A story for Rob! In addition to some love for Hannah and Barbara in "The Last To Know," they also asked for a bigger story - and not just any! The first of its kind for me: a LWA and Revue Starlight crossover! Dianakko and Mayakuro, though the main focus is on the former two. I had so much fun conceptualizing what I'd write for it!
Similarly to "The Last To Know," this one takes place about a year after the events of the LWA anime.
Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia or Shoujo Kageki Revue Starlight.
Little Witch Revue
It was no secret that Luna Nova's most recent year had been its most notorious, but also its most successful, in history.
After suffering through a substantial shortage of magic and a risk of shutting its doors for good, to then harboring the teacher responsible for setting off a giant missile over the planet, the school's reputation hadn't exactly been fairing so well.
However, due to the passion and righteousness of several committed students, and the tenacity of the teachers who wanted to help make things right again, the potentially disastrous outcome had been cleanly avoided, and instead Luna Nova was granted a much more prestigious and positive reputation.
The worldwide influx of magic after that fateful day had meant thousands of prospective young witches across the globe had been able to set out in hopes of achieving their dreams by attending magic schools. Luna Nova was, of course, the most popular, and with the money from new enrollment, it had set plans into motion to set up a new wing of the building to accommodate more dorms and classrooms.
For the rest of that school year, all of the young witches had flourished, and had been able to unlock potential within themselves they never knew before. Always assuming they could only do as much as the Sorcerer's Stone allowed them to had limited much of their thinking. But once magic had been freed and unlocked from its leylines worldwide, it had also made the magic-users of the world realize their own potential from within.
With everyone's combined efforts and the natural magics of the world bursting with energy once more, the entire planet had improved - not only those who could use magic.
Naturally, Akko hadn't wasted a second in trying to learn how to fly and attempting all of her other previously-failed spells with a renewed vigor. With the help of all her teammates and teachers and friends, and especially some serious training with Diana in particular, Akko had finally been able to not only lift her broom off the ground, but begin to fly somewhat properly.
She had also greatly improved on her transformation spells, which still always had a cute cartoonish appearance to them, but she'd expanded her thinking and been able to try out many different shapes and styles as well.
And little by little she was still improving her other spells too.
It came to her attention that, now that her magics had been returned and unlocked from inside her spirit, the hardest part was really just to focus on the magic and each individual spell. Her friends did all they could to help support her as they continued their own studies as well, but Diana in particular was very keen on observing Akko's progress, even though she was arguably the busiest student in the entire school.
Even so, she always made time for Akko. Whenever Akko came zooming up to her in a flurry of blabbering excitement about wanting to try out a spell, Diana would calmly make changes to her own plans in order to accommodate her. They'd spent a lot of time together since they'd defeated the missile, and by the time the school year was over and summer break was upon them… It wasn't a surprise to anyone that Atsuko Kagari and Diana Cavendish were dating.
Well, it had been a surprise at first, especially to their teammates. Lotte and Sucy had always thought Akko was too invested in learning magic to have time for anything else - let alone romance.
Hannah and Barbara had softened and warmed up to Akko and the others quite a bit, but they'd still been in shock, because they'd always thought Diana was too busy and focused on her studies and becoming the next head of Cavendish to consider anything else - let alone romance.
It had been a surprise to everyone - Akko and Diana most of all.
A simple training session in which Diana had patiently and helpfully advised Akko through overcoming a difficult visualization and thought process required to pull off a spell had eventually ended in success, and Akko had exuberantly thrown her arms around Diana in a massive hug. And after realizing that she had no real reason to pry her off, Diana had accepted and returned the embrace.
And bit by bit, they had gotten closer and closer, until one afternoon Akko had succeeded in a particularly tricky spell and ended up kissing Diana on the cheek in her glee.
And after turning deeply red and sputtering for a solid ten seconds, Diana had realized it wasn't the end of the world; she'd already nearly experienced that once, and this was far from it. Akko had apologized for acting thoughtlessly, but Diana had quietly admitted that she didn't mind.
And from there, Akko had started hugging her and kissing her more, and before they knew it they were dating.
A lot had happened in, and because of, Luna Nova this past school year. And so now that summer vacation is finally upon them, the entire student body is antsy and excited with anticipation to visit their families back home and enjoy some time off from their studies. Plus, it's even more exciting to think they'll be able to experience the world with an abundance of magic in it for the first time.
Like most others, Akko had made plans to go back home for about a week to start the summer break off, but then she planned to come back to school and continue practicing and improving. Professor Ursula was going to help her after taking similar time off for herself to visit Professor Croix at her current place of relocation.
In short, Akko has a very productive and fun summer to look forward to.
Presently, it's a few days before Akko is set to fly back to Japan, during one of hers and Diana's spell practicing sessions. A lot of girls had already taken their leave, so the campus is much quieter and more spacious than usual, allowing the two of them a bit more leeway with the range of their spells.
Diana is in the middle of teaching Akko a long-distance offensive spell that utilizes plant spores in order to stun and temporarily paralyze opponents.
"You must create a sizable arc," she explains, demonstrating as she points her wand outward toward the open field. She then arcs her arm from left to right in as wide a motion as she's able to, not yet calling out the spell, but simply showing the motion. Akko watches her seriously and gives a few sharp nods.
"Mm! Mm! Okay, got it!" Standing stiffly, she tries to mimic Diana's movements and swings her arm from left to right. Diana chuckles.
"You have the right idea," she says. "But you needn't be so stiff, Akko. If the castor is nervous and unsure of herself, the magic won't be certain of what it's meant to do either." She lightly rests one hand on Akko's shoulder. "Relax. And try not to move your arm so quickly. Imagine it as though you're painting a rainbow." Diana demonstrates again with her own wand, moving slowly and smoothly. Her touch had succeeded in letting Akko deflate a little bit into a more comfortable posture as she watches again.
"A rainbow…" She tries again, moving her arm in a wider, more fluid movement. Diana nods approval.
"Precisely. Now then…" She turns back to the field and calls out the spell. "Arolull suulee!"
This time, a bright spark of purple magic shoots out from her wand, and as Diana arcs her arm in the required movement, the magic follows at its distance, creating a curve that spills down tiny spores over about a twenty-foot area. The purple sparkles continue falling on their own for several seconds, even after Diana has withdrawn her arm.
"Whoa…" Akko's mouth gapes open. "It's so pretty!"
"Indeed. Even though it is meant to be used in combat in order to lull opponents into a haze, it is rather nice to look at when there is no dire situation at hand. This spell would be used as a first line of defense, in hopes to immobilize and confuse a beast long enough for you to make an escape before close combat was unavoidable."
"I wanna try!" Akko gives a little bounce of excitement before remembering her posture, but makes sure she's more relaxed than stiff. She draws in a deep breath and readies her wand. "Arolull suulee!" Copying Diana, she arcs her arm as though she were painting a rainbow.
And after so many months of trying to spell-cast where hardly an ember of magic would come, Akko is still amazed that now she can cast full streaks just like Diana.
The purple glow shoots forward out in front of her. The arc is a bit wobbly, but it gets the job done. Akko watches as the dusting of purple magic rains down gently, like a lullaby that would put her opponents into a sleepy daze.
"Whoa… I did it!"
"Very nicely done, Akko."
"Thanks, Diana!"
And as has become tradition for anytime she learns a new spell, Akko throws her arms around Diana in a jubilant hug. By now, Diana is prepared and expecting such a thing, so she catches Akko warmly. Akko giggles bubbly little sounds for a moment as she nuzzles into Diana's shoulder, then lets out a sigh.
"I'm gonna miss you for a whoooole week…"
"As shall I. But taking breaks is just as crucial as dedicating yourself to your work. Enjoy your time home, Akko."
"Yeah! And what about you, Diana? Are you going back to the Cavendish estate to check on stuff?"
"Not just yet. I do have plans for that closer toward the end of our break. But as for this coming week, I shall be staying here at Luna Nova."
"Awww…" Akko pouts a little as she eases back from the hug. "And do what?"
"Assist the faeries and the teachers," Diana explains. "Perhaps reorganize the library and do some inventory on books and potions."
"But that's the same stuff you always do during school!" Akko whines. "You're always doing extra work and duties and stuff, even on our break!"
"I don't mind the responsibility."
"Yeah, but you just said it's important to take breaks."
"I will be returning to the estate at a later date," Diana reminds her.
But Akko narrows her eyes doubtfully.
"Yeah, and what are you gonna be doing there?"
"Likely helping to clean the rooms and organize my mother's library, refurbish the furniture and revitalize the dormant magics residing in the objects."
"Sooooo work," Akko clarifies.
Diana is about to respond, but she stops when she realizes Akko is exactly right. For once, she doesn't have a reply. Akko takes her victory and runs with it.
"See?! Even when you're gonna go back home you just plan on working! That's not a break, Diana."
"…Of course I will be taking breaks in between-"
"That's not the same!" Akko protests. "You need a real break, Diana! A real-real break! Come to Japan with me."
"…Eh?"
"I mean it! You brought me to your home before, right?"
"Actually, I never invited you. You followed me on your own accord-"
"Whatever! The point iiiis that I got to see your home, right? So now why don't you come see mine with me? You haven't been to Japan since you were a little kid at Chariot's show, right?"
"Indeed…"
"Soooo much has changed since then, Diana! You've gotta experience it!"
Diana takes a step back, blushing slightly.
"But Akko, I-"
"You have enough responsibilities!" Akko says firmly. "And you're always doing them all the time! When we get back from Japan I'll help you with them so they'll still get done, okay? But you need a real break, Diana. So come with me! You've gotta!"
By now, her eyes have gone wide and sparkly and determined in that expression that only Akko can really pull off.
Diana bites her lip a bit, trying to consider it all from a logical standpoint.
And when she does… she concludes that Akko is right. She needs a real break when she'll be able to relax and enjoy herself without having to worry about her next task to complete. And if Akko would assist her with her chores when they do return, things will get done more quickly anyway.
And besides, Akko is also right in that Diana hasn't been to Japan in ten years, and there must be so much that's changed that she will be able to fully appreciate now that she's older. In addition to that, it would be very fun to join her now-girlfriend to her homeland.
Therefore, after taking another moment to calm herself, Diana turns back to Akko and dips her head.
"Very well."
"Huh?!"
"I will come with you, Akko. If you'll have me."
Akko crouches down, building up the energy for a spring like a jack-in-the-box before lunging at Diana in another impactful hug.
"Yes, yes, yes! Of course I'll have you, Diana! Oh my gosh this is gonna be sooooo much fun! Wait till my parents hear I'm bringing back a girlfriend!"
"J-Just a moment-"
"You should start packing now, Diana! Our flight is in two days! C'mon, I'll help you!"
Akko grabs Diana's hand and begins marching proudly back toward the school building with her in-tow, humming all the while. Diana smiles helplessly and follows.
And so their vacation week off together was decided.
The morning of their flight, Akko is so excited she nearly forgets her luggage in her room, and Diana has to remind her to go fetch it. Akko then is ready to march out of Luna Nova's doors, and Diana reminds her that she has to turn in her permission slip and notification that she'll be away off-campus.
By that point in the morning, Diana considers it a blessing that she'd decided to come along with Akko, or else the hyperactive witch would have gotten herself into a lot of trouble.
But once they've gotten their things, arranged their paperwork, and been approved by Headmistress Holbrooke, Akko and Diana take a cab into town and then to the airport.
In the past, Luna Nova students had been forbidden to use magic off-campus while unattended and unapproved by a professor. But now that magic was more widespread and quickly becoming accepted and appreciated, it was permissible for Luna Nova students to use magic off-campus if absolutely necessary.
But still, there was no point in flying their brooms since they would need to take a plane anyway.
They arrive at the airport with time to spare and stop at a cafe for a light breakfast, then the restrooms before boarding their flight.
Akko is jittery and chattery the entire time, marveling at the view of the world below. Diana had always loved the sights of flying from a broom, but she had to admit it was nice to be able to fly for once without having to do any work or stay constantly focused.
After only about an hour or so of flying, Akko's babbling tapers off into a snore as Diana feels the weight of her head slumping against her shoulder. The excitement and eustress of the trip had likely prevented Akko from getting much sleep the night before, so in addition to waking up early today it was only natural she would lose steam before long.
Diana smiles at the sight of her girlfriend's childishly charming sleeping face, using a tissue to wipe the drool off Akko's chin. She then closes her eyes as well, comfortably resting her head against Akko's and allowing herself to fall into a much-needed slumber too.
The two witches sleep for about two more hours. When they wake again, Akko insists on having Diana try out some video games with her to pass the remaining time. Diana is bashfully unskilled, but Akko finds it endlessly amusing and does her best to give Diana tips and tricks to improve.
But when it's announced that they've finally entered Japan, all bets are off. Any ounce of focus Akko might've had on anything else goes out the window, and had that window been open, so might've she.
Akko presses her whole face up against the glass until the clouds part and reveal the distant land of Japan far below. Diana gently eases her back just a little bit, but continues to admire the scenery with her.
From there, both witches feel a bubbling energy stirring in their chests, and the excitement only mounts higher and higher as the plane descends toward landing.
It's a bit hectic from there, gathering their luggage and trying to traverse the airport crowds. Akko is busy pointing out every single billboard and sign and shop to Diana, showing off her impressive tour guide skills with gusto and proudly reading all of the Japanese.
Diana doesn't feel the need to tell her that she, too, is fluent in the language, nor that Akko misread several of the kanji. But she does admit that Akko was very correct in stating that Japan had changed a lot over the years.
The last time Diana had been here had been about a decade ago, and the culture had made many impressive advancements since then. And especially since magic had become more pronounced in the recent year.
Now it would appear that certified witches and magic-users could be employed at various places to help maintain order, and certain facilities operated on magic as well. Many of these are new even to a native like Akko, so as they gradually make their way out of the airport, both she and Diana admire the modern advances.
Her parents had assisted Akko with making arrangements for a car, so once they find it, the two girls load in their luggage and take seats next to each other in the back.
"Wow!" Akko claps. "Isn't Japan amazing, Diana?!"
"It very much is," Diana says. "Although, we've only just landed. I'm sure there is plenty more you are anticipating showing me, yes?"
"Oh, for sure! First we can drop off all our stuff at my house and I can introduce you to my parents! I never got the chance to tell them you're my girlfriend yet, so wait until they find out! They're gonna be so super surprised!"
Diana blushes faintly at the notion. With all the last-minute sort of spontaneity of deciding she would join Akko on this trip, her mind had been swarmed with thoughts of a million things. However, only now has she realized that she'll be meeting Akko's parents - and as her significant other, no less.
Akko pauses her ranting for a second when she notices Diana has gone stiff. She leans in and nudges her side with her elbow.
"Aw, c'mon Diana! No need to get all nervous! My parents are gonna love you! I already told them about you and Su and Lotte and Amanda and everyone in my letters throughout the year. Now they're just gonna meet you face to face, that's all!"
Diana's face still reddens.
"You say it so casually, Akko…"
Akko tries not to smirk too widely, but Diana is just so cute. She'd seen Diana firsthand when she'd had to meet important people like Andrew's father at a super fancy lavish dinner before, and Diana had been perfectly composed - at least until her outrage toward her aunt had gotten the better of her.
But Akko had also seen Diana at school, giving presentations to visitors, performing at the Samhain Festival for the alumni witches, brining esteemed guests on tours around the buildings. She's always been perfectly professional and confident, even with complete strangers who were super influential.
So to see her nervous and blushing now of all times, simply to meet Akko's own normal human parents… Akko just thinks she's too cute.
Even so, she doesn't want Diana to be so nervous that she forgets to enjoy herself, so Akko leans in a bit and hugs her arm.
"Hey, take it easy, Diana! Deep breaths! They're just my parents! You don't have to do or say anything fancy or give them a tour of the school or anything like that. Just say hi and be yourself!"
Diana draws in a decent breath, already feeling better with Akko's reassurances.
"Right. Thank you, Akko."
Once Diana is feeling more relaxed, Akko directs their attention to the city outside as the car takes them through the streets. She points out every little thing she can find the breath for, every statue and monument and building.
Diana listens as well as she can while admiring the pristine and modernized architecture. It's a very different feeling from the one experienced in Europe. Even from inside the car, Diana recalls the feelings she'd gotten here as a child, the sense that everyone was refined and stern, yet polite.
After about half an hour of the car ride, the scenery starts to turn more residential, and before long Diana can sense Akko's enthusiasm mounting. When the car begins to slow, Diana glances at Akko to see that her eyes are locked on a particular house not far away.
A humble couple stands there on the sidewalk, the woman with black hair and kind eyes, and the man a bit taller with brown hair and a welcoming smile. Akko is already out the car door before it's even come to a complete stop, bolting the short distance between herself and her parents before throwing her arms around them exuberantly.
While Diana thanks and apologizes to the driver and takes their luggage, she can hear Akko gabbing a mile a minute while still nestled in the family embrace.
"-And then I got knocked off!" Akko says, excitedly recounting the events of how she had defeated the evil missile last year, even though it had been broadcast worldwide by Chariot herself and her parents and the whole rest of the world already knew the story very well. But her parents humor her and listen as though it was the first time they'd heard it.
Akko continues without pause. "-And I fell aaaallll the way down - well, not all the way to the ground, cuz then I'd be a pancake. But the Shooting Star broom caught me! Oh! But even if it hadn't, I knew Diana would've. She was still trying to dodge the missiles and fight them off, and she was trying to come after me and catch me, too! But then she got knocked off too and-"
"Akko, dear," her mother says warmly. "You know your father and I love this story. But might you like to take a moment and introduce us to your friend here?"
With her mother's coaxing reminder, Akko perks up and jumps out of the hug so she can grab Diana instead.
"Oh yeah! Mom, Dad, this is Diana! Y'know, the one who saved the world with me and stuff? That Diana!"
Diana, who had still been struggling a bit with both their luggage, is suddenly given a hearty pat on the back, one that causes her to lose her breath and her bag as she bows forward awkwardly, then finds herself in a mild coughing fit. Akko frowns.
"Oh, sorry. You good, Diana?"
Diana recomposes herself as quickly as possible before standing up straight again to face the adults. She then gives them a proper, sophisticated bow.
"It's very nice to meet you. My name is Diana Cavendish. I am Akko's classmate at Luna Nova-"
"And she's my girlfriend!"
Diana sputters, and her heart backflips so hard that her entire face turns pink all over again.
"A-Akko! Please, one thing at a time-"
"Girlfriend?" Akko's father parrots. "Now isn't that a pleasant surprise!"
"Oh, my!" her mother smiles. "Akko, you never told us!"
Akko chuckles sheepishly.
"Yeah, well y'know there was a lot going on and stuff~ But yup, she's my girlfriend! Diana is super awesome! Like, the best witch in the entire school! And she's gonna be the next head of the Cavendish estate! You should've seen her at the ceremony when she was fighting off her stuck-up aunt and stinky cousins-"
"Akko-!" Diana breathlessly places both hands on Akko's shoulders, still blushing and frazzled and trying to keep up with her energy. "Please… May we put our things down first?"
"Huh? Oh yeah! Good idea!"
With that, Diana is able to finally take a breath. Akko's parents smile bemusedly and help them carry their things inside, while Akko now delves into the more relevant topic of their flight instead.
Together, the four of them arrange Diana's and Akko's luggage in Akko's childhood room, which is where the two of them will be spending their nights on this trip. After her parents go back downstairs to begin making them something to eat, Akko gets to rushing around the room to show off all of her Chariot merchandise to her girlfriend.
"I have the limited edition poster!" she says proudly. "The signed one from her first-ever performance! I was still too little to go to that one, but my parents knew how much I loved her, so they ordered it for me! Though I guess now I could kinda have her sign anything I wanted, right? Hehe."
Now that it's just the two of them, and things have started to settle down a bit, Diana takes the time to admire and indulge in hers and Akko's shared love of Shiny Chariot.
"That is quite special," she says. "Surely a one-of-a-kind collectable."
"And I've got all the cards, too!" Akko rushes to a bookshelf beside her bed to pull out an album. "I brought all my doubles to school with me, but this is my original master's set! Well… almost master's set. I never did get that one. But you have it, Diana! And you showed it to me! Just getting to have seen it with my own two eyes is good enough for me!"
"I'm quite impressed," Diana admits. "That card is the only one I have left. I've never seen most of these before…"
"Then lemme show you!" Akko brings her over to sit on the bed together and begins flipping through the pages, gushing about each card in turn. Diana's rarer, more childish side shows itself, and her eyes sparkle to be gazing upon the images of her childhood once more.
A short while later, Akko's parents call them down to join them for what will be Akko and Diana's second breakfast, thanks to the time zones.
The four of them sit and eat together. Akko's parents ask Diana about herself and her studies and experiences, and as Diana gives her responses Akko excitedly jumps in every now and then with her own details.
The four of them enjoy this for about an hour, until Akko's mother begins cleaning up. Diana offers to help, but both Akko and her mother refuse to let a guest do work.
"Normally I would have Akko do some chores," she says, and Akko's shoulders slump. But then her mother smiles. "But I supposed since you're here for a vacation, I can let it slide this time."
Akko perks right back up again.
"Really?!"
"Why don't you both get changed and then you can show Diana around town, dear?"
"Yeah!" Akko jumps up to her feet. "It'll be soooo much fun! I actually planned out the place I wanted to bring you today! C'mon, Diana!" Akko offers her hand to help Diana up, then whisks her away back upstairs.
Akko digs through her luggage like a dog to find an outfit to change into, while Diana unpacks a bit more slowly. Akko chooses shorts and a t-shirt, while Diana puts on a blue sundress.
Once they've both changed into more casual clothes appropriate for the warm weather, both girls pack their essentials into handbags to carry along with them throughout the day. Once they're both read, Akko leads the way back downstairs and calls out to her parents.
"We're heading out! Be back tonight!"
Diana bows politely to Akko's parents.
"Thank you very much for having me."
Her mother and father both smile.
"Don't mention it, dear."
"Have fun, you two."
"We will!" Akko grins and swoops in to grab Diana's arm. "C'mon, c'mon! There's so much we gotta do~!"
With this, Akko begins marching out the door with her girlfriend in-tow.
To start, Akko shows her around the neighborhood, once again pointing out every minute detail about everything everywhere. But she also reminisces about what she remembers from her childhood, which people lived in which apartments and which ones had dogs they would let her pet, and things of that nature.
Diana listens to her patiently, appreciating each thing as Akko talks about it. After walking a little ways, they arrive at a traditional shrine, where Akko demonstrates the proper protocol for how to pray and make offerings. As they walk around the area, Diana recognizes many of the deities and statues standing guard and offers her knowledge about them. Akko blinks in shock.
"Wow! If I didn't know any better, I'd think you lived here your whole life, Diana!"
Diana chuckles.
"You flatter me. I simply happened to come across a lot of legends in my studies, stories hailing from all different cultures. It's very enlightening to consider how people's values and beliefs differ based upon where they live. But what's even more wonderful is to understand that, no matter where they're from, everyone believes in something. Even if it's solely themselves."
Akko smiles, pressing in close to Diana's side.
"Yeah. That's really great. After all, a believing heart is everyone's magic!"
"Indeed."
After spending a bit more time appreciating the shrine, Akko then leads Diana on a walk through a local park. They hold hands all the while as Akko recounts coming here as a child.
"I tried practicing my magic here!" she explains. "Well, at first I tried at home in my room and in the yard and stuff. But nothing ever worked. I thought maybe I needed a change of scenery, so I asked my parents to bring me here instead! Oh! Look, look!" As they follow the sidewalk path, Akko points out a particular tree off to one side. It's about the height of a house, with the branches fanning upward and to the sides, almost resembling a giant flower. "That's the tree I fell out of the most," Akko declares.
"The most?" Diana gives her a concerned look. Akko grins and nods.
"Yup! There are a lot of trees I jumped out of with a broom thinking I'd be able to fly it. But this is the one I jumped out of the most cuz it was a bit lower! But eventually my dad found out and then he wouldn't let me climb it anymore."
"Thank goodness for that," Diana sighs. "You could've seriously injured yourself, Akko."
"I knooow. But it was all I could think of to do to try and teach myself to fly! Like birds do, right? The moms just push the babies out of the nest and they just do it!"
"Unfortunately people don't work quite the same," Diana says. "But… perhaps if you hadn't lost your magic at the time, the method could've held some semblance of sense to it."
"See?"
"Even so, I could never recommend it."
"Aww, now you sound like my mom…"
They continue around the park, Akko talking and Diana listening, pausing on occasion for Akko to ask if she can pet someone's dog.
They pass by a beautiful blue lake, where they pause to sit on a bench together for a moment to take in the scenery. After relaxing for short while, they start getting back up again when Diana notices movement off to one side.
There, mostly concealed by a small hill and the shade of the surrounding trees, is a herd of small tan deer, napping leisurely. Akko notices her looking and follows her gaze to them.
"Oh! The deer! They've been hanging around here forever! I can't believe they still are. I wonder if this is the next generation of them?"
Diana is perplexed to see the animals so calm.
"It seems a bit odd that they would be this close to so many humans. They don't seem perturbed at all."
"Oh yeah! The deer here aren't really like the ones over in Europe that run away all the time. A lot of them here are actually pretty tame! At least in this area. You can feed them and stuff! You could probably go right up to them and pet them!"
"My, that is quite interesting." Most of Diana's experience with animals, particularly in recent years, had been with magical creatures, or had involved animals that were linked to or used to magic in some way on Luna Nova's campus. Only now does she realize how long it's been since she'd interacted with any outside of a strong magical territory.
Akko looks from Diana, to the deer, and back again as a smile starts spreading across her face.
"Hey, Diana~? Do you wanna go pet the deer?"
"Eh?" Diana bashfully looks away. "That's quite all right. I wouldn't want to startle them."
"Like I said, they're suuuuper tame! Especially these guys! People pet them all the time, every day!"
"But-"
"Come on, let's go!" Akko stands from the bench and takes Diana by both hands before pulling her along.
As they approach, several of the deer lift their heads to observe them. Diana expects them to start standing up and rousing the others to move away. But to her surprise, the deer that do get to their feet actually start walking toward the two witches, and the others remain unaffected and peaceful in their napping. Akko and Diana come to a pause.
"See? They like people! Though we don't have any food…" Akko really wants the deer to come close enough so Diana will be able to pet them, but without food to give them they might not be interested. So Akko decides on a Plan B. "Wait one second, Diana! I've got this."
"Akko…?" Before Diana can fully inquire what it is she's doing, Akko reaches into her handbag and pulls something out. Diana's eyes widen when she realizes it's her wand. "Akko-!"
"Metamorphie Faciess!" A pink cloud of smoke poofs into the air around Akko as she transforms herself into an adorable orange deer. "Ta-daah! Not too shabby, huh Diana?" Akko waggles her stubby tail proudly.
Diana is still a bit frazzled.
"Akko! Why do you have your wand with you? We aren't permitted to use magic unsupervised off-campus unless it is absolutely necessary!"
"Well, I think in this situation it was absolutely necessary in order to make my girlfriend smile!" Akko smiles a deer smile, with her face an entirely different kind of cute than usual.
There's simply no way Diana could even begin to be exasperated with her now, especially considering her reasoning for doing this. Diana ends up simply heaving a sigh, as is often the case when she's with her.
"Akko…"
"I brought your wand along, too!" Akko informs her. "Just in case! Now c'mon! I'll warm up to them and then you'll be able to pet one!"
Akko lifts her long legs up and marches forward toward the herd of puzzled animals. A male and a female approach her, sniffing curiously. Diana stays back a few feet, nervous about the antlers.
But also unlike the deer she was familiar with, which had sharper points to their antlers, the ones here have rounder tips, smooth and layered in shedding velvet. Diana watches the pair of deer sniff at Akko, who gives a little bound of excitement. After just a few seconds, the female gives her neck a lick. Neither seem agitated or nervous at all. Akko turns her head back to Diana and calls out softly.
"All good! You can come pet them if you want!"
Diana can only assume the older deer had taken Akko for a spritely lost fawn and accepted her immediately, which meant her spell was advanced enough to make her truly appear to be what she wanted to be - enough to convince true members of the species. Diana spares a moment to be impressed before cautiously taking a step forward.
The female deer brushes past Akko to greet Diana, stretching out her neck and sniffing. Diana holds out her hand, but even though the deer notes she doesn't have any food to give, she still presses her nose against Diana's palm. Diana's heart flutters, and a fond smile comes to her lips.
"It's nice to meet you." She's very well-versed in the language of most animal species, but all of those were ones back in Europe she would converse with. She has no idea if non-magical Japanese deer have the same sort of language.
But whether they do or not, the deer seems to understand Diana's intent all the same. She allows Diana to pet her head and ears, and her tail flicks happily all the while.
Akko watches, still in her deer form, smiling all she can to see Diana so cute and happy. Akko starts calling out to the other deer as well since they can understand her.
"Hey, hey! Some really good ear-scratches happening over there! Don't miss out!"
Several other deer perk up and get to their feet before slowly making their way over to Diana. Within a minute, Diana is completely surrounded by curious friendly deer.
Even without Akko's coaxing, she knows they would've been drawn to Diana all the same, because she's always had a particular way with animals.
Now that Diana has more deer around herself than hands to pet them with, Akko cancels her spell and takes back her proper form, then joins her girlfriend in the mob of fuzzy wet noses.
The two witches laugh and smile as they pet each deer in turn, and when other people start to notice the scene, more begin approaching to pet the deer as well. Eventually, Akko and Diana make their way out of the herd, still smiling.
"Wasn't that fun?" Akko beams. "They're sooooo cute!"
"I agree. And though unnecessary, your transformation spell was quite excellent, Akko."
"Aww, shucks~" Akko blushes, and then even harder when her stomach lets out a massive growl.
Diana chuckles.
"Perhaps it's time for some lunch?"
"Yeah! I'll show you some super good places!"
After a few more minutes finishing up at the park, Akko brings Diana back into town.
Within only moments, the smells of delicious food start wafting through the air as they near the restaurants. Wanting Diana to have a proper Japanese experience, Akko decides to take her to a ramen shop, where after placing their orders they retreat to the bathroom to wash their hands thoroughly after petting the deer.
By the time they're done, it's only a few minutes longer of waiting before they're presented with their large bowls of ramen, plus a side order of rice balls and sushi. Akko says her thanks before digging right in, while Diana follows suit a bit more timidly.
She struggles just a bit with holding the chopsticks, and more than once the noodles of her ramen go slipping right out and splashing back into the broth. Diana starts to turn pink, but Akko gives her an encouraging pat on the back before helping her.
Eventually, by watching Akko's demonstration, Diana begins to get the hang of it.
Akko finds it endlessly entertaining to see the proper, poised, and refined Diana Cavendish sitting at a bar stool leaning forward over a bowl of ramen.
Akko makes sure she leaves some room to try the rice balls and sushi. Diana seems a bit hesitant at first, but ultimately she enjoys the different flavors and methods of indulging in them.
Once they've finished eating and exit the restaurant, Akko takes her hand once again and leads Diana around town, where they window shop for all different things. And there's one brand new store that Akko has never seen before - a magic shop. And even though it's rather small, it's probably the most popular on the block.
As they approach it, they can see dozens of people wandering in and out. Some are carrying wands and potions, and some are even dressed in pointed hats and robes like Luna Nova's uniform.
"Wow!" Akko shrieks. "This is amazing! I guess since magic started becoming more popular all over the world they started making stores for people who can use it!"
"I believe you're correct. I wonder what the rules about using magic in Japan are? I presume they have started building magical schools here as well to train future witches."
"It's a dream come true~" Akko sighs. "Oh, but don't worry! I'd never quit Luna Nova just to come back home and go to magic school here."
Diana hadn't even considered that possibility, but it is rather reassuring to hear Akko say as much.
"Good. You've still got a lot of studying to do."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Together they walk into the magic shop and look around. Akko gawks at just about everything.
"Whoooaaa! Oh, oh! Diana, look! They have those crystals Professor Finneran taught us about!"
"My," Diana teases. "I'm surprised you were paying attention."
"Of course I was! This one is for- uh… W-Well I don't remember what they're for, but I remember they're a thing!"
"I suppose that's a start." Diana observes the collection of colorful crystals on display behind a glass case. "And these are of very pure quality as well. They even have copies of some very sacred and important texts and spell books."
"Oh my gosh!" Akko suddenly darts off to one of the little aisles, absolutely glowing. "Diana, look! They have little mini statues of Luna Nova!"
Diana comes to her side to observe. Sure enough, there is a particular section of the store dedicated to Luna Nova itself. There are small statues, and magical snow globes that never stop raining down sparkles due to the magic inside. There are books about Luna Nova's history as well, and when Diana carefully flips through one of them, she finds a page dedicated to some of their very own professors.
"Wow!" Akko yelps. "There's the Headmistress! And there's Professor Ludwic! And Professor Ursula is there too! Do you think they know they're famous?!"
"I'm certain the Headmistress must have given some sort of permission for such things," Diana notes. "I presume some of our new funding comes as a result of places like these."
"Whoa… That's so cool!"
"Well, Luna Nova did change the world for the better in terms of magic, after all."
After a few more minutes of marveling at the items there, they scour the rest of the store, from potions to plants to magical items that assist in certain rituals and spell-casting. Several other girls overhear them talking and approach the pair, and are astounded to recognize them as the two witches who finished off the missile that had threatened the entire world.
After that, Akko and Diana live through some of their moments of fame as a dozen excited girls swarm them. But once the initial thrill has calmed down a bit, they ask serious questions about how to cast spells and what they'll learn at magic school.
Akko and Diana give them crucial tips and advice, though Akko's tips are much simpler, things like "Don't sleep in and be late for class!" while Diana gives more academically-sound advice. She shares her insights on certain kinds of spells and magics, and all the while the prospective witches listen in wide-eyed excitement.
Eventually, the girls thank them and take their leave, allowing Akko and Diana to finish up their browsing. Diana actually purchases one of the crystals due to its high quality and rarity back home.
"Different parts of the world are abundant in different minerals," she explains to Akko as they exit the store. "Japan is richer in certain magical energies that are less abundant in Europe, so this kind of crystal is much easier to obtain here. Especially now since magic is widespread."
"Whoa! That's so cool!" Akko grins. "It's like the world is finally how it should be! How we always dreamed it should be! Full of magic and fun for anyone who dares to look!"
"I agree," Diana nods. "And the world has you to thank for it, Akko."
"Not just me! You, too, Diana! And Lotte and Sucy and Amanda and Jasna and Cons and Professor Ursula and even Professor Croix! And everyone else at Luna Nova, too! All the faeries and Mr. Fafnir and-"
"Yes," Diana smiles. "I suppose everyone played their own part in all this, didn't they?"
"Yeah~" Akko beams as they continue on their way down the street. She lets her gaze wander to the nearest clock tower. "Oh! Actually, I think it's about time I showed you the next super neat place here in Japan!"
"Really? And what might that be?"
"You'll see!" Akko starts skipping off with Diana's hand in hers, and Diana follows at a brisk walk.
To her surprise, Akko brings her to a large theatre building, of all things. Diana gives her a puzzled look.
"Akko? Is this our destination?"
"Yup! I used to come here all the time as a kid before Chariot got a venue in Japan! There was always this one school of girls that would perform here! I can't remember the name of it, but they were always really cool! And they always did super neat plays with battles and action and romance and stuff! My parents used to bring me here when I was a baby, so I'd watch those plays and stuff before I knew Chariot even existed! I guess that's kinda what got me so into watching performances and entertainment and stuff."
Diana blinks, surprised to discover this new information about Akko.
"I suppose that makes perfect sense. Before you knew much about magic, you were drawn to the theatrics of the stage. And once Chariot came about-"
"All bets were off!" Akko laughs. "I knew right then and there what I wanted to do! Perform onstage, but with magic! Spread the joys and wonders of magic all across the world!" Even now as she talks about it, Akko's eyes are alight and sparkling. Diana can't help but smile and give her hand a small supportive squeeze.
"You're well on your way, Akko. I eagerly await the day of your first official performance."
"Thanks!" Akko grins and gives her a peace sign. "I'll be sure you get VIP access!"
"I appreciate it. But as for today, did you purchase tickets for this show?"
"Yup! My mom picked 'em up for me and gave 'em to me this morning! And I actually remembered to bring them! I swear!" As proof, Akko reaches into her handbag and pulls out two blue tickets. "Ta-dah~!"
Diana is quite relieved that Akko really does have tickets.
"I'm very eager to experience this with you."
"Woohoo! Then let's go, let's go!"
Akko leads Diana inside, where they present their tickets at the booth and are then permitted entry. There's already quite a crowd gathered inside the theater, but the two of them manage to find a pair of seats at the center. The stage is massive, probably as large as one of Chariot's outdoor venues.
"They use really neat special effects!" Akko informs her. "When I was younger, I seriously thought it was magic!"
"That sounds quite impressive," Diana muses. "Then I am eager to see just what kind of performance we will be shown today."
"Yeah! If it's students from that one school, I know it'll be amazing!"
For about ten more minutes, the rest of the audience files in and takes their seats, and the auditorium is filled with a casual pre-performance chatter.
Akko is jittery and bouncing in her seat, so Diana reaches out to offer her hand. Akko enthusiastically clasps it with both of hers, her wide eyes trained on the stage.
Just a short while later, the lights over the audience slowly begin to fade out, and the people stop talking as the spotlights onstage come on. There's an announcement that the play is about to begin, asking the audience to remember their manners and such.
"Today's performance," the female voice says. "Will be given by the talented youth of Seishou Music Academy."
Akko gives a tiny squeak, drawing Diana's attention.
"That's it!" she whispers. "That's the school I always saw performing when I was a little kid! All those students are super talented and everything looks like magic! Oh man, I can't wait!"
At last, the heavy red curtains start pulling aside to begin the story. The narrator sets the scene for a tale of war.
"Once upon a time, there were two great nations. In the east, the Sun Nation Army, proud and gallant. They were lead by a tenacious, yet arrogant General by the name of Tendo."
There's a pause, and then the spotlight shifts to reveal a teenage girl onstage, clad in white and red armor lined with gold, with a flowing cape at her back. Her long brown hair falls as far down as her hips, and the sword in her hand is wielded with expert precision. A small army of similarly-dressed girls stands behind her, facing the opposite end of the stage.
The narration continues.
"And in the west were the Black Lion Knights, cunning and determined. They were lead by a passionate, yet naive Commander by the name of Saijou."
Now the spotlight illuminates another girl to face off against the first. Unlike her counterpart, she is dressed in gray armor lined with navy blue accents. Her curly blonde hair sways as she moves, and she handles her sword with admirable strength. A matching army marches onstage behind her to square off against the opponents.
As the narration continues, telling about the two nations and their quest for victory over the other, Akko and Diana watch on in wonder.
"Wow!" Akko wiggles in her seat, still clinging excitedly to Diana's hand. "They look so cool!"
"Indeed," Diana agrees. "The outfit design is quite impressive on its own. But the acting skills are additionally convincing, and the story is engaging."
"Yeah! What you said!"
They quiet down for a bit as they watch the show, slowly understanding the story as it's told to them. The Sun Nation General Tendo and the Black Lion's Commander Saijou have a heated rivalry, and both want to claim victory for their armies and their kingdoms as badly as they want a personal win against the other. And yet, they both also share a mutual admiration for each other, as is evident by their exchanges during various clashes.
"Your nation's funds may be lacking," the red-clad Tendo goads as the two leaders meet in a mutual sword parry. "But your strength and beauty are still beyond compare, Commander."
The two girls leap apart, equally matched. Saijou charges back in first.
"And your nation may be low on food," she grunts, aiming a swing that Tendo blocks with ease. "But you're still the best fighter I've ever known, good enough to match even me."
"Not just match," Tendo smirks. "Defeat."
"We'll see about that."
Their battle continues, and it's clear that the actresses have practiced tirelessly to make it look like a real battle rather than just a staged prop fight. In the background their armies continue to clash as well. All the while, lights flash to help convince the audience of what's going on in the story, flickering red when someone is injured or white when they defend. The sound effects of the clashing metal add to the atmosphere, as do all of the shouts of effort and war cries from the two armies.
Diana pulls her gaze from the stage for a moment to see Akko's reaction. It's as though she were ten years younger again at a Chariot show, her eyes wide and shining and her mouth constantly agape.
Even if the play had been average, Diana knows she would have enjoyed herself immensely because of Akko alone. But as it turns out, the play really is very engaging and convincing, and she finds herself getting immersed in the story and eager to see how it concludes.
As the play goes on, more of the plot is revealed as the characters interact, and it's soon made clear that if their war doesn't end soon, both sides will suffer and perish. But neither leader trusts the other, and they don't want to be tricked into a surrender or appear weak because of it, so they both pridefully continue their fighting in spite of their army's fatigue and losses.
When they next clash, both Tendo and Saijou are weary and injured, and their battle lacks the usual spark, which causes the audience to hope for a conclusion before one or both of them dies.
"By now," the narrator tells. "Both Sun Nation General Tendo and Black Lions Commander Saijou have been through ninety nine battles against one another, and each time has ended in a draw. Yet both have suffered great losses in their armies, and both kingdoms have continued to lose funds and food due to the resistance of the other. The Black Lions sought to hold out hope until their adversaries' lack of food forced them into submission, while the Sun Nation hoped the Lions' pitiful living conditions would cause desperation to the point of surrender. But even in spite of the dire circumstances, still neither leader was willing to give in…"
The two main girls continue to fight onstage, but again, their usual theatrics and energy and astounding movements are lacking now. Saijou aims a swing that Tendo barely blocks, and both of them end up staggering.
"You fool…" Saijou utters, panting heavily, her hair all in disarray. "Can't you see that your people are starving to death? Surrender before you have no kingdom left to feed."
Tendo's response is to aim a kick at her opponent's boots. Saijou just barely manages to stumble back out of range.
"And can't you see that your people are riddled with illness? Commander, you must surrender before your kingdom is killed by infection."
They clash again, each pushing with all their might against their weapons. In the past, neither would give an inch. But this time, both girls fall back at the same time, then frantically push themselves to their feet.
"You…" Saijou says a bit more softly. "You haven't been eating. I can tell. You're lacking your passion, General."
Likewise, Tendo regards her rival with tormented eyes.
"And you… Commander, you're very sick. I know your strength, but you've become so weak…"
There's a moment of pause and silence, where both girls lower their weapons as they gaze into each other's eyes.
Diana truly admires the skill of these actresses that succeeds in bringing out the emotion behind the characters' stories. There is so much humanity in them - the desire to win, but also too the desire to protect those they care for. And not only do they have a strong love for their own people, but also a deep-rooted respect for one another.
In the present moment onstage, the audience is made to sympathize with both sides, hoping for a mutual agreement and a good ending, while also harboring a slight fear that either leader might suddenly draw her sword and betray the other at the last second.
Beside her, Akko is nearly in tears with how invested she is, mumbling to herself what she hopes will and won't happen.
Onstage, the General and the Commander slowly limp toward one another, leaving their blades pointed at the ground. Wordlessly, both girls reach out their free hands toward each other-
And then, a sudden spine-chilling shriek causes every person in the room to gasp.
Out of seemingly nowhere, small black creatures coated in armor come clambering out of the shadows onstage behind either girl. Tendo and Saijou whirl around to face them, putting their backs together and raising their swords.
"What's going on-?"
"I don't know-"
Before they can converse properly, the creatures begin to lunge at them, wielding weapons of their own, slashing with sharpened claws and letting out screeches like metal grating on stone. The whole audience ripples with surprised mutterings.
"What's this?"
"This wasn't part of the story before."
"It looks cool, though!"
Diana is equally perplexed, and even Akko has her mouth open in a big "huh?"
"Hey, Diana!" Akko gives her arm a little shake. "What the heck are those things?"
Diana shakes her head.
"I would imagine they are…"
But she tapers off as she realizes the true meaning of Akko's question. She hadn't meant what they were in terms of the story… but what they were in terms of real life.
Now that the confusion is wearing off, Diana can sense these creatures, because that's exactly what they are.
Creatures. Not human beings. Not actresses. These were actual monsters, things that had no right being onstage in the human world of Japan.
She and Akko share a startled glance and keep their voices to a panicked whisper.
"Diana! Those things are real!"
"Yes, they are."
"A-Are they supposed to be up there?!"
"I highly doubt it. I haven't the slightest idea as to what they are, or why they might have appeared here at this time. At the very least, the audience seems to believe it's all a part of the play. But those girls could truly get hurt fighting them…"
They both glance back up at the stage, where both the Sun Nation General and the Black Lion Commander are doing battle with the creatures.
By some miracle, even though they were just as blindsided as everyone else by the sudden interruption, the girls are holding their own quite well, leaping and twirling and slicing at the creatures that disintegrate into black dust. They shout out warnings to one another and cover each other's backs as the monster ranks swell and advance on them.
The audience is thrilled by what appears to be this new addition to the story, and everyone is fully engaged in what they think are impressive special effects. Only Akko and Diana are worried, because they understand the threat of danger is real.
"We've gotta do something!" Akko hisses.
Even though they're both clearly very skilled actresses and have trained long and hard for mock battles and fights, they have been performing a show for the past hour and a half. It's clear to see that both Tendo and Saijou are quickly becoming exhausted, especially since they hadn't been expecting an actually perilous battle today.
The narrator, who is also likely just another normal student who has no idea what's going on, improvises some lines as her classmates continue to fight for their lives.
"Alas! Both proud leaders are made to put their differences aside when a new opponent suddenly appears! They must work together in order to overcome this new evil!"
The audience swells with excitement, clearly too invested to have recognized the hint of concern in the narrator's voice.
Akko and Diana come to a silent mutual agreement. Akko digs into her handbag and pulls out both their wands before handing Diana's to her. Together, they utter a spell.
"Metamorphie Vestiss!"
At the same time, Diana teleports them both directly onto the stage. There's a small burst of pink smoke that conceals their magical entrance and simply looks like more planned special effects.
The sudden movement startles both girls onstage, and has both of them yelping in shock. The audience is at the edge of their seats, waiting.
When the pink smoke finally clears, two new performers are standing onstage.
Akko is dressed in the same clothes as the Sun Nation's General, while Diana's clothes match the Black Lion's Commander. They've disguised their wands as swords to match with the theme and further convince the audience that this was all intentional.
"And behold!" Akko calls out loudly. "Due to their, uh… their overcoming their differences, the Sun Nation Army and the Black Lion Knights were granted assistance during their time of need against the common enemy! Fear, not, great leaders! We shall assist you in this dangerous fight!"
With this, Akko gives a battle cry and goes charging into the fray of monsters with her disguised wand at the ready.
Clearly the audience is eating it up. But the two actresses onstage are equal parts astounded and horrified.
"W-Wait!" Saijou tries to stop Akko, for she clearly knows these creatures are a real danger and she doesn't want any innocent person getting hurt.
But to both actress' astonishment, Akko handles herself perfectly fine against the little monsters. When she swings her wand, she casts an offensive spell, and the guise of it being a sword makes it look like she's slicing through the monsters with a prop.
Clearly, both Tendo and Saijou are flabbergasted, but Diana quickly improvises a few lines as well.
"You needn't worry about us, Commander. We are highly trained in battle just like yourselves." Diana makes eye contact with both stage girls, conveying her meaning. She knows they're both beyond confused, but they seem to understand that Akko and Diana are here to help, and that questions can be saved for later.
For now, the show must go on.
"Very well," Tendo says as if it was all planned. "Then let us fight together, side by side."
"With pleasure," Saijou grunts.
With this, all four girls charge into battle.
The stage girls fight with their actual swords, while the witches use spells to make it look like they are cutting with blades as well. Even though the two pairs have never met before, they fight together as if they'd been training all their lives, which gives the fight a convincing air of it all being staged.
When Diana has her hands full against one monster, Tendo quickly grabs her by the arm and hauls her out of the path of another. This gives Diana the opportunity to assess the others.
Akko had just been pushed back and landed on her tailbone, stunned for a second. But before Diana can send out a spell to defend her from the next attack, Saijou is leaping in to parry the monsters away from Akko until she can get on her feet again.
The creatures keep coming, and so the girls keep fighting.
Tendo and Saijou are already exhausted, so it doesn't take much more for them both to drop to their knees. Akko immediately jumps in to defend her matching General, while Diana stands guard over her Commander, parrying away the monsters.
While Akko and Diana fend off the enemies, it gives the stage girls enough time to catch their breath. They help one another back up to their feet, and then charge back in.
The battle rages on for several heated minutes.
Through all the chaos, Akko had been constantly looking for the right opportunity, but there'd always been the risk of accidentally hitting one of her companions. But when she finally sees that opening, she doesn't waste a second.
Standing firmly, and having confidence that Diana and the others will cover her back, Akko aims her wand at the approaching army of creatures and arcs her arm in a rainbow.
"Arolull suulee!"
The shouting and clashing of metal drown out the words of her spell, so no one can guess it's actually magic. And when the rain of purple dust comes down on the monsters, it can easily pass for special lighting effects.
Diana perks up at the sound of the familiar spell and watches as Akko stuns and immobilizes at least ten of the oncoming monsters. Diana and the other two waste no time cutting down the easy targets. The next time Diana gets close enough to her girlfriend, she makes sure to praise her.
"Well done, Akko!"
"Thanks!"
From there, only about a dozen of the creatures remain. Each girl defeats three more, until the last cloud of dark smoke finally fades away.
All four girls are left panting, standing with their backs together and swords pointed outward defensively. But no more monsters come.
There's a long moment of silence.
And then an eruption of applause.
People stand from their seats and cheer, and the entire room is overcome with excitement and noise. This allows the four girls onstage to slowly lower their weapons and have a moment to converse quietly amongst themselves.
"Wow!" Akko blurts out. "What the heck were those things?!"
"Korosu," Tendo replies.
"Kuh- who- what?"
"Rather," Tendo continues. "Just who are the two of you?"
"How did you manage to get onstage?" Saijou demands. "And how did you know how to fight those things? You could've gotten hurt!"
"Speaking of," Diana interjects. "Allow me." She motions to both Saijou and Tendo, who both had sustained various cuts and scrapes in the fight. Diana gives her wand a small wave and casts a healing spell. The magic drifts over their injuries, creating a calm, cooling sensation, and in only seconds the scratches have vanished. Saijou's jaw drops.
"That was-"
"Magic," Tendo finishes. "I had my suspicions, but…"
"It would appear," Diana says. "That the two of you are not unfamiliar with the supernatural either. Perhaps not in quite the same way, but even so."
"For real!" Akko nods. "We've seen some weird creatures before, but never ones like those!"
"It would be best if you kept it that way," Tendo advises. "Either way, thank you for your assistance. Saijou-san and I are in your debt."
"Not only did we beat the Korosu," Saijou says. "But we also managed to make it a believable show for the audience. You two are quite talented with performing. Do you act?"
"Not yet!" Akko beams. "But one day I will!" She slings an arm around Diana. "We both discovered our favorite idol here in Japan when we were kids, and she taught us a lot! In a bunch of ways! It turns out she was actually one of our professors-"
"Akko." Diana says her name gently to quiet her, reminding her exactly where they are right now. Akko chuckles sheepishly.
"Oh, right. Oopsie~"
The audience is still giving their standing ovation, which allows the four girls another moment to themselves.
"While I'm uncertain as to what forces brought us together today," Tendo says. "I am very grateful to have made your acquaintance. My name is Tendo Maya. And this is-"
"I can introduce myself, thank you very much," Saijou says with a huff. "Saijou Claudine. We owe you two for helping us out and saving our show."
"The pleasure was ours," Diana says humbly. "My name is Diana Cavendish, and it was a rewarding experience to discover there are others who know off different kinds of magic."
"Yeah!" Akko cheers. "Your guys' performance was even better than the ones I saw here as a kid! It was soooo much fun! My name's Kagari Atsuko!"
Tendo Maya blinks in surprise.
"Japanese?"
"Yup!"
"And 'Cavendish'," Saijou Claudine says. "European?"
"Correct."
"I'm half-French myself."
"You don't say."
The four girls share smiles, and there is a mutual curiosity and gratitude between them. They would all very much like to speak more and learn about the other pair.
But at the same time, they can sense that just this brushing of the surface of learning about other forms of magic was enough - at least for now.
The pairs step apart, and then Akko clears her throat to finish up the improvised story they'd created.
"And so, with the mutual enemy now defeated, the mysterious companions depart, and leave the General and the Commander to finish their story!"
She and Diana raise their wands, still disguised as a swords, and Diana murmurs the transportation spell at the same time Akko utters the clothes-altering spell. They vanish in a plume of pink smoke onstage, and the audience claps even more.
Both witches reappear in their seats dressed once again in their proper clothes. They share an accomplished smile before settling back in to watch the conclusion of the play.
The tentative narrator starts to speak again, playing along with the inclusion of the mysterious helpers and explaining that both kingdoms came to a mutual and beneficial truce. The war ends, and both kingdoms combine to become one, and the opposing armies become good friends.
The General and the Commander, who had been gradually falling in love with one another all the while, are finally able to pursue their relationship together.
At the end of the play, the entire cast of girls line up, with Tendo Maya and Saijou Claudine at the center, and take their bow.
Akko and Diana cheer with the rest of the room, catching the two stage girls' eyes one last time before they take their leave.
The second they step outside, Akko opens her mouth, but Diana hushes her before she can start blurting about magic blatantly. She has Akko wait until they're both away from people.
"Holy cow!" Akko finally explodes. "That was crazy! Incredible! That was as good as Chariot's shows!"
"Though I do hope their performances don't usually harbor the possibility of such danger." Diana gives Akko another once-over. "You're not hurt, are you, Akko?"
"Nope! All good here! What about you? Are you okay, Diana?"
"I am fine."
"Good good! But wow! Did you see the way those girls fought?! It's like they actually knew how to fight those things! Like they'd done it a million times before! Just maybe not in the middle of a play. But still! I guess it's a good thing I brought our wands after all, cuz I'd say that was a necessary situation to use magic in, right?"
"Yes, I suppose I agree," Diana admits. "And yes, those girls were quite impressive. Perhaps you were so drawn to their performances as a child because the girls of that school did use their own sort of magic, in a sense."
"You might be right! That was so much fun! And they played along with us so well! It's been a while since you and me got to see some action!"
Diana grimaces just a little.
"I would prefer to keep it that way. But I was very impressed by your spell-casting, Akko. Well done."
"Thanks! You looked as cool and pretty as ever out there too, Diana~!"
Diana blushes and looks away. Akko giggles and takes her hand.
With the very unique experience behind them, the two witches slowly make their way back through town. They pause to have dinner, and by the time they're finished the sun has started to set.
And at long last they arrive back in Akko's neighborhood, and finally make their way back into her house.
The two of them take turns showering and winding down while Akko's mother prepares tea. The four of them sit together and chat for about an hour that evening, while Akko tells them everything she and Diana had done on their date today, though Diana makes sure she leaves out unnecessary details about their potentially-perilous battle.
But before very much longer, their eventful day finally catches up to them. Akko starts nodding off against Diana's shoulder, and Diana too is struggling to try and stay awake and be polite to the adults.
But both of Akko's parents just smile and wave them off to bed and wish them goodnight.
Diana helps her half-asleep girlfriend up the stairs to her bedroom, where Akko staggers over to the bed and plops face-down into a pile of pillows and plushies.
"Huaaaaahh, bed… So nice…" She rolls over onto her back and grabs at the air toward her girlfriend. "Dianaaaa, c'meeeeere~"
Diana makes her way more slowly across the room, which is lit only by a bit of moonlight. She steps out of her slippers, surveying the size of the bed and just how many plushies are filling it.
"Akko, I'm not certain-"
"There's plenty of room!" Akko gathers her plushies over to one side against the wall and clears a spot, then reaches up for her again. "C'meeeere."
Diana smiles fondly and sits down. Akko grabs her in a hug around her waist and pulls her fully onto the bed to lie beside her, then instantly gets to snuggling up against her chest. Akko tucks herself in beneath Diana's chin, hugging her tightly.
"Mmm, today was so much fuuuun~ I'm so glad you came here with me, Diana~"
Diana wraps her arms around Akko's shoulders, resting her chin on top of her head.
"As am I. Thank you for having me, Akko."
"Anytime! And there's still sooooo much fun stuff we gotta do the rest of the time we're here! It's gonna be incredible!"
"I can hardly wait." Diana hugs her tenderly as her eyes begin to close.
Akko cuddles in closer and lets out a big sigh, nestling herself up against the cozy rhythm of Diana's heartbeat. Both young witches yawn in unison, and chuckle as it finishes.
"G'night, Diana~"
"Good night, Akko."
And thus concludes their adventurous day in Japan.
Surely much more fun awaits the two of them.
But for now, both witches simply drift off together into a warm and comfortable sleep.
A/N: That was a whole lot of fun! At first, I wasn't too sure how incorporating a Starlight play into a Dianakko fic would work, but as I let the words come to me it pretty much wrote itself. These two couples have so much in common in so many ways, it was fun to be able to give my two cents on them hehe
Thank you all so much for reading!
Please review!
