Everlasting (ep)

EARLY RELEASE FOR MY HIGHER-PLEDGING PATRONS!

Everyone was mentioning in the reviews about Croix having recorded Akko and Diana during the fight with the missile, which of course she did. But I didn't want that to be the way they revealed their relationship (by accident). I want them to do it when they are ready. So let's imagine the recording stopped or people weren't looking at them and were too fixated on all the magic~

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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														Epilogue. In The Stars

"Come on, come on, Diana come ooon!"

"I am coming, Akko. Just give me one moment."

"Mm okay fine, but just one!"

Akko lets go of Diana's hands from where she'd been pulling her out the door and allows her to retreat back into her dorm room for a moment. Akko turns back to Lotte and Sucy behind her and hugs her broom excitedly, humming and squealing under her breath.

"It's gonna be today, you guys! It's gonna be today, I can feel it! Today's the May Faire, after all!"

"You're right, it is," Lotte agrees.

"Maybe you'll actually get an inch off the ground this time," Sucy shrugs.

"Not maybe! Definitely!"

It's already been a week since she had unlocked the Grand Triskelion and magic had been restored to its proper place throughout the world.

Professor Croix had left to accept a certain punishment from the higher council of witches beyond Luna Nova's authority, and part of that was to put all her efforts now into finding a cure to Wagandea's curse.

Professor Ursula had decided to peel away her disguise and let her hair shine bright red from now on. And it is no secret throughout Luna Nova that she is now desperately waiting for the day Croix returns to them.

Life has returned mostly to normal at Luna Nova now. Classes have resumed, and Akko's still behind in a lot of them, but now she's got plenty of people to help her out.

She's been practicing her broom-riding every day after classes with Lotte, Sucy, and Amanda's team there to support her. Of course, they often ended up fooling around more than actually helping Akko practice, hence why Akko hadn't invited Diana to any of these little training gatherings.

But Akko woke up feeling different today. It's a weekend morning and she's decided today's the day she's finally going to fly. As such, she's elected to invite Diana to come watch her. She plans to surprise her girlfriend with her success.

"It's gonna be today," she keeps repeating. "For sure!"

"Sure, sure," Sucy says. "If you keep telling yourself that, it'll come true, right?"

"Because a believing heart is your magic!" Lotte concludes.

"Heehee~" With a grin, Akko throws an arm around each of them in a brief hug.

A moment later, Diana returns to the door with a small box in her hands and a picnic basket on her arm. They contain several assorted tea cups, pastries, cakes, and other supplies for brunch. She had woken early and tirelessly baked and prepared everything herself, because she'd planned to join Akko's flying practice this time whether she'd been invited or not.

Akko makes a pouting face when she sees everything and eyes it all curiously.

"Ehhh, Diana, why're you bringing all that? Do you really think it's gonna take me that long to fly?"

Diana gives her a thoughtful look.

"I prepared everything freshly this morning to celebrate the supposed day of your success. Is it not better to be safe than sorry?"

"Geez..." Akko puffs up her cheeks in a pout, and Diana chuckles. Right behind her are Hannah and Barbara, the latter of which scurries over to Lotte to grasp her hands.

"Finally! Now we can discuss that Nightfall update!"

"Yeah! It was really good!"

The six of them begin making their way down the hallway, bound for the exit doors. Just before reaching them, they spot Amanda, Jasminka, and Constanze heading toward them as well.

"Yo!" Amanda greets them. "So Akko invited you guys out to watch her flounder around like a fish outta water too, huh?"

"It would appear so."

"Amanda! H-Hey, Diana, don't agree with her!"

They all laugh together this time before opening the doors. Everyone gives Akko a big pat on the back to send her through.

"Go practice!"

"We'll be watching!"

"Do your best!"

Grinning, Akko scurries off until she's found a good open space to ready herself. Nearby, all of her friends settle down together.

Jasminka and Hannah sit together, enjoying a few of the treats from Diana's picnic basket. Jaminka picks up a cupcake and bites into it, humming happily all the while. Hannah chuckles.

"So you like them?"

"Mm! Delicious!"

Jasna breaks a muffin in half and offers some to her. Hannah accepts and enjoys herself. She then picks out two doughnuts and brings them over to where Lotte and Barbara are sitting together, reading through the latest volume of Nightfall.

Hannah and Barbara had genuinely apologized to Akko, Lotte, and Sucy for all the mean things they'd said and done to them in the past. Even so, Barbara had been worried Lotte might reject her friendship. But now, they're two peas in a pod, sharing an interest unique to the two of them.

"Hey, hey!" Barbara's telling her now. "Do you think Belle's gonna go save Edgar from the Kraken?"

"She has to! She's the only one who can!"

Hannah rolls her eyes as they thank her for the doughnuts. Beside them, Sucy and Constanze are crouching together in the grass, meddling with one of the latter's latest gaming creations. They don't say much, but what Sucy does mutter is in response to Constanze's silence, which she somehow understands.

Beside them, at one of the clean white tables, Amanda and Diana sit across from one another. Diana's just finished pouring cups of tea for both of them.

"I have an inkling you might enjoy this flavor," she says.

"An inkling, huh? We'll see about that. Drinking tea's never really been... well, my cup of tea."

Diana breathes over her cup and enjoys herself, sipping daintily. Amanda picks her own cup up as well.

"Geez, why you gotta take so long, huh? Just down it all in one go!"

"I would not recommend-"

"Down the hatch!"

And Amanda tilts back her head and swallows the blazing hot tea in one gulp. A second later, she's gagging and wailing. With a sigh, Diana pushes her one of the pastries to help soothe her throat. Amanda wolfs it down and sighs in relief.

"Thanks... It actually wasn't half bad!"

Akko sweeps her gaze around all of them relaxing together and enjoying each others' company. It's a sight she has to admit she'd never thought she'd see.

It fuels her to finally make today the day she succeeds in her flying. She makes a fist, then directs her eyes up to the blue sky above.

"Wind, check! Broom, check! Date, check! Today's the May Faire, after all!" Closing her eyes, she gulps down a huge breath. "Tia Freyre!"

And she can feel it, the rush of magic and energy flowing through her broom-

...and then it's gone.

"Huh?" Akko looks back over her shoulder, under her armpit, and every which way down at her broom. "Aw come on! Tia Freyre! Tia Freyre! Tia Freyre!"

Bouncing up and down, she tries to make herself take off. Everyone continues doing what they're doing.

"Yeah, yeah," Sucy mutters. "Today too, it's a shame you can't get it."

"B-But it felt like you almost had it!" Lotte praises.

"Really?" Akko asks.

"Yeah, you're definitely progressing!"

"You think?" Amanda sighs, crossing her arms behind her head and leaning back lazily. "Looked exactly the same as always to me."

Akko whines at her.

"Geez! What are you even here for if you're not gonna cheer me on?"

She looks past Amanda and to Diana instead. They still haven't revealed anything to anyone though, so Diana muses to herself as she gives a typical-sounding response.

"I came because of how confidently you invited me, but it appears we will not be seeing the decisive moment."

Akko pouts again, but once the others have all looked away, she and Diana share a smile.

"Either way, not so fast!" Akko declares. "I really feel like today's the day! No, I'll definitely make it today!"

But before she can make another attempt, she comes to a pause upon seeing several more people coming their way. Professor Ursula is there, along with Andrew, Frank, the headmistress herself, and even Professor Finneran. Akko gives a huge wave and calls out to them.

"Andrew! Headmistress! Professors!"

There's no way she's gonna walk away from here today without flying. Not when so many people have come to support her.

Andrew has Akko's long-lost hat in his hands, but now Professor Ursula politely takes it from him and brings it to her. Akko thanks them both, then pulls it onto her head.

"All right!"

With her fired-up declaration filling the air, everyone stops what they've been doing and gathers around her now.

Akko readies herself, sweeping her gaze around to each of them in turn.

Andrew, who has supported her even when she couldn't see him, defending all witches against the grumpy old statesmen.

Hannah and Barbara, whose harsh ways had used to motivate her to prove them wrong, but now they only have honest support to give her.

Amanda, Jasminka, and Constanze, who had helped her on her way to finding answers about the Seven Words.

Professor Finneran, who had pushed her hard despite her misgivings, and who now has a smile on her face as she encourages Akko to do her best.

Headmistress Holbrooke, who gave her special permission to enter Luna Nova and have the opportunity to live her dream in the first place.

Professor Ursula – Chariot – who had given her that dream in the first place, who has been teaching her, helping her, and supporting her all this time, even before Akko knew the truth about who she really was.

Sucy, the first person she'd met on her way here, who always plays pranks on her, but is always there to give her a boost when Akko needs it most.

Lotte, who is always so kind and peppy, who cares for her so much, her first friend she'd made, and the first person who had flown with her.

And finally-

Diana.

Diana.

Whom she'd gotten off to a rocky start with, no doubt, but somewhere along the lines they'd gotten closer.

Much closer.

Diana.

Who had risked getting in trouble for the sake of meeting up with her in secrecy simply to kiss her, simply to hold her and let Akko know she was there for her.

Who had devised a system of codes only they could use just so they could find time to be alone together.

Who had given up her robes as Moonlit Witch for Akko in front of the entire school and the higher authorities of the witching world.

Who has been supporting her from the sidelines all this time, from the banquet, to the Samhain Festival, to the revival of the Words and everything in between.

Who had revived the fifth Word with her.

Who had searched for her all night in the snow.

Who had found her, kept her warm, taken her to shelter, told her the truth about her past and her dreams.

Who had believed in Akko when she couldn't believe in herself.

Who had flown her up to confront that missile.

Who had kept an eye on her, followed her, predicted her movements, kept her safe.

Who had been thrown off the Shiny Volley and nearly died for her.

Who had wielded the Shiny Rod together with her, and cast the Shiny Arc to stop the threat.

Who had saved the world with her.

Who had held her in turn when the Rod had disappeared, and there was nothing left for Akko to hold onto.

Who had kissed her amongst the stars.

Diana.

Who loved her.

All of these memories and so many more well up in Akko's heart now, in this brief moment as she looks down into Diana's eyes.

And she knows Diana is reliving it all as well.

They hold one another's gaze for a second longer, yet not a second too long. Diana lifts her chin, silently encouraging Akko to commence.

So Akko faces forward and draws in another breath, tightening her grip on her broom. There's a small scuffling of footsteps as Lotte and Sucy come up next to her.

"Akko, you can do this! Your believing heart..."

"Is magic, right?"

Akko swings her head from side to side, then smiles.

"Yeah!"

And it's the most beautiful, heartfelt smile anyone's ever seen.

Diana fears she'll be found out with how warm her face is becoming, but she realizes no one is looking at her right now.

"Oh!"

A collective gasp rises up from the crowd.

Akko's giggling away merrily like a little kid, not even realizing her boots have lifted off the ground.

"Akko!"

It's Lotte's excited cry of her name that has Akko opening her eyes again to look down.

"Eh?"

Everyone stares in astonishment.

Diana brings her hands to her mouth, trying to keep herself from rushing forward and throwing her arms around Akko in front of them all.

It takes everyone – including Akko – a moment to realize it's actually happening.

And then Diana starts an applause, and everyone quickly joins in.

But the sounds of their clapping can hardly even be heard over Akko's excited shriek.

"Yaaaeey!"

And she throws her arms up, bubbly laughter wreathing through the air and all across Luna Nova's campus.

In the merriment of the moment, everyone decides to run back to their rooms and grab their brooms. Hannah and Barbara offer to grab Diana's for her so she doesn't have to run back, which she appreciates.

While everyone else scampers off, and the professors, headmistress, and visitors all turn to converse with one another, Diana turns her full attention back to Akko.

Her heart soars. She's never been happier than she is in this moment.

But from now on, there will be even happier moments that might compete.

Amanda and her teammates arrive back first, casting the spell and lifting off to join Akko in her flight.

Lotte and Sucy arrive next and follow suit.

Finally, Hannah and Barbara return and hand Diana her broom.

"Tia Freyre!"

She takes off with them, and together the eight of them swirl around Akko, laughing and smiling all the while.

Akko reaches out both hands to hold onto Lotte and Sucy as they fly alongside her. Diana keeps pace just above her, with Amanda and her team below.

Now that Akko's able to fly at a controlled pace, they begin offering her words of advice for other things such as turning, changing elevation, and maintaining, increasing, or decreasing speed.

Amanda tries to teach her how to do flips and other acrobatics, but Diana firmly advises against it.

They fly for hours, and somewhere along the lines some other students notice the parade and join in, until Luna Nova's skies are filled with giggling witches.

They play games, perform tricks, and do everything else in between.

They play until the blue afternoon sky begins to turn pink, and then purple, until it begins to darken. As the deep yellow rays of the rosy pink sun start to sink behind the treetops, the little witches descend from their flight one by one.

Hannah and Barbara retire first, yawning and wobbling on their brooms as they hold each other's hands and descend, wishing the others a good night.

Amanda, Jasminka, and Constanze go next, congratulating Akko once more before dropping back down to the ground.

Akko waves and continues flying together with Diana on one side, and her teammates on the other.

As the first stars begin winking to life in the night, she looks skyward to watch them. The wind is quiet, pulling through her hair with a gentle gust. She's been flying for hours now, but she's still getting used to this feeling. She's only ever flown while sitting behind someone else before, or when in a perilous situation, or when she was chained down.

But now she can feel the full breeze for herself, the warm air of the twilight wrapping around her in a light embrace, her heart beating comfortably.

Eventually, they make what must be their hundredth lap around Luna Nova, and that's when Lotte and Sucy decide to head in.

"Akko," Lotte says. "I know you're still excited and all. You did a great job today, but-"

"Don't you think it's time to call it a night?" Sucy finishes.

Akko draws her gaze away from the stars just for a moment to look to them both.

"I think I'm gonna stay out a little longer! You guys head back, I'll be there soon!"

And perhaps she slips up a little bit, because she looks to her other side and casts Diana a soft smile. Not that Lotte and Sucy hadn't already had an inkling about something going on between them. But her teammates share a mutual glance and smile too.

"Okay."

"See you later."

With that, the two of them lower themselves to the ground.

At last, Akko gives Diana her full attention. She looks so beautiful, even more beautiful than usual, with moonlight in her hair and starlight in her eyes.

Now that they are alone, Diana offers her hand. With a squeal, Akko flies in next to her and accepts.

They fly side-by-side through the night, holding their brooms with one hand and each other with their free ones. The stars shine down upon them, and moonlight coats them in a silver glow. More and more stars wink to life by the second.

For a long time they are quiet, simply enjoying the moment and each other. They live every moment to the fullest, engraving it all into their hearts.

But after a while, Akko comes to the realization that the doughnuts Jasna flew over to her a few hours ago won't suffice to sustain her for very much longer. Diana can hear her stomach growl from where she is. Akko blushes and laughs sheepishly.

"Eheehee~"

"Perhaps we should call it a night."

"Yeah."

With that, Diana keeps hold of her hand, helping her descend, murmuring advice to help her along. At one point, Akko drops down a little too quickly, and Diana holds fast to her hand to prevent her from plummeting.

They ease their way down together until at last their boots can almost touch the grass. Diana dismounts first, keeping her broom against the inside of her shoulder, then opens her arms. Akko jumps down right into her embrace, squeezing Diana tightly.

"I did it..." she whimpers. "I finally did it..."

Diana returns the embrace with earnest.

"I am so proud of you, Akko."

Akko giggles and cries into her neck, sniffling repeatedly. Her legs are a little wobbly now that she's standing on solid ground after so many hours of flying for the first time.

Sensing her lack of equilibrium, Diana supports most of her weight and gradually helps her to her knees. They lay their brooms aside and Diana draws her wand, then sweeps it gently through the grass around them. A dozen or so fireflies take flight and rise up into the air, adding their light to the world.

Her blue eyes give an invitation, and Akko gladly accepts.

Both girls lay themselves down on their backs, shoulders brushing, gazing up at the stars. They keep hold of each other's hands, twining their fingers together – a perfect fit.

The galaxies twinkle back at them, swirls of black and purple and blue, a vast expanse of velvet ocean sprinkled with dazzling stars.

Akko's eyes know exactly where to go. She spots the Big Dipper with ease, and calls out a soft greeting.

"Hi, Shiny Rod. It's nice to see you again tonight. Thanks for watching over us!"

She uses her eyes to trace each of the Seven Stars, connecting them to form the shape in her mind. She murmurs each Word as she goes, from the first to the last.

Diana closes her eyes as she listens to the words of magic, the Words Akko had used to unlock the Grand Triskelion.

Now it is all truly over. And part of her is very glad for the crisis to have been averted and for magic to have been properly restored to the world.

And yet, a part of Diana regrets. Regrets that the adventures she'd shared with Akko have come to an end.

A small, sad breath escapes her lips just as Akko finishes reciting the final Word - the one Akko herself had given meaning to. She turns to glance at Diana just as her girlfriend reopens her eyes. Akko sidles a little closer and squeezes her hand.

"Diana? What's wrong?" Her voice is quiet, and her eyes flash with concern.

Diana turns to her and a small smile forms on her lips.

"Nothing at all. Just a bit melancholy, perhaps. It truly is all over..."

Akko turns herself onto her side a little, so she can face Diana more easily.

"What do you mean? It's not over, Diana! There's still so much more we're gonna do! Together!"

Her words ignite a flutter in Diana's heart. Her eyes widen a little, and the sparkle comes back into them as Akko proceeds.

"Maybe we unlocked the Grand Triskelion and the world reconstruction magic, but that doesn't mean there's nothing left for us to do! We still have soooo much left, Diana! We're gonna learn more and more magic as we go through our semesters! We're gonna meet more friends and go on all kinds of adventures! We'll get our own familiars and participate in more festivals and learn more spells!

"And of course I'm gonna come back to the Cavendish estate with you so you can complete the ritual and become the family head! I don't care if the next eclipse is next year or in ten years or in a hundred years! I'll support you no matter what!"

Diana feels a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

"Akko..."

"And I'm still gonna live my own dream, too! I've still got a lot more to learn before I can become a splendid witch who can bring smiles to everyone like Chariot did! There's still soooo much we've gotta do, Diana! This isn't the end – it's only the beginning!"

And she's right. Her eyes are shining with nothing but the pure and honest truth.

Diana's heart throbs again as fresh tears well up in her eyes.

"Akko..."

She almost makes a move to wipe the tears away, but stops. Diana has decided she doesn't need to hide her emotions any longer. Not in front of Akko.

So she lets the tears fall, slipping back across her temples and into her hairline. She smiles.

"You are absolutely right. There is still so much we have yet to accomplish and to learn."

"Yeah!" Akko pushes herself up on her elbow and leans over Diana, pecking her lips sweetly. "Don't worry, Diana. We're gonna be together for a long, long time! I promise!"

"Akko..." Diana begins pushing herself up as well.

Akko sits up straight and slips a hand behind her girlfriend's back to help her upright. Their fingers curl together once again as they lean forward, breath dancing across the other's lips, and come together for another brief kiss. They part, catch their breath, and Diana is just about to initiate another when Akko pipes up.

"Oh! I almost forgot!"

She puts a hand to her collar and carefully unbuttons the inside pocket of her uniform. Diana tilts her head curiously, watching as Akko pulls out a certain treasure of hers.

Both Chariot cards – Diana's premium one and Akko's own favorite that she uses as an amulet – are in her hand now. She holds the premium card close to her chest but holds out the other with a smile.

"Here! Since you gave me yours, I want you to have my treasure, Diana!"

"Eh...?" She almost can't comprehend what she's hearing. "That... is not necessary-"

"It's okay! I want to give it to you! I know you'll take care of it!"

"But..." Diana stares down at the card being offered to her, then looks back up at Akko. "You will not have the complete collection if you give this one away. You confessed you had been searching for these cards all your life, Akko."

"I know," she says. "But it's okay. I don't want to take your only card away from you without giving you something in return. This way, I'll have the other cards, but you'll have the last one! We're complete when we're together, Diana!"

And Diana isn't quite sure why, but Akko's words elicit another rush of tears. Her hand quivers as she reaches out to accept Akko's most treasured card.

"Thank you, Akko. I will take very good care of it. I promise."

"I know you will! And I'll take care of yours, too!"

They smile, then tuck their respective cards into their hidden pockets, directly over their hearts.

Diana finds Akko's hands in her lap and holds them, leaning herself forward to rest their foreheads together. Sighing, Akko nuzzles their noses together.

Eventually, their lips join once more, as soft and as light as stardust.

When they next look up at the stars, they can see another shape in the far distance, beyond where the Big Dipper shines. It is the swirl of that flower-like pattern they had created atop Yggdrasil together.

And right now, it seems to be shining just for them.

It is their symbol, their signature, the sign of their everlasting affection for magic and for each other.

Their love written in the stars.

For all to see, yet few to understand.

At least for now.

Akko and Diana help one another to their feet. They pick up their brooms, and despite the day's activities, there is still so much excitement in their hearts.

Akko balances her broom against her side and throws both arms around Diana once again, whispering into her shoulder.

"Thank you, Diana. For always being there for me."

Diana wraps Akko in her arms, holding her close.

"And thank you, Akko. For teaching me how to believe again."

One more hug beneath the silver moonlight.

One more kiss beneath the stars.

One more promise beneath the galaxy.

And many more to come.

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A/N: And at long last, thus concludes my LWA Rewrite fic! I really wanted to add so much into this, not just Akko's and Diana's relationship (though obviously mainly that), but also too things like mentioning Hannah and Barbara actually apologizing to Akko's team, and Akko actually hugging and thanking Diana for all she did (because she did a LOT and canon never even gave her so much as a hug or a chance to join in on that group hug for it). And I wanted to have Akko give Diana her own treasured card to show her appreciation and her trust.

And then of course I wanted to have them hug and kiss and make secret codes and have midnight meetings and bathtime cuddles and whatnot~