Chapter 5
It was a given. A silent unanimous vote of the Few, that Darian's wind travelling service was the way in which not to travel. The winds blew themselves out, as the windswept girls with greenish pallor arrived in the portal room. Darian was once more puffing on his pipe, unruffled by the travelling, as he turned his attention to the girls smirking a little at their state. In return they glared icily back as they tried to get their land legs back and their stomachs to stop doing somersaults.
"Once you gals finished preenin, I think you'll be findin your guide outside." nodding to the doorway "leave your bags I'll take 'em to your rooms."
Nods of heads agreed as they shuffled out of the room. From the quiet calm room they emerged into chaos. Thrown off balance by the sudden change, Miyuki who was out first, instructed the girls behind her to hog the walls to keep them out of the stream of people in the small corridors. Chikaru kept a hand placed on Kagome since she was swallowed up by the crowd. They watched in raptured awe as races of all kinds passed on by, from the dwarves to elves and many more, some recognisable whilst others they had fun guessing. Miyuki and Shion kept their eyes peeled as they searched the crowd for the tell-tale sign of their friend, assuming it would be easy to spot her after all. A flash of silver caught Shion's attention. The Valkyrie waited her eyes glued to the same spot. She saw her.
"There she is" Shion called pointing in the general direction
"I see her Shion" Miyuki answered as she looked over to her friends "Everyone keep together and let's go!"
Miyuki bolted into the crowd as she dodged and weaved her way over. It took a few seconds for the others to realise that Miyuki had vanished and another few for them all to follow after, causing considerable mayhem to the workers around them. Muttered curses in different tongues followed in their wake, making no effect on the Astraea girls whatsoever.
Shizuma was running late. Her morning had started off rather well, until she remembered the job her mother had given her a few days before. Then it all went wrong and to top it off Kei had mysteriously been absent, so she couldn't ask him to help her out. Her mood was certainly taking a spiral downwards. 'So help me that if I get stuck babysitting some idiot…calm down…let's see who it is first. If they annoy me well I can't be held accountable for anything going wrong. I wonder where that wretch Kei flew off to. Wait was that my name being…Oomph!' Shizuma was suddenly being crushed in a fearsome hug and the worrying part was she had no idea who it was, until they started to talk.
"Shizuma" Miyuki mumbled as she clung even tighter to her friend
"Miyuki?" if she could breathe she would have gasped at her friends sudden appearance "can't…breathe"
Miyuki quickly let go but still kept her hands locked on tightly to her arms, fearing if she let go Shizuma would bolt. Knowing from past experiences of trying to get the girl to meetings she did just that. The two childhood friends stood staring fondly at each other, as the Medusa took a serious look over her friend. Before Miyuki could say anything the rest had arrived. Shizuma and Miyuki turned to face the group and the Few gasped in shock at the change in their friend. She was different yet she was still the same. 'Oh my! Seems they weren't expecting me to change this much. Yaya-chan looks more impressed than anything else. I guess nothing is really the same for me anymore. I would choose it all over again for her.'
"Welcome to the Isle" Shizuma greeted them
A rush of greetings spewed forth, followed quickly by a barrel of questions. One shooting off after another, all of it going so fast that it all was just a jumble of words to Shizuma. Miyuki took the time to do a quick check of her best friend, which of course was noticed by the latter sending her a pleading look to save her from the inquisition, which she did wholeheartedly.
"Calm down!" She raised her voice to them
With a grumble from the younger ones and hurt looks they did as they were told. A little fairy kept glancing around the bustling crowds, holding on tight to her bear. Shizuma watched the fairy as she saw a bright smile light up her face as she herself glanced in the direction. A mop of red spiky hair was making its way towards them; distracted a little she completely missed the question she was asked.
"I'm sorry Chikaru-san what was that?"
"Not much has changed then I see" Chikaru teased her receiving a small playful glare in response "As I said is there some place where we can talk rather than here?"
"Hello girls" a voice butted in "Shizuma lets go to the meeting chamber down the hallway; it's a lot more comfortable than standing here."
Kei followed by the girls led them down the teaming hallway, jostling their way through the oncoming traffic. Thankfully the trip wasn't too far and they hadn't trod on that many toes. As they all settled down, the closing of the door efficiently silenced the loud goings on outside. Kei and Shizuma sat side by side whilst the others found their own chairs around the table. The etoile had to admit to herself, as she looked closer at her friends, that they looked tired and the hope which was abundant before now dwindled low. Risking a glance to her side, she saw Kei bear a disheartened face. This war was slowly killing them. Trying to break up the depressive atmosphere Shizuma started to speak.
"Considering everything I really am glad to see you, selfish as that may sound. I know why you have come here, but I have to ask why"
"What a dumb question" Yaya bluntly told her
"Shizuma-san we are fighting the same thing and we all have so much to lose. We are going to help whether you like it or not" Shion told her firmly, nods of heads reaffirmed what the Valkyrie had said.
Kei grinned as he heard this "Well said. You are right of course, we are all fighting the darkness and your help is most welcome. However I do understand where Shizuma is coming from. Why ask to be brought here instead of going to join the Few or forming a squad like the Lillian two?"
The room fell silent once more; the question that was asked wasn't hard to answer in the least. It was the surprise of the question itself that threw them. It also came as a shock as to the one who answered him.
"Because we are a family and family doesn't leave each other behind. Nagisa-oneesama saved us many times. Now it's our turn to help her" the fairy spoke out earning her smiles of gratitude.
Shizuma broke out in a small smile, the first one she donned that day. The mood lifted a little, as talk drifted to what had been happening on both fronts. The Astraea grew quite curious when Kei elaborated on their latest mission and the help Shizuma portrayed; it gave them an idea of how much their friend had really changed. Inevitably talk slowed down and arrived at what Shizuma had been silently dreading.
"Shizuma-san, Kei what can we do to help find Nagisa?" Tamao asked
"Our last search was useless and now we have fewer means to find her." Kei looked around the seated girls watching as their faces grew dim "rest assured we have places still to search. You can help us with that. We need it."
"I take it that Queenie knows of the search" Yaya pointed out
"We've had a few runs in, Orc and wraith mainly. The Dark One isn't stupid when it comes to Nagisa, she knows we're looking" Kei told them with a set face
"She'll be needing more to watch us then when we show up" Shion smirked
"We'll give her a taste of her own medicine." Chikaru piped in
Shizuma smiled at how her friends were taking it all in. Even with the extra danger and the trouble facing them, they still held firm and the teases tossed about. She realised how much she missed this.
The stone door suddenly flung inwards nearly ripping away from the hinges. If a stone door had any at all. With a little dust blown around, there stood in the doorway was an angry young woman. And that was putting it lightly. The woman was beautiful with long black wavy hair framed a pale face with sharp features. Ruby lips and strikingly deep purple eyes. However where her pupils were supposed to be were instead black slits, similar to that of a reptile. Her body was taut, showing off her athletic figure, garbed in a similar style to that of Shizuma. The Astraea Few were shocked by her entrance as the younger girls shuffled and glanced at their respected leaders as to what to do. Shion shook her head, to do nothing to interfere, noticing the woman only had eyes for the two siblings.
"Oh no" The two siblings muttered in sync, with Kei taking a deep breath and Shizuma rolling her eyes.
"Dodo!" The woman screamed as she stomped over towards the two.
Wide eyes and a few giggles were heard as they saw it was Shizuma who got the full brunt of anger. Miyuki shifted her chair closer to her friend in case of anything but was just as curious to simply watch and listen.
"Don't you know how to knock?" Shizuma calmly informed her as she stopped by her chair
"I'll knock something in a minute" the woman growled looking about to spit fire
"Now Akemi calm down" Kei tried to placate the woman.
It had little effect as her purple eyes blazed into his red and gold ones making him flinch back. There's just no reasoning with some people. Shizuma sat there watching it all with a bored look on her face. She was anything but. Her mind was trying to come up with any reasons as to why her friend should be this angry with her. 'I haven't teased her today so that can't be it. No get together with the group either. What did I do? Does she always have to act like this? Stupid reptile.' Akemi turned her attention back to Shizuma just recognising that there were others in the room. A confused look quickly flickered over her face before understanding took its place. Giving one more glare to the two her personality did a 180. Akemi bowed to the table with a smile before introducing herself.
"I'm Akemi from the second squad. It's finally nice to meet you girls, after all these two have told me about you."
Miyuki did a double take at how fast the woman's mood swing shifted before she looked to the others before standing up and introducing everyone. Akemi looked at each one intently when their names were said, memorising it or putting faces to names she's been told about.
"You're all a lot younger than I thought you would be." Akemi murmured as she sat to Shizuma's right
"What did you expect?" Yaya asked looking a little put out
"It matters not. From what I have been told you've all proven yourself against odds numerous times already. But what brings you to the Isle? Surely you must want to help out outside the Isle."
"We made a promise." Tamao spoke out with a determined look
"We all did." Yaya chimed in
Akemi about to ask for more was stopped by Shion "We promised her once that no matter what happened we would stand by her. She was…is our light and hope. We want her back where she belongs. She would…has done the same for us."
Akemi glanced all around the table, all of them wearing the determined face, their minds made up with no chance of budging. Thinking about it, she wasn't all that shocked at their commitment, since she was worse when she found out about her friend. Shizuma watched Akemi as she kept silent, an unusual trait for her, her own heart warmed by the words Shion had just spoke.
"That chicken sure has a gift for choosing friends." Akemi chuckled "I was sure dodo here was telling me some white lies about what you've been up to. But I guess not."
"Chicken?" Tamao looked puzzled
"Dodo?" Miyuki piped up
"Scale butt here" Shizuma said pointing to Akemi "has a thing for thinking up stupid nicknames for her friends"
Akemi turned from friendly to hostile in a second flat, glaring at Shizuma with such heat it was surprising steam wasn't visible. Before she could explode Kei jumped up from his chair and shuffled her, a bit roughly, out the door. There were a few curses flung the etoile's way as Akemi exited, the door swinging shut on any further friendly insults. The girls looked to each other to figure out the young woman, who could turn her personality with a simple switch.
"Don't mind Akemi too much" Shizuma told them with a small smile "even with her temper swings she hardly means them. She's actually rather fun and can make you laugh for hours"
"I'm guessing she knows Nagisa" Chikaru asked
"Yes. They are very close. Nearly the same age too, though Akemi is slightly older by about thirty years. Give or take a few."
"What race is she?" Miyuki asked
"Would you believe me Miyuki when I say Akemi is a dragon? Not just any dragon but Sora's grandchild." Told her with a smug smile
Time moved differently in the tunnels. There was no light streaming in from windows or the musical cries of birds to herald a new day. Shizuma flatly refused to be the one to get each of them up every day, after they asked her the second morning, eliciting giggles from the girls. Days passed with much the same routine, as Kei had asked them for their help in stockpiling provisions inside the mountain. This carried on much the same as even Shizuma, without being told once, took on her share of the work. So when Asa came and talked about Meira and woodlands they all jumped at the chance to go outside. The Astraea girls exited the caverns to the sight of the Isle.
Only two of their group saw the significant changes that had happened and was saddened by it. Shizuma recalled her first impression, awed by the beauty, the serenity and calm ambience. All that once was, was now no more. The sky was blackened by a dark cloud that stretched over half the sky and never seemed to move. Aerial creatures no longer soared in their domain making it lifeless and empty. Smoke fires of a larger variety now numbering far greater than previously dotted about all over the plains. Then there were the biggest changes. Trenches with their defences were seen carved into the land on both sides. Their message was clear. War has come. The last true defence the True Mythical had, since here was the stronghold for them all.
Shizuma tore her eyes from the bleak sight to glance over at her friends. Their eyes told her all she needed. 'I would have loved to show them the Isle in its true state. They would have been so overwhelmed and itching to explore. Hopefully when the war is finished and back to normal, whatever counts for normal around here, they can truly appreciate it here. Mostly I guess I want to see them laughing and joking, teasing everyone and causing havoc. All of us together again. Nagisa.'
"This is just wrong." Kagome whispered as her eyes scanned the horizon. Chikaru hugged the little fairy to her as she herself looked sorrowfully at the sight.
"Come on. There's a way down to the woods this way." Shizuma started to lead her friends all following behind her in a line.
The path was expertly carved directly into the rocky mountainside. The floor beneath was paved neatly into ridges and the banister rails were decorated beautifully in the dwarfish fashion. The trip itself gave the girls a close up view of the war front, of the Mythicals all preparing for the inevitable attack , most in their true forms whilst others in their semi or full human forms. The etoile explained that it was easier to do certain jobs in changed form especially if they had to go inside. Shizuma led her friends behind the mass crowds and directly headed to the woodland glade she had come to cherish.
"Shizuma-san what can you tell us about Meira?" Tamao asked
"Meira is an Elf; she lives in the woodland ahead. Meira is like most of her race, aloof, distant, loyal and wise." Shizuma told them
"You seem to get on well with the Mythicals Shizuma-san" Shion noted
"Not really Shion-san. I've been lucky than most. Nearly all my acquaintances are Nagisa's friends and by default mine too."
"Well you've never had trouble getting people to like you eh?" Yaya teased her
Miyuki smirked as she replied "I've yet to meet one"
Shizuma was itching to retort to the teasers behind her, but some reason she just couldn't put her words together. A slight blush rose on her cheeks, unfortunately no one could remark since she kept her face firmly fixed forward.
"Wow. It's beautiful" Kagome squealed
The girls had to agree with their friend as they stopped to admire the ancient wood. More in tune with the nature around them Kagome skipped her way forwards, swerving to sniff at the flowers or to touch the trees. Laughter broke from the girls as they watched the delighted girl enjoy herself, taking care to walk more slowly as they carried on deeper in. Cries and gasps broke the monotony as they travelled, mostly to exotic plants but one or two were the swift moving inhabitants of the forest.
"Here we are. We'll wait here for Meira, she won't be long." Shizuma informed them as she took a seat on the upturned log
The girls seated themselves comfortably in the glade, still keeping close just in case. Sharp eyes spotted the lookout above but all was still. A horn blew startling the girls as they stood up in shock. Shizuma knew that horn, she had been taught to recognise the different ones. The Dark Queen's army had finally attacked. Forgetting her friends for an instant, Shizuma ran to the woodland edge, ignoring the stings and whips of the branches as she finally arrived overlooking the plains, the safety zone for all those who lived there. It was a sight to see. A huge shockwave of noise pounded her ears as the two armies clashed. Roar of powers as they unleashed their full might. Screeches from above made Shizuma look up, as the skies were not free from battle. She couldn't tear her eyes away or block her ears from the dreadful scene. Shizuma was frozen. 'It's finally happening. The war. Look how many people are out there. I can feel the earth trembling…my hands are shaking.' Shizuma turned at the sound of what she thought were fireworks, looking up proved to be true as she sprinted fast towards the glade where she left her friends. Huffing and out of breath she stopped as she was quickly surrounded by concerned friends, who thankfully let her catch her breath first.
"What's going on Shizuma?" Miyuki was the first to ask
"The war has finally begun" Shizuma told them sombrely
"They've clashed on the plains? That's what we can hear?" Yaya looked shocked
"We have little time to search now, but Queenie will be focused here which hopefully will aid us" Shion practically thought out
"Are we safe here?" Chikaru asked
"The Elves protect this forest. Not to mention others. We are deep enough Chikaru-san." Shizuma assured her with a reassuring squeeze.
However events were already set in motion. Shouts of warning were faintly heard as all the girls grew still. The cries were getting louder as the twangs of bows joined in. Something unfriendly was in the forest and the elves weren't too happy. A woman emerged from the trunk of a large oak, only to instantly merge back inside. The rustling of the branches seemed to quiver in odd motions as they swayed and rustled. No one really knew what had happened but the little fairy seemed hypnotised as she ran forward to the tree much to Chikaru's dismay. Shizuma kept her ears alerted to the elven shouts, her lessons with Kei and then later Meira helped her out. A huge roar of a beast made everyone flinch.
"Get yourselves ready. It's a wraith." She ordered everyone as she finally realised the threat
"The dryad tells me it's heading this way. Its element is fire and a brawn class too" Kagome informed them as she once more stood close to her oneesama.
"We've fought these guys before. No problem" Yaya shrugged as she transformed
The stronger fighters stood to the fore; the Few were a little nerved to see Shizuma stand there. Shizuma recognised the silence as she powered herself with flames. Catching Miyuki shaking her head, she finally understood.
"I'm not human anymore" the etoile whispered
The wraith hurled its huge frame through the trees roaring and spewing fire. Tamao used her winds to suffocate the fires that were burning on the trees, as Miyuki, Shion and Yaya attacked. Moving swiftly Yaya reached it first barrelling it over ripping and tearing with her sharp claws. Miyuki managed to damage the legs with the darts as Shion cut through the black skin. The wraith seemed unaffected by the girls attempt to harm him, with a giant shrug it flung Yaya hard into a tree dazing her as the brawn set out about the other two. The wraith never saw it coming. Fire danced across its vision as it hissed in pain, retreating from the Few. Shizuma kept up her attack. Swirling the flames into streams she fired them pushing the wraith father back into the trees, close to a waiting predator. The wraith not to be outdone roared a huge ball of fire, aiming straight at the trio in the centre of the glade.
"Pathetic" Shizuma snarled
The ball of fire rushed towards the girls. Shizuma raised her hands at the last minute bringing forth a barrier protecting them, her eyes switched between the wraith and friends, not wanting to let down her shield just in case. A howl ripped the air. Black fur met leathery hide. In a whirl they tussled and fought for the upper hand. A loud snap of bone ended it.
"Yaya!" girls screamed not knowing who won
The forms stayed still. The girls rushed forward, blind to a figure dropping from the trees. The older girls lugged the wraith gently but firmly off, whilst Chikaru readied herself to tend any injuries. With the wraith off Chikaru was in her element. Meticulously she scanned and noted the scratches and tender spot on Yaya, shuffling her gently into a more comfortable position. The girls waited anxiously and as soon as Chikaru had finished they peppered her with questions, none more so, than the Valkyrie.
"Chikaru how is she?" Shion asked "Why hasn't she changed back? There's nothing serious is there? Will she need…"
Chikaru raised her hand to stop any more questions a small warm smile on her face "Yaya-chan will be fine. She has few scratches and some tender spots but otherwise ok."
"Why hasn't Yaya changed back?" Tamao inquired looking relieved nonetheless
"That I'm not sure" Chikaru replied biting her lower lip in worry
"When your friend is rested her morph ability will automatically take charge. You have nothing to fear." A musical voice spoke out
Shizuma whirled around to see a familiar face, which in turn was looking at her in a slightly disappointed manner. About to introduce them all a series of shouts rang in the forest. The language of the elves was easy to recognise. Meira held up her hand for silence as she waited and listened.
"There has been a sighting of an unfamiliar figure rushing through our forest. The trackers have pursued it and find that they travel directly to the camp of the Dark One." Meira explained after a long wait
"Couldn't you stop them?" Miyuki asked still unsure of the woman
"No. At least now we have ideas where they have entered and now we will keep closer watch."
A low groan brought the girls back to their groggy awakening friend on the ground, who by now was sitting and swaying dangerously, back in her human form. Shion squatted down beside her and Chikaru checked to see if she was alright. When she was satisfied the two gently brought Yaya to her feet, thankful that her new clothing stayed with her in both forms. Shizuma turned to her elven friend and got the answer to her question before it was asked.
"Your mother sent word of your arrival. I was coming to meet you here when the attack started. Really Shizuma I thought Kei would have trained you a little better. Always be on guard even if one goes down."
"I'll introduce you shall I" not rebuking the scolding she got "Everyone I'd like you all to meet Meira"
The afternoon passed with laughter and freedom in the forest with their new found friend. They learnt of the Elves and many of the races that inhabited the forest alongside them. All too soon it was time to leave the peaceful place, with goodbyes thrown around and invitations of returning the girls left back towards their home. The closer they got to the mountains the more they saw of the battle. Tents were filled with injured; their cries of pain and anger rang out. Others were seen rushing around fixing defences, fatigued and a look in their eyes that only war can bring. The war had only just begun and the girls slap bang in the middle of it.
The tunnels were less busy when they arrived to be greeted by the warm figure of Asa. "Don't look so disheartened my dears. War is never a pretty sight to see, but as long as the darkness is on our doorstep we will fight till the end."
"I don't know how anyone can get used to it" Miyuki shook her head her hand gripped by Tamao
"Miyuki no one ever should" Asa told her in a knowing tone
"Is everything alright mother?" Shizuma asked her
"I thought I'd ask you girls to join us for tea tonight." Asa asked them, receiving nods and smiles "good now go get cleaned up and rest a bit"
The Few took off to their rooms, Shizuma was held back by a hand gripping her own. When her friends had disappeared the etoile was silently led to her parent's room, where on entering she saw her father and brother. The latter looked as confused as she felt. 'Something is going on here. Why do I get the feeling that I'm not going to like this?'
"Shizuma good you're here. I hope everyone was safe today. I didn't like you being so close to the battlefront." Yasu said frowning a little at the thought
"We're fine. A wraith got through but it was dealt with. No one was hurt." Shizuma informed them and Kei smirked at her
"What did you want dad. I was supposed to go scouting with a few others tonight"
"Your father and I have news you need to hear Kei." Asa told him as they sat down facing each other
"News has reached us concerning Hida-sama" Yasu bluntly told them
"What!" Shizuma cried out, an arm went around her to offer comfort
"She was supposed to be safe. By fire she was leaving herself that night the moment the girls got to safety." Kei voiced in looking concerned
"I know son. I know. But the teachers who were travelling with her, arrived to a scene of a battle. There was no one to be found." Yasu paused allowing his words to sink in "Figuring she must have left with urgent business they themselves left to their posts. Nothing has been heard of her since."
"Can we do anything father?" Shizuma pleaded with him
"I already have Shizuma. Scouts are looking for her as we speak. That is the most we can do. Any new word of her and we will be informed immediately." Yasu assured her.
Kei pulled Shizuma tighter into his side, both of them feeling the need of reassurance. The Head Sister was a woman that they had recently become close to ever since Nagisa had entered their lives, both feeling accountable for her safety for different reasons.
Silence didn't last long as Asa spoke up "There is other news"
"What is it mom?" Kei asked
"There have been reports from the Few concerning enemy hideouts. We have sent our own scouts to verify. If this is true…"
"My Nagisa could be there" Shizuma said a spark of hope shining in her eyes
"We have to wait and see Shizuma." Yasu said not wanting her to hope too much
"There is one place I want to check first, if it's alright with you. Now that Shizuma and I have more help, I think we can search Queenies old house."
"You think that wise my boy?" Yasu asked his son
"It was one of the first places I thought of dad. I just didn't have the man power to go before. Now with the girls, who by the way have fought against her, I think it would be safe to go."
"When will you go?" Asa queried them
"In a few days' time. We will need the time to prepare" Kei looked determined
"Can I ask that we not tell the others of Hida-sama? They have little hope left as it is. When we know more, we can do so." Shizuma looked around her
"As you wish"
The family grew still, lost in their own thoughts and plans for the future, as they sat in their room. Shizuma was thinking as she was constantly doing, of the redheaded imp that had stolen her hearts months earlier. The thought of her being close brought an unbearable ache in her chest. There was nothing she could do but wait. The wait was slowly taking its toll. These next few days would surely test their resolve, especially the Astraea Few, as they began to prepare for their trip. It surely fit the quote 'It will get worse before it gets better'.
AN: Forgive me for not uploading sooner but my internet has been playing up :( I hope you like it I know there isn't much action in this one but hopefully it will be made up in the next :) RnR please :)