AN: And I'm back with a new chapter. Three chapters in two days, it is going to be difficult to keep up this momentum moving forward. The story is going to become more complex as I try to parallel my LWA world with that of the established world. Leave me a review if you are still interested! Enjoy!

Cafeteria, Luna Nova

Akko easily found her brother and her roommates in the large open space. She made her way to their table once she left the café line. Looking around the cafeteria, she spotted the blonde sitting with her friends drinking tea. Some things never change it seems. Diana met her eyes before quickly returning to her conversation with her sidekicks. Give her time Akko, things will get better soon. Returning her gaze to her teammates, Akko slowly makes her way over, careful to not spill her precariously placed plates.

Kai notices Akko making her way over, clears a space for her to sit. He clears his throat once she is comfortable and eating. "So" He leans his head on his hand leaning towards Akko "I see you are still in one piece." Akko grunts while still eating. "I take it you spoke to her?" A raised fork was his response. "You are still alive so it must have gone well?"

Akko puts down her fork and grabs her cup. Draining the cup of its contents before slamming it down. She looks pointedly at Kai. "Niisan, I saw her apologized and we agreed to move on. She needs time. So do I. Diana was…is…was important to me. My memories will be enough for now. But in the future, I think we will make new ones as friends. It's just too soon." She glances at her roommates. "Has my brother been behaving?"

Sucy smiles evilly. "He is the best prank partner a girl can ask for. Very knowledgeable in potions and mushrooms. I think he will be the best mentor I can have." Her eyes had mushroom shaped hearts.

Lotte nods. "Mr. Kai told us all the areas of magic you have trained in. Why are you even here Akko?" Lotte gazes at her with questions in her eyes. "You could be an instructor here Akko! Think of all the things you could teach us!"

Akko levels another glare at her brother. "Lotte…sure I have amazing magic, but I am just a teenager. I have my whole life ahead of me. I want to be a normal 16-year-old girl. I want to go to the school that Shiny Chariot went to and learn the magic that she shared with the world. I want to understand the magic of the continent. I want to know why wands are necessary here. I want to learn the way Luna Nova has taught countless witches before me. I don't want to be the Kagari heir here. I want to just be Akko." She looks across to her roommates. "Can you help me with that?"

"We can Akko! Should we go explore the school?" Lotte asked while standing to clear the table.

Akko looks at her watch to check how long she can hang out with her new friends. "I can give you 30 minutes? I have something very important to take care of this afternoon." She smiles at her friends. "Niisan can show you around more when I leave. He spent a lot of time here with auntie."

"Oh yeah, you are the warden's son" Lotte elbows Sucy hard. "Makes sense why you love to prank people. You and I will have a beautiful friendship Kai" Sucy holds her hand out for the man to shake. Ka grabs it with a grin, much to Akko's dismay.

"Niisan, no pranks on me okay? You know I retaliate with magic, and I think otosan would hate to have to repair Luna Nova every week."

Kai sticks his tongue out at Akko "Maybe you shouldn't use your magic so destructively."

Akko throws her napkin at him. "Well maybe you should act like the old man that you are instead of a kid and we wouldn't be in trouble every damn day." She crosses her arms over her chest and gives him a look. Kai had the sense to look guilty, but that didn't last long as Sucy leaned over and offered him a fist bump.

"I make no promises usagi. Let's go ladies. My mother requires me for afternoon tea at 2."

Jennifer Memorial Tree, Greenhouse, Luna Nova

The quartet stops in front of a large tree in the center of the greenhouse. Kai points to the tree and puts on his best teacher voice. "This is the Jennifer Memorial Tree. It is said to have inherited the will of the great witch Jennifer." He casts a short glance to Akko before continuing. "My mother loves this spot the most in all of Luna Nova. She says that you can still feel the magic radiating from the tree." Kai notices Akko has closed her eyes and has a smile. "Would you agree usagi-chan?"

"Oh yeah totally feeling the good magic vibes." Akko opens her eyes and extends her hands to her roommates. "I can help you feel the magic, but only for a little bit. Just take my hand and focus on feeling the magic around you." Both girls take Akko's hands and close their eyes. "Now take some deep breaths and relax. Allow your magic to mix with your surroundings." Akko watches critically at each girls aura, waiting for the moment that they begin entwining with the Jennifer Tree. "Alright ladies now, reach out your magic towards the tree. But gently. You want to feel the magic not try to attack it."

Akko and Kai watch as small tendrils of purple and orange magic reach towards the white glow that surrounds the tree. When the tendrils make contact, Lotte and Sucy gasp then giggle.

"Akko, this is amazing" "Who knew magic could feel this soothing"

The 'siblings' chuckle to themselves before Akko drops her roommates' hands. Their chuckles turn to outright laughter at the pouts that come over the other girls' faces. "Too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Akko can teach you as your magic grows, but I think that is enough for now." Kai looks up at the tree and frowns. "Usagi, does the tree look a bit unhealthy to you?" He chances a look at Akko and notices her closed eyes and smile. "Hey magic junkie, I need you to focus."

Akko opens her eyes and grumbles. "The magic feels faint, but it is still overpoweringly pure. Like fresh cookies or the most refreshing drink." A bit of drool escapes Akko's lips at the thought of food.

Kai hits her head. "Focus Akko. You JUST had lunch. Magic first, then worry about your stomach."

"I don't know why you can't take a look. You have good senses." Akko whines rubbing her head.

"Do not whine, it is unbecoming of you usagi. I might have good senses, but you are better. Focus on the magic, not just the feelings. See if you can see anything wrong."

Akko steps closer to the tree and places her hand on the trunk. Focusing her magic on diagnosing the tree, she loses her focus on the environment around her. Her eyes close the moment her magic connects with the Jennifer Tree's magic.

'Hello young heir' Akko hears in her head. Unphased by the turn of events Akko smiles.

'Good afternoon Mistress Jennifer. Your external casing seems to be a bit unhealthy. Is there any way that I can assist you?'

'You are much too kind young heir. However, it is not a sickness on my tree, but the sharing of life. Below the ground, within my roots, rests pupae of a rare species. For now, I just need to rest and allow them to soak up my nutrients. I will be restored in a few short days.'

'I could give you magic so that you are not strained so much?'

'No young heir, much like you, I have a role to play in the natural order of the world. I will offer the necessary magic to the pupae so that they may live and prosper. Come back in 3 days and I will take your assistance then.'

'Should I tell the headmistress about this?'

'If you would be so kind. The more natural the process, the more powerful the omen. I leave my fate in your hands young heir.'

'Thank you for your trust Mistress. I will see that it will be done.' Akko removes her hand and steps back from the tree. "Niisan, tell auntie that the tree is okay, just going through a natural cycle. No one is to touch the tree for the next few nights." Akko motions towards the tree with a gentle look in her eyes. "The mistress is assisting a rare species. She requires solitude and wishes to not be disturbed. I will come back in a few days to fulfill my promise to the mistress."

Sucy looks at Akko in awe. "Akko, you know you are our friend right?" Akko nods. "So please stop talking to formally around us. What you just did was wicked cool but you went all proper on us."

Akko shrugs before turning away from the trio. "Otosan taught me to respect magic. I just spoke to a great spirit, who deserves all the respect in the world. I'm sorry I got formal. I just couldn't help it. Its my default setting when dealing with magic"

"Except Shiny Chariots magic right." Lotte asks.

Akko looks over her shoulder and smiles. "Shiny Chariot is the only exception. Her magic makes me feel like a kid again. I'll never not gush about that." Akko turns back to the exit and waves her hand over her shoulder. "Niisan, I leave them in your capable hands. Don't forget to tell auntie about the Mistress' needs."

The remaining trio watch as Akko walks out of the greenhouse. Kai turns to his companions and sighs. "I am sorry about usagi. She is used to being busy. I am sure once she gets into the feel of school she will be around more. It's just right now, she has a lot on her plate." He motions towards the exit. "Come, I shall introduce you to my mother. Afternoon tea is always delicious and this way I can have an excuse to leave early." The trio share a laugh as they too exit the greenhouse making their way to the headmistress' office.

Hallway, Astronomy Tower, Luna Nova

Akko's walk to the Astronomy Tower was filled with excitement. Not only do I get to spend my afternoon with Chariot. I got to speak with the spirit of a great witch who I get to assist in 3 days. A smile overtakes Akko. Maybe this could be a first date? These meetings are nothing more than a way for Chariot and I to talk with one another, but being apart of a sacred duty? That is date worthy. I'll have to ask niisan if I can use his kitchen to prepare a meal. Akko was almost to the Astronomy Tower hallway when she bumps into someone. Not prepared for the sudden collision she falls to the ground and blinks up at the force that she hit.

"Well if it isn't the outsider. What are you doing up here? Come to throw yourself off the tower for not having magic?" the girl snarks at Akko.

"Um Hannah?" Akko asks.

Hannah smirks before leaning over Akko's form on the ground. "So you do remember my name. Maybe you are capable of learning something."

Akko slowly stands and brushes her skirt to remove the dirt. "Yeah I can learn stuff. Is this going to take long? I have somewhere to be." Akko glances at her watch. Crap I'm going to be late.

Hannah laughs and shoves Akko. "Somewhere to be? Don't kid yourself. No one wants to hang out with a nobody who boasts about 'Shiny Chariot'. Everyone in this school knows that her magic is taboo here. It's not something to be proud of but a disgrace against all things that is magic."

Akko notices her mate peeking around the corner and shakes her head. "How can you say that? What is wrong with her magic?"

Hannah flicks her hair over her shoulder and levels Akko with a glare. "It is heresy in the magical world. No one speaks about it because we all know what she did. Her magic was nothing more than magical theft."

Akko stands straighter at this claim. "Her magic is beautiful and pure. She brought smiles and joy to millions of hearts. She stole magic? So what? I am still here aren't I? I still have enough magic to be accepted into this school."

Hannah scoffed. "A fluke I am certain."

Akko glares at the girl in front of her. "A fluke you say" She focuses her magic on the air molecules surrounding Hannah and begins pushing the girl towards the wall. "It is not a fluke that I am pushing you into the wall with my magic." She brings her hands up to Hannah's eye level. "It is not a fluke that I am not limited by a wand." She conjures a hat and places it on her head. "It is not a fluke that I am more of a witch than you will ever be." Noticing the fear in Hannah's eyes, Akko releases the magic. "If I hear you speak badly of Chariot again, this will be the least of your worries. Now go." Akko watches as the girl bolts down the hallway. A satisfied smirk appears on Akko's face. She turns to face her mate who is standing at the other end of the hallway with her head tilted down. Akko notices her aura is muted, the sadness overflowing and blocking her radiance. She quickly makes her way closer.

"Professor" Akko starts quietly. "Professor Callistis. Are you okay?" Her eyes look at her mate with concern. Akko steps close so there is a small space between them. She takes a hand and lifts the woman face up. "Chariot," She whispers "are you okay?" The woman shakes her head and closes her eyes. Akko looks around and spots the door to her mate's quarters. "Let's get you inside okay?" Akko grabs her hand and pulls her behind her as she walks the short distance to the woman's quarters. "Chariot, is the door open?" She quietly asks. The equally as quiet yes, brings Akko's other hand up to open the door and escort the sad woman in. Akko leads her mate to the small table that they occupied the night before. A loud caw briefly draws her attention to Alcor's perch in the corner.

"Yes, Alcor she is sad" A gentle series of caws quickly followed. "I will do whatever I can to make her smile. Go hunt. I'll take good care of her." Akko watched as the great bird gave his master one final look before taking flight. Akko's eyes followed him as he circled around the quarters before flying out of the open window. Returning her eyes to the woman next to her, Akko noticed that Chariot was trying to make herself as small as possible. Feeling useless, Akko moves to prepare a tea service from the items she remembered from the night before. Digging into her pocket, she pulls a pouch of tea leaves out and places it on the tray. She moves the tray over to the table and places her hand on the kettle, gently pushing magic into it to evenly heat the water. She takes the time to measure out the tea leaves and place them into infusers before pouring the water and allowing them to steep. In the few moments it takes for the leaves to steep, Akko noticed that Chariot had started coming back to herself. She was sitting up and was fiddling with the teacup in front of her. Akko placed a hand on the ones across from her and waited for the woman to meet her gaze. She offered a comforting smile. "Do you want to talk about it?"

A sad chuckle is what greets Akko's ears first. "They hate me Akko. Everyone in this school hates the real me all because of a stupid mistake" Chariot pushes her teacup away and slumps further into her chair. Akko ponders what she can say before offering comfort to her mate. She takes a sip of her tea then sets the cup down and puts her hands in her lap.

"When I was 12 years old, I stole the magic from one of the most majestic beings in the world, a dragon" A gasp distracted Akko and she looked up at her mate. "Just listen Chariot. Please just listen" The woman across her nods and Akko continues her story.

*Flashback*

Shiro Kagari looks at the missive from the emperor with a torn expression on his face. He glances up at Kai and shudders. "How can he ask her to do this? Knowing what she has been through to get this far."

Kai offers his hand to his master so that he can read the letter himself. He crushes the letter in his hands and thinks of the young mistress two doors down in her magical lab practicing her newest magical aspect. "If I may be so bold Master, I think it is for that very reason that Usagi-chan has been tasked with this. The emperor is wise in ways that we are not. He has to know what he is doing, we must put our faith in him."

Shiro sighs and becomes distraught. "I know Kai. But for Akko, this will shatter her."

Kai bows his head in acknowledgment. "It must be done sir. For the sake of this country that we love so much. This will be a hard lesson for her, but you and I shall be with her every step of the way Master. Trust in us, trust in Akko."

"Kai, please bring Akko here"

"Yes Master." Kai offers another bow and turns towards the lab where his young mistress resides. He takes the small journey to calm his mind and aura as he knows that is what his young pupil looks at first. A sudden burst of calm overtakes Kai as he reaches the lab doors. He lets out a breath and opens the door, sticking his head inside. "Usagi-chan" He calls into the library. He looks to her normal table and sees that it is empty. Raising his voice he calls for her again. He hears running and smiles when Akko comes into his sights. "Your father requests you."

Akko pouts. "Now niisan? I am making a breakthrough in unassisted flight." Akko watches as her brother nods and opens the door wider for her to slip through. Taking the hint she quickly follows. "Niisan, why does otosan need me now?"

Kai keeps his eyes on the open door of his Master's study. "The emperor has written. You have a new task."

Akko groans. "It's not to put on a magical show for his sons again? They asked for the simplest of things and became frightened when I tried to show them my true capabilities."

"No usagi…it's more…I shall let your father explain." Kai gestures for Akko to take her customary seat on the chair directly across from her father.

Akko looks at her father and sees the stress along his face. "Otosan, its not bad is it?"

Akko watches as her father opens and then closes his mouth before frowning. "Yes my dear, I am afraid that it is." Shiro gazes at the calendar on the wall and does the math for preparations and travel. "It would seem that in 2 days' time, we will journey to Mount Aso to meet with your greatest challenge yet…" Akko sits forward with anticipation in her eyes. "You are to remove the magic from a young dragonling." Shiro watches as Akko gasps and sits back frightened.

"A dragonling otosan…but why…how? What did it do to deserve such a fate?"

"The young dragon is the offspring of a feral dragon and the last dark dragon. There have been instances in the Kyushu region of towns being exterminated due to his behavior. We need to eliminate the threat before the damage spreads further into Japan."

Akko starts to panic as she remembers being magicless and a deep sadness overtakes her. "Otosan, what is going to happen to him when I take his magic?"

Shiro moves to crouch next to his daughter. "We do not know Akko. Some literature suggests they revert to a different form. Others suggest that the dragon disappears. We simply do not know enough my dear. But it must be done."

"Yes otosan."

2 days later

The area surrounding Mount Aso was beyond beautiful. Vast grassy plains and the caldera of the volcano created the most picturesque backdrop. Akko gazed around in awe of the beauty, amazed at how the fading sun did nothing to hide the serene nature around her. The Kagari family stood in the parking lot closest to the Nakadake Crater and watched as the last of the vehicles left the area. The guards for the park had already been made aware of the task that was to take place tonight. Akko started tapping her fingers against her thigh, the only means of showing her impatience that she was allowed. Her father placed a hand over hers and squeezed.

"Akko, this is as far as Kai and I can go." Shiro pointed to a path not far from their location. "Follow that path and it will lead you to the crater. Towards the back of the enclosure, you will notice another path. Follow that until you get to the dragon's cave." Shiro pulls Akko to him in a fierce hug. "Be careful my love, for the dragon, while young, is still dangerous. Keep your eyes sharp and your magic sharper." Shiro points to her head "Send a message if you need assistance. Kai and I will do everything we can to help you." Akko nods against her father's chest and pulls back from his embrace, only to be pulled into Kai.

"Usagi, please do not be reckless. Think critically and take care to be vague." He lowers his face to Akko's ear "Please do not go anywhere I can not follow. I couldn't live if I lost my sister." He places a kiss on Akko's forehead and offers a smile. "I love you Akko." He looks over at the pained face of his master and shakes his head. "Your father loves you too. It is just his pride that keeps him from telling you. We will blame my Western genes for the oversight." He pulls back and turns Akko towards her path. "Now go and make us proud."

Akko looks over her shoulder and stands tall beginning her trek into the dragon's den. Her walk to the crater was relatively quick as the parking lot afforded them the ability to be stationed very close to that destination. She took the time to look around the crater and take in the site.

"I should have otosan bring me back here when I can really enjoy it." She grimaces when the smell hits her. "Maybe not." With a wave of her hand the air around her is purified and she smiles. "I hope this lasts until I finish my task" Akko spots the next path that she is supposed to take. She begins to chant to herself to keep her eyes sharp and her magic sharper.

The new path was nothing like she had even encountered before. It started flat with a large space for movement. There were no trees around her, but she could feel nature trying to reclaim was it had once lost. Smiling at the feeling of the magic, Akko brushed her hands along the stone walls, releasing small bursts of magic, leaving vines in its wake. This lasted for 10 minutes before a large hill blocked Akko's path. Squaring her shoulders again, Akko began her climb upwards. The once vast walk space began shrinking. By the time she was halfway up the hill, she had just enough space to comfortably stretch her arms. Along the path came large, jagged rocks, both seen and unseen. Akko had already lost count of the number of times she had tripped. By the time she made it to the top of the hill, she had numerous cuts on her hands and her pants were ripped with a mix of fresh and dried blood on the exposed skin of her knee, and still she continued on.

The path now, was barely wide enough for Akko to fit, but the air was filled with tantalizing magic. I must be getting close. Akko sent out tiny bursts of her magic, enough to find the trail that would lead her to the dragon's den. Her magic found the den 500 meters away from where she was standing. This is it. I can do this. Closing off her emotions, Akko walked onwards to fulfill the task given to her by the emperor.

Upon entering the cave, she noticed two things. First, the dragon was quite small and second, it was looking straight at her. Akko stopped moving and held eye contact with the creature. The growls that erupted from the creature were enough to induce nightmares, but beneath the growls, Akko heard a voice in her head. The voice of a scared, young boy.

'Why are you here? Leave me alone! I have been a good boy and done what papa asked'

"You don't have to be afraid" Akko started "I won't hurt you, unless you give me reason too."

The little dragon stopped growling and looked harder at the girl in front of him. 'You can hear me?'

"Yes, in my mind. Your thoughts are very loud."

'I'm sorry. Its just, the last human who came here killed mama and papa. Are you here to kill me too?' He finished his thoughts with a growl.

Akko held up her hand in a sign of surrender. "I will not hurt you unless I have to. I'm here to talk. You said you were doing what your papa asked?" the little dragon nodded. "Well I am here to do the same. Why have you been burning down the villages?"

The little dragon curled in on itself. 'Papa cast a spell on me that forces me to follow his commands. His last command before he was killed was to avenge him and mama…to kill those who killed them. But I'm still a hatchling, it is all too much'

Akko steps closer to the small creature. "Is it okay if I touch you?"

'Why?'

"To offer you comfort. Sometimes when I am sad, I need comfort from my father and brother. It helps me to remember that being sad is only temporary." Akko stretches her arms out and cuddles the little dragon into her arms. She starts humming and feels him relax.

'This reminds me of mama'

Akko stops humming and looks down at her lap. "Do you have a name little one?"

'Mama called me Kano'

Akko smiles. "A fitting name. Well Kano, my name is Akko. Do you want to be friends?"

'Really? Can we?'

"We can, Kano. Can I ask you another question?" the little dragon nods "Do you like destroying the villages?"

'No Akko. It makes me sad. It reminds me of losing mama and papa. I don't want to do it anymore. I am so tired Akko and lonely. Will you stay here with me? Can you be my new family?'

"Kano…I would love that…" the dragon lets out a breath of fire in his excitement "But I need to be honest with you. I was sent here to remove your magic" his gasp and hiss were the only warnings Akko had before her clothes were engulfed in flames. She quickly dispelled the fire and sealed his mouth shut with a flick of her wrist. "Please listen to me. I truly mean you no harm! I wish to take you from here and give you the family you deserve. Can we come to an agreement?" Kano eyes Akko carefully as she summons a small globe.

'What is that?'

Akko holds the globe close to him for him to inspect it. "Within this globe is a magical field. If you allow me to remove your magic, I will take you with me. You will leave this place and become part of my family. Your magic will be sealed inside the globe until I can remove your father's curse. Once I can free you from its burden, I will give you back your magic. Is that a fair trade?"

'You really mean it Akko? You will be my new family?'

Akko nods. "My father and brother would be delighted to have you with us. So will you do it? Will you trust me?"

Kano stares between the glass and Akko. He takes one look around his home then nods. 'I want a family again Akko. Please take my magic.'

Akko moves to stand in front of Kano placing a hand on his head, the spell already on the edge of her mind. "Kano, I need you to think really hard about your dragon form okay? This won't hurt but keep thinking of being a dragon" Akko quietly begins chanting and pulling his magic into the orb. Slowly the golden aura begins fading from Kano and brightening up the orb. "Don't stop thinking about being a dragon. I need you to keep thinking of being a dragon." Akko looks at the little creature and gasps for in his place was a much smaller dragon, one that fit in the palm of her hand. Akko picked him up and brought him close to her face. "Kano?"

'Yes Akko?'

Akko jumped up and down in joy. "I did it!" She kissed the tiny head in her hand. "Thank you for trusting me. Shall we go home?"

'Home…I like that Akko' Kano jumped onto her shoulder and settled down in the crook of her neck. Akko looked around the barren cave and turned to begin her trek back, still uncertain of what to tell her father, but knowing she would protect Kano with her life.

*End flashback*

Akko takes a deep breath and unbuttons the top two buttons of her shirt. She begins to pull on a string around her neck until a small golden sphere is released from her shirt. She takes it off and closes the distance between her and Chariot. "This is Kano's magic. It is just as strong as the day I took it." She hands Chariot the necklace and offers her a sad smile. "A year ago, I was able to remove the curse from Kano's magic. But as it turns out, dragon's who give up their magic are doomed to live a magicless life."

Chariot reaches out to replace the necklace around Akko's neck then lowers her hands to grab Akko's and squeezes. "What happened to Kano?"

Akko plays with the hand over hers for a second, then moves to intertwine their fingers. "Kano…he knew a few months after I brought him home that he would never regain his magic. He wasn't angry, he was happy because he had a family who adored him." Akko gives the hand in hers a squeeze. "The emperor was furious by my decision to keep him rather than kill him. But I had no good evidence that he would disappear. All the books Otosan and niisan read through were never clear. I was a young girl stuck with an impossible choice, and I chose to save Kano, regardless of the consequences." A thought strikes Akko. "Would you like to meet him? Since otosan is here, Kano is probably with him." Akko focuses her magic on the bond between her and Kano.

Little dragon can you hear me?

'USAGI-CHAN HI! YOU LEFT ME WITH OTOSAN AND THE BROODY PURPLE ONE'

Kano! Project quietly! You'll give me a headache.

'Sorry, what's up usagi-chan'

An unamused face overcomes Akko as she focuses on maintaining her link. 'I see you have been spending too much time with niisan. Where are you now?' Silence comes over the bond as she waits for his reply.

'Otosan and I just left the aunties office. USAGI I CAN STAY WITH YOU!'

Akko smiles and laughs. That's awesome! So, you are free then? "Kano just informed me that he will be staying with me"

'Yep! All yours!'

Brace yourself little dragon. I'm summoning you to me. Tell otosan you'll not leave my sight from now on. Akko waits for her familiar to give her a gentle mental nudge.

'Ready usagi-chan'

Akko looks over at Chariot with a mischievous grin. "Dragon incoming" was all the warning she gave the woman before kitchen was filled with flames and light. Akko held her arm steady as a weight materialized in the once empty space. Brilliant flames give way to a small, slender body wrapped in deep emerald scales. Wings breakthrough the flames causing the fire to dissipate, and Akko looks down fondly at her friend. Bright gray eyes stare back up at her before she is tackled by the little dragon.

"Usagi-chan! I've missed you!"

Akko pulls Kano from her face and laughs as he tries to stretch out his limbs to reattach himself to his master. "Kano, it has been less that a day since you saw me. Relax. I have someone important for you to meet."

The little dragon huffs a small bit of smoke from his snout then pouts. "You owe me a weeks' worth of meat Akko. You promised to never leave me." Kano raises his head and sniffs the air. "Why is your magic in two places?" The little dragon breaks free from Akko's hold and turns to face Chariot. His growl was enough to make Akko pull him back to her chest and swat him on the snout.

"Little dragon, stop!" Akko closes the distance between her and Chariot. "Kano, this is Chariot Du Nord…my mate." Akko lifts the dragon to Chariot's eye level. "Chariot, this is Kano, my familiar"

Kano holds out one of his claws. "Nice to meet you." Chariot slowly grabs his claw and shakes. "Sorry if the fire scared you, we haven't been able to work out how to not have fire bring me to usagi."

Chariot looks over Kano and thinks of what she knows about dragons. "You are a fire drake." She rubs his head and giggles at his purr. "Fire suits you." She catches Akko's eyes. "It suits the both of you. How is it that he is so small?"

The women watch as Kano wrestles himself from Akko's grasp and starts sniffing the rooms around him. "Otosan thinks that he will only become as big as he was when I took his magic. Maybe the size of medium dog?" Akko shrugs. "We are in unfamiliar territory. Otosan and niisan asked hundreds of scholars around the world for their assistance in returning his magic. But no one has been able to give us answers." Akko pauses before raising her voice so Kano can hear her. She winks in Chariot's direction. "We have had some luck with niisan's newest friend. A witch who specializes in magitronics." A hiss comes from outside the kitchen. "She has been able to grant Kano a small enough amount of magic to allow him to speak.

Akko giggles as Kano flies into Chariot. "She's evil neesan! She has these little flying bugs that poke me at all hours of the day. And…and…she doesn't let me take breaks to play with master and Otosan! She's evil and broody. Broody and purple." Kano snuggles into Chariot. "I don't like her"

Chariot raises her eyes up to meet Akko's. "Broody, purple, and evil?"

Akko scratches the back of her head. "You know her." Chariot's eyes got wide and she focused her gaze on comforting the young dragon cocooned in her arms. "When she answered niisan's missive and came to the compound, she explained her history with Shiny Chariot. She had heard of my magic disappearing as a kid and offered herself up for retribution. She said that it was because of her jealousy and her desire to surpass you that she came up with a plan for the world to hate you…and it worked. She has been researching how to replenish the magic in the world. She believes that doing so would reignite the magic that was once stolen."

"Akko no…"

"Croix…she…well she is kind of a jerk, but she means well. Niisan keeps her in line. Our ability to see auras allows us to know if she starts becoming dark again. Otosan is great with emotions, so when she starts slipping, they spend hours talking." Akko notices Chariot shaking her head.

"I can't…" Chariot hugs Kano closer to her. "Akko I agree with Kano. She manipulated me into doing something evil. I stole your magic Akko. I stole so much magic and now I have to live with that." Her voice breaks at the end of her sentence and tears stream down her face.

Akko steps toward her mate but is stopped by Kano's thoughts. 'Let me usagi.' Akko stops midstride and waits on the dragon.

"Neesan don't cry." Kano nuzzles Chariots face and gently purrs. "The purple one is at fault here. She used you just like the old golden one used usagi-chan all those years ago. I don't blame usagi-chan. She let me live! She found a way to keep me safe and gave me a family. She practices magic every day in hopes that she can make the world smile. Do not blame yourself for the actions of others. If you knew what was happening would you have continued?" A muffled no broke the tense silence. "Neesan, in my short life I have learned that the world is cruel. Sometimes our actions are done without our consent. I destroyed towns and killed many people. But usagi protected me. She took me to every town that I burned and told my story. People are more forgiving than you think! If they can forgive a monster like me, then they can forgive you. So no more crying! Usagi will protect you!" Kano purrs louder as he feels his master embrace him and the one holding him.

Akko hugs the duo tight to her before leaning back to wipe the tears from her mates face. "Croix…well she is on a tour of sorts. She is going around to all the cities that hosted your show and is explaining what really happened. It's been 3 years now, but she is almost done." Akko removes Kano and sets him on the ground before embracing her mate again. "She was supposed to complete the tour before I arrived at Luna Nova, but niisan required her to focus on Kano to allow him to join me here as my familiar. The last stop is planned for 2 days from now, here is Blightonbury." Akko held Chariot closer as her sobs grew more intense. "You don't have to come out of hiding just yet. Croix doesn't know you are here. She didn't want me to be mocked at school for being so 'enamored with Shiny Chariot' and also since Diana Cavendish attends school here, we all knew of the anger the English people still held for you. Jokes on her though. I can't wait to see her face when she realizes you are my mate."

Deep bell sounds fill the room as Kano laughs. "Can I be there for that usagi? Can I? Otosan never told the broody purple one of the legend surrounding neesan and usagi did he?"

Akko smiles down at Kano. "No I don't think he did. I didn't get specifics until two weeks ago myself. I doubt otosan told her while I have been away." Akko sees the fierceness returning to Chariot's eyes. "You do know how she feels about you…right Chariot?"

Chariot squares her shoulders and levels an unamused look at Akko. "Any feelings between Croix and I died 10 years ago Akko. She is my past and you," Chariot lifts her hand and cups Akko's cheek "You are my future." She watches as Akko leans into her hand. This is what I've been missing. This is what true acceptance and forgiveness feels like. Forgive yourself Chariot. Allow yourself to be happy. Chariot leans closer to Akko her eyes dropping to her lips. "Akko, I…"

A loud caw causes the women to break apart as Alcor flies to his master. Sensing her newfound peace, Alcor chirped a song of happiness. 'You seem centered Master, almost as though you have been put on the path of forgiveness.'

Chariot lifts a hand and strokes through Alcor's feathers. It is a start old friend, but if she can forgive me, then I should learn to forgive myself. Happy chirps fill the tower drawing the attention of Kano to the newcomer. The women laugh as Kano chases Alcor throughout the quarters. Charity turns to face Akko and draws her closer. "Akko, may I kiss you?" Chariot lowers her head to place their foreheads together.

Akko lets out a shaky breath. "I want that more than anything in the world." She places a hand between them as Chariot moves to close the distance between their lips. "But not until you can completely forgive yourself." At Chariot's questioning gaze Akko pulls back. "You don't have to hide who you are from me Chariot. I have already forgiven you." Akko conjures a mirror and holds it up to Chariot. She watched as the women allowed her disguise to fade, only for the crimson hair to quickly turn back to blue. She meets Chariot's gaze with compassion and dismisses the mirror. Lifting her hands to Chariot's face, she removes the glasses from the face that she has loved for so long. "But you have yet to forgive yourself. Small steps my love. Small steps. But this, this is a step in the right direction." Akko grabs her hand and pulls her outside of the kitchen. "Now, I do believe I promised you magic." With a wave of her hands a couch appears in the middle of the open space. "Kano, it's showtime!"

Entranced by the effortless display of magic, Chariot sits down and is drawn into a sight that she will never forget. Akko was holding Kano on her shoulder with her hand against his chest. Chariot watched as the creature began glowing and took flight. Along his flight path, bright lights began appearing. Each light took on a different form. Animals, bugs, sea creatures, and mythical beings filled the room. One such being began a beautiful melody. Chariot's eyes flittered between each new light creature and finally rested on Akko. She watched as Akko gained wings and flew around the room, dancing and playing with each creature she had summoned. She laughed as Akko lost her dance battle and clapped when she won her sword fight. She was utterly drawn in by each addition of the elements circling around the room. Her eyes were drawn back to Akko meeting Kano after a series of aerial twists. The duo circled around one another with their heads bowed together and the elements swirling around them. They stopped in midair and were encompassed by the elements. Chariot let a small gasp out, frightened for her mate, but smiled as the elements broke into a rain of sparkles. As the magic fell onto her body, Chariot was enveloped in warmth and wonder. She felt such strong feelings of awe and purity…but most importantly she felt Akko's acceptance and love. She started clapping again when she saw Akko holding Kano and floating back down to the ground. When her feet reached the ground, her wings disappeared, and Akko looked up with a huge grin on her face.

"So. what did you think?" Akko asks after plopping herself onto the spot next to Chariot.

"Akko, you are amazing. Your magic is phenomenal! And the wings?" Chariot pulls Akko to her and turns her slightly to look at her back. "Is that magic too?"

Akko pulls Chariots hands from her shoulders and holds them in her lap running soothing circles over the skin with her thumbs. "The wings were a gift from the high dragon of Japan. They appear and disappear based on the needs of my magic. But when I perform, I want to be able to be free with my magic and that includes flying using the means I was blessed with." She pauses to gather her thoughts. "I am not like other mages Chariot. I can't use a wand like anyone else, as it causes my magic to throw a tantrum. I relearned magic the way it is taught in my country. To be one with the forces that bless us with the ability to use magic." Akko summons a bouquet of roses and hands them to the witch next to her. "I have learned and mastered all areas of magic, with the exception of healing spells." Akko had the decency to look sheepish. "I haven't had the patience for it. With Croix as a teacher, I am sure you could understand." Akko paused a bit unsure if she should continue, but proceeds cautiously. "...I was hoping maybe you could teach me healing? It would be good for us, learning the true meaning of the art. Maybe along the way we can forgive ourselves for our past deeds." Akko holds out her hand. "What do you say?" Chariot searches Akko's face for any hint of doubt before placing her hand in Akko's. Her face turns red as Akko lifts her hand and places a kiss on the back of it. "I look forward to our lessons."

AN: Welp there's that. Yay for new characters. If you haven't noticed, the timeline is very different. If you thought this was going to follow LWA, then you are sadly mistaken. Akko and Chariot was such a focus that I want to bring your attention back to that. I want you to fall in love with these characters, but not just with subtle glances and wishful thinking. I want to offer you an alternative. If Diana could regain her magic and be epic, then why shouldn't Akko. Just give it a chance. I promise you won't be sorry.

Next time: Unlocking the second word