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.
Many characters created by Kafka'sdragon are used in this chapter, with his gracious permission.
Various cameos are the property of their respective creators and owners, not me.
My apologies for the long delay. I blame writers block, an abscessed tooth, and the related pain and lack of sleep.
SPOILER ALERT! AU story occurring after c189.
(---)
"It wasn't over yet, but after Cycilia Sevensheep's report, I knew the end was near."
-Donnet McGuiness. As quoted by Kazumi Asakura in her book: "One Million Steps: A Journey to Megalo-Mesembria and the World Beyond."
(---)
Ala Alba in the World of Magic: Tales from the Fireside.
Chapter Fifty-one: After the Storm.
(---)
(New Ostia Arena.)
Waking suddenly and sitting up in bed, Negi Springfield stared blankly at the far wall for an indeterminate time before he finally blinked and looked over at his room's timekeeper. ("It's after midnight...")
On the rooms other bed, Kotaro Murakami was curled up in a ball under his bedclothes, twitching like a puppy and softly calling out Natsumi Murakami's name.
Hearing from Chamo that Kotaro had made an admittedly unexpected Pactio contract with Natsumi had been a surprise, but his surprise had been nothing compared to that of his friend and his student when they found out. Both had flushed crimson, with the angry Kotaro trying to chase Chamo down, but neither objected or asked about cancelling the contract. Now the original card lay on the nightstand between the room's two beds, waiting for the time when Kotaro and his new Ministra could get together to explore its abilities.
Reaching up, Negi touched the faint, slightly overlapping scars from the two potentially fatal wounds in his right shoulder.
He had nearly lost control again. Had nearly let himself be consumed by his hate for Fate Averruncus and everything the white-haired boy represented...
Only chance had put Nodoka Miyazaki in the one place where she could help. Only his own stubborn refusal to just give up and die had prevented an otherwise unavoidable armageddon...
Looking at his hands, Negi could sense the Magia Erebeae still there... waiting to try to consume him again if he failed to keep his negative emotions under control...
He wanted strength... he wanted to protect his friends and students, but Magia Erebeae was something he would have to avoid using again. That might change after having a long talk about it with Evangeline McDowell, but until then, he couldn't even allow himself to consider it an option.
Putting his hands down, Negi got out of bed and went over to the room's balcony. Outside, New Ostia was actually quiet for once. Though the festival was officially over, he had learned that the partying normally continued for several days afterwards. Now though, everyone was understandably subdued. Those who were unharmed and had suffered no significant loss were giving quiet thanks for their survival. Those less fortunate were either numb with shock or too busy going about collecting or mourning the dead.
He had been beside himself on learning about all the military and civilian casualties, but Jack Rakan, unusually somber, had told him to just accept what it was too late to change, and to be happy it hadn't been any worse.
Happy it wasn't worse...
Maybe he was, but Fate Averruncus, injured or not, had escaped along with several of his followers, so there would undoubtedly be a 'next time' to worry about. Sighing, Negi lowered his gaze. Thinking about it as nothing more than another reason he needed to continue his training did make the white-haired boy getting away easier to accept. He would work to improve himself, then do his best to make sure the suffering and destruction, when 'the next time' came, were kept to an absolute minimum.
kon-kon... 'professor springfield?'
Turning at the sound of a quiet knock and a soft whisper, Negi went over and opened the door to his room. Standing there in the night-darkened hallway, a worried look on her face, was Nodoka Miyazaki. "Is something wrong?"
Reaching out, Nodoka took Negi's hand and pulled him out of his room. "I'm not sure, but I think you might be the answer..."
Letting himself be lead along towards the next room, Negi wondered if this nighttime summons might be about Asuna. Everyone as a whole should be safe, Jack Rakan having arranged for rooms for the Ala Alba and its allies in an easily secured area of the arena, but Asuna was still a source of worry. She had been through more than he could imagine, even after looking through the Diarium Ejus, so there was no telling how it had affected her. Following Nodoka into the room she shared with Asuna, Haruna and Yue, he quickly realized why, even after being in a near coma for almost two days, she had been unable to sleep. Asuna, sweat sheening her brow, was tossing and turning on the bed. "What should I do?"
Pointing at the bed, Nodoka was glad her colored cheeks were hidden by the room's darkness. "I... I think maybe she's having trouble sleeping because she's in an unfamiliar place... maybe if you got in bed with her..." As Negi's eyes went wide, she shook her head vigorously. "I... I didn't mean anything bad! It's just that maybe your presence would remind Asuna of Mahora, and she'd be able to calm down."
Normally, winding up in Asuna's bed was something Negi knew was a result of his occasional sleepwalking, so he hesitated. Hearing Asuna groan quickly changed his mind, so he nodded to Nodoka, steeled his determination, and went over to crawl into the bed.
Asuna reacted quickly to Negi's presence. Pulling him close as any girl might a favorite stuffed animal, she stopped thrashing, and soon calmed down. Negi remained tense within her embrace for several minutes, then closed his eyes and quietly drifted off to sleep.
Now out of a place to sleep, Nodoka wondered what to do next. The only options seemed to be the room's couch, but there weren't any extra blankets, or she could go back and sleep in Negi's old bed, but then she would be in a room alone with a boy. The last option, despite Haruna's sprawled posture, was to crawl into the other bed next to Yue. Slowly, she turned back to Asuna and Negi's bed. If she had to be near a boy, and had to share a bed with two other people, then there WAS a forth option...
(---)
Sitting before her room's mirror, the morning sun just beginning to illuminate the curtain covered balcony doors, Emily Sevensheep carefully worked to remove the night tangles from her tail with the cheap comb she'd been forced to buy in an arena gift shop. Mourning her Youitsu Tortoise-shell comb, currently out of reach on the Argonauta, wouldn't do any good, so she carefully pulled the last few knots loose while thinking about the previous night's events.
With the Argonauta inaccessible and all the Valkyrie officers occupied, she had reported to Grandmistress Seras along with Beatrice and Collet. Expecting a severe dressing down, she was relieved, at least temporarily, to only suffer a mild rebuke. Even Collet, trying desperately not to bolt in fear of the Grandmistress's reputation, was told only that a full accounting of events would be made in the not too-distant future. In the meantime, she was told to go meet her mother for dinner, then to join Beatrice and Collet in moving the Ala Alba and its allies into a more secure area of the arena.
Seeing her mother had been an unexpectedly emotional experience. It wasn't until after nearly being smothered by Cycilia's embrace that she finally learned her mother had thought her lost. In return, she became equally concerned and vocal when she found out Cycilia had been on the Argonauta when it was nearly shot down.
Fortunately, the arena restaurant where they had dinner was mostly empty, so the Maitre d' never bothered them about their excited voices.
Helping her 'prisoners' and most of their friends move turned out to be easy, with one exception. Nearly everything was complete by the time she came back from seeing her mother. Arriving near the old rooms, she found Collet, Yue, Negi, and the Eru-Jin named Lynn standing around outside a partially open door. Negi was looking especially confused, while the three girls all had flushed cheeks. Getting closer, she began to understand why. Emanating through the thin crack of the open door from the darkened room beyond were sounds of an unmistakably amorous nature.
Feeling herself flush as the sounds suddenly ended, Emily quietly approached and asked Yue what was going on. Apparently, through a series of complex circumstances, the Ala Alba had become involved with two Inu-Jin rogues. Being cured of their petrification seemed to have inspired the partnered pair to engage in a prolonged expression of their affection for one another. The room they occupied was the last one items needed to be recovered from, and the four people in the hall had been trying to decide what to do when Emily arrived.
Not in the mood for any kind of serious delays, Emily has asked Negi if there was any further need to involve the two Inu-Jin. Receiving a negative response, she ordered Collet to escort Negi back to the new rooms. When he was gone, she gave Yue a meaningful look.
Unsure at first what Emily might have meant, Yue suddenly realized what the Su-Jin girl was inferring and started shaking her head. In the end, given the choice of leaving everything in the now quiet room, or going in to get it, she gulped and cautiously stepped through the door.
Finishing with her tail, Emily stood to begin to dress. Just after putting the last few details in place, she realized Beatrice was now awake.
Sitting up, Beatrice made as if to get completely out of bed. "Is anything wrong Miss Sevensheep? Should I get dressed?"
Seeing Beatrice pulling her covers back, Emily shook her head. "No, don't worry about it. I'm just going to go around to make sure everyone's okay. If you want, order breakfast in a little bit, and we'll eat when I get back."
Relieved, Beatrice lay back down, clearly intending to sleep for a while longer.
Nearly everyone in the private arena residence occupied by the Ala Alba and its allies was still asleep. Of those who weren't, the strange girl who was supposedly a 'prisoner,' was calmly watching the HD with the girl named Konoka, while the girl named Setsuna remained in bed. Two girls who weren't wanted 'criminals' were already gobbling down a big breakfast, and while the three girls who were debt-slaves weren't actually present, they should be perfectly safe as a part of Chairman Dolnegus entourage.
Stepping out of the room occupied by the two girl's mostly responsible for helping put her mother's story together the previous night, Emily watched as the two bounty-hunters who had brought Collet and the little red-head named Anya to New Ostia were relieved on guard duty at the entrance to the private area by Jay Cabot and one of Estimated Prophet's Marines. When that was done, she turned towards the last two rooms she needed to check.
After softly knocking on the first door and receiving no answer, Emily tried again. A few seconds later, the lock clicked, and the door opened slightly.
"Oh, it's only you Miss Sevensheep. Is anything wrong?"
Recognizing Negi's summoner, Emily shook her head. "No. Just checking to see if everyone's okay."
Giving a yawn her inquisitive visitor had to fight to not copy, Haruna nodded and turned back into the room without shutting the door.
Advancing into the room, Emily watched as Haruna flopped back onto one of the beds and rolled up in a blanket. The other occupant, Yue Ayase, was only covered by a sheet, but didn't seem bothered by the theft of the blanket. A few more steps put her in a position to see the room's other bed. Princess Teotanasia and the girl who was apparently a mind-reader were curled up close to each other and still asleep. Seeing no problems, she was about to go check on the two boys in the last room when she realized one of them was already present.
Nestled between the Princess and the girl named Nodoka, protected by them as if by a pair of unique bookends, was Negi Springfield. ("Tha... how... why is Negi sleeping between two girls like that!")
As Haruna began to mumble in her sleep, Emily couldn't decide if she was upset enough to break up the little unsavory scene, or if it would be better to just back quietly out of the room.
"Papers... I've got to go deliver my papers..."
On one side of the bed, the Princess sat up and began rubbing her eyes. Seeing that one of Negi's clutching hands had managed to pull open the girl's sleepwear, Emily finally found her voice again. "Pri... Princess Teotanasia! I know Negi Springfield is your Magister, but this situation is wholly inappropriate when it involves such a young boy!"
Awakened fully by her sudden feeling of irritation, Asuna glared at Emily. If it wasn't for the Valkyrie's dark skin, animal ears and tail, she would have thought Ayaka Yukihiro was there, harassing her about Negi crawling into her bed again. "I thought I said for you to just call me Asuna..." Looking down, she suddenly realized what her homeroom professor had done... "Negi, you perv! Wake up!"
Releasing his grip on Asuna's top, Negi sat up. "Nekane? Did I crawl in bed with you... ACK! Asuna! I'm sorry, I..." Realizing Asuna was blushing and buttoning back up, Negi tried to scoot back, but fell across the sleeping Nodoka as he did so. The startled girl shrieked, and after a comedy of errors, the two of them wound up on the floor, tangled in a blanket, with Nodoka on top.
"Hey Nodoka! You go girl!"
Already beside herself with angry embarrassment, having Haruna wake up and make such a rude comment wasn't the least bit comforting to Emily. "How... how can you people be so blatantly casual with your behavior around this little boy?"
Unable to sleep any longer because of Emily's shouting and Nodoka and Negi stammering apologies to each other, Yue sat up, stretching and yawning as she did. "Well Miss Sevensheep; this kind of thing has happened so much, you kind of get used to it..."
With Yue being so dismissive and Haruna leering like she expected worse to occur, Emily finally threw up her hands. "Unbelievable! The hero who saved the Mundus Magicus is just a boy-Casanova who seems to have collected a completely loyal harem!"
After Emily turned and stalked out, slamming the door behind her, Haruna gave an amused chuckle. "She talks big, but I'd say it's more along the lines of; 'the Lady doth protest too much,' don't you think Yue?"
Shrugging, Yue tuned to watch as Asuna started trying to get Negi and Nodoka untangled. "It irritates me to think there might be another rival for Negi's attention besides all those in our class, but I suppose your 'rotting almonds' sense never lies."
As Haruna began laughing, Asuna finally managed to separate the trapped pair.
Turning away from the blushing Nodoka as she straightened herself up, Negi reached out to touch Asuna's hand. "How are you feeling? It seemed like you were having a nightmare last night..."
In a room suddenly gone quiet, Asuna gave Negi a searching look for a few seconds, then nodded. "Yeah... I remembered a bit more about myself, and about my mother and father... Some of it wasn't very pleasant, so it's a bit rough dealing with it." Unexpectedly leaning forward, Asuna made an overly dramatic show of sniffing her Magister's hair.
"Asuna! What?"
Grinning hugely, Asuna grabbed Negi before he could think to resist, then pulled him around and into her lap. "Time for a bath, little man!"
Watching as a desperate looking Negi began to struggle in Asuna's affectionate grip, Haruna pumped her fist. "Yeah! That's the ticket! The perfect way to celebrate our victory! I'll go let everyone know, then make the arrangements!"
Turning to the last two girls he could see as Haruna left, Negi tried to find a sympathetic look within their expressions. "We're still wanted! We haven't cleared our names yet! Shouldn't we avoid going someplace so public? Nodoka... help..."
Trying to remain calm, Nodoka gave a soft cough. "Well, I am tired of taking showers in our rooms. I suppose I wouldn't mind a good hot bath..."
Still seeking some form of a reprieve, Negi turned to his last hope, Class A's paragon of logic. "Yue, tell them it's too dangerous..."
Summoning and opening her Orbis Sensualium Pictus, Yue turned to the information section and the entry for the New Ostia Arena. "Ah-hem. 'Ostianae Magnaem Thermae.' 'It is said to bring good luck to visit the great bathhouse attached to the New Ostia Arena early in the morning, especially for those who may have overindulged in some way or other the previous day.'" Light from the rising sun reflecting off her forehead, Yue closed her artifact and gave Negi an unsympathetic look. "There is even a saying I've heard around the arena; 'No conflict is permitted in the bathhouse, as it is an asylum for one and all.'"
Seeing no possibility now for a last minute pardon from the horrors of bath water, as well as hearing the excited voices of his other students out in the hall, Negi sighed with resignation. "Okay Asuna. You win."
(---)
(Megalo-Mesembria.)
At first, Mifune Hayase was elated that Feltham Forbin had restored Megalo-Mesembria's connections to the rest of the Mundus Magicus. His positive state of mind didn't last, and the reason for that sent him back to the Praetorian Armory once more to speak privately with Regina Karkolova.
Inside the armory commander's office, Regina called up Cycilia Sevensheep's report on her PPD, and after viewing it, easily understood why Mifune was so agitated. He managed to contain himself through a second viewing of the report's contents, but her reaction when it ended was certainly not what had apparently been expected. "Very impressive."
Eyes suddenly wide, Mifune clenched a fist and took a step towards Regina. "Impressive? We just barely have things under control here and in some of the outlying areas! That report all but destroys what little credibility the Mage Council still had!"
As Mifune's hand began to unconsciously droop, Regina realized he was managing to stay awake only by force of will alone. Suffering lately from bouts of blurred vision, she knew her condition after nearly two days awake couldn't be much better. ("We're both not that old... but I guess life as a Mage Councilor doesn't exactly promote physical endurance...") "Calm down Mifune. Since the Mage Council already opened a new investigation into the gate port attacks, this just gives us the opportunity to take further redemptive actions."
Blinking, Mifune stared at Regina for a moment, trying to refocus his thoughts. "We'll need to issue a statement provisionally rescinding the bounties on Negi Springfield and his companions as soon as possible..."
Nodding caused a sudden bout of dizziness, forcing Regina to lean against armory commander's desk to remain upright. "I... I believe that would be for the best. However, we have to insist that Springfield and the others who were accused in the attack come to Megalo-Mesembria to tell their story directly to the council. If it takes inviting representatives of the Hellas Empire and Ariadne to sit in on the investigation proceedings to secure their cooperation, then so be it."
Seeing that Regina was on the verge of collapsing, Mifune summoned what little energy he had left and pulled a chair over for her to sit in. "How can we conduct an investigation with just the two of us available? People may forgive our involvement in what's been happening, but we need a third councilor, just to form a sub-committee quorum so we can avoid any potential deadlock over the findings!"
Closing her eyes to try and focus her thoughts, Regina actually fell asleep for a moment. Waking back up with a jolt, she looked back up at Mifune. "What we really need is someone to take over as interim speaker of the Mage Council, someone everyone will trust to take charge until the council is completely reformed, and a new speaker can be selected. That frees us from the stigma we did this just to take over, and provides the third councilor needed for the investigation."
Before Mifune could gather his thoughts for an answer, a disturbance began outside the office in the main hall of the armory.
"SIR! WE CAN'T ALLOW YOU TO JUST BARGE IN ON THEM!"
"YOU YOUNG UPSTART! DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA WHO I AM?"
A growing excitement suddenly giving her renewed strength, Regina pulled herself up and went to the office door. Outside in the armory, a wizened old man and the answer to a prayer was struggling with several unarmored Praetorians.
Noticing Regina and Mifune, the man gave them an indignant look. "Councilor Karkolova! I demand you tell these ruffians to unhand me at once!"
A smile on her face, Regina signaled the Praetorians to release the man, then went over with Mifune to give him a warm handshake. "Freidrich Jurgen! You couldn't possibly know how happy Councilor Mifune and I are to see you right now!"
After accepting Regina's greeting, then Mifune's, Freidrich turned to smoothing away the last wrinkles in his clothes. "Dashed bad luck! My transport caught fire half-way to New Ostia and had to execute an emergency landing! It's taken me nearly three days to get back to the capitol!" Finishing his grooming, Jurgen looked up and finally seemed to notice how exhausted and worn looking his two companions were. "By the way; what's with all this lot? I haven't heard a word since my transport went down. What's been going on?"
Regina knew Freidrich Jurgen could be an overly officious, clueless boor at times, but he knew Mage Council Parliamentary Procedures like no-one else's business. Of the few Mage Councilors not implicated by Ran's information, he could be counted on to keep things from falling apart, by sheer intransigence if nothing else, while she and Mifune got some rest. Glancing over at Mifune and raising an eyebrow, she received a slight nod of acceptance in response.
As Regina went through a quick overview of the last forty-eight hours, Friedrich became increasingly upset, but held his voice until she finally finished. "Tha... That's outrageous! I can't believe so many of the Mage Council were a part of such a conspiracy!"
Sighing, Mifune held out his hands in what he hoped Freidrich would find to be a placating gesture. "I realize it sounds unbelievable, but Ran's information seems to have been validated by what appears to be a nearly complete record of Saseru Enteofushia's correspondence the Mage Council and every news organization in the Mundus Magicus recently received. Our ability to communicate outside Megalo-Mesembria has been down until just this morning. Councilor Karkolova and I have done our best to straighten everything out, but we're nearly exhausted, and need rest."
Now Regina stepped forward. "Councilor Jurgen. What we really need is someone who can take charge and hold everything together, hopefully until a thorough investigation can completely sort this mess out."
Not exactly liking where things seemed to be going, Freidrich gave a slight nod. "Well, with three Councilors present, it would be your job as Councilor of Internal Affairs to convene an emergency meeting to appoint a temporary Speaker..."
Smiling, Regina straightened up. "As Mage Councilor of Internal affairs, I call an emergency meeting of my committee to order, for the purpose of dealing with a crisis of leadership in the Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Council."
Shifting slightly in his Praetorian armor, Mifune gave a nod of agreement. "I concur, and second the calling of this emergency meeting to order."
Seeing the trap, but unable to avoid it due to his own dedication to procedure. Freidrich gave a sigh of resignation. "The order of business is as follows; Nomination and election of an interim Speaker of the Council of Mages. This committee will now entertain nomination for the post."
Regina raised her hand. "I nominate Councilor Freidrich Jurgen."
Mifune nodded again. "I second the nomination."
Still wedded to procedure, Freidrich looked over at Regina. "I nominate Regina Karkolova. However, since the nomination shows a clear precedent as to how the vote will fall, I move that the nomination procedure be accepted as the vote, and that we move forward accordingly."
Regina and Mifune's 'Seconded,' came in stereo.
Sighing and shaking his head, Freidrich finally looked back up at Regina and Mifune. "As interim Speaker of the Council of Mages, I call this session of the Mage Council to order. The first order of business before the council shall be my nomination of Donnet McGuiness as interim Secretary of the Mage Council."
Clearly wondering what Freidrich was doing, Mifune gave the man a confused look. "Donnet McGuiness? I thought she was on administrative leave because of suspicions she was somehow associated with the gate port attacks?"
Crossing his arms, Freidrich gave an annoyed sigh. "Balderdash! I've known Miss McGuiness since she was in diapers! She's no traitor! Besides; Stephan Dilane would never have taken anyone who might become one as a Magister! In any case, we're going to need an official record-keeper as soon as possible."
Shaking her head, Regina began to chuckle. "Okay then; I'll second the nomination."
Looking up, Mifune caught the attention of a Praetorian officer, signaled for the man to come over, then returned his attention to Freidrich. "Fine then. I'll send for her right away. If you don't mind though, there's one more thing we should take care of immediately."
Nodding, Freidrich looked to Regina as Mifune gave the Praetorian officer instructions to summon Donnet McGuiness. "I presume we need to conditionally suspend the bounties against Negi Springfield and his associates?"
Unable to stop herself, Regina covered her mouth yawned hugely before answering. "That needs to be done as quickly as possible. At the same time, we need to insist that Springfield and his companions return to Megalo-Mesembria to tell their side of the story as a condition of fully rescinding the bounties. Unless you see any issue with doing so, Mifune and I think it might be advisable to have the Hellas Empire and Ariadne send representatives to sit in as outside observers."
After a nod of agreement, Freidrich looked up and saw Regina's bodyguard, the Kit-Jin Hoshu Gijou, edging closer to his principle. Stepping forward, he took Regina's arm to help the wavering woman remain standing. "I think you and Mifune need to go remove your armor and lie down in the armory barracks to rest. I'll take care of the Springfield business as soon as Miss McGuiness arrives. Should anything else serious come up, I'll send her to wake you."
Feeling Gijou take her weight from Freidrich, Regina nodded to the old man once more, then let the Kit-Jin lead her away. With Mifune not too far behind, she was lead inside the barracks area, where Gijou and several Praetorians removed the suddenly heavy armor before helping her to a bunk. Not caring about how bright the lights were, she sat down on the bunk, then limply fell over on her side.
Sighing, Gijou straightened Regina out on the bunk before covering her with a blanket. After a brief conversation with Mifune's bodyguard, he left to go retrieve the things both Mage Councilor's would need when they finally woke up again.
(---)
(New Ostia Arena.)
Hearing an increase in the commotion over Negi's cuteness coming from the women's side of the arena bathhouse, Kotaro Murakami just shook his head.
Haruna had invited him to come along as well, but he declined, saying it wasn't 'manly' to bathe with a bunch of girls. The summoner had shrugged off his excuse and followed the other girls into the women's side, leaving him to enter the men's side with the two male rogues from Yuuna's Posse, T'fa, and Chamo.
Chris, Craig and Chamo, quickly realizing T'fa would have nothing to do with such shenanigans, had turned to him with their plans to try and spy on the girls. With the image of a scolding Natsumi in his mind's eye, he declined. Though his vehement denial he had no interest in such things was ruined by a flushed face, it still took most of the wind out of the two rogues sails.
Chamo, determined to go ahead even if doing so meant going alone, had vanished into one of the many small underwater passages connecting the two baths. Whatever trouble the panty-thieving ermine had caused was probably the reason the woman's bath had just come alive with angry, irritated voices.
"Kojirou Oogami? Is Kojirou Oogami here?"
Looking up, Kotaro saw a male Nek-Jin debt slave walking amongst the different baths, calling his pastille-disguised persona's name. Catching his eye, Craig received a positive response, then went over to find out what was going on.
Finishing his conversation with the Nek-Jin messenger, Craig walked back over and slipped into the bath next to Kotaro. "Your Kojirou persona is being summoned by the Nagi Springfield Cup Tournament organizers. It seems they've decided on Team Granicus's penalty for jumping the start signal."
Angry and worried at the same time, Kotaro nodded and climbed out of the bath. His anger stemming from being penalized at all, considering everything the Ala Alba had done. His worry from understanding the reason a penalty HAD to be assessed, and what it might mean to their ability to pay off the Maid Brigade's debt. "Tell Negi and the others where I went. I'll meet everyone back at the rooms."
Giving Kotaro a good-luck thumbs up, Craig watched until the Inu-Jin disappeared into the dressing area, then turned back and sank further into the relaxing warmth of the bath he was in.
(---)
Letting themselves be herded along by Aisha and Asuna like a bunch of primary-school children, the members of the pastille disguised Ala Alba and their normal-sized allies filed through the entrance to their private residence. Talking about how refreshed they felt, and about the possibility they might soon be joined by Akira, Ako and Natsumi, they quickly dispersed to their individual rooms to get ready for the rest of the day.
Wondering where Kotaro was, Negi stepped through the door to his room and found his friend sitting on one of the beds in the dark. "Hey Kotaro, why are the lights out?" Brushing his hand across the touch pad activated the lights, and Negi instantly saw that Kotaro was crying. "What's wrong? Is it the penalty? How much was it?"
Tears streaming down his face, Kotaro looked up, then tossed the prize-chit towards the foot of the bed. "My fault... it's my fault! I should have waited for the start signal, instead of trying to surprise Fate!"
As Kotaro pulled his legs up, hugging them close to his chest and beginning to rock back and forth on the bed, Negi stepped up to retrieve the prize chit. What he saw printed on the magic paper card was bad, but at least it wasn't as bad as it might have been. "So, they took 250,000 drachma as a penalty, to be given to the Gladiators Emergency Medical Fund. Rakan warned me it might be as much as 500,000." Sighing, Negi looked up at Kotaro. "Did they say anything about why they assessed the penalty?"
Digging into his knees with extended claws, Kotaro gave a small nod. "Just that, despite our revealing an obvious cheat, they had to assess the penalty, so no-one could claim any favoritism, and to show that no-one, not even a team that had lost one of its members, was exempt from penalties for rules violations." Filled with self-loathing, Kotaro looked up at Negi. "What are we going to do? Can we cover that much of a loss with the other money we've collected?"
Knowing he could cover the loss by turning himself in through one of Yuuna's friends for the bounty, but knowing also that Asuna and the others would never let him do so, Negi shook his head. "I don't know. Kazumi and Chisame have been keeping track of our money. I'll have to go talk to them to see what we can come up with."
Daring to let hope back into his thoughts, Kotaro wiped at his tears with a sleeve before giving Negi a weak smile.
Turning, Negi went and opened the door just as someone crashed into the far side of the hall near his room.
"YOU STUPID PERVERT!"
Eyes wide with shock, Negi watched as Jack Rakan slid down the wall into an unmoving heap. Standing in the door to her room, with the child-form Yue, Nodoka and Haruna watching from behind, was a very angry Asuna, one arm covering her breasts, the other clenched in a fist. Never having had a bounty placed against her, she was still full-sized. In addition, even after everything that had happened, it was abundantly obvious her 'Mage-Masher' magic-cancelling punch had lost none of its effectiveness. "Um... Asuna, that's Jack Rakan. He's one of my dad's friends..."
Turning on Negi so quickly he cringed, Asuna pointed an accusatory figure at Rakan. "I know! I remember him from that picture in your dad's house! That still doesn't give him an excuse to poke my breasts like that 'boobies crazy' girl in the bath as soon as I opened the door!"
Giving a sigh as Asuna turned back into her room in a huff and Konoka went over to see if Rakan was all right, Negi hoped that she hadn't caused any permanent damage to the big ex-gladiator. Seeing that Chisame had come out into the hall and was watching what was happening with a bit of concern, he waved to get her attention. As soon as she came close, he signaled Kazumi to come join in the conversation. "Kotaro came back with the prize chit. They rules committee took twenty-five percent as a penalty. Can we cover that?"
In an instant, Chisame shook her head. "Not without leaving us completely broke. We wouldn't have anything left to live on even if we could make that up."
Rubbing her chin, Kazumi remained thoughtful for a moment. "That's not entirely true. Akira still has her prize money. Since I haven't added that in yet, it might get us close enough to convince the chairman to make some kind of deal."
His expression showing faint hope, Negi gave Kazumi a nod of approval. "Okay then, go right ahead." Looking over and seeing Konoka gently slapping a still groggy Rakan's face, he gave a resigned sigh. "I'll make sure Asuna hasn't done too much damage, then see you when you get back."
(---)
"Chairman Dolnegus? Kojirou Oogami and a companion are here to see you."
Expecting such a visit since hearing of the tournament organizers finally awarding Team Granicus their prize money, Dolnegus had asked his Su-Jin secretary to let him know whenever Kojirou Oogami arrived. "Fine. Have Mama to bring up his three friends, then show Mister Oogami and his companion in." As he moved a tray containing a pitcher of water pitcher away from the center of his desk, Kojirou Oogami and a short girl with wild red hair came into the office. The girl sat down at once, while Kojirou stepped forward to place a credit chit on the desk.
"I'd like to make a payment against the debt of Akira Okochi, Ako Izumi, and Natsumi Murakami. In addition, if you don't mind, I'd like to discuss the possibility of forgiving the remaining value of their contract."
As Kojirou stepped back and sat down, Dolnegus reached out to take the credit-chit. Looking at the amount listed, he raised his eyebrow in surprise. Despite the heavy penalty he heard had been applied, Kojirou had still managed to collect an impressive amount. "Well Mister Oogami, you have made quite the dent in debt of the three girls in question, but there is still a considerable remaining amount."
Recalling Negi's stern warning to behave, Kojirou clenched his fists and tried to remain calm. "I have to say, Chairman Dolnegus, that I still have issues with how the debt was incurred in the first place."
Noticing the attentive gaze of Kojirou's unusually young companion and wondering what her purpose for being there was, Dolnegus set the credit chit down on his desk. "I understand these three girls are your friends, Mister Oogami, but I would be careful what you say. Slanderous talk can have severe consequences."
Following a heavy handed knock on the door, Mama came into the office with Akira, Ako, and Natsumi in tow. At a signal from her, they went to sit on a couch against the wall, while she moved to stand behind Dolnegus.
Imagining the horrid things Chizuru Naba might do to him with spring onions if he returned to Mahora without Natsumi, Kojirou stood up and faced Dolnegus. "Chairman; if I signed a contract to fight for you as a Gladiator, would you forgive the girls' remaining debt?"
Ignoring Natsumi's shouted 'WHAT?' Kazumi stood up and put her hand on Kojirou's arm. "Sit down, Koji. Let me handle this."
Growling quietly deep in his throat over being interrupted, Kojirou turned slightly to look down at Kazumi. Despite her size, the serious look she wore quickly had him backing down.
Shaking her head, Kazumi waited until Kojirou and Natsumi sat back down before focusing her gaze on Dolnegus. "Chairman, have you taken into account Miss Okochi's prize for winning the endurance swim?"
Since Akira had yet to actually turn over the chit, Dolnegus shook his head. "No, but even five-thousand drachma isn't enough to cover everything that remains of the three girl's debt."
Looking around the room, Kazumi easily recognized the few items the Chairman had probably brought with him from Granicus City to make his temporary office in New Ostia more personable. One was a picture of Dolnegus standing with several media personalities she knew worked in his home city. "Chairman Dolnegus, I take it you have a good relationship with the media in Granicus City? Perhaps even with similar persons and organizations in other cities?"
Leaning back at the sudden turn the discussion had taken; Dolnegus hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "I own the main arena in Granicus, as well as several media and business ventures, so yes, good relations are a must."
Pacing for a few moments with her hands behind her back, Kazumi posture eventually indicated she'd reached a decision. "IF someone had come in and smashed up your operations at the Granicus arena two months ago, what would that have done to city's prospects of participating in the Nagi Springfield Cup?"
Unable to really define what the little girl had said as a threat, Dolnegus shook his head. "I doubt such a thing would have happened, but if it did, Potential participants in the Minerva Cup might have gone to other cities. The effect on the local economy would have been nothing short of disastrous."
Grinning mischievously, Kazumi moved to lean against Dolnegus desk. "You should thank me then, since I convinced Nagi and Kojirou not to do just that. Instead of destroying it in the process of freeing their friends, the winning team of the Nagi Springfield Cup used your arena to launch themselves on the road to victory!"
Not really believing the little red-head's claim, Dolnegus just shook his head as she straightened back up and resumed her pacing.
Coming to a halt, Kazumi looked back at the Chairman over her left shoulder. "Am I correct to presume you've seen Cycilia Sevensheep's presentation?"
Finally hearing the girl say something that made sense, Dolnegus gave a firm nod. "Whoever put that together for her was... quite... skilled..."
Seeing the sudden recognition in Dolnegus eyes, Kazumi allowed her grin to become almost feral, then moved to sit down next to Kojirou once more. "Think about the positive publicity you will accrue from the background stories that will come out of this tournament! About how you rescued three of the winner's friends from almost certain death! How you took care of them, and despite your unwavering generosity, they and their friends simply wouldn't hear of your forgiving such a large debt! Being conscientious, honest people, they insisted on paying back every Asu!"
Now Dolnegus understood the nature of the threat being directed against him. If he didn't free Akira, Ako and Natsumi, this seemingly 'innocent' little girl, who had masterminded one of the best media blitz attacks he'd seen in years, would do everything in her power to destroy him and his reputation. Though certain the positive benefits of accepting her 'suggestion' were many, he was equally certain this 'child' would carry out her unspoken threat if he choose not to do so.
Forgiving Bekus Herrmann's debt had been one thing, Akira had been right ultimately that the Ma-Jin girl wasn't directly responsible for the destruction caused by her cousin. Even with the prize from the swimming contest though, the remaining debt of Kojirou Oogami's friends was another matter entirely. Silently cursing his own long-held intransigence when it came to matters involving large amounts of money, he wondered if there was anything else they might have he could accept in lieu of a payment in full...
Suddenly remembering an old memory from a time during the war, as well as that of something recent he'd left undone, Dolnegus stared down at the water pitcher on his desk for a moment, then stood and moved over to where Akira sat watching the proceedings. "Miss Okochi. How did you take Miss Izumi's collar off?"
Defiance clear in her suddenly alert eyes, Akira stood and did her best to match Dolnegus gaze. "Why should I tell you?"
Sighing, Dolnegus tried to make himself seem less confrontational. "Miss Okochi. Was your father's name Hisao Okochi?"
Showing surprise, Akira nodded before she could think not to.
Now Dolnegus crossed his arms and gave Akira a doubtful look. "Prove it."
Mildly angry to have Dolnegus question her heritage, Akira reached out and took control of a fist-sized blob of water in the pitcher behind him on the desk. Using just that small amount, she covered the lock on her slave collar. There was a faint flash, and the lock fell free. Being careful to retain control over the water, she extracted the lock. After returning the water to its original container, she removed the lock hasp and her collar, then threw everything to the floor. "Are you satisfied now, Sir?"
Satisfied did not begin to describe how Dolnegus felt. Beyond the value of knowing the slave-collars actually had a flaw, he would also be able to discharge, at least partially, the greatest debt he could have had ever owed to someone. "Miss Okochi. I'm sure you understand the risks involved in what you've done twice now. That if any of your elemental control energy leaked away as you used the water itself to sever the lock hasps, you could have set the collars off?"
Now Akira allowed a bit of pride to show in her smile, and in her voice. "There's less risk than you might expect, Chairman Dolnegus. I leached away all the liquid element in the collars a long time ago. The only thing that could have exploded was the lock itself."
Seeing the look on Akira's face, Dolnegus was reminded of the look on her father's face, twenty years before, when his friend had defied impossible odds to come pull him out of a situation of certain death during the Second Battle of Ostia. That same look of pride was there, pride, and the confidence necessary to truly back up that pride. "Akira, do you have your father's journal?"
Somewhat at a loss to have Dolnegus call her by her fist name, Akira nodded.
Taking out his control crystal, Dolnegus began to contemplate the little device. "If you've read his entries about Second Ostia, then you'll understand part of the reason I intend to forgive all the remaining debt of you and your friends."
Feeling a sense of relief, Dolnegus held out the crystal to Kojirou. "Mister Oogami. I expect you'd like to personally free your friend?"
Standing, Kotaro took the control crystal. "What do I need to do?"
Stepping back again, Dolnegus indicated Natsumi with a slight inclination of his head. "Hold the crystal up, face Miss Murakami, say the word; 'Libero,' and her name."
Doing as he had been told, Kojirou faced Natsumi. "Libero, Natsumi Murakami."
With a click, Natsumi felt her collar come open. Before it could fall to the floor, she caught it in her hand.
As Mama came over to take Natsumi's collar, Dolnegus retrieved his control crystal from Kojirou. "With the opening of the last collar, the contract paper in Granicus City will show the contract has been fulfilled. The three of you are free to go. Mama will help you turn in your uniforms, though if you wish to keep them, their cost can be deducted out of whatever credit you have remaining, if any."
As Dolnegus went back around his desk and sat down, Kazumi reached into her pocket and pulled out the camera that had been with her ever since Megalo-Mesembria. "Chairman. I always keep my promises. If you don't mind? I'd like to take a picture commemorating Kojirou and the girls having paid back all the money they owed."
Hesitating momentarily, Dolnegus glanced across the room at Akira. The other two girls seemed excited about taking a picture with Mama, but he didn't want to get involved unless Hisao's daughter would allow it.
Looking back at Dolnegus, Akira wanted to hold on to the hate she had for the man in her heart, but found it an impossible task. Finally lowering her gaze, she gave a slight nod, then moved over to stand with Ako and Natsumi before Mama.
As Mama gave the three girls a warm embrace, Kazumi gave instructions to Kojirou and Dolnegus, using them to frame the picture. When everyone was finally settled, she glanced at the camera's display one last time and depressed the shutter button.
(---)
Kotaro and Kazumi returning with a normally dressed and collar-free Akira and Natsumi made Negi happy beyond belief, until he realized someone was missing. "Where's Ako?"
Not thinking there was anything wrong with what Ako had done; Akira turned from greeting her friends and pointed back down the hall. "Ako went to pick up a few things she'd left in Damashi's practice studio."
Full sized now, Chisame gave Negi a worried look. "Professor. We know she's innocent, so do Princess Theodora and Grandmistress Seras, but Governor General Godel controls the remaining Lawgivers and Military on New Ostia more than Doyen Ricardo does. If he has people watching the studio, and they think she might know something about Damashi..."
Getting ready to bolt, Negi was stopped by a hand coming down on his shoulder.
"Hey Kid, relax! I'll go get your stray sheep and bring her back to the fold!"
Flexing her fingers as if she wanted to summon her broom, Yue glared at Cabot as he stood next to Negi. "Do you even know where the studio is?"
Suddenly about to have his chance to be with Ako Izumi ruined, Jay Cabot found relief from an unexpected source.
"I'll show him where it is."
Hearing the patter of small feet, Negi saw Chamo running over from the direction of Emily and Beatrice's room. "Chamo! You didn't..."
Looking back at Beatrice, Chamo shook his head before facing Negi again. Considering the time it had taken him to escape the knots that had been used to tie him up after his betrayal by that little Ma-Jin girl down in the bathhouse, he never wanted to be on the Valkyrie Cadet's bad side ever again. "I went there a few times to make sure those Damashi girls weren't trying anything funny with Ako."
Not exactly sure how he should interpret Chamo's words, Negi sighed and shook his head. "Okay then Chamo, just make sure you hurry back."
(---)
Wiping at her tears, Ako Izumi slowly shuffled down the hall leading to Damashi's practice studio.
After telling Akira her intentions, she had unexpectedly run into Tosaka after parting outside the debt-slave dormitories used by Chairman Dolnegus. Wanting to let him know there shouldn't be any hard feelings between them, she had tried to say as much, but had come away hurting for the effort. She knew he probably had his reasons for being the way he was, but his comment about 'Being lucky enough to go through life without any scars.' had hurt more than he could possibly understand.
Finding herself before the studio door, she resolved to still not hate Tosaka for what he'd done. Clenching a fist, she sniffed back the last tears, then reached out to the door handle and went inside.
Quiet and dark, except for a small shaft of light leaking in through a shuttered window, Ako found the studio to be a sad, lonely place. For a week, she and the other girls, Shirabe, Homura, Koyomi, Tamaki, and very briefly Shiori, had breathed life into the room with their music, conversation, and except for the perpetually scowling Homura, their laughter.
Now, with the five girl's missing, and no-one able to tell her what had happened to them, all she could do was pray they were safe, somehow.
Going over to where she normally stood, Ako picked up the Bass guitar she had borrowed from Shiori. The instrument was wonderful. So perfect it bordered on the magical. She would have loved to take it back to Mahora, but... the idea gave her an uneasy feeling, as if doing so meant Shiori might never come back from wherever it was she'd gone.
Setting the instrument back down in its stand, Ako reached out to retrieve the music projecting headset from its hook. Hopefully the girls wouldn't mind her taking that one little thing as a souvenir of the time she'd spent with them.
Pocketing the device, Ako went back over to the studio entrance and pulled open the door. Unexpected and menacing, several men dressed in black armor were standing there. The leader immediately stepped forward, forcing her back into the studio.
Seeing a look of fear in the pale-haired girl trembling before him, Bleys Galynd gave a predatory smile. "Well now, those four Total World harpies may not be here, but just look at the little substitute mouse I've managed to find instead!"
(---)
Responding to the scream they heard so fast Chamo barely had time to extend his claws into the man's clothes to hang on, Cabot took off at a dead run down the hall towards the Damashi studio. Two Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Knights were standing outside the door, but Estimated Prophet's unarmored navigator didn't hesitate for a second. Out came his Pactio card. In response to the shouted; 'ADEAT!' a huge Zanbato blade appeared in his hands. Despite the narrowness of the corridor, the blade came around to smash the two surprised mage knights outside the studio up against the wall.
Leaving his unconscious victims where they lay, Cabot burst through the door to the studio to find a mage knight he recognized standing over the prostrate form of the girl he'd come to see. "Ako!"
Turning, Bleys smiled as he readied his weapon lance. "I know you. You're the officer from that wretched Estimated Prophet who used to be a gladiator."
Readying the Zanbato as Chamo jumped down from his shoulder, Cabot nodded. "I recognize you as well, 'Terror of Syrtis!' How could I not recognize the person whose actions destroyed my family and made me a debt-slave!"
Seeing the two unconscious men out in the corridor, Bleys grin deepened. "Who cares if you're from Ariadne. This is going to be pure self-defense!"
(---)
As Theodora Hellas, Takamichi Takahata, Cordoba Ricardo and Mana Tatsumiya waited in their various seated or standing postures, Victoria Seras opened the message form that had just been delivered to their temporary office in the New Ostia Arena and quickly read its contents. Shaking her head, she handed the message over to Ricardo. "Professor Bagera has confirmed what he said his earlier measurements made him suspect; the Ostian Gate Port has collapsed. It isn't sealed, but structurally it's useless."
Shaking his head, Ricardo tossed the message out onto the table everyone was sitting around. After his arrival back at New Ostia, the tiger-man had reported directly to the three leaders as known allies of the Ala Alba. Telling them of his suspicions, he had asked for permission to return to Old Ostia, then had immediately done so when it was granted. What he had discovered didn't bode well for getting Negi Springfield and all of his students back to the Mundus Vetus and out of harm's way. "I'm not even sure what's going on in Megalo-Mesembria right now, so I don't know if Miss Sevensheep's efforts will do any good in that direction. Theo might have trouble from the Hellas government, so that just leaves you Victoria. Can Ariadne grant the Ala Alba asylum if it becomes necessary?"
Before Seras could answer, there was a knock, and a Valkyrie mage Knight entered the room. "Grandmistress Seras. One of the arena workers has reported there's a big fight going on down in one of the outer support ring corridors of the arena. He says several Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Knights are involved."
Scowling at the unneeded complication, Seras looked over at Ricardo. "Would that be Governor General Godel's men?"
Nodding, both to Seras question and Takamichi's curious look, Ricardo leaned back in his chair. "Probably so, since there's been no evidence indicating any collusion between Kurt and Saseru Enteofushia. We may not like who he's become, but without proof of disloyalty to the Mage Council, there's way I can justify removing him from office."
Standing up, Seras indicated for the Valkyrie to lead the way. "Call in a squad to help, if they're available." As the young woman nodded, activating the Valkyrie armor's communication system while moving away, Seras turned back to her companions. "I'd best go deal with this before it gets out of hand. I'm also curious about who picked a fight with Godel's Mage Knights, since all the Ala Alba should be safe."
Rising up, Theodora made ready to follow. "I think I'll go as well."
As Takamichi moved to follow Theo, Ricardo shrugged and stood. "Well, no sense in staying behind."
(---)
Once, before he left Wales to go find Negi, Chamo had seen two dogs on a farm fighting.
Blood spilled. Fur flying. The awful sound of their snarling as the two canines tore at each other in what seemed to be mortal combat...
What Cabot and the Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Knight were doing was the same thing, only on a larger scale.
As Cabot responded to the Mage Knight's goading and charged, Chamo winced at what such a reckless attack might lead to. Fortunately, the seemingly crazed man was acting more thoughtfully than was immediately apparent. By sacrificing his weapon, then accepting several hits, he forced his opponent around, then back out the door and away from Ako. Now, the two men were rolling back and forth across the floor outside. Too close for the use of any magic or weapons, they were punching, clawing and shouting at each other with such violent, hate-filled intent it made him glad the pale-haired girl was unconscious.
As the sounds of approaching armored boots made themselves heard over those of the fight, Chamo cautiously edged his way to the door to see what was going on.
"JAY LANE CABOT! You will cease this inappropriate behavior at once!"
Peeking out the door, Chamo saw Victoria Seras, flanked by several Valkyries with weapon lances at the ready, rapidly approaching. Behind her was the pointy-haired representative of Megalo-Mesembria, Theodora Hellas, and much to his surprise, Takamichi Takahata and Mana Tatsumiya. Still locked in his duel, Cabot ignored the call to stop. Seras looked like she was about to order the Valkyries to fire, when another group of mage knights, lead by a tall man wearing glasses, appeared in the hall from the other direction.
"Guard Captain! Stand down immediately!"
Carefully, not looking away for a moment lest there be some last minute attack, the two men rolling on the floor relaxed the death grip they held on each other. Looking ready to clash again at the least provocation, they slowly stood up and backed away towards those who had called out to them.
With barely controlled anger showing on her face, Seras glanced over at Kurt Godel before focusing her attention on the bloodied young man standing before her. "Mister Cabot. I can't help but think Captain Adenaur will be disappointed to learn her navigator was brawling like a common Phoenicus street-thug. What's the meaning of this?"
Wiping at his bleeding lip and bruised face, Cabot spared his opponent one last look of hate, then turned to stand at attention before Seras. "Grandmistress. That man is the 'Terror of Syrtis!' He deserves everything I've given him and more!"
Knowing what that name meant, as well as the relationship it had to the massacre of Hellas Empire prisoners twenty years ago in Argos, Takamichi grabbed Theodora's arm and squeezed down tight before she could think to try anything.
Understanding Cabot's anger still didn't mean she condoned it. With a flick of her horns, Seras indicated for Cabot to leave. "Go back to your room. I deal with you later." Looking over at Godel as Cabot retrieved his Artifact, then deactivated it and left, she waited for the Governor General to stop speaking to the disheveled mage knight, then took a step forward. "Well Governor General, what do you have to say for yourself? Is that man Bleys Galynd, or not?"
Signaling Bleys to leave, Godel came forward to meet Seras. "My Dear Grandmistress Seras. That man is merely the Captain of my personal guard, trying to perform his duty by arresting a suspect in the disappearance of the Ladies of Damashi. If anything, I should be arresting his attacker for assault and interference in a criminal investigation!"
Without Godel willingly providing any proof of the mage knight's name beyond the word of one revenge seeking ex-war victim, Seras decided not to pursue that thought any further for the moment. Seeing movement to her side, she recognized one of Negi Springfield's students standing in a doorway with Chamo Chamomile. "I'm afraid I won't allow that. You can't have Mister Cabot, or the girl, who is under Ariadne's protection. If you want either one, you'll have to fight for them."
Seeing the mage knights at both ends of the hall ready their weapon lances, Chamo decided enough was enough. "Hey hey hey! There's no need for this to get out of hand here! Besides, this pretty girl also happens to be the Ministra of a very important mage! Revealing his name wouldn't be a wise thing to do, but trust me when I say he wouldn't be very happy if anyone tried to take her away from him!"
All the tension in the hallway instantly vanished, replaced on every face by the wide-eyes of disbelief. "She is?"
Just as shocked as everyone else, Ako stared at Negi's ermine. "I am?" Recalling Akira's Pactio Card, and what a Ministra was, she quickly straightened up. "Yes. Yes I am a Ministra!"
Seeing in the absurd statements of an ermine and a young girl the excuse to pull back from a potentially bad situation, Godel began to laugh. "Oh my! I guess I was mistaken then! Surely someone with such powerful backing couldn't be a person involved in any unbecoming activities, now could they?"
With Godel openly daring her to contradict him with his wording and attitude, Seras knew she really had no choice but to back down if she wanted to avoid a fight. "Obviously."
As his men policed up the two still unconscious victims of Cabot's wrath, Godel started to turn, then looked back beyond Seras to Theodora's bodyguard. "Takamichi. Why don't you and Jack come see me. We'll have a drink for old-time's sake."
As Godel turned back again and left, Takamichi felt a tug at his sleeve. At his side, Theodora was giving him a very scary look. "Yes?"
Glaring, at Takamichi, Theodora pointed down the hall at Godel's retreating back. "I absolutely forbid you to associate with someone who keeps such company!"
Trying not to let any anger show on his own face, Takamichi pulled free from Theodora's grip. "If something useful can come out of it, then I'll do what I feel is best."
Turning away from a seething Theodora, Takamichi went over to Ako. "Are you okay, Miss Izumi?"
Seeing Negi's pet being 'cute' at her feet, Ako reached down to pick the snow-white ermine up. "Have you been here all along, Professor Takahata?"
Nodding his head, Takamichi relaxed as Ako began to pet Chamo. "Yes, but I wasn't in any position to be able to really help. I was involved in some work Dean Konoe assigned me until just recently."
Cradling the swooning Chamo in her arms and scratching his belly, Ako nodded. "Should I tell Neg... Professor Springfield you're here, Professor Takahata?"
After a thoughtful pause, Takamichi shook his head. "I don't think it's going to matter much longer, but if you don't mind, please don't say anything just yet, Miss Izumi."
With a nod, Ako started down the hall. "I'm going to my room." After a brief pause to give Mana Tatsumiya a curious look, she continued on alone until Seras signaled for a Valkyrie to accompany her.
As the girl and her guard disappeared around a corner, Seras turned to her companions. "I'm going to go see if I can make arrangements for Ariadne to accept an asylum request by Negi and his students."
Ignoring Theodora's glare, Takamichi gave a slight nod. "Alright then, I'll find Jack and we'll go see what Kurt wants."
(---)
Waving goodbye to her Valkyrie escort, Ako stepped past Estimated Prophet's two Marine guards and went into the Ala Alba's residential area. From where they stood with many other classmates around an open door, Akira and Natsumi quickly noticed her and came over.
"Are you okay Ako? When Mister Cabot came back all beat up, we were worried about you..."
Looking up at Akira, Ako gave her friend a weak smile. "Is he okay?"
Stepping aside, Akira pointed at the open door. "He's in Konoka's room with Negi..."
In response to Chamo beginning to squirm, Ako set him down. As he ran past the feet of the people in the doorway, she followed in his wake, slowly making her way apologetically past her classmates until she could see Konoka treating Cabot's bruised face. "Hey..."
Wincing in response to the effects of Konoka's efforts, Cabot held Ako's gaze for a moment, then looked away. "I... I'm sorry I may have exposed you to such a violent side of me, Miss Izumi."
Smiling as she did so, Ako shook her head. "Please don't worry about it. Chamo told me what you did for me, so I should be thanking you, Mister Cabot."
Much to Cabot's surprise, Ako came over and gave him a swift peck on the cheek. As he reached up to touch the spot, she gave him another smile, then turned to face Negi.
With Chamo on his shoulder, Negi gave Ako a look of concern. "Chamo told me everything worked out Miss Izumi, but are you sure you're okay?"
Reaching up, Ako gave herself a good stretch, then smiled at her homeroom professor. "Yes, thanks to Mister Cabot and Chamo."
Sighing with relief, Negi closed his eyes for a moment. When he opened them again, Ako was fidgeting nervously before him. "Miss Izumi?"
After looking from Negi to Chamo and back again, Ako took a deep breath to gather her courage, then put what she hoped would be seen as a serious expression on her face. "Professor... first... Please let me apologize for the things I did and said in Granicus City."
Showing momentary surprise, Negi blinked in confusion, then began waving his hands. "No! I mean, that was my fault because of what I did at MahoraFest! Please don't worry about it!"
Though relief showed on her face for a moment, Ako quickly become serious again. "I... um..." Unable to continue facing Negi, she bowed deeply. "Plea... please let me be one of your Ministra, Professor!"
A moment of shocked silence was followed by pandemonium as several of the people crowding the doorway began shouting questions all at once.
Recovering from her shock, Chisame grabbed Cabot by the shoulder and began using him as a battering ram. "OUT! EVERYONE EXCEPT ASUNA GET OUT!"
Turning on his familiar as Chisame pushed the last of the crowd out and shut the door, Negi gave the sweating ermine an annoyed look. "CHAMO! You didn't tell me anything about this!"
Nervously eyeing a seething Asuna, Chamo tried his best to look contrite. "Ah... sorry about that! It's just I kind of told a little white lie to help end the situation downstairs. Of course, if you make her one of your Ministra, it won't be a lie..."
Looking ready to skin Chamo, Asuna took a step forward. "YOU VERMINE ERMINE! I aughta..."
Reaching out to first stop Asuna with an extended arm, Chisame then fixed the angry girl in place with a hard look. "I know you might not like the idea Asuna, but the Rat is right. It was unintentional, but Ako got involved with some very dangerous people. Because of that, it might be for the best if Negi... I mean, Professor Springfield could protect her in a more active manner."
Relaxing as she did so, Asuna backed away from Chisame before turning to face Ako. "Ako. Do you understand you have to kiss this Runt on the lips to make a Pactio contract with him?"
Not looking very surprised, Ako nodded. "Chamo told me not to worry about it, since Negi... I mean, Professor Springfield's just a kid."
Feeling slightly hurt by Ako's words, Negi shook his head. "Has Chamo told you anything else, Miss Izumi? Perhaps about the reasons why making a Pactio with me might actually be a good idea?"
Showing an upset expression, Ako fixed her gaze on the ground. "Chamo told me the girls in Damashi were involved with the people who were trying to hurt you, Professor." Lips trembling suddenly, Ako's look became one of depression. "Homura maybe... but I can't believe the others were..." Now tears began to flow, and Ako reached up to rub them away. "Especially Koyomi and Tamaki, all of them were so nice to me..."
Stepping up to his crying student, Negi placed a hand gently on her arm. "Ako, do you remember how nervous you were before Dekopin Rocket's concert?"
Showing curiosity on her face, Ako nodded.
Now Negi smiled. "Even though some things you didn't know about may have been going on, you weren't afraid this time. You even played in three concerts before much bigger crowds than were present at MahoraFest. That's certainly something to be proud of!"
Understanding showing in her expression, the edges of Ako's mouth began to curl up in a slight smile.
After glancing at Chisame and receiving a reassuring nod, Negi faced Ako once more. "Now, I can't say I know for sure, but it may be possible you were exactly what you appear to have been; someone who helped out Damashi when they needed it. I'd be cautious if they ever approach you again, but I don't think their intent was to maliciously deceive you."
Ako relaxing made Asuna do the same, but seeing Chamo rubbing his paws together in apparent anticipation of his brokerage fee raised her ire once more.
Feeling metaphorical daggers piercing him in the back, Chamo gave a full body shudder and turned to see a greatly displeased Teotanasian Princess leaning down over him. "Asuna! He... he... what's wrong?"
Grinning malevolently, Asuna leaned right down into Chamo's face. "Don't look so happy about this, or I just might see if I have any influence with this Ermine Society of yours as a Princess of Ostia!" Chamo began to sweat as Asuna straightened back up. "I wonder what would happen if they found out what a terrible influence you've been on Negi!"
Snapping instantly into a subservient position, Chamo began bowing repeatedly to Asuna. "I'm sorry Princess! Please forgive me!" As Asuna gave a disbelieving huff, Chamo noticed that Chisame was now standing there in her Biblio Roulin Rouge Pactio outfit. "Chi... Chiu-sama?"
Wearing a predatory grin, Chisame fixed Chamo in her gaze. "Remember Rat. This persona of mine is based on an 'evil' character! I'll show you no mercy if you keep up your greedy ways!"
Still trembling, Chamo heard an amused laugh and turned to see Ako giggling about his predicament. Behind her, Negi was shaking his head and rubbing at both temples, trying to gain relief from apparent stress. "Ah... um... Negi. Do you still want to do this?"
Resigned that it was for the best, Negi stepped back and indicated for Chamo to proceed. As his familiar began to draw the necessary magic circle, he turned to face Ako. She seemed deep in thought, but at a sudden blush, he became concerned. "Is something wrong Miss Izumi?"
Wringing her hands as she did so, Ako glanced down at Negi. "Well, there is just one thing... that is, if you don't mind?"
As Chamo neared completion of the magic circle, Negi felt his curiosity rise over what Ako's request might be. "If I can..."
After glancing over at Chisame and Asuna, Ako turned back to Negi. "Could... I mean, would it be possible for me to do it with Nagi?"
Watching his companions reactions to Ako's unintended double entendre, Chamo saw pretty much what he expected. Negi remained clueless, while Asuna blushed and Chisame began coughing mysteriously. Ako finally realized what she'd said and began waving her hands vigorously.
"No! That's not... I meant the kiss!"
Stepping forward, Chamo gave an understanding sigh. "I knew what you meant Kid. It's just your way of being able to forget completely about a dream, isn't it?" After Ako gave a nod, Chamo leered at Chisame and Asuna. "There's some people here though, 'who claim they don't have any feelings for Negi,' who had their minds in the gutter."
Looking for any excuse not to answer Chamo's accusation, Chisame went over to Negi and began pushing him towards the door. "Go change into Nagi, then come back right away."
As Negi opened the door to leave, Haruna and several others fell into the room, forcing him to take a step back.
Shouting with irritation, Chisame and Asuna chased the eavesdroppers back out, then left with Negi, leaving Ako alone with Chamo.
Turning to look up at the girl who would soon be his Magister's newest Provisional Ministra, Chamo wondered what her artifact would be, should she receive one. "Hey Kid. This really can be a dangerous business. I know I said it might be a good idea, but you can still back out if you want to..."
Still amazed she could do so without throwing a fit over his being a talking ermine, Ako looked down at Chamo. "If I do that, isn't it the same as saying I'll never be anything more than a secondary character? This is similar to my asking Shirabe to let me help. Unless I'm willing to take some kind of risk, be it big or small, how can I ever move forward?"
Considering how timid Ako used to be, Chamo had to admit, for better or worse, that she was right.
(---)
Feeling uncomfortably out of sorts, Akira turned from staring at the muted HD viewer in the room she'd been given to share with Ako and Natsumi. Excusing herself from everyone crowding around and asking questions, Ako came in and closed the door. "Are you done?"
Catching Akira's mildly sharp tone, Ako went over and sat down on the edge of the bed her dark-haired friend occupied. "Are you angry with me?"
Not knowing how to answer the question without sounding spiteful or jealous, Akira finally settled for a slight nod.
Holding the Pactio card she'd been given by Chamo, Ako scooted further onto the bed then pulled a knee up to her chest. "I know lots of the girls in 3A have always been protective of me, especially you, Akira, but I don't want it to be like that forever. I want to be a stronger, more confident person who can help others, instead of always having to be helped herself. If making a Pactio with Negi has started me along that path, then I don't regret doing it."
Watching as Ako absentmindedly fanned the Pactio card with the hand holding her leg bent, Akira suddenly realized the little girl she'd saved from the pool seven years ago wasn't so little any more. Giving a resigned sigh, she shook her head, then leaned back against the bed's headboard. "So, what was it like to finally kiss 'Nagi?'"
Grinning, Ako turned to face Akira. "Well, it's hard to know what to say, since it was my first 'serious' kiss, but I can say it didn't taste like lemon like they said in that one manga where a boy ran a girls-only dorm." Blushing slightly, Ako reached up to cover her mouth with the Pactio card. "If anything, it was a little weird that a kid, disguised or not, knows how to kiss so well..."
After feeling herself color slightly at that thought along with Ako, Akira turned to look at her friend's Pactio card. "That looks like the clothes you wore for the Dekopin Rocket concert."
Turning the card so she could see its face, Ako glanced at the Bass guitar her image held. Printed below that and her name was a short phrase in Latin. "'Carmen ut Conforto.' 'The Song that Soothes,' or; 'The Soothing Songstress,' is what this phrase means, at least according to Chamo. Yue said she'd use her artifact to research the card, then let me know more about it later."
Wondering whether or not the guitar shown on the card was the actual artifact was pointless. Leaning back and taking a deep breath, Akira turned her thoughts to more mundane ideas. "I hope the mess Negi's in gets settled soon, I'm tired of not being able to come and go as I please."
Sensing Akira was done talking about the card and what had happened to get it, Ako straightened her legs out and lay back on the bed just as a commercial for a local Nagi-man filled bun shop began on the HD. "Yeah, me too."
(---)
(New Ostia Governor-general's Residence.)
With resigned disgust, Kurt Godel threw a message flimsy down on his desk. Short and to the point, the message sounded the final death knell on any chance to openly salvage something out of his recent plans. If the Regional Megalo-Mesembrian fleet could have come into New Ostia, then he would have been in a better position to challenge Grandmistress Seras and her allies over their current control of the city.
'Impossible.' The report said. Not because of any military force of the Hellas Empire or the Educational City State of Ariadne, but because of dragons. Not just a few, but hundreds of dragons. Maybe even a thousand or more. Surrounding New Ostia, they had sealed it off from ANY intrusion by outside forces. The same report, telling him of the inability of Megalo-Mesembrian fleet elements to get anywhere close to New Ostia, had reported on the fate of a Hellas Empire cruiser which had attempted to approach the city.
It had not been 'attacked,' at least not in the normal sense of the word, but it had been swamped by so many dragons their weight had forced it to land. Apparently not willing to risk a real confrontation against such a potentially overwhelming number of dragons, the Hellas fleet commander had pulled the rest of his ships back and now waited like his Megalo-Mesembrian counterpart for the situation inside the city to be resolved.
In reality, Kurt had to feel impressed. Not even Nagi Springfield had managed to unite the Dragon Clans so effectively. If, as he suspected, Nagi's son Negi was responsible, then that made the boy a very valuable potential asset indeed.
Preceded by a polite knock, Godel's Hu-Jin secretary entered the office carrying another message. "Govna' Godel. We've received a priority communication from the Mage Council. In addition, the two gentlemen you invited to come visit have arrived."
Wondering what the message might contain, Godel held out his hand. "Miss Earhart, have them shown to my reading room please."
As Godel took the message, his secretary bowed and exited the office. Breaking the message seal and examining the letterhead, he felt his brow crease in a frown.
From: Freidrich Jurgen, Interim Mage Council Speaker, Megalo-Mesembria, Northern Alliance Territories.
To: Kurt Godel. Governor General Kurt Godel, New Ostia.
After reading the first part of the message, Godel decided he could have been happier if different persons had taken control of the capitol, but the second part of the message took his mind away from such concerns.
This is official notice that the bounties against Negi Springfield and all others accused of the attack on the Megalo-Mesembrian gate port have been provisionally suspended. All official hunter organizations have also been so informed.
As a condition of the bounties being completely removed, Negi Springfield and his companions must come to Megalo-Mesembria to appear before the Mage Council to provide testimony as to their actual role in the events in question. Since it is believed he and his companions are now in New Ostia, you are instructed to make contact by any appropriate means to inform him of this condition. After doing so, if it is necessary, you are further instructed to provide appropriate transport to facilitate their travel to Megalo-Mesembria.
In addition, the Hellas Empire and the Educational City State of Ariadne have been informed they may send representatives to witness the testimony. Should Negi Springfield and his companions desire to travel with those representatives, he is to be permitted to do so.
Freidrich Jurgen's signature and the seal of the Speaker of the Mage Council adorned the bottom of the page.
"Well, that's it, I guess."
With a casual toss, Godel left the council message on his desk with the one about the dragons. Without looking back, he went out past his secretary, then turned down the hall towards the private residence area of the New Ostia Governor General's Palace.
(---)
Somewhat uncomfortable in the semi-formal clothing Takamichi had insisted on, Jack Rakan wondered if opposites really could attract as he pulled at his shirt's stiff collar.
Watching Rakan's odd behavior, Takamichi wondered what was bothering the ex-gladiator. "What are you so nervous about Jack?"
Feeling a bit self-conscious as the image of a bespectacled auburn-haired girl faded from his mind, Rakan dropped his hand. "It's nothing."
Saving Rakan from any further inquiry by the curious Takamichi, the door to the reading room opened and a smiling Kurt Godel strode in.
"Takamichi! Jack! I have to say I wish this reunion of old friends had come about under better circumstances!"
Remaining guarded with his expression, Takamichi followed Rakan in shaking Godel's hand. "You weren't exactly friendly earlier Kurt, and I have to admit I'm curious myself about who it is you might have as the captain of the New Ostia Governor General's Guard Unit."
Moving towards the room's small refreshment center, Godel waved a hand dismissively. "I was simply doing my duty as Governor General. The Ladies of Damashi are not the only ones who may have been kidnapped within the city, so as its chief law enforcement officer, I'm obligated to ensure every clue is pursued fully." Pausing briefly, Kurt examined the contents of a small cooler, then glanced over his shoulder. "As far as that other matter is concerned, even if my captain is who you suspect, Bleys Galynd was never convicted of any crime."
Turning back to the cooler, Godel choose a dark glass bottle, then faced his guests once more. "Ale for you, Jack?" After a nod, he handed over the bottle, then moved around to the other side of the refreshment center. "Are you on duty Takamichi? Or can you share a drink with an old friend?"
Giving a nod, Takamichi moved forward as Godel filled two tumblers with ice, then covered the cubes with the clear contents of an etched glass bottle. "Kurt. I would like to ask you not to interfere with the departure of certain persons from New Ostia."
After handing over one of the tumblers, Godel appeared thoughtful for a moment, then raised his and took a sip of the contents. "You mean Nagi's son and his compatriots?"
Quickly on his guard again because of Godel's casual attitude, Takamichi gave Ala Rubra's old representative to Megalo-Mesembria a determined look. "I would prefer not to have any trouble over this..."
Seeing the coiled tension in both his guests, Godel paused, the tumbler half-way to his mouth. "Trouble? Why ever should I cause any trouble? As it is, I've been ordered to inform the Thousand-Master's son that the bounties against him have been dropped conditionally, with the action becoming permanent, providing he appears before the Mage Council in Megalo-Mesembria to tell them his side of what happened two months ago."
At a loss as Godel took another sip of his drink, Takamichi gave Rakan a questioning look and received only a shoulder shrug in response.
Smiling inside, Godel tipped his tumbler completely back, draining its liquid contents. "I take it then that Princess Theodora and Grandmistress Seras haven't received word yet?"
As Takamichi and Rakan continued to give him confused looks, Godel refilled his tumbler. "There's been a considerable shake-up in the Mage Council. Beyond the records uncovered by some anonymous MahoNet hacker, it seems the Mage Councilor from Megalo-Mesembria itself turned over very convincing evidence of a large conspiracy revolving around Saseru Enteofushia of Argyre. If anything, my men are too busy arresting the various conspirators in New Ostia to bother with Springfield right now."
Moving closer to loom over Godel, Rakan glared down at the man. "Despite what you've said, even I know enough to recognize a trap when I see it!"
Not intimidated in the least, Godel took another sip from his refilled drink. "This is what I meant when I asked if you had not heard anything. The Mage Council has invited representatives of the Hellas Empire and Ariadne to attend as well, to ensure that nothing improper occurs, and I presume to remove Springfield and his friends should a decision be made against them."
With Rakan looking cautiously excited, Takamichi stared down at his still untouched tumbler, a thoughtful look on his face. "How very interesting..."
Watching as Takamichi finally took a sip, Godel began to swirl his own glass around. "By the way, Takamichi, how is the Princess doing? Is she well?"
A soft cough escaped before Takamichi could prevent it. "I'm not sure what you mean, Kurt."
Glancing out over his glasses, Godel gave Takamichi an accusatory look. "Takamichi. I was there when 'The Imperial Princess of the Twilight' was scrapped. I saw those video's Cycilia Sevensheep presented. I'd have to be a complete idiot not to recognize the daughter of the woman my murdered parents served!"
Recognizing Godel's anger coming through didn't make Takamichi feel any better about confirming Asuna Teotanasia's presence in the Mundus Magicus through his momentary lapse of control. "I understand you may still have some resentment about what happened Kurt..."
Godel's fist slamming down on the refreshment center's countertop emphasized the intensity of the emotions now displayed on his face. "Resentment? Instead of expending it's efforts proving who murdered Princess Aricia and my parents, the Ala Rubra wasted them saving a little girl who's death, had it actually occurred, might have prevented most of what just happened over the last two months!"
Setting his drink down, Takamichi fixed his gaze on Godel. "She has just as much right to a normal life as anyone else. I've done everything I can to ensure that, and intend to continue doing so."
Hearing the implied threat, Godel watched Takamichi for a moment, then gave a bitter laugh. "A lot of good your efforts were. Sevensheep's report avoiding mentioning such, but I'd wager the Princess was once more used in an attempt to summon the Life Giver." As Takamichi and Jack both tensed slightly, Kurt knew he was right. "You know, it's like Al used to say; 'Third time's the charm.' If there's ever a third time, the Life Giver is probably going to win."
Setting his untouched bottle down on the counter, Rakan gave a dismissive huff. "Considering that the Kid isn't his father, as much as he wants to be, I'd take that bet if it was one. I think Negi's got what it takes to keep the Princess safe."
As Jack turned and began to leave, Takamichi waited for Godel to look up. "Are you going to cause any problems Kurt?"
Looking into Takamichi's eyes, Godel saw more a look of honest pleading than any real implied threat. Finally lowering his gaze, he shook his head. "No. It would be too much trouble to make people believe Asuna Teotanasia is still alive anyway. Take her and get out of New Ostia before I change my mind."
Looking relived, Takamichi nodded, then lead Rakan out the door.
Remaining outwardly upset, Godel watched them go, then allowed a slight grin to crease his face. As irritating as it was to have to let the true Imperial Princess of the Twilight escape from his grip, just confirming she did still exist, along with her identity, was a prize in and of itself.
Now, all he had to do was figure out the best way to make use of everything he'd managed to acquire over the last twenty-four hours...
(---)
(New Ostia Arena.)
As Emily Sevensheep continued speaking to the girls gathered in her room about the reasons why the sword Caliburn was proof Asuna descended from the old rulers of Ostia, Negi gave an extended yawn. Hopefully, the revelation concerning her status as royalty wouldn't cause Asuna too many problems, now, or when they returned to Mahora.
As the frustrated Valkyrie Mage Knight Cadet began trying to explain one of the finer points of her reasoning to Makie, he turned and headed for his own room. At last, everyone was gathered together. In the morning, he would make arrangements to move all of them back out to the Estimated Prophet. What would happen after that, for now, was anyone's guess.
Looking up as the door to the Ala Alba's private area opened, Negi's curiosity over who it might be was quickly overwhelmed by the shock of who it actually was. "Ta... Takamichi..."
With Jack Rakan in tow, Takamichi came up to Negi and held out his hand. "Well Professor Springfield. I hear you and your students have had quite the adventure. I have to say that it seems you've all handled yourselves exceptionally well."
Trembling with relief, it was nearly all Negi could do to extend his hand to take Takamichi's. "We... There have been some rough spots, but we've managed somehow."
Seeing the deep exhaustion apparent in Negi's eyes, but liking that his fellow professor still had a firm grip, Takamichi sighed and ended the handshake. "Well, I believe I've brought you news that means everything's about over. If you agree to the terms that have been set, then everyone could be completely free from their bounties very shortly."
Noticing that Rakan didn't seem very worried, Negi did his best to suppress the concerns he felt over the potential 'conditions' of freedom. "What do we have to do?"
Sighing, Takamichi reached up and began to scratch his beard. "Well, The Hellas Empire and Ariadne will be providing you with an escort, but the Mage Council in Megalo-Mesembria wants you to come testify before them. I expect they want to hear your side of what happened."
There weren't many people in the Mundus Magicus Negi would have trusted to voice such a request without suspecting it was a trap or a joke. Despite his initial unease over the idea, he tried to remain calm. Thinking over the situation rationally, in light of a few other things he'd learned since coming to the Mundus Magicus, he realized going back to Megalo-Mesembria might represent the best chance the Ala Alba had to go home anytime soon. Allowing the tension to fade from his shoulders, he gave an affirmative nod, "Okay. We'll do it." Straightening himself up, he looked Takamichi right in the eye. "When do we lea..."
"PROFESSOR TAKAHATA!"
Trying to conceal the dread he felt over their inevitable meeting, Takamichi looked up as Asuna began pushing through everyone else who hadn't quite realized their former Homeroom Professor was standing out in the hallway. "Hello Asuna. I trust you're well?"
Despite Takamichi's rejection at MahoraFest and the things she now remembered concerning their original relationship, Asuna still felt her heart racing as she moved to stand next to Negi. "Things have been difficult lately, but the Brat here helped me out!"
As Asuna began to give the quietly protesting Negi an affectionate noogie, Takamichi realized her hair was down. "Asuna, your bells..."
Avoiding Takamichi's gaze for a moment, Asuna finally released Negi and looked up at her former guardian. "Negi gave them back to me last night. I'll always treasure them as a gift from you, but I don't really have any 'need' for them anymore."
Seeing Asuna's mildly forced smile, Takamichi flinched guiltily in response. "I see... I hope then you'll permit me to apologize for using a gift as a spell catalyst to keep your memories suppressed..."
Sniffing back the tears trying to form in her eyes, Asuna nodded. "I understand why you did it, so there no real reason to hold a grudge, is there?"
Feeling the weight of failure crushing his shoulders, Takamichi stiffened, then bowed sharply at the waist. "Still, Princess, permit me to apologize on behalf of the Ala Rubra. We only did what we thought best for you at the time."
With everyone behind her watching in various stages of confusion or understanding, Asuna shook her head. "Please don't worry about it. What's done is done." Taking a deep breath, Asuna released it before giving Takamichi a big smile. "Anyway! Why are you here? What's going on?"
Feeling the mood tense up, even as the hall grew quiet, Takamichi rose up and gave all of his former students what he hoped was an encouraging smile. "I was in this world to take care of some things for Dean Konoe, as well as Stephen Dilane. That's why I haven't been able to contact you directly before now." Glancing at Yuuna, Ako, and several other students, Takamichi gave them a look of thanks. "As far as why I'm finally here goes, I've just informed Professor Springfield that there's a good chance all of your names are going to be cleared."
A kind of celebratory chaos reigned after Takamichi's statement, but Asuna remained skeptical. "What's the catch? I believe what you're saying, but it still sounds a bit too easy..."
After a quick look down at Negi, Takamichi took in the rest of the crowd in the hallway once more. "You just have to go back to Megalo-Mesembria and tell your side of the story."
Though several others voiced the same thought, Asuna's proximity assured Takamichi's attention would remain fixed on her. "That's crazy! Why should we trust those idiots! It's all their fault we got into this mess in the first place!"
Turning to face his students, Negi began waving his hands to quiet them down. "I know this sounds a bit too convenient, but I believe acceding to such a request is actually our best chance to get home. There's several things I'll need to discuss with Yue, and Professor Bagera if possible, but I'd like everyone to start making their preparations to leave New Ostia."
Catching Chisame's eye, Rakan gave her a wink, then stepped forward. "I thought this was a joke too, but thanks to the efforts of Miss Hasegawa and several others, it seems most of your enemies in Megalo-Mesembria have been exposed for the traitors they are. The few who haven't already been arrested are suddenly retiring due to reasons of 'health,' or 'family.' As Chisame flushed and glowered in his direction, Rakan smiled in return. "With one exception, the people in charge now have been against the bounties from the beginning."
Pushing his glasses back, Takamichi nodded in agreement. "It's most likely they want this issue done and over with so people will forget it. The sooner that happens, the sooner they can get to work on reestablishing the Mage Council's reputation and credibility."
Clapping his hands, Negi focused everyone's attention his way once more. "The sooner we get ready, the sooner we can make arrangements to go!"
As Negi began herding everyone back towards their rooms, Takamichi signaled for Emily Sevensheep to come over. When she did so, he could see a mild look of worry on her face. "Miss Sevensheep. Grandmistress Seras has some business to attend to at the Whaleship port, but she would like you, Miss Monroe, and Miss Farandole to be in her office when she returns."
Trying not to gulp too obviously, Emily gave Takamichi a slight bow to acknowledge her instructions, then moved off to go collect her fellow Valkyrie Mage Knight Cadets.
(---)
(New Ostia Whaleship port.)
Standing before the Tantulus Whaleships ticket counter, Hau Pepelu clung tightly to her partner's arm, rubbing her face against his shoulder, and ignoring a whispered entreaty that she help choose a destination. Having him suddenly grow quiet surprised her, so she looked up into his handsomely serious face. "What's wrong?"
Trying not to be too obvious, Eien flicked his ears towards a cloak-wearing Hu-Jin standing a few places ahead of them in the line. "That person over there... I think there's a bounty on his head..."
Pouting fiercely, Hau gave Eien a greatly displeased look. "I thought we promised we wouldn't get involved in that sort of thing again! How is it you even know about the bounty anyway?"
Reaching up, Eien began to scratch behind one of his ears. "Heh... old habits are hard to break... I checked the listings last night after you finally fell asleep!"
Pushing down slowly so as to not make him yelp, Hau began to grind her heel into Eien's foot. "You'll pay for that later." When her partner finally signaled for mercy, she relented, and began to prepare a spell. ("We'll get him later, when it isn't so crowded. If you're able to extract his true name, there shouldn't be any problems.")
(---)
Glowering at the apparently drunken but apologetic Inu-Jin that had nearly been sick all over him in the restroom, IECS Argonauta's Captain wasn't happy to run into another just outside. Looking down, he was about to yell at the clumsy creature when he felt himself drawn into the deepness of her eyes.
"Ma marionnette hypnotisee, Arnold Fawkes."
As the mark she and Eien had decided to take stiffened in response to her Doll-Master spell, Hau suddenly sensed the presence of a powerful mage watching from nearby. Turning towards the potential threat, she was quickly joined by her partner.
Somewhat annoyed her girls had been beaten to the punch; Victoria Seras shook her head and signaled for the squad of plain-clothes Valkyries she'd brought to the Whaleship port to come out of hiding. "Well then, it seems Ariadne is going to have to pay the bounty we set after all."
Ears completely flat as she stood protectively before what was hopefully the last mark she and Eien would ever take, Hau wasn't in any mood for small talk. "You'd better! We'd already decided to retire when this idiot appeared before us! It would have been stupid to watch a three-hundred-thousand drachma bounty just walk away!"
Reaching out, Seras pointed a small wand towards the frozen form of Argonauta's captain.
"Plures es vindicatum ut nex est beneficium profanus. ("Many are the claims that death is the wage of sin.)
Sententia terminus, exsisto verus, (Though in the end, this may be true,)
Tendo, dedecus vadum exsisto ultio ultionis. (In the present, shame shall be the punishment.)
Albert Fawkes , vultus erminea!" (Albert Fawkes , form of an ermine!")
As Argonauta's former captain became an unmoving lump under a pile of now empty clothes and was quickly scooped up by a Valkyrie carrying a small cage, Seras turned to look at the still defiant Inu-Jin girl. "As I said; you've done Ariadne a great service, though I'd hoped we'd be able to deal with it ourselves. If you'll just come with me, I'll make sure you receive your reward."
As the Grandmistress of Ariadne's magic school began to walk away, Eien reached up and gave Hau's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. "Well, we wanted to go somewhere and settle down, maybe this just means we're meant to settle here in New Ostia."
Considering all the bad memories she had related to it, Hau wasn't very happy with the prospect, but there were worse places they could have wound up. Letting her shoulders fall, she gave a resigned sigh, then followed in Eien's wake.
tsuzuku.
(---)
Author's Notes:
Youitsu Tortoise-shell comb: Produced by the famous Holo-Lawrence Mercantile Group.
'Casanova:' Giacomo Casanova. An infamous Italian womanizer, adventurer, participant in the European social scene, and author who lived from 1725 to 1798.
'Ostianae Magnaem Thermae.' As seen in chapter 235. Paio Two's peccadillo's and Chamo's resultant sufferings are also detailed in this chapter.
Gladiators Emergency Medical Fund: General fund established to help free gladiators deal with the cost of injuries suffered while fighting in the arena. Anyone who sponsors a debt-slave gladiator is fully responsible under the Laws of Debt Slavery for any necessary medical care. Penalties for failure to provide such care can range from simple fines or legal voiding of a debt-slave contract, all the way up to the debt-slave owner being forced to assume responsibility for the original debt and any additional medical costs by becoming a debt-slave themselves. (Contracted through the local government Debt-Slave Commission.)
Asu: 1/16th of a drachma. (According to notes in c216 of the manga.) Like a penny or a dime would be to a US dollar.
Ako's Pactio: 'Carmen ut Conforto.' (Literal translation:) Song when to strengthen considerably. (My translation:) Song that soothes.
Ako's artifact is a magical instrument. (Similar to those seen in the manga, 'The Violinist of Hameln.') It enhances a latent ability to heal psychological wounds, can calm a panicked or injured person down, (thus allowing someone like Konoka Konoe to do her job as a healer,) and has other functions as a magic spell booster.
All of Ako's 'official' Pactio rankings remain the same. The only changes are the image, the Artifact, and the Latin phrase under her name. See my profile page for a link to an image of the card.
Feltham Forbin: Previously appearing in chapter 41, Forbin is the rabbit man in charge of Megalo-Mesembria's MahoNet servers.
Argos Massacre/Terror of Syrtis: As mentioned in Kafka'sdragons 'Markham Chronicles Negima: Key of the Twilight,' chapter one, Bleys Galynd, though never actually convicted of any crime, was blamed for the massacre of non-human Hellas Empire prisoners near the town of Honsfeld during the Schismatic war's infamous 'Battle of the Argos Bulge.' Later, Galynd, leading the Teutonic Mage Knights, would be implicated, though never convicted, of various atrocities which occurred during the Syrtis Civil War.
Arnold Fawkes: Former Captain of the IECS Argonauta. His name was taken from those of two famous traitors. Benedict Arnold; who tried to sell out West Point to the British during the Revolutionary War, and Guy Fawkes; who attempted to assassinate the British King in 1605.
Ermine transformation spell: (In English, then Latin.)
Many are the claims that death is the wage of sin.
Though in the end, this may be true,
In the present, shame shall be the punishment.
Albert Fawkes, form of an ermine!
Plures es vindicatum ut nex est beneficium profanus.
Sententia terminus, exsisto verus,
Tendo, dedecus vadum exsisto ultio ultionis.
Albert Fawkes , vultus erminea!
Chapter Fifty-two: Oware.