"Are you crazy!?"
Ursula sighed, she knew this would happen.
After things started to settle down after the Missile Crisis, Akko's mischievous behavior escalated. Akko had always been a little troublemaker, but now with the return of magic all of her "adventures" ended in even more damage, though it was never intentional. Ursula knew that Akko wasn't a bad kid, she just had a knack for stirring things up, and when Akko's infamous misfortune comes in to play, things got ugly fast.
Ursula glanced over at Diana, who was quiet for most of the meeting. Diana gave a tiny smile and a small nod of encouragement in return. Ursula, with newfound resolve, returned her attention to her colleagues and restated her proposition.
"We should have Akko and Diana share responsibilities. Akko is a capable student, we've all seen the feats she can accomplish! She just needs a little guidance. If we treat her like an adult instead of a nuisance ", Ursula shot a glare at Finnelan, "I'm sure she will improve and impress us. We just need to give her a chance." Ursula's voice was filled with confidence and her eyes expressed the utmost faith that she had in her favorite pupil.
Finnelan scoffed, "I doubt it. While I agree that Miss Kagari has proven herself to be a decent witch, that does not mean she can be trusted with so much responsibility. Your plan will only end in disaster and it will drag Diana down as well! Maybe you bit off more than you could chew when you decided to mentor Atsuko and now you're forcing Diana to take responsibility!"
Diana couldn't stay silent any longer and intervened, "Akko has the potential to do great things for Luna Nova. She has shown much improvement and has earned this position. I assure you, I can keep her out of trouble, though I do not feel I will need too," seeing that she had the professors' attention she continued, "My workload has increased since the Missile Crisis and I would not mind having some extra assistance. Akko is the perfect candidate, I believe in her." Diana's eyes shined with admiration for her fellow witch. She was so certain in Akko's ability that even the professors were taken aback.
The professors talked amongst themselves for a while, debating the proposition. When they finally decided, the educators returned their attention to Diana and Ursula. Holbrook chuckled, "Well I guess that settles it, looks like you have a partner now Diana!"
Diana couldn't help the smile that made its way to her face, "Thank you, headmistress."
"My, why are you thanking me? You're the one helping Luna Nova, we should be thanking you."
Holbrooke flashed a guilty smile, "We have depended on you immensely since you arrived. If anything, we've been unfair to you. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive us."
"There is no need to apologize. I volunteered out of my own will. I am honored to aid Luna Nova in any way I can," Diana said while retaining her radiant smile. "I am a Cavendish after all."
Holbrook let out a warm round of laughter, "That you are, my dear!"
"Wait! Surely you are not permitting this?" Finnelan exclaimed, "What if- "
"Oh Anne, don't you fret. You need to believe more in your students!", Holbrooke interrupted.
Finnelan let out an exasperated sigh, "Well, I don't know about Miss Kagari, but I do believe in you, Diana. However,"—Finnelan turned around to face Ursula, "I expect you to take this matter seriously! You will take responsibility for any mishaps that occur."
"If any mishaps occur," challenged Ursula. Whenever it came to Akko, the usually timid professor became bold and protective. Finnelan actually flinched from the ferocity blazing in those red orbs, as if daring her to say something degrading about her precious pupil again. Ursula held her tongue during her colleague's outburst, but she's had enough. If Diana hadn't stepped in first…
Well, it's best not to dwell on such things.
That evening
While on her usual patrol duty, Diana's mind wandered to a certain brunette. She wondered what her duties would be like with the cheerful girl. Akko starts working with her next week, though the little rascal didn't know that yet. Diana decided to break the news to Akko tomorrow morning when they ate breakfast together. All three teams, red, blue, and green merged into one giant group of nine friends. As they hung out together, their bonds strengthened, and now the witches felt more like a giant family. Diana smiled as she thought about her new friends, she had never experienced anything like this before.
She had so many people who cared for her not because she was a Cavendish, but because she was Diana. Diana noticed a change in herself as well. Everything felt lighter, like the weight of her family name wasn't crushing her shoulders. Diana didn't feel the need to guard her expressions when she was with her friends because she knew they had no intention of taking advantage of her. Who knew vulnerability could be so liberating? Even now Diana could feel herself smiling.
It really was a beautiful night. The moon illuminated the corridors and the air was cool, a welcome change from the sweltering sun. Diana listened carefully as little spirits sang their moonlight melodies outside. They came out every night the weather permitted and performed ever since the return of magic. It was a calming sound, like wind chimes or small bells, playing a haunting yet soothing rhythm. Not many students knew of this secret performance since it was well past curfew.
Next week, I will be able to share this with-
BANG!
Diana swiveled around quickly, wand raised and ready to face-
"AKKO!"
"Uh…hey?"
Akko was sprawled on the floor after what could have only been a face plant. Diana quickly evaluated the situation, her cool gaze analyzing the goof in front of her. Akko was wearing a black hoodie and black jeans, with a white pair of sneakers. One of her sneakers were untied, which would explain why Akko was flat on her belly. She then noticed the small bag that Akko was trying to hide by her side, but failing miserably.
The only thing missing is a burglar mask, Diana thought amusedly.
Diana held out her hand to the smaller witch, "Akko, are you alright? You're not injured, are you?"
"N-No, I'm ok!" Akko quickly replied while taking Diana's hand. Diana carefully pulled Akko to her feet and looked her dead in the eye.
"Well then, since you haven't sustained any injuries, I suppose you are well enough to answer some questions?" Diana said firmly, yet she couldn't stop herself from looking over Akko anyway to be certain that the clumsy witch wasn't hurt.
I wish she would stop making me worry so I could scold her properly. Miss Manbavaran was right, I've become too soft.
Akko fidgeted while Diana's piercing blue eyes carefully looked her over. "Diana I'm fine! I'll answer your questions!"
Not finding any bumps or bruises, Diana nodded and let out a tiny relieved sigh. With a flick of her wand, she tied Akko's laces using her magic and began her interrogation.
"Akko, what's inside the bag?"
"Just some apples," Akko replied as innocently as she could.
"And where did these apples come from?"
"I picked them!" Akko answered hurriedly.
Diana crossed her arms, "Akko, there are no apple trees on campus and it's the middle of the night. Where did you pick those apples?"
"I picked them…up from a barrel in the kitchen," Akko finally admitted.
"Akko, you know that Luna Nova has no tolerance for theft!" Diana chastised while using her wand to snatch the bag of apples away with magic. Akko watched as her bag of goodies floated to Diana with a pout.
"No one is gonna notice if one or two apples go missing!" Akko argued.
"That's not the point, it is the principle of the matter," Diana opened the bag and peered inside, "And there are five apples in this bag! Honestly, Akko. What am I going to do with you?" Diana wanted to sound reprimanding, yet her voice betrayed her and she couldn't hide the fondness that leaked in whenever she spoke to the troublemaker.
"You could let me go?" Akko suggested hopefully.
"Absolutely not. You and I are going to return these to the kitchen. I will let the staff decide what we should do with you." Diana replied.
I may have gotten soft, but not that soft.
Diana reached for Akko's hand, solely because she didn't want Akko to run off. At least, that's what she told herself.
"Gah! Diana your hands are cold!" Akko whined while pulling her hand back.
"Oh, I apologize. I was only…" Diana trailed off, trying to hide her disappointment. Before Diana could find her words Akko gently took Diana's hand in her own and placed it the front pocket of her hoodie without releasing Diana.
"A- Akko, what are you doing?" stuttered a very flustered Diana.
"If you're cold, then I just need to warm you up!" Akko answered simply.
As the pair made their way to the kitchen, Diana felt a strange surge of warmth, not just from Akko's hand, but throughout her entire body. It was a foreign sensation she seemed to only get from Akko. A feeling that was warm, light, and free all at the same time. While it was new, it wasn't unwelcome and Diana craved it.
I wonder if Akko ever feels like this.
Diana spared a glance at her red-eyed companion. Akko had a gentle smile on her face as she walked with Diana. She looked so carefree and unguarded, even though she was in trouble.
"Akko…" Diana called quietly. Akko hummed in response and turned to face her, smile never leaving her face.
"Thank you," Diana started, "but you're not off the hook. You are still in trouble, Miss Kagari" Diana stated with faux haughtiness. She earned a laugh from Akko and Diana didn't bother resisting the urge to join her.
After the two withes arrived at their destination, Diana made sure Akko apologized to the night staff and returned all the apples, including the one that she cleverly hid in her hood.
"Nothing gets past Detective Diana…", mumbled Akko.
"Six apples? Akko really…", Diana shook her head.
"I was starving!"
Luckily for Akko, the night staff was very lenient. They thought Akko was a riot, and after the apples were returned, they gave the two girls steaming mugs of hot chocolate. The faerie staff really warmed up to Akko after the strike and after the Missile Crisis, they saw her and Diana as heroes. As Diana escorted an elated Akko back to her room, she decided that maybe now was a good time to break the news.
"Akko, you need to stay out of trouble. Things aren't always going to end nicely. It is about time you behaved more responsibly." Diana chided, but Akko only let out a small hum in response. Diana decided that she wasn't getting anywhere since Akko was too invested in trying to fish out the marshmallows at the bottom of her cup. She pinched Akko's cheeks, and successfully managed to capture Akko's attention without hurting the bubbly witch. Akko was always quick to initiate skinship, why couldn't she?
She's so soft. Diana stretched Akko's cheeks a bit before squishing them. This is kind of fun.
"Diana, what are you doing?" Akko whined, while her cheeks were still smushed.
Cute. Diana released Akko, with just a bit of reluctance.
"Now that I have your attention, there is something important that I need to tell you."
No time like the present, I suppose. Diana grinned, things were about to change for them, and for all of Luna Nova.