AN: Hey everyone! Obviously I don't own anything, oh except Kai! This is going to be a slow moving story. I'm not going to do huge time jumps unless I have to and the discovery of the words is going to be similar enough to the manga/anime but still very different. As for our ship, well they have much to overcome before it sails. Akko and Chariot have lived separate lives. They need to overcome their pasts before moving forward together to their future. Anyway! Onto the next chapter!
Professors quarters, Astronomy Tower, Luna Nova
Chariot busied herself with tidying up her room. Running back and forth between her 'room' and her kitchen to prepare tea for the young witch, all while thinking about the upcoming conversation. Akko stood still in the doorway, until she noticed the perch in the corner. Akko giggled to herself when she noticed how Chariot was fusing, but the call of meeting the REAL Alcor was too much to ignore.
Akko quietly approached the perch, and the great bird lifted its head from under his wing. "Hi Alcor, My name is Kagari Atsuko, but you can call me Akko. May I pet you?" Akko hesitantly lifts her hand and places it close to his head to give the bird the option for being touched or not. Alcor looked over at his master who stopped and was staring at the moment between the bird and the girl. She nodded her head and Alcor chirped before meeting Akko's palm with his head. Akko sighed in relief. "You have been one of the people I've wanted to meet the most in the world. What is it like to fly?" Alcor chirps at Akko, eliciting a laugh from the young witch. "Truly? The most freeing thing in the world?" Akko ponders that answer as she continues to stroke through his feathers. "I would agree but flying on a broom is different than having wings. It must be absolute freedom." Alcor chirps softly in response. "Yes I can transform into a bird, but there are a lot of bird predators in my home country. Maybe I could try it here. Perhaps you and I can fly together one day?" The happy caw from Alcor caused Akko to smile. "I look forward to it as well." Akko heard a throat clear behind her and stopped petting Alcor to turn to his master.
Chariot offered her a small smile from her perch against the doorway. "I believe we have a talk ahead of us. Come through to the kitchen, I have tea set there." Chariot pushes off of the doorway and turns around to walk into the kitchen.
"Wait!" Akko yells. Chariot turns back to her. Akko closes the distance between the two and holds out her hand. "I'm Kagari Atsuko, but please call me Akko. It is nice to finally meet you."
Chariot grasps her hand in a handshake. "Chariot Du Nord, but I go by Ursula Callistis here. Please come through to the kitchen." Chariot gently drops her hand and waits for Akko to head into the kitchen area. As soon as Akko passes her, she walks behind her and places a hand on her lower back in a moment of weakness. Akko gets settled in one of the chairs and waits for Chariot to sit before starting to serve herself tea. "I wasn't sure what type of tea you would like. I am not familiar with teas from the Orient."
Akko tilts her head and looks at Chariot. "I drink jasmine tea. However, my family has a special blend that I prefer. I can bring some to you for you to try?"
"I'd like that." Both ladies go back to preparing and drinking their respective teas. Each thinking of how to begin the much-needed conversation but neither one knowing how to start. Chariot, thinking she needs to be the adult, puts down her tea. "Akko, why don't you hate me?" She asks still looking into her teacup.
Akko put her teacup down and had to stop to think. "When I was six years old, I went to your show in Tokyo. Your show was so lively. It brought tears to my eyes and wonder into my heart. You showed me during that performance how magic can be great in many different ways. Magic didn't only have to be used to perform tasks meant for aiding other people. It's not only meant to heal. Not only meant for making our daily lives easier. Magic was meant to be used to bring great joy to those who are willing to embrace its wonder." Akko takes a sip of her tea before continuing. "My family is the primary magic wielders in Japan. There are other magical families, however, we are considered royalty. But that status wasn't important to me as a young child. All I wanted was to be just like you. A few days after your show, I tried flying my broom around our home with niisan. That was the day we found out my magical circuits were deactivated. My magic was still there, just shut off. My father sent missives out to every major magical entity in the world. No one could explain where my magic went. The magical academy in Tokyo was treating another young witch with the same ailment at the time. A young witch whose magical power was vast, but incomparable to my own. And what they found was the common link…your performance. They sent a missive back after your disappearance and the disappearance of the Shiny Rod, explaining that the other witch was undergoing magical training again to regain her magic and was showing signs of success. My father was thrilled. But there was something more driving his decision." Akko leaned forward and looked into Chariot's eyes. "In my country there is a legend about the Shiny Rod. It is said that Woodward predicted that the Shiny Rod would be found first by the mate of the one who would bring about the Magical Renaissance. It is said that the Shiny Rod would leave its owner when they have wronged their mate only to be found a decade later by the soul charged with the revival of magic. Niisan is skilled in the reading of auras and qi. He could see a bond had already attached to my aura and made the decision with my father to train me to be the strongest magic wielder to have lived." Akko leaned back and sighed deeply. "So you see Chariot, I was in awe of you before and after your show. And then upon learning you were my soulmate 2 weeks ago, my feelings just became that much more reinforced; awe and intrigue became amazement and wonder. I wondered how I was going to find you. I wondered what I would say to you. I never imagined I would find you my very first night at school. I was prepared to search the world for you, and to show you that even though a piece of my magic is with you…I'll never regret you. I'll never hate you. That night of your show, you gave me a piece of you when you put on such a wonderful display of magic. It only seemed fair that you took a piece of me in exchange." Akko shrugged her shoulders as she finished.
She went to sip her tea but quickly abandoned that notion when she heard sobbing coming from across the table. Akko quickly stood and moved to Chariot's side. She looked at the woman who lived with the guilt of stealing potentials and felt distress seep into her soul. Akko squatted down and removed Chariot's hands from her face. She began wiping the tears away slowly and waiting for the woman to calm down. "How can you be so forgiving?" Chariot looked up slightly to meet Akko's eyes.
Akko squeezes the hands she is holding and smiles at her mate. "I have had 10 years to forgive you Chariot. You have had 10 years of guilty feelings. I forgave you the minute I found out what happened. My father wanted to destroy you and I wouldn't let him. I remember telling him that you needed to borrow my magic. It just happens to be that you needed my magic in order for me to find you. Forgive yourself Chariot. The magical world already knows and forgave you long ago. It is time for you to do the same." Akko keeps a hold on Chariot's hands and focuses on the emotions she can see in those crimson eyes across from her. Guilt. Wonder. Sadness. Fear. Resignation…and love? Akko's heart soars at the possibility but has to hold herself back. "Is it okay if I give you a hug?" At Chariots nod, Akko closes the distance and places her arms around her mate to hold her tight. "I know this isn't going to be easy for you, but you aren't alone anymore. I'm here to help you. I know I said I didn't want to be strong, but I will be for you. I will do anything to prove to you that you are worth it." The women stay locked in their embrace for seconds, minutes, or hours…neither one really knows as both are basking in the feeling of belonging. Akko pulls back first and grimaces. "Okay I know I'm younger, but staying in that position was definitely not a good thing for my knees. Ow" She stands and starts shaking about to get blood flowing through her limbs again. She hears a giggle from her companion and smiles to herself.
Akko looks back at Chariot and sees that the tears have stopped and she looks a little more at peace now. Hating to be the bearer of bad news, Akko retakes her seat. "Chariot…you do know we are in England right?" At her mates nod Akko continues. "As we are in England, we are subject to English Law. The age of consent here is 16." Chariot looks alarmed and begins to speak, but Akko puts a finger to her lips. "I am 16. That is not where the worry is. Luna Nova's by-laws do not allow for a teacher-student relationship until the age of 17." Now comes the hard part. "Chariot if this is something that you do not want, then let me know. I will remove my magic from within you and you can be free to live your life unaffected by our bond." Akko removes her finger and places it in her lap to pick at the hem of her shirt. "But if you feel the bond already, then we can move at the pace the bond dictates. Niisan and otosan weren't sure what would happen if we both accepted the bond. They did years of research and couldn't find anything. I don't want you to feel obligated to anything. I am just a girl to you. A child that you wronged when you were nothing more than a child yourself. You didn't understand what you were doing, but now I am giving you the option. Do you want to venture into a world of unknown magic with me, or do you want to me to leave you to live your life?"
Chariot took a deep breath and truly started weighing her options. Could she really tie down such a magnificent human being to her? Does she deserve it? Is this the start of her redemption? How can someone like her have something so rare as a soulmate? The questions were going round and around in her head. When she took a chance to glance at Akko, she saw the defeat written in her body language. Akko was slouched in her chair, her head bent to her chest, and her hands still picking at the hem of her shirt. Can I really love her? 'You already do Chariot' Chariots eyes dart to where Alcor was perched. 'You felt the bond solidify in the headmistresses office. You deserve this. Please put the girl and yourself at ease and accept the love that you both have earned.' Thanks Alcor 'No problem my child. Just remind your mate that I expect flying to happen sooner rather than later' Yes sir. Chariot takes a chance and walks to where Akko is seated. She holds her hand out in front of Akko's eyes and waits for her to be acknowledged. Akko looks at the hand in front of her then follows it up to meet Chariot's eyes. She searches those eyes for disinterest and rejection, but instead finds acceptance and once again love. Akko takes the preoffered hand and is pulled into a tight embrace. Chariot shields Akko from the world for the duration of their hug. She holds Akko as she breaks down. She whispers to Akko that everything will be okay and that she's safe with her. She holds her while Akko takes the time to calm herself down. Once the sniffling has stopped and Akko squeezes Chariot in thanks, both women pull back. "Akko, I know that I caused you so much trouble. But if you will have me, then I am yours." Chariot smiles as Akko hugs her back tightly.
"Thank you Chariot"
"You're very welcome Akko" Chariot rests her cheek against Akko's head and hums at how right it feels. A mate. I have a mate. I need to research this. I've never heard of real soul mates. What kind of things will we experience? This is exciting…and frightening. Chariot lifts her head and glances down at the girl in her arms. "Akko, I'll do everything I can to make sure I never hurt you again."
Akko yawns and smiles at her mate. "You didn't hurt me Chariot. Not at all. I am still here and still very good with my magic."
Chariot pulls back and frowns at what Akko said. "But Akko, there were girls at the ceremony who were making fun of you before you got there. They were saying that you didn't have magic and you can't even fly a broom. Where did that come from then? I can see your aura and its brilliance so I know that can't be correct, but why were they saying those things?"
"Niisan"
Chariot looks at Akko confused. "Niisan?"
Akko yawns again and nods. "Niisan is my brother. Well not really my brother, he is my dad's apprentice. He has been living with us since I was 3. He knows me better than anyone in the world. Before I lost my magic, I had the highest ranking for magical ability in the world. Then I lost it and my family was shunned. When niisan started training me, no one ever told the magical world that my magic was back. Niisan took the time to spread more rumors that my magic was stunted. That I couldn't perform to my old level. He gave me my life back with those lies. I became a normal witch rather than a witch with ungodly expectations. Being from Japan, there is a disconnect with our magical community and the magical world as a whole. While the citizens of Japan know my magic is back and stronger than ever, the rest of the world remains ignorant. Otosan and niisan went through great pains to have our family name removed from magical books here in the west. Niisan is Auntie Miranda's only son. Kai was 16 when he became apart of my family. I guess that about the time Auntie Miranda became the headmistress." Akko waved her hand and her chair become a comfy recliner. "I can show you some more of my magic if you like?"
"Akko, where's your wand?"
"I don't need one. No one in Japan uses wands. We believe in our innate connection with the things around us. We supply objects with our magic and will in order for magic to be produced. Air molecules count as objects. That's how I conjure items from nothing." Akko conjures a plush of Alcor and hands it to Chariot. "My magic is strong but different than what you are used to. That doesn't make me unable to perform magic. On the contrary, my magic is stronger because of that difference." Akko looks down at her wrist and frowns at the time. "Chariot, I hate to cut this short, but it is approaching midnight and I need to sleep. I can come back tomorrow to answer your questions? Auntie Miranda said we get the next 3 days off before starting classes on Monday. Would that be okay with you?"
Chariot looks sheepish and sad. "Yes Akko. Tomorrow is perfect. I will meet you here at 1 o'clock. That will give you enough time to settle in and eat lunch"
Akko throws her arms around Chariot. "Perfect. Thanks for listening to me"
Chariot hugs Akko closer to her and sighs. "Thank you for not hating me Akko."
Akko withdraws slightly from Chariot. "I could never hate you. Not now. Not ever. You are my future Chariot. Please remember that." Akko slowly rises onto her toes and places a kiss on Chariot's cheek before whispering in her ear. "When I finally kiss you, it'll be when you truly forgive yourself." She places another kiss on Chariot's cheek and detangles from her arms. "Have a goodnight Chariot. Bye Alcor" Akko walks out of the door yawning, leaving a stunned and red faced Chariot in her wake.
Hallway, Astronomy Tower, Luna Nova
Crap I didn't find out where my dorm is. I guess I should go back to see auntie. Akko glanced down at her watch and shook her head. That idea is out. Its far too late. The last time I woke her up this late at night, I had dish duty for 2 weeks at the compound. Not doing that again. Maybe I'll just ask Chari…
"MISS KAGARI!"
Akko jumps and looks up into the face of the teacher from the assembly. "Yes ma'am. You spoke to me earlier right? Before I went to the headmistress' office? Might I ask who I have the pleasure of speaking to on this lovely summer night?" Akko gave a small bow to the woman in front of her and missed the look of delight at her manners.
"I do believe that we got off on the wrong foot. My name is Professor Ann Finneran. The headmistress told me I might find you up here. If your business has been concluded for the night, I will escort you to your dorm, where your roommates are awaiting your arrival." The professor briskly walks away forcing Akko to jog to catch up to her.
"Professor, I am sorry about earlier. Today has just been a hectic day. I do not normally conduct myself in such a manner that is unbefitting of my family's status. I will be sure to monitor my actions in the future so as to not cause undue distress to the faculty members of this wonderous academy." Akko laid on the charm thick as she identified this professor as the enforcer for the school. She had the idea that if she got on her good side, then her stay at Luna Nova would be much easier.
"Miss Kagari while I am sure you have nothing but good intentions, I would prefer to judge your ability and behavior based on my direct observations, rather than just the words of a girl." The professor stops in front of a large wooden door. "Beyond this door is your dorm. Your roommates were permitted to stay awake until you returned. You have 30 minutes before lights out. I do hope you have a wonderful evening and that you go on to prove me wrong Miss Kagari." And with one last pointed look, Professor Finneran walked off leaving Akko standing outside her dorm.
"Tough crowd. Note to self, prank all the teachers equally but have a solid alibi." Akko opens the door to her dorm and isn't shocked to see Sucy and Lotte, but the third girl shocks her more than she admits. "Diana, to what do I owe the pleasure of you in my room?"
Sucy and Lotte look between Diana and Akko then look at one another questions in their eyes. Diana laughs and walks up to Akko. "Is it wrong for me to come greet an old friend?"
Akko sighed and looked at Diana. "I haven't seen you since before Luna Nova. I do believe that you were keeping important things from me. As I said back then, I have no room in my life for manipulative witches such as yourself. I have no desire to rehash this." Diana made to speak but Akko put her hand up. "Anything you have to say to me can wait until class. Goodnight Miss Cavendish. Have a good first night in Luna Nova." Akko walked Diana to the door, waved at her, the shut the door in her shocked face. She turned back to her roommates and gave them a sheepish look. "Just another thing I'll explain to you. But can I do it in the morning? I am absolutely tired and need to rest. Tomorrow is going to be another long day. I can already feel it." Lotte nodded her acceptance and Sucy laid down in bed. Akko looked around the room and nodded before pulling her luggage from her pocket and restoring the bags to their normal size. She spent the next 10 minutes magically unpacking her bags and then resizing them to fit under her bed. By the time she was finished, she has 10 minutes before Finneran would come back around to check on them. She looked up at her roommates and found both of them staring at her in awe. "Tomorrow ladies. I promise. Lets sleep! Good night." Akko climbed into her bunk and snuggled down. Her excitement still as strong as it was when her day first started. Tomorrow I get to see Chariot again. I'm going to spend the rest of my life showing her the wonders of magic. But first, I suppose I should unlock the mystery of the Shiny Rod. One thing at a time Akko, Chariot first, Shiny Rod mystery second. Akko yawns and closes her eyes. If only niisan were here…everything would be better…The dorm was silent when Professor Finneran popped her head in 5 minutes later. Surprised to see that the young witches obeyed her. She gently closed the door and made her way back to her own quarters, all the while wondering what this year of witches will bring to Luna Nova.
9 am, Cafeteria, Luna Nova
Akko is seated next to her teammates, with her head in her arms and her empty plates stacked next to her. Someone sits down across from her and slides something towards her. The smell of coffee wafts into the crevices between her arms and Akko sticks a hand out to blindly search for the cup. When she finds it, she lifts her head up with her eyes still closed and takes a deep sip from the cup. She sets it down, still refusing to open her eyes. "Whoever thought breakfast should be held this early clearly is on their bullshit and needs to be executed immediately." Akko cracks an eye open at the familiar chuckles she hears in response. "Niisan?" Both eyes are open now as Akko launches herself across the table. "Niisan what are you doing here?" Akko cuddles into the arms of her brother and happily sighs.
Kai laughs at the antics of his young mistress and pats her on the head. "Usagi-chan please refrain from using such language in pleasant company. It makes you sound unbecoming of the Kagari heir."
"Niisan, kindly shut up. Now answer my question. Why are you here?"
"Master is here too. He is speaking with mother as we speak. I was given permission to come spend breakfast with my favorite usagi-chan." Kai got a huge grin on his face and gently shoved Akko. "I also knew you would be useless without coffee, so I came to your rescue. Mother has your special blend in her office now. I am certain she would be grateful for daily visits from her favorite niece"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah" Akko grumbled. "I'll go see her and continue to reinforce why I'm the favorite." Akko sticks her tongue out at her brother then keeps drinking her coffee.
"Any particular reason you are still in my lap?"
"Movement is hard niisan. I haven't even finished my coffee." She waves her cups a little in the air.
"Perish the thought. Though I wonder…" Kai lowers his voice so only Akko can hear him "what your mate thinks about you sitting in a man's lap after confessing to her the night before?"
Akko shoots up and spills the remainder of her coffee on her lap. Startled by both the words Kai told her and the very warm liquid now seeping into her skin, Akko was a little overwhelmed. "Niisan!" She yelled "Look what you made me do!" She pointed to the coffee stains on her skirt. "Now I must go change and tend to the wounds that you caused me…oh Professor Callistis…Good morning." Akko perks up at seeing her mate.
Chariot looks fondly at her young mate before acknowledging the salutation. "Good morning Miss Kagari. It looks like you need some help. Would you like me to help you?" Chariot motions to the coffee stains on her skirt.
Akko quickly brushes the remaining liquid aside and grimaces. "I would appreciate the assistance in healing my legs. We were getting to the advance healing techniques when I was accepted into Luna Nova. Otosan said my training would continue when I came home for the holiday." With the help from her mate, Akko sits back down and slowly lifts the corner of her skirt to expose the red welt found midway on her thigh. "Niisan, maybe you should reconsider your words when there are hot beverages that can cause harm?" Akko scolds him after pushing magic into her skirt to dry the coffee stains.
Kai looks between Akko and Chariot and smirks. "Oh no Usagi-chan, this is the best morning entertainment a man can ask for. I shall endeavor to attempt this every morning."
"What does that mean?"
"It means my dearest Akko, that I will be living here at Luna Nova as both your guardian and mentor for your family magic." The loud squeal that came from Akko was enough to cause those in the immediate vicinity to be temporarily deaf. Akko quickly healed her mate and teammates with a sheepish sorry. "A little warning next time Usagi-chan" Akko stuck her tongue out at him.
Chariot flattened Akko's skirt down once she finished healing the burns and turned towards Kai. "Good morning. My name is Ursula Callistis, professor of Astronomy. It is nice to officially meet you." She offers her hand to Kai who takes it, turns it over and places a kiss on the back of her hand. Akko growls, Kai smirks, and Chariot quickly pulls her hand back.
"The pleasure is all mine Professor Callistis. I am Kai Holbrooke. Son of your esteemed Headmistress and apprentice to Shiro Kagari, usagi-chan's father."
Lotte and Sucy, tired of being ignored, finally spoke up. "What's an usagi-chan? And why do you call Akko that?"
Kai got an evil smirk on his face. "Shall you tell them or should I?" Glancing over at Akko he noticed an embarrassed look on her face.
"I'll tell them. I promised them story time anyway." Looking at her mate Akko ponders how to address her. "Professor," she begins slowly ignoring the snicker from Kai "is there a place we can all go to talk privately? I know students are not allowed to place wards on their dorms, but that rule does not apply everywhere on campus. We just need a space for all of us to sit."
Chariot thinks for a few moments then offers a nod. "You are more than welcome to use the Astronomy Tower. I have some errands to do prior to my afternoon engagement, so no one should bother you there."
Lotte looks at Akko and Kai in confusion then focuses on her professor. "Um…Professor Callistis, I think the invite was for all of us, you included."
Chariot looks down at Lotte and offers a reassuring smile. "That is okay. I heard the story last night in the Headmistress' office. Now if you will excuse me," Chariot stood up and grabbed her wand "I will see you all later. Please don't destroy my tower." She tipped her hat to the group and made her way outside of the cafeteria.
Akko's eyes followed her mate until she could no longer see her then turned her attention back to the people at her table. Ignoring the knowing smile on her brother's face, she grabs her dishes with the intention of returning them. "Well ladies, no time like the present. Shall we?"
11 am, Astronomy Tower, Luna Nova
"…so that about covers it right niisan?" Akko asks looking over at her brother.
Kai puts a hand under his chin and looks away as if thinking. Before looking at the two witches in front of him and smirking. "She's called usagi-chan because when she was little, the only animal she could transform into was a bunny rabbit." Kai starts chuckling to the images in his head. "One time she was stuck in her rabbit form for three days. That's when we knew her magic was steadily recovering. Her antics scared the Master of the house naturally, but then a celebration was had. The only other known case of magic disappearing is from an English line of witches, the Cavendish family, if I recall correctly. We hosted them for a series of summers." Kai's easy smile turned into a frown when he glanced at Akko. She seemed to try to meld with her chair. "The Cavendish family was a regular figure to the Kagari estate up until this month. The young Cavendish would spend hours looking for usagi, but she never found her." Kai put a hand on Akko's head and ruffled her hair. "Miss Diana was unkind to usagi when they were younger. Usagi has a long memory, but the real blow out happened earlier this year…though I am uncertain why. Usagi-chan, care to tell us what happened."
Akko groaned and put her hands up to cover her face. All the other three in the room could hear was grumbling from behind the hands. Lotte leaned forward and brought Akko's hands down. "Can you repeat that Akko?"
"DianaandIbrokeupwhenIfoundoutaboutmysoulmate" Akko rushed in no more than a whisper. At the confused looks in front of her. She let out a deep sigh and calmed herself. "Diana and I were dating. We broke up when I was told about my soulmate. I wasn't…I wasn't exactly kind to her. I accused her of a lot of things." Akko facepalmed before looking at Kai. "I owe her an apology, but nothing can change. She has her destiny and I have mine. Our paths were only destined to cross never intertwine. I know now what I need to focus on."
"Akko…why didn't you tell me and Master?" Kai looks at his young mistress stunned.
Akko looks over at her brother and squints her eyes. "Would it have changed anything Kai? I was a young girl, who fell in love with someone that I shouldn't have. Even if you told you, what would have happened? I had years of good memories that I will not change for the world. But Diana is my past…Chariot is my future. I know that." Akko let out another deep breath "Kai cover your ears. But fuck, I really need to apologize huh?"
"Mother and Master are going to kill me for letting you speak that way." Kai runs a hand down his face in despair.
Sucy and Lotte chanced a look between them. Sucy nodded her head at Lotte and sat back. Lotte stood up and took a place next to Akko. "While the information has been both eye opening and troubling at the same time, we are here for you Akko. Sucy and I will help you anyway we can."
Akko smiles up at her friend. "Just be my friends. That's all I ask. I will take care of everything else. Niisan are you being given quarters?" At Kai's affirmative answer an easy smile overtakes Akko and she stands. "Please tell otosan to meet me there after dinner? I have somethings to take care of. Lotte, Sucy. I'll see you at lunch. Bye!" Akko races out of the room, leaving its three occupants very confused by her actions.
Sucy starts giggling. "Life with Akko is going to be interesting don't you think Lotte?" Lotte joins in her giggling.
"Yes, but it will be fun to be together." Lotte looks over at Akko's brother. "Um, Mr. Kai do you know where Akko went? It's just that lunch is going to be starting soon so that doesn't leave her much time."
Kai, still staring at the door Akko ran through. "I imagine she went to find Diana and apologize. Usa…Akko has the means of tracking any person she has ever met. She will find Diana quickly I am certain. I just hope she doesn't do anything foolish."
Outside the Blue Dorm, Luna Nova
Come on Akko. You can do this. Just apologize and leave. It's that simple. Your mate waits for you at this very moment. Let go of the past and take your place with your destiny. After a deep breath, Akko raises her hand and knocks. She steps back and waits for the door to open.
"Who is it?" a gasp causes Akko to look up. "Oh it's you. What are you doing here?"
"I am here to speak with Diana." Akko stands up straighter as she gives her answer. "And I'm not leaving until I speak with her." The girl moves to close the door in Akko's face but Akko places a boot in the doorway, not allowing it to close. "Please, this has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. I owe her an apology..if you would just le…" The door opens wider and Akko looks up at the figure in the doorway. "Diana" The door opens wider and Diana walks deeper into the room.
Akko notices the two girls who she met at the Terminal yesterday looking between Akko and Diana in shock. "Hannah, Barbara could you please leave us? Akko and I have unfinished business." The girls nod their head and leave the dorm. After the door has closed, Diana lets out a shaky breath before addressing the person in front of her. "What do you want Akko? You said enough before we left for Luna Nova and again last night. I am not so strong to continue being yelled at Akko. Now please, just leave me in peace" Diana turns around to make her way to her bunk.
Akko reaches out a hand and grabs Diana's shoulder. "Wait Diana." Diana stops and Akko is stunned she actually listens. Keeping her hand on the shoulder in front of her, Akko gathers the courage to do what she should've done from the beginning. "I should've listened to what you were saying to me, but I was hurt. You were the one person who never kept secrets from me, and yet you kept the biggest one. I loved you Diana. I really did. I was there for you when you parents died. I opened my fears to you about not meeting my destiny…" Akko sighs and squeezes the shoulder. "I never imagined that you were keeping the secret of me having a soulmate. How long did you suffer with that information Diana? How much did it torture you to know that even though we loved one another, we weren't meant to be? I said horrible things to you when I cast you aside. I accused you of being selfish. I accused you of manipulating me. I accused you of trying to make me weak so you can be the strong one and I'm sorry. I can take back the words, but I can't take back how they made you feel." Akko hugged Diana from behind after feeling her shoulder shaking. "You were my best friend before my lover and I threw that all back in your face. I'm sorry Diana, I am so sorry that I failed you." Akko held the girl as she cried. She held her through the pain they both shared. She held her as a testament to the love she once held for her. Akko placed a kiss on the side of Diana's head. "You have to let me go Diana. You don't deserve the pain and anguish that you are feeling right now. You deserve to smile and enjoy the world. For if there is one thing that I know, it is that you will go on to make your mother proud. You are what is good and just in this world Diana, and you will find someone who is worthy of you." Akko slowly removes her arms from around the girl and is thrown back by the force of Diana throwing herself back into her arms. Stunned she keeps her arms by her side and waits.
Diana looks up from her place on Akko's chest. "I wanted to tell you Akko. But after my parents perished, I was alone again. My summers at your home became my solace and my time with you in the library were the moments I looked forward to the most. Your love for Chariot, so unrestrained and pure was a gift to witness. And all I wanted was to have that gift bestowed on me, even if it wasn't meant for me." Diana stepped back and lifted her head. "It was selfish of me not to tell you, but I wanted you for myself. And yet" Diana chuckles with tears still flowing down her face "I still lost you. There are forces that even I cannot overcome." Diana wipes furiously wipes the tears from her face. "I need time Akko. I need to come to terms with my situation. But if you ever need me, I will be here for you. I'll always love you Akko, but you are right. I must let you go, for both of our sakes." Diana takes a step back and offers a hesitant smile to her past lover. "This isn't goodbye. Next time we meet, I'll be strong enough to stand behind you and admire you and your soulmate ahead of me." Diana looks at Akko and kisses her on the cheek. "Thank you for the apology. I believe lunch is being served now and I know how much you love food." Diana turns Akko towards the door and starts pushing her out. "Enjoy Luna Nova Akko" She closes the door and leans her back against it. "Goodbye my love." She whispers into the empty room as tears fall unimpeded down her cheeks.
On the other side of the door, Akko was leaning her back against the wood drawing strength from the solid piece behind her. "Goodbye Diana." She lets out a shaky breath before pushing herself away from the door and heading to the cafeteria to meet her friends.
AN: ..I can honestly say that I had no idea where my brain was going with this until after I wrote it. I think fundamentally Diakko is the easy couple to write about. They are true embodiments of opposites attract. Akko is open, loving, and friendly whereas Diana is reserved, calculated, and hesitant to trust. They offer a balance that writers are dying to explore. I want my Akko to be a mix of those characteristics. She is more mature in this fic, a direct result of her magical upbringing and strife that her and Diana shared. It is this difference that makes her perfect for Chariot. Akko is sure of her place in the world. She believes in the truest form of magic, which is what continues to draw her to Chariot...legend aside, it is my mission to prove they are perfect for one another! Leave some love, a flame, or some encouragement! -Seeker