Episode Eight
The Witch Hunt Begins, An Impromptu Contingency Plan?
A sound soul dwells within a sound mind and a sound body.
Merios walked into the library and up to the desk. He rang the bell and waited as patiently as possible. It was hard when he was trying to get to the bottom of something. He was irked. He had been given the title of executive faculty member but he felt like he was being treated like a first-year student being left out of the loop.
The librarian walked up to the desk and looked at Merios with a forced smile. He wore glasses, was bald on top and had tufts of curly brown hair sticking out everywhere else. Merios returned the smile.
"Can I help you, sir?" he asked.
"I'm looking for some books that would contain information on someone named Eibon," Merios said. He slid the librarian a paper with the name on it in case he needed the proper spelling. The librarian picked it up and peered at the name from over his spectacles and then back at Merios with a raised eyebrow.
Merios also gave him his executive faculty badge showing that he was cleared up to level three for materials. The librarian disappeared into the vault of cards indexing the library and Merios continued to wait. He began to reflect on what Lord Death had said to him.
"Lord Death, I have some urgent issues that I need to bring to your attention," Merios said, not waiting for the normal etiquette of waiting to be greeted. Lord Death spun around, his giant Reaper hands crossed behind his back. Soul gave Merios a quick glance but remained seated on the lockbox holding the magic tools.
"Oh! Hallo! Hallo! What's happening, Merios?" Lord Death asked.
"Forgive me while I collect my thoughts. I have to think of where to begin," Merios said, furrowing his brow and trying to make sense of everything that had transpired.
"Take your time, Merios," Lord Death replied. He was being much more short-spoken than usual, Merios noted. He wondered if there was something amiss.
"Meister Tsarevich went to Eibon's observatory today where he encountered Vyse Rosemont, the Scroll Assassin who was previously enrolled here. While he was there, they also came across Liir, the Warlock that he and I had intercepted before. The three of them had a scuffle and Tsarevich was badly injured.
"He's currently in the intensive care infirmary with Tsubaki. It's a terrible wound, but she is confident that she should be able to save him," Merios said.
"That's terrible. What was Tsarevich doing at the observatory?" Lord Death asked.
"What were all of them doing at the observatory for that matter?" Soul asked.
"Tsarevich was curious about the magic tools; he's an apt student who likes to learn so I answered his questions about where Liir had got the tool in the first place. He decided to go to the observatory all on his own.
"Vyse was looking for magic tools to help improve his combat since he does not have a Meister partner. As far as I know, the Warlock Liir was searching for more tools as he has been," Merios explained.
"That is disturbing news. Keep me posted on the boy's recovery," Lord Death said.
"It gets worse," Merios interjected. Soul and Dead looked at him and waited for him to finish.
"I interrogated Vyse and he told me that the Warlock Liir is actually a Witchblade," Merios stated simply.
"A Witchblade? I didn't think that those actually existed," Soul said.
"Yes. We know that the Witches have been trying to do that for some time now but after so many failed attempts I figured they either gave up or it wasn't going to work. Can you confirm the validity of this claim?" Lord Death asked.
"Not with absolute certainty. I can say this. When Tsarevich and I encountered him weeks ago, both of us noticed that there was something out of the ordinary with his soul wavelength. It was behaving like a Witch soul to be certain, but there was something strange about it I didn't recognize until now. I would bank on the report being true: we are dealing with a Witchblade," Merios said resolutely.
"I'm surprised that we did not become privy to this until now; usually nothing escapes you, Merios," Lord Death said tactfully.
"It is disconcerting to say the least, but that's an ordeal that I will have to figure out. In the meantime, what are we going to do now that a Witchblade has been revealed?" Merios asked.
"I think there's only one thing we can do: we must focus all of our efforts on apprehending the Witchblade," Lord Death confirmed.
"You want us to 'apprehend' him? Wouldn't it be easier to just destroy him?" Soul asked. Merios was wondering the same thing.
"Absolutely not. We cannot pass up this opportunity to study the Witchblade and find out exactly what he is capable of. I thought you, Merios, would appreciate this if nothing else," Lord Death said.
"I think you mistake me for another professor that once worked at this Academy. Nonetheless, if that is what you think is best, I would advise that we move as soon as possible," Merios said.
"You're absolutely right, Merios. I will compile a team of Meisters to apprehend the Witchblade. Stay on standby in case I need you," Lord Death said.
"Lord Death, if I may, I would like to find more information about Eibon and his work with the magic tools. I want to get a better understanding of what exactly the Witches are trying to do," Merios said.
"Don't worry about that right now. There are more pressing matters that require your attention," Lord Death said. He had never denied him information before. The tone of his voice changed ever-so-slightly. That cheerful goofiness in his voice that seemed to flow so naturally suddenly seemed a little forced. What was hiding behind the forced sentiment was tone that Merios found particularly unnerving. He was not about to cross him again.
Still, it doesn't make sense. At first, I thought that the secrecy was for the sake of the students. After all, Tsarevich took one tidbit of information and got himself in a coma. But why won't Lord Death let me in on it? What is he afraid that I'm going to find?
"I'm sorry sir, but the information that you've requested is restricted," the librarian said, coming back to the desk, sliding Merios his card. Merios shook his head from the daze that he had been in.
"I'm an executive faculty member. You're telling me that I don't have access to check out a book?" Merios asked incredulously.
"I'm sorry sir, but only a member of the Death Family can access that information," the librarian explained. Merios nodded, scooped up his card and started to leave the library.
There's something not right about all of this. We've been collected magic tools for quite a while now and it is clear that the Witches have been doing the same. What are they not telling me? And why?
"Hey, Professor! Don't you think we should be excused from class since our beloved friend and roommate is in the infirmary?" Nail asked.
"No, Nail. Take you seat and be quiet," the professor shot back.
"Geez! What's got him in such a foul mood?" Nail asked. Vyse looked around and noticed something different about their lecture hall. It was filled up. The classes were always at about three-quarters to allow for extra room. People were filing in.
"I wonder why everyone is here. Are they transferring the students from another class into ours?" Vyse asked. Hammer started looking around too.
"I don't think so. They usually do this when they're about to make an announcement. Whatever you do, don't get up. Someone will take your seat," Hammer said. Vyse settled down in his chair next to Hammer.
Nail had his handheld gaming system out and the headphones in his ear. The sounds of explosions could be faintly heard from the little ear buds. He found himself lost in the sound and the video in a matter of minutes and stopped paying attention.
"Hey Hammer, how does Nail manage to pass his classes? He never pays attention," Vyse pointed out.
"I do his homework for him," Hammer replied simply.
"They have a name for what you're doing; it's called, 'cheating,'" Vyse pointed out bitterly. Vyse was capable enough as a student, but he did have to discipline himself to study. Seeing Nail get average grades without having to do anything was somewhat unsettling.
"Nah. We're partners. It's not like I'd do it for you; that would be cheating," Hammer said. Vyse raised an eyebrow, saw the opportunity for a burn and couldn't pass it up.
"There's no way I'd ever let you do my homework, Hammer," Vyse replied.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Hammer demanded.
"I think you know," Vyse shot back.
"Why you—!"
"Alright! Everyone find a seat or a place to stand against the wall and settle down. I have an important announcement to make," the professor began. Most of the students had already settled as it was. Vyse kept his eyes glued to the professor.
"What happened to Tsarevich?"
"Is he gonna be okay?"
"Is it true that he fought a Witch?"
The questions began to fly out. The professor only held up his hand and waited for the rumble of voice to die down again. He was a patient man. If Vyse had the floor and people wouldn't shut up he'd lose it.
"Yesterday, Tsarevich went to Eibon's Observatory in the mountains. While there, he met up with Vyse Rosemont. Shortly after, a Warlock named Liir showed up scavenging the place for magic tools. There was a fight between our students and the Warlock that left Tsarevich severely injured.
"He is currently in the intensive care unit of our infirmary, under close watch by Nurse Tsubaki. He is not in good shape, but she is confident that with time and rest he will recover.
"There is something important that all of you need to know that Lord Death asked me to inform you of: the Warlock Liir is a Witchblade," the professor finished. Vyse had been expecting this, but he did not expect the reaction. The classroom erupted into chaos. Some were in disbelief, some seemed frightened, some seem nonchalant. Some of them, like Nail, had their noses buried in a video game.
"Some of you understand the ramifications of this development," the professor began, caught side of Nail and jumped in a single bound on top of the desk he was sitting at, "and others of you it goes right over your head."
He snatched the game system out of Nail's hands, jerking the ear buds from his ears. He used his soul wavelength to crush the system in his hand into tiny plastic and metal pieces.
"Your friend and roommate is in a coma, there's a Witchblade on the loose and all you care about is playing your stupid video games, Nail. You make me sick. If I catch you playing video games in my class again, it won't be pretty," the professor said. Nail was dumbfounded. He just nodded
Hammer started laughing at Nail's misfortune. The professor shot him a look that shut him up pretty quickly. The professor took his place at the front of the class and continued his announcement.
"As you might imagine, the Witchblade has become an interest and priority of the DWMA. For a while, most of the executive faculty members will be occupied with trying to find him," Merios said.
"Does that mean no classes?" Nail asked.
"Woo hoo!" Hammer added.
The professor grabbed two text books and hurled them with all his might at Hammer and Nail's heads. His aim was true and the two were quietly seeing stars after the blow.
"Classes will carry on as normal. I'm here to introduce you to your substitute teacher. He is a role model and mentor of mine. I would like for all of you to meet Doctor Franken Stein," the professor said. A hush fell over the student body. Vyse had heard the name before but was not familiar with the man. He looked as a tall, lanky, silver-haired man with a huge bolt through his head entered the classroom. He was wearing a long white lab coat, gray pants, and a black shirt. All of them were stitched together as if they had been torn apart and reassembled.
"I expect you to treat him with the same respect," he paused and stole a glance at Hammer and Nail, "make that more respect than you treat me. He is a brilliant scientist and the greatest of Meisters. Pay attention because this is a rare opportunity and you'll learn a lot."
"Hello, class. It will be a joy and a pleasure to be your substitute teacher while Professor Aurion is attending to other matters," Stein said with a smile. Vyse thought there was something really odd about the man. He wondered if all professors would give him the creeps.
"Sir! I would like to put my name in for consideration for the mission to apprehend the Witchblade!" Hammer said, trying desperately to sound serious and official. Vyse rolled his eyes. He could imagine how this was going to go.
"Because of the dangerous nature of this mission, students are not allowed to participate," Merios replied simply.
"I want to help my friend!" Hammer said, pounding his fist on the desk.
"You can help your friend by visiting him daily and staying up on your studies. Sit down, Hammer," the professor said. His tone was firm and Hammer realized he was beaten.
"Those of you in the other classes will report here from now on. We will bring in some desks for you to sit in tomorrow. You shouldn't need any writing materials today. Pay attention to Doctor Stein," the professor said. And with that, he and several other faculty members that Vyse did not recognize left.
"Okay class. I understand that the professor has you deciding your teams. What I am going to teach you about is soul resonance. I need a few volunteers," Stein said. Hands went up all over the place. Vyse decided to remain an observer for now.
"Stupid Professor Aurion! Why shouldn't we be allowed to participate in the mission? We're the strongest Weapon-Meister pair in our class," Hammer protested.
"It's for our protection, Hammer. Didn't you hear? It's not a normal enemy we're fighting; it's a Witchblade," Nail pointed out.
"It's nothing we can't handle," Hammer countered.
"You guys do not want to fight him; trust me," Vyse said. They kept their voices low so while Stein was teaching Sky and Rain's team how to resonate.
"Is he very strong?" Nail asked.
"Stronger than anything I've faced. You saw what he did to Tsarevich," Vyse replied.
"You're telling me that no part of you wants the opportunity to teach that bastard a lesson for what he did to our friend?" Hammer asked. Vyse raised his eyebrows and realized that Hammer was right.
"I'd love to. I would be leery to do it without a Meister partner though," Vyse said.
"Well I do have a Meister partner and I think that Nail and I would have no problem taking on a Witchblade. We defeated the Kishin Dahmer in case you didn't hear," Hammer bragged.
"I heard. It's all you've been talking about. Don't forget that you had Tsarevich's help when you did that," Vyse said.
"That's true," Hammer admitted.
"Still, this kid's table nonsense is getting old already," Vyse said slyly.
"What do you have in mind?" Nail asked.
"The teachers are formulating the plan. If can sneak into the Death Room and listen to what they're going to do, I'll get a heads-up and leave early to take care of the Witchblade myself," Vyse said.
"Oh no you don't! Not without us," Hammer said.
"Yeah…as much as I would have liked to have stayed in and played video games, since the professor ruled that out, if you're going to clobber the guy who hurt Tsarevich, we want in on the action," Nail confirmed. Vyse had already blurted his plan so he had to include them. They would also be a good distraction for the Witchblade so he could strike a finishing blow.
"As long as we're clear on one thing: I'm not interested in taking prisoners. The DWMA doesn't know what they've gotten themselves into. This guy is dangerous and he needs to be taken out," Vyse said.
"He's a Witch; we have no problem killing Witches," Hammer confirmed.
"Alright. Wait here and I will see what I can find out," Vyse said. He slipped under the desk and began to sneak his way out of the classroom.
"Hallo! Hallo! Welcome everybody. Now that we're all here, let's get started. Azuha, I would like to thank you for coming to the DWMA on such short notice," Lord Death said.
"It's my pleasure," Azuha replied with a nod.
"Okay, let's take a quick roll call here: we have Soul Eater, Kid, Liz, Patty, Black Star, Azuha, Merios…and where are Tsubaki and Marie?" Lord Death asked.
"She's staying in the infirmary with the injured student," Black Star replied, "but not to worry. I can still take out a Witch without my Weapon. I'm still the biggest star in this place in case you guys didn't notice."
"Marie is staying close by Stein to make sure there are no incidents," Merios answered.
"Very well. It's probably best that she stay with him anyway," Lord Death said.
"What's the plan, Lord Death? Are we gonna find this Witch or what?" Soul asked.
"I've asked my son to take point on this mission. Kid, go ahead and tell them what you've come up with," Lord Death said. Kid stood from his seat and came to stand by his father.
"Let me start by saying that the fact of the matter is: we don't know exactly what we are dealing with. We have reports from the student Vyse, but the Witchblade may still hold more aces up his sleeves, which is why we are not leaving anything to chance.
"The first priority is to locate the Witchblade. I will take to the skies with Liz and Patty and run the mission from there. Merios, you and Azuha will take to the ground. With your combined powers of soul perception, it should be easy to pinpoint his location," Kid explained.
"Just skip to the good part where I destroy the Witchblade!" Black Star said erupting into laughter and striking a pose.
"The objective is not to destroy the Witchblade, Black Star. We need to bring him in alive for further observation," Kid explained.
"So is that why Stein is here? To analyze the Witchblade?" Black Star asked. Merios felt a light bulb go off in his mind. He was told that Stein was here to act as his sub. He didn't think about the idea that he might be here to study the Witchblade after they apprehend him. He was also a little peeved that Black Star figured it out before he did.
"That's correct. Now if you'll be quiet, I will tell you your part in this," Kid said.
"Well get on with it! I'm waiting on you!" Black Star growled.
"Waiting on me! You interrupted my mission brief you little brat! I see that seven years hasn't changed you one bit," Kid shot back.
"Come on, boys. Let's not do this now. We have a mission to worry about," Soul interjected.
"He's right. I apologize for losing my composure. Now, where was I? Ah! Yes! Black Star is our heaviest hitter as well as our fastest attacker. He can also project his wavelength without the assistance of a Weapon. He will be the one to engage the Witchblade.
"Merios and I will provide cover fire from a distance in attempts to limit the Witchblade's movements. The projected plan is for Black Star to knock the Witchblade out with a single blow and make this fight as quick as possible. We don't want other Witches coming to his aid," Kid said.
"And what if that does happen? What then? You take on an entire coven of Witches?" Soul asked.
"Of course not. We cannot afford for the Witchblade to receive reinforcements. We must not fail in this," Death said.
"Shouldn't we have a contingency plan of some sort?" Merios asked.
"I agree," added Azuha, "we've all been doing this long enough to know that the best laid plans of mice and men gone oft aglay."
"There is no contingency plan. Simply stated: we must not fail," Kid repeated.
"What about having a force on standby to ward off the attack from Witches that may show up to help the Witchblade?" Azuha asked.
"Currently, all of our executive staff members are here and working on this mission—," Kid said.
"Hem-hem!" Soul interjected.
"Sorry, Soul. You have to sit this one out. You cannot leave my father's side. The last time that Dad's personal Weapon left his side, the Kishin Ashura escaped from Death City—or have you forgotten?" Kid asked.
"Fine. I'm just bored stuck in here with him all the time. It's not cool," Soul said, sitting back down on the lockbox.
"What's wrong with being stuck in here with me?" Lord Death demanded indignantly.
"Nothing. I just get a little stir crazy being stuck in the same room with the same person everyday," Soul replied.
"What about Stein and Marie? Their skills are enough to take care of a Witchblade? Having another Death Weapon, especially a close range one might not be a bad idea," Azuha pointed out, pushing her glasses up on her nose.
"That is a risk we cannot afford to take either," Lord Death said, and continued, "after Stein recovered from being consumed by the Madness, he has become more susceptible to its draw. If the Witchblade saw this vulnerability and could exploit it, it would be a very dangerous situation for us all. That is why Marie never leaves his side."
"Enough talk! Let's get on with this. Kid already said that there's no contingency plan. We have to win! ALLLLLRIIIGGGHT! YAHOO! As long as I'm around failure's not an option anyway! Victory is always the path I choose," Black Star exclaimed.
"Well, it's settled then! Take an hour for prep and let's get moving!" Lord Death said. And so they dispersed. Merios as alarmed at first when Azuha walked so close to him that they were practically touching. There was something incredibly sexy about her smart, clean-cut look. He blushed as her arm made it around his waist.
"I didn't say anything in the Death Room, but that student you referred to, the Dark Arm, was in the Death Room the entire time listening to our conversation," he whispered in his ear. She laughed as if she were playfully flirting with him. It was a ruse. He got it now. Vyse was still watching. Merios could sense his soul now that he knew to look for it.
"I wouldn't worry about it. He's just being nosy," Merios lied. He knew what Vyse was up to. He hated to admit it, but he hoped that Vyse would do what he was thinking. He didn't like the idea of not having some sort of contingency plan with dealing with the Witchblade. The little assassin might prove useful in this fight if they were unable to succeed.
"As long as you're not worried, I supposed that's good enough for me," she said. He looked over his shoulder and saw the crafty little Weapon sneaking out of the Death Room.
He's proving to be more promising than I thought.
"So that's what their planning, huh? Three two-star Meisters and two Death Weapons?" Nail asked.
"Three Death Weapons," Hammer corrected, "Liz and Patty still count as two even though they are wielded by the same Meister."
"Reaper, if you want to get really technical," Vyse added.
"Sounds like a good plan. We'd probably just get in the way," Nail said, his eyes glued to the television, wrapped up in a video game.
"Oh no you don't! I'm going on this mission and so are you. Remember what we agreed on!" Hammer said.
"This isn't a mission. This is off the record and against the rules. We could get expelled…or killed if we're not careful," Vyse pointed out.
"I'm up for the challenge," Hammer said.
"Should be a piece of cake," Nail added.
"Alright. We need to leave before they do and get into position. We're at a disadvantage because none of us can see souls, but something tells me I know just where to look for the Witchblade," Vyse said.
"So what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Hammer said.
"Let me finish this boss battle really quick and I'll be ready," Nail said. Vyse watched as Hammer's eyebrow twitched in annoyance at his partners lackadaisical attitude. He promptly walked over to him and hit in the head with his hammer-fist.
"It'll just be a few moments while he regains consciousness," Hammer said. Vyse raised an eyebrow. He wondered how the two of them managed to have a functional partnership at all. He thought that Tsarevich got on his nerves.
Tsraevich…
"I have to take care of something anyway. I'll be back in ten minutes," Vyse said. Hammer was dragging Nails unconscious body across the floor. He gave a thumbs-up and Vyse headed to the infirmary. He wanted to see Tsarevich one more time before he left. Unfortunately, that meant seeing Tsubaki. With Black Star and the other faculty out on a mission it would be his perfect opportunity to strike. He was having a hard time passing it up.
Still, he felt his obligation should first be to his friends, then his enemies. He would force a smile around Tsubaki and go through the motions as he normally did. He knocked at the door and politely waited until Tsubaki answered.
"Oh! Hello, Vyse. Have you come to see Tsarevich?" she asked with a smile. That same smile he'd like to slice through with a kama. He forced one of his own right back at her.
"Yes. I was hoping that I might check in on him. I know he's not awake but I'd still like to talk to him if that's okay," Vyse said.
"Of course. Studies show that coma patients have a better chance of recovery if you speak to them. Some physicians say that coma patients can hear our voices," Tsubaki said. Vyse just nodded and made his way into the room.
There he was; he looked just like he was in a deep peaceful sleep. He was all hooked up with wires, tubes and machines that was monitoring his activity. All of it was foreign to Vyse so he did not attempt to make sense of it.
"I don't know if you can hear me or not. I wanted to let you know that the DWMA is not going to let Liir get away with what he did to you. I'm sorry that you're in this mess. I can't help but to feel partly responsible for what has happened. I'm staying here until you recover. You're not alone—friend," he said. He thought he saw Tsarevich stir, but it was just his imagination. He turned and left without saying goodbye to Tsubaki. He needed to get Hammer and Nail moving at a rate that was at least an iota faster than the speed of smell.
I'm going to have my revenge, one way or another. If all the help that I have is Hammer and Nail then so be it.
How many people have I swore to get revenge on now?
Black Star…
Tsubaki…
Professor Aurion…
And now Liir the Witchblade.
I fear I may be walking down the very path the elder warned me about. I have taken so many oaths of revenge on people who possess power that I have not yet attained. Any one of them could potentially destroy me.
Will I ever be able to fulfill these oaths, or will I forever remained exiled from the Clan due to my own personal failure? Why am I here at this stupid academy? I could be working as assassin, doing what I'm good at.
But then my soul would never know rest. Not while Black Star and Tsubaki remain alive and well, not having answered for their crimes. I'm just going to have to be patient and handle this one at a time. It's not the original order but it will go like this. I'll take out Liir the Witchblade. I'll get a slap on the wrist, but nothing more.
I'll never get to Black Star and Tsubaki with Professor Aurion breathing down my neck. I'll have to take him out next. He always seems to be one step ahead of me, but I think I know something he won't see coming.
After that, I will move on to Tsubaki. She'll be taking care of Tsarevich for a while and she will be alone. Without her Meister I will deal a surprise attack she'll never see coming. Do I wait until after Tsarevich recovers? Yes. I still need her to treat him, but once he recovers she's mine.
Finally…
Black Star: the Meister who set out to surpass God. While you're grieving over the loss of your Weapon partner, I will strike you from the shadows and snuff you out of this world forever.
Soon…
"Alright guys are you ready to—Oh! Hi, Professor. What are you doing here?" Vyse asked. Merios narrowed his gaze. They all knew they were busted.
"Don't give your forced hello; you know why I'm here. I know what you're planning to do and as your professor I must tell you stop," Merios said.
"How did you know?" Vyse asked, clearly peeved. Hammer and Nail were being quiet, they knew they were enough trouble as it was.
"You forget to easily that I can see souls. I know you were hiding in the Death Room listening to the plan and I know that the three of you plan to take out the Witchblade before we get the chance," Merios said.
"Well, I guess that settles it. We're staying in and playing video games," Nail said, turning back to turn the TV and gaming system on again.
"You've got to be kidding me! I'm one of the only other people here who have actually fought Liir before. I should have been included in on the mission from the get-go," Vyse protested.
"You're a Weapon whose partner is in a coma, a new student who hasn't even taken his placement tests. You cannot officially participate in the mission," said Merios.
"What do you mean by officially?"
"Let me just say that I don't like not have a contingency plan. The three of you are going to be doing a mission separate from this one. You're going to tail behind us and lie in wait in case Witch reinforcements show up," Merios explained.
"And then if they show their faces we grind their bones into dust, right?" Hammer asked.
"No. You send up a signal to let us know. The executive faculty members will engage the Witches. The three of you are the backup plan to apprehend the Witchblade. At all costs you must make sure that he does not escape, do you understand?" he asked.
"Won't you get in trouble for this? I thought Death Jr. was running the show," Vyse asked slyly.
"Don't worry about what kind of trouble I'm going to get into. You can't participate in the mission; there's nothing I can do about that. As an executive faculty member, I can send you out on a mission of my own devices. It's a loophole that will probably cause us all to catch a little flack, but it's the best I can do. Are you in or not?" he asked.
"In," Vyse said with a nod.
"In," Hammer nodded excitedly.
"In," Nail said, peeking over his shoulder from his video game.
"Alright, suit up and get ready. Make sure that you're not found out. If one of the teachers discovers what you're up to, I'm going to play the part of the responsible professor and send you boys back to your dorm room with detention," he explained.
"Don't worry; I'll make sure we stay hidden," Vyse said.
"Why are you doing this, Professor? And of all students, why us?" Nail asked.
"That's a good question but the answer is quite simple: like me, Tsarevich means something to the three of you. I know that I can count on you to do what needs to be done if it comes to that. The mission is to apprehend the Witchblade—if at all possible. If it's not…"
"We know what to do," Nail said, standing up and letting his video game go.
"This Liir guy, Witchblade or not, hurt one of our friends. He's not going to get past us. If that means we have to take him out, that's one less Witch we have to worry about," Nail said.
"Let's do it," Hammer added.
"Do you think they'll take the bait?" Scarlet asked. Liir looked over at her and rolled her eyes. She was his "replacement" since the DWMA would be looking for him now.
"Of course they will. They will come like moths to the flame and we will quite literally reduce them to naught but ash," Liir replied.
"What are you going to do now that I'm Chandra's go-to girl? If she keeps using you as bait to strike at the DWMA, eventually they're going to wise up and they're going to catch you. What then?" Scarlet asked. He hated competition. Especially from snotty little Scarlet and her fire magic. She had a nervous tick or something that caused her to conjure a fire ball in her hand, snuff it out, only to ignite again and repeat the process. It was annoying.
"This is only a temporary assignment, Scarlet. Once she comes up with a plan to retrieve the missing tools of Eibon from the Reaper, I'll be back at her right hand," Liir said confidently. He had no idea what Chandra would do with him once she had executed her plans. He would have to wait and see. Scarlet must have been wondering the same thing.
"I wouldn't be so sure. We both know how whimsical Chandra can be. Once she stops seeing a use for you, she's going to discard you like she does everything else," Scarlet warned.
"The same can be said for you, Scarlet. Believe me when I say it's harder to remain in Chandra's good graces than you might think," he said, giving her a warning of his own. He looked at the clock and threw his cloak over his shoulders.
"It doesn't matter anyway. We've run out of time. Let's go play the little game of cat and mouse," Liir said. He started walked to exit, Scarlet hot on his heels.
"This isn't a game. Chandra said that this tool is the most important one yet. It is imperative that we succeed or we'll face the consequences," Scarlet said.
"We'll get her the tool; I'm not worried about that. Just keep your guard up. The Meisters at the DWMA are more powerful than any of us originally anticipated," he said.
"But not for long," she sneered.
"No, Scarlet," he said with a smile, "not for long."
"Alright…Azuha, Merios, we're in the area where Liir has been sited over the past couple of weeks. Use your soul perception and see if you can find him," Kid said.
"—Right!"
"—Right!"
He waited patiently for them to scout the area as he remained airborne on his skateboard, Liz and Patty in his hands and ready to strike.
"Hey Kid, if they're soul perception works any slower this guy's gonna get away. Why not just let me find him the old fashioned way?" Black Star asked.
"No, Black Star. Stay put and stand by for further orders," Kid replied patiently.
"Can't blame a guy for asking," Black Star added.
"That's it! I found him. He's on route to the underground laboratory that we discussed in the second mission briefing. I think he's going to try to infiltrate it and take a magic tool. I'm going to resonate souls with you so you can see the location.
Kid opened up his wavelength to Azuha's. Even though he was thousands of feet in the air, she could resonate with all of them without difficulty. She truly was a most marvelous weapon. His eyes fluttered as he saw a spot in his mind's eye. Liir was running full-speed through the trees.
For the first time, Kid saw his soul and understood what Merios was talking about. It was a Witch soul to be sure, but there was something different about it that was hard to perceive at first. The knowledge that he was in fact a Witchblade made it easier to see. No doubt about it: his soul was the perfect harmony of Witch and Weapon.
"You have your target. Move in from the ground and let me know when you're in range. I'll do the same thing from the sky. Black Star, as soon as we give the signal, rush in and take him out with one blow," Kid said.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah…I know…" he said. Kid knew it was eating him up inside to be on standby.
"Liz, Patty, are you ready?" he asked.
"Ready!" Liz said. Patty just replied with her signature giggly outburst and gave him a mental thumbs up since she couldn't do it in her Weapon form for real.
"Good. I've been itching for a good fight," he admitted.
"Well what are we waiting for?" Liz asked.
"Yeah! Let's get this guy!" Patty added.
And so the Reaper flew through the sky until he had pinpointed the Witchblade. He was running full-speed towards the laboratory like Azuha had said. He flew in lower, aiming Liz and Patty directly at him, preparing his wavelength to strike.
Witchblade…you're all mine.