AN: Okay, I couldn't help myself. I know I said I was going to update on Sunday, but I decided to throw all caution into the wind and post a day early. I do so hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive me! A couple of quick notes to this chapter, the Blytonbury Fast Pitch Witches are, of course, directly inspired by superevilbadguy's Luna Nova Fast Pitch Witches from her softball au. Seriously, if you haven't read it yet, go do so! Secondly, Diana's outfit is based off of ticcytx's Inktober Day 16: hunters girlfriend art on tumblr. All of her art is amazing, but that is one of my absolute favorite pieces of art for Diana ever. Picture can be found on my tumblr.

As always, read, enjoy, and please review!

What Lurks, Watching and Waiting

"Oh my god, Hannah, did you really let her out of the house wearing that?"

Diana looked up from the sheaf of papers sitting on the table before her to the doors leading into the conference room of the hotel that the lunch with the Blytonbury Fast Pitch Witches and the administrative staff from the Bernadette Cavendish Memorial Hospital would be held in, though both parties had yet to arrive. Standing in the doorway was Barbara, an amused smile on her face as she gave Diana a once over, and Diana frowned as she looked down at her clothes, giving the meticulously tailored midnight blue vest with silver trim and shining gold buttons that had joined the matching skirt she had worn to breakfast earlier in the day a critical glance.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" she asked, tone slightly testy as Barbara entered the room, closing the door behind her before making her way to where Hannah was rising from her seat, the two meeting with a chaste, loving kiss, and Diana couldn't help the jolt of jealousy that pierced her chest whenever she saw the easy, happy love that the two obviously shared with one another, a love that she didn't expect to ever have in her own life. She was happy for her oldest friends, but…

Barbara turned and regarded her with an arched brow and gentle smile even as she stood linked arm and arm with Hannah, the auburn-haired woman's head resting on her shoulder. "What's wrong with it? Looking at the half-cloak on the back of your chair, you almost look like you could be a nineteenth century bobby!"

"Babe, hush!" Hannah chastised, tone gentle. "Trust me, it really works. Diana, darling, put on the cloak, and Barbara will get it."

Diana sighed heavily as she stood, straightening the vest and the thick leather belt at her waist, making sure the polished brown leather with its bright gold buckle was level, and that the pouch on her left hip and the holster for her wand on her right hip were oriented properly. Hannah had actually been the one to suggest the outfit, Diana grumbled to herself as she carefully straightened the charcoal grey tie that was tied loosely around her neck, the full Windsor knot level with the second button on her blouse, the first undone and revealing more of the graceful column of her neck and her upper chest, hinting at her clavicles. Hannah had been particularly proud of that as she had walked around Diana with an approving look in her eyes while the blonde had secured the tie in place with an antique pin bearing the stag's head of the Cavendish coat d'arms. "Tasteful," she had said as she gestured at the undone button. "Less stuffy than if you had buttoned your blouse to the top, and the tie brings in a touch of class. You will catch attention at the reunion!" An extremely expensive magic powered pocket watch had completed the vest, its gold chain vibrantly contrasting with the dark blue fabric as it gracefully draped against her chest from the watch pocket on the upper left breast of the vest to the inner edge of the garment where it was fastened to the inside of the vest. She had thought that it all looked rather striking, particularly with Hannah's earlier encouragement.

But now, in the conference room, she wasn't quite as certain, a slight flush coming to her face as she pulled the night cape from the back of her chair. Is this too much? Will Akko think it looks nice, or tacky? A thoughtful hum brought her attention back to Barbara, who was now walking around the table, eyes roaming up and down Diana's figure. "You know, love, I'm starting to see your point. It's not a very common style, but…" she drew off, a slight blush dusting her cheeks. "Diana, show us the cloak."

"It's technically a night cape," she sniffed as she threw it around her shoulders with perhaps a bit more drama than was absolutely necessary, the fabric flaring out, snapping sharply in the quiet air. She quickly did up the heavily stylized gold chain connected to the two broad gold discs that rested on the cape's lapels. The discs bore the same symbol as her tiepin, only they also had her family's motto scribed around their edges in a flowing script: 'Ad auxilium qui in egestare sunt.' To help those in need, a charge she took very seriously.

"Just a moment, love," Hannah said as she stepped in, fixing her blouse's collar so that it flared sharply up and over the cape's lapels and collar. She then quickly pulled Diana's braid over so that the more intricate blonde and tea green plait than the simple braid she had used at breakfast rested on her right shoulder. "I love all the warm metal colors," she murmured as she stepped back, hand going thoughtfully to her chin. "Especially the antique gold liner for the cape. It brings a needed warmth to the ensemble." She turned a broad grin to Barbara as Diana rolled her eyes and cocked her hip to the side, hand coming up to rest just below her belt, knowing full well that the cape was now draped over her upper arm, framing her torso with the warm golden fabric. "See? And it looks even better when she's wearing her witch's hat."

Barbara stared at her for a long moment, her hands suddenly fidgeting in the comfortable summer dress she was wearing. "I'm feeling terribly underdressed," she said softly, almost to herself as her blush grew steadily darker. Then she grinned, turning mischievous eyes on her fiancée. "I'm sorry, Hannah, but I don't know if the wedding can stay on…I've fallen in love with that outfit!"

Hannah's eyes narrowed in mock outrage. "So I suppose you'll be marrying Diana then?"

Barbara scoffed, waving a flippant hand. "Sorry to disappoint, but no, not Diana. Just the clothes!" Then she was laughing, darting back as Hannah swatted at her with the back of her hand, and Diana smiled, laughing softly at her friends' antics. Then the moment of jollity was over, Barbara sobering as she turned concerned eyes on Diana. "Besides, I couldn't do that to Diana. She must first settle issues with Akko."

The smiles left the rest of their faces, and Diana sighed at the thought. Hannah and Barbara were some of the only people in the whole world who knew the whole situation between her and Akko. They had sympathized with Diana's position, though what else would she expect from the two of them? Frankly speaking, she was rather glad that the two of them hadn't immediately gone on the war path to bring her Akko's head on a stick. No, they had actually given each other concerned looks that night at the pub eight long years ago as Diana had nursed the porter before her, drunk enough to be far more forthcoming than she usually was, even with her closest friends. Barbara had been the one to point out that what Diana had said was really, really harsh, and that even a blockhead like Akko hadn't deserved the mean words. They were also the only two people in the world who knew the whole truth, that if Diana could have reneged her role as heiress to the Cavendish title, she would have done so in a heartbeat. But she was bound by a duty to see right done by her mother's legacy, and unfortunately, she had said acidly as her hands tightened on her beer glass, the only other options to take over the family were a bloody great handful of vacuous headed douche-canoes. Hannah had very nearly spewed the beer she had been drinking out her nose at the blunt words that she probably would never have expected Diana to ever say, the auburn haired girl reduced to a coughing fit, Barbara worriedly patting her back for the next few minutes. But it had been a relief for Diana to finally come out and say it: she would have chosen Akko over her title, if only if Aunt Daryl hadn't been so rotten at her core.

But that was long ago. Hannah and Barbara had ever been her supporters through all the trials and tribulations that came with being the head of a resurgent noble house, with Hannah almost being her personal bulldog and Barbara doing what she could with what little time she had to spare, given how busy she was with the library. But she most certainly wouldn't be where she was today without the two of them.

The door opened, and the hotel manager stuck her head into the room, frowning slightly as she saw Diana standing there with her cape on. "Lady Cavendish, has there been a conflict? Do you need to go?"

"Ah, no, my apologies," she said, quickly taking the cape off and returning it to the back of her chair. "Has the softball team arrived?"

"Yes, and the hospital staff, as well. Shall I show them in?"

She smiled warmly, hand resting on the table. "Yes, of course."

The next hour was spent well, she felt. While the hospital administration members were more reserved, the girls on the softball team were vibrant and wholly full of life, happily chattering with each other and asking those open, innocent questions that those in their middle teenage years seemed inclined to. As she had lunch with them, Diana was very happy that she had pressed the hospital to sponsor the team, even if Hannah and Barbara were the only two besides her who knew the whole story behind the team.

Akko had been the one to suggest it.

It had happened after she had finished her undergraduate program. Through very careful management of stocks and by accepting a loan from Fafnir (that she had paid off as soon as had been possible!) she had turned the small community medical center that had previously served Blytonbury into one of the leading hospitals in all of England. But she had been eager to not only provide medical care, but also to make strong connections to the community, so she had published an open letter, asking what projects the hospital could take on to further help the people it serviced. The response had been very positive, with letters pouring in by the mail lorry.

It was Hannah who had found it, actually, that summer afternoon between Diana's terms, the two of them and some of the secretarial staff from the hospital going over the mail. Hannah had opened a letter, glanced at it, and gasped. When Diana had shot her a concerned look, Hannah had cleared her throat. "It says that it's from your rival," she said softly, tone betraying her worry.

Diana, of course, had lunged out of her seat, almost frantically snatching the letter out of Hannah's hands, heart pounding as she focused all her attention on the piece of paper in her hands. All the countless hours she had spent side by side with Akko helping her study served her well now…she instantly recognized Akko's slightly sloppy penmanship, and warmth had blossomed in her chest, despite the complete lack of any frivolous words in the letter. It was very short and to the point: 'The Bernadette Cavendish Memorial Hospital should sponsor a softball team. It will teach girls in the community the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship.' It was the only letter suggesting that the hospital sponsor a softball team.

Of course Diana had that be one of the three community projects picked by the hospital. She also kept the letter, and it still sat in the main drawer of her vanity back at the Cavendish manor, carefully preserved with magic, and Diana had come very close to writing a reply, but she had been unable to figure out what exactly to write. After a full score of failed beginnings and uncertain endings, she had given up, resigning herself to having to be content with what would be the only correspondence between the two of them for the whole decade.

So, yes, these local girls happily talking amongst each other and modestly boasting about how they had a solid chance of going to the national championships in their bracket if they continued their sweep of regionals…these girls did not know how tremendously Diana cared about them and their team. It was something she felt far more pride in than even her own accomplishments, something that she desperately hoped that she could be allowed to bring up with Akko: look, look how well your softball team has done, Akko! Look at how much these girls have learned and grown, and all because of your letter! This was your doing!

And so the lunch hour went very well, and would be remembered as one of the better events she had participated in in the past few years. But then, all too soon, the girls were being gently coaxed out the doors, and the hospital staff left shortly after, only pausing to give a very brief update to the hospital's operations, information that Diana already knew, but she appreciated the briefing. Then the room was silent and empty, save for the three of them. Diana checked the clock on the wall. Slightly less than two hours before the greeting hours for the reunion would begin.

"Well, then," Diana mused as she rose out of her chair. "I suppose that we have some time to spare." She glanced down at where Hannah and Barbara's hands were gently clasped together. "I believe I'll take a walk on the town, see how much it's changed since I was last here." She smiled at her two friends. "I'll meet you at the reunion?"

The look the two of them shot her was decidedly worried. "But, Diana…" Barbara started hesitantly.

Diana shook her head, holding up a hand, cutting off the protest. "Please, it's been a while since the two of you have been with each other. Far be it for me to be the third wheel. Enjoy yourselves." She smiled gently at them as she pulled her cape on, making sure to arrange her blouse collar and her hair the way Hannah had it earlier. "I'll be fine." She grinned mischievously after she pulled on a pair of white gloves and placed her broad brimmed witch's hat on her head at a rakish angle. "I am after all, rather curious to see how many heads I can get to turn with this get up."

Hannah laughed at that. "Well, suffice to say, it's a good thing you're a medical doctor, you just might have to be treating some strained necks with how good you look!"

A few moments later found her out on the street in front of the hotel after parting ways, her two friends blushing somewhat heavily as they headed for the elevators that would bring them upstairs…to Barbara's hotel room. Yes, this was the right choice, Diana told herself as she very careful did NOT think about what the two of them were about to do. Let them have their time together before the reunion. They deserve it. Now if only that nasty little ball of jealousy sitting heavy in her gut would go away…

She sighed gustily, swishing her broom up so that it rested against her shoulder as she set down the street. Some window shopping would be very nice to partake in, and a good way to kill the time. It did not take her long to walk over to the main shopping area of the town, and it warmed her heart to see that there were quite a few of the students of Luna Nova out on the streets, as well as some faces that she recognized from her own class days, witches who had apparently also thought that wandering the town prior to the ceremony was a good idea. She waved at some of her once fellow classmates and exchanged a few warm greetings with those that approached her, but she rather enjoyed the chatter amongst the current students, and she smiled as she overheard some of the conversations between the diverse groups of teenaged witches. Apparently Professor Finnelan was still a terror and Headmistress Holbrooke was possibly more absentminded than she was a decade ago. Professor du Nord evidently had quite a number of fans amongst the student body, not that Diana could blame them. The older woman fairly radiated sheer charis-

She stopped midstride, hand snapping to her wand's holster as her head jerked up, blue eyes flashing as she scanned the crowds around her for the source of the malevolent energy she felt pressing against her awareness. It didn't take but a moment before she spotted them, two figures across the way and down an alley, clothed entirely in an off white that reminded Diana of nothing more than bones left to bleach in the sun, with cowled cloaks making it difficult to decipher exact details as to the pair's physiques. But the sense of danger was unmistakable, and Diana's mouth went dry as their heads tilted quizzically to the side in perfect synchronization. She slowly drew and extended her wand, keeping her movements as non-threatening as possible as she quietly murmured the spell and released it, her vision zooming drastically in on the pair, and she took a shocked half step back, a jolt of fear sinking its ice cold claws into her.

They were wearing masks, bone white things stylized like a dragon's skull, and their eyes glowed with a dim, malevolent red light. Then her focus was broken as a crowd walked between her and the figures, and when it had moved past, the two of them were gone. Diana cancelled the spell as she worried her lower lip with her teeth. For a moment she considered going after them, but then thought better of it. She might be an excellent witch and a good fencer, but she had no idea how powerful the two were, or even if there were more of them out there. Even the best witches could be easily beaten if going into a situation blind and outnumbered. She'd bring it up when she got to Luna Nova. Perhaps Professor Finnelan would know something about this.

She took out her pocket watch, checking the time. Perhaps a bit earlier than she had originally planned on going, but this would give her some time to talk to Finnelan before the ceremony started. Mind made up, she stepped off with a brisk step, ignoring the curious looks of those around her, focusing far more closely on the still present though greatly diminished sense of malevolence, as well as a new sensation that she found to be just as alarming…

She was being watched.