"It must be around here somewhere..." Kid mumbles to himself as he pulls out book after book, scanning them before putting them back. He left Cassie with Maka so he could search the library for a spell book. To his luck, it doesn't seem like his father is around. Despite the perfect conditions, Kid can't seem to find anything. "It would be in this section." His father categorizes theses books himself.
They keep books from witch's during their hunts, hoping they'll find more information about them. Maybe something they haven't discovered yet. It also helps to be aware of the kind of spells witches can do. They're some truly frightening ones.
All he's worried about right now is finding a healing spell for her to learn. He doesn't want Maka having to rely on Medusa. He should be able to help her with his knowledge. Maybe he could even contact the organization to see if any of the other witch hunters kept any spell books-
"Whatcha doing Kid?"
Kid pauses scanning a book at that sing song voice. He puts It back before glancing at his father. He's smiling at him. Any other time, Kid would feel at ease with that smile but right now it puts him on edge.
"I was just searching for a book for Maka to read."
"Ah so she's awake?" The Mayor comes closer. "Has she healed her wounds? I didn't feel any magic."
"No...She doesn't know the spell." Kid's eyebrows furrow. He wonders for a moment if he should ask his father if he knows where that spell book went. He seems to be...agreeable right now. That could change in an instant.
"You know I have to say, Maka is the first witch I've encountered that can't even do a simple healing spell. I have to wonder if she's lying about what she can and can't do-"
"Why would she lie? There's no reason for her to lie to me. If she can heal herself, there is no reason for her to suffer." Kid turns back to the books and starts looking again. He hopes by his tone of voice that is father gets the picture but he doesn't leave.
"If what she said is true then she's basically a new born witch in an adult body." The Mayor's voice gets lower. "Then how did she know those three spells that she used?"
"..."Kid tries to ignore him. He doesn't know how his father would react if he mention Medusa. He would start accusing Maka of working with her.
"Oh Kid you're not going to find what you're looking for." The Mayor chuckles. "Because it's right here."
Kid whips around. His father is smiling at him, holding the black spell book in his hand. " How did you-"
"It's predictable really. I bet it went something like this. 'Kid I don't know how to heal myself. Can you please get me a spell book so I can learn it?'. Spell books can contain many strong and dangerous spells. Maka is using you for power-"
"No father you are wrong." Kid glares at the Mayor. "Maka didn't suggest this. I did."
"You lie-"
"I'm the one who told her that we have a spell book. I'm the one who suggested she read it. I'm the one who came down here to search for it. If anything Maka has been uneasy about learning magic."
"..." The Mayor stares at his son for a moment. Searching his expression for any trace of a lie. When he doesn't find it he sighs. "...You are doing this to please her-"
"I'm doing it because I want her to be healed. She's in pain. Now father, I need that spell book please."
When the Mayor just stares at him, Kid feels that anger boil only to die down. He doesn't really want to fight with his father. Maybe he can't get this spell book but he's sure he could get one from the organization.
"...I don't want to fight with you father. I hope soon we can sit down and talk about this. I hope that you'll be able to accept Maka." Kid starts to walk pass the Mayor.
"You're forgetting something." The Mayor hands Kid the spell book. Kid looks at him with wide eyes. The mayor has to avert his gaze from his son smiling at him once again.
"Father thank you-"
"I pulled out the spells that I felt uncomfortable with her seeing. There should be a healing spell in there."
"Thank you. That's all I needed." Kid gives him one last smile before running up the stairs to show Maka. This is a big step for his father. Kid is starting to have hope that he'll be able to talk him. Maybe they could go back to how they were. There's a lot that can go wrong with what they're doing but...Kid would rather try then run away. Maka wants to keep being a witch hunter. She wants to stay with him.
Kid will do anything he can to make sure it happens.
"Oh shit you got a spell book!" Maka's eyes widen when Kid comes in with the black book, a big smile on his face.
"Yes. You won't believe who handed it to me himself. My father."
"Seriously?" Maka's eyes widen. Kid smiles seeing her eyes light up. "So...I kind of have his blessings right?" Maka can't imagine the Mayor handing this to Kid. She wonders if Kid made it up to make her feel better.
"I wouldn't go that far yet. This is a step in the right direction. I hope this keeps up so I don't have to worry about father attacking you. Then...We can talk about where we go from there." Kid takes his seat next to Maka. " You may go Cassie."
She gives a bow before she leaves.
"Alright lets crack this bad boy open." Maka grabs the book. She opens it up so Kid can see. He's looking over her shoulder as she flips through the pages. The first couple of pages are actually the spells she already knows. Barrier, shatter, blaze. The next one is a spell to help plants grow. The next one is a spell to purify water, except for salt water for some reason. Maka notices that pages are missing.
"Father said he ripped out any he thought were too dangerous."
"I figured." Maka turns the page. "Here we go. It's a healing spell." Maka starts reading the page with Kid.
"Hm...lets see..." Kid scans it. "It says for beginners you should say 'heal' out loud. As you get better you'll be able to say it in your mind and be able to heal. It also says the amount of magic you need depends on how bad the wounds are."
"Err...These wounds are pretty bad." Maka moves her left hand, only to wince. "...Kid I don't know if I have enough magic to do this yet. I don't think I've recharged from that rebound." She's not completely sure but something is telling her not to try it yet.
"Oh yes then don't attempt it! Trying to use magic after just having a rebound is a death sentence." Kid gives her good hand a squeeze when she started looking down. "It's alright. You'll be able to use it soon. I'll just keep dressing your wounds."
"It just sucks. You went out of your way to get this spell book for me but I can't do anything."
"Father said something that makes sense. Since you haven't been trained as a witch...when Medusa broke that seal it was like a newborn witch was born. You just need training. Don't be ashamed. I'm sure practicing these spells will help make you stronger. Though I must admit I don't know how witches gain power. Father says it's from knowing spells and cruelty but that can't be all there is to it."
"Yeah. Medusa has been quiet since that last dream I've had of her. I don't think she'll help unless I say I'll go under her. I have no idea how this works. Lets just hope I can self teach myself."
"I'll be here the whole way. I'll try to do my own research to help you."
"Hehe. My teacher is going to be a witch hunter. That's pretty fucked." Maka laughs as she starts flipping through the book again. Maybe she'll find something else useful.
"We are an unlikely duo." Kid chuckles with her. He's looking at the book himself. Scanning the pages with her.
"Look at this!" Maka grins when she lands on a page. "The gender swap spell-"
"Actually it says it's a potion." Kid points to that part In the book.
"Meh details! It says I can change the gender of anyone I want for a day. I just got to get them to drink a potion of-" Maka squints her eyes as she looks at the ingredients. "...gross stuff." The potion calls for spider legs, fish eggs, and ginger root. Seems simple but Maka can't imagine drinking something like that.
"Most witch potions will be made of gross things. At least this potion doesn't call for human parts. I'm sure father wouldn't have left something like that in anyway."
"I wonder how you even make them...There's instructions but I don't have a cauldron or anything." Maka thinks to herself. She smirks at Kid. "If I knew how though I could turn you into a girl for the day. Have a little girl on girl action."
"I don't know if I feel comfortable with that." Kid's face flushes though. "It says here that potions can come with nasty side effects if done incorrectly."
"Then I'll drink it and be a man for a day. Then I can finally fuck you instead of the other way around-"
"M-Maka!"
"Hehe or I could give it too us both if you'd rather that. To be honest I'm always up for a little boy on boy."
"You're having too much fun with this." Kid flips the page quickly but his blush has reached his ears. Maka laughs, turning her attention back to the book. The other potions aren't as fun. There's a potion that works as an antidote but the books says it doesn't work on all poisons. A potion for stomach aches. There is a potion for making someone shit for two days straight.
"Huh don't you think that's kind of dangerous?"
"...I suppose father didn't think so."
"Man he ripped out most of the spells."
"Spells are a bit more dangerous since you can just do them once they are learned. Potions require ingredients, a way to make them, and the victim has to ingest it."
"Yeah, now I just have to get my hand on a cauldron so I can make that gender swap potion~"
"Good luck getting one into this house." Kid can't help to laugh thinking about it. He can't picture it. His father being okay with it. With his connections he could have one made and delivered. He sees Maka mixing in her cauldron with him and his father looking for ingredients for her. It's a romantic way to look at witches. Something that seems impossible. Yet in a way he wants it.
Despite his training, he feels like he doesn't want to keep her away from learning more about being a witch. If anything...he finds himself pushing her. There are things she can do that he can't. He hopes that he'll find a new way for her to rely on him.
"Yeah that would be something. Maybe if your father comes around he'll get me one for my birthday." She jokes. Kid knows she would be happy with her father just coming around.
Another day passes without any issues from his father. Kid hopes it stays that way.
"Ugh Kid this sucks." Maka winces as Kid wraps her left hand again. "I should just try my luck with the spell-"
"No you shouldn't. Only try the spell when you know you can do it. I don't want you to hurt yourself more." Kid kisses her bandaged hand.
"...I feel like I'm close. Maybe I should just try to sleep today. Maybe what helps me recharge is sleep?"
"Do you think you could sleep the day away?" Kid raises an eyebrow. They've only been awake for a couple of hours. They were able to watch a movie together and Kid helped her walk around the room but they had to stop shortly after. The pain in her stomach becomes too much.
"I could. I can sleep as much as I want. I just have to get comfortable, have it a little dark and I'll be good to go. So why don't you tuck me in?"
"Of course." Kid lays her down gently before covering her in the blanket. He turns off the light for her but it's still pretty bright from the light peeking through the curtain. He sits on the bed, running his hands through her hair.
"Yeah keep doing that. I'll fall asleep in no time." Maka yawns. Her hair is still soft from washing it last night. Kid brushed it well too. He keeps stroking her hair and soon enough Maka drifts off. He leans down to kiss her on the forehead before he gets up. She doesn't stir.
Kid already knows what he wants to do with his time. Maka is worrying about her magic...he needs to do what he can with what he has. Kid grabs the spell book and his notebook. He takes out a pen and starts taking notes.
He writes down the potions and what ingredients are needed. He takes notes on the magic level the book says each spell needs. He's not sure how to measure Maka's magic level. He just knows she's at the bottom. Sadly the book doesn't say anything about how a witch recharges magic. He was hoping there was something he could work with.
Before he knows it, it's almost time for dinner. Maka is still sleeping. He wonders if he should wake her for dinner or let her sleep a bit more before he does-
There's a knock at the door. Kid starts walking towards it thinking it's Cassie. Something in him makes him hesitate.
"Who is it?" Kid asks.
"It's me. I need to talk to you." It's his father.
Kid glances back at Maka. It's the first time his father has been so close to where Maka is since Kid brought her back to his room. He grabs his ax that he's been keeping in this room before opening the door.
"Do you really need your ax just to talk to me?' The Mayor takes a step back as Kid comes out. He closes the door. He can't lock it. Maka can't be alone because of the demon.
"It's just to be safe. I wouldn't want to put my guard down. You might try to get to her."
"I'm not an animal Kid." The Mayor chuckles. "besides we have bigger fish to fry right now." His face gets serious. "There's a witch that's been causing house fires in the next town over. I got a call saying she got away but she ran into our territory. It's time to go out and hunt. Who knows? She might have information on Maka's curse."
"...Alright. Let me call Cassie." Kid calls her. She comes over pretty quickly. "If Maka wakes up tell her I had to go on a hunt."
"Of course. You two be safe on your hunt. I'll make sure Maka is taken care of." Cassie does a slight bow before she enters the room. She locks the door.
"Ah just me and my son going on a hunt. Like how it use to be." The Mayor hums as they make sure they have all the equipment they need. They get in his father's car. "I hope you haven't lost your touch."
"I haven't lost anything." Kid glances at his father. "So this witch specializes in fire magic?"
"Seems like it though she might have something else up her sleeve. The houses she targeted were all the houses of the men she was sleeping around with and their families. Witches love to be home wreckers huh?"
"..." Kid knows his father is trying to get under his skin. "Well obviously not all witches. Maka hasn't done anything like the sort."
"She's kind of wrecking our home-"
"You're the one wrecking it."
"Ha." The mayor laughs to himself. The drive feels like it's taking forever. "This isn't the first witch that we've caught because of some kind of affair. Witches love going for taken men. They're hard to please too. I killed this one witch when you were small. She had ten men in her den. After she was done with them they were nothing but her puppets that she would have sex with. Ten men. You know what else she would do? If she got pregnant with a boy she didn't kill the man but she harvest organs out of her boys. Sometimes she would kill them as soon as they left her body. Other times she would wait till they get a bit bigger before killing them. She kept a diary of everything. She loved it. She felt no shame. She wasn't able to feel shame."
"She was trash." Kid grips his fist. He's glad he hasn't seen anything quite that bad. Not yet. He's seen plenty of dead men and woman but not children. It sounded like she was a very powerful witch.
"Yes. Trash. But you know I've found that witches are hard to please. They are quick to go to another man if one isn't doing what she needs. They're hard to please sexually too. What are you going to do when Maka starts playing around with other men-"
"Father keep her out of your mouth. How dare you try to compare her to those deprived witches-"
"It's in her nature. If you are accepting she is a witch, you are accepting that she may cheat on you. You have to accept that maybe you are not enough-"
"Father I swear to god not another word." Kid is starting to see red. He's never been this mad at his father. Never. "Me and Maka's relationship, it's none of your business. You've told me a lot about the nature of a witch. Maka is a witch but she's not like ones I've ever seen-"
"You haven't been able to test her out because she's just been stuck with us. If there was another man in the picture, she would-"
Kid doesn't know what to do. On one hand he want to reach over the seat to stop him from talking, on the other he doesn't want to get in a car accident.
"Maka cares for me." He ends up saying. He looks out the window, his hands trembling from how angry he is. He didn't think his father would try that angle. "I'm done with this conversation."
Luckily his father shuts up. They don't say anything as he parks the car. They don't say anything as they creep into the forest to look for this witch. Kid takes deep breathes, trying to clear his mind. He needs to be focused. He can't get hurt here. He needs to be able to take care of Maka.
They find her pretty easily. This witch is still setting fires. Flames surround her as she curses.
"Well Kid this one is all yours." The mayor takes a step back. "...You can still kill a witch can't you?"
"Nothing has changed." Kid grips his ax. He feels like his father just wants to test him today. He doesn't get it. Maka is different. This witch has killed many. She's laughing madly. She is sin. Maka is not.
"Ugh! Why can't I find a man that wants to throw away his whole family for me?!" She's yelling. She hasn't even noticed them. Seeing how her eyes dance around in her head...She's not all there. It's an easy kill.
Kid runs through the flames swiftly. By the time she notices it's too late. He cuts her hands off in one swing. She stares at her blood, laughing and crying. There's no information to be had. He swings again and she's dead.
"Good." The mayor nods his head. The flames die on their own after the witch's death.
Kid wishes he could tune out his father. His attitude right now is getting under his skin. He just doesn't understand- "So you're able to kill witches. You just decided that Maka isn't a witch to kill. Can you make that kind of judgment-"
"Can you really make a judgment that Maka deserves to die? She hasn't done anything. The witches we kill...are murderers. They destroy. We kill them to keep the order. Maka isn't hurting our cause." Kid looks away from his father. He's trying to find something to distract himself from him-
Kid spots a blue mushroom. He recognizes it. It's an ingredient from the spell book. He gets excited, rushing over towards it. He wonders if he should take it with him but he doesn't have anything to pick it up with. It may be poisonous. Also it will probably be a while before Maka can make potions. Still seeing that the ingredient in the book is so close...He could be a gatherer for her. "Next time I should bring some bags-"
"Why?' The mayor is standing next to him. He's staring down at him with an unreadable expression. Kid doesn't know if his father understands why he's looking at this mushroom but he feels like he got caught doing something he shouldn't be doing. "What are you thinking Kid?"
"...It does not concern you." Kid gets up, staring his father down.
"..." The mayor takes a step back. "Well...Set the witch on fire so we can go."
"Okay." Kid walks over to the witch. He looks around. He doesn't see any lighter fluid-
"I must have forgot it in the car. My bad. I'll be right back." The mayor walks towards the car. Kid lets out a sigh when he's gone. It was getting hard to breathe with his father's oppressive presence. He must know he was looking at that mushroom for Maka. He hopes his father realizes that he's serious about supporting her.
Kid waits for about five minutes before a thought crosses his mind. A thought so awful it fills him with dread immediately. A cold sweat falls down his back. "H-He wouldn't." Kid turns on his heel and starts running as fast as he can towards the car. When he gets back to the parking lot. Kid can't help to scream. It's just as he feared.
The car is gone.
"..." Medusa is staring at her. Maka can't read her expression. It's weird that her dream just started like this. Usually she tries to torment her first. Now they're just sitting in this forest, staring at each other. "...Is there really something special about you?"
"I don't know what you mean." Maka thinks to herself. "...Were you really close to my mother? I can't get that picture out of my head. My mom with a tongue ring...it was bad ass."
"She loved it. She was a fan of a manner of piercings." Medusa keeps staring at her but those eyes are starting to look past her. "Yes we use to be close. I know everything there is to know about Kami. I know everything about you too."
"Why did you stop being friends? Also...do you know why my mother put the seal on me? Was she worried I'd be evil?"
"..." Medusa stares. "...she was truly worried about you becoming a sacrifice."
"A sacrifice?" Maka blinks.
"As you are now...I can't even sense it. This isn't how it was suppose to go...you...there's no seal but Death is asleep. As you are now...you are nothing but a normal witch." Medusa growls. "Kami!" She curses. "All my plans ruined..."
Medusa is muttering to herself. She looks pissed. Maka doesn't understand the half of it. "...Kami your daughter is the weakest witch alive. Do you have no shame? She insists on being a witch hunter. Is this the future you sacrificed yourself for?"
"Look I don't even know what you're talking about but I think my mother would be happy. Kid is taking good care of me. He's even going to help me with learning spells. She cared for me so much that...she protected me from the curse. Mom wanted me to be good. I'll fight what ever evil is inside and do my best to do that for her."
"...You are handling the madness. I need to get you away from this life before it's too late. It may already be too late. Why is death asleep? Why can't I feel it? Are you not the witch of life and death?"
"If you're going to say shit that doesn't make any sense can you leave so I can have a better dream."
"Is it even possible for you to just be a witch with that power dormant inside of you? I need to make you hate. I need to break you." Medusa stands up. "I'll kill Kid. I'll kill the mayor and I'll take you by force. I'll let Ragnarok have his way with you. I'll break you down so Death has to wake up. I will have Kami back."
"I'd like to see you try bitch. You aren't hurting anyone. You show up? I hope you do. You killed my mother. I can't wait to slice you up. Maybe I'll tie you up and start slicing from your feet up." Maka chuckles, those green eyes flashing.
"...hehehe. You say theses things yet Death doesn't' stir. You see what you're doing as righteous. But you know what? My original plan has failed. So let me be frank." Medusa takes a step closer. Her pupils get longer. "You're right. I killed Kami. I cursed you too. Kami still thought of me as a friend while I cursed you. Kami took on the curse to stop it from breaking your seal. I watched as the curse ate her alive. Then I put her out of her misery. Now it's on you. That damn seal is broke and yet you are nothing but a weak witch. What was the point of all this heart ache? I will make sure you awaken.
I'll do the most despicable things to you to get what I want. You are the reason why Kami is dead-"
"No you are! You bitch! I knew you fucking cursed me! You're full of shit. My mother wanted a normal life for me. She didn't want to have to worry about becoming ape shit. My mother...she cared for me. I won't fall. I will never become what you want. NO matter what you do. I will always just be me."
"Those are just words. You don't' know true suffering." Medusa's snake like tongue flicks our of her mouth. Shes' looking more and more like a snake. "Get ready Maka. I'll be coming for you soon. With my boy of course. He's been dying to see you."
"I'll kill him too. Come at me bitch! I'll finally beat this curse and move on from it. My mother can rest in peace knowing you're dead too." Maka crackles. They stare each other down, grinning. Medusa's fingers are twitching.
Suddenly that smirk gets wiped off her face. "No! You can't die yet! Maka wake up now!" Her voice is panicked.
The dream collapses.
Maka jumps awake just as the bedroom door gets kicked down. She can't even scream. It's caught in her throat. It's the Mayor. He stands there, holding his ax, staring her down.
"Master-" Cassie moves closer only to stop when she gets a sharp glare from the Mayor. "...Forgive me lady Maka." She leaves. Not that she blames her.
"Where's Kid?" Maka swallows. It doesn't' look like there's any blood on the Mayor.
"He's fine. I wouldn't do anything to my son. I just tricked him a bit." The Mayor takes a step forward.
"Okay." Maka sighs in relief. The Mayor takes another step forward. "...Are you here to kill me?"
"..." He doesn't' say anything. He keeps his ax up but he stops coming closer. "You should have seen this coming. I can't let you poison my son anymore than you have."
"I don't know how much you and Kid have talked but I want to say something to you." Maka locks eyes with him. "At least give me that before you kill me."
"...Speak." The mayor lowers his weapon. He's still close enough that he could easily slice her head off. She doesn't have enough magic to do anything. She has no weapon. She's in no condition to even run. He is death.
"If possible...I want things to go back to how they were. I want to still train under you as a witch hunter-"
"A witch being a witch hunter? It's crazy-"
"Maybe it's because I'm a witch but...I enjoy killing my kind. I enjoy thinking I'm doing something right in it. If I kill these witches...they've killed others. They deserve to die. One of them may have cursed me. But deep down I really enjoy it. That's probably the witch in me. I like seeing them suffer. I won't deny that it's evil but...since I'm helping doesn't it make it good?"
"..."
"I almost feel like...killing these witches is helping me keep it under control. Because of your teachings, I've been pushing off the demon like he's nothing. I've been keeping my cool even though Medusa torments me in my sleep-"
"Medusa?"
"She's been showing me nightmares. She wants me to come to her...well not anymore. Now she wants to kill me. Because I refuse to do what she wants. She wants me to become evil. She wants me to lose it and...she's admitted to being the one who cursed me. She wants to come after me. She wants to make me suffer."
"..."
"I have no witch allies. You and Kid are all I have. My father is dead. Medusa killed him. My mother is dead. Medusa killed her. I'm cursed. I'm such a weak witch that I can't even heal myself yet. My skills as a witch hunter are barely there compared to you two. Kid...He's the reason I've stayed sane. I need him by my side. I don't want to pull you two apart though. I want...to be a part of you. You both...are all I have left."
The Mayor hasn't said anything but she can see a change in his eyes. His ax has stayed lowered.
"I know...I know I'm a witch but please, take me as your own again. I want to train to be a better witch hunter. I want to use what power I have to aid you. I probably will be a lot of trouble but I promise you this. I do care about Kid-"
"Do you care for him enough that you'll do as I say?"
"Yes." Maka doesn't show hesitation. She doesn't know what he's going to say. He throws a knife on the bed.
"Slice your stomach."
"...Will you believe me? Will you...take me back in?"
"...Maybe."
Maka grabs the knife. Her brain is screaming at her not to do it. Her stomach already hurts so bad. She pulls up her shirt, exposing the stitches. She just has to...reopen the wound. If she does this then...things can go back. She wants it more than anything. She is going to cause problems. Either from being a witch...or because she brings trouble. Medusa might try to hurt them because of her yet she still wants to be by them. Maka brings the knife to her stomach. She starts pulling it back only to stop before it gets to her stomach. It pisses her off.
"Just do it!" Maka pulls the knife back. This time she doesn't stop. She doesn't hesitate.
The Mayor grabs her arm before it sinks into her gut.
"...You were going to do it."
"Of course I was! You told me that-"
"There is no guarantee that I would hold my end of the deal. Why did you not try to beg? Why did you not try to change the way of proving yourself-"
"Because I'm serious! I...I know it's going to be hard. I'm trembling just being around you. I don't think that would change even when you're not trying to kill me. But I want you to know...I want to protect you just like I do Kid. I don't want him to suffer my same lost. I don't want you two fighting so if slicing my stomach is enough-"
"It's not." The mayor is frowning. He looks pale. "...I'm going to toss you into our jail now. I'm going to tie your hands and put duck tape on your mouth. You're going to sit in that cold room till I feel like I can trust in you. What do you say to that?"
"..." Maka holds out her hands. The mayor is going to do it either way. This is much better than him killing her.
The Mayor grips his fist. He doesn't say anything else though. He brings out rope he had with him. He ties her hands together. Maka can't help recoiling in pain from having so much pressure on her wounded hand. He doesn't stop. By the time he's done, Maka has tears in the corner of her eyes. He puts the duck tape on before grabbing her arm, forcing her up.
The pain of getting up so fast shoots through her. A cold sweat falls down her face as she's forced to walk towards the stairs. Her legs wobble and give out.
The mayor doesn't say anything. He just picks her up and throws her over his shoulder like she's a sack of potatoes. She can't help to scream behind the tape. Her stomach is right on his shoulder. It hurts so much.
He walks down the stairs, every bounce sends a shock wave of agony through her. She's too gone to understand where she is. Before she knows it, the mayor is placing her down on a cold cement floor. Maka puts her hands against her stomach, groaning. It's getting hard to breathe under the tape.
He just locks her behind bars before he leaves. He doesn't say anything else to her. Through her sobs of pain, she can hear laughter.
"Actually this is much better then I thought! Despair Maka!" Medusa crackles.
Maka glares forward, as if she could see her. She glares through her tears. She wants to say this is nothing. She won't fall. The mayor didn't kill her. She believes that her words did something to him. She hopes that he'll come around soon and let her out of here.
"Never going to get out." The demon joins in.
She doesn't believe that. For her mother's sake she won't give in to this demon or Medusa. She has to stay sane. She has to keep herself.
She'll make it out and truly avenge her mother.
"FATHER!" Kid roars, busting into the house. He immediately takes off running towards Maka's room. When he sees the state the door is in, he can't help to scream again. "WHERE IS SHE? FATHER COME OUT YOU COWARD!" Kid rushes back down the stairs, gripping his ax.
"Kid there's no need to shout. I'm right here."
Kid breathes like a bull, following the voice. His father is sitting in the living room, drinking tea.
"I can have some made for you-"
"WHERE IS SHE?" Kid grips his ax tighter. His blood pressure is so high he's getting a head ache.
"She's alive Kid. Don't do anything rash. We had a nice little chat. I still can't trust her though. I put her in the cell to see how she reacts-"
Kid snaps. He rushes his father with ax, fulling intending to slice him with it. The Mayor gets up quickly and dodges.
"Calm down. She's fine. She's alive. Are you really going to attack me over a witch-"
"HOW DARE YOU?!" Kid swings his ax again, the mayor dodging once more. "YOU BETRAYED ME!" Kid is swinging erratically.
"Kid calm down-" The Mayor grabs Kid's arm and bends it, forcing him to drop the ax. He grabs Kid to hold him down. Kid thrashes in his hold...eventually getting tired. "There. Now-"
"I hate you." Kid breathes out, his face still red from his anger. "You are no father of mine. You didn't even give her a chance. Maka is injured and you put her in a cell. I hate you."
"..." The mayor's eyes are wide. He couldn't hide his hurt just then. He tries to play it off. "You don't mean that-"
"I do. I'm going to get Maka out of there and we are going to leave. I won't stand for you treating her like this."
"Kid-"
Kid gets out of his grip to run towards the door leading down to the cell. It's locked of course. The door is pretty sturdy, made of steel. "where is the key?"
"..."
"WHERE IS THE KEY?" Kid turns around. He may not have his ax but he has to do something. He failed Maka again. He should have never let the mayor out of his sight. Kid can't calm himself down. He knows that if he doesn't focus he has no hope in facing against the Mayor yet he can't. All he can think about is Maka hurt and alone in that cell.
Kid rushes him. The Mayor moves out of the way...Kid feels pressure in the back of his head before it goes black.
The Mayor catches Kid before he falls. He holds him in his arms, falling to his knees. For awhile the Mayor just stays like that. His mask cracks.
"...What...do I do?" He mumbles, tears falling down his face. "I see now that I'll be alone. Why...Why did you have to be a witch?"
"Master." Cassie comes out from hiding. He's sure all the servants are hiding.
"...I know what you're going to say."
"...I hate seeing you hurting like this. The fact you didn't kill Maka...means you're thinking about it aren't you? Accepting her. Thinking of ways to move past this. Yet you still put her in that cell and made master Kid extremely upset with you. Was that really the right way to handle this?"
"...I need to see how she reacts. I need to see if she changes."
"How long will that take?"
"..."
"Master kid will continue to attack you till he has that door open. Seeing you two fight...it breaks my heart. I know it breaks yours. The words he said were hurtful but you know...if you continue down this path he will mean them. He will hate you."
"So I must turn my back to everything I've done to-"
"You are not turning your back on anything. I was out the door listening to what Maka had to say. She wants to still fight for your cause. You will still fight witches. Maka still wants to be a part of the both of you. She wants you to train her."
"..." The mayor picks Kid up and carries him to his room. Cassie follows him. "If I give in to her...it will be hard on both me and Kid. I'll always be worried that she'll betray my son. We'll have to tell the organization about her...we can't hide her forever. If there are those that appose they will attack. Then we are fighting other witch hunters just to protect a witch...there's' so much on the line."
"Your son will fight those battles with or without you. Don't you want to be there to help him?"
"...I need time."
"...Please don't take too long. There is a poor girl in the cell right now."
The mayor places Kid on the bed. He takes off his shoes for him before covering him in a blanket.
"...Yes. I'll think hard about it." Then he leaves.
"...I don't agree with you Master. So forgive me for what I'm going to do." Cassie leaves with determination in her heart.
She wants more then anything the Mayor's happiness.
"Maka your insides feel great!" Crona giggles, his hands digging into her stomach wound that is now gaping. He's feeling around in her intestines. She should be dead. She knows this isn't real yet the pain is so much. Her body is frozen. She can't do anything to fight back. She hates it even more that it's Crona. Those blue eyes are nothing but madness. He laughs louder every time she screams. "I can't wait till you come back to me. We're going to have so much fun!"
This boy is nothing like the one she knows. There's no nervousness. He tears her a part like a professional. Like he's done this before.
"This...This isn't real." Maka grits out once Crona pulls his hands from her stomach. They're covered in blood. "I'll...kill you...Medusa."
"What about me? You hate me don't you?"Crona moves up her body. His smile looks like it could rip his face. "hehe Maka it's so nice having you like this. Why can't we go back?" Crona gives her that timid look. "M-Maka can I h-have my g-goodbye kiss?"
"Fuck you! Medusa I can't wait to tear you apart! You can show me this all you want but I know it's you. I won't let you win."
"Why won't you look at me? You keep calling for my mother." Crona pouts. "I'm never enough for you am I?" He digs his hands back into her stomach. She howls in pain. "But h-hey I bet Kid hasn't been here has he? I'm the first! Inside of your slimy guts. Here let me show you." He starts to pull. Feeling her organs come out of her, she starts feeling cold. She's screamed so much she doesn't have the strength to do anything as he pulls it out, ripping her as he does. Before Maka loses consciousness, Crona smiles at her, holding out her entrails.
"Look Maka! Just for me."
Her body dies. Before Medusa can force her into another dream, Maka forces herself awake.
"Shit!" Maka growls under the tape. Her stomach hurts so bad. She wants to vomit but she can't. She has to hold it back. If she throws up now she'll choke on her own vomit. Maka looks down at her stomach. Though she can't lift up her shirt, she knows that it's not gaping. It was fake. It always is.
Maka ended up passing out. She wanted to stay up. She knew that Medusa would try something like this. Not like being awake is any better. Shes' in a lot of pain. The Cell is cold. She doesn't know how much time has past. Is it night yet? Is it the next day? How long has it been? She can't hear anything outside of the room either. It must be sound proof.
"Give in." The demon is back.
She wishes she could tell him to fuck off. She wants to tell him he's an annoyance. That he isn't shit. She gives him a fierce glare and he leaves.
The demon can't do anything to her if she doesn't' give into madness. If she doesn't give in to fear.
"Poor Maka you have no one. Only enemies."
Maka rolls her eyes. She really wishes this tape was off. She has some choice words to say.
"The next time you fall asleep I'll give you something a bit nicer. Crona misses kissing you. What do you think a boy like that would do if you couldn't fight back? You haven't experienced that kind of pain yet-"
Maka yells in frustration. No matter what she can't pass out or sleep. She doesn't want a dream like that.
"..." She closes her eyes. She hopes that the Mayor doesn't have to think much longer. She still has hope. She has to. If things go back to normal...no matter what Maka won't lose it.
So she waits. She ignores Medusa and the Demon. She ignores her pain.
She waits.
Kid wakes up with a start. His head hurts. It hurts even more to see he's in his bedroom. Maka isn't here. She's still in the cell. Kid checks the time. It's been 12 hours. She's been in that cursed place for 12 hours by herself.
Kid rushes out of the room. He immediately goes to his Father's room. It's locked. He's hiding from him.
"Give me the key! You can't keep her alone like this! The curse is going to get stronger! She's in pain! If you have any decency in your heart you'll give me the key."
There's no response.
"..." Kid can't reason with him. Kid isn't strong enough to fight him. His father has the key. If he's going to save Maka he's going to have to do it. He's going to have to be willing to hurt his father. He'll even-
He feels a hand on his shoulder. It's Cassie.
"Come with me." She pulls him away from the door. "I'm sorry I couldn't stop your father but please stop this fighting-"
"He has her locked up. You saw how much pain she was in just walking around the room. I must get the key-" Kid freezes when Cassie holds up a golden key. She puts a finger to her mouth.
"Please. Go help the poor girl." She hands it to him. He doesn't care how she got it. He has the key. He rushes to the steel door and unlocks it. He rushes down the stairs, freezing when he spots her.
Maka is laying against the hard wall, her eyes shut tightly. There's duck tape covering her mouth. Her hands are bound. Her body is shivering from the cold.
"Maka!" Kid chokes back a sob at seeing her like this. He can't believe his father would treat her so harshly.
Maka perks up. She looks relieved to see him. He rushes over towards her. He tries the key on the cell but it doesn't fit.
"Shit. I'm so sorry Maka. I'll get you out of there. Give me your hands." she moves closer and puts her hands through the bars. He cuts the rope off of her. She rubs her hands. It must have hurt. He reaches up to take off the tape. "I'm sorry I wasn't there Maka. Father took me on a hunt and then left me there to come to you...it must have been painful."
"I'm fine." Her voice is hoarse.
"You are not." Kid thinks quickly. "Maka use that spell...You can unlock the door. I don't have the key for it. Do you have any magic?"
"I do but..." Maka frowns. "...How did you get in here Kid? Have you been fighting your father-"
"He betrayed me. I know you wanted to go back to how it was but it's not possible. If he can treat you like this then we can't stay here. We have to leave. Come on Maka. Use your magic. I'll take us away from here. I'll think of something-"
"I was able to talk to him a bit Kid. He said that he just needed time to think. If I just wait a bit longer-"
"What do you mean Maka?! He won't come around. He's locked you up. He hurt you! Why would you want anything to do with a man like that-"
"Because he's your dad Kid-"
"That man is no longer my father-"
"Yes he is! Kid I don't want you to be alone. I lost my mother. I can see how the Mayor cares for you just like my mother cared for me. You don't have to go through that pain...Don't fight with him. Let me just wait-"
"Wait till what? Your wounds get infected? The demon gets you? He was being cruel putting you in here and telling you that. Maka he's trying to kill you. He's trying to separate us. I can't think of a man like that as-"
"Stop that Kid. That's a lie. He's your father. You know why he's like this. He's just scared. Hell I get it. I'm not dying. I can handle a couple of nights in here. And then hopefully we can go back to how it use to be-"
"You're still saying that after what he's done?"
"I mean...considering what he normally does to witches I'd say this is pretty tame. I was sure he was going to kill me. But he didn't. That means there's' hope. You fighting him isn't helping my case though."
"...I can't leave you in here. I don't want this. Please. Unlock the door. You can do it."
"..."
"Do you not have the magic to do it? Are you unable to do it?" Kid thinks. "...I'll offer you my heart. Take it and eat it. I've heard you can get a strong boost of magic if you eat a witch hunter's heart."
"Are you nuts? I'd never take your heart. What's the point of getting out if you're not alive? I told you. I need you by my side."
He hands her the knife through the bars. He moves himself closer, even opening up his shirt so she has a clear shot at his chest.
"If you stay in here for much longer you may die. You're so pale Maka. You don't look well. Father...is too strong for me. I fear I won't be able to get the key in time. Take my heart. Use the power to unlock the door, heal yourself, and get out of here-"
"No!" Maka throws the knife out of the cell. "I'm fine! I said it already I'm fine. I just told you. There's no point if your dead. What else is there? Sure. I could use the power and maybe Kill medusa. Then what? I'll go insane. I'll become the witch that you hunt. Just so I could leave this cell? No. I'm fine. Please Kid. Go talk to your dad. Just talk to him. Don't offer your heart to me Kid. I won't take it. You have to live."
"Maka." Kid is pleading with her. "...He's locked himself in his room. He's refusing to talk. My only other option is to break down the door-"
"That won't be necessary."
They both freeze.
The mayor comes down the stairs. His expression is blank.
"Father." Kid stands up, getting in front of Maka to protect her from his gaze. "Release her."
"Have you thought about it?' Maka asks. She locks eyes with the Mayor.
"...I've been watching you. There's' cameras in the cell. I could hear everything too."
"When did you place those?" Kid watches him carefully.
"That doesn't matter.." The mayor thinks. "You never tried to escape. You believed that I would come and release you Maka."
"You said you would."
"...Do you not have any hate for me?"
"I don't hate you. Sure this whole experience isn't great but if this is what it takes to gain back what I've lost...it's nothing."
"Do you still want to witch hunt?"
"Yes."
"Do you still want to be in a relationship with my son?"
"Yes."
"Are you going to take him away?"
"No."
"Are you going to use your magic to kill innocent people?"
"No."
"..." The mayor holds out a key. He hands it to Kid. He wastes no time with unlocking the cell. He wraps his arms around her, being mindful of her stomach.
"Maka thank god you're alright." Kid tries to warm her body with his.
"Do you have enough magic to heal yourself?' The mayor asks. He's still staring at her intensely.
"Maybe. I think I can try it." Maka pulls up her shirt. This wound has been bugging her the most. She puts her right hand over the wound. "Heal." She prays it works. Her hand lights up, her stomach tingles. When she pulls away, it's healed. Not even a scar.
"Amazing!" Kid sighs in relief. He unwraps her left hand. "Now try to heal your hand."
She does the same thing. As she's healing her hand she's starting to feel like she's going to reach her limit. She's able to completely heal her hand. Maka is covered in sweat afterward.
"Damn that's tiring."
"Don't do anything more. You might be at your limit." Kid grabs her left hand, giving it a squeeze.
"You really are a weak witch." The mayor mumbles watching the two. His golden orbs shift. "...Maka. I will apologize for my behavior. It's clear to me at least you don't want to cause any harm to Kid. Any normal witch would have taken the offer of a witch hunter's heart. I can't guarantee that things will be completely the same but I want to try. I don't want to lose my son. I also...don't want to kill you. Will you work under me again? I will teach you still to be a witch hunter. I'll become a part of this madness."
"Yeah! I want to work under you! Thank you. I might not be up to it right now but I'll get some sleep and we can get back at it tomorrow-"
"Maka don't push yourself-"
"But Kid you heard him right? We can go back." Maka's expression is too bright. Kid swallows. There's no hate there. None towards his father.
The Mayor is looking at her with wide eyes. "..." Those golden eyes lower in guilt. "Your mother...Kami. She was a witch. A witch that was good at hiding she was a witch. She knew what we were but still let you be around us. Even as a child. In death she pushed you to seek us out. She believed that I would care for you. "The mayor walks closer to her. He holds out his hand. "I will care for you. I will put you second after Kid. He...My son loves you .he's loved you for a long time. For this to work, we will all have to work. Our enemies are witches and witch hunters alike. Some people in my organization won't accept this. As you get stronger as a witch there will be nothing we can do. They will see you're a witch. We don't' know what kind of spell your mother used to hide her presence from us. So we will have to tell them about you. It's going to be a rough road but I will walk it with you. I hope this isn't a mistake. I hope I can trust that you won't harm my son. Just know if you betray my trust." Those eyes darken. "You will wish for death."
Maka takes his hand and squeezes it. "I'll do what I can to protect you and Kid too. I'll get stronger as a witch and I'll use it to make our lives easier. I'll make my mother proud. If I betray your trust and hurt Kid...I hope you give me hell too. While I'm still me, I will never."
They shake.
The Mayor looks over at Kid with a frown on his face. "Kid...Forgive me for my actions against you. I don't want you to hate me. Please. Call me father again."
"Don't hurt her again." Kid seems to think. " Please Father."
The Mayor looks like he might cry but he pulls it back. "...I won't."
"Maybe you could get us a cauldron as a peace token." Kid mentions.
"Oh?" The mayor raises his eyebrow. "Maka are you interested in potions?"
"yeah!" Maka grins thinking about a certain potion. Kid must really want her to make it. "There was some pretty cool stuff in that book. Potions seem useful."
"We could use one of our spare rooms and make it a mixing room. We could have cabinets for her ingredients. I saw some ingredients in the forest right near our house!" Kid is talking excitedly about it.
'Man Kid you must really want that gender sw-"
"Maka!" He cuts her off, his face getting red. She chuckles. "That isn't it. I just...find the idea fascinating. It should be an experience for the both of us. Potions are something even I can help you with. I can find ingredients and help you understand the recipe."
"Yeah we could cook it up together." Maka smiles thinking about it. Her own little room in the mansion to do potions...a mansion that belongs to witch hunters. It's a dream.
"Seeing you both so excited about it makes it hard to deny. Fine. I'm sure I can pull some strings."
"Thank you Father!" Kid perks up.
"Oh yeah gender swa-" Kid gives Maka a look. Seeing her laugh though, he can't help to chuckle himself.
"I'm sorry to break into this but...there's some more things I would like to discuss. Would you two join me in my room?"
"Sure." Maka is feeling tired but she wants to get all this talking about of the way. She wants to make sure everything is good before she passes out. Kid grabs her hand and they walk up the stairs. They follow the Mayor into his room. She's never been in here.
The room is huge. There's barely anything in here though. There's a bed and a wardrobe. There's also a table with some chairs. It feels empty. They take a seat at the table. The mayor takes a deep breath,. Preparing himself.
"Now...this is personal but we must talk about it. Are you two having sex?"
"F-Father!"
"Yeah we are." Maka squeezes Kid's hand. " It's alright. We should be open with him. I think I know where he's going with this."
"I do too but..." Kid holds his tongue.
"Have you been using protection?"
"...No."
"I am on the pill though." They say at the same time.
"The pill can fail. I'd suggest you get your tubes tied Maka-"
"That's too far. She's not doing that-"
"It's her choice to make." The mayor counters back.
"...I don't think I want to do that." Maka shakes her head.
"Alright. So you'll just use the pill." The mayor looks a bit distressed. "Next topic. If Maka gets pregnant, I need to kill it-"
"No!" Kid objects. "Why are you-"
"If Maka has a boy there's' a chance she might go crazy. Even if it's a girl then it's just another witch that's been born into this world-"
"Instead of thinking about it as witch Spawn...you could think of them as your grandchildren." Maka offers. The Mayor freezes at 'grandchildren'. "I don't think I could kill them. Not saying I want to get pregnant right now but if it happens I'm not going to kill them. If it's a girl I'll just have to raise her like my mother did."
"Grandchildren?" The mayor mumbles. Maka blinks at the change in the Mayor. He's got this weird look on his face.
"I t-think it's too early for grandchildren father but I agree with Maka. I'd be happy to raise a family with her. Just thinking about a future like that makes me excited."
"I can see you being a family man." Maka tries to picture it herself. She wonders if she could even be a good mom. She has trouble taking care of herself.
"...Grand babies. More than one." The Mayor is still muttering to himself.
"Father? Are you alright?"
The mayor sighs heavily. "...You two win. I've been trying to push that word out of my head. If I thought of them as witches and spawn it's business but yes...they would be my grandchildren. I can see it now. Me sitting in the living room, reading them stories, rocking the grand babies asleep-"
"Father you're going a bit too far into the future."
"Yes but that's the point. I can see that future. Because you know..." The mayor pauses. He looks pained saying it but he does. "If your mother was like Maka...if she didn't care that you were a boy. If she told me what she was. I wouldn't have become a witch hunter. I'd be right with her, raising you, helping her. If there is a future that it's possible for you two to find happiness. The kind that I wanted- Then I'll fight for that. I won't hold it back anymore."
"Father..."
"Maka here are your rules. No killing innocent people. No using magic to destroy unless necessary. NO giving into this curse before we kill Medusa."
"Yes sir!" Maka salutes.
"Our first order of business is going after Medusa. She is our target. It seems like she'll be coming after you soon so we have to be ready for her. We won't let her get the upper hand."
"Hell yeah! You hear that Medusa? We're going to fuck you up!"
"Is Medusa still bothering you Maka?" Kid frowns. He's confused. "We know for sure she cursed Maka?" She explains to him what Medusa told her in the dream...she also tells them about how she's torturing her in her sleep. "Father is there anyway we can block Medusa from doing that?"
"I'm not sure...I think I did see something in the pages I ripped out but it's too strong of a spell for Maka to do."
"It's fine. The dreams are horrible but they can't kill me. I know it's her. No matter what she throws at me it isn't real." Maka grips her fist. "...In order to kill Medusa I have to get stronger."
"I'll try to get some more spell books from other members of the organization. I'll continue training you in my ways. I doubt she is going to give us much time before she attacks. If worse comes to worse, you'll have to stay back while me and Kid fight her-"
"Hell no!-"
"Maka you can't let Medusa get you. In that dream...it sounded like she wants to kidnap you and take you away. She'll torture you for real. Promise me you'll run if it looks like she'll get you."
"..."
"Promise me." Kid squeezes her hand. "Medusa is powerful. It takes time to get stronger Maka. We might not have that time."
"...I can't promise anything."
"Well I'll try to get some of my witch hunting buddies to be on standby around the town. Just in case we need back up." The Mayor locks eyes with Kid. "Don't worry. We'll protect her."
"Yes...you're right."
"So train, wait to kill Medusa, train some more, oh and potions!"
"I'll work on that starting tomorrow." The mayor watches her yawn. "Maka get something to eat. Take a shower and get some rest. You'll probably need the day off tomorrow. We'll start after that."
"Okay." She can tell she's going to be sleeping most of tomorrow away. She's so droopy that she starts falling sleep while eating. Kid has to help her shower and put her in the bed. She's just so exhausted.
"You did great Maka. Using magic wares you down. It will get easier. You're safe." Kid soothes, wrapping his arms around her. Feeling the blankets. Having no pain...being in Kid's arms...It puts her right to sleep. She can't fight it. She's so relaxed. She did it. It's going to have it's up and downs but she got the mayor back on her side.
She won't let him down.
I kind of listen to a mixture of songs when I write. I don't know if you've ever played the game 'angels of death' but the music in the game is great to write to. I listen to them a lot writing this story. Thanks for the review!