Hi everyone! Please don't hate me too much. I've had terrible writers block and personal life has gotten quite hectic. I do promise that I will finish this story but my updates will be slow. Enjoy! :)

Chapter 11

The days flew by as the Astraea girls once more dove themselves into their training and for some like Tamao, immersed herself into the history archives. Yet they all continued to watch Nagisa like hawks, for she pushed herself harder and longer than anybody else. Shizuma watched on partly in despair and pride, knowing that her bonded was doing it for them. But something was to break up the routine. The War itself was to rear its face closer to home and hit them hard.

Outside the mountain down in a pasture close to the rocky face, the girls were in a middle of a practice session. Kei was refereeing as he dodged between the attacks of the fighters, both of whom were seriously, but in good spirits, going at it whole heartedly. In the red corner was Shizuma who dived to avoid a dart that was thrown with skill as the blue corner competitor hissed in annoyance. It seems Miyuki hated when things didn't go as planned. Nagisa watched with a bright smile as she saw how far her friends had progressed.

"Come on Shizuma-sama! Fry that snake!" Yaya fist jumped nearly hitting Shion

"Miyuki use close strikes" Tamao tried to help out her girlfriend

Nagisa just chuckled at the advice that was thrown out there, along with the friendly insults. Even though Shizuma had an edge over Miyuki didn't mean that it was simple. Besides it gave the President an outlet to vent her frustrations on, the teases and stress the Etoile had given her was all being let loose. 'I wonder if these girls would have achieved their full potential if I hadn't shown up. How different their life would have been…. I shouldn't dwell on 'what if' it doesn't do me any good. I don't have to worry too much on their behalf in a fight. Now we know where we must go, what awaits us there? There must be...' A huge clamour of applause and shouts knocked the girl into reality, her eyes instantly drawn to the smug face of Shizuma helping a mildly disappointed Miyuki to her feet. Kei was beaming like a proud father as he slapped the girls on their backs in praise.

"You missed it didn't you Nagisa-chan" Chikaru whispered into her ear

A slight blush rose to Nagisa's cheeks as she heard her friend "I must admit I did miss the ending."

Putting a comforting arm around the younger girl she pulled her closer to her side wanting to give Nagisa reassurance "Nagisa-chan don't fret too much about all of this. I know we are going in blind mostly but as everything is right now it is all we can do. Rely on us to help you through and it may very well work out."

Nagisa grew silent at the Witch's words her heart swelled with affection as her watery eyes glanced over her friends, no her family. The young Phoenix vowed a silent oath to herself, one she took before. 'I will protect them as much as I can with all that I am. As I know they will do the same for me and each other. Our bond can't be broken. I will not let it.'

"Well my little fireball it seems like you're up." Shizuma told her not looking a tad bit jealous of the two's embrace as she sidled up to her bonded

Nagisa just shook her head in response "I'm not sparring today Shi."

"Yes you are Nagisa" Yaya bounced over "You're up against the mighty Kei and his flames of might" over dramatizing the whole thing making everyone eye roll at her antics

Kei himself walked over giving her a lopsided grin "You need the training more than anyone Spark. I want to know you're fully fit, especially with you going on a mission so soon."

Nagisa once more shook her head but was immediately hushed. Shizuma could be quite scary Nagisa was finding out. "It's sparring love and we all know you can fight. However you have been hurt, kidnapped, possibly tortured, lost in a spirit realm and now you're missing parts of yourself. We…no…I need to know that whatever comes our way, that you can defend yourself even with all the baggage."

"I would have just pushed you into the ring" Yaya mumbled earning her a smirk off of Tamao

Nagisa looked at each of their faces seeing all of them with determination etched on. This was a battle she wasn't going to win. 'Pushy women!'

A distress horn blew, interrupting them mid discussion and as one they turned to face the commotion. It wasn't hard to spot. Flames soared to the sky as the forest burned below. Elven horns were blown in random intervals and many of the forests inhabitants left its shadow. The group with horror filled eyes watched on in disbelief.

"Meira…Ion" Nagisa muttered panicky

Shizuma barely turned before her bonded and brother took off "Stop them!" Shizuma cried as she reached for her girl

The few seconds gave the siblings a head start. Shizuma had gotten a tenuous hold of Nagisa, who was frantically trying to break free. Tamao, Yaya and Kagome soon latched on, dragging her to the ground. The fairy had to resort to hard tactics as she sat upon the Phoenix's back looking a little pink. Shizuma spared a glance at Kei, seeing that he was pinned under the remaining girls.

"Meira and Ion are in there" Nagisa yelled tears filling her eyes "Let me go"

But they held on. The forest dwellers were crowding a ways from its borders, as they tried to put out the remaining fire. An ash covered centaur rode out, speaking hushed tones to the evacuees.

"Ion!" Nagisa yelled to her friend

Shizuma nodded to her friends to let her up as did the others for Kei. Nagisa wasted no time pelting over to Ion, giving him a huge hug as she leapt on him. Kei waited patiently for his sister to be put down before giving his own version of a hug. It took a moment for Nagisa to spot it. Ion had tear marks streaking down his cheeks, clearly seen thanks to his ashen face.

"Ion what is it?" Nagisa said hesitantly

Ion shuddered in a deep breath before releasing a strangled gasp. Red gold flecked eyes blinked rapidly at the coming of tears.

"Meira?! A strangled whisper escaped her

A deep sob was her answer. It shocked her to the core to see her friend so overcome with grief, as he always kept the stronger emotions close to his chest. Beside her Kei was silently crying his soft sobs shaking his lithe body. Still Nagisa just stood and stared as her world became silent and colourless before her. She never heard them arrive nor did she hear their own cries, nothing penetrated her bubble. 'Meira? No…that cannot be. It doesn't make any sense. She's an elf, knows the woods better than most she would have found a way to…I don't understand... She was fine…'

"Nagisa…Nagisa." A whispered plea begged her

The young Phoenix slowly turned her numb filled eyes to see a sorrowful Shizuma by her side. All the redhead did was stare. For a long time the two bonded hearts just gazed into each other, knowing nothing could not be done nor words that will help. Nagisa's bubble imploded. Sounds attacked her senses painfully but still she did not stir. Her red eyes were locked on the yellow ones before her. Even when the horns blew the all clear it mattered little to the anguished Mystical. Even so the pain in her heart made her words come out low and filled with supressed pain.

"Why? Why Meira? Why?" her voice choking

Shizuma instantly engulfed Nagisa in a strong hug pulling her close to her chest. The etoile didn't speak, letting her fireball set the pace. She didn't have to wait long.

"Why can't I cry?" Nagisa whimpered

Shizuma took a deep breath trying to steady her own tears as she heard her bonded speak, the raw pain that laced her words. "Oh love. You're trying too hard."

Nagisa just went immobile. She quietened her mind and forced her breathing to normal. The sounds around her filled her as finally took everything in. Nagisa let herself feel. Tears came slowly at first then harder as her sobs shook her body. Only the strong arms that were wrapped around her kept her from falling. A hole was now torn into Nagisa's heart, one she was sure would never truly heal.

It was a saddened group of girls that left the Isle, their morale severely hitting rock bottom from the happenings of the past couple of days. Even more for their light, whose happy smile and bubbly nature had yet to return. Shizuma was keeping a close eye on her, as from her own experience knew that it would just take time and care, which her beloved had in abundance. Shizuma heaved a sigh as she trudged onwards following Nagisa as Tamao held onto a map directing them. Her thoughts wandered briefly to the previous day.

It was dusk; the light barely broke through the leaves making the small grove glisten. Mythicals stood immobile circling the edge of the grove, mostly Elf in their fine woodland garb and stoic expressions. Shizuma saw that her own little group were the only non-elves as she was joined by Akemi and Ion. Nagisa and Kei was not included. However it wasn't a joyful occasion, the sight that filled the middle of the grove poured acid over her open wounds. An Elder strode to the small group of burial shrouds; the beautiful musical language flowed in a sombre tone as he began the last rites. Shizuma watched as the Elder gestured and used magic as one by one he touched their shrouds each in deep respect. When the final few words were spoken a bright light erupted from the Elder's hands and when the light dimmed just enough, Shizuma saw that the shrouds now bore an ethereal glow.

Straightaway her attention was captured by the most enchanting music she had ever heard. Shizuma noticed that her friends were riveted by the music as well, the song whilst not familiar, the way it touched her heart was.

"The Last Goodbye. It's an honour for many to hear them sing at such times. She always liked their songs" Akemi whispered

Yellow gold flecked eyes were drawn to the far side of the small grove, where two red heads entered. Both were dressed simply, Nagisa in a deep crimson dress, highlighted with gold runes that seemed to flow as she moved, reaching her knees fitting her all in the right places where as Kei himself wore a red shirt with worn black trousers but his runes were black and both siblings feet were bare. Shizuma stared as her bonded and brother sang making their way into the middle. Their song began to change from an enchanting tone to a more saddened one, filled with underlining sorrow. Tears streamed down her face. Nagisa lifted her hands, small spurts of fire shot off into the darkening sky as she took over the singing. The etoile watched as more and more sparks filled the area, Nagisa's voice now being drowned out by the slightly deeper tone of Kei, whose eyes were closed and arms crossed loosely over his chest. His voice carried well and his sister's sparks seemed to move in tune. The small fires grew and flickered as they each danced over a shroud. One again the tone changed one last time, a soothing calm washed over them all as the duo sang in sync. Kei and Nagisa charmed the fires once more as each of them drifted and melded into a shroud. The beautiful music gradually came to a halt. Its effects were apparent as Shizuma came to realise that her tears and pain had lessened but still very much there.

"The fire and song has spoken. The fires that lit your path and filled your heart may be extinguished, but it will never be forgotten. Your warmth that has given comfort to many will be held close to our hearts…" Nagisa sniffed heavily as her eyes betrayed her pain, Kei with the same look gently pulled his sister to his side holding her and comforting as best he could "…Till our own fires dim we will remember you"

Shizuma breathed in deeply trying to stop any escaping tears, her mind continued from that day to their rushed preparations following. Nagisa insisted that they leave within a few days rushing the group to be ready. The etoile shook her head at the miraculous patience of her friends for not hexing her, as Nagisa certainly deserved a few of them. They had left Kei and Akemi back on the Isle both of whom had jobs and duties to tend to, but they had made it perfectly clear to them to call if they needed it, looking to Nagisa the whole time. A voice jolted her back.

"You know I first met Meira when I was ten." A subdued Nagisa said

Tamao by her side looked a little shocked at the mention of their departed friend couldn't help but ask "What happened? Knowing you Nagisa you made an impression" making them all giggle

Nagisa herself had a small pout on her lips at the tease "That wasn't nice Tamao"

"But so true" Yaya quipped

Shizuma saw Nagisa trying to hide her smile and in turn her lips curled into her own as she waited for the story she knew would come, despite the teasing. Nagisa was a softy after all.

Wisely the red head turned her eyes back to the path in front as she started her tale "It was summer I believe and Kei wasn't born yet. My father had been teaching me the basics of my gifts and one in particular gave me a little trouble. You have seen us in our bird form but not in our pure one, so when I finally managed to switch I was ecstatic. I flew over the plains in joy, my parents watched me with fondness. Unfortunately I had a tendency to overdo things a little…" A loud snort interrupted her and Shizuma let a few giggles escape "…well I decided to have a little fly to get used to my form. I headed to the forest. That's when I realised something very important. I couldn't return to my pure form. I…somehow… got caught in a net as I was resting under a tree and hauled away like prey" Tamao and Kagome added in their giggles "To make matters worse I ended up in an Elven village. And as luck would have it Akemi was there dotting about the different catches. I was dumped on the ground and nearly grabbed until I burned the fool and flew away to a near tree." A blush began to crawl up Nagisa's neck "Suffice to say I became centre stage. Akemi was making her snarky remarks and I was getting madder and madder and soon we were throwing insults and minor flames and water at each other. The stupid reptile had a temper on her even then. Then Meira stepped in." a wistful smile graced her lips "Be thankful you've never seen an angry Meira, it was the first I've seen her that way and unfortunately not the last, however it was the first time I saw how big her heart was"

Nagisa grew quiet as she stared off into the distance with only a minor stumble or two. The girls saw their friend walk with lighter steps as she reminisced. They liked to hear her past stories, good ones at least and it seemed to bring Nagisa some relief. So someone had to nudge her.

"Spill Nagisa. Let's hear the rest" Yaya prodded her along

Nagisa pivoted on her feet and carried on walking backwards much to Shizuma's dismay "Well after Meira came in and gave us the glare shutting us up and all. It took a while to get the story of how I came to be there, I wasn't that keen on letting them know I couldn't change back and then Meira gently brought me from the tree and truly calmed me down. I wasn't the first Phoenix she had been in contact with so she just sat with me and talked about her people. Aki was there too adding her snide comments, calling me my nickname for the first time. Mom and Dad were relieved but it got me grounded for a couple of weeks."

Nagisa rolled her eyes at the memory but for the first time since the funeral a true small smile graced her face. The Few with giggles and smiles started to hound the poor Phoenix for details but Nagisa shook her head playfully turning to face the right way, with a helping hand from Shizuma. Startling the woman a little, Nagisa gently burrowed her way into her side sighing contently with Shizuma holding her tightly. No words were spoken as they simply enjoyed each other's warmth.

"We should be coming to the shrine in a little while." Tamao said as she put the map away

Without needing to speak, the Few plus the Mythical got into order, with the strongest surrounding the long range and spell casters. Nagisa led them cautiously up the road; her red eyes scanning the surroundings wary of an attack. Nagisa shook her head a little. 'Damn! This place seems so familiar. I guess my minds still covered in fog. My heart is beating so fast, I wish I knew why.'

"There it is" Shion pointed out as the girls cautiously walked their way forwards.

The shrine was old but well kept. The paths were recently swept and the garden surrounding the building recently trimmed. It was quite similar to most shrines dotted about; no one took much notice to the small details, the extra panels and carvings depicting strange events and creatures. You had to be knowledgeable. Or at best a Few. Nagisa took the lead as she headed for the entrance, pushing the thick wooden doors open to an unlit interior.

"Hello?" Nagisa called before entering

No response. It was unsettling. Moving carefully further inside, flanked by Shion and Yaya, Nagisa conjured up a couple of small fire globes. The main room was empty. The Phoenix scrunched up her nose at the coppery tang in the air, the smell was familiar but it eluded her as to what. The emptiness of the shrine was making her nervous.

"Where is everyone?" Chikaru voiced out the obvious

"This shrine should have priests. It's rarely unattended" Nagisa turned to the group "We need to split up. Shizuma take Miyuki, Tamao and Yaya and search the main floors. I and the rest will search the underground levels. Be careful."

Nagisa kept her eyes fixed on her beloveds longer, trying to relay some small reassurance. Each girl drifted to their own group and each went their separate ways, as Nagisa led her group to the back and down the worn stone stairs. The coppery tang grew more pungent. Courtesy of Kagome small bobbing balls of light in different shades lit the spacious corridors, a network of paths with numerous doors in each direction. Two paths one group.

"You three take the left; the main area is off that way. I'll search this way." Nagisa directed them as she started off on her own

"No way are you going off alone" Shion grabbed onto her arm pulling her to a stop

"I'll go with Nagisa-chan" Chikaru proposed as she came to the redhead's side.

All three girls, the fairy with the most serious expression, stood daring for the Phoenix to argue. Nagisa sighed as she had no choice but to agree nodding her head once in acceptance. Giving Kagome a quick fierce hug and Shion a nod, her and the witch started off.

It was slow progress as they checked each room, all were empty and the idea that something bad happened grew. Finally they came to a stop in front of large double doors, a small silver plaque labelled it 'The Archive'. Here the smell was powerful and the tension was building. Nagisa's hands slowly reached out shoving the door inwards, making a loud grinding noise of disapproval. The girls gagged and winced as the odour washed over them. Barely breathing they took a few steps inside, resisting the ultimate urge of vomiting. Nagisa flung her arm in front of Chikaru preventing her from going in any further. She finally remembered the smell and it wasn't pleasant.

"You will go no further Chikaru. You will stay here and wait to hear from me." The redhead ordered in a tone the witch knew not to disobey.

Nagisa gulped in some fresh-ish air before steadily making her way along. The bookshelves were huge broad and thick, soaring straight to the ceiling. They were jammed to the brim with scrolls, leather bound books and scattered relics mostly acting as paperweights or bookends. The place was literally a maze, as Nagisa swore she was going around in circles everything looked the same. 'How does anyone find anything in here? Not to mention trawling through all the shelves which don't look much organised. Gah! The smell is getting worse. I'm glad I told Chikaru to stay; she doesn't need to see this. They've seen too much as it is. By fire…' Nagisa halted as she came to the source. The maze of shelves opened up to reveal a den like area, filled with a huge table, comfy chairs placed all around with scattered poufs around the edges. The small haven was destroyed by the carnage of death. Four bodies scattered over the place, each one frozen in agony their faces etched with fear. Blood was pooled underneath them, wounds though minor, came mostly from the eyes leaving bloody wakes on pale cheeks.

Nagisa dry heaved as she unknowingly started to cry, her gaze couldn't be torn away from the scene. Her cries grew harsh and her rage built. Body shaking in grief and anger, the Phoenix lit her body on fire, cries now mixed with shouts of rage echoed in the vastness of the archive. Unknowingly she bellowed one name repeatedly. Nagisa couldn't control her despair as her flames grew they turned from bright orange to pure white. Sparks spit daringly close to the nearby books the hum of her power shook them toppling them off shelves. Nagisa saw red. The hurt young woman didn't hear the pitter-patter of feet. Not until a strong pair of familiar arms wrapped firmly around her waist pulling her closer to a warm body, did Nagisa groggily crawl from her rage.

It was dusk; the orange pinkish hues streamed against the darkening sky, contrasting with the natural beauty, down below showed a heavily fortified terrain. Deadened earth and large fires with tents and low canopies dotted about, it surely was a camp of impressive size. Standing out from the rest of the tents, planted nearly right in the middle of camp, a large canopied tent stood surrounded by slumbering beasts of darkness. A shimmering glow shone from its exterior due to the many runes that inscribed on it. This gave the tent an added protection.

Hidden in the shadows, someone moved stealthily towards the centre tent, their pace measured and sure. Large wraiths that stood guard reared their heads growling deeply at the presence, only to fall back to their watchful stance. Moving steadily on, they arrived at the tents entrance where two Mythical guards stood, both alert and battle ready. Soon as they saw them approach they straightened their stance and gave a sharp salute, one opening the flap deferentially. The obvious well- known figure entered and immediately kneeled to a seated figure.

"Rise Unae" the Queen bid "What news have you for me?"

Unae looked squarely at her and tensed his shoulders "My Lady she has arrived at the shrine."

The Queen's aura shifted from calm to agitated, the other two occupants grew uneasy. Both had felt their Queens anger. One shifted nervously.

"If what my faithful Viper has done as commanded, we should have no problems" her eyes shot a warning glare to Taiki

"I did as you ordered my Lady. All who dwelled there is no more"

The youngest of the room remained quiet as he watched the proceedings; his head swivelled from one to the other like watching a tennis match. It bored him like one did too.

"Is that all you have for me Unae?" Kaori looked to her shield

"All I have for now" the Drow said as he gave a short bow

Kaori dismissed them and settled back into her chair staring straight into the roaring fire, her eyes unfocused and body relaxed. 'Everything is coming together nicely. I finally have the power I sought at my fingertips. And my, what power it is. All I wish now is to see my Nagisa fall.'