A few weeks have gone by and Soul spent many more days out of school, doing work for Death. This irritated Maka but she pretended like it didn't and proceeded to spend a significant amount of time with Tsubaki, Black*Star, Liz, Patty, Death the kid and even Kara to replace Soul's absence. They were at the park on one warm Friday afternoon.
Tsubaki, Liz and Patty were stretched out in the grass sun bathing while Maka and Black*Star were practicing new moves on each other. Kid was playing with a blade of grass, contemplating its symmetry and Kara was observing the interaction between Maka and Black*Star. "Hey Maka, how has Soul been? We rarely see him anymore." Kara asked solemnly. Maka noticed that Kara wasn't as bubbly as she typically is and she appeared to be more tired than usual. "Oh he's been okay. Quite worn-out lately. You know, the duties of a death scythe and all. He's not really up for hanging out."
"Well I hope they aren't working him too hard. We should plan a get together that he can come to. Maybe a dinner or something."
"If there is food involved, Soul will be there," Maka beamed.
"Good, talk to him about it. Let me know." Kara stood up and brushed off her clothes. "I'm going to head out. I'll see you guys later." Kara slowly walked off while everybody watched.
"She sure does talk about Soul a lot," Tsubaki claimed. "C'mon Tsubaki, it's so obvious that she is attracted to him," Liz replied. "There is something wrong with her," Maka said while watching her fade into the distance. "It's probably the fact that Soul isn't ever here with us and she is having withdrawals," Liz said as she inspected her nails. Kid and Black*Star looked at each other and shrugged. Maka continued to stare at the trees that Kara disappeared into. There is something really bizarre about her.
Black*Star all of a sudden stood up. "Hey guys. You know what we haven't done in a while?" They stared at him, hardly appearing interested. "Battle! Who's with me?" There was no reaction by the group. Everybody simply continued to stare at Black*Star, disinterested. Finally Kid lazily stood up. "Yeah I'm with you Black*Star," Kid agreed. Black*Star gestured toward the girls, "Ladies?" The girls sighed. "Alright, boys." There was really no point in Maka participating since she didn't have Soul there as her weapon. So she said her goodbyes and took off toward the apartment.
As she was headed home, her mind was wandering. She was thinking about Soul, and how she missed him. It was weird for Maka to feel this way. She's never missed Soul before. Maybe that was because they were always together. She's been so lonely without him even with everybody else around. I guess I just sort of have a special connection with him. "Hey, Maka!" Maka's thoughts were interrupted by the sudden holler. She turned around and was surprised to find Kara running to catch up to her. "Oh hey, Kara. Whatsup?
"Oh nothing. I just wanted to talk to you," Kara heaved as she finally caught up with Maka.
"Really? What about?"
"I notice that you have been down a lot lately and I can't help but wonder if it's about Soul. Are you lonely? Do you want to hang out sometime?"
Maka looked at her and smiled. "Thanks for being concerned but I'll be alright. I do miss him a little bit but it's no big deal."
"Well if you ever wanna hang out or talk or whatever, I'm here. Just figured I'd offer." Kara smiled.
"Ah well. I'm not doing anything right now, want to go grab something to eat?" Maka asked.
Kara's face lit up, "Oh yes!"
They made their way to the corner diner in Death City while chatting about school and life in general. They were seated and given menus. "So," Maka started. Kara looked up at her. "You grew up in a village up north? When did you decide to join the academy?"
"Yes, it's actually a funny story really." Maka continued to listen intently.
"My village was being terrorized by a witch...the same witch that you and Soul destroyed."
Maka was shocked. "Really? I never knew…"
Kara nodded. "She did all kinds of things to our people, horrible things. I'm sorry if I seem so enamored with you guys, but ever since you defeated her, I've kinda looked up to both of you."
It was all coming together. No wonder she is so fangirl crazy.
"Well I'm glad Soul and I could help and I'm also really glad you made it to the Academy." Maka smiled. "By the way, any luck on finding a partner yet?" Kara sighed, "No not yet but I'm really trying. I want it to be right. How did you and Soul become partners?" Maka paused. "…Well, it was luck really. I walked in on him playing the piano, we had a conversation, and it just felt right. I don't know. Don't get down, though, you'll find someone. Soul and I are pretty much opposites but we work pretty well together so don't rule out any wavelengths that may cause friction with yours. When it's right, it's right and you'll know." Kara smiled and nodded in agreement.
As they continued to converse, Maka started liking Kara more and more. She's not really that bad after all.
"So Maka," Kara began. "Have you found anyone you like?" Maka almost spit out her drink. "Haha no, why do you ask?"
"I just thought that's what girls like to talk about."
"Ah, nope. I'm single and loving it. What about you?"
"Well, I'll admit it. I think Soul is kinda cute."
This wasn't really news to Maka but still, she felt her face get really hot.
"Oh really, so you have a crush on him, eh?" Maka was smiling but deep down inside she felt jealousy. Oh gosh. What the heck is wrong with me?
"Haha, I guess you could say I do." Kara blushed. "I just can't help it. I hope you aren't mad."
"Me mad? Nah," Maka chuckled. "I don't care if you have a crush on Soul. In fact, why don't you tell him?" Maka was loving this now. Soul would just die of embarrassment if Kara admitted her feelings to him.
"Oh I couldn't! No way. Besides I don't feel like I'm the only one."
Could she tell? Maka shot her a look, "What do you mean by that?"
"There are probably hundreds of other girls drooling over him, since he became the new death scythe."
Whew. Maka was relieved. Thank Death she wasn't talking about me.
"Oh yeah," Maka laughed. "I'm sure there probably are. So maybe you should tell him, you never know." Maka really wanted to change the subject. This is getting awkward. She started thinking about Soul and what his reaction would be to this conversation. That really would be funny to watch.
Maka returned to her apartment only to find Soul looking absolutely drained. He was passed out on the couch. Maka looked at the clock. Oh boy, only eight. "Gotta get you up," Maka sighed. She pulled Soul up by the arm and placed it around her neck. She placed her other arm around his waist for support to which he woke up and slightly helped her. "Cmon, Soul. Walk!" Maka carried him to his bed. He managed to snake his way under the covers. She turned out his light and before she left he called out her name, "Maka." She stopped, turned her head and answered, "Yes?" "Come here." He said it so calmly and so seriously that it frightened her. "Soul?" He repeated himself. "Come here." The room was completely dark and she could hardly see. She entered the room and sat on his bed, concerned.
He sat up and looked at her wearily. She couldn't see his face, but she knew he was looking at her. "I have something I've wanted to tell you." Maka's heart sank. What in the world is going on? What could be so important that he has to tell me now? "What is it?" She stared at him intently. He looked away and closed his eyes. "I know I haven't been hanging out with you, lately. And I know you miss me." Why is he acting so weird? Maka didn't know what to say. "I have a confession to make to you." He is killing me right now. There was silence for a really long time; all that could be heard was the subtle breaths being taken. "Well tell me, Soul. This is killing me!" He wasn't fazed by her sudden command and spoke slowly. "Sometimes when I say I have death meister duty…I'm not being completely truthful." Maka's heart sank even lower. She waited with patience as he finished his confession. "I have been taking extra lessons with Stein." He paused while Maka raised her eyebrows. "What do you mean you have been taking extra lessons? What lessons?"
"Maka, please don't be upset. But I have been taking extra lessons to be what Stein is." Maka didn't understand. "What exactly IS Stein, Soul?" Soul sighed to himself before continuing. "I want to be a weapon AND a meister." Maka's stomach churned in confusion and she couldn't find the words that she wanted to say. "Wha…what do you mean," she managed to ask. He shook his head and sighed. "You remember the day we first met Stein?" This must have been what had happened the other day in the courtyard. She knew exactly where he was going with this but didn't interrupt. "You remember how he became his own weapon by controlling his own wavelength? Well, I'm trying to learn the reverse. I'm becoming my own meister."
At this last statement, tears began to fill the lids below her eyes but she quickly wiped them away. "You're becoming your own…" Maka repeated in a whisper. She was trying hard to hide her emotions from Soul but it was no use. He knew exactly how she was feeling. He could sense it. It was happening again- Perfect Soul Resonance. A burning sensation arose in his chest. He felt her sadness, pain, concern, all of it. "Ah hell," was all he could think. "Maka, listen to me." He placed his hands on her shoulders and she looked up. He then did what he felt was the necessary thing to do and pulled her into a tight hug. Her eyes were filled with tears and her cheeks were wet. He didn't want her to speak because he already understood everything. He tried to console her. "I know you feel like you are unimportant to me and I won't need you anymore. The opposite is true, Maka. I need you more than ever. I'm not doing this to try and get away from you. I'm doing this so that you won't have to feel like you need to protect me anymore. As a weapon, I am supposed to protect my meister and with this new ability I will be able to be a full-fledge guardian to you. I want to be a self-sufficient fighter so that in any situation that you may need me, I can completely protect you. And I want you to join me in the lessons so that you can also protect yourself without me. I can help you catch up and teach you all I know so far. This, in no way, is going to tear us apart or not make me your weapon any longer. I don't ever want to lose you as my meister and I don't want to exclude you anymore; we stick together."
The tears stopped and Maka fell silent. She felt his sincerity and, deep down, knew he was being honest with her. "How long have you been taking them," Maka calmly asked. Soul didn't reply immediately. He was afraid of the reaction. "3 months." An anger brewed inside of her and she pushed him away. "3 months!? When were you planning on telling me all of this?!" She exploded.
"I'm sorry; I really didn't want you to take it badly."
"Oh really. Is that all? You could have told me this way sooner, you and I are supposed to be able to trust each other. We are PARTNERS." He looked at her unfazed and unintimidated. "Oh please. It seems like you just want an excuse to be angry at me." Maka jumped to her feet. "WHY WOULD I WANT THAT?" Maka was fuming and Soul began to get frustrated. "Because you LOVE being angry with me and I don't know why! I really didn't HAVE to tell you at all!" "Maka…CHOP!" Soul covered the sore on his head from her surprise attack. "OUCH! Will you stop with the chops!?"
"Not until you apologize!"
"Look, I get you're upset about me not telling you sooner, but can you try to look at the bigger picture here," Soul replied while rolling his eyes. Maka calmed herself down and drew in a deep breath. Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms and finally spoke. "I have not missed you." Soul was surprised by the sudden change of subject. He grinned while still rubbing his head. "Yes you have." Maka was persistent. "No I haven't, Soul… But I know Kara misses you. You should have heard her at the diner today." Maka thought back to the conversation with Kara. Soul's grin turned into a grimace. "Why did you have to bring her up?" Maka smirked. "Because I know how it affects you. Oh face it, you like having an admirer." Soul looked at Maka through his sleepy eyes. "It doesn't even bother me. Not even a little." He laid back down on his pillow and shut his eyes. "Maybe you really like her back and don't want to admit that," Maka snidely remarked. Soul shot up and threw a pillow at her. She chuckled to herself as she caught the pillow perfectly. "Ugh! I don't have feelings for her. Do you want to take those lessons with me or not?" "Yes, I will take the lessons with you," Maka quickly replied.
"Alright good, now get out."
"Is that any way to treat your meister?"
"OUT, MAKA." She slipped out quickly, quite pleased with herself.
What is wrong with girls these days? Why do they insist on pissing me off?
The next morning, Maka was getting ready for school when she heard murmuring coming from Soul's room. Interested, she quietly tiptoed to the entrance of his room and pressed her ear against the door. She recognized the voice of Lord Death. "This group of kishins is of particular interest because they have discovered and targeted the identities of the 8 death scythes. 2 of the 8 scythes have died, while 2 others have been seriously injured. Furthermore, there is rumor that their meisters are also targets although we have not confirmed this."
Maka silently gasped, "Mama…"
"This is something for you to consider before taking on this mission. Their leader is incredibly strong and on the edge of becoming completely kishin. This is some serious business! Sid, Stein, and Spirit will accompany you. You must meet with the other scythes and make sure I'm contacted when the objective is complete. Collaboration with all scythes is crucial before we proceed any further with this mission. Can you be ready to go by 9, tonight?"
"Yes sir, I will be there..." Maka's stomach dropped when she heard Soul's voice. She felt as if reality physically slammed into her chest causing her to suddenly exhale. I have to calm myself down. Perfect Soul Resonance cannot let him know I'm upset! She breathed in and out a few times while continuing to listen to Lord Death's voice.
"Good. As for Maka. I have confidence that you will not repeat any of this to her. She doesn't need extra stress by worrying about you. If all goes as planned, nobody will be hurt. Well, except for the kishins, of course. Uh...do you have any questions or concerns?"
"Well…yes."
"What about her? Will she be okay?"
"She will be perfectly fine, Soul. She will be in good hands here in Death City. We have upgraded security since the Asura incident. I guarantee nothing will happen to her." Maka backed away from the door. She could feel her blood pressure rising as she took two steps back and ran straight into her room. She closed the door and locked it then turned around, facing the inside of her room. She collapsed to the floor and covered her knees with her arms as tears began to silently run down her cheek. What should I do? He could be killed on this mission.
All of a sudden, Soul was pounding on her door. "Hey Maka, Let's go. We are going to be late for school!" She wiped her tears away and stood up. "Coming."
That day at school was like any other day except Maka didn't partake in any conversations as she didn't feel the need to talk. She didn't even look at anyone. She felt sick to her stomach. This is the longest day ever. I just want to go home.
"Don't worry guys, I just feel sick," was how she responded to their questions and looks of concern at lunch. Soul didn't question her nor did he look at anybody. He didn't feel like talking either. "I'm tired," was Soul's excuse. He was so used to Kara's stares that he didn't even notice her gazing at him. He wasn't interested in anyone's questioning glares for that matter. He ate his lunch quickly and stood up to leave. Maka glanced at him and looked away, saddened by the thoughts of him being put in that kind of danger. I have to do something…
On the way home from school both were silent. Maka was trying to piece together what she was going to say. When they finally got home, Maka immediately went to her room to put her backpack down. She came back out to the kitchen where soul was digging around for some snacks. "How long are you going to be gone," She blurted out. He grabbed a bag of chips and turned around. "Hmm. You heard then."
"Yes I heard. Please answer my question."
He sat in one of the chairs at the table and said, "just a couple of days. No big deal."
"Lord Death made it sound like it was a pretty big deal," she snapped back. He opened the chips and started to crunch on them. "It's not. I don't want you to worry about me. I want you to take care of yourself." She put both hands on the table. "Soul, death scythes have died!" He stood up, cutting her off, "I am well aware of the situation, Maka. I will be ok. They were both ambushed, alone. There was no way they could have planned for those attacks. I have to do this. This is my duty as a death scythe. You knew this when you made me one. I really don't want to fight with you about it." I regret making you one…was all she could think. Maka backed off. She was angry but she really didn't want to upset him. "Fine. Just please be careful. Promise me you'll be ok." He smiled. "What are you so worried about? Your father and Sid will be there. It's you I'm worried about, not myself. Death also said they were rumored to target meisters." She looked at him intently and responded, "I know. I'll be ok." He wandered over to the couch. "Good. You better be." Maka wanted to be calm but inside she was really worried. I just have such a bad feeling about this.
It was 8:29. The rain pounded against the tin roof silencing everything else in the room. A booming clap of thunder rumbled overhead. Maka and Soul sat on the couch silently dreading the somber moment that he would have to walk through that door. Soul was dressed casually in his hoodie to protect himself from the rain on his walk. He began to ponder the situation. This moment would have to come eventually. We can't ALWAYS be together. We'd have to split up some time, right? The chimes of the school clock tower rang for the half hour pulling him from his thoughts. Soul stretched and stood while throwing his bag over his shoulder. He said, "Alright, I'll be back in a few days. Please, restrain from doing anything stupid. Use your head. I want you to be all in one piece when I get back." Maka was quiet and walked to the kitchen. Without turning to face him, she nodded while resisting the urge to say something. She listened to his footsteps on the floor as he made his way to the doorway. She fought against the feeling in the pit of her stomach and shut her eyes. "Please be careful." He slightly turned so that one eye could see her. He nodded and continued out of the door into the rain.
When she heard the door shut a fire burned inside of her and her heart began to beat ferociously. One half of her refrained from running but the other half rebelled. The room seemed to spin as her conflicted thoughts swirled around in her mind."…But what if he dies," the phrase continued to repeat itself in her head like a broken record. Anger began to brew inside of her as the tug-of-war her mind was inflicting upon itself persisted. Her stomach dropped as she realized that this could very possibly be the last time she ever sees him. She couldn't take it anymore as she stared anxiously at the door. Her eyes were aflame. Her fingertips began to tremble. She no longer wanted to just stand there. Out of rage, she ran across the living room, leapt over the coffee table and slammed the door open. Her mind fought hopelessly against her. What are you doing, Maka? STOP! She ignored her thoughts as she raced into the rain; her heart was pounding furiously. She felt the blood coursing through her veins. "SOUL," she screamed. He was already half way to the corner when he heard her call. He quickly turned to look at her. "Maka?" Maka was sprinting towards him. "Soul, wait!" He began to walk towards her. "What's wrong? What the hell are you doing?! Get back inside," he demanded.
"Soul, please don't go!" She stopped a few feet away from him, wildly breathing. "I have a really bad feeling about this," Maka panted.
"I don't care about your bad feeling. Go back!" Soul pointed at the apartment with the open door swinging from the wind. Maka shook her head. After a long period of silence he finally said, "Maka, please don't make this harder than it has to be." Maka listened while breathing rapidly. "You can text me any time." Maka ignored him.
"Please don't do this."
"Maka, I have to go. It's my responsibility as a death scythe." He turned around to face the clock tower.
"Screw your responsibility! Why can't I help? I've gone up against a full-blown kishin before! Why is this situation any different?"
"You know as much as I know. There is a reason Death has ordered me to go and you to stay. It's too dangerous for you."
"Fine. I will just go and ask Lord Death myself!" She began to walk past him. He reached out and grabbed her arm. "LET ME GO, SOUL!"
"You think I will simply allow you to walk up there and ask Death for permission to come with me? You're crazy! It's too dangerous, Maka! You're staying here!" Maka grasped his arm that held her and quickly swung around him, placed a knee into his back and forced him into the ground. She tried to run but he seized her leg causing her to fall onto the pavement. "Argh!" He sat on the street and pulled her body between his legs. He held her tightly around the waist, close to him. She struggled against his clutch trying to free herself, but failed. She finally relaxed and softly rested her back onto his chest. "Listen. I know you want to be a part of it," he calmly whispered in her ear. "… and I understand that you are worried because you won't be there. But trust me, I can handle this and I promise I will come back to you. Please, stay here where you will be safe." He released his grip and she didn't move. He placed his arms under hers and stood up. He turned her around to face him, wrapped his arms around her and whispered "I promise." He let go and continued to walk towards the tower. Maka faced him.
Maka felt her lungs gasp for air as she collapsed to her knees and started to cry. "Oh please, Maka. Don't do this," Soul begged as he froze. His eyes were fixed forward. He couldn't look at her. "How do you know that you won't die," she wept. "How do you know I will be safe here?!" Her voice echoed through the deserted street. Soul's body ached as she said these words but he remained motionless and silent. She was thinking about the time before Soul was a death scythe. How she and he took on enemies like it was some game. Thought missions were all fun. Then Soul got hurt making her very aware of their own mortality. At least they faced these dangerous situations together. They were there for each other. Him parting from her made the fear that much worse. This was real. She felt sick. She was so desperate for him to stay she would have done just about anything... and the only thing she could think of doing at that moment was the last thing she ever wanted to do. "But it needs to be done," Maka whispered, out loud. Soul turned his head slightly to increase his hearing in her direction. Maka breathed in, trembling. "I need to tell you something before you leave." Soul was listening, focusing on every word that came out of her mouth. Maka shivered in the wind chill. She drew in a deep breath. What are you doing, Maka?
"I love you." She spoke the words loud enough so he could hear them.
If it weren't for the rain, one would have thought time had stopped. Soul did not say anything and he didn't move; he didn't appear to even breathe. Desperate for a reaction, she screamed, "It's true!" She wanted to stop, but she pressed on. "I've been denying it for a while now Soul, but it's how I feel. I can't deny it any longer." Her voice echoed into the night only to be silenced by the surrounding rain. "I care about you. I can't lose you! I wouldn't even know what to do if I did." There was a long pause. The wind rustled through the trees and tore at their clothes. The rain pounded in their eardrums. Nothing was said, no one moved. Suddenly Soul lifted his head. Without turning to look at her he dryly responded, "Go home, Maka." He began to walk away. She was stunned. His last words rang in her ears and stung like ten thousand poisonous stings. Maka watched as he disappeared into the misty blanket of rain. She remained motionless on the ground, staring at the wet concrete. What just happened? She glanced over at the empty space next to her and imagined herself dying, right there in the street.