Disclaimer: None of the anime used in this story belong to the writer. This is a work of fiction done for fun, not money. Please do not sue. You won't get much anyway.
Chapter Seven: Homeward Bound
"Really, Kain," Lina chuckled as the last of the flames died around her. "You really have been enjoying being surrounded by girls now, haven't you? Here I am, waiting for you to finally start adventuring with me, and you're sitting here on a beach, flirting with some bimbo." She glanced over at Mai. "So, who is this, anyway?"
"Eh?" Mai stared. "You…don't recognize me…? Oh, wait…of course…." Mai tapped the side of her head. "I guess…since that future was changed…."
Lina blinked. "…What? What are you talking about?"
"Lina, what are you doing here?" Kain finally managed.
Lina turned back to her friend. "What do you think I'm doing here? You've been dropping hints in your letters that you were going to come back home, and then finally head into Arcanus Myrror. But now here we are, almost a month into your vacation, and you're still here…on a beach, taking a leisurely break. Really, are you taking this seriously?"
"O-of course he is!" Mai burst out, almost angrily. "You have no idea how hard he's been working! He's just taking a breather now! We've already made our plans to go to Arcanus Myrror, anyway!"
Lina shot her another appraising look. "Really? 'We', you say?" She turned back to Kain. "Who are 'we'?"
"All the members of the American Culture Research Club…no, 'The White Wings'," Yue intoned as she and Nodoka came walking up. She put a hand her chest. "This is the first time we've met. I'm Ayase Yue, Kain-sensei's student. Pleased to meet you."
"I-I'm Miyazaki Nodoka, likewise."
"Oh…yes, the Japanese..." She appraised these two as well. "All of you…you're Kain's students who have learned about 'magic', right? That makes this easier." She proudly put a hand to her own chest. "I'm the beautiful and genius sorceress Lina Inverse, Kain's childhood friend, an experienced adventurer from the magical world. Pleased to meet you." After a quick but polite bow, she turned to Mai. "And you?"
Mai composed herself. "Tokiha Mai. Pleased to meet you."
Lina nodded. Then she turned back to Kain. "So…you say you've already made plans. When are you planning on leaving, then?"
"August 12th..."
"That late? And you have to start your classes again by September 1st, right? That barely gives you two weeks to explore the magical world!"
"I know, but…I'm trying to take things slowly…."
"That's the way it goes, Lina!" Kamo declared, manifesting on Kain's shoulder. "This'll be a quick trip. Kain's learned a little about the breadth and width of the world he's entering."
Lina glared at the rodent. "Tch. Kamo. You're here, too?"
"Long time no see, longer for you!" the rodent chortled. "In any case, we're not going anywhere for a while. Since you're already here, why don't you finish the vacation period with us before we go?"
Lina continued glaring for a moment before sniffing and turning away. "Like I have much choice. Oh well. I could use a little beach vacation too, come to think of it. I saw an awful lot of girls at the inn I checked into earlier…they must be more of your students, right Kain? Tell me, is your entire class now following you into the magical world?"
"No," Kamo said before any of the others could reply. "Only most of them."
Hinagiku was the first one to greet them as they returned to the lodge. She stared at the sight of the newcomer. "Lina-san…?"
Lina stared back at her. "Huh? Do I know you…?"
"Lina-san?" Kiami poked her head out a window and looked at the visitor. "Oh. It is indeed. Lina-san."
"Lina-san?" Ami, who had almost been unable to read when Yue and Nodoka disappeared earlier, was nearby as well and quickly emerged to see the new arrival.
"Lina-san?" And the growing number of gawkers gathered, with a fair number recognizing the girl.
"W-who is this?" Erika hissed to Hinagiku.
"Lina Inverse-san…she's a childhood friend of Kain-sensei," her partner explained. "We…met her in the alternate future that Sakura-san sent us to…."
Lina looked around, exasperated. "What, does everyone here know me somehow?" she said almost bitterly.
"It's a long story," Kamo laughed. "Maybe we'll tell you sometime. In any case, not everyone here knows all our secrets, so…I'm going to shut up now."
Those girls who had not previously met an alternate future of the girl were astounded when Lina Inverse was described to them.
"Kain-sensei's childhood friend!? A girl!?"
Mai tried to shush them. "That's right…she's from…America. She's come to bring him home, and although I think she's okay with us sticking to our original schedule…."
"They're the same age? Our age?" Kanade demanded.
"I-I think she's fifteen already, but yes…."
"Is she cute? Is she beautiful?" Kaoru breathed, although the group all charged over to the room where Kain had taken Lina so that they could spy on the pair of them.
Lina was consuming a well-laid out course voraciously. "I'll say this for Japan," she muttered around her food. "You get some pretty good food here, and they're very gracious hosts."
"You haven't changed at all," Kain laughed.
"Shut up. I just know what I like. You, anyway, have really changed."
"Eh? R-really?"
"Yes. For one thing, you've learned how to gather the ladies. How many do you have lounging around this place, anyway?"
"D-don't say it like that," Kain insisted, red-faced. "It's not like I own them or anything. This is just…our little class trip for the summer vacation."
"I see. And how many of them are following us back to America?"
"Well, if you're talking about following, I suppose it's everyone who isn't going with us as part of our party."
"Right. And that group seems rather incredibly large. See, Kain? You can deny it all you want, but you are somehow an expert at slaying the ladies. I can hardly understand the reasons…."
"Don't try too hard to understand. If you knew these girls at all, you'd know most of them are crazy and are just in it for the adventure. Speaking of which, how are things going for you in Arcanus Myrror? From what I hear, you are causing quite a stir…."
"Hey, now! Don't go listening to rumors being spread just to ruin my reputation…."
The girls watched in awe and envy as Kain and Lina bantered. "She's so interesting…" Kanade murmured.
"Kain-sensei…he's so lively and energetic. He's always so refined in class…he never talks to anyone like this…" Kaoru said.
"I can't understand anything," Risa noted. "They speak English, and so fast…what do they mean…?"
"I wonder if this is why Kain-sensei doesn't pay much attention to any of the girls in class," Riku muttered.
"Eh?" Everyone turned and stared at her. "What?"
"Like Kaoru-chan said, they're so informal and casual…I can at least tell that they're talking like siblings…or close friends. Just how close are they? And why did this girl travel all this way just to drag Kain-sensei back home? It's always like he has a wall around his heart when he's with our class…but this girl…."
The most interested girls froze at this realization. The words were like a sledgehammer applied to the fragile glass of their hopes and dreams. Well, not exactly, but it certainly was a blow they hadn't considered much—even those who thought most and most often of their teacher.
"This is very true," Nanami agreed. "Look at how they act…the only person I've seen Kain-sensei act this relaxed around before was Kenjirô-kun. Look at them."
They turned back to the crack in the door. As they crowded together, the door finally gave way, dumping the collected crowd into the room.
Kain and Lina stared at them. "Well…" Kain said finally, "why don't we use this opportunity to introduce everyone?"
His students jumped to their feet and hurriedly began to introduce themselves. Lina endured this, and then, rising, offered a very casual introduction of her own.
"I'm going to be accompanying your…little 'club' on its trip back to America," she said. "I guess I'll be like some sort of guide. And those who aren't members…I hear most of you are planning a coincidental vacation to Wyoming at the same time? You really could pick better vacation spots, but whatever." She started to head out the door. "I've got to finish unpacking my stuff…I'll talk to you later."
The girls watched her go, then swiveled their heads back to Kain.
"Kain-sensei, speak informally to me!"
"Talk like I'm an old friend, too!"
"Hey, hey! You keep calling more and more people by their first name…call me by my first name, Kain-sensei!"
Kain desperately tried to fend off the sudden aggression. "What is this about?" he moaned.
8-8-8
"Things have only gotten crazier," Yue murmured as she, Nodoka and Ami soaked in the hot springs, the moonlight and starlight giving the perfect 'ambience' to the activity.
"Lina-san…she's just how I remember her," Ami murmured. "I thought maybe she was just agitated because of what happened to Kain-sensei, but…maybe she is just…high-strung…."
"S-she's cute, though," Nodoka said. "And…her magic is still so awesome…so that's what it's like to be a sorceress…."
"But now the chaos will only get worse," Yue noted. "Well, it should lessen if we're able to give them slip in America and go to the magical world…doesn't Lina-san spend most of her time there…?"
"Ah, nice! An open-air hot spring! Another good treat America knows nothing about…the Halteese, either…."
Lina came wandering in and stopped when she spotted the three. "Oh, it's you…you three…already know about it…right?" She observed them and recalled, "Yue Ayase…Nodoka Miyazaki…and Ami Mizuno, right? Ah, sorry…reverse those names…some things about Japanese still get me."
"Y-yes," Nodoka admitted. "That's us. And…all three of us have seen…magic before…."
"Right. From what I remember from Kain's letters, during his trip to Kyoto, all sorts of things happened, right? Seriously, that kid…I sometimes wonder if he makes up half the stories he tells, but I guess he must think the same of mine…."
"Have you…had many adventures in the magical world, Lina-san?" Ami asked.
"A few," Lina admitted. "I always got too bored with book learning. The real adventure is out there, you know? So I technically didn't finish school…."
There was a familiar chuckle, and then Kamo dropped on top of Yue's head. "So she says," he guffawed. "The truth, though…."
"K-Kamo! Don't you dare!" Lina screeched, red-faced.
"Oh, c'mon, Lina, these girls are some of Kain's closest friends! We're all family! You know?"
"D-don't give me that…!"
"Fine, fine," Kamo replied. "I'll leave you in peace…for now. But don't think this won't come out eventually…." He winked out.
"How much trouble has he been causing?" Lina muttered.
"Oh, some," Yue admitted. "But…he has his moments, too. We're all used to him. …How well do you know him, Lina-san?"
"Well? Not well, I'd say…but I've known him a long time. We both have. He's been a constant menace. Every once in a while he'd pop up and try to get the two of us to make a contract. The little perverted rodent can't think of anything else, it seems. Does he still do that?"
The three exchanged a look. "Ah…yes…."
"I wonder if he's given in and made any contracts," she muttered to herself. "Maybe with that Mai girl? Ha. As if. That spineless boy, with that bimbo? Not likely…."
"Er…d-do you not like…Mai-san?" Nodoka ventured.
"Hmm? What? Oh, no, it's nothing like that…I don't really have a reason to dislike her, but…."
"Huh? What's this?" The three turned as a newcomer joined them in the bath…Chisame. "Oh, it's Lina-san...I'd heard you'd shown up…."
('Again?') Lina thought as Chisame settled down into the bath next to Yue. She stared at her chest. ('Grr…this girl…so large and nicely-shaped….')
"So you came," Yue mentioned. "You disappeared from the beach…."
"Yeah, I came with those people. The beach isn't my thing, but I like hot springs."
"Those people…?" Ami murmured.
"Hey…I still haven't gotten a straight answer," Lina burst out. "How come so many of you seem so familiar with me?"
The four stared at her, then exchanged a new four-way look. "It was something that happened at our School Festival," Yue explained. "One of our classmates sent us into the future, and in the time we weren't there to stop her, revealed the secret of magic to the entire world. We appeared a week later, and Kain-sensei was blamed for the disaster and was going to be banished to the magical world. You showed up to rescue him, and helped us get back to the past…so, you don't remember us, because that future has changed, but we still remember you."
"Ugh…just remembering that makes my head hurt," Chisame sighed. "A world where everyone's perfectly okay with the idea of magic? No thanks…."
"What? The future…time travel?" Lina shook her head. "Kain never mentioned anything like that in his letters. Time travel's impossible, you know…."
"Yes, and we wouldn't have believed it if we hadn't experienced it, but Sanada Sakura-san had that power," Ami explained. "Do you know someone named Xellos, the Roguish Priest?"
"Yeah, him…wait, what? How the hell do you know about Xellos? I haven't even mentioned him to Kain…what about him?"
"He's a…what are they again? Mazoku?" Chisame offered. "He transported you to Mahora Academy so you could help out. Apparently his 'people' didn't like the combined magic world any more than we did."
"Mazoku!? The hell!?" Lina settled back down into the water again, considering this. "Although…that makes sense, when I think about it…that damn pest…."
"Ah, this is…Lina-san?" The girls turned as a new host entered the springs. The girls had decided to come en masse…and Lina stared as Mai, Kazumi, Erika, Nanami and Akari settled into the waters. Others as well, but, along with Chisame, these made up the six largest busts in the class…a collection that made Lina feel extremely inadequate.
('W-what is this class of his, a nest for giant boobs? Aren't these girls supposed to be around fifteen years old? How are girls like these middle school students…?')
('Still,') she continued as she saw others like Hinagiku, Momo and Yuki get into the water, ('at least they're not all monsters….')
8-8-8
The room was dark, lit only by a few magic flames that could not burn…which was good, because the two tiny figures were surrounded by books. The small children poured over the tomes. "This one's good," the little Lina said. "What about this one?"
Kain looked at it. "Oh…that is nice…here, let me get it down…."
"Hey!" a voice called. "Who's in the forbidden spell archives without permission?"
"Uh oh, they found us!" Lina squealed. "C'mon, we have to move!"
"W-what? Already…? But I'm not finished memorizing it yet…."
"And you won't finish if you get caught! Come on!" Grabbing Kain by the collar, she began to haul him towards the back exit.
"Jeez," she muttered. "You'd be helpless without me around…."
Lina suddenly opened her eyes and sat up. "Jeez…a dream about the past like that? I am not getting old enough for that yet…."
She rose and went to find the amenities in order to relieve herself. She returned to her room to find her 'bunkmates', Yue, Nodoka and Ami, finally rising. (It should be noted that, due to the incredibly large number of sudden guests, every available room had been put to use and they were forced to bunk together in groups. Lina had decided that the unassuming trio served as the best match for her).
"Well, if we're all up, we should head to breakfast," Lina commented. "And, of course, while I came to pick Kain up and bring him home, I can't say no to a little vacation first."
Nanami hailed them as they headed to the dining room. "Ah…Lina-san…."
"Yeah…you're…."
"Jinnai Nanami. So, I've been meaning to ask you about something…."
The other three perked up, rather fearfully.
"I heard you were acquainted with Kamo-kun, so I was wondering if you'd made any con…."
Yue, Nodoka and Ami grabbed her, Nodoka and Yue covering her mouth, and dragged her away. Lina stared after them, confused and more than a little suspicious.
"Jinnai -san!" Yue hissed. "What are you doing?"
"What?" Nanami replied as they released her mouth. "I'm just asking about contracts. I was wondering if she knows about them…."
"She doesn't!" Ami insisted. "She didn't in the alternate future we visited, and she didn't react well to finding out…and probably the only reason she settled down was because of the danger of the situation we were in…."
"What, so you're trying to keep her in the dark?" Nanami scoffed. "That's not going to work. She's going to be with us until we go to America…and the magical world. How long do you really think you can keep this a secret from her?"
"B-but…" Nodoka began.
"Hey! What's this about?" Lina muttered, irritated.
"Oh, it's nothing," Kiami said softly from just behind her. "Those three are just trying to spare your feelings by keeping you from finding out about all the contracts Kain-sensei has…."
"E-eh…? Contracts…?"
"That's right." On cue, the hall began to fill with Mai, Kagome, Momo, Chisame, Hinagiku, and Kazumi, who stopped and stared in confusion, trying to understand the current situation. "In fact, excepting only myself and Nanami-chan there, all of these girls have already made contracts with Kain-sensei…."
8-8-8
Kain began to stir. He yawned as he tried to get some of his senses in order. "What's that…?" he muttered. "Do you hear something…?"
His two roommates, Kenjirô and Hikaru, also began to stir and listen. "Odd…" muttered Hikaru. "I recognize it, I think…I could swear it sounds like impending doom…."
And then their door blasted off its rail. They started, jumping to their feet, and stared. Standing there in the doorway, as full of wrath as an avenging angel, was Lina. "Kain!" she screeched. "What the hell is the meaning of this!?"
"Er…" Kain began, unaware of the subject of her wrath.
"Nine, Kain!? Nine of them, really!? After seeing Kamo hanging around, I figured you might have been tricked into making one or two, but nine of them!? Do you have any morals at all!?"
"Ah…er…you're talking about those…t-they were…emergencies…."
"Really!?"
As Lina continued to harangue Kain, Kenjirô considered her. "You're awfully concerned about this, Lina-san. You must be quite jealous…."
"What!? Over him!? I am not jealous, you muscle-brained halfwit…!"
"Could have fooled me," Kiami teased from the empty doorframe.
"Hey now, listen to me…!"
"C-c'mon, Lina," Kain soothed her. "Look…none of us are really happy about all this, but honestly, it's all happened…and there's not a lot we could have done or can do about it…so, could you drop it for now, and settle down, please…? You're causing a scene…."
Indeed, some of Kain's unaware students were starting to gather, attracted by all the noise. Looking around at their quizzical expressions, Lina was finally able to bring herself under control. "Fine then!" she snapped. "We'll…talk about this later, or something." She stalked out. The rest of the girls watched her go.
8-8-8
Before too long, everyone, including Lina, was back to being fully able to enjoy themselves. Lina had, in fact, put aside all of her concerns over Kain's contracts, now that the initial explosion of anger had worn off. And in actually, she knew that bringing it up again would open her to the barbs of Kain's students…and Kamo.
After two more days they were on their way back to Mahora, with Lina in tow.
Kain (and, especially, many of his students) showed Lina around, acting as tour guides. She was a gracious guest, but didn't really show any interest until she was brought to Alyssa's lair.
"Wow! What an amazing pocket dimension! It would take a powerful mage to construct a realm like this…."
"I'm glad you like it," Alyssa murmured from behind her.
Lina started. "What the...!? Oh…you are…?"
"Alyssa Searrs is my human name…and you're Kain's childhood friend Lina Inverse, yes?"
"That's right…Searrs, huh…?"
"You'd probably know her better as Alysaser the Herdsman," Kain informed her.
"Alysaser…wait, the Golden Angel!? A mazoku princess!? How'd you wind up with her here!? No, wait, don't tell me, I can see it coming…it's a long story, right?"
"Pretty much…."
"Good to know you're suitably impressed," Alyssa said. "Come in already, and stop filling up my doorstep."
"I've been getting a lot of training thanks to Alyssa," Kain said. "Akari-san has been teaching me martial arts combat, and I've been practicing magic with her and Miyu…."
"You're training with a MAZOKU, of all things?" Lina shook her head. "Well, with all the surprising things since I've shown up, that takes the cake. Really…'it's a long story' isn't going to cut it this time, so spill the beans—how did you get this arrangement?"
Kain gave a condensed version of Alyssa's situation and how she had hunted his blood at the beginning of the school year, and parenthetically noted that this was how he was 'forced' (for all intents and purposes) into his first contract. "And then, her seal was suspended by the principal during the Kyoto trip so she could come help us defeat the villains…and when I saw firsthand just how strong she was—not to mention how strong the Obsidian Star was—I decided I had to get much stronger, and Alyssa was the only spellcaster around that was really strong enough to help me…."
Lina shook her head. "With everything that's happened…I'm surprised you've made it through all of it. You've probably gotten pretty tough after all that…."
"Well…would you like to see?"
8-8-8
Kain's doom bolt blasted futily against the Whispersteel Sash, but then he stepped in behind Momo. She parried his strike, and simultaneously they used their off-hands to produce attack spells. The two figures retreated out of the resulting explosion.
Momo was already preparing another blast from Tobiume, while Kain waved his hand around, gathering power for a larger spell. When Momo's fireball came in, he snapped his hand out and a tunnel of wind suddenly opened around him, sucking in the spell and then, after whirling it around inside of it for a few moments, sent it flying back Momo's way.
As Momo dodged the spell, Kain stepped behind her again, very close, and reached out grab her in a lock. The sash, however, intercepted him, tying up his arm before he could grasp her, and she took his other arm, then spun her leg around to kick him in the side of the neck. She and her sash released him, allowing him to fly and crash into the ground below.
Lina stared in shock and awe at the display. "M-magical power aside…" she muttered. "That's some pretty serious damage…are you sure this is all right for training?"
"Ah, this much is nothing," Kenjirô scoffed. "Look, he's picking himself up. What, this much shocks you? I thought you were supposed to be some sort of big-shot adventurer in the magical world…."
"Now, now, Kenjirô-kun…" Hinagiku muttered.
"Oh, I've seen big enough things there, but…not commonly." ('Of course,') she said to herself, ('I'm not used to seeing lieutenant-caliber Soul Reapers going all-out…and for Kain to actually be able to go toe-to-toe with one…he's certainly come a long away…maybe even….')
"Of course, training in a time-altering space like this is cheating," she insisted as Kain and Momo returned to the sidelines.
"Probably," Kain admitted. "But I can't do less than this. I have to give my all…."
Lina examined his face and nodded. "So…all for that day, huh? It's still bothering you? I guess I'm not surprised….
"Well," she continued, more flippantly, "if you're going to keep training until our trip nine days from now, allow me to join you! For one thing, the sorcery genius Lina Inverse can't allow herself to be outdone by some cutesy little girls' schoolteacher!"
8-8-8
And so the training began. In addition to practicing her own magic, Lina began to spend some time helping Yue, Nodoka, and Ami along in their own spellcasting. She seemed to have truly taken an interest in them….
"So…" she asked them during one break, "why are you three so stuck on this?"
The three looked at her in surprise. "What do you mean?" Ami finally offered.
"I've gotten a pretty good grasp at where most of your team stands," Lina explained. "That is to say, where they get their drive from. Mai's the kind of annoying older sister type who's duty-bound…at least, at her base, but now, it seems she's seeking her own past as much as Kain's seeking his. Momo, as a hinigami, is likewise duty-bound. Kagome is just following her friends, and pursuing her own legacy as the daughter of a prominent mage family.
"Kazumi…she's got her own obvious concerns. Hinagiku and Erika are determined enough, raised as carefree schoolgirls but with enough guts to keep themselves moving. Akari and Kiami, as well as Hikaru and even that Kenjirô, are all fighters by blood and legacy, and this is just an excuse to have bigger fights. And that other annoying one…Nanami…she's just trying to find a way to turn everything she knows into cash somehow. Rei…she's a Servant of a vampire family, so her will isn't even her own.
"But then there's you three. You're not fighters, and you didn't know anything about magic until recently…so why are you so determined to learn? You've seen what these kinds of battles can do…you must know that Kain and I can only teach you so much, and you might never be strong enough to compete with the kinds of characters that Kain is expecting to meet. So why are you trying so hard?"
She considered them as they exchanged a thoughtful look. There was, of course, an obvious answer, but Lina was looking for a deeper one…
…Which she received. "Obviously, it's for Kain-sensei's sake," Yue admitted. "For each other, as well…but that's only part of it. For me, especially…I've always had difficulty with this life. It's so…boring, dull, and pointless. I've never liked this safe, normal, everyday world, and I've always been running from it. But this world I've been introduced to…it's frightening, terrifying, even, but it is exciting, and it is meaningful. The first experience I had with it, my friends were turned to stone right in front of my eyes. Not long after, we were captured and held as hostages while a powerful mazoku went after Kain. Then we had the threat of our entire world being turned upside down held over our heads. But…I find a thrill in all of this. The promise of magic…the reality of magic…this is what I longed for, and cautions against such wishes be damned, I'm happy to throw myself into it. Nodoka and Ami aren't quite so out-of-place in the normal world, but…they claim that they, too, see a kinship here, alongside me.
"Even so, that isn't everything. Kain-sensei's dream…has become ours as well. Everything he believes in, everything he fights for, everything he's sacrificed…how can we stand back and watch him try so hard to find his father, and then do nothing? Even if it takes us a hundred years just to learn enough magic to simply be useful to him, even if we can only make his dream come true a second sooner, we will do it."
"That's the long and short of it," Ami agreed. "But it's what we want to do. I…well, I was perfectly happy dreaming about becoming a doctor and following in my mother's footsteps, but…I can't walk away and leave my friends and Kain-sensei to face all these dangers alone."
"Hmm. You're interesting kids," Lina admitted. "I can see why Kain does keep all of you around…."
8-8-8
"So, the plan is…to visit the Halteese capital, then head for Grandall's capital and even Avalon, eh?"
"Yes," Kain agreed, nodding at the girl. "That's the course that's been suggested…I don't have much experience, so I've decided to follow this advice…."
"Well…we shouldn't spend too much time in Halteese," Lina said. "I don't fully trust the Republic right now. Their senate has been pretty heavy-handed…some of the rumors suggest that they've been involved in some shady business, starting about ten years ago…."
"T-ten years ago?" Kain said. "You mean…."
"That's right…when your village was attacked and burned down. There's no proof, nothing concrete, but…well, it's more suspicious because there's no apparent connection beyond the time frame. For the most part, since Kain's existence is mostly a secret, the destruction of a small village like Halie doesn't even register over there. But about that time, some people started to see that something weird was going on…they very well could have hired the demons that did it…."
Kain began to shake, but Kamo hopped onto his shoulder, calming him down. "Well…that's suspicious," Kamo admitted. "I haven't kept myself up to date on politics or anything, but I thought Halteese would be safe since Kurt Gödel became one of the rulers…."
Lina shook her head. "He's one of the most suspicious, I think. According to most of the rumors, anyway…."
"Can't say I'm surprised," Kamo sighed, "but I held out hopes for him…."
"What's this about, Kamo?" Kain demanded.
"Kurt Gödel was a friend of Takamichi, and someone who followed Kalan near the end of the war. He was a genius, and was Eishun's apprentice. After the war, he went back to his home country, Halteese, and tried to help rebuild it after the war. Now he's a senator there and, I hear, the governor-general of the recovering Orimus, but…well, he was loyal to Kalan, but he was sometimes too…heavy-handed. Which isn't always a bad thing, because a lot of people said similar things about Kalan, but even Kalan didn't like the extremes he wanted to go to. Also, he…well, I should stop there, I guess. I was hoping he would be willing to help us out, but if he might be connected to some of these problems…we should leave them be. Kalan's our priority, right?"
Kain was silent for a few moments before he finally nodded, slowly. "…Yes. You're right. I can't get distracted. I'll have…plenty of time to investigate that later…."
Lina stared at him for a second, then continued, "In any case, the other two aren't bad ideas. Grandall is the country Kalan was most connected to. And while the previous emperor was manipulated a little too much by the Obsidian Star in the last war and listened to them quite a bit, the current emperor, Peony, seems to be more mellow and level-headed…if something of an infamous womanizer. There's likely to be more information about Kalan there, although it's still a shot in the dark.
"And as for Avalon…that's definitely worth a look as well, for many reasons."
"Avalon…" Yue murmured. "That sounds like the place King Arthur was taken to after his death, or near-death…."
Lina smirked. "It's not 'sounds like'…it was the place he was taken to after being mortally wounded in Britain." As the girls stared in surprise, she continued, "A lot of your myths have some small basis in fact…some more and some less than others. Merlin is a real figure, among the most famous of all Grand Archmages. Back in those days, nearly 1500 years ago, the magical world wasn't quite as secretive as it is now, and Merlin sought to use his knowledge and powers to create a Utopian or near-Utopian society for the people of the British Isles, and raised Arthur to do it, just as the tales say. The spirits he summoned to aid him, such as the so-called 'Lady of the Lake', took Arthur from his final battlefield, when he was mortally wounded, and carried him across the magical border to Merlin's home country, and set him up as the King of Avalon, where he would rule until 'he' (meaning, rather, his chosen descendant) would one day return to his throne over Britain. He was married and fathered an heir, and that heir has continued down to the present day.
"But the reason the current Avalon is interesting to us is because…."
"Because of Saber," Mai suddenly put in, surprising even Lina to silence. "That is, Queen Artoria Pendragon. She rules Avalon now…but she was…one of Kalan's first companions…."
Lina stared at Mai before nodding and continuing as if she hadn't been interrupted. "That's right. She's one of the only two of Kalan's original companions who has remained a prominent public figure (along with Kagome's father, Eishun Higurashi). And since she has such a close connection to Kalan, there are rumors that she's been sheltering him all these years. Probably no truth to them, but it won't hurt us to check it out…and to meet the Queen of Avalon, if nothing else…."
"That's right," Jynx agreed. "I'm pretty certain she isn't harboring Kalan, but it won't hurt to talk to her. Lady…Queen Artoria will definitely be more than willing to see you. And, since she's been living in the magical world, she might have information over the incident."
"I bet you're jealous you can't come with us," Kamo said with a leer.
"Oh, shut up, Kamo," Jynx said—amiably enough, but rebuking Kamo was a rarity for him, and the group stared in shock.
"Jynx used to have quite the thing for 'Lady Bird'," Kamo explained gleefully. "Really, I thought he'd follow her back to Avalon and…become her consort, or something, but in the end, he chose Kalan over her…."
"We all had our duties to perform," Jynx muttered.
Alyssa put down her tea cup and smiled. "Really? That is interesting news…poor, heartbroken Jynx…."
"Oh dear…it seems I've given the advantage back to Alyssa," Kamo sang. "Well, let's change the subject…."
"What's with 'Lady Bird?" Kiami demanded. The title was always given in English.
"Her name is Artoria," Kamo explained. He didn't need to explain further to his audience—Japanese by birth, most of them, they knew that ori was Japanese for bird.
"That's a terrible pun," Akari remarked.
"So sue me…I'm unique," Kamo smirked. "Anyway, that's our schedule…if we leave Halteese immediately, we can make it to Grandall's capital by the 15th of August, spend perhaps six days there, six more days in Avalon, and we'll have plenty of time to make it back here in time to start classes again. So, that just leaves us the ten days until we leave on the 12th to finish getting ready. So, we need to complete our preparations…."
"What preparations are these, besides training?" Kenjirô demanded.
Erika held up a hand. "I'd…like to talk to my mother before I go. I…don't want to say that I need to ask permission, but…."
"To put it bluntly, you need to ask permission," Hinagiku said with a scowl and a sigh. "Well, I understand. Among other things, you may need to ask for Ayanami-san's sake, too." She glanced over at the blue-haired girl, who continued to stare blankly.
"Y-yes…I don't know…how mother will take this idea, but…right now, I can't afford to fight against her…."
"You could always find a different master," Kamo said. "Which brings me to my point…do we want to make any more contracts before we go? You, maybe, Erika-chan?"
Erika jumped. "T-this again? I-I-I've told you so many times…."
"Yes, but I overheard Mai-chan talking to you about it back during the summer festival, and she made a good point. If you contracted with Kain…."
"Yes…I know," Erika cut in. "But like I told Mai, I'm…not ready to completely cut myself off from the family just yet…."
"As you say. What about the rest of you?" Kamo continued, looking around. "Akari-chan, Kiami-chan? You've been with us a long time, but you haven't bothered to supplement your strength yet. Or you, Nanami-chan? Don't you want an artifact?"
"Oh, sure I do!" Nanami declared brightly. "I get one of those, and then I could also be a supergirl! But…not yet. Since the artifacts often come pre-prepared to handle certain crises, I'd like to wait until we have another one so I have a better chance of getting something that will really be useful…."
"As fun as it would be, I agree with Nanami," Kiami said while Akari blushed and tapped her forefingers together nervously. "I have enough strength to handle myself at the moment…I'd prefer an item in a time of need, so it may prove most valuable. And…I believe Akari feels the same way…."
"Probably for the best," Lina agreed. "The better artifacts we get, the better it is for our party…."
"Oh?" Kiami said, fixing an intrigued stare at her and smiling slightly. "I remember when you found out Kain-sensei had already made so many contracts…how berserk you went…now you can discuss them calmly…?"
"Well, even I can see that his sudden proficiency in kissing girls hasn't turned him into a total pervert quite yet," Lina explained. "After hearing the stories…it still seems irresponsible, but I really can't blame him. In those situations, I guess I might even have done the same, although I would have tried everything I could to find another solution before enslaving myself to someone in a contract. Still…you can't argue with the results! These artifacts are the real deal, powerful items made during the golden age of magic, and some of them possibly from other planes! Rare and powerful, and more valuable than you can imagine!" She suddenly turned and pointed at Kazumi. "Take that Spirit Jewel Kazumi always wears! An incredibly valuable magic item! I'd like to have it! Say, Kazumi…I'll give you 1,000 juls for it!"
"E-eh? I-I…."
Kamo snorted. "Please, Lina. You know the gem itself is worth ten times that, even without any magical powers…."
"Fine then, 10,000! All right?"
As Kazumi stuttered and clutched her precious artifact protectively, Kamo saved her again. "Well, if you're so determined to get an artifact for yourself, Lina, why don't you go ahead and make a contract with Kain? After all, you've been his friend longer than anyone, so you should at least be able to muster up as much courage as these veritable strangers…."
"N-now hold on! Like I said, I'd rather find a better way than signing away my personal liberty into someone else's care! I know how serious these are! If I ever do…it better be at least as terrible as the disasters that have driven these girls to make theirs up until now…."
"Personally, I've been thinking about it, and I wouldn't mind making a contract," Kenjirô said. The group stopped talking and turned to stare at him, most of them in shock. He nodded towards Jynx. "Kalan-san made contracts with people like Jynx-san, right? So contracts between men are possible. I wouldn't mind having another edge for combat, and besides, I agree that having all or most of us connected with the contract so we can communicate or travel to each other if something happens is a good idea. I'll take the plunge…."
And so Kain and Kenjirô stood across from each other inside of Kamo's magic circle. "This is slightly embarrassing," Kenjirô muttered as the power began to build.
"At least we don't actually have to kiss," Kain pointed out with a slight smile.
"That's right," Kamo said. "Of course, since that means the emotional connection isn't as strong, the contract won't be as powerful…but with me as your origin point, it'll be enough, as you've seen from Jynx."
Kain shrugged. "I'm not worried about that. But I am wondering which is really more embarrassing—kissing, or claiming the title of Archmage…."
"Whether or not human officials grant you the title, from the standpoint of magic itself, having this many contracts qualifies you as an Archmage. So, whenever you're ready."
Nodding, the two turned back to each other. They clasped hands, and then Kain began. "By the spirits of magic, we do swear our souls together, to walk the path together. I, Kain Lockeheart, an Archmage, do take as my disciple, servant, and guardian, Kenjirô Hanatabi."
"I, Kenjirô Hanatabi, do swear myself as disciple, servant, and guardian to Kain Lockeheart, the Archmage. Bound by magic and by our blades, we will walk the path of war together."
"Let it be," they intoned together, and the explosion of power filled them. It was odd, Kain thought. It was definitely different, but it was still nearly as marvelous as the feelings from the others….
He put the thought out of his mind as they drew back. Kamo gestured and the cards appeared before the two young men. Kenjirô immediately snapped his up. "Unsheathe," he ordered it, and the card became a sword that rested easily in his hand. He opened his other hand and his normal sword appeared in it. They made a strange dichotomy. His regular longsword was a standard katana, a little longer than normal at about five feet, rather slender and slightly curved. The new sword was shorter, about three-and-a-half feet, but rather wider. Like the katana, it seemed single-edged, but the back of it was straight as a western sword. The front, bladed side curved to a sharp point at its tip and was much wider at the base, with a portion of the blade even dipping down below the hilt.
Kenjirô whirled the new sword around in his hand and then caught it up again with a snap. A blast of electricity shot out and flowed around him before dissipating. "Nice," he said with a nod. "I can make do with this."
"Raiko, a thunder sword," Lina said with a nod. "It's 'just' a thunder sword, but it's a pretty powerful one…more than worthy as an artifact for a swordsman."
"Well, anyone else want a go?" Kamo asked hopefully. "Still on our special offer…."
They group exchanged looks. "I'm interested…but not yet," Hikaru said. "I couldn't butt in on it before my two longtime associates…."
"Don't be troubled on our account," Kiami said, but he waved her away.
"Well, that's mostly everything there, then," Kain said. "Now…it's just all the training we can stand until our departure date!"
8-8-8
Erika drew in a deep breath and entered the chamber to face her mother. The younger-looking vampire smiled at her as she approached and knelt before her. "My dear little Erika…whatever could inspire you to come here to speak with me…?" As Erika opened her mouth to haltingly explain, she cut her off, continuing, "No, of course I'm quite aware. Everyone is well-informed about your little 'club' and its trip…it's causing quite a stir, especially on the magic council. And you've come to ask permission to follow your beloved sensei, yes?"
Slowly, Erika nodded. Then, to her surprise, Kaya said, "Very well. You may go."
Erika started. She stared. "R-really? A-are you sure…?"
"Did I stutter? Well, perhaps you might find it surprising…I can't totally blame you. Very well, I will explain myself.
"I'm still interested in your cute little teacher, and I'm still interested to see you make him your Servant. I doubt you have that much resolve, but as long as you're together…you'll grow closer to that. More than that, however…I understand that dear little Kinue met you while you were in Kyoto. It seems that she is working for the Obsidian Star now…and your precious Kain-sensei, while looking for his family, could very well run into them again. To be blunt, I'm planning on using you as bait to lure Kinue out…so that she can be dealt with. Letting you go for two weeks or so is plenty enough payment in order to punish that blasphemous, wayward child.
"So, go on, enjoy yourself, and, if you would, please, deal with that problem for me. That will be more than enough payment for my good graces."
Erika slowly nodded, bowed, rose, and left. Kaya watched her go, then glanced to her side. "Rei."
Rei stepped out of the shadows. "Yes, Kaya-sama?"
"You want to go too, don't you, Rei? It seems you've grown close to Kain and some of his students lately…."
Rei's expression did not change. "I obey only Kaya-sama's command."
"Is that so…? Well, why don't you go along with them? I would hate to see something happen to Erika, after all."
"As Kaya-sama wishes."
Kaya excused her, and carefully watched her go. Rei's expression still hadn't changed…but there was definitely more light in her eyes. She smiled lightly to herself. Should she be thankful to Kain, or angry, for his interference? She wasn't sure…perhaps she would judge better after they returned….
8-8-8
Sunday, August 12th. It's the morning of the day they are planning to leave…although, as they're utilizing one more day inside Alyssa's manor, for them, the departure time is tomorrow.
Time to call upon some 'cool' anime scenes. We see scene shifts around Kain from different angles as he stands and poses, fluffing out his cloak. He spins his staff in his hand, then makes flourishes with his sword. Finally he slides his weapons into his cloak. "All set," he declares.
"We're all pretty much ready," Kamo agreed. "All that's left is our flight, right?"
"Yep. Well, I better make my rounds and check with everyone else…."
Most of the group was ready to go…but interesting things were happening in the library trio's room. With Lina beside them, they were in middle of comparing underwear.
"Daring," Lina commented, examining a pair of Nodoka's panties, an exquisite undergarment that for her sake we will not describe further. "What's the point, exactly? Are you planning on showing this to people?"
"N-no…well…."
Lina spared her any further embarrassment, instead moving on to an even more 'daring' undergarment of Yue's. "Aren't these a little too risqué, though?" The pair in question had ties on its sides…daring indeed.
"Ah, that's not it…" Nodoka began.
"Yue just can't use the toilet unless she completely removes her panties, so she gets ones that are easy to remove," Ami offered.
Yue began to freak out. "A-Ami! That's supposed to be a secret between the three of us…."
"S-sorry…I'm not sure if it was worse making her think you were…er…."
"Well, not like it matters to me," Lina muttered tactfully, returning them. "You're an amusing group…I never thought anyone could make me feel like a big sister…."
The door suddenly opened and Kain came walking in. "Hey, everyone! Are we ready for our trip tomorrow…?"
At this time the four were standing around, finishing packing away their underwear, each of them holding a pair of panties in their hands. Kain, unaware of the seriousness of his intrusion, was shocked when Lina threw a spell at him.
"Idiot!" she yelled as he began to flee. "At least knock first! We're packing our clothes!"
Kain escaped and laughed with chagrin, not knowing that Alyssa would soon invade the room to berate the sorceress for damaging her home. "Well, at least preparations seem to be going well…."
"We're almost there, Kiddo," Kamo said.
"That's right. Almost there…."
"…You certainly are brimming with high spirits, Kain-sensei."
Kain turned in surprise to the speaker. "Chisame…."
It was unusual to see her…she had seemed to come down, bored, every once in a while, but never did anything but watch and indulge herself. Alyssa had often chastised Nanami for her 'part-time' membership, but Chisame was truly only occasional.
She was regarding him carefully. Kain returned her stare. "Um…?"
"I heard all about it…what happened to your village ten years ago. From Ayase. Your supposedly dead father saved your life that day…so now you're going to the magical country to look for him, right?"
"…That's right," Kain replied seriously. Everyone else was so set on it, and he now had the connection of Chisame's contract whirring in the back of his mind, so it was odd to think that Chisame had never had the full story explained to her, and had not been present often enough to actually assume she was a part of it…but in truth, she was only a part-time member of their 'club'.
Chisame hesitated. "…There really won't be any danger?" she demanded.
Kain shrugged. "There may be…I don't know. The…things my father was involved in…are dangerous. But, for this…we're sticking to civilized cities, and we're being supported by the principal and everyone, so the risk should be very low."
"Hmph." Chisame smirked slightly. "Man, oh man…those guys must really be interested, huh? To get involved in stuff like this with a prodigy of a brat teacher no older than they are. Even putting up with all that insane training…."
The words unintentionally pricked Kain's conscience. "T-that's…."
"Oh, my bad," Chisame apologized, casually, but sincerely. "Let my tongue slip a little there, I guess. It's their decision…the decision of every single one of them. Even without them, you'd go all on your own…so it's not like you're responsible for their decisions, right?"
"What are you talking about, Chiucchi?" Kamo demanded. "You're not coming? Aren't you one of us?"
"Don't get the wrong idea, ermine," Chisame replied. "During the Festival, I only helped out because our interests coincided. I fought to keep this world from turning into the magical world, because I don't want anything to do with it. Why would I then charge headfirst into the real fantasy world? I don't have a single reason to help you out this time."
"I guess that's true," Kain agreed, almost sadly.
"…Hmm? What's wrong? Are you disappointed, Kain-sensei?"
"No!" Kain insisted, putting on a brave, business-like smile. He suddenly did seem full of energy again. "Let's meet again after our summer break, Chisame!"
The earnestness of his declaration made Chisame blush slightly. She took off her glasses, partly to cover her embarrassment, and partly to show that she was feeling serious, as she fixed a stoic stare on Kain's face. "Ah…truthfully…there's something I wanted to ask you, Sensei. That okay?"
"Eh…?"
"Now, you…do you really have to search for your father? Can't you just act like a fool here at this school, just like the rest of 'em? You're just intentionally leaping into danger…."
Kain stared back at the girl. "Ch-Chisame…."
"Hey, Kain!" Kenjirô called, hurrying down the hallway towards them. "Your beloved master is calling for you. It seems she wants to put some finishing touches on your training. Better hurry, before she grows irritated…."
Chisame watched as Kain apologized to her and then hurried down the corridor after Kenjirô. Sighing, she started following them.
8-8-8
And watched as Kain and Lina together did battle with Alyssa. The rest of the group had been gathered, and watched along with her.
Chisame had come along on a few of the visits and had occasionally seen the training sessions, but it still astounded her to see the tiny and unassuming child of the class, Alyssa Searrs, doing things that were as amazing, or more, than anything she had seen during the Festival tournament.
Lina, down below, would be preparing a spell, when Alyssa's shadow attacks would come raining down on her, forcing her to retreat. Then Kain would appear behind Alyssa, ready to strike, but his attack would connect uselessly against a shield, and the next instant, their positions were reversed as Alyssa was behind Kain.
After a few minutes Kain and Lina withdrew, panting, to fly next to each other in the air. "This is really what you've been facing all the time?" she demanded.
"Not all the time," Kain admitted. "She seems a lot more serious than usual, this time…."
"Here she comes!"
The pair scattered as Alyssa's attack screamed between them. Even as he banked around, Kain found himself the current object of Alyssa's attentions. He snapped up his hand and cast a spell…and Alyssa suddenly found herself being pulled with great force toward the ground. Turning into a liquid-like shadow form, she flowed away before impacting and reformed harmlessly on the ground…but then found herself the target of a rain of powerful magical bolts from Lina. She half-dodged and half-flowed around the attacks, then started rising with speed back in the air towards the girl. As Lina began to retreat, Kain suddenly came swooping in again. He reached a hand out to the side, and an almost imperceptible blade formed in it.
Alyssa dodged aside as Kain swung that new invisible sword, then hit him with a kick that sent him flying into Lina. They managed to avoid crash-landing together, and even managed to scatter as Alyssa's attacks once again came upon the pair of them. As they separated, Alyssa pursued Kain, flying through the air after him. She carefully watched as he began to turn around to face her, ready to swing that annoying new sword he'd just conjured….
She dodged…as Kain whirled around, swinging his own, physical sword, not the magical blade he'd recently conjured. She stared in shock as realization overcame her. She turned to meet Lina as she came around behind, but not in time, and Lina, holding the invisible sword, made a perfect slash right through Alyssa's torso. Bloodlike shadows began to stream from her at the point of the cut, evaporating quickly, but it was obvious that some damage had been done.
"Amazing," Mai murmured. "I've…only been fighting with Kain-sensei for four months or so…but even I can tell that his whole method of fighting and his abilities have completely changed. Yet, Lina-san…she hasn't even seen him during those four months, and yet she knows his mind and his actions enough that they can prepare such elaborate plans without speaking…."
Alyssa, however, was not taking this severe wounding lying down. She stared in shock for a few seconds as she began to fall, then her face twisted up into a mask of utter rage, and there was an explosion of dark energy that blasted out from her body, engulfing the pair of fighters. Moments later, trailing a little bit of blood, they crashed to the ground.
The watches stared for a few moments, then hurried forward, Kagome manifesting her artifact as she moved with them. Those with any kind of healing magic or abilities began to prepare them as Alyssa settled carefully and almost serenely upon the ground.
As the group cried out names in shock and fear, Chisame gave them her exasperated stare. ('This isn't a human-level battle, is it? Ah, what am I saying…Searrs isn't even a human….')
"Goodness, Kain," Alyssa murmured as he began to sit up. "You've really got to stop doing things that just show off your magical genius. You don't have to do anymore to impress me. First Jynx' gravity magic, and now this…."
"W-what did he do?" Mai demanded. "That sword…."
"It was…an illusion…no, a dream," Ami explained, having watched the later portions of the battle using her Eye of Iris. She had her book in her hands, and was now reading from it. "A…dream-blade, constructed from the mana of this realm, and not subject to any normal laws of magic or nature…I-I just…."
"It was a toy he stole from Sakura," Alyssa explained. "Her power was to create a 'dream world' where reality and illusion could be freely interchanged, and by the same token, her sword was merely a dream that obeyed the rules of reality she set out, and not any normal or sensible form of reality. Naturally, as a dream world, her territory must have been composed of what you might be able to call 'dream particles'—the 'stuff dreams are made of'. Whatever the case, in his time fighting her, using his usual insightful genius, Kain was able to analyze that reality…and, here, recreate it, creating a sword of magic, a dream-blade, as Ami said, that could not be stopped by any normal form of magic.
"Of course, it's an almost useless ability," Alyssa continued with scorn, but with a smile. "Only a highly magical sub-world, like my resort here, has an adequate number of so-called 'dream particles' to use to construct a blade of such power. If he gets pulled into someone's reality marble—a high-level subspace creation magic—he could create another dream-blade to fight them, but even in Arcanus Myrror there won't be nearly enough for him to use.
"Still, it was a fine display of your best talents. You and your friend Lina are intimidating mages, Kain-sensei, and you should be proud that you were able to inflict such a wound on me when I was seriously trying my best. I'll give a passing grade to you and your party."
"Ah…Alyssa…" Kain murmured.
"It looks like most everyone here is going," Alyssa continued. "Not just your regular class members, but these two sword-obsessed boys and even little Rei, from the sounds of it—I just had a good talk with her. This being the case, there shouldn't be any problems for you. I mean, the level of power and experience you've shown…it's equivalent to any of the special forces of the kingdoms of the magical world. As long as you don't go tangling with the BattleMages of Halteese, the Knights of the Round of Avalon, or the HiME, you shouldn't encounter anything that could even threaten you…at least not in the civilized areas you're planning to visit. Only the highest-class beasts and mages can go toe-to-toe with you…."
She smiled at him. "It's almost unfortunate. It looks like it really will just be a boring, sightseeing trip."
"If that's the case, why did we have to go this far for a completion test?" Kain demanded irritably, and Lina, joining him, glowered agreement.
('What,') Chisame thought, listening intently to this exchange, ('there really won't be any danger? …Seriously?')
Alyssa glanced back over at Kain, who was staring off into space again. "What, boy? Are you worrying again?"
"Eh!? Ah, no…not at all…."
('Worrying…i-is that my fault?') Chisame thought.
Jynx laughed. "He was the complete opposite, wasn't he, Alyssa? He never hesitated or worried over trivial matters."
"Worthless," Alyssa chided. "Completely worthless. To think you could catch up with him when you're only ever like that….
"Still…whatever. You aren't him, right? Well, go ahead and flounder about with your hesitation and worries and all the rest. I can't say I dislike the sight of a boy like you enduring those kinds of struggles."
"Oh?" Jynx began. "Is this some odd kind of confession? How daring, Alyssa…."
"Now, you shut up, you black cat! Bad luck! Blasted fiend!"
As Jynx waved the girl away, he turned back to Kain. "Well, I'm not great on speeches, Kain, but I guess I should give a few words before you go. Like Alyssa said…you aren't your dad. I heard what 'he' told you at the tournament…he doesn't expect anything from you, so don't let yourself get too discouraged by any failures. It's part of life. More importantly, just do your best, and don't be afraid to lean on your companions…they can do what you sometimes can't."
"R-right."
Kain glanced around at the assembled group. "Well then…shall we go?"
8-8-8
And so, at the famous Narita International Airport (NRT, or, by the more common international four-digit ICAO code, RJAA)….
"Wah, my first trip overseas…I'm kind of nervous," Akari commented.
"Hard to believe a lump of iron can fly through the sky," Kiami added.
"Oh, c'mon, don't act like country yokels and bumpkins," Lina sighed.
As the group continued to chatter excitedly, Rei glanced around. "I-is something the matter?" Erika demanded nervously.
"No…it seems…Chisame-san isn't here after all…."
"Oh? Now that you mention it…" Akari agreed.
"And we even bought her a ticket," Kagome sighed.
"Well, it can't be helped," Hinagiku said. "If she decides to spend her summer vacation how she pleases, that's up to her…."
"What can't be helped, Kaichô?"
The group turned around in shock. "Ah…!? Chisame-chan!?"
There she stood, in her own casual clothes, a backpack slung over her shoulder. And then she instantly recoiled as the group suddenly pressed in on her.
"You actually came!?"
"Yay! You really are our comrade!"
"Welcome, Chisame-san!"
"Whoa! This is unexpected!"
"T-the hell is wrong with you all!?" Chisame demanded. She turned a glare on Kain. "Y-you didn't say anything about me not coming, did you?"
"N-no…" Kain said. "But…why?"
"What of it?" Chisame huffed. "I mean, I've gotten a bit tired of the net as of late…." She glanced away to hide her embarrassment. "I mean…no, there's no special reason or anything. But I still haven't gotten an answer from you about the question I asked you yesterday…."
"Chisame…."
Chisame turned around and stepped away. "I mean, she said there wasn't going to be any danger. And besides…." She turned back and actually smiled at Kain. "If there were any, you'd protect me, right?"
Kain stared, then smiled back. "Y-yes! Absolutely!"
"Heeeeey! Hurry up, you two! They're starting to board!"
"I'm going to be the first on!"
"…Well, shall we go, Sensei?" Chisame asked.
"Yes!"
"All right! Now then, Wyoming Trip…Go!" Probably such a phrase has never before been shouted with such excitement.
"Yeah!"
"D-dammit, you people stop making a scene! It's embarrassing!"
('Finally,') Kain thought as the clambered aboard the plane. ('We're heading back home…and from there, to the magical world…where, somewhere, my dad is waiting….')
F I N
Author's Note: Character Introduction: Lina Inverse
This chapter ended up growing larger than I expected as I prepared it to be the 'last adventure in Japan' section before the trip…originally, I even thought that I might have to include some of the events in Wyoming in order to fill the chapter out, but Lina's antics ended up stretching the piece, despite what I pared down from the original work of Anya's insanities.
Well, since nearly this entire chapter was because of her, let's go ahead and introduce Lina Inverse before investigating the chapter in detail. As I've mentioned before, part of the basis for starting this anime compilation piece was that, with the idea of re-writing the Negima story, I thought that an all-girls class was the perfect place to fill in my favorite anime girls, the twelve special ones I'd selected, and of those twelve, two would have had difficulty fitting into the regular class—Meia, who became a teacher, and Lina, number 12 of 12, who I decided made a perfect replacement for Negi's childhood friend, Anya. Lina is the heroine of the Slayers anime, a swords-and-sorcery comedy. As the heroine of a comedy piece, she is a caricature all on her own, with ridiculous disadvantages (outrageous greed, gluttony, pride, and others of the seven deadly sins) and ridiculous spellcasting powers. However, the thing about Lina that makes her such a good character is that, despite all her flaws (her greed is so bad that, while on the run from some bounty hunters at one point, she comes across a badly basic trap consisting of a treasure on a string inside of a cage, the most obvious trap there is; after remarking that it is obviously intended for her idiot companion Gourry, she notices that the treasure is a genuine unicorn's horn, and, overcome with treasure-lust, crawls into the cage in a daze and grabs it…), yet underneath all those vices is a heart of gold that doesn't hesitate to do the right thing. She ignores offers from bandits, demons, evil mages and the like when they ask her to join them, despite the rewards she'll reap. Even in the face of insurmountable odds, she steps into danger to save the world, risking her neck for no reward (although occasionally she will remark upon that fact and whine and complain afterward). She's always been an enjoyable character.
Some of her flaws are very reminiscent of Anna Kokolova, Anya-chan, Negi's childhood friend. In some ways, Anya is even more extreme, which led to some of Lina's over-the-top pieces here, although I have adjusted her. Anya is obviously deeply in love with Negi, despite her facts of denial, and Lina has been partially adjusted into that situation…not as strongly, because it just doesn't fit Lina's character for her passion to be all-consuming (in her case, if it was, she would have come over here a long time ago with her stronger character overall) but it's a cute and interesting montage to Anya for Lina to have these sentiments. It's also reasonable—Lina's generally more obsessed with money than romance, but she has a maiden's heart, and growing up with a catch like Kain would have affected her somewhat. However, being Lina, she's as much in denial to herself as she is to the other girls around her. It's one of the reasons she's able to forgive and forget about the contracts so easily, even though the first mention of them nearly causes her to go berserk with jealous rage. After calming down, she convinces herself that there's no way she could be feeling anything like jealousy about it, and so shoves the thought aside and focuses instead on things like…how awesome these artifacts are! Rare treasures! Right!
Another concern the fiery Anya and Lina share besides their tempers is their flat chests. Despite only being eleven, Anya is obsessed with her flat chest and mad with jealousy over anyone with an impressive chest. Lina isn't quite so bad…she gets annoyed by big-breasted women who flaunt it, is concerned about her lack of assets, and reacts with rage over people who call her 'flat-chest', but she doesn't obsess over it. So, I had little more than an homage to Anya's obsession, touching on the subplot but not dwelling on it. Still, in this case, Mai's current position as Kain's closest friend and being the biggest-busted are a double whammy that fills Lina with jealous feelings she tries to fight….
A few things I kept flowed out from this original Anya plot. Anya's dividing of the world into the hated 'big-breasted' and the safe 'flat-chests' caused her to instantly befriend Yue and Nodoka, and she hung out with them the entire time. I decided to leave this subplot in for various reasons…not that Lina cares, as mentioned, as long as the difference isn't flaunted between them, but I can see Lina developing a kind of fascination with these two (and, in this case, their demurer friend Ami as well) because of their fascination with the magical world and their budding interest in magic. And they would naturally be drawn to Lina because she's such a focused and mighty spellcaster. So, it's a good friendship to have. Anya's entire place in the original was pretty much only in this summer vacation period, as she is immediately lost for the series (excepting a few cameos) after they go to the magical world, but Lina is a much more important character, and I'm going to try and keep her friendship with this group going.
Among other things, Lina is a much more powerful, elite mage. I've already dropped hints of this around from her cameo appearances, and while Lina is amazed by the power of this group, she's not as blown away and left in the dust as Anya was. She's more a spellcaster than a fighter, but she's mighty enough that she'll be able to hold her own in the battles to come.
So, onward…Act 7 is almost done!