Summary: In which we get some nice bonding time between Diakko and platonic Charoix.

Author's notes:

Merry Christmas Eve (on my side at least), everyone! To others, I guess Merry Christmas Day :]

Act II. viii. Reunion With a Certain Ramen-Loving Techie Witch - Ministry_of_Magic_1

At breakfast, Akko points to a letter in Ursula's hands. "What's that, Professor Ursula?"

Ursula adjusts her glasses. "Ah this? It's a letter from the Ministry of Magic. Apparently they want us to pay them a visit and report our progress."

"Oh, what a coincidence. We're heading there anyway, right?"

Ursula nods. "It seems the minister herself wants to speak with us. I responded as soon as I saw the mail this morning to let them know that we will be arriving later this morning."

Akko slumps in her seat. "Ahhh, the last stop. Then we're back to boring classes."

"Remember, Akko. There will be many days worth of classwork to catch up on. Today makes a week since we left Luna Nova."

The realization only makes Akko slouch more. "I know. I am not looking forward to the mountain of reading waiting at my desk."

Diana takes a sip of her morning tea and places the cup onto its saucer. She chimes in, "If you require assistance, I wouldn't be opposed to scheduling a few joint study sessions. As we are both in the same situation, it may be beneficial to collaborate and learn the material we missed this past week."

Akko blinks. And then promptly drops her mouth open.

"Really?! You… you'd really help?!"

"As I said before, we are both missing the material. Therefore, we are essentially in the same position."

Akko clasps Diana's hands in hers and bows her head multiple times. She's practically tearing up from relief.

"Thank youuu. You have no idea how helpful that'll be!"

At the side, Ursula wipes her mouth with her napkin and regards the Cavendish heiress with squinted eyes.

(I have no doubt Diana isn't 'in the same situation' as Akko. She caught up on the coursework she missed her family visit a few weeks ago in just a couple of days. She even managed to stay ahead of the curriculum in that short amount of time. She shouldn't need to spend the same amount of time Akko will. Unless…)

A metaphorical lightbulb clicks above her head.

(Oh I see. Diana, I didn't think you were type to be so hasty. If it was anyone but Akko, they would have noticed your intentions right away. Well, I wish you the best of luck.)

Ursula nods to herself as if she solved a complex riddle on her own. Meanwhile, Akko continues to thank Diana even after the blonde witch tells her to finish her breakfast.

Sophia Pavlova watches all of this happen in exasperation. She takes a bite out of her bread and shakes her head.

(Are all Luna Nova witches as crazy as these three?)

They finish breakfast without any other problems. Sophia escorts them out of the Pavlova Mansion. To Diana's subconscious relief, Egor does not see them out.

Diana and Ursula mount Diana's broom as Akk mounts her own. Once they're in the air, Sophia stops them before they can take off into the sky.

"You guys have any friends at the Ministry?" she asks.

The three witches look at each other. They shake their heads no.

"None that come to mind. Is there something we should know?" Ursula asks.

Sophia blows smoke out from her cigar. "Word of advice. Take everything the Ministry says with a grain of salt. Especially their Minister. Everyone always says that the government is shady, but that's not an exaggeration with the Ministry of Magic. They might look and act like honest and good people, but each and every one of them have their own agenda. Particularly the ones with higher status."

"Is this based on experience?"

"You can say something like that."

Ursula nods. "We'll keep that in mind then."

With Sophia's warning in mind, the three witches rise into the air and fly toward the leyline terminal away from the Pavlova Mansion. Once they're inside the leyline, Akko breaks the silence.

"Wonder what happened to put Miss Sophia on such a guard," she says.

"Her warning is not misplaced," Diana remarks. "My mother said the same thing. As a child, she would often remind me to analyze the words of politicians more than anyone else. Those who hold the position to rule over others often become corrupted with that power."

"Diana, have you ever met the Minister of Magic?" Akko asks.

"Not personally. I never had the opportunity to meet with the current Minister, nor the previous one." At Akko's confused look, Diana explains, "The current Minister of Magic took her position only five years ago after the passing of the previous minister."

"If I remember, she's supposed to be rather young for her age," Ursula remarks. "I believe she is only in her late twenties."

"EH?! She's that young?! And she's already the leader of the entire magic world?!"

Ursula chuckles lightly. "I wouldn't call the Minister of Magic as the leader of the entire magic world. But I suppose it's as close to one as we can have."

"She must be an amazing lady then."

Ursula smiles. "We've been meeting a lot of those these past few days, haven't we?"

Akko's face scrunches up. "I hope this one doesn't smoke."

They start to exit the leyline. The world warps around them, changing from an empty space of white and green energy into an enclosed space of stone and brick.

Right into the heart of the Ministry of Magic itself.

That surprises Akko. "Eh? We're indoors?"

"The only way to access the Ministry is through leyline terminals," Ursula explains. "There's no official entrance like a normal government building. This acts as the Ministry's best security measure."

Other witches, wizards, and spellcasters appear through multiple different leyline terminals just as they did. Akko can count at least a dozen leyline terminals beside their own.

As if reading Akko's thoughts, Ursula adds, "They have multiple leyline terminals so the traffic doesn't get too congested. I heard it's still a trouble during a rush hour though."

Akko and Diana follow Ursula deeper into the building known as the Ministry of Magic. Akko especially takes the opportunity to look around the building at structures they pass.

From what Akko can see, the walls of the Ministry are made up of black bricks with a glossy green surface. The ceiling at the center of the grand hall is higher than the area near the leyline terminals, showcasing all the different levels and doors adorned in oak and gold that lead to specific departments. In the middle on the ground floor is a giant monument commemorating the Nine Olde Witches. The nine marble statues surround a single philosopher's stone sitting on top of a carved tree trunk. The size of the stone is even bigger than the one at Luna Nova. The white monuments and the glowing philosopher's stone draw Akko's attention the most in comparison to the dreary dark enclosure within the rest of the Ministry.

Ursula takes them to a stop in front of Woodward's statue. "This is where the Minister said she'll meet us. Or send an envoy in case she's busy."

"And that'll be me," says a familiar voice from behind them.

Ursula whirls around and brightens at the sight of a familiar friend.

"Croix! It's been so long!"

Akko's mouth falls open. "Professor Croix?!"

Croix Meridies chuckles. "I'm no longer your professor anymore, Akko."

Akko scratches her head bashfully. "Eh heh. Old habits die hard."

Croix smiles and shakes her head. "I'm glad you all look well. And it hasn't really been that long. Just a few months."

"A few months is a long time, Croix," Chariot replies with a reciprocating smile.

"Compared to our previous separation? Not really."

"But what are you doing here, Professor Croix?" Akko asks. It seems she's not going to try very hard to drop the outdated honorific.

Croix doesn't correct her. If she remembers Akko well enough, she knows Akko probably has her own reasons for retaining the title. It does have a nostalgic ring to it.

"After determining the severity of my actions, the Ministry of Magic enlisted me to work in the Department of Technology as punishment for endangering the lives of innocent people and performing dangerous, independent research lacking proper safety and guidelines." She looks directly at Ursula. "In return, they provide me with my own lab and the resources to research a possible cure to the Wagandea's pollen. All I have to do is write up proper guidelines for appropriate ways to incorporate technology with magic. And I get paid to do it."

"That sounds cool!" Akko says.

Croix shrugs. "Not really. The department is still relatively new, so there's a lot of boring busy-work to do."

"Sounds better than homework."

Croix chuckles. "I'm sure you're doing well with Chariot as a mentor." Croix freezes at her mistake. Her eyes glance over toward Diana to judge her reaction. "I mean…"

Ursula smiles and shakes her head with fond exasperation. "It's okay, Croix. Diana knows about my true identity."

Akko snaps her head to Diana. "Wait, you do?!"

Croix's eyes widen. "You told others about who you used to be?"

It isn't as strange as she's making it seem. But Croix is curious about who else Ursula told.

"No, Diana figured it out by herself." She looks at Diana and Akko in accepted defeat. "She had some choice words about how I neglected Akko that night."

Akko turns her surprise to Diana. "Diana did?"

Croix blinks. "I can see why everyone called you the Ace of Luna Nova. You probably even best me during my days at Luna Nova."

Diana hasn't said anything since Croix greeted them. The prolonged silence draws an unsettling feeling across Ursula's nerves. She looks at Diana and finds that the witch in mention remains quiet. It almost seems like she didn't catch their conversation at all.

"Diana?"

The concern in Ursula's voice also worries Akko. Akko wraps her hand around Diana's and gives it a light squeeze.

Ursula's voice and Akko's tender touch snap Diana from whatever reverie she was in. She shakes her head and says, "I apologize. I seem to have missed the conversation. Could you repeat that?"

Croix's eyes shift to Ursula's for a second before she smiles and replies, "It's fine. I didn't know you knew your professor is actually the great Shiny Chariot."

"My research was a result of a persistent minor curiosity," Diana says. "At the time, my priority was not to corner Professor Ursula but to understand why she kept her identity from someone who wished to find her more than anything else." She gives Akko's hand a reassuring squeeze when she feels the other's girl begin to tremble slightly. "However, that is in the past. There are other matters of importance to prioritize."

Croix nods. "The Minister is in a meeting right now. I was tasked to keep you company until she is available. I could show you around to pass the time?"

Ursula agrees. "That would be helpful. If you can, would you be able to show us to the areas where magical creatures are sealed? That is what we originally set out to do."

"I'm probably not the best person to show you around for that reason, but I can find someone who can help," Croix says. "We'll have to go to the Department of Seals and Barriers. The head of that department should be in his office."

Croix takes them past the centerpiece statues and into an elevator crammed with numerous other officials and workers. A gentleman bids Croix good afternoon and reminds her that her report is due by the end of the week. Croix thanks the man for his reminder and assures that she will have it ready by then.

The elevator stops at the eleventh floor where Croix indicates they are to exit. When the creaky metal doors open, Croix leads them down a long hallway of closed business doors to the end. The gold plate mounted on the wooden door reads 'Arshad Chavla. Head of the Department of Seals and Barriers.'

"Chavla?' That sounds familiar," Akko comments.

Ursula realizes the connection first. "Could he be related to Miss Rakshtha?"

"If I remember correctly, he's the head of the Chavla family's younger brother," Croix says. "The family name helped him reach his current position in the Ministry. But he's also a capable sealing specialist comparable to his sister. He's responsible for maintaining all of the seals on magical creatures and criminals alike."

That piques Akko's interest. "The Ministry keeps criminals here?"

"The Ministry of Magic not only governs the magic world, but it is also responsible for keeping witches, wizards, and spellcasters from breaking the rules," Croix explains. "They have their own court hearing and everything. That's where the Minister is right now, actually. A particularly dangerous group was apprehended a week ago. She's in charge of their hearing today."

Croix knocks on the door. "Since the Minister isn't with us now, we'll have our Sealing Specialist lead us to where you need to go."

"Come in," a male's voice answers them.

Croix opens the door and steps inside, the others following after her.

A dark-skinned man with grey eyes and silver earrings in his both his ear lobes sits behind the only desk in the room. Beads adorn two long locks of his platinum blonde hair draped across his right shoulder. A plain beige turban covers his head. Both his hands are wrapped in clean white bandages. They cover his entire hand, including his fingertips, so none of his tanned skin is visible. The man goes about his paperwork and other activities without trouble so his hands do not appear to be injured in any visible way.

"Miss Meridies. Is there something you need?" he asks.

"These are the witches from Luna Nova who came to meet with Minister Bradley," Croix informs. "However, the Minister appears to be unavailable at the time. They were wondering if you could show them the locations of the seals that should be maintained on the magical creatures at the Ministry."

The man nods. "I can reassure you that they have been properly maintained. However, if it is a part of your assignment to confirm their reliability, I would be happy to show you to them. Ah, I am Arshad Chavla. And who might you ladies be?"

"Ursula Callistis. Pleased to meet you," Ursula introduces with a bow.

"I'm Kagari Atsuko. Nice to meet you!" Akko says.

But a third introduction doesn't come. Everyone turns to Diana and waits for a response. When five seconds go by without saying anything, Akko nudges Diana's arm to get her attention.

It does the trick. Diana blinks a few times and gets her bearings straight. "I sincerely apologize. I am Diana Cavendish. It is a pleasure to meet you."

"No worries. I am sure you are all tired from your long expedition," Arshad says with an empathetic smile. "It is a good opportunity for me to check on the seals for myself. It is also good to have the manager check on his assistants' performance."

Once again, they go down the hallway to the elevator. Arshad takes them to one of the lower levels and directs Ursula to the seals that should be checked. Croix hovers next to her, curious about the sealing techniques. While Ursula is checking on a few, Arshad goes to another part to check them for himself. There are at least two dozen seals that are in this level alone. Separating the work between more than one person will shorten the amount of time spent.

Akko tugs on Diana's hand when she goes to help Ursula check on the seals.

"Diana, are you okay?" Akko asks. "You've been spacing out a lot. Is it… is it the curse?"

Diana frowns. "I do not believe this is a symptom of the Curse of Blades. Perhaps recent events are affecting me more than I realize. My sleep has not been restful these past few days, after all."

"Do you need to rest? I can tell Professor Ursula that you want to take a break. I'm sure she'll understand."

Diana shakes her head. "I will be alright. Thank you for your concern."

Akko pouts. She grabs Diana hands and laces their fingers together. "It's okay to rest once in awhile, you know. No one's going to get mad at you for taking care of yourself."

Diana tries to keep her gaze on Akko's face instead of their intertwined hands. She does give Akko's hands an affirming squeeze.

"Will you listen if I refuse?" she asks instead. Her expression softens as Akko's stubbornness comforts her soul.

"Nope. I'll make you sleep myself if you won't."

Diana shakes her head. "That is something Hannah and Barbara have proposed before. Although, I do not believe they would be as audacious as you to actually go through with it."

"Well yeah. You're always studying; anyone would worry. Do you even sleep at night?"

"I can assure you, I give myself plenty of rest."

"In your standards. Which is probably three hours a night or something."

Diana cannot deny that. And that only proves Akko's point.

Akko's pout deepens. "See? Geez, let yourself relax for once!"

(Guess I have to do something about Diana's stubbornness myself. Grrr, she really leaves me no choice!)

Giving herself a pep talk to prepare herself, Akko leads them over to the side and sits down, pulling Diana down with her.

"A-Akko?" This time, Diana can't keep the blush from covering her cheeks. She turns her head away in an attempt to hide her feelings.

Akko sits so that Diana has the chance to lean her weight against her. She tries her best to ignore the redness creeping up her face. "Rest. Professor Ursula and the others can handle the sealing. We'll be on beck and call when they need us."

"I do not believe-"

Akko's adorable frown shuts down all of Diana's mental processes.

"Nope. You're resting. If you wanna help, you gotta stop worrying everyone first."

Diana realizes that this is a fight she cannot win. So she sighs and hesitantly shifts her weight so that she leans against Akko. She doesn't realize how exhausted she is until her entire body slumps with the opportunity to finally relieve its tension.

They stay silent like that. Diana closes her eyes and listens to Akko's breathing while Akko watches Ursula and Croix work on the seals together and chat.

"Thank you, Akko," Diana says out of nowhere.

But Akko understands the meaning.

"Well, who else is going to worry about you if you won't do it yourself?"

Diana smiles. "Of course. I suppose I can only reciprocate."

Akko blinks. "Eh?"

Meanwhile farther away from them, Croix leans closer to Ursula and whispers, "Is Diana alright? She spaced out twice in the past half hour. That doesn't seem normal for her."

Ursula glances back and sees Akko pulling Diana down next to the wall and urging her to take some time to relax. She smiles at her young mentee's actions.

(If anyone can get through Diana and her stubborn will, it's Akko.)

"Actually, there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you, Croix," Ursula responds. "It has to do with Diana."

Ursula fills Croix in on the last few days, including the dark tan that Diana conceals with Abscondam, the dreams, and Fei Wong's diagnosis. When she finishes, Croix's expression is grim.

"That's a nasty curse to have. And there is no known cure for it?"

Ursula shakes her head. "As far as Fei Wong knows. Diana said she was doing a bit of research before too and didn't find anything. But that was before she knew what was exactly affecting her."

"So all she can do is wait until her soul fully merges with her father's and activates the curse? That doesn't sound very reassuring."

"Which is why I was wondering if you can help, Croix." Ursula finishes checking the current seal and turns her full attention to Croix. "With your knowledge and resources, can you find a possible way to stop the Curse of Blades from destroying Diana? I know you're already busy with the work from the Ministry and finding Wangandea's cure. But you're the only one I can turn to."

"Chariot…"

Ursula looks back at Akko and smiles at how peaceful her two students are.

"Losing Diana is a tragedy I want to avoid. For everyone, especially Akko. I don't want to know how devastated she'll be when that time comes."

Croix smiles. "I see you're still the same as always, Chariot. You really do care about her."

"I've hurt Akko so much already. To atone for my sins, I will do everything to preserve her happiness."

"And that happiness lies in Diana?" Croix asks with amusement.

"To some part, at least," Ursula answers back with an equally pleasant smile.

"Alright, I'll put 'finding a cure to the Curse of Blades' as another monumental goal in my endless list of 'Things to do for Chariot.'"

"Croix! If it's too much to ask for…!"

Croix shakes her head fondly. "It's fine, Chariot. You're not the only one who's grown fond of Akko. I'll do my best to find a cure to the Curse of Blades."

Ursula's shoulders relax. "Thank you, Croix."

Croix smiles sadly. "It's the least I can do after all the trouble I caused."

She knows a simple apology or working for the Ministry is not enough to atone for the grief she has caused so many, particularly to Akko and Chariot. Not only her action, but also the reasoning behind her choices must be held accountable. Envy and frustration may be the cause of her malicious behavior, but that does not excuse the damages done. This is especially true toward the woman named Chariot du Nord.

Croix and Chariot were close friends torn apart by a decision that was out of their control. Yet, neither two were strong enough to overcome their differences to help one another. Instead, one turned against the other and caused irreversible ramifications. And they have no one to blame but themselves.

This is a burden these two young women must bear. While both find it hard not to allow the responsibility to crush them, it is time they learned to grow strong enough to bear this weight. If not alone, then at least together.

And that is the conclusion at least one of them has come to.

Ursula places a hand on Croix's. "You're right. You did a lot of horrible things. But what's done is done. The important thing is that you're regretful of your choices and want to fix it. Since we can't change the past, the best we can do is move forward from here."

Croix's eyes widen. "You're willing to cast everything aside so easily?"

Ursula shakes her head. "Not forget it. But if we linger on our mistakes, then we'll never progress. We'll stay the failures we are and never become the teachers that Akko and the others need."

"Speak for yourself. I'm no longer a professor, remember?"

"Not to Akko. Even if you don't hold a formal position at Luna Nova, she'll still see you as someone who tried to improve magic in her own way. It might have been a little twisted at the time, but you were only trying your best, weren't you?"

Croix gapes at Ursula. Then she slaps her face with her free hand. "As usual, you're still as naive as you were before, Chariot."

Ursula frowns. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"Well, I guess that line of thinking has its perks." Croix shrugs. "Even if you say moving forward is all we can do, I won't forget everything I've done. Every harm I caused. To Akko." She looks directly into Ursula's eyes. "To you. Even if you and Akko are willing to forgive me so easily, others won't be. And I'll be ready when that judgment comes. But for now, I'll do as you say we should. Move forward from here."

"I'm not saying we have to forget. Just to not let it tie you down." Ursula looks away. "That's what caused so much damage between Akko and I, after all."

"Yet you two managed to make it up with each other. So something happened at least."

Ursula looks down. "Akko… is someone who will surprise you in the most unexpected ways. If it was anyone else, I don't think I'd be let off so easily."

Croix nods. "People like that are rare. So it's best to preserve their happiness so that they can continue to inspire many others. To do that, I'll do what I can to keep Atsuko Kagari from falling just like we did. If that means finding a nonexistent cure to a powerful curse, then that seems easy enough. An easy first step to make up for the damages I've caused."

"And I'll be taking those steps with you. No matter how far apart we are, we both have to atone for our sins."

Croix sighs with a small smile. "Guess I wouldn't want anyone else by my side."

Once they're done inspecting all of the seals on this level, Arshad takes Ursula and Croix to the other levels to check the remaining seals. Ursula lets Akko and Diana know that they are free to stay and relax as they do so. She, Croix, and Arshad will regroup with Akko and Diana once they are finished.

As they manage the other seals, Croix notices that Ursula's mind is preoccupied by something else.

"There's something else that's bothering you," Croix states without preamble.

Ursula knows that she can't hide her feelings from Croix, so she tells her about the other problem she and Akko and Diana encountered in the past few days regarding the mysterious sabotager.

"Someone has been deliberately weakening the seals around the Six Great Houses?" Croix frowns. "Could it be someone who wants to hurt the most influential families in the magic world? The timing seems too convenient."

"That's what I thought too. But all of the outbreaks only happen when we're there. Not to mention only a single magical creatures breaks from its seal and no more." Ursula clenches her fist. "Akko and Diana were endangered too many times. Akko was even severely injured while we were visiting the House of Lefevre."

Croix places a hand on Ursula's trembling fist. "You're doing all you can. Akko is fine now. The injury must not have been too serious if she's as energetic as the last time I saw her."

Ursula smiles lightly. "Diana and I were able to treat her burns within a short amount of time. Thankfully, they didn't leave any lasting damage. I don't know what I would have done if Akko became crippled within my care."

"You'd probably kick the beast to oblivion with nothing but your own brute strength," Croix jokes. "While Akko tries to hold you back, telling you that everything's fine at the same time."

Ursula balks at a joke she does not find humorous. "Is that how you think of me?"

"Chariot, I saw you drop kick the Noir Dragon with nothing but your own weight."

"I had enhancements activated!"

Croix raises an eyebrow. "Really? I didn't hear you cast any arias."

"That's because you were too busy giving your villain speech."

Croix regards Ursula with a smirk. "My 'villain speech?'"

This time, Ursula falls into Croix's teasing rhythm. "You've always had a flare for the dramatic."

Croix chuckles. "I'm only inspired by the best."

Their light banter helps ease the tension and nervousness that was preoccupying Ursula's attention. She is able to finish examining all of the seals without any troubles. The entire process only took at most three hours. Once they're done, she and Croix regroup with Arshad and head back to the level they left Akko and Diana at.

"I take it everything is secure?" Arshad asks in the elevator. The elevator beeps, signaling their stop.

"Yes. Everything appears to be maintained well," Ursula replies. "There were a few that needed a bit help, but for the most part they all looked strong enough to hold its magical creature for the next few centuries at least."

Arshad chuckles. "I highly doubt they'll be left alone for that long. I developed specific guidelines to have someone maintain the seals at least once a year. Just for precautions."

"Better safe than sorry."

A pleasant surprise awaits them as they approach Akko and Diana. The two students are exactly where the adults left them a few hours ago. Only now, the two are fast asleep against one another. Diana's head, previously leaning against Akko, is now on top of Akko's head. Meanwhile, the side of Akko's head lies on the side of Diana's arm. The two are peacefully relaxed, their faces without a trace of burden or hardship.

Ursula can't help but smile at the tender sight. She really doesn't want to disturb them now.

"They must have been exhausted," Croix comments. "I can't imagine falling asleep in a position like that."

"Croix, do I have to remind you how many times you fell asleep sitting upright from studying all night?" Ursula teases.

"But that was in a familiar environment. I don't think I'd consider the lower levels of the Ministry of Magic as a comfortable place to sleep."

Arshad steps in. "As touching as this is, Miss Meridies is correct. I do not believe this is a suitable location for two young witches to rejuvenate themselves. Shall we take them to a more convenient area?"

"Yes, I suppose that is best." As much as Ursula doesn't want to break this serenity, she knows Akko and Diana will thank her later when they don't have nasty knots in their muscles.

Ursula leans down and taps on each of the girls' shoulders. "Akko, Diana, it's time to wake up."

Akko's head snaps up so fast that she throws Diana to the side and almost hits Ursula's face. She turns her head side to side with bleary eyes that she tries to clear as fast as possible. Meanwhile, Diana blinks from her side on the ground and sits up with a subdued reaction. She rubs her face to clear away any remaining traces of fatigue.

Overall, the sight is even more adorable than their sleeping forms. Ursula is tempted to hold them both in a tight hug.

Akko calms down after she realizes it's just Ursula."Oh, hi Professor Ursula. Did you finish checking everything?"

"Yes. Everything went well. We were able to finish without any problems."

Akko blinks. "Really? After everything we've been through, I actually expected something bad to happen. Maybe my luck's finally changing!"

"You know, there is something called karma that may strike when you least expect it and prove you wrong," Arshad remarks.

Akko gets to her feet and offers Diana a hand. The blonde witch takes it without a second thought and uses it to steady herself into consciousness.

"Well, it's been long enough. Let's go see if Miss Minister is free now," Croix says.

"I was not aware we fell asleep. How long has passed since you left us, Professor Ursula?" Diana asks as they enter the elevator and ascend to the main floor.

"Only about three hours," Ursula answers. When Diana's eyes widen, Ursula quickly adds, "There was no problem at all! With Croix and Mister Chavla, we were able to finish inspecting all of the seals with no issues. It was good that you and Akko took the opportunity to rest. You two have been through so much in the past few days. There's no harm taking a break for a few hours of one day."

"See, I told you Professor Ursula won't mind," Akko says. "Do you feel better at least?"

Diana sighs in defeat. "I must admit, I feel much better after the short rest."

"Did you see your dad again?"

Diana blinks at Akko's interest in her dreams. "I did. We spoke for a short period of time before Professor Ursula woke us."

She does not mention that the entire conversation was about Akko and how she forced Diana to take a break right in the middle of the Ministry of Magic. Diana definitely doesn't mention how hard Arthur laughed at her flustered retelling of Akko's stubbornness.

No, she leaves that unsaid.

The elevator doors open to the main hall of the Ministry of Magic. Akko, Diana, Ursula, and Croix step out of the elevator. But Arshad remains inside.

"If that is all from me, I need to head back to my office and resume my work. Being the head of a department comes with a mountain of paperwork," Arshad chuckles dejectedly.

"Thank you for your help, Mister Chavla," Ursula says with a bow.

"Please, call me Arshad. 'Mister Chavla' makes me sound older than I already am."

With that, Arshad presses the appropriate button and returns to his work. After the elevator doors close, the four witches stand by the statues of the Nine Olde Witches to wait for the Minister of Magic.

"I should go look for the Minister to see if she's finished with the hearing," Croix says. "Will you three be alright waiting here for me?"

"We'll be fine," Ursula answers. "Take your time, Croix."

Before Croix can take more than ten steps away, a loud ringing strikes through their eardrums. Everyone jumps at the sudden noise that continues to blare without any indication of ceasing. Flashing red lights accompany the obnoxious sound.

Akko feels dizzy from the overflow of stimuli. "What's this? It's so loud."

"This is the emergency alarm that sounds whenever there is a crisis," Croix says. "Judging from the red lights, this is a Rank A emergency."

"Is that bad?"

Croix's grim expression says it all. "Rank A is one level under the highest and most dangerous level. Calling it bad is an understatement. I need to take you three to the shel-"

Screams draw their attention toward multiple directions. A group of bipedal, furry creatures with snapping jaws and sharp claws appear out of nowhere and begin to assault anyone nearby.

The obvious features give away the species of these creatures. Even with her limited knowledge, Akko recognizes these infamous beasts.

"Werewolves?!"

"This is bad." Croix takes out her wand and readies herself for a fight. "At this rate, we won't be able to get to the emergency shelter."

Ursula follows Croix's lead and takes out her own wand. "That just means we have to defend ourselves!"

Diana and Akko do the same. The four stand back to back as the werewolves start to come closer to them.

"I think this is what Arshad meant by karma," Croix says to lighten the mood.

"Now is not the time, Croix!" Ursula yells.

"Just trying to defuse the tension."

"I can't say I appreciate your new sense of humor."

"New? Excuse you, I've always had a sense of humor."

"Be on guard!" Diana interrupts the lovers' quarrel. "The wolves are approaching!"

The wolves snarl as they come closer. A quick glance counts at least a dozen werewolves surrounding them at all sides. Everyone else has either been severely wounded or fled. The four witches can only rely on each other.

Diana tightens her hold on her wand and keeps an eye on Akko. This isn't like the attack at the Pavlova Mansion. The werewolves are smarter, faster, and stronger than simple homunculi bodies.

The werewolves pounce. All hell breaks loose.

(Sorry for the long) Author's Notes:

I headcanoned that Akko doesn't know that Diana knows Ursula and Chariot are the same person (wow that was a mouthful). I don't think Diana explicitly mentions knowing to Akko, just that she spoke to Ursula about what happened. Normally you'd think someone would eventually put the pieces together, but not Akko. *shrugs* it's a minor detail.

I'm alright with Charoix but it's not my OTP. Diakko is the only ship in this series that owns my life as much as it does.

Similar to Hannah and Barbara becoming nicer people, Croix's "redemption arc" should really be longer than around 500 words. But that subplot is difficult to weave into this overall story, so I'm leaving that there as is. Another story focusing on Chariot and Croix can try to tackle that problem. This story already has enough as it is.

And while we're at this, I would like to clarify something about the soul fusion:

In a lot of other media, the merging of souls is an intimate thing where two individuals become one in the closest way possible and it's all sweet. This is not the case. There is nothing lovely about Diana and Arthur's merge. Arthur is a parasite that Diana failed to recognize due to lack of knowledge about soul thaumaturgy. The only intimacy in relation to souls is the resonation that Fei Wong mentioned two chapters ago. Anything closer than that is bad, bad, bad.

And if anyone is put off about the "Diana will develop some of an adult man's traits," all I had in mind is a minor personality distortion, a growth spurt, and mixing up memories (which will come into play soon). Nothing more. This story is rated T for the action and maybe profanity, not for anything else.

Fun Fact:

The Ministry of Magic is inspired by the government body of the same name in the Harry Potter series. Even the main entrance hall is suppose to look like it. I'm just… really bad at describing stuff.