Crona's heart was breaking, he held Maka close as she sobbed. His eyes on the bed beside him.
You promised you wouldn't leave her. I don't understand, this isn't supposed to happen. He thought. He knew no words could comfort his friend. Nothing could ever mend her heart.
"Maka, I know it's not the same, it can never be like it was, and I'm so sorry but I'm right here for you." Crona said gently.
"I know it's not much of a comfort to you but Soul-"Spirit stopped, what could he possibly say to his daughter?
"He might still be able to save them, Professor Stein told me but that doesn't make it hurt less." Maka replied through tears. Spirit bowed his head.
"nothing will right now, I'm so sorry Maka. If I would've-"
"It not really your fault Papa, you didn't make them sick/ I didn't even get to-"She took in a deep breath, feeling Crona hold her tighter.
"It's going to be okay Maka, He wouldn't want you to cry, Soul- Soul loved you so much. I'm sure he knew you loved him too. That's why he wouldn't want you to be sad for him. You did everything you could."Crona soothed.
"No, I let him down, I let this happen. If I had just-I could have done better, I promised to be strong for him and-"
It doesn't mean you're weak when you cry, Maka. There was nothing more you or anyone else could have done for me." Maka could swear she heard Soul's voice beside her, she raised her head to look but found no one.
The realization caused her to burst into deeper sobs. He wasn't there, she knew that, it was only her mind playing tricks on her. Soul was gone.
I'm so sorry Soul, I couldn't save you. Maka thought to herself painfully. Crona suddenly released her, coughing into his fist. He was quick to reach out for a tissue to hide the crimson specks that appeared, he was grateful that Maka hadn't noticed as she was wiping away the tears from her cheeks.
"A-are you okay Crona?" She asked in a panic.
"I'm fine. Don't worry Maka," he told her, he had learned from Soul how to assure her in moments she needed it the most. He would have to be able to handle these situations now.
"I can't lose you both, Soul was-"
"He was a pretty big part of your life, I'd give him back to you if I could. I'm just so sorry." Maka's heart wrenching sobs were causing his own heart to ache. Soul had been right, Crona loved Maka and it was painful for him to see this pain.
"Damn that witch!" Maka cried suddenly angry. "She's taken everything. I can't let her get away with this. I-I'll kill her myself!"
"You can't do it by yourself Maka, You told me earlier that Kid was hurt pretty bad and he's a reaper, you can't forget that Soul would want you to be-"
"Soul would be here if she hadn't done this, so would the others. I couldn't help Soul, but I know he would want the others to be okay." She stood up from the edge of Crona's bed.
"Maka, what are you doing?" He asked.
"Leaving, I'm going to find her." Spirit rushed forward, grabbing her shoulder,
"Maka, you can't just go after a powerful witch alone and not in the state you're in." he protested, only to have Maka pull out of his grasp.
"You can't stop me Papa, I'm going to find her and then I'm going to stop her. I don't care what happens to me. I have to be brave now."
There's a difference between being brave and being reckless and stupid Maka, doing something like this, especially on your own is pure stupidity, she's too strong for you. You can't fight her alone and as upset and angry as you are. Soul's voice came again as she left the room, tears still streaming from her eyes.
After watching Maka leave, Crona forced himself up and onto his feet, swaying slightly and wrapping his arms around his belly.
"Get back in bed, you're not strong enough to-"
"I can't, I promised Soul and I have to keep it. I want Maka to be safe, I'll bring her back." he took an unsteady step forward, nearly collapsing to the ground
"Crona!' Spirit cried as the boy caught himself, using the wall to become steady, ignoring the pain and dizziness.
"I'm fine, I can do this. I have to, for Soul and for Maka."
"Are you crazy, you'll get yourself killed, you can barely walk."Spirit pointed out.
"That's something I'll just have to deal with. Maka needs me." He said leaving spirit in shock. Once outside the door, Crona paused, leaning on the wall.
"Hey, Ragnarok, I know you hate me, and I can deal with that, I know you're sick but I need your help, Maka needs us now, she's going to fight the witch that made us sick, but she's so angry and sad, her whole world just fell apart and we need to help her. She was there for us when no one else was and...I love her. Please help me as much as you can." He pleaded continuing down the hall.
"Y=You idiot...if we die...I'll k-kill you, y-you little weakling.: The faint voice replied at last. Crona allowed himself a small smile.
"Thank you Ragnarok." he whispered back, he knew it wouldn't be easy, but if Maka needed him, he would follow her anywhere.
