Chapter 2:
The cafeteria was definitely a sight to behold. The staircases were wrapped in colorful twinkling lights and garland, and in the center of the room was a massive Christmas tree, covered in all sorts of ornaments, lights, and tinsel. At the top of the tree was an ornament in the shape of the Luna Nova logo, that shined as bright as a star.
At a set of tables was a variety of different foods: Roast Chicken, Beef Brisket, Mashed Potatoes, Cider, just to name a few. But these didn't compare to massive amounts of desserts that took up two whole tables. Pies, Cookies, Cakes, if it was sweet, it was there. Naturally, there were vegetarian options for those students with such restrictions, so no one was excluded when it came to food.
Classic Christmas tunes echoed throughout the room. Well, classic to Professor Holbrooke anyway. Not that her choice of music was bad, but more the songs she picked were relatively unknown to most everyone there. So while she would play familiar classics such as Jingle Bell Rock or Rockin' around the Christmas Tree, she would then, out of nowhere play a song about Snoopy, The Red Baron, and Christmas bells that rang throughout the land, asking peace among the world and goodwill toward men...
With so much music, food, and decorations, it was shaping up to be a Christmas feast that no one would forget for a long time.
Diana and Akko gazed upon the sight before them, amazed at all the holiday cheer. Diana had been a little worried about Akko's attire, but seeing the merriment that went on in the room made her relax. It was the holiday season, a time for joy, and goodwill. There's no way anyone would be so rude on a night like tonight.
Diana heard a gasp come from Akko and chuckled slightly at the brunette's reaction.
"This certainly looks fun, wouldn't you say Akko?" asked Diana.
"Fun?, This is AMAZING!" exclaimed Akko. "I don't think I've ever been to a Christmas party as big as this before!"
"The school certainly went the extra mile this year." agreed Diana, "Now then, why don't we look for someone we're acquainted with?"
The two witches then proceeded to walk into the crowd, looking for anyone they might be familiar with. One plus to Akko's sweater was that it stood out from the crowd.
Other students around them were either wearing the standard Luna Nova uniform, or some had even decided to wear a dress to the event. But no one else had worn an ugly sweater to the event, which meant that if The two couldn't find someone, someone would find them.
As they walked through the clutter of students, Diana knew that Akko and herself had caught the eyes of various classmates that were surprised at the sight of arguably the school's best student, walking alongside the most troublesome.
The two had hung out in front of others before and usually got the same reactions. Diana could hear whispering among themselves how shocking it was that someone of Diana's status would even be near someone like Akko, given her reputation, and joking about Akko's sweater or that Diana had become another baby Chariot fan.
Diana felt her inferiority complex acting up again in her mind, but she blocked it out to the best of her ability. Yes, Akko's sweater looked a bit ridiculous, but that didn't matter. They were Fri- acquaintances, and it would be rude to abandon her just because of what she wore. Besides, Akko's other friends were sure to be at the party, and they certainly wouldn't wear anything that silly.
"Akko, Diana, over here!" Came a loud but timid voice from the crowd. The two looked in the direction of the sound and saw a head of orange hair with a pair of glasses on.
Thank goodness thought Diana, Lotte was always someone who brought balance to Akko's shenanigans. Surely she would wear something normal like-
Another hideous sweater, only hers had a picture of dimly lit candle straight from the cover of most Nightfall books. Diana blinked, this had to be some kind of joke. Had Akko really convinced Lotte to join in on her unusual tradition? It certainly seemed that way. Why else would she be wearing such a thing?
"Hello Diana, Merry Christmas!" said Lotte.
"A-and to you as well" stuttered Diana, who was still slightly taken aback at the sweater. "I see Akko's convinced you on wearing that, interesting apparel."
"Huh?" asked Lotte, confused. "I'm not quite sure what you mean- Oh, The sweater! Yes, it was Akko's idea, she said it would help liven up the party."
"Eh, still the same mushy, lovey-dovey holiday stuff as before." came another voice.
Diana jumped, and from behind her stepped up Sucy, who was also wearing a sweater; only hers had a giant mushroom on it. It seemed like Akko had been able to convince both of her teammates to join in on the sweaters.
"Hey, Diana! I forgot to mention, look at the stars on Shiny Rod!" Akko then pointed to seven blinking lights corresponding with the rod on Akko's sweater. "Pretty cool, huh?"
Diana looked upon the trio in disbelief. How was it that each time Akko had an idea, her friends would just follow along blindly? Did they ever stop to think about the results of their actions? Granted, this sometimes worked to their benefit. But didn't they ever stop and think?
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of giggles and snickers coming from onlooking students. Diana suddenly felt feelings of inferiority begin to build up again. She tried blocking it out, but that was easier said than done. She felt the sudden urge to get as far away from Akko as possible. But at the same time, she didn't want to be so rude.
"Y-yes, quite, cool indeed Akko." Diana stammered out. "I-if you'll excuse me, I'm feeling rather famished, I'll head over to the food tables."
"Okay!" said Akko. "Get me some cream of mushroom soup while you're at it." requested Sucy. "Sucy, that's rude!" scolded Lotte.
Diana felt like she couldn't get away from them any quicker. She just needed some space away from Akko; at least until the laughter had died down, so it's not like she was avoiding Akko all night.
"Yo, Princess!"
"G-ah!" Diana looked back and saw Amanda 'O Neill wearing the school uniform, a Santa hat and a giant smirk on her face. Standing beside her was her tiny but silent friend, Constanze with an elf's hat on.
"Ha! What's the matter? Did I scare ya?" Laughed Amanda.
"Don't be ridiculous," replied Diana, still trying to collect herself. "It takes much more than your shrill voice to scare me."
"Jeez, somebody's having a rough night," said Amanda. "Anyway, where's your pair of leeches? They decide to go suck someone else's blood?"
"If by leeches you mean my teammates, then I'll have you know that both Hannah and Barbara went to their respective families for the break already," answered Diana, almost offended. "And furthermore, calling them such a thing is very rude, even by your standards."
"Just kiddin, hold yer horses," said Amanda. "Yeah, Jasminka left for break too; so that leaves me and Short-stack here!" She ruffled Constanze's hair; annoying the tiny witch.
"Anyway, now that we're done with recaps, where's Akko?, We've been lookin for her all night."
"Oh, uh" stammered Diana.
"You mean the baby witch?" came a snarky voice from beside them. "Aww, what's wrong? Did you wose your pwe-scoowl fwiends?" Laugher followed the mocking voice, as Diana's face went red with embarrassment.
"Hey!, you watch what you say about me and my friends!" shouted Amanda, raising a fist in the general direction of the voice. Constanze pulled out one of her stanbots, and converted it to a gun, aiming in the same direction as Amanda. A sudden shriek came as multiple students moved out of the way.
"Wimps" muttered Amanda. "Anyway, We're gonna find Akko, at least try to enjoy yourself tonight, later princess!"
Diana looked at the two walked away. It always amazed her at how quick to action Amanda was in situations like this. She always stood up for her friends and beliefs and would be willing to fight for them if necessary. Diana hated to admit it, but it was a trait of Amanda's that she envied. She could only think of a handful of times in which she had done such things. Most other times she would either just sit back and watch things play out, or mock someone herself.
Diana groaned internally, the feeling of inferiority was growing bigger and bigger. Where's a food table when you need it? She asked herself.
Thankfully, Diana had just found one right in front of her that was full of desserts. She picked up one of the plates and went down the line putting various jam-filled pies, and creamy cakes on her own plate. Once satisfied she turned around and looked back in Akko's direction.
Now it was time to go back to Akko. Back to the trio in the sweater. Back to the laughter…
"Merry Christmas Diana."
Diana looked and saw a familiar face, she smiled in relief when she saw who it was.
"Thank you, and to you was Well, Professor Chariot."
Diana had figured it out long before, but many were still adjusting to the fact the former Professor Ursula was, in fact, the one and only Chariot Du Nord. She had revealed herself after the magic missile incident. Naturally, everyone was surprised at the idea that Shiny Chariot had been hiding in plain sight, but as time went on, more and more became accepting of her.
She still taught her classes, but there was no doubt about the sense of awkwardness that hung in the classroom during the lesson. Here was someone who was mocked, even shunned in the magic world for her work, and she had been their own teacher this whole time. No one said anything out loud, but Chariot knew that there were still some who would say things behind her back. But she didn't care. Why should she? She's a mature adult, she could take it.
If nothing before had proven that, then it was the fact that she had shown up to the feast without any disguise, just a green dress and a headband with reindeer antlers on her head of red hair.
"It's good to see you here tonight, I was thinking you'd already left for home." Said Chariot.
"Oh, I won't be going back home until Christmas Eve," said Diana. "Until then I'll be staying here with,- she hesitated and looked back in Akko's direction. She knew that Akko was planning to stay at Luna Nova for the holiday break, as she had yet to fully master riding a broom. That meant that Akko would most likely try to hang around Diana, and try and hang out with her some more, which meant more rude comments from other students.
"Is there something wrong?" asked Chariot. She could sense that Diana was troubled by something.
"Hmm? Oh, it's nothing" said Diana, even though she was lying through her teeth. Diana wanted to keep these feelings to herself, but she knew that the more she kept them bottled up, then they would only get worse over time.
Finally, she decided to crack, and tell Chariot how she was feeling.
"It's just, well, Akko is staying at school for the same amount of time as I am. A-and.."
"And you're worried that everyone will laugh at you for being seen with her." Finished Chariot.
Diana looked at the teacher, amazed. "H-how did you..?"
"Let's not kid ourselves, Diana" Chariot answered the unasked question. "I've seen the way that some of your fellow students have talked to you after the magic missile incident."
"But, I don't want to just shove Akko away." sighed Diana, "Then I'll be no better than everyone else.."
"I understand how you're feeling Diana," said Chariot, "My friendship with Croix was the same way when we went to school. She was top of our class in our day, and others seeing her being with me, well, earned her some rude comments."
Diana listened carefully, each word making Chariot's story sound more and more like what was going on with her and Akko.
"But," continued Chariot, "I don't think Croix really cared what others thought about her relationship with me, just as long as she had me as a friend, she was alright."
"It sounds like she was certainly someone dead set on her friendships" sighed Diana. "I wish I could be the same way.."
Diana looked away in guilt and then felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Professor Chariot give her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry about it, Diana" comforted Chariot, "Make the friends that you want to make, no one defines who you are except yourself. In the meantime, try to enjoy yourself tonight, it is the holiday season after all."
With that, Chariot walked away to talk some of the other staff. Leaving Diana with a lot on her plate, besides the food. Should she go back to Akko? Or just wait until the feast was over?
Eventually, she swallowed her pride and decided to make her way back to where Akko was. Besides, the teasing was sure to have stopped by now. At least that's what Diana hoped as she started walking towards Akko's general direction.
Just as she was roughly a few feet away from Akko, a snide laugh could be heard; causing Diana to look towards it. She recognized the voice immediately.
"Well if it isn't another one of the baby witches." remarked the same voice.
"W-what are you talking about, Avery?"
Avery was another student at Luna Nova, who had also frequently bullied Akko and her friends. She was very much like Hannah and Barbara and had even hung out with them on occasion. However, unlike Hannah and Barbara, Avery didn't constantly suck up to Diana. In fact, been one of the main sources of harsh words to Diana after the missile incident.
"Don't be ridiculous." Snorted Avery. "Almost everyone's seen you with Kagari and her other baby witches. It only makes sense you'd become one yourself."
Diana stammered "B-but I-I'm not.."
"Daww !" mocked Avery, "Is widdle Diana upset? Why down't you gowe pway wit da other babies?" This caused many of the other students nearby to burst into laughter as Diana's face went red with embarrassment.
They're just words Diana told herself. They can't hurt you. They're just words…
But as hard as she tried, she couldn't shake away the inferiority feeling. The laughs around her made her feel weak and small. Thankfully, after much inner motivation, she was able to contain her inner feelings and put on a reserved face.
"Honestly, Avery. How immature can you get?" Diana stated simply.
Avery and the witches around her stopped laughing and looked up.
"Need I remind that Akko and I were able to prevent a major disaster? I think that should be enough to warrant respect from someone like you."
"Well I uh, it's, uh,"
"Save it for someone who cares," muttered Diana, and she turned away; walking back towards Akko.
"Well, at least I didn't get rejected the Claiomh Solais!" Avery shouted. This made Diana stop dead in her tracks. If Diana had a button that read DO NOT PUSH, Avery had just hit it with the force of a wrecking ball.
The subject of the Claiomh Solais, or "Shiny Rod" as it had been come to known by was a sour subject for Diana. She had done much research on the rod and the Seven words for a long time. She had hoped that her research would help her find the rod, and use the Seven words to bring about a new golden age of magic.
But she hadn't been the one to find the rod, it had in fact, been Akko. The same Akko that couldn't even fly a broom, or perform basic spells. At least, not to the level she could now. Akko had found the rod in the Arcturus forest and wasn't afraid to show it off either.
When Diana had first seen Akko with it, she merely thought that Akko had brought some silly toy to Luna Nova; but after seeing it in action, she then knew that the Claiomh Solais, the relic that she had been searching for all that time, had chosen someone else over her.
Though Diana appeared to not care about it anymore, a small part of her was still jealous that she hadn't been chosen. Like before she had tried to bury this feeling deep inside; but Avery's comment had dug it right back up.
Diana could feel her eyes begin to tear up slightly. Do not cry, Do not cry, Do not cry, Do not cry. She repeated to herself. She needed space, she needed to get away from all the noise.
Away from Akko…
Diana walked passed Akko's table without saying a word. She hoped that the brunette wouldn't notice her. Akko was now talking with Amanda about broom riding techniques, unaware that Diana had just approached their table. With her plate of food still in her hand, Diana made her way for the nearest exit before
"There you are, Diana!"
Diana sighed, looking ahead, away from Akko. She just wanted to get away for the evening.
"Akko" mumbled Diana, still trying to hold back her tears, "I-I'm not feeling well right now. I think I'll return to my room."
Akko frowned. "Diana, is everything okay?"
"I-I'm fine" muttered the blonde, lying through her teeth. "I just need some sleep now."
"Are you sure?" Akko questioned again. "Do you at least want me to walk back with-
"No" interrupted Diana, "I don't need anyone right now, just to get back to my dormitory for the night."
"Oh no, ya don't Princess!" Chimed in Amanda, who may or may not had been eavesdropping on the conversation. "This is the most fun thing all year besides broom races, and I ain't lettin' ya miss it! So spill the beans."
"Don't make me use a truth potion on you." threatened Sucy.
"I assure you, it's nothing to worry about," said Diana. Leave me alone. She thought to herself, before feeling her free hand being grabbed by someone.
"Please, Diana." insisted Akko. "Something's obviously bothering you, and bottling it up isn't going to make it any better."
Let go of me, Leave me alone.
Diana could feel her stress building up, along with the unshed tears in her eyes. Why? Why couldn't Akko just take a hint? All that Diana needed was to sleep this whole night off, and things would be better in the morning.
"A-Akko, please, sto-
"Yeah Kagari, Stop!" sneered Avery, who had just walked over. "Otherwise Widdle Diana's gonna cwy!" Laughter from nearby students followed this comment, along with a sly grin on Avery's face.
Diana looked away, hoping that no one could see her face.
Stop it, stop it stop it.
"Shut up!" shouted Akko. "Diana's the greatest witch at this school! She loads better than any of you comb-woah!"
Everything then seemed to happen at once. Akko's foot had gotten caught in a nearby chair leg, causing her to fall forward. She would've fallen to the ground, but Diana had been right in front of her; which in turn, led to Diana being shoved to the floor, but not before sending her plate of food flying in the air, before coming back down right on top of the two witches.
Jelly and cream covered Diana, ruining her dress. When she finally got up, she could now see almost all the nearby students looking on at her, trying to contain their giggles.
"Aww wook!" giggled Avery, "Baby Diana spiwled hew food!"
Echoes of laughter filled Diana's ears. All around her she could see various classmates pointing, mocking, or laughing at her. Tears began to fall down Diana's cheeks, but they weren't tears of sadness.
Diana looked down at the brunette, her fists clenched, and shaking.
"D-Diana! I'm really sorry! I-it w-was an accident! I didn't-
"SHUT UP, JUST SHUT UP!" Snapped Diana.
Everyone in the room had gone quiet. Everyone was now looking in Diana's direction.
"Everything was going fine until YOU showed up!" She pointed at Akko. "I was the most popular witch here, and now, thanks to YOU, I'm a laughing stock!"
"D-Diana" Stuttered Akko, who now had tears forming in her own eyes
"But it's not just that. Oh No" went on Diana in a rage. "You just had to find the Claiomh Solais didn't you? Do you know what it's like to search for something for almost your life, only for it to be handed to some idiot who just got lucky?"
"You better think about what you say next princess before I- Intervened Amada before being interrupted
"All you do is just mess things up, and ruin other people's lives!" screamed Diana at Akko. "I should've been the one to get Shiny Rod! I should've changed the world! And I especially should've stopped associating with you sooner!"
"D-Diana" Sobbed Akko "P-please"
"I NEVER want to see YOU again." Finished Diana in a huff.
Akko stood in place, tears now in full effect. Professor Chariot had stepped up by Akko and put a hand on her shoulder
"A-Akko?" asked Chariot kindly. But before she could do anything. Akko sprinted for the exit; leaving a trail of tears behind her.
Diana felt a tap on her shoulder, she turned around and WHAM. She found herself back on the floor; with a sudden pain on her lip.
"What the hell is your problem, huh?!" Shouted Amanda, as Lotte and some other students were trying to hold her back. "Ya think ya can just chew someone out like that for an accident?! Akko didn't mean to! Lemme at 'er, LEMME AT 'ER!"
"A-Amanda!" stuttered Lotte. "You need to calm down!"
"I'll calm down as soon as I finish POUNDING PRINCESS' FACE IN! LET GO OF ME!"
Lotte with help from other students dragged Amanda as far away from Diana as possible.
Chariot went to help Diana up, who still in a stupor from the punch.
"Easy, that was some punch you just got."
Diana grunted in agreement and put her hand where Amanda's fist had hit her lip. She cringed when she felt blood oozing onto her fingers.
"Why don't you go to your room and get cleaned up? Then see if then see if the nurse can fix up that injury."
Diana nodded in and slowly began walking towards the nearest exit. Along the way she saw Constanze with an angry look on her face and giving Diana the "I've got my eyes on you" hand gesture.
"You just made the top of my people to poison list." Murmured Sucy loud enough so that Diana could here.
…
Diana's lip was still stinging as she walked across the snow-covered courtyard. It was the quickest way to get to her room. She had been putting pressure against the wound to try and stop it from bleeding, but that only made it sting more.
Damn you, O Neill Diana thought to herself. Thanks to Amanda, she would now be kept up all night thanks to the pain from the wound.
Oh, who am I kidding? She continued in her thoughts. It's all Akko's fault.
It certainly seemed that way to Diana. Everything that had happened to her tonight had been caused by Akko, her ruined dress, her bleeding lip, and her embarrassment.
But it wasn't just that, it was also the Shiny Rod as well. It was something that Diana had wanted since she was a little girl, and it had been swept away from her by Akko. She had wanted to change the world if she had gotten it, but she couldn't because of the brunette.
"Stupid Akko," muttered Diana as she kicked a pile of snow over. Everything in Diana's school life would've been better had Akko not been there. She would've still been the most popular student, and she would've found the Shiny Rod, and use it to change the world.
"I wish she'd never even come to Luna Nova in the first place…"
Suddenly, she saw a green glow on her wand, puzzled by the phenomenon, she reached for the wand to see what it was. She could now see a ball of energy glowing from the edge of her wand.
At first, she thought nothing of it. After the missile incident, much of the magic contained by the planet's sorcerer's stones had been released, causing a surplus of magical energy. So Diana figured that this was all that was, just a surplus of energy.
But she noticed as she turned a certain direction, the glow brightened. Still, a little confused, Diana tested it out again by turning the opposite direction; causing the glow to dim.
Was this some kind of beacon? If so, then to what? Deciding to investigate, she turned back to the direction of the glow and followed it.
She soon found herself at the northern campus building. When she approached the door, it mysteriously opened by itself. Okaaay, that's a little unsettling. Diana thought to herself. When she entered, she saw the wand direct her towards a corridor, which she followed When she looked down the opposite, she saw something that made her stop in her tracks.
A giant polar bear the size of a tank was sleeping in a small corner to the side. Diana was very lucky it was asleep, otherwise, she'd be dinner. Nevertheless, she continued the trek until she reached some kind of stairway
Why did you bring me here? She wondered as she looked at her wand. She began to climb up the stairway, as that was where the glow directed her to go.
After much climbing, she then saw an amazing site, something she had only seen before in her Chariot cards; the Fountain of Polaris.
She remembered Akko had said she'd been there before. But Diana was amazed by the fact that she was seeing it up close. There was only one question that remained. Why was she here? Did the fountain have something to show her?
Wanting to find out, she stepped up to the fountainhead and saw a single sphere of water floating from the pool. In it she saw her reflection.
An intriguing wish. A witch's path to have never started?
Hearing the voice, Diana turned around only to find no one else around her; increasing the fear that had been building up ever since she had entered the building.
"Who's There?" She called out, but no answer came. She then turned back to the sphere, but now the image had changed.
It was now Akko in the sphere, or at least someone watching Akko. She appeared to be reading a letter with the Luna Nova symbol on the seal. Diana watched as Akko read through the letter. As Akko read on, she looked sadder and sadder. What could be in that letter? Wondered Diana, And how is it that I'm seeing this?
When Akko had put the letter down, she looked like she was about to cry. Two silhouettes suddenly appeared, which put their arms around Akko, which seemed to calm her down.
If Diana wasn't confused before, she sure was now. What was it that was in the letter that made Akko so upset? What did it all mean?
Soon, one of the silhouettes took Akko's hand, and walked away, while the other one picked up the letter, crumpled it up, and tossed it away. The water began to block out the vision, and eventually, it disappeared.
"W-wait!" shouted Diana. "What was in the letter?" Why was Akko upset?"
Suddenly, Diana felt a shove from behind her, and before she knew it, she had splashed into the fountain.
When she tried to get out, she found herself falling down, down, down, deeper into the fountain. When she tried to get back to the top, she only sank deeper.
Diana began to feel her oxygen run out, she began to panic and tried swimming to the top as fast as she could, but it was no good.
Diana's vision began to blur, everything was going black. But before she went under, she was left with these words:
Be careful what you wish for...