A long time ago, many suffered from a horde of demonkind attacks and powerful magic by those who had been cursed. Magic power was seen as a step to rule the world and eliminate weaklings as one purpose. So, the dark art was used for power and manipulation, for abuse and for the pleasure they'd feel in causing excruciating pain and instant death in linguistic and brutal methods together.

Before the people in different villages knew what would happen, they became a victim of those attacks, and they lay hovering between life and death. Petrified civilians stayed rooted in villages and nothing could be done year after year. Until a flicker of hope lit up...

The sun seemed to mingle with the gentle breeze, still giving off positive vibes to the swordswoman who just woke up by the rays of sunshine seeping through the curtains in her room. The warmth gliding her free soul, she smiled to herself.

'Yoshi! Now ready for today's kendo!'

The swordswoman jumped onto the roof and watched the sun rising between two hills. It was still too early for any normal people to wake up at this hour, but she was bound to be punctual and become strong for her.

Her ears perked up as the bushes far from her moved in a moments notice, her eyes darting to the former figure in front of her. Tying her hair up to one side, she cast out her dressing gown, now her outfit exudes an elegant fighter in presence.

''You're early, Kaede,'' she chuckled, already recognizing that crackling sound.

The shadow loomed over the horizon in the swordswoman's vision, then the ninja girl sprung on top of her, throwing plenty of kunai towards her. The swordswoman quickly dodged and took out her yuunagi in its sheath to swing her longsword backward and forwards.

''You're cheerful today, degozaruna,'' Kaede said, dodging her circular blows that had even enclosed her escape road.

''Ojou-sa-... I mean Kono-chan, she wants to have me in an important mission and I'm honored to have been entrusted with such a task,'' she stated her recent situation in a radiant joy, and another sword flashed through Kaede's way leveling with her head. The attack was so random, yet highly an incisive move as if her happiness was spread from her yuunagi.

Breathless, Kaede found herself on the ground, thinking of a way to flee with her ninjutsu techniques. It wasn't long before the swordswoman withdrew her longsword pointed at Kaede's face.

''Secchaaaaan~''

Setsuna's slightly serious face melted at the merry tone comes from her ojousama. She was teleported by using her ki- energy.

''Hai, ojousama!''

Konoka pouted, crossing her arms over her chest. ''Still calling me ojousama after we got married?''

Setsuna blushed madly, words piled up in her mouth but she couldn't voice out any thoughts about the 'marriage'. ''Mochiron! Someone such as like me shouldn't just call you by your name, even without any honorifics!''

''You're still at that point, Secchan? Father and grandpa approved of us and they were happy that they didn't need to hold an omiai anymore.''

Konoka pointed her finger at her lower chin, her mind wandered in the time when Setsuna finally accepted herself as one-being and worthy of her ojousama. Konoemon and Eishun hadn't really opposed to any of their affairs. Instead, Setsuna's strong nature and dedication proved worthy of consideration in their eyes. So, being the same-sex couldn't become an issue anymore. Also, seeing their daughter/granddaughter so happy within this frame wouldn't let them say anything more. As a result, they got married.

''Anone Secchan, grandpa assigned us for another important mission as you know…''

Setsuna's blush withered away, as she heard Konoka's serious tone kicked in.

''According to magic reporters, they found traces of a Shinmeiryuu demonkind lurking in the darkness of the village we'll be visiting in a few weeks.''

Setsuna clenched her fist, her nails digging into her palms. She bit her lower lip and blood squirted out. ''Tsukuyomi.''

''There are two more things that I need to tell you though, Secchan!'' Konoka continued, once again Setsuna's revengeful gaze disappeared on her face. ''We can meet up with Negi-kun, Honya-chan, and others. What I heard from Paru-chan, they fiddle around there these days. I've missed them~''

Setsuna smiled fondly, her tense features loosen up at the aforementioned, familiar names. It's been quite a while since one has seen the other since everyone was busy in their own world. Opportunity knocks but once, so why shouldn't they go?

''Hai, ojo- Kono-chan. I'm glad to have heard this. I wonder how Negi-sensei and others are doing so far? Is he married to any of our classmates?''

Konoka giggled at how weird the question was put into words. ''I don't think so, silly Secchan.''

''Eh? How come?''

Konoka closed her eyes, her index finger was upon her temples as if she hardly thought of a proper answer. ''I don't think there is merely one answer to that question, Secchan. Let's say he's focused on the magic instead.''

''Just like you, then.''

A faint smile plastered on Konoka's face. ''Well, Secchan is also important to me. As long as you're by my side, Secchan, I can focus on my studies.''

Setsuna felt once again heat growing in her cheeks, fiddling with her yuunagi shyly.

''There's one more thing I got from grandpa.''

In the technology era, there was no longer scrolls or letters sent by her grandfather. Her father had taken care of those electronic messages. It was a video message you would see a pop-up if you clicked on the right button. A vivid image of Konoemon projected upon the device, and right by his side, her father was contently smiling. Konoka turned the volume up through the button underneath.

''Good morning, Konoka and Setsuna-kun. Knowing that this task will tire both of you, we've set a honeymoon, so I hope you two will enjoy it. Best wishes.'' Eishun's calm voice reached their ears.

''Thank you very much for your utter concern, Eishun-sama, Konoemon-sama.'' Setsuna kept bowing her head in due respect even though it was just a recorded message but she seemingly already forgot about that. Konoka saw the tips of her ears glowing bright red.

''Seccha-'' Before her ojousama would say a word, Setsuna went off into the blue. ''Hmm, she got embarrassed. Silly Secchan, you only realized it just now?''

The magic scrolls littered over her work table, searching for new techniques to avoid fatal damages of long-term petrification upon bodies. It's been quite long when she started healing civilians with full-studied incantations, and her partner helped destroy any harmful creatures involved in this tragedy, but the recovery time was longer than she had thought or estimated.

However this process in a short period of time severely drained her, so she wasn't able to use her powers afterward. The side-effects of using her powers too much may have a detrimental effect on her body and she tends to become sick due to overpowered magic.

Nevertheless, she wanted to be strong for her and for the people who need her help.

At that moment, she saw Setsuna fidgeting on the tatami floor. She seemed to mumble like repeating the same words to herself.

"Nee Secchan…" Konoka muttered, still looking at the old, dusty scrolls in her hands.

Setsuna was sitting cross-legged next to their big futon, looking at the full-moon dimly lighting their room. Her trail of thoughts was interrupted once Konoka's soft voice erupted in the prolonged silence.

''What're you thinking?''

"Kono-chan," Setsuna's mildly worried, yet calm tone directed towards her, which made her hastily turn her back to Setsuna. ''I intend to speak because I feel the need to explain.''

Konoka got up from her chair and plopped down next to her, cross-legged just like her. She destroying her personal space caused Setsuna to swallow some words halfway through.

''For one thing I need from you is, don't laugh at me please.''

Konoka couldn't help but giggle at her Secchan, her mouth turned upwards into a small smirk. She loves contentment in the air, the gentle breeze tickled her skin. She ended up lowering her head to nuzzle the swordswoman's neck.

Setsuna breathed heavily, her brain taking in step by step. She reached her hand to take Konoka under her arm.

''I've been secretly hoarding some money from my part-time job and many other missions I'd taken so far. So, I'm thinking of purchasing a high-speed space cruiser, i-if you allow me to.''

''SECCHAN THIS IS AMAZING!'' Konoka broke off the embrace and stood up in high spirits, her eyes shone.

''Y-You think?''

''Of course, silly! Why do ya need permission? You're already part of the Konoe family, you don't need anyone's words to take action and make your dreams come true, Secchan.''

''Oj-... Kono-chan,'' Setsuna took hold of her hand while kneeling like a warrior serving his queen. ''I asked you not because of the lineage by now. It's because yo...you... you're my… wi- partner! And partners should let them know what they are doing.''

Konoka let out a small sigh. She brought her palm rest over her partner's warm cheek in the gentle cold lingering, then gave a peck. ''It can't be helped right? Secchan is being secchan~''

A deep blush settled on Setsuna's face, she ended up touching where she was kissed. The slight softness was still felt. ''I'm glad.''

''Hmm?''

''I'm glad to have you, Kono-chan. I feel like everything I've been through all the time now gives me right to be by your side. Like all my efforts have been paid off!''

Konoka's smile broadened at her words as if they belonged to someone else. Because Setsuna is never this honest and candid when it comes to her own feelings.

''You deserve anything, everything ... like Negi-kun, who's been doing his truly best to save his father. He's been through everything and got what he deserved after all. Speaking of him, are we going to see the squad soon?''

''Eishun-sama sent the tickets to travel and I contacted Negi-sensei a few days ago informing him our arrival. Asuna-san may come too if she'll be able to take a break from the restoration of her kingdom. She said she has a lot on her plate recently but is still looking forward to any possible meet-up. We may see some of our classmates on this journey since Negi-sensei will be there.''

Konoka couldn't contain her laughter anymore and jumped over Setsuna with tears of joy. She climbed on her shoulders. ''Yatta! The Class 3-A is meeting up soon!''

''K-Kono-chan, neighbors…''

Two weeks later

The sun igniting today anew with such brilliance, Konoka stretched her arms widely over her head in utter joy. The amount of magic in her veins was ready to spew around and heal many onwards.

'If I don't make a mistake, I'll be able to endure much longer to heal everyone, as Regina Medicans,' Konoka took out her Pactio card and held it up to the sun, which now obscured the sunny view behind, ''everyone is depending on my magic.'' her thoughts rattled around. She knew she had that competent understanding of a situation what to do based on her former experiences in the past, especially with the fierce battle against Fate.

She nodded to herself then set her satchel on her shoulders, pumped up. Her eyes searched for her partner, but she was nowhere to be.

''Secchan, where are you? We need to catch up on the train.''

Setsuna emerged in her vision sooner than anticipated. She had a small bag, and her yuunagi wrapped and attached with a string at its end.

''Sumimasen Kono-chan. I had to inform Kaede and my other kendo practitioners about my departure.''

Without letting a word slip, she clung onto the swordswoman's arm and led her way.

...

..

.

After many hours of the train journey, the couple reached the village on the east side. According to some magic reports, the rumors were swirling around the town that neighborhood was certainly uncanny, especially the magical district looking over the pond side. For over 20 years, there have been many elders taking care of petrified civilians, but famine and financial hardships were at the door over the years. So, they were placed in a temple. Nowadays, people who intend to call themselves healers would only help them. However, the recent demon strikes and high-powered magic barriers have blocked the road to that temple.

Setsuna felt a strong presence and sort of a magic layer that she wanted to peel off once she stepped out of the train. Her eyes narrowed at the east side of the village, where seemed to be a barren land with tumbledown buildings buried all over.

The current headman of the village welcomed both of them by bowing his head. ''I'm appreciative of the time you have taken off to come here, Konoe-sama and her partner.''

Konoka flashed her palms out to the headman to stop being so formal with her, but he couldn't help but shake her hand this time. He invited them to his guest room. Many servants lined up left and right and welcomed just like he did so. He lightly clasped his fingers propped on his table.

''Konoe-sama, I've heard from your father that you have a knack for recuperation magic and have a strong partner accompanied by your side.'' His eyes darted to the swordswoman, who was trying to sip her tea on her lap but she quickly withdrew after hearing the word 'partner'.

Konoka sipped her tea and gently placed on the tea table. ''Suffice it to say, healing is a very promising field of study and the heart of the magic community. Keeping my party in alignment, using divine power in my hands and thinking of the minimal mistake that would toy with the patient's life, it's quite hard to maintain and digest every single information I've obtained, but I chose to become a Magistra Magi to efface many forms of violence ahead of us and our allies.''

The headman couldn't see a trace of mischief in her words, he simply nodded gratefully. Setsuna, on the other hand, looked at her partner leniently with a small form of a smile on her lips. Konoka has grown not just physically, but also mentally in her eyes.

''Also, Shouya-san…''

The headman cocked his head up. ''Yes, Konoe-sama?''

''I hope you don't give a separate futon for me and Secchan?'' Konoka stated, which, in return, elicited a gasp from Setsuna.

The headman gaped, ''Secchan?''

Konoka pulled stammering Setsuna by her side and pointed her finger at the swordswoman's blushing face. ''Her, my wife, of course.''

Realization dawned on him, he o- mouthed at the mere confirmation. His eyes earned a flicker of amusement. ''O-of course, ma'am.''

After uncontrollable laughter and pacifying one Setsuna in advance, everything was discussed and a plan was made. In this process, the moon hung above, and the starry sky painted midnight blue. Then the couple parted their ways to head towards their room.

''Kono-chan, that was quite embarrassing!''

''Hmmm? Did I say something wrong?'' Konoka tilted her head to a side, purely looking at her soul.

Setsuna stepped back, finally admitting her defeat. ''N-No.''

"Anone Secchan…"

Setsuna felt her banter tone falter away, as her eyes focused on the silver moon.

"Secchan, don't you think we should finally consummate our permanent pactio?"

Oh, that long-awaited Setsuna froze as if the breezy wind blew away her and she was floating in the air now, in her hanyo-self. Her wings were threatening to come out of her back like excitement fueled her body.

"I want to be strong for both of us, and for the people that have suffered up until now.''

Of course, she had expected such words one day since they were newlyweds, but the timing was so… unexpected in the middle of their mission.

Setsuna scratched her back. ''Kono-chan… I do understand your concern about rivaling with other associations and the lack of long-standing healing powers,'' she took her hand tightly, this time she didn't get flustered, ''so if you're ready then I'm also ready.''

Konoka didn't say a word. She wrapped her arms around Setsuna and hugged her.

"No matter what happens, I, Konoe Setsuna, will protect you for the rest of my life with every fiber of my being."

Joy engulfed every ounce of her, she even melted in her partner's well-built arms and body.

''Secchan…''

''Kono… chan…''

They stared at each other as time froze around them. Their breaths were shaking as they were an inch distant. In a heartbeat, Konoka leaned in and gently kissed her lips. She was treasuring every moment of her guardian fusing her body with her own, her hand venturing her partner's figure entirely. Soon, a magical circle formed in white light in an attempt to incarnate united magics, and sooner, a gust of wind blew that tried in vain to dispel the compelling cohesion. Yet, neither was that weak to get carried away with that obstacle.

In the end, the night was still young...

Next day

Setsuna rushed out to explore the remnants of the tumbledown buildings on the east side. She narrowed her gaze at the shadowed figure stalking behind her back.

''ADEAT! Takemikazuchi!''

Her transformation was smooth; her cat ears sprung out as she was clad in her maid outfit completely. This time, every muscle in her body defined, her limbs twitched, and her bodily functions extremely gushed out like she wanted to consume this bundle of energy. She was certainly glowing healthily, even much better when her velvety, white wings arose on her back.

''Who are you?'' she shouted, rage filled her sense of security.

Without making an appearance in front of her, the shadowed figure smirked and took out his sword.

Zankanken (Warship Sword Cutter)

A giant sword plunged in a great force, much to Setsuna's surprise, but she easily dodged thanks to her quick reflexes. His hood fell back to reveal the dark skin with a headband.

''R-Rakan-san?!'' Setsuna gaped at the sudden encounter. The size of the sword turned back to its original.

''Yo Setsuna! Still having doubts with your ojousama?'' He shot her a funny look, swinging his swords to still attack with circular strikes.

Setsuna blushed, completely off-guard. He used it to relentlessly shove in over and over. Setsuna thought she never felt her body this convenient and intense, she continuously hit him back with the same strength even though she didn't even use 1% of her energy.

Shitenkekkai Dokkorengaku (Four Heavens Bounded Field, Vajra-tempered Shell)

A pyramid-shaped barrier surrounded her, then Rakan stopped following and laid down on the lawn. Setsuna didn't even understand what had just happened. She simply plopped down next to him, watching the blue sky just as Rakan was doing.

''Hmm… Should we change the name of that strike to In celebration of my first time with Ojousama Strike ?''

''W-w-w-w-w-w-what?!''

''Everyone must've seen that permanent pactio light leap out from the roof of the room you two were in. You're finally free from probationary limitations, so I came to check your abilities.''

''Everyone?!''

''Haha, you're a strong warrior, Setsuna. I'm sure this recent development has added enviable finesse and provided integrity. Of course, doing it now and then- ''

''W-W-Wh-what are you sayin' Rakan-san?!'' Setsuna buried her face in her hands, her head was combusting. Her wings waggled as oppose to her demeanor.

Rakan chuckled throatily and placed his huge palm on top of Setsuna's head. ''Good luck with the new power. Let's see how you kick ass from now on.''

''T-Thank you.''

Rakan checked her one last time before standing up to head out of his way, ''I never thought such a shorty like you would grow up this much. Did you outgrow your ojousama too?'' He teased, smiling all along, he never toned down.

''Secchan?~'' her beloved ojousama called her, both of them turned their backs to the source.

''I'll greet your ojou-chan later. Gotta check whether eastern mages are here or not.''

Setsuna's personality quickly flipped, ''So, I wasn't wrong when I sensed exceptionally powerful magic as I got off the train. It's like a-''

''Magic layer, or more precisely a magic barrier to restrict abilities… maybe magic runes.''

''Is that why you were chasing me out to test the magical limitations and find the whereabouts of the possible runes?'' Setsuna pursed her lips. 'What if Tsukuyomi involved in this.'

''Secchan!''

''We'll talk later, Setsuna. Be careful out there,'' Rakan said and disappeared in a jiff.

Setsuna found herself deeply in thought. Many unanswered questions were taking up in her mind. 'Magic runes… magic runes… Does Kono-chan know about it, I wonder?'

Outside, Konoka waved her hand, there was a mix of worry and relief on her face. Setsuna whirled around and landed on the ground after flying back.

''Secchan, I've been calling you for a while. I thought you were gone for real after many times of fainting last night.''

''Ojojoojo- Kono-ch...Konoka-ojousama!''

''What are ya doing here? I was woken up by the earthquake, or at least I thought it was.''

''Rakan-san was here. After having an urgent message, he'd to leave quickly but he'll be back later on.''

''Is it about the magic runes?''

Setsuna's eyes widened. She gripped the arm of the chair and sat down, ''Have you felt that too?''

Konoka smiled and nodded a tad. ''Our souls and bodies are connected through magic. If you feel me in danger then the same applies for me.''

They chatted amiably for the rest of the morning until the topic walked back to the 'magic runes'.

Konoka opened her laptop to search, as Setsuna jerked her head in the direction of the screen. Many clicks after, no results came in handy. They both sighed heavily.

''In one of my research, I found a holdover from my grandfather's father's time. The whole pages were decrepit, and some of them were missing. I remember a few things from the content. But first, let me think deeply.''

Setsuna nodded obediently and sat on her heels. She was silent as the grave, giving her princess a room to think.

Konoka looked up through her eyelashes, her pulses racing overtly before her suggestive tone tickled the air. ''Will you kiss me?''

Setsuna blinked several times before screeching, ''WHAAAAAT?''

Konoka waved her hand in front of her, ''No. I mean I can't remember so I need memory registration spell. In other words, the kiss is a regulatory requirement for transferring your energy to me. If my partner, you, Secchan, can give me a hand, it's possible to remember the forgotten memories left in the corner of my brain. Of course, if they had never existed, then that's a waste .''

''You'll combine Magistra Magi and Magistra Minor's powers together? That's smart.''

Konoka's chest out, she pumped a fist upwards. ''Let's give it a try!''

''My heart is not ready-''

''Aw c'mon Secchan. I thought we had already passed that part.''

''W-What p-part?'' Setsuna was shaking, a shy look on her face. Konoka pursed her mouth in a self-satisfied smirk.

''This.''

And Konoka quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her in. Setsuna's tremble came to a halt once she felt the magic on her lips. It was not just to the magic transfer that was alluring, she felt Konoka's kindness and her love. This time she kissed her back. Her senses were seduced, as the warmth knocked her inside. She even felt Konoka's rapidly racing heartbeat.

At that point, many old memories clashed with each other and rolled down like a film scene one by one. They shared a moment of happiness while watching themselves from afar. From the moment they were born to their first encounter with their friends, to their first fights against mages and then to many other firsts.

Inveni vera fortitudo, gratias socius meus (I found the true power thanks to my partner)

Konoka mumbled once they broke apart, and the magic successfully completed.

''Thank you, Secchan.''

Setsuna jolted upright, her face couldn't stop smiling. ''Mochiron, everything for you.''

Konoka laid her eyes on her. ''I love you, Secchan.''

Setsuna looked her back with the same love in her eyes. ''I love you too, Kono-chan.''