Author's Note: Before we begin with this next section, I would like to make a fantastic announcement that I know most of you will be interested in. The reason why these two final chapters have taken so long to make is because I wasn't only working on these two chapters, but something else.
Little Wizard Academia burn temperatures, Dragon Ball Z power levels, what's the difference? Not much, I'll be honest, and since there are YouTube videos about power levels, why can't there be any on burn temperatures? Well, now there is!
Yes, in traditional fashion, there is now a burn temperature rating video on YouTube, created by yours truly. Chapters 49 to 56 shall be covered, completed with animated graphs, music, and character models (including ones of Theodore)!
Since I can't post links here, the title of the video is 'Little Wizard Academia Power Levels'. The channel name is RomanViking.
Feel free to check it out!
Clenching her fists, her expression quickly twists into a wicked smirk comparable to something only Sucy can create, tied together with a signature look of superiority. I have to admit, she looks kind of sexy with that expression.
"You shall now feel my wrath!"
A flurry of spells comes from the now possessed Diana. I barely manage to duck and dodge, backpedaling as destructive magic flies past me.
"Akko!" I scold her. "Why did you have to say all that?!"
"Hey, I didn't know he could change bodies!" She snaps back defensively. "I just wanted to mess with him!"
"You've only messed with us!"
"Once I deal with this school, there won't be a need for any other deity!" Mendacius declares, his voice now a mix of Diana's and his own. "The whole world shall kneel before me and despair!"
My worst fears have been actualized. No longer am I blasting spells at someone who I have a tentatively estranged relationship with, but now my own girlfriend.
"Hey, Ted!" Akko cries out, dodging a blast of magic. "Will you stop daydreaming and help us?!"
Her sudden cry shakes me from my nerves momentarily.
"B-But, it's Diana! It's her body! She's still in there! I don't think I can hurt her!"
Even though I had just comforted Diana on this same subject earlier, it's much different now that I'm in her shoes.
Practice duels with Diana were stressful enough. Although her power eclipses my own, the thought of harming Diana in any way, no matter how unlikely, always made me hold back. Now that real bodily harm is a likely consequence, I can't-
"Theodore, we need you-"
Lotte's plea is cut short as a beam of magic slams into her shoulder.
Although the injury may not be terrible, hearing her cry out in pain certainly is.
I snap, rage welling up inside of me and burning away any desire of pacifism like a blazing wildfire.
"Don't you touch her!" I explode, thrusting myself into the fray without a second thought.
Fueled by this primal protective rage, I unleash a flurry of lightning as I continue to close the distance between Mendacius and myself.
"You think you can pose a threat to me?" He chuckles with a smirk, effortlessly blocking my barrage. "Such lunacy."
Unfazed by his words, I continue my assault, stepping closer and closer to my target. Lightning, flame, and all types of destructive magic wiz by my, some from him, but most being my own magic, deflected back at me.
The fire of anger burns away my earlier hesitation, replacing it with barbaric savagery with no regard for my own wellbeing. Our spells shatter against one another, the blows ricocheting like glass, grazing and cutting my clothing and skin.
"I won't leave a single speck of you behind." He declares, as if encouraging my anger. "I will erase you and your friends from this world. You will all vanish without a trace, forever forgotten."
"You're not going to take them away from me!"
My vision turns red, and with one furious roar, I throw a punch, striking him square in the face.
The spells stop from both sides, the entire battlefield coming to a dead quiet, as if holding its breath after what I have done.
"T-Theodore?"
I'm greeted by a teary eyed Diana, a hand on her bruised cheek.
"Why did you hit me? I thought you loved me..."
My mind comes to a grinding halt, as I stop and stare, frozen as my eyes are glued upon the quivering and fearful eyes of Diana. Each time they tremble, I feel a wave of guilt stabbing me in the gut, knowing full well that I caused her this pain. I feel my own eyes begin to grow wet with regret, the fiery anger now drenched by a clouded mind.
"What?" I question, before quickly coming to a conclusion. "Diana, you're free?!"
Could it be that Diana was able to overcome his possession?! She's always been strong willed with a powerful mind! If anyone can do it, it's Dia-
My optimistic thoughts come to a halt as a sudden spell slams into my chest, painfully propelling me backwards with force. Akko and Lotte catch me, grabbing my shoulders and halting me in my tracks.
"Okay…so, maybe not." Akko rubs a hand through her hair. "Hoo boy…we better keep attacking him just to be safe."
"You mortals are so easy to fool." Mendacius scoffs, wand still smoking from the recent blast.
Turning our attention back to him, we see him standing there, arms at his sides as some sort of evil aura spirals around him.
"I have to admit, Theodore, this game we've played has been most entertaining. Courtesy of you and your friends, I have had quite an enjoyable day."
Dark energy slowly forms around him, eveloping him. As if pulling it from the very air, the magic condenses and consolidates like a cocoon, hardening into a transparent shell.
"I thank you."
Upon his compliments, the ball around him suddenly erupts into a massive explosion, the force hitting the three of us dead on.
While Akko and Lotte dig into the floor, I fly, slamming painfully into one of the pillars, tumbling to the floor in a heap.
Rubbing my injured back, I sit up, turning to my two companions.
Although they weren't swept up in the storm like I was, the sheer force shook them up a bit.
"Damn, there's no way we can fight him now…" I can't help but groan out. "Diana's just too strong of a host."
Ever since he took possession of Diana's body, all three of us have been unsuccessful in laying so much as a scratch on him. Her power is far beyond our own, and with a Roman god in control, the gap isn't much better.
"You got that right..." Akko lets out a pained chuckle. "We might be having an easier time if she wasn't 'Little Miss Perfect'."
"Yeah, too bad she's such a great student. I think we're going to need another plan besides hitting him really hard."
Honestly, Diana, if you weren't so strong and smart and beautiful and perfect, maybe we'd have a chance. If Mendacius had taken over my body, she probably could've ended the fight in two seconds.
"The Nullification Spell!" Lotte cries out with a sudden idea.
"The Mummification Spell?" Akko mishears, raising a brow. "He might be a Roman god, but I don't think he's undead."
"No!" Lotte replies, throwing her head down in disappointment.
That's not the first time Akko's messed up that name.
"Do you think that'll work?" I ask Lotte, doubt in my voice. "I mean, he is a God after all…"
Although such a spell worked well against a giant mushroom in alchemy class and The Titan during The Witch Parade, its effectiveness against a foe such as this remains in serious doubt.
"I don't know, but I remember from class what the spell does." Lotte continues. "It produces great power when the witches' souls are in complete harmony with one another. It has the power to nullify any magic or spell. If his possession is magical in any way, Luna Lana should nullify it, in theory."
Putting a hand to my chin, I consider her logic, finding it hard to argue with. Even Akko seems to think it might work.
"That's a pretty smart plan, Lotte, very imaginative." I compliment her. "Probably from all those Nightfall books you read. I think it's as good of a plan as any. I mean, what other options do we have?"
"Well, we could keep trying to hit him really hard." Akko jests, chuckling a bit.
Lotte and I fail to laugh, causing Akko to turn serious as well.
"Okay, Nullification Spell it is."
With this plan of action, the three of us wordlessly get into position, combining our wands together.
Although I have never cast the spell, I've seen it in Finnalin's classroom and during The Parade. I'm sure I can simply replicate what I've witnessed.
Mendacius, seemingly recognizing this sequence of events, tosses his head back as he cackles in amusement.
"Don't tell me you three actual believe you are in complete harmony with each other to pull that off! When I met Theodore back in The Big Caves, his mind was only on his family and Roman heritage!"
Is that true? I know I've changed quite a bit since then, but old habits do die hard. Even if I can perform the motions and recite the spell, will my heart really be in it? Don't get me wrong, without a doubt, I love Lotte like family, even more than most of my actual family. I'm sure our two souls will have no issue being in harmony. However, there is Akko.
Although the two of us have gradually gotten closer, it's no secret that it hasn't always been like that. There was a time where I once viewed her as most others do, lowly and incompetent. I flat out hated her for a time after she accidentally cast that sick spell on Diana. I was ready to tear her head off. Although those feelings of the past have all evaporated, will they hinder our souls harmonizing in the present?
My self doubts are immediately nullified, as magical energy begins to form around us, our clothes and hair swaying like the wind.
Yes, it's working!
With this newfound pride in my personal connections with the two girls, I can't help but smirk at our foe.
"Don't assume I'm the same Theodore you knew."
As magical energy continues to grow and the spell begins to manifest, Mendacius's smug expression drops.
With a grunt, he makes a mad dash towards the tower's edge, coming to a grinding halt. Holding onto one of the pillars, he leans backwards, hanging off the ledge.
"Okay, I believe this game has come to an end." He declares with a smirk, dangling himself over the side with only one handhold on the pillar.
His sudden and rash action causes me to lose concentration, breaking the bond with the two witches and canceling our spell.
I stand there, horrified by what might happen. If he were to let go of the pillar, he would fall over the side, taking Diana with him.
"Go ahead and fire your little spell at me, if you dare." He smirks with Diana's face, waving a hand at us in encouragement. "But you better be careful, the force of the spell will knock this body over the ledge and onto the ground far below. The only thing that will happen is that Diana will die, and my soul will be released once again into the world."
He then directs his gaze towards me specifically.
"Theodore, you'll lose so much, but gain nothing. You can choose to save Diana's life, or not. The choice is yours."
Even though my fists are balled, my teeth gritted, I can only stay still. I can't attack or make any sort of move. I fear the worst may come if I try to retaliate against his demands.
Instead, I lower my wand, breaking the connection with Akko and Lotte, deciding to simply respond with
"You're more of a monster than I thought, Mendacius."
He narrows his brows, a stern expression spread on Diana's face.
"Yes, and far more cruel to boot. Now, set your wands down, or-"
In a flash of red, his command is cut short as something slams into his side, propelling him away from the edge. Slamming painfully against the floor, he's temporarily stunned by the sheer force of the blow, allowing us time to address who caused this.
"Amanda!" All three of us call out in unison as the redhead dismounts her broom to greet us.
I only think about her for a moment as I notice someone else with her, one who was riding double with Amanda.
"Anchovy?"
"Ah, Theodore!" She greets me, hands placed confidently on her side. "There you are, looking much better than the last time I saw you! You always were a fast healer!"
"Not that I'm complaining, but what are you doing here?"
I heard that she joined the battle when I was unconscious, but what's she doing with Amanda? I imagined she'd be in a tank, not on a broom.
Standing straight and proud, Anchovy fails to lose stride as she explains.
"Well, once I heard that a snake was choking the life out of Luna Nova, I quickly came to the rescue!" She declares boldly, waving her hands around as if animating the scene. "Anzio High Tankery Club proved as effective as a flock of Winged Hussars, and thanks to their already existing spirit and momentum, fared well against these supernatural villains!"
"Yeah, until your crew ran out of ammo, and we had to save you." Amanda sniggers, reliving a shared memory between the two. "Good thing Constanze and Jasminka were down there to bail you guys out."
"I can still punch really hard, Amanda O'Neil!" Anchovy fires back, stomping her foot. "Would you like to feel the wrath of your Duce?!"
"Anyway, what the hell is going on here?" Amanda turns her attention towards us. "Why was Diana that close to the edge?"
"That was an awesome kick, Amanda!" Akko beams, punching the air with her fists. "Just in the nick of time!"
"How did you know that Diana was possessed?" I ask her.
From that high up, it would've been impossible to tell. Could Amanda be just that perceptive? A broom rider of her status may as well have eagle eyes.
"Huh?" The redhead narrows her eyes at me. "I just saw Diana dangling herself from the tower and decided that would be the perfect justification to move her to safety by kicking her really hard."
Given the circumstances, I think I'll let that one slide.
"Alright, let's end this!" Akko declares, fists balled and bearing that classic determination she shows at the worst of times.
Still reeling from Amanda's flying kick, Mendacius grits his teeth, rubbing at his injury as he slowly rises to his feet, stumbling somewhat.
Without failure, the three of us, Akko, Lotte, and myself resume our position.
"Ein Ein Sof! Ein Sof Ohr!" The three of us declare in unison crossing our wands together once again. "Luna Lana!"
Three beams of light emerge from our wands, quickly swirling and combining into one singular blast, drilling through the air and straight towards Mendacius.
Grabbing his wand, he quickly launches a devastating spell of his own, the two forces collide, clashing into each other with equilibrium.
The two spells grind against one another, wisps of magical energy flying this way and that, causing tails of destruction to whip around, striking the floor and pillars while the three of us continue our manifestation against Mendacius.
"Come on, you ladies got this!" Amanda cheers on from the sidelines before directing a joke at a certain witch. "Just don't mess it up, Akko!"
"You too, best friend Theodore!" Anchovy adds, herself waving her hands around like a dictator rushing her troops into battle. "Show that vermin we won't take The Vittoria Mutilata lying down! You will lose! I mean, you will win!"
As if the very utterance of encouragement is a magic in and of itself, blue wisps of magic begin to emerge from the duo, adding themselves into our blast, giving our magical energy more power.
"If we fight together, we'll win this!" I parrot Akko's quote from earlier before directing my focus back at Mendacius. "We won't be beaten by the likes of you!"
Gritting my teeth, I dig my heels into the floor, tensing my arm as I focus every last bit of energy forward, Akko and Lotte following suit.
His black magic begins to lose ground, our power slowly but surely overcoming his own, the magic from Luna Lana encasing Mendacius's spell, creeping towards him like a winter's frost.
"Die!" He roars, voice strained as he continues to fight back. "Maggots!"
Our magic and his continue to collide, striking and mixing into one another as wisps scatter about, Amanda and Anchovy taking cover behind one of the pillars to avoid any backfire. The momentum quickly shifts back and forth between us like a game of tennis, until…
His spell collapses, shattering against the pressure, the full force of our spell striking him dead on like a tsunami, sweeping him off his feet.
"What, b-but how?" He mutters weakly, his voice slowly fading into nothing as magical energy consumes him. "I'm…I'm a God…I'm…I'm a…"
A brilliant white light flashes across our vision, blinding us all with its powerful aura.
As it slowly subsides, we are no longer in the presence of Mendacius. All that is left is Diana, slumped over on the floor.
Crying out her name, I run to Diana's side.
"Are you okay?!"
Kneeling down, I take her in my arms, pulling her close to me.
As she slowly regains consciousness, her eyes weakly fall onto me, her tired expression changing into a weak yet warm smile.
"Much better now..." She whispers in exhaustion, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug.
Yeah, that feels good.
As Diana and I continue our affectionate embrace, we spot Hannah entering the scene from the stairwell, her face immediately going white as she spots her best friend on the floor.
"Barbara!" The auburn witch cries out, shaking her friend violently by the shoulders, "Just what on Earth happened to you?!"
Barbara's black hair flies all around as her neck jerks back and forth by Hannah's shaking. Poor thing, Hannah's probably only giving her whiplash.
"She'll likely be unconscious for a while." Diana answers, a slight pain in her voice as I help her to her feet. "It must've been very draining for her to be under his control for so long. He controlled me for only a few minutes, and I'm exhausted."
"Yeah, and she'll be sore too because we beat her up!" Akko adds with a smirk, clenching her fists in accomplishment.
Hannah's face turns another shade whiter hearing this, shouting
"What?!"
"Are you seriously telling me you three had all the fun while I babysat Hannah?" Sucy grumbles as she also joins the scene, emerging from the shadows. "I thought the writer is supposed to be a simp for me or something."
"Sucy!" Lotte beams, running towards her friend with outstretched arms. "You're okay!"
Akko soon joins, the two of them pouncing on Sucy, practically strangling her in a massive group hug.
"Hey." She simply responds, a thin smile spread on her face, her thin arms loosely around them as well.
"I heard that, Manbavaran!" Hannah snaps back, not letting Sucy's previous jab go. "What do you mean 'babysitting'?! It was a team effort! I did my share!"
"I did all the work, and there's no I in team." Sucy shrugs. "If this were a band, you wouldn't even be playing second fiddle."
Hannah opens her mouth once again, likely to continue this game of back and forth insults.
However, whatever comeback she had in mind goes unsaid as yet another person joins the scene, this one being Professor Ursula.
I note that she's no longer in her Shiny Chariot form, her hair now back in its blue form. In fact, if Vrykolakas had never indirectly told us that Ursula had transformed, I never would've suspected such a thing in the first place.
I was half expecting Akko to discover Ursula's hidden identity over the course of this battle, but it seems as though Ursula is still set on not revealing her true self to Akko. I'm sure she has a reason, I guess some things never change.
"Thank you." Ursula bows to us graciously. "Thank you all for your hard work. Thanks to you, Luna Nova is safe once again."
"Professor Ursula!" Akko cries out, rushing towards her teacher with arms outstretched.
The professor accepts her embrace, Akko hugging fiercely while Ursula responds with a light smile accompanied with a pat on the head.
"Well done, Akko."
Akko breaks the embrace, her whole body jittering with energy as she hops up and down, throwing her arms out in pride.
"Did you see that awesome magic I just did?! I felt just like Shiny Chariot!"
While some teachers here may find such an outward personality annoying, Ursula does not, her light smile not only remaining, but growing larger, accompanied by a twinkle in her eyes. Even though I've only had limited interactions with Professor Ursula, I can tell she holds Akko very dearly.
"I'm sure she'd be very proud of you."
As Akko continues to jump up and down with her seemingly limitless supply of energy, I can't help but notice a certain professor missing.
"Weren't you with Professor Faralda?" I ask. "Is she okay?"
"Just fine." She answers, calming my worry. "She's currently sleeping like a baby after her fight with Jiang-Shi."
What?! She managed to win a fight against that monster?!
Without even fighting him, I could still feel his immense power just by presence alone. I know I wouldn't have wanted to face him in a duel.
Well, it's official, Professor Faralda is the most powerful duelist I've ever known. Although Diana may be an expert in all, Faralda is legendary in destruction magic. I should make her a 'Get Well Soon' card, accompanied with cigarettes and alcohol rather than the traditional flowers and chocolate. Although I'm not of the age to acquire those items, I'm sure Amanda knows a guy.
My thoughts of treating Faralda to a present are cut off as Anchovy jumps between us all, becoming the center of attention.
"Okay, this is all well and fine, but I believe we are missing an essential component to our happily ever after!" She proclaims with a fist raised, standing as tall as the fairly short girl is capable of. "It isn't just about the victory! Let us, members of Anzio High's Tankery Club, show our appreciation for the participants and staff involved through food and festivities. This, my friends, is the Anzio way!"
While Akko practically salivates at the idea of fresh, warm food after such a hard won battle, the others seem confused by the sudden proposition, besides Diana and myself of course. We're endeared to Anchovy's mannerisms. She's my best friend for a reason.
I have to admit, a big bowl of pasta and a nice long nap would be wonderful after a day like today.
However, I'm surprised to see Professor Ursula unfazed as well. Perhaps she's used to such unusual forwardness, likely from her time spent with Akko.
"Oh?" Ursula raises a brow, her pleasant smile never leaving her face. "And are you sure you and your team can feed an entire school?"
"Our school is no slouch when it comes to fine cuisine!" The Duce proudly declares, a hand on her heart in a solemn promise. "I insist! We shall cook you, your students, and your staff, a meal they will never forget!"
Diana, Akko, and I sit idly on the grassy field outside the school, a gentle breeze blowing through the cloudless blue sky.
Gazing at the campus of Luna Nova, one would be hard pressed to find anything out of place, or any evidence of the attack that occurred only a few short days ago. Through the collective powers of the students, staff, and all the faculty faeries that could be mustered, reconstruction began immediately.
Used to the destructive troubles that regularly befall this school, the repairs took no time at all. The fires have been put out, the collapsed rooms and walls have been restored, and the walls have been repainted. Within a matter of a few days of hard work, campus life had returned to normal. Luna Nova, as always, has weathered the storm of difficult times, coming back with as much life and vigor as before.
Once again, I find myself awed by the capabilities of magic.
However, while Diana and I consider there to finally be peace in our time, our friend proves to be having a tough time relaxing.
"Why would Professor Finnalin assign a test at a time like this?!" Akko vents, practically ripping at her hair as she frantically paces in front of us. "It's not like I had time to study when I was fighting a Roman God, and cleaning up the school afterwards took up all my free time!"
It's funny, she was so much better composed when fighting Mendacius than at this present moment. I guess punishment from Finnalin for failing a test is scarier than even a Roman God, and I have a hard time arguing with her.
"Oh my." Diana can't help but smile at the display in front of her. "Would you even have studied had you the chance?"
Diana's question releases a badly suppressed chuckle from myself, causing Akko to twist around.
"I bet the two of you are ready!" She points at us in accusation. "Probably studied together!"
"Yes." Diana and I both respond at the same time.
Akko chuckles slightly at this, before the gravity of the situation comes crashing down once again.
"As long as I get passing grades, that's enough, right?" Akko puffs out her cheeks nervously, twiddling her thumbs as if doubting her own words. "I'm sure Chariot wasn't a straight A student, so I shouldn't have to be."
"Yeah, but there's always college after that too." I point out. "If that's somewhere you want to go after graduation."
"I figured you two would go." Akko sits back down next to us, her frustration appearing to subside somewhat. "Going to the same one?"
Or perhaps Akko simply burnt herself out.
"We're still deciding if we wish to attend one in England or in Italy, but yes." Diana informs her.
"Her time in Italy during Christmas break wasn't the best it could be." I explain. "Between my grandfather and Beef Mc Whatnow, I feel like a lot went wrong. I want us to go back so she can have a better experience."
"Well, they did keep it lively." Diana points out.
She then seductively brings her face closer to mine. Grinning at me with those perfect teeth of her's, I feel her fresh breath on my face.
"And after all, we got closer, didn't we?"
It's as if Diana's made of radiation. The closer she is to me, the warmer I feel, and the less my brain functions.
Unable to respond, I simply blush, choking on my words with a slightly embarrassed mumble.
Something tells me she enjoys riling me up like this.
"Oooh, you two already have your futures planned out, and I don't even know what I want for lunch today!" Akko shoots up from her seat once more, spiraling back into despairing anger. "I don't even know why I bothered saving Luna Nova from that jerk God! I'm just going to fail anyway!"
"Perhaps Hannah and Barbara can tutor you." Diana suggests. "Those two are quite accomplished in Finnalin's class."
Hearing this, Akko twists back to face the blonde, not with an expression of desperation but one of contemplation, as if considering this option.
"You really think those two want to hang out with me?"
Diana smiles at her question, replying with
"I believe we've all had a change of heart, Akko."
As if the universe were proving this point, the three of us twists our heads in the direction of sudden chatter drawing closer.
"I just can't believe Arthur did that in chapter 23 of volume 85!" Lotte gleefully recounts, her eyes sparkling passionately beneath her thick glasses.
"Yeah, it was a twist even I didn't expect!" Barbara responds, matching Lotte's enthusiasm. "I always thought that was more of Edgar's thing!"
"I know, right?!" Lotte cries out with a wide smile, wide eyed in excitement.
Huh, it seems like Lotte can be just as loud as Akko when her heart's in it.
The two continue their much beloved chat, all the while Hannah observes the display before her. I can't tell if she's put off or amused, most likely a healthy combination of both.
"Hey there, Lotte." I smile at her from the grass."Where's Sucy? It's weird not to see her here."
"Good morning, Theodore." The Finn smiles back. "Sucy's off in the forest right now. She said the morning is the best time to harvest mushrooms, and you know there's no arguing with her when she's got mushrooms on her mind."
Yeah, that sounds about right.
"Hey, Hannah…Barbara…" Akko meekly begins, twiddling her thumbs nervously. "Do you think you two could help me study for the test?"
The two girls in question glance at one another, their brief moment of shared silence ended by a sudden roar of laughter directed at Akko.
Looks like not that much of a change of heart…
However, their laughter ends as quickly as it came, the two girls sporting matching smirks as Hannah continues the conversation.
"Sure, we'll help, but it'll cost you."
Grumbling, Akko digs into her pocket, likely fishing for money, asking
"How much?"
Upon Akko's inquisition, Hannah and Barbara both exchange a smirk at one another, as if a mutual idea was formed on the spot.
"Constanze has those secret movie nights in her dorm room, right?" Barbara asks.
Akko nods in confirmation.
"Invite us next time, and we'll call it even." Hannah replies, flashing Akko a wink.
Akko's expression transforms, nodding with a smile.
"Yeah, you betcha."
Maybe she's just happy she doesn't have to pay with cash.
With that conversation over, Hannah and Barbara turn their attention to me.
"Hey, Theodore." Barbara begins. "Come have lunch with us today."
"What?"
Now it's Hannah's turn to talk.
"Lunch, you know, the meal you have in the middle of the day."
"Yeah, unless you never learned that word back in Italy." Barbara jokes, giggling.
Although there are several English words that I have yet to fully grasp, I do know what lunch means. Considering it often translates into spending time with Diana, it's a word I've come to enjoy.
"Okay, when?"
"Lunchtime." Hannah giggles, clearly amused by my confusion. "When else?"
"Sorry, I'm just a little caught off guard. I never would've expected you two to invite me anywhere."
Usually, Diana would have to rotate between me and those two. I could never get along with them even on the best of days.
"Ha! Well, there's a first time for everything, right?"
I glance at Diana for her input, herself replying with one of her warm smiles, as if encouraging me to agree. Did the three of them plan this?
"Okay, yeah." I nod, turning back to the two. "I'll be there."
Nodding in satisfaction, the three girls continue their morning stroll, Lotte and Barbara resuming their passionate conversation about Nightfall.
"Come on, Akko." Hannah waves her to their side. "Or did you forget already?"
"Yeah, the clock's ticking." Barbara presses. "Finnalin's test is third period."
"Oh yeah, right." Akko sniggers, rubbing the back of her head sheepishly as she stands up, joining the three as they head towards the campus.
And then there were two.
"Well, I must admit, this school year has been quite eventful." Diana speaks. "Between Akko and her friends, as well as the various villains and trials we've faced, there has been no shortage of excitement."
"When the weekend starts, I'm going to take you out on a normal date for once." I tell her. "No monsters, no Roman gods, no deadly duels, just the two of us."
I lean back, imagining how great a normal date would be.
Besides the time we spent together in Italy, I can't recall us going out simply for the sake of going out. That's a mistake that should be fixed. And then there's the summer break. I can only imagine what Diana and I can enjoy together with three months of free time.
"And I'm sure it'll be wonderful." She supports my notion with a bright smile. "With all that's happened, it's a miracle we escaped from Mendacius with only a few injured students and staff."
That's true. In my first encounter with Mendacius, I lost several people, John Diehl and Lotte's dad. When the God reemerged, I feared the worst. But, perhaps thanks to the involvement of everyone, it seems like Faralda was the one who was injured the most, which is not a surprise considering just who she was up against. Despite her wounds, considering all the visits she's been getting from Professor Ursula, I'm sure she's not complaining.
"I'm just glad that none of us died, I have a very limited number of friends."
"As do I." She chuckles as she leans towards me, giving me a peck on the cheek. "And a wonderful boyfriend too."
Diana's kiss sends another red flush through my face, herself giggling at the clear effect her simple gesture has on me. I don't think I'll ever have any sort of tolerance to this, she'll always have this kind of effect on me.
After a few moments of silently enjoying each others' company, the bell rings loud and true, another school day has started without failure.
Diana and I pick ourselves up, gathering our school supplies and materials.
Turning towards her with a smile, I hold out my hand.
"So, then, shall we be off?"
She takes my hand in her own, with a gentle nod and a warm smile as beautiful as ever.
"Indeed we shall, Theodore."
Together, hand in hand, the two of us begin our walk towards our beloved school.
Thank you all for everything.
Little Wizard Academia: 2016-2022