Hi there! Finally a new chapter for you. Sorry for the wait but life is very busy so my writing has taken a back seat. Hopefully I will be back writing more frequently to get my story's finished. Merry Christmas!

Chapter 10

Another day was coming to a close. Beautiful streaks of pink and orange filled the dimming sky as the sun began to descend. An isolated shrine surrounded by woods and mountains received the last rays in serenity. The faithful keepers went about their rituals for the upcoming night, making their way slowly but steadily about their tasks. Nearby a large Japanese red maple tree spread its branches, its reddened leaves swayed gently in the breeze. A lone elderly shrine attendant sat beneath the majestic tree, enjoying the peaceful aura before bed. His rheumy eyes half lidded roamed the sight before him as a deep heavy sigh escaped him. In all of his long life he was blessed with few memorable events. His peaceful cloistered life had none of the dramatics he had endured before he took this path, but it didn't mean that none found him here.

The elderly man's mind wandered to the beginning of his stay at the shrine; those special months he could or would never forget. He had spent those months in anticipation as he divided his time with his shrine duties and the time he spent with her. He shook his bald head as a small smirk shone on his face as he thought what the others would say. But he treasured those days. He learnt as much as he taught and when she finally left he passed on that knowledge to those he deemed were worthy of the information he had. As he aged and grew wiser, as the others told him constantly he was, his knowledge expanded and in those moments the pieces of the puzzle that was his mysterious friend was complete. Honoured and humbled he kept it to himself. However there were things he wished he could pass on. Facts on what they had both witnessed and discovered, just beyond the tree line if you knew where to look, that made him worry and stress given its nature. There were always forces that sought power, some more hungry for it than others. As his thoughts turned sour the priest heaved another heavy sigh. He felt it in his bones. The times were changing. It would even reach his precious sanctuary. In that moment he felt true fear of what was to come.

"There you are Ojii-san" a calm voice penetrated his haven

Eyes lit on a middle aged man that wore a kind smile "Ah found me I see"

The newcomer came and sat down beside him as he breathed in the fresh air. He knew by now that the older priest did not share his thoughts willingly, but when he did it was always the wisest course. Yet today was different.

"Is it me Ojii-san that feels the magic shift?"

The elderly priest turned his to regard his younger companion "Ah so you have felt it too. I was wondering if it was only my old bones making protest."

"You can be as spry as the youngest here." He grinned in jest before quickly turning into a frown "I fear for our shrine Ojii-san and our fellow priests here. Yet for the cause of my apprehension eludes me."

"My dear boy, as I have trusted you with my knowledge you know as well as I do the importance of this shrine." Breathing in deeply he continued "As for the fear I feel it too. So heed my warning and advice. We must prepare our shrine to face its greatest threat. We may never defeat it through power we all wield, but with keeping our most guarded secrets and writings safe. We must organize and be ready for the time to come. Only we elders will be here to meet it."

"But Ojii-san I will never allow only our…" the young man protested with a pain stricken face

A wrinkled hand clasped the young man's shoulder with a strength that belied his appearance "It is time for the old to take some of the burden as it is for the young to carry it forward."

The young priest grew silent as his words cut deep. They both watched the sun descend and the night take flourish. The old man knew his words to be true as he recalled that day many years and years ago. He was blessed with knowledge but some days he considered himself cursed. Sorrow filled his eyes as he remembered his friend's gift. He never heard what had transpired but he saw the aftermath. She looked so tormented it took a while for her to calm down. Neither of them mentioned what had happened again. That was until the day they had parted ways. He remembered her words clearly. "We will not meet again my friend, though I will return once more. Guard this shrine well as I know you will. I hope my past does not bring you pain for it will eclipse all of us once more." Struggling to his feet the elder man had a new found resolution. He needed to do what must be done.

"Come now young one, help this old man to his bed. We have much work to accomplish and so little time."

It was a starry night with barely a breeze, where on a worn beaten path leading deep into an ancient wood which Nagisa found herself standing before. She was sure she hadn't left the Isle, yet as the Phoenix started to walk towards a glitter of lights did she notice how her visit was becoming even stranger. Glancing down at herself she was a little stunned to see herself in a white sundress, one she hadn't wore in many years, and a lack of shoes. Whilst the absence of shoes didn't bother her at all the lack of feeling the grass between her toes was. 'What's going on? I don't remember…damn. Calm down Nagisa! Focus on figuring where you are then we find out what's the Fire wrong with me' Trekking cautiously through the woods, Nagisa kept her eyes and ears sharp, not wanting to be caught unawares.

The flickering light grew dimmer ahead and Nagisa stepped up her pace. Somehow a deep sense of panic welled inside her; the urge to help was becoming overwhelming. Sprinting with unabashed care of her surroundings Nagisa finally came into a small beautiful meadow that seemed to glow from a hidden source. Red gold flecked eyes had only one thing in their sight. A small woman all in white was on her knees, face held in her hands as her shoulders shook with harsh sobs. Nagisa pondered very briefly whether to announce herself or leave the woman to her grief, yet something inside her stirred and pushed her forwards. Listening to the strange but oddly familiar feeling did she quickly make her way to the distressed woman.

As soon as the Phoenix knelt beside her, she was wrapped in a grip so tight that she couldn't escape. White gold tipped hair was obscuring her sight, as Nagisa tried to get free without harming the woman but it was proving impossible. What happened next shocked Nagisa to her core.

"I have been taken from this place. My strength is fading. All that is as you see here before you will become no more." A tone filled with anguish implored the redhead

"What do you want from me?" Nagisa asked as she unconsciously held the woman tighter

Pure gold eyes were revealed to her and Nagisa was suddenly overwhelmed with the feeling of familiarity. Nagisa was certain she had met this one before.

"Writings of darkness will start you. Your footsteps will be filled with danger as you walk your path. Friends will be found and others will be lost. Never lose hope even if all else fails."

Nagisa opened and closed her mouth multiple times as she tried to ask questions. However even with the hoard of questions Nagisa couldn't speak. Her heart was beating erratically as she still locked gazes with the woman. It was all too much. The white woman began to flicker and fade. Nagisa tried to hold on yet all she could touch was air.

"No! Please don't go! I don't understand" Nagisa cried to the ethereal woman

With a warm teary smile did the other give her "You will remember when the time is right. We are linked you and I."

Nagisa just fell to the ground in a messy heap as her mind tried to make sense of her last few words. The woman had faded now, the truth of her words were happening before her. The glow from before had all gone, the meadow looked like it was dying slowly. The flowers that dotted everywhere seemed to lose its life. Nagisa felt a large weight settle firmly on her shoulders, her heart took a blow from the woman's departure and it hurt. Tears of loss and helplessness streamed down her face, as unbeknownst to her did she too begin to fade.

Tamao was fussing over her friend, making sure that the redhead was telling the truth of her 'being fine', that the last few days of no bed rest was taking no toll on her. Just putting the last few collectibles neatly on a shelf with a hum of approval did Tamao turn to face Nagisa, who by her last check, was slouching unladylike on the dining chair. Now the Phoenix was standing rigid and straight with her back facing the elemental.

"Nagisa what's wrong?" Tamao turned her friend around to face her

She was stunned at what she saw. Nagisa's red eyes were filled with tears and unrecognisable emotions. Nagisa just stared unblinkingly at the blunette not really seeing anything. Tamao was starting to panic; she had never seen her best friend like this before, or anyone else for that matter so it was a little out of her depth. The elemental fretted over her friend not noticing the small movements of her friend. 'What is going on? Where am I? Why do I feel so…sad? I can't remember. Got to shake it off. Tamao?' Nagisa finally saw her friend, all in a fluster and fluttering over her like a mother hen. She reached out quickly grabbing onto her friends arms, giving Tamao a fright. In a flash Nagisa was enveloped in a warm hug accompanied by a stream of jumbled words. Nagisa was the one now stunned by her best friend's actions.

"Tamao what's wrong?" patting her back soothingly

Pulling slightly from the other Tamao searched her face "You don't know?" a shake of red hair "Nagisa you were so still and crying too. No matter how much…for so long you were still"

The Phoenix was shocked at what she heard, pulling her friend back into her arms as she thought at what went on. The answers she found were unsettling. It also didn't add up. Her mind was still very much in a fog.

"Tamao" she began softly "I need you to keep this to yourself for now. Please…" she felt her start to object "Please for me. Now isn't the time to worry. We have more important things to worry about"

"Okay Nagisa. But if you get worse I will personally kill you myself for making me keep this promise." Tamao pulled back to stare straight into red eyes "Or I will go straight to your mother"

A giggle escaped from Nagisa which Tamao soon caught on. The room was quickly filled with laughter.

It was late afternoon of the next day which found the three friends holed up in the small library. The Few were keeping a keen eye on the Phoenix who was becoming more and more agitated. It came as no surprise that as soon as Nagisa could walk, she dove into training and searching for any clues of what the spy had hinted at. Everyone was pulled in her wake with muttered curses and deep sighs. Only with harsh reminders and physical strength pulled her away from the table to eat and rest. Her family and friends were becoming worried. Nagisa knew she was being a little unreasonable, but there was something that pulled her to look through the diary, reading every word that she came across. And all she wanted to do was throw it into a fire and watch it burn, preferably drinking a bit of spiced wine alongside her bonded. The fantasy was rudely interrupted. No more pages only blank ones were left. Nagisa flipped to the beginning and tried to read once more. It made her a little queasy as some entries were quite graphic. In all truth she had had enough.

"It has to be here" Nagisa muttered as she flicked through the diary

"Nagisa what are you looking for?" Tamao asked as she came up beside her

The Phoenix ignored her friend, totally absorbed in what she was doing as she continued her frantic search with the diary. Both Yaya and Tamao shared a look of concern before settling into unoccupied chairs at the table near Nagisa. They knew their friend well enough to know when to keep quiet. Their answer would be given to them in time. 'Where is it? I know she wrote it down in here. She did everything else. By fire I wish I never read this thing. All her dreams, ambitions and feelings are in here. Not to mention some early spells of hers. I would have saved everyone serious heartache if I had the courage to read this back then. Screw this! I can't find it!'

With the last thought she snapped the diary closed and flung it hard across the room, before hiding her head in her arms on the table. Her friends were gobsmacked at her display. Never had they seen Nagisa act like that. True they had seen her when she was in high emotion, but this was something else. A soft click and the door opened. The quietness of the room made yellow gold flecked eyes scan the room, before picking up the diary by her feet. Tamao knew that if anyone could find out was wrong with her dear friend it was Shizuma. Rising from her seat without a word, she tugged and shoved Yaya along to let the two bonded have their space. Neither one of whom had moved. With the door now shut Shizuma still stared at Nagisa, knowing it was still only a short while ago that she was lost to them. 'It's said that time heals all wounds. Well whoever said that didn't go through anything like this. I wish Nagisa wouldn't torture herself so much. She should let the others help her out.' Gripping the diary she walked around the table and sat in the chair next to the redhead.

"I don't remember" Nagisa mumbled

Shizuma stayed silent waiting for to continue, knowing whatever was bugging Nagisa she was about to find out.

"It's like my minds in a heavy fog. I have to fight to recall anything. I don't know if it's the after effects of the spell or her doing."

"What?! How long have you known?" she asked with a noticeable tremor as she gripped the diary even tighter

"Just recently." The redhead offhandedly remarked

The small library was suddenly filled with silence; a touch of dread was slowly building. Not wanting to be consumed by the feeling Shizuma looked quickly from her beloved to the slightly crumpled diary clenched in her hands. Having damaged it enough the young woman placed the book on the table, all the while Nagisa never moved.

"What are you trying to find love? Tamao-chan and Yaya-chan were a little worried when they left."

A heavy sigh was heard as Nagisa emerged from her arms, her face sporting a frown whilst she gazed forlornly across the room.

"I'm not sure Shizuma. There's something that pulls me to read it. A clue hides within" Huffing a little in irritation she continued "Yet no matter how I look I can't find it."

Shizuma watched Nagisa as she started to pace the small room. Her bonded's words sounded a little strange, even to her ears considering all she has witnessed recently. Then again Shizuma knew her partner well, if there was a clue to be found within the diary then there was.

"Come sit down Nagisa." Implored Shizuma as she watched her slump back in her seat "Look my little fireball, if there's something wrong we will fix it. I wish you had told me sooner, but then again I know you too well."

Nagisa looked slightly abashed at her words knowing it all to be true "I'm sorry sweetie. I just didn't want to add to your troubles. Everything is so hectic right now…"

"I don't care Nagisa, I want to know if anything is wrong." Receiving a vigorous nod from the Phoenix "and as for the diary…"

The two young women stared at the little black book in some disgust; Shizuma didn't want to read any of it since her little glance at it a while back, knowing from Nagisa's reading that it seems filled with the same musings. 'If Nagisa thinks there's something written to help us in there, the most we can do is see if she is right. No matter how much I don't want to know what is actually in there. I think this calls for everyone's help. I wonder…Tamao mentioned her earlier daze. I'll just have to keep a closer eye on her' Nagisa watched the etoile from the corner of her eye, knowing that like her she was thinking of a solution. Reading the diary hadn't helped her at all, the vague memory of a darkening pasture that filled her with sadness. So sudden was her partner's voice she actually nearly toppled off her chair.

"I think it's best to get everyone together to help with this." Having an amused smirk dance on her lips at Nagisa's jump "I know we agreed to let you be the only one to read it, but now with all of us it might go smoother."

"Shizuma" Nagisa reached out to place a peck on her cheek "I trust them with my life. I just don't want them to think any differently of me when they read this"

Before Shizuma could respond the door to the library swung open, making them twitch in surprise. There blocking the doorway were two miffed friends. Nagisa shuffled uncomfortably under their scrutiny, whilst Shizuma barely held back a giggle. Yaya strode purposefully over to the red-head, with Tamao right behind her, standing with hands on hips as the wolf looked sharply at her. Without further ado the ebony haired girl delivered a bop to the Phoenix's head, hard enough for a grumble and a rub but not leave her comatose.

Tamao hummed her approval. The rest of the Few had filled silently behind looking amused at the trio as they settled down into seats. Miyuki watched as Shizuma barely contained her laughter with some measure of warmth, for her dear friend had been stressed of late. Nagisa, who still rubbed her head, watched her two close friends sit down with the Fairy sitting next to her.

"What was that for?" Nagisa asked a little sourly

Tamao arched her brow replying "You never learn Nagisa. How often must I say it? No matter what we will always be friends"

"Yeah! As if we would believe anything that Queenie wrote" Yaya looking offended at the thought

The Few swiftly turned to Yaya with hisses thrown her way. Kagome just harrumphed and clutched her bear. It seems that they had eavesdropped on their conversation. Nagisa didn't really mind, she didn't have to repeat herself and they now knew all the details too.

"So how are we going to do this?" Chikaru asked looking around the table.

Shion picked up the diary and inspected it mulling an idea over "Well seeing how you know the diary Nagisa-chan where should we start from?"

Nagisa took the book from Shion and quickly flicked to a page handing it back "I think the clue we seek is from when I started at the convent." Seeing a few confused faces she carried on to explain "I influenced a lot of Queenie's magic. I did tell you that we were close." Shizuma shuffled her chair closer to her bonded's so that no space was left, wrapping an arm around her waist pulling her firmly into her side.

"Then that's where we shall start from" Shion told them looking no different at Nagisa's words.

"Shall I read?" Chikaru volunteered

"You have the best story voice Chikaru-oneesama" Kagome piped in as Shion handed the Lulim the book

Clearing her throat Chikaru began.

~~~ I certainly will not forget today in a hurry. My routine started as normal, yet within my close knit of friends rumours were spreading widely. "It doesn't look like Astraea has changed one bit" Yaya snorted. An unknown person was found on our grounds with no idea of who they are. We of the Few have been informed of this, so whoever they are, they possess some amount of power. How much power only time will tell. "She was interested in you that early Nagisa-chan?" Miyuki probed and Nagisa just nodded her head. It wasn't just school that threw me but a letter as well. My father has informed me of his decision regarding Council Laws. He is siding with the Council majority, who want the firm base of secrecy regarding who we are. I cannot believe he would do this. He has no will or strength to see things through. I wonder if I can one day change it. ~~~

"She did change it. When Queenie rose to power she changed the very foundation of the Law. No compassion was given to humans as killings and riots took place. No secrecy at all, only we who rebelled tried to sort through the mess. With help of her brother they nearly abolished the relationships the Few had with the human realm" Nagisa explained to the quiet girls

"What happened to her Father?" Kagome asked with a little fear of knowing the answer

Nagisa hung her head as she remembered "No one really knows Kagome-chan. All I will say that his body was found brutally murdered."

Nothing further was said as everyone had already put the pieces together. It also made them wonder how a seemingly ambitious girl turned into someone so evil. No matter what Nagisa thought her contribution was, they knew it wasn't her fault. All she had to do was to take a look around and see how her teachings and especially her friendship had affected them. Chikaru thought it best to continue.

~~~ I must write what happened today for it seems to me to be not real at all. As I sit here and write, whilst I'm being observed as I do, by the said individual. It's best to start from the beginning. I was called, as were others, to the Head Sisters office where I met, quite the girl. "Blimey. It hasn't changed. The Head Sister is always the one in charge." The wolf was given a playful nudge. Her whole aura screamed of concealed power. Not to mention she was rather pretty. A soft growl from Shizuma as she heard that and Nagisa just snuggled deeper into her side. I was put in charge of her to show and guide her around. Her name is Aoi Nagisa and she is a mystery. ~~~

"It's like listening to how I found you out Nagisa" Tamao observed "Minus the attraction of course" looking a little nervous at Shizuma

Nagisa gave her a warm smile "I think that's why I feared getting to know you all. It all seemed so familiar, though the end results are far better than I dreamed of."

Miyuki decided to breach a sensitive topic "Do you remember these times at all Nagisa?"

Shizuma looked at the Medusa with a furrow of her brows as her partner bit her lip at the sudden question.

Heaving a little sigh she answered truthfully "If you asked me before we started to read this, I would have to say I don't. But even now as we go along it's like only those instances as described is revealed and nothing else."

"Yet your days with us are clear" Miyuki observed

"Crystal"

"Fascinating" Tamao mumbled with a slight blush to her cheeks

~~~It has been a few weeks since I have had the leisure and the privacy to write fully. I must admit that my previous observation was right. "She writes funny" Kagome pointed out. Nagisa is indeed powerful. Maybe even more so than I. "You hear that Nagisa, your more powerful than her, she even admits it" Yaya smiled triumphantly When we happened to talk of Council affairs, I was surprised to hear that her views are similar to my own. "This was near the beginning of my travels, my views changed as travelled and learned from others." To my own end I managed to convince her to teach and train me and it's puzzling and a little overwhelming of how much Nagisa knows. Despite that my powers have grown, and my ability to use different spells has unlocked hidden potential in me. I have started my own creations and one day they will be indeed useful. I'll have to watch over my Nagisa carefully from now on. ~~~

"I'm guessing she's describing her wraiths and ground walkers" Chikaru hypothesized

"The ground walkers yes the Wraiths no. The Wraiths she took from an old book, so it wasn't her creation"

"Is this book what you trying to find?" Shion looked hopeful

"I don't believe so. It's mainly ancient black magic, from what I can dredge up." Nagisa frowned

"It was worth a shot" Yaya shrugged her shoulders

~~~Something intrigued me in class. We were discussing different myths and legends. "Hey look Shion-sama, your mentioned" making all the girls laugh and poor Yaya a playful scowl from the Valkyrie. It was amusing to witness the humans look on in such disbelief and dreamy eyed from hearing about the myth creatures. If only they knew the truth. They wouldn't take us so lightly then. Enough about my irritation about them. "She really doesn't like humans huh" Shizuma stated. There was one myth that outshone the rest. It caught hold of me and wouldn't let me go. It was made for me. It wasn't a weapon imbued with magical energy; those worthless things are only good to those who aren't strong enough to make it on their own. No. This far succeeds that. I will be the one to find it, to harness it and to claim as mine. The 'F.u..ai. of S…' will be mine. ~~~

"What?!" The girls cried out as Chikaru tried to read the last line again

"It's no use, the last bits so smudged it's hardly illegible." Chikaru moaned

Nagisa was frozen as her head started to pound. She felt a deep thrum run in her bones. The clue she needed was found. Shizuma saw how her fireball had tensed as Chikaru read the last few words and knew herself that this was what they were looking for. Unfortunately they couldn't piece it together.

"That's what we're looking for right?" Yaya bounced out of her seat in eagerness

"Yes Yaya-chan because we know exactly what it is and where it is" Miyuki drawled

"I can't make anything out" Tamao turned the diary this way and that trying to see if it helped any

"It's a start at least" Shizuma voiced making a small jerk of her head at Nagisa who was still looking a little lost.

"Read on" her voice spoke softly which made everyone buzz in their seats at the next clip.

~~~I must write this even as I am being watched from afar. A gift has been given to me this hazy afternoon. It took me completely by surprise. Nagisa and I have been off by ourselves, deep in Astraea's woods where none tread lightly, training and exchanging spells. I have found that Nagisa's knowledge is astounding; she has visited and witnessed so many things that I find myself growing jealous. Yet back to the matter I hastened to write; unknowingly as I believe, when we were discussing hidden items of powers, she mentioned a shrine. Undoubtedly my Nagisa became flustered; this further intrigued me even as she is adorable in her blush, there is something in her manner. This shrine in the mountains holds a power that I could harness. Now all I must do is seek it. ~~~

"No!" Nagisa screamed before she toppled off her chair unconscious

Shizuma flung herself by the red-heads side, checking for a pulse and finding it beating erratically. The others crowded close, a little stunned at what just happened. Luckily someone was willing to direct the clueless group.

"Shizuma can you carry Nagisa-chan to your room? Tamao, Yaya-chan you can help Shizuma get back." Watching as the three girls left the room with Nagisa safe in Shizuma's arms. "Kagome-chan can you find Asa-sama and explain what has happened and if you bump into Kei him too" Miyuki directed the youngest who quickly flew out the door on her purple wings

The three eldest stood quietly in the library trying to process everything that had just happened. Without a shadow of a doubt they knew where to start looking. Nevertheless it was the state of their friend that left them confused and worried. The same thought ran rampant in their minds. 'How much more can Nagisa take before she breaks?' With a deep sigh Shion started to the door, taking Chikaru's hand in her own with Miyuki bringing up the rear none of them saying a word.

Nagisa's collapse had brought all her family running to her room. Shizuma was once again planted firmly by the red-heads side, being a fussy mother hen once more. Nagisa awoke groggily to find all stares once more glued to her. 'By fire! What did I do now?' With a few fumbles Nagisa managed to sit up, and look at everyone present which confused her when she saw concern and relief in their faces.

"What happened?" Nagisa asked

"You fainted love" Shizuma told her gently

"And I'd like to know why" Asa's strong tone called out

The Few went on to explain to Nagisa's family what they had found in the diary, also, not on purpose mind, Nagisa's condition. Suffice to say it left the three Phoenix's gobsmacked. Yasu ran his fingers through his hair in bewilderment, whilst Kei just plonked down in an available seat trying to find any solution. Asa on the other looked to be remembering something as she strolled over to sit near her two daughters.

"I have no idea what the memory block on spark is about but the shrine…" Asa trailed off

The rooms occupants seem to draw closer to the motherly woman, everyone held their breaths as they gave her space to think. Even Shizuma and Nagisa were leaning forward in suspense. Miraculously it wasn't Asa that they heard from.

"I know!" Yasu yelled making Yaya and Kagome jump in shock and earning him a glare "Sorry. A few months back we heard word that an isolated Shrine had been evacuated with only the elder priests remaining. From what intelligence that came through, the priests never gave a solid answer as to why they left."

"Why do you think it's this Shrine Father?" Nagisa softly murmured

Yasu cocked his head to the side looking scarily like the bed ridden girl "You mentioned to me once, that you had visited that exact same Shrine."