Ah! Megami-Sama was created by Fujishima Kosuke, and while I might wish I owned the series, I don’t.

I wouldn’t mind owning Negima, either, but I don’t. It belongs to Akamitsu Ken.

Exchange Student

Lesson Eleven: An Old Friend

Skuld leaned against the rail of the beach house and sighed.

In the near distance, eight of the girls—Asuna, Yuuna, Konoka, Makie, the Class Rep, Setsuna, and she couldn’t yet quite place the other two—were splashing about in the surf. Negi-sensei was also there, under strict orders from Asuna to have fun.

Of the eight girls down below, Setsuna was probably the least well developed, and her figure still put Skuld to shame.

"I’m fourteen, dammit!" She ground her teeth. "Same as most of those girls! So why do I look like a bundle of twigs?"

"You’re not nearly that bad."

Skuld glanced over, to see Yue leaning against the rail next to her. The smaller girl paused to take a draw from her juice box before continuing.

"You also have to remember that many of those girls are actually fifteen. Konoka, the Class Rep, and Yuuna, for example."

"They’re the ones that most make me feel like a little kid," admitted Skuld.

"And you’re hardly unique in that respect, either." Yue pointed a finger at her own bust—or rather, her decided lack thereof. "And the Narutaki twins haven’t even hit puberty yet, and they’re short besides."

"I guess you’re right," admitted Skuld. "But there’s only five girls in the class that I’m taller than."

"One of them happens to be me," pointed out Yue.

"Well..." Skuld threw up her hands. "I’m just mad that Belldandy chose to be twenty when she came to Midgard. That locked me and Urd in when we came here—I was only ten!"

Yue pursed her lips. "So when one of you arrives, it sets the ages for the others?"

"There must be ten years between two Norns," said Skuld. "Or at least, between our Avatars. So if Urd had come down here first, and chosen to be twenty-five, I would have been five at the oldest!" Skuld shuddered. "Urd likes being twenty-five."

"How old is she now?"

"Her present Avatar is an apparent age of thirty-six," said Skuld. "But she always has white hair. Mine is always black."

"So..." Yue rubbed her lip with a forefinger. "Just how old are you, anyway?"

Skuld paused, and closed her eyes. "I think...nine hundred and seventeen. We don’t really keep track of anything beyond the centuries."

"If you’re over nine hundred years old, why—if you’ll forgive the question—do you still act like you’re fourteen?"

Skuld drew a face. "Do you have any idea how much of Human behaviour is tied to hormones? Just about all of it. I’m so full of—I don’t even know the names of them. Idun would; it’s part of her job. But the chemicals that make you grow up and mature also affect your personality. A lot. So they affect mine, too, while I’m manifesting at this age."

Yue snickered. "I bet that’s caused problems."

"More than you can imagine," muttered Skuld.

- - - - -

"Shaved ice," said Nodoka. "The traditional Japanese beach treat."

Skuld examined the bowl in front of her with more than a large helping of doubt. "Don’t they have ice cream?"

"Are you low on energy?" asked Yue.

"No, but—"

"Then try something different, just for the fun of it."

Skuld snickered. "Right after you drink some juice from a glass."

"Seen her do it," said Paru.

"Boxes are just more convenient," said Yue. "Try it before deciding you don’t like it."

"Okay." Skuld sighed, then dug a spoonful of the frozen confection from the bowl and stuck it in her mouth. Her eyes widened, and she started shoveling it down.

"I think she likes it," giggled Nodoka.

"I’d say so," said Paru. But her expression turned serious. "Nearly everybody knows about Negi’s planned trip to Wales, now. And most of them intend to tag along with them. You do know what this means, don’t you?"

Yue blinked. "What exactly are we talking about?"

"You two are completely naive," snapped Paru. "Here you are, scarfing down shaved ice, and you’re about to completely lose the battle!"

"You’re the one that asked us to—"

Paru did not give Skuld the chance to finish the statement. "I’m not talking to you, Skuld. You were smart enough to stay out of this particular chaos." She pointed at Yue, then at Nodoka. "I’m in no position to cheer for either one of these two, but you had better think of some deep approach before we leave for Wales."

"Oh, this is about Negi," observed Yue. "Look, he’s only ten—"

"Do you think that really matters to any of those girls splashing about with him right now?" Paru sneered. "You might think you have some kind of inside track, since you know about his background, you’ve got Pactios with him—but so does Asuna. So do Setsuna and Konoka. And I think Ku Fei is showing some interest in him, too. One step slower, and someone else might just steal him away from you."

- - - - -

"Even if Haruna says so..." muttered Nodoka, but she seemed to fail to find words to complete the sentence.

Yue had no such difficulty. "It’s true that we are lucky, knowing about his magic and being in a position to support him...But she’s right."

"Makie’s a lot cuter than me," said Nodoka.

"The class rep has the style of a model, and is both sincere and pure about her feelings," added Yue.

"We don’t stand a chance."

"You still have a chance," said Yue. She cupped her breasts. "Unlike me. Nobody’d look at me even if I were nude."

"I can’t believe you two," snapped Skuld.

"Eh?" Yue glanced over at her friend. "What?"

"You’re just giving up on him?"

"Not hardly," said Yue. "But it helps to have a realistic assessment of our opposition."

"You’re selling yourselves very short," said Skuld. She pointed at Nodoka. "What do you have that would attract Negi?"

"Nothing," said Nodoka.

"You’re not getting off that easily," said Skuld. "Try again."

"I don’t—"

"Wrong! I could just tell you what advantages you have. But you’ll just deny it. So you tell me—what’s your advantage?"

Nodoka thought about it for a moment, then said, "I suppose I’m a bit clever—"

"More than a bit," said Yue.

"And I guess...he knows how I feel about him," said Nodoka.

Skuld turned to point at Yue. "And you?"

Yue snorted. "Less than Nodoka."

"I don’t want to hear that crap," said Skuld.

"Well, I suppose I’m rather clever, too," admitted Yue. "Though you wouldn’t know about it from my grades. Plus, whereas the others might know about Negi’s magical background, Yue and I are active students of his."

"Yes," said Nodoka. "Ku Fei has stopped trying to learn magic, and Konoka—" She drooped. "Well, she’s still learning from him, and she’s one of the most beautiful girls in the class."

"And she lives in the same room with him," pointed out Yue. "How can we compete with that?"

"Stow it," snapped Skuld. "You’ve missed three big advantages you have."

"Three?" asked Yue.

"Number one: You have a trio of Goddesses, and their attendant Angels, on your side." Skuld grinned. "Belldandy would help out just to make you two happy—she’s that sort of Goddess—and Urd would help out just to meddle."

"She’s got a point," said Yue. "Belldandy’s already given me some help with the issue."

"Number two," continued Skuld. "You’ve got each other."

Yue grimaced. "So far, that’s only made things worse."

"What was Belldandy’s advice?"

Yue reddened. "I’m not about to repeat that just now."

"But you agree that it’s a good idea?"

"No, I most certainly do not agree," snapped Yue.

"Why not?"

Yue opened her mouth...and discovered that she really had no good reason. Could it be just societal conditioning? she wondered. I’ve been brought up to think that something like that is wrong...but is it?

"Thought so," said Skuld smugly. "And I already know what Nodoka thinks of it."

"Of what?" asked Nodoka timidly.

"Of us sharing Negi," said Yue sourly.

Nodoka blushed beet red.

"And third," continued Skuld. "You know how you feel about him. You know how the other feels. All you can’t be certain of is how he feels."

"I could know for certain," mumbled Nodoka. "My Artifact. But...that would feel...dirty."

"We can’t be certain of the other girls," pointed out Yue. "Asuna in particular. The Diarus Ejus won’t work on her."

Skuld chuckled. "All right, but think about what I said. You two have more advantages than you think."

"To think we two are rivals," laughed Yue. "We’re helping each other out, and you’re helping us too—" She paused suddenly. "Wait. Why are you helping both of us?"

"Why not?" Skuld shrugged. "It’s what Goddesses do."

Nodoka frowned in thought. "We’re helping each other, and we’re rivals...maybe Skuld is in love with Negi too!"

Skuld raised her hands. "No! Not at all!"

"Sounds like she’s in denial, too," drawled Yue. "You know, Skuld, he is awfully smart...and he knows you’re a Goddess."

"You have as many advantages as we do," said Nodoka. "Maybe we should be worried?"

Skuld raised her hand, showing the ring on her thumb. "I’ve got a boyfriend, remember? You two helped me out with that."

"Good point," conceded Nodoka.

"Although," added Yue, "you were arguing in favour of sharing Negi. Would Sentaro be willing to share you?"

"Look, let’s drop this subject," snapped Skuld. "I’m not interested in him."

"Ah!" A new voice broke into their discussion, from behind a sand dune. "This feels so good!"

"Asuna," whispered Nodoka.

Skuld held a finger to her lips. The three of them crawled up the sand dune, to peer over the other side.

Asuna and Negi were walking along the sea shore. Asuna’s hands were behind her head, and she stretched leisurely.

"This was just the break I needed from that hellish training," she said.

"I’m still surprised that you can keep up with us through the training, Asuna." Negi grinned. "And it’s not just us in the White Wing, but also the class rep, and Yuuna, and all the other girls helping find my father...I really need to thank them for their help..."

"I think they just want to go to Britain," said Asuna.

"Still...I can at least thank you for today," he said. But it seemed to Skuld that the look on his face was more than merely gratitude, and her heart went out to her two friends.

"As I suspected," muttered Yue, "Those two do have something special going on between them."

"Is that so?"

"Then again," Yue continued, "whether or not it is romantic is disputable."

"I don’t really get it, but either way, he’s certainly flirting with her right now."

Yue blinked, and glanced over at Skuld. "Eh?"

Skuld stared back at her. "I didn’t say it—Nodoka?"

They glanced back at Nodoka, but she merely shook her head.

"After all that hard work getting here," continued the voice, "I get Negi going all mushy with that stupid looking woman?"

All three glanced back...to see a girl. Ten or eleven years old, long auburn hair caught up in two bows, black robes and pointed hat...She stalked forward, and scowled down at Negi, who was still blissfully unaware of her presence.

"You are such a dim-witted fool!"

- - - - -

"It turns out," said Asuna, "that Ayaka and the girls are staying at the same inn as us."

"That could be fun," said Negi. He was about to add something else, but suddenly threw himself to the side.

There was a sudden explosion, knocking both Negi and Asuna tumbling.

"What was that?" Asuna’s harisen had appeared in her hand. "An enemy?"

"No...it can’t be..." Negi shook his head.

"Good job dodging that one," said their attacker. "I see you’re still working hard when it comes to youur training."

The flames died down, and the attacker discarded her robe.

"But you’re still as puny and dim-witted as ever, aren’t you?"

"Anya?" Negi’s jaw dropped. "What are you doing in Japan? You’re supposed to be in London!"

"I’m here to take you home, of course," said Anya. She paused, and sniffed the air. "Something’s burning...smells like wool—my cloak!".

She grabbed the smouldering cloak and started to beat it against the sand, but only succeeded in burning her hands. Asuna sighed, and stepped forward, knocking her back into the surf.

"Thanks." Anya glanced down at the robe. "Oh, this thing cost a fortune!"

"Seriously, Anya," said Negi. "Why are you here?"

"I just told you, didn’t I?" Anya sniffed. "You didn’t come home, even though it’s summer break. Nekane is feeling really lonely."

"So you’re here on her behalf?"

"Obviously," snorted Anya. "So since you understand, we can go."

"Excuse me," said Asuna. "Negi has something to sort out before he can return to Britain. He’s in charge of our club. Can you at least wait until he’s ready?"

"Kagurazaka Asuna?" Anya stood, and bowed. "Nice to meet you. My name is Anya. And unfortunately, Negi’s been imposing on you." She grabbed Negi’s arm. "Let’s go!"

"Anya," said Negi. "You must be tired after coming here from Wales, right? Why don’t you stay for dinner, and rest up."

Anya didn’t look at all pleased with the invitation, but she nodded.

- - - - -

Nodoka eased herself into the hot spring. "Looks like this girl is causing lots of trouble."

"True," said Yue. "With Negi-sensei, however, things always go to chaos."

"He’s very familiar with her," pointed out Skuld.

"I know," said Yue. "Paru was quick to point that out to us."

"I don’t mean it the same way she did," objected Skuld. "He treats her like his best friend...which is exactly what he told us she was. "If he had any romantic interest towards her, he’d be acting differently."

"But they’re both younger than us," said Nodoka. "In fact, she’s closer to his age—"

"And she’s quite cute," observed Yue sourly. "She could be—"

"Wow!" Anya walked through the doorway. "So this is an open air hot spring!" She paused, seeing the other three girls, and her eyes darted to each in turn.

Actually, Skuld realized with some discomfort, she’s looking at our chests.

Anya suddenly grinned, and flashed them a thumbs up. She sat down on a rock, and stuck her feet into the spring. "If I remember correctly, you three already know about the existence of magic. Right?"

"Yes, we already know..." Nodoka nodded. "I’m, um, Nodoka Miyazaki."

"Yue Ayase. Nice to meet you."

"Skuld."

Anya frowned. "Skuld. Just Skuld? Don’t you have a last name?"

Skuld shook her head. "Nope. When I need one, I use Jotunsdottir, but—"

Anya raised a hand to her mouth, nearly stuffing the fist through her teeth. "You’re a Norn?"

Skuld scowled. "Yes. But I’d rather not let too many people find out."

"Why are you here?"

"Learning magic," said Skuld. "Same as you. Same as these two."

"Anya’s still going through her training, same as Negi, right?" asked Nodoka.

"Yes." Anya grinned. "I’m a fortune teller in London."

"Except that you’re not in London right now," said Yue.

"Does Anya-chan have a partner already?" asked Nodoka. "You know, through performing Pactio?"

"You know about that too?" Anya shook her head. "I—I haven’t done those kinds of things yet. You’re supposed to pick your partner carefully." She paused. "What about Negi, I wonder...He seemed really close to that Asuna person."

"You don’t seem to like her very much," said Skuld.

"Of course not! She’s the enemy!"

"Why is that?" asked Nodoka.

"Isn’t it obvious? Her breasts! Men always get led around by the nose by anyone with big breasts."

"My sisters are both large breasted," pointed out Skuld. "In fact, Urd is probably the largest I’ve ever seen."

"So?"

"So my sisters are also Norns," said Skuld. "Would you care to have two Norns as enemies?"

Anya turned a delicate shade of green. "Okay, then mortal women with big breasts are the enemy."

The doors opened again, and six more girls came in. Anya glanced over towards them...and gaped.

Chisame. Yuuna. Kazumi. Haruna. Ayaka. And worst of all, Kaede.

Any one of them makes Asuna look flat as a board thought Skuld. She glanced over at Anya, who was obviously gobsmacked. I was feeling really insecure around them before, but right now...I think I’ll enjoy having them around.

Anya turned back towards Yue, Nodoka and Skuld. "What’s wrong with this class?" she hissed. "I thought they were supposed to be fifteen?"

"They are," said Skuld.

"Well, at least I can be friends with you three!"

Skuld glanced over at Yue, and rolled her eyes.