," said Sayo.
Back at Eva's cabin, the Master is feeling a lot better since everyone left and her servent by her side.
"So boya and everyone left I see," said Eva sitting up behind pillows on her bed.
"Yes Master, Negi-sensei and the rest left after they were sure you were doing better. Especially Negi-sensei," said Chacha.
"That boy did something to me again," said Eva.
"Well you passed out as he carried you to your bed. You had your arms around his neck," said Chacha.
"I did not do anything else or say anything did I?" blushed Eva.
"No you just laid in his arms as he carefully laid you on the bed. I changed you and tucked you inside as he waited outside," responded Chacha.
"I am a bit hungry and thirsty," said Eva.
"On my way Master," said Chacha as she left Eva's bedroom.
"That damn kid. I made a very bad scene with him that the others saw. I have to threaten them to not say a word to the class," said Eva pounding the bed.
Negi was grading papers outside near the academy's fountain when Kaede appeared out of nowhere it seemed.
"Ah professor see you are busy," said Kaede.
"Yes and I see you are heading to the mountains again this weekend," replied Negi.
"You want to come?" smiled Kaede.
"I wish I could but I have stuff," replied Negi.
"Stuff? Sounds intriguing. You do not look that well professor. Maybe some mountain air may help," said the tall ninja.
"I just cannot. I have training, more papers to correct, body-guarding Nodoka-san, and importantly finding out who took the rose," said Negi.
"Professor, one cannot juggle too many things when he is distracted," lectured Kaede.
"But...Nodoka-san will get mad at me," said Negi.
"She will be fine as she has all of your partners to protect her. Just write a note saying that she should be with someone at all times," replied Kaede.
"Kaede-san you did not see her reactions to what she perceived when I asked Yue-san to accompany me for a lunch. Then she saw me in the hallway (blushing) with Chachamaru-san just coming out of the bath," said Negi.
"Honestly professor if she trust you and cares deeply for you in a way I think she does. She should be fine with it," responded Kaede.
"You are not going to take a no for an answer I see?" asked Negi.
"Nope!" smiled Kaede.
The Narutaki twins showed up behind Kaede.
"Are you going to train?" asked Fumika.
"Sister do not be stupid. Every weekend she disappears into the mountains," responded Fuka who is the other twin.
"Yes girls I will be back sometime Sunday with our professor," said Kaede.
"You are dragging poor professor Negi-kun with you?" asked Fuka.
"Can we come? Please!" asked Fumika.
"Sorry not this weekend. Professor needs time to relax and blow off steam before the stress hits him," said Kaede pointing to Negi.
"Hello girls!" said Negi as he was done writing Nodoka's note and hearing the twins come.
"Hello professor!" responded the twins in sync.
"So what do you have there? A love letter?" asked Fuka.
"No it is not a love letter. Just a note for Nodoka-san," said Negi nervously.
"Mind if I ask a favor girls?" asked Kaede.
"Yes what is it?" responded Fumika.
"Can you deliver the note for the professor since we are pressed for time," smiled Kaede.
"Should we sis? Do a favor for our beloved professor who has not chosen to walk with us all through Mahora since last time," said Fuka slyly.
"If he promises to come walk with us soon. Like during the coming week perhaps," giggled Fumika.
"Well professor is that a deal?" asked Fuka.
Negi looked up at Kaede as she smiled.
"Yes girls, but please do not drag me all around this time. Make sure you have an idea to where you desire to go," responded Negi.
The twins smiled brightly as Fuka took the note and the sisters dashed away toward the girl's dorm.
"Shall we?" asked Kaede.
"But I am not ready to go," responded Negi.
"Sure you are. You are fully ready," responded Kaede.
"Clothes and stuff?" asked Negi.
"Yup. This is Asuna-san's idea as well so she gave me your changed of clothes and all you need," said Kaede as she throws Negi a backpack that contain all his stuff.
"Asuna-san wants this? Yeah gives her a break from you she said. And she has seen you being worn out by training and with what has transpired with Nodoka-san was her words," said Kaede.
The echoing of beeps and metal hitting metal upon impact was heard within the desolate robotic science lab with the exception of one. Satomi Nakase aka the mad scientist by her Class 3A classmates. One of the smartest students and yet also one of the quietest. Since Chao has gone back to her future, Satomi sometimes feels lonely but distracts herself with all new scientific discoveries in the robotic field thanks to Chao's notes and their creation, Chachamaru. Satomi found out Chachamaru might be developing 'feelings' toward their professor Negi.
The door to the the lab opened as Satomi looked up toward the door to see who it was. Chachamaru was standing there looking around. Satomi put down what she was working on and motioned Chachamaru to go toward to her.
"So are you here for maintenance? It was not scheduled today. What is today?" asked Satomi.
"Um Friday. Yes I am here for some maintenance," responded Chacha.
"Alright sit up there so I can diagnose what is going on," said Satomi as she directed Chacha to a table.
"Thank you!" as Chacha carefully got up onto the table.
"So have you made any progress with your 'feelings' toward Negi-kun?" asked Satomi.
"Um...well not really. But...something did happen recently is why I need maintenance," said Chacha.
"You and Negi-kun kissed?" snickered Satomi.
Chacha began to have her internal gears speed up just thinking about what Satomi said.
"Calm down or you really will blow a gasket," smiled Satomi as she was analyzing the data.
"It is not what you think," said Chacha.
"Well are you going to tell me?" asked Satomi.
"Well Negi-sensei had a rough training session with Master and I. He collapse afterward and I brought him into a resting room. He looks like a little kid when he sleeps. I was instructed by Master to watch over him. He awoke several hours later and desired to take a bath. But, when he started to walk, he was wobbly so he needed help. Then I asked if he needed assistance within the bath. He agreed that he needed help," said Chacha.
"So you and him in a bath. You do you are not fit to do that with your body. Your new body will be able take a bath. That is why you need the maintenance I assume," said Satomi disappointed.
"Yes I am sorry," responded Chacha.
"Anyway, did he touch you? Did he see you naked? Did you see him naked? And what did you feel when you saw him that way? All for research you can be assured," asked Satomi.
"Well he did slip getting in and grabbed at my towel as it was off. No he did not touch my skin right away. He closed his eyes so I could grab another towel as he requested. He nor did I see each other naked. But, it was just like I was a human girl in a bath with a human boy. It felt...um...logically exciting and happy," responded Chacha.
"So he treated you like just one of the girls in Class 3A and not what you are? That is so sweet of him. Chao-san was right about him," smiled Satomi.
"But...I am not a human. I am what I am," said Chacha.
"And what is the problem with that? You are made by both science and magic. Those are conflicting sides that Chao-san hoped one day that they can co-exist with one another someday soon. She also thought if she loss that Negi-kun would play a greater role perhaps in bridging the gap because of you. Do not give up on what you want. Never know he may desire to have you by his side. The question you have to ask is if you want to be by his side and not Eva-chan's. This is all new to me as well of how you are developing feelings. You should not be, but yet you are. Believe in yourself in doing what normal girls can feel toward a boy," lectured Satomi.
"Thank you!" said Chacha.
"Just give me a few minutes and will have you ready to get you out of here so I can go back to what I was doing," said Satomi.
A couple hours later that day Kaede and Negi arrived at Kaede training spot. More accurately the spot where they met last time in the woods.
"Alright lunch time. Let's go!" exclaimed Kaede.
"But we just got here!" whined Negi.
"I told you last time that there is no supermarket around so we need to acquire our food ourselves," said Kaede.
"Fine!" said Negi as he got up off the ground where he collapse from being tired.
It was the same routine as last time. This time it was easy for Negi. The climbing the mountain for the mushrooms. Chased by the same bear. Even Negi managed to catch one first with Kaede's kunai technique.
Back at the camp, Negi was extremely tired and yet refreshed at the same time.
"You look better professor," exclaimed Kaede.
"I do not feel better," laughed Negi as they ate their lunch.
"Alright a quick nap for you then we need to prepare for dinner," said Kaede.
Negi went inside the tent to take a nap as Kaede cleaned up and went off to collect firewood for the night.
"He is just still a kid and yet more mature for his age. More mature then most of our class sometimes," sighed Kaede quietly.
During supper Negi said, "Why do you do what you do?"
"Because I can," all Kaede said.
"Well I have not properly thanked you for what you have done," said Negi.
"One should know that actions of a friend are more then a thank you," said Kaede.
"The stars are very bright tonight," said Negi.
"Mind if I ask you a personal question?" said Kaede.
"Sure!" responded Negi still gazing up at the twinkling stars.
"Why is it that you do what you do at your age. I know its for your father, but there is another reason deep down which I and others can sense being around you," said Kaede.
Negi looked down at the ground and replied, "Everyone knows about my father being assumed dead or missing, but I know even if I find him there are certain things that need to be set straight. I like my job here, but know sooner or later it will end. Most of the girls will move on with their lives without truly remembering me. And, the ones that are closest to me will undoubtedly be in great danger because of what my last name is. My father created a legacy that I probably could never fill. But, I would like to try to," said Negi solemnly.
"To follow in ones footsteps is looking for ones own future. You should look for your own footsteps in life," said Kaede.
"Imma told me that basically. But, I just cannot stop chasing after my father. It is part of who I am. If I stop now, I would not be who I am," yawned Negi.
Negi walked over to the tent and fell fast asleep.
"That kid will have a big challenge ahead. All we as friends and partners can do is guide and protect him. I must train hard," said Kaede softly.
Earlier that day the Narutaki twins skipped into Library Island and immediately saw Nodoka behind the information desk.
Fuka handed Nodoka the note Negi wrote to her.
"What is this?" asked the bookworm.
"A note from professor Negi-kun," said Fumika.
"What for?" asked Nodoka.
"Do not know. He was with Kaede-san though," said Fuka.
"Thought she was heading toward the mountains," responded Nodoka.
"She was!" said Fuka.
"Well thank you!" said Nodoka as the twins skipped right back out of Library Island.
Nodoka opened the note as it read as follows:
Dear Nodoka-san,
Deeply regret to inform you that I cannot accompany you today since I am heading up into the mountains with Kaede-san. Be back tommorrow as soon as possible. That is a promise that I intend to keep.
Sincerely Yours,
Negi
PS: Do not go anywhere alone. Always have an escort. Preferable Asuna-san, Setsuna-san, Ku-san, or even Haruna-san and Yue-san will suffice.
At that moment Haruna showed up trying to see what Nodoka was viewing.
"What is that?" asked Haruna.
"This? A note from Negi-sensei," replied Nodoka.
"A love note?" smiled Haruna.
"No just telling me he is off with Kaede-san into the mountains," sighed Nodoka.
"Cheer up at least he sent you a note. Most guys these days forget to do that," said Haruna.
Nodoka spent most of her day studying inside her dorm room or going over to Asuna-san's dorm room. She decided that she needs to be alone so headed back to her dorm.
Inside her room she looked at her pactio card that she made with Negi in Kyoto.
"Was it a mistake to fall for him?" said Nodoka.
"Not again. You keep wavering between falling in love and now you regret doing so?" responded her inner voice.
"It is not that. Every time I look at him I want him to hold me close and tell me he loves me. It tears me up inside every time I see him. Then when he is with someone from the class, it makes me feel like he is cheating. Yet we are only good friends," said Nodoka.
"What have we told you? This kid is just ten years old and is focused on finding his dad. He will want you there when he does someday. Rather it is as a friend or more then just a friend. Are you prepared to be with him regardless of what the future brings? He cares about you. You know he does and yet you are afraid to desire more because he is just ten years old. Haruna and others are not telling you to rush him. They are simply trying to get you to see that if you do not do anything, someone like Chisame-san or Makie-san may steal him," said Nodoka's voice.
"I want him. I...want...him. I WANT HIM," spouted the bookworm.
"The rose looks mighty fine under this magical glass forcefield," said the voice of the one who took thep pink rose from Nodoka's possession.
The rose is standing upright under a tinted glass which can maintain nutrients to the flower to keep it alive.