Prelude

Shibusen was like a city of its own, a beautiful masterpiece of gothic architecture and learning. It was renowned for its quirky aesthetic and large campus, as well as the graduates that the school produced. Kindergarten through University was taught within the grounds. Families could live near the east side, where the Kindergarten was located, or when they grew older, they could be sent as boarding school students.

It was too big to house the students in one place, so a total of eight dorms were arranged precisely around the campus, four for each gender, in the places most convenient for living. There were some houses, for the student who could afford it, but the dorms were private, one room to every student, an elaborate living for cheaper than one would expect. They even had kitchens and living rooms.

There was a ninth dorm, but it was empty save for the janitors who kept it constantly free of dust. None of the students knew what it was for. People only lived in it when the headmaster decided so, and nobody could remember a headmaster ever putting a student in the ninth dorm.

It was not the only thing strange thing about the school. At night, some brave students venturing out of bounds swore they heard growls and shouts from beneath the main building. It was said that ghosts haunted the halls, that creatures came to eat the students foolish enough to leave the dorms against the rules.

And there was always, always the strange whispering nature the teachers took when nobody was looking.

Chapter One - Start of the Maze

The chemistry teacher, Dr. Stein, wrote the new student's name on the board in both Katakana and English, for the sake of those who knew both, as the white-haired boy fidgeted up in front of the class. He kept shifting his glance from the students to the board, somewhat curious to see how his name would be written.

'Souru Evansu' in the kana. Soul Evans in English. Saying his name in Japanese would take some getting used to.

Of all the countries they could have sent him to, why Japan? Soul wondered partly if this was his parents' way of getting him as far away from them as possible while keeping him well-educated. He didn't mind that. In a way, he supposed this was what they planned for him all along. Why else would he have been taught Japanese as a child?

What he did mind was that everyone was staring.

Most of these students had been there since Elementary, so joining part way through the first year of high school was a new experience for the students who were already there.

"Why don't you tell the class a bit about yourself?" Dr Stein told him.

Soul tried not to look too dismayed as he mentally went over the check list of how to introduce himself properly in Japanese. "My name is Soul Evans," his Japanese was a little rough from lack of practice. "I'm from England. Umm... please think well of me?" He tried to remember if there was anything else to the traditional phrases. He didn't think so.

"Please feel welcome," Dr Stein didn't look at all welcoming. "Go sit down there, next to Albarn-kun."

The girl there smiled encouragingly at him as he sat down, and Stein began teaching the class, "You'll get used to it." she whispered, writing down what Stein was putting on the board.

"Y-yeah," he muttered, relaxing now that he was no longer the centre of attention. He took in her appearance for a moment. Her hair seemed blonde naturally. It wasn't often that one saw a blonde oriental girl.

"I'm Maka Albarn, the class representative. I can show you around, if you need any help."

"Thanks. I'm not really sure where anything is..."

"Okay. I can help you." She smiled gently at him, "You should be taking notes."

There was something a little funny with her eyes, besides them being a very unusual colour for a Japanese girl. Belatedly, he realized what she'd said. "Oh, right." He jotted down a few notes and then found his concentration drifting. Eventually, Soul gave up, his gaze drifting to the bulletin board. He supposed it wouldn't be cool to be one of the "Go home right after school club" kids.

"Soul. Could you read from our current paragraph, please?"

"Huh?" Oh crap. He stood up, totally lost as to where they were.

Maka subtly pointed to the proper paragraph in her text. Soul noticed it and hurriedly started reading. Dr Stein looked bored, as did the rest of the class, but at least Maka seemed to be listening intently. Finally the paragraph was over and Soul sat down, making more of an attempt to pay attention. If he got a note home on the first day ... His parents would be furious.

"Good, Soul. Now, as you can see ..."

Soul whispered a quick thanks to Maka and then tried to pay attention. He really did try. But he had only arrived from England two days ago and he was incredibly jetlagged. One minute he was staring at the board, and then suddenly his head was on the desk, there was tiny puddle of drool on his notes, and Dr Stein's sinister shadow over him.

Dr Stein whacked Soul over the head with the blunt end of a scalpel, "Evans!"

"Ow! I'm sorry! Jetlag!"

"If you fall asleep again, it'll be the sharp end, next time." He threatened, waving the scalpel around in Soul's face.

"Are you allowed to have those?" Soul blurted out without thinking.

"This is biology, isn't it?"

"... This is chemistry ..." he pointed to the textbooks, proudly displaying their subject as Chemistry.

"Get your head together, boy. This is biology."

"It's chemistry," Soul insisted. His kanji skills weren't perfect, but he definitely knew Chemistry when he saw it.

"Hakase, it really is chemistry," someone else in the room said tiredly.

Stein pointed his scalpel at Soul's nose, "If I say it's biology, it's biology. You don't want a reason for me to use this, trust me."

"But Hakase... if we don't learn chemistry, how are we supposed to pass the entrance exams for college?" Someone said bravely. The class broke out into agreement.

Stein sighed, "Alright. This is chemistry. But mostly biology."

"As long as we can pass the entrance exam," someone sighed. Soul wondered if this was common with this teacher.

"Right. So, as I was saying before Evans so rudely fell asleep ..." The rest of class passed ordinarily enough. Everyone was putting away their chemistry books and getting out their math, when there was a loud crash, and a long shout of, "YAHOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Maka groaned and looked like she wanted to sink into the floor.

"THE GREAT BLACK STAR HAS ARRIVED!" A boy with bright blue hair burst through the door. "BOW BEFORE THE MAN WHO WILL SURPASS GOD~"

Maka tried her best to hide behind her bookbag. Soul raised an eyebrow.

"HEY MAKA GUESS WHAT? I'M IN THIS CLASS NOW. I KNEW THEY WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO KEEP ME FROM THIS CLASSROOM~"

Maka looked like she wanted to cry and go crawl under a rock, "That's ... great ... Nii-san ..." Soul gaped, staring between the bookish blonde and the overbearing, neon-haired boy. Well, they both had green eyes, but his were smaller and darker. Aside from that and their Japanese nationality, they looked nothing alike!

"Um ... where are you gonna sit?" Maka asked, looking fearful of his answer.

"OI SID GIMMEE A SEAT."

"That's Sensei to you. Sit over in the corner," Sid pointed in the back corner, by the window.

"Oh, thank God." Maka breathed, sinking into her seat with weak relief.

Finally, Soul forced his mind out of shock as the boy headed over to his seat. "Nii-san?" he repeated dumbly.

"What?" Maka asked, her face flushing bright red, and her voice going an octave higher than normal, "Is there a problem with that?"

"N-no!" He protested, wide-eyed. "I-I j-just can't picture it!"

Maka narrowed her eyes, and turned away from him with a huff.

Aw crap, he'd offended her and he had no idea what to say to make it up to her. Damn. Soul's forehead hit the desk with a thump. What a wonderful first day. Maka was grumpy for the rest of the class, poring over her notes, not helping Soul when he slacked, and generally handing him the cold shoulder. Soul sighed with relief when the bell finally rang.

"I didn't mean to offend you!" he said immediately when it was safe to talk. Marie-sensei had been outright terrifying at times whenever someone was disruptive. Maka pretended he didn't say anything, looking carefully over her text.

"I mean you're ... sane ... and he's ... nevermind. Gah, I'm so uncool," Soul scowled, grabbing his book bag and heading out. He had to find a club. Something manly and cool. He was pretty sure girls liked boys in archery, maybe he should try for that. Or basketball or something. Back in the classroom, Maka scowled at her textbook.

She really was done studying, anyway. She sighed and packed up her things, and followed after Soul, catching up to him, "Hey! Sorry . . ."

"Sorry too," Soul said sheepishly.

"So. I saw you looking at the bulletin earlier. Are you interested in a club?"

"Sort of."

"What are your interests?'

"Uh ..." All he'd ever known was music, and after fifteen years with his parents, he needed a break from playing anything. "I don't know. Something cool."

"Um ... well, I'm in a lot of clubs. Tai jutsu club is fun. And archery and fencing!" She smiled.

"... You're in three clubs?"

"Well, actually six, but ... what?" he had obviously been gaping, and quickly closed his mouth.

Soul raised an eyebrow, "How do you manage?"

Maka shrugged, "I just do it. I like being busy."

"That's amazing..."

"Thanks ..." Maka flushed, "Well, I'm also in art club, book club, and gymnastics. I'm also on the student council, as a class representative."

"I didn't know there was enough time for all of those ..." Soul tried not to look too awed. "I guess I'll try a sport... maybe basketball or something..."

"Ah ... my brother is in the basketball club."

"Oh..." He debated whether or not it was worth it. "So was he held back?"

"NO! He's my adopted brother!"

"Oh, sorry!" Soul cringed. "I-I meant... you obviously weren't twins, so..."

Maka glared at him, "His parents died in an incident when he was a baby, so my father adopted him."

"I-I didn't mean to offend you or him!" Soul protested weakly. "I was just wondering! I'm sorry."

"Anyway. You can sign up for clubs in the office."

"Thanks." It was probably best they separated before he ended up offending her again. He headed in a random direction.

"Where are you going?"

"... Office?"

"Yes. It's this way." She said, pointing, "Didn't you have to go down there to get your student information, anyway?"

"It's a big school..."

Maka rolled her eyes, and beckoned to him, "C'mon." She started in the direction she had indicated. Soul followed after her, hoping not to accidentally offend her again. Maka led him down a series of twisting, warped hallways, until she made it to a traditional-looking office, which was all encased in glass along the outside.

"Thanks," Soul said.

"You're welcome. See you tomorrow!" She made to walk off.

He was tempted to call her back. The school seemed so lonely and he knew it would be hell to find his way, but he'd already offended her twice today ...

Practice for Basketball Club was the next day. After another day of sitting through classes and attempting to take notes, he was more than grateful to make it to the gym.

"OI. EVAAAANS. WASSUP?" Maka's brother slapped the albino hard across the back.

Soul fell into crate of basketballs in front of him, banging up his nose, "Ow..."

"You okay, dude?"

"You knocked me into the basketballs," Soul replied dryly, checking his nose for bleeding. "How'd you know my name anyway?"

"I heard from Maka. I'M GONNA BEAT YOUR ASS, YAHOOOOOOOO!"

"We're on the same team!"

"It's called a scrimmage. Duh."

"What, today?"

"Hey, when you're thrown into the deep end, you either drown or learn to swim doncha?" He beamed, "I'M SEPARATING THE MEN FROM THE BABIES TODAY!"

"Don't worry, he's not that bad," A black boy with dreadlocks and glasses informed him with a grin. "Did he bother to introduce himself? I'm Kilik Rung, by the way."

"Soul Evans, and no, he didn't."

"He's our captain, Kurogane Albarn, everyone in the team calls him Captain Black Star, Black Star, or Captain. What class are you in?"

"1-A," Soul replied.

"Ah, so his sister, Maka Albarn, is in that class. You met her?"

"Yeah, I've met her. Uh ... Captain Black Star is in that class now too.

"Hah, knew he wouldn't last in a different class. She keeps her brother in line."

Black Star had been making a speech until then. Finally, he seemed to realize it was time to start playing. "LET'S GO! KILIK, PICK YOUR TEAM."

"Evans~" Kilik grinned.

"Kid." Black Star said, pointing to a boy with black hair and an eccentrically patterned white forelock.

"Harver-kun!" Kilik called a boy wearing a pair of sunglasses over. He looked pretty cool.

The rest of the choosing went on, until only one boy was left, "Agh . . . I got stuck with Hiiro . . ."

"C'mon, Evans. Zone defense."

"IT'S ON, EVANS!" Black Star said, immediately taking to guarding Soul. Aiden and Kilik guarded each other

"Why me?" Soul groaned.

"BECUASE I CAN!" Black Star caught a pass from Kid, and dribbled easily past Soul, despite his efforts. He shot, and scored, "WHOOO!"

"No worries, Evans!" Kilik caught the rebound.

"Great job today, guys! Evans, you did well! YOU MADE THE CUT!"

Soul was trying not to pant too heavily. Black Star had seemingly unlimited energy. "G-great."

Black Star beamed, "OKAY, LET'S HIT THE SHOWERS~~"

Soul practically limped over. Kilik grinned, "Don't worry, you'll get used to it. Black Star works us hard but we always win."

"THAT'S RIGHT. WE'RE THE BEST! WE'LL SURPASS GOD SOMEDAY!"

When Soul emerged from the showers, he found Maka leaning against the wall outside the basketball gym. "Albarn-san?" He hoped that was the right way to address her. He wasn't used to using an honorific on names.

"Oh, hi, Evans-kun. I'm waiting for my brother."

BOOM. "YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!"

"NII-SAN! HAVE YOU DONE YOUR HOMEWORK YET?"

Soul just stared at them speechlessly.

"BASKETBALL PRACTICE COMES FIRST! "

"MAKA CHOP!" Thwack. "HOMEWORK IS IMPORTANT!"

"I'M GONNA DO IT! I'M NOT ALLOWED TO BE CAPTAIN IF I FAIL."

Kid came out just then, "Oh, hi Maka-san."

"Hi. YOU GO DO YOUR HOMEWORK RIGHT NOW, OR I'M NEVER COOKING FOR THE TEAM AGAIN! TSUBAKI-CHAN TOO!"

Kid wandered over next to Soul, "Ah, the usual threat."

"WHAT? WE'LL STARVE! I'M GOING!" Black Star whined piteously and headed off.

"They do that all the time?"

"Yep," Kilik came out too. "Maka-chan makes great food."

"I-It's not that good."

Soul couldn't help but watch her, heat rising to his own face. The expression she made when she was embarrassed was cuter than expected.

"I hope you won't make good on that threat," Kilik watched Black Star grab his backpack. "Best way to motivate us to win is one of yours and Tsubaki-chan's meals."

"I know. But he doesn't know that. You really should all follow Aiden-kun's example, you know." Maka said sternly.

"Hey! I make good grades!" Kilik protested.

Soul just blushed. He'd already proven himself a slacker.

Maka scowled, "I guess. But Evans-kun, you better pick up your slack." She said, turning her glare on him.

"I don't slack! Slacking isn't cool!"

"Yes you do! You barely listened in class today! You didn't even take notes!" Kid and Kilik were shooting Soul sympathetic looks. Apparently, they'd been through this as well.

"Well excuse me for not being a bookworm!"

"I AM NOT A BOOKWORM! MAKA CHOP!" THWACK.

"Owwwwww."

Maka huffed, and stalked off, grumbling to herself. Kid sighed, "Good thing she likes you."

"That was her liking me?" Soul grimaced, holding the bump on his head.

"Oh yeah."

"She really likes you." Kid smiled, "You're lucky. The last guy lasted only a day, after she threatened to feed his spleen to her cat."

"What?"

"She was serious, too. She had a scalpel and a surgical mask and everything."

"Wh-what?" What the hell had he gotten himself into?

Kid smiled and patted Soul on the back, "You're a special one."

He somehow didn't feel very reassured.

AUTHORS NOTE:

Hellfey – Thank you for reading, this is Hellfey (for lack of a better name), the sane one in the writing of this. Except at the point of this author note, where I haven't slept in 25 hours and that is how you get me drunk without alcohol. This fanfiction was based off a dream I had. It was a crazy dream. It was actually me reading a book, that was Soul Eater, except not, and it was very confusing. Anyway, decided to write it with ZombieDuckBOO here. So here it is, a crazy, crazy AU that borrows heavily from at least five different anime. Can you spot them all?

ZombieDuckBOO - Aaaand, Hellfey is being psycho. *pets her* She'll be okay after some sleep. Anyway, we are happy to bring you Labyrinth of Souls, chapter one! I don't know what else to say. DOOM BUNNIES. Please review, feedback is appreciated~!