I can't believe I have to do this for the rest of the week. It's only Tuesday, and I'm so bored of this. Just another three hours of patrolling... Then I can go home.
Ever since that Magical World incident, life for me has become... well, to be completely honest, boring. Negi acccepts me as his full-time friend, and Kotarou, though he picks on me, knows I wouldn't do anything to him.
It may seem like I've gone soft, but the fact of the matter is that's not true in the slightest. I still have a lust for fighting, to defeat someone weaker (or even stronger) than me to feel accomplished. That's why all three of us spar every now and then.
But, being a substitute teacher for Negi's class made me realize I may have been fighting the wrong people this whole time.
And that new kid... Matt. He seems alright. I'm surprised that a western magician can keep up with me. My skill surpasses Negi's by a great margin, and Matt can take him out in one blow. He's truly something.
It must be weird. For you, I mean. You're sitting there, listening in on my thoughts as I patrol the school to make sure there isn't any danger.
I'm here by myself. Negi's gone home, Takahata as well. There isn't anyone to talk to... But perhaps I feel more at peace this way.
At times, I do miss the "old" days. When Negi was a criminal in the Magical World. When I was accompanying Dynamis in... in...
Damn, I've already forgotten. Anywho, it's getting pretty late. The lamp that the school provided me with isn't very strong, so I can't see twenty feet in front of me. I can still see a great deal with my senses, though.
...Wait, who's that?
I sense something... elusive.
It's coming from the south. He feels, strong.
"Hello, Fate Averruncus."
"Who's there?" I responded.
"What if I told you that you could be the strongest mage, surpassing your skills now?" He completely ignored my question. However, I was interested in his.
"Come out of the shadows so I can answer that." And he did. The one Matt and them call "Nogi".
Dark complexion, I can barely see his face, tall body, strong aura emitting from him.
"You wish to keep fighting, am I not correct?" I kept quiet.
"I could make you stronger. Better than Negi. Better than Matt. And all you have to do is join my cause."
He's trying to strike a deal with me. Does he think I'll just easily revert back to my evil self?
"What makes you think I'll join you?"
"I know you find the peaceful life boring. That's why you fight at any chance you get. So why not fight... everyday? Join me, and we will fight, and keep fighting until we're the strongest beings in the universe."
It's true! I am tired of the "peaceful" life. I wanted action, a challenge, which was the true reason I joined with The Mage of the Beginning. And now? Look at me. Caring for a bunch of... a bunch of weaklings that Negi calls his "students"!
Whoa, wait. Time to recollect myself.
I... I... Want to join him. It's just...
"Sorry, Nogi, but I'll have to decline."
"Oh? And what reason is that for?"
"Because I've experienced the finer parts of life by just being Negi's friend."
I held my hand up, hoping to take him out and end his reign of terror.
However, he had already rushed to my side, and gave a swift jab to my stomach.
"You have made a wrong choice, Fate Averruncus."
Pushing him off, I blast my strongest magic at him, which sends him off his feet, towards the middle of the school grounds.
He gets up, and with a quick chant, fires magic crystals at me!
This seems familiar.
I dodge his crystals, making sure they won't come back and hit me again. I pull out hidden knives I kept in my sleeve, and throw them at him. He grabs one of them, and holding it for a slight second, it turns dark and flies back to me!
"Enough!" I grab the knive flying at me, disinigrating it. If I don't defeat him now, I can't guarantee the school will be here by the end of the night.
I thrust my fist to the ground, shooting Nogi up into the air.
If I can just drain his magic, then..!
He began flying towards me! I put up my barrier, which can block even Negi's most powerful attacks, but he breaks it easily!
"That's... Impossible!"
Wait. He's close enough to me!
"Κακόν ὄμμα πετρῶσεως!" I grab his leg, flying ever so slightly past me. I grip tightly, making sure my magic had made contact with him!
It did. His body fell to the ground, petrified. I jump back, preparing to cast Tearing Earth.
"Now, die!" I almost shot my magic when I realized... He was gone.
This is impossible! How did he escape my magic? He isn't a normal human... must be a clone. Has to be.
I don't feel his presence anymore. Picking up my lamp, I notice something was on the ground. A note.
Escape me from this petrifying prison.
Damn. He got away. Just barely. Next time, I won't be so easy on him just because we're on school grounds.
It's midnight... My shift is over.
Walking to my office, I stuff the note inside of my pocket, reminiscing the time I used my petrification on Negi's friends.
Maybe becoming Negi's friend has changed me, after all.
Hey everyone! I hope you enjoyed this chapter of my Negima FanFiction! Trying to get inside Fate's thoughts is slightly weird, as during the manga he expresses almost no emotion, haha. But I tried my best!
Next Time! : Matt and Setsuna go on a double date to relax before their next adventure! But will it actually be relaxing?
A Short Period of Rest