The Japanese Temple: Raina's First Lesson Gone Wrong?

Raina and Maka with Soul in weapon form stand in front of a old temple. A few gargoyles are shaped in the form of dragons, with large wings wrapping around the columns they stand on.

Soul: So this is where this mysterious person is hiding?

Raina: Apparently. Whoever this is, I'm sure they aren't going to be easy to defeat. Like I said, Taiyo Temple is a sacred place. All the prayers would strengthen them beyond belief. But that would only work if they had a small piece of magic in them, like a meister and a weapon.

Maka: Wait, what? Magic in a meister?

Raina: (looks over at Maka) Well, yes, in a way. Why do you think soul resonance is possible?

Soul: So, we have to expect a strong meister in there, with a weapon partner?

Raina: Yes. Let's go. No point in delaying it.

Maka: (acts determined, like she does whenever she's in a fight) Right.

Raina and Maka walk into the temple, Raina leading the way to the back, where there were some candles burning. It seemed like a very peaceful place, but suddenly Raina tenses up. Maka stops behind her, then she tenses too.

Soul: What is it, Maka?

Maka: I can feel a soul.

Raina: Yes, it's strong, and close.(lowers her head, then looks up. She talks loudly to the darkness beyond her.) Whos there? Show yourself!

Soul: Is that really a smart idea, Maka?

Maka: Raina knows more about this place than we do.

Raina stands stiff, not calling out again. Then, she quickly unsheathes her swords, startling Maka.

Raina: The soul, it's not normal.

Maka: What do you mean?

Raina: Usually, someone's soul has a sort of... casing around it. It shows that the soul is inside a body. But this one... doesn't. The soul is free-floating. But... I can't see anything.

Soul: Can you sense that too, Maka?

Maka: Well, I sense a soul, but I don't feel this whole free-floating thing.

Suddenly, Raina stiffens up even more and falls backwards. Her swords skid harmlessly out of her way.

Maka: Raina! (quickly walks over to Raina, who had already begun to get up. Raina puts a hand to her chest. ) Raina, you ok? What happened?

Raina: (panting a little bit) I felt the energy coming closer, then it hit me, all at once. I've never felt anything like that.

Soul: Maka, is the soul still there?

Maka: (looking around, as Raina gets up in the background.) I don't know. I still feel resonating energy, but it seems like the soul has fled.

Soul: How will we explain that to Lord Death?

Raina: Well, we could contact him. There should be a cool clear pool of water across this room. It's always got a clear, solid coating of candle wax on it. We might be able to use that.

Maka: Worth a try.

Raina leads the way over to the pool, where Maka finds it easy to write the number in the candle wax layer on the top of the water. She mumbles the number, then stands back. She has to look down, but the pool is at a height where it's comfortable for their necks.

Maka: (mumbles) 42-42-564, whenever you wanna knock on Death's door. (steps back and speaks clearly.) Hello, Lord Death, are you there?

Death: Yeah, hiya! Good to see ya! Have you completed your mission yet?

Raina steps in from the shadows.

Raina: Well, sir, something strange just happened here.