The Glow of Alioth

Chapter Four - Red Teas

            This may seem surreal, but almost none of those strangely perplexed girls have an empathy for how much I feel absolutely excluded by Diana, not to mention the way she acted by simply delaying time, as if I were useless; even after everything that happened last year.

            I don't know what happened to her to try to protect me like that, something in her eyes left me with a bad feeling. As I stomped on the plants on the way to the dorm, I could still hear the echo of her voice; weak and at the same time sonorous; talking about giving me special classes. I don't want her to replace Ursula-sensei, and for that, I must prepare to write a letter of intermediation.

            I wanted to talk to her about all of this. I wanted to see her, but it was too soon. And my handwriting needs to look presentable, lest it be sent back for general review. My spirits didn't leave me until I picked up one of Sucy's special sheets and realized late that I could have made a mistake.

            However, I kept on writing ... I was thinking about taking all the things I would need to practice the flying and numbness spell. Until the moment I heard a loud knock on the door:

-- Akko! They want to fire the teachers! -- Lotte shouted, extremely anxious.

-- WHAT?!! -- I shouted, communicating an echo through the walls.

-- The competition takes place in a very short time, but as the new students after our class, they seem to overload the place, there are not enough rooms; let alone funds to keep them here.

-- Wooow, I don't believe it !!! I thought I already had too many problems to deal with, but ... does anyone know the list of who will leave ?! Does Ursula-Sensei already know ?! Who is deciding this?!? And when exactly do these students arrive ??!

            I rocked my friend this way and that; wanting her not to just tell; but she threw up at once, all the nasty details.

-- Hey, calm down! heheh Maybe it's not exactly the situation we imagine, it's just rumors. -- Comments Lucy, very carefree.

-- It is true. -- Ursula says with an assertive but patient tone. She seemed to be able to remain calm in the most adverse situations. -- I'm afraid we can't do much.

-- But, Ursula-Sensei !!! -- I screamed, and started crying hysterically.

-- Akko! Be patient, you will still have wonderful teachers, if you want to continue studying after graduation. -- She smiled kindly at me, and continued: -- Many students are also being asked to leave, in a very subtle way. The director confirmed the rumors, but no one knows for sure who is sending these letters. Luckily, I didn't get any ...

            She interrupted her speech to tilt her head and put her hand on her chin as if she were waiting for something.

-- So, do we have a spy inside the school who knows about the financial details? -- I recovered in the next minute, as fast as when I started.

-- Probably yes!

-- Wow, this situation is very worrying. -- Lotte commented, sitting up as if her body was struggling to absorb all the weight of the story. By taking a closer look at my drafts and horribly handwritten letters in short ideas. -- Akko! What sheet are you using and where did you find it ?!

-- Hehehe ... so, I was concentrating on one thing before you arrived. -- Totally without reaction, I took the sheet quickly and held it up before they could read something I wrote.

-- Well well, it looks like one of her special leaves, Lotte. -- I looked at Sucy, frowning and then tried to convince them otherwise.

-- WHAT? WHAT? I barely know what you're talking about. THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL IN MY HANDS !!! UWAHAHAHAHA !!

            I took everything I needed and went through the door like a rocket.

-- I will be back later! Don't wait for me ....!

            It didn't take long to find myself surrounded by beautiful flowers called Ajisai, in a multitude of colors. This indicates that I am on the right path, I needed to be far enough away to practice the spells, so that no one would confront me; including Diana.

            The gradient levels in warm colors that slowly discolored the clouds, gave way to several spaced stars; with immense constellations. It was possible to hear crickets and frogs croaking in a symphonic harmony with mastery. I think that again, I stayed away too long and the curfew was too close.

            I kept a mushroom from drowsiness, for future need. Luckily, I was walking north again; with the letter well written and hidden. Maybe I was ready for that, but I chose not to think too much.

            I took a deep breath and was overcome with sudden relief to see that her bedroom door was still almost open. Upon entering, I noticed an inviting lighting that illuminated various maps and magical objects on the walls, and two chairs arranged on an almost organized wooden table, which supported a small pile of tower-shaped books, with cups and a teapot that she spilled softly, until stop and look at me.

-- "You don't seem at all surprised ..." -- I stammered, confused.

-- Not really ... in reality; earlier today; I had a feeling that you would come. -- said Ursula in a gentle tone. -- Does anything worry you?

            She held out her hand for me to sit, I accepted her invitation immediately.

-- So ... you know we've been through a lot, but ... -- I turned my face thoughtfully. -- I think I'm a little nervous about the competition.

-- Don't worry, Akko! You try so hard ...

            She touched my hand subtly as she tilted her head to show a welcoming smile. I was about to take the cup, smiled back, and swallowed some of the liquid that contained an aphrodisiac red tea with drops of honey.

-- Thank you for ... believe me!

-- Well well. It is the least I can do, I am your mentor after all.

            I remembered the main reason for my visit.

-- Ursula-sensei, I've been reading about mythology and some ancient spells, but I thought I'd ask you directly ...

-- Of course. What is?

-- Can you hear people's hearts?

            She takes a few sips, perhaps pondering slowly what I just said.

-- I'm afraid not. There are many things that I cannot do. -- Other thoughts invade my mind, for some reason I can't show her the letter. -- But ... why is my favorite student sad?

-- It's nothing ... -- I try to give my best smile while my eyes ...

-- Akko ... -- she puts her hands on my cheeks; and she gently wipes my tears. -- Do not lie to me.

-- It's just that, on second thought, I would hate to ... see you get fired. -- I said, sobbing.

            I'm squeezing your waist with my arms, all my insecurities are staining your dress. When I realize, I move away; and dominated by the restlessness of thoughts and by your sea of kindness, I am leaving ...

And if you find a place

Doublewide for extra space

Plywood Astroturf for a happy place

You've found my dream

            My feet move away from her stunned and confused shadow, I open the door to her room and it's not fair right now ... That the only thing I can do is run.