The next morning Nagisa didn't see Shizuma anywhere. She had fallen asleep before Tamao had even returned, and now with her classes about to start it wasn't a good time to go into the details. All Tamao had said was that they had talked and made Shizuma sign the contract. 'I could have guessed all that. Bet they didn't tell her about the particulars of the contract. What I want to know is how she really feels about it all.'

Class was well underway, when in walked the most popular girl in the schools. As one, the girls got all dazed faces and gooey eyed looks. Nagisa was astonished and looked at Tamao who just shrugged, yet hiding a small smirk. With a graceful walk Shizuma glided to the teacher and in a soft voice talked to her. A nod of the head she addressed her class.

"Aoi-san you're wanted in the Head sister's office, Hanazono-san is here to escort you." Nagisa was a little taken aback by the request, yet she gathered her things and started for the front of the class. It was intimidating to say the least. Nagisa could fight wraith no problem but facing jealous glares from nearly every girl was too much. Without a word spoken, both of them walked out and headed off towards the office.

With a jolt Shizuma took hold of Nagisa's hand and led her away out of the school. Confused and willing Nagisa couldn't help but follow, not to mention the iron grip her hand was in. 'Is she that mad at me? She hasn't said a word. Where are we going? Looks like the greenhouse'

Hand in hand they had walked thru the grounds and entered the greenhouse, with no one in site. They hadn't been stopped or found out, which made Nagisa think of ditching French lessons if it was this easy. Dragged to the table and finally let loose, Nagisa hesitantly stood near the chair, nervous about what was going to come up. Shizuma herself had her backed turned to her, so she couldn't read her face or tell what she was thinking. 'Please say something, I hate this silence. I know we need to talk about everything; I don't want to lose our friendship. I couldn't stand that. I hope she isn't leaving.'

"Sit down Nagisa, I think we need that talk now" a low voice directed as she herself sat down. Nagisa saw then the face that was becoming dear to her. It was a mix of confusion, discomfort and tired. Nagisa slowly sat down and said nothing, waiting patiently for Shizuma to start.

"I guess I should thank you for saving me last night" Shizuma thanked her with a small smile that softened her features.

"No need to thank me Shizuma-sama. You would have done the same in my place. I just wished you found out in a nicer way." hanging her head a little "And on top of that more information that's sure to leave you frazzled."

"I always wanted to know what the brooches were about; I didn't think it was something so grand." crossing her arms loosely "yet it seems like a dream. Miyuki tried hard to cushion it all for me but. . ."

"Nothing can really soften it. You've seen the horrors and the best of us just yesterday."

"How are you doing really? Suzumi-san said you heal up quick." She leaned over slightly placing her hands on the table.

"I'm fine all healed." Reaching over and clasping Shizuma's hand giving it a slight squeeze. "Shizuma-sama you can talk to me about it if you need to, I'll be here has long as you need me for. I'm not going anywhere"

"The Sister only gave me the basics last night, making me sign a weird document. We discussed secrecy and the fact not to wonder at night anymore." returning the squeeze keeping their hands entwined. "But nothing too specific, fathoming I knew enough already."

"Ask away, I know a bit on the topic, who better to ask?" Nagisa smiled and Shizuma laughed at the bubbly girl.

"Ok. What abilities do you girls have?"

For a long time Shizuma and Nagisa played the Q&A game, lost in each other and the revelation that Shizuma was introduced to. Shizuma learned with fascination about the Mythical souls, wanting to learn more about their past and principles. Nagisa was enjoying talking to her startled at the depth of the questions Shizuma was asking her. 'She really is interested in the few. Taking it rather well too. It's nice talking to her like this, I can now tell her about things I'm doing without evading. Just hopes she avoids the main question; me.'

"There's so much to know and it's getting late. Shall we head on back Nagisa? Rather not get caught by the Sister as it is." Both of them rising from the chair, Nagisa picking up her bag as well, Shizuma held out her hand. "I need my little savior by my side"

Taking her hand with tinted cheeks she replied "Your my savior today Shizuma-sama, you saved me from my French lessons" with an embarrassed grin. Both laughing they walked back to the strawberry dorms.

Shizuma's POV

A tug on her hand stopped Nagisa from entering the door; instead she was being ushered around to the side of the building. Once more she was following Shizuma, this time walking side by side instead of dragging behind. Ahead Nagisa saw a simple Gazebo with vines trailing up the main supports, sporting roses giving it a seclusion feel. Stopping underneath Shizuma turned to face the little redhead. Reaching out for the other hand she held them in her own, staring at the deep pink eyes. 'At least from what I've heard today I understand Nagisa a bit better. Yet she still fascinates me, there's still a mystery in those eyes. And so much pain. Should I ask her? What will she say?' Shizuma thought.

"Nagisa, would you meet up with me again tomorrow? I enjoyed myself a lot today and would like to do so again." Nagisa's mouth dropped wide open. 'Not what she was expecting'

"Are you asking me out Shizuma?" Nagisa smirked "because that could be dangerous"

"Still finding me dangerous Nagisa?"

"Personally, yes. Though it might be more dangerous for you" unclasping her hands from Shizuma's, she engulfed her in a ferocious hug. "I may never let you go" With a big smile and a warmed heart Shizuma hugged her back tightly. They stayed like that for a while just holding each other close, until Nagisa noticed the sun low in the sky.

"We'd best get inside Shizuma, it's getting late and I don't want a repeat of yesterday" Nagisa pulled away "But first I want to give you something. Watch this"

Stooping down she picked up a twig, held it closely to her chest with both hands clasping it tightly. White fire streaked with flames of red surrounded her hands in a soft glow, ending in a bright orange streaking by. Shizuma was in awe of what she was seeing, true she saw more amazing feats last night, but she actually saw this up close and was in a more stable mind. When Nagisa opened her eyes she took one of Shizuma's hands and in it carefully placed a rose. The rose itself was dazzling, a blend of white and red, looking closer she saw it gently burn yet cool to the touch. When she smelt the rose, it warmed her inside, like an overdose on what made you all fuzzy and happy. Shizuma was speechless at the gift and looked to Nagisa.

"This is my proof to you Shizuma, I wanted you have something, if I'm not around, that will make you smile and make you happy, because you gave me all of that, when I needed it most." With watery eyes, Shizuma reached out to Nagisa, softly took her hand and kissed it. No more words were needed.