Hell.

It was literally a hell on Earth.

The little shops and boutiques she always passed to school were engulfed in flames, the combining smoke creating clouds of ash that darkened the starry sky. Screams surrounded Sera as she was continuously bombarded with body after terrified body. But even through all this chaos, she still couldn't comprehend the situation. Everything was fine in Death City just a few short hours ago. Now, it was just... madness.

One particularly hard push sent Sera crashing onto the cobblestone sidewalk, the rocks skinning her knees and bringing the light-haired girl back to reality. She immediately scrambled back up and quickly looked around all the chaos, listing off what she needed to do. She couldn't stand by after all; she was a Shibusen student. Thankfully, her parents were not in the city at the moment. She didn't need to worry about them anyways. So the only logical step was for her to go to Shibusen, the center of all the chaos. Her feet began to move before she could make a complete plan, running towards the towering school.

The panicking crowds began to lessen the closer she got to the steps and soon, Sera was standing in an empty lot. She briefly wondered for a moment what was worse; the deafening screams or eerie silence. She decided now wasn't the time to wonder and began running through the empty lot as fast as her legs could carry her.

This...wasn't exactly going as planned.

The teenage boy frowned at the sight before him. The buildings were in flames from the witches' magic. Many laid in ruin after the fierce strike across the city. Many more lay dead in the street, unable to counter the attack. Nothing had escaped their attack on Death City.

Likewise, nothing had escaped Mitsui, the young swordsman letting his blade slice through the lines of monsters and Meisters alike. His allegience wasn't something so honor-bound that he had to fight for the witches. However, for his goal, he would this time. After all, the witches were in the right here, being attacked by those who held a contract with the them. Thus, there was no moral dilemma in the boy's assistance of them.

What was unusual, though, were the strange beasts that had appeared. Ghostly white in appearance with a large red circle where their face should be, almost appearing like a bullseye. He had found one and cut it down swiftly, keeping it from clawing at him and otherwise impeding his journey forward. It seemed more would come, though...leftovers from those who had been plagued by Madness in years past. Having so many in one place, though, would be unusual...so what was the cause?

His sights had been set on Shibusen and he had managed to reach the academy easily, but had found neither his target nor an answer to his question. So he had begun to retreat as the witches had, unable to hold off the surge on his own. Most Meisters were aiding in evacuation. Regardless, he was an enemy. He would find no help if the witches were on the retreat.

As his steps led him to the gates, he found himself faced with one more. A young girl, it appeared, a little younger than him. Her pale pink hair stood out to him, as did the uniform she wore. She had to be a Meister...or a Weapon. He wouldn't think a Weapon would be out on her own, though.

Either way, he drew his sword quickly, slipping into his practiced stance, blade held in front of him. “I don't want trouble from you...” He had found enough while in Shibusen. Most picked him out to not be a student almost immediately. If he wasn't a student, he was probably an enemy, given his weaponry. Likewise, he would give them the suspicion he was given during his trek through the city.

It only took minutes for Sera to reach the top of the stairs leading to Shibusen's gates but with all the screams and rising stench of burning corpses, it felt like forever to Sera. She really should have been out of the city by now but she had to make sure her fellow classmates and teachers were safe, especially Death-sama. Maybe it would have been better if she wasn't alone. As a Weapon, she didn't have the power to fend for herself without the help of a Meister. She herself didn't have a permanent Meister, which was the first mistake, but that wasn't going to stop her. She was Seraphina Evans, the daughter of the famous Maka & Soul Eater Evans, and there was no way she'd sit by while watching her hometown go up in flames. The question, however, was why?

Sera's thoughts went to the crumbling alliance between Shibusen and the Witches. It was rumored that someone from Shibusen had killed a witch. Was this the witches' retaliation? That's what she originally thought when all this choas first erupted. That's why Sera came to her school but it was just as empty as the rest of the burning city. Where the hell was everybody?

"I don't want trouble from you...

Sera spun around and came face-to-face with the tip of a katana, the wielder a dark-haired teen not much older than her. She immediately raised her hands up in surrender.

"You won't get any!" She squeaked, "Who are y-?" Her question was drowned out by a sudden roar from behind her. Sera turned back around to see a large, humanoid figure who's body was completely white. It's face, however, was just red and missing normal facial features. Maybe that's why when it roared a second time, a gaping hole with mismatched fangs opened in the middle of it's 'face'. Sera screamed when the thing started rushing towards them and she quickly ran behind the stranger.

Mitsui was confused by her demeanor. He had almost been certain she would be up in arms against him. However...she just seemed frightened. His blade lowered ever so slightly at that. She was just a child. He shouldn't have to cut her down. It was not something Master Mifune would be pleased with. With a defeated sigh, he was about to let her by, but he paused at the roar.

Head snapping up, his sword came back up even as the girl hid behind him. The creature was monstrous, much bigger than the one he had fought. It charged ferociously, like a bear aiming for its prey. The swordsman wasn't going to lose to some wild beast, though. "Back away," he whispered softly to the girl before taking a step forward, watching as the beast reared up to strike. His arm was a blur as he returned the slash, ducking under its swipe. In one swift movement, the arm was lopped off, black blood spraying out from the wound. He twisted quickly and drew his blade in a downward swing, beheading the creature in short order.

The corpse was motionless for a brief moment before it collapsed down on itself in a pile, defeated. The flat end of the blade was dragged across its white flesh, wiping the blood from it. With this done, he sheathed the blade. One last look was given to the girl before he let out another sigh, turning away. "There's nothing left that way," he told her. "You'd do best to get to safety."

Sera's eyes widened in shock as the purple-haired man cut down the large white monster in two swift swipes of his sharp katana. She shuffled back to avoid any blood from falling on her clothes but immediately froze when she saw what color it was. Black blood...

The girl had heard numerous stories about the black blood from her parents as she grew up. How there was a bit inside both her mother and father and how it traced back to the Kishin, the monster her parents and the rest of their team sealed away seventeen years ago. Thanks to them, there were only a few people who carried black blood through their veins in the world now and in tiny trace amounts. Yet here was a being that was comprised solely out of black blood. Did that mean the Madness was growing again...?

Sera snapped out of her thoughts when she heard the man tell her there was nothing left at the Academy. "I-I just wanted to make sure no one was left." She stammered out, still shaken up by the ordeal, "I also thought the attacks would be occurring here but apparently not." The sudden creak of a part of the Academy falling apart from the flames made Sera jump and she quickly gripped her arms to stop her shaking. Whoever this guy is, she didn't want him to see how scared she was. It wasn't right for an Evans like her to show fear at a time like this. She should have been helping out but here she was, running around in circles.

"Anyways, thank you for your help. I'd like to ask more about you but this obviously isn't the best time. The two of us should get out of here." And with that, Sera hurried back down the steps, hoping deep in her heart that he would follow. She hated to admit it but she was powerless without a Meister. And the Meister she had partnered up recently ran away during the commotion. Some partner that guy was...

Mitsui watched the young girl head down the stairs. If he hadn't caught the stammer of his voice, he would have mistaken her for brave. As things turned out, he had to assume she was putting up a front after the way she hid behind him and continued to seem nervous. A moment passed before he found his steps following her's. His master would not want to see a young girl like her in danger. Neither would he. He would make it his mission for the time being to protect her. After all, a Meister without a Weapon was next to useless. Killing her would be like killing an unarmed man. It was dishonorable and distasteful, regardless of her age.

Besides, the witches were fleeing. I doubt they would care if one young student escaped like this.

Following his misunderstandings, he looked over towards the girl, taking in her form. The pale pink hair that fell about her shoulders had a certain charm to it, as did the rest of her form. Well, for a student anyway. He glanced away, staring ahead of him as he realized where his gaze had fallen and the thoughts crossing his mind. "So what is a Meister doing this far out with her Weapon?" he asked softly, deciding to get some information while he was stuck here with her. He was incorrect, of course, but he saw no reason why a Weapon would be alone. He had heard of such a thing happening, but Weapons were typically more versatile than an ordinary human, at least doing something to hold their own when by themselves. Thus, he assumed she must be a Meister to be so insecure about her own safety.

Sera felt shame wash over her when she heard the swordsman's question but couldn't blame him for asking. It was a common mistake. There was no sane Weapon who would drift so far from her Meister, much less keep having one quit on her every other month. It would be all fine and good at the beginning, but slowly she would begin to feel heavy in her Meister's hands, or she would be too hot to the touch. No matter what they would do, the wavelengths between her and a Meister would never sync the same way as it used to and pretty soon, they'd part ways. Sera wasn't sure if she was the one at fault or not...

She had to stop this track of thought before she got depressed any further. This neither the time or place for such things. Plus, the swordsman was waiting for her answer.

"I'm not a Meister." She simply replied, not wanting to see the purple-haired man's reaction. Before she could explain herself further, Sera was interrupted by the loud flapping of wings. Turning her head upwards, she saw a silhouette standing atop one of the few intact buildings in the area. It was a half-naked man in black pants and frazzled black hair. However, his arms were replaced with giant black wings. His eyes glowed an eerie yellow and Sera felt herself take a step back. However, the stranger's gaze was not aimed at her but at her companion.

"There you are Mitsui. Lady Karasuko has been looking everywhere for you. You're needed in the front lines." The man chirped, "Or are you too busy saving damsels in distress from the very monsters your employers have created? You wouldn't want any of the witches to hear what you've been up to now, do you?"

"What is he talking about?" Sera asked, finding the courage in her voice once she heard these news. She wasn't sure if she could believe that the man who saved her was really an enemy.

"You didn't tell her? Poor baby!" The man guffawed, "Mitsui is a mercenary hired by the witches! The very witches who attacked your lovely little home Seraphina Evans!"

"Y-you know who I am?"

"Everyone knows who you are, sweetheart. Daughter of the Last Deathscythe and the Meister who helped him achieve that title, Soul & Maka Evans. However, mommy and daddy aren't here to save you now. In fact, they are the right on top of the witches' most wanted list. I'm sure they're being hunted down right now-"

"Why?!" Sera interrupted, "Why are you doing this?! My parents had nothing to do with the attack on the witches."

"Oh my... How little you know." The man cooed, "But enough chit-chat. My Lady Karasuko would be delighted to have you as a hostage. Mitsui, take her down." Sera looked over at Mitsui, her eyes filled with confusion and fear. She had no idea who to believe anymore and had no way to defend herself. She balled up her fists, watching carefully for the purple-haired man's next move. If she timed it right, maybe she could still escape.

Mitsui was quiet as he regarded the familiar. This was quite the predicament he was in. He knew the man well and never felt any better about being associated with the bat-like creature. Karasuko was also powerful enough that he didn't want to anger her. She had been the one to approach him originally, knowing of his training and the desire he held for one of Shibusen's greatest allies. Here, though, he was presented with a choice. Continue his work for the witches to exact revenge on the murderer who killed both his father and his father's master before him...or save this girl, the greatest enemy to the witches after her notorious parents. On one hand, there was no coming back from a betrayal of that size. He couldn't escape the bat and Karasuko would come quickly enough if she heard of his betrayal...so the only choice would be to fight his way out. On the other hand...

The young swordsman shut his eyes, hand reaching for his sword slowly. When he opened them again, he drew his sword, the metal sliding against the sheath slowly. "...This goes against my teaching," he stated quietly. As his sword was drawn, he held it before him for a moment before bringing it down...right in front of the young Weapon. "I will not raise my blade to children. She is harmless to us. You will let her go..." He let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh. "...or you will have to go through me to get to her."

This was a stupid decision. The witches would kill him for this. He wouldn't be able to avenge his father if the witches hunted him down. However...he wouldn't throw away his honor. If revenge cost him that, even his father, the man who wanted that Meister's death above all else, would roll in his grave. He could not dishonor the masters before him in such a way. Their teachings would not draw the blood of children.

Sera's eyes widened as she watched Mitsui pull out his sword from his sheath, internally freaking out. This was the end of her. Here, while her home was burning to the ground. As he brought it up, she shut her eyes in fearful anticipation. But she never felt the oncoming blow. Peeking open one eye, she saw that the sword never even touched her. In fact, it was in front of her, like a shield.

"I will not raise my blade to children." Mitsui announced. Sera turned to the purple-haired man who was staring defiantly at the bat-creature. He was... defending her? Even at the cost of his life? That was so-

Wait.

Did he calle her a child?

How old did he think she was?!

As much as Sera wanted to voice her concerns regarding his thoughts about her, she didn't get the chance when the familiar screeched.

"You will pay for disobeying Lady Karasuko's orders!" He screamed before diving off the building towards the two of them. Although Sera was still unsure what to think of the swordsman, with his sudden alliance change and strict moral code, but she knew she had to do something to help him. As the familiar closed in on the two of them. Sera took a step back, timing it closely in her head. The moment he came into range, Sera jumped forward and began shining a bright light. The light changed shape and spun in midair, transforming into a double-headed scythe just in time to slice the bat's wing. Sera then immediately transformed back into her human shape as the bat screeched and crashed into the cobblestone sidewalk.

"Mitsui, now!"

Mitsui was mildly surprised at the transformation. The daughter of Soul Eater Evans turning into a scythe made sense, though. The double ended scythe was interesting to see, though. It almost seemed a combination of what the Meister and Weapon had been. The legendary Anti-Madness wavelength and the corrupted Death Scythe. Following her along might be interesting, to say the least.

His boot came down on the bat's one remaining wing, a cold stare accompanying it. "I would tell you to relay a message for me...I assume she'll know of your fate either way, though," he spoke calmly. "So...I'll address her directly. Lady Karasuko. This is your one warning. You and the rest of the witches will leave Seraphina Evans be or I will strike you down like any other enemy that stands before me." With his small speech said, his blade was directed downward, stabbing swiftly to cut through the familiar's neck. A quick swipe tore the blade free from its hold, slicing the bat's throat and nearly decapitating it fully. If the slice didn't kill him, the severed spine from the first stab would have.

Looking at his blade with little interest, he flicked his wrist, swiping at the air to rid his blade of the blood that had stained the steel. "Seraphina Evans, huh?" he murmured, looking back to the girl. After a moment, he sighed. This would be interesting, but he could already tell this was more trouble than it would be worth.

He was committed, though. A fugitive just like any other Meister or Weapon. "Come along. We should be off," he called out to her. "I don't know how well my blade would hold up to Lady Karasuko herself. I don't really intend to find out so soon, though." Without waiting for her, he sheathed his blade and turned to head off, striding out towards one of the gates to Death City. They had to leave the city entirely if they wanted to find safety.

Sera was still taken aback by how merciless MItsui was with his killings, not expecting to behead another creature that night. Yet, he did. She avoided the familiar's soulless gaze as she followed Mitsui out of the city. Once they reached the city gates, the blond felt a chill go down her spine. It was then that she realized how far she had gotten from the flames. She was mildly surprised that she came out of the burning city primarily unscathed. Looking back, Sera felt a wave of anguish wash over her as her hometown burned to the ground. Swallowing up that sadness, she turned back to her savior and cleared her throat.

"So... Mitsui." She began awkwardly, unsure of what to say. She still couldn't make heads or tails of the purple-haired stranger. He was terrifying, that's for sure. But he had laid down his life to save her twice now, even when his supposed allegiance were to the witches. If this was a trap, it was much too elaborate for her to make any sense out of it.

"Thank you for saving me. I don't think I would have made it out without you." She finally replied after a few moments of silence, "But why'd you do it? You were with the witches, right?"

Why did he save her?

That was a really good question, honestly. A moment of silence passed before he shook his head. He knew why he had saved her. It was stupid and illogical, but even he, bent on revenge as he was, had some sense of honor. That sense of honor told him that particular kill was to be avoided. "To put it simply...honor," he replied quietly, glancing over to her. "You would struggle to fight most witches, let alone me, in your current state, whether you be a Meister with no Weapon or a Weapon with no Meister. It was an unfair match. I don't fight those who do not have an even advantage. It would be like picking a fight with a sword. It cannot be wielded to its true potential without a capable swordsman behind it, but I am unimpeded." He shrugged. "Plus, you're young. It was a senseless fight. I have sworn an oath to never do harm to children as my masters before me had. You don't quite hold yourself as an adult would."

He glanced down at his sword for a moment before looking to Sera again. "I was never an ally to the witches. I have my own reasons for selling my services to them," he explained. "That reason was unfounded, though. So I took up a more noble cause. Until you find your allies at least."

"To put it simply... honor.

Sera listened in amazement as Mitsui explained his reasons in saving her. Although she had met many different people with many different viewpoints, this was her first time hearing one so noble. That being said, she had never met anyone who still followed the way of the sword. Even the Sword Meisters she met didn't follow that path. It was refreshing to meet someone like this, even if he considered her a child.

"Well, I'm happy you decided to choose helping me over your goals. It was rather kind of you," She began with a soft smile, "But I don't think I'll be seeing my allies as soon as you would think. I don't even know where they went." Sera liked to think of herself as a social butterfly but just like a butterfly, she made sure to never stick close to just one person. Some she couldn't help know all too well, like the children of her parents' best friends. Growing up with that strange lot made it hard to not stop being friends with them. They were very close when they were young but as they grew older, interests and responsibilities split them up. It didn't help that they had strong partnerships of their own, leaving Sera the only one in their old group to not have one. Maybe that's why she tried to avoid them as much as possible.

Growing close to other people outside her niche was also worrisome for the light-haired Weapon. Once people knew who she was, they made such huge assumptions and expectations of what she would be. Some were good, a lot were bad, but she barely lived up to any of them. She quit trying to show who she really was and just made herself as vague as possible to whomever she was speaking to. It was for that reason she had no idea where the Shibusen students would escape to.

A sudden breeze gave Sera the chills and she looked up to see the dark moon high in the sky. Sera remembered the stories her mother told her of the heroic Crona who sacrificed himself to save the world. The memory of her mother tugged at Sera's heart, making her realize just how much she missed her. She wondered where her and dad were.

"I think we should find a place to sleep tonight. We'll look for any sign of Shibusen tomorrow." She stated as she turned back to Mitsui, "Also just to make sure, how old do you think I am?" His previous comments about her being a child were beginning to nag at her.

Mitsui cocked his head to the side, studying the play of emotions across her face. He was sure she missed her family. Seraphina Evans was well known, even among the lone mercenaries like himself. Her family was always seen as loving and caring, albeit a bit violent in her mother's case with certain situations. Yet, he had never heard of a negative thing from the two until recent events had transpired to set the witches against them, long time allies since the time of the second coming for the Kishin. It was an interesting turn of events. He would be lying if he said he wasn't interested in learning the truth of the matter...but that was separate from his goal.

At her comment, he offered a nod, turning away from her, though he hesitated when asked her age. "I wouldn't know. Early to mid teens? You look young enough," he replied with a small shrug. Though, thinking back on his previous comments, he could see where she might be getting annoyed. He offered a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "My apologies if my way of speaking offended you. You may not be much younger than me, but...well, you're still a child in the eyes of most. I don't like battling those younger and less trained."

He turned away again, deciding to address another problem as his smile faded away. "And, please, don't get me wrong. I did not choose you above my goals. If the chance comes, I will pursue them fully. In this specific situation, my goals were unfounded within Shibusen and, thus, did not clash with my ideals."

Mitsui's comments sent blows to Sera's ego, knocking the smile off her face. It was depressing enough that the swordsman wasn't as noble as she had thought, still driven by vengeance, but him saying that he didn't battle those who were less trained then he was. Was her inexperience really that obvious? Her mother and father had taken down several dangerous criminals and the Kishin itself much younger than she was now. Yet she still couldn't transform her arm into a scythe blade.

Feelings of inadequacy weighed down on her soul, but Sera shook it off so Mitsui wouldn't notice. He probably did though. Swordsmen were probably really perceptive. "Let's go. If we stay just outside the city any longer, some witches might find us. I'm pretty sure they're hunting you down now too." Before he could say anything, Sera began to walk down the sand dunes. It would take them hours to get to the wooded area that surrounded the desert Death City rested on and they still needed to make sure they weren't being chased by hordes of witches.

Mitsui appeared not to notice her distress, but he had caught the play of emotions across her face once more. It made sense, he supposed. Knowing her heritage, she must have a lot to live up to. His comments must've struck a chord with her because of that, deciding she was weak right off the bat. Or maybe she was simply upset that he thought her younger, like many young girls might. Either way, it was none of his concern and he wouldn't rescind his comment. He had only spoken the truth. How could the daughter of a Death Scythe not even handle a witch's Familiar? Between his years of training and the teachings taught down to him by his father, he could already tell without a doubt that he could wield a sword better than she could control her powers.

After all, she hadn't even made an attempt to fight the Familiar besides throwing herself at it like he would have thrown a scythe. Hardly a way to for a Weapon to fight solo.

Frowning a little at her comment, he offered a shrug in response. "The one who hired me definitely is. She won't stand for the death of her Familiar. We made enemies with a very powerful witch." He started off, moving ahead of her as he stuck his hands in his pockets. "It'll take her some time to come after us, though. The witches are busy finishing their domination of Death City. She can't leave until that's done. Once they set off to finish the stragglers, she'll make her way towards us. We need to hide our trail by then."

With that said, he continued off towards the forest, knowing it'd be the best solution to hiding their trail.

~~~

The path was long and arduous, Mitsui trailing Sera along a winding path that seemed to have no real destination. At length, though, they reached a small village at the far edge of the forest. It was rather quaint, untouched by the beasts that had been attacking Death City. It seemed they had made straight for the conflict rather than bothering with the small fry. The swordsman looked around curiously as the entered.

"Alright...we should find some place to rest. I can map out our next destination from there..." he commented. "We're gonna want to hide our trail at some point. Our best option, in all honesty, is the sea. She'll be able to track our steps. Not even she could track our passage by boat, though."