Soul had called Maka's name before a big whale came splashing out of the water. It made a huge enough wave to topple over Maka. Soul came swimming toward her and dove under water to check where she was. They both opened their eyes under the ocean, but it was dark. They could see each others figures clearly enough to find each other though. Soul spotted Maka staring ahead, her back facing him. He tried to call her name, but only bubbles came out.

Damn.

He swam over to her and held her shoulders. Maka's eyes turned to Soul, but her head didn't. She only stole a glance, then turned back to the large creature in front of her. Soul noticed the whale in front too. He's guessing that she had to stay still in order not to cause any attention to the sea animal. Soon enough, the whale retraced its steps and swam away. Soul and Maka swam up immediately to catch their breath.

"You okay, Maka?"

"Yeah." She took deep breaths. She had held her breath for a while, and froze in place.

"At least that whale didn't do anything."

"Much less notice us."

"...Yeah."

"Hey Soul,"

"Hm?"

"...How long do you think we'll stay here?"

"It's only been about 10 minutes. I'm sure they'll turn up eventually."

But rather than 10 minutes, it soon turned into 30. Then an hour. And so on. They were starting to get tired of swimming.

"I don't think I can't hold out much longer. Why don't we try searching for land?" Maka suggested.

"Yeah, sure. But how do you know which way to go?"

"Um," She looked up at the sky, and saw a bird flying over her ahead. "That way." She pointed in front of her. Soul gave her a quizzical look.

"You okay? You're not making any guesses?"

"Yes I'm okay! And not really, I saw a bird fly over us just a few seconds ago."

Soul sighed and began swimming along with Maka.

"Ugh, I can't stand it anymore! We need to know if they're ok!" Liz said impatiently, tapping her fingers on the table the remainder of the group was sitting at.

"Calm down sis, I'm sure they're alright." Patty assured. But she was just as worried.

"You know, I'm certain the 'Rescue Team' didn't even call someone to save Soul and Maka." BlackStar stated.

"BlackStar!" Tsubaki called in shock.

"What? It's the truth."

"Says the person who pushed Maka out in the first place." Kid told him, rolling his eyes. BlackStar stood up and pointed at him.

"That was an accident! You know I never meant to do that!"

"Please calm down!" Tsubaki pleaded. BlackStar faced the opposite direction of all of them and crossed his arms.

"You guys shouldn't be too worried. This is Soul and Maka we're talking about. They can handle it well."

"Yes, but what if they argue? I'm sure Maka will take off for herself." Kid said, glaring at BlackStar's back.

"Then let her. She'll realize that she needs Soul throughout the whole thing."

"Judging by the way they talk and look at each other, they're not very friendly."

"You don't know that, Kid. Don't assume you know people. You may have gone out with Maka, but that doesn't mean she couldn't have changed."

In Kid's own way of responding, he stayed quiet. He knew BlackStar was right.

"Can we stop for a moment?" Soul asked, tired.

"No. We have to get to land. If we just swam a little more-"

"We're nowhere near land, Maka! We've been swimming for hours! What makes you so eager to find our destination?"

"I-Nothing! It's just...I'm tired too, okay? My arms and legs are going to stop working, and my heart is going to give up! I understand! But we can't just stay here and wait for someone to rescue us!" She hung her head down. "What if they never come?"

Soul sighed. "You really are insecure, aren't you?" He swam up to her, and forced her head on his shoulder. Underwater, he clinged onto her arm. "Just close your eyes and relax, okay?"

Her eyes widened. She felt a rush of heat run through her body that had been transmitted from the boy next to her, even if they were in cold water. She soon let herself go, and shut her eyelids. Soul kept his steady pace under the water, and maintained in the same position he was in for a while. His mind wandered into thoughts.

How long will we stay here for? Kid should've at least called someone.

He glanced at Maka.

Especially since she's here. He's probably freaking out. But then again...everyone else probably is too.

He looked up at the fading sun, disappearing behind the clouds. He smirked.

It would be uncool to make a move on Maka in a place like this. I'll do it some other time.

His smile faded.

Before Kid does.