Disclaimer: I do not own Strawberry Panic or MSGM.

AN: Hi readers here's the next chapter for you. I hope you like and forgive me the long wait. My updates will be sporadic so please be patience. Happy reading.

Chapter 9

The hallway was quiet, devoid of life and noise. Yet something was walking along the dimly lit corridors. Their purpose was shrouded in stealth and their business was of the darkest kind. Furtively they crept along, freezing at even the tiniest noise. Slowly but surely they made their way towards the living quarters. Footsteps were heard approaching as the figure stood stock still. A short individual walked towards them, a soft light illuminating their head to reveal a long beard and bushy brows. Darian was on his nightly rounds. Huffing on his pipe Darian stopped at an old familiar door. His sensitive ears had picked up on an unusual sound but as quickly as it had come it was gone. His eyes travelled to the door closest to him, as they lingered there filled mostly with pride and fondness but glimmers of pain leaked through. There was one person beyond that door that concerned him. 'That gal better be gettin better. She needs to. Too many people need her now.'

Darian shivered. These tunnels were his livelihood; he knew every door, scratch and bump. Something didn't belong there. One hand held his pipe whilst the other reached for the axe on his waist. Nothing stirred. Without warning a shadow rushed the dwarf knocking him off his feet. Winded Darian drew his axe quickly, stubbing out his pipe, chanting a few words the luminescent light above flashed out. The halls were now pitch-black. Unfortunately his opponent was not impaired by this as he hoped. The two clashed together, as each strike was met. Darian could see his assailant and wondered in the back of his mind how they got in here without him knowing.

A bright light shone on the fighters, as a young woman stood in the doorway of a lightened room. Darian who had managed to press his attacker to the floor somewhat, checked to see who it was, then quickly back at the now seen wraith. A cry of rage erupted from the creature, as it shoved Darian off slashing at him with razor claws; it leapt right at the opened doorway. Shizuma was no fool, eyes blazing she brought forth a fire shield, burning the wraith on impact as it was propelled backwards. Switching her techniques Shizuma dissipated her shield and created some fire shards, hurling them with accuracy at the wraith. The wraith writhed on the floor, as its energy now spent and its injuries far too severe. Shizuma stood where she was as Darian dizzily made his way over to the creature. Bringing back the lights to the tunnel made them see the pitiful thing in full view. Without another word Darian brought his axe swiftly on its neck severing its head from its body. The two didn't speak as they stared at the dead wraith; its mere presence was enough. Shizuma knew without a doubt where it was heading, there was only one person on the Isle that warranted this much attention. She shook her head to stop her train of thoughts.

"I don't know 'ow that got past the sentries but I aim to find out" Darian growled as he shoved his axe back into its sheath.

Shizuma saw how much Darian was blaming himself and she quickly tried to ease him "Don't blame yourself too harshly Darian. I'm just thankful that you stopped it before anything happened."

"Still…"

"No." Shizuma firmly stated "You are not the only one to guard these halls. I for one do not blame you. Do you wish for me to get her out here and gi…"

"Ah no no, you keep that gal where she is." Darian stuttered his protest

Shizuma smirked at his weak response knowing for a fact that the old dwarf had a soft spot for her beloved. Come to think of it, practically every Isle dweller she had met had one. Shizuma watched Darian grunt and groan as he started on moving the dead wraith away, only when he nodded his head in parting did she finally close the door. She immediately felt familiar eyes.

Nagisa was half hidden in the double bed, covered by blankets and surrounded by pillows. Her family and friends went a little overboard in her care. Especially her bonded who fussed and waited on her hand and foot. It had been two days since her awakening, sleeping often during them, but in between her more awake moments she had been told what had happened since she left Astraea. It was certainly eye-opening and heart-breaking. Shizuma had been the one to tell her of the ceremony, just between the two of them and they both agreed to have another one in the future when all was settled. The Phoenix had to admit the red streak in Shizuma's hair was rather a nice touch. However after seeing, well hearing, what had just happened she knew that the end was a fair way off. The redhead watched as Shizuma made her way to sit beside her, a small frown marring her face as the two cuddled together on the already overstuffed bed.

"It seems that somehow news of my arrival has gotten around." Nagisa stated as she snuggled in deeper with her partner

Shizuma sighed "I don't know how. We have been careful in how we brought you here and everything after"

Nagisa pulled her head back to stare directly into Shizuma's eyes "Nothing ever remains a secret long on the Isle Shizuma. I am however surprised at how quick an attempt was made" Shizuma's eyes narrowed at her words "Sweetie, as you said to Darian don't blame yourself."

Shizuma didn't reply. She pulled the covers right up so only the top half of Nagisa's face was showing before bringing the sleepy redhead into her arms. No words needed to be spoken; both knowing what had to be done the next day. The soft snores moments later filled the dimly lit room.

It was a small park surrounded by a well-kept copse of trees keeping it in an isolated setting. It was a pretty place you would visit if you knew the park was there, to enjoy the simple serenity. Well it should have been. It was late at night and the park was deserted, which was not much of a surprise. Apparently some people still found the park a place to be, even at that time of night. The stars were out in full and the moon shone brightly, illuminating the small oasis in a pale glow. A few snaps of twigs and rustles of branches, two shadowed figures stepped out of the shrubbery. Pausing before they stepped any further, the shorter of the two knelt placing their hand on the ground, shaking their head after a moment's pause. Straightening back up, moving closer together they carefully made their way to the middle of the park. Out in the open the moonlight shone their features, revealing a surprise. Two young beautiful women wearing black coats wrapped firmly around them.

"Are you sure there is no one around Yumi" a melodious voice whispered

"I'm sure. There is no one but us, a few animals and…" she broke off uncomfortably

They had reached the purpose of their midnight stroll. Sprawled at the base of the swing, lay a disturbing sight. A young man was lying in a crumpled position, his face facing skywards and disturbingly from first glance, there was no evidence or signs of any foul play. Sachiko reached into her pocket bringing out her phone, to snap a close up picture of the deceased then to send it off before putting it away once more.

"We seem to always get here too late. Only to find whom we couldn't save." Yumi sighed as she leaned a little into Sachiko.

Putting a comforting arm around her shoulder, Sachiko led Yumi to a nearby bench, not before encasing the body in ice. Snuggling into each other for warmth and comfort, they sat in silence staring at the night sky. Each lost in their own thoughts.

"They come more often now; the alarms, the wraiths and the updates of bad news grow. Even the news from the Isle is coming less and less." Yumi mumbled

"We're doing all we can"

"As much as the Council will let us you mean"

"At least we are helping where we can, within a squad that I trust wholeheartedly. Don't forget Yumi the information we brought back from Astraea helped so many." Sachiko trailed off, her arm instinctively tightened around her companion.

Yumi looked over to Sachiko when she trailed off, to see a common sight, lost in thought and in the dim light of the lamp a slight sheen to her eyes. Heaving a heavy sigh the Kitsune took her own memories back, to the days of when she lived in Astraea, where her life had drastically changed. It was all due to one bubbly redhead, her dear friend and fellow True Mythical. Her kind heart ached at not knowing the outcome of her friend. Their moment of solitude was rudely interrupted by a ringing of a phone. Sachiko fumbled a bit with searching her pockets, as she still kept her arm securely around Yumi. With a victorious hum and phone now clenched in her hand the snow spirit hit the answer button.

"Onee-sama…yes…are you sure…understood" Sachiko hung up with a confused yet worried expression

"Sachiko what is it?"

"The young man…" she tried to continue on

"He's another one isn't he." Yumi began to get upset "What is going on here? That's the fifth now."

"Well Onee-sama wants us back at the Rose House immediately. Something new has come up." Sachiko told her looking quite serious.

The two girls quietly left the small park, leaving no trace that they were there. The body would be taken care of shortly. In these darkened days the squads knew the routine pretty well as there was an increase in calls just like tonight.

Nagisa's room had become somewhat a council of war. The Astraea girls as well as Kei and Akemi were seated anywhere they could, yet despite the numbers in the small room it still felt cosy and spacious. Nagisa's fierce guardian sat by her side intently, ready to help out her other half in an instant. The Phoenix still looked frail all huddled up in the sheets, her skin pale and deep bruising under her eyes, comparing that to when they first found her, she looked pretty damn good.

So it was a shock to hear such a strong voice come from her "According to what happened last night we have a spy among us."

"It stands to reason Nagisa. I mean both sides must have them in enemy camps" Tamao frowned at her attempt

"It must be a war tradition" Yaya shook her head at the thought

Kei cocked his head to the side as he studied his sister. There was something else hidden in her words. He could always read her like a book and it was the same for her.

"Spark what is it?" finally resorting to asking

Nagisa stared blankly at him her face devoid of anything. They all wondered at that moment how broken their friend/sister truly was. One however simply accepted the fact, it made no difference either way and placing her hand on top of Nagisa's own she gave her an anchor to hold onto. Shizuma reminded her that she was there for however long Nagisa wanted her to be. It also pulled her out of her funk. Closing her red eyes for a second to pull herself together, Nagisa focused her thoughts before once more addressing the room.

"Let me put it this way. If you were a spy who would you focus your attention on?"

"The Council members" Shion replied

"Impossible. Not only are they the most guarded Mythicals at the moment, the enchantments at the meetings are for that purpose. Plus Darian, we can't be forgetting him." Akemi pointed out

Miyuki's eyes widened at her own response "I would target those that have been infiltrating the base constantly. Not to mention successfully. They pose a significant threat."

Nagisa smiled at her answer, like a proud teacher finally getting the rewards from all those lessons. They were learning. The girls and boy took to whispering to each other, each with their own opinions and ideas for traps. As the time moved on they were becoming more elaborate and some downright unbelievable. It didn't seem to be going well. The only good ideas came from the eldest and that was because they were there for the first war. It was hard for the young ones, to have someone you once trusted to have your back and now saying that their biding their time to try to stab you, wasn't sitting well.

'Well people change. No one stays the same. I wish my head didn't feel so foggy. I haven't been awake for more than a couple of days and now this. I just want it to stop.' A soft kiss to her temple made Nagisa look to her right and couldn't help the smile or warmth surround her. Snuggling into Shizuma's side she felt safe and at home, until the talk once more invaded her. Nagisa whispered a favour into her partners ear with a quick kiss to the cheek as Shizuma let loose small fireworks causing everyone to quiet down.

"You focus too much on whom. The person is a spy whether we like it or not. All that's left is for us to do is lay a trap and wait for the prey to take the bait. We can figure out everything afterwards"

"What bait?" Kagome asked looking confused

"No!" Shizuma glared at her beloved as she untangled herself from Nagisa to show her disapproval.

Akemi, Kei and Shion nodded in the etoile's favour as the rest just sat quietly not wanting to take either side. Each girl possessed an anger that was scary to behold. Only one knew how to defuse Shizuma and in turn Nagisa. The problem was it was each other, which didn't bode well for all involved when the two got into heated arguments.

"You cannot be serious Nagisa-chan. We will bait them with something else." Miyuki assured them

"No we will not. Kaori has let me slip through her fingers. Apparently I have answers she seeks. Now that I am awake…"

The group grew still as they heard her words. They had witnessed the Queens attempts at trying to stop or capture Nagisa, but they had never found the real reason why. There and then they knew that Nagisa herself didn't know or she had conveniently forgotten. Nagisa looked at each of her dear friends, knowing that her words hurt them; they had after all just got her back. 'I don't know another way. To get past all those sentries and into these halls is nigh on impossible…but this is Queenie. Why? Why now? Something I have…. By fire! My minds so foggy I can barely think.'

Unknown to Nagisa all eyes were watching her as she muddled through her thoughts. Her face whilst blank showed no signs of the earlier emotionless mask. This was their Nagisa piling everything onto her shoulders, true to form. However there was one question that was present in everyone's mind and only one that dared to ask.

"Nagisa, do you know what Queenie wants with you?" the dragon asked with a slight tremor

Nagisa shook out of her reverie met purple eyes with her own "I don't know Akemi. I honestly thought it was about our past but…it doesn't add up." Nagisa hung her head her red hair covering her face "My recent…imprisonment is still a bit fuzzy. According to Alexis it should clear up. I just need time."

Shizuma watched the pain fill up in those red-gold flecked eyes; sitting once more besides her partner she wrapped an arm around her bringing her firmly into her side. "Whatever the reason my love, we will face it together."

"She's right chicken" earning her a glare from the girl "but this plan of yours I don't like. Too many things can go wrong."

Nods of agreement went around and Nagisa gave a sigh of defeat. She knew a lost battle when she saw one. New ideas went around, more calmly and realistic, even Nagisa and Shizuma gave their comments. It was a long time in coming, with a few breaks for drinks and food until they finally decided on a plan. Akemi's plan. This made Nagisa and Kei very nervous for some reason. As everyone got comfortable or grudgingly agreeable for the siblings, the plan took shape and everyone took their parts. It was simple and had very little finesse for all involved to pull it off. Nagisa was hugging the last one to go as she watched as Shizuma gave an 'I'll be quick' signal as she hurriedly ran after Miyuki, leaving only Akemi in the room. The two lifelong friends stared long and hard at each other, knowing the other well during their long friendship. So it came as no shock when Nagisa voiced her thoughts.

"You know what we have to do to make this plan work. Don't you?"

"Of course, though hiding the truth may prove to be tricky." Akemi cocked her head to the side.

Nagisa chuckled "Tricky is what you do best"

The corridors inside the mountain were buzzing. Considering what was going on it was counted as normal. The Dwarves were the main supervisors, or hindrance depending on who you asked, they directed and organised everyone efficiently, as many races were seen hurrying in all directions with relative ease. What they didn't count on was what came next. There were rumours, as there always are, that the Phoenix was once more back on the Isle. No confirmation was given if anyone asked. Until now. Like a wave, silence and stillness spread through the corridors. All eyes were focused on the same thing. A group of girls were slowly making their way along and in mutual deference everyone moved to hug the walls to let them pass.

Shizuma found it unnerving despite her past experience with being in the spotlight. This was something totally different. 'This is creepy. I didn't realise how much Nagisa was known or respected. I wonder why she looked so uncomfortable when we went with Akemi's plan, Kei too. With what I know of her crazy schemes so would I. But this is better than what Nagisa had in mind. She has to learn to let others help her, especially after all what's happened recently. She has been so distant. Ah we are nearly to the ledge.' The Astraea girls were in formation, a redhead in the middle with Kagome and the rest surrounding them, they followed Darian as they made their way slowly outside. They had accomplished on making an exhibit and now all they had to do was wait. The small group separated from Darian and made their way slowly down the worn stone pathway. Their destination was just a small glade not too far from the mountain. They reached it with no problem and they set themselves down keeping the redhead securely protected as unnoticeable as possible.

"How long do you reckon before we get any sign?" Chikaru asked softly

"Give it a few hours and then we will call it off" Shion replied as she gave Chikaru's hand a small squeeze.

It was a pleasant enough day; if one was to forget that not far away a battle was raging. The horns blew their top and the roar of battle barely reached them, their tense forms belied their talk as they tried to act natural. The red-head was silent throughout. The day drew on and the groups dread grew. Chikaru's familiar was seen sporadically flying by with no news to give. Kagome kept her senses alert to the nature surrounding them, yet with the clashes going on in the distance she had trouble understanding what was going on. A deep rumble shook the ground and the sky grew black with rain clouds. All eyes shot towards the mountain. It seems that something was happening all right but not as they planned. The redhead shot forward, ripping a small token from their wrist as he quickly analysed everything before him.

"Kei?" Shizuma looked a little shocked at the sight of her brother "What are you…"

"No time. We need to get back to Nagisa and fast"

With that he took off sprinting towards the mountain, behind him Shizuma was keeping pace with the rest of the group following as best they could. Somehow their plan had backfired, whatever the plan truly was.

"Well they seemed to buy the disguise chicken" Akemi pointed out as she stepped from the bathroom with Nagisa tottering behind her

"You seem pleased now Aki, but wait until this is over and we have Kei and Shizuma to deal with" Nagisa sighed as she sat on one of the dining chairs

Akemi fidgeted a bit at hearing the news knowing full well and first-hand knowledge of what their tempers will be like. She just hoped that they would see the results first. Shaking her head at the stupid thought, they would yell at her anyways. Nagisa watched in silent amusement at her friends dilemma, accepting her own fate at her bonded's anger and sibling worry. It was the upcoming confrontation that made her nervous. 'Strange, that I feel nervous about facing some underling, when I haven't before. Even with Akemi by my side all of this seems false. All this seems to reek of Her. I can barely walk let alone use my fire. My head feels heavy…something is wrong' A hard shake to her shoulder brought Nagisa firmly awake as she watched Akemi tense by the door. The redhead stood, a little wobbly, bracing herself on the back of the chair. Akemi shot her friend a look and with a reassuring nod hurriedly made her way to the bathroom, with the door nearly fully closed. Nagisa heard a thrice tap knock seconds later.

Breathing in a deep sigh to steady her growing nerves she called out "Come in"

The scene was so ordinary that anyone looking on would be fooled by its appearance. Nagisa watched the door open to reveal an unassuming man with the attire of one of the Isles soldiers. Nagisa knew appearances could be deceiving. She watched intently as he casually strolled in, shutting the door firmly behind and even gave a small bow. His messy brown hair hid his eyes as Nagisa tried to take the measure of the man before her. One thing she knew for sure that the Mythical before her was strong, his high shoulders and a sloping back with his thickset arms barely constrained in the clothes. Nagisa was in no mood for small talk or beating around the bush. When was she ever?

"So you're the one to send the wraith after me? I must congratulate you on bringing one here in the first place."

A husky voice replied "I am merely following orders."

"And your orders regarding me?" Nagisa's voice was hard as stone

The man looked feral as he looked her way, his body vibrating with readiness even his voice with the added growls was pent-up with excitement "I was sent here to capture you. But I find that most boring. So I am here to kill you"

In a flash he lunged straight at Nagisa who barely rolled her way out of his deadly claws. Whipping around to face her attacker the Phoenix hid a small groan. Before her was a huge 6ft tall Nandi bear. Nagisa stood tall, her mind for the first time in days was clear, even her fire was itching to be free. She indulged herself as she brought her fire out to circle her hands, watching as the Bear calculated his next move with care. This didn't take long at all. With an almighty growl he ploughed forward, his mighty arm swung at the table throwing it directly at Nagisa. In the small confines of the room she barely dodged the table as it grazed her upper arm. With a whimper of pain she braced herself as the Bear once more lunged at her. As soon as she saw the tips of claws, Nagisa set her whole body on fire, the stench of burning flesh and fur filled the room as howls of pain cried out. Nagisa breathing heavily slumped to the floor away from the spy her energy spent and mind once more filled with fog.

A coughing laugh gurgled out of the Nandi Bear "You haven't won anything. I may not kill you but he might" with a last blood filled cough he grew still

Nagisa began to wonder what he was talking about, until she felt it. A heat, unlike her own caressed her cheek, quickly becoming a scorching blaze. Screaming at the suddenness the young woman bolted from her position to stand ready by the door. Red eyes saw a single wisp of smoke; it grew fast under her gaze as it quickly became a solid being. It was plain in its appearance with skin the colour of smoke and eyes as bright as flames. No hair graced their head and gender was neutral for it wore no clothes. Nagisa slowly brought a hand to her cheek, feeling the after burns and warm skin under her fingers. Someone was definitely going to be angry with her after this. Make that a few.

"You are spent Phoenix. Come quietly" the voice was hypnotic and deep

"I will never go back willingly to her"

"So shall it be"

The temperature skyrocketed; a sauna like feel encompassed the room. Nagisa was sweating in seconds. The Phoenix may be a being of fire, but this was not Phoenix fire or fire of warmth. This was a wildfire, untamed and deadly to all. Nagisa knew she had reached her limit as once more fatigue overcame her. Fire lanced out towards her in whips and she braced for the pain. It never came. A gentle breeze cooled the room down and the fire whips sizzled out. Red gold flecked eyes snapped open to find an angry pair of purple ones that was so filled with a deadly aura, Nagisa was surprised the fire elemental hadn't dropped dead from it.

Akemi had enough of watching her weakened friend battle the Bear, she was proud of her for sure but now it was her turn. Facing the elemental head on she knew that her own gifts would clash drastically with the other. Water and fire after all never did mix. Flames shot out towards her and smoke filled the room, Akemi shielded herself and moving her hands in circles the air quickly cleared. Just in time to see a small smoke like figure brush past her and straight into the hallways beyond. Akemi wasted no time in pursuing it as she slammed open the door and rushed out.

"Block its escape. Fight it on your ground" Nagisa's voice shouted out after her.

Akemi knew what her friend meant. Feeling her gifts she summoned a heavy water fall to block off doors, most importantly the portal room. Running after him she sealed doors and passageways leading it to the ledge. 'Perfect!' Summoning her gifts, the earth trembled beneath her feet and a fierce storm filled the sky. The Dragon wondered if the elemental was angry…she dodged to the left as a huge fireball was shot her way. Oh she was definitely making it angry. The Isle folk screamed and hugged the walls as they saw a pursuit. The elemental made the ledge and to its dismay the only way was up, water cascaded down the worn rugged path that led downwards. Akemi hurled a jet of water its way watching as it sizzled into steam. The two were evenly matched. They both ran and shot at each other making their way higher and higher up the mountainside, closer and closer to a familiar ground.

Purple eyes nearly missed a short stocked figure as she sent a small whirlwind at her target. The golden sheen of the Council room made her sigh in relief, but for the elemental it was another matter entirely. A huge vortex of fire erupted blowing Akemi straight off her feet and leaving her quite breathless at her landing. The fire elemental was a huge ball of fire, it sparks emanating its anger as it shot one after another at its pursuer. Akemi encased in her own shield looked to the sky. The blackened clouds were gathering in fast as she felt its desire to be released. At the corner of her eye she saw Darian glance back down the path; her mind quickly deduced that reinforcements were coming. Another huge stream of fire battered against her shield making it sizzle and splutter. A tug in her gut told her that her storm was ready. Her eyes shot to the sky, her purple irises turned stormy grey. The storm clouds rumbled and shook its pleasure, as a few drops fell then it unleashed its load. Rain fell in a torrent quickly soaking everything and anyone still outdoors. The amount of rain made it all but difficult to see, as Akemi carefully lowered her shield and took a step forward.

Amidst the rain and howling winds Akemi saw the smoky figure on the floor drenched and shivering, looking simply overwhelmed to cause any more harm. Akemi about to turn around missed the tell-tale signs of a spark. Before she could muster any defence a stream of Phoenix fire halted the elementals attack. Yasu and Asa had come behind the golden mist and were just in time. A clatter of feet from behind signalled the arrival of the girls and Kei, huffing and puffing to a standstill. Akemi didn't see Nagisa with them which made her worry. Yasu quickly bound the elemental whose laboured breathing and twitching were becoming more frantic. Asa on the other turned towards her charges with a fierce glare that rivalled Nagisa's own. Without even a word the mother Phoenix turned on her heel and walked through the mist with Yasu bringing the captive behind her, the Few and Mythicals shared a worried look as they trooped on in with the members of the Council all looking a bit bedraggled from their recent shower.

Sora spotted his granddaughter and heaved a weary sigh "My scales preserve me. Akemi I knew this was you're doing"

Akemi hung her head sheepishly "It was for a good cause"

"I've heard that before" Sora replied with a small twitch to his large mouth that looked like a smile trying to break free.

"I hate being wet." The Hydra muttered darkly

"Join the club. Wish the reptiles would make it stop." Yaya agreed before a bop to her side, courtesy of Tamao, made her realise who she was agreeing with. Echion with his many heads simply looked amused.

"I want to know what is going on" Asa demanded fiercely looking to her son and then to Shizuma

The group was hesitant to speak, not because they were ashamed, but of the barely concealed anger and worry that emanated from the motherly woman. They all now knew who Nagisa got her protective instincts from as well as her temper. Shizuma made to step forward to stand by her brother and the reptile, until a warm voice spoke.

"Don't be too harsh on them please. They only did what that they had to"

Nagisa had arrived clutching tightly to Darian as she hobbled forwards to stand amongst the Council and her family. Nagisa felt Shizuma's arms gently hold her, releasing the dwarf, as she carefully studied her friends. They were relatively unharmed which made her sigh in relief.

"Start from the beginning young one" Alana asked of her and so she did.

Retelling all what happened the night before and what had happened in the room everyone was spellbound. Nagisa felt a soft brush against her marked cheek and the arms then tightened around her. Akemi was given looks of admiration and shock as she took over her telling which she enjoyed immensely.

"So telling your elders never crossed your minds, as we could have easily helped with this trap of yours." Echion said sarcastically

"We had no idea who was the spy and never did it cross our minds that there might be two" Kei tried to placate him

"What has happened is in the past, we have now something else to deal with" Yasu gestured to the twitching form on the ground

"It will die either way Father, by Her hands or nature's own." Nagisa bluntly told them

"I'm guessing no deals can be made" Shion asked

"Can it talk?" Miyuki peered closer at the elemental

The twitching became violent as it jerked the body of the ground and cries of pain tore from it. The Council backed away apart from Yasu who merely stepped in front of his wife protectively. No one decided to get close. Its spasms erratically increased and his cries grew louder. For what seemed like an age the elemental convulsed until just as suddenly it stopped. Nagisa watched in horrid awe at the scene before her, somewhere in her foggy mind something seemed to click. She should know what was going on. Disentangling herself from Shizuma, with great reluctance, she took a step forward with Yasu quickly by her side and an arm around her waist in support. Leaning into him she took one step forward until flame eyes shot her way making her jump.

"My lady has found it and awakened its power. Beware the Queen. You will feel her wrath before this is over" it barely managed to speak as it coughed and spat

Yasu sensing something pulled his daughter back as a death scream erupted, black runes appeared on its smoky frame and the spasms once more took over. A collective gasp, from all those present, as they watched on in terrified silence. A silvery image was being wrenched free from the elemental, as it detached further it soon became clearer that the silvery image bore a resemblance to the screeching prisoner. The soul was ripped free and the body slumped to the floor. In a flash the soul was whisked away and everything was as it was. Nagisa was the first to move as she walked as quickly as she could to the fallen body checking vitals, yet finding none. She tried her own magic, her song of souls, yet she couldn't sense the soul within the body or nearby. It made no sense however it seemed all too familiar.

"What the hell was that?!" Yaya screeched after finding her voice

"Yaya!" multiple voices scolded her

"Little one what is it?" Sora spoke gently to Nagisa

Asa strode to her daughter's side and gently knelt besides her placing an arm around her waist in comfort and support. Yasu stood behind them and Kei and Shizuma behind him. What everyone thought would be an explanation or questions; instead they received a plan which everyone agreed on

"We must find the answers quick, for we have far too little time left"