Heat and Soul: A Soul Eater Love Story (xKid)

~Chapter Seven~

I swallow hard and think of something that makes me angry. I pick the revelation that Daemon has been seeing me naked for a decade without me knowing. A flame starts at my clenched fists and creeps slowly up my arms. Before long, I'm entirely on fire, but it doesn't feel hot to me. The red-haired judge loosens his collar.

"Well, that's a new one... Really heats up this dungeon."

The one he called Stein says nothing, but seems interested. For some reason, the look on his face makes me wants to shrink away, but I resist.

"Okay," says the female, "So do you have any idea what kind of weapon could channel this...?"

I look away. Here comes our little façade. Daemon stands up from the students.

"If you don't mind, Miss Maria, I'd like to try."

She blinks at him in surprise, "You think she is your meister? Well... Go for it, I guess. Can't be any harm in trying," but she sounds worried and doubtful.

Daemon walks up to me and touches my flames as he transforms. My pendant is hidden under my shirt, so they don't see it change. I relax and let the fire go out. Then I hold out a hand a form a concentrated fireball about four inches in diameter. I stare at it like it's new to me. I feel Daemon helping me now. Together, we shape it into a bird and fly it around the room. After a few laps, it dive-bombs the ground in front of me and explodes violently. The ground is charred where the blast hit. Daemon goes back to human form and we stare each other down for a moment.

I cock my head, "I never knew you could..."

At the same time, he says, "I never expected you would be..."

The judges look shocked. That's a good sign.

Stein cranks his screw, "That was an interesting show... But how can we be sure you'd be a good member of Shibusen, Ember?"

I wasn't prepared for that question, "Well, I... I want to attend Shibusen so I can figure out how to use my powers for good. I want to prove to everyone that having a bit of witch in my soul doesn't mean I'm inherently evil."

The woman supports me, "We aren't in immediate danger from anything. She has time to catch up to the others her age. Why not give her a chance?"

The redhead pouts, "But we don't want to endanger anyone... Papa doesn't want this girl to hurt Maka!"

Everyone in the room ignores his exaggerated tears like they're used to them. I glance at Daemon. Now's probably the right time... He steps forward and gives the judges the best puppy-eyes in the world.

"I've finally found a meister who can resonate with me... My father will be so happy..." his pouty face and watery eyes make me want to laugh, but it seems to have the intended effect on everyone else. "Please, won't you approve her for enrolling at Shibusen? I'll help her catch up on classes, no problem!"

One by one, the judges seem to give in. He had the woman at the first sight of his puppy-eyes, the mention of his father gets the redheaded one, and his promise to help me with classes finally cracks the screw-head.

The red-haired judge speaks first, "So, we all agree? She's okay?"

The woman nods, looking like she's about to cry.

But Stein still looks unsure, "Well, Master Shinigami? It's up to you in the end, after all..."

They look toward the mirror. It's only now that I notice that it isn't reflecting the room. A weird voice emanates from it.

"Hmm... Sure, sure! Why not? We're always happy to take on more students!"

Screw-head shrugs, "Well, that's that, then. You can start classes tomorrow."

I jump up and punch the air, "Yes! Thank you so much! I promise I'll be a great student from here on out!"

I get a stack of papers from the woman and leave triumphant. All went according to plan. Daemon and I walk out together, pretending to be surprised that we're compatible while showing that we've known each other for a while.

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"It worked, Auntie Io! I'm in as of tomorrow!"

I'm showing her the papers I received upon my acceptance. They include a map, directions to the school, and a list of school rules including the dress code. She seems pleased with me.

"Good job, you two. The hardest part is over. Now, Ember, you just need to find a way for me to get at Shinigami."

We celebrate by going out to eat at a fancy restaurant. I don't like the fact that she doesn't invite Daemon, but I know he still doesn't trust her, so I don't mention it. We pack after dinner and I go to bed early. I have a nightmare again. I'm holding a bloody knife and there are dead bodies all around me.

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I find Death City easily enough. Between the map I was given and Daemon's directions, it's simple to find. I don't see the barrier that Auntie Io claims surrounds the city, but I can't see souls, so maybe magic is invisible to me too...? I shake the thought out of my head and start forward again. There seem to be millions of stairs to climb. I wonder if the excessive amount of steps is an added defense against intruders. As I start to pant and sweat, I wish I had been keeping in better shape recently. Too late now... I adjust my bag and try to focus on something else. I know Shibusen is at the very top of this ridiculously large hill, but I can't see much of it right now. Instead, I glance around at the shops and houses and lampposts... Heck, everything in this place has the same weird style: grays and abstract with skulls here and there. This place is strange, indeed... I suppose I'll have to get used to it, since there's no way I'm walking all this way every single school day just to stay with Auntie Io.