Odds and Ends

The End is Sometimes the Beginning

Maka felt her body quake as she looked at the sleeping girl. Her eyes were shut and her ghostly skin made her look translucent in the low light as it contrasted drastically against her black matted hair. She was sleeping, somehow, despite the tossing of the boat. The boat was rocking restlessly, it was like the ocean could feel Maka's inner turmoil, causing items on the shelves to randomly slide haphazardly about and occasionally crash to the floor. None of that seemed to bother the sleeping girl. She lied there, still as death.

The amount of blood the girl lost should have killed her, but thanks to Kid's quick thinking they cauterized the wound just like they had to Maka's wounds. The whole walk back to shore had taken several days eating up time for their mission, not that they thought that mattered anymore. The girl coughed and attempted to roll over but the restrains on the bed clanked loudly and kept her in place.

So this is the end of our 'great adventure', Maka scoffed to herself as the girl let out a frustrated sigh. She had been knocked out cold by Kid before getting back on the ship which had been arranged for them to come back, this time by the school, and it was larger and roomier than their last trip. Maka was sharing a room with the girl, to watch her on the voyage back.

Figures that Stein would lie to them, send them off together in hopes to play some twisted version of matchmaker, and then expect them to come back with his creation. Maka's eyes narrowed at the girl. She wasn't human, but how had Stein been the one to create her? Maka's arms snaked around her torso, clutching her shoulders and leaning slightly so that she cradled herself. Her fingers automatically tracing the scars on her shoulders. It was a new habit, one to remind her that with each progression she made she was still capable of mistakes.

There was a soft knock at the door.

The girl grumbled in her sleep and pulled at the restraints, but stayed asleep. Maka's eyes narrowed at the door. She knew Kid was on the other side, she could sense him. Not that she needed her ability at the moment, she was too flabbergasted that she was still unable to sense the girl on the bed, and had taken to constantly focusing and scanning for her. There was another gentle knocked, followed by a faint sigh.

"Come out for some air," he called gently through the door when she still hadn't moved to answer it.

Maka slid her eyes shut as she fought the tears that started to build there. She had known! She had known all along and so had he! Why they thought they could just ignore it and let this happen between them was beyond her. They had ignored all reason, and this should have been the biggest one. It had only dawned on her the previous night when they had called Lord Death himself.

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"She's asleep," Maka said evenly as she came out of the room, she gave Kid a shy grin as he extended his hand out to her. She slipped her hand in with his as he started to pull her in the direction of the main deck.

A few flights of stairs later they were standing on the deck as the last of the light faded from the sky and a few twinkling stars started to litter the sky.

"I need to call my father," Kid said, his face was void of emotion, something that made Maka feel uneasy. A few weeks alone with just one person could let you get to know them well, but at this moment she couldn't figure out what he was thinking. Through their bond though she could feel immense worry, and agitation.

She nodded in agreement as they strode towards Kid's room, the largest room on the boat with a large mirror. As they walked in hand and hand an image of Lord Death and her father greeted them. Maka felt instant disgust as he started to coo over her through the mirror. At times like this she wished she could chop him through the mirror. She was thankful when Lord Death did that for her.

She was very aware that Kid was clasping her hand tighter as his father managed to get her father in check.

"It seems like the two of you have become closer," he noted cheerfully.

"I love her," he stated. Kid really wasn't one to beat around the bush. His cheeks didn't even flush as his father started cooing and hers started cursing.

"That is unfortunate," Lord Death truly seemed upset and awkwardly rubbed the back of his head, "I didn't give Stein the clearance to send you two on the mission, but there is one detail that was an actual fact. You are betrothed, Kid."

"I am aware of that Father," Kid replied curtly. "It doesn't change that my betrothed attempted murder on a Meister and my partner as well as murder as countless others."

"Murder?" Spirit chirped in, the only coherent thing he had managed to say so far.

"We found evidence that she has been feeding on humans on Greenland. As well as harvesting their souls to use shapeshifting abilities," Maka offered when Kid's hand gripped hers with more force.

Lord Death stared at them slightly, his hand coming to rest under his chin as he hummed.

"There will have to be a trail. You do realize that she is well read and an ancient god herself right? We can't just rid her of this world, she's as old as well… Me. Another fragment of the ancient ones that has survived. Although she has admittedly gotten stronger as of late and she's obviously abused it, but she holds importance to keeping balance in this world."

"Murdering the innocent isn't balance," Kid spat. "I refuse to accept her place in this world," he added.

"You aren't a full Shignami… and you can't be unless you marry one and consummate the marriage. She's the only option we have."

The sentence seemed to shatter both of their resolve for a moment. Death Kingdom was aware of their Lord's fragile state and how he was raising kid to be his replacement. They knew that even Lord Death couldn't live forever, not with how things were now with his soul locked firmly in place.

Maka felt herself suck in a deep breath.

"Kid," she whispered quietly as she untangled their hands. "We should talk in private."

He nodded in agreement.

"Father… I need to—"

"You know I hate placing expectations on you Kid, but there is no other way. As much as you love Maka, it won't work."

"I can't!" Kid yelled. "You can't, I can't marry that… Monster! I can't go—"

"You will learn. You will have to. I tried the same thing Kid… and that is why you are just a fragment of my soul. You won't be able to do the same yourself if there ever comes a time. The world needs order, balance. You're one of the last few Shignami's left. You can't forsake the world, as much as it saddens me to make you part with your love… you have to."

"I understand," Maka whispered quietly.

The world seemed to spin as the room grew deathly quiet. Maka didn't remember saying another word as she excused herself from the room. She could hear Kid screaming still, her father yelling something stupid, and Lord Death growing surprisingly serious.

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What Maka couldn't figure out was why Stein, of all people, would set her up for such pain. Her teacher wasn't that malicious. He must have had some reason for sending them on this mission, together.

"Maka please, it's been three days, you need to eat," Kid hadn't left the door yet. She could sleep the tempting scent of waffles and syrup through the door.

She sighed before giving herself one last reassuring hug and standing up. The girl on the bed cracked her eyes and shifted slightly to give Maka a malicious grin. Words didn't need to be spoken. The Wyvern implied everything with her eyes and Maka wasn't an idiot. The girl drew enjoyment of the fact that she was the reason for so much tension between Kid and Maka.

Rolling her eyes she grasped the door, stealing one last breath before pushing it open.

She wasn't sure if it was the three days apart from him after spending every moment possible with him for the last month, or if just looked particular irresistible but she was tempted to throw her arms around him. She refrained, stepped out and closed the door behind her.

She tried to give him a weak smile but failed miserably.

He didn't even bother, but his piercing golden eyes didn't leave hers as placed the plate of food in her arms.

"I can understand… if you don't want to be around me, but please for my sanity, take care of yourself and eat," he said evenly. His voice was devoid of emotion, but his eyes were filled with worry.

"I lost track of time," she said with a shrug. She felt restless. She could practically taste the salt air, even though they were in an enclosed hall way, it seemed fresher out here than it did in her room.

"Mind coming with me for a walk?" she asked right as Kid looked like he was going to turn away.

Kid paused, he seemed to weigh over the options for a moment before he nodded, "Only after you eat though."

An idea struck her as she quickly devoured her food. She didn't speak as she grabbed Kid's hand and made a mad dash for the deck. She barely had time to take a deep breath. Her legs seemed to charge towards her destination without her consent, nothing was stopping her.

"What—Maka?"

"That's it!" she said as she burst in to his room with a wild kick to the door. Ignoring Kid, she flung the blanket away from his mirror and dialed Lord Death's number.

"Maka! I don't—"

"I have an idea Kid, just wait," she managed to get out just as Lord Death appeared on the reflection.

"Maka?"

Be strong, she told herself.

"There is another way," she rushed out. "Please Lord Death, hear me out. I believe Stein approached you about this too."

The silence was all she needed as affirmation.

"We don't know if that's how it would work Maka, I admire your tenacity but—"

"Stein thought it too though, right?"

"Stein thought what too?" Kid asked from her shoulder, his hand was still clasped in hers. "Maka please, what's going on?"

"You don't have to marry her," Maka stated calmly keeping her gaze locked on Lord Death, "there is a way around this."

"How?" Kid's voice seemed to raise an octave, either out of respect for her wit to see out of this situation or from his confusion, she couldn't tell.

"Please, Lord Death, it's only fair if all options are on the table, and I think Kid should get a say in this future too," she continued, ignoring Kid and staring straight at Lord Death.

Lord Death sighed, folding his hands in front of him.

"You and that teacher… No wonder he picked you, go on. Explain to Kid," Lord Death grumbled.

"I'm a Meister and a Death weapon. It's taboo because Death Weapon's can't die, and while Meister's are Death's agents they are mortal. I technically could become a Death Weapon, I have the potential to do both. I could be your weapon, just your weapon as we proved in this mission without having to consume souls. I'm an abnormality. But because of this unique trait, there's the potential to maximize your power as well. This mission was to prove that you don't need to stay with old blood… Stein saw this too. It just… might be amplified since… we're in love."

Kid stared at his father, his eyes seemed to burn with anger.

"You weren't going to let me know this?"

"I'm thinking what is best for the World Kiddo, you can't begrudge me that."

"No, he's right Kid. You can't get mad. This isn't' a sure thing…"

The silence in the room was tangible as Kid took a deep breath.

"Father, I won't marry it," he spat the last word with resentment, not leaving anyone in the room doubting who he meant by 'it'.

Lord Death nodded, "I understand… we'll hold a trial for the Wyvern when you return. She'll await justice in the holding cell."

He waved his arm and his image disappeared from the mirror.

"That was… easy," Kid sighed. A large grin spread across his face as he scooped Maka in to a hug, spinning gleefully.

"You brilliant Meister!" he cried out laughing, "I could kiss you!"

Maka couldn't help but giggle along with him.

"I think I'd like that."

He stopped spinning them and placed a firm kiss against her lips.

"I don't' want you to feel like you have to be with me because of this… I want to make that clear now. I love you, and it doesn't have to –"

"I get it, Kid," Maka giggled, "I'm just so glad I put the pieces together. I'll have to remember to thank Stein when we get back."

"Maybe next time he can send us to a tropical island," Kid teased, giving her another kiss. He couldn't seem to stop. His eyes were light with love and he seemed to shine.

"Maybe, this is just the beginning Kid. We're going to have to convince your Father face to face and mine… and then there will be the trial to deal with and our friends…"

"I'll gladly accept this fate, if it means I'm with you," he laughed as he pulled her in to another kiss.

They spent the room together in Kid's room that night. Close together in each other's arms. They were ready to face the future, because while their journey was coming to an end, it was just the beginning for them.

A/N: Hey guys! A whole year... I know that's crazy... but hey! Finished! If I can find the time I definitely set this up for a sequel but we'll see what the future holds. I hope you guys enjoyed this installment of Odds and Ends as well as the final chapter! Thanks to everyone who stuck with this story until the end.