Chapter 1: Nightmares

It's a peaceful, normal night in Death City as most of the citizens are asleep. There are, of course, many parties going on, but for Maka Albarn, life is anything but a party. Lately, she has had nightmares that interrupt her sleep, leaving her tired and cranky in the mornings. She sees everyone else's happiness and finds herself jealous since she's almost always tired.

The effects of battling the Kishin have definitely taken their toll on poor Maka, despite that having been three long years ago. She has tried to keep her mind busy by helping with repairs to Death City (that will take years to complete). She doesn't talk about her nightmares much, especially with Soul, since she knows he has enough to worry about. She doesn't want to worry him, but he is her partner, so she should tell him eventually, right?

Anyways, as Maka tosses and turns, another nightmare slithers its way into her mind like a snake:

She is once again facing Medusa, but this time she no weapon, no escape, and no one to help her. Soul is strapped to a table with metal chains. He has no shirt on, which reveals the long scar on his chest. He struggles to get free, but the chains restrain him. There is the faint, but ever present, sound of distant screams and wails. Maka turns to see that Professor Stein is holding her back with a grotesque expression on his patched-up face. He grins slightly as he begins to mark where he will dissect her.

She turns to see Soul scream as Medusa cuts him open with a scalpel. His screams pierce her ears, but there's nothing she can do. Blood sprays everywhere as Soul is slowly dying in front of her. She calls out his name, but her voice doesn't work. Stein, too, begins dissecting her. She screams endlessly as the dream fades…

"Maka! Oi, Maka!" Soul gently shakes the screaming Maka.

Maka slowly opens her eyes and stares at Soul for a few moments. Soul mentally sighs with relief. He'd almost had a heart attack thanks to her screaming. He can see the sweat on her forehead and wonders if that's what he looked like when the black blood had first entered his body. He shudders just thinking about it.

"You're safe now. You're ok." Soul says calmly.

Maka takes a deep breath. "A-arigato, Soul."

He grins halfheartedly. "Don't mention it."

Maka lowers her head and her light brown hair falls over her shoulders. Soul still hasn't let go of her shoulders and is tempted to not let go. He notices that her normally cheerful green eyes are now filled with fear. Damn, I hate seeing her like this, Soul thinks. He knows that she felt the same way when he was like this, but he isn't eager to repeat this again, even if he isn't the one having nightmares.

Maka wraps her arms around Soul, needing his comforting touch. He can feel her body shake ever so slightly. His cheeks grow hot, but, despite that, he puts an arm around her. He understands the sheer terror that nightmares bring. However, Maka hasn't told him much of anything yet, so he can't help her. He wants to help her—to be there for her, but she doesn't let him in; although, he is the same way towards her. So this is how it feels, Soul thinks.

"Do you want me to stay?" Soul asks hesitantly.

Maka nods and looks up at him. "Please."

Soul smiles. "I'll chase the nightmares away."

"And I'll beat them up."

"Sounds like fun." Soul says as he lies next to Maka in her warm bed.