Our Ideal Place (Little Witch Academia)

Chapter 8: The Circle

"Akko and Diana sitting in a tree, K-I---mmmppph! Kofff! Aackkk!" Amanda coughed grass from her mouth as she lay prone on her broom. She used her arm to wipe her mouth. "That was mean, Diana..."

Diana cast a stability spell on Akko's broom before flying up to Amanda's level. Akko should practice keeping the broom steady, but the situation changed. "What're you doing here?"

Amanda poked a thumb towards the sunrise. "Solstice."

"Shouldn't you be at Lough Gur?" Ireland had its own stone circles. Amanda didn't need to be in Avebury.

Amanda shrugged. "Does it matter where I spend Solstice? It's the same sun."

"Amanda! Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" Akko slowly inched up to them.

"Sorry, sorry... I decided last minute."

Amanda's clothes or lack thereof, surprised her. She was just wearing a black tank top and dark green hiking shorts. A straw belt secured her wand. But most of all, she wasn't wearing any shoes. Was she walking around barefoot?

They chatted about what they did since they left school and then they flew back to the first floor. Amanda touched down and stood on the green moss barefoot to wait for them. The moss was soft, so it probably didn't hurt her feet. After buying breakfast, they found some seats facing the sunrise. Akko sat between her and Amanda.

About halfway through the meal, Amanda put a leaf between her lips and whistled a simple tune.

"Wow, that's great, Amanda!"

"Hey, Akko, you drank a lot of juice. Don't you feel like going?"

"Now, that you mention it, yeah. I'll be right back." Akko left in the direction of the privy.

"I ask that you don't use that on her from now on," said Diana. Despite being in the bottom 25% of their class, Amanda was skilled in plant magic. Instead of an incantation, the spell just required a particular tune with a leaf. It was a weak spell and could be resisted.

Amanda bore an innocent expression on her face as she tossed the leaf on her tray. "I just suggested..."

"Please," said Diana more firmly.

"Ok... ok... As expected, you're familiar with plant magic. But I didn't do it to trick Akko. I wanted to talk to you." Her eyes narrowed and she spoke without her usual carefree attitude. With one hand on Akko's stool, she leaned towards Diana. "Magic around Avebury is strong during solstice, but it may have a side-effect of amplifying emotions. To those not trained to resist it, it feels overwhelming. Did you forget?"

Diana clenched her fists as shame filled her heart. Her mother was with her when she was here, so she didn't feel the effects since her mother probably shielded her. She had underestimated the effect of the spiral and tried to change the topic. "So you do pay attention in class sometimes."

"This isn't about me. Akko is an honest girl. If you don't mean it, don't flirt with her."

Bowing her head, Diana closed her eyes. It wouldn't do if Akko's recent actions were the result of magical influence. She took a deep breath and said softly, "You're right. I was careless. Akko is my guest so I'll be more considerate."

"Oh-ho... so you finally acknowledge me." Amanda smiled proudly.

"Hardly, and I'm not here to flirt with Akko." She opened her eyes and locked her gaze on Amanda. "Akko wants to learn more magic. I'm trying to give her opportunities to experience it. That's why we're here."