Claire

Healing

Claire's POV

"No, Death." That was the fifth time I'd told him "no". Death sighed. "Look. All you've got to do is go talk to him!" I scoffed. "I'm talking to you. That's progress, isn't it?" "Yeah, well I can't get away from Liz and Patty with the lame excuse of 'just going out' forever! I can't always sneak out and come to your side. Although I wish I could." I put my hand against my forehead as I finished my sandwich. "Fine! But only if you come with me. Just this once." Death smirked, congratulating himself. "Don't expect me to start talking to Soul and them." This made him frown.

Subconsciously, I rubbed the bandages that covered my scars. Some old, some brand new. I couldn't believe how far I'd fallen from sanity. It used to feel like I was looking in from the outside, my view a dirty window. Death had compared it to something like Madness. Had I really fallen that far?

I was in my normal attire, if a red hoodie on my head, black jeans, and white converse count for the norm, as Death and I began our way to Stein's laboratory. Going to his ward would be, as Death explained, too public. Anyone would be able to eavesdrop on the situation. I didn't need nor did I want that.

Although I was hoping not to get stopped at all, we were. "Hey, Kid!" I stopped, clenching my fists at my sides. The familiar prickling sensation along my skin made me gasp, and Death cast a weary glance in my direction. "Hey. What's going on here?" Soul and Kai. I could even sense a few more. I closed my eyes, concentrating. Soul and Kai, yes, I was correct. And then Black Star, Tsubaki, Maka, Liz, and Patty. I should've known. "I'm escorting Claire," Death said simply. Soul grunted. "To where?"

"That's no concern of yours." I was surprised by Death's harsh words. Soul gasped. "Whoa. What the hell did she do to you!" I felt his arm land on my shoulder. "If you did anything, I swear--" I whipped around, wrapping my hand around his elbow. He hissed and yelped, jumping backwards. I smirked at the black marks along his skin. "Bitch," Soul hissed. Death sighed. "Come on, Claire. That wasn't necessary." I shrugged, turning my back on the others. "She didn't do anything to me, Soul. And she won't."

Maka appeared in front of me. I was expecting her to scream, maybe even punch me. But all she said was, "I really hope you get better, Claire. I'm here for you." I frowned. Death had told me I would need to open back up to the others. I sighed, my wavelength contained, and wrapped my arms around her. "Thank you, Maka." I whispered. She was shocked, then seemed to be pleased. She wrapped her arms around me. "Anytime."

We left them, Death requesting that Liz and Patty stay there for my own sake. Liz grunted, but they didn't follow. However, I knew Black Star all too well. He was doing well; dissolving into the darkness and erasing his breath. But I could still sense him. I couldn't tell if Death could, too, but I didn't say anything.

Stein's lab was very dreary and gloomy. The first thought that came to mind was, 'And this is supposed to help me?' But, again, I kept my mouth shut.

Fortunately, approaching the door gave our attention to Stein. The door opened, and Stein rolled out in his chair. "Claire? Kid? What's up?" I glanced at Death, turning my head to the side. "We'd like to have a word with you, Professor. It's extremely important." From the corner of my eye, I saw Stein frown. "Yes. Do come in."

We followed Stein into the lab, the door shutting loudly behind us. Black Star was cut off, and I could practically feel his frustration.

Stein led us down dark corridors until we eventually reached a room with two couches. He sat down on one, and gestured for Death and I to sit together on the other. "Now. What's so important that you came all the way here to see me about it?" I grunted, pulling away my hood with both hands and letting it settle on my neck. Something flashed in Stein's eyes. Something I couldn't place. "We -- she -- desperately needs your help." Stein's grin disappeared. "Oh dear. What's the matter?" Death elbowed me gently, and I grunted. Slowly, I rolled up both sleeves, revealing the bandages. "What happened there?" Stein asked. I bit my lip, taking off the bandages. "Me," was my only reply. Stein gasped when he saw my arms. "You--?" I turned away as my wavelength spread down my arms once more. I sighed, taking back control, and contained my wavelength.