#akko after diana pushes her to the ground: do you... really hate me that much? | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

bandrbear · 4 years

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To Protect the Ones You Love - Chapter 3

A week previous, the day started normal. Diana woke up feeling a little tired, but overall she felt good. She got out of bed, changed into her school uniform, and went to breakfast earlier than most. She ate breakfast quickly and went to the library for a short bit to find some books while she waited for class to start. She browsed some of the oldest leather bound books, looking for one in particular. After twenty minutes of searching dusty shelves she doesn’t find it. She frowns and thinks for a few minutes, trying to figure out who would want a book on demonology and summoning. She shakes her head, unable to think of someone in particular. She sighs and decides to head to class now, and see Akko. She smiles softly and walks off, forgetting the whole reason she wanted the book, and getting lost in thoughts of the affectionate brunette. The fact that her favorite hair brush had gone missing as well as one of her sashes and that dark slimy substance she found by her window got overwhelmed by happy Akko thoughts.

The black robe clad witch flipped through the old pages until she found the right one. She cackled evilly and slid her finger down the old, wrinkled, yellowed paper until she found the beginning of the summoning ritual. She begins to gather the summoning materials, drawing the summoning circle, lighting a multitude of candles, and preparing the sacrificial blade. As she prepares, the witch’s small slimy black demon familiar climbs the table and kneels, presenting the mysterious girl with a large clump of blonde hair and a blue sash. The girl smiles evilly and collects the presented materials and pats the small creature on the head. “Good, good, you may go now.” She tells her small familiar. It slides off the table and scurries to its cage where it curls up and falls asleep.

The girl creates a heavy circle of salt and places the ribbon, tied around the lock of hair, in the middle of the circle. The girl cuts her palm and bleeds onto the ribbon and hair, before walking over to her sacrifice. She pulls her familiar from its cage and walks over to the circle. It looks up confused before feeling the knife slit its throat. The girl tosses the corpse into the middle of the circle and began to chant in a low tone. She slices her palm and squeezes her bloodied hand over the hair and ribbon, dripping blood onto the dirty wooden floor. At first nothing happens, until she gets to the last verse of the ritual. Suddenly all of the candles’ flames burn much more intensely and much taller. A howling wind whirls through the small wooden room, picking up as she recites the last word. The wind snuffs out all the candles within the room, but the one in the middle of the room which becomes very small flame. The little amount of light barely allows her to see the feet of a large, ten foot demon standing in the middle of the circle. The girl kneels and whispers. “Great Mistress, I beg of thee to hunt my enemy until they are dead. You may do with her as you wish, as long as she perishes. Do you accept the terms of this contract, the reason for my summoning?” She asks softly, hoping the great demon before her would accept her sacrifice and contract.

A hearty yet evil laugh echoes through the room. “Foolish girl, who do you wish me to kill? Who needs ME to kill them.” It asks the kneeling girl. The girl points to the small salt circle with the targets possessions. The demon flicks her hand and makes the salt move to create a channel to the circle and guide the bloodied ribbon and hair to her. The demon picks up the offered bloodied ribbon and hair. It brings it to her nose and takes a very deep breath, sucking in the scent of her summoner’s blood and the scent of her potential target. “Oooh my. You wish for me to hunt a Cavendish eh, girl?” The demon asks with a smirk. The girl simply nods and stays kneeled with her head lowered. “Then I accept your contract. Now let me free, let me feast upon some of your blood and grow in strength, then I will begin my hunt.” The girl looks up with a faint smile.

“As you wish mistress Mara.” the girl replies to Mara, the demon of death, desire, greed, and hate.

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Diana settles down into her second class of the day, setting her books on the desk and sighing as she leans back into her chair. Akko had gotten in trouble again by falling asleep, much to Diana’s chagrin. She shakes her head thinking of the goofy, pain in the ass, but lovable brunette. Diana pulls out her notebook and opens it as well as the book to the pages written on the chalkboard. As class begins she tries to concentrate on her notes and the professor. Her mind drifts occasionally to Akko, particularly the way her half pony bobs when she does literally anything. She smiles faintly and stops her small sketch of the pony tail to try and pay attention once more. Diana had no clue how she could possibly express her recently found feelings about Akko. She didn’t really care that she was a girl, but she wasn’t sure if Akko would feel the same, or even want to be her friend after finding out about Diana’s affection towards her. Diana sighs softly and looks up to the front of the class once more, feeling a little distressed from her thoughts.

As Diana tries to once again get back into her school work mode she gets interrupted by a fairly large rumble through the building. She quirked her eyebrow and looked around at the other confused students. Their professor walks towards the door and peeks around outside to see what was happening. As she peers outside, the wall opposite explodes and throws many students and debris around. Diana gets tossed onto the floor by the explosion, her senses getting muddied by the boom. She sits up in a blind panic and grabs her wand, ready for whatever was about to walk through the large, smoking hole in the wall. She was not ready for the demon who had grown three fold since it had been summoned. The demon grinned widely as she crotched and shuffled into the lecture hall. Diana’s eyes widen as it seems to stare into her soul and move directly at her. Diana raises her wand, pointing it at the nearing demon, hoping to protect herself and the other stunned students.

“Difranieado.” Diana mutters while scuttling backwards on the ground, past the strewn desks. The explosive spell hurdles at the demon who flicks her hand and deflects the explosion. Diana’s eyes widen even more as the creature simply swatted the spell, taking the hit to the hand with little consequence. The skin on Mara’s hand is slightly irritated by the spell, Mara looks at it and smirks.

“That is the power I expect from a young Cavendish.” She replies, reaching down for a panicked and frozen Diana. Diana manages to roll out of the way of the giant hand and get to her feet. Mara keeps smirking and swats her hand sideways, throwing desks as she moves to hit Diana.

Diana barely manages to throw herself to the ground, managing to only let her leg get caught by the swinging hand. She gets thrown twenty feet along the cascading floor. She grunts each time she slides down a level until she stops and pulls her leg to her chest and mutters a quick healing spell to make the pain dull. She looks up at the massive demon crouch walking closer to her. Diana gets up and points her wand at the smirking demon as she gets once more in arms reach. “What do you want with me?!” Diana yells at the demon. She checks her shoulder and sees most of the students have fled the room, leaving a few unconscious girls strewn about. Diana quickly looks back at the demon as it leans down towards Diana.

“I am MARA! Demon of death! I have a contract that involves you little Cavendish.” She leers in Diana’s face. Diana flinches and casts a quick protection spell around herself, seeing Mara’s hand raising off to her side. Mara swats Diana once more, launching her in her little bubble through the wall of the classroom and then the exterior wall. Diana grunts as she gets launched, thankful for her barrier as she crashes through two walls and skids across the grass. Mara quickly follows through the holes, making them bigger. “Strong Little Cavendish. How cute.” She growls as Diana stands on shaky legs. Diana’a hair hangs in her face, making her brush it behind her ears as she crouches with her wand outstretched. Mara laughs and starts taking long strides towards Diana. Soon Mara is fully sprinting towards Diana who breathes as calmly as possible with the huge demon charging at her.

When Mara is almost able to grab her, Diana swings her wand up, making the ground in front of her rise in a thick block of dirt and stone. She quickly lands flat on the ground as Mara kicks the blockage and is sent sprawling over her and into the dirt. Mara grunts, plowing through the dirt. She pushes herself up with an angry glint in her eyes. Diana quickly crawls around the heavily damaged block and looks at Mara get up through the smashed top.

“Sneaky Little Cavendish.” Mara growls. Mara looks right at Diana’s blonde hair, visible through the dent in the block. “Now I really shall enjoy killing you and all of these little pests.” Mara gestures to the school with an evil glint in her eyes. Diana’s eyes widen in fear at the statement and pulls herself up onto the rock, steeling her nerves.

“Never Mara!” Diana yelled, bringing Mara’s attention back to her. Diana stands defiantly with her wand ready. Mara chuckles, but stays quiet before beginning to charge Diana again. Diana sends another heavy explosive spell right at Mara, making the demon dodge to the side before continuing to sprint right at Diana. Diana takes a deep breath and points her wand up, making her rock slab rise further from the ground. Diana launches herself in the air as Mara plows her arms through the rock, crumbling it. Diana lands behind Mara and shoots a fiery blast at the back of the angered Mara. Mara gets hit in the back and stumbles forward a step. She turns quickly and raises her arm to blast the same spell right at Diana, this one though is ten times more powerful. Diana throws up another defensive spell, using all the magic she could to reinforce the shield. Mara was impressed at Diana’s quick thinking and skill for her age, even though she was no match for the great and powerful Mara. Diana’s shield gets crumbled by the blast, sending her skidding backwards through the dirt, making a trench. Mara smirks and walks slowly towards the crumpled, smoking girl.

“Poor Little Cavendish. You are no match for me. Now come along, we must have our fun with the other little pests here.” Mara reaches down to pick up Diana, only to find the slumped girl to disappear as her hand touches her. Mara frowns and feels another fiery blast hit her side, sending her to the ground with a grunt.

Diana stands on wobbly legs on the edge of the school building, leaning against it for support. Her clothes are tattered and burned after the hit she took. She felt drained after her invisibility spell and hologram. She takes deep shaky breathes as Mara stands up, looking even more angry. “You little pest.” Mara spits onto the ground, causing the dirt to sizzle. “I will now really have fun, torturing, killing, destroying everything you love or even care about.” Mara begins to summon demonic wolves from the dirt around her. Five smouldering wolves dig their way up from the ground and encircle Mara. “Go my beasts. Bring me the girl.” She says with a snarl. Diana panics, turning to run as best as she can, struggling with her hurt leg and limping heavily.

Diana slips into the classroom she had been originally attacked in and rushes to the door and out into a different hallway then the one she had been flung through. She hobbles quickly down the deserted hallway, searching for anyone to help her. She hears the demonic wolves howling and running around the room behind her, sending desks clattering across the stone floor. She pushes into a different classroom and shuffles up into the back of the room’s seating area. Diana ducks down behind a desk and pulls her legs close to her body as she breathes heavily. The demon dogs could be heard out in the hallway walking around, their claws scratching the stone floors loudly. Diana closes her eyes and hopes they can’t find her. She racks her brain for an idea that could help her escape or combat the wolves. Her eyes snapped open and she pulls out her wand with an idea. She starts to cast a spell to disrupt her scent when she realizes she cannot hear the dogs anymore. She breathes out a sigh of relief only to have the desk flipped over her and smelly jaws grab her shirt roughly. The dogs pull Diana roughly from her hiding spot and drag her towards the exit. Diana yells loudly and swings her fists at the animals as they nip at her teasingly.

Diana feels the dread build up inside of her, realizing she dropped her wand. Her desperate swings at the snapping beasts begin to dwindle, not because of the bite marks on her hands and wrists, but because she knows she lost. The animals drag her out into the bright light of the courtyard where Mara is standing.

Mara doesn’t notice her demonic dogs pulling the defeated Diana from the school, she has a shield up protecting her front easily from the onslaught of attacks from the professors. Diana doesn’t get hopeful as she watches weakly. Her resolve is broken, the despair had set in making her feel hopeless as the professors fight to protect the school from a formidable demon. Their attacks get absorbed by the shield, making it stronger as Mara holds it up in front of her. Mara checks her shoulder and smiles, seeing her wolves bringing their prey back to her. “Good beasts. Bring her and deal with these pests.” Mara commands. The animals lurch forward, depositing a weak Diana at Mara’s feet before charging the professors.

The professors change the direction of their attacks to the charging wolves. The wolves dodge back and forth as they near the professors. A few get peppered with spells, making them angry, causing their hackles to ignite with fire. Diana watches from the ground next to Mara as the professors manage to take down two wolves and banish them. The other three back off and jump through the windows of the school. The group of professors break up, sending two squads into the school to hunt down the animals before they can terrorize any students. The last squad tries to keep Mara busy with more attacks. Mara simply laughs and throws her shield towards the group, making it explode and shower the remaining professors with a black sludge. Most of the professors manage to shield themselves from the toxic sludge, their shields struggling against the powerfully acidic goo. The poor professors who could not protect themselves in time or did not generate a powerful enough shield get melted with faint screams of horror.

Diana watches on in horror as Mara, gleefully stomps over to the covered and stuck professors. “Oh little toys, your efforts are for naught.” She teases the struggling women. Suddenly the two groups that had split off come back. Mara looks up and quickly steps back as strong assault comes her way. She protects herself with another shield, watching as one group keeps her somewhat busy, the other clearing away the sludge to save their colleagues. Mara frowns, unhappy with this small delay to her plans to level the school. “Pesky vermin.” She growls.

Mara walks back to where Diana is limply laying on the grass. She picks her up and charges at the professors, causing the professors to scatter. Mara leaps up onto the wall, digging her fingers into the old stone. She begins to climb to the roof, launching off into the main grounds. She tosses Diana onto the ground without a second thought, hearing the scream of pain as the girl hits the ground hard. Mara stands over Diana and begins to chant, moving her arms around her and generating her special barrier. Magical walls begin to rise from the ground, rising over her head to form a transparent dome of protection. Mara smiles and looks down at poor Diana. “Oh Little Cavendish, I shall enjoy destroying this despicable place.” Mara points a single finger at Diana and blasts her with a powerful force of air, just to toy with her. Mara’s lips curl into an evil smile, watching Diana fade to unconsciousness. ”Pity, I thought you would enjoy the destruction of your school.” She floats Diana up next to her to show her off to anyone that comes to battle against her. “My trophy.” She says gleefully as the professors conjugate outside of the school, facing her.

The professors begin assaulting the powerful barrier with everything they have. Loud booms, cracks, and whistles echo around the school grounds as the spells explode against the barrier or deflect off the powerful and ancient magic. Mara cackles from within her barrier. She occasionally sends powerful attacks at small groupings of professors, sometimes she singles out some of the professors, sending them flying through the air if they cannot move fast enough.

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Mara thinks back to that day, one week ago. Where did that little pest, the one that ruined her plan, come from. She could not place it. Mara got frustrated and smashed the nearest trees to herself. She fumes about her loss to some pesky little girl, some girl who almost destroyed the most powerful barrier spell able to be cast by a single being in one hit. Mara clenches and unclenches her fists in anger. “I swear. I swear I shall kill the Little Cavendish. And her little lackey. They shall both die.” She mutters to herself.

Mara rubs her back, feeling the charred flesh from the explosion that finished her dome. She growled, hating her injured state. Although she had mostly healed herself from the attack, she was still slightly disfigured after the assault. Her summoner had implied it would have been an easy task. It should have been an easy task for a greater demon, yet here she was, hiding in the woods recovering from wounds inflicted by a single mortals attack.

Mara begins to draw in the dirt next to where she sat angrily. She made herself at home in the depths of the Articus forest after having to flee from the girl. Mara spat into the dirt image she drew and watches her spit make the ground bubble. “I shall kill you both. And I shall make it painful.” She swore to herself. The rough sketch of Akko and Diana in the dirt melts away into the boiling dirt as Mara plans her revenge.

#lwa #diakko #fighting #demons

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ruffsficstuffplace · 6 years

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And The AWRD Goes To... (Part 24)

The elevator groaned to a stop once again, a different set of gears started whirring and turning as the doors leading to that section opened up. The sea of people that were on the platform with Ruby and Weiss began to move out, the politeness and voluntarily giving way they had experienced earlier long gone, the passengers furiously pushing and bumping into each other.

These weren’t tourists or upper class citizens out for a leisurely stroll that fine morning; these were people who had places to be and things to do, and no interest in using up any more of their time than they needed to.

Ruby and Weiss waited together in the cart, the former having climbed in some time earlier. They didn’t pay much attention to the crowds shifting and moving around them, until Ruby noticed someone get pinned against their cart, two cloaked figures who seemed to be pressing him in.

Ruby gestured out to Weiss, before she reached out and grabbed their hoods; the two of them looked up at them with murder in their eyes, until Weiss held out her palm and they saw the glyph violently spinning there.

His attackers stunned in surprise, their victim squeezed himself free, was horrified to find his pockets emptied.

“Give it back...” Weiss growled, and the two thieves reluctantly pulled their hands out of their cloaks, revealing a wallet, and a small, wrapped up package. The man snatched his belongings back, the guards on the elevator moved in and took over for Ruby, escorting the thieves away by spear-point.

“Thanks! Heavens smile upon you!” he said, smiling and waving at them as he left the elevator, his other hand tightly holding to his belongings.

Weiss and Ruby smiled and waved back, before the latter climbed back on the bike and started pedaling out of there; the crowds who needed to get even lower down were already starting to flood in.

“Don’t you just hate how brazen the thieves can be here?” Weiss said as they slowly moved through the crowds like a ship in water, people gradually moving to the sides of them. “There were two guards not ten feet away from them, and they still decided to prey on that poor man.”

“Who doesn’t?” Ruby replied. “Though, Yang told me there’s a lot of thieves that are practicing stealing from people even when the guards are looking; it’s actually kinda clever, in its own messed up way, since people will probably see a guard right there and relax, thinking there’s no way someone will steal from them right there and then.”

“And how did she know that?” Weiss asked.

“Oh, she asked them while she was in jail, like she was with Amanda and Jaune on Monday!” Ruby replied. “She gave me an update when we bumped into each other in the hallway earlier, though, said they’re starting to spread the word to stop doing it now that the guards have caught on, and are starting to send out reinforcements in disguise.

“Apparently one of them accidentally looted an officer’s badge, and the officer really wasn’t happy to realize that happened.”

Weiss sighed. “Your sister get in trouble a lot?”

“Yeeep,” Ruby said. “My dad says it’s all just because she hung out with the wrong crowd and he didn’t do enough to steer her away, but my Uncle Qrow says its just in her nature; he says that even when her mom started hanging out with the right crowd, she eventually went back to her old crowd, because they were more her type of people.

“’Birds of a feather flock together,’ like they say.”

“Sad fact of life, that…” Weiss said, gazing out the side of the cart and watching some rowdy boys covered in scars and band-aids kicking a ball around, barely any consideration for who they ran into, or got in the path of. “Sorry for any offense, Ruby, but I hear about the things Yang has done and see how she acts, and find it extremely difficult to believe you two are related.”

“None taken!” Ruby chirped. “And we’re only half-sisters, actually, if that explains anything.”

“Huh. It does indeed...” Weiss said, nodding.

The two of them stopped at an intersection, Ruby letting a shepherd with her goats pass by in front of them.

“Yang tries not to get me roped into trouble with her, just so you know,” Ruby said. “She goes out of her way a lot to make sure that I’m safe, no one tries coming after me in case she pisses off the wrong people, and she makes sure whatever money she uses to help pay the bills are all from legal sources—mostly delivery jobs like me, especially ever since she got her motorcycle, Bumblebee.”

“And if she happens to get arrested, and needs someone to bail her out…?”

“Well, then that’s where dad comes in!” Ruby said. “He says it’s one of the most important skills any good parent should learn, deciding when or when not to bail your daughter out of jail. ‘Sometimes, you just gotta give ‘em nothing else to do but think about where they went wrong this time.’

“I still visit her anyway, though, just to see how she’s doing,” Ruby said as she the last of the goats trotted after the last of the herd, she continued pedaling. “I mean, she always says she’s fine in her messages, but you never really know, you know…?”

“Do you want me to stop?” she said as she slowed down. “Like when I visited you at your grandma’s lab earlier, do you want me to stop doing that?”

“Maybe if it’s taking time away from something important, like homework or urgent chores, or there’s also class that you might be late for too, Ruby,” Weiss replied. “Otherwise, go ahead.”

“Oh. Okay. I will, Weiss, thanks” Ruby said as she sped back up to her usual pace.

“… Was it really that distressing for you?” Weiss asked. “It wasn’t even an hour since I left when you came looking.”

Ruby sighed. “No, not really, but it’s just… I really don’t like it when people who were with me there at night, are just… gone, when I wake up. Especially you, Weiss.”

Weiss blinked. “… W-Why me, specifically…?”

“Because I like you!” Ruby replied. “I know we’ve only been together for a few days, but I don’t like seeing or knowing that you’re sick or hurt, off at the hospital or your grandma’s lab…”

Weiss turned bright red, her lips moving as she struggled to find words, but found none.

“I want us to be together—in class, in combat, or just hanging out, with Akko and Diana, as a whole team! AWRD, not A-blank-RD, or ARD, which just sounds weird!”

“...”

Ruby sighed. “I’m sorry, am I getting too clingy and attached too soon...? I know we’re supposed to be close and look out for each other more than we would all our other friends, but Yang told me I shouldn’t really get all ‘super besties’ with you guys until we’ve had a lot of time together, ideally enough time for us to have naturally become super besties even if we hadn’t been thrown together thanks to Huntress training.”

“...”

“I’m sorry, it’s just that back at the Bunker, we always made it a point to look out for each other, because so many of us—“ Ruby groaned. “Oh, never mind...”

“...”

“… Sorry…” Ruby whimpered. “I just made things super awkward between us, didn’t I?”

“… No, no you didn’t, Ruby…” Weiss muttered. “… I like having you, Diana, and Akko as teammates and friends too, and believe me, I hate it too. I was just quiet because it’s a very sore spot for me, being separated from friends because of my health,” she half-lied.

“Oh. Should I not bring it up again?”

“You can, just… not now.” Weiss stared out the side of the cart, looked at the small, worn, and cheap houses on the side of the muddy roads. “Maybe with Akko and the others, so we can all air it out at once… how far are we from your first errand, by the way?”

Ruby stopped and looked around. “Oh, crap—we already missed it! I mean, not like it’s the first time it’s ever happened to me, but still!” she said as she turned the cart around, thankfully easier now that the streets weren’t as populated.

“What are we even looking for?” Weiss asked.

“Small office little ways into an alley—you’ll only know it because it’s between a small tea shop and a used bookstore, doesn’t even have a sign on the street telling you its there,” Ruby said as she started pedaling back the way they came.

Weiss’ eyebrows rose at that. “There isn’t anything I should know about this place, should I? Anything important…?”

“It’s not illegal, I swear!” Ruby said. “It’s just that Souma’s business is kind of a referrals only sort of deal.”

“That doesn’t really help their case.”

“Oh, just come with me—you’ll see she’s not a bad person, or runs a bad business, honest!” Ruby said, slowing down as the cart rolled to a stop in front of the used bookstore.

“Come on, Weiss!” Ruby said as she hopped off her bike. “Don’t you trust me?” she asked as she smiled and looked up at Weiss.

Weiss looked met that face with a wary frown, before she sighed. “Yes, but consider this a moment where said trust will be tested… also, can you help me get back down, please?” she asked, looking down at the distance between the edge of the cart and the ground below. “I… kinda didn’t realize how much I needed that boost you gave me earlier to get up here.”

“I gotcha, Weiss!” Ruby said, coming over to her and holding her arms out. “Just jump, I’ll catch you!”

Weiss climbed up the side. “On three… one… two… three!”

She jumped, Ruby caught her by her waist, Weiss planted her hands on her shoulders shortly after; there was a brief moment when their faces came close to each other, their eyes locked, worried crystal blue and reassuring pale silver, before Ruby brought Weiss’ feet back down to earth.

“There!” Ruby said as she let go of Weiss’ waist. “Uh, you can let go of my shoulders now.”

“Oh!” Weiss said, her hands darting back. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” Ruby said as she walked into the alley. “Come on! I’ll show where Souma’s office is.”

Weiss took a good look at it—shaded thanks to the height of both buildings surrounding it, not a light fixture to be seen, so cramped it was impossible for two people to walk shoulder-to-shoulder—before she sighed and followed after Ruby. She quickly found herself at a nondescript door, so old, worn, and dirty like the walls around it that you probably wouldn’t have even seen if it, if you didn’t know it was already there.

There wasn’t even a doorknob or a locking mechanism that Weiss could see.

Ruby knocked on the door in a specific rhythm. She hummed under her breath the whole while, Weiss recognized the tune from a famous children’s tale about huntsmen:

“Who’s afraid of the Beowulf, the Beowulf, the Beowulf?/ I’m not afraid of the Beowulf, the Beowulf, the Beowulf!”

The door clicked and swung open soon after, no visible person behind it, no light pouring out from what might have been a pitch black room. Ruby pushed it open, before she gestured inside with dramatic flair. “After you!” she said.

Weiss ignored the niggling voice in the back of her head, and did.

“… Ah! A familiar face makes her return to the lower levels…” said a voice—female, old and whispery. “Welcome back, Ms. Weiss Schnee! How can I, Souma, help you today…?”

Weiss frowned, looking at the hare Faunus sitting behind a simple counter, a sleepy expression on her face as she rested their elbows, nothing much around her but a flickering gas lamp, and behind, shelves full of scrolls and scraps of paper like you’d find at a post office.

“I’m sorry, I don’t seem to recall your face—have we met…?” Weiss asked as she stepped in.

“No, not formally, nor in person until now,” Souma replied. “Most of my knowledge of you and your activities always tend to involve your grandparents as my main interests.”

Weiss frown grew deeper.

“Souma deals in information, Weiss,” Ruby explained as she shut the door behind her, using the doorknob. “Things she overhears, fliers and advertisements, gossip and rumours that people sell to her.”

“Oh, I see: totally a legitimate business like you said earlier...” Weiss said dryly.

“Told ya!” Ruby said, obliviously walking up to the counter.

Weiss opened her mouth, before she shook her head and followed her.

Souma chuckled and stood up straighter. “I can understand the suspicion, the wariness that my business is not legitimate, to say the least, given the kinds of people who are also in this industry with myself... but I assure you: I’m merely servicing a market law-abiding citizens have always had need for.”

“Which would be what, exactly?”

Souma smiled. “Knowing what is going on in their surroundings, obviously,” they replied. “In small settlements like your home of Hoshiko, it’s rather easy to decipher the hubbub and learn of the latest going-ons, is it not? There’s only so many people, so many places you can go, and only so many things that can happen there.”

She got a far-off look in their eyes as she looked past them, at the door on the other end of the room. “Make Hoshiko a sprawling, thriving, expansive metropolis of activity like the fair city of Mistral, however, and you’ll see how someone might find knowing what’s going on in even just their neighbourhood rather… difficult.”

Souma looked back at them and smiled. “Getting the best deals in the market oftentimes involve knowing who exactly is offering such deals at the moment, yes? Certainly, you could spend a good portion of the day roaming the markets, keeping track of everything yourself, making good with the various shopkeepers and suppliers and working your way into their good graces...

“… Or you could just save yourself the effort and avail of my services.

“Does this seem like it’s illegal to you? CCT sites do it all the time, compiling information for deals and prices for the benefit of the consumer, yes? Why not for the original version, before the advent of such wondrous technology...?”

Weiss nodded. “Alright you’ve made your case, but why the secrecy?”

Souma smiled ruefully. “Those who tend to know it all, tend to frequently be targeted by people who would rather others did not know. I don’t deal in such dangerous secrets as some of my colleagues in the other levels, but you know: best not to attract the ire of businesspersons who had hoped to keep their stroke of good fortune a secret, to their benefit and their competitors’ detriment.

“I usually don’t transact with my clients or my couriers face to face, actually.”

“But why make us an exception?” Weiss asked.

Souma chuckled. “I have my reasons, and I have my reasons not to—one of which is that in person I tend to ramble on and on, and on like my ancestors, the storytellers and the criers of our villages of times long past, you see.”

“I like listening to you talk, though,” Ruby said. “You’ve always got great stories.”

Souma beamed at Ruby, looking at her as a proud grandmother would their beloved granddaughter. “I know you’re not here for that, though—I’m assuming from your sister’s recent activities with her new team, you’ve come to collect your pay?”

“Yep!” Ruby said. “I could also really use a shop that sells office supplies and arts and crafts materials—you know, paper, pens, cards, pencils, string, tape, the kind of stuff you’d need to make notes for little kids, or people who’re just really easily distracted.”

Souma chuckled as she turned back to the shelves, pulled out a scrap of paper, then put it and Lien into an envelope. “You’re in luck: a paper mill recently found themselves with a great deal of whole if misshapen rejects thanks to a tragic malfunction of their new equipment; selling them off seemed a better deal for them than recycling like usual, you see.”

“I’ve sadly no information at the moment about any sales or good deals on materials to unleash your more artistic side, but I’m sure you’ll find them easily enough within the general area,” she said as she slid the envelope over.

“Thanks, Souma!” Ruby said as she took the envelope, counted the Lien inside before she put it into her pocket.

Souma smiled, and nodded. “You’re welcome, Ruby.”

“That’s… a lot of Lien.” Weiss muttered.

“Ruby is a very reliable courier,” Souma said. “And as for you… it’s been a while since you’ve been down here. Would you like some information about events since you’ve been gone? On the house.”

Weiss looked uneasy, and raised her hand. “I’ll pass, but the offer is appreciated.”

“My information is always good, you know,” Souma hummed. “Quite deeper and more extensive than what you might find on the CCT or outside fliers; you never truly get the whole story when someone merely shows you their public face.”

“And I don’t doubt that, but again, I’ll pass. I’m trying to leave that time in my life behind, you see.”

Souma nodded. “Understandable. Good day, Weiss, Ruby—till the next time Fate wills our paths to cross.”

“Bye Souma!” Ruby said, waving before she headed out the door.

Weiss stayed and looked warily at her for a moment, before Ruby called out and she hurried on after her. “So, what’s our next stop?” she asked as Ruby shut the door to Souma’s office.

“The Shitty Bar!” Ruby replied as they headed out of the alley. “It’s the place Yang brought Amanda and Jaune too when they were out New Team Bonding.”

“Why do they call it a shitty bar?’”

“Not a ‘shitty bar’--‘The Shitty Bar.’ That’s its name.”

Weiss stopped as they neared the street again. “… Seriously?”

“Yep!” Ruby said as she stepped up to the side of the cart. “Mr. Fong had a great name all thought up for it, but it was already taken by the time he got to the business bureau, so he said he ‘just settled for a shitty name because the great name was already taken.’ Anyway, ready?” she asked as she prepared to give Weiss a boost again.

“Ready,” Weiss said as she stepped up.

Ruby grabbed her by the waist again and lifted her up into the air, Weiss grabbed the edge of the cart and climbed back in; Ruby got back on the bike, and off they went, heading to the Shitty Bar at a different part of that level.

Back inside Souma’s office, she calmly turned down the gas of her lamp, and sighed quietly. “And to think, I went through all that trouble...” she muttered as she made cryptic motions with her hand. “May Fate spare you the consequences of your actions a time longer, little one...”

#little witch academia #rwby #white rose #dianakko #au #and the awrd goes to

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lsgingasblog · 7 years

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Of Happy Coincidences and Fated Connections Chapter 4

Act 4

“Fancy seeing you here Diana”

Goodness. Andrew.

“Likewise” Diana answered back with moderate civility.

They were of course near blaytonberry, near where the wild hunt took place there was a festival going on celebrating the successfully averted missile crisis and the British has decided to extend its help and gratitude towards helping luna nova and magic community since ‘they are useful after all’ as said by one of the politicians in the news conference 2 days after the missile crisis.

Today is a few months after said crisis and Diana has been rather annoyed at all the focus of the story being mostly about sensationalism and asking silly stuff like how did she get her hair so fluffy, does she have a boyfriend, or how does it feel to be up in space- granted that was fairly amazing so she can fault that- or what’s her diet or what does she like wearing. How is any of that relevant?

Or they ask to perform magic, of course she does end up relenting but she’s not sure how she feels, chariot toured and made people happy, here it just seems like a pet being asked to do tricks.

It would seem even akko that was enjoying it has grown rather weary of it, only Amanda among them is still basking in the limelight. Ooh wait. Amanda just punched a paparazzi disturbing Constanze and Jasminka. Ahh……headmistress Holbrooke will have her hands full for sure.

Worst thing though as I glanced at Akko she is being hit on by the 8th guy that evening and mind you that’s only counting the guys, she was hit on by 4 girls as well. Honestly-

“Does that make your blood boil Diana?”

There it is, that stupid smug look. I purposely pretended I didn’t hear.

Honestly I love akko, yes I am aware of that and have accepted that, but her trying to put Andrew and I in situations to better become friends has been grating to say the least. Also if I had to see his stupid smirking face one more time it will be too soon.

Also I can’t forget the threat he made about pursuing akko after some time. He makes my blood boil in all fairness, as honest as I am to admit that I do get jealous and annoyed how familiar some of akko’s suitors get she always seem wholly disinterested, but akko loves hanging out alone with Andrew. I’m vaguely aware she might hold feelings for me as well, but at times I am so uncertain and to make it worse today is the last day of the year. We have already finished school over a week ago and move-out time is tomorrow after noon time.

Akko is going to stay at Yanson along with Manbavaran & professor Ursula strangely enough for 2 weeks and they’re going to do a nightfall trip of Europe apparently and they chose professor Ursula as their guide.

After that Akko is heading back to Japan for the remainder of the summer break since she hasn’t visited back home once since she’s started and from I gathered her parents weren’t all too happy with their only daughter facing off a missile. Of course that is perfectly reasonable.

I invited team red, green and Hannah and Barbara to Cavendish manor 1 week before school begins, but sadly I will be swamped with taking care of Cavendish affairs as well as exploring the few politicians or higher ups that were interested in a more magic-science coalition in regards to medicine and health.

Apart from that professor Ursula seems to have asked my help into something urgent once she comes back from the trip, she seems very tight-lipped about it so I’m assuming it’s very serious.

“Ahem…..”

Fake cough all you want Andrew. Hope you go into a coughing fit.

“Water is over there” I motion to the way other side of where we’re standing.

He smirks. Honestly he’s infuriating how akko enjoys his company is beyond me.

“No, I’m good although your face has such a noticeable scowl I worry how akko would feel if this facial expression would be your permanent face.”

I let my scowl slip? Good, actually not even bothered to be honest. He should know of my displeasure.

“Hmm I did say to akko quite a few times that getting you and I to be friends would be quite the fruitless endeavor, but you know her adorably stubborn attitude and all”

‘No, don’t call her that’ was on the tip of my tongue, but instead

“I actually agree with you on something for once”

“Ahh that’s good to hear. Listen Diana I honestly am sorry for the way I treated you and dismissed magic like I did.”

You know what, that sounded sincere. Maybe akko wasn’t completely wrong, Andrew and I can-

“That said I will give you until the first week back at luna nova after the summer break. After that I’m going to start pursuing Akko”

Never be friends. Nope. No. This guy. I swear.

“I assumed you were merely jesting Andrew, didn’t you say you weren’t sure of your feelings? I truly care about akko, can you say the same?”

Andrew smirk fades away. Aha. Instead he gets a genuine smile again. Darn.

“Yes I can, although I’m sure not as strong of bond as both of you have. I am gentleman of course so I give you ample amount of time. However if I still have these feelings toward miss Kagari after going a break without seeing her than I know I owe to myself to at least try.”

I can’t even hate the guy for that. Truly.

“In any case Diana it was interesting, I have already talked to akko a while back, I do recommend you go talk to her, I’m sure you’ve noticed her dip in mood. She won’t open up to me about it, but maybe it would be something you can get out of her. Good night Diana”

“Good night Andrew. Take care”

He looked surprised, but good thing he took away the sad smile from his face “Same to you Diana” he chuckled “Truly akko is incredible…”

“She is” I answer without a moment’s hesitation. We nod to each other and he was finally off.

Only akko can make me tolerate Andrew so much. Honestly seeing him genuinely care for akko that much, despite how unsettled it makes me, does warm me up a bit more to Andrew. Although won’t admit that out loud anytime soon.

In any case now to finally find Akko in these festivities. I go towards our groups of friends but they said akko zoomed past them but they could only show me the general direction.

I follow my instincts and see an opening in a small tree entrenched area I go past it and there she is.

Just staring up at the-Wow the night sky is beautiful. Akko notices I am here. She looks startled but she changes her sad expression into a smile I love seeing and pats the ground next to her.

Non-verbal akko means something is bothering her. However sometimes akko closes off or becomes defensive when pushed in these situations. Well-timed nudged and coaxing work best, at least from what I could tell about that night we drank at the café that cold night or a few other instances after.

Akko has mentioned briefly her feelings of inadequacy due to longer being in the possession of the shiny rod, but it’s mostly an object that channels your own energy, enhancements are as much a thing for it.

I suppose it’s the expectations placed on her though that truly has her worried, teachers, public and so many more are expecting great things from the underdog witch that saved the world. I heard murmurings throughout the halls and some people calling her out for being a one-hit wonder. I have made sure to report most of those as possible, but akko caught me and she made clear she wants to fight her own battles.

She iced me out a few days after that. It was horrible, but we patched things up a few days ago so I that’s good.

I sat down next to her.

“Diana…..”

Ooh god the way she said it……

“Yes akko?”

She grabs my hand and I swear my heart almost jumps out of my chest.

“Let’s get out of here”

Wait what.

“I’m sorry I know the fireworks show is soon and you probably want to see it, but it’s just been really tiring today and the people have been so clingy and annoying and I just want to go back to luna nova and don’t worry we’ll tell professor Ursula we’re leaving early so she doesn’t worry”

She looks at me with the biggest puppy dog eyes I have seen. Honestly she could be wearing a plastic bag with running mascara that might make her look like a trash can raccoon and I would still be charmed by her. Goodness I have it bad. Summer break is too long, maybe I should take advantage of today.

First things first though

“Ok”

She had the biggest smile ever and she runs to grab her broom and mine. She only recently started getting the hang of flying, but she has to have someone supervising her at all times when she trains on one, especially for longer distances. She comes back with a big smile and hands me my broom.

“Told Ursula it’s all good, let’s go. Tia Freyre!”

I called out the incantation as well and we were off. Akko isn’t as unsteady as she used to be after May fair. She still goes up and down and I stay close behind to make sure I can help if anything goes wrong.

There is something that nags at me though concerning the sad expression Akko had on and what Andrew said, I noticed it too. So did sucy and lotte but apparently akko refused to open to them about it as well.

It was a harrowing journey to Luna Nova, but nothing caught me more off-guard then when Akko finally said something I wasn’t expecting at all and it came without warning since we were talking about stuff that we were going to do in our respective breaks or how silly some of the politicians there truly were.

“Was shame the reason you didn’t admit that we knew each other before the Samhain festival months back?”

The wind was knocked out of me, I mean of course when I mentioned I was at chariot’s show akko would put two and two together. Right after though we had the missile fiasco and we were bombarded with attention from the non-magic community. While dealing with the overwhelming pressure of school and the stares and attention of our peers. Apart from that with everything going on I was roped to help headmistress in a lot of these exchanges and so was akko from time to time. It was so hectic that we haven’t had actual alone time now that I think about.

Goodness though shame is the least I felt, even back then. I have to clarify this.

“Of course not Akko, it was-”

The fireworks were going off overhead and akko was announced at the sky

“Look it’s beautiful!” but her voice was strained and she seemed to be avoiding my gaze.

“Akko please” I pleaded.

She can’t hear me over the loud fireworks and she speeds up. It’s true we weren’t that far from Luna Nova, but she’s avoiding me. No, no way. I will not leave things off like this the whole summer break at the very least.

She nearly crash lands in the courtyard I use a spell to cushion her fall. She whips around and her face is clearly angry but the tears near the side of her eyes are tell-tale sign of having cried. Merlin I’m the worst. Before I can start I’m cut off.

“You think I need protection or I can’t protect myself don’t you Diana!”

Goodness how did it get to this.

“No, Akko please I care about you and-”

“No you were silencing those other girls because you were ashamed to be associated with me as a friend. Ashamed that I no longer have the power of the Shiny Rod and you are still ashamed because I’m the little girl you met all those years ago at the Shiny Chariot show. You knew since then and you still didn’t say anything, what else could possibly be the reason here!”

Akko’s face is angry and she’s crying I just want to scream at the top of my lungs ‘Because I love you’, but I’m a coward and I will work on salvaging our friendship first.

“Akko I consider you a very dear friend and I couldn’t be prouder of you-”

“Diana you don’t have to lie”

I was annoyed now too so I pleaded

“Please Akko hear me all the way to the end. Is that acceptable? I hate seeing you this sad I’ve noticed for days. So has Andrew.”

“You actually had a civil conversation with Andrew?”

You know what the small spark in her eyes that came back is worth such a concession.

“Yes, but can I please finish my earlier point.”

She nods.

“Listen Akko we both stopped the missile up there so hearing the girls dismiss your effort and the fact that you were the one that was able to unlock all the words, yes you had help but without your drive, your energy and your pure love for magic and the joy it brings none of it could not have been possible. Everyone who is near you is inspired, that why we would stick with you and defend you till the end, because you are deserve such attention and actions. It is for that reason I reprimanded them, I know you can fight your own battles, believe me” I pause I look at her. She’s listening intently and I decide to continue.

“About Shiny Rod I knew you were sad but the rod was merely an object that transferred your powers. The magic that came out of it was all you. Now you merely have to get used to channel your magic through a much smaller relay which is your wand and that will take time, but that’s ok because I have no doubt in my mind you will become an even more amazing witch, because you inspire others and you work hard. It’s one of the things that has always left me in awe of you Akko.”

I looked at Akko she seemed less guarded, but I haven’t answered the question that started all of this yet. I took a deep breath and continued.

“Chariot’s magic was my drive to get my magic back then, but you have undoubtedly restored my sense of wonder and unbridled joy with magic, while my love hasn’t waned and the hopes of seeing it restored, the clinical and efficient way I went about learning more and more magic took away the childlike fun and happiness I felt for it. Akko when I first the cards I confess I didn’t know how to feel and I assure you though it wasn’t shame.”

She looks at me skeptically, but I power through.

“You see I wasn’t lying when I said the one from the café that evening. I was jealous despite how different you were that your magic was still the closest to chariot, I realized quite some time ago though why you deserve to be the closest. Your magic may tend to be clumsy in regard to execution but its charm is undeniable and you lost neither the love nor the unbridled joy you felt for magic. It is for that reason and the fact that I could not accept my childhood idol as chariot that truly held me back. I confess I also felt inadequate, I actually assumed you would be disappointed to have me of now as oppose to the me of back then”

Akko eyes widen.

“Diana, I wouldn’t you’re absolute amazing after all. Also we were kids back then of course we will be different from when we are kids. That said why didn’t you tell me at the café that night? It would’ve been the perfect time, right?”

She’s right. I mean I didn’t because I was still figuring out my jumbled non-platonic feelings for her. I have come to terms with them, yet why can’t I admit them? Fear of rejection? Fear of losing a friendship with her? No, I’m probably just a coward.

“You’re right it would’ve been a good moment to tell you and I’m sorry. I had just felt that we had started forming a bond, I was unaware how you would feel, although in hindsight now I realize I was being silly and I’m sorry. As you know the last months have been fairly hectic. I know that’s also an excuse and for that I am truly sorry. Akko I value our friendship and I value you as a person as well and I believe in you so please no that shame has absolutely no place in my feelings towards you.”

Akko had her face at the ground. Goodness I wouldn’t be able to bear it if she didn’t accept this.

She lifted her head and had big smile on her face.

“Ok got it. Let’s go exchange the cards”

She grabs my hand as I get dragged and run along to follow where she’s going. Our brooms lay forgotten on the ground but those can wait for later. I stare at her face, while we’re running towards her dorms from what I can make out from the twists and turn we are making and the general direction we are heading towards. Akko seems happy and although I would’ve liked to talk to her more in depth about her insecurities, Akko has always been a learning by doing person, so instead I’ll make an effort to put more time aside to properly help her, she’s already come a long way but I want to support and perhaps inspire her as well, it’s the least I could do after all she’s done for me.

I find myself having a big stupid smile on my face. This brings me back to that chariot show.

We finally made it to her dorm she opens the door and grabs the card

“You have yours here, right?” I nod and she drags me to my side of my dorm. This. This same exhilarating feeling whenever I’m in Akko’s presence. It feels amazing.

We got here and Akko stares at me expectantly and I open the door and I grab the card that was in the hidden compartment beneath where the chariot card was.

We both had flushed faces from the running although I’m sure mine wasn’t from that alone.

It was something so monumental back then and it was still fairly great but we exchanged cards and just started laughing at what transpired and how quickly and randomly we ended upon finally doing this.

I confess I was hoping for a special moment, but with akko most things will end up fairly unpredictable.

So I decide now is as good as time as any and I ask her if she knew about the book by the name of Believing Astral Hearts that Chariot did some years ago. She didn’t, but she seemed interested and so I grabbed the storybook.

We held onto our own zodiac cards for now and we made ourselves comfortable on the couch and started reading together.

We laughed and mimicked weird voices, mostly akko though and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

We decided to take a break after the third story. I was both relieved and sad we didn’t get to the cancer and Taurus one.

“This is amazing Diana! We never got this in Japan”

I explain to her it had an extremely limited and regional release and I offered it to her. After all since the messages in this story book reflect in a big way the Arcturus words it seems fitting that Akko might use this as inspiration in her summer break, much in the same way I tend to find comfort for it.

I may still be a coward to be fair, but just knowing that akko and I will be sharing yet another thing in common make me more-dare I say- giddy than I can even explain.

She refused at first but I insisted. She proceeded to tackle me with a hug after finally accepting it and says thank you.

One thing about akko is that’s she very hyper and is not afraid to show her immediate emotions so I have been the receiving ends of her hugs more than I can count, but it never ceases to amaze me just how warm and happy I feel when I get them from her, nor does it ever fail to make my heart race.

She pulls apart and grabs my hand. I’m unsure why until I feel the atmosphere and we start inching closer to each other.

“Diana!! Are you alright!?” Hannah and Barbara shouted in unison after bursting into the room.

Akko has completely pulled away and her face was beat red, I’m sure mine wouldn’t be fairing any better.

“Akko? Are you ok?” Hannah and Barbara have grown close with the rest of team red and green as well and since I suspect they are aware of my feelings for akko they also have a vested interest in her well-being.

Akko greets and says sorry and dismisses herself. No. I will not let this slide.

Hannah and Barbara finally notice what was going on by the exchange of looks I’m sure.

“We’re sorry Diana, we didn’t know- I mean when Ursula told us after the fireworks that Akko came to say you and Diana had to go without any explanation in such an anxious manner we got worried and decided to check on both of you. Since there were some people that were less than happy that magic is back at that event”

Ahh yes I noticed them, but I paid them no mind since I’ve always been antagonized like regarding my love for magic, I naturally suspected the opposition would grow now that magic is seeping back into the world.

“Ahh…..no it’s quite alright, Hannah, Barabara. If you will excuse me though….” I came at a loss what to say but luckily they understood me.

“Don’t worry Diana, go and clear things up right now, Akko is a loose cannon and persistent brooder when she’s properly down.”

Hannah was right.

“Also Diana good luck….” Barbara smiled at me and I was completely obvious but I couldn’t even care.

So I dashed as fast as I can to try to find akko and I finally caught up with her.

“Akko wait!” and I grabbed unto her hand. This is the perfect time to tell her.

“Akko take your card back” She looked hurt. Ooh no was supposed to say something else before leading up to that. Akko pulls harder to escape, but I’m not letting things like this.

“Ahh no you misunderstand I want us to trade back because we always find each other right? We’ll both be busy this summer so we have each other’s card to remind us that we’ll see each other again in a few months. Of course I realize right now that’s silly probably. I’m so-”

“No! I love it I mean that would be nice. Also sorry for storming off like that”

I wanted to ask why she did but she seemed as anxious as I am. Ooh. Andrew might be right. If the feelings are mutual though I wonder. You know what. I’m going for it.

“Diana would you like to come on the trip around Europe with lotte, sucy & professor Ursula, I’m sorry for such short notice it’s just I thought you were embarrassed of me or something…..and yeah.. I get it now you aren’t and I’m sorry for feeling down, but I think I really like this storybook Diana it reminds me a bit of shiny rod and the words so thank you….”

I smile. Although my courage is all but dashed away. I’m truly a coward, but I’m happy I cleared this up. It’s a pity though about the trip.

“I’m sorry akko, I have previous arrangements I can’t get out of although if you are going to a place in England or near the Cavendish manor to give me message. Here’s my address.” And I conjured up a paper with my address “Just send an owl to that directory. Also miss Yanson recently showed me how to use the modern gadgets and I will be buying mine soon. As soon as I have mine I will contact miss Yanson to contact you with the information”

She looks overjoyed.

“That would be really great Diana” and I was met with another hug. I swear they’re addicting.

She separates again and the atmosphere is back, but just as swiftly it is cut by Yanson’s

“Akko! Ooh there you are. We were worried.” Manbavaran comes stoically coming after Yanson, but you can tell Manbavaran’s facial expression relaxes a bit after she sees akko is ok.

Akko turns around “Don’t worry I’m a-ok! Tomorrow vacation starts! Doki Doki no Waku Waku time!”

I swear I have to ask her what a few of her Japanese words and phrases are, but I know this word means akko is extremely excited and happy and her exuberance is contagious in these instances.

Note to self. Learn Japanese this summer break.

“In any case good night Diana, see you tomorrow morning”

Akko smiles at me and I smile back “Good night Akko, sleep well and to you to Lotte, Sucy” they nod in my direction and wish me good night too.

Well today has been eventful. I have many things this upcoming summer break, but I’m very happy for all that’s ahead for me.

#DianakkoWeek #Dianakko #Diakko #diana cavendish

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