Ah yes, chapter six. I'm really enjoying writing this so far.
I do not own Soul Eater.
Chrona sat quietly in the corner of his room, clutching the pillow from the bed tightly. Something felt wrong, like he was being watched. Chrona knew enough about being watched to know when it happened. Medusa was dead, but this didn't feel like her anyway. It was different, and it frightened him. Ragnarock was never any help it seemed, when things like this happened. The scrawny teenager looked towards the window, eyes causious as they peered out.
The jet black bird sat there, not making a noise. Red eyes never blinking or leaving. Just watching as if it was waiting for Chrona do do something. It was making him nervous, and Chrona wanted nothing more than for the feathered thing to go away. As if the creature could hear his thoughts, the bird took flight. Leaving the jumpy teen to himself once again. He had wanted to go and meet the others. Miss Marie had told him all about Ayelis' call. It was just that feeling, that something was wrong. Chrona only hoped that Ayelis wouldn't be too upset with him for not going. The pale haired teen sobbed into the pillow quietly, not knowing how to deal with this new issue.
Lord Death had been waiting patiently for the group of teens to arrive. Stein was there with him, waiting to give them the full breifing on their next mission. It was going to be a gruesome one, and the professor only wished he was going along to see about disecting the creature they were after. As the last of them finally made their way to the death room, the Grim Reaper began the discussion.
"All right then. As you kids know, there has been a lot of unwanted activity up in the mountain regions lately. Although I doubt there is a witch involved, this is still going to be a dangerous assignment." all of them nodded, fully understanding what Lord Death meant. "Now then, Stein, could you go over what exactly it is they are looking for?"
"Right. I'm sure you kids have all heard of a Wendigo, correct?" he inquired, adjusting the giant screw in his head.
"I've heard of them. But I never thought they actually exsisted." It was Kid who answered, a thoughtful expression as he considered the possibility.
"Well they do. To be precise, it's something that manifests over time as a result of human cannibalism. Some people claim that humans themselves can be transformed or possessed by a Wendigo." Stein paused to let the informations sink in, then continued his speech, "It would seem that the villages in the mountain areas have suffered from an outbreak of cannibalistic nature, and from it one such creature seems to be responsible."
"So this thing, is not only dangerous. You're saying if it's left unchecked it could also become a kishin?" Maka was a little disturbed by the whole idea.
"Exactly why we're sending all of you. We don't even know if it's just one, or more of these things. So I suggest you stay on you guards all all times."
With the end of his explanation, Stein took the time to light up a cigarette and watch as the group of teens before him digested his words. When none of them spoke, Lord Death asumed they all understood what they were up against. He bounced happily in place, as he looked over the group. He had full faith in them as always.
"I trust you all can handle this?" he tilted his head sideways with his question.
"We'll have it done in no time sir." Maka replied.
"Okay then, I'll let you all be on your way. And Ayelis, don't forget about your soul collection." the reaper pointed a one of his oversized index fingers at the girl.
"Of course sir. I'll do my best." she smiled nervously, knowing she would have to work hard.
Lord Death dismissed the group, waving an encouraging hand as they departed from the Death Room. Though before he let them all leave, he called a few of them aside to talk about another ongoing issue.
"Lyall, Vizy. Could I speak with the two of you privately for a moment?" for once his voice was serious, a rare case for the bouncing Grim Reaper.
Both boys stayed behind, and Lyall had a feeling he knew what it was about. "Sir?"
"You're both aware of your meister's condition, correct?" he knew the answer, but it wasn't entirely a question.
"Yeah, we know. You want us to keep an eye on her right?" Vizy, for once, was taking this issue very seriously.
"It seems that latley she's been getting worse. Maka informed me about it from the last time. I'm worried that if it continues she might get out of controll." he tilted his head once more, "Do you understand?"
"Yes sir. We are aware." Lyall's face was hurt, but he knew Lord Death was right.
"I'll let you to watch over her, but be careful. Your weapon forms have a strange effect on her soul. I'll have Stein run some tests when you get back, but for now boys, you're dismissed."
Vizy had protested against Stein being the one to do any testing on their meister, but Lyall had simply dragged his brother out of the room. Both boys rejoined the group outside, a few questions on what Lord Death had wanted were asked, but Lyall simply shrugged it off as something Vizy had done. Ayelis looked confused, but shook any thoughts that might be accusations from her head. They had to get ready to go now, and it was bound to be another long trip. It almost always was. Passing through the halls of the school, Ayelis had noticed someone who she had been wanting to see for a while now. Her eyes lit up happily, as she spotted the pale haired young boy cowering behind a corner. She approached him slowly.
"Chrona?" she spoke out loud, hoping she wouldn't scare him off.
"A..Ayelis! I... I'm sorry about yesterday. Really I am, I just..." Chrona stumbled over his words, trying desperately to appologize to the girl.
"It's ok really." she smiled, they had been right about Chrona's shyness, "I was hoping I'd get the chance to talk to you though. But I guess it'll have to wait until we get back."
She gave a sheepish grin, and waved a quick good-bye before she ran to catch up to the others. Leaving Chrona to watch her go. Ragnarock popped out to see what was going on, watching as the group departed for their mission. The sword had been unsusually quiet latley, but he had his reasons. Chrona felt a little relieved, but still a nervous wreck. He didn't want to get his friends involved if he could help it. The scrawny teen wanted to figure this out on his own and put a stop to it before it hurt anyone.
It had taken them long enough to get there, but the group finally came to the remote village they had been looking for. The entire place was in shambles, not one soul could be found and to top it off, the stench of decayed bodies was overpowering. Liz had to hold herself back from spewing her lunch everywhere. Patty was looking around, a curious expression as she took in the sight.
"This is awfull." Liz tried hard not to let the nausia take over as she continued to scan the area. She nearly lost it though,when she caught sight of a childs body. Torn by what looked like teeth marks all over the corps.
"It doesn't look like anyone might have survived." Kid's serious tone was even more so than usual.
"How could anyone... do something like this?" Tsubaki was trembling, and even Black Star was silent with the grim air around them.
The bodies of men, women, and children alike were littered everywhere. Maka remained quiet, as her heart ached for all the lost souls. She couldn't imagine what had been going through their minds, when everything happened. She could feel Soul's own disgust, resonating between them. It was something you never could get used to, no matter how much of it you might have seen before.
"We should keep moving. And I suggest you all take weapon form." Ayelis spoke with caution laced in every word, "I have an odd feeling we might run into something soon."
Maka knew she was right, but she didn't like the thought of Ayelis' soul wavelength going berserk again. She looked towards Lyall, silently asking the question of if they could handle it or not. He responded with a simple nod, bracing himself for the worst case scenario. Looking at his brother square in the eye, they both acknoledged one another and transformed. Maka imediately sensed the change in the axe meister, as she took hold of them. though Ayelis said nothing, Maka could still feel the strange resonance coming from her friend. All of the weapons followed suit, and the group prepared themselves for a fight. They were relying in Maka and Kid to sense anything coming their way.
They all proceeded slowly, through the dead bodies and ruins that once were a quaint little village. The frigid mountain air only seemed to make things more ominous. It was Kid who caught the others' attention as he froze in place. His eyes darted towards something in the distance. Maka had already seen it, and they waited to see if it was what they had come for.
"Everyone, get ready. Thats a Kishin egg over there." Maka warned, tightening her grip on Soul. She glanced towards Ayelis, and her worry increased ashe she saw the look on the other girl's face.
"Bring it on. That pile of puke is gonna pay for all of this." the eerie grin on her face slowly growing.
"Thats right! Bring it On! Black Star is gonna kick your ass!" the assasin finally finding the words to speak.
Whatever it was, the creature was moving slowly towards them all. Lurching around at some points, then almost scurrying at others. It was nearly in front of them, and Maka could see it's features clearly now. It was large, and very frail looking. Its grey skin was stretched over a skeletal like frame. Bones showing through, like the thing hadn't eaten in ages. Its eyes were pulled deep in their sockets, leering out at the intruders of its new home. All of the teens nearly gaged as the already putrid smell, grew worse. The creature's lips, or whatever was left of them, curled into a repulsive bloody smile, as it took in the appearance of the four meisters.
"Mmmmmmm... fresh meat... freeeesh souuulsssss." it's voice was ragged and scratchy, sending chills down all of their spines.
"So this thing is the Wendigo?" Kid was focused on the creature, "Not much to look at are you." he sneered in disgust.
"Kid, be careful. That things is... so GROSS!" Liz was near tears at the sight of it.
"Yeah! He's Icky!", came Patty's own response. Both sisters were right about that.
"It might be better to do this from a distance." Maka was trying to plot a way to kill it quickly, without getting too roughed up. "Black Star, Ayelis, think you can handle that?"
"Of course I can! A big star like me can handle anything." the assasin smirked, "Tsubaki, shuriken mode!"
Obeying her meister, the dark arm changed forms. Reveiling herself as a large shuriken, ready for combatte. Ayelis however, said nothing as she took a stance. Maka was worried, as she could feel the anger radiating off the other girl, the look of agression spread over her face in a wicked grin. This time Kid was aware of it as well, glancing back towards the axe meister.
"Kid, what is it?" Liz whispered, she could always tell when something was distracting him.
"It's nothing. Let just get this over with."
Kid and Maka weren't the only ones worried. Lyall was trying his best to surpress the violent emotions that were trying to consume his meister. Vizy supported him, but it seemed as though things were getting worse. The boys knew if this continued that even they couldn't keep Ayelis from hurting herself, and possibley others. At that moment though, it didn't matter.
"Soooooo hunnnnnngry...need...to... eeaAAAAAT!" the Wendigo cried out, racing towards the group in a speed they didn't think it was capable of.
"Maka! Guard!" Soul shouted, snapping his meister out of her worrysome daze.
The monster lunged at her. Biting and clawing with everything it had. It barely gave her time to react. Black Star took the innitiative, and began his own assult. Throwing Tsubaki towards the thing, it knocked her back with little effort. Her blades barley left a scratch.
"Dammit! That didn't work at all!" Black Star cursed, as he caught his partner again.
"Kid! Try shooting it!" Maka instructed, hoping that soul bullets would do better than blades.
With that the young reaper aimed, and fired. Striking the beast several times, and causing it to scream in pain. In reaction, it let out an icy breath almost freazing Kid to his spot. Ayelis was watching, her eyes never leaving the Wendigo. She was going to kill this thing, and as if that was all the motivation she needed, she took off towards it. Blades raised and ready to attack.
"Ayelis! What are you doing?" Lyall was panicking. Vizy as well was afraid of what could happen.
"WHAT THE HELL? Maka said fight from a distance you friggin idiot!"
Despite their efforts, Ayelis ignorred them. Taking a wide swing at the grey skinned monster, she let out a yell. Before her weapons could even touch the thing, it moved out of her way. Screaming and growling in a blind rage, it caught her off guard. It's large claws swung towards her, slashing left and right as she tried to guard. Just as it had done with Maka before, it left no time for the girl to react. Its claws caught her, tearing into her flesh as it picked her up by the shoulder. Licking its blood stained teeth, the Wendigo bit down into her arm, savoring the flavor of human flesh.
Ayelis screamed as the pain shot through her body like adrenaline. She had dropped her weapons, and both were unable to help. Their blades wouldn't work on the monster, and it was about to devour their meister whole. Her soul wavelength returned to normal, just in time for her to leave consciousness.
"AYELIS!" Maka's eyes went wide with fear, "Kid, Black Star! We have to help!"
"That dumbass! What was she thinking?"
"Black Star! Now is not the time for critique!" Kid snapped, aiming his pistols and firing numerous shots at the Wendigo.
The creature reeled in pain once more, but refused to let go of their friend. After huffing something under his breath, Black Star joined the fight once more. Stepping up behind the creature for a direct attack. The shock from his soul wavelength was enough to get it to release the girl in its grasp. Her body fell limply to the ground, as the beast roared in anger. Black Star snatched up their companion, pulling her to safety as Maka and Kid used their soul resonance. One death cannon and genie hunter attack later, and the Wendigo was no more. It's body decintegrated, leaving it's soul out in the open.
"The soul belongs to Ayelis. I'll hang onto it for now." Maka only nodded to him, as Kid collected the Kishin egg.
Both of them turned to join Black Star, who was trying his best to help the unconscious girl. Tsubaki had already transformed back, and was pressing a hand to Ayelis' forehead and cheeks. Her face grimaced as she felt barely any heat comming from the smaller girl. Her pulse was weak, and she had lost a lot of blood already. Maka cringed at the sight of their friend, knowing they had to get her back to Death City fast. Vizy and Lyall were back in human form. Both of them had their faces turned down, not saying a word. Their meister was badly injured because they couldn't protect her. Maka watched them, then shook her head, knowing what they had to do next.
"She needs medical attention and fast. The only way I can think of is if Kid can carry her back." she frowned, knowing they'd be a day or two behind, but it was the quickest way to get Ayelis the help she needed. Soul could feel her trying to fight off the mournful expression. Their friend wasn't dead yet. Maka looked towards the reaper, who remained silent.
"Kid can do it! He's the fastest one here!" Patty chimed. She always had full faith in her meister.
"It's not like we really have a choice. Patty and I can stay behind." Liz pointed out reluctantly, "It'll be easier that way."
Liz glanced at Vizy, who still remained quiet. Neither of the boys had objected to the idea, and they knew they'd have to stay behind and catch up like the rest of them. She felt sorry for the brothers, as they watched their meister. Laying unconscious between Black Star and Tsubaki, her breathing labored and her color an almost ghostly white. Liz stood beside Vizy, placing a hand on his shoulder to let him know she was there. He didn't respond, but he didn't shove her hand away either.
"Kid, take her and get moving. I don't think she'll last long if we don't hurry." Maka ordered, her voice was low but urgent.
"Right." he hesitated, but only for a moment, then summoned Beelzebub.
Black Star scooped up the axe meister cafully, heading Tsubaki's advice to be gentle with the girl. Passing her to Kid, the reaper only faultered for a second before recovering his balance. It was hard for all of them to watch as he left with her. Vizy and Lyall were afraid. She had been so reckless, and now she was just barely hanging on to life. Soul watched the two of them. He knew how it felt, not being able to protect someone close to you. That sort of situation was never cool.
"Lets just hope they get back in time."
Dun dun dun! I really do give Ayelis hell. But she's my character, I can beat her up if I want. Besides, Maka did warn her XD
Review please? I'd like to know how I'm doing so far.