A/N: The final chapter of this book. Dont worry there is a small Epilogue after this. Enjoy!
Nagisa watched on in confusion, she didn't know what he was doing. Holding on tight to Shizuma, after her little fumble, she relished the warmth and safety. The recent fight had drained her somewhat and had a feeling the rest were spent to. 'Whatever he is doing I hope we can put him in his place. I'm surprised Shizuma isn't tired more so. She did well tonight.' Leaning back more into the others embrace, Nagisa looked on until a warm breath on her ear made her shiver.
"Nagisa what is he doing?" Shizuma whispered, pecking her on her cheek too.
"I think he's probably going through a transformation of some kind. Yet it seems strange. His power is too controlled and too much for that." Nagisa replied getting a little more jumpy about it.
"Look!" Tamao pointed out.
Everyone stared at the Reaper. Waving lines etched his cloak of darkness, words of some kinds, wrapped around him pulling all his power back into him. They dripped blood red. Wide eyes stared as the lines pulsed and glowed. Nagisa cringed and noticed everyone else did too, especially Chikaru and Kagome. Something unnatural was occurring if those two were as sensitive to it. A small gasp yet sounded loud to the ears, all eyes trained on the witch. Chikaru had gone pale, wide eyes and trembled slightly.
"He's doing a soul summoning" she barely whispered.
"What is that?" Miyuki asked drawing forward a bit more, as did the others. Nagisa knew and sighed deeply, drawing attention from Shizuma.
"Nagisa?"
"It's the blackest of magic. A warlock can summon much like a witch. Chikaru-san is right to be afraid, for he is bonding with a summoned beast giving his soul to be more powerful. This is black magic to the core." Nagisa droned
"How can we kill it?" Shion asked as she looked on the reaper. The signs had become more pronounced and the shadows were receding somewhat. Yet still nothing could be seen.
"Chikaru-oneesama, the wording, isn't that for the high level summoning's?" a little voice shook. Kagome was terrified, she hugged her bear closer and tears formed in her eyes. Chikaru put an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. A small hand clenched tight to the presidents jumper.
"Were in trouble" growled Yaya now once more in human form, with a blanket Shion had graciously draped over her.
As soon as those fateful words were spoken a sudden burst of power hit the barrier, making it hard for Nagisa to keep it up. In seconds it finished and once again all eyes were now locked on the Reaper. What they thought was the Reaper. He was a man no more. However, strangely he still was. Confused? Nagisa isn't. She could feel the summoned mixed in with him, not to mention that the red full blooded eyes, fangs and claws were a giveaway. She was more interested in how much more powerful it was, she had a hard enough time before, even with the extra help it wasn't going to end well.
There was a mixture of groans and gasps and a small whimper. Fairies were very sensitive to summoned creatures. Once more they prepared themselves, Yaya back in her wolf form and Shizuma, Kagome and Tamao were sent to the rear. Nagisa was healed somewhat from her wounds, though still tender, released her fire barrier.
"Phoenix. Such a rare treasure. This one will be fun" it growled out.
"I hate summoned ones" Nagisa muttered. In a flash she threw a huge fireball in his direction, burning and throwing him a good few feet back.
Swiftly Reaper was back on his feet sending a crashing wave of black lightning in their direction, Yaya and Shion avoided it running quickly in its direction, whilst Tamao interrupted the flow. It was an all-out brawl. Close combatants slashed and clawed, whilst the rear guard threw spells and defended the others with what they could. Shizuma stayed back to guard; there was only so much she could really do. Don't forget she is after all, only human. Nagisa burned and hit him, yet any time the wound didn't make much of a dent. Nothing did. They put all their effort into it. Reaper giving it as good as he got. With multiple blasts from Nagisa, that knocked it back, left the Few to gather their breath. Winded and beaten they all looked on, noting that the Reaper looked fresh and unhurt. How do they hurt something that apparently couldn't be? It was smug, the enjoined summoned, since it got up slowly and brushed dirt off his clothes, finishing off with a proud smirk that emphasized his fangs. 'Cocky Bastard!' was the thought consensus in the girl's minds.
"Pathetic. To think that you girls can defeat me is laughable. I will have what I came for" Reaper exclaimed.
Moving at lightning speed Reaper lashed out, knocking Miyuki into the nearest tree, she was out cold. Another flash it appeared next to Yaya, extending his claws to new lengths he slashed and scratched, Yaya fighting back but her wounds were growing. Nagisa and Shion joined in, Nagisa now wielding a white hot blade of fire. Spells and fierce tornado blasts combined their attack more fiercely than before. Kagome helped by making illusions to trick and aid, yet still it wasn't enough. In a fierce swift stroke Shion managed to thrust her sword into Reapers heart, looking pleased that something was going right. Whilst Reaper was looking at the point in his chest Nagisa brought her sword down hard, cleaving her way thru flesh and bone. The summoned body fell, sliding off the sword and crumpled in a heap. Its head landing a moment later.
Cautiously Nagisa crouched down with Yaya on her right and Shion on her left; it was just too damn easy to die like that. A small growl made them jump back; keeping a few feet away they saw the body move jerkily. Its hands and arms moved over the ground patting, searching for something important. As soon as its fingers met the head, it lunged, bringing the two together. Head slowly lowering down, red vessels shot out connecting the two together, bones clicked and clacked and nauseously for Nagisa, its eyes rolled around. It was once again whole. 'How do we kill it? Usually it's never this hard, heart and head destroyed should have killed it. If we can't kill it send him back to the summoned realm. I hope Chikaru knows how.'
"Nagisa-chan what do we do?" Shion whispered keeping a close watch on the nearly healed Reaper.
"It should have died already; I guess we can try sending it back to the summoned realm. Worth a shot" Just as she was about to tell Chikaru the plan, a deep throaty laugh made her stop and turn. The Reaper looked on in amusement, as the skin around his neck finished healing.
"That was an experience." He clicked his neck to the right than to the left. "I'll ask you girls one more time, give me the Phoenix and you all get to live. Walk away now."
Nagisa stepped in front of them all. Wings outstretched to their fullest, blocking the Reapers sight, a message of sorts came with it.
"If it's me you want, then come and get me" Nagisa called with a challenge. In an instant she flapped her wings and flew into the sky, with the Reaper just behind her.
High into the sky she flew evading spells and casting her own. Another sky battle between the strongest was once more in session.
On the ground bright sparks and flashes were the only things to be seen. However no one was really watching all were concentrating on the spell Chikaru needed to send the Reaper back to the summoned realm. Kagome was working on her illusion that enclosed the area around the lake; Yaya was off scouting though keeping in site of the others, whilst the rest loosely looked on. Shizuma was exhausted, covered in blood and dirt she crouched down trying to gather strength. 'I hope this is the end. I'm so tired. All I want now is a warm bath and sleep. Everyone needs rest, Chikaru especially after this. I hope Nagisa is doing ok.' Glancing up at the night sky vibrant flashes and clashes were seen. Looking over at Chikaru, Shizuma noticed her concentration, yet a small flicker dashed across her face. There was a problem. Another one.
"What's wrong? You can do this right?" Shion asked noticing the flicker before.
"Yes I can Shion with Kagome's help, but we need him in one spot and for him to stay there until the spell is complete. Before you ask, I can't put a cage up around him I need all my strength doing this."
"Great. He's not just going to stand there all nicely either." Shizuma annoyingly added, when she was tired she apparently gets cranky.
"There is someone who can" Tamao timidly said. Every one turned to her, waiting for her response. "Don't get angry, but…"
Before Tamao could say anything more a loud boom and a bright white light flashed through the sky. All eyes darted up in shock and worry. A golden ball was quickly descending, sending off massive discharges of power. It was heading straight for the lake. Tamao was eager to help it yet Miyuki stopped her. Was it friend or foe? With a gigantic splash it hit the lake, a mini tsunami erupted and then steam rose from the impact. Rushing to the rim of the lake they all stared on.
"Bloody brilliant! I fireball his ass and he goes and dunks himself into the lake. Why can't we have a little luck?" a tetchy voice sounded from behind.
Relieved smiles and sighs expelled when they recognized the voice, Shizuma racing over giving her a hug, noticing that Nagisa had a few more cuts and bruises. Without warning Yaya was brutally knocked back, quickly followed by Tamao. Knocking them both out. They noticed a black whip like thing coming from the lake, as it struck on them again, Chikaru raising a spell for their defense. It did little help as it burst on thru striking her hard on her shoulder, making her cry out in pain. Kagome knelt down to see how bad. Nagisa ordered Shizuma to check on the others, after a bit of bickering, and then turned her attention back to the matter at hand. Miyuki stepped up to the plate, and the whip once more shot out. Miyuki waited until the last possible second, her eyes glowed green with intensity. The whip slowed down and slowly turning grey and then solidly into stone. The most powerful ability the Medusa class has is that they can turn pretty much anything into stone.
"We have one shot and our last chance. I hope your both ready." Nagisa explained her plan to the two girls, with little comebacks seeing as they didn't have a better one.
Nagisa began to sing the Song of Souls. 'This had better work. It's our last chance. My last chance.' Unlike before where Nagisa embedded her feelings into the song this was quite different. The song was daunting and slow. Shivers of dread crawled over the skin of those that listened. Rising in volume Nagisa carried the song well across the lake, the notes ringing true. A huge jet of water shot up high, when the water cascaded back down the Reaper was once again ready. Then again it looked like it was in terrible pain. Features distorted, eyes clenched shut with his remaining hand clamped tightly over his chest. The song continued on.
Nagisa was sweating now as she focused her voice and power onto him, channeling all her strength into her song. Reaper snapped his eyes open. Blood red eyes now truly dripped blood, leaving tracks across his face. Rage emanated from him as he started forward. Once his feet touched earth, he dropped to its knees in agony. His painful screams resounding in the dark. Nagisa knew that the nearer Reaper got to her, the more intense the Song was. With screams and Song echoing around; the Few looked on, no pity or remorse was given. Reapers screams stopped only to have him gush up blood, splattering everywhere, yet this blood was black. From the blood came the runes, they all saw once before, covering the conjoined two, glowing with power. Pulses and shadows flickered over it covering them completely. Miyuki and Shion stepped to opposite sides, watching and waiting. Nagisa made the Song more powerful more intense, watching the Reaper all the time. Where once stood one now stood two.
With the power surrounding the Reaper all spent, a summoned was now kneeling. Now two entities, Nagisa finished the last part of her Song, calling and taking that which she sang for. With a heart wrenching scream, Reaper shuddered once before collapsing to the ground, the summoned was quiet, spellbound by the sound. Nagisa was singing still as she waited for the soul. With barely a movement, a ghostly double of the Reaper rose from the body, transparent and emotionless as it started walking towards Nagisa. Coming to a stop a few steps away it stared on. Nagisa with tears in her eyes drew a sword of pure white fire, with her Song surrounding the blade and soul. Eyes closed and face full of anguish she slew the soul, ending her song on a low note. With that moment Shion and Miyuki carefully paced to their targets; Miyuki on the Summoned and Shion the Vampire. With a quick slash of her swords Shion beheaded Reaper whilst Miyuki used her venomous to slay the other, it still being under the influence of the Song. That bringing the Wraith battle to a close.
Nagisa exhausted physically and emotionally dropped to her knees and began to cry. 'Why does it hurt so much? I hated him and yet…' Her loud cries brought everyone around her, Yaya and Tamao clinging to each other as they stumbled forward. Shizuma dropped down beside her and held her tight, Nagisa's arms wrapped around the older one in a flash. All tired, sore and covered in who knows what, sat around the young Phoenix in quiet. A soft glow shimmered in a dome shape overhead, Kagome with wings now hidden, released her illusion. For a while they all sat in quiet, with soft sobs and sniffles from Nagisa, looking out onto the lake. A soft glow in the distance heralded a brand new day. Nagisa raising her head, wiping the tears from her eyes, looked on with a small smile on her lips. 'A brand new day and with it a brand new beginning.' Turning to face her love Nagisa's smile widened, as she saw a peaceful expression her face. Reaching up she pecked Shizuma on the cheek and snuggled back into the warm embrace.
Dawn broke the night sky with little fanfare as the girls watched on. The long awaited new day was beautiful; long streams of deep red shot the morning sky, with lightened colors of oranges, red and yellow coming behind. Smiles coupled with huge yawns started the day. Nagisa looked around at the carnage they had dealt with during the night, seeing the corpses smoke and burn quickly leaving no trace of the Wraith. The summoned too disintegrated, with the Reaper turning to ash. Things were somewhat back to normal. Well it was nice while it lasted.
With the dawn fully up, a strong breeze picked up, making the girls shiver and cover their face, as loose dirt and stone were mixed in. As quickly and suddenly as the breeze started it finished, Nagisa looked up in alert with her eyes landing on a familiar figure. 'As I thought. They've come; it's not going to be easy telling Shizuma about this. I wanted more time, more happy memories for her to keep.' Standing up Nagisa took a few steps away from the others, still watching the visitor. The others had noticed the figure, but did nothing more than watch.
"You have the worst timing Darian" Nagisa sighed looking onto the Dwarf before her. Darian was a common a dwarf as you could get. Long brown beard and hair, with shaggy eyebrows that hide his eyes making you wonder how he can see. He wore a green tunic and brown leather pants with thick leather boots. On his back lays his faithful axe, all in all quite a sight.
"What you sayin'? Bin told to pick you up at dawn, and that's wat I'm gonna do." rumbled Darian placing his hands on his hips.
"Nagisa, what's going on? Who is this?" Shizuma asked stepping up beside her, the others crowded around too, looking on with interest at the Dwarf and of course the conversation.
"Everyone this is Darian, a messenger of sorts for the others like me."
"Yup. Though I gotta say, aint this the same place I picked you up all those years back. Nothin's changed" Glancing around.
"What do you want Nagisa for?" Shizuma asked Darian
"I'm surprised she aint said anythin' bout them. Let alone do somethin like comin back down here. Well to put it bluntly the top geezers want her back. She gotta come with me." Darian said pulling a long pipe out of his pocket.
Head hanging low Nagisa heard the gasps of surprise. She knew this was coming, ever since she changed her form. Getting involved in human affairs was frowned quite heavily on. Nagisa had warned them of repercussions. Straightening herself up, letting a huge sigh out beforehand, she slowly walked to stand next to Darian, facing her friends.
"I did warn you this could happen and I'm ready to face my punishment. However I would do it all over again if it meant meeting each of you. I'll find a way back, you have my promise."
"Nagisa, you can't be serious. You did nothing wrong." Miyuki told her
"Yeah you helped us big time; they can't punish you for helping us" Yaya pitched in.
With the others telling her it would be all right, one remained quiet, looking on with anguish and unshed tears. Yet she fully understood why. Shizuma slowly moved towards Nagisa and pulled her into a bone crunching hug. "Please take me with you" She whispered softly in her ear.
Nagisa was shocked. She had already defied the others, again, and to bring a human with her meant the less sway she had. She didn't know for sure since a human has never been to the Isle. Clutching her tight she weighed her options out, thinking of everything the pros and cons on what could happen. They wouldn't hurt her physically maybe erasing her memory of the event would be the max they would do. Despite all that she needed someone by her side, to lean on, confide to and for once to be loved and give all that in return. But still…
"I can't protect you there Shizuma. They are beings far older, wiser and stronger than I. Why do you want to come?" Nagisa timidly whispered
"I promised you didn't I? I promised to be by your side whatever happens, my little fireball. I'm guessing you will need a friendly face where you're going." Pulling back slightly looking determinately into red eyes.
Nagisa knew that look, and she also knew she couldn't win the argument. Smiling her answer she pulled out of the hug and looked to her friends.
"I will be coming back, we both will, and Miyuki I will take good care of her I promise" Nodding to Darian she was ready, took Shizuma's hand into her own they were suddenly surrounded in a sudden breeze. The Few protected their eyes and like before, when they opened their eyes, there was nothing there. They were gone. Sadness overcame them, but a little fairy wasn't so easily overcome. Hugging her bear closer to her she took a hold of Chikaru's hand and smiled a little smile.
"They'll be back sooner than we think"
With that thought gave them hope of seeing their friends once more. Off they went, walking back to the dorms in higher spirits they had been. Friendship never dies if there is a small chance of hope.