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.

The scene between Nagi Springfield and Aricia Anar'Shia Teotanasia this chapter was suggested by Kafka'sdragon.

Though the holidays were a factor, I can only apologize, as there is no other meaningful reason for the long delay between chapters.

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"Losing contact with that boy was one of the biggest mistakes our organization ever made."

-Mifuzu Saseru Enteofushia. From journal entries recovered by an unknown person or persons, from the MahoNet servers in Argyre.

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Ala Alba in the World of Magic: Tales From the Fireside.

Chapter Forty-six: Past. (Day Seven.)

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(First Crisis.)

Having stopped the full force of the Life Giver's last attack, Kurt'Wa Cae Ffynnon fell to his hands and knees. The only thing preventing a complete collapse was the grip he held on the haft of his broken sword. Glancing back, his blurry vision showed him Kush'Na Norista Teotanasia putting the finishing touches on the spell sealing She who sought to destroy the world away. He could tell by her calm look of concentration that the mage had not been disturbed, and his duty as a protector had been fulfilled.

With a smile, then a pained, hacking series of coughs, Kurt'Wa fell to the ground, his armor, once the strongest in existence but now weakened by the effects of the Life Giver's attack, crumpling like thin foil.

With those who called themselves 'The Brotherhood' off chasing down what should be left of the Kosmo Entelecheia, and with her sealing spell all but complete, Kush'Na finally permitted herself to relax just a tiny bit. Kurt'Wa collapsing ratcheted her anxiety back up, but the absolute need to 'Cross the t's' and 'Dot the i's' to ensure the completeness of the spell kept her focused.

Finally, the Life Giver was sealed within the palace of pure Onyx it had erected for itself in a valley filled with floating islands. The flow of energy faded to a trickle, then at last, to nothing. Before the conscious thought even registered in her mind, Kush'Na moved to kneel at Kurt'Wa's side. Rolling the once strong man onto his back, she could see what the Life Giver's spell had done, and knew the end was near.

Wheezing softly, Kurt'Wa turned his unfocused eyes turned towards Kush'Na as she sat him up. "W... we... did... it..."

Tears in her own eyes, Kush'Na brushed the hair from Kurt'Wa's drawn face. "Yes. We did. YOU did. You held the Life Giver off long enough for me to seal her away..."

Nodding, Kurt'Wa began slowly feeling around for his sword. "She may not stay sealed... though..."

Though Kurt'Wa couldn't see it, Kush'Na nodded and wiped at the wetness on her cheeks. "As long as I live, the world is safe. After that..."

Hearing the faltering tone in Kush'Na's voice, Kurt'Wa used the last of his strength to hold his broken blade up to her. "Did I not pledge to be your sword or shield? You are a Sorcerer Mage. You created the Partnership Ritual. Use this and your staff to create a symbol of what we've done. Bind us together in that way, and I swear by my dying breath, my blood and yours will always come together... to do what must be done... until the threat of the... Life... Giver... is gone... for... ev... er..."

Taking the blade in her hand, Kush'Na remained kneeling as the breath of life slowly left Kurt'Wa's body. Finally setting him down and standing, she held out her mage staff and the remains of Kurt'Wa's sword. Her Partner was right. As a Sorcerer Mage; a creator of magic and not just a user of magic, following his suggestion was as easy as coming up with the spell itself...

"A consortio subpono in pugna. (A partnership forged in battle.)

Sulum Mage, vel Miles militis; (Each, Mage, or Knight;)

Validus Contego, vel Acer Mucro. (Strong Shield, or Sharp Sword.)

Sulum, Miles militis, vel Mage; (Each, Knight, or Mage;)

Conjuratus pugno ut unus. (Sworn to fight as one.)

Sulum, Mage quod Miles militis; (Each, Mage and Knight;)

Per fides, profundus quod validus. (With trust, deep and strong.)

Sulum, Miles militis quod Mage. (Each, Knight and Mage.)

Una, ut they es necessarius. (Together, when they are needed.)

Insquequo, procul porro permaneo; (Until, at long last;)

Periculosus est verus nisus... (The danger is truly ended...)

...quod una, they sileo." (...and together, they rest.)

Swirling magic circles and fires of sorcerous alchemy, flaring rapidly into existence as Kush'Na spoke, faded just as quickly with the last words of her spell. Now floating before her was a completely new weapon. Kurt'Wa's broken sword had become the new blade, while her own mage staff the new scabbard. Trimmed in gold's and blues, the weapon had become the physical symbol of the deep bond the two of them had shared. One so strong his own wife had seen the futility of resisting it, and had given him up to her. "Well, my friend, if you're going to be something that draws two families together when it becomes necessary, then you're going to need a name." Closing her eyes and holding out both hands towards the sheathed sword, Kush'Na thought about Kurt'Wa's now orphaned son. "'Caliburn.' You shall be 'Caliburn of Teotanasia.'"

One last flash of magical energy burned a line of scroll-work into the scabbard, then it and the blade it contained dropped into Kush'Na's outstretched hands. After one last look at her forever silent partner, she turned to go find the white-haired boy leader of The Brotherhood.

A city to watch over the sealed Life Giver needed to be built. She would need to see to the burial of someone whose companionship she was already missing, and most important of all; there was one last thing to do which would ensure those who followed her would always know what they would be in for...

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(Third Imperial Princess of the Twilight.)

All but held prisoner in a private suite of the Ostian Governor General's residence, Princess Aricia Anar'Shia Teotanasia Enteofushia looked down at her swollen belly as she sat before a mage fire, thought about the little girl growing within, and could only smile.

An arranged marriage with the detestable Mifuzu Saseru Enteofushia, Governor General of Ostia, had not been easy. When combined with the realization of the frightening potential of her unborn child, she had teetered on the verge of committing a self-destructive act. Only a mother's protective instincts and a chance meeting with a rough, uncultured boy had prevented her from taking what would have been a fatal step off the floating island of Ostia...

With several teachers and security guards following close behind, a boy with rust-red hair had confronted her during a brief visit to the city's school of magic. Being quite respectful for someone seemingly so rushed, he had knelt far enough away to avoid violating the protective envelope of her two personal guards. Unfortunately, before he could begin to speak, one of the schools teachers had tried to stop him from; 'Bothering the Princess.' That worthy had received such a punch for his efforts it left him lying limply against the far side of the hall. Before additional teachers and school Prefects could attempt to restrain the boy again, she had waved them off.

After warily watching the gathered officials for a few moments, the boy finally turned and knelt again.

"Princess! Please grant me permission to drop out of school!"

Surprised by the request, she had moved past her two bodyguards to get a better look at the young supplicant.

"Why would you want me to do such a thing?"

Angrily, the boy turned to look back at one of the Prefects.

"Because that one said the only way I could drop out was if I asked permission from the Governor General or the Princess!"

Turning back to look up into her face, he had been struck silent.

Meeting the boy's gaze had given her a shock as well. A deep connection neither of them could put into words was established, and both could only stare with the realization of what had happened. When one of the Prefects had moved forward to chastise the boy for daring to raise his eyes to the Princess, she had frozen him in place with a brief look reflecting a confidence she'd not felt in a long time.

"That's not necessarily true. There are other means, but since you've made your request, why don't we go somewhere a little more private. That way I can hear your reasons without a hostile audience looking on."

Against the objections of her guards and the school staff, she had lead the way to the Headmaster's office. Chasing everyone else out eventually left her alone with the boy. Turning, she had given him a smile.

"What is your name, young man?"

"Nagi. Nagi Springfield, Princess."

"Nagi Springfield. That's a nice name. Simple and direct, just like you!"

Proving he wasn't intimidated by her position or what had passed between them, Nagi had given her an angry look.

"Simple? Are you saying I'm stupid?"

After retuning Nagi's refreshing openness with a sparkling laugh, she had walked over to an easy chair near the room's fire and sat. Taking pressure off a pregnancy stressed back was the main reason for doing so, but it also made time to recover her composure.

"Please tell me your reasons for wanting to drop out, Nagi."

Blushing slightly, Nagi had come over to stand before her.

"I'm bored stiff in school, Princess. All my professors keep insisting I work on basics I mastered years ago. I can't stand it!"

Sighing at one of the eternal complaints of the young against the old, she had given Nagi a raised eyebrow.

"What about advanced spells? If you don't receive passing grades in the basics, you won't be able to advance to classes in the higher magic's."

Nagi's expression had become mischievous just before he took out a small book and held it out to her.

"Feh! Who needs those old fools to teach me higher magic when I have this!"

Taking the small book, she had opened it randomly. Despite the rough handwriting indicative of a young man, she had easily recognized several powerful spells as she slowly turned through several pages.

"Have you mastered these spells?"

Rubbing at a suddenly itchy nose, Nagi shook his head.

"Not completely, but if I have that book I can cast them!"

Closing the book, she had suddenly made as if to cast it into the room's mage fire. In an instant, Nagi had been there, perfectly positioned to intercept his precious book.

"Instant movement as well. Most impressive."

Being understandably rough about it, Nagi had snatched his book back when she held it out to him.

"I told you; those doddering old fools in the magic school have nothing they can teach me."

Nagi's youth had made it perfectly clear he was not to be her partner and protector. Something in the back of her mind had even suggested that he was not even to be the protector of her daughter. His very presence though, proving that the blood of Kurt'Wa Cae Ffynnon flowed still, meant that there was ample hope to be had in the long struggle between the Teotanasia and those who worshiped the Life Giver.

"Are you here on a scholarship sponsored by the Enteofushia Family?"

After making sure his book was secure in its stowage pocket, Nagi had given a nod.

"Yes Princess. The Governor General is too difficult to see, so when I heard you were visiting, I came to see you."

A short search after rising and going over to the headmaster's desk produced appropriate magic paper and a stylus. After quickly writing out an acceptance of his withdrawal request, she finished the task by using the spell in a ring she wore to embed an official signet seal into the paper. "Of course, this means you'll be responsible for any further training and education you might want."

At first looking surprised, a thankful expression had quickly come over Nagi's face as he accepted and read the letter. Being understandably careful, he had folded the paper in thirds before placing it safely inside one of his pockets.

Thinking their business still wasn't quite complete, she had glanced down at Nagi and finally realized what was missing from the image he presented. With a whispered 'Mea Virga!' she summoned her Mage Staff.

"You don't have a mage staff, young man. Please take mine. I doubt I'll have any use for it before too much longer."

Nagi's expression had shown that despite his attitude about things, he was still capable of being surprised.

"Pri...Princess! I can't accept this!"

As difficult as doing so had been, she had knelt before Nagi. "Please, Nagi Springfield. This is the only thing I can do to help you along the difficult path you're going to be drawn onto. I'm sure you won't understand what I mean right away, so please just accept this gift, and go."

Tightening his grip on a crooked staff taller than himself, Nagi had given her a last look of growing understanding, and gone.

Feeling a strong spasm in her belly, Aricia immediately realized her little girl had suddenly decided to come into the world nearly two weeks earlier than her original 'All Hollows Eve' due date. Standing, she went over to her desk. Only the trilling of the holo-com, indicating an incoming call, kept her from calling for help. Seeing the sender's ID and recognizing that of a former teacher, she sat, endured another labor spasm, then activated the link. "How... how are you Imma-sensei?"

In the holo image, Albiero Imma gave a concerned look at what he probably saw on his end. "I am well, Princess. I only pray my call has not inconvenienced you." Sensing he needed to hurry, Imma went straight to his point. "I'm at the Whaleship Port, and I've run across a youngster who claims to know you. A Nagi Springfield."

Trying to relax, so as to not worry Imma, Aricia nodded and let out a slow breath. "Why yes, I do know him. Is there a problem?"

Giving his signature smile, Imma nodded. "He had a familiar looking staff in his possession and there was an altercation with the constables when he attempted to depart Ostia."

Realizing someone from Kosmo Entelecheia might have seen her with Nagi and realized who he was, she gave Imma a greatly concerned look. "Is Nagi alright?"

Now Imma's smile became amused, having the welcome effect of greatly easing Aricia's anxiety. "Young Springfield is fine... I can't say the same for a dozen or so constables."

Sighing at what Nagi Springfield's desire to escape the stifling environment of the Ostian Magic School had led to, Aricia shook her head. "I gave him that staff. I thought I'd given the proper word to the local authorities saying as much."

Giving a subtle look that spoke volumes to his former student, Imma shook his head. "I'm afraid that wasn't enough, Princess."

Worried again, Aricia winced as another labor spasm hit her. "Wha... what do you mean?"

Beginning to look worried, Imma seemed as if he wanted to come through the holo-image to help. "I mean that there are those 'concerned' about the boy's phenomenal power. Personally, I haven't seen such a level since the Dark Evangel herself."

Imma's comment caused Aricia to tense up, but still produced a strained smile. "You're dating yourself old man! The Queen of Woe threatened Argyre over a century ago!"

Imma's look suddenly became exasperated. "I'm serious Aricia! The boy's life could be in danger!"

Surprised by Imma's deliberate use of her name, instead of a 'proper' title, Aricia smile faded when the agitated teacher continued.

"There is a particularly bothersome constable officer here who considers Nagi a loose cannon that needs to be restrained before he causes any more problems."

Experiencing a strong spasm, Aricia groaned so loudly she heard her Lady-in-Waiting call out in concern from the outer room of the suite. "Na... Nagi Springfield is very important to me, Imma-Sensei. Co... could you take responsibility and watch over him?"

Trying to remain calm, Imma nodded. "I'm already busy with young Hotta-san, trying to get him prepared for the Mahora Budokai. Taking on another apprentice might be troublesome..."

Panting, Aricia ignored the pounding and increasingly strident voices coming from the other side of the room's door. "Eishun Hotta is a very well behaved young man. I'm sure he hasn't given you any trouble."

Imma nodded again. "Yes but it is critical he do well in the Budokai or he won't be considered as a suitor for the Konoe heiress." Pausing, he reached up to rub his chin. "I believe I should be able to convince Kozimos Anankaios to help if there are any problems."

Now the pounding on the door was louder, and Aricia could hear the voice of her husband as well. "Please Imma! Young Nagi Springfield could be critical to the future... Will you do it as a last personal favor to me?"

Sensing this was the final time he would ever speak to Aricia Anar'Shia Teotanasia; Imma placed a hand across his chest and made a formal bow. "Very well, Princess."

With the link cut, Aricia fell out of her chair and onto the floor. As she cried out from the intensity of her labor pains, the door to the room shattered, and her husband and various attendants poured inside.

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(Fourth Imperial Princess of the Twilight.)

Of life beyond her room, Asuna Vesperina Teotanasia Enteofushia knew very little.

Something about her she didn't understand had killed her mother and many others around her. 'Papa' had told her so. Since what had caused this was related to her being 'The Imperial Princess of the Twilight,' she was kept alone in her room as matter of safety.

Sometimes, Papa would come with other persons she didn't know, and they would take her away to try and find out things about her. Those persons said they wanted to know what it was about her that was special. Sometimes they just put her in a strange chair and talked to each other, but most of the time they did things that caused lots of pain.

However, when the pain was more than she could bear, when she thought she might die, Papa would come and say her name, and the pain would go away.

Even though he never held her, or did anything to comfort her, Papa never hurt her. The other people were always doing things that hurt, but Papa was always there. When she would begin to cry out he would say her name, and the pain would always end.

There were times, often for endless days on end, when she would see no one but those whose job it was to care for her. On those days, when no one would dare to even speak to her, on those days she would think of someone she only knew as 'Mama.'

Mama's face was always seemed unclear. When she was alone though, her faint memories of Mama would ease that loneliness. At night, when scary dreams would keep her awake, it seemed as if Mama was there, whispering comforting words. The scary dreams would be driven away, and she would finally be able to sleep.

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Having learned the price of disobedience, Asuna remained dispassionate as they dressed her in the finest clothing she'd ever known. Even as they lead her up into a high tower and put chains around her wrists, she did not resist. After all, Papa was nearby, and even if what they did began to hurt, Papa would eventually say her name, and the pain would end.

In the distance, many flashes of light, followed by faint rumbling, could be seen. Though her father and those around him grew agitated, the flashes held little meaning to her at first. Eventually though, the flashes started to come closer, and the pain began.

Finally, Papa said her name. Instead of going away though, the pain became worse than ever before. As the flashes and noise came closer, it grew so bad she began screaming at the top of her voice. To one side, Papa seemed to be happy she was in such pain. As the pain became so bad she bit her tongue and began to bleed, she couldn't understand why he wasn't upset his saying her name hadn't made the pain go away.

A new series of flashes heralded the arrival of many glowing, giant humanoids. Looking over at Papa again, she that instead of continuing to watch he was running away. Beginning to think this was all a scary dream, she turned back to watch, dull-eyed, as the huge creature Papa seemed to be running from began to reach for her...

"LIGHTNING AXE!"

Surprisingly, the flash which made the hand go away didn't cause any pain.

Someone she'd never seen before came in, and with a flick of his hand, shattered the chains securing her to the floor. The person looked away and seemed to have a short argument with Papa, then finally knelt and reached out to gently wipe the blood from her cheek.

"Yo, Little Lady, what's your name?"

So used to being treated as an object, she didn't understand why this strange, smiling boy looked so concerned for her. Wasn't she 'The Imperial Princess of the Twilight?' with all that came with that title? She didn't even know how to smile in response to such a simple act of kindness as being politely asked her real name. "Asuna... Asuna Vesperina Teotanasia Enteofushia."

Continuing to smile brightly, the boy reached out and ruffled her hair. "Nice name! Still... why don't I just call you Asuna?"

Outside the tower she was in, more of the creatures with the glowing hands were gathering. The boy stood, a look of determination on his face. "I'll be back for you Little Lady! No matter what!" After giving her shoulder a squeeze she found both reassuring and comforting, the boy stood, glared menacingly at her Papa, then turned towards his companions. "All right! Eishun! Al! Let's go!"

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(Gravedigger's Palace, Ostia.)

In the throes of the worst nightmare she'd ever experienced, the boy had come to fulfill his promise.

Trapped in that dark place not even 'Mama' seemed to be able to come to, she had heard her name. Not the name Papa always called her, but the one used by Mama. Still, it was a struggle to wake up. Despite a desperate desire to escape, the nightmare didn't seem to want to let her go. When it finally did, she opened her eyes to see the face of the only person who had ever been gentle with her besides 'Mama.' Though he was bruised and bloodied, and seemed worried as he carried her on his staff though a chaotic riot of shifting scenery, he smiled as soon as he saw she was awake.

"Hello there Asuna! I'd like to talk, but we're in a bit of a pickle, so it'll have to wait!"

Knowing only that they had to get away from something very bad, she wrapped her arms around the boy's neck and held on tight...

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(Temple of Chandika, Old Ostia.)

Just before the expanding wave front of the Life Giver's world ending spell encountered the barrier set up to contain it, Nagi Springfield reached the lines of the Hellas and Northern Alliance fleets and passed through to the questionable safety beyond...

Blinking, Nodoka Miyazaki awoke to find the little Asuna leaning down and touching her forehead to forehead. "Wha... what was all of that?"

Sitting up, the little Asuna continued holding Nodoka's head in her lap. "Genetic memories of the Teotanasia. Established by Kush'Na Norista Teotanasia herself, it's the bloodline's biggest secret, and one of the few things that have permitted it to stay ahead of the Entelecheia for as long as it has." Shaking her head, the little girl's braids brushed against the side of Nodoka's face. "I know it was well intentioned, but after I was rescued by Nagi, sealing my memory away before everything fully integrated consciously just made it easier for the Life Giver to take over your friend."

Being so well read, Nodoka didn't even bat an eye over what she'd just heard. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Since Nodoka was still immobilized by the Life Giver's trap, little Asuna gave an amused grin at the girls' desire to help, even in her restrained state. Reaching out, she placed a hand on Nodoka's chest, and the bindings instantly vanished. "Even though your search brought you to the Life Giver first, you still have a connection with my other self. We need to find her and be ready for when Nagi's son arrives."

Blushing modestly, Nodoka stood up with little Asuna's help.

Seeing her obvious expression of interest in Negi, Asuna gave Nodoka a grim look. "I hope your feelings for the boy doesn't cause you to hesitate over what might need to be done..."

Seeing the cold look on little Asuna's face, Nodoka gulped, then gave a determined nod.

Relaxing slightly, little Asuna turned and lead the way further out into the featureless void.

Before the two of them had gone more than a few strides, Nodoka stopped and began to stare off in a direction different than the one the link to her classmate seemed to lead. Little Asuna quickly returned to her side, then stood there waiting quietly.

Evangeline had pointed out to her that the Daiarium Ejus could be fooled if an enemy was competent enough. Now it was once more a matter of trust. Did she believe what the artifact was telling her? Or did she believe something she could only call 'instinct?' As strongly as something which said 'Asuna,' called for her to continue forward, something which said 'Negi,' pulled her in the new direction. Whatever else Asuna might feel towards Negi, there was no doubt she and Nodoka did have one thing in common; they both held, and returned, Negi Springfield's trust. Without hesitation, she turned and lead little Asuna off in the new direction.

Unsure of the reason for the sudden change, little Asuna followed in the rapidly bounding Nodoka's wake until the mind reader suddenly stopped and slid to a halt. A short distance away, sealed beneath the void plane of her ID and curled up around a faintly glowing spark, was the form of her grown persona, Asuna Kagurazaka. "How...?"

Kneeling over her friend, Nodoka looked down at the tiny spark and smiled. "Because Asuna believes in Negi. She's holding on to some memory of him because deep down, she knows he'd never abandon her." Sitting back, Nodoka reached up to wipe at a tear. "That feeling is what I homed in on. Whatever is in the other direction must be a trap set by the Life Giver."

Sighing, little Asuna sat down near her older selves' head.

Feeling slightly lost, Nodoka looked over at little Asuna. "Can't you do something?"

Reaching forward, little Asuna gave the surface covering Asuna a solid slap. "Not until something gives her a shock. Once that happens I can merge with her, but then we'll both be trapped unless Negi calls out to us."

Giving a shudder, Nodoka turned to look at the little spark in Asuna's hands. "You mean, something like Negi being hurt..."

Unwilling to look Nodoka in the eye, little Asuna nodded. "Yes. Something like Negi being hurt..."

tsuzuku.

(-)

Author's Notes.

Kush'Na Norista Teotanasia's spell is given in Latin, (and English,) as the two most convenient languages to use. More properly, considering recent developments in the manga and the time-frame involved, (roughly 600-500 years BCE, (Before Common Era,)) it should probably be in Ancient Greek, Hebrew, Persian, or one of the Hindu or Chinese old languages.

Aricia Anar'Shia Teotanasia, while based on Princess Arika Vespertatia, IS NOT NEGI'S MOTHER. In Ala Alba, Aricia is Asuna's mother.

Little Asuna uses a type of REM (Rapid Eye Movement,) dream based spell to 'jump-start' Nodoka and 'wake her up.'

Genetic Memory: While there are various theoretical forms of Genetic Memory, in this case it means memories recorded and passed down through the genetic code of the Teotanasian blood-line. A contemporary use of the concept occurs in 'Pax Romana,' published by Image Comics.

While chapter Fourty-six is short, chapter Forty-seven should follow in short order.

Chapter Forty-seven: Stepping off the narrow path.