Archangels of War

By the time the bell had rung, everyone was sitting at their seats, and Mrs. Elmer had put her phone down and walked to the front of the classroom, preparing to give an announcement. We had spent the rest of the time between the end of our conversation to the time the bell rang, just contemplating all of the ideas we had discussed. In truth, I found the discussion very interesting, and more importantly, it gave me a good insight on what kind of people the other two were. Hikaru as I guessed, was a very lighthearted and good-natured person. Her idea that justice lie with comprise was one I truly believed might have been the right answer, if not for the fact that compromise was impossible. Masayoshi on the other hand was a bit harder to get a stable read on. His idea that because right or wrong exists, then Justice must exist, didn't tell me much about him except for the fact that he had a very strong conviction and a belief in the idea of justice. 

As I analyzed these two, I know they were doing the same thing, as I could see Hikaru's gaze flash from me, to Masayoshi, before flashing back to the front board of the classroom. I could also feel Masayoshi's gaze boring straight into me. The reason that I wasn't on my phone was because of an interesting rule that Theta Magic Academy had, which prohibited even bringing cellphones unto the campus. I assumed that it had to do with some sort of security reasons, but I didn't use my phone much anyways, so it didn't really affect me. 

By the time all of the students had gotten to their seats, Ms. Elmer began to speak. "As much as I would have loved to get started with the first lessons of the year," That comment was meet with groans from students who couldn't stand the idea of schoolwork. "There is one very important thing that you must handle first, and that is the selection of your wands." The class burst into excited chatter. 

Wand selection was something that everyone who grew up with the ability to use magic looked forward too. Wands were the staple of many famous magic knights, and without them, a magician could never reach their full potential. 

"Looks like I don't have to explain anything, judging by your excited reactions..." She looked at Erika who was shaking the boy in the desk behind her violently. When she noticed Mrs. Elmer gaze, she let of the boy, holding her hands in the air innocently. I feel for you dude, trust me. "Now, I should say one thing. Despite their names, wands don't only take the shape of those you see, 'magicians' use." She used air quotes to show that she was referring to the kind of magician that couldn't actually use mana. "Instead, they can take any shape that you wish them to. For example," Ms. Elmer held up her hand to reveal a silver bracelet with gems lining it. Some students gasped at the beauty of it. "This is my wand. Like I said, a wand could even be something like a hairpin, or something shaped like your phone. The only important thing is that the object you choose must have some sort of meaning to it. Some connection to you in anyway." 

Students began to discuss what they would make her wands. Ms. Elmer must have heard some very wild suggestions, because she felt the need to make this next statement, "Also, please take this seriously. Don't chose something to be your wand as a joke, because you won't be provided with a new one until next year. On that topic, don't break them. They are very durable, however I have seen them break in some admittable stupid ways, so be careful. They aren't a problem to replace, but the meaning behind your first wand should not be underestimated." After Ms. Elmer finished her explanation, a voice on the P.A said, 

"All second-year homerooms, please report to the engineering branch." I recognized that the voice belonged to Riko. Ms. Elmer gestured at the door with her hand. 

"Oh, and be civilized. I really hope I don't receive any complaints on the account of your stupidity." 

*** 

"So, any ideas on what you're going to choose for your wand?" Erika asked as we walked through the exit of the second-year building. As we approached, we could see first year students exiting from the engineering branch. They were giggling and talking amongst themselves excitedly. I took notice of the wands almost immediately. Some of them were so ordinary that you could get them confused for everyday items. Books, headphones, ones that looked like phones, bows, and other unique items. My eyes sifted through the crowd, and I was able to find Kami immediately. She had also been able to find me. As soon as she locked eyes with me, she threw her head to the side with a "humph!". Still hate me. She then began to talk to a fairly tall girl next to her who was staring at me. She had bright green eyes. I did notice that she had two of the same hairpins in her hair. The same butterfly one she always had. That must have been her wand. 

"Oh idk, Ill probably just choose something like a pair of earphones so I can tune out all of your bulllshit." Nova said as she rubbed her forehead. She was pretty clearly already tired of Erika's shenanigans, which was unfortunate, considering it was still very early on in the day." 

"Alright then, fuck you too." She then turned to me, reaching her hand out in a gesture that I had recognized. One that had given me post-traumatic stress disorder. She was going for a grab around the shoulders. "Hey Raiden, how about you, considering Nova wants to be a meanie." I side stepped out of the way, however Erika just stepped to the side, and I was caught in a vice grip. Considering the fact that I had no way to escape, I answered her question. 

"Pssh. I'll probably go for something a bit basic, like a, sword, maybe?" 

"Thats far from just a bit basic dude. I mean, are you going to give it any special customizations or something?" 

"I wasn't planning on i-" 

"Dude you should totally but like a sick ass lightning bolt somewhere on it. Considering your name." 

"Yeah, maybe I'll do that." 

"You should, it'll look totally badass. Make you even cooler than you already are." 

Cool? Did she really think I was cool? Me? Nice joke. I thought to myself. However, I appreciated the suggestion, and I would take it to heart...

As soon as we got to the front of this long ass line. 

***

When it was finally my turn to get my wand, I stepped inside of the magical engineering room. The first room I entered was a fairly dark room, with a computer hooked up to a massive machine with a hatch and a place to put your hand. Sitting at the computer was Riko. "Hey there Raiden. Ive been waiting for you How's your day been." 

"Oh, I guess it's been good." My voice was hoarse. I thought that second sentence was pretty ominous, but I didn't pay it much mind.

"I'd ask what's wrong, but Its very clear you just barely escaped from an encounter you'd rather not think about, so I'll save you the unnecessary questions. All you need to do is place your hand there and envision your weapon. A model will be displayed on my screen, and then you could add your customization. Whenever you're ready." 

I placed my hand on the machine and envisioned a long Katana, with a handle guard in a crown-like shape, as well as a lightning bolt engraved on the actual blade. Riko nodded as the model appeared on her screen. "That all?" She asked? 

I nodded. 

"Okay and done." Sounds came from the machine after Riko pressed a button, and after a few seconds the hatch opened, letting out some smoke into the room. With permission from Riko I reached inside and pulled out the blade, which had entrails of smoke flowing from it. It was fairly long, and the sheath was all black, with my name on it. The handle was also black, and the only colors were that of gems on the crown-shaped handle. 

"You added some extra touches." 

Riko nodded. "I thought it was looking a bit bland. Also, look on the top of the handle." 

I looked at Riko for a second. She smiled and winked. "Consider it a present from the student council president herself." 

When I looked at the top of the handle of my sword, I saw a pink heart.