A/N: Hey here's a new chapter for you. Sorry about the slow updates, but real life seems to get in the way. Don't worry this story is going to get finished. Might take a while but still :(. Hope you enjoy it!

Chapter 8

It took a while for the Astraea girls to calm down, with all their crying and shouts of joy it even affected the two Mythicals as they watched on fondly and a bit of shock. The relief of finding their dearest friend was slowly being replaced with the task of how to help her to get better. Unnoticeably each girl's shoulders sagged with a growing weight, the war piling it on their young frames. When everyone was seated around the small campfire, minus Shizuma, the Few began to tell the two escapees their tale from when they met Nagisa until she was taken away, then how they lastly came to be here. Alexis and Timon listened intently, awed beyond words at the girls before them. The two began to realise how much the red-head meant to the ones back on the Isle, not to mention the invaluable necessity she was in defeating the Dark One. The hours drew by as the story was told; the sun was on its way into late afternoon. Miyuki throughout had kept her eyes and ears trained on the small cave, waiting for any sign of her friend however her attention was captured by a question.

"Alexis, what is wrong with Nagisa?" Tamao asked quietly but with purpose "You say she sleeps a deep sleep. Can we not wake her?"

All eyes were focused on Alexis as she answered "I do not know what keeps her asleep. But I do know that the Dark Queen forced her into taking the path, for as you know she was taken often to see her." She paused a little as the girls simmered in anger on the logs "As for waking her I have tried but…"

"What happened?" Shizuma's voice called out making all the girls jump. Shizuma was pale with reddened eyes sat gingerly by Miyuki as she listened to the Shaman.

"There is something you must understand about Nagisa's illness before I continue" when she received a nod from Shizuma she carried on "Whatever keeps her asleep is slowly taking her memories away. Not to mention her life force. When I attempted to bring her back, she believed she was still in exile and very much alone. She does not even remember you" she finished softly

Shizuma inhaled sharply at the Shaman's words, her heart clenched tightly with her body shaking slightly. It had all been a little too much and it was only going to get worse. The etoile didn't know what to think or do; her thoughts were centred on a certain sleeping girl who didn't remember her at all. Thankfully there was someone with a good head on their shoulders and took charge, somewhat.

"I don't think that Nagisa would dare to forget Shizuma-sama. Imagine the torture she would be put through" Yaya teased making small smiles appear

Shion decided to comment "I don't know Yaya; it might give Nagisa some rest. You know how much energy Shizuma has"

The said woman was well aware of the teases been thrown at her and for once was quite thankful for it. It saved her from being in a right state. Her fine brow arched at the latest tease, as her gold flecked eyes narrowed slightly at the Spican duo, elbowing her best friend in the ribs, not too hard of course, for snickering at her expense.

"Ok enough teasing the etoile" Miyuki told the giggling group, which also included the two Mythicals, as she didn't feel like another jab to the ribs.

The Few sulked playfully at their short time teasing the Master at her own game, before once more the mood becoming sombre.

"Now that I have you back and in a good mind Shizuma, I will continue where I left off" Alexis spoke comfortingly "Taking into consideration of what the Queen has done to her, the spell Nagisa used and her drain in life force, my attempt was a poor one for these lands are not well sustained as I would have liked. We need to return her swiftly back to the Isle."

"So when we get her back home her chances of waking up are good?" Tamao eagerly asked

"Definitely" Timon nodded his head one in firm agreement

"Then what are we waiting for?" Yaya jumped up from her log and was all ready to go

Shion reached out and grabbed onto her arm to calm her down before tugging her back to her seat "Have you forgotten pup. There is a war going on back at the Isle. We have to be careful on how we bring Nagisa back."

"We can't have the Isle knowing, not yet at least. Who knows who would be listening or waiting" Chikaru said with a sigh

"Darian is someone we can trust to help us" the little fairy spoke clearly

Shizuma smiled for the first time since she saw her bonded and the sparkle while small had returned "Indeed. I guess a little stealth and a bit of sneaking is all we need to get her back home" And so they listened to Shizuma's plan.

A blue light shone in darkened corridors briefly, going unnoticed by anyone. The veins of light that usually lit the halls were very dimly lit keeping the arrivals deep in shadows. The huge group kept a tight formation around three figures as they followed silently after their guide. It didn't take them long to reach a set of doors and even more speed as they entered it. The guide reached out to grab an arm, one of whom they knew as they spoke briefly before departing. The small room was packed. The girls dotted the edges of the room, the Balam standing protectively at the door whilst his charge fussed over the bed along side the silver head. The atmosphere was diverse, happiness tinged with great worry were the dominant ones. No one dared say anything for what could they say, everything was pretty much said already. Shizuma couldn't keep still, her hands fussed over the sheets and her eyes were glued to her little fireball. The phoenix was finally back where she belonged. The Shaman finally stopped fussing and stood back. Just in time too. Fast and many footsteps were heard; wisely Timon had stepped away from the door since a second later it was flung inwards with a huge force. Nagisa's family was standing in shock as they hurriedly came on in.

The three Phoenixes huddled around the bed each one had tears in their eyes and had to touch Nagisa to reassure themselves that she was truly there. When they were reassured enough the True Mythicals turned to face the room with gratitude shining on their faces as they began to thank everyone. Shizuma watched on with a loving look, as her friends accepted the thanks but completing stopping it from going any further. That's what true friends were all about; they would do anything for the other no matter the cost. Seats were taken as the occupants got comfortable with what they had, as Tamao and Kei took a seat on the bed mindful of Nagisa. Alexis and Timon were asked to once more tell their tale as the family took in everything they said. At the end their mixed emotions were swirling in their eyes as they tried to process everything.

"Trust Nagisa to have a spell like that." Kei sighed

"You know what it is she used?" Alexis questioned him

Kei shook his head "No. My sister travelled the human world before the Shadow War truly began. Whilst she did Nagisa learnt many things, from all types of magic's. She even taught me a little."

Shizuma had a niggling thought "Kei do you know what Queenie wants from Nagisa? It can't be just about past relationship or grievances"

"Whatever it is it can't be good"

Yasu looked directly at Alexis as he spoke with a father's pain "What must be done to have my daughter come back to us?" clenching on to his bonded hands

Timon squared his shoulders as he stood a little closer to his beloved when he heard the tone, knowing it was only natural to a father it certainly sparked his protective instincts.

"I need time to prepare, a day at most. Timon and I can gather the ingredients we need if all is well in the forest below. The most troubling part is how we can transport Nagisa somewhere without her being noticed, as I have been told it needs to be kept quiet for now."

Asa sighed as she listened and knew her last words to be true "Nagisa has quite the reputation among many. Even though I believe those in this room can protect her from danger, I know it's best to have Nagisa awake before the Isle finds out, as impossible as that sounds."

Shizuma stroked a pale hand as she let the conversation wash over her, her eyes remaining on her bonded. 'I never knew when I awoke that I would have Nagisa back in my arms by the end of it. No matter how damaged she might be, I'm going to remain by her. I'm not going to lose sight of her again. By fire I'll chain her to a wall if I think it's necessary. Ermm…bad choice of words. Hold on'

"Will the Council room suffice?" Shizuma asked aloud startling them all

Alexis kept silent as she thought about it unconsciously nodding her head "I think it will do. All the magic already imbued there will help us."

"I have a request Alexis" Shizuma gently inquired "I want to be the one to get Nagisa back"

At once there were voices of rebuttal in the small room. Shizuma ignored them as she kept her eyes on the Shaman. The quiet woman stared thoughtfully back as she took in the request.

"Quiet!" Alexis demanded and the room stilled "The bond that exists between Shizuma and Nagisa should help her in her task. I had no luck for I did not know Nagisa and there was nothing tying us together. Truth is made easy in a delving but believing is another matter entirely."

"How dangerous will it be for Shizuma?" Miyuki looked at her friend

"As dangerous as a delving is for anyone." Alexis truthfully laid it out "however she will have me as an anchor which will aid her."

"Then all we need to do now is prepare." Shizuma ended the conversation

A full day had passed and everything was nearing completion and Shizuma couldn't be happier. Simply put, she was exhausted both physically and mentally. As Miyuki told her it served her right, Shizuma had barely slept and stayed by her beloved's side the whole time. Shizuma knew she was acting irrationally, yet the fear of finding Nagisa all but a dream persisted. So it came disconcerting when she found herself walking with everyone, Yasu carrying a parcel in his arms with Asa and Kei by his side, on their way to the Council room. In a rare fit of nerves Shizuma stumbled her way along, flicking her head from side to side and fussing over her clothes. It didn't go by unnoticed. Miyuki and Chikaru had had their eyes on her for a while, dropping back a bit to keep in step with their friend.

"Calm down Shizuma" Miyuki whispered to her taking hold of her hand giving it a reassuring squeeze

"I can't help it" Shizuma muttered

"Are you worried about the delving?" Miyuki asked

Shizuma glanced at her obviously fretting friend squeezing her hand in return "No Miyuki. The delving is something I need to do. You know how recluse Nagisa can be, I want to help and understand and this is a way in which I can do that."

"And if Nagisa has been…hurt?" Chikaru bit her lip at her question as she had two set of eyes her way

"Then I will help her through it. It wouldn't be the first time" Shizuma said so quietly they barely heard her

The two Few had no words to say after that, keeping quiet and their presence was enough for Shizuma as they finally came to their destination. Darian stumped his way over to the golden mist and quickly a way inside was open. The girls were open mouthed as looks of wonder were etched onto their faces as they travelled and now glimpses of nerves were coming to the fore. Alexis and Timon had already gone on ahead with Yasu and Kei to set things up, Shizuma went to stand beside Asa as they looked at everyone a small smile shone on their lips. The etoile fondly remembered her first time and what waited beyond the mist.

"Should we tell them?" Asa whispered to her

"Why spoil it?" Shizuma replied with a hint of fun in her tone

Shizuma couldn't help but have a little fun as she told her friends to follow her, so with Asa beside her they walked into the main Council room. The silver head couldn't help but release a small giggle, as gasps and small murmurs of wonders reached her ears. A small bop to her head made her turn with a pout.

"You're mean Shizuma" her best friend told her, a smirk tugged at her own lips

Turning to face the members her yellow eyes fell on the figure placed on the floor. Several small fires in circle surrounded her with enough space for one other. Nagisa's family crowded at one end whilst the Shaman and Balam were getting the final pieces ready. Only two Council members were in attendance, Sora and Alana were quietly keeping watch. Shizuma didn't really know protocol as she only had ever came here twice, both with a Phoenix to guide her, so it was such a relief when Kei finally hurried over and shooed them closer and towards the two Mythicals. Introductions were quick as everything was focusing on the now still Shaman with her hazel eyes glued to Shizuma. Taking a deep breath, the young Phoenix gracefully walked over, ushered into a seating position near Nagisa all the while Alexis told of her what was to come.

"Remember! You are delving into Nagisa's mind. All that is will come from her. You can but influence it." Alexis told her

Shizuma nodded her head at her words, taking a final look at her worried family and friends "I'm ready."

It was a dark place. Both in feeling and un-seeing. You could move your hand in front of your face and you wouldn't be able to see it. Shizuma moved cautiously in the dreamscape, mindful of Alexis's warnings about the dangers that lurked here. Her eyes darted all around. There was something here. It sent a chill down her spine. Stopping suddenly, she tilted her head to the side as her ears were tuned to the soft noise that was gradually getting louder. 'I hate this place. The darkness, the nothingness, hell even the loneliness. Why is she trapped in such a place as this? This is what my Nagisa's lost spirit is degrading to? No way! I'll follow the noise and get her back.' With a determined stride she set off towards the noise. Her fast pace made the noise even clearer and louder and much to her relief light shone up ahead. As suddenly as she was heading towards the light and noise, she stopped altogether, her head spun quickly around as tried to make sense of what just happened. The etoile wanted the darkness back, rather than what she now saw and heard.

It was the unmistakable rattling of chains. Shizuma found herself in a dingy corridor, with torches that barely lit the way. The cobblestones underneath were uneven and filthy as were the walls where huge cobwebs hung. Every so often she could see a huge rusty iron jail door, as Shizuma approached one warily she feared what she would see inside. Her yellow gold flecked eyes peered in, expelling a huge sigh of relief that it was empty. It was tiny, with barely enough room to take six paces, no window, a bunch of hay and a bucket occupied the empty cell. 'So where is the rattling coming from?' Stepping away from the cell, she risked a glance up and down thinking of which way to take, until a harsher rattling of chains made the decision for her. It came from deep under, down into the deeper depths of the dungeon. The deeper she travelled, the worse the conditions became. The walls now dripped with some liquid that the silver traveller had no intention of finding out what, the floors were now just plain dirt tracks and with a yelp a rat scurried across her path. The chains still continued its beckoning rattle.

"What are you doing down ere?" a rough voice asked her

Turning around she temporarily froze in shock. The speaker was greenish black skinned, large tusk like teeth jutted out from its mouth with it were beady black eyes. It was dressed like a guard would do, simple leggings, stout boots and a vest with an emblem hidden from view and to top it off a devilish blade hung from his hip. Luckily Shizuma had encountered Orc before, yet not actually having the chance to talk to one until now; it threw her a little off guard, luckily though her training kicked in rather sharpish to compensate.

"I'm looking for someone. I know their here." Looking the Orc head on

"Down 'ere there is only one it cud be. Good luck tryin' to get anythin out from her though. Aint for lack of tryin. The Lady has seen to that" snickering slightly

Shizuma clenched her fists tight. Even though being here was a memory of sorts from Nagisa, Shizuma felt the urge to go on the killing spree more keenly than ever before, true you could lose yourself in this place and even feel any hit you received she was willing to risk the chance.

Her tone carried a dangerous edge "Where is she?"

The Orc had brains enough to recognise danger when he saw it, even liked the thrill it gave but over a defeated prisoner it wasn't much worth it. The woman watched the Orc intently, he fingered the sword and the mouth twitched in thought. Finally he jerked his head down the corridor behind him.

"That a way. You can't miss her, since she aint done nothin but rattle them chains. She a feisty one mind."

He was off without a second look back. Shizuma made sure he disappeared from view before releasing the sigh of pent up nerves gathering her courage once more. 'Hold on Nagisa. I'm coming love.'

Shizuma sprinted her way along; the only guide was the rattling of chains which grew louder and more precise the closer she got. Screeching to a halt Shizuma paused for breath, as she finally reached the correct door. 'This is it. Nagisa is in there. By fire I'm nervous. Okay Shizuma pull yourself together and go get her.' The keys were located on a nail a little further along, the security wasn't worried about an escape it seems, so the large iron door opened with relative ease. Or Nagisa was waiting for someone, anyone to help her. Shizuma blinked at the sudden change in light as she stepped cautiously inside, her eyes quickly landing on the sole occupant.

"Nagisa!" Shizuma loudly gasped as she bolted forward only to stop short of throwing her arms around her when she noticed Nagisa pull herself firmly away her.

"Who are you?" a monotone voice asked of her

Shizuma held her tears at bay, her eyes glistening in the dimmed light. The words replaying thru her mind over and over. 'Who are you?' It hurt, breaking her already fragile heart even more. Her beloved was lost in mind and it seems in heart too. The silver-haired remained on her knees, her yellow gold flecked eyes never left the red-head. 'Oh my Nagisa. What did that bitch do to you? How do I bring you back to me? Am I strong enough?' Taking a deep breath Shizuma slowly reached out her hand, making no sudden moves, until finally resting on Nagisa's shoulder. The Phoenix blankly stared at her. Shizuma left her hand there for a few seconds before she gently ran her hand along the pale arm, watching for any signs of distress, not wanting to upset her beloved again. The manacles that were tightly fastened at the wrists, proved to be a challenge, until Alexi's words rang in her mind. 'You are in a dreamscape. If Nagisa wishes it to be, it will be, for it is her mind and she has control. However you can influence it.'

"Do you wish to be free?" Shizuma whispered softly.

Nagisa just stared for a long while before speaking "What does it matter? Where can I go?"

"If you wish I can show you a place where you belong and people who care for you." Shizuma gently urged her

Ever so minutely Nagisa's blank face softened, her eyes lost the coldness and disinterest it had before.

"It sounds too good to be true."

"It is true" Shizuma reinforced the words with a small smile

"But what of this place?" Nagisa quickly looked at her cell "There is but one of you and even you cannot free me from here."

Shizuma slowly stood up to her full height with her eyes locked on to red, her hand stretched out

"I ask you to trust me. Free yourself, those chains cannot hold you. Take my hand and together we will leave this place." Shizuma couldn't hold her tears as a few trailed down her cheeks "Please Nagisa. Trust me"

Red eyes watched her warily Shizuma noticed. She didn't blame her bonded for it; the idea of escape being so easy would make her hesitate too. Watching her intently Shizuma saw how easy for it was for Nagisa to free herself, a look at the lock and a sharp tug to pull free was all it took. Some part of her, deep down, knew of the deceptiveness of this place. Feeling a familiar warm hand in her own brought Shizuma back to reality, as she grasped it firmly in her own guiding Nagisa out of the cell. One step past the threshold should have brought them into the dimly lit corridors of the dungeons. Instead it was to a beautiful woodland meadow, from the tops of the trees Shizuma could see mountains surrounding protectively. Deeper into the woods she noticed a marble fountain of sorts but it quickly vanished in a blink. Glancing to her bonded Shizuma noticed a frown mar her face, but as quickly as it was there it was gone.

"This place is beautiful Nagisa. I would love to come back here again" she praised her as she spotted a shrine at the front of the path

"I…I don't know where we are…exactly." Nagisa mumbled as she tried to look around in hopes of remembering

Giving her hand a gentle squeeze "Don't worry. Maybe you'll remember in time."

"Forgive me, but who are you exactly. My mind seems to be in a fog."

"My name is Shizuma and I am…someone dear to you" figuring it would be best not to mention being her bonded

Nagisa shuffled her feet nervously under the older woman's gaze "I would have remembered someone as beautiful as you…" trailing off as she heard laughter from her companion

Shizuma couldn't help herself; the blushing nervous redhead was just too adorable and not to mention so uncharacteristic of her. Usually her beloved would tease or flirt without being embarrassed, but apparently it was a skill she had not learnt yet or more likely remembered.

"I don't know what's funny." Nagisa pouted

"Nothing Nagisa. Nothing at all" Shizuma told her "Now I mentioned earlier about showing you places."

Shizuma watched as Nagisa grew tense at the news; she didn't understand why Nagisa was so reluctant. Usually she would be bouncing around and raring to go, until she was forcibly reminded that Nagisa was not the one she knew as well.

"Shall we go?"

Nagisa was silent for a few moments making Shizuma worry a little before a soft answer replied "As you wish"

Shizuma graced her with a small smile and gently tugged on her hand, her mind solely focused on the Isle, more specifically on the woods where she had first met Meira and Ion. The woods changed with swirls of colours blending together as they travelled to their first destination.

Shizuma guided Nagisa to the few places on the Isle, through Astraea; Maidens Park, along the lake and outside the schools and dorms. Finally they finished at Shizuma's favourite place the greenhouse, where the two young women stopped at the small dining table. 'Well she certainly enjoyed the tour. But it doesn't seem to have triggered any memories. That's a cold breeze.' Shizuma shivered a little at the breeze, not liking its intrusion one bit. Given how quiet Nagisa had been walking around, it certainly made Shizuma jump at hearing her voice.

"As much as this place is beautiful, why have you brought me here?"

Carefully choosing her words she replied "It is beautiful here. But lately it seems that it has lost its colour. All of this grows dimmer. The spark is gone."

"Then why am I here?" Nagisa insisted

"I wondered if you could fill that spark once more" Shizuma turned to face her clasping her hand firmly in her own

"Me?!" Nagisa screeched "You must be mad"

Shizuma looked intently into red-gold flecked eyes, seeing nothing familiar in her gaze. 'I guess I have one last option left to me. I just hope I can pull it off.' The etoile freed her hand from the warmth of her partner's and walked to the opposite side of the table, a clear message for the confused redhead. The cool breeze blew around them once more, sending tendrils of red mixed with luscious silver across the elder's face. Shizuma ignored it. Her eyes fixated on the young woman before her.

"Why do you keep demeaning yourself? Think you're less than everyone else?"

"After all I have done and what I've seen…who I have influenced. You would think the same as me"

"What about the good things you have done? They definitely outweigh the supposed bad decisions. Or better yet the people who rely on you and in you turn them"

"They don't need me…no one does anymore."

Shizuma knew she was going for a low blow "The Dark Queen? What of her?"

Nagisa's head snapped up her eyes raging with anger "You dare speak to her of me. I know first-hand all what she has done…what she is capable of doing." Her gold flecked eyes shone with fear for a split second before covering up.

Shizuma she saw it clearly "What was the last thing you remember before the cells?"

"Darkness" Nagisa replied shrugging her shoulders

"Not your brother?"

Nagisa looked confused before pain filled her face. Holding her head in one hand she calmed her breathing waiting for it to subside. Shizuma saw how each time she had brought up her recent past through their dreamscape, Nagisa would have terrible headaches and each time she would change the topic.

"Why are you so afraid to remember?"

"I am not afraid!" Nagisa shouted

"You are afraid" Shizuma told her bluntly "The Nagisa I know wouldn't hide away. She faces all her fears head on, not once has she ever fled."

The redhead trembled as the words hit her, flinching at the small hurt gathering in her heart. But her fear was great, even if she truly didn't know what she was afraid of.

"You don't know me. You don't know anything about me!"

"I know you better than you know yourself." Shizuma softly stated her voice filled with so many emotions.

Nagisa collapsed to her knees hands gripping her head in agony "Stop! Please stop!"

All around them became a whirl of colours, swirling together in an intricate pattern. The two bonded remained where they were, waiting for it to calm down. Eventually the colours dissolved, leaving only white remaining. Everything was white stretching endlessly in all directions. Shizuma grew anxious at the change, knowing it was nearing her time to leave. Her little fireball had barely moved. 'I don't have much time left. If I don't reach her now…no…no…that's not an option. Not for me. Not for our friends. Not for our family. And ultimately not for her.' With tears in her eyes, Shizuma moved steadily towards Nagisa, who neither moved nor spoke. Kneeling beside her, Shizuma still watching laid her hand on top of Nagisa's.

"My little fireball" she whispered lovingly "I have run out of time. I've tried to show you places you've been, where you have helped and most importantly where you're loved. I know that you are frightened and you have every right to be. And I know how tired you are. This is no haven Nagisa; it is a prison for someone who loves life like you do. There are people yearning for you to wake up. They have missed you so much. Don't leave us. Come back to us. Most of all come back to me"

Shizuma placed a gentle but loving kiss on a tear stained cheek. A warm comforting breeze cradled them as her body began to disappear. Shizuma's time had run out.

The kneeling girl never moved as her eyes still shed its pain filled tears, she never heard or saw what approached her. A white cloaked figure that shielded both face and body from sight moved stealthily towards her. From behind they gently knelt placing soft firm arms around Nagisa's waist, which neither struggled nor resisted their grasp.

"It is time to be free of this place little Phoenix. You have much to do and so little time." A soft voice whispered into Nagisa's ears "You will not remember me when you leave but know that you will in the future. I give you back that which was taken"

A golden light emitted from the clocked figure that encased Nagisa in a blanket, with a soft chant from the guest to accompany it. When the glow receded so did they, leaving Nagisa lying peacefully on the floor with a warm gentle breeze caressing her, as she herself slowly began to fade.

Shizuma leaned her forehead against the door, letting the cold stone soothe her aching head. It had been two days since the delving and whilst Alexis assured everyone that Nagisa was stable, everyone was still very much on edge. Gatherings had become quite common in their quarters, just for the reassurance it gave. With a sigh Shizuma turned around to lean her back against the door, her eyes automatically landing on the sleeping figure. Something was different. Her eyes narrowed, body leant forward as if to pounce. 'There!' Swiftly Shizuma went to the bedside, intently watching her lover's body. Nagisa twitched.

"She moved" Shizuma gasped

Closed eyes fluttered briefly making Shizuma cry out in shock. The etoile finally succumbed to her inner child. So to speak. In a panic and a daze Shizuma fretted over the bed sheets, paced the room, looking at Nagisa making her cry out yet again when she moved. Shizuma didn't know what to do. She never had to deal with anything like this before. One suggestion sprang to her mind. Patting down the covers for the hundredth time, the young woman strode to the door flinging it wide open and ran to her best friend's room. Luckily it was next door. In a un-Shizuma like manner, she pounded on the door hard and repeatedly. Getting louder the longer she stood there. The badly abused door finally opened, fortunately for Miyuki, Shizuma had stopped her attack at the first signs of opening.

Miyuki couldn't believe it was her best friend, her mature best friend, which was standing in front of her. Let alone banging on the door. Before the President could do as much as talk Shizuma dove straight in. Her words so jumbled and rushed, not a word could be understood. Miyuki even got a little concerned when Shizuma showed no signs of stopping or more importantly pausing for air. The final straw came when Shizuma started to bounce.

"Shizuma!" Miyuki grabbed on to her friends arms to stop her irritating bounce and jumbled words.

Unknown to the older two, Tamao had come to see the commotion, startled at the state the silver-haired was in. Deciding to let her girlfriend take charge, since she had 'handled' her for many years, Tamao stayed close by.

"Take a deep breath" waiting for her friend to comply "now tell me what is going on"

"Nagisa…awake" Shizuma stuttered, still in a bit of shock

It was certainly a day for extreme things to happen. From a babbling etoile to this. Miyuki, the President with an image of calm and a killer stare, who emitted a mature aloof dangerous aura, lost it all. She squealed. Even Tamao was stunned, her own joy temporarily forgotten. The pitch of the squeal must have hit a nerve. Miyuki blushed; a rare sight too, grabbed a hold of Shizuma before issuing orders.

"Ok. Shizuma go back to Nagisa, Tamao and I will gather everyone else."

Shizuma nodded her head before sprinting back to her room, whilst the two Miator students looked at her in amusement and indulgence. It had been far too long since Shizuma truly was herself. In sync the two moved along, alerting everyone as to what was going on.

Shizuma on the other hand had planted herself firmly on the bed next to her fireball; the twitches and fluttering of closed eyes were becoming frequent. 'She's actually waking up. Oh by fire! I hope she's going to be ok. Hang on…I totally acted like a kid just now. Great! Mind you seeing Miyuki squeal like that was priceless. Hearing it on the other hand…not so much. Was that a moan?' With such tenderness Shizuma softly stroked Nagisa's cheeks with the backs of her fingers relishing the warmth. So focused on the slowly awakening Nagisa, the young Phoenix took no notice of her friends coming in, each one looking relieved and excited. Next came in the two escapees and finally Nagisa's family. The room was full and crowded but no one seemed to care, everyone was glued to the girl in bed. Asa rested a hand on her new daughters shoulder, squeezing it for comfort as Yasu and Kei stood behind her bouncing in nervousness.

Slowly and gradually Nagisa woke up. Every twitch, flutter and groan was observed in rapt attention, until she finally stopped altogether. Shizuma risked a concerned glance to Alexis who just smiled encouragingly back. Shizuma watched as Nagisa moved her head, leaning into her hand that still cradled her cheek.

"Shizuma" a small mumble so soft it was barely heard

The said girl cried silent tears, not daring to move or speak. She was waiting for her love to awake. Not having to wait long at all. Nagisa's eyes moved still hidden to the world, as seconds passed by the moment they waited for happened. Shizuma watched lovingly as Nagisa slowly and tiredly opened her eyes. Red-gold flecked eyes blinking tiredly as they roamed the room, barely taking in the ecstatic faces of her friends, before landing on her own. A small warm smile graced the redhead's lips as a similar one graced the etoile's.

"Welcome home love" Shizuma purred as she leaned in to kiss her hearts return.