For Ness who plagues the hearts of innocent people everywhere.

But she's also hella cool so here ya go, Ness, you're the best. 3

Soul felt like shit.

He was dirty and bloody and he had been thrown against a wall too many times to count.

Grinding his teeth, he started to walk, no, hobble, towards Shibusen as fast as he could.

Usually, Maka would be there to help him, to at least give him a bit of support.

And she would be, if her soul wasn't struggling to link itself to her body. Her breathing was shallow, and she felt limp in Soul's already tiring arms.

"Dammit," Soul growled, shaking as he hurried along the streets of Death City, "Goddammit, this was not how this assignment was supposed to go!"

Soul took a sharp left, cursing the fact that his motorcycle had run out of gas and was lying somewhere in between Death Bucks and Black Star's house.

"Maybe I should go to Black Star's house," he murmured, talking to himself so he could keep on moving. Soul started to run but stumbled a few steps, and resigned to speed walking as fast as he could with an almost dead Maka nearly slipping out of his hands. He leaned his arms in so she wouldn't fall, and continued to drag himself through out Death City.

"No, no, Stein. Stein will help," he muttered, looking around frantically to confirm that he was walking in the right direction. Thankfully, he was.

At least he didn't have to worry about getting lost too.

"This ain't cool, Maka. Did you really have to choose this mission to not listen to me?" Soul nudged her with his nose.

Maka stirred, and he felt slightly relieved.

"Hang in there, Maka," Soul was desperate now, craning his neck to see if they had reached Stein's lab or the school yet. They hadn't.

"Maka, stay awake. Don't fall asleep, listen to me."

Maka blearily blinked and coughed, trying not to fall unconscious.

"Ahh-," Maka coughed, "Okay…"

"So, who gave you the brilliant idea to go solo today?" Soul tried joking, but it came out sounding harsh. He winced at the thought.

"Shut it…" Maka groaned, visibly gritting her teeth in order to not fall unconscious.

"Sorry," Soul was too tired at this point, "Just trying to lighten the mood."

"I know," Maka whispered, eyes fluttering at this point, "But not now, Soul."

Soul nodded, and looked up.

"We're here…" Soul visibly relaxed, almost collapsing on the steps. He pushed forward, praying that Stein was awake and at his computer as usual. He rang the doorbell, and waiting for a few agonizing seconds.

Marie opened the door, and took a quick glance at Maka, raising her eyebrow.

"Please, help." Soul croaked, sinking to his knees with exhaustion.

Marie took Maka out of his arms as fast as she could and carried her into the house.

Soul blinked, and collapsed on the doorstep.

He hit his head, and everything turned black.