Chapter 10
Nagisa slumped down further in her seat, exhausted at her already busy schedule. Rehearsals for the play, patrols and the time spent studying Kaori's Diary. The others had decided to leave that to her, since she knew the Queen personally and intimately it was wrong for any of them to read it. So she spent hours poring over the Diary, with Shizuma nearby, it didn't help the cringe of disgust as she read the development of her insane ideas. Shizuma had a glimpse at a page, wishing she hadn't, it was all about her Nagisa. When the phoenix found out about it she shook her head in disgust at what was written, none of it was true and she would have figured out her agenda a lot sooner too. Shizuma saw the effects of reading it, and wondered if it was best for others to do it instead. Even knowing this, the etoile knew Nagisa wouldn't. It was tiring both physically and emotionally. It wasn't going to end anytime soon.
"Nagisa! Nagisa!" Tamao whispered loudly, when the said girl looked her way, she pointed to the window.
Nagisa was astonished, outside was a large reddish-brown bird, flapping tirelessly. That in itself was strange and amazing. But for Nagisa, the birds deep red eyes flickered with gold, held her gaze in awe and remembrance. She had to go. She mouthed the words 'The Lake' to the bird, hoping it could lip read.
Looking to her friend she tried to signal, failing badly, that they had to go outside. Looking at Nagisa, Tamao knew it was very important, beside the fact she hadn't seen Nagisa excited for a while. Tamao tried her best.
Raising her hand, the teacher noticed "Sensei, Nagisa isn't feeling too well, could I take her to the infirmary?"
When she heard her say that, Nagisa tried her best to look ill, not believing for a minute that this strategy could work. Safe to say she did an ok job at acting, both of them, since the teacher agreed and they both left as quickly as they possibly could. Nagisa carefully kept up her act until they were safely far enough away.
"Nice job, a little more warning though next time Tamao." She told her picking up her pace down the corridor "Now how do we get everyone else out of lesson?"
"How about we just use the excuse Shizuma-san did for you?" remembered Tamao
"Noticed that did you?" smiling a little "That would work, the only addition is that's it is for the festival planning , if the teachers ask" Tamao nodded her agreement "Okay, you get all the Miator girls, which includes the Lillian two, whilst I'll go get everyone else. Meet you down by the lake as fast as I can."
It took a while, not to mention all of Nagisa's acting skills, to get her targets out of class. Avoiding their questions, only to say 'There is someone I want you all to meet'. The girls were happy and excited, who wouldn't be, no one matching the aura surrounding Nagisa. In the far distance, just beyond the trees, the little phoenix spotted her friends dotted about waiting impatiently for them to arrive. No longer controlling her speed, she rushed forwards, a big smile plastered across her face, making a beeline to Shizuma.
'I cannot believe he is here. After all this time. I hope he comes soon; I didn't exactly make it clear. I want to see him so badly, to tell him I'm no threat and to apologise for hurting him. Just hope he doesn't faint surrounded by all these girls'
Laughing out in glee, she got everyone's attention. With Nagisa being Nagisa, she of course knew how to make an entrance, once more tripping over some unknown thing that got in her way. Luckily Shizuma was so used to this, as she was there to catch the happy girl, swinging her around in her arms. Squealing in delight Nagisa happily held on.
"What is this? Who are you and what have you done with my Nagisa?" Shizuma teased her, very much enjoying the look of happiness on her face. Even when Nagisa stuck her tongue out in jest.
"You're not pregnant are you?" Yaya teased, looking not quite so innocent when all turned her way. Everyone yelled at her in good humour, some even blushing at it.
"I want you all to meet someone." Pointing at the new arrival, a reddish-brown bird had landed not too far away.
Nagisa was now trembling a little in fear; she hadn't expected this and all her words had left her mind. Keeping her gaze fixed on the bird she slowly stepped closer, stopping only a few steps away. Shizuma looking on in confusion, finally realised who it could be, and she too smiled in happiness edged with fear of how it could turn out. The rest was in total darkness. It was to them, only a bird after all.
"I have no idea what's going on" Yumi whispered to her onee-sama
"Join the club Yumi. This happens a lot with us" Yaya muttered
"Quiet!" Shizuma shushed them
"Kei. Is that really you? I've missed you so much. I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry for everything" Nagisa cried, dropping to her knees, once she started the floodgates opened wide.
Shizuma stopped everyone from getting near her, knowing they only wanted to comfort their friend, she received shocked looks. Usually it was Shizuma racing to her side. It was soon made clear why. Bright orange flames burst into life, which entwined with other colours making it a solid wall cloaking the pair. It was hot; they felt it at their distance, bright sparks flew in all directions with a roaring sound of unleashed power. Finally a surge of power and flames was released, pushing the onlookers back a few paces.
Once stood a bird now a young man stood in front of Nagisa. Kei looked a lot like her, red spiked hair, same deep red eyes flecked with gold and the same wide smile, he currently wore. He looked lovingly on at his lost sister, falling to his knees he hugged her fiercely; a few tears of his own marked his face. Nagisa clasped him back and the two remained in each other's arms, holding on to their sibling feeling alone no more. Nagisa had her brother back. The scene was making the spectators teary eyed, they didn't fully understand it all but with the all love pouring off them they knew it was all good.
Nagisa shifted back a little so she could see his face, holding on to him still "I missed you so much Kei. I never meant for anything to happen like it did, especially with you"
"You silly spark. I never once blamed you for any of it so you can forget about saying you're sorry. I tried so hard to see you when you were facing the Council, but father was insistent, hell, even mother couldn't sway him." Shaking his head "Now that Queen bitch is free, papa let me come and see you. Never thought I would thank her for anything" smiling a sarcastic smile
Nagisa pulled them both to their feet, giving a glance over to Shizuma; who was smiling fondly, called her over wrapping an arm around Kei's waist.
"I want you to meet someone Kei" holding her hand out to Shizuma who took it warmly, looking between the two "This is Shizuma baby brother."
Kei looked awed at her arrival, he certainly was impressed. He looked her up and down, not forgetting the loving glances between the two. He was glad that Nagisa was happy and afraid that once more she would be hurt.
Holding out his hand he introduced himself "Nice to meet you Shizuma. I'm Kei." Shizuma warmly returned the shake.
"I've heard about some of the things you two got up to on the Isle. Quite the charmer and devil" Shizuma smirked nicely
"Really? You will have to tell me what Nagisa has been up to since you've known her"
"Let me introduce you to everyone else Kei" knowing Shizuma could get descriptive pulling him firmly away.
The introductions were done and everyone was amazed to see yet another true Mythical. Nagisa's brother at that. Tales were told and a good deal of laughing and teasing was passing back and forth. Kei who felt a little uncomfortable, with all the cute girls surrounding him, wanted to speak to Shizuma in private. When all eyes were fixed on Nagisa and Yumi, both of whom were bushing furiously, thanks to Yaya and Shizuma, Sachiko trying so very hard not to laugh, Kei made his move. He got up quietly and skilfully and tapped Shizuma on the shoulder motioning for her to follow. They went far enough away so they couldn't be heard; Kei turned around briskly and stared hard at Shizuma. The girl was a bit confused and a bit scared, this was a phoenix she was talking to just like Nagisa.
Without delay he started "Shizuma I hope you can forgive me for saying this, but if you break my sisters' heart, I promise that you won't live to regret it"
"I love her Kei. For as long as she lets me, I will remain by her side. I will never ever hurt her." Blushing slightly at the direct question she firmly told him "Why are you telling me this?"
"I am sorry for that. I love my sister very much, I don't want to see her hurt and go thru all the pain and torment again. It nearly killed her." He softly spoke
"Kaori"
"You know about her?" Kei looked at her in surprise
Nodding her head gently she told him "She told me of her past and the Shadow Wars when we were at the Isle. Kaori was her friend, betrayed her, and became the Dark Queen and nearly killing Nagisa a few times."
"Friend eh? I suppose she was." He quietly told himself "Didn't like her the moment I saw her, then again She was hitting the dark ways, way before I met her"
"I've even met her and I didn't like the look of her." Shizuma agreed with him
"You've… She… What!" Kei yelled.
This drew looks from everyone, bringing over Nagisa in a rush. Looking between the two, one shocked the other angry, Nagisa easily figured it out.
"You told him?" She accused Shizuma
"Nagisa, she was here? You met with her?" Kei tried to get his question across
"Queenie? Yup she was here, just after the holidays finished" Yaya shrugged a little "Her and Nagisa had a little talk, which ended in all of us coming to her aid. Then she strutted off."
"What did the bitch want from you Nagisa?" Kei looked a little uneasy
"She wanted me by her side. Warning me to back off otherwise." Nagisa told him hanging her head
"WHAT!" was the general shout of those present. Nagisa never really did tell them of their talk, far too personal.
They all looked quite shocked by her words; they knew she had a past with the Dark Queen and the Shadow Wars itself, however not how intimate she was. Sachiko and Yumi looked uneasily to the other, as if debating some internal question, the rest well each to their own show of discomfort. Kei and Shizuma looked mad; they knew reasons and the truth behind it, wanting more than anything to lay their hands on Her right now.
"You knew the Dark Queen personally Nagisa-chan?" Sachiko asked with her Ice mask on
"I… umm… it's kind of complicated" Nagisa stuttered under the stern gaze
"I'll take that as a yes" She decided, with a simple shake of her head
"Do not judge me." Nagisa harshly spoke setting her gazes on every except her brother and lover "How do you think I feel, knowing that I helped out someone become so evil, hurting so many. She wasn't always that way, sweet hardworking and ambitious but never like she is now" trying so hard to control her temper
Sachiko never once took her eyes of the phoenix "I don't judge you, far from it. Nor do I pity you. I've read quite a few different versions of the War; none seem to understand any of the events well. You have and know it all, fighting her, trying to help her see and passing on your knowledge to others like us, you've kept yourself whole Nagisa. Despite what she has thrown at you and done to you. You come to our aid even now, knowing it could end badly for you. I admire you for that" Giving her a bow of respect followed by each of the Few.
Nagisa was shocked. No other words for her stunned look. Quickly she shook out of it berating them for bowing at her. No friends of her had to bow to her for anything, it just felt weird. Their time was cut short as a robin and a white owl flew directly towards Chikaru, giving her some quiet message. What started off as a nice reunion quickly soured fast, as a worried look from Chikaru confirmed it. The Head Sister had some bad news. Nagisa ordered her reluctant brother back into his bird form, saying this was a girl's school. It was toss up really between wearing a dress or feathers. He chose feathers. With him done and ready, cradled in Nagisa's arms they made their way to the office.
When they came to the corridor leading to the office, it wasn't quiet as it always seemed to be before. There were Sisters rushing here and there, looking scared by something, loud yells from within made the girls look on in fear. You really didn't want to see the Head Sister mad. There were so many things she could do to you after all. Entering cautiously they met the Sister pacing behind her big desk. Looking up sharply she gazed sternly at them, gesturing curtly for them to be seated. It took a while, with a fresh pot of tea from another teacher to finally get her to talk.
"It's nice to see you all arrive together. Imagine my surprise when I send for you at your classrooms and find you not there." Giving them a cold look
Silence was heard in the room, no answer to her question since they didn't want to tattletale on the two. Rather take the punishment.
"At least you are all right. I was rather concerned when I received the Link from the council…" quickly dropping the subject with a frown.
Before anyone could ask anything a bell sounded in the room, the Sister herself looked startled by it as punched the remote for the screen. The insignia of the Japanese Few popped up and waiting a few moments longer, a worn face of a Council member was shown
"Father!" Sachiko gasped
"Sachiko. Everyone it's nice to meet you. I'm sorry for the urgency but I have bad news to give." He looked concern at the girls.
The Sister caught on and quickly assured him that it was alright to talk.
"Very well though I have my doubts with my daughter and her sister listening in." once again assured they could handle it, especially after Sachiko gave him her glare "I must first apologise for the squad that attacked you. I am well aware they have done this before to other Council matters. As to my more dire news I have to report that four Council members and two young Souls have been murdered. Several more are missing. From what we can gather it is definitely the work of the Dark Queen, we have alerted every school and university to be extra diligent. Things are not going so well. We don't know who to trust or where She will be aiming for next" looking quite tired by the end of his little speech.
Nagisa thought for a minute looking down to Kei, who was sitting quietly in her lap then addressed Ogasawara-sama "I hope I'm not butting in to this conversation, but may I ask a question?" giving her a nod Nagisa continued "The information leaked when the defections were happening. Who was your superior then?"
He looked at her sharply gaging her honesty and trust, Nagisa stared squarely on back "I am high on the Council, so all my information is very classified to those not a part of it. I cannot divulge it."
"I can't fault you on your loyalty Ogasawara-sama, but you have given me my answer none the less. I can guess who has been telling you to alert everyone with what is happening, which is practically giving orders to the other side. She certainly is useless." Rolling her eyes petting her brother
The majority were confused to Nagisa's last statement, Shizuma had an idea and if it was the one woman she was thinking of she wouldn't be surprised. The Sister looked worriedly from the screen to the girl, whilst the man looked on with anger. Sachiko knew her father had a temper, like herself and tried in vain to diffuse him.
"What does a girl know of these matters? You speak as if you had any clue what we're facing and how dangerous this is. Do not meddle in things you know nothing about" he practically yelled
"You should be grateful Uncle that Nagisa is trying to help out." An unexpected voice told him, Yumi looked boldly at him
"You know so little about what is going on, you have no clue how to handle them judging by what's happening. The Council is definitely not prepared and we all know it." Shion put in as well
Ogasawara Tooru in all his years knew when the other side had information being kept from him. One look at these girls protecting the redhead, the secret focused on her. Nagisa was not angry, just tired and concerned. She looked over to Shizuma who in turn looked to her. They both gave a small smile. It was most certainly a mess.
"Father how is my friends at Lillian doing? Hanadera as well." Sachiko asked
"Very well considering, they send their best Sachiko and to you as well Yumi-chan." Giving them a warm smile "I have to leave now, call me on this extension of anything else happening Sister, I'll keep in touch" With that he signed off
The room became quiet to think over the darkening of days and the possibilities of the future. Nagisa thought over how she could keep in the loop a little more, her brows furrowed in concentration. Shizuma kept her eyes firmly fixed on her girlfriend; it hadn't been easy ever since the crypt with one thing or another. It just piled on. 'I wonder how she handles all this stress. She hasn't had a proper break since we left the underground. Not to mention her playing a lead role in the festival which is just around the corner. I hope she doesn't get ill.' Shizuma was broken out of her thoughts by a loud shout, right next to her, the others jumped up in alarm too. Nagisa held her brother at arm's length looking deep into his eyes, looking for something. The Sister was looking on in confusion, just realising that she was holding a bird all this time.
"Will you do it Kei? I need someone I can trust." Nagisa told him
"Alright spark I'll do it. I wanted to help anyway." Kei was telling her looking a little chuffed considering he was still a bird. Turning his head towards the Lillian two "I will keep my eye on those schools for you until you return" With that he flew to the open window and with a cry he left.
Nagisa was smiling determinedly at what happened, Shizuma arched her brow and crossed her arms.
"Care to share love?" asked Shizuma
"Kei is keeping an eye on something for me as well as other things. I will not be blind any longer" She vowed