epilog: The Windflower Blooming in the Breeze

Ugh...

(Panting) We wore her down... right?

Are you the First Lady now? Or Chloe?

Hmm? Looks like Chloe's got the advantage.

The First Lady's response is disappearing from within her!

What!? W-Wait a second, Ms. Lady!

Can you hear me, Chloe!? Please! Just hang in there a little more!

Don't say it like it's nothing... It's not that easy...

If Da Vinci and Master's theories are correct...

When the First Lady disappears, the Reality Marble will vanish too... That means we're running out of time!

I've confirmed that the binding Mystic Code has been released! Miyu!?

Right! I'll help her immediately!

Miyu, can you stand? Please grab on to me.

Yes, I'm fine... but... Let me hold onto your arm for a moment, Mash.

Yes. Thank you for helping Illya.

I'm fine now. Now please, go to her... Help Chloe...

Um... I'm fine.

I'm fine, really. You can put me down now...

Master?

？！

Whew. Thank you too, Sapphire.

Miyu...

I'm so glad, Miyu...

What is the big idea, Illya?

If you don't finish me off... You won't win.

I'll never give up... I can't give up...

It's not about winning or losing, Ms. Lady.

That's right. It's not.

What you're doing isn't about obsession, or ideals. It's about atonement.

First Lady, you just can't accept it. What you have is different from Illya's pure feelings.

M-Miyu...

Illya, tell her how you feel.

What? Me!?

Yes. Tell her everything. Honestly. So that it will reach her heart.

Got it, Miyu.

...

Ms. Lady... I-I...

I'm always so busy dealing with what's going on around me... So I've never thought about saving the world...

No, to be honest, I forced myself to think it had nothing to do with me because things were far away.

But if I was in your place, Ms. Lady...

If I had such an incredible power that it became my duty to help people who relied on me...

I wouldn't know what I'd do... Or who I would chose.

...I see.

But, if my friends and family that I love were in danger, I'd use my magic without hesitation.

I'd use my magic to protect everyone's smiles.

Even if it meant that you yourself had to cry?

...(Nod)

Illya... I'm jealous of you.

But at the same time, I think you're foolish. It's like looking at the old me.

I couldn't save... the friend I cared about...

I had to choose between her and the world and I chose...the world.

I couldn't save... my best... friend...

That's...

...

You sacrificed... your friend? Was she a magical girl, too?

...No.

She refused to be a magical girl. She became an enemy of the world, and brought despair to everyone.

That's why I... I had to stop her... myself...

I'll never see her again... I couldn't tell her... that I was sorry!

...

I don't know about that.

...!?

Helena!?

Helena! And Mr. Lion, too!?

Yes. I unfortunately survived. Just like the First Lady? No, that's not right.

Not only did I fail to become something, I failed to die, too. I really fail at everything, don't I?

Don't worry, self-deprecation is a habit of hers. Just ignore her.

Al...! Keep your mouth shut...

When your battle started for real, the First Lady's familiars ceased to be a threat.

It was tough just getting to this throne room. The barriers on this castle are too strong, and she can't get in.

If Miyu's okay, let's take the First Lady and go outside.

While we move, can you tell me about the girl the First Lady is possessing?

Of course, but who is "she"?

Eeee...!

Are you that ghost from before?

What are you doing here?

This Echo is probably the one that was often wandering around the black wall.

After the wall fell, I found her heading for the castle.

Wait a minute, First Lady, do you know her?

She looks like she wants to say something to you.

...

...!

It looks like she's really mad.

She trying to tell the First Lady something? But I don't know what she's saying!

Ruby, can't you do something?

Just leave it to me! Try my special ghost medium potion! Here! (Stab)

Oooh!

She didn't even ask for permission!

Did the ghost really posess her? That was easy. I know it's redundant to say it, but that Mystic Code has some crazy functions.

Well... Illya? I mean, Ghost?

...

...ou...

...You...

You... dummy!

Oww...She just hit me! What was that for...?

Ow! That really hurt...!

Oh-ho? The defensive response brought Chloe halfway back.

？！

The girl possessing Illya...

I may know her. If she's the girl from my dream...

Your dream?

But it just looks like Illya and Chloe are brawling.

？！

I'm calling you a dummy because you're a dummy!

The way you're talking...

Mila? Is that you!? Are you one of the Echoes here?

Yes, got a problem with that?

It was only for a short while, but I was a magical girl. That's why I have the right to be here.

And right now, you're the First Lady. The first magical girl. Right?

It is her.

Mila? Are you the First Lady's special friend?

That's right, Miyu.

I am a former magical girl who was slain by the First Lady.

Wait, that means you were the first corrupted magical girl.

Sister, be quiet.

First Lady... You did your best as a magical girl.

You gave everything you had to the world so that everyone could be happy.

But the harder you worked, the more people's smiles disappeared.

You were worn down by their greed and dissatisfaction, until you were crying even as you smiled.

I didn't think that world was worth saving. I chose you, not the world.

Mila...

Were you here the whole time, Mila? And I just didn't notice?

That's right. I'm just a shadowy Echo.

Without borrowing Illya's body, I can't maintain my consciousness.

But I always felt your presence, because this world is the manifestation of your regrets.

That's why I always wished I could go beyond the black wall, so that I could bring peace to your heart.

...!?

Mila, you were the one who opened a Leyline outside the Reality Marble!

It wasn't a coincidence that summoned Chloe to this world. Mila, it was your wish.

I'm not aware of that, but... If I did, I apologize. I caused you a lot of trouble.

T-Then what about my sleepwalking at Chaldea?

Yes. That was her doing.

For a very brief moment, Medb's power rivaled mine.

No, that was Medb.

？！

Medb used her vast magical energy to open up a Leyline.

I just tried to use that opened Leyline.

I see.

The pressure from the First Lady feels like it's about to disappear...

At this rate, no matter how much I hold back, she's going to be pushed out.

Helena, how are you doing?

I don't feel a change yet.

But something's already happening in the Land of Dead Bookshelves. I can feel it through the jewel.

The collapse is probably starting at the lands furthest from the First Lady's castle.

So the Reality Marble can't sustain itself after all...

Illya, Chloe, Miyu. I'm sorry for getting you caught up in the collapse of the Reality Marble.

There has to be something we can do...!

No, I don't care what happens to me. But...

First Lady, may I take over the Reality Marble from you?

The Reality Marble? Is that possible?

Unfortunately, I'm serious.

This world is needed as a place for wounded magical girls to go.

It's not a nice way to say it, but it's the same way you need a soldier's home for wounded soldiers.

No, forget that example. It makes me think a dangerous antibacterial magical girl might show up.

Anyway. First Lady, in order to stop more girls from ending up like you...

...would you let me start over with your first wish?

...

Helena. Magical Girl of Wisdom and Mystics.

Yes. If that is your true wish, then... I will grant it!

Thank you, First Lady. I'll do it right this time.

The First Lady's magical energy is fading. So is Mila's...

Oh no... Mila's going to disappear.

Listen, First Lady.

You were abandoned and forgotten by the world. And you feel terribly betrayed.

Magical girls aren't witches. And they aren't queens.

They don't seek rewards for their miracles. They don't use magic for themselves.

They just put the feelings that well up in their hearts into spells, for people that they will never know.

Otherwise, their impossible wishes become curses.

Their emotions get trapped in the gaps between worlds and turn into purgatory.

I still... And Mila, you...

No, First Lady.

You've cast enough spells. You cast them until your throat went hoarse.

You read the book of magic all the way to the last page.

It's true that new dangers and new enemies will never stop threatening the people.

But even so... That's why new magical girls, like Illya, are born.

They're still incomplete magical girls, and maybe you can't totally rely on them...

But that's why, in their hands...

...the future lies within them!

A new jewel appeared in Helena's hand...

...

...

Oh-ho? They're holding hands like lovers.

But now you're both back to normal.

Y-Yeah. I'm fine. What about you, Chloe?

Ugh... where am I... who am I...?

I don't know... I can't remember any of the wicked things I've done... So you can't ask me to be responsible for them...

I think I forced Miyu to give me magical energy in a way that violated FCC standards, but it was consensual so that doesn't count.

And no one knows that I used the First Lady's power to make a world where I was the star...

...and lived a lovey-dovey life with my brother, but then I was accused by the ESRB army of justice, and I turned evil, and was defeated...

Anyway, a lot's happened, but well done, Illya! That's my heroic magical girl! I believed in you!

Whoa... I know it's not Chloe's fault, but I think she should be a little more repentant...

In a sense, she has the same MG Power as Illya, that lets her never doubt herself. Her alignment's chaotic, though.

Chloe, that's why you can never be the main character.

Hey! This is where you're supposed to say, "It must've been so hard for you, but you're still lovely"!

I worked hard too!

Don't you understand that it was only my iron-clad self-control that kept the First Lady in check?

That's... true. Chloe and the First Lady had a very high compatibility.

It was only thanks to Chloe's strong mind that she was able to stop the First Lady from assimilating her completely.

Right? Right? My heart of justice isn't so bad, is it?♪

I like fun things, mischief, my brother, and also being mean to the weak.

But I hate sadness more than anything. That was the one thing the First Lady and I couldn't agree on.

(Yeah. I understand how the First Lady feels. If she had possessed me...)

(I wouldn't have thought to hear someone out like that... She acts wicked, but Chloe had the same heart as Illya.)

(That's why it was Mila and Illya who saved her. And also Chloe, who played with her...)

Am I imagining it, or is there a gentle look in Miyu's eyes? What? Do you see me in a new light or something?

Not at all. I'm going to be billing you for the psychological pain I suffered, Edelfelt-style.

That just means you want money! You Edelfelts really are obsessed with money!

That's only Luvia and Rin. Miyu has pure and proper ideas about finances.

Done making up? Then let's finish this.

I have the First Lady's jewel now. If I use it for myself, nothing would change, but...

If I make a world where wishes can circulate, instead of a closed world for just one person...

I get it! So you just have to use the jewels for someone else's sake, huh?

Yes, that's right. You pick this stuff up fast.

If you add in Nursery's and Medea's jewels, and the one from Mash, that's three of them!

The magical energy is flowing through them equally, and now we can go back to our old world!

Um... Does that mean we each take a jewel?

Illya uses one for Miyu, Miyu uses one for me, and I use one for Illya.

We all face the other person and wish that they'll be able to go home?

Is it that easy? That seems too easy...

Don't think about it too hard! Let's just focus on going home, Miyu!

Y-Yeah... If you say so, Illya...

？！

You're going to take the First Lady's place, and serve as host to the magical girls who come here?

Yes. I'll work to be the best I can.

I'm sure I can find Medb and Nursery's Echoes as well.

Also, Medea. If she'd stop being depressed and cheer up, she'd be good to have around.

Indeed. When you say you'll work at something, I know you're going to commit youself to it your whole life.

But this world is unstable. It will probably fall apart eventually.

Maybe. The end will come someday.

And when it does, I'll go to some out-of-the-way world and live in a haunted house with the Echoes.

That... Hehe. That sounds kind of fun. Good luck.

Of course, Mash Kyrielight. Become a great magical girl, okay?

I'm a Demi-Servant!

Hahaha...

Fujimaru, Mash.

You are very nice people, so I was scared to bring it up, but...

You've been fighting for your world for a long time now. And risking your life.

I could tell from your conversation with Mr. Romani.

...

You have a far more important tasks than I do, but you saved me, Chloe, and Miyu anyway.

That's not something you could do on a whim. Look, Fujimaru is smiling like it's a joke again, though.

You're suffering more than anyone, but you can still offer help to others. That's a miracle that no magic could create.

Only someone like that can save the world.

Come on, Chloe. You've got something to say too, right?

I'm sorry for causing you trouble, Mash, Fujimaru.

You guys have it rough, but don't stress out too much.

You could be more polite, Chloe! Jeez...

Fujimaru. I'm really grateful.

I... I can't even imagine what kind of strong will you need to try and save the world.

But you did all this for us anyway. I can really feel your warmth.

You can work so hard to fight for others... I'm sure seeing you do that is what saves people.

I'm sure that that's what gave this world meaning. That's... what I think.

No, I'm a powerless child. I can't do anything on my own.

I'm useless without Sapphire.

I don't care if you're a child or a grown-up.

If I was going to take a student, I'd choose Miyu.

Those two probably can't even make a satisfactory cup of tea.

Aw...

That's right. It's not bad to say what you're really thinking.

I'm fine. Now that I have Illya and Chloe with me.

Mash, do you ever ask Fujimaru for what you want?

Huh? I-I...

...I'll do my best...

And it doesn't count if you rely on alcohol.

R-Right...

？！

Are you ready, everyone? We'll be going first.

Farewell, Helena, Mash, Fujimaru.

I don't even know how to thank you... Someday I'll pay you back for this. (Bowing)

That would be impossible, Illya. You can barely handle your own problems.

Like what underwear won't look embarrassing if our brother sees it, or what pudding you'll have for a snack.

W-What!? I'm not like you, Chloe! Jeez!

Huh?

Yes. Illya, please just stay who you are.

That... that kind of hurts... (Sob)

You're right. Actually...

When Illya said I looked like someone from her family, it made me feel so happy it almost hurt...

I wish I had a little sister like you, Illya...

Mash...

？！

Forming limited dimensional reflection route!

Mirror World corridor at maximum deployment!☆ Initiating linkage search to normal world!☆

Alright, time to jump!

Look at the jewel and envision the coordinates of your original world, okay?

Thank you, Helena! And Mash! And Fujimaru!

Take care!

And the sealing's complete. Whew.

The Leyline between us and that Reality Marble has naturally dissipated. Now there's no way to know what is happening there.

We can assume the danger of interference from a parallel world is gone.

Unless there's any other extraordinary Mystic Codes like Ruby and Sapphire who force their way into our world...

？！

Hahh... You're right. We can just be optimistic, and treat this as a learning experience for dealing with irregularities.

It was a valuable experience for me too.

We didn't spend as much time there as we did on our other missions, but it felt very long.

I see... Anyway, I'm glad you're both safe.

Now that things have settled, I wanted to ask you something...

Who is... that?

？！

Huh?

Hmm?

Oh, I ended up here.

？！

So this is Chaldea, huh? It's very modern. A little empty-looking, though.

Chloe... It's kind of weird that you're just accepting this situation...

W-What's going on here!?

Hahaha. I'm a little surprised myself.

While I was listening to Fujimaru and Mash, you see...

I thought to myself that your missions at Chaldea sounded kind of fun.

And when I heard that I'd lose the chance to peek at what was going on here, I didn't want to miss it.

This might be a little trick played by the First Lady. Maybe it's her way of paying me back for the use of my body? Something like that?

T-This is a trick that's gone too far.

Can I assume you want to become a member of Chaldea?

Yes, I do. I'd love to.

Don't know. At least I don't think I'm a Heroic Spirit. I'm actually not much of a magical girl, either.

I see... Maybe that's why I was the only one who was summoned...?

You're worried about that!? That makes me worried about you!

What are you talking about? Don't worry. I'll be fine. I know there are all different types of Servants.

？！

Anyway, I can tell that this facility's magical energy is keeping me alive. Wouldn't that make me a Magical Girl-Type Servant?

Now there's another strange category... I bet Da Vinci would love it, though...

He's holding his head with his hands... I thought that only happens in manga.

B-But Chloe? What about Illya and Miyu and the others?

Oh, that? Don't worry about that, Mash.

The other me made it back to my old world with them.

That's the one thing I know for sure.

Oh, right.

In Chaldea, Fujimaru is the only mage and Master, right?

So let me reintroduce myself to my official Master...

I am Chloe von Einzbern. I look forward to working with you, Master.

But you really don't have the aura of a "Master." How about "Fujimaru"?

Oh, right! Don't forget to replenish my magical energy!

No, you can't!

No fair! You can't have Master all to yourself! Being greedy is the first step towards being a corrupted magical girl!

T-That's not the issue.

Oh boy. Looks like Fujimaru just got another headache to deal with...