Maka wielded Soul expertly. Every battle they fought, their bond grew stronger. She watched his back even as she used him to slay their enemies. He protected her even if he had to put himself at risk.
Soul gazed up at Maka's tear stained face, feeling only gratitude. He could die peacefully knowing he had protected her. If she had been the one laying in a pool of her own blood, he would have hated himself. As it was, she was safe. He had done his job. He was grateful to every star shining down on them that she had been his Meister. His love.
He tried lifting a hand to brush her tears away, but his arm felt like lead and darkness overtook him.