Chapter Text
October 14, 2022
City Garden GRAND Hotel, Makati City, Philippines
"Akko, stop for a second and think this through! Don't you dare do anything stupid!"
"No! I know you saw her Amanda! She was there, Diana was there!"
The air was tense, every words exchanged from two close friends were becoming louder and louder along the empty hallway of the hotel, curious customers beginning to peak from their own hotel rooms to see what's happening.
"I was about to run after her! And she had the nerve to stop me, she fucking kissed me in front of thousands of people, in front of Diana!"
Akko's eyes were cold, rigid and hard. Her fists were balled, jaws clenched, trembling with anger, rage was boiling from deep within, like a volcano that's dangerously close to erupt.
"And it was perfect. Blair did exactly what we asked her to do."
"Hah?" Akko snarled, her blood red eyes narrowing dangerously low. Akko's attention was now on a tall yet pale woman.
"Sucy w- !"
"No Lotte, she needs to know since her stupid head can't grasped something so simple. Maybe this is why she dropped out of College," Sucy sneered, taunting the twenty five year old woman.
"What did you say?!"
"Oh great, now she's deaf."
"Why you..." as Akko was about to tackle Sucy to the ground, she was then hoisted up, her arms secured safely on her sides, feet no longer touching the ground. She was immobilized.
"Sorry Akko, but I need to do this."
Jasminka then proceeded to press the carotid sinus located on the side of her neck, careful not to press too hard. Akko then went limp, passed out.
"Can somebody please explain to me what just happened? Akko's not the only one confused here," Lotte exasperatedly asked, her hands flying around the air to prove her point. "I can't believe you guys kept me out of the dark!"
"We had to, or you would've done everything in your power to prevent the plan from happening. I promise Amanda will explain everything in the morning," Sucy cackled.
"Eh? Why me?!"
"Because you're the manger. Duh," Sucy replied matter-of-factly.
"Fine," Amanda grumbled. "6 AM sharp. Room 202. Knock the usual pattern."
"If this goes out on public, you guys are dead," Lotte threatened, eyes narrowed. "You have no idea how hard it is to keep gossips at bay, and with your obnoxiously poor plan, I'm sure I'm gonna have so much on my plate by tomorrow."
The team then went to their designated rooms, Jasminka carefully carried the sleeping woman to her room shared with Amanda.
Unfortunately for Lotte, a black haired teen was recording the scene.
"Hoy! Ano ang ginawa mo diyan? Ba't ka nag record?" (Hey! What are you doing there? Why are you recording?)
With a yelp, he jumped at shock. A man wearing a guard uniform shouted, his badge shining from the hotel lights, slowly walking towards the teenager. His voice held that accusatory tone, finger pointing at the black haired Filipino.
"Ah, wala lang po sir, yung idol ko kasi ay nandito nakastay. Memories lang po." (Ah, it's nothing sir, my idol is just staying here. It's just for memories.)
"Ah, sige sige. Punta ka na sa hotel room mo." (Ah, okay okay. Go to your hotel room now.)
He complied, grateful the guard didn't suspect anything. He then proceeded to post the video on every social media he knows.
The world was, once again, outraged. Theories were made, rumors were born and gossips were written.
October 14, 2022
Mall Of Asia, Philippines
"Diana, could you please slow down? Isabella is having a hard time keeping up with your long strides," Andrew shouted in the midst of people who were exiting the arena. He was, thankfully, holding Isabella's left hand while Barbara's holding her right hand tightly to avoid being separated from each other. "And I would prefer we don't get separated."
"M-My apologies."
Stopping, Diana waited until they were side to side. Diana looked at Isabella, she then felt a pang of guilt enter her being. Isabella was drenched in sweat but was, nonetheless, smiling brightly, her eyes twinkling, which made Diana sigh in relief.
At least she's enjoying herself, Diana thought, smiling.
Andrew then let go of Isabella's hand, opening the car door wide. Diana, taking the young girl's empty right hand, the trio then walked over to a black Mercedes Benz car and got inside.
Diana then glanced at her black haired friend. "Thank you for accompanying my daughter, Barbara. I hope she was showing her best behaviour when I was not around."
"No problem Diana. It was actually fun to watch Isabella-chan getting all excited to see her lifelong idol. But she did ran away from me when Akko took a 10 minute break without my permission, but other than that, she was fine."
Narrowing her blue eyes at the young child, Isabella laughed innocently while scratching the back of her head in an apologetic manner, then started to animatedly talk to Andrew, who was also sitting beside her.
The driver started the car and glanced at the rear-view mirror, his questioning gaze landed on the blonde haired beauty.
"Miss? Saan po tayo?"
Diana then looked at Barbara, silently asking what the man was saying.
"A-Ah! He asked if where should we go."
"City Garden GRAND Hotel. It's only 33 minutes away from here if we take Epifanio de los Santos Avenue street."
With a nod, the driver instantly drove away from the Arena.
The blonde heiress took a side glance to her seatmate, who was typing something on her phone while smiling widely, almost mischievously.
November 5, 2021
Atsuko Kagari's Apartment, Britain
Akko laid across the messy bed sheets, blinking, a glob of sweat trickling down her forehead like how droplets of rain races down on the window pane on every rainy days.
The night was cold despite wrapping herself with a handmade quilt like a burrito before she went to sleep. The brunette glanced out of the window, only to see the moon's light still gracing the world of its soft white glow, the sky was clear with the stars twinkling brightly.
With a groan, she turned around, her chest laid bare against the cold bed sheets and closed her eyes. Dreams are nothing but figments of imaginations, she reminded herself. At least, that's what teachers from middle school said. Akko never trusted them, they're evil. She once thought they were witches in disguise, looking for openings to kill her with acid or with a wave of their wand... or something.
But it felt so real. It was like she was reliving a moment of her life, a nightmare she would rather forget.
She tossed and turn, trying to find a comfortable angle for her to sleep in. With no success, Akko breathed out a sigh, unwrapping herself from her comfortable position on the bed and stood up. Grabbing a puffer jacket she carelessly threw at the floor, she ventured outside of her warm apartment, remembering to lock it this time or she'll have another incident of a break in.
Most days, I wake up with a pit on my chest
There are thoughts that I can't put to rest
There's a worry that I can't place
Jogging around the city with no destination in mind always makes her feel better; how the streetlights light up the empty night, how the wind embraces her being giving a slight comfort whenever she feels down, or how the pressure of expectations from every people she meets are disregarded.
It was just the two of them, the moon and herself. Sometimes she would also talk to Luna, she read a book somewhere in her life and learned the moon's name is Luna, to vent off some unwanted thoughts and emotions.
Most nights, I am restless and quiet won't come
So I lay there and wait for the sun
There's a trouble that won't show its face
And suddenly, she finds herself on a crowded park. People were lounging around, some were singing along while playing with their instruments, whereas others were simply seating around the campfire, telling the story of Guy Fawkes.
The atmosphere was happy and lively, which contrasted to what Akko feels inside; crestfallen and troubled.
Walking around, she heard a familiar tune of a lullaby that her mother always sang to her on every stormy night, her wine coloured eyes landed on a piano being played by an old man.
He was surrounded by a bunch of kids, singing happily along with him, some were even clapping their hands to the beat.
You came out of nowhere and you cut through all the noise
I make sense of the madness when I listen to your voice
Walking towards the unsuspecting man, the brunette waited until the song ended. Her finger's twitched, a sudden need to feel the keys invaded her senses.
Clutching her right hand, she can't help but sing along with a voice so soft people around her couldn't hear. How long has it been, I wonder? Akko solemnly thought, a deep frown forming on her pale face. How long has it been since she last heard her voice? She couldn't remember. It was blurry, like her brain was preventing her from remembering.
Then her dream happened, the brunette could make out a chestnut haired woman. They were in the kitchen, her hands held a thick brown elastocrepe. She looked like she was in her late 20s, her attention was on her the whole time. It was like her bright hazel eyes held the disappointment and anger behind them, which made her cower in fear on her seat.
Then the scene crumbled and came another new but this time, the mysterious woman was lying down on a bed in a room with dull white color. She was talking to her with a voice so soft, so understanding... so mother like.
Darling, only you can ease my mind
Help me leave these lonely thoughts behind
When they pull me under, and I can feel my sanity start to unwind
Darling, only you can ease my mind.
"Ojii-san? Would you mind if I can have a turn?"
"Ojii-san?" The old man asked, head tilting on the side.
"Oh! It's Japanese for grandfather. Sorry, I'm still new here and it became a habit." Akko chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head.
"Oho hoh! It's quite okay young lass! Sure, you can play!" The old man grinned, standing from the worn out leather seat.
"Thank you so much!" Sitting down, Akko played some random chord progressions. "Wow, this sounds brand new."
"I know right! They just finished tuning it before I played the piano. It's quite marvelous."
With a hum of agreement, the brunette proceeded to play an unrecognizable chord progression but is still somehow familiar. It was like she played it before but she couldn't recall when.
Opening her mouth, she started to sing to the noisy night, unknowingly attracted nearby listeners.
Her voice was soft and mellow, yet her voice brought out those sorrowful waves.
"I'll admit, for a moment, I felt so afraid
Just to show you the mess that I made
There are pieces I usually hide"
Akko couldn't understand what she was saying, she looked like she was talking with enough power that she could only hear but her ears perceived it like she was mumbling.
But she did heard one, it was when the unnamed woman held out her pinky finger and asked a question in cheery voice but the brunette could see her brows furrowing in worry, smile forced.
"You promise you'll keep on fighting for mommy?"
"What are you saying? Of course I'll fight for you! Even if mommy fights millions of baddies, I'll always be right beside you and kick butt like Ninja Turtles on TV! So you better promise me you'll survive this so we can go and keep on eat canelés' on every Sunday night again!"
"I promise."
After that, she was hauled away. Akko saw her waving her hand softly, smiling brightly as if she was reassuring Akko that everything will be alright, but to her, it looked like she was reassuring herself.
With a sigh, she watch her leave until she became a dot then disappeared, rounding to a corner. Akko wasn't really a religious person but she prayed to the beings up above to save her mother one last time.
One last time...
It was a dream she would never forget, a nightmare that'll always haunts her in her sleep.
"But when you collect me with your steady hand
With a language that I understand
I feel put back together inside"
"Excuse me, Little One, but are you lost?"
Young Akko let out a loud gasp, surprised. Turning around, all she saw was a head full of platinum locks before she darted away, trying to outrun the platinum haired woman, who was also starting to give chase.
"H-Hey! Wait! Slow down!"
She didn't slow down, in fact she started to sprint faster, the trees blurring past her, the nightly chill kissing her face harshly, goosebumps starting to appear on her bare forearms and legs. Thank god her mother forced her to join the track and field club, she faced much more harsher conditions than this. For Young Akko, this is just child's play.
"Stop! Or you'll fall down on -"
And suddenly, the nine year old girl stumbled on a loose rock, tumbling and twirling as she fell down, it took her a seven and a half seconds until she reached the ground and she knew it was gonna hurt.
" - a hill."
As Young Akko laid there, dizzy and disoriented, clutching her head feeling a nasty headache coming. She then noticed her arms and legs had cuts, bleeding and was covered with mud, making her wince.
Then a melodious laughter was booming throughout the quiet hill, it was contagious. Looking up, Young Akko can see a silhouette of a woman who had her arms up like she was posing as a villain who defeated the hero, and couldn't help but laugh along, her injuries forgotten momentarily.
When the platinum haired woman started to trek down the slippery hill, the nine year old child couldn't help but be worried. What if she'll trip and slide down the slippery hill like she did? She would never forgive herself if the older woman would get hurt, plus her pretty dress would be soiled! At least that's what she thinks she's wearing.
As she drew near, Young Akko let out a whimper, trying to make herself small enough for her to hide from a blonde predator hunting for its undelectable prey. The unnamed woman stopped, her eyes staring at her own as if she was trying to read her. Slowly kneeling down without breaking eye contact, the unnamed woman opened her arms wide, inviting Akko to a hug.
"You came out of nowhere and you cut through all the noise
I make sense of the madness when I listen to your voice"
"My name is Bernadette Cavendish. What's your name, Little One?" Bernadette asked, bright blue eyes showed genuine concern for the child. "Unless you want me to call you that forever?"
And just like that, a rope full of her self-doubts and hesitance holding her back snapped. The nine year old flung herself towards the wide arms of a woman who she know now call as friend. Bernadette grunted, surprised at the sudden impact but nonetheless held her close. She smiled widely, her nose nuzzling Akko's muddy hair, not minding if she got dirty in the process.
At that moment, all she saw is blue. Literally and metaphorically. It reminded her of the blue mask of Leonardo in Ninja Turtles. He was brave and kind, her favorite out of the four turtles, but it also reminded her of a blue Violet flower lying on her windowsill back at her house.
"I'll always be here goofball... Always. Don't you ever forget that okay?"
Young Akko shook her head as the first tear broke free, the rest following like an uncontrolled waves on a narrow stream. Embarrassed, the nine year old settled her now aching head on the round, not to mention big, bosom of the woman in front of her, nullify all the chirping sounds of the crickets, choosing to focus on the older woman's steady heartbeat, making the nine year old drowsy.
Bernadette wrapped her arms around the trembling child in a protective manner, like how a mother lion hides their child from anyone who dares to hurt her cubs, rubbing her back gently when she heard a sob escaped from the confines of her mouth.
"Ara ara, did anyone tell you that if you cry on a meadow, the ghost living here will haunt you forever?" the older woman chuckled as Young Akko burrowed her head deeper in her chest, squeaking in fright, her hold on her tightened. The arms that held her were soft, yet strong, soothing her young worn out soul. Young Akko was content in her arms, she finally felt like she could fly without any restrictions. "Don't worry, Little One. As long as I'm here, you're safe here with me."
Safe..? It sounds and felt familiar but it quickly became a fleeting memory as seconds passed by. Since when did she last felt the safety from people who was supposed to provide her protection? It's been too long. Maybe she could learn how to trust people again. Could she trust this woman who radiated so much kindness and love? Her answer was obvious.
So she did.
Her name flew out from her lips like the Dandelion Puffs on a flowery field she once visited on her summer vacation with her family, and blew to make a small but desirable wish . They passed by, too fast for you to try and catch them by hand as they drifted off to the distance, fading until you can no longer see them with your naked eye. Two words was spoken so softly it touched Bernadette's ears without registering any meaning.
"Pardon?"
With a sigh, she spoke again but with confidence, her voice strong and firm. "Atsuko Kagari," Bernadette laughed softly, humming a mellow melody. "But call me Akko, it feels weird if people call me by my first name."
"Now Akko, would you mind telling me why you're trying to run away from me at ten in the evening?" The nine year old stiffened, a voice full of warmth and kindness was no more. Instead, her voice held that familiar sternness and disapproval.
It felt bittersweet.
"Oh darling, only you can ease my mind
Oh help me leave these lonely thoughts behind
When they pull me under, and I can feel my sanity start to unwind
Darling, only you can ease my mind"
June 25, 2020
Agios Georgios, Greece
Zakynthos Shipwreck
"Diana, what are you doing?"
The said woman was kneeling down in front of her, her hands slowly undoing the laces of Akko's sneakers and her own pair of boots. Walking towards the abandoned and decaying shipwreck, she set them beside each other carefully, trying to avoid the sea waves from swallowing them away to drift across the wide blue ocean.
Diana smiled softly, her blonde hair with tea-colored locks glowing as the moonlit light graced them with its presence, creating a soft halo on top her head. Akko knew she was beautiful before but this... this was a whole new other level.
Diana was breathtaking.
In her hand held a single stemmed Viscaria flower, offering it to the chestnut haired woman in front of her as if she was asking a silent question.
Would the lady in white care to have a dance with me?
Playing along, Akko curtsied, grinning widely. Accepting the offered flower, she carefully secured it behind her ear. "Of course."
Diana then held out her hand again, but this time her hand was empty, which Akko eagerly took, and stepped closer towards the blonde goddess. The young woman's oceanic blue eyes shone as she placed her lithe hand firmly in hers; placing her other hand on the chestnut's waist.
They started slow, waltzing around the white sand. Spinning in circles and shuffling their feet to the slow and quiet sound of the waves as they come and meet the shore. Sometimes the brunette stumbled but the blonde goddess would always catch her, like she how promised she would.
The star were twinkling with every step as Akko spun in delicate circles. Gazing at her mesmerizing blue eyes, all she could see is the wonder and love, that never failed to make her knees buckle, her lips quivered slightly. Diana narrowed her eyes, and let out a small chuckle, noticing what her presence only could do to the young brunette.
"Darling, only you can ease my mind
Help me leave these lonely thoughts behind"
"Akko?"
Akko hums in response, her eyes closed as she rests her head on the blonde's chest. Both her arms were resting on Diana's shoulder, while the latter wrapped hers at the waist of the Japanese woman, swaying slowly like the waves of the ocean in front of them.
"Do you trust me?"
The brunette looked up at the woman towering above her, curiosity and worry in her crimson eyes, but nonetheless answered without sparring a second thought. "I trust you."
Diana smirked in reply, amusement and mischief evident in her usually stoic and serious eyes. Then she swiftly picked her up with ease, and carried her to the shallow part of the beach. Akko, realizing Diana's intentions, began thrashing wildly.
"Akko, stop or we'll both fall and get -"
" - wet."
The brunette then burst out laughing, not minding if she was wet or how her now see through white blouse made Diana blush and her face, specifically the cheeks, felt like a hot oven; the blonde goddess laughed along.
Akko's laughter faded with her own, and they were left staring at each other with the exact same expressions.
Diana then pulled the Japanese woman close to her, settling her on her lap, hugging her close until their chest are firmly pressed against each other.
"When they pull me under, and I can feel my sanity start to unwind
Darling, only you can ease my mind"
Diana's bright blue eyes flickered down to Akko's lips.
Akko gazed up at Diana's intently, waiting patiently.
Minutes passed by, neither of the two were willing to act.
Impatient, the brunette decided to make the first move, only to be held back by a lithe finger. The brunette pouted, making the blonde heiress chuckle, smiling at her fondly, her gaze at the brunette lovingly, which, may I add, never failed to make Akko's heart flutter and knees feel like Jello.
"All in due time, Akko."
Leaning close, Diana rested her head on Akko's shoulder, inhaling deeply only to smell the chestnut woman's intoxicating scent, cinnamon and a pinch of sweat that was empowered by strong briny smell from the ocean. Her hands caressing her sides affectionately, as if she was committing the feeling to memory, softly nibbling her ear making Akko visibly shiver.
"Happy Birthday, Akko," Diana whispered softly, her hot breath lingering on her ear making Akko's blush spread to her neck.
Winking, Diana then stood up, offering her hand for Akko to hold. "Let's go home?"
Wordlessly, Akko nodded. Reaching up, her hand grabbed and interlocked her fingers with hers, simply allowing Diana to drag her towards the small yacht that they rented.
I'm already home, Akko thought, smiling softly which was left unnoticed by the goddess in front of her.