Chapter 2
It was a beautiful day. There wasn't a better term for it. The sky was royal blue with not a single sight of a wispy cloud and the sun in full burning mode as it hung up high. The birds sang prettily as they swooped and dived. Other flying animals joined in the aerial display, even though some were much larger, they fitted in nicely with mingling with the smaller ones. Down in a valley, where the grass was thick and emerald-green, dotted around were multi-coloured wildflowers to add to the green sea. It certainly gave the impression of an oasis. As calm and serene as this haven was only one lone figure enjoyed this nature's treasure.
Sitting on a high ridge, overlooking the oasis to its full potential, in a white summers dress she quietly enjoyed the view. Absently she ran her hand through the grass; a small smile graced her lips as she continued to stare all around her. A bird landed just beyond her outstretched feet, head tilted to the side twittering away as if it were totally normal. The girl laughed merrily at the birds' behaviour and tried to encourage it to come even closer. Carefully yet eagerly the lonely girl held out her hand, not sure whether she wanted to touch or have it perch on her.
"I won't harm you. How can I?" the girl encouraged it
The little bird seemed to notice the loneliness of the girl as they flew straight onto the offered palm, still twittering away as if loving the sound of its own voice. A whimsical smile was brought forth as she held her hand higher to see the singing bird; all the while it showed no fear at all.
"You are a pretty thing. Then again this entire place is the same. All of it is beautiful. Too much so. Isn't it strange that I haven't seen anyone here or how I came to be here?" Pausing to look upwards at the sky, now seeing a cloud had graced its presence "Not just that little one, I have no idea…"
Before she could finish the bird flapped its wings and in seconds was off soaring away. The girl rose to her feet in a rush, her red hair billowing into her face as her red and gold flecked eyes shone in alarm. The landscape once an idyllic oasis had changed drastically. Gone was the clear sky, now it was as black as night with signs of a restless atmosphere. The emerald greenery underfoot, was now nothing but burnt undergrowth, all the flora had vanished.
"What is going on?" she worriedly whispered to the air
A chilly breeze blew around her as she shivered in protest. Turning around she came face to face with another person, the first as far as she knew, she had seen around. The newcomer was dressed totally in black, with a silk shirt, tight jeans and high-heeled boots to finish it off. The red-head was wary as she continued to look at the stranger; there was something very dangerous about her. The dark figure walked slowly forwards, all the while the red-head held firm as she stopped a few steps away. There was no sound now. The birds had stopped their singing. Even the feeling of being welcomed had vanished. It was emptiness in all its glory. The red-head decided to stay quiet, she hadn't a clue who she was or what was going on, the other one just continued to stare right at her.
"Have you truly gone Nagisa?"
At the mention of her name flickers of images flashed around them. The landscape turned from its darkened one as it merged into different scenes, never staying on one scene long. Among them was a wooded grove with twinkle of sunlit rays beaming down, rich green plains stretched as far as the eye could see and a calm lake surrounding by trees with a large Cathedral in the distance. People young and old, Mythical and human came and went. Some were filled with joy as they laughed and frolicked about, whilst others wore the face of anger and hate. The redhead looked startled at what was happening around her, trying to take note of everything she could see. The other figure paid no mind to them, her eyes remained fixed on the young woman, as if the goings on around her were normal, or more likely she knew what was happening.
Faster and clearer the images became. Throughout them all there remained one constant image, as red-gold flecked eyes couldn't bear to tear themselves away for long. A searing pain shot through her head, as she collapsed to her knees holding her head in her hands, willing the pain to fade. In one last display the images rested on a group of young women, as the red-head managed to look up, they were smiling and beckoning to someone to join them. A trembling hand started to reach out; the image made her heart ache, yet as soon as shaking fingers tried to touch, the image wavered like smoke. The same young woman as before was with them, the constant person which stayed throughout, with her silver hair and a loving look to her beautiful face as the images finally disappeared.
The two women were now in a white open space, just the two of them with no end in sight in any direction. The quietness surrounding the two was only broken by hard rapid breathing from the still kneeling redhead, as she continued to hold her head in her hands. The dark figure cocked her head to the side; arms crossed over her chest as she intently regarded the other.
"It seems that a part of you is still here" she spoke softly "how very troublesome"
She walked over to the huddled girl, taking her time as if in no great rush, reaching out her hand to clasp onto her. Before she could however a firm hand caught hold making her startle. Gripping tightly red-gold flecked eyes shot into pale red ones, showing fiery determination mixed with growing anger.
"Keep your bloody hands to yourself" the redhead growled shoving the hand away from her.
The once crouching figure now stood tall with her hands clenched tightly to her sides, her body tense and ready for anything. They stood for a moment sizing each other up, neither of them willing to make the first move. Growing increasingly impatient as well as a bit bored the dark one spoke up.
"My dear Nagisa. Why do you continue to fight me? You cannot win. Even now your strength is failing you."
"I will fight you, even if it costs me my life." Nagisa shot back
"That can be easily arranged"
"Go ahead! If you wanted me dead you would have killed me long before." Nagisa challenged
The Dark Queen remained silent. The silence itself was an answer for Nagisa. Looking around her, seeing nothing but white in all directions, an idea presented itself. Following what had just happened Nagisa knew it was the only solution, yet more questions rose up. Shoving those aside for the moment, Nagisa concentrated on her mental state, using up her last remaining bits of energy she focused on her task. The Queen looked uneasy now. She knew how powerful Nagisa could be, not to mention how quick she was to identify the different magic's. Her fears were proven true. A jolt pulled the Queen backwards, her body flickering like a flame as she looked down at herself. Looking quickly to Nagisa she noticed a small smirk with sweat sheening on her brow.
"What are you doing?!" Kaori yelled
Fire filled eyes opened to glare at her making the Queen flinch back "Making sure you will never find your answers."
"Foolish girl! Will you risk your memories, your mind and even your very soul to keep me out?" she spat
"Do you even have to ask?" Nagisa said as she once more closed her eyes.
Another jolt made Kaori realise that time was fast running out. For her at least. Closing her own eyes she began to concentrate. Nagisa was trembling from her own efforts, her energy fast depleting. to complete this spell. By fire I'm so tired. I have no choice but to cast this spell, despite the consequences. It's only supposed to be a short-term.'
Nagisa knew she had succeeded as she felt the effects take hold, even as another force tried to butt in. The presence tried to force its way in, but was quickly expelled. A distant shout of rage made her hum in approval. Her mind was beginning to lock down; a black haze began to emerge, as it systematically began to shut down her mental state. The darkness grew in her mind; her senses were being shut down. Nagisa felt tired. Her energy was drained as she fell into the abyss with one last thought. 'Shizuma.'
Nagisa slumped to the cool stone floor; her manacled hands rang out in the quiet room. She lay there as still as the stone she laid on, her even breathing was the only sign of life coming from her. A scream of anger made everyone jump. An enraged Kaori pulled up the limp figure of Nagisa, giving her a quick shake to draw any movement from her, but the phoenix remained asleep. Snarling in anger Kaori threw the limp girl to the floor, waving a hand through the air, the runes on the floor flickered out. Two brute guards stepped forward and heaved the limp girl up, each grasping an arm and stood to attention to await orders.
"Throw this useless thing into one of the cells." The Dark Queen snarled
The Orc guards saluted and dragged the girl away. Down they went until they reached the underground tunnels, where the cells were chiselled from the stone. Here the air was musty, constant drips of unknown liquid echoed among the tunnels, the rattle of chains coming from Nagisa as she was dragged along, added to the dismal setting. Down they went a little father until finally coming to a stop. One guard easily held on to the young woman as the other opened the rusty door with a loud screech of disuse. Unbinding her from the manacles they threw her inside without a care, locking everything back up and walking away.
"Guards! Guards!" a male voice shouted from one of the upper cells
"Be quiet!" one guard growled against the small barred grate on the door
The man fell silent, knowing if he forced an issue with the Orcs it could escalate rather quickly and he was in no condition to fight back. The Orcs grunted and moved along, a little put out how easily the prisoner had obeyed.
"I hope we get to see sum fightin our way" one mumbled in disappointment "these puny weaklin's aint no fun."
"Aint gonna happen. We guardin this ere place and these prisoners too. Cept for that girl no one really puts up much of a fight."
"Well I'm hopin for sum action. I'll take anythin I can."
The Orcs marched off leaving the underground cells behind to those who were imprisoned there, alone and dispirited. But hope is a force to be reckoned with for those who have nothing to lose and much to gain. One set of cat-like eyes watched as the guards walked away. They noted their passage to and from the cells. Gathering as much information should a need arise.
"Soon we will be free again. Then Orc I'll give you what you seek." A male voice promised softly before the cat eyes disappeared from the grate.
"Why do you keep her alive my Queen?" Unae asked with a small bow
Kaori barely moved her head as she spared him a quick glance, her eyes more interested in what was happening outside or more often than not, lost within her memories. Arms tightly crossed over her chest it appeared she was ignoring the rather personal question, yet it was the total opposite. The question that bore so many answers each more indistinct than the other.
"Because I will it so." She finally spoke turning to face her 'shield' full on "She has answers I need to win this war and to keep the power afterwards. Troubling as her reluctance is, as well as this new development, it is still entertaining to see her try to keep me out."
"The shaman…" the dark elf tried to speak
"Leave her where she is. Her and her precious protector can rot in that cell." Shaking her head a little "No, I do not trust something as important as this with their inferior gifts or to tell me truthfully of what I seek."
"Even so my Queen, what makes you so sure that the phoenix knows anything about it" Unae asked hesitantly
"Do you doubt me my faithful one?" Kaori asked her tone tinted with hidden warnings
"No my Queen" he quickly replied with a bow of his head
"Then that is all you must know at present."
Kaori strolled over to the other side of her room, where different items were placed carefully on shelves. Unae stood still but his eyes followed her every movement.
"Bring up that infernal man from the cells. I need to replenish myself. After that I have a more suitable task for you." Kaori gave him a small smile that chilled even the dark elf's blood.
A/N: Here's the next chapter. I hope you like it :) Thanks for your reviews and those that have followed and favourite this. Gives me more confidence and will to write more :)