Yue and Nodoka were walking to the dorms, just coming back from a trip to the bookstore, when they heard it. A roar. It wasn’t the first one like that that they heard so they knew there wasn’t any wild animal here, the growl was owned by a demon. As in cue, the monster jumped in front of them. Nodoka took a step back afraid, Yue blinked. The demon was quite big, ugly and seemed strong, and it wasn’t stupid, it just had trapped them between two trees and itself.
“Adeat!” Like one, the two girls activated their powers as Negi partners; they weren’t going to let that beast eat them so easy.
Not far away, the little mage and English teacher, sensed right away there was trouble. He stood up and in a rush graved his staff and opened the door. “Negi?” His roommate toke in his serious face and knew something was wrong. He started to run and Asuna followed. “What’s wrong?” She asked while running alongside him. “They have activated the cards… I sense a demonic presence their way now” the boy said worried. Once out of the building he made sure there was nobody nearby and jumped onto his staff, Asuna behind in no time. They took off.
“Here is it!” a cheerful voice said at their room. Poor Konoka walked in from the kitchen, a happy smile at her face and a plate of muffins at her hands. “Ara” she said confused at the empty room, the door was opened too. “Oh, there they are” exclaimed Chamo who was lying on the top of the brown haired girl. She looked where the ermine was pointing and sure enough from the windows you could see two dark figures flying away at the orange- sundown colored sky. “Mooo, they left me behind again” pouted Konoka disappointed. Chamo meanwhile though about what could have happened Negi went in such a hurry he forgot to put the invisibility spell when flying around school.
“Their loss. I’m gonna eat all the muffins myself” the girl took a muffin and bite it ferocity. Chamo sweat dropped as Konoka eats the rest, pick another one and bite again, chewing like a hamster.
“Ahhh” screamed the pet when Konoka took another muffin. “No way! I want too. Give me some”. The both of them started a eat muffin contest. Chamo had eaten just three when he hoped to the plate for another one and suddenly the plate wasn’t there anymore. “Ah?” Konoka was putting the rest of the muffins into a lunchbox. “What’s that for? Weren’t those muffins ours? Don’t save any to Negi or Asuna-aneue, that will be their punishment for leave us” protested the ermine. “I’m not saving it for them” Konoka smiled closing the box “They’re for Secchan”. Chamo noted how Konoka smile seemed more big and brighter when she said her guard name. Her chocolate eyes sparked just at mentioning her. Chamo sighed and smiled to the girl.
Setsuna meanwhile was running through the campus, she had been at her kendo classes when she sensed a stray demon invading the school shield. It wasn’t any demon, though, that one was strong enough to get in without her shikigamis noticing it right away. It was her duty to fight those intruders so she went as fast as possible. There was still light and some students could see it or be attacked by the monster. She had to eliminate it quickly.
She was close by when a current of air exceeded her. Negi and Asuna arrived at the battlefield just in time for Negi to protect Nodoka and Yue from the demon’s claws with a spell. Setsuna landed seconds after them, Yuunagi shining undressed ready to fight and slay some demons. Asuna was in midair already, her huge blade descending with her owner battle cry, towards the enemy. The demon smiled devilish, with a move of its tail Asuna was hit and went flying the opposite side from Negi and the others. Though it was true Asuna learned fast and was quite strong, she was still new about the battle thing and was too reckless.
“Asuna” cried Negi. Asuna smiled through the pain, trying to get up after the strike. “Ow, ow. I’m fine, fine” He sighed relieved. Beside him Yue poked the teacher. “Umm. Negi-sensei” murmured unsure Nodoka. Negi looked aside and then comprehended the girls worry. The demon was just in front of them. “Ahhhh”
In a flash though, Setsuna made it take several steps backwards. “Setsuna-san” smiled Negi seen her, she trusted her abilities, now they could win for sure. He had been troubled because he couldn’t protect and fight at the same time and Asuna alone wasn’t enough.
The demon furrowed its brow. That swordswoman was strong. It had to be very careful with every blow of hers, it was receiving damage already. That just infuriated it more and more. “Groaaaa” with the force of wrath, the demon used all its limbs to attack. The Shinmenryu girl blocked or dodged the assail skillfully. “Kyaaa” a female voice sounded enraged; with that shout Asuna was back at the fight and this time she manages to hit the target. “Groaaaaaa” howled the monster retracting again. Setsuna smiled at her apprentice. Asuna smiled back and then waved her enormous sword at the monster. “Ha” she smirked “Now we’re going to make puppy’s food of you”. The demon snarled holding its hurt arm. “Puppy’s food of demon? Negi-sensei, is that healthy?” asked nonchalantly Yue. Negi just turned green imagining it. “Ewww”
“I’m bored. Do you think they will delay much more?” Konoka asked pouting. Chamo turned around from his place at Asuna’s panties drawer. “Ah? Uh.?” “…”
Konoka was beginning to worry “Maybe they need me. What if someone is hurt?” “Don’t worry so much. Anki can take care of whatever it is. If he needs you he will summon you.” The ermine said dismissing Konoka fears continuing in his blissful swimming among the panties. Konoka sighed. “Secchan is late too”
Negi was thankful they had made it in time. Both Nodoka and Yue, though a little shaken, were ok. They had escaped fine the demon so far credit to Nodoka read-mind power. Yue studied impassive how Asuna and Setsuna fought the demon, having it at bay. “Negi-sensei. Can I vanish it?” “What?” exclaimed confused Negi. “There” the small girl pointed the clearing where the demon was struggling with her classmates “See that. I put a shield, if Asuna and Setsuna-san push the demon in, I just have to activate it and that’s it”. Nodoka gasped in surprise “Ah! So that’s why you were running around the place in circles with that stick, when the demon was attacking us! You were drawing the symbols and stuff” Yue just nodded. Negi was impressed. “Oh, that’s pretty clever” “Please, sensei. Let me do it” asked the girl again. The boy didn’t like putting the girls in danger but lately looked like they were growing up and showing their true strength. He shrugged with himself, but truth to be told, the idea was save enough and it was an opportunity for his partners to feel useful. “Ok” he smiled.
Setsuna wasn’t that much in the fight. She was using that fight for Asuna to learn more skills. She had decided she was there just in case, aiding the redhead. The raven-haired girl smiled proudly when Asuna did a special move she had teach her then dodged the demon’s tail which came her way. The monster was so mad it clouded its moves, thought every one of them were strong each time that passed the power behind them seemed to fail more.
“Asuna-san, Setsuna-san” The two girls heard Negi in their minds. “Can you put the demon in the center of the clearing?” Asuna flinched as blocked a punch, she eyed Negi questioning. “Ayase-san had prepared a shield. I will let her do it this time. I will be her support, just in case, so you have nothing to worry about. Just push the demon inside the circle”. Asuna face was clearly doubtful about the plan. Setsuna just did what told, she understood Negi decision the most, she was making the same thing, trusting.
Asuna meet eyes with Setsuna who nodded. They slashed from the right side of the demon at once. The beast growled trying to save itself from dying right there jumping to the left. Just into the trap. Asuna smiled devilish “Fool” she mumbled. Now Setsuna and her needed to make sure the demon didn’t come out of the circle until Yue and Negi finished it off.
Negi showed his hand in front of Yue who was preparing herself, her little wand and all. “Give me your hand” he said. “This way I will send you my powers more easily than with a verbal contract. I could control the amount so you could concentrate just in the spelling” he told the girl. Yue hesitated but grab it anyway. She looked sideways to her best friend. Nodoka peeked their joined hands with a odd expression. Negi noted but was clueless all the same. He smiled warmly at the shy girl. “Want to join us Nodoka-san?” he offered. Nodoka blushed. She put timidly her hand on top of the one Negi seized his staff. Negi smiled again and Nodoka blushed so hard she was about to pass out. Yue on her hand looked away trying to focus on the task at hand. She started the enchantment. She felt how Negi’s magic ran through her. Negi had close his eyes focusing his powers into Yue and her spell, he sensed the action of the shield, an anti-demon shield. He then opened them abruptly stopping his flow of magic. However the spell had been finished. “It works” exclaimed Nodoka happily seeing as the circle brightened sparkling. Yue smiled. Negi though, watched horrified how a screen of light came up from the circle, the circle where the demon still fought with Asuna and Setsuna.
An antidemon-shield. They all were in. Setsuna was inside too. “Oh, no” he reflected panicking “Setsuna-san!” He screamed.
Kazumi Asakura was taking a walk in search for …something, she wasn’t the class paparazzi for nothing. She was about to give up for the day when she saw the burst of light in the corner near the woods. She got ready her camera in record time but when she readied herself to take a picture, there wasn’t anything there. “I would swear…” She smiled her big smile “must be a magic thing…going to see” she said to herself taking the way to the place giggling.
Chamo had seen it too. He looked ahead from the window, his face serious. Maybe Negi did need help. The ermine looked behind him. Konoka had fallen sleep on the table, waiting for her friends. She lay there unaware, but not peacefully. The girl moaned and stirred a little after Chamo had seen the magic light fade away. But she didn’t woke up. The white flurry animal glanced worried at her, then again uneasy to the sunset.
The demon didn’t have too much time to react. He sensed the magic and how it did torn its insides apart immediately. The beast quivered. Asuna stopped her attacks when the barrier was activated and stared at the convulsing demon dazed, breathing hard after all the fighting. “Aaaaaaarghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr r” Howled the demon falling to its knees. Its tail slammed the ground nonstop. Its claws digging madly. It was like it was trying to escapee from something but couldn’t because that something was itself. It hit its head repeatedly against the ground. It was sick. “What kind of spell had Yue used?” she though to herself.
“Asuna-san” the anxious voice of Negi made her return from her thoughts. “Asuna, get Setsuna-san out of there…Hurry!” the little boy demanded. Asuna, though, still weighed down by the battle looked at him confused, then at her classmate. Setsuna stood stiff on her feet. Her eyes open wide, her clenched fists trembling slightly. The girl with little bells ponytails furrowed her eyebrows. Negi started to run to them “It’s a anti-demon shield, Asuna!! Take Setsuna-san out!” he was desperate. Asuna acted immediately at hearing those words. She let out of her weapon leaping towards Setsuna like her life depended of it. The dark haired was biting her lip so hard that it bleed. Asuna had just reached her when Setsuna couldn’t hold it anymore. The girl groaned and crouched holding her head. Her eyes shut and her teeth gritted. Asuna got her, frightened as the poor hanyou bend her head backward and let out a painful scream.
Setsuna felt like all her body was on fire, something wanted to come out, she was hurting all over. She couldn’t think clearly, her vision was a blur. She vaguely recognized Asuna taking her into her arms. Negi sensei worried voice sounded so far away. Setsuna heard more voices, but couldn’t make out what they were speaking about. There was movement around her. “Guuu” she moaned when her headache increased.
Asuna was concerned out of her mind “What should we do?” she asked, needing Negi wisdom more than ever. The child was pacing franticly. “Eva-san must know what to do… or not… maybe…” Poor Negi was crying of worry. Nodoka and Yue were behind him “What’s wrong with Sakurazaki-san?” Nodoka was worried too. Negi and Asuna looked at each other, they had promised Setsuna not to tell her secret to anyone, that she really was a half-demon.
“Kono-chan” the name was murmured so feebly even Asuna splendid hearing had problems to get it. The girls smiled to their wounded friend, even in her state, she was the one who always helped them. Negi didn’t know if Setsuna was conscious of her mumbling. Had she said it to aid them or it was just her heart talking when her mind was just too weak, a wish for her most important person. “That’s right; Konoka-chan can heal her! Got to get her right away!” cried Asuna. “I can summon her here. It will be faster” added Negi getting Konoka’s card. He then noted Yue silent form, petrified at the spot.
“Groaaaa” the demon last roar make all them look at it just to see how it disappeared into nothing. Yue head turn around quickly and afraid to glance at Setsuna. Negi realized then Yue predicament. He put a hand on her shoulder to get her attention. “ Ayase-san, Ayase-san. It’s not your fault. You didn’t know. Don’t blame yourself, it wasn’t your fault. You did nothing wrong. It’s just…” she looked at Setsuna turning and tossing at Asuna hold. “…you didn’t know”. Nodoka came close to Negi and Yue side. Negi seized them, “You two may get Evangeline-san. Konoka might need her aid to work her powers properly. Will you?” the English teacher asked them. Yue has still a troubled face, but with determination Nodoka nodded and grabbing the other girl hand went away to get the vampire.
Chachamaru give her master a cup of hot green tea. Evangeline smiled and drink a little. “Took them long enough. It wasn’t that powerful of a demon anyway. It pisses me off.” Grumbled the blonde. Chachamaru just did nothing. “Were you that worried about Negi-sensei?” asked afterward the impassive robot. “Of curse not!” yelled back Evangeline. Chachazero played with knifes and scissors at the background.
Negi was about to summon Konoka when Setsuna cried again. Asuna struggled to hold her still. The hanyou tossed violently. “Negi…” cried Asuna not sure about the better curse of action. The boy ran to help her. “Setsuna-san, calm down” pleaded Negi though it was futile. With a bawl Setsuna suddenly pushed Asuna away with force. The redhead yelped landing a few feet away from the other girl. Before Negi could know what had happened he too was throw flying, bumping into Asuna. A violent burst sound was heard together with Setsuna scream. Asuna blinked from her sitting position, Negi from his awkward one at her lap was amazed too by the sight. Setsuna white wings were stretched at her full. The mage and his partner had seen them already but seeing them again was a mesmerizing experience, they were so beautiful. A soft breeze cares their faces as the wings flipped proving themselves, tasting freedom. Setsuna on the other hand, wasn’t pleased. She stooped herself in a ball, clearly in pain. The wings had come out on their own, her demon half trying to detach itself from her, torturing her. She wasn’t in control of her body anymore, though she still tried.
“Setsuna?” whispered Negi. As answer the girl in question groaned, her wings twisting, expanding and constricting. Finally they retracted again thornily into Setsuna back. She breathed hard after her ordeal. Her glazed eyes looked at her friends not really seeing them. She tried to smile and reassure them she was ok, but she was too weak. She couldn’t move, too exhausted. Then she blacked off.
“Ah!” Asuna got up in no time, taking Negi with her. They were at Setsuna side in one moment. “She’s burning up” Asuna noted the instant she cradled the raven haired girl. Negi didn’t need more add “I summon you, Konoe Konoka” she yelled making his card trick.
Chamo sensed Negi magic; he turned to Konoka in time to see her fading. “Wait, wait. Anikiiiii”. He lunged to the fading girl to smack his face at the table. Konoka was gone already. The ermine looked around the room. He was alone. “I should eat even Setsuna-san muffins” spat the little animal. But really he was worried.
“Ahh” he screamed remembering suddenly. “I can communicate with Aniki with that spell.”
A magic circle appeared and Konoka form surged from it. The girl had her apron still on her. When the circle vanished, Konoka slumped to the ground like death weight to the pure astonishment of her roommates. “Konoka-chan!” shriek Asuna. She had enough of good friends falling unconscious on her. The Konoe heir however raised groggily her head searching for the source of that voice. “Asuna-chan?” “Konoka-san we’re sorry. We need you power.” Negi plead woke her in an instant. “Need my power? Someone’s hurt?” the sleepiness went away. She toke in her surroundings. Soon she saw Negi kneeled beside Asuna who was pillowing Setsuna head. All rational though moved out of her mind. “Secchan!!” she screamed and ran to their side. “What has happened? Is she hurt badly? Where?” the healer took Setsuna limp hand “Secchan! Secchan! Can you hear me? Wake up, Secchan” Tears began to form in her brown eyes as her childhood friend remain unresponsive.
“Evangeline-sama another cup?” “Please Chachamaru” answered the petite vampire offering her cup. The robot filled it; she knew Evangeline loved her tea. The cursed child was savoring the beverage with such delight Chachamaru wondered if tea and blood might have some component in common. Abruptly a pounding interrupted the silence startling the vampire... “Evangeline-san” someone yelled from the other side of the Evangeline’s cottage door. “Kyaaa, hot hot hot” Chachamaru was unblemished seeing poor Evangeline running around the place with the front of her black nightgown stained from the tea the blonde had accidentally spilled over herself. While she ran up to her room to change clothes, Chachamaru went to open the door. The every quiet android meet her classmates Nodoka and Yue anxious faces. Before any of them could say anything, Evangeline came down with an assassin’s aura “Hope it will be important, or else…” she said menacing, a vein popping out; the vampire was really mad.
Not far from Evangeline’s house, Asakura was trying to breath. She had seen Nodoka and Yue ran this way so stressed the paparazzi had follow them by instinct. But they sure were in a hurry. She hadn’t been able to follow them fast enough. When she arrived to the house she was close enough to hear a hot discursion inside. The door burst open and Evangeline came out with a severe face “STUPIDS!” she yelled. “Chachamaru take these kids to their rooms. I will take care of the matter” Her orders were harsher than usual. Chachamaru nodded and toke the two girls by the waist, like if they were sacks of potatoes, each one in one arm. “But…” they tried to protest. Next Evangeline signaled and Chachamaru rocketed up. The vampire herself toke off the other way. Number 3 of class 3A blinked confused. What now? The news were with Evangeline, for sure. She decided to go her way…once she rested a while. “No, now” she encouraged herself. She did so just at a slower pace.
“Negi sensei…” a tearful Konoka meet her teacher eyes. Negi didn’t know what to say. “Anikii” Chamo had his timing. “Chamo-kun” “Anikii, are you ok? Why did you summon Konoka? Is Asuna-anue hurt?” He was fine, Asuna was a little beaten but ok. “We’re all’right. Setsuna-san is hurt though” he responded mentally to the ermine. Chamo was surprised, Setsuna-san was hurt? Not likely. “What had happened?” “Chamoooo…sniff. There was a demon, we fought it. We were going to win easily. Ayase-san had put a shield to vanish it. I didn’t know it was an anti-demon one so I help her. Setsuna-san was in when we activate it. I should have noted earlier. It’s my fault. She has passed out and don’t woke up. She had fever too. I don’t know what to do Chamo. I’m scared.” Chamo didn’t respond him immediately “Had you warned Evangeline?” “Hai, she’s supposedly on her way here” “Good, how are the girls?” Negi looked to them, Asuna seemed really worried and Konoka was on the edge. Then it hit him. He was their teacher, he was their magister partner, he had to be strong for them now. “I understand, Chamo-kun. Thanks.” He said more calmed now. Sometimes the hindrance Chamo was normally, turned out to be a great counselor. Negi kneeled by the girls side. “Don’t worry, Setsuna-san is strong, she will be ok”. He just wished he wasn’t lying.
Evangeline arrived at the cleaning. She took a quick stern look around. There were some white feathers on the ground. The thousands-years old girl stared at Setsuna strained face and her elaborate breathing. She smiled sadly and sighed. “That kid” she mumbled to herself. “Eva-chan” the annoying call of Asuna made the vampire presence known. Until now all them had been too engrossed to notice her. Negi turned to her full of hope while Konoka merely glanced her way. She was still too worried for her dear friend health. “Eva-chan…” Negi started to explain but the blonde girl push him aside. “Later” she dismissed him kneeling in front of Setsuna lifeless form. “Ey, Sakurazaki” called the vampire. Asuna eyed the newcomer oddly “We already try that. She won’t wake up” the redhead told her, Evangeline ignored her. She keep looking Setsuna sweaty forehead and reddened cheeks. The blonde grab Setsuna and slapped her repeatedly “Wake up, you useless half-breed!”
“Slap” Evangeline let go of Setsuna at once. She touched her stinging cheek blinking to the challenging figure of Konoka who stood right between her and Setsuna, her hand still raised. Asuna was speechless, and Negi eyes were almost popping out of stunned amazement.
Konoka eyes were brightening with tears while she stood there protecting her dear Secchan. Evangeline smirked at her. “Will you do anything for Setsuna? You want her to live that much you even risk facing me?” Konoka fell into Setsuna “Secchan is gonna die!? Nooooooo. Secchan don’t die!” she wailed like if there was no tomorrow. Asuna gulped her own tears. Negi was scared stiff and started to weep too. Evangeline sweat-dropped. “Guezz, stop the drama. No one is gonna die” Three heads rose up to her. “Konoka, will you do anything to save Setsuna?” repeated the vampire. Konoka nodded honestly. “Ok, then. Will you do anything I told you to?” Again the healer nodded. Evangeline grinned.
“Active your power” Konoka did so. Negi and Asuna looked quietly. “Now kiss the girl”.
OMAKE:
---. “Konoka, will you do anything to save Setsuna?” repeated the vampire. Konoka nodded honestly. “Ok, then. Will you do anything I told you to?” Again the healer nodded. Evangeline grinned. “Lick my feet”.---
“NAAAAANIIIIII?” screamed Chamo “I missed Konoka-chan kissing Setsuna-san” the ermine started to cry. “Hush” demanded Asuna. She peeked over her shoulder at the bed. There the named were, Setsuna lying under the covers while Konoka nursed her with care, sitting at her side.
Flashback
Konoka kissed Setsuna without second thoughts. On the lips. Both Negi and Asuna looked with serious expressions but also a tint of blush in their faces. Konoka put all her devotion for Setsuna in that kiss, firm but tender. Evangeline smiled enlightened. When Konoka ended it, she opened slowly her chocolate eyes and laid her gaze on her beloved friend. Who kept being unconscious. “Secchan?” the poor healer tried. A tremendous fear got grip of Konoka heart when Setsuna just moaned disturbed in her anomalous slumber. Negi turned to Evangeline to discover her grinning madly, almost laughing. “Eva-chan! That’s no funny!” a greatly angered Asuna marched toward the vampire. “Why aren’t Konoka powers working? What about Setsuna?”
The blonde child waved a hand “It’s not big deal. I just wanted to see...” she eyed Konoka embracing Setsuna and looking at her distressed. She changed the topic “Such pity Sakurazaki won’t recall that kiss. The poor thing must be really exhausted…”. Negi asked more explanation while he still held Asuna from eating Evangeline alive.
The blonde went close to Konoka, put her hand in the apron’s pocket digging out a handkerchief and spelled her “lilac” frozen charm. “Here” Evangeline gave back to Konoka the handkerchief, now drenched and frosty. The brown haired girl knew right away what was it for and put it over Setsuna face to drive away some fever. Evangeline turned to Asuna “See, I’m not that heartless”. Asuna just eyed her not so sure.
Evangeline took one of the feathers from the ground and started to play with it distractedly while explaining calmly what was going. “You’re so green fruit still Negi. Did you think truly that shield Ayase made was a good one? It’s right it worked just fine. And it was powerful enough thanks to your influence but…that enchantment could just send a demonic entity to its origin. It can’t kill a demon. See that symbol there, just by that one.” Negi studied the dull remain of the circle. “Then Setsuna-san…”
Evangeline shrugged “She’s truly an unlucky girl…” though it was mean to be a sympathy comment it didn’t sounded like one that much. “She had to fight with herself. For once her human part came handy, that’s why she’s here in one piece. Her human self withdraw the demonic essence but the struggle took its toll. She will be fine, however. It’s just like if she got a flu now”
“…” Asuna and Negi were relieved and smiled. “…Kono-chan…” the muffled sound of Setsuna voice made Konoka smile at last too. “Secchan! I’m here. How are you feeling?” Setsuna, however, was still sleeping. Asuna furrowed her brows confused. Negi placed a hand on Konoka shoulder to reassure her. “Suppose she will be out for a couple hours more” said the boy sadly. “Konoka, I’m sorry. It was my responsibility and I failed. But Setsuna-san will be ok.” Konoka dried her still tear stained eyes and smiled to Negi. She nodded. “I know. Don’t worry Negi-kun. Besides, I will take care of Secchan until she’s better” a cheerier Konoka said caressing Setsuna features.
“That will teach you” Evangeline mocking glance directed to Negi “and to that human wannabe” she added referring to Setsuna. “And think I came all this way, worried for you two even. Shame on me” continued the vampire. Asuna face morphed to a murderous look. Evangeline ignored her again. “It’s her fault for playing around; she could have finish the demon off in no time”. Now was Asuna time to look crestfallen, she understood all the ‘playing around’ had been for her sake. She felt guilty.
Pleased with herself now, Evangeline laughed a little and decided to leave, not before going close to Konoka again and tickle her ear with the feather she still held. “Sakurazaki human will sure is strong to go through a battle with herself and win. Wonder what reason she cling to so desperately …” the vampire trailed off bending over to the healer. “It’s you” the vampire confessed in a whisper slow and gentle at Konoka ear so only she could hear it. Then she laughed devilish again, blew the feather in her palm and went away disappearing in the night, leaving a confused Negi, a grumbler Asuna, an oblivious Setsuna and a baffled Konoka.
End flashback
“How is she doing?” Asuna asked Konoka who had just changed another towel to Setsuna forehead. The brown haired girl really was into her healer roll, she hadn’t left Setsuna side since she was summoned at the clearing, had insisted on get the sick swordswoman to her bunk so she could nurse her better. “I think the fever is downing” smiled Konoka. Asuna smiled back “That’s good” she said “Take a rest, I will watch over her for a while now” offered the redhead. Konoka shook her head no vigorously. “No, it’s ok. Secchan is always taking care of me. I for once can look after her. I want to do it myself.” Admitted Konoka with a sad smile. Asuna sighed and patted Konoka head. “Ok. Just don’t overdo yourself. Setsuna-san is our friend too. We want to help too so if you get tired or something just call me or Negi” “What about me?” intervened Chamo. Asuna gave him a look. “Were’s Negi by the way?” asked suddenly Konoka. Asuna blinked at her friend “He went to talk to Nodoka and Yue, tell them Setsuna is ok and so” “Ah”. Asuna change to her pajamas and climbed to her bed. “If you need something…” Konoka just smiled nodding.
Negi sweated and smiled nervous. “So Setsuna have the flu? She shouldn’t have come to help us if she wasn’t feeling well” Nodoka had gulp Negi lame excuse right away. Yue was relieved Setsuna was going to be ok in a couple days but couldn’t believe so easily, she didn’t say though. “Well then, good night, it’s late and we all have class tomorrow” They all said their goodbyes.
“Kono-chan” Konoka took Setsuna hand. “Secchan” she smiled when the dark haired turned her head to her and opened her eyes a little. She was evidently disoriented but she was awake at last. “Kono-chan… thirsty” shivered the girl. Konoka helped her to sit up a little and assisted the poor girl to drink a glass of water. “I’m tired” mumbled Setsuna after. Konoka laid her back on her bed. “Just sleep a little more then” responded tenderly Konoka observing the other girl every move. Setsuna tried to protest. “Secchan! Just rest for a while. I will be ok” ordered the Konoe heir. Obediently Setsuna did so, she was sleep in no time. Konoka smiled and kissed softly Setsuna forehead. A warm feeling overrunning her system. She was so happy she felt fuzzy. Besides she was overjoyed every time Setsuna called her with her childhood endearment, and she had been doing so all day.
Negi was meeting with silence at entering the room. Asuna snored lightly, Chamo snored no so lightly at Asuna pillow (evidently he had sneaked without the redhead noting). Then he saw Konoka fast sleep too, half kneeling half over the bed, holding Setsuna hand. He went close. Setsuna looked better though she still had her cheeks pinked from the fever. No without effort he put Konoka on the bed too, beside Setsuna (his innocent mind didn’t seeing anything wrong with it) and covered both affectionately. He put his nightclothes on and climbed to Asuna’s place. While he snuggled dreamy to Asuna searching his sister comfort maybe, underneath them, Konoka embraced Setsuna nuzzling her face into her warm. Unaware, Setsuna cuddled herself to Konoka too.
When morning came, Setsuna woke up. She didn’t felt well. She had a headache and her body felt numb and abnormally drained. Yet, she felt a welcome warm too. She smiled opening her eyes. First all was blurry, but then all was brown blurry.
“Uh?” What was that? That velvet touch which was entangled all over her. Setsuna blinked. She turned around and meets a very close view of her dreams. Konoka was there, sound sleep, uberly cute, snuggled to her. Setsuna blinked to send away the dream… just to notice there was no dream.
“Kyyyyyyyyaaaaaaaaa!” A shriek woke up half the dorms habitants. “What? Uh? What?” Asuna alarmed jumped down, tripped and fell to the ground. Negi was left searching madly his glasses. Chamo just was under the covers sleeping still.
“Ojou..o..Oujosama. What are you…? What? Ahh….” Setsuna stumbled with her words. “Secchan! What’s wrong? Are you ok?” Konoka was awaked instantly. Setsuna got a better view of her Ojou-sama and that got her petrified. Seeing their closeness a rush of red tinted her face and even her ears. Konoka panicked. “Ah, you’re all red. It’s your fever back?” Konoka laid their foreheads together to feel it. Setsuna eyes widened and she pulled back smacking her back and head with the wall. “Ow” “Secchan! Are you hurt?” Setsuna blinked and tried to comprehend what was going on “It’s nothing to worry about, ojousama” said the hanyo more trying still to know how that came to be. “But I do worry about you, Secchan” the candid sentence left disarmed Setsuna. Asuna and Negi watched silently, Asuna grinned “Looks like Setsuna is better now”.
“So you don’t remember much?” asked Negi after some explaining during breakfast. “I’m sorry. Since the activation of Ayase’s shield all is kind of hazy.” Setsuna apologized. Negi scratch his scalp “Never mind. You have nothing to be sorry about, Setsuna-san. I should be the one asking forgiveness. It was somehow my fault you got hurt…”
While Negi and Setsuna kept on apologizing to each other, Konoka grab Setsuna’s arm possessively. Setsuna shut up in mid sentence and looked at her. Konoka’s puppy eyes attacked. It seemed Setsuna managed to scare really bad her ojousama this time. “I’m truly sorry, Ojousama. For haven worried you and for being a burden to you” Setsuna was ashamed. Konoka though, just pouted. “Stop calling me that! Where the Kono-chan from before went?” “But Ojou-sama, it’s improper of me…” Konoka’s pout got bigger. “I’m sorry Kono-chan” Setsuna was defeated by her ojousama mope. Konoka smiled “Now stop apologizing” Setsuna did so.
“I’m fine. I can go to class all right” Setsuna protested when Konoka wanted to make her rest in bed for the rest of the day. “You don’t look like you are up to yet, Setsuna-san” Negi said. Asuna came back from her newspaper gal job and found her roommates discussing if Setsuna should or shouldn’t go to class that day, because her fever was modest but was still there. Konoka was adamant Setsuna rested, exposing she looked flushed. Negi wasn’t sure too about letting Setsuna go so early. Setsuna frustrated asked Asuna help.The redhead knew the best part of Setsuna flushed face had nothing to do with fever, still she didn’t know what to do. “You sure you feel well enough?” “ I will take it easy” promised Setsuna. “Just let me go to my room to change”. Finally Asuna convinced Negi and Konoka to left Setsuna be. “She sometimes doesn’t take adequate care of herself. This way we can make sure she’s ok”
When the four of them arrived at class, some girls eyed Konoka clasped at Setsuna arm. That only wasn’t any that much unusual but today Setsuna perceived odd looks their way. Then, out of the blue Makie and some other girls threw confetti over them. “CONGRATULATIONS!!” “It was about time” “At last!” “Congratulations Setsuna-san. Knew you had it in yourself” “Konoka-chan you two make a so sweet and cute couple” The two girls blinked puzzled. Asuna stepped on “What are you all talking about?” Paru show them the article grinning “Setsuna-san declared her love at last and she and Konoka are officially a couple now. Aren’t they? It’s no secret anymore” “What? We are not…” Setsuna nervous outburst was cut off as she saw the picture at the article. With avid hands she snatched the paper from Paru hands. “What? When?…” Setsuna’s color drained, then it all came back as a big-bang blush.
The paparazzi’s class just grinned at the couple making the thumb ups sign while Evangeline eyed them with a raised eyebrow and a wicked smile. The vampire had seen the camera’s girl hidden between the bushes at nighttime the day before and gave her the information to go with the picture she had taken just moments ago at the clearing. The vampire took pleasure in Setsuna expression, that was her revenge. She was a cruel heartless vampire, and she had been worried sick about the hanyou. Like if she cared! No way she was gonna let that pass.
‘Sakurazaki Setsuna and Konoe Konoka together at last. Negi-sensei and Asuna Kagurazaka witnesses of their promise of love, sealed with a kiss.’ Read the title. There was the picture of named kiss too. Setsuna stared unblinking to it while some classmates whistler at the background. “Oh” said Konoka at her side seeing the picture too. She didn’t looked shocked at all. So the picture was real? Had they kissed? That way? She didn’t remember. She looked from the picture to Konoka who smiled at her oblivious. The picture, kiss; ojou-sama’s lips, kiss. Setsuna world started to spin. “Secchan?” Konoka went closer to her. Setsuna passed out with a nosebleed. All the class gasps. Asuna slapped herself “Maybe she really should have stayed home and rest for the day”
If all turns out well, the above picture is about to become my new avatar! ^^
