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"Random Subject Prompts"
Chapter 063: Franken Stein
Anime: Soul Eater
Prompt: "Stitch Me Up" by Set It Off
Chapter Warning(s):
Author's Note: Takes place before and during Season 01, Episode 05: "Shape of the Soul – Enter the Ultimate Meister Stein?"
KH*FS*KH*FS
Because of his spatial sense, Stein knew the instant space twisted and opened. It made him curious enough to leave his lab and venture outside despite the pouring rain and angry clouds that darkened the sky.
His lab coat was soaked within seconds and dots of water made seeing out of his glasses a bit difficult, but he continued walking forward into the forest that surrounded his secluded lab.
"No it's no wonder I feel broken
Are you the one to fix me up
Patching up the work they done?"
Stein paused, eyes narrowing upon the figure lying like a discarded doll on the ground. It was a lovely raven haired beauty with porcelain skin and sensual curves. She was covered in dark bruises and cuts that oozed blood. Despite her beautiful appearance, what captured his attention the most were her fox-like ears perched on her head and the luxurious bushy tail that lay limply on the forest floor.
Knowing he couldn't leave her there – and his scientific mind whirling with possible experiments he could run while she was unconscious – Stein kneeled down to lift her into his arms, bridal-style.
It was at that moment the unknown young woman's eyes opened, revealing mesmerizing amethyst orbs. It stunned Stein enough to freeze, his own eyes locked with hers. She was truly the most beautiful creature he had ever met.
"Are you… here to help me?" she whispered.
Stein considered his response carefully. "I'm going to patch you up," he decided to say.
"Try and sew me
So thread the needle, tie it off
Teach me how to trust someone"
Back in his lab, Stein tied off the last stitch and cut the thread. Shortly after bringing her back, he had immediately started working on repairing the damage that had been done. Although he was tempted to dissect her, especially when his gaze would travel towards her animalistic appendages, something inside would cause him to hesitate. Not even his brilliant mind could conjure the reason.
She had been covered in deep lacerations and multiple bruises. He had managed to stop the bleeding, but his inner doctor had to wonder how she had gained such serious injuries. Some cuts were caused by blades, the lines clean and smooth, while others had been dealt with claws, raw and jagged. She had obviously been in a violent fight. But where? Why?
Stein turned the screw in his head, his expression contemplative. When he focused more, he could see her soul. His eyes widened in surprise, the cigarette in his mouth dropping without his notice.
Her soul was massive even in its dormant state. Awake, it would rival Lord Death's. It was pink, warm, and incredibly powerful. If he had to guess, he would theorize that she could take on the form of a Death Scythe or could be a Meister. Either way, she would not be an opponent he would like having.
But the prospect of sparring with her nearly made him dizzy with madness.
Her soft voice caught his attention. "It's not polite to stare."
"Ah, so, you've regained consciousness." Reaching into his coat's pocket, he pulled out his carton of cigarettes and lit one to replace the fallen one. "Where did you get these injuries from?"
Cautious eyes watched his every move, her inner predator going into high alert for any signs of a threat. "How do I know I can trust you?" she questioned.
Stein blew out a cloud of smoke. "I was the one who stitched you up, you know. Some gratitude would be appreciated," he replied with no real bite.
She was silent for several moments as she continued to stare at the tall male.
"Really hopin' that you stay
That you never walk away
Every word I shouldn't say
I shouldn't say, I shouldn't say it"
Sighing, he turned to walk out of the room. He waved a casual hand in the air. "Well, rest up. You lost a lot of blood," he said.
Before he could get too far, a hand grabbed the bottom of his lab coat, halting his movements. He glanced over a shoulder to see the mysterious young woman with her face turned away. She seemed embarrassed by her actions but he made no comment.
"Thank you," she softly said, almost too soft for him to hear, "for saving my life."
Stein felt a small smile curve his lips. It was a first in a very long time. He normally only felt joy when he was working on his experiments. "You're very welcome."
"Will you… Will you stay? With me?" Her cheeks turned a dusty pink, a much healthier color compared to the paleness it once held. "Sorry. I shouldn't say… I shouldn't have said that." She released her surprisingly strong hold on his coat.
Without a word, Stein grabbed his rolling chair. Turning it around so that the front faced forward, he straddled the seat and crossed his arms over the top.
He noticed the way one of her fox ears twitched and her tail weakly thumped against the hospital bed. The way her facial features softened. They were strangers, but he could already tell she was grateful for his company. Whatever had happened to her had left its scars.
He hoped eventually she would tell him about it.
"Do you feel the stress in me
Steady bursting at the seams?
You're the only one I need
To make me complete, yeah"
A scream startled Stein and instantly had him alerted to a possible threat. His eyes narrowing dangerously, he ran towards the only other occupied room in the entire building.
Bursting through the door, his eyes scanned the area until they landed on his patient. The heart he didn't think he still had softened as he took in the young woman.
She was sitting up in bed, the bed sheets bunched in her lap, as she tightly held herself and rocked gently back and forth. Her ears laid flat against her skull, and her body shivered with a chill that had nothing to do with the stormy weather, with her tail also curled around her as if in comfort.
"What happened?" he questioned, though he had an educated guess.
"N-Nightmare," she lightly stuttered. "I-I'm fine. I'm sorry for disturbing you."
Stein puffed out a cloud of smoke then shoved his hands into his coat's pockets as he slowly walked up to her bed. "You're not disturbing me. Nightmares happen. Do you want to talk about it?"
She was quiet for a second, eyes clenched closed. "I feel like I'm about to burst," she softly confessed.
"Oh? What makes you say that?" He was truly curious. He wanted to know everything about his mysterious guest. Everything.
"There's things I need to do… People who need me." Slowly, she opened her eyes and gazed at Stein with her amethyst orbs. "I have a journey I have to finish."
"Is your journey the reason you obtained all of those injuries?" He didn't mention the other scars he had seen while patching her up. He was almost positive she had more than just physical scars too. The nightmares were a definite sign.
"I don't even know your name…"
"Dr. Franken Stein. Just Stein."
She nodded. "Kagome Higurashi. Just Kagome is fine." And then she smiled for the first time since their acquaintance, and Stein's breath stalled in his lungs. The way his heart skipped several beats also startled him with its reaction to her. "It's nice to meet you, Stein."
He blinked, a bit dumbfounded. His hand reached up without thinking, turning the screw in his head a couple of times before he responded. "Ah, yes. It's nice to meet you too… Kagome."
"Stitch me up, stitch me up
Don't tear me apart
I've been stuck in a rut
Patched up in the dark
Stitch me up, stitch me up
There's pins in my heart, oh
Pardon all my precious scars"
Kagome was healing at an accelerated rate. The next morning when Stein checked her wounds, he was surprised to see that it was mostly healed. Injuries that should have taken weeks to close up had been done only within a few hours. It was truly remarkable, and his fingers twitched with the need to conduct several experiments to see what its limits were. Was it the animal DNA that was coursing through her veins that made it possible? Did she have natural healing capabilities? His mind swirled with theories he wished to try. If he were to dissect her…
Kagome deeply frowned. "I don't like that creepy expression you have on your face, Stein," she said.
He instantly cleared his expression to show his usual cool and composed look. "I don't know what you're talking about," he casually denied. He decided to change the subject. "Are you ready to tell me how you got these injuries?"
She sighed. "I suppose I do owe you an explanation," she conceded. "Let me start by admitting that I was transported here from a different dimension…"
Stein perked up at that, his interest immediately caught.
"No it's no wonder you've been feeling
Like a doll in lost and found
So mistreated, thrown around"
"So, let me see if I have this correct," he said, lighting a cigarette and taking a puff. "You're a time traveling priestess that was once human, but was turned into a – what did you call it? A kitsune? – and are now currently in the middle of a war with a half-spider demon named Naraku, along with your group of friends and allies. And all of you are fighting over a fragmented jewel called the Shikon no Tama, which grants wishes to whomever possesses it. Am I understanding this so far?"
Kagome nodded. "Yes, that's right," she answered. "My friends and I were in the middle of a fight with Naraku and his minions when I was injured and somehow transported to this dimension. And that's how I ended up in the forest near your lab."
"And the Shikon was supposedly lying dormant inside your body until your fifteenth birthday. You were attacked by a demon and it was torn out of your side." His eyes automatically went to the resulting starburst scar it left behind, his facial features purposefully blank. Why had no one protected her? Why was she left unguarded? Someone should have been there with her…
"You've lived a very hard life," he whispered, nearly too quiet for even her sensitive ears to pick up.
"Who you kiddin'?
Every flaw and every fray
That's what makes you sexy to me"
Over the next few days while Kagome healed, she and Stein got to know each other better. After she revealed her past, he had slowly opened up and shared his childhood memories. Despite his darkness and sheer madness that turned most people away, she accepted it without hesitation. No one, not even Spirit Albarn, could handle his less-than-appealing traits. Stein supposed it was because of the environment she was forced into at a young age. He couldn't imagine a time period that was literally labeled the Warring States Era to be filled with rainbows and kittens.
The more time he spent with her, the more he looked forward to her presence. He found himself with her for most of the day and only left her side when it was time to turn in for bed. The experiments he had been working on laid in his lab, untouched and collecting dust. His mind didn't seem interested in continuing them, his thoughts centered on the raven haired beauty with the fox-like attributes and scars that spoke of a violent history, both physically and mentally.
Although, honestly speaking, Stein found her flaws sexy. She was unlike any of the other women he had ever come across. Most women worried about their appearance, but not Kagome. Like how she accepted his madness, she accepted the scars that covered her body. With the war that was brewing in her dimension, she didn't have time to care about vanity. Perhaps that is what he found most appealing.
Still, he wouldn't admit out loud just how attractive he found Kagome.
"Really hopin' that I stay
I could never walk away
Every word we shouldn't say
We shouldn't say, we shouldn't say it
Do you feel the stress in me
Steady bursting at the seams?
You're the only one I need
To make me complete, yeah"
He had known the time was coming. Kagome had been acting restless the last couple of days, especially since she was completely healed. She had said before that she needed to finish her journey.
And yet, he could admit to being sad that she was leaving. Leaving him. He normally didn't form such attachments, but she was different. She had been different from the very beginning.
They stood at the edge of the forest, neither able to face the other. Kagome's ears were drooped with sadness and her tail was limp behind her, all signs of her reluctance to depart. A part of Stein wanted to say something, maybe beg her not to go. Her friends and allies would be fine without her. They didn't need her to fight their biggest enemy.
But he didn't say any of that. He merely stood in front of her, his gaze intent on her face. He wanted to memorize every feature, every curve. Would he ever see her again?
"This is… harder than I thought it would be," Kagome softly admitted.
"What do you mean?"
"Leaving. It's harder than I thought it would be." She released a forced chuckle, the sound sad and thick with unshed tears. "I like it here." With you. Her eyes finally lifted until they connected with his. "I shouldn't say… I shouldn't say this, but it's only been a few days and I already feel a connection with you, Stein. Is that crazy?"
"I wouldn't say that it's crazy," he said. I feel the same way. But he didn't say it out loud. Stay. Stay here with me. He was nearly bursting at the seams, wanting to confess everything that was in his mind. But he couldn't. It wouldn't be right. He, of all people, knew how important one's journey was and how vital it was to complete it. He wouldn't hold her back. But if their paths ever crossed again…
He would never let her go.
"Stitch me up, stitch me up
Don't tear me apart
I've been stuck in a rut
Patched up in the dark
Stitch me up, stitch me up
There's pins in my heart, oh
Pardon all my precious scars"
"I guess this is goodbye then," Kagome said.
Stein nodded reluctantly. He shoved his hands into his coat's pockets. It served as a reminder that he shouldn't reach out and hold her. "I guess it is," he replied.
Amethyst orbs watered. His heart nearly broke at the expression on her face. "Goodbye, Stein."
When she took a step back, he reached out without thinking of the consequences. His hand tangled in silky raven tresses, and he pulled the raven haired beauty into his arms. He held her tightly, silently conveying how important she had become to him. And when she returned the embrace, he knew she had received his unspoken confession.
"Come back to me," he softly said into one of her fox-like ears.
She nodded, cuddling closer. "I will," she promised. "Wait for me."
"Always."
"Elegant and broken
Tasteful tattered clothin'
I guess we've been caught in the middle of love"
It had been nearly two years since Stein had seen Kagome. During that time, he had stayed secluded in Patchwork Lab, waiting for her return while conducting his experiments. His thoughts always strayed to her and the memories they had created. They were only together for a few short days, but those moments had impacted him in many ways. He worried about her wellbeing and would constantly wonder what she was doing. Was the war over yet? Even now, was she trying to find a way back to him? Perhaps he should have gone back to her dimension with her?
Questions like those nearly drove him mad. The only way to resolve those feelings had been his experiments and dissecting exotic, rare creatures that were nearly extinct. However, when Lord Death approached him about a Remedial Lesson for a group of students, Stein couldn't refuse. It was the sort of distraction he needed before the insanity took over.
If this was what falling in love felt like, he wasn't sure if he liked it or not.
"Motive through emotion
Damaged but we're golden
I guess we've been caught in the middle of love"
While Stein tested the students, easily dominating the fight and observing how each moved, he felt the presence of Black Star appear behind him. Maka Albarn was in his grasp, and it seemed like a sure victory for the young assassin and his Soul Wavelength attack…
But then the unexpected happened.
A black streak followed by a vicious snarl cut Black Star off from his target. The blue haired student came face-to-face with a giant fox that was the size of a full grown tiger, with sharp teeth and claws, and amethyst eyes that glared dangerously at the boy, silently daring him to take another step forward.
"What the—" Black Star exclaimed in surprise, taking several steps back to avoid the creature.
A cloud of light purple mist surrounded the fox, transforming the figure into a beautiful raven haired young woman. She was dressed in a form-fitting black dress that had tattered ends, exposing her long, toned legs and a red leather cropped jacket. On her feet, she wore black combat boots. The most startling trait she had were the twin fox ears on top of her head and the bushy fox tail attached to her backside.
Kagome? Stein thought, eyes widening. He was just as surprised as the others by her sudden appearance.
Kagome stared with narrowed eyes at Black Star, crossing her arms under her breasts with disapproval. When she spoke, her tone was stern and had an underlining growl.
"I'm not going to let you or anyone else lay a hand on Stein."
"Elegant and broken
Tasteful tattered clothin'
I guess we've been caught in the middle of love
Motive through emotion
Damaged but we're golden
I guess we've been caught in the middle of love"
Black Star was the first to shake out of his stupor. Pointing an accusatory finger at the raven haired beauty, he shouted, "Who the heck are you, lady? And where did you come from?"
"Is she also part of our Remedial Lesson?" Tsubaki questioned out loud, her expression turning worried.
Soul also asked no one in particular, "What the hell is going on here?" Maka shook her head, having escaped Stein's clutches during the confusion.
Kagome took a step forward, ready to teach the blue haired boy a lesson, but Stein was suddenly in front of her. His stance was protective, his bangs shadowing his eyes and expression from the others. "Stein?"
"Enough," he said. "It's time to finish the experiment. I've gathered all of the necessary information."
In a blur of motion, he captured Black Star, attacking the young assassin with his Soul Wavelength. A wide grin stretched across his handsome features, pleased and sadistic as he listened to the pained cries.
"Leave him alone," Soul shouted, obviously worried about his friend.
Tsubaki screamed, "Black Star!"
Finally, it was over. Stein released his hold, and Black Star fell to the ground, unconscious. Kagome looked at the boy with an uncaring expression. When Stein once more stood beside her, she gave him a subtle, questioning glance.
Stein puffed out a cloud of smoke. "He could have easily hurt you with an attack like that," he casually stated, making sure that his words were overheard. "Since I have the same ability, I could have canceled out his wavelength by matching it with my own."
"What?" Maka worriedly exclaimed.
"Man, this guy is no joke," Soul commented, gritting his teeth.
Kagome released a delicate, lady-like snort. "I can take care of myself."
Stein's expression softened. "I know you can." Ha laid a gentle hand on her head, petting her affectionately.
"Stitch me up, stitch me up
Don't tear me apart
I've been stuck in a rut
Patched up in the dark
Stitch me up, stitch me up
There's pins in my heart, oh
Pardon all my precious scars"
"You killed him," an enraged Soul shouted. "Come on, Maka, let's go!" When his Meister didn't respond, the white haired boy turned to face his partner in confusion. Instantly, he noticed the immobilizing fear that shook within her very pupils. What was she doing? Why was she just sitting there? "What are you doing, Maka? Get up! We can take them."
"Their…" Maka stuttered, unable to tear her gaze away. "Their souls… Their souls are…" Stein's was impressive, but the mysterious woman's… She had never seen anything like it before.
"Snap out of it, Maka!"
Kagome looked away from the two, her gaze locking with Stein's. "What are you doing?"
"What any scientist does: Experimentation and observation."
She titled her head to the side cutely, smiling sweetly. "That sounds like fun. Mind if I join?"
He smirked. "Not at all."
The raven haired beauty turned her attention back onto Maka and Soul. Her expression morphed into an amused look, interest sparking within amethyst pools. She rather liked the new confidence she could feel enveloping the Weapon and Meister pair. "Good, because here they come."
"(Really hopin' that you stay)
(That you never walk away)
Pardon all my precious scars"
Soul crouched protectively over Maka's fallen form, nearly growling in warning at the demented doctor. "Don't you dare lay another finger on my Meister," he said, eyes narrowed.
Stein flexed his fingers, his expression hidden behind the reflection of his glasses. "Well, alright then. I'll just start with you first," he said.
When he reached his hand out, Soul clenched his eyes closed as he prepared for the worst. Instead, he felt Stein gently pat his head. The odd action was enough to snap his gaze back up to the powerful Meister, shocked.
Stein smiled in response. "You would be willing to sacrifice yourself in order to save your Meister." His eyes unconsciously sought out Kagome. "That's all I need to know to give you a passing grade."
Soul's expression turned deadpanned as the words registered within his mind. "Huh?"
"Lord Death asked for a favor," Stein explained, smiling cheerfully now. "He asked that I give you four a Remedial Lesson."
"Let me repeat myself in case I wasn't clear," Soul said: "Huh? So this entire lesson was to scare us?"
The doctor's smile turned sadistic. "No, but that was an added bonus," he shamelessly admitted. From her position still lying on the ground, Maka cried waterfall tears.
"But you killed Black Star," Soul protested, gesturing widely at his fallen friend and Tsubaki. But he was left dumbfounded when Black Star started shouting, obviously alive and recovering quickly.
Kagome leaned down, catching Soul's attention. She smiled at the white haired male even as he blushed at her close proximity. "Stein just knocked your friend unconscious," she said. "He would never kill a student." A thoughtful look appeared on her face. "Well, actually, he might dissect him, but that's it!" A cheerful grin curved her features, like her statement was an everyday occurrence.
"Was that supposed to comfort us?" Soul exclaimed, not actually expecting an answer.
Maka asked the question that had been on everyone's mind but had gone ignored: "Who are you?"
Stein took a drag from his cigarette. "This is Kagome," he introduced as though that explained everything. "Don't mind her appearance. She wasn't born that way." He referred to her animalistic appendages.
"What the hell does that mean?" Soul shouted, exasperated. "Are you trying to say that she's one of your weird experiments?"
Kagome huffed. "I'm not weird nor an experiment." She pouted. "A cursed jewel transformed me into a kitsune."
"I'm so lost," Maka moaned in distress, both hands coming up to clasp either side of her head to try to physically hold in her sanity.
"Regardless, I suppose you could say she's mine," Stein lazily commented, answering Soul's questions. Kagome's cheeks practically exploded with color at his words of possession. But she didn't deny his claim.
"What?" everyone else shouted, shocked.
"Stitch me up, stitch me up
There's pins in my heart, oh
Pardon all my precious scars"
After the others left – still with more questions than answers – Stein easily found Kagome in the old room she had used the first time she had entered his dimension, bloodied and bruised. Now, she stood confidently and… at peace. He rather liked that look on her.
"So," he asked, "what happened?" He reached up to turn the screw in his head a few times, his gaze focused and intent.
Kagome smiled. "I finished my journey," she answered simply. Without warning, she threw her arms around Stein, cuddling close. "I came back, Stein. I came back to you."
A warm smile curved his lips upward. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "Welcome home, Kagome. I've been waiting for you for a long time."
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I have to admit, Stein is one of my absolute favorite crazies, LOL! What did you guys think? Leave your comment below!
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XOXO,
Celestial Law