The group awaited impatiently; how could this new kid be so powerful that Lord Death had to issue Plan C securities, and make extra space for the newcomer to sleep inside the academy itself?

"Come on, this is ridiculous!" complained Black Star, "We could be practicing our skills, not waiting for some boring student to show their face."

"Black Star, don't be so impatient," growled Maka, "Lord Death asked us to take care of this new student, they've come rather late in the year. Though it is strange; why did he want all of us here? Soul, Black Star, Kid, Tsubaki, Patty and Liz, and me, seems a bit overboard. Just one of us could take her around the school."

"Yeah," growled Soul, "Lord Death himself was just weird. Is it just me, or did his freaky-spiral eyes look twitchy?"

Death the Kid shrugged, "He did seem a little odd, but we've never had a Plan C Security student here before; that kind of security is usually reserved for enemies of the academy, so I don't see why this new student would need such fierce protection." Or, thought Kid to himself, is it the academy that needed protecting against the student?

Finally, the newcomer rose up the stairs with the sun grinning behind her back.

Bright red hair curled around a soft face, stopping just below her ears. It covered her eyes, but not her nervous bitten lip.

The rest of her being was hidden by a thin cloak that draped across the girls shoulders and gave only hints of the brightly coloured clothes and slender form beneath.

She stopped at the top of the stairs, then looked tentatively at the group gathered before her. They all watched her in silence, as she lifted her head to reveal dreamy violet eyes that sparked like broken lights.

"Hello," she said tentatively into the silence, "I'm T-... Errrrr, Angel. Could one of you perhaps tell me where Lord Death is?" Her voice was worn and weary, with an edge of worry.

Black Star spoke up, "What makes you think you're important enough to see him?"

The girl looked taken aback as Tsubaki gave a cry, "Oh my gosh, sorry about that! Don't worry, Black Star says that to everyone! Hi, I'm Subaki."

The girl just nodded warily, her smile slightly crooked. "A pleasure to meet you. And Lord Death...?"

"He's up in his tower," said Death the Kid smoothly, "Waiting for you, if I'm correct. You were expected yesterday."

She winced. "Yes, my bad. Certain... Obstacles presented themselves," Her eyes darkened momentarily. She then frowned, and looked back at Kid. She narrowed her eyes; then they widened in shock. "Wait!" she cried, "Are you... Kid?"

Death the Kid frowned. "Yes, Death the Kid actually. Why?"

She shook her head. "Don't you remember me?"

He looked her up and down; with her bright hair and eyes, she shouldn't be easy to forget. He felt some familiarity stir within his mind, but it was quickly lost in a swirl of thoughts and he immediately dismissed it.

"No," he said, "I don't recall you. Did we know each other?"

The girl seemed immediately saddened, and he felt a pang of guilt for some strange reason.

"We did," she murmured, "But perhaps it is good that you cannot remember."

Now it was Kid's turn to be taken aback, but she pushed on, "Could someone take me to Lord Death?"

"Sure," said Maka, "I'm Maka, and this is Soul," she gestured to the white haired boy beside her with the wicked grin, "We'd be happy to take you-"

"NO!" cried Black Star, "Not yet! First..." He punched the air, "I CHALLENGE you, newcomer! Angel? You'll be a beaten up bird by the time I'm through with you! Then we'll see who needs Plan C security! More like Plan C surgery!"

Angel looked at him wryly. "Sorry, but I don't like fighting. Now could someone please-"

"Hey!" yelled Black Star, "I wasn't asking! Now, Tsubaki, weapon-form!"

Tsubaki gave a weary sigh, but did as he bid. "You know," she said as she moulded into a weapon in Black Star's outstretched hand, "We don't have to fight EVERY new kid,"

"But this isn't any ordinary new kid," declared Black Star, "She actually thinks she can come here and get special attention!"

Angel shook her head. "No, you don't-"

"SILENCE! Did I say I was finished? A mighty assassin like me needs a winning speech before I defeat you,"

Angel pursed her lips, and began to edge around him as he began shouting his own glory.

"I, the great and mighty assassin Black Star challenge you, Angel, to one of the greatest duels this academy has ever seen! A Plan C Security student is nothing compared to what I'm capable of, but I'm afraid you'll have to die anyway, because my might must spread throughout the world so that everyone know my name-"

When Black Star opened his eyes, he found she had quietly snuck off. The whole group turned to see her slipping away to the grand doors of the academy.

She had almost reached the stairs, when Black Star landed suddenly in front of her, and she gave a gasp in surprise.

"Hey! Where do you think you're going?" cried Black Star.

"Please," said Angel, "I don't want to fight,"

But Black Star shook his head. "I'm not giving you the option. Either you fight, or you get beat up. Though you'll get beat up either way, it'll be more fun if you at least put up a fight."

Angel looked slightly worried. "No thanks. I'll find Lord Death myself."

Black Star raised his weapon, Tsubaki, above his head. "The only way you'll be going is to a place called PAIN!" roared Black Star, bringing the axe down.

Angel deftly dodged the weapon, and slid to the side. "Don't, Black Star. Please,"

But nothing was going to stop Black Star once he began a battle. He immediately swung again, this time sweeping the axe around so the chain would catch in her legs. But in a display of incredible acrobatic skills, Angel swept through the air, jumping over the chain but slipping under the axe, before landing soundly on her feet. With an angry roar Black Star continued his attack, as Angel dodged every attempt with an array of flips, jumps and slides.

"Wow," murmured Maka, "She's impressive, even if she doesn't fight. Makes you wonder how she would be if she actually tried to attack." She noticed, as Angel's cloak flared, the glint of silver as two elegant daggers hung from the belt of the strange girl.

"Though it is odd that she doesn't seem to want to fight, and yet we're to treat her with extreme precaution. What's even stranger is her soul," said Kid.

Maka jolted. "Her soul? What about it?"

"Take a look for yourself," growled Kid.

Maka clenched her eyes shut, channelling her soul-seeing ability. When she opened them again, the world had darkened till the people before her were turned to dim shadows. After a moment their souls blazed into life, and she was able to clearly view the strange blue light of souls.

She turned to Black Star, and saw the usual; his was a blue blob bloated with vanity, and buzzing with strength. Tsubaki was almost opposite, with her small blue soul, delicate but powerful. Both were in tuned with each other, as was expected of a meister and their weapon.

But when she turned to Angel, she blinked in surprise. Her soul was hidden behind a haze of Soul-Protect, a spell designed to hide the true nature of souls. They were frequently used by criminals and witches, but had other uses also. What was odder, however, was that this girl made no attempt to hide the fact she was using Soul-Protect. Not even a slight illusion.

"So Maka," said Soul, "Care to share with us poor people who can't see souls as to what is going on?"

Maka shook her head. "I can't see her soul. Why is she using Soul-Protect?"

Kid bowed his head. "I don't know. What's equally strange is her lack of offence. How is she so dangerous when she doesn't do anything?"

Adding in his mind, Kid thought to himself, "And why does my father want someone so supposedly 'dangerous' in the academy?"

In the battle, Angel was still deftly avoiding Black Star's every attack without lifting a weapon.

"Come on, fight me dammit!" cried Black Star, "Or are you too weak?"

Angel winced, but remained steadfast. "I'm not weak, which is exactly why I don't fight."

She leapt away from another axe-swing. "Please stop this, Black Star. I don't understand why you want to fight me."

Black Star growled, "Because I, the Mighty Black Star, need to prove myself over and over again; a constant reminder of my awesome power. How else am I to surpass the gods?"

Angel's eyes grew sad, and she stood upright. "Be careful," she whispered softly, "Surpassing the gods is not as great as it seems if you cannot handle the power. It only becomes hurtful to everyone around you."

Black Star frowned. "What would you know of surpassing the gods? You don't fight,"

"Oh, but I do," she whispered, "And I hate it,"

Black Star's frown deepened. "Just fight, dammit!"

He launched another attack, but this time when she dodged, Angel remained in close quarters with him which forced her to move faster. Then she ran forward, and all looked on expectantly; finally, the girl was going to attack!

Slowly, Black Star tried to pull up his arms to defend himself; but he was too slow, and in a moment she was upon him.

He suddenly stopped, as Angel hugged him.

Everyone stood in shocked silence as she wrapped her arms tightly around his stricken form, her head on his shoulder. After a few lingering moments, Angel pulled away from the embrace.

"You don't need to prove anything, Black Star," she whispered, "You are already strong enough. I know you are great, even if you don't understand true power. But you will, I have no doubt about that. And although you would make a great adversary, Black Star and Tsubaki, I do not wish to fight you."

She gave him a small smile, before turning and heading towards the academy's doors once more.

The group still stood in shock.

"Didn't see that coming," muttered Liz, hand on her hip.

Just as they watched her leave, there was a warped sound and a window appeared in mid air. It was Lord Death, who peered at them all in confusion. Then he clapped his hands. "Ah, I suppose our guest has already arrived. Where is she?"

Kid shook his head. "Trying to find you,"

"Well don't be rude!" cried Lord Death, "Find her, and show her to me! How did it go?"

Pattie laughed and clapped her hands. "She's strange! She hugged Black Star!"

Black Star still stood in place, dumbfounded, before shaking his head. "She... What is with her?"

Lord Death frowned. "She didn't fight anyone?"

Kid shook his head. "In fact, she went explicitly out of her way to make sure she didn't harm anyone. Is she really that dangerous?"

Lord Death was still frowning. "Yes, I assure you all, perhaps the most dangerous thing about her is her unpredictability. Be on your guard. Well, I'll see you all later then!"

With a wave Lord Death disappeared, along with his window and the group was left staring at empty air.

Kid sighed. "I suppose I best go find our strange guest. Liz, Pattie-"

"Actually, is it cool if we hang back with these guys?" said a pale Liz, "I know she didn't seem dangerous, but I'm going to take Lord Death's advice on this one. What person doesn't get angry with Black Star? That's just not normal."

Kid sighed again. "Fine. I'll catch up with you all in class later,"

The group nodded, and all headed to the academy doors. Once inside they turned their separate ways as all filed to class except for Kid, who went to find the mysterious newcomer.

"Hmmmm," thought Kid, "This girl is surely strange. But who is she? And how did she know me?"

Hands in his pockets and head down, Kid almost missed her as she passed in a side corridor, looking around in confusion.

"I know I'm not good with directions, thank you very much!" she muttered, apparently to herself, "But how hard can it be to find Lord Death? If he's in the tower, I only have to go up!"

Kid stopped, hiding behind the corner, listening as she strangely enough continued to speak with herself. He noticed she held a small object in her hand, and was rubbing it unconsciously.

"I really want to stay here, guys," she mumbled, "I'd appreciate your cooperation. Do you want to be out on the streets again? Because I refuse to keep threatening people."

At that moment she turned the corner and almost bumped into Kid, who jolted.

"Ah, Angel," he said, "Need a hand finding Lord Death?"

She reddened. "Oh, thanks. Your assistance would be appreciated,"

He nodded, and gestured with his hand, "Follow me,"

They walked in silence up a set of stairs, till Kid was sure there was no one around to eavesdrop.

"So," he said conversationally, "You say we've met before. How did we know each other, if you don't mind telling me?"

"I don't mind," she murmured, eyes sweeping the area around her, "We were best friends."

Kid nearly spluttered, but with her trailing behind, he hid his expression. "Best friends?" he thought, "How could I not remember this then? Surely she must be lying,"

"But it was a long time ago," she continued, "Around a decade ago, when we were both just little kids. It's not entirely surprising that you cannot remember, though I am a little hurt that you can't recall anything."

He winced. They stopped at a corridor, and he gestured for her to move in front of him. Now with him behind her, he felt more free in his expressions when she surprised him.

"I apologise," said Kid smoothly, "It is rather rude of me."

She shrugged. "Don't worry about it. You are clearly suffering from some inner turmoil,"

He jolted in surprise. "What makes you think that?" Could she somehow read his mind?

She gave a sad smile. "Because everyone hides a secret pain."

They were silent for the rest of the walk. When she did speak again, it was a quite mutter akin to the way she spoke when kid had first hid from her.

"No, I will not ask him that. Are you crazy?" She growled.

Kid frowned. "Ask who what?"

She turned to him. "What? I didn't say anything,"

Kid blinked, and raised a suspicious eyebrow. "Yes you did,"

Angel paled, and she gave a crooked smile, "Ah, oops, silly me, always thinking aloud! Uh, if I do that again, could you tell me?"

Kid looked at her sceptically. "Sure,"

She gave him a bigger forced smile. "Thanks!"

Before he could question her odd behaviour further, they were at Death's door. They strode through the corridor beyond, into Lord Death's own room from which he viewed the world.

Angel licked her lips nervously, and stepped tentatively forward. "Lord Death?"

Lord Death, who had his back turned and was facing a window, swept around to view the girl.

"Ahhhhhh," he said, "Well aren't you all grow up now, Tai-"

"It's just Angel, thank you, Lord Death," cut in Angel hastily.

Lord Death stopped in surprise before going on, "Of course, whatever you wish Angel. Truth be told, I'm surprised you came. Considering how many meisters I've sent to kill you, I would have thought you'd be heading for the hills at my invitation!"

Angel gave a shaky smile as Kid jolted in shock. His father had sent people to kill this peaceful girl?

"I was apprehensive to say the least," admitted Angel, "But I had to come," she took a deep breath, "I broke my first promise, Lord Death. And for that I am so sorry, but understand that I had no power over my actions at the time. I still feel guilt though, and I knew I had to keep my second promise. And that promise was to come to your aid whenever you called for it."

Lord Death nodded. "Thank you, Angel. It must have been difficult for you to come,"

She gave a small shrug that only hinted at the eternal struggle within herself. "I had to. And I do hope that this isn't some awful trick to get me surrounded by meisters, for an easy strike at my life. Why am I here, Lord Death?"

Lord Death clapped his hands. "Why, because I have heard you've begun to master your powers! Is it true?"

The girl reddened. "I have been helped and trained further, so yes, I suppose I do have a better grip on things. Though I still have a way to go,"

Lord Death nodded. "Well, that works just as well with my plan!"

"And what would that be?" questioned Kid, more to remind people he was still in the room.

"Because," declared Lord Death, "I would like to formally invite you, Angel, to become a student at the academy!"

Both of the young teens jaws dropped in astonishment.

"You... Want me to study here?" she choked.

Lord Death nodded. "Yes, that is what I said. You, like Kid, will have slightly different classes to everyone else but it would do you good to be surrounded by people your own age and almost your own level of power,"

"It'd be good for me just to be surrounded by people, bottom line," muttered Angel, before looking up at Lord Death and managing, "Ah, yes, I think I can accept that offer... I would love to, but..."

"But what?" queried Lord Death.

"I... Is it safe?" she asked, her eyes suddenly dark and deep with worries.

Lord Death bent down to her. "It depends on whether you can control them," he said softly.

"Control who?" called Kid, "What makes her so dangerous?" But no one deemed to answer him.

"I'll try, Lord Death," whispered Angel, "As long as I can take regular breaks, I should keep them hidden well. If you don't mind, I don't plan on letting them show at all,"

"But they are your greatest power, Angel," said Lord Death, "Don't ever forget it. It would be smarter to practice using them, instead of always fighting them."

Angel frowned, then gave a small shrug.

Lord Death leaned back to his full height then opened his arms wide. "Then welcome, Angel! Kid will take you to your first few lessons, as I organise to have separate lessons set up for you. Today, and indeed the rest of the week, will be a test to decide whether you have the strength to remain at the academy. You shall live here, and only leave the academy accompanied by a student, teacher or staff of the school. Understood?"

Angel stood in shock. "So I'm stuck here?"

"Well," said Lord Death, "You can leave; just not alone. You understand why?"

"Yes," she grumbled, "I suppose."

"Good," continued Lord Death, "Then you are dismissed. Have a great day, both of you!"

"And now my father remembers I'm here," muttered Death the Kid as he turned to leave the room with Angel following albeit slower.

As they left, Lord Death gave a deep frown. "She will no doubt cause trouble but, perhaps she has the strength. I can only hope that the old saying will prove its worth," he thought, "To keep your friends close... And your enemies closer."

Outside in the hall, Angel's violet eyes momentarily darkened to deepest black, and she gave a wicked grin full of pointed teeth.