Blood Tie
Dean Konoe huffed with exertion, grumbling a curse. EvangelineÆs scathing refusal to return early just a while ago still rang in his ears. Stamping the giant stack of release forms was a lot harder than he thought. Sweat dripped down his wrinkled brow. His arms strained and his aged muscles screamed.
ôArgh!ö he cried out suddenly. Spasms shot through his arm. The rubber stamp dropped from his hand and rolled from atop his desk. The clatter of it hitting the floor went unheard by the principal. Pain radiated from his arms to his back. His upper body convulsed, knocking him from his office chair and to the floor.
Through blurry vision, he could see the stamp where it lay from its drop. His hand weakly reached out for it. The ritual was broken, so he needed to re-perform the rites as quickly as possible. The persistent ache wouldnÆt let up and his sight began to fade. He slumped under his desk, blacked out.
---
In Kyoto, Evangeline was explaining her regeneration abilities when she felt it. It began with a spark and a small crackle. Then her world exploded in pain. Her being was enveloped in lightning. Her back arched and her pupils constricted. A high-pitched scream escaped her throat. She wailed in agony from the electricity coursing through her body. It was much worse than when the seal was restored on her powers on the bridge to the academy. If she were in a better state of mind, she would have deduced that the intensity of her punishment was because of how far away from the campus.
ôEva-chan!ö Asuna called out when the vampire collapsed. EvangelineÆs small frame quaked on the wooden floor. The ponytailed girl didnÆt get halfway to the girl before she heard another body fell to the ground with a clunk. At ChamoÆs exclamation, she turned and saw the downed form of Negi. The right side of his body was turned to stone. She glanced back and forth between teacher and classmate, unable to decide who was worse off.
ôNegi-kun!ö
ôNegi-sensei!ö
Asuna and Chachamaru nearly didnÆt hear the voices over EvangelineÆs shrieking. They looked over to see Konoka and Setsuna running down the walk. Asuna yelled out to them. She tried to shout an explanation, but another voice cut her off.
ôWhat is wrong, de gozaru ka!?ö
Konoka looked over her shoulder to see Kaede, Yue, and some boy running the path behind them. Turning back, she now recognized Evangeline as the other body on the ground. She gasped in both surprise and dismay.
Chachamaru analyzed the situation while everyone gathered together. Her optic sensors whirred, taking in the scene. Her master was still shaking violently, eyes unseeing. Her lips were gaped open, silently screaming because her throat went hoarse. Saliva slid down her cheek. On her other side, Sensei was wheezing. The petrifaction was slowly crawling across his body. His eyes were clamped shut and he was in a cold sweat. He twitched now and again with pain.
The gynoid spoke up when someone asked what was going on. ôMaster is suffering from magical backlash due to being away from the school.ö Everyone turned to look at her. She continued without pause. ôIt is likely that something happened to the principal, and the ritual keeping the Infernus Scholasticus curse in check was interrupted. While she cannot die from just this, the physical strain combined with the mental stress may break her mind.ö
The eyes of everyone gathered widened. Even Mana, who had arrived in time with Ku to hear the robotÆs explanation, was taken aback.
Yue couldnÆt comprehend everything that was going on, but she pushed it aside to think on later. ôWh-what about Negi-sensei?ö To her credit, there was only the slightest quiver to her voice.
ôSensei is in critical condition. The petrifaction of his body is slow because of his magical resistance. But, when it reaches his lungs or neck, he will suffocate.ö
There was a deafening silence as the weight of what was happening settled on everyoneÆs minds. Though Kotaro had no real personal stake in the goings-on, even he was struck silent with the gravity of the situation. The only two mages among them were both in serious danger and they were the only ones that could possibly have the knowledge to save either of them.
Idea coming to mind, Setsuna spun on Konoka. ôOjou-sama!ö
The girl nodded in response, coming to the same idea. She stepped to Asuna and asked for permission to kiss Negi. Yue and Ku gaped.
ôKonoka! This isnÆt the time-ô Asuna was cut off urgently by her best friend.
ôN-no! ItÆs for that, that Pactio-thing!ö Konoka saw the realization dawn on Asuna. She took a breath to clarify. ôSe-chan told me as much as she could. And everyoneÆs here to help me. I want to help, too!ö
ôThatÆs right!ö Chamo said from his perch on AsunaÆs shoulder. ôA Pactio can draw out the latent powers of the Ministra. If we can tap the healing powers that Konoka-neesan used in Cinema Village...ö He let the rest trail off, jumping down to the ground. He pulled out a stick of chalk from nowhere and began to scribe the magic circle to the best of his ability with Negi in the way. Without prompt, Chachamaru gave assist and gently lifted the boy to give him room to work. The glyph was completed quickly and the robot lowered their teacher onto it. Chamo spoke up again. ôIt wonÆt do much for Evangeline, but Aniki can help us with her when heÆs up.ö
Konoka dropped to her knees next to Negi. His breathing was labored and the stone was coming dangerously close to his neck. ôHere goes...ö she whispered. She leaned in and gently placed her lips on his, praying that this would work. There was a brief flash of light and a card appeared nearby. That was ignored in favor of Negi. Moments passed and there was no change.
It was then that Konoka saw the fatal flaw in the plan. She took in a sharp breath, back straightening. Her teary eyes turned to the group. ôI donÆt know what to do!ö The others gasped in turn. Eyes all around began to water as well. Their former adversary turned away from the scene, but he made no move to get away.
ôThe card!ö Chamo shouted. ôTry the card! Take it in your hand and say æAdeat!Æö
Scrambling desperately, she sought out the card, uncaring that her robe fell from her shoulders. All the girls gathered were holding their breaths. Her fingers finally found it, taking only a cursory glance at it. Parts of the picture were starting to fade. She nearly screeched for the release of the artifact in her urgency.
There was another flash of light. Konoka didnÆt notice that she was now dressed, caring only for Negi and the objects in her hands. Her eyes frantically looked over the fans. Tears flowed more freely down her cheeks. ôI donÆt know what to do these either!ö she yelled in a panic. Her heart tightened in her chest.
All of a sudden, EvangelineÆs screams rent the air once more, unnecessarily reminding everyone that the fates of two people hung in the balance. Her back arched to the maximum, nearly lifting her completely off the ground. Her mouth was beginning to foam.
Negi groaned, drawing everyoneÆs attention back to him. His breathing was shallow. ôEva-san...ö he said weakly.
ôSheÆs here,ö Asuna answered.
ôB-bring her here.ö
The girl moved to comply, bells ringing. She cried out when the electricity arced from Evangeline to shock her. Chachamaru stepped in to fulfill their senseiÆs request. Konoka moved to give her room.
ôLay... lay her on t- Nnh-ô
Calculating the rest of the direction, the android placed her master on top of her teacher face-down. If Negi felt pain from the lightning in her body, he didnÆt show it.
ôD-drink, Eva-san.ö
Asuna gasped.
ôAniki!ö
Negi ignored everything save the vampire. ôI canÆt- nn- study the curse now, b-but I can help. Take my- ergh- my blood, Eva-san.ö
Understanding began to set in. The girls cried openly at NegiÆs self-sacrifice. Kotaro turned back to the scene out of respect.
EvangelineÆs mind was a pain-filled haze. A normal person would have been unconscious already. Her vampiric constitution was working against her. The hurt wasnÆt enough to knock her out, but it was constant. She felt nothing but the pain. She was unaware of being moved or the presence of another body. NegiÆs words were distant. Their meaning werenÆt coming easily.
ôAh! Eva-san, please. Save yourse-ô Negi was interrupted by the piercing of his neck. Though getting weaker from his affliction and the feeding, he smiled.
It was only self-preservation instinct that got Evangeline to bite. She drank deeply, the electricity ebbing with every drop of life fluid. Her eyes fell closed. The pain was finally going away.
Asuna was torn. On one hand, Eva-chan was definitely going to kill Negi at this rate. On the other, he might die anyway, slowly and in suffering; barring a miracle. Lost, she could only drop to her hands and knees, tears dripping unchecked.
Evangeline gradually returned to her conscious mind. Her blue eyes shot open. Her head jerked back and she raised herself to look around. She didnÆt hear her ministraÆs words of relief; such was her focus on getting her bearings.
No one said anything while the vampire glanced around furtively. Flecks of blood flew from her chin. Konoka flinched when some landed on her, making tiny red stains on white outfit.
She eventually realized there was body under her. ôBoya?ö She leaned into sitting position. He looked awful. Half of him was turned to stone and the other half was deathly pale. She looked back up to her classmates. ôWhy arenÆt any of you-?ö She froze, seeing her surroundings. Memories crashed into her mind. ôThe curse!ö Nobody was meeting her eyes, not even Chachamaru.
ôBut, how-?ö She struggled to piece everything together. A gust of wind blew, alerting her to wetness on her lips. She reached up to feel the slickness on her lips and chin. Her fingers came away red. ôBlood...?ö She was confused. DidnÆt she already wipe away...? Her eyes widened, taking in NegiÆs form once more.
Setsuna wiped away her tears and stepped in to explain, throat tight. ôNegi-sensei. He...ö The Shinmei swordswoman sniffed, swiping an arm across her nose. ôHe was dying. And you were suffering from your curse. H-he offered you his- his-!ö She couldnÆt go any further.
ôOffered...?ö Everything fell into place for Evangeline. Her eyes panned over to Negi again.
There was only a momentÆs pause before the vampire snapped her sharp, ice-blue gaze onto Konoka. She knew of the girlÆs heritage. ôYou!ö
The brunetteÆs tear-streaked face came up instantly at the forceful voice. When Evangeline started barking orders at her, there was only a little hesitation to follow her commands. The blonde yelled instructions at Konoka on how to focus her magical energies.
Evangeline saw the fans at KonokaÆs feet, forgotten. She reached out and snatched them, only to let out yelp and drop them in reaction to the healing energies contained within. ôPick them up!ö she growled at the other girl. ôFocus your power like I told you through the fans. Now, wave them over Boya, directing the energy at him.ö Knowing that the girl would do as told, Evangeline turned to the rest. ôAs for the rest of youà!ö
The vampireÆs berating of everyone on the stupidity of not using such a useful tool went unheard. The rest watched Konoka with bated breath. The petrifaction on NegiÆs body slowly receded. Stone was replaced once more by flesh and bone. The body took in a breath by reflex, but it was weak and Negi was still pale. Everyone relaxed slightly, but remained on edge.
Evangeline stopped her tirade when she realized no one was listening. She waited for Konoka to finish removing NegiÆs affliction before immediately starting to direct her again. This time, there was no hesitation.
Before everyoneÆs eyes, the color came back to NegiÆs features. His chest rose and fell more rhythmically and more easily. Relief spread like a wave when the boy moaned, eyes fluttering.
Negi slowly opened his eyes, vision blurry. When everything came into focus, he could see his students looking down at him with hopeful expressions. ôKonoka-san?ö He could feel that the girl was holding up his head. His eyes shifted over. ôEva-san? YouÆre all okay, thank goodness...ö
With that, the stress was washed away. Happy tears were shed and cheers rose. Chamo and Ku danced around with joy. Kotaro tried to hide his succor that the boy was okay. All celebration petered off when everyone noticed Evangeline looming over Negi.
Konoka backed away at the vampireÆs intimidating glare. Negi winced as his head hit the deck. Evangeline smirked, slinking down to her hands and knees over him. The smirk widened at his trembling. The group could only stare. ôSince I helped save your life, weÆre even on that account.ö She crawled closer.
ôEva-san?ö
The centuries young girl paid no heed to him. ôBut, there is the matter of the curse...ö The boy gulped. Evangeline just smiled wickedly. ôIt seems that I owe you...ö She descended on him, claiming his lips. Three distinct thumps were heard from Asuna, Setsuna, and Yue fell on their behinds in shock. Evangeline gave it no mind, closing her eyes. Negi laid unmoving, still stunned.
The magic circle under them lit up once more.
---
Konoemon awoke with a start. Glancing at a clock, he guessed that heÆd spent almost a half an hour passed out. He grabbed the rubber stamp with some urgency and set about to renew the ritual. Papers were shuffled; stamped ones were thrown off his desk and the others were arranged for easier reach.
The principal split his focus on getting things prepared again and chanting a spell for long-range communication. ôEvangeline, are you all right? IÆll redo the ceremony and get back to signing the forms as soon as I can.ö There was a pause. The dean worried for a moment before the response.
DonÆt bother, old man.
ôWhat?ö The girl sounded remarkably calm, considering his screw up. He breathed in sharply. Had the curse somehow been broken? Did she take young NegiÆs blood to break it? Konoemon trembled at the idea of Evangeline free to wreak havoc again.
IÆll explain when we get back.
Now he was really confused. It looked as if Evangeline was free of the curse, but she was returning to the school? Was it for revenge or something else?
The wizened mage shook his head. There were too many questions, and too few answers. The man got up and made to leave his office. HeÆd rest his old bones and heal up before thinking about what he should do.
----------
Just another idea that popped up. Honestly, I've only the vaguest idea where this is going...
Dean Konoe huffed with exertion, grumbling a curse. EvangelineÆs scathing refusal to return early just a while ago still rang in his ears. Stamping the giant stack of release forms was a lot harder than he thought. Sweat dripped down his wrinkled brow. His arms strained and his aged muscles screamed.
ôArgh!ö he cried out suddenly. Spasms shot through his arm. The rubber stamp dropped from his hand and rolled from atop his desk. The clatter of it hitting the floor went unheard by the principal. Pain radiated from his arms to his back. His upper body convulsed, knocking him from his office chair and to the floor.
Through blurry vision, he could see the stamp where it lay from its drop. His hand weakly reached out for it. The ritual was broken, so he needed to re-perform the rites as quickly as possible. The persistent ache wouldnÆt let up and his sight began to fade. He slumped under his desk, blacked out.
---
In Kyoto, Evangeline was explaining her regeneration abilities when she felt it. It began with a spark and a small crackle. Then her world exploded in pain. Her being was enveloped in lightning. Her back arched and her pupils constricted. A high-pitched scream escaped her throat. She wailed in agony from the electricity coursing through her body. It was much worse than when the seal was restored on her powers on the bridge to the academy. If she were in a better state of mind, she would have deduced that the intensity of her punishment was because of how far away from the campus.
ôEva-chan!ö Asuna called out when the vampire collapsed. EvangelineÆs small frame quaked on the wooden floor. The ponytailed girl didnÆt get halfway to the girl before she heard another body fell to the ground with a clunk. At ChamoÆs exclamation, she turned and saw the downed form of Negi. The right side of his body was turned to stone. She glanced back and forth between teacher and classmate, unable to decide who was worse off.
ôNegi-kun!ö
ôNegi-sensei!ö
Asuna and Chachamaru nearly didnÆt hear the voices over EvangelineÆs shrieking. They looked over to see Konoka and Setsuna running down the walk. Asuna yelled out to them. She tried to shout an explanation, but another voice cut her off.
ôWhat is wrong, de gozaru ka!?ö
Konoka looked over her shoulder to see Kaede, Yue, and some boy running the path behind them. Turning back, she now recognized Evangeline as the other body on the ground. She gasped in both surprise and dismay.
Chachamaru analyzed the situation while everyone gathered together. Her optic sensors whirred, taking in the scene. Her master was still shaking violently, eyes unseeing. Her lips were gaped open, silently screaming because her throat went hoarse. Saliva slid down her cheek. On her other side, Sensei was wheezing. The petrifaction was slowly crawling across his body. His eyes were clamped shut and he was in a cold sweat. He twitched now and again with pain.
The gynoid spoke up when someone asked what was going on. ôMaster is suffering from magical backlash due to being away from the school.ö Everyone turned to look at her. She continued without pause. ôIt is likely that something happened to the principal, and the ritual keeping the Infernus Scholasticus curse in check was interrupted. While she cannot die from just this, the physical strain combined with the mental stress may break her mind.ö
The eyes of everyone gathered widened. Even Mana, who had arrived in time with Ku to hear the robotÆs explanation, was taken aback.
Yue couldnÆt comprehend everything that was going on, but she pushed it aside to think on later. ôWh-what about Negi-sensei?ö To her credit, there was only the slightest quiver to her voice.
ôSensei is in critical condition. The petrifaction of his body is slow because of his magical resistance. But, when it reaches his lungs or neck, he will suffocate.ö
There was a deafening silence as the weight of what was happening settled on everyoneÆs minds. Though Kotaro had no real personal stake in the goings-on, even he was struck silent with the gravity of the situation. The only two mages among them were both in serious danger and they were the only ones that could possibly have the knowledge to save either of them.
Idea coming to mind, Setsuna spun on Konoka. ôOjou-sama!ö
The girl nodded in response, coming to the same idea. She stepped to Asuna and asked for permission to kiss Negi. Yue and Ku gaped.
ôKonoka! This isnÆt the time-ô Asuna was cut off urgently by her best friend.
ôN-no! ItÆs for that, that Pactio-thing!ö Konoka saw the realization dawn on Asuna. She took a breath to clarify. ôSe-chan told me as much as she could. And everyoneÆs here to help me. I want to help, too!ö
ôThatÆs right!ö Chamo said from his perch on AsunaÆs shoulder. ôA Pactio can draw out the latent powers of the Ministra. If we can tap the healing powers that Konoka-neesan used in Cinema Village...ö He let the rest trail off, jumping down to the ground. He pulled out a stick of chalk from nowhere and began to scribe the magic circle to the best of his ability with Negi in the way. Without prompt, Chachamaru gave assist and gently lifted the boy to give him room to work. The glyph was completed quickly and the robot lowered their teacher onto it. Chamo spoke up again. ôIt wonÆt do much for Evangeline, but Aniki can help us with her when heÆs up.ö
Konoka dropped to her knees next to Negi. His breathing was labored and the stone was coming dangerously close to his neck. ôHere goes...ö she whispered. She leaned in and gently placed her lips on his, praying that this would work. There was a brief flash of light and a card appeared nearby. That was ignored in favor of Negi. Moments passed and there was no change.
It was then that Konoka saw the fatal flaw in the plan. She took in a sharp breath, back straightening. Her teary eyes turned to the group. ôI donÆt know what to do!ö The others gasped in turn. Eyes all around began to water as well. Their former adversary turned away from the scene, but he made no move to get away.
ôThe card!ö Chamo shouted. ôTry the card! Take it in your hand and say æAdeat!Æö
Scrambling desperately, she sought out the card, uncaring that her robe fell from her shoulders. All the girls gathered were holding their breaths. Her fingers finally found it, taking only a cursory glance at it. Parts of the picture were starting to fade. She nearly screeched for the release of the artifact in her urgency.
There was another flash of light. Konoka didnÆt notice that she was now dressed, caring only for Negi and the objects in her hands. Her eyes frantically looked over the fans. Tears flowed more freely down her cheeks. ôI donÆt know what to do these either!ö she yelled in a panic. Her heart tightened in her chest.
All of a sudden, EvangelineÆs screams rent the air once more, unnecessarily reminding everyone that the fates of two people hung in the balance. Her back arched to the maximum, nearly lifting her completely off the ground. Her mouth was beginning to foam.
Negi groaned, drawing everyoneÆs attention back to him. His breathing was shallow. ôEva-san...ö he said weakly.
ôSheÆs here,ö Asuna answered.
ôB-bring her here.ö
The girl moved to comply, bells ringing. She cried out when the electricity arced from Evangeline to shock her. Chachamaru stepped in to fulfill their senseiÆs request. Konoka moved to give her room.
ôLay... lay her on t- Nnh-ô
Calculating the rest of the direction, the android placed her master on top of her teacher face-down. If Negi felt pain from the lightning in her body, he didnÆt show it.
ôD-drink, Eva-san.ö
Asuna gasped.
ôAniki!ö
Negi ignored everything save the vampire. ôI canÆt- nn- study the curse now, b-but I can help. Take my- ergh- my blood, Eva-san.ö
Understanding began to set in. The girls cried openly at NegiÆs self-sacrifice. Kotaro turned back to the scene out of respect.
EvangelineÆs mind was a pain-filled haze. A normal person would have been unconscious already. Her vampiric constitution was working against her. The hurt wasnÆt enough to knock her out, but it was constant. She felt nothing but the pain. She was unaware of being moved or the presence of another body. NegiÆs words were distant. Their meaning werenÆt coming easily.
ôAh! Eva-san, please. Save yourse-ô Negi was interrupted by the piercing of his neck. Though getting weaker from his affliction and the feeding, he smiled.
It was only self-preservation instinct that got Evangeline to bite. She drank deeply, the electricity ebbing with every drop of life fluid. Her eyes fell closed. The pain was finally going away.
Asuna was torn. On one hand, Eva-chan was definitely going to kill Negi at this rate. On the other, he might die anyway, slowly and in suffering; barring a miracle. Lost, she could only drop to her hands and knees, tears dripping unchecked.
Evangeline gradually returned to her conscious mind. Her blue eyes shot open. Her head jerked back and she raised herself to look around. She didnÆt hear her ministraÆs words of relief; such was her focus on getting her bearings.
No one said anything while the vampire glanced around furtively. Flecks of blood flew from her chin. Konoka flinched when some landed on her, making tiny red stains on white outfit.
She eventually realized there was body under her. ôBoya?ö She leaned into sitting position. He looked awful. Half of him was turned to stone and the other half was deathly pale. She looked back up to her classmates. ôWhy arenÆt any of you-?ö She froze, seeing her surroundings. Memories crashed into her mind. ôThe curse!ö Nobody was meeting her eyes, not even Chachamaru.
ôBut, how-?ö She struggled to piece everything together. A gust of wind blew, alerting her to wetness on her lips. She reached up to feel the slickness on her lips and chin. Her fingers came away red. ôBlood...?ö She was confused. DidnÆt she already wipe away...? Her eyes widened, taking in NegiÆs form once more.
Setsuna wiped away her tears and stepped in to explain, throat tight. ôNegi-sensei. He...ö The Shinmei swordswoman sniffed, swiping an arm across her nose. ôHe was dying. And you were suffering from your curse. H-he offered you his- his-!ö She couldnÆt go any further.
ôOffered...?ö Everything fell into place for Evangeline. Her eyes panned over to Negi again.
There was only a momentÆs pause before the vampire snapped her sharp, ice-blue gaze onto Konoka. She knew of the girlÆs heritage. ôYou!ö
The brunetteÆs tear-streaked face came up instantly at the forceful voice. When Evangeline started barking orders at her, there was only a little hesitation to follow her commands. The blonde yelled instructions at Konoka on how to focus her magical energies.
Evangeline saw the fans at KonokaÆs feet, forgotten. She reached out and snatched them, only to let out yelp and drop them in reaction to the healing energies contained within. ôPick them up!ö she growled at the other girl. ôFocus your power like I told you through the fans. Now, wave them over Boya, directing the energy at him.ö Knowing that the girl would do as told, Evangeline turned to the rest. ôAs for the rest of youà!ö
The vampireÆs berating of everyone on the stupidity of not using such a useful tool went unheard. The rest watched Konoka with bated breath. The petrifaction on NegiÆs body slowly receded. Stone was replaced once more by flesh and bone. The body took in a breath by reflex, but it was weak and Negi was still pale. Everyone relaxed slightly, but remained on edge.
Evangeline stopped her tirade when she realized no one was listening. She waited for Konoka to finish removing NegiÆs affliction before immediately starting to direct her again. This time, there was no hesitation.
Before everyoneÆs eyes, the color came back to NegiÆs features. His chest rose and fell more rhythmically and more easily. Relief spread like a wave when the boy moaned, eyes fluttering.
Negi slowly opened his eyes, vision blurry. When everything came into focus, he could see his students looking down at him with hopeful expressions. ôKonoka-san?ö He could feel that the girl was holding up his head. His eyes shifted over. ôEva-san? YouÆre all okay, thank goodness...ö
With that, the stress was washed away. Happy tears were shed and cheers rose. Chamo and Ku danced around with joy. Kotaro tried to hide his succor that the boy was okay. All celebration petered off when everyone noticed Evangeline looming over Negi.
Konoka backed away at the vampireÆs intimidating glare. Negi winced as his head hit the deck. Evangeline smirked, slinking down to her hands and knees over him. The smirk widened at his trembling. The group could only stare. ôSince I helped save your life, weÆre even on that account.ö She crawled closer.
ôEva-san?ö
The centuries young girl paid no heed to him. ôBut, there is the matter of the curse...ö The boy gulped. Evangeline just smiled wickedly. ôIt seems that I owe you...ö She descended on him, claiming his lips. Three distinct thumps were heard from Asuna, Setsuna, and Yue fell on their behinds in shock. Evangeline gave it no mind, closing her eyes. Negi laid unmoving, still stunned.
The magic circle under them lit up once more.
---
Konoemon awoke with a start. Glancing at a clock, he guessed that heÆd spent almost a half an hour passed out. He grabbed the rubber stamp with some urgency and set about to renew the ritual. Papers were shuffled; stamped ones were thrown off his desk and the others were arranged for easier reach.
The principal split his focus on getting things prepared again and chanting a spell for long-range communication. ôEvangeline, are you all right? IÆll redo the ceremony and get back to signing the forms as soon as I can.ö There was a pause. The dean worried for a moment before the response.
DonÆt bother, old man.
ôWhat?ö The girl sounded remarkably calm, considering his screw up. He breathed in sharply. Had the curse somehow been broken? Did she take young NegiÆs blood to break it? Konoemon trembled at the idea of Evangeline free to wreak havoc again.
IÆll explain when we get back.
Now he was really confused. It looked as if Evangeline was free of the curse, but she was returning to the school? Was it for revenge or something else?
The wizened mage shook his head. There were too many questions, and too few answers. The man got up and made to leave his office. HeÆd rest his old bones and heal up before thinking about what he should do.
----------
Just another idea that popped up. Honestly, I've only the vaguest idea where this is going...