AN: Annnnnnnd welcome back! Whew, these chapters are getting longer, but I am having a blast. I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far, because there is only more to come! Lemme know if you have an special request! OH! If there is anyone super talented in the art department, please PM me. I have an epic idea that I need help with.

And without further ado: Chapter 4- Sacred Butterflies.

Red Dorm, Luna Nova

"…you mean to tell me that you have awesome magic and a soul mate? That's so romantic Akko." Lotte swoons and puts her hands together. "It's just like a romance out of Night Fall! The young mate wronged by the one person in the world who is made for them." Lotte squeals with delight. "This is a dream come true."

Sucy rolls her eyes at Lotte's antics and continues with her potion making. "So does this mate have a name?"

Akko puffs up her chest in pride. "It's Shiny Chariot." Lotte's gasp and the explosion that came from Sucy's workstation caused her to deflate.

Lotte peered over the railing of her bunk and looked down at Akko. "You know she's been missing for years right Akko? How can you be certain it's her?"

Akko pulls the Shiny Rod from under her pillow. "She was the last person to use this before me. It's kind of a prophecy…niisan didn't tell you about this?" Two no's filled the room. "He's so damn useless sometimes. Okay, short version? The creator of the Shiny Rod predicted that the first wielder would go on to wrong the person who is her destined mate. The Shiny Rod would disappear only to be found a decade later by the wronged mate, who would then go on to revitalize magic."

Sucy drops her mushrooms and finally looks at Akko. "And this is you?" Akko nods. "You are certain?"

Akko nods again. "Otosan met with the leading prophecy interpreters of the world. We didn't know for certain, but now that this appeared to me, I'm kind of stuck with it." Akko scratched the side of her head in thought. "It was kind of scary at first. I had this big destiny ahead of me, but all I wanted was to get my magic back so that when I met Shiny Chariot, I could show her that she didn't hurt me and that I still loved and wanted to be just like her. Of course, niisan and otosan kept the whole soulmate thing from me. But it just makes sense." Akko finishes with a shrug and a small blush on her face.

Lotte sighs dreamily. "Oh Akko, have you decided what you are going to do when you finally meet her?"

Akko smiles thinking of her afternoon with her mate. "Kano and I are going to show her an epic performance."

"Who is Kano?"

Akko facepalms. "Right forgot to introduce you." Akko lifts her blanket and points to the snoring lump next to the wall. "Lotte, Sucy…this is Kano, my familiar."

"IS THAT A DRAGON?!"

Akko quickly stands and places a hand over Lotte's mouth. "Shh don't let the whole school hear you. But yeah. Kano is a fire drake and my familiar. He's super fun and bubbly. He's just tired. Having magic poured into him is still tough for him."

Sucy looks at Akko like she's dumb. "Akko. He's a dragon. He has magic."

"Not anymore" Akko quietly responds. She stops Sucy from asking his next question with a look. "If you want to know that story, you have to ask him. But please let him sleep for now. And don't tell anyone about him just yet. Auntie hasn't sent the rules to me yet so I don't want anyone to know he's here until I know for sure he will be safe." Akko gently strokes the scales of her little friend and frowns. "He's like my little brother." She looks up at her roommates. "You'll have to help me protect him. He has his fire and can fly, but since he doesn't have magic anymore, he is highly vulnerable to magic." Akko gives them both a pleading look. "Please he is important, and I know I can't be everywhere at once." Akko's frown deepens. "Once people find out about him, I'm scared they will start targeting him to hurt me" One of her hand's curls into a fist and the other keeps stroking Kano's scales. Akko quickly moves from her spot on her bunk and kowtows in front of Sucy. "Please, help me keep him safe" She whispers into the ground.

The silence in the room at Akko's subservient posture was enough to allow the girls hear her quiet plea. Lotte climbs down from her bunk and kneels next to Akko. She places a hand on her back and waits for her friend to look up at her. "I will help you anyway I can. No one will harm him when I'm around."

"Yeah, I'll make them my guinea pigs if they harm him" Sucy holds up a test tube and gives an evil chuckle at the thought of new test subjects. "When did he get here?"

Akko wipes her silent tears from her face. "I summoned him earlier." At Sucy's tilted head she offers an explanation. "Since the two of us are bonded, I can bring him to me. It's like…um…like finding your favorite sweater in your closet?" Akko shakes her head. "No that's not right, it's like finding a piece of you and making it apart of yourself again. The bond isn't painful when he's not around, it is just a feeling of…loneliness? He's been with me every day since I brought him home, so I don't notice it until after I call him to me. My whole being feels right again"

Lotte nods in understanding. "It's how I feel with my spirit friends. But Akko, what about your bond with Shiny Chariot? Do you feel that?" Lotte and Sucy gaze at their friend in anticipation.

Akko scratches the side of her face. "I haven't really thought about it to be honest. Otosan told me about the bond just two weeks ago." A contemplative look overtakes Akko. "But now that I think about it, I guess I've always felt kind of empty? Like I am missing something? Maybe that will change when the bond strengthens."

"If you felt that way, then what about Diana? How'd you feel about her?"

"Way to ask the difficult questions Lotte." Akko deep sighs and slouches to the ground. "My time with Diana, is hard to explain. I hated her when we were kids. She used to make fun of me because my magic wasn't coming back as fast as hers did. Otosan and niisan said it was because I lost more magic than her, but it didn't matter. I was a little kid, who she bullied for something that she went through herself. When Lord and Lady Cavendish passed, Diana became different, more reserved. She would seek me out in the library or my lab and just sit quietly in the corner. On my 13th birthday, she apologized to me. She said she was jealous of the attention her mom was giving me and lashed out. The day of my 14th birthday…she kissed me and things just progressed from there." Akko lets out another deep breath. "Diana made me feel like I wasn't alone. She also helped me to see that I am still a kid. Niisan treats me like a kid, but still expects greatness from me. And otosan? Well I have certain responsibilities I must adhere to as the Kagari heir. But for 2 years, I wasn't alone. I had someone I could lean on. Someone who loved me for me. I always knew we weren't meant to be; my heart just wasn't fully in it. But I loved her the best I could and now? Now I am free to love the one person in the world who will drive away the emptiness…I just need to find her." Or more help her to find herself again. Akko looks sheepishly up at Lotte. "Does that make any sense?"

Lotte throws her arms around Akko. "Akko! That's so romantic. Who knew you could be so understanding and critical of your love. I've change my mind! Your life is much better than Night Fall!"

Akko looks over at Sucy and moves her eyes back to Lotte with a question in her eyes. Sucy just shrugs then goes back to her experiments.

Akko shifts a little on the ground but doesn't move. "Uh Lotte? Can you let go? My butt is going numb." Her monotone voice causes Lotte to quickly move back and stand up offering a hand to Akko. "Thanks" Akko says talking the offered hand and standing. "I got lucky having you two as roommates. Can you watch over Kano? I'll be back in a few hours. He should sleep through the night. But if he wakes up, just tell him to send me a message."

"Sure, where are you off to now?"

Akko opens the door and calls over her shoulder. "To see a man about some answers."

Kai's quarters, Luna Nova

Kai is pacing between the space between his couch and the armchair where Shiro is looking quite comfortable and amused by his apprentice's antics. He chuckles at Kai's misfortune knowing that the person his apprentice is communicating with is just as stubborn as he is.

"No Croix. You are not needed here. Akko can learn healing from the staff here at Luna Nova." His grip on the small device next to his ear tightens. "Of course, I know the people who work here, MY MOTHER works here." A dark chuckle fills the air. "Forgot about that didn't you. Yes well, Akko will get the best training she can here. Training from people who aren't scared to use their innate magic and don't rely on machines." Kai runs his free hand down his face. "That was uncalled for I'm sorry. But you do rely too much on your machines. Akko's magic is instinctual, she needs help with that aspect. Perhaps you would be able to assist with the theory, but a proper teacher will be found for her at school." "We can discuss this more when you get here two days from now." Shiro snickers knowing what is coming. "Tomorrow?" Kai looks over at the smug grin on his master's face. "I see, then I suppose it cannot be helped. However, you are not to come to Luna Nova. I will meet you in town. We could catch a late lunch?" Kai blushes and smiles. "I look forward to it. Oh, one more thing, I left a package on my bed could you bring that to me? I have a feeling usagi needs it now more than ever." Kai stops pacing and takes a seat on his couch. "Thank you. I will see you tomorrow. Have a good night Croix." He pulls the small device from his face and snaps it shut before throwing it onto the couch next to him. "Ugh she is such a pain in the ass." He looks over at his master with a pout. "I was never like that was I?"

Shiro snickers to himself before answering. "Of course not," Kai smiles. "You were much worse." Shiro ducks as a pillow flies past his head. "Now Kai, do act your age and not like Atsuko. Speaking of, what time did she mention she was coming around?" Loud pounding on the door was the answer to his question. "Ah nevermind, I do expect that to be her now. She has such a distinct way of announcing her presence." With the flick of his wrist, the door opens.

Akko bounds in and smiles at her family. Taking a good look at Kai, she points at him and directs her question to her father. "What's eating him?" A loud groan and a dramatic plop of his head onto the back of the couch causes her to giggle.

After sending another amused look at his apprentice he focuses on his daughter. "He just finished speaking with Croix."

Akko sits down next to Kai and starts poking his face. "Another lovers tiff niisan? Why don't you just kiss her already?"

Kai swatted her hand away and glared at her. "That joke ceased being funny years ago usagi. Please delight us with new material."

Akko looks up at the ceiling as if in thought then smirks at him. "How about you actually kiss her then? Nothing is standing in your way"

Kai throws his hands up in frustration. "Except for the ghost of a woman, who happens to be YOUR soulmate!" he slaps a hand over his mouth and an overwhelming sadness comes over his face.

Akko reaches over and sets a hand on his cheek. A look of understanding on her face. "Niisan, there is nothing standing in your way. I promise you. What they had is gone." Akko gives him a tiny smile. "Croix just needs closure, and then you can be her knight in shining armor. The next few weeks are going to be hard, for all of us. But I'm here, if you need someone to talk to."

Kai removes his hand from his mouth and takes Akko's hand from his face offering her a sad look. "Thank you, Akko." He stands up and motions to the door. "I am going to get some air. I just need to think." With one last sad look to his adopted family, he walks out the door, closing it softly behind him.

"Atsuko" Akko quickly turns to her father a sheepish look on her face. "While I am grateful to you for making him come to that realization, a little tact next time hm?"

"Yes otosan."

Shiro looks over his daughter and thinks of how far she has come. Pride seeps into his soul at the wonders she has accomplished and the incredible destiny that awaits her. He opens his arms and calls her over. Akko runs and throws herself into her father's arms snuggling into the familiar warm. "So, how has your day been?"

Akko moves her head so that her ear is against her father's heart. "That is a loaded question otosan. Do you mean my day today, or the last 24 hours? Because I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that it has been entirely fu—" A smack to the back of her head causes her to readjust her words. "Foul and confusing. I've had both the best and worst 24 hours of my life." Akko moves her hands so that she can count off her points. "I found the Shiny Rod. I made it to Luna Nova with new friends. I met my soulmate and started the bonding process. I apologized to Diana. Niisan told me he is staying. I got to speak with an ancient spirit. I told Chariot about Kano and performed for her. I found a healing teacher. I got extra protectors for Kano. Oh, and I forced niisan to admit his crush" Holding up her two hands she looked up at her father to see a contemplative look on his face.

"I see. That is quite the day you have had; more good than bad it would seem. Shall we talk about some of them?"

Akko shrugs. "We can if you would like. What are we talking about first?"

"Diana" Akko groans. "So, it is true what Kai said? You were in a relationship with her." Akko nods against her father's chest. "Interesting, and you didn't think to mention this to Kai and myself? Why?" Akko buries her face into her father's chest and mumbles. "I cannot understand a word you are saying."

Akko pulls back completely from her father and sits on the ground in front of him. "I didn't want you telling me I needed to focus on magic and not on a relationship. Diana was only there for two weeks out of the month. I figured you would think I was distracted and forbid her from coming." Akko frowned. "Otosan when did you tell Diana that I had a soulmate?"

"Hmm, it must have been right after Kano came into our lives. Her family has the foremost knowledge on magical bonds. I needed permission from the rightful heir to look at their archives. Diana wanted to know about my research, so I explained it to her then."

"And yet she still fell in love with me?" A hurt look appeared on Akko's face. "How could she love me knowing that I would never be hers?"

Shiro placed a hand on his daughter's head. "You were hers for a time though were you not? Perhaps Diana just wanted anytime with you that she could have. Is that so wrong?"

Akko shook her head and sighed. "No. I guess not. But why would she put herself through that pain for me?"

"Atsuko, no star in the sky shines brighter than you. Being around you brings joy and happiness. It may have been selfish of her, but I cannot find fault in her decision. I only wish that neither of you were hurt in the process of fully understanding your destiny."

"Me too otosan, me too. And thank you. What else would you like to know about?"

Shiro hummed. "Hmm, perhaps your soulmate. I take it you have spoken with her?" An excited yes caused him to chuckle. "And have the talks been fruitful? Though not too fruitful I hope."

Akko looks up at her father offended by his words. "Otosan! Chariot is a lady! She is beautiful, kind, intelligent, brilliant with her magic, and unbelievably patient. There is nothing more I want in this world than to immediately be by her side. But there are still things that we need to discuss. We are taking things slow otosan. I want to know the person behind the Shiny Chariot persona. I want to learn who Chariot Du Nord is. So, I will not rush this. Bond or no bond, I will not rush her."

"I see" Amusement laced Shiro's voice. "Well then, when will she be by for dinner?"

Akko squints up at her father. "Not anytime soon otosan. I'm not letting you break out the baby Akko pictures just yet. There are things about her past that she needs to work through and that we need to work through together. Please allow us that time. I don't want you to think of her as anything less than the spectacular person that she is." Akko leans her head back onto the knee behind her. "Besides, I am not worthy of her. Not yet."

The comforting hand on her head moves to her cheek. Akko meets her father's eyes. "You are not worthy of her Atsuko? I highly doubt that. In fact, she should be honored to have your affections after what she did to you."

"No otosan." Akko grabbed his hand from her cheek and moved so that she could face her father. "Chariot was a girl no older than I am now when she stole my magic. She was young and was being used by a person she trusted. A person who is now a trusted advisor of yours. Do not place the blame on her for Croix's manipulations. Did you try to destroy Croix after she came to you and asked for your forgiveness? No, you put a hand on her head and told her 'What's done is in the past, the only way is forward'. I need you to do that for Chariot too otosan. I need you to be just as forgiving to her as you were to the monster who actually caused me to lose my magic. I need you to accept her for all her flaws and imperfections. I need you…and I need her now too. And I don't want the two most important people of my life to be at war with each other." Akko placed her hands on her father's knees and offered a small bow. "Can you do that for me otosan? Please."

Shiro looks down at his daughter shocked at her conviction. "Atsuko, with a plea like that, how can I resist? I will do as you asked, I owe this much to you and your mate." He places a hand on Akko's shoulder and offers a gentle squeeze. "You have my word Atsuko. And what about this ancient spirit?"

A dopey expression comes over Akko's face. "She has really great magic otosan. Her aura is so pure. It pulls you in and fills you with warmth and goodness." She shakes her head trying to dissipate the remaining energy. "She says she is helping a rare species and that she would need my help in 3 days." Akko falls back onto the ground and frowns. "If it's not one thing then it's another." She groans and runs a hand over her face. "I really hope that school isn't like this all the time. OH! Otosan, Chariot is going to teach me healing! She healed me earlier when niisan made me spill coffee on my lap." Akko gestured down to her thigh then lifted up the edge of her skirt. "Look no scar! That's much better than the grumpy pants could ever manage." Her excitement became shyness. "Besides, I think this will be a good way for us to learn about one another too. Wouldn't you agree otosan?"

Shiro laughed at his daughter's exuberance. "Why yes Atsuko, I could not agree more. How is Kano? I saw that he left in a spectacular flame, was that you?"

Akko stands up and starts moving around limping at first. "Gah, shouldn't sit on the floor for too long. Kano is sleeping. I kind of poured a lot of magic into him earlier, he should be out for the rest of the night. Sucy and Lotte are watching over him. They are going to help me protect him." She stops moving and looks over at her father. "Otosan, you don't think people will try to hurt him do you? It's just that niisan's rumors worked. People think I don't have a lot of magic. I don't want him to be targeted because of me."

Shiro's countenance became contemplative. "I do believe it may be time to let those rumors die Atsuko. You are talented and very capable of holding your own. Let them see and think what you want them to. The people who care about you the most in the world know the truth, now might be the time to show everyone else your success." Shiro gets up and walks to his daughter. He places a kiss on her forehead and looks down at her. "Your future is going to become hard Atsuko. But now, now I leave the decisions of your life in your hands. I will be here to mentor you and when the world gets you down. I will not, however, continue making your decisions. You are more than grown. It's time for you to enjoy your life." He squares his shoulder, and a dangerous aura fills the room. "With regards to Kano, should anything happen to him, it is your duty as both his master and the Kagari heir to protect and avenge him at all costs." He levels Akko with a strong look before relaxing. Shiro watches as his daughter snoops around his apprentice's living space.

"Otosan?" Akko calls from the bedroom area. She comes back into his sight with a handful of books. He raises an eyebrow at her but waits for her to continue. "What do you know about this bond? I mean it's not harmful right? It's kind of like a better, more awesome bond than what Kano and I have or what Chariot and Alcor have right?"

Shiro looks at his daughter confused. "Chariot has a familiar? The navy book in your hands, could you pass it to me?" He grabs the book from Akko and starts flipping through pages. "Hmmm interesting."

Akko walks over to her father and looks over his shoulder. "What's interesting? Also, where did these books come from? I don't remember them from our library."

"These are copies from the Cavendish Manor. Kai always kept them under lock and key. We did not want you to come across them and begin asking questions."

Akko got angry. "You know otosan, a lot of heartbreak could have been spared if you would have been honest with me from the beginning. You always told me about 'my great destiny' but you never mentioned a mate. You never even mentioned why I could feel empty or what was happening to me. Why did you wait so long? Why didn't you trust me enough to tell me?" Akko throws the books on the couch. "You know what? I don't want to know right now. I'm going to go find niisan."

Shiro watched as Akko stormed out of the rooms and slammed the door behind her. "My little Atsuko, I've failed you so much. But no more secrets from now on." Shiro bowed his head back down and continued to read. For the first time in his life, trying to provide her with answers and not keep them from her.

Jennifer Memorial Tree, Greenhouse, Luna Nova

"Stupid otosan." Akko continued storming around with no real destination in mind. "'Atsuko this was in your best interest.' Bunch of bull shit if I ever heard it." She throws up her hands in frustration and stops pacing. "I just wish he would stop treating me like a child"

'But is that not what you are young heir? Are you not a child'

Akko jumps in fright and places her hand over in her in an attempt to calm her heart. A little warning next time! You almost gave me a heart attack. Akko turned to look at the Jennifer tree and shrugged before going to sit on the ground in front of the truck. She leaned her head back and reached out her magic to intertwine with the tree.

'I did reach out my magic young heir. It would appear that you were too distracted to notice. I was not subtle about it. What troubles you young heir? I sense unease.'

I'm not sure you would understand.

'I was a person at one time young heir.' The unamused tone caused Akko to flinch. 'Now tell me, what troubles you?'

My father and brother…he was with me earlier today…well they have been hiding a big secret from me for a long time. I recently found out about it and while I am over the moon about my future, I am still upset that they couldn't trust me with this.

'And this now known secret distresses you?'

Absolutely. Imagine feeling like you are missing a piece of you and thinking that something is wrong with you. That you are doomed to lead an empty life, a lonely life. Only to find out what was missing was a soulmate.

'You have been blessed with a soulmate? Then that is a blessing young heir. And now, how do you feel?'

Happy! But confused. I'm not sure if I am worthy for my mate. What if she doesn't love me? What if she just sees me as a child? What if the bond causes her more pain than happiness? What if…

'Young heir, breathe and relax. A soulmate bond is not one to frown at. It is an ancient magic, much more impressive than that of a spirit encompassed in a tree. Your bond matures as you both mature. The bond has no definition to it until you define it. That means the relationship you develop is based on your emotions. It is not forced by your magical and soul compatibility. And how do you feel about your mate?'

I admire her. She has been my idol for so long. Being next to her makes the emptiness disappear. I feel complete, I feel like I can take on the world. I was attracted to her persona before I met her and now? Now, I see her for the beautiful, intelligent, amazing woman that she is. I've known love before her but all I want now is to know how to love her.

'You are wise beyond your years young heir. How has this come to pass?'

Living a life where every day is full of danger and intrigue. Receiving missions and never having someone stand next to you as you face danger. You learn things about the world. You learn things about yourself, but even still you wish for someone, something to ground you. Mistress, is that too selfish of a wish?

'No young heir, it is n—"

Akko, my name is Akko. Well Kagari Atsuko, but if we are going to be baring our souls to one another, then you can call me Akko.

'Very well Akko, then please call me Jennifer. Your wish is not selfish but defines your humanity. Embrace your opportunity Akko. I am certain you will not regret it.'

Akko's response is interrupted as a hand appears on her shoulder and a gentle shake brings her focus back on the world around her. Her eyes focus on familiar crimson eyes, unimpeded by glasses. "Beautiful" The woman in front of her blushes.

Chariot looks over Akko with concern. "I saw you storming out of the building earlier. It took me awhile to find you, but are you okay Akko?"

Akko shakes her head. "Just family stuff. Are you busy right now? I have someone I want you to meet." Chariot shakes her and she pats the ground next to her waiting for Chariot to take a seat. Mistress Jennifer, would you like to meet my mate?

'It would be my honor Akko'

She gives Chariot a sheepish grin. "Sorry for spacing out, but you will understand in a minute." Akko holds her hand out. "Do you trust me?"

Chariot takes her hand. "Of course, I trust you. What are we doing?" She takes a look around not understanding what Akko is doing.

Akko places her free hand on the trunk over her shoulder. "I am going to introduce you to an ancient spirit." Chariot gasps and glances at the tree behind her. "Now Ms. Du Nord, my name is Professor Kagari and today I will give you your first lesson in projecting your aura to communicate with your surroundings."

Chariot giggles. "Akko, what—"

"Ah, ah it's Professor Kagari" Akko replies with a stern voice.

Chariot rolls her eyes at the girl's antics. "Professor Kagari" came the sarcastic start "how exactly am I going to meet this ancient spirit?"

Akko takes a deep breathe. "Chariot, I need you to close your eyes and picture your magic." She watches as the woman closes her eyes and tenses in concentration. "No Chariot, you have to relax. Trust me and feel your magic. Imagine yourself being surrounded by its warmth and light." She feels the woman relax next to her. "Good, now look at the aura that surrounds your magic. Look at the tendrils as they interact with the different magical aspects that you have. Now, gently imagine one of those tendrils reaching out to the tree trunk" Chariot frowns. "Don't worry, I'll let you know when I see it." Akko monitors Chariot's aura and sees a little vine of magic very slowly extending out to the aura that surrounds the tree trunk. Akko chuckles and Chariot opens one eye to look at her.

"What's so funny?"

Akko squeezes her hand. "Nothing just impressed by your control. Now focus." Both women close their eyes. "Okay the fun part. Project your thoughts towards Mistress Jennifer and let your magic do the rest."

Mistress Jennifer I am back and hopefully brought a visitor as well.

'Oh? It is rare for mages to communicate with me. This is the most excitement I've had in centuries.'

Just think of me as an amplifier for her. Chariot can you hear us?

"Akko? Who are we speaking to?" A melodic chuckle fills Chariot's head.

'My name is Jennifer, young one. Who might I have the pleasure of speaking to?'

"I am Chariot Du Nord, but you might know me as Professor Ursula Callistis"

'Professor! What a pleasure. The only professor who seeks my council is the headmistress.'

Auntie comes to speak with you? That's cool!

'I am intrigued by your familial connections Akko. Your world must be interesting.'

You have no idea Mistress Jennifer. But Chariot is my soulmate. I was hoping you could share with her what you told me a few minutes ago.

'Certainly Akko. Professor, the bond that you and the young heir share is more than special. It is rare and highly coveted my mages around the world. For you to be deemed mates there is a compatibility between both your magic and your soul. Each aspect compliments the other. How the bond manifests is based on the individuals feelings. It will not cause you to feel an emotion you do not already feel. Soulmates can be siblings, friends, or lovers. That choice is made by you, not magic. The young heir tells me that your bond has settled into that of a romantic nature.'

MISTRESS!

'Hush young one. Professor, do not fear this. No momentum will be gained in the bond until you are ready. The bond grows as the two of you grow together. You will not be forced together to consummate your bond.'

Awkward much

'But you will feel as though you are incomplete until such a thing occurs. Know this, there is no rush to complete the bond. Soulmate bonds have many facets to it. Consummation for a romantic bond is only required for final stabilization. Your bond will be as strong as the effort you place into it. Trust your mind, body, soul, magic, and most importantly your mate. I must go now; you have distracted me enough for today young heir. I look forward to your assistance in the near future. Professor, it has been a great pleasure speaking with you, please do not be a stranger.'

Akko felt the magic from the Jennifer Tree disappear from Chariot and her aura. She opened her eyes to see Chariot staring at her. Chariot raised a hand and placed it on Akko's cheek.

"That was incredible. Thank you for sharing that with me." Chariot softly smiles as Akko turns her head to place a kiss in her palm.

Akko turns her head back to face her mate. "No problem. Did Mistress Jennifer answer your questions about the bond? I know you had to have some; I had some as well. Mistress was kind enough to soothe my worries. I wonder if she soothed yours?"

Chariot leans forward and places a tender kiss on Akko's forehead. "I never doubted you Akko, just myself. But it is nice to know that we aren't going to be forced together by this magic. This is a relationship that we will work hard for. But I think we owe it to ourselves to really give it a try. What do you think?"

Akko offers a big smile to her mate. "I think that sounds like a good plan." Akko sits up straighter and looks deep in Chariot's eyes. "Chariot, would you go on a date with me?"

"I'd love to Akko, but how are we going to do this? We don't have the freedom to walk around here. Though I suppose we could go to town for o—"

"NO!" Akko yelled. "I mean, there's no need to go into town. Our date is going to take place here at Luna Nova."

Unease filled Chariot. "Akko, what are you hiding?

"Nothing, nothing at all. Who is hiding something? Not me that's for sure." She nervously chuckles and meets Chariot's unamused look.

"Akko." Chariot crosses her arms over her chest and continues to look at the girl in front of her.

Akko audibly gulps. "Right, so Croix is supposed to be in town in two days. I think she might already be there though. She never stays away from niisan for too long." Akko notices Chariot's shaking. "Chariot, what is it?"

Chariot looks down at the ground. "She's here. She's so close but not far enough away." She abruptly stands and starts walking out of the greenhouse. "I should give her a piece of my mind right now."

Akko gets up and runs in front of her placing her arms on Chariot's shoulders to stop her. "Chariot, wait no." She stops to catch her breath. "I know you are angry but confronting her when you are angry isn't going to make anything better, it will only make things worse. Trust me."

Chariot swats the hands from her shoulders. "Angry? No Akko I'm beyond angry. I trusted her and she used me. I loved her and she threw me aside for her foolish dream. I want her to hurt as much as I have for the last 10 years. I regret meeting her. I regret trusting her. I regret loving her." In her anger she didn't notice how Akko shrank into herself.

"Does that mean you regret me?" Akko quietly interrupts. "Croix's manipulations lead us here to this moment. Does that mean you regret that too?"

"No, Akko I—"

Akko looks up and offers Chariot a sad look. "It's okay. I get it. I'm just a kid anyway, what could I offer to you? You have such a bright future ahead of you, you don't want to be weighed down by a kid. I understand. I'll just go" Akko turns to leave, tears in her eyes, but is stopped by a hand grabbing hers and pulling her into an embrace.

Chariot holds the girl to her, the anger she felt fading into sadness and concern. "Akko listen to me. Really listen. I have hated Croix for 10 years. For all that time, all I've had is my thoughts and bitterness; and when you mentioned her all of that came back. I do not regret you Akko. Not at all. I want to learn everything about you. I want to learn your favorite books, favorite food, favorite color and all of the favorites that make you. I want to laugh next to you as Kano chases Alcor around. I want to be the one to chase away your loneliness like you have already chased away mine." She places a delicate kiss on the head under her chin. "It's only been a day Akko and I already know that losing you would ruin me. I am sorry that my anger made you feel unwanted. You are not a kid Akko. You are a powerful, incredible, and beautiful young woman who is my soulmate, and I am sorry that I made you doubt that, for even a second." Chariot smiles as two lithe arms slowly encompass her waist and gently squeezes.

"I want that too. For the record, my favorite book is anything that relates to magic, favorite food is soba, and my favorite color" Akko tilts back and gives Chariot a meaningful look. "My favorite color is the color of your eyes." Akko smiles at the blush that her comment puts on her mate's face. "By the way, assertive Chariot…super hot. I hope she makes an appearance more often." Akko laughs as the blush deepens.

"I'll see what I can do" Chariot stutters.

"Well since we are getting exes on the table. I have a confession." Akko focuses on the end of Chariot's hair next to her face, noticing that the tips are red and internally swoons. "Um…you see…"

A hand appears under Akko's chin and lifts her head to meet calming eyes. "Whatever it is, we will get through it together."

Akko nods and closes her eyes. "Diana Cavendish is my ex. She knew that I had a mate and still loved me. She taught me that I was worthy of love, but it ended badly. I've already apologized to her and I'm moving on, as is she, but I didn't want to keep that a secret from you." Akko opens her eyes and frowns. "If there is one thing I don't like, it's secrets."

Chariot kisses the head in front of her. "It seems that I owe her a thank you. And you as well, thank you for telling me."

Akko pulls back and smiles up at her mate. "Of course, I want to tell you everything. We have a long time to—" Akko quickly looks to the Jennifer Tree in alarm. "Something is wrong." Akko detangles from Chariot's arms and walks around Chariot pulling her back towards the tree. "Come on, we have to see what's going on." The two women make the short trek back into the center of the greenhouse and Akko notices stones on the ground in front of the Jennifer Tree and Diana waving her wand. Akko drops Chariot's hand and starts running to Diana.

"No don't it's—" She was too late. Diana cast her spell and Akko stopped mid-run to see energy flood the Mistress. Everything is quiet for a second, until Hannah and Barbara congratulate Diana on a job well done. Akko storms over to Diana and grabs her wand from her hand. "What. Have. You. Done?"

Diana's eyes got wide as she took in the fury on Akko's face. "Casting a revitalization spell on the tree. The teachers were talking about it and I thought I could offer assistance."

Akko shoves Diana's wand back in her chest and huffs. "I swear Diana, for as smart as you are, you don't think things through. Mistress was just fine." She turns to eye the tree before focusing back on Diana. "If something happens because of your carelessness, I will not—" Roots spring up from the ground and small pouches appear on them.

Hannah and Barbara yell at the movement and pull out their wands to start firing offensive spells at the pouches. Akko moves to inspect one of the pouches on a root close to her and gasps. She looks over at Diana. "Call off your minions or I shoot them with one of my spells." Akko waves Chariot over to her as moves and Diana yells at Hannah and Barbara to stop. "Professor Callistis, I think these are the Pappiliodya pupae. Can you confirm?"

Chariot nods and looks over the glowing and expanding pouch. An excited gasp escapes her and she smiles at her mate. "Yes Ms Kagari, I think you might be right. How did you identify this?" Amusement is reflected in the eyes in front of her.

"It's on a Shiny Chariot card of course! They only hatch every 100 years and are said to bring good fortune to all who gaze up them." Akko lowers her voice. "Should I say the spell at the bottom of the card?"

Chariot takes a second to think before nodding. "It might be important." She looks at Akko's vest when she notices a bright light coming from a pocket. "My dear," she starts quietly "Your pocket is glowing." And points to the right side of her vest.

Akko looks down and pulls out a small glowing stick. Waving her hand, she restores it to its rightful size and carefully critiques the Shiny Rod. "It's glowing." She looks over at Chariot. "You think this could be the second word?"

Chariot offers an excited smile. "I'm almost sure of it. Why don't you give it a try?"

Akko squares her shoulders and turns to face the Jennifer Tree. She lowers the Shiny Rod until it is parallel with the ground and pointed at the tree trunk in front of her. "Here goes nothing. Papillio Fillio Nymphodya" Akko slightly swings the staff during the announcement of the spell and finishes with the top of the staff pointed directly at the tree trunk. A blast of magical energy is released from the staff and splits to all the pupae. The little pouches swell with energy and split open. Small golden butterflies emerge from the pouches, and the women in the greenhouse look on in awe. They watch as thousands of butterfly tear through the roots and escape from the roof of the greenhouse.

Chariot takes in the sight and explains what she knows loud enough for all to hear. "The Pappiliodya live in roots underground for 120 years, until they become butterfly. It is said that the flutter of their golden wings give hope to all who see it. This is a good omen indeed." Chariot gives Akko a look before nodding to the tree.

Taking the hint, Akko hands Chariot the Shiny Rod and walks to the tree trunk. She closes her eyes and reaches out to the tree's magic. Mistress Jennifer, are you there?

'Akko? What happened?'

The carelessness of a classmate caused the pupae you were protecting to have an early and quite abrupt escape. I do apologize, I was too late to stop them.

'It is okay young heir. No harm has been done. Though, if you can spare it, might you assist me with replenishing my magic?'

Uh…like a healing spell or a revitalization spell? Because I'm not the best with either to be honest. Akko remembers that Chariot is with her. Wait one second.

"Char…I mean Professor, do you think you could lend me some magic? Mistress needs to be healed." Akko gave Chariot a pointed look and then looked over at the trio of girls standing close by.

Chariot walks to Akko then nods. "It would be my pleasure." She lowers her voice before speaking to Akko again. "What does she need?"

"Just a spell to replenish magic. I'm not good with healing yet, but I remembered how awesome you were at it from this morning." A confused look comes over Akko's face. "Wait, just this morning?" She runs a hand over her face. "My life is so complicated."

Chariot laughs as Akko pouts. "I'll assist as best as I can. Will you let me know how she feels after?" Akko nods. "Perfect." The healing spell is at the forefront of her lips before she feels her hand getting lighter. Confused, she looks at Akko, who now has the Shiny Rod in her hands looking sheepish.

"I think we might blow your cover if you did magic holding this" Akko whispers to her.

Chariot sighs and removes her wand from its clip on her hip. "Right, well here goes." She waves her wand. "Guérir." The women watch as the tree goes from looking dry to looking as healthy as a newly sprouted tree. All the roots move to rebury themselves and the disrupted ground moves to look as pristine as it did before the chaos. Chariot nods to herself satisfied by her work. "There that should do."

Akko refocuses on the tree trunk under her hand. Mistress, how do you feel?

'Akko, you must give my thanks to your mate. She has a gift for the healing arts.'

Yeah I know! She healed a burn on my leg and there's no scar. Akko sighs dreamily. Isn't she great?

'Indeed she is young heir, but I do believe that I require some time to fully recuperate. You and your mate have my thanks for your assistance. Take care.'

Good-bye for now Mistress. Rest. Akko steps back from the tree and gives a thumbs up to Chariot. "She's all healed, just needs to rest. She said thank you."

Chariot softly smiles at Akko. "Anything to help." She moves her gaze from her mate and fixes a stern gaze on the trio of witches standing at the northern exit. "Ms. Cavendish, I hope you have learned a valuable lesson here?" Diana nods her head still gazing between the tree and Akko in awe. "Excellent. A witch should never cast a spell without knowing how it affects the object that will receive that magic. We are all lucky that Ms. Kagari was close by and stopped this from becoming a tragedy." Okay laying it on thick Chariot. "Now please, run along and tell the headmistress what happened here while I check on Ms. Kagari for magical depletion." Chariot watches as the three girls quickly turn around and leave the greenhouse before looking back over at her mate. Hearing Akko groan she holds her wand up ready to cast another healing spell.

"No, I'm alright! No magical drain here." Akko tells her noticing the wand movement from before.

Chariot tilts her head in confusion. "Then what was the groan for?"

Akko tilts her head down and starts pressing her index fingers together and shuffling her feet. "I have to come up with a new date idea now." Laughter fills the greenhouse and Akko looks up. Her mate is outright laughing with amusement twinkling in her eyes. Akko smiles then giggles to herself. "Don't worry though. I'll make sure our date is as memorable as today."

Chariot reaches a hand over and takes one of Akko's hands. "I'm sure every day with you will be memorable Akko."

AN: And another down, only forever more to go. Our next chapter, we will see what Croix is up to and have the rather delayed and inevitable showdown between Chariot and Croix. And the first day of classes!

Leave me a review if you want or PM me your thoughts. I'm here for you all too!

Next time: How to sink a ship, part 2