Our Ideal Place (Little Witch Academia)

Chapter 5: All Wet

Akko was having fun so far and hoped that the rest of vacation would be like this. But recently, Diana seemed to have a worried expression in the morning. She wondered if the reason was the upcoming Coven. They spent a lot of time deciding on a dress for her and adjusting it to her size. The invitation looked very fancy and even had a wax seal. Unlike other letters, it didn't have a postage stamp. Anna did mention that it was delivered by owl. When she managed to get Anna alone, she asked her if something was bothering Diana.

"I'm not aware of any," said Anna. "It's kind of you to ask, but Miss has us to take care of her. You're our guest, so there's no need to worry."

Akko knew that it was a polite way of saying to mind her own business, but she decided to investigate on her own.

They finished breakfast in which she ate a lot of homemade poptarts. Diana was so lucky to have a good chef. They were talking about self-study topics in the library when Anna entered.

"Miss, Prof. Nelson is here to see Miss Kagari," said Anna.

"Why is she here?" asked Diana as they followed Anna.

"I don't know. Maybe she's here to check on my flying," said Akko nervously since she can only manage to float at a snail's pace.

At the reception room, Akko forgot her manners and directed her attention to the fishbowl that Prof. Nelson held.

"Prof. Pisces! How are you?"

Bubbles spewed out of Prof. Pisces' mouth. ( I'm fine. How are you? )

Although Prof. Pisces understood English, her mouth was only capable of bubbles. "I'm doing great! How was your trip?"

( It was nice to travel by ley line. )

Diana spoke politely. "Good morning, Prof. Nelson, Prof. Pisces. What brings you here this Sunday morning?"

Prof. Nelson gave the fishbowl to Akko. "I'm just dropping off Prof. Pisces. You take good care of her."

"Yes, I will!" replied Akko enthusiastically.

"I'm going to town. I'll be back in a couple of hours. See you later."

After Prof. Nelson left, Diana asked, "So what's this about?"

"As part of my detention, Prof. Pisces asked me to swim with her every Sunday morning for 2 months. After 2 months was up, we still went out for a swim anyway."

"Swim? Isn't it cold outside?"

"It doesn't feel cold if I'm a merman." Bubbles erupted on the water's surface. "Oh! It'll be cool if you come!"

"I don't want to intrude."

Diana's response confused her even though Prof. Pisces invited her. Akko paused in thought. "Do you understand fish language?"

"No."

"She said that you're welcome to come, so you're not intruding. Is it all right if we swim now? We usually take an hour."

"That's fine. Where are you swimming?"

"Just outside."

Diana paled. "In my lake?"

"Yeah. That's fine isn't it?"

"Give me 10 minutes! Please wait here!" Wand out, Diana rushed out of the manor.

Akko peeked out of a nearby window and watched Diana zoom about on her broom. Algae covered debris began to pile up on the far side of the lake. When she came back, Diana's forehead was shiny with sweat.

"It's fine now," she huffed, still catching her breath.

"Shall we go, professor?"

( Let's go! )

She grabbed Diana's hand. "C'mon Diana! It'll be fun!"

They walked to a dock behind the manor. Akko carefully emptied the fishbowl into the lake. Prof. Pisces plopped on the surface with joy. She gestured towards the water with a mock curtsey. "After you, my lady."

Diana activated her wand and jumped towards the water. "Metamorphie Faciesse!" In a puff of green smoke and a splash, she was gone.

Akko jumped in and transformed into a merman. Although she could change to a fish now, Prof. Pisces preferred the merman form for the added protection it provided against poachers. She looked around. Beyond a curtain of bubbles was a scene that took her breath away. She had seen paintings of mermaids in art museums but none could match Diana's mermaid form. Her wavy hair floated around her head like a crown. Her pale skin shone like smooth pearls. Without any clamshells to limit them, her shapely bosom was buoyed by the current.

Akko felt strangely giddy and lightheaded. Just then, the water stained red. Diana called her name as her consciousness floated away.

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To be continued in Chapter 6: The Shrine

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Artist shoutout is to cailincailincailin or poptrt00 on twitter!