It's Konoka's turn to save Setsuna. There's no time for hesitation. There's no room for error. She had needed her power before, but never for something like this. Konosetsu, and the rest of Class 3-A after the Magic World.

A/N: This is me, taking myself and Negima way too seriously (complete with a way too serious title). But I just can't help myself.

This fic was started approximately around Chap 274 of the manga. There will be some minor AU elements because of that, but I do my best to adapt to certain things as they are revealed.

Illumine - From Merriam Webster Online - Alternative to illuminate: 1a) to enlighten spiritually or intellectually 1b) to supply or brighten with light; 2a) to make clear, elucidate 2b) to bring to the fore, to highlight; 3) to make illustrious or resplendent

Disclaimer: I don't own Negima.

Illumine

...Chapter 1...

Her heart was pounding. Her palms were sweaty. Anxiety and terror, greater then even when she snatched in Kyoto, made her fidget restlessly. Konoka could barely follow the action in front of her. They were moving at blinding speed. Occasionally one of them would shout, and a wave of destruction would follow. But neither had claimed an incapacitating blow yet.

Konoka didn't have to see the blood or bruises to tell that Setsuna was hurting. She could feel it. Whether if it was a side affect of their specific pactio or something to do with her own magic, she wasn't sure. Maybe it even had something to do with their bond. Regardless, she could sense the pain, but Setsuna had yet to waver. Konoka struggled to remember to breathe.

If she had been more aware, Konoka could have heard the sounds of fighting in the distance. Asuna's yell, Negi's destructive magic, Fate's own response, and more of her classmates who had gotten swept up in this terrible war. But Konoka was only focused on one thing. Setsuna.

She mentally urged Setsuna to unleash her wings, to draw more on her demon blood, and to pull out their pactio, but her bodyguard had sworn she would not in order to hold an honorable Shinmeiryuu fight. Primarily though, Setsuna had sworn in order to get Tsukuyomi to agree not to go anywhere near her magister magi regardless of the outcome. Setsuna had been confident. Konoka recalled her words. She had colored at the intensity then, and she did now as well as those words echoed in her head.

'I'm a blade again ojou-sama, I don't need my wings for this. I'm your blade.'

Konoka felt an unusual emotion, her whole body tense as she listened to the calls of Tsukuyomi in the barely discernable moments between blows. It was not something she was used to—anger—but to hear Tsukuyomi's words, verbally defiling Setsuna, her Setsuna, made her stomach tightened and her body stiffen.

Konoka remained still though and watched. What else could she do? Setsuna would win, and then they would swoop in and help their friends. She hoped—no, she knew. She believed in Setsuna and Setsuna would save her, and everybody else, again.

There was a furious clash of metal against metal, a blur to Konoka's eyes, and then stillness. Konoka gasped.

Setsuna stood; her sword Yuunagi held firm in both hands. Tsukuyomi's eyes widened, and she coughed once, twice, and at the third time, blood came up with it. Dark red rapidly began to stain the front of the girl's blouse, and the hands gripping her sword and dagger went slack, the weapons falling harmlessly to the ground. Tsukuyomi's lips stretched into a bloody smile, and she managed to speak a single word. "Sempai."

Then her body went completely limp, her weight held up completely by Setsuna and Yuunagi. Her ministra withdrew the blade, and Konoka ignored the sickening squelch of sound as she rushed forward. Setsuna caught Tsukuyomi's body, lowering her opponent to the ground.

Konoka's mind was racing. Setsuna's face was blank, a warrior's face that gave away nothing. Konoka felt the desire to heal Tsukuyomi. It didn't matter who they were; the desire to heal was always foremost in her mind when there were injured. She didn't want Setsuna to be a…a killer. She wasn't completely naïve though, to believe that the gleaming, sharp edge of Yuunagi wasn't meant to take lives. Tsukuyomi had done nothing but torture her Set-chan too. Konoka hesitated, and Setsuna's face gave nothing away... What should she do?

What should she do?

Konoka's mind was made up by the time she reached Setsuna's side.

"Set-chan." She reached out. Setsuna flinched at her touch, her arms twitching with her sword, and then she relaxed, life returning to her eyes.

"Ojou-sama," Setsuna said, "I'm sorry if I worried you."

"No, don't be sorry. I couldn't help but worry," Konoka said. She pulled Setsuna's thin frame into a hug, arms wrapping around her from behind. She could feel her ministra's limbs tremble with fatigue and tension from battle.

"Ah, ojou-sama, please. I-I don't want to get blood on you!" Setsuna protested weakly.

Konoka hushed her. "Just give me a moment."

She was sure Setsuna could feel her heart pounding, and that was certainly okay. She didn't care. She wanted Setsuna to feel that she was there completely and totally for her. Konoka rested her forehead against the back of her ministra's shoulder, breathing deeply, and searching for that inner point of calmness.

Konoka reached out, feeling the serene power inside her, a massive pool waiting to be touched, and sunk into it. A blossom of light appeared, enveloping the two of them, and Konoka could sense Setsuna's wounds and muscle fatigue acutely. She could even sense the half-demon side within her bodyguard, and its primal power nearly made her gasp. Konoka was not sure exactly what she was doing, but instinct guided her. After a moment, the light faded. Setsuna stood in her arms completely whole and well like she had been that morning. It was like Kyoto all over again, when Setsuna had been hit by the arrow, and she had somehow made it completely better. It wasn't like her little spells that healed minute injuries or even the concentration she needed to mend bigger wounds. This was completely natural, like an extension of her being.

"Kono-chan," Setsuna said, turning in Konoka's embrace, "Was that…?"

"I think," Konoka said, smiling. No, she knew. She tapped into her magic with the ease of a master mage. Somehow, she had done it without the aid of those learning tools or magic words, sensing the awesome wellspring of power that belonged to her.

However inconsistent it was, Konoka knew it wouldn't be long before she could do something like that regularly. She knew she was supposed to have astronomical amounts of potential. It seemed right that such a step, of sensing her own source of magic, would come in this moment, when she had made the decision regarding Tsukuyomi. Both were steps, a maturation of sorts, a leaving behind of her careless days.

Konoka couldn't just try to heal Tsukuyomi because what if her other companions needed the one use a day power of her pactio with Negi. She couldn't heal Tsukuyomi because what if she never gave up in her pursuit of Setsuna. She couldn't heal Tsukuyomi because she knew Setsuna had killed before and would kill again to keep her safe.

Safe… Setsuna would always keep her safe. Konoka was wrapped in those arms right now, and it was going to be okay because Setsuna would always protect her.

"Kono-chan," Setsuna said softly, drawing her attention, "are you ready to go help our friends?"

Konoka smiled and pulled back from their hug. "Yes."

Setsuna flicked the blood off Yuunagi and sheathed it. Konoka took the sword from her wordlessly, holding its heavy weight in one hand as Setsuna released those glorious wings. Konoka couldn't stop the giggle of happiness, and she reached out, running a hand along those soft feathers. She looked up, expecting to see a flush of red covering Setsuna's face. Instead, her ministra was distracted, half-looking at Tsukuyomi's still body.

As if she could sense Konoka's eyes on her, Setsuna turned her gaze back. "Ojou-sama, why didn't you…?"

"Because as much as I desire to heal, what if our friends needed the power of my fans?" Konoka said.

Setsuna blinked, and then settled into a comforting smile. "Of course. I should have known that."

"And because, as much as I desire to heal, I don't think Tsukuyomi-san would have ever stopped pursuing you, and I have to do what I can to protect you." Konoka said.

Setsuna looked flabbergasted. "Ojou-sama..."

Konoka reached forward as her bodyguard stumbled for words and quieted her, pressing her lips gently against hers. Setsuna stiffened, and then relaxed, hesitantly returning the kiss. Konoka thought she could have drawn on all the magic in the world in that moment, but she ended the kiss—their friends were waiting. She was aware that she had a faint blush on her cheeks to match the one on Setsuna's.

They stared at each other, and then Setsuna's face colored even more deeply. Konoka resisted giggling and, in the next moment, gasped as Setsuna suddenly scooped her into her arms. Holding her tight, the half-demon beat her wings and rose into the air.

"To help our friends?" Konoka said, clutching Yuunagi and trusting Setsuna to hold her no matter what.

Setsuna smiled at her, a blush still covering her cheeks, and nodded. "Let's go."

Three years (and some odd days) later…

The final bell rang, signaling the end of classes for the day. The teacher slipped out quickly, perhaps more eager than the students to leave. Konoka was immediately beset by her classmates.

"Happy Birthday Konoka!"

The sentiments were echoed by all her classmates, the very same group she had since middle school.

"Konoka-san! What are you doing tonight? Any big plans?" That was the Narutaki twins, Fumika and Fuka, somehow making sense speaking in and around each other.

Haruna leered, glasses glinting wickedly. "Of course Konoka and Setsuna are going to—"

"Have a nice date!" Yue interrupted, knocking into Haruna. Nodoka, ever shy, gave a quiet noise of shocked surprise.

"And then have hot sex!" Kazumi crowed in place of Haruna.

That started a cacophony of noise between most of her classmates. Amidst that noise, Konoka could hear some of the girls talk about the surprise birthday party they were holding tonight for her. Her classmates made a good effort, but there was no way any surprise party was going to be kept a secret when it involved so many girls who got so excited about such things. Konoka hadn't heard of hers until just two days ago, which was actually quite good for her class. Still, she knew the plan now. Setsuna would pick her up at 7:00 p.m. for dinner and then bring her back to Negi's now spacious Mahora teacher's apartment for the party. She would play along though for the benefit of her classmates.

Peering through the skirts and blazers of the Mahora high school girl's uniform, Konoka spied Setsuna leaning casually against her desk and talking to Kaede and Mana. The rest of her classmates faded away from reality as she focused on her girlfriend. Konoka's eyes traced over the lithe form, never tiring of this particular exercise. Setsuna's features had sharpened with maturity, and it had given her a haunting beauty that was equally likely to attract stares of males and females. She was a study of contrasts. Her lean form was the model of quiet power, the soft, smooth skin and slender limbs belying the strength hidden underneath. She gave off an aura of dependability and trustworthiness, but there was also a hint of something altogether instinctually primal and untamed—no doubt pulling from her mixed blood. Her hair was down at the moment, brushing against her shoulders as she shook her head at something in conversation, and as her lips stretched into a smile, Konoka felt the familiar unmitigated desire to run her fingers through that hair and claim those lips with her own.

Something suddenly obstructed her view, snapping Konoka out of her reverie. She looked up, finding her roommate and one of her closest friends standing before her. Asuna had her hands planted on her hips, and though she looked stern, Konoka could see the twitch at the corners of her mouth.

"Konoka, shouldn't you be paying attention. Everyone's still trying to wish you a happy birthday!" Asuna said.

"Oh relax Asuna," Ayaka, ever the class president and stately blonde, said. "It's Konoka's birthday. Let her do what she will."

Konoka laughed as Asuna sputtered in response. Though the relationship between Ayaka and Asuna had mellowed with age and revelations of magic, heritage, and so forth, they still were prone to fighting. Their relationship, more than anything, had been the best medicine for Asuna when they returned from the Magic World three, almost four years ago. Ayaka never treated her any different, and somehow, their relationship had evolved through Asuna's coping process. Konoka would forever be thankful to Ayaka for her role in healing her roommate.

At times Konoka wondered as to the exact feelings between the class president and class deviant even when they were fighting like now… She decided to intervene before the two got into a full-blown argument.

"Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes!" Konoka announced, drawing attention. She grinned cheekily before her next statement, knowing it could be taken so many different ways. "I'll be sure to let everyone know how tonight goes!"

Of course part of that included her surprise party, and her smile stretched wider in part due to that knowledge and in part due to the catcalling response of her classmates. Eventually, most began to gradually disperse, still tossing well wishes her way.

"See you tonigh—" Makie enthusiastically began to say, only to be grabbed and pushed out of the classroom by Akira.

The willowy Akira turned back to Konoka, a hand on her head in a mixture of embarrassment and faux nonchalance. "Have a happy 18th."

Konoka smiled and waved goodbye. Really, she was going to miss all of her classmates when they graduated. They all meant well, even the grumpy Chisame and gossipy cheerleading trio. Though even those four had changed radically since middle school.

The bodies within the classroom had thinned out along with the commotion around her desk. Ayaka and Asuna were still glowering at each other, voices slowly rising and making most of the noise left in the room, but Konoka picked up on the conversation between Setsuna, Kaede, and Mana as she gathered her belongings.

"…would not worry, Evangeline-dono said she'll have Chachazero cover the grounds during the party," Kaede said.

"I imagine she'll extract some sort of revenge or payment later," Mana said with a hint of a smirk.

Setsuna winced. "No doubt."

Kaede sympathetically patted Setsuna on her shoulder and hoisted her school backpack onto her shoulders. "We will see you to—later," She said, quickly covering her words as Konoka approached the trio. "We will see you later. Konoka-dono, have a great birthday de gozaru."

Konoka cheerily smiled her thanks at Kaede. Mana earned the same when the sharpshooter gave her a warm nod, which, for Mana, was something akin to a loving hug.

She turned to Setsuna and walked into her arms. Konoka smiled contentedly, resting head in the crook of Setsuna's neck. Her girlfriend had grown to be just a hair taller than herself and it made for the most comfortable of embraces.

"How's your day been Kono-chan?" Setsuna said softly.

"Well, you started it off on the right foot..." Konoka said.

"Maybe I should bring you breakfast in bed more often? Though, you know cooking is not my strong point," Setsuna said.

"You're waffles were perfectly delicious. I liked every bit of them."

"Really?"

"Yes Set-chan, we went over this earlier!" Konoka said pouting. Even after years of dating, Setsuna was still prone to fits of doubt and low self-esteem at any sort of issue. It was something Konoka struggled to understand, but it would just have to be something they continued to work together to overcome in their relationship. "But yes, my day has been great. I was sad I didn't get to eat lunch and enjoy break with you and the others but grandpa, daddy, and I had a wonderful time. All of our classmates have gone out of their way to make sure I'm having a great day too. Though, it's been the strangest thing…"

"What?" Setsuna said, sounding concerned.

"Everyone keeps saying they will see me tonight." Konoka hid her grin in Setsuna's shoulder as she continued. "It's as if there is a party planned for me where the whole class is invited to Negi-sensei's apartment to surprise me following our date."

Setsuna drew back, holding Konoka at arms length with her mouth agape. "You know!?"

"Silly Set-chan, I found out two days ago. Think about our class. When has a surprise party ever actually been a surprise?" Konoka said, running her left hand down Setsuna's right arm. She stepped in closer. "To their credit, they did a pretty good job. But between you and me, I like to think I'm good at noticing things."

"I made such a big point in telling them to keep it quiet!" Setsuna said, looking downcast. "I'm sorry the surprise was ruined."

"Setsuna," Konoka said emphasizing her girlfriend's name, "you know I could care less about the surprise. I just want to spend the evening with you…and all my other closest friends. Though I have to admit, I was thinking about tormenting you in some way with my knowledge of the surprise party tonight."

"Kono-chan!" Setsuna admonished lightly. With her eyes wide and lips turned into a slight frown, it was as close to a pout as ever got.

Konoka felt her insides melt and promptly tackled Setsuna in a hug. She wrapped her arms tight around her girlfriend's frame, touching the warmth and life tightly bundled into the small body. She never tired of the feelings it brought her. It was a sense of security, contentment, and a thrill of passion all rolled together.

"I suppose I should be used to your teasing by now," Setsuna said.

"No," Konoka said, "I like your reactions whether if it's a blush or stammer or just saying my name."

Setsuna was silent in response, and Konoka smiled. "Now you're going to be all self-conscious about reacting to things I do. Perhaps I'll just have to up my game that way I'll still be able to see you when you're not so stoic."

"Kono-chan, I'm sorry. I know I can be unpleasant sometimes…"

There was that self-doubt again. Konoka was quick to reassure her. "Don't mistake me, I love all of you Setsuna! Yes, even when you're single-minded about your duty." She placed a hand against Setsuna's cheek. "But I also like to see all of you. So just keep on being you because I love you."

Setsuna blushed, but still caught Konoka's hand between her own. "I love you too Konoka."

Konoka briefly touched their lips together in a kiss. It was a simple affirmation of those feelings and, unfortunately, nothing more, especially with a few of their classmates still within the room. Konoka shared a goofy smile with the still blushing Setsuna and then picked up her bag of books that had somehow ended up on the ground. "Let's go for a walk," She said.

"As you wish, though..." Her ministra casted her eyes toward the classroom windows and said regretfully, "I only wish it was better weather for your birthday."

Rain came down steadily outside, maintaining a chill in the air. "That's okay. I like the rain. The weather's not a big deal. Not when I have you." She waited, and was rewarded with a blush from Setsuna. "I also have my umbrella too."

"Let's go then," Setsuna said. She shouldered her own backpack and the wrapped blade of Yuunagi. "Shall I carry your bag and leave the umbrella to you?"

"No it's fine, I have it."

"Kono-chan, it's your birthday. Let me carry your bag."

"I want to carry my bag, but I'll agree to let you have it if it becomes too heavy. Deal?" Konoka said. She looped her free arm with Setsuna's, escorting them past Chisame who was furiously typing on her laptop too caught up to leave and the Asuna and Ayaka whose argument seemed to be winding down for now.

"I guess I can agree to that," Setsuna responded with a smile.

Konoka felt wonderfully lighthearted. But as they walked through the emptying hallways of Mahora, she felt unease creep at her conscious. Her magic pricked at her skin as if it was trying to forewarn her.

As much progress as she had made since seriously beginning her training after their return from the Magic World, there was still much she didn't understand about her magic. Evangeline and Negi told her that was normal, but that in her case such mysteries would probably be much more pronounced because of her late start, her heritage, and her power. So when things like this feeling of foreboding happened, she was never sure how to take it. Sometimes nothing came from unusual reactions, sometimes something did. She would just have to remain on her guard.

Minutes later, they were out on the grounds of Mahora. Konoka held the umbrella as they walked together. They were mostly silent, just enjoying being together as they passed by Mahora landmarks including the World Tree and Chao Bao Zi. There were a few other students around, most hurrying to and from their locations. They were the only ones that taking their time.

Not that Konoka could blame them. It was raining and rather cool. Despite her unease, Konoka was nevertheless content. Being with Setsuna was enough. Though her girlfriend kept shooting her glances, and Konoka knew Setsuna suspected something was up with her. She kept her mouth closed however. If she told Setsuna of her apprehension, the other girl would worry, fret, and play the stoic bodyguard all night and that was the last thing Konoka wanted.

Without any thought to it, Konoka had steered them close to the forest that housed Evangeline's cabin. Peering down the path, through the trees and nature she loved so much, she was struck abruptly with dread, her unease raised tenfold. She stopped and looked all around, unable to find another sign of life. Besides the pitter-patter of rain, it was dead silent.

Setsuna seemed to sense it too. In quick motion, stepping out from under the umbrella, she dropped her backpack and unveiled the bare steel of Yuunagi. Her eyes narrowed, she dropped into a defensive stance. "Ojou-sama stay beside me," she said to Konoka. And then more to herself, "What is going on? This is Mahora!"

Konoka knew what she meant. Mahora was safe from foreign evils and nefarious beings. There were barriers that protected the school and its students. Setsuna was one of those in charge of patrolling the grounds to deal with anything that might slip past, and she was always able to tell when demons forced their way through. Konoka regretted not speaking up earlier about her apprehension. She fumbled for a spell, something that would assist Setsuna or help their situation. Before she could settle on anything, Setsuna, her form already soaked from the rain made a request. "Ojou-sama, if you can, please send a message for help. I'm sensing a mass amount of demon energy, and I don't want to risk you."

"I can help Set-chan! What has all this training been for if not to help?" Konoka said. She wanted to help! She was this powerful for a reason! Of course, she'll go ahead and send for help, but her ministra was treating her like she was powerless…like she was fourteen all over again. Setsuna, though it initially worried her to near collapse, had done quite well in letting Konoka do her part. But now, all of a sudden…

"Ojou-sama, I might be able to handle it. We might be able to handle it, but please just send for help," Setsuna said. Her voice carried an edge that brokered no arguments.

She realized she could raise her protests at another time, preferably when demonic energy wasn't bearing down on them. She searched for the Latin words that words that would unlock the Western messenger spell, and quickly picked the recipients. Negi. Evangeline. Asuna. Kaede. Ku Fei. Mana. Kotarou. The main combatants of Ala Alba. More of their friends could be called if needed, but if it came to that…more might not make much of a difference. "Lux—"

That was as far as she got. She stifled the shriek that bubbled in her throat as one, two, more than a dozen figures suddenly materialized around them. They came as from the trees and from above, surrounding the pair. Konoka shot a glance to Setsuna, feeling her ministra's tension spike even more. The tight grip she had on Yuunagi had turned her knuckles white. When Konoka looked back, another dozen figures had joined, making the numbers even more horribly skewed. It shouldn't matter. It shouldn't matter. Setsuna could take care of them all. She always had.

Konoka swiftly felt self-disgust. She had just complained that Setsuna wouldn't let her help, but she automatically assumed her girlfriend would take care of everything. Furrowing her brow in concentration, Konoka quickly muttered the messenger spell, and seven globes of light ascended into the air, shooting off into various directions—calls for help going to the people she named.

"So the other one is magic," said one of the mysterious figures in a deep, rough voice. "That means we don't have to hold back anything!"

"You really are an idiot," said another figure in a lilting alto. "That's the Konoe girl—the one the abomination became a ministra too." The figure stepped forward to be identified as a tall, sinewy female. Her shoulders were slouched and her gaze passive. Her casualness made Konoka all the more nervous.

"You don't have the right to talk about her," Setsuna growled. She didn't move from her stance, but it was obvious that every muscle in her body was poised to spring.

The figures surrounded them, beings brimmed with power. Konoka's heart thumped painfully, realizing she was terrified for her girlfriend. Setsuna, can't you see this is about you?

There was a low mutter from the others, but the tall woman merely held up a hand. "And you don't have the right to speak at all. I can barely stand to look at you. Your existence…" The woman's hands clenched, her casualness disappearing. "Setsuna Sakurazaki, you are nothing but vile creature who never should have been brought into this world. And yet you shamelessly continue to live even while your existence devastates and destroys others. White wings…you cursed thing…"

Setsuna went stiff as a board, no longer poised for action. Konoka thought a light breeze could knock her over. She had never seen her girlfriend look so unconfident, so disturbed…so weak. She cried out, "You have no right! No right to say those things about Setsuna!"

The woman's eyes rested on hers, and their color was like sinking into pitch-blackness of a moonless night. "You should be thanking us Konoe-san. It's a wonder you've survived this long with that curse attached to you. We realize that you more than likely have no idea what it means when a being like Sakurazaki shows her true form so you'll be kept out of these affairs."

"That's not true! I know every—" Konoka began to protest.

"You're right," Setsuna said, cutting across Konoka's words. "I've kept the meaning a secret. I saw no reason to tell them."

"Are you completely without a conscience!?" One of the figures said in horrified disbelief. Others murmured their assent.

"No matter!" The woman said sharply. "We know she has no shame—flashing those hideous white wings across the Magic World for every man, woman, and child to see. Our shaman doesn't lie. We know she's the source of our problems! Her lack of conscience, her shamelessness…it all comes back on our people."

"Wait! Please," Konoka said desperately. She understood now. This was the crow demon clan. The same clan that exiled Setsuna so many years ago, the same clan that made her think she was nothing but a filthy monster, and the same clan that made her believe her life meant nothing but despair for others. Konoka was equal parts furious and terrified, but she steeled herself, trying to reason with the crow demons. "Setsuna's been here, in the Old World, since we left the New over three years ago. There's no way she could be the cause of any problems your people are having."

"You don't know clan law. If a white-winged individual of crow blood shows those cursed wings to anyone, it's the ultimate ill fortune. And that's even understating the curse of those white wings," the woman said.

"Superstitions! That's all!" Konoka said. Her magic was in chaos, instinctively roaring to be unleashed in response to her desperation.

There were vehement shouts and angry mutters of disagreement from the crow demons in response to her words, which drowned out the woman's response. It was loud; loud enough for Konoka to wonder if there were more demons beyond their sight and in the trees.

"Ojou-sama, please. It's alright," Setsuna said. She smiled reassuringly at her, meeting her gaze. Konoka resisted the pull of trust that told her everything was going to be just fine and tried to study what was in that stare. She scrambled to find the magic of their pactio, hoping it would aid her in discovering Setsuna's intentions, but the magical read was equally unforgiving in revelations.

"Setsuna Sakurazaki, the clan can no longer be content with exile," the woman said. As she spoke, her features gradually began to change, molting and enlarging to reveal the true demon. She stood on two legs with sharp talons, her body gleaming from silky black feathers. Its sleeked head was a mixture of crow and human traits, possessing large black eyes and a wicked beak. Its wings and arms were one and the same with cruel, twisted hands at the end of its wings. Many of the other demons followed the example, shedding human skins for demonic crow form. Konoka could almost taste the demonic energy in the air. "The blatant display of your true nature in front of our entire world has condemned the clan. You are returning with us so we can properly wipe your cursed soul from existence. Only once this is done will the clan be free of its current devastation."

"You won't touch Konoka Ojou-sama?" Setsuna asked slowly. "You'll let her go freely and safely and never approach her again?"

Konoka choked on her words in the foreign combination of anger and dismay. It always came back to this! Setsuna refused to value her own life. Setsuna never gave a thought to it. Setsuna…

"You get no requests." The crowd of demons began to press in close to their huddled forms.

"Your existence is nothing but a curse." Black feathers littered the ground and shadowed wings beat overhead.

"You have forfeited your right to live with the flaunting of the ill omen." Closer they came still and her mind was a blur.

She couldn't concentrate on any specific spell. Setsuna was…Setsuna needed…Magic hummed under her skin.

"But the Konoe girl can go freely. We only want to fix the wrongs of our clan and reclaim you in order to properly put the curse to rest."

So many secrets bounded in her magic—would they still approach if they knew her power, that of the Konoe heir? Specific spells and details had left her, and all she could think of was to continuously pull from that wellspring of magic that was inside her. She was a healing mage foremost, but Evangeline and Negi had taught her hundreds of other spells and uses for her magic. Why can't I think of any? What could help? What can I do!? Just hold it. Hold it and see what Setsuna does…No…come on…a spell…what can I do!?

Konoka was suddenly aware of the rain, of her lost umbrella, of her clothes and hair plastered against her, and of Yuunagi slowly being lowered from its defensive position, and its owner who stood in submission.

"Very well. I will come."

A/N: I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for reading!

-Yavapai