Chapter 7: The fountain of Polaris.

After completing her magic philosophy exam, Akko walked confidently to the desk at the front of the classroom and put it next to the professor's fish bowl, smiling brightly at her.

"Piscis-sensei, I can't wait to see my grade on this exam! I bet I'm going to get at least an A!" After all, it had been about the ethical uses of common spells, and honestly she thought it was just a matter of having common sense.

The professor moved her mouth, barely making any noise, but Akko was still able to understand her clear as day.

"Huh? You say you have no doubt about it? Thank you! I'll see you tomorrow, sensei." And with that Akko was out of the classroom and rushing to find her friends. With exams' week almost over, she figured she had earned a little relaxation time, at least for the rest of the day, and she had to celebrate how she had actually been able to understood the questions of one exam enough to answer appropriately. However, before she could even make it to where she'd usually wait for her roommates, she was stopped by a firm, yet beautiful voice.

"Akko! You know you're not supposed to run in the hallways." There was no doubt about it. Only one person could have such a wonderful voice that still made dread set into Akko's stomach when it was used in a chastising tone. Diana Cavendish.

Akko came to a stop in a second, almost falling over due to the inertia, and turned around to meet the gaze of her fellow classmate. Diana looked as prime as ever, and had a hand on her hip as well as a raised eyebrow. And those blue eyes looked as cold as a glacier as she stared into hers. So Akko could just gulp, give her an awkward smile and rub the back of her neck before responding.

"Ah… sorry?"

"Are you apologizing for ignoring the school's rules for the millionth time or for almost giving Hannah and Barbara a heart attack last night when you came barging into our room at less than appropriate hours?" Diana asked, crossing her arms over her chest in a disapproving manner.

"I just wanted to show you my new spell, I didn't think they went to sleep so early!" Akko argued, but she still felt a pang of guilt when she remembered the panicked faces those girls had when they jumped out of bed and ended up falling to the ground, holding each other tightly and trembling in fright.

"You call 2 A.M. early?" The blonde couldn't keep the irritation from showing on her voice.

"Uh… yes?" Lotte stayed up way past that hour reading, and Sucy doing crazy experiments, so it was usual for Akko to stay up late as well.

"Akko! I…" Diana paused, pinching her nose and taking deep breaths in an obvious attempt to calm down and stop chastising the Japanese girl as it was custom before they became friends. "Okay." She sighed after a few moments. "It's alright, just don't do it again." She finally said, opening her eyes and looking at Akko.

"I can't make any promises." Akko chuckled, knowing how impulsive she could be sometimes, and not minding at all the prospect of seeing Hannah and Barbara's scared faces one more time. But when she saw Diana's unamused expression, she quickly rushed to assure her. "But I'll do my best! And… maybe I can make it up to you? Somehow?" She tried giving her a pleading smile, hoping to look as cute and harmless as a puppy. She really didn't want Diana to be mad at her. "I can carry your books for a month, if you want."

Diana rubbed her chin, making a thoughtful expression as gears no doubt turned in her head. After a few seconds, however, she smiled and nodded, having come to a decision.

"Well… this weekend I'm going to the Last Wednesday Society to pick up some things I ordered a while back. Would you mind going with me? I might need some help."

"Uh… sure." Akko shrugged. Spending some more time alone with Diana seemed pleasant enough, and was therefore something she wouldn't mind in the slightest, so she'd do it anyways even if she didn't owe her friend.

"Wonderful." Diana smiled, her eyes gaining back the usual warmth they had when she spoke to Akko. "Now come on, I believe we have washing duty today."

"Oh, I'd totally forgotten about that!" Akko whined, earning a giggle from the blonde, which gave the Japanese girl some hope that this session would go as well as the last one.

"Do we really have to do this? I'm tired." Akko complained, crossing her arms over her chest and reclining on the chair at which she was seated in Chariot's room. "Do you have any idea how many sheets I had to scrub today?!"

"As many as Diana, I presume. And she's probably still studying instead of whining." The professor answered, undeterred by Akko's daily complaining. The Japanese witch just huffed and kept staring blankly at the wall, knowing that her sensei was 100% right, and not wanting to admit it.

"Akko…" Chariot started, once it was clear her student wasn't about to get back to work on her own. "You have a very important exam tomorrow. History has never been one of your strong suits, so you have to put in even more effort than usual."

"I know." She pouted. "But can't we at least take a break? I can hardly concentrate anymore, much less understand anything written in these boring pages!" She glared at her book, as if wanting it to spontaneously catch fire. "I really hate History."

"What's wrong with History?" Chariot asked, amused.

"I didn't come to this school to learn about what boring old witches did thousands of years ago! I came here to learn how to do wonderful magic, able to bring fun and happiness to everyone who witnesses it! Just like you!" She exclaimed, accompanying her words with exaggerated moments of her arms, so the professor had to grab her tea cup to make sure it wouldn't fall, but she still stared fondly at Akko, and at the big, innocent, smile she gave her. Like she still admired her despite knowing about what she had done.

Instantly, she felt a nice warmth spread through her chest, and ended up returning the smile to her student.

"I know, Akko. That's a beautiful dream." Chariot said. "But, you know? Even though I once had the same dream as you do, I still had to learn History, and I hated it as much as you do, but it helped me in the end." She chuckled. "It was actually because I had to study for a History exam that I even found the Fountain of Polaris."

"Really?" Akko instantly strengthened up and regarded her intently, obviously interested in that last piece of information.

Knowing that she'd made a fatal mistake and that Akko wouldn't be able to concentrate on anything until she'd told her everything about what she'd just mentioned, the professor sighed and got up from the chair.

"Alright, let's take a break. I'll tell you about the Fountain of Polaris, but afterwards you have to promise to keep studying until we're absolutely sure you won't fail tomorrow's exam, okay?"

"Yes!" Akko jumped, throwing her arms up in a display of glee. "Please, please, professor!"

"Alright, take a seat then. I'll just go prepare some tea, and then start the tale."

"Croix…" I practically whine from my spot, lying on her couch and watching her study. I've been here for hours, hoping she would help me study for my exams (a.k.a. she'd tell me everything I need to know in a simplistic manner and then we'd keep talking about diverse topics), but she also has an exam tomorrow, unfortunately, and so she just keeps reading, and studying, and reading some more… and I'm so bored!

"Chariot." She answers with an exasperated huff, and without tearing her gaze from the book at her desk. "Seriously, I already told you; if you have any specific questions you can ask me, but for now, Just. Keep. Studying. On your own."

"But studying is so boring!" I complain.

"Not everything has to be fun." Is her curt answer.

"But magic is supposed to bring happiness to everyone." I exclaim, smiling as I remember how happy I was when I was able to perform illusion magic just a few days ago. Now that's how you use magic.

"Magic is something to be taken seriously." She interrupts my happy memories with her cold attitude. "You have to work hard and study in order to use it, you can't just expect to learn it in just one day without putting any effort at all."

"I do put effort into learning!" I protest.

"I know, but considering your background, you should be practicing ten times harder than anyone." She finally looks in my direction, giving me a stern gaze, but I shoot her my best pout in return, earning a long sigh. "Look, I know it's difficult for you, but with how quickly you've improved, I believe you have great potential; you simply lack education." I smile at her compliment, but when she notices, she adds. "Education that you will find in these books." To emphasize her point, she takes one of my books (which was lying on the floor near her desk) and offers it to me.

I pout, but ultimately relent, taking it. She's the boss, after all.

"History of magic is your next exam, and it's one of your worst subjects. You should get to studying." Is all she says before going back to work. I want to protest once more, but ultimately decide against it. She's right; I'm doing rather poorly in all the theoretical subjects. I may have stopped blowing everything up in the more practical fields but I still don't excel either. I need better grades across the board if I want to convince the headmistress that I deserve all the opportunities she's given me… before she regrets it.

And so, with a resigned sigh, I turn to lay on my back and open the book on the second chapter: The history of Luna Nova. Great. I'll fall asleep in like five minutes.

The prestigious school of Luna Nova was founded by the Nine Olde Witches during the year 460 AD, after they had restored magic back to the world.

Wait… restored the magic? What happened to it? The last thing I remember hearing in class was that, during the Great age of Magic, the magical power was nearly infinite, and covered the entire world. Oh… but then the teacher said something about it dying? Because of the witch hunts or something? Which is where The Nine come into play I guess.

The first headmistress was Professor Woodward, and during the time she guided the school, from 460 to 523, the other Olde Witches worked as professors, contributing to the formation of many powerful and renowned witches, like Agatha Moon the seer, or Rachel Shade the alchemist.

I yawn. This is indeed very boring! Why should I care about nine old witches from the fifth century?

At the time, the building of Luna Nova was considered a masterpiece of architecture, a feat only able to be accomplished with the aid of magic. On it, many secrets were kept, like a sanctuary dedicated to the headmistress Woodward, where her spirit is said to reside to this day, as well as the mystical Fountain of Polaris that grants the power of the stars to those who possess hidden radiance.

Wait. This actually sounds interesting. The power of the stars? Maybe if I obtain it, I can actually become a good student. Plus, it sounds like something magical enough to bring happiness to just about anyone in just one second. I need to find it! And it's here at Luna Nova! But… I guess not really here. It must be at the North Campus. Oh well, I was planning on visiting Arcas soon anyways.

Putting away the book, I get up with an energetic jump and start walking decidedly towards the door… until Croix's voice stops me.

"And just where do you think you're going?" She asks. I freeze in my place and turn to look at her with a guilty smile. She's predictably unamused.

"To… visit Arcas?" I say, but it sounds more like a question.

"Arcas?" She raises an eyebrow. Oh, right. I haven't told her about him!

"He's my polar bear!" I answer proudly, but she just looks at me like I'm crazy. "Well, I mean, technically he isn't mine, but he only obeys me, and I've been visiting him every year after he saved me when I was six so…"

"A polar bear, you say?" Croix asks, apparently still processing my words.

"Yeah. I met him when I came to Luna Nova the first time." I explain. "My aunt wanted to talk to the headmistress, and I got bored and wandered off. I was so transfixed by all the magic that I didn't even notice when I somehow ended up in the North Campus. I started exploring it, but when I was climbing the stairs, they gave out and I nearly fell to my death." I giggle. "But something had grabbed my collar just in time, and when I was safely on the stairs again, I saw my savior was a polar bear cub." I smile at the memory. "I showed him what little magic I could conjure at the time, and then he escorted me back to the main building. We've been friends ever since."

"Okaaaay." Croix continues looking at me incredulously. "So… the polar bear that almost ate me last year is yours?"

"He did WHAT?!" I shout, earning a glare from my friend, who is now covering her ears. "I told him not to attack my friends!" I pause then, remembering something. "Though, technically, we hadn't even meet then, so I guess he didn't disobey." I hum in contemplation. I guess I'll have to introduce him to Croix, so this won't happen again, though I doubt she'll go to the North Campus again; it's prohibited to everyone but me. But then...

"Wait, what were you doing at the North Campus anyways?" I ask.

"Searching for the Fountain of Polaris." She shrugs nonchalantly, but my eyes widen at her words.

"You know about the fountain?!" I ask excitedly.

"It grants the power of the stars to those with hidden radiance." She sighs. "I thought the texts were talking about power of the Claiomh Solais, which is often referred to as the rod of seven stars, but… it only offered me weird visions of the past."

"Well, your radiance isn't exactly hidden." I point out. She tries and fails to suppress the smile that promptly forms in her face; I just know she absolutely loves being praised, and reminded just how good she is at magic. Of course, I have no problem of doing that at every opportunity, since she's so amazing. "I'll go visit the fountain too and try my luck. Who knows? Maybe I'll get the power of the stars."

"Shouldn't you be studying instead of chasing myths and fairytales?" She deadpans. "The exams start tomorrow!"

"It won't take long." I assure her. "And besides, maybe if the fountain does grant me its power, I'll be able to pass with flying colors. And without having to study."

"That's not how magic works!" She yells, getting as worked up about this as always. I just roll my eyes as she starts scolding me yet again. "You can't just rely on it to solve your every problem in the blink of an eye without having to work for it! You are so talented, Chariot; you are probably the most powerful student at the school, and when you put any effort at all, you're able to cast even the most advanced spells." She pauses, fixing me an angry glare that actually makes me flinch. "If you worked even half as hard as I do, you'd already be the best student Luna Nova's ever had. But instead, you're just a lazy dunce, and all your talent is wasted!"

I take a step back, surprised by Croix's reprimanding. Sure, she's got mad at me because of this before, but this is the first time I've seen her so angry. And really, I don't think I'm doing anything wrong! Studying… taking a book and reading it for hours like Croix does… it is just too difficult for me. My attention span isn't exactly the best, and there are many concepts that I don't understand because I didn't have anyone to teach me growing up. I thought Croix understood that, even if everyone else in the school does not. I thought she supported me.

But seeing those furious eyes, looking at me with contempt… I feel actual physical pain inside my chest as the first sobs start shaking my body. I try to stop them, putting a hand over my mouth, but then the tears start falling and, not wanting Croix to see me crying, I bolt out of her lab, ignoring her yelling my name.

I don't even know where I'm going, just that I want to be away from Croix, so when I finally stop in order to calm down, it's a surprise to find myself at the edge of the North Campus. Wiping my tears, I sit down at the small stone wall that stands only about one feet tall, not caring about the sharp rocks feeling uncomfortable with only the thin cloth of my skirt to protect me from them.

Ever since I can remember, magic was the only thing that brought me happiness. Well… no that isn't actually true; there were plenty of things. But it was the thing that brought me the most happiness. I still remember how my grandma would conjure bright sparks of power in the middle of the night just to make me smile, and the day she gave me a makeshift wand! It wasn't very powerful, and I could barely make one or two spells at the time, but it was still the best thing of the world back then.

And then she died, and with her, all magic disappeared from my life. But then my aunt brought me to Luna Nova, saying this would one day be my school. I couldn't wait! I would whine and ask the headmistress to accept me in sooner, but she always told me to be patient and study on my own in the meantime. And I did. I put in effort to understanding those old dusty books written in incomprehensible runes. And every time I was able to cast a spell, I felt the most powerful and exhilarating emotion in the world, making me see it was all worth it; that magic was fun. Magic was happiness. It was always happiness for me.

Naturally, I thought that entering a magic school would be a never ending happiness paradise… and I was wrong. So wrong.

I didn't have anyone to teach me magic, like every other girl did. More so, my family hasn't set foot in a witching school for over 400 years, so the knowledge available in our small library was very limited. And I also have never been good at studying. It's all a winning combo for disaster, and I was soon known as the dunce of Luna Nova; the worst student to have ever been accepted in the otherwise prestigious school.

My teammates hate me, and barely ever let me do anything in class, saying they don't want to flunk the year because of me and my natural talent for disaster. The other girls at school think I'm funny and laugh whenever I fail at casting a spell, but I don't think they understand what I'm going through; for them, I'm just the class' clown. And the teachers are so very impatient, and many want to see me expelled as soon as possible, believing a girl like me has no business attending a school like this one.

Holbrooke is the only one who believes in me, but even she rarely helps me out beyond reducing my punishments or asking a professor to give me another chance. And Croix… I only met her a few weeks ago, but I thought we already had a very special kind of friendship. She's been very patient while tutoring me, she doesn't usually get mad when I screw up, and she often tries to explain things in a simplistic manner so that I'm able to understand. She's always been so kind, considerate, and downright wonderful with me, even though we just met, and… I thought she believed in me too.

And well, she did say that I have power, or something, but she also called me a dunce. She just doesn't understand me. She can't see how much I'm struggling, or how much effort I have already put into learning magic.

But… if there's really something like the Fountain of Polaris, if it could grant me the answers I'm lacking and make me a good witch, it would prove to everyone that I'm exactly where I belong, that I'm not just a stupid girl playing magic games. I would feel accepted, and no one would mock me anymore. And Luna Nova would be the paradise that I always imagined.

If I could just find it… If I could prove that Croix, and everyone else, is wrong about me…

Suddenly, I feel something nudging my back with so much force that I end up falling over, landing on my hands and knees. I turn to glare at the guilty party, and sure enough, end up finding a very large polar bear in the spot where I was just seconds ago. But I can't stay mad at him, not with how happy he looks to see me after I haven't visited in about five days.

And so, I run to greet the not-so-little devil, running my fingers through his soft fur before hugging his massive head.

"Who is a good boy? Who is? Yes, you're a good boy!" I say, continuing to pet him until I'm interrupted by a lick to my face that makes me recoil, trying to wipe the saliva with my uniform's sleeves. "Gross." I giggle. But as I stare at him, at the four-pointed star on his forehead, I remember something Holbrooke told me long ago: Arcas is the guardian of the fountain, a descendant of the original polar bear raised by one of the Nine Olde Witches. Maybe he can lead me to it? And then I could prove to everyone that I do belong here.

"Hey, Arcas." I say, scratching his chin as I know he likes it. "Say, do you by chance know where the Fountain of Polaris is?" Arcas then nudges my chest with his nose (making me stumble a little) before turning around and walking towards the inside of the building.

"Do you want me to follow you?" I ask, already walking behind him. He, of course, doesn't answer, and instead just keeps walking through the ruins.

I have to admit, it looks rather creepy during the night. And to think this was once the main building of Luna Nova, but now is in such a deteriorated state; full of cobwebs, with the walls falling apart, marks of fire painting the once white-stones black… to think so many witches died here, trying to defend their home.

I wonder, if my ancestors hadn't died during the witch hunts, if they had escaped with the rest… would I be any better at school? Would I feel more at home in Luna Nova?

Suddenly, I feel as my feet hit something in the ground and I end up tripping, only to have Arcas' head stop my fall. I give him an appreciative smile as I pat his ears.

"Thanks." I say before continuing walking after him. I really shouldn't get distracted.

It isn't long until we're outside… well, kind of. This part of the building doesn't have a ceiling, the grass is growing on the ground, and the walls that once protected it are now only stone arcs about to fall apart. It really doesn't look all that special, so why did Arcas bring me here?

He nudges me forward, pointing with his snout to a wooden arc that's on the edge of the building. It looks like a portal into the Ley Lines, except there are seven stars shining on top of it, forming the Big Dipper.

I approach slowly, not sure if this is really my destination or if it's just a normal portal, but when I'm close enough, there's a flash of light coming from inside the arc, but instead of revealing a Ley Line, it shows a luminous path, leading all the way up into a platform in the middle of a starry sky.

"The fountain!" I exclaim before running inside the arc and towards the magical object. I finally found it! I will get the power of the stars and show everyone I'm not incompetent; that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

I stop only when I've reached the platform, taking just a moment to catch my breath and admire it. It's a big ball of water that shines with magical power, surrounded by an infinite swirl of sparkles that raise from the stone fountain below it. I'd try and touch it to see if it actually feels like real water, if I wasn't afraid of losing my chance at getting what I want.

Closing my eyes, and pressing my palms together as if I were praying, I speak to the thing in question, hoping it's the right way to do it.

"Please, can you give me what I desire? The power I need to get recognition, to find my place in the magical world?" I pour all my emotions into those words, remembering all the times I was bullied or humiliated by my classmates, all the frustration I felt every time I failed to cast a spell, and all the pain it caused me to hear the teachers scolding me time after time.

But nothing happens, and I end up opening my eyes to check if the fountain is still there. And it is… and it's showing me something.

There, between the waters of the floating ball, there's the clear image of a girl, probably around my age. She has her green hair tied up in a tight bun, and is wearing a grey dress that also has a high neck and long sleeves. She's at a town, playing with some kids, and the scenery looks like something straight out of the middle ages; carriages pulled by horses pass through a cobbled road, the women walk around the market buying food, and laughing amongst each other, while the men come from the distance covered in dirt and looking exhausted, carrying with them tools for plowing.

The girl, however, doesn't seem to be paying attention to her surroundings as she waves her wand and shows the kids some magic. Butterflies made of light appear out of thin air and make their way up to the sky, where thy explode into a beautiful display of light magic, resembling fireworks.

I smile as I see the kids giggling happily, utterly entranced by the show this girl is putting up for them. That's my dream! I also want to make people happy using the power of magic, just like that girl!

But then the people, that had been previously just minding their own business, look at her with scared eyes, pointing fingers and yelling at her to go away. Some even get out torches and pitchforks, with the clear intent of hunting her down.

Of course. During the Middle Age, and up until the Golden Age of magic, witches were hunt and often killed. I find myself fearing for the girl's life, but she just frowns briefly before grabbing her broom and flying away before she's in any real danger, all the while waving to the kids and smiling kindly, even when they're taken away and reprimanded by their parents. The kids, however, don't take their eyes off the sky, as the young witch leaves a trail of shining sparks that slowly descend over the town, making the children marvel at the display.

I end up smiling again. That girl surely was persistent.

The image then transitions to another scenery, resembling a cottage in the middle of a forest. The young witch, now appearing a few years older, arrives there. She's changed her clothes and is now wearing a traditional witch hat with a four-pointed star on it, a black dress and pointy black shoes, all of those clothes resembling the Luna Nova uniform. She also has her long hair down, flowing freely on the wind.

She leaves her broom outside the cottage, along with other eight that had been parked there, and enters. Inside, there are already eight witches about the same age as her, all varying in ethnicity and wearing clothes that have symbols clearly representing their respective clans, or families, or something. Actually… their hats kinda look familiar. Have I seen them before somewhere?

Before I can dwell on it too much, I see as the green haired girl starts talking to the other eight with clear enthusiasm. They all give her weird stares, but hear her out anyways. When she finishes talking, however, they all express their opinions, and I may not know what they're saying, but it can't be nice, since the witch's head starts hanging low and a sad frown appears on her face. At first she tries to answer them, but her arguments are promptly shut down by the other voices. She's at the verge of tears when she shouts something, startling everyone into silence. That's when she extends her hand and makes an object appear on it.

It's a golden staff with seven gems encrusted on it. I don't know what it is, but it appears to be important enough for the other witches to stare in awe, silently agreeing to give her a chance to prove herself. One of them, a witch with long and curly blonde hair, even appears to challenge her, since she walks out of the cottage wearing a determined face after the blonde speaks; the others following close behind.

Once they are outside, she moves around the staff, shouting something and obviously trying to make some magic… but nothing happens. The other witches shake their heads, mumbling in disappointment, and one by one, they take their brooms and fly away, leaving her alone in the forest. Sad and frustrated.

The next scene shows the young witch studying, reading as many books as she can. She even disguises herself in order to travel around the world, visiting many different libraries, secret collections, and even rescuing several books that were going to be burned. She doesn't appear to be the type to study much though, because even when she's sitting with a book on her hands, she keeps glancing out of the window, sighing in frustration. But she doesn't stop.

She also starts practicing magic, being discovered many times and having to run away. And other times, she just ends up failing and getting frustrated. But she keeps practicing with the golden staff, until one day the gems finally are illuminated, and she's able to cast a powerful spell that opens up a portal.

She then visits the other eight witches and shows them her new power. At first they are skeptical, but one by one, they are convinced by her displays of magic and her vast knowledge. Then, one day, the nine witches reunite at the cottage again, and they chant and dance together, making a powerful spell that makes their magic meld and be transferred into the staff, before the girl (who actually is now a woman), raises it and shouts something.

A powerful wave of magic instantly erupts from the staff, traveling through the world and giving hope and happiness to anyone who sees the magical shooting stars crossing the sky.

In the next scene there are many witches, creatures, and even some non-magical people, working together as they make a building; carrying stones and placing them together to give form to the walls and arcs and halls. It's a slow process, sure, and sometimes it's raining, and sometimes they're all too exhausted to even keep standing, let along working. And they even have to defend their unfinished construction a couple of times from people seeking to destroy it. But the nine witches that started it all never give up. They work hard, not minding how difficult it is, until at the end they are finally able to finish constructing... Luna Nova?

Yes, it's Luna Nova! Well, the North Campus, at least. Even if back then it wasn't in ruins, it's easily recognizable, with its tall arcs and white stones.

And then witches of all ages and nationalities start arriving, seeking a place where they don't have to hide, and they can just do what they love. Even some girls from non-magical linages arrive, eager to learn magic even though it's prohibited on the world outside those walls. They all thank the now-headmistress with wide smiles on their faces, and happily attend to the witching paradise she created.

And after years and years of hard work, pain and tears, the young witch is finally able to smile without worries, seeing her dream finally come true, surrounded by her friends, and living in a place where she won't be persecuted anymore; a place where she belongs. Where she's respected and loved.

And she was the reason such a thing was possible at all.

The image slowly fades, and this time the fountain doesn't show me anything else. In that moment, I understand; the fountain has given me its answer. It won't give me the power of the stars.

I feel my heart constrict with pain as I start processing all that was shown to me and, more importantly, why it showed me such things. But I don't want to stay there to be reminded of my foolishness, and so I turn around and start running, not realizing the fountain has disappeared until I run into something… or rather someone.

"Ow!" I hear as my body comes to contact with hers. Thankfully, she's strong enough to keep us standing, even if we do stumble a little. I immediately open my eyes and look up… only to be met by Croix's face way too close to mine. We both jump back in surprise and I stare at her with confusion. What is she doing here? Where is Arcas?

"C-Croix?" Is all I manage to say, still shaken by what the fountain showed me.

"Chariot." She drops her previously-raised arm and looks to the side, avoiding eye contact. "I was… uhm… searching for you." She says nervously.

"Why?" I tilt my head, even more confused.

"Because…" She grimaces. "What I said… I'm sorry. It wasn't my place to scold you like that, a-and I didn't mean to make you upset."

Oh. So that's what this is all about.

"You don't have to apologize." I say, looking to the ground with a sad gaze, as I remember everything the fountain showed me. "I get it now; you were just trying to help me."

"… Huh?" Is her (understandably) confused response.

"I came here looking for the fountain, and it… " I swallow, feeling tears burning in my eyes, and I have to close them in order not to let them fall. "It showed me that recognition isn't something others give to you; it's something that has to be earned through hard work." I choke down a sob. "A-and that you don't simply find your place in the world; you make it."

"Oh, Chariot." I hear her voice become gentle and warm as she slowly places her left hand over my shoulder. The touch is light, like she's unsure of what she's doing, but it's so very there that I can't help shooting my head up in a second to look at her with wide eyes. She just gives me a small smile in return. "I know it's hard realizing there's no magical fix to all your problems, especially when magic is everywhere in our lives, but don't feel bad. You have the potential to be great, and do amazing things. You just have to put a bit more effort, okay?"

"Thank you, Croix." I answer, wiping my tears. "I'll do it. Just wait. I'll become the best witch you'll ever see."

"Second best." She smirks.

"Huh?"

"Because I will be the best." She replies, making me roll my eyes in response.

"Of course." I still say, smiling at my friend. She's too full of herself for her own good. But I still like her, despite everything. And I know that, together, we will accomplish many things.

"Come on, let's get back so you have some time to study." She turns around and starts walking towards the main building. I quickly run to follow her, groaning in response.

"I don't wanna!" I whine out of habit.

"I thought you'd learned your lesson." She answers with an exasperated sigh.

"Oh, right! I have to put an effort. Yeah. You're right." I giggle sheepishly, and she just shakes her head in amusement.

"Seriously, what am I going to do with you?"

"Help me?" I answer, giving her the best puppy dog eyes I can muster. As expected, she blinks before averting her eyes and trying to put up a blank mask.

"Uh… I suppose it is my responsibility, as your tutor." She answers after a few seconds of silence.

"Yay! Croix, you're the best!" I move in to hug her, but she extends her arm, placing it between her and me.

"Keep your hands to yourself or you'll be spending the night alone at the library." She warns me with a snarl, and I end up raising my hands in surrender. Of course one light touch of her hand won't change anything. I need to let her open up at her own pace.

"Sorry, sorry. My bad." I say, turning to look back at the ruins that are the home of my polar bear. Speaking of which… where's Arcas?

"I put him to sleep." Croix answers. I must have said out loud that last part.

"You did WHAT?!" I turn to glare at her.

"He'll be fine, I promise."

"He better be, Croix Meridies, or I swear I'm gonna kill you!"

A/N: Well, this chapter was more fun to write than usual, especially imagining what the fountain may show Chariot. And also Croix being her usual grumpy self. I love her XD. Anyways, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. Thanks for reading! Don't forget to leave a review.

Thanks to my beta reader moonwatcher13.