Disclaimer: I don't own Negima! Magister Negi Magi or Ranma ½

Rise of Prodigies

Chapter Twenty Two: Old Nemesis

Beta:

Konoka was in the dorm's extensive baths' changing rooms stripping down with Set-chan, Asuna, Yuna-san, Nodoka-chan and Paru in preparation for a bath. They had just come from a day of training in Eva-shishou's resort and all they wanted right now was a good soak to relax their tired and sore muscles.

Moving mechanically due to their exhaustion, they disrobed in silence and it was not until they were all walking into the baths proper that they found the strength to strike up a conversation.

"So anyone knows why Ranma-san isn't joining us?" Asuna asked with a teasing quality that told everyone she already knew the answer to her own question. Not that it was hard. Everyone there did.

"Oh, you know why." Paru said with a giggle. "Onee-sama is staying back to spend some time with her girlfriend."

Konoka couldn't help giggling at that even as she poured oil on the fire.

"Or maybe Ranma-san is getting one-on-one tutoring from Eva-shishou~"

This left Paru in stitches while poor Nodoka-chan blushed atomic red at the suggestion.

"You know as much as they are fun to joke about and look cute together, aren't they, I dunno, progressing too fast?" Yuna-san asked with a slight frown. "I mean, I don't think I've seen Ranma-san's neck free of a hickey in weeks!"

"Nonsense! It's like something out of a manga!" Paru exclaimed with twinkling eyes. "That it's happening in real life, makes it all the better!"

"I wonder." Konoka said, a mischievous lilt to her voice. "Does Shishou give Ranma-san hickeys in places besides her neck? Is that why she didn't come to the baths with us? She didn't want us to find out~?"

Seemingly defying reason, Nodoka-chan's blush got even more intense and even Set-chan had drifted off into her own little world if her blushing face was anything to go by.

"Konoka, knock it off." Asuna, the spoilsport, said with a sigh. "The two of them would need to admit they're a couple to go to second base like that and we all know the lovebirds are far too dense for that."

This was met with exasperated sighs from everyone as they realized just how right the orangette was. The obliviousness and denial the couple had towards their status as such was cute and amusing as hell to watch but it did get tiring sometimes. Honestly! How could a pair who were practically fused at the hip whenever they were together and all over each other like Ranma-san and Eva-shishou not know they were an item!?

Wait! Maybe they do know and have been trolling us this whole time by pretending to be ignorant!

"Man, the weather outside has just been crummy, huh?" Akashi-san commented whilst gesturing out the glass ceiling through which the pitter patter of rain could be heard, even from the inside of the baths. "Talk about a mood killer. Maybe I could just go to the resort after this to train or catch up on some homework?"

"We just left the resort, Akashi-san." Set-chan reminded her. "We'll need to wait another twenty four hours before we can use it again."

"Yeah but it's so nice there!" Akashi-san pouted.

"Talking about the bad weather, you think that's why Asakura-san didn't join us for training today?" Nodoka-chan asked. "Maybe she got stuck somewhere thanks to the rain?"

"It's possible," Paru allowed. "Though Asakura-san was never all that enthused with the training so I imagine she probably just used the weather as an excuse to skip."

"I can see where she's coming from," Yuna admitted. "But also not. I mean it's tough and all but it makes us so much stronger, so quickly. It's totally worth it."

This was met with agreement from everyone. It was also at this time that they reached the pool of heated spring water was the baths' main pool, and everyone slipped into it whilst making some sign of contentment in the process.

They barely got to enjoy their soak for more than a few seconds though before suddenly the water seemed to come alive.

Konoka, acting on instincts trained into her thanks to Eva-shishou, reacted immediately.

"Magicae Scalpello (Magic Scalpel)." She cast confidently, conjuring a magical scalpel at the tip of her right pointer finger that she used to cut any questing tendrils of water reaching towards her even as she used a little basic magical reinforcement to leap out of the water and back onto the relative safety of the poolside.

Thank goodness Eva-shishou trained us how to cast our spells without our focuses. I might not be able to manage any of my powerful spells without my staff, but I should be able to pull off all of my few offensive ones. Konoka thought as she cut a few of the water tentacles that tried to reach for her as she continued retreating from their reach.

"Not again!" Konoka heard Asuna cry out as the orangette slapped at the water, her innate Magic Cancel doing some damage to the animated liquid. "I had enough of this back in Kyoto!"

The others weren't so lucky as the water swiftly formed into tentacles that trapped them despite their struggles. Even Set-chan was unable to fight free. She'd used her unhanded Shinmei-ryū techniques to fend them off but between the surprise of the attack and the large number of tentacles that had singled her out, even her girlfriend couldn't escape their grasp.

Konoka couldn't help but briefly admire her girlfriend's trapped and wiggling form. Whatever was animating the water would be an interesting spell to learn. But for now she had to focus.

Her momentary distraction was costly though as in the time where she was daydreaming, the water managed to finish restraining Asuna and trap the others in water bubbles.

"Bravo!" A well dressed older gentleman said with a clap as he literally stepped out of the shadows on the opposite side of the pool from Konoka. "I am honestly amazed that out of all the girls here it would be the healer that managed to avoid immediate capture. I suppose I shouldn't underestimate an apprentice of the Dark Evangel."

Once more falling back on her training, Konoka reacted to the enemy showing himself without hesitation.

"Sagitta Magica, Series Lucis (Magic Arrow, Light Series)!" She cast, sending three dozen arrows of light at the man.

"Attacking without hesitation or consideration of your state of undress?" The man said as he casually swept his arm and sent a barrage of shadow bolts that intercepted Konoka's attack. "How unexpected from such a young girl."

Konoka winced. One part because she was reminded that she was currently naked, something she had all but forgotten thanks to the situation, and the accompanying unhelpful urge to cover up despite being in the middle of a dangerous fight. Another because with the nigh effortless way her opponent had dealt with her Sagitta Magica she was pretty sure she was utterly outclassed.

Should I try to run? But that would mean leaving Set-chan and everyone else behind.

"Who are you?" Konoka demanded, trying to stall for time and gleam any information she could.

"This might sound a bit cliche, but I cannot say." The man said with an apologetic shake of his head. "Not yet."

"You're right, that is cliche. You seem to be a man above that though! Come on, you look like you have a story to tell." She asked with a carefree smile, playing up some of her more ditzy nature.

"Oh. I suppose I can reveal some of my secrets." The man said as he suddenly vanished.

"Like what I really am." The man's voice said from over Konoka's shoulder, causing her to spin around only to be met with a demon sporting a cartoonish face and a pair of spiraling horns.

Konoka gasped but even as she did so she also simultaneously non-verbally cast another brace of Sagitta Magica, Series Lucis at the newly revealed hellspawn. Not that it did any good as he just batted the dozen light arrows out of the air with a lazy swing of his arm. All in the same breath that Set-chan used to call out a warning.

"A demon?" Konoka blinked in surprise. "Who summo-"

She never finished her question as all the air in her lungs suddenly evacuated her lips as she was hoisted off the ground by some invisible force. Her words cut off as her legs feebly kicked the air, the demon's gleaming yellow eyes staring into her own with a cartoonish smile.

"That's a secret~" The demon said as it lifted a hand in her direction in what was a clear imitation of a Force Choke from Galaxy Wars. "I'm afraid revealing my nature is the only freebie I'm giving tonight young lady. Nighty night!"

Konoka struggled against it but it was futile. She was simply too weak to overcome the dark power of the demon even with Set-chan and the rest of her friends shouting encouragement at her. Thus it was with the sound of their worried cries filling her ears that her awareness began to fade.

I just hope Shishou won't be too disappointed. Konoka thought as she finally succumbed to unconsciousness.

"Huh? That was unexpected." Eva-shishou said suddenly from across the vampire's dining table where she and Ranma were seated. The redhead reading through some of her Shishou's tomes as part of her magical training as the aforementioned master mage supervised.

"Shishou?" Ranma asked questioningly.

"Oh, it's nothing." The adorable vampire said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Just a call from Campus Security."

"Magical Campus Security I take it?" Ranma clarified with a raised eyebrow and received a nod in return. "What's going on?"

"Like I said, nothing. Just a bunch of demons infiltrating Campus."

Ranma sat up straight in alarm at that, abandoning her reading. Her Shishou might not be concerned about the threat of demons but to most people, Ranma included, even the weakest demons were a danger.

"Is Security reacting?"

"They are mobilizing," Eva-shishou said with a distracted air. "Though the situation is, according to them, complicated."

"Why?" Ranma asked even as a feeling of dread began to coil in her stomach.

"Because the demons appear to have taken hostages, Ranma-sama." Chachamaru-san said as she walked over from wherever she wandered off to. "Specifically, they seem to have captured all of our allies."

"Chachamaru!" The blonde vampire hissed reprimandingly at her gynoid partner.

"Did you not want me to tell her, Master?" Chachamaru-san asked, blinking in confusion.

"What?!" Ranma whirled on Eva-shishou, ignoring the android. "Why didn't you mention something was wrong the moment they entered!"

The blonde shrugged. "If I just raised the alarm, the boya and the others wouldn't have this chance to test themselves. Actual combat experience trumps training nine times out of ten."

"And I don't need it?" Ranma couldn't help but ask even as she hissed at her Shishou's in character but nonetheless frustrating line of thinking.

"To be honest? No." The vampire said with a serious look. "These intruders wouldn't stand a chance against you if you went all out. It's why I didn't send you after them. It would be a waste of your time."

"They kidnapped my sister."

"And they'll be fine. Or do you think them weak, Ranma?"

Ranma found her anger smothered at this.

"No, they are strong…"

"Then have faith in them," Eva-shishou urged. "This is a lesson too. For you. Sometimes you need to trust in the strength of your allies. No one can be everywhere all the time. There will be times when you won't be there to help those you care about and can only trust in their own strength."

Ranma nodded but bit her lower lip worriedly. As much as she could see the logic in her Shishou's words…

"I can't just abandon Haruna."

Eva-shishou sighed.

"Fine," the vampire said, sounding resigned. "But try not to interfere too much. Don't tell the boya but as it stands, you are by far the most powerful of my apprentices. I wasn't exaggerating when I said these demons were beneath you. They might be a minor challenge but you'd likely finish them with just a handful of spells. So if you interfere in his fight, you will stunt his development."

"I understand." Ranma said as she stood. "I will try my best to be restrained."

"Do that." Eva-shishou noddeed. "I'll grade you on how well you do."

Ranma nodded and began heading for the door, pulling out her phone in the process.

"Ranma-sama," Chachamaru-san called out as Ranma was unlocking her phone. "Head to the amphitheater in the Performing Arts District. The demons have set up their base there."

"Thanks," Ranma shouted back distractedly as she dialed Ucchan's number, hoping that she wasn't captured as well.

"Ranchan?" The ninja swordswoman replied after a few rings. "What's up?"

"We have trouble, Ucchan. I need your help."

"Tell me where to meet up."

Ranma and Ucchan made good time to the amphitheater in the Performing Arts District and as they arrived they quickly surveyed the scene unfolding before them. Among the seats, Negi-sensei and the dog hanyou from the Kyoto Incident were fighting side by side against a demon in the guise of an elderly man and a trio of slimes in the shape of little girls. Over on the stage Asuna-san was tied up and suspended from the roof. Behind her trapped in a number of watery prisons shaped like bubbles were Konoka-san, Sakurazaki-san, Akashi-san, Nodoka-san, Asakura-san and Haruna.

Why are all the girls naked except Asakura-san? Ranma couldn't help but wonder idly. Are these demons perverts?

"Why don't they just escape?" Ucchan asked with a frown. "Those water prisons hardly seem sturdy enough to keep them contained. A number of them are heavier hitters aren't they?"

"There must be a trick," Ranma said as she looked over the stage again trying to figure it out.

The answer revealed itself when Konoka attempted a Sagitta Magica, Series Lucis (Magic Arrow, Light Series) only for it to fizzle out and Asuna to cry out in pain as a burst of crimson electricity surged out from an unfamiliar amulet hanging from her neck even as the healer apologized profusely for hurting her roommate.

What is that amulet? Ranma thought as her eyes zeroed in on the piece of jewelry.

Nodoka-san tried a Sagitta Magica, Series Ignis (Magic Arrows, Fire Series) and again the amulet shocked Asuna-san even as the spell fizzled out prematurely.

"That amulet is tapping into Asuna-san's anti-magic power," Ranma reasoned. "It's using it to drain all magical attempts by those inside the prison to escape."

"I think just saying it's tapping Asuna-san's power is an understatement Ranchan," Ucchan said with a shake of her head. "Look at her. She looks terrible. Those electric shocks have taken a heavy toll on her."

Ranma winced - How much pain tolerance did Asuna-san have? - and nodded before turning to assess Negi-sensei's fight. He and the dog boy were doing reasonably well. At least for their relative level of strength compared to their opponents. The slimes alone were probably on the same level as either of them. Add in the demon and they were just outclassed. Yet, somehow, the two boys were holding their own.

"They need help. Soon." Ucchan pointed out with a frown as she too eyed the fight. "They can't keep up for much longer. Someone needs to take some of the pressure off them."

"Agreed." Ranma said with a nod. "You or me?"

"You help out the boys. I should be strong enough to free our classmates." Ucchan said with a thoughtful frown. "That amulet seems to be negating magic but I think my Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū is probably able to destroy those bubbles even without having to use any ki enhancement thus completely getting around Asuna-san's Magic Cancel."

"Go for it." Ranma said after a moment's consideration.

"Be careful," Ucchan urged as she used her Shinsoku (Godspeed) to blur to the stage.

Ranma briefly considered the logic in saying that when she was about to intervene in a fight against some demons but quickly dismissed the notion. She had more important things to consider like how exactly she should intervene in the boys' fight. Eva-shishou wanted her to show some restraint in any intervention she made but how exactly was she going to do that?

Those slimes… Ranma thought as zeroed in on the annoyances. They kept running interference whenever the boys tried to launch an attack on the demon. If she could take them out then the two might just manage to actually score a hit. Besides the demon himself was stronger than both of them combined as far as Ranma could tell based on her Origin Sight and observation of the fight, so would pose enough of a challenge for her fellow apprentice to spur his growth like Shishou intended.

It's decided then. Taking out his minions is the best thing to do.

With that decision made, Ranma summoned her crossbow and Zero-chan.

"Mistress, we've got someone for me to kill?" The murderous doll asked excitedly as it hopped in place where it had materialized in the crook of Ranma's left arm and brandished a pair of wickedly sharp knives.

"Yeah, we're going after those slimes." Ranma informed her familiar whilst pointing at the three little girl shaped creatures with her crossbow.

"Oh, oh! I'll make 'em Jell-O! Then you and Old Mistress can have Jell-O shots!"

Ranma felt the urge to strangle the doll, but focused on the task at hand.

"Go. I'll cover you." Ranma said as she expertly tossed her familiar at the trio of slimes. "Sagitta Magica, Series Obscuri (Magic Arrow, Dark Series)."

Using the spell she'd learned from Shishou, Ranma sent a brace of a hundred arrows of dark energy at the demon and his familiars, causing them to scatter thus covering her own doll's approach.

"Sensei! I'll take care of the slimes. You and dog boy deal with the demon!" Ranma shouted as she noted with satisfaction that her spell had successfully separated the enemies just like she wanted with the demon on one side and the slimes on another.

"Got it!" Negi-sensei shouted back as he charged the demon whilst visibly empowered by the magical enhancement of the Cantus Bellax (Song of Battle) spell.

In contrast to Sensei, dog boy was a lot less professional in his reply.

"It's not dog boy! My name is Inugami Kotarō!"

"Whatever! Just fight!" Ranma retorted as she aimed at one of the slimes while Zero-chan swung her cleavers at it in a whirling dervish of death.

Sadly the doll seemed to have forgotten just what kind of opponent she was facing and the slime just let its body disintegrate into its true form and flowed around the attack unscathed.

"Stop slithering away ya dumb garbage pail gals!" Chachazero exclaimed.

It did however leave it open to an attack from Ranma herself which the mage happily exploited.

"Sagitta Senium (Decay Arrow)." Ranma cast, sending a deadly worm of entropic energy to wrap itself around the distracted slime and eat away at its being.

The slime screamed in pain as it reformed itself into its little girl shape, the entropic worm clinging to its body like a boa constrictor as it ate its life away.

"What did you do to our sister!?" One of the other two slimes shouted as it hurled itself at Ranma only to be splattered into a thousand tiny globs as Zero-chan leapt into her like a rocket, swinging her blades around her wildly as she did. Cackling all the while.

The last slime tried to be sneaky and turned into a puddle to try to stealthily make its way behind Ranma for a sneak attack. The redhead was no fool however and her keen Venator Sphaeram (Hunter Aura) enhanced eyes easily spotted it.

"Sagitta Senium." Ranma cast with a feral grin as she subjected yet another victim to the sadistic fate of having its existence being eaten away and causing yet another pain filled scream to echo within the confines of the amphitheater battleground.

Maybe I'm taking after Shishou too much. Ranma thought as she shot a third Sagitta Senium at the last of the slimes even as the thing turned to flee. Nah. They're my enemies. Enjoying their suffering is totally okay. Shishou said that was par for the course.

"Holy shit! Since when can the little redhead do something like that?" Kotarō-kun asked as everyone froze in shock at the sound of the slimes' screams as Ranma-san unleashed her sadistic side on them.

"A while." Negi replied.

"Damn, remind me to stay on that girl's good side." The dog eared boy whistled.

"Truly a monster in the making." The demon said, shuddering as he looked at Ranma-san with dread. "So this is her before her ascension? I can see how she became what she did."

"Like you have room to talk!" Negi shouted defiantly as he used Fulguratio Albicans (White Lightning) to fire a powerful blast of electricity from his palm that knocked the demon back.

"You might be wearing a disguise but I still recognize who you are!" Negi shouted, anger allowing him to shake off his instinctual fear caused by the slimes' still echoing screams that were now joined by Zero-chan's maniacal cackling and her mistress' disturbing giggling.

I am so going to have to talk to Ranma-san about her sadistic tendencies when this is over. A distant part of Negi's mind made a mental reminder even as he unleashed an overpowered Vente (Wind) spell to conjure a blast of wind that slammed the demon into a wall.

"You're the demon that petrified my hometown!" Negi roared as he used Iaculatio Fulgoris (Lightning Spears) to launch a half dozen electrically charged magical javelins that impaled the demon and pinned him to the stage.

"Really? Which one was that? There were so many little hamlets I roamed through over the years." The demon said with a hearty chuckle, completely ignoring its current state.

"You know the one!" Negi insisted as he cast Dios Tukos (Axe of Lightning) and made a downward-sweeping motion that caused a massive electrical attack to strike the demon.

"Old Man Stein!" Negi said as he repeated the spell.

"Anya's parents!" Again.

"The Parkers!" And again.

"Tim, Paul, James, Beatrice! They were children!" Panting now, Negi changed tack and switched to another brace of Iaculatio Fulgoris. He didn't want the monster to get free after all.

"Hurting Nekane-nee-san!" Negi shouted as he unleashed yet another Dios Tukos.

"All of them, good friendly people who did nothing to you!" Negi screamed hoarsely as he finally ran out of steam and took a step back from the pinned demon whilst struggling to catch his breath. "Why? Why do monsters like you have to exist?! If you enjoy the suffering of others so much, let's see how you like it! Just return to the void, you devil!"

"Uh, Negi? You alright?" Kotarō-kun asked warily as he looked at Negi like he was some dangerous animal.

"I'm fine," Negi told the half-demon with a pant. "I just, just needed to get all that off my chest."

Kotarō-kun just nodded stiltedly and looked between Negi and the still darkly giggling Ranma-san whilst looking pale.

"You two totally are the Dark Evangel's apprentices."

"We demons actually like taking it as much as we enjoy giving it to be honest." The demon said suddenly, sounding completely unfazed by all the punishment it had been subjected to.

Negi spun around immediately to look at the demon only to find it snapping the lightning javelins keeping it pinned like they were toothpicks even as its form shifted. Gone was the guise of a elderly gentleman and in its place was a gargoyle with a cartoonish face whose head sported a pair of curving horns.

"Shit!" Kotarō-kun cursed. "Just how much damage can this guy take before he's unsummoned!?"

"A lot more than what you two have dealt me so far." The demon said with a chuckle. "To be honest I'm disappointed. It seems the weakest of the Dark Evangel's apprentices is the deadliest. What an irony."

"The redhead is the weakest!?" Kotarō-kun shouted incredulously.

"But the deadliest." The demon reiterated as it pointed to Ranma-san which had finally stopped her giggling and was now eyeing their little fight with a hungry look that spoke volumes of how much she wished to join in.

"Need help?" Ranma-san asked sounding flippant but there was a dark edge to her question.

"No," Negi declared flatly. "This thing is mine."

"Uh, should I stay out of this too?" Kotarō-kun asked as he stepped away from Negi cautiously.

"If you would be so kind, hanyou child." The demon asked almost politely. "I and the son of the Thousand Master have unfinished business."

"So you do remember me," Negi said with a glare even as he finally noticed that his students had seemingly freed themselves from the water prisons.

The demon just smirked and opened his mouth, within which an ominously familiar glow was already building.

Even as Ranchan dithered on what to do, Ukyo blurred onto the stage of the amphitheater with her sword poised to cut Asuna-san free.

"Kuonji-san! No!" Sakurazaki-san shouted in warning. "Watch out."

Ukyo heeded the warning and seconds before her blade would have cut through the ropes keeping the Magic Canceling orangette suspended from the roof, she blurred away. She thus narrowly avoided getting caught in the middle of a magical circle from which bolts of electricity arced violently as it summoned a lightning elemental with the form of a white and blue wolf.

"Is that an honest to gods Raijū!?" Ukyo asked absently as she casually evaded a lightning bolt it barked her way with a burst of Shinsoku. "'Cos if it is then I'm outclassed."

"Relax Kuonji-san!" Sakurazaki-san shouted from inside her bubble prison. "It is but it's a low level one. It's only as powerful as a low level demon or mid level yokai. You can take it."

"I sure hope you're right about that Sakurazaki-san." Ukyo replied as she used Shinsoku to evade another bolt the lightning wolf barked her way. "If not and I die here I'm coming back to haunt you for the rest of your life!"

Probably deciding that its ranged attacks weren't landing, the Raijū leapt at Ukyo in a tackle.

Using Shinsoku she moved out of the way of the creature's lightning speed tackle, even as she did though Ukyo lashed out with a Ryūkansen: Tsumuji (Dragon Coil Flash: Hair Whirl) and unleashed a forward horizontal spin in a drilling motion like a torpedo. Her blade cut deep into the Raijū and Ukyo had to grit her teeth as electricity coursed through her body.

"It negated my ki," Ukyo said as she used Shinsoku to blur away. "My attack still hit but…"

"Yeah, that happens." Kagurazaka-san said as she panted from the latest shock that the amulet had given her. "Also, ow."

"Sorry." Ukyo said as she blurred away to dodge another lightning tackle.

"Kuonji-san! Without ki to insulate you, stick to ranged attacks." Sakurazaki-san suggested from her watery prison.

How was she not choking? Ponder on that later! Ukyo thought, blinking in confusion. Though ranged attacks? My shinobi techniques aren't powerful enough to cut it… I don't really have many that would… It has to be…

"Doryūsen (Land Dragon Flash)!" Ukyo shouted as she struck the ground and sent earthen debris flying at the Raijū.

Much to Ukyo's consternation, the damned elemental creature transformed into lightning and snaked its way through all the earthen missiles.

"That cheating- This is going to hurt." Ukyo said with a grimace as she used Shinsoku to evade the tackle and then dashed towards the Raijū as it rematerialized into its true form.

An ear piercing scream filled her ears, but she ignored it in favor of attacking her foe.

"Kuzuryūsen (Nine-Head Dragon Flash)!" The kunoichi swordswoman cried as she used her Shinsoku to simultaneously strike nine of the creature's vital spots. Or what would be its vital spots if it was a normal wolf, Ukyo didn't know enough about elemental physiology to be sure if they were the same but she also didn't care.

The backlash from her attack sent a surge of electricity coursing through her body but Ukyo fought through the pain and the spasming muscles to use Shinsoku to leap away from the visibly wounded Raijū.

Really wish I could use my ki but beggars can't be choosers.

"Ukyo-san!" Asuna-san cried out worriedly. "Are you okay?"

"As good as I can be," Ukyo said with a frown. "Any ideas what that screaming is about?"

"Uh, Ranma-san is being a sadist?" The orangette said warily as both Ukyo and her monstrous opponent took a break to recover from their latest exchange.

"I guess Ranchan is having fun." Ukyo said with a smirk, one that grew wider even as two more screams joined the first. "Good. She deserves it."

"Anyone have any ideas?" Ukyo shouted for help as she used Shinsoku to evade a lightning bolt barked her way as the Raijū recovered enough to once more go on the offensive. "Ranchan? Sakurazaki-san? Anyone?"

"Give me a sec!" Ranchan took a break from her dark giggling to call out. "I need to find something! Got it! Keep the Raijū busy!"

"Got it!" Ukyo shouted back as she unleashed another Doryūsen at the lightning wolf that it once more easily avoided.

Ukyo had expected that though and used a Ryūmeisen (Dragon Cry Flash) to sheathe her sword rather than to draw it using her Shinsoku. The speed and force of the move created a miniature sonic boom that sent the lightning bolt that the Raijū had become as it charged her to shoot away from her with a pained whine.

As Ukyo kept the Raijū distracted, a crossbow bolt shot at Kagurazaka-san with precision. It shot off and shattered the Magic Cancel tapping amulet that the orangette had been forced to wear, without so much as touching her skin.

"Gah!" Kagurazaka-san screeched but soon let out a sigh of relief as she relaxed in her restraints. "At least she's a good shot."

"I'm more surprised that she even has actual physical bolts." Ukyo said absently as she readied to finish off her opponent now that the odds were evened by her having access to her ki.

"Time to end this, wolfy." Ukyo said with a bloodthirsty grin.

"The amulet is done! Nodoka-chan it's time to break out!" Ojou-sama said encouragingly from her prison. "Use the most powerful spell you can."

"Right!" The bibliophile shouted back eagerly as she brandished the wand she'd managed to smuggle on her person.

Considering she was naked and captured with everyone else in the bathhouse, Setsuna honestly wondered how the girl had managed that but she wasn't about to look a gift horse in the mouth.

"Sagitta Magica, Series Lucis (Magic Arrow, Light Series)!" Ojou-sama cast even as Nodoka-chan copied her with a Sagitta Magica, Series Ignis (Magic Arrows, Fire Series).

Together dozens of magic arrows, some of light and others of fire, shot out of the two mages' watery prisons bursting the bubbles and proceeded to do the same for the others' as well.

Freed from her cell, Setsuna fell to the ground but hastily got to her feet before stumbling over to Ojou-sama and helped her up.

"Just give me a second." Ojou-sama said as she panted and knit her brow. Her body suddenly gave off a white light as magic coiled around her before chunks of it broke away, shooting into Setsuna's body.

As Ojou-sama's magic visibly poured into her body, Setsuna felt it become supercharged. Not only had even the faintest hint of fatigue faded from it but every nerve and muscle felt like they were operating at 120% efficiency, maybe better!

"Go cut Asuna free and help Kuonji-san." Ojou-sama ordered as she collapsed into a sitting position. "Go Set-chan, go!"

"Hai, Kono-chan!" Setsuna replied dutifully even as she shot Ojou-sama one last worried look before turning to point at the ropes keeping Asuna-san bound. "Zankūshō-San (Air-Cutting Palm, Scatter)."

At her invocation, multiple ki projectiles shot from her fingers like bullets and shredded the ropes, freeing the Magic Canceller.

"Thanks for that Setsuna-san," Asuna-san as she pulled the ropes free from her wrists. "But Ukyo-san might need some he-"

The thought was proved unnecessary though.

"Yōkainagashiryū (Apparition Banishing Dragon)!" Ukyo shouted as she evaded a storm of lightning the Raijū was shooting with her Shinsoku and pulled off a battōjutsu move so fast that even Setsuna's well trained eyes were unable to track her blade.

Said move unleashed a ki wave filled with anti-spirit energy that proceeded to cut the Raijū in half, dispeling it from this plane of existence.

"Or not. Man I wish I could do that." Asuna-san pouted as she used an arm to cover her chest.

"Don't worry, I'll help you catch up." Setsuna said with a small smile.

"You better!" The orangette grinned tiredly.

Kounji-san stood for a moment with her sword at the ready, checking to make sure her opponent was truly gone. When a minute passed and there was no sign of the lightning wolf she let out a sigh or relief before collapsing to the ground, panting heavily.

"Gotta work on that a little more," the kunoichi swordswoman said between deep breaths. "That took a lot more out of me than it should have."

Looking at the two remaining fights, Setsuna wondered which to join. Well, there was really only one fight left since Ranma-san already had her opponents at her mercy. As for Negi-sensei...

"Uh, I don't really feel like getting caught up in that. You?" Asuna-san asked as they both looked at their usually personable Sensei unleash his fury on his demonic opponent in repeated bursts of electricity.

If even Asuna-san with her magical immunity is leery…

"Leave him to it," Kuonji-san said as she stumbled over. "He needs to vent. The two have history if half the banter they were throwing at each other is true."

"Yeah…" Setsuna managed with a wince at the sight of her enraged Sensei.

"Let's go check up on Konoka and the others." Asuna-san said as she turned to their friends. "If Negi does need help I'm sure Ranma-san will step in. She's in better condition to do so than us anyways."

Setsuna reluctantly nodded and followed the orangette's lead as they turned back to the other former prisoners.

As the real fight with the demon began, Negi found himself having to use his newly learned Shundō (Instant Movement) to evade the beam it spat from its mouth. Though considering he'd barely been able to use it at all during training and was now pulling it off perfectly, he counted that as a win.

As he came to a stop from his high speed movement however, he was shocked to find the demon waiting for him and lashing out at him with its claws. It was only the heightened reflexes granted him by Cantus Bellax that allowed him to leap back just in time to narrowly evade being gutted.

"Good reflexes. But it's not enough." The demon taunted as with a flap of its wings it sent bolts of dark energy streaking through the air towards Negi. "You stand no chance against me unless you use that one spell you've been working on all this time."

"How do you know about that!?" Negi shouted in surprise as he once more used Shundō to escape certain death.

Much to his chagrin, the demon was waiting for him again as he came to a stop this time lashing out with its petrifying beam. Thankfully this particular spell wasn't exactly quick firing and Negi managed to pull off another Shundō in time to avoid it.

"Your obsession with it is quite infamous, boy. All demons and other spirits susceptible to it are quite aware of it." The demon said as it swept its arms through the air in the direction where Negi had fled, using the motion to fire off dozens of blades of darkness that tore up the amphitheater and which the boy mage barely avoided.

"I'm honoured then," Negi shot back, falling back on what Shishou would say in the situation since he was drawing blanks for another reply. "But that spell isn't for the likes of you. It's to save my father. Not for revenge. Besides I'll beat you without it. Iaculatio Fulgoris!"

Dozens of electrically charged magical javelins shot at the demon but the damned monster just intercepted them with a barrage of its own shadow bolts.

"And how will you manage that, boy?"

"With this!" Negi declared confidently as he pulled out the Demon-sealing Bottle. With the amulet that drained Asuan-san's Magic Cancel abilities to protect itself destroyed, the demon was now no longer protected from its effects and began to be sucked into the magic item.

"Good move, Springfield!" Kotarō-kun praised from where he was watching the battle from the sidelines ever since he'd stepped back.

The demon did not react as expected however and broke out into laughter even as it was sucked in. Moving with disturbing nonchalance, it simply turned its head towards the magic item before breathing its petrifying beam at the bottle which much to Negi's shock destroyed it.

"You thought I would let it seal me a second time?" The demon said as it flew up into the air to hover ominously over the battlefield. "The only reason it worked the first time was because I didn't notice when it was pulled out. If I had, I would've destroyed it like I did just now."

"Iovis Tempestas Fulguriens (Jupiter's Storm Of Thunder)" Negi roared in lieu of a reply, unleashing a massive storm of destructive energy on the demon who was too distracted by shaking off the effects of the Demon-sealing Bottle to properly evade.

"And you're a fool to think that was all to my plan." Negi declared triumphantly as the demon crashed out of the storm and landed in a crater, its body smoking from being subjected to the spell's fury.

"Dios Tukos," Negi cast just in case, sending one last attack at the downed demon even as he walked over to it.

As he approached, Negi saw that the demon had reverted to its human guise and was smoking from the electrical damage done to him.

"Ha haha." The demon chuckled as dark ichor spilled from his mouth and his body began to crumble into dust. "I will tell you something, Negi Springfield. My attack on your home? I never had a choice. The foul Mage held a tight leash, just so you know. On both me and my fellows."

"The Mage?" Negi hissed angrily. "Why does everything revolve back to him."

"Outsiders always make everything about them." The demon said as the crumbling began to consume his head. "It's in their natu-"

"Outsider? What's an Outsider?" Kotarō-kun asked, but Negi ignored him. He was too gripped by anger at the Mage of the Beginning to pay attention to the small details.

Even as the greater demon was sent back to whatever hell had spawned it, Ranma turned her attention to the still present slimes. The creatures were writhing in agony and screaming their non-existent throats raw, which the redhead had to admit was actually quite melodious to her ears.

"So, any last words?" Ranma asked, aiming her crossbow at the three weakened slime sisters.

They were still writhing on the ground from the corrosive worm arrows eating away at their existence. Making quite a sight in Ranma's admittedly warped opinion.

"N-No! Please! W-We'll be good! We can join you!" The red slime begged, big tears welling up on her chibi face.

Ranma cocked a brow at them. "And I should trust you why?"

"Yeah! Mistress' already got me. Why would she need a bunch of slimes?" Zero-chan asked while haughtily crossing her arms over her chest.

"W-We're really useful!" The green one protested. "We can do all kinds of things a solid object can't!"

"We stretch, we melt, grow, shrink and can mold our polymorphic bodies into whatever shape we want." The sullen blue one whimpered. "We are really good shapeshifters too."

"Some slime scouts do sound useful." Ranma admitted, making Zero-chan twist to look at her.

"Wha?! But Mistress! Dolls are so much better!"

"Yes but slimes are expendable." The redhead smiled wickedly, much like her Shishou.

"...True." Zero-chan smiled wickedly in return.

"...I don't feel confident in this!" The red one cried out.

"Congrats slime girls, you're my familiars now." Ranma informed the three, who gulped in unison. "Let's be the best of friends! Now use a geis to swear your allegiance."

"We swear our fealty to the mage Ranma Saotome," the slimes shouted in unison. "We swear to serve her dutifully as her familiars from this day to her last on pain of our deaths. So mote it be!"

Each of the three slimes glowed for a moment before a beam shot from their bodies to attach itself to Ranma like a leash, magically binding them to her as familiars. Only when the magical connection settled nicely in her mind did Ranma snap her fingers and dismiss her Sagitta Senium worms much to the audible relief of the three slimes.

"Onee-sama!" Haruna cried out happily as she ran up to her, hugging her tightly with her naked body. Shrugging off her coat, Ranma put it around her sister. Considering how Haruna was more than a head taller than her, it did little to cover her up but as the older sister she had a duty to at least try to protect her sister's modesty!

"You got more minions!" Haruna added, ignoring Ranma's efforts and bouncing excitedly up and down, causing her boobs to do things that had the redhead blushing brilliantly on the oblivious greenette's behalf.

"Yep." Ranma squeaked, knowing better than to point out Haruna's nakedness. It would just lead to her sister teasing her about being a prude she was sure.

"So can I borrow them some time?" Haruna asked with puppy eyes. "I have so many ideas for slimes!"

The slimes in question recoiled at the notion and huddled together fearfully.

"...Maybe." Ranma said concomitantly, causing the already shaken slimes to shiver in terror.

"Score!"

Eva sat on a high backed chair in her resort the day after the hoo-ha with the demon and slimes, her glasses on as she eyed her students and their allies - including Kuonji this time - sternly. The clipboard with papers on which she had been taking notes clutched to her breast tightly.

"And that's what happened, Shishou." Negi-boya said as he finished his report.

"Is that so?" Eva asked with narrowed eyes that had the boy teacher sweating nervously. "Ranma! Is what he says true?"

"Yes Eva-Shishou!" The redhead said from next to her as they cuddled together on the chair. Their child like bodies making it possible.

Eva felt warmth blossom in her undead chest and she snuggled closer to the other girl.

"This really the best time?" The annoyance that was Kagurazaka grumbled.

"Any time is cuddle time, Asuna-san." Ranma's sister chided quietly.

"It's not cuddle time." Eva insisted. She readily ignored the doubtful looks. "Ranma is just a little tired after feeding me. I'm just keeping her close to look out for her!"

"Of course." Konoka nodded in agreement. "Next time I suggest a lap pillow. It's super effective."

Eva filed that for future use.

"And whose fault is it that you almost drunk her dry again?" Her crush's sister said with a knowing grin. "Was someone looking for an excuse to cuddle? After all, couldn't Konoka-san just heal Onee-sama?"

"Haruna, stop teasing Shishou." Ranma chided tiredly. "You know Konoka-san is pretty much running on empty herself and has lessons with the Kantō association healers after this. She can't waste her remaining magic on something trivial like this."

"I wouldn't mind actually." Konoka said looking at Ranma worriedly especially as the redhead almost fell off the chair and Eva had to catch her. "You do look a little under the weather. I'm sure my other Senseis won't mind if I show up a little low on magic."

"No, it's fine." Ranma reassured her. "Shishou will take care of me."

"I'm sure." Haruna said, rolled her eyes teasingly. "Just don't do anything I need to call Mama and Touchan for. I'm too young to be an aunt!"

"What's going on in your head?!" Eva exclaimed, cheeks red as she threw her clipboard at the girl in fury. "Get it out of that gutter, you pervert!"

"Talking about lewd gutters," Asakura said cutting into the conversation with a raised hand. "Anyone want to tell me why our enemies like attacking us in the baths? I mean they did it in Kyoto and they did it again this time too! I escaped it this time but what about the next time!?"

"People tend to let down their guard in the baths," Miyazaki, of all people, supplied albeit hesitantly. "It was a smart move."

"Yeah but-"

"As much as I hate to say it, I've gotta agree with Honya-chan on this one." Kagurazaka said with an annoyed shake of her head. "We've just gotta deal."

"You did not just say that!" Akashi said as she facepalmed.

"What? What did I do?"

"You just volunteered the lot of you for training sessions in the buff." Eva informed them with a predatory grin. "After all, you want to be prepared for the next time the enemy catches you lot with your panties down, right?"

"Shishou! May I train separately, please?" Negi-boya begged.

"Would you run away from a fight if your allies were naked?" Eva asked with a shark-like grin. "You didn't back at that lake in Kyoto, after all."

Sakurazaki blushed at that and Konoka wrapped her girlfriend in a possessive hug, but the best reaction was still the boya's as he sputtered in embarrassment.

"O-Of course not!"

"Then you train with the rest of us," Ranma declared with finality as she rested her tired head on Eva's shoulder. "Ucchan too, Shishou?"

Eva looked towards the kunoichi who nodded even as she shot her a hard glare.

Message received. Hurt Ranma and die. Eva thought as nodded back to her crush's best friend while patting the sleepy redhead cuddled against her on the head lightly.

"It's efficient. So why not."

There were groans of resignation and disappointment at that but no one else complained, so Eva took that as a win.

"Well skedaddle kids, go back to your dorms and rest. We have new drills for tomorrow!" Eva dismissed her gaggle of children.

"Skedaddle!? Really Eva-san?" Akashi-san said with a giggle as they all stood and dispersed. "Are you showing your age or what?"

Eva glared but Ranma just hugged her and her anger melted away.

"Bye Shishou," the redhead whispered into the nape of Eva's neck, causing her to stiffen.

"B-Bye Ranma," Eva replied as best as she was able as the redhead slipped off the chair they were sharing and joined her sister and best friend as they departed.

Eva barely acknowledged the rest of the farewells, a little too preoccupied with the way the feel of Ranma's breath on her skin was replaying in her head and causing her panties to get a little damp.

"Master, the others have left." Chachamaru said a few minutes later, pulling Eva from her fantasies. "Should I prepare a bath for you? Or maybe get your toy chest?"

Blushing like a schoolgirl, Eva shot her doll partner a glare.

"Not a word!" The vampire hissed as she stalked towards the resort's interior. "And get my toys. I'll be in my bedroom."

"As you command, Master." The gynoid said with a respectful nod and what might have been the barest hint of an amused smile.

Eva didn't care if it was. Right now all she wanted was some alone time with her toys and some recordings of her delectable apprentice. She was a mature woman with needs dammit!

Done and done! Thanks to Nameless as always!

Ah, a deluxe chapter! Been a while since we did one of these. Still, we make such detailed notes we managed this out in a single day! Goes to show notes makes all the difference. Now we hoped we changed up the fight to be exciting enough for you guys. The slimes got more action this time and now are forced minions, the best kinds of minions.

Nameless: Hope you guys caught the one foreshadowing line Wilhelm dropped about Ranma's future. It isn't much but it does hint at where we intend for her to go. A path on which the gathering of minions like the Slime Sisters is a step in the right direction. Speaking of being on the right track, Nodoka and Konoka have started to shine as mages haven't they? At least in contrast to their canon counterparts at this point in the story. Well, expect this trend to continue. By the end of this story, we intend for them to be absolute badasses.

Ranma though, yikes, that sadistic streak is clear as day. No wonder Eva needed some alone time. Yikes! As for the rest of the gals, I hope we showed them off doing their own thing and how they handle stuff. Konoka was the most fun I think, she has so much untapped potential.

Nameless: Talking about untapped potential. Yes, we had Ukyo develop a new technique for the Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū. Considering the power and supernatural nature of her opponents, even the fabled manslaying sword style needs an addition here or there for her to keep up. Besides, what better way for her to make it her own than to experiment and improve on it?

You know what to do! Smash that review button and tell us what you love! No flames and peace off my peeps!