Soul's POV

I walked into the classroom and saw Maka sitting in her desk holding a book in her hands. She was staring at the door with a confused look on her face, but it vanished when she looked at me. She watched me as I walked up the stairs to take a seat next to her. When I finally sat down I looked at her and saw she was still looking at me. My eyes met her's and I couldn't help the smile that began to form across my face. Her cheeks went red and she quickly turned away from me. I started to look away but then I had a sudden feeling to continue to look at her. What is wrong with me? This is Maka we are talking about. Suddenly her faced turned and I noticed she was peeking over at me. I felt my cheeks begin to burn and jumped out of my chair to read the chalkboard. This is the same girl I've known for a long time. What was all that about? I don't know, but I better say something.

Before I could stop myself, I said, "so, uh, Tiny Tits..."

Crap.

I watched as her mouth turned into a frown and realized I should have thought more about what to say. I turned back to the chalkboard and began reading the dissecting lesson that we would be taught today. Suddenly the bell rang and I watched as everyone took their seats. I looked up at Maka and saw that she was watching the students coming through the door and decided to join them. When I reached my desk, I noticed Maka quickly flinch and begin staring at her desk. Just as the bell finally stopped ringing Black*Star and Tsubaki raced in and took their seats beside me. Everyone sat quietly as we awaited Professor Stein's arrival. After a few minutes had gone by, I heard the sound of screeching coming down the hallway. The screech was like the sound of metal that hadn't been oiled in a long time. Finally the door opened and a man sitting backwards in a rolling desk chair came rushing in, falling over just as he crossed the threshold. His grey shirt had stitch markings all over and the white doctor's jacket and jeans he was wearing looked just the same. In his head a giant screw jutted out visibly through his short white hair and his glasses covered his light green eyes. Under his left eye was more stitching curving around it. This man, was known as the greatest Meister to graduate from the DWMA. His name was Fraken Stein, but to the students here at the academy, he was Professor Stein.

"Today we will be dissecting..."

I turned to look at Maka and saw that she was still looking down at her desk. Man, that Tiny Tits things really got to her. She looked up from the desk, but she noticed I was staring at her she quickly turned away from me. What am I saying? I've called her that so many time before and never minded a rise from her before. So, why do I feel so bad now? I didn't get the chance to think about it long before I realized my name had been called. I looked down to see Professor Stein staring at me with an annoyed expression.

"When you're done daydreaming up there, Lord Death would like to see the both of you in his office."

I smiled, showing my sharp teeth then rose and began walking down the stairs toward the door. When I got there, I looked back to see Maka slowly following me. We walked into the hallway avoiding eye contact until the door had shut behind us. I glanced over to her and to be greeted with a book to the head.

"MAKA-CHOP!"

Rubbing my head, I glared at her and saw sadness in her expression. My face softened and I grabbed her arm to pull her aside. At first she began to pull away, but then she relaxed and let me lead her.

"I'm sorry, Maka. It just kind of came out. You know how it is between us. I annoy you, you annoy me. After a while we laugh and remember our friendship."

What?

She smiled lightly and said, "Okay. Let's just get through today and worry about it later."

I nodded and we continued walking in silence until we had reached the door to Lord Death.

(")^( " )^(")

"I need you both to go to Italy and collect any souls you can find. There have been reports that a murderer is roaming the streets, so he will be your target. When you are done, return to the academy here in Death City. "

We were standing in a blue room that had clouds all over the walls. Small curved windows were hanging high above our heads. The light coming through them was little compared to the light already in the room. In the middle of the room was a cemented foundation with a large mirror standing at the end. Lord Death was standing in front of it as he was telling us information about our mission. He had created the academy in hopes that the students who train here would keep a balance in the world and stop any human from turning into a kishin. Everything about him was black except his small circle mask and the giant gloves on his hands. His mask had two small round holes for his eyes and a giant opening underneath for his mouth. When he spoke, his voice was low and had no sign of a menacing nature. Beside him stood a tall man and slender man named Death Scythe. He had shoulder-length red hair and wore a black suit. In his young age, he was called him Spirit Albarn and had fallen in love with his second Meister. She later turned him into a Death Scythe by feeding him 100 evil souls and 1 witch soul. They had eventually gotten married and his new wife gave birth to a little baby girl named, Maka. Unfortunately, do to his cheating ways, the couple recently divorced and the mother was granted custody. She went on to travel the world leaving Maka to attend school at the academy. Maka never forgave him and the relationship between father and daughter has never been the same.

"MAKKKKKA! I love you, my sweet little girl. You know daddy loves you, right?"

I glanced over at her and watched as her face began to fall in annoyance. Suddenly, a giant gloved hand came down on his head and I watched as he scurried away on his knees. I looked up at Lord Death to see that he was amused at the sight of his Weapon. He turned to Maka and I and told us that we better be off to complete our mission. As we began to leave, we were stopped by Maka's dad.

"Do be careful, Maka. I can't be there to protect you.", he said smiling at his daughter.

"Yes, Papa.", she muttered back before leaving the room.

When he saw that she was completely out of earshot he turned to me and began to glare.

"I may not be able to protect my little girl on this mission, but I won't hesitate to come after you if anything happens to her."

I chuckled at his comment and then took off for the door to catch up with Maka. When I walked into the hallway I noticed her leaning against the wall waiting for me. A smile spread across her face when she finally noticed me and I couldn't help but smile, too.