Disclaimer: I do not own Zero no Tsukaima, Kekkaishi, Fate Stay Night, Flame of Recca or any of the ideas I base from them and other anime, books and other literature that seem familiar, and I am borrowing them purely for entertainment purpose only.

Prologue

Fate and destiny, can be either kind or cruel, or both. As it was proven time and again, Fate can be the reason for people to come together, yet at the same time, destiny is also what tears them apart.

There are no coincidences in the world. Everyone is connected. Everything happens for a reason, everything is predetermined. Predestination. All outcomes had already been determined from the beginning.

Thus, if that was the case, it also meant that the two of them were never meant to be together.

Fate declares that she was not the one for him. Destiny dictates that he would spend his life with someone else.

However, not everyone believes in Fate and Destiny, and to those who do not, there is no such a thing as predetermination.

And even if there was such a thing as Fate and Destiny, there is nothing, not even Fate or Destiny, that can stand in the way of true love.

Fate: Denial of Destiny

"Hmmm... needs a bit more salt," a boy wearing an apron muttered to himself, as he took a bit of the particular spice from a jar and sprinkled on the omelette he was making.

His name is Hiraga Saito, a typical teenager who is in his second year of high school, was currently busy cooking breakfast, the most important meal of the day. He was just a normal seventeen year old boy, who was not particularly good at anything but not particularly bad at anything either.

His academic ranking, compared with the rest of the student population, is somewhere in the middle, although thankfully he was still on the upper tier. He was just a plain, average guy, somewhere in the middle, a spot which does not garner too much attention, unlike those who were specially gifted at the top, or those who are uniquely abysmal at the bottom. Or at least, it should not have garnered too much attention...

"Welcome back, Aoi-chan. Breakfast will be ready soon."

If it wasn't for his sister.

The girl Saito addressed merely nodded her head in acknowledgement before heading for her room.

After a few minutes, she returned, having changed from to casual clothes, her hair wet as she had just taken a bath. Then, she sat on a chair by the table, and buried herself in Introduction to Statistics, the book which she had been holding when she arrived.

As he saw his sister adjust her glasses slightly, Saito could not help but sigh. The final exams for the year was over and the next day would be summer vacation, yet she still buried herself in her studies.

Hiraga Aoi, his younger sister, is a girl who possessed that which Saito did not: talent. She was, in every term of the word, a prodigy. Unlike her older brother, she was the top of the class in terms of academic ranking,. The only subjects that Saito had ever been able to beat her at was Home Economics and P.E. (the practical part, not the written part), but as for the rest, she was simply out of his league.

The two of them go to the same school, and thus, it is of little wonder that the students and teachers always went about comparing the two of them, many wondering in disbelief, how the two of them could possibly be siblings and had the same genes, when they were too different.

And it was not just when it came to talent or ability, for when it comes to physical features, the two of them did not have anything in common at all. Saito, basically, had raven hair whereas Aoi's was blue.

And since Aoi, who despite being two years younger, was already in the same year as Saito, it was even easier to pick them out for comparison. Aoi, as expected, was in Class A whereas Saito was in Class C.

How in the world could that loser be possibly related to the Ice Queen? This was the general gist of the questions they asked. Ice Queen was the nickname that was given to Aoi, since despite being the top of the year, she was a shy and quiet girl, who rarely spoke unless circumstances require her to, and the aura she exudes, was one which was cold, someone who is unapproachable. She was a loner type, who spends most of her time reading, her face usually half-hidden by a book.

Under such circumstances, it would not have been surprising for the one who is beaten and always compared to their better sibling to grow hate and resentment against his brother or sister.

Saito, however, did not really care, and did not mind being overshadowed by his sister. True, he did not like the fact that Aoi had garnered a lot of attention, but it wasn't because he was jealous of her popularity or anything. No, the reason why he disliked it was because of something else. And that something...

Was the fact that Aoi was really popular with the boys, the same reason why a number of girls disliked her.

Men, as far as Saito was concerned, were creatures of the lowest order. They were nothing but wolves, who would salivate and jump at delicious looking meat, and Saito's sister, unfortunately, was considered by many as 'Premium Grade.' True, she was a petite girl, and she did not have the busts that many males prefer, but she was really cute, both with or without her glasses, which was more than enough to have the hearts of men racing... although in Saito's opinion, it was their primal urges raging.

However, in reality, Saito had once considered himself worse, much worse, than any other male on the planet.

As Aoi's big brother, it had always been his role, to keep her happy. Due to their parent's line of work, they were usually not around and only dropped by from time to time to visit. Saito and Aoi practically lived alone by themselves, and it was for this reason that Saito strived hard and successfully mastered one of his two special abilities: doing domestic housework.

Since Aoi was female, it would not have been surprising if most of the household chores would fall heavily on her. In fact, when they first planned their weekly schedules that is what his younger sister tried to do.

Saito, however, would not allow it, and instead, decided to take the bulk of the work. He learned how to cook, how to wash, how to do the laundry, and just about everything that had to do with household matters.

And also, as her big brother, it was also his role to keep Aoi away from harm. Due to her distant attitude, Aoi, despite having the favour of the teachers as well as on good terms with everyone, did not have any close friends who she could count on, for they saw her as an idol, someone who is just too far above them for them to even consider standing by her side.

Knowing this, Saito decided to keep a close eye on her, and he would constantly check up on how she was doing, protecting her from the shadows, following her around just like a stalker. Even though she was popular, there were those in the student population who had earned her envy, as well as those who approach her with malicious intent.

From jealous females who want to take her down a peg to instinct-driven men who wanted to hit on her and do unspeakable things to her, Saito had done everything in his power to protect Aoi from these elements, using any and all means necessary. He learned self defense and martial arts, mixing several versions, so that he could defend Aoi. He even forced himself to read and study books on politics, human behaviour and psychology, something which he sorely disliked, just so that he could have a better grasp of the human psyche, and in turn, be able to make good and logical decisions.

Saito may be a slow learner by nature and a bit of a knucklehead, but when it comes to what he truly believes is essential, his learning speed increases tremendously due to his stubbornness and refusal to give up... a knucklehead indeed.

He may never be able to claim to be an expert, but it did not matter to him. What is important, is that what he learned was enough for him to achieve his objective, of keeping his sister safe and happy, an objective which he somehow managed to succeed in achieving.

"So how is it?" Saito asked, as he watched his younger take a bit out of the meal he prepared.

"It's good," Aoi commented monotonously, her voice without any emotion, yet her facial expression gave her away: the Ice Queen was actually smiling, a reaction which also made Saito smile as well.

He managed to keep her safe. He was able to fend off everyone who wanted to cause her harm. But most of all, he was able to succeed in witnessing the one thing which very few people had ever been able to see on the cold Aoi: her true smile, a smile that was filled warmth and honest joy, an infectious smile and feeling that made Saito feel that everything that he did was worth it... something which he had thought someone like him did not deserve to see.

As he watched his sister enjoy her meal, Saito could not help but smile with joy, though in the past, it would have been one which was a mixture of true joy and bitterness.

Just like any other boys of his age, he also had his own stash of unseemly materials. However, compared to him, Saito knew he was worse... much worse, proven by the fact that his collection was only made up materials which focused on one particular theme: forbidden love.

He, for years now, had been in love with his younger sister...

In truth, the two of them were not actually blood-related. It was eight years ago when his parents came home, bringing along with them the newest member to their family, and at the time, Saito fell in love with her. However, it was without the obscene or lustful feeling that he did now, but more like as a member of the family. He, who had not yet made a single friend at the time, could not help but be overcome with joy, at the fact that he was no longer alone.

As time passed, however, that feeling of love he had, which he once thought was that of an older brother looking after his younger sister, grew and twisted into something else.

Realizing the monster that he had become, he tried his best to stay away. For this reason, despite the inconveniences and the arguments he had with his parents, he moved out of the house and transferred schools a year ago... only to find out a month later that Aoi also decided to transfer to that same school, and due to her excellent performance in the entrance exams as well as in her previous school, was allowed to move up to grades, even managing to land herself on the first section. Before, Aoi was actually going to an all-girl's school and the two of them only ever saw each other at home, which meant only one thing: Saito's plan had backfired.

Knowing it would be too suspicious if he tried to transfer again too soon, Saito decided to harden his resolve, and tried to seem like a distant and uncaring brother while dutifully continuing his role as her guardian and protector, until he found the perfect timing and excuse to leave.

Despite the fact that it was hard for most people to read her correctly due to her cold and emotionless demeanour, Saito was able to, and he could tell that Aoi was not happy with what he was doing, but he remained firm on his decision. And it wasn't only her, for with what he was doing, he knew that his sister would eventually come to hate him, but he decided to ignore his own emotions, for he truly believed that what he was doing was for the best.

Going further with his plan, Saito tried to find himself a girlfriend, looking for girls who fit the 'ideal statistics,' and soon enough, he found one, or rather, he was the one who was found, since a girl actually confessed to him.

He knew that what he did was cruel, accepting the confession of a girl when he knew his heart belonged to someone else, but at least, it would be someone else, not Aoi, who he would end up hurting.

At least, that was what he thought. On the day that he had his first date, Saito realized just how wrong he was.

On the day that Saito went on his first date with his 'girlfriend,' for some reason he could not understand, he could not shake off the feeling that someone was following them. Still, since he saw no one, and since he was determined to forget about Aoi, he pushed through with it. Using the moves and dating strategies he learned with his younger sister as the person subconsciously in his mind, Saito's dating escapade had been successful. His girlfriend had a lot of fun, and he himself, managed to feel a small amount of joy at his success.

Just as Saito had planned, the last place he and his girlfriend visited was a hilltop where one could have a wonderful view of the sea. And Saito brought her to that spot, the two of them watching the beautiful sunset, before he took her home, and he and his girlfriend kissed for the first time, before she entered her apartment.

Saito had only been using her as a scapegoat, but maybe, just maybe, he would fall in love with her, and he would finally be able to let go of the most important person in his life.

When he turned around to head back to his place, however, to his shock and horror, he saw that very person staring at him, tears flowing from her eyes, before she ran away, as rain, even though it had been sunny the entire day, started pouring from the evening sky.

From the books which Saito had read, he had once come across an entry which is about woman's intuition, about how both males and females actually have it, but that men are too stuck up to give it any notice, and therefore end up becoming insensitive, oblivious bastards... which is exactly what he was, an insensitive oblivious bastard.

All the time, Saito had only been thinking about things from within the box, from his own perspective. He loved Aoi in a way that was not brotherly, and he knew that it was wrong. He knew that if his sister ever found out about how he truly felt, or if he loses control of himself, he would end up hurting her. Thus, the only way to solve the problem was by voluntarily distancing himself.

The possibility that their feeling might actually be mutual had never come across his mind. Saito assumed that something so fantastic and wondrous was impossible.

He was mistaken.

Aoi never had a boyfriend.

Aoi rejected every single boy who confessed their love for her, even those who Saito saw as acceptable and thus did not antagonize.

Aoi made chocolates every Valentine's Day even though she did not have a boyfriend and the person who she made them for... was Saito.

He should have realized it, yet he had been too slow and close-minded to notice.

"Onii-chan?"

"Hmmm?"

"You have rice on your cheek."

"What? Where is it?"

"Here," the girl spoke quietly, as she leaned forward, using a chopstick to pick out the grain that was stuck on her brother's face and...

"Mpppfh?!"

Gave Saito a passionate kiss, to which the raven-haired young man, who already knew this pattern, which started eight months before, automatically responded, their tongues interlocking with each other's. This was a side of Aoi that only Saito knew, when she comes out of the cold shell of indifference which she used as a shield to defend herself.

Even up to this time, Saito still saw himself as scum, as a useless, and worthless person. However, even though it was the case, the young man with raven-hair could not help but feel glad.

He was a pervert, a psycho, who lusted after his own sister. But he was even worse than that, for his actions caused the person who is most precious to him to become miserable.

And as he had come to terms with his feelings, he realized that what he felt for Aoi wasn't just desire: Saito truly loved his sister, which only made all that he had done even heavier on his conscience.

The worst crime he had ever committed... was making his sister cry. Thus, he resolved to do everything he could to make it up to her. He will never make her cry again.

"I'll take the lead," Saito heard his sister whisper in his ear, sitting on his lap, as she started undoing the buttons of his shirt.

To him, it no longer mattered that what they were doing seemed immoral, nor did it matter what other people thought of them. They may be hiding their relationship from the rest of the world, but if they did find out, it would no longer change anything between them.

He still believed that someone like him did not deserve to have her. And yet, even though he was unworthy, Aoi had chosen him.

Even though he saw himself as unworthy of her, the decision had been hers to make. And since she had chosen him, Saito made a vow to himself, that he would become someone who deserved to have her, and to do everything in his power to make her happy.

And in Saito's case, seeing Aoi happy is what gives him the greatest amount of joy, for she was the person he loves, more than anything else in the world.

xxxXXXxxx

"Oysters last week, and now watermelons? Kid, do you have a girlfriend?"

"Yes, why?"

It was half past noon on the first day of summer vacation, and currently, Hiraga Saito was at the front door of his apartment, receiving a package from Kenji, the friendly neighbourhood postman, who, due to the post service that was utilized by the senders of the package, namely Saito's parents, was always the one who delivers it, since he was the one in charge of their particular area.

"I have to admit kid, I'm envious. My mother and father were never this supportive when my wife and I were still dating."

"That's because Kaa-san can't wait to have a grandchild." Saito mumbled, which made the man chuckle in response.

"You're both still too young for that, you know. You still need to find a good job, do some family planning and all that complicated stuff... Well, anyway, gotta go, I've still got a lot of packages to deliver. See you later kid." The postman said with a cheery salute.

"Yes, see you later." Saito replied as he returned the gesture, watching the man walk away towards his truck.

"Oh, and don't forget to say hi to Aoi for me."

"Sure. I'll tell her when she wakes up from her nap."

The moment he closed the door behind him, however, Saito could not help but sigh deeply in relief. He may be in good terms with the postman, but he was, in all honesty, a little too perceptive for Saito's liking. To make matters worse, Kenji is actually a good friend of Saito's and Aoi's parents, and just like them, despite the fact that the postman was asking questions that made it seem like he was oblivious, he was actually also aware of a certain bit of information that Saito preferred to not be known by the rest of the world: the fact that he was going out and making out with his sister.

It had already been two weeks since then, since Saito and Aoi told their parents about their relationship. or rather, were forced to tell them. Due to the fact that Saito's parents were 'coincidentally' good friends and well-acquainted with the landlady of the apartment complex where Saito and Aoi were staying at upon the parents' 'recommendation,' the two adults, for 'precautionary reasons,' possessed spare keys to the apartment their son and daughter was using.

Unfortunately, during their very first 'unannounced visit', they found Saito and Aoi sleeping together naked in the same bed, their bodies covered only by a white sheet, and the scent of cherries was present in the air.

For a moment which seemed to last an eternity, a moment which Saito would never forget, he felt as if the weight of the entire world was upon him, as him the end had come. The look on their mother's and father's faces was terrible to behold. It was one of the most frightening experiences he had ever had in his life.

The terror at the time, though, only lasted for a moment, for in the next second...

"Did you use protection?" With that one sentence uttered by his father, the oppressive air in the room instantly vanished.

To Saito's surprise, their parents had been quick in accepting their relationship. He and Aoi were not complaining though, and in truth, they were really glad to know that their loving relationship would not cause any problems.

...

"Immoral? Our reputation in society? Do you really think we give a damn about that? Your mother and I have no problem with you being both our children and our in-laws. All we want is for you to be happy."

...

Saito remembered it clearly at the time, how he held Aoi gently in his arms, tears of joy and gratitude flowing silently from her eyes when their father said those words, while Saito, who was also touched deeply, had to put enormous effort to stop himself from doing the same, both of them muttering a sincere thank you to their parents for everything.

Unfortunately, another complication arose, in the form of contradicting opinions between their Mother and Father.

Lewd things, in truth, were not the only things which Saito had been fantasizing about when he and Aoi were not yet together. To have children of their own, to start their own family, is actually one of the many things which he had been thinking about. And now that they were together, not to mention that they have their parents, who were also their parent-in-law's, blessing, he knew that his dream would become a reality.

However, Saito was aware that they were not yet ready to have children. Physically, perhaps, despite Aoi's petite size, it was already possible for her to conceive, but mental-wise and financial-wise, they were not yet prepared.

Aoi told Saito that she wanted to be able to travel around the world, and since Saito did not have any particular career he wanted to pursue before, he thought of becoming a pilot, so that he could take her to wherever place she wanted to go to.

Of course, he would need to have a sufficiently paying second career of choice on standby, so that they can start thinking of starting a family once they decide to settle down. There were still too many loose ends to be tied, so as of the moment, having children was not yet an option, and his idea to have things planned out first was something which their father approved of.

Their mother, however, did not.

Saito recently found out from their father, when they had a one on one conversation, why his Mom was acting like this. Due to certain complications with his mother's system, even though they were not life-threatening, it was impossible for her to get pregnant... and Saito, just like Aoi, was also adopted, only that unlike Aoi, who was adopted when she was seven, he had been adopted since he was one year old.

Of course, what he found out did not really matter much to Saito, and despite not being blood-related, it did not make him love his parents any less, and it was the same from both sides... which is exactly what caused the problem.

Their Mom, apparently, missed Saito's and Aoi's younger days, and because of it, she wanted her son and daughter, who are technically also her in-laws, to have babies, so that she, as their grandmother, could take on the role of nanny and take care of them.

Saito was only seventeen and Aoi was only fifteen, yet their mother already wanted him to 'knock her up.' But since it was three against one, her opinion could not push through.

However, that did not stop her from trying through other means, and one of those means, was in the form of weekly packages, disguised as treats, but were in fact, sent with the intention of increasing their sex drive, not that they need it anyway. The two of them, though, had no intention to have a baby just yet, and while they never used protection, since they Aoi said she wanted it raw, he was careful not to release it inside unless it was a safe day.

Still, it is kind of hot today, thought Saito with a sigh, as he looked down at the luscious fruits in the box he had just opened. Even though he knew exactly what it was his mom was trying to do, they were perfect dessert for a hot summer day.

"Onii-chan," said a voice behind Saito.

"Oh you're up, Aoi-chan. Kaa-san sent us some watermelon, do you want to e- what are you doing?"

"Doing some cleaning," his sister replied flatly. "Today is my schedule."

Saito could not help but gulp in nervousness, as he felt the colour draining from his face, at the sight which greeted his eyes.

For in front of him, was his girlfriend, Aoi, sweeping the floor with a soft broom and dust pan like a normal girl would... except that she was not holding either soft broom or dust pan. The two equipments were doing the cleaning by themselves.

Magic is something like a miracle, a supernatural phenomena of various scales, which defies logic and most, if not all kinds of scientific explanation. However, magic is something which does exist, and in the present, all the magic that is performed by magicians are merely the result of extremely fast movement, optical illusions, and other similar deceptions. Even the miracles and magics that were supposedly performed by the religious people, sages, priests, and wizards in history, had been re-enacted, successfully revealing the logical workings behind them.

Overall, the magic people know are nothing but magic tricks. Even levitation, the mind over matter thing which inspired several and stories, including a futuristic one with spaceships and light sabres, had been proven to be nothing but a fraud, since it was done with the use of invisible wires, but was caught by high speed cameras.

Still, while Saito believed that they were indeed nothing but magic tricks, even he could tell that what he was seeing was definitely not a trick. There were no wires, nor are there any hidden motors or controllers that make the soft broom and dust pan perform their duties. What he was seeing, what Aoi was doing, was without a doubt, unlike the many fakes he had seen, true magic.

However, this was not the reason why beads of sweat were forming on Saito's fate. After all, it had already been seven years since he had first seen Aoi perform magic, and since he was a kid when he first found out, he was so used to it that even when he found out that it was truly magic and not a trick when they became older, he did not freak out. In fact, he managed to learn how to levitate objects and cast a few other spells as well since Aoi taught him, although he could never do so at the same level as her.

Although he did have a 'specialization.'

Magic, in a way, had already become an everyday thing to him. The only worry he had was if someone found out what he and his sister were capable of, as it would certainly merit unwanted attention. It was one of the biggest secrets they had which they kept even from their parents.

No, the real reason why Saito was beginning to panic though was not because of the inanimate objects moving by themselves, but rather, it was because of the item that Aoi was holding in her hands.

"Aoi-chan, where did you get that?" Saito inquired, trying to keep his voice calm.

"This?" the girl asked, as she held out a rather graphic magazine with the title S and M Sibling Bonding. "I found this when I was cleaning the living room."

?!

In truth, when Aoi first discovered the existence of Saito's 'collection' due to a carelessness in choice of hiding places for them, the girl, surprisingly despite her normally calm demeanor, did not freak out, nor did she get angry with Saito, although she did confiscate them. However, when the two of them got together, Saito resolved to throw the precious materials away, dvds, cds, books and all, partly because he did not Aoi to think he was fantasizing about other women, but it was more due to the fact that Aoi was also interested in reading and watching them.

Skimming through lewd reading materials and watching similar kind of movies had actually been helpful to Saito as a source of reference materials for when he and Aoi would 'do it.' He wanted to give her as much pleasure as possible, and the second-hand experienced he acquired had certainly been useful.

Unfortunately, he was not the only one set about copying said techniques.

Saito's sister, who is also his girlfriend, is a quiet girl who focused on her studies, and she was very good with details. Whatever it is that she wanted to learn, she is able to do so really quickly... and she is really good at imitation, as Saito noted when some of the skills she used was similar to what he saw the female characters in the movies she watched utilize.

Sadly, some of these techniques were at such an extreme level that even a pervert like Saito believed that they were only meant for watching, not doing.

Because of it, Saito, with a heavy heart, resolved to throw away his entire collection, since there were bits here and there in all of them that was included in Saito's 'read and watch only, not-to-do list.'

Unfortunately, it seems as if some remnants of his precious pieces remained.

"Tying the hands with a rope... then penetrate from behind," Aoi whispered to herself.

And to make matters worse, that particular remnant was one of the most hardcore ones in his collection.

Crap.

In truth, Saito would have liked nothing more than to snatch the book from his sister's hands. Unfortunately, disturbing Aoi when she was reading something, regardless of what it was, is tabooed, a line which Saito would never dare cross. He remembered a number of people who did exactly that... it did not end well for them.

Thus, he had no choice but to wait for Aoi to finish reading before taking it back... though Saito knew, deep down, that it would be too late for him by then.

xxxXXXxxx

"Onii-chan, are you alright?"

"I'm fine, Aoi-chan. Don't worry about me." Saito told his girlfriend, as he stifled a groan that almost came out of his mouth.

Due to his own carelessness, failing to throw out of the house what he should have thrown out of the house, the older of the Hiraga siblings woke up in pain, his body sore in a number of places caused by his and Aoi's usual nighttime activity, during which his girlfriend tested out a number of interesting moves which she read from Saito's brand of literature. Having learned his lesson, the raven-haired young man promised himself that he would scour every inch of their apartment to make sure that none of his precious collection remained.

Still, despite the pain he was feeling, Saito decided to endure it, and he did his best to keep up his calm and cheerful facade. He may not have the emotionless expression that his sister constantly used, but he had his own way of hiding his true emotions.

And right now, he was using a cheerful mask to hide not only the fact that he was pain, but also the fact that he was really very nervous.

Going out on a date had already become a routine for Saito and Aoi, and just like always, they would take a leisurely walk, eat at their favourite restaurants, and visit their favourite places. The only difference between them and typical couples is that Aoi was always reading, and her face was half-covered with a book most of the time.

Today, however, was different, and Saito was doing his very best to calm his own nerves.

A few days before, Saito had gone out by himself, taking along with him all the money he had saved up from his allowance and part- time jobs, to buy something.

All day long, he searched and searched, going from one store to another, until he found it: a gold ring with a blue-coloured sapphire jewel in the middle.

After a long of time of trying to build up his courage, Saito was now going to prose to Aoi.

Everything had been set. Once they finish with their usual dating routine, Saitou would take his sister to the fanciest restaurant in the city, where he had an entire room reserved all to themselves, to create the perfect atmosphere for his proposal.

Yes, Saito was indeed nervous. Even though he and Aoi's feelings for each other is mutual, even though they have their parents' blessing, the raven-haired young man still found it hard to stop his knees from shaking. He was about to take a big step to further their relationship. He knew that it was unlikely for him to be rejected now, but still he wanted everything to be perfect. He did not want to mess it up. He did not want anything to go wrong.

Still, as he looked at his younger sister who had both her hands clasped around his own, Saito could not help but smile. If there was one thing which Aoi would choose over her books it was her older brother.

It's going to be fine. Everything's going to be fine, Saito kept repeating in his thoughts, although unlike before, his feeling of dread had been reduced greatly, replaced by a feeling of warmth that came Aoi which gave him confidence.

Everything was going to be perfect. Nothing would go wrong. Saito was now sure that everything was going to be fine.

Or so he thought...

"ONII-CHAN, WATCH OUT!"

There had been no warning, no indication that anything was wrong. Or perhaps there was, but in his dazed and distracted state, Saito did not notice it until it was too late.

And now, he and Aoi found themselves being sucked into a green orb of magic, where an abyss where there was nothing but darkness was waiting for them.

"HANG ON!"

The only reason why they had not yet been sucked into it was Aoi's quick response, who, upon noticing the distortion, immediately grabbed onto a nearby post with one of her hands, while she wrapped her other arm around him.

He had been too carefree. He had been too careless. And because of it, for the first time in a long time, Saito heard the usually quiet and younger sister scream, a voice filled with worry and terror.

What happened was all his fault, and he was not going to let her be dragged into this mess. It was too late for him, but the magic seemed to be focusing on him, which means that she could still get away.

Instead of letting go, however, the girl tightened her grip on him.

"AOI LET GO!" Saito shouted as he tried to pry off his sister who was clinging on to him. "SAVE YOURSELF!"

"No."

"I SAID LET GO!"

"NO!"

For a moment which seemed to last an eternity, Saito and Aoi stared at each other, the two of them wordlessly conveying what they felt for each other.

"You're really stubborn, you know that?" Saito told his girlfriend with a sigh, and despite the situation, a small sad smile made itself up to his lips. Once she decided to do something, there was just no stopping her.

"I guess I am," the blue-haired girl replied, her voice returning to its usual quiet tone, as a smile similar to Saito's own was reflected on her face. Then, she leaned forward, and kissed Saito, as she let go of the lamp post she was holding on to, and the two of them were sucked into the abyss, and even though they knew that only doom awaits them, even though they both had regrets, they both could not help but feel a bit of joy because of one thing...

If we die... at least we die together...

xxxXXXxxx

To be continued...

AUTHOR'S NOTES

First Author's Notes is posted in Chapter 1