We all knew I'd be back writing for some more Dianakko right? But who would've thought so soon hahaa I am weak and episode 2 was INCREDIBLE.

A bit similar to A Witch's Dilemma in that it deals with Diana's guilt, but this one is a bit more founded on the canon. (And I used my favorite tense for writing it). Takes place directly after episode 2!

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.


A Visit

Diana Cavendish may be the most skillful young witch to have set foot within Luna Nova Academy in centuries.

She may be descendant from the purebred bloodline of a renown wizarding family.

She may be placed high atop a golden pedestal by her classmates, and even by her professors.

But she is still human.

And, try as she may, she simply cannot bring herself to brush off a guilty conscious as though nothing has happened.

Not much typically goes on in her life to warrant a sleepless night. She is a diligent student who takes everything about school seriously, including her own wellbeing. It is her belief that one cannot learn and perform at their highest level of potential without properly caring for themselves on all the basic levels first.

Never before had she suffered such a restless night until last night.

No matter how hard she'd tried, she couldn't get those images out of her head.

Of the new girl – Akko – dashing in front of her spell to interfere, and getting directly struck in the process.

Every time that image flashes through Diana's mind, she still feels the horror at what she had done just as poignantly as though it were really happening, again and again. Her heart twists in her chest, and a bile rises up in her throat - results of a gripping panic, the likes of which she's never experienced before.

Her mistakes up until this point have been few and far between, certainly. She's made her fair share of minor blunders here or there, though it was often when no one else was present.

But that...

Hitting Akko had been the worst thing she's ever done.

She'd misused spells before in her younger years, missing a pot of seeds and making the curtains around her window sill bloom flowers instead. Things of that nature.

But never before had she used her magic on another person.

Even now, as she prepares herself for classes this morning, she cannot help but feel sickened by what she had done yesterday.

Even though Akko had appeared to be all right in the end.

Even though she'd managed to save the butterflies Diana had been so intent on inadvertently destroying.

Even though she'd demonstrated her own impressive magical skills with a spell written on a Chariot trading card.

Even though she'd never once turned on Diana and blamed her for what she'd done.

Even though Diana had gotten the credit for what she hadn't done, rather than ridicule for what she had.

The guilt still eats away at her, even now as she sits on the edge of her bed and brushes mechanically through her hair.

She can barely stand it. She wants to tell the professors the truth...

But there's something else she wants to do even more.

She resolves herself then and there that morning, standing up so suddenly in her determination that she bumps right into Hannah making her way across the room. Diana apologizes to her roommate easily enough for that.

And yet, she'd never said a word of apology to Akko.

Diana shakes her head.

Not yet, I haven't.

With her mind set on classes, but her heart set on something else, she gathers her books for the day and heads for the door. Hannah and Barbara scamper after her, no doubt already beginning to sing her praises in their heads. They stick to her like shadows all the way to their first lecture of the day.

After drawing in a steadying breath, Diana manages to respectfully greet the professor behind her desk before moving up the aisles to take her seat. Her already-present classmates begin to gasp and chatter on the spot.

"It's Diana!"

"She saved the Memorial Tree yesterday!"

"She's sooo amazing!"

Hannah and Barbara seem to soak up the compliments themselves simply due to the fact that Diana is their teammate.

But the words of praise are lost on Diana herself. She knows she deserves none of them.

She begins to pull out her books and papers from her bag, using the motion to inadvertently cast a glance across the room.

Akko and her team have yet to arrive.

They have a tendency to be tardy, even so early on in the semester, but now Diana is taking their absence like a physical blow.

Is she sick because of what happened...?

She does her best to remain composed, posture erect as she lays out her materials and prepares for class to commence.

Moments later, just before the bell rings, a few more students trickle in through the doors. When Diana notices there are only two of them – and neither are Akko – her heart sinks all over again.

Akko's teammates arrive without her, and go to the professor to speak with her privately. The woman's features contort with a mild form of consternation before she heaves a great sigh and scribbles something down on her attendance sheet.

Diana watches the two girls approach her and looks away as they take their seats in the row below hers. But she cannot stop herself from catching the sounds of their voices.

"I hope Akko's okay by herself..."

"She should be. All she's gonna do is sleep, right?"

"Right, but what if something happens?"

"Like what?"

They are cut off by the professor's call for silence, and everyone straightens up as the lecture begins.

Diana does her best to focus on the classwork and nothing more.

By the time the hour is up, a gnarled knot has formed in her stomach. She doesn't realize she's rested a hand on her chest until Barbara and Hannah point it out.

"Hm? Diana? Are you okay?"

"Wanna like, go see the nurse?"

Diana instantly rights herself and begins packing her things,

"There is no need. I am perfectly fine."

She doesn't say another word on the matter. At least, not right away.

An idea strikes her as she's leaving the classroom that morning, one that will exchange her present feelings of guilt for new ones, no doubt. But she has to; she'd prefer a common cold to a plague any day.

Therefore, as she enters her next classroom, she goes directly up to Professor Finneran.

Of course, the fact that the principal has a particular liking of Diana doesn't hurt her case, either. She's never used her privileges like this before. She's never thought to. Because she's never had a reason to.

But now she does, and she's absolutely prepared to face these consequences if it can mean chasing off some of her other demons.

She dips her head politely just as the professor looks up from her desk.

"Ah, good morning, Diana! Once again, splendid work with your magics yesterday! The Memorial Tree has never looked more lively!"

Again, Hannah and Barbara soak up the praise as if it is theirs, nodding vigorously as they take pride in their teammate. Diana avoids eye contact, but feigns it as distress rather than any sort of rudeness.

"Thank you very much, Professor. However-"

Somehow, she manages to look directly into the principal's eyes now. Diana can detect no traces of suspicion or disbelief. Like almost everyone else in the Academy, Professor Finneran truly believes Diana had been the one to save the Tree.

A sensation runs up Diana's spine, as though she's slipping on a step on the way down. The rush of anxiety is highly unpleasant, but works in her favor.

"However... I'm afraid I'm not feeling so well..."

It isn't a lie, either.

At her sudden revelation, Hannah and Barbara both gasp out loud and step in close to her sides.

"Like, what?!"

"You said you were fine before!"

Diana lifts a hand to quiet them and continues addressing the professor.

"I would take no pleasure in missing your lecture, Professor. However, I'm not sure I'll be fully attentive in my present state."

She reminds herself that none of what she's saying is actually a lie. She is being entirely genuine. If other people misinterpret her intentions, that is no fault of her own.

Naturally, the professor's eyes wide in concern.

"Oh, my. Are you all right?" She puts a hand to her chin. "I suppose casting such impressive magic yesterday can take its toll. Even though you are a very skilled young witch, you are still only a student."

She gives a decisive nod. "Very well. If you're able to get the notes for today and be back in class by tomorrow, there shouldn't be any issues. I'll even refrain from marking you absent."

Diana winces – even now, she is getting special privileges. But she continues to look into her professor's eyes dutifully.

"Now then, Diana, would you like someone to take you to the nurse?"

Instantly, Hannah and Barbara perk up, ready and willing to guide her there. But Diana shakes her head.

"There is no need. I'm well enough to make it on my own." She turns to her teammates, her voice slightly drained of its usual vigor. "I'm counting on you girls to take notes for me today. Do you think you can manage it?"

Immediately, they yelp in affirmation.

"O-Of course!"

"No problem!"

"You have my thanks." Diana is certain to properly show them her gratitude as well, since she really will need them to take notes for her. With that, she turns back to her principal. "Thank you very much for understanding, Professor. I apologize in advance for missing today's lecture."

"Think nothing of it," she says dismissively. "I wouldn't be surprised if someone of your calibre already knows what I'll be teaching today. I hope to see you back in class tomorrow."

"You will, ma'am."

She dips her head once more to her professor and her teammates before taking her leave.

She just barely manages to make it into the hallway before the mask cracks, and she slumps against the wall. Of course, she'll have to see the nurse just to ensure there will be records of it today to account for her missing class. But she doesn't intend to stay long.

Diana makes her way down the halls until she comes across the designated office. There is only one other patient here, a girl whose black hair has turned green at the ends. Diana can infer right away it's a potion gone wrong.

Naturally, the nurse is shocked to see Diana in her office, and inquires what ails her. Diana uses Professor Finneran's idea and declares the supposed excessive use of her magics on the Tree yesterday have made her drowsy. The nurse sympathizes and rummages through the cabinets before handing Diana a small bag.

"Use these herbs to make a tea," she instructs. "Drink that and get plenty of rest. You'll be back in class by tomorrow."

"Thank you very much."

Humbly, Diana accepts the bag and takes it with her as she leaves the infirmary. She slips the bag into her dress pocket, intending to use it at a later time.

But for the time being, she has other matters to attend to.

Now, with both her mind and heart set on her goal, she begins down the hallway again.


Akko rolls over in her bed and glimpses her alarm clock in the shape of a pumpkin. It's only been about an hour since Lotte and Sucy left for classes.

"Ahhh geez... They told me to stay here and rest today, but it's impossible! I'm not tired! Going to those boring lectures would've put me to sleep, though..."

Pouting, she rolls over onto her back and continues her task of staring at the underside of Lotte's bed.

She feels all wrong today. While her mind is as active as her body typically is, her body is feeling as sluggish as her mind does during those lectures.

Of course, going to classes and learning about the history of magic is an important part of becoming a witch. Akko knows she must understand and appreciate the basics first.

"I think I'd rather be in class than here..."

Now she's starting to miss the classroom. The droning on of the professors, the whispers she steals with Lotte and Sucy, the infrequent participation by anyone other than one person in particular.

Briefly, Akko wonders how that person is doing right now.

"Bet she's living it up," she muses. "She's the school's hero now."

And Akko is all right with that. She hadn't done what she'd done yesterday just to get recognition. If Diana wanted to claim all the credit, she could have it. Akko is just delighted she was able to use the Shiny Rod a second time.

Presently, as she shifts, she can feel the bump of it beneath her mattress. She just keeps replaying yesterday's events in her mind. Remembering the dazzling display of golden butterflies sprinkling their magic dust all around the school served to put her mind at ease.

She closes her eyes and tries once again to invite sleep.

But something else thwarts her this time.

Rather than be distracted by her own lethargy, a knock on the door rouses her now.

Perplexed, Akko's eyes fly open as she tilts her head. She looks back at the clock, puzzled.

"They said they'd bring me lunch, but it isn't lunch time yet..." She mumbles to herself before calling out to the door. "Lotte? Sucy? Is that you? Come in."

There's a pause, which only puzzles Akko further.

Maybe it was just someone pulling a prank?

But just as she's about to shrug it off, the door knob turns, and a slight creaking sound reaches her ears. It is followed immediately by a familiar voice.

"Please excuse the intrusion."

Akko's jaw nearly hits her chest as she recognizes the other witch.

"D-Diana!"

Diana looks to her briefly, but her expression is unreadable.

"May I come in?"

"Huh? Ah s-sure."

With permission given, Diana dips her head and closes her eyes. She manages to maintain her refined expression, not even opening her eyes as she closes the door behind herself. Only then does she bring herself to look around the room.

Akko blinks, then rubs her eyes.

"I-Is this a dream?"

"It is not," Diana assures her.

"Then... am I in trouble...?"

"Nothing of the sort."

"Then why are you here?"

Diana doesn't respond directly this time. She glances around the room almost timidly before taking a few steps forward.

She looks nothing like her usual, confident self.

Akko just keeps getting more and more baffled by the second. She pushes herself up a bit, leaning back against her pillow as she watches the other witch.

Diana can't bear to look at her just yet. So she settles her eyes on the desk full of potion bottles and assorted knick-knacks for now.

"I'll be brief. I've decided to come by so I could... check on you."

Akko almost can't believe her ears.

"Hah? But what about classes?"

"That is nothing of your concern." She isn't mean when she says it. She's simply matter-of-fact. Akko takes no offense.

"But why? You're such a serious student, Diana. Why would you skip classes to come and see me?"

Another pause. She watches Diana's profile, and sees her draw in a deep breath. At last, she turns her blue eyes upon Akko's.

"Because, what happened to you yesterday was my fault. And as such, it is my responsibility to make sure you are all right."

Akko still can't believe what she's hearing. Her jaw is still agape and she's barely moved an inch since Diana came in.

She assumed Diana would be the kind of person who only concerned herself with her studies and her reputation. She never thought she'd see her come here of all places.

But Akko reminds herself of yesterday's events.

As soon as the spell had hit her, Diana had rushed to her side as quickly as Lotte and Sucy had. Diana hadn't stood back indifferently and pinned the blame on Akko for getting in her way. She'd been horrified at what she'd done.

Akko can safely assume that's still the case, judging by the hesitance she can see in her eyes now.

The silence persists just a few seconds longer before Diana composes herself enough to reach out her hand.

"May I?"

It takes Akko a moment to comprehend what she means, but once she does, she quickly scooches herself over. Diana neatly folds her skirt behind her knees as she takes a seat on the edge of the bed.

Akko's still in the midst of comprehending her being here when the white-haired witch gives her even more to be flustered about.

Diana reaches out her hand and gently presses the back of it to Akko's forehead. Her expression is one of stern concentration.

Meanwhile, Akko's just about turned into a puddle of jelly.

She stays still until Diana withdraws her hand and places it back into her lap.

"You have a bit of a fever," she sighs. "Have you gone to see the nurse?"

"H-Huh... ah..." Akko stares up at her, eyes wide. "N-No. She'd probably just tell me to tough it out anyway, ahaha."

Her nervous little laugh is met with more seriousness on Diana's part.

"You should have gone," she says sternly.

Akko whimpers and presses her back a little harder against her pillow. Diana looks away again, and Akko watches her heave another sigh.

"My apologies."

"Huh? Ah, n-no, it's okay! You're probably right, maybe I should've gone-"

"Not about that," she corrects. "About yesterday. I never said it properly." Diana cannot even bear to look at her directly. Her stomach is hurting again. "I apologize... for what I did to you..."

She closes her eyes and waits, expecting Akko to get upset now.

It's fine. You can blame me for your sickness today. Get angry at me for taking all the credit.

Maybe if someone treated her in terms of the mistakes she'd made, she'd feel better. Or at least, not any worse.

She waits, her eyes squeezed shut, her hands clasped tightly together in her lap, her stomach twisting in knots...

"What? You don't have to apologize, Diana."

"...Eh...?"

Slowly, she reopens her eyes and lifts her face. She looks directly at Akko, sitting there beside her on the bed.

Her expression isn't angry. Her tone isn't accusatory. She's more confused and casual than anything else.

"I said you don't have to apologize," she repeats. "You didn't do anything wrong, Diana."

Diana swallows hard, but it doesn't go down all the way due to how hard her chest is throbbing.

"...What are you saying? Have you forgotten what I did to you? That's why you're here right now instead of in class."

"That's no big deal," she shrugs. "Lotte's taking notes for me. And what happened yesterday was an accident. I'm the one who jumped in front of your spell. You weren't trying to hit me."

Diana doesn't know what kind of expression she herself is making right now. But she can feel the air inside her mouth, letting her know it's her turn to have her jaw hang open in shock.

There is a fine mess of emotions swirling around in her chest now. The guilt is being pushed away by a strange sense of... relief.

Akko doesn't blame her. She knows Diana never intended to hurt her. She understands...

But still, Diana cannot comprehend how casually Akko is brushing all of this off. Diana's voice trembles softly, regretfully.

"Whether it was my intention or not... I still hit you," she rasps. "As a student of this Academy, I've taken an oath to never maliciously use my magics on another human being, and I broke that oath yesterday. Whether it was accidental or not... I could have killed you."

"But you didn't!" Akko's high-pitched voice cancels out Diana's reserved tone in one second flat. "Besides, the oath we take is to never intentionally use our magics on anyone else. And you didn't mean to use it on me yesterday, Diana. If that spell had killed me, it would've been my own fault!"

She says it so casually, almost like it's meant to be a joke. She sounds like she hardly cares about the fact that she could've died, and is just grateful that by some slim chance, she didn't. She makes it sound like it's not a big deal to her.

But it only makes Diana's chest tighten again.

Akko realizes her blunder now, and her sheepish, joking smile fades.

"Ah, s-sorry. Guess that's not helping, is it?"

Diana can't bring herself to say anything more right away. She looks back down to the floor and crosses her arms, hugging herself as her posture slouches.

Akko stares at her, once again baffled by the sight of her looking so... defeated.

It isn't right. This isn't the Diana she knows.

Slowly, Akko curls her legs up towards herself and slides an inch closer to Diana. This time, she keeps her voice on a normal tone.

"You haven't... been feeling guilty about it all this time, have you?"

Diana says nothing, but that says everything. Akko bites her lip.

"L-Like I said! You don't have to apologize or feel guilty about it, Diana! You didn't mean to..." She's at a loss for what else to say.

At the same time, Diana realizes Akko is trying to cheer her up, when that isn't the point of this visit of hers. She believes she deserves her guilt, even if Akko doesn't.

"Even so," Diana mumbles. "The least I could have done was let you speak. If I'd listened to you in the first place-"

"You're thinking about it all wrong!" Akko stopped her frantically. "At the time, you really thought those chrysalis things were pests! You were just doing what you thought was right! You were trying to help the Tree!"

"...But I-"

"You didn't listen to me because you didn't have any good reason to!" Akko persisted. "I'm just some new student here who can't even ride a broom! Of course you didn't listen to me! You can't blame yourself for this now, Diana. Because at the time, you were just trying to do what you thought was right!"

By the time she finishes her rather invigorated speech, Akko's back is straight and there's a determined light in her eyes.

She's not the kind of person who will speak up and claim proper credit for some incredible, groundbreaking act she'd performed.

Nor is she the kind to sit idly by and let someone else take the blame for something that wasn't their fault.

Diana can't believe what a selfless girl she is. Akko's conviction now matched Diana's yesterday. She's just doing what she believes to be the right thing.

Only now that Akko has said it does Diana realize that was all she herself had been doing yesterday.

Gradually, the awful feeling in her stomach begins to unravel. It's almost as though Akko has cast a spell on her, one of healing and forgiveness. Maybe it will allow Diana to forgive herself, as well.

Akko waits patiently, hoping what she's said makes sense and is helpful in some way. She relaxes a little in contrast to when Diana straightens her posture once again. The white-haired witch unclasps her hands, allowing the blood to flow properly to her fingers once again. She turns an uncertain gaze upon Akko, and speaks with a voice to match.

"I apologize for what I did yesterday," she reiterates. "And I apologize for not telling the professors the truth of what happened. I tried to, but..." She tapers off, and looks down once again. "Everyone believes I'm the one who saved the Tree. That isn't right. You should be credited for what you did."

"Mm, it doesn't really matter," Akko shrugs. "I didn't do it for the recognition or anything like that. And besides, I never would've been able to cast the spell if you hadn't helped me with the pronunciation. So you really do deserve the credit, Diana! Don't feel bad about it."

It's easier said than done. But the more Akko speaks, the easier it feels like it could be.

Diana just hopes she can put all of this behind her.

Not because she wants to make herself feel better.

But because she wants Akko to know she regrets what she did.

And that isn't so Diana can maintain a reputation or anything of the sort.

She just... wants Akko to know the truth.

To know that Diana never meant her any harm, and never will.

When she looks into those wide, innocent, chestnut eyes now, Diana can tell Akko knows.

She isn't blaming her. She never was.

She isn't thinking poorly of Diana, nor is she intent to expose her for what she'd done.

She simply wants everyone to... be happy.

That's the kind of feeling Diana gets from looking into her eyes.

That's the kind of person Akko Kagari is.

She hasn't realized how long the silence has been going on for this time, but it must be driving Akko mad. Because she reaches up to ruffle her own hair and whimpers in frustration.

"Uuuu, I'm sorry if I'm not helping. I just don't want you to think I'm mad or anything like that. You didn't do anything wrong, so there's nothing you need to apologize for and there's no reason for me to forgive you, b-but if it makes you feel better, then I forgive you, Diana! Just don't let this bother you! You're a great student and an amazing witch, and you don't deserve to feel guilty about what happened!"

She's so intent on trying to make things better that she throws her arms open without really thinking. By the time she realizes what she is doing, she also realizes she doesn't want to go back on the action. Akko keeps her arms open in the silent invitation, one Diana is genuinely shocked to receive.

Diana is still for a long moment, unsure of what to make of all this. Akko's eyes silently compel her to accept or refuse – whatever she's most comfortable with. Akko won't be offended either way.

Still, Diana hesitates, trying to think it all over rationally...

But her heart knows what it wants to do.

So she opts to ignore the buzzing in her mind for once, and listens to the ache in her chest instead.

Diana slides herself over, just an inch, and lifts her arms up uncertainly. She cannot bring herself to make the contact first however, so Akko takes the liberty upon herself.

With a smile and a small giggle, she throws her arms around Diana's shoulders and pulls her into a hug.

"There! See? Everything's fine now!"

Diana fails to remember the last time she's felt this. Not only the hug, but also too, this... this sense of relief.

This feeling of warmth.

The ache in her chest melts within seconds as she timidly rests her hands against Akko's back.

It only lasts for a few seconds, and by the time Akko eases herself back, Diana realizes she herself was only just getting started in enjoying the embrace. But she clears her throat and moves back nonetheless, trying to compose herself once again.

"Well then, if you've understood the purpose of my visit to you today, I suppose I should leave you be." Diana stands promptly, smoothing out her dress in the process.

Akko watches her with a small smile on her lips.

Diana pretends to ignore the fuzzy feeling in her chest as she addresses the other girl sternly.

"And I don't believe anyone else needs to know about my being here today. As far as everyone else knows, I'm visiting the nurse."

"Nurse?" Akko parrots. "Were you really feeling that bad about-"

"In any case-" Diana cuts her off pointedly as she reaches into her pocket. She extracts the bag of leaves and hands it to Akko. "Steep these into a tea later. If you drink that and get plenty of rest, I should see you back in class tomorrow."

Dumbfounded, Akko accepts the bag of leaves, musing to herself that Diana sounds more like a professor than a student herself.

"Yes, ma'am!" Akko gives a salute and a smile. Diana quickly looks elsewhere.

"All right then. You'd better be in class again tomorrow, or else your marks will start to go down due to absences!"

"I will! I'll see you tomorrow!"

Diana is just about to turn and head for the door when Akko says one last thing. With a beaming smile, she offers Diana one final spell of relief.

"Thanks, Diana!"

It's all Diana can do to nod – exceedingly quickly – before turning and heading for the door.

She's heard many words of appreciation and gratitude countless times in the past.

But those words had never meant quite so much to her before, and haven't since.


A/N: Just a very quick, stupid thing. I just want them to be friends okay ;w;