Hi! Minna! Well as I promised to my dear reviewers (yup all both of them,
thnx u guys ^_^) Here's the new chapter! I'll try and post more often now
since you were so kind to give me some courage to continue! Arigatooo
gozaimasu! And all other reading folks: feel free to review as well. I love
reviews and I'm ALWAYS helped by constructive criticism! Enjoy!
Awakening of a nymph
They were walking for quite some time already. Aya was silent and followed the blue haired man wherever he went. Her mind however was trailing. Chichiri well noticed and decided it would be best to leave her within her thoughts for a while. Therefore he withdrew within his own. They were walking, since the place where he initially found Aya wasn't too far from mount Taikyoku, and he figured he scared her enough for one day, don't need more spells and instant teleportation, since she obviously wasn't used to seeing magic put into practice right before her eyes.
Each drifted away into their own thoughts Chichiri didn't even notice they'd arrived near Mt. Taikyoku. Until he felt Aya, closing in on him and grabbing his arm. "Chichiri.what is this place?" she asked, her eyes filled with uncertainty. Chichiri looked around for anything that might have startled her, but all he saw and sensed were the peaceful surroundings of Mount Taikyoku. The calm streams and peaceful valley. White clouds and a clear blue sky, a peaceful breeze brushing through his bangs. "We're on Mt. Taikyoku na no da!" he cheerfully said, concluding he'd probably imagined the look of uncertainty her eyes just now. "This is Mt. Taikyoku?" Aya looked up at him, not quite understanding this cold, deserted, dark place would be a god's residence. "Chichiri who is this young woman?" "AAAAAAARGH!!!" Aya screamed out in sheer horror when she saw Taitsukun appear floating in front of her. "I hate it when they do that" Taitsukun mumbled then turned her attention back to Chichiri "Well?" "Aya, don't be scared no da! It's just Taistukun." He gently loosened the grip the young woman had put on his arm, which had left nail marks in his skin. "Taitsukun sama, this is Aya. I found her in a forest yesterday. I believe she's from the world Suzaku no Miko originally came from as well. Could she be another priestess?" " I doubt it..all four priestesses have been called and have fulfilled their duty. The connection between our world and theirs should be closed after Tamahome stayed here and Yui sealed the book." Aya was looking from one to the other. Questioning the fact that they even realizes she was still there. "Ehm Chichiri, are you done soon, I don't like it here." Aya tugged at the man's sleeve trying to get his attention. Taitsukun looked at the girl. "Can you tell me what you see?" "What?" Aya didn't quite understand what this 'floating old lady' wanted. "I want to know what it is that you don't like about this place." "Well, it's cold.and harsh..Dark, noisy... The wind's cutting in my ears.I feel uncomfortable, unsafe." Chichiri raised his eyebrows. Could it be? Wasn't she seeing what he was seeing? Words Taitsukun once spoke to him came to his mind "If an evil hearted person comes here, they won't see anything but a cold, harsh, dark landscape" Taistukun gave him a knowing look. He turned to Aya and placed both his hands on her shoulders, gazing down into her eyes. "Are you sure that is what you see Aya?" Aya just stared at him with a blank expression. "Yes, that's what I see" "Aya, could you wait here? I need to talk to Chichiri." Taitsukun exchanged another look with her former apprentice, then disappeared as quickly as she came. Chichiri turned back to Aya, obviously worried. Aya shivered and placed her gaze back on the ground, away from his probing stare...Chichiri sighed at another failed attempt to understand what was going on in this girls mind."Here, take this no da." Chichiri gave her his kesa, which she gladly wrapped around her shoulders "I'll be right back, you just wait here. There is nothing to be afraid of no da!" Then he too disappeared, leaving her no protection, but the warmth of his Kesa.
"This girl possesses great power." Taitsukun started "I know, I sensed it too, but that doesn't make her an evil person no da!" He raised in her defense. "I know, don't yell at me.as I was saying. She has great power, I sense two personalities inside of her. The one we can all clearly see and a hidden one inside which she seems to be fighting to keep it still, I admire her courage, but she won't be able to keep hiding her true nature for much longer.I fear for that moment.Since you and me are not the only ones that can sense it." Chichiri feared to listen any longer, he knew that what se was saying was what he had felt earlier. "The forest..I sensed something there, lurking.searching for something no da" Chichiri looked at his former instructor, for some kind of explanation, yet afraid that what she would say would seal Aya's fate forever. "Tenkoh" "The demon? But I thought we sealed him away?" "He's gaining power.and he wants her.You should be careful Chichiri." "Well I'm not gonna let him take her just like that! I'm willing to take full responsibility for her and protect her the best I can no da!" The feeling he got earlier was now a blazing flame inside his soul. He felt the urge to protect her, he knew for sure she wasn't an evil hearted person. He just knew! And he wasn't going give in to Tenkoh, no matter what! "I'm taking her with me and I'll protect her the best I can, just like I did with Suzaku no miko no da! I know she is not evil.and she's strong! Far stronger then she looks no da!" He suddenly realized he was shouting to the god of his world and quickly stepped back, regaining his calm. "Gomen nasai.it's just." "You think you will be able to protect her?" Taistukun said ignoring the act he had just been shouting to her "Then you must give it your all.She can not fall into the hands of Tenkoh, even I don't know what to expect should that ever happen." "I will.and I'll get Tasuki and Tamahome to help me no da." He said, determined that he would succeed.
Meanwhile Aya was feeling more and more uncomfortable. She found it strange that Ceres was this quiet, she knew the nymph must have some answers, but Ceres kept silent, as if she wasn't there. Something suddenly caught her attention.a whisper.far away.calling her.
"Aya."
She pointed her attention to where it seemed the voice was coming from.
"Aya.come"
"Tooya?" she turned around, only to find nothing there.
"Aya.come.come back to me"
The whispering seemed to come from all sides, words that kept lingering in her mind. "Tooya!" she cried, no answer.nothing...except for the whispering. "Aya.Let loose!!!" "Aya!" Chichiri's voice rang through the air and silence came. "Come on, we're going no da!" She took a moment to realize where she was, but soon as she saw Chichiri's face, she asked, "Did Taitsukun know anything? Can she help?" "Er.No.But she promised she would keep looking for a solution to get you back to your world no da! Until then, you'll stay with me, is that ok no da?" "Yeah, it's fine" she smiled, feeling slightly disappointed for not being able to go home. But as long as she was with the monk, she knew she'd be safe. They set off together and headed for a place called Mount. Reikaku. "What is on Mount Reikaku?" Aya informed, walking beside Chichiri. "A friend of mine, Tasuki. I'm sure we can stay over there for a while no da." "I see." She turned her gaze back to the road and kept quiet again. The monk gazed sideward every now and then, finding her eyes were constantly set to infinity. *Say something* his mind kept telling him, but he seemed lost in the stream of questions that were clouding his mind. This girl was so hard to read, Miaka had been an open book. He could deal with that, but to find someone that was even more careful with showing her emotions then he was, he just wasn't prepared for it... And yet there she was, staring down the road, ignoring all around. "Aya..is something wrong. You seem troubled no da? I know this must be weird for you, but I'll help you the best way I can ok?" She didn't answer, but showed a little smile. "I'm a little tired, is this Mount Reikaku far away?" "Well we could teleport there, if you're not afraid that is." Aya looked up into his eyes, not quite understanding, but she was so tired, she just wished she had a bed to curl up in and sleep and hope to wake up back in her own world. "I'm not." "OK then" He took of his kesa and spread it out onto the ground. "Now take my hand and stand on the kesa with me, I'll teleport us to Mount Reikaku no da."
~Meanwhile~
In the deepest darkest dungeons of the celestial court, a demon was bathing in a pool of blood.
"Soon..." he murmured to himself, while letting the red thick fluid run through his fingers and over his face. His shiny silk-like white hair shimmering with a reddish glow.
"Soon she will awaken... Then I will be free again...Ceres, my love...come back to me..." he started grinning and soon the hall was filled with maniacal laughter.cutting through the silence like a stone shattering glass.
~
A shiver went passed Aya's back. It happened to her a lot ever since she 'd arrived into this strange world. She curled up in the bed and closed her eyes. She and Chichiri had arrived at Mt Reikaku a couple of hours ago. She'd met his friend Tasuki, a lively, loud hell raiser, about a year of 19, with flaming hair and fangs. He reminded her of Yuhi somehow, but this Tasuki guy was more blunt. When he'd first seen her arrive at the base with Chichiri, he had greeted his friend with the words "Oy Chichiri, you should come by with presents more often! What are you doing with a woman anyway?"
Chichiri had whacked him for that comment and told Aya she needn't worry. Tasuki might seem like a big insensitive jerk, but he really wasn't like that, he said. Aya was too tired to care. So they brought her to a room where she could rest up a bit, while Chichiri would explain everything to Tasuki.
For the past few hours she'd been lingering in between a state of sleep and consciousness. But she couldn't get any peace of mind. She felt as if she was being watched, or something. And she didn't trust the fact that Ceres was still quiet.
"Ceres...I know you're there...answer me!" ...Nothing...Not a single whisper. "Damn you Ceres! Why won't you answer me! I know you know something! What is happening?!!!" The silence was unbearable to her.
Aya opened her eyes, to find night had fallen. The room was dark...the furniture's features were barely visible in the dusk...but there was something else. She sat up to get a better look. Then she noticed it: a heavy breath, lingering in the room. A presence, there with her...
"Who's there?"
"You're not Ceres..." The presence spoke in a deep melodious voice.
"Who are you?" Aya asked again.
"...Where is she?..."
"Where's who?" Aya asked, fear creeping over her.
"...Ceres....Ceres...Ceres....Ceres...." Suddenly the room was filled with sound. Whispers, voices, coming at her from everywhere.Calling out for the nymph.
Aya kicked off the sheets and got up from the bed, she stood there in the middle of the room. Her eyes probing every dark corner of the room, hoping to find the person or thing that was driving her to insanity.
"Nooooooo! Go away!!! Leave me alone!!!" she yelled, and ran for the door...It was locked...
Tears burning in her eyes, she stood there in the middle of the room, frantically pressing her hands to her ears, hoping to make it stop. But the voices were everywhere, even in her head.
"Please...." she begged... "I don't..." She felt her forces escaping her and sank through her knees...then she lost consciousness.
That very instant, Chichiri broke down the door. When passing by her room he'd sensed a powerful qi-blast. He'd felt the door, but it was locked and his next reaction was simply crash down on it and see if he got in. All he knew was that he needed to get to Aya and he needed to do it fast! Inside he found her lying on the floor. Her eyes closed.she was murmuring something.tossing and turning and beads of sweat were rolling down her temples. "Tooya.Tooya." He wanted to do something to calm her, so he picked her up and put her back in the bed. The tried to soothe her with light flows of qi and soft whispering. It obviously worked, since she seemed to calm down. He reached out to push some of her bangs that were sticking to her face out of her eyes, when at that very instant in which he leaned over her she opened her eyes wide and screamed "Mikagi!!!!"
Her eyes were bright amber and her hair had instantly turned to a blackish- blue shade. Chichiri, surprised as he was, backed away and gazed upon what he thought was Aya. Not long after, Tasuki and Tamahome (who had arrived shortly after Aya was brought to her room, so he to was well aware of the events) stormed in. " What the hell is that?" Tasiki yelled at the sight of Aya. "I don't know no da.She transformed.I think." "Well, whatever it is.We can't let it get away." Tasuki said, running up to her, to try and keep her down. All she had to do was mere look at him to send him crashing into a nearby wall. Tamahome glared at Aya "Protection or no protection.I'm not gonna let her hurt any other people, she's obviously out of control.like Taitsukun feared. But I won't let this happen!" he gathered all his energy into a qi- blast, but she practically waved it away. Tamahome however wasn't done for.he tried another. As it was nearing her, Chichiri noticed a change.and just before it hit her Aya's eyes turned blue once again. She saw something bright red coming straight at her. She briefly noticed three men in the room.she faintly heard someone screaming "Nooooooo" but before she could even recognize the voice something crashed into her. Green, dull eyes flashed by. "Tooya"
All three of them had seen how Tamahome's qi-blast had hit the girl, they all had seen how her blackish-blue hair had turned to blonde and the golden glint in her eyes had gone back to the sparkling blue.Then she had been hit. "No!!!!!" cried Chichiri and ran towards her lifeless body. "Aya!!!!!!" He knelt down next to her "Aya!!!!" he shook her and stroked the golden locks that lay scattered over her face out of her eyes. "Aya! Speak to me no da!" Suddenly her eyes flung open once more, Chichiri 's eye widened when he saw the golden glint in them, too late to get back to safety; the nymph send him crashing into a wall. "Fools! Ceres cannot be beaten.Aya is lost!" A huge explosion followed, when the smoke cleared she was gone.
Awakening of a nymph
They were walking for quite some time already. Aya was silent and followed the blue haired man wherever he went. Her mind however was trailing. Chichiri well noticed and decided it would be best to leave her within her thoughts for a while. Therefore he withdrew within his own. They were walking, since the place where he initially found Aya wasn't too far from mount Taikyoku, and he figured he scared her enough for one day, don't need more spells and instant teleportation, since she obviously wasn't used to seeing magic put into practice right before her eyes.
Each drifted away into their own thoughts Chichiri didn't even notice they'd arrived near Mt. Taikyoku. Until he felt Aya, closing in on him and grabbing his arm. "Chichiri.what is this place?" she asked, her eyes filled with uncertainty. Chichiri looked around for anything that might have startled her, but all he saw and sensed were the peaceful surroundings of Mount Taikyoku. The calm streams and peaceful valley. White clouds and a clear blue sky, a peaceful breeze brushing through his bangs. "We're on Mt. Taikyoku na no da!" he cheerfully said, concluding he'd probably imagined the look of uncertainty her eyes just now. "This is Mt. Taikyoku?" Aya looked up at him, not quite understanding this cold, deserted, dark place would be a god's residence. "Chichiri who is this young woman?" "AAAAAAARGH!!!" Aya screamed out in sheer horror when she saw Taitsukun appear floating in front of her. "I hate it when they do that" Taitsukun mumbled then turned her attention back to Chichiri "Well?" "Aya, don't be scared no da! It's just Taistukun." He gently loosened the grip the young woman had put on his arm, which had left nail marks in his skin. "Taitsukun sama, this is Aya. I found her in a forest yesterday. I believe she's from the world Suzaku no Miko originally came from as well. Could she be another priestess?" " I doubt it..all four priestesses have been called and have fulfilled their duty. The connection between our world and theirs should be closed after Tamahome stayed here and Yui sealed the book." Aya was looking from one to the other. Questioning the fact that they even realizes she was still there. "Ehm Chichiri, are you done soon, I don't like it here." Aya tugged at the man's sleeve trying to get his attention. Taitsukun looked at the girl. "Can you tell me what you see?" "What?" Aya didn't quite understand what this 'floating old lady' wanted. "I want to know what it is that you don't like about this place." "Well, it's cold.and harsh..Dark, noisy... The wind's cutting in my ears.I feel uncomfortable, unsafe." Chichiri raised his eyebrows. Could it be? Wasn't she seeing what he was seeing? Words Taitsukun once spoke to him came to his mind "If an evil hearted person comes here, they won't see anything but a cold, harsh, dark landscape" Taistukun gave him a knowing look. He turned to Aya and placed both his hands on her shoulders, gazing down into her eyes. "Are you sure that is what you see Aya?" Aya just stared at him with a blank expression. "Yes, that's what I see" "Aya, could you wait here? I need to talk to Chichiri." Taitsukun exchanged another look with her former apprentice, then disappeared as quickly as she came. Chichiri turned back to Aya, obviously worried. Aya shivered and placed her gaze back on the ground, away from his probing stare...Chichiri sighed at another failed attempt to understand what was going on in this girls mind."Here, take this no da." Chichiri gave her his kesa, which she gladly wrapped around her shoulders "I'll be right back, you just wait here. There is nothing to be afraid of no da!" Then he too disappeared, leaving her no protection, but the warmth of his Kesa.
"This girl possesses great power." Taitsukun started "I know, I sensed it too, but that doesn't make her an evil person no da!" He raised in her defense. "I know, don't yell at me.as I was saying. She has great power, I sense two personalities inside of her. The one we can all clearly see and a hidden one inside which she seems to be fighting to keep it still, I admire her courage, but she won't be able to keep hiding her true nature for much longer.I fear for that moment.Since you and me are not the only ones that can sense it." Chichiri feared to listen any longer, he knew that what se was saying was what he had felt earlier. "The forest..I sensed something there, lurking.searching for something no da" Chichiri looked at his former instructor, for some kind of explanation, yet afraid that what she would say would seal Aya's fate forever. "Tenkoh" "The demon? But I thought we sealed him away?" "He's gaining power.and he wants her.You should be careful Chichiri." "Well I'm not gonna let him take her just like that! I'm willing to take full responsibility for her and protect her the best I can no da!" The feeling he got earlier was now a blazing flame inside his soul. He felt the urge to protect her, he knew for sure she wasn't an evil hearted person. He just knew! And he wasn't going give in to Tenkoh, no matter what! "I'm taking her with me and I'll protect her the best I can, just like I did with Suzaku no miko no da! I know she is not evil.and she's strong! Far stronger then she looks no da!" He suddenly realized he was shouting to the god of his world and quickly stepped back, regaining his calm. "Gomen nasai.it's just." "You think you will be able to protect her?" Taistukun said ignoring the act he had just been shouting to her "Then you must give it your all.She can not fall into the hands of Tenkoh, even I don't know what to expect should that ever happen." "I will.and I'll get Tasuki and Tamahome to help me no da." He said, determined that he would succeed.
Meanwhile Aya was feeling more and more uncomfortable. She found it strange that Ceres was this quiet, she knew the nymph must have some answers, but Ceres kept silent, as if she wasn't there. Something suddenly caught her attention.a whisper.far away.calling her.
"Aya."
She pointed her attention to where it seemed the voice was coming from.
"Aya.come"
"Tooya?" she turned around, only to find nothing there.
"Aya.come.come back to me"
The whispering seemed to come from all sides, words that kept lingering in her mind. "Tooya!" she cried, no answer.nothing...except for the whispering. "Aya.Let loose!!!" "Aya!" Chichiri's voice rang through the air and silence came. "Come on, we're going no da!" She took a moment to realize where she was, but soon as she saw Chichiri's face, she asked, "Did Taitsukun know anything? Can she help?" "Er.No.But she promised she would keep looking for a solution to get you back to your world no da! Until then, you'll stay with me, is that ok no da?" "Yeah, it's fine" she smiled, feeling slightly disappointed for not being able to go home. But as long as she was with the monk, she knew she'd be safe. They set off together and headed for a place called Mount. Reikaku. "What is on Mount Reikaku?" Aya informed, walking beside Chichiri. "A friend of mine, Tasuki. I'm sure we can stay over there for a while no da." "I see." She turned her gaze back to the road and kept quiet again. The monk gazed sideward every now and then, finding her eyes were constantly set to infinity. *Say something* his mind kept telling him, but he seemed lost in the stream of questions that were clouding his mind. This girl was so hard to read, Miaka had been an open book. He could deal with that, but to find someone that was even more careful with showing her emotions then he was, he just wasn't prepared for it... And yet there she was, staring down the road, ignoring all around. "Aya..is something wrong. You seem troubled no da? I know this must be weird for you, but I'll help you the best way I can ok?" She didn't answer, but showed a little smile. "I'm a little tired, is this Mount Reikaku far away?" "Well we could teleport there, if you're not afraid that is." Aya looked up into his eyes, not quite understanding, but she was so tired, she just wished she had a bed to curl up in and sleep and hope to wake up back in her own world. "I'm not." "OK then" He took of his kesa and spread it out onto the ground. "Now take my hand and stand on the kesa with me, I'll teleport us to Mount Reikaku no da."
~Meanwhile~
In the deepest darkest dungeons of the celestial court, a demon was bathing in a pool of blood.
"Soon..." he murmured to himself, while letting the red thick fluid run through his fingers and over his face. His shiny silk-like white hair shimmering with a reddish glow.
"Soon she will awaken... Then I will be free again...Ceres, my love...come back to me..." he started grinning and soon the hall was filled with maniacal laughter.cutting through the silence like a stone shattering glass.
~
A shiver went passed Aya's back. It happened to her a lot ever since she 'd arrived into this strange world. She curled up in the bed and closed her eyes. She and Chichiri had arrived at Mt Reikaku a couple of hours ago. She'd met his friend Tasuki, a lively, loud hell raiser, about a year of 19, with flaming hair and fangs. He reminded her of Yuhi somehow, but this Tasuki guy was more blunt. When he'd first seen her arrive at the base with Chichiri, he had greeted his friend with the words "Oy Chichiri, you should come by with presents more often! What are you doing with a woman anyway?"
Chichiri had whacked him for that comment and told Aya she needn't worry. Tasuki might seem like a big insensitive jerk, but he really wasn't like that, he said. Aya was too tired to care. So they brought her to a room where she could rest up a bit, while Chichiri would explain everything to Tasuki.
For the past few hours she'd been lingering in between a state of sleep and consciousness. But she couldn't get any peace of mind. She felt as if she was being watched, or something. And she didn't trust the fact that Ceres was still quiet.
"Ceres...I know you're there...answer me!" ...Nothing...Not a single whisper. "Damn you Ceres! Why won't you answer me! I know you know something! What is happening?!!!" The silence was unbearable to her.
Aya opened her eyes, to find night had fallen. The room was dark...the furniture's features were barely visible in the dusk...but there was something else. She sat up to get a better look. Then she noticed it: a heavy breath, lingering in the room. A presence, there with her...
"Who's there?"
"You're not Ceres..." The presence spoke in a deep melodious voice.
"Who are you?" Aya asked again.
"...Where is she?..."
"Where's who?" Aya asked, fear creeping over her.
"...Ceres....Ceres...Ceres....Ceres...." Suddenly the room was filled with sound. Whispers, voices, coming at her from everywhere.Calling out for the nymph.
Aya kicked off the sheets and got up from the bed, she stood there in the middle of the room. Her eyes probing every dark corner of the room, hoping to find the person or thing that was driving her to insanity.
"Nooooooo! Go away!!! Leave me alone!!!" she yelled, and ran for the door...It was locked...
Tears burning in her eyes, she stood there in the middle of the room, frantically pressing her hands to her ears, hoping to make it stop. But the voices were everywhere, even in her head.
"Please...." she begged... "I don't..." She felt her forces escaping her and sank through her knees...then she lost consciousness.
That very instant, Chichiri broke down the door. When passing by her room he'd sensed a powerful qi-blast. He'd felt the door, but it was locked and his next reaction was simply crash down on it and see if he got in. All he knew was that he needed to get to Aya and he needed to do it fast! Inside he found her lying on the floor. Her eyes closed.she was murmuring something.tossing and turning and beads of sweat were rolling down her temples. "Tooya.Tooya." He wanted to do something to calm her, so he picked her up and put her back in the bed. The tried to soothe her with light flows of qi and soft whispering. It obviously worked, since she seemed to calm down. He reached out to push some of her bangs that were sticking to her face out of her eyes, when at that very instant in which he leaned over her she opened her eyes wide and screamed "Mikagi!!!!"
Her eyes were bright amber and her hair had instantly turned to a blackish- blue shade. Chichiri, surprised as he was, backed away and gazed upon what he thought was Aya. Not long after, Tasuki and Tamahome (who had arrived shortly after Aya was brought to her room, so he to was well aware of the events) stormed in. " What the hell is that?" Tasiki yelled at the sight of Aya. "I don't know no da.She transformed.I think." "Well, whatever it is.We can't let it get away." Tasuki said, running up to her, to try and keep her down. All she had to do was mere look at him to send him crashing into a nearby wall. Tamahome glared at Aya "Protection or no protection.I'm not gonna let her hurt any other people, she's obviously out of control.like Taitsukun feared. But I won't let this happen!" he gathered all his energy into a qi- blast, but she practically waved it away. Tamahome however wasn't done for.he tried another. As it was nearing her, Chichiri noticed a change.and just before it hit her Aya's eyes turned blue once again. She saw something bright red coming straight at her. She briefly noticed three men in the room.she faintly heard someone screaming "Nooooooo" but before she could even recognize the voice something crashed into her. Green, dull eyes flashed by. "Tooya"
All three of them had seen how Tamahome's qi-blast had hit the girl, they all had seen how her blackish-blue hair had turned to blonde and the golden glint in her eyes had gone back to the sparkling blue.Then she had been hit. "No!!!!!" cried Chichiri and ran towards her lifeless body. "Aya!!!!!!" He knelt down next to her "Aya!!!!" he shook her and stroked the golden locks that lay scattered over her face out of her eyes. "Aya! Speak to me no da!" Suddenly her eyes flung open once more, Chichiri 's eye widened when he saw the golden glint in them, too late to get back to safety; the nymph send him crashing into a wall. "Fools! Ceres cannot be beaten.Aya is lost!" A huge explosion followed, when the smoke cleared she was gone.