Akko walked down the halls nervous as Master Holbrooke and Chief Finnelan walked ahead of her.
"Now, Miss Kagari. I know you must been quite nervous."
"Like you won't believe." Blue snickered.
"But, you have a destiny and that is to help the dragon king. Now, normally your training would last a year before you start your first mission. But, we have decided that you are needed sooner. In two months, you will travel to the many different covens as part of your special mission Miss Kagari. Now, the true reason we have called you here. Luna Nova has one of our own sorcerer stone. We have safe guarded it for centuries. Now we believe you can channel that power. Anne."
"Yes Master." Finnelan pulled out a key and unlocked the steel door. Inside was a green sorcerer stone. Akko and Blue gapped at it. The shiny rod gripped in her hands glowed as well as the stone. A bright light filled the room blinding the occupants. When they opened their eyes, the stone was gone. Instead, the shiny rod gained a gem stone.
"Now, Atsuko Kagari, it is time for you to fulfill your destiny."
When Akko got back to the cabin, she was more nervous then when she had entered the heart of Luna Nova. In two months, she was going to become a full fledged dragon knight but was going to be made an ambassador for Luna Nova. She wasn't part of the council. That was Diana's area of expertise. Her family was in the council and she herself was being groomed to continue that. The person in question was polishing up her armor set. She looked up at her lover with a smile on her face but it morphed to concern when she saw Akko's downfallen look.
"Akko. What's the matter?"
"Nothing."
"I know you better that then that. What is wrong Akko?"
"It's just that. Diana, I was made ambassador of Luna Nova. I'm meant to travel to the different covens. I don't know if I can do it."
"You won't be alone. I will be there every step of the way."
Akko turned her head to look at Diana.
"Really?"
"Really."
Akko rushed forward and kissed her. Diana was momentarily caught off guard before deepening it.
"Now, do you have the stone?"
"Yep."
"Let me see your back."
Akko turned around and pulled her shirt up to allow Diana to look at her back. Cold hands brushed against her back which causes Akko to shudder a bit. Those hands soon moved down her side, to her hips and then arms wrapped around her waist. Diana nibbled at her ear.
"Looks good. Another mark gone. Now you're down to seven." Diana begin to bite and suck on Akko's neck as a hand snaked down below her underwear line. Akko rolled her head back to rest on Diana's shoulder, moaning as Diana slipped two fingers into her.
"I love you my darling." Diana breathed into her ear. Akko let loose at that moment.
Later that night, Akko laid in bed still thinking about everything that Master Holbrooke had told her. How she was going to be a representative to Luna Nova and how she was going to bring honor to them. She was still scared about it all. In two months, she was going to be traveling around the covens. Was Chloe still out there? Was her real mother still out? Where were the other sorcerer stones? How was she suppose to act in front of the other covens? So many thoughts ran through her head that it prevented sleep from coming.
"Mmm…love, please go to sleep."
"Sorry Diana."
"What are you thinking about that has you so restless?"
"How am I suppose to act in front of all those important people?"
"You are thinking may too much. Which is kind of unusual for you." Akko slapped Diana's arm. "Ouch. Sorry. Just be yourself. The longer people are around you, the more you will attract their attention to you. You have that ability. To get people's attention on you. It certainly worked on me. We have two months, we can work on some proper etiquette together."
"Thank you Diana. I love you."
"Love you too. Now, go to sleep."
Diana kissed the mate mark and snuggled Akko closer her. Akko sighed in happiness and fell into a deep sleep, finally at peace.
The two months went by in a flash. It involved more intense training from both Chief Nelson and Diana. Nelson taught her the ways of the sword and bow. Diana taught her proper table etiquette along with some information about each members of the council in the other covens. At night, Akko practiced with Blue and the shiny rod. She was getting better at pulling his magic but that wasn't without some problems. There were more times that she would screw up a spell and it would backfire on her. Literally blowing up in her face. But Akko was more then determined to make sure that she improved before she was sent out. Before everyone knew it, Master Holbrooke had called a few dragon knights the heart of Luna Nova. They stood before the master in a single row.
"I bet you all are wondering why you were called up here. You select few will accompany the dragon king and priestess to the many covens around our world. Now, your main job to help them in their journey but you also represent Luna Nova as well. Keep that in mind when you travel. Now, I would usually bestow the dragon king's blessing upon you. But since we actually have the king here, just trust in him to protect and guide you. I give you my blessings true dragon knights."
Akko felt her heart swell. All her dreams were coming true. She was a dragon knight. One of the few omega knights. She scanned her fellow knights as well. Hand picked by Nelson. Diana stood to her left with her hands behind her back. Amanda and Jasminka stood on her other side. Avery and another knight by the name of Sarah was also coming along on the trip along with a few members of the other jobs and even Andrew was asked to help Akko out. Finally, she was able to make her salute. She made a fist and placed it over her heart and bowed.
Blue shook the rain water out of his fur as Akko scrambled to tighten her grip around the saddle. It was raining hard on the group traveling to the Appleton coven. Akko was miserable in the armor set and she knew Blue was as well. They had been set out less then twenty-four hours ago and it was raining and thundering which grounded the dragons. According to Avery, there was a cave system not too far from them that would be perfect for the group to take shelter in for the night. Akko was hoping they could get there soon. A cave was better then staying out in this storm in metal armor. Appleton was usually a two day trip by dragon flight. Due to the storm, it turned into a four day trip and now by foot. The group trudged through mud and the forest to reach the cave. Despite the terrible weather, the mood was happy. Amanda and Avery had hit it off well, laughing and joking. Lotte, Barbara, and evening Mary would talk about Nightfall, annoying both Sucy and Hannah. Diana, as captain, was ahead of everyone else scanning for potential danger along with Andrew. Akko stayed a bit behind as she chatted with Sarah, a quiet red headed alpha.
"So, you have actually fought more than of those creatures. That's amazing Akko. You truly are something special." The red headed alpha smiled at the brunette. Akko felt her face go hot at the compliment. It wasn't often that someone that wasn't in her tight knit group told her these things. "No wonder you have been entrusted with this mission."
"It's nothing. I wasn't the one who fought it. Blue did. I'm not that special."
"I bet Blue says otherwise."
"Ehhh. She's got a point."
"Hey, don't side with her." Akko felt the rumble as his whole body shook from laughing. "Pain in the ass dragon."
Akko happen to look up and spotted Diana staring at her. A flash of anger crossed Diana's face before turning her head back to the front. Akko was a little shunned. That was a look Diana had given her when they were younger. When they hated each other. Why was Diana giving her that look?
"Hey Akko. You okay? You were staring up ahead?" Sarah waved her hand in front of Akko's face.
"Oh sorry, just watching the forest. You can never be too careful."
"Exactly. Especially with everything going on." Sarah patted her red dragon's neck. "Isn't that right Blaze." The dragon in question grunted his answer.
Diana growled a bit when she turned her head. She had no clue why she was anger at the other alpha. Sarah was harmless and was just talking to Akko. Diana's alpha side was making a big deal out of this. She was one to never growl. Her parents told her that it wasn't good to always assert your dominance on other people and therefore taught her to surpass some of her alpha side. She did well. Hardly anyone heard Diana growl. She had never really had the reason to snap at someone for going near her omega.
"I see you are angry about something." Andrew chuckled.
"Shut it Andrew."
"Is the famous Diana angry that there is someone who is talking to your omega?"
"No. I am not angry. Akko can talk to whom ever she wants."
"Expect another alpha that you have no clue on how she acts. But, Akko isn't technically your mate." That caught Diana's attention.
"What do you mean Akko isn't my mate?"
"When you bit into the mate mark, do you funnel some of your magic into it."
"I…no. I never did."
"Then technically, Akko is still a free woman. A bite without magic is just a temporary thing. Diana, I thought you knew better."
"Akko still has the promise necklace."
"I don't see it around her neck."
Diana stared at Andrew. Akko didn't have the necklace. Without it, Akko was announcing she was a free woman without an alpha. Why wasn't Akko wearing the necklace. She was sure that Barbara, Mary and Lotte still had theirs. Did Akko not want to be with her?
"I wouldn't read too much into this Diana. You know Akko. Girl has a reason for things. Just talk to you. That is key to a relationship."
Diana growled a bit more urged Beatrix forward. Andrew shook his head.
"Hey guys, I see the cave system. Come on."
Akko shouted as she surged forward but not before slipping off of the saddle. She landed face first into mud. Something didn't like the omega's presence however. Akko came face to face with another wargoli as it rose out of the giant mud puddle. Some of the members screamed. This time, it took the appearance of a snake whose tongue flicked in and out. Diana felt her heart stop there. Before the creature could take a bit out of the girl, Blue pulled Akko out of the way by grabbing her armor with his teeth before dropping her back into the mud to shoot fire at one. Sarah was quicker then even Diana as she grabbed her wand and transformed it into a sword to slash the beast face. It let out a shriek as blood splattered the ground before setting its sights on the red head. Blue and Blaze interpreted the beast snapping at the creature as it got to close. Blue nicked it on the nose with his claws. Sarah pulled Akko out of the mud.
"Hey you okay there Akko? Come on. Show me how to beat those things."
More soon appeared, surrounding the group. Diana growled, clutching Beatrix's saddle. They needed their leader. Not someone who faltered at the first sign of trouble. Not someone who was more concerned about how two people acted.
"Everyone get ready. Protect Andrew, Hannah, Barbara, Lotte and Mary."
Amanda centered Star to guard both of her mates. Elliot chomped at one's tail that got too close to Hanna. Jasminka transformed her wand into a hammer and smashed one in the head as Biscuit acted as a battering ram. Charion slashed at one that attempted to nip at Constanze's legs. Sucy poured a phial of liquid onto the ground which Mushroom ignited, sending a wave of fires, burning a few of the wargolis. Avery was swinging her sword at two that managed to corner her and Mary. Both dragons slashed and breathed fire. Diana stabbed one in the eye as Beatrix snapped the neck of another. Diana noticed that one was struggling on a dry patch of dirt. It hardly moved.
"Diana, what should we do? There's too many." Amanda yelled as she struggled with another one.
"We get to higher ground. Fire scares them and they can't move without being in the mud. Have your dragons blow fire. Create a path and stick together. Make a run for it now."
The group urged their dragons forward as they fought their way out. Diana franticly searched for Akko. She finally spotted her up ahead, on the ground slashing at a few in the eyes as Blue threw one into the nearby trees. Sarah was right alongside her.
"Diana. What should we do?" Sarah asked as she plunged her sword into the head of one.
"Get to higher ground. Get into the caves. This things can't move unless in mud."
"Got it. Come on Akko." Sarah placed her hand on the small of Akko's back as Akko began to limp a bit. That caused Diana's blood to boil and a small growl to escape her lips.
Diana spent the rest of the way into the cave in a foul mood. She knew she shouldn't be but she was angry. At herself and at everything. Everyone was exhausted and injured. When they made inside, they set up camp and started a fire. Mary, Hannah and Barbara set to work on treating the wounds they had sustained. At least no one was seriously injured. Akko had twisted her ankle in the fight and was sitting against the cave wall, Blue tucked up on her shoulders licking the cuts on her cheeks from the branches when they run. Diana was about to go see how her lover was till Sarah walked over first.
"Akko, how is your ankle?" Sarah bent down to observe Akko's ankle.
"It's fine. I'll be able to walk here soon. Someone I know has good healing spells. Thank you though. For earlier."
"It's no problem. We knights need to protect each other."
Diana grumbled, walking away from the sight. When she observed everyone, most of them were huddled with their mates. Avery was wiping blood after her sword as Mary tended to her alpha's injuries. She cleaned at a few of the cuts on her cheeks. Amanda chatted with Hannah and Barbara checked up on them while Star and Elliot cuddled near Belle. Even Sucy stayed close to Lotte as the omega scribbled in the notebook about the wargoli they encountered. Constanze was chipping away some of the rock materials while Jasminka cooked dinner with Biscuit's help. She turned her attention back to Akko who was chatting happily with Sarah as the alpha watched her with a look of fondness in her eyes. That caused Diana's heart to drop. Her omega looked so happy with Sarah and even the alpha acted on instinct to protect Akko. Something Diana didn't do. Diana hadn't even gone over to heal Akko's ankle. Mary had done that for her. Sarah scrubbed mud off of Blaze and planted a kiss on his head. Akko was smiling during the exchange. Did she show Beatrix any affection? She couldn't help the glare when she stared at them but quickly turned her head away as Akko managed to catch her eyes.
She stayed away from them for the duration of dinner. Everyone kept quiet as if they could sense the mood coming from the blonde alpha. Even Akko kept to herself as well, staying close to Sarah's side. She finally divided the task of the night watch up to a few of the knights. Sarah was first with Diana taking the last watch. She pulled her bed roll out on the hard ground and giggled when Beatrix claimed a spot on the pillow. Diana was shunned when Akko rolled hers out right next to Diana. Everyone settled in for the night, soon the only noises was the steady rain and the snores. Diana fell into a restless sleep till Jasminka shook her shoulder.
"It's your turn for night watch." The larger alpha whispered as she cradled Biscuit in her arms.
Diana rolled out of the bed and walked to the entrance of the cave. It was still raining but it seemed like the rest of the world was silent. She looked back at everyone sound asleep. Avery and Mary had snuggled into one bedroll with both dragons sprawled on top of the two. Sucy slept with both arms crossed on top her chest with Lotte against her side. Andrew slept on his side with the gold dragon tucked into his arms. Sarah had slept next to Akko, who had one foot sticking out the bedroll and Blue slept across her stomach. Diana turned her attention back to the outside world.
"You seem troubled my human."
"I am. I'm troubled that Akko may be tired of me. Maybe she is wants another alpha. One that would protect her. I was late on protecting her during the fight earlier. She's not even wearing her necklace."
"I believe that you are letting your alpha side take over your rationally thinking. Akko clearly loves you. I just think that Akko has just bonded well with Sarah. I don't think you need to worry. Akko wears her heart on her sleeve. She will tell you if she does not want you. There is always more then meets the eye."
"Beatrix, do I show you affection?"
"Yes. You do."
"I do?"
"When you don't realize it. You show me how much you care for everyone around you."
Diana smiled before kissing the white dragon on her snout.
"Thank you, my friend."
It still continued to rain when they woke up that morning. They were going to have to spend the whole day walking all the way there. She asked Avery to consult the map. There was a town not to far from them that they could stay the night and hope that the rain let up for them to travel to Appleton. Diana told everyone to wash up in one the lakes in the cave and get ready to move out in a hour. She was alone as she packed up her belongings.
"Hey Diana." Akko stood over her as she held her pillow close to her chest.
"What's the matter?"
"We need to talk while everyone is gone. What is wrong with you? You have been acting really weird all day yesterday. Even giving me a look that you have never gave me since…since we were twelve."
"I'm sorry. I wasn't giving you that look. It has been stressful with this rain. I'm sorry." Diana had lied through her teeth. She felt Akko watching her as she continued to pack up. She didn't have the heart to tell Akko. Of what. That she was jealous of Sarah when the alpha was probably harmless. That she couldn't and didn't want to show a possessive side. She vowed that she was never going to dictate Akko's life despite her alpha side screaming at her to challenge the other to a fight.
"I know you're lying to me. I don't know why. But I know. Diana, we have been together for a long time. We promised no secrets. I'll wait till your ready."
The blonde stared as Akko walked away to pack her things away. Diana had enough. She reached out to grab Akko's arm. She spun the girl around and crashed their lips together as she moved forward pushing Akko to the wall. Akko weaved her fingers through the blonde-green hair. Their lips moved in tandem as Diana pulled Akko closer to her body. Diana swiped at Akko's bottom lip with her tongue asking for permission. Akko parted her lips, allowing entrance. Diana moved one hand to grip the back of Akko's head and the another settled on her waist. She felt a growl escape the back of her throat. She parted from Akko before moving her lips to Akko's neck, specifically the mate mark. She nipped and sucked on it, waiting for Akko to give her the permission to bite. She did enjoy hearing Akko moan and felt the omega grind against her.
"Wait. Diana, are you angry at me?"
"No. Never." Diana continue to kiss the mark, just waiting to get permission.
"Then why have you been acting strange since yesterday."
"Like I told you. Stress."
"Bullshit." Akko pushed Diana away. "Bullshit. I know you. There's something there. I can see it. Why are you mad at me. If it was yesterday then I'm sorry. It was an accident that I landed in the mud. I'm sorry for that. I'm sorry the creatures attacked us."
"It's not that."
"Then what is it?"
"It's nothing."
"I see. You're getting tired of me. Chloe was right. You would eventually get tired of me and find someone else. I'll be in the bath. Don't worry fearless leader, I'll be ready."
Akko walked away. Diana was dumbfounded. Why was Akko thinking that she was tired of her? Diana needed to clear her head. She walked out the entrance but not before kicking the cave wall. She didn't hear the sobs escape Akko's throat.
Akko's eyes were red from all the crying she did in the bath. The only comfort she had was Blue. Something was wrong with Diana and she wasn't saying a thing. It pissed Akko off. There was a nagging voice in her mind that was telling her that Diana was glaring at her because she wanted to get away from Akko. Why was Diana anger at her? She didn't do anything wrong. The small notion that Diana didn't want her anymore scared her though. She loved Diana and couldn't imagine a life without her. Diana was further up ahead as they followed through the forest path. She reached into her bag and pulled the promise necklace out. She didn't wear it due to her fear that she would lose it in a fight. In frustration, she pushed it back into the bag.
"You okay Akko?" You seem silent. That's unusual." Blue huffed as the rain pelted his body.
"It's nothing."
"Right. Is there something you would like to talk about? You were crying pretty hard back there."
"It's just that Diana seems to hate me all of a sudden. Why? I thought she loved me."
"I'm sure she still does. Diana just needs to work out some things. What I have seen of her, she overthinks a lot of things."
"Diana does overthink things. But that doesn't give her the excuse."
"Hey Akko. You okay? I heard you crying back at the cave. Is everything alright?" Sarah had come up beside Akko and Blue.
"I'm fine. But thank you for asking."
"It's nothing. That's what friends are for." Sarah smiled before placing a hand on Akko's knee and squeezed it. Akko stared at the hand. It didn't feel quite right to her.
"Right. Friends." Akko laughed a bit nervously.
The rest of the trip was spent in silence. The group had made it to the town before nightfall. The inn was big enough to accommodate the members of Luna Nova but only had one bed rooms available. When dividing up the rooms, Diana was nervous. She wanted Akko in her room but after what happened in the cave, she didn't think it was an option. It wasn't till Sarah piped up asking if Akko wanted to stay with her. What shocked everyone there was that Akko agreed, leaving Diana having to share the room with Andrew. Amanda shot Diana a look that said what did you do. Diana just didn't know how to swallow her pride and confess to Akko that she was jealous. Would Akko just laugh at her and that stupid notion? Would Akko not want her to be mad at Sarah? Would she hate her for that?
Akko watched Diana's face go from shock to crestfallen. She just wanted Diana to tell her why she was so upset but if it meant keeping her distance till she was ready then she was going to do just that. Sarah was nice. She trusted the alpha. The one thing that Akko had forgotten about was that the room only had one bed. She was sleeping next to an unfamiliar body. She spent many months and days next to Diana that this was strange.
"Hey Akko, you want the bath first? I'll make sure to dry up our armor pieces." Sarah seemed shy when she said that.
"Yes. Thank you. Come on Blue. You are filthy and need one too."
"Hey."
Akko soaked up the warmth of the bath. She scrubbed the mud out of Blue's fur and out of her hair. She scanned the blisters she had everywhere. The new armor had chafed a spot on her thighs but she bore through the pain. She was a knight but by the nines did it hurt. When she walked out of the bath she spotted her armor pieces placed on the table. The armor was blue like her dragon and resembled the king in design. She picked her helmet which bore the same black horns and styled hair that Blue had. The king was currently brushing up against her leg, chirping at her for food.
"Hey Akko. Guess what I got." Sarah came through the door holding a bag.
"Thank you Sarah. Mmm. Smells really good."
The four occupants ate their food and chatted. In the other room, Diana stabbed at her food rather then eat it. She was too depressed to think about eating even though she knew she needed to.
"Diana, this is rather unhealthy. You need to eat and you need to talk to Akko. You have been looking at her like she is the scum of the earth. Isn't that right Felix." The gold dragon rolled his tongue, begging for more food.
"I don't think Akko is the scum of the earth. I'm just angry is all."
"Jealousy is a normal thing for most couples. Amanda had the same problem."
"Rich coming from a guy who isn't dating anyone."
"Listen, why can't you tell Akko that you are jealous of Sarah?"
"Because. Because I don't want Akko to think that I don't have faith in her. This whole thing with Sarah is new and I don't want Akko to hate me for scaring away a friend."
"Tell her. She needs to know. You can't keep Akko at arms length. You keep this up and you will eventually push her away."
Andrew got up and walked out the door. Diana put her head into her hands and cried.
"I can't afford to lose her."
Akko had settled in for the night. Blue was wrapped up her arms as she rolled to her side. She kept her back to Sarah.
"Goodnight Akko."
"Night Sarah."
Akko felt cold despite having Blue and a few blankets on top of her. She was beginning to wish that she had just sucked up her pride and joined Diana. There she was going to be warm and she would have Diana's arms around her. She pulled Blue closer to her which he grunted before falling back asleep. She felt the bed shift a bit till she felt an arm lazily fall across her hip and tucked her close to the other body in bed. The gently snoring continued. The brunette bit her lip as she cried. She missed Diana.
The rain continued to pelt the group as they marched on. After four days, they had finally arrived at Appleton. While the mood had sour, a sense of relief washed over them. Especially Akko who would finally be glad to take this armor off. They were quickly ushered to the heart by guards. What greeted them was one blonde boy and his green dragon.
"Welcome to Appleton. We were expecting you earlier but I can't really complain. The rains have really unusual this time of year. Well you made it. So, come on. We have clean clothes and fresh food for you all. You'll meet the Blackwells shortly."
"We are here on important business." Diana spoke up. It was an alpha tone that Diana rarely took. While Jasminka was considered the stronger alpha, Diana was the most intimidating one. Most alphas backed down when it came to her. The blonde boy chuckled nervously before he talked again.
"Right. No I understand. Louis told me everything. We just figured that you guys needed a little break before traveling onward. So, just relax for a few days here. Everything is paid for so costs won't be issue."
"Fine. Two days is what we will spare. At least to freshen up and get what we came for. Come on."
Akko struggled with this new Diana. One that embraced her alpha side more and didn't care if people got hurt in the crossfire. The blonde boy walked over to her.
"You must be the priestess if the giant blue dragon is anything to go." Blue snarled. "I must say, you are definitely a catch. I did have a fancy for brunettes. You single?"
"Sorry, I'm taken." Akko watched as Diana glanced over, a look of hopefulness washed over her features.
"You are? I don't see a promise necklace on you. Never mind. If you are, then I respect that. What about you cutie." He had directed his attention to poor Andrew whose face was as red as a tomato.
"Names Frank. Here, let me help you. I'll direct you to your rooms. You may have to have two people in a room just to save space. But I didn't think that will be an issue. Also, we have a party set for you tonight so I hope you brought good clothes."
Akko gulped. She didn't know how to dance. She turned her attention back to Diana. She walked with an air of confidence. Akko hated it. This was not her alpha. Sarah placed her hand on her shoulder and smiled sweetly.
"You want to share a room again?" Sarah asked while she looked away. Her cheeks were bright red.
"Uhh sure. We can."