[And now Rei breaks the hug and pulls back just enough to nod. Her hand runs through Maka's pigtails as she smiles solemnly.]

Good. I know your mother would be proud.

[She knows that, as surely as she knows that her own mother is smiling down on her from Heaven for reaching out to take power and using it to help people. For doing the right thing. All parents want that, she's certain.]

And I'm proud of you too. Because I know just how strong you are, dear. And so does Stella. Right, girl?