The train clacked along the rails in a dull rhythm, jostling his body every few moments. It was his luck that he boarded at an early station and took a seat. This was the second train he found himself on within an hour since he arrived in Japan. The first train ran from a small station on the outskirts of Tokyo city a to connect to a much larger one some miles away. From there he was able to quickly board a train that went straight to his destination. After leaving the station the tracks had moved swiftly away from civilization and cut through a dense forest for the better part of an hour before it reached the first of many sub stations. Almost everyone who boarded at that point where either children our young adults.

For the duration of the trip he drifted in and out of consciousness. Having memorized the schedule by heart he wasn't afraid of sleeping past his stop. He slept sideways in the row of seats, his back pressed against the end wall and his legs pulled to his chest. Cradled against his chest was a large raven, its head tucked carefully under one of its wings. Beside it was a long ermine. The gentle rise and fall of its chest shifting its white fur. He woke for the fifth time when a gently finger poked repeatedly at his shoulder. Opening his eyes slowly to avoid being blinded by the sun he noticed right away that the two animals were no longer with him. Nest his saw that the train compartment was absolutely packed. The person that was poking him, an older teenage girl with short spiky hair gave him a apologetic smile and gestured to his legs. At some point in his sleep he stretched out across the seats, denying at least three people a chance to sit. He sat up straight allowing the girl and two of her friends to fill the seats and chat with each other.

Rubbing the crust from his eyes he gazed around wondering where his companions went. As if sensing his thoughts the raven quickly poked her head out of the flap of his traveling bag, giving him a pleasant chirp before ducking back. He squinted searching around. Where was the ermine?

"Chamo?" The word echoed throughout his skull like a clap in a metal hanger. Rising and falling before it faded away.

"Hehehe" The laugh echoed in his head followed with a jumble of sensations that turned his face red. A tug brought his gaze to a cluster of school girls giggling and squealing.

"He's so cute!"

"Hitomi don't hog him!"

"I wanna pet him I wanna pet him!"

With a frustrated sigh he rubbed at his face. "Just once I would like to bring you with me without this shit happening."

A flutter of wing filled his ear and the raven was on his shoulder. "Let him have his fun Negi. You were out for a while, we should be arriving soon." Her voice was light and kind, a gentle sound that washed over his mind and soothed his being.

Negi lounged back in his seat and waited for the train to arrive at his stop. Chamo joined them some time later, covered in makeup and reeking of perfume.

"Enjoy yourself?"

"Ahh I can die a happy man." The ermine spoke in a scratchy male voice.

Finally, after what felt an eternity to Negi the train arrived at his stop. Through the windows he could see a tight but well placed cluster of multistory brick and stone buildings. He chose to stay seated while the other passengers pushed and shoved their ways to and out the doors.

Students of many ages and grades, but mostly female, rushed from the train station, surprisingly eager to begin the final term of the school year. A voice came over the station's speaker system encouraging the students to make it to their classes on time. As they rushed forth, chatting and meeting up with old friends, none seemed to pay much mind to the little boy waiting patiently for them to go.. After a few minutes, when the crowds of students finally dispersed Negi made his way off the train and away from the station. He moved in at a steady pace to take in the sites. He noted with some joy that the buildings that fill the area around the station seemed to be restaurants and convenience stores. The street were a mix of black top and brike with railways for a trolley carved out.

"Well there sure are a lot of girls here." Chamo said. A perverted grin slowly spreading its way across his face.

"Don't even think about it fur ball!" The raven shouted. "Didn't you get your fill on the train?"

A small trail of blood leaked from his nose as he remembered the hour long trip which he spent peeking up skirts. Except when one of the girls spotted him and, instead of stomping on him like he was used to, picked him up and snuggled him into her chest while screaming how cute he was. By the time he came out of his shock a large group of the girls' friends joined her, smothering him in marshmallow heaven. "Hehe, I love this country."

The raven sighed "Why Negi agreed to bring you along I will never understand."

"Because we're brothers and bros look out for each other" He responded, thumping his chest. "Right bro?"

Negi said nothing as he continued to along the road.

Chamo shot the raven a worried look. "Bro, you ok?"

Again he said nothing as he continued down the street almost mechanically.

The raven let out a depressed sigh. "Negi I know you are upset. It wasn't right of them to force you to come or to place the seal on you, but please remember that Chamo and I are here for you every step of the way. We will not let those fools stop you from reaching your goals!" She stated, her voice burning with passion.

"Kalma's right, those morons don't know who they're dealing with. Once you remove that seal we'll go back and teach them a lesson." Chamo exclaimed while punching the air.

"Yeah, we'll show them what happens when they cross Negi Springfeild!"

Negi stopped walking, now standing at the bottom stairs to a grand brick building, the sign above the main gates read "MAHORA ACADEMY".

"If the seal was an issue I would have done away with it mouths ago. No, I'm exactly where I want to be Kalma." His voice was light and clear, matching his age yet it held a level of maturity to it. He spread his arms out before him, bidding the two to look at the school. "Mahora Academy, a hidden sanctuary and home to magical secrets even some of the world's most refined and powerful magicians are ignorant to. Secrets that only those with the proper knowledge and will can uncover." He lowered his arms, a practically giddy smile appearing across his face. "And I've been hired to teach here for who knows how long. All the hidden treasures and knowledge of the magical world are right at my fingertips, and all I have to do is reach out and grab them."

Chamo and Kalma smiled. "Well then what are we waiting for!" Chamo shouted, slapping himself in the face to pump himself up. "We've got a whole class of lovely Japanese school girls just waiting for me, err, I mean us."

Kalma sighed deeply while Negi gave a quick chuckle. "Come on, I believe they're waiting for us."

XxX

Earlier that morning

Sitting at a large desk in his office, Konoemon felt a small shiver travel up his spine as he gazed at the resent report he held in his hands.

"Are you alright Konoe-sama?"

Konoemon looked up from his papers to the man sitting on the other side of his desk. He was a tall man with grayed hair and slight wrinkles. He wore a brownish green suit with a purple tie and a small pair of bottom framed glasses. "No Takamichi, it's just…"

Takamichi raised an eyebrow. 'He sounds nervous, he's never nervous.' He thought, a small sense of dread clawing at the back of his mind. "What's wrong?"

Konoemon let out a shaky sigh. "This is the graduation report from the academy in Whales." He looked Taka in the eyes. "Negi Springfield graduated."

Takamichi smiled. "Already? That's great!" He exclaimed. "I was originally hoping to attend the ceremony and congratulate him; I haven't had the chance to talk to him since he enrolled."

Konoemon nodded, a wistful smile making its way to his lips. "Yes, he graduated at the top of all of his classes including his electives. The Head Master wrote that all the teachers reported him being an absolute joy to have in class. That his mind was basically a sponge, soaking in all his lessons." Despite his happiness for the boys' achievements his voice still had a sad tone to it.

Takamichi understood, their last encounter with Negi didn't end on a happy note to put it lightly. Still he felt proud that the son of his friend was doing well, and hoped that maybe the boy was finally starting to heal. "Did the report say what his diploma's test was?"

"Yes, he's been assigned as a teacher…here."

Taka's smile fell at that, now realizing the reason for Konoemons' mood. The academy housed many dangerous magical secrets, secrets that Negi would no doubt find and take full advantage of. "So he's the one that's replacing me this year." He stated more than asked.

"Yes. I actually found this out immediately after the graduation. I was hoping to have him assigned to a different school but you and I both know that once a test has been assigned it cannot be changed. But lately the more I think about it, the more I feel that this could turn out to be a good thing."

Taka gave a look of surprise. "How could this be a good thing? I trust him enough not to harm any of the normal students or staff but we both know that he'll take any chance to gain power and uncover the knowledge that the academy houses, and with your granddaughter attending…"

"I think you give him and this school too little credit." The dean cut him off. Taka looked at him, uncertain. "It is true that Negi is strong, stronger than anyone his age should be. But you must not forget that this school has been the Headquarters for the Kanto magic association since its founding. The seals and wards on these grounds are some of the strongest in the entire world, and as for the students." He paused then stood and walked over to a large window that overlooked the campus. "Tell me Taka would you say an outsider would feel unwelcome here?"

Taka shook his head. "No just the opposite in fact. When I first started here I'll admit that I was a bit uncertain. I knew the staff would take to me just fine but I was unsure if the students would follow. I did have the occasional issue with some of the older groups but the younger generations opened up to me rather nicely."

"Did you find it at all difficult to open up to your students or fellow staff member, did you feel that you were kept at an emotional distance?"

"At first yes but once I took some time to get to know the others I found it quite easy, liberating in fact and I was surprised at how eager they all were to confide in me." Taka answered, wondering where this was going.

Konoemon turned back to him. "I trust that you've been reading up on the Headmasters report on Negi?"

Takahata nodded. From all the reports he read and the few times he checked in on the boy he knew that even though he was starting to come to terms with what happened, he was still far from letting go. 'Or forgiving us' he thought sadly, bringing a hand up to rub his head. In the five years since he started the Academy Negi hadn't made one true friend. Oh sure he had some connections, people he would hang around with a few times. But from what he heard those relationships were of a more 'physical' nature then an actual friendship. He never allowed anyone to get to close to him and almost any attempt from a student or teacher to break the boys emotional shell was met with either cold rejection or flat out hostility.

"He said that Negi was still having trouble opening up to others."

Konoe nodded. "I had a rather long talk with the Headmaster shortly after Negi got his diploma and we both agree that while he still holds a lot of resentment towards the two of us and the world in general he does NOT take is aggression out on others and we felt that if he was placed in the right environment we just might be able to crack his shell."

Taka saw a small, hopeful smile appear on the Deans face. "Do you really think that this will work?"

Konoemon nodded as he sat back down. "I do. It won't be easy and there will most likely be many trials but this place will be good for him Takamichi, I can feel it. He will most likely never lose his hate but if he can surround himself with friends then there just might be hope for him."

"It sounds like you already have a plan."

"As mature as Negi may be at times at his core he is still a child and a gentle hand is always the best approach when dealing with children and trauma."

"You have someone in mind?"

He nodded with a satisfied smile. "She already knows most of what she needs to. I want her to meet Negi before I tell her the rest."

They continued talking about Negi's place in the School for a couple more hours until a knock at the door brought them out of their discussion. "Come in."

The door opened to reveal the subject of their conversation, Negi, standing in the doorway. He was dressed in a black hoodie that looked two sizes to big that only left his mouth visible. It had thick, deep purple outlines and large pockets on the front and sleeves. Purple, red and black camo designed cargo pants covered his legs along with a pair of black boots. On his back was a large tan camping bag with a long staff in wrappings strapped to the side. Perched on his left shoulder was a large raven while on his right was a small white ermine with a black tipped tail.

The two adults stiffened slightly as they felt his shrouded eyes looking them over. Not bothering to hide the air of hostility that he carried with him.

Konoemon was the first to speak, putting on a jolly smile and waving a small fan he pulled from nowhere. "Hohoho it is good to see you again Negi. Please come in, come in, how was your trip to Japan."

"Holy fuck!" Kalma said to Negi through the mental link she shared with him and Chamo. "It's Mr. Peanut!" Negi bit down on the inside of his mouth to prevent a laugh while he felt Chamo burry his face into his neck.

Stepping into the room Negi kicked the door closed behind him before walking to the desk. "It was alright" He spoke in a neutral tone. "The flight was long but I slept through most of it, though the train rides were nice especially the ones that cut through the forests. That last one however was a little cramped. When I heard that most of the population at this city was female I thought the Headmaster was just fucking with me." His voice became slightly amused at the end.

"No seriously what the fuck is wrong with his head?"

The two older men relaxed a bit as the tension in the room died down. "That's good to hear, I was worried that the long trip might tire you out. So tell me, how much do you know about your assignment."

"Hello, I know I'm not talking to myself here."

"Just that I'm to replace Takamichi as an English and homeroom teacher, other than that not much."

"So we're all just going to ignore the fact that you're going to be taking orders from a man who looks like a baby from Hiroshima?"

"Whoa!" Chamo yelled.

"Oh my god Kalma" Negi laughed.

"What?"

"That was uncalled for." Chamo tried to scold her but his own laughter betrayed him.

"Oh like you actually care."

Konoe nodded "Other than helping to protect the school and students from any magical threats that's basically it, though I will have to ask you to keep your magic a secret. This city may hold a good amount of magic in it but the populace at large is still ignorant to the fact."

Negi stared at the man for a moment before responding. "Fine, but as you are well aware of I am expected to find a partner or partners while I am training, and I will be looking." He stated, his voice becoming stern showing he had no intention of changing his mind or backing down.

Konoe and Taka Paled slightly not because he would be looking for a partner, they already expected that, but because of what he could teach them. They both shuddered at the thought of someone else learning-.

"I don't plan on teaching anyone that." He cut in as if reading their minds. "It's for me to know and me alone."

Konoe let out a relieved sigh and nodded. "Very well then but please try and be discrete while you're looking." He reaches across his desk and pressed a small button. "Shizuna could you please come here for a moment." A few moments later the office door opened. Negi turned around to see who had entered just in time to have his face enveloped by what was without a doubt the largest rack he had ever come into contact with. Feeling a hand gently rub the top of his head he pulled back to gaze up at the woman's face.

"Sweet mother of magic." He thought.

"What the fuck does she eat to get them that big?" Kalma.

"Hot damn those puppies are huge!" Chamo.

"Keep it under your fur fuzz ball."

The person before him was a tall, light skinned woman that could not have been past her twenties. She had long elegant blue hair that cascaded past her shoulder and wore a light blue long sleeved turtle-neck that hugged her figure with a matching dress skirt. Her pale violet eyes sparkled through her bottom framed oval glasses like jewels and a set of yellow teardrop earrings dangled from the sides of her head. "Ah, sorry about that." Her voice was light and sweet.

"Negi this lovely lady is Shizuna Minamoto, she's one of Mahora's guidance councilors and Nurses. I've asked that she serve as your adviser while you're here so if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to ask her."

Shizuna felt her heart stop for a moment as she looked down at the boy. Now that his head was turned up she could clearly see his large eyes. Eyes that were a unique shade of jeweled pink. 'So this is Negi Springfeild?' She had spent most of the previous day discussing this very boy with the Dean. Though she did not get the full story, with a promise that more would be explained to her later, she was told enough to know that the child had a history and scars on his mind to go with it.

A hand reached up to take her free one as a charming grin made its way to his face. Negi stepped back and brought her hand up to his lips, brushing them gently over her knuckles. When he spoke his voice was gentle and smooth as silk. "It's a pleasure to meet you Miss Minamoto."

Shizuna gave him the warmest smile she could. "Likewise, I look forward to working with you Negi-sensei."

He turned her hand over and kissed her palm. "Oh I do believe you will."

A cough from behind reminded them that they weren't alone. Negi noted with some satisfaction that it was Konoeamon that coughed and both he and Takamichi were sporting awkward blushes. "Yes well Trust that the two of you will get along quite well professionally. Now Shizuna-chan can you please show Negi to his class?" With a nod an embarrassed Shizuna turned to leave, eager to be away from her two coworkers. "Oh! Before I forget I have something for you Negi." Takamichi stood and brought something out of his bag before handing it to Negi. "It's a roster I made for the class, I thought it might help you remember the students names and seating arrangements better." Negi accepted it after a moment of thought and tucked it under his arm before he turned to follow Shizuna out. The Deans voice gave him pause.

"Good luck Negi-kun."

He turned his head back slowly to regard the man and the temperature seemed to drop several degrees. "I would suggest that you not speak to me in such a familiar way Konoeamon." With that he turned away and walked out of the office, slamming the door behind him.

"Well it was worth a shot."

"Do you think this is the right thing to do Konoeeamon?" Takahata asked.

Konoe slouched back in his chair. "I hope so Takamichi, I hope so."

XxXxXxX

Shizuna guided Negi through the Academy halls while he quickly read through his roster. "Um Negi-sensei, if you don't mind me asking, I couldn't help noticing your..hostility towards Takahata and the Dean."

Negi closed his roster. "Sorry about that. There's just some...bad blood between us."

Shizuna nodded, deciding not to press the issue for which Negi was thankful. Before long she stopped beside a classroom door. "And here we are, class 2-A."

Stuffing the roster into his backpack Negi walked over to the large classroom window. "Well, here we go."