All Purpose Negima Fanfiction Thread

Chapter 5: The Advent Of Lightning

Louise hadn't dared to meet his eyes. They had walked to her room in silence, every attempt at starting a conversation murdered by Louise's own somber mood. Maybe this time he'd just disappointed her. He had done something incredibly stupid, he'd probably begun a political storm from that alone. He knew the Vallieres were nobles of some renown and that Mott was the palace's messenger.

He would like it if at least she told him how he could make it up to her. But nothing.

The next day went by without much actually happening. It wasn't uncommon. Louise still didn't even talk to him. She was out before he could so much as get in a word to her.

It was frustrating.

The only thing he had to distract himself was the odd letter he'd received from a teacher. A pleasant fellow, dark brown hair, he seemed to have a premature baldness problem. He'd introduced himself as Jean Colbert. The letter had simple instructions on it. A simple order to meet him in a specific location.

A vault where magical artifacts were kept. It was away from any prying eyes and ears. It was a given that he would go. It was a serious and important matter that would merit such a thing. So, when night's cover fell on the academy, he met up at the designated spot at the designated hour.

A massive door was the backdrop as the pleasant façade that the teacher kept at school was shed and he greeted Negi with a scowl on his face. “I will keep this short. What. Are. You?” Negi almost recoiled from the sudden mood change, his surprise clear.

“I am Negi Springfield, a commoner.” Negi said, still not quite understanding what the balding teacher was implying.

The man pointed his staff forward. “I will ask one more time. What are you? I know you are not human.”

Negi almost went into shock. It couldn't be. “What makes you think that?” he asked.

“I might be a middle aged teacher today,” Colbert began, taking a step forward. “But I am also a square class mage and a veteran warrior. I know my fair share of tricks. You haven't tried anything yet and you don't seem to be hostile, which is why I am even giving you the chance to talk.”

Negi looked down, and resisted the need to bite his lip. “I am a being from another world... I was once human.” He admitted.

Colbert let the staff rest. “What are your intentions towards my students?”

Negi grinned. “It's nice to know you worry about your students just as much as I worry about mine.” he seemed to have brightened up. “I am trying to learn the written language. It appears to be an archaic form of one of the languages of my world. As soon as I am done doing so, I will try to find a way to reverse the summoning spell. I don't like having to leave Louise here, but I have no other option. I have much to do back at home.”

“Why are you being so open?” Colbert did not seem to relax, even slightly, despite his posture seemingly being more relaxed.

“You are worried about your students. I respect that. I want to assure you that I don't plan to do them any harm at all... I would like to believe that I have made a couple friends.” Negi continued to explain.

Colbert seemed convinced. “So... you had students?”

“Yes. I was a teacher, though current circumstances...”

Colbert spent a long time inquiring about the peculiarities of the world the strange familiar hailed from. Every little bit filled him with wonder

The two teachers, although of radically different subjects, spent their evening talking. Negi did not want to burden Louise with his presence. It was clear she wanted to be as far away from him as possible at the moment. Colbert was surprisingly pleasant company.

A bit on the nutty side, and somewhat paranoid, when it came down to it. But what mage wasn't the least bit crazy, these days?

Sure, she knew he was strong, and that he was a mage. But at the time, she'd thought he was just a common mage. Even his wild tales of another world were easily explainable. He could have easily had noble heritage or something along those lines. Even if he didn't, then he was just a freak of nature that could use magic.

And then Mott happened. Mott The Wave. A triangle class mage recognized by the palace. A mage of considerable power. And he was reduced to a sobbing, gibbering wreck at the feet of her familiar. Her familiar, who was covered in blood, in his own blood! Her familiar wasn't just a mage. He was a monster.

Wasn't that what she'd asked for? A powerful magical monster? It was exactly what she'd gotten.

There should have been some sort of consequence hitting them both by this point. He had attacked Mott in his own mansion! That stupid familiar, always giving her trouble...

She slapped herself in the face. She was a Valliere. As such, she knew one simple fact.

A mage who abandons her familiar, is not a mage at all. If he had done something stupid, then it was her fault. It was her fault for letting him go ahead and assault his mansion.

Still, as night approached and her familiar did not appear, she continued to worry. She'd messed up, big time, and because even when he'd tried asking her what was wrong, she'd shooed him away. She had been a scared little girl.

The heavy wind would not be pleased about that. The rule of steel had to be upheld. Terrifying or not, he was her familiar. Her responsibility.

Louise steeled herself. She'd face what was to come. She wouldn't abandon her familiar. She resolved it fairly simply. Next morning, she would confront him and chastise him properly for going off in his own and worrying her, that idiot familiar. ––

Negi hadn't noticed anything out of the ordinary. Siesta was in a good mood.

“... Are you practicing for the exhibition?” Siesta asked, tilting her head to the side. Negi had unsheathed Derflinger and was preparing to go through a morning Kata, while getting accustomed to using Derflinger as a focus point instead of his staff or ring. Casting magic without foci wasn't impossible, but it was more taxing than having one.

He wasn't adverse to being up and about at the ungodly hours of the morning, and it appeared the staff were the only ones keeping up with him. They had to get the academy ready for the nobles, after all.

“The what?” Negi asked, stopping what he was doing to turn and face Siesta.

“You don't know?” Siesta seemed utterly perplexed by his lack of knowledge. “It's a ceremony where all of the second years display their familiars. This year, Her Highness Henrietta will be here in person, so everyone is practicing very hard!”

Negi seemed at a loss for words. “Master never told me.” He said. “Though she has been avoiding me lately...”

It still hurt.

“She will get over it, Negi.” Siesta said, smiling brightly, trying to cheer him up. Inside, she was kind of jealous of Louise, since he obviously cared a lot for the tiny, abusive noble.

“I wish she would tell me what I did wrong...” He said, sounding more than a bit distraught.

“Oi, partner!” Derflinger yelled. “We were in the middle of something here.” the sword spoke, clearly annoyed. Siesta blinked in surprise. She'd heard it could talk, but to see it in person was something entirely different.

It was something whiny.

Negi couldn't help but chuckle at the prospect of a jealous sword. “Oh, can I see you practice?” Siesta asked? It was more of a hopeful plead, actually.

Her drool was in no way related to the fact that he'd had to remove his (new) shirt and strange jacket to not dirty them. Nor was it related to the fact that she was staring at a very fine specimen of manhood swinging a more than Freudian implement. “Ah, you are so fast!”

The air behind Derflinger had a noticeable red tint, as the sword left gale after gale, following in each of it's insanely fast slashes. Negi was moving behind each slash, applying force through every muscle of his body.

Negi smiled, and Siesta wondered if she'd get scolded too harshly for simply tackling him to the ground and taking him right then and there. In the end, she'd managed to restrain herself. She really had to wonder, however, how long she'd manage to do so. She could already see it, he'd be such a wonderful father... Her family would love him, too.

He was also wonderfully ignorant of her lusty gaze as he poured himself over his Kata.

Though all good things must come to an end. Of course, her wonderful time was only replaced by a wonderful mental image. He'd need a bath after training, and she wondered if she could get away with sneaking in after him...

“Everyone is trying to impress the princess.” Siesta commented. She'd insisted on washing his jacket and pants herself. The material was awfully delicate. “She has been a symbol of strength for Tristain ever since the King passed away.” Explained the maid.

A young princess, burdened with the weight of an entire country. A princess everyone was depending on. Someone who knew full well that the blade of authority had a double edge, he hoped. He knew better than anyone what she was going through.

“Guiche, duck!” Negi yelled, and the noble immediately followed the command, as Kirche's salamander spat out a column of flame that would've burned his hair off. Or not. He'd been aware enough. Nice reflexes, at least. He replied to Kirche's enthusiastic wave with his own.

Guiche, meanwhile, returned to training posing with his giant mole.

“Ah! I almost forgot! We have to be prepared for the princess' arrival as well!” And there went the peep show! Such a wasted opportunity! “I'm sorry I can't show you to the baths today!”

Negi sighed in relief. Old habits die hard indeed. “It's no problem. Have a good day!”

––

Louise opened her mouth to talk. Negi got his hopes up. Then she pinched her nose. “You smell like a dog!” she yelled off the top of her lungs.

Hot anger! Traditional hot anger! So much better than wariness and the cold shoulder. Negi smiled sheepishly. “I haven't had a chance to bathe ever since I got here...” He pointed out, fidgeting.

“... Do I need to give you the orders for everything? You are a stupid familiar after all!” Louise yelled. “Listen, because I will only say it once. Don't ever do that again!”

Her glare was intimidating as always. “Sorry Master!” He apologized, bowing rather sharply.

“But...” Louise had to concede on something. “I understand why you did it. Now, go wash yourself. I cannot have you receive Her Highness as a mangy, dirty mutt!”

He felt too much like Kotaro at that point. Though Kotaro seemed to enjoy getting bathed as a puppy...

And it was thinking about that that he figured that he might as well just eat it and go take a bath. His streak was over. A shame, really. It would've been less of a shame if he'd actually asked Siesta where they were.

He didn't make it then. Louise almost exploded him.

––

Old Osmond wasn't surprised in the least.

“There is something I wish to see for myself.”

Not in the least. They said he was old and daft. They didn't know he was still as aware of his surroundings as they all were put together.

“There is..?” He knew what she was talking about. It was just a formality to pretend he didn't. The princess wasn't an idiot.

“It's a personal matter.” No one fooled anyone in those kinds of circles.

––

Having four guards surrounding you when you come out of the bath (with freshly washed, dried and flower-scented, to boot, clothes) isn't normal. Said four guards being quite clearly far more elite than those who would guard a noble's mansion wasn't normal either. They weren't the common rabble, they were knights.

All four of them wore white capes, all of them sported rather large and muscular frames. Then came walking a woman in a rather elaborate dress. Her tiara glinted in the dim lighting that the hall provided. A brown, hooded cloak covered her from head to toe. She wished to remain anonymous, for the time being.

He smiled, replying to her own smile. In the darkness, the knights were the only figures that stood out.

“Kneel in front of her highness, commoner!” screamed one of the knights, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword.

Negi did as commanded, still sporting a smile. “What do I owe the pleasure, your highness?” His tone was polite, controlled and level. He knew that he wouldn't get visited just like that. His worst prediction had come to pass.

“I just wished to speak with you in private, Mr. Familiar. After all, I wanted to meet the 'Nightmare' that Lord Mott described in person.”

Negi frowned. “I guess he broke our agreement.” Negi commented. “Are you here to arrest me? All I ask is that Louise be spared. She tried to prevent me from... visiting... Lord Mott's mansion. She is not at fault.”

The princess smiled. “Knights, retreat to your bedrooms for the night. I shall be alright on my own.” she stated.

“B-But your highness-”

“It is an order.”

“Yes, your highness.” The knight that had prepared to object grit his teeth and obeyed the order.

“Now, Mr. Familiar, we are alone. Stand.” She commanded, and he obeyed. “We have much to talk about. Would you mind joining me for a walk? I understand that there is a monster roaming the academy, and I would not like to be unprotected.”

A bold faced lie given to him with a pleasant smile. Negi smiled. “Of course, Your Highness...”

It didn't take long for her to get to the point, all things considered. “I have been informed of your particular circumstances, Mr. Familiar.”

“Please, call me Negi, your highness.” He replied, smiling. He didn't really like where this was going.

“Very well.” Professional distance could be kept even so, by two people who had been thrown in the world of politics far before their time. “I wished to go straight to the source.”

“I believe consorting with possibly dangerous entities is not the wisest move.” Negi stated.

“Someone who went to the lengths that you did to avoid conflict does not strike me as the dangerous type, Mr. Fam- Negi.” Henrietta countered.

“I did not wish to cause the consequences to affect Master.”

“It is that loyalty that I respect. I believe you would like to know that officials judged mentally unfit for their task have no place amongst my court. Ah, we have reached our destination.” She knocked on the door that Negi had memorized by now.

Louise's room. He was wondering what the hell they were doing there.

“Bwa- Who are you?” Louise scrambled for her wand, taking a few steps back. She'd clearly recently arrived at her room.

“Long time no see, Louise Françoise!”

Negi had to admit, seeing the overly professional and formal princess suddenly glomp Louise had been sort of funny.

“Indeed.” Henrietta replied, smiling widely. Teasing Louise never did get old.

Negi wished he'd asked Rakan how to see other people's flashbacks, because apparently, whatever memory they were sharing was most decidedly a pleasant one.

“I merely had the honor to be her playmate!” Louise interjected. Negi looked at her curiously. Was she really that shy? That would kind of be a problem.

“This is not right, your highness, you shouldn't come to such a place on your own!” Louise suddenly scrambled to become something more than a flustered mess. It halfway worked. To both Negi and Henrietta, it was adorable. The fact that she looked like a little girl with a precocious crush on a princess only made it further adorable.

“Please, stop acting so formal, Louise Françoise. We are friends, are we not?” It was more of a petition than an order. Something Negi was used to. Royalty tired of formality. Theodora never ever bothered with it at all. “Besides, your familiar accompanied me here.”

Louise turned to glare at Negi, but couldn't find any fault with that. He was a powerful Mage Knight... it was still not the pleasant idea. Who knew what exposure to Negi did to people.

“I've missed you.”

“Princess...”

“Ever since my father passed away, I've had no one to confide in so...”

Louise took the princess' hands in her own.

“Princess, I was so surprised when I got your letter...”

Negi smiled and took a sip from his cup of tea. Henrietta stood up and approached Louise, who stood on her feet to meet her. Then, when they were dangerously close, both staring at each other's eyes, he heard a voice quip “Come on, kiss already you two!”

Ah, he'd missed that so much.

“P-Perverted Sword!”

Henrietta blinked. She was suddenly red faced. “It's alright...”

“Ah, her highness doesn't seem to be so averse to the idea!” Derflinger commented, as Louise struggled to lift the rather heavy weapon. “What do you say, partner?”

“To be honest, I had two friends just like you two.” Negi commented, before setting his cup on the table. “... Actually, make that four... No, six... Okay, nine, I think... Depending on wether or not you count triangles.”

“Friends?” Louise asked, rolling her eyes. “More of your lovers, I imagine.”

“As a matter of fact, yes.”

Louise had no words for that one.

“A-All at once?” Henrietta, still red faced, turned to ask Negi.

“How many lovers did you actually have?” Louise's temper had flared again, though she was secretly thankful that there had been a topic change. Mostly because the idea was more appealing every second and it was starting to scare her. "How is that even possible?"

“... A gentleman doesn't talk about such things.” Negi replied.

“Oh, but I am curious, Mister Negi.”

“Yeah, Partner, I want to hear this one too.”

"It's an order from your Master."

Negi sighed, then smiled. He was pleased the tension in the room was gone. “Okay... First, I will begin with a disclaimer. I am not proud of the title of 'Thousand Pimp'...”

Louise had never thought her familiar would be capable of such perversity. The tales he was giving them were prone to causing disbelief. After all, hearing about one single man who could attract so many women at once was ridiculous.

Hearing about him doing that exact same thing when he was ten was entirely unbelievable. If nothing else, at the very least they were exciting and well wrought tales of romance. His claims of having charmed them all unintentionally were even more unbelievable than anything else.

“But how can one love so many people at once?” Henrietta asked, enraptured with his tales.

“I guess I couldn't really explain. Everyone is a part of who I am. I gave them all a piece of my heart.” Negi answered. “I really do miss them. But I know that they are not away. They are all with me in my heart.”

Louise seemed enchanted with his selfless devotion to his friends. She had gotten a taste of the lengths he was willing to go for a loved one. He would withstand any pain and carry any burden. He would take any amount of abuse and he would fight through the most impossible odds.

When the tale got to the part when his charm started working on the same gender, Louise had to press a napkin to her nose. She had once thought Kirche von Zerbst was the worst thing that had ever happened to decency.

Clearly, she had been wrong, if her familiar's tales were anything to go by.

“And that's why I have these enchanted glasses.” Negi said, touching the rim of the glasses with his pointer finger.

“I don't believe it.” Louise said. It just couldn't even be possi-

“Okay, we believe you.” they chorused, as Negi put his glasses back on, heavy blushes on both of their faces.

"Partner, I don't know why, but I think the title 'Thousand Pimp' really fits you after all..."