Since their first encounter with the wraith, the next week seemed to pass by quickly for Nagisa. She didn't know how much busier she could get, yet Tamao assured her that she just needed to get into the swing of things and once that happened, it would calm down. Nagisa was training in the Warren with everyone three nights a week for three hours straight, not to mention the night watches with Tamao and Yaya. Then there was the school work itself and finding her way. On her first day she faced French. A little leeway was made for her; the rest of the class had been studying it since their first year. No matter which way she turned the syllabus it still didn't make much sense, even with all the help Tamao was giving her. Heck even Chiyo had surpassed her. It couldn't get any worse could it?

It was the last school day in the week and Nagisa was much looking forward to her weekend. Walking back to the dorms by herself since Tamao had her poetry club, Nagisa decided to do a little exploring of Maidens Park. She loved the serenity of the place and the beauty of it all. Just as she was about to explore, a hand stopped her. Twirling around she saw it belong to one of the Sisters.

"Aoi-san can I ask a small favor?" she kindly asked

"Of course sister, how can I help?"

"Thank you Aoi-san. Could you deliver this to the greenhouse? It's fragile so handle it with care" putting a small parcel into the girls hands.

"Will do Sister. Though I do have one minor problem. Where is the greenhouse?" After she got the directions she set off, humming a happy tune and admiring her surroundings.

The greenhouse was quite large, with large glass panes becoming a round structure altogether. Outside were a sink and the tools of the gardening trade and by the looks of it was very often used. Inside was full of aromas, not too thick you couldn't breathe, but mixed together subtly. Flowers of many kinds were in pots and natural grown too, young trees were dotted around along with shrubs. It was a garden within a garden. Nagisa loved it.

'So much care has been put into all of this. Smells divine. I'd love to help out around here. Best give this to whoever works here and ask.' Nagisa headed towards the table she spotted earlier depositing her errand gently down. Taking a seat, putting her bag down as well, folding her arms on the table head leaning on top she slowly fell asleep.

Shizuma's POV

'It's a good thing I have the greenhouse, I would go mad otherwise. At least I can claim that duty to get away from the paperwork. Don't know why we need a meeting today nothing new needed to be discussed. Shame Nagisa couldn't barge in like last time. I wonder how she's doing; I've only seen glimpses of her. She's a lot more fun than the other girls, who just swoon at the sight of me. I miss her.'

Shizuma walked to her greenhouse and went inside. Double backing a bit when she saw a familiar redhead asleep on the table. Shizuma thought she was dreaming at first, as she got closer, spotting the parcel on the far end away from Nagisa. Not wanting to wake the girl, as she looked adorable asleep, she picked up the parcel and started to do her routine.

It was much later when Shizuma had finished, finishing off with good pot of tea. Setting down the teapot and cups, Nagisa was beginning to stir. 'She looks adorable. But I wonder about those dreams of hers, didn't seem too peaceful to me'

"That smells good" a sleepy voice announced

"I should hope so it's my favorite blend" knowing Nagisa would awake with a start.

And Nagisa did wake up with a jolt, eyes wide open, tussled hair and mouth wide open. Staring right at Shizuma. 'Hehehe oh dear she sure looks surprised. How can she since she was bringing along my parcel?'

"Did you have a good nap Nagisa? You certainly looked as if you needed it. Care for a cup of tea?" pouring her one in the process. Nagisa was doing a great impression of a fish, opening and closing her mouth in silence.

"Shi. . . Shizu… Shizuma-sama? What … what are you doing here?" she finally managed.

"What do you mean? Didn't you know that it's one of the etoile's duties to care for this greenhouse? It's my favorite part of the whole thing."

"Wow! You've done such a wonderful job, it's beautiful in here." Nagisa praised earning a smile off Shizuma. 'I forgot how honest she can be'

"Do you like flowers Nagisa?" sipping on her tea

"Yes I do. Roses are my favorite but I guess a lot of people say that" chuckling a little.

"I'm guessing you prefer red ones" teased Shizuma not intending to flirt, much.

"Nope. Has to be white, more elegant and alluring" with cute smile and another giggle.

Shizuma gave a full smile and laughed. 'This girl certainly has a way with words.'

Nagisa's POV

Nagisa looked on with delight as the etoile laughed. Knowing not many people got to see this side of her, since she always put on different persona out in public. As she gave a quick glance around, she saw fresh flowers in different pots among other things. She wondered how long she truly had been asleep.

"How long was I asleep?"

"For a good few hours Nagisa. You weren't late for anything were you?"

"No. But I'm surprised you didn't wake me." Nagisa looked a little confused.

"You looked too adorable just sleeping there; I didn't have the heart to wake you. You weren't in my way either." She explained setting her empty cup down.

"Have you finished for the day?" Nagisa asked hoping the answer would be yes.

"In here yes. Why?" asked a puzzled Shizuma

"Well I was wondering if you were going back to the dorms as well so I could walk with you." rushed Nagisa blushing yet again, not daring to look at the one in front. 'Why did I ask it like that? I sounded like one of those fan girls and with that just now I'm sure she thinks so too. I just wanted to spend a bit more time with her is all.'

"I'd like that. We haven't spoken as much as I've liked since the dinner date. Shall we?" holding her out her hand like a queen. Nagisa blushed darker yet smiled with delight and grasped onto the hand. Hand in hand they made their way out of the greenhouse and off to the dorms. Hands held tightly, talking softly they made their way along and with each step drew them closer together.

It was a few hours later when the sun has just gone down, Nagisa and Tamao were doing a quick check of the grounds. Shion had explained that a quick check of the grounds at night before your watch familiarizes yourself. Nagisa thought it was to stop them from being too lazy but then again she could be wrong. The two friends silently walked along, enjoying being in each other's company. 'Air elementals have a gift of foresight. I wonder if she's seen anything.'

"A bit but then it's all pretty vague. I'm still pretty new in that area, so I've been reading up on it as much as I can. All I see is a tunnel leading to a dead end. Then cryptic symbols flash and dark flames shoot out and I wake up in a cold sweat." Tamao answered, glancing to her side found her friend wasn't there.

Nagisa just stopped. Her heart was going so fast, and she shook all over. She remembered the way clearly as if it was yesterday and the fear was still as strong. 'That can't be right. The tomb is sealed up tight with many enchantments too. How? Who? I can't let that happen again!' Nagisa was shook out of it, with Tamao's help literally. She hadn't realized she'd stopped and reassured Tamao that she was fine. An excuse of hating ghost stories worked out like a charm.

Nagisa saw her friend look sharply around. Moving closer to her, Tamao whispered in her ear, one word. Wraith. Signaling Tamao to lead, she shook her head. Wondering what was going on Nagisa kept silent and on high alert.

The attack came from above. Screeching in a high tone, that made you cringe in pain. Ever heard fingernails being drawn across a chalkboard? It was like that but much more sharper. There were 3 of them, small birdlike things. No feathers more like bat wings. Their talons and beaks looked sharp in the dim light. As the wraith birds came at them yet again, Nagisa raised up a barrier, which they avoided just in time. Circling around above them and waited. Tamao moved her hands, each moving in circles and creating mini hurricanes and sent it flying capturing two and crushing them swiftly. The other was swiftly descending using it as cover to attack; claws out it flew straight at Tamao. Seeing this Nagisa dived into the blunette, knocking her to the ground, taking the force of the claws. Letting out a cry of pain her anger surfaced, her eyes deepening to a dark red and power radiated off her. Tamao was shocked at the change of her best friend. Nagisa got up and turned to the irritating fiend. 'No-one hurts my friends in any sense.' Slapping together her hands, in a prayer type manner, she brought forth pure white fire. Slowly moving her hands apart white sparks emanated from it. The fiend descended, feeling the energy coming from below. Nagisa with white sparks of flame, shot it outwards in a dazzling strike, killing the wraith instantly.

Nagisa still heaving with excess anger and power tried to calm herself down. Tears silently slid down here face. Not wanting to look at Tamao she kept her eyes firmly closed. 'Calm down! Calm down! Take it easy she's safe, she's not hurt.' Her friend had gotten closer and gently pulled the shaking girl into a hug, laying her head on her shoulder.

"Thank you Nagisa-chan." And with those precious words Nagisa began to slowly calm down. "We need to get your back seen to Nagisa-chan." Pulling away slightly and seeing the ripped uniform where claws had sliced thru. Tamao gasping in surprise in what she saw.

"What's wrong Tamao-chan?" turning quickly to face her.

"Your wounds, they've healed. How is that possible?"

"I've always been able to do that. It's not a big deal, though I'm sure glad you're ok." Nagisa softly smiled. 'Not my fault you think I'm a fire elemental. Then again I'm not saying what I am either. I'm sorry to lie'

Tamao gently cupped Nagisa's face and wiped away the tears, looking into her eyes all the while. Blushing slightly Nagisa stood still.

"You're certainly a mystery Nagisa-chan" Tamao softly spoke