"AKKO!" Amanda crashed into the red team's room huffing for breath. Everyone in the room held their breaths. Sucy stopped midway mixing potions, Lotte almost tore a page out of her Nightfall novel, and Akko was half way pulling her pajama shirt on. "Buddy, you gotta help me!"

"I swear if you're gonna drag me into one of your heists…" Akko began slipping on the rest of her shirt.

"No!" Amanda waved off fully walking into the room. "I'm in a lot of trouble."

"Surprise, surprise…" Sucy jest finishing her potion mixture.

Amanda briefly narrowed her eyes at the Mushroom Queen but quickly looked back to Akko. "I'm being blackmailed!"

Akko's mouth dropped. "Haaah?!"

"For what? And by who?" Lotte questioned looking at the American quizzically.

"By a group of seniors… They took something I was trying to steal…"

Sucy spun around in her chair seemingly interested in the turn of events. "Did you try to ask one of them out? Please O'Neil, elaborate."

Amanda frowned. "Sometimes Manbavara..."

"I'm waiting Amanda…" Akko sat on her bed and crossed her arms.

Amanda groaned. "Alright, alright…." She plopped on the ground bracing herself. "I… I was trying to break into the Magical Artifact vault to steal a 'Golden Scale'… The scale let's the person who possess it hold their breaths underwater for an extremely long time… But these seniors on patrol caught me, and they took the gold scale from me. They said if I didn't listen to them then they would pin it on me and ensure my expulsion."

Akko face palmed herself. She couldn't believe her partner in crime got caught, and by seniors no less. The seniors this year weren't particularly fond of Akko's class. Aside from holding six of the most troublesome students in Luna Nova history, they didn't like that the ever so perfect Diana Cavendish, and the 'Savior of the World and Magic' Atsuko Kagari managed to be in this class either. Something about 'ruling the school' and whatnot. Things that Akko and her friends really didn't care about, but was somehow important. Most of Akko's bullies now days were seniors, and they were relentless. The brunette actually made a conscious effort to stay away from them.

"There are several things wrong with that story…" Sucy was about to being her analysis of Amanda's stupidity.

"Sucy!" Of course, Lotte was always there, much to everyone's gratitude, to stem Sucy's teasing. "Anyways Amanda, what is it do they want you to do?"

"And why, would you ever drag me into it?" Akko was genuinely curious. There really wasn't anything that she could do that Amanda or any senior could do themselves. Even Diana would have been a better choice.

Amanda sighed. "Because you can play the guitar."

Everyone stopped again. It was no surprise that Akko's closes friends knew pretty much everything about her, she was an open book after all, especially to those who she trusted. They knew about the death of her parents, her penchant for science, her past depression, her unspoken achievements in the non-magical world. Everything. Even her musical inclination. But it was such an odd request from the American, and even odder that it had anything to do with Amanda's situation.

"What's that have to do with anything?" Akko sat up in bed and studied the American. "Why do you need someone who can play the guitar?"

"Haven't you heard Akko?" Lotte peered over her bunk into Akko's bunk. "There's a talent competition coming up. Apparently, the prize is something good."

"What's the prize?" Akko peeked up.

"No one knows, but everyone wants it." Lotte answered.

"That still doesn't answer my question…"

"They want to play a song."

"What song?"

"… Bohemian Rhapsody…"

"WHAT!? That's a joke!" Akko frantically looked around the room looking for some sort of an explanation or some kind of logic. "They want to play a Queen song? Do you know who Queen is?!"

"Yes! That's why they want to do it! They think if they can pull it off they'll win."

"They're timeless, that's what they are?!" Akko continued ignoring Amanda's reply, since it wasn't the answer the brunette wanted. "Dear god, they're gonna butcher that song… I would butcher that song!"

"Please Akko! I don't have anyone else to ask!"

"Amanda, I haven't played the guitar in years! Now you're asking me to play the solo in Bohemian Rhapsody? There's no way I would even compare to Brian May! The guy was an innovator!"

"Akko I'm begging you!" Amanda slammed her head and hands on the ground, indicating she was willing to grovel at Akko's feet if need be. Akko looked down at her calloused fingers. They were tough, but not tough enough for this. She could already feel the kind of cramping in her hands just thinking of playing again.

"I…" But Akko would never tell her friends 'no' no matter how outlandish the request or favor. It was a blessing and a curse." O-ok…"

Just what am I getting myself into this time…?

"OH MY GOD! THANK YOU SO MUCH AKKO!" Amanda raised her torso from the ground revealing a deep red bruise on her forehead from slamming it on the ground. "I swear I'll make it up to you!"

"I-It's fine…" Akko groaned. "Wait! I don't have a guitar?"

"Don't worry about that!" Amanda jumped to her feet. "I'll take care of everything!"

Akko plopped back on the bed and sighed in frustration.

Amanda frowned. "Really Akko… Thanks. I owe you for this. Big time."

"Are you sure you want to do this Akko?" Lotte asked over her bed.

"They'll kick Amanda out if those senior pins it on her." Akko gave a soft smile. "And that'll suck for sure. I can't be the only troublemaking dunce here."

Amanda grinned. "Yeah… It'll be boring back in America without you guys."

"Idiots… The both of you." Sucy began putting her potions and ingredients away. "I swear if it weren't for the obvious physical difference, people would think you were twins."

"I know, I know…" Akko waved off the purple haired witch. "It's not a big deal… I just have to play right? Everything'll be fine."

Everything was not fine.

Akko and Amanda sat wide eyed and jaws slacked open watching the atrocity of the senior's rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody.

Disgusting… Akko thought as she watched two of the seniors trash the third verse of the song. They lacked depth, and emotion as they took turn singing 'Galileo'.

This isn't Queen… Queen was more than just a group of musicians, they were performers. They could elicit raw emotions through music. What kind of person doesn't head bang to Bohemian Rhapsody? Or shed a little tear to Love of My Life? Or gets a huge boost of energy to Don't Stop Me Now? Crazy people, that's who.

"They sound awful…" Amanda whispered. "I might as well start packing my bags…"

Akko frowned. "Not if I can help it…"

The brunette realized that it would be up to her guitar solo to save the show, but it was more than just the solo that needed to be heard, there needed to be a level of showmanship, or pure energy to get the crowd going. Akko may not have been good at magic, but she knows how to perform.

As the song ended one of the senior stepped in front of the two girls. "Look at you, so amazed you're speechless."

Akko did her best not to cringe, this senior in particular did not like Akko. "Well… That was… Something, Kelly…"

"So, O'Neil tells me you can play. You better be Kagari, otherwise you better start packing your bags as well." Kelly sneered.

Akko ducked her head a bit, trying to hide her face. If Amanda's continued attendance at Luna Nova wasn't on the line, Akko would have fought back against her bullies, but she needed to tread carefully with this one.

"… I'll ready…" Akko muttered lowly.

"Hey your beef's with me Kel. Just leave Akko alone." Amanda defended.

"Don't forget our deal, O'Neil. You're leaving your attendance here in the hands of this goof." Kelly crossed her arms over her chest and looked down on them domineeringly. "I also refuse to let the school know you're playing that solo Kagari, so here's what were gonna do. You're going to be behind the curtains playing while we're on stage."

"B-But that's cheating!" Akko pleaded. Akko was many things, a troublemaker, a dunce, a trickster, but never a cheater. The only time she even attempted to take an unfair advantage was when she tried to cozy up to Professor Pisces for a better grade, and that ended bad. She took that as a sign to never try to cheat again.

"That's the point you idiot." Kelly sighed in contempt. "We wouldn't have any other chance of winning against Cavendish if we did it fairly."

Akko growled at the Kelly's reasoning, she couldn't stand the thought of Diana losing to cheaters when the heiress does nothing but work hard for her accomplishments. "That's why?!"

"Akko, calm down…" Amanda put her hand on Akko's shoulders, sensing the brunette's anger. "Another day." She concluded.

Akko pouted but relented. "Fine. You better keep your end of the deal…"

Kelly smirked. "We will, and if this turns out the way we want it, then maybe you won't have to worry about us anymore Kagari…" The senior added coyly. "Come on girls, let's go. I believe Akko here, needs to practice."

With that the seniors left. Akko clenched her jaw. This was unacceptable. She was caught between her best friend and the object of her affection. The brunette walked to the guitar the seniors had left her and picked it up. It was strange holding the instrument again. Not that it felt wrong, just a little foreign. It wasn't anything like her old guitar that originally belong to her father. She lowly began plucking and strumming the guitar slowly acquainting herself with the precious instrument.

Diana can't know…

Diana strolled through the dimly lit corridors of the school, she was hoping to see the brunette for their little 'Catch me if you can' game. It was strange how the quiet was a little unnerving to the heiress, she almost wished that Akko would be stirring about the school, breaking whatever rule she could. Ever since their little longboard incident Diana seemed to see the brunette less and less, and she couldn't help but feel a little lonely. Never had Diana felt such strange and dreadful feelings. She couldn't quite understand them.

Diana stopped in her tracks hearing music in the dead of night.

Who would be playing music so late at night?

She didn't anyone who could play a guitar, the only person who she was aware of that could musically perform was Lotte, but the girl was a singer, and only sang to speak to spirits. Diana decided to go with her instincts and follow the melody. It couldn't have been far, but with the way the music echoed through the halls it was hard for her to find the exact potions of its producer. Diana turned around every corner, peeked through almost every door, and even began running. Almost desperate to find the source. It was that the music was calling to her, but it did feel like something magical was gently tugging at her body.

Then.

The music stopped.

Diana stood in front of a door trying to catch her breath. She swore this was the last place the music could have been coming from. Diana took a deep breath and straightened her back. She didn't know who or what she was going to find, but she needed to know. Slowly she reached for the door knob and turned it.

"H-Hello?" Diana cautiously called out.

"Diana?" Ah, that voice. Diana's heart leaped, the heiress could recognize that voice at any place, at any time, even in a room filled with people.

"Akko?" Diana stepped into the room to find Akko there standing by herself. She looked around hoping to find someone else, mostly the guitar player, but only saw Akko. "Akko have you heard music?"

A strange emotion seemed to flash in the brunette's crimson eyes for a moment, but Akko just grinned. "Nope!"

Diana frowned. "I swear…"

Akko giggled. "I see you're overworking yourself again Diana. You're starting to hear things now."

"Are you sure you didn't hear anything?" Diana eyed the brunette suspiciously.

"Yes ma'am!" Akko grinned again, and Diana relaxed.

Maybe I am overworking myself again. But if that was the case then she wouldn't have minded. Akko carrying her to her room a few nights ago led to one of the best night sleeps that Diana had in a very long time. Aside from waking up to a busted down door, it was a good night.

"What are you doing here?" Diana asked getting back to the task at hand.

"Uh! Just uh practicing! Ya know?!" Akko was practically screaming.

"Akko are you ok? Why are you yelling?"

"N-Nothing! I'm fine!"

"Akko stop screaming or you're going to alert the other patrols."

Akko took a deep breath for a moment and held it to contain her excitement. "I was just practicing some transformation magic." She answered calmly.

Diana sighed. "I would prefer that you practice outside. Where you can't blow up another room…"

Akko pouted. "I won't blow another room! Look! I can do it without saying anything now!" The brunette pulled out her wand and closed her eyes. Diana felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth as she watched the brunette's face scrunch in concentration.

Cute…

A cloud of smoke erupted around Akko shaking Diana from her thoughts.

Wait, what?

Diana watched as the smoke cleared, the heiress felt her face heart up and her heart clench as she stood fixated on a fox version of Akko. The brunette grinned, showing perfectly designed animal teeth, to anyone else it would have been a little frightening seeing an animal bare its teeth, but Diana knew better.

"How do I look?" Akko trotted around swishing her tail around.

Adorable. That's what Diana wanted to say. BUT ONLY BECAUSE FOXES ARE ADORABLE.

"Not bad…" Diana smiled seeing the brunette accomplish another magical feat in such a short amount of time. She surmised that the brunette had been practicing, and completely forgot about the music she thought she heard earlier. "However, it is past curfew, and I must ask that you return to your room before you get caught by someone not as forgiving."

Another plume of smoke erupted and Akko was back into her human form. "Yeah you're right."

The brunette reached out and grabbed Diana's hands. A familiar, yet confusing feeling grew in Diana's heart again. Akko's hands were always a bit rough, no doubt from her days of being an athlete, but they were always warm and reassuring. For some odd reason, the brunette's hands seemed to be trembling, and her finger tips felt a little more calloused. But before Diana could analyze anymore, the brunette was dashing out of the room and waving back at her.

"Thanks Diana! I'll see you tomorrow at the talent competition, I know you'll do great!"

Diana stood in the middle of the room already missing the bright presence. She actually forgot about the talent competition. It wasn't something important to Diana, she didn't want to give up precious study time for something that didn't have much merit to it, however, it was a school function and that was the important part to Diana. Her plan was to simply show case her summoning talents, similar to what she had done during the Samhain Festival. She recalled that Akko was not able to see her summoning at the time, and the brunette vehemently expressed her regret for missing such a spectacle. Diana also couldn't help but feel a little disappointed that Akko hadn't seen her performance. The heiress didn't know why, but for once, she wanted to stand next to Akko, and say 'Watch me'.

Only me… Again, Diana shook herself out of her thoughts. She wanted that so badly, and didn't know why, but there were other important things to think about. For example…

What can I summon to amaze Akko?

Akko stood behind the curtains holding her guitar close, she made sure to stay out of the way so no one could see her. It was a good thing the professors decided on having the competition on the sports field, the stage was unrealistically big, it was almost like a rock show in itself, but almost everyone wanted to participate this year. Many students show cased their magical talents, how much magic they could produce in a single spell, some students had non- magical talents, acrobatics, singing, tap dancing, or poetry. Overall it was interesting to see the variety and how wide the spectrum was for talent.

"And for our next performance!" Wangari announced. "Our very own Diana Cavendish will be putting a different spin to the very traditional summoning magic!"

Akko's heart leaped out of her chest. She remembered she missed this part of the Samhain festival months ago. She's only heard stories of its beauty.

But Akko, for sure, wasn't going to miss Diana's performance. Not this time. Even though Akko had no idea what Diana had planned, she knew it wasn't going to be anything less than amazing. The heiress could walk onto the stage, kick over a rock, and leave, and Akko wouldn't think anything less of the heiress. The brunette peered from behind and watched as Diana walked to the center of the stage.

Akko watched as Diana stood in the middle, for a moment it looked like the always confident heiress hesitated, she could see Diana's head almost frantically scan the crowds. As if she was looking for someone.

Who are you looking for…?

Akko thought as she quickly glanced in the crowd. Everyone seemed to be on the edge of their seats, waiting for Diana Cavendish to produce something amazing. Akko heard a soft tapping on the stage and quickly looked back to Diana. From her tapping foot, a bright red light spread out all over the stage, there was a heat to the light. Almost like Akko was sitting in front of a fire place. It gave Akko energy, ad confidence, something she desperately needed for tonight.

The heiress pulled out her wand, a light blue glow radiating from the small object was in stark contrast of the glowing red. "Shuryal Muryuelle." Diana whispered.

Even from the side of the stage Akko could see the deep concentration and focus the heiress was trying hard to maintain.

"Creature of the divine fire, absorb the flames of the stars and rise from this burning heat..."

Akko felt the heat of the stage grow, but still she felt no fear. It was calming, like the perfect hug.

"Tiphillie Lirullianae" Diana finally muttered.

Suddenly flames burst up from the stage and surrounded Diana. Akko reeled back, from the blast of hot wind. She lifted her arms to protect her, but nothing happened. Although the hot air remained, Akko did feel any danger. When she peaked from under her arms, she saw a massive phoenix perched behind Diana, its wings expanded to its fullest extent, showing a wonderful array of warm colors on its feathers that draped gracefully to the stage. Its long neck stretched out towards the sky, and puffing out its wide chest. Akko's breath hitched as she marveled at the magnificent bird. She couldn't believe some could summon something so ethereal. It was unreal.

But not for Diana…

The crowd roared and gasped seeing the bird completely surround the heiress, they expected something amazing, but Diana was always able to destroy the standard of 'amazing' and shot for something more. Always something more. For a moment Akko felt a tightness in her chest, but she smiled through the pain.

I really have no chance with you…

But Akko wasn't picky… She was just happy to be in the presence of someone so great.

"Akko… It's time…" Amanda whispered preparing the auto tuner. Akko grimaced, as she pulled her gaze away as Diana closed her talent act. Nothing about this felt right, especially after that performance. Diana, deserved to win, but Amanda also deserved to stay at Luna Nova.

Akko kept massaging her hands, and took a deep breath. It was time to make her move, and shake off the rust.

Steady hands don't fail me now, I'm gonna play till you can't strum…

Diana walked off the stage, she was only mildly disappointed. As she looked the crowd of unfamiliar faces, she only wanted to see one.

Maybe… Maybe she didn't come out tonight… Maybe she's busy…

Diana could feel the pounding in her chest. Her heart was getting harder to control. She politely smiled and offered her gratitude to the numerous people congratulating her on her performance. All she did was summon a different mythical being, it wasn't anything different from the Samhain festival. She didn't expect people who saw it to be so amazed by it a second time. But that wasn't the point. Even now, as Diana walked through the crowds back to her seat, she only wanted one person to see her performance for the first time.

Again, she was only mildly disappointed. She was so stuck in her little fit, that she didn't hear Wangari call up the next performance, or the intro of a new song, it wasn't until someone hit a piano note did Diana look to the stage. From there she saw a group of seniors, particularly Akko's main bullies, playing a song. And they sounded awful.

"Open your eyes
Look up to the skies and see
I'm just a poor boy, I need no sympathy
Because I'm easy come, easy go
A little high, little low
Anyway the wind blows, doesn't really matter to me, to me"

Diana had no idea what this song was, but she immediately didn't like it. The lyrics made no sense, and the lead singer, Kelly, just didn't sound good. Diana could hear a bit of a change in the senior's voice as she sang, but that was just it. She was singing. Nothing else. It didn't seem right.

"Mama, just killed a man
Put a gun against his head
Pulled my trigger, now he's dead"

What? She just killed a man? What are they singing about? Diana thought, clearly confused why someone would sing about killing a man, and how this was even remotely appropriate for the students. Again, Diana glanced around her, Akko was no where to be seen. She bet that Akko would understand something like this. The crowd didn't seem to be into the song as well. Diana sighed, this was going to be a long night.

As the music picked up and began to swell, the only thing that seemed to sound remotely good, was the instruments playing, particularly the electric guitar. Even then, the senior playing it seemed robotic like. Not really into the guitar movements.

Lotte and Sucy watched as their best friend, and teammate played behind the curtains. They could see Akko was trying hard to stay composed, and not go overboard, like how she was dying to do. The senior holding the electric guitar and pretending to play wasn't helping. If Akko were to go all out and actually play well, then the mirroring senior would also need to pretend just as good. Amanda also stayed close by, sadly watching the brunette be used. Akko didn't deserve this they all thought. Akko deserved nothing but praise for her accomplishments, and talents, not be exploited.

Sucy, Lotte, and Amanda simultaneously looked at each other and nodded. They knew what needed to be done.

"Didn't mean to make you cry
If I'm not back again this time tomorrow
Carry on, carry on, as if nothing really matters"

Kelly sang.

"To hell with this…" Amanda muttered. She left the auto tune machine, that was helping the seniors sing at least well enough to sound good.

Lotte and Sucy moved with the American to a bunch of ropes holding up the stage curtain.

"She's gonna be mad if we do this…" Lotte paused.

"Honestly, Diana's performance was so amazing there's no way we'd win." Amanda reasoned with a grin growing on her face. "As far as I see it, it doesn't really matter."

"I agree." Sucy plucked at one of the ropes. "Well, it was nice knowing you Amanda."

"Pfft!" Amanda grabbed one of the ropes with a wide grin stretching across her face. "Like wise."

"Goodbye everybody I've got to go
Gotta leave you all behind and face the truth"

Diana cringed. If it was possible, Kelly sounded worse than before. And it seemed the senior noticed as well, because Kelly also blinked in surprised hearing her own voice. Diana tilted her head, something was amiss. The only person who seemed 'natural' was the guitarist. That's when Diana noticed a small lifting of the curtains behind the group. Not a lot, maybe just a few inches.

"Pull harder!" Amanda groaned

"I'm trying!" It was a sad attempt, but Lotte really was trying...

"You're gonna break the rope!" Amanda scolded seeing the curtains raised a bit.

"With all that working out you and Akko do I would have expected you to be stronger Amanda..." Sucy poked.

"Sucy!"

"Shut up!"

Maybe it was just my imagination… Diana thought. She began watching the show again, still unimpressed and unamused.

"Mama, oh oh (anyway the wind blows)
I don't want to die-"

All of a sudden, the curtains crashed down and the music cut off. The crowd erupted in gasps of surprises, even Diana was shaken out of her thoughts about the song. The seniors stood in utter distress. But through the chaos, there was only one thing Diana could see.

Akko…?

And the heiress must've said it out loud, because once that name left her lips, every student seemed to have heard and turned their eyes dead at the brunette. Akko stood there frantically looking around.

"What do I do?!" She whispered rather loudly to someone off stage.

"Play you idiot!" Another loud whisper could be heard.

Diana's eyes narrowed. Just what had the brunette got herself into this time!? And by the looks of the faces of the senior on stage, they weren't very happy. Kelly in particular began stomping over to the brunette. Akko turned towards the senior and froze.

"Kagari!" The older teenager growled.

"I- Uh…!"

Diana stood up and was about to move towards the stage, when Lotte grabbed the abandoned microphone.

"Mama, oooooh ooooh! I don't wanna die! I sometimes wish I'd never been born at allllllllll!"

Kelly turned around and was about to go after Lotte, when a devilish smirk played across Akko's face. And then it happened.

Akko raised her strumming hand defiantly.

Diana gasped. Her heart seemed to skip a beat as she watched the brunette's unparalleled crimson eyes burn with a passion.

Akko played.

Diana's stopped in her tracks as the brunette raised her guitar raking her hands across the strings of the guitar, and jamming her fingers on the chords.

She's playing? Diana's mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened. So far, the song had induced little to no emotion or feeling in the heiress, not until this moment. Diana, and the whole school watched as Akko gritted her teeth and shut her eyes tight as if, she was engaged in a battle with the instrument. The brunette bobbed her head and tipped the guitar, playing the strings of everyone's hearts. Diana had never heard this song before, but she couldn't imagine it being played any other way. It just sounded right. This was the way this song was supposed to sound. The heiress didn't understand it, but she couldn't help but think that Akko looked kinda… Cool. The corners of her lips twitched up into a small smile. Diana didn't know it, but she was completely enthralled by the brunette. Just like before, just like the last time, and just like always.

Diana didn't even notice when a few other familiar faces took the stage and walked to the instruments. It wasn't until Akko finished her riff and the crowd roared in absolute delight, when Diana saw that Sucy had enchanted the piano to join in, and Amanda stood next to Akko holding a guitar as well in front of a microphone.

Lotte continued to sing to the beats of the piano. "I see a little silhouetto of a man"

"Scaramouch! Scaramouch!" The rest of them yelled. "Will you do the Fandango! Thunderbolt and lightning very, very frightening me!"

Lotte:"Gallileo"

Amanda: "Gallileo"

Lotte: "Gallileo"

Amanda: "Gallileo"

And then everyone, including the crowd: "Gallileo, figaro, magnificoooooooo!"

"I'm just a poor boy and nobody loves me" Lotte stepped up and clutched her hands to her chest as if she was acting in a show.
The music blared. "He's just a poor boy from a poor family/ Spare him his life from this monstrosity!"

Diana looked around, the entire school had been turned on their heads watching the performance. Kelly stomped her foot on the ground and walked off stage. However, before she left Diana caught a bitter glare from the senior. "This isn't over…" Diana sensed.

But that didn't matter now. And the current band playing their hearts out couldn't have cared less over the pettiness of some senior. Diana could see smiled stretch across all of their faces, but none bigger or brighter than the one on Akko's face. At least to Diana. Whatever it was, it was easy to tell that the brunette was the one leading the charge and exploding with energy. Everyone else after that is just absorbing it.

Everyone in the Luna Nova stadium was singing, and yelling at the top of their lungs. Diana was a little embarrassed to not be a part of the comradery.

"Ohh! oh! no! no! no! no! no! no! no!"

Lotte: "Oh mama mia, mama mia!"

The School: "Mama mia let me go! Beeeeeelzebub has a devil put aside for meee! for meee! for meEEEEE!"

Akko sprinted from her position in the back and leaped into the center of the stage. She banged her head as she pounded at the guitar. The hair tie holing back her ponytail flew off somewhere into the crowd, and she let her long brunette flow freely around her. Finally, Diana found her voice and cheered as loudly as she could.

"WHOOOOOOO AKKOOOO!" She screamed with a huge smile on her face. Diana felt so liberated, so free. Something Akko was always able to make her feel, even in the smallest moments, and now that raw energy seemed to be radiating off the brunette Diana felt as if every inhibition in her life crumbled to the vibrations of an electric guitar.

Akko took a microphone of her own, and continued to play. A look off pure determination glowed in the brunette's crimson eyes as they daringly peered into the crowd. Nothing could stop the brunette now.

"So you think you can stop me and spit in my eye!"

Akko tipped her guitar up and ran her hand down the neck of the guitar.

"So you think you can love me and leave me to dieeeeEE! Ohhh baby can't do this to me baby! Just gotta get out! Just gotta get right outta here!" They all sang in unison.

Akko stepped away and banged on the guitar. Diana's smile grew as the brunette twirled around and danced with the guitar, not just with her fingers, but with her whole body. Akko climbed the keys of the guitars higher and higher, until for a moment it sounded like it was only the guitar. At least to Diana, because in her mind, Akko was all she could really see.

"Oh, oh, oh yeah… oh, oh yeah…"

Akko seemed to taper off on the guitar, holding the out the notes a bit longer and softer. Diana began to feel a little distressed, even though Akko was still playing, she felt the song was coming to an end. The heiress wanted more, she wanted to listen to Akko play more, the kind of happiness the brunette seemed to have just from merely playing an instrument was intoxicating. Diana wanted that kind of happiness, not just for herself, but for Akko as well.

She deserves this.

It seemed that all of Akko's friends on stage seemed to think the same as well. They all smiled proudly at her. The brunette was always a bright light, they were the only ones to ever see Akko shine in such a way, and for the brunette to share her ever glowing light to the entire school all at once without the use of magic was everything they could ask of the brunette. It was also something Akko could ever ask of herself, to prove in some way she wasn't a complete dunce, that she was still capable.

Akko's chest heaved for air. She couldn't sing anymore, so Lotte opted to close out the song.

"Nothing really matters… Anyone can see. Nothing really matters… Nothing really matters to meeeeee…"

The piano closed out, and the lights on the stage dimmed. Diana still stood there, completely awe struck, by the performance. The crowd continued to roar and cheer, as if the awkward silence from the beginning of the show never even happened.

"That was pretty good, huh Diana?" Wangari playfully bumped Diana's shoulder pulling the blonde out of her stupor.

"Yes, it was…" Diana smiled softly. It was more than good.

"They probably would've beaten you if they didn't break the rules…"

Diana whipped her head around to face the announcer. "B-But…? What?"

"Akko's group didn't sign up, and the seniors who did didn't technically play. They broke the rules." Wangari sighed. "However, I don't think Akko could care less…"

Wangari walked away towards the stage to announce the winner. Diana stood there speechless. For the second time Diana felt her heart contract at the idea that she could be taking something from Akko. Something that Akko clearly deserved after that performance. Even when Wangari announced Diana as the winner, she could hardly bring herself to fake smile, it was extremely forced, and almost hurt to do. But she had a part to play, she's Diana Cavendish after all.

After the obligatory congratulations and polite gratitude, Diana searched for Akko. She needed to talk to the brunette, Diana could only imagine how disappointed she would be, and Diana could only hope that maybe Akko didn't hate her for winning only based off a technicality. The heiress moved back stage and found the brunette being backed into a corner by the same seniors on stage before.

"What the hell was that Kagari!?" Kelly yelled.

"I…I don't know!" Akko stuttered. It was strange how intimidated Akko seemed to be now, especially after the confidence she exuded during her performance.

"Hey! I told you to leave her alone!" Amanda pushed the senior away and stood in between them followed by Lotte, Sucy, Jasminka, and Constanze.

"Looking pretty brave now, huh O'Neil?" Kelly goaded. "You won't be laughing when we tell the teachers you stole the golden scale."

Amanda growled. "You mean you stole it, and then tried to blackmail me and use Akko to cheat in a stupid talent show."

"No one will believe you."

"I do." Diana stepped from behind the shadows burning with the fury of the phoenix she summoned earlier.

"Diana!" Akko looked over at the heiress, and Diana felt her heart race again. Akko looked so sad and guilty, as if she really did do something wrong, or something Diana would disapprove of, but that definitely not the case here.

"I thought seniors were supposed to be role models… Not disgraces…"

Kelly stepped away from the group. "Diana, congratulations" She spoke curtly.

Diana narrowed her eyes. She was well aware that not a lot of their older students liked her, not that Diana cared about that. But she did care whenever Akko and her friends were being bullied. "Thank you. However, I would appreciate it if you return something that Professor Pisces has been searching for, for days. Days that I'm sure Miss O'Neil has an alibi for..."

Amanda raised an eye brow, she actually didn't have a good alibi. But the message was clear. Diana was bluffing, and extremely well.

Kelly's face burned red out of embarrassment and anger. The look she had given Akko earlier returned. "This isn't over…" She declared softly as she and her group strolled away.

Diana sighed, her bluffed worked. But it wasn't her plan to bicker with a petty senior. Diana's eyes lingered back to Akko's crimson eyes, which seemed to well up in tears. Once again, Diana felt a tinge of guilt in her heart just seeing the sadness in Akko's face, a look that would never do on someone so happy and full of life.

"Akko, I-" Diana began, but was cut off by a group of fan girls rushing in to surround the brunette.

"Diana!" Akko tried to reach out but was pushed back by students gushing over her. Amanda seemed to be enjoying surrounded by them. Lotte and Sucy somehow snuck out and watched in delight as their teammate and best friend received an endless amount of praises. However, Diana felt out of place. Like where she was standing currently wasn't where she needed or wanted to be. Although Diana was happy that the brunette could have a taste of her dream. Nothing to do with fame. Akko never did it for fame. But for the happiness, Akko always did things that would bring smiles and happiness to the people. Diana took a step back, and slowly began to make her way out of from behind the stage. This new feeling was something she didn't like. It was in stark contrast to the usual unfamiliar feelings she got when she thought of Akko. Whatever it was, Diana just needed to leave now. Seeing Akko surrounded like that but other students, just made Diana's head fuzzy, and gave her a slight stinging in the back of her eyes.

"Diana!"

Diana spun around to see Akko rushing towards her with a worried look on her face.

"Akko?" Diana tilted her head a little confused. But before she could even think of a question Diana felt Akko grab her hand and pull her. "A-Akko!"

"Come on!" Akko called out. Diana peeked over her shoulder and noticed a plethora of females chasing after them. Immediately Diana understood. And for some reason she couldn't be happier.

It took a while, but the two managed to outrun the fans. When they realized they were in the clear they calmly walked around the school.

"Gosh I thought I'd never get away from that." Akko sighed completely exhausted. "I don't know how you do it Diana…"

Diana smiled. "To be honest, it's not my favorite thing as well…"

"But you always look so calm and cool. I pretty much freak out every time it happens."

"You know if you really want to achieve your dreams to be like Chariot, then it might be something you'll have to get used to." Diana teased.

"Gahhh! You're right!" Akko groaned. Akko straightened her back and peered over at the heiress. "Hey Diana…?"

"Hmm?"

"I'm sorry."

Diana stopped walking and turned fully towards Akko. "F-For what?"

"For helping those seniors… For lying…" Akko looked away and scratched the back of her head. "I know it was wrong, but I needed to help Amanda."

Of course, you did… Diana smiled affectionately at the brunette. She loved how big Akko's heart was. You would never leave a friend in need…

"B-But I'm so glad you won!" Akko smiled brightly and now it was Diana's turn to look away bashfully. Still she couldn't quite understand why she was so embarrassed. "I saw your performance and it was amazing!"

"Y-You saw…?" Diana glanced up. She was so sure Akko hadn't seen her performance. She was so sure that once again Diana couldn't dazzle the brunette like how she did to her.

"Of course!" Akko yelled grabbed Diana's hands. "I didn't just see it, I felt it all! I practically had a front row seat. Well behind the curtains of course, but you get the point."

Diana's eyes widened. So that's where you were. Always where I least expect it…

The awful feelings from before seemed to be completely wiped away from Diana's heart. She's heard such praise before for many different people, but there was a certain charm of it coming from Akko.

"You were quite amazing yourself…" Diana muttered squeezing the brunette's hand. Akko's face glowed even brighter. "I… Didn't know you could play instruments."

"Only the guitar…" Akko grinned. But quickly Akko shifted subjects and continued to ramble about the beauty of Diana's performance. The two parted their hands and continued to walk aimlessly around campus, Akko still praising Diana's accomplishments. Almost making sure that Diana couldn't get a word in to talk about the brunette's shocking show. Something Diana thought was far more impressive and beautiful than any performance the heiress would ever preform, even stumping the Shiny Chariot show they both watched years ago.

How strange… Diana thought holding on to her feelings close to her heart.

It was then Diana realized there were many things that she didn't know about the unpredictable brunette. It was also then Diana wanted nothing more than to know Akko a bit better.

I was supposed to post this yesterday, but I forgot that it was my birthday, and I was unwillingly dragged out of work for a night with my friends, but it's alright.

This was a request. I actually wanted to do a Queen song, but I was gonna do 'Somebody to Love' because that was my mom's favorite Queen song. But this worked out pretty well too. :)

Still following my Before Spring Break Series.