The group ate at a grand table filled all kinds of delicious food. Akko and Blue knew they were salivating from the smells alone. Another blonde boy and an older gentleman with a mustache sat the head. Being the priestess had made Akko sit at the head as well and sat right next the blonde boy. He kept making snide remarks about her beauty which made her all the more uncomfortable. Akko's eyes darted across to Diana who was gingerly eating from a bowl of soup, pleading to save her. Beatrix chirped at Diana, trying to grab her attention.
"So, Miss Kagari, you and the dragon king have decided to grace us with your presence. What exactly brings you here to Appleton? I'm sure you will enjoy it here. Now, are you single?"
Akko choked on her food and watched Diana look as though she was almost about to reach over the table and strangle him.
"Louis, that question is not important. Now, if we could get to the situation at hand here." Diana piped up still glaring at him. He coughed.
"Right. Well, we have a party set for tonight. Stay, drink, dance with us. I would like to get to know those pretty omega next to me."
Akko again choked on her food. Sarah laid a hand on her back and shot a glare at Louis.
"She's taken Louis."
"Right. Where is your promise necklace for her then. I don't see it anywhere on her." Akko watched as Diana's hands shook in rage and gritted her teeth.
"Ah Miss Cavendish. Is it a pleasure to see you again. It's been awhile."
"Yes it has been Louis." Diana growled as Louis made a motion to rub Akko's hand.
"You jealous Cavendish? She doesn't look like she is taken. I don't see a necklace and she doesn't smell like you. So she's free game. Would you like to accompany me tonight as my dance partner."
Diana stabbed her fork hard into the table causing plates to rattle from the force . The sudden noise startled everyone.
"I will be in the room if anyone needs me. Goodbye Louis." Diana walked away growling. Akko attempted to get up to chase after Diana but felt a hand grab her arm.
"Sit. Stay. Relax. You don't need to chase after Cavendish. She needs her space. Your alpha is sitting right next to you. What would she think." He had pointed to Sarah whose face was as red as her hair. Akko actually bite her tongue to prevent her from yelling that Diana was her alpha. Akko sat back down. She rather avoid another scene. Sarah sent her a small smile and placed a hand on her thigh. Akko gulped as she felt a squeeze. This didn't feel right to her. Blue glanced at his human as he watched the interaction.
The older gentleman watched the whole exchange saying no words. His eyes flashed yellow briefly.
Beatrix watched as her human stared at the velvet box. Diana had stayed in that position for an hour now.
"Diana, you really need to talk to Akko. Please."
"And why. She clearly prefer the company of that alpha. She doesn't want me anymore. If she didn't, why not tell me as to ease this damn heartbreak. She stopped wearing the promise necklace." Diana tossed the box away from her. Beatrix had enough. She clamped her mouth around Diana's ankle.
"Ow. What was that for?"
"You are blowing things out of portion. You need to talk to Akko. Blue has explained to me that Akko is upset that you hate her. At point, she doesn't deserve you."
Diana looked at her dragon with a mix of anger and sadness in her eyes.
"Your right. I don't deserve her. I never deserved her. As much as it will kill me, she needs an alpha that will talk to her and protect her. She needs Sarah. Not some coward like me. Maybe I should break it off tonight. Let her go so she can be with Sarah."
Diana got up and got ready for the dance. Beatrix was upset. Her human needed to stop thinking about the worse. Akko needed Diana and Diana needed Akko. She also wanted to still be able to see Blue. She glanced at the ring in the corner. As Diana was in the bath, Beatrix snuck the velvet box back into their bags. She knew Diana was going to regret leaving the ring here.
Akko was getting ready for the party that Louis asked them to join. He had made a mention of not bringing their dragons as it would be too complicated to dance with them. He had originally asked her if he wanted to be his date that night. She turned him down. She wanted Diana to actually ask her but Diana never showed up. Sarah was the one who asked and was currently combing her hair.
"Let's get rid of these little ponytail for tonight. Let that beautiful hair you have loose. You are definitely going to stop everyone in their tracks."
"Sarah please. I'm not that pretty to turn any heads." She turned around to face the red head.
"You have certainly turned my head." Akko stared at her shunned. "I guess I kind of like you. Your sweet and kind. It's not hard to fall in love with you. I was surprised when I didn't see Cavendish's necklace on you. You were free so I wanted to jump on getting my feelings across." Sarah reached forward and kissed Akko on the lips. Akko was slack jaw as she stared at her. Sarah pauses before giving her another kiss.
"Come on, let's get ready for the party."
Sarah got up to finish getting ready. Akko stared down at Blue who had jumped up onto the bed. He carried the necklace in his mouth.
"Here. Wear this. You need to talk about Diana. Hear her side of story. Obviously she still cares for you. Give her a chance."
"I need her to come to me." Akko glanced at the necklace before slipping into her pocket.
Diana knew that the Blackwells threw some impressive parties and huge ballrooms. The Appleton coven was know for its expensive parties but also had some of the highest poverty levels. Diana fixed her red tie as she scanned the huge ballroom. Her suit was a light blue with a white button up shirt underneath it and black dress shoes. Louis had came up a few times asking for Akko. She had almost punched him a few times. She breathed deep a few times before her breath stopped completely. There was Akko walking through the door with her hand on Sarah's bent elbow. She wore a bright pink dress with lacy frills running along the edge. The ensemble was complete with a pink shawl and pink high heels. Her hair was loose and not in the usual little ponytail bob that sat on the back of her head. Diana almost wanted to rush towards Akko and remove her from Sarah. Diana felt a growl settle into her throat. She was almost about to lunge at her but she stopped herself. She was going to let Akko go. She couldn't let her anger get the best of her.
The dancing began. Avery glided Mary across the dance floor, smiling down at her mate. Diana was almost suffocated with their display of love. Amanda took Barbara out onto the floor, twirling and titling. Hannah talked with Jasminka at the buffet of food while Constanze stood by them, clearly awkward. Akko was lead onto the floor by Sarah who placed her hands on Akko's waist, and danced with her. Diana felt her heart fill with lead. She wanted that dance. One last dance with the girl she loved before she set her free. Akko briefly caught her eye before Diana motioned for her. Akko lips moved as she spoke to Sarah before separating and making her way towards Diana. Her heart hammered in her chest as she watched the girl come her way. Diana gently placed her hands on her waist and Akko placed her hand on the blonde's shoulder. The alpha guided her out into the middle of the dance floor. For awhile, the world melted away as if it was just the two of them. Diana kept her close as the music was the only sound for them. She savored this moment and burned it into the back of her mind. Akko tugged at Diana's head to pull her in for a kiss. Diana pulled her away at an arms length.
"Akko, we need talk."
"Good. I thought you didn't want to talk about what is happening to you."
"Let's go somewhere secluded." Diana pulled Akko away from the crowd to a balcony. The night sky twinkled as the two marveled at it. Diana was staring at Akko, just taking in her beauty. She loved this woman but knew the brunette deserved better then her. It was then Akko started to talk.
"I'm happy that you decided to talk about what is going on with you." Akko looked up at her smiling. Diana wet her lips.
"Akko, I think it would be best if we break away from each other. You deserve an alpha who will treat you better then even me. Go to Sarah. She will take better care of you and treat you better then I have."
Diana turned her head to watch Akko's facial expression. Tears were streaming down the omega's face.
"Diana no. Please don't say that. No, you can't leave me. Don't leave me."
"Leave me then. I won't be a good alpha and I'm not a good mate. Go to Sarah." Diana screamed. She had begun to cry at this point. Akko broke down even further.
"I thought you loved me. Why the sudden change and why are you so concerned about Sarah? We're mates right?"
"I'm not stupid. I smell her on you. Akko, we aren't mates. Despite me biting the mark, we aren't technically together. You are still free to choose who you want. You aren't even wearing my necklace."
"Well then fine. Here. Take your stupid necklace. I don't need it anymore since we're not mates and you don't want me anymore."
Akko pulled out the promise necklace and threw it into Diana's chest. She quickly bolted away, sobbing as she ran. Diana didn't even chase after her. She slide down the wall as she softly cried.
Akko ran. As fast as she could. Sarah had stopped her when she spotted her crying. The omega pulled away from the red head because she didn't want to find comfort in the other woman who drove Diana away. She ran out of the ballroom and was heading straight towards her room till something grabbed her arm and clapped her mouth shut with a hand. It pulled her behind a pillar. She struggled against the figure.
"Shhh. It's okay. It's me, Frank. Listen. You and your friends are in danger. I'm helping you escape Appleton." Frank let her go.
"What do you mean my friends are in danger?"
"This dance was a setup. A distraction to get you and the dragon king separated. They have already kidnapped the dragons. They are probably rounding them up as we speak. Mr Blackwell isn't himself."
"What do you mean?"
"This crazy lady and another brunette girl by the name of Chloe arrived here with some strange black stone. He was forced to touch it and then hasn't been the same. Now they refer to him as Fifth."
Akko shuddered at just hearing Chloe's name.
"He touched a black stone? It's the same thing that happen to my mother. He's being controlled by the hydra."
"Your mother? Hydra. Damn it. Should of expected that. Listen, they will come after you if they find out you are not there. We need to get you out."
"I'm not leaving without my friends and I need the sorcerer stone that you have here."
"Okay. I know where that is. Come on. We need to go now if we can make it back in time to save them. I've already freed the dragons and grabbed your belongings. Man you guys have a lot of stuff ."
Frank peeked around the corner searching for any danger. He gave the all clear and waved Akko to follow him.
"Take me to Blue and the shiny rod first."
When Diana felt she had cried enough, she got up and walked back into the ballroom. She thumbed the necklace that she slipped into her pocket. She steeled herself for an encounter with watching Akko dance the night away with Sarah, her true alpha. She knew she shouldn't be pissed. She choose to push Akko away so she had a better chance at happiness. When she walked back into the ballroom, she felt cold steel press against her throat, drawing a bit of blood. Her eyes landed on her friends who were tied up.
"Hello Diana." Diana narrowed her eyes as Chloe stared her down. "Where's Akko?"
"Wouldn't you like to know bitch." Chloe slammed the hilt of her sword into Diana's gut. Diana gasped for air as she fell to her knees clutching her stomach. Two guards rushed forward and grabbed Diana's shoulders and arms to keep her still. Chloe grabbed her hair, tilting her head to face her as she fight.
"My, how the might Cavendish has fallen. Now. Where's Akko?"
"I will never tell you where Akko is."
Chloe glared at her before socking Diana with her gauntlet covered fist. Diana felt something warm trickle down from her eyebrow. A few blood drips hit the polished floor.
"Tie her up with the rest and then look for the priestess now."
The guards forced her hands behind her back and bind them together. She growled as she struggled against them. She placed next to Sarah who was also bound along with the others.
"Where's Akko? Isn't she with you." She whispered at the other alpha.
"She ran away after talking to you. Wouldn't let me even talk to her or calm her. What did you say to her? What did you do to her?"
"I thought she would be happier with you then with me."
"By the Nines you are so stupid to give someone like Akko up."
Diana internally cussed at herself. She failed this mission and failed her.
Akko ran to her dragon who was saddled up. Blue, at the sound of her voice had ran to greet her. She threw her arms around his neck. A few other boys were finishing strapping the saddles on the rest. Beatrix wandered over to her as well, pressing her snout against her back.
"I'm so glad you're okay Blue. You too Beatrix."
"I am glad you are safe. What is going on? First, I get throw into a cage and told to wait. Then this blonde bimbo and a few of his friends breaks us out and tells me you are in mortal danger. What is going on? And why do you look like you were crying heavy?"
"I'll tell you when we get the chance. We need to get the stone and save the others."
"The rod is in the bag."
Akko drove right for it. She pulled it and out threw her high heels away. Better for her to fight if need be.
"Akko. We better hurry up. They may have started patrols to nab you. The rest of you dragons stay here and transform into your smaller forms. You need to be ready to leave at a moments notice." Frank motioned for them to make a break for it. He lend her down a corridor and into a windy path way.
"How much longer before we reach the stone?" Akko asked as she followed after Frank holding up her dress up. Blue and Frank's dragon were running behind them, bounding as fast as they could on the stubby legs they had in the small form. "I knew I should of changed." Akko chided herself.
"Not too much further. We are almost." Frank had soon stop and pressed a finger to his lips. Akko pressed up close to the wall.
"Guards. And there are three of them. Damn. They must of figured that you would try to get it." Frank whispered.
"What do we do now. Are they friendly or on the side of the hydra?"
"They look like they don't want to have a tea party. That's for sure. You know how to fight?"
"Of course. I'm a knight." Frank almost developed whiplash with how fast his head turned to stare her.
"But you're an omega."
"Yes but I am a dragon knight."
"Okay then. Now I have seen everything. Okay Miss Priestess Knight. Let's fight."
Frank pulled his wand out of his suit jacket and transformed it into a spear. Akko held the her wand straight and willed it to transform as well. A sword soon materialized from it. They nodded before turning the corner and held their positions. The three guards were shunned at but transformed their swords and charged at them. Akko ducked and dodged the swipes of their swords. She parred each of his moves while managing to get a few slices in herself. She almost got her face slashed before she swung her sword up, knocking the sword away and brought it down. The wand turned sword slashed through the armor with a stream of blood gushing from his chest wound. It splattered across Akko's face. Blue and the green dragon battled the last guard. Blue wasted no time in going for the guard's throat as the other drove straight for the ankles. Blue snarled as the guard attempted to pull him off but soon the fight ceased. The guard collapsed onto the floor. Blue's muzzle and portions of his body was caked in blood. Frank used his spear to counter some of the swings. One swing connected which allowed Frank to twist his spear at an angle, knocking the sword out of the guard's hand. Frank jabbed him right through the neck. The guard was soon chocking on his own blood before falling to the ground. Akko was stunned. She had never killed another human being and felt sick to her stomach just staring at the dead bodies.
"Come on. You are going to be alright. It's right through here." The blonde alpha opened the door and ushered her through it. The green stone sat in the middle of the room, levitating off the ground.
"Shield your eyes. It's about to get bright." She held the rod high in the air. A flash of green light and it was gone. In its place was another gem stone, placed into the rod. Akko actually felt a burning sensation along her back. She collapsed onto her knees, screaming in pain.
"Hey, are you okay? What happen." Frank was right by her side.
"I don't know. I never felt like that before. Oh nines, it hurts." Akko was gasping for air. Blue nudged her arms with his nose. "I'm okay. I'm fine. I'll survive. We need to get to the others."
Frank helped Akko up, steadily her when she wobbled.
"Alright. How do you suppose we stop them."
"By crashing the party."
Diana's head throbbed from where Chloe hit her. Everything felt numb though. Her head and heart. She just hoped Akko was okay and maybe had seen what was happening and made the choice to run. She glanced at the others. They looked worse for wear. Amanda had a black eye, Sucy had a bloody mouth and Avery was sporting a bruised cheek. The omegas had been separated from the others. Hannah struggled against her binds but soon gave up. Teresa was playing with Barbara which caused Amanda to cuss at her. That got her the black eye. Alma was taunting Sucy and Avery by messing their mates. When they snarled at her, Sucy was punched in the mouth and Avery was sucker punched in the face. Sarah, Constanze and Jasminka were silent the whole time. The rest of the party goers were huddled in the back.
One knight in black armor came marching up to Louis and his father. A black helmet obscured its face. Mr Blackwell slide right up to her side.
"Ninth, it's so good to see you. How is the First doing?"
"Not good. He sensed another mark was removed from the priestess. She keeps this up and she will gain all her magic back. That's the last thing we need before we get a chance to gather the other heads." A feminine voice came from the knight.
"Right. Right. Ninth, let me kill the priestess."
"No. Fifth, you damn fool. First wants her alive. The others would be a good way to lure her out. She won't leave without them."
"What are you going to do then?"
"I will gather the other heads. Keep the black stone for now. You will need it. Come Chloe. Teresa, Alma, Julieta. You as well."
"Yes Ninth." Chloe followed the black knight like a little lapdog. Diana sneered at her. Chloe saw her before marching over to Diana.
"You have something to say Cavendish?"
"It's cute to watch you follow that knight like a little lapdog. It suits you. You always followed me around."
Diana earned a swift kick into her stomach. It was hard enough that Diana gasped for air and violently coughed, spiting saliva onto the floor. Chloe slammed her padded knee guard right into Diana's face. The alpha knight was seeing stars till another fist smacked the other side of her head. Chloe started to whack Diana with her fist. The others could only watch in horror as blood droplets were flying everywhere. Chloe soon stopped, breath heavy as Diana was bent over. Diana felt the blood pouring down her face and her entire body ached. She was grabbed by her tie and hoisted up to her knees.
"Pathetic. You always have been Cavendish. Falling in love with that stupid omega when you could have had anyone." Diana through one good eye, glared at Chloe.
"I don't regret it one bit." She spat at Chloe. Blood splattered across her face. Chloe let a low growl escape her throat.
"Who are you calling stupid.
"Akko." Diana twisted her head to look at her ex-girlfriend. She stood at the doorway still in the pink dress. A flash of light and Blue stood above her, teeth bared. She was dropped to the floor like a rag doll.
Akko had climbed up on to the balcony by using the vines that were running up the castle wall. She peeked in and watched the whole scene unfold. She spotted her friends there. She sighed a breath of relief that everyone was there. Despite having a few minor injuries, they were alive. She had to clamp her mouth shut when she watched as Chloe pummeled Diana. She had enough of watching her mate – no ex-girlfriend? – getting beaten. She appeared out of her hiding spot ready to stop this madness and save everyone.
"Who are you calling stupid."
"Akko." Diana stared at her. When she was dropped to the floor, Akko wanted to run over to her and make sure she was okay but she kept her ground. Blue stood over her, growling.
"Well, if isn't the stupid omega. Not very smart of you to appear in front of us, especially in that ugly dress. You really wanted to try and be a hero." Chloe was taunting her, trying to get her riled up. Akko wasn't taking the bait. She had a plan and she wasn't going to lock up when facing Chloe.
"Stop Allard. She is mine. Leave us here. Go saddle up with Ninth. That goes for you too Alma and Julieta. Teresa, you're staying with me." Mr Blackwell walked over to the group. "Does the will of the First permit it?"
The black knight shook its head. "The First does. Remember. Don't kill the priestess. The rest are fair game. Even the dragon king." They walked away with Chloe in tow. Chloe glanced back at Akko with a sneer and an evil glint in her eye. Akko steadied herself for a fight for her friend's life.