First, I want to thank you for reading this. Posting this is kind of nerve racking since it's my first fan fic, so I thank you for continuing onward into the story. I also want to thank Hanako Games for making Magical Diary with such an amazing and unique world. Finally, I want to thank my friend, PrinceDwi, for encouraging me to write this, and helping me improve where possible.
CHAPTER TWO – The Choice
Viola's eyes snapped open. The pain had subsided as fast as it had arrived. Cael's lips were still placed on hers, but something felt wrong. Viola wasn't sure what had happened, and very unsure of what to do next. Finally he backed away from the kiss, but instead of a smile, Cael's face showed no emotion. She met his eyes with hers, and they looked lifeless.
"Cael?"
He slowly let go of her.
"Cael?"
Cael didn't respond.
He started walking away towards the theater. Viola followed him in silence. What the hell just happened? What was that?
When they reached the theater, Viola tried conversing with Cael again, but to no avail. He simply called his parents and told them to pick him up. Nothing was said after. It was as if Viola wasn't there. But she definitely wasn't invisible. Before Cael's parents arrived, her parents picked her out of the theater crowd no problem. She wasn't sure what to do, so she just waved goodbye to Cael.
As soon as Viola arrived home, she ran to her room, and cried.
She had ruined her first kiss. And she wasn't even sure how.
The next day at school, Cael was still giving her the silent treatment. He barely even responded to anyone else. Had she ruined his day yesterday THAT bad? Was he so disappointed of her that he was in shock? Viola tried to hide what had happened the day before by acting like everything was fine, and Cael was just under the weather. She was so embarrassed and humiliated. 'How can I make this right?'
After school, she tried to contact Cael by phone. No answer...
Then, the phone rang later that evening. Viola rushed downstairs, hoping it was Cael calling her back.
She picked up the phone.
Whoever was on the other line was in hysterics. Viola could barely understand them.
"Hello? Wait...what? I can't understand you. Calm down a little. What happened?"
"Viola...CAEL'S DEAD!"
...Viola dropped the phone...
Cael was found dead in his room. No note. No clues as to why. He just...did.
Viola cried all that night...she didn't go to school the next day...or the day after...she just didn't have the energy.
Someone dropped by and let her know the funeral was that weekend.
'What happened?'
Viola mustered up the courage to go to his funeral. Cael was one of her greatest friends. She was supposed to share a special moment with him. It was supposed to be perfect. And she was probably the last one to see life in his eyes. She had to go.
The funeral was simple. Friends, family, and a few teachers paid their respects. It was a bright sunny day...but Viola could feel no warmth. She felt pins...needles...cold. No more tears. She was totally numb. She KNEW it was her fault
Immediately after the funeral, a few friends tried to approach Viola to make sure she was okay. She feigned a smile to try to subside their worries. "I just need time to myself is all..." she would respond to them. Then, some would become curious as to what happened that weekend. Were there any ominous signs? Any strange behaviors? Viola knew that there was, but she dare not tell anyone. How could she explain it anyway? She didn't know herself. All she knew was that something terrible and horrifying had occurred...as a result...
Cael was dead.
She decided to walk home. It was a few miles. But she needed to be alone in her thoughts. While she continued on her way, she suddenly became scared of the future. What will become of me? The burden of such a big secret began to make her feel lonely. She knew nothing would be the same, even if she tried to make it so. On the outside she could pretend to be the same happy and carefree Viola Niemi of the past, but what about inside? She hated herself...and she had no idea why.
What do I do?
As she stumbled past the park a few blocks from her house, she heard someone call her name.
"Viola Niemi?"
She turned toward the direction of the call. The park was empty, but there on a park bench was an older woman, dressed in a pink coat, with golden orange curly hair. Viola had never seen her before. Was it really her calling? The older woman smiled towards Viola. "Viola Niemi?" 'How did she know my name?'
Viola was weary about the situation, but something told her it was OK to talk to this woman. She headed towards her.
"Sit down. Don't be shy." The woman gave a gentle smile. Viola sat down on the opposite end of the bench. She hung her head low. "How do you know me?"
"Oh I know all about you, Miss Niemi" the woman nodded towards her. "And I've been waiting for you."
This sounds pretty creepy. Stalker woman?
"OK...so what?" Viola answered nonchalantly.
"Viola...it's not your fault what happened to your friend."
'Huh?' Viola jerked her head at the woman.
"It wasn't your fault."
Viola could barely control herself at this remark.
"What the hell are you talking about lady!" Viola stood up and bent over towards the woman in anger. "WHAT DO YOU KNOW!"
"Now now Viola, calm down." Viola felt a sudden shiver. A breeze? It was an overwhelming sense of peace. The woman smiled at her. Viola knew the feeling came from the woman.
Surprised, Viola backed down.
"Who are you?" Viola whispered.
"It depends on who you want to be, Viola." The woman answered, matter-of-factly.
Viola stayed silent. The lady continued.
"You see, what happened between you and your friend last week...was magic. And I mean that literally, my dear. You. are. a. witch...or at least you could be."
Viola's eyes widened. 'Are you kidding me?'
"No I'm not kidding Miss Niemi."
'What?'
"Yes...I can read your thoughts." the professor smiled at her. "I have had mental contact with you since your blossoming happened last week. It was one of the strongest contacts I've had outside of the magical world in a long time..."
She paused, and became more serious.
"It was terrifying."
Viola stumbled back to sit on the bench. Was this really happening? Was this a cruel joke?
"But magic isn't real." Viola finally said.
"Oh yes my dear it most certainly is. Unless you don't want it to be."
Viola became confused, but intrigued about the crazy things this old woman was saying.
"So I can choose who you are, and if magic is real? And how do I have these choices?"
The woman smiled.
"My name is Professor Potsdam. I am headmistress at Iris Academy, a magical school for young witches & wizards in training. Usually I wouldn't be making such a personal visit to a new witch such as yourself, but you are a special case."
The professor stood up and began pacing in front of Viola, and continued.
"Normally, a new witch or wizard would discover their powers more personally. A feat of strength. Telekinesis. The ability to talk with animals. But as I have said, I have never felt such a strong contact from a new blossom."
She stopped in front of Viola, and gazed down at her with a saddened look.
"Your magical powers are so strong, unfortunately, you were able to curse your friend."
Viola's eyes began to tear up. She knew it. It really was her fault. She looked down as tears began streaming down her face, but she dared not make a sound of pain...especially in front of a stranger.
The professor cleared her throat, quietly.
"I was obligated to come here and personally give you this choice: Either attend Iris Academy starting the Autumn after your 16th birthday, or lose your magic and continue to live as a normal mortal."
Viola sniffed. "Sounds simple enough. Why would I ever want to risk harming another person?" She could barely speak through all the tears and her stuffy nose.
Potsdam frowned. "It doesn't always have to be like that, though. Viola, you have so much potential. Your magic could be used for so much good, if only you learned to wield it properly. At Iris Academy, we can show you how. I know what happened was very unfortunate, and I sympathize with you, and everyone that has lost your friend in their lives. But you do not need to fear yourself due to your misfortune. Believe you can do good, and it will be so."
Viola had a hard time wrapping her head around that. How could she possibly become 'good' after such an evil act. How could she risk having that happen again? "So what exactly happens if I say no."
Potsdam began to kneel in front of her crying companion.
"You forget any of this ever happened. You'll forget memories of that evening, you'll forget this conversation, and your magic power will be drained."
Viola sniffled. Perfect. "That sounds exactly like what I need."
Potsdam frowned again. "Well, I don't think so. Do you really want to forget those last moments with someone whose fate was tied to you? I know that if your memories are erased it wont matter, but think about it now that you do have those memories. Would you rather live in ignorance of what you have done? Is that really justice? Or, would you want the memory of your friend to strengthen your resolve to do good with the gift you have been granted?"
Viola finally looked face to face with the headmistress. Ignorance did sound good in theory, but was it morally right to forget her fault in her friends death? Let's face it, he wasn't even a friend anymore...he was possibly her first romance. Did she really want to forget all that?
Flashbacks of her time together with Cael came to Viola's mind. The first time they met during lunch, and found they had so much in common. The first time she cried in front of him over a boy. Cael's confession to her at school. And finally, the look in his eyes before the fatal kiss. Their time together had been short, but very sweet. She owed him so much.
Viola knew what the right choice would be.
"...What do I do for the next three years then?"
Potsdam's eyes lit up. She had succeeded.
"You live your life as normal as possible. In this case, it probably wouldn't be a good idea to date anyone until you get to the Academy. But everything else, you should be fine. You must keep your abilities a secret. You can't tell friends or family. If you do, or if anyone finds out through other means, like say, a journal or self talk, then you will be immediately stripped of your magic and memories of parties involved will be erased. You will have to make this oath with me now. And we take oaths very seriously in our world."
Viola nodded, but was confused.
"Well, how can I attend your academy without anyone knowing why?"
Potsdam finally smiled again. "We have our ways, blossom. It is magic after all"
Viola sat in thought for a moment. What did she have left to lose?
"I'll do it."
Potsdam stood up. She took Viola's hand and guided her to her feet. She then grasped both of Viola's hands. The professors hands were warm, and that warmth seemed to spread throughout Viola's body. Again, she felt at peace. Her eyes met with the professor's, and the gaze back was gentle and sincere. Viola was no longer afraid of what lay ahead of her. This is it.
"Viola Aria Niemi, do you swear on your magic to keep it secret, keep the magical world secret, and to attend the Iris Academy when you are summoned to do so the Fall after your 16th birthday?"
Viola took a deep breath.
"I do so swear."
A gust of wind whirled around Viola and the professor.
"Good girl" And with a wink, the professor disappeared.
