Chapter 10

A Kind Of Magic

Akko said, when she was just six years old
There was nothin' happening at all
Every time she puts on the TV
There was nothin' goin' down at all, not at all
Then, one fine mornin', she puts on a London station
You know, she couldn't believe what she saw at all
She started shakin' to that fine, fine magic
You know, her life was saved by Shiny Chariot

Despite all the imputations
You know, you could just go out
And dance to a Magic Festa gig
And it was all right, hey baby,
You know, it was all right

Seven gems refracted light. Seven blue marbles in the ornate cane. The topmost one, closest to the rim had a tiny shining speck inside it, like a light escaping through a keyhole of needle top size. Something began and the way was opened again, awaiting for the girl to make her steps. A stretched hand held the wand over the face under the top bunk. Wine coloured eyes looked at the rod, brows furrowed in memories of recent days...

- Ursula-sensei! Good evening!

- Good evening Akko! I see you're early today! - Ursula smiled at her student, who was quickly becoming her favourite one. Certainly Akko was not an easy task to manage. She had little attention even when she tried, she was hopelessly straggling behind every one in school, despite having high hopes about getting ahead, ones Ursula shared. And she spoke about Shiny Chariot at every possible moment. Seeing as Ursula didn't make fun of the girl's idol, energetic lass didn't miss a chance talking about Chariot. Even if some, or rather a lot of these trivia were quite new to Ursula herself. Either her memory started failing her from living a boring and grey life for the last several years, or Akko weaved together fantasy and reality as she pleased, making her own world that pleased her. At first Ursula tried to carefully doubt the reality of some claims, but quickly gave up on this. It was hard to counter argue with Akko's positive demeanor. Plus the tint of sadness that glanced through the girl's bright, cheery eyes in moments when her claims were doubted hurt Ursula. Truth be told she was torn. She told herself that it is just childhood infatuation with a bright persona, not meant to be taken seriously, just a bright memory for the child. But deep down, afraid to admit it herself, Ursula basked in this long forgotten, but so much needed acceptance. Hearing her past antics being so praised and loved by a girl near her brought her feelings she feared, but wanted. She told herself it was wrong. She shouldn't strive for them, feed on them. She should move beyond her past. She told herself can't accept the praise, for the things Shiny Chariot did were much more than seen on stage. Things she wouldn't dare telling the girl. Things she hated and despised herself for. And yet again and again, hearing Akko praising her heroine brought a smile to Ursula's lips and eyes, and a guilty warmth into her feeble heart.

- So we can have some time for the legend, professor! - smiled Akko.

- *Legend...gulp...n-no...* I-I need some more time to prepare, Akko. Next time, alright? - Ursula squeezed a guilty smile.

- A-alright... - Akko lowered her eyes, feeling down.

- *Don't do this to me. Please Akko... I-It's not my fault...* So, how was your day? *I'm Sorry...*

Staring at herself in the mirror, Ursula hyped herself.

- You can't keep doing this Ursula. You can't hide the story. And what is there to hide? It's just a legend. She may find it in the books anyway. - A hope, but woman quickly gushes it – No. She wants to hear it from me. I'm her mentor – A more vigorous tint rises in her eyes. Brows straighten - There is nothing scary about it. Yes. I'll tell it to her first thing tomorrow. Definitely.

Climbing into her bed, hiding under the covers she felt safe. So safe, her mind hit her with the final question. "But what if she asks why the rod left Chariot?"

- Good evening Professor! - A rich familiar smile. Expectations.

- Good evening Akko! You're a little late today.

- I'm sorry Professor! I got my detention today. - explained the girl – I actually wanted to skip it, but then I thought that Chariot wouldn't do this. She never backed down. And so I pushed through. But it was so tiring... - Akko rose a palm to her forehead, closing her eyes.

- I think a story would be a nice change of pace professor. Tell me something, please? - she opened her eye, trying to gauge the reaction.

- Well if you're tired then we should hurry up. We have to use what strength you have left for the good cause. *I'm sorry Akko...* C'mon, let's open the books! *I just can't...*

Sitting on the edge of her sofa, young woman combed her rich blue hair. *She compared me to myself... Chariot never backs down... Oh Akko, if only you knew the truth*

With a heavy heart, she hid under the blanket.

- Fuff...I think that's about all we had to do for tomorrow's numerology.

Ursula relaxed herself against the back of her chair. Akko dropped the pen from her tired fingers and let out a heavy sigh. Today, they studied in the Astronomy tower.

- Haaah... Professor?

- Yes?

- Why is numerology so hard?

- Well... I guess some things are meant to be hard...

- But Astronomy is not easy too, but when it's you explaining it, it's somehow easier. I don't mean very easy, but not so complicated.

Ursula smiled.

- Thank you Akko. I try my best. You know – Ursula looked to the side, where a diagram hang on the wall – When I was a student, struggling with such things I really wished someone would explain it to me in simpler terms.

- Hu-hum. I'm happy I have you professor. - playfully grinned Japanese girl.

- And so decided to teach students as clearly as possible, so they would not have problems at least with my lesson. I even encourage them to visit me with any question they have. - she rose her brows – But I guess they aren't eager to listen to someone so young. Since you're my first disciple, you know.

- So I'm your first... - whispered Akko. Stars rose in her eyes from the depth of her happy soul. - Ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha! I'm so happy! It's them who don't get it and serves them right! I get to have such a wonderful professor as you all for myself! - Akko clapped her hands several times in joy.

- Ha-ha. I'm also glad I got to have such a cutie as you, Akko. - smiled Ursula in return.

- Hmmm...so, would you tell me the legend, professor?

- I'm sorry Akko. It's so late already. The curfew is almost there, you should hurry back to the dorm. Tomorrow, alright?

- Umm...alright...

- I wonder what's keeping me from hearing the story? - Akko turned the rod in her hand. - Ursula-sensei must be really preparing it for me...

The girl smiled confidently.

- I shouldn't doubt anything! - she turned her head on the pillow - This is just another challenge on my way to become just like you Shiny Chariot! Right? - she asked the poster of her hero, hanging near her. It's been ten years since she had this poster. And no one could dare to count all the times she looked at the slim, beautiful woman pictured on it. At her ginger cloud of unruly hair. At her happy eyes, familiar to Akko since her childhood, always bringing her hope whenever she looked at them. *Ahh...If only I could meet the hero myself.* At her opened mouth with smile of glossy lips on it, happy to bring magic to the people she met. Her white teeth. Her soft tongue inside the mouth...

Akko looked at the poster closely, being taken by the vision in front of her. This time, this time there was something different about the poster. Something new. She felt like it was a first time she looked at it, truly saw it. Some new light quietly came to her. Her heart was starting to slowly unrest.

...Her long, slender legs in stylish, feminine boots. Her athletic calves with a curve so intriguing that rose to her perfect thighs... Her short skirt barely covering them... Her fair skin, seen in the cleavage of her ornately cut vest... Her belly button on her flat stomach , shown inside a cut of the garment... Her stretched arm, holding the wand with six lights on it. Six lights...

*I wonder why it is only six lights instead of seven? Seven makes more sense, there are seven marbles on the rod...* Akko switched her attention to the real one in her arm. Only one small light was present inside the wand.

- When will Ursula-sensei tell me the story... - pouted our heroine.

Silence of the room was disrupted by the opening door. Rest of the red team entered the dorm.

- Oh you're back girs! - Akko rose from lying to sitting on her bed. She looked at her teammates from under the top bunk.

- We met Professor Ursula on our way, Akko. - informed her Lotte.

- Ooh? And how was it?

- She told us to relay to you that today's supplementary classes are not happening.

- Aah?! But why?! - cried out Akko in shock. She got used to meeting her favourite professor every evening. She didn't consider after classes a bother.

- Your Professor Ursula got enslaved again Akko – blurted it Sucy. - She probably got another chore on her.

- Rearry?... - dropped her eyes Japanese girl – That is sad...

- But she told us you can join her if you want and consider it an outdoors lesson. - followed Lotte, settling down on the chair.

- So if you're in the mood for some unrespected, uncompensated, uncredited work, you're in – comforted her friend Sucy – Meet professor near the school entrance doors in fifteen minutes.

- Then I better hurry! – Akko jumped up from her bed and ran outside – see you girs!

Ursula was slowly pacing back and forth near the Academy doors. She had a butterfly net, a bag and a basket with her.

*I hope Akko agrees to go along with me...I can make this such a wonderful outdoors lesson. We will look at flowers and mushrooms, I will tell her about magic trees and plants, we can have such a good time. I really wish she would come.* She really wished to see her Japanese apprentice. Over the days since the beginning of their tutoring Ursula really connected with Akko. She was happy whenever she saw the joyful girl with her cute round face and peachy cheeks, eager to see her smile and hear her talk. Akko brought her happiness, joy of sharing, joy of a link, a connection. Someone was looking up to her, listened to her and Ursula was willing to return the expectations full weight. She wanted to guide her student, teach her, make her a wonderful witch the girl desired to be. Answer her any question, help her in any need. But some things, some things were hard. Sometimes, a simple question put Ursula in a stupor of fear. She hated herself for being so cowardly, so weak, for letting Akko down. But it was so hard...

Akko ran down the stairs and into the main hallway. Passing by students strolling in the hall, the girl ran out of the doors and into the sunny yard. There, with the bountiful sun basking her in the glow stood her favourite professor, with the back turned to the doors and a bag in hands in front of her. Sunshine was lighting her witch hat, keeping the head covered in shadow as the whole body was standing still, only the left sole pumping the ground slightly.

- Purofessor Ursula! - cried Akko running out of the hall and to the woman.

- Akko! - immediately turned the witch, a smile lighting her delicate features – I'm so glad you could come!

- Of course – smiled Akko in return, sunshine falling on her cheeks – I would not miss our lesson, no way!

- Even for a tart? - joked Ursula, smiling with her eyes.

- That was one time onry! *One time I was caught, that is* I can't help being hungry at night after studying. - puffed her cheeks the girl.

- I'll make a note to feed you better during our lessons. - laughed her mentor softly – Well, shall we go?

- Hai! Yes! - nodded Akko.

Turning to the woods in the distance, with Akko taking her place on the side, Ursula almost bent her elbow for Akko to hold with her arm, but stopped midway, clumsily trying to imitate wiping some dust from her robe. The student didn't notice anything unusual in the gesture, occupied by the prospects of fun time in the evening woods.

Walking with Ursula through the grass field near the forest, Akko turned her head from side to side. To the back of them stood Luna Nova in the evening sun. Some students were loitering on the field near the walls of Academy that the duo passed by. Now they were walking through less kept grassland, filled with various richly smelling weeds, warmed by the autumn sun. As the plants were reaching to the middle of her calf, Akko commented herself on the smart choice of outdoors uniform or rather, not changing out of it after the previous lesson where she ones again tried to fly, but to no avail. (Professor Nelson ordered her to run laps around the field with her broom over her shoulder, deciding that it may help somewhat. At least the girl would be occupied.) Who knows what kind of insects lived in these loudly cricketing and grasshoppering fields. To the left of her went her mentor, with back straightened tall and a bag in her right hand. Akko stared at Ursula's face that looked forward with a small smile on the lips. Pretty lips... Under a cute nose...Akko turned her eyes towards the woods in the distance. *H-hmm* she chuckled. She was happy her master was pretty, walking near her, gracefully flowing her right arm in rhythm with the walk... Something scratched in Akko's left palm slightly, quietly insinuating something.

- Professor?

- Yes?

- What does it mean when the left palm itches? - Akko looked at her small left palm that felt unrested.

- Well, I suppose it implies something good incoming soon.

- It doesn't stop. - said Akko, scratching the hand.

- Well, maybe holding something in it may easy the itch. Constricting the muscles and sinew in the palm, like that.

- Hmm...-Akko furrowed her brows – Then let's hold hands Professor! - she smiled to her mentor, teeth shining in the sun.

- Arm-am-am!... - that sure caught Ursula unprepared.

- Yes! Why not? This surely will help! - the sincerity in the girl's eyes continued to flood out. Such honest red eyes, completely unaware that maybe Master and Student holding hands is too close of connection... But in Akko's mind, it was nothing. Not childish or intimate or anything compromising. Why not hold hands with someone she feels friendly with?

- Well... - Ursula fought the temptation for a second - *But aren't we... I'm kind of her mentor, we have a distance to have... she is a big girl, not a kid... Seriously, why not. We are in the fields, school is far away* Alright! - smiled Professor taking Akko's hand.

- Yay! - the said palm gripped like a vice while it's owner cried joyfully.

*She has got quite a grip...* - surprised Ursula.

And so they went on. Quickly Akko started waving the joined hands vigorously, in rhythm with quickened pace of steps. Ursula started humming a tune, caught in the flow of the stroll.

- La-la-la follow follow...hm hm-hm yellow brick road... Follow follow hm-h-hmm the yellow brick road...

- What this song Professor? - smiling, Akko turned her head to her favourite, beautiful professor.

- This, oh just a song from one movie I watched in my childhood.

- Really? - Akko was eager for a chance to know more about her master. - What movie?

- Oh it is "Wizard of Oz". You probably haven't seen it.

- And what is it about? Is it about wizards?

- Well in a way. It is about a girl who gets into a magic land-

- Magic?!

- Yes, and to get back home she has to travel along the Yellow brick road to the Wizard in the Emerald City. And if he feels like it, he will send her home.

- So does she get there?

- Yes, but the wizard turns out to be a fraud. (Ursula felt a needle pick of something unpleasant.)

- Ohh...

- But her Red slippers that she got in the beginning of the journey turned out to be magical and have sent her home. Her magic was with her all along.

- Uu-uh... I wonder if Shiny Chariot's boots were magical? What do you think, professor Ursula?

- Akhm. I don't think I can answer such question.

- And the forest we are going to, does it have some wizard living inside?

- No Akko, it is just an ordinary forest. Well, it's not exactly common – it has magic critters and growth inside, but no wizards.

- U-uuh. And do wizards live in forest anywhere? Like, in our times?

- I can't be sure. Witches need magic energy, you need to have a philosopher's stone present and so on. Nowadays witches live in towns. Well, maybe some enthusiasts hang around in forests, but they are rather an exception.

- Uhmm...And what about you Professor? Would you rather live in a forest if you had a philosopher's stone, or do you prefer Luna Nova? - Akko looked up at Ursula.

- I don't know...Rather not, I think. Luna Nova has its pluses.

Soon the pair got to the edge of the forest. Sunlight went through the canopies, lighting up the leafy ground under the trees. Birds chirped in the thicket, welcoming the warmth of the early autumn as the sun still hanged reasonably high in the sky. Something resembling small fireflies hanged around the flora of the wood. Akko got closer to one of the trees as Ursula dug for something in her bag. A small speck of light resembling dust in the sunshine stream twirled in the air some height over the ground. Curious, Akko tried to tough it. The speck circled around her finger, refusing to be touched.

- Professor, what are these? - asked Akko pointing at the light sprinkles.

- Oh these? - Ursula turned her head to her student - Just some magic dust particles. Basically condensed magic evaporation from nearby leyline. Any magic wood has them. When in need, you can attract them to power up your spells a bit faster than focusing on the leyline. - explained Ursula glancing at Akko. Woman's hands seemed to have found whatever they searched for. She took out the netted ring and started fixing the telescoping handle.

- So what are we going to do in the woods, Professor Ursula? - turned on her heels the girl, clasping her hands behind the back.

- We are going to look at magic plants and critters. And collect some beetles. - Ursula took out a netted basket – Right into this basket.

- Let me carry it Professor! - chirped in Akko, eagerly grabbing the handle before the answer.

- Alright – smiled Ursula.

- So, what kind of beeters, sensei? - said girl, inspecting the basket's insides.

- Various ones, I got a whole list of them, but basically any magical ones we come across. - said Ursula, digging in her pocket for a note.

- Uh-hum. And how do we know it is magical? - burrowed her brows Akko.

- Well...well it is easier to learn by example. Net any weird, noticeable or big one and just leave the sorting to me. I will explain them on the go. - smiled Ursula to her student she was so eager to teach.

- Look professor! A stagbeeter! - excitedly shouted surprised girl. Right on the nearby mossed tree sat a big handsome mahogany beetle, with deep red mandibles size of a toilet seat for a gnome.

- Oh its a rare one Akko! - eagerly whispered a smiling woman to her student.

- Yossh here goes! - hunched in hunting crawl Akko, with her net on stick in her palms.

- Wait Akko. Don't take him. - stopped her Ursula, resting her palm on the girl's shoulder, calming her. Chocolate head turned over the shoulder to the woman.

- But why sensei? We can get big time for it. - whatever she meant by this probably implied a handsome reward for a catch.

- It is rare, exactly why we have to preserve them. If we catch it, it is one less stagbeetle in the nature. The more we take, the less rare beetles there are in the world. - ruby eyes smiled to the deep garnets – If it goes on, there will be none at all.

- Really? - cleanly drawn brown brows rose over the honest eyes.

- Yes Akko. You have to be considerable to the world if you want to be a good witch.

- Alright! Just like Chariot! - a small palm vigorously clasped the older, guiding hand on the shoulder. Ursula twitched in surprise, with such open and simple friendliness addressed at her just like that. She really went feral in those ten years. Sudden warmth flushed into her heart, thawing it even further, bringing happiness and drive. She smiled to Akko, eager to share it. For several seconds they just stood there looking at each other smiling, sharing, learning.

- Well let's continue on our trail. - finally advanced the quest the mentor.

- Yay! Another one, Professor! - called Akko, with her net over a grass strands. Under them, a big beetle did it's mandibles with its front legs. The voluminous back shone like a gasoline puddle under the sun.

- Great job Akko! This one is fairly common in the deep nests, but quite rare on the outskirts like here. - approached her Ursula.

With the beetle safely stored in the cozy basket with a spell applied to it that made the things drop inside easily, but prevented escape, the girls continued their search. A dab of red spots under the nearby trees brought Akko's eyes to them.

- Look sensei, mushrooms! - pointed her finger Akko, running to the growth. - Sucy lo-oves mushrooms! I'm sure she would be pleased if I brought her some!

*How sweet, she wants to bring her friend a present* smiled Ursula, digging in her bag for a spare carrier of sorts. She settled for a canvas bag, simple and easy.

- Here Akko. - she stretched her hand.

- Thanks Professor! - replied the eager girl, immediately bending under the bushes, gathering the fungous trophies. Akko didn't choose what to take and what to leave, so inside the bag flew both the tasty looking mushrooms and pale, thin toadstools. Taking several steps further under the thicket girl spotted a group of red caps with white dots.

- Rook Professor! So cute! - squeaked Akko, pointing her finger at the family of fly agarics - Sucy would love them! - she cried out, picking the discovery into the bag.

- Uooh even more! - happy hand stretched out for pale, sickly looking thin stems.

- Akko, are you sure these are to take too? - voiced her worry Ursula.

- Don't worry Ursura-sensei, Sucy really knows mushrooms. She would be happy to get all of them! - happily wagged her small, round butt in the air the Japanese girl, all eager to please her friend. Soon the mushroom family was picked up and Akko continued further into the bushes, bent in her slim waist to the ground. Step step.

*Bamp*

- Ouch! Hsss... - hissed the girl with one eye closed, holding her head. Seems like blind walking led her right into a tree.

- Careful Akko! - comforted her Ursula. Coming closer she inspected the tree closer. Akko straightened herself, looking over the tree too. It seems the perpetrator was a maple of sorts. The leaves were already starting to get a yellow tint near the ends of their high-fives. Autumn was taking its rights in the forest.

- You know Akko – started Ursula, looking upwards and putting her palm on the bark, resting the butterfly net in the other hand – This kind of maple is very useful in several kinds of potions – she turned her eyes to her apprentice, who immediately gave her all her attention, eyes burrowing the master expectantly. - When extracted, the sap maintains its liquid form for quite some time, remaining edible and translucent and a perfect base for potions and salves of various kinds. In fact, its sap is a very nice addition to the sandwiches I brought with me.

Ursula smiled warmly.

- Why don't we have our snack right now. What do you say?

- I say yes, professor! - piped up Akko, thrusting her palm upwards.

- Wow professor Ursula, this is rike a picnic!

- Well we are outside, so why not use the most of it? - answered her mentor.

Pulling out a big, soft blanket out of her bag, Ursula spread it over the grass in one big, smooth motion. Taking out the wrapped sandwiches and a thermos she prepared beforehand herself, she sat down on the blanket, curling her legs to the side and invited Akko to join her. The smiling girl happily sat down and stretched her hand to the food, eager to share the meal outdoors.

Ursula watched as Akko munched on her sandwiches. A big crumb of bread with sauce got stuck to her cheek, girl trying to get it off with her tongue, refusing to let the hands go of the food. Professor's hand twitched in instant desire to take the piece from the girl's face, but as the palm started rising Ursula abruptly stopped it. *Wait wait, we are not that close. I'm her mentor after all, I have to act suitably... This is still a lesson, not a weekend.* But truthfully, Ursula already stopped considering this a proper lesson or even, God forbid, a chore bestowed upon her by the faculty. She was on a forest walk with her friend, educating her on the go, but ultimately having a good time together. *With my friend?*

*Yes.*

*Akko is more than a disciple to me. Why hide it from myself here, in my head? In the span of such a short time I warmed up to her so much we held hands on the walk here. And it felt so good... To me, she is more than just an apprentice.*

*She is my friend*

- Say Akko – warmly smiled to her disciple the mentor.

- Uhm? - as an answer, Akko gulped down the remaining munch, washing it down with the tea.

- Would you care for a dessert?

- Ahh? You don't mean? - a wide smile bloomed on Atsuko's features as her mouth widened.

- I certainly do – answered Ursula, turning around and digging in the bag – I wouldn't invite you here without having something for you, would I?

Turning back, the witch stretched her arm out, with a big cupcake in it.

- This is for me? You mean, I can take it? - wondered happily Akko with stars in her eyes.

- Be my guest - replied the older one.

- Yay! Thank you thank you professor! - grabbed the treat the little witch, sinking her teeth into the frosting as soon as possible, small, rosy lips clasping on the cupcake vigorously.

*Oh Akko, you're so easy to please.* smiled Ursula, looking at the girl. *And it makes me so happy to do so...*

And so the girls made their way through the forest under the slowly setting sun. Birds chirped and leaves rustled in the warm wind as the older one guided the younger through the world of magical and not so magical insects. The younger one was eager to learn, trusting the caring hands of her mentor, believing them, listening to them. The Master was happy to be blessed with an apprentice longing to be taught and tried her best to return the trust full strength, sharing every bit of knowledge she possessed with the young one. Basking in the warmth of this connection, a link so precious to both of them they didn't notice as the time went on, covering the forest in the veil of dusk. Suddenly, amidst the forest's warm, covering and deep quiet Akko's attention, heightened by the autumn twilight, noticed a sound not present before. Like tiny feet shuffling through the fallen leaves.

- Uhumm? What's that? - she turned her nose to the possible source, somewhere under the nearby bush. Taking steps to the growth she stretched her hand and moved some leafy branches away.

- Wah! - came a surprised cry.

- What is it Akko? - immediately reacted Ursula in protective urge, taking quick steps to her precious apprentice.

- Something moved! I moved the branch away and something ran away! - Akko pointed her finger into the thicket.

- Well maybe... - Ursula sighed in relaxation, relieved that it was nothing serious.

- No! I'm certain it was something strange! - voiced her certainty the little witch – And I'm investigating! I certain it was something interesting – small stars rose up from the depths of her deep carmine eyes – Maybe even magical!

Ursula smiled in defeat. *Sigh...Alright, let the girl explore. But if anything – I'm right near by. Yes, I'm always near...* clutched the handle of the bag the woman, taking steps on the fallen leaves, following her eager student.

Akko carefully progressed further into the thicket, moving branches out of her way, looking around the shadows. Somewhere here something lurked. Something new, interesting. The girl scanned the ground, covered in leaves and plenty with herbs of various kind.

*Where are you where are you...* she thought, looking around the trees. *Ah! There!* Something moved! The student took a couple steps, rustling the grass under her boots. The magical prey sensed the hunter and dashed further into the forest.

- You're not getting away! - cried Akko, running after it.

- Akko wait! - worriedly called her master, but alas! The spirit of hunt overtook her adept completely.

The sticks and branches on the ground crumbled and snapped, breaking under the dash of the witch, pursuing the interest. Despite the speed of the little witch, whatever ran away was just as fast, zig-zagging through the grass and between the trees. But there is no escape from hyper active girls, bent on conquest. In a tiger-like leap with a primal yell, Akko covered the runner with her net, landing flat on her stomach on the leaves. Something rustled and pushed against the end of the net, covered in leaves.

- *pant pant* Got you! *huff huff* Now we'll see what you are! - cried Akko, fighting the captured prey.

- Akko! You shouldn't run away just like that – sermonized her Ursula, who caught up to the girl – It may not be safe!

She noticed the rustling net.

- Hmm? What did you catch? - she said, taking a closer look – Wow Akko! What a rare thing!

Akko crawled closer to the net, trying her best to take the leaves off the thing.

- Aaa-haa! A running mushroom! First time meeting one like that!

Inside the net, trying its best to run through it on the side, stumbled a chubby mushroom with blue cap and tiny legs at the end of its plump stem. Some small leaves were still stuck to the cap. Slipping on the plastic ring of the net the mushroom fell on its back, wagging small feet in the air quickly.

- That is a Walkiepuckle, Akko. Usually they live in more thick forests, so it is quite a rarity to meet here. - Ursula smiled, looking at her student – Great job catching it!

- Well I tried my best, professor! No one is getting away from me when I'm serious!

Looking forward while rising from the ground, Akko noticed something shining in the air, forward in the forest twilight.

- Hmm? What is that? - she wondered, backing the caught mushroom in the bag.

Walking past several trees, Akko found herself on a forest clearance. A pool of lush grass waved in the calm zephyr of the night. And over it – a cloud of fireflies in the quiet night air. A constellation of insects shone in the space, flying around slowly, dancing the mysterious, chaotic dance. Soft grass, waving under their feet invited a relaxation of sore muscles. Akko and Ursula lowered down, sitting on the lush carpet of greenery in joined silent decision. Sharing the silence together, they looked at the fireflies everywhere, soaking in the presence of the living constellation around them. Ursula hugged her knees, letting the bag lie down beside her as humming of the night alive surrounded the pair. Her Japanese disciple preferred to pin her arms straight in the ground behind her, shaking the soles of her tired feet slightly. In silence they sat, enjoying the meditative, almost religious experience they shared as the living stars surrounded them from all sides, above and around, shaking and stirring in the warmth of the forest twilight. Ursula didn't know how much time passed as her eyesight long lost focus, being immersed in the movement of little lamps they found themselves in. It was her, Akko by her side and the whole number of fireflies, united under the starry dome, feeling unity and peace, together. No need for words she felt until, somehow, they themselves decided to come. Feeling tranquility complete, she started the tale seemingly on its own. If somehow, Akko later asked what pushed Ursula to reveal the lore at that moment, her caring professor would scarcely find an answer. Staring on a particular firefly, she began.

- Long ago Akko- – her friend turned the head to the mentor and was encharmed by the sight of the speaking witch, delicate features illuminated by lights and veiled by the moonlit night - -when magic was plentiful in the air just as air around us, there was a tree called Yggdrasil. The tree was bodiless, but its root went to the core of the Earth and its branches went high into the sky.

Blue-haired witch lifted her face to look at the stars above.

- It was the source of order and magic in the world, providing the lands with mana and energy. You didn't need philosopher's stone to cast a spell. Your wand was enough. Magic was abundant and plentiful, an everyday sacred occurrence for everyone to enjoy.

Relaxing, the Astronomer lied down on the grass, her vigilant listener following her example, feeling the gentle caress of greenery surrounding them. Above the pair there was only night sky, shining brilliantly with the uncountable number of stars over the cloud of fireflies, framed by sides with the darkened silhouettes of foliage and branches of the trees.

- The roots of Yggdrasil enveloped the Earth and the branches held the stars. Everything was in harmony.

Ursula went silent. Looking upwards, Akko asked.

- And where is the tree now, professor?

Her master sighed.

- Everything has a beginning, everything has an end. Yggdrasil's lifespan was no different. Over the millenia the tree waned and lost its strength, until it was simply no more. Only its small branches remained, serving to us as Leylines. In the tree's final strong years, around one thousand years ago the group of sorceresses knows as Nine Old Witches tried to save it for the generations to come.

- Nine Old Witches? I heard it often in school. Who were they, professor? - Akko turned her head to Ursula.

- A group of benevolent spell casters, traveling around and helping people in need. Deciding to maintain the knowledge, seeing as the tree was near its end, they had founded Luna Nova to teach promising young girls about witchcraft and sorcery. Nine Old Witches are the beginning of Luna Nova. Including the head of the group, Professor Woodward, who created the Claimh Solais you found.

Puzzled, Akko blinked.

- Kleemsh Shoreesh?

- Yes. That is the true name of the Shiny Rod you prize so high. The legend says that when the Rod's seven lights shine bright, the Grand Triskellion will be revealed and unlocked, returning magic to the world.

- Gurand Triskerrion? What is that professor? - more questions hit Akko, puzzling her even further. All she could do was ask.

Professor Ursula looked at the sky, seeing Big Dipper constellation bright in the sky.

- Grand Triskellion, the world reconstruction magic. It is sealed somewhere in Arcturus Forest. When the Rod's power is unlocked, it can break the seal on the container of this magic, reviving Yggdrasil and bringing magic back.

Akko was spellbound, hearing that her prized Shiny Rod is more than simply memento of her hero.

- And how do we finish the Rod, professor? We have to do it if it brings the world's magic back! - Akko's heart started beating faster upon the realization of the chance she was given washing upon her wave by wave.

- The owner of the Claimh Solais has to live through seven life lessons and when the jewel on the Rod shines, say the special words – glancing at Akko and noting her pleading, worried eyes looking at her mentor, Ursula comforted her – Don't worry Akko, the words are known, you won't get lost. In fact, you already did it once.

Rubies looked at Akko, clearing her worry.

- Do you remember?

A realization came to Akko, easing her heart in a wave of high.

- Noctu Orufe Oode Puretor... I remember! - her eyes lit up - I was falling, but then Chariot's voice came to me and told me the words! That's when the Rod's star lit up! I said the words and the Shiny Rod turned into the bow! Ha-aah – Akko took a deep, enlivened breath – So maybe... maybe if I gather all the words I would meet Shiny Chariot herself! Ahh-ha-ha! - Akko stretched her arms out to the sky and wiggled her legs in a torrent of excitement - And even reviving the magic along the way! What a magical adventure ahead!

But then an uncomfortable, yet inevitable question came, worming its way into Akko's mind.

- But... professor? - worry sounded in girl's voice as the arms dropped and deep garnet eyes turned to her mentor.

- Yes Akko?

- If the Rod is already thousand of years old, why did no one succeed yet?

Ursula felt discomfort in her stomach, worry, self-hate, regret, a venomous cocktail of her past and guilt rising up from the bottom of her heart and poisoning her insides. She could only manage the silence as the answer.

- And even... - *Six stars...* A memory of the well known poster always near her bed returned to Atsuko's eyes – Even Chariot didn't succeed... She couldn't do it...

Ursula bit her lip, looking down. A coarse whisper full of pain escaped her lips against her will. And behind it – a miserable story of regret and failure.

- Maybe it is harder than it looks at first glance...

Wine red eyes dropped down, looking at the grass in front of the small nose.

- And then she disappeared...

Worry and fear seeped through the girl's quieted voice. And in them, among the letters – a plea. Plea for guidance, for help, for support. A call for a friend. Hearing it, sensing it, Ursula meekly took Akko's palm in her own. Rubies met rising garnets, comforting them, assuring them.

- Don't worry Akko – whispered Ursula – I will be with you until the end. I can't do much and I don't know everything, but maybe that will help.

- Professor... - Akko smiled warmly, pink of trust blossoming on her cheeks – If it is you, I'm certain we will succeed.

Ground started getting cold. The time of night was taking its rights.

- I think we should go – said Ursula, rising from the ground – It is already late, and we have yet to return to school.

Akko also rose up, straightening her robe and taking the basket of beetles and the bag of mushrooms.

- So, how is your school life treating you, Akko? - asked her Ursula, setting her feet towards the Academy. Everything felt so simple now. Ursula couldn't understand why she withheld the legend from Akko. Everything was so easy. She just told it, and that was it. Nothing was painful. Nothing got broken. Happiness rose up from the core of blue-haired witch. She felt like she could do anything now, like she could hug the entire world. And that much from a simple story...

- And these are for you girrfriend! - said Akko laughing, turning the canvas bag upside down over the table, spilling all the mushrooms in a funguous rain over the wood.

- …. - Sucy was silent for a while, looking at her present. A variety of toadstools, boletuses, russuleses, fly agarics and so on and among them some small fat shrooms with legs shaking in the air, trying to get up and run away. Some half eaten by birds and some fresh. Some overgrown and some beaten by worms. And some looking really fresh and tasty. And all emitting a characteristic, deep mushroom smell that flooded the small room. A small, quiet smile blossomed on the pale face – Thanks Akko – said the girl, trying to sound calm.

- Oh don't mention it Sucy-y – squeezed her Akko in a bear hug and stirring back and forth together.

- Alright alright let me go - grumbled the alchemist, but despite the protests, her smile didn't really leave her face.

- You know what, girls? - shone Akko, taking twirling steps to her bed and grabbing the Shiny Rod – I learned a rot while together with Professor Urshura today!

- About what? - asked Sucy, sorting her presents on the table carefully.

- This! - the girl sharply straightened her arm with the Rod in it.

- You learned another adventure of Shiny Chariot?

- No-o, well kind of yes, but anyway – parried Akko – this Rod! This Rod is the key to returning magic to the world!

- How so? - asked Lotte from the top bunk, hugging her pillow.

- Turns out if I say certain words seven times at proper si-tu-a-ti-ons something really nice will be unlocked – Akko started running circles around the room – And the magic will return to the world! And everything will be aruright again!

- Sounds like bogus – voiced her disbelief Sucy, taking a container from under the bed.

- Well it does sound kind of far fetched – worried Lotte from atop – too simple for such a big thing.

- Don't worry! I already got the first word! - cut their arguments Akko with the Rod, swooshing it with her slim hand – Remember? When we were falling I heard Shiny Chariot talking to me and said the words. And the portal to school opened! So we already have only six more to go! And then – Akko spread her arms wide, looking upwards, lost in her vision – I will certainly meet Shiny Chariot...

- Hrmph... Anything to keep you away from my flasks... - mumbled Sucy.

- Oh don't worry Sucy-y – Akko mauled her in another forced hug from behind, pinning her shoulders to the pale torso – we will have much more interesting things than your flasks!

She forced the girl to rise up and started waltzing with her in the firm grip around the room.

- We will have adventures! A real ones! - Akko shouted into the ear of her pale-haired pal.

- Arghh! I see! I see! Just let me go! - protested her friend.

*To think you have such a power, Shiny Rod...* Thought Akko, lying near the wand on her pillow. Covered by a warm blanket, she layed her palm on the wand that rested on its own pillow nearby. *But then again, what else could I expect from the rod of Chariot!...* Girl grinned widely.

- H-hmm ha-ha – she suppressed her laugh, audibly grinding her feet together in excitement – Such an adventure. Khhh! - she unrested on her mattress.

- Akko please, go to sleep already, I need this sleep... - mumbled Sucy from her bed, accepting the inevitable, inescapable adventures ahead.

*Who knows, this might be my last quiet night here...*