Summary: In which Diana and Ursula return to Luna Nova so that Diana can have a good talk with Akko. Or not.

Author's Notes:

Warnings for mild violence

Act VI. viii. Grasping For Happiness and Normality - Take_My_Hand

Although Diana would rather not sleep, Sakura and the others urge her to get as much rest as she can. It isn't only for her personal health reasons, but also to allow the replacement philosopher's stone to fully stabilize with her body and soul.

Therefore, the most Diana allows herself is to drift in and out of unconsciousness without fully falling asleep. As such, she'll flash to that green and blue landscape for only a moment before she pulls herself back to reality by blinking awake.

For once, her doppelganger of steel is nowhere to be found. The only strange presence is the same disembodied voice from before. The voice is familiar enough to tickle the back of Diana's mind. But she cannot corroborate the identity of the voice. No matter how hard she tries, it continues to elude her.

It speaks once during the entire time Diana drifts in and out of consciousness.

"The Demon Witch, no matter how strong, is still a witch in the end."

That's all the voice tells her before the light of dawn signals a new day, prompting Diana to leave her bed and give up on any chance of sleep.

Diana and the others stay for another two days to complete the rest of Diana's physical therapy and make a complete recovery after Avaritia's assault. Thankfully, no other demons attack them during that time. Ursula also makes sure to check up on Akko and Luna Nova whenever she can. Nothing occurs over on their side as well.

On the last day, everyone except Sophia and Sakura pack their things and prepare to leave the Pavlova Mansion. They all congregate at the entrance of the mansion to leave, with Sophia and Sakura seeing them off.

"Thank you for your hospitality and allowing us to stay an extra day," Ursula says with a bow. The three children follow her lead.

Sophia sighs. "Might have been better if we had just done this at Luna Nova as usual. Would've saved me the trouble of having my house attacked by an actual demon from hell."

"But you needed to tend to Daniel's prosthetic as well," Diana says.

"Yeah. Thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. Except then the stone blew up and destroyed everything else."

"I apologize for the inconveniences I've caused."

Sophia waves her off. "It happens. Just sort out whatever you're entangled in." Sophia points the bowl of her pipe at Diana. "I expect to see some more smiles from you next time. Less of that doom and gloom. Even that Kagari's annoying enthusiasm beats that depression settling over you. It'll be interesting to see her again."

Diana and Ursula turn to look at each other with equally appalled expressions.

"Do you… wish to see Akko, Lady Sophia?" Diana asks slowly.

"What the hell makes you think that?"

Sakura uses her elbow to jab Sophia. Because of their height difference, she can only reach up to Sophia's upper thigh. "Why can't you just admit that you miss Akko? Did you guys know that Lady Sophia developed a soft spot for Akko after we met up to revive Diana?"

"Just because you're a kid doesn't mean I'm not willing to use you as a test subject."

"But who else is going to keep you company in this giant, empty mansion?"

"Is that why you're not leaving yet?" Katherine asks.

Sophia rolls her eyes. "I'm not your replacement parent, brat. But…" She runs her hand through her hair with an exasperated sigh. "I suppose it's been more tolerable to have someone else to talk to. There's only so much I can do with just the homunculi before I start wondering if I'm losing my sanity. Not that that wasn't the case even when Egor was still alive."

"So you admit you like having me around!"

"I said it was more tolerable, not that I enjoy your presence."

Sakura grins. "But you don't hate it~" Then to Katherine she says, "So don't worry about me. I'll be okay with the cranky old lady. Whenever I get too lonely at the temple, I just pay her a visit!"

Sophia's lips pull back into an irritated snarl. "You really like testing my patience."

Katherine giggles. "I'll try to visit you more often. You can show me around your temple!"

"That's the plan!"

The two girls embrace one last time. Once they're done saying their farewells, Katherine follows Daniel into the black car waiting for them.

Shutting the door, Katherine turns to her brother and frowns at the serious expression etched on his face. "Why do you look like you want to use the toilet?"

Instead of jabbing back as he usually does, Daniel responds, "It's nothing. Just thinking. It's nothing you need to be concerned over."

Katherine's mouth drops open. Unable to keep the surprise from showing, Katherine turns away from Daniel and whispers to herself, "Okay, when you reply like that I'll definitely want to worry about it."

But as the car starts to move, Katherine chooses not to press the issue just as Daniel asks of her.

Diana and the others watch the car disappear into the leyline terminal. She and Ursula mount Diana's broom to leave as well.

"Diana, take care of yourself okay?" Sakura says. "If it really is Goetia that's after you…"

Diana offers Sakura a small smile. "I'll do my best. Whatever happens, I will not allow despair to win."

"That's a good answer," Sophia remarks. "Make sure you don't break that body too much. It's durable, but not indestructible. And I have a feeling you're going to be taking a lot of hits with that demon as your opponent."

Diana nods. "Thank you for your help." She regards all three of the women. "All of you."

"Of course, Diana. We wouldn't let you fight against this alone," Ursula says. "And I'm sure Akko and the others share the same sentiments."

"You're not even an adult and you're shouldering burdens enough to break a grown man's sanity," Sakura remarks solemnly.

"You're just unlucky to be the one in the middle of it all. And you," Sophia pokes Sakura's cheek, "should listen to yourself."

Diana shakes her head with a small smile. "Then, we will be off."

With a quick chant of Tia Freyre, Diana and Ursula take off into the leyline back to Luna Nova. Right before entering the leyline terminal, they both turn back to wave goodbye to Sophia and Sakura one last time.

"Where do you think Goetia is hiding?" Ursula asks once they're flying through the leyline.

"I have no idea. I was about to ask if you had any suggestions."

Ursula hums. "After so many years confined in the Arcturus Forest, Goetia shouldn't have a physical form anymore. After all, it was only her soul bound to the tree in the forest."

"You're suggesting she too has acquired a human to become her host?"

"That's my best guess. Though I'm not sure who could have flown into the Arcturus Forest during that time. Even the Ministry doesn't keep an account of who travels to and from that realm. Especially since the Forest is supposed to be sealed off from outsiders."

"Then that makes it nearly impossible to determine who could be Goetia." Diana furrows her brows. "However, if Miss Croix's guess is correct and the Ministry already knew of the breech…"

"Because of confidentiality, they aren't one to readily share that kind of information in the first place."

"Not even to high ranking members in the Ministry?"

"If you mean Croix, then that seems unlikely. Even if she is the head of her department, she is still a new appointed member. Not to mention that she is still considered on patrol."

"Then we have almost no method to acquire more information." Diana sighs in defeat.

Ursula nods solemnly in agreement. "All we know is that Goetia is most likely somewhere in Luna Nova. But where could she be?"

The two mull over countless questions until they exit the leyline and dismount Diana's broom at Luna Nova.

Ursula steps off Diana's broom and gathers her belongings. "I'll report to Headmistress Holbrooke in person to discuss with her the measures we should take against Goetia's threat. What about you, Diana?"

"I will look for Akko once I've placed my belongings in my room. I suppose we've both had plenty of time to gather ourselves on our own."

"I'm sure she'll be happy to see you," Ursula says, her lips pulling up into an encouraging smile.

Diana matches Ursula's smile. "I do not doubt that. I have missed her as well."

The two go their separate ways. Although it's the weekend, the hallways are filled with bustling students going to their own destinations or simply chatting with one another. Almost all of them are surprised to see her again after her four day absence. But Diana pays no attention to them. There are only a select few she's looking for, and these students are not them.

By the time Diana reaches her room, her desire to see Akko again reaches barely restrainable levels. She unceremoniously drops her bag on the floor next to her bed. She nearly does the same with her broom but decides to lean it against the wall instead.

There is so much she wants to talk to Akko about. There is the matter with Goetia and the dangers that lurk within this very school. However, most of all Diana just wants to make sure Akko is alright.

While Ursula had reassured her that Akko has recovered since her near-death experience, Diana needs to be certain of Akko's condition with her own eyes. Everything else can wait; just knowing that everyone is alright is enough for now.

Diana isn't sure where Akko and the others will be, especially since there are no classes for the day. With a free day, they could be anywhere. Regardless, she first tries the red team's room as it ensures the highest level of privacy in case their conversation needs to take place.

Diana knocks on the door. To her surprise, it really does open. And standing on the other side is Akko herself.

"D-DIANA?!"

"Ak- Oof!"

Akko suddenly barrels into her, tackling them both to the ground. Diana's back slams against the ground with a reverberating thud.

"Oh crap sorry!" Akko apologizes, sitting up on top of Diana. "Professor Ursula said you were fine but you could still be injured since apparently you guys were attacked."

"I am fine," Diana wheezes. "Or rather, I was fine. Goodness Akko, I suppose your exuberance confirms that you are alright."

"Oh me? Yeah I'm fine. Nurse Ophelia's nasty medicine works wonders!"

"Akko, you're not supposed to strain yourself," Lotte chides, coming up behind them and standing at the doorway with Sucy by her side. "Nurse Ophelia says there's still a chance that you can reopen your wound if you're not careful."

"Or cause some other kind of damage," Sucy comments.

"My right side is only a little sore!" Akko protests.

Diana sighs. "I should have expected that of you. Though, I am glad to see you are well enough to move about at least."

"Yeah. It's been a long four days of recovery. Oh, I should get off of you."

Akko moves off of Diana and helps her to her feet. Once they're both steady, the two pull their hands back to their sides and avert their gazes.

"Akko-"

"Diana-"

Sucy rolls her eyes. "Oh geez."

"There's something we need to talk about," Akko says. "Other than people trying to kill us. It's about… just us."

Diana nods. "I agree. You may start."

Akko takes a deep breath. "Okay, so-"

"You!" Amanda's voice rings out, interrupting Akko.

All four of them turn to look down the hall. Standing at the end is Jasminka, Hannah, and Barbara. Jasminka's chips are dropped and forgotten on the ground as she joins the other two to stare incredulously at the girl running down the hall.

That would be Amanda, sprinting full force toward them with a look of absolute fury.

Amanda turns her feet sideways, skidding to a stop right in front of Diana. She pulls her fist back and yells, "DIANA!"

And before anyone can do anything, Amanda slugs Diana across the face. Taken off guard, Diana falls to the ground and barely braces her arms to stop the other side of her face from planting on the ground.

As soon as Amanda's knuckles hit Diana's cheek, everyone awakens from their trance.

Jasminka reaches Amanda first and grabs her in a rear under-shoulder lock with her arms under Amanda's armpits to keep her from moving. Hannah and Barbara follow behind, crying for Diana. Lotte gasps. Even Sucy's eyes widen.

Akko shouts, "What the hell, Amanda?!"

"Are you insane?!" Barbara demands, kneeling down by Diana. "I really believed you were joking when you said you were going to punch Diana. But I guess I was wrong to think you WOULDN'T DO IT!"

Hannah steps up to Amanda next to Akko with a glare of her own. "You know, I thought you were okay. I guess you really are just a brute without any manners!"

But Amanda isn't paying attention to any of them. She levels a glare at Diana, watching as Diana tests her jaw.

"Diana, are you okay? Do you need to see Nurse Ophelia?" Barbara asks.

Diana holds up a hand and shakes her head. With Barbara's help, she regains her footing enough to walk up to Amanda. Diana matches Amanda's glare with her own.

Her cheek throbs. Diana hadn't thought that her first injury after Sophia and Sakura's warnings would be from Amanda's fist. Though she can't deny that it doesn't surprise her.

"Are you finished?" Diana asks. "I do not wish to heal your hand twice."

Everyone turns to Diana in surprise, echoing a simultaneous "Diana?" in confusion.

Amanda growls. But just when everyone thinks she's going to fight against Jasminka and try to hit Diana again, Amanda slouches in defeat.

"Yeah, I'm done," Amanda grumbles.

Diana pulls out her wand. "Jasminka, you may release Amanda."

"But…"

Amanda sighs. "It's fine, Jasna. I'm done. Really. I don't want to punch that stupid perfect face anymore. My hand's already screaming from hitting it once."

Jasminka hesitates for another moment before pulling her arms back from Amanda. Amanda staggers on her feet, then turns her head away as she offers Diana her right hand.

Diana turns it over to examine the bleeding and bruised knuckles. She doesn't need to touch them to guess that they're most likely fractured as well.

"Cheh. That body of yours is as durable as ever," Amanda complains.

Green light envelopes Amanda's hand, soothing the pain and repairing it.

"Did you expect it to be any different?"

"Thought it'd hurt less the second time. Guess not."

"Wait, this has happened before?!" Hannah exclaims.

"A few months ago I believe," Diana replies. "If I recall, it was shortly after I regained my mobility once my soul adjusted to the new body."

"Wait, where was I when this happened?" Akko asked.

"I believe you had remedial lessons."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

Diana glances at Amanda, who has her head turned to the side in silent annoyance.

"You made Akko cry! You- You-! I won't forgive you for making Akko go through that!"

Amanda's accusations all those months ago ring through Diana's head. If her hunch is correct, this is the reason why Amanda punched her despite knowing of her body's durability.

And just like that first time, Diana chooses not to impart that secret. Not until Amanda herself is comfortable telling the others.

So for now, she only replies with, "It was of no importance."

"I'm pretty sure getting punched in the face by a friend is important," Akko argues.

Diana sighs. "I understood her reasons, and therefore forgave her."

"So you just-! Are you just going to let Amanda punch you every time whatever reason you two refuse to tell us happens again?!" Barbara asks.

No, because that would mean Akko will cry because of her again. And that is a mistake Diana refuses to repeat.

The green light encompassing Amanda's arm begins to dim as Diana finishes healing Amanda's hand. Once Diana pulls back her hand and sheathes her wand, Amanda clenches her fist to test the repaired bone and muscle.

"Thanks, Diana," Amanda grumbles. "You gonna… uh, do the same for yourself?"

"While I appreciate the concern, there is no need." Diana rubs the sore area thoughtfully. "Your strike did no damage. Even the throbbing has stopped."

Though Diana is certain that her cheek is still at least a little red and chaffed. Her body may be durable, but it isn't impervious to any damage. Especially given Amanda must have thrown her entire body weight into the punch.

"Ya know, that annoying look you have right now makes me want to punch you again!" Amanda shouts.

"DON'T!" the others yell.

Amanda raises her hands up in defense. "I was kidding! Kind of."

Akko reaches her hand up toward Diana's cheek. But she thinks better of it and drops her hand down to her side. "Are you sure you're okay?"

She wants to tell Akko that she is no longer afraid. After drowning in her own fears and guilt for so long, she needs Akko to know that she's willing to struggle against the chains that bind her. And although she fears endangering her friends, she's ready to let them in to help her through the pain.

But sometimes there are other ways to express her thoughts. Rather than using words, Diana decides to express what she wants to convey through her actions.

Pushing past her and Akko's hesitations, Diana reaches up with both her hands to cup the sides of Akko's face and pulls her in for a long, overdue kiss. Diana thinks she hears several gasps and even a gag, but she's too focused on Akko's arms moving around her body and pulling them both flush against each other.

When was the last time they were able to enjoy each other's presences without the looming dread of death and despair breathing down their necks? When was the last time either of them basked in pure happiness? Far too long; Diana truly cannot remember the last time she was able to actually be Akko's girlfriend.

The need to breathe pulls them apart. But the two waste no time to initiate a second kiss. They would have done the same a third time if not for the aggravating reminder that they are not alone.

"AHEM. You two!" Hannah calls out.

Amanda groans. "Oh god, can you two please get a room?"

"Not ours. I'm not putting up with this," Sucy deadpans.

"Well not ours either! Where are we supposed to go?!" Barbara asks.

Lotte shakes her head. "There's no way Akko and Diana can do this in our room if me and Sucy aren't to intrude. Besides, Diana's bookshelf acts as enough cover in your room. Akko doesn't even have that."

"If you two want, you can come to our room again," Jasminka offers.

"Jasna! No fucking way!" Amanda protests.

"Why not? They've been over a few times already."

Ignoring their friends, Diana smiles down at Akko and says, "To answer your question: I am alright. Much, much better in fact."

"I- Wow, I think I can see that," Akko replies in a daze. "I think this is the first time you started one of these kisses."

Diana giggles, shocking Akko and everyone else into silence. "I cannot even remember when our last kiss was."

"Me…" Akko frowns, "me neither. Oh man, has it really been that long?!"

"Either that, or they were forced in a way that makes it almost ingenuine."

"The last few months… Yeah, I can't even say I'm really happy with how things were. You guys were all right. I just refused to accept it." Akko steps back from Diana's embrace to face them all. "I'm not running anymore. You were all right; I shouldn't have denied it for so long. I just didn't want things to go bad after it finally seemed to be okay. But I guess that only made everything worse. But no more! Kagari Atsuko isn't going to cower anymore! If I keep running away, how am I supposed to reach any of my goals?!"

Diana gasps. "Akko… You've come to this realization?"

"Took all of us just to get it through that thick skull of hers," Amanda says. "We really got to hammer it into her after you made Akko cry and left her by herself."

"If you are still upset about that, please don't hold yourself back."

"I'd rather punch a dragon."

"Wait," Sucy squints at them, "don't tell me Amanda punched you because-"

"THAT'S TOTALLY NOT IT!" Amanda shouts.

Akko tilts her head in confusion. "Huh?"

"Oh my god. Seriously?" Hannah giggles. "You're such a softie!"

Barbara snickers. "I'm not going to forgive you for hitting Diana. But if that was your reason-"

"You know what, no one else is going to say anything," Amanda growls. "Anyway, is anyone else hungry? All this just reminded me that we haven't grabbed lunch yet."

Diana chuckles. "I agree with Amanda. Some lunch would be wonderful right now."

"Yeah, so let's drop everything that just happened and get some food."

"Sure, sure, softie," Hannah teases.

"I seriously hate all of you," Amanda grumbles.

The few teases and some light-hearted banter to catch up they share along the way to the dining hall continues after they've claimed a table and sat down to eat their food. Hannah and Barbara stop teasing Amanda to tell Diana what she missed during the last few days of classes. Now free from her embarrassment, Amanda prods Akko with questions like asking how good of a kisser Diana is.

"Better than you'll ever be!" Akko boasts.

Diana isn't sure whether she should be proud or embarrassed by Akko's confident reply.

"Oh yeah? Let's test that right here and now. Unless you're chicken?" Amanda goads.

"I-I'm not chicken! I just don't want to kiss anyone now that I'm in a relationship!"

"Hey if Diana is alright with it, I don't see any problem."

"Akko, you are not kissing Amanda," Diana hisses.

Amanda howls with laughter as Akko turns to stare incredulously at Diana.

"D-Damn, Diana," Amanda chokes out through her chortles. "I-I didn't think you'd get this jealous!"

"Amanda, you were the one who said you would never kiss Akko because you didn't want to upset Diana," Jasminka points out.

The entire table falls silent.

"Oh, is that so?" Diana and Akko ask.

"Softie Amanda strikes again," Barbara giggles to Hannah.

"I heard that!"

"I think I'm going to be sick," Sucy groans.

Lotte pats Sucy's back with a knowing nod. "It's okay Sucy. They're only going to get even worse from here."

"Is that your people's intuition guiding that guess?"

Lotte smiles. "My parents, actually. Two people who really love each other will show so much affection that it'll seem smothering to other people. But to those two, it'll seem like the most normal thing in the world."

"It doesn't make it any less gross."

"I completely agree."

The group turn back to their food before it gets cold. They fall back into normal conversation without going far enough to instigate any intense bickering. Diana only catches herself rubbing her fingers against her utensils once during the entire meal.

Everything feels right.

The tip of the blade drags against the cobblestone steps leading up to the school entrance. If it was its own sword it would not act so careless. However, this is but a nameless weapon once wielded by its host during his life. Its copies were easily discarded before, so it cares little for a mass produced weapon.

Not that it can raise its arm with much freedom. It's already taken all of its concentration to drag itself forward one leg at a time.

This body will not last long. Such are the limitations of a corpse that has already undergone rigor mortis.

How impudent. Such a state is unbecoming for the demon of pride. Though it has no say in this matter; it was her who summoned it to this world, and therefore she provided the container. A strange choice, but it has no right to complain. At the very least, there should be no one to witness its pathetic state.

That is why the long, black haired woman that stands in its way at the entrance to the school takes it by surprise.

"Oh? I was not aware that I would be provided an escort. Perhaps you humans do possess your manners."

Though her floor-length hair falls over her face like a curtain, it is able to see the woman narrow her eyes. "What business do you have here, Demon? Moreover, that body…"

It lifts its left arm, smiling in faux shame as bits of rotted flesh fall to the ground. "Unfortunately, I cannot choose my containers. And it is not my place to complain to my summoner."

"Why not kill the spellcaster who brought you to this world and find another way to sustain yourself once you've acquired a new host? Surely someone of your caliber is capable of finding an alternative."

"Ah, so you are knowledgeable about us. However, that is impossible as well." It shakes its head ruefully. "My summoner is a rather… troublesome existence. I loathe to call her my master, but that is what she is in this relationship."

"And who is this master of yours?"

The demon tuts. "Ah, that is also not my place to say. Though I doubt it is impossible for you to guess."

"Of course. Only one wretched witch is capable of summoning a demon embodying the first sin." The woman reaches into her robes and brandishes her wand. "Where is the Demon Witch hiding? Where on this campus?"

"Who knows? I myself have not actually seen her current form. Her orders," it taps its temple with a finger, "are always transmitted through here."

Green energy gathers at the tip of her wand. "In that case, would I be able to hijack your call if I blew open your skull?"

"You're welcome to try. Though that elusive woman is rather difficult to get a hold of. She won't answer to you; she only communicates when she requires something to be done."

"She sounds like a troublesome master."

"Oh of course. However, it has always been this way."

The demon rushes forward, whipping its sword and directing the tip toward the woman's throat. Despite the general immobility of this body, it is not impossible to move about as if its host is like any other living human.

Even so, all it has are its natural talents and one ordinary sword against a magic user who is apparently skilled enough to detect its presence before anyone else. But that is enough. The circumstances are similar to the first time Goetia had given her commands to the sins of Purgatorio. They had fought against witches and spellcasters then; it is not impossible to do so against a single witch.

After all, what cannot be accomplished by one who holds the highest seat of pride?

The demon grins and meets her spells head on. It boasts in front of her, "And I will play the role I have been given with no imperfections."

It swings its blade down, eager to draw first blood.

Author's Notes:

The narrator at the end is the demon of pride. The witch who confronts it is Professor Lovecraft.

RIP one of them.

Fun Fact:

The first time Amanda punches Diana, she comes close enough to angry tears. This is probably the incident where they grow close in this universe.