The Grail War Chronicles
by Ryoga's Best friend
"Prepare the Circle Chamo."
"You got it bro."
It was in the forests surrounding Mahora that Negi had set up camp, a one-night excursion. The Ermine set to carefully crafting the magic circle as the teacher looked over the instructions. It was a sensitive ritual, one that would take time and no interruptions. Two things he could not guarantee back at the campus.
"Are you sure you want to do this? This whole contest sounds dangerous..." she set down her camping back not bothering to hide her frown of concern. Kyoto had been a bit of an eye opening experience that there were some serious issues starting to pop up the more she got dragged into the magical world. Not just Negi but now Konoka was a possible danger. Even with the added assistance of Setsuna, Ku Fei and Kaede Asuna just couldn't feel confident that she could continue to protect the bull headed mage as she was.
"Asuna... I, I have to try. A wish like this doesn't come around often. With this I can fix everything. I know I can." His eyes narrowed memorizing the instructions to the letter. In return she sighed and shook her head, if she had learned anything about magic was that there were never simple solutions.
"Fine. Just try not to go overboard... again."
"Right!"
Asuna looked over as a hand fell on her shoulder. Kaede's cool smile did a small amount to comfort her nerves.
"Cheer up Asuna-san, You've started up lessons with Setsuna-san after all. With hard work you skills will blossom, of that this one is sure. A few demons will be short work, you have much potential-de gozaru." the chunin's tone flowed over like a lazy stream with nothing but genuine praise. "Besides, you will never be alone in watching Negi-bozu. Of that this one can promise."
"Thanks Kaede-san." Asuna smiled a little. "I guess there really isn't any turning back now anyway." the two shared a light chuckle. The ninja moved on toward their distracted sensei. It was hard for Asuna to believe just how strong some of her classmates were, if that battle in Kyoto meant anything then she still had a long way to go. Though I do wonder what this grail war will be about... the little rodent was pretty vague about the competition itself. I guess I'll just have to be ready for anything.
"Oi, Negi-bozu."
"Ah Kaede-san, thank you so much for finding this spot it's perfect." Ever the English gentleman Negi was quick to compliment.
"This one is just glad to be of assistance Sensei." She gave a small bow and an easy smile. "I will keep watch and make sure you can perform what you must." and with a rush of air she was gone.
"Wow she really something... hm, I wonder if she'd train me to fight against that boy?" he muttered to himself. The Boy, Fate, was quite powerful in both magic and hand-to-hand. Training was definitely something to consider. "After, I'll figure things out after this contest."
"Circle's almost ready Bro! Don't forget to bring the focus with ya."
"Okay!" Negi turned to his chief partner who passed him thumbs up.
"Don't worry I'll be keeping an eye out down here."
"Thanks Asuna-san," he smiled and rushed over to the circle pulling a chipped piece of stone from his pocket. A piece of stone that held the choosing sword, Caliburn. Chamo wasn't clear how he got it but he swears it was the real deal. Clenching it he moved to the side of the glowing red circle. Kneeling he carefully placed the stone at the centermost point and held out his staff. The power being drawn for the ritual was immense, much greater then anything he'd attempted at school. His breathing slowed, his body's magic growing in tune with that of the summoning circle. Taking one last breath he began speaking in rapid-fire Latin working through the western translation of the summoning incantation. His body and spirit on autopilot allowing his mind to wander.
~A few days before~
"Asuna-san, Have you seen my staff around?"
"Your staff?"
Asuna, Konoka, and Negi were on their usual jog to class, the field trip had finished two days ago and surprisingly things came back to normal.
"A mage should be more careful with their focus." The newest addition to the morning ritual Setsuna commented easily keeping up with the energetic pace.
"I always put it in the same place but when I woke up today it was gone." Negi looked down, biting his lip. If anything happened to his dad's staff he'd never forgive himself. A light rap atop his head brought him back to attention.
"Don't mope, we can look around after class all right?" Asuna offered him a smile, which he couldn't help but return.
"Right!"
They continued on to class, and Negi did his best to teach his group of high-spirited girls but his mind was far from the lesson. His mind was on Kyoto. Though he had made many beautiful memories, and three pactios, the danger had been near constant. Petrifaction... if any such skill got under Negi's skin it would be that.
That boy a shock of white hair, calm almost bored face, mixing brutal martial arts with deadly stone based spells. If it hadn't been for Evangeline I would have been beaten... Someone not much older then myself and I was totally outclassed. It was a sour pill to swallow but he now knew just how far he needed to go. His eyes scanned over his students as they practiced translation, a few missing due to an apparent cold going around. Ku Fei, Kaede, Mana, Setsuna, Chachamaru, Evangeline... all of them were strong and confident. They all stood on a higher level then himself. Who knew if other girls lurking in the midst were hiding abilities as well... at this point he wouldn't be too surprised.
I need to get even better... A flash of a cloaked man holding out a gnarled staff. If I'm going to see him again I have to...
The day moved on and classes came and went. Soon enough Asuna and Negi were back on their way to class, Konoka having dragged her bodyguard off for some much-needed bonding. Really, for all her power the swordsman seemed totally defenseless when it came to Konoka's smile. Not that Negi had not been similarly swayed by the girl on more then one occasion.
"Just let me drop off my things and then we can start looking around."
"Thank you Asuna-san, I really appreciate it."
"Just keep a better eye on it next time." Unlocking the door they headed into the room and their, in it's usual corner leaned Negi's mage staff.
"What..."
"Lost it huh?" sarcasm flowed alongside her words as she shook her head.
"But it wasnÆt there this morning I swear."
"Well anyway it's there now so no need to worry anymore, I'm going for an afternoon soak." Asuna placed her things down. "Something I expect you to do before bed."
"R-right." Negi sighed, he hated bathes. He did his best to put that issue aside and picked up his wayward staff, a small frown appearing on his face. "It's cold..." he allowed his magic to flow and the staff began to warm up immediately. Somehow the staff had used up some of its magic charge in its absence. "Hm."
"Yo Negi!" the teacher looked up to his person area to see Chamo hopping up and down. "Bro come up I have something you gotta see." Putting the staff issue aside he leaned it back in place and climbed up to his roost. His familiar was perched on the table, open laptop in front of him.
"What is it Chamo?"
"I got word from one of my buddies about a contest. Really hush hush but it's being held here on the campus. It sounds like the real deal."
"A contest?"
"Yeah, a competition of mages. The winner gets access to the Holy Grail, a powerful artifact, for a wish. We're talking true magic bro. You could wish more anything, not restriction!"
"Th-The Holy Grail?" The child teacher's eyes were wide. "The Holy Grail is here?!"
"Well I don't know if it's the same one as the legend but this contest has been going on here for nearly 400 years. The last time was a long while off, though y friend is positive this is the year it returns." Chamo could barely contain himself, this was an opportunity he couldn't let pass by... he just needed to get Negi see it. "Think of it Negi... anything you want."
"Anything?" several images passed through his mind. He could wish to be a magister magi but that would be a hollow victory... to see his father. No that would be far too selfish. Slowly a more unpleasant memory came to mind. The fire burned, the sky black with smoke and dark magic. People frozen in stone, faces contorted with fear a few fallen and broken, never to become whole again. "Even... My village." his voice was soft, unable to bring more strength to his voice so soon after the mental assault. His familiar blinked and turned his eyes away. That hadn't been a thought that he would have foreseen, thinking it would have been a bit more frivolous... but that was how his æbigÆ brother was.
"Yeah Negi, the Grail could probably fix everyone there."
"...What do I have to do?"
~Back at present~
The sun had almost set as Negi was coming the last few lines of the summoning. Would the grail find him worthy? It had too... This was for everyone back in Wales. For his sister and Anya too. He held his arm out into the circle, magical energy arcing up from the ground to his arm. Suddenly it felt like his arm was on fire. He gritted his teeth but could not hold back the screams of pain. Asuna started forward but Chamo stopped her.
"Not yet nee-chan. He's being tested."
"But it's hurting him."
"That's good."
"What? How can that be-"
"Look at his arm." Asuna focused more on the arm a series of red symbols fading into view, pulsing in tune with the circle below. "What in the world?"
"He's doing it, Hah I knew Bro would get chosen!"
"Negi..."
The boy fell to one knee, breathing hard and clutching his now freed arm. The burning sensation faded to a warmer more pleasant feeling. He looked at the symbols on his arm in wonder. They weren't in any language he knew but there were distinctly three, marked up his forearm to his wrist.
"Command seals."
"Negi, it's working get back a little." he didn't question his familiar's words and took a few steps back as the stone began to glow brightly. It warped and stretched into a portal of energy. With a rush of power a figure began to rise from the ground.
"Is it... Is it really King Arthur?" Negi watched with wide eyes and a racing heart. One of the greatest heroes of his homeland. The details began clearer. Clothes of a noble blue, armor gleaming and unblemished. Piercing green eyes leveled downward to meet his own.
"A woman?" Asuna muttered in surprise. Negi wasnÆt sure what to think, this wasn't who was supposed to arrive but she held an eerie beauty in her presence. Radiating with magical power, there was no doubt she was a servant.
"I ask of you." her voice was terse and to the point, expression serious and unwavering. "Are you my master?"
~~
AN - Well Yet another Negima story get's moving. Blame my Fate/Stay Marathon but I'm really liking this idea as it promises to be very interesting. the conflicts between masters, the interesting servents as well as a few of Negi's canon events all coming into play.
by Ryoga's Best friend
"Prepare the Circle Chamo."
"You got it bro."
It was in the forests surrounding Mahora that Negi had set up camp, a one-night excursion. The Ermine set to carefully crafting the magic circle as the teacher looked over the instructions. It was a sensitive ritual, one that would take time and no interruptions. Two things he could not guarantee back at the campus.
"Are you sure you want to do this? This whole contest sounds dangerous..." she set down her camping back not bothering to hide her frown of concern. Kyoto had been a bit of an eye opening experience that there were some serious issues starting to pop up the more she got dragged into the magical world. Not just Negi but now Konoka was a possible danger. Even with the added assistance of Setsuna, Ku Fei and Kaede Asuna just couldn't feel confident that she could continue to protect the bull headed mage as she was.
"Asuna... I, I have to try. A wish like this doesn't come around often. With this I can fix everything. I know I can." His eyes narrowed memorizing the instructions to the letter. In return she sighed and shook her head, if she had learned anything about magic was that there were never simple solutions.
"Fine. Just try not to go overboard... again."
"Right!"
Asuna looked over as a hand fell on her shoulder. Kaede's cool smile did a small amount to comfort her nerves.
"Cheer up Asuna-san, You've started up lessons with Setsuna-san after all. With hard work you skills will blossom, of that this one is sure. A few demons will be short work, you have much potential-de gozaru." the chunin's tone flowed over like a lazy stream with nothing but genuine praise. "Besides, you will never be alone in watching Negi-bozu. Of that this one can promise."
"Thanks Kaede-san." Asuna smiled a little. "I guess there really isn't any turning back now anyway." the two shared a light chuckle. The ninja moved on toward their distracted sensei. It was hard for Asuna to believe just how strong some of her classmates were, if that battle in Kyoto meant anything then she still had a long way to go. Though I do wonder what this grail war will be about... the little rodent was pretty vague about the competition itself. I guess I'll just have to be ready for anything.
"Oi, Negi-bozu."
"Ah Kaede-san, thank you so much for finding this spot it's perfect." Ever the English gentleman Negi was quick to compliment.
"This one is just glad to be of assistance Sensei." She gave a small bow and an easy smile. "I will keep watch and make sure you can perform what you must." and with a rush of air she was gone.
"Wow she really something... hm, I wonder if she'd train me to fight against that boy?" he muttered to himself. The Boy, Fate, was quite powerful in both magic and hand-to-hand. Training was definitely something to consider. "After, I'll figure things out after this contest."
"Circle's almost ready Bro! Don't forget to bring the focus with ya."
"Okay!" Negi turned to his chief partner who passed him thumbs up.
"Don't worry I'll be keeping an eye out down here."
"Thanks Asuna-san," he smiled and rushed over to the circle pulling a chipped piece of stone from his pocket. A piece of stone that held the choosing sword, Caliburn. Chamo wasn't clear how he got it but he swears it was the real deal. Clenching it he moved to the side of the glowing red circle. Kneeling he carefully placed the stone at the centermost point and held out his staff. The power being drawn for the ritual was immense, much greater then anything he'd attempted at school. His breathing slowed, his body's magic growing in tune with that of the summoning circle. Taking one last breath he began speaking in rapid-fire Latin working through the western translation of the summoning incantation. His body and spirit on autopilot allowing his mind to wander.
~A few days before~
"Asuna-san, Have you seen my staff around?"
"Your staff?"
Asuna, Konoka, and Negi were on their usual jog to class, the field trip had finished two days ago and surprisingly things came back to normal.
"A mage should be more careful with their focus." The newest addition to the morning ritual Setsuna commented easily keeping up with the energetic pace.
"I always put it in the same place but when I woke up today it was gone." Negi looked down, biting his lip. If anything happened to his dad's staff he'd never forgive himself. A light rap atop his head brought him back to attention.
"Don't mope, we can look around after class all right?" Asuna offered him a smile, which he couldn't help but return.
"Right!"
They continued on to class, and Negi did his best to teach his group of high-spirited girls but his mind was far from the lesson. His mind was on Kyoto. Though he had made many beautiful memories, and three pactios, the danger had been near constant. Petrifaction... if any such skill got under Negi's skin it would be that.
That boy a shock of white hair, calm almost bored face, mixing brutal martial arts with deadly stone based spells. If it hadn't been for Evangeline I would have been beaten... Someone not much older then myself and I was totally outclassed. It was a sour pill to swallow but he now knew just how far he needed to go. His eyes scanned over his students as they practiced translation, a few missing due to an apparent cold going around. Ku Fei, Kaede, Mana, Setsuna, Chachamaru, Evangeline... all of them were strong and confident. They all stood on a higher level then himself. Who knew if other girls lurking in the midst were hiding abilities as well... at this point he wouldn't be too surprised.
I need to get even better... A flash of a cloaked man holding out a gnarled staff. If I'm going to see him again I have to...
The day moved on and classes came and went. Soon enough Asuna and Negi were back on their way to class, Konoka having dragged her bodyguard off for some much-needed bonding. Really, for all her power the swordsman seemed totally defenseless when it came to Konoka's smile. Not that Negi had not been similarly swayed by the girl on more then one occasion.
"Just let me drop off my things and then we can start looking around."
"Thank you Asuna-san, I really appreciate it."
"Just keep a better eye on it next time." Unlocking the door they headed into the room and their, in it's usual corner leaned Negi's mage staff.
"What..."
"Lost it huh?" sarcasm flowed alongside her words as she shook her head.
"But it wasnÆt there this morning I swear."
"Well anyway it's there now so no need to worry anymore, I'm going for an afternoon soak." Asuna placed her things down. "Something I expect you to do before bed."
"R-right." Negi sighed, he hated bathes. He did his best to put that issue aside and picked up his wayward staff, a small frown appearing on his face. "It's cold..." he allowed his magic to flow and the staff began to warm up immediately. Somehow the staff had used up some of its magic charge in its absence. "Hm."
"Yo Negi!" the teacher looked up to his person area to see Chamo hopping up and down. "Bro come up I have something you gotta see." Putting the staff issue aside he leaned it back in place and climbed up to his roost. His familiar was perched on the table, open laptop in front of him.
"What is it Chamo?"
"I got word from one of my buddies about a contest. Really hush hush but it's being held here on the campus. It sounds like the real deal."
"A contest?"
"Yeah, a competition of mages. The winner gets access to the Holy Grail, a powerful artifact, for a wish. We're talking true magic bro. You could wish more anything, not restriction!"
"Th-The Holy Grail?" The child teacher's eyes were wide. "The Holy Grail is here?!"
"Well I don't know if it's the same one as the legend but this contest has been going on here for nearly 400 years. The last time was a long while off, though y friend is positive this is the year it returns." Chamo could barely contain himself, this was an opportunity he couldn't let pass by... he just needed to get Negi see it. "Think of it Negi... anything you want."
"Anything?" several images passed through his mind. He could wish to be a magister magi but that would be a hollow victory... to see his father. No that would be far too selfish. Slowly a more unpleasant memory came to mind. The fire burned, the sky black with smoke and dark magic. People frozen in stone, faces contorted with fear a few fallen and broken, never to become whole again. "Even... My village." his voice was soft, unable to bring more strength to his voice so soon after the mental assault. His familiar blinked and turned his eyes away. That hadn't been a thought that he would have foreseen, thinking it would have been a bit more frivolous... but that was how his æbigÆ brother was.
"Yeah Negi, the Grail could probably fix everyone there."
"...What do I have to do?"
~Back at present~
The sun had almost set as Negi was coming the last few lines of the summoning. Would the grail find him worthy? It had too... This was for everyone back in Wales. For his sister and Anya too. He held his arm out into the circle, magical energy arcing up from the ground to his arm. Suddenly it felt like his arm was on fire. He gritted his teeth but could not hold back the screams of pain. Asuna started forward but Chamo stopped her.
"Not yet nee-chan. He's being tested."
"But it's hurting him."
"That's good."
"What? How can that be-"
"Look at his arm." Asuna focused more on the arm a series of red symbols fading into view, pulsing in tune with the circle below. "What in the world?"
"He's doing it, Hah I knew Bro would get chosen!"
"Negi..."
The boy fell to one knee, breathing hard and clutching his now freed arm. The burning sensation faded to a warmer more pleasant feeling. He looked at the symbols on his arm in wonder. They weren't in any language he knew but there were distinctly three, marked up his forearm to his wrist.
"Command seals."
"Negi, it's working get back a little." he didn't question his familiar's words and took a few steps back as the stone began to glow brightly. It warped and stretched into a portal of energy. With a rush of power a figure began to rise from the ground.
"Is it... Is it really King Arthur?" Negi watched with wide eyes and a racing heart. One of the greatest heroes of his homeland. The details began clearer. Clothes of a noble blue, armor gleaming and unblemished. Piercing green eyes leveled downward to meet his own.
"A woman?" Asuna muttered in surprise. Negi wasnÆt sure what to think, this wasn't who was supposed to arrive but she held an eerie beauty in her presence. Radiating with magical power, there was no doubt she was a servant.
"I ask of you." her voice was terse and to the point, expression serious and unwavering. "Are you my master?"
~~
AN - Well Yet another Negima story get's moving. Blame my Fate/Stay Marathon but I'm really liking this idea as it promises to be very interesting. the conflicts between masters, the interesting servents as well as a few of Negi's canon events all coming into play.