Disclaimer: This is a nonprofit fictional story, a FanFiction based on Ken Akamatsu's Negima. I do not own Negima, or most of the other characters included in this work, excepting where it is stated in the author's notes. It is not intended or presented for any commercial profit or personal gain; it is simply a story written for personal fulfillment and presented for public enjoyment, and as an honest homage to the fine story conceived and written by Ken Akamatsu, as well as all the other (innumerable) works that find place herein (and their authors).

Epilogue

"Wow!" the class enthused, almost as one. "You guys really were big heroes! That was awesome!"

"I really see my dad in a whole new light now," remarked Kagome. "He was…well, emotional, but still, he was actually pretty cool, you know?" Inuyasha grunted something that might have been assent.

"K-K-Kenjirô-kun, that man…that sword-demon…" Kazumi quavered. "Was that…?"

"Probably my dad," Kenjirô said neutrally. "Wow, it's amazing to think he survived that, isn't it?"

"You, too, Lieutenant," Ami noted. "That…renowned Colonel Overcast…."

"Yes, he's my father," Overcast admitted. "Shows how I got my youthful position, doesn't it?"

"I'm glad it had a happy ending!" Nodoka declared happily. "I was really worried for a minute there…."

"That was ridiculous," Chisame sighed. "That just looked…how did you even make that movie, anyway?"

"MagiTech can do some amazing things," Aiden said. "As the credits noted, Jynx was responsible for most of it. It was fashioned largely from our memories, with some editing for effect since our memories generally have a rather restricted view."

Kain was still staring at the blank screen, calculating, considering. While his friends all chattered around him, he was lost in deep thought. Aiden spared him a long stare before turning his attention back to the louder audience.

"So that was Mai, 'the Crystal Princess', eh?" Lina murmured. "Well…I'd heard a bit about it, but…really, how did we get to here…?" She cast a glance Mai's way, as she was made briefly the attention of the entire class as they considered her bit part in that story.

"M-Momo-san…" Nodoka began. "U-um…Rukia-san…."

"It's okay, Nodoka," Momo assured her. "It was…a hard time for us…but it's long over. We've both recovered from that. It was before you were even born, after all…."

"Y-yeah…."

"Still," Lucy said, "the most intriguing part of that movie had to be…that princess, right?"

"Oh! The Princess Aeli Kanna, right?" Erza agreed. "Indeed…she was quite an interesting figure…."

"Right?" a large portion of the group said at once to Aiden.

"Kalan-san…and Aeli Kanna…" Hinagiku began. "Did they…?"

"That's a secret!" Aiden declared almost happily.

"Oh, come on!"

"But Kain-sensei is right here!" Erika insisted. "You can't tell me…if you're sharing all his, how can you keep where he comes from secret from him…?"

Aiden looked sternly at Erika, then glanced over at Kain. Kain finally turned to regard Aiden, his face blank and unmarked by emotion. His gaze was careful, searching. "There's far more to the stories than just that," Aiden said. "I just showed you what you're getting involved in with the Obsidian Star. There's a lot more to this…besides, about those two you like together…she was a princess, and he was some wild, uncontrollable adventurer. Do they really seem like a good match?"

"Oh…forbidden love…isn't that even better?" Lucy pressed.

"Well, regardless, we, the remaining members of the Red Wings…we discussed it together after Kalan disappeared, about what to do about Kain. There are certain things we agreed we could only tell him after he became a man…."

Kain nodded slowly. "Fine. Then I won't ask anything. That part isn't important, anyway. Far more importantly…Eminus…."

"Right. The one you know is 'The Remnant.'" Aiden smiled slightly. "I think I can leave it to you to figure out what that might mean…you should realize."

"Right…and that's all you want to say?" Chisame said suddenly. As Aiden looked at her, she continued, "Like you said, that's only the Obsidian Star's part in things. But there's a whole lot that comes after that that keeps it from being a 'happy ending', right? Like what happened to Orimus, for instance?"

Aiden chuckled. "You're quite right, little lady. Even so…that doesn't matter to us right now. That's something we'll work out in the future, you know? You guys have enough troubles." He turned and started for the door. "I've shown you what I need to. Over the next week or more, you'll be up to your necks in the tournament. That's your next objective. Then, after your girls are safe, it's time to worry about the Obsidian Star and if they'll prevent you from going home."

The group began to stir as they all rose and started to break up. "Still, it's somewhat disappointing," Shinji remarked. "That didn't give us the best representation…but it's something. Our job, for now, is to keep you safe…and then to deal with the Obsidian Star ourselves. You kids can rest easy…we'll be with you along the rest of the way…."

8-8-8

Mai settled down next to Kain as he sat at his usual place, staring out at the darkness. "So, you're still here," she murmured. "Shouldn't you be sleeping? It's going to be all on you here soon…."

"So much to think about," Kain said. "My father…Kalan Lockeheart really was the most amazing man ever, wasn't he? Truly incredible…I have so much to think about…."

Mai hesitated. Guilt burned within her. She felt she couldn't stay silent. "Kain…about your mother…."

"That's enough," Kain said quietly, interrupting her.

"But…I haven't agreed to anything. I don't have to keep quiet…and I can't stand to! I have to tell you…!"

"Like Aiden says…it's not important. No, nor are my other questions. Did you see Kalan's released zanpaku-tô there? It was the same one that Sakura had…what does that mean…?" He shook his head. "But it doesn't matter. Like Aiden said…I have to win this tournament. Then…I'll learn what I need to after it." He rose. "You're right. I should get to sleep. You, too, Mai. Take care…and thanks." He smiled at her. "I appreciate what you've done…and what you've tried to do." He bowed to her, then departed.

Mai stared after him and finally sighed. "Always, Kain," she muttered to herself. "You always…why do you have to put aside what you want for the 'greater good'? You can't live like that…." Then he shook her head and laughed. "But still, for me…it's no different, is it? Maybe that's why…we are…." Finally she rose and departed back into the city.