Mellub: Hola everyone. *Sistine enter the room covered in sand* Oh, there you are. Are you finish with that shrine?

Sistine: *Coughing* Yes, I finished the damn thing. I swear that I got sand in the most distrubing places. *Taking off her shoe she poured out a large amount of sand into a pile*

Mellub: Well, it not my fault you destory it in the first.

Sistine: Yeah, whatever. Now that it's done I don't have to see Mr. Stick Up His Up Ass again.

Mellub: *chuckling* I think you mean the honorable Kage. Why don't you get some beer that usually cheer you up.

Sistine: Good idea. Do you want some also?

Mellub: No, I'll take some water instead. While she getting the drinks you guys enjoy the read.

Chapter 7

Crona would have Maka out of her room the next day, but Miss Iwa had postponed it. She does agree that the girl needed exercise. However, Maka wasn't going to soil the dress she currently had. After buying more cloth, a fine grade of cotton, she and a squad of maids made half a dozen dresses in three days. Leaving the unfortunate girl to indulge the old croon and gossiping women for far too long for her taste.

When the prince came to the room the next morning he found Maka sitting down on the stool clad in a light yellow dress. Upon hearing the prince entering she lower the book she was reading and said with a polite smile, "Good morning Crona. I'll join you after I reach a good stopping point." A few minutes later she bookmarked her place and walk over to the prince and impatient demon.

"Take long enough," said the grouchy demon.

"Good morning sun shine," she replied not taking a glance at him, "wake up on the wrong side of the spine?" Keeping her eyes on Crona she asked, "So how this going to work? After breakfast I can go anywhere I like."

His eyes on the ground he muttered out, "L-let d-discuss this over b-breakfast." Agreeing to that they went to the dining hall to found their breakfast where they had dinner before. Taking their seats Crona stared at his meal thinking up a way to negotiate with the girl eating happily across from him. Without Medusa he knew he was already at a disadvantage. He had the terms of her access to the castles planed out, but he got a sinking feeling that by the end of this meal. She might as well own the place.

For a little while they sat there all content with what they're doing. "Are you going to eat that?" asked Ragnarok. Not feeling hungry Crona handed his plate to the demon. The demon took the plate his mouth wide open ready to gulp it down when he saw the stare he got from the girl. "What?"

"Nothing," she said. Wiping off a bit of grease from the corner of her mouth she gave the two a thoughtful expression. "Black blood," she whispered to herself. That what Ragnarok is made out of or was he part of the blood? She had finally realized that was the reason for her discomfort about the demon. He can do something to the prince's blood that makes it into a weapon. He is the tool which his miester can fight with. What's a miester?

Putting the thought aside she said, "Do you hate me?"

"Who?" asked the demon before Crona could ask. Gesturing to his partner he said, "Talking to me or the spineless."

"Crona."

A little taken back by the question the prince asked, "W-why would I h-hate you?"

Shrugging she replied, "I don't know. Besides attacking you that one time had our path very crossed?"

"No," he stated plainly, "that t-the only time w-we very met and I d-didn't hold a grudge." Playing with his hands sorrow and nervousness covered his face. "D-doesn't matter. I-I d-deserve to be k-killed."

For the first time they met, at less remember that is, Maka saw the madness that everyone feared. The dark blue portion of his eye gave ground as the gray greedily took it place. His mouth twisted into an awkward closed smile. His right eyebrow started to twitch in jerking monition. A soft giggle escape his lips before he said, "So many times I had so wanted to die to end the nightmare I call life. How can anyone have the desire to live, is beyond me. All life is a living hell."

This new development of his character caused some worry, but what scared her was the look on Ragnarok's face. Baring his white teeth in a creepy smile he was now looking at Maka with killer intent so strong she wanted to hide.

Taking a deep breath to calm herself she reached across the table to grab Crona by the hand. "Crona, you shouldn't say things like that," she said in a quiet voice, hoping it would smooth him.

"Why not," he said seeming to be confused. "Where is hope in this world? Where is the light at the end of the tunnel? All I see is endless darkness where there is no escape. Why should I spend pointless hours wondering when it would be better to curl up and be silence? Not like someone going to help me. Everyone is nothing more than a bunch of bastard and bitches that would used you up until your complete worthless. Only way to prevent that is to become stronger."

"No it isn't!" she exclaimed. The prince was about to countered that when she said, "You're life doesn't have to be like that." And she meant it. How can anyone like him think like this? Is his mother truly that terrible? Before she can stop to think her next words she blurted out, "I'm willing to help you!"

Both the prince and the demon were shock by her offering of assistance. As Crona gained back control the blue of his eyes retake it lost ground and his lips set back into a neutral stance. Ragnarok lost that look and was frowning. Disappointed that he lost a chance to get the girl's soul muttered, "Great, just when things were about to get fun."

Crona stuttered out to confirm what he heard, "Y-you will?"

With a grin she said, "Yes, but don't wait for the problem become overwhelming before coming to me." After she got a nod she let go of his hand and settled back in her seat. Mentally laughing, she asked herself what she just signed up for.

For a little while the trio sat there with Maka making small talk. It was completely meaningless, but she hoped that by talking she can put Crona's mind at peace. The prince was far from peace, but was deep in thought. He waited until she paused for a breath before saying, "Y-you have f-full a-access to the castle."

"What?"

"D-during your v-visit you may go w-where you p-please. However, you can't g-go to t-he t-throne r-room and on certain d-days you will stay in your r-room."

For a moment she sat there thinking about the terms. "Can I go to the library whenever I want?"

"As long M-Miss Iwa d-doesn't catch you."

"Then I accept your terms."

Ragnarok watch the strange processor as the two exchanged a smile. Well, Maka smile while Crona attempt to. It wasn't much of a smile, but it was close to one. "Glad that you two are getting along," said he with irritation.

"Hope they are," said a rough voice from down the table. "The prince needs better company then yours." All three of them look down the table to found the instructor hobble toward them.

"G-greeting Mr. G-Greg," said Crona with a raise eyebrow. "Is s-something t-the m-matter?"

"No, I'm only here to get my new student." He answered for their puzzle faces, "I'm here for the girl name Maka. I had heard from a certain someone that she was quite the fighter." Coming over to Maka he stop before her and gave a bow. "And if I'm not mistaken. This would be the girl herself."

"That would be me," she replied. "And I take it that this certain someone was the prince." Feeling a little betray, she glance over to Crona her eyes demanding answers.

Greg provided them with ease. "Yap, the prince compliment you on your fighting style and strong will. Didn't say much, but he said you handled a scythe as well as he handles a sword. If this is true I would like you to accomplish me to the training area." Looking to the prince he said, "Sorry if I take her away, but it's my duty to over look all able combatants to keep them in top shape. Guessing on how long she been out she going need a reminder or two."

Crona gave a shrug. "I t-think t-that's for our guest to d-decide."

"I'll do it," said Maka. Getting out of her seat she grabbed the man by the arm and said, "If you lead the way I'll help you get there."

"Well that mighty kind of you, but I don't need the help."

"Don't care if you do or not," she said as they headed out the room. "We well get there faster if I help you along."

When they were about to leave the room Crona was able to make out, "Would you still do it to ruin an old dog pride?" He didn't hear Maka respond, but he got a good idea what it was.

"You nearly lost it," said the demon putting the polished plate down in front of Crona. "Didn't know if you're going to attack, but I wish you did." He got a nod. "If you're wondering if I got anything against flat chest the answer is no." Crona wasn't surprise by his partner confession. He never thought that his partner hate anyone it just he wasn't a people person. "Better get to work. Don't want to be in the iron maiden again." Nodding his head in agreement he left the plates for the maids to take care and went on with his routine.

"The men won't think least of you. Stop being a prideful idiot." The instructor tried to free himself from the girl's hands, but couldn't break free from the iron grip. He was surprise she had just strength in the first place. There was no one about and he hope he can reason with the girl.

"Please, you must understand."

She came to a halt and said, "I'll give you a minute to explain yourself."

"Do you see this?" he asked pointing to her wooden leg. He got a nod. "It is hard enough for a cripple like I to gain respect from the guards. Since the first day I had fight hard to earn that respect and showing weakness like this would weaken what I have. It may seem foolish to you, but many seem to over look my capabilities in my others limbs. I ask of you to let me lead the way without your generous assistance to preserve my status."

For a moment Maka stood there thinking before rolling her eyes to the ceilings. Letting go of him she said, "Fine, but if you trip I'm carrying you there."

With a bow he replied, "Thank you so for understanding. Now if you will be patient with my pace we'll be in the training rooms soon." Making their way, Maka kept a watch on the man being serious about her threat. Moment he fall she dragging him behind her demanding for directions. Though, it was uncalled for, for the man had been in his conditions for a while now and knew how to not fall flat on his face.

To her annoyance their progress was slow but not because of his leg. It was because of a few guards who reek of alcohol who clearly left their minds in the cup. Spotting Greg one of them said out loud, "Look what peg leg brought us. I haven't seen a pussy in months." The two of them ignore the three walking on by without a word. Not taking the hint the guard who spoke out grabbed her by the shoulder saying, "Come on now. Ditch the cripple and have some fun with a real man."

"No thank you," she said politely as she pulled her shoulder back.

Not getting a step away the man grabbed her by the waist saying, "Don't be like this." Leaning forward his hot breath breeze by her ear as he whispered, "Don't be shy."

Forgetting manners Maka took her elbow and ram it into the jaw of the drunk. With a loud crack, which she hopes was the sound of bone breaking, the guard stumbled back with hands going to his chin. "Damn bitch," he spatted out with some blood, "you'll pay for that." Good thing was the man was unarmed. However, his two friends frown upon the attack of their comrade.

Drawing their arms- one a long, dagger and the other a pole ax- one of them said, "Look like the little lady is a bit feisty." They walked forward their movement sluggish due to the alcohol and it wasn't for the fact she was unarmed she could easily deal with the two. Coming to the conclusion to run she turn around to found a certain cripple rushing the best he could to where they are.

Arm with a saber and pistol and with a fury that would stun many. He shouted when in range, "Get down." Dropping down to the ground Maka put her arms over her head as the fight broke out. Well… calling it a fight would have been a generous way of putting it from the drunks predictive. It barely lasted twenty seconds.

Once Maka was on the ground the instructor fire his pistol generally aiming at any of the three possible rapist. By luck did the bullet tore into the guard with the pole ax shoulder sending him stumbling back into his broken jaw friend. The one with the dagger couldn't seem to put two and two together for he greeted his foe forgetting about the saber in his hand. The instructor made quick work of the guard stepping aside from a poorly attempted thrust and slapped the flat of his sword onto his hand. The drunk to let go of the dagger with a yell of pain. To punish him, Greg quickly pulled back his blade and made a cut across his opponent cheek. It wasn't fatal, but it would sting for a few days.

He than pushed the guard into his comrades causing the three to become a trashing mass of limbs. This continued on for some time which in that time Maka got to her feet to watch the struggle. It finally ended when the one with the broken jaw jabbed the other two in the stomach allowing him to shove them off of him.

Getting into their own respect positions they panted as they tried to make things cleared through their fogged minds. The end results of their struggle were a few bruises and clothes stained with blood. Coming up to them Greg said his tone dead serious, "This is the second time you three tried to molester a woman. Not only you tried to assault our lord's guest, but you dared to do in my present." One of them tried to stutter out an excuse, but was cut off. "Silence! If I hear one more time that any you attempt to do this again. I'll will personal cut off your manhood before hanging you out to dry like the filthy toads you are. Get out of my sight and report to your commanding officer for punishment."

All three of them scrambled to their feet saying, "Yes sir." After a quick salute they dashed off ignoring the bloody trail they left behind.

He kept his eyes on them until they rounded a corner. Grumbling to himself about good for nothing Germans he turned to Maka saying, "Sorry about that my lady. Hope there was no harm done in my short absence."

"Done more harm to him then to me," she said giving him a bow, "and thanks, but weren't you a little harsh on them?"

"Oh, that wasn't harsh," he said with a grin. "I could have done must worst if I wanted. Those buffoons would have deserved it. As you heard they already did this once. They weren't too bright without a beer in the first place so I probably just let off another incident to happen." Turning around and walking off he said, "Come along now. The training room isn't far off."

The room which they enter was design as it was made for. It was a large, square room with weapons of all kind placed neatly onto racks. Several windows allowed a cool breeze in which went over the padded floor. Several tested dummies were laying about each in a different condition. A few thick, wooden targets were set up against the wall with arrows wounds and bullets holes piercing its rough skin.

"Nice place," said Maka for no real reason as she walk into the middle of the room.

"Could be better," said Greg as he hunted down for the weapons they needed. "We need a damn shooting range and their plenty of room to make one. Heck, we have enough money to train an entire army of archers if someone would let me."

"Took it you don't like close and personal combat."

With a shrug he replied, "Lost a leg to a cannon ball, but I swear I would have lost more to a blade if lady luck wasn't so pickle." Nicking his finger he pulled it back long enough to examine it before resuming his search. "So, I heard that you're a scythe miester, an interesting choice for a lady if you ask me."

For a moment Maka kept quiet to think up what a miester was. When nothing came to her she asked, "What's a meieter?"

Without pausing from his work he said, "Guess your memory still hazy. Don't know a lot about them, but I know at least the basics things. They are people who have strong souls who wield other people who can turn into weapons. Most of them are under Lord Death service and nearly all hunt down kishin and witches."

"Is Crona a miester?" she asked thinking about Ragnarok.

"Yap," he said pulling out a scythe, "he is and Ragnarok is his weapon."

"However, he doesn't hunt kishin."

"He hasn't told you what he hunts?"

"No."

"Well, it's not my secret to tell." Walking over to her he handed the scythe to Maka. "Let begin with seeing if you know how not to stab yourself."

For a moment she stood there and examined the so called scythe. "This nothing more than a piece of curve wood glued to a rod."

"You thought I was going to hand you a real weapon," said the instructor with a raised eyebrow. "I learned the painful way that one should always start with a stick." While saying this, his hand, unaware by its owner, reach for the scar on his face. When he notice it he place it at his side muttered something about damn demons. "Now show me what you got."

Compiling to his order she take a stance that felt comfortable. After taking a few swings at the air to feel the motion of her weapon she launched herself into a series of movement. Greg watched her taking in every little detail as she danced around him. To him he was watching a person who had great talent and skill but needed to hone it. Her slight hesitation before going into the next move in the form was well justified. Being out of it for a while would do that to anyone. Yet as he watch her he couldn't help but think this was nice and all, but in a real fight this would be useless.

To Maka what she was doing was as natural as to breathe though it did feel a little off to her. It could be that this was truly a weapon. A thing with no heart or soul purely made to kill. However, this didn't really matter at the time being. What did was her hair blocking her vision each time she took a swing.

After she had finish her form she said, "Is there anything I can use to pull back my hair?"

With a nod he reached into his pocket and pulled out two ribbons with a skulls attached to each one. "I was wondering when you're going to ask." In exchange for the scythe he handed over the ribbons. Once she pulled back her hair into two ponytails he said, "Feeling up to a fight?"

With a shrug she said, "It wouldn't be fair."

"If you mean this," he said tapping his wooden leg with the tip of the rod, "It would be best if you didn't underestimate me. I may lack in mobility, but make up in strength and experience." He gave back the weapon, before he went off and came back with a wooden sword. Getting into stance he toss the sword from hand to hand as he said, "Don't hold anything back. I would hate to do harm upon our lord's guest."

"A bit cocky isn't we," she said as she got into stance.

"Maybe," he said as a confident smile broke out, "but I got the right to be." Without warning he lunged out grabbing Maka by her collar and slammed his head into her. He let go of her after impact sending her stumbling backward. Before she could think straight, the man quickly, if not gracefully, covered the ground between them with the sword bearing down aiming for her torso.

Without much thought she blocked the incoming sword causing a load crack. The blow that fall forced her to dig her bare heels into the padded floor which she was thankful for. Still daze from the head butt she didn't have much time before an onslaught of slashes bear down on her.

Cripple the man may be, but all that have truly suffered over the years was his speed. The muscles in the rest of his body were well build if not as tough as it was during a campaign. So each blow he landed on the scythe pole was loud and meaningful forcing the girl to keep balance with little time to think. He knew that if he wanted to win this fight his continuous pressure until he found a hole in her defense.

After about eight minutes of this Greg couldn't but help admire how much endurance the girl had. Neither she nor he had broken a sweat and the girl showed sign of getting ready to gain the upper hand. "Come on girl," he said trying to entice her counter attack, "my granny could do better than that."

With a smug smile she said, "Hope granny doesn't mind broken teeth." This time when the sword made contact she forced the blade goes down the length of the rod as she placed it in front of her. Once the rod was a line with the instructor's throat she thrust forward hitting the man right below his head. Hard.

The sharp pain the instructor felt could only be compared to when after he realized he lost his leg. Thank to instinct he let go of his blade and warped his hand around his neck. Leaving him wide open for the much softer, but still slightly painful, bonk on the head. "Next time," she said putting the weapon down on the ground, "warn me before doing that."

As soon as he could get air flowing freely through his windpipes he said in a raspy voice, "Sorry, but most enemies don't give you time to think. I wanted to see how you think on your feet and I must say you pass with flying colors. Now, if you excuse me. Some cold wine would help smooth things out." With that said he left the room with his fingers rubbing his still throbbing throat.

Leaving Maka wondering if she should stay or not. After some time had past she just shrugged her shoulder before putting the scythe away. Better start making sure I know my way around, she thought leaving the room. Still don't have a clue where the exit to this place is.

Several hours later and many dead ends she came to a not so starling conclusion. She was completely and utterly lost. Forgetting that her scent of directions was terrible, instead of founding the exit she found herself in front of two large doors with horn gargoyles heads biting into a ring for handles in the middle of a hallway.

Frustrated at herself, she quietly curse that she didn't ask for those guards help she spotted early. Tired of walking about like an idiot she plopped onto the floor trying to redraw her mental map. If I'm here than those guards must be down the hall, take a right, and walk for thirty feet. Wait didn't I come from the left and then took a right. Then again I could have been walking in circles. After several more minutes of this she gave a sigh in defeat.

"Just wonderful," she said out loud, "first time I'm allowed out and someone going to have a heart attack when they notice I'm gone." Knowing if this happen she would be place back into her room until they felt ready to let her out.

With no better option she got to her feet and was about to head out when she heard soft patting of flesh against stone. At first she was overjoyed that she was saved, but that joy soon died when she heard an unknown, but somehow terrifying familiar voice. "Damn that insufferable woman. It wasn't for the fact I need her to keep things running I would have feed her long ago to my snakes."

Maka stood there trembling in fear of the voice with no real reason for her to be. The fight or flight responds was starting to siege control of her rational thoughts as she tried desperately to calm down. I'm being a coward over nothing. It's just a voice. Yet as those thoughts ran through her head something deep down told her that if she didn't flee. Her life was good as gone. The inner struggle lasted long enough for the steps to grow loud enough that her fear won out.

Her eyes dashed around to found anywhere to hide while her fear just kept on growing as the bare hall gave no cover. When her eyes lay upon the door a small grain of calm plowed into the panic clearing her mind enough to comprehend her found. Keeping her hands from slamming into the wood she pushed hard onto the heavy frame. The panic started to cloud her mind again when the steps grow louder, but was able to stuff it down when a crack big enough for her to fit through appeared. Without second thoughts she squeezed through the crack while thanking God for her slim frame.

Once inside, she quickly and as quietly as she can push the door back shut leaving her in a dimly lighted room. As her eyes adjusted to the lighting she scanned the room looking for anywhere to hide. She barely registered the paintings on the walls and banners over hand, but her only hiding spot caught her sight. A small part of her that wasn't on survival mode took note that she was in the room she was forbidden from as she ran behind the marble throne.

Behind it she pressed her back against the cold stone and drawn her legs to her chest damning them for being so long. There she stayed just waiting for something to happen. Her breathing froze and her body nearly jumped when the two doors bang open. Thinking that surely someone must have heard the noise would come to investigate she kept her place and hope that they come quick.

Maka had every right to be afraid for Medusa was quite annoyed as she searched for a piece of mail holding personal information. Ignorance of the girl present she said, "Damn carrier can't do the simplest of tasks. How hard is it to leave something outside a door?" Observing every little detail the room had to offer she slowly made her way to the throne. Coming upon the throne she spotted the envelope with three eyes impress in wax lying right in plain sight.

Grabbing it she broke the seal and noisily took out the letter. A small self-satisfying smile appeared on her face after reading it a second time. Putting it in her robe she threw away the envelope for the maids to deal.

As her footsteps head away from the throne a very tense girl relaxed muscles while a small sigh of relief escape her lips. The hormones in her blood was returning to normal levels and founding that she been holding her breath breathe in deeply. Her rational mind was back in control and now reevaluating her actions. Coward or not, she thought as the footsteps came to a halt, I'm getting a look at this terror. Making sure that only a small chunk of her head would be visible she took a glance.

In the middle of the room was a woman- guessing by her structure and voice- in a black hooded robe with the hood over her head. Standing there her head slowly look from side to side as if checking something. With calm voice she said, "No one is suppose to be here." Maka pulled her head back to its hiding place as the woman looked around the room. "Show yourself now and I'll promise your punishment will be quick and somewhat painless."

Getting no reply Medusa made her way back to the marble chair where Maka once again was holding her breath. She listened to the steps making a quick pace and when the sound vanished she hold absolutely still. A second past before a shadow appeared from above. Not daring to look up she listen for a voice full of triumph as a hand descend onto her. It never came.

Like most humans Medusa did look about behind the throne, but she never looked straight down from her perch. With a shrug she got back onto the floor and walked causally out of the room and went back to her den.

Maka kept her place until she heard the slamming of doors announcing that the demonic being was gone. Standing up from her place she went around and plain out collapse onto the throne. A fit of giggles escaped her lips for nothing could have been worst then to be found out by the woman. Now she was sitting down on the throne worried to be caught being here in the first place. I'm just a stickler with rules. Covering her mouth to keep from laughing she looked around the room for the first time.

"Wow, never really thought about his title until now." It really hadn't occurred to her that Crona was a real prince. Sure he had the castle and crown as proof, but she been to a few palaces. At each one of them the rich snobs would do their best to show their wealth through so many useless stuffs. Looking upon the many paintings and portraits she knew that he much have some loose change for just fine art. "Maybe you're not so bad."

The envelope caught her eye only because, beside the rug, it was the only thing on the otherwise clean floor. She didn't wanted to get up, but reasoning with herself if that woman wanted what inside. The envelope might hint to who she was.

On her feet she dragged herself over to the piece of paper and picked it up. She gave it enough attention to see that it was fine grade of paper at least telling her whoever sent it was well off. She didn't expect to found anything in it, but who it was address to seem odd. Written in neat, cursive writing was the words Crona Gorgon. Wonder who sent Crona a letter?

It didn't take a genius to figure out that Crona had no companions beside Ragnarok. The symbol on the wax told her that maybe it from someone of a noble family. However, she had already known that his only family member was his mother who was near enough to talk to him personally.

Wait, why would anyone go through his mail? No one in the castle had the nerve to do just a to think about it the person acted as if the letter was meant for her. And assuming it was a her was correct and no maids would have done this. It would leave the one person that scared everyone more than the prince could. "Great," she said putting the envelope down, "Crona's mother must be terrible." With that cheerful thought in mind she left the room hoping that enough time had past that her risk in running into the woman was zilch.

Finally founding a room she knew she take a seat at her usually spot looking at the cold meal before her with a mix of irritation and happiness. Irritation for it far past noon and her meal was surely cold. Happiness for the fact that it was still there and Crona was sitting in his place scribbling on piece of paper as he flapped through a large volume.

Looking up from his work he gave the first real smile she seen on his face; a small, shy grin that fit perfectly with his nature. "T-there you are, G-Greg nearly got s-skinned b-because of your d-disappearance." It didn't took Maka long to figure out who threaten the tough cripple life. She couldn't help but grin when she thought of the old crone waving a knife around at the young man.

"Sorry about that," she said as she started to eat her meal, "got lost trying to found my way around. Where is Charming?"

"Asleep." Closing the book he stopped writing to check his hand writing. "W-would you mind i-if someone was w-with you while o-outside y-your room."

Her mouth full she gave a shook of her head. Swallowing, she said, "Not at all. It is far too easy to get lost." Truth was she did mind, but she doubted she had any saying in the matter. "If it not much of a bother I'll like to go outside as soon I finish my meal."

Crona couldn't believe his luck. He wanted to go horseback riding with her, but didn't know how to ask. With her opening the subject, will sort of, he wouldn't need to face a possible rejection. Standing up and grabbing his stuff he said, "I c-can't personally do it r-right now, but once you're d-done I'll meet you o-outside." After getting a sure from her Crona quickly made his way back to his room.

About thirty minute later Maka called for one the maids to clear the table. She would rather do it herself, but the maids seem offended when their lord's guest had to take care of herself. It wasn't at all a bad thing. In fact, she sort of enjoy being lazy. Though it feel a little strange not having to do anything after taking care of herself every since she moved out from her father's place.

Is it just me or is she being slower than usually. Usually the maids would come in, steal the dishes, and be away in haste. Instead the maid was being painfully slow to gather the mess. Unknown to her was that this particular maid was ordered to stall the girl as long as she can. For at least for another fifteenth minutes that is.

She took her time stalling for five of those fifteenth. Coming back to found a impatient girl tapping her fingers against the table the maid politely told the girl to follow her. Killing off the rest of remaining ten minutes wasn't that hard. She knew perfectly well the shortest route to their destination, but her follower didn't know.

So taking a long detour they finally made it to the door which Maka felt they could have reached a lot sooner. She was led by the woman outside and then was told that the prince would be at the stable not too far from here. After thanking the maid for her help she made the short walk to found a rather strange sight.

Crona was holding onto the reigns of a black horse trying his best to calm it down. The horse was yanking it body away from the demon torment the poor thing by whipping a whip about. A young boy, preparing another horse to ride, stood to the side with a murk plastered onto his face.

"Stop it Ragnarok," said Crona.

"Oh come on," he said whipping the whip a little too close to his miester ear. "I'm not hurting her am I."

Annoyed by the demon treatment of the animal Maka walked up behind the two and when the whip was within reach she grabbed it. With one shift tug she pulled it out of his hand.

"Hey," shouted the surprise demon. Turning around he faced Maka his eyes squint in angry. "I was using that." He waved a fist in the air which received a snort.

"This isn't a plaything," she said sounding like a teacher rebuking a student. Ignoring Ragnarok glare she asked Crona, "What the horse for?"

"I t-thought you would l-like to take a r-ride around the c-castle grounds," he said still trying to get the mare to cool her horses.

"Um… Crona," she said as she kept the whip out of Ragnarok reach, "I don't know how to ride a horse." She wasn't kidding either. She either had her friend drive or would walk to the destination. Crona spirits dropped as he mentally called himself an idiot. He shouldn't have assumed she could ride in the first place. Seeing her friend sadden face- Did I just called him a friend? - she added, "But if you'll willing to drive I can ride with you."

Crona's cheeks redden at the thought of being so close to contact. "T-that well do."

"Hell no," said the demon. "It would be too crowded."

"Than you may go take a nap," said Crona his voice tainted with a bit of angry. "You'll already rally up Sly. Don't think she is willing to go anywhere until you're gone."

"Fine," said Ragnarok while bringing down a fist onto the prince's head. "Enjoy your time with the cow."

Once he had vanished Crona cracked his neck to relief the pain. With the demon gone, Sly clam down enough so she could be brought over to Maka. "I'm s-sorry for his b-behavior. I-I d-don't have much control over h-him. Maka, t-this is Sly. She a b-bit wry around s-strangers, but i-if feed an a-apple she become v-very f-friendly."

Maka gave a grin when she gazed into the mare eyes. The mare was anything but timid, but she was sure they can get along. She reached out to put pet her muzzle only to receive the flattening of ears and pulled back it head in a snort. She arched an eyebrow at the action. Without words being spoken the stable boy came over and handed her an apple. Holding it in her palm she held it out hoping the mare would be a little more reasonable.

The horse cocked it head so it can see the apple. After several seconds she whipped her head around and snatched it out of the girl hand. Maka yanked her hand back in shock which quickly turned to irritation after a loud chomp and a noise that sound like laughter from the horse. Crona was trying not to laugh as well.

Deeming the girl worthy the mare gazed at Maka waiting for her to do something. "P-pet her," said Crona, "told you t-that an apple w-win her a-affection." Of course Maka was a bit skeptical but slowly reach out her hand and did made contact with the mare muzzle. After a few stroke of the muzzle Maka mood lighten up.

"She's a smart horse."

"I d-don't know about s-smart, but sure is s-stubborn." Handing Maka the reigns he step into the stirrup and saddled the mare. Handing the reigns back she took a step on the stirrup, grabbed Crona's hand, which caused a blush from the prince, and hoist herself up behind him. Crona made sure Maka was firmly in place before he put the mare into a walk.

Within the city itself they wondered about with the intention to enjoy the sunshine. Well, Maka was enjoying the warmth while her driver hoped he doesn't get sunburn. "Isn't today just great," said the girl with a wide smile. "The sun is shining, clouds are floating lazily along, and the place... is a little too quiet." Taking in her surrounding she noticed for the first time how everything around her was falling apart. "Where is everyone," she said her voice fitting the somber atmosphere.

"Living in the city of Caen," replied Crona. "Most building here hadn't been occupied for decades."

Maka couldn't help but feel somewhat alone in the world. Sure there was Crona and the horse, but she seen some of the castle from her room. She thought that the side her window facing was just the bad side of town. Now knowing that the most of the castle been abounded made the place lifeless. When she in a city she expect the buzzing of life itself. Not this.

"How can you live here?"

He gave a shrug. "I lived here all my life. Stayed in the keep and only go out when told to. You get used to it over the years."

"Wow," she whispered, "you truly are alone." Her friend- Is he my friend? - didn't say anything producing an awkward silence.

If they were paying attention they would have noticed the dark cloth person standing within one of the buildings. Medusa watched the group go by the only living things that seem to exist. With a grin of knowing something that no one else knows she lifted up her cuff and lowered her arm to the floor. From the sleeve produced a serpent slithering it way in front of the horse.

The reason she was here was because she hope to render the girl incapacitated. Feeling that she was getting a little too attached to Crona a little accident might fix the problem. "Go my darling and cause some panic."

It wasn't long until the snake got in front of the mare. Hiding within the building its or more accurate saying its master plan was to scare the beast by popping out of nowhere. Than slither away as fast it can before the frighten horse tried to stomp on it. Waiting for the precise moment the snake darted straight in front of the mare.

The reaction it cause Sly was instantaneous. Spotting the serpent the moment it come out the mare tried to back up. "Come on Sly. Go forward," said her master in encouragement. Between training and natural fear the training almost won out. It lost when the serpent bare it two long, venomous fangs which was dripping with the sickly yellow-brown liquid. She recoiled back screaming as her hooves clawed the air. The serpent dashed away not daring to look back as it looked for a place to hide.

Crona gripped tighten onto the reigns as the mare back up. Having something to hang onto he was able to keep his place. Maka wasn't so lucky. With nothing in her hands she waved her arms about trying to keep balance. When she felt herself falling from her seat she warped her arms above Crona waist in a tight hug. There she clings onto the prince as he gained control of his horse.

After he settled the mare down Crona said, "Are you alright?"

"Yeah, just a bit shaken but everything intact." He gave a nod to her respond and continued on. Several minutes later he felt something around his waist. Looking down he felt his cheeks heat up for two long arms were around him. He glanced over his shoulder wondering if something was wrong, but received a look of simply chilling out. Taking that nothing was wrong he looked forward and waited for her arms to move away from their position. After some more time had pasted Crona decided to just accept the touch. He didn't mind it much and he even enjoyed.

Maka wanted to release him, but her arms wouldn't let go. They were firmly in place and they were staying there. When she got the concern look from Crona she gazed at him with a relax body. He didn't seem to mind at all and she on her part was somewhat enjoying it. So with a little help from Medusa their affection grow for one another a little bigger that day. They wonder the streets in peaceful quiet even when the night threatened.

Mellub: Hope you enjoy the read and before I forget. Happy Thankgiving to all you out there.

Sistine: Yeah *come into the room swinging a mug around* a time for Americans to gave thank for all they have and to enjoy thier favorite sin gluttony.

Mellub: Speak for yourself. You may be of English descent, but you're more American in every way imaginable.

Sistine: *fake British accent* Damn you Yank. Just because I like beer more than tea doesn't make me less of a bloody British dog.

Maka: Do you enjoy insulting everyone and anything?

Mellub: Aw, nice to see the Soul Eater gang is here and to awnser your question. Yes, she does.

Soul: Alright, you got all of us here. What this surprise you promised?

Mellub: Well, I know it a day earily to gave you this, but *turn on light in the dining room* I think you like this. *The gang stated at the Thankgiving meal in front of them* This is my way of saying thank you for being a great cast so far. Don't just stand there. Dug in.

The Gang: Thank you for the meal.

Mellub: *Smiling* Your welcome and while you guy dig in. I want reviews. So please send your flames, good criticism, and comments in general.