With Eva stunned for the time being, Negi and Nodoka turned to the damaged Chachamaru.
Negi: Don't worry, Nodoka. I'll deal with her. You find something to catch Asuna with and have her guard you while you hide.
Nodoka: Y-yes!
Nodoka ran a few yards back and called up her magic encyclopedia. One advantage a real contract has over a probationary one is that the magister magi doesn't need to activate it; the ministeria can do it of her own choice.
Nodoka: Ok....let's see...'How to cushion a long fall with warehouse objects'....AH! Here it is! Let's see....packing peanuts? Of course!
She examined the warehouse, and found it empty, except for a few old steel barrels and the pieces of the former rafter Asuna had been on.
Nodoka: 'If packing peanuts unavailable, turn to page 6,086,489,218,031.' *flip-flip-flip*
Negi: Chachamaru! I know you're not evil, so i give you a choice! Your mistress, Evangeline is going to be bound to Mahora again after this battle! I don't want to fight you, so please, just go back to your cabin. Please, i beg you, don't make me fight you.
Chachamaru: You have hurt the mistress. I cannot overlook that, not even for you, Negi-sensei. And if i allow the mistress to be re-bound to Mahora campus, i will have failed her in my primary function as her partner. Therefore, i cannot do as you ask. I will fight you, Negi-sensei. Prepare yourself.
Chachamaru threw her right arm to the side as a blade sprung from her wrist. Negi gulped and raised his staff.
Chachamaru: As they say in your country, Negi-sensei, en garde.
Nodoka: NEGI-SENSEI!! It says there's nothing i can do to save Asuna!
Negi: What?!
Nodoka: I'm sorry, but you'll have to do it!
Chachamaru leaned back to charge at Negi. If he saved Asuna, Chachamaru would gut him. But if he defended himself, Asuna would die! |