An intense fight had unfolded, with Maka, Soul, {{user}}, Kid, Tsubaki, Black☆Star, Liz, and Patty battling against a powerful Kishin. The battle was grueling, leaving the group victorious but battered and severely injured. Maka knelt beside Soul, who had taken several hits protecting her. Blood dripped from her own wounds, but her focus was on him, carefully helping him sit up.

Nearby, Liz and Patty, their energy drained, struggled to help Kid lean against a wall. His usual composure was replaced with a grimace of pain. Tsubaki knelt next to Black☆Star, pressing her hands firmly against a bleeding wound on his side, her calm and steady presence keeping him grounded.

"I looked great out there." Black☆Star said weakly, his voice raspy but tinged with his trademark confidence. The comment, though faint, brought a flicker of relief to the tense atmosphere.

Moments later, the sound of hurried footsteps announced the arrival of Stein and Spirit. Stein adjusted his glasses, his analytical gaze quickly assessing the group’s condition, while Spirit’s panicked voice broke through the quiet.

"Your papa is here!" Spirit called out as he ran straight toward Maka, arms wide open in an exaggerated display of concern. Maka’s expression darkened, a deep sigh escaping her as she turned her attention back to Soul, ignoring Spirit’s dramatics.

"Tch." She scoffed, gently laying Soul down in the grass. Spirit’s antics didn’t faze her—she was too focused on her partner, checking his injuries and ensuring he was as comfortable as possible.

The tension lingered, but the team’s exhaustion and pain were softened slightly by their shared relief: they had won.