Daisy: *Opens two pizzas boxes.* One large Canadian pizza and one large pepperoni like you guys ask. *Took a slice of Canadian pizza and start eating.*
Maka: *Took a pepperoni slice.* When you can, can you thanks Mulleb. He's the only guy I know who treats us.
Daisy: *Shrugs.* You'll probably won't saying that at the end of this chapter.
Maka: Why?
Black*Star: *While chewing, he took a look at the script. For a moment he stare, but break out laughing.*
Soul: *Vocalize everyone thought.* What so funny? *Black*Star pointed at the place he reading, still laughing. Soul took a look. Glancing between Maka and the script, he failed miserably to stifle laughter.*
Maka: *A little peeve.* What?
Daisy: Read the story and found out. Oh, and enjoy.
Chapter Nine
Hawaii, the island- more commonly called the Big Island to avoid confusion- was an intriguing sight to see from the air. All four sides were lush with plants, but the northeast portion was richest in life. However, when going into the inferior of the island all one can see was volcanic rocks. Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa were easiest to see for landmarks, but there was The Great Crack which resemble that of a long, black, ugly scar. In places there were signs of human inhabitants in form of towns and roads. People and vehicles looked like ants as they rushed about with their daily lives.
To Medusa they might as will be insects for her own amusement. Hovering a couple hundred yards in the air on her broomstick, she was making a quick mental map of the island. Dressed in a short sleeve, white shirt and tan cargo pants. She enjoyed bathing in the huffing sun heat. Whenever she came to a tropical region she would pause for a moment to just to relish the warmth. Sadly, she couldn't do that today for when she finished she always felt a little drunk.
Being drunk when she was about to meet an old grudge holding friend who was prone to anger was a bad idea. At least she thinks she knew where the woman was. After a little mishap that taken place more than a century and a half ago she had lost contact with the friend. Until recently there hadn't been a use for her. For several years now she had been using past knowledge to follow leads to pinpoint her. After a few fruitless searches that led to dead ends she believed that this island was the current host of the witch.
"Always had a thing for hotspots," she muttered. She knew that somewhere within one of the active volcanoes was a castle protected by molten lava. Where else on an island made from fire would yield the best defense? Add to the fact that shield volcanoes aren't going to blow half of its top off when it erupt. All a spell caster would need was the proper spell to form an impenetrable fortress which no one knew about.
That's the exact problem the witch's faced. Of the five volcanoes she narrowed the search down to three. Kohala was extinct and Kilauea was too active. Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and Mauna Loa were the most suitable of the five for her friend to live in. If her memory wasn't false than bigger was better since the friend likes her home to be spacious. The bigger the volcano the more earth she could convert into her home without being seen.
Making Mauna Kea, the largest volcano on the island, the perfect place for her to reside in. "Hope her temper had cool down over the last hundreds years," she said absentmindedly. On a silent command the broom descended downward. As she neared the island the temperature slowly raised. Over the tree tops the humidity increase greatly, but she paid it no mind. Noises of the tropical jungle made her body involuntary twitch.
The snakes within her can sense the many life forms down below. No wonder why the state was determined to keep any type of serpent off its land. Unknown to most people that there are several snakes on or near the island. However, two of them are kept under careful watch of pet owners while the other two were harmless. If the natives could they would keep it that way. Due to the fact that she was a container of several aggressive snake species that could wreak havoc on the ecosystem. She was hoping this would help bring her friend out of hiding.
As she went up the mountain's side trees became fewer and grasslands covered the slope. After a little while the green give away to a barren land scrape of gray and black. The sounds of life were replaced by the whispering wind. As she ascended the steep slopes- steeper compare to its neighboring volcanoes- she spotted tourists here and there. She couldn't care last if their lives were put at risk when she confronted her friend. However, some of those who had integrated with human society tended to form kinship with them. She would discourage them to continue the climb by sending one of her larger snakes on them. They were given strict order not to kill, only scare. They did just that. Once the humans saw the mammoth serpents they had no quarrel with going downhill.
At some point the air started to cool down. If she planned on going up to the summit she would had brought along heavier clothing. The volcano's summit was above tree line and during the winter it was one of the few places on this island where snow can be found. However, she came to a stop well before she reached the tree line.
The broomstick gently set her down on the rocky ground which was cold to her bare feet. As she surveyed the area the broomstick flew back up to heights that would keep it out of harm way. If she knew her friend she knew that things were about to turn deadly if her guess was right. All there were around her were rocks. In spots there was lichen and a withered, but living tree defying the harsh environment it's called home.
But there was nothing of any value that can be harm. Taking in a deep breath through the nose, the witch took in any scent around her. Except for the faint smell of the sea breeze with a touch of jungle it was as pure as air can get. "Pele," she shouted, her voice amplified by magic to be heard a mile radius. "It is me, Medusa. I have come to pay you a visit."
Nothing but silence so quiet that it was a little overbearing answered her. Looking to her right arm, she examined the tattoo that had been there for centuries. As if implanted into her skin yesterday, the black ink was shaped into ovals of a varied of sizes. It started with a triangular tail at her wrist, coil around her arm, and stop with a roughly shape snake head over her deltoid. There was an exact same copy on the other arm.
"It would be a shame if one of my snakes got loose," she said, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings. "They haven't been fed in days. Do you mind if I let them out to feed? I'm sure this island can spare a few more animals." The breeze picked up a bit, but that was from natural causes. "No one home," she said as she peered up to look for her broomstick. I didn't really expect to found her on the first try.
For some reason she decided to sniff the air. A puzzled look covered her face as she sniff some more. Sulfur, she thought. It was faint, but never the less something smelled like rotten eggs. But this volcano hadn't been active in years. Unless... Eyes opening wide, she leapt back several feet just in time. If she had been a second too slow she would had been died without knowing what hit her.
A pillar of lava shot out of the ground, going high into the air before the molten rock came tumbling down. The witch leapt several more time as more lava spewed out as if it was under high pressure. "You were always the one who love to make an appearance," said the witch once the geysers of lava stopped appearing.
In all there were four geysers blowing out their deadly contents. As the lava flowed or dropped to the earth everything it touched melted away. One loud continuous hiss filled the air as the lava rapidly cooled off. One by one the geysers shrunk back into the earth leaving the molten rock in an area of roughly the size of a small house.
As the last of the geysers died off a woman was standing in the middle of it. Lava slid down light brown skin as eyes colored that of fire glared at witch. Fleshly lips were pulled into a snare. Long bright reddish-orange hair cascaded in waves around her shoulders. Her good size bosom was placed into a red sport bra. Light blue jeans were tucked into brown army boots. Around her neck were two charms hang by a leather string, one of them was a piece of wood curved into a boar head while the other was a red Pua Aloalo.
"Hello Pele," said Medusa, putting on a friendly smile. "You sure have adapted to the changing time."
The glare stayed as the woman rapidly said, "Boar-swine, boar-swine, boar-swine." Making a fist with her right hand she pulled it back over her shoulder. "Earth boar charge," she yelled as she smashed the fist into the earth. A large boar made out of granite shot out of the ground. Landing several feet from its summoner, it sharpen it tucks by goring the ground.
"Not even going to say a hello," asked Medusa as the smiled faded into a neutral expression. Without a word, the red head pointed a finger at her. Squealing loudly, the boar lifted up its front legs, kicking the air. Than it dashed forward its granite eyes locked onto the witch in front of it. "Vector plate," she said, stoically. A large black arrow pointing to the east materialized under her feet. Its edges glow a bright purple as she crouched down.
It propelled the witch several yards to another plate pointed straight up. Twisting her body, her feet planted themselves into the main body of the arrow. Soon enough she was sent skyward just in time to watch the boar's demise. Due to its own ignorance of the vector plate properties and inability to stop in time it went right over it. It was surely was shock when it was lifted several inches off the ground and then tossed into the other plate. It let out a squeal of fright when it was sent flying.
But unlike the witch, it didn't have a broomstick that will rush underneath to catch it. So it fall back down and scattered on impact, sending rock shards and dust flying. Smirking, the witch drove her broom so it was hovering over the remains of the boar. "Please, darling," she said, lovingly, earning her an icy glare from the red head. "For the goddess of volcanoes and fire you can do so much better than that."
"Be gone snake," she growled before slamming the palm of her hand into the ground. "Magma storm!" The earth visibly shook, causing stones to clatter as some are shaken loose. Bursting forth, forming a circle around the goddess, lava swirled upward racing toward Medusa in one big funnel.
"Three words...," said the witch as she evaded the attacked by going up. The lava rushed on by missing its target. Gravity pulled it down into an arch, causing it to drill a circle in the earth. The lava itself went several dozen feet deep, but when the attack was done the lava had filled most of the hole up. "...That's a start."
Paying her no mind, the goddess whispered under her breath. "What did you say," said Medusa, for she saw her lips move. "Better speak up for I can't hear you."
"Go to hell," she shouted as a wave of lava engulfed her legs. It propelled her up into the air straight at Medusa. Placing her hands into the lava, both were covered with molten rock. Several dozen feet from the ground she shot from the wave and pulled back a fist. "Volcanic punch!" Several feet from the witch she thrust her fist forward, sending large globs of lava at her.
But those globs solidified much too quickly than it should be possible. Decent size rocks nearly pelted the witch, one of them clipped her shoulder. Not yet done, the goddess reached out for the broomstick and grabbed it with the hand still covered with lava. Needless to say, the wood ignited almost instantaneously.
"Is that really necessary?" asked the witch as she got onto her feet.
"Let see how smug you are without your broom," said Pele with a smirk. Letting go, she fall, but a column of magma rushed up to cushion her fall. Not taking much time to think about it the witch jumped, feet first. As she went downward the broom was consume by the flames and quickly turned to ashes which were blown away in the wind.
Without a word, she extended her left arm downward, diagonally. The head of the snake of her tattoo went under her armpit and slithered down her arm. Out from her hand a giant brown snake head with a body of unconnected ovals catch its master. Landing in a crouch, Medusa rode the magical serpent down to the earth.
The snake's body skidded across the ground throwing up a cloud of dust. As it landed it twisted around so it could face the attacker of its master. Yellow slit eyes started down the goddess who was still descending. "Snakes," hissed the goddess as her feet met earth. "I hate every last one of them, especially those who stabbed me in the back."
"Still upset of what happen so long ago," said Medusa in a bored tone. "It had been a couple centuries now. How can you still be mad over a little thing like that?"
"Little thing," growled the goddess. Stomping her foot into the ground, the earth shake once more. Without being told the snake dashed forth, it massive form moving faster than any serpent its size had any right to be. A column of lava shot up right in front of it. Evading the column with ease, it weaved it way through a field of geysers, seeming to know where each geyser would shot up.
"Still for brute force," noted Medusa as they neared the goddess. "That haven't changed over the years." Off to the snake right, a large spike of rock rocketed out of the ground while at the same time another geyser went off to it left. Confused by the two threats the snake incline to turn away from the super heated rock. Impaling itself on the spike that buried deeply into it magical body. It hiss sharply as violet sparks of magic flew, the spike running down it's flank.
Grimacing, the witch leapt forward and twisted her body around. As she extended an arm out, she shouted, "That was low of you." Seeing the extended limb, the snake rushed toward it. Within seconds it had shrunk in size, turning back into it original form as it slithered up her arm to retake its former position.
As soon as her feet touch the ground she moved her head slightly to the left. A fist of fire glazed her ear, slightly scorching it and ignited a few strands of hair. "Direct combat had never been my thing," she stated as the fist was pulled back. On the ball of her heel she spun around while bringing the other leg up. The heel of her other foot slammed into the goddess's check.
Backpedaling, she grunted, the fire of hatred in her eyes intensified. Coming to a stop, she planted her right foot back while the left foot was place slightly to the left of it. Both hands were balled up and burning within blue flames. The look that Medusa received could have slaughtered her three times over.
"Don't enjoy close combat," she yelled as she rushed forward. A fist was launch, aimed for the lower abdomen. With a neutral expression, Medusa rolled with the blow with the help of the snakes in her body. That monotonous look on the witch's face send the goddess into a fury that was beyond the word furious. A barrage of fists rained down on the witch which none made contact. She would evaded each blow with nothing more than a little of her shirt charred.
"Don't enjoy close combat!" A hundred and some more years of stewing angry, resentment, and denial exploded from her heart. As her voice and fury grew the volcano started to mimic her emotions. The earth trembled as lava spewed out. Parts of the mountain started to swift and moan as long closed off vents reopen. Black sooty smoke started to appear and a sound that was much like that of a steaming teapot could be heard.
Down below in the towns tourist and native alike stop what they were doing to stare in awe at the volcano. After thousands of years of being dormant the sudden change in mood was a show stopper. And the way it was acting it seemed as if it might literally pop its top. As people watch to see what would happened a native nervously joked that Pele was in a rage about something. He doesn't know how right he was.
Back with our fighters Medusa had split her attention between the goddess and the volcano. As much as she would love to see an eruption up close this was, by anyone definition, too close. Since her broomstick was destroyed there was no way of a hasty retreat. She was going to have to somehow calm the goddess down. When it come to rallying someone up she just needed a little information and said person would be crying for a severed head. Calming somebody down was a different story all together.
But it won't happen until Pele gave Medusa a big piece of her mind. "How about the time when we invaded Mabaa's castle when I was strongly against? There is neither man nor beast that had that look of glee when you murder those guards. I always knew that you were a little more blood thirsty than the average witch, but the death you brought." She shuddered but never let up. "Then I foolishly listened to you and destroy the bodies with lava. I should have never turned my back if I knew you would somehow save evidence to incriminate me."
Her attacks are becoming sloppy, noted the witch. Face is also turning red, but I don't know if it is because of angry or lack of oxygen. Perspiration is all over her face, torso, and arms. If she was thinking straight she could end this with little work.
Nothing short of collapsing from exhaustion could make the goddess rethink her actions. "How could you turn on me?" asked the goddess, more to herself than to Medusa. Tears started to pool in her eyes. "Best friends," she said with a rueful chuckle. "Stealing sweets, scaring humans, messing with boy's hearts, sharing of secrets, and going on idiotic adventures... What happen to that girl I knew? That was my friend."
For once in this conflict a small amount of remorse had sneak it way into Medusa's cold heart. She tried to repress old memories, but they had resurface. She had known the goddess since what a normal human would consider five. For centuries the two had grew up with the other both having parents who were inadequate.
Truthfully, the two were polar opposites. Pele was a passionate woman who can be easily influence by her emotions. Medusa, cold as ice, would first calculate a person's torment with a deadly precision before throwing the first punch. However, both were strong willed and could work well with the other. Like any witch they had a thirst for destruction, but the goddess had taken a more productive way about it.
One of Medusa earliest, vivid memories was when the goddess had caused her first eruption. She did it to impress her parents by bringing death onto a human city. It wasn't the blow-off-half-of- the- mountain-side-off type of eruption but there was plenty of smoke, flying debris, and spewing of lava. At first Pele was proud of what she had done for she had managed to earn some praise, but soon came to realize that she destroyed more than the city.
While not a fan of humans at the time she was in love with nature which in this case was in the form of a forest. For the village to be wipe out the forest got clear cut. In a rare moment, her mother made an effort to comfort her daughter. She explained one of the reasons why the world needed witches was to keep humans in check and nature healthy. Of course, to a young child's mind this doesn't make sense, but she was told to wait about fifty years- to a witch it wasn't that long of a wait- and see how the area had change. Fifty years later, the child would be surprise to found that not only a new forest had begun. It was well on its way to become the natural beauty that it was before the eruption.
Taking this to heart, the goddess would justified her actions of sending entire islands into the sea, turning mountains into hills, and burying cities in ash by thinking that in the long run it would make the natural world a better place. Maybe she had a point, but this way of thinking was foreign to the witch. To her just getting a thrill for the sake of it was enough. These two conflicting ideologies were one of the reasons they grew apart.
"You never did tell me what was so important that it was worth tossing me to the dogs." Her voice started to crackle. "As soon we got into Mabaa's room one of your damn snakes knocked me out. When I came to I found myself trap in a cage while you were explaining to that fool on how you figure out how I was going to stole some magic tool." A single tear break away from the pool, sliding down her cheek and evaporated when it hit the ground. "Never in my life had I felt so wrong, so betrayed."
Chuckling bitterly, for the first time she notice her surroundings. Medusa had been leading her around gaps that spewed out lava. The earth shuddered violently as the two danced and it surprise her that they stayed on their feet. A toxic cloud of smoke overhead threatened to engulf her and for miles around all form of life. It reminded her so much of that day.
"Never in my life did a fury that could put fear into a god had overcome me." She could feel that same angry flow away. For whatever reason she just couldn't keep a hold on that raw anger. Though, she might have a righteous reason to do so the willingness to kill was fading away. Anger ill spent.
Medusa knew it as well. The goddess wasn't even putting any effort into the punches. Both fists were lightly smoking a dim, gray cloud. Along with those flames the volcano hissy fit was coming to an end. The trembling had subsided to a minor vibration that few would notice. Lava had stopped flowing and wispy gray smoke escaped from the vents.
Catching a fist, the flesh of Medusa's hand cried for her to let go. It felt as she had just grabbed a brick fresh from the heart of a hearth. However, she displayed none of the pain as she stared into the eyes of her former friend. The goddess tried to break eye contact,tried to move, but that stared hold her in place.
"Tambora," whispered the goddess "was the worst eruption I had caused. May not compare to what will happen at Yellowstone, but you should had died. Along with the thousands of human lives that followed it. I can understand how the time witch got away, but you..." For a moment, she was lost for words. "You always had a talent of miraculous surviving the impossible."
A smug grin cracked onto the witch's face. "To give due credit you did left me badly burnt."
"Really," she said as a small smile couldn't help but show itself. "How badly?"
"Remember that time when that boy got a little too friendly with you," she said with a chuckle.
"Of course I do. Only thing that wasn't burnt to a crisp was his pretty little nose. Though, if that happen to you I'm surprise you're still breathing much less standing."
Her free hand went to her face, finger tips brushing a cheek. "I'll admit it did take several decades, tons of magic, and many of the best doctor I could found at the time to regain my body former glory."
"Is one of the reasons you keep serpents in your bodies is so they can act as your muscles?" asked the goddess, inquisitively. "Those things do take up space last I check."
"Maybe," she said, letting go of the fist. Examining her seared palm, Medusa allowed the goddess to regain movement. She stumbling a little but made no move to attack the witch. "But since you didn't kill me that would mean I might one day tell you the truth."
Using the back of her hand to wipe the tears from her eyes, the goddess said, "Don't think for one moment I letting you off the hook. As soon I see any sign of backstabbing I'll fried your ass. However, something tells me you're not here to mend our friendship." Crossing her arms below her breast, she asked, "What do you want out of me?"
"A favor," she said as she looked up.
"Does it have to do something with Jack Frost and the council? Don't look at me like that. You're not the only witch who got eyes and ears halfway across the globe."
"If I say that I'm hoping to cause a rebellion that would oust both Mabaa and Death from their throne would you think me mad?"
Laughing almost hysterically, she sat down and crossed her legs. "Betray too many people and one of these days that brain won't be able to save you. So is that why you went to the old man? Start with the gullible fool and work your way up. Look, as much I would love to see Mabaa and Death put in their place. Me and the other islander witches see no need to kill either of them. If one of them even tries to make a move on us our brothers and sisters of the sea could use some chum for their fishes."
Rolling her eyes, Medusa said, "You sure are confident."
"Hell yeah," she shouted. "No man or so called god can come near our islands without our say so."
"And yet you had failed to keep the white man at bay," said Medusa as she gestured to the towns. That got another glare from the goddess. "You could have fooled me," she said, sarcastically.
"Okay, I'll admit every since they figured how the seas works and learn to fly we haven't been doing that great of a job. But I dare say if we put our mind to it we could send one of their might fleets to the sea floor with no problem."
"Than what keep you from giving aid to a just cause?"
"Death would be all over us the moment we even think of making an army! Not since that damn Kishin killed so many of the eastern witches, sorceress, and enchanters have we gather just a force that will be needed to take on the witch queen. Hell, I'm still surprise that Death allows us to gather every year just to plan out next year activities."
"Than why not give our good friend Death something to keep him preoccupy?" A rising of an eyebrow and a faint frown asked to explain her statement. "You do remember that the Kishin is the embodiment of fear and madness?" That got her a nod. "By breaking 'Lord' Death's rule of not eating human's souls. Who, last I check, was against anything that messed up his precious order."
A small smile graced Pele's face as she comprehends where Medusa was going with this. "You crazy bitch, I always knew you had a thrill for dangerous things but this." Shaking her head, she chuckled as she said, "To top it off you still as heartless as ever."
"And you're still the passionate fool who would pick a fight even if the odds were less than desirable," said she with a devilish smile. "That is, if aiming to kill was your propose in the first place."
"Let say I'm willing to consider," said the goddess as she stood up, not missing the meaning in that last sentence. "What make you think talking to me and the old man will do? If you knew anything about the council- I'll bet an arm and leg you already know- that you need at less two-third of the other thirteen to agree to take any form of action."
"Really," said the witch as a hand reach up to the long strand of braided hair. As she twirled it, she said, "I would think that three of those thirteen would be enough to influence the others to put their lots in. Add to the fact that those three are known to have much power, territory, and resources..."
"Plan on talking to the light bulb and Mother," said the goddess as she uncrossed her arms.
"Of course," said Medusa, "why not?"
"If you can convince one of them to join and get that Kishin back into his skin. Then maybe we can persuade the council into making progress for once." Extending out a hand, she stared Medusa in the eyes. "Don't know if we'll very be friends again, but you always had been a good partner. As much I hate to admit it it's about time something is done about Mabaa. Damn crone let Death walk all over us for far too long."
Grabbing the hand, they shook on it as Medusa said, "Than it is settled. Give me at least five months and we'll have everything we need."
"Five months," mocked the goddess as their hands break apart, "thought you'll only give me a day of warning like last time. Daughter's ribs putting things behind schedule?" She didn't bother to remark on that as she turned her back. "I can get you a ride back to the main land, free of charge," she said as she followed the witch. "Have to hang around for a few days since they won't be back till Wednesday, but since I destroy your broomstick it the less I can do."
"Got anywhere else to stay beside the insides of a volcano?"
"Have a cottage down at the base of the mountain I use when I have visitors. Haven't been use for several years now, but it should work. Out of curiosity, what will you do once the Kishin is free? We can't have that madman running around like he owns the planet."
"Don't worry," she said as a purple, magical, fork tongue tasted the air. "That a problem we'll deal with when it comes.
Back in Medusa's apartment in New York City Maka and Free were in the kitchen sitting at the table. They were sitting across from the other both focusing on the chessboard in front of them. A woman dressed in a black, white pock-a-dots dress was watching T.V. Her orange witch hat was placed by the chair where some of the trash was clear away. The house was cleaner now since they had been hanging around it for a month. There still were pieces of random junk lying about, but if someone walked in on them they wouldn't assume that they were slobs.
Currently, Maka was studying the chessboard intensely so she can make her next move. Though, how things were going she didn't need to think too hard. Well advance into the game chess pieces were scattered all over the board. However, most of the figures were white pieces- Maka's- while a good many of the black pieces- Free's- were next to the girl to her right. The werewolf had managed during the early part of the game to snatch a few of the whites, but soon found himself into a too familiar, tight situation.
To those who knew the girl to think that she even understands, much less was a whiz at chess, would be bewildering. It all began with the fact that the girl always loved playing board games. At the young age of five she had somehow eluded her mother's sight and stumble upon a group of children playing slides and ladders. The kids let her played a few rounds and she was hooked.
Later on, whenever she could, she would steal a new board game to try out. Now, Medusa usually did her best to manipulate the girl. One way of doing this was to isolate her from other people. For some time she had only two people she was able to play with. More often than not Ragnarok was willing to play for there was little else they could do. But he had the tendency to cheat and it get a little tiring to get him to play fairly.
Medusa actually was more than willing to play as long as the game involved strategy. Due to the fact she had to get the game herself and a bit of luck. Chess become the game that the two would play most of the time.
As time went on chess become the game Maka would spend a good chunk of her free time on. This was because she was determined to beat her mother for the witch always played to win. Hundreds of years of plotting and scheming do have it benefits. Being able to predict your opponent next three moves before him or her even think about it is one of them. In a game of chess this ability was very useful.
Though, a girl who had only lived barely a friction of her own life wasn't much of an opponent to being with. After winning each game she would never fail to mention the mistakes her daughter made. Each error was replayed and the witch would say her lack of experience rather than intelligence was her downfall.
One thing that the witch came to learned that her adoptive daughter does have brain buried under all that madness. Learning from her past mistakes, Maka tried her best to formulate complicated strategies that were already known. But to do it by herself without someone teaching it would baffled even the greatest of chess players. However, the witch had always found a way to counter each new maneuver on the spot. Sometime games would be so closed that only one little error or one well placed piece on the witch's part kept her from victory. Her mother never did complement her about anything she had done right.
One day, when the girl was twelve, in the closest match they had played. Medusa found herself checkmated by a queen and a rook. It happened so suddenly that it had stunned her silence when the girl loudly and mirthfully yelled, "Checkmate!" To this day that was probably one of the girl's fondest memories of her mother. There was the obvious reason of finally beating her, but that was secondary to her reaction.
After the shock worn off, a smile that proclaimed pride went from ear to ear. "Finally managed to beat me," she said with a chuckle. To the daughter surprise, she reached over the table to the squeeze her hand affectionately. "Let see if that wasn't just a fluke." Next game Maka won a bit quicker than the first, but the third match her mother sneak a victory away. But at that moment the heartless woman she knew most of her life showed some general affection. As much as she hated to admit it. She enjoyed it.
Not since then can she recalled another moment where she was even remotely was like that. They stilled played chess and the wins were more or less equaled out. Always would acknowledged the win, but the witch would do nothing more. But deep down Maka both despise and hope she would show that same affection.
As for now she would have to settle with beating Free for the utmost time. As said early they were well advance into the game. During the early part of the game, the werewolf did have a few minor victories by catching a few important pieces. Though, all of the pieces he catcher was to set him into a trap which he sprung wonderfully.
A rook, knight, and several pawns were his prizes. However, he had only a king, a couple of pawns, a rook, and both knights either stuck in place or any move could be its last. His options were limited to the girl's next move. "Checkmate," she said in a bored tone as she moved a bishop into place.
"What?" he said as he examined the board. His king hadn't moved the entire game and by now his strategy was to prevent her from taking it, hoping she would slip up. The chess piece was cornered by two bishops and a queen. No matter how he moved he couldn't escape. Sighing, he use a finger to tip it over as he said, "You win again. Best thirty-six out of thirty-nine."
"We had been doing this for hours," she whined. Glancing toward the living room, she spotted a green-yellow tennis ball sitting by the snake's tank. A little too quickly she stood up, pain flared in her chest. She bit the lower lip as she cursed the injury that left her stranded in this house for over a month.
Oh, she loathed the inactivity she endured. For the first week all she could do was lay in her bed in her room. Time was divided from staring into her pillow to going into a dreamlike state. She lost count how many time she swayed from reality to that of her mind. Ragnarok and her caretakers- Free and the witch sitting in the chair called Eruka- tried to dim the boredom some, but didn't success much until she got back on her feet. The rest of the month was spent playing games and going outside to breath in fresh air. She might be the first person to die of boredom-or go crazy from claustrophobia, whatever came first- if she doesn't get off this rooftop.
Rushing over to the tank, she picked up the ball and shouted, "Let play fetch!" She tossed it over to the werewolf.
Free raise his single eyebrow as he caught the ball. "If I didn't know better I think you think me as a dog."
"I can be the dog," she exclaimed as she got on all four. Much like a canine she walked up to the werewolf and sat on her behind. Her tongue hung out as she panted a bit.
"Maka," said Free, a little weirded out. The girl got onto her feet in a crouch while putting her bent wrist, hands balled up, in front of her face. Sorrowful eyes widen into two huge orbs as a small whimper escape her lips. "No fair," he said, using an arm to block out the sight. He kept the arm there for several seconds before lowering it. She was still at it and had lowered her hands to show a quivering lip. "Alright," he said, putting a hand up in defeat. "Give me a moment and I'll be outside."
With a quick yip Maka sprung back onto all four, running toward the door. Sighing, the werewolf got to his feet with a shake of his head. "If Medusa call us and see her like this," Free shouted to Eruka, "Tell her that it wasn't my idea."
Eruka glanced over to the door to see the girl pawing at it. "Just make sure the mutt pulled down her underwear first before using the bathroom." Said mutt stopped her pawing long enough to vocalize a low growl at the witch. Once, when she was four, Medusa was forced to take her along to one of the witch gathering. There was a little incident where she badly needed to use the bathroom. She was standing right by the frog witch and well... Let just say that soiled boots and a lasting animosity was made.
Being wise enough not to comment, Free opened the door. Without a second thought Maka rushed out. She went several yards before stopping in front of a hole. She peered into it to see if anything was there. All of the flowers had died off, but if she was lucky there would be a bird that would fly out or a mammal that would scamper into the shadows. To her disappointment there wasn't any.
"Do you want to play or not?" asked Free. The girl twirled around and wagged her butt in the air. The werewolf guessed that she was wagging her tail. Pulling his arm back, he looked the area over. He wanted to be careful not to throw the ball somewhere that would bring harm to the girl. It wouldn't surprise him if he tossed the ball over the edge that she would jump after it.
Both buildings were about leveled with theirs and seemed to be in better shape. "Fetch," he yelled, heaving the ball at the building to his right. The moment it left his hand Maka dashed after it. Due to the fact that the girl was human there was no way she could keep pace with the ball. However, she was reasonable fast on all four and leap over the foot wide gap with ease.
The ball bounced once over a square metal vent and off another. Somehow the girl managed to pin it down under her right hand. Knowing better than trying to place the ball into her mouth, she stood up and turned toward the werewolf. With a bark she threw it back. Her aim was a little off, but Free was able to reach over his left shoulder to catch it. He waited for the girl to return in front of him. As before, she was on all four with her tongue hanging out.
For another fifteenth minutes this went on without interruption. "Good morning freaks," shouted Ragnarok, popping out from his meister's back. He was greeted by the tennis ball pelting him in the forehead. "What the hell!" Looking about for the offender, he found his meister running after the ball in her unusual state while Free looked to the skies, avoiding the weapon's stare. "What have you done to my meister?" he yelled, pointing an accusing finger at the werewolf.
"It was her idea, not mine."
"He's right," said Maka as she grabbed the ball before it went over the edge. "I begged him to play." With that said she threw the ball back to Free and reassumed her role.
"Don't encourage her," said Ragnarok right before the ball was toss, again. "This behavior is completely inappropriate."
"You're only saying that because your hunger and irradiated," said the girl as she ran.
"Still," shouted the weapon, "the Kishin of humans shouldn't be acting like a mutt." All he got was a bark. "Forget it. Tell me when the bitch gets her act back together." Back in his meister's bloodstream he pondered over his choices. Either force the girl into getting him food or wait for her to stop playing her game. Since she was more likely to fight him than comply, he would have to stay there for who know how long.
Back with Eurka she was still in the chair watching some soap opera. She wasn't really paying attention to it, but between this garbage and having to watch the girl. Garbage seemed much more attractive. At less she was able to zone out in peace.
Eurka, shouted Medusa's voice within her head. Jumping an inch, the witch shook her head in irradiation. Mentally sighing, she wondered if she ever be free of this snake. Ever since the witch had implanted the serpents into her body she had become her lackey.
"Do you have to be so loud Lady Medusa," she said, the last two words acidic to her tongue.
I need to talk to my daughter at once.
"Give me a moment," she said, standing up. "She is outside playing fetch with Free."
Free is degrading himself?
"Not exactly."
Several seconds later, through Eurka's eyes the snakes showed Medusa what the frog witch meant. Maka was still at it and was showing no signs of stopping. The werewolf had a grin on his face as he watched the girl come running back. Do you two have any dignity? asked Medusa, monotonously. Hearing her voice in their heads, Free stopped in mid-throw while the girl stared at Eurka.
Getting to her feet, the girl said harshly, "Good afternoon, mother. What do you want?"
I believe your ribs had healed properly.
"Still a bit sore, but everything is in place," she said, turning head to break eye contact. "Not like you care."
Base on what I just saw they aren't hindering you performance. There was a brief pause. It's about time to deal with a problem. In Sasebo, Japan there is an American naval officer who had been persecuting a few witches and warlocks that are better alive than dead. I want him taken care of.
"How high up the rank is this guy?"
He's nothing more than a meager, upright captain. This is solely a stealth mission. If you can snack on a few souls, fine, but the man by the name of Captain Lome Qewo is your target. His ship is the U.S.S Alabama
"Yeah, yeah," she said as she turned her back and headed straight to the roof's edge. "Found the ship and kill the guy without being capture." Glancing to her back, she said, "Don't think we very went after a navy man. His soul is probably going to be saltier than the average."
"A soul is a soul," replied the demon, "but if we're going to Japan we better be getting some sushi for our troubles."
"Just make sure the good captain is killed," said Medusa, talking as she walked down a path that cut through the jungle. To Pele it seemed she was talking to herself, but she had experience the woman strange form of telepathy. Blinking, the witch said, "It is done." Turning to the goddess, she commented, "This man must be a pain if you asked me to send her after him."
"Trust me, if he somehow catch whiff that the sea witches and warlocks are doing anything out of the ordinary. He'll be a thorn in our feet and hands."
"Sending a kishin to devour his soul is a little extreme, but I can't say I'm complaining." Practically staring, she asked, "Are you sure you have no idea where the other two are?"
Sighing, she said, "Don't have the slightest clue. Expect for their general realm of control I can't say where either will be." Wrapping an arm around Medusa's shoulders, she added with a grin, "Relax. There several days until the boat arrive. Go to the beach, meet a guy, and have some fun. A little vacation time won't kill you."
Medusa rolled her eyes, but put on a lazy grin. Maybe she'll do that or at less explore the island. It was better than being cooped up in a small building when she doesn't have to. So they headed downhill like two good old friends, one of them humming while the other stared off into space, thinking.
Maka: *Half her face was beet red from both anger and embarrassment as everyone, save Crona, were laughing their asses off.* Why do I get the feeling Mulleb is having a field day with me?
Daisy: Trust me, Mulleb is enjoying every moment he get to write about crazy Maka. She just a fun character to write for.
Maka: Can you call me something else than crazy Maka? Anything will do.
Daisy: If you want we can do that, but what else can we call her. She nuts!
Crona: Shouldn't we talk about this later. Away from the viewers.
Maka: Yes please. We hope that you enjoy the story. As always please review. Flames, good criticism, and comments are welcome.
Daisy: Have a good day!