Soul Eater Fan Fiction ❯ The Rise and Fall of a Witch ❯ Witch Blood ( Chapter 3 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Class started  on time as usual.  Dr. Stein sat on the teacher's desk as he waited for the remaining students to enter the class.  He noticed Black Star made it on time for the third week in a row.  Though this was more than pleasing, Dr. Stein knew better than to think that Black Star was coming to class because I wanted to learn something.  Following Black Star's gaze, Stein then saw the reason why Black Star arrived on time.  Katya Osaki, the blood-lust student who was rumored to have the ability to know an infinite amount of torture methods and murderous deeds.  So far, she seemed relatively normal and obedient.  Then again, Stein concluded he had yet to see her in a life or death battle.  

Right before he was going to start class, a note appeared on his desk.  Stein examined the note and stated, “Alright, settle down and prepare for a pop quiz on the anatomical structure of the process of a human to kishin soul process.  Katya Osaki, Dr. Medusa would like to see you at her office.  Come straight back when you're finished, is that understood?”

Katya shrugged as she stood and left the classroom.  Though she was fond of leaving early, it was starting to make her look bad to the other classmates.  She wandered through the halls until she found Medusa's office and knocked on the door.  Everytime she saw the school's nurse, Medusa always gave her the same feeling: nausea.  Something about that woman just made her skin crawl as if tiny bugs were trying to enter her skin.  Katya felt the same nausea as Medusa answered the door, “Dr. Stein said you wanted to see me?”

“That's right,” Medusa smiled and allowed Katya in, “Make yourself comfortable.”

Her office was like any other school's nurse office.  It had positive posters everywhere with over-used statements, little anatomical pictures, no smoking or drug-use signs, etc.  What made Medusa's office a little different was her entire bookcase of herbal remedies and old texts full of old information that Katya really didn't want to read.  In truth, these were the same books she had at her family home before Lord Death destroyed everything of her house and family.  Katya then felt a tug on her soul before glancing to her side to see Medusa staring back at her with a slight smile.  If she hadn't eaten early that morning, Katya would've gotten sick from being in the same room as Medusa.  She watched as the school's nurse walked over to her desk and sat behind the large, mohagony desk and gestured Katya to sit in front of her.

Katya obliged and sat quietly as she leaned back in her seat, “Is something the matter?  I haven't needed any medical attention since my back injury a few weeks ago and i'm doing better than ever.”

“How long have you been keeping your secret?” Medusa placed her elbows on the desk and rested her head on the back of her hands.

A wave of fear went through Katya as she realized what Medusa meant.  How did this woman know?  Katya gulped slightly before crossing her arms, “What secret?”

“You don't have to hide it from me,” Medusa smiled slightly more, “You see, you and I have the same secret.”

The fear went away.  Medusa was a witch too?  Katya felt more relief at the thought that she wasn't the only witch hiding in the DWMA.  She took a deep breath to relax herself, “You have no idea how much that really helps actually.  I swore to Lord Death that I would never use my magic or tell anyone here that i'm a witch, but it's actually harder than it is.  It's easier to fight kishins when I can use my magic and it's a Hell of a lot nicer to fly on my broom than have to walk everywhere or-”

“I get what you're saying,” Medusa leaned in closer towards Katya, “I only want to ask one question: why are you not angry at Lord Death?  He killed your entire family, wiped out all memory of their existance and only left the villagers that catered to your family.”

“At first, I was,” Katya looked out the window to see Death City, “But I was so young, just a toddler when Lord Death took me in.  He thought I wouldn't remember anything, but he doesn't understand witches at all.  We're born with a sense of knowledge as soon as we enter this world and we see and know things that mere humans wouldn't until they were much older.  I was angry for a few years before I understood I could be stronger than a regular witch if I remain here.”

“Could you fight Death and not fear him?” Medusa's eyes narrowed on Katya.

Katya turned her eyes to look at Medusa.  She was wary about that question and didn't know how to answer it correctly.  After taking a short breath, Katya answered, “No one can beat Death, it's only inevitable that they'll lose.  And yes, I do fear him.”

That's when the curtains were drawn on their own to close any outside source.  Medusa's eyes narrowed as Katya tensed at what was happening around her.  She watched as Medusa stood as her features went back to normal before heading to the bookcase.  Her fingers traced a few spines before finding an old text and pulled it out gently.  Medusa went back to Katya, softly placed the book on the desk in front of Katya before saying, “You may want to read this book.  I sensed your soul the other night and I believe you are quite capable of performing these spells.  If you're willing to work with me, then i'll be happy to give you this book as a gift of gratitude.”

The cover was worn to pieces, but the title was quite clear, “A Resurrection from Same Blood”.  Katya didn't have to ask what it was about.  She could give life back to her family.  Her eyes went from the book to Medusa as she contemplated the offer.  Medusa shrugged as she took the book back to place it back on the shelf, “If not for you, but for that little boyfriend of yours.  Both of you have no family to call your own. Then again, you still have a village that worships you and the ground you walk on.  He doesn't have anything but a curse on his name.  If he could at least have one family member to rely on, i'm sure he would be happier.”

Guilt wrapped around Katya as she felt the urgency to grab the old text.  She stopped herself as Medusa's back was still turned to her.  Composing herself, Katya stood up as Medusa halfway turned towards her, “Dr. Medusa, I will think about your proposition.  However, i'd like for you to keep my secret.  If Lord Death knew about this conversation, he'll hunt me down.”

Medusa put her hands up slightly as she smiled, “I won't say a word if you don't.”

This gave Katya slight relief as she kept her eyes on the old text.  She looked back at Medusa before taking a few steps for the office door, “Then to anyone else this conversation didn't exist.”

*~*~*~*~*~*

Everyone was over at Maka's and Soul's apartment for a small get-together.  Maka picked at her food as she lingered with Liz and Patti in the corner as Kid tried to alphabatize Soul's records.  She glanced over to see Katya and Black Star talking.  Of course, she felt that it was perfectly fine, but she noticed that Tsubaki and Astrid also not too far off as they kept looking at their meisters.  Maka seemed confused, she had thought the problem had been resolved already.  She turned to Liz and asked, “Do you know what's going on with those four over there?”

Liz looked over for a few moments before answering, “Tsubaki is a bit jealous that Black Star doesn't want to hang out with her all the time now that Katya's in the picture.  As for Astrid, I think she's not used to having Katya away more often now.  We should hang out more with Astrid and show her that Katya isn't her only friend here.”

Maka was now surprised that Liz was actually capable of knowing what was going on and a solution when she hadn't been part of the group for long.  Liz laughed slightly as she smirked, “Gir's intuition, this isn't the first time i've seen anything like that.”

“Then what about Tsubaki?  What can we do for her to make this easier?” Maka asked before taking a bite of food off of her plate.

“She has to do this on her own,” Liz shrugged before looking back at Tsubaki, “Either she steps up and gets him back or forgets it all together.”

Maka paused before taking another bite from her food.  She was somewhat upset that this may break up a friendship in the end.  Liz patted Maka's shoulder, “These things usually work themselves out.  Best not to get involved early one.  If the worst comes and Tsubaki takes Black Star back, don't be surprised if Katya stops hanging out with us.”

This had to stop.  Maka walked to the kitchen to put her food down and turned to see Soul approaching the kitchen as well, “I think we need to talk.”

“Is everything alright?  There's enough food for everyone isn't there?” Maka asked.

“It's not that, I know what you're gonna do,” Soul shrugged as he lowered his voice so the music would hide what he was saying to her so they others wouldn't hear, “You can't go into our friends' problems.”

“But if no one says anything, then we may lose some friends,” Maka commented as she gestured towards Katya and Astrid.

“They'll still be our friends,” Soul turned to glance over at the others, “If Black Star and Katya want to stay together, they will.  They're alike like that.  You know they'll do their best to please others, but if someone tries to compromise what they have they'll do something about it.”

“What if they go about it the wrong way and hurt someones feelings?” Maka crossed her arms over her chest, “They need a third party to help them out.”

“How about you stick with your own problem before you barge into theirs,” Soul blocked Maka's path.

“What problem?  I don't have a problem,” Maka looked away with a stubborn look on her features.

Soul moved closer to her until they were barely inches apart.  His warm breath caressed  her skin lightly as he murmured, “You haven't given me an answer yet.  You haven't talked to me like you used to and you're avoiding me when we're alone together.”

Maka kept quiet as she tried to find a way to leave the kitchen.  She felt his fingers tug on her skirt to move towards him as her eyes darted to the others to see if they were noticing what was going on.  As much as she enjoyed the attention by Soul, she still felt more confusion as to how to react.  Soul then whispered, “If it's about what your dad did..”

This brought Maka enough courage to pull away and fix her skirt, “This has nothing to do with my Papa.  I'm going back to the party.”

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

After the party, Katya and Black Star headed back to her apartment as Astrid trailed behind.  As she spoke with Black Star the entire time she was at the part, she had also given Medusa's offer some thought.  She had never asked Black Star about his feelings for being taken in by Lord Death as an infant.  Katya kept her gaze straight ahead as she asked, “Do you ever think about your family?”

“Sometimes,” he answered casually, “It would've been nice to know them.  Things could've turned out differently if they were still alive.  What about you?”

Katya didn't answer, and Astrid lowered her gaze.  While her father's side of the family were thieves and murderers, trained assassins and all, her mother's side held the witch's blood within her.  If she had grown up within her family to harness her abilities and powers, she would've came out a different person than she was today.  Her thoughts then went to the old text Medusa somehow kept in her office to restore life to the dead.  She could give Black Star the chance to redeem his family name and make him happy.

“It's ok if you don't want to tell me now,” Black Star commented as he looked over at Katya, “It's not like i'll hate you or anything if you don't.”

Katya glanced up to see they were back at her apartment.  Astrid took a few steps forward ahead of the two, then turned back to smile at them, “How about I make us a light dinner?”

“Awesome!  I'm starving!” Black Star raced up the steps to the front door.

“You just ate at the party...” Katya commented dryly, then stood up straight, “I'll be back in a minute, I have to go run an errand.”

“What?” Black Star turned around and leaned over the balcony, “Where are you going?”

“I'll be right back,” Katya quickly dashed off.

Astrid looked at Katya's trail before turning back to Black Star, “It must be important if she's leaving you here like this.”

Black Star barely knew Astrid, but he could sense the distaste in her voice even when she smiled at him.  He followed her inside even though he could tell she didnt wan't him there.

Katya found it easy to get into the academy when the doors were locked.  She could sense that Medusa was still in the building.  What she also knew was that she was being watched.  It didn't sit right with her, but she pushed that thought aside and thought of only the text that could bring back Black Star's family from the grave.  Katya was quick with her footing when she avoided any security methods used to keep students out of the academy at night.  She finally made it to Medusa's office where she eased the door open and silently crept it shut.  No one was in the office, but Medusa had to be somewhere.  Katya went over to the bookshelf and found the textbook that she needed.  If she could get away with taking the old book and not doing Medusa a favor would be the ideal situation.  However, Katya turned around to come face-to-face with Medusa, who held a smirk on her lips, “So, you've made your decision?”

She hesitated for a moment before answering, “I'll agree to it.”

“Good,” Medusa took a step back, “Meet me on the outskirts of the desert tomorrow night at midnight.  There are some friends of mine i'd like you to meet.”

“Are they-”

“They are our kind as well.  We can trust them,” Medusa smiled as her gaze dulled, “You remind me of when I was a new witch so many years ago.  It surprises me that I once had your eyes.”

Katya felt uncomfortable around Medusa and held the book closer to her.  Medusa chuckled slightly before gesturing towards the door, “Get a good night's sleep.  I'll be waiting for you tomorrow night.”

Leaving the academy never felt better than that moment when Katya took her first step outside.  She held onto the text as if it meant losing her life if she let go.  When she returned to her apartment, Katya snuck in from the front door to see Black Star sleeping on the couch.  Astrid must've already went to bed, which meant that she would sleep in the living room with Black Star that night.  Katya quietly placed the book at the top of her kitchen's shelf to keep the others away from it.  

“Where'd you go?”

Startled, Katya fumbled and dropped the book to the counter.  She turned around quickly to see Black Star stretching and then relaxing on the couch.  If she were terrified if he saw the book or not, she would've admired his physical attraction.  Katya kept the book hidden behind her back, “I went to pick up a book from a friend of Astrid's.”

She became even more nervous when she watched him stand up.  Was he going to check for himself what the book was?  All her anxieties went away when he went towards the gaming station on the floor in front of the television.  Black Star held up the second controller towards her as he set up one of the boxing games he had brought over a few days ago, “While you're in the kitchen, how about making something to eat?”

“Astrid just made you dinner...  And if you're so damn hungry then making something to eat yourself!” Katya tossed the book on the highest shelf as Black Star smirked as the game started.

Katya sat down next to Black Star as he became more engrossed with the game.  She wondered what Medusa would want her to do, but it didn't matter.  Black Star would be even more happy with her now that she would be able to bring his family back for him...

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Astrid took down her notes right before class was to start.  Katya wasn't home that morning when she woke up.  Even Black Star didn't know where she had gone to.  This made her worry for her meister.  Not only was she becoming distant with her own weapon, but she wasn't even telling Black Star where she was at.  Astrid paused from her note taking as she tried to sense where her meister could be at.  With her Soul Protection spell always on, it was harder for Astrid to keep in tabs with Katya's soul.  

“Katya skipped again?  Damn...she's starting to look cooler than me...”

She looked up from her notes to see Soul was sitting in the row beneath her.  He glanced up as he leaned back in his seat, “Why aren't you out with her?”

“Oh...ugh...” Astrid blushed slightly as she tried to find the right words.

“Leave her alone, Soul,” Maka walked towards Soul, then smiled up at Astrid, “Sorry, Astrid.  Soul forgets his manners sometimes.”

“It's ok,” Astrid's blush disappeared, she glanced over to see Black Star already gazing up at the clock while Tsubaki tried getting his attention.

All through class, Astrid couldn't pay attention.  She felt sick to her stomach as she thought what Katya might be doing.  Knowing her meister, she was getting herself into trouble somewhere.  That trouble could range to be anything.  The only relief Astrid gave herself wast hat Katya would still need to use her as a weapon.  After class was over for the day, Astrid was one of the first to leave and almost made it out without talking to anyone until she bumped into Black Star.  He smiled that toothy, dumb smile that she was starting to loathe, “Oh..hey, Black Star.”

“I'm going to join you today,” he pointed to himself, “Just in case you need my help with anything.”

“That's very kind of you, but-”

“I insist,” Black Star snatched her books and began walking towards her apartment.

Astrid sighed with much annoyance as she followed Black Star all the way back to the apartment.  She really didn't want to spend much time with him knowing he only wanted to see if Katya was back at the apartment as well.  But, she didn't want to make him angry and obliged to the offer.  When they reached the apartment, Astrid walked in with hope that Katya was there...only to be disappointed when she wasn't.  This wasn't like Katya at all.  

Black Star watched as Astrid went to her bedroom, saying she needed to study in privacy.  Interestingly enough, he sat her textbooks and notebooks on the living room table without her even bothering to get them.  He was getting worried that Katya was up to something and not saying anything to him.  She was quiet when he asked about her family when she had asked him the same question before.  Something wasn't right.  Then, he recalled a book she had hid right when he woke from his short nap.  He went to the kitchen and climbed onto the counter to reach the highest point of the kitchen's shelf.  His fingers skimmed the dusty wood until he came across a leather texture.  Picking up the old book, Black Star looked around to make sure he was alone before reading the cover.  His eyes widened...  What was this book?

There were symbols and pictures he had never seen before.  He could easily read the textbook, but...nothing made sense.  Then, he understood...  This was a spell book.  Why would Katya have a spell book?  Black Star was about to go to Astrid to ask, but stopped himself.  Maybe she would think he would accuse Katya of being a witch and kick him out for good.  Instead, Black Star decided to find out for himself what this book was and what witch was trying to trick Katya.

Black Star tucked the book under his arm before leaving the apartment.  He had to find the others to see what they thought before going to Lord Death himself.  The first place he went to was Soul's.  Black Star pounded on the door before Maka finally opened the door, “Have you gone crazy!?  What the hell is the problem!?”

He shoved the book in Maka's arms and stated, “Something's wrong with Katya.  I found this at her place.”

Maka opened the book and skimmed a few pages.  Her features became grave as she quickly realized what this book was.  She looked up at Black Star as Soul rounded the corner to see Black Star at the door.  Maka then asked, “You do know what this is, right?”

“It's a witch book,” Black Star answered, then balled his hands to fists, “Katya isn't a witch.”

“How can we be so sure when-”

“I said she's not a god damn witch!” Black Star raised his voice as he glared at Maka, “Say it again and i'll kick your ass!”

“Alright, Black Star,” Soul intervened, “I know you're upset, but this isn't the time to get in a fight.  We'll take the book down to Lord Death and see what he thinks.  No one thinks Katya is a witch.”

“Right,” Maka agreed, then turned to Black Star, “Go get Tsubaki and meet us at Lord Death.”

Black Star followed Maka and Soul to Lord Death's occupancy.  He didn't want to get Tsubaki involved.  They ran through the long path that led to Lord Death, who stood as if he was waiting for them to enter.  Besides Lord Death was Kid, Liz, and Patti.  Maka was the first to reach Lord Death and held out the old book, “Lord Death, Black Star found this book in Katya's apartment.  We think that a witch is manipulating her with it.”

Lord Death grumbled something as he retrieved the book and eyed it.  Kid looked over, his eyes widening at the title of the book.  Black Star held his breath as he worried that Lord Death would think Katya was a witch.  He was worried about why she would want to use a book like that when she seemed perfectly fine whenever he saw her.  Death then put the book behind his back and stated, “Spirit.”

“Yes?” Spirit appeared from behind the group of students.

“Get Stein and find Katya.  There's a witch problem somewhere in the city,” Lord Death explained, then he turned to the others, “All of you, go home. I will summon you all again when Katya has returned and my decision is made.”

“But-” Black Star took a step forward.

“Black Star, you will stay at Katya's home if she comes back there.  If she does, please bring her straight to me,” Lord Death stated.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

As promised, midnight loomed closer and Katya stood in front of Medusa and two other people.  The other woman was most definitely a witch while the other, a man, seemed like a mixture of everything.  Medusa stood with her arms crossed as she smirked over at Katya, “Glad you made it.  This is Eruka and Free.  They'll be our eyes and ears while you and I go to the basement to make a few adjustments.”

“Eyes and ears for what?  What exactly am I doing?” Katya placed a hand on her hip.

“You didn't tell her...” Eruka questioned as she glanced over at Medusa, “I thought you said she was strong.”

“You'll see,” Medusa narrowed her eyes on Eruka, “I'm sure the Grand Witch would even have a hard time beating this one.”

Eruka's eyes widened slightly as she turned her gaze over to Katya, looking her up and down with slight fear in her eyes.  Katya scoffed as she became a little irritated that these witches knew something that she didn't.  She then asked, “Well?  What the hell am I doing?”

“I'll explain when we get to the basement.  Free, Eruka, don't make any movements until I let out the signal,” Medusa stated as they nodded obediently.

Medusa then walked over to Katya and placed a hand on her shoulder, “When this is all finished, you'll be able to use your magic with all the freedom from fear.”

Katya wanted to say something, but remained silent.  Whatever Medusa was planning obviously didn't make sense to her.  Then again, did it matter at that point?  She had what she wanted and all she needed to do was one task for Medusa to complete their deal.  So, Katya followed Medusa back to the academy where they went down to the basement...

~*~*~*~

Astrid woke from her sound sleep.  She could feel Katya.  Rolling out of her bed, she fell to the floor before throwing on her clothes and rushing out the door.  She made a note that Black Star was already gone.  Oh well, Katya threw the front door open and rushed down the stairs towards the academy.  Not very physically fit, it took her some time to run to the academy.  Astrid stopped for a second to pant until she forced herself to keep going.  Something was far from right, why was Katya in the academy at night?  She followed Katya's soul wave until she made it to the basement.  Her eyes looked this way and that to find her meister, but each hallway and staircase she took only led her deeper into the basement.  

Then, Astrid heard voices.  She covered her mouth as she stopped at the corner of a hallway to hear footsteps walking away from her.  That was Katya's voice...  Who was with her?  Astrid silently peeked from behind the wall to see a woman dressed in all black with snake-like tattoos on her back and arms.  She watched as they walked towards a pair of large, wooden doors.  She looked closer to see a seal that blocked any entry into the door.  Astrid listened closely as she heard the other woman say that she couldn't open the door with that seal blocking her magic and that Katya would have the ability.  She heard Katya say that she couldn't use her magic because of the Soul Protection spell, only to have the woman say that she would need to release the spell.  

“Katya!” Astrid rounded the corner, “Don't do it!”

Both Katya and Medusa turned to see Astrid running towards them.  Katya glanced over at Medusa to see the look of death in her eyes as she glared over at their intruder.  The tattoo on Medusa's arm moved and left her skin to form a shadow-like snake.  She put her arm in between Medusa and Astrid, “No, don't kill her.”

“She will compromise our mission,” Medusa hissed towards Katya.

“She's my weapon,” Katya stated as she narrowed her gaze on Medusa, “Kill her, and i'll kill you.”

Astrid made it to Katya and smacked her hard across her cheek, “What are you doing!?  We're not allowed down this far in the basement for a reason!  If Lord Death caught us down here-”

“You don't know why i'm down here,” Katya answered calmly as she held her cheek where Astrid had slapped her, “You don't know why i'm doing this.”

“Then why?!  You never tell me anything anymore!” Astrid finally let her feelings out, “You never tell anyone anything and i'm sick of it!  You always think no one will understand, but you're wrong!”

“Our time is running short.  Open the seal so we can awake the kishin,” Medusa stated angrily over towards Katya.

“Awake..the kishin?” Katya's eyes widened, “Wait a minute, is that why we're down here?”

“You want to stop hiding from being a witch, right?  You got what you wanted from me, now you can fulfill your part of the deal,” Medusa snatched Katya's wrist, “Now open that seal or i'll tear you apart and find myself someone who keeps their promise.”

A moment passed as Katya glared at Medusa.  Katya's lips slowly formed a wide smirk as a barrier formed over her and Astrid as her soul became more powerful in a split second.  Astrid's eyes widened, but she seemed confused.  She didn't sense Katya's witch soul...  Katya then murmured, “Astrid, become my weapon.”

Astrid looked over at Katya, then smirked as well as she nodded.  She turned into her weapon form as Katya gripped her war-axe once again as Medusa took a step back, “You bitch...”

“Our deal is off.  I won't revive any kishin,” Katya swung her war-axe with ease above her head, “You better run while I'm still in a good mood.”

Medusa laughed at Katya getting in her fighting stance as she released her Soul Protection.  Katya flinched slightly at how strong Medusa really was, but prepared for a tough fight.  She readied Astrid as  she glared at Medusa as she felt hate, anger, and insane rage rush through her blood.  Her eyes scanned Medusa's black blood with confusion.  Katya could sense immense power from this witch, but if she wanted to live and keep Death City safe from a kishin...she would have to fight back with everything she had before using her own magic to fight back.  Medusa smirked as black arrows sprouted from all through her body around her, “Well, use your magic.  Make this fun for me before I kill you.”

“I'll tear you limb from limb!” Katya shouted as she ran towards Medusa.

The arrows surrounded her.  Katya swung her axe to slice them before they stabbed her, but there were more arrows coming straight for her.  She leaped back as she sprouted her spirit hawk-wings from her back to block a rain of arrows from the front and behind.  Then, a large arrow formed beneath her feet that sent her flying towards Medusa.  Katya swung her axe to cut Medusa, but that witch moved at the last second and Katya smashed against the stone wall.  She rolled away from her landing spot as a series of arrows stabbed the area she was just at a moment ago.  Leaping to her feet, Katya ran before another wave of arrows came for her.  Katya cursed angrily, she couldn't keep running or else she'll tire herself out even faster.

If she was going to die that night, she would have to kill Medusa as well.  Katya spun on her heel and ran straight for Medusa.  Astrid watched in fear and quickly asked, “What are you doing!?  You're going to get killed!”

“Astrid,” Katya swung her axe back, “Don't ever forget about me.”

The arrows rushed passed her as Katya did her best to dodge them.  Some cut her, some went through her skin, and others luckly passed by without a scratch.  An arrow went through her upper right arm, cutting her radius in half.  Katya screamed in pain, but kept on running and forcing her arm to stay up just a little longer.  She was then close enough to slice Medusa in half.  Her eyes widened as Medusa easily dodged her attack with ease.  Katya hadn't intended for Medusa to move so swiftly...  The pain of her arm shot through her shoulder and upper body as she knelt down on one knee.  Some of the arrows had pierced through her legs, causing blood loss to become a problem.  

“This is the end for you,” Medusa mused as Katya turned her head over her shoulder.

“Katya!”  Astrid screamed as a sworm of arrows rushed towards Katya.

Katya tossed the war-axe to the side as she used her spirit wings to block most of the arrows.  The arrows easily stabbed through her wings.  Astrid transformed into her human form and watched in horror as Katya's body became limp as Medusa's retracted her arrows.  She rushed to Katya's side as Medusa recoiled her arrows and peered over at Astrid, “Such a pity.”

“Don't come any closer!” Astrid protectively held Katya's body in her arms, “I'm warning you!”

Medusa readied more of her arrows as Astrid' used her right arm to turn into the axe-blade to protect herself and Katya.  The arrows flew towards them rapidly that Astrid wasn't prepared for how hard they would hit her.  She managed to deflect most of the arrows, but most of them pierced her skin on the sides.  Astrid lowered her axe-blade to glare at Medusa who was preparing another onslaught.  A wave of peace rushed through her as she saw the inevitable.  Tears formed in her eyes as she had her arm turn back to normal as she gripped Katya's body to her.  If this was their fate, then she would accept her fate and see Lord Death in the afterworld with Katya.

Astrid waited for the pain to set in, but it never came.  She opened her eyes to see a pair of legs in front of her facing Medusa.  Her gaze trailed up to see Dr. Stein weilding a weird looking sythe in his grasp.  Did he have a partner?  He turned his head to look down on her, “It's ok now, you're going to be fine.”

While Stein took on Medusa on his own, she could feel Astrid's grasp around her body.  Wasn't she dead?  It felt as if those arrows stabbed right through her, but they pierced her soul more than her body.  The blood being emitted from her told her otherwise.  Katya stirred slightly as she lifted her head somewhat and saw the battle that was going on.  This was all her cause, wasn't it?  She watched as Stein fought her battle as Medusa merely played with him.  She pulled herself from Astrid's hold on her as her friend tried to stop her from doing so.  Instead, Katya pulled Astrid's ear close to her and whispered, “Transform.”

“I will not,” Astrid stated, “You're in no condition to fight and-”

“Thats...” Katya winced as pain stabbed throughout her body, “That's...and order..from your meister..”

Astrid's tears flowed down her cheeks as her gaze softened on Katya, “Why are you doing this?  You can't possibly beat her now.  Just stop.  I don't know why you did this or why you want to fight her more, but I can't let you do this to yourself any longer.”

Katya forced herself to balance herself on her knees as she kept a hold on Astrid's wrist.  She then tugged on Astrid's arm softly and murmured again, “Transform.”

She could never convince Katya before and it was useless now.  Astrid closed her eyes as she gave into Katya's order.  Katya held Astrid weakly in her grasp as she waited for the right chance to strike.  Then, Medusa landed in front of the large, wooden door with her back turned to Katya.  It was her time.  Katya used the last of her energy to rush forward, her axe readied over her shoulder, and prepared to finally kill Medusa before she caused anymore harm.  Medusa turned at the last second as Stein was ready to slice her from the other side.  The witch leaped above as Stein caught her movements and swung her across the hall as Katya finished her slice on the wooden door, ripping the seal to shreds.

What had she done?  Katya fell to her knees as she tried to understand what happened.  She turned to see Medusa's evil smile as Stein's eyes were wide with shock.  Medusa then disappeared down the corridor as Stein and Katya remained silent.  Astrid transformed back into her human form and checked Katya for any fatal wounds.  Katya shoved Astrid away from her and screamed angrily, punching the ground several times.  She was angry that she missed killing Medusa and, in the end, fulfilled her part of the deal.  

Katya silenced her scream when she turned to see Stein towering over her.  He reached down and roughly yanked her to her feet to ask sharply, “Why was there a spell book in your home?”

“Medusa gave it to me,” Katya growled, his grip on her arm was tight when she was already in pain.

“You were going to use magic in Death City when you know it's forbidden,” Stein tightened his grip on her, “You were going to use magic against someone.”

“No!” Katya yelled as she struggled to be free, but failed, “I wasn't going to use it against anyone!”

“Let her go!” Astrid tried to shove Stein away from Katya.

“Stein.”

A hand rested on Stein's shoulder that signaled him to stop.  Stein growled beneath his breath before letting Katya go.  Spirit recoiled his hand to put in his pockets as he stood in front of both Katya and Astrid, “Lord Death wishes to see you, Katya.  Astrid, you will be escorted back to your home.”

“No,” Astrid held onto Katya's arm, “I'm staying.”

“Just let her stay,” Katya sighed as she felt her legs buckle beneath her.

Blood leaked out of her body as her vision began to fade.  The last visual Katya had was gazing at the ceiling, her last thought of what might happen to her...

She woke in a hospital bed.  The room was completely empty save for the only door that led to anywhere.  Katya remained still as she felt Lord Death not too far from her, “So..am I in any trouble?”

Lord Death appeared next to her bedside and peered down at her, “I want to know why you had that book in your posession.  What were you planning on doing?”

Katya didn't say anything for a few moments before answering, “Nothing.”

“You weren't planning on bringing life to the dead?” he asked, she could tell he was fishing for answers.

“No,” Katya answered.

“Then why did you have the book in the first place if you didn't plan on performing any of the spells within it?”

“Medusa gave it to me.  I wasn't planning on using or keeping it,” Katya turned onto her side away from Death, “What is my punishment?  Are you going to kill me?”

Lord Death took a few steps away from Katya and sighed loudly.  Katya held her breath as she tried to figure out what was to become of her.  Then, he spoke, “Because you did not use the book, you did not use your magic, and you never revealed to the others of your capabilities, I cannot kill you.  However, you will be supervised for sometime when you go out on missions and leave the city.”

With that said, Lord Death left the room.  Katya felt relief enter her system as she thought of the only other punishment Death could've brought upon her: death.  Using magic was completely different from completing a plan with a witch.  She remained still on her side as she released a long sigh of relief.  Katya closed her eyes and kept them closed even as she heard the door open again.  It must've been Astrid, but Katya couldn't tell because the other person's soul wavelength was different.  The person sat down on the bed with her.  They made no attempt to talk to her at that moment and Katya didn't want to be the first person to say something.  

“Tell me the truth..”

Black Star.  Katya's body became rigid with tense as she knew what he wanted to know.  Her eyes opened softly as she contemplated her answer.  It was the only lie she would ever tell him.  

“No, i'm not.”

She could hear the stress leave his body through a deep exhale.  He left the bed and walked to the other side where he could face her.  Katya looked up at him with her deep, amber eyes as she saw the worry in his gaze.  How did he find out?  Death or someone must've said something to him about the book.  She decided not to tell Black Star why she had that book to begin with and wouldn't lie to him even further about it.  Katya sat up, revealing most of her body was bandaged from her chest down to her lower torso.  She saw the shock in Black Star's eyes as he saw how damaged she was from fighting Medusa.  To lighten the tension in the room, Katya smirked, “I think i've outshined you for once.  I guess i'm the big star now.”

Katya went still once more.  Black Star gently held her shoulders and pressed his lips against hers.  The sudden warmth made her feel an emotion she hadn't felt before.  She eased into his kiss as her own tension left her body.  Silence wafted through the room as the two kissed.  Katya swore that she would never forget that moment.  Black Star was the first to pull away and whisper to her, “I'll be glad to share the stage with you.”