"Sucy, I'm worried about Akko. She didn't come back last night... What if she got hurt?" Lotte said, her eyes downcast.

"Don't worry " Sucy said, placing a hand on Lotte's shoulder."Akko aside, Diana wouldn't let anything stupid happen. I'm sure Akko just fell asleep again."

"C'mooon!"

Lotte and Sucy heard the familiar voice of their teammate from inside the classroom.

The two walked in and saw Akko together with the blue team. Akko was excitedly asking Diana about some kind of water magic. Diana was trying to keep the young witch calm, and Hannah and Barbara, both seemingly annoyed, seemed to be glaring at Akko.

"Told you she was fine."

Lotte giggled. "Yeah, I guess you were right."

"Can you please take her away from us? She's been bothering us since this morning." Barbara asked the two witches as she and Hannah quickly moved to stop Akko from climbing up the desk separating her and the blue team.

"Come on Akko" Lotte said, taking the seats in front of the blue team. "Professor Finnelan and the other students are almost here. "

"But Lotte." Akko said with a pout.

"Akko," Lotte started, "what do you think Professor Finnelan would say if she saw you trying to climb the desks before she walked in."

"Yeah Akko, you might get another punishment. Maybe you'd have to fix all the broken brooms." Akko paled. "or maybe you'd have to wash all the laundry again" Akko grimaced as Sucy continued, a mischievous grin on her face "Or you might even have to clean all of Professor Lukić's cauldrons." Akko began to shrink away, as Sucy finished with delight.

"Woah, she doesn't hold back." Hannah commented, a slight shiver running down her spine.

"Sucy, please. I'm sure it wouldn't be anything that severe. I think she'd just keep Akko under house arrest for a couple of weeks."

"EH! No! She can't do that!" Akko suddenly cried out.

The five witches present were shocked by her outburst.

"I don't think it's that bad. Definitely doesn't seem as bad as cleaning Lukić's cauldrons." Lotte commented.

"B-but… if I can't leave my room… my time with Diana…" Akko muttered, prompting a very slight redness from the blonde.

Akko looked around and saw the shocked looked on everyone's face.

She then realized what she just said.

"I-I-I m-mean. The obstacle run is in a few days! I-if I can't leave my room to practice with Diana th-there's no way I'll be ready in time. That's what I meant. Yeah." Akko frantically muttered out.

Diana cleared her throat, becoming the first of the five to regain her composure.

Those sessions with Akko really did help her practice that skill.

"Akko, I believe it would be in your best interest to take your seat."

"Eh, why Diana?"

"Miss Kagari." Akko heard a voice behind her, causing her to flinch. "You would do well to listen to Miss Cavendish."

"… Yes Professor Finnelan." Akko droned, before turning forward and sitting on her chair.

"We'll continue this at lunch okay?" Akko said as she looked up to Diana.

"Are you sure that would be alright?"

"It's fine, it's fine." Akko replied, a bright smile on her face.

"Oi, Sucy, Lotte, what's gotten into Akko. Did either of you feed her anything weird?" Amanda questioned.

Their lunch table, usually a group of six, was currently a group of nine, with the addition of Diana, who was currently chatting with Akko, and Hannah and Barbara, who were talking amongst themselves next to Diana.

"Not yet" Sucy answered. "Why?"

"What's Cavendish and her cronies doing here, and why is Akko happily talking with Diana. I could have sworn the two of them hated each other."

Lotte laughed nervously. "That's kind of a long story."

"Speaking of long stories... Akko."

"Yeah Sucy?"

"What were you doing spending last night at Diana's?"

Akko's face flared up at Sucy's query.

"Huh?! You spent the night over there? What's going on between you two?" Amanda questioned.

The implications of that question were not lost on the rest of the girls present.

Hannah and Barbara tried not to laugh as they secretly watched Akko.

Diana, ever so skilled at hiding her emotions in public, managed to subdue the redness creeping up on her face, though she could not stop herself from avoiding the curious eyes of those whose attention were focused on both her and Akko, who was trying her best to not sound stutter-y or fidgety as she explained the whole situation to them.

Akko rambled about how Diana, upon request from Professor Ursula, began tutoring Akko and how, due to certain, classified, circumstances, she spent the night over at Diana's.

"Huh, so she's your mysterious tutor?" Amanda said skeptically.

Akko nodded happily.

"Oi Cavendish."

"Yes Miss O'neill?"

"Are you sure you're teaching her right?" Amanda challenged.

"I can assure you I am providing Akko the best guidance possible." Diana answered. Akko noticed there was a hint of anger in her voice.

"Oh really? Can you fly yet Akko?" Amanda sounded skeptical.

"I don't have lessons with Professor Ursula today… " Akko muttered to herself before turning to whisper something into Diana's ear.

"Are you sure?" Diana questioned.

Akko nodded determinately.

"Then it should be okay."

Akko then laughed confidently. "Everyone should come with me and Diana after class. Let me amaze you with what I can do!"

"A simple yes would have been enough."

"Sucy!"

Considering the circumstances, Diana had chosen against using the field both her and Akko were so accustomed to using. Given that there were seven more people with them, and that it wasn't night time, the methods she had been using to provide obstacles for Akko hardly seemed appropriate.

"Uh, Diana, where is this?"

"This is the course for Professor Nelson's obstacle run."

"Wait. We can use this?"

"Of course. Did you not fully read the instructions that were sent to our respective dorms?"

"… I might have skimmed it… Wait no, that's not important! Why did you have to do what you did last night if we could have used this?!"

"… The same reason I couldn't have you fly through the trees at night Akko. I would not want to risk you getting injured."

"Oi wait, if you haven't been practicing here, what have you two been doing?" Amanda questioned.

"Well…" Akko began to explain how exactly she'd been getting the practice she needed. Her eyes sparkled as she talked at length about the beautiful displays of lights and wonder she had seen.

All the while, Diana felt herself grow more embarrassed hearing Akko gush about the magic she'd done. She was also unable to hide the satisfied smile slowly growing on her face.

Hannah and Barbara, always so observant of their beloved role model, saw this and smiled mischievously at each other.

They didn't get the chance to tease Diana very often.

"Oh but that's strange, isn't it Barbara?"

"Huh?" Akko turned to Hannah.

"Yes Hannah, it is strange. If Diana did all of that, couldn't she have just lit up this whole place so Akko could see?" Barbara answered, a playful tone meant to insinuate something.

"Wouldn't that have been much simpler than putting on such displays for Akko?" Hannah continued.

Diana's eyes widened slightly at the question. The emphasis towards the end had not gone unnoticed.

Hannah and Barbara shared a knowing smile as they watched the redness on Diana's face grow.

They got her.

"Wait, what? Diana is this true?!" Akko asked aloud. "Wait... Diana! Why were you pushing yourself so hard yesterday if that's true?!" Akko asked, again, with a firmer tone.

Sucy began to watch the scene unfolding before her with renewed interest. Jasminka offered her some chips, which Sucy took without hesitation.

"… Producing enough light to light up this entire field would require much more magic power than I had used last night. Also remember, we were trying to keep this a secret before?" Diana commented, hoping that would quell any rising suspicions.

"Oh. right…"

"It would probably take a lot less concentration though. Plus no one comes near here at night." Sucy interjected, interested in seeing where this conversation would go.

"Anyway." Diana said loudly, hoping to taking control of the situation "Akko, it is time to practice."

"Fine, but we'll talk about this later." Akko said.

"Oh, so I finally get to see if she can actually fly?"

"You bet! Just watch and prepare to be amazed." Akko said as she straddled her broom.

Truth be told, everyone aside from those who had already seen it, observed intently.

Sure Diana was good, but could she have really been able to help Akko fly?

"Tia Freyre!" Akko yelled out.

Immediately a strong gust of wind shot out in all directions from under her broom. Akko immediately sped into the trees.

"She actually did it." Amanda watched, stunned. "That was pretty fast too."

Constanze and Jasminka stared blankly in the direction Akko flew in, clearly stunned as well.

As soon as Hannah and Barbara got over their shock, they immediately began to fawn over Diana.

"As expected of Diana. Even someone like Akko can fly with her instruction."

"Akko's so lucky to have someone like Diana teaching her."

"Oh please you two. This is all because of Akko's hard work." Diana said, a smile on her face. "She would have learned it eventually. I am sure of it."

Lotte and Sucy laughed together at the statement, recalling what Akko had told them yesterday.

"And how'd I do?" Akko exclaimed as she stopped suddenly in front of the group, seven flags in hand.

Constanze gave her a thumbs up. Jasminka gave her a big smile.

"About 12 minutes. Not bad for a first time I'd say." Amanda commented.

"I think that was great." Lotte kindly added.

"There is much room for improvement." Diana calmly said, pulling a stray leaf that was caught in Akko's hair. "But, considering this was your first time going through it, this does count as a success. I do believe this time would give you a score of at least a B as well."

"I-It was alright." Both Hannah and Barbara said, as they nervously eyed their own brooms before looking back up at the obstacle course.

"It's clumsy" Sucy said, poking the bits of dirt on Akko's face. "But I'll give it a pass."

Akko laughed bashfully at the signs of approval.

The rest of the tutoring session continued in much the same way. Constanze fit a camera on some machine she made that followed Akko, allowing everyone to watch as she flew through the course.

Diana insisted on flying above the course to watch Akko directly.

There were many mistakes, for sure. Akko continually found herself upside down as she spun to avoid a tree that just seemed to pop out of nowhere. Sometimes, sand would push upwards on the end of her broom causing her to spiral frantically while screaming her trademark scream.

Then there was the amount of time she spent lost trying to look for the seven flags, as the locations changed every time they enter.

However, each new attempt showed steady improvement. And despite all the setbacks, Akko always regained her control, a bright smile on her face.

It was a lot of hard work, but Akko seemed to be having fun anyway.

"So, what do you think?" Akko asked aloud to the five newcomers as they all prepared to leave.

Again, Constanze and Jasminka silently expressed approval.

"Eh, I guess it'll do." Amanda said. "Guess what you two got going on here isn't so bad."

"You better not embarrass Diana by performing poorly during your actual run through the course." Hannah said.

"Yeah, especially not after all that time Diana, like, spent to help you." Barbara continued.

"Of course I won't. I'm gonna be one of the fastest in the class!" Akko announced.

"Just like Akko to bite off more than she can chew." Sucy commented.

"Now now Sucy, I'm sure she'll get close." Lotte said.

"Huh?! What was that? You wanna race Akko?" Amanda challenged, grabbing her broom.

"Anytime Amanda" Akko replied, a cocky smile appearing on her face.

"I think that is quite enough" Diana forcefully added. "Akko, you have quite a bit more practice to do before you're ready to race anyone in there." Akko turned her attention to Diana, a pout on her face. "That aside, if you truly wanted to race the fastest among us, you would have to best me." Diana commented. "What did you call us that one time? Rivals was it?"

Akko grinned. "Oh you better believe it! I'm gonna surpass you eventually, just you wait!"

"Oi, Cavendish, are you saying you're faster than me?

"I am simply stating fact."

"You wanna go right now?" Amanda challenged.

"I do not see the need to. After all, the result is obvious, is it not?"

"Too scared to embarrass yourself in front of your precious student. I see how it is." Amanda provoked.

Diana's eye twitched. "If you are so inclined to make a fool of yourself, I would not mind helping someone accomplish what they have set themselves out to do."

"Hey hey hey wait!" Akko got in between the two. "If you wanna do this, do it later."

"Huh?" Amanda stared at Akko.

"And you!" Akko turned to Diana. "Don't you even try to do this right now. You're just recovering from last night. What did I say about pushing yourself?"

"Akko, I am fine."

"I don't care! You're resting today. That's final."

Everyone laughed as they watched Diana fail to form a proper argument against Akko.

"Fine. I suppose that is enough for today." Diana relented, wishing to end this before it's revealed just how much sway over her Akko seems to have been steadily gaining.

"Whipped." Amanda and Sucy silently said.

"Anyway" Diana said loudly. "I think it is time we conclude for the night. It is almost time for curfew." Then she turned her attention specifically to Akko. "There… are just a few short days until this is finished. Each day will be focused on improving your speed and control for this course. Is that alright Akko?"

Akko felt the bright mood dissipate as she heard the word "finished." She felt stomach turn at the thought of all of this ending.

But she did her best to hide it.

"Yeah. It sounds just fine."

Over the remaining days before the annual obstacle run, Akko continued her daily sessions with Diana.

On days where the practices happened right after class, the whole group followed along to watch and support. It was always chaotic, and it usually ended with Akko racing Amanda a multitude of times.

As anticipated, Akko stood no chance, always being far behind the red-haired speedster. The closest she'd ever gotten was finishing a full 3 minutes after her.

After much provocation, which may have involved implying Akko would have been better off learning from her, Amanda finally got her race with Diana.

Which ended in Amanda demanding a rematch.

After all, she would not accept losing by a literal second.

These sessions were chaotic and lively. Akko always found these fun in their own way.

However, the times she cherished the most were her night practices, between her and Diana. And just like previously, Diana always put on a spectacular display for the young witch.

Despite Akko's awe at Diana's and her magic's sheer beauty and wonder, she always tried to make sure Diana was not pushing herself too hard. Diana always assured Akko that she was fine, making it very clear that she had gotten enough rest the night before.

After much prodding, Diana even promised and swore to the shorter witch that she would not hide anything that bothered her.

Without fail, Akko always found herself having a blast during practices.

Every time a practice session ended, however, Akko always found herself wishing they lasted just a little longer.

The thoughts that popped into her head whenever a practice session ended began to weigh on her mind.

Sure Diana had many more things she could teach Akko, but what about when those are done?

What would be left for the two when Diana no longer had anything left to teach her?

"And that should be enough." Diana said. "You have done well to get to this point. I dare say you might even give Hannah and Barbara something to worry about."

"Thanks Diana." Akko said, an empty feeling in her chest growing.

"And with that… these sessions should be complete." Diana said, sounding almost wistful.

Akko looked up and saw that she couldn't read the look on Diana's face.

The same could be said of Diana's own observation of Akko.

"I suppose that should be all for tonight. Please get some rest tonight Akko."

"Alright. You too okay?"

"I will."

The two stood there in awkward silence. Both looked as if they wanted to say something more, but were not sure what else there was to say.

Diana, figuring they could just talk later, decided to break the silence.

"… Good night Akko." Diana said before she slowly turned around.

Thoughts quickly began running through Akko's head.

It's over.

No more flying lessons with Diana.

…There'll be more lessons right?

What happens after those lessons are over?

'We're friends right?'

It's not like this is the last time I'll see her.

I literally see her every day.

But.

I don't want this to end yet.

Diana found herself stopped by a grip on her right hand. She turned around and saw Akko's eyes looking towards the ground, an unreadable look on her face.

"Akko… is everything alright?"

"…"

"Akko?"

"Hey Diana."

"Yes?"

"Can we sit and talk for a little longer?"

So... anyone else been dying from those trigger-animator drawn (at least I think they are) diakko art? Like those cat maid ones that've popped up recently. Cause I definitely am.

Also thanks for everyone who's been following along and reading this story. It's also been a joy to read what everyone's had to say. Also I'm pretty sure I'm settled for 3 more chapters (which includes an epilogue)