I should get a medal for this. Or a councilor. Seriously, I don't think it's healthy to spend so much time here. After this, I'm going out to hang with some friends for a while. I need a Mtn. Dew.

That said, enjoy!

Takashi blinked when he brought Misuzu, Toshimi, and Tatsuki into the room. The three women were quickly by Rei's side, talking and seeming to bond easily. Shizuka was currently resting up, and Saya was off somewhere else, same with Hirano, while Saeko had went to meet Souichiro. Alice was still with them, Zeke was under the bed doing who knows what. It was the last person, and the one who should have been the most noticeable, that made him look around.

'Where did Crona go?'

Crona managed to slip away from Takashi and the girls, thankful that Zeke seemed so popular. While following Takashi, he suddenly felt a horrible feeling. Madness. Weak, but Madness nonetheless. It was approaching. It was close. And it was heading this way, along with... something else. Madness always felt like a wave, like the bobbing of the sea. This Madness was the same, but surrounding it was something akin to fear, confusion, devotion. The best he could compare it to was some sort of sickness or infection. Not the one that is making them, but one of the soul. Like Madness, but weaker, yet much more sleazy. He had to get out. He had to find it! He had to do something! He could feel his Black-blood boil and churn, and even Ragnarok seemed to feel it.

"Whatever the hell it is, it's getting closer!" the demon-sword said, sounding torn between gleeful and angered. Gleeful because, well, he was made specifically to resonate with Madness. It was a drug, a rush, a pain-killer and an amplifier. It was something that seriously messed him up, and he didn't know if he want more of it or none at all.

'I know! But what the hell is it!? What do I do!?' The last thought was what bothered him the most. Here he was, aware that something was on its way, and he didn't know what to do. He couldn't tell people, either they wouldn't believe him or they will think him crazy. And he doubted that the girls would believe him, or even understand him without coming completely clean.

"How 'bout we go out there and hunt the damn thing down! We joined the stupid school, and they taught us how to find kishin-eggs. May as well put them to use!"

Crona grimaced. It was a sound idea. He'd go, find the source of Madness and... Sickness? Yeah, he'd call it Sickness. He'd find the source of Madness, and the Sickness, and get rid of them. If he was quick enough, he could go and come back before anyone would notice. Simple, right? He almost bumped into someone and took a step back, immediately apologizing. "S-sorry. I should have looked where I was going." he said, looking up at the older girl. She had long dark hair that reached past her mid-back, almost looked purple, and deep blue eyes as well. She was currently wearing a blue yukata with yellow, light blue, and green shapes on it, and he had to admit she looked rather pretty.

"No no, I was lost in my own thoughts. I apologize." she responded, bowing her head slightly. He did the same, laughing nervously. "I must confess, I haven't seen you around here. I am Saeko Busujima."

"C-Crona Makenshi. Nice to meet you, ma'am."

Saeko waved at him lightly. "Don't call me ma'am, please. I'm not that much older than you."

"A-ah! Sorry! I di-didn't mean to insult you!"

"No, no, don't worry about it. It's nice to know I can appear so mature." She blinked and looked at the sword on his hip. "A broadsword? Why do you carry it around?" she asked with a quirked eyebrow.

Crona found it weird that she's the one asking him when she had a sheathed sword in her hands. "Y-you have a murata-tou with you, Busujima-san." he pointed it.

Saeko actually blinked at that and looked down at the sword in her own hand. "You know about swords?"

"A-a bit." Truthfully, it was during his 'rebellious' phase that he started looking at other swords in the hopes that if he found a better one, he'd get Ragnarok away from him. Zweihanders, shortswords, even sabers fell under that category. Of course, he also looked some at a few japanese swords when Medusa sent him to tokyo once. The murata-tou, admittedly, was one of the few that he remembered because he accidentally stole one from a museum and had to run from the police. Well, it was a hit and run. He killed the policemen. Getting off topic.

Saeko suddenly gripped the handle and pulled the blade out, making Crona flinch as his hand went to Ragnarok. Both swordmasters stopped and eyed each other, and almost immediately realizing they were the same. The way that Saeko stood almost casually, but her legs were shoulder-width apart, loose, but ready, and the grip on her sword were dead giveaways to Crona's eyes. The same could be said about Saeko, who had to admit that Crona looked experienced. His eyes were steady, drinking in every detail, his shoulders and arms were well-built, indicating he's been using the blade for a very long time, and his stance, while unusual, made it so that he was less likely to be moved. This meant that he's not one to move from his spot too much unless necessary, or on the offensive.

The two stood there for a moment, waiting for an attack. When none came, Saeko finally spoke.

"I apologize. I was going to show you the blade itself, as you seem interested in the way of the sword." she said sincerely. While a part of her was wondering how good he was with that large blade, she knew that attacking was not a good way to make friends. No matter what animes and manga said.

Crona nodded slowly, still a bit on edge. "I say the bitch is lying!" Ragnarok piped up. "Look at her! She knows how to use that thing! Kill her before she decides she can attack. Not that she can do shit, but I don't want this bitch spilling us being different."

Crona had to agree. He didn't want anyone knowing about him just yet. Saeko, meanwhile, had finally taken sword out and carefully laid it out in front of her with her hands, careful with the sharp end. Crona blinked at the sight. It was beautiful, and unusual. A curved blade, double-edged, and the tip was weirdly shaped. He'd seen many katanas, but this one was... "Kyuu Guntoo?" he whispered. This seemed to please Saeko, judging by the smile on her face.

"Well said."

"Y-you use a rifle, then?"

"Only when necessary."

"A-ah." A silence fell on them, though it wasn't awkward. While Crona was looking at the sword, Saeko was examining the person in front of her further. Admittedly the gender was hard to tell at first, but it seemed that his slouching was hiding his broad shoulders and his chest was flat. She's seen many flat-chested girls, but those who were usually tried other ways of looking feminine. Lastly, the eyes. He seemed to make it a point not to stare at her chest, covered as it was.

"I don't supposed you would allow me to see your sword." she said. The blade was actually quite interesting, as not many used broadswords. Not to mention this boy must be rather strong to carry such a large one.

Crona blinked and looked down at Ragnarok, before taking it and, much like Saeko, presented it to her. Looking at it, Saeko had to admit it was very peculiar compared to most swords. Black as night with a single white line going down the middle, a strange 'strip' of grey material around the base where the guard should be, littered with spikes, and a handle of white, probably bandages. All-in-all, a peculiar thing to wield, though Crona seemed to be used to it.

"It is quite beautiful, in its own way." she complimented, making Crona smile a bit. Mostly because of Ragnarok's displeasure.

"Beautiful!? Did she just call me beautiful!? I'm not a girly little knife, or some ballerina-scythe, dammit! I'm a sword that's made to cleave bastards in half, to decimate my enemies! I'm not pretty, I'm awesome! I'm badass! And I swear I'm gonna kill her if she doesn't stop smiling!"

"I hope this doesn't sound too rude, but are interested in a quick spar?"

Crona blinked at that. A spar? She wanted to fight? Against him? Really? "W-what? M-me?"

"Yes, Crona-san. Unless you have something else you must do?"

"Uh, no-" he wanted to object, mostly because he didn't know how to spar without going all out, and partly because he was unsure if he would even be an adequate opponent His way of using a sword was... unique.

"Good. I will see if I can find a shinai for you. As nice as these swords are, I don't wish to damage either one even a bit. I will search you out when I have made the preparations." with that, she turned and began to walk away, almost skipping if he had to guess. He wanted to reach out and stop her, but just then he was hugged from behind.

"Crona-san!" a voice suddenly piped up behind him, making him stand ramrod straight and almost screamed in fright. What is it with women and having such luscious bodies? Not moving, he turned his head and blinked at Angela behind him, who took a step back and bowed at the waist. "I came to formally thank you for saving me yesterday, and then going to save my cousin and her friends, not even stopping for a break! You're truly an incredible person!" She was gushing. Were there supposed to be stars in her eyes? Was that normal? And then she took a step back and poked her fingers together, smiling nervously. That's funny, some girl did the same when she was talking to some other kid in the DWMA. "U-um, so, I was sent to bring you to eat. Medusa-san and Hana-san have made some food, so you should eat."

Crona nodded slowly, turning his body fully towards hAngela. She had cleaned herself nicely, though she still had the same clothes. Likely the only thing she had right now. "Y-yeah. I'd like to eat." 'I need to feed Ragnarok anyway.'

"Damn fucking straight!"

Meanwhile, Maka was in front of the 'Wound', as Shinigami called it. She hadn't moved from the spot since two hours ago, even when Sid and Nygus appeared to investigate further. Apparently Shinigami was getting help from a few older death-scythes on making something. He had yet to say anything else, and Maka was wondering if, in a sense, Shinigami was even on her side. He said that this type of phenomena was dangerous, but did that mean that he would help them get to Crona, or just close the Wound and leave Crona on the other side?

She bit her lower lip, sipping on the soda Soul brought her. He had left her for a few minutes, returning with a cooler of snacks and drinks, even bringing Subways. He got the order wrong (again), but she ate it nonetheless. Stupid pickles and onions.

At the moment, she and Soul were sitting on a pair of foldable chairs, staring at the Wound. While it was invisible to the naked eye, she found it by using her soul-perception. Whenever she used soul-perception, she could see souls like distant lights. The Wound, however, was a black crack, usually swallowing the light and making the souls beyond it impossible to see. Truthfully, a part of Maka agreed. This tear... it was unnatural. She could see how on the edges were small bumps, like large hands had pried open a large piece of metal and crudely resealed it with little regard to whether or not it was done properly. Whoever did this was so irresponsible, it was disgusting.

"What do you think was able to do this?" Soul suddenly said, not taking his eyes off the Wound. While he couldn't see it the way Maka did, an innate sense within him told him there was something wrong with that one spot right there. That he should get away or be swallowed.

"Shinigami-sama said something ridiculously powerful did this. Magic and science can open a tear in reality the same way someone can make a door on a wall and open it. It's precise, takes time, and usually leaves little damage. Apparently, whoever did this didn't bother making a 'door' and went straight to busting the 'wall' down." Maka said, looking down at her soda. "Do you think that, somehow, Asura is still alive and is the one who did this?"

"I doubt it. Shinigami-sama himself looked at the scene and declared Asura's soul completely obliterated."

"I know, but he said a creature of immense power and from another dimension. What if it's an alternate Asura?"

"... What?"

"(Sigh) You know the multiverse theory, right?"

"Yeah, something about alternate realities. Like a reality you and I never met, or one where I wasn't born, or Black*Star is actually a bookworm with a fear of girls." He elbowed her lightly at the last one, earning himself a giggle.

"Yeah."

"So what you're saying is that another Asura busted through the walls of two worlds and nabbed Crona. I fail to see why though."

"I don't either. Just a thought."

"Hn." They were silent again, staring at the Wound. By now, Nygus and Sid had finished putting up weird technology around the Wound, a few wires connecting them. One looked like a big rectangle prism with a bunch of buttons and screens on it, another was like some dish, likely to send the information to Shinigami, and lastly was a large block with buttons on it. Around the Wound itself were small rods that probably gained data from the Wound, probably how big it is, what it's doing, or something along those lines. "Supposed it was another god?"

Maka blinked. "Like Shinigami-sama?"

"Sort of. He's the god of death, so for all we know, there's another world with us there, but a different god. Maybe like a god of war, or a god of jealousy. Hell, a god/goddess of sex! Lucky Cron-"

"Maka-chop!" CRACK!

"Gah! Take a joke!"grumbled Soul, stemming the bleeding. "A-ah, I can't see. Grandma?"

Crona gulped, resisting just diving right in and ravaging it. He looked up at Hana, who was blushing and fidgeting, her face expectant and unsure. "I-I can try it now?" he asked, his face becoming hot with pure want.

"Y-yeah. D-dig in. It's all for you." she said. Oh, being like this, exposed to a boy she found wonderful and almost illegally perfect made her want to disappear. What if it wasn't enough? What if there were better girls out there and he preferred them over her? Could she really live after that? Her whole body was hot, the room seemed a bit too warm for her liking, and Crona's hungry eyes weren't much help. She just wanted to lean in to those lips and take them.

Looking down at the offered prize, Crona gulped and leaned forward, his mouth opening and drool beginning to build up within his mouth. The closer he got, the more uncertain Hana felt, until finally... he put the lasagna in his mouth.

His eyes snapped open and he was frozen for a good five or so seconds, Hana almost crying and believing she did something wrong. Before she could turn and run in shame with the knowledge that her cooking wasn't enough to please her warrior, his head snapped to her, startling those who expected his neck to snap, and gave Hana a big, radiant smile that made her heart soar.

"It's delicious!" he sighed, seeming to melt into the seat as his fork stuck out of his mouth. Hana almost jumped in happiness, an image of her in chibi form and wearing a chef's hat was dancing around in her head.

Crona wasted no time in digging in, quickly scooping up large chunks of the food. He always did have a thing for italian dishes. Pizza, pasta, chicken saltimbocca, the works! And while lasagna wasn't at the top of the list, it was now!

"I'm glad you like it!" Hana said, for a moment forgetting about their surroundings. She forgot of the people, or the house, of the horrible world the outside had become. All that mattered was Crona's wonderful smile, and she was content with that. They were back in the room that he had woken up in, Misuzu and Toshimi also there, along with the earlier mentioned maid. All of them were digging in to the lasagna Hana and Medusa had made earlier, Hana being almost right next to Crona.

Toshimi pouted, wishing she had the guts to go over and sit next to Crona. Unfortunately, whenever she mustered up the courage, the day's earlier scene popped into her mind, his wonderfully soft lips in her mouth and how she sucked on his tongue like a ravenous animal in heat. Just thinking about it made her blush and squirm. Misuzu was in the same boat, her own shame refusing to let her approach Crona. Sure, he said he was fine, but she saw it. She saw the fear and uncertainty in his eyes when they had kissed and rubbed themselves against him. She didn't want that fear. She wanted him to smile, to laugh, to make him happy that he was loved. She sighed, grudgingly took another bite of Hana's lasagna, unsure if she should be happy with how delicious it was, or disgusted that her love-rival had made it for Crona.

Tatsuki, meanwhile, was still on an all-time high. She couldn't help but think of the cum still in her belly. Granted, by now her digestive system must have dissolved it, but that just made her giggle at the thought that her master's seed was, in a sense, spreading throughout her body. Nobody noticed her, though, which was good. A maid went unnoticed unless her master wished for her services, so this meant that she was doing a good job so far. And besides, the lasagna was good! Angela and Marie were both off to the side, by the window, talking about something that seemed rather serious, but they talked too quietly for anyone else to hear much.

Crona grimaced ever so slightly at the twisting in his stomach. Seeing as Ragnarok was still hiding, he took a new approach to eating. He literally made a mouth inside Crona's stomach and ate anything that dropped in, making Crona shiver at the weird feeling.

Just then, the door opened and Saeko's head popped in, stopping everyone from eating. Her eyes scanned the room for a second before they landed on Crona.

"Ah, Crona-san. I found some swords, so we can begin our spar once you are done." she said, smiling at him. And while the smile was beautiful, all Crona saw was an eager girl itching for a fight. Thinking back on it, he suddenly remembered the Madness that was making its way here. While he wasn't good at determining the distance, it was definitely closer. The weird thing was that it was also taking its sweet time, and whenever it stopped, the Sickness around it began to grow. No, not grow, thicken. Like the Sickness was embedding itself deeper into the bodies of the ones that were corrupted. It was weird, and kind of nerve-wrecking. Still, at the pace they were moving, they'll be here by tomorrow. His eyes narrowed, thankfully unseen by anyone except an observant swordswoman. 'He seems to have unfinished business. What are you thinking, Crona Makenshi?' she thought.

"Okay, let's go." Saeko blinked, watching the boy stand, his food now gone and all the women's attention on him. Saeko couldn't help but wonder if all the girls here were interested in the pink-haired boy. One doesn't save many girls and not get them to have feelings for him. While he still seemed troubled, he at least looked willing to spar. With a nod, she waved for him to follow, the boy doing just that. As soon as Crona left the room, the girls scrambled up from their frozen state and quickly followed, Tatsuki, Marie, and Angela at a much more sedate pace.

After navigating through the mansion for a bit, they were soon underground, a dojo built right below the building. When the girls reached him, Crona and Saeko were already across from each other, Saeko with a boken and Crona the shinai, Ragnarok leaning against a wall to enjoy the show. Both got into a ready stance, Saeko's almost naturally so. She couldn't help but wonder at Crona's stance. His body was curved a bit, like he was sticking his midriff to the side, left hand on right bicep, and the shinai straight up. No defense, it seemed. His legs were a bit spread out, and his shoulders seemed to have been brought closer to his chest, if possible. All in all, she was beginning to wonder if it was such a good idea to start this spar. Did this boy really know how to use a sword?

With a sigh, she figured she may as well set him straight. While she didn't like to do this, the boy was pretty much insulting anyone who seriously took up a sword. With that, she dashed forward intent on finishing this all off in one blow to the stomach with the flat of the boken.

(Play Ignition by tobyMac.)

Saeko swung, expecting to hit Crona. She did not expect him to bend back at a ridiculous angle, her boken swinging past, before he snapped back forward, his shinai swinging up from his awkward position as he spun his hips and tried a vicious uppercut meant to lop off her head had it been a real sword. She managed to step to the side, letting the wooden sword go past her head and fling her hair up with the surprising force. She jumped back, Crona straightening his pose and returning to his previous stance. Now Saeko couldn't help but be impressed. A fighting style to fool your opponents and attack them at odd angles.

Subtly licking her lips Saeko dashed again, aiming a low swing for Crona's legs that was stopped with a bat of his shinai, another swing for the neck stopped by the handle of his weapon. With a frown, she dashed back from Crona's swing, again having enough force to force air out.

This time he stepped forward, surprising Saeko. He stabbed forward twice, Saeko deflecting the jabs with her boken, before he made a wide sweep upwards to hit Saeko upside the chin. She leaned back and retaliated, a stab forward again evaded with a weird and probably uncomfortable bend of his abdomen. Both separated, Crona this time pointing his weapon at Saeko. A moment of silence before both went at it again, this time using their speed and reflexes as they stood almost toe-to-toe, swinging and stabbing and blocking their strikes over and over.

Although they seemed evenly matched, Saeko was beginning to sweat and grit her teeth. She was faster in terms of swings, but he seemed almost completely in control of his body, bending this way and that to avoid any strike he couldn't block. At the same time, his swings were slower, but stronger as well, and deflecting them was still painful to her arms. That alone meant that even if she blocked, he'd likely push her off her feet. At least he was no longer looking disappointed, his focus on her and her movements.

Crona had to admit, when she was up close, she was much better. She moved gracefully, her strikes quick and precise, though lacking in strength. Not that he could blame her, he was not exactly human. Still, now that so much time has passed, both were beginning to see patterns. When Saeko would attack, her knees would bend ever so slightly and her back bent back a bit. Saeko could see that his abdomen would move a lot, and soon was able to somewhat predict his next move. Soon, hits were landed, and still they continued. Saeko couldn't remember the last time she felt so alive! This boy, his attacks strong and almost destructive, would take a hit and brush it off, allowing him to hit her with grazing blows that she knew would bruise.

They jumped back, Crona giving out a final slash and grazing her cheek, actually drawing blood from how quick and hard the tip of the shinai grazed it. The swordsmen finally stopped, staring at each other. Saeko was panting and sweaty, though her smile didn't seem to be coming off any time soon. Crona himself was much better, only breathing a bit faster and his face greying in a flush, but otherwise fine. The few hits that managed to hit him were already healing, and his breathing was coming in slower and slower by the second. Both then bowed forward, the spar done.

"You are quite interesting, Crona-kun." Saeko said honestly. "I must admit, your style is... not as graceful as those I have seen before." she said while extending her hand out. "Nonetheless, you are strong, almost in a scary way."

"T-thank you. You are also strong. And fast. I learned quite a bit from this." he admitted, only taking a second to shake her hand. He had to admit, finding someone who used a sword out here in this world was actually rather nice. Saeko nodded back, both making their way back to the spectators. Most had their mouths gaping, though Marie and Tatsuki almost seemed proud of him. Some times during the whole exchange, Takashi and Saya had made their way into the dojo, both being surprised someone could keep up with Saeko like that.

Seems that things were beginning to get interesting, more so than they already were.

Maka turned the ball in her hand, inspecting the weird thing. It was mostly metal, though some parts of it were glass showing gears and circuits. A weird combination, to say the least.

"What is it?" she asked, turning to the full-length mirror next to her where Shinigami was reflected on, Spirit right next to him and trying to gain her attention. She ignored him with practiced ease and watched as Shinigami clapped his hands.

"Good of you to ask! That right there is a sort of 'space-time bubble'. Before you let your heads make assumptions, no, it will not send you to the same place Crona-kun is, neither will it bring him back. Basically, it's a sort of vessel that will suck in your soul and allow you to find him while your body remains here. It is something I rarely use, as other death gods, well, aren't as tolerant when other death gods appear in their world. Now, a random girl's soul? Yes, they won't notice that at all." Shinigami said.

Maka looked down at the sphere questioningly. "This thing will help me find Crona?"

"That's right! However, I should warn you, this thing is meant to change your body so it can better survive in the world. Not as in it will make you stronger, but it will literally make a body so that you can breath, use the same abilities as that world, and even change your age. I cannot even guarantee you will remain human, so I ask you again, are you sure you will go through with this?"

Maka didn't even hesitate. "Yessir!"

"HOLD IT!" Spirit finally shouted, actually pushing Shinigami out of the way and giving Maka a stern look. "You're not serious are you? What the hell makes you think I'll allow this!?"

"That's not a decision for you to make." Maka stated bluntly, looking down at the sphere in her hands. "Crona is my friend, and if it weren't for him, you'd be one daughter short." While she didn't like using that excuse, it nonetheless made Spirit reel back. "I'm going in."

"Same here." Soul said, stepping forth. "We're partners, which means that you're not going anywhere without me. A weapon is meant to protect their meister, after all." Giving Maka a toothy grin, Kidd, Patty, Liz, Black*Star, and Tsubaki nodded from behind.

"Reaper-chop!" CRASH! "Now Maka, Soul, while I know you're both willing and ready, I suggest you both use different stories about your origins. Try to be orphans, or something along those lines, if you manage to get to the other side as humans. Otherwise, be careful not to indulge you are from another reality. Either you'll be called insane, captured for study, or worse. So please, use your heads, and take good care of each other."

With a nod, Maka and Soul placed their hands on the sphere and began to match wavelengths. Inside the sphere, gears were turning, circuits lighting up, and it glowed a faint blue as they felt the sensation of being sucked into the sphere. As soon as the bodies began to drop, Kidd and Black*Star caught both of their bodies, the ball of machinery glowing and floating in mid air. Placing the bodies down against a wall, Kidd grabbed the ball and approached the Wound. He looked down at the ball, its blue light warm and familiar to him, causing him to grin.

"While I wish you guys weren't going alone, this machine can only take three, so I trust you two to bring him back when you're done. I have faith in you, my friends."

"Yeah, and spread the glory of Black*Star on the other side! Make sure everyone knows about my radiant awesomeness!" Black*Star shouted from behind Kidd, giving the ball a thumbs up.

Patty made a salute and stood at attention. "Good luck! Make sure to bring us a souvenir while you're traveling!"

Liz smiled as well. "Careful guys, I don't know what I'll do if you guys die. I'd rather not have to deal with Kidd without Maka's chops."

"Please be safe, and bring back Crona as well." Tsubaki said.

Stein, who was off to the side with Marie and quiet this whole time, puffed out smoke from his lips. "I don't suppose you guys will be willing to bring me a sample of every king of cigaret they have over there."

"Frank!"

"Kidding, kidding."

With that done, Kidd threw the ball straight at the Wound, where it collapsed in on itself just as it reached it. Inside the ball, Soul and Maka felt their bodies stretch, compress, tear, and reform, over and over. The pain was numbed, strangely enough, but it was horribly uncomfortable. As they began to travel through the tunnel of colors and memories towards the light at the end, their souls did not waver once. They will find their friend. And they will return home!

Shorter chapter, yes, but that's okay. I have a treat for you guys!

IMPORTANT!

Okay, the following scene is something I'm hoping- nay, I'm determined, to put into the story in the future. I hope you guys like the sneak-peek, 'cause it's not going to be a regular thing. If I am to guess, it probably won't happen again.

Misuzu shivered and looked around her, trying to force her legs to move. The building they were in was completely destroyed, only a few walls and rubble were left. Many dead bodies, mostly those of them and a few innocent people. She almost cried, but knew she couldn't right now. She needed to find Hana and Toshimi. They needed to get out of here. And above all else, she had to find Crona-kun. He'd know what to do. He'd keep her safe. She had to find him. She didn't want to lose him.

"A-ah!" Misuzu turned her head and gasped when she saw Toshimi to her left, her left leg stuck under some rubble and her clothes messy.

"Toshimi-chan!" she said, trying to stand up but falling. Looking back, she whimpered when she saw the shards of glass and wood sticking out of her thighs. Crawling towards her BFF, she managed to get to her and clasp Toshimi's outstretched hand. "I-I'm here. Don't worry." she whispered. Even if there wasn't any noticeable movement, she needed make sure that any of them couldn't hear her if they were hiding.

"M-Misuzu! Your legs!"

"I'll be fine. Let's get you out of t-" she jerked her head up when she heard movement and looked over to see the maid, Tatsuki, walking towards them slowly, her right arm dislocated and a bit of blood over her right eye, but fine otherwise. Seeing the two high-schoolers, the maid quickly made her way over and began to remove rubble from Toshimi's leg.

"Where is Hana-san?" asked the maid, managing to get a few pieces of wood off Toshimi.

"Dunno. Last time I saw her, she was in the basement." looking around at the rubble and blood, she grimaced. "Wherever that is now."

There was a loud, horrible grunt, and they looked up and gasped. It was the monster. Large, bulky, and barely managing to appear human. Easily over eight feet, it had everything below the waist replaced with multiple human legs and arms, somehow managing to hold up the bulky abdomen that was actually made of three human chests, one woman and the other two male it seemed, and its left arm was a giant mass of black, tar-like substance and fingers while the right shoulder had three arms stretched to the point the skin was ripped and the muscles were hanging off more black tar. The most horrifying feature was the head, or whatever it used like one. Large, bulbous eyes, no iris or pupils, about five of them, and also covered in black tar. Below the mass of eyes were two sets of lipless mouths, showing purple decaying mouths. A horrible creature made of multiple of them.

Its eyes swiveled around its head before landing on the three women. It growled and began to awkwardly make its way towards them. Tatsuki began to panic and tried to pull more ruble off Toshimi while Misuzu looked around for a weapon. There was no way she could beat it, but maybe buy Toshimi and the Tatsuki enough time to get away.

"It's hopeless." someone whispered. Misuzu snapped her head back and realized it was Toshimi, who was crying openly and trembling. "W-we're going to d-die." she whimpered.

"No we're not!" Tatsuki grunted, unable to move a particular piece of metal. "Come on! We have to get you out and find Crona-sama!"

"He's dead."

Those words stopped everything minus the monster, who was making its way towards them without much hurry. Its prey wasn't moving after all.

"... Toshimi?"

"I shouldn't have touched that truck. The g-gas... Cr-Crona-kun... the fire... in-in front of me..." by now she couldn't speak anymore, sobs escaping her and her head hanging down to the ground. Tatsuki collapsed to her knees, her eyes empty and unseeing. Misuzu laid there and gaped at her friend, wishing she heard wrong, that her friend was lying. That he wasn't gone.

The abomination was closer. Seven yards. Six.

All of a sudden, something radiated out. The three girls suddenly blinked and looked around. It was like a wave. Like a wonderful wave of heat passed by them and wrapped around them. The abomination suddenly stopped and flinched back, as if it ran into a wall.

Its eyes jerked off to the side, where the radiation was coming from. A dark figure was walking their way, black blade dragging behind him and a body in his left arm. The wind picked up and whipped his pink hair around. Around his feet, small black tendrils danced, as if wanting his attention. His clothes were in tatters, his left sleeve gone and showing his pale skin, slashes and holes around his midriff, and his pants dirtied, but intact.

"C-Crona-kun?" Misuzu whispered. The abomination seemed to find this newcomer more interesting, enough that it actually began to run/crawl towards the pink-haired swordsman. Crona laid the body down, Misuzu realizing it was Hana by the black hair. The abomination reached them, reaching its three right arms out for him. It suddenly slammed into the young man, both of them slamming into more rubble and the abomination's mouths moving forward to bite the teenager. Misuzu almost broke down again. He was alive one moment, only to be killed right in front of her. Fresh tears threatened to spill as the monster took a step back. What she saw brought confusion.

A wing. A black wing. It suddenly flexed and slammed into the monster, sending it flying back and into another pile of rubble. At the base of the wing was Crona, the wing coming out of his right shoulder. The girls gasped at the look on his eyes. They had seen him happy, sad, nervous, and once when he was overtaken by lust and instinct. None of those were present. Rage. All that was left in his eyes were rage, despite the fact that his face was passive. Somehow, that was more scary.

He picked up Hana's limp body once again before another wing sprouted from his other shoulder. A flap was all it took for him to be airborne, another to make sure he landed next to the three dumbstruck girls gently. He placed Hana down, her rising and falling chest she was still alive. With a flick of his wrist the rubble on Toshimi was sliced, and a flap of his wings sent it flying, leaving Toshimi unharmed mostly. Her leg was still bruised, and possible broken because of the weird angle, but she'd be fine.

"Tatsuki, here." he suddenly held his left hand out, a machine gun in it. "Stay here." he ordered. Tatsuki could only nod obediently, Crona beginning to walk to the rising monster. Once he was sure he was out of earshot of the girls, he finally spoke. "I want to kill it so badly."

"And I always wanted you to grow a set! You made my wish come true, so I'll help you with yours!"

"I want it gone. I want it to disappear." The closer he got to the monster, the more his soul-wavelength increased in intensity. The girls could feel it wrap around them, pulse, like a heart. By now, Crona was a few yards from the monster, said abomination finally managing to get its bearings and look at the eyes of the swordsman with the wings. For the first and last time, Crona spoke to the creature like it could understand him. "You hurt my friends. You killed so many. You ate their bodies. Worst, you're here because of me." The monster didn't seem to understand, it only took a few steps forward. "You are corrupted. You have diverged from the right path." He suddenly raised Ragnarok and pointed it at the monster, his wings spreading out and seeming bigger in the evening sun. "Mistake. That's what you are, that's what your name is." he declared. "As a student of the DWMA, I am here to take your soul!"

A flap of wings, a scramble of legs and arms. A shout and a roar. And so, the black dragon and the abomination clashed.

Like I said, this is a preview for what is to come. Hope you guys enjoyed!

Review!