Before the end

The war finally ended with Ialda's defeat. Now, Negi, Yukihime, and the rest of the group live their lives in harmony. But is that really all? What is the truth behind such happiness?

One day before the long-awaited final battle against the initial mage, everyone had been a bit concerned about Tota's behavior. Although he still displayed that somewhat carefree and happy attitude that he normally wore on his face, while being serious enough for the situation, for those who knew him well, like Yukihime or Kirie, a strong internal pressure could be seen in him, as if he were making a very difficult final decision. Obviously, everyone considered it normal; it would be strange if he were completely calm just before the battle to save his grandfather and great-grandfather, to achieve the happy ending everyone hoped for.

"It seems you're nervous, more than I expected you to be, actually."

Seated in a chair, looking out into the vastness of space, was Tota, lost in thought. His gaze seemed to say that, even though they would soon face what could be considered a planetary-scale disaster, the emptiness of the universe was incredibly calming.

"Yukihime! You surprised me. Well, I just want everything to go well."

In the midst of his daydream, a beautiful girl of around 10 years old, with pale skin, blonde hair, and blue eyes, approached him. She sat beside him and stared into nothingness, just like the boy.

"It's impossible for everything to go according to predictions. We don't know how strong he has become since the last time we fought. We have prepared as best as we can, and that's enough. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes..."

"Tota, I know you're trying hard and everything you've done. I just want to say..."

Before finishing what she wanted to say, she was tightly embraced by the boy who, until a moment ago, seemed to not even be paying attention to a word coming out of her mouth. The vampire girl was at a loss for words for a moment due to the sudden act, but again, before scolding her thoughts, she felt warmth on her lips, something that burned intensely but remained gentle. She closed her eyes and surrendered to that kiss, knowing that it might be the last one she would have with this person.

"I know, I know what you're trying to convey to me. Don't worry about me; I... (I won't let you suffer, I won't let you kill him) will save everyone."

After separating their lips after a quite long moment that neither wanted to end, Tota said in the kindest and most comforting tone he could muster. His words carried unconditional love. Seeing his face, the face of the girl he loved, from which tears were almost about to escape, the boy hugged her again.

"(How cruel fate truly is, haha. Here I am trying to save the man the woman I love is in love with. However, tell me, Yukihime, will this be enough? Will defeating the initial mage be enough to get the happy ending for everyone? And above all, is she really wrong? After all, her goal is the same as mine, and that's her answer, an answer that, even if what she's trying to achieve isn't real, will bring happiness to everyone. However, I know what your answer is, and if it doesn't work... I won't let you... forgive me....)"

"(I'm sorry, Tota, even though I told you I wouldn't disappear... but it's impossible to save them. The plan you designed has too low a chance of success... I hope you forgive me for my selfishness, but it's better to end everything once and for all, I... I just don't want to continue like this anymore.)"

Some time later, they separated; the boy walked away, the girl remained seated. Each with their own thoughts, their own plans, their own selfishness, unaware of each other's feelings. Thus, they headed towards what would put an end to everything.