Epilogue

Kanji hit the red water with the hammer for the final time.

A staircase emerged from the ground, approaching the hole amidst the clouds.

A line of idols climbed it, until they reached the blue world.

And after them did Kanji and Yuki. The old Yuki.

*****

Experts couldn’t understand why snakes were healing everyone.

People found themselves lying bloodied in the streets.

What were they doing? How did they get there?

A panic started. But it quickly quieted down, as people settled for any answer that soothed them. Only one thing changed. The endless hunger in their hearts was replaced with a simple request.

“Just let me be a person.”

*****

Kanji and Yuki sat on top of the still broken school building. Their legs hung over the edge. A red sunset.

They didn’t speak.

Just stared at the silent streets.

Kanji tapped the hammer against the building, trying to create a footrest. Nothing happened.

“I guess magic really is gone,” he said.

“Yes.” Yuki said with a smile.

That’s okay.

Kanji dropped the hammer. It clashed against the rubble below.

I don’t need magic. I have myself, and I have Yuki. Those are enough.