As the last of the green light faded away, Akko felt something shift beneath her feet. She glanced down—the legendary broom was carrying them back down to earth.

Instinctively she reached out to steady herself. Her hand found Diana's.

Perhaps the legendary broom sensed her momentary anxiety, or perhaps the jolt had been from reentering the atmosphere. Regardless, the broom slowed down, and their descent soon became a relaxing one.

Still, Akko hesitated to let go of Diana's hand. She looked up at the stars then down to the earth, clouded as it was. For the first time she realized just how high up they were. From their vantage point she could just see both England and Japan. The two didn't seem very far away at all, really.

"Do you believe in perfect moments?" Akko found herself asking, still staring. "You know, where everything is just right, like the entire world is at peace?"

Diana lowered herself down to straddle the broom. "I do," she said. She gave the tips of Akko's fingers a little squeeze. She didn't let go.

The broom was in full control, there was no need to steer. Placing her other hand on the broom for support, Akko shuffled around so she could sit facing Diana.

Diana was crying.

"What's wrong?" asked Akko.

"Absolutely nothing," said Diana. "Like you said, it's a perfect moment."

Akko drew her free hand into the sleeve of her cloak, bunching up her cuff. She reached up to wipe away Diana's tears. "Then why?" she asked.

"I'm happy, that's all," sniffled Diana. She leaned forwards slightly, brushing her cheek against Akko's outstretched hand. "These are tears of happiness."

"Oh, okay." Akko squeezed Diana's hand. She could sense there was more to it than that, but she didn't want to press her.

"I-" Diana hesitated for a moment. "I was just thinking about my mother. I'm sure this would have made her very happy. Yes—a new age of magic. She would have been overjoyed."

"Oh, Diana!"

"Sybilladura Lelladybura—we've opened the door to a new, unseen world, Akko. It's going to be wonderful."

Akko scooched closer. "She would be very proud of you."

Diana smiled. "Yes, I think so too." Her eyes were shining, and wet. Akko stared into them.

How odd, she thought. They were soaring through the stratosphere. Great streaks of clouds where whizzing by their heads, and the was earth stretched out far below, picturesque and beautiful. They were flying over white-tipped mountains, and above them the stars were shining bright.

And yet she couldn't look away from those blue eyes.

Diana's hand was warm in hers.

"Diana—I think I'm going to give you a hug now."

"I'd like that very much," Diana laughed through her tears.

"And maybe a kiss," Akko quickly added.

"Please."

Akko shifted even closer to Diana. She reached out for her other hand, making sure to intertwine Diana's fingers with her own. Then she leaned forwards and brought her lips to Diana's cheek, kissing away the last of her tears.

"Better?" asked Akko.

Diana nodded. "Yes."

Normally being this close to Diana—perfect Diana—made her feel hot and embarrassed and flustered, sometimes even angry. But now there was no hesitation, no fear, no doubt. Of course there wouldn't be, she realized—had she not just described this as a perfect moment?

There was only a pure glow, it welled up from deep inside. As she sat here, facing this girl, as the world rolled by below their feet, Akko felt that any distance between the two of them had been completely washed away. It felt so natural, she hadn't even noticed it at first.

"Just think," said Akko, "tomorrow, somewhere, a little girl will wake with the dream of flying. She'll want a broom, of course. Maybe she'll beg her parents to buy her one. Maybe Santa will bring her a broom for Christmas. Or maybe she'll scrounge and save up all her nickles, until she has enough saved to buy her own."

Diana's eyes were locked with Akko's. "Yes—and the best part is, she'll really be able to fly. No Sorcerer's Stone or Sorcery Solution System required. Thanks to the magic of the Grand Triskelion—no, thanks to you, Akko."

Normally Diana saying such a thing would have embarrassed Akko, but not today. Instead, she moved another inch closer. Something about Diana's eyes was drawing her in.

"No, no-" said Akko, "I couldn't have done it without everyone's help. Without your help."

Both hands still interlocked with Diana's, Akko raised her arms over her head. Diana was forced closer to compensate. "You felt it, didn't you?" Akko asked, "the power of everyone's believing hearts? My whole body was tingling."

She still was tingling, Akko realized. Perhaps it was the lingering endorphins from their battle, or the sheer amount of magic that had coursed through her system, but now, still, Akko felt invincible.

And now, looking into her eyes, Akko could tell that Diana felt the same way.

Once again Akko was surprised to find herself speaking without realizing it. "I wonder how long a perfect moment can last?" she wondered aloud.

Diana let go of Akko's hands. "Let us find out—together." She raised her ring finger, gently stroking the underside of Akko's chin.

A new flood of sensation flowed into Akko. "Diana, what are you-"

"Something I've wanted to do for quite some time," answered Diana. She cupped Akko's cheek, drawing the girl in.

"Eh?" squeaked Akko.

It was well after sunset when they landed. All of Luna Nova was dark, except for the tower—the Sorcerer's Stone was glowing brightly, its green light stronger now than ever before.

Their perfect moment was lasting quite a long time indeed. And as they walked back to the dormitory, hand in hand, Akko was determined to stretch that moment into a perfect night.