Chapter Text
Chapter I.
The Guinea Pig.
One peaceful morning on a day off, Akko was peacefully asleep, undisturbed by anything until that moment. Just thinking about it was enough for it to happen, like a guinea pig that she was, she got stuck with a substance, a potion, that Sucy had poured on her, taking advantage of the fact that this time, like many others, she was sleeping with her mouth slightly open.
—Does it itch?— Sucy asked, sitting at the desk, with that look that Akko feared so much. Almost lustful, full of excitement and yet calm. It was simply Sucy's face.
While Akko tried to gather what had happened, clutching her throat with one hand and coughing, a divine help like those that only Lotte could offer arrived—a glass of water.
—Here, Akko— Lotte's compassionate and pitying gaze towards Akko changed to a fierce disapproval, even worry, towards Sucy. —I told you not to give her that. You don't even know its effects—
—That's why Akko is my guinea pig— Sucy turned around and continued writing in her book, which she had kept as a kind of diary of her guinea pig for the past few months. "—I'll never perfect that potion if there's no one to test it on, and since Akko owes me one...—
The Japanese girl, remembering that she had lost a bet, accepted her defeat but planned to complain to Sucy until she was tired. However, she would leave that for later. So far, the potion hadn't caused her any immediate discomfort like the previous ones did—headaches, vomiting, fatigue, and the worst of all: diarrhea.
—This time, I guess I can't complain. I don't feel sick...— Sucy glanced at her, opened her eyes just a little, and immediately turned back to continue writing. —Well, girls, I think I'll go see Professor Chariot. I want her to help me with an assignment that I definitely don't understand.— None of her friends turned to look at her; only Lotte responded with a —Alright, good luck, Akko.—
And before Akko could leave for the showers, the sound of the door, waiting to be attended to, resonated in the small room. Without thinking, Akko opened it to solve the mystery of who could be there at this hour and on a day off.
An unusual, yet not so unusual, visitor — hello, Akko, good morning. I was wondering if you— Akko looked at Diana expectantly, who went from having sight in her eyes, then her head, and back to her eyes. —Did you do it on purpose?— Diana received a confused look from the girl, while Lotte, listening to this and intrigued, looked at Akko and then at Sucy, angry. —I thought you had it under control.—
She turned to her friends, trying to understand why Diana would do that to her, but the worried look from Lotte and Sucy's satisfied smile couldn't worry her more.
She looked in the mirror and examined herself. She didn't find anything strange on her face, but when she looked up, she noticed two ears;long and straight. She touched them; they were soft, furry, sensitive, with their own nervous system. Sucy had already taken the opportunity to touch her tail and squeeze it. Akko jumped in surprise and held her tail, rubbing it because it hurt, a small, fluffy tail. A rabbit's tail.
—Pfft — Diana covered her mouth with a polite hand, as only she could, and looked at Akko with a mixture of amusement and calmness. —Well, I guess I'll come back later.—
Diana bid farewell with a gesture to Sucy and Lotte as she closed the door behind her, but Akko stopped her.
—Wait, Diana! — The girl grabbed her wrist, her face filled with both embarrassment and a pleading expression. —Help me with this... please.—
They closed the door to the room and found themselves in the long and familiar hallway. However, realizing the risk of encountering any other students leaving their rooms, they decided, without uttering a word, to go to a less risky place.
They arrived at another hallway, quieter and just as dimly lit as the rooms. There was less chance of anyone showing up on their day off. As soon as Akko leaned her back against the wall and Diana stood in front of her, scanning her from head to toe, Akko couldn't help but notice a blush on Diana's face, as if she were holding back laughter.
—Hey! — Diana started to chuckle, giving in to her emotions. — This is embarrassing enough for me.—
Diana looked at Akko, crouched down, and covered her face, still laughing. And although Akko felt embarrassed and humiliated, she couldn't help but be infected by that laughter, a laughter she rarely heard—a laughter reserved only for her, yet as rare as a comet passing every 100 years.
Diana took a deep breath, and Akko offered her hand to help her up. Both knew it was unnecessary, but they enjoyed the feeling of friendship and rivalry they had cultivated over the past few months, and such gestures only strengthened it.
—Well...— Diana began, adjusting her skirt after getting up, —what could we do? — She raised her hand and touched Akko's ears, surprised by how real and warm they felt. —Well, usually potions reverse themselves or with another potion— Diana's gaze was serious and focused as she inspected Akko's face, but she didn't find what she was looking for. —You don't have a rabbit's nose, so I guess that's a good thing...? —
—There's a potion that Sucy has been working on for a month, and I'm sure that's the one she gave me. After all, I'm obligated to be her guinea pig— Akko sighed, feeling defeated.
Diana looked at her and smiled slightly, trying to console her. She had already come up with a few ways to solve this.
— Croix, leave Alcor alone! — a voice echoed in the hallway, behind Diana.
— I should cook it alive. He may be old, but he still remembers how to be a nuisance.
Croix and Professor Chariot were arguing while Alcor, Chariot's bird, pecked at Croix's head. Diana wasted no time and took off her hat, placing it on Akko's head.
— Hello, girls, good morning! — Chariot greeted them with her characteristic warmth, holding Alcor away from Croix. Her curious gaze landed on Akko. — Akko, why are you in your pajamas?
— Isn't that Diana's hat? — Croix, though attentive to every detail, continued to watch Alcor with suspicion, and he watched her back.
Diana stepped in front of Akko and made a gesture with her hand, apologizing.
— It's nothing. Akko was just playing and bothering me. We were heading to the library, if you'll excuse us... — Diana and Akko bid farewell to both adults and started walking in the opposite direction. — Watch out for your tail — Diana, having thought ahead, positioned herself behind Akko to cover it.
After 1 or 2 minutes, they arrived at the hallway where Akko's room was located.
— Weren't we going to the library to do some research?
— Well, that was the plan, but you're in your pajamas.
Inside Akko's mind, the loudest mental slap she had given herself in months resounded.
— Wait for me a few minutes, please...
As soon as she entered the room, Lotte looked at her. — Akko, you're back — Lotte observed her from her bed while chatting on her orb, and although it wasn't a question, it was evident that Lotte was surprised by how quickly she returned.
— Well, yeah, I went out in my pajamas, so I came back to change — Akko sighed and started looking for her uniform. — Hey, Lotte.
— Mm, yes?
— Have you ever seen Diana laugh?
— I've seen her happy, smiling, maybe even let out a laugh... but actually laugh? I don't think so. — Lotte turned off her orb and looked at Akko attentively. — Why do you ask?
— I don't think she's capable of laughing.
Both Akko and Lotte looked at Sucy, then at each other, and Akko continued explaining.
— It's just that it seems like everyone sees her as a bitter person. Akko's voice sounded normal, but Lotte sensed the concern, and before she could respond, Akko continued. — She's not like that, she's very nice, and we all witnessed her change after we released the Seven Words and saved the world.
— Akko, it's true that Diana is reserved, but I think more than seeing her as bitter, people respect her, hold her in affection and admiration. Many students probably see her as someone completely out of their reach, someone they will never surpass, a person as powerful as she is noble. — Lotte smiled and threw a pillow at Akko's face. — You should stop thinking too much about it and ask her directly how she feels. I have no doubt that you're the person she trusts the most.
Akko grinned and playfully tossed the pillow back at Lotte. — You're really good at encouraging your friends. When you gain that trust and speak to her, you transmit it to me. — Akko had picked up a scarf that belonged to Diana, intending to return it since it was a bit cold. — Thanks, Lotte.
Akko, now dressed, left the room and tied a coat around her waist to further conceal her tail, while the hat covered her ears.
— You're done — Diana inspected Akko and smiled without looking at her. — It was a good idea with the coat. — Akko smiled back. — Well, we should go. I thought we could ask Professor Lukić for help.
As quickly as Akko's face lit up, it dimmed.
— We're not allowed to make potions that aren't part of the lessons without permission. — They started walking toward the library as Akko explained. — I could get into trouble, and you too as an "accomplice," but Sucy would be the one to pay the price, and I really don't want her to be punished.
— I think you're being too considerate, considering that she caused all this. She should take responsibility.
— I can't just rat her out! Her only goal at Luna Nova is potions classes, the types they make, the mushrooms and ingredients they obtain. — Akko sighed again, defeated at the thought of the punishment. — I wouldn't want her to be expelled from Luna Nova. I can't imagine how I would feel if that happened to me.
Diana stopped in her tracks and sighed, touching her forehead with her index finger and thumb. After a few silent seconds, she let go and put her hand on Akko's shoulder. — You always think too much about others. — Akko's innocent gaze met Diana's contemplative look. — When will you start worrying about yourself?
Ignoring that an answer might exist, Diana resumed walking to the library, leaving Akko unable to say anything. Remembering, she at least took the scarf out of her pocket and handed it to Diana.
Despite the tense moment, Akko could perceive that gentle smile from Diana, the one that truly says everything is fine.
— I noticed that you're getting better at broom flying, Akko.
Since the Seven Words were released, Diana was more inclined to speak and interact a bit more, but there was a sudden change when it came to Akko. Still, Akko was surprised that Diana started talking out of nowhere.
— Yes! It's getting easier every day, although I can't go higher than half a meter. And I still fall a lot. — Akko's mind flooded with scenes of all the times she has fallen and failed, even the days when she couldn't fly and cried. But remembering that she was able to get up and try again suddenly gave her a burst of enthusiasm. — I hope to fly as amazingly as Amanda someday. — She looked almost nostalgically at the Luna Nova courtyard where she usually trains. Coincidentally, they were passing through a hallway that led to the place. — Although I've always thought that even though her style is free, fast, and cool, I think you're a much better role model for me when it comes to learning. — Diana was taken aback. She knew Akko admired her, and it was mutual, but she never expected this level of honesty from Akko, nor did she think Akko liked how she flew. — I'm not comparing you; I mean, you're more cautious and delicate, yet very fast. You surprise me more and more.
— Ahem, well, I thought you enjoyed having fun and learning quickly, so I thought you wouldn't follow the example of someone other than Amanda... or Miss Nelson, of course — as they arrived at the library, Akko accompanied Diana in the search for books instead of separating to look individually. "It's more inefficient," Diana thought, but she knew it was to continue the conversation. — Although I'm not surprised. You're stubborn, proud, and you don't know when to give up — with a few books in their hands, they sat down to start their research. —But,— Akko looked at Diana, and Diana looked at Akko —I believe that's precisely what makes you so competent and also gets you into trouble like this. You have a problem with saying no sometimes.— Diana handed one of the books to Akko —this one is about advanced potions, and the others are the same. I'll go look for more on potion mixing and reactions. Let me know if you find anything important.—
Diana disappeared from Akko's sight, leaving her with two books to review, as Akko sensed that the other books were not ones that Sucy would use as a guide.
The conversation with Diana had stung her pride a little, but amidst all that she could feel, joy and tranquility prevailed. The fact that Diana was honest with her brought her much comfort. Before, everything felt tense, but everything changed after they clarified things and understood that they were both rivals and friends. Even though they were partly competing against each other, the main thing was to help each other.
Akko knew that Diana admired her; she had confessed it only once, and Akko, in turn, couldn't stop telling Diana how great she was. For Akko, having Diana admire those "bad" qualities of her personality made her feel embarrassed since Diana wasn't someone who often highlighted positive things about others.
Introduction to Potions 4...10.
Temporary Reversible Potions...33.
Potions by Oath...77.
Potions by Ingredients...91.
Potions with Psychological Effects...134.
Potions with Physical Effects...198.
Potions by Genetic Cell...247.
Potions Conclusion 4...290.
—Temporary potions... by oath... by ingredients... psychological effects... Physical effects! I pray it's this...— For Akko, the most tedious part was having to read so much for such specific information she was searching for.
Diana returned with three more books and sat down with Akko to read. After some time, maybe 1 or 2 hours, Akko sighed and pressed her face against the book on the table, letting it rest. She had never finished reading something so quickly and efficiently, yet she still couldn't find anything useful. She lifted her head, looked at the book, closed it, and opened another one. But before she began reading, she looked at Diana. Diana was still reading, and Akko didn't want to distract her. However, being herself, she felt the need to tell Diana about her futile search of approximately 2 hours.
— Have you finished? — Feeling observed and noticing Akko's restlessness, Diana decided to speak and see what was going on, lifting her gaze just to ask and then returning to her reading.
Akko sighed with relief. Finally, Diana gave her the opportunity to speak. She straightened up in her chair and looked at Diana with an expression of weariness and boredom. — Yes, but there was nothing that specified a physical change like mine.— She touched one of her rabbit ears and, while stroking it, continued, —Mythical creatures, wild animals, but none like a hare or rabbit, only big animals! Bears, lions, crocodiles, gorillas!—
She rested her forehead on the table again with a heavy sigh, her arms hanging down. Diana hesitated but placed her hand on Akko's head, a gesture she had never done before, and stroked it in an attempt to console her. Akko was surprised but decided to enjoy this strange and unusual act.
—Well, maybe we should search and read more,— Diana closed her book and rested her head on her arm, which was on the table, as a makeshift pillow for rest. — I can't find anything useful either. You could start reading another book.—
— Ugh, what a drag!—Akko stood up energetically. —This is definitely not fair...— She didn't notice it, but Diana did. Her ears were drooping. —I could be practicing flight, repairing things, or resting! Now I'll spend the whole weekend trying to solve this...—
Diana simply observed her, expectant, knowing she would continue complaining, and so she did. Akko sat back down and looked at Diana.
—I've never spent this much time in the library outside of classes, and I haven't even had lessons with Professor Chariot long enough to exceed the two hours we've been here.—
—Maybe you should get used to it,— Diana picked up a book and opened it, not really reading. —It would do you good to study Numerology. Professor Badcock was somewhat disappointed with your performance in the last exam, and although she shows more mercy than Professors Finnelan and Lukić...— Pretending to concentrate on the book, Diana continued speaking. —We could come here to study. I wouldn't mind helping you.—
Noticing Akko's excitement at the unusual proposal, Diana decided to get up from her seat and close the book.
—Anyway, now we need to focus on finding a solution to this, and we won't do it on empty stomachs. I'll go to the cafeteria for lunch and then to my room to continue researching. Maybe I'll come up with something later.— As she arranged the books to return them, she looked at Akko and signaled for her to help. — You should do the same.—
—I guess so... I didn't even have time to have breakfast.—
— What? So you came here without eating breakfast? That can't be good, especially for someone who uses as much energy studying as you do,— she said with a hint of sarcasm in her voice, provoking Akko.
—Hey! Just so you know, I do study, otherwise, I would have never passed Magical Linguistics. Professor Finnelan shows no mercy towards me.—
—Believe me, it seems like she has some affection for you, even if she doesn't show it.—
Akko could only look at Diana in bewilderment as she disappeared from her sight, heading towards the cafeteria. Akko would go later to eat something proper. She felt tired and a little dizzy, perhaps due to the potion itself, so she decided to return to her room and rest until nightfall.
— Akko, wake up... Akko! —
Lotte was shaking her, successfully waking her up. Akko, in her natural confusion upon waking up, didn't understand why she was being awakened.
—You told me to wake you up at 6:00 PM, and since it's winter, it's already dark.—
—Oh, thanks, Lotte. I have to go to the cafeteria before it closes. Thank you so much.—
She tidied up her hair, put on her boots, and headed out into the hallway. It was somewhat dark, and she only had one hour before the cafeteria closed, meaning one hour to eat. She thought about that and decided to quicken her pace, and as on most occasions, her impatience didn't treat her kindly. She bumped into someone in the hallways while trotting absentmindedly, and before she could even say anything, a hand was offered to help her up.
—Ah, im so sorr- Amanda! I thought you went home for the weekend. Hey... Why are you dressed like that? You can't go to the boys' school. If you bother them again, they'll- —
—Shh! It's not that, and don't talk so loudly.— Amanda looked in all directions and then continued, —I have something like a 'date' today, and I know I'll be expelled if I go to the boys' school. Don't worry, but keep quiet. If you don't, we'll both get in trouble because I'll drag you into this if you rat me out.—
—A dat-?!— Amanda quickly covered Akko's mouth.
—Yes, Akko, yes, but stay silent. I'll get punished because of you.— Amanda hugged Akko by the neck with one arm. — Between us... no one's watching the backyard at this hour, the one opposite to where the fountain is. I'll take advantage of that and be there, but don't tell anyone. I entrusted this secret to you alone!—
Akko merely nodded her head, still somewhat incredulous. Two things surprised her and intrigued her. Firstly, how does Amanda know so well when certain areas are being monitored? And secondly, why did she have to use metamorphosis to transform?
In any case, her doubts would be clarified just five minutes later as they passed through the hallway leading to the backyard. Constanze was sitting on a bench, wearing a very modest dress, nothing flashy, something Akko would expect from her. It suited her well, Akko thought. It was only then that the pieces connected in her mind: Constanze was Amanda's date.
Her mind was blank during the walk to the cafeteria, thinking about what was happening in the backyard while she devoured her dinner alone. Her mind remained in that blank space until she arrived at her room. Sucy was asleep, and Lotte was no longer there.
She changed into her uniform and put on comfortable pajamas. She still hadn't gotten used to the cold weather in Britain during the winter season. She lay down on her stomach, avoiding squishing her tail, as she found it uncomfortable, and relaxed to sleep.
'Love between girls... hm...' she thought.