open ◦ SMALL TALK
Maka’s ability to perceive souls was probably her only advantage against this unfamiliar world. While others have the strength to defeat unsuspected enemies, the intelligence to fool them, or heighten senses to maneuver around them, she had the ability to detect and see a person’s soul. Whether ordinary humans or witches/wizards or even a quarter-part beast, she can see the soul that rests within any being that walks within her power’s range.
But that’s about it.
One could easily tell that she was too scrawny to be packing in any extra heap. Mind you, she’s not that weak. The girl could easily swing a scythe several times her size like color guard member would spin a flag, or could lay several direct hits on a fully grown man. She just wasn’t strong as others who heavily specialized in stamina-overload combats. Being human had limits, after all. But her intellect (plus additional aptitude) levels the playing field.
She sat in meditation. Legs crossed, hands knitted together, eyes closed. From time to time she would practice soul perception in her free time, honing her skills until the time comes when she’ll need use of them beyond her fullest potential. Circumstances could change at any interval. Weak enemies could just be disguising their true powers; a wrong step could land her disabled or worse. Moreover, in the face of an opponent, she needed her partner.
Not now though. Right now she needed this moment to herself. As the passing wind played with her pigtails, she focused in on the souls within the area. She picked up multiple souls, some humans, some not. She wanted to expand even further, see how far a distance she could reach with the aid of her partner, but stopped herself from making a fatal risk. There was a soul approaching her, causing her senses to tickle with uneasiness.
Choosing to remain at her post, seated on a cement block (which may or may not have been a platform for a statue) meant to hold two, she waited.
