Chapter Text
Epilogue
About two years had passed since the day at the tomb and the Spartoi members were graduating from the DWMA. Maka stood with the other graduates in the hall dressed in the black robes and caps that were decorated with a white skull matching their head master's mask. Some had been embellished with sequins, paint, pins, or other accouterments showing their personalities or feelings of finally graduating.
The chatter was loud and excited and everyone was smiling, all but Maka. She was the school's valedictorian and she was still nervous about her speech. She paced back and forth in front of the door that would lead them all out onto the main grounds where the ceremonial stage and seating had been set up. She would be first out after her teachers then she would address them and her peers before they all were officially accepted as DWMA graduates.
She muttered her speech to herself under her breath, a frown gracing her forehead. She stilled when she felt long arms wrap around her middle that stopped her in her tracks. She smiled and turned. Her bright green eyes met warm crimson ones and a toothy grin. Soul rubbed her back, "Hey bookworm, why so serious?" Maka gave him a raspberry, "You know why." Soul shrugged, "Yeah, but you've got this. It's easier than any test you've had, and you passed them all. So what's a little speech?" Maka shoved at his shoulders trying to break away but he just gripped her more tightly, "Soul! This is important! I have to make sure I remember it all and say it right!" Soul smirked and kissed her nose, "All you have to say right today is how hot you think I look in these robes." Maka rolled her eyes, "You baka."
Soul pressed a swift kiss to her lips, "Seriously. Maka, relax. You just surpassed the entire class, your father and mother for meister skill, level four never existed before, and you are the youngest to have ever made a death scythe. You have done enough. If you bomb at your speech, oh well. Just talk from your heart. No, your soul. Everything's cool." Maka smiled at him and leaned into his embrace. She took a deep breath, "Love you." Soul smiled, "Love you too, stupid." Maka felt him reach in between them. She pulled away and watched him pull a small yellow box with a black bow from the inside of his robes. Maka tilted her head as he handed it to her and watched as he blushed. Maka pulled at the ribbon and then lifted the lid. Inside the tiny box was a small delicate silver ring. The white gold swooped around into an abstract infinity symbol holding two stones snuggly inside the loops. An emerald and ruby. One S-curve was encrusted in small diamonds. Maka gasped and dropped the lid to the floor.
Soul rubbed at his neck, "It's…not really a graduation present, but more of a promise." Maka looked up at him tears brimming her lashes and her lip quivered, "Soul…" Soul smiled and pulled the ring from the box and then lifted her left hand, "Maka, I made you a promise two years ago that my feelings wouldn't change when we got our memories back. I couldn't keep that promise." Maka swallowed a lump that was currently wedged in her throat and watched as his hand hovered above her left ring finger with the ring, "My feelings did change. I want you, care for you more now then I did even then. I love you. I want to make a new promise. I promise to always love you, and I promise when you're ready, I will make it forever. Will you accept my new promise?"
Maka's hand shook and she nodded her head vigorously as fat tears poured down her cheeks. Soul slipped the small promise ring onto her left hand and then grabbed her face to kiss her. The students behind them started to cheer and they both broke away blushing. Black Star bounded up to Soul and punched him in the arm. His black robe open and wrinkled, "Dude! I get to be the best man right?!" Soul cleared his throat, "I…that wasn't a…we aren't engaged…yet." Black Star snorted, "Whatever. You're totally engaged." Maka squeaked, "It's a promise ring." Black Star pointed at her, "Yeah and what do you think an engagement ring is? It's a more expensive promise ring! Call it like I see it bro!" Black Star laughed as the two of them blushed even redder but Maka reached her hand out to Soul's in solidarity. The ring fit nicely in between their woven fingers.
Maka glanced up to see that LIz, Patty, Tsubaki, and Kid were all standing there as well. Large smiles gracing their faces. All but Kid were in the official robes as Kid has surpassed them all, being Death's son. His accomplishment today was becoming the new Lord Death and headmaster of the DWMA. His robes were natural, a familial magic, and they fluttered about him in billowing black and purple wisps. His 'cap' resting on the top of his head, was a mask of a white skull resembling his father's. Though it had three perfect black lines across the top of the forehead. They signified the three lines of sanzu, a fitting addition Maka thought. Patty's cap had a pink collar with a skull charm dangling from the tassel and her cap had been painted on with the words 'I'm with giraffe' and Liz had written 'Kid is mine! So is this diploma!' Maka couldn't help but giggle, it was so fitting.
They were interrupted as Maka saw students being shoved aside as someone made their way hastily through the crowd towards them. It was her father. He stumbled as he cleared the last of the students blocking his way, "Maka! Maka! BABY! Papa is so proud of you!" He grabbed her and swung her around. Her cap went flying and she grunted with the force, "Papa! Put me down!" Spirit released her a small nervous smile graced his lips, "Maka…can I have a minute?" Maka picked up her cap, looked at her friends and she nodded, "Sure, Papa." He pulled her a few feet away, pushing more of the students out of the way, but once they saw the death scythe they naturally made a wide berth so he could pass.
Spirit smiled softly at his daughter and gripped her hands. "Maka…I wanted to…" He felt the ring on her hand and looked down. His eyes filled with tears and he met her eyes again, "Maka, are you happy?" Maka was surprised at the calm and serious tone his voice took on at the question and gave a small nod. He continued, "Good. I'm glad. Baby, I really am proud of you, I wish your Mama was here to see it. Maybe then she…well…no matter. I want you to know I am always here for you and I am happy for you and Soul. That octopus head. He really is your soul mate you know."
Maka laughed and her chest tightened, "Papa?" His bright teal eyes peered into hers, "Yes, darling girl?" She stepped forward and hugged him, "I love you, Papa." Spirit smiled and rubbed her back while cupping her head to his chest, "I know baby. I'm sorry I am…how I am." Maka shook her head rubbing her nose against his chest, "No, Papa. I'm sorry for being a brat. You have always been there for me. Mama wasn't. Mama wasn't always there for you either was she? That's probably why you cheated. I get it now. I'm sorry Papa." Spirit stiffened and pulled away to lift her head to face his, "Maka. You need to stop worrying about the past. Worrying about your Papa…me. You need to look forward. Forward to your life with Soul, your friends. Your wonderful career you will have. Baby, you've exceeded everything I ever wanted for you, so run. You don't need me anymore."
Maka choked, "Papa! I'll always need you. In some way, I will always need you." Spirit kissed her head, "And I will always be here. Just don't worry so much, alright?" Maka nodded, hot tears falling and soaking his shirt. He pulled her back and wiped them away with his thumbs, "Here, I have something for you." Maka stepped back and waited as he pulled a small thin envelope wrapped in a bow. Maka opened it and found a postcard and a letter. It was from her mother. Maka smiled but didn't read it. She hugged her father, "Thank you for bringing it, but it's more important that you are here.
Spirit smiled, "There's more." Maka looked up at him, "Oh?" Spirit nodded, "Here." Spirit handed her another envelope, this one red. She opened it and inside was another letter. It was in her father's handwriting. She quickly read it and pulled two plane tickets out. They were to Japan. Maka looked at him wide-eyed. Spirit smiled, "That's for you and Soul. Your Mama last wrote from there, I thought maybe, if she's still there, she'd want to see you. Though, if she wasn't I thought it would also make a nice trip for the two of you this summer." Maka wiped at the hot tears still leaking from her eyes, "Oh, Papa. Thank you. This is too much." Spirit cupped her cheek, "Nothing's ever too much for my baby." He leaned down and kissed her forehead, "Alright, let me have those, I'll keep them safe. The ceremony is about to start, I need to go. I love you, Maka. Can't wait to hear your speech." Maka grinned and hugged her father again, "Love you too, Papa."
Maka took a deep breath then turned to head back towards her friends, back toward Soul. He was standing there waiting for her with a small grin and an open embrace, "You got your gifts huh?" Maka nodded. Soul kissed her head, "Spirit got me something too." Maka pulled back to look into his eyes, she was surprised and he gave her head another kiss, "Yeah, it was a card with a big pink glitter covered octopus. Wanna know what was inside?" Maka gasped, almost afraid of the answer, but nodded. Soul smiled and leaned down to grab her hand, "After reading through quite a few threats towards my body if I ever made you unhappy, he gave me his blessing." Maka's hand reached up to cup her mouth to muffle the loud uncharacteristic squeal that escaped, "Really?!" Soul nodded, "When I ask, if you say yes, you're mine." Maka giggled, "You know if you asked now I'd say yes."
Soul chuckled, "Yeah, I know. But one day at a time remember? Today is for graduation. When I do ask, that day is going to be all about us. None of these clowns will be around." Maka smiled, "Yeah, right, one day at a time. Octopus." Soul groaned, "Not you too." Maka laughed, Octopus and the worm. Sounds like a fable." Soul rolled his eyes, "I only called you worm once." Maka kissed his lips, "Yes and if you ever call me that again I will make some of those threats Papa made a reality." Soul flinched, "Ouch." Maka giggled and they shared another kiss.
Their moment was broken by Sid who cleared his throat quite loudly, "Miss Albarn. Evans, it's almost time. We need you at the front." Maka nodded and gave Soul's hand a tight squeeze, "Wish me luck?" Soul shook his head, "You don't need it." Maka smiled, "Baka." Sid looked to Soul, "Alright, go get in line. Make sure Black Star behaves will you?" Soul nodded and saluted, "You got it. Though you should know he plans to climb the rafters after he gets his diploma." Sid let out an exasperated sigh and marched away to find his ward. Soul grinned, "So not true. Tsubaki already threatened him with no sex for a year if he does anything today." Maka giggled and shook her head, "You're awful!" Soul gave her a toothy grin, "I'm hilarious." He kissed her quickly and gave her hand a squeeze.
Maka took a deep breath as they all broke apart to find their places among the students. Maka glanced around and smiled, Soul wasn't too far away from her as he was being officially commemorated as a Death Scythe today. He was standing near Kid and Black Star was next to him. Soul was pointing at his face and yelled, "Dude go get in line! Chill while I'm up there! You know what Tsubaki said!" Black Star gave a grumble, "Yeah. Yeah! I got it! Stop acting like my mom! Not cool, Soul" Soul flicked him on the ear, "I'm your best friend, not your mom. Now go!" Black Star flipped him off, "Okay, MOM." Soul gave the bird to his back and smiled as he turned back to face the doors.
Maka saw Nygus approach her and the door that would lead them out to the ceremony, "You ready?" Maka nodded. She would have a long wait on the stage as the bigger announcements were made and each diploma was handed out before her speech. Her heart pounded and she nodded again, "Yes." Nygus smiled, "You'll be fine. Let's go." Nygus opened the door and an instant hush covered the crowd. All of the students filed out into the open air, the restored moon shined brightly above them letting out a loud cackle as they each took their designated places.
Maka blinked at the bright floodlights that illuminated the area. She saw tons of people seated in chairs that formed a large semi-circle behind all of the graduates. She walked up the stairs of the stage to see the senior staff standing stoically but smiling and Lord Death bouncing happily as she approached. She took her seat and adjusted her robes. Kid followed and then Soul. Another three students sat in chairs next to her and she watched as the hundreds of graduates made their way into their seats.
Upbeat music poured out from speakers all around them, the ticking of the drums and the thrumming of the guitar was accompanied by an off-kilter flute, and though it was odd, Maka felt it fit the situation perfectly. Soon all was quiet and Lord Death stepped forward to address the students. He bounced and smiled clasping his large boxy hands together in his excitement as he spoke. The next hour seemed to take place in an instant for Maka. Lord Death had announced Kid as his successor with copious amounts of cheering. Soul was presented as the last Death Scythe by Kid with just as many cheers. Black Star being the loudest. Spirit was honored with his retirement announcement, something that surprised Maka fully. The next thing she knew, all the diplomas had been handed out but for one.
Lord Death bubbled happiness, "And for our last diploma, I present this to Maka Albarn! Your valedictorian, youngest meister to create a death scythe and only level four meister in existence! Congratulations Maka!" Maka stood shakily and made her way up to Lord Death past her sobbing Father who gave her a big thumbs up as he wiped at his face. Maka bowed her head as Lord Death placed numerous silk ropes in different colors around her shoulders. He handed her the diploma and three different glass awards. Maka smiled awkwardly not knowing what they were for as she tried not to drop them, "Thank you. I am honored." Lord Death swooped his hand toward the microphone and motioned for her to proceed to make her speech. Maka stood for a moment as her picture was taken and then she turned, unsure what to do with all of the items she held. Her father, more composed now thankfully came to her rescue. He stood to gently take away her burden with a bright smile.
Maka stepped quietly up to the microphone and cleared her throat, "I had a speech prepared but as I've thought about it, you do not need to hear about grades and how it will alter your future and how getting this far is an accomplishment. We all know that. I was told to talk from my heart…no, my soul. So I'm going to. We all started here knowing we were different. We were lucky enough to find our way to the DWMA. They taught us we weren't just different, but special. Then somehow we were all lucky enough to find the right partners to make our way through the grueling years that tested everything we had by the amazing professors we've had. Granted, somewhere more trying than others." Maka gave a quick glance to Stein who just smiled as the crowd laughed. "We were challenged, we were tested, we were encouraged. And we were altered. Our time here has turned us all into extraordinary people. All of you, are amazing. It's so easy to fall into a new norm and forget how special that new normal is. We have all shared losses, gains, highs and lows at a very young age. I think if we were put back into the normal world we would suffer. It's not because we lack in any way but it's because we are meant for greater things." Maka took another steadying breath and found Soul's smiling face in the crowd. "Some of us were even luckier to find best friends or even love. Hold onto that. That's rare in even regular society." She stared into Soul's eyes, "Hold onto everything the DWMA has given you. Don't let life let the memories you've made here slip away. You never know how important they are until you've forgotten. We are all just a memory away after all." Soul winked at her, and she took another quick breath, "We came here young, dumb and alone, but hopefully, we are leaving a little wiser with bonds that will never be broken, and a little less stupid."
Her final sentence made the crowd laugh and she gave a quick smile and bow then made her way back to her chair as the former Lord Death approached the microphone, "Well said Maka! I hope that the DWMA will always be considered as your home. We are always here if you need us. I want to congratulate you all, you are now officially graduates of the Death Weapon Meister Academy. Now toss those gloriously decorated caps!"
Every person jumped to their feet and cheered as hundreds of black caps went flying into the air. Chaos ensued as some dove to find their cap and parents and friends made to find their way to each other. Maka laughed as she watched Soul jump over chairs and students to hop onto the stage and grab her in a tight embrace, "We did it bookworm!" He mashed his lips down onto hers and swung her around. Maka giggled and as he set her back down she smiled, "We did. We have so much more to come." Soul grinned, "I can't wait."
The rest of their friends had made their way to the stage all laughing happily. Tsubaki grabbed Black Star by the arm and leaned down, "You did well today." Black Star grinned, "Of course I did! Does that mean later we can do that thing that on page 42 of that book you hide under…" Tsubaki shrieked and smacked him over the head, "Black Star!" Liz laughed, "Oh, come on! We are all adults here." Patty giggled as Kid pushed his way towards Liz, he grasped her elbow and pulled her into a searing kiss. Patty giggled and clasped her hands, "Yay Kid! Er…Lord Death!" Kid broke away from a glazed-eyed Liz and shook his head, "Patty, please don't call me that." Patty pouted, "But…" Kid shook his head and stepped closer to the girl. He placed a hand gently on her cheek, "I'm Kid to you. Never your Lord." Patty nodded and gave Kid a tight hug, "Okay!"
Tsubaki grinned at their exchange, "So what are the students going to call you?" Kid shrugged, "Lord D. Kid?" Black Star snorted, "Lordy Kid?" Kid glowered at the blue-haired ninja, "No! Lord letter D Kid." Black Star cackled, "That's so lame!" Soul tried to hold back his laughter and looked at Black Star, "You have a better idea?" Black Star put a finger up to his lips in thought, "How about Headmaster Death?" Patty squealed, "Oh! I like that! Definitely better than Lordy Kid." Kid rolled his eyes, "Lord D…never mind. Fine. I don't have to sign the paperwork until later so I will make it official then I guess."
The crowd began to thin as families left to begin the evening celebrations and the Spartoi members walked together towards the campus exit. As they walked past the perimeter Maka paused and looked back. Soul had stopped next to her, "What's up Maka?" Maka shrugged, "It's the last time we will be leaving this school, together." Kid smiled, "Yeah, but I have a feeling you'll be back more often than you may realize. I have plans for you and Soul Miss Albarn." Maka wrinkled her nose, "Kid, if you call me that ever again, I will use Soul to take you out." Soul laughed, "Hey, do I get a say?" Maka shook her head, "Nope." Kid laughed, "Alright Maka. I apologize." Black Star's stomach grumbled, "Let's go! I'm starving!"
They laughed as they all walked into the city towards Maka and Soul's apartment where Blair had set up a celebration feast for them, their friends, and families. As they all enjoyed their evening, mingling with parents and friends, Maka smiled as she watched them all. She couldn't help but feel overly affectionate towards her group of misfit friends. Maybe it was the occasion but something about knowing they'd always be together made her feel like she was on cloud nine. This was her family and she couldn't wait to see what they all did together in the future. A future together and that future definitely looked bright for the Spartoi members.