AN: I'm sorry, I would have posted this days ago, but my laptop had a forced shut down

in the middle of me writing this chapter...thanks Windows 10 :/

That'll teach me to keep back ups...

Anyway, this chapter was a train wreck to write, but I still hope you'll like it.

Thank you guys for reading my story, you're all awesome!

Enjoy^^


2018

Browsing through the book Diana had given her, Akko was restless.

Chariot was in danger!

She had to find her immediately. Without her Shiny Rod, who knew what could happen to her...?

Not that she thought the redhead was helpless to the contrary, but...

'I have to warn her!'

And she had to do it alone. Diana couldn't help her, she was already stressed enough as it was and Professor Ursula...

Professor Croix did say she would wake up soon, but the brunette couldn't wait that long. Not when the life of her Idol depended on it.

Scribbling more notes down on her scattered papers she tried to come to a conclusion, some revelation, a hint where Chariot could have disappeared to. A place where no one had found or recognized her as she searched for the last word...

Akko could faintly hear the door closing with a thud which prompted her to look up from her reading material, peering over her notes. Lotte seemed to have left the room, leaving her alone with Sucy, who stared at her with a bored expression, sitting on her bed.

"What are you doing?", she asked with clear disinterest in her voice.

Twirling the pen in her hand, Akko answered with a resigned sigh:

"I have to find Chariot. The Shiny Rod is glowing and Croix-Sensei said, it means that she is in danger."

Sucy blinked slowly.

"I see...", she drawled, not betraying anything else, her gaze settling on the red book at their desk.

The brunette felt a light prickle on the back of her neck, making her shrug awkwardly. Something was wrong. She couldn't really say what, but it unnerved her. A deep uncomfortable feeling spread through her whole body. Slamming the book shut Akko looked at her startled friend, establishing eye contact.

"Are you okay?", she asked concerned.

To be honest she was somewhat afraid of the response, but when the lilac haired witch nodded her head, reaffirming that she was in fact alright, she would have preferred a straight out answer. Her bad feeling grew even stronger.

Motioning to the now closed book, Sucy apparently had decided to continue their previous topic.

"If you want to find Chariot, why don't you just ask 'Diana'?", she wondered loudly, uttering the blonde's name with something akin to contempt, her voice practically oozing resentment.

'How odd.'

It was true that the both of them weren't friends, but Sucy had always somewhat respected the blonde witch in her own way. So...

'What happened?'

"Did she do something?", the brunette pressed on softly.

Not that she believed that Diana truly had wronged her friend, or intended to anger her, the thought alone send a cold shudder down her spine.

Maybe it was just a misunderstanding...some kind of miscommunication?

That would totally be in character for the blonde. Her blunt honesty wasn't always a blessing. It could definitely hurt a lot...

Now that she thought about it, wasn't Sucy kind of the same way?

Harsh but honest?

Only with Diana it was still a bit different...somehow...

'Please get better soon!'

"What didn't she do?", interrupted the lilac haired witch Akko's thoughts, a faint edge creeping into her tone, "You said it yourself, remember?

Always looking down on others, you especially, and belittling your beloved Shiny Chariot, not even acknowledging how hard you really work for your goal.

Besides, she is an Aristocrat, did you forget that?"

Akko's eyes widened in shock. Yes, this was what she had believed the proud Cavendish to be. A spoiled, rich girl with a superiority complex, who never had to lift a finger to get through life.

The perfect prodigy.

But...

'I was wrong!'

She stood up from her desk, facing her friend sternly and put her notes down, her grip on the pen tightening. Sucy looked at her expectantly, still sitting on her bed with crossed legs, refusing to even blink once.

"That's not who she is at all", said Akko passionately, a soft smile spreading over her face.

Her heart fluttered slightly, as she thought about the beaming, unguarded smile Diana had given her when they both had tried to convince principal Holbrook of their fix Idea that they could take care of Professor Ursula.

'So beautiful...'

"Stop grinning like an idiot, it's creeping me out", uttered Sucy irritated, rolling her eyes at the brunette, as she clicked her tongue in annoyance.

But Akko couldn't stop even if she wanted to. She couldn't stop, not when every mention of the blonde's name made her giddy with happiness. She didn't know where it came from, but she liked it.

She liked the way Diana made her feel. How she always seemed to be able to elicit the most over exaggerated responses out of her...

Her silence seemed to rattle her friend, making her uneasy.

Shifting on the bed, Sucy uncrossed her legs and hugged them close, pulling her knees against her chin.

"You're still doing it!", she pointed out frustrated and narrowed her eyes slightly, fixing her with a stare that could only be described as deadly, "Cut it out, or I might get the Idea that you like our school prodigy a bit too much!"

'Huh?'

Akko was lost. Deciding to twirl the pen in her hand again, she pondered over what Sucy had said.

It sounded awfully similar to the question Professor Croix had asked her and her answer definitely hadn't changed since then.

"I do like Diana", she said vigorously, pointing the pen at her friend, as if to make a point, "She may be reserved and sometimes brooding, but she has a passion for magic like no one else. And she's hardworking and understanding, even if it takes you a while to get it and she's unspeakably kind to an impossible degree and...I really like her!"

Breathing in harshly the brunette stopped talking, trying to calm her raging emotions down and stared at her friend intensely, who's mask finally cracked. Unadulterated devastation could be seen at her falling face. Hugging her knees even tighter, she tried to hide her shaking fists.

"Why?", she asked lowly, almost inaudible.

Akko's expression grew concerned, a confused look in her eyes, as she tried to figure out what just happened. What had upset Sucy like this? Her reasoning for liking Diana? Because she defended her?

"Why?!", repeated the lilac haired witch loudly, accusingly even.

The brunette's eyes widened.

What was going on here?

Her friend didn't seem to want an answer to the question. Grabbing her blanket, she pulled it over her head, enveloping herself in it, as if to shield herself from Akko's presence.

"Just go!", sounded the muffled voice of Sucy.

A pang of sadness surged through her. Why did her friend treat her like this?

"What-", she tried to ask desperately, but the lilac haired witch ripped the blanket from her head and glared at her, almost screaming:

"I said go!"

Slowly Akko walked back to the desk, scooping her things together, throwing them into her bag. Shouldering it, she made her way towards the door, hanging her head. She still didn't get what she had done wrong...

As she opened it, the sound of rustling sheets could be heard and quiet, but unmistakably angry, the voice of Sucy called after her venomously:

"When she hurts you, don't come crying to me!"

Akko didn't know how she got outside. Her feet just carried her through the hallway towards the green grass on the school ground. She was so lost right now. What had happened? She couldn't explain it.

'Diana...'

Maybe the blonde could tell her what she had done wrong. But she was probably just as bad as herself in picking up on other people's emotions. She needed someone else. Someone she could trust...

Someone like...

'Croix-Sensei?'

Akko hadn't paid any attention to where she was going, so when she suddenly spotted the aloof Professor under a tree she almost crashed into a pair of book carrying witches, who she guessed came from the library. Dodging to the right in the very last minute, she evaded a surely unpleasant encounter and staggered in the tech witch's direction.

Anger spiked through her, as she realized why the sight of her irritated her so much.

What was she doing here? Didn't she say she had to take care of Professor Ursula?

Wait! In fact she should do that right now, instead of loitering around on the school grounds.

Akko needed Ursula to get better. She needed her mentor back...

'I...just want to hear your voice again.'

The setting sun ignited the sky, shrouding the grounds in warm, inviting, orange light, illuminating Professor Croix's face, as she stared into nothingness, a Smartphone in her hand. A breeze ruffled her unruly hair and a faint smile adorned her face. One of her rare true ones, as Akko realized. She appeared to be lost in thoughts, maybe reliving some good memories. The brunette found herself unable to speak. She didn't want to interrupt this moment of openness, as Croix's voice reached her ears, still gazing at the colorful sky, an unusual softness to her tone.

"I met Chariot here, right under this tree, asking me to see one of her magic shows."

The tech witch turned her head towards Akko, motioning for her to sit next to her. Dropping to the ground, the brunette crossed her legs, staring at her professor in wonder. She felt conflicted. Her desire to learn more about Chariot warred against her need to scold the Professor for neglecting her task, for leaving Ursula alone. But in the end her curiosity won. She had to get more Intel on her Idol, if she wanted to find her and Croix seemed to be her best chance to get it.

"That was twelve years ago", the older witch added wistfully, returning her gaze towards the evening sky, humming quietly.

A strange melody the brunette had never heard before.

'I have to hurry!'

"Sensei...", Akko asked carefully, trying not to sound too accusingly, "do you really not know where she is?"

Croix glanced at her out of the corner of her eyes, the warmth in her eyes dissipating, replaced by her cold and calculated stare, the brunette had slowly become acquainted with, making her shudder inwardly.

"Why?"

A predatory grin spread over the tech witch's face, as she drawled in a highly amused tone:

"Would it bother you if I did?"

All those mixed signals the Professor gave her, made Akko's head spin. It was like playing a game of cat and mouse and she always ended up being the rodent. On one hand, Croix could be really cool and funny and collected and smart and...just everything she would wish a teacher to be, on the other hand she appeared to be just as uncaring as caring, switching between those extremes. She was kind of arrogant...maybe even selfish, when the younger witch thought about it, but still...at least she tried to be a sympathetic instructor, which couldn't be said for the rest of the teaching staff.

Straightening herself up, she fumbled to find the right words.

"I-...that doesn't matter Croix-Sensei!", she stated urgently, a serious expression upon her face, "Right now we have to get to Chariot before something happens to her!"

'That got through her!'

It seemed her speaking Chariot's name always sobered the tech witch up from whatever emotional state she appeared to be in. Her eyes darkened slightly, her grin lost, as she questioned coolly:

"Whatever do you mean?"

"Did you already forget?", shot Akko back, suppressing a pout.

This was important after all!

"You told me that she is in danger."

Untying the redhead's staff from her belt, which gems still glowed in a soft, red tone, she held it towards her Professor.

"The wielder of the Shiny Rod.

Don't you want to help her?

She is your friend after all!"

Turning her head fully, the tech witch stared at Akko unfathomable, shaking her head lightly, adapting a warm and placating tone, ignoring the rod between them.

"Say Akko...", she began hesitantly, "could it be that you misunderstood what I said?"

"I definitely remember you telling me 'its owner', and that's Chariot, so...why are you laughing?

This is serious!"

Still shaking her head, Croix had leaned her back against the tree and chuckled hollowly, filling Akko with dread, as she lowered her hand, letting the rod dangle at her side.

'Did I say something wrong again?'

She never seemed to know. The situation with Sucy flashed through her mind, but she tuned it out. It wouldn't do her any good to become distracted now.

As the tech witch quieted down again, she threw Akko an apologetic look.

"Sorry", she drawled, sounding anything but, "my bad, but do you really think that if her life was threatened by something, I would just sit here twiddling my thumbs?"

'Yes!'

Well, normally no...

Akko just didn't know anymore.

When it came to Croix she just couldn't trust her instincts. They seemed to misfire whenever the Professor was concerned. Right now she only wanted her Ursula back...

Annoyed, she glared at her teacher, muttering darkly:

"Well, you're not exactly doing much to help Ursula-Sensei, even after you promised me you would so..."

As soon as those words left her mouth, Akko clamped her hands over it.

'Oh no!'

The tech witch didn't comment on her outburst, a neutral expression upon her face.

Shrinking slightly away, the brunette wrung her hands nervously, gripping the Shiny Rod harder.

"Sorry...", she mumbled dejected, as she hung her head, missing the flash of recognition, that flashed through Croix's eyes, "I didn't mean to say that out loud...I just had a really crappy day."

An uncomfortable silence enveloped them.

Until Akko felt a warm hand on her head. Startled she looked up again. The tech witch had apparently moved from the tree and scooted closer to her student, kneeling before her.

'Is this some kind of teacher thing I don't get?'

Head pats?

But only Professor Croix and Professor Ursula seemed to give them...

Maybe that was why she couldn't really be mad at the older witch. Why she still trusted her, regardless her confusing nature. They did exactly the same when trying to lighten her mood and Akko was thankful for that.

"I'm sad to hear that", Croix said compassionately and it seemed as if she really meant it this time, flashing her student an encouraging smile, "But maybe I can help to cheer you up."

Her smile morphed into a self-satisfactory grin.

"Regarding your accusation of me shirking my duty as a caretaker…Ursula-Sensei is already awake!"

'Really?'

"What?!", Akko yelped loudly.

And before her teacher could react, she jumped to her feet and ran towards the New Moon tower, crossing the yellow stone bridge, until someone grabbed her arm, yanking her to a sudden stop.

"No Akko, you can't see her right now!"

Professor Croix had apparently followed her, looking at the brunette sternly. She threw a quick glance to the Smartphone in her hand with a pleased smile, until she fixed Akko again, adapting a serious expression.

"Why?", whined the younger witch impatiently.

She didn't want to wait any longer. She just wanted to see the blue haired teacher.

"I'm sure she wants me to visit her."

Sighing softly, the tech witch loosened the grip on her arm, her eyes softening slightly.

"That may be so, but she just woke up", she explained gently, "She is still weak and disoriented. Give her till the next morning. Ursula needs her rest."

Akko paused at that, her face falling. Croix was right, Ursula needed to recover. If she just barged in and demanded to speak with her...that would be totally selfish.

"... I can definitely visit her tomorrow?"

The Professor nodded her head.

"Of course. It'll do both of you a lot of good."

She let go of the brunette completely and leaned forward against the stone bridge's balustrade, crossing her arms, as her eyes followed the flowing river.

Akko stared at her with mixed feelings. She had done it again. Switching between being warm and caring to distant and cold. What a rollercoaster...

Sucy had done the same...

Should she ask her teacher for advice?

For all it was worth, she still wanted to try to understand her. She was at least making an effort to get to know the brunette and didn't judge her based on her magical skills.

'I ...think I trust Croix-Sensei.'

"Sensei?", the younger witch asked carefully, standing next to her, as she also leaned forward, folding her arms and laid her head on them.

Exhausted, she turned it to glance at her Professor.

"Yes?"

Akko fidgeted.

'Now or never.'

Taking a deep breath she muttered sadly, almost inaudible:

"I...normally I would ask Ursula-Sensei, but..."

At Croix's open and even concerned expression, she felt the words just tumbling out. She told her about Sucy, how she normally was, and about that strange conversation they had before she had come here. The tech witch listened to her rambling, which lacked structure and sometimes jumped from one point to another, totally unrelated, one. But she still did listen intently, taking it all in.

"I see...", she stated, when the brunette finished her tale, "And now you're confused, obviously."

Akko nodded her head, grateful that her teacher took her problem seriously.

"Yes, she never did something like that. What did I do wrong?"

"Nothing."

'Huh?'

"You did nothing wrong", repeated Croix, her gaze resting on Akko's face, "Your friend seems to have a problem with herself. Please don't concern yourself with that."

"But she is still my friend", retaliated the younger witch, lifting her head again, visibly upset.

"One more reason to give her some space", her Professor said neutrally, turning her head back towards the river, typing something on her Smartphone.

"She is hurting right now and as long as you don't figure out your own feelings, you will only complicate things."

What did that mean?

Akko scrunched up her face in confusion.

"My feelings?"

Without looking up from the screen, Croix answered seemingly distracted:

"Yes, your feelings for the Cavendish girl. You know, the romantic kind."

'WHAT?'

"Diana?!", Akko screeched shocked.

Liking Diana was one thing, but that didn't mean she wanted to go out with her, or kiss her, or hold her hands, or hug her...

Her heart was pounding madly in her chest, as she tried to steer her thoughts away from the soft feeling of the blonde's palms and how she had relaxed in her arms when she had hugged her.

'That's right, I already did those things.'

And it felt nice doing them...as friends of course. Nothing more. As she had told Sucy, she did like Diana, yes. She was a wonderful person...a beautiful, wonderful person..., still...

"I don't have these kinds of feelings for her!"

Croix didn't even look startled by that, instead rolling her eyes, as she tried to split her focus between her student and her Smartphone, appearing slightly bored.

"Could have fooled me", she drawled.

"No, I'm serious!"

The older witch cocked her eyebrows.

"You told me you like her."

"As a friend", Akko groaned exasperated, "I like her as a good friend...like you like Chariot, you know?"

Never mind the fact that she made her feel unlike any other friend she had...

Yes, definitely ignoring that.

'It's probably because she's my rival.'

Right, she had absolutely nothing to worry about.

Muffled laughter reached her ear, bringing her back to the present. Professor Croix chuckled softly, looking at her with amusement.

"Sensei?"

"I thought you understood what I tried to imply before I left, but I guess I was wrong", the tech witch said, grinning mischievously.

"To put it bluntly, Chariot was my girlfriend!"

Chariot was her...WHAT?

"Whua?"

Akko was speechless. Chariot, her Idol Chariot, was Croix's girlfriend? But there never was any mention about that. Not on the news she had watched as a child and certainly not in her book. Besides...wouldn't that imply that the redhead left her behind?

Just to search for some words?

That couldn't be true! She would never do this!

'I could never do this!'

Akko stepped away from the balustrade.

"There's no way!", she said vehemently, narrowing her eyes at the tech witch, "Chariot wouldn't just leave you behind if that were true!"

Croix flashed the brunette a pained smile. Straightening herself up, she towered over her dangerously, her eyes blank.

"Believe what you want Akko", she growled softy.

"Chariot refused to trust me, she choose to rather listen to someone else's lies and left me..."

She fixed the brunette with a piercing glare.

"She essentially broke my heart!"

Akko felt herself getting dizzy.

That just...wasn't possible...

Chariot wouldn't do this...

A pang of nausea spread through and her stomach churned violently.

"I just...", she uttered, sounding almost defeated, but she clung to her belief to the very end.

"Why did you tell me how great she is? Why did you offer me your help to find her, if she hurt you like that?"

Croix's expression softened somewhat and the tension seemed to leave her body, letting her relax ever so slightly. A nostalgic note entered her voice as she spoke wistfully:

"...do you know how it is to almost loose someone you love? It's like a part of you is missing constantly. Just imagining to never seeing Chariot's smile again, to never hear her carefree laughter, her soft voice, was enough to paralyze me with fear. It's mind numbing, it's agonizing! I couldn't think about anything, but her. Everything else was unimportant..."

That sounded kind of dreadful, Akko surmised.

Shouldn't love make you feel happy and not hurting you?

'Diana wouldn't do that to me...'

Not that this was anything she could do really. After all they were just friends!

'...I think...'

Ignorant to her inner struggle, Professor Croix continued, albeit a little bit warmer:

"So yes, she can hurt me all she wants, because, frankly, I don't care...

I just want to be there for her..."

Sighing softly, she allowed herself a slight smile, making Akko realize the honesty behind those words.

And if she was telling the truth, then...

'Chariot really left her!'

"She is the love of my life!"

The brunette's heart almost broke when she heard the sincerity in her voice. She didn't deserve to feel this way. She even saved the redhead. How could she do this to someone who cared so deeply for her?

Fumbling to find the right words, she could only muster a shaky:

"That's-", before a sharp yell interrupted her.

"Akko!"

Turning her head she saw Diana almost sprinting towards her with a concerned look upon her face.

Her heart decided in that moment to ignore every order her brain had given regarding the blonde and skipped a beat. Filling the brunette with a sense of security.

"Diana? You're awake!"

'Thank god you are.'

Coming to a halt in front of them, the Cavendish took a deep breath. Did she really run the whole way here? More importantly, shouldn't she try to save her energy?

"Shouldn't you rest more?", asked Akko concerned, taking a step towards the blonde, "Why are you out of bed?"

"I feel fine", Diana said with a shrug, "More pressingly, how are you?"

"Huh?"

Her?

"I'm okay I guess, why?"

The blonde opened her mouth to answer her, when she saw Croix standing behind Akko, watching them both with keen interest.

"Oh don't mind me."

Croix raised her hands in a pacifying way, but didn't show the slightest inclination to leave them alone.

Cursing silently under her breath, Diana seemed to debate something, until she finally blurted out:

"You are in danger, Akko!"

Akko's eyes widened in shock.

"Me?", she spluttered puzzled, "No, you've got that wrong, Chariot is..."

Searching for Professor Croix behind her she trailed of, as said teacher shook her head.

"You are 'Shiny Rod's' new owner, it reacts to you."

So that meant...

'I am in danger?'

She wasn't able to process this right now, she needed a break.

Scratching the back of her head she turned back to Diana, giving her a sheepish smile.

"Oh...well-"

A blinding red light filled the area, cutting Akko off. It flashed hot and angry through the air, accompanied by a deep growling thunder. Even the ground shook quite a bit.

'What's going on?'

"What was that?", muttered the brunette warily.

"Akko", Diana motioned to the rod in her hand, "the staff!"

The soft, red light from its gems had now intensified, changing the tone to an almost sinister glow.

Just what was happening here?

A shrill scream diverted her attention back to the blonde, who had sunken to her knees, holding her head in pain.

Akko felt her insides turn to ice.

'No!'

"Diana?!"

Kneeling before Diana, she tried to hold her upright, searching frantically for Professor Croix. When she spotted her, she couldn't believe her eyes. She was smiling.

She was smiling at something shown on her Smartphone's screen, ignoring her two students in front of her.

"Sensei!", she yelled as loudly as she could, startling the tech witch out of her trance, blinking slowly at the scene before her.

Diana yelped, sending a magical shock wave through Akko, who still held tightly onto her.

It didn't really hurt, but it wasn't comfortable either.

Tiny, green sparks were thrown into the air, building an eerie contrast to the ominous glow from the brunette's staff. The other witch moaned in anguish.

"Diana, hey", Akko needed to keep her awake. She felt numb. She couldn't think anymore. She only knew she had to help Diana.

"Stay with me, please!"

'Diana!'

"Magical outbursts...", mumbled Professor Croix, who finally knelt beside her, examining the groaning girl in her arms.

The red light dimmed and disappeared and the tech witch stood again.

"She is obviously in pain", she stated professionally, "I have an inkling what it could be.

Akko, here!"

Typing on her Smartphone she summoned three roombas, sending one into Akko's direction, appearing to be in a hurry.

"I'm lending you one of my roombas. Please take Miss Cavendish to the infirmary as soon as possible. I have to get something from my tower that will hopefully help her."

Whirling around, she walked away, leaving the brunette alone with her thoughts.

As she tried to soothe the still fitful Diana a sudden clarity overcame her.

She couldn't lose her!

Croix was right, they all were right.

She really liked the blonde...and she wouldn't be too late to tell her how she felt.

Hoisting the shaking girl on the roomba Akko guided them back to the school, a grim expression on her face.

'I won't let anything happen to you!'


August 2006

"Chariot, if you don't take this seriously I will do this without you!"

Croix's stern tone let Chariot stop dead in her tracks. She and Alcor had begun to play some kind of catch game when the older witch had been busy setting up...whatever it was she had to set up and not only did they almost vandalize her room, crashing against every shelf they could find and knocking most of her things over, no, the redhead also entangled herself with those cables that were connected to her, making her tumble to the ground, where she rolled around aimlessly. Alcor on the other hand took one look on the disaster they had created and decided to flee through the open window, circling around the mansion, probably hiding himself until it was safe for him to come back. Maybe he would nest on the chimney.

Her girlfriend's house was awesome. This wasn't the first time Chariot visited her here, but it was unusual that she could stay for the whole holidays. Normally Croix's parents would take their daughter along on some trip around the world, where she would be able to research other forms of magic more, only this year she hadn't wanted to go with them.

A small part of Chariot was glad for that. She always missed the older witch when she was away on vacation. And now they even had the whole mansion to themselves. Coming from an old magical family had it perks from time to time. Her family definitely jumped at the prospect of her hanging out with Croix. Probably had to do with the fact that the Meridies had a lot of influence in the magical community. Although if they knew exactly how close her and the other witch were, they would surely disown her. That thought didn't even bother her. After all she already spent most of her time in England with her grandmother.

'Would Croix's parents do the same if they found out?'

She didn't know...

With a loud sigh, she finally gave up the hope to free herself.

Raising her head as much as possible to look at her girlfriend she grinned sheepishly.

"I'll behave from now on, really", Chariot said earnestly wiggling forward a little, "So...could you please free me from...this?"

Croix raised her eyebrows. Adapting a serious tone she tried to appear disgruntled, but the amusement shining in her eyes betrayed her.

"You promise?"

The younger witch pouted at that.

"You don't believe I will?", she asked innocently, flashing Croix a beaming smile.

"No!", deadpanned her girlfriend, as she let her gaze wander over her demolished room.

"Croix", whined Chariot exasperated, trying to look as pitiful as possible.

The older witch rolled her eyes.

"Fine."

Throwing her hands in the air defeated she pointed her wand at the redhead, unraveling her with a swish of it.

"Happy now?", she drawled cocking her head to the side.

Jumping to her feet Chariot practically skipped into her girlfriend's personal space, giving her a soft peck on the cheek.

"You bet", she grinned joyfully, before she felt a sudden urge to be bold.

Deciding to lean forward again, she claimed the older one's lips. She rarely initiated intimacy on such a level, mostly because Croix would take the lead almost immediately, but this time she seemed to hold herself back. Cupping her face with both hands, Chariot deepened the kiss, her eyes fluttering shut, relishing at the feeling it elicited in her. As if a hot fire had ignited in her belly, burning her from the inside out.

'What am I doing?'

This wasn't the plan. She had wanted to help Croix with her research...but she really, really needed to be close to her right now.

Breaking the kiss left her gasping for air. Diving right back in, she felt two hands on her shoulders pushing her back gently. Startled she opened her eyes again, staring at her girlfriend puzzled.

"Don't start something you can't finish" ,warned Croix panting slightly, as she tried to put some distance between them.

Irritated Chariot pushed back against her hands, managing to bite the older witch's earlobe in response, which earned her a desperate groan. Croix slackened her grip and turned her head, nipping at the redhead's neck in retaliation.

The younger witch felt hot, whimpering softly, as her girlfriend's teeth grazed her flesh affectionately.

Almost jumping out of her skin when her warm tongue soothed the marred, red spot afterwards.

Using her distracted state to her advantage Croix managed to escape her grasp, causing the redhead to mewl at the loss of her warmth.

"As much as I love where this is going", the older witch rasped regretfully, "We really need to stop now. I didn't set everything up just so we could fool around."

An annoyed groan ripped itself from Chariot's throat. She wanted to ignore Croix's words, wanted to just stop thinking and continue where they had left off. They could research later...

But she stomped those feelings down. After all it was her Idea to help her in the first place.

'What's wrong with me today?'

"Are you pouting?", inquired her girlfriend in a teasing tone.

"...no?", squeaked Chariot breathlessly, playing with the jumbled cables sticking out of her shirt.

The older witch sighed softly and shook her head amused.

"Whatever am I going to do with you?"

Closing the distance between them again Croix checked the cables leading to the electrodes on the redhead's body. Taking a deep breath Chariot tried to calm herself. She didn't know why she was so riled up. Usually she was more a fan of cuddles than anything else, but today...

Today felt off.

She loved Croix and she couldn't say she didn't enjoy the physical intimacy they shared, but she had never felt such a need to be with her before. It actually kind of scared her.

The older witch appeared to be finished when she stepped away from the redhead and went to her laptop, motioning for her to sit on the chair next to her.

"Let us begin", she said, trying to sound all professionally, as she started her system.

The quiet whirring from the machine helped Chariot to cool down somewhat.

Sighing softly she stared at her girlfriend, whose face was glued to the screen. Apparently waiting for something to happen. Her face scrunched up in concentration and the redhead found it absolutely adorable.

'As if no time has passed...'

Just like in Luna Nova. Being with Croix always brightened up her mood.

A loud beeping noise ripped her from her thoughts.

"Yellow...", stated the older witch pensively, peering over her laptop to look at Chariot.

"How do you feel?"

Chariot shrugged awkwardly.

"Hm...", she pondered as she gripped her chin with her hand, tapping her index finger, "Happy?"

"Are you asking or telling?", Croix asked cocking her eyebrow.

A small smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.

Scratching the back of her head the younger witch laughed embarrassed.

"Ah, happy, definitely happy."

Nodding along, Croix clicked on the color chart, satisfied with her answer.

"Now...", she said, searching for the right file as she asked neutrally, not even looking up from the screen, "could you please think about the Leyline incident?"

Did she really have to? She didn't like to think about it. All these people trapped on the tree. Falling to their deaths...

She hadn't been able to save them all…

If only she had acted sooner, maybe she could have made even more of a difference...

"...Blue", Croix muttered almost coldly, typing away on her laptop, "so sadness is blue."

Looking up from her work she saw Chariot's crestfallen face and her expression softened.

Giving the redhead an encouraging smile she said warmly:

"Let us try something positive again."

Sighing in relieve the younger witch threw her girlfriend a thankful look.

She knew how Croix could get while researching and it really made her happy that she tried to think about her feelings as well.

"Okay", she breathed gently.

Only what? What should she think about next? Maybe about their exciting adventures involving the words, or the exhilarating Luna Nova Cup, or maybe even the wonderful and breathtaking Samhain Festival?

She glanced at Croix who was absorbed in her project. Chariot may have never let herself notice this before, but without her glasses her girlfriend looked kind of cool. Getting lost into her eyes was now even easier than to begin with. Not that she complained, frankly she was glad. She loved Croix's green eyes. How they would light up whenever she had a breakthrough in her thesis. How they twinkled like stars whenever she got a new brilliant Idea. How they drew her in like a moth to the flame.

And without her glasses there was no barrier between them.

"Rose?", Croix blinked irritated, filtering her notes. It seemed as if she never had this color before. Fixing Chariot with a questioning look she asked her curiously:

"What are you thinking about?"

What had she thought about?

Her girlfriend's eyes...

'Oh!'

The redhead fidgeted nervously, feeling her face getting hot.

"...you", she mumbled, almost inaudible.

The older witch flashed her a mischievous smile, just like the time she had pressed her against her desk and...

She really shouldn't think about this right now.

The loud beeping from the machine, redirected Croix's attention back to her screen confused. Glancing from her laptop to Chariot and back again, her puzzled expression morphed into a pleased smirk as understanding flashed through her eyes.

'Oh no!'

"Well... I guess I don't have to ask you what you're thinking about this time, huh?"

This was so mortifying!

She threw Chariot a wink and removed her sweater shortly followed by her shirt, sending the redhead into a frenzy.

"What are you doing?", the younger witch spluttered her face flushing as red as her hair.

She thought she had herself under control again, but the sudden spike of heat that inflamed her anew made it obvious that she was wrong. Croix's grin widened. With a swish of her wand she closed her window and wandered to her bed. Chariot couldn't help but stare at her, following her every move with her eyes. Her heart pounded madly inside her chest and she felt her mouth go dry.

"We are taking a break", her girlfriend said playfully, sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Extending her hand towards the redhead she beckoned her closer. Fumbling with the electrodes under her shirt, she tried to rid herself of them. Getting all except the one in the juncture of her spine and neck off, she gave it up, her concentration waning. She didn't know why she was so impatient right now.

She was already so worked up and they hadn't even done something.

'Wasn't that weird?'

She stumbled towards Croix who had removed her trousers as well, leaving her in her underwear. Grasping her hand shakily, the redhead was pulled forward onto the older witch's lap. A soft whimper escaped her as soon as their bodies came into contact. As if a switch had been flipped inside her Chariot pressed on, forcing Croix on her back, who smiled up at her tenderly.

She needed to do...something...

She felt so charged right now. She just couldn't move…as if she was paralyzed.

Everything was so much.

Sensing her distress, the older witch caressed her back gently, rubbing soothing circles along her spine.

"Don't bottle your emotions up, it's not healthy", she cooed affectionately, pressing a soft kiss onto her forehead, "Just be honest with yourself."

Letting her lips wander, hovering over the shell of the younger witch's ear, she whispered hotly:

"Don't hold back!"

She kissed a soft spot behind it, dragging her teeth against the soft flesh and Chariot felt her already thin control finally snap. Surging forward she captured her girlfriend's lips fervently.

Magic bursting through her, pulling at her senses, dragging her away. Going with her instincts she followed until she felt it.

A familiar presence...Croix's magical signature. Normally she would ignore it. She didn't like connecting to individual magic, only doing it when she absolutely had no other choice.

Breaking links was so much harder when feelings were involved.

Normally she would ignore it...but this time she didn't.

Running on impulse alone, she grabbed on.

Light exploded before her inner eye. She could feel Croix's breathe hitch underneath her and she gasped loudly. It has never been like this. So many different emotions were running through her, threatening to overwhelm her. Chariot broke their kiss panting heavily. Her vision cleared slowly, as she gazed into her girlfriend's wide, green eyes in wonder.

"Tu es à moi..."

The words flew out of her mouth before she could stop them, startling even herself. They sounded strange and foreign to her. She hadn't spoken French in a long time, seeing as she spend most of her time in England. But it still felt right to say them...

As if something had clicked into place

'Croix...'

"Je suis à toi, Chariot."


2018

Chariot stumbled heavily on her way back. With her imminent anger gone, she felt even more drained than before. After she had fired her shot, Woodward had disappeared. A cold shiver ran down her spine, as she remembered that forceful magic ripping through the Leylines, tearing on them, fueled by her own resentment...her fury. Everything in her had screamed at her to stop...but she had ignored it.

Glancing at the rod in her hand, she continued on her path, trying her best not to fall.

The sun had already retired for the day, painting the sky in a deep, dark blue. Raising her head, Chariot saw the first twinkle of a star, shining down on her, reminding her of green, beautiful sparks and the laughter of a young girl who had cast them with her...her wonderful shows...

'My dream...'

Her heart grew heavy. Why did her life went so wrong?

The only moments of true happiness she had experienced were sparse and mostly from her time before she lost the Claiomh Solais...

'Before I failed!'

As a teacher they got even rarer. She had to find out that nothing had changed at Luna Nova from the time she visited there. The Professors, especially Finneran, were still the same, narrow minded and prejudiced witches she had the displeasure of knowing, and they treated her just as badly, as when she was a student.

And that didn't only apply to her. Poor Akko had to go through the same treatment, just because she came from a normal family. Of course she couldn't use magic as naturally, as her classmates. She didn't even know the basics. But that didn't stop her colleagues to treat her as if she was dumb and it definitely hadn't hindered her fellow students to pick on her for that fact.

And Diana had it even worse. All those responsibilities and expectations piled on those young shoulders. Never allowed to blunder, always having to be inexplicably perfect...

'Just like Croix...'

Croix...

A mix of different emotions rumbled inside her. Chariot really didn't know what to think about her now. In a way it made her a terrible girlfriend for doubting her back then, but...she hadn't really given her any indication that she said the truth when she confronted her.

And it definitely didn't absolve her from what she did to Helena...and making her-

'Stop!'

She couldn't follow this train of thought. It would only leave her more miserable.

Still...

The redhead couldn't help but wonder…

If Woodward hadn't interfered...

If she had just believed in Croix enough...

Maybe it wouldn't have come to this!

Thinking about her old mentor ignited the flames of anger anew. The rod in her hand pulsed hotly, sending a powerful mix of magic and rage through her whole body. Chariot gasped and stumbled, crashing to the ground. She tried desperately to lose the staff, to throw it away from her, but she couldn't. It was, as if an invisible force restrained her. She immediately froze.

No!

This wasn't happening!

'Not again!'

Every attempt to cut her connection to the rod was met with resistance. She couldn't rip herself from this thing...

She was trapped!

"Didn't I tell you, you wouldn't like the consequences, Chariot du Nord?"

Panicked, Chariot quickly raised her head staring at the person in front of her with wide eyes.

'Croix!'

The other witch's appearance sparked an avalanche of contradicting emotions inside her, making the rod's gems flash in different colors. Intrigue flitted through Croix's eyes as she noticed the shining staff in Chariot's hand. Standing above her she smiled smugly down at her ex-girlfriend.

The redhead ground her teeth in frustration trying to reign her traitorous feelings in.

"What did you do to me, Croix?", she asked bitingly, hoping to keep the longing out of her voice that overcame her when she uttered the other witch's name.

"Me?", Croix feigned innocence, still grinning at Chariot, "I didn't do anything. I even told you not to touch my Chronosphere."

"Chronosphere?"

The younger Professor blinked confused.

"That's the name I've given it", explained the tech witch proudly, a playful note entering her tone.

"Pretty poetic don't you think?", she added with a charming wink.

Was she serious?

Did she actually try to flirt with her right now?

"Stop joking around!", Chariot retaliated testily, "This is not a laughing matter!"

But that didn't stop the blush that crept onto her face.

'What's wrong with me?'

Her feelings were all over the place right now.

Croix's smirk widened.

"Isn't it?", she taunted her, seemingly satisfied with herself.

Sighing dramatically, she adapted a mock serious expression throwing her hands up theatrical.

"You're right", she spoke humbly, "so tell me, who was it?"

Chariot found it hard to concentrate, as the tumult inside of her didn't let up. Staring at the older witch in confusion she could only utter:

"Who was what?"

Prompting Croix to laugh coldly, every trace of her playful demeanor gone, as she crossed her arms, a stern expression on her face.

"Don't play dumb Chariot. Who did enrage you enough to actually activate my rod?"

So that's what she was after.

Of course.

There was no way she would tell her what she did to Woodward.

Woodward who betrayed her and made her life unbearable for ten, long years.

Who lied to her saying it was for her own good.

'I don't regret it!'

Her own thoughts startled her. She didn't understand how she was still that riled up.

This was not the time to let her emotions run rampage she had more important things to do. The rod send another pulse of magic through her, pulling at her senses.

"That doesn't matter", Chariot gritted out irritated.

How do I break the connection with it?"

She raised her shaking hand from the ground that still gripped the staff tightly.

Croix seemed to contemplate her answer, before she shrugged. Relaxing her posture somewhat she knelt in front of the redhead. Seeing the same longing Chariot felt reflected in her ex-girlfriend's deep, green eyes, made her swallow with anticipation.

'This needs to stop!'

"Simple, you can't!"

'Huh?'

Smiling brightly at her shocked expression the older Professor took the redhead's outstretched hand and guided it back towards the ground continuing, almost softly:

"I created Chronosphere specifically for you. When you tried to shield Akko from me you connected to my SSS. It gave me the last thing I needed."

She didn't like were this was going.

Croix wouldn't...

She wouldn't...

"What?", Chariot asked quietly, her voice cracking, as she closed her eyes in a desperate attempt to escape her predicament.

'Please don't say it!'

"An opening! I transmitted its magical signature directly into you."

It was as if the other witch had just punched her. Her breathing stuttered, making her almost choke, until she felt a warm hand in the back of her neck, anchoring her. Blinking bewildered she saw Croix smiling at her as she run her fingers in a circling motion over the soft flesh, sending a shudder down her spine.

Chariot wanted, no, needed her to stop. She should pull away, she really should, but...her body didn't listen to her.

"You planned this?!", she managed to spit out.

How could she have been this stupid?

Croix's smile grew even wider.

"Of course", she said teasingly, letting her hand wander to the redhead's cheek, caressing it gently, "well not everything. But you played wonderfully into my hands."

A short, almost taunting laugh rung in Chariot's ears as the older Professor added mockingly:

"To think I only needed to use reverse psychology on you."

Finally gaining enough control over her body again the redhead used her last strength to rip herself from the warm and comforting hand on her cheek, flinching backwards.

Her momentum nearly let her fall on her back. She steadied herself in the last minute and sighed relieved. Sitting on the ground she sunk into herself looking at everything but her ex-girlfriend.

A spark of anger surged through her.

What was wrong with Croix?

She switched from flirting to belittling her in under a minute.

She didn't know how much longer she could handle her antics.

'That's enough!'

"Why?!", she yelled irritated, forcing herself to lock eyes with the older witch again.

Why are you doing this to me?

First Woodward-Sensei and now you! Why is everyone trying to force me into things I don't want?"

"Woodward-Sensei?", repeated Croix slow and deliberately, her face dull and lifeless, as she uttered the name.

'Goddammit!'

Understanding flashed through her eyes and her blank mask warped into a self-righteous smile.

"So you finally saw through her lies. I must say I'm impressed she actually confessed this time."

She gave Chariot a piercing almost…scrutinizing? glare. If someone looked close enough, they could see the underlying pain there. She was still hurt.

Of course she was...

Guilt bubbled inside her and she had to stamp down the urge to break down in front of her and beg for her forgiveness. They were too far gone for this.

'I owe her an apology at the very least.'

"Croix..", she managed to squeak out, before she stopped and cleared her throat, continuing in a much firmer voice, "I'm sorry I didn't believe you back then...but this doesn't change a thing. You need to stop this!"

Shaking her head in disbelief Croix scooted closer, her eyes practically radiant.

"Oh, but it changes everything, don't you see? You just need to listen to your heart this time Chariot!"

'My heart?

...

Wait!'

The staff...

Her uncontrollable emotions...

Could it be?

"What...are you doing to me?"

Her voice finally broke as tears blurred her vision, leaving Croix as nothing more than a fuzzy shape.

It was too much!

She wanted her back. She wanted them back!

It was so unfair.

"Nothing."

It was only one word. Not even a whole sentence and it kind of sounded as if Croix was…disappointed? , but it send a shiver down her spine. She didn't want to hear this. It couldn't be true.

The older witch leaned closer again, invading her personal space, keeping their faces only millimeters apart.

But she didn't try to touch her. Not this time.

Blinking her tears away violently, Chariot peered into those contradicting green eyes, which, right now, were warm and welcoming.

It would be so easy to bridge the distance between them...

'So easy...'

"This is all you Chariot", Croix whispered gently, maintaining their eye contact, "I only made sure you wouldn't ignore your feelings...again."

Giving her an affectionate smile she raised her voice again, seemingly satisfied with herself as she added:

"By the way, I don't think it's good for your health to be up and running right now. Akko will have my head tomorrow, if you look too beat up. We should head back."

A pained expression spread over Chariot's face.

Akko.

She had to talk to her, before...

As she tried to scramble back to her feet she immediately realized that it was futile. She had no energy left. It already cost her every ounce of willpower to keep sitting like this.

Croix didn't seem surprised by her stillness and looked expectantly at her, causing the redhead to scowl. Chuckling slightly she leaned even closer, to the younger Professor's ear, and whispered hotly:

"Want me to carry you?"

No!

Everything in her screamed at her to say it. Maybe the tech witch would even leave her alone then. She would be able to calm herself down a bit and then formulate a plan on how to deal with this new situation and...

She felt Croix's warm breath on her ear tickling her.

Her heart raced madly inside her chest, trying to break itself out of its cage.

She should, no, had to say, no!

She-

'Who cares about the consequences?'

But-

'I still love her!'

Even if that was true she was-

'Be honest!'

Something inside of her gave up. She just couldn't fight anymore.

Maybe tomorrow...

She felt herself falling forward against Croix's chest, her eyes fluttering shut as a familiar warmth enveloped her. Sighing contently Chariot waned, murmuring an almost inaudible:

"Yes...", as a pair of arms hugged her closer.

'I'm home...'


French to English

Tu es à moi - You're mine

Je suis à toi - I'm yours