Chapter 12: Arkangel! / Before Class Begins

“Here, nobody else can see us now.” Gram said

“Alright. Lime, you ready?” Evan asked

“let’s just start!” Lime said excitedly

Lime disappeared, and a ring of what seemed like solid light appeared above a ring of crystallized darkness on Evans finger

A pure white, blinding light appeared before Liz and gram.

Then the blinding light faded into an endless abyss of blinding darkness

After a few seconds they got back up, still a little dizzy.

Evan seemed a little different.

“You look a little different.” Gram said

“Oh. Well, yeah. It may be the angel and devil wings that are on my back and this halo above my head, as well as the faint glow. I’m also wearing a white laurel wreath.” Evan said

“Shouldn’t there also be horns and a tail?” Liz asked

“I don’t have the features of a demon other than a shared set of wings. When lime transforms she gains a set of horns, a tail, and purple eyes.” Evan said

“Wait… your eyes are… pink? Matte pink at that. And also a warm yellow. You seem almost angelic. But cold.” Liz said

“You noticed? Lime, lets switch.” Evan said

Evan was enveloped in a sphere of both absolute light and absolute dark.

As it faded, lime appeared where Evan had been.

The position of their rings changed, the wings had swapped sides, she adorned a pair of horns and a tail, with dark purple eyes, lined by white. They sparkled like the night sky. The faint glow that had been behind Evan was replaced by darkness, like an eclipse.

“Oh. So it’s a devil and an angel?” Gram asked

“That makes no sense, shouldn’t lime be the angel?” Liz asked

“You can feel kindness, and warmth from our devil form. Did you not notice the cruel chill in the air when I was in our angel form?” Evan asked

“Now that you mention it… true. Your angel form smiles and looks like it’s in a dream, but it sure doesn’t feel that way. I don’t really know how to describe the demon all that well. Dark looking, but it feels like a mother? That’s the best way I can think to describe it.” Liz said

“Are you not going to scan us?” Lime asked

“Oh! Right.” Liz said, activating the bracelet

Around 20 seconds passed

Ark confirmed. Information available:

Arkangel

Total stats: 10

Strength: 1

Speed: 1

Control: 1

Durability: 1

Luck: 1

Agility: 1

Stamina: 1

Distance: 1

Good: 1

Evil: 1

Potential: N/A

Ark class: Unique

Ark subclass: N/A

Ark description: N/A

Ark components: The god / The Demon

Total power ranking: ERROR

Note:

Currently the strongest ark.

<—-back to Ark list

“How is this thing the strongest when it’s obviously the weakest? And why is this useful?” Liz asked

“Go back to ark list, you should be able to find any ark you’ve encountered there, including yours.” lime said

“Oh. That’s pretty handy. Wait, you didn’t answer my first question.” Liz said

“Fine. Watch this. This is only one of the many things that it can do. It’s the main weapon and defense of the devil form.” Lime said, plucking a feather from her wing

The pure white feather began to shine a warm yellow, and grew, its shape changing in her hand until it formed a sword. The yellow light broke off of an object, turning into shards that dissolved in the air.

After the flash of light ended, what was in limes hand was an iron sword.

It looked exactly like Gram did whenever she transformed into an ark weapon.

Liz and Gram stood there, confused.

“Um, am I missing something here? You made a sword from a feather.” Gram said

“Gram, that’s how you look when you transform. Please don’t tell me that your power is what I think it is.” Liz said

“It probably is.” Lime said

“Lizzzz, what do you mean?” Gram asked

“Well, if I’m correct, the Arkangel Ark allows lime to turn one of the feathers on her back into the shape of another Ark. Possibly with the same powers as the original Ark.” Liz said

“Wait, isn’t that way too strong?” Gram asked

“Well, that’s pretty much what it is. It may not affect any of the stats, but it’s a powerful ark. I have absolute control over weapons, and I can just turn the feathers into any weapon, material, or armor I want, which are Unbreakable.” Lime said

Lime pulled a fistful of feathers from her wing and threw them in the air in front of her.

They transformed into various weapons. The weapons flew behind her, hovering on standby, waiting for limes command.

“I think I see why it’s the most powerful Ark.” Gram said

“Well, it has its weaknesses. I can only copy ability Arks in an incredibly weakened form. That, and I can barely use any magic. I can also use everything from the angel form, but with incredibly less power.” Lime said

Lime and Evan switched forms again.

“I’ll explain. The angel form has absolute control of every Arks abilities and magic. So, Lime has control over weapons, and I have control over magic and abilities. For example, lime can use your Excalibur’s sheath ability, but it’s incredibly weaker than yours. I can use your Excalibur’s sheath ability, and it’s stronger than yours. However, if the weapon I were to make, that copied yours, and the real weapon were to clash, my sword would break first. in limes case, you would break first. I can use any magic that’s unique to another ark, but I can also control the strength of its effects. The more or less mana I put in, the stronger or weaker its effects become. It costs a lot more mana for me than for the original Ark. Also, Using an Arks’ abilities eats up a set amount of mana constantly until I stop it for passive Ark abilities, or give up a set amount of mana for activatable or reaction abilities. Also, we can influence the will of mana, allowing us to strengthen or weaken any Ark in the surrounding area. That’s the strongest one. I can forcibly dispel and disable any Ark form in a certain area, as can lime, even if we aren’t an Ark. It’s why we aren’t participating in the contest as a contender. We are basically going to be overseeing the contest and punishing people who break the rules. Oh! Remember, don’t disobey any of the rules on the rules article, whether you are in the contest or not. For Arks that are newly formed, from people who are ignorant of the magic world, we make sure they don’t do it again, otherwise it's punishment. I’m only refereeing this city. Any fight between Arks outside of this city will not be overseen by me, so breaking the rules for fights between two Arks will not be considered a disqualification. However, the outcome of the match will still be considered official. That’s because the magic applied inside of the barriers during the contest can only detect a win or a loss, not the fight itself. So I don’t recommend fighting outside of this city. Even if I go with you outside of it, our control will still be forcefully focused on the city and nearby inhabited areas. Ah, boy that was a lot of stuff.” Evan lectured

“Uh…” Gram said

“I think I get it a little. You are refereeing the contest, but only places that have people living in them, and only around the city?” Liz asked

“Affirmative! It’s all written in the rules. By the way, since I can’t be everywhere, there’s referees for other cities. They aren’t as strong, though. The people who make it to the finals could probably come close to beating or actually beat them in a fight. If that happens, another, stronger, referee will get called over to deal with it.” Evan said

“So, cities are safe areas?” Liz asked

“Oh, god no! No, fighting and killing between Arks is allowed in cities, it’s just extremely restricted. Don’t think about cities as safe zones. Houses and places of residence are, and so are places with people. There are lots of abandoned parts of different cities. This city in particular. I mean, we’re in one right now so people don’t see this form. This one is definitely not large enough for a big fight, though. But barriers split off the world around them so nobody can get hurt. It also freezes time outside of it.” Evan said

“Speaking of, let's head back to school now. It’s still early, but I’d rather not risk being late. And getting a headache from you in the morning isn't really a good idea.” Liz said

“Good point.” Evan said

“Then continue telling us during practice, okay?” Gram said

“Sure.” Evan said, separating from lime.

They picked up their bags and left.

They arrived at school

“Well, we’re in the same class. Should have expected that. Did one of you guys do something?” Evan asked

“I asked the principal if she could put us together.” Gram said

“I threatened the principal.” Liz said

“I also threatened the principal. And I asked the teacher, so we’re all sitting next to each other. Back left corner, near the window.” Lime said

“That poor principal. Gram, I’m glad you didn’t do that.” Evan said

“I don’t have that kind of power or influence. I come from what you rich people call 'commoners'. Of course I wouldn’t threaten her. Besides, she’s a nice lady.” Gram said, smiling

“I didn’t threaten her like that! I showed off what Evan can do, and said that she would miss out on it if she refused.” Lime said

“Are you going to make me do that to every school we attend? Did you also threaten the principal kindly, Liz?” Evan asked

“Nope. Normal threat. Used the power of my family.” Liz said

“That is most definitely not what a hero would do.” Evan said

“I’m not a hero, I’m the descendant of one.” Liz said

“True. Oh, hey, this is the classroom. Alright, I call the corner seat!” Evan said, putting his bag down and sitting.

“Fine. I’ll sit here.” Lime said, sitting in front of Evan

“I’ll take the one closest to the middle.” Gram said, sitting down

“I’ll take this one, then.” Liz said, taking her seat

“Liz, where is everyone? There’s only a few people outside, too.” Evan asked

“It’s early. Really early. I may or may not have gotten us up way too early....…. it was an accident, okay? Well, more of a mistake, but still.” Liz said

“It’s 7:45. What time does school start?” Evan asked, checking his phone

“8:30, I think.” Lime said

“Thanks, lime. So, what do guys wanna do?” Evan asked

“What do you mean?” Liz asked

“Clubs! We have to join one! Which should we join? Actually, what even is there?” Evan asked excitedly

“Oh. Uh, dear. You’re on the student council.” Lime said

“What?! Since when?! And why!!!” Evan asked

“Um. It was the woman who is in charge of all the school stuff in the country who arranged it. I have no idea why. At least you aren’t the president.” Lime said

“What? What’s her name?” Evan asked

“I think it was Mara.” Lime said

“Oh… that explains a lot. Head of the three families, and big bro’s teacher, huh? Fine, I’ll do it. What do I even have to do?” Evan asked

“No clue. Just show up there after school, they should tell you.” Lime said

“I’m pretty sure you can join a club while you’re on the student council at this school. Same with the high school.” Liz said

“I wish.” Evan said

“No, I think Liz is right. I remember reading about it. It’s just that people don’t usually have enough time for both, so they don’t do it.” Lime said

“Time? In that case I should be fine!” Evan said, smiling

“True, you do get your work done fast.” Lime said

“Actually, speaking of work. We need to study, too, right? How do we fit that into our schedule?” Gram asked

Evan and lime looked at her.

“Oh. Right. On a scale of 1-10 how badly do you need to study?” Evan asked

“A 7? I don’t know exactly how to quadrifly that.” Gram said

“It’s quantify. I forgot you were a normal person. Training on weekends and whenever we have time should be fine. Me and Lime are going to be staying in an apartment that’s closer to the schools so we don’t have to wake up too early, or go too far. It’s about a block away from here. You can probably find us there lazing around, playing video games or something. Just come over if you ever need me to teach you something, or help you study. I’ll text you the address.” Evan said

“Can, uh.. can I also take you up on that offer?” Liz asked

“Oh, sure. I thought you would be fine though.” Evan said

“Dear, it’s normal for others to need to study.” Lime said

“I may not need them, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to maintain perfect grades.” Liz said

“Alright, fine. Study groups after school at our place, then.” Evan said

“Works for me.” Gram said

“Same here.” Liz said

“Wait, don’t you two live pretty far from the school too?” Evan asked

“I also moved into an apartment around here, so I’m fine.” Liz said

“What about you, Gram?” Evan asked

“I’m staying with Liz. It’s a two bedroom apartment.” Gram said

“There weren’t any other one room apartments near the school. It would be a waste of a perfectly fine room.” Liz said, blushing

“There were tons of- mmrgngn” evan started.

Lime had stopped him from talking.

“Actually, Gram, how did you convince your mother to let you stay?” Lime asked

“I told her what Liz told me to say. She agreed.” Gram said

“What?” Evan asked

“It was stuff about routes, timing, grades, overall performance, that kind of thing.” Liz said

"Something Lay definitely needs." Evan laughed

“Do you know anything about Lay, then?” Gram asked

“His house is just down the street from our apartment. That reminds me, wheres Suika?” Evan said

“Suika is late by...huh.” Liz said, checking her watch

“Did she oversleep or something?” Evan asked

“No, she’s here. She might be hanging out with other people and not thinking about the time. If I were to guess, though, she should probably be running into the room right about no-“ Liz said

“Gah! Sorry I’m late!” Suika said, slamming the sliding door open

“It’s fine. You made it, at least.” Liz said, sighing

“Still, sorry! Either way, hi guys! How’s it going?” Suika said

“Pretty good here.” Liz said

“I’m feeling awesome.” Gram said, smiling

“Oh! You must be sword gi-Gram, right? Liz has told me lots about you! It’s nice to finally meet you.” Suika said, putting her stuff down and sitting in the seat next to Liz.

“Yeah! I’ve heard a lot about you and lay from Liz, too. I’ve been excited to finally have a chance to meet you guys!” Gram said

“Oh, uh. Sorry. Lay is sick today, he won’t be able to make it. I'm late because I was over there talking to his mom about it. That reminds me, I need to get some stuff from the teachers to bring him after school.” Suika said

“That does explain a lot about why you were late. Actually, considering it was Lays mom, I’m surprised you arrived here so quickly.” Liz said

“She’s a nice lady. I do admit she does talk a lot, though. Small and hyper. Like a child. Looks like one, too.” Suika said, sighing

“I, too, have been trapped by her in a conversation before.” Liz said, shuddering

“Oh, right. You knew Lay and his family before we met him, didn’t you?” Suika asked

“Well, I knew his family, that day was the first time I met Lay himself.” Liz said

“Actually, speaking of that day, where did Mikan go?” Suika asked

“Mikan? I’ve never heard you talk about someone named Mikan before. Or are you just talking about oranges in a really weird way?” Gram asked

“Oh. Mikan is a big cat that Liz made a contract with. He’s with Sayu right now, right?” Evan asked

“Don’t listen to Evan. Mikan is most definitely anything except just some big cat. Mikan is a mana tiger that I have made a contract with. He can control dark and fire magic. Actually, am I able to fight with him in the contest?” Liz asked

“No, not Mikan himself, but you can use the magic you gained through the contract.” Evan said

“Magic? I gained magic from that contract?” Liz asked

“Also, technically, tigers are just big cats. So I’m not wrong.” Evan pointed out

“Does that count for mana beasts?” Liz asked

Evan shrugged his shoulders

“Idunno.” Evan said

“Well, that’s helpful.” Liz said, rolling her eyes

“Hey! I never really thought about it before. So why would I know?” Evan asked

“Well, apparently even a genius has his limits.” Liz said

“There’s a lot I don’t know. There isn’t much that I can’t do, but knowledge is a different story altogether.” Evan said

“I always assumed you would know everything.” Liz said

“To be honest, I did too.” Suika said

“I’ve seen Evan confused a few times. But it was still pretty rare.” Gram said

“I’m not omniscient. Far from it. Omniscience is a pain. It makes you an empty husk. Wow, there’s a bunch of people now.“ Evan said, noticing a few people had come into the classroom.

“Well, people hang out here pretty often. It’s easy because you don’t have to rush to get to class.” Liz said

“I’m kinda hungry. We have a cafeteria here, right? Is it open every day?” Gram asked

“Yeah, it opens for lunch.” Suika said

“Cool. Also, do we have to deal with the guys staring at us every day?” Gram asked

“Yeah, it is kinda annoying. I hope people don’t actually confess the way it’s shown in anime and manga.” Suika said, a look of slight disgust on her face

“Yes, it does make me feel quite anxious. I really wish they would stop. I may not hate men, but that doesn’t mean I like them. Girls are so much better.” Liz said

“Totally. Lime, aren’t you annoyed or creeped out by the staring?” Gram asked

“I didn’t notice until you mentioned it. Plus, it doesn’t matter. I already have someone. They will stop eventually….right?....... Evan, do you know how to get rid of their stares?” lime asked

“You gave up THAT quickly?” Gram asked

“Well, It reminded me of something I’ve been through before.” Lime said

“Lime, sorry. I can’t do much about this. It’s hard to hide beauty, especially beauty like yours. I don’t like getting stared at any more than you guys do. Not to mention the girls will probably go crazy over Lay. Least I look plain.” Evan said, shaking his head

“You are anything but plain. That hair is to die for. Even if you are a man. That skin, those eyes, it’s called being hot, Evan. Not plain. Lucky.” Liz said

“Yeah, that’s true…wait, if I put a paper bag over Lay, will that change anything?” Suika asked

“No. He exudes an aura of natural cool dudeness.” Evan said

“What the heck does that even mean?” Suika asked

“Suika, he’s joking.” Liz said

“I was serious with that question though.” Suika said

“Wait, really? You want to have Lay wear a paper bag, just so other girls won’t stare at him? Okay, if you want to go that far, a pair of black shades, baseball cap, mask, and a hoodie will probably not be as embarrassing. But don’t do that.” Evan said

“Fine, I just thought It would be less annoying. Especially when we go out to do stuff.” Suika said

“Are you guys dating or something?” Gram asked

Suika thought for a moment.

“To be honest, I’m not sure. Not officially dating, at least. Yet.” Suika said

“That seems like an annoyance.” Liz said

“I’m pretty sure that he has doubts about whether he would be good enough to be with me. Probably due to the Wulf family. The Rize family is almost the same as most middle class families. They just have connections. Despite the fact he’s usually the type of person to do stuff without thinking, he actually worries quite a lot about stuff. He’s really a pretty sensitive person.” Suika said

“He’s also just lazy.” Evan said

“I’m.. not too sure about that. Lay changed quite a lot. If you think about it, it hasn’t been that long, but he isn’t really all that lazy anymore. We just keep saying he is.” Suika said

“Yeah, he may not be lazy in reality, but he’s still lazy in our hearts.” Evan said

“Actually, I’m looking at how responsible most people our age usually are, compared to him. Wow.” Suika said

“Did you just realize now that Lay is ‘actually quite mature for his age’ I think you would say? Aren’t you by his side almost all the time? You guys are like glue, how did you not see it?” Evan said, frowning

“I think it’s precisely because she is always by his side, dear. They grew up and changed together. It’s hard to notice such gradual change if you are constantly with someone. Unless it’s really extreme. You have to really take a good look back at how you used to be.” Lime said