The party was on full blast by the time everyone had arrived. The gym was filled with students and teachers alike, all dancing and having fun.
It took a while, but Maka managed to get her mind off Chrona and enjoy herself, dancing with her friends. A fast-paced song was on currently, and though she really did not have a single bone in her body that could move to the rhythm, Maka danced to her heart's content.
Behind her, Soul and his brother stood side by side, watching everyone dance.
"Maka's terrible," Soul muttered, though there was no malice in his voice, but just plain amusement. Wes chuckled, nodding in agreement.
"Well, at least she's having fun."
Soul snorted, "You could say the same for Black Star." They both looked over to the middle of the gym, where Black Star was pulling out all the moves known to humankind – and then some. Those close by had gathered around, creating a small stage for him, cheering him on. He looked like he was having the time of life.
Over by the side, Patty and Kid were dancing; or more accurately, Patty was twirling Kid around happily, and he was just trying to not get stepped on, though there was a smile on his face.
Soul figured it was more because he was with Patty than anything else.
He looked up as Wes nudged him, "What about you? You going to have fun?"
"What do you mean? I'm having a blast talking to my big brother," he grinned, and Wes laughed.
"I am too, little bro," he sighed, looking over to where Liz and Maka were bobbing around together, after Black Star had popped by and whisked Tsubaki away, "But I think our ladies are waiting for us."
Soul blanched, "They look like they're having a great time without us!"
"Isn't that the problem?" Wes grinned, grabbing Soul by the wrist and dragging him to the dance floor. "Come on Soul, let loose. It's prom."
"I still have two more proms to dance at," Soul cried desperately, digging his heels into the floor before they were too near to retreat.
Wes frowned, then stopped. They stood in the middle of the dancing, sweaty crowd, being bumped by people left, right and centre. "Alright Soul," Wes crossed his arms, ignoring the looks of appreciation he was getting from a crowd of seniors, "Spill. And don't give me the 'I don't dance' excuse because I've seen you move. And you can move. "
Soul let out a huge groan, covering his face with his hands, and mumbling incoherently into them.
"What? Can you repeat that?"
"I'm nervous, alright!?" Soul admitted, "I'm nervous about… being near Maka. She just makes me feel really weird, and hot. And I don't understand it."
With each word that he spoke, Wes' smile grew bigger and bigger, and he looked like he was going to explode.
"Dude, isn't it obvious?!" Wes shouted, holding him by the shoulders, "You're in love!"
There was a moment of silence before Soul sighed. "Crap, I was hoping it wasn't that."
Wes was still smiling, "So what are you gonna do about it?"
"Nothing?"
When his brother just continued staring at him expectantly, Soul groaned, "Nothing! At least… not right now. Maybe, when we're older…"
"Maybe?"
"Okay okay, when we're older!"
"That's what I wanted to hear!" Wes told him, stepping behind him and pushing him forward, "Now, go ask your lady for a dance. This is the first step~!"
Soul barely managed to keep his balance when he was pushed directly in front of Maka, who beamed when she saw him. "Soul, I was wondering when you were going to join us! Come on!"
She grabbed his hands and placed them on her waist, wrapping her arms around his neck. The music was still going a little too fast for his liking, but he couldn't say he didn't enjoy watching Maka bop up and down excitedly in his arms.
Her cheeks were red from all the dancing, her eyes bright, her hair shining.
She really was so beautiful.
Beside them, Wes and Liz danced together like they had been doing so for years, complete with cheesy dance moves they both knew from cheesy romantic movies. When they were close, Liz grinned at him, "What exactly did you say to Soul? He's looking at Maka like she's the Sun!"
"I don't see any difference from when he's looked at her before!"
"Yeah, but this time, he's actually doing that while she's looking at him!" He spun her around, "Amazing!"
Wes laughed, "It's just the magic of an older brother!"
Marie was silent when Chrona finished telling her the all the details she knew about her family's work. It didn't come as a surprise that most of their funds came from illegal means. It was a surprise that several members, including the chief, of police were in cahoots with them though.
Looking at the young teenager sitting cross-legged before her, Maka leaned forward and patted her knee.
"It was really brave of you to come here and tell me all of that," she said, and watched as the moonlight illuminated Chrona's red-stained cheeks.
"Someone told me all I needed was some courage to do the right thing…" she mumbled, and Marie smiled, knowing who she was referring to.
Sighing, she leaned back against the bookcase, reveling in it's hard surface. She wouldn't have to say goodbye to this place anymore.
"Chrona, truly, thank you so much," she said softly, "Because of you, I think we might be able to save the library."
Chrona beamed at that, hugging her knees to her chest, feeling happier than she ever had before.
And they both jumped when they heard a loud crash from outside the library.
Standing up quickly, Chrona pulled Marie to her feet, and they both rushed to the window. Peering out of it, Marie nearly let out a scream of outrage.
There were bulldozers and wrecking balls.
They were going to demolish the library right now.
"Not bad, you haven't stepped on my feet even once!" Soul shouted over the music, and Maka frowned at him.
"Don't say that now, you'll jinx it!" He laughed, and they continued dancing hand in hand, doing little shimmies and twirls, as the music didn't cease its fast-paced tempo.
And as the song drew to a close, it started, without any warning, into a slow song. They both immediately let each other go, standing awkwardly in front of the other as the MC announced that prom was nearing the end, and this was the second last song of the day.
Next to them, Wes and Liz were swaying, giggling happily, completely drunk on each other.
Nearby, Tsubaki was resting her head on Black Star's shoulder, eyes closed, allowing him to lead her.
Patty and Kid were dancing just a little too fast, a little out of tempo, but they were smiling like there was no tomorrow.
Even Ox and Kim were dancing, no personal space between them at all.
Looking around, Soul saw that everyone was dancing with each other. And he was the only one uncool enough to let the opportunity pass.
Clearing his throat, he bowed lightly, holding out a hand nervously.
"May I have this dance?"
Maka smiled, placing her hand in his.
"You may."
"No good, Maka's not picking up!" Marie shrieked, looking down at the construction crew assembled.
"Oh no, that's my mother's car." Chrona mumbled, watching as the BMW pulled into the corner. "Ms. Marie, do you have any other person that you could call?"
"I don't have any of Maka's friends numbers!" She cried, and then stopped. "But I do have someone's that could help us."
As she dialed the numbers she had never really forgotten, she prays that he never changed his phone.
Maka and Soul swayed on the spot; her hands resting on his shoulders, his hands on her waist.
Smiling to herself, she leaned her head on his chest, listening to the frantic beating of his heart. "I really like this," she told him, blushing slightly.
Soul smiled softly down at her, pulling her a little closer, "Yeah, me too."
They stayed like that for a few more moments, before Soul said, "Hey, Maka?"
"Hmmm?" She looked up, chin still on his chest.
It would be so easy to just kiss her now, all he had to do was tilt his head down, close his eyes, and her lips would be…
"Maka, Soul!"
The moment was shattered as Professor Stein ran towards them. Liz and Wes stopped swaying too, though didn't move apart.
"Marie just called me. She says that they're going to demolish the library now."
"What?!" Both of them shouted simultaneously.
"Are you serious?" Liz asked, stepping towards them. At that point, the other four had joined them, and most of the dancers nearby had stopped too, the commotion completely ruining the atmosphere.
"I'm afraid I am." Stein told them seriously, frowning. "What are you all going to do?"
"It's obvious, isn't it?" Kid said, "We'll head over there right away."
"But our driver won't be here for another hour!" Tsubaki panicked, "How are we going to get there fast?"
"I have the spare." Wes said, "I know the guy, so I'll just send him a text."
"You're coming?" Both Soul and Liz asked at the same time, and Wes frowned.
"Of course I am."
"Great," Maka said, grabbing Soul's hand, "We should go. Now." And with that they all made their way to the exit, but before they made it out, the lights dimmed, and the stage lit out.
In the background, there were cheers as Prom King was announced, and they fought their way through the thick crowd just as they announced the Queen.
"LIZ THOMPSON!"
The eight of them stopped in their tracks, turning around. Liz was gaping at the MC, standing rooted to the ground in shock.
Liz actually looked unsure, not knowing if she should even be going up there when they were running out of time. But Maka saw the look on her face, and rushed over to her, whispering in her ear.
"This is your time to shine, Liz."
The older girl shot her a grateful look, before she straightened her back, and walked with towards the stage, the light trained on her, the crowd parting before her. Her fellow cheerleaders were cheering, and Patty was beside herself, jumping up and down and screaming her sister's name.
Once she had been adorned with her sash and crown, Liz looked at the people on the floor, and beamed. With the mic in her hand, she started speaking.
"Hi everyone! First of all, let me say thank you for voting for me. I really didn't expect to win, though of course I had hoped for it," she joked, and as the laughter died down, she continued, "But tonight, there are more important things than who's being crowned the Prom King and Queen."
"Oh Liz." Maka murmured, feeling completely touched, knowing what she was about to say next.
"Tonight, we may be losing one our city's most precious buildings, the Death City library. As many of you may know, there have been plans recently to tear it down in place of a new shopping mall. Truthfully, if I hadn't known someone who cared so much about the library," she smiled at Maka, "I would've been ecstatic."
She took a deep breath, "And I'm here to tell you why you shouldn't be. Over the past few days, I've been doing a lot of research on the library. Did you know this library is almost as old as our city? It's one of the earliest buildings every constructed her, before Death City became as modern and busy as it is today. It's a historical landmark."
Everyone's eyes were glued on her, hanging on to her every word. "How many of you have memories in that place? Doesn't matter if it was with your parents as kids, or with your friends trying to cram everything during exam period!" Almost the whole hall raised their hands, and Maka had to control herself from screaming excitedly.
"Thought so," Liz smirked, "So now, I want you think. If that building is gone, would you be able to recall those memories with the same fondness? Or rather, if that building is gone, will you be able to add to the memories in it? No. No, you wouldn't. You wouldn't be able to study in that same spot you always have, or just relax with your favourite book, or read stories to your children when you have them in the future."
At this point, everyone was starting to talk amongst themselves, some even agreeing with her verbally. Bolstered by the support, Liz ended with, "Don't let this be the end of an era. Come with us to the library, and help us save those memories!"
The hall exploded into cheers, and Liz thanked the MC before hurrying down to catch up to the rest of them.
Once she reached them Maka threw herself at her, hugging her tightly.
"You are the best person in the world right now, and I could kiss you. Remind me to get you the best birthday presents for the rest of your life." She said quickly as they ran out of the hall, Liz's laughter echoing behind them.
Marie took a deep breath, glaring at Medusa as she stood in front of her library, not budging even when the bulldozers' engines were turned on. Chrona stood behind her, slightly cowering at the sight of her mother who was glaring daggers at her, but otherwise standing her ground.
"You have no right on this land!" Marie shouted, "All of your dirty tricks have been revealed, Medusa. The library doesn't belong to you. It never has! So you have no right to tear it down."
"I don't know where you heard such farfetched lies from," Medusa said calmly, "But you should understand that they're not true, and the library does indeed belong to the Gorgons."
Marie scoffed, "You're such a load of bullshit! I know everything – the forged documents, the briberies." Medusa glared at her, "The cheating and the stealing. It's over, Medusa. Your empire's going to fall."
"I'm sure you know that words mean nothing without any backing to it," Medusa hissed, "Where's your proof?"
"I can get it. See, I have friends in the police force."
Medusa laughed, long and harsh, "Do you think I'm stupid enough to not have spies in there? Please, I feel offended."
"So the proof is there," Marie stated, and Medusa shrugged.
"Well, they might have been, but I don't believe you'll be able to find them anymore. I prefer to keep my tracks… clean so to speak."
"Snakes always leave trails, Medusa."
"Medusa!"
Another voice joined in, and Marie beamed, watching as Soul and Maka skidded to a halt right in front of her, effectively creating a barrier between the library and the bulldozers.
"You won't win this time." Maka spat out, hopping off his bike. Soul grinned maliciously, baring his sharp teeth at her and her crew.
Medusa blinked, and then smiled. "I think I should say thank you, your pathetic attempts at trying to save this dump is actually much-needed entertainment."
"You don't call my library a dump, you bitch!" Marie screamed, looking as though she was ready to claw Medusa's eyes out. She probably would have if Soul hadn't stopped her.
"You can laugh all you want now, Medusa. But we'll have the last one."
She chuckled, "Oh? And who exactly is we referring to?"
Just then, Black Star's voice echoed through the silent night, "You didn't start the party without us right?!"
Maka smirked as Medusa's mouth hung open, "That's the we."
Car after car rounded around the corner, led by a black limo with Wes grinning in the driver's seat. Black Star was popping out of the top, yelling excitedly. In a matter of seconds nearly half the student body, decked out in their prom attire, was streaming out of their cars, linking their hands around the library, forming a protective shield.
In front of Maka, Black Star smiled evilly, "You're gonna pay for taking Tsu's house, motherfucker."
"Tch." Medusa said, though her façade was breaking; hints of desperation were slipping through, and with each crack Maka felt her smile grow wider.
She took a step back, and looked like she was about to make a run for it when police sirens sounded through the neighbourhood. A few seconds later, a number of patrol cars pulled up, effectively surrounding her and the rest of the Gorgon crew.
The first car that had pulled up opened, and Maka laughed when the person stepped out.
"Papa!" She had never been so happy to see her father before.
"Medusa Gorgon," he said, pulling out his badge, "You are under arrest for multiple charges, including treason and embezzlement. You have the right to remain silent; anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."
As Spirit reached to handcuff her, Medusa scratched him across the face, immediately turning on her heel to run off, but Maka and Soul were quicker. Without hesitation she smashed her fist into Medusa's face, and the woman dropped to her knees in agony, where Soul made sure she stayed. Flexing her fist, she growled, "No one hurts my Papa."
"M-Makaaaaaaa." Her father blubbered, hugging her close.
"Old man, I think you should detain this witch first eh?" Soul said from where he was struggling on the ground with her.
"R-right." He agreed, going on his knees and handcuffing her. As he brought her to his car, she was hissing,
"You'll never win, you have no proof!"
"Nah," Sid shouted from where he was, Justin handcuffed at his feet, "I think we have all the proof we need."
Marie giggled, holding out a hand to Chrona, "We have some too." Chrona smiled as she handed over the tape recorder, and Marie took a lot of pleasure from watching Medusa's face grow paler when she replayed their earlier conversation.
Maka sighed, slumping against Soul tiredly, "Take her away Papa. For a long, long time."
"Oh, it's our pleasure, sweetheart."
Black Star cheered, and that set off a chain reaction. All over the library, kids were hugging and cheering, glad to be a part of this moment. Marie was hugging Chrona and crying, Tsubaki, Liz and Patty were jumping up and down, Kid was talking to his father on the phone, relaying the news. Even Wes and Professor Stein shook hands, though they had no idea who the other was.
Maka turned to Soul, smiling happily, tears in her eyes, "We did it! We saved the library!"
Looking at her beaming in the moonlight, he really couldn't have stopped what he did next even if he tried. Pulling her close, he kissed her full on the mouth.
It took her a moment to respond, but she did, with more enthusiasm than he had expected. Behind them, he barely registered all the cheering, and the wolf whistles courtesy of his brother and Black Star.
It really was the coolest night ever.
