Everlasting (ch12)

2 DAY EARLY RELEASE FOR MY HIGH-PLEDGING PATRONS! THANK YOU!

This is all basically my original stuff, since we never got to see Diana's actual return to Luna Nova, it was just sort of implied/assumed. I had a great time writing this.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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														Chapter 12. Home

It's only a few short hours later when the sun begins to rise.

Diana wakes when the first ray of light slips into the room, but she doesn't have the energy to get out of bed yet. For a time she simply holds Akko close to her, closing her eyes and breathing in her scent that smells like freedom itself.

She wants her to sleep for as long as possible, because Diana is sending her back to Luna Nova today. But Diana herself is going to remain here, so she may oversee things at her family estate, even if it's not as the official head.

She has already deliberated on this matter long and hard.

She had thought she'd resolved herself to this decision.

But now, only minutes after she's woken up, her eyes begin to fill with water at the thought of staying behind. She loves her home and everything her mother and ancestors worked for. But she has come to love Luna Nova and her friends and professors just as dearly. Choosing between them tugs at her heartstrings in the most unbearable way.

She begins to cry softly, but doesn't want to wake Akko because of it. Carefully, Diana slips herself out from beneath Akko's sleeping embrace. Akko unconsciously moans in protest, so Diana pulls the blankets up over her to keep her as comfortable as possible.

With this, Diana begins to go about her room, packing Akko's bag for her.

It feels oddly pleasant in a way, for her to be going around her own room with quiet footsteps, trying not to wake someone else who is still asleep in her bed.

It's something Diana's never experienced before. But some part of her believes she might one day be able to grow accustomed to such a thing.

Once she has finished packing Akko's belongings for her, Diana retreats to the bed and sits on the edge. Akko is breathing softly, her hair a little frazzled from sleep, but it's the quietest and most peaceful Diana's ever seen her. She strokes her fingers gently through Akko's messy hair, tracing them across her cheeks. When she speaks her voice is nothing more than a whisper.

"Thank you, Akko. For all you have done for me." Leaning herself forward, Diana kisses the girl's forehead.

Then, as quietly as she can, she slips away into the bathroom to prepare herself for the day ahead.

. . .

When Akko finally opens her eyes, the entire bedroom is flooded with sunlight. But before she can wonder what time it is, her mind is filled with a much more prominent question.

"Diana?"

The bed is still warm, but only from Akko's own impression. She pushes herself up and scans the room, but Diana is nowhere to be found.

Staggering out of bed, Akko puts in her best effort to make it neat again before turning around to find her bags fully packed. But it doesn't seem Diana has packed any bags for herself. Akko grits her teeth.

"You're coming back with me. You have to..."

She wipes her arm across her face before digging out her clothes and changing as quickly as she can. She hurries out of the room, searching for Diana, knowing she must be here somewhere.

It takes her some time to scour the mansion, but she finally finds her outside on the balcony, a blue shawl pulled over her shoulders. She's staring out over the Cavendish estate, lost in thought.

Akko is about to call for her and charge her way over when she realizes Diana isn't alone. All of the remaining loyal maids and servants are standing a few yards behind her.

Akko clamps her mouth shut from her standpoint at the last second so she won't interfere.

Diana's shoulders are slumped, and her head hangs low in defeat, in shame of herself for being unable to complete the ritual in time. Akko is itching to go to her, but she holds herself back when Anna steps forward, holding out a white jewelry box Akko remembers seeing in Diana's bedroom. She can't hear everything, but she can pick up on a few important pieces.

"I must also suggest you return to Luna Nova..."

Akko's heart lifts in excitement, but she watches Diana's reaction closely.

Anna speaks too quietly and privately for Akko to hear anything after that. But she doesn't need to hear her words in order to know Diana's answer.

Her shoulders begin to tremble as she accepts the white box, and she bows her head, hiding her expression behind her hair.

Akko has never seen this side of Diana in front of others before. Only when they were alone together. But nonetheless, she knows Diana has consented to Anna's terms.

/She's coming back!/

Akko can't stop the rush of emotion that gushes up through her chest like a fountain. She clasps her hands together, her smile wobbling on her lips as she observes the touching scene before her eyes. But she feels she's eavesdropped enough on this private moment, so she steps back and turns away.

A short while after that, Diana and the others make their way off the balcony. The chefs and maids invite Akko inside to join them for breakfast before seeing her off. Diana catches her eye from afar, and Akko can see right away she's embarrassed in knowing Akko saw her crying in front of everyone. Diana hides her face and hurries back inside to change her clothes and pack a bag for herself as well.

The next time Akko sees her it's at breakfast, and she's dressed once more in her Luna Nova uniform. Akko can't stop herself from pulling Diana into a gleeful hug before they take their seats.

Before she knows it they are outside once more, saying their farewells. To Akko's surprise, even Diana's aunt and cousins are in the back of the crowd.

Diana mounts her broom and Akko gets into place behind her. They lift off, and Akko waves down at the others as she enjoys her last view of the astounding Cavendish estate from the air.

The wind picks up as they take off, leaving the property behind.

For a time, they fly in silence. Akko simply hugs herself as close to Diana's back as possible, remembering last night and how much more intense their flight had been. She rests her cheek against Diana's shoulder and takes in the scenery as they fly.

Diana has barely spoken a word to her all morning, but Akko knows it's because she's so lost in thought. So much has happened to her in only a few days, and Akko can't blame her for being a bit overwhelmed by it all. Diana may come from a family of healers, but Akko knows she'll have to do her part in helping Diana recover.

However, Diana had made it very clear that she did not regret what she had done in saving her aunt and cousins. There had been no hesitation in her heart or her actions at the time, and there was no lingering regret now. What is left now is simply a heavy sense of melancholy.

Akko doesn't know where the thought comes from, but she compares Diana to a chrysalis. She'd thought she could spread her wings as a butterfly at last, but in the end she had realized she'd have to wait a while longer.

/That's okay. It'll only mean she's even stronger when the time comes./

Akko leans her chest against Diana's back, snuggling into her hair and clothes. To avoid the risk of Diana getting dragged down by too many thoughts, Akko finally decides to break the silence as casually as possible.

"Ahh~ I'm so glad I got you to give me a lift home."

It takes a moment, but eventually Akko feels her girlfriend sigh before turning to glance back over her shoulder.

"Of course. Unless you would rather have traveled on-foot."

"N-No! No thank you..."

Diana chuckles lightly to herself.

"Akko."

"Hm? What's up?"

Diana clears her throat and continues looking ahead.

"There is one thing I cannot leave unsaid without your hearing it."

"Eh? What now? Did I mess something up? I didn't, did I?"

Again, Diana heaves a sigh.

"I must say... I am very grateful for what you did. Had you not come after me... not only would I have failed to complete the ritual anyway, but I never would have been able to return to Luna Nova. I would not have had sufficient reason to remain home or return to school. Had you not come after me... I am uncertain about what I would have done. I would have been unable to-"

"It's okay!" Akko desperately cuts her off, hugging Diana tighter. "You don't have to think about that, Diana! It didn't come to that, so don't worry about it!"

It's this that makes Diana realize she'd been entertaining some rather troubling thoughts, and in doing so she'd upset her girlfriend. She turns back briefly in order to rest her forehead against Akko's.

"I apologize."

But Akko shakes her head.

"No. It's okay. That didn't happen, so we don't have to worry about it. You can go back home to complete the ritual in a few more years, after you graduate. But for now you're coming back to Luna Nova with me and that's all that matters. I don't know what I would've done without you..."

With a small smile, Diana turns Akko's words back to her.

"You do not have to think about that."

Akko lets out a long breath.

"Yeah."

Another moment of silence falls. Diana turns back around as they near the location of the leyline and enter through it.

It's only moments after that when they are on the other side, with Luna Nova in the distance.

With their troubles behind them, Akko feels a bubble of her mischievous streak returning.

"Hey, Diana, are you blushing?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"You've gotta be! I can feel your heart beating super fast! Even though we've been together for this long, you're still getting flustered by riding together?"

"Absolutely not!"

"Then why won't you look back at me, huh? You're blushing, aren't you?"

"Akko, I will drop you!"

By the time they come down for their landing, they are still bickering. However, Diana doubtlessly crowns herself the victor as she silences Akko with a quick kiss before heading inside. Akko grins and skips after her.

It is about lunch hour at the time, and the hallways are empty. Diana makes her way toward the Headmistress' office while Akko scampers behind her. She can't wait to see the looks on everyone's faces when they see Diana's come back.

But for the time being, Akko keeps herself quiet as Diana knocks on Headmistress Holbrooke's door. She doesn't announce herself, but the headmistress permits entry nonetheless.

"Do come in."

Diana has to admit she's missed the sound of her headmistress' sweet old voice, even though it's only been two days since she'd left. But she won't allow herself to get sentimental and puts on her usual air of professionalism before entering. Akko follows.

Headmistress Holbrooke isn't alone in her office. Several other professors, including Professor Finneran are present. Needless to say, all of them are astonished to see their visitor.

"Diana!"

"You've returned!"

"How wonderful!"

Diana dips her head respectfully as she enters, while Akko stands near the door absolutely bursting with pride. Diana addresses the older witches calmly.

"I deeply apologize for causing all of this confusion. To have departed only two nights ago, and now to have returned unannounced..."

"Think nothing of it," Holbrooke grins. "We are simply glad to have you back with us, Diana. Luna Nova welcomes you back with open arms."

The other professors agree.

Akko can see Diana's smile for herself, her eyes filling with tears. But she hides them by quickly bowing her head.

"Thank you very much."

The older witches all wipe a few tears away as well.

Diana then goes into brief detail about her family's situation and what had occurred back at the Cavendish estate. But she keeps things extremely short, and Akko notes she neglects to take credit for any of her selfless actions.

"I was unable to complete the ritual in time," Diana confesses. "As such, I have no reason to remain at the Cavendish estate until the next opportunity arises."

Holbrooke dips her head.

"I see. I am certain you did everything within your power, Diana. Take pride in your efforts. And when the time arises once again, after you have continued to grow into a fine young witch, go back and complete the ritual."

Diana's eyes are fierce, and her voice matches.

"Yes, ma'am!"

With this, Akko watches her headmistress look away from Diana and set her eyes on her instead.

"Miss Kagari?"

"Y-Yes?!" Stiffly, Akko makes her way over to stand beside Diana, her teeth digging into her bottom lip. Holbrooke contemplates out loud.

"Once again, you left Luna Nova's campus without concrete permission. Professor Ursula may have approved, but I myself did not. You will have to be punished accordingly."

Akko releases a huge sigh and bows her head.

"Yes, ma'am..."

But Holbrooke and the other professors share knowing little looks. Diana smiles as she takes her cue to speak up.

"Headmistress? Being that Akko assisted me immensely and played a substantial part in allowing me to return, I request a reduction of her punishment if possible."

"Eh?" Akko's posture shoots up again as she looks from her girlfriend to the headmistress.

"I would have to agree," Holbrooke declares. "Miss Kagari. You will serve three days' worth of cleaning duties in the cafeteria. Nothing more."

Akko's face lights up, her eyes wide and shining.

"Yes, ma'am!"

And just for a second, she forgets she's supposed to keep up her act with Diana now that they are back. Akko throws her arms around her girlfriend and squeals. Diana turns cherry-red in a split second and hastily paws her off. The older witches sigh, but continue to smile.

"Now then," Holbrooke continues. "If the two of you hurry, you should be able to join your classmates for lunch. I am certain they will all be very happy to see you."

"Right!" Akko pipes. "Thank you, Headmistress! Come on Diana, let's go!"

"A-Akko, hold on just a-"

"Come on~! Everyone's gonna be so surprised!"

Akko grabs her hand and begins pulling her toward the door. Diana barely has enough time to pick up her broom and her bag on the way out.

She has no choice but to follow Akko, her face still entirely red as they leave behind the room of smiling professors. Diana makes a few more feeble attempts at protest, but Akko won't hear any of it.

"This is so exciting! The entire school is gonna be so happy to have you back!"

Diana trains her eyes on the ground.

"Somehow I find that doubtful..."

To her surprise, Akko pauses and whirls around.

"What do you mean? Of course everyone will be happy you're back!"

"Akko-"

"I'll prove it, Diana!"

With a new fire in her stomach, Akko guides Diana the rest of the way to the cafeteria, keeping behind the doors for the moment as she drops her luggage and urges Diana to do the same.

"You're gonna need both arms free!" she whispers. With this, Akko gives a tug to her girlfriend's wrist and pulls her into plain sight. Then, with all the breath in her lungs, Akko calls out in a voice louder than all the noise in the cafeteria. "We're back!"

Diana flinches as the words fill the air, causing all of their classmates to fall silent. One by one, heads begin to turn, eyes begin to widen, and smiles begin to spread across their faces.

"What?"

"No way!"

"Diana's back!"

A dozen or so witches drop whatever they're holding or push up from their seats to hurry over, squealing and crying out in delight as they crowd around their two classmates.

"Diana! We're so glad!"

"Is that why Akko was absent today? She went to get her?"

"Thank goodness!"

"Welcome back!"

Diana was hardly given a second to prepare herself before Akko had made the announcement to the entire school. But her classmates have all reacted so quickly that she still barely has a chance to compose herself.

Akko's still holding firmly to her hand, grinning and basking in the attention. But she pulls Diana a step forward, flashing her an encouraging look.

/Go on. It's you they're excited to see./

Diana's heart is thumping, but the sense of anxiety that had previously been filling her chest begins to melt away as she looks over the faces of her classmates.

Akko spots Lotte and Sucy still seated at a table not far away, respectively clapping and nodding approval. Behind them is Professor Ursula, who is removing her glasses to wipe her eyes.

But out of all the commotion in the room, nothing bests the reactions of Diana's teammates.

Hannah and Barbara nearly fall over out of their seats when they hear the news and see the crowds gathering. With their legs shaking and tears already streaming down their faces, they cling to one another as they half-run, half-stumble their way through the crowds.

"D-Diana?"

"Diana!"

And naturally, Diana is inclined to hear their voices above most others. She turns to them just as they push through the crowds and freeze, their eyes wide in disbelief, as though they are looking at a fairy or apparition of sorts.

The first words Diana says to her classmates upon her return, she says to these two.

"Hannah, Barbara... I have returned."

And they burst into tears, sobbing and caterwauling as they throw their arms around her, knocking her lightly to the floor.

"Welcome hooome!"

Diana can't even spare the second to be flustered about being tackled and bowled over in front of the entire school. Everyone around them is smiling and crying happily, and a few even applaud their reunion.

But no one is grinning as widely as Akko.

She flashes Diana a quick wink over her shoulder before trying to gain everyone else's attention.

"All right people, let's give her some space!"

From there everyone starts dispersing a bit, though they all only talk about Akko and Diana's return.

As they all leave her be for now, Diana ensures she gives Hannah and Barbara the attention they deserve. They're both still clinging tightly to her and crying harder than they've ever cried before, which is saying quite a bit. The raw emotion wafting off of them is palpable.

"W-We missed you so much!"

"We were s-so worried!"

"Thank goodness you're back!"

"Dianaaa!"

Diana's eyes begin to water and her heart begins to throb. She wraps an arm around each of them and pulls them close. Closing her eyes, a single tear falls onto each of their shoulders.

"Hannah... Barbara... I am home..."

And she is.

She hadn't realized up until now that the Cavendish estate wasn't exclusive in that regard. Luna Nova is her home as well.

Diana doesn't care about the fact that they're huddled on the cafeteria floor in a sobbing heap of skirts and hair. She holds them both as tightly as they're holding her, with equal desperation. It only feels right, after all.

But she can't allow things to end like this without seeking out Akko one more time.

It isn't difficult to meet her eyes, still shining with relief and joy. Diana offers a heartfelt smile to her and dips her head. She doesn't need to say it in order for Akko to understand her message.

/Thank you./

Akko presents her with a beaming smile in response.

Diana is home.

And the only time she'll be leaving from now on is with all the rest of them at graduation.

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A/N: A bit of a smaller chapter in comparison, but I felt Diana's return home and reunion with Hannah and Barbara deserved its own scene. I'm still sad we never got to see it in the show. I wanted to see everyone welcome her back ;w;