Crona's heart galloped.

Realization dawned on her and she sped past Kid, out the kitchen, and towards the awaiting arms of her mistress who was both elated and shocked to see her coming in so fast. Without thought, the sylveon leapt, trusting her trainer to catch her, and was overjoyed when she found herself in Maka's warm embrace. She was held close and she took advantage of this to nuzzle up against her elated trainer.

"Oh, Crona," Maka exclaimed, "we were so worried about you! I missed you so much!"

I missed you, too, Maka! I was so scared and I thought I'd never see you again!

"Don't you ever run off like that again! Do you hear me? I was worried sick about you!"

I'm sorry! Let me make you better. Her tongue darted out to softly lap at her friend's cheek, feelers wrapped around Maka's neck, and neither knew or cared if she would ever let go.

"I'm just so glad you're okay!"

Ick. Soul grinned. His tail wagged happily side-to-side and decided to throw a joke their way. You two are gonna make the world vomit if you keep this up.

Maka ignored him, too happy to let his joke be considered an irritant. A smile was turned to Kid who stood by watching as Crona was reunited with her trainer. The heart-warming display made his day all the brighter.

"Thanks for taking her in," Maka said. She silently noted the new color and cleanliness of Crona's coat. "And for taking such good care of her. If there's any way I can repay you–"

"As I said before, I enjoyed having her. You're lucky to have such a wonderful pokemon."

"I know." Crona's face heated up at the compliment and she could hear Soul snickering. It felt good to be back with her family.

"I guess you should be off, then?"

"Uh, yeah, I guess."

"Don't be silly! I couldn't turn you out. You should stay for the evening and night. Leave in the morning, it's a better alternative to camping out in the desert."

He's got you there, Soul murmured. Maka ignored him. Again. "No, really," she said, grateful but not wanting to cause Kid anymore grief, "I think you've done enough."

"I'll say," Ponera sighed.

"Please," Kid implored, ignoring his ex's callous comment, "it's the least I could do. We're having dinner now and your pokemon could eat as well."

"All right. I suppose it wouldn't hurt."

Yay! Crona cheered. Both Soul and Maka gave her a surprised stare that went unnoticed as she hugged her trainer tighter, squirming free of Maka's hold and falling gracefully to her paws.

You're gonna like it here, Maka! She said with her pink tail practically a blur. Turning, she padded back towards the kitchen. Follow me! She called to Soul.

"My," Kid chuckled, "she certainly seems excited."

"Yeah," Maka agreed. She followed her host, flanked by Ponera, through the kitchen where Kid paused to set out more treats. The ash blonde trainer watched as Soul and Crona hungrily devoured the little cakes. "Is this all you've been feeding her?" Maka asked, unsure if giving Crona so much sugar was a good thing.

"No. Why do you ask?"

She was about to reply when the sight of Liz and Patty caught her attention. The two kept low behind the counter appearing somewhat mistrustful of this stranger and her furfrou.

"Aww, are these your pokemon? They're so cute!"

"Oh?" Kid stared at the two apparently surprised at Maka's fascination. "You...like Liz and Patty?"

"Yeah, they're cute! What kind of heartless monster wouldn't like cute?"

As if cued Ponera's voice beckoned from the dining room, "Kid!"

"Speaking of which," Kid sighed. "Excuse me. I'll make sure to set you a place at the table."

The moment he stepped from the room, Maka turned to Crona who sat gazing up at her mistress in admiration, tail wagging happily, and feelers falling gracefully in place to appear as regular bows.

"He seems nice."

He's really nice, Maka. Crona smiled. He's been very kind to me and let me be his friend even though it made that scary girl mad.

"Scary girl? You mean Ponera?"

Uh-huh, she hates me, Maka. I don't know why but she's not very nice.

I could've told you that. Soul interjected. Prissy, stuck-up, that's how most rich girls are, right?

"I wouldn't know." Maka sighed. She turned her attention back to Crona whose optimism diminished with the next sentence. "But we're just staying for the night. We've lost too much time already."

Sh-she understands? A quiet gasp sputtered. The trio turned to see a stunned Liz who stood with an awed Patty close at her side. She actually understands?

I told you Maka can understand us. Crona murmured.

But we didn't believe you! Liz squealed. We just thought you were being nuts!

Nuts, nuts, nuts! Patty giggled.

"Ahem." Maka cleared her throat. All four pairs of eyes were on her as she explained her gift to the pachirisu. "I can assure you that Crona isn't nuts. It's a long story, but if not for her then I probably wouldn't have gained this amazing power."

Wow! Liz breathed, suddenly struck speechless by this unusual ability. Maybe Crona could give Kid that power! Patty beamed, imagining all the ways she could tease her master if he could understand them.

"That's out of the question." Maka frowned. Her eyes softened as they turned to her sylveon whose blue orbs had fallen to stare at her paws. "And it's precisely why I try to keep it a secret from other humans. I don't want them trying to take advantage of Crona. Besides, it can be a real pain at times."

Liz could understand that. Although, it made her wonder just what this sylveon was and how she could grant such a power to this human girl. She didn't ask either of these questions, though. Instead, Liz opted to ask the third inquiry that crossed her mind.

And you're the only human who can talk to us and understand what we're saying back?

"Unfortunately, no."

What do you mean? Who else can–

Entering, Kid came to address the still missing trainer who had unknowingly became the center of attention in her absence. "Maka, aren't you coming to dinner?"

Kid! Liz whined. Get out of here! We were talking!

Yeah! Out, out, out!

"Aren't you two hyper." Kid chuckled, patting Liz atop her head. Patty tried to shove him out by pushing against his legs but it proved to be a futile effort on her part.

Maka grinned at the comical sight. "They certainly are. Crona seems a little hyper, too." She extended a hand for her sylveon to take and allowed her timid feelers to wrap around her hand not the least bit concerned when they crept up to her wrist. Crona nuzzled against the palm of her hand and seemed in a near euphoric state when Maka used her free hand to stroke down her back. Soul watched them with little interest.

"I'll be there in a sec," Maka said, unaware of the fascination she brought out in Kid and his pokemon, "I just wanna make sure Crona's okay with me leaving."

"We'll just be in the next room. I'm sure she won't mind."

It's okay, Maka, Crona assured releasing her trainer's hand and wrist, you can go eat. I'll stay with Soul.

"Okay," Maka said, turning to face Kid, "you're right. I guess you think I'm weird for caring so much, huh?"

"Not at all. It's nice to see someone else care so much for their pokemon."

"Is that so?"

Their chatter faded behind the door leaving the four pokemon alone in the kitchen. Seems like Maka has a fan, Soul smirked. He nearly laughed at the confused expression Crona gave him. It was priceless!

What do you mean?

C'mon, didn't you see the way those two clicked? And they didn't even realize it! It's hilarious!

No, Liz sighed, it's depressing.

Kid's clueless! Patty chanted. Kid's clueless! Clueless, clueless, hahaha!

Wait, clueless about what? What're you guys talking about?

Uh, Crona, you were paying attention, right?

She's hopeless, Soul snickered, just like those two.

I'm not hopeless! Crona argued. I just don't know what you're talking about!

Mates, Crona, Liz dead panned, we're talking about mates. Kid and Maka. Together? Get it?

A blush streaked her muzzle and she gave a curt nod to show understanding. Internally, she tried to fit the two together and was surprised to find she was okay with the idea of the two humans becoming a couple. The notion was kinda cute.

Too bad you guys will be leaving in the morning, Patty frowned. I bet Kid would be way happier with Maka.

Same here. Liz agreed.

Then why not get him to tag along? Soul proposed, watching as the sisters shared a look of clarity that was hastily turned on Crona who sat dumbfounded. Smirking, the furfrou was more than happy to let her in on the unspoken plan.

I know Maka forbid this, but you need to give Kid a new perspective on life.

I don't know... Crona shifted position uncomfortably. Maka wouldn't like that.

Please, Crona! Liz implored. If Kid starts hearing what we say then we might be able to persuade him to get closer to Maka. Do it for love!

Like cupid! Patty exclaimed, and then softened her tone. Don't you hate seeing them lonely?

And, Soul added, Maka won't have a choice but to take him to see Stein.

But what if it doesn't work? Crona feared but did not dare utter. The others were so pleading and she didn't want either of the humans to be sad. However, she knew if this failed it could cause permanent damage to Kid. Was that a risk she was willing to take? The idea made her sick. It was her choice, but no matter how she looked at it she felt she chose wrong.

Say yes, then risk hurting Kid and disappointing Maka.

Say no, then she was inadvertently hurting both Kid and Maka.

Fortunately, Soul was able to see this inner conflict and rested his head against her shoulder in a gesture of comfort. Don't worry, he assured, whatever choice you make will be cool with us. And if you don't want to then nobody's gonna make you.

I can do it, I want to do it, but...what if something bad happens?

Then we'll be honest and take the rap. Tell Maka we talked you into it.

Liz, Patty, do you guys think this will be best for Kid? I'll only do it if you think it's worth the risk.

Yeah! Let's do this!

Whoa, hold your ponyta, Patty. What 'risk' are you talking about?

There's a small chance something might not go right. Before...before I was left in the wild...I had been used for human research purposes. Because of that I can grant humans the ability to hear us, but there's sometimes a price to be paid. Maka nearly lost her mind when she was first infected and I've seen other humans get sick, most lost their minds, others their souls, and some even died because their bodies were unable to handle it.

You know, Soul shrugged, no big deal.

No big deal? Liz screeched. She was both outraged and shocked that the furfrou would label such dismal information as such. No big deal?! Yes, if there's a chance Kid could die then it's a very big deal!

Pfft, it's not a very big chance. What did Stein say, like, forty percent out of a hundred? Sixty percent of the time it'll work without anything bad happening.

Are you kidding?

C'mon! Patty tugged on Crona's feelers, ignoring the sylveon's pained protests, as she tried leading her towards the dining room door. You could do it now!

Patty, no! Weren't you just listening? This could make Kid crazy or sick or–you're not listening to a work I'm saying, are you?

Sis, this is Kid's chance to get out and spend time with a girl who isn't a bitch! We can't let him miss out on that because of a tiny chance he could die.

Yes we can! Liz argued. She didn't like the look Patty gave her, as if she were the crazy one, but Liz couldn't help herself from being afraid. She didn't like the risks involved.

On the other hand, Soul did seem pretty sure that nothing bad would happen and Patty was willing to give it a try and even Crona, who would never want to cause Kid harm, was willing to give it a try. So, with a reluctant sigh, she released her sister's forearm and gave in.

Why do I let you talk me into these things? She mumbled. Liz turned her attention from a now cheering Patty to Soul and Crona.

So what's the plan? How does this work?

Maka couldn't believe how good the food was, nor could she believe Kid was the one who made it. But what seemed the most unbelievable was how frigid and tense the atmosphere was.

Both Kid and Ponera kept silent, exchanging glares and few mumbled words of politeness. Kid's dad was friendly enough but behind his happy-go-lucky facade Maka could sense some hostility aimed at the woman seated across from him. The feeling was evidently mutual and Maka was left sitting in the middle of it. She was so uncomfortable.

"This is really good."

"Thanks," Kid said, though he eyed his father as he spoke, "I made it for a special occasion."

"And what a special occasion it is! I get to see you, Maka's reunited with Crona, and we have a rather lovely visitor. And her grandmother, too."

"Yes," Mabaa replied, taking a sip from her wineglass, "and at least one of our hosts are couth and mature enough to act his age."

"Anyway," Kid addressed Maka, successfully changing the topic, "where is it you plan to go after you leave the city?"

"Originally, I had plans to attend a contest, but after all that's happened I will probably opt for visiting a friend. He lives in a village out in the desert. It'll take a few days, but I should make it there in one piece, and he should be able to help me out."

"And what would it be you'd need help with?" Death inquired.

"Umm, money, mostly. But I'm more concerned about falling behind in the competition."

"Competition?"

"Rival trainers. I was hoping to be ahead of them but I think I might've fallen behind."

"And," Ponera guessed, "you're hoping your boyfriend will be able to help you catch up?"

Maka giggled at that. The sound of her laugh grated on the purple-haired girl's already short nerves, simultaneously it brightened Kid's melancholic mood.

"No, Kilik," she tried not to laugh as she went on, "he's not my boyfriend. We met up a while back and made a trade. He owes me a favor because of that."

"Why is that?"

"He needed a spare pokeball and I only had Soul, my furfrou, with me at the time. So I gave him one of my empty pokeballs and he gave me a..." she paused, stopping the word annoying from passing her lips and ended the sentence, "piplup."

"Sounds like you got the better end of that deal."

"You'd certainly think so."

"Do you have any bug-types?"

Kid rolled his eyes. Death said nothing and Mabaa paid the young trainer a curious eye.

"No. Aside from Crona and Soul, I only have four other pokemon and one isn't on hand. For good reason. What about you, Kid?"

"He couldn't catch a pokemon if his life depended on it." Ponera said. "He's lucky to have the ones he does now."

"I believe Maka was talking to me!"

"And I believe she deserves to know the truth!"

"Settle down, children." Mabaa sighed. She looked to Death who was fiddling with his silverware. "Would you please try to control your son?"

"I don't see much reason for it." He shrugged. "If anything, Mabaa, I believe it's your granddaughter who should apologize for interrupting Kid."

"Maybe if he were honest–"

"Don't you start," the man warned, eyes narrowing on the grinning woman, "don't you dare start insulting my son, Mabaa. You're the last person who should be pointing out flaws."

"Excuse me," Maka stood with her plate in hand, prepared to leave this nasty scene as soon as possible, "I think I've had enough. Thanks for the meal, but I should probably find that guest room now."

"I'll show you the way," Kid said, excusing himself to escape the unbearable atmosphere.

Passing through the kitchen, they found their pokemon to be nowhere in sight. "I suppose they went elsewhere to play." Kid said. "I don't blame them if they overheard that...discussion."

"What's with them?" Maka asked. "Why's everyone so hostile?"

"It's a long story of false love, manipulation, and matchmaking gone awry."

"Sounds interesting. Go on."

Kid led her upstairs, preceding to tell Maka his story, as he guided the way to the guest room where she would spend the night.

"Dad's the one who insisted I go out to meet someone. He has this silly notion I'll end up alone and depressed if I don't have a girlfriend. Anyway, I ended up meeting Ponera while at the mall, and everything was fine at first, we got along and seemed to have similar interests, but..."

"She turned out to be a bitch."

"You said it, not me." Kid grinned then continued with his story. "As it turned out, Ponera was also being pressured by her family to find someone to date and eventually marry, as is their family tradition, so she decided to use me to satisfy her parents and grandmother. Although, to be fair, I did tolerate her just to make Dad happy. So she started staying here in a guest room and when I brought Crona home she was less than kind, and I realized that I could no longer tolerate her cruel behavior so I broke up with her."

"Now Dad and Mabaa are trying to get us to make up, otherwise they'll try to settle things as they had long ago when they were arranged to be married and refused to go along with the wishes of their parents."

"Wait," Maka interjected, unable to see Kid's father ever being close to the woman downstairs, "they were engaged?"

"Yes. Dad was arranged to marry Mabaa, but they both hated each other and refused to remain a couple. They broke up after being forced to settle it and have continued hating each other ever since."

"Then why can't you break up with Ponera like they did?"

"Because that would mean we would end up battling." Kid scowled. "However, since I have no experience in that area, and with Liz and Patty being my only pokemon, Dad knows I will lose and be forced back into the relationship irregardless."

"That's terrible."

"Here we are," Kid sighed, opening the guest room door for her, "if you need anything my room is right down the hall."

"Thanks." Maka beamed. "Hey, if you want I could show you my other pokemon."

How could he refuse? Kid couldn't deny his curiosity concerning what other magnificent pokemon Maka had in her possession. Stepping into the room, he watched as she produced three pokeballs and prepared to release the creatures within.

They're out of sight now, Liz whispered, peering at the two humans from around the corner of the corridor. Patty, you and Crona can handle Kid. Soul and me will keep guard.

O-okay.

We're gonna blow his mind!

I sure hope not, Liz murmured, as she let Patty lead the way to Kid's room. Immediately, they headed for the bathroom whilst Soul made himself comfortable outside the door and kept his eyes locked on Liz who stood peering out the bedroom doorway ready to alert him if Kid came their way.

Meanwhile, Patty assisted Crona in opening bottles of Kid's shampoo and conditioner along with some of his cologne. Biting into one of her feelers hard enough to draw blood she watched as a single dark bead dripped into each bottle, which was resealed and shaken by Patty who also put them back, not as she found them, but a little off to catch her master's attention when he came in later.

Hey, Crona, are you sure this will work?

I would think so. If he uses it while his pores are open it should be absorbed into his blood stream. It'd probably take a few hours to start working, but...yeah, I think it'll work.

Whoops!

Crash!

What're you two doing in there? Soul asked, moving to stand in the doorway where he soon found himself staring at a broken cologne bottle.

Sorry! Patty giggled. Guess I should be more careful, huh?

It'd help, Soul muttered. Looking to Crona, whose eyes were affixed to the bottle, Soul stepped forwards, minding the broken glass. Don't worry about it. I'm sure he has other bottles, right? This question was addressed to the shiny pachirisu who was prompt to reply.

Right, Patty said, producing another from the sink cabinet, he always keeps eight on hand.

See, Crona? No big deal.

Nodding, she went back to work and Soul allowed them to continue without further distraction. Resuming his place outside the door, he found Liz was gone from her post across the room. She appeared after a couple minutes, falling through the open doorway with black singed fur and incoherent utterances escaping her dazed form.

Liz? What the hell hap–

Before Soul could finish his inquiry a black blur nearly toppled him over as it sped by and Soul turned just in time to hear Crona's piercing scream.