AN: I'm sorry for the delay, but I'm ill and that apparently makes writing so much more complicated.
Also the reason why this chapter is much shorter than the last one, but on the other Hand,
I'm hyped for today's Episode...and totally afraid^^
I thank all of you, who are still reading this story
Enjoy^^
2018
"Akko, are you even listening to us?"
'Huh?'
Akko looked up from her book with a dumbfounded expression on her face. Since Diana had gifted it to her she was reading nonstop, trying to get as many clues on Chariot and her whereabouts as possible. Right now, she appeared to be stuck on something…maybe the blonde could explain the meaning of those words to her. If someone knew it, it was her.
She really had to do something special for her. She had acted so horrible towards her.
'Why though?'
It wasn't a secret that her and Diana weren't exactly friends and she constantly frustrated the brunette with her mannerism, but why would she insinuate something so cruel, like not caring about on of their teachers? If they had something in common, it was the love they shared for Luna Nova after all…so why?
'Why was I always angry at her?'
Sometimes that anger had come out of nowhere. She just had to lay eyes on the Cavendish and she was mad enough to throw her reasoning away. But that seemed to have stopped, as soon as Diana had given her the book about Chariot. The way the blonde had looked in that moment had struck a core in Akko, so tired and defeated…
The way she had stiffened when the brunette had hugged her…
'When was the last time someone did that to you?'
Trying to picture the standoffish Diana, going around, hugging everyone, made her smile.
'I want to see you smile at me too…'
What?
Where did that thought come from?
Akko felt her face flushing slightly. Just because her and Diana were somewhat getting along now, didn't mean she wasn't still a brooding traditionalist. She was her rival after all.
"AKKO!"
"Whah!"
The brunette almost fell from the bench she was sitting on.
Lotte and Sucy were apparently done waiting for a response from their friend, so the kind bookworm had leaned towards her and screamed in her ear.
"What?", Akko asked, pouting, caressing her ear with her hand.
Sucy snickered.
"She so wasn't listening."
"Sorry", the energetic witch said with a sheepish grin, "what did you say again?"
"She is hopeless."
"Sucy", whined the brunette loudly.
Lotte sighed.
"I just asked, if your talk with Diana went well."
"Yes…", Akko paused for a moment, recalling yesterday's events, "I think it really did."
She paused again, then adding quietly: "She was actually pretty understanding."
But apparently not quiet enough, because Sucy stared at her curiously.
"You, praising Diana?", she asked intrigued, "Surely the world is ending."
"Ha Ha", muttered Akko under her breath.
"Anyway", Lotte chimed in, trying to change the subject, seemingly not liking where the conversation was heading, "what are you reading so intensely, Akko? More research on the words?"
The brunette's face brightened up immediately.
"It's a book Diana gave me as a present", she practically squealed, "and guess what, it's about Shiny Chariot!"
"Ah", drawled Sucy, "that makes more sense."
'No, you've got it all wrong!'
Her sudden mood swing didn't seem to escape Lotte, as she raised her hands in a placating way.
"That's awfully nice of Diana", she said with a soft smile, "especially, since it must have been hard to come by."
'Hard to come by?'
"How so?", asked the brunette puzzled.
"Because", Sucy deadpanned, "as we tell you the whole time, Shiny Chariot is not-"
"They are limited", interrupted Lotte hastily, "just like your cards."
'Is not what?'
Akko didn't get it. Just what was wrong with her and Sucy today? Her friend just seemed to love to aggravate her for some reason. Not that she wasn't used to her special kind of humor, maybe her own skin had gotten too thin or something like that, but it was kind of nerve wracking.
Trying to ignore the sinking feeling she got, when she thought about the mushroom loving witch, she focused on Lotte instead.
"That's amazing!", she said loudly, with forced cheerfulness.
The bookworm either didn't seem to notice it, or played along to diffuse the awkward atmosphere. Speaking of books, maybe Lotte, as a die hard fan oft he 'Night Fall' series, would know about her mystery words…they sounded fictional enough to her ears.
'I'll just ask.'
"Say Lotte, did you ever hear about something called 'Sensorial Overload'?"
Both of her friends blinked at her in apparent confusion.
'That's a no then, right?'
"Sensorial Overload?", sounded a voice from the side.
Professor Croix had apparently finished her lessons for the day and seemed to be on her way home, to the New Moon tower, a small tablet in her hands, as she walked along the path leading to them.
A bright grin spread over Akko's face. Jumping from the bench she ran to the tech witch.
"Croix-Sensei", she greeted her with a beaming smile, "do you know what that is?"
Returning the smile, the Professor raised her head slightly, appearing to be in thoughts.
"Maybe", she drawled finally, her smile widening, as her eyes gleamed with amusement.
Did Akko just imagine it, or did Croix grimace for a moment?
'How odd.'
Why should she though?
She was probably still tired.
"Why the sudden interest?"
There it was again…
The brunette shook her head to clear her mind. Wordlessly she pointed at the book in her hand and handed it to the Professor.
Skimming the bookmarked page, the bemused expression on the teacher's face morphed into one of shock.
"Who gave this to you?", she asked curiously, a slight edge to her tone.
'Is something wrong?'
Akko opened her mouth to answer her, but couldn't bring herself to utter the blonde's name.
'I have a bad feeling about this.'
"Diana gave it to her", Sucy chimed in, coming to a halt next to the brunette.
Akko turned towards her irritated.
"Sucy!"
"What?", the mushroom loving witch asked bored, "Was that supposed to be a secret?"
Lotte, who also came trotting to her side, sighed and shook her head, not getting what was going on.
The brunette slumped down slightly.
"No, but…"
'I don't want to cause trouble for Diana.'
As if she was reading her mind, Croix's posture relaxed and her positive exterior returned…although her eyes were a bit more hooded than usual.
"The Cavendish girl?", she pondered, a hint of anger in her voice. She stared at Akko, an unfathomable expression on her face.
'What's going on?'
"Don't worry Akko", she continued, waving her hand lightly, sounding cheerful again, "I'm not going to reprimand you or Diana because you read a book about Chariot."
The brunette really wanted to believe her…but something was missing…
'Why are you acting like this Croix-Sensei?'
The tech witch seemed oblivious to her inner turmoil.
"You have to excuse my weird behavior. This book made me recall something rather unpleasant…but back to your question."
She cleared her throat, before launching into an explanation.
"Sensorial Overload is an affliction, caused by an enormous amount of ramped energy, centered on one being. It is sending them into a shock like state, disabling the use of their base functions, such as speaking and moving. Even thinking can be quite a challenge. They are, for all intents and puposes, trapped. And to make matters worse, it also robs them of the ability to disconnect from the source that is causing all this…
In the end it is a vicious circle, draining the individuals own energy supply to sustain itself…until one of them dies."
'What?'
Akko was speechless. She had thought it was another gift her Idol possessed, not some crazy sounding, lethal illness.
'Wait!'
The brunette scrunched up her face.
Something didn't add up.
"If that 'Sensorial Overload' is so threatening", she began slowly, pinching the bridge of her nose nervously, "then why didn't we already learn about it in class, you know, to prevent it from happening, or something like that?"
Croix laughed at that.
A cold, humorless laugh that made her hair stand on end and send a shudder down her spine. Letting her gaze flicker to Sucy and Lotte, she concluded that she wasn't the only one being slightly terrified right now…
Just what had the Professor so rattled?
'Did she know someone who had this illness?'
Because she didn't seem to like to talk about it very much. Probably forcing herself for Akko's sake.
Thinking about Professor Ursula, Akko's mood fell slightly.
'I know how you feel Sensei.'
When she quieted down again, the teacher sighed, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
"It is not really a common illness anymore", she explained in a dull voice, "So it is only a possible affliction for those few witches, who are still able to connect to every magical source in the world. Those, who can wield magic everywhere…
Today we call them, witches with a 'natural sense for magic'."
Akko pondered that for a moment.
A natural sense for magic?
Didn't Finneran use that phrase before, when she asked about Croix and Chariot being rivals?
Natural sense for magic…
Natural sense for magic…
Wait!
'Just like-'
"Chariot?!", she gasped, eyes widening comically.
"Exactly", Croix agreed, the warmth, which was absent before, finally returning to her tone, as she smiled softly.
Then that meant…
'Chariot got sick!'
She felt herself getting numb. It was as if someone had just poured ice cold water over her.
But surely someone had healed her…
Of course someone had healed her, she grew up to be Shiny Chariot after all. The question was…who?
'I have to thank them too!'
Whoever it was, they saved her hero from something that could have killed her.
"Croix-Sensei", she asked, her voice shaking slightly, "do you know who-"
"Pardon the intrusion", interrupted someone their conversation, "but the principal send me to collect Croix-Sensei. There is another meeting in the principal's office regarding Ursula-Sensei."
Akko's heart skipped a beat. A weird feeling of peace washed over her, calming her down. A soft smile spread over her face, as she locked eyes with the blonde witch, who stood behind Croix.
"Diana."
July 2006
Croix was already done searching for her equipment. After she came back, she immediately went to her room, browsing through her things, pulling out some contact lenses. She had wanted to ask Chariot for quite some time, if she should get rid of her glasses. If she maybe looked 'cooler' without them…not that it mattered anymore.
'I will never forgive you!'
Woodward would see what she got, from her 'testing'…
Even if she herself wasn't any better.
At least she hadn't almost killed someone. From what she heard, there even appeared to be a body count… five people didn't make it.
But surely, that was her fault as well, for only caring about Chariot's safety.
'The nerve of her.'
She was done with her and her dangerous tasks to revive the words. Restoring magic to the world? For those incompetent teachers, who weren't even there for their student's most of the time, getting bested by a stupid, greedy dragon? For those ignorant people, who were only thinking about themselves? What would they do once they got the gift of magic back?
'Fight.'
Humans always fought…
And witches like Chariot were the collateral damage.
'I won't allow it!'
The redhead and her would need to make a selection. Not everyone should be included to wield such power. They could keep the 'World Reconstruction' magic to themselves. At least as long as it would take for the rest of mankind to change their ways…or until her inventions would work properly.
Chariot would understand that too.
'I am doing this for you!'
Chariot would understand her, she always did. She supported her like no one ever had, inspiring her to be more daring, asking more questions, breaking from outdated notions.
That's why she loved her so much.
'When she wakes up, I am definitely telling her.'
They always used other words, like, liking or caring, calling themselves friends, but they were so much more than that. And she refused to hide it any longer.
Packing her things, shouldering her laptop and balancing a prototype of her magic output system, she really hadn't thought of a better name yet, in her hands, she wandered back to the infirmary, where the restless redhead resided.
The little crow had one of her electrodes in its beak. It was heartwarming to see. Croix wouldn't know what she would do without him. He kept her sane most of the time, nesting on her head, cooing nonsensical noises to her.
When they reached the infirmary no one was there, which angered the lavender haired witch even more. Not that she complained right now, because a teacher would surely try to deter her from her objective, but the sheer nerve in leaving one of their students, who was obviously in pain, alone for the night was infuriating. She felt a slight satisfaction at the fact, that she had told Finneran, that she wasn't able to read the dragon scrolls, but that they should probably pay the debt anyway.
'Serves them right!'
A grunted noise coming from the redhead ripped her from her thoughts. Kicking against the blanket, she apparently tried to fight against an imaginary foe, letting out a terrified shriek.
A pang of sadness washed over Croix. It hurt to see her friend like this. With newfound determination she set up her equipment and started the program.
First she needed to create an artificial Leyline, of sorts, that was stable enough to generate a good amount of magic. This shouldn't be a problem though. The sorcerer's stone had given her plenty of excess energy for the last few magitronics should be enough to function as a basis.
A loud beeping and a flashing green light told her that her system was ready.
…now to connect Chariot to it…
She took the electrodes from the little crow, placing one on each side of Chariot's head, having to hold her still with all her might, as she fought to get the third placed right over her heart.
Once she was done, she opened her laptop, connecting the electrodes to the output system.
"Alright", she told the bird on her shoulder, "let's see if this works."
The crow cooed in approval.
Croix started the process. The machine flashed brightly, a buzzing filled the room…
It was also the exact moment that Chariot began to scream.
The lavender haired witch was paralyzed.
'Nonononono'
What had she done wrong?
A red 'Error' appeared on her screen, followed by a string of numbers, telling her how there were two energy sources overlapping each other.
So Chariot was still connected to a Leyline…and this Leyline wouldn't let her go…
What should she do?
'Don't interfere…'
Forget it!
She would not let Chariot fight on her own, if it meant she would surely die.
(Chariot?)
Croix looked startled to the crow on her shoulder.
"What do you mean?", she asked, trying to relax her tense muscles. The bird had already helped her more than any teacher ever had.
(Finding…Chariot…me?)
"You want to find Chariot for me?"
The little crow cooed in agreement, hopping from Croix's shoulder onto the redhead's head.
The lavender haired witch didn't know why, but the bird and her sleeping friend had a connection, if there was someone who wanted Chariot to wake up as bad as her, it was him.
Mulling it over, she nodded her consent. That seemed to be their only chance.
"First you have to link yourself to my generated energy source", she explained to him.
She turned back to her laptop and started the system again.
The buzzing noise filled the room once more and the green light switched on.
The crow spread its wings, the star on his stomach glowing softly in a golden tone.
'Connection established!'
Those were the words that popped up on her screen, letting Croix breathe out relieved.
"So far so good, right?", she asked, her voice sounding kind of shaky, but she still flashed him a crooked smile, "Now try to find Chariot. If you feel her magic signature, pull her away from the Leyline. That should force her to either connect to you or my output system."
She laughed raspy, wringing her hands together in a nervous manner.
"If this works, I am getting myself a new haircut", she muttered tiredly, massaging her neck gently.
The crow glowed even brighter.
Chariot's face was scrunched up, sweat pearling down her chin. The trashing had stopped abruptly, but she still seemed to be in pain.
A faint ripple went through the room and everything went deadly silent.
Only the quiet buzzing of her machine could be heard. The crow lost its glowing and dropped on Chariot's chest, totally exhausted. And the redhead…
'Thank god!'
The redhead appeared to be sleeping soundly, her whole posture relaxed, a soft smile on her face.
Croix's vision blurred all of the sudden. Confused she raised her hand, feeling tears rolling down her cheeks. Staggering forward, she sat down on Chariot's bed, her head resting on the younger witch's stomach, finally breaking down.
"Chariot", she cried helplessly.
She didn't even know why. Chariot should be safe now, but…
"Chariot, don't ever do this to me again…
Please wake up…
I love you…"
As she was crying, like she never had before in her life, she felt a warm hand patting her head softly.
"I love you too Croix."
2018
"Diana", said Akko, sounding immensely relieved somehow.
Alarm bells rang in the blonde's head.
Why would the brunette be relieved she came by?
Letting her gaze wander over the group she interrupted she shrugged. Focusing on Professor Croix, she gave her a pointed look.
"Well? We should be on our way", the Cavendish said coolly, crossing her arms, "I am not sure how much longer Finneran-Sensei will wait for us."
The way Akko hung her head tugged on Diana's heartstrings. She didn't know what they were talking about, but it had apparently upset her.
'Maybe I should include her.'
In a way, wasn't it also her place to be involved? Reaching a decision she nodded to her herself, opening her mouth to talk, only to be cut off by Croix.
"You are right", she said with one of her over dimensional smiles, which made Diana feel like she was playing right into her hands, but she tried to ignore it.
"We shouldn't let Finneran-Sensei wait, she is already mad enough at me as it is."
A short, raspy laugh escaped her, turning away from Lotte, Sucy and Akko, as she waved at them.
"I'll see you all for the evening classes."
"Wait!", Diana almost yelled, clearing her throat, looking at the sad little pile of misery, the brunette slowly seemed to become.
She extended her hand towards her, muttering barely audible: "Do you want to come with us?"
This was so mortifying.
'Why am I doing this to myself?'
"Huh", Akko said puzzled and her friends didn't seem to fare any better. Even Croix stared at her with a cocked eyebrow.
"What did you just say?"
She could no longer look at the younger witch's face. She could practically feel the smile that was slowly forming there. Glancing out of the corner of her eyes she saw the beaming expression thrown at her.
'Her smile is truly beautiful…'
Concentrate Diana!
Feeling her ears flushing red, she let her hand sink slowly.
"I am not repeating myself, Akko", she said evenly, "I just thought about what you told me yesterday and I agree with you. Ursula-Sensei is your mentor and as such you should be included."
Akko rushed forward and grabbed her hand, before it was fully dropped, eyes flashing with unadulterated gratefulness.
They both stilled at the contact, a strange feeling enveloping her.
'What?'
[I'm lost, can you hear me?]
'Who is this?'
[Everything hurts!]
'Your name?'
[…Chariot…]
She ripped her hand back in shock, her breathing stuttering for a moment.
Akko looked at her, a mix of confusion and hurt plainly seen on her face.
"Diana?", she asked softly, stepping forward, inserting herself into Diana's personal space, placing a hand on her forehead.
The gesture brought the blonde out of her daze, as she calmed her nerves down.
"Are you feeling alright?"
The brunette seemed worried. It made Diana's heart flutter slightly. Taking Akko's hand in her's again, she nodded, smiling gently.
"Yes", she reaffirmed, "I am only a bit sleep deprived as of late, but nothing too bothersome."
"You need to take better care of yourself", pressed the brunette on.
"I assure you that-"
"As much as I hate to disrupt your lovers quarrel", interrupted Croix, rolling her eyes at them, "but wasn't there a meeting we were supposed to be at."
Akko let go of her hand and turned to the Professor, laughing in embarrassement.
"You're right Croix-Sensei", she said cheerfully, "To the office we go!"
As she wandered off, the tech witch grinned at the blonde, as she turned around to follow her student.
Diana could have throttled her. Whatever she was planning, she wouldn't let her drag Akko into it. She balled her hands into fists, bade Sucy and Lotte, who were still absolutely baffled at what just happened, a farewell and walked after the two other witches.
As soon as they had opened the door, Finneran had chided them for being late.
Looking at Akko she apparently tried to blame it solely on her.
"What are you even doing here?", she asked the young witch rudely, pacing back and forth between the other witches. Holbrooke stared at all of them with a grave expression on her face.
Diana stepped forward.
"I asked her to be here", she explained, her chin raised high.
Sometimes having a great reputation had its perks.
But Finneran only groaned quietly, holding her head in pain.
Holbrooke gave Akko a look with something akin to pity.
"Let her stay", she said to the vice principal tiredly, "Maybe it will help her process everything that happened."
Professor Finneran sighed defeated, coming to a halt before the strange trio.
"As you wish", she acknowledged the headmistress, letting her gaze rest on Croix.
"As you are all aware, Ursula-Sensei is out of commission for three days already. We have no Idea what ails her and our capacities are limited. Every Professor has to take on more lessons to compensate for the fact that we are currently understuffed…
Everyone…except you Croix-Sensei."
'Wait!'
"That is why we want to ask you, with the utmost respect-"
'They wouldn't…'
"If we could leave Ursula-Sensei in your capable hands?"