Magister Negi Magi is owned by Ken Akamatsu and Kodansha Ltd. Tokyo in Japan, and by Funimation and Ballantine - DelRey in the United States, NOT by me.

Many characters created by Kafka'sdragon are used in this chapter, with his gracious permission.

Various cameos are the property of their respective creators and owners, not me.

Many thanks to Person With Many Aliases for the recommendation of my story he made on the 'TV Tropes and Idioms' website.

Comartemis: Considering what just happened in c284, I kind of understand what you meant by your comment. Grant me though, that the Asuna in c04, 'The Wounded Girl Warrior,' was on the verge of being taken over by the Life Giver. With Magic Cancel eliminating Fate's Mandela shielding, and part of Life Giver's power behind her, I think she could have easily 'curb-stomped' Fate.

SPOILER ALERT! AU story occurring after c189.

(-)

"A hostile media is more fearsome than a thousand Mage Knights."

-Governor General Kürt Godel. Quoted by Kazumi Asakura in her book: One Million Steps: A Journey to Megalo-Mesembria and the World Beyond.

(-)

Ala Alba in the World of Magic: Tales From the Fireside.

Chapter Fifty: Der Längste Tag Ausgang. (The Longest Day Ends.)

(-)

(Argyre Legation. New Ostia.)

With his plans to deal with the coup by King Enteofushia and the various Separatists factions threatening to fall apart completely, Governor General Kurt Godel of New Ostia decided to advance his agenda in an attempt to salvage something out of the effort. Though other units had originally been assigned the task, Godel shuffled those assignments on the fly, and instead of sending them after compromised members of the Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Council, ordered his Personal Guard unit to oversee the capture of any records or personnel still in the Argyre Legation.

Leading a unit of Teutonic Mage Knights loyal through him to Godel, Bleys Galynd had stormed the Argyre Legation in the New Ostian Embassy Zone with a stealth and swiftness worthy of any Special Forces unit in the regular Megalo-Mesembrian Army. His men ruthlessly brushed aside the few guards who offered any resistance, and the civilian staff itself was quickly captured in the act of trying to destroy all of the legation's informational documentation.

As surviving embassy personnel were rounded up and detained, several administrative support units of the Teutons arrived to begin searching the Legation grounds. Though not an unexpected occurrence, the primary person they sought was not found. Nor was the King of Argyre, or several other 'persons of interest.'

Seeing the approach of one of the administrative unit officers, Bleys turned from his various worries and gave the man due attention. "Have you found something, Oberleutnant?"

Nodding, the officer leaned in close. "Yes Sir. I've placed a guard outside the room with strict orders not to permit anyone to enter before my return. I think it would be wise for you to investigate the matter personally."

Signaling his adjutant, Bleys indicated for the man to continue supervising the activity on the Legation grounds, then motioned for the Oberleutnant to lead the way. Moments later, the officer saluted a guard before a door deep in the Legation's basement. The man stepped aside, but remained watchful for any possible intruders as his two superiors entered the room and closed the door behind them.

Nothing moved in the silent room. Eventually, Bleys eyes adjusted to the low lighting, and he realized the room contained various equipment necessary for accessing and manipulating the MahoNet of the Mundus Magicus. With an open hand, the officer indicated for him to follow, and the two of them went deeper into the room. Eventually, they came into an open area in the back containing an obviously recent addition.

A slowly rising and falling chest the only thing giving any indication that she still lived, a female Eru-Jin sat limply in what seemed to be some kind of MahoNet control system. Leaning in close, Bleys examined the girl's dull, unmoving eyes, then turned to look at the only thing which still seemed active. In whitish-blue lettering, an uncaring, two-word message was flashing in the upper left corner of the screen directly across from the person sitting in the control system's saddle:

'System error.'

Finally leaning back, Bleys turned towards the officer. He wasn't exactly sure what was going on, but his instincts said this seemingly catatonic girl could wind up being the saving grace that balanced the scales against everything that had gone wrong over the last twenty-four hours. "Get someone in here that understand computers. TELL NO-ONE ELSE about what you've seen, understand?" As the officer nodded, Bleys moved to depart along with him. "Double the guard on this room. I'm going to go report personally to the Governor General. When the specialist arrives, tell him to analyze everything he can, but to not touch anything until my return."

With a silent salute, the officer acknowledged his instructions, then followed Bleys out of the room.

Empty of its ghost, the shell of Shiori Hohoemu was left alone once more, defenseless, with nothing for companionship except a few motes of dust soon to be removed by the room's air scrubbers.

(-)

(Near Asut'sh Village, New Ostia.)

Feeling as if she'd been hung out on a laundry line in a typhoon, Chisame Hasegawa awoke to find herself being held in a warm embrace. Dimly, she was aware of Chibi-Chachamaru walking nearby, but she couldn't figure out who was carrying her...

Finally, the sound of 'his' humming worked its way through her muddled mind. She tried to throw herself out of Jacobus Rakan's grip, but a sudden bout of dizziness left her unable to do so. "Pe... pervert... what have you done to me?"

Looking down at the glaring Chisame, Rakan gave her his irrepressible smile. "Hey! You're awake! I was starting to get a bit worried. As far as doing anything to you, I haven't."

Sighing, Chisame shook her head. "Then why can I hardly move?"

Stopping briefly at a corner to check for traffic, then rushing across the street, Rakan waited for Chachamaru to catch up, then turned towards her. "Hey Robo-girl! I don't understand all that fancy stuff. Can you explain it to her?"

Stepping closer as she continued to follow Rakan, Chachamaru nodded. "Chisame. You and I were within the Spiritus Electronicus for nearly twenty-four real-time hours. Add in the fact you were petrified temporarily, and the combined effect resulted in a state of nearly complete exhaustion for you. If not for the fact I was tied in so closely with your artifact, you wouldn't even have been able to log out." Pausing briefly, Chachamaru looked up at Rakan, then back at Chisame. "When I called Miss Asakura to request assistance, Mister Rakan volunteered to come help. I have been watching him closely. He has done nothing disrespectful to you. In fact, he seems quite pleased with you for some reason..."

Hearing that, Chisame didn't know if she should be creeped out, or curious about why Rakan would volunteer to do anything... "Helping me like this doesn't seem like something you'd do... what's the catch?"

Considering how most people looked at him, saw his selfish nature and happy-go-lucky attitude and thought him an idiot, Rakan understood Chisame's skepticism. Trying to be as serious as possible, he gave the girl in his arms what he hoped she would consider a look of sincere respect. "Listen Little Missy. I may not understand why you have to be so uptight about things or about what you and your artifact can do, but I can see the results, and I can certainly understand that!"

Rolling her eyes, Chisame moved slightly so she could see Chachamaru. "What is this idiot talking about?"

Holding up a rolled towel, Chachamaru opened it partially to reveal Chisame's Artifact wand. "The information we distributed did exactly what we wanted it to. Fortunately there isn't any general rioting yet, but so many people have been exposed as agents of Kosmo Entelecheia and the Separatists, that things are as close to chaos as you can get without riots. If not for the fact everyone was so spread out, we could have escaped through the Ostian gate without interference. The only two political entities exhibiting any semblance of order right now are Megalo-Mesembria, and to a slightly lesser extent, Ariadne. Everywhere else, people seem to be demanding answers to a lot of questions other people are finding it difficult to answer."

After giving a boisterous laugh, Rakan nodded and looked down at Chisame. "Anyone who can cause that much trouble, I gotta' respect!"

Moaning, Chisame did the only thing she could and just shook her head as she lay back against Rakan's' pecs. "My normal teen life... I'll never get it back now..."

Finally showing a more serious expression, Rakan looked down at Chisame. "Listen Little Miss. You did good. You managed to take care of something we never could twenty years ago. Anyone ever gives you any trouble over that, you let me know, and I'll take care of them for you!"

Seeing the look in Rakan's eyes, Chisame felt all the tension leave her body. ("I... I guess this guy can be serious... Maybe he's not so bad after all...") "Thanks. You remember that promise, because I just may take you up on it someday."

After a few more blocks, Chisame looked up at Rakan. "Hey Old Man, the girl I was fighting is in trouble. I think she's in the Argyre Legation... Do you think there's any way we could go help her?"

Seeing real worry in Chisame's eyes, Rakan hated having to shake his head. "That place is swarming with Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Knights. It's not like Takahata or I couldn't just wade in there and wipe them all out, but you and the Ala Alba are probably on the verge of setting things straight. Do you really want to risk all that?"

Surprised that Rakan had actually had such a rational thought, Chisame stared at him for a moment, then lowered her head. "No, I suppose not..."

As Chisame's head slipped forward and she fell asleep again, Rakan hoped she'd never get burned by showing mercy to an enemy, beaten or not. Not really understanding why he found the girl in his arms so fascinating, he shook his head to get rid of such confusing thoughts. Focusing instead on something hopefully simpler, he turned to Chachamaru. "Hey Robo-girl, what do you think? Could a serious girl like this and a guy like me...?"

For a few seconds data streams flashed across Chachamaru's eyes before she looked up at Rakan. "That is a most difficult question to answer. As 'The Human Cheat-code,' you are about as far from the reality Miss Hasegawa seeks as any man might be. In addition to the obvious difference in age, there is your panty-thievery and other general pervertedness. Also a factor is the time you surprised her in the bath at your villa, as well as..."

Shaking his head Rakan gave a soft chuckle. "Hey now, Robo-girl! No need to read off the whole list! I was just asking!"

Seeing the still serious look on Rakan's face, Chachamaru nodded, then faced forward as the two of them continued walking. "Well, there is also 'opposites attract,' to consider, so I would say that while it is unlikely Miss Hasegawa might 'like,' you, it is not impossible."

Nodding, Rakan paused at another corner as a Lawgiver transport with sirens blaring went by, then continued on in silence, a thoughtful look on his face.

(-)

(Old Ostia. Ruined Ground Port.)

Finally managing to get Negi Springfield and the five girls who had been with him in Old Ostia to lie down and rest, Katrina Adenaur exited the former hospital tent and went out into the afternoon's slowly lengthening shadows.

Waiting outside, Emily Sevensheep and her four companions perked up as she appeared. "Are they okay Captain?"

Still feeling expended herself, Katrina nodded. "Since there aren't any wounded left to deal with anymore, the ship's medical officer gave them a good going over. Paula says they're all showing signs of extreme physical and magical fatigue, but they should be okay with a little rest. Turning back towards the tent, she could see a girl in a blue and gray dress lying on the cot next to Negi's. "That girl, is she really..."

"NO!"

Surprised Yue and Emily had both answered so vehemently and in stereo, Katrina watched as the two girls tried to politely defer to each other for several seconds. Finally, Emily stepped back and bowed to Yue.

Facing Katrina again, Yue tried to look assured, without seeming confrontational. "That girl is just my friend, Asuna Kagurazaka. It may be true that by ancestry she is a Princess of Ostia, but that is all. Nothing more."

Looking at the other girls and seeing them all nod in agreement; Katrina raised an eyebrow, then gave an understanding smile. "Of course. Everyone knows 'The Imperial Princess of the Twilight' was executed two years after the war by being thrown into Cerebus Canyon."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Yue gave Katrina a nod of thanks. Turning slightly, she raised her gaze towards where New Ostia floated in the distance. "What about our friends? Shouldn't we either be getting back or trying to bring them here?"

Moving to stand next to Yue, Katrina placed a hand on the girl's shoulder. "Cabot says a Miss Asakura reported via the communication golem that everyone is safe. They're still in two groups, one at the arena, and one at Pinhe Lake, but both have sufficient security for the moment." Looking down at Yue, Katrina caught the girl's eyes. "Miss Asakura also said she and several others are working on something that should help you out in your situation, and she needs a few hours to get it ready."

Stepping back, Katrina caught the eyes of the other four girls. "Even though it will just be for a short while, I suggest the rest of you get some sleep as well. I've already spoken to Captain Clark. As soon as we hear from Miss Asakura, he'll take all of you back to New Ostia." Seeing a worried look on Yue's face, Katrina smiled reassuringly. "Not to worry. You've been 'arrested' by Ariadne's Valkyrie Mage Knights. If anyone from Megalo-Mesembria tries anything, then what's left of their military in Ostia will have that of Ariadne and the Hellas Empire to deal with."

Stepping forward, Emily gave Katrina a salute. "Are we dismissed then, Ma'am?"

Katrina quickly answered the salute. "Yes. Please stay here for now though. I know you're anxious to get back, but the Valkyrie Command and Grandmistress Seras know you're alive, so there's no worry there."

After giving one last salute, Emily followed her companions over to another unoccupied tent, where Yue and Collet began to help her and Beatrice out of their armor.

"Captain!"

Turning towards the sound of the call, Katrina saw a most unexpected sight; a tall, older gentleman wearing the signet of Megalo-Mesembria on his travel cloak, slowly walking down the slope from the valley rim and towards the Estimated Prophet's camp. Seeing several ship's Marines and other crewmen reach for their weapons, she hissed out a quiet order. The weapons were still readied, but were more carefully kept concealed. Crossing her arms, she waited until the man came to a halt a short distance away. "May I help you?"

Acutely aware of the hostility surrounding him, but still bound to carry out his duty, Doubek Valkova lowered his cloak-hood and removed a dusty derby before giving Katrina a slight bow. "Captain Katrina Adenaur, I presume?"

Her expression neutral, Katrina inclined her head slightly in response. "You have me at a disadvantage, Sir."

Glancing about as citizens of Ariadne not so casually surrounded him, Doubek neither offered, nor expected a hand in return. "Doubek Valkova. Special Representative of the Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Council."

As her crew began whispering amongst each other, Katrina made a sharp gesture ordering them to be quiet. "As you might guess, Mister Valkova, I and my crew are not in any mood at the moment to entertain an official from Megalo-Mesembria."

Looking over Katrina's shoulder, Doubek saw that several of the smaller guns on the still smoldering ship from Ariadne were now manned, and pointed his way. "Of course. I am merely in pursuit of various individuals related to the terroristic attack on Megalo-Mesembria's gate port. I thought perhaps I had seen several of these persons entering the old ground port, but perhaps I was mistaken."

Based on the renewed whisperings of her crew, Katrina realized Negi and Emily had both left their tents, and were now quietly standing next to each other and watching what was going on. "Surely that must be so. The only people here are crew from my ship, and the members of an attached unit of Valkyrie Mage Knights."

Noticing the two standing behind Katrina, Doubek felt his eyes widen in recognition. After a moment, he gave a soft smile. "Please forgive my intrusion then."

Finally relaxing, Katrina turned and held a hand out towards Negi. "Mister Valkova. Please allow me to introduce Emily Sevensheep, daughter of KitNews of Ariadne's Cycilia Sevensheep, and Negi Springfield, son of the Thousand Master Nagi."

Coming forward, first Emily, then Negi shook Doubek's hand. Holding on to Negi's hand just a touch longer than necessary, he found the young man's grip confident and unafraid. "It's nice to meet you, Mister Springfield. I never had the chance to associate with your father, but I did know his friend, Gateau Kagura Vandenberg."

Happy to see a potentially bad situation diffused, Katrina gestured towards a tent from which wafted the smells of cooking. "Emily and Negi have been through a trying time, Mister Valkova. Why don't we let them rest, and you can join me for a cup of tea? Iroh, my ship's cook, is quite the Master with most any kind of tea he has available."

Reaching up, Doubek wiped at the sweat clinging to his hair and trimly cut beard, then unbuttoned and removed the travel cloak. "If you don't mind. I am a bit parched."

As Captain Adenaur lead Doubek towards the kitchen tent, Emily looked down at the boy standing beside her. Though he wasn't the handsome 'Nagi' of her dreams, she still couldn't help thinking of him as 'cute.' Even considering how strong he seemed to be, she still wanted to protect him. "Hey, Negi. Why don't you go back to sleep. The captain and I will make sure no one bothers you or your friends."

With a nod, Negi turned to retreat towards his tent, Emily watching him all the while.

(-)

(Pinhe Lake.)

There had nearly been another fight, after everyone was cured of their petrification or otherwise healed, but with an entire crowd standing against them, the leader of the Gray-cloaks wisely surrendered to Craig Caldwell and the other members of Yuuna's Posse.

After recovering, Chairman Dolnegus had given Akira a long look promising that she was far from off the hook, before finally turning away without a word. After having a brief conversation with Tosaka and his friends, he had gone over to the swimming contest organizers, and was now deep in a discussion with them. Since he seemed disinclined to press the issue for the moment, Akira took Ako along and withdrew to the small building being used as changing room for the contest participants.

While she waited for Akira, Ako reached up to touch her un-collared neck. "Hey Akira..."

Desummoning her Artifact, Akira set the card aside before stepping into the dressing room's shower. "Is something wrong, Ako?"

Dropping her hand, Ako leaned back against the shower room wall. "Are you going to get in trouble for taking off my collar?"

Standing there as the hot water ran down over her, Akira didn't even have to think about the answer. "Probably."

"Why did you do it then?"

"Are you upset I did?"

Ako shook her head. "No, but I don't want to see you get in trouble, either."

Picking up her washcloth, Akira began to lather it up with soap. "Do you intend to run off and leave Natsumi and me behind, just because you've been freed?"

Shocked by the suggestion, Ako turned towards the frosted shower door blurring hers friends form. "No way! I'm going to help you and Natsumi pay off our debt!"

Closing her eyes, Akira began to wash her face. "Good. Then you'll provide Chairman Dolnegus with proof that not everyone needs to coerced by threat of death into paying back a debt."

Still worried, but unable to answer Akira's logic, Ako leaned back against the wall again and just listened to the sounds of water splashing as her friend showered.

(-)

(Hellas Empire Flagship Pampanito.)

"Princess Theodora. Scout Basroil reports that the unauthorized Megalo-Mesembrian fleet units they detected earlier are withdrawing."

Sitting in a hastily installed command chair near Pampanito's Captain, with Takamichi Takahata now openly nearby as her bodyguard, Theodora Hellas nodded in response to the communication crewman's report. "Has there been any further word from Duchess Sylpeid?"

Looking back from his station, the crewman nodded. "Yes Ma'am. She and the Empress are aboard the Carcharodon and are safe. The Palace Guard is in the process of securing the capitol, though the Duchess reports there have been no further significant disturbances since the passage of that spell-effect."

Nodding once more, Theodora looked back to Takamichi. "If you don't think Jack, Ricardo, Seras and your Miss Tatsumiya can handle things in New Ostia, I'll release you, but I'd prefer you stay by my side for now."

Wondering about Theodora's real motivation in that matter, Takamichi returned her gaze for a moment, then made an acquiescent bow. "As you wish, Princess Theodora."

(-)

(New Ostia Arena.)

Awareness returning like a flash, Eris took in a deep breath, as if she had suddenly been freed from being smothered.

"He... hey guys... her wound's healed..."

Looking up at the confused, trembling medic, then back down at the Stone Sagita wound he had been treating, Eris realized her torn skin was closed, the damaged muscle and bone completely healed. Recalling the origin of the wound, she got up and pushed her way past the medical team before stepping back out into the arena. To one side were the smoldering ashes of the thorns she'd last seen bursting into flames after they'd impaled Nagi Springfield. Of his body, there was no sign. Nearby, a debt slave she'd seen around seemed to be comforting Kojirou Oogami. When the Hu-Jin girl suddenly jumped back, she realized the handsome Kojirou was completely naked. Trying not to focus on that sight too much, she grabbed a blanket from one of the medics and went out into the arena.

Seeing Eris approach, Natsumi began thinking fast, trying to come up with a reason she was in the arena. Spotting the burnt thorns, an idea came, so she forced herself to turn back to Kojirou. ("Kotaro! The golem burned after you were turned to stone! Act like Nagi burned to death!")

Hearing Natsumi's whispers and realizing she had come up with a great cover for dealing with the missing Nagi, Chamo nodded in agreement. ("Do it, Kotaro! We'll deal with Negi later!")

Still a bit confused about what Natsumi and Chamo's whispering meant, Kotaro turned and saw the burnt remains of the Dopple-Nagi just as Eris reached him. "Na... NAGI!"

When Kojirou finally realized what had happened to his partner and stood, Eris politely turned away. The debt slave quickly came over to take the blanket, then secured it around the naked Inu-Jin's waist. Her task complete, she and Kojirou moved over towards the fire-blackened area of the arena.

Falling to his knees, Kojirou dug his hands into the ashes. "Nagi..." Mind racing over what to do next, he finally dredged up his old emotions over realizing he'd been abandoned as a child, and used those to force the tears to come. "NAAAGIII!"

Stunned by Kojirou's sudden howl and the wave of grief she felt, Eris found herself reaching up to wipe away at her suddenly flowing tears of sympathy. Up in the arena seating, she noticed many spectators having similar reactions.

When Kojirou's shoulders fell and he sat back on his heels, Natsumi felt a terrible ache in her chest. Kneeling, she put her arms around the suddenly vulnerable looking boy's shoulders. "Kotaro... I don't know what memory you used that's making you cry so, but I want you to please understand... I'm here for you, if you ever want to talk about it..."

Looking up at his adoptive sister, Kotaro saw the emotion in the girl's eyes, and for the first time in his life, understood what it meant to have someone truly concerned for him as a person. Tears flowing anew, he nodded and covered Natsumi's hands with his own.

Not knowing what else to do, Eris moved away from the grieving Kojirou and raised her microphone. "I..." Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she finally managed to get herself under control. "Everyone... please stand and salute the fall of a valiant gladiator."

Responding to the call, all the spectators who had not already done so stood, with everyone removing any head covering they might have had on. For such a huge crowd, the arena soon grew unnaturally quiet; to the point sounds from outside in New Ostia became audible.

Finally, Kojirou stood as well, with Natsumi at his side.

When an appropriate amount of time had passed, Eris walked over to Kojirou, gently took hold of his right hand, and raised the arm into the air. "I don't know what ruling may come down for jumping the start signal, but since Team Argyre was exposed as using an obvious fake, and is clearly absent from the arena; I hereby declare Team Granicus the winner of the Twentieth war's End Anniversary Celebration Nagi Springfield Cup."

Slowly at first, increasing rapidly as everyone realized they'd been given something to be happy about, applause once more filled the arena.

Seeing that the Governor General was absent, Eris allowed the situation to continue until she heard a beep in the tiny headset she wore. Releasing Kojirou's arm and covering her ear, she listened to a brief message, then began to signal to the audience for quiet. For once, she was quickly obeyed. "It seems, as I'm sure many of you suspect, that an incident of some significance has occurred." Glancing up at the press stand, she saw a tall figure standing at one of the windows and nodded. "I have been informed that Doyen Cordoba Ricardo is going to speak concerning this."

Almost as one, everyone in the arena turned to see the dark-haired representative of Megalo-Mesembria standing in the press box window. Raising his hand, he signaled one last time for quiet. "Good afternoon. This is Doyen Cordoba Ricardo of Megalo-Mesembria. Due to many serious events which are currently under investigation, New Ostia has temporarily come under the control of the Educational City State of Ariadne."

As a worried clamor rose from the spectators, Ricardo could be seen shaking his head and signaling for calm.

"Please. I have been assured by Grandmistress Seras herself that this situation is only temporary, and that when the investigations are complete, Megalo-Mesembria will resume control over New Ostia."

Now relief, still tinged with a bit of worry, swept over the arena.

"I understand the award for this tournament is normally presented at this time; however, I think it best if that is delayed for now. Hopefully the presentation can occur tonight, before the closing ceremony fireworks display.

For now, remain calm. Please return to wherever you live, or are currently staying. As you depart, please avoid the area under section G of the arena, as an investigation is in progress there. Please also be careful to avoid any damage and wreckage you might see as you move through the city. Beyond that, there should no longer be any danger, so we'll see you again tonight for the closing ceremony."

Ricardo moved away from the press box window, and a few moments later, the milling spectators quietly began to exit the arena. Not knowing what Nagi's wishes or the appropriate customs might be, Eris stepped towards Kojirou. "Mister Oogami... your friend... what should be done?"

Wiping at his tears, Kojirou looked first at the disturbed and fired-blackened sand, then turned towards Eris. "Leave him here... I think he'd like that..."

Nodding, Eris watched as the debt slave held Kojirou close while the two of them moved towards the entry to Team Granicus's waiting room. When both were gone from sight, she gave one last respectful bow to Nagi Springfield's remains, then turned towards her own exit from the arena.

(-)

(Estimated Prophet. Old Ostia Ground Port.)

"Took them long enough to come check us out. Are you sure that authorization pass will work, Professor Bagera?"

Standing on Estimated Prophet's bridge with Negi and Calizone Bagera, Katrina Adenaur watched as a pair of Hellas Empire Whaleships cruised by over the fjord.

Patting a document packet placed securely in his shirt pocket, Bagera nodded. "As long as you give me that list I asked for, it should. Ultimately, the Dean of the Tantalus Magorum will have to get involved to make it completely official, but the authority granted to me in the pass is quite clear."

Leaning outboard again to watch as Joe Clark began moving the Crescent Hawk over into the water next to her ship, Katrina nodded. "Excellent."

(-)

Watching on Pampanito's Tactical Holo as a Koi-ship settled into the water next to the Estimated Prophet, Theodora Hellas wondered why the ship had even come to Ostia. "Not that it didn't work out, but there are those in the Empire who might try to use the possibly illegal presence of a ship from Ariadne to strip away the City-States moral-authority to control Ostia in this situation..."

Willing to give Theo the benefit of doubt, but still wanting to steer her away from any thoughts about 'Finally re-taking Ostia' she might have as Hellas Royalty, Takamichi Takahata coughed softly. "Of course; The Hellas Empire would never have considered sending unauthorized military units anywhere near Ostia..."

Looking like a child caught in the cookie jar just long enough for Takamichi to see it, Theo quickly turned away. "O...Of course!"

Happy Theo had the good sense to feel embarrassed, but knowing 'calling her out' might have consequences later, Takamichi focused his gaze elsewhere. "I'm glad to hear it."

Giving the 'innocent' Takamichi an annoyed gaze, Theo glared at him for a moment, then relaxed and turned towards Pampanito's communication specialist. "Please open a link to the Estimated Prophet."

(-)

With the Hellas Empire fleet having come sniffing around, then leaving after apparently being satisfied, Negi watched from the Prophet's bridge as his group, Professor Bagera, the Valkyries, and a small squad of marines from the ship prepared to cross a gangplank to the Crescent Hawk.

"Are you sure about this Negi? It will be harder to protect you if you leave the ship."

Looking up at Captain Adenaur, Negi nodded. "I know, but I can't leave my students alone in New Ostia, and our best chance to get back into the city without too much scrutiny will be during the closing ceremony." Seeing Katrina was still unsure about his decision, Negi turned and clenched a fist. "If worst comes to worst, I'll get everyone back to the ship! No matter what!"

"Captain?"

Seeing the ship's chief engineer waiting nearby, Katrina excused herself from Negi for a moment, then returned after a brief conversation with the big Ku-Jin. "We're going to use the PPS to get the ship turned around. If you can avoid any trouble for at least two days, then the anti-friction magic in the three undamaged engine rooms will be restored, and we'll be ready to go."

Glancing down, Negi watched Collet trip and nearly fall into the fjord, only to be saved by a quick grab from Jay Cabot. "About Mister Cabot and his men..."

Knowing Cabot had requested permission to lead the squad because he wanted to go see the pale-haired debt slave from Granicus City didn't detract in Katrina's mind from the reason she was sending him in the first place. "You might be under Emily Sevensheep's 'custody,' but I'm still sending Cabot. I know you and your students can protect yourselves, but it would be better if you don't need to fight. If anyone gets any wrong idea's concerning your bounties and Miss Sevensheep's youth, he'll be there to back her up."

Sighing, Negi moved closer and held out his hand. "I cannot thank you enough, Captain Adenaur, for the help you and your crew have given my students and me. Please know that if it were possibly within my power, I would have done anything to prevent the losses you've suffered."

Her expression becoming sad, Katrina took and matched Negi's firm grip. "You're welcome, and thank you as well. If we don't have the chance to meet again soon, then you need to come visit me in Ariadne someday. I know a few stories from when your father was there during the war you might like to hear."

Suddenly curious, Negi was about to ask what Katrina meant when he heard Asuna shouting for him to hurry from below. Glancing over the bridge railing, he waved to his first Ministra before facing Katrina again. "Well then, I guess I'll be going."

With a slight bow, Katrina's nephew was gone. As soon as the Crescent Hawk lifted from the water and turned towards New Ostia, she went to the navigation table, where Ma'ii Kumagami now stood in Cabot's place. "Okay Ma'ii. Let's get the ship turned around."

(-)

(Dusk. New Ostia Arena.)

Walking out towards Kojirou Oogami, the Inu-Jin survivor of Team Granicus, New Ostian Governor General Kurt Godel reflected on the day's events and found much to be angry about. Most of the carefully laid plans to destroy the coup attempt by Saseru Enteofushia and his Separatist faction had failed. To be sure, that the Separatist leader HAD been stopped was a welcome outcome, but it had not occurred as a result of any action he or anyone else who thought like him had taken. Instead, they had been beaten to the punch buy several busy-body ex-allies of the Ala Rubra, a proliferate user of spell shots from the Mundus Vetus, some group calling itself 'Yuuna's Posse,' a bunch of Kemono kids, and some as yet unidentified user of the MahoNet!

All across the Mundus Magicus, uncomfortable questions were being asked, and many of the answers were proving metaphorically fatal to people who were being exposed as supporters of the Separatist Movement, or as holdouts from the old Total World organization. That in itself wasn't bad; it was just that he and his allies weren't responsible for it. Only in New Ostia, where many Separatists had been detained, and much that was valuable had been recovered from the Argyre Legation, could any real success be claimed.

Unfortunately, the unexpected resilience of the military forces from Ariadne in the face of the surprise attack lead by the now quite dead Megalo-Mesembrian Admiral Villeneuve had stolen away even that success. Irrefutable evidence of collusion with the missing King Enteofushia had been provided by Svanhvit's assistant communications officer, but the Admiral had taken his own life before he could be arrested. Another distraction was in the form of film from some untraceable source, showing the battle in all its intense detail. Racing around the world like that bizarre spell that had come out of Old Ostia, the only thing anywhere close in popularity was a rumor started by a mysterious blogger named Kasayo McDowell that even more such film existed.

Stopping a short distance away from Kojirou, Kurt looked up at the filled to capacity central venue of the New Ostia Arena and took what small comfort he could from that. Even in his depressed state, he still knew how to work a crowd. First giving a rakish smile to the pretty Ma-Jin announcer, he then turned and spread his arms to signal for quiet.

Blushing furiously, Eris raised her microphone as soon as the Governor General lowered his arms. "Everyone here is aware by now of the attempted coup which occurred, as well as the near disaster caused by the Magical Energy which had been gathering in Old Ostia. Personally, I can only hope, like me, no one here has lost anyone close to them." Turning slightly, she held out a hand towards Godel. "The Governor General has informed me that an explanation of everything that is known so far is forthcoming. All that he asks ask is that you be patient for now."

Whispering and a general murmuring grew for a moment in the crowd, then faded when it seemed as if Eris was ready to speak again.

"After an extensive review all relevant evidence, organizers for the Nagi Springfield Cup have determined there is no observable instance of Team Granicus engaging in any form of conduct unbecoming of the best traditions of gladiatorial prize fighting." Sensing Eris was building up to something, the crowd began to grow restless again. "Though several questions do remain, absent the presence of Team Argyre to answer the charges of using the doppelganger exposed by Team Granicus... Team Granicus has been declared the official winner of the Twentieth War's End Anniversary Nagi Springfield Cup!"

Turning once more, Eris indicated the Inu-Jin prize fighter standing across from the Governor General. "I now present to you; the surviving gladiator of Team Granicus, Kojirou Oogami!"

Though hesitant initially, the crowd in the arena quickly grew more and more enthusiastic until the roar of the applause left Kojirou stunned. For the moment, all he could manage was to look up into the stands, where Natsumi and the other sat watching him.

Rubbing at his eyes and trying to remain calm, Kojirou returned his gaze to Eris, who was indicating for him to step closer to the Governor General and the young boy holding a tasseled pillow that had followed the man out into the arena.

Bowing slightly, Eris backed away to allow the Governor General of New Ostia to take the center of attention. "As is the tradition, the Governor General of New Ostia, Kurt Godel, will now present the winner's laurels."

Bowing slightly towards Kojirou, Godel then turned to face the audience and spread his arms once more. In an instant, all the sound in the arena faded to a whisper. "Throughout a long and grueling series of preliminaries, as well as the Nagi Springfield Cup itself; we have seen many fine teams, many excellent matches..." Glancing up at the audience, Kurt pointed at a pair of Ryu-Jins. "...the Kys'hira Brothers of Virocana..." Turning slightly, he indicated another pair of former tournament participants. "...the Masalla - Bin-Hoor team from Megalo-Mesembria..." Another turn and he indicated to the audience a young woman and her silver-haired companion. "...Tos'ka and Ar'cer of Tristan..." then one last turn that left him looking down at Kojirou."...and finally, this year's winners, Kojirou Oogami and the fallen Nagi Springfield." 'Facing' the audience once more, Kurt spread his arms again. "Let us honor them all!"

Immediately, everyone in the arena stood and resumed their thunderous applause. After a short while, Kurt smiled and made a motion that resulted in a lessening of the noise level. Once more, he faced Kojirou. "Kojirou Oogami!"

Having been told what to do, Kojirou moved forward and knelt on one knee, while resting an arm on the other.

Without being asked, the boy next to Kurt came forward, allowing the Governor General easier access to the two woven-leaf laurels placed on the pillow he held. Taking up the smaller of the two awards, Kurt placed it on Kojirou's head between his ears.

Taking up a more elaborate laurel, Kurt held it out to Kojirou. "A great victory, young Kojirou Oogami, has been marred by the loss of your friend, Nagi Springfield. Please accept this crowning laurel in his memory. You are true champions to the people of the Mundus Magicus. Permit us to honor you!"

Tension in a brief touch as the Governor General handed him the laurel, as well as undertones in the man's words picked up by his sensitive ears, warned Kojirou he should always remain wary around Kurt Godel.

Once more the applause began. Moving forward when the Governor General made a gesture for him to do so, Kojirou stood and made a small circuit of the arena, waving to each section of the audience in turn. Finally, Governor General Godel extended a hand towards his private seating box. "If you would, Mister Oogami, please sit with me and enjoy the finale fireworks."

Before following Kojirou towards his private seating, Godel nodded slightly to Eris. As soon as she was alone in the arena, the Ma-Jin girl raised he microphone up to speak. "Some of you may be wondering why Damashi, who was scheduled to play as a part of the finale fireworks, has not come out to do so."

As murmurs of assent came from the crowd, Eris noted the expected presence of a Su-Jin woman at one of the entrances to the arena floor. "What has become of them remains unknown. In the mean time, we have the KitNews reporter, Miss Cycilia Sevensheep, who has been investigating the gate port attacks from over two months ago. Before the fireworks begin, she has asked to be permitted to shed some light on that, as well as other related events."

Walking out from the entry portal, Cycilia bowed to Eris, then borrowed the announcer's microphone.

Taking a deep breath, Cycilia glanced up to where a little red-headed girl stood in the holo control booth of the press box. Kazumi Asakura gave her a thumbs up, so she made ready to use the microphone.

Above Cycilia, four projected holo screens came to life, showing everyone in the arena a close up image of the Su-Jin woman's soot-stained face, mussed hair, and exhausted expression.

"This is Cycilia Sevensheep of KitNews of Ariadne, reporting to everyone here in New Ostia, as well as to all those watching throughout the Mundus Magicus.

Today, I have been a direct witness to many significant events. One of the most significant was an apparent coup attempt by Separatist agitators backed up by remnants of the Kosmo Entelecheia organization, thought destroyed twenty years ago at the end of the Schismatic War. The second most significant event was the near destruction of the Ostian region and its environs by a storm of magic energy which had gathered in Old Ostia."

Pausing for a moment, Cycilia swept her gaze around the arena to make sure she had everyone's attention.

"Though I am sure everyone is at least familiar with Schismatic War and the major personalities involved in its resolution, allow me to review those events, so I will be able to put what I say later into its proper perspective..."

(-)

Up in the press booth, Chibi Kazumi, Doll-form Sayo sitting on her shoulder, signaled the holo operator to activate the first of a series of film and photo montages.

Doing as instructed, the female Iru-Jin then prepared the second. All the while wondering how the little pineapple-haired red-head knew so much about media and studio work. Her boss, citing approval by the arena owner, has said for her to do anything the girl and her two equally young friends wanted, so she finally shrugged, and just concentrated on the immediacy of doing a good job.

(-)

As the first clip ended with the film recorded from the Svanhvit of the combined fleets just barely stopping the Mage of the Beginning's World Ending spell at the end of the Schismatic War, Cycilia's image returned to the holo screens.

"Though the war was over, three significant events occurred between then and now which also relate to what I'm speaking about."

Now old news reports began to show on the holo. The first concerned the disposal of The Imperial Princess of the Twilight, offspring of King Enteofushia of Ostia, and his dead wife, Princess Aricia of Argyre. Said to have been used by Kosmo Entelecheia to summon the Mage of the Beginning, and to be responsible for the destruction of the city of Ostia, the child, considered by many to be nothing more than a 'thing,' was scrapped by being thrown to the beasts populating the bottom of Cerebus Canyon.

The second series of items concerned the death of Nagi Springfield eight years later, and the third was simply a brief report about a demon attack on a remote village.

(-)

With the Crescent Hawk having passed through its Immigration Inspection, Negi lifted the lid off of the hidden compartment he shared with Asuna, Setsuna, and Konoka. Just as he was about to pull himself up onto the normal lever of the Koi-ship's deck, he sneezed, and was kept from falling back in only by Asuna's quick reflexes.

"Come on Negi! Be a little more careful!"

Giggling as Asuna picked Negi up under his shoulders and lifted the protesting boy out of the compartment, Konoka held out her hand to Setsuna after the Shinmei-Ryu jumped up, then turned back to help her Shukun. "Maybe someone's talking about you Negi!"

Rubbing his nose, Negi was about to answer when Asuna jumped up onto the deck. A few strands of her hair brushed across his face, and he had a sudden, unstoppable urge to sneeze again...

Hearing a hard sneeze, followed by a feminine shriek, Jay Cabot forced himself not to go look, 'Just to make sure everyone was okay.' As much as he wanted to check out something that might be interesting, he'd learned to fear Yue Ayase and her broom. Instead, he returned his attention to the Crescent Hawk's captain. "Why did you install those compartments anyway, Captain Clark?"

Studiously averting his own gaze, (Kys'shira's eyes then boring menacingly into his back,) Clark gave a shoulder shrug. They were already installed when I won the ship in a Zephillian Grab game from some guy named Carissian, or Calrissian, I don't remember which. Kys'shira found one by accident one day, and together we discovered the rest. All of them were quite clean and well maintained, so I don't 'think' they were ever used to smuggle slaves. The ship is about twenty-five years old though, so there's no telling how many hands it's passed through."

After nodding in understanding, Cabot glanced over his shoulder and saw that everyone was finally decent and ready to leave the ship.

(-)

With the completion of the second image set, Cycilia could see that a few people were close to guessing where she was going with her story. Governor General Godel in particular was paying very close attention.

"That brings us back to the present. A small boy, one of only a few survivors of that demon attack, applied himself with great determination, graduated from his magic school early, and was sent to teach at a girl's school in the Mundus Vetus country of Japan. There, he lived a relatively normal life, teaching his class, attending school events, and eventually participating in a privately sponsored martial-arts tournament."

On the holo screens, images of the tournament began to play. Two participants in particular produced gasps of recognition from the audience. One was Takamichi T. Takahata, and the other was a small boy with rust-red hair...

(-)

Turning away from the holo for a moment, Natsumi leaned in close to Haruna. "Is revealing all of this going to be okay?"

Keeping her eyes on the holo, Haruna nodded. "We had to rush to arrange everything, but there shouldn't be any problems. Chachamaru sanitized it to make sure nothing was revealed about the location of Negi's village, or anything beyond common information about Mahora." As Natsumi nodded, Haruna continued watching Cycilia. "That lady Chisame's sprite mouse put us in contact with is amazing. She only had the chance to go over this once, and she's delivering our little informational counter-attack like she'd been practicing for days or weeks..."

As a metaphorical sweet-drop rolled down the back of her head, Natsumi sat back in her seat. Haruna seemed plenty confident, but to her, it seemed as if the Ala Alba's future hung in the balance based on the odds of winning an all-expenses paid vacation to Okinawa with a single draw in a supermarket kujibiki...

(-)

Having seen what was about to be shown several times, Cycilia knew she was prepared, but the probably people in the audience who wouldn't be.

"Many of you have seen my reports concerning the terroristic attacks on the gate ports. What I'm about to show you concerning that is quite graphic, so please be warned."

On the holo several still shots of the boy appeared. Starting with one showing an expression of concern, the series ended with two showing him being impaled with a stone Sagita, then lying on the floor in a pain-wracked heap.

"I have had these images independently verified, and have been assured they are authentic."

Several other images now appeared on the holo, showing other 'terrorists' rushing to the wounded boy's side.

"As you can plainly see, this boy has been gravely injured. How then could he possibly be responsible for this?"

Now the image of the boy destroying the pillar stone of the Megalo-Mesembria gate port was shown.

"Though there has been no direct contact with Megalo-Mesembria for nearly a day, up until now, the continued refusal of the Mage Council to release the original images from the event continues to frustrate my wish to verify their authenticity." Easily seen on the jumbo-sized holo-image, Cycilia raised an eyebrow. "Oddly enough, there is one image from the attack that bears a striking similarity to one you have seen before."

Now two images appeared on the holo, the first of the terrorist attack, and the second from the martial arts tournament.

"If, as it appears, the first imaged has been faked, then perhaps the following images show the true culprits..."

Now the holo panels showed stills and short film clips of a white-haired youth about to attack a chocolate-haired girl wearing the robes of an Eastern mage, only to be stopped by a To-Jin girl, and a dark-skinned girl wearing a Chinese qípáo. Other images of a desperate defensive fight followed, ending with a still image showing a small cloaked mage, not the boy, destroying the Megalo-Mesembrian gate port pillar stone.

"Again, I have had these images independently verified as original. This then begs the question; 'Who are these four unknown persons?' It appears they were lead by the white-haired youth, but I have not been able to find any information about him, nor has the Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Council ever acknowledged his presence during the attack."

Having seen everything first hand, Kojirou noticed Godel shifting towards the edge of his seat, as if he wanted to make sure he didn't miss a single word the Su-Jin reporter said.

"Though how it happened is unclear, it seems as if the boy and his friends were then forcibly teleported out of the Megalo-Mesembrian gate port."

(-)

Having a dozen or so apparent victims of Eternal Petrification suddenly revert while she worked on her investigation of Zo Connel's villa had been a bit of a surprise. With only herself, two support staffers, and several suddenly not-so-bored guards to deal with the frightened, confused persons, Agent Luna Inverse of the Knights of Ceiphied had nearly been overwhelmed. Lawgiver reinforcements from Zephillia had finally arrived, and with the situation in hand, she had been able to escape, at least temporarily, back to her apartment in the city.

Originally hoping to relax, she was instead tensely hanging on to every word coming from Cycilia Sevensheep in New Ostia.

(-)

"Things are now going to become a bit more 'story-telling' than 'reporting,' so please bear with me...

...accused of crimes it seems possible they did not commit, the boy and his friends were scattered randomly about the Mundus Magicus.

Did they despair? Did they try in some way to extract a petty revenge against those who might be unjustly accusing them of a heinous misdeed?

No. They did not.

Over two months ago, Nyandom and its surroundings were devastated by a terrible storm. There, two of the so-called 'terrorists,' helped heal those who had been injured, some severely, and then later helped the town deal with a marauding dragon when regional government authorities delayed in doing so.

Near the remote city of Dracogenia, three others worked to help solve a murder and several other crimes, then were instrumental in the victory of Ariadne's Estimated Prophet over rouge Sukunai no Kami"

Overhead on the holo, Estimated Prophet's battle in Granicus Gulf played out in its entirety.

"In the Longchamp Mountains, two other 'criminals,' at great personal risk, managed to deal with a cunning dragon that was on the verge of completely disrupting the economy of the entire region around the city of Tengboche. Though also accused of murdering that cities magistrate, there is evidence to suggest that the white-haired youth from the gate-port might have been involved"

Now the holo showed the white-haired youth and someone in black armor emerging from the wrecked residence of the magistrate of Tengboche. Ascending onto a teleportation platform, they joined the little mage who had been shown destroying the gate-port pillar in Megalo-Mesembria. As soon as both were in position, all three disappeared.

"As for whom the girl in dark armor might be, there will be more on that later.

Hoping to begin to clear all their names, as well as to free three of his friends who had fallen into debt-slavery, the boy began working to cultivate allies. As he did so, he also made plans to gather his companions in New Ostia.

Along the way, the boy became aware of the white-haired youth's plans. Inspired by what his father had accomplished during his own life, the boy determined to do his best to stop those plans."

Now the holo showed an image of the magical energy storm which had been gathering over Old Ostia up until just a few hours previously.

After a few moments, a second image joined the first, a still from the earlier film from the Svanhvit.

Many gasps of recognition now came from the audience, prompting Cycilia to give a small smile.

"I can see that many of you recognize now what was happening outside this fair city, less than eight hours ago..."

(-)

In the home of Juntz Federson in Antigone, Giles Glimmerhorn tried to continue watching the news from New Ostia while his friend paced relentlessly back and forth across the living room, mumbling to himself about 'How could I have missed such an obvious thing?'

Certainly happy Juntz had finally had one of his controversial theories at least tentatively proven; Giles was quickly growing irritated by the distraction caused by the Hu-Jin's unceasing fretting. Finally getting to his cloven feet, he went over and grabbed Juntz by the shoulders. Pushing the surprised man back over to the room's couch, he forced him to sit. "Worry about missing something that isn't really an issue later! Right now, just sit down and watch the program!"

Blinking as if he'd been freed from some infinite loop of circular thoughts, Juntz stared up at his angry friend for a moment, then looked down and deflated. "Yes. Of course. Hopefully Professor Bagera was able to take readings we can study later..."

Nodding, Giles took his hands from Juntz shoulders and went back to his own seat.

(-)

"Now, while the boy made plans to confront the white haired youth in Old Ostia, it seems as if that youth was also involved in a completely different nefarious plot centered in New Ostia.

First, in order to render the city helpless, a large-scale petrification spell centered on New Ostia Arena was set off."

On the holo's, the petrification of Kojirou Oogami was shown, followed by the immolation of Nagi Springfield. Several additional persons began to enter the picture, but before any clear identification of them could be made, the image was disrupted, first by someone jumping down onto the arena floor, then by a teleportation spell. Just as soon as that was complete, the petrification spell went off, leaving nearly everyone in the arena frozen in place.

"Following that, Admiral Villeneuve of the Megalo-Mesembrian fleet, apparently as some part of a conspiracy with Saseru Enteofushia of Argyre, ordered an attack against the IECS Argonauta of Ariadne."

On the holo, clearly in no position to be a threat to the Megalo-Mesembrian fleet, the Ariadnean Argonauta was shown taking an apparently direct hit from Svanhvit's Spirit Cannon.

As the Argonauta fell from sight, the Megalo-Mesembrian fleet was shown deploying its God-Soldier Units. Following the shooting down of one of the God-Soldier carriers by an initially hidden Estimated Prophet was what seemed a fight with an inevitable end, until the sudden reappearance of the Argonauta turned the tide back in the favor of Ariadne.

"Once more, like the boy earlier, those of Ariadne, who had every right to feel aggrieved, choose restraint over further thoughts of possible revenge. They called an immediate halt to the fighting, and began working to assist any who had become casualties amongst their former enemies.

Unfortunately, it seems Duke Sidonia of the Hellas Empire fleet was also a part of Saseru Enteofushia's conspiracy. Discovering this, Third Princess Theodora willingly called upon an old enemy of her people for help, and thanks to the actions of Jacobus Rakan, the fighting around New Ostia was finally over."

(-)

"Lieutenant Hild! She's over here!"

Finally able to do so, the Valkyrie Mage Knights of Ariadne had come to the wreckage strewn ground below new Ostia to fulfill a promise. Though the unprotected bridge crew on Argonauta were all confirmed fatalities, the better protected Valkyries, except for Lieutenant Hild, had all been carried away by the effects of Svanhvit's attack.

Three had recovered, thanks to the healing spell from Old Ostia, and had reported for duty. Four had remained missing.

Two had been found soon enough. Though fatalities, their armor had remained intact, broadcasting a location signal. One had apparently taken nearly the full effect of Svanhvit's attack. All that had been found, by purest chance, was enough to confirm she was a fatality.

That left only the squad's leader, Sergeant Makubi, unaccounted for.

Fully recovered from Mana poisoning, Captain Komaki of the Ariadne Valkyrie Mage Knights had ordered out every Valkyrie who could be spared for the search.

Reaching the Valkyrie who had called out to her, Hild realized why Makubi had been so hard to find. She had landed in a deep crevasse, making it hard to see her body except from directly above. Damage to the armor made it obvious the safety and locator functions had been destroyed in Svanhvit's attack, and she could only hope that the Sergeant had been a fatality as well, and had not lived to fall helplessly to her death.

All that mattered now though was that she had been found, and would be going home.

"Okay then, let's get her taken care of..."

(-)

"At this point, if the calculations of Doctor Juntz Federson are accepted, the situation in Old Ostia verged on disaster. Levels of Magical Energy gathering there were reaching what has been describe by the doctor as a 'critical mass,' which could have only produces the most dire of consequences.

Into this caldron stepped that young boy who had been accused of destroying the Megalo-Mesembrian gate port. Though his intent was to stop the plans of the white-haired youth, he was also there to save someone. For it had come to his attention that the white-haired youth had captured and cast a coercion spell upon one of his friends.

Perhaps it might have been more expedient to simply sacrifice this person in the quest to stop his enemy. However, the boy could not do this. Beyond her being one of the students from the school where he taught, she was also a friend. Loyalty. That occasionally very precious commodity was strong in the boy's heart, and it nearly lead him to ruin."

With an intensity that had many people cheering him on, the boy was shown fighting the White-haired youth. It soon became obvious that he was starting to be burned up by his own magic, and expressions of worry began to drift out to Cycilia from the spectators. When both the boy and the white-haired youth were struck down by an energy lance coming from outside the picture, cries of dismay filled the arena.

"Though apparently willing to sacrifice him to achieve their aims, the white-haired youth's comrades still recovered his body before using the gate port to escape.

Left behind, the gravely wounded boy's spell controlled friend continued the fight until, despite his wounds, he was able to free her from that control."

Shown fighting the To-Jin girl from before, the black-armored girl from Tengboche seemed on the verge of completing the task she'd been left to do, when the boy managed to touch her, and whatever control spell was being used was broken.

(-)

Sitting next to Godel, Kojirou watched as the Governor General's mood alternated between what seemed to be relief and irritation.

(-)

"Now, the boy was faced with a choice. He could take those friends he had and escape through the Old Ostian gate port, or he could stay, and do what he could to try and stave off what was now inevitable."

On the holo, the image split in two. On one side was a view of the magical energy storm over Old Ostia, roiling and ominous. On the other, the boy, wounded, covered in his own blood, was shown setting up a spell circle along with the girl in the Eastern mage clothing, the To-Jin girl, and the now blue-armored girl who had once been held captive.

Tension began to build in the arena, until finally the image showing the four children flashed blue, and the other the collapse of the storm over Old Ostia before a spell shockwave exploded out of the valley to begin its march across the Mundus Magicus.

Finally returning to a single image, the holo showed the arrival of the arrival of a girl wearing a Chinese qípáo, then after a short while, the recovery of the other four children, and their eventual departure from the Old Ostian gate port.

As the holo images finally faded out and a single spotlight focused on where she stood on the arena floor, Cycilia Sevensheep waited until the arena grew quiet and everyone had focused their attention on her.

"I call upon the Megalo-Mesembrian Mage Council to immediately drop all charges against this boy and his friends. If they are unwilling to do so, then a full and open investigation needs to be made to determine if those charges have any basis whatsoever in the face of this new evidence which has come to light."

Lowering the microphone, Cycilia made as if to depart the arena floor, then stopped and raised it once more.

"Some of you may have noticed a peculiar resemblance between the boy in question and a certain someone else. Well then, I tell you now that your presumption is most likely correct. The 'boy' of which I have been speaking is Negi Springfield. Son of the Thousand Master Nagi."

Before the arena exploded into a riot of sound, Cycilia made a slight bow.

"This is Cycilia Sevensheep of KitNews, reporting to you from New Ostia."

(-)

Ignoring the bombshell Cycilia Sevensheep had just dropped, as well as the fireworks that belatedly began to start bursting overhead; Kurt Godel stood up and looked down at Kojirou Oogami. "Forgive me Mister Oogami, but I have urgent business to attend to."

Standing, Kojirou made a slight bow. "No problem Sir. Thank you for inviting me to sit with you."

Trailing his squire, Godel quickly exited his private seating area. Joined by two mage-knight guards, he descended into the back areas of the arena. Striding along at such an angry pace the boy was forced to run to keep up, he finally reached the levels containing access to the Arena floor just as Cycilia Sevensheep stepped out of a dressing room. "Miss Sevensheep!"

Turning to face the Governor General of New Ostia, Cycilia gave a slight bow of greeting. "What can I do for you, Governor General Godel?"

Trying to keep his breathing calm after hurrying to where he now was, Godel glared down at Cycilia. "Miss Sevensheep! I don't think you understand the position you've placed yourself in! Those 'children' you seem to have come in contact with are potentially dangerous criminals! They need to be arrested! Unless you intend to assist me in their apprehension, I may need to arrest you as an accessory after the fact!"

Showing an intensity of purpose equal to the governors, Cycilia refused to back down, and even took a step forward. "Governor General, You and I have had a very positive relationship over the years. Because of this, I feel I can speak openly with you." Her expression becoming confrontational, Cycilia looked directly up at Godel. "I think it is you who does not understand the situation. Unless it becomes necessary in court, I am under no obligation to reveal to you my sources. Your seemingly 'desperate' insistence on arresting them makes it appear as if you might be part of the original group responsible for bringing charges against them in the first place." As Godel glowered, Cycilia's expression changed into a self-confident smirk. "Beside which, it seems as if the Ala Alba has been in New Ostia for nearly two weeks. That the Megalo-Mesembrian Lawgivers who fall under your responsibility haven't found any of them in all that time doesn't speak well of their competence, I should think."

His rage obvious and barely contained, Godel could only watch as Cycilia lowered her eyes dismissively and slipped past him and his guards.

Not even looking back, Cycilia began moving down the corridor. "Unless you intend to charge me with something, I intend to leave. I still haven't been able to meet with my daughter since Raphael's Mantle, and I have dinner reservations to do so in less than thirty minutes. Good evening."

(-)

(Near the Noctis Labyrinthis.)

Stepping down from King Enteofushia's Manta ship, Koyomi Karenda warily looked around at the darkened gully that should have been the rendezvous point for the King and his allies if something had gone wrong.

"Is anyone out there Koyomi?"

Turning back as her friend Tamaki Ryushin came down out of the ship, Koyomi shook her head. "Not that I can see..."

Following behind Koyomi, Tamaki came out onto the sand filling the bottom of the gully. As soon as she took just a few steps, her nose began to twitch. ("What's that smell?") Digging at the sand with her boot toe made the smell increase, and Tamaki immediately recognized it. "Formicidae! Koyomi! We've got to get out of here!"

Turning to look back at Tamaki, Koyomi just started to recognize the look of fear on her friends face when an explosion of sand obscured the Ryu-Jin girl from her sight. When the dust cleared, she quickly realized she was surrounded by a huge swarm of Dai Arthropoda, and they were already beginning to climb her legs.

Seeing Koyomi was about to start trying to brush off the miniature creatures swarming her, Tamaki held out her hand in firm 'STOP!' gesture. "NO! KOYOMI! Don't touch them! It'll only make them attack you immediately!"

With Koyomi's eyes growing wide with a fear bordering on complete panic, Tamaki turned to look out into the darkness surrounding the small circle of light coming out of the Manta ship. "I know someone's out there! What do you want?"

Completely covered and unidentifiable in his mage cloak, a tall person Tamaki still had a sense of familiar unease about came around a sharp corned of the darkened ravine. Clapping his hands, the man gave a slight nod.

"It seems it is true that Ryu-Jin have quite the refined sense of smell. Unfortunately, you didn't realize what was about to happen soon enough to save your friend from the pets of my servant."

Emerging from behind the tall man, a small, timid Nezu-Jin with one eye came out and looked up at what was obviously his Master. "Can I let Them eat the pretty girl? They haven't had someone so tasty looking in such a loooong time!"

Trying desperately not to lose control, Koyomi could only watch helplessly as Tamaki's gaze moved between her Dai Arthropoda covered form and whomever she was talking to. "Ta... Tamaki..."

Shaking his head, the tall man reached down and handed a collar, a sheet of magical paper, and a feathered contract stylus to the little Nezu-Jin. "Now now. You know how much I don't like wasting a potential asset. Why don't you just go give this contract to Miss Ryu-Jin over there?"

Obviously disappointed, the Nezu-Jin took the items and brought them over to Tamaki.

Seeing what they were, Tamaki instantly flushed with a nearly insane anger and began to change into her were-dragon form. The little Nezu-Jin flinched away from her, but she still had enough control to look up at the tall man, instead of thinking about harming the messenger. "Yo... You bastard..."

Not intimidated in the least, the man glanced over at the helpless Koyomi. "I've heard that there's two ways one might die in this situation. They either go into Anaphylactic shock from the stings and suffocate, or they bleed to death in screaming agony as the flesh is pulled from their bodies... Shall we see which it will be for your friend? Or will you sign that contract and do as I say?"

Not wanting to die, but also not wanting Tamaki to be forced to break the promise the two of them had made never to be slaves again, Koyomi shook her head. "Tamaki... do... don't do it... run away, please..."

Remembering the little skinny Nek-Jin that had risked so much just to bring her water when she'd first been taken as a slave, who had taken part of the beating in her place when she'd maimed that man in the bath-house, and who had stayed with her though everything else, Tamaki knew she couldn't abandon her friend. Suppressing her anger, she returned to normal and held out her hand.

Looking relieved, the little Nezu-Jin stepped forward and held out the paper to Tamaki. Glancing back at his Master as the Ryu-Jin signed away her freedom, he felt a little remorse. Master was kind, he had saved him when his experiments at controlling the Dai Arthropoda had gone horribly wrong, but he could also be terribly cruel at times. Having spoken about how this Ryu-Jin was a slave once before, he had seemed ecstatic over the chance to make her one again. When the girl finished and the contract spell flashed to signal it was complete, he took the paper back and held out the collar and its lock.

Seeing the sadness in the little Nezu-Jin's eyes as she took the collar, Tamaki resolved not to hold anything against him. He was just doing his Master's bidding, as she was about to do hers.

Watching as Tamaki put the collar around her own neck, Koyomi began crying over her helplessness. When the lock clicked closed, making the contract fully binding, the person behind her began laughing with satisfaction. Fighting back her tears, she looked Tamaki right in the eyes. ("I'll find you! I'll find you and free you no matter what!") Tamaki nodded, then moved forward with the Nezu-Jin and out of her sight.

After a few moments of silence, the Nezu-Jin returned and placed a small package on the ground near Koyomi's feet. Looking up at the trapped Nek-Jin, he shook his head. "Don't worry. I wanted to, but Master says not to let Them eat you. After we're gone, they'll let you be. Follow the instructions in the packet I'm leaving, and Master will contact you later."

Koyomi watched as the Nezu-Jin disappeared again. There was the sound of a ship taking off, and as promised, the Dai Arthropoda eventually left her alone.

Collapsing to her hands and knees, Koyomi dug her fingers into the sand, and let the tears of pain and rage fall without letup. "Tamaki... TAAMAAKIIIIII!"

tsuzuku.

(-)

Author's Notes:

OP Quote: The original version; "Four hostile newspapers are more to be feared than a thousand bayonets." is attributed to Emperor Napoléon Bonaparte.

Der Längste Tag Ausgang. (The Longest Day Ends.) A play on the title of a 1962 movie, 'The Longest Day,' about the D-Day Normandy invasion.

PPS: Positional Propulsion System. Small ducted-fan water thrusters below a ship's water line. Used to provide positional stability in open water or maneuverability in close quarters. (Narrow waters like a river, a fjord, or when moving up against a dock without the help of tugboats.)

Kurt Godel's award speech is based on Potious Pilate's speech before the Circus Maximus Chariot race in the movie 'Ben Hur,' staring Charlton Heston.

All the still pictures and film used by Cycilia Sevensheep in her story come from Kazumi Asakura's cameras and Pactio golems, as well as from Chachamaru's memory. Nodoka Miyazaki also contributes information from her Diarium Ejus, with 'assistance' from Chisame Hasegawa and Haruna Saotome.

Kujibiki: A drawn lot, usually with folded pieces of paper in a box, used as a contest of chance to distribute a prize, or prizes of some sort.

Chinese qípáo: Name for a type of clothes Ku Fei often wears.

'...getting to his cloven feet...' Giles Glimmerhorn is a Satyr. (Half-man, half-goat.)

Formicidae: Modification of the word used to describe ant-bite 'venom' in the 1954 movie 'Them!' featuring giant ants.

Dai Arthropoda: Giant ants.

Anaphylactic shock: Where a person can have a really bad reaction to something like a bee sting. So bad in fact it can result in death.

For anyone who might be interested, I have created a 'soundtrack' for 'Ala Alba in the World of Magic' from various cds I own. The link to the file-share site where it is posted, (MediaFire,) is on my profile page.

Chapter Fifty-one: Full circle.