So much for my SoMa one shot. I had an idea and once I started writing it, it just kept growing, and I didn't even finish what I had planned! I don't think I'm cut out for short stories. Nothing I write is ever less than 4-5 pages. That being said, there will be more to this. No idea when I'll write it, but there will be more, I guarantee it.
As always, happy reading!
Maka lengthened her stride, ignoring the way that her breath came out in painful gasps. She was strong, she was used to running, but she'd never had to run like this- being chased through the dark in unfamiliar woods by bloodthirsty wolves.
She'd heard the stories, just like the others, but she'd always scoffed at them. Wolves didn't attack people, not unless you gave them reason to. And all the other stories were just that, stories. The monsters in them didn't exist. They were only spread around to keep people out of the woods. What was in there, she didn't know, but she wasn't there for whatever the stories were trying to hide. She'd only intended to take the shortcut to get to Tsubaki's house faster, since she needed to be home by morning.
A growl to her right had her jerking in the opposite direction, where she ended up sliding down a steep hill, mostly on her feet. She hit the bottom hard, but she was able to use the momentum to roll back onto her feet and continue running. The growling and snapping got quieter, so she figured the wolves needed time to get down, otherwise maybe they'd given up.
She could hear the thud of them hitting the bottom and knew they were still coming. Make cursed as she tried to find somewhere to hide. It was so dark, she was having trouble seeing anything around her. She tried to calm her breathing and avoid making noise, but when she splashed loudly through a creek, she knew the effort was in vane.
A large tree came into view, in the middle of a semi large clearing. It was the clearest area she'd seen so far in the woods, and with the moon above she was able to get a good look at the branches.
Wolves couldn't climb but she sure as hell could.
With renewed energy, she dashed across the moss covered ground and up one of the thick roots. With the boost, she managed to jump and grab onto one of the branches. She suddenly heard the snarling stop, but she didn't bother to look back. The bark was smooth, so while it didn't cut into her skin, it was hard to climb and she almost wasn't able to get up into the tree. When she finally got a foot up and hooked her heel around it, she heaved herself up and then climbed up onto the next one as well before looking behind her.
The wolves had stopped at the edge of the moss, their ears flat against their heads as they silently toed the line between the undergrowth and the cleared space. They glanced up at her a few times as they paced, but eventually they turned around and quickly walked away.
Maka allowed herself to finally take a deep breath as she leaned back against the trunk of the tree. She didn't know why they hadn't chased her, but at the moment she didn't care. What was she doing?
She couldn't stay here forever, and if her father found out what she'd done, she'd be in serious trouble. She didn't know how long she'd run, but surely Tsubaki's place would be closer by now, right? Either way, she'd have to get out of the forest, but she didn't know which way to go. If she headed back now, she'd run into those wolves again, but if she continued on, there could be worse things. She silently cursed herself for not giving the tales of the woods more credit.
She decided, for the moment, that she would just stay in the tree. No doubt the chase alerted more predators to her existence, and she didn't want to just walk into another angry, hungry creature so soon. With another sigh, she turned her attention to the tree she was in.
The thing was massive. A dozen people could wrap their arms around it and she wasn't sure they would all be able to hold hands. Tree climbing wasn't unfamiliar to her, so she easily made her way through the branches, looking around the clearing. She was halfway around when she finally heard it- a deep, rumbling snore. Maka looked down and nearly slipped out of the tree. She finished climbing onto the next branch and looked down to study the beast.
It was enormous, at least three times the size of the wolves that had been chasing her. It's white fur practically glowed in the faint light coming from the moon. It was curled up at the base of the tree, half hidden by a large root that had grown partially around the tree trunk. She couldn't see its face and she didn't think she'd want to. As big as it was, it had to be another meat eater, and she had no desire to be on the menu. Plus, it had been scary enough the wolves hadn't wanted to come near it; it had to be something truly terrible to scare them away in its sleep. Deciding she needed to get moving, she climbed back through a few of the branches before working her way down. She glanced towards the beast, where she could still see a portion of its body rising and falling as it breathed, she slowly lowered herself until she had to let go and dropped to the ground.
Maka wasn't sure which way to go, but she decided that since she'd already put herself in danger, she might as well finish heading to Tsubaki's place. She carefully made her way to the edge of the clearing while she kept an eye on the beast, who was still sleeping. Once she was at the edge of the moss, she took a moment to look around and listen. She didn't find anything, so she quickly left, heading, she hoped, in the right direction.
It was only moments later that she heard a twig snap. She froze and then felt her heart drop as she realized the wolves had returned. They were spread evenly in front of her so she couldn't get passed. They opened their mouths, exposing long teeth that dripped with saliva. When one of them stepped forward with a snarl, she turned on her heel and dashed back. The white creature was absolutely more terrifying, but since it was still asleep, it was preferable to the wolves on her heels. She looked back just before she hit the clearing and tripped over a root.
She rolled onto the moss, saved by its softness, and turned to look at the wolves as they stopped at the edge once more. She crawled quietly backwards, never taking her eyes off of them. They were furious, but they refused to follow her any closer. Maka did her best to quiet herself. They were remaining quiet as well, probably so the white beast wouldn't wake, so she did her best to follow their example.
Suddenly, they froze. Their heads lowered and they slinked backwards before dashing off. Maka was confused, but suddenly she felt hot breath above her. She froze, not sure she wanted to look behind her. Perhaps, if she was very still, the thing would leave her alone. Or atleast, if it was going to eat her, it would do it quickly. The wolves would have torn her apart; if she had to choose how she was eaten, she would prefer by one mouth, quickly. When the thing behind her remained there, she eventually, slowly turned around.
Maka's eyes widened as her heartbeat increased exponentially. He was even bigger from this angle, and much more terrifying now that she could see his face. His red eyes were particularly disconcerting as he studied her. He wasn't growling, but his mouth hung open slightly to reveal large, razor sharp teeth. When he was done studying her, he leaned forward and sniff at her head, his hot breath causing goosebumps to run up and down her arms.
"Please don't eat me." Her words seemed to surprise the beast, but she didn't think about it too long. What kind of survival tactic was that? Asking a monster not to eat her. What if that made him attack her? What if her words caused him to draw out his meal? What on earth was he doing just standing there and staring?!
He cocked his head a little, and she realized while he was understandably terrifying to look at, there was nothing threatening about his movements or expressions. He looked tired, maybe bored, as he watched her with droopy eyes. He cocked his head at her and then looked past her at the surrounding woods.
They're waiting for you.
Maka jumped as the thought entered her head. It hadn't been hers, that was for sure. The voice had been unbelievably deep and a little gruff, not like any voice she'd ever heard before.
"How… how did you do that?" she asked.
His head and shoulders moved in the approximation of a shrug. It's just how I talk.
Maka slowly stood, her distress increasing when she realized he was so big, she could walk under him without having to duck. He had the body of a wolf, but he was a little beefier, and his fur looked shaggier than the wolves that had chased her. The nails on his feet looked sharp and his tail was enormous where it hung behind him.
The longer they studied each other, the better Maka found herself feeling. Surely if he was going to eat her he would have done it already. Right?
What are you doing out here? Humans usually tend to avoid this place. For obvious reason.
"I was just trying to get to my friend's house and didn't want to take the long way around."
That was dumb.
Maka bristled. "Yeah, well, I was in a hurry."
Doesn't seem that way to me. You're standing awfully still for being in a hurry. The beast took a few steps back and then laid down. When he'd settled his head comfortably on his front legs, he raised an eyebrow at her, as though he expected something.
"Why are you staring?"
Just waiting to see what your next move is. He yawned and then settled down again.
What was her next move? He'd said the wolves were still out there. They seemed to be afraid of the creature in front of her, so as long as she was in this clearing, she felt like she was reasonably safe, from them anyway. How was she supposed to get out? Even if she went the other way, they'd undoubtably follow her, and she was certain that they'd catch her this time.
Her heart began to beat furiously again when she finally accepted that she was stuck here. She glanced at the white beast, who was still lazily watching her, and then looked around. There wasn't a whole lot she could do.
"Why haven't you eaten me?" she asked.
The creature seemed a little surprised by her question. He huffed. You hardly look appetizing. You're so skinny, it wouldn't be worth the effort of chewing up your bones.
Goosebumps covered her skin at the image his words provoked, but she forced herself not to react anymore than that. "You just… eat everything?"
Waste of time to try and eat around the bones with a mouth as big as mine. He grinned then, revealing his enormous teeth. This time seeing them didn't scare Maka as much. She felt safe with him, at least for the moment.
He wasn't going to eat her, which was a relief, but that didn't mean she wasn't still in danger. She glanced around her, at the mostly cleared space covered in moss. Was this area what scared the wolves? Or was it the creature? Was he able to leave? Could he, maybe, lead her out of the woods? What kind of bargain could she make to convince him to do it?
Wow. His voice distracted her from her thoughts. You're thinking so loud I can almost hear you over here.
Maka paled. "Y-you can read minds?"
The sound that came out of him almost sounded like a snort. No, I can't read minds. It was a joke.
"That doesn't make sense."
Can other people see inside your ear just because you can hear them? Didn't think about that one too much, did you?
"Well forgive me," she snapped. "I'm only stuck in the most dangerous woods within a month's ride, at night, with wolves waiting nearby to tear me apart. With a terrifying creature who could probably swallow me whole as my only company." She wrapped her arms around herself in an effort to hold herself together.
Forget Tsubaki's invitation. She just wanted to go home.
The beast sighed. Are you going to ask me to help you, yet, or is this going to take a while? You're interrupting my sleep.
Maka frowned as she turned his way again. "Why would I ask you for your help?"
Because despite the fact that I am what I am, I haven't hurt you, and those wolves, who want to do more than that, are still waiting around for you to leave so they can try to get you again. He blinked lazily. So, are you going to ask for help or do you prefer to be dinner?
"Why won't they come any closer than the edge of the moss?" she asked.
He slowly grinned at her, exposing his teeth and causing his eyes to glow despite the shadows surrounding them. Because I would eat them.
His answer gave her chills, but surprisingly made her feel better.
"Can you help me?"
Absolutely.
Her breath exploded out of her. "Thank the gods."
The question is, will I. When her head snapped up, he smirked at her. Like I said, you're interrupting my sleep. What do you have to offer in exchange for my help? Those wolves leave me alone. It would be fair of me to let them have you.
Maka had to bite her tongue at his words. He wanted to call him a jerk and point out how callous his words were. However, she was in trouble. He was mostly apathetic at the moment, but that could easily change if she said the wrong thing.
As she silently fumed, fists clenched, she could have sworn, she saw the beast smirk at her. She turned away and began to pace with her hands planted on her hips.
What did she have to barter with? She doubted he'd like anything she had, since most of her possessions were books. What about food? Surely with as big as he was, he had to eat.
"I can get you meat from the butcher," she said. "I mean, you'd have to come to the edge of the woods to get it, since I don't have any with me, but is that enough to get your help?"
I don't eat meat, came his response.
Maka snorted. "Yeah, okay. I don't believe that for a minute."
The beast shrugged. Doesn't matter if you do or not.
"But you said you did."
I never actually said that. I only said you were to skinny to eat.
"You honestly expect me to believe you're a herbivore?"
… What?
"Plants. An herbivore eats plants. Do you actually expect me to believe that you eat plants?"
Did I say that's what I eat?
Maka's mouth opened and closed a few times. "What else is there? Dirt?"
He rolled his eyes and sighed. How dumb are you?
At that she bristled. She wasn't just going to stand there and keep letting him insult her. "If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it if you would stop insulting my intelligence."
Whatever. He yawned and then rolled onto his side as he closed his eyes. I don't accept your meat. Try again or go away. I'm tired.
Maka fiddled with her hands. What else did she have? "What would you want?" she asked. "I don't know anything about you, so I don't know what I could offer that's worth your time."
It's more about what you think your life is worth. He cracked open an eye. That's what you're bargaining for right now. If I don't lead you out of here, there are any number of beings in these woods that would tear you apart. He closed his eyes again and let out a breath.
"What I said still stands." Frustration and fear began to mix within her. "Do you want money? I can't imagine it would do you any good out here. If you don't eat meat, what do you eat? Is it something I can get for you?" She looked around. "There is literally nothing here for me to know what kind of things you like."
He opened an eye and watched her for a long moment. Music.
She blinked at him. "What, like a concertina?"
The creature cringed. Gods no. Never. That is not music.
"Okay, then what?"
Violin music is good. Flutes are okay. Harp music is really nice if you can find someone to play it right.
"Do you play music?" Maka asked.
The deadpan look he gave her would have been sufficient to answer her question, but he added to it by holding up one paw. Not exactly built for playing music.
"How do you even know what music is? I can't imagine you've heard a lot of it hiding in these woods."
Travelling bands like to play on the road, he answered as he laid his head back down.
Maka nodded, and then hugged herself. "Well, uh, not to disappoint you, but I don't know anything about music." Suddenly, she brightened and dug into her pocket. "I do have this though." She pulled out a small music box that her mother had given her as a little girl. After she made sure it hadn't snagged on any loose threads (again) she grabbed the crank and slowly started to turn it, filling the clearing with its quiet song.
The beast opened both eyes and rolled back onto his stomach. He watched the human slowly play the music box, a small smile on her face. After it had run a few times, she slowly ended the final repeat with a practiced flourish. She looked up with a smile. "Is that enough?"
The creature stared at the small box in her hand. If you leave it with me, I then yes, I will help you return.
Maka's face fell. "What? You want to keep it?"
Yes.
Unintentionally, her hands clenched, putting too much pressure on the little box. She quickly relaxed her fingers, but she didn't look up. "But… it was my mother's."
The box or your life. Your choice. With another yawn, the beast began to curl up again.
Feeling her heart break, Maka stepped forward and placed the small box at the beast's feet. "Fine," she said, her voice cracking only slightly. "Please take me home."
The beast was surprised, and for a long moment he seemed to hesitate. Nervous, Maka began to shift her weight back and forth between her feet before he finally reached down and gently picked up the box with his mouth. After putting it behind him next to the tree, he stood again and stretched.
Alright, let's go. Which town are you from?
"Death City."
He glanced up at the moon before turning and heading in the direction she had come. Follow me. It would be best if you stayed near my head. While nothing in these woods would fight me for you, some of them are bold enough to try and swipe you away if you're not close enough.
Maka hurried to catch up and then did her best to stay within arms reach of his front leg. As they walked, she thought about how the wolves acted and his most recent words. "Why wouldn't they fight you?" she asked. "Is it because I'm not much of a meal?"
No, it's because of who I am. He looked down at her, his red eyes glowing ominously in the dark. Surely you've heard of me? With a snort, he looked forward again. Although, since you're in these woods of all places, maybe you haven't heard any of the stories. You'd have had to be raised under a pretty large rock not to, but I guess it's possible.
The girl looked up at him, noting again the white fur, the red eyes, the larger than life teeth. He seemed to be on his own and the other creatures in the woods were scared of him. Her eyes widened when she finally realized what he was. "You're Soul Eater…"
In the flesh. He let out a low huff. Told you I don't eat meat.
Maka couldn't believe that she had found, and was being helped by, Soul Eater. The stories she'd heard of him were the most outrageous, but also the most terrifying, that she'd ever heard. He was supposedly a giant beast who settled into the woods millenia ago, inviting other unsavory beings to join him and essentially guard the woods so he could live in peace. If you were unlucky enough to run into him, he would kill you, but not like a normal beast. No, he would cut you in half with his razor sharp claws and eat your soul, erasing your memory from the world. When the Soul Eater killed you, it was like you never existed, or so the legend claimed.
Maka fumbled and landed on her knees as she stared up at him. He stopped and looked back at her, waiting patiently. You can just call me Soul by the way.
Her mouth opened and shut several times as she tried to comprehend what was going on. While she sat there, she noticed his body tense. Fearing the worst- perhaps knowing who he was meant he'd decided to eat her instead of help- she closed her eyes when he turned her way, teeth bared.
A screech behind her had her flinging herself to the ground. She heard a quiet sound, almost like a chuckle, so she uncovered her head to look up and found Soul almost smiling at her. If I was going to eat you, I would have stayed at my tree so I could go back to sleep.
She was mostly under him, since he'd moved to stand over him, and as he moved back, she was surprised to find a red orb floating just over his paw. Once he'd sat back, he lifted his paw and caught the light in his mouth. He swallowed it and then looked her way again to see her reaction.
Maka's breathing was erratic as she watched Soul eat the soul of whatever he had just killed, too surprised to even wonder what it had been.
The stories were right. There was a creature that lived in the woods, guarded by other beasts, that sustained itself by eating souls. She couldn't believe it. How many more of those stories were real?
"Why?"
Soul rolled his eyes and reached back with a paw to try and nudge her to her feet. Come on, I'm still tired. I'd like to return and go back to sleep, so get moving. Once she was on her feet again and moving, he asked, Why what?
"Why… are you helping me? Why not just eat my soul?" She looked up at him. "Being too skinny shouldn't be a problem, since you eat souls. Why help me? It doesn't make sense."
Soul didn't respond. He continued to scan the area, once or twice looking into the shadows and letting out a low growl before looking forward again. She had given up on getting an answer when she finally heard his voice again.
I'm not sure. He steered them around a rather deep hole, making sure she didn't find some way to trip and fall in. Once they were passed it, he continued. I think it's because I'm impressed you made it so far. No one's ever made it to my tree alive before.
A shiver passed through Maka's body and she moved just a little closer to him. "So, uh, what… exactly are you?"
A Demon Weapon.
"What is that?"
Just a fancy word for someone who collects bad souls. He paused at the base of a steep hill. Start climbing, I'll help you. When she moved forward, he put his nose behind her, just under her butt, and nudged her up the hill. Once she reached the top, he took a step back and then jumped up to the top, making the ground around her shake.
Maka momentarily lost her balance as he landed, but didn't fall over. You good? When she nodded, he continued to walk.
"So, how do you know the souls are bad?"
If it lives here, it's bad. These woods attract evil people and creatures, and those created by unnatural means. He glanced over his shoulder and let out a deep growl, displaying his dripping canines. Maka looked over her shoulder and saw the trio of wolves from before shrink and then run away. Like those wolves. They've been infected by magic, so they're no longer regular wolves. They were chasing you to hurt you, not to eat you. They're bloodthirsty now, so they hunt to kill instead of just to eat.
A shiver worked its way up her spine, causing her to wrap her arms around herself. "Well I'm glad I found you first then." He hummed a little in his throat but didn't say any more as they travelled.
It was a surprisingly short time later that Maka finally saw the edge of the woods. They were several hundred feet away when Soul finally came to a stop and sat down. Maka looked up at him in confusion.
Soul lifted his snout towards the treeline. You're safe to leave, there's no one else here. I can't get closer, or I might be spotted, and I have a reputation to uphold. That being said, he glanced down at her, I hope you'll keep this between us. I'm not in the habit of saving people who come into these woods, and if people find out that I helped you, they might start travelling through here, and that would just result in a bunch of unnecessary deaths. He looked around them once more, his ears twisting this way and that. These woods are dangerous, and should be avoided.
"I see that now." Still, she found herself unwilling to leave. "Um, is there… could I come back and see you again?"
Soul's head whipped around in surprise and he stared at her with wide eyes. What?
Maka was a little surprised at the request herself, if she was honest, but there was something about the beast that intrigued her. He was physically terrifying, for sure, but he definitely wasn't the savage, mindless beast she'd heard about. The way he acted, he seemed to accept his lot in life, but a part of her couldn't help but think that he might be lonely.
"I was wondering if I could come visit again," she said again. "It must get boring being out here on your own with all these other…" She gestured vaguely. "Creatures. Maybe I could come visit sometimes."
Soul continued to stare at her with wide eyes. That would be dangerous for you.
She shrugged. "What's life without a little danger?"
Life, he responded, as though she was missing a pretty big point.
Maka shrugged again. "When I came in here, I didn't know the stories were real. Next time I'll be prepared."
His face fell in the approximation of a frown. I'm not going to come all the way out here every night to make sure you're not eaten.
"It won't be every night, and I don't need you to lead me. I can get to you on my own." She took a couple steps closer so she could place a hand on his leg. "My question was if you were okay with me visiting."
Soul rolled his eyes. Whatever. Don't blame me if you get killed. When she perked, up he pulled away just a little. Do you have a death wish? Is that why you're in here?
"Of course not," she said with a laugh. "It's just that… well, you seem lonely, and I don't have many friends." She suddenly pulled away and then gestured for him to lower his head. "Can you lean down her for a second? Please?"
He gave her a very skeptical look but after a pause slowly did as she asked. Once she could reach, she wrapped her arms around his snout and hugged him. "Thank you for saving me."
And then she was gone, quickly making her way out of the woods. She was almost out before she stopped and spun back around. "Oh, and my name's Maka by the way!" With a last wave, she sprinted the rest of the way and exited the woods.
Soul didn't move for a long time. This had definitely been his weirdest night in… possibly his entire life. He'd seen humans before, of course, since he sometimes would walk near the edge of the woods as they travelled on the road, but he'd never interacted with one. He never would have suspected that one as brave Maka existed. Not only had she gotten past her fear of him, rather quickly, she'd touched him. There had been monsters in these woods more powerful and dangerous than he'd probably ever be that had given him a wide berth, and then came Maka, with her hugs and her smiles, touching him like he was no scarier than a well trained mutt.
He couldn't quite help the smile that lifted his mouth at the thought. Once he was certain she wouldn't return, he stood and began his trek back to his tree. Soul almost hoped that she'd try to visit again, but that didn't seem likely.
If she ever came back, she was almost certainly going to be eaten.