Soul walked into the apartment he had shared with Maka since they became partners so many years ago. Maka glanced at him from the papers on the table in front of her. "Yeah, thanks' for letting me know." He hung up his phone and sighed as Maka stood, walking closer to him.

"What's wrong?" She asked worried.

Soul shook his head. "Wes called. My grandmother died."

"Oh, Soul." Maka whispered sadly. "I'll see who I can ask to cover my class and-."

"It's fine, Maka." He said softly making her look at him before he pulled her to him. "We have responsibilities here."

"Soul, she's your grandmother. I know how close you were with her." She gave a small smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "We're going."

Soul let out a little chuckle and rested his head against hers. "You're ridiculous you know that?"

"That's what makes me so cool." She smiled at him before pressing a loving kiss to his lips. She sighed as she pulled back. "When is the funeral?"

"Wes said next week. Your dad will have to step in as death scythe for Kid while we're gone. We can ask Liz to watch Maya while we're gone."

Maka shook her head as she walked over to her papers. "Liz is probably going to have to be the one to cover my class, at least for a little while until Kid can get someone to really cover it. With Tsubaki and Black Star off training there's really no one else available to cover and to watch Maya. We'll have to take her with us."

"Wes would love that." Soul smirked as he remembered when he had finally been able to talk his brother into coming out to visit after Maya was born. The eldest Evans was infatuated with the infant. "I'll talk to Kid tomorrow."

Maka nodded. "I'll call my father later." She gave him a small smile. "This will be the first time your family will meet Maya."

"Should be interesting." Soul gave a chuckle.

"I have dinner ready, go get your daughter so we can eat." Maka said with a smile before Soul kissed her cheek and went to the room that had once been Maka's to find his daughter playing quietly with her toys.

Her little red-brown eyes turn to him as the door opened and a bright smile, that matched her mother's, came to her face. "Daddy!" She cheered before she ran over to him giggling. Soul lifted her up and smiled at the little girl before turning to join Maka as she set out their dinners.

A week later Maka was wandering through the apartment double checking that they had everything as Spirit helped take things to the car with Soul. He stood by the door as Maka was still wandering the apartment. "Maka, we have everything, and if we don't who cares." He said making her sigh.

"I just want to make sure we're prepared for everything." She said looking over as Soul finished tying Maya's shoes before helping her with her little coat.

"We have everything in the car. We're fine." Soul said as he stood, pulling Maya up into his arms. "Thanks for helping Kid." He said to Spirit who nodded.

"It's my old job remember." He smirked. "besides its just to have a death scythe weapon nearby in case of some big disaster. It's not like anything can really happen."

"Yeah and that's what everyone said before Asura." Soul scoffed making Spirit open his mouth to argue then close it. "I got what I could setup, so Kid should shut up the whole time."

"I can handle Kid." Spirit said as he took Maya from Soul and smiled at the little girl. "Your papa thinks grandpa can't do anything." He told the girl.

"No, I think her grandpa is an idiot. There's a difference." Soul said as he turned away.

"Soul." Maka scolded and shook her head. She took her daughter. "Don't listen to them, they're just stupid men. Mama will teach you." She said as she walked out the door.

"Yeah 'cause that'll turn out great." Soul chuckled as Maka shook her head at him but continued out of the apartment with the two men behind her. Soul quickly locked the door and took Maya to buckle her into her seat as Maka hugged her father and thanked him for helping with her class and taking Soul's position as the official death scythe while they were gone.

"Just call if you need anything." He said as he hugged her. Maka nodded then climbed into the car as Soul gave a nod to Spirit before he got into the driver's seat and they were on their way to his family estates where Wes had been able to talk their parents into letting them stay.

After hours of driving the sun was starting its decent when they pulled up to the massive gates with a large letter E on it. Soul pressed the keys and the gates opened letting him drive all the way up and park to the side where other vehicles were. Maka yawned as she stretched climbing from the car. Soul unbuckled the sleeping Maya as Maka pulled the diaper bag over her shoulder when the massive front doors opened.

"Soul!" They saw Wes with a smile as he walked out while others stood near the door. "I'm glad you could make it." He walked closer as Soul shifted Maya to lay on his shoulder. "And you brought the little princess."

"We didn't have anyone that could watch her this time." Soul said as they started walking towards the doors as soft gasps could be heard. "Maka's dad is covering my place and taking her classes and another friend is helping out. The only other one that could really take her is off on another mission for a while."

"We figured it wouldn't hurt to bring her with us." Maka said as Wes smirked and nodded.

"Of course. She'll finally be introduced to the Evans family." He said happily as they walked in and found several members sitting and standing around the large entryway. "I have your old room set up for you."

"I'll lay her on the bed and then we can bring our stuff in." Soul said as Maya shifted and whined a little.

"I can take her to the room if you want to grab your things." Wes smiled brightly as Soul smirked. He shifted his daughter and unzipped the jacket, pulling it free lite a pro with one hand before handing her over to his brother. "She's gotten so big."

"Well she's two now." Soul smirked. "We'll be right in. we brought her travel bed." Wes nodded as Soul handed Wes the little jacket before he and Maka went back out to the car.

"Wesley." He heard as he cradled the sleeping girl against his shoulder. He looked over to where his parents sat with several other family members. "Letting him stay here is one thing but you never said he would bring that girl and that… that thing." She said looking at Maya.

"Soul is your son, that girl is his wife, and this is Maya, their daughter. She is not a thing, she is your granddaughter." He said before he turned and started walking towards the room to lay Maya down.

"Take it, mother does not approve of any of this." He heard as Soul walked in carrying a suitcase with the folded travel bed hung over his shoulder, Maka stood behind them with the diaper bag, a suitcase and a duffle bag.

"She'll figure out how to deal with everything." Wes said as he looked back down at Maya as she slept soundly on the bed. "She's definitely growing fast."

"Seems like just yesterday that we brought her home." Maka smiled as she walked over and smoothed her hand over Maya's head. Soul started setting up the travel bed.

"So, when are you going to give her a little sibling?" Soul's red eyes shot to his brother before he rolled them. "She needs a little sister or brother to play with."

"I think Maya doesn't have an opinion in the matter." Soul said as he finished and started putting the pillows and blankets into the little bed.

Wes smirked at his brother before they heard another voice at the doorway. "More than one child is unnecessary." Their mother said as she looked at her sons before over at Maka sitting on the side of the bed with Maya sleeping beside her.

"Mother." Soul said as he turned to face her.

"I was not aware that you had gotten married nor had a child." She said looking back at him, standing tall and regal.

"There's a lot you have not been made aware of, Margaret." Soul pushed his hands in his pockets. "You and George decided you wanted no part of my life when I left for the academy, so I made sure we were not informed of anything that happened."

"Don't you call us by our names. I am your mother, whether you like that or not, I should be kept abreast of things."

"You're my mother whether you like it or not. It has nothing to do with what I like or not. I left to train my abilities and become what you called a monster, you never wanted to know what happened to me, so I made it easy. The only reason I'm even here is because Wes told me what happened and Maka arranged everything to make it possible for us to be here." He glanced at Maka as she stood at the side of the bed watching the confrontation. "We have responsibilities in Death City that we managed to find a way to work out, so we could come because Granny was the only other one besides Wes who gave a damn about me. Don't worry, once this thing is over we'll be gone, and you won't know anything again." He turned away to finish setting up his daughter's bed as his mother turned her eyes to Maka. Maka stayed silent watching and feeling the pressure of souls in the room as her mother in law reared her head, but she could have sworn the woman's eyes softened as they came to rest on her and Maya.

"If you need anything let me know." Wes said softly. "I'll get a chair set up for her for dinner."

"don't worry about it Wes." Soul said as he turned to his brother. "We'll eat after everyone's done, no use in starting more problems."

"Besides she can always sit in mine or Soul's lap. She'll end up stealing our food anyway." Maka smiled making Wes smirk and nod before he left, passing his mother who looked at the three one last time before leaving as well. "I'm sorry Soul."

"Sorry?" Soul asked as he turned to her confused. "For what?"

"For talking you into this." She sighed and looked back at Maya laying on the bed still sleeping.

"You didn't do anything to be sorry for." He said as he rested his hands on her hips and pressing a kiss to her temple. "I'm glad we're here. we get to be here at the end with my grandmother and we get to show off how cool you and Maya are."

"Don't forget how amazing you are too." She said as she leaned back into him. The two stood silently watching their daughter sleep as they took in everything that had happened in their first few minutes of even being here. Maka gave a soft sigh, it was going to be a challenge to make it through the next couple days.

An hour later Maka walked through the halls to find Soul and Wes talking softly in a large Livingroom where other members had gathered to wait for dinner. Soul was holding the now awake Maya as she looked around sucking her thumb. She walked over and touched his arm making him look at her with a small smile. "Dinner should be ready soon." Wes told her making her smile and nod. "I'm sure you three must be starved."

"He can always eat." Maka smiled as Soul smirked at her and shook his head.

"Dinner is served." An old man said as he bowed at the doorway. The people made their way into the dining room, taking their seats as the food was placed in front of them. Soul handed Maya to Maka, who sat the girl in her lap while Soul cut up the food. Maka smiled as he held a fork up with some food on it letting Maya take a bite. She smiled as she smacked her lips.

"More, daddy?" She asked making him hold out another bite for her.

"Let daddy finish cutting everything up." Maka said as she handed her daughter a sippy cup. Soul finished cutting then slid the plate over in front of Maya to eat. The two stayed to themselves as other family members began talking amongst themselves.

The next day was filled with more family members arriving to prepare to the funeral the next day. Soul walked from his old room to find his mother and several other standing at the window laughing. "What's that about?"

"It seems mother and some of the others have taken an interest in Maya and Maka playing outside." Wes said standing at another window. He nodded to the outside as Soul walked over to find Maya giggling as she chased Maka and tackled her, but it turned into Maka tickling Maya.

"Maka can be as much a child as Maya sometimes." Soul chuckled as Wes smirked looking at his younger brother who continued to watch his wife and daughter run around.

"Soul?" An old woman asked making him look away from the scene. "It's been so long since you've shown up around home. What happened to you? Thought you had gone and died on us." She gave a little laugh as he just stared at her, his bored mask back in place.

"I actually went to the Demon weapon meister academy and trained to be Lord Death's death scythe." He said putting his hands in his pockets. "Thought you all were dead by now." He commented making her gasp and look at him.

"Soul." Wes said making the younger Evans glance at him. "Aunt Margarete." Wes said. "Soul has been working hard to keep the world safe." She looked at him as if ready to argue. "Soul is one of the people who fought on the moon."

"Is that so?" She said looking at Soul.

He nodded. "It is. We had to have a few friends cover our responsibilities to be able to make it here." He told her with a shrug.

Margarete looked at Soul who turned back to the window where he watched Maya tackle Maka. "You've done quite a lot of growing." She said looking at him as Soul glanced at her. "Why have we not heard of these great things?"

"Because I didn't use my name." Soul said with a shrug, not taking his eyes from his wife and daughter.

"Didn't use your name?" She asked confused as an older man and Soul's parents walked closer. "What in the world does that mean?"

"It means I wasn't Soul Evans while I was at the academy." He told them as he turned his red eyes on them.

His mother was the one to ask. "What name did you use if not your true name? Why did you toss something so precious away?"

"Soul Eater!" Everyone jumped except for Soul who sighed and turned to face the large mirror in the foyer where Spirit now showed giving him a glare. "Where is my Maka and little angel?"

"Out wrestling witches." Soul said as he moved closer earning another glare from his father in law. "Maka's keeping the little terror occupied, what did you screw up now, old man?"

"I've been doing this job longer than you've been alive." Spirit called back as Soul rolled his eyes.

"That's why you're an old man." Soul said as a matter of fact. "What's going on? Did something happen?" He asked as he shifted slightly and both men's attitudes suddenly changed very professional.

Spirit shook his head. "Nothing happened, at least not yet. We got a report from the grand witch that there are a few more covens to keep an eye out for. She said they're working on creating a treating between themselves and looking to cause some extra trouble for our treaty."

"Is Kid meeting with them now?" Soul furrowed his brow as Spirit nodded. "He should work on getting that amendment to the treaty. If those witches attack and we go back…"

Spirit nodded again. "Kid is already trying to get working on it. We sent out the Spartoi."

"Do you need us?" Soul asked and watched Spirit shake his head.

"No, the others are covering what we know to give presence, we're hoping it's enough to make them back down a bit, but you never know. It could end up like the last time when we had to take heavy damage until the witches jumped in and handled it."

"That's why I told Kid to get started on the amendment." Soul said. "We need to have that in place to keep the students safe. Otherwise you'll have us stretched thin throwing three and four-star meisters out there with them on every mission."

Spirit nodded. "We won't be able to function like that." He agreed. "Kid is in the meeting with the grand witch right now, hopefully we get something soon, but I wanted to make sure you and Maka were aware what was going on since you're not getting the information here."

Soul nodded. "If we come across one we'll call it in and keep the area secure." Spirit nodded before he glanced behind Soul making him turn and notice all his family members had wandered closer to listen in. "They think they're better than everyone and can listen in on conversations." He told Spirit. "I'll let Maka know when she comes in. Maya has her playing tag outside."

Spirit smiled. "She's going to turn out just like her mama." He said making Soul roll his eyes.

"Not if I have anything to say about it. One flat-chested book worm is enough." He said as Spirit glared at him making him smirk. "Thanks for the heads up, death scythe, if you hear anything else let us know." Spirit gave a nod before the mirror turned back.

His father was first to speak. "Who was that? What's going on? How…it's a mirror!" He said walking closer.

"That was Spirit Albarn, Maka's father. He was the last lord Death's death scythe. He's covering my spot, so I can be here. And what he's talking about is all politics and information for me and Maka not nosy people." Soul said glancing around as they all looked away as if they hadn't been eavesdropping. "And the mirror is how we communicate with each other."

"So, if he's covering for you…" His aunt trailed off as she walked closer. "Does that mean that you're… Lord Deaths real weapon?"

Soul looked at her and the others before he sighed and gave a nod. "When Kid took over and made the treaty with the witches I was named the last death scythe, although it's looking like that may be changing soon."

The front door flew open and they heard little giggles. "Daddy!" Maya giggled as she ran into the house and to him to be lifted.

"You're getting more and more like your mother." Soul said as he smirked at her making her giggle.

"You say that like it's a bad thing." Maka smiled with a hand on her hip.

"You're enough trouble we don't need her too. I hope she's a weapon at least." He smirked making her roll her eyes.

Maya giggled looking between her parents. "I just like Mommy." She smiled proudly making Maka laughed as Soul sighed and shook his head.

"Well you and your mommy are gross." Soul said looking at the dirt on their clothing. Maka shook her head as Soul smirked. "You're dad dropped by." He said making her look at him worried. "Kids in negotiations with Grand Witch over amendments to the treaty. The rogue covens are working on their own treaty to be able to attack in a mass. He wanted to give us a heads up about the rogue witches."

Maka nodded. "He'll let us know if we're needed?" Soul nodded. "Okay, well at least it's not too bad right now." She sighed and looked back at Maya and gave a smile. "Come on, baby, let's get cleaned up and then make daddy buy us some ice cream." Maka said as she pulled Maya into her arms with a smirk as Soul couldn't help but gin as he watched the two leave.

"You're a father as well?" His aunt asked shocked.

Soul gave a nod. "Her name is Maya and that was my wife, Maka." Soul nodded as his aunt looked at him another moment before she gave a nod and walked away to join the other family members. "This is never going to end." He sighed.

"Just have the rest of the day, then we have the viewing tonight and funeral tomorrow." Wes said. "You've got better things to worry about, like getting ice cream for your wife and daughter." He smirked as Soul shook his head, waiting for Maka and Maya to come back from the room.

That night Soul carried Maya in her little dark purple dress as Maka walked beside him in a knee length dark red dress and he wore a dark red tie with his black suite. The little family walked into the funeral home and heard the whispers start again as they took their seats. Maka glanced around at the people who were staring at them and gave a soft sigh. Soul reached his soul out to her, the two sat with a lower resonance link, easing the uncomfortable feelings and comforting warmth.

"Daddy?" Maya asked after a few minutes as she looked up at him. "That's granny?" She asked as she pointed to a large picture in the corner of his grandmother.

"Yeah, that's granny." He nodded.

"She came to see you when you were a little baby." Maka said. "She held you the whole time."

"And let us get some sleep." Soul mumbled making Maka smile at him.

Maka looked back at Maya as she looked at the picture. "She said she loved you so much, she even cried the first time she saw you because she was so happy to meet you."

"She did?" Maya looked surprised.

Maka nodded. "She did, she held you and took care of you for almost a week, demanding that she have time with you and for daddy and me to rest."

Soul smirked. "She said you were the most beautiful little angel she had ever seen. Her and your grandfather had a blast agreeing on that." He gave a little chuckle as Maya looked up at him with a smile. Maka reached over taking Soul's hand with a small smile as a priest walked to the front of the room and the service began. Maka held Soul's hand and gave him warmth and love through their connection as the service went on, she was surprised to see the little girl sitting quietly and completely still in her father's lap.

As they stood to file out with the other family members Maka was holding Maya in her arms with Soul right beside her, hand on her back. "Daddy?" He looked at the girl. "Tell me more stories."

"About Granny?" He watched her nod making him smirk. "She was a great woman, loved all her grandkids no matter what. She was stubborn too."

"Tough and no one dared talk back to her." Wes added as he walked up to Soul's other side. "One thing was for sure, she really was in love with you." He smirked at his niece as she smiled.

No one else said a word as they made their way back to the Evans' estates. Several watched as Maka yawned when she got out of the car while Soul pulled the sleeping little girl to his shoulder from her car seat. She mumbled as he shifted her and wrapped an arm around Maka's shoulders. Maka was tired and she was getting annoyed with the whispers and looks so Soul quickly got them into the house and to the room they were using. He told Maka to go take a bath and he changed Maya into her PJ's and settled her in bed by the time Maka came back out to the room.

"Better?" He smirked as she sighed and walked over to him with a nod. "I always told you how they were, and you've been insisting for how long now that we come here?" He gave a little chuckle.

"I'm sorry I pushed." She sighed and wrapped her arms around him as she rested her head on his chest. "Your brother and grandmother were nothing like this. It's exhausting."

"They haven't even started the rumors and the chatting and poking around for things." He laughed making her groan. "Come on, let's get some sleep. We have the actual funeral tomorrow and then we have to deal with leaving this place and getting home." She nodded as they crawled into bed.

The next morning Maka was finishing getting ready while Soul took Maya out to get breakfast. He ignored the looks as Maya handed him her hair ties and climbed into his lap, letting him fix her hair into pigtails just like her mother used to wear when she was younger. He held his hand out as she handed him her little bows and he situated them over the top of each little pig tail making her smile as he smirked at her. She climbed down with the intention of finding her mother.

"You do the girl's hair? Doesn't her mother do that?" His aunt was at it again. He looked up from the three plates of food in front of him that he had situated for himself, his daughter and wife.

"Why?" He asked looking at her blankly.

"Well it's either a nanny or a mother's job to dress and groom a child." She said as she sat a little straighter.

Soul looked at her another moment as she seemed uncomfortable under his gaze. Soul sat back in his chair as he glanced at the others waiting for his answer. "Maka is her mother, she takes on a lot of the responsibilities but that doesn't mean that as the father I don't do anything. I helped change her and feed her when she was born and woke up through the night, I still help getting her dressed and washed. I also clean our home and cook for my wife and daughter, that doesn't mean anything but that I take care of my family." He looked at her straight in the eye waiting for anyone to argue.

"You?" Wes laughed, breaking the tension. "Cook and clean? Man would I love to see that. Probably end up killing someone with your food."

Soul smirked. "Actually, that would be Maka."

"What would be Maka?" He turned as she walked in holding Maya's hand.

"A bad cook." He smirked as he slid the one plate to the chair beside him. Maka gave him a look as he grinned. "You know I'm the better cook." He said making her roll her eyes. "Hey, at least you're better than Blair."

"Blair?" He heard his aunt say. "Who's Blair? A mistress?" She raised her brow as Maka shook her head and sighed while Soul burst out with a chuckle making everyone look at him shocked.

Soul grinned at Maka again as she narrowed her eyes. "It's a long story." Maka said before she pulled Maya into her lap and they started eating.

"Mommy look at my bows!" Maya smiled, pointing to her head. "Daddy did it." She smiled proudly.

"He did?" Maka asked, feigning surprise. "Daddy did a great job." She smiled and looked at Soul who smirked.

"It's a good thing I had to do yours a few times after some of those rough missions." He smirked.

"You did her hair?" His aunt was shocked.

Soul and Maka looked at her. "You know what we do at the academy, Maka, being the meister takes a lot of the attacks and ends up hurt more often than I do in weapon form. There's been a few missions that ended up with her paralyzed or with an injured arm sometimes more, so I've helped out over the years." He shrugged. "Again, just because I'm a guy doesn't mean I can't help my wife or my daughter."

The family went silent, not asking any more questions as they finished eating. "Maya, go get your shoes." She said as she set the girl on her feet, letting her run back to the room for her shoes.

"She decided on pig tails today, she wanted to look like her mommy." Soul smirked making Maka smile. "Looks like we really will have another bookworm troublemaker on our hands."

"Think you can handle that?" She giggled making Soul smile at her as Maya ran back in carrying her shoes. Maka pulled her back into her lap and started helping her get her shoes situated. "Soul, can you buckle that one?" Soul turned and helped buckle the one shoe while Maka did the other.

"Hey, Maya why don't you go call uncle Kid and see if grandpa's there." Soul said as he set her on her feet and sent her off to look for a mirror in the other room.

"She can use the phone?" Soul's mother asked.

Maka shook her head. "She knows how to use the mirrors to call the death room where Kid, Lord Death is and usually where Soul is, but since my father is standing in for Soul, he'll probably be there."

"Lord Death? You taught her to call someone of such standing her uncle and by his name?" His mother asked.

Soul smirked as Maka took over the explanation. "Kid's our friend, he's been our friend well before he took his father's place. Him, his weapons, and our other two friends are all aunts and uncles to her, just as we're aunt and uncle to their kids." Maka explained with a small smile. "There's only one other kid right now but there's another on the way, and Maya's the oldest."

"Another on the way?" Wes asked with a smirk as he looked between the two.

Maka gave a small smile and shook her head as Soul snorted. "Told you, Wes, we only need one trouble maker, we don't need another little book worm right now." Wes gave a small chuckle.

"I don't think Soul could handle even more of us smart women." Maka teased.

Soul looked at her. "Maybe I'll get a cool boy." Maka giggled making him smile before as she shook her head. "Our friend is pregnant with her first child and it's another girl. So, there will be Maya, our friends son, Red and then the new baby girl."

"You're friends with Lord Death?" An uncle asked looking at Soul as he shrugged. "You have done well for yourself while you were hiding away." Soul looked at him before he felt Maka place her hand on his arm making him look at her.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Maya ran back in carrying a small desk mirror. "Grandpa and uncle Kid." She called holding out the mirror. Maka took the mirror and placed it on the table as Soul pulled Maya into his arms.

"Kid, Papa, what's wrong?" Maka asked looking at the two.

Kid was the one to talk. "It's probably nothing but I was wondering if you've used your perception since you've been out there." Maka shook her head. "We have rumors of covens teaming up but we haven't been able to find a place. There's talk about taking out those that are a threat to them."

"That means you two are on the list." Spirit said looking at them as they turned serious. "We can't pin point a location but the talks and rumors could mean they're planning something big. There's nothing that will cause a bigger war between the academy and the witches then taking you two out. Keep your eyes open for anything."

"I have teams in the area if you need them, I have them searching and watching so if you need back up let me know and I'll pull them." Kid told the two partners. "Don't take unnecessary risks."

"Don't worry, Kid. We can handle things." Soul said.

Maka nodded. "And if it gets too much I'll make sure we call. Just keep us in the loop." Kid nodded before the mirror went blank. "Maya, put this back where you found it." She nodded and climbed from Soul's lap and took the mirror.

"Guess we can never get a break." Soul sighed as he looked at Maka.

"What's this about a war and you being on a list?" Soul's brother asked worried as the others watched openly waiting for information.

"We're one of the top teams at the academy and working directly between the Grand Witch and Lord Death." Maka explained. "We're almost as powerful as Kid, and we have techniques that are dangerous for witches let alone our influence in the politics. If we were to be killed by the witches Kid wouldn't be able to stop the academy from reacting and once they attacked it would be open war between the two once again and it would be without cause or reason, just massacres. The Spartoi are the most dangerous teams and the most influential. We're the list." She looked at Soul. "We should check."

Soul nodded as Maya ran back in. Soul and Maka stood up. "Come on Maya." Soul said as they walked out of the front door making the family look at each other before running over to windows to watch. Soul was saying something to Maya as Maka walked to the middle of the yard and held her hand out. Soul looked at her before transforming and landing in her hands.

Maka took her stance before she twirled the scythe up around her as the blade shifted through their different techniques before a bright light surrounded and took over both Maka and the scythe. As the light died down Maka stood in a black flowing dress her hair pulled into an intricate bun, the only real change that had happened in this form since they began using it. Maka's body relaxed before shifting and pulling the blade to her as the front door flew open and the family ran out to them.

"You ready Soul?" She asked with a small smile.

Soul's voice was distorted as he answered. "We're keyed up, you play the note and we'll follow the souls." Maka nodded as she held her hand out over the keyboard blade and pressed her fingers onto them letting out a dark sound. Maka closed her eyes as the sound reverberated and bounced around the yard. Maya smiled as she sat watching her parents before they shifted, and Soul transformed back beside her.

"There's a few witches but nothing like what Kid was talking about." Maka sighed in relief. "We'll keep an eye out but I don't think anything will happen right now."

Soul nodded. "They're not stupid." He put his hands in his pockets looking at his meister and wife, he worried that it could be true, that they could be on a list of people to take out. He was worried that something could happen to her, that he would lose her, or they would be taken away from Maya.

Maka stepped forward and put her hands on his chest as she locked her green eyes with his. "We'll be fine. We made it through Medusa and Arachne and even Asura the Kishin himself and we've come out better every time. I promised that I would be at your side and that we would work together and be strong together, and that will never change." She watched as his red eyes shifted but she could still feel the worry in his soul as it connected with hers. "We will make it through this and we will be there for Maya as she grows up."

"I know." He sighed.

"Don't worry so much, it's not cool remember." She smiled. "Besides we still need to get that cool little son." She gave a bright smile as he chuckled and rested his head to hers. "We'll make it through anything together."

"I know." He kissed her head before they pulled apart and looked out towards the city not far from the estate. "We can handle anything." Maka nodded with a smile, holding his hand.

"I'll let them know what we found. You finish getting ready for today." Soul nodded as they walked back towards the house. "Come on baby, you want to talk to Grandpa and Uncle Kid again?" She nodded and happily followed her mother, Maka held her hand as they walked passed the staring family members with Soul wandering behind them.

"What… was that?" Souls' father asked. "What was that little stunt you pulled?" He looked afraid as Soul looked at him.

"That's what we do. I'm a weapon, Maka's a meister. We partnered when we were kids and have learned and trained since then to be able to use techniques." He said before he continued in and to his old room leaving his unsure family behind.

Soul buttoned his suit pants and sighed before he heard a knock at the door. He walked over and opened it as he pulled his button-down shirt on. As he opened the door his mother and father stood in pure shock seeing the large scar across his chest. "Soul…." He watched as his Mother's eyes scanned the scar and she seemed sad.

"What do you want?" He asked walking back into the room, picking up one of Maya's toys she had left out from the morning.

His parents took a step in and looked at him. "What happened to your chest?" She asked making him paused buttoning his shirt and looking at her. He saw her face soften as she watched him.

"We got into a situation when we were kids. Our opponent was attacking with moves we never encountered and he was able to hurt me even though I was in weapon form so Maka stopped using me to block attacks. They cornered her and were about to kill her, so I took the attack to save her. I almost died but it saved her and when our opponent ended up wounded his blood mixed with mine infecting me with black blood, which is why we can do things and techniques that no one else can." He told her before going back to finishing his shirt.

"You almost died?" She asked walking closer.

His father watched him, still looking a little afraid of him. "What exactly do you do with that weapon thing?" He asked still unsure.

Soul glanced at him. "I turn into a weapon that Maka can wield and use to take the souls of those who leave the path of humanity." He glanced at the two. "We protect innocent people in the world."

"Your daughter… is she…?" His mother asked softly.

Soul shook his head. "She's still too young to have anything manifest. She's got a lot of weapon blood in her so it's more likely she'll end up as a weapon. We won't know for a few years yet if it actually activates or if it'll stay dormant like with Maka." He looked at the two. "Why are you so curious all of a sudden?"

"We…" His mother trailed off looking uncomfortable.

"They were asking questions, afraid of what it all meant, and I told them to talk to you." Wes said at the doorway. "They were curious about your transformation, worried about what it meant and fascinated by it all." Soul looked back at his parents.

"You want to learn more about a monster?" He raised a brow. "Isn't that what you had said I was when I showed you the ability?"

"We… we…" His mother took a breath. "We were… wrong." Soul stood watching them.

"We didn't understand." His father added as Soul shifted his red eyes to him before turning back to pulling his tie on. "We were afraid that you were some freak, a monster that would destroy everything. We thought if you thought it was bad you'd focus on ignoring it, you'd…"

"What, go back to be some good obedient son?" Soul asked as he finished his tie. "We both know I was never that." He turned to walk over to the bags and pulled a little sweater from the bag before grabbing a larger one.

"Soul." Wes said making his brother stop and look at him. He felt Maka's soul rub against his, she didn't know what was going on, but she knew he was edgy and needed comfort. He heaved a sigh as he turned back to his parents.

"What do you want from me?" He asked as they looked at him.

His mother was the one to speak. "We want to know about you. Ever since you've arrived it's as if you're a stranger. Wes and your grandmother knew more than your own parents. I saw that little girl and I… I realized I had missed everything and I would miss her growing up too. I know we haven't been exactly the best parents, we've pushed you away, we've grilled you and made comments about your life. We just didn't know how to deal with everything, how to react and how to be with you after everything."

"We've discussed it and we want to have a chance." His father said.

"A chance to what, try to ruin what I have, make me come back to the famous Evans family and play the piano around the world? Destroy my daughter's life?"

"Soul." A voice came from the doorway making everyone, but Soul look over at Maka who stood leaning against the doorway. He finally turned and looked at her as she gave a small smile, the two stared at each other and seemed to have a silent conversation before Soul heaved a sigh. "What did you tell me?"

Soul rolled his eyes. "That was different."

Maka shook her head. "It wasn't, and you know it. We don't have the greatest parents, we didn't have the best childhood, but we swore we would let Maya have a childhood filled with loved ones and being a child. Give her the childhood we didn't get to have. That includes grandparents being in her life." He looked at her before he shook his head and looked at his parents who were shocked by Maka coming to their defense.

"Thank you." His mother said.

Maka looked at her as she walked over to stand beside Soul, in front of the two. "I'm not doing it for you. I know what happened, I know what you've said and done to Soul when he was a kid. I did it because I can see your souls change since we've been here. I did it because our children deserve to know their grandparents. The second you hurt her, or you do anything to hurt Soul and I will make you wish you never asked for this chance." The two just looked at her as Soul shook his head.

"Come on we better get going." He said as he handed her the one sweater. Maka nodded as she pulled it on then took the other one and left to find her daughter. "Maka may seem like a normal woman but she's been through her own hell, and she doesn't take it well when people she cares for get hurt." Soul said before he followed his wife to get ready for the funeral.

Maka stood watching Maya as she looked at the dandelions in the lawn. The little girl was picking them and making a little bouquet. Soul smirked as he stood with his arm around Maka's waist as she leaned into him. They were lost in thought of what was coming for them and getting through the final moments of saying farewell to Granny, they didn't hear his parents and brother leave the house to stand by the door and watch. Soul pressed a kiss to the top of Maka's head as he held her, dropping his mask, thinking they were alone.

His mother couldn't help the little smile on her face as she watched the brooding son, she had hurt, holding his wife, pure love and happiness on his face. Maya's giggling turned everyone's attention to her as she ran through the yard and towards them. She held half her flowers up to Maka making her smile happily as she took them. "Thank you, baby." She smiled as she held them close to her as Soul smirked at her. Suddenly she ran off making the couple turn to see his parents and brother. Maya held the other half up to her grandmother with one of her bright smiles.

"For me?" She asked.

Maya nodded. "For Grandma." The woman took them with a smile as tears built in her eyes and Maya giggled and ran back over, wanting to be lifted by her father. Soul pulled her into his arms with a smirk as she smiled happily.

"That was very nice of you." Soul said softly. "Definitely not like your mother." Maka elbowed his side as he grinned at her as she rolled her eyes. "It's time to go." Maka nodded, taking Maya and walking over to get her settled in her car seat.

"She's always had a big heart." Wes smirked making Soul nod as he looked back at Maka as she bounced the girl on her hip making her laugh.

"She gets a lot from Maka." Soul said before he started towards the car.

"Soul." He stopped and looked at his mother. "I think a lot of it comes from your heart too." Soul looked at her another moment before he continued to the car.

"It will take time but if you truly want to fix things with him, you'll keep going and really try." Wes said. "He's not as cold as he shows everyone and Maka's just the same. Just show them who you are and that you really do want to fix things. Be his parents." Wes walked off to the waiting car that their driver was standing by.

"Are you sure about this?" George asked still afraid of what his son could do after he had researched the name the man in the mirror had called him. "He's dangerous."

"He's our son that we've refused to understand. I want to know my son, I want to be a part of my granddaughter's life." Margaret said as she looked at her husband, pleading with him to want the same.

"Margaret, the things he's been named in and done, I showed you the articles. He's dangerous and could easily kill others." He looked over to where Soul stood with Maka talking at the car after they finished setting their daughter. "I want to fix things before it's too late but…" He shook his head.

"Then let's do that. At least we can say we tried." Margaret said watching as George sighed and nodded before they made their way to the waiting car and they made their way to the funeral home where the other family members would be meeting.

Soul stood to the side as all the seats had been taken. He held Maya in one arm while Maka leaned into his side and they listened as people walked up to talk about Granny, to tell stories about her. Maka pulled him closer as Wes took his turn.

He stood and looked out at the people in the room, collecting himself. "It's truly one of the saddest days in all of history that we must say goodbye to one of the greatest women I've ever known." He started. "She had a big heart, wanting to help and love all her family. She was a big advocate to get my brother where he wanted to be, to the DWMA and not touring the world. He was never cut for that and she knew it since he was a little kid." He gave a small smirk as he and Soul locked eyes. "Granny was there to help everyone she came across, whether it was teaching them an instrument, or helping them achieve their dreams and nothing made her happier than watching those she loved be filled with happiness." He paused again. "Two years ago, she and I snuck away from the tours and ran away for a couple weeks. We had run off to Death City to visit my brother on one of the best days in history. One of the best moments in time, one of the few times I watched my grandmother be filled beyond description with love and happiness. The day my niece was born was the night we snuck off, determined to share in that moment. From the second she held that little baby she wouldn't put her down. She threatened to knock the proud parents out if they even thought of taking the girl." He smirked as Maka giggled and Soul gave a soft chuckle remembering the incident.

"She held onto that little baby, she got up when the baby cried, moving the crib into the spare room where she was sleeping so she could take care of the newborn while my brother and his wife slept. I remember one night she was sitting up rocking the fussing baby talking to her, thinking no one could hear her, thinking everyone was asleep. That was the night I sat listening to her sing to her great granddaughter, telling her that she was the most precious angel. That she was so happy and proud that her grandson had followed his heart to the place he needed to be and had become a great man, that he had found his true home, family and love. She said she couldn't be prouder of him for all he's accomplished and she was most proud of the incredible wife he had found and for the beautiful little angel they had created together." He looked over as Maka turned her face into Soul's chest as she cried silently. Maya was looking worriedly at her mother as Soul held her tight to him, whispering to Maka with a small smirk.

"What I'm getting at is that this woman never stepped down from a fight, she never backed down from helping, and she never stopped loving her family, no matter how far they went. She was proud of who her children and grandchildren had grown up to be and she was proud of what they had done with their lives and their hearts. She never wanted anyone to change because of what they got in life, and although she was one of the original members who has brought the Evans name to such greatness, she never let that change her. And I know she was and still is so proud that she was able to pass that on to others like my brother." Wes looked around the room as people cried. "Live every day as if it were your last, and love those around you every moment you can because you never know when you'll lose that chance. It was one last bit of wisdom from my grandmother to those who stood around her, holding her hand in her final moments." Soul's eyes moved to his parents before looking back at Wes who gave a small smile and nod to him before he went to take his seat and the funeral continued.

That night Soul wandered to the music room down the hall from his bedroom. It was the same room and piano that his grandmother had taught him to play and love music with his soul. He took a seat at the piano and he ran his fingers over the keys before he began playing a soft song. Soul watched as his father walked into the room watching him but not like he used to, this time was more appreciative. "I thought I heard her old song playing."

"I still remember every key she taught me." Soul said softly as he continued to play, and his father sat in the chair to the side. The two sat silently as Soul played on until they heard a little voice making Soul stop and turn to the doorway.

"Daddy." Maya was crying.

"Oh, what's wrong?" He asked as he held his arms open for her to run to him. He pulled her into his lap and held her closer. "Why are you crying?"

"I had bad dream." She said as she held tight to him.

Soul pressed a kiss to her head. "You want to play with me?" She nodded against his chest. "What one do you want to hear?"

"Mommy." She said as she sniffled, and Soul smirked, placing his fingers in the correct keys ready to play the melody of Maka's soul. His father raised a brow but stayed silent, watching them and listening to the melody that came from the piano. After a few minutes Maya was drifting off to sleep in Soul's lap making him smirk.

"I figured she'd be in here with you." Maka smiled as she walked over looking at her husband and daughter. "Always loves when you play, just like her mother." She smiled making Soul give a little chuckle as he slowed to a stop. Maka glanced at her father in law still silently watching. "I'll get her back to bed, and you come to bed soon too, okay?"

Soul nodded as he shifted Maya and handed her over to Maka before he kissed her. "I won't be long." She nodded and left, cradling her daughter against her chest.

"You've changed." His father said once Maka was gone. Soul looked at him. "You were dark, always playing dark music, even when you played actual music you still played it and made it feel dark. You were never happy. Now your music is light and loving. I see you smiling and happy." He looked at his son. "You're full of love and it seems to be that girl's doing. She must be incredible if she managed to change you."

Soul smirked. "She didn't change me." He started playing again, and his song was darker this time. "Maka was able to show me that life wasn't all horrible. As our abilities grew we learned ways to use our abilities together. She can see souls, when we connect ours, I can pick up on the souls around us, I can feel them, hear their melody. It's helped us through a few tough spots. When we fought on the moon I used the souls to create a song, it led us back to safety and it helped us win. That song was filled with respect, understanding and trust of all our friends and the love between Maka and me. It was our life line. It's when I started to really realize that these feelings weren't going to make things darker, but they were a way to live. Her soul plays a sound that makes me want to move, to be the person she deserves." He looked at his father again. "She didn't change me, she gave me more."

"Your grandmother was a smart woman." George said. "She was almost always right. I ignored her for many years, but her words at the end to us made me realize I had been ignoring her. And when I saw you carrying that little girl with that woman beside you I realized what she had really meant. Your mother and I had talked and wanted to fix things."

"You can't just fix things." Soul broke in as he stopped playing and looked at his father.

George nodded. "I realized that after the first few moments and talks after you arrived. Things needed to be changed and worked on. We weren't sure how to do that, it requires us to change, and it's not something we can do easily." He paused as Soul stared at him. He sighed. "We can't take back or change the past, but we can move forward and do as your grandmother asked. Just… have patience with us, we're still on uneasy ground, trying to understand and accept what you are and do."

Soul stared at him before he gave a nod he could feel the tug of Maka's soul, swirling with his filled with love. He had been patient and given Maka a chance to realize that not all guys are her dad, he had made her give Spirit another chance, so the least he could do is be patient and give his own parents another chance. Soul gave a small nod. "I will give you a chance. But like Maka told you this morning. The moment you hurt my daughter or my wife, that will be the end. And it will not be pleasant for you."

"Fair enough." George nodded, agreeing to the terms. "You should probably get to bed before your wife comes looking for you again."

Soul smirked. "She's already starting." He touched his chest. "One of the greatest and worst things about being meister and weapon partners is your souls connect and can communicate with each other." He smirked. "Good night."

"Good night, son." Soul looked at him a moment before he left to head back to his old room and curl up in the bed with Maka in his arms.

Maka and Soul had decided to stay an extra day, letting his parents get to know Maya before they went back home. Maka was finishing packing while Soul was taking the travel bed to the car. A knock on the door made Maka turn to see her mother in law. "I wanted to thank you."

"For what?" She asked confused.

"For letting us get to know you, our son and our granddaughter. For talking Soul into giving us a chance." She explained.

Maka smiled and shook her head. "One thing about Soul and me… you can't make us do anything we don't want to do. We can argue with each other until we're blue in the face, and trust me it's happened more than a few times, but no matter what if we don't want to, it won't happen. I didn't talk him into anything, I merely talked to him about what it could mean for him, for Maya. The choice was always his." Margaret smiled and nodded. "I'm glad you and your husband have decided to try to make things better between you and Soul."

"I thank my mother in law for sticking it out all these years and for her last want was for us to love each other while we can."

"She was something else." Maka smiled.

"What Wes said about her taking over when Maya was born…"

"She walked in and took over, made Soul and I go to bed and sleep." Maka giggled. "She demanded that she take care of Maya while they visited and for us to get as much rest as we could because when they left we were going to be up like crazy. She wasn't kidding either." She smiled. "Although Soul was the one who got the least sleep, he was always getting up through the night with her."

Margaret smiled and nodded. "He sounds like he's turned out to be a wonderful husband and father."

"He's an incredible father. I couldn't ask for a better partner, friend, husband or father for my daughter." Maka smiled. "We've been through a lot, but Soul's always stuck by me, and we will always support each other through everything." Maka gave a small smile. "I'm glad you've decided to find out about how great he's become."

"I hope you two will come visit again soon." Margaret said.

Maka nodded. "As soon as we can arrange things. And you are always welcome to visit us in Death City and learn about what we do and who Soul is." Maka offered before Margaret hugged her.

"Maka-." Soul stopped seeing his mother and wife hugging. "Great this can't be good."

Maka rolled her eyes punching his arm as he walked over to grab another suitcase. "Shut up Soul." Soul grinned at her as she turned away. "Where's Maya?"

"She's annoying Wes. Maybe he'll ware her out before we have to start driving." He said making Maka smirk. "Can always just hand her off to your dad as soon as we get in anyway." Maka shook her head as he left, carrying the suitcase out to the car.

"He is a great man, but he can be a jerk sometimes." Maka smiled as she grabbed the last bag. She and her mother in law walked out to the car where Soul was situating the bags while Wes sat watching over Maya as she played and continued to pull him into her games. "Thank you for letting us stay here, we'll have to come out once we settle somethings with the witches."

"We'll make sure to bring Maya to keep Wes occupied." Soul smirked as his mother smiled. "Although I don't know if she can keep him that entertained.

"Well I'm sure her and her sibling can do the job." Maka said looking out at her daughter and brother in law. She felt Soul's eyes lock on her and his soul reaching for her as her mother in law watched the little girl. Maka looked at Soul who furrowed his brow.

"Maka…" He said as he shifted in place looking at her. Maka smiled at him a nodded making him grin before pulling her into his arms as she laughed. "You're serious?" Again, Maka nodded. Margaret looked at them confused now as the two talked excitedly. "When did…. How did you find out?"

"This morning. I was looking for souls in the area when I saw a little one." She smiled. "I was going to wait to tell you but since you don't think Maya will be enough for our next visit…"

"Wait." Margaret said making the two looks at her. "Are you saying you're pregnant?" Maka nodded with a smile. "Oh, that's so great!" She cheered, pulling Maka into a tight hug, gaining the attention of Wes who walked over, holding Maya's hand.

"What's going on?" He asked curious.

Soul smirked as Margaret spoke. "We're going to have another little baby." She seemed so happy at the news as Wes looked at his brother unbelieving. Soul gave a small nod as his mother smiled brightly. "Oh, I'm so happy!" She cried.

"Well just means we'll have to visit each other more often." Maka smiled as Maya collided with Soul's leg.

"You ready to go home?" Soul asked as he bent down in front of the girl with the others talked. Maya nodded. "Say bye and then climb in."

Maya ran over and hugged Wes before hugging her shocked grandmother as George walked over to the group. She ran over and hugged him before she ran back to the car and climbed into her car seat where Maka started strapping her in. "I'm glad you came, and we get to try to fix things, even though it's under bad circumstances." Margaret said as she pulled Soul into a hug. He was shocked and froze before she pulled back and smiled at him.

"Until we get to see each other again." His father said as he held out his hand. "You've grown into a man I am so proud of." Soul reached out shaking his hand with a small nod. "You take care of that woman and little girl."

"And baby." Margaret added with a smile as George looked from her to Soul as he pushed his hands into his pockets with a small smirk.

"Baby? You're having another child?" George asked.

Soul shrugged. "Seems that way." He gave a small smirk. "Maka found the soul this morning, so it's still really early."

"Well that's exciting, you're going to be a dad again." Wes smirked.

Soul gave a little chuckle at this and nodded. "Yeah, hopefully I get one that's a little less like it's mother." He grinned.

"You know you like it." Maka said as she went to his side making him chuckle. "It was great to spend some time with you. I can't wait till we get to visit again."

"I look forward to it." Margaret smiled and nodded.

"You say that now, wait 'til you get to know the book worm." Soul laughed only to be elbowed in the side.

"Get in the car, Soul." She rolled her eyes and started walking towards the passenger side.

"Yeah, Daddy!" They heard from the back seat. "Get in car!" She giggled as Maka laughed.

"Oh you be quiet back there." He said looking at Maka as she laughed. "Really? Like I need another one of those." Maka laughed even more as she climbed into the car. Soul rolled his eyes and shook his head before looking at his family as they smirked and smiled at the teasing. "This kid better be like me." He mumbled before opening the driver's door and climbing in.

"Stay in touch." Margaret said as Soul rolled his window down. "I want to know all about my grandchildren." Soul nodded as Maka turned in her seat to hand a juice box to Maya. "Have a safe trip." Soul gave another nod before he drove off, heading home. Although he lost his grandmother, even at the end she was still looking out for him and making sure he would be happy. He smirked, even when she knew she would be gone she found a way to make sure Soul still had his family.