Akko Kagari and the Contest of Champions
A/N: Show your support for Serenity Academy
Chapter Twenty-Five: The Winter Ball
Despite the very heavy load of homework that the fourth years had been given for the holidays, Akko was in no mood to work when term ended, and spent the week leading up to Christmas enjoying herself as fully as possible along with everyone else. Polaris Tower was hardly less crowded now than during term-time; it seemed to have shrunk slightly too, as it its inhabitants were being so much rowdier than usual. Garie and Sabi had somehow wormed their way out of going home for the holidays and had commenced a campaign of nonstop terror on the students of Luna Nova with their friend Chinatsu. Besides their metamorphosis donuts, the three troublemakers had invented an instant slip potion that sent students tumbling down the stairs, replaced all the liquid soap with glow-in-the-dark cream, and daringly put three-day-old chowder in Professor Finnalan's hat. Before long, everyone learned to steer clear of Chinatsu and the Manbavaran's even more than they did Akko's group; at least Sucy had the self-control to only terrorize Akko.
Snow was falling thickly upon the castle and its grounds now. The goblins down in the kitchen were outdoing themselves with a series of rich, warming stews and savory desserts, and only Hannah seemed to be able to find anything to complain about.
"It's all too heavy, all this food," she complained to Akko and the others as their group left the great hall one evening. "I'll never be able to fit into my ball gown!"
"Nonsense, you'll look stunning like you always do," said Barbara supportively. According to Diana, Barbara had finally worked up the nerve to ask Hannah to the dance. Though Hannah obviously wanted to go with Diana, Hannah accepted nonetheless; Barbara was a little sour at being second best, but she was going to take whatever she got.
"Speaking of which, what happened with Andrew, Diana," said Sucy with a devious smirk, knowing full well the results.
"I talked to him yesterday and he said he already asked someone," said Diana grumpily. "I told him our families are expecting us to show up together, but then he went on saying that we only needed to be seen together for the publicity and that we don't actually have to be each other's dates. I wish he could have told me beforehand so I didn't have to scramble around for another date."
"So who're you going with?" asked Akko curiously.
"Luckily, that boy from U.A. – Todoroki, I believe – hadn't asked anyone yet and didn't seem like he was planning on to," said Diana. "He comes from a…demanding family, so he understood my plight and agreed to go with me."
"So then everyone has dates for the ball," said Lotte, sounding relieved.
"Andrew told me that Frank asked you to the ball," said Diana, smiling sincerely at Lotte. "I'm happy for you both. I know Frank is very infatuated with you…. But wait, you said everyone has a date? Does that mean you have one too, Akko?" she asked, turning toward Akko.
Akko felt like she had been petrified by a Gorgon. She was hoping that she could have avoided the question until the Winter Ball and shot a betrayed glare at Lotte, who grimaced apologetically behind Jasminka. The last thing that Akko wanted was for Diana to find out that she did have a date to the Ball, and not just any date either. When Andrew had asked her out in her own native tongue, Akko was so off-guard that she didn't even realize that she had said "yes" until it was too late. When her brain finally caught up with her, she wanted to take it back – to explain that she has feelings for Diana – but the way Andrew look at her, both relieved and genuinely happy, she couldn't bring herself to do it. So now she was days away from going to the ball with the fiancé of the person she loved – this was like a bad soap opera, Akko thought.
"Well, um…someone asked me after you um…you said you couldn't go with me," Akko said awkwardly. "It's not like I wanted to go with him – well, I mean, I wouldn't mind going with him – he's a pretty nice guy when he wants to be, and he's not bad looking – but it's not like he was my first choice. Obviously the first person I would pick is…um, well, you know. I honestly never considered him until he asked, but I couldn't just say 'no' because you – that is – what I mean is – Hey, look! It's Haruka-San!"
Lotte's wide-mouthed, funny-faced Puchi Idol was sitting on the top of the icicle banisters on the spiraling staircase, tilting her head back and forth placidly, wearing a headband with an envelope strapped to it. People passing her were pointing and laughing, and a group of third-years paused and said, "Oh look at the little thing! Isn't she adorable?"
"Haruka-san!" Lotte groaned, hurrying over to the stairs and snatching up the Puchi by her armpits. "You're supposed to bring the letters to the people they're addressed to. And when did you get back from set? You should have told me first."
"Harukakka!" Haruka-san shouted cheerfully, waving her stubby hands. The third-year girls moaned disappointingly.
"Okay, nothing to see here!" Lotte said to them as the third-years scuttled away looking dejected. "Here – take it, Akko," she said in an undertone, pulling Izetta's reply off of Haruka-san's head. Akko pocketed it, and they hurried back to Polaris Tower to read it.
Everyone in the common room was much too busy in letting off more holiday steam to observe what anyone else was up to. Akko, Lotte, and Sucy sat apart from everyone else by a dark window that was gradually filling up with snow, and Akko read out:
Dear Akko,
Congratulations on getting past the Xenomorphs. Whoever tampered with the
Skull was probably hoping Minoru would be the one to face them. Guess they
won't be too happy now. I was going to suggest using a cognitive curse to
mess with the Xenomorph's senses, but your way was better, I'm impressed.
Don't get complacent, though, Akko. You've only gotten through the first
challenge; whoever is messing with the Contest will have four more opportunities
if they're trying to get to you or Minoru. Keep your eyes open – particularly when
the person we discussed is around – and concentrate on keeping yourself out
of trouble.
Keep in touch, I still want to hear about anything unusual.
Izetta
"She's starting to sound like a broken record," said Akko quietly, tucking the letter away again in her pocket. "The way she's talking, you'd think I was walking blindfolded in a minefield…."
"But she's right, Akko," said Lotte, "you do still have four challenges to do. Maybe you should consider what your team's gonna do in the next one – "
"We have no idea what we're doing in the next round," said Akko. "Team Class Zero is the one that got the hint. And the challenge is next week anyway, so no use getting bent out of shape over it."
"I would think that's a very good reason to get bent out of shape," said Lotte, scolding her.
"Give it up, Lotte, she's not gonna do anything at this point," said Sucy plainly. "Wanna play a game of chess, Akko?"
"Yeah, I'm getting better at it," said Akko. Then, spotting the look on Lotte's face, she said, "Come on, you know Diana will have all the answers. We can rely on her to pull us through anything."
"Oh, I guess there's no point in arguing about it," Lotte sighed, and she sat down to watch their chess match, which culminated in an exciting checkmate of Sucy's involving a couple of recklessly brave pawns and a very violent bishop.
Akko awoke very suddenly on Christmas Day. Wondering what had caused her abrupt return to consciousness, she opened her eyes and something – or someone – standing over her with bright gold eyes peering through the darkness, so close that they were almost nose to nose.
"Blair!" Akko yelled, scrambling away from the pumpkin witch so fast she fell sideways out of her bed. "Don't do that!"
"Why? It's hilarious!" Blair gasped between the raucous fits of laughter, sitting cross-legged in the middle of Akko's bed in human form. "I was just planning on surprising you with your Christmas present, but when I saw your sweet sleepy face, I just couldn't resist! You make it so easy!"
"You stinking little…," Akko grumbled, still breathing faster than usual, while her heart rate returned to normal. "If you ever do something like that again, I'll tell mom and dad about your trashy Ninja of Love books that you keep hidden under the couch at home."
Akko untangled herself from her sheets, only tripping herself once, and stood up with a solid glare at Blair. Her yell had awoken Lotte, Sucy, Amanda, Constanze, and Jasminka. All of them were peering through the gaps in their hangings, heavy-eyed and tousle-haired.
"Is there another masked psychopath sneaking in the room again?" Amanda asked sleepily.
"No, Blair just gave me a heart attack," Akko muttered. "Go back to sleep."
"Nah…presents!" said Amanda, spotting the large pile at the foot of her bed. Lotte, Sucy, Constanze, and Jasminka decided now that they were awake, they might as well get down to some present-opening too. Akko turned back to Blair, who had a wide Cheshire grin on her face, with her hands held suspiciously behind her back.
"Sooo…you want your present now?" said Blair in a sing-song voice, sounding very proud of herself.
"Ugh, fine, but it's anything like that 'present' you gave me when I was eight – " said Akko, frowning.
"It's not, it's not, trust me," said Blair, waving off the comment. "Now close your eyes, and no peeking."
Akko groaned and rolled her eyes at first, but then complied with her guardian's wishes. She could see nothing but the darkness of her lids, but she could hear Blair rolling off the squeaky bed and tiptoeing catlike behind her. For a moment, Akko thought Blair might try something like dumping water on Akko's head – she had already done it twice in the past three weeks – when she suddenly felt something weighting on her chest and wrap around her neck. It was cold against her bare skin – it felt like metal.
"Okay, open them," Blair sang delightfully.
Akko's eyes fluttered open and she immediately spun around toward the full-length mirror in the wardrobe, unable to hold back the delighted gasp that came out. It was a beautiful golden chain necklace (or at least something that looked very similar to gold) with a crimson-colored medallion stamped with a golden four-point star.
"Whoa, look at the size of this thing!" Akko yelled, her jaw dropping in shock. The medallion was the size of her palm! "This has got to be expensive! Where the hell did you get the money to pay for this?"
"I didn't really pay for it," said Blair, looking away pointedly when Akko stared at her suspiciously. "I didn't do anything illegal – I just called in a favor from a guy named Spirit that I knew when I was living in Death City. The poor guy is sweet, but so easy to pull around by the nose. I sent a request to have it handcrafted and had him pay for it. I thought it would go great with your ball gown."
"Well, as long as you didn't do anything illegal to get it," said Akko, looking back at the mirror. Then again, even if she did, it wasn't like Akko was going to throw it away – look at the size of it!
"I oughta get going soon," said Blair, checking the time on her watch. "I gotta go make sure Ursula doesn't have another fashion meltdown. She always loses her mind whenever she's trying to impress Croix." And she hurried out of the dormitory, waving good-bye to Lotte and the others as she passed.
Akko's other presents were just as satisfactory as Blair's necklace – with the obvious exception of Sucy's, whom after four years of Christmases and Birthdays learned just to throw them out the window. Diana had given Akko a book called The History of Famous Asian Witches; Lotte gave her a vast box of sweets including Squid Sister's Color Splashers and Chocolate Dragons; Amanda had sent her a Xenomorph figurine, likely as a joke; Constanze gave her a revised version of their Golem blueprints (which was more homework than a gift in Akko's opinion); Jasminka gave her some homemade cakes and pickled plums; Izetta sent her a pocket knife that could unlock any lock and undo any knot; Hikari and her friends sent their yearly post card; and Akko's parents gave her a handknitted sweater (which Akko couldn't noticing had a web pattern to it, and made her wonder if they still hadn't forgiven the Manbavarans for the spider incident).
Akko and the others went down to breakfast where they met up with Diana, Hannah, and Barbara. They spent most of their morning lazily hanging around in the library, showing off their presents and Ignoring Professor Badcock's shushes, and then returned to the dining hall for a magnificent lunch, which included at least a hundred turkeys, toasted deserts, and large piles of magic crackers. Akko saw Andrew hanging around the hall with Frank, usually surrounded by gaggles of woman, but every time Akko looked over, Andrew was always looking her way with a bright smile. Akko kept her head low, her face burning. She was in love with Diana, but she couldn't deny how handsome Andrew was….
They went out onto the grounds in the afternoon; the snow was untouched except for the deep channels made by the others schools that kept going in and out of the castle. Everyone had split up into three teams (Akko's Amanda's and Diana's) and engaged in a vicious snowball fight where Diana dominated the field until five o'clock when Sucy suddenly left, saying she needed to get ready for the ball.
"What, you need three hours?" said Amanda, looking at them incredulously and paying for her lapse in concentration when a large snowball, thrown by Hannah, hit her hard in the side of the head. "Since when do you care about dressing up?" She yelled after Sucy, but she just waved and disappeared up the stone steps into the castle.
There was no Christmas dinner today, as the ball included a feast, so at seven o'clock, when it had become hard to aim properly, the others abandoned their snowball fight and trooped back to the dormitory. Akko changed into the dress that Mr. Manbavaran had bought for her over the holidays – a big, pink ball down with lots of ruffles and ribbons – and added the necklace that Blair gave her. Lotte surveyed herself in the mirror, wearing a puffy canary-dress dress that looked like it had come directly out of a fairy tale. Constanze had opted for a simple purple dress with ruffles at the shoulders, but took her ribbon off to let her dark hair flow freely. Jasminka wore a plain white dress with red lace around the hem and added an extra bow to her hair. And true to her word, Amanda had forgone any dressed in favor of a three-piece suit with a red tie, and even slicked her hair back with gel to make her look more masculine.
The whole time they were getting ready, they hadn't seen Sucy once even as they set off downstairs. Akko figured she must have finished getting ready before they even showed up. After all, Sucy was never one to care about her appearance.
"I still can't work out how you ended up going with handsome aristocrat like Andrew Hanbridge," said Amanda.
"Neither can I," Akko muttered, fiddling with her ribbons nervously.
The common room looked strange, full of people wearing different colors instead of the usual mass of navy-blue. Frank was waiting outside the archway leaning against the corridor wall. He looked very handsome in his baby-blue suit that accented his hair and eyes stunningly. He stood up straight the moment they walked out and gave a great big smile when his eyes fell on Lotte.
"You look beautiful, Lotte," he said breathlessly, taking her hands in his.
"T-Thank you, Frank," Lotte stuttered, smiling softly with a small blush. "You looked very handsome as well."
"Trust me, no one is going to be looking at me when they see you," said Frank; Lotte's face was even redder, if possible. "Shall we be off then?"
"Right," said Akko, looking around. "Where's Andrew."
"The press is bothering him and Miss Cavendish downstairs," said Frank with a pitiable smile. "Poor guy, always being harassed by the media. One of the drawbacks of being the statesman's son."
"Yeah, poor guy," said Amanda sarcastically. "Let's go already."
The entrance hall was packed with students too, all milling around waiting for eight o'clock, when the doors to the dining hall would be thrown open. Those people who were meeting their partners were edging through the crowd trying to find one another. Halfway into the hall, they found a harassed-looking Diana being tended by Hannah and Barbara.
"Those reports are like piranhas – always hungry for more," They heard Diana complain before noticing Akko's group. Akko thought she had stopped breathing when she saw Diana. She was wearing a powder-blue dress with white cloth over her shoulders and around her waist, elbow length white gloves, a blue pearl necklace, and a single blue rose pinned to her breast. Akko was so entranced by Diana's beauty that she didn't notice that the girl in question was also looking up and down at Akko, a faint red hue spreading to her cheeks.
"You…look nice, Akko," said Diana softly.
"Thanks…," Akko croaked, nearly choking on her own breath.
"Hey, isn't there supposed to be more of you guys?" asked Hannah, staring around at the crowd.
"Yeah, where's Manbavaran?" said Barbara.
"That's what we'd like to know," said Amanda.
The oak front doors opened, and everyone turned to look as students from the other schools entered with their representatives. The students from Class Zero were adorned in military uniforms that weren't that much different from their school clothes, some of them had medals pinned to their fronts; Ace and King had the largest number while Rem and Machina had the fewest. The girls from Myojo wore expensive gowns that looked like they cost more than Akko's house and everyone from Honnoji wore white, except for Ryuko, who wore a slimming black dress. None of the other schools followed the coordination pattern and simply chose what they wanted to wear; Eruna definitely stood out the most with her surprisingly frilly, eye-gouging orange dress. Over their heads Akko saw that that the area right in front of the castle had been transformed into a sort of grotto full of fairy lights – meaning hundreds of actual living fairies were sitting in the rosebushes that had been conjured there, and fluttering over the statue of the Great Witch Jennifer wielding the Shiny Rod.
Akko leaned her head over trying for a better look when Fu Inubozaki appeared through the crowd in front of them. Like Amanda, she had forgone any sort of dress and wore a dapper three-piece suit and groomed her normally wild hair into a neat, silky smooth low ponytail tied by a bright-red bow.
"Hey, guys," she greeted them enthusiastically. "You've seen Sucy around? We're suppose…to…meet…."
But Fu lost her train of thought mid-sentence, looking over Akko's shoulder with her mouth slowly dropping in awe. They already turned around and followed Fu's line of sight, then found their jaws dropping as well.
Sucy appeared around the bend of the spiraling staircase, walking slowly and cautiously due to the high-heeled shoes she was unaccustomed to wearing. For a moment, Akko thought she had made a mistake, because she didn't look like Sucy at all. She had done something with her hair; it was no longer limp and flaky but sleek and shiny, and she had tied it back into a low bun behind her head pinned by a silver hairclip, revealing both of her eyes for the first time since Akko knew her, with a colorful hydrangea tucked behind her ear. She was wearing the stunning purple dress that her father had gotten her, which hugged her curve quite well and made her look shapelier than Akko ever realized. She was also smiling - not her wicked smile, but shy and nervous. Akko never noticed before because she had known Sucy as her semi-friend for years, but she was astonishingly beautiful.
"Hey…guys…," she said softly. "Um…surprised?"
Surprised was an understatement. Hannah and Barbara were gazing at Sucy in stunned disbelief. They weren't the only ones either; everyone who normally gave Sucy a wide berth was now staring with the same dumbfounded looks and even throwing jealous glances her way. Diana didn't seem immune to her beauty either, looking like she had been smacked across the face that she hadn't even noticed the red-and-white haired boy, Todoroki, walking up to her. Fu took a few nervous steps forward and offered her hand. Sucy daintily took it, smiling softly as they linked arms like she had found a super rare mushroom.
Then Professor Finenlan's voice called, "Luna Nova champions over here, please!"
That snapped Akko out of her stupor. She checked herself over once to make she sure she looked appropriate, said "See you in a minute" to Lotte and the others, and walked forward with Diana and her date, the chattering crowd parting to let them through. Professor Finnelan, who was wearing a gown of deep-blue tartan and had arranged a rather ugly wreath of thistles around the brim of her hat, told them to wait on one side of the doors while everyone else went inside; they were to enter the dining hall in procession when the rest of the students sat down. Akko took this opportunity to look at the other champions. It came as no surprise that Fate had asked Nanoha to be her date, and Makoto had apparently invited her cousin and Chinatsu's older brother to the dance, the man seeming none too disturbed to by the number of weirdos in the chamber. But Nico had invited a beautiful blonde girl that looked like she could pass for a supermodel, both of them smiling and laughing like giddy schoolgirls.
Just then, a cacophony of excited squeals and dreamy sighs filled the entrance hall as Andrew Hanbridge walked through the crowd, everyone clearing a path for him to walk towards the champions. Diana tilted her head, her brow furrowed in confusion as she stepped forward to meet him…but Andrew walked past her without a second glance. Instead, he marched straight over to Akko and looked down at her with an apologetic grin, taking her hand in his own.
"Sorry I'm late," said Andrew sincerely. "The press wouldn't stop hounding me. But no matter, I'm looking forward to our night together."
And then, much to Akko embarrassment and horror, Andrew leaned forward…and pecked her cheek.
The action was met with an immediate response; a thunderous wave of shocked gasps filled the chamber as every eye in the room now fell on Akko and Andrew; Akko felt like crawling under a rock and dying at that moment. It had seemed like, in that instant, Akko had made an enemy of every jealous girl in the castle. When the doors to the dining hall opened, Andrew's fan club stalked past, throwing Akko looks of the deepest loathing. Fate and Makoto gaped at her, looking like their brains were still trying to process what they just witnessed. Diana, however, turned her head pointedly away, not meeting Akko's eye.
Once everyone else was settled in the hall, Professor Finnelan told the champions and their partners to get in line in pairs and to follow her. They did so, and everyone in the dining hall applauded as they entered and started walking up toward the large round table at the top of the hall, where the representatives were sitting.
The walls of the dining hall had been covered in sparkling silver frost, with hundreds of garlands of mistletoe and ivy wrapping the railings of the upper two levels. They had gone back to using the hundred round tables like normal, except they all looked brand new and covered by white sheets lit by small lanterns, each seating a dozen people.
Akko concentrated on not tripping over her feet. Andrew seemed to be enjoying himself; he was beaming around at everybody, keeping her arm around Akko's to support her for when she inevitably stumbles. She caught sight of Lotte and the others as she neared the top table. Amanda had that glint in her eye that told Akko she should expect a whole lot of teasing in the near future.
Professor Holbrooke smiled happily as the Luna Nova champions approached the top table, but Ram wore an expression of apparent mistrust as they drew closer, especially at Nico. The Grand Master, tonight in gaudy sequin gold robes, was clapping as enthusiastically as any of the students; and Lord Hanbridge was maintaining a neutral expression, but Akko could tell by the way he was following her and Andrew that he was none too pleased with his son's choice for a partner. Org, Akko suddenly realize, was not there. His seat at the table was occupied by a tall, white-haired woman. It was Amanda's mother, Councilwoman Ava.
When the champions and their partners reached the table, Andrew drew out the empty chair in front of them and offered it to Akko. She couldn't deny that she was pleased as she sat down; how often was it that a handsome man with manners offered you a seat? And she just happened to be sitting next to Councilwoman Ava, who was wearing a very regal uniform much like the one she wore when Akko first met her two years ago.
"Org called in sick this morning," Councilwoman Ava said before Akko could ask. "I've been asked to fill in as I am the Head of the Department of International Relations…and because no one else wanted the job," she added in an undertone.
"Org is sick?" Akko asked curiously. "He doesn't look like the kind of guy would like something like personal health get in the way of his work."
"Well, you're not wrong about that," said Councilwoman Ava, chuckling. "But he has been…out of sorts lately, not doing well at all. He hasn't been right since the Chariot Race Cup. Hardly surprised, considering the overload of work he's been putting in recently. He's not as young as he was. And on top of the Cup, we had to deal with the aftermath of that Purifier business and the increase in riots since Zeref's temporary release was blasted all over the news – that horrible Scaglietti woman buzzing around - and then he had the Contest. I think Org has stretched himself too thin this year. He deserves a nice, quiet Christmas."
There were so many things Akko thought a jerk like Org deserved, but it probably wasn't the best idea to say any of them in front of the fourth seat on the Magic Council.
There was no food as yet on the glittering gold plates, but small menus were lying in front of each of them. Akko picked hers up uncertainly and looked around – the goblins weren't around catering as usual. Professor Holbrooke, however, looked carefully down at her own menu, then said very clearly to her plate, "Lamb chops!"
And lamb chops appeared. That's new, Akko thought.
Getting the idea, the rest of the table placed their orders with their plates too. Akko glanced up at Diana to see what she thought of this new use of magic, but Diana seemed to have noticed her gaze and turned her head away once more, making it more apparent that she was making an effort to look anywhere but Akko. She started talking to Todoroki and hardly seemed to notice what she was eating.
"Well, we don't exactly have a castle," said Todoroki coolly, not unlike Diana's usual attitude; now it makes sense why they came together. "The building itself is kinda normal, but we have dozens of training grounds all over campus. And the curriculum…honestly, I don't think we've ever had a lesson where we actually sit down and learn stuff. It's mostly just the teachers having us running around in simulations using our Quirks. In terms of actual academics, U.A. probably has the lowest score in Asia."
"Come now, young Todoroki!" said All Might with a nervous laugh while glancing anxiously at the other representatives. "U.A. High is a fine school for learning! It's the top-rated school for heroes! It's nowhere near as bad as you say."
"Come to think of it, you never actually taught us anything either," said Todoroki; All Might made a sound in the back of his throat. "You just throw us into situations and hope for the best."
"Uh…well…"
"There should be a fine line between teaching them their abilities and teaching them necessary curriculum," said Theresa sagely. "Over at Serenity Academy, we spend the first half of the day teaching the students general studies like science and math, and after the school day is over, the students learn more about their powers by challenging other students in competition. It's much more balanced that way."
"That's certainly one way," said Ram evenly, delicately cutting her steak. "We at Black Star Academy have different ideas of raising our students. Of course, that's strictly between those at the Academy. Not something for outsiders to know."
Professor Holbrooke smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Ram, all this secrecy…one would think you didn't want visitors."
"Well, Miranda," said Ram, displaying a wide, almost taunting smirk, "we are all protective of our private domains, are we not? Do we not jealously guard the halls of learning that have been entrusted to us? Are we not right to be proud that we alone know our school's secrets, and right to protect them?"
"Oh, I would never dream of assuming I know all of Luna Nova's secrets, Ram," said Professor Holbrooke amicably. "Only last year, for instance, I was looking through our library for a book on dragon tonics when I found a secret passageway that lead to this beautiful chamber with a magnificent golden hourglass and a chamber off to the side that lead to a mysterious door. I have since moved the hourglass to my personal effects and offered the chamber to one of our most brilliant students to use as her workshop."
That sounded almost familiar to Akko, but she couldn't exactly explain why. At the same time, without Akko's notice, Constanze was showing of her Stan-Bot to a bunch of eager looking students from Class Zero, feeling proud of herself.
Meanwhile, Lindy Harlaown was telling embarrassing stories about Fate to Nanoha; the blonde girl was sunk so low under the table Akko could only see her reddening forehead.
"Then when Fate was five and Alicia was seven, Fate decided she wanted to cut down her own Christmas tree," said Lindy. "And of course, Precia just couldn't say no to those pudgy cheeks – they were like a pair of marshmallows. So it was myself, my son, Fate, and Alicia walking through the woods deep in the mountains behind Precia's castle. I suggested we pick a small, sensible tree that we could put in the den, but no, Fate wanted the biggest tree in the forest. We found one two miles south of home and Fate thought she could chop it down herself. We all knew that wasn't happening, but we decided to humor her. But when she took her very first swing at it, the vibrations disturbed a nest of squirrels hiding in the trunk and they jumped on her. It was so comical watching an A-Class mage being chased around by a bunch of woodland creatures!"
Nanoha had been drinking a glass of cranberry juice that almost came out her nose because she was laughing so hard. Fate moaned and disappeared completely under the table; Nanoha calmed herself and looked down at her date, fighting hard not to grin.
"Aw, c'mon, Fate-chan," she said, her voice shaking from fighting back the giggles. "It's not that bad."
Akko looked around the dining hall. Ursula and Croix were sitting alone on the second floor; Croix had slicked back her hair and pinned it into a bun behind her, dressed in a white tuxedo while Ursula was wearing a simple apple-red dress with a large flower pinned to her chest. Akko was fully aware that the flower was being used to cover Ursula's life support machine….
When all the food had been consumed, Professor Holbrooke stood up and asked the students to do the same. Then, with a wave of her hand, all the tables zoomed back along the walls leaving the floor clear, and then she conjured up a raised platform into existence along the right wall.
The groups called the Squid Sisters and Off the Hook now trooped onto the stage to wildly enthusiastic applause; they were all women who were part cephalopod with starry pupils and tentacles for hair. Off the Hook wandered off to the side while the Squid Sisters took center stage, and Akko, who had been so interested in watching them that she had almost forgotten what was coming, suddenly realized that the lanterns on all the other tables had gone out, and that the Luna Nova champions and their partners were standing up.
"Looks like it's time," said Andrew, straightening himself and offering his hand to Akko. "Shall we dance, Miss Kagari?"
Akko was glad she had taken Andrew's hand before she stood up; she had tripped over her dress, but was righted thanks to her partner. The Squid Sisters declared they were performing "Fresh Start" and started singing an enchanting ballad. Akko walked onto the brightly lit dance floor, carefully avoiding catching anyone's eye (she could see Amanda, Constanze, and Jasminka waving at her and sniggering), and next moment, Andrew placed one of his arms around her waist and held her hand with his own.
It wasn't as bad as it could have been, Akko thought revolving slowly on the spot (Andrew was expectedly good at this). She kept her eyes fixed over the heads of the watching people, and very soon many of them too had come onto the dance floor, so that the champions were no longer the center of attention. Lotte and Frank were dancing nearby and Sucy and Fu were waltzing just beyond them – Akko had never seen Sucy smile so much in one day. Ursula and Croix were doing an elegant two-step up above and Professor Holbrooke was dancing with All Might of all people – the size difference between the two made the whole thing more humorous. And then there was Diana, practically gliding across the dance floor in tandem with Todoroki, who was pretty good on his feet as well. It was hard to miss that when Diana and Todoroki slowly got closer to Akko and Andrew, they suddenly scooted away. Akko frowned.
"You don't look too happy," Andrew whispered, making Akko jump slightly. "Is there something wrong?"
"No, it's just…," said Akko, biting her lip. "I think Diana is mad at me, though that's nothing unusual. It seems like every year there's always something for her to be mad at me about."
"Well, I think it might be my fault this time," said Andrew, frowning as he watched Diana from a distance. "She was probably expecting me to take her because of our family obligations and likely thought I chose to come with you as a way of humiliating her. But that is not true at all, I swear," he said to Akko quickly.
"Then why did you ask me to the dance?" Akko asked curiously. "We don't have anything in common and we barely see each other a whole lot in the past three years. I thought we hated each other when we first met."
"Well…that's actually part of the reason why I wanted to go with you," said Andrew, looking, much to Akko's shock, genuinely embarrassed. "When we first met, you were the only person who didn't fawn over me or let me get away with talking down on magic. No, the first thing you did was tackle me into a bookcase and hit me in the eye with a book about toadstools."
"I think Sucy still has that book upstairs," said Akko jokingly.
"It was…refreshing not getting my way for once," said Andrew with a soft smile. "I spent my whole life pampered and groomed, and suddenly the loudmouthed witch comes out of nowhere and calls me out. Every time we met, it was like a challenge between us, and I enjoyed every minute of it. My life had been boring and monotonous until you showed up, Miss Kagari. You were bullheaded, stubborn, unreasonable, and uncivilized in every way possible…but you are also brave, loyal, and stay true to your convictions, even when others mock you for it."
"Wow, sounds like you might have a crush on me," said Akko in a tone that was meant to be teasing.
"I think I might," Andrew admitted. Akko shut her mouth and her eyes bulged. "Being with you showed me what was wrong with my life. I allowed people – like my father – dictate my life. Watching you from afar has inspired me to be become better, more independent. I've started standing up to my father more – I've decided to continue playing the piano against his wishes and started benefits for Demi-Humans because I know it would annoy him. And it's all because of you, Miss Kagari…."
Akko's throat felt very dry; she wasn't sure she could say anything if she wanted to. It was a relief when she heard the final note from the Squid Sisters and applause filled the dining hall once more. Akko jumped out of Andrew's arms at once.
"Uh, let's sit down, I'm really tired."
"Oh, are you sure, I think this is a popular song," Andrew said as Off the Hook stepped on stage and started playing "Nasty Majesty".
"Oh, no, I'm really, really tired," Akko lied, and she fled from the dance floor, past Amanda and Constanze, who were dancing so exuberantly that people around them were backing away in fear of injury, and over to an empty table where Makoto and her cousin were sitting.
"How's it going?" Akko asked Makoto, sitting down and opening a bottle of root beer.
"It could be better – if Kei would stop stepping on my toes," Makoto said, shooting a pointed look at her cousin.
"Hey, I'm sorry, you don't get a lot of fancy balls over in the countryside," said Kei apologetically.
Akko leaned forward on the table, holding her root beer like a lifeline when Andrew sat in the empty seat next to her, one foot tapping in time to the music. Akko's could feel her heart racing from being in close proximity of him; how was she supposed to feel after a heartfelt confession like that? Every now and then Akko glanced sideways at Andrew, who was watching the Squid Sisters and Off the Hook. A few minutes later, Makoto stood up and pulled Kei by the arm.
"I'm not going to sit here all night," said Makoto determinedly. "We're going to teach you how to dance or die trying!"
"Wait, Makoto, hey!" Kei yelped, and was dragged off into the dance floor. When the song ended, neither of them returned, leaving Akko all alone with Andrew.
Thankfully, or unfortunately depending on the situation, Diana came over and sat down in Makoto's empty chair. She was a bit pink in the face from dancing.
"Hello, Diana," Andrew said pleasantly. Akko didn't trust herself to say anything.
"A bit tired, are we?" said Diana, taking deep calming breaths. "Shoto's just gone to get some drinks."
Andrew gave an amusing chuckle. "Shoto, is it?" he said. "You two are already on a first name basis, are you?"
"I know what you're insinuating, but it's not like that," said Diana evenly. "He's a good man, very understanding. And a good listener."
"Oh, and what exactly have you been telling him?" asked Andrew.
"Nothing that concerns you," said Diana coldly.
Andrew looked taken aback. He turned to Akko, who just shrugged her shoulders.
"Have you two been enjoying yourselves?" Diana continued. "I could tell that you are by the way that you've been sitting over here for the past ten minutes."
"Should we be flattered that you've been watching us the whole time," said Andrew. "You know, jealousy is not a good color on you, Diana."
"I'm not jealous, only concerned for Akko," said Diana, shooting him a heated glare that made even Akko flinch. "She is naive. She doesn't understand the trouble that comes with associating with your sort."
Andrew's expression turned into a deep frown, his brows furrowed as he leaned forward to face her; Akko slowly backed away from the two.
"And what is that supposed to mean?" Andrew hissed.
"Just what it sounds like," said Diana coldly. "Akko is kind and trusting to a fault; she would be the least likely to see through this thinly veiled façade you're passing yourself as. Flashing a smile and acting kind and innocent just like you always have since we were children, all so that you can use Akko for your own purposes."
Andrew's hand gripped the table cloth; he looked furious.
"You think I'm using Miss Kagari for my own selfish gain?" he growled lowly. "Of all the petty accusations – "
"You're about to graduate at the end of the year, aren't you?" Diana cut him off. "You're planning on going into government directly after. You may have the backing of your father, but that would only work in gaining support from the human side, not the Demi-Humans. That was the whole purpose of our engagement, wasn't it? As a political tool? But being married to a Cavendish wouldn't be nearly as tempting as having the Star-Born Child in your pocket."
Andrew slammed his fist on the table, rattling the silverware. Some people nearby stopped dancing and stared at them.
"How dare you accuse me of using Miss Kagari!" Andrew snarled furiously. "I thought you of all people would understand the burden comes with a title! You think I want to subject Miss Kagari to that type of life? That I'm only interested in her because of her name? That's low, especially for you, Cavendish."
"I just find it strange, really," said Diana, not missing a beat, "that after three years of knowing her, you only now come forward with your 'affections' right as you are on the cusps of your political entry. And I suppose you telling Akko about the Xenomorphs in the forest was another part of your 'affections' as well? Contest Champion on top of Star-Born Child would look pretty well on her résumé."
Andrew looked as though Diana had slapped him across the face. He stood up, walked around the table, and leaned in close until their faces were only inches apart. When he spoke, his voice was seething with contained fury.
"Do not presume to understand my feelings for Miss Kagari…. You talk about my affections, but what about yours, Diana?"
"I don't know what you're talking – "
"Bull – crap!" Andrew hissed. "That's what this attack is really about. We may have had our differences, but we never had a problem before. And then, after I ask Miss Kagari to the dance, you throw around these outlandish accusations. You're a petty woman, Diana. You talk about affection so easily, but you're incapable of expressing it – ironic considering the Cavendish motto is 'Affection'."
"If you have a point, I'd certainly like to hear it," said Diana, glaring.
People were starting to stare at them. The Squid Sisters and Off the Hook actually stopped in the middle of "Now or Never" and watched with the rest.
"Uh, guys," said Akko quietly. "Maybe this isn't the best place to be talking about this. How 'bout we all go outside – "
"My point is that you blew your chance, Diana!" Andrew snapped. "You had four years to say something, and you didn't! I know Miss Kagari asked you to the dance, but you turned her down because of family obligation! But I'm not like you, Diana! I'm not going to let my family or my status get in the way of my happiness!"
"That has nothing to do with it!" Diana roared, jumping up and leering at Andrew at full height.
"The hell it does!" snapped Andrew. "If you had accepted Miss Kagari's invitation, it would be you dancing out there with her instead of me! I would have been happy for you both if you had! But you didn't, and you aren't! So stop throwing a tantrum like a spoiled child!"
Diana clenched her fist, almost like she was about to deck him, but instead turned on her heel and stormed off across the dance floor, disappearing into the crowd. Andrew watched her go with a hard stare, sighed heavily as he rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"I don't suppose you're up for another dance?" Andrew asked Akko, though he already seemed to know the answer. "Right…I'll…go get us some drinks…."
And then he walked off, leaving Akko alone at the table with several people watching her awkwardly. Not exactly the night Akko had been hoping for. Thankfully, the Squid Sisters and Off the Hook started playing again, distracting the onlookers from the scene.
"Where'd Diana go?" said a voice.
Todoroki had just arrived at their table clutching two cups of cider.
"I don't think she's in the mood to talk to anyone right now," said Akko exasperatedly, looking up at him.
Todoroki frowned and cast an eye around the hall.
"Well, if you do see her, tell her I have drinks," he said, and he walked away.
"Well, you're certainly a popular one tonight, aren't you?"
Councilwoman Ava had trotted over, rubbing her neck awkwardly with a pitiable smile. "Sorry for butting into your business, but I figured you could use a friend right now. That scene was brutal to watch."
With Akko not caring one way or the other, Councilwoman Ava now took Andrew's vacated seat. The top table was now empty; Satsuki Kiryuin was now dancing with Kurasame, Miss Aki with Koro-sensei, Theresa was standing on Yuri Meichi's feet, Paul Hanbridge treaded lightly with Lindy Harlaown, and Ram was nowhere to be seen. When the song ended, everybody applauded once more and Akko saw the Grand Master kiss Professor Finnelan's hand and make his way back through the crowds, at which point Amanda accosted him.
"What does that girl think she is doing, bothering the Grand Master like that?" Councilwoman Ava muttered, watching Amanda suspiciously. "She's up to something…."
The Grand Master shook off Amanda fairly quickly, however, and, spotting Akko, waved and came over to their table.
"I hope my daughter wasn't bothering you, Grand Master," said Councilwoman Ava politely.
"What? Oh, not at all, not at all!" said the Grand Master. "No, she was just asking me if there was anything in the rules about substitutes for the Contest champions. Even if she can't play, she still wants to contribute, bless her heart. I told her that the teams can have substitutes, but the champions have to agree on who to replace them…."
Councilwoman was eyeing the Grand Master suspiciously while also shooting a glance at Amanda, who was standing on the edge of the dance floor looking over in their direction. Akko felt a little apprehensive. If she was asking about substitutes, then perhaps she hadn't completely gotten over being cheated out of the Contest. The Grand Master opened his mouth to ask Akko something, but Councilwoman Ava diverted him.
"How do you feel the Contest is going, Grand Master? Our department is quite satisfied with the results thus far. Though the little hiccup with the crystal skull" – she glanced towards Amanda, who had subtly moved closer with Constanze – "was unfortunate, of course, but it seems to have gone very smoothly since then."
"Oh yes," The Grand Master said cheerfully, "it's all been enormous fun. By the way, how is Org doing? Shame he couldn't come."
"Knowing Org, he'll be back in the office first thing in the morning," said Councilwoman Ava, "but in the meantime, I am more than willing to pick up the slack. Of course, it's not easy when you're trying to juggle two jobs at once. Did you hear that Ali Baba was caught smuggling a consignment of flying carpets into Germany last week? And then there's this whole human eligibility business with Dracula's hotel in Transylvania. I have to meet the ambassador of the Lautreamont Kingdom on New Years – "
"Hey, Akko, wanna go for a walk?" Amanda and Constanze suddenly appeared behind her chair, smiling not-so-innocently. "You look like you could use some fresh air."
Grateful to have an excuse to leave the dining hall, Akko left the table, followed Amanda and Constanze around the dance floor, and slipped out into the entrance hall. The front doors stood open, and the fluttering fairy lights in the rose garden winked and twinkled as they went down the front steps, where they found themselves surrounded by bushes; wide ornamental paths; and large stone statues. Here and there, people were sitting on carved benches.
"You looked like you needed to get out of there," Amanda told Akko. "Everyone saw that fight between Andrew and Diana and I figured you didn't want to be in the spotlight after that. But I never thought in a million years that anyone would be fighting over you of all people."
Akko would have felt insulted, but she quite agreed. She never knew either Andrew or Diana felt anything for her; both of them had always appeared aloof and indifferent to Akko. She groaned and felt a migraine starting to build.
Akko, Amanda, and Constanze set off along one of the winding paths through the rosebushes, but they had gone only a short way when they heard a familiar voice.
"…insist on following me everywhere, Ram."
"The world is turning on its head, Zeref," Ram's voice was even and hushed, as though keen not to be overheard. " You can't pretend otherwise. The Purifiers are becoming more active in the past few months. I figured that, if you were cooperative, I might obtain some of your insight."
"There is very little I could tell you," said Zeref curtly. "All I know is that the purifiers hate everything to do with magic."
"Then why have they been stealing spellstones recently? Since the world of magic was revived fourteen years ago, the need for Spellstones has become obsolete and used as little more for fancy decoration. But if a human were to use one…."
"You believe the Purifiers are practicing magic?"
"It's just a thought."
Zeref and Ram came around the corner. Zeref waved his hand out and blasted the rosebushes apart, his expression most solemn. Squeals issued from many of the bushes, and dark shapes emerged from them.
"Ten points from Corona, Catherine Ainsworth," Zeref said as a girl ran past him. "And ten points from Eclipse, Elfride Coch," as another girl went rushing after the first one. "And what are you three doing here?" he added, catching sight of Akko, Amanda, and Constanze on the path ahead. Ram, Akko noticed, was staring down her nose at Akko with a look of dark suspicion.
"We're just walking, sir," said Amanda, waving her hands. "These was a little drama inside and decided to cool off out here."
"Well, I hope you all feel better," said Zeref kindly, and he brushed past them, his long black robe billowing out behind him. Ram looked at Akko a few more second before following. Akko, Amanda, and Constanze continued down the path.
"You really think the Purifiers are using magic?" Stan-Bot asked them.
"If they are, that would make them hypocrites," said Amanda slowly. "Still, I don't like the idea of a bunch of fanatics with magic."
They reached the statue of the Great Witch Jennifer now, over which they could see the sparkling jets of the fountain. The shadowy outlines of two people were visible on a stone bench, watching the water in the moonlight. And then Akko heard Jasminka speak.
"I still see him sometimes – his memories, I mean – whenever I sleep," she was saying in an oddly husky voice.
Akko, Amanda, and Constanze froze. This didn't sound like the sort of scene they ought to walk in on, somehow…. Akko looked around, back up the path, and saw Nico and her date – Karolina, if Akko remembered correctly – standing half-concealed in a rosebush nearby. She tapped Amanda on the shoulder and jerked her head toward them, meaning that they could easily sneak off that way without being noticed (Nico and Karolina looked very busy to Akko), but Amanda shook her head vigorously, and pulled Akko and Constanze deeper into the shadows behind Jennifer's statue.
"I get where you're coming from," It was Professor Ymir, the History of Magic teacher. "I sometimes see visions of my grandmother's memories from time to time, but you learn to fight them off as you get older."
Akko definitely knew Jasminka wouldn't appreciate them eavesdropping on their conversation, but she was curious now. Jasminka and Professor Ymir were hardly ever seen together – the last time Akko had even seen the professor outside of class was during their trip to the Arcturus Forest in their first year. The pairing just seemed so random, but they were speaking with such familiarity that Akko couldn't help leaning closer to catch their next words.
"I know it's tradition, but I still feel guilty – having to eat my dedushka – that's is, my grandpa," said Jasminka glumly. "I'm glad I don't remember when it happened. I hope my dedushka wasn't hurt too much before he died."
"It's like that for all the Nine Families," said Professor Ymir understandingly. "It's gruesome and heartbreaking, but it's necessary to make sure that the Nine Powers remain under control. If they ever fell in the wrong hands, it would be devastating."
"Did you feel bad when you had to eat your babushka – I mean, your grandma – Professor Ymir?"
"Of course I felt bad – I loved granny Ymir," said Professor Ymir quietly. "But I knew what was happening for a long time because it was our family's legacy. Not a lot of people know this, but I'm actually the sixty-eighth Ymir in our family line. It's tradition that everyone in our family names their daughters Ymir after the first carrier. This was done to make sure that we never forgot about our legacy. My granny raised me on the stories of our ancestors and prepared me for the day when I turned ten and was forced to eat her to pass on her power. One day, I'm going to have a daughter named Ymir and when I get too old to carry the Power, I'll either pass it to her or my own granddaughter."
Jasminka didn't say anything at first. And Akko, in spite of herself, leaned over the edge of Jennifer's pedestal, watching the mismatched women, listening…. Akko had no idea what they were talking about, but it sounded very serious. They were talking about eating their grandparents! And one look at Amanda and Constanze told her they had no idea either.
"At first, I thought I would live in isolation like the rest of my family out in the woods, far from anyone else. Then the magical world was revived and Holbrook appeared out of nowhere, offering me teaching position at Luna Nova. I mean, it made sense. I have all the memories of the people who carried the Power before me, so I was like a walking history book. But I didn't think anyone would want me considering my…condition. But Holbrooke is a good woman. She didn't care who I was or what I had done as long as I was willing to put in the effort. That woman would make a saint look like a sinner…. That's why I thought it was a good idea to suggest you for enrollment."
"I always wondered about that," said Jasminka softly. "I never thought someone like me could get into a good school like Luna Nova."
"Well, you're here now," said Professor Ymir, patting Jasminka's back. "So, have you told your friends about this yet?"
"No, I can't!" shrieked Jasminka. Her voice exploded through the peaceful night air like a foghorn; behind her, Akko heard Nico and Karolina fall out of their rosebush. "I can't ever tell them! Can you imagine what they would think of me if they found out I was a Titan-Shifter?"
"Okay, okay, calm down!" said Ymir, throwing her arms up in surrender. "I won't say anything if you won't. I was just thinking that, as your friends, they deserved to know about it."
"I know, and I will…someday," Jasminka muttered mutely.
Ymir put her arm over Jasminka's shoulder, rubbing it comfortingly. They stayed that way for several minutes, speaking in low voices that were too far away to decipher. It was much too dark to make out their expressions. Then, after about a minute, they stood up and strode away back to the castle.
"C'mon," Akko said, very quietly to Amanda and Constanze. "Let's go…."
But neither of them moved; they were looking at the bench with pale expressions.
"What's up?" said Akko, looking at them.
Amanda looked around at Akko, her expression very grave.
"Did you know?" she whispered. "About Jasminka being a Titan-Shifter?"
No," Akko said, shrugging. "So what?"
She knew immediately from the looks they were giving her, that she was once again revealing her ignorance to the magical world. Brought up by normal human parents, there were many things that Demi-Humans took for granted that were revelations to Akko, but these surprises had become fewer with each successive year. Now, however, she could tell that most Demi-Humans would not have said "So what?" upon finding out that one of their friends was a Titan-Shifter that ate their dedushkas.
"I'll explain inside," said Amanda quietly, "c'mon…."
Nico and Karolina had disappeared, probably into a more private clump of bushes. Akko, Amanda, and Constanze returned to the dining hall. Andrew was now sitting at a distant table talking animatedly with Frank and Lotte, and Sucy was once more dancing with Fu. Diana, along with Hannah and Barbara, were nowhere to be found. Akko and Constanze followed Amanda to a table far removed from the dance floor.
"So?" Akko prompted Amanda. "What the big deal about Titan-Shifters?"
"…You know what a Titan is, right?" asked Amanda.
"Yeah, vaguely," said Akko, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "I remember we found one back when we were trying to stop Barbara from stealing the Shiny Rod. Diana said something…. What was it…oh yeah, that Titans are immune to magic and they can't be killed except but cutting the nape. I think…Yeah, it was Jasminka who took care of it. Diana and I went ahead while she stayed behind to fight it."
"That makes sense," said Stan-Bot. "If she's a Titan-Shifter, she could kill a Titan no sweat."
"So what is a Titan-Shifter?" asked Akko insistently.
"Okay, you know how Titans are usually stupid and just act on instinct?" said Amanda; Akko nodded. "Well, imagine someone with all the powers of a Titan, but was as intelligent as you and me. Someone who could tell the difference between friend and enemy and can think and plan. That's basically what a Titan-Shifter is, that's what makes them way more dangerous than any normal Titan. I thought all the Titan-Shifters just vanished, but it sounds like both Professor Ymir and Jasminka are part of some…secret organization keeping them in line."
"Who cares? Akko said. "There's nothing wrong with Jasminka or Professor Ymir!"
"Hey, you won't get any arguments from me, but…my god, no wonder she keeps it a secret," Amanda said, shaking her head. "I always wondered why she was so freakishly strong. Remember when Barbara let that Minotaur in the castle? She blocked one of its punches at full strength and even shoved him back. I thought that was impressive then, but now…."
"But what does it matter if Jasminka is a Titan-Shifter?" said Akko.
"Well…no one who knows her will care, 'cause they'll know she's not dangerous," said Stan-Bot as Constanze lowered her eyes sadly. "But…Akko, the Titans were wiped out because people thought they were too dangerous. Titan-Shifters are worse because they're smart enough to know how to use their powers. Eight hundred years ago, before the Nine Olde Witches founded Luna Nova, there was one Titan-Shifter who was as cruel and heartless as they come. His name was Eren Yeager and he was a coldblooded killer who was filled with so much pointless hatred that he planned to destroy the world. He's part of the reason why Demi-Humans were persecuted so heavily up until the Hundred Year War. Thankfully, Eren Yeager was killed by humans along with the other Titan-Shifters. Everyone thought that was the end of it."
"But it wasn't, was it?" said Akko, frowning. "They're still around today."
"Yeah, and it sounds like these 'Nine Families' are protecting them to make sure no one becomes the next Yeager," said Amanda, rubbing the back of her neck. "Jesus…. You know we can't say anything about this to anyone, right? If people found out about Jasminka – "
"We're not going to say anything," Akko said, watching Jasminka across the dance floor dancing with a couple boys from Class Zero. "Jasminka is too nice to be treated like that…."
Akko, Amanda, and Constanze spent the rest of the ball discussing Titans in their corner, none of them having any inclination to dance. Akko tried not to look at Andrew as he walked past their table and out into the entrance hall, looking somber. That made Akko feel guilty; Andrew had really been looking forward to spending the evening together.
When the Squid Sisters and Off the Hook finished playing at midnight, everyone gave them a last, loud round of applause and started to wend their way into the entrance hall. Many people were expressing the wish that the ball could have gone on longer, but Akko was perfectly happy to be going to bed; as far as she was concerned, the evening hadn't been much fun.
Out in the entrance hall, Akko saw Sucy saying good night to Fu before she went back to Blytonbury with her classmates. She had this dreamy sort of look no one had ever seen on her before, not even noticing them as she swept past them up the spiraling staircase. Akko, Amanda, and Constanze followed her, but halfway up the stairs Akko heard someone calling her.
"Hey - Kagari!"
It was Hannah and Barbara and both of them looked pissed. Hannah was holding an ice pack to an impressive red bump on her head.
"Whoa, what happened to you?" said Akko as they ran up the stairs toward her.
Barbara shot a sideways glance at Amanda and Constanze as though she didn't want to say anything in front of them. Amanda shrugged her shoulders, grabbed Constanze's hand, who turned red-faced, and continued to climb the stairs.
"Diana…," Hannah lowered her voice as Amanda and Constanze disappeared. "She was really upset about what happened during the dance. We chased her all the way up to the second-floor bathroom, and saw her…crying."
"Crying?" Akko groaned, feeling like a lead weight had dropped in her stomach.
"Really bad," said Barbara. "We tried to comfort her, but she got angry and blasted Hannah in the face completely out of nowhere. She's been up there ever since."
"Oh god," Akko moaned, burying her face in her hands. "You think I should go up there and – "
"I wouldn't recommend that," said Hannah frowning. "The way she is now, she likely to curse you. You might wanna wait for her to blow off some steam before trying anything."
"And the next challenge is only a few days away," said Akko, hanging her head. "There won't be enough time to work everything out."
"Well, you better, or it's only gonna get worse from here," said Barbara. "Anyway, we need to go see Porlyusica – just thought we'd tell you what's going on – come on, Hannah – "
Akko walked back to Polaris Tower alone, feeling like she was going to be sick. Since when did her life become a bad soap opera? Andrew admitting her had feelings for her point blank and if the implications there were true, then that meant Diana might have feelings for her as well. Normally, Akko would be ecstatic at the idea of Diana returning her feelings, but this complicated mess she found herself in was making her head spin. She silently wondered if this was how Chariot felt when choosing between Diana's mom and her dad….
She all but punched the sequence on the marbled wall opening the archway into the Polaris common room. She walked in and found Lotte and Sucy sitting on the couch near the fireplace, talking in rapid hushed voices and giggling; the same kind of giggling Akko had heard for weeks leading up to the ball.
"Hey, guys, what's up?" Akko interrupted, appearing over the couch back between them. "You guys look like you're in a great mood."
"Oh, Akko, it was wonderful," said Lotte dreamily with a smile that stretched from cheek to cheek. "Frank was so sweet and thoughtful. We practically danced the entire time right up until the very end. It felt like something out of a fairy tale."
"I'll admit…it wasn't bad," said Sucy with a sheepish grin; she undid the bun in her hair as it snapped back to normal. "Fu wasn't at all what I expected. She wasn't grossed out or paranoid when I kept talking about poisons and mushrooms. And she was actually listening. When I asked her what I was saying, she actually got it right. Normally people just tune me out or ignore me. It was really…nice…."
"How did your night go, Akko?" asked Lotte curiously.
Akko thought about telling them the truth; that the night had turned out miserable and she unintentionally ended up hurting two people who were very important to her on top of overhearing Jasminka and Professor Ymir's secret conversation. But when she looked at their smiling faces – something she rarely saw with Sucy – she couldn't bring herself to say it.
"It was great…," Akko said with a weak smile. "Best night ever…."
I had a feeling that this was the chapter most people were looking forward to and I hope I didn't disappoint. A lot of revelations were made today: Andrew and Diana both have feelings for Akko and the heroine is torn between the two of them, Jasminka has a very dangerous secret, and the Purifiers are acting out of character by collecting magic. Thing are only gonna get more complicated before they get better.
Again, please show your support for Serenity Academy, because you know I'm just going to keep repeating this message over and over again.
And be sure to check out my latest project, Super Smash Anime: A Future Imperfect.
Next chapter: The Second Game