Summary: In which Diana and Akko spend a lot of time in the library. Can these count as dates?

Author's Notes:

Back to plot.

Special thanks to Bakufan15 for their shoutout in their story A Slice in The Life of Dianakko. If you like drama-style fics with elements of adventure, that's one story to check out :] It also has fluff! I know normal people (who aren't crazy like me) do read for the happy stuff XD

Act III. vii. Calm Before the Storm - Gathering_Information

Akko forgets one small important detail when she offers to help Diana search for possible applications of philosopher's stones that can illuminate a reason for their theft.

Research is tiring and boring.

Oftentimes, one has to prepare themselves for the amount of fruitless labor put into looking for answers and not finding any. Akko is used to putting in the effort and getting something in return within a given time frame. Her improvement of her magic is an example of this. Even though it took an entire year for her to cast spells properly and fly, at least she saw improvement in small increments throughout the years. Even a small difference such as getting magic out of her wand is better than nothing happening at all.

So when a week passes and they find nothing substantial, Akko drops her head onto the library desk and cries in defeat.

"How is it possible to find nothing in a whole week?! We've almost gone through the entire library and we still have no idea what we're looking for!"

After a single night under the stars, Akko and Diana spend most of their time in Luna Nova's library for research. Diana has to return to the infirmary for the first to days to let Ophelia monitor her healing progress. By the third day, the nurse declares she will not longer need the sling. It makes little difference; except now Diana can flip through books faster as she takes notes.

None of that makes a difference if almost nothing comes out of a week's worth of effort.

Akko raises her forehead to slam onto the wooden surface of the desk. As her head is elevated, Diana slips a large, open book underneath Akko's head so her forehead hits a softer surface than hard oak.

"Answers do not come immediately, Akko," Diana reprimands without looking up from the large book she is currently searching through. "It is advisable to go in with the assumption that it could take an unforeseeable amount of time before finding anything worthwhile. Do not let the despair consume you."

Akko lifts her head so her chin rests on the book under her. "Weren't you the one who said we should hurry and find why the stones are missing or the world could end?"

"I did not specify the end of the world. Only that something terrible could happen."

"End of the world is pretty terrible. Can't beat that."

"There are other disastrous possibilities. Perhaps not on the same scale, but nevertheless with its own detrimental consequences. Our goal is to prevent these opportunities from occurring. We cannot give up. Finding nothing only means we need to look harder."

Akko folds her arms under her chin. "As expected of Luna Nova's workaholic. Sorry, Diana. I don't have the many years of tolerance that you've built up. You know people still look at me funny when they see me in the library? Did you see those girls give me funny looks even though I've been here with you for the past week?!"

"That would not be the case if you spent more time in here."

"But it's boring and stuffy. If I'm going to practice, I'm doing it outside with fresh air and away from all the depressing students cramming for exams."

"The library is not depressing. The atmosphere is serious and studious, something required when one is trying to focus and pass their exams."

"You don't have to be depressed to be determined," Akko argues back. "And that's what I'd call this heavy feeling whenever I step foot into this place."

The table jolting pulls Akko and Diana's gazes to the sudden movement. The new towers of books almost block the faces of their teammates and friends.

"If you're Akko, you just need stupidity and impulsiveness," Sucy states.

Amanda leans over her stack of books. "Heh. No one can beat Akko in those categories."

Akko pouts. "Are you guys going to keep insulting me or actually help us?"

"Honestly at this rate, I think I'd rather join those two and keep up the insults." Hannah groans. "We've almost gone through the entire library and we still can't find anything."

"See, Diana? I'm not the only one affected by this."

Although Diana and Akko are the main two doing the research, their friends offered their help and support after finding out the two were not having consecutive fun dates. It first started with Hannah and Barbara dutifully helping Diana in any way they can, even if it's just carrying and fetching books. Then Lotte elected to help as well, consequently pulling Sucy along. And because Amanda and her team were bored, they joined in as well. In particular, Stanbot has been helpful by processing the information in the books faster than the average reader.

Even so, none of them knew how long and boring the task would be.

Diana sighs. "Girls, we cannot be disheartened just by a few setbacks. To fall into despair is not the answer. If we stop now, it will only take longer to find the answers we seek."

"Yes Diana," Hannah and Barbara chorus.

Amanda pulls out a chair and kicks her feet onto the table. "Cheh, doing research isn't my thing. I'm just here to watch Akko try to read."

Akko shoots up from her chair. "Try to read?! I bet you can't even read one page before giving up!"

Lotte holds her hands up and tries to placate her fuming roommate. "Akko…"

"It's not going to work, Lotte," Sucy chimes in. "Amanda looks riled up already. There's nothing you can do at this point."

"Yeah, and that's still more pages than you!" Amanda shoots back. "How many times have you already complained about all of this?"

"Enough to make Diana's ears bleed," Barbara mutters.

Akko and Amanda aren't the only reasons why Diana's ears are constantly erupting. Though they are certainly the main reason.

Having enough, the librarian stomps over and slaps her hand onto the table. The reverberation of the hard oak passes through the girls and sends shivers down their spines. The old woman's gaze is terrifying enough to bring Amanda's legs off the table.

"I have been patient with you girls because Miss Cavendish is here," the librarian hisses. "However, this has gone on for far too long. This is a library. By the Nine, control yourselves! Perhaps the courtyard would be more fitting for you hooligans! And Miss Antonenko, no eating in the library!"

Jasminka deflates but puts away her bag of chips. "Aw…"

Diana composes herself first. "I apologize for the disturbance. We will be sure to behave ourselves from this point forward."

"See that they do, Miss Cavendish. If you cannot control them, then there is no hope for any of us." The old woman glares at the rest of them. "Quiet."

Once the librarian turns her back and goes back to her seat, Hannah and Barbara send silent glares at the other girls - mainly Akko and Amanda - with their arms crossed over their chests.

"Now look what you two idiots have done. You got Diana in trouble too!" Hannah says.

Amanda turns her head away with her own arms crossed. "Psh. You call that getting into trouble? Did you see how that lady addressed Diana? That's not getting yelled at. That's thinking the rest of us are 'hooligans' while 'Miss Cavendish' here is our keeper."

Diana closes her book shut with a thump.

"I understand if this is mundane to you both. You are free to leave if you wish. You are not obligated to partake in this research outside of your own volition."

The ice-cold stare is reminiscent of Diana's earlier interactions with Akko back in their first year before getting so close. It sends a shiver down Akko's spine.

(I never knew how much that bothers me now. I'm taking her smiles too much for granted!)

Amanda, on the other hand, is more resilient thanks to a lack of romantic feelings toward the Cavendish heiress.

"Lighten up, Diana. It's not like this is a life or death situation," Amanda says flippantly.

Diana and Akko glare at Amanda with no hint of amusement. It goes on for long enough that Amanda starts to doubt the severity of this.

"Uh, is it?"

"Come to think of it, you guys never explained what all of this is for. Just what we needed to find," Sucy says. "And 'uses for philosopher's stones' isn't a detailed explanation."

"The thing is, we're not sure about what it could be used for either," Ursula says from behind them. She switches her hold on the tower of books in her hands to push up her glasses. "Sorry for the wait. These finally came from the Ministry thanks to Croix."

Akko groans. "Just when I thought there'd be no more books to check."

"It's a good thing that we have more material, Akko," Ursula says as she places the books down onto the table, joining the other stacks. "It means we don't have to stay stuck at a dead end."

"Too much reading…"

Diana takes the first book on the stack. "Thank you, Professor Ursula. These should be of great assistance to us."

"I take it you've had no luck either?" Ursula asks.

"There is too little information available," Diana replies. "We would need to know the placement of the stones, the location of the casting, the time of day, or a combination of these along with other factors. Our only available information is the number of stones."

"Which doesn't tell us much…" Ursula sighs. "Well, there's not much we can do but continue where we left off." She eyes the angry librarian with wary. "And let's be diligent about this. I don't think Miss Hittelman appreciates the extra eye she has to keep on us."

Thus, the group of nine little witches and their overseeing professor continue their arduous task of research. Progress is hard to achieve even with so many helping hands, a professor, Diana's insane reading speed, Stanbot's processing power, and the new set of books courtesy of Croix. There is simply too little information to go by at their stage. Without more clues to narrow the search, the possibilities are endless.

By dinnertime, they've barely made any progress from the start of the day. Ursula apologetically excuses herself for the night to finish grading some papers and planning the coursework for the next week. She convinces the other girls to take a break and grab some food for dinner to keep their minds fresh. It won't do any of them good if they pass out from malnutrition.

As studious as Diana is, she understands the importance of one's health in the research process. Therefore, she reluctantly agrees to go with everyone to the dining hall to eat a quick dinner. But once that's over, she's right back into the books.

The green team and the rest of the blue and red teams retire for the night, leaving Akko and Diana in the library to continue with their search. The others trust Akko to (somehow) get Diana to rest at some point. Hannah and Barbara would have stayed themselves if Diana did not convince them to take a nice bath and relax for the night after their help. The praises definitely help getting the two girls out of the library.

But an hour after everyone leaves, Hannah and Barbara return to the library with a letter in hand for both of them.

"Your owl brought this one in when we got back to the room," Barbara says, handing Diana the first letter.

Hannah steps up next. "After we took a shower, another owl came with this one. We didn't know where it came from, but your owl didn't make a fuss so we assumed it's no stranger."

Diana takes both letters. "Thank you for bringing them over. You girls have been a great help to Akko and I these past few days. Take tonight to rest so we may continue tomorrow."

"You too, Diana," Barbara says. She turns to the brunette witch by Diana's side. "Akko, make sure Diana gets sleep tonight."

Hannah huffs. "The cranky librarian likes Diana enough that she'll actually let you guys stay the night. Make sure that doesn't happen!"

Akko waves them off. "Heh, that won't be a problem. I like my bed too much to give it up for this stupid chair."

"Yeah, but do you like your bed more than Diana?" Barbara asks.

Akko opens her mouth to reply with confidence. It snaps shut a moment later as she contemplates the question she thought would be easy to answer.

"I see. So that is where our relationship stands," Diana states.

"Wait, no, that's not what I meant! I didn't even say anything yet!"

Hannah and Barbara giggle as they exit the library, leaving the new couple to on their own. Akko walked into that situation herself. They aren't going to do anything to save her.

Akko quickly tries to deflect the conversation. "A-Anyway, who're the letters from? You've been getting a lot of those recently."

"I have remained in contact with the heads of the Six Great Houses. Particularly the ones whose philosopher's stones were stolen." Diana turns the letters over and observes the wax seals enclosing them. The letter on the left has an insignia of a griffin. On the other hand, the right one's wax seal appears to be an intricate magic circle that Diana vaguely recognizes. "These appear to be from Grandfather and Miss Rakshtha."

"Your grandpa and the pipe lady?"

Diana places the House of Reinhardt's letter down on the table to open the House of Chavla's letter first. She finishes reading through it so quick that Akko doesn't even have time to ask Diana what the letter is about.

"It appears that Miss Rakshtha has not found the culprit for her missing philosopher's stone," Diana starts as Akko peers over her shoulder. "Though she does mention something peculiar about the thief."

Akko tilts her head. "Something weird?"

"As a sealing specialist, Rakshtha Chavla is an expert at detecting the minute details in each individual seal. The magic, the weavings, the design, each seal is unique in its own way. Her experience allows her to pick up differences in two seals that even a skilled witch cannot notice. Her own seals are no exception."

"But the thief got past her seals anyway," Akko points out.

"Not every defense is perfect. I am sure Miss Rakshtha understands this. Which is why she has been carefully examining the breached seals to gain any clues about the culprit. In her letter, she informed me that what she found was a pattern of dismantling seals similar to her own style."

"I didn't think there was specific ways to break seals." Akko scratches her cheek, remembering how she tried to break the barrier around Rakshtha's palace by kicking it with her leg.

"Negating a seal is similar to untangling a complicated knot of string. There are different ways to unravel the knot. There are those who would brute force it and rip the string apart, in the process breaking the entire structure for the sake of removing the knot. There are those who would use tools - such as scissors - to cut the knotted parts free. Then there are those who would intricately untangle the string with their bare fingers. In parallel, there are special techniques to disarm seals other than simple brute force."

Akko appreciates Diana taking the time to explain everything. But she still doesn't get it. "So what does noticing a familiar pattern have to do with all this?"

"Learning techniques depends on the circumstance in which they are taught. In most cases, similar techniques among individuals are due to the students learning from a similar or the same instructor. The greater the difference of the techniques, the further the background of instruction. For Miss Rakshtha to notice a similar pattern of technique leads to the assumption that the culprit had a similar instructor in the art of sealing as her."

"Someone who learned with Miss Rakshtha…" Akko frowns. "Her brother's the first person that I can think of. High-class magic families usually learn their magic by having their parents as their teachers, right? Especially with rich families like the Six Great Houses."

"Yes, that was the conclusion I came to as well. Miss Rakshtha did not rule out that possibility. However, she informs me that her brother has been writing to her during the duration of these past few weeks under great pressure of the Ministry of Magic. It seems there is much to be done at the Ministry since the incident with the Black Coffin. The Minister even vouched for his alibi."

Akko grumbles at the loss of a prime suspect. "So who's next on our list?"

"Miss Rakshtha has no other siblings or immediate relatives. Her parents and grandparents are deceased. She appears to be looking into her extended family, though the chances that they are involved are slim."

"So we have… no one."

Diana places the letter down to open the other one from her grandfather. She reads through that one with a careful and quick eye as well.

Akko notices the considerable furrow of Diana's eyes, different from her read-through of the first letter.

"Is it more bad news?"

Diana lowers the letter. "Grandfather has not located his stone either. But there was another matter he wished to warn me about."

Akko groans. "Oh man. What now?"

"'Be wary of Renatus' is what he said."

Of all people, the general is not the person Akko expects. "The old general guy? What's wrong with him?"

"Grandfather and General Bradley share a close camaraderie spanning many decades. They have known each other for longer than the time we have been alive. Therefore, Grandfather notes that General Bradley's recent actions are rather peculiar."

"He's a little weird for his age. I'm pretty sure normal old people can't survive a hit from a griffin and move around like they're twenty. But then again, your grandpa was kind of like that too."

"No, Grandfather was not referring to the general's physical capabilities. What he means is General Bradley's recent appearances." Diana quickly rereads the letter again to explain to Akko. "To Grandfather, the man known as Renatus Bradley never took any interest in magic or our community during their younger years. Yet recently, the general has been involved in many situations with magic."

"That's supposed to be a bad thing?" If anything, it should be good to spread magic to the normal community. That is how Akko sees it.

"The invitation to the Cavendish Manor, our chance meeting at the Ministry, and last week when the Minister came to visit Luna Nova. I would not have considered those occurrences to be out of the ordinary. However, Grandfather seems to have a different opinion about General Bradley's frequent appearances."

"Does that mean we should consider the general a suspect? He already said he doesn't want to use magic to fight wars."

Diana shakes her head. "He may have stated this to placate our concerns. We do not know the general well enough to know when he telling a lie." Diana pauses as a thought comes to mind. "Which means we should be wary of others as well. In particular, the Minister of Magic."

"Why her?"

Diana turns to Akko. "Do you find it strange that her father - the general of the British army who previously had no interest in magic - has been accompanying the Minister in multiple of the recent cases that we have been involved in?"

"When you put it that way, it does seem a little weird that the general is everywhere. But isn't it supposed to be the Minister's job to take care of these problems? So it shouldn't be weird for her to be where we are." Akko scratches her cheek. "We've been a having a lot of bad luck lately."

Diana pinches her chin in thought. "You may be right. Perhaps I am overthinking this."

Akko drops her head down onto a book. "So in the end, we haven't gotten anywhere."

Diana places the letter down. "Are you discouraged?"

"I'm no good with this kind of stuff. And I thought studying by itself was bad…"

Akko's irritated manner loosens the tension from Diana after a long day of stress coupled with the information from the letters. Her lips pull up into a small smile as she reaches for her tea.

"I do appreciate your assistance. I am well aware this is not within your comfort zone. Yet you remain diligent by my side. I am truly grateful."

Akko lifts her head so her chin rests on the book. "Someone has to pull you away from this place at some point. And I like spending time with you. If I get tired, I just have to look at you instead of the book. You're a lot more interesting than" Akko points to the book under her "this stuff."

"Oh? I'm afraid I do not know how silence can be more interesting."

Akko scratches her cheek. "You're really pretty when you read. The concentration is… nice."

(Isn't there a better way to say it?! That's what comes out of my mouth?!)

"I see. That is… understandable," Diana states.

Akko wants to groan until she sinks into the book acting as her cushion. She's reminded that Diana is the one who's better with words.

(Or, well, probably better at a lot of things. That's not the point!)

But Diana continues, "There is something mesmerizing about your own determination as well. I believe it is why I have come to care for you so much." Diana picks at the page of the book in front of her. "So much… so much more than I can comprehend. In that case… Is this…?"

The second part is mumbled so softly that Akko doesn't catch it. She's too busy groaning and trying her best to sink into her book.

(I guess it's a good thing that Diana is good with words.)

"Akko? What is the matter now?"

"Nothing. Nothing's wrong at all," Akko says into oblivion.

The Cavendish heiress cannot understand why her girlfriend is sulking to this degree. "Honestly, I cannot understand you sometimes," Diana sighs in exasperation.

Akko shoots up and shouts back with an accusatory finger, "That's my line!"

Akko doesn't know if she should be happy or upset when something does happen a few days later.

A sudden, invisible force cuts through the classroom the students are in, interrupting Professor Badcock from her lecture. Akko falls face-first onto the ground and out of her seat thanks to the unseen force. She's not the only one to be affected (though she is the only one to fall so pathetically out of her seat).

"What was that?"

"What just happened?"

"Where'd that come from?"

Questions similar to those fill the room with pandemonium. The situation is almost the same as a month ago when the dragon burst out from underneath the grounds of Luna Nova. Except there is no clear monster attacking their school. No one can tell where that sudden force came from and whether it will come again.

Professor Badcock tries to reign in the students.

"Now all of you-"

The door to the classroom slams open. Professor Nelson stands with one hand on the door to support her hunched form.

"The… headmistress… wants us… in her office… Now," Nelson wheezes.

"Is now the best time?! I can't just leave the students!" Badcock protests.

"They ain't babies!" Nelson sucks in a deep breath so she can talk without gasping for air every two to three words. "Something tells me the headmistress knows about whatever's going on. Don't ya think her summons for us came a little too quickly?"

"I don't know what you're implying, Nelson. But if the headmistress says so then who am I to refuse?!"

"Then why ya still standing there?!"

Badcock follows Nelson out of the classroom. She looks back with a firm order to the students.

"No one is to leave this room until I return! You are all free to have study hall until we get some answers. Work on whatever you need to. However, do not leave this room!"

She promptly slams the door shut.

Without even waiting two seconds, Akko shoots up from her seat and turns to find Diana. Said girlfriend is already out of her seat and fast-walking down the stairs toward the exit.

"Diana!" Akko leaps over the desks to follow the determined blonde. "Diana, wait!"

Not only does Diana ignore Akko, but she doesn't even seem to hear Hannah and Barbara crying out for her as well. Unlike Akko, the two remain at their places without chasing after their teammate.

Receiving no response, Akko can only follow Diana out of the classroom and leave everyone else behind. The door to the classroom slides open and slams closed once again. As soon as the two witches are gone, whispers and chaos erupts again.

"Should we follow them?" Lotte asks.

Sucy shrugs. "It has to be pretty serious if it's flustering Diana this much. So probably none of our business. Besides, we're supposed to have study hall right now."

"Isn't that just the professors' way of telling the students to not be nosy?"

"Yeah, but it also means I get more time to work on my potions. Who am I to complain?"

Back in the hallway, Akko increases her strides so she can walk next to Diana and actually get through to her stubborn girlfriend.

"Where are we even going?!"

"The headmistress' office," Diana replies curtly.

Akko twitches and slows down her pace. She doesn't actually expect Diana to respond to her. Getting a response without any anger directed at the brunette means Diana expected Akko to follow her.

(It's good that she's not mad at me. But she's also being really vague!)

"Do you think the headmistress will know about what's going on?" Akko asks.

"It is as Professor Nelson said. The timing of their summons is impeccable. If Headmistress Holbrooke is gathering the professors at a time like this, it must mean she has duties for them to fulfill."

Thanks to their fast pace, the two arrive approach the headmistress' office within that short amount of time.

Akko looks between Diana and the door. "So, now what? Are we going to eavesdrop on their conversation?"

"That will not be necessary." Is all Diana says. She knocks three times and gives a curt 'Pardon me' before opening the doors with as much decorum as her state allows her.

"Diana?!" a few of the professors gasp.

From a cursory glance, it doesn't look like all of the professors are gathered. Akko picks out Professor Nelson, Badcock, Finneran, Pisces, Lukić, and Ursula within the crowd.

"I thought I told you two to stay in the classroom!" Badcock yells.

Holbrooke shakes her head. "Now is not the time. Diana, what did you need?"

"I will get right to the point. Headmistress, do you know the cause of sudden force just now?"

Holbrooke looks down at the small magic circle glowing a few centimeters above her desk. "Not for certain. But we do have a few guesses."

"Could it perhaps be a consequence of the activation of a ritual utilizing the missing philosopher's stones?"

Every professor in attendance gives Diana their full attention.

"And what makes you say that, Diana Cavendish?" Finneran inquires.

"Through our own independent research, Akko and I have been looking for possible uses of philosopher's stones. Although we did not have enough information to determine an exact magic, the consequences of enacting a spell using such high concentrations of magic are the same. A powerful pulse of magic will spread from the ritual site as its epicenter, so powerful that it can be felt at great distances; even across lands."

"And you believe this recent development may have some connection to what the two of you were looking for?"

"It could provide more information toward a definite conclusion," Diana argues.

"Even so, this is too dangerous for a student to become involved with." For once, Finneran levels a stern glare to Diana. "Even for you, Diana."

Akko steps up next to Diana. "So what's happening anyway? Is anything in danger?"

Holbrooke shakes her head. "We don't know for certain. For now, I have contacted the Minister about the location we believe is the epicenter of the shockwave. I will allow her to handle this with her greater resources. I'm afraid I can't let students endanger themselves." She looks at the two students in apology. "Professor Finneran is right. I cannot allow students to take on such a heavy responsibility."

Diana clenches her fists, unsure whether she should speak against her professors or listen to them.

Akko is able to voice Diana's internal struggle for herself.

"What if there's things that the Ministry isn't prepared for? What happens when they can't stop whatever's happening?!"

"And you expect students to make a difference when experienced members of the magic community cannot?" Finneran argues back. "I will not say this again. Miss Kagari, Miss Cavendish, return to your classroom. It is for your own safety that you remain out of this situation."

"But-!"

Ursula jumps in between Akko and Finneran. "Ahhhh ah! You two had best listen to Professor Finneran! I'll take these two back to their classroom and rejoin the discussion." Ursula starts nudging the two students out the door. "Don't worry about me! Please continue on until I come back! This won't take long!"

Akko protests Ursula as they're pushed out of the room. "Wait! Professor Ursula!"

Ursula quickly closes the door and continues to lead them away from the headmistress' office. As Akko continues to grumble, Diana notices that they are not heading back to their classroom but toward the student dormitories.

Once they're far enough, Ursula releases her hold on the two students. It allows Akko to turn around and speak her mind directly to Ursula.

"Professor Ursula! We have to make sure that the Ministry isn't in on this too!"

Ursula nods. "Yes, I know."

"And-!" Akko's mouth snaps shut. "Wait, you know?"

"Yes. So right now we need to get you two a change of clothes. Preferably something that covers most of your skin, like a long-sleeve shirt and pants. I don't know what the current state of the Arcturus Forest is, but it's better to be safe than sorry. Once you two have changed, we can meet at the courtyard with your brooms and head to the ritual site."

Diana catches on faster than Akko. "Where is its location?"

"According to Headmistress Holbrooke's calculations, it is located where the Grand Triskelion was previously sealed."

"Within the forbidden forest? How will we enter if witches are not permitted entrance?"

"I can get us special access as a professor. The problem comes after we get in and what to expect."

"HOLD ON!" Akko interrupts. "You're not taking us back to the classroom?"

Ursula shakes her head. "No, Akko. I have my own suspicions about the Ministry from Croix's warnings. But I can't say that outright in front of the other professors. For now, I think I have enough information to get us to the location where the philosopher's stones may or may not be."

"I'm still confused, but it doesn't look like I have time to stay confused."

"If the other professors catch us before we leave, we won't be able to set foot outside of Luna Nova for too long. After you two are changed, meet me by the courtyard with your brooms. We'll head to the Arcturus Forest as soon as possible."

"And then what?"

Ursula looks up at the sky. Small, thin streaks run across the world above them that are barely visible to the human eye. The changes are most likely due to the strange shockwave from before. It is best not to wait for it to worsen to find out.

"Right now, we don't have the time to think of one. Now, hurry!"

Akko and Diana head to their individual rooms to thrown on a change of clothes and grab their brooms as Ursula instructs.

Akko gives up and pulls out her wand after rifling through her clothes and realizing most of the pants that she can find in such a short amount of time are shorts, skirts, or pants that aren't comfortable for long treks. She casts Metamorphie Vestesse to transform her school uniform into the first outfit she can think of. It turns out to be Ursula's sleeping clothes that Akko has seen the professor wear a few times. The red track jacket fits well over the white short sleeve underneath. The matching red pants are also loose enough to give her enough movement, and the sneakers are strong enough to withstand quite a bit of wear and tear.

In her own room, Diana follows Akko's train of thought and opts to use Metamorphie Vestesse to change her current clothes instead of wasting time to pick out a new set from her wardrobe. She transforms her school uniform into a combination consisting of a long-sleeve blue and white baseball v-neck tee under a black and white jersey zip jacket, blue jeans, and comfortable sneakers.

An idea comes to mind. Diana pulls out one of the drawers of her desk and takes out a closed letter with the word 'Akko' written in clear cursive on the top. Diana places the letter on top of the desk that will allow anyone to notice it with ease.

Diana places a hand on her chest. She closes her eyes and grips the dual rings of her necklace that sit outside the fabric of her shirt.

(When the time comes…)

Diana shakes her head to rid herself of all doubt. With everything she needed to do finished, Diana turns her back on her room and heads to where she is supposed to meet Ursula with Akko.

The two arrive at the courtyard within ten minutes. Ursula approves of their change of wardrobe with a nod.

"Now, let's go!"

Author's Notes:

Has anyone been in a school's public library, especially during finals week or the week before? I tried sitting in mine for 2 hours and had to get up and leave because the whole place was depressing me. Also the whole floor smelled like people hadn't showered for days.

Witches aren't supposed to be able to enter or leave the Arcturus Forest. Yet we see Akko do so 3 times. And one time she straight up waltzes in with Croix like nothing's wrong. So I'm just going to say it's aight to enter and leave as long as there's a professor. *shrugs*

And that concludes Act III. Act IV. is the final arc where everything ends and all the loose ends may or may not come together.

Fun Fact:

Diana's clothes in the last part are modeled after Emiya Shirou's Ufotable outfit in the Fate/stay-night Unlimited Blade Works route. If Diana's nendoroid ever comes out, I'm considering buying a Shirou nendoroid along with Diana's just so I can swap their outfits.

I'm a mess. WHERE IS MY DIANA NENDO?! GSC YOU COWARDS.

Okay, mini rant. Good Smile produces their nendoroids based on the show's popularity. I get that. So while some shows get only three or less (coughLWAcough), do you know how many nendoroids Fate has? THIRTY. Friggin Saber has at least FOUR VERSIONS of herself and no I'm not talking about Saberfaces I legitimately mean Saber!Arturia I'm so salty.

This does not include the petite or other nendoroid version stuff. Or figmas or anything else produced by Good Smile. Granted, Fate is a much larger franchise and is still ongoing (anyone play FGO?) so its lifespan is a lot longer than an anime-only show like LWA.

Side note, I do have a Saber nendoroid and she's adorable. She stands between my Mikoto and Elsa nendoroids.