Chapter 33: Do what only you can do.

As soon as Professor Woodward disappears from the mirror, I'm left alone in the dark room, holding the shiny rod in my hands.

"Go for a stroll, huh? I wonder what she…"

Before I can even complete that thought, the third gem on the Claiomh Solais starts shining with a green light, but not like when a word is about to be revealed. No, it shoots in a straight line to my left, like it's pointing me somewhere. Okay, so that's what she meant. Not that I care much about ancient words right now, but I don't want to go back to my room either, and a stroll around campus in the cold night air could help calm me down a little (especially after the traumatic visions I saw). If it takes me too far away I'll just have to turn around and come back before I get lost or something.

So I start following the light. It takes me out of the storeroom, downstairs, out of the main building and towards the forest that surrounds the school, following a trail that would be invisible to the untrained eye. But I know this path too well, actually. And I know where it'll take me.

The North Campus? I wonder if there's some other secret there. Another magic artifact, perhaps. Maybe it's even leading me towards the fountain of Polaris? No, that'd be ridiculous! It'll just reject me again. I haven't changed a bit since the last time I was here.

I still remember that night as clearly as yesterday. It's one of the most bittersweet memories I possess to date. I went looking for a power that would make me become a good student, and instead the fountain told me I'd have to do it by my own effort. It was inspiring but frustrating at the same time. I didn't want to admit it, but I didn't feel like I could do it.

Huh. I guess I was right. One year later and here I am, again at the North Campus, after getting expelled from school, having failed to fulfill my dreams. No matter how much effort I put into it, no one seems to care around here. And I can't help feeling angry, now that the crushing sadness has recessed slightly. Because this whole situation is just unbelievably unfair.

I was punished time and time again for doing magic that no one appreciates, instead of one more useful and practical. But why? That's something I'll never understand. Why can't magic be used for fun? To bring joy to people? Why does everyone look down on me because of my beliefs? Even Croix has mocked me and gotten angry more than a couple of times when she sees me making spectacles around town.

If they say flashy magic is wrong, then it is. It doesn't matter if my creative and spontaneous way of thinking has helped me achieve things no one else has. Like surviving an excursion to Arcturus forest, kicking a giant spider's ass, or simply using flying magic and metamorphosis magic on myself to finish the race.

It doesn't matter if my grades on most theoretical subjects have improved nearly two points since last year. They only notice how far behind my classmates I still am. It doesn't matter either that sometimes I barely sleep for weeks because I keep studying late into the night.

No. It doesn't even matter that I now own the legendary Claiomh Solais.

I'm still the stupid Chariot du Nord. The dunce. The troublemaker. Everyone would be so much better off without me!

I pause, as I stare at the glowing shiny rod, a reminder of what Woodward said, and what the mirror showed me.

… or maybe not? I saw as much in my visions. Without me, Croix wouldn't have been able to cure herself after she got injured, and then she would have… died. Ugh, my heart hurts just thinking about it. Without me, Finnelan would be the headmistress, which of course is a bad thing! Holbrooke is like, the gentlest person in the entire school. She's like a grandma to me. It's hard to think of Luna Nova without her as headmistress.

And then there's the twins. Who would have gotten expelled after causing very serious injuries to Karen. And also my teammates, who wouldn't even be friends without me, Amelia going as far as changing schools just to be away from Karen.

I mean, like… I never thought I had such a great influence on the people around me. I don't even understand why, actually. Those visions… they seem so unreal.

Let's see… With Croix. I don't think she failed in the vision just because I wasn't there to perform magic on her stead, since I remember her doing magic sometimes, using her left hand and ending up in serious pain, but nothing beyond that. But then… Oh! I remember those days, when Croix was so desperate because we hadn't made any progress, and I just didn't know what to say or do, since I'm not a genius like her. So I just took her out for a broom ride, and we had so much fun! And then when we finally did the potion right and it still didn't work, I encouraged her to find a more creative solution; to look at things differently. And that's how she made her gauntlet.

With Enid and Anaid it's a little more obvious, actually. That time on the Broom Relay I gave them someone else to worry about; another friend to compete against. And they really didn't want to lose against the dunce of Luna Nova, so they worked extra hard in order to win the race. They also didn't cheat because if they resorted to that it would have been obvious they were scared of my abilities.

Oh, man, it was so satisfying when I actually won! Even if Karen was insufferable for days, rubbing our triumph on everyone's face. I think that's when I truly earned my friends' respect.

And talking about respect… I guess I also kinda won my teammates over that day. Before that, we didn't work as a team at all. Amelia and Karen didn't really like each other, for some reason that I still can't comprehend, and both hated me for always getting them into trouble and accidentally dragging down their grades when we had to work together. Yet, I told them about the relay and convinced them we could do it. I swore I would put up an effort, and I did, and I inspired them to do their best too, and to put our differences aside for the sake of collaboration.

So… what is it that only I can do? If Woodward asked me now, what would I say?

As I'm trying to figure out the answer, I come to a stop in front of… yes, the Arc of Wisdom, entrance to the Fountain of Polaris. And it's open. And the shiny rod is pointing me towards it.

I take a deep breath, wondering if I should enter.

The great Fountain of Polaris, created by Woodward herself. A magical artifact which can grant the power of the stars to the witch that has hidden radiance.

But what is a hidden radiance, really? Just like, a latent power that not even you know about? No, if that was the case why would it have shown me those visions the last time? Those about Woodward inspiring others with her magic and determination to make this a better world for all witches. About her having to work hard to make the world see her talents.

Wait… that's it!

I take the first step in confidently.

Hidden radiance, hidden talents. Things you do that are exceptional, but so unconventional that other people can't see them. But also… the ability to inspire others to grow and be better, to try better things.

That's my hidden talent. And also that which only I can do.

Determined, I come to a stop in front of the fountain and instinctively bow as a show of respect. Then, I slowly but deliberately raise the shiny rod, as if guided by some unknown force inside my heart, telling me what to do.

The gems start glowing, one by one, in a green light. All except the third one, which is yellow. Well, I know what that means now. The meaning of the third word. What I came here to discover.

"Arae Aryrha." I say. Don't compare yourself with others; do what only you can do.

Sure enough, the stars on the "sky" start to shine brighter with a green light before descending towards my rod and entering it through the gems. Instantly, I feel an immense surge of power, like an energy tickling me through my whole body as a blinding light surrounds me and I transform into a winged witch. Then, another wave comes; one even stronger than the last one and I feel myself turn completely into a bird.

But there's more. I don't only turn into a bird. Suddenly, I feel another presence, inside my head. First it's just the sensation of having something at the back of my mind, calling for my attention. Then I start hearing a distinct voice, though it's not human, but rather… avian? And then it comes more clearly. It's definitely the voice of a crow, yet I can… understand it somehow?

"Hello." It says, surprising me so much that I jump a little and open my eyes wide, only to see that I'm again at the North Campus, the Fountain of Polaris nowhere to be seen. But that's okay, I already have the power of the stars… I think.

"You do." The voice says again, and I scream, battling my massive wings… wait, maybe that's the problem.

Quickly, I transform myself into a human again, though it's easier said than done, given the spell was made on me by some entity; I didn't conjure it myself, and it's not common magic either. Yet, it still seems familiar somehow. It's… kinda like metamorphosis magic, just with another layer. More powerful, and ancient.

"That's because it was made by one of the Nine Olde Witches." The voice speaks again. I jump, startled, and quickly turn around searching for the source. "Here." It says as a light illuminates my chest, forming the shape of a four-pointed star, from which a bright, ethereal-looking white crow appears, also wearing the starry symbol on its chest.

A crow just came out of my chest. Wow. That's not creepy at all.

"Hey! Watch who you call creepy!" The crow crows as he hovers in front of me, wearing a distinct angry expression. "I'm none other than Alcor, an ancient and wise spirit, familiar of the Great Witch Woodward!"

"Uhm… okay?" I say, still freaked out about seeing it literally come out of my chest.

"Seriously, girl? You haven't heard about me?" He scoffs, offended. "Unbelievable. To think such a girl would inherit the will of my mistress."

"Uh… yeah. I'm not all that good at history." I say sheepishly rubbing the back of my neck. Jeez, now even a crow is scolding me!

"I'm your familiar now. I have every right to scold you." He answers as he comes to perch on my shoulder, the light that made his body transforming into normal white feathers, yet the yellow star on his chest still remaining, as well as certain ethereal glow. Even now he doesn't look at all like a normal crow.

"Can you stop reading my mind, please? It's creepy!" I answer, glaring at him until I process what else he said. "Wait… my familiar?" Alcor then nods solemnly in response.

"I have resided in the fountain for nearly fifteen centuries, waiting for the witch with hidden radiance to come so I can help her on her quest." He looks at me with what I can only describe as an amused smile (do crows even smile?). "The fountain strengthened your magical power, and enhanced your talent, allowing you to perform metamorphosis magic like no one else can. But it also gave you wisdom. Me." He puffs out his chest, clearly proud about that least part.

I roll my eyes. He sounds so much like Croix!

"I do not appreciate you comparing me with some teenage girl." He protests, but I decide to ignore him. I have more pressing matters to discuss with him.

"Alright, so… I guess that means you'll be constantly getting inside my head?" I ask.

Yes. He responds telepathically to emphasize his point.

Huh. What a nuisance. But then again, I guess it could be useful…

"I'm not helping you out on your exams. That'd be cheating." He scolds me, and I pout.

"Alright. But at least promise me not to be a distraction… and to not read too much into my thoughts. A girl needs her privacy, you know?"

"When I'm inside you it's inevitable. However, the further apart from each other we are, the weaker our connection becomes." He explains. "For example, right now I'm touching you, so I can feel your emotions even if I don't want to. Yet, to read your mind I still have to put a little effort."

"Yeah… about being inside me…" I bit my lip, not wanting to offend him but not knowing what else to do. "Uh… Maybe don't do that?" I smile awkwardly. Alcor just glares at me.

"You must understand, Chariot, that our connection is far deeper than any other witch's with her familiar. Our hearts are now linked, so I must remain near you all the time."

"Yeah, but…"

"And I don't think a magnificent crow as myself won't draw attention." He cuts off my feeble attempts at protesting.

Gosh, how arrogant! But he does have a point. I can't exactly go around with a white crow spirit on my shoulder. Even when he's not literally made of light anymore, it's rather obvious that he's not a normal crow either, and I bet that'll raise a lot of questions. But there has to be another solution! Just the memory of him coming out of my chest is enough to make me shiver.

"Alright." He sighs. "If it truly bothers you so much, I can do this."

He jumps on top of my head, his nails digging into my scalp. But before I can protest, he starts transforming until, suddenly, I no longer have a large bird on my head, but… a hat?

I take it off in order to see it and, effectively, it's a white witch hat. I turn it around to see the front, and see it has the four-pointed yellow star design on the middle of a blue oval with red outline. The ribbon is also a light shade of blue.

"Oh! I like it!" I beam. "Even if it's not exactly school protocol." I add, chuckling as I imagine Finnelan's face when she sees it. But then Alcor transforms once more and I find myself holding nothing but air as the white crow hovers in front of me.

"Then I can't do it." He says strictly.

"Why?!" I protest, pouting. "I'm already expelled."

"No, not until the Samhain festival." He reminds me. Ugh, why does he have to know everything? "And I expect you to be on your best behavior until then."

"You sound like Finnelan." I glare at him, but he doesn't even flinch.

"For now… I guess this would suffice." He says as he transforms into a ray of blinding light and disappears into the gems of the shiny rod.

As long as you carry with you the Claiomh Solais, this should work. I hear his voice inside my head.

"Oh, don't worry. I usually have it with me." I assure him, eying at the gems, which seem to be glowing faintly even now. Is it because of the other power? The enhancement of my metamorphosis magic?

Yes. You should test your new powers now. Alcor answers.

"Are you sure? It's already past curfew." I tease, already readying the spell.

Not that you care anyways. He sighs, and I laugh in response, proceeding to immediately cast the spell.

"Arae Aryrha!" I exclaim as I imagine myself turning into a wolf. Sure enough, the transformation goes easier and smoother this time, and I'm actually surprised when I see my body glowing with yellow light.

Well… isn't that interesting? I don't exactly look like a realistic wolf, but in a spectacle that's not what matters, is it? It's to make people marvel at your magic, to make them believe that dreams come true. And this ethereal form must surely look like something out of a dream.

Already thinking about spectacles? Shouldn't you be focusing on finding the seven words? Alcor chastises me.

"I just found the third one minutes ago! Give me a break." I answer grumpily as I turn into a cat (which this time glows pink). I can hear Alcor chuckling inside my head.

Alright, I'll be lenient. He relents. Your dream is to bring happiness to everyone with the power of magic, isn't it? I'll admit it's quite noble, but it's not an easy task. Nor is it something many would appreciate.

"I know." I answer, turning into a centaur like I did yesterday during my exams. Surprisingly enough, this time I don't glow as much or look so ethereal. Must be because it's an advanced transformation, being half human and half horse. "I wished the teachers at Luna Nova saw the importance of my dream. I wished they could find the fun of magic and appreciate it as I do. Then maybe they wouldn't have expelled me." My voice turns sad once again as I think about that recent turn of events, and Alcor must sense it because he stays silent for a moment before speaking in a more gentle tone.

It might be too late for you, but maybe if you inspire those teachers, if you can make them see the joy and wonder of magic, someday they will be more understanding when someone like you appears again. Maybe you'll even inspire people to follow your dream too. A dream is more easily attainable when many people work together for the same goal, after all.

"That's… very wise, actually." I say, realizing the truth in his words as I transform back into a human. "Thank you."

Alcor is right. I only have a few weeks left in this school, but I have to make the most of it. What the teachers did was cruel and unfair, but I won't allow it to happen ever again to anyone else! And the only way to do that is to make them marvel at magic, as I did as a kid. To make them see it as something fun and inspiring, to remind them why they love magic in the first place!

But how? Just putting up one of my shows at school won't do anything except getting me detention, so… Ugh, if only I had more time maybe I could try something big. But I only have until that stupid festival!

Wait… that's it! The Samhain festival! I can make the most of my presentation. It'll be my last chance in a long time to show to a great amount of people, of witches, the wonders of magic. Teachers, students, ex-alumni and important personalities from all around the world will be there. I'll make the most out of the boring festival! I'll make it fun and entertaining! I will wipe those frowns and apathetic looks out of their faces, and replace them with smiles! I have the power of the stars in my heart, a new friend by my side and nothing to lose! Nothing could possibly stop me now.

Samhain festival, be prepared! You're about to see magic like no one has ever seen before.


A/N: Look, I like the idea of Chariot and Croix raising Alcor since he was a baby crow as much as the next person, but... you can't just argue with facts. Go watch episode 6, or read the second volume of the manga and you'll see clear as day that Alcor was given to Chariot by the fountain of Polaris. I'll also reblog my theory with pictures on my Tumblr, in case you want to check it out.

Well, that's all for now. Hope you liked it! See you in two weeks!

Thanks to my beta reader moonwatcher13.