Archangels of War

"Who would have thought that that old guy was the headmaster?" Kami said. 

Me and my sister had met up directly after students were released from the auditorium to discuss whatever that debacle at the end was. "The entire thing was great.... until it wasn't." I said as we walked out of the massive double doors that lead into the auditorium. We were back inside the halls of the school now, but compared to last time, it was bustling with students, and yet it didn't seem crowded in anyway. 

Kami giggled to herself. "You have to admit though, it was pretty funny. Especially when the old man turned around to question someone backstage in confusion." 

I wasn't amused, however. "Whatever that was, I hope it isn't a regular occurrence around here." 

Kami looked at me as though I had killed the mood completely. "You're just a bundle of joy, aren't you?" She punched my shoulder lightly. "Loosen up bro." 

"I'm perfectly loose." I replied, dusting the ice shards that her fist had left on the emblem of my uniform that marked me as a second year. each one of the three years had its own separate emblem that was etched unto the shoulders of the uniform. It was the logo of the school, a flame burning through a massive windstorm, followed by a corresponding number of stars for whatever year the student was in. 1 star for first-years, 2 for second years, and 3 for third years. 

"The only thing that's loose about you are your shoelaces." At Kami's words, I looked down at my boots only to see.... that the laces were fine and completely tied. I looked back up, glaring at Kami, who had turned around to hide the smile that was creeping its way onto her face. 

"Tch!" I ultimately decided that it wasn't even worth scolding her for. In fact, it was probably her way of trying to alleviate some of the tension and nervousness that she was probably feeling. It made sense. She was moving to one of the seven grand magic academies in the world. A prestigious school with rigorous courses and training. Not to mention she would be alone throughout most of it. This brought me back to our conversation right before the start of the opening ceremony. I should probably offer to walk her to class. 

I tapped Kami's shoulder lightly, causing her to jump up a little before slowly turning her head around and smiling. "What is it, dear brother?" She was pretty clearly tense, just as I had expected. 

"Relax. what room number is your class? I'll walk you." 

Her facial expression light up instantly at my worries and her smile widened. She held out a hand. "It's room 7 in building one. Let's go, my brother!" 

I looked down at her hand. "I'm not holding your hand." 

Her smile became ever so slightly strained. "You sure?

I nodded. "You're a big girl now." 

Kami clasped her own hands together. "Way to be a model older brother." 

"Thanks." 

*** 

The first-year building was extremely impressive. This to say, it was like its own school. Of course, there was the hall of classes and rooms, which was massive in its own right, almost the size of an apartment building. It was multiple floors, each one its own dedicated branch. Battle, Magic research, and Magic engineering. However, the most impressive part of the entire thing was the massive outside training field that was the size of a colosseum. It was a Beautiful green field with trees and benches and beautiful meadows of flowers. If it wasn't for the massive signs lighting the walls of the hall that lead down to the field that read, "training grounds" it could have been mistaken for a really expensive park. 

Kami's classroom was one of the first that could be seen when you entered the first-year building, however she had suggested that they go walk around for a little bit and take in the scenery. "it's the first day, so I doubt that they would be super strict on being late to class." That was Kami's justification for it. 

"Still, arriving late to class on the first day of school will leave your teacher with a bad first impression of you. it's best to avo-" However Kami wasn't listening by that point and was already running down to check out the finely furnished luncheon, which was almost the size of a building. I was starting to notice a trend. Everything in this place can only be described as, grand. 

After walking around the school for a bit, we looped back, and I dropped Kami off at her class. Before she entered, she tried to wrap me in a hug which I reasonably ducked out off. Before I left however, i made it a point to wish her, "Good luck." 

By the time I had returned to the second-year building, which was actually pretty similar to the first-year building, save for a difference in color scheme and class numbers, the bell had rung. Looking up at a clock I could see that it was 10:15. Crap. I'm late. 

Recalling the acceptance letter that I had received to Theta magic academy, my class number was 24 with Ms. Elmer. As I made my way to my class I picked up on a very disconcerting detail. I was the only person in the hallways. That could mean only one thing. I'm literally the only person not in class right now. 

Which was a completely ridiculous fact in and of itself. I mean, how could it be possible that I was the only person who was currently late to class. Even though this is a grand and prestigious magic academy, it still was odd that nobody else was laying off of class or anything, especially considering the fact that it was the first day of school. They must be in the bathrooms, was the conclusion I came up with, however I knew that it was just me trying to make myself feel better. Thats what I get for letting Kami lead me on. 

When I finally arrived at the double doors that lead into my classroom, I could tell from the window that things were already in full swing. the teacher was standing at a podium in the front of the classroom, and from the looks of things, she was really into her speech. She was a pretty young lady, probably no more that 25 years old. She had long brunette hair and was dressed in a business casual outfit. She also had red glasses that framed her face, highlighting her gray eyes. 

From what I could tell from my spot looking through the window, nearly every single seat in the classroom was filled except for one, which was in the back corner. Perfect. I thought to myself. I can assume that she's probably already taken attendance and has moved on into introductions. So, by that logic, she already knows I'm missing.... however, it would probably be better to wait until she finishes her speech for me to kno- 

However, at this point, someone turned around to look at the window, and they noticed me. It was the blue haired kid, Masayoshi. His eyes lingered for a second or so, before another girl took notice of the glance. She had blond hair and blue eyes, and what seemed like a permeant smile plastered unto her face. She also turned at saw me standing at the window. In a class wide dominion effect, head after head after head began to turn and glance at the idiot who was late to class, which just so happened to be me. Quickly, the teachers head also turned and she looked out the window to look at me. 

Taking a look at the situation, I racked my brain for the proper way to react. It was too late to leave now so I did the only thing I thought I could. 

I put a smile on my face and waved. 

*** 

When the classroom door opened, the teacher stood in front of me, her arms crossed. "Raiden Chisaki. Nice of you to finally come join us." 

"Hello there.... I blanked at the teachers name." Damn you memory that only blanks when I really need it! 

"Ms. Elmer, too you. 

"Good morning Ms. Elmer." I gave another smile, and instantly knew that it was the wrong move. Ms. Elmer gaze had sharpened considerably as she looked me up and down. 

"Do you have a reason as to why you're just now arriving to class young man?" The way she had asked the question, it was clear that she was not going to even consider whatever excuse I could come up with. However, I very well couldn't remain silent, so I said the first thing that came to mind. 

"I-...Uhh....I got lost." I could hear the wrong bells blaring very loudly in my head. It felt like I had chosen the very wrong dialogue option in a visual novel. 

The teacher's facial expression did not change one bit. A clear sign that she simply wasn't buying anyone of my bullshit. After a few more seconds off uncomfortable silence, she stepped out of the way, allowing me to enter the classroom. 

Beyond relived, I stepped inside the classroom, trying to ignore all the eyes that were boring straight through me into my soul, and bolted for the seat in the back corner of the room. However just as I was halfway there, A firm hand clamped down unto my shoulder, stopping me in my tracks. "Where exactly do you think you're going?" 

Ms. Elmers cold voice sent shivers down my spine. I very slowly turned around and pointed to the empty desk. I made sure to keep a light-hearted expression on my face. "I'm heading to my seat.... ma'am." However, Ms. Elmer simply shook her head, turning to point at a seat that was right next to her podium. 

"Sit there. You're my VIP now." There was no hostility, or any sort of ominous tone in her voice. And yet the calmness, and hint of joy in her voice as she directed me to the 'VIP' seat, gave me a very bad feeling. I sat down in the seat, and looked to face the entire class, most of which were either staring at me, making jokes, or doing both. 

I leaned back in my seat and put my hands into my pockets, trying to play it cool- 

"Hands on your lap and back straight, Raiden." 

"Yes Ma'am." 

I immediately sat up straight and placed my hands unto my laps at the command from Ms. Elmers. Despite not yelling, she still gave off a commanding aura that compelled me to follow any order she gave without any backtalk. 

More snickers from students around the class. I notice a glance from one of the other girls-an olive skin girl with brown curls-and oddly, it seemed to be filled with pity. 

Thank you...I guess? I thought to myself. I was unable to discern why she would feel bad for me. 

I was going to find out real soon.