SHIFT 2 - Purgatory

And the flames climb higher

Nagisa cried out. He began to run along the rocky shore. All the while he chanted. The marks on his skin began to glow. His body blazed with the lightening magic. Lucifer dove toward the waters, Mori right behind him. Ziren had the sense to land on the shore to let his passengers off. In all the chaos, no one noticed the form of Lunestra disappearing.

Her voice floated into Nagisa's mind. "Protect him, for all his remaining days." She demanded of him.

"On my honor, I will! Just give him back to me!" He screamed.

Three dogs dove into the water. Coldar stood on the edge holding the trident like spear. He gazed at the stillness of the ocean before him. As if his gaze awoke something within the dark depths, the water began to froth. It swirled, mist began to rise up out of it. Nagisa yelled Ryu's name.

No response came. He dropped to his knees beside his best friend. Forcing himself back to his feet. He staggered toward the water's edge. Ryu. The only name in his head. The light from his magic reflected over the surface. He needed to go down there. He could light up the dark depths for them. A hand stopped him.

"You step into that water and your will fry them all!" Collin yelled in his ear.

Siris appeared above the water. Once more he dangled form Lucifer's tendrils. The pale face of his brother swiveled to look upon Nagisa.

"For once, let us help you." He commanded.

Nagisa lowered himslef back to his knees. The lightening dying around him. Collin moved closer, but Coldar didn't even flinch. He stood, waiting. His gaze locked into the center of the upheaval. The water grew ever more agitated.

It splashed great waves flowing out from the center mass . The mist grew thicker. Then, as if something was cooking, the water began to bubble. They popped as more formed. Each rolling over the others. The water surged up and down as if the ocean were breathing. The staff in Coldar's hand began to glow an ethereal light. It shined brightly out over the water.

The surface tension broke. Three dog heads floated just above the water. Between them was a dark black mass. Nagisa cried out. He launched himself up, running before the others were even aware of what they were seeing. Lucifer's tendrilss gently lifted the unconscious head up.

Ryu was brought to Nagisa's feet. He pulled the heavy body to him. Falling back, he landed in the water, on his ass. He cradled the head of his lover, now back in human form. He searched with skilled hands to find any sign of life.

The chest didn't move. He could feel any breath against his cheek. Twisting about, Nagisa scrambled to get the body out of the water. Lucifer stood on the shore. He helped by reeling in the tendrils still connected to the teen. The three ghost dogs went back to their master. They settled around Coldar's feet.

Nagisa rolled Ryu over. His eyes were closed. He wasn't breathing. Nagisa beat at his chest. A gentle hand stopped him.

"You know that won't help." His mother whispered.

"I can't shock his heart, not when he is wet!" Nagisa wailed.

"Then let's get him unwet." She smiled down at him.

"Ziren?" The dragon appeared as did Mori in his half state.

They stood on either side of the body. Nagisa ripped the cloth from the boy's toned muscled chest. As the dragons steam dried the unconscious boy, Nagisa evoked his magic. He laid a hand on Ryu' chest, another on his side.

"Get off of the shore. Get to the rocks." He ordered everyone.

"I'm not..." Ziren began.

"GO NOW!" Nagisa yelled, lightening flashing in his eyes.