Magister Negi Magi is owned by Ken Akamatsu and Kodansha Ltd. Tokyo in Japan, and by Funimation and Ballantine - DelRey in the United States, NOT by me.
SPOILER ALERT! AU story occurring after c189.
Many thanks to kafka'sdragon and Tikigod784 for the help they have provided.
Regina Karkolova, Juntz Federson and Giles T. Glimmerhorn are used here with the permission of kafka'sdragon, who was also a tremendous help in creating the M-mail exchange between Calizone Bagera and Regina Karkolova.
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"As a scientist, it is difficult to believe in or quantify the true value and effects of such encounters of chance. Meeting Nodoka Miyazaki during my research in Dracogenia was such an event."
-Professor Calizon Bagera. "A Study of Magical Energy Levels in and around Ostia during the Great War and the 'Ostia Incident.'" Co-authored with Professors Juntz Federson and Giles T. Glimmerhorn.
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Ala Alba in the World of Magic: Tales From the Fireside.
Chapter Twenty-seven: Things More Important. (Day One.)
(-)
As he waited for his turn to speak to the clerk manning the counter in the Office for the Preservation and Protection of Historical Ruins, Calizone Bagera took out his Personal Planner Device to review the series of M-mails he had exchanged with Chairman Regina Karkolova in the days prior to his departure for New Ostia:
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From:
Professor Emeritus Calizon Bagera
Center of Mana Flow Research
Tanatalistica Magorum
Tempe Plateau
Mundus Magicus
To:
Councilor Regina Karkolova
Chairman, Mage Council Committee on Internal Affairs
Megalo-Mesembria
Central Region
Mundus Magicus
Re:
Possible effects of permanent closure of the Cross-World teleportation gates.
Chairman Karkolova,
Per your request, I have completed the preliminary finding on the possible effects of permanent closure and sealing of all Cross-World gates between the Mundus Magicus, and the Mundus Vetus.
Previously, when the gates were sealed to prevent contamination from the madness engulfing the Mundus Vetus over the last number of centuries, the prevention of travel was a simple but extremely effective ward. Think of a screen preventing a blood-midge from coming into your home to bite you.
(See attached reference file 01: 'Spell use in the closure of cross-world teleportation gates.)
As you should see, no spell preventing a normal flow of Mana was actually used. Thusly, no ill-effects were experienced.
Now, I must emphasize the following is only a theory shared by myself and a few colleagues in similar fields of research, but the possibility exists that permanent closure of the cross-world gates could have extremely detrimental effects on the Mundus Magicus.
(See attached reference file 02: 'Origins of Mana within the Mundus Magicus, and file 03: 'An explanation of Mana transference between the Mundus Magicus and Mundus Vetus.')
In short; Excess Mana flows through twelve distinct points from the Mundus Magicus to the Mundus Vetus. While an oversimplification, it would not be entirely incorrect to say Mana is created in the Mundus Magicus and is used in all its various means by that worlds inhabitants. Excess Mana flows to the Mundus Vetus where it is used by those of the Mundus Magicus present in that world, or for various other minor things not meaningful to this discussion. In this way, excess Mana 'pressure' is relieved, and a balance is maintained. (I believe the 'boiler safety-valve' analogy is the most appropriate in this case.)
These 'twelve distinct points' are of course, the locus of the Cross-World teleportation pathways, and are what makes travel between the two worlds possible.
If the Cross-World teleportation pathways were to be PERMANENTLY severed, not simply sealed as before, but completely cut, with no chance for renewal of the connection, a build-up of Mana would begin within the Mundus Magicus. With no relief outflow, the level of background Mana would eventually increase until it began to poison every living creature within the Mundus Magicus. Mana levels could conceivably build up to the point they would explosively release, searing-away everything on the surface of Mundus Magicus, leaving it a barren world devoid of all signs of life.
How fast would this occur? Unfortunately, I and my colleagues have no idea. It could be nearly instantaneous, happen quickly, or not be noticeable for several centuries. Despite the unbelievably useful help of a library researcher in Dracogenia, I was unable to locate the information which might permit me to make an accurate estimate.
As a short aside; Since the Mundus Vetus is for all intents and purposes the exit point of a 'Mana safety valve' for the Mundus Magicus, it is unlikely the Mundus Vetus would experience any ill-effects if the cross-world gate ports were permanently severed. At worst, mages there would simply be reduced to using the small amounts of magical energy that worlds produces, or would have to give up being mages at all.
As you perhaps intuitively realized, though your position seems based on other factors, it cannot possibly be a good thing to permanently separate the Mundus Magicus and the Mundus Vetus. (Admittedly, if the theory is correct.)
Now, I personally would prefer NOT to separate the two worlds, for all the desire of the Mundus Magicus to remain hidden, too many connections have developed tying it to the Mundus Vetus. However, if you are unable to prevent this from happening, might I suggest you push for a sealing of the pathways, and not permanent severance?
I can only hope my efforts have met your expectations, and will aid you in your work. Please do not hesitate to contact me further if you have any additional questions.
Calizon Bagera,
September 21, 2003
(-)
From:
Councilor Regina Karkolova
Chairman, Mage Council Committee on Internal Affairs
Megalo-Mesembria
Central Region
Mundus Magicus
To:
Professor Emeritus Calizon Bagera
Center of Mana Flow Research
Tanatalistica Magorum
Tempe Plateau
Mundus Magicus
Re:
Possible effects of permanent closure of Cross-World teleportation gates.
Professor Bagera,
I have read your report and find the conclusions more shocking than I imagined. I have forwarded your calculations to an independent party for verification before I submit this to the Council for action. This not because I doubt your conclusions, but due to the need to provide as much reinforcement as possible to my own positions in this matter. If inhabitants in the Mundus Magicus react to this as those in the Mundus Vetus react to environmental issues in their own world, getting your conclusions accepted will be a difficult, uphill battle.
I am also forwarding to you certain calculations from Dr. Giles Glimmerhorn, a mathematician from Oculus. The good doctor's research indicates that our world is entering a period of increased production of Mana, much in the manner of periods of global wide heating and cooling. If correct, the question of releasing the excess energy becomes critical. The doctor's model does seem to be supported by the increased ambient Mana detected in the polar regions as well as events in the Mundus Vetus such as the earlier than expected release of Mana at Mahora Academy and other points. I would be interested in what your colleges make of Dr. Glimmerhorn's findings.
(See attachment 1: "Trends of Mana Levels Within the Mundus Magicus.)
I and the rest of the Mundus Magicus are in your debt. I give you and your assistants my thanks now and hopefully on behalf of everyone else soon.
Regina Karkolova,
September 23, 2003
(-)
From:
Professor Emeritus Calizon Bagera
Center of Mana Flow Research
Tanatalistica Magorum
Tempe Plateau
Mundus Magicus
To:
Councilor Regina Karkolova
Chairman, Mage Council Committee on Internal Affairs
Megalo-Mesembria
Central Region
Mundus Magicus
Re: Report by Dr. Giles Glimmerhorn and it's relation to my earlier letter.
Chairman Karkolova,
I was aware from my own research of the general conclusions Dr. Glimmerhorn presented in his report, but not of the extent to which energy was already bleeding over to the Mundus Vetus. Such information is most troubling.
Based on his findings, and after discussion with my colleagues, I must conclude that if some disaster does actually occur as a result of complete severance of the cross-world ties between the Mundus Magicus and the Mundus Vetus, it will happen sooner, rather than later.
This gives the inactive cross-world gate in the ruins of old Ostia an importance beyond all measure. If something were to destroy that gate, as has happened to all other cross-world gates, the consequences are too terrible to contemplate.
Earlier this year I was denied permission by the Mage Council's Secretary for the Preservation and Protection of Historical Ruins to examine the Ostian cross-world gate site. Despite that, I intend to proceed to New Ostia at once. If my colleagues cannot secure permission for me to make a close examination by the time I arrive, then I will do what I can to take measurements from a distance. If abnormally high readings are found near the Ostian gate, it can only mean Mana is already gathering there, pouring through the last open 'safety-valve' like high water through a funnel.
Rest assured, I will contact you at once, should my examination warrant it.
Calizon Bagera,
September 25, 2003
(-)
From:
Councilor Regina Karkolova
Chairman, Mage Council Committee on Internal Affairs
Megalo-Mesembria
Central Region
Mundus Magicus
To:
Professor Emeritus Calizon Bagera
Center of Mana Flow Research
Tanatalistica Magorum
Tempe Plateau
Mundus Magicus
Re:
Permits for Exploration of Ostia Historical Site.
Professor Bagera,
I will engage immediately with Secretary Chong about the permits. He and his staff have been more amenable these past few days so I believe we can have the proper papers waiting for you at Ostia.
I'm not sure of the size of your team, but I will endeavor to secure an unrestricted authorization, so that you may arrange your team as you see fit.
Though many military units have been authorized to attend the festival, the Mage Council has received disturbing reports indicating the presence of additional such units within close proximity of New Ostia. If true, this would be a clear violation of the peace treaty terms and would require immediate action by the Council.
Because of this, I wish to impress upon you the need to exercise all due caution in and around both New and Old Ostia.
Regina Karkolova
September 25, 2003
(-)
"Professor Bagera?"
Quickly standing, Bagera put his PPD away and stood to approach the counter.
"I'm afraid I have bad news for you..."
(-)
With everyone else involved in their respective specialties, Kotaro and Negi had a responsibility of their own to take care of. While waiting for their first match later in the evening, they were going around the eight smaller venues in the New Ostia arena complex to watch their possible future opponents fight. Negi went to watch a match between the Arcer - To'ska team from Tristan and a pair from Phoenix, while Kotaro found himself watching the match between a team from Al-Jamira and another from Argyre.
Whatever Kotaro expected, it wasn't what he saw. The team from Al-Jamira got off a single coordinated attack, then was crushed mercilessly. There simply wasn't any other way of putting it. In a manner nearly as fatal as Negi's treatment of Kagetaro in Granicus City, the two small, cloak wearing members of the team from Argyre left their opposites from Al-Jamira broken and bleeding in the sand of the arena. The audience wasn't stunned into silence like the one in Granicus City, but they were quieter than normal. Watching as the announcer began a belated countdown, Kotaro thought he could hear an undercurrent of discontent in the murmurings of the spectators.
Declared the winners, the team from Argyre turned and left the arena without making any effort to see to the condition of their opponents.
Kotaro knew he wanted to win to help Natsumi and the others gain their freedom, but the callous attitude of the Argyre team offended his sensibilities. Growling quietly as the arena healers ran out to do their duty, he unconsciously extended his claws and began focusing on how he and Negi could best the violently dangerous Argyre team.
"That team from Al-Jamira is lucky to be alive."
Surprised someone had managed to get close without his noticing, Kojirou turned to see a blonde To-Jin woman standing next to him. "How so?"
Closing her eyes, the To-Jin shook her head. "That team from Argyre caused three fatalities and seven serious injuries in the six rounds of the Mons Cup in Argyre. The only two opponents who weren't hurt were a pair that forfeited, rather than fight."
While the To-Jin watched in silence as the team from Al-Jamira was carried away, Kojirou began observing the woman next to him much more closely. Unlike Setsuna, with her dark hair, white-wings, and lithe physique, this person was very blonde, more full and mature physically, and sported ominous, blood-red wings. "I haven't had much chance to see them fight. Are they really that vicious?"
Flexing her wings caused a bit of downy fuzz to fly out and tickle Kojirou's nose. The To-Jin woman politely ignored his sneeze, then turned to catch him with a serious gaze. "Fight to the death ended during the era of Jacobus Rakan. That the Argyre team uses it now makes them unpopular. Hated, even. Since they don't seem to care about the adulation and glory of a 'good fight,' then they must have some other motivation..."
Now her gaze became piercing, and Kojirou found himself flinching slightly from it's intensity.
"...much like you do..."
Recovering, Kojirou gave a huff and turned away. "Whatever could you mean?"
Giving a grin that made Kojirou think of a wise, experienced hawk or eagle, the To-Jin woman held his gaze for a moment longer, then started laughing. "Oh come now! Don't tell me you haven't heard?"
Growing a bit frustrated, Kojirou shook his head.
Now the To-Jin woman nearly doubled over with her laughter. "Oh my! Only someone motivated by innocent sincerity would be so clueless!"
With his ears and tail standing straight out from his body, Kojirou clenched his fists and turned to face his companion. "What are you talking about?"
Rubbing at tears in the corner of her eyes, the To-Jin woman regained control and stood back up. "Almost all the prize-fighters are talking about the team from Granicus City, fighting to free their friends from debt-slavery! 'How noble!' Some say. 'How stupid!' A few others."
Flushing, Kojirou tensed up. "Which are you?"
Still smiling, the To-Jin woman crossed her arms and gave Kojirou a look of approval. "I admire what you're doing. Your motivation for fighting is at least more worthy than that of some who are here." Now she gave a wink. "You'll still have to get past myself and my partner in the finale first, though." Turning, she caught sight of the two wounded fighters as they were finally carried out of the arena. "Us, or the team from Argyre. If we're beaten in the quarter-final."
Relaxing even in the face of a challenge, Kojirou gave the blonde To-Jin a look of self-confident determination. "We're going to win!"
A firm nod came as part of the To-Jin woman's response. "Well said. Good luck! In any case. For such a youngster, you seem to be quite focused and well motivated."
Responding to an extended hand, Kojirou gave a firm handshake. "Good luck as well, Miss...?"
"Aer. Aer Kitar. My partner and I are the team from Antigone." Turning away, Aer waved back over her shoulder. "We won't fight until the last day, so why don't you and your young friend give us a visit, and we'll have dinner some night."
Watching Aer's swaying wings as she walked away, Kojirou couldn't shake the feeling the To-Jin woman knew or realized more about he and 'Nagi' than she was letting on. Giving a shrug and a sigh, he left the arena to go check in with Paru at her booth. He needed to make sure everything was okay with her before joining Nagi for their fight against the Ky'shira brothers from Vairocana.
(-)
Thrilled beyond her expectations by how well she'd performed the previous night assisting Shirabe and the other three girls of Damashi, Ako Izumi received a second shock when the blind Ma-Jin girl asked her to come by again the following morning.
After an intense practice session that ended at mid-day, Ako was dismissed to go to her regular job. One relaxing shower later, she donned her maid uniform, adjusted the lace headpiece, then walked out of the practice studio's small bathing area and went over to where Shirabe sat casually practicing with a violin. When the Ma-Jin girl sat the bow down and turned to face her, she gave an apologetic bow. "Forgive me Lady Shirabe, but may I be late for practice tonight? There's someone I would really like to go meet."
'Looking' at Ako, Shirabe waited a few moments, then turned to put her violin away. "You performed brilliantly last night, and again this morning during practice, but you should still work with us off stage as much as possible. Is it really that important?"
Nodding, Ako flushed and began to wring her hands and fidget nervously. "Neg... I mean, a friend and I had an argument, and this will be my chance to apologize to him."
"A 'friend,' huh?" Sighing, Shirabe stood and gave the suddenly blushing Ako a slightly amused look. "Very well then. Don't worry about tonight. Just be sure to be here on time tomorrow morning."
"Thank you!" Bowing once more, Ako turned and left to go work the remainder of her shift as an arena waitress.
After the door closed behind the unknowing girl, Shirabe turned as Koyomi came out of the shower area clad only in a loosely tied bathrobe. "Get dressed. Master Averruncus should be through with his match by now. Go to the villa and tell him he'll have a chance to confront Springfield tonight, if he wishes it."
Halting in the act of roughly drying her hair and ears with a fresh towel, Koyomi tensed slightly, then nodded. "At once. Lady Shirabe."
(-)
To any interested observer, three young, sun-dress clad girls reading books in a library was something you might see any day. That they were being watched over by an efficient and properly attentive business-suited female Nek-Jin bodyguard simply meant one or more of the girls was someone important. That the three girls wished to read instead of wander about the excitement-filled streets of New Ostia might be unusual, but with so many people in the city for the twentieth wars-end celebration and the Nagi-Cup Prize-fighter tournament, such strangeness was easily ignored with the shake of a head, and an 'It takes all types!' thought.
Chibi Yue, sporting an oversized pair of glasses and with her hair in a braided single pony-tail, was not so much reading as she was searching. Using the abilities of her Orbis Sensualium Pictus, she would seek out a promising book in the New Ostia library, then Nodoka or Konoka would go and retrieve it. They would more closely examine it's content, writing down any useful information, or noting the relevant pages for Yue's artifact to record, then return the book to it's place on the shelf.
Somewhat apprehensively, a Tan-Jin librarian watched nervously when the two girls reshelved their books, but after casually checking their placement several times, relized with pleasant surprise that they were quite proper in their efforts, and ignored them from then on.
"Konoka, try to find; 'A Hollow Victory: The Battle of Ostia from the Front Line,' by someone named Mifune Hayase. It should be in the history section."
Often ignored by those who spoke of the Class 3A 'Library Trio,' Konoka Konoe was also a member of the Library Club and was just as capable of functioning competently in a library as her more visibly bibliophilic classmates. After writing down the registration number given by Yue, she picked up her last book and went to retrieve the next.
While Nodoka continued searching through an old geography text for clues to the location of the cross-world gate-port in Old Ostia, Yue returned to perusing twenty year old battle reports from the fighting around Ostia using her Artifact. Nodoka had a researchers permit given to her by Hi'Ki Zosho that allowed access to some of the mildly restricted items in the New Ostia library, but Yue still needed to use her Artifact to access items in more heavily restricted area's. As annoying as doing such manual searching was, they had no choice.
After using an Age-Changing Pastille to make herself appear younger, Yue had come to the library by herself. Secluded in a quiet corner, she had activated her Artifact and prepared to raid the library for information. Before she could even begin, a small holographic window had popped up, warning her that copying the total volume of new information present in the library would necessitate overwriting content currently stored within the Orbis Sensualium Pictus. Faced with no other choice, she called Negi via Pactio telepathia, and after a short delay, Chibi-Nodoka and Konoka, along with bodyguard Setsuna, had arrived as rienforcments.
Unfortunately, all they could prove after almost an entire day's effort was something they already knew from Kazumi Asakura's previous investigations. The gate-port in Old Ostia did indeed exist, it had been mentioned indirectly several times, but of clues as to it's location? There was nothing.
Nodoka closed the geography book and looked up just as a gray-stripped Tiger Nek-Jin climbed the stairs onto the floor where she and her companions were working. Just barely, she managed to restrain herself from calling out to a man she recognized, but her chibi-form shouldn't know. Professor Bagera glanced around for a few moments, then began walking over towards their table.
Even after catching Nodoka's look of recognition, Setsuna composed herself to meet this 'stranger' in a manner commiserate with her status as the bodyguard of the other three girls.
Holding out a small picture, Professor Bagera stopped a polite distance away and bowed to the Nek-Jin girl he'd been told to look for. "Excuse me Miss. Have you seen an auburn-haired U-Jin girl around the library anywhere? Short, erect ears, modestly pretty. I was told I would be able to find her here today." Glancing aside, he gave Nodoka a quick wink as he took another step forward to hand Setsuna the picture.
Coughing into her fist as Nodoka flushed slightly from the Nek-Jin's words, Setsuna took the picture and saw a sketch from Haruna showing the disguised girl in her in U-Jin form. Below the drawing was a short message:
Setsuna,
This is Professor Calizone Bagera. He has one of Chisame's mice, and needs Bookstore's help to do something that might benefit us as well.
Paru.
Shaking her head, Setsuna lowered but kept the picture. 'I'm afraid I haven't, though it is possible she might be in the protected documents area on this floor. If you would like, I could have one of my Lady's companions show you where it is."
Placing a hand across his chest in salute, Professor Bagera gave a polite bow. "If it would not be too much trouble. I'm not very familiar with this library."
Moving over to the table, Setsuna took out a stylus and began writing on Haruna's drawing. "Honya, could you please show this Gentleman where the restricted documents section on this floor is?" As Nodoka stood up, Setsuna handed her Haruna's picture. "Also, if you don't mind, could you try to find this book for me? I was planning to look myself, but I don't think I'll have time to do so today. I believe it should be in the fiction section."
'Honya' accepted the picture and looked down at Setsuna's message.
Use the Shikigami-doll I gave you. Go straight back to the arena when you're done.
Nodding, Nodoka folded and pocketed the picture, then indicated for Professor Bagera to follow her lead. "This way please, Sir."
Several minutes later, Honya returned, handed Setsuna a book, then sat down to resume searching through the one she'd left on the table.
A short while later, the Tiger Nek-Jin returned with an U-Jin girl at his side. He waved in thanks at Setsuna, then lead the girl back down the stairs leading to the library's entrance.
After watching the pair go, Konoka turned her attention to Yue. "I think I've found something..." Turning her book around, she pointed with barely concealed excitement at the relevant passage.
"...beyond our main objective of attacking the Grand Tower in Ostia, part of my unit was assigned the task of securing the Temple of Chandika in the Arician District of the city. Should the Hellas Empire somehow capture the Imperial Princess of the Twilight, we were to prevent them from escaping into the Normal World with her through the Gate Port Facility located there."
Konoka beamed. "Finally! Some kind of clue!"
Glancing around the table, Yue tried to remember where she'd set aside a potentially useful item they'd found earlier in the day. "Where's that book with all the paintings and illustrations of Old Ostia?"
(-)
Walking away from the library, Professor Bagera turned to glance down at his U-Jin companion. "I'm glad you still had that glamour-spell Miss Miyazaki. Much easier to just activate it than for me to have to set it up again."
Reaching up, Nodoka scratched behind one of her 'ears.' "Well, I knew it might be important, so I've had my friend Yue help me keep it charged. that way if I was ever in some kind of emergency, I'd have it available."
Chuckling, Bagera reached over to ruffle Nodoka's hair. "Smart girl!" Stopping on a street corner, he waited for the cross-traffic to thin, then rushed to the opposite corner with his companion in tow. "In any case, You've got some very protective friends! I thought that harmless looking artist-girl and an Inu-Jin boy who showed up were going to lay into me when I asked for your help!"
Glancing at a small device Professor Bagera took out that looked like a PDA, Nodoka gasped as a Sprite-mouse briefly rose from the screen and waved to her. "Shirataki!"
Placing the device back inside a pocket, Bagera indicated for Nodoka to turn down a new street. "I came to New Ostia on behalf of research I and several colleagues are conducting. Various aspects of this work can be considered dangerous, so for reasons I won't bore you with, I volunteered."
Showing a bit of confusion on her face, Nodoka looked up at Bagera. "Is Mana-flow research that dangerous?"
Placing both hands behind his back as he continued walking, Bagera hesitated for a moment before looking back down at Nodoka. "In Dracogenia, I was researching historical records concerning the after effects of what happened here twenty-years ago. That in itself posses no danger, but the implications presented by that information are were the true danger lies."
Wondering why Bagera was suddenly so worried looking, Nodoka failed to notice another equally distracted person and bumped into him. She quickly apologized, then noticed she was surrounded less by festival participants and more by administrative types. "Where are we going?"
Coming to a halt, Bagera reached out to pull Nodoka close as a quartet of bounty-hunters began exiting a building the two of them were passing. Gripping about their boss and bounty-marks in general, one of the four glared as Nodoka pulled herself tightly against Bagera, flattening her ears in fright. Bagera growled protectively, showing his fangs, until the bald, tattooed bounty-hunter gave a dismissive snort at the miss-matched pair before following after his companions.
Pulling slightly away from the Tiger-man, Nodoka turned to watch quietly. After the four bounty-hunters disappeared from sight, she finally allowed her ears to stand back up.
Fangs still slightly exposed, Bagera continued to hold an arm protectively around Nodoka. "Canis Niger. They're one of the best hunter organization's around, but they've got a reputation for bringing in their marks beaten senseless... amongst other, less savory, rumors." Nodoka shuddered again, then stepped out of Bagera's embrace. "Anyway, I need your help in resolving a most delicate matter."
Taking a deep breath, Nodoka held it for a moment, then let it out as a long sigh. "If it's within my abilities, Professor Bagera."
After indicating for Nodoka to continue following him, Bagera glanced down at her out of the corner of one eye. "Do you still have that Artifact you said can determine if someone is telling the truth?"
Flushing slightly, Nodoka nodded.
"Good." Relaxing measurably, Bagera nodded in an excited manner. "Good! I have been assured permits allowing my entry into Old Ostia have been delivered to the office for the Preservation and Protection of Historical Ruins, but the clerk there claims they haven't. Considering who it was that promised to cut through the bureaucratic interference to make sure permits would be here, I'd appreciate it if you could find out the truth of the matter for me."
("Official permits to enter Old Ostia?") Nodoka turned away to try and hide her excitement. Getting into Old Ostia without interference was one of the Ala Alba's biggest worries. Negi, Kotaro, Kaede, Ku and Setsuna expected not to have much trouble sneaking in on their own, but how they were going to get everyone else in had been problematic. "Professor Bagera... Is it possible you might need an escort into Old Ostia?"
Indicating for Nodoka to proceed him up the steps of a building, Bagera nodded. "I had hoped to hire an escort after collecting the permits." Shirataki had been reluctant to come out and say such, but the presence of Nodoka and her companions in New Ostia most likely meant they wanted to try and go home through the old city's abandoned cross-world gate port. Since that coincided with his own goals, Bagera had no issues with helping them out. ("Maybe if I do so, it can make up for things I've done in the past...") "Why? Do you know some who might be available?"
Despite her efforts at self-control, Nodoka still heard her voice crack with excitement as she looked up into Bagera's knowing eyes. "Y-yes!"
Pausing at the top of the steps, Bagera chuckled, then held the door open for Nodoka. "Well, we'll worry about that later. Right now we need to hurry. It's almost time for the office to close."
(-)
Yaku Koumuin was most displeased when the annoying Tiger Nek-Jin returned just before it was time to go home. He was even more displeased when after a few questions, the bothersome person was able to suggest exactly where his permits might have been misplaced to. Foolishly, he allowed his expression to confirm he'd always known where the permits were, so he had no choice but to retrieve and sign them over. He had tried to contact his immediate superior, Secretary Chong, concerning how to deal with the matter of permits authorized by another Mage Council member, but the man refused to return his repeated inquiries.
After the bothersome Tiger Nek-Jin and who-ever that quiet U-Jin who had accompanied him had left, Yaku closed down his entire office, then hung out a sign on the door as he left.
"Closed for the duration of the festival."
It was too late to stop the Tiger-Nek-Jin from going into Old Ostia now, but he could stop anyone else from legally doing so by doing what he should have done when that annoying Tiger-man had left earlier that morning!
(-)
"Should I escort you back to the library, Miss Miyazaki?"
Looking down at her Diarium Ejus for a moment, Nodoka considered putting it away, then decided not to. No sense in being too obvious it was an Artifact. Besides, she could always put it away as soon as she and Professor Bagera reached someplace less public. "No. Setsuna said to go directly to our place at the arena."
A sudden, loud gurgling sound came from Nodoka's stomach. Turning away slightly to avoid embarrassing his companion, Bagera gave a polite cough. "Ah... yes. Sometimes I become so focused on my work I forget to eat. We haven't discussed your compensation for assisting me yet, so why don't I start by buying your dinner?"
Glamoured ears drooping, Nodoka held the Diarium Ejus tightly against her belly to try and muffle any further sounds. "Thank you Professor. That would be nice."
Leading Nodoka to a plaza near the New Ostia arena containing several food vendors, Bagera seated his companion, then left her to go procure their meals.
For her own part, Nodoka sat waiting for Professor Bagera's return, humming and tracing a finger lightly across her Artifact as she considered what she'd just done. ("Do I really trust Professor Bagera? Even if he seems so unconcerned about the Ala Alba's status... Could it all be a ruse for the purpose of betraying everyone to the authorities?")
Fear and distrust of all males had been a part of Nodoka's life for as long as she could remember. Only after meeting Professor Springfield had she learned to stop openly fearing those who were for so-long objects of terror to her. Professor Springfield she now trusted with her life. Professor Takahata and the other males at Mahora Academy she could at least no-longer tremble with fear over if they were nearby.
Hi'Ki Zosho... a boy close to her own age who held similar interests... she trusted him, perhaps even beyond just the fraternity of being a fellow librarian.
Professor Bagera though... as much time as she'd spent with him, even considering she'd left to go help him without a second thought or an escort... about him she felt the beginnings of fear and doubt.
So then... perhaps this sense of unease was a test of the trust she had for her own feelings. Did she believe in herself? In her instinct that the big Tiger Nek-Jin was a friend, and trustworthy? Or did she give in to her fear, and use the Diarium Ejus to determine his real motives?
Just as Professor Bagera returned with their food, something unrelated to her current thoughts sent a shiver of anxiety up her spine with an intensity she'd not felt since...
"Miss Miyazaki?"
Looking up, Nodoka stared blankly at Professor Bagera for a moment, then shook her head. "Excuse me... I seem to have become lost in thought..." Across from her, the Tiger-man set down a bowl of cubed meat for himself, while placing before his companion a kind of curry-dish with a side of thin, pan-fried bread. Cautiously, she picked up a spoon an took a tentative taste of the spiced-gravy covered entree.
Using his claws to pop several obviously raw meat-cubes into his mouth, Bagera gave a low chuckle at the sight of Nodoka's daintiness. "Don't worry, Miss Miyazaki! Your food's just Dachou, not something weird!"
Reassured, Nodoka's next spoonful was piled higher. Final ready to dig in, she picked up a piece of the quartered bread-round. "You don't mean those birds people ride, do you?"
Shaking his head, Bagera popped another cube of meat into his mouth. "Nope. Those crazy things are usually too smart to let themselves become a meal. A Dachou on the other hand, they taste better and are less hazardous to catch!"
Forgetting her troubles as Bagera gave a smile, Nodoka started to take a bite from the fry-bread when an even stronger feeling of anxiety washed over her.
("No... Nodoka, help... Ako's gone missing...")
Stunned by Negi's desperate telepathic cry, Nodoka dropped the bread and dazedly reached over to place her hand on the Diarium Ejus. Just as she tried to establish a solid link with her Magister, a wave of nearly blinding hatred came through the Pactio telepathia. With the similarity to what she'd felt during 'Nagi's' fight against Kagetaro in Granicus City, it could only mean he'd seen something to remind him of the White-haired boy from the Megalo-Mesembrian gate port.
Opening her artifact, Nodoka whispered Negi's name. After the connection established itself, a jumbled mess of violent, dangerous thoughts began the fill the artifact's pages. Negi was probably seconds away from attacking his nemesis. ("No Negi! You swore! You swore on Asuna's memory you wouldn't try to take revenge!") Seemingly with reluctance, the chaotic jumble of thoughts filling the Diarium Ejus began to slow, and words that didn't seem to be directly Negi's began printing themselves out.
("Negi Springfield... If you don't mind, I think perhaps you and I should have a little talk.")
Over the last several weeks, and especially on the trip from Granicus City to Ostia, Nodoka and Yue had been working with some minor success on ways to expedite establishing the Telepathia Terminus spell. Now, with the White-haired boy speaking to Negi who knew where, was the unwelcome chance to see if she could do so under stress. ("Diarium Ejus! Telepathia Terminus, Ala Alba Totus et Socius!")
("Why should I care about ANYTHING you have to say!")
Calmly continuing to eat his cubed meat, Professor Bagera watched as Nodoka placed a hand on her open Artifact and began quietly whispering to herself.
("My, my! Here I come to offer you an out from this dismal situation, and you greet me with such hostility! I did say though that you never should have come here, so you've no-one to blame for your troubles but yourself.")
Feeling the telepathia connection solidify to everyone she expected except Jack Rakan, Nodoka called out for help, then suddenly stiffened at the realization of how close to her Negi actually was.
("Troubles? You nearly killed me and are probably responsible for what happened to Asuna! Now you've kidnapped another of my students, and you're surprised at my hostility? Just because of those things alone, why should I believe anything you might tell me!")
Despite her own fear, Nodoka could sense Negi's confusion at the expression of surprise which appeared on the face of his nemesis at the mention of Asuna's name. The white-haired boy shook his head for a moment, then gave Negi a look of pity.
("You've no-one to blame but yourself for the Princess's fate. As far as the other student goes? What reason would I have to do such a thing?") Now Fate's look became smug. ("You must not be a very good teacher, if you can't keep track of your students.")
Looking at the two persons having a seemingly innocuous conversation a short distance behind Nodoka, Bagera made a connection of several things when he saw a look of visceral fear in the young girls eyes. Reaching out, he gave Nodoka's free hand a reassuring squeeze.
("Who is it again, 'exactly,' who made such a task nearly impossible!")
Calmed by Bagera's strong grip, Nodoka closed her eyes to try one more thing. ("Two Diaries of the ID. Negi Springfield Praestantia Immineo Fate Averunncus!")
("Again, if you'd just left well enough alone, this would not be an issue.")
Now Nodoka felt first surprise as Negi suddenly realized he could sense Fate's surface thoughts, then a twinge of fear at the realization of how close she must be.
("I'm going to ask you this one last time; Did you take another of my student's?")
Through the mini-diary's link, Nodoka felt slight irritation from Fate.
("That's all your worried about? How boring. It seems I've misjudged you as the son of the Thousand-Master. I expected better of you. At least show some passing interest in those who vex you so.")
Intensity of emotion told Nodoka Negi was very interested in Fate's purpose, but his promise back in Granicus City weighed heavier still on his mind.
("Why don't I make you and offer. Stay out of my way and I won't bother you. Try to prevent me from leaving with the people I came here with and I'll smash you and your's if it's the last thing I do.")
Amusement came now from Fate.
("I'd think about trying that again, if I were you. There no chance for you to win.")
Deadly calm suddenly came over Negi, and Nodoka feared he was going to attack Fate despite his promise.
("A ninety-nine percent chance I'll loose means a one-percent chance I'll win. If you're so confident, then let's do this. Here. NOW. Otherwise I have a student to go find, and that's more important to me than any satisfaction I might get from playing here with YOU!")
Fate remained outwardly calm, but a undercurrent of annoyance in his thoughts told Nodoka he might be willing to accommodate Negi. Nodoka could sense him preparing an incantationless spell when someone grabbed his wrist.
("I've no idea what's going on here, but I'll not have my bodyguard brawling like some common street thug!")
Shock, quickly suppressed, came from Fate. On the verge of starting something, he hesitated a moment at the intrusion of a third party into his confrontation with Negi, then relaxed and backed down.
("Very well Princess. This was just a minor difference of opinion. No real need to cause any problems.")
Looking down at her diary, Nodoka could see this oddly familiar 'Princess' standing protectively between Fate and Negi. Even though she was armed with a sword, her long, gown-like dress called her actual fighting abilities into question. Negi's thoughts became confused, and seemed to indicate he was seeing something the black-and-white images of the Diarium Ejus couldn't show.
Before a now grinning Fate could try to take advantage of Negi, two more person's entered the picture. Seemingly appearing out of nowhere, a tall, pony-tailed Inu-Jin and a short, dark-skinned Eru-Jin were suddenly at Nagi's side.
("Are you okay Mister Springfield?")
Negi seemed more thrilled than surprised by his sudden reinforcements. Even though Kazumi Asakura had reported finding them, the appearance of Kaede Nagase and Ku Fei meant the only persons still missing were Anya Cocorowa and Negi's familiar Chamo.
Genuine interest seemed to show on Fate's expression now. Crossing his arms, he gave a short laugh.
("We'll now! It seems your student's luck is equal to you're own. Even though I came here with the intent of offering you an 'out,' that opportunity is now moot. Though I would love to know the details of how your two companions avoided the effects of my Eternal Petrification spell, I think it's best now if I not speak to you again until the last day of the festival.") Turning to face his 'Princess,' Fate gave her a slight bow, then began to walk away. ("We should return to your father's villa Princess, it isn't prudent for you to be alone outside under any circumstances.")
After glancing briefly at Nagi, the Princess returned her attention to Fate.
("Fine. I'm sure then that you'll have no objection to explaining to my father why his daughter has to go protect her own bodyguard from himself!")
Pausing once more, Fate turned to look back over his shoulder at Negi.
("By the way Negi. You'd best keep that little rabbit of your's over there on a short leash. If I ever catch her alone somewhere I'll petrify and smash her like I should have done in Kyoto.")
Realizing Fate had apparently known she'd been present all along gave Nodoka such a strong shock she began to shake uncontrollably. In an instant Kaede and Ku were at her side. A few moments later, after Fate's laughter faded with his departure, 'Nagi' joined the little group. Shaking so hard she could hardly sit up, it took Nagi kneeling to enfold both shivering hands within his own to even begin to start calming her.
Negi gave the disguised Kaede and Ku Fei a quick nod of greeting, then focused his attention on Nodoka as a means of keeping himself calm. Fate's 'Princess' had had uncomfortably familiar looks, and the only way he could control his own emotional turmoil was to focus on finding Ako.
Eventually, Nodoka's shaking slowed down enough for her to pull Negi into an embrace. Doing what she seemed to expect, he returned the affection. "Thank you Nodoka. If you'd not been there to remind me of my responsibility, I might have done something unfortunate." Nodoka nodded into his shoulder, then released him, so he moved back and stood up. "Now, you've got to help us find Ako. She can't be too far away, so I'm hoping you'll be able to link directly with her using your ID diaries."
Sitting back and rubbing at tear stained eyes, Nodoka gave a curt nod, then returned her attention to the Diarium Ejus. A diary appeared for Ako, but nothing was being written in it. After taking a deep breath to calm herself further, she immediately felt several additional discrepancies in her Telepathia Terminus spell. "Som... something's wrong! I can't contact Ako, anyone at the library, OR Mister Rakan!"
Turning towards Kaede and Ku, Negi pointed off towards the library. Both girl's left without a word. Taking Nodoka's hands once more, he took and held her gaze with his own. "Rakan should be able to take care of himself. Tell Kojirou to stay with everyone still at the arena, then I need you to help find Ako, Nodoka. Can you do it?"
Even with no information coming to the ID diary, Nodoka nodded and gave the only answer she could.
From the roof of a nearby building, a pair of draconic eyes watched as the Tiger-man who had been with Nodoka Miyazaki stood to offer his assistance to 'Nagi' Springfield. Having now personally witnessed his determination in the recent confrontation, the owner of those eyes turned and leapt into the night sky over New Ostia.
As much as she desired to help in the search for her classmate, there were others of her kind who needed to know the son of the Thousand Master was indeed worthy of their support.
tsuzuku
(-)
Author's Notes:
A deliberate decision was made to use the terms 'Mundus Magicus' (Magic World) and 'Mundus Vetus' (Normal World) in this chapter.
Tan-Jin. Tanuki (Raccoon) person. Kaede's 'costume' during Mahora Fest would be an example.
"Diarium Ejus! Telepathia Terminus, Ala Alba Totus et Socius!"
"Diarium Ejus Telepathic Connection, (all) Ala Alba (Members) and Associates!"
Extension of Nodoka's original spell in Chapter 10. In this case, she commands the Diarium Ejus to connect everyone on the list she's written in the back of the book. As long as there was a previously established connection with the person, her Artifact will do so much faster than she could. Any additional allies in a particular battle will still need to be added in 'manually,' one at a time.
"Two Diaries of the ID. Negi Springfield Praestantia Immineo Fate Averunncus!"
"Negi Springfield superiority over Fate Averunncus."
For more information on this spell, see the Author's Notes for Chapter 10.
PPD, PDA. A small personal electronic organizer. In Professor Bagera's case, it also doubles as a device for measuring Mana levels.
Mana, or Magical Energy. Most persons would speak of the energy they use for magic simply as 'Magical Energy,' but 'Mana' is a term used referring more broadly to the energy used for spells, as well as for all the sources of that energy.
"Those birds people ride." Yellow, smart as a tack. You know; the ones from the Square-Soft games!
Dachou. An Ostrich. (Or possibly also an Emu.)
Chapter Twenty-eight: Someone crippled, someone rescued.