"So let me get this straight… You left the safety of the campsite to follow a mysterious forest inhabitant-"

"Maliea!"

"...to follow Maliea… And then decided to bring her along on our potentially life threatening expedition."

"Well first of all, none of us do anything 'straight'. Amiright?" Amanda said, cutting her off. She wiggled her eyebrows, gaze darting between an unamused Diana and a confused Akko.

Diana crossed her arms and let out an exasperated sigh. Maybe bringing Amanda was more trouble that it was worth, she was certainly exhausting to deal with.

"Anyway, we have this bet going, and with her Dryad powers and knowledge of this forest she could really help us." Amanda continued.

"Maybe we shouldn't shoot down the idea right away Diana. She could be helpful, like a local guide." Akko piped up as she gave the Dryad a wide smile, stepping forward to offer her hand. "Nice to meet you Maliea. I'm Atsuko Kagari, but you can call me Akko!"

"The pleasure's all mine Akko." She took Akko's hand lightly, letting her fingers graze against Akko's skin as she let go. "When Amanda said she was traveling with other capable witches she didn't mention there would be someone as obviously remarkable as you. I can feel the magical energy radiating off of you. It's something I haven't seen since before the decline of magic." Her eyes traveled slowly down Akko's body and back up as she spoke.

"Oh wow, heh. Thanks, hard work pays off I guess." Akko felt a subtle burn spread across her ears and she rubbed the back of her head. She opened her mouth to say more, but a hand gripped her shoulder caused her to pause.

"Yes. Akko is a very talented witch, and I am lucky to have her help on these expeditions." Diana's words had a sharper glint to them than usual, her eyes steeled as she eyed the newcomer. "I'm not so sure a bet is the best basis for a new party member.

Diana's eyes locked onto the dryad's, giving her a silent warning. Maliea tilted her head and smiled, feigning innocence.

"And what basis do you usually use to choose party members? Magical prowess? That is something I have plenty of. Friendship perhaps? Or is it something more?" Maliea asked, her voice dripping with sweetness.

"Someone who's trustworthy and dependable for a start." Diana replied curtly.

Akko shifted awkwardly under the change in atmosphere, not entirely sure why Diana was so against Amanda's new friend. They had gotten help from the local inhabitants before, why was this any different?

Amanda laughed, "Aw Diana, I didn't know you thought I was dependable. I'm touched." She wiped away a faux tear.

Ignoring the jest, the Dryad pressed on. "If your party members are trustworthy than wouldn't it seem that their judgment was trustworthy as well?"

Diana's eye twitched as she struggled to maintain her usual composure. "Just because I trust them doesn't mean I trust their judgment."

Amanda stepped between the glaring war. "Oof. Yeah well, I'm starved. Let's get back to camp. We can question my judgment to our hearts content when our bellies are full. We came to get you cause you were taking too long."

Right on cue, Akko's stomach let out a low rumble. "Ahahaha," she awkwardly blurted out, "good idea Amanda." She scampered forward, anxious to move past the current tension. "Hey Maliea, what kind of foods do you usually eat?" She grabbed the dryad's arm, pulling her down the path.

As the sun sunk below the horizon, the already dimly lit forest was swallowed in darkness. The sound of crickets soon accompanied the crunch of their footsteps. The girls lit the tips of their wands, bathing the ground in a soft green hue as they walked.

Diana kept stride by Amanda's side. "You should be more careful around Dryads. They often have hidden motives and will always put their forest above all else." She whispered, keeping her voice low.

Amanda chuckled. "Oh I know. I already know what she wants, heh. Don't worry so much, this will make things more interesting. And she really is a treasure trove of knowledge."

Something in the smug tone of Amanda's voice made Diana doubt her objectivity on the matter. Her eyes flicked over to the lively pair conversing in front of them. "I will not allow her to put Akko in any unnecessary danger."

"Akko's a lot sturdier than you think, Diana. If I were you I'd be more worried about someone snatching her up before you do."

"There is nothing to 'snatch' her from as you put it. Akko is her own person."

"Oh? Then you weren't jealous when Maliea was stripping her with her eyes?"

Diana scoffed, partially to hide her embarrassment over the thought of stripping Akko. "I do not appreciate the lewd commentary, Amanda. And I don't want that Dryad tricking Akko into becoming a protector of the forest as she is obviously trying to do with you."

"Oh please, like a Dryad's magic could get to me so easily. I really do think she could help us, Diana." Or at least make this trip more bearable, Amanda thought to herself.

Diana raised her eyebrows. "If you are above her magical influence like you claim, then why are you covered in grass stains? And were those splinters I saw earlier?"

"Please, everyone needs to let off some steam here and there." Amanda said, brushing off the comment.

Diana pursed her lips, her faith in humanity dying just a little more with each word that slipped past Amanda's mouth. "If the two of you are to continue on this expedition with us please keep your activities to yourself."

Their conversation was cut short as they passed through the thin veil of magic acting as a barrier to their campsite. Once inside the sounds of the forest were muffled, the air warmer and more cozy than that of the open forest.

"We're back! Diana, I'm gonna make smores! Maliea's never heard of them before!" Akko called over her shoulder as she started rifling through her pack.

"Let's have some proper dinner first and then we can. Give me a moment." Diana called back to Akko. "Make sure you two behave yourselves or I will send you back." She hissed quietly at Amanda.

Amanda held her hands up defensively. "Ok ok, don't get your panties in a twist. I'll make sure Maliea keeps her hands to herself."

Diana clicked her tongue.

"And my hands." Amanda added reluctantly.

Diana pointed her wand at the pile of wood stacked in the middle of their clearing. "Ignious fau!" An orange spark shot from her wand, it's flames flickered to life as it engulfed the wood.

The warm glow of the fire spread out across their campsite as the flames settled down, casting long wavering shadows. Diana flicked her wand again, causing 3 sleeping packings to fly over to their heads to different spots circling the campfire.

"AAAAAAAHHHH?!" Maliae screeched, backpedaling quickly. Her feet caught on the bed roll unfurling behind her and she came crashing down, her fall at least cushioned by the soft padding. Not taking the time to gather her bearings she scrambled backwards, digging her heels into the soft dirt for leverage. "W-What are you doing?! Fire is deadly to my forest and I!"

Akko quickly ditched her bag of marshmallows and knelt beside the distraught Dryad. "Hey it's ok! You don't have to worry about that!" She said, trying to reassure her. "Ever since this one time my robes caught fire Diana always uses magical non-burning fire!"

To prove her point she plunged her arm into the flames, watching them dance around her. "See! It's totally safe!" She waved her arm around in the flames. "I could lay on them if I wanted to!"

"Yo Akko, eat some of the flames. That'll show her." Amanda chimed in, barely containing her laughter.

"Oh! Good-"

"Do not eat the flames Akko." Diana said, cutting her off.

Akko huffed, cheeks puffing out in indignation. "It woulda' been fine."

Amanda fell back, clutching her stomach as she cackled.

Meliae's eyes were wide, never having strayed from the arm still in the flames. "They aren't burning you?"

"Nope! Here, why don't you try?" Akko said, perking up and gesturing for Maliae to come closer.

Hesitantly, the Dryad held her arm out, inching it closer and closer to the flames. Testing the air. "It's still hot." She said, drawing her hand back quickly.

"Diana can control how hot it gets and she would never let it burn me. So she won't let it happen to you either, I promise." Akko said confidently, she swiped her hand through the flames a few more times as she tried to prove her point.

Maliae searched for Diana, wondering if she really could trust Diana to keep the flames at bay. But the witch in question had her turned her back to them again as she finished preparing their dinner, ignoring the Dryad's internal plight. She looked back at Akko who gave her an encouraging nod. Surely if Akko's hand was still in the flames, Diana wouldn't let the fire get too hot. If there was a chance to hurt the rambunctious witch Diana wouldn't risk it… Right?

Coming to a decision she took a deep breath and shut her eyes tightly, slowly sticking her arm out. She sat frozen for a few moments waiting for the pain, but none followed. Slowly opening her eyes she took in a sight she never expected. Fire. Dancing and wavering around her unprotected arm. Her arm that was the very embodiment of the trees and forest.

"Incredible." She whispered, letting the tips of the flames tickle her hand. She was entranced by the site, her natural enemy, harmlessly glowing in front of her. "Then… why use the wood at all if it doesn't burn?"

Akko opened her mouth then closed it, pulling her hand from the fire to rub her chin thoughtfully. "Hmmm, I never thought of that. Dramatic effect?"

Diana chuckled as she walked up to Akko and handed her a skewer. "It serves as an anchor. It could be anything really, but I've found burning wood is less shocking to see than someone's possessions."

Akko grabbed the skewer from Diana eagerly, grimacing at the vegetables mixed in with the juicy meat.

Amanda flopped down next to them, a skewer crammed full of meat in her hand. "I told you you'd see some new things on this trip. That's one point for me. Now move your hand out so I can cook this."

Maliae pulled her hand back. "I suppose I will have to concede that point to you. I never would have expected a fire like this, even after encountering witches previously."

Amanda and Akko happily plunged their skewers into the fire and it roared to life, a fresh wave of heat blowing over them.

Diana handed Maliea a skewer without looking at her, and sat down opposite Amanda. The campsite was soon filled with the sounds of popping and sizzling meat as the girls watched their food cook.

Amanda pulled her skewer out, squeezing the meat to check if it was done, juices dripping onto the ground. Her version of done being 'hot and raw' just like she liked other things in her life. "So Diana, fill me in on the details. I get that this area is more dangerous than the other places Akko's told me you've gone, which is why you need my help, but you never told me exactly what we're looking for."

Diana considered her words for a moment. "During my research I came across a line of text indicating that a certain mythical beast once resided here. Since many beasts of old have been resurrected with the resurgence of magic, I hypothesized that it too would revive once there was enough magical energy available. I would be able to extract a rare magical ingredient for a medicinal tonic I am creating that would exponentially increase its chances for success."

Amanda rolled her eyes. "Yeah, so Akko, what are we here for?"

She shrugged, using her teeth to rip off a chunk of meat before responding. "I dun' know. There's a monster and Diana wants to find it. That's enough for me." Akko took a large swig from her flask she scavenged from her bag, washing down the oversized bite.

"Ok well, your girlfriend wanting to go on a trip may be enough for you but it's not for me."

Akko coughed and spit out her water, spraying it all over the fire in front of them. The fire only flickering briefly before returning to normal, another perk of magical flames it seemed. "We just go on trips together a lot! So I know how these things usually go."

"Two girls going on adventures all the time is pretty gay, Akko."

Diana cleared her throat. "If you must know, this is in relation to a legend involving the healing properties exhibited in secretions of a mythical beast."

"Going on life threatening adventures keeps my magic in top form for my performances! Just because it's with my hot best friend doesn't mean anything, Amanda!" Akko yelled, partially drowning out Diana's response.

"So you are looking for a powerful, recently reformed magical creature in the mountains North of my forest?" Maliae interjected, taking pity on the floundering red faced witch.

"Yes, I hypothesized that the ambient magical levels of the peaks would be sufficient to sustain it's rebirth."

"Humph, stupid Amanda." Akko grumbled into her food.

"How were you planning on getting to the peaks? Were you going to fly? The winds have always been ferocious the higher up the mountains you go. I have yet to meet a witch who could make the journey." Maliae said. She took her skewer out of the fire to inspect it, eyeing it carefully before taking a dainty bite.

"Yeah the winds were pretty tough, even for me." Amanda added.

"I read up on the many attempts to reach the peaks of the northern mountains and it seems the few that made it found a series of cave tunnels that lead to the top." Diana said.

Akko swallowed down the rest of her food, even eating the veggies after catching a look from Diana. "Oh nice! Cave exploring!"

Akko grabbed the bag of marshmallows laying beside her and ripped it open, sending a few flying in the process.

Maliae flinched slightly as a marshmallow hit her cheek. "The caves lead to the top? I am friends with a troll who lives in some caves. Maybe she would know which way to take."

"Oh shit no way! See, I told you she would be helpful!" Amanda said triumphantly as she punched the air.

"Awesome Maliae!" Akko poked her skewer through a handful of marshmallows and plunged it back in the fire.

Diana studied Maliae, trying to sort through all of her muddled emotions. As much as she didn't want to trust the Dryad, using her to find and potentially navigate the cave systems could be her only chance to make the expedition a success. "That is opportune. Then first thing in the morning you can show us the entrance to these caves and hopefully your troll friend can lead us to the top."

"I'm glad to help." Maliae said.

"Sounds like a plan! Now who wants a marshmallow?!" Akko said excitedly as she pulled the char-black remnants of marshmallows out of the fire.

"What are those supposed to be? I'll show you how the pros roast marshmallows." Amanda scoffied.

The two witches spent the next few minutes bickering over proper toasting levels of marshmallows, insisting Maliae try them all to be the judge. Finally taking pity on Maliae, Diana stepped in and suggested they call it a night.

With their new plan for the following day set the girls cleaned up and got ready to sleep, each getting into their respective sleeping bags. Maliae insisted the ground was enough for her, despite the many protests she received. But once a soft patch of moss started growing up around her the protests soon died down.

Normally Akko would ask Diana for the charm that softened the ground, but her mind was too busy, buzzing with thoughts and questions. She rolled over, trying to ignore the sharp point in her side.

At some point in the night, Akko was roused from her poor attempts at sleeping. She could hear the faint rhythm of Diana's breathing, even and controlled, as if even in sleep she didn't allow herself to relax all the way. And Amanda's unrestrained guttural snore, that reverberated in the shielded dome around them.

Akko sat up and rubbed her sore back. She stared off into the forest, moonlight barely making it through in the thicker areas, darkness drowning out everything in its reach.

Something caught her eye along the edge of their campsite, reflecting the pale moonlight. Akko blinked and rubbed her eyes trying to clear her vision. She looked again, but this time it wasn't just a glint.

An orb of flickering, ghostly blue light hovered a few feet above the ground. It seemed to dance airily in place, filling her with a sense of playfulness. Bobbing and twirling in place, it beckoned to her. Come with me, it whispered. Come play with me.

Akko carefully eased herself out of her sleeping bag, silently praying she didn't disturb her sleeping friends. She inched past Diana, tiptoeing to the edge of the campsite. The ball of swirling light was receding into the forest, she glanced back at her sleeping companions as she hesitated in front of the magical barrier.

Amanda let out something between a snort and a groan as she shifted onto her side. Turning back to the light, Akko stepped out of the protective dome. The magic flowed around her as she passed through, sending ripples across the surface.

The orb was already disappearing into the darkness. Picking up her pace she continued after it. It swirled and taunted her, radiating just out of reach. Where was it leading her?

The forest was unearthly quiet, just her, the trees, and the light as it called to her. She felt a slight wind blowing against her face, but no noise accompanied it. It felt as if a blanket of muteness had surrounded her, muffling the sounds of rustling leaves or chirping crickets. In the back of her mind she wondered if she should be following the orb of light. But every time she questioned herself soothing whispers floated around her.

She laughed, her eyes trained on the shimmering blue light dancing ahead of her. It wanted to show her something. To be her friend.

A heavy mist began to creep its way along the forest floor. Akko's legs were soon obscured as she waded through the haze.

The trees suddenly opened up as the two came to the edge of a drop off. The thick fog poured down over the brink, resembling a slow gentle waterfall.

The light paused at the fringe of the flowing mist. It glowed bright, illuminating the fog around them. Akko was close enough now to see the intricate patterns within it, swirling and mixing. She took another step, hand outstretched, the radiant blue light shimmering and coaxing her closer.

"AKKO!"

A strong hand grabbed onto her arm, fingers digging in painfully.

Akko struggled to get away, staring longingly at the light. "No let go!" She yanked at her arm, taking another desperate step toward it. The swirling ball of light taunted her, just out of her reach. She was so close.

Another hand seized her, whipping her around, away from the wonderful light.

"Akko stop! You're going to fall!" The voice hissed at her.

Akko tried to shake herself free, eyes clenched in frustration. "What are you talking about? I'm so close!"

"Akko look at me!"

No she couldn't. She couldn't be distracted. Not when she was about to catch the light.

The hands captured her cheeks, pulling her face closer. "Please, Akko."

Something in the pleading voice jogged Akko's memory. She opened her eyes only to find a scared and desperate Diana inches from her.

"Diana…?" Akko breathed.

Diana slumped down, her head falling onto Akko's shoulder. "Thank the nine. Akko, you scared me."

Akko looked around. They stood at the brink of a drop off, the darkness below almost deafening. The light and mist were nowhere to be found. "Wait, where did the light go?"

Diana let out a heavy, shaky breath. "Akko that was a Will-o-the-wisp. They lure travelers to their untimely death."

"What?!"

"I'm so glad I found you in time. I don't know what I'd do…" Diana's voice trailed off. She held onto her tightly, head still resting on her shoulder.

Akko blinked, trying to process her surroundings. She had almost willingly walked off the edge of a cliff. She practically fought to throw herself over. She shuddered to think what would have happened if Diana hadn't stopped her.

Diana took a long slow breath, holding it for a moment before letting it out. "Let's get back to camp."

Akko nodded numbly in agreement.

The trip back was quiet, both girls consumed by their own thoughts. Although Diana stubbornly refused to let go of Akko's hand as if she expected her to wander off again.

Once they were back in the safety of their magically protected campsite, they each let out a sigh of relief. Akko leaned over meaning to get in her sleeping bag, but was stopped by a hand on her shoulder.

"Eh? Diana?"

"I have to make sure you don't go wandering off again." Diana bent down and picked up the sleeping bag, carrying it over to where hers lay. "I'm not letting you out of my sight again."

Akko opened her mouth to protest, but quickly shut it again at the look Diana gave her. "Ok."

The two settled into their adjacent spots. The silence around them broken by the crickets and occasional snore from a certain someone.

Akko stared up at the canopy above them. "Hey Diana."

Diana hummed in response, turning her head to look at her.

"Thanks for saving me."

Diana let out a soft chuckle. "That's what I do Akko."

Akko giggled, looking away from the trees to flash her a smile. "Yeah, I guess so."

A comfortable silence fell over them. The sounds of the night were lulling Akko to sleep. Her eyes drifted close.

In the back of her mind, she felt something snake its way into her hand as sleep pulled at her consciousness. It closed around hers, threading between her fingers.

A faint whisper drifted over to her. "Goodnight Akko."

"G'night Diana." She mumbled back, sleep finally taking her.

A/N: Well this chapter took a bit longer than expected lol. Hope you like it!