(And welcome back, readers. Hope that little surprise at the end of the last chapter stirred you up. Because now with things coming down to the wire, it's gonna be an all out battle.)
Neg, Dustin, and their partners watched in shock as the cloaked figure finally identified as Negi's long lost father Nagi Springfield continued to grip the shadow soldier's fist without even struggling.
When the soldier saw who it was he was fighting, he looked terrified, "No! It can't be you!"
Nagi smirked, "But it is. Goodbye." he threw a punch to the soldier's gut making him go poof.
The girls looked in amaze, while Eva smirked. Nagi turned around and looked down at his son offering him a hand, "Need a hand?"
Negi took it and was pulled back onto his feet still feeling lost for words, until he finally spoke up, "Father?"
Nagi smiled, "I told you one day our paths would cross again. Sorry it had to take this long though."
Negi's eyes started filling up with tears, "Father!" he ran to his dad, and embraced him tightly.
"Whoa, easy there, son. You're much stronger than I thought you'd be." Nagi chuckled.
The boys partners watched it play out, as Makie asked Eva, "Is that really Negi's dad?"
Eva nodded, "The one and only Nagi Springfield."
Dustin decided to make himself known approached, "Nagi Springfield, hi. You probably don't remember me..."
Nagi gasped, "Is that little Dustin Bowers? How could I forget the son of my two closest friends?" he pulled the Bowers boy into a group hug with him and Negi.
Eva crossed her arms, "I'm here too, Nagi."
Nagi looked over, and cocked an eyebrow, "Do I know you little girl?"
Eva turned red with rage before running over, and jumped Nagi trying to beat the shit out of him.
"I spend the last fifteen years stuck in this hell hole for you to free me, and you don't even have the mentality to remember who I am?!" Eva shouted, as she strangled Nagi.
Nagi chuckled through the strangling, "Evangeline, you haven't changed a bit."
Eva ceased her strangling, and gasped, "You mean you do remember?"
"Of course, I'm not as asinine as you think I am. Sorry I couldn't undo the spell binding you here, but some things happened and..."
"Oh, save your excuses, besides someone else did you a favor." Eva huffed.
"I can see that. Good work, Negi."
"Well, thanks." Negi said sheepishly, before noticing the group, "Father come and meet our friends."
The two boys brought Nagi over, as Negi spoke, "Everyone meet my father, Nagi Springfield, the Thousand Master."
"Charmed, loves." Nagi winked, and some of the girls felt swooned.
Ayaka spoke to herself, "He's so handsome."
Kakizaki added, "If this is what his father looks like, Negi-kun's sure to be twice as hot."
Dustin began, "Allow me to introduce you our pals, Nagi. This is Elroy, Jade, Jethro, Alice, Alicia, Aria, Dean, Kotaro, Fate, and Alistair."
"Nice to meet you, kids." Nagi greeted them.
"A pleasure, sir." Alice greeted him.
"We've heard so much about you from our elders." Aria added.
Zyphon approached, "Master Nagi, a pleasure. You may call me Zyphon."
Nagi whistled, "Ross wasn't kidding when he said his boy had a scientific mind."
Dustin did a double take, "Wait a minute, dad told you about me?"
"In a moment, right now aren't ya going to introduce me to these fine young ladies?" Nagi asked.
Negi began, "Yes. Father these are some of our students that we teach, and these are my partners. You already know Evangeline. This is Kaede, Ayaka, Ku, Makie, Ako, Akira, Kakizaki, Chachamaru, Konoka, Fuka, Sayo, and Rin."
Ayaka stepped forward, "A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Springfield. Might I say your son is a wonderful teacher, and great leader as well."
"I can believe it." Nagi admitted.
Dustin spoke, "And these girls are my partners, Mana, Zazie, Kazumi, Fumika, Chizuru, Chao, Yuna, Sakurako, Haruna, Madoka, Setsuna, Kasuga, and Cocone."
"Nice to meet you." the girls greeted him.
Takane shook his hand, "My name's Takane Goodman, Mr. Springfield."
Yue went next, "I'm Yue, and I'm partners with Alistair."
"You don't say?" Nagi asked, as he smirked at Alistair seeing his son and his closest friend weren't the only ones able to score with an older girl.
"And I'm Natsumi. Kotaro is my magister." the drama girl explained.
Nagi smiled, until he saw Shizuna and Shakti approach, "Nagi Springfield. Welcome. I am Shizuna Minamoto, and I'm also one of your son's partners."
Nagi blushed upon seeing the well endowed woman before looking at his son, "Negi, you've made your old man proud."
"And this is Sister Shakti, another of my partners." Dustin introduced.
Nagi looked amazed, "You're partners with a nun?"
"Yes, and I'm not ashamed for I am proud to protect this boy given to this earth by God." Shakti answered.
"Well, can't argue with that." Nagi shrugged.
"Father, what're you doing here?" Negi asked, "Not that I'm not grateful, but why now?"
"Because things are about to get nasty, and I had to make myself known." Nagi answered seriously.
"But where have you been all this time?" Negi asked getting sad.
"I've been watching over you from afar, you and Dustin."
"You have?" Dustin asked.
"Then why did you not make yourself known beforehand?" Eva asked, suspiciously.
"Because the time was not right," Nagi answered, "I've also been trailing and keeping a close eye on Ragnarok and his plans. And now that he's finally ready to initiate them, it's time I joined you in the fight. And I didn't come alone."
"You didn't?" Negi asked.
Negi shook his head, and motioned behind him. Approaching was Takamichi, Theodora, Poyo, Ross, Darius, Burai, Xever, the Balitons, Michael, and Mitsukai. Along side them also included three more people, one was Eishun Konoe, and the other two included a blue haired man in a robe, and the second was a big guy with a tan, long blonde hair, and had an incredible muscular build.
"Dad?" Dustin asked.
"Daddy?" Konoka gasped.
Takamichi spoke, "I see we're all together now. Nagi, begin introductions."
"Sure thing, Taki." Nagi chuckled, "Negi, Dusitn, everyone. Meet my team. The Ala Rubra or Red Wing if you prefer. You already known Eishun Konoe," Eishun waved, "And these are my other two teammates. Albireo Imma, and Jack Rakan."
The blue haired man identified as Albireo spoke, "Please call me Al."
The musclebound man named Jack added, "Nice to meet you all." he grinned. Ku and Kotaro looked impressed by Jack's build knowing he had to be a tough fighter.
"Ala Rubra?" Kazumi wondered.
Theodora spoke up, "Many years ago, Nagi and the rest of these men protected the Magical World from many threats that ranged from evil magic users to demons, and even dark warriors. I was a big supporter of them."
"Takamichi did you know Father was here?" Negi inquired.
"Dad?" Dustin also wondered.
"We didn't know until a few hours ago after the Martial Arts tournament." Takamichi answered.
"By the way, congratulations, Negi." Nagi congratulated him.
"So why're you all of a sudden here now?" Yuna wondered.
"We'll tell you all someplace more secure." Nagi explained. They all nodded and decided to take this conversation someplace less conspicuous. As they left, a single shadow soldier that stayed behind and hidden had vanished off.
Soon enough in Ragnarok's hideout, the shadow soldier had briefed the news to Ragnarok, Diabound, and Thorn.
"What?!" Ragnarok snapped, "The Ala Rubra at Mahora?!"
"Yes, sir." the shadow soldier cringed.
Ragnarok grunted, before calming down, "No matter. With them here, this'll make things all the more sweeter."
"How so, master?" Thorn asked.
"This way we can not only take out Negi, Dustin, and their partners, but those old fools as well. With both groups eliminated nothing will stand in our way."
Diabound spoke up, "You know you'll need more than just the shadow soldiers to combat those of the Ala Rubra?"
"Of course I do! That's why I intend on using Arika's full power to open bigger gateway from the demon world. The bigger the portal, the more demons will be able to crossover. Besides that's only part one of my plan."
"Part one?" Thorn wondered.
"What do you mean?" Diabound squinted his eyes.
"I plan to expose the existence of magic to the world." Ragnarok explained.
Diabound was surprised, "You're willing to expose a secret that's existed since the beginning of time itself?"
"Yes. Once magic is known in the world, the humans will whimper and fear the existence and all those associated with it be they friend or foe will be cast out, driven away, frowned upon." Ragnarok snickered sinisterly.
Meanwhile back at Mahora on top of a building roof was both groups, while the rest of the Festival goers were having fun.
Nagi spoke up, "Ragnarok intends on opening a portal to the demon world allowing the demons from there to escape."
The group gasped, "Just like how Konoka was used by the Kansai magic Association." Rin said.
Nagi nodded, as Dustin spoke, "We've already gotten a taste of the demons he's released before."
Poyo nodded, "But if he intends on unleashing a full scale army of demons, he'd need a lot of power to open a portal to there that's big enough."
"And he has a powerful source." Al explained.
"What?" Negi wondered.
The Ala Rubra looked at Nagi who had a look of guilt before answering, "Your mother Negi."
The group looked at Negi who looked shocked beyond belief, "What?" he asked.
"Ragnarok has your mother, Negi." Nagi repeated.
"Mother?"
"Yes. Your mother Princess Arika."
"Princess?" the girls asked.
"Whoa." Kotaro and Dustin's friends gasped in shock.
"How is it Ragnarok has Negi's mother?" Ayaka inquired.
Nagi began, "Years ago when Negi had just been born, Ragnarok kidnapped her. I wanted to go after her, but I couldn't bring Negi with me. I left him in the care of Nekane and the others. I'd follow any trace Ragnarok left hoping I would find Arika. I never would've guessed though his next big move would lead me right back to my own son."
"Back to me?" Negi wondered, before it dawned on him, "Wait a minute... Father, are you saying Ragnarok..."
Nagi nodded, "Yes, Negi. Ragnarok was the one who sent the demons to attack the village years ago causing many there to become petrified. Including Mr. Stan, Anya's mother, and your uncle."
Negi started recalling all the pain and memories of what happened thinking his wishing to see his father brought that upon the village. But seeing it was all the work of Ragnarok erased all those thoughts and replaced it with thoughts of vengeance.
"Ragnarok must pay for what he did." he said firmly.
"Negi?" Konoka gasped.
"Because of him, a lot of good people were petrified. He stole my mother, and has caused us all enough problems than we ever had!"
Dustin spoke up, "Ease up, Negi. Now I want Ragnarok taken down as much as the enxt guy, but if you let your emotions take over you'll end up doing something drastic."
"Dustin's right, Negi," Takamichi agreed, "Because if you think you're going to take Ragnarok on by yourself, then I'd advise you to forget about it."
Jack spoke, "Taki's right, little man. Even your dad couldn't everything by himself."
"He needed us more than he wanted to admit it." Al added.
"Guys," Nagi said wanting them to stop, "What we're trying to say, Negi, is don't think about doing this on your own."
"Listen to your father, Negi," Shizuna said, "We're all in this."
"And nothing's going to stop us." Dustin added.
"Ya got that right." Xever agreed.
"Have faith in us as we've had faith in you." Kaede smiled.
"Everyone," Negi gasped, as he saw everyone gave him their support. He smiled, and nodded, "Right."
Al spoke, "But we're afraid that's not the only issue regarding Ragnarok's plan."
"What else is there?" Mana inquired.
"By releasing more demons upon Mahora during the festival he'll only be exposing the world to the existence of magic." Ross explained.
"And that's a rule that has never been broken." Takamichi added.
"He'll end up causing a world wide panic if everyone gets caught in the crossfire." Darius said.
"How can we prevent that?" Makie asked.
Chao started pondering until she gasped, "I've got a great idea!"
"What is it, Chao?" Dustin asked.
"What if we get the Mahora students involved?"
"What?!" the girls gasped.
"Chao, are you nuts?" Mana asked in disbelief.
"You want us to get the rest of our class and everyone else involved in something this dangerous?" Yue asked.
"Hear me out," Chao interrupted them, "You know we always have a special contest for the last day of the festival? Well, since tomorrow is the last day what if we make the battle into a contest. Satomi and I can create some blasters and bladed weapons capable of destroying demons and shadow soldiers. We'll outfit those willing to participate with either one and tell them everything's all part of the contest. This way they'll never know anything is real."
"That is crazy." Poyo said.
"So crazy it just might work." Dustin gasped.
"Dustin?" his friends asked.
"It may be risky, but it may be the only chance we got to protect the others and keep the existence of magic a secret." the Bowers boy explained.
Nagi spoke up, "He's right. We'll need all the help we can get. Chao, is it? How soon can you get started on making those weapons?"
"I can get started right away."
"Do so." Takamichi ordered.
"In the meantime, there's still a few more hours until tonight." Negi said.
"That's right," Sakurako gasped, as she turned to her fellow cheerleaders and Ako, "We still got to practice for our gig tonight."
Kakizaki, Madoka, and Ako recalled, "That's right. We better hurry and get in some practice." Ako said.
"You're all going to come right?" Madoka asked everyone.
"Try and stop us." Dustin smirked.
"Then we'll see you there." Ako said, as the four took off.
Ross looked to Nagi giving him a hint of what he should do. Nagi nodded before speaking to his son, "Negi?"
"Yes, father?"
"I know this is something I should've done a long time ago. Do you wanna spend some time together?"
Negi looked at his father as tears formed in his eyes, "I've waited so long for those words."
"Is that a yes?" Nagi asked. Negi smiled and nodded in confirmation, "Then let's go." Nagi said, as the father and son took off to enjoy some of the festival together like a true father and son.
Ross looked at his own son and spoke, "How about it, Dustin? Wanna spend some time with your old man?"
Dustin smiled, "Sure thing, pop."
And so the Spirit warrior father and son took off as well, as everyone watched, with some of the girls feeling emotional.
Ayaka sobbed, "Is there anything more beautiful than a father and son bonding?"
"It is very beautiful." Rin smiled while thinking of her own father.
That night, many people were gathered before a stage as Ako, Sakurako, Madoka, and Kakizaki as Dekopin Rocket were jamming away, and singing. In the crowds, Negi, Dustin, and their groups were rocking up front along with Nagi and his team.
Nagi spoke to Negi and Dustin, "Your students are very talented!"
"We know!" the two answered, as they rocked to their students performance. Everyone was enjoying themselves even though they knew tomorrow was going to be the biggest battle of their lives.
(And there's the chapter. Nagi, and the remaining members of his old team from the Magical World are here and are ready to help the boys and their partners put and end to Ragnarok and his scheme. See you next time.)