(Welcome back to another chapter guys. Negi and Dustin are going to be in for quite a day for two reasons raging girls and dark henchmen.)
One at Mahora's dorm Negi was up and about going over some magic spells in his book until a knock was at the door. He went over opening it revealing Dustin and Mana, "What's up Negi where's Kaede?" Dustin asked.
"Morning you two, Kaede went out to check on something but she should be back soon." Negi explained.
"Awesome, so you got this whole place to yourself for now, let's raise some ruckus!" Dustin pumped a fist up like a party animal until Mana put her hand on his shoulder.
"Inside voice Dustin."
"Right," Dustin chuckled sheepishly until he remembered, "That's right Negi, remember how Ayaka's window got that hole in it."
"Yes, but it's ok Ayaka said it's been repaired." Negi explained.
"That's good, but I think I know what was the cause of it."
"And what's that?" Negi asked concerned.
"Shadow soldiers." Dustin asnwered.
"Shadow soldiers, they were there?" Negi asked worried.
"So you know about shadow soldiers to Negi?" Mana asked.
"Yes but I never saw one up close." Negi admitted.
"Well I have," Dustin answered, "When I did I needed my father to save me because I wasn't strong enough to fight even one."
"Hey yall what're we talking about?" Kaede asked stepping inside.
"Oh Kaede back already?" Negi asked.
"Yeah took shorter than I thought, by the way Negi, this came for you." Kaede held out a letter addressed to him.
"Oh it's from Wales." Negi noticed the address and opened the letter taking out the parchment.
Unlike normal letters, magic letters contained not words but magical holograms that looked and spoke like a real miniature of a person who sent the letter. The forwarding address was written at the top, and at the bottom had icons "play," "pause," "rewind,' and "stop" just like a VCR or DVD player. Other than these, there was nothing else written or appearing on the paper.
"It's blank." Kaede noticed.
"Just watch." Mana assured her fellow student having used these before.
Negi activated it and appearing as a hologram was a miniature version of his sister, "Oh it's from my sister Nekane."
"So that's her huh, she looks beautiful." Kaede noticed.
"Oh yeah." Dustin chuckled until Negi glared at him shutting him up.
Negi activated the letter as the hologram spoke, "Hello Negi," the image said, waving. "How are you and Dustin doing? I trust you're both doing well over in Japan. I know you haven't been gone long, and yet I'm worried about you and miss you so much already. I do hope you're getting along well with your students, I'd hate to think if any of them were giving you a hard time."
Mana and Kaede eyed each other knowing if she knew what the girls were like she'd fly out and take him back home.
"Everything's going well here in Wales. I got a letter from Anya awhile ago and she says she's doing fine as well wanting me tell you and Dustin that it's a miracle you haven't come home already, but that's Anya for you." She chuckled.
"No kidding." Dustin answered with a twitchy brow about Anya's mockery while Negi felt the same way.
"And Negi… I know this might be… a bit much so soon, but… I was wondering if you're already on the lookout for a partner? Yes, ten years is too soon for a mage to start thinking about such a thing, but perhaps, since you're at an all-girls' school, it might be a good chance to at least scout a few possible candidates. After all, wizards and partners attract each other, so maybe you've met your future partner already." She chuckled.
"Nekane." Negi gasped that she would bring that up.
"Well I best be going now, hope to hear from you and Dustin soon." Nekane finished as the letter ended.
"She seems nice." Mana admitted.
"So what's this about a partner Negi?" Kaede asked curiously.
"Well you see Kaede it's sort of like a marriage partner," Negi began, "See, there's a story about a famous sorceress and her knight protector who guarded her while she cast spells in combat. That set the example for active wizards and witches in society today to find themselves a mate, someone to watch their backs. These partners are called Minister Magi, as they assist Magister Magi. Without 'em, you can't be a Magister Magi."
"It's like this," Mana broke it down simpler, "A Magister is the knight while the Minister is the knight's shield."
"Makes perfect sense, but are these partners usually the opposite sex of the magi?" the ninja asked.
"Exactly because they compliment each other, and it often leads to the two ending up getting married down the line in a lot of cases." Negi explained.
"I see, and she wants you to start looking?"
"It appears that way but I'm too young to be looking for a partner even a temporary one." Negi replied.
"Negi come on don't be a spoiled sport, it's always important to have help in case you need it." Dustin explained.
"I know, but becoming partners with anyone here would mean I'd have to tell them my secret and what if they end up spilling?" Negi asked.
"So choose someone who wouldn't spill like Kaede here." Dustin showed an example.
"Kaede?" he gasped.
Kaede smiled, "You know I'm curious how this partner thing works?"
"It's simple really, a mage and the one he's chosen for his partner be it permanent or temporary must stand inside a special pentagram on the ground, and they seal the pactio deal through their lips." Dustin explained making Negi blush nervously.
"You mean like a kiss?" Kaede asked.
"That's right." Negi nodded nervously.
"There is another way but it's messier." Mana put in.
"How so?" Kaede asked.
"It involves blood." Dustin explained.
"Yikes," Kaede admitted even for a ninja she wouldn't like the idea of cutting herself just to draw blood, "So what happens when they do it?"
"The Minister is united with the Mage into a probationary contract that gives the Minister magical powers or abilities that reflect the personality and such of the Minister." Dustin finished.
"Hold on how do you know much about the partner thing Dustin?" she asked.
"Well the thing is Kaede we spirit warriors have our own kind of pactio where a spirit warrior can transfer his or her own kind of spirit energy to its partner granting them the use of spirit power that reflects their own abilities as well. I've never done it before though, but I've dreamt of it."
"Bottom line is I don't know if we'll even need partners," Negi explained, "I mean we're not in any danger here right?"
"You never know Negi." Dustin reminded him.
As they continued talking what they didn't know was outside their room were the twins who had been listening in on what's been going on, but could make out the words marriage and partner which was enough of them to creep away mischievously. Soon they ran to the girls lounge.
"Hey girls you'll never guess what we just found out!" Fuka called.
"The whole reason why Negi and Dustin came to Japan was to find themselves brides!" Fumika cheered grabbing the attention of such girls as Ayaka, Kazumi, Sayo, Natsumi, and Chizuru whose eyes lit up.
"What did you say?" Ayaka gasped with her hand on her heart.
"Brides?" Chizuru gasped with a blush.
Soon the word started spreading and just about half the class was talking about it, "Can you believe Negi-kun and Dustin-kun are looking for brides who would've thought?" Makie asked.
"Well I hear that they're actually princes." Yuna put in hoping the rumor is true.
"If that's the case whoever marries them will become princesses." Ako added.
"Yeah they're bona fide royalty." Sakurako cheered.
"I'd like to get me a piece of Negi-kun for sure." Kakizaki added.
"Then Dustin-kun's mine." Madoka put in.
Listening in was Kasuga taking this to heart, 'I better do some investigating.' She snuck off.
Later that day Negi and Dustin were walking around outside the dorms enjoying the day, "Dig this afternoon weather Negi it's gorgeous." Dustin stretched his arms.
"Yes it's wonderful." Negi admitted.
"It's just a bummer Spring Break is ending and there was still so much I wanted to do." Dustin sighed.
"Don't worry there's always the next break." Negi reminded him.
"Negi/Dustin-sensei!" a collective group called.
"Yes what is…" Negi and Dustin turned but gawked seeing about half of the girls from class surrounding them.
"Please sensei choose me!" Ayaka cheered with open arms.
"Dustin I'm all yours!" Sakurako squealed.
"Prince Negi make me your bride!" Makie cheered.
"Prince, what's going on?" Negi gasped as he and Dustin backed away nervously.
"We heard you two were looking for brides." Kazumi said with a smirk.
"Even if I'm dead Negi can you make me yours?" Sayo asked hopefully.
"And can I be yours Dustin-kun?" Yuna asked.
"You girls are mad!" Negi gasped.
"Negi I think maybe we should scram." Dustin suggested.
"Agreed!" Negi nodded as the two bolted for it.
"Runaway princes!" Fuka called.
"After them!" Kazumi called as the girls chased after them.
As Negi and Dustin ran for their lives Negi spoke, "We need to disappear and fast!"
Dustin spotted a corner of a building, "There!" they ran around it and when the girls turned the corner the two boys were gone.
"Hey where'd they go?" Fuka asked.
"They've disappeared." Ayaka saw no sign of them.
"But how?" Haruna asked.
Unbeknownst to them Negi was on his staff floating above the buildings too high for them to see with Dustin using his spirit energy to fly up to his level as well, "That was a close one huh?" Dustin asked.
"Too close, what got them into thinking we were looking for brides?" Negi asked.
"I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess somehow they overheard us talking about partners and that planted the whole thing in their heads." Dustin believed.
Negi shuddered, "I'm now less thrilled about finding a temporary partner than I already was."
"Come on Negi this was a minor mishap, words just got out wrong and the girls took it the wrong way." Dustin explained.
"I guess you're right." Negi admitted as they descended to the ground seeing the girls left.
"All clear now, we should get back." Dustin suggested.
"Yeah wouldn't want to run into them again." A new voice agreed.
"Yeah we wouldn't…" Negi began with a smile until he and Dustin realized someone was watching them. They spun around seeing Kasuga leaning against a wall.
"Kasuga-san?" Negi gasped.
"What're you doing here?" Dustin was shocked.
"I heard the rumors flying around about you two and had to see it for myself, surprised to see you both touching down from the sky." The track girl explained.
"Wait you saw that?" Negi gasped.
"Every bit of it." Kasuga smiled and nodded.
Negi panicked as Dustin stayed calm and spoke, "So what're you gonna do now blow our cover?"
Kasuga giggled, "I'm not going to do anything."
"Huh?" the boys asked.
"You mean you're not going to tell?" Negi asked.
"Heavens no, the last thing I want is for my own sensei to be turned into an animal." She replied.
"Why do you say that?" Dustin asked wondering about her knowledge of Negi's punishment.
"Well the fact is Dustin-kun, Negi-kun and I are like birds of a feather."
"Wait you mean to say you're?" Negi asked.
"That's right I'm a Mage in-training as well." She admitted.
"You're a mage in-training?" Negi gasped.
"Does that surprise you?" Kasuga asked curiously.
"A little, but it also makes me relieved that I'm not the only one here." Negi answered.
"Right back at ya." She replied.
"Look why don't the three of us talk somewhere else?" Dustin suggested.
"Agreed." Negi nodded as the three walked off.
Meanwhile watching the Mahora academy from a viewing window was a figure in a black cloak with a hood up covering all but his mouth that was visible, "The time has come shadow soldiers, go!" The seven shadow soldiers from before vanished into a portal.
Back with the teachers and student who were having a beverage by a bench had been talking about everything as it was already twilight hour, "So you're a mage in-training with your assignment to be a nun?" Negi asked.
"That's right Sister Shakti from Mahora's church is my boss, though she can be a bit of a hard case with me." Kasuga admitted.
"So I guess with you becoming a nun, finding a partner would be out of the question?" Dustin guessed.
"Well I'm not a nun yet and that won't be for a long time," she replied, "So I guess you boys were talking about finding pactio partners? Well let me tell you this is the right place for you to look."
"Well we're not really looking for partners." Negi replied.
"But I told him it pays to have one in case." Dustin put in.
"Well, if any of you are interested I'd be happy to join you." She offered making the boys blush.
Elsewhere with the rest of the girls that went looking for their professors stood by the academy square tired, "I can't believe we lost them." Ayaka sighed.
"I know, and I was close to getting a major scoop." Kazumi sighed as well.
"There's always next time Kazumi." Sayo comforted her.
"How did we lost them so easy?" Makie questioned everyone.
"I don't know they must move fast for little guys." Yuna suggested.
"I think maybe we came on a little strong ganging up on them like that." Ako put in.
"I guess you're right, we might've scared them." Madoka agreed getting the others to agree as well.
"Well now I feel lousy." Sakurako sighed.
"We all do." Ayaka assured her.
"Next time we see them we should apologize." Kakizaki suggested and the girls agreed.
"They're probably back at the dorms." Fuka believed.
"So let's go." Fumika added as they were about to head back.
"No one's going anywhere." A voice said as the girls looked seeing the seven shadow soldiers materialize out of thin air putting shocks on the girls faces.
Back with the three they suddenly heard a collective group of female screams, "That was the girls!" Negi gasped.
"They must be in trouble." Kasuga gasped.
"We better check it out." Dustin suggested as he flew taking Kasuga under her shoulders carrying her as Negi flew on his staff. When they arrived at the academy square they found the girls who were chasing them on the ground unconscious.
"Girls!" the three called rushing over to them with Negi checking on Ayaka, Kasuga on Ako and Makie, and Dustin checked on Yuna and Madoka.
"It's alright they're just passed out, but why?" Dustin asked.
"That would be our cause."
The three turned seeing the seven shadow soldiers approach, Evening all." One greeted them.
"Shadow soldiers." Dustin squinted his eyes.
"So that's what they are." Negi gasped.
"Yikes." Kasuga gasped.
"What'd you do to our students?" Dustin demanded.
"We didn't really do a thing." One of them answered.
"Yeah they fainted at the mere sight of us." Another laughed.
"What do you want here?" Negi asked.
"We're here for the spirit warrior." Another answered.
"Me?" Dustin asked.
"Yes, attack!" the lead ordered as the seven went into battle.
"Spread out!" Dustin ordered as Negi and Kasuga went in different directions.
Negi was cornered by two who whipped out his staff muttering an incantation and fired light arrows from his staff at the shadow soldiers, "Got them!"
"Think again!" they got back up much to Negi's shock as he used his staff to fly around them.
Kasuga was confronted by another two, "Nowhere to run girlie." One of them said.
"I know, but you might want to run from this!" she took out a bottle of clear liquid and waved it at them sending bits of it in their eyes making them cry in pain.
"I'm blind!" one cried.
Kasuga smirked, "Never mess with the power of holy water."
Dustin was going at the other three in hand to hand combat until one concentrated a red blast in his palm, "Take this!" he blasted it at Dustin who barely dodged the attack but aimed his own finger at him, "Spirit gun!" he fired his attack at the one shadow soldier knocking him off his feet.
"Good shot!" Kasuga called.
Dustin smirked until the other two confronting him attacked together overpowering him, 'Looks like I better break out the big gun,' he thought channeling his spirit energy into his whole fist before launching it at them, "SHOTGUN!" a bigger spirit energy blast fired from his fist destroying the two shadow soldiers.
Negi watched in amaze at his friend's skill as he continued using his magic against the two shadow soldiers but was running out of spells. "You're mine now kid!" one was about to attack him with a dark sword materializing from his own dark energy until a giant shuriken nailed him in the chest making him disappear.
Negi gasped as he looked up on top of a tree branch seeing Kaede in a geisha outfit, "Kaede!" he gasped.
"Sorry I didn't make it sooner, but you managed to hold your own long enough for me to arrive." Kaede smiled as she jumped down delivering a spin kick nailing the other one sending him rolling across the ground.
Dustin who was grappling with the one he failed to defeat with his spirit gun was forcing himself to overpower his opponent until the shadow soldier got shot in the neck before vanishing. Dustin looked over seeing Mana with a rifle, "Mana!"
Mana smirked, "Normally I charge for my services but consider this one on the house Dustin."
The two taller students joined together with Dustin, Negi, and Kasuga outmatching the remaining three shadow soldiers, "Looks like you three are outmatched now." Dustin smirked.
The three growled until one spoke, "You got lucky tonight, but we're not finished here!" they fled.
"That scared them off." Kasuga sighed in relief.
"What were they?" Kaede asked.
"Shadow soldiers; they're dark henchmen that serve those who study the dark arts." Dustin explained.
Mana noticed the passed out girls, "What happened with them?"
"The shadow soldiers spooked them." Kasuga explained.
"Kasuga if you're here then does that mean you?" Kaede asked but Negi spoke.
"We'll tell you later, right now we gotta get the girls back to the dorms."
"Right." Kaede said as she used her ninja abilities to summon shadow clones to help carry most of the girls.
As Dustin walked he appeared to be in thought which went noticed by Mana, "You ok Dustin?"
"I'm just concerned; shadow soldiers don't act on their own. Someone sent them here, but who?"
"We'll worry about that later right now there are more important matters." Mana replied as Dustin nodded.
Unknown to them two others had been watching, one was very tall and the other was short around Negi and Dustin's height, "Mistress, do you suppose it was Dustin-sensei's spirit energy that drew them here?" the tall one asked more stoic than Mana's tone.
"Whatever reason they came here doesn't concern me," she looked up at the near full moon, "All that matters is in two days the moon will finally be round and I shall finally be free from this hell hole." She smirked mischievously.
Meanwhile the remaining three shadow soldiers reappeared before their master, "You've failed me." He said.
"We apologize master, we plead for forgiveness." One said.
"Be quiet," He ordered shutting him up, "I underestimated the allies of the two, a problem I will not make again."
"We'll bring more of us there if you allow us to return." One suggested.
"No!" their master ordered, "Going back there too soon would be disastrous now that they already know of your existence. We'll have to wait and plan ahead, besides going back to that school now of all times would be suicide even for you," he looked through his viewing screen seeing the night sky above Mahora and the near full moon, "For as you can see there's a bad moon rising in the sky."
(And that's the chapter Dustin's got his own enemy watching his moves, but he will be the least of his worries for the horror that's soon to befall Negi and Dustin. Don't miss next time everybody, see ya.)