"How's the research plan coming?" Spirit asked handing Stein a box filled with the surgical supplies from his lab. Stein sighed.
"We have a little set back, I haven't been able to do any of the things I'd like to just yet. Soul's body is very weak and his temperature just won't come down, if it was just that, this wouldn't be so difficult, He's still bleeding internally."
"You can stop it though can't you?"
"I can't promise you anything, depending on the situation, internal bleeding has been known to stop on its own with rest and other times minimal treatment. Soul's going to have to have surgery to fix it. He could very possibly die of blood loss if I did that."
"He'll die from it if you don't, what are going to do?" Stein lit one of his cigarettes and shook his head.
"I only have one option, I'll have to do it and hope he has enough strength in him to stay with us. It's a lot of pressure on us both, he's bleeding into his abdomen, that's one of the worst hemorrhages you can deal with when it's this severe." He explained.
"Soul's a tough kid, he can do this."Spirit said not bothering to look at his former partner.
"Let's hope so, Soul's the best chance we have." Stein admitted.
"Is there anything I can do?" Spirit could only think of Maka, he would do anything for his daughter, his heart sank at the thought of having to tell her that Soul was no longer with them. He could see it now, the shattered look, hear the heart shattering cries and he knew nothing he or anyone else would do could console her, there were no words or actions capable of healing a broken heart.
Come on Soul Eater, you're not allowed to die, Maka needs you. I'll be damned if I let you hurt her like that. Spirit thought to himself feeling slightly angry at the boy.
"Do you need me to do anything?" Stein finished his cigarette and dropped it to the ground.
"I might need you to watch over Crona while Soul's having surgery, When I bring Soul back to his bed, he'll need to be watched closely while I see to the other students. That's something that-"
"Professor Stein!" A frantic voice called from behind, causing the men to turn quickly. The boy took a moment to catch his breath before continuing.
"We need you in the infirmary, Kai and Genesis are having some sort of fit or something, they're shaking and their eyes are open but-"
"Show me." Stein said rushing from the room.
"Go check on Soul and Crona, I'll be there as soon as I can." He called over his shoulder and vanished from sight.
Maka ran through the streets of the city, her legs were getting tired and it was getting harder to breathe. She felt that any moment now she may collapse but refused to give in.
Soul and Crona are counting on me and I won't let them down. I can't be weak now I have to make it back It's only a little further now. Maka told herself. She hadn't looked back once the fight started and hoped everyone was alright.
Maka ran for what seemed like forever until she reached the stairs that led to the DWMA. Her legs were shaking as she lifted them to the first step, surprised that she was still standing. All that mattered now was that she speak to Lord Death and send help for Kid and Akane. She would remain firm in her goal and nothing would stop her. She could hear Soul's voice in her head, urging her to continue.
Come on Maka, you're almost there, just keep going. Maka drew in a deep breath and began sprinting as best she could up the towering staircase.
I'm coming Soul, no matter what, I'll be strong like you. She swore silently. Maka managed to make it to the tenth step before her legs gave way and she was just quick enough to catch herself with her hands. She could go no further. She gazed down at the step, tears filling her eyes as the realization hit her. She had failed.
She attempted to get up but her body wouldn't allow it, she soon began to drag herself, mostly supported by her arms the rest of the way, hoping that before long she would be able to stand once more before she reached the top.
"Maka?"Black Star called rushing over to her. What happened?" He bent down to help her, allowing Maka to lean on him.
"I-I have to get to Lord Death, I have to tell him about Kid and Akane, Rhiannon-" She cried.
"What's-"
"It's important and I have to get there now, please just-"
"yeah, come on, we'll get there." Black Star promised helping his friend the rest of the way up and into the academy. She just hoped Akane and Kid had survived and would join them soon.
