AN: Hello good people! I do apologize for the massive unplanned hiatus from the story, that was not my intention. There have just been some pretty terrible things going on IRL that have taken more priority for me. I began this story as a means to escape stress, but there was too much on my plate, that I didn't feel like even writing here. Situations are a lot better but not completely gone, however, I wanted to keep going! Again sorry to make you wait so long! Okay onto Chapter 6!

Room 5, Town inn, Brightonbury

"Well Atsuko aren't you going to come and greet your mother?" the now unmasked woman holds out her arms wide enough to engulf the girl in a hug. Chariot sensing the strong shaking coming from her mate tightens her hold not letting her go. "And who are these people? Other than that worthless apprentice of your father, these other three are new." The woman closes her eyes for a moment and gasps. "Such strong magical auras though. No wonder you surround yourself with them Atsuko, they are much more capable than you are."

Kai pushes his way forward and stands in between Akko and her mother. He crosses his arms over her chest and levels the woman with a murderous glare. "Aizuma, I wish I could say it was a pleasure. What brings you to England?" 'Akko, send Kano to your father now'

Niisan? But why? The fear that Kai can hear in Akko's thoughts paining him more than he would care to admit.

'He needs to be here. He is the only one that could send her away.' Kai focuses on the woman in front of him. "So Zumi, what have you been up to? Torturing any young girls lately or do you just reserve that special privilege for your daughter?" A bright light encompasses the room, letting Kai know that Kano has left to retrieve his master. "Oh, I know, you are here to take Akko from us because 'she deserves her place next to her mother'. Let me tell you, that is not going to happen."

Aizuma waves her hand and Kai is up against the wall gasping for air. "Do not forget your place you heathen. I am the rightful heir to the magical throne of Japan. You would do well to not anger me." She releases her hold on Kai and smirks as he slumps to the ground. "Now Atsuko, who is this that is wrapped around you? Another mentor? Should I torture this one like I did all the others?" Chariot holds her wand out in front of her a spell sparking at its tip ready to be released. "Oh, a feisty one. I can see why Shiro would keep her around. Tell me your name girl if you don't want to end up like that one over there."

Akko shakes her head and mumbles. Chariot breaks eye contact with the menacing woman and looks down at her mate in concern. "What is it Akko?" She whispers.

"Don't tell her." Akko tightens her hold on the woman. "She will put you and me together in the prophecy and then who knows what she will do. Please don't tell her your real name." Akko whispers back to the woman.

Chariot nods and raises her head. "I do apologize for keeping you waiting. My name is Ursula Callistis. I happen to be Akko's healing mentor. You are Akko's mother?"

Aizuma laughs at Chariot. "Healing mentor? This child doesn't need to know healing. She is destined to do great and wonderous things. Any harm that comes to pass from her destiny is justified and expected. I will not allow her to learn such foolish magic." Aizuma conjures a chair and sits as if bothered by the information. "Honestly, what is that man thinking? Atsuko, you are coming—"

A light enters the room again and recedes to show Kano, Shiro, and Miranda all standing between Akko and the intruder. "Aizuma," Shiro starts "you know you aren't to come near her. How did you even make it to England?"

Aizuma motioned towards Kai on the ground and sighed when Miranda went over to check on her son. "It would seem as though your puppy got lazy. I felt Atsuko's magical spike. You must know that part of my family magic is sensing magical output to signatures I have been exposed to. It was like a big beacon and I just followed the pull. Imagine my surprise to find my daughter with your puppy, wrapped around some useless teacher for what purpose Shiro? Do you deny her destiny? Do you not know what she will become?"

Shiro shook his head and began drawing magic to him. "Atsuko will become whatever it is that she desires. Her destiny is set. She will not fall into the destiny that you desire for her. Leave this place Aizuma and never return." The other occupants in the room watched as Shiro pushed his hands and magic outwards, forcibly expelling the witch from their presence.

Akko sagged in relief once she was gone and hugged Chariot tighter. "Otosan, where did you send her?"

Shiro walked over to his daughter and wrapped her and Chariot in an embrace. "I sent her back to her father. He will have no choice but to discipline her." Shiro looked over to Miranda and Croix now coaxing a grumbly Kai to his feet. "Kai, are you okay?"

Kai holds onto his mother to regain his bearings before standing tall. "Yes Master, you must know that I do love getting thrown into a wall and choked by crazy women. It is a fun hobby of mine." Kai rolls his eyes and allows Croix to check him over once more.

Shiro chuckles quietly. "Nice to know your humor hasn't left you." He released the girls from his embrace and took quick stock of the room. "What happened? How did she get in?"

Akko finally released her hold on her mate and faced her father. "It was my fault otosan. I distracted Croix and niisan when I got here, I didn't sense the usual spells. Then I got angry and used magic. I didn't expect for this to happen. I'm sorry otosan" Akko hung her head and allowed her father to embrace her once more.

"We knew it was going to happen once we left the compound Atsuko. I just did not expect it to happen this quickly. Everyone gather around and Kano will take us back to school." Once everyone was close by Shiro whispered to Akko. "Please supply Kano with more magic, I will do the rest." At her nod he looked at the people around them. "Alright everyone, grab onto each other. We must be touching for this to work. Kano, I apologize for using you like this today. I will give you all the meat you desire when you wake up." The little dragon celebrated before settling on his master's shoulder. "Now Atsuko." A flame encompassed the 7 of them and when it disappeared, no trace was left of the group.

Headmistress Holbrooke's Office, Luna Nova Academy

A bright light filled the headmistress' office and dissipated with our group taking residence in the once empty office. Akko rubbed the head of her scaly friend. "You've done great little dragon. Now rest. I'll keep you safe." She moved the dragon from her shoulder and found the closest seat to settle into and allow him to rest. She smiled when Chariot took a seat next to her putting an arm around her shoulders and using her free hand to pet the sleeping dragon. "Otosan, how did she find me?" Akko's eyes never left Kano and she felt her mate stiffen next to her.

Shiro leaned against the headmistress' desk and sighed. "You see Atsuko, your mother—"

"The truth otosan." Shiro looks up at the interruption and meets his daughters firm gaze. "I'm old enough now otosan. I deserve the truth."

"The truth is not easy Atsuko. Your mother, well she is not of sound mind." He pauses and runs a hand through his hair. "I am not certain she has ever been. Her story of rapid descent into nonsense starts 2 months after you lost your magic." He notices Chariot shrink into herself and watches as his daughter moves to comfort her. "Your mother was obsessed with your magical ability Atsuko. You come from the strongest magical line in Japan from my side and…" He locks eyes with his daughter once more. "And the royal magical line from your mother's side." Shiro raises his hand up and gives a stern look at the occupants in the room. "The questions can wait. Please, just let me get through this. It is your mother's belief that the combination of our families magic into a child, would produce a child who would take over the magical world in its entirety. She had plans to conquer the magical world with the assistance of dragons; however, that all changed when you lost your magic. You see Atsuko, when you were born, there was no sign that you had received both of our magic. It was only when you were a year old that you started showing signs of magic and then very quickly your magical aptitude became apparent. She was thrilled, your mother, to have such a powerful child. She intended to use you as her weapon and I only saw you as my tiny daughter. When you initially lost your magic, that woman was convinced that you were not the worthy child that she expected and left to search the world for the one child who could make her dream come true. After you started recovering your magic, Kai and I went through great pains to ensure that no one knew of your increased magical aptitude. But all of that was for naught when your grandfather decided to give you the mission for Kano." Shiro leaned heavily against the desk behind him, hoping to draw strength from it. "Your mother found out about the mission and tried to fight me for you. For all the magical ability that the royal family has, it pales in comparison to my family magic. She was easily bested and swore that she would find you, no matter the cost. Kai's family magic is based in protection spells. He was able to come up with a series of spells that would mask your magical presence within a range. We finished Luna Nova a month before your arrival but hadn't started on town yet." Shiro finished with a frown.

"A mistake that I will be rectifying as soon as possible usagi!" Kai chimed in from behind where Akko and Chariot were sitting.

Akko squeezed her mate's hand before speaking up. "Okay so, I am a princess?" Her father nods. "My mother is hell bent on conquering the magical world and using me to do it." Another nod. "Right…okay well Auntie, Kai slept with Croix." Kai's squawk of indignation filled the room and her father and aunt laughed. "I am just tired otosan. I'm tired of constantly having to be the best." She broke her gaze from her father and looked at the woman next to her. "I really just want to focus on my friends and learning where my place in the world is with Chariot." A hand squeeze and loving sigh was her response. "I won't go seeking her out, but I am not going to stop living my life either! I have words to search for and class hasn't even started!" Akko leans her head on Chariot's shoulder and deep sighs. "My life is so damn complicated."

Croix finally makes her presence known by stepping into Akko's line of vision. "I'm sorry but the pest is royalty? And you let me treat her the way that I do?" Shiro nods. "But why?"

Shiro gives Croix a contrite look. "She has never been raised to be a royal. All of her life and training has been to take over the Kagari magical line. If I could've kept her other heritage from her then I would have. But, I do believe that we can take advantage of this."

Croix throws her hands up in frustration. "But why didn't you tell me Shiro? I would have done better to help Akko. I would have protected her better…"

"He didn't trust you." Kai interrupts. "Try not to take it personally, but Aizuma has a vastly connected world. It is our being cautious that has kept usagi safe for this long." Kai comes to stand next to Croix and wraps an arm around her waist. "We were going to tell you, after you finished your tour to right Ms. Du Nord's public image. But I am glad you know, your magitronics will be extremely helpful."

Croix slaps his arm away and glares at him. "Shiro I understand. It doesn't mean that I like it, but you have been very gracious to me, it is only right that I return that favor and defer to your wisdom." Shiro nods his head in acceptance. "And you" She turns to face Kai and pokes him in the chest. "What else are you hiding?" Kai raises his arms and shakes his head. "I'll find out eventually."

Croix goes over to where her old best friend is sitting with her mate and crouches down, so she is eyelevel with the women. "I have wronged the both of you in my past, but I will do everything that I can to make sure that the world that you live in from here on out is as beautiful and pain free as the both of you deserve." She reaches out and rubs Kano's scales. "I will make sure no one can harm you anymore." Croix stands up, grabs Kai, and begins walking out. "If you need me, I will be setting up my lab in Kai's room."

For the first time since entering the office Chariot speaks up. "Croix," She waits for her old friend to turn around. "Thank you." Croix nods and then leaves the office pulling Kai behind her and mumbling about dishonesty. Chariot keeps an eye on the door until it closes then she looks over at the two adults sitting in front of her. "What is going to happen with Akko? Is she safe here? Why didn't she want me to give my real name?"

Shiro looks over at the headmistress and inclines his head to offer the floor to her. "Ms. Callistis, it was quick thinking on Akko's part to tell you to use your alias. Woodward's prophecy is a well-known secret. Those magical families and entities with enough sway in the magical community were privy to the contents within the prophecy. Naturally, Shiro's family has been studying the prophecy for generations to try to understand it. Aizuma had the means from her father's library. The world as a whole is waiting for either Akko or Diana to wield the Claiomh Solais. However, with Akko's quite abrupt entrance into Luna Nova and showing the entire auditorium she is in possession of the Claiomh Solais, it wouldn't surprise me if the magical world is already looking for its previous wielder, you."

Chariot squeezes Akko closer to her and sighs. "So, what you are saying is that I must remain hidden for all of our sake?"

The headmistress thinks over the question before nodding. "That is correct. There are many magical leaders who would do anything in their power to find you and keep you separated from Akko. To use you as bait so that she will do their bidding. Unfortunately,"

"Unfortunately, my mom is one of those people it seems." Akko says lifting her head from its place on Chariot's shoulder. "Auntie, otosan what do we do? I have to search for the words, and I thought Chariot would be able to help me, but wouldn't that just put her in danger?" Akko sits up straighter and adjusts Kano on her lap. "We have some very clever witches in this academy, it wouldn't take long for people to connect my leaving on missions with Chariot's disappearances." Akko stiffened before looking over at her mate with a question in her eyes. "Would you prefer me to call you Ursula? That way I don't slip up?"

Chariot sighed. "That does seem sensible. I suppose I should try to not seem so familiar with you."

"Ms. Du Nord, you have agreed to be Atsuko's healing teacher, correct?" Akko frantically nods and Chariot giggles before nodding. "Then being seen in her presence will not cause questions. Atsuko is typically a careful individual. I am certain that she will not cause anyone to question your interactions."

Akko places Kano in her mate's lap and gets up to be closer to her father. "Do you really trust me enough for this otosan?" Akko looks down at her feet and starts shuffling them around. "I tend to blurt stuff out. But Chariot…she is so important to me otosan. I just don't—"

Shiro lifts her chin up and gives her a smile. "That is exactly why I trust you with this Atsuko. You do not want to cause her harm, no? So, then you will do everything you can to make sure she is safe. Do not doubt yourself Atsuko." Shiro is thrown backwards by the weight of his daughter throwing herself into his arms.

"Thank you otosan."

Shiro hugs his daughter tight before pulling away. "I am very proud of you Atsuko. You have done well to bring honor to the Kagari family." He pulls out an enamel pin from his pocket and holds it out in his open palm in the newly created space. "I have been carrying this around for years and it is your decision to accept it or not. Your grandfather has also left this decision to you. Should you accept it, you will become the heir to the Japanese empire. As it stands, you are already 4th in line of succession, however, the emperor thinks that it is time that magic chooses their heir not blood. Being the heir for the Kagari line placed you high up in the consideration, but when you take into account your mother, you become the only logical choice." Shiro watches as emotions play on Akko's face. He is pained by the emotions that he sees, hate, fear, resignation, and finally acceptance. Akko lifts her hand to take the pin, but Shiro closes his hand blocking her attempt. "You are not ready for this responsibility Atsuko. I want you to live your life and do what it is that you want to do regardless of any expectations that have been set. I wanted you to know the future that is available to you." He slowly places the pin back in his pocket then grabs Akko's face and places a kiss on her forehead. "Now, how about we plan?"

Shiro watches as his daughter makes her way back to her mate and familiar. He smiles when she snuggles up to the woman and pets Kano's scales gently. He turns to look at his longest friend and offers her a smile as well. Miranda chuckles good naturedly at Shiro's antics before clearing her throat. "With classes starting tomorrow, there is not going to be a lot of down time available to anyone. Akko, I know how you are with your schoolwork, please try to finish it after class and not during teaching hours. The last thing I need is for the teachers to complain that you are not paying any attention to them." She watches as Akko shrinks into herself before nodding at the request. "I do ask that you get to know your roommates as well. You need friends Akko. People your own age who you can confide in and be an irresponsible teenager." Miranda picked up on Chariot's now stiff countenance. "Ms. Callistis, I will be refraining from calling you by your real name. However, do not be ashamed of the bond that you and Akko share. It is not every day that you get to meet your soulmate. She is young yes, but she is of age in this country and her own. Work at your own pace. Get to know one another. I think you will find that Akko is much more mature than her age gives her credit for. Do not be afraid to show her the bright, young witch who walked these halls just a few years ago. Now, for healing lessons. I suggest meeting every night after dinner. The moon offers a heightened affinity for healing and that would be advantageous for her lessons." Miranda stopped to think about anything else she could be missing.

"Headmistress, what are we going to do about Akko's mother? It would be dangerous for Akko to do things like going into town or participating in school events that would remove her from the protections here at school." Chariot looks over at the girl who already means so much to her. "Are you sure Luna Nova is safe for you?"

Akko gives her a frown. "Ursula…" Akko shakes her head. "Man, that's weird. When you think of powerful mages, who comes to mind as the strongest in Luna Nova?"

Chariot thinks before answering. "The headmistress. If I remember correctly, they are chosen for their magical capability."

"Right, Auntie is the most powerful mage here. Or at least she was. In terms of magical capability, Kai ranks higher than Auntie. Otosan would be next. You come after otosan. Then there would be me…at the top of the magical food chain if you will." Akko chuckles at her mate's shocked face.

"That can't be right. I'm certain the headmistress is more powerful than I am." Chariot pauses to think.

"Otosan, can you explain it better? You really know the details better than I do. But I can sense your magic Chariot, it is strong. Besides, we are supposed to be equals."

Shiro sighs. "What Atsuko is failing to say is that when Croix used her magitronics, all of the magic that was unfortunately siphoned from mages has only gone to increase your magical power. The more magical circuits your body has, the increase in your power level. And though you are not quite at Atsuko's level, you are more than a capable match for her." He looks over his daughter's mate and thinks. "As a new member of the Kagari clan, you could undergo our training if you would like. I am unfamiliar with your family name and therefore that magic which you inherited, but should you wish it, Kai and I will teach you."

Miranda nudges Shiro. "Shouldn't you allow Akko to teach her?" She laughed when she saw Akko's hopeful face.

Shiro glares at his daughter. "While Atsuko is what you might call a magical sponge, soaking up any and all magical knowledge that she can; her teaching capabilities are nonexistent."

"Uh Mr. Kagari?" Chariot starts. "Akko gave me a lesson yesterday in how to access my magic" Shiro notices his new daughter's blush and grins. "And I have to say, she was a very good teacher."

"Is she now?" he responds with a grin. "Now, Atsuko, why couldn't you be that gracious with Croix?"

"Otosan, I am a great teacher! Ask Kano!" She pointed to the still sleeping dragon and sweat drops. "Okay bad example. But I can be a good teacher! Croix is just evil otosan. She makes me feel like I'm not smart enough! And I know more magic than she does." Akko huffs and crosses her arms over her chest. "But I actually agree with you about you and niisan teaching Chari—Ursula I mean. I would get distracted and you are just the better teacher otosan. I can be a tutor though, should you need it. Wait…Ursula…when was the last time you actually performed magic? You should have noticed a difference in your magical output when you performed a spell."

"The last time I did magic? Before the healing spells I performed yesterday, maybe the day I disappeared." Ursula shrugged before settling back into the couch. "I wasn't sure if I could be tracked due to my magic. With what happened today, I am very glad that I didn't." Ursula leans on the girl next to her trying to draw from her strength.

"I am uncertain they would have been able to track you Ursula. Your magic, as it stands now, is your very own signature. But back then, I am sure it would have just been an amalgam of the magic you just got from Croix's machine. So, you would have been fine Ursula. You could have used magic." Shiro finished quietly. He was certain that his statement would only cause the young woman more pain than what she already felt and he felt awful witnessing the truth of his thoughts. The aforementioned young woman shrank into the couch cushions, trying to make herself not exist. He watched as his daughter turned to face her and began softly speaking to her, attempting to draw her out of the small stature that she placed herself in.

Miranda took in the scene in front of her and sighed. She could only imagine the pain of not being able to do magic for so long. Having been on this earth and a mage for as long as she has, she cannot understand what it would be like to be unable to access such a fundamental piece of your identity. "Ms. Callistis, how did you manage? I am certain that you felt the desire to do magic almost daily, what stopped you from doing so?"

Chariot paused to think over her answer. "Honestly, the fear of being found." She felt a squeeze to her hand, and she offered a smile to her mate before focusing. "The people that I have wronged, I just wasn't sure what was going to come my way. I was a young girl, alone in the world, and I had no idea what had happened." She squeezed her eyes shut and hung her head. "All I knew was pain and fear for my life. I don't think I could've accessed my magic even if I wanted to."

A sudden vibration on her lap caused her to open her eyes. She eyed the little dragon in her lap and saw him looking at her. "You are not alone anymore. You are my master's mate that makes us pack mates. And one day you'll be my other master." She watched in fascination as Kano slithered up and gave her an embrace. "I'm still tired but you aren't alone. You have me and usagi. We can be your family."

Chariot felt another source of warmth against her other side and looked at Akko. "You belong here. In this family. You belong with me. You'll never be alone again, right Kano?" Chariot felt a purr on her chest and a mumbled right.

"Akko, Kano…I—"

"Ms. Callistis. No, Chariot" She lifted her head only to find Shiro right in front of her. "The world has been too harsh to you. You were an innocent in this whole scheme, and still people showed their true colors. They turned their back on their idol, on an amazing mage, and left you feeling like the scum of the world. I do not know the extent of what you have gone through in the last 10 years, but you will never feel that again. You are an honorary Kagari, until such a time that you become an actual Kagari" Shiro lifts his hands to wipe the tears away. "My family is your family. Your troubles are now our troubles. There is no where in this world that you can go that is too far for us to find you. When you are feeling troubled" Shiro reaches into his pocket, pulls out a small orb, and passes it to Chariot "This is a communication orb. It is very different from the classic ones. These are tied to only Kai, Atsuko, Miranda, Croix, and myself. Just say the name of who it is you would like to speak with and you will have a video connection. You can thank Croix's magitronics for that." He wipes more tears from her face. "First rule of the Kagari clan, don't let them see you cry. Now, I do believe this a moment that calls for a..uh group hug Atsuko?"

"Yes otosan"

"Miranda, come and join us."

Chariot felt the arms of the rest of the occupants surround her and felt the warmth and truth in Shiro's words. It's incredible to feel so much acceptance from people who a few days ago were mere strangers. My heart is so full and I'm not alone anymore. Finally, I can start healing.

Akko felt the change in her mates emotions first, then felt the heavy sobs wreck her body. She looked up at her father panicked. "Otosan?"

"Atsuko, can you and Miranda go get some food? I will stay with Chariot and then we will plan" Akko looks unsure about leaving. "Go Atsuko, it is okay. I will take very good care of your mate."

Akko nods and grabs her aunt's extended hand. "Is there anything in particular you would want otosan?

"You are the best at choosing food to lift your mood. But something that will be warm and nostalgic Atsuko. And tea. Our tea is in my room. Pick that up on your trek back."

Shiro watched as Akko and Miranda walked out of the office then turned his attention back to the young woman in his arms. "Now dear, why don't you say what's been on your mind? You have still been very hesitant around Atsuko, I would assume it has something to do with her." Shiro watched as Kano slid down to Chariot's lap and curled back up, but remaining awake. He placed his hand over Kano's head but watched as Chariot started healing his fatigue with the stroke of her hands along his scales. "You are very talented at healing magic. It is instinctual. Is this your family magic?"

Chariot took a deep breath and continued healing Kano. "My family, the Du Nord's, are typically dark mages. Our family magic is offensive magic. Anything that will allow us an advantage in a fight. From a young age, we are trained in several fighting styles and subjected to barbaric methods to make us stronger. When I was 10, I started manifesting healing magic." She chuckles here "I thought that having a new type of magic would make my family happy. In the end, they hated me for it. We are a family that works in the shadows, we aren't supposed to bring hope, but fear. I was the first mage in my family to turn away from the dark dealings and settle in the light. It is why I was so happy when the Shiny Rod chose me. It was all the proof I needed that I wasn't like my family. Only for Croix to betray me." Chariot curls her hands into a fist. "All the support that I had was taken out from under my feet, for something again that I had no control over. My life was in ruins." Chariot lets out an uneasy chuckle. "And now, in the course of a few days, I have this amazing woman in my life who understands me, who sees me, who can feel my magic, and I feel undeserving. I feel as though there is only so much I can do before she leaves me too." Chariot looks up at Shiro. "I am not worthy of your daughter Shiro. I have too much darkness in me. I have too much anger. I want revenge. I want Croix to feel all the pain and loneliness I felt for 10 years. I want my family to know how much they damaged me at a young age. I want to give into that darkness that I have spent so long keeping at bay. And yet, the thought of losing Akko already fills me with so much pain. So, I won't risk it, because I have already hurt her enough. She doesn't deserve that hurt again. She has given me a family and a chance to heal, but the anger remains."

Shiro nods his head before picking up Kano and placing him on the spot that was occupied by Akko. "Spar with me"

Chariot's eyes widen. "Here? Now? I don't think so" She wrapped her arms around her body. She jumped when a flame went by her head.

"I wasn't asking Chariot." Shiro said getting back into his stance. He watched as Chariot shook her head. "Have it your way." He shot another flame past her head and followed it by water.

"Why are you doing this?" Chariot asks getting up and taking her own stance.

"Because you are still under the notion that you are weak and alone." Ice is sent her way and she dodges before sending back her own flame. "You believe that you do not deserve my daughter" Ice is shot at Chariot's feet, which she dodges and closes the distance between her and Shiro. "You are stronger that you believe Chariot. Your family magic does not define you." He blocks and parries her punches and kicks. "You are here for a purpose. Your magic and your life are your own." He catches her punch. "I bet you didn't even realize that you didn't say any incantations." Shiro backs up as he feels her magic build up and is blown back by her release. He looks up and sees Chariot on her knees and shakes his head before walking over to her again. He places a hand on her head. "Heal your heart Chariot and you will begin to see that the world is not that bitter place you lived in. Let Atsuko be your guide in what is good and just. You two will change the magical world. For every light, there is a darkness to match it. Dark magic doesn't make you evil, it makes you different. Do not let that stigma drive your worth. The only people who you have to worry about are those you allow in your life. Atsuko and Kano think the world of you." He slides his hand down to lift her chin. "Let them see the real you. Darkness and all. Their goodness is enough to light up even the darkest of places." He smiles down at her. "Take it from someone who was where you were." He extends his hand to Chariot to help her up. He swats the dust off of his clothes and smiles at Chariot. "We will spar every Saturday evening. I do believe working out the negative energy is a positive move for you. How do you feel now?"

Chariot looked down at her hands. "Like my restlessness is gone. How did you know what to do?"

"I believe I mentioned living from experience. Those who have fought their way through the world, find themselves rebalanced after a fight. In the future, you will find a new way to achieve balance, but for now, this will do."

"Did I really perform magic with no incantation?" At Shiro's nod she looked at her hands again. "Just how strong am I now?"

"I'd say at least a little under where I am now, what do you think Otosan?" Akko called from the doorway. Chariot whirled around in shock, while Shiro just smirked. "Your magical output is much higher than Otosan's, but he has years of discipline on his side" Akko paused "and the patience of a saint. He will wait out his opponent and then strike with deadly accuracy. Otosan, you should clean this before.."

"SHIRO KAGARI, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO MY OFFICE?"

"Too late" Akko said. With a wave of her hand, the office was back to its previous state. "Auntie, otosan was helping Chariot. Please do not be too angry with him." Akko got down to her knees in a kowtow. "Any punishment I would be glad to take as my own.

Miranda pulls Akko up. "Your father is old enough to handle his own punishments. But in the interest of time, Shiro, you will now be hired as my inheritance instructor. You will teach all of these young witches what it means to receive their family magic and help to settle their magic for those who are having trouble."

Shiro just bows his head. "Well, that solves my problem of not being around Atsuko and Kano. Shall we eat and chat about Aizuma? Atsuko, what did you bring?"

"Ramen!" She grabbed the large tray from her aunt and placed it down for all the occupants to sit around. "Little dragon, come on! I brought your favorite meat!"

"BACON!" Was all the warning Akko got before 50 pounds of dragon crashed into her. "How much did you bring?"

"Enough to take the edge off, but Auntie grabbed two of the biggest steaks that were in the storeroom for you"

"Thank you Auntie" Kano flashed her his best dragon smile, before digging into his food.

Miranda chuckled. "I suppose we should all take our direction from Kano. Please help yourselves." The next several minutes was spent enjoying dinner and gaining the mental fortitude to deal with the impending doom they all felt.

Chariot put down her bowl and fork. "What do we need to do to keep Akko safe? If her mom can track her magic, that is going to make searching for the words difficult. Her trials are not contained to just Luna Nova and the town. She will have to go to several places. We can't limit her magic like that."

"Chariot, as the previous holder of the Claiomh Solais, you would know where Atsuko will be going to correct?"

"Not entirely. Each trial is catered to the individual. But, there is a very real possibility that due to our now shared magic, Akko will follow my path."

"You can provide us with the location of where you went?"

"Yes, but I will have to do it without Akko here." Chariot looked at her mate. "Your journey would be meaningless if you knew exactly where you were going. It takes away from the mystery and wonder of the shiny rod. Your trials are still your own, and there is no need to set an expectation for something that could be very different for you. I want you to experience the wonders that come with these trials. Magic is wonderful and exciting, but if you need guidance," Chariot turns and places her hand on Akko's cheek "I'm not sure I can deny you." Akko gives her a bright smile.

Their moment is interrupted by a throat clearing. "Apologies ladies. I need to focus on where Kai and the team will be going. We will have to call in others to hit all the markers at the same time." Shiro summoned a pad of paper and a pen and began writing a message. "Atsuko," he hands her a pile of papers "Send this off to the warding team. They should be at the compound." Akko takes the pile and sends them off in a small puff. "As for Atsuko's mother, I do believe it is time to put her in her rightful place." Shiro pulls out the pin from earlier. "Attached to this is a secondary spell, one that goes directly to the emperor." He presses the pin twice and the pin projects an image of an older gentleman.

"Shiro, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I'd like to talk to you about Aizuma. She…" Shiro is pushed aside, and Akko takes his place.

"I don't particularly like you, but I will be your heir." The group watched as the older gentleman raised his eyebrow. "My condition is that you make it, so I never have to see my mother again. Lock her up in the furthest prison that you know of, send her on an unrealistic magic hunt, or I don't know bind her magic! I want nothing to do with her. And if I see her again old man, I am not going to be held responsible for my actions."

"You would have me remove the magic from my own daughter?"

Akko gave a dark chuckle. "You had no problem with me removing the magic from a magical creature, one who sits way higher on the magic food chain than we do as humans. You clearly have no issue when it comes to that."

The emperor closes his eyes and hums, whether in acceptance to Akko's claim or to refute it, no one could say. The occupants watch as the emperor's eyes shoot open and he gives Akko a pointed look. "I will agree to your terms. I will send Aizuma on a magical hunt and should she cross your path again, remove her magic and place her in a prison. I have two conditions."

"Let me guess, you want to train me, no thanks the Kagari family has stronger magic than even you do."

"This happens to be true, well then I have one further condition, for you to call me grandfat-"

Akko turns to face her family and gives a sheepish shrug. "Looks like your connection isn't that stable otosan" She moves to put the pin on her uniform lapel but is stopped by her father.

"You know you do not have to do this Atsuko. We can take care of your mother." He grabs the pin and at Akko's nod pins it for the world to see. "This is a huge responsibility. Why would you want to add yet another burden to your shoulders?"

Akko grabs her father's hands before they get back to his side and squeezes them. "Otosan, I will do anything to keep my family safe. I'm not little Akko anymore. I've trained and I've learned and now it is time for me to use those lessons for good. I won't fail you I promise."

Shiro grabs her by the shoulders and pulls her into a strong embrace. "You can never fail me Atsuko. I am already so proud of the woman you are becoming." He lets Akko escape and chuckles at her blush. "Very well, I suppose we should consider a new training regiment for you, Chariot, and your roommates? Kai and Croix will also attend and Miranda, it might be beneficial for you as well. I fear that this isn't the last time we will see Aizuma, and I would like for all of us to be prepared."

"Do you think that the emperor will go back on his word Shiro?" the headmistress inquires from her position on the couch. They both watch as the young couple across from them come back together, leaning on each other for support while expecting an answer.

"I think that I have not seen Aizuma in 10 years, and that I do not know what kind of magic she has delved into. I have this strange feeling and foresee a lot of heartache in our future. Will the emperor not follow through? I have no reason to doubt this. What I do doubt is his conviction. Aizuma has always been his favorite. And that favoritism is going to be the cause of all our future problems. I ask that we all stay strong. This is a complete family now. We will not allow Aizuma to win. And should she continue to be a hindrance, then I do believe a small bit of revenge is allowable."

AN: And there ya go! 7.5K of filler...essentially. I do have the next 3 chapters outlined out and will begin working on them ASAP. I work a lot so it will be difficult to post consistently, but I refuse to give up on this story. Leave me a review or a flame and lemme know whatcha think. Have a good weekend and Happy Mother's Day to any moms out there.
-Seeker