Everlasting (ch6)

FOR MY HIGHEST-PLEDGING PATRONS! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

From here, we'll be starting the events of the Samhain Festival!

Originally, I'd wanted to break this event up into a few separate chapters, but the only appropriate place for breaks would warrant one chapter being exceedingly short. Or other potential places for breaks would disrupt the flow of the story.

Therefore, we're gonna knock out the entire Samhain Festival in one long chapter here!

Disclaimer: I do not own Little Witch Academia.

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												Chapter 6. Something To Celebrate


The next morning, Diana is up earlier than the sunrise to shower, change, have a cup of tea, and begin preparing for the Festival today.

Despite all that she's done these past few days, there are still plenty of last-minute preparations and things to oversee. She heads outside to check over the stage, the bleachers, and the tables where the visiting alumni will be sitting. She checks over the statue of the Great Witch Jennifer, and goes over the pamphlet she herself had written up.

Diana ensures everything is exactly as it should be, running through the order of events in her mind as they shall play out tonight. Her own performance is set toward the ending, and Akko's team will follow up.

Even though Akko had missed their meeting to discuss the sacrifice duty, Lotte and Sucy had seemed to be on-board and prepared for what they would need to do.

Diana regrets that Akko has been forced to partake in arguably the worst possible duty of the Festival, but she is hoping things will go without a hitch tonight.

Before long, the professors and other students begin filing outside to prepare as well. Diana makes her rounds with her back straight and eyes sharp, asking if there are any questions, concerns, or last-minute necessities. Whatever anyone needs, she will find it or help them with it.

All morning and well into the afternoon, Diana is hard at work, reviewing today's schedule, speaking with the professors, and helping her fellows classmates. She hardly sits down for longer than a moment, and only eats when Professor Finneran orders her to take a break.

During those few minutes, as she is daintily picking her way through a salad with Hannah and Barbara on either side of her, Diana scans the property. It's bustling with activity, the air swirling with the last remnants of a spell someone just cast, the sounds of excited chatter twittering on the breeze.

She makes certain she isn't being too obvious in seeking out Akko's team. But they are nowhere to be found.

Diana doesn't let this affect her, however. She cannot allow herself to be distracted now of all times.

But as she commences her rounds, she does begin to ask people if they have seen Akko, using the excuse that Diana needs to ensure they are prepared for their part in the Festival tonight.

Of course, that is part of the reason. But only part of it.

But no one has seen Akko and her teammates, or if they have, they can't remember where or what they'd been doing.

Before she knows it, it is nearly time for the alumni to start arriving, and Diana has no choice but to abandon her search for Akko. She quickly changes clothes and prepares her cloak for her own performance tonight, and leaves it behind stage where she will easily be able to pick it up again later.

As the afternoon settles in, the announcement is made that the alumni will soon be arriving. All of the available students and staff head toward the leyline's entrance to greet them. Diana herself stands at the head of the crowd.

She watches them fly in, these renown, successful witches who still choose to practice magic and return to Luna Nova after all this time, those who still care for the future of magic as they know it.

Diana dips her head to them all as they fly in above, and are officially introduced one by one. They are all names Diana recognizes from her extensive research – all people she would do well to impress.

Before she knows it, she is being hailed to center stage in order to announce the official start of the Samhain Festival.

From that point onward, Diana lingers behind stage, observing each lackluster performance one by one. Some do better than they had during rehearsal, but most do significantly worse or about the same. She can see the stoic, unimpressed expressions of their visitors and even their own professors.

But Diana isn't concerned. Because she knows at the very least she herself will be turning heads.

When Hannah and Barbara scurry behind stage and grab their cloaks, Diana takes hers as well and pulls it over her shoulders.

By now, the only other people waiting to go onstage are Lotte and Sucy. Diana longs to ask them about Akko's whereabouts, but she fears it might turn out badly if she would have to act in front of them.

However, Hannah and Barbara are muttering loudly enough for the other team to hear, and loudly enough to irk Diana.

"That Akko, she isn't even showing up, is she?"

"I feel sorry for those guys. Akko just totally ditched them!"

Diana has always found this to be one of the most difficult parts of her secret relationship with Akko. She always longs to silence her teammates' banter, but cannot afford to be too obvious about it, lest they become suspicious.

Even now, she is prepared to silence them and justify it with the fact that they should be focusing on their performance above all else. But they keep glancing at her, as if expecting her to comment on Akko's absence as well; Diana knows if she doesn't, they'll find it odd.

So she has no choice but to badmouth her very own girlfriend right to Akko's own teammates.

"Has Akko arrived yet? There is precious little time left."

Naturally, her teammates jump in.

"Maybe she's finally realized how worthless she is..."

"...and made herself scarce?"

Diana doesn't even look at either Hannah or Barbara, fearing she might not be able to bite back a comment in Akko's defense. She maintains her composure and her act. The words come almost too naturally for her liking.

"She ran away from her responsibilities, leaving all the burden on your shoulders. How pathetic."

She feels wretched for going that far, but it effectively keeps up the front she's striving for. Though as her team is called for next, Diana has to admit she is rather relieved that Lotte all but snaps and counters them in Akko's defense.

"Akko wouldn't run away!" Lotte declares. "She's pouring everything she has into making what she believes in happen! She may be stubborn, but that's what makes her Akko!"

And Diana can't turn away quickly enough to hide the smile that briefly finds its way onto her lips.

/Yes. That's absolutely right./

She's glad Akko has such dedicated friends who truly understand her. Diana knows she can't really say the same about herself.

With their exchange about Akko now over, Diana begins making her way onstage.

. . .

Akko's sweating from how much she's been practicing.

Not only all day today, but all last night, and any chance she'd gotten within the past several days.

Her magic still isn't perfect, but it'll have to do. Because the sudden astonished cheering of the crowds tells her that Diana's team is beginning their performance, and Akko's will soon follow.

She pauses in her transformation practice to turn toward the stage. She can't see anything from where she is, but she can hear perfectly fine. The crowds instantly fall silent as the light dies down, and everyone focuses their attention on one person in particular.

Akko wishes she could see Diana for herself, but she can imagine what she believes is happening now. Diana, shrouded in a mysterious black cloak, casting a water spell beneath her boots, crystal-clear water that perfectly reflects the moon and stars above. Then, a gushing fountain bursts upward into the sky, high enough above the bleachers and buildings for Akko to see for herself at this standpoint.

She stares up into the swirling waves, her jaw dropping as the water begins to take another shape. It's almost like watching one of Chariot's performances.

A pure-white unicorn leaps from the water, its mythical whinny ringing through the sky as it gallops on thin air, down along the trail of water, and back to the caster's side.

Akko hurries forward, peeking in behind the bleachers just in time to glimpse the mighty beast easing its pace to a halt only a foot or so shy of Diana. She watches Diana extend her hand, palm upturned, an invitation few witches have ever made, and even fewer have been blessed with acceptance of.

The unicorn doesn't even hesitate to make contact, brushing its muzzle against Diana's hand, willingly allowing itself to touch her. It lingers, and for that split second, it seems like no one breathes.

Then Diana straightens herself up to face the audience. And the crowds erupt in excited cheering.

Akko can tell a lot of people are standing up, and even the snobby old witches are clapping and smiling. Akko claps quietly from her hiding spot, wiping her eyes when she realizes there is water in them.

"Diana's so incredible!" Akko can't be happier for her.

But now, it's time to return the favor and give Diana a show worth remembering.

As the crowds continue applauding her girlfriend, Akko scurries along and makes her way backstage to where Lotte and Sucy are waiting.

. . .

Despite how enthusiastic the audience is about her performance, Diana doesn't linger onstage for long. She is still concerned about Akko's absence and longs to seek her out before the sacrifice ceremony, if at all possible.

Diana first turns to the unicorn she has summoned and dips her head in gratitude. It looks her in the eye for a moment, and Diana holds her breath. Then, the beast shakes its head with a whinny, leaps back into the pool of water at their feet, and vanishes within.

With a sweep of her cloak, Diana turns her back on the audience and disappears backstage. Wangari's voice continues to sing her praises for a moment before she gets on announcing the final event of the night. As she introduces the names of the three girls involved, Diana can't help but flinch slightly at the mention of Akko's.

But as she turns to make her way down the steps, a small gasp escapes her lips. Her eyes widen in shock as she finds herself looking at none other than Akko herself.

"Akko!"

Lotte and Sucy are flanking her, which prevents Akko from reacting as she truly wants to. Again, she wants to rush up to Diana and hug her. But Akko maintains her stoic expression as she makes her way up the steps one by one.

Diana is relieved to see that Akko has come after all, but she can't allow herself to show or say as much.

Diana doesn't move as Akko stalks up to her and halts at her shoulder. They don't make eye contact again, for both of them fear they could lose their composure if they do. But Diana hears Akko's declaration loud and clear.

"Watch me."

To the others, it sounds like a challenge. But Diana understands the hidden meaning behind those words.

/"I'm not just doing this for me. I'm doing it for you too."/

Diana turns her face away just in case a smile forms on her lips. With that, Akko and her teammates pass by and take the stage.

Diana sheds her heavy black cloak and goes to fetch her broom where she'd left it nearby, so she may observe Akko's performance from the sky. She will remain on standby just in case something goes amiss.

That's what Diana had intended, anyway. But she certainly hadn't anticipated what Akko now proclaims to the observing crowds.

"Are you ready, folks? It's time for the super fun sacrifice show!"

Diana's eyes go wide just as she hears the mutterings of the professors down below. The visiting alumni grunt and raise their eyebrows, not sure what to make of this.

Diana herself isn't sure either. But for the moment, she simply hovers off to the side and keeps her eyes trained on Akko.

She watches as her girlfriend summons Vajarois, the hideous, wailing monster...

...and begins to play with her.

Akko's cheerful voice carries out across the campus as she laughs merrily, transforming herself into comical, half-completed shapes of various creatures, urging the monster to smile. She jumps and flies and bounces about, casting playful spells on Vajarois in an effort to make the monster laugh.

Diana - and everyone else, it appears - is at a loss. This... certainly isn't what they'd rehearsed, nor is it what Diana had agreed upon with Lotte and Sucy a few days earlier. It is so unexpected that everyone observing seems to be frozen in a state of shock, but no one makes a move or an effort to stop it.

For a few minutes, Akko continues her antics, encouraging the screeching monster to laugh instead of cry, transforming herself into flying elephants and squirrels and horses and sharks, filling the air with glitter and the atmosphere with merriment.

And as Diana watches, she is overcome with a short-lived, but poignant sense of nostalgia. This kind of performance, colorful and fun, led by a delightful young girl...

She's seen this kind of performance before, many years ago.

Akko is certainly keeping true to her dream of doing whatever it takes to become like Shiny Chariot.

Lotte and Sucy assist her whenever possible, and although the monster doesn't laugh, almost everyone else does. The audience giggles and chortles, and even the older witches can't help but snort here and there.

The effect Akko has on people is contagious. It is something pure, something wonderful.

Diana doesn't even realize it when a smile curls on her own lips as well.

However, she isn't allowed to enjoy it for long. Because a sudden disruption sends Vajarois into a fury even stronger than its usual discontent. It howls and screeches and sends the three girls flying high into the air, opens its massive jaws and then-

Diana isn't quick enough. She'd been so caught up in Akko's antics of a few seconds earlier that she'd failed to anticipate what could happen next.

The monster swallows all three girls whole, just as the ceremony demands. And even though it is part of the performance, Diana knows it wasn't Akko's intent.

The laughter and joyful sounds of the audience cut off abruptly, and an unsettling silence falls. Akko's fun and games might not have been what people were expecting. But they'd been enjoying it. To have it be torn away in a second has everyone's shoulders slumping.

It seems Akko's efforts to make this mundane ceremony fun for everyone have failed, so everyone just goes back to sighing and watching with a bored expression as the sparks fade from their eyes.

It takes a moment for Diana to compose herself as well, and she has to hope Akko is all right. She flies down and lands, and is about to prepare for the end of the ceremony and declare the Festival over.

But then, something... happens.

Vajarois begins to screech again, its blubbery blue flesh rippling and contorting. A greenish glow begins to resonate from its stomach, a color that grows brighter and brighter until-

Suddenly, there's an explosion of light, color, and fireworks. The dull, gray night is instantly coated in every color imaginable, the still air now alive with motion and dancing light, bright shapes like stars, and a warm feeling.

And at the center of it all, the hideous skin of Vajarois peels away... and reveals a beautiful princess.

There, slumped on the ground in a puddle of watery slime is Akko and her team. But everyone witnesses the princess as she stands above them, casting off a pleasant pink and gold light. She smiles, giggles, curtseys. And then she is gone.

A beat of silence.

And then Wangari's excited voice echoes around the campus as everyone begins to cheer and clap, wonderstruck by the brilliant display Akko has just shown them. The alumni and professors praise her, and the students squeal and chitter about this unforgettable Festival finale.

Akko, Lotte, and Sucy pick themselves up, wiping the watery stuff off themselves and one another. Akko is already blubbering, crying happily as she pulls both of her best friends close to her.

"I couldn't have done it without yoooou!"

Her teammates chuckle and pat her back, and Akko continues to squeeze them, crying and laughing at the same time. Just feeling sheer emotion. That's something Akko's always been able to do.

And Diana stands alone, at a distance - watching.

Watching Akko once again have the things she never could, and still can't have for herself.

In spite of the wonderful show she'd just seen that had temporarily taken her back to the innocent, fun-loving days of her childhood, Diana feels an ache in her chest.

It hurts. It is a pain she's never experienced before.

Her grip on her broom tightens as she takes a step back, but her eyes remain trained on Akko. A prickle of envy creeps into her heart.

Diana wants that, too. She wants to be able to show everyone else how she feels around Akko. She wants to let everyone know.

And not only Akko. She wants to be the way Akko is with her own friends. She wants to have fun with them.

Diana doesn't realize the sting behind her eyes, because her entire body is tingling with a painful sensation. Only Wangari's voice snaps her out of it.

Diana turns away from Akko to face the enthusiastic announcer, only to be informed that Akko's team is out of consideration for any of them potentially receiving the Moonlit Witch title.

And Diana feels as though she's been struck in the chest with the hilt of a blade. It is dull and painful, but just shy of letting the tears drip free. Wangari leaves her there, alone once again.

Diana can't even manage to look at Akko anymore. It feels difficult to breathe now.

And Akko had been so certain she could win Moonlit Witch. She'd worked so hard, trained tirelessly, done everything she could. She'd freed the constricted spirit of Princess Vajarois, and even given a fun-filled spectacle for all to enjoy.

Akko deserved to win. She had earned it in her own way, in a way very different from how Diana might have earned it.

Diana shakes herself off, wiping her sleeve over her eyes as she begins making her way toward the stage once again. The lights have all come back on as the crowds settle down a bit, though most of them are still smiling and laughing. Diana leaves her broom, straightens her back, and makes her way to center stage to give the announcement.

"I hereby officially declare the Samhain Festival to be concluded."

And the crowds applaud and cheer, but it's much more mechanical than the applause Akko had elicited from them.

Diana steps down, then joins Hannah and Barbara at the front row of the bleachers where the other Luna Nova students are seated. Her teammates are adamantly trying to sound as though they weren't also impressed by Akko's 'show'.

"I guess it was all right," Hannah shrugs.

"Yeah, but Diana's summoning was much cooler!" Barbara finishes.

While Diana appreciates that they, if no one else, are still thinking about her own performance tonight, part of her wishes they too would give Akko the proper recognition she deserves right now.

After a few more minutes, everyone begins to quiet down as the older witches rise from their seats and convene together in a brief meeting, likely to discuss the winner of the Moonlit Witch title.

Though Diana's posture is stiff as ever, she sinks back a bit in her seat, hoping to conceal herself to some degree.

She doesn't want to be called. She knows she has to be, but she doesn't want to be. With her family name and heritage, she can't afford not to win this title.

But she knows she doesn't deserve it in the same way Akko does.

Never before has she been nervous about winning something. Whatever exam, competition, or award is being discussed, Diana knows her name will always be announced.

But now her heart beats thickly in her chest, in a way that almost makes her feel sick with guilt. She does her best not to show it, keeping her lips pursed tightly and her jawline taut. She closes her eyes for a moment to breathe.

A soft tap on her shoulder draws her attention to Hannah and then Barbara, who are looking at her with puzzled expressions.

"Diana?"

"Are you okay?"

She doesn't know how to respond convincingly.

But before she has to, the senior witches take center stage together. Miss Marjolaine begins to address the crowds for silence.

"All right, everyone. It's time to announce the talented young student who has won the title of Moonlit Witch."

At her words, silence and anticipation sweep through the crowds. Hannah and Barbara instantly each grab one of Diana's hands. Diana keeps her eyes forward, but it isn't the senior witches she is looking at.

Her gaze travels to Akko and her teammates, to where they've just scurried over to stand in front of another set of bleachers. Diana can't see Akko's face past the wide rim of her hat. But her hands are clutching tightly to the Shiny Rod, and her shoulders are clearly tensed.

Diana breathes out a silent prayer, just hoping by some miracle they will call out the right name.

Headmistress Holbrooke takes over the announcement from there.

"Our visiting alumni were mildly impressed with this year's Samhain Festival performances. All of you have demonstrated adequate growth in terms of your magic-using, and you should all take pride in yourselves.

"However, there is one student who has undoubtedly stood out amongst the rest, a witch who has always strictly adhered to the rules and practices of magic, who has demonstrated tremendous skill and control, and has very clearly earned the title of Moonlit Witch."

She motions for Professors Finneran and Badcock to step forward; the former is holding the traditional long white robes while the latter holds the decorative, antlered hat. All eyes are upon the Headmistress as she continues.

"Students, staff, and alumni of Luna Nova, I hereby congratulate Miss Diana Cavendish as this year's Moonlit Witch."

And the audience erupts in cheers and squeals, but none are louder than Hannah and Barbara. They jump right up out of their seats, still clinging to Diana's hands, cheering and bursting with excitement.

"You did it, Diana!"

"Of course she did!"

But the applause and cheers of her fellows does nothing to make Diana feel better about her victory. She glances to where she knows Akko to be standing, but can no longer see her past the lively audience.

Hannah and Barbara happily pull Diana to her feet, encouraging her to go up onstage to accept her robe and hat. As soon as they let go of her hands, Diana almost sways.

Her chest hurts so badly. Never before has she experienced anything quite like this.

She knows she's earned every title and award she's ever won, and this one is no different.

But... she still knows it isn't right.

She has no choice but to put on her usual, serious expression, folding her hands behind her back and lifting her chin high and proudly, hoping that the rim of her own hat will conceal her face.

The crowds continue to squeal and applaud as she makes her way onto the stage.

Diana has to wonder if Akko is cheering for her too. What if she's crying? What if she's so hurt by the fact that she's lost that she's run off?

Diana truly feels sick at the thoughts. She very nearly stumbles as she makes her way toward her professors, but covers it up by stopping abruptly, and then continuing more slowly.

She can't bear to look out at the audience for fear of what she might see. Or not see.

As per tradition, the alumni witches are holding out their hands for Diana to accept and shake. Diana does so very politely, offering the humblest words of gratitude to each of them in turn.

At last, she reaches her Headmistress, who reaches up to shake both of Diana's hands.

"Well done, Diana. You should be proud."

"Thank you, Headmistress. I am."

And she is. But not of herself.

At last, Diana reaches Professor Finneran and Professor Badcock. The former cannot stop offering praises as she drapes the festive white cloak around her top student's shoulders.

"You did absolutely splendidly tonight, Diana. As you always do."

"Thank you very much, Professor Finneran."

"Indeed," Badcock agrees. She removes Diana's team hat and replaces it with the matching white one with golden antlers.

With the small awarding ceremony complete, Holbrooke speaks up again.

"Ladies of Luna Nova, your Moonlit Witch!"

And the applause doubles in both exuberance and volume. Just about everyone stands from their seats and cheers, shouting out words of congratulations for Diana.

And just like that, it seems to her they've all forgotten about the amazing spectacle Akko's team had just put on for them.

Diana knows she is stealing their spotlight once again. She clenches her fists into her uniform, but the action is concealed by the white robes.

Diana casts her gaze along the crowds now, unable to stand it any longer. She needs to know where Akko is, how she's reacting to this...

Cautiously, as not to draw too much attention to the fact that she is specifically seeking Akko out, Diana turns her head and glances to the spot she last knew Akko to be. She expects to find that spot vacant now.

But to Diana's astonishment, she finds the exact opposite of what she expects.

Akko hasn't run off. She isn't crying.

Rather... she is cheering louder than anyone else.

Diana meets her chestnut eyes and sees genuine joy reflected in them. Akko has handed the Shiny Rod to Sucy so she herself may clap until her palms turn red. Her smile is joyful and her eyes are full of mirth.

The second Akko realizes Diana is looking at her, the brunette gives a little bounce in place.

"Good job, Diana!"

And clearly, Diana isn't the only one surprised by Akko's reaction. Lotte, Sucy, and a few others around her are giving Akko puzzled looks. Akko merely shrugs and continues smiling.

"She deserves it! There are plenty of other ways I can get closer to Chariot!"

And just like that, Diana feels the pain in her chest subside, as though Akko has cast a spell on her. The guilt ebbs away bit by bit, until she is washed through by something entirely more pleasant. Diana can breathe again.

Knowing that Akko isn't upset about this is enough to erase Diana's unease. But to know that Akko is genuinely happy for her success, enough to proudly show it to everyone else...

Diana is almost scared by the sudden stinging behind her eyes until she realizes they are tears. She fights them back, even though they are tears of happiness, simply because she does not want to give off the wrong impression. She hasn't cried in public her entire life.

But it is a silent struggle for her to fight back the emotions now while still trying to appear composed.

So much happens within the span of a single moment. But soon, the deafening cheers being to die down.

However, Diana doesn't want it to end like this.

Promptly, she turns back to the headmistress and addresses her.

"Headmistress, would it be permissible for me to give a short speech?"

The older witch delightfully consents.

"Of course. I'm certain everyone would love to hear what you have to say."

And Diana can't be quite sure, but she feels there is a twinkle in her headmistress' eye, as if she knows what Diana has in mind...

But Diana can't say for sure. She simply dips her head in gratitude, then straightens up to face the crowds. She draws in a deep breath to steady herself, then projects her voice with confidence:

"I am honored to receive such a prestigious title. No words can properly express how grateful I am to our professors and visiting alumni for this humbling opportunity."

By now, everyone has grown silent to listen attentively to her unexpected speech. Diana sweeps her gaze across the many faces and continues.

"It was my desire to make my deep appreciation known to all of you. However, I must apologize in advance for giving such an unconventional speech. I mean no disrespect or discredit to the opinions of our experiences professors and our honored guests who have unanimously came to the conclusion for the awarding of this title."

Diana looks down the line of senior witches, who are now all raising eyebrows in surprise. Diana does not waste any time in elaborating.

"I would like to invite Atsuko Kagari onto the stage."

As words and sounds of confusion rise up from the crowds and from the older witches behind herself, Diana can distinctly hear one noise above all else.

"E-Eeeehh? M-Me?!" Akko snaps her head from side to side as all eyes are suddenly on her. "W-What's going on? I know I missed rehearsal, but I'm pretty sure this wasn't in it!"

"Dunno," Sucy shrugs. "But you'd better go."

"Hurry, Akko!" Lotte gives her shoulder a push. "Don't keep them waiting!"

"Uwaaaah!" Akko swallows hard, her eyes still flashing wildly around herself. But everyone is mumbling encouragement for her to go onstage as Diana instructed.

So Akko has little choice but to oblige. Her knees feel weak and she almost trips with every step as she makes her way up the small wooden staircase.

Diana waits for her quietly despite how much everyone else is chattering, even her professors and the visiting witches.

"Oh?" Miss Marjolaine hums. "What's this now?"

"Certainly interesting," Minister Dorlin comments.

Madame Ural gives an intrigued grunt.

Beside them, Professor Finneran's voice is a tight whisper.

"There was no mention of this-"

"Now, now," Holbrooke soothes her. "Have some faith in your star student, Professor Finneran."

Diana's eyes are fixed on Akko as she makes her way over, half-walking half-stumbling. She pauses a few feet away from Diana and freezes as though she's been rooted to the spot. Everyone can see the nervousness in every inch of Akko's body, but her eyes are screaming silent questions only Diana can understand.

/What are you doing? We aren't going to... tell them, are we? Are you really okay with this?/

But what Akko thinks her girlfriend has in mind is a little different than what Diana truly intends. She simply presents Akko with a small smile before turning back to address the crowds.

"Once again, I would like to make it perfectly clear that I in no way desire to disagree with or reject the decision made by our seniors. I am truly honored by their decision and cannot express my gratitude deeply enough."

Now, she turns back to Akko, and doesn't look anywhere else.

"However, I believe we can all agree that Akko has demonstrated an exceptional amount of improvement in her magical skills. Her uncouth performance brought more delight and fascination to this Festival than all others combined.

"And ultimately, her exceptional efforts and unflagging confidence in magic and in herself led to the freeing of Princess Vajarois' spirit. And those are feats no one has ever accomplished before, or ever will again. Not in quite the same way. Those are feats worthy of the Moonlit Witch."

And Diana begins to unclasp the white robe from her collar. Jaws begin to drop, and none farther than Akko's, but no one dares to make a sound or budge an inch.

Only Diana moves as she pulls the white cloak off of her own shoulders – after it has only been there for no longer than a few minutes – and instead drapes it over Akko's backs. She fastens the clasps to secure it, then removes her white hat and places it atop Akko's head.

It all looks much more fitting on her.

Akko is still frozen, still shocked into utter silence, still unable to comprehend what is happening. Diana's voice continues to carry the entire school on its wavelength:

"I reiterate: I am humbly grateful to have been awarded the title of this year's Moonlit Witch. But although the title has been granted to me officially, I would like nothing more than for Akko to share it with me in spirit."

With this Diana steps back, and allows everyone to see Akko for themselves, adorned in the ceremonial robes and hat of the Moonlit Witch.

Diana gives the first few claps herself. And then, within seconds, everyone else joins in. A new surge of excitement and applause rises up as people begin calling out in agreement.

"Yeah!"

"Akko did great!"

"She was incredible!"

Lotte and Sucy take a bit longer to snap back into reality, simply because neither of them ever expected something like this from Diana of all people. But as soon as they realize it's actually happening, they begin to cheer for their friend as well.

Akko is the last to recover, the last to understand what's happening to her right here in this moment.

Diana...

Diana has... given her title of Moonlit Witch away.

To her.

Perhaps not in official writing, but in essence and in spirit.

And that...

That is more than Akko can take.

She knows how desperately Diana needs this recognition, to be placed on the highest possible pedestal in anything and everything she does. She is expected to strive for perfection, to achieve the highest titles in everything, to uphold her family's traditions and lineage, and to bring honor and prestige to the Cavendish name.

Diana needs this title. It isn't an option for her.

And yet... she still gave it away.

Akko finally feels herself break free from the numbing disbelief that's been holding her down until now. She loses herself to genuine emotion.

"D... Dianaaaa!"

And Akko throws her arms around her girlfriend, sobbing uncontrollably - loud, heavy, heaving sobs. She cries with her entire body, letting the tears tumble down like waterfalls, with no end in sight.

The force of her embrace very nearly bowls Diana over, but she just barely manages to catch herself and regain her balance.

They've never hugged in front of anyone else before. They've been so careful not to show any kind of affection, for risk of revealing their relationship.

But Akko can't hold herself back this time. She feels this hug is one everyone can accept without raising any suspicions.

They can have this. Just this once. Just for a moment...

Even Diana allows herself to accept the embrace. Despite the initial shock, she rests her hands over Akko's back as the brunette blubbers into her shoulder, wailing her name over and over again. Diana tucks her face into the side of Akko's neck to hide her smile.

"You deserve it much more than I do."

The crowds continue to cheer, and some people, even their professors, need to wipe their eyes a bit.

Akko and Diana remain locked in their embrace for as long as they believe is acceptable before slowly easing back. As Diana looks Akko over, she still can't wipe the small smile off her face.

"Come now," she mutters. "Pull yourself together. Your teammates are calling for you."

Akko sniffles and glances sideways to find Lotte waving and Sucy smiling.

Everyone begins to disperse naturally, breaking of into groups of friends and teammates as they file down from the bleachers and begin to make their way back to the school building.

But Akko doesn't want to leave Diana just yet. With anxious chestnut eyes, she looks her over, and can tell Diana is trembling slightly. Akko makes a move to wipe her nose but then realizes she doesn't want to do it on the Moonlit Witch robes, so she simply sniffles deeply.

"Diana... a-are you okay? What's the matter?"

Diana flashes a guilty look over her shoulder, back at their senior witches.

"I fear I... may have come across as rude to them."

"What? Definitely not!" Akko assures her. "They don't seem upset to me! No one here does, except you, Diana." Akko gives a small, worried pat to Diana's shoulder.

Until now, the chatter and movement of everyone around them had more or less concealed Akko's and Diana's private moment. But now, their four teammates are calling for them. Diana glances down at Hannah and Barbara, then briefly back to Akko.

"I must speak to our seniors one last time," she decides. "However, should you feel up for it, meet me in an hour. By the courtyard."

Normally, when she wrote notes with the potential risk of someone else finding them before Akko might, Diana would write fully in code. But when it was just the two of them conversing privately like this, she could afford to say exactly what she meant.

Akko gives a nod then steps away, and Diana immediately misses the contact from her hand. But she steels herself, draws in a breath, and turns back to where the older witches have convened to talk amongst themselves.

Professor Finneran is the first to notice her star student lingering nearby.

"Ah, Diana! What a splendid performance you gave tonight!"

"Indeed!" Badcock adds. "Even in relinquishing Moonlit Witch to that Atsuko Kagari."

Diana flinches slightly.

"That is what I would like to discuss," she says, rather reserved. "I truthfully hope I did not offend any of you in doing what I did. I meant no disrespect."

Holbrooke turns and smiles up at her.

"Diana. We all know that very well," she assures her. The visiting alumni nod in agreement.

"The way I see it," Miss Marjolaine says. "After what you did, giving the clothes to that sacrifice girl, we made the right choice in selecting you as Moonlit Witch."

Diana is overwhelmed with relief that none of them seem to be upset with her. In fact, they are all rather accepting of her actions and her decision to unofficially crown Akko.

Though Diana will keep the title in the records, there is no harm in allowing Akko to keep the outfit her idol wore for just a few nights. Simply the essence of being Moonlit Witch, and the fact that Diana had dared to give it up for her, is more than enough for Akko.

The older witches congratulate Diana once again before drawing their wands and beginning to clean everything up for the night. With one last dip of her head, Diana walks offstage to where Hannah and Barbara are waiting for her.

"Dianaaaa! You were incredible!"

"Even I have to admit Akko didn't look half bad."

Diana offers one last brief smile as she glances back to where Akko is being swarmed by her friends and classmates. Then, Diana turns back to her own teammates and clears her throat.

"Either way, the Festival is at an end, and there is still plenty of work to be done."

"Yeah, but not toniiiight!"

"Yeah, now it's like, time to go to bed!"

They begin leading her back toward the building, insisting whatever work needs to be done can wait until tomorrow. Diana goes along with them for now, though she fully intends to be in the courtyard in an hour. But before they reach the building's doors, another voice calls out for her.

"Diana!"

She pauses and turns around to find Wangari waving her over. Diana dips her head to Hannah and Barbara to excuse herself and heads over to the enthusiastic announcer. She's wearing a big grin on her face, but her microphone is away and her voice is soft for only Diana to hear.

"Y'know, I said Akko and them did a nice thing in freeing that princess," she says. "But I just wanted to make sure you knew what a nice thing you did too, Diana."

"Not at all."

"No, definitely!" she insists. "I mean, lookin' up at you and Akko onstage, everyone just took that whole thing at face-value. But I don't think even one person has thanked you for doing what you did for Akko tonight. So thanks, Diana."

Diana is entirely taken aback. She doesn't know how to reply, but her heart is fluttering. She merely gives Wangari a nod before turning away.

"She deserves it," she mumbles. "That is all there is to it."

She can hear Wangari give a small chuckle as Diana heads back toward her teammates.

. . .

As she'd anticipated, Hannah and Barbara change into their sleepwear and collapse into bed almost as soon as they return to their room. Diana remains in her uniform for now and simply conceals herself behind the bookshelves as not to raise her teammates' suspicions before they fall asleep.

Once they do, Diana checks the moon to discover she has about ten minutes left before she must meet Akko. Taking her broom with her, she slips out the door and into the hallways. Should anyone question her, she need merely to tell them she has sentry duties, as per usual, though in actuality tonight she has no such obligations.

Luckily, at this hour, no one is out and about to spot or speak to her, so Diana does not need to lie through her teeth about what she is doing. She makes her way to the nearest exit and slips out with ease, security being slack tonight due to the Festival having run so late.

Even so, she keeps to the shadows while making her way toward the courtyard until she reaches a small clump of bushes that conceals her. She checks the moon once again, wagering with herself how tardy Akko will be this time. She settles for about two minutes, then begins to count.

When she's at a minute and forty-three seconds, she hears the soft yet urgent padding of shoes over grass from the very direction she herself had just come from. Just as Diana counts down the final seconds, Akko stumbles in through the bushes.

"S-Sorry I'm late!"

Diana looks her over, not all that surprised to find Akko still wearing the white Moonlit Witch robe and hat.

"You certainly do not look inconspicuous like this," she notes.

"Eheehee, I know, I know! But I'm just so happy! I can't take these off tonight! I'll sleep in them and maybe even wear them to class tomorrow!"

"I would have to advise against that," Diana remarks with a smile. "But perhaps for tonight we can make it work. You deserve to enjoy this, Akko." She puts her broom aside against the bushes for now as Akko rushes into her arms, snuggling up tightly against her. Within seconds, her back is shaking with little hiccups.

"D-Diana... You didn't... you didn't have to do that... I know how important it is for you..."

Diana smiles, cradling Akko's head against her shoulder.

"It was the right thing to do," she murmurs. "I know how important it is for you as well, Akko. Everyone agrees you deserved at least this much. My only regret is that I could not grant you the title officially..."

"N-No! That's okay, Diana! Y-You need to have at least that! J-Just the fact that you would... that you'd give this up for me is..." Whimpering, Akko buries her face in the side of her girlfriend's neck, sniffling into her collar. Diana strokes gently through her hair and down her back, readjusting the hat for her so it won't fall off.

"I wanted you to have this, Akko. Everyone did. Perhaps... I deserve the title in some ways, but you deserve it in others." She runs her fingers beneath the rim of the hat and through Akko's bangs, casually cupping her cheek and coaxing her to look up.

Diana smiles down at her, then sweetly kisses her cheek. She brushes some of the tears away, until all that's left is Akko's wobbly smile. Diana bumps their noses together before straightening herself up.

"Now then, we have a brief amount of time." She takes a step back only to grasp her broom. Akko perks up.

"Oohh! Really, Diana?"

"Only for a short while," she murmurs. "Because security is low tonight after the Festival. Mostly everyone has gone to bed. So tonight may be the only time we can accomplish this." She gets ready, mounting her broom and ensuring there is enough space for Akko to fit on behind herself. Akko quickly hops on behind her, but pauses.

"Ah... m-maybe I should take this stuff off? It might be a bit too noticeable."

And in any other situation, Diana would've had to agree. However, tonight is a special occasion.

"There is no need," she assures. "I will be certain to take paths out-of-sight of the professors' quarters. And it is my assumption you will want to keep that outfit on for as long as possible, correct? Therefore, you should keep it on and enjoy it as much as you can tonight."

Akko's so happy that she squeezes Diana around the stomach, less so she can hold on when they lift off, and more so just because she wants to hug her.

"Okay!"

With Akko securely in place now, Diana casts the lift-off spell and takes them up.

The night air is cool but not cold around them, alive with just a very slight breeze. They leave the waving grasses far below and rise up beside the rustling leaves of the trees, bathed in slivers of pale moonlight. The sky is almost entirely clear tonight, revealing a canvas of bright, glittery stars.

Everything is quiet, save from a small rush of air. Even though it's a little chilly, Akko keeps Diana warm just as the robes keep her warm, pressing softly against her back.

Akko marvels at every sight she can behold from this perspective. Even though she only just went on a midnight ride with Diana last night, everything feels very different now. Although she's seen all of these sights before, now when she's wearing the robes of the Moonlit Witch, there's a strangely special feeling to all of this.

Because she knows it's something she will only ever be able to experience now, on the night after the Festival.

After she'd freed Princess Vajarois' spirit and created a small magical spectacle like Chariot's for all to see.

After she'd watched Diana be crowned, only to offer her title to Akko.

These are feelings she'll never be able to experience quite so strongly after tonight.

On top of all that, she's snuggled up to the real Moonlit Witch, which of course makes it infinitely more enjoyable.

Akko's white robes flutter out behind herself as Diana takes them across the sky at a leisurely pace. Her heart is soaring figuratively as high as her body is literally. She rests her cheek against Diana's back and gazes adoringly out over Luna Nova's blue campus and sparkling skyline as far as her eyes allow.

Her grip around Diana tightens a little bit, and Akko closes her eyes, letting out a long elated sigh. She can hear Diana's heartbeat very faintly against the shell of her ear, a familiar rhythm that lulls Akko into relaxation after the eventful night she's had.

She enjoys every second, every breath, every feeling up here with Diana. She doesn't ever want this night to end...

Without realizing her conscious is fading, Akko drifts off into a light slumber.

Diana feels the slight slackening of Akko's grip on her stomach and swiftly presses one hand across the backs of Akko's to keep her steady. She slows her speed and begins making her way back to the dorm room building.

Akko gets to nap for several minutes before Diana has reached her girlfriend's balcony yet again and has no choice but to gently wake her.

"Akko." She shrugs against Akko's slumped weight limp on her back until the brunette stirs. With a yawn, Akko slips one of her hands away from Diana to wipe her eyes and realizes where they are.

"Awww, it's over already?"

"Unfortunately."

Diana lowers the broom so Akko can quietly climb off onto the roof, keeping a firm hold on her hand until she's steady. And Diana has to take a moment to appreciate the sight of Akko adorning those festive robes, robes Shiny Chariot once wore many years ago. With the moonlight shining down, it makes the white fabrics of the cloak and hat glow and the golden antlers twinkle.

Little does Diana know that Akko is taking the moment to admire her as well.

Diana isn't dressed fancily, only in her usual robes. Her posture is a little slouched and there are subtle signs to indicate just how much this Festival and its preparations have exhausted her. But there's still a light in her eyes, one Akko can't recall ever having seen before tonight.

Diana hovers for a moment longer, and Akko dares to reach up and cradle her face. She strains onto her tip-toes to press a brief kiss to Diana's lips.

"I'll never be able to say it enough," she murmurs. "But thanks, Diana. For everything."

Diana's lips curl up just a little more.

"There is no need for your gratitude, Akko. As I said, you have earned this."

Another surge of emotion rises up in Akko's chest, and she sniffles as she tries to keep it down.

"I'll see you tomorrow," she says. "Get some rest, Diana."

"You as well, Akko."

"G'night."

"Good night."

This time, Akko watches her go before she turns to push open the window and climb inside.

She curls up in bed still wearing the robes and hat that night.

But what keeps her warm is remembering the feeling of being close to Diana.

To her Moonlit Witch.

------------

A/N: I can't tell you how long ago I wrote this and for how long I've been waiting to post it. Neon and I discussed a while back what it'd be like if Diana gave up the robes (if not the official Moonlit Witch title) to Akko. The anime sort of left us hanging, so naturally my mind filled in a ton of blanks.

Neon's art of a similar scene of what I wrote here can be found at : theneonflower,tumblr,com/post/159293822722