This story was inspired by If Only They Knew by ry123red. I wanted to do my own take on the idea.
Doing a bit of a rewrite here! I've added to this chapter and rewritten a few things. I hope you like it!
Maka has never felt so trapped or helpless before. It's hard to believe that just a few hours ago, this just seemed like a simple extracurricular assignment. Funny how things change so quickly.
The sword seems to swing in slow motion as she frantically considers her options. She can't guard with Soul, that will kill him, or at least seriously injure him. She can't escape the church, because the doors won't open outward. Maybe she could break through them with her scythe? No, there's not enough time. She could try to take on the sword by herself, but without her scythe, she can't do much against a sword. And even though she can't tell what he's thinking right now, she can imagine Soul doing something stupid to protect her, like he did in the fight against Professor Stein. Like he's done so many times before. She remembers his words from earlier: "I am your weapon partner, Maka! That means I am always prepared to die for my meister!" Somehow, that's not a very comforting thought.
Soul getting hurt for her again is unacceptable. He's always protected her, and it's not fair for him to suffer for her mistake. After all, she was the one who insisted on investigating the church. This whole incident is her fault, and Soul has sacrificed enough for her, during their time together as partners.
So that leaves only one thing she can do. Quick from years of experience, Maka tosses Soul aside, momentarily distracted by the gleam of moonlight on his red and black blade. She regains her focus just as the enemy brings the sword down. The blow ends up catching Maka in her left side instead of her chest; she had turned to toss Soul aside.
Maka wishes she was stronger, and could take the blow stoically, without flinching or screaming, like Soul would have. Instead, she makes a choked whimpering sound as her legs buckle and she collapses with a loud thud. For a few seconds she lays half-conscious on the floor in front of the doors, unaware of anything besides the sharp burning pain in her side, the steady drip of blood from the enormous gash made by the sword, and the sound of Soul screaming her name. He sounds really worried, more worried than she's ever heard him before. Not so worried about being cool right now. At least he's safe, she thinks dizzily, before finally, mercifully passing out.
Soul changes out of weapon form in midair, landing gracefully on his feet before rushing over to Maka, shouting her name as loud as possible. He doesn't think he's ever felt so panicked before. What on earth was she thinking?
He takes up a protective crouch over her crumpled body, reaching a hand behind him to check for signs of life. He breathes an enormous sigh of relief when his fingers meet her wrist and he feels her strong pulse beneath his fingers. At least she's still alive. His newfound relief allows him to return his attention to the pink-haired child as they approach swiftly, ready to strike another fatal blow. Soul prepares himself to fight to the end, turning his right arm into a scythe blade. He's nervous, fighting without his meister, but he's not about to let this weirdo touch her again.
Just as the sword is about to strike him, the blade of a scythe protrudes through the door, directly over his head, and pierces straight through the chest of their attacker. The door is ripped open, revealing Professor Stein with a scythe in hand. Soul never thought that he'd be happy to see their teacher, but for once, he's overjoyed to see Stein. Armed with his scythe, the professor sends their opponent flying.
Which means the scythe must be Maka's father. While the pink-haired child recovers from the last blow, Spirit transform back into his human form, swearing loudly when he sees Maka. He rushes over to her and Soul, before Stein calls him back, reminding him that they still have an opponent. Spirit reluctantly goes back to Stein, transforming back into a scythe with one last glance at Maka.
While the professor and their strange attacker are engaged in battle. Soul takes the opening to gather Maka into his arms and move out of the way of the fighting. He searches frantically for a pulse again, not caring if her blood is getting all over him. Her pulse is weak but steady, and she's completely unconscious, which is concerning, but not surprising. "Hang in there, Maka," he murmurs to her, resting her head on his shoulder. He grabs her hand in an attempt to reassure himself. Even unconscious, she ought to recognize the gesture.
All he can do now is wait, and wonder to himself why Maka insisted on taking the hit. He should have been able to protect her, but she'd tossed him aside. "Why, Maka?" he asks helplessly. "I'm supposed to be protecting you, not the other way around," he finishes in a whisper, curling her closer to him, before he's forced to shift aside as the professor sends their opponent flying through the doors of the church. He follows the fight out into the streets of Italy, clutching Maka tightly to him. She's chalk-white and covered with blood. We need to get her out of here, he thinks grimly.
Maka would find this battle fascinating, and would be trying to learn whatever she could, but Soul just feels numb. He wants this battle to be over, and he wants to take Maka back home, but most of all, he wants to wake up and see that this was all a dream. To think that just a couple hours ago, the worst thing in his life was Maka smacking him over the head with her book.
Despite getting in a few lucky blows, the kid is easily defeated by Professor Stein and Spirit. Soul's interest is piqued when their opponent starts writhing on the ground, apparently going through something called soul rejection. He's hoping that the battle is over when a witch decides to make her appearance, flying overhead on a broomstick. Fortunately, the witch isn't too interested in fighting, and leaves after snatching up the Demon Sword.
Soul has been watching halfheartedly, most of his attention still on Maka. She's still losing a lot of blood, despite his attempts to stop the bleeding. He's startled by Spirit's hand on his shoulder. Spirit gestures to Maka, and Soul reluctantly hands her over to her father. "Let's go home," Spirit says softly, and they turn to head back to school together.
Please review! Constructive criticism is always welcome!