//------------------------------// // Arc 6.2 Chapter 50 // Story: Student 32: Sunset Shimmer // by Show Stopper //------------------------------// “You know, as much as this works out well for me, I can’t help but be disappointed.” Mana’s machine gun-like coin attacks had necessitated repairs for the stage and a visit to the aid tent for Ku Fei. Unfortunately for her, Mana’s barrage had managed to fracture Ku Fei's arm. And while she’d insisted she’d be able to fight just fine using ki to hold the bone in place, the doctor had insisted that she be removed from the tournament. Ku was both relieved and disappointed that she wouldn’t be fighting Kaede, a sentiment that Sunset mirrored towards her. “Can’t be helped arune,” Ku said, shrugging. “Doctor’s orders.” Sunset recalled all the times in Equestria that she’d ignored doctor’s orders, but decided not to bring it up. “Still, that was an excellent fight. I’m surprised you were clever enough to think of hiding a cloth spear as part of your gi.” Ku stuck her nose in the air. “Fu fu fu. Impressed, are you? Go ahead! Shower me with more praise aru!” “It was Kaede’s idea, wasn’t it?” “...shouldn’t you be watching the next match with the others?” Sunset chuckled and shook her head. She’d waited until Ku’s friends had cleared out to talk to her, not wanting to interrupt. (Though she’d told Evangeline it was because she didn’t want to have to suffer through any touchy-feely crying moments. The blood-sucker hadn’t been convinced.) “Neither of them stand a chance against either Wildfire or Takamichi.” A small explosion reached their ears and Sunset looked in the direction of the stage, raising a curious eyebrow. “And from the sound of things, they’ll have to repair the stage after this match anyway.” Ku Fei laughed. “We’re certainly giving the audience quite the show aru.” Her face turned serious. “So? Why did you come in to see me? Last I checked, we don’t like each other.” Sunset blinked in surprise. “Isn’t it just natural to check in on a former comrade?” Ku Fei tilted her head quizzically. “Comrade?” “Sure,” Sunset said with a shrug. “Setsuna was pretty impressed with how you fought off those demons in Kyoto, what little she saw of it anyway. She told me about it later. If it hadn’t been for you and Mana, Setsuna and Asuna wouldn’t have been freed to help me and Wildfire and we’d have gone down before Evangeline could arrive. You saved us; I’m not likely to forget that until I’ve returned the favor.” Ku Fei was silent, staring at Sunset in shock. “I… admit I didn’t expect that sort of thing from you arune.” “There is dishonor in a debt unpaid,” Sunset replied. She gave another shrug. “Besides, I’m a soldier. I know the importance of good networking with powerful potential allies. I want to stay on your good side in case I need to call on you for aid again.” “That’s strangely forthcoming of you.” “You aren’t a fool, Ku Fei.” Sunset smirked. “A straightforward idiot with neither brains nor guile, but not a fool. From the moment I stepped in here I knew I wouldn’t be able to convince you that I was checking up on you out of the goodness of my heart. I’d rather have the air clear between us than try to play games; you don’t strike me as someone with the patience for that.” Ku Fei stared Sunset down for a moment more, her expression calculating. “I keep forgetting that you’re much older than us aru.” Way to make me sound like an old nag. “Being underestimated is an advantage sometimes.” Sunset turned and made for the exit. “Get better soon. I kind of want to try to fight you now.” “Nichibotsu.” Sunset looked over her shoulder at Ku Fei. “Don’t underestimate Negi-kun; he’s a lot stronger than you think aru.” Sunset chuckled. “I hope not. I’m counting on him losing to Takamichi so I have an excuse to beat that old man black and blue.” ***** Repairs to the stage were just finishing up when Sunset returned. “So?” she asked Setsuna. “What’d I miss?” Setsuna stole a glance over at the fuming, red-faced magical student and blushed a bit before clearing a throat. “It turns out that Tanaka-san was an experimental robot ordinance created by the engineering club. It had some… unique attacks, but ultimately lost to Goodman-san.” Sunset scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Can’t have been that impressive. It only took down one guy last night in the time it took for me to wipe out seventeen. I can’t imagine I missed anything worth seeing.” She noticed that her fellow contestants looked away awkwardly at that and raised an eyebrow. “Right?” “Oh look!” Setsuna said, pointing to the stage. “Negi-sensei and Takahata-sensei are about to start!” Sunset rolled her eyes at the obvious change in subject but let it drop. She instead turned her attention to the upcoming match. This was one she intended to watch closely, as she knew she’d be up against the techniques of the victor. Though her bet was on Takamichi to win, she knew the fight might be close. Kazumi didn’t seem to hold the same opinion as she listed off Takamichi’s exploits. “JUST BY HIMSELF, HE HAS SUPPRESSED THE VARIOUS DISPUTES AND FIGHTS IN THE SCHOOL! THE NICKNAME GIVEN TO HIM BY THE SCHOOL’S DELINQUENTS IS ‘DEATH GLASSES TAKAHATA!’ WITHOUT A DOUBT, HE’S MAHORA ACADEMY’S MIGHTIEST INSTRUCTOR! HOW DO YOU INTEND TO GO UP AGAINST THAT, CHILD TEACHER?!” “He’s at a disadvantage from the start,” Sunset muttered as Takamichi slipped his hands into his pockets. “He’s at the worst possible distance against Takamichi’s technique.” “Eh? You know about his technique, Fire-oneechan?” Sunset glanced over at Kotarou and smirked. “Tried to pick a fight with him, didn’t you dog-boy?” Kotarou chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head. “Gotta admit, I wasn’t expecting something like that from the old man.” “It is a bad situation de gozaru,” Kaede added. “Negi-kun is right in Takahata-dono’s optimum range de gozaru.” Asuna looked around from contestant to commentator, all the while growing increasingly nervous. “W-wait? Is Negi seriously in that much trouble?” “It’ll all come down to that first second,” Sunset said. “If he can block or dodge that first attack and get some distance…” “NOW THEN, THANK YOU ALL FOR WAITING! MATCH SIX… FIGHT!!!” Negi brought up his arms, protecting his chin. He dashed forward. Takamichi tensed. Negi vanished. Something collided in the air a few feet in front of Takamichi and Negi appeared behind him. Instant movement, Sunset thought as Negi and Takamichi turned to face each other, the latter pulling his hands from his pockets. A bit sloppy, but it looks like he’s got the basics down. Managed to block that first strike too. Probably used Deflexio to take it. Negi followed up with a series of strikes, putting Takamichi on the defensive. I’m surprised he chose to get in close, though. Wildfire has longer-range attacks than Takamichi. Does he actually think he can beat the so-called ‘Death Glasses’ in close combat? Apparently he did. Negi kept up his assault, powering his strikes with his magic and occasionally casting a few close-range Sagitta Magica. Takamichi tried to retreat several times, but Negi continued to close the distance with instant movement. Still, neither of them had managed to land a solid hit. Finally, Takamichi misstepped. Negi took advantage of the slight stumble, the tiny hesitation. He summoned several Sagitta Magica which spiraled around his arm as he punched. The force of his blow combined with the strike of his spell to send Takamichi flying across the stage. Out over the river. Into the side of the stands! A spray of water and debris hid the impact from sight and soaked the audience standing there. “W-W-W-W-WHAT WAS THAT JUST NOW?! A HORRIFIC HIT FROM CONTESTANT NEGI!! CONTESTANT TAKAHATA WAS BLOWN AWAY LIKE HE WAS HIT BY A TRUCK! WAS THAT ONE JUST NOW CHINESE KENPO TOO?! W-WHAT A HORRIFYING YOUNG MAN!” “A solid blow,” Sunset admitted. “Most people would have been taken out by that. My compliments, Evangeline; he’s mastered unincanted Sagitta Magica and Deflexio and he didn’t hesitate for an instant when that hole in Takamichi’s defenses opened up.” “Hmph, of course,” Evangeline bragged, throwing her hair over her shoulder. “At least this much is to be expected from any apprentice of mine. I’m satisfied that he was able to last this long at least.” “M-most people?!” Asuna stammered, staring at them in shock. “At least? There’s no way that even Takahata-sensei can get up from that unscathed! What the hell is Negi thinking using something like that on him?!” “He’s thinking that he’s trying to win,” Sunset said, pointing to where the spray around Takamichi was beginning to clear. “But he’s going to need a lot more than that.” The countdown was interrupted as Takamichi emerged unscathed from the stands, smiling as he walked across the top of the water. Negi watched him with a nervous but unsurprised smile while Takamichi’s smile was proud. He rushed forward. Negi rushed for the edge of the stage. They met right as Takamichi was about to make land, and Negi managed to push him back. He raced along the stage, trading blows with Takamichi again and again as the countdown continued. Unfortunately, he was a step too slow. Takamichi seized a split-second opening and lashed out with a kick, sending Negi flying back across the stage. Negi landed on his feet, unharmed, and Takamichi stepped back onto the stage with three seconds to spare. He casually slipped his hands into his pockets. Negi reeled suddenly from a series of blows. “Negi!” Asuna cried. “W-what’s going on?! Is that magic?!” “Ki, probably,” Sunset said, not taking her eyes from the match. “It’s better suited for this technique.” Again, she explained as the color-commentator did. “It’s a sword style called ‘Iaiken’ which uses the speed of drawing a sword to infuse the wielder’s attack with additional power. Takamichi’s managed to do it with his fists, using his pockets in place of a scabbard. It’s got a limited range and he can’t use it up close, but it’s a ridiculously fast technique. Wildfire’s got no chance of seeing it coming.” Negi weathered a few more attacks, searching desperately for an opening. He tried to get close again with instant movement, but Takamichi stepped to the side and stuck out his leg, tripping Negi as he landed. Negi somersaulted back to his feet and backed away, but quickly found himself at the edge of the stage. He glanced nervously behind him before turning back to Takamichi. Takamichi vanished. He appeared behind Negi, lashing out with another kick and blowing him back to the center of the stage. “Come on, Wildfire,” Sunset muttered. “Did you really not think that Takamichi could do that too?” “What’s he gonna do?” Asuna demanded nervously. “Takahata-sensei’s completely turned the tables on him!” “It’s about to get worse,” Evangeline muttered, looking suddenly nervous. Takamichi had his hands out of his pockets, held to either side. He began focusing magic into his left hand, ki into his right. “Seriously?” Sunset gaped, taking a step back. “He’s pulling that out against a kid?!” “What is it?!” Asuna demanded as Takamichi brought his hands close together. “What’s going-” Takamichi’s hands connected. Magic and ki fused together and Takamichi’s body was flooded with energy. The power output whipped up powerful winds around him, causing many in the audience to flinch back. Takamichi stepped forward and jumped a meter into the air. A massive column of force struck the stage where Negi had been standing a half-second prior. He was sent flying with the shrapnel away from a crater in the stage that was almost two meters across. He landed harshly and quickly sat up, staring in horror at Takamichi and the crater. “Takahata Takamichi’s ultimate technique,” Sunset muttered, glaring in envy. “The final step in magic-ki compatibility training. Kanka.” “Damn!” Kotarou cursed as Kazumi went ballistic with her commentary. “That oji-san had something like that up his sleeve?!” “I-I don’t understand!” Asuna stammered. “What is that kanka thing?” “The commentators won’t be able to explain this one,” Sunset said. “Put simply, it’s raw power. Mana in its purest and most volatile form. You can’t cast any spells or pull off any fancy techniques with it, but its sheer strength is second-to-none.” Asuna paled. “W-will Negi be alright?” “No.” Sunset eyed their teacher with some pity, seeing how visibly shaken he was as he stumbled to his feet again. “And he knows it.” No sooner had Negi climbed to his feet than Takamichi began to attack in earnest, leaping into the air and raining down blow after blow of absolute destruction. Negi dodged frantically, running all over the stage as he tried to avoid the blasts. “Wh-wh-what should we do?!” Asuna stammered, panicking. “If Negi gets hit by one of those, he’ll die!” “Calm down, Neechan,” Kotarou berated. “No matter what kind of technique it is, there’s always a weakness. It’s obvious those attacks are no joking matter; if even one connects, it’s all over. But take a closer look; he’s wide open. His preparation movements are different from before, and his strikes aren’t coming nearly as quickly. That’s why Negi’s been able to dodge them so far.” “But he’s still starting with his hands in his pockets,” Sunset added. “Which means he’s still using Iaiken. If Negi can close the distance, that column of power will be unusable. He’ll still have to dodge Takamichi’s powered-up hand-to-hand strikes, but Wildfire was more than keeping up with him earlier.” “And there’s another weakness to this technique!” Kotarou said triumphantly. “If Takamichi-san just stands there and strikes, his blow will keep going and hit the audience. He has to jump for each attack and aim downwards! It’s actually easier to deal with than the invisible multi-punches he’s been using up to now! In fact, this might be Negi’s chance!” “It would appear so de gozaru,” Kaede said. “However…” Negi charged Takamichi as he touched down after a jump, only for the pressure around Takamichi to drop instantly. Negi was knocked back by an invisible blow, Takamichii jumped, and the pressure returned. Negi barely landed in time to throw himself to the side and avoid another kanka-powered strike. “...if he uses the invisible punches from before as well, then that weakness is gone de gozaru.” “This technique is Takamichi’s only advantage,” Sunset elaborated as the two combatants leapt into a series of instant-movements to try to out-maneuver each other. “He has no ability to refine magic or ki into more precise techniques. Straightforward power is all he can manage. That said, there’s probably no-one in the world who can switch kanka on and off as quickly or as often as he can. He didn’t switch to kanka-based fighting; he just pulled out kanka as another option.” Negi came out of his instant-movement just after Takamichi jumped. He stared up in horror with no time to dodge. He threw up a hand and shouted something. Takamichi’s kanka-strike rained down, crashing against some sort of barrier and sending up a cloud of debris. “That barrier was probably an Aerial Wall,” Evangeline said. “Excellent for blocking physical strikes, but it leaves you vulnerable to a follow-up. He technically cheated by saying it aloud, but when you’re staring death in the face, reflex takes over.” A wave of pressure blew out the cloud, revealing Negi coughing up blood as he took another hit almost dead-on. Takamichi jumped straight up, taking advantage of Negi’s disorientation from the strike. His next blow shot straight down, cratering Negi into the stage. “I-I-IT’S OVER!!! ISN’T IT OVER?! I-IS CONTESTANT NEGI ALL RIGHT?” Kazumi had abandoned all professionalism in her panic, a panic which only continued to rise as Negi lay in the crater, unmoving. “TH-THIS IS HORRIBLE! CONTESTANT NEGI IS HANGING BY A THREAD! NEGI-KUN! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!” “He took that last blow head-on,” Sunset muttered. “He’s probably barely hanging onto consciousness.” “WAIT A MINUTE, TAKAHATA-SENSEI!” Kazumi rounded on Takamichi and began to berate him. “WHY DID YOU HAVE TO GO THIS FAR?! THIS IS JUST HORRIBLE! WE ALREADY KNEW WHO WAS GOING TO WIN! AND YOU CALL YOURSELF A TEACHER?!” She stomped over to Takamichi and grabbed his hand, forcing it into the air. “ENOUGH! IT’S SENSEI’S VICTORY! CONTESTANT TAKAHATA WINS!” The audience erupted into shouting, though not in cheers. “OY, REF! WAIT A MINUTE! HE DIDN’T GIVE UP OR FAINT YET, RIGHT?!” “ARE YOU CRAZY?! THAT WAS THE RIGHT CHOICE! THERE’S NO WAY HE’S OKAY AFTER THAT!” “FORGET A MATCH! THIS IS JUST CHILD ABUSE!!!” The crowd was close to rioting, some calling for the match to end while others shouted that Negi hadn’t given up yet. No-one seemed to think that Takamichi was in the right for how far he’d taken things. “I wouldn’t expect them to understand,” Sunset muttered, staring out at Negi. “There’s no such thing as ‘overkill’ in a fight between two warriors. Still, I was hoping-” “BAKA NEGI!!!” Sunset started and stared to the side. Asuna was leaning on the railing, glaring at Negi as she shouted. “WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?! STAND UP ALREADY!!!” “NEGI-SENSEI!” A familiar voice pierced the crowd’s arguments. “PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!!!” Nodoka cried. “YOU CAN STILL DO IT, NEGI-BOUZU!!!” Ku Fei shouted. “NEGI-SENSEI!” “NEGI-KUN!” “GET UP, KID!” “YOU CAN DO IT, CHILD TEACHER!” Sunset smiled as the crowd began to turn, cheering for Negi to get up. Come on, Wildfire. I didn’t give you that name just as an insult. Petering out like this isn’t worthy for you. Jumping around and dodging? After all that fire you put into the first half? Are you really going to let that fire die out just because you saw a little bit of power? You haven’t shown us any of what you can really do. Now, Wildfire. Blaze. Negi leapt to his feet. Power surged. The audience cheered. Kazumi stepped back, shocked. Balls of light appeared around Negi as he charged Takamichi head-on. Takamichi blocked one strike. Two. Sent an elbow up into Negi’s chin, sending him flying back. Takamachi stepped back, launching his first kanka-strike at an upward angle. Negi stretched his head back, barely getting clipped in the chin and sent hurtling into the river. “C-CONTESTANT NEGI IS OUT OF THE RING!” “Damn it!” Kotarou shouted. “He screwed up!” “Not yet!” Sunset gripped the railing, grinning at the water. “He’s not finished just yet!” Negi leapt from the water, landing on top of the stands surrounded once more by balls of light. “Takamichi!” he shouted, pointing down towards the stage. “This is the final strike!” “Eh?” Asuna stared from Negi to Takamichi and back. “What? What’s he talking about?” “He’s baiting him.” Sunset threw back her head and cackled. “He’s baiting him! And brilliantly done! What mentor doesn’t get curious at a line like that?! Takamichi has no choice but to see just what Negi has planned!” “Very well!” Takamichi called. “I’ll accept that. This next hit is the final shot!” “OOH! THE TWO CONTESTANTS HAVE MADE FINISHING DECLARATIONS! JUST AS WELL, SINCE THIS MATCH IS GETTING CLOSE TO THE TIME LIMIT! THE AUDIENCE BEHIND NEGI-SENSEI AND TAKAHATA-SENSEI HAVE SPLIT LEFT AND RIGHT TO AVOID GETTING CAUGHT UP IN IT!” “Now, Wildfire,” Sunset whispered, leaning heavily on the railing, grinning from ear to ear. “Show us what you’ve got.” The balls of light around Negi began to spin. Faster and faster. Spiraling in front of him. He leapt into an instant-movement, the light forming a lance of energy with his body at the center. Takamichi responded with a kanka-powered Iaiken. Negi shrugged it off with an Aerial Wall. Shot straight. Plowed fist-first into Takamichi. The stage erupted with debris and smoke, obscuring the contestants from view. Commentator and audience alike started shouting in confused excitement. Sunset peered through the smoke, trying to see anything. She just thought she could make out a shadow crouching on the ground. Another figure approaching from behind. A smaller figure. Negi’s downward blow drove Takamichi into the stage, blowing away most of the smoke in the process. “C-CONTESTANT NEGI’S ULTIMATE TECHNIQUE, ‘SOME-KIND-OF-INCREDIBLE -GLOWING-PUNCH,’ HIIIIIITS!!! FURTHERMORE, WHAT AN INTENSE STRIKE THAT SMASHED RIGHT INTO THE GROUND! A GIANT REVERSAL! HOWEVER, THE FIFTEEN-MINUTE MARK HAS NOW PASSED! THE MATCH IS TIMED OUT! CONTESTANT NEGI IS ALL RAGGED AND TORN UP, TOO! NOW THEN, WHO WINS?! WHAT ABOUT CONTESTANT TAKAHA- AH!” The last of the smoke cleared, revealing a badly bruised Takamichi lying at the bottom of a small crater. “THIS IS TRULY A REVERSAL FROM BEFORE! H-HE’S NOT DEAD, RIGHT?! I-I’LL BEGIN THE COUNT! ONE! TWO!” “It was a good blow,” Evangeline opined. “Wrapping those sagitta magica around himself and taking out that kanka strike with an aerial wall. Then following up with a more classic convergentia riding his punch. “However…” Takamichi slowly sat upright. “No way!” the color-commentator announced as Kazumi continued the count. “Even after taking that kind of a hit? If he can stand up before the count is over, the match will be decided by audience votes!” “Eh?!” Kotarou shouted as Takamichi and Negi started talking. “But Takahata-san dominated most of that match! If the audience gets to decide-” “Don’t worry,” Sunset said, relaxing her grip on the railing and standing upright, her eager grin softening somewhat. “Takamichi is just now realizing that he went all-out on a child, and still took a couple of solid, powerful hits. If this were a fight to the finish, he’d be up no sweat. But for Wildfire to turn this hopeless match around and take him to a draw… well, like I said, there’s only one thing for a proper mentor to do in this situation.” Takamichi fell back with a smile, conceding the match. Negi had won.