Crona sat up in bed, his arms wrapped around his stomach. He still couldn't believe what had happened. Stein was still standing beside the bed with Spirit. Both men were looking down at Soul,who lay motionless before them.
"Professor Stein, y-you can fix him right?" Crona said finally.
"I'm afraid not. It doesn't look good for Soul,judging by what I've seen with the other students, and his current condition,the rapid decline of his health just in the last few minutes, He's not going to make it until Maka gets back. Hell, Soul may not even last the night." Stein rested a hand on the boy's chest.
"He's still breathing but it's really hard to tell just looking at him, and I've never seen anyone so pale,I can't do much for him at this point. The best thing might be just to keep him asleep to avoid the pain." Spirit looked at him.
"You mean you're just going to keep him comfortable?" Stein adjusted the screw in his head and sighed heavily.
"That's exactly what I mean. It'll be peaceful, he won't feel anything and when he can't hold on, he'll just -"
"Soul won't let go, he can't. My Maka needs him and as much as I hate it, she loves him. I don't trust many people with my daughter's life, but I always knew he would protect her. As her father, I kind of owe him for the times he almost died for her. I'm sure it was more than we're aware of. I can't just sit back and let Maka's heart be shattered."
"We don't have a choice. Soul's a good kid, but so are the others. This is exactly what happened to them. Fever spiking, extreme pain, mostly in the abdominal area. I'm willing to bet he was trying to tell us it felt like he was being torn apart,that's the way the weapons described it just before the passed." Stein shook his head.
"He's about as alright as he's going to get right now,I need to see to the others, I'll check on Soul in about an hour. Prove me wrong Soul,for Maka and to give us some hope." He placed a cool cloth on Soul's forehead and turned to Crona.
"Do you feel any different?" He asked moving to Crona's bedside.
"My stomach hurts a little more,it feels kind of sharp but I don't think my fever went up at all." Stein nodded.
"Lie down, I'm going to check you." Crona did as he was told and allowed Stein to examine his vital signs. When he pressed on Crona's belly, the young boy cried out.
"Tenderness, you didn't have that last time."
"I can deal with this,I promised Soul I'd take care of Maka until he's better, he is going to be better because -because he's Soul and he's brave and strong and Soul always does what's best for Maka and he's what's best for her." Crona declared.
"Hold on to that hope,we'll need it. I'll get you something for pain. That's all I can offer."
"Thank you. I know it's not easy but I know you're doing the best you can." Crona closed his eyes as Stein and Spirit left. He hoped if he allowed himself to sleep,it would help.
"What's wrong with you?"Black Star asked sitting next to Maka. She had been quiet for most of the journey.
"I just have a feeling something isn't right with Soul. It's hard to explain but I feel it in my heart and I'm not there for him."
"Only because you're here trying to stop this. You can't pay attention to that right now,otherwise we're not gonna get anywhere."
"I know,but I'm really worried about -"
"Don't you think I'm worried too, Tsubaki's got it too and Soul's a good friend. I know what you're feeling but I can't let it get to me. What would Soul say to you if he was here?" Maka knew all too well what he would say. His voice played in her mind.
"Damn it Maka, we don't have time for this, it's not cool to be this way while everyone needs us. Get moving."
"Right." She said clenching her fists in determination. The group continued until they had reached the outskirts of the city. They were unaware of the hooded figure watching them from the rooftop of a nearby house. The glowing emerald eyes fixed on them as they walked. A low chuckle came from the figure and a devilish smile crept onto the face.
"Mere children have been sent to stop Lady Rhiannon's plan, she'll be pleased, this will be easier than she thought."