A sleep-befuddled Nagisa was once again awoken early on a weekend. Not intentionally this time though, but it was obvious someone wanted to see her, since she heard her name being mentioned. Snuggling deeper under the covers she tried to get back to sleep. Until she heard Shizuma's voice and hands rocking her awake. Turning to face the person ready to give them a piece of her mind, she saw Shizuma looming over her.
"Shizuma? Is that you? Why are you here this early in the morning? It's a weekend. Go away" Nagisa grumbled and pulled the sheets overhead.
"Nagisa you need to wake up, Miyuki and Tamao are here." Shizuma informed her as she pulled the sheets back down.
Nagisa half sat up and rubbed at her eyes trying in vain to wake up. As her vision cleared she saw Shizuma's mirthful features first, and then roamed around the room. Overlooking a laughing Miyuki and an amused Tamao, who was holding a Miator uniform. Nagisa was looking at the room, and in her sleep filled state she remembered at last where she was. Nagisa was in Shizuma's room. Blushing as she remembered she looked down. No wonder her friends were laughing at her.
"I'm sorry for the rude awakening Nagisa-chan. It couldn't be helped." Looking not at all sorry.
"I brought your uniform Nagisa" Tamao said placing it down on the chair, and then pulled Miyuki out of the room. Closing the door with a resounding click.
"Umm… sorry Shizuma about all this... I "She was stopped from saying anything else as fingers were pressed against her lips.
"It's fine, you looked like you needed the rest. I didn't mind at all, nice to have you so close" giving her a peck on the lips "Get ready you have work to do. I'll be in the greenhouse if you want me."
"It's a shame I have to work, whatever is I'm going to be doing. Rather be with you." Nagisa gave a cute pout which Shizuma couldn't resist kissing "I meant what I said last night Shizuma, I do love you. Can you meet me by the lake an hour before sunset?"
"I love you to my little fireball. And of course I will, now get ready before Miyuki barges in here and stones me"
Throughout the day the three Miator girls were busy. They had informed the Head Sister on the new development; in return she told them that the Council had information regarding the mysterious master. The contents were on their way and she will contact them as soon as it does. Now in the Warren's library, the three sat with heaps of books, trying to find things pertaining to the language, wraith and Phoenix. The others were slowly trickling in and giving a helping hand. The day's work proved fruitless, only reaffirming what they already knew. Nearing evening Nagisa excused herself and went off to keep her date with Shizuma. 'If Shizuma can accept me as my true self that's all I care about. Even if the Others hear about me, I don't care, I'm tired of hiding. I want to be me all the time not a shadow of one.'
It was a beautiful sunset, full of deep colors of reds, purples and slight dark oranges around the edges. By the lakes shore in the grounds, stood two figures standing close together, enjoying the moment. As the sun began to fade away, with darkness creeping in the silence was softly broken.
"Shizuma can I ask you something?" drawing a little closer
"What is it Nagisa?"
"If I had to leave would you remember me?" Nagisa faced her head on; gentle tears fell from her eyes. Looking at her in shock Shizuma faced her, holding onto Nagisa's hands in a firm but soft hold.
"What are you saying? A-a-are you leaving me?" she finally managed.
"I don't want to Shizuma. I finally found my home and my heart. But some things are set in motion and ..." the tears came harder and she could no longer speak.
Strong arms wrapped around Nagisa and held her close. The cries grew harsh and Nagisa fiercely held onto her silver love.
After a while the sobs became less and sniffles came into play, Nagisa pulled back a little and wiped her eyes, still holding on strong to the older woman. Shizuma wanting to look at her brought her hand to the red flushed face and turned her, so she could look into those beautiful eyes.
"Nagisa, I love you. Everything about you. I will do anything to be with you and to keep you." She lowered her head down and captured Nagisa's lips. A soft yet so loving declaration. When they finally parted they just stared in each other's eyes. Knowing that she couldn't keep lying to Shizuma, even more so to herself, she gave her a quick kiss and stepped out of her embrace and walked a few steps away.
"Nagisa?" starting forward with a worried look on her face
"Stay there Shizuma. I want you to know the real Me." giving her special smile.
Nagisa softly closed her eyes, standing in a relaxed position, arms to the side breathing deeply. As if in preparation a deep silence and tension filled the area, the wind seemed to stop and the lake seemed to lose its shimmer. Thru it all Shizuma watched.
Suddenly Nagisa opened her eyes, deep red with gold sparks flitting around, raising her arms and tilting her head back, flames burst forth. Jumping in shock Shizuma stared entranced at the flames engulfing the young girl. The flames surrounded Nagisa, swirling to cover her whole, sparks flew and the roar of power was loud. It lasted for a few minutes, the flames gradually branching out, the roar dying out and with a final touch it burst out. Knocking Shizuma back a few places with her arms raised in protection. Lowering them she took in the site of the semi-real form of her beloved.
The first thing she noticed was her wings. Golden, flame feathers, which seemed to shine in some, light a hint of red. Closed as they were at the moment, they reached to the ankles to a few inches from her head. Nagisa's hair now hung loose to her shoulders, which swayed like a flame, since there wasn't enough wind for that to be the reason. Her skin now held a soft golden glow, which wasn't actually noticeable if she was to walk around like that normally, it was the effect of everything else that Shizuma took note of it. The most changed aspect that captured Shizuma's interest was Nagisa's eyes. She knew they changed depending on her mood, she loved that about her, but these eyes were so different yet so familiar. They were deep red with gold sparks that flittered constantly. They held so much in them, so much you felt like you were drowning.
As Shizuma was examining her she unconsciously moved towards her, whilst Nagisa was standing very still. 'Oh I wish she would say something, she's just staring at me. Guess I shocked her into next week he he. Please don't run away Shizuma' worriedly thinking as Shizuma stopped in front of her. Looking into Shizuma's eyes willing her to see, that she was still the same Aoi-Nagisa, even like this. She tried to say something but nothing came out. A tear slipped past her eyes, the young girl was quite worried and flustered. 'Why doesn't she say something?' Nagisa was about to turn around when a hand shyly touched her cheek. Leaning in the touch Nagisa let more tears escape, a smile of happiness now graced her face. The two hearts stayed that way a while, Shizuma getting used to the new look whilst Nagisa gave her time, finally content that her love knew the truth about her.
"You look beautiful Nagisa. The wings are a little hard to get used to." giggling softly. "I must admit fire elementals sure are hot if this is your true form"
"Fire ele ..." looking down slightly she sighed "Shizuma, I'm not a fire elemental. I used that excuse, to protect everyone here."
"You're not? Miyuki and the others say ..."
"I know. That's what everyone knows me as. You've read the legends yes?" receiving a nod "then you must know about the Shadow Wars"
"That happened over 200 years ago Nagisa. What's this got to do with you?" Shizuma asked
"Shizuma I was there when the last battle happened with the Dark Queen right up to the locking of her tomb" Nagisa shook her head with the bad memories then clasped Shizuma's hand into her own. "Shizuma love, I'm the Phoenix"
Shizuma was stunned to say the very least. Nagisa was worried a little, since she knew that a great shock to a human can need medical assistance. Letting her absorb it a little she decided to continue slowly.
"I'm a Phoenix. One of the last true Mythical beasts left. Among us we have our own rules and guidelines to stand by. The most important rule being; to not get involved with the affairs of man or mythical. When I was very young I got involved and paid for it dearly, made to wander the earth by myself. Alone I have been for such a long time. But the Wraith yet again has appeared and I just couldn't sit back and watch. So I turned to my human form and came to help out, knowing the consequences of my actions." Taking a deep breath she continued "I came here once again to find out what was happening and to stop if it I could. The one thing I never encountered on was making friends and falling for you. I just seem to hurt those around me if do and I never wanted to do that." Taking a few steps out of reach she turned back towards the lake, feeling shy and scared.
"What do they want with you Nagisa?"
"That is what I am going to find out" Nagisa replied in a voice filled with a promise. "What will you do Shizuma?" Shizuma walked up to the new form and ran a hand over the feathers, tickling Nagisa as she did.
"Silly. Don't you recall? I love you, even like this, no matter what you are. You are still and always will be my little fireball"
A/N: Thanks for all the reviews :) Once again i apologise about the romantic stuff im not soo good at writing it.