Chapter 17

Moar Plot

I reject your reality, and substitute my own

-Adam Savage

MEANWHILE!

Evangeline slammed her book shut at the sound. Centuries of dodging wannabe vampire hunters and demon slayers had bequeathed her with an uncanny sixth sense. And right now, it was telling her that someone had entered her domicile unannounced.

Mustering enough stealth to make Solid Snake green with envy, the eternal child made her way out of her room and down the stairs, skillfully dodging three incredibly squeaky steps purposely built into her cabin. As soon as her bare feet touched the floor, she vanished into the shadows. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness as she made her way toward the kitchen. She caught sight of Amalthea sleeping on the couch, several wires still connected to her head. Eva rolled her eyes, trying not to think about the amount of projection those two girls were putting on that robot. Finally, she felt the wood floor beneath her give way to the ceramic tile of her kitchen. Now to figure out who was ballsy enough to invade HER house.

"You can cut it out Evangeline-dono. We both know I know you're there." Evangeline hissed as she clicked the light on. Leaning against her counter was 3-A's resident mercenary, Mana.

"You know, you could have just knocked." She spat, walking toward the fridge, trying not to make eye contact with the one member of her class who could break into her house.

"Save the comedy for when I'm getting paid hourly. I'm actually here of my own fruition."

Eva peeked around the fridge door. "I thought such charity work was beneath you?"

"My contract states that I am to aid in the security of this school by any means necessary. If that means I need to play messenger boy a few times, then so be it."

"Alright," Evangeline withdrew a can of soda from the appliance, popping the cap with one expertly-trimmed fingernail. "What's the scuttlebutt?"

"I have reason to believe the principal has been compromised."

"In what way?"

"His aura has shifted significantly, and his behavior is getting steadily stranger."

"Maybe he's finally given up on matching Konoka with someone."

"He offered me cupcakes."

Eva paused mid-sip. "That is strange," she replied. "Any other news?"

Mana's eyes narrowed. "I have just fulfilled my contract's requirements. Any further intelligence will cost you." Evangeline snorted; if there was one thing she loved more than anything it was gossip. That was why she tolerated Asakura.

"I've got half of one of Satsuki's cakes in here. Leftovers from the party everyone threw Chachamaru."

"Payment accepted." In the blink of an eye Mana was at the refrigerator, digging into the glory that was Satsuki's food. "Were you aware of the inter-dimensional exchange students currently residing in Library Island?"

"You mean those pastel-colored horses?" Eva asked.

"Yes, apparently one of them was murdered." Eva's eyebrows shot up.

"Now this is getting interesting."

"Yes apparently her name was Trixie. The others I spoke with didn't seem too fond of her."

"You think one of them knocked her off?"

"No, the forensics team found traces of human DNA on the copy of Twilight used to bump her off."

"And the relations with another trans-dimensional world go down the tubes." The vampire sighed.

Mana finished her cake and moved toward the front door. "Just so you know, I've taken the liberty of hiring some of my old contacts. If the principal has been compromised, I want a good backup."

"Is it Blackwater?" Mana scoffed.

"I would never associate myself with those rank amateurs."

()()()

DOUBLE MEANWHILE!

Negi Springfield was sitting calmly in Asuna's room, the light of the reading lamp illuminating the desk he sat at. A large stack of papers stood in front of him, each one marked with red ink in some way; the fruits of three hours worth of labor.

"I'm home." Negi turned around at the sound of Asuna coming in.

"Welcome back Asuna-san," he greeted. "How did it go with Master?"

"Oh, she was as bitchy as usual. I had to re-do the door three times because it wasn't straight."

"Thank you for helping me," Negi thanked, getting up from the desk. "Thanks to you, Master will look after Amalthea."

"Meh, don't worry about it." She sighed, climbing up to her futon. "Hey, are those our reports?"

"Yes, I finally finished grading them," Negi announced, pumping his fists in the air.

"So, how'd I do."

"Much better than normal. I think working with Nodoka-san really helped your grade."

"It better have," she announced, placing her fists on her hips. "Took me all week to finish that."

At that moment, a bolt of pure fire shattered the window. It struck the stack of papers, enguling the reports in a tall gout of flame. Before either of them could have reacted, the papers were consumed, leaving only ash and smoldering embers.

"What the hell was that?" Asuna shouted, pointing to where the stack once was.

"I don't know," Negi replied, running his fingers through the ash. "But I think that attack was meant for me."

"You mean we have another enemy?" Asuna wined.

"I'm afraid so," he replied. "And you're going to have to re-do your paper."

The sounds of Asuna's scream of anguish was heard all the way in Kyoto.

Nothing like a harmless retcon.