And now the third chapter of my attempt at a Soul Eater story. if I didn't say it before, this takes place after Maka sucker punched the Kishin in the anime, and everyone was all happy.

I do not own Soul Eater.

The trip itself was long, and Ayelis was almost ready to strangle Black star and Vizy by the time they arrived. The entire time, she heard nothing but the two of them whine and complain about how hungry they were, or how bored they were. Typical childish boys.

"Yahoo!...So why are we here again?" Ayelis was sure she heard a vien pop somwhere in her head with that question. How very...irritating.

"Black Star...Haven't you been listening at all?" Tsubaki sighed. They could all tell she was already worn out by him.

"Yeah, we're here to help Ayelis. I wanna know what we're fighting though!"

"I already said, we're here to investigate the island. Supposedly there is a Pirate here thats been defending some sort of treasure, Inside a cave. That and there have been reports of a witch nearby. " Ayelis clenched her teeth as she spoke. How did he go around like this all the time? So oblivious to the task at hand.

"Oh. Awesome! So I get to beat up a pirate!"

"Riiight. Beacause beating up pirates, is ooh soo exciting." He got excited over the strangest things. Although she could say the same about Kid really. She had been present for a few of his symmetry outbreaks.

The group wasted no time in getting to the pirate's cave. To say the least, the place had a very forboding feeling comming from inside. Ayelis turned to Maka, who she knew was able to see anything going on in the interrior of the cave. The expression on her face alone, was enough to tell this was not going to be pretty. According to the scythmeister, there were hundreds of human souls inside. Vizy and Lyall were at the ready, patiently waiting for their meister to give the word, and they would transform. Liz was freaking out, hiding behind Kid , and saying something about ghosts. If this was a ghost, then it was certainly up to no good. Ayelis couldn't see souls, but she could feel the malevolence and intense hatred emmanting from within the cave.

"So what is the story behind this guy anyway?" Soul seemed interested by it at least.

"Captain Black Bartelmy. Ruthless in life, and in death. He murdered his own family and all of his men." she explained,"He came here to hide his treasure, and his soul was bound inside. Unfortunately that never stopped him from killing people who tried to explore this place. My guess would be the lure of burried treasue is what he uses to bring people to the cave, He then steals thier souls."

Soul whistled,"Sounds pretty intense."

"I would say so. It's disgusting. This place is Asymetrical garbage. That pirate I'll wager is no better." Kid was right about that much. The place was a mess. But what could you expect from a cave, and a pirate?

"Does that really matter right now? Lets just go in, get this guys soul and get out. Sounds like a plan to me." Vizy was getting fidgety. Patience was never one of his strongpoints.

The group of teens proceeded inside. There was a dim light source within, and they could only guess what it was. They were assuming it to be the light of human souls, and they had assumed correctly. Once the group reached the inner part of the cave, the entire place was littered with human souls. It made Ayelis' stomache turn to think of all these people who had died just for comming here. Everyone prepared themselves. Each of their weapons transformed, Vizy and Lyall included.

To Ayelis, the weapon forms were only natural. However for the rest of the group, this was the first time actually seeing the boys fully transformed. She stood with each hand holding one of them. The edges of their blades shining faintly from the dim light of the souls arround them, waiting to strike out. It was a little disturbing when Kid seemed to be having an episode over it. He started blabbering something along the lines of how they were perfectly symmetrical, in weapon form. Ayelis simply guessed it was similar to Liz and Patty's case.

Vizy and Lyall were identical weapons. Twin hand axes, and she was proud to be their meister. But it wasn't the boys forms that seemed to be bothering Maka. The instant Vizy and Lyall had trasformed, she could sense it. The change in Ayelis' soul wavelength, and in Ayelis herself. She stared quietly for a moment, more focused on the task at hand. Black star however, always had something obnoxious to say.

"What the heck are you guys? Those have got to be the dumbest weapons I've ever seen!" he started laughing like a fool.

"WHAT WAS THAT SHRIMP? Ain't Nothin Dumb About Us!" the taller boy flared from within his weapon form. Vizy wasn't going to put up with that comment.

"Black star! Thats not exactly nice you know!" poor Tsubaki, always answering for Black star's stupidity.

Ayelis was unamused, and her change in tone certainly helped to prove it. "They're my partners. You don't like it, then go to hell." the menacing grin, and venom dripping from every word, was earning Ayelis a strange look from not just Black star.

Ayelis walked quietly, as she and the others continued deeper inside the cave. It wasn't hard to tell, Maka was focused on the goal. She had such a serious face. Ayelis had a lot less experience then the rest of the group, but that wasn't going to stop her. The sound of a deep cackling could be heard now, coming from deeper inside.

"Over there. I see him." Maka's gaze was fixed towards the back of the cave. She had spotted the soul of the Captain.

"Good... I can't wait to gut the bastard." there it was again, the poisonous tone within her voice.

The group seemed somewhat disturbed by Ayelis' sudden change, but continued with their mission. The booming voice of Captain black Bartelmy met them all head on. The sound of Kid's gunfire was the first thing, then the sound of metal clanging. Something hit, but they could barely see anything in such dim lighting. Another shot was fired, but it wasn't from Kid. The sound of it was different.

In an instant the room was lit with flames. Torches all around , now showed the enemy in perfect view. The sight of the old pirate was horrid. His skin was rotted, bones showing through his tattered clothing. Maggots fell from the openings in his flesh, and the smell was putrid enough to make anyone vomit. Kid had been right when he said the old Captain was disgusting, and it wasn't just on a symmetrical level either. Another cackle from the beastly soul was let loose.

"Sooooo! Who is it this time, after me treasure? Who comes to give me yer souls?" one eyeball peered at the group from under a heavy cloth hat.

"Captain Black Bartelmy! I hope you're ready to DIE!" the grin on her face widened, as Ayelis stood poised and ready to kill. "I'm here to claim your rotten soul!" the tone in her voice was something none of them had heard before. At least not coming from her anyway.

"HAH! Not likely little missy! I give my soul to nobody! Especially not the likes of a bratty twig such as you!"

Ayelis seemed enraged by the insult thrown at her. He fired several shots at all of them, aiming more for her than the others, only because of what she had said to him. A wicked sneer made itself present on her face, as she blocked the bullets using Vizy and Lyall. She was watching, looking for some weak point to hit him. It was a good thing the others were with her, as it made it easier to find an opening for attack. Although the ease of the fight soon left, as three other disgusting gouls made an appearance.

Out of nowhere, the grotesque, pirate looking things attacked, giving them little time to react. All the group could do for the moment was block. Maka had tried her witch hunter twice, but they had regenerated the second the blade left their flesh. Black star seemed to be doing better. His big wave attack was enough to stun the ugly things long enough for the teens to regroup. How helpful that was going to be none of them were really sure of. What frightened them more was seeing that Ayelis didn't really seem to care either.

"This isn't working!" Maka, was panting heavily now.

"No, really? I thought we were doing just FINE!" Soul yelled. Maka didn't appreciate his sarcasm.

"Then lets try something else! I'll rip him appart yet!" Ayelis looked around, trying to find something that would be of use.

"Look there!"

She glanced towards where Kid had pointed, and her eyes lit up with an idea. The Captain was hovering over a treasure chest, not budging from his perch over it the entire fight. Could he have been protecting it for another reason? Kid had sensed something odd about it from the beggining. There were souls inside of it. There was no time to ask questions though, and Ayelis was already decided on what to do.

"Right, I can draw their fire. Maka, you, Kid,and Black star, go for the tresure chest!"

"Ayelis, you'll have to take the final shot on him though." Maka reminded her, but was still worrying about the strange aura being let off from her friend.

"Then try to leave me an opening dammit! Now come on!"

"I don't know what you kiddies are yammerin on about, but it wont do you no good!" the Captain unloaded another round of fire at them all, as his goons attacked.

The plan of attack was simple, and as Ayelis took most of the fire from the four zombies, Maka and the others went in. Kid firing at each of the gouls, pushing them back. A slash from Soul, and the Captain was forced away from the chest. One more big wave from Black star, and that stunned him again. Long enough to give the opening needed to finish the job.

"Ayelis! Go Now!" Maka shouted, nearly out of breath.

"All right then. Ready boys?"

"You got it Ayelis!" Vizy answered her, but Lyall remained quiet.

"Lets go Soul Resonance!"

Maka realised they must have done soul resonance before, but as she watched, it bothered her to see Ayelis so driven, when moments before she had been so calm and collected. It was like an entirely different person altogether. She watched as Ayelis dove for the disgusting heap of flesh that was the Captain, hoping that their gamble had been worth the risk. Whether it was or not, the bastard didn't have a prayer. The length and size of both axes grew, and their meister still handled them with ease. Spinning them rhythmically in her hands, as she herself moved with a strange gracefullness.

"Nightmare Waltz!" Ayelis could hear her own pulse beating, as blades of deep violet energy, spewed forth from her weapons as she moved. Tearing at the floating corpse in front of them.

"What is this? NO! Damn you brats! Not the treasure!"

Those were the last words heard from Captain Black Bartelmy. In a few seconds, the three other creatures dissapeared. Their bodies dicintegrated into the air, and as they did, the treasure chest was split in half. The souls of all four exposed. Ayelis heard the sighs of everyone, as they all relaxed a bit. Though inside this cave, it was hard to do just that. Vizy and Lyall reverted back to their human forms. A worried expression dawned on Lyall's face.

"Good job Ayelis!" she heard Tsubaki call.

"Yeah, nice work. That was pretty cool." Soul had also returned to his human state.

"My... my first souls captured."She was a little in shock over it all, "We did it."

"AWESOME! Two for each of us! right bro?" Vizy was exstatic, as Lyall nodded his head in response, replacing the worried look with a smile. He always seemed to look that way after the three had just been in a fight.

"I have you guys all to thank. We couldn't have pulled this off without you." Ayelis smiled wide, as she looked at all of them. So this was what it was like, to be part of a team.

"Lets not stay here ok guys? This place still creeps me out!" Liz was still scared out of her mind.

"Hold on, the rest of the human souls here, I'll have to take them back to my father for safeguarding." Ayelis kept forgetting Kid was a grim reaper too. This had probably been so easy for him. Her spirit dampened a little to think of how weak she was compaired to everyone else.

Once Kid gathered all the disembodies souls, the group was ready to leave the cave. With Patty giggling away, and Black star raging about his spotlight being stolen. They decided it was best to head back to the DWMA. Lord Death would be eager to hear their report anyway, and Ayelis was itching to tell him all about it. Perhaps now she could finally start to catch up to everyone else. They were off to a good start anyway, and she intended to keep it up.

It was going to be a long trip home, but at least this time Black star and Vizy were fast asleep for most of it. Ayelis found the flight home relaxing, after what they all just went through. She was sure for Maka and the others this had been nothing. After all they had survived fighting the kishin Ashura. In spite of that, she was still glad to have them with her.

The plain was small, and it was two seats to a row. Which didn't bother her really. Poor Lyall though, he hated flying, and with his brother next to him drooling and snorring in the seat behind her. It really didn't make it easier for him. Ayelis felt bad, but there wasn't much she could do. The plain was full capacity, and personally she didn't feel like sitting next to Visy either. Liz had noticed his discomfort though, and took the opportunity to help him out.

"Hey Lyall, I'll sit there instead if you want. Patty doesn't mind, and I'd love a chance to pester him anyway." a suspicious grin snaked its way accross her mouth. Although Ayelis seemed to think Vizy waking up to see Liz beside him, would probably make his day, Liz seemed to have other intentions.

"Thanks Liz. I'll take you up on that offer."

The two of them switched seats, and that made the trip just a little more enjoyable for Lyall. Ayelis was content in any case. Travelling never bothered her, especially not when she had the window seat. Watching the sky was almost mezmorizing, even at night. The stars were all over, and you could see whisps of clouds passing by underneath the wings of the plain. Watching the light from the moon reflecting off the fluffy white surfaces, was nothing short of beautiful. It was a mystical scene to behold indeed. She was nearly drifting off to sleep herself, untill the voice beside her, stirred Ayelis from her daze.

"Hmm? Sorry, I was dozing a little." she rubbed her eyes, along with her response.

"Its alright. I asked if you enjoyed flying, thats all." Kid repeated his question,"You seemed so entranced in the view outside."

"Oh? Well I suppose... I do enjoy the view." she turned again to look out the window. She did enjoy it.

They sat in a comfortable silence for a while, since she was awake again to continue watching the clouds fly by. Occasionally Someone would start to talk about this or that, but most of it Ayelis drowned out unless it was directed at her. Liz had asked her a few things, which she thought were interesting. She inquired about Vizy quite a bit it seemed, though whether or not it was to bother him later, or simply get to know him, Ayelis had no idea. She answered as best she could, but told Liz it was probably a better idea to simply ask him. She was no mind reader, so she couldn't speak for him. Once Liz had settled back down, Ayelis thought the rest of the flight would be quiet. She was surprised though, with the next conversation.

"Your soul resonance...It was interesting."

"I'm...sorry?" Kid wasn't looking at her, but he still carried on.

"It was interesting to watch. Like a dance, each step, each movement was in perfect sync." He had watched the whole thing? That was a little unsettling. She thought he was still fighting along with the rest of them.

'Um... you...think so huh?" she had never gotten a comment like that about her tecnique."I've never really considered it that way, but it is a sort of dance, yes."

"Your movements were actually rather inspiring. I didn't see a single flaw, that takes practice." Ayelis suddenly saw where the conversation was going. "It was perfectly symmetrical. An absolutely beautiful display of symmetry!"

There were the infamous words, of Death the Kid. "Right, well... Thank you. I guess." the look on his face when he said it, was what creeped her out. She should take it as a complement comming from him, but she wasn't exactly sure.

Ayelis squirmed closer to the window, wondering if she should make the excuse to go to the bathroom and stay there. Considering though, that bathrooms on plains were rather cramped and not easy to move around in anyway. She decided to simply sit quietly untill they reached home. She would be able to breath easy there at least, and she was actually starting to think she would have been better off sitting next to Vizy after all.

Ayelis looked back at Liz, who for some reason, was giving her an amused face. Like she was expecting something else to happen while Kid was taking a spazz over his obsession again. Ayelis was grateful He had refrained from doing this during the fight. That would have made things significantly more difficult, and the lot of them might still be stuck in that cave.

She had done what she needed to for this lesson, but something still felt off. Ayelis wondered if that was part of Lord Death's intentions to begin with? It certainly seemed to work if that was the case. Whatever the reason, her head was starting to hurt though, with all this contemplating over simple things. She couldn't wait to get back on the ground, and home to their appartment. She was looking forward to a nice hot bath, before they headed out again on their next mission. What bothered her the most though, was that they had found no trace of a witch. There were no signs at all, even if she was using soul protect, there should have been something. Right now though, Ayelis didn't think she could handle a witch on her own. She still needed a lot of work, before she could manage that sort of fight.

They arrived home at last, and all in one piece. Ayelis may enjoy flying, but she would prefer the trip itself to be shorter. Sitting on her butt for about seven hours, did tend to make a person stiff. She would have to wait for that bath though, since Lord Death was wating for their report in the death room. She still had an aching feeling that they had missed something back on the island, but she guessed it couldn't be helped at this point. The initial objective was to stop the pirate zombies, and collect their souls, and they had done that.

The group all made their way to the Death room, and Ayelis could tell something was troubling Maka. She wondered if Maka felt the same as she did about the mission. She'd be able to tell better than Ayelis ever could, since she didn't have the same ability. She decided to ask her about it later though. Ayelis imagined she had already said something to Soul about it, and for now it could wait.

"Heya Hiya! Hows it going students?" Lord death always seemed too cheery, "I heard the mission was a success."

"Yes sir. I was able to claim my first few souls. But..."

"But what Ayelis? Did something happen?" he tilted his head curiously.

"Well, we found no trace of a witch. Although several people had claimed there was signs of one in the area, there was nothing we found in the cave." her palms were sweating. "Shouldn't we have at least found something?"

"A witch has many ways of concealing herself other than using soul protect. I'm not entirely surprised that you didn't find anything." he pressed his hand to his chin in thought. "Still we should take extra precautions for the next time."

"Yes sir. But I'm still worried about that witch."

"Lord Death, I have to agree with Ayelis. Something didn't feel quite right when we left." she had a feeling Maka would voice her own opinion. It was the same as her own.

"Hmm, well I suppose I could send you back to investigate more thoroughly." Ayelis watched as Lord Death tapped his fingers thoughtfully,"All right then, you kids can check it out for me. If you find anything suspicious report back to me right away."

"MAKA! Papa's so proud of you! Helping out your friends." they were all startled by Spirits' intrusion. Ayelis more than anyone else really. Maka was only aggrivated by it.

It was amusing to see, Maka's father trying so hard to earn points with her. She always ignorred him though. Ayelis had to admitt she wasn't so fond of Spirit, but she did feel a little sorry for him. It would be hard to watch your only daughter grow up right in front of you, but not even be accknowledged by her. Although Ayelis was relieved they were going back to make sure of things, a few of the others had expressed that they weren't happy with the decision.

"You're not serious are you? We're not going back there!" Liz whined."That place is so creepy!"

"We have to figure out whats going on. Both Ayelis and I could tell something was off. "

"Maka's right you guys. It needs to be looked into." she wasn't going to chicken out, that was for sure.

"Oh, that reminds me. Dad, these are the human souls we found. It seems the Captian, had more than one motive for gathering them."

"Hmm? My my, there are quite a few of them. Thank you son. Always a job well done." Lord Death gave Kid a pat on the head. He seemed to treat him like a child far too often. Ayelis could tell Kid didn't appreciate it much. Maybe he had a lot to learn yes, but still.

"Well, why don't you kids take a day to recover? I understand travelling for so long can be tiresome, so you don't need to head back right away." she could almost hear the smile in Lord Death's tone. He was strange for a grim reaper, but you knew he cared.

I don't know about anyone else, but somehow a bouncing happy grim reaper really does bring a smile to my face.

And spirit makes a small appearance, yet again pissing off his daughter.

Review if it suits you. ^_^