During breakfast, to the envy of most, Nagisa and Shizuma were once again closely seated together. Shizuma looked closely at her little fireball and noticed she looked tense. Brushing a loose strand back behind her ear, Shizuma earned herself a small smile of thanks.
"You look worried Nagisa, what is it?"
"It's nothing Shizuma, me and Tamao had a bit of a talk last night and it didn't go well." Shrugging her shoulders slightly.
"I'm guessing it has something to do with the … Shadows." Shizuma said awkwardly.
"Shadows eh? You know they called them that a long time ago, you should read the book about it, I think Tamao has it. I best be off Shizuma I have to meet up with Yaya. I'll see you after school?" With a nod Nagisa kissed her cheek and quickly took off. 'I wonder what happened last night to put Nagisa in an off mood. Usually she can mask it a little. Best talk to Tamao-san about it."
She didn't have to wait long for the said person to finish, by her side was Miyuki. Asking if she could join them, the three set off to class. When they were out of earshot of any people Shizuma brought up the point of Nagisa.
"Of course I'll lend you the book Shizuma, there's no harm in that." Tamao said "As for Nagisa we had a disagreement last night, I'll talk to her today, I guess I went a bit far."
"I'm betting it has something to do with what you said last night. I saw the look you gave her and so did she. Everyone has secrets some more serious than others." Shizuma sternly alleged
"So you know she's hiding things too Shizuma-sama."
"You must think it's a bit eerie too Shizuma, considering. The shadows come, Nagisa shows up and I know for a fact no one from the Council knows where she's from or how she knows so much. We few have known each other for a long time, it can't be us the wraiths are after." Miyuki reassured her friend not wanting to get on the bad side of either of them.
"If it does concern Nagisa will you stand by her? Not judging her?" stops in mid stride, staring at her friends. Bluenttes stopped and faced her when Tamao smiled and stepped forward.
"Nagisa is my best friend and always will be. No matter what" Accepting her words Shizuma nodded her head and continued on. 'Like me Tamao-san I will stand by my Nagisa. I just want this to end for all our sakes.'
Nagisa's POV
She was jumpy. All throughout the day Nagisa was constantly on edge. Nothing tangible as to why, she just knew that something was about to happen. That sixth sense some people have was on full alert. So when finally the school day finished, Nagisa was pulling along Tamao as they both ran out and off to the library. She had made up with Tamao earlier, both hugging the other till blue in the face. So when they went thru the passage and the many tunnels, both were breathing heavily.
"Nagisa we didn't have to run all the way here, I only wanted to collect the book Shizuma-san asked for." moaned Tamao, as she looked for the book.
"Sorry Tamao, I don't know why, but I feel that's something is going to happen. And happen soon." Nagisa apologized pacing back and forth. After a search Tamao found the book and they headed on back, deciding to walk mainly for Tamao's health, since she would end up six feet under if she tried. 'Why am I so jumpy? I can't calm down or focus right. I hope it's just a bad day I'm having.'
Another night and with it another patrol. The few were once again full force walking around the grounds. They were tired and exhausted over little sleep and school work on top. Kagome's fairy lights bobbed along with them, in many shades of color. Why not? No one minded. It was getting to the end of their patrol and all was quiet. Deciding to return they headed on back, thankful that nothing happened. Until the famous last words were uttered by the stupid wolf 'It sure is quiet tonight' then Murphy's Law came into play. Sensors went off nearby and after Yaya received glares from everyone, including Kagome, they all ran off.
Coming up near the sensor alarm, Shion held up her hand, signally them to stop. Yaya transformed and slowly trotted up next to her, tilting her head sitting on her haunch. Looking at each other for confirmation.
"What's going on Shion?" Chikaru whispered.
"The wraith. It's just sitting there, not doing anything just sitting there." Shion replied
"What? Is it a trap?" Miyuki asked receiving a shake of head from Yaya.
"We'll do this. Nagisa you're with me and Yaya, the rest of you will be behind us. That way we can deal with anything that comes up." Shion proposed. After receiving nods, they got into position and moved forwards slowly, alert to anything.
The wraith just watched as they got closer, making no sudden moves. When the few stopped moving the wraith slowly got to his feet. Yaya growled menacingly as if to dare it to try anything.
Nagisa stood still and caught a glimpse of something around its neck. It was a collar of sorts with a symbol on it. Yet Nagisa couldn't make anything out in the poor light. Silence was between them, deciding to break it Shion stepped forth.
"What do you creatures want from us?" boldly asked. The creature stared and did nothing.
"You must want something. Talk or leave." Shion yet again asked, confused she glanced behind shrugging as to what to try next. The wraith shook its head and stepped closer, Yaya coming over to Shion growling deep and long.
"Ki omna dore Phoenix. Mut ki dore Phoenix!" the wraith growled softly.
Nagisa paled and stared in open shock. 'The language of the dead. She used it all those years ago. Taking the only book with her, the only book it's truly written in. She can't be out of the tomb!' Shaking she half turned around, Tamao saw the deathly pale of her friend and moved over to stand by her, gripping her hand tight.
"Tamao it's speaking the language of the dead." Nagisa whispered to her friend. Tamao looked at her in shock.
"We don't understand Wraith, speak in our tongue will you" Shion was getting angry. So was the wraith. It growled long and loud and snarled at the group.
"I want the Phoenix! Give me what I ask and I'll leave you be. You have two sunsets!" it growled and disappeared in waves of black flames. Stillness and quiet. The young women just stared at the empty space, shock mainly that the wraith just left voluntarily. You usually had to hurt it a lot before it got the message.
"A PHOENIX?" a voice screamed sending everyone two feet off the ground in terror.
"Yaya-san! There's no need to shout." Shion angrily told her, she hated being taken by surprise.
"Shion-chan she does have a point. Though why a phoenix, they are very rare and not easily found. Let alone seen." Chikaru summarized
"That's not all, what makes the wraiths certain that we have a phoenix? I haven't noticed a fire bird around here." Miyuki put in.
There was an uneasy silence as they made their way back to the dorms all lost in thought, with Kagome's fairy lights leading them true, one remained deathly silent. When they reached the quite dorms they each went their own ways, to try and catch up on whatever sleep they could get.
When Nagisa and Tamao settled comfortably down in their beds, the silence seemed thick.
"Nagisa, are you awake?" A shy voice asked and with a small hum of a yes floated back she continued "What are we going to do?" With those words it made the two hearts sink.
"I don't know Tamao; I just hope we can figure this out soon. Just know I'll be by your side as always. Night Tamao"
"Goodnight Nagisa" a tired voice replies, and in time gentle snores signals she has finally found sleep.
It was late, the stars were out in full shine and the moon was beautifully glowing. Feeling restless and not in the least tired, Nagisa quietly and quickly leaves her dorm and sneaks outside. There was a bump or two but nothing so loud to awaken anybody. The gazebo, her second favorite place to think, calls for her as she slowly makes her way towards it. She leans on the railing and looks up to the stars. Visions of her past and present swarm through her mind in a delicate dance. Pain, joy, love, anger all emotions swirl together, it doesn't hurt, just acknowledges her emotions as they flit on past.
So enthralled with her mind's eye, she fails to notice a presence coming towards her. Nagisa stares at the stars and starts to hum. A beautiful melody that's calming and soothing. As Nagisa hums in her own little bubble, the presence just stands and stares.
Shizuma dressed in a long pale white nightgown with a black cardigan to keep the chill away, leans against the posts behind Nagisa, listening and watching. When the last notes fade away, Nagisa slowly closes her eyes and gives a contented sigh. For a little while all is silent, the wind calmly blowing through the trees. A rustle of fabric alerts Nagisa and she quickly spins around, her eyes landing on Shizuma. Surprise fills her face whilst a little embarrassment shows on Shizuma's.
"Shizuma!" Nagisa squeaked "What are you doing out here?"
"I couldn't sleep, so thought I'd take a stroll. What about you Nagisa?" Shizuma asked, stepping up beside her.
"Me too. I didn't want to wake Tamao so I decided to come here. I like it here. It's peaceful" Nagisa explained as she turned back around and yet again stared at the stars. 'What a night. A language thought forgotten, a mystery master who knows it and they want me. I'm touched. Why though?'
"Nagisa did something happen tonight?" Shizuma cautiously asked.
"Well we know what the wraith are looking for now. Does that count?" Nagisa trembling all over "Why do they ask for a Phoenix? Why are the wraiths even here? How are we going to find out anything in time? It's all so confusing!" tears streamed from Nagisa eyes as she tried to get in control. Turning away from Shizuma, not wanting her to see her like this.
Shizuma reached out and pulled the younger woman into her arms, holding her tight as she cried. When the tired girl had finally stopped she rested in Shizuma's arms a while longer.
"Come with me." Shizuma told her, pulling back and grabbing her hand. She led Nagisa through the dorms and to her own room. Opening it she motioned Nagisa to enter. Nagisa didn't know what to make of the whole thing; she was too tired both emotionally and physically. Naturally she gravitated to the bed, and sat down. Shizuma came over and after some pushing and prodding got the redhead under the covers, and then joined her. Nagisa felt arms wrap around her feeling the warmth she snuggled deeper into Shizuma's body, melding together perfectly.
"Sleep Nagisa. I'm right here always. I love you." Nagisa heard just before she fell asleep. Filled with joy she looked into Shizuma's eyes and smiled wide.
"I love you too Shizuma" kissing her on her lips groggily. Shizuma returned the kiss and they both fell asleep with sweet dreams.
A/N: Language of the dead eh? No i wasnt watching The Mummy :) Translate "I want the phoenix. Give me the phoenix". R/R. Tell me what you think. Take care :)