Everlasting (ch14)

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

As I mentioned in the previous chapter, I'll be mainly following Diana's point of view for the majority of the rest of the fic, at least during scenes when they are separated. I feel it makes sense since we all know what Akko did because the show itself followed her.

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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											  Chapter 13. Reassurance And Relief

After several days or so, the chatter around the school about Diana's return has died down for the most part.

Things go back to the way they'd once been, with Diana answering just about every question in just about every class, her confident voice filling every room when she speaks.

And everyone is glad to have her back.

"Yeah, even me," Amanda had told Akko a few days earlier. "Cuz the day she wasn't here, no one was answering questions in class and Professor Badcock called on me!"

Akko had laughed. But she knew that Amanda and her friends had missed Diana to some degree, too. Everyone had. Luna Nova just hadn't felt complete without her.

A lot of people came to Akko asking about what had happened, but she kept it all to a bare minimum to preserve Diana's privacy. While it was inevitable to reveal that Diana hadn't been able to complete the ritual, Akko covered up the disappointment of that tidbit with more exciting details.

"But you should've been there to see her! Diana was so amazing!"

She has to catch herself, though. Because she doesn't want to sing praises too highly of Diana, lest people start believing she is acting more affectionate than a normal classmate should be.

/That's right. I have to go back to putting on the act.../

Akko knows she'll have a bit of trouble with that, especially after getting to spend actual alone time with Diana without filters or fabrication. But they still aren't ready to tell the whole world about them yet.

While Akko spends the next several days entertaining questions about her journey to bring Diana back, Diana herself is getting asked only a fraction of those questions. Everyone seems to know they'll get more information out of Akko than out of Diana, due to Diana's tendency to be excessively private, especially on personal matters.

But of course, there are two people she tells everything to.

Hannah and Barbara hadn't let go of her for a long time on her first night back. They'd sat on either side of her on the couch, clinging to her and listening as she relayed the events of what had happened back at the estate.

They'd expressed anger at Diana's aunt for interfering, but more surprisingly than that, they'd expressed relief for Akko's actions. And they'd cried in regret to know Diana had been unable to complete the ritual, but they'd cried in relief just to have her back.

They'd hugged her extra tightly that night before retreating to their respective beds, and the following morning they'd gleefully hugged her all over again, overjoyed to see it hadn't all just been a dream.

Every day since her return, Hannah and Barbara had begun each morning by timidly hugging their best friend. Diana accepted every embrace with a smile.

This morning is no different as they prepare for their classes. Hannah and Barbara hug her softly, sighing. Diana closes her eyes to enjoy the contact.

"I must offer you girls my thanks once again," she murmurs. "For welcoming me back."

"Of course!" Barbara says. "We missed you so much, Diana!"

"We kinda realized..." Hannah mumbles. "We should've been doing this all along. Y'know, letting you know we'd miss you if you left."

"I very much appreciate the notion," Diana says. "Believe me, leaving was no simple task on my part. In any case, let us prepare for classes."

When the three of them part, Diana overhears them discussing that they'd like to talk to Akko. Diana cautiously inquires as to why.

"We just wanna thank her," Hannah explains.

"For bringing you back," Barbara finishes.

Diana feels a flutter in her chest.

Quite literally since day one, there has been only animosity between Akko and these two. Diana regrets having done little to dissuade them from harassing her further in the past.

So now, to hear them expressing genuine interest in thanking Akko for what she'd done, Diana can't help but smile.

The three girls gather their supplies and head out for their morning classes.

. . .

Ultimately, it is thanks to Hannah and Barbara that Diana finds out about Akko's current research.

Now that she's brought Diana back, Akko is diligently refocusing herself on finding the next Word. However, through her own research, Diana knows the sixth Word is tied to the ancient tree Wagandea.

Though she longs to assist Akko in her pursuit of the Words, Diana sticks to her instincts that only the witch chosen specifically by the Shiny Rod can revive them. As much as it pains her to remain majorly uninvolved, she is well-aware this is Akko's destiny, not her own.

She finds Akko's team in one of the smaller common rooms, sitting at a table with teacups in front of them, Akko's being entirely untouched. Diana approaches quietly, putting up her usual front as she begins to comprehend their voices.

"Don't you know how strong my luck is?" Akko is saying with a pout. "I'm guaranteed to always pick the short straw!"

"Not sure you should be proud about that," Sucy mutters. Akko crosses her arms.

"It's better to regret something you have done than something you haven't. Sometimes you just gotta be brave and step up!" Akko unknowingly presents Diana with the perfect place to slip into the conversation.

"There is a fine line between bravery and recklessness."

Akko turns in surprise, a smile almost forming on her lips before she catches herself. Instead, she puts on an unimpressed appearance to show in front of her teammates. Diana inclines her chin just an inch and continues.

"Witches deluged by Wagandea's pollen lose their ability to use magic as well as the power to ever fly again. Although your inability to fly remains a mystery to this day..."

Just for a second, she allows her lips to curl up ever so slightly.

"...if you continue practicing, you may still learn how to do it eventually."

Akko perks up, and it isn't just an act this time. She knows Diana is truly trying to encourage her in her skills. But of course, she understands that means she's trying to dissuade her from going to Wagandea.

Diana makes herself perfectly clear on the matter.

"You do not wish to lose even that possibility, do you? It is in your best interest to heed Professor Ursula's warning."

She lingers only for a second, boring her gaze down into Akko's. Her eyes relay the message hidden by her words:

/Please refrain from going. It is not safe./

Akko knows right away just how worried Diana is for her. But before anything else can be said, Diana turns and takes her leave, not staying a second too long.

Akko watches her go. From beside her, Lotte clears her throat.

"Her words were as harsh as ever, but I do get the feeling that she was sincerely concerned for you."

Akko holds back a small sigh, biting her lower lip.

/Yeah. I know she is... But I've gotta revive the sixth Word, and climbing Wagandea seems to be the way to do it. Sorry, Diana. But I have to do this.../

She's made up her mind, and no one is going to change it for her. Not her teammates, not Professor Ursula, not even Diana.

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It's only one day later when Diana catches sight of Lotte and Sucy across the library.

Without Akko.

Almost instantly, a heavy sinking feeling settles in the pit of Diana's stomach.

/No... she mustn't have.../

Diana edges closer until she can hear their voices.

"I can't believe Akko went to Wagandea anyway," Lotte sighs. "It's in Arcturus after all. I hope she's okay..."

"Professor Croix is with her," Sucy shrugs. "She'll be fine. Probably."

"I hope so..."

A ripple of dread tears through Diana's chest. She turns away and hastily makes her way out of the library, heading back to her room.

She doesn't like this. Not one bit.

She's never been fond of Professor Croix, but to think she's alone with Akko in a forbidden magical forest makes her nauseous with worry. Diana can only pray the blossoms of the tree aren't near opening.

/It can't... That absolutely cannot happen.../

Sick with concern, she shuts herself in her room for the remainder of the evening, reading every book she has on the ancient tree, trying to calculate a timeline for when its pollen might be released in relation to the current day and season.

In the end, she can't come to a surefire answer. She just has to hope.

She sits there at her desk all night long, keeping an eye on the window, trying to glimpse the glow of a leyline, hoping she might see Akko's return.

But after several arduous, stressful hours, her body shuts down on her against her will. Diana slumps over her desk and loses hold of her conscious.

. . .

When she next wakes it's with a start. Sunlight is already filling the room.

Diana isn't sure how long she'd been asleep for, but she already has a terrible anxious feeling in the bottom of her stomach.

Pushing herself up from the desk, she begins to stagger across the room long before her body is ready to move. She only spares a moment in the bathroom to freshen herself up a bit since she'd fallen asleep in her uniform last night. But she doesn't bother to brush her hair or reel in the unease she's feeling.

She leaves Hannah and Barbara sleeping in the room and begins making her way down the hallway toward Akko's room. However, as she goes she attempts to calm herself, taking several deep breaths and straightening her posture.

She cannot allow herself to look flustered or particularly worried in front of Lotte and Sucy. She must maintain control of her emotions.

By the time she reaches the designated door, Diana pauses for a moment to collect herself. She clears her throat, ensuring it will be steady, straightens her posture, then knocks.

"Pardon the early interruption. It is Diana."

She folds her hands behind her back in her usual stance and waits. There's a bit of muffled noise from the other side, and Lotte's surprised mumble of her name. She is the one who opens the door, still dressed in her sleep clothes.

"Diana?"

"My apologies for waking you," she says. "It has simply come to my attention that Akko decided to visit Wagandea despite the warnings. Since it is my responsibility to check on the health of the students, I was wondering if she was available."

She can hear a mumble of Sucy's voice from inside.

"Since when is it your responsibility to check on everyone's health? I don't remember that."

"Hey, Sucy!" Lotte turns back and hisses over her shoulder before refacing Diana, heaving a sigh. "You're right that she really did go to Wagandea. Professor Ursula brought her back last night. Akko isn't here though. She's resting in the infirmary."

Diana feels as though she's just swallowed poison. She tries her best not to let it show, but she isn't sure how good of a job she's doing.

"The infirmary? You mean to say-"

"Professor Ursula said she doesn't think Akko was affected by the pollen," Lotte says quickly. "But either way, she didn't want to take any risks."

The suffocating tightness in Diana's chest unravels just a little bit.

"I... I see... In any case, I hope she recovers quickly."

"Yeah. Us, too. Thanks for checking in on her, Diana."

Diana dips her head, apologizes once more for disturbing them, and then turns away. She sets a brisk pace for the infirmary, her pulse already filling her body. It's difficult for her to swallow, and she truly feels she might be ill.

She has to compose herself once again when she finally reaches her destination. The nurse is already there, and Diana knows it is because she never left if she had a patient overnight.

Diana dips her head in greeting and immediately asks for Akko. The woman indicates a curtained-off section of the room where she is resting.

"Thank you very much."

Diana is about to make her way there when the nurse calls out for her.

"Miss Cavendish. Are you certain you don't need me to look over you as well?"

Diana flinches ever so slightly, but shakes her head.

"That will not be necessary."

The nurse concedes, then goes back to her paperwork.

When Diana turns, she is shocked to find Professor Ursula sitting up, asleep on a cushioned bench nearby. A quilt has been laid over her. Diana knows she must've stayed here all night in order to keep an eye on Akko.

/Thank you, Diana tells her silently. But I will watch over her for now./

Diana quietly enters the wider section of the room where several empty beds are located. She heads toward the one that is surrounded by curtains.

The early-morning sunlight turns the white sheets, walls, floor and ceiling golden, projecting a sense of warmth and tranquility. Cautiously, Diana pulls the curtain aside and takes in the sight before her.

Akko is lying quietly on her back beneath the blankets, breathing softly, clearly in a very deep sleep. Her shoes sit on the floor at the edge of the bed, along with the Shiny Rod.

She's so still, more than Diana's ever seen her before. It almost seems wrong for Akko to be this way. It's nearly unsettling.

Keeping her movements slow and quiet, Diana steps close to the bed. She pulls up a cushioned stool and sits down as close to Akko as possible.

Her heart is still throbbing with worry. She reaches out for Akko's hand lying limply at her side atop the sheets. Diana rests her palm over the back of Akko's hand and closes her eyes, concentrating.

Akko's never had a lot of magical energy to begin with, but from what Diana can perceive, what she has now is nothing less than what she usually has.

Only now can she breathe a sigh of relief.

/Thank goodness she did not lose it.../

Diana keeps her hand over Akko's, stroking her thumb softly over the girl's knuckles. She looks to her peaceful sleeping expression.

Part of Diana wishes she'll continue to rest. But the other part wants so desperately for her to wake.

She can't stop the first of the tears from slipping down her cheek, and after that, the rest of them just come spilling out. She puts her free hand to her mouth as not to make too much noise, but eventually her own fatigue overwhelms her.

Diana leans down and folds her arms on the mattress beside Akko, squeezing a little more tightly to her hand. She buries her face in her elbow and weeps quietly.

Her mind slips in and out of consciousness for a while after that. She isn't quite sure for how long it goes on, but more and more sunlight keeps filling the room. She presses her lips over the back of Akko's hand, and two more tears drip down onto her skin.

"I am so sorry..."

She longs to say more. So much more.

But to her astonishment, Akko begins to shift beneath her touch. Her hand twitches a little, and her head turns to one side. A small, tired sound comes up from the back of her throat.

"Mmnh..."

With a gasp Diana straightens her posture, but doesn't even bother to make an effort at cleaning off her face. Her eyes stay trained on Akko's closed ones, willing her to open them. She squeezes her hand again, then uses her free hand to reach out.

Diana brushes her fingers against Akko's cheek, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear. Akko stirs and moans again as her eyelids begin to flutter. Diana holds her breath as they finally open.

The chestnut inside is glazed over for a moment as Akko gets her bearings, registering where she is and what had happened. Her eyes flicker around the room, but it doesn't take long for them to meet the blue of her girlfriend's. Diana lets out a breath she hadn't been aware she'd been holding.

"Akko..." She blinks and more tears fall onto the bedsheets.

Akko's eyes widen as far as they can go, her rasp of a voice bubbling up.

"D-Diana...?"

She makes an effort to push herself up with her free hand, squeezing Diana's with the other. There's a soreness all throughout her body, and she remembers the crash landing she'd suffered with Professor Ursula.

Diana quickly reaches out to support her back, allowing Akko to rest her weight against the crook of her elbow. Akko flinches a little, but immediately returns her attention to her girlfriend.

"W-What's the matter? Why are you crying?"

Diana makes her expression as stern as it can get, given the situation.

"Why do you think? Because you went off to Wagandea despite the warnings. Because you could have lost your magic abilities entirely. Because you could have gotten hurt. Because I was worried, Akko..."

The brunette bites her lip a bit.

"Oh yeah. Guess I should've been able to figure that out..."

Diana scrunches her nose up a little, but she's glad that Akko seems to be her usual self. Shifting her arms, she pulls her into an embrace, concealing her tearstained face in Akko's shoulder.

"You fool... how could you have done something so reckless? Perhaps you always do this kind of thing and I should hardly be surprised, but... this was much more serious, Akko..."

And Akko doesn't try to play it off with a chuckle this time. She heaves a sigh and slowly wraps her arms around Diana's back.

"I know... A lot of stuff... happened at Wagandea... I said some horrible things to Professor Ursula, but she still saved me anyway... I didn't make it to the top of Wagandea, but I... I managed to revive the sixth Word-"

"Akko..." Diana tightens her hold on her. "All of that hardly matters... The most important thing is that you are all right. You did not lose you magic..."

Akko tightens her hold on Diana too.

"Yeah. I'm okay, Diana. So you don't have to cry."

"You fool," she whispers. "As though I can control it..."

Her words are a little harsh, but there's no energy in them. Akko knows Diana is merely putting up a front as best she can to combat the tears. But they overwhelm her anyway, and she cries softly into Akko's shoulder, more relieved now than anything.

Akko keeps her close, closing her eyes and relishing the feeling of her proximity. She'd seen the dark circles under Diana's eyes, and the distress inside them. She can even feel how hard her heart is beating due to how worried she'd been. Akko knows she probably didn't sleep at all last night of her own volition. She heaves a little sigh.

"You really worried yourself sick because of me. Diana, I'm s-"

"I am so sorry, Akko..."

"...Huh?" Akko cuts off what she'd been saying and pulls back a little, seeking Diana's eyes. "Why are you apologizing?"

Diana wipes her eyes, but doesn't lift her head.

"Because... I should have gone after you. I know you well enough. I should have kept an eye on you. I should have known you would go to Wagandea anyway. And I should have come after you... Even though you came after me without a second thought when I departed... I didn't even think to go after you..."

Akko's eyes go wide, her voice tumbling out.

"Haaah? No, no, no, no, Diana! Don't think like that! I left in secret with Professor Croix! Th-There's no way you could've known... In fact, I should be apologizing for not telling you. I should've known how worried you'd be... I could've at least left you a note, but... but I didn't want you to come after me and risk getting hurt, too..."

Diana tenses and finally lifts her face.

"You... how can you say that about me... when you nearly lost your own magic in the process...?"

"S-Sorry..."

"You fool..."

Silence falls around them once again, the only sounds filling the room now being Diana's quiet sobs. Akko pats her back for her, mumbling little apologies and words of comfort.

"It's okay... It's okay, Diana~"

The sunlight floods the room, enveloping them both in calm, warm light. By the time Diana has gotten ahold of herself, Akko's done the same. They ease back, but still keep their hands entwined in their laps.

"Just to be certain," Diana murmurs. "You were not hurt?"

Akko shakes her head.

"Well... had a little bit of a nasty fall, but Professor Ursula saved me! I think we're both okay now."

Diana releases a deep sigh, one that shudders on the way out.

"Very well... I suppose I should leave you to recover, then."

"The nurse says I'll have to skip classes today," Akko informs her with a bit of a grin. "Lotte's gonna take notes for me. But I'll be back on track tomorrow!"

"All right. See to it you do not push yourself, Akko. You need to let yourself recover."

Diana's voice tapers off as she leans in for another small embrace. Akko's smile falters when she remembers what Diana had told her back at the estate; that her mother had died in-part because of pushing herself too hard. Akko gives her a tight, reassuring hug in response.

"I won't push myself, Diana. I promise I'll get better." She feels her stiffen, feels Diana's fingers cling more tightly to her back. Akko wonders if her mother had failed to keep that very same promise in the past. Akko nuzzles her cheek then kisses her there. "It's okay, Diana. I'll be fine."

"You... had best not be lying to me..."

"I'm not. Cross my heart."

At last, Diana finally pulls away. Akko reaches out to wipe away the last of her girlfriend's tears for her.

Then, in the comfort of the closed-off space, they share a long, tender kiss.

Akko can taste Diana's relief on her lips, mixed with a faint tang of salt.

Finally, Diana stands and takes her leave, wishing Akko a swift and full recovery. Akko grins and waves her off.

Despite all she's learned – about Professor Croix and how she'd lied to Akko about the pollen – at least she'll always have Professor Ursula and Diana on her side.

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A/N: That last line makes you wince a bit, huh? Considering we all know how Akko's about to feel about Ursula/Chariot...