Lessons Learned (ch3)

FOR HIGHER-PLEDGING PATRONS! THANKS SO MUCH!!

I throw in a few little (biased) headcanons into this, I admit. Hopefully you can understand where I'm coming from.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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										Chapter 3. Practice And Understanding

For several weeks after that, Diana and Akko continue to meet with one another in secrecy.

It takes Akko several more days, and many more lectures from Diana, before she's finally able to successfully cast the spell to bring a pebble to life.

The day it finally happens, Akko is so thrilled she once again throws her arms around Diana in an exuberant hug before she can stop herself. Once Diana has shaken her off and recovered, she commends Akko's efforts before declaring her ready for her next lesson.

As the weeks go by, Akko uses whatever she learns in classes during the daytime and then combines that information with the things Diana teaches her afterward.

In this manner, Diana helps her to better understand and cast spells in relation to shape and color alteration of various objects and plants.

By the end of their first week together, Akko can turn a rose's petals blue and bring a rock to life.

By the end of their second week, she can enlarge or shrink that very same rose, and make that very same rock levitate.

The spells that get the biggest and most excited reaction out of her, however, are the transformation magics. She only turned a pencil into a pen, as Diana decreed she must stick to very basic objects with extremely similar forms to begin with. But Akko is so excited by her success that she ends up hugging Diana again.

By the middle of their third week, they've had close to ten private lessons together and have yet to be discovered or suspected. And by this point, Diana is beginning to get used to Akko's surprise hugs.

There is something about their practices that causes them both to anticipate the meetings more than they might've thought they would. When they are alone together, there is much less pressure on them to be perfect.

Akko does not have to cast flawless spells right from the very start. Diana is patient and willing to work with her, to help her view things in a perspective better attributed to Akko's personality and style.

Additionally, Diana does not have to be perfect in her teaching methods or her performance. Akko listens to her and asks questions often, but even when Diana stutters or neglects to answer right away, she never gets upset.

There is a surprising, but very welcome lack of frustration between them. They are content to take things at their own speed, no matter how long it may take.

Diana doesn't give up on Akko, and Akko doesn't give up on herself.

As her knowledge and awareness of magics begin to expand with Diana's assistance, Akko doesn't realize she is teaching Diana as well. She helps Diana see magic in a different, less professional way.

Akko makes magic fun.

When she's with Akko, it doesn't feel like she's doing chores. Even when she really is doing chores.

As Luna Nova's top student, who happens to have certain connections with the school board, it is no secret that Diana is often granted special privileges by the Academy, which include important responsibilities.

The most common task she has to perform is a sort of sentry duty, typically at certain times of night. Being she is extremely responsible and intelligent, she is expected to recognize and report on any abnormalities around the campus after hours.

Since she is granted these tasks, she is officially pardoned from some of her morning classes in order to catch up on her sleep. However, Diana has never once missed a class, regardless, which only serves to heighten her popularity and make her even more deserving of praise amongst the staff.

On top of her usual classes, assignments, projects, and special duties, Diana takes on the challenge of training Akko. Therefore, she won't allow any single task to rise in importance above the others. The only way for her to continue performing her duties as expected and without sacrificing time or resources is to take Akko along sometimes.

Diana can't take her on night watch, a fact that dismays Akko significantly.

But one afternoon, when classes have ended, and they have a meet-up scheduled, Diana surprises her.

"Meet me in the greenhouse," she says privately. "You will be helping me with something important today."

And of course, Akko nearly blurts it out for the whole school to hear.

"Really?!"

"Silence!" Diana hisses, and Akko clams up instantly. With a sigh, Diana continues in a quieter tone. "I have been given an assignment. But judging by the nature of our sessions together, I have determined that you should be able to assist me with this particular task. Will you be able to make it in twenty minutes?"

Akko is almost bursting at the seams in her excitement, but she manages to keep her voice down this time.

"Yeah! I can make it!"

"Your teammates will not be suspicious?"

"Nah! I told them Professor Finneran gave me detention all this week because of the time I mistranslated that spell and accidentally ended up filling the classroom with water."

Diana grimaces as she remembers that particular incident; she'd been the only person quick enough to put up a barrier and prevent herself from getting soaked. But no one else had been that lucky, and they'd all gone back to their dorms sopping wet that evening.

"I see... But did she not truly give you detention for that?"

"Oh yeah, she did!" Akko grinned. "But it was lunchtime detention!"

Diana blinks, then heaves a sigh.

"So then, what is it you plan to tell your teammates tomorrow at lunchtime if they believe you are attending detention in the afternoons?"

Akko's smile falls like an apple from a tree.

"Uuhh... I hadn't really thought about that..." she mumbles. "But I'll think of something! I can worry about that later! In any case, I'll be at the greenhouse to meet you in twenty minutes!" She straightens up and gives a determined salute with a little too much passion, and ends up smacking herself in the eye. "Ow, ow, ow... Ahhh okay, see you, Diana!" Rubbing her eye, Akko turns to head down the hall, but not before bumping into the nearest wall.

Diana shakes her head and watches her go.

"That girl, I swear..."

For now, she heads off to her own dorm room, and finds Hannah and Barbara already inside. They perk up instantly at the sight of her.

"Diana!"

"Are you staying?"

She shakes her head.

"I have some duties to attend to."

She watches their postures slump. Diana offers a small smile and reaches out to pat each of them on the shoulder.

"I do not plan to be long. I will return in time for supper."

"Well, before you leave," Hannah says. "At least sit down for a minute."

"Seriously!" Barbara cries. "You're so busy all the time, Diana! Take a breather."

Diana glances at the clock on the desk and decides she can spare the moment.

So she consents, deposits her book bag, and takes a seat on her bed, while her dedicated teammates prepare a quick cup of tea for her. Diana gives them her thanks before enjoying the warm, soothing flavor.

She savors the calm, quiet moment, suspecting she'll need it, considering how loud and rambunctious the next hour will likely be. Grateful for the temporary tranquility, she finishes her tea and stands from her bed.

"No need to wait for me," she tells her teammates. "Should you be ready for supper, then proceed without me."

"No way!" Hannah cries.

"We'll totally wait for you!" Barbara promises.

Diana can't help but smile to herself.

"I appreciate it. I shall see you both soon."

With that, she dips her head and takes her leave. At the very least, it is nice to know the two of them will always be waiting for her to return.

As she begins down the hallway, Diana refocuses herself on what is to come. She fully believes she will be able to perform her necessary duties for the school, and assist Akko simultaneously. She makes a bit of a blueprint and plan in her mind as she nears the exit doors, and eventually steps outside into the warm afternoon air.

By the time the greenhouse in within her sights, the sun is on its way to set, its golden light splashing onto every enormous glass window of the building to illuminate the plants within.

The entrance doors are usually open and unlocked during the day, but after hours they are locked by the gardener trolls and gremlins. Only the staff and Diana herself have the key cards that will allow them access. Should anyone attempt to force the doors open with magic, an alarm would sound.

Diana checks her pocket to ensure she still has her key card as she finally reaches the doors. She finds herself alone, with Akko yet to arrive. Therefore, she crosses her arms, closes her eyes, and leans back against the glass door to collect herself.

Not a minute later, she hears fumbling footsteps and high-pitched gasps, then looks up to find Akko stumbling toward her.

"S-Sorry!" she wheezes. "D-Didn't mean to keep you waiting! Lotte and Sucy offered to walk with me to detention at Professor Finneran's room and I had to wait for them to leave before I could come here!"

"Do not worry yourself," Diana assures her. "I have only just arrived myself." She moves away from the door, then slips her key card into the slot. "Now then, let us not waste any time."

The green light flickers, and Diana gives a push to the door, hastily ushering for Akko to follow her. Together, they enter the spacious and slightly-humid greenhouse.

Plants of all shapes, sizes, colors, and species surround them in separate plots of soil. Large trees block out the sunlight with their massive green and black leaves in some areas, allowing smaller, pricklier plants that require minimal sunlight to grow in their shadows. Vines twist around the trunks and dangle down, and even some of those produce little yellow or pink flowers.

Some of the plants have teeth, and Diana is sure to avoid that area. When Akko tries to wander there, she grabs her arm and pulls her away. "They have already been fed today," Diana tells her. "But that does not mean they will not take a bite if presented the opportunity."

Akko makes a face and willingly sticks close to Diana after that.

They pass by fragrant flowers with colorful blossoms, and bushels of leaves, and stalks of grasses. Diana offers a comment here or there, informing Akko about the plants' various medicinal values, but also too of their dangers.

"We keep many of these plants because they can produce healing nectar and help produce medicine," she describes. "Others, we keep for teaching and educational purposes. Still others, we keep in order to preserve if a species is endangered. However, some of them are dangerous. Make no mistake about that. There is a reason the greenhouse is off-limits after sundown. Some of the most aggressive carnivorous plants are nocturnal."

"Eeep!" Again, Akko clings to her arm. Diana continues advancing along the paths.

"Do not worry. We will be avoiding those plants. We have almost arrived at our destination."

Just as she says this, a certain tree comes into their sights. Both girls pause to marvel at its twisted trunk and encompassing branches that stretch out over almost the entire perimeter of the building.

The last time Akko saw it, the bark was grey and lifeless, and the leaves were shriveled and thin. But now, it is in full-bloom, looking stronger than ever.

"The Memorial Tree..." she mumbles.

Diana nods.

"Indeed. Ever since you cast the Papilliodya spell on it, the Tree has been healthier than ever. I do not believe I ever commended you for your efforts that day. Nor did I... properly apologize for what happened."

Diana knew this conversation topic would come up this afternoon, and she had been preparing herself for it for days now. Even so, actually saying these things out loud to Akko causes a sense of guilt to rise up in her stomach.

Diana keeps her eyes elsewhere, unsure of how her classmate will react. But it isn't with the anger or accusations Diana had partially been expecting. Rather, Akko merely sighs and smiles up at the Tree.

"It's fine, it's fine! You don't have to apologize, Diana. It wasn't your fault. I'm just glad we could save the Papilliodya and the Tree!"

And her words seem to eliminate the weight on Diana's shoulders within seconds. She lets out a quiet breath and straightens her back once again.

"As am I. Now then, let us be on our way. It is just a bit farther." She continues to avoid eye contact with Akko for another minute or so, until they reach their destination and announces. "Here is where we will begin."

Akko peers over her shoulder and looks at what's beyond.

In front of them is a rather large plot of soil, decorated by tiny white pebbles to indicate the borders. The plants that are growing here are low to the ground and mostly consist of leaves that vary in color. Most of the them are multiple shades of green, but it is clear right from the start that many of them are under attack.

Akko notices right away that there are plump, slug-like creatures clinging to the stalks and leaves of the majority of the plants. The ones they are clinging too are lackluster and ashen.

"Ew..." Taking a step back, she grimaces. "W-What the heck are those things, Diana?"

"Leeches," she answers. "Usually, they cannot manage to get into the greenhouse and bother the plants we keep her. However, I was informed that recently a nest of them hatched on the premises and they have been burrowing in the soil ever since.

"Many of them are drawn to the magical roots and life forces of the plants we keep here, and as such have latched onto them. For now, it appears they are exclusively in this area of the greenhouse. It is our duty to eradicate them before they can cause any more damage."

Akko blinks, trying to take it all in.

"But won't other leeches just follow these guys in from outside, and then we'll have a never-ending problem?"

"The gardeners are doing their best to fill in the tunnels these parasites have made," Diana explains. "Although, considering the pests are numerous and rather small, it may take a week or so for them to be able to locate all of the trails and destroy them. As such, I have been assigned the task of patrolling the greenhouse plants and eliminating any parasite I might find during my sentry hours."

"Hmm..." Akko rubs her chin. "But won't they still get in here during the day, when you're in class and stuff?"

Diana heaves a small sigh.

"Off-duty professors tend to the gardens during the daytime and will take care of the pests then. But after hours, the task falls upon me. Now, while I am glad to find you have plenty of questions, I would like to begin here this evening so I might make it back in time for supper."

"Oh! R-Right! Yeah, let's do this!"

Akko draws her wand in one swift motion and advances toward the plot where the leech-infested plants are. Without even opening her eyes, Diana reaches out to grab her sleeve and hold her back.

"Just a moment. What exactly do you plan to do?"

"What's it look like? I'm gonna get rid of these gross leeches!"

"With what spell?"

"Ah-! ...Oh..." Akko chuckles sheepishly. "Oh yeah. Guess I'll need to learn that first, huh?"

"Indeed." Diana releases her grip and steps forward, drawing her own wand. "Although, perhaps you will find this particular spell familiar. You have seen me use it before." She squares her shoulders, raises her wand, and takes aim at a particular leech. "Murowa!"

In an instant, a flash of green light shoots from the tip of her wand and hits the pest directly. Its slimy body glows a sickening color just as the leech falls off into the soil. As its underside is exposed, Akko can see a round mouth filled with tiny, knifelike teeth, and her stomach churns. Within seconds, the spell takes its effect on the small creature and the body turns to gel.

"Ew..." Akko mumbles again. "Those things are nasty!"

"Wait," Diana hushes her. "Observe the spot where it fell. This is perhaps the most satisfying part of the job."

Curiously, Akko does as instructed and keeps an eye on where the leech disintegrated in the soil. There is still a faint greenish glow in those few inches of the area, and the color begins to spread. It touches the stem of the plant the leech had been attacking previously, and gradually, a healthy green color is restored unto the plant.

Akko's jaw drops a little.

"Whoa... what was that?"

"When the leech is eradicated," Diana explains. "The nutrients it stole from the plant are restored to the soil, and thus returned to the plant. This is, of course, the best-case scenario. However, if too many leeches attack the same plant, or are left unchallenged for too long, they will drain a plant entirely and kill it. It is our task to prevent that from happening."

As she listens to Diana's speech, Akko watches that one plant get its color back. But many of the ones around it are already weighed down by leeches and are turning greyer by the second.

"Th-Then let's do it!" she declares. "Diana, please teach me how to use the spell!"

Satisfied that she now has Akko's undivided attention in this, Diana branches off to explain something else.

"Though it is only a one-word spell, this is destructive magic. It requires a bit more focus on part of the caster than most other spells do."

"Destructive magic...?" Akko parrots. "So is it like a curse or a hex?"

Diana shakes her head.

"Darker, forbidden magics such as curses, hexes, and jinxes are not promoted at Luna Nova, since they are typically used on people and could potentially endanger the wellbeing of the students. Though this spell is not exactly a curse, it is still on the risker side of the spectrum, and must be used with great caution and care.

"However, considering how far you have advanced in your skills over the weeks, I believe you are prepared to practice a spell such as this one. Additionally, there are quite a number of these pests, and I would very much appreciate some assistance in dealing with them."

Akko perks up at the prospect of being able to help, not only the plants and the school, but Diana as well. Sometimes, she forgets that using magic as extensively and dutifully as Diana does actually does take its toll on the caster. Diana just tends to do an excellent job in concealing it.

Now, Akko is motivated even more.

"I'll do it!" she proclaims. "I'll learn that spell and I'll help you get rid of all these gross leech things, Diana!"

The white-haired witch nods in approval.

"I am glad to hear it. Now then, observe how I cast the spell. Should you feel comfortable in trying it out for yourself, let me know and I shall assist you."

With that, she directs her attention to the plants once again. She aims for the one that looks weakest and is in most dire need of saving.

"Murowa!"

Akko takes mental notes of everything. Of the way Diana pronounces the word, of how she's aiming her wand, of her stance and her focus and her posture. She watches once again as a leech falls from its perch on the plant and vanishes into a puddle of green, which the plant eventually takes back for itself.

Satisfied, Diana turns to her next target, gradually making her way along the entire plot of soil as she goes.

"Should you have enough practice," she says. "It is possible to split a spell, so long as you can control each of its branches."

She demonstrates by casting the spell once again, only this time the magic splits into three separate lines as it shoots forward. Three leeches are hit simultaneously, and fall in the same manner.

It happens incredibly quickly, and Akko can tell it takes extreme skill and concentration to be able to split a spell's magical energy into various parts within only a second of the spell being cast.

"Whoa..."

"I shall tend to as many as I can using these methods," Diana informs her. "You focus on keeping the spell aimed at a single target."

Diana proceeds to cast the spell a few more times, never missing her targets, despite how small they are. Akko had seen her hit the Papilliodya chrysalises before, but those had been much larger than these tiny leeches. For Diana to be able to hit them with such precision, without hitting the plants themselves, is impressive indeed.

Akko watches her until she believes she is ready to try for herself. She mimics Diana's stance and draws in a deep breath, then raises her wand. Aiming at a nearby leech, she speaks the word with conviction.

"Murowa!"

But similarly as to when she first cast the animation spell on a pebble, nothing happens.

Diana pauses in what she's doing to come back to her classmate's side.

"Refrain from emitting too much tension," she advises. "If you are too wound-up, your mind will be clouded, which will prevent you from acquiring the desired focus you seek."

Akko cracks open one eye and sighs.

"But I'm just trying to copy you, Diana! How come I can't cast the spell? Did I pronounce it wrong?"

"Not at all," Diana assures her. "Your pronunciation is not the issue in this case. The issue is that you are trying to copy my methods of spellcasting. This particular stance and posture work for me. It is what is most comfortable for me, personally.

"However, I would think you would find comfort in a more relaxed stance. Though just because you are relaxed on the outside, it does not mean you should sacrifice your internal focus." She offers her free hand. "May I?"

Akko blinks, then nods.

"S-Sure..."

Akko's under the impression that Diana intends to take her wand for herself again.

But instead, Diana does something different. She places her hand over Akko's and moves beside her, then gives a slight tug. In this way, she encourages Akko to bend her elbow a little, rather than keep her arm painfully straightened.

"Relax your shoulders," she advises. "My stance is far too professional for someone of your standards to mirror."

She doesn't mean it as an insult, and Akko doesn't take it as one. Diana's right. She was raised entirely differently than Akko was, and as such, has a very different preference of style, in everything from broom riding to spellcasting to handwriting techniques.

Akko does as Diana indicates and relaxes herself, trying to find a position that works for her. Diana keeps her hand on Akko's to steady her aim, waiting for her to get her bearings. Akko lets out a breath, then sticks out her tongue, a trademark signal that she's truly focused on something now.

"All right!" Akko declares. "I think I'm ready!"

"Very well. Do give it a try." Diana releases her hold on Akko's hand and steps back.

Akko puffs out her chest and shouts the spell.

"Murowa!"

But again, nothing happens. Diana instantly tells her why.

"You sound angry," she notes. "Your voice is critical in casting a spell. The force of your tone can determine how far or fast a spell travels. Should you shout or scream, a spell can travel very far very quickly. However, a whisper will allow the spell to remain light and within close range. Do not allow your frustrations to influence your magic or your intentions. Intent is perhaps the most important part of spellcasting."

She waves her hand, indicating Akko should pause in her attempts to listen for a moment. The brunette lowers her wand and does so, knowing Diana must be about to tell her something important.

"Allow me to ask you. What is the first step to successful spellcasting?"

"Uh..." Akko ponders for a moment, putting a finger to her chin. "Pronunciation?"

"That comes later," Diana corrects her. "First of all, you must know which spell you intend to cast. Second, you must understand why you are casting it. That is your intent. Are you casting a spell in order to complete a minor task, such as move an object within a range that is significant to your reach? Or are you attempting to save a person's life? As you can imagine, there is a monumental difference between the two. Once you understand why you are casting a spell, you must determine how to cast it."

"How... You mean like my stance?"

"Not necessarily. What I mean is you must consider the emotions you put behind the spell. Again, consider your intent.

"I trust you remember the last time we were here together? When I had thought those chrysalises were pests, I cast my magic with complete conviction. My intent at the time was to eradicate the pests and restore health to the Memorial Tree. My intentions were good, and my conviction was strong. That is why..."

Here, she pauses, and lowers her gaze. "Though I did end up hitting you with my spell, that was never my intention. I had intended to aim for the pests, with the same good intentions of saving the Tree. That was likely the reason why you were not permanently nor negatively affected by my spell. Since I did not intend to hit you, the spell had less of an effect on you, because you were not my original target."

"Ohh... that makes sense..." Akko mumbled. "I was kinda wondering why it didn't hurt as much as I though it should've."

Though Diana takes no pleasure from recalling the incident, she uses it to help Akko understand the point she is trying to make.

"Yes. Had I been harboring malicious intent, it would have been much more powerful. That is why defensive magic is some of the strongest magic we can produce. Because we fear death, we strive to protect ourselves. When we cast magic out of fear or alarm, it is much stronger than when we might cast it casually, or without dire repercussions."

Akko nods slowly. Diana can tell it's a lot for her to comprehend all at once.

"Bear with me just a while longer," she requests. "Pronunciation and aim are the final steps to successful spellcasting. In order for a spell to be activated, it must obviously have the necessary magical energies summoned when the caster pronounces the spell.

"And finally, aim. It should make sense to you that a spell is most effective when it is aimed at the heart of its target, be it in a literal or figurative sense. Therefore, it is much easier to cast a spell on a smaller object, since the magic will likely encompass the entirety of the object, and thusly, the heart of it. However, enchanting smaller objects requires more focus and precision so the spell does not miss. As with these leeches."

Diana pauses in her speech to cast the spell once more, splitting it into four segments to dissolve four different pests. "Conversely, larger objects require less precision to target, but in order for the spell to be most effective, the heart of the object must be hit."

"Ohh..." Akko mumbles again. "S-So wait a sec. Lemme get this straight. S-Smaller targets need more focus and precision, but less aim, while larger objects need more aim, but less focus and precision to hit?"

"Essentially," Diana nods. "When magic encounters a small object, the entire form is typically enveloped, and thus the 'heart' of the object is struck no matter what. Whereas, a larger object would require only the 'heart' to be stricken in order for the magic to have the most effect.

"When I made an attempt to rejuvenate the Memorial Tree, I utilized magical stones in order to help my magic encompass the entire tree. However, in a normal case, without the usage of stones, where would you presume the 'heart' of a tree to be located?"

Akko puts a hand to her chin and hums, deliberating.

"Hmmm, the trunk?"

"The roots," Diana corrects her again. "Most people would assume the trunk to be the 'heart' of a tree, but in actuality, the base where the roots converge is more accurately considered the center.

"So long as you can accurately identify the heart or center of your target and can properly aim your magic towards it, the spell will have the greatest effect. Cast with conviction and good intentions, and the magic shall be highly effective. Cast in self-defense, and with the desire to survive, it will be twice as strong. Just be certain to cast your spells with a level head. Should you act on impulse, or out of fear, without thinking clearly, the results are much more likely to be haphazard and harmful."

After such a discourse, even Diana is tired of speaking. "Now then, bearing all of that in mind, try once again to cast the spell. Try to understand what you are doing incorrectly and what could use improvements."

Akko narrows her eyes in determination.

"Right! I'll do it!" She tries to relax herself, again, only this time, she tries not to let the pressure of her task influence her spellcasting.

/It's okay,/ Akko tells herself. /This isn't life or death. I'm not gonna be expelled if I mess up. Diana will help me.../

She closes her eyes, breathes in, then reopens her eyes to take aim.

"M...Murowa!"

This time, faint green sparks are produced from her wand, but nothing more. Diana is quick to tell her why.

"Refrain from stuttering. If you are uncertain about your spell, then the magic will not take proper form. Try again."

Akko nods, remembering Diana's previous advice as well. She doesn't need to yell nor can she stutter. So she lowers her voice a bit.

"Murowa..."

This time, nothing happens.

"Too quiet," Diana notes. "Be timid, and your spells will do the same. Once more."

Akko bites her lip, then sticks out her tongue again, tightening her hold on her wand. But when she remembers that she needs to relax, she loosens her posture once more, focusing her gaze on one of the leeches.

/It's killing the plants. Plants that help us make medicine and heal people!/

This time, her voice is strong.

"Murowa!"

And a blast of green shoots forward from her wand.

Akko surprises herself with the spell so much that she gasps and jumps back. This causes the spell to cease before it reaches its target.

"W-Whoa! I almost did it that time!"

"Indeed. But on account of your breaking concentration, you lost it in the end. Give it a few more tries."

Diana leaves her to practice, and begins casting the spell herself, killing the leeches left and right with ease. Akko admires her as she does so.

She keeps trying, focusing on one leech in particular, but for some reason, her spell never quite reaches it.

Several minutes later, Diana has eradicated every visible pest except that one. She can tell Akko is still struggling, and therefore offers her assistance.

Akko lets Diana take control and do as she sees fit.

So the white-haired witch steps close, puts her own wand away at her hip, then reaches for Akko's. She clasps her palm over the brunette's and entwines their fingers together, getting close to her so both their hands support the handle of the wand.

Akko can't help but blush a little as Diana presses close to her, chest to chest, but she can't allow herself to lose focus now.

"Together," Diana murmurs.

Akko gulps, but nods. She matches Diana's breathing, then inhales at the same time as she does.

Likewise, they give the command simultaneously.

"Murowa!"

With Diana's combined energy and skill assisting Akko's, the flash of green shoots forward in a perfectly straight line this time, and hits the last leech directly. It falls off and disintegrates, and the final plant regains its color.

Akko's jaw drops in shock.

"Wow... we did it, Diana!"

"Indeed." Diana releases her hold on Akko's hand, and steps away. "Well done. Though I am sure we have yet to see the last of these pests. There will likely be new ones present by tomorrow. And since you have opted to tell your teammates you are serving detention at this time of evening, you should have no issues meeting with me again tomorrow, isn't that right?"

"Y-Yeah!" Akko chirps. "I can come again tomorrow! I wanna practice more!"

Diana offers a small smile.

"I am certainly glad to hear it. Then this shall conclude our lesson for today. Good work."

She says as much, but Akko's posture slouches.

"Well, I didn't really do anything... It was all you, Diana."

"Nonsense." Diana turns a stern gaze upon her and crosses her hands behind her back; it is how she holds herself when she is absolutely certain about something. "Akko, you have performed impressively well today. Even if you may have needed assistance in casting the spell, your accomplishments were much more intangible than physical.

"You heard me out, did you not? You now know a great deal about the nature of casting spells and how to do so successfully. Retaining and comprehending such information is no simple feat."

Akko looks up at her with furrowed eyebrows, still seeming unconvinced. Diana softens her voice and expression, reaching out to place a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"You have done plenty today, Akko. Do not underrate your accomplishments. What would that Shiny Chariot think?"

She quite literally must have said the magic words, because Akko brightens up, and a smile paints its way across her face in seconds.

"You're right, Diana! Anything is progress!"

"Precisely." Diana withdraws her hand and motions for Akko to follow her. "Now then, let us head back."

"Right!" Akko scampers after her, feeling immensely better about this evening's events already. She sticks close to Diana's side as they make their way back to the greenhouse's entrance. "Heehee, I didn't think you'd mention Chariot to help me feel better, Diana~"

"Are you still gabbing?"

"Nope!"

They soon leave the greenhouse and part ways for the night, fully prepared to meet here once again tomorrow.

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A/N: This is the first time in my LWA fics when I'm focusing mainly on a spell the show itself gave us. Till now, I've just been making up spells/words for the most part, but we know about "murowa" for sure. So I'm trying to use what the show has given us, and also throw in some of my own interpretations.

I hope my (Diana's) lessons on spellcasting aren't too much of a bore. But they aren't there for no reason, I assure you. Though this chapter was probably the most dense with that stuff, so after this you don't have to worry about reading much more of it.