And on to chapter two. Enjoy.

It had been a long evening, and Ayelis was soon looking forward to a good nights sleep. After going through some of the notes that Maka and Tsubaki had loaned her, she was more than ready to get some rest. She undressed, let down her hair, and put on her night clothes. Ready to lock the doors and drift away into the wonderful peace known as sleep. Thats when she had realized, Vizy and Lyall, han't come home yet. Ayelis was beinning to worry. Usually Lyall would be home by now, and it never took long for Vizy to follow. At that moment though, that hadn't been the case. So instead of sleeping, She propped herself up by the window of their appartment. Watching and waiting for her partners to be walking up the streets of Death City, and on their way home.

"I hope they're all right."

She was talking to herself again, just thinking out loud really. She couldn't really help it though, thats just how she was. Ayelis thought about the events that had occured in the last month or so. The Kishin Ashura had been beaten, and the madness had receeded for now. Maka and Soul had managed to collect all 99 souls, and a witch soul. The whole academy was overjoyed when the news came. Lord Death held the ceremony, and that had been that. Soul was a death-scyth.

She remembered congradulating them on the event, and Maka's kind words. She was so sure Ayelis would make Vizy and Lyall into deathscyths. She reassured her of it, so enthusiastically. Yet here she was, with not one soul for either of them. She felt like she had become such a let down, but she still continued to try. After all, Maka and Soul thought she could do it. That was reason enough not to quit right?

Her thoughts were trailing every wich way, as she continued to watch out the window. The moon was still watching over Death City with that devilish grin it always seemed to have. Though Ayelis could see the squinting rays of light from the sun, starting to poke through the blackness.

"Where are they?"

She stood up, more worried now that the break of day was on its way. This wasn't right. The boys should have been home by now, so where were they? She watched a little longer, and decided that she should go look for them. They had been at Gallows Manor all night, that she was aware of, and she was sure someone would have called to let her know if anything had happened. Where else would they go?

Ayelis was getting frantic, pacing around her room, glancing out the window every few seconds. After about twenty minutes, the girl had enough. She hadn't slept, she was tired as hell, and she was not amused by the current situation. Getting dressed once again, she imediately headed out the door. Scanning the streets for her partners, as she sprinted in the direction of the manor. Feeling it was best to check the last known place they would have been. Ayelis suddenly wished that she could use soul perception like Maka and Kid. Maybe it would have helped her to find her partners. It would have certainly made things easier.

She came up to the large doors of the manor, just as the suns rays broke completely through the dark sky. She just had to ask Kid and the girls, they would know what happened to Vizy and Lyall. They had to know. She reached to knock, hoping that nothing serious had happened. She was shocked at first, but soon became enraged at the same time when the doors opened to greet her.

"Oh hey Ayelis. Damn, you look like hell."

There stood Vizy, looking his meister over with a blank expression. She was fighting back the urge to kill the both of them. Where was Lyall? He had to know she would be angry with them. Peering past Vizy's shoulder, she saw a few other students still lingering around. Apparently the boys weren't the only ones who hadn't made it home that night.

"The party went longer than we thought. So we ended up staying here." he grinned at her, shrugging his shoulders as if it were no big deal.

"And Neither of you thought to call me? YOU HAD ME WORRIED SICK!"

Ayelis was ready to beat him sensless. She had gotten no sleep whatsoever, thinking that something had happened. When they were still here at Gallows Manor the whole time. She was going to tear them both appart! She spotted Lyall walking towards them, and sent him a glare that might even have sent a kishin running. He stopped in his tracks, and his face paled. Lyall knew his meister was angry.

"Ayelis! I'm sorry, we should have called. But Patty and Liz..."

"Both of you... home...now." she didn't want to hear it.

They may have been like brothers to her, but they certainly weren't the older or more mature ones if that was the case. Ayelis felt like she was babysitting half the time with Vizy. But for Lyall to do something so irresponsible? Oh no, she was not impressed.

Liz and Patty were both watching the little exchange, and neither of them were willing to step up and try to calm the other girl down. Kid was nowhere in sight, but Ayelis was sure he'd be made aware of the problem soon enough. She turned on her heels, catching a glimps of Black Star still inside, groaning over an overly stuffed belly. She was unamused. Just wait untill they all got home, they'd hear it from her in full force then. It was unusual for Ayelis to get so worked up. However, after a night with no sleep, and not knowing where her two partners were all night. She was seriously pissed off. It was enough really to make anyone cranky.

When the trio arrived back at the appartment, both boys braced themselves as soon as the door was shut. They were right in doing so. Ayelis exploded, so much so that the two of them were clutching one another, cowering in fear. Lyall had never seen his meister this upset with either of them. He was the good one of the pair. Vizy did stupid things all the time, but he had never expected her to go off like this. All because of a prolonged party, lack of sleep and no phone call. Once she had finished with them, Ayelis made a mental reminder to scold Liz and Patty the next time she saw them. She could be very intimidating when angry, and both Vizy and Lyall could vouch for that. The timid little mouse, still bites back when she's pushed too far. Though perhaps she did overreact a little bit.

The three ended up in class later that day, and Ayelis was still not happy. Considering she was doing everything she could not to fall asleep. Tsubaki had approached her earlier, trying to make sure she was all right. Ayelis had explained to her what happened, and the taller girl gave her a sympathetic look. She knew it could be aggravating, and felt the same way when Black Star did stupid things like that sometimes.

"If you need my notes for a little longer thats fine Ayelis. I know its not easy to catch up in one night." She smiled lightly, "Especially under the circumstances"

"Thank you Tsuabki. I really appreciate it."

Ayelis was trying to focus on her work, when she saw Liz, and Patty stepping through the door. Kid followed behind them, as calm as ever, but he had a slighty annoyed expression. The hairs on her neck stood out, with the sight of the girls., and she sent them both a look that could scare Lord Death himself. Liz caught the vibe, and nearly cowered behind Patty, who seemed oblivious to what was going on. Kid however, shook his head. Everyone could tell he was unamused by the situation. Ayelis could only imagine the time he would have had, cleaning up the mess from the party. She was also guessing that was the reason they were all later than the boys and herself. Her mood was slowly inproving, but it would take most of the day she figured to cool down completely.

Professor Stein simply sighed, and took attendance. It seemed like nothing surprised him. Of course when he had finished taking roll, three student were caught off guard by the additional mention of their names.

"Ayelis, Vizy, Lyall. You three, Lord Death wants to see you. The rest of the class, continue with your work." the menacing grin on his face did not do much to reassure the group.

What in the world could lord Death want them for? They hadn't done anything that Ayelis could think of to attract his attention. She thought long and hard on the way to the death room. The girl had no specific skills that were of any use to him, so what could it be? She soon got her answer though, as they knocked and were instructed to enter the room. Lord Death was waiting patiently for the three, as they approached the center of the rather large chamber.

"Hello, hello Hiya! Hows things going kids?" Ayelis never understood that goofy way he greeted people.

"Um, ok I guess. What did you want to see us for sir?"

"Ah yes, about that." he paused, and she could feel her palms sweating from aniticipation, "It seems you three are falling behind quite a bit. Am I right?" that was easy for anyone to figure out.

"Yes sir. Things are a little... difficult right now, I guess." she nodded with her response and lowered her eyes. Both Vizy and Lyall remained quiet, but nodded in agreement as well.

"Well then, I've got a few assignments for you. Some Extra lessons should be just what the three of you need." Ayelis' eyes lit up, this was what she had hoped for. The chance to catch up with everyone.

"Really? Lord Death Thank you! You won't be dissapointed I promise!"

Pleased with her reaction, Lord Death proceeded to tell them all the details of their assignments, and that a group was to accompany the trio to make sure it all went well. Ayelis could hear both of her partners groaning behind her as they were dismissed. They didn't exactly like the thought of extra work, especially Vizy. She didn't care though. This was exactly what she had been wating for. The chance to get things right, and maybe get back on track with their soul collection. Ayelis was thrilled to say the least. She silently thanked Lord Death several times, as they continued out the door.

The three returned to class, as the rest of the day seemed uneventfull. Professor Stein had gone through several things they would need to know for the next examination. For once Ayelis managed to get all of it, even the dual arts section was starting to make sense to her now, and she was beaming. Untill she remembered something Lord Death had mentioned. She would be going with a group to complete her lessons, but he never mentioned who would be accompanying them. That only left her to wonder. They were supposed to leave in the morning, and had been told the group would meet outside the front entrance of the academy. Whoever it was, Ayelis was sure things were going to go well, or at least she was hoping they would. The events of the night before were forgotten, and she had forgiven both boys. Lyall had continuously appologised through the entire day. Ayelis could uderstand, as she also hated it when someone was upset with her.

When the day ended, and the three of them headed home, Ayelis was more than releived with the outcome of events. Tsubaki and Maka had been happy for her, and she thanked them again for letting her borrow their notes. They had been concerned for her, and very encouraging. So had Liz and Patty, now that she really thought of it, despite them being part of the reason she was angry before. Ayelis doubted the girls had intended for things to go on so long, and by now she knew they were sorry. She didn't really tend to hold a grudge for something so stupid anyway. She had gotten her point across to all of them, so it was fine.

Soul and the guys had been helpful in thier own sort of way. Black star, was always telling her she had a long way to go to be as great or amazing as he was, but not to give up. Soul had said she was pretty cool herself, although Ayelis couldn't see where he came to that conclusion. Kid had always been friendly towards her. She had supposeed his comment from a while ago was something she should be proud of, according to him. Something about being more symmetrical than most of the students here at the academy. Although, she was never sure how to take that one. Ayelis dressed coordinated and tidy, nothing out of the ordinary that she could think of. The only thing that seemed to bother Kid was that she had only one side with a skull patch on her left arm. He had nearly gon out of his way to sew another one on her right, just so she'd be symmetrical. That had weirded her out a little to say the least.

Of course Vizy and Lyall had always had faith in their meister, right from the very beginning. So she had a lot more support than she even realized. Her parnters were her pillars, they held her up when she thought she would fall.

"Hey Ayelis?"

"Hmm? What is it Lyall?" she had been reading over Tsubaki's notes for an hour or so now.

"When Viz and I do become deathscyths... you're still gonna be our meister right?" that was a surprising question, comming from him.

"Of course. Why do you ask?" Lyall seemed to hesitate with his answer. "Lyall?"

"Its just... I look at Soul and Maka. They make a really good team you know?" he seemed to smile at the thought, "I just want us all to be like that. Stay a team, no matter what."

"Well don't worry all right. The three of us are always going to be a team." she smiled, reassuring him of his concerns.

Ayelis had no intention of giving them up, even if she couldn't turn them into deathscyths, she would always be there for them, and they had always made it clear they would be there for her. They were a family. Since her parents couldn't always be around, they had to stick together. Ayelis had a feeling these extra lessons were going to work out just fine, and they would soon be well on the way to achieving the goal of deathscythe.

The night went by fast, and before she knew it, Ayelis was up and preparring for their assignment. The boys were whining the entire morning. Vizy more than anyone really. She ended up giving him a smack, just to shut him up, if only for a few minutes. It was rather comical, to see him rubbing the side of his head where she'd hit him. She wasn't going to give up on this, and she was aslo eager to find out who would be in the group with them.

Ayelis had done group missions before, but the ones she ended up with, she could never work easily with. Resonating souls with them was a lot more difficult because of that, and she had always assumed it was her own fault. Ox and Kim had been paired with her once before, and she had made a mess of everything by the end of the mission. She felt awefull for it. She had always been the botch up of any other assignments with a group. Lord Death though, seemed to think that she would do better this time around.

Ayelis hurried along with her morning routine. Ever since Lyall had mentioned setting the alarm earlier, she decided to take his advice. So this morning was going well so far. The trio made their way to the academy quickly, as Ayelis was overly excited to get things in motion. She was rather surprised when they all got there. Most of the students were already inside, but she noticed the group standing at the entrance, and her excitement escalated tenfold.

"Hey! Ayelis! What took you so long?"

"Liz...Patty?"she looked confused, as she greeted the Thompsons.

"Yup yup! We're part of the group Haha!" Patty exclaimed. She seemed delighted to be there.

"Hey don't forget me you know. You'd never make it through this if the great Black Star didn't come along." Tsubaki only smiled, and waved. If they were all there, did that mean?

"What are we, chopped liver? Lets get going." the voice of the scyth caught everyones attention.

"Soul? Maka? ...This is..."

"Thats right. My father asked us to accompany you three." Kid's face was calm as always, and a small grin was present on it.

Talk about being spoiled. Ayelis began to wonder if Lord Death left something out about this mission, or was he just that worried about them? Ayelis was more than shocked with the group. They were some of the best students in the DWMA, and he wanted them to help her? She could feel the tinge ofpink rising to her cheeks. She was flattered to have them as her group. Soul alone was a deathscyth, and practically a celebrity all over the academy. Not to mention that Death the Kid was going with them too, the son Of Lord Death. All of this replayed in her head a few times, before it actually sank in. How hard was this really going to be anyway?

"Well what are we waiting for? Lets get this party started!" Vizy was ever the impatient one.

"A..all right. I guess, lets get going." Ayelis smiled.

"Where exactly are we headed anyway?" Liz hadn't been listening, or maybe she wasn't told.

"To the North east."Ayelis answered her.

Ayelis for one was looking forward to it. She loved to travel, and she found it somewhat relaxing when she did. They were supposed to investigate something about an island where a Pirate was said to have once stashed all of his treasure, and that a witch, had been seen near the area. In any case, they were going to be busy. If there was a witch involved, it would be Ayelis' first time actually encountering one. She wasn't really sure how she felt about that. Even with the others tagging along, it was going to be quite the experience for all of them. A witch was not something to be taken lightly. Even for a three star meister, a witch was a force to be reckoned with.

Despite the fact that she was not going to be alone for this mission, Ayelis still felt the pressure of fear. Fear of failure, always seemed to accompany her, no matter the situation. She had yet to succeed on any missions, so it was no surprise that she was worried about it. Maka could sense her discomfort, and turned to place a kind hand on her shoulder.

"You'll do fine Ayelis. We're all here to help you ok? Remember that." she gave the timid girl a smile. Squeezing her shoulder in reassurance.

"Yes... Thank you Maka." doubt still traced her voice as she replied.

Ah my pessimistic little Ayelis. How those boys do torment you.

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