A/N: Back again for more. Thank you so much, those of you who reviewed, favorited, and followed Demons in the Mirror. You guys, and anyone else who simply read chapter 1, are awesome.
Disclaimer: I don't own Soul Eater in any possible way.

Chapter 2: Whispered Rumors

The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.

~ HP Lovecraft

Before Soul Evans could duck, the bridge of his nose became the final resting point for the paper airplane diving through the air. The scythe took a step back, raising his arms to bat aside the flying projectile before scowling into Class Crescent Moon. Just about every student was deep in conversation with their friends, oblivious to his glare of disapproval, but there was one in the top row snickering like the idiot he was.

Soul deliberately crushed the paper plane beneath his foot as he trudged to his seat, ignoring Black Star's cries of victory and sitting next to Maka. The paper assault was another thing he could add to that morning's tedious misfortunes. He'd awoken to find himself in a truly uncomfortable position thanks to Blair before Maka had caught the teasing feline but delivered a swift kick to her weapon partner, not caring that he was the victim. After that, he'd discovered an empty shampoo bottle while showering, cursing himself for not going to the store sooner. In a haste to get ready, he'd burned breakfast (providing Maka with another chance to scold him), forgotten a textbook after leaving the apartment, and had scraped his knee tripping up the Academy's stairs. Black Star's idea of a joke did little to brighten his mood, and the scythe was daring fate to throw him another dose of bad luck.

"What a crappy morning," Soul growled, leaning back and pulling his feet onto the desk. Hold on, was that a spot of gum plastered to the side of his shoe?

"Stop groaning," Maka chided, turning another page in her book and not sparing a glance for her partner. "Just remember to head to the store after school and buy some shampoo. Also, we're going to need more milk since the last of it went into the burnt pancakes this morning."

Soul ceased in scraping at the wad of gum with a pencil, resisting the urge to stick his tongue out at the scythe meister. That wouldn't be cool, but he couldn't help feeling smug while entertaining the idea in his head.

"Alright, everyone, let's get this class underway."

All the students broke off their conversations and returned to their seats as Sid Barret entered the classroom, placing a clipboard on the front desk and facing them.

"Professor Stein is busy this morning, so I'll be your substitute. According to his schedule, you should all be starting your dissection lab today, is that right?" the zombie inquired, crossing his arms as a few shaking heads indicated 'no' while the more truthful, yet nonetheless disgusted, answered 'yeah.'

"Last week it was pigeons, this week it's salamanders," Black Star muttered from where he was lounging in the top row of desks, clicking his tongue in annoyance. "What's next? Big Foot?"

"Black Star, I don't think Professor Stein would make us do something that extreme," Tsubaki argued in her usual, gentle tone. "After all, he let us end the pigeon lab early last week, remember?"

"Only because Patty managed to roast a few corpses with a bunsen burner!" Black Star retorted in indignation. "The entire classroom smelled like that one fast food joint on sixth street!"

Soul grimaced, trying not to let his mind unearth the memory he'd been trying to bury. He could still remember how quickly the gray feathers of each bird had exploded into flames, roasting away like a Thanksgiving turkey. A Thanksgiving turkey from Hell.

"Speaking of," Maka interrupted before Soul's recollection could grow any more vivid. "Haven't Kid, Liz, and Patty shown up yet? They're usually here so early."

"Kid probably found a speck of lint on one sleeve and not the other, causing an emotional meltdown," Black Star offered, waving a hand in dismissal. "Once Liz and Patty are done tucking the unstable reaper into bed, they'll waltz in here and Patty can start making Toasted Salamander."

"Black Star," Tsubaki began, raising a hand to her mouth as a majority of the color drained from her face. "I'm sure they'll be here soon enough, and Patty won't roast the salamanders."

"You're right." Black Star nodded with an odd look of consideration. "She has bigger goals now. This week: The school."

Tsubaki, Soul, and Maka all rolled their eyes or let out exasperated sighs, but none decided to continue the conversation. Instead, they began flipping through their textbooks while a few students passed out the thick, plastic bags containing their specimens. The nauseating odor of formaldehyde rose from the bag set before Soul and he turned away in disgust.

"Have you guys heard anything about Kid?" a voice piped up from the seat below their own. Both Maka and Soul looked down at Jacqueline O'Lantern Durpré who regarded the two with curious eyes.

"No, we haven't talked to him or Liz and Patty since yesterday," Maka responded in bewilderment, sharing a brief look with Soul. "Why? Is there something wrong?"

Jackie raised her nose in disdain as a bag of dead salamander was situated before her and twisted in her seat to better address the scythe and meister as well as avoid the noxious scent.

"I'm not sure, but Kim heard something from Kent D. Corbin who was visiting Lord Death this morning after his mission in Cairo." Jackie cast a quick look at Sid whose attention was elsewhere and continued in a low voice, "Well, while walking through the guillotine hallway, he heard Lord Death talking to someone through the mirror. Naturally, Kent assumed he was talking to another student or something, but when he got closer, he could see Stein there, too."

"That's not too strange," Maka responded thoughtfully. "Even Soul and myself have discussed missions with Stein through Lord Death's mirror. Sometimes the Professor and Lord Death eat lunch and talk about the students or particular classes. I'm sure after the ordeal with Asura, they both have plenty to talk about."

"No, it wasn't that," Jackie stated with a shake of her head. By now, both Black Star and Tsubaki had leaned forward to catch most of Jackie's words as the weapon finished her story. "The person in the mirror was Liz, and she said there was something wrong with Kid. Kent only caught half of the conversation, but he heard Lord Death say something about getting help to Gallows Manor pretty quickly."

"Help?" Maka echoed, eyes widening in alarm. "Is Kid okay? If Lord Death is sending help, then—"

"Hey, you four!" Sid barked, startling the students. "Enough chatting and more dissecting!"

Jackie broke away from her audience with an apologetic look. "I'm sorry, but that's all Kim told me, and there's no telling whether Kent's story is even true," she added before turning around. "Although, it's not like he has any reason to lie."

Maka's lips twisted into a puzzled frown as she processed the information, watching Soul twist in his seat to look back at Tsubaki and the surrounding desks.

"I wonder what's wrong," Tsubaki murmured. "Liz wouldn't call Lord Death directly if it was something as simple as one of Kid's OCD fits, right?"

"That's true, and I don't think they would ask for Stein to get involved either," Maka added as apprehension began gnawing her insides. She was beginning to feel like one of the mangled salamanders being handled by her classmates. "If what Kent said is true, I guess we know why Sid is acting as Stein's substitute."

"Yeah," Soul mumbled distractedly, "but did no one notice we're one man less? When Sid said 'you four', he hadn't lost his ability to count."

Tsubaki gave a mild squeak of alarm, head whipping from side to side as they all realized the room was lacking a certain, blue-haired loudmouth. It only took Soul's exasperated sigh and pointed finger for them to notice one of the windows in the top row was swinging wide open.

Unfortunately for the three students, they weren't able to escape class as easily as Black Star. Instead, after revealing their concerns to Sid, the zombie pulled them into the hall where he proceeded to ask about how they'd come across the information. At first, Maka was hesitant and unwilling to toss their friends so easily under the bus. However, after Sid made it perfectly clear the three wouldn't so much as set one foot outside if he didn't get answers, Maka caved and relayed their previous conversation with Jackie. Their teacher silently waited for Maka to finish before admitting what they'd heard was true. He was soon to add the three weren't allowed to visit their friend, not without knowing what kind of situation was on their hands.

"The last thing Stein and Lord Death need are concerned students and wild rumors," Sid stated firmly. "I know Kid is your friend and you want to make sure he's all right, I understand, but I can't let you go to Gallows Manor. I apologize, but I don't think you will be much help to anyone there. Allow Professor Stein and Death to handle the situation, okay?"

"Professor, we can't stand by and do nothing," Maka protested, shaking her head in disbelief. "What if there is something we can do, but if we stay here—"

"What the situation needs is for everyone to remain calm and not fret over Kid's condition," Sid interrupted, crossing his arms and releasing a long sigh. "Have a little faith that everything will work out and stand clear of those who are able to provide assistance."

Maka and Tsubaki glanced at one another, unable to conjure any further arguments. They knew the zombie had a point, that there probably wasn't much they could do. Still, even seeing their friend would be better than imagining everything in Gallows Manor. If they could go just to provide support for Liz and Patty, that would be fine, too.

"Hey, Sid," Soul stepped forward, hands buried within his pockets. "Since we can't see Kid, could you maybe let us leave so we can fetch Black Star?"

Although his face was missing some features, Sid's expression was still able to perfectly convey thorough exasperation as Soul's words registered.

"I guess I don't have to ask where he disappeared to?" The blue-skinned man scratched the back of his head with a helpless sigh. "Well, I suppose we can't have that loudmouth running around, can we? I was never the kind of man to let students skip class."

Seeing the eager looks of the three before him, Sid raised his hands in defeat. "Go track down that idiot and bring him back here. Should you find yourselves in Gallows Manor during your search, don't get in anyone's way, understand?"

"Yes, sir," Maka promised and the three bowed in thanks. "We appreciate it."

-/-\-|-/-\-

Soul followed Maka and Tsubaki up the walkway to Gallows Manor, eyeing the structure looming over them with its almost threatening aura. He supposed if it wasn't for their friendship with Lord Death and his son, the home would be somewhat intimidating. A powerful shinigami, his offspring, and two notorious thugs from the streets of Brooklyn? Yeah, that was a house Soul definitely would have avoided, but luckily, this wasn't the case.

"Do you think Black Star is already inside?" Tsubaki inquired once they were standing before the entrance. "I wonder if he even knocked..."

"Knowing him, I doubt he even went in through a door," Maka responded, quickly rapping her knuckles on the wooden panel. Her knocking was met with silence, and the three shifted back and forth as their anxiety grew. After a moment, Maka tried again while her weapon partner resisted the urge to roll his eyes and leaned over to press the doorbell.

The wait seemed to last an agonizingly long time, but when the door finally opened, the friends were greeted by the shocked face of Liz. The older sister opened her mouth, uttering a few surprised noises before stepping back and motioning for them to come inside.

"What are you—I mean, you decided to visit?" she inquired, closing the door behind Soul and turning to face them. "Who told you? Lord Death?"

"No, we were actually advised not to show up," Maka responded sheepishly. "A few people are talking about it at school because Kent D. Corbin heard your conversation with Lord Death. No one knows any details, but they're still making up rumors all the same."

"Yeah, so what exactly is going on?" Soul asked, peering up the long staircase towards the second floor as Liz lead them into the living room. "We all agreed it couldn't be anything symmetry-related."

"Not exactly," Liz responded in a soft voice.

"Is it okay if we go see him?" Tsubaki murmured, earning a nod of agreement from both Maka and Soul. To their surprise, Liz shook her head, about to explain when the dining room door opened and Patty stepped into the room. She didn't notice the guests at first, her gaze downcast before counting the extra pairs of feet.

"Hi, Patty," Maka greeted with a comforting smile.

The young demon weapon returned the gesture, but it was a strained effort. The girl looked nothing like her usual, fanatic self, creating even more unease for the souls just arriving. If they'd lost the optimism of Patricia Thompson, the state of their friend had to be dire. The fact both girls were downstairs and not at their meister's side provided even more proof to back the assumption.

"Why can't we see him?" Maka demanded, though not with impatience. "Exactly what is going on that you two are down here and not with Kid? Stein and Lord Death are here, right?"

Soul placed a gentle hand on his meister's shoulder, diverting her attention and bringing an end to her questions. He gave her a look, the one he normally gave her when she got too moody with some lazy street vendor about an unfair price. Luckily the scythe meister understood and turned back to Liz.

"I'm sorry," she apologized, bowing her head in embarrassment. "I'm sure you're both more worried than ourselves."

"It's fine," Liz murmured, taking a seat on one of the couches situated around the bare fireplace. "I'm sorry you all had to hear fragments of the actual situation. Since there isn't much we can do, you want to sit so we can explain what we can?"

Soul and Maka obliged, taking the seat across from Liz while Tsubaki took the plump chair closest to the hearth. Patty didn't sit, despite her sister's gentle encouragement, choosing instead to pace behind the couches, lost in her own thoughts.

After one last worried look at her sister, Liz folded together her trembling hands and began to speak.

-/-\-|-/-\-

A/N: Chapter 2, everybody. Perhaps that didn't answer any questions, but we'll get there.

Kent D. Corbin was just a quick character I tossed in because I didn't feel like using an actual character from the series. His first name 'Kent' is from another work by HP Lovecraft entitled Hypnos which involves a man living in Kent, England who fears sleep. The second part of his name was taken from bec de corbin. This is an ancient weapon once popular in Europe.

Thank you, one and all, for finishing another chapter of Demons in this Mirror. Let me know what you think and prepare for chapter 3. It should be up around next Tuesday or Wednesday. Until then, bon soir. ^^