Amanda picked her way through the overgrown trees, stepping over large roots and jagged rocks that covered the forest floor. She narrowed her eyes, trying to adjust to the dark. For a brief moment, a silhouette presented itself to her in the remaining sunlight that filtered through the thick foliage. She saw the shadow dart behind a tree. Smiling to herself, she followed the retreating figure into the unknown.

The shifting darkness and thick undergrowth prevented continuous sight of the mysterious figure, but just when Amanda would think she lost them they would reappear at the edge of her vision. They peeked out from behind a tree before darting behind a new one, playing a game of cat and mouse with her.

Carefully placing her feet so as to minimize the noise she made, she quietly inched around a large gnarled tree she last saw the shadow slip behind, hoping to finally catch the figure unawares. But all her sneaky effort was rewarded with was more empty forest. Frowning slightly, she slowly crept forward. A gentle breeze carried the sound of a windchime towards her. No, it isn't quite a windchime, she thought to herself. It's more like a light, airy tinkling.

Amanda stepped past the last tree out into a small clearing, the remaining sunshine of the day raining down upon the glade. A tall, proud Ash tree stood in the middle of the open area, calling to her.

As she stared, a figure (the figure?) stepped through the side of the Ash, the very bark of the tree pulling away with it. But the action was so smooth, as if they were passing through a sheet of water, ripples rolling across the surface of the tree.

A woman who looked about her age emerged from the tree. An aura of raw energy emanated off of her. Amanda let out a whistle, slowly eyeing her as she unconsciously drew closer to the mysterious Dryad.

Her skin was a soft, light green and her hair had, what Amanda could only describe as, a leafy quality to it. Bark covered her feet and legs up to her mid thighs like boots, and leaves and flowers were woven together into a dress. A belt made of intertwining branches was cinching it at her waist, accentuating her hourglass figure.

The Dryad gave her a playful smile, hand running down the side of the Ash lightly. "I didn't know there were any witches in my forest." Her words rolled off her tongue as her lips curled up in amusement at her new visitor.

"And I didn't know there were any Dryads in this forest." Amanda chuckled. Her worry that this little excursion with the Duo of Denial would end up more dull than she had planned was quickly evaporating with each step toward the enticing wood nymph.

The Dryad's eyes slowly dragged down Amanda's body, taking in the witch's lean, fit physique. "There's a lot about this forest you don't know." She stepped away from the safety of her tree, closing the distance between her and the stranger she had lured in.

"Oh is that so?" Amanda wiggled her eyebrows with a playful smile as she leaned forward. "And I'm not just any witch, I'll have you know. I'm one if the 9 New Witches!"

The Dryad cocked an eyebrow. "Oh? 9 New Witches? Is that a spin on the 9 Old Witches? It has been many years since their magic faded after all. If that is true then you must be very powerful!"

Amanda winked. "You have no idea. We're the ones that brought magic back. I'm also the reigning champion of the Bristol Broom Race. So you could say I'm something of a celebrity."

"Brought back magic and a Champion? How impressive. You are quite the catch." The Dryad drew out her words, lightly dragging her fingers up Amanda's arm. "I'm Meliae by the way." She giggled again, the light tinkling floating in the air around Amanda, circling and wrapping its way around her mind.

Amanda gave her a lopsided grin. "You can call me Amanda."

Meliae leaned in, her hand lightly resting on Amanda's shoulder as her lips grazing her ear. "Amanda? Such a lovely name. Why don't you stay with me for a spell?"

Amanda's eyes glazed over, the warm comforting feeling in her mind growing stronger. "This trip could certainly use some spicing up."

"I'm glad." Meliae said as she slowly pulled away, she took Amanda's hand, giving it a light tug as she took a step back. "You must be thirsty, I have just the thing for you."

Amanda let Meliae lead her forward. "Oh-ho, I am feeling parched."

Meliae gave her a small smile, something twinkling in her eye that Amanda didn't have the mental capacity to decipher at the moment. "One sip and you'll see the true wonders of this forest. You won't want to leave."

Amanda stopped in her tracks, unintentionally jerking the Dryad's arm. "Wait, why wouldn't I want to leave? This place is cool and all but why would I want to stay cooped up here when I can explore the world?"

Caught off guard, the smile slipped from Meliae's face, momentarily replaced with a slight crease in her brow. "Why would you stay cooped up? Why would you leave? What could the harsh world outside my beloved forest possibly have to offer?"

The fuzzy feeling gripping Amanda's brain thinned as an indignant wave washed over her. "There's loads to see and do! Why, I'm going on a dangerous adventure into those mountains nearby tomorrow!"

Trying to salvage her earlier composure, Meliae quirked an eyebrow at Amanda inquisitively. "And what is the allure of exploring some baren mountain top when my thriving forest is right here?"

"Well Diana's looking for some magical item or another, but I'm in it for the thrill of it. Haven't you ever just gone on a dangerous adventure for the hell of it?" Amanda dropped the wood nymphs hand so she could gesture vaguely.

"Humph." Meliae put her now empty hands on her hips. "Why don't you take me with you on your 'dangerous' adventure then?"

Amanda paused, hands in mid air. "Huh, ya know, that could be way more entertaining than dealing with those two alone…" She trailed off as she thought it over, her mind finally clear.

Meliae gave her a smug smile. "Then it's settled. You can attempt to show me the wonders outside my forest. However, if you show me nothing of note, you have to drink the Water of Brokilon and stay with me."

"Ha!" Amanda belted out a laugh, "You're funny if you think I can't show you something truly amazing. You got yourself a deal." She grabbed the Dryad's hand to seal the deal. The pair stared each other down as they shook hands.

A smirk slowly snuck it's way across Amanda's face as they stood, hands still locked. "But, why don't I show you something I learned outside this forest right now."

The nymph chuckled as Amanda gave her a sly wink.

Diana made her way up the slope, keeping her eyes peeled for any signs of her MIA friend. She hadn't heard any noises that would indicate Akko had run across any beasts, and if she had gotten in any real trouble she would have sent up a flare.

What could that damn girl be up to?

It wasn't as if Diana didn't trust her. Akko had become a very capable witch, putting on incredible shows and fighting monstrous creatures at her side for years now.

But she did have the tendency to… get involved in things she should not.

Something caught Diana's attention just up the path. Quickening her pace, she came up to a red splotch on a rock. It glistened in the sun, still slightly wet.

Blood.

There was blood. A trail of it by the looks of it.

Diana's steps faltered as her eyes hesitantly followed the trail of drying blood, fearing the worst. It could be Akko's blood, this wouldn't be the first time. Neither of them were strangers to danger.

But all their years of experience never eased her worry. Akko always dove headlong into danger; often literally. Trusting Diana to catch, save, or cover for her. Except Diana couldn't be there for her all the time. She couldn't… be there for her forever.

She picked up her pace, running up the path, barely avoiding tripping over the rough ground.

A chill ran through Diana, her eyes falling onto the horrific sight before her; Akko cowering under the wings of a wild Hippogryph, her hands and legs smeared with blood.

She jolted forward, heartbeat thundering in her ears. Reaching for her wand. Too slow. She was going too slow. She had to do something.

She couldn't let Akko…

She had to…

Laughter cut through the air. Shattering the spell that had gripped her heart.

Akko was laughing? And… petting the Hippogryph?

Looking closer, Diana saw Akko's wand out, a faint blue glowing around the leg of the wild beast.

Akko wiped her hands on her pant leg, blood and dirt staining the already worn jeans. The blood wasn't Akko's, she was ok. And her movement was so casual, even in the presence of such a powerful beast.

Diana let out her breath in a short, shallow burst of disbelief. How?

She shook her head, a slight smile ghosting her lips. No. It didn't matter how. Akko just had a way with creatures. A way with people. No matter how annoying or overly enthusiastic she would be, they always fell in love with her some way or another.

Diana slumped slightly against a tree just off the path, its bark rough on her shoulder even through her shirt, taking a long steadying breath before chuckling to herself in relief. She should have known. Akko wasn't as helpless as she once was.

Which was good, it would make everything easier.

She watched Akko tuck a strand of hair behind her ear as she leaned in while talking to the beast, stroking its head soothingly. The rays of the setting sun lit the pair in a warm orange glow. Akko's expression was compassionate and earnest. The kind of look Diana loved the most about her friend.

Something stirred in her. If life was different... If it was as simple as it had been back in her school years, before she knew what she knew now. If she could only allow herself to be selfish.

Diana let out a sigh and shook her head. It was no use falling down that rabbit hole. She had made peace with her decision. She couldn't allow Akko to go through the same pain she had once suffered. Even these trips together were too much. This would be the last one if the impossible wasn't achieved. The last time she let herself indulge in Akko's warm presence. The odds that they could find what she searched for, and that it could be a key she desperately sought were so slim. She couldn't let herself hope.

Up ahead Akko stood and brushed the dirt off her knees, giving the Hippogryph an encouraging smile. The Hippogryph hesitated, slowly rising and gently putting pressure on its front leg.

"That's it! You got it!" Akko yelled, her voice carrying over to Diana.

After a few cautious steps the Hippogryph pushed off, taking into the air. It's enormous, powerful wings beating hard and kicking up dirt.

The wind swirled around Akko, causing her stumble back a step as she covered her eyes.

Diana pushed off the tree, walking up beside Akko as the wind settled down. "What have I said about avoiding the creatures of the forest?" Diana asked, a slight twinkle in her eye, the corners of her mouth twitching.

"ACK!" Akko jumped with a start, a shudder passing through her whole body. "Gah, Diana! Don't sneak up on me like that!"

Diana covered her mouth as she giggled. "My apologies." She watched the Hippogryph grow smaller as it soared higher into the mountains. "You never fail to surprise me, Akko. To be able to not only gain the trust of such a proud beast so quickly, but have it allow you to heal it. That is truly impressive."

Akko's gaze shifted to the side. She scratched her cheek, feeling them tinge with warmth. From all the Hippogryph excitement, of course. "Thanks, Diana."

Diana studied Akko fondly. The light blush Akko wore was only accentuated by the golden glow of the setting sun. Akko held her heart on her sleeve, it was too big to fit in her chest after all. She would help anyone, friend, enemy, and rival alike. "I only state facts. Now let's get you cleaned up and back to camp."

Akko blinked, glancing down at her clothes. Blood and dirt decorated her legs, a bloody handprint was smeared across her thigh, her knees were scuffed, and a there was a tear in her sleeve.

"Eh heh. Oops."

Once Akko was in acceptable shape, the two made their way back to the clearing where Amanda was supposedly waiting for them.

The trip back was quieter than normal. Usually, Diana would be going over the logistics of their current quest, or dangers to watch out for. But she was silent, seemingly lost in thought.

That seemed to be the case more and more often lately. Something was different now. As if there had been a shift in their relationship. Diana wasn't letting her in as much.

After all that time slowly breaking down Diana's barriers, it felt like she was practically back to the beginning! Well, maybe not the beginning. Diana still laughed at her jokes, even if she tried to hide it.

She still let Akko in when she smiled. And if that was true, Akko just needed to make her laugh a whole lot more.

Spotting a cluster of rocks Akko dashed ahead, the sudden movement rousing Diana from her thoughts.

Akko scrambled up the rock pile, which was higher than her head, as Diana drew close. "Hey, Diana look!" She struck a pose, head held high and to the side, arms flexing above her. "I've conquered this mighty mountain! Nothing can withstand my might!" She snickered and snuck a few glances at Diana while trying to maintain her aura of grandiose.

Diana raised an eyebrow. But she couldn't hold out for long, unsuccessfully trying to stifle a snort behind her hand as her mask broke. "Well, you certainly are standing on a large rock."

Akko giggled, dropping her pose as her shoulders shook.

"Yeah, those other rocks better watch out. They don't know what's comin' for them." She knelt down at the edge and pushed off, one hand steadying her as she slid down the rock face. Her feet landed on the uneven ground and she staggered, momentum carrying her forward.

Diana stepped close, catching the flailing girl in her arms. Her senses filled with the familiar scent of Akko, mixed with the faint lingering tinge of blood, sweat, and dirt. The smell of countless adventures the two had shared.

Diana could feel the solid weight of Akko pressed against her chest, her friend shaking with laughter as she clutched onto her savor. "Thanks for the catch, Diana."

Diana chuckled and her gaze softened, taking in the sight of Akko giggling in her arms. Akko's bangs fell into her eyes, her nose crinkled as she laughed and her smile seemed to take up the world. Diana could watch her forever. They were so close their breaths intermingled as Akko's laughter calmed down.

As she tried to catch her breath she was left looking into Diana's eyes. The soft adoring gaze that they held for her.

She was wrong before. The unbridled energy that filled the Earth wasn't her favorite part of these adventures with Diana. The small moments like these were. She held them close to her heart. The times that Diana let her in.

Staring at each other as if there was no one else in the world. The warmth of the setting sun. The fresh air that surrounded them, brimming with energy. All of it combining in the atmosphere around them.

Akko's laughter had died down, but she couldn't catch her breath. Her favorite place to be, with her favorite person. She felt so much love and affection radiating off of Diana. Felt it in the look she gave her, the hands that wrapped around her, the lips that were curved ever so slightly.

And her lips. Diana's pristine lips. The ones that reprimanded and encouraged her. The ones that taunted her with their softness.

She looked back into Diana's eyes, but there was something else behind them, hiding in the depths. Something she just couldn't put her finger on.

Diana cleared her throat, stepping back as she let Akko go. "I'm sure Amanda is waiting for us so we can eat. We should be on our way." Biting her lip she turned away, walking back down the path.

Akko blinked, before clearing her head with a shake. "Oh. Right." She urged her feet to move, stumbling forward as she caught up with Diana. "So, did you finish setting up camp?"

"Hmm? Oh, I finished the protective enchantments. We can set up for dinner when we get back."

"Eehh~?" A smug grin snuck its way onto Akko's face. If silly jokes didn't work, teasing could always do the trick. She leaned forward as she walked, hands clasped behind her back. "And what made you come early to look for me? Did you miss me that much?"

"Wha-! No!" Diana cried a little too fast, a slight heat creeping up her neck.

Akko's grin grew wider as she wiggled her eyebrows.

Diana closed her eyes, taking a deep breath before sighing heavily. She pushed the feelings down. She couldn't do this, not now. "Well can you blame me, Akko? I was worried you might have gotten into trouble. You're so reckless sometimes."

"Hey!" Akko cried indignantly, her face dropping into a pout. "Diana we've been doing this for ages! You know I can handle myself! Humph. Don't you trust me anymore?"

Diana rolled her eyes. "Of course I trust you, Akko."

"Is this about last time? We talked about this!"

Diana frowned, her steps hesitating for only a moment. "Yes. We did. But I'm not always going to be around to protect you if something goes wrong. You need to learn to control your impulses."

Akko crossed her arms, "Wha-! Hey! I was the one protecting you with those oh-so-terrible impulses!"

"Akko! You almost died because of it!" Diana snapped, the cracks in her facade finally broken.

"I couldn't just let you get eaten!" Akko groaned, throwing her hands up.

"That is beside the matter, Akko." Diana clenched her jaw, willing herself to get her emotions back under control. They couldn't do this now. They had already come to an agreement. And she wouldn't have to worry about Akko putting herself in danger for much longer, for better or worse.

Akko rolled her eyes. "Oh, so you would've rather I just let that dragon rip your head off and done nothing?"

"Yes." Diana responded bluntly. They didn't have time to rehash this argument again.

"Wha-" Akko froze, a chill running through her as her steps halting abruptly. She stared at Diana in horror as the magnitude of her words hit her like a punch to the gut. That single word, thrown out so casually, playing over and over in Akko's mind.

"What the hell, Diana."

"Akko!-"

"Diana," Akko said, cutting her off. "don't say something like that. I thought we agreed we'd always have each other's backs. I'd never let something like that happen to you." She searched Diana's expression. Desperate for some clue as to why her closest friend would say something so distressing that offhandedly.

"Akko," Diana reached out to her, her agitation giving way at the hurt look in Akko's eyes. "We can protect and look out for one another, but you can not simply sacrifice yourself for me. You need to think about yourself more."

"Wow, look who's talking. I'm not the only one that needs to think about themselves more." Akko's jaw set as she dug her heels in even harder. Why was Diana acting so stupidly? It wasn't a sacrifice if they worked together. Did she just want Akko to stand there and do nothing?

"Akko." Diana sighed.

"Diana." Akko said through a pout.

"Amanda!"

"And Maliea!"

A pair of cheery voices interrupted their standstill, startling them as they whipped their heads around towards the approaching pair.

"Hey guess what, I made a friend!"

"... Excuse me?"

Notes:

I've pulled the lore for this story from a bunch of different places. The Water of Brokilon is actually from The Witcher and is used to turn girls into human-dryads. Meliea is the name of nymphs of Ash trees in Greek mythology.

Wowie life rly got in the way much more than I anticipated. With overtime at work and planning a wedding I had no time to write. Also I can never seem to finish anything xD I hope future chapters won't take this long.