Authors Note: Standard disclaimer applies still. I don't think I could match the genius that created SE, I could only borrow them for a while. I know that AU's in general, is an acquired taste. Most of the time, its an avenue for exploring possibilities. I hope that you'll enjoy the rest of the tale. I am enjoying the process--in truth, whatever keeps me writing is a godsend. Now, this story still contains the basic meister/technician and weapon relationship.
MAKA
She glanced around for the nth time in what seemed like endless hours, studiously checking the street signs every once in a while, muttering softly as she navigated the confusing bed of connecting alleys and cul-de-sacs, unaware of the curious stares she was garnering as she traversed the cobblestone main street in vain hopes of finding her newest residence.
Luckily she went past a bookstore and deciding that she has muddled through her own devices long enough, she picked up a map of the city to help with her search. A few minutes of scrutiny and with the helpful hint of the bookshop clerk, she was well on her way to the place she will be calling home for the next few days—number 7 Elysian Havens just off Tartarus Avenue.
MAKA POV
I trudged all the way to the third floor when I finally found my building. Done along the simple but pleasing Tudor-style mansions of old, the apartment boast of an inner courtyard that seemed to be the landlords only justification for their overpriced rates—that and the fact that it was the only one that had two bedrooms and two baths.
"Ah! Welcome home Maka-chan. Did you have a hard time finding the apartment? I was beginning to worry that you got lost somewhere."
Meet my roommate and long-time partner in the wild and wicked road to life and adulthood—Tsubaki. She hails from a well-known family of weapons and is one of those rare ones that could actually transform into more than one type. Raven hair and deep sable brown eyes lends her an air of fragility though that's the farthest from the truth. She is a tall slim young woman with the grace of a woman of nobility and the patience of a saint. I know because I have often put said patience to the test with what according to her is "my excessive seal for challenges".
"Sit down and I'll fetch you a cup of tea. It's a good thing the movers arrived earlier than we anticipated. I just finished putting away most of our things."
"Thanks Tsubaki. I got sidetracked by the number of streets and side streets leading to the residential area of the city…I forgot how huge Death City has become in the last few years."
I cast a quick look and saw that my roommate has indeed put away most of the packed boxes that accompanied them on their impromptu move to Death City. The apartment now bore traces of having someone live inside its four walls, the tasteful black and crimson furniture made an interesting contrast against the eggshell white walls and wooden beams, its sinuous lines adding a touch of elegance to the otherwise stark space.
"I made some Earl Grey tea. There are some scones if you like. I was thinking that after the day we've had traveling and all, it would be pleasant to have time for a break."
I gratefully accepted the steaming cup of tea that Tsubaki offered, cradling the warmth close to my lap, surprised as I was to find that I was feeling a slight chill from my brief sojourn into the other side of town. I was even more grateful for Tsubaki when she sat next to me on the small wooden sofa. I gratefully propped feet on her lap and sighed when she began to rub my abused soles.
"Hmm….you are an angel Tsubaki-chan…you certainly have the hands of one. I promise I'll return the favor someday."
"I'll look forward to it then. And I'm not surprised it took some time to get here what with you not having lived here since you were a small child, I could understand how confusing it must have been."
"I never really knew the city even when I was living here. We lived inside the walls of the mainland and Mom was too busy to take me anywhere. Everything I remember then came from snatches stolen from balconies and windows from my kept me inside because she was afraid that I'd trip all over myself and embarrass her."
"Now, don't you say things like that. Kami-san might be a trifle strict but she means well and she loves you very much. She must've been worried that some of her enemies might retaliate against her and use you in the bargain. She was very famous even then, wasn't she? "
I resisted the urge to snort into my cup of tea. My mother was more than just a 'trifle' strict—she could give Draco and Hammurabi a run for both their money had someone put the thought inside her head. Now, influencing my mother would be another matter altogether. That would take the very hand of several Gods to accomplish and even then, it could never be a sure thing.
"Tsubaki-chan, you really are a saint if you consider the cavalier tyranny of my mom as simply being strict. Yeah, she was famous. She would have done anything and everything to ensure that I become everything she thought a technician ought to be."
"She cares for you Maka-chan. She must've believed that it was the best course of action for the both of you. And you must admit, all that traveling has made you into a well-seasoned, even-keeled young woman. Not to mention one very fine young technician. You're certainly one of the best in the field."
I rolled my eyes at my partner. Since Tsubaki happens to be one of those naturally optimistic souls who never think her fellowmen capable of any great harm, I felt that it would be cruel to shatter her illusion about my mother.
No, don't get me wrong—I love my Mom. She's smart, powerful and very skilled. She's the best technician in the world. But my mom was a technician—that's what she is. That's all she ever is to me. A great mentor. A brilliant, demanding mentor—but she was a mentor first and a mother when she remembers it.
"Maka-chan?"
"Yeah well Mom never really had much use for living in this city after the courts granted her custody and the main office said she was free to go. She said that traveling and honing her skills as a technician was not a calling for everyone but it's the one that satisfies her the most. I'm just glad she brought me along for the ride."
"I'm sure she was happy for your company, she took you with her in all her travels right?"
I stared moodily at the dregs of tea left in my cup, glaring at the hapless remains of my beverage like as if the answer to my entire dilemma could be found within barely a teaspoon of residue.
"She had no choice in the matter. The courts and the higher powers ordered that if she would leave, she must take me with her or else they would suspend her travel permits."
"Maka-chan.."
"It doesn't matter now Tsubaki-chan. I'm here now and tomorrow I will be registered as a technician for Death City. We should just concentrate on the job interview for tomorrow."
"And tonight?"
I took a deep breath and leveled a look at the waning sunlight on the horizon.
"Tonight, I find the answers plaguing me since I left. Tonight, I end this cursed half-existence that ties me to someone I don't even know."
SOUL POV
"Sir, the guest will be coming along in half an hour."
The voice was soft and oddly deep but there was an underlying sense of playfulness even with the obvious attempt on the owner's part at seriousness. The man padded quietly towards the nearest window and peered at the lights coming up along the driveway. He stared for no less than thirty seconds before proceeding to speak in the same laconic, yet oddly humorous tone that suggests that everything around him was a big joke and a monumental waste of his time.
"You shouldn't stay too close to the window, sir. That's like asking assassins and snipers to take potshot at your stubborn, obviously ill-advised and ill-positioned head."
I turned slightly from my inspection of my dark evening suit and peered at his reflection on my full-length mirror. As was his wont, my bodyguard wore his usual field suit of black shirt and loose pants. He refuses to wear anything confining since he is of the opinion that it restricts his full fighting potential. I tried long and hard to dissuade him from this deplorable sartorial matter but it was a battle I was not meant to win. Sighing, I gestured with one had towards my tie and waited for him to walk up to my dressing table to retrieve said garment before speaking once more.
"Is that so?"
"That is so." A beat followed by a belated addition that failed to sound anything but laconic. "Sir."
"Thank you. Where were you during today's brunch?" I inquired politely as he handed to me the strip of crimson silk. "I expected you to turn up but you never did."
"I was checking security. Something that you should've done when you planned this shindig."
"I suppose I had other things on my mind. You know Black Star, I know I told you that being serious was a requirement for being a successful bodyguard and security expert but maybe you should add civility to your list."
"Civility?"
"Yes. I mean a degree of politeness and courtesy goes a long way in preventing wars and awkward situations." I adjusted my tie and examined the over-all effect. As always the crimson tie and snowy shirt was an excellent foil for my classic black suit. Onyx and gold cufflinks and a ruby-encrusted signet ring completed my look for the night.
"I don't bother with those. I have tons more things to worry about than the touchy feely feelings of some idiot who's too stupid not to get offended. I thought a sharp edge and a strong punch would do the same thing and a lot quicker too. I'm not one to pussyfoot around with words and lies that would choke a seasoned conman."
'That I could believe."
I stared at the incongruous picture we made, standing side by side and resisted the urge to chuckle. Black Star looked the part of a seasoned warrior and although he made the least effort to accommodate his sumptuous surroundings, it would take more than a lavish residence to tame the primal nature of his very soul. I, on the other hand, looked like any young moneyed gentleman, from my impeccably fitted suit to the polished tips of my evening shoes. No stranger pair has ever stood in front of my priceless Cheval mirror.
"You checking me out or something Soul?"
The words actually made me do a double take. A reluctant, all-too unholy gleam appeared in my eyes and I gave out a chuckle.
"Actually I was waiting when you'd get tired of the "sir" crap since you have to consciously remember to attach that every time you opened your mouth."
Black Star gave me a snort before checking for his person for weapons and other necessities he usually assumes is necessary for my protection. While he was at it, he managed to swipe the plateful of sandwiches left by the housekeeper and down the lot with a cup of coffee I was quite certain was meant for my consumption. He gave out a large belch before replying.
"I do things my way and you do things your way and I've decided that saying sir to you just isn't sitting very well with me. Why can't you call me sir for a change Soul?"
"That's because I pay your damned wages you idiot, that's why." I answered sotto voce.
He tilted his head me and peered at my expression with outright curiosity. "If I pay you, you'd call me sir right?"
I snorted. "Don't even think about it."
"Why the hell not? I can certainly pay you if I wish. Of course that would take time since I don't have a bloody cent on me right now, so you'll have to make do with an I.O.U. But I want you to show deference to my skills and superior abilities which clearly surpasses yours."
"Again. Keep dreaming Black Star." I started towards the door and he followed me with his arms gesticulating wildly as he tried to make his point.
"I should be the one at the top of this partnership. After all I am the one facing all those people you piss off. And admit it Soul, you DO piss off a lot of those idiots. Sometimes even I wonder why they get mad so easily."
I gave him a disbelieving look before giving in to the urge to bop him on the head. "You piss them off yourself. Truth be told, it's you who piss them off and I get banged up just as well as you—most of the time because of you."
He waved my comments aside. "That's immaterial. In the pursuit of perfection and the advancement of my skills, it is necessity. Sacrifices are needed for the glory of one such as I."
"I would sooner sacrifice you to the altar of the insane if you don't change that outfit."
"I'm working tonight. I don't want to wear a monkey suit."
"Don't look now, but you already are."
"Oh very funny. You should be a comedian Soul."
"Why bother? I already have you."
TSUBAKI
"You look very beautiful Maka-chan."
I stared at the young woman standing in front of me and wondered if those that would see her would say the same. I tried to assess the picture she made objectively, checking each feature much like ticking off items on a list. Honey blonde locks were carefully coiffed into an elegant chignon kept in place by an exquisite onyx and amber hair pick, confining locks used to be kept in nothing more elaborate than pigtails. Emerald eyes, unusually solemn for one so young now shone with a light that issues a faint but unmistakable challenge. Skin smooth as cream now shades with the lightest brush of rose and her lips, often naked, now shimmers with the sheen of gloss.
"I look…different, don't I?"
"Yes. No doubt even Kami-san would take a moment or two before recognizing you."
Indeed her own mother would probably take longer than a moment to connect the picture of her solemn bookworm of a daughter with this very picture of a young sophisticated princess. Clad in a stylish black jersey and chiffon gown that delineated a trim, slim physique, there's hardly any trace of the young woman whose normal attire consisted of a plain white shirt, vest, plaid skirt, combat boots and coat. Her small, dainty feet now encased in a pair of black satin stilettos appeared fragile—nothing to hint that she was quite capable of delivering kicks that could render opponents unconscious.
"Are you sure about this Maka-chan?"
"Are we ever sure of anything? You know what I believe in Tsubaki-chan."
"This is not a fight Maka-chan. To be fearless in battle is one thing. To actively seek it is another thing entirely."
"It won't be a battle if I could get my point across. All I need is the chance to make my point that is all. Many thanks for tonight's effort. You certainly transformed me."
"You are beautiful Maka-chan. You always have been."
"Thank you."
I wanted to say something—anything to dissuade her from the night's affair but the shadowed look in her eyes stopped me. There was little else that I could do but accompany my partner. Should the night's event prove to be a folly, then all the more reason I should be there. Any one with half an ounce of self-preservation should recognize the fire of war raging behind her all-too calm eyes.
"Come…we don't want to be late."
"No, we don't want to be late…not tonight."
