Disclaimer: I do not own Soul Eater. I do own the plot.
Intro image:
Soul is seated at a very short circular table in a tent. He is leaning back on his hands, a skeptical look etched on his face. One of his eyebrows is raised and his red eyes glint curiously. There are incenses lit and resting in several golden dishes, letting out a smoky aura. Soul is wearing a black silk blouse with what appears to be black slacks. Across the table sits Blair, wearing a purple outfit that resembles a genie. Her hair is tied up in a high pony tail, the clothes are almost completely see through and have golden trinkets dangling here and there. A thin veil over her mouth shows she is grinning while her hands shuffle a deck of tarot cards.
Chapter Six: Sketched in the Stars
After a good night's rest the group headed back to the airport with one new little surprise; Blair. "Shinigami-Sama requested that I return to the main Nevada base and help train Maka," She explained when asked. Maka's eyes had lit up with such joy and she smiled so happily that Soul almost blushed. She looked so radiant and alive when she smiled like that and he had to admit that he liked that look to her.
It was a nice change of pace from the homicidal expression he was haunted with from when she hit him with that damn book.
Upon return to the Nevada base Maka's schedule was slightly altered. Instead of training with Soul during the day she was going to be starting up working with Kid and the Thompson sisters. When he tried to argue with Shinigami-Sama about it he'd been told to follow his orders and monitor her progress. So now Soul sat in the shooting range, watching as introductions (proper introductions) were issued.
"Okay, rookie, listen up! I'm Liz Thompson and this is my sister Patty. I'm a wonder when it comes to firearms so I'll be working with you on that, as well as Kid over there," She said, jerking her thumb toward the darker haired male. He was currently staring at Maka with large, shimmering golden eyes that made her feel rather uneasy. Liz then tilted her head toward the grinning and giggling Patty. "And Patty here is our hacker as well as bomb technician. She can make a bomb out of anything at all; if it's slightly flammable she can make it go boom like a stick of dynamite. You'll work with her on that after a five hour session with Kid and I."
"Sounds pretty reasonable," Maka said calmly. She then bowed her head politely. "It's a pleasure to meet you all and… Why is he staring at me like that?" She asked, finally reaching her breaking point with the staring. Liz turned and raised an eyebrow at him.
"Yo, Kid, what's up with you?" She asked blandly. He jolted up and looked at her with a bright grin.
"Liz," He said in a soft whisper filled with wonder, "her appearance is completely symmetrical." Liz blinked then smacked her forehead while Patty howled with laughter.
"Really, Kid? Really?" She grumbled angrily. Maka raised her hand nervously and looked between the trio in bemusement. "Yes, rookie?"
"I was just wondering why he's so hung up on symmetrical appearances when he himself isn't? I mean, he has those three white stripes in his hair," She pointed out. As soon as the words left her mouth Maka regretted it. Patty and Soul both burst out laughing, both rolling on the floor and holding their sides. Liz had turned bright red and her eye started twitching. It was Kid, however, who had the most terrifying reaction.
"I know," He said softly as his face paled. He fell to his knees, crossed his arms on the ground and hid his face in his arms. "I'm a hideous monster! I am nothing but disgusting, horrific, scarring garbage! I should be locked away in a cage hidden in a dungeon AND SHACKLED TO A WALL!" He wailed, suddenly pounding the ground with his fists.
Maka flinched and stepped back a bit. "What the-?" She wondered out loud.
"Nice going, rookie! Now we're going to have to spend the day snapping Kid out of it!" Liz barked angrily, glaring at her. She then turned and looked at her sister, snapping her fingers. "Patty! Get to work on Kid!" She ordered sternly.
"Roger that, sis!" The other laughed while getting up. She walked over to Kid, picking him up and proceeded to punch him in the gut. "Get over it, you lazy sack!" She yelled loudly dropping him back to the floor and pressing her foot down on his stomach.
Once that was all started up, Liz turned to Maka with her stormy blue eyes filled with annoyance. "Go hang out with Soul for about an hour and then head back here; we'll be ready for you then," She said while massaging her temples. She turned and started barking out orders to Patty and Kid while Maka and Soul headed toward the door.
"I didn't think what I said would set them all off like that," Maka mumbled nervously. Soul chuckled at her lightly.
"Kid's a little off but I think that's just because Shinigami-Sama coddles him. But, then again, he is Shinigami-Sama's only child so I guess it kind of makes sense," He explained with a small yawn. Maka twitched and stared at him with wide eyes.
"Wait… You mean those two are related?" She squeaked. In her mind the two were standing next to each other but she couldn't really find anything to tie them together. There was no family resemblance between the duo; although, when she thought about it, Shinigami-Sama did seem to be wearing a costume to keep his identity hidden.
"Yeah. There are a lot more family relationships here than you'd think; we have Liz and Patty in our squad but there are some others like that too," He said calmly. Maka tilted her head as she walked beside him.
"What about you? Do any of your relatives work within Shibusen?" She asked eagerly. He pinned her with a chilly look that sent her skin crawling. She swallowed and scoffed, acting as if she was no longer interested in the answer. "Anyway, you clearly know Blair pretty well. Have the two of you worked together a lot or something?"
"Something like that," He said blandly before shaking his head. He shot her another dark look, causing her face to come alive with fear. "Why are you suddenly asking so many questions, anyway? It's not like we're going to be on the same team, or best friends, or anything like that. Once your training is completed you'll be placed in a group that needs your specific skills; I'm just your friggin' babysitter! Once this is over we might see each other every now and then but it won't matter!"
"Well excuse me for trying to be friendly!" Maka snapped back angrily, fists clenching at her sides. She had thought she and Soul were starting to warm up to one another, that maybe she had found someone she could spend time with and not want to totally murder him every second of that time together, but apparently she had been wrong.
"There's no point in you being friendly! You're probably going to get your sorry ass killed on your first solo mission!" He barked back out harshly, actually causing her to flinch backwards a few steps. 'What the Hell is wrong with you? She's not a bad kid; why are you lashing out at her like this? It's totally uncool!' A voice in the back of his head blurted out frantically.
The point that bothered Soul was that he wasn't too sure. Was it Blair's presence here that was making him jumpy, or the fact that her question made his thoughts fly to his successful older brother, or was it simply the fact he didn't really want Maka to know his traumatizing past?
"You're a real ass, you know that?" Maka said softly, tears starting to pool in the corners of her eyes. She turned and ran off before Soul could say anything else, far too frustrated and hurt to care that she was going to get herself lost. Soul's mouth was opened for a moment, his tongue and lips trying to move together to form some plausible thought, but to avail.
"Damnit!" He cursed, punching a nearby wall as hard as he could. There was no change in the wall but he felt a searing pain shoot up his arm; great, he'd punched the wall right where a stud was resting! That was just his luck, as of late. He cradled his hand in his other hand and muttered a few more swears to himself. "What the Hell is wrong with me?"
"That seems to be the exact question I wanted to ask, nyah," He heard Blair coo out harshly. He turned to see her approaching him, wearing mothering but her navy blue booty shorts and what appeared to be a leather bikini top. She had on a black witch's hat as well, but he remembered she'd always had that strange fascination with them; she'd been wearing one just like this one when he had first been introduced to her. "What was that all about?"
"She kept asking me about my past," Soul grumbled lightly. He saw Blair's eyes widen for a second before narrowing at him again. "I know that it shouldn't have set me off like that but it just did. I'm not even sure why; normally I'd just tell someone it was none of their business and leave it at that. I don't know why she gets under my skin so much. Maybe because of how she acted on the way here?" He asked with a small sigh.
"Hmm," Blair said flatly. She shifted her hat a little bit and looked at the brim. "Maybe you're just a touch concerned she might get better than you?" She suggested calmly. Soul jerked up and looked at her in alarm. "After all, she's supposed to be a natural talent given who her parents are. I can see where you'd feel threatened; after all, if they feel her skill would better mesh with your group they could just transfer you out."
"Wha- I hadn't even thought of that!" He yelped in surprise. The new thought sent his stomach twisting and churning with concern. What if that did happen? Although he doubted that Maka would be the best for extension undercover intel (since he figured she'd most likely be a better fit for stealth missions like Tsubaki tended to take) it was now a fear introduced to his mind. "And it won't happen! Maka's such a tiny, wormy little thing that there are tons of other things she'd be better set for!" He snapped angrily while turning on his heels.
Blair watched him go before she sighed and walked off herself to find Maka. She was going to need to do some serious damage control now because of the young man's actions. She headed to the mess hall, peered around, and then headed off to the public women's restrooms. She pushed open the door, stepped in, and immediately caught the sounds of muffled sobs. "Maka-Chan? Is that you?" She called lightly.
"Blair?" She called back lightly, voice trembling slightly. The indigo haired female smiled lightly and knocked on the stall she had heard Maka's voice come from. She heard the click of the lock and Maka poked her head out. "I'm not going to go apologize to Soul, if that's what you want me to do." She said flatly.
The older woman laughed and ushered her out of the stall, leading her by her shoulders. "I wasn't going to, Maka-Chan; I was just going to offer a little insight into Soul-Kun's head," She explained calmly. The other glanced at her, then her reflection in the mirror and made a face.
"I really need to wash my face; I look terrible," She mumbled before walking over to one of the sinks and turning on the tap. She then glanced back at Blair, still seeming skeptical. "So what exactly were you planning to tell me? That Soul didn't mean what he said? Because somehow I doubt that." She sneered before leaning closer to the sink. She filled her cupped hands with water and then splashed it over her face.
"Well I know he didn't mean what he said about you dying but he was being honest about you being stationed somewhere else," Blair said calmly. Maka was splashing more water on her face so she took the chance to continue. "The plan is that, upon finishing your training, you'll be returning to California with me to be assigned a squadron there. From the sounds of it you might get placed in Kilik's group since there are some openings."
"That would be good; Kilik's a nice guy," She commented, looking down at her hands stuck under the faucet. Yes, Kilik was a really nice guy when she and he had talked. He was very polite, very patient and he would never tell her to basically go die. Plus he had explained that everyone on his team was relatively reserved and polite like him; meaning no more psychos like Black*Star or Kid to be dealt with in any way, shape or form. "Plus California is really pretty and has an actual coastline so that means possible beach visits, right?" She asked, looking at Blair. The other grinned and nodded. "Good. How much longer am I going to have to be here for training?"
"You'll be given different exams in each different field and, depending on how you do in each, which will decide what your best attribute is. After that, you'll be sent on a solo mission that will work solely on the key elements of the position they feel will suit you. If you succeed the mission than you'll be given your title and your location will be finalized," She explained cheerfully.
"Yes, but how long until that happens?"
"You'll be given your exams at the discretion of your tutors so it could take any varying range of time to decide you're eligible for the final test," She answered, sounding just as bubbly and cheerful as her initial explanation. Maka's head bowed and she let out a long, drawn-out sigh.
"Great. So I'll be stuck dealing with these nut-jobs for quite a while then," She grumbled bitterly. Blair reached out and set her hand on her shoulder, causing her to glance up with troubled orbs of moss green.
"Don't be like that, Maka-Chan," Blair tsked with a wag of her finger. Maka raised her eyebrow at the attempt to scold her that she was presented with. "Anyway, I want to explain a little something about Soul-Kun to you just so you can understand where he's coming from."
"Why? I'm not going to be dealing with him in the long-term," She quipped irritably. Golden orbs glinted lightly with amusement at this. She remembered that as a child Maka had always had a crush on the boys that broke the rules. She would always complain about their attitudes but then she would become infatuated with them.
She could already tell that Soul was going to be added on to Maka's growing list.
"But you may get partnered up with him in the future if he gets placed in your neck of the woods so it'd be better this way," She advised patiently. Maka sighed but swirled her hand in a circle, indicating to her friend to continue. "You see, I met Soul-Kun a long time ago, when he was only about six years old. A terrible accident befell his family that left them… Well, unable to care for him to say the least. Despite the circumstances behind it, Soul was still left feeling abandoned by his family as a whole. Ever since he came here under the demand of his extended relatives, he's cut ties with his family and kept people at a distance. The only reason he's so close to Black*Star and the others is because they all joined up around the same time. Well, except for Kid since his Daddy is the big boss around here." She giggled lightly. She draped her arm over the other's shoulders as they headed out. "If Soul-Kun warms up to you he might tell you himself but until then please be patient."
Maka stared off to the side for a while before letting out a small sigh. "I will make an attempt," She grumbled lightly.
"That's all I'm asking," Blair mused lightly as they headed off to another of the training rooms. Blair was going to show Maka how to use two tools of the trade; throwing knives and her feminine wiles.
It had been a bright and sunny summer afternoon when it happened. Soul could still remember running into the garden and being assaulted by the fragrances of the flowers his mother tended. The sweet tang of roses, lilacs, marigolds, sunflowers and several other flowers that had funny names he couldn't pronounce made him feel relaxed and safe. His mother was seated at the patio table under a large green umbrella, sipping sweet ice tea with the elderly lady whom lived next door to them. He rushed up to her and hid his face in her skirt, causing her to jolt up and then giggled. "Oh, Soul sweetie, what's the matter?" She cooed, leaning forward to pick him up. She settled him into her lap and draped her arms around him; he immediately nuzzled into her collarbone.
"I got out of piano practice and I couldn't find you," He whined lightly. She giggled and smoothed out his hair lightly. Soul had always been a bit of a Mama's Boy but Masumi didn't mind; she loved her boys with all her heart. She also knew that in a few years Soul wouldn't be as sweet and cuddly (since he'd be dealing with hormones and growing up) so she was going to enjoy it as long as she could. "I thought you went somewhere without me."
"Mommy would never go anywhere without her little man," Masumi giggled, kissing his forehead. Soul grinned and giggled lightly at her nickname for him and nuzzled her more.
"He reminds me of my little grandson," The elderly woman remarked with a bright smile. Soul looked at her curiously then looked up at his mother.
"My little Soul is my little drop of sunshine," Masumi said, smiling down at her child. He grinned back at her, flashing his pointed shark teeth. "My sunny little shark boy." She mused while rubbing their noses together.
The elderly woman perked up and looked at her watch. "Ah, my family will be coming to visit in just a few minutes. I need to go finish getting the preparations in order," She said while standing. Masumi stood as well, holding Soul up with one arm, and extended her hand to the other woman. "I look forward to our next teatime, Masumi." She said happily before heading off.
"Well, my little Soulie-Bear, what would you like to do now?" She asked as she started heading into the house with Soul. He tapped his chin thoughtfully then looked up at her hopefully.
"Can we have a snack?" He asked eagerly.
"Of course, sweetheart. We've got some fresh cinnamon buns in the kitchen and I'll pour you a big glass of milk. You can even use your crazy straw to drink it as long as you don't blow any bubbles," She said cheerfully. His ruby orbs shimmered with his excitement and he nodded eagerly. "Promise not to blow any milk bubbles in your glass?"
"I promise, Mommy!" He beamed happily. She giggled and kissed his forehead. Despite the family's wealth, Masumi Evans did not trust anyone but herself with the cooking. She had always been on top of what was good for children, how often they should eat and when it was best to give them snacks. Did she occasionally relax her guard and give spoil her sons? Of course; it was in her maternal instinct to reward her little angels for continued good behavior. That was what had warranted this little cinnamon bun celebration for Soul; he had been doing well in school and with his practices. "Hank foo Mahah." Soul cheered around a mouthful of food.
"Sweetie, don't talk with your mouthful; it's unbecoming of a young gentlemen," She chided gently. He swallowed hard and nodded before taking another huge bite for his warm, sugary delight. The kitchen door creaked open and in walked Wesley Evans.
At the time, Wesley was a sixth grader whom had just turned eleven a few weeks ago. He was at the top of his class, was a member of the chess and tennis teams as well as the concert master (1) of the private academy's orchestra. He smiled at his relatives as he tossed his blue school blazer onto one of the chairs next to Soul. "Hello Soul, Mother," He said politely with his usual calm smile.
"Hewwo Weswey," Soul said through another mouthful of food. Masumi looked at him with a quirked eyebrow and he swallowed hard. He looked at his shoes guiltily. "Sorry, Mommy." He said softly. Her eyes softened on him and she ruffled his hair affectionately.
"It's okay, hon, just don't do it again," She hummed lightly. She then turned to her older child. "Would you like some cinnamon buns and milk as well, Wesley?"
"Yes, please. Thank you, Mother," He said lightly. He opened his book bag and pulled out his school things, separating everything according to which class it was for. "Doesn't Father come home today?" He asked without glancing up.
This caught Soul's attention; there father, William Evans, had gone on tour with his orchestra and that meant presents for the two boys. Their father always made sure to bring them each a gift but would only give it to them if they received a green light from their mother. He had told both boys he'd get them an extra special surprise if they kept up with their school and behavior. It was only because of this promise that Soul had made sure to study for that accursed spelling bee a week ago.
"Yes he does, Wesley," Masumi agreed as she set a glass and plate down for him. He uttered a small thank you and took a quick bite before cracking open his math book. "And from the way things look I know two young boys who are going to be getting wonderful prizes tonight."
"Is it us?" Soul asked while bouncing a bit in his seat. His mother laughed at his little antics and smoothed out his hair lightly.
"Why, yes, it is! My, you really are a smarty pants aren't you, Soulie-Bear?" She giggled lightly. Wes glanced at Soul and smiled at his energetic younger sibling. Soul was always so full of energy about every little thing. His excessive, child-like wonder had chased away three other piano teachers because, at the time, Soul had been unable to sit still for an extended period of time. With the promise of rewards, however, the snowy haired child found the strength within himself to remain grounded just long enough to count.
"Looks like I might have a rival for spot of being the smartest kid at the academy," Wes agreed merrily. The family believed positive reinforcement would do more good for a growing child and had always implemented the technique. Due to this, the family was close and shared a relationship not typical of many of the other families around them. Just because they were rich, the Evans adults claimed, didn't mean they had to have nannies raise their kids while they sat around doing nothing. "Oh, by the way, Mother, may I have the principle players (2) come by this weekend? We were going to start mapping out what we wanted to accomplish in our sections when the teacher gives us all different rooms to rehearse just our parts."
"I don't see why not," Masumi agreed calmly. She refilled Soul's milk glass before putting the jug away and taking a seat. "Isn't that young Smith boy the second violin (3) principle player though? I thought he didn't like you that much."
"Now that he's a principle player he's gotten over it," Wes shrugged while jotting down a few answers to his homework. Masumi then looked at Soul.
"And did you finish your homework yet, Soul?" She hummed. Since his mouth was full, he stared at her for a moment with puffed out cheeks and then nodded enthusiastically. "Would you bring it down so I can check it for you?"
"Okay," He said after swallowing. He pushed himself out of his chair and hurried off to the stairs in the foyer. He had left his room in complete disarray before his piano practice; it wasn't his fault that the aliens and the brave human astronauts' were having a war over the fate of the Earth! He made a note to clean it up before his mother came to tuck him into bed or he'd get in trouble. He then located his orange homework folder resting beneath the body of one of hi plastic alien figures, nudged the toy away with the toe of his shoe and picked it up.
He was descending the stairs when the door flew open and the grinning figure of his father stood in the doorway, a suitcase as his feet, and calling, "Honey, I'm home!"
"Daddy!" Soul squeaked while rushing over and hugging the older man's legs. Will laughed proudly and scooped him up.
"How are you doing, Champ?" He asked mirthfully. The kitchen door swung open and out walked Wesley, smiling lightly, and Masumi stayed in the doorway. She was leaning against the doorframe with her arms crossed and a large smile on her lips. When Wesley reached him, Will picked him up as well and held on child on either shoulder. "Have both you boys been keeping up your behavior and studies?"
"Yes!" Both boys agreed in a chipper tone. He set them back down, opened his suitcase and pulled out two cardboard boxes.
"I brought each of you a different present from a different country this time around. As I know, Wesley, you are a fan of French culture, music and art," Will stated calmly.
"Oui," Wes answered with a large smile and nod. Will handed him his box and the other opened it excitedly. With wonder filled eyes he presented the sight of a silk black beret. "Awesome!" He said eagerly. Although not many people knew this about him, Wesley Evans had a fondness for collecting bizarre, unique hats. He had been craving a beret drastically before his father left on his trip but hadn't been particularly vocal about it. "Merci, Father!" He beamed while situating the hat upon his head.
Soul grinned widely at his older sibling then turned to his father. "Now me?"
"But of course, Soul," He chuckled lightly. He held the box out to him and Soul took it but waited for an explanation. "I picked this little number out at a store in London for you."
Soul tore through the box and his eyes shimmered with delight at what lay before him. Inside the simply box was a little silver pocket watch. The front of the case lacked any engraving on it and had a small crank at the top with little grooves in it to help set the proper time. Soul pushed the small bump at the top that caused the cover to pop off and reveal the watch's face. There were nine little dashes and the Roman numerals for twelve, three, six and nine in their correct locations. The time was also set perfectly to the time it currently was. "Thank you Daddy!" Soul beamed happily at him. Will hugged both his boys and kissed their foreheads before giving Masumi a beautiful new locket.
"It has a picture of Soul and Wesley inside," He said happily. They kissed lightly before he looked at the boys ago. "Why don't we all go relax in the study and I'll tell you some stories from my trip?" He asked happily. Soul and Wes glanced at one another before taking off down the hallway and going off to get comfortable. Their parents chuckled at their antics before following after them.
It was at about eleven o'clock that evening that Soul heard loud noises that jarred him from his sleep. He sat up and looked around and then let out a startled cry when he heard an ear piercing scream; he knew it was his mother. He crawled out of bed and grabbed his toy shot gun from the floor where he'd discarded it. If he pulled the trigger after cocking it back it would make a noise that sounded like a real gun and he hoped that with his imaginary bullets would be able to scare away this strange threat.
He descended the stairs slowly and peered through the wooden bars of the banister. His eyes widened in horror as he saw two hooded figures standing over his parents. There was blood everywhere and the smaller of the figures, appearing to be about as tall as Soul, was holding a soiled hatchet in their hands. Soul's stomach lurched and he got ill on the stairs as he realized that the light pink specks all around the floor and his parents were their brain matter. Their heads had been split open like overly ripe melons and, judging by her location, his mother had walked in on his father's murder and been turned into another victim. "Good job, child," The taller figure snickered lightly. He could tell by her voice that she was a woman. "Now, let's go find those little brats of theirs."
Soul's eyes widened as he realized that he and Wesley were next. Panicking, he tried to run back up the stairs but stumbled and ended up falling against the stairs instead. He could tell both figures were looking at him now. How could he have been so stupid? He looked at the gun in his hands, swallowed, and forced himself to gather his wits. He pulled the gun back and pulled the trigger, a loud and realistic explosion coming from it.
"Ah! Ah! It's too loud!" The smaller figure screamed, dropping the weapon and clutching at their head. Crimson eyes shifted before his fingers pulled a few more times, causing the noise to be repeated over and over. "Ah! Make it stop!" He could now tell that the younger figure was a child about his age; he could not tell the gender, however.
"You idiot, it's just a toy!" The woman screamed while backhanding them. She hit hard enough that they hit the floor. The young child fell there, curling into themselves and crying louder. "Ugh, you incompetent little-! Let's go before the cops show up." She snarled while turning and leaving. She didn't even wait for the child, upon recovering from her hit and seeing her retreat the child got up, grabbed the hatchet, and followed her out.
Once they were gone, Soul rushed to his mother's side and grabbed at her gradually chilling hand. "Mommy… Mommy, get up," He sniffled, tear starting to fall from his eyes. He received no response except her glassy dead stare. He sat there sobbing until an hour later, when Wesley heard him and stumbled upon the scene.
A week later, he was taken in by Shibusen and, in specific, Blair.
…
Soul shot up in bed to find two pairs of matching green eyes staring at him. "Jesus Christ!" He declared, flailing his arms and falling right off the side of his bed. He winced and cracked one eye to see Maka with Calanthe on her head staring over the edge at him. "What the Hell are you doing in here?" He snarled while sitting up and rubbing his head.
"I heard you screaming in your sleep. Got worried. I'll take my leave now that I can see you're going to be fine," She said while getting up. She moved one hand to her head to assure that her kitten remained on her perch. He blinked then stood and sighed.
"Want some tea? I'll make it real fast," He said, indicating the small breakfast nook in the left corner of his room. She glanced at him, clearly unsure, before sitting back down on the edge of his bed. She remained silent and simply played with Calanthe while he prepared the drinks. When it was done he poured it into a pink mug for her (that had been a Secret Santa gift from Blair years ago) and handed it to her.
"Thanks," She said before taking a small sip. Soul noted that this time she was wearing a hooded jacket over her nightgown; he wasn't sure if he was disappointed or grateful for this.
"Sorry I snapped at you earlier," He said while staring down in the low light of his room at the tea in his cup. She let out a small noise.
"It's no big deal," She said calmly. He shook his head but still didn't look up at her.
"No… No, it really is," He said blandly. He took a deep breath before sighing and glancing back up at her. "It's just… My parents were murdered when I was a kid and I always thought… Maybe it's just God trying to play some joke on me. Back then, we were happy and wealthy and close. Then they were killed and Wes and I… We've never been the same. I sometimes think it's supposed to be leading up to some hilarious punch line that I'm the only one who doesn't get it."
"So I'm not the only one who thinks their life is a comedy of errors (4)," Maka said with a mirthless laugh. He raised an eyebrow at her and she made a small noise around a sip of tea. "It's just nerd speak. I didn't mean to pry and I'll try not to do it anymore. If you feel like telling me something than I'm more than open to hearing you out. But I do have one question." He looked at her calmly. "Did you come to Shibusen in hopes of avenging your parents?"
"No," He said calmly. He took a sip of the warm liquid in his cup before continuing on. "The person who killed my parents was just a kid too, being forced to do it by whoever was taking care of them at the time. If we meet in combat I will try to kill them; if someday I am given the mission to protect them I shall do that too. I won't hold any bad feelings toward them. I just hope that someday they can at least apologize for what they did to me and my family." His voice softened and he felt Maka's hand fall on his shoulder.
"If you ever need me, I'm here for you. I want you to see me as a friend, okay?" She asked gently. He glanced at her, then smiled and nodded.
"Thanks," He said quietly. To think this girl could become an insane killer… Was Shinigami-Sama sure this girl had been injected with that junk?
…
Kami cracked her knuckles and glared out the car window. Flights always made her restless; especially long flights in which they hadn't been able to get a hold of Maka. When she was fourteen she went through a rebellious streak and refused to answer her phone when they called to check in. They had just flown from America to Tokyo, Japan in search of another of their old friends. She thought maybe she could convince this one in specific to help them. After all, she owed Kami for saving her life when they were fifteen years old.
"The Tokyo Shibusen branch is just a few streets away, Kami," Spirit said gently. She glared at him and he twitched with a small frown. "We'll find out where they took Maka."
"I just hope they took her here," She said. He pulled up and parked the car in a parking lot about a block from the secret entrance base. For the bases set in more populated areas, there were buildings that had elevators that would take one to the underground headquarters. They entered the building to be greeted by a perky young secretary.
"Hello and welcome to Bu-Shan-Shi Law Firm. Do you have an appointment today?" She asked. Spirit felt his eye twitch as he resisted the urge to flirt with her. Kami was armed and dangerous; even Spirit Albarn could occasionally ignore the desire building in his loin with imminent danger in front of him.
"No but I think you'll be able to pencil us in," Kami said flatly. She pulled out her gun, cocked it, and pointed it at the now frightened young secretary. "Now get Yumi Azusa out here or I'm gonna get a little trigger happy. And I think you're insurance wouldn't cover a nut job cracking in your lobby after you kidnapped her daughter."
End
(1) Concert master – The concert master is the first chair first violin or the best player in the given section. They walk out right before the conductor and begin the on-stage tuning process by playing a sing note while standing. Upon the rest of the orchestra making their final tweaks and adjustments, the concert master sits, finishes their tuning, and when it all goes silent the conductor steps on stage. Concert master is a term typically not introduced into the setting of an orchestra until high school but I have heard that some prestigious private academies will put the system in place during younger grades. Wesley just happens to go to one of those schools.
(2) Principle player – The principle player is a similar status to the concert master only in different sections. For example, the principle players would be the first chair second violin, first chair viola (VIOLA POWAH~!), first chair cello, first chair string bass and the first chair first violin but they are called the concert master instead. When I was in high school, we all pretty much got to take turns being principle player in the viola section since there were quite literally only five of us. It was the same with the cellos, since they only had six, and it was always one of my friends as the principle player for the string bass because she was better than the other kid and he tended to sleep in class (yes, you can sleep in orchestra class. But only if you play string bass, since it keeps you propped up).
(3) Second violin – Second violin is another term commonly used in all orchestras (even grade school groups). There are typically a significantly larger number of violins than any other instrument in orchestras; therefore, most pieces have two different parts written for the violins and leads to them being separated. Now, I'm not going to say second violins aren't as good as first violins because I don't believe that; I will say that typically the second violin part is more similar to what the lower strings play as opposed to the first violins who typically get the main melodies of the songs.
(4) Comedy of errors – A comedy of errors is a type of play that was a typical genre for Shakespeare. It's basically a story where the viewers/ readers know what's actually going on but the characters only know bits and pieces; thus leading to the characters bumbling around and making tons of mistakes.
Notes:
Updated my profile and posted the results of my poll. Everything I need/want you all to know at this point is there so please feel take the time (if you have it) to check it out. Also, notice that the rating went up on this fanfic? Wanna know why? It's a secret. :3
I'm probably going to have to come back and redefine all this crap when I eventually get to work on Define Mortified. I hope you can all forgive me if I decide to just copy and paste my cliff notes.
Why did I have to make Soul's life so friggin' terrible? Because that's how I roll, yo! (Acting tough because she hopes it will keep her from getting shot).
Am I the only one that wants a Baby Soul as a pet to carry around? I mean, seriously! I made him too damn cute in this! It almost makes me feel bad for what I did to his parents…. Key word being almost.
Next Chapter:
I want to talk about someone else's back story but who should it be? The debate is between Blair, Maka, Black*Star and Stein; give me your opinions in your reviews. I spend time developing the relationship between our bad guys, their teams and their relations to one another. Be prepared for some more SoMa bonding fluff.