Being the first one to awaken, Nagisa carefully disentangled herself from Shizuma, not wanting to wake her and with a quick wash and change of uniform she felt refreshed. They kept spares for just this occasion. Ready to start a new day, Nagisa walked to the training room. 'I guess I should be the semi-real me now. I won't leave here until it's time for me to go. Best do a quick practice before lunch. Hmm… I should wake the others. I know the perfect way' Nagisa stood in the center of the room and changed into her semi-real form once more. Letting herself spread her wings wide, she began to sing. She sang of awakening, peace and life, the notes and emotions sounded just right, even in the Warren, making her song echo all around. To add to her song the young Phoenix brought fire to bear, which in sync to the song, moved and changed to match. Reds, oranges and yellows, the normal colors of fire however blues, purples, greens and pinks were seen. Nearing the end of her song Nagisa separated the flames of different colors, making them explode into sparks glistening brightly one last time. Notes of the song ended and after a second or two a round of applause was heard. Nagisa's head whipped to the side, seeing her friends clapping with delight, and gave them an exaggerated bow. Somewhat awkwardly with the wings.
"What a nice way to wake up Nagisa" Shizuma smiled walking up to give her a hug.
"Well you all had to wake up sometime. It was the nicest thing to do instead of dumping cold water on you all." Nagisa stated giving Shizuma a bone crunching hug, then guiding her away to the cafeteria with the rest in tow.
"What's with the look?" Yaya asked as she started to work on lunch "Must admit the wings are something"
"Your fangs are something Yaya-chan when you transform. So Nagisa has wings, she looks better than you do" Tamao responded working alongside side her. The rest laughed at the exchange.
"It was the Song of Souls wasn't it Nagisa-chan" Chikaru asked sipping her juice.
"A form of it at least. The other way is more impacting and devastating"
When all had finished and cleaned up, they moved once more into the conference room and began to plan yet again. Some hours in Shion and Chikaru drew Shizuma aside and walked her out, to once more in the training room. Leading her over to the weapons wall, Shion pulled down a rapier with sheath and passed it to her. Gingerly taking it from her she looked questionably at the two. The two Mythicals ignored the look and continued. Chikaru placed her hand on the blade, enchanting a spell making the blade glow white. Nodding to Shion that she was finished the Valkyrie finally explained.
"You intend to go with Nagisa-chan when she faces the Reaper." bluntly stated "We can stop you, have no doubt."
"Since this fight is personal for her, we think it best for you to be there in case something does go wrong. This blade can now kill wraiths." Shizuma was looking over the sword over getting a feel for the weight.
"As Chikaru just said you might be useful. You know a little fencing and before we go I want to know if you can handle yourself. I will train you, in the little time we have."
'If I want to be of any help to Nagisa, I need to do this.' Shizuma thought as she was led to the locker rooms to change. Chikaru went back to the planning.
It is often said, that when you least want it to the time can fly swiftly. Much as you wish and beg time continues on. In the Warren the girls plan and train, mainly the latter, for now the planning seems to be complete. It's not such a good plan to make, where all you're really relying on is each other and hope for the best. 'Winging it' as Yaya put it. The training was taking its toll. Shizuma already taxed from her one-on-one with Shion was now put to the test of fighting among the others. It ended up at the end with everyone against Nagisa, realizing that after a few minutes that Nagisa was holding back.
"If you can't defeat me as I am now, what makes you so certain you can when I'm at my best?" Nagisa reasoned out to them, calling to them again to attack. Bruised, beaten and very sore after that long training session, each was too tired so retired early to bed. Resting now, for the next night they won't be as lucky.
It was decided that for the day that they should relax and be normal, especially for Shizuma, since she's been missed greatly by her fan girls the past two days. Apparently they need a daily dose of her. The Presidents needed to catch up on Council work, Yaya with the choir and the remaining to do as they pleased. Probably not going to happen. Relaxation and fun was on all their minds as they emerged into the world above. Kagome, with a quick hug to Chikaru and Nagisa, trotted off to find her two friends; Yaya headed off to the cathedral where choir practice and her crush were. Shion went off in the direction of Spica's stables, probably to berate Amane on entering the etoile tournament. Chikaru decided to devote some time to her clubs, where as soon as she entered, get trounced upon by the trio. Miyuki and Tamao hand in hand walked off into Maiden Park to spend some quality time together, and the same for the last remaining couple, however they went along to the greenhouse. Each took their minds off of what was to come and revel in what they had and spent a peaceful day doing what they fancied.
Night came all too quickly for them. Deciding to have the best advantage the few, plus one, met up near the lake. Nagisa in full form once more stood apart from everyone else. Everybody was ready and equipped, dressed in comfortable clothes, since the uniforms were uncomfortable and useless when you came to dodge pouncing wraiths. Things got in the way. All they could do now was wait. 'I hope this goes as smoothly as possible. I hate for anyone to get hurt. Miyuki promised to keep an eye on Shizuma. I really didn't want her to be here. I hope Takeru doesn't bring it up, not tonight.'
Night was in full swing, stars were shining bright and girls stood by the lake. Still waiting in silence, alert and ready, yet impatience ran deep. They were scared, who wouldn't be? A light flared in the glade. All jumped slightly and nervously got back into stance. A sensor had gone off. No other sign came. Staring into the space they saw and heard nothing.
"You haven't aged a day Nagisa-chan" a deep voice asked. Turning as one they saw a shadow walk slowly towards them. His form was deep in the shadows, you saw nothing else. "Lok vier ki" At his words wraiths came forth, quite a few came out of the trees surrounding the Reaper in a protective arc. "Let the fun begin!"
A/N: Well its getting near the ending now. Come and read :) Thanks again for the reviews means alot :)