"Kid." The Mayor watches as his son strokes Maka's cheek. She's still out cold. They have her hands bonded just in case when she wakes up she's still crazed. Kid refused to chain her up in the cell. She's laying on their bed with nothing holding her but the binds on her hands.
"This is fine. If Maka still isn't in control, I can restrain her. It's Medusa. That black ooze did something to her." Kid grips his fist. "I'm more worried that Maka will hurt herself than hurt me-"
"She could hurt you. In that instant she swung the scythe on herself but she could of-"
"Father, I am staying with her."
Celeste and Mai walk into the room. The bat is staring intently at Maka. "...She has another witch's magic inside of her. It's not something she can throw up. Not without help. We should get rid of it as soon as possible. It's trying to break open the power Maka has inside of her. If it's successful I don't know if Maka would recover from that."
"There's a potion that can get rid of impurities in the body and the blood. We have all the ingredients except two. Blood of a witch spawn which will be easy and..." Mai glances at the Mayor. "...The heart of a virgin."
"A human heart?"
"...Or a witch's though finding a virgin witch heart will be much harder."
"We can not kill humans. It would have to be a witch." The Mayor locks eyes with Mai. "Is that our only option? Is there not another potion that would work for this?"
"This potion is strong. It gets rid of anything that is an abnormality in the body. I don't think any other potion would work. It needs to be this one."
"Maybe Maka will be able to get rid of it herself-" The Mayor tries.
"No. That sludge is worming in deep. I doubt Maka would be able to do anything about it. It will keep making her crazed. The sooner it's out the better." Celeste cuts in. "...If you do not want to get your hands dirty I know a witch that sells rare ingredients. She should have a virgin heart. You would just have to pay her price-"
"We are paying a witch for a human heart-" The Mayor fums.
"Maybe she has a virgin witch heart?" Kid cuts in. He's locks eyes with his father. "...If not we'll buy a human heart-"
"Kid!" The Mayor snaps. "Paying for a human heart is supporting witches killing-"
"Maka needs help. If that potion is all there is then that's what we have to do. If you don't want to be a part of it that's fine. I'll go and I'll pay for the heart-"
"You are not going without me." The Mayor bites his lip. "Kid...this is getting out of hand. We can not stoop to their level-"
"That human is dead either way. We are not paying for their death. Unless you have a better way of getting a virgin heart?"
"..."
"If you don't want to be involved at all...I could go alone. I could lie and say it's not a human heart if it makes you feel better." Celeste offers.
"That's not the point. The point is Kid you have to set a line-"
"I failed her. I couldn't get to her fast enough and because of that this happened. I'm going to help her no matter what. I'll do whatever it takes...and I mean that father."
"W-Well in the mean time Maka should drink this potion to at least keep the curse at bay. This ooze making her crazy isn't helping things." Mai walks up to Maka, wanting to break through the tense atmosphere. Kid helps, holding Maka's mouth open as Mai pours the potion in. She swallows it down. "There, that should buy us some time."
"She can't go on hunts anymore. Even if she recovers from this completely, she's going to have to stay here and listen. Medusa has set traps for her. Every time she goes out, she falls into another trap. Now we're in this situation-"
"It's not her fault that-"
"It's not about who's fault it is. You're going to have to talk to her. You're going to have to make her stay inside. That's even if this potion works. You're forgetting your morals for a potion that may or may not work-"
"If it's our only choice then it's going to work. It has to work. I'm telling you father you don't have to be a part of this-"
"Anything involving you is something I'm involved in. Kid, Maka is unstable. She's unstable yet you have her here barely restrained. You are letting your feelings for her cloud your judgment-"
"Your idea of sound judgment is locking her in that cell till she rots!"
"Just till we kill Medusa-"
"Um...Sorry to interrupt the family drama but..." Soul walks into the room, rubbing the back of his head. "Two hot girls are here, said they're here for you Kid."
"...Go to your friends." The Mayor walks closer. "I'll stay with Maka."
"Don't worry Kid. I'm here with her too." Mai encourages when Kid hesitates.
"...I'll be right back Maka." He squeezes her arm. Kid gives his father a look before he makes his way down the stairs. Liz and Patty are waiting for him in the living room. When he approaches them, he tries to smile but it feels forced. "I'm glad you two could make it."
"Geez Kid you're pale like a ghost!" Patty tilts her head.
"What's wrong?"Liz frowns, watching him.
"The hunt didn't go well. Maka...she was poisoned or something like that. Medusa set another trap for us that I couldn't protect her from. It caused her to lose her mind and slit open her own stomach." Kid winces thinking about. There was so much blood. He had to fight her just to get the scythe away. It took all the healing potions he had on him just to close up the wound, all the while he had to hold pressure so she didn't bleed out in the mean time. The way Maka looked too...with a big smile on her face...
It's haunting.
"Damn! Is she dead?' Patty chirps.
"No. We were able to heal her. She is...still effected as far as we know."
"I'm sorry Kid. It took us too long to get here. We should have been there too." Liz stands up, putting a hand on Patty's shoulder. "...I know I kind of yelled at you when you told us about her-"
"Yeah because it's stupid." Patty grunts.
"...But we are here to aid you and her. Whatever you need from us, let us know. That's why we came. Hell maybe after the end of this I'll take it back." Liz smiles at him. "...So what's the plan for now?"
"...Mai says there's a potion that can get rid of the black ooze. The only issue is that..." Kid hesitates. He decided where he stands. He can't be ashamed of it. "We need to get a virgin heart. We are going to buy one from a witch-"
"What?!" They're looking at him like he's grown another head.
"A real human heart? Kid that's-"
"That's what I'm doing. I'm going to save her." Kid looks them in the eye. He won't back down. " I love her. I wasn't talking big on the phone with you. That's why...I know it's hard but I need your support in this."
"..." Patty is staring at him hard. He wonders what she's thinking right now. The Thompson sisters might be walking out as soon as they came.
"...And your dad is letting you do this?"Liz asks.
"He doesn't like it but he's going to support it."
"Then we'll support you too. I swear to you Kid if Maka or any of these other witches step out of line I won't hesitate." Liz warns.
"Yeah! We'll shoot them up good." Patty's blue eyes glint.
"They are on our side. I hope you'll soon be able to be at ease with at least Maka." Kid gestures towards the stairs. "Would you like to meet them?"
"Yeah." Liz takes a deep breath. She follows Kid up the stairs with Patty at the rear.
When they walk into the crowded room, all eyes are on the Thompson sisters. Except for the Mayor. He's watching Maka like a hawk. The sisters can't help to tense seeing two witches staring at them...not bonded or gagged. They have strange outward appendages. One with tentacles coming out of the back and the other with bat wings.
Liz is tempted to reach for her gun but she holds it back. The witches are just looking at them curiously. They aren't coming towards them. They aren't going to attack.
"Wow! You two sure are weird looking." Patty hums.
"I resent that." Celeste frowns.
"This is Celeste and this is Mai. This is Patty and Liz."Kid introduces them. It's pretty tense.
"Kid you didn't tell me they were so cute." Mai giggles, trying to break up the atmosphere. "Witch hunters after my heart. If my tentacles are unsightly I can make them disappear."
"No that's fine. Patty wasn't trying to be rude-"
"Can you control them? Can you juggle with them?" Patty has taken an interest in Mai.
"I've never tried juggling but yes I can control them very well!"
"Man I bet trying to have a snow ball fight with you is insane! Ohhh we should have a water balloon fight! It's going to get hot soon."
"That sounds like fun!" Mai beams. "I can't wait. I bet you'll look so cute in a bathing suit." Mai is getting a bit too happy with Patty. Liz is already giving her the stink eye but Patty is taking a liking to her. Kid doesn't know if he should mention Mai's …..preferences. Maybe not right now. He's wants them to get along.
"It's nice to meet you Liz." Celeste has made her way over to Liz. She bows slightly. "I hope we can work well together."
"...Me too."
"You don't have to be so tense. My abilities aren't good for fighting. I can fly and stun enemies but that's about it. I use a lot of magic just to be able to scan."
"Your eyes...are you blind?"
"Yes but I can see magic. Don't worry. Despite my blindness I pull my weight. So let me know if you need anything."
"Thank you." Liz loosens up. "...No offense but they both seem pretty weak."
"They are. Even though they are weak they've been a big help already. Especially when it comes to Maka."
"Kid you haven't introduced me." Soul grins, walking up to the two sisters. "I'm Soul. A bad ass assassin."
"Huh." They both ignore him.
"Anyway." Kid cuts in to get their attention. "Maka can't greet you but...this is her." Kid walks over the bed. He strokes her arm but she doesn't stir.
Liz and Patty walk to stand next to the bed, their eyes scanning over her.
"..She's stronger than the others." Liz mumbles.
"Not by much."
"She's wearing a pretty dress. I hope she wakes up soon. I can't really say much when she's like this." Patty hums.
"Yeah if she's like these two...then it should be fine." Liz gives Kid a reassuring smile. "She's pretty Kid."
"All witches are though." Patty tilts her head.
"I'm sure Kid has told you what he's planning on doing." The Mayor cuts in. Those golden eyes are dark.
"Yes. Me and my sister are prepared to support him."
"This stays between all of us. If word gets out we've been working with witches who deal in human hearts well...It could cause a riot."
"Our lips are sealed."
"Celeste when can we go meet up with this witch? The sooner we can get this over with the better." Kid asks.
"It would have to be tomorrow. I need to talk to the witch and warn her. She normally doesn't deal with humans. If possible I'd like you to keep it secret that you are witch hunters. She would never work with witch hunters. I'll have to be there with you." Celeste thinks.
"So tomorrow once we get the okay from Celeste we'll split into two teams. Me and Kid will go with Celeste to get the heart. Soul, Liz, Patty and Mai will stay here with Maka. Medusa may be expecting us to go with this route-"
"If she might be expecting it shouldn't more people go with you?" Liz cuts in. "What if Medusa attacks you awhile you're out-"
"Her goal is Maka. She wants to kidnap her. Me and Kid are the strongest witch hunters here. She could risk attacking us but for what point? It won't just be me and Kid. Jacob and his men are going to follow in secret. They will back us if we need it."
"...Okay." Liz doesn't like it but she sees there's no other way.
"Please Liz and Patty, take care of Maka. I can't loose her. I wish I could stay here to watch her myself but-"
"If you're going to go as far as buy a human heart it's going to be you and no one else." The Mayor cuts in.
"We'll take care of her Kid." Liz locks eyes with him.
"Can we stay here then? Mind as well. It's already late and I'm tired." Patty whines.
"Of course you two can stay. We have plenty of rooms." Kid smiles.
"Yeah there's also my room." Soul shoots his shot with Liz.
"No way in hell."
"Hehe Patty if you need anything my doors are always open to you." Mai giggles.
"Slummer party-" Patty grins.
"No." Liz grabs Patty by the arm. "...Patty you shouldn't get too close to them. We don't know anything about them."
"Kid trusts them though. Mai doesn't seem so bad. Most witches I've encounter have a different feel you know?"
"It's good to be cautious." The Mayor cuts in. " Mai doesn't hurt anyone but she has a tendency of being a play boy."
"I'm not a play boy! I just give my services to any woman who needs them. So Patty if you ever want to feel amazing I-"
Liz gives Mai such a glare that she shrinks, putting her hands up.
"D-Don't kill me witch hunter. I'm just a silly little witch."
"Patty you're staying close to me tonight. There's too many perverts here." Liz sends a look to Soul and Mai.
"What did I do?" Soul points to himself.
Celeste has already left the room. Kid shows Liz and Patty to their room. Liz pushes her sister in and locks the door. When Kid goes back the only one left is his father.
"I'm staying with you tonight."
"Father-"
"I'm staying. If she starts freaking out again I need to be here."
Kid knows his father won't back down. He gets why he's acting like this. Kid just prays when Maka wakes up she'll be okay. He doesn't like seeing her suffer. Maybe she'll sleep till they get the potion for her. That would be ideal.
"I'm going to help you Maka." Kid gives her a kiss on the forehead, hoping she feels that in her dreams. He hopes with all his heart she's having a comfortable rest.
Maka is sinking into a black lake. It's sticky and the more she tries to swim out of it, the more it grabs her. She feels like something is grabbing her. Not just one set of hands. Many hands are grabbing onto her. She needs to escape. She can't give into this darkness.
Maka is pulled into the black goo, she shuts her mouth tight, holding her breath. It keeps pulling her down till she's not in the lake anymore. She's in a room. A room she's never seen before. The goo is still on her, holding her down against the floor.
There's someone else here. A girl in a clear case. She's asleep. This girl...looks just like Maka. She has a strange feeling in her chest. There's strong magic coming off of her. Something in her brain is telling her...that this girl must not wake up. If she wakes up...Maka will change.
"Wake her." Maka swallows, averting her gaze from the sleeping girl to glare at him. It's Crona. It's not the Crona she knows. His pink hair is longer, those blue eyes crazed. This is Medusa tormenting her. Maybe it's the black goo itself. No matter what she must fight against it. "You need her. If you don't wake her...we'll force her awake. You can't do anything. You lost"
"I haven't lost anything. Fuck you Medusa. I hope you choke on a dick."
"Maybe she needs more black shit." That voice. Ragnarok. There's a man, not a ghost next to Crona. He's covered in vertical eyes. A monster of a man.
"I think she does." Medusa is at her head. She knows she has to wake up but she's being held down by the goo. Medusa stroke her face. She closes her mouth as tight as she can. "There are other ways to give you an extra dose Maka." She chuckles.
Maka has to bite her lip to stop herself from screaming. She can't open her mouth. Medusa has more goo in her hand. She looks down to see Crona is digging his finger nails into her thigh. His nails are so sharp he's stripping her of skin. She can't even move her legs. She can't do anything but bite into her lip and hope he stops-
The goo is going into her leg wounds. It's agony. She can't hold her mouth close anymore and screams.
"Accept the madness Maka. Call for help. Wake her. She can help you Maka." Medusa coos. "Run wild . I know you want to-" Maka screams again when she feels teeth sink into the side of her stomach. Ragnarok is biting her, ripping off her flesh. More of that goo flows into her. Her mind is becoming hazy. She feels the goo wiggling in her stomach. She needs to wake up. She won't do what Medusa wants. Never. She can wake up. She has to-
"You have no control here. Call for help. Call for her. Become the witch of life and death. As long as my concoction is inside of you it doesn't matter if you're awake or not. You'll only see and feel horrible things. There is no comfort for you. You have to take matters into your own hands."
Maka tries to spit at Medusa but when she opens her mouth she's unable to close it. No. She freezes. She can't control her body. "Thank you." Medusa chuckles, pouring more of that black gunk down her throat. Her body swallows it greedily. Her mind...it's hard to stay conscious. Something is wrong. This is worse then the other dreams. She feels like she's breaking. Ragnarok is still biting into her. Like he's trying to devour her. She's being torn apart and filled back up with ooze. It's agony but she holds on. Kid...Kid will help her-
"Still you think of him. What do you like about him so much Maka? Do you like the pleasure he gives you? Don't you realize yet? You can get that pleasure else where. You can get it from as many as you like. A true witch has no limits. You've been holding yourself back..."
"I just need him." She grits out.
"Do you?" Medusa hums. Her body is getting warm. That stuff...it's changing her body at it's will. She's bare all of sudden. The ooze is touching her in ways that feel good. She's losing the fight. That strong urge...that animistic urge is taking her over. Her shame is being drowned by the ooze. She's aching. She wants to be filled.
And she is. By Crona.
Despite that voice in the back of her head, she can't help to moan, feeling that stretch. What she has left of her brain is struggling. It feels good. It all feels good. Ragnarok is licking at her nipples, ooze is pouring into her mouth.
"See? How awful Maka. You're enjoying the dick of the man who killed your mother. It doesn't matter who it is. You'll like it-"
No. She can't be this. She can't let this take over.
Her body is moaning. Her body is begging for it. It's not her.
When Ragnarok shoves his dick into her mouth, she doesn't bite down. She sucks him off like she's thirsty. She has to hold on. She has to.
"Maka." Crona lets out a little chuckle. He finishes inside of her but it doesn't feel normal. It's too thick. Once Ragnarok finishes she realizes what it is. More of that ooze.
"You think Kid will want to save you when he sees this?" Medusa is laughing. "You can't avoid it. Accept it."
Her body is trembling. The ooze is still touching her, working her up.
"T-This is you." Maka's able to make out. "Kid...Kid will help me. I hate you."
"It can end if you wake her up. Maka there's no escape." Medusa is licking at her ear. It's the most revolting thing. It should be. Her body isn't listening. It feels good. "If you don't I'll break you myself."
she has to hold on to the thought of Kid. She won't call for that girl. She won't loose herself completely. No matter what they do to her, she can't let the ooze win.
"Here Maka I'll let you wake up. I'll show you there's no hope. Then you'll go back to sleep and be right back here with me. I'm looking forward to hearing more of your screams...of both pleasure and pain."
The ooze lets her go and she drifts to the light but...she can still feel the goo inside of her. She's full of it.
Maka wakes up. Her eyes snap open. It's so bright. She isn't alone. There's monsters surrounding her. Monsters with only vertical eyes and large sharp teeth for smiles. Her hands are tied together. Her heart is beating so fast. One of the monsters is trying to talk to her. Growling at her.
Calm down. This is Kid.
The monster's touch is gentle. He's still a monster. He's the only one she can recognize. She doesn't know who everyone else is. They're staring at her. They want to hurt her.
Maka jumps up, turning to glare at the other monsters. The tallest one is rushing towards her. "Barrier!" She puts a barrier around her and the good monster. She won't get hurt. All the monsters are growling. The good one behind her is growling back.
Then the monster behind her is covering her mouth. The other monsters are attacking her barrier. What can she do? Maka pulls at her binds, ignoring the pain. She needs to get out this. She needs to protect Kid. She needs to get out of here. The barrier is shattered. Black tentacles are grabbing her arms, trying to stop her from pulling at her binds. Monsters are grabbing her legs. They're surrounding her. Why is this happening? Why isn't Kid helping her? Her brain is too hazy. She knows something is wrong but she can't stop herself from sinking her teeth into the hand that's on her mouth. Blood fills her mouth. It tastes good. So good. He lets go of her mouth. It's enough for her to be able to speak a spell. "Barrier!" She uses the barrier to push all the monsters away from her.
This room is nothing but flesh. She needs to get out. Maka takes off running for the door. She needs to escape-
The tallest monster tackles her hard. She screams as this monster puts it's full weight on her back. He's grabbing her arms. He's tying her up again. It hurts so much. They're going to eat her. She can't make sense of it. Yet all she can do is yell. Yell for help.
"Kid! Help me!" She calls for him. She's lost him with all the other monsters. Her voice is pathetic. There's ringing in her ear that hurts. The goo is moving inside of her.
The monster is shoved off of her. Shes' taken into kind arms. This monster is different. It's a person without a face. No vertical eyes. It's him isn't it? Kid? She can't understand what he's saying. He's trembling.
"I'm losing huh?" Maka mumbles, wondering if he understands. She can't see the truth. The black ooze is taking over. She can't let it win. She can't let it wake up that girl. Kid isn't going to hurt her. She needs to hurt herself. Maka bites hard on her tongue, hoping to bite it off-
His fingers are in her mouth, forcing her mouth open. She's surrounded again. They're tying her up, something is being poured into her mouth. She doesn't' want to loose consciousness. She wanted to die. She's going back to Medusa. She can already hear her laughing.
Kid won't let her this keeps up Medusa will win.
Help her, Kid.
"Kid she needs to be locked away-" The Mayor watches how Kid places Maka back on the bed. She's wrapped up in rope. Her legs, her arms, mouth guard in her mouth. Mittens on her hands to make it harder for her, with them bonded.
"No." Kid wipes the blood from her mouth.
"She had a full break down. It took all of us to hold her down." The Mayor growls.
"The witch's magic is getting stronger. The black ooze is getting bigger inside of her. We need to act fast." Celeste looks at the Mayor. "...My contact is ready to meet up with you two. We should go now. I'll tell her we can't wait for night fall."
"Maka I'm sorry. I'm going to help you. Please hold on." Kid whispers to her. He's still shaken up from that whole scene. Maka was screaming bloody murder. She was using her magic against them. But she wasn't trying to hurt anyone. She was scared. She was suffering. She tried to kill herself again. The worse of it all was she was calling for him. Maka needs him. Right now he can't do anything. "Liz, Patty...please. Keep her safe."
"We'll try our best Kid." Liz is shaken herself. Patty is staring at Maka with a frown.
"Maybe we should sedate her." Soul mentions.
"I could make a potion for that." Mai offers. "It might be best if she sleeps while you guys are gone. Maka is pretty feisty."
"Do what you need to." The Mayor cuts Kid off. "We'll try to make this fast but if anything happens give us a call. I've sent the servants home for the day. Just in case Maka gets loose again-"
"She won't get loose. She's tied well. There's plenty of people here to hold her down." Kid frowns again, looking at Maka. Her eyebrows are furrowed. She's having a nightmare. "...We're going. I'll be back Maka." He promises. He leaves the room with Celeste and his father. Everyone else stays in the room with Maka.
He wants to stay with her but he can' do anything as he is. He hopes Medusa tries to attack them. He wants to kill her. He wants to cut her into pieces for what he's done to Maka. She's trying so hard to fight her...Kid has to save her from her suffering.
"The contact is towards the mountains. I'll guide you to where to go." They all get into the Mayors car. He steps on the gas as soon as they get their seat belts on. "Yes the faster you go the better. Maka's condition is getting a lot worse. I thought it wouldn't be this fast."
"...You can see the black ooze inside of her?"
"Yes. It's bigger and it's pressing against that huge magic inside of her. That power...it can't be released. That must be Medusa's goal."
"Kid If this potion doesn't work, or if we don't make it in time and Maka becomes crazed with power-"
"That won't happen-"
"if it does, you must be prepared for what needs to be done. Maka can't live. We'll have to kill her-"
"I won't kill her!-"
"She's going to lose her mind! She's going to become a witch that enjoys killing humans! You can't let a witch like that live-"
"I'm not killing her and neither are you! I told you already where I stand in this-"
"It was different before. Maka was sane and weak. This changes everything."
"Not for me. If Maka falls...I'm falling with her."
"I won't allow it." The Mayor growls. "Kid you can't think like that. You can't! If Maka falls, she would want us to kill her. She doesn't want to become that. She wants to honor her mother. If you love her you should end it for her-"
"Never!" Kid raises his voice. "She isn't dying. She isn't leaving me!" Those golden eyes give way to darkness.
"...Don't lose your mind with her Kid. I don't want that. Maka doesn't want it either." The Mayor sighs. "...I'll drop it for now. Lets get this heart and try. Don't misunderstand me Kid. I want this to work. I want Maka to be okay. I don't want to kill her either-"
"You've been wanting to kill her." Kid snaps.
"Take a left up here.' Celeste cuts in. Her face is blank as ever.
"...I just want whats best for you and her." The Mayor makes the turn.
"You want whats best for you."
"Kid you know that isn't true."
"Go straight here." Celeste mumbles.
"You would be ecstatic if I suddenly was like, you know what? Lets kill Maka instead. You don't think of her like I do. She's my love. My future wife-"
"Kid you're thinking too far ahead. Maka can't love you back. You can't trust her completely. You have to protect yourself too-"
"I don't need to protect myself from her! Even with the black ooze infecting her she's never attacked me-"
"She bit into your hand! She was drinking your blood-"
"That was nothing!-"
"Turn right here." Celeste instructs. "can I say something?"
"What do you have to say?' The Mayor sighs, he looks tired again.
"There have been cases of witches staying with a partner. I can't speak of how loyal they are but...witches do care. I don't have any lovers but I can say that I care for Maka and Mai-"
"You care for your own kind-"
"I also care for you and your son. You are helping me. Maka cares for you and your son as well. That's why...I agree with you Mayor. Maka would want to die if she lost-"
"No-"
"If you can't kill her, I will." Celeste's voice gets darker. The air seems to get colder. "Because I care for her too. I won't let her hurt those she doesn't want to hurt. You can kill me after-"
"It's not coming to that." Kid hates it. They don't' understand. Maka is going to be fine. Even if she isn't he'd find away. He'd never abandon her.
"...I'm surprised to hear you say that.' The Mayor glances at Celeste.
"I owe you all a great deal. I've never lived so comfortably. I'll do what I need to protect that. I will follow Lady Maka's will." Celeste takes a deep breath. "But...I want this to work. We need this to work. For all our sakes."
"...Yes."The Mayor steps on the gas. Kid is quiet in the back seat. The Mayor prays this goes off without a hitch. If Maka is lost, he'll lose his son. He can tell. His strong son is staring to crumble before him. He can't help to hate Maka for that.
It takes thirty minutes to get to the mountains...Celeste leads them to a cave. It's too high up. They're going to have to climb-
"I'll carry you." Celeste grabs the Mayor. She spreads her wings and flies him up. She sets the Mayor down before going down for Kid, bringing him up.
"Thank you.." The Mayor straightens himself out. Kid is already making his way into the cave. They have to rush to keep up with him.
"let me do the talking." Celeste warns. She walks to the front. "Marie it's me. I've come to make the purchase."
"So you have." A witch appears before them. Jars of hearts are floating around her. She's brought more than one. The Mayor only has a knife hidden on him. They couldn't bring their axes. Everything in him is screaming that he needs to act. This witch is strong. He holds back his instincts. He keeps Kid close to him as those eyes fall on them. "So these are the handsome men you were talking about? My, my Celeste I thought you weren't interested in anything. I have to say you have a good taste~ a father and son combo." She laughs.
"What goods do you have?' Celeste asks, ignoring her. "We need a virgin heart."
"I have plenty for you to choose from. This heart belongs to a witch spawn, age of death ten." She shows off the tiny heart. "This one belongs to a human girl, age of death sixteen." She shows the other one. The Mayor is trying to keep his mask on. He can't show his disgust or his rage. "This one belongs to a human male, age 13.-"
"Do you have any that belong to a witch?" Celeste cuts in.
This witch smirks. "Of course. I have this one. Belongs to a witch. Age of death six years old. This heart is going to be pricier. I can't sell my fellow witch's parts for nothing!"
"How much is that heart?" Celeste asks, her face blank.
"Hmm..." Marie hums. "750,000."
"That much?" Celeste licks her lips.
"I could give you a discount. 500,000 if you get your slave there to sleep with me." Marie is eyeing the Mayor, licking her lips. Celeste tenses.
"We'll take the witch heart for the original price." Celeste hopes the Mayor has enough. She glances at him. He's already pulling out his check book-
"Hmm I don't know. The more I look at him the more I want him. Here I'll let you have the witch heart for free if I get a good lay from your slave-"
"That wasn't a part of the deal." Celeste tries not to look as nervous as she is.
"Don't be so greedy Celeste. It won't take long. I'm in need of another child. Witch parts don't come easy as you know." She's laughing. "Get your slave to cum in me and you're good to go. I'll get a brat out of it most likely and then I'll get my witch heart back."
"We can't settle this with money?" Celeste is trying. It's only a matter of time before either Kid or The Mayor say something that's going to piss her off. She can't expect that of the Mayor.
"Nope. I've made up my mind. You want the heart? You'll have to give me a good time."
It gets quiet between them. Celeste glances at the Mayor. His face is blank. Suddenly he smiles.
"Sounds like a good deal to me."
"Father." Kid's eyes are wide.
"I just have to make it quick. We need to get this heart home. There's no point in pushing this. Marie is lovely."
"You know how to sweet talk." She grins. "So we have a deal Celeste."
"...Yes. Do as you please."
Marie hands the witch heart to Celeste. She holds the jar against her chest, trying to hold back her frown.
Marie grabs the Mayor's hand, pulling him towards the back of the cave. Kid feels ill. It feels dirty. His father...he would do that for Maka? He would do that for him? He didn't even drag it out. Kid doesn't want to hear the sounds so he walks out of the cave. Celeste is staying though. Those eyes are watching towards their direction. Maybe she doesn't trust that Marie just wants...that from his father.
"Oh." Celeste's voice stops him. "I see. I suppose I saw this coming."
"What?" Kid asks.
Next thing he knows his father is walking towards them. He's holding the witch's head. He throws it to the ground in front of them.
"Got the heart lets hit the road~" The Mayor beams.
"..." Celeste sighs. "There isn't many contacts like her."
"It couldn't be helped." Kid sighs in relief. He's glad that his father didn't have to truly sell himself. That knife must have did the trick.
They set her body on fire before they walk back to the car.
"Sorry about killing the witch. I couldn't lay with her. Not if I could help it."
"No I understand. She was being unreasonable."
That's when they get a call. It's Mai.
"Please you have to help us!" She's frantic. "We're being attacked! And Lady Maka is-" there's a loud sound on the other end. Then the line goes dead.
"What?!" Kid's heart feels like it's about to stop.
"Shit! She's making her move!" The Mayor slams his foot on the gas. He doesn't wait till they get buckled in. Celeste is holding the heart against her chest like it's her life line.
Maka please...They have the heart. They can see the finish line. Be okay.
Kid needs her to be okay.
"She's groaning in her sleep a lot." Patty pokes Maka's cheek. Mai gave her a potion to sedate her. She hasn't woke up. It's been about twenty minutes since Kid left. "She's all sweaty too."
"Sounds more like moans to me." Soul chuckles. "Maybe it's a dirty dream-"
"Stop that." Liz throws a pillow at him. "Would you get out of here? We can handle this."
"Don't get so mad. I'm just saying." He puts his hands up. "...I'll take a smoke break. You want one?" He offers a cigarette to Liz.
"No."
Soul shrugs. He leaves the room.
"He's shameless. Now I know why Kid was so worried about leaving him with Maka." Liz grumbles.
"Oh Lady Maka please keep fighting! We're all here for you!" Mai pleads. "Maybe we should cool her body down with some ice. I'll go get some." Mai rushes out of the room.
"Mai cares about her." Patty keeps poking Maka's cheek.
"Patty are you trying to wake her up? That's the last thing we need." Liz grabs her arm to stop her.
"Not really but...I just feel like she's having a terrible dream. Maybe if I poke her enough she'll know it's just a dream."
"Or it could just wake her up, and then she'll have another break down." Liz watches as her teeth grind.
"I wonder what kind of person she is." Patty goes back to poking her. "Mai isn't so bad. I hope she's fun like her."
"Kid said she's interesting. Said she has a mouth on her and that she's funny. He also said she's kind. Don't know if any of that is true."
"Yeah he might just be blinded by his dick." Patty chuckles.
"Patty!"
"What? She's pretty. Witches have that charm to them. I wonder if it works on girls too."
"I doubt it." Liz glances at the time. She wonders how far away that contact is. Hopefully not too far.
One minute they're talking, the next minute the window is busted in.
"Shit!" Liz pulls her weapon, Patty doing the same.
"Man I hate how she's always right." There's a man in here. He jumped to the second story with no issues. He's large and muscular. He grins, those brown eyes hungry. "It's just you two? I hate hurting women like you but I'll enjoy ripping you apart. The names Free. Don't forget it before you die."
"Fuck you!" Patty fires her weapon, Liz shooting with her. They hit him in the arm and chest but he only growls in pain.
"That smarts." He chuckles. "but not silver." his body steams as he heals. "It's no use. If you let me take the girl you might live."
"No!" Liz keeps shooting. Patty goes and picks up Maka. She's shooting to try to hold him back but her bullets aren't doing much. He keeps healing. They rush out of the room with Maka-
"Where you going?" Free is fast. A werewolf. Liz has that thought just as she's kicked down the stairs. She falls on her back hard.
"Liz!" Patty yells for her sister. She can't run to her. She's still holding Maka. Free is closing in on her. She turns and starts running. She should drop Maka. She's slow with her. She can't shoot while holding her. She should get rid of her. She's a witch-
But she's important to Kid. She said she would try to help her. She hasn't even gotten to talk to Maka yet. She can't give her up yet-
She screams, feeling nails dig into her back. She falls to her side, trying to move both her and Maka away from Free. He's licking his nails that are dripping with blood.
"Patty!" Liz is running up the stairs. Her leg is hurt. She's rushing towards them, firing but it's not doing anything against this beast. She won't make it in time. It's lifting up it's claws again-
"I won't let you!" Tentacles shoot out, grabbing Free's arm before it could swing down on Patty. Her other tentacles grab Patty and pull her back away from the werewolf.
"A witch-" Free growls just as a potion is thrown at him. It explodes, sending him flying through a wall.
"Liz down stairs!" Mai grabs Patty again with her tentacles. She's able to lift both her and Maka, running down the stairs with them. Liz meets her in the middle.
"Patty thank god! Are you okay?"
"Y-Yeah. I think he got my back good-" Patty tenses when she feels liquid on her back. It's Mai. The pain fades away.
"That should help." Mai smiles. "I'm glad you're okay."
"Thank you." Liz swallows, locking eyes with this witch. If it wasn't for her, Patty might have died.
Before Mai can say anything, the werewolf suddenly jumps down in front of them. He's snarling. The explosion just pissed him off.
"Fucking witches." he snarls. "I'll rip your head from your shoulders-"
"No!" Her tentacles grab potions. She throws them. They explode, throwing him into the wall. "We need to run-"
Free rushes her. He punches her into the wall. It's enough to knock the wind from her.
"Patty we have to go!" Liz keeps shooting at the werewolf as Patty gets up and starts running off with Maka.
"You don't learn do you?" He reaches for her. She's not able to move in time. He has his large hand around her throat. She kicks as he lifts her off the ground. She shoots into his chest but it's not working. She can't breathe. She can't get out of his grip. Her sister won't make it in time. He can break her neck. He's just toying with her.
There's a blur of white. Soul shoves his knife into the top of Free's head. He screams, letting go of Liz. She takes greedy breathes, grabbing at her throat. Soul jumps back, taking his knife with him.
"Attacking women? Not cool dude."
"How many more annoyances do you have in here?" Free should be dead. He's healing his head wound. They can't kill him. "I'm not here to kill you weaklings-" Free turns, getting on all fours. He's running after Patty. Liz can't stop him. He's too fast. Soul runs after him but he's going to get to Patty. She needs to go after them. She forces herself up, giving Mai a glance. She's out cold. Liz rushes to run after them.
Patty doesn't make it out of the mansion. Free rams into her, making her drop Maka. She hits the ground hard. "You fucker!" She pulls her gun but her shots do nothing. He scoops Maka up into his arms, grinning at her.
"Honestly, leaving a bunch of weaklings to guard her! Not so tough when you aren't fighting witches huh?" He smirks when Soul and Liz catch up. "What's the point? Try to shoot me. It doesn't work but if you try anything I'll rip out her throat-"
"Medusa wants her alive." Liz doesn't lower her weapon.
"Do you really want to risk that?" Free grunts. "Now if you don't want me to kill her, you're going to-"
That's when Maka's eyes open. Those green eyes staring but not really seeing. Haunted emerald eyes. She mumbles something.
"Monsters." Then her voice is louder. "Blaze."
Free is set on fire. He screams as the fire overtakes him. It burns off Maka's restraints. She spits out her mouth guard. Free drops her, Maka landing on her feet. Free runs off to find a way to get rid of the flames.
Now they have Maka staring at them.
"More monsters" She points-
"No!" Liz shakes her hands. "We're fellow witch hunters! We're trying to help you!"
Maka just stares. Liz licks her lips nervously. She doesn't know what she should do. Patty is hurt on the ground. Free hit her hard. Mai is unconscious. Its' her and Soul. Free is going to come back too. If she tries to restrain her, Maka might get the wrong idea. Her mind is lost.
"Who are you?" She giggles. "Monster. Can I dig into your chest? You can't hurt me anymore!" She starts running. Straight for her. Liz has the urge to shoot her. She's scared. Maka could do anything once she gets close enough-
She runs right past her. She's running towards Free. He's back and snarling.
"Hey! Hey! You're the biggest monster here! I'm going to kill you first!" Maka giggles. "I don't have my handy dandy scythe but I don't need it! I'll set you on fire as many times as I need to! Wind blade!" She shoots a blade of magic. Free dodges it last minute. "surprised? I got more tricks under my sleeve!"
Soul rushes Free. He dodges a swipe of his claws, jabbing his knife into his heart.
"Oh you're helping me?" Maka rushes towards Free. Soul has to jump back before he's set on fire with Free. He screams but he doesn't run. He's swinging his claw down on her. Liz shoots at Free, worried Maka wouldn't jump away from the attack but- "Barrier!" She blocks against the attack. She pushes the barrier, sending Free flying. She rushes after him. Liz grabs her sister, helping her up. She rushes after Maka and Soul. He's supporting her, trying to make it easier for her to attack.
"Lady Maka!" Mai is up again. She frowns when Maka looks at her with those eyes. "You're in no condition to fight! Please stand back-" Maka doesn't listen.
"Levitate!" Maka grabs Free, holding him in place.
"What?" Free tries to get out of her magic. She holds him up, laughing as he struggles. Soul takes this change to dig his blade in his heart again. He turns it. He's trying to rip out his heart. "arghhhh!" He breaks out of her magic, grabbing Soul by the head. He's putting pressure to his skull-
"Bad!" Maka uses levitate again. He lets go of Soul, the assassin falling to his side. He's out. Bleeding from his nose and eyes. She slams Free against the wall like a rag doll.
"Soul!" Mai rushes over towards the young man. She grabs healing potions from her bag. She pours it into his mouth. She's not strong when it comes to spells but she feels like she has to try. She has no idea how far Free got into breaking his skull. She heals him the best she can before she feels like she'll rebound.
"What the hell do we do?" Liz is panicking. Maka is still flinging Free around but he's going to break out of her magic soon. Maka can't have much magic left herself.
"Keep shooting at Free! I'm going to call the Mayor." Mai rushes over to the land line. She dials a number. Liz can't hear what she's saying. She's too focused on shooting at Free. He's not dying. Maka isn't able to kill him ether. Maka is laughing too much.
Then Free breaks out. He drop kicks her. Maka is sent flying into Mai, destroying the phone in the process.
"This has gone on long enough!" Free's eyes have turned red, his teeth are longer.
"Lady Maka please you can't use anymore magic!" Mai uses her tentacles to grab Maka's hands. Free is charging towards them. She uses one of her tentacles to grab a potion, holding it to Maka's lips. "Please drink this-"
"You think you can hold me?" Maka's voice is chilly. "I won't drink anymore of that stuff. Never." Just as Free is on them...Maka opens her mouth. "Ice spike!" The spike comes up, piercing through Free. Right through his stomach. Maka screams. Her left had burns up. A rebound. Mai tried so hard to prevent it but she couldn't help her.
Mai quickly throws a potion at Free. A freeze bomb. It freezes him completely. His snarl frozen in the crystal. "Lady Maka please-" Maka shoves her. She scrambles up, holding her hand, screaming.
"It hurts! It hurts!" She starts calling for Kid. "Help me! Kid my head...It's...I...I don't want to..." She's gripping at her hair, those green eyes are so panicked and pained.
"Kid is coming back Maka!" Liz tries to reach her. "Kid is on his way just try to calm down-"
"I feel him!" Maka suddenly opens her eyes wide. In the next moment she's running out of the mansion.
"No!" Liz rushes after her. Maka is fast despite just having a Rebound. Liz needs to catch up. She can't let her run off. Medusa will snatch her up- The sound of ice breaking stops her.
"Liz he's out!" Patty screams. She grabs Soul before he's crushed under the monsters foot.
Mai throws another freeze potion at him but the ice isn't going to hold. He's in a rampage now. Patty can't hold Soul by herself. Liz needs to be here with her sister...As long as they hold him here, Maka should be fine.
She'll lie to herself. She can't let humans die for a witch. She can't let Mai die either. She saved her sister. They have to hold him here till they can get help.
It hurts. Her hand hurts. Everything is blending together but she feels someone familiar. She needs help. The ooze is over taking her. If she doesn't get help...That girl will wake up. Maka doesn't know how long she runs in till she find the source of this feeling.
His face is a blur. He's standing before her though...still as a corpse. As she stands there, catching her breath...she realizes that this isn't who she thought it was. All she can see is vertical eyes on a empty face...with pink hair. Her body trembles. She's seen a lot of him in her dreams. That monster that tore her apart. A monster that wants to taint her. Just being in front of him makes her scream. She has no more magic.
It's moving inside of her. It's going to break the case the girl is sleeping in. She's going to lose herself.
"I know who you are." Maka grits out, holding her stomach with her uninjured hand. She glares at the blur. He just stands there. And stares. Then...
He holds his hand out to her.
She feels her body is moving on it's own. Reaching out towards him. She'd never reach for him. It's the ooze. Controlling her again. He's going to pull her into Madness. He's going to take her to Medusa. She needs to run. She needs to move-
But she can't.
"I hate you! Die! Die! I'm going to rip your intestines out and shove them down your throat." She screams. "I'll pull you down with me...I will...You..." Maka bites her lips. Forcing her hand down. She won't grab his hand.
Crona doesn't say anything. She can't tell what kind of expression he has. It's just a blur now. He's still staring at her. He takes a step closer. She can't take a step back. She has no magic left and yet...
She's going to try. Once he touches her, she'll make sure she kills him. She'll make sure she takes him with her. Maka won't let this play out as Medusa wants.
She'll throw away her life to be sure.
"Damn it." Free pauses suddenly. Liz, Patty, And Mai are out of breath, covered in bruises and cuts. "She's calling me back..." He mumbles, pissed about it. In the next moment he's gone. Teleported away from them.
"Fuck!" Patty growls, punching the ground.
"Where is Lady Maka?" Mai asks, panicked.
"...She ran off."
"What?-"
Kid suddenly busts into the house with his father and Celeste. "Oh my god!" His eyes tremble as he takes in the damage. Soul unconscious, the Thomson sisters condition, the house in shambles. "Where's Maka?!"
"I'm sorry Kid." Liz swallows, seeing how those eyes shake. "She ran off-"
"What? Where is she? Where is she Liz?!"
"I...I don't know Kid!" Liz swallows. Kid looks like he's about to cry. "I'm sorry! I couldn't stop her Kid, I tried."
"we all did!" Patty backs her up. "We'll find her! She couldn't have gotten too far!"
"Medusa could have her!-"
"I'll find her. Kid" Celeste pushes the jar shes holding into Mai's arms before she runs out of the house before taking flight. Kid turns and runs after Celeste. The Mayor glances at them before rushing to be with his son.
"Damn it." Liz gulps down the lump in her throat. It's been a good twenty minutes since Maka ran off. There's a good chance she's gone. They failed. She hopes to god she's wrong. She doesn't want to see Kid break in front of her.
"We did all we could do." Patty puts a hand on her shoulder. Those blue eyes are watery. "I hope they find her."
"So do I." Mai walks up to them. "Here. The last two healing potions I have. I'll have to make more after I finish up this potion. I need to start making it for when they find Maka..."
"Thank you Mai." Liz takes the potion from her. They both drink it. They can feel their cuts healing themselves.
"Yeah thank you! You were great. Without you we'd probably be dead already!"Patty pats Mai on the back. "As far as witches go, you're okay in my book."
"It's an honor." Mai flushes, that smile too innocent to belong to an enemy. "I'm going to start the potion." She gets this determined look on her face. She marches into another room, clenching the jar close to her.
"Come on Maka." Patty mumbles to herself. "All of that was for nothing if you're gone."
Liz says a silent pray. She never thought she'd pray. Not for a witch. She hopes with all her heart that Maka will make it out of this. She has to make it.
She can't get Kid's eyes out her head. He's fragile.
"Come on Maka. You got this girl." She whispers hoping that somehow Maka can hear her. That it helps.
Celeste spots Maka's magic immediately. She rushes through the sky, not worrying about Kid and the Mayor keeping up. There's a witch spawn with her. Celeste flies the fastest she's every flown. She won't let this all be in vain. Celeste gets in range just as the spawn is about to touch Maka. Not on her watch. Forgive me Lady Maka.
Celeste screeches. It hits both the spawn and Maka, stunning them. She swoops in, grabbing Maka before flying off. She doesn't turn back. She flies as fast as she can with Maka in her arms. Her magic is unstable. It's a matter of minutes, maybe even seconds before that black goo breaks her.
"There's a witch spawn!" Celeste yells down at Kid and the Mayor, still flying towards the house. "He was trying to attack Maka!"
"Kid I'll take care of him. You go with Maka and get her that potion." The Mayor pushes Kid to move. The Mayor runs in the direction that Celeste came from. Kid hesitates for just a moment before he's running after Celeste. The potion is what's important. Thtey have to make it in time. They have Maka but he can already tell she doesn't look good.
Celeste lands in front of the mansion, Kid catching up to her. Maka is screaming. She's had a rebound and she's grabbing at her hair. Pulling at it.
"I've lost! I've lost! Kill me!" Kid picks her up, carrying her into the house.
"You got her-" Liz sighs in relief.
"We need the potion now!" Kid struggles with holding Maka.
"Mai's working on it now!" Patty and Liz help to move her into the cauldron room.
"It's done!" Mai has the white potion in her hand. It's already ready.
"Hurry!" Celeste urges. "Force her mouth open!"
Kid grabs her mouth, using his fingers to try to keep her jaw open. Liz and Patty Grab her legs that are kicking about to hold her more steady.
"Maka you have to take this! It's alright I'm here!" Kid tries to call for her.
"Kid kill me!"
Mai forces the bottle into her mouth, using her tentacles to hold her head still. She pushes a tentacle down her throat, forcing the liquid down with it. Maka bites down on her. She cries in pain but she doesn't stop. She makes sure she gets it all in her stomach.
Suddenly she stops struggling. Mai is able to pull her injured tentacle from her mouth. Maka is pale.
"Maka? Are you alright-"
She vomits. Projectile vomits. It covers Liz and Patty, causing them to let go of her. Maka leans forward, throwing up on the floor. It's black. Pure darkness coming out of her stomach. Her whole body is convulsing with her vomiting. Tears falling down her cheeks. It must hurt.
"She's getting rid of it." Celeste sighs in relief. "It's going to be awhile but she has to get it all out."
"Maka I'm sorry. You're okay." Mai puts a bucket in front of her. She's filling it up quick. The ooze smells awful. Like rotting flesh. Kid is stroking her back, not worried about the vomit that's all over him too.
"Ugh god!" Liz is frozen. "I need a shower. I need more then a shower."
"There it is! Mai catch it." Celeste suddenly shouts. Maka retches, a large dark mass stuck in her throat. Like a black slug. Kid reaches in with his bare hands. He grabs it and pulls it out of her mouth. Mai is quick to grab it from him and put it into a jar. It wiggles around ,trying to find a way out of jar. Once that black slug was out, Maka collapsed.
"She's intact. We made it." Celeste is smiling. It's the most expression Mai has seen on her.
"Thank god." Kid holds her close. He can't help but laugh. They're all covered in vomit, his home is in shambles but they made it.
Maka's going to be okay.
"By the time I made it, there wasn't anyone there." The Mayor reports. Theyr'e all having a meeting in Maka's room. Everyone has washed up and changed. Kid washing up and changing Maka. She's still out cold. Soul is in his room, still out cold.
"Crona escaped." Kid grips his fist. If they were even a second later Crona would have had her. It gets his blood to boil.
"I had a feeling Medusa might try something but I didn't know she had a werewolf on her side." The Mayor looks at Liz and Patty. "You did good holding it off. If you all didn't fight as hard as you did, we wouldn't be here like we are now."
"Thank you, Liz, Patty, Mai. I'm sorry I was cross with you. You didn't deserve that. I'm glad you all are okay. I'm sorry I brought you into this-"
"You don't have to apologize Kid. We said we'd help support you. We're fine too because of Mai. You were right Kid. These witches are on our side." Liz smiles. She's feeling much better after a shower. "Soul did all he could too."
"Yeah we ruined Medusa's plan! She probably thought that smelly werewolf could have taken her from us no problem." Patty smirks.
"She may have pulled Free back just because she thought it was too late for us to help Maka. Turns out we just had enough time to pull it off." The Mayor glances at Maka's sleeping form. "...Though we'll have to see how she is when she wakes up."
"We won. She's stable." Celeste reassures.
"And if Medusa ever tries anything with that black stuff again, I have more of that potion! It made us a good batch of it." Mai cheers.
"So what's the plan now? We got to take care of Medusa right?" Liz cracks her fingers.
"First we see how Maka's doing. Then we prepare our plan of attack. It's about time we start hitting back. She could send that werewolf back here or her son. The next time it could be her."
"We need to kill her. Maka's been through enough as it is." Kid strokes her cheek.
"Alright so the plan is get some sleep and wait for Maka to wake up! I'm tired." Patty yawns.
"Maybe we could throw a party for Maka? I'm sure she would like some cake. She did so good not giving in!" Mai beams.
"Ohh a party!" Patty, Liz and Mai walk out of the room. Celeste gives Maka a glance before she leaves. The Mayor doesn't leave.
"I'll stay in here with you again. I can't leave you alone with her till I know shes' better. That she hasn't changed-"
"Do what you need to. She's okay. I know she is." Kid reassures. He's reassuring himself. He holds her close. He hopes when she wakes up she'll be able to smile at him. That she'll be able to truly look at him and not look through him. He can't wait till she wakes up.
He's got to see she's really okay.
When Maka wakes up, it feels like waking up after an impossible long sleep. Her brain isn't humming. She can think clearly.
"Maka!" Kid's voice. She can hear it. He's here, looking at her with wide eyes. He's smiling at her, those golden orbs shimmering.
"Kid." Maka reaches up, wrapping her arms around him. It's Kid. No monster with vertical eyes staring at her. She can finally see his face.
"I'm here Maka." He tightens his grip on her. "We got rid of that ooze. You're going to be fine now. I won't let that happen again. I swear it."
"It's not your fault Kid. I'm the one who fucked up." Maka laughs, her stomach muscles are sore. The girl slummers still. She feels stronger somehow but...just a little bit. The nightmares have been a blur. She can't remember anything other then the monsters and the pain. She's glad she didn't hurt Kid. "is everyone alright? I wasn't in control for a while there."
"Everyone is fine. They're here. We've been waiting for you to wake up."
Maka pulls away from Kid, looking around the room. These must have been the monsters she was seeing. There's The Mayor who gives her a smile. Those golden eyes are showing her more emotion then usual. Mai and Celeste are beaming at her. Soul is grinning, those sharp teeth showing. Then there's two girls she doesn't recognize.
"Dang never had so many people crowding around me." Maka grins, though her chest feels tight. "You guys must be Liz and Patty...it's nice to meet you. I'm sure I gave you hell. Sorry about that. Not a great way to be meet."
"Yeah you puked all over us!"
"Yeah it was really gross."
"Don't remember any of it. Glad I don't." Maka grins. They don't seem mad at her or like they hate her.
"Yeah let's party! We made you a cake-"
"More like me and Kid made the cake." Liz cuts in. Patty puts a large cake on her lap. It's on a plate but she has to hold it carefully or it will tilt and fall.
"Don't just put it on her Patty! We have to cut it up for everyone."
"Here Maka." Kid grabs the plate, setting the cake to the side. Liz gets to work cutting up the cake. She starts passing out the plates.
"It feels like it's my birthday or something." Maka grabs her plate. The cake is good. Strawberry. Sweet. She says it feels like a birthday but she can't remember the last time she's had a gathering like this. They're all telling her stories of what happen. Telling her how they fought for her and what the had to sacrifice. Kid and the Mayor bought a heart for her. Everyone fought so hard to keep her safe. It's hard hearing how much of a burden she was and yet...She's happy.
She has allies. She doesn't have to do this alone. She won't fall. She made it. Medusa might not feel like it but she lost. She lost in this battle.
And they won.
"Liz and Patty are cool." Maka smiles at Kid. They're finally alone. After the cake they all decided to play some card games. It was so loud and fun. The Mayor joined in. It was a night after all that craziness that she was able to feel at ease.
"Yeah. They have a new respect for you after you beat them at poker." Kid chuckles. He gets in bed with her, wrapping his arms tightly around her. "It was so nice seeing you have a good time. With all my friends too."
"It feels strange. Almost like this is a dream. I wake up from a nightmare to a party. I hope it's not a dream."
"It's not. We won." Kid strokes her hair.
"...I can't believe all the shit that's happened. I was just a pain in the ass the whole time-"
"You weren't Maka. You were fighting your own battle. If you didn't fight it...there would have been no point to what we did."
"Still. I'm sure it was hard on you and the Mayor buying from a witch like that. You've been fighting so hard for me Kid. I need to fight harder for you. I was weak. I felt like I was weak-"
"If you were weak your mind would be lost right now. You did good Maka. It wasn't hard fighting for you. I'll keep fighting for you. I won't let you suffer again." Kid strokes her. She feels like she might fall asleep. She feels tired. She's still recovering. They told her she had a rebound...Mai healed her hand but she's still feeling it's affects.
"You know...I can't remember much but I remembered how much I called for you. How much the thought of you helped me. I was always searching for you."
"You kept calling for me. It broke my heart I couldn't reach you." Kid pulls her close. "But I'm terrible Maka...Because I was happy you were calling for me. Even when you were losing your mind you called for me. I think I may have started to lose my mind as well-"
"You're not terrible for that. I want you to know how much I need you. I'll lose it without you. So no matter what you can't leave me."
"That's my line." Kid sniffles. He's holding her head in his chest so she can't see his face but she can tell by his voice. It's all catching up to him. "You're the one who can't leave me. I would lose it. I was losing it. I was desperate to save you. All I could think about was you and getting you back no matter what." His body shakes. He's crying. Part of her wants to lick up his tears. Part of her enjoys it. That part is just a whisper.
Maka listens to his heart beat as he sobs, clinging to her.
"I've dragged you down with me Kid. You need me like I need you. I won't let you fall. I'll fight to stay by your side...so forgive me if I hurt you in the process." She holds him tighter.
"Hurt me all you need. Just stay."
In his warmth, she feels her own eyes get wet. She's still weak. She's just a weak witch but she wouldn't have it any other way. She's made her decision.
Maka is going to stop with the spell training. She's reached her limit. She can feel it. That power sleeps inside of her. She can't wake it up. If possible she needs to find a way to get rid of It.
She'll stay with him. She'll do all she can.
"I've reached my limit." Maka locks eyes with the Mayor. She called for a meeting the next day. The table is full with everyone. It seems the Mayor also has things he wants to say. It doesn't matter to her. She's made her choice and it's not a secret. "I don't think I can learn any more spells without taking a risk." Kid grabs her hand, squeezing.
"I understand." The Mayor looks relieved. "You know plenty. You've become a reliable witch and witch hunter." She knows the Mayor has been the most worried about her and her powers. She was thinking about pushing herself but after last night...she told Kid that she would try to stay with him. In order to keep her promise to her mother and to him...she can't give in to what's inside of her.
"There's something else I want to talk about." Maka locks eyes with Celeste. She's been quietly listening. "You said that you could see a lot of hidden magic inside of me...I think I know what it is now. When I was crazed I did remember one thing pretty clearly. There's a girl inside of me...that looks just like me. All the power is from her. She's asleep, in a case. I know if she wakes up though that I will change."
"A girl that looks like you?" Celeste's eyebrows furrow.
"Maybe it's something your mind made up Maka-"
"No. I don't remember much but I remember her. She can't wake up. That's why...I want to stop spell training. Medusa's goal was to wake her up. I know it was. The slug wanted to break that case. Now that I'm aware of her I'm worried about accidentally waking her. Celeste, Mai...do you know anyway I can get rid of this magic?"
"...I don't know." Celeste shakes her head. "It's your magic but then it's not."
"It's not an abnormality. If it was the potion would have gotten rid of it." Mai tilts her head.
"...I don't want to speak out of turn." Celeste says, shes' frowning more now. "But listening to you Lady Maka...I've remembered something. There are books of legend that talk about a witch with two types of magic."
"Books of legend?" Kid asks.
"It's something I read a long time ago and I never gave it much thought. The idea is impossible but now you're here Lady Maka. I will find that book. I need to be sure I'm not making a mistake. That book may be able to help you too."
"Anything would help." Maka needs answers. She needs to know how to deal with this power inside of her.
"So what's the plan?" Soul cuts in.
"I have my men still searching out all the witches that Celeste has sensed. In the mean time we'll get prepared to fight a werewolf with updates to our weapons. I'll train you all to make sure you're ready for the battle ahead. I feel it...Medusa is still on the attack. I don't know what it is but I feel uneasy."
"It could be the fact this place is still in shambles." Liz gestures. "We've been busy recovering from her last attack."
"The contractors are working on fixing the place up." The Mayor glances at Kid and Maka. "There's one last thing we need to talk about."
"What?" The Mayor is staring at her intently.
"Maka, after recent events I think it's best that you stay home from hunts-"
"No-"
"Medusa is calculating our moves. She's laid two traps for you. This last trap almost destroyed you. You will be safer if you stay in the mansion."
"Medusa could have calculated this too! If I'm stuck in the mansion she could just attack while you guys are off on a hunt."
"She's right Father. It would be best if she stayed close to us-"
"The Thompson sisters and Soul will be staying with you. Along with the two witches. I'll have some of my men station around the mansion so they can aid if anyone attacks again. We are able to control the situation better if we have you in the house. If we take you out, there's more of a risk you could be whisked away. What if that black gunk didn't pull you into the bottom of the house but pulled you away from us, right to Medusa? We couldn't do anything. The charms placed around here make it a unfavorable place for a witch to fight-"
"It could be Free that comes back." Maka tries.
"That's why I'm updating your weapons. The next time he attacks it won't be as much of an issue as long as you have silver." The Mayor locks eyes with Kid. "You know it's what's best for her. She won't listen to me."
She already knows what Kid is going to say. He's hesitating.
"What if Medusa is planning on attacking you two next? If she gangs up on you while you're out-"
"Jacob's gang has been hunting with us. She can try to attack us but I'm ready for her. I doubt she will go that route."
"I want to keep hunting with you guys." Maka bites her lip. Kid is conflicted. The Mayor is staring her down. She wants to rebel... "But...You're right. I fucked up the last time we went out. I'll stay back."
"Thank you Maka." The Mayor relaxes. "It's the better choice. We can't let Medusa get the upper hand anymore."
"We'll get her soon Maka." Kid encourages. He's still clinging to her. He probably thinks it's safer for her to stay here too. Celeste will be here to tell her if a witch is coming. She has more than enough people to back her up.
"So we protect Maka." Patty grins.
"The plan is to train, update weapons, you guys are going to hunt, we protect Maka. Seems we're still on the defensive." Soul picks at his teeth.
"For now. My instinct is telling me we have to be cautious."
The Mayor is on edge. Maka gets the feeling. The snake is still hissing, slithering under their feet.
As the meeting is breaking up, The Mayor gets a phone call. His face is strict. The tone of his voice gets everyone to pause in leaving. When he hangs up, it's hard to read his expression.
"That was Jacob. Someone leaked our dealings with the witch to the other witch hunters."
"What?!" Kid looks pale. "How many? Who leaked it?-"
"He thinks it was one of his men. First I'll see if the accusation sticks. If it does I probably already have some angry emails. I'll try to keep this under control before it breaks out into a riot."
"So a bunch of witch hunters are pissed, what are they going to do?" Maka looks around. Kid, Liz and Patty look pale.
"If they're mad enough they could attack us." Kid locks eyes with Maka. "But father is a good speaker. I'm sure he can defuse the situation."
"The last thing we need is a fight between witch hunters." Liz frowns.
"The boss will take care of it!" Patty perks up.
Maka can't help the twisting of her stomach. Something is being set into motion. She'll trust the Mayor can handle it. Fighting against witch hunters and witches would become too much.
She can hear Medusa's crackling laugh.