*Well, this is the end of this story, please read and review. Thanks to all who read and reviewed. And now for... ...TADA..

Ichiban Taisetsu

Asuna Kagurazaka and Ayaka Yukihiro

by: Setsuna Revolution

Chapter 4: Time and Kisses

"Happy Birthday to Kagurazaka Asuna!" the choir girls sang. Asuna looked around stunned, she couldn't believe it, she was back in the room they were throwing her fourteenth birthday party in. It was so unreal and strange effects of dejavu were starting to kick in bad. She looked around, almost frightened, unbeknownst to her that so many people cared and they were celebrating just for her.

"Now, let's hear a word from the birthday girl," Negi said walking up to Asuna, as if giving her full permission to speak, she looked at him then to the gathering crowd, they all became silent as Asuna tried to find the right words to say. Her legs were shaking, almost knocking her to her knees. Tears starting to form in her blue and green eyes, she held her hands up to her face, then yelled her silent plea.

"I...everyone," she started to cry, "Save me...everyone save me, I don't wanna die!." Eveyone looked stunned for a minute, but after all that happened, they just smiled and moved in to comfort her. Ayaka, who was standing close by in the corner, made it a priority to be the first one to hug Asuna. She wanted to so bad, but everyone crowded fast, so Ayaka waited patiently later for her turn. You know what they say, the people who don't step foward first, often care the most.

"Master, " Chachamaru said standing with her vampire master. They were off to the side, watching in silent amusement.

"Hmmp," Evangeline smirked to her robot partner, "It seems as though the time paradox has worked, but we've arrived two hours early,... it's fine though, after all, how the future changes depends on the woman," Evangeline smiled again at the red-head, then turned it quickly into a frown, like it wasn't suppossed to happen, "To think, all she has to say is one sentence to get all this support."

xXxXxXxXx

Midnight was closing in fast, and Negi took all the students and Asuna to the World Tree, where they set up the machine that would save Asuna from her fateful pact. It was a giant metal object with two platforms on the top and a ton of cords that were connected to a couple sets of computers. Behind the computers were Saotome Hikase and Chao Lingshen, the two smartest junior high schoolers in Mahora Academy. They were hurredly typing and setting up final adjustments on the machine.

"Is it ready?" Negi impatiently asked the girls.

"Yes, it's almost there sensei," Satome replied, "You and Kagurazaka-san should go ahead and take your places atop the machine." Asuna nodded and followed Negi up to her rightful place on the machine. She stood on the bigger one for the most magical energy. Negi held out his wand to concentrate his magic to Asuna.

"We need everyone's help," Saotome said watching the other twenty-eight girls in her class form a straight line across. Ayaka was one of the last girls on the end, and took her place next to Chizuru, holding hands with her and her other roomate, never taking her eyes off the Asuna.

As they held hands, they focused all their energy on Asuna. She felt a warm, radianting, glow under her as Negi reached out and held her hand. It was almost like she could feel the magic entering her body. Then, just as quickly as it started, it was all over. The World Tree's leaves began to glow purple and then all the purple leaves fell and flew in the wind, much like Cherry Blossoms.

Asuna turned around and stared at her classmates, then to Negi, "Is it over?" she asked.

Negi nodded at her, and began climbing down from the machine. He stood in front of the line of classmates. They were all looking at her as he replied, "Yes Asuna, you are free from your pact." She smiled and climbed down from the machine, as everyone cheered at the rest of their celebration.

The celebration didn't last much longer after that, everyone decided that sleep was probably the best route and they headed sluggishly back to their dorm rooms. Ayaka walked in the back of the pack watching Asuna's every step from a distance, she was waiting for her chance to talk to her, but Negi, that damn adorable brat, hadn't left her side since they got back.

She watched from the corner as they stopped in front of their room. Konoka and Setsuna were exchanging their goodbyes, when Asuna told Negi that she would like to be alone for a little while. He hesitated at first, then finally agreed to it. He gave her a quick pat on the arm and went to tell Konoka. Soon after, they all decided the best thing was to just stay in Setsuna's room since it was so late.

"I'll call you telepathically, when I've had some time to think," Asuna said watching her teacher and friends head down the hallway. When they were clear out of sight Asuna took in a deep breath and opened the door to her room with her key. She stepped in the dark room, and flipped the light switch on. Even though it was cold in the room, she took her uniform jacket off, and threw it on the couch in the center of the room as she sat down.

She brought her hands up to her face, she couldn't believe the day's events, she was still shaking uncontrollably from it all. She glanced over at the calender sitting on the table, her birthday and fateful day was still marked: October 22nd. She closed her eyes and began thinking of the days events. Then she realized she still had memories of what had happened when she was little, she never had them before, but now. She remembered Negi, her friends, the demon...and Ayaka. She opened her eyes quickly.

'Did that really happen,' she thought remembering that Ayaka pretty much guard her the whole time, and then she remembered the last things Ayaka said to her and the kiss on the forehead.

Asuna blushed as she tried to shake the thought away, but to no avail. Nothing like that could ever happen between them, all they did was fight. But what if it did happen. She started to feel a headache coming on, so she finally decided to go talk to Ayaka about it. She walked to the door and as she started out she ran into someone.

"Ooh, sorry," Asuna said as she looked at the person she ran into. It was the tall, blonde-haired girl Asuna was just thinking about. "Oh, Iinchou." Asuna said shocked, and then her blush came back unwillingly. "I'm really sorry, I need to be more careful of where I'm going."

"That's okay, where are you off to?" Ayaka smiled.

"Uh...I actually was going to talk to you," Asuna replied, "well,..err..I guess since you're all ready here." Asuna turned to look in her room then back to Ayaka as if trying to figure out where they should go. Then, Ayaka pushed her gently into the room and closed the door behind her. Ayaka led Asuna to the couch and sat down, she patted the place next to her.

"I'm glad you wanted to talk to me, because I was on my way to talk to you, so I guess it all works out," Ayaka smiled as Asuna sat down on beside her. Ayaka stared at the pretty, younger girl. Asuna waved her hand in front of Ayaka's face.

"Hello, you know if you take a picture, it'll last longer," Asuna said jokingly.

"But why take a picture when you are really here in front of me," Ayaka said staring deeper at her crush, "It just feels so unusual, you're here and you're not...well... you know..."

"Dead," Asuna replied, "it's okay, you can say it. I've come to terms with what happened. I still have memories of all that happened, they're not perfect, but I remember the class, Negi,... those kisses you all gave him, and especially you. You were really brave and you helped save me countless times, no matter how scary the situation. It really means.. so much." Asuna finished.

She had tears forming in her eyes when Ayaka reached out and wrapped her arms around her, pulling Asuna close to her on the couch.

"I'm so happy that you're here," Ayaka said tightening her embrace, and she put her head against Asuna's, and gave her a quick kiss on the temple before continuing, "Do you remember at your party... the first time, I was trying to tell you something, but you told me that you understood and to tell you when I was ready?" Ayaka paused as she felt Asuna nod her head yes, "Well Asuna," she said putting her hands on her face, green eyes staring into unique blue and green eyes, "I'm in love with you."

Asuna's blush turned into a smile as she pulled Ayaka's face closer with her hands on the back of Ayaka's neck. Her lips barely brushed against Ayaka's to get her reaction. Ayaka was suprised at first and could've sworn her heart skipped a beat when she closed her eyes also and deepened their kiss. After a few more passionate kisses, Asuna broke it off and looked at her best friend.

"Even though we've fought since we've met and even if I had a pointless crush on Takahata, I know my true feelings for you too..., you're my best friend and I know I've loved you every since I met you, Ayaka," Asuna smiled, playing with the girl's blonde hair. Ayaka gave Asuna a quick kiss and wrapped her in an endless warm hug again.

xXxXxXxXx

Negi and Konoka returned to their room, bright and early the next morning to get ready for school. Konoka quietly opened their door with her key and they proceeded in the dorm room.

"It's about time," Konoka said, smiling at the sight of her friends asleep, holding each other on the couch. She turned to look at Negi, "Well, what are you waiting for? They're gonna be late if you don't wake them up," she said walking into the bathroom and locking the door.

"What?" Negi shouted quietly in his quirky British voice, "Why me?"

A/N: Finished...Hope ya'll enjoyed.