Chapter 35: Samhain festival.
Today is finally the day. Yes, it's the last day of the semester, which also means it's my last day in Luna Nova, but most importantly, it's the day of the Samhain festival. My first chance to perform in front of a large audience and, hopefully, make them all see the wonder of magic.
Everything is ready now. I've practiced every single night for the event, and Croix has helped me a couple of times, telling me what she thinks is more impressive and all that. Enid and Anaid prepared the illumination and made sure it matched the theme of my show. Alcor helped me master the new magical powers I got from the Fountain, and my teammates have been helping me prepare some spells and tricks that'll make my performance even more spectacular. I mean, they are my teammates, so they kinda had to help me anyways, but they are doing an extra effort and being nicer than usual to me, which I truly appreciate.
All in all, these weeks have been wonderful. Exhausting, sure, but wonderful, which is just how my last weeks at this school should be.
I spend the whole day helping Croix's roommates with the scenery and going over the routine with Karen and Amelia. I wanted Croix to see my performance one last time, but I couldn't find her all day, and when I asked her teammates they said that she was in her lab, preparing something for the festival… which is weird because she finished the scenery design and everything is ready by now, so I have no idea what she could possibly be preparing, but it's not like I have time to go search for her, so I decide to focus on my show and worry about Croix later. Though I hope she makes it in time to see it… I really want to impress her.
"Chariot! Are you ready?" Amelia asks, startling me out of my thoughts. "We're next."
"Y-yeah." I stutter out, feeling my stomach clench in anxiety, but I force myself to push past it. It's not a good time to panic! "Is Croix here yet?"
"I haven't seen her…" She trails off when, suddenly, the girl I had been asking for enters the tent, running.
"Chariot." She stops in front of me, panting slightly and grinning happily at me.
"Hey." I answer softly, feeling my heart skip a beat at her slightly flustered appearance.
"Are you ready?" She asks.
"Yes, just slightly nervous." I answer honestly.
"You'll do great, you'll see Cherry." She ruffles my hair affectionately, and I can't bring myself to back away, even when I know I won't have time to fix my hair once more before I'm out on the stage.
"Thanks." Is all I can bring myself to say.
"Now, just one question. How much time does your show last?"
"Uh… I don't know." I shrug. "Like ten minutes, I guess. It's the maximum time each team gets." Croix seems pensive for a moment at my answer, before nodding with a satisfied smile.
"Yes, that should work." She says under her breath, but before I can ask what she means, she runs out of the tent, waving at me. "Good luck, Chariot. I'll be cheering you on from the crowd." And with that, I'm left alone with my teammates once again.
"Come on, Chariot. It's time." Karen calls. I stay there, watching the spot from where Croix disappeared for a moment, and feeling oddly disappointed about it, but then I shake my head and decide I should concentrate on the here and now; on making my show perfect.
"Let's go!" I exclaim enthusiastically, taking hold of the Claiohm Solais and practically running towards the stage, my teammates following close behind me.
At my signal, Enid and Anaid turn the lights off, so no one can see us as we enter the stage. I position myself on the center, with Karen to my right and Amelia to my left, and, just as we rehearsed, once I'm in position, clutching the shiny rod and raising it over my head, a single spotlight illuminates me. Then, another one appears over Karen and, finally, another one over Amelia. They start walking slowly to the edges of the stage as the music begins, then stop and point their wands in my direction, casting a simple luminous spell that makes me glow with ethereal light.
Are you ready, Alcor? I ask my familiar through our telepathic bond.
I'm always ready. He scoffs, and I feel myself smiling at his words, my twisting stomach calming down a little as anxiety turns into exhilaration.
As the music starts going faster and louder, I take my cue, beginning my performance with a twirl of my hand, sending illusions simulating butterflies flying all over the assembled students (I discovered turning into them myself takes too much energy out of me) before Alcor comes out of the Claiomh Solais too, using his luminous form, and expands in size as he makes a wide circle above the public's heads. Amelia and Karen then point their wands at him, making a trail of sparks and luminous creatures follow him in a truly spectacular display that makes the audience gasp in awe.
Feeling emboldened by their reactions, I hop into Alcor's back as he reaches me, surfing the skies on top of him and feeling the breeze paint a smile on my face as I prepare to cast the spell.
It's not exactly an easy task, given that the seven words of Arcturus need certain feelings and a specific state of mind to work. But I've been practicing a lot, and the context also makes it easier for me to feel in my heart the meaning of the third word: I won't compare myself, I have to do what only I can do.
"Arae Aryrha!" I exclaim, a warm sensation enveloping me as I let my body transform into that of a large cat, silently casting the levitation spell at the same time to avoid falling to the ground when Alcor takes his cue and goes once again into the Claiomh Solais.
I run around the night sky in my cat form, chasing the luminous creatures my teammates conjure from the stage, before turning into a wolf and howling to the full moon. Then, as swiftly as it can get, I transform into a human again, except for my legs, which I make into the body of a horse, effectively turning myself into a centaur, like I did in the failed flight test.
That's when my teammates take their brooms and fly off to the sky, racing me as we go up to the clouds before letting ourselves fall to the ground once more. As we descend, Enid and Anaid cast a summoning spell from the back of the stage, covering the entirety of the stage as well as the bleachers in illusory water. Karen and Amelia surf over the waves using their brooms, but I turn into a mermaid as I get in contact with the "water", pretending to swim on it.
And honestly? I'm having a blast! This is way better than doing small performances in the streets. This is fun. This is what magic is supposed to be. And, judging by the public's happy faces as they watch with child-like awe, I'd say they agree. My show was a complete success! Now, just the closing number is left.
However, just as I turn into a human once more upon setting foot on the stage with a dramatic pirouette, something appears in the sky. At first it just looks like a giant black ball of floating energy, but once I can take a good look at it, it appears to be growing in size as it takes a more defined form. The lights then start to flicker and the illusory water disappears in a second. Even my friends start having problems controlling their brooms and have to make a hasty landing on the bleachers. I frown, wondering what's going on here. But then again, I guess it's just my luck something like this would happen during my performance.
The ball of dark energy turns into something akin of a lizard with two big spikes in its back, like wings beginning to form. Its eyes glow green with magic energy, and as it roars, we have to cover our ears to protect them from the piercing, almost metallic, sound.
"What's going on here, Miss du Nord?!" Professor Finnelan shouts at me from her position next to the Headmistress, no doubt already blaming me for this turn of events.
"I-I don't know!" I reply nervously as I see the creature dive towards the students, who scream in fright and dock just in time to avoid its sharp claws. I frown. This monster is trying to kill us!
"Headmistress!" I then hear Croix's voice rise over the multitude of panicked voices as she avoids fleeing students in order to get close to the teachers. "Headmistress, it's a dragon!" She exclaims, her voice sounding slightly panicked.
"What?" Holbrooke asks, obviously still trying to comprehend what's happening.
"That creature! It's a Gaelic Dragon, albeit a juvenile one." Croix explains. "It absorbs all magical energy in a ten foot radius!"
"How did such a creature enter the school?" The Headmistress asks, concern filling her words.
"The labyrinth!" Finnelan gasps, apparently realizing something. "It's been closed for more than a century now, but the creatures inside still remain to this day. This one must have managed to escape under the combined power of the full moon and the Samhain energy!"
"Yeah! That's exactly what happened!" Croix quickly agrees.
"What do we do now, Headmistress?" Finnelan asks. "I'm afraid we're ill-prepared for a situation like this."
"I think I know how to defeat it." Croix says, sounding oddly confident. "I've read about it quite a lot. However, I need you to bring the students to safety, and I also need someone to distract the dragon. It's attracted to loud and flashy magic." The last part she says it looking pointedly at me, and it only takes me one second to comprehend what she's insinuating.
"I'll do it!" I volunteer, catching the teachers' attention.
"I don't think…" Finnelan starts complaining, but is interrupted by the Headmistress.
"Very well, just be careful Miss du Nord." She says, I and give her a firm nod before calling out Alcor, who grows in size, before I hop up into his back. "Anne, stay here and help Miss Meridies in whatever way you can. The rest of the professors, help the students to safety!"
To the teachers' credit, they hesitate only for a second before rushing to do what the Headmistress said. I also go and try to be as distracting as possible, which honestly isn't difficult at all.
"Hey you, grown up lizard-thing!" I about as I fly above his head using Alcor in his glowing form as my transport. "I heard you like magic, well, take this!" I release glowing sparks from the tip of my wand and hit his head, of course not making even a dent, but it's enough to gain his attention.
I quickly proceed to fly around, keeping him busy and catching his attention with magical fireworks or summoning luminous creatures every time his eyes land on the other students. Then I decide that Alcor can distract him separately, as I start transforming into different creatures and running around in the air. Between the both of us, the dragon is so confused he doesn't know who to attack, so I decide to rest for a moment as I approach a little more to Croix to see how things are going.
She's painting a magic circle on the ground using chalk, while Finnelan is busy casting defensive spells around them. However, I see something else in my friend's hand; a technological contraption called…a cellphone? Yes, she has her cellphone out, holding it outside of Finnelan's field of view. The thing is connected to her wand, and Croix is typing something with its keys. I stay there, looking confused over the scene and wondering why she isn't more worried with finishing the magic circle as quickly as possible, but the she looks up, meeting my gaze, and an amused smile appears on her face. I just have time to tilt my head in confusion, however, before she raises her phone and presses a key.
Instantly, the dragon stops chasing Alcor, instead choosing to come at Finnelan, easily shattering her magic barriers and sending her flying with a quick flick of his tail. Then he turns to Croix, grabs her with one of his big paws, and throws her next to Finnelan. My friend's landing is a lot softer, and I doubt she got more than a few bruises from it, but she still screams like she has been seriously injured. Then, she attempts to get up as the dragon goes towards them, but then flinches and falls back to the ground, clutching her arm and groaning in pain.
My breath starts coming short in concern. Maybe the old injury in her arm re-opened? Or perhaps the dragon squeezed her more tightly than I thought. Regardless, I need to save her!
Finnelan looks worriedly at the prodigy and then proceeds to step up with big difficulty and place herself in front of her with a defensive posture, but of course, when the dragon attacks, her spells do little more than irritate him.
All the while, Alcor and I had been trying to catch the creature's attention by flying around and using flashing displays of magic, but it seems to be set on getting Finnelan, so, turning back into a human, I decide drastic measures are needed.
If spells don't do anything against this dragon, then I'll have to fight with my bare hands!
"Vega varulus!" I shout, feeling as the familiar rush of energy takes hold over my body. Then, without wasting another second, I step in front of Finnelan just as the dragon is about to eat her, punching his jaw with enough force to send him flying a few feet away.
"Miss Du Nord!" Finnelan gasps.
"Don't worry professor, I've got this." I answer without turning to look at her, my eyes fixed on the dragon. "Please take care of Croix."
Just as the dragon starts to get up, I see Alcor rushing towards me at maximum speed, and I feel his intentions over our bond, even if he doesn't explicitly state them. And as much as I would refuse in normal circumstances, right now I need all the help I can get, so I spread my arms open and let him enter in my chest.
I shudder. I'll never get used to this feeling.
This way I can share my energy with you. He explains. And you'll need all the energy you can get.
"Thank you, Alcor." I answer before engaging in full combat against the monster. I kick and punch as hard as I can, making a few indents in his steel-like body, while avoiding most of his attacks thanks to my enhanced speed. I do find it weird that he seems to break into cubic structures when I punch him, yet I don't really have much time to ponder about this fact. It seems like he doesn't get tired at all, while I'm starting to feel the strain on my body. I don't know how much longer I'll be able to last, but hopefully enough for everyone to flee to safety.
"Chariot!" Croix calls from the distance. "Use the Claiomh Solais! The first word!"
The first word?… The shiny arc! Of course! Its magic should be strong enough.
I give the dragon a particularly hard kick on his head, enough to stun him for a few seconds, before clutching tightly the shiny rod with my both hands and closing my eyes, concentrating in my most important objective right now; saving Croix, saving Luna Nova. I know that, even if I'll no longer be attending school, I wouldn't be able to fulfill my dream knowing I couldn't save my friends, or the place that taught me everything I know.
Once I feel the familiar warm energy spreading on my chest, I open my eyes and pronounce the word.
"Noctu Orfei Odem Freatore!" The rod then transforms into an arc and I draw back the string, a luminous arrow forming as I aim towards the dragon's fast-approaching mouth. "Shiny arc!" I yell as I release the magical arrow, which penetrates between his maws.
For a moment nothing happens, and I'm afraid he somehow managed to eat the magical energy of the spell as he does with other types of magic, but then his belly starts swelling and glowing with a green light, before exploding into a colorful display of magical energy.
Finally, adrenaline fading away, I dispel the body-enhancing magic, and instantly fall to my knees, trembling because of the effort of maintaining it for so long (I think I broke my record). In a second, both Finnelan and Croix are by my side.
"Miss du Nord!"
"Chariot, are you okay?!" Croix panics, cradling my face between her hands and looking frantically at me as if trying to discern if I'm injured.
"I'm fine, just hold on a sec." I slur my words because of the exhaustion, but I don't let that deter me as I hold up the magic rod and cast the healing spell. "Meiro soruaru"
"That's a highly advanced spell, surely you shouldn't…!" Finnelan is forced to eat her words as the healing circle appears under us, soothing our pain and healing our minor wounds. Sure, it's not perfect. Even Croix's is better! But it's enough to restore some of my lost energy; enough to let me get up (with Croix's help, of course) without feeling like I'll faint.
"Miss du Nord!" Finnelan gasps once again as she watches her previously injured hands in amazement, and I can't keep a self-sufficient smile from appearing on my face. See, professor? I'm not completely useless when it comes to magic. Yet, I don't dare speaking that thought out loud.
"Thanks, Chariot. You saved the day even when I, and the professors, couldn't." Croix speaks, blatantly honest as usual. "Your methods may not be conventional, but they are effective. I think we could all learn a thing or two from you." It's so obvious she's directing her words at Finnelan that I have to stop myself from cringing, while the professor just coughs awkwardly.
"Anne! Croix! Chariot!" The Headmistress' voice makes us all turn around to see her approaching hurriedly, a concerned expression on her face. "Are you alright?!"
"Yes, we're fine. Chariot saved us." Croix shrugs. "We'd all be dead if it wasn't for her. Finnelan can testify on that." She turns to look at the professor in question, as if daring her to say otherwise, but Finnelan just sighs and bows he head in defeat.
"Yes, indeed. She exhibited a power as I've never seen before." She grimaces. "And I'm… thankful. To you." She finishes, looking at me. I know I shouldn't, but I just can't contain myself from smiling self-sufficiently.
"It was the least I could do." I laugh. "I mean, honestly? It was easier than defeating that giant spider when I went to search ingredients. Or the other dragon two weeks ago. Or that time in Arcturus…"
"We get it, child. There's no need to flaunt." Finnelan cuts me off with an annoyed tone of voice.
"Yes, well. I guess we all agree this deserves a celebration!" Holbrooke says, clapping her hands and smiling. "After we conclude the festival, of course." She amends at a glare from Finnelan.
"If you insist, Headmistress." She agrees reluctantly.
"I do." She says firmly before turning to regard me and Croix. "Now, girls, fix your clothes and rest a little. After the ceremony of Vaharois concludes, you'll be required at the stage to receive a certain award!" She winks, looking as happy as ever, before she goes off with Finnelan to fetch the other professors and students.
The professors only take a few minutes to fix up the stage and bleachers, but once everyone is seated again, there's only enough time left for the sacrifices to be eaten by Vaharois. It's such a boring and pointless ceremony! I honestly don't know what I would do if I was chosen to partake in it. But anyways, after that, the Headmistress calls me and Croix to the stage, as she'd said, and gives a little speech describing everything that had happened, and making special emphasis on my heroic acts. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't flattered. And more than a little proud.
"Now, I'm sure we all here know Chariot du Nord had many problems with magic when she first came here, but today she's shown great growth, a display of skills some wouldn't even dream of and, more importantly, a willingness to help others in need." The Headmistress continues, smiling happily at me. "And I'm sure we all agree her mastery of metamorphosis magic is something to be admired! Which is why the judges and I have decided to grant her the title of this year's Moonlit Witch! Congratulations!"
Everyone starts clapping and cheering loudly, but I just stay there, stunned. Moonlit Witch? But that's a very high honor! Didn't Croix get the title during her first year? And they are giving it to me because of my metamorphosis magic… because of my show. Or maybe because I saved them. Either way, I'm being recognized by real, adult witches. I guess all that effort paid off at the end. Without even meaning to, my lips curve up in a smile and I feel a pleasant tingle run through my whole body. This is… this is beyond my wildest dreams! I just meant to make them see the wonder of magic, but… now I'm Moonlit Witch. It's almost surreal.
"Chariot." Croix discretely nudges me and I snap out of my stupor to look down to see the Headmistress holding the white ceremonial garbs, awaiting to put them on me. So I kneel down and bow my head, allowing her to wrap the white cape over my shoulders and to replace my blue hat with a white one with golden antlers.
"I'm so proud of you, Chariot." The Headmistress says as she accommodates my hat. "And don't worry about next semester. We wouldn't dare expelling the Moonlit Witch, so you're still welcomed in Luna Nova."
I take a few seconds to let the words sink in, but when they do, I practically throw myself at the elderly professor, hugging her tightly.
"Headmistress!" I say, feeling happy tears begin to spill from my eyes, the powerful emotions of joy, accomplishment and gratitude inundating my body, making me laugh and cry at the same time. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" I exclaim over and over again.
"Now, now. It's alright." She says, patting softly my back. "You don't need to thank us; you deserve this and more. I'm sorry I didn't realize it sooner."
"It doesn't matter now." I answer, separating myself and looking at her eyes, which are also wet with tears, but the smile on her face tells me they aren't sad tears. "I'm just happy that you are willing to give me yet another chance."
"Hopefully, this one will be the last." Finnelan's sharp voice startles me, making me pull away from the kind Headmistress completely. However, once our eyes meet, her expression softens just a tiny bit. "That said, I have no doubt now that, if you put your heart to it, one day you will become a… respectable witch."
"Thanks." I smile sheepishly before getting up and straightening up the white robe, noticing how it looks kinda like Alcor's wings. I like it. And it looks so pretty I could use this design to model an attire for my shows. Something spectacular! With a cape just like this one, though maybe with a bit more color.
"Now, Miss Meridies…" Holbrooke then addresses my best friend. "I know you have already been crowned Moonlit Witch once, so instead we decided to…"
"Thank you, Headmistress." Croix interrupts her. "But I didn't really do anything; Chariot did all the work and so should also get all the recognition." I practically gape at her, wondering if she hit her head too hard. She's never been someone to shy away from receiving praise, whether she deserves it or not (granted, she usually does).
"Are you quite sure about it?" The Headmistress asks, looking as surprised as I am. "If there's anything at all you want in compensation for your efforts, we'll be happy to grant it." Croix pauses at her words, seemingly thinking about it for a minute before smiling and finally speaking her wish.
"Well… apart from letting Chariot stay as a student of Luna Nova, the other thing I really wanted was permission to use a little more magic. For my thesis about magic circles."
I roll my eyes. Most of the magic she uses is for her magitronics experiments, not her thesis. But hey, I'm not going to rat her out.
"Well… we'll see about that." Holbrooke answers evasively. "We're already in the limit of what we can spend, after all."
"It's okay. I had to try." She shrugs.
"Anyways. Now it's time to begin the celebration!" Holbrooke hen exclaims, addressing the crowd once more. "It's not every day our school survives a dragon attack, after all." Laughs are heard at her words, and she pauses before continuing. "Food will be served at the tables that have been installed on the field, and there'll also be music and fireworks, please enjoy!"
Cheers and claps are heard as the students stand up and enthusiastically start making their way to the tables, but I just chuckle and turn to Croix.
"What do you think they'll serve?" I ask, amused.
"Potatoes." She laughs, and I nod, agreeing with her. Though my stomach still roars, asking for food even if I'm honestly quite tired of potatoes.
"Wanna grab some ramen instead?" She asks, unsurprisingly.
"Nah, I'm good." I quickly answer, making her chuckle.
"Honestly, if you weren't my friend I'd never forgive you for preferring potatoes over instant ramen."
"But then that means there's more ramen for you." I reason.
"True." She agrees, smiling fondly at me as she places her right hand over my left shoulder. "Listen, Chariot, I just… I wanted to say… I'm proud of you. You earned your place here, as well as the title of Moonlit Witch, and… I don't know, I just want you to know that I'm proud. Of you." Her cheeks take a rosy color, since she obviously isn't used to give anyone compliments, which makes her words all the more special for me, and I feel my face getting warm as well.
"Thank you." I say as I hug her tightly, feeling her stiffen for a moment before relaxing into the embrace and sighing happily on my ear.
"I care about you, Cherry." She whispers. "I know I don't say it much, and I bet sometimes you must wonder if I even like you, but… just know that you're one of the most important people in my life, and I don't want to lose you. Ever." She accentuates her point by squeezing me tighter, and I feel my heart skip a beat, both because of her words and her actions "I-I... I'm in love with you." She tenses as soon as the words leave her mouth since she's usually insecure when it comes to her relationship with other people.
"C-Croix…" I don't even know what to say. For a moment, I even forget how to breathe, and I start hearing my heart in my ears because of how hard and fast it's beating. And then she pulls away, only slightly, keeping her arms around my neck and our noses almost touching. And when I look into her eyes, locked on mine as if searching for something, I feel my brain turning into mush, and I have to practically force myself to talk, my lips pretty much moving on their own. "Croix, I-I… I love you too, you know it. You're my best friend!"
At my words, Croix pulls away completely, a sad smile appearing on her face as she tries to hide the disappointment in her eyes. But I don't understand! Did I say something wrong?
"Come on, Chariot. Those potatoes ain't gonna eat themselves." She says as she starts walking away, leaving me to chase after her. I don't even pay attention to the fireworks in the sky, because I'm too busy thinking about my best friend and what I could possibly have done to grant such a reaction.
A/N: Sorry for the delay, I just wanted to make sure that my favorite chapter to date was absolutely perfect XD. And that includes a drawing, btw, which you can find on my Tumblr or Instagram; my user name is Tania Hylian in both.
I hope you liked it as much as I did, and that you'll like the next few chapters even more! Thanks for reading and see you in two weeks :)
Thanks to my beta reader moonwatcher13.
