Nagisa was walking with a lighter step as she led Shizuma to the library, the darkness deepening as they go. Earlier she had changed back to her humanoid form, and getting teased a little about not getting a lift to the place instead of walking. Shizuma was too heavy for that. Nagisa warned her before they reached the Warren's entrance that the girls might be unhappy about bringing her down there, since it was a sanctuary for them, reassured once more, that Shizuma was going down there and staying by her side. So with foreboding they walked thru the entrance and down the many tunnels, to face the wrath of their friends. Hopefully they still will be after this.
"What is she doing here?" Shion angrily pointed at Shizuma whilst glaring at Nagisa. Everyone else had the same thought, though little Kagome just stared and hugged her bear closer.
"You know the rules Nagisa-chan!" Miyuki stood angrily "True she found out about us, but only the few can enter this place. Do you even care at all?"
Pale red eyes were getting deeper, fists started to clench and the aura she was giving off, had a menacing vibe. Those that knew Nagisa well were smart enough to recognize it, either backed off or prepared to get beaten. Nagisa was shaking in anger at the shouters who still berated on her lack of judgment and vows. 'What do they know? They think it's about the secret now? I've worked hard to keep things from getting worse. How dare they tell me of rules! Don't they ever shut up?' Shizuma started to rise, after a full 5 minutes of nothing but shouts and abuse flying around, when a small warm hand stopped her. Facing towards Nagisa she saw the young girl bursting with anger. Realizing in a moment that nothing that she would say mattered, so instead she took Nagisa's hand into her own and held on tight.
"Nagisa-chan why now?" a soft voice spoke out. It was as if a switch went off, the room went silent and all eyes focused on the smallest figure in the room. Chikaru was most surprised; her little fairy hardly ever spoke, let alone came to speak out in this way. Pride was the smile now on her face. Nagisa, grateful for the calming atmosphere, slowly herself began to unwind. Well tried to.
"Maybe because her lies are getting ahead of her" whispered Tamao. Not daring to look anyone in the face. The calm didn't last long, once again voices were raised and questions went in all directions.
'One day I'm going to do something about her' Shizuma thought massaging her head with her hand.
"ENOUGH!" a powerful voice roared, enough to make everyone jump and sit down quietly. Every eye was on Nagisa, chest heaving, fist clenched, with her other hand holding on tightly to Shizuma. Finally looking up her eyes was blood red. Gold sparks darting thru, overall giving her quite the evil eye look. Her attention now focused upon Tamao.
"What lies? Do tell me please what lies I've told you." Looking around at the others "You all assumed I was a fire elemental, from that one time. Yet time and again I showed you different abilities that couldn't possibly put me in that class. When you asked about my family, I have been cast out, so I'm no orphan. I didn't bother correcting you, it actually helped my situation. I never meant for you to find out. For once it felt like I had friends, instead of screwing things up. I guess now that's out of the question. "
Everyone, was to say the least shocked, all just sitting there as if, Miyuki went on a statue freezing frenzy. Nobody moved.
"Nagisa-chan who are you?" that one question covered everything.
"I… I…." stuttering a little. With a squeeze of hand and a look into those yellow eyes, she found the courage she needed. "I'm Aoi-Nagisa and I'm one of the last remaining Phoenixes'."
Beautiful silence was heard. Well it was beautiful nonetheless. Nobody really said anything, yet they did try and ended up doing a fish impression, quite funny really on Miyuki's face. Until a little someone moved, leaving her bear on the table, Kagome moved slowly to stand by Nagisa. Motioning for Nagisa to come closer, she bent down. Small arms locked themselves around Nagisa's neck holding her tight. To say the least Nagisa was stunned, she didn't expect this, least of all from Kagome. With one hand still locked with Shizuma's, her free arm hugged Kagome back, whispering a heartfelt thank you. When she let go Nagisa was hugged by all those present and tears slowly fell from her eyes.
"Why are you being so kind?" she hoarsely whispered
"You're still you Nagisa, no matter what you are. True your one of the rare true Mythicals; however you're my best friend first and foremost." Tamao explained
"Why didn't you just tell us?" Yaya demanded
"And receive the reception like just now?" Shizuma pointed out, she had enough of being silent. They all calmly sat down and thought it over.
"So Nagisa-chan, why didn't you tell us before all of this?" Chikaru asked
"Now I know they are searching for a phoenix, I couldn't hide much longer among you. I did it to keep you safe." Nagisa tried to reason
"Safe? Fighting wraith isn't safe at all Nagisa-san; you didn't keep us safe instead you made it worse."
"That's enough Shion-san! She's trying so hard to explain and you shoot her down each time. Do you have any idea how hard all of this is for her? Shut up and listen she's getting to it." Shizuma barked her patience diminishing rapidly.
"Let me say this. Mythicals such as me are never meant to involve ourselves with you. I did it once before and it got me cast out, and since been on my own. Knowing the wraith had returned I had to come back. If they hear of this it can mean serious consequences for me and for you, if you knew what I truly was."
"They would punish you for helping us?" Yaya asked in disbelief.
"Yes. Depending on what I do depends on my punishment."
"You said 'before' Nagisa. You meant the Shadow Wars didn't you." Stated Tamao who had already figured out most of it.
"That was many years ago. I don't know if it's linked to this or not. For all our sakes I hope not, it would mean that the Dark Queens tomb has finally been opened. Even I may not be strong enough to fight her again and win."
A bell sound echoed in the conference room making everyone startle. Miyuki pressed a remote on the table and a view screen opened up, showing the nervous face of the Head Sister. With a brief greeting and a question of Shizuma being present, brought up once more the subject of Nagisa. To say the Sister was surprised was an understatement. She was shocked out of her skin. It took a lot of shouts and another teacher coming in and giving her a shake. It seems even for ones involved with the Council actually meeting a Phoenix was an event to remember. Not to mention shocking.
"I want to know all details Aoi-san but that's for another time I'm afraid. I've just received notice on who's controlling the Wraiths. With help from the Chinese Council we have narrowed it down somewhat. He goes by the name 'Reaper' or normally known as Sakuragi Takeru."
Nagisa was once again thrown into the past. Trembling and breathing heavy she didn't hear Shizuma or Tamao, as they were trying to find out what's wrong. Nagisa didn't know what to do. 'Sakuragi. Why does my past torment me? How is he still alive? I'm in deep trouble especially since it's probably about Her.' Nagisa was feeling a bit of pain on her cheek, reaching up feeling it warm she looked over at Tamao. Her hand was raised.
"Did you just slap me Tamao?" Nagisa asked whilst the girl lowered her hand.
"Sorry Nagisa you were scaring us a little, shaking and going so white. You didn't respond… so I slapped you. It worked."
"Next time use water Tamao-san." Shizuma looking to murder
"I take it you know him Aoi-san." The Sister asked
"Yes I do. The one thing I don't know is why he is still alive."
"What's that supposed to mean Nagisa?" Miyuki confusedly questioned
"Only that he should have died a long time ago. He was there during the Shadow Wars, fighting on the Dark Queens side. For his crimes he was locked up and the key thrown away. How on earth did you lose someone like him?" Nagisa stood up and faced the Sister eyes burning red.
"Calm down Nagisa, come on sit down." Shizuma soothed and ushered her back into her chair, holding on to her hand.
"All we know is that he escaped somehow. As for his long life, I thought you might have known he was turned into Vampire class." The Sister explained "I have formally requested high ranking Mythical's to come and aid us. We cannot stand against him, even if we do have a Phoenix. He is far too powerful."
"You expect us to sit back and do nothing? We have been fighting the wraith these past few months or so. I'm not backing out now." Declared Yaya with a swish of her hair.
"None of us are" Miyuki announced with nods of agreement from everyone there.
"This is too dangerous girls. I won't allow it. They will arrive here in two days. Please don't do anything." With that she signed off leaving the girls to ponder their situation.
"We're not really just going to stop now are we? True it's going to be dangerous but this is our school and he's after our friend." growled Yaya banging her fists onto the table making her point.
"Well said Yaya-chan. Of course we will stop him, we have to stick together." chimed Chikaru, with a chorus of 'I'm in' from the remaining girls. Nagisa looked on, heart pounding with gratitude and wonder. Her friends were the best she could ever ask for. Not to mention Shizuma was digging in, putting her ideas in too. 'My home is here with these and I will protect them with everything I have.'
Plans were getting planned and mostly thrown out. All through the night and mostly into the early morning, they planned with no hint of a break, until Kagome fell asleep right at the table, did they decide to call it a day. Nagisa once again fell asleep in Shizuma's arms getting what little rest she could.
A/N: Finally knowing who the Master is. Name sound familiar to anyone? Enjoy! XD