“Mm, but, it wouldn’t be the same thing would it? As a martial artist not helping, I mean.” Kikyo said, perhaps before she thought about stopping herself. The comparison didn’t feel right to her, viewing a person as being responsible outside of their own control. Kikyo squirmed in her chair as eyes turned to her, there was something uncomfortable in the air for something that was just a simple class discussion. Her younger sister had chosen to become a magical girl, and Kikyo could still remember when her sister had awoken to her potential. The girl hadn’t been good at magic by any means at that time. “I just mean, we don’t pick people to become martial artists just because they might be good at it.”
She traced her thumb along the side of her camera, feeling the grooves along the side. She fidgeted, her gaze sliding away from the teacher and the class. “You can’t just single people out… just because they’re different.” She trailed off, her eyes lingering on a poster hanging on the wall.
Miko’s hand stays up with the second question. And then she lowers it, because her arm is getting tired and people are still talking and this is going to be a whole thing, isn’t it? She’s good at recognizing the start of things - she’s tried to start plenty of her own - but she isn’t sure yet how she feels about this one.
She nods along to Kaya’s words, because everyone is supposed to help their communities with the talents they have. Everyone knows that. But her head tilts to the side at Riet’s interjection. Hmm…
Miko thinks about stepping in there, but Kikyo beats her to it. She waits patiently, for her, which is to say she tries very hard not to forget what she wants to say and doesn’t pay as much attention as she should.
“But shouldn’t people who are different be shown the way to best use their differences?” She finally gets the chance to say, tapping the side of her fist against her palm to underscore her words. She spreads her hands with a smile as everyone’s attention turns to her. “It’s like talent scouting! It just makes sense for people who are better at something to do that thing. Even if they don’t like it right away, they can learn to like it.”
“I mean, I dunno why anyone wouldn’t want to be a magical girl. They get everything they want and then some.” Fame, riches, attention, record deals, contracts and label signings and fans and… she gets a little distracted thinking about how much better her life would be if she had been born with special powers. If only…
"I see we have some very interesting opinions here, ladies." Their teacher didn't sound upset by this - if anything, she sounded pleased. "I encourage you to think about them a little bit on your own time. After you've had a chance to do that - oh, let's say this coming Saturday, 9 a.m., we'll meet here in this room - Kaya, Riet, Miko, and... anyone else who feels like magical girls should be required to help, whether or not they would like to - regardless of the sacrifices - we'll meet up and have a little extra lesson. For those of you who feel differently, why don't you meet at the same time in Ms. Amberly's English room. I think we'll talk a little bit about it separately, and then reconvene next week. We'll have an in-class debate, and see what comes of it! For now, I know you ladies have other places to be, so class dismissed and have a good evening."
That seemed to be about all there was to it for now. Kaya reluctantly stowed her exam paper in her bookbag to look over later and packed away the rest of her things, chewing on her lip. She knew she was right, magical girls had to help out. That was what they existed for. It was the only reason some people should be able to be magical and some people shouldn't. It was like the story said, wasn't it?
There had to be a price.
She slung her bag over her shoulder, and started the walk back to the dorms, absorbed in her own thoughts.