Hellooo! Guess what!? I'm not dead XD!
Sorry its been what…two weeks since I last updated? *cringe* Sorry guys… That sure is long for me I know.
Hope you all enjoy this late chapter. :D
Medusa sat back in her chair in her lab. A smug smile on her features. Everything was in place now, everything was ready. Medusa leant back further into her chair and glanced around her room. At the trophies of previous weapons decorating the wall. They had all been fine specimens. But they had all failed, Ragnarok was the first demon weapon to withstand her little experiment.
He had succeeded where all others failed. Now there was a new weapon in the fore of her interest. This Maka, she was most definitely a scythe. After all, her father was a 'great and powerful' death scythe. She thought while rolling her eyes. The idiot.
But now that she had his precious little daughter, oh this was just too good. Medusa began to feel a bit giddy, her excitement grew by the minute. The small failure of the release of the kishin Asura in fact no longer even bothered her. She had in fact forgiven Maka for her part in stopping her. Medusa didn't often forgive anyone for wronging her, but she was special, very special indeed. And if her calculations were correct, the true future and even Crona's ticket to becoming what Medusa wanted for him. Her eyes panned down to the blood in the sample. It was a few days old now, but it was preserved well. The DNA still intact. She had divulged the individual strands she was looking for. Finding that Maka did indeed possess the genes of a weapon. In the sample they were currently dormant. But that was where Medusa knew better.
She had seen the evidence of the contrary. Her smug grin grew on her face as she mentally patted herself on the back. No other witch had made such progress like that since her sister, Arachne. And she is ten times the witch Arachne was. Medusa began to ponder to herself as she sat there, where was her sister anyway? She had not seen her in many, many years. How long had it actually been anyway? Her smug grin faded as she thought. Whatever, she was probably dead anyway. Killed off by the stupid reaper or one of his cronies. It was actually kind of funny now she remembers back, the Reaper was disgusted at her experiments at making humans into weapons, she was called an abomination….the hypocrite. Now look who is using weapons for himself. His own selfish reasons, trying to keep the status quo of the pathetic world.
But the world cannot survive like this, it's unnatural. The world is becoming stagnant, like a pool of still water, life still exists, but it is rotting, covered in cloying pathetic life and stinking. But the way the world is supposed to be, a fast flowing river, evolution once again taking it's course. She would be the one to put it right.
Medusa was in such a happy mood right now, she was devising on Maka's last treatment of the black blood. She was pretty sure there was still some in her system, what with her mad fits and positively aggressive reactions. And with the last treatment…it would finally stick and infect her, to the same level as Crona. Medusa was looking forward to the reaction that Maka would play out. And this time, Medusa knew how to control the rabid bitch. She would never make that mistake again.
Hmm…a sudden thought came to Medusa, she had promised Crona a treat when he came back. She was a witch of her word of course….she thought to herself on what she could do. When she all of a sudden snapped her fingers together, she knew just what to do. She stood off her chair, the wheels squeaking ever so slightly as they rolled away from her. She just had to set all of this up with Eruka and Free. She was sure they would be as excited as her to play their part in this. Well, maybe not quite as excited…
Medusa made her way to the door of her lab, ignoring the eyes floating in the vats of chemicals inside glass jars. Not even pausing to glance at them as they moved and followed her every movement. This was her domain,. Not the domain of 'just' a witch, not even the domain of a scientist. But the lair of Medusa. The snake witch.
She pushed open the door of the lab and made her way to a smaller living room, where she knew Eruka and Free would be. Existing and doing whatever it is they liked to idle away their time with. Just before she entered she sensed them, could smell their disgusting scents even from here. However she smirked to herself, they were her little servants, a wolf and a frog, two unlikely creatures were serving a snake.
"Oh Free? Eruka?" She spoke sweetly to them, as if she was a friend or family member simply wanting their attention. "I have a little job for you…"
Maka was at the moment sitting on the bed of that bleak room. The light ever hovering above them, like their own artificial sun. She may be sitting, but she was far from at ease. Her whole form was tense, one leg continually bouncing up and down, as if she was about to get up suddenly at any moment. She felt truly wired and taught, as if a small animal stuck in a corner, preying for their hunter to turn away just long enough to bolt. Her fingers clasped together as they themselves fidgeted and cracked, the act of holding them together seemed to do little to stop this. Every now and then her eyes flitted over the room, as if watching for something….watching for something to appear.
Did that shadow just move? Her eyes snapped over to the corner of the room…her heart thundering in her ears…before quickly trying to calm herself. After realising yet again…that it was nothing. She had grown so accustomed to it…that she expected it at any moment. She could still hear her shadow laughing at her…while mocking her and pretending to be her friends…each time she knew it was a trick…yet each time she wanted…needed it to be real. That was the only reason she didn't lock herself down or ignore Crona for longer…and she was glad she reached out to him. Even though she had done many times before….just before the image attacked her. But this one…had finally turned out to be different.
But Maka felt so weak, her stomach was empty, she had not eaten for days now. She had barely been given anything to drink. Even then it was a struggle, the last few times her shadow had threatened to knock it over, she had to fight her demons for a simple drink of water. She was wasting away, she knew it. The pure hate she was feeling for the witches grew, however it was now joined by another emotion…fear. It was powerful and overbearing now, that fear that existed in everyone, but this was hard to fight, was it always this hard? She felt like she was tied up and being dragged by two horses straight from hell. The mighty stallions of hate and fear, one black as night, one as red as blood, their charge unstoppable, as their mouths frothed and their muscles bulged, Maka was roped to them and dragged along, screaming, unable to free herself, her skin tearing, her bones jarring as she was dragged along…
But not all was lost…
She shifted her head and gazed over at the only other person in this cage. He was sat next to her on the bed, not that close. But close enough where she could feel a little more at ease. He caught her looking at him, he had been watching the floor. But his eyes snapped to hers and a little smile peaked at his lips. She felt a little warmer watching him, it made a nice change to the death-like cold she was putting up with over the last few days. She smiled back at him, like his own it was small, but it was there. Her leg slowed in its movement and her fingers stopped and just rested on her lap. Just his presence near her calmed her down. It was good. She felt like she could breathe again…but at the same time. This made her feel weak. When did she have to rely on someone…well anyone but Soul. But he was different, they were equal. And helped each other when the other one was down, but this was different. She felt like she needed Crona to even operate. She needed him there to drive back her demons….just him being there stopped the voices. And the visions. And that shadow that haunted her. For as long as he had been here, they had all stayed away.
Not that she had relaxed completely, her eyes still flitted across the room every now and then, expecting mental attack. After the hours and hours, or was it days… she had been forced to endure in this room… She felt like she might have cracked soon. But with him just simply sitting here with her. She felt more like herself, more sane. And with said sanity came the reality of her weakness. And she hated it. She was not weak…she would find a way out of here…and get back to the academy. She would kill Medusa….take her soul for herself.
Not in order to give to any weapon, she would love to give it to Soul to eat and finally make him into a Death Scythe…but that was nothing but an after thought. Oh no, she just wanted to destroy her, cut her up, slice her into tiny pieces, tug at her bones, rip out her muscles. Maka felt such hate for the woman, she wanted to torture her just as she had been tortured, to watch her scream in agony and beg for mercy…
Maka gritted her teeth…when did this happen? Why is she acting like this? No…she didn't want to stoop to her level, it was disgusting of her. Maka pushed her hate down, pushed it away. It was still there, like a small spirit that haunted her every moment. But she didn't look at it, didn't pay attention to it. She wasn't a monster, wouldn't let herself become what Medusa was. Maka clenched her fingers tight together as she stared at the hard cold floor.
"M-Maka…are you o-ok?" A little timid voice spoke out to her. Maka's fingers released their hold immediately, her eyes softened as they widened in slight surprise at his words. But she settled quickly… her nerves were on edge, but the hate and anger faded when he spoke. She was in part glad he was there…but at the same time, she only hated herself more. She detested this reliance on someone else, for someone else to hold her together. She shouldn't need that, shouldn't need anyone to help her. It was weak, weak and foolish. She had to be the strong one, to be the support for Crona. She knew he had gone through much worse then her, she had nothing to be miserable about, he was the one who had suffered really. Not her.
She plastered on a fake smile as she turned to him and nodded.
"Yes…I'm fine…sorry Crona." The frail timid boy glanced away from her for a second, then back to her, as if thinking on what to say.
"U-um…if you say so M-Maka." Maka couldn't help but watch him from the corner of her eye. He seemed…not relaxed per sae, he never seemed to be at ease here. But he seemed passive…stable. As he sat there on the bed with her. Was he just used to all of this and it didn't affect him like it did her? Was he used to being locked up with no food, ignored, mentally tortured? Urgh…now Maka just felt worse. How long had this been done to him? And she was barely lasting a few…what… days? Maka had no idea…
She leant her head down into her chest, she felt so weak…her body starting to eat into her reserves of strength to keep going…at this rate she might very well start looking as frail as Crona is. She chewed the inside of her lip in thought. Though that was the least of her worries. Just how long…had it been? How long has she been gone? Was anyone even looking for her? Had the visions that plagued her been right? Was she forgotten? Abandoned? Had Soul found someone else to wield him? Maka's head leant down a little further now, he probably did…and she can't blame him. He has a dream, to be a death scythe. And he can't very well do that on his own. She grunted silently. Logically she thought he might leave her, leave being her partner. But…the idea still hurt. That he would just…forget about her and carry on. As if she didn't matter, she was nothing but a stepping stone after all this time. To continue on with his life and forget all about her.
Maka started to feel tears threaten at the corner of her eyes now. She sniffed slightly, no…hold it back. Don't cry…don't cry…not here….not in front of Crona. She had to be strong, had to hold on. She would get them out of here.
"You aren't gonna start crying like a pussy bitch now are ya?!" A horrible screech rang out. Maka jolted and snapped her head up to the source of the voice. There leaning on Crona's head, was Ragnarok.
He grinned at her as he leant one arm on Crona's head, the pink haired meister's head was forced slightly down with the weight. His eyes panned up to the rude weapon. Maka examined the form of him, he was bigger then the last time she had seen him. His body was larger and small muscles could now be seen, instead of his small thin frame she last saw him with. Maka was speechless, she knew what this meant. That he had eaten souls…and that meant that Crona must have…no! Don't finish that thought…don't even go there. It wasn't him, he wasn't the murderer here. It was that witch!
Maka's shocked face quickly hardened as she stared up at the black demon. But his grin only grew wider.
"How ya been cow?" He asked of her, his voice unkind. Maka felt like moving away, she didn't like being this close to the vile thing. But that meant moving away from Crona, and she would never do that. So she parked herself on that mattress and didn't move.
"…fine…" She looked away from him and folded her arms. She didn't want to say anything to him, didn't want to voice her worries or her pain to him. No way, she wasn't looking for the sympathy vote. And certainly not from him. She heard him laugh now, that horrendous and biting laugh that cut right into her.
"Yeah, I'm sure you are! Well think of it this way bitch. Least you haven't been stuck to this loser all this time." Maka peaked open an eye and watched him as Ragnarok whacked his hand on the head of Crona. How does Crona deal with the little freak? How can he live day in day out with that thing inside him? Maka shuddered at the very thought, she didn't think she could deal with someone like Ragnarok inside her. Hell even someone like Soul, if he had to live in her…gah…that was too horrible a thought.
"Stop it…he is not a loser." She spoke up, trying to defend him. Though her energy was down, it was hard to try and fight back for him. She knew she should be more forceful, try to get him to shut up. But it was hard today.
"Oooo I'm so scared." he laughed at her now. "Lady Medusa really is starting to de-claw you isn't she?" He practically giggled right in her face. Maka shot him the best glare she could manage right now. If looks could kill he would be dead right now. No need for a Maka chop to the face.
"W-what?" Came the small voice of Crona. "…w-what do you mean? M-Maka has no c-claws…" Maka almost smiled at how innocent he was, he didn't understand metaphors and imagery in words sometimes. It was…cute. But this only seemed to rile Ragnarok up more. He leaned down to stare his meister straight in the eyes. He looked as if he would shout or voice a nasty comment…but instead he just pulled his head up once more and looked back to Maka.
"Geez…just…goddamit Crona…you dumbass. I just can't…argh…" the little weapon put his hand to his face in resignation. He turned back to Maka.
"I sure hope Lady Medusa finds another weapon for you…" he sneered at her. But that made Maka's hairs stand on end. She would do what?! Ragnarok only laughed harshly once more. "Maybe I can finally have a decent conversation with another one of me!"
Suddenly Maka felt a lump form in her throat…oh god…would Medusa really do to her what she had done to Crona?!
A few hours later, Medusa stood back and examined the work. Everything was ready, she smiled at what was about to happen, she hoped Crona appreciated all of the hard work she had done for him. After all, all of this work was for him, all of her hopes and dreams actually did in fact lie with him. Her research into the black blood, he was such an integral part of it, she couldn't believe she was ever actually going to throw him away. She was glad she didn't lose him now. It would have been a pain dragging him back here.
"All done Medusa." Free grunted out, turning to where Medusa was leaning against the wall. Rubbing his hands together to show that his work was all finished.
"Good…" Medusa answered him, a soft smile at her lips, that mask of friendliness was so easy to slip into she often did. The viewer sometimes never even realising exactly who or what they were dealing with. "Eruka." She called on her second servant, the frog witch flinched and looked up to her as well.
"Y-yes Lady Medusa?" She stuttered slightly but recovered quickly, her poise neutral, yet to the experienced eye, like Medusa, you could tell how nervous and uncomfortable she was. Medusa however, didn't react, she never did, just the threat of that fact that she 'could' react was enough. Medusa smiled that sweet smile at her now, her eyes roved to hers, Eruka couldn't meet her gaze, she glanced away. Actually meeting Free's eyes before panning to a wall.
"I want you to go and retrieve our…guests."
Maka and Crona both were still on that mattress, Crona had seemed content to just sit there for now, his eyes flitted to her every now and then but was mostly settled on the floor. Apparently Ragnarok had gotten bored once more and melted back into Crona….which Maka was very happy about. She wasn't in the mood to deal with him, she didn't have the strength or the energy. Another thing she hated, she wanted to stay strong for Crona. To show him that he could stand up to him. But she was just so…tired.
Neither had spoken for quite some time, a silence had fell on the room. It wasn't as if they didn't want to speak to each other….just that right now, they had nothing to say to each other. That was it. Maka didn't have the energy to carry on. She was so tired…but her mind and body was so tense and aggravated. There would be no rest for her. No true rest until she had found a way out of the snake pit. Maka had stood up from the bed. Crona watched her go, but said not a word.
She made her way over to the chest of drawers, the shabby wood holding mysteries that she had yet to plunder. And just to try and keep her mind from rotting or falling back into her depression or madness…she deigned to examine the wooden object. Two more books were still there, atop the wood. They were blank, no way to tell what they were from the outside. They looked old, and a bit dog-eared…but other they that they weren't that bad. Maka raised her hand, catching the shaking of the palm as she did so, Maka felt a flare of irritation in the back of her mind. Why was she so weak? Maka took a gulp of air in as she tried to steady her trembling hand, she flexed her fingers and forcibly shook her hand in a wide arc. As if trying to throw off whatever weakness was stuck to her, she stared back to her hand. It was steady once more…
Maka ran her fingers across the bindings of the book. She had once loved books, they had been there for her growing up, she loved to escape into the covers to whole new worlds and different lands. But now…Maka glanced at the floor and to the bits of torn up paper that still littered the stones. She saw that books could also be filled with evil, she had never thought it possible. Granted she never saw books as good or bad, just a neutral field, to be filled with the ideas of the writer for the readers to join in with. But that book…Maka cringed in thought. Was horrible. Maka felt her fingers begin to tremble once more as she traced the book, her brow lowered as she once again tried to steady it, but it would do no good. She attempted to ignore it as she pulled the book away from its sole surviving brethren. Placing the book in her hands she flicked it open. A small drop of dread at what to find from this one…
But…to Maka's surprise. It was a book about sword play. Huh… her eyes widened as she took the book in. Various chapters covered the forms, the stance, the grip, the strikes. Maka was impressed with her new find. The pages inside were in various degree's of cleanliness. As if some pages were studied over for hours and hours, some suspicious stains adored the white of the pages, some even over the words so they were no longer legible. But the pictures were all there…she recognised some of the forms from Crona, and her memory of fighting him, of course only the most basic of forms. As his style was a little….chaotic? Teetering on the edge between unbalanced, and perfect, akin to a dance. But that was his madness in play there, when he was sane his form was almost…sloppy, his nerves holding him back. But in his madness his form was perfect, as if the moves were drilled into him, so it was all instinct. She felt a shiver run up her spine, she still could remember his madness…yet it felt like so far away from the Crona she knew now. Maka bit into her lip…she never wanted to see him like that. Not ever…yet…Maka remembered the larger and bulkier Ragnarok. What had Medusa made him do?! That witch… was she losing him to madness once more? Would she lose him? Maka's hands were both shaking now, the book trembling in her grip, but it wasn't a weakness now, it was her own anger, her own hate. Maka stared at the wall, yet her mind was far away, her face pulled into a look of pure hostility and loathing of the snake witch.
Suddenly out of nowhere Maka heard a squeak and whine, her head was pulled out of her hate and toward the source of the sound. It came from the door… but she didn't understand what she saw… the door…was open?! It was just…wide open! Why?! The barrier that had trapped her in the room for days…was just…open! Maka felt utter confusion run through her, she didn't understand. Maka slammed the book she was looking at closed, making a small 'whump' sound. The dust caked on it flying into the air. Her interest no long captured by the book, she softly dropped it back onto the wood, allowing it to fall next to its kin. She turned to the door fully now, her form tense, but straight, hiding her weakness with a show of fake confidence. Was someone about to enter? Was someone out there?
After a few seconds passed with nothing happening, she glanced back to Crona. He too had been staring at the simple open door, the portal inviting them to leave. His face was sharp as he too was confused as to what was going on. He caught her looking at him and glanced back to her as well, his face softening as their eyes connected. But he seemed as clueless as she was.
"Anyone there?" Maka spoke out now, turning back to the door. But, no one answered. Feeling uneasy Maka slowly began to walk closer to the portal. Something screamed at her to run, to flee now and drag Crona with her. To take her chance to run, to get away, finally escape from this hell. But…she remembered all the times the door to her cell had opened…and it was never good. It was never just…opened. This didn't make any sense. Just before she made it to the door she looked back to Crona once again, he just watched her go. As curious and confused as she was. He too now stood from the bed, his hand swinging up to grip his arm as he often did. Feeling uneasy.
Slowly, as if something might suddenly appear to attack or scare her…with her nerves high and tight, she leaned her head out of the door. Just a tiny sliver at first, just the corner of her eye. But…all she saw was the corridor…empty. Maka grew even more confused…she didn't even hear the door unlock, only open quite suddenly. Growing in confidence she peeked her head out more, now turning this way and that way. But the corridor was seemingly empty! However the door had swung out into the corridor…so it blocked her view of one half of the corridor.
"M-Maka…?" Crona's timid shy voice whispered to her from inside the room. But she didn't answer him right away, Maka's body was on high alert, wired and tight, ready to attack at any given moment. The sense of unease blanketing the entire area. Maka stepped out of the room, so slowly, feeling like a child sneaking out of her room at night. She felt as if she was going out of her boundary, going against her captor's wishes… something told her to go back in…to avoid retribution. But she ignored that thought, when had that thought ever appeared? She had never even bore such a thought growing up with a papa like hers…and certainly Medusa would not be the one to drill that into her. However her footfalls were still careful and silent as she stepped out of the room. Snapping her gaze this way and that, watching out for hidden danger. She glided over to the wide steel door, she leaned against it and peeked her head around. Noticing now the many locks and clasps that sounded out whenever the door opened or closed…well…except this time.
Her eyes carried on travelling over the frame and to behind the door…showing her that there was nothing! Nothing but the shadow of the door dominating the stone wall. Maka didn't like this…it seemed as if this was a perfect chance to escape. But…this whole thing smelled off…and she didn't like it one bit. Her eyes scanned the corridor behind the door, once more there was…nothing. Just nothing there. Her eyes narrowed in suspicion. Glancing around, waiting for something to appear out of place…the door that had trapped her here for days doesn't just…open on its own. Someone must have…must have opened it…mustn't they?
This had trap written all over it…but yet…what was the point? They were already trapped here…in this room. What more could possibly be done to them? As Maka was lost in her own thoughts she swore she spotted a movement. Her eyes darted to the corner…but there was nothing! Maka's heart leapt into her mouth. Did she see something? Or was it her shadow messing with her again? She hated that thing…she…didn't like it…it made her feel like a child, scared of what was hiding in the dark. Before she could become too paranoid she dived back into the room. To see Crona watching her, a look of confusion as he waited loyally for her.
"W-what…is it?" He asked of her. Maka walked past him and down the room, then swiftly turned on her heel and back close to the door. Pacing the room like a tethered animal.
"Nothing…" she admitted to him. Crona raised his brow and stared at her, clearly not understanding. She continued. "…it was…nothing. There was nothing there…No one. Nothing." She repeated herself. Feeling close to asking him to take a look himself. At this Crona's gaze flew to the door as well.
"Wha-? B-but…?" he stuttered, not understanding.
Maka stopped in her pacing now, and stood by the worn down dresser. She raised her hands on her hips, her eyes flicking to the door, as if expecting something to suddenly appear around the corner. Her skin crawled….she felt like she was being watched, like a rat in a maze. But…
"…I don't understand either. But…this might be our shot." Maka gulped. She didn't want to go out there….out there were more shadows…more images for her to be worried about…but, if Crona was with her. She might be ok. Besides, this might be their shot to escape. Maybe it was some sort of mistake? Was that possible? Could they flee now?
Something in Maka doubted it…she doubted it was a mistake. It didn't seem right…but she didn't want to sit here in her prison if her freedom was just there, just in reach.
"C'mon…" She spoke out to Crona, a subtle order in her tone. She reached out to him and entwined her hand in his. Their fingers closed with each other. As if it was the most normal thing in the world, Maka didn't even think twice. She felt a tenseness and a quick flinch from him. But he settled immediately. In fact, her own form settled. She hadn't even realised how much she herself was trembling….how her distance from Crona was making her weaker. But now that their hands were linked….they were strong again. They were together, and nothing could stop them now. Maka managed a grin as she dove for the door. Dragging Crona behind her. His feet shuffled along the floor, but he was following.
Maka couldn't believe how much confidence was restored in just that small grasp, she felt stronger, faster, as if nothing could hurt her now. Maybe it was weak of her, but for now…she needed him. Around her the shadows appeared less prominent, less frightening…now when she looked they bore no power over her. How had she ever been afraid of them? Phh…she was like a child again. Medusa was not doing this to her, no way, she would fight it, as long as she drew breath, she would fight it.
Maka stepped out of the small room, edging out into the corridor, feeling a sense of foreboding, a shiver ran up her spine, feeling as if she was in an area she wasn't supposed to be. It wasn't like she was a spy inside hostile territory, it was more akin to being up in the middle of the night while her parents were sleeping. She didn't like this. But she ignored that feeling, that fear. She looked back to Crona, his form was lower, his head dipped, he obviously felt the same as she did. Before she didn't understand his reactions…but now. Maybe…she did.
She gave him a small strained smile, trying to give them both strength, while squeezing his hand gently. Her heart leapt for him, she was in no way escaping by herself, she felt a certain tie to him now. There was no way she could abandon him, just…no way. He felt her give him a gentle squeeze, he glanced up at her and returned her small smile. As shaky as his own was. With them supporting each other, Maka looked back to the corridor. They were now outside the door, the corridor was dark, only the light from their cell room lighting up the way, casting out shadows along the hall. Maka narrowed her eyes, two ways to go, two ways, which way? She glanced this way and that, then quickly made a decision. She turned to the left. Marching down the corridor…however she suddenly stopped. She felt slightly stupid now rushing to decisions…Crona was here. She glanced back at him.
"Which way?" She whispered to him. Crona jolted in surprise when she spoke, his fearful face snapped to hers. He looked back to the other corridor and then turned back to the one they were heading down.
"Uh…um…I-I think…this way." He pointed the way they were heading. Maka wasn't sure if he knew or was guessing or was just nervous…however whichever it was. She would accept his answer. She tried to give him a portion of her strength. Her physical presence could only go so far, while her soul could do so much more. Her soul had thus far withdrew into herself, as if to try and protect it. She felt weak and broken…but still there. It was still there, and still whole. As Maka turned back to the corridor to march down it once more, dragging a quietly whimpering Crona. Her soul reached out to his, that hole that her soul had dug itself into, appeared out once more to reach out for his. This could be dangerous, her mind and body were losing it, she knew it, it was hard, but thus far, her soul had managed to stay strong. Just about managing to keep back the worst waves of madness, the worse of her fears and hate.
Not as well as before, but it was all she had, if she lost this, if she was weakened in her soul. She might very well lose it…but for now. Her only thought was of helping the boy who was her new strength. The tendrils of her soul reached back and tenderly stroked his own. Crona felt that, she felt him flinch and jump in her hand, his grip loosened. She didn't look back, she just gripped him harder, she couldn't let go of him. Yet his reaction had only been temporary. His own hand now also gripped her own harder. As if neither could bear to separate anymore. His small whimpers stopped. Good.
As they ventured further into the quiet eerie hallways, Maka felt her soul resonate with his, forming a bond even as they walked ever onwards. However this was an odd resonance, she could have just done what she often did when resonating with Soul. Just match his wavelength and react together. But…with Crona, she wanted more. Just like back in the academy, she ventured closer to him. Her soul actually touching his own, caressing it softly, calming him, keeping him close, calming herself. This wasn't normal, she knew it. Maka felt a slight drop of guilt form, Crona probably thought this was normal resonating…she bet he did. After all, the only two he had to go off was herself and Ragnarok. Urgh…yeah.
However thinking of the devil only called on him.
"My Crona! You feel looser then normal…" Maka flinched at the harsh sound of a certain weapon. She stopped dead under a burning torch, allowing her to see in the dark gloom of the hall. The light bouncing around the stones, casting odd shadows that she was sure she would see as monsters or her own shadow demon set to haunt her if she had not been holding Crona's hand. Maka snapped her head around to glare at the loudmouth that was Ragnarok.
"…you don't feel tense at all. What's up with you?" He sneered at his own meister, before turning to Maka and giving her a grin. But Maka only answered with a sharp stare, biting back an insult. Ragnarok's grin wasn't friendly, it wasn't nice, Maka felt as if he might be trying to get a rise out of her, to get her to shout. Didn't he realise they needed to be quiet?
"…Jackass…" She mumbled to herself, too quiet for the weapon to pick up. She felt her own soul fluctuate slightly at her irritation, the calm she felt before vanished, even as she tried to get it back.
"..please be quiet Ragnarok…" Crona whispered out to him, understanding the need to be quiet and trying to relay such a need to his partner. Maka felt herself begin to calm again, recognising the distinct lack of stutter just then. Crona really was feeling better…did she do that? Well…she wanted to do that…but he responded…so well. She blinked in slight surprise at him.
Ragnarok twitched at the order, and looked down at the pink haired meister. Even his face with its lack of features showed off his annoyance quite well.
"…and I should do that why?" His voice still loud and echoing around the lit hallway. Maka cringed, looking back down the corridor, praying no one heard that. How could she get him to shut up!? Her mind ran over thoughts and images, trying to find a weakness, something she could use against him…there must be something….think Maka think! What did he like? There was souls of course…but she was not offering that…
Hmm…what else….what else…suddenly Maka perked up. She had it.
"Hey Ragnarok, if you are quiet then we can escape…" She started, but Ragnarok only narrowed his gaze at her.
"So?" He interrupted her. Maka's eyebrow twitched in annoyance, but she kept her voice low.
"So…if we get out I'll buy you whatever food you want!" That bought his attention. Ragnrok stared at her blankly for a second…Maka felt a tinge of worry that he wouldn't agree…she couldn't think of anything else. Her fingers tightened her grip on Crona's hand. His form moved up and he glanced away. Maka felt her nerves on high alert, she couldn't even guess what he was thinking…she couldn't read him. Even his soul was shuddering with slight indecision. Maybe if her ability was more advanced, she might be able to read him.
"Italian?.." He spoke, his voice had dropped now, not quite as harsh as it was a minute ago. Maka forced a smile to her lips and nodded quickly. "Chinese?…English?…Mexican?…" Each time Maka had nodded to him, eager to see him shut up. She kept that fake smile plastered to her lips. Oh please agree…please agree…he sounded like he might well agree…but with that little demon…she wasn't sure. "Maka Albarn! You know how to make a deal!" He yelled out into the corridor… Maka was horrified…her panic rising at the volume of his voice. Stupid thing!
Suddenly both her and Crona in perfect sync, raised a finger to their lips.
"Shh…" They both whispered out, at exactly the same time. It was in perfect harmony, as if they had planned that. Ragnarok rolled his eyes at them, but did indeed stop yelling. Maka felt her heart still in her throat however…but for now, she looked back to Crona. A small goofy smile rested on his lips at their duel action. Maka couldn't help a smile of her own.
"Well waddya waiting for?" Ragnarok spoke in his best hushed voice… which sounded akin to a high pitched kitten being sat on… Maka watched him as he grabbed two fist full's of Crona's hair and began to mush him like a dog. Crona lowered his brow in annoyance, but Maka actually had to stifle a giggle. He sure seemed eager when food was involved. Crona caught her face and pouted at her. Maka shrugged at him. This was nice…it actually felt nearly…normal. Almost as if she was back at the academy, she still felt the slight worry of being discovered, yet this was the first time she hadn't been haunted and scared stiff of the shadows and what they contained. It was kind of…nice. Now it was Crona's turn to huff slightly, and he began to move, he paced ahead of Maka, while still holding her hand.
Maka stared at him as he took the lead. Did he know where he was going? Or was he just being led on by the little weapon on his head. Either way Maka allowed him to lead, she followed quickly behind him, glad to be moving again.
They passed by hallways and doorways in silence now, not one of the three made a noise as they padded along, only the soft footfalls of their boots made any sort of noise. Maka's eyes scanned the various doors they were passing and multiple hallways they walked through. This place was like a maze! It truly was a snake pit, it was confusing and dark. Like the gloom of the underground.. They could very well be underground, Maka had no idea where they were. She suddenly felt curious as to where they would end up if they managed to find a way outside. Was it the day? Night? What day was it? She began to feel eager to view the world outside, take in what she had missed all this time. Yet…something in the back of her mind told her it would be impossible. Medusa isn't a witch you can just walk away from, escape from. If she had you, she owned you. Maka shook her head. No! She was not an animal or a thing to be owned, she was a human being, and humans deserve freedom. With renewed determination, she followed behind Crona's fast pace.
"N-nearly there…" He turned slightly and spoke back to her. A soft smile on his lips. Maka smiled back and nodded at him, how did he knew where he was going? Never mind…she was just glad he did. They exited a corridor into a large room now. It was still blanketed with a suffocating darkness, but Maka didn't feel affected right now. Not holding Crona as she was. This vast room was once more covered in stone blocks….however this one bore floating cubes of stone. Maka's eyes widened as her mouth opened in surprise…that was not something you see every day. The stone shapes hovered around the room, some gliding around the room and others stationary. Most were large enough for someone to stand on, while others were small like a pebble, looking like an annoyance. What could this room possibly be for?
However unlike Maka Crona didn't seem affected by the oddness of the room, he marched on with a purpose, even Ragnarok was still silent as ever on his head. Now let go of his hair and simply sitting there. Maka decided to ignore the view, after all, they would not be here for much longer.
Crona seemed to know the path, he travelled across the space appearing to know full well the direction to take. Maka followed him onwards, their fast pace making it quickly across the room. Up ahead she could just make out another corridor, great…more hallways…she had had enough of them to last her a lifetime. But this one was dark…too dark. She couldn't see anything inside… no light penetrated the darkness of this place. Maka didn't like this now… something in her screamed at her to stop. Should she? Her legs began to slow, she was tugged along a couple of times as Crona still sped toward the space. No…she didn't like that…didn't want to go there…it was too dark…no… Maka began to pant now. Something was so off here… her logical thinking told her it would be fine. She may be blind but Crona was with her. It would be fine…that must be the way out. But a part of her, her fear…told her to not go there…it was bad…why was it bad? It just…was…
They grew closer and closer still…her eyes darted over the darkness. Her mind beginning to retract inwards on itself as her imagination began to play tricks on her. She felt the same fear as she felt back in that cell…of her shadow…just waiting for her. Waiting for her to pluck up the courage to venture away from the bed, and now here again…to pluck up the courage to enter the darkness. To trap her in its territory… They were close now…too close! Suddenly her wavelength shuddered and pulled away from Crona's soul, at the same time pulling out of Crona's grasp. She didn't mean to do that…she just felt sheer panic start to rise in the back of her mind. She quickly halted her footsteps, her whole form tensed, she began to tremble… she struggled to breathe… her mind was racing…was she…having a panic attack?!
Crona stopped just ahead of her and whirled round to her, confusion and hurt on his face. His hand was still where she had left it, clasping now on thin air. C'mon…calm down. Maka tried to tell herself…she was being stupid…but the fear she felt…the fear she remembered from her cell. That was real…she remembered it well. She hated it…hated to feel scared, hated being afraid.
"M-Maka…?" Crona's voice sounded weaker now…without her soul wavelength and her physical presence…he too appeared lesser. Maka's eyes shot to his, but he wasn't panicking…so why was she? Maka bent low as she held a hand over her chest. Breathe…just breathe…she told herself. Forcing herself calm. It may be dark, it may be scary. But when had that ever stopped her before? No… she had to face this….face this fear. Quickly she felt her breathing steady now. Her hand dropped back to her side. She closed her eyes, focusing solely on her breathing. She was fine…nothing had happened. She was fine…Crona was here with her. But…something might if she didn't hurry up! She felt her breathing and heart rate spike up, no…don't think like that. Calm down….
She opened her eyes to see Crona waiting for her, his eyes shifting around in his own frayed nerves, his hand gripping his other arm in that usual tenseness. He didn't like being here either…she should stop being so stupid and think about him. Maka's face shifted to one of determination. She would conquer this…face her fear…it would not rule her!
"Sorry Crona." She looked back to him, forcing a grin on her face. Even as she still felt that fear in the back of her mind, yelling at her to not go in there. "I'm ok now. C'mon…" She spoke out to him, hoping her voice sounded calm. She forced her feet to walk, she was the one in control of her body, not her emotions…not her fear. She walked right past Crona. Tempted to reach out to him again….no, she was not weak…she could do this herself. She needed to prove to herself she was not weak! She passed him and disappeared into the darkness…
Maka felt like she had been walking in the darkness for only a few seconds…her heart was in her mouth for the entire time. When she suddenly made her way out of the sticky cloying deafening blackness. She felt as if it was on her skin still…like tar, it was so thick. But she managed to pull herself out of it and into a bright white room. Her eyes were blinded. She had to snap her eyes shut, a hand covering them as they stung at the sudden change. Her mind was confused…how could she go from total darkness to the brightness of another room in an instant…it wasn't natural…no way…it could only have been…magic.
"Ah…there you are Maka. You sure took your time." Maka froze….she knew that voice…her face paled in her fear. The ice cold dread that gripped her heart and took her air. Maka felt herself shudder and lose strength on her limbs. But that only annoyed her as well…she would not be afraid! No longer! She gritted her teeth to stop them from trembling. She took her hand away from her face now, clenching her hands to stop them from shaking. Her breath wheezed through gritted teeth as her eyes bore a look of pure hate toward her captor. Her vision was still blurry, but she just about managed to make out the witch herself. Medusa.
She was sat back and relaxed in an office chair, her legs crossed as if waiting patently for her. Her usual black dress was covered with a white lab coat. Maka's fingers clenched harder, her nails driving into her own skin. She felt such anger…such fury…yet such fear for this woman. This snake. She knew she was trembling…she couldn't help it. It was like facing down your own nightmares, as if her shadow was right here with her worst possible vision. Facing down a witch without a weapon…Maka couldn't even think of a scenario worse then this. There would be no help…no back up…nothing. Medusa was here…and she was between Maka and her freedom.
"Medusa…" She spat out at the woman, such hate in her voice. Maka's vision had cleared now and she saw the witch was smiling at her, almost a sweet smile, and that made her sick. Her fingers were clasped together in her lap.
"Oh my, you sound angry." Medusa mocked her. But that just angered Maka more, how dare she make fun. Trapped in this hell…being experimented on, treated like an animal. Maka felt her anger boil inside of her. She was so angry she felt tears form at her eyes, her lips pulled into a tight snarl.
"You…you…" Maka started…but…she just couldn't form words…her anger and…fear swallowed her mind up and left her with…nothing. Maka had never hated anyone so strongly in her entire life. There was only one thing stopping her from charging right at the woman…her fear. A strong suffocating grip of fear clasped at her throat, a panic just a sliver away from her heart. This woman could kill her just as easily as breathing…Maka could see her soul…it was just…so vast. She was no match…she would die. She knew it…but…what could she do?!
"My my…you are just like your father aren't you?" She laughed out. Now getting up from her chair in the bright white of the room. The chair rocking slightly away from her, the wheels scraping the harsh floor. Maka's hate and anger exploded in her mind, the tears now ran down her face. That was adding insult to injury, however not in the way she would have once thought. She longed to see her papa again…she in fact…missed him…a lot. She would love to see a friendly face…any of them…she was suffering…her heart was breaking…being crushed under her own fear and hate…no matter how much she tried to keep it together…it was so hard. There was only one person here for her… Maka suddenly widened her eyes and snapped her head back to the entrance….to find nothing but a wall! What!? A bright white blank wall met her gaze. As if she had walked through the wall to get here…but…but what?! Maka's panic she had been holding back began to surface…she didn't know what to do! She didn't know how to do this! Any of this! She was going to die…go mad…she…she can't deal with this hell anymore! Maka snapped back to Medusa now…her fear quite plain to be seen on her face.
But Medusa didn't seem to make a hostile move…she never even moved closer to her…why? Why? What was she doing?! Maka's heart pounded in her chest as she began to struggle to breathe once again…oh no! Not now! No! A hand clutched at her chest as her eyes struggled to close, she just about managed to keep one eye open. Afraid the witch would suddenly make a move. She opened her mouth to spit a comment out…but she only managed a grunt…before panting once more.
Medusa made a single step toward her, Maka responded by stepping back toward the wall…she had to escape…had to get away…!
No…It can't be…it can't end like this! Not after all this! She felt so cold, as if ice covered her entire being, it was sharp, each movement cut into her, and not just her skin. Her lungs, her muscles, her heart. It all was covered in ice. Sharp and penetrating…she couldn't deal with this…was this all…a nightmare? Was any of this real? Did she imagine it? Was her shadow tricking her again? Was Crona even real? Did that happen? She…she didn't know anymore…what is reality?
The tears came thick and fast now… her fear and panic feeding the liquid. Her other hand raised to her head, clasping her face and biting down onto the skin. Her eyes were wide in pure panic, bouncing around the room, looking for a way out. Needing to escape. Her knees buckled, her panting not managing to give her any oxygen. She felt dizzy in her fear. No! A small voice in the back of her mind shouted at her…but she couldn't hear it…what was it saying? It felt like a flame…far away, the warmth of a kind person…but it was too far away…too far to give her any strength, restore her state of mind…help her overcome this fear….this madness…
"Now now…stop it Maka. I only want to…talk." Maka's eyes panned back to the vile snake. A slip of confusion at her words. The words were full of mirth and venom, but still…
Aaaaaaand…gonna leave it there :P.
Hope you all liked it, looong chapter for me that. Gonna try and stick to this length if I can. And hopefully it won't be as long till next chapter this time… HOWEVER! I actually have a small excuse as to why I haven't updated for so long.
I have been working on a super special awesome secret project with a very dear friend of mine. Who is also a writer here in the CroMa fandom :D.
So expect that to pop up at some point.
(Yes! It is another CroMa piece of work. Haha, as if we would be working on anything else? XD )