Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha Character Creation and Discussion

[Keroko]

Originally Posted by LoweGear

TRRRIIIIIIIIIPPLLE KILL!!!!!!!!!

XD

He must've been much loved after that move, defeating 4 heroes at once

We couldn't stop laughing for minutes after it. Even our oponents laughed and applauded him after getting over the "WTF!? " Moment.

[Tormenk]

Originally Posted by LoweGear

I also thought the same initially

I find comfort in the knowledge someone else had difficulty in deciding on what exactly he was reading.

Actually there's the Lord of Olympia's ThunderGod's Wrath ability... but you'll need some 1337 skills (and some allied help) to be able to multiple kill with that ability

Originally Posted by Keroko

Or sheer dumb luck, like my friends and me had not two weeks ago. Battles were scattered all over the place, everyone was low on health, my friend pops Thundergods Wrath and BOOM!

4 kills, the remaining falling shortly afterwards and grins on our faces for the rest of the game.

Originally Posted by LoweGear

TRRRIIIIIIIIIPPLLE KILL!!!!!!!!!

XD

He must've been much loved after that move, defeating 4 heroes at once

All heroes. Allies aren't spared as well, was what I meant since Nighty's work takes no prisoners.

Boy, the Zeus must be laughing his head off then. Dumb luck ftw!

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Keroko

We couldn't stop laughing for minutes after it. Even our oponents laughed and applauded him after getting over the "WTF!? " Moment.

They better. The guy has impeccable timing

Originally Posted by Tormenk

All heroes. Allies aren't spared as well, was what I meant since Nighty's work takes no prisoners.

Boy, the Zeus must be laughing his head off then. Dumb luck ftw!

Aaah sou Yup, no ability like that so far

And like they say, "I'd rather be lucky then good".

[Dream_Traveller]

@Keroko and Lowe:

I am wildly assuming this is City of Villains talk...

...

Am I right?

*Runs from impending doom.*

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Dream_Traveller

@Keroko and Lowe:

I am wildly assuming this is City of Villains talk...

...

Am I right?

*Runs from impending doom.*

Actually, it's Defense of the Ancients, aka DotA

Now I'm wondering why not many people are adapting it here in the OC...

*hides Allied Top Secret Plans*

[haiz123321]

Originally Posted by FieryAeon

Oi oi...Hayate is no shoutacon!

Heh, you think I care?

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Chrono really seems to be the most fitting.

No doubt since he is around their age...

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

You're making me seriously miss FFVIII!!!
<sulks in corner>

My bad, then why don't you go play it, unless you lost your disc of course

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

Actually, I'm just trying to be funny

But you've got a sick sense of humor

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

I really don't But I can do something with Yui if you want

WANT!

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

Hell no.
Plausible.
Maybe, though I won't touch it.
Nahhh...

Plausible.
Maybe, but not so promising.
Hell no.

You have to have a relation with anything that makes people lose blood

Originally Posted by Tormenk

Fully seconded. Dota doesn't have a skill that kills all heroes yet but Epicenter certainly fits very nicely.

WTF mode Thundergod's Wrath, spam

[Dream_Traveller]

Never heard of it.

*Runs from doom again.*

All this talk of "killing heroes" confused me...

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Dream_Traveller

Never heard of it.

*Runs from doom again.*

All this talk of "killing heroes" confused me...

Check it out here, and while you're at it, you can find out more here (might need to refresh to get the pages to load properly)

[Chaos2Frozen]

Originally Posted by FlameSparkZ

R-right...I certainly hope so...

Shall I pm it to you first?


(And just checking, you do have more or less the general idea of how Cero is, right ?)

Originally Posted by FlameSparkZ

...I don't even know what Karin's voice sounds like

Very manly

[FieryAeon]

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

<laments on not having any feasible scenarios for Hayate for the meanwhile>

Like I said Hayate needs much love and attention, after strikers shafted her like an abandon mine. >_>

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

[Konata]KOKORO TOMOYO!!![/Konata]

*high fives*

Originally Posted by Aaron008R

Why not think of it as just MOE! instead of fanservice?

Errr...that might work. So that would justify any smitten looks and gleaming eyes. *cough cough*

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

But no... I must think of another way... Something else that would bring out Keroko's cute side...

Do want. *is waiting*

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

How do I explain this ?

'Unexpecting, slightly crazy, yet you can see it happening' might be one way of putting it... I guess...

:O unexpecting, crazy, and yet can see it happening (doesn't that contradict with unexpecting? lol) But somehow I think I understand.

Originally Posted by LoweGear

And lots of... probing and... thrusting... and grinding... and pushing... and pulling...

...


...


...


...

Of swords!!!!!

Eliminate 2 words and the whole thing becomes oh so wrong.

Originally Posted by haiz123321

Heh, you think I care?

I shall remember this!
*sends Itsuki to take Erio (the char) out of commission*

[Chaos2Frozen]

Originally Posted by FieryAeon

:O unexpecting, crazy, and yet can see it happening (doesn't that contradict with unexpecting? lol) But somehow I think I understand.

No no It's like... Something that you would never see it coming, but when it does hit you, you realized that it could work


And example would be my Chrono/Carim story.

[LoweGear]

Hmmmmm I found something interesting while searching for random pics... You might be interested Lord Chaos

Spoiler for Otto? Looking Womanly?:

[Dream_Traveller]

Originally Posted by LoweGear

Check it out here, and while you're at it, you can find out more here (might need to refresh to get the pages to load properly)

Hm, hm!

Seems intriguing. I'll look into it further.


And, since, GL has totally smitten me, here's a crack preview:

Spoiler for Heh...:

V weakly levered himself back up, in spite of bleeding profusely from his multitude of wounds. He opened up a communications window, showing Hayate on the other side.

"Hayate..." he asked, his voiced a mere whisper. "Are the...others off?"

At first, the brunette appeared surprised by the masked man's sudden inquiry, but she nodded in reply. "Nanoha-san and the rest are off the ship, and the fleet is preparing to-"

V couldn't help but grin. "Don't bother."

"What?! You're planning on staying on the ship?" Her words spoke volumes, and her tone was direct as she tried to persuade him. "You'll get incinerated!"

She saw V shake his head in was appeared to be disappointment and mutter under his breath. "Hayate, Hayate..."

Then, in a swift movement despite his weakened state, he adopted a stance once more, and yelled in an outcry:

"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!"

Yes, V goes Kamina. Not sure if it suits his character at all, but...

*Runs.*

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Dream_Traveller

And, since, GL has totally smitten me, here's a crack preview:

Spoiler for Heh...:

V weakly levered himself back up, in spite of bleeding profusely from his multitude of wounds. He opened up a communications window, showing Hayate on the other side.

"Hayate..." he asked, his voiced a mere whisper. "Are the...others off?"

At first, the brunette appeared surprised by the masked man's sudden inquiry, but she nodded in reply. "Nanoha-san and the rest are off the ship, and the fleet is preparing to-"

V couldn't help but grin. "Don't bother."

"What?! You're planning on staying on the ship?" Her words spoke volumes, and her tone was direct as she tried to persuade him. "You'll get incinerated!"

She saw V shake his head in was appeared to be disappointment and mutter under his breath. "Hayate, Hayate..."

Then, in a swift movement despite his weakened state, he adopted a stance once more, and yelled in an outcry:

"WHO THE HELL DO YOU THINK I AM?!"

Yes, V goes Kamina. Not sure if it suits his character at all, but...

*Runs.*

Talk about sudden turnaround Even V has absorbed the essence of GAR All he needs now is a Kamina-level speech (since he seems quite articulate in making them), and he wins acceptance into the Dai-Gurren-Dan

[Dream_Traveller]

Originally Posted by LoweGear

Talk about sudden turnaround Even V has absorbed the essence of GAR All he needs now is a Kamina-level speech (since he seems quite articulate in making them), and he wins acceptance into the Dai-Gurren-Dan

Heheh, indeed.


Oh, and what inspired me to do that...

Spoiler for Row Row...:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wUV3bo...elated&search=

If only I knew how to use video tags...

[Chaos2Frozen]

Originally Posted by LoweGear

Hmmmmm I found something interesting while searching for random pics... You might be interested Lord Chaos

Spoiler for Otto? Looking Womanly?:

Now THIS is indeed interesting...

[PhoenixFlare]

Wee, spoiler!

To standardize:
Normal text and conversation will be using the standard font.
Monologues will be italicized.
[Telepathic conversations will be italicized and closed by brackets.]
<Device names, spells, and speeches will be italicized and closed by braces.>

Although I like to use color codes for conversations, the amount of tags it require would be crazy, so let's stick to this.

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha GuardianS

Prologue—Profeitin Shrifti

Spoiler for Scene I:

[Saint Church, Head’s Office] [January 16th, MC 081] [0730 hours]

“That ends my report for today, Knight Carim,” a voice sounded over the projection before a golden-haired lady. “I hope that is helpful.”

“Yes, it is,” the lady nodded her agreement. She smiled. “Good work, and thank you.” The person in the projection, a middle-aged officer, bowed slightly, and the projection disappeared.

Carim Gracia rose for her seat behind the well-made wooden desk, and removed the curtains so that sunlight filtered into the office. It was spring, and dawn came early, even though it was only seven in the morning. Most people would still be asleep now, but not her. She always woke up at six o’clock, a routine that had become habitual. In any case, she was the leader of the Saint Church, and rest was a luxury to people of her position.

The sun peeked over the distance, sending golden hues against the lightening sky. It was a beautiful day, where flowers were blooming in earnest, the winds were warm, and most of all, peaceful.

No, she corrected herself. Peace, among all others, is absent. She frowned: something about the report made earlier by one of her officers troubled her.

She returned to her working desk, whereupon she found herself a stack of card-like paper that was crackling at the edges, bound by a simple white ribbon. This was the manifestation of her Ancient Belkan power. Unlike most mages, her power could not be used for battles. However, it was still an important—and powerful—one on its own terms: it allowed the prediction of a future every year. Vague as they were, the predictions were all but accurate, having been able to foretell the coming of a future that had already passed. Now, another future awaited them, cloaked in mystery and darkness.

She took the stack, and rose. As she walked to the middle of the office room, she prayed: Hopefully, this year would be less hectic or dangerous than the last. She unraveled the ribbon binding the stack, and released them. Surprisingly, instead of falling to the floor, one by one, the individual pieces separated and began to surround her in a slow circle. “Profeitin Shrifti,” she murmured.

Immediately, the pieces began to glow. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, several pieces detached from the circle and flew to her front. Where once was a blank paper, there were inscriptions now, written in Ancient Belkan runes. Not many were been able to read that particular language anymore, but it was not a problem for Carim. She read the four pieces of prophecy arranged before her.

And she uttered a low gasp, her eyes bulging in disbelief. T-this … cannot be! For the first time in her life, Carim felt a terrible coldness gripped her. A bead of sweat dropped unbidden from her fair face. Even when she had read the prophecy five years ago on the Scaglietti incident, she had not felt this way. It seemed that her worst fear had been confirmed.

There is no helping it, she told herself, clenching her fist to stymy the fear. I must prepare immediately. She opened her hand, and the pieces of prophecies returned to her hand in a neat stack. She bound them together with the ribbon, and returned to her desk. With systematic calmness, she took a blank paper and began writing what she planned to do. Each letter, however, seemed to be excruciatingly long, and the tension since the revelation returned with a disturbing alacrity. Then, she called her personal assistant via a hologram.

“Sister Schach.” Her voice was particularly sharp such that it surprised even herself.

“Yes, Knight Carim? How may I help you?” came the polite reply. Having served Carim Gracia for several years now, Schach Nouera knew that her mistress was serious by her demeanors and tone of voice, thus she also skipped the pleasantries. Like Carim herself, she was also an early bird, with many duties awaiting to be done.

“Please arrange a meeting with Admiral Harlaown immediately. Also, if possible, contact the Heads of the Special Investigations and Enforcer units and ask them if they would be able to attend. This is important.”

“As you wish, Knight Carim,” the sister said.

“Thank you,” Carim replied. Then, she seemed to remember something and added, “Oh, and I’m sorry about this. Good morning, Sister Schach.” She smiled faintly.

“It’s all right, Knight Carim. And good morning to you, too,” Schach smiled. “Anyway, I will see to your orders now.” Carim nodded, and the projection ended.

The smile on Carim's lips vanished, and her thoughts returned unbidden into the turbulent abyss.

Spoiler for Scene II:

[Unknown Location] [January 16th, MC 076] [1312 hours]

Three people were seated in a luxurious room that was draped in such a way it was covered in semi-darkness. Sunlight could hardly filter in through the thick velvety curtains. A single source of light illuminated the room, coming from an expensive-looking table-lamp. There was a heavy silence in the room, all three apparently in deep thought.

“Are you sure this is all right, Grandia?” a woman’s voice broke the silence, a gentle sound reminiscence of the gurgle of water. The person she was addressing—a handsome man with shoulder-length hair the color of vibrant autumn—did not answer, but merely nodded. He had a distant look on his expression.

“What are you so worried about, Sharazad?” another voice spoke, this one akin to a small girl’s. “After all, the Jewel is found just as the Magi have said, no?”

“I know, Vestrell,” the woman named Sharazad replied. “It’s just that, this is a crime, no matter how you look at it. Even if our reasons were justified, breaking into a building and stealing is wrong.” Sharazad, a beautiful lady with a regal air and lustrous, wavy long hair, appeared flustered, and she seemed troubled.

Vestrell shrugged. “We only do what we are supposed to do. The Magi say that we need only to gather the Jewels together. It’s not like we’re killing or burning anything, are we?” Vestrell then smiled mischievously. “Or are you afraid?”

Sharazad’s face hardened. “Of course not! I understand the purpose we have in this, but it is still wrong. Is there no other approach that we can take? Also, it’s not like the law enforcement officers in this planet would sit back and watch as we ‘borrow’ the Tomes.”

The man called Grandia responded this time, his voice tight. “That’s enough, Sharazad. Our mission is very important that we cannot simply abandon it just because it’s breaking the law. We are not bound to it in the first place. You know as much as I do that these people would not simply lend the Tomes to us even if we asked, or they would not have placed such high security to protect them. As long as we do not hurt anyone, then it’s all right.”

“But, if they were to put up resistance?” Sharazad questioned. Grandia did not reply.

“Then, we fight them, of course!” Vestrell replied excitedly. Sharazad frowned at her, but did not comment. Silence returned to the room.

The door to the room opened suddenly, and a tall, lean man entered. “Trystahn!” Vestrell cried in delight. “Have you gotten our next assignment?” He nodded.

Upon hearing that, Grandia rose, and said, “Then, let’s go.” Sharazad seemed reluctant, but followed without question. Grandia, after all, was their leader; the Magi gave him absolute command.

Vestrell was laughing happily, the prospect of being able to fight still lingering in her head, as they proceeded out the room, and the door was closed.

Spoiler for Scene III:

[Saint Church, Head’s Office] [January 16th, MC 081] [1722 hours]

Carim was seated behind her desk, reading a document without actually registering it, when a projection started in front of her. It was Schach.

“Knight Carim,” she addressed.

“Yes, Sister Schach?” she said rather urgently. She had been trying to put away the morning’s incident from her mind, but it had lodged on like an insidious parasite, gnawing at the edges of her thoughts. “Do you bring news?”

“Yes, Knight Carim. I have followed your orders this morning, and made an arrangement for a meeting with the Admiral. He has agreed to have it on the 18th, at 0900 hours. He suggested it to be here before rushing off. Apparently, he is busy investigating something. As for the heads of the other two units, I have tried to contact them all day, but they are not around. I’ve placed a message with their officers to inform them of the meeting,” Schach said at length.

“I understand,” Carim replied. “Thank you, Sister Schach. I appreciate the hard work.”

“No problem,” Schach said. “If there are no other orders, I will attend to other duties now.”

“Yes, that will be all. Thanks again.” Schach smiled, and the projection closed. Carim's expression became grim. There was a mixture of desperation and anxiety in her face.

Profeitin Shrifti did not give a prediction this time, she thought bitterly.

She closed her eyes, trying to drink in the calming darkness, letting her mind settle slightly. However, her hands refused to obey, and they shivered despite the warmth of spring that permeated even into the room.

It gives a warning.

So, that's it for now. Although not as thrilling as it should be, I hope it's satisfying.

Rant: No! University awaits tomorrow. :cries:

[FlameSparkZ]

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

Shall I pm it to you first?

Sure...

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

(And just checking, you do have more or less the general idea of how Cero is, right ?)

Not really


Well, just finished writting the last part of chapter 18, so here goes!

Spoiler for Resolve - Part 4:

As Koji talked to Cinque, Maren opened a holodisplay, "Enforcer Fate, this is Enforcer Maren."
[Yes...Maren? Why do you-] Fate blinked as she saw her with her fox ears.
"It's a bit of a long story..." She paused, "But I'm informing that we've secured two Sentoukijin."
[The same here, Scaglietti has also been apprehended. Investigator Acous and Sister Schach each captured one as well.] Fate reported.
"Then, we are to meet at the entrance?" Maren asked.
[You go on ahead, I still have something to do.] Fate replied.
"Understood, we'll be going then." Saying that, Maren closed the display.

As Maren turned around, she saw Koji kneeled as he looked at Cinque trying to get up.
"Is something wrong?" Maren asked.
"Well..." Koji turned to Maren.
"M-My legs are numb...I can't move them." She treid to get up again.

"It must have been from the battle." Koji said worried.
Treize looked at Cinque, "Onee-san..."
"Ah..." Cinque looked at her, then put her hand on Treize's head, "I'm okay, don't worry, my legs are just tired." She smiled.
"un..."Treize nodded.

Seeing that, Koji nodded to himself and turned his back to Cinque, "Here, I'll carry you."
"Eh? But..." She hesitated.
"Just do it." Koji insisted.
Cinque blinked."O-okay..."
Without anyone telling her, Treize helped Cinque climb Koji's back.
"Thanks." Cinque said, Treize replied with a nod.

Getting up, Koji turned to Maren, "What did Fate-senpai say?" He started walking.
"Enforcer Fate said that we go first, she still has matters to attend to." Maren followed him.
"ano..." Koji paused. "Fate-senpai saw you, didn't she?"
"Yes..." She nodded.
Koji sighed, "It't can't be helped..."
----------------------------

The group walks down the hall, passing by remains of Drones that were destroyed before meeting Treize and Cinque.
As they returned to the surface, the silence was...disturbing.
"This hallway didn't seem this long when we were fighting Drones..." Koji wondered are he walked with Cinque on his back.
"This is the deepest section of the lab, also the most secure because on going experiences..." Cinque explained.
"So it's isolated from the rest of the lab, in case of an accident." Maren speculated.
"Yes." Cinque confirmed. "Making it the longest route to the exit..." Cinque then remembered. "Wasn't this way supposed to be sealed?"
Koji giggled, "We knocked but no one answered. So we let ourselves in~" He grinned.
"I-I see..." Cinque blinked.

Treize walked at Koji's side, she looked at Maren, who was ahead of them.
She noticed her tails, her head tilted to the side as she blinked, then looked at Cinque...no tails.
And, just to be sure, looked behind her...no tails either.
She looked forward once more, blinked, and quicked her step.
"Treize?" Cinque saw her walk up to Maren.

Then, Treize grabbed one of her tails.
"Kya-!" Maren squealed as she felt her tail being grabbed.
"Eh?" Koji let out as he saw Maren reacting like that.
Maren looked behind her, "A-ano, what are you doing?" a hint of red could be seen on her cheeks.
"...fluffy..." Treize commented as she felt the tail.
"Thank you, but could you let go?" aren asked.

Then, Treize began stroking it.
"Trei..ze...p-please...stop." Maren tried to speak as Treize kept stroking the tail.
(K-kawaii...) Koji stood there watching Maren in that situation.
Since Koji wasn't doing anything to stop it Cinque decided to intervene, "Treize." She called her.
Treize looked at Cinque.
"I think it's better you let go of her tail..." Cinque asked her nicely.

Hearing her Onee-san's request, Treize nodded and stopped fiddling with Maren's tail, letting it go afterwards.
Relieved, Maren panted, "Th-thank you..." She replied with a flushed face.
"M-Maren...are you okay?" Koji asked.
"Yes...I was just surprised." She assured him.
----------------------------

It's been a while since Koji and the others have been walking in that long hall.
"We should be almost there..." Cinque noted.

Then, the ground started shaking and green barriers formed along the hallway.
"What's happening?" Koji looked around.
Cinque immedeatly knew what it was, "Someone must have activated the lab's self-destruction sequence. We better hurry!"
"Che..." Koji sneered, "Maren." He signaled her.
"Yes." Maren nodded, turned to the barrier blocking their path

Pulling back her fist, she charged it with a magical aura, "Barrier..." and punched the barrier, "Break!"
The barrier instantly shattered, Maren turned to them, "Let's go."

They all nodded, Maren went ahead to break any barriers that blocked their path, Treize followed her.
Koji looked behind him, "Cinque-san, hang on tight, it'll be a bumpy ride" He smirked.
"Ah...yes." She nodded and held onto him tigher.

As they ran, the ceiling began to crack and debris started falling.
"Honestly! Why must every single secret lab I go to end up blowing up?" Koji complained as he dodged the falling debris.
Cinque blinked as he complained.
----------------------------

Reaching the exit, Maren and Koji saw Sister Schach and Inspector Acous there, along with several Church Knights and Ground Forces Clerks.
"Good, you're here." Acous said relieved. "I was about to search for you."
Koji looked around, "Where's Fate-senpai?"
"Still inside, trying to stop the lab from exploding." Schach stepped forward.
"We have to go get her-" Koji was then interrupted.
"She said she'll be alright, give her some time." Acous asked him.
"O-okay..." Koji replied.

"More importanly...What of those two?" Acous meant Cinque and Treize.
"Uh...well." Koji hesitated.
"They-" Maren was interrupted by Cinque.
"I was captured by these two, I surrendered after being defeated." Cinque explined.

"And the little miss?" Acout turned to Treize.
"It seems she wasn't involved in any of the incidents..." Maren reported.
"I see...I haven't processed all of the memories I got from their leader, so I don't have information on her yet." Acous confessed.

Then it hit Acous, "Enforcer Maren...that look." Schach nodded.
Maren blinked, "Eh?"
"Ahhh~ Maren, you forgot about changing back." He pointed it out.
"I'm sorry, I'll explain later..." Maren replied.

"Anyway, where can we put these two for now?" Koji asked
"Over there, with the others." Schach stepped out of the way, showing Uno and Sein.
"Treize-chan, follow me." Koji looked down at the young Number.
She nodded and followed him.

As Koji walked up to the other Numbers, Sein raised her head, "Cinque-nee..." Then noticed the girl next to them, "Treize!"
"Onee-san." Treize walked up to Sein.
"Treize, thanks goodness you're okay." Sein was almost crying.
"Onee-san?" Treize blinked.
"It's ok, I'm just happy." Sein smiled.

Uno looked at Koji as he kneeled and gently set Cinque down, next to Treize and Sein.
(This boy...no doubt about it, it's him...) and then saw Cinque cooperating with him.
"Sorry, even though you agreed to cooperate, I'll have to bind your hands." He apologized.
Cinque shook her head, "I understand...I've done my fair share of crimes, I have to be arrested."
Koji nodded and bound her wrists together.

Uno then said, "Cinque, what is the meaning of this?"
Cinque turned to Uno, "It's over Uno, I will no longer follow your's or the Doctor's orders." She said it clearly.
"Are you betraying us?" Uno asked.
"No..." Cinque shook her head, "I'm following my own heart, to protect that which I hold dear."
Cinque looked at Sein and Treize, who were talking, "...for the sake of our younger sisters." and smiled.

As Koji backed off, Maren stepped forward and formally arrested them.
"You are under arrest for cooperating with the Wide-area dimensional criminal, Jail Scaglietti."
"If you recognize your crimes and seek shelter, you will be allowed to start anew."
"You will be given a fair trial and the statement in your defense will be listened to."
"After the trial, you will be sent to a correctional facility accordingly to your crimes, where you shall wait for the verdict."
----------------------------

Not too long after that, Freid landed, with Fate, Erio as well as Scalietti and Number 3 and 7.
Caro, along with Voltaire met up with the group, she ran to them and leapt to Fate's embrace, who hugged Caro and Erio.
Acous, Schach, Koji and Maren smiled at that 'family reunion'.

Maren's eyes met with Voltaire's, he nodded.
"Maren-san?" Caro blinked as she saw her walk up to Voltaire.
Then she and Erio noticed Maren's ears and tails, "Maren-san you have-" But were interrupted by Fate.
"She'll explain later, let her be." Fate smiled at them.
They simply nodded.

Maren looked up at Voltaire and bowed respectfully, (Greetings, Voltaire-sama. Forgive my rudeness, but I'd like to speak in this manner.)
(I understand. You must be the young lady Arkethus spoke of, the Divine Flame.) Voltaire replied
Maren kept her head low, showing respect, (Yes.)
(Raise your head, there's no need for formalities here. Besides, you have been appointed as one of the candidates to Ark's place.) Voltaire commented.
Her eyebrows arched with worry, (I...) She paused, (I'm too young for such a responsibility.)
(That might be true, but time is running short, rumors of Ark's condition are spreading amoung mystical beasts. Soon, every powerful beast will want a chance to claim his place.)

(If I may ask, have there been any news on the attacker that has been killing my kind?) Maren asked.
Voltaire folded his arms, (No...it conceals its aura quite well and flees after an attack, making it hard to locate.)
(I see...) She looks down.
(One thing we know...it targets only those born with the sign of the Golden Crest: golden eyes, the same eyes as Ark and you.)
(That title again...) Maren said to herself, clenching her fist. (Why must I be haunted by it?)
(The others that were killed were most likely trying to protect their friend from the attacker.) Voltaire explained. (So remember, even though you survived, you are still a target.)
(Yes, I'll be careful.) Maren nodded.

(Then, my I ask you a favor?) Voltaire asked.
(O-Of course! Anything.) Maren replied instantly.
Voltaire looked at Caro with Fate and Erio, (When I'm not around, look after my Summoner for me.)
Maren looked at Caro, nodded, and looked abt at Voltaire, (I will.)
(There aren't many humans like her these days...but seeing her, gives me hope.) Voltaire spoke gently.
(Yes...) Maren smiled, (I too have found someone like that...) She looks at Koji, he notices her gaze, and smiles back.
(Then go to his side, young one. Treasure him.) Voltaire said.
(Yes!) She said happily. (Excuse me...) She bowed and ran to them.
(*sigh* Cubs these days...) Voltaire said to himself as he saw her jump into Koji's arms.

"M-Maren? Why are you so suddenly happy?" Koji blinked.
"No reason...no reason at all." She hugged him tighter. (That's right, if I worry, Koji-sama will be worried as well, so...)
----------------------------

Sending Voltaire back, Caro walked to Fate's side.
"I see, everyone is okay, thank goodness." Fate said as she spoke with Shari through holodisplay.
[Yes.] Shari confirmed. [Alto will be there soon to pick you up.]
"Understood, we'll wait then." And Fate closed the display.

Fate turned to Koji, "What was is it that you wanted to talk about?" She asked.
"Yes, as Fate-senpai might know already, excluding Ginga-san, there were twelve known Sentoukijin, yet..."
Koji stepped aside, revealing Maren with Treize next to her. "We met this girl before capturing another Sentoukijin."
"Enforcer Fate has more experience with such cases, so we'd like to know what will be of her." Maren asked.
"I see." Fate approached Treize and bent over, "Hi, I'm Fate. What's your name?" She said gently.
"...Treize." She said calmly.
Fate smiled, "Treize, huh? That's a cute name."

"...Same eyes." Treize said.
"Eh?" Fate blinked.
"Hmm, now that she mentions it, Treize-chan's eyes and Fate-senpai's eyes look alike." Koji noticed.
Fate giggled, "I guess so." She then turned back, "Erio, Caro come here."
They nodded and walked to her, "This is Treize. Treize, these are Erio and Caro." She introduced them.
"I'm Erio Mondial." Erio introduced himself.
"Caro Ru Lushe, and this is Fried." She turned to the small flying dragon, "Kyuu~"
"...Treize." She blinked.
"Let's get along, okay, Trei-chan." Caro smiled.

Treize looked at Erio and Caro, then said, "Same eyes..."
Erio tittered. "Uh...I guess she's right, Caro and I have similar eyes."
"Sisters?" Treize asked.
Erio sweatdropped, "I-I'm a boy..."
Treize tilted her head, "Boy? ...What's that?"
Erio tittered again...
----------------------------

As Caro and Erio spoke to Treize, Koji and Maren talked to Fate about her.
"So, what do you think, Fate-senpai?" Koji asked.
"If she didn't participate in any incident caused by Scaglietti, then there's nothing to worry about."
"Then can we take her with us?" Koji asked. "If something happens I'll take full responsibility!"
"Me too!" Maren joined him.
Fate smiled, "I don't see any problem with it, you have my approval."
Koji and Maren looked at each other.

Then Maren asked, "But her sisters..." Maren noted.
"Yes..." Fate nodded, "The most dangerous ones, along with Scaglietti, will probably be sent to an off-world maximum security prison."
"And what of Cinque-san?" Koji asked.
Fate smiled, "Rest assured, with your statements, she'll stay in the same rehab facility as her younger sisters."

Koji sighed with relief, "Good, then I'll be able to keep my promise to Cinque-san."
"Promise?" Fate blinked.
"Well...All Cinque-san wants is to be with her sisters, so I promised I'd do everything I could to make that happen." He scratched the back of his head.
Fate giggled, "That's so like you."
Koji tittered.
"The heli is here." Maren said, looking at the sky.
----------------------------

As Alto took them to the Arthra, Fate, Caro and Erio rested leaned on each other.
"So...Inspector Acous and Sister Schach will be escorting the captured Sentoukijin and Scaglietti, along with Church Knights and the Ground Forces."
"Yes." Maren nodded. "This incident is over." She sighed with relief, leaning onto Koji's shoulder.
"Tired?" Koji asked.
"A little..." She closed her eyes. "I just feel like staying like this for a while."
"Okay..." Koji replied softly.

Noticing Treize looking at them, Koji called her, "You don't need to sit there alone." He tapped on the free seat next to him.
Treize blinked, got up and walked to him, sitting by his side, then imitating Maren.
Koji tittered inward, "You'll be staying with us for a while your sisters are away, okay?" He asked.
Treize nodded silently.
"It'll be fun, there's lots of interesting people where we are going, I'm sure you'll get along with them...eh?"
As Koji looked down at Treize, she was already sleeping.
He raised an eyebrown as he smiled, "Maybe I too should rest a bit..." and closed his eyes.

The heli flew back to the Arthra, throught that blue sky, that is once more safe for everyone to fly in...
----------------------------

Well, that's it for chapter 18, chapter 19 will be called, Calm Days, and I don't think there'll be much fighting for a while
This goes all the way to the first half of episode 26

Lots of things happening
And some character development

So, if you have some questions I'll answer them...if I can

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by Dream_Traveller

Heheh, indeed.


Oh, and what inspired me to do that...

Spoiler for Row Row...:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wUV3booHbmo&mode=related&search=

If only I knew how to use video tags...

KAMINA-SAMA!!!!!




On how to use video tags:

Use ["youtube"]link["/youtube"] (removing the quote marks)

HOWEVER, you must only insert the last few characters of the link, for example in your link you only insert the "wUV3booHbmo", typically the last few characters in the youtube link after the "=". For related links, like the one you just posted, the address is between "=" and the "&mode=related&search=".

So in your link, here's the link you insert:

//uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wUV3booHbmo&mode=related&search=

So the tag looks like: ["youtube"]wUV3booHbmo["/youtube"]

Hope that helps

Originally Posted by Chaos2Frozen

Now THIS is indeed interesting...

[LoweGear]

Originally Posted by PhoenixFlare

Wee, spoiler!

To standardize:
Normal text and conversation will be using the standard font.
Monologues will be italicized.
[Telepathic conversations will be italicized and closed by brackets.]
<Device names, spells, and speeches will be italicized and closed by braces.>

Although I like to use color codes for conversations, the amount of tags it require would be crazy, so let's stick to this.

Spoiler for Prologue: Profeitin Shrifti:

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha GuardianS

Prologue—Profeitin Shrifti

[Saint Church, Head’s Office] [January 16th, MC 081] [0730 hours]

“That ends my report for today, Knight Carim,” a voice sounded over the projection before a golden-haired lady. “I hope that is helpful.”

“Yes, it is,” the lady nodded her agreement. She smiled. “Good work, and thank you.” The person in the projection, a middle-aged officer, bowed slightly, and the projection disappeared.

Carim Gracia rose for her seat behind the well-made wooden desk, and removed the curtains so that sunlight filtered into the office. It was spring, and dawn came early, even though it was only seven in the morning. Most people would still be asleep now, but not her. She always woke up at six o’clock, a routine that had become habitual. In any case, she was the leader of the Saint Church, and rest was a luxury to people of her position.

The sun peeked over the distance, sending golden hues against the lightening sky. It was a beautiful day, where flowers were blooming in earnest, the winds were warm, and most of all, peaceful.

No, she corrected herself. Peace, among all others, is absent. She frowned: something about the report made earlier by one of her officers troubled her.

She returned to her working desk, whereupon she found herself a stack of card-like paper that was crackling at the edges, bound by a simple white ribbon. This was the manifestation of her Ancient Belkan power. Unlike most mages, her power could not be used for battles. However, it was still an important—and powerful—one on its own terms: it allowed the prediction of a future every year. Vague as they were, the predictions were all but accurate, having been able to foretell the coming of a future that had already passed. Now, another future awaited them, cloaked in mystery and darkness.

She took the stack, and rose. As she walked to the middle of the office room, she prayed: Hopefully, this year would be less hectic or dangerous than the last. She unraveled the ribbon binding the stack, and released them. Surprisingly, instead of falling to the floor, one by one, the individual pieces separated and began to surround her in a slow circle. “Profeitin Shrifti,” she murmured.

Immediately, the pieces began to glow. For a moment, nothing seemed to happen. Then, several pieces detached from the circle and flew to her front. Where once was a blank paper, there were inscriptions now, written in Ancient Belkan runes. Not many were been able to read that particular language anymore, but it was not a problem for Carim. She read the four pieces of prophecy arranged before her.

And she uttered a low gasp, her eyes bulging in disbelief. T-this … cannot be! For the first time in her life, Carim felt a terrible coldness gripped her. A bead of sweat dropped unbidden from her fair face. Even when she had read the prophecy five years ago on the Scaglietti incident, she had not felt this way. It seemed that her worst fear had been confirmed.

There is no helping it, she told herself, clenching her fist to stymy the fear. I must prepare immediately. She opened her hand, and the pieces of prophecies returned to her hand in a neat stack. She bound them together with the ribbon, and returned to her desk. With systematic calmness, she took a blank paper and began writing what she planned to do. Each letter, however, seemed to be excruciatingly long, and the tension since the revelation returned with a disturbing alacrity. Then, she called her personal assistant via a hologram.

“Sister Schach.” Her voice was particularly sharp such that it surprised even herself.

“Yes, Knight Carim? How may I help you?” came the polite reply. Having served Carim Gracia for several years now, Schach Nouera knew that her mistress was serious by her demeanors and tone of voice, thus she also skipped the pleasantries. Like Carim herself, she was also an early bird, with many duties awaiting to be done.

“Please arrange a meeting with Admiral Harlaown immediately. Also, if possible, contact the Heads of the Special Investigations and Enforcer units and ask them if they would be able to attend. This is important.”

“As you wish, Knight Carim,” the sister said.

“Thank you,” Carim replied. Then, she seemed to remember something and added, “Oh, and I’m sorry about this. Good morning, Sister Schach.” She smiled faintly.

“It’s all right, Knight Carim. And good morning to you, too,” Schach smiled. “Anyway, I will see to your orders now.” Carim nodded, and the projection ended.

The smile on Carim's lips vanished, and her thoughts returned unbidden into the turbulent abyss.

--------------------------------

[Unknown Location] [January 16th, MC 076] [1312 hours]

Three people were seated in a luxurious room that was draped in such a way it was covered in semi-darkness. Sunlight could hardly filter in through the thick velvety curtains. A single source of light illuminated the room, coming from an expensive-looking table-lamp. There was a heavy silence in the room, all three apparently in deep thought.

“Are you sure this is all right, Grandia?” a woman’s voice broke the silence, a gentle sound reminiscence of the gurgle of water. The person she was addressing—a handsome man with shoulder-length hair the color of vibrant autumn—did not answer, but merely nodded. He had a distant look on his expression.

“What are you so worried about, Sharazad?” another voice spoke, this one akin to a small girl’s. “After all, the Jewel is found just as the Magi have said, no?”

“I know, Vestrell,” the woman named Sharazad replied. “It’s just that, this is a crime, no matter how you look at it. Even if our reasons were justified, breaking into a building and stealing is wrong.” Sharazad, a beautiful lady with a regal air and lustrous, wavy long hair, appeared flustered, and she seemed troubled.

Vestrell shrugged. “We only do what we are supposed to do. The Magi say that we need only to gather the Jewels together. It’s not like we’re killing or burning anything, are we?” Vestrell then smiled mischievously. “Or are you afraid?”

Sharazad’s face hardened. “Of course not! I understand the purpose we have in this, but it is still wrong. Is there no other approach that we can take? Also, it’s not like the law enforcement officers in this planet would sit back and watch as we ‘borrow’ the Tomes.”

The man called Grandia responded this time, his voice tight. “That’s enough, Sharazad. Our mission is very important that we cannot simply abandon it just because it’s breaking the law. We are not bound to it in the first place. You know as much as I do that these people would not simply lend the Tomes to us even if we asked, or they would not have placed such high security to protect them. As long as we do not hurt anyone, then it’s all right.”

“But, if they were to put up resistance?” Sharazad questioned. Grandia did not reply.

“Then, we fight them, of course!” Vestrell replied excitedly. Sharazad frowned at her, but did not comment. Silence returned to the room.

The door to the room opened suddenly, and a tall, lean man entered. “Trystahn!” Vestrell cried in delight. “Have you gotten our next assignment?” He nodded.

Upon hearing that, Grandia rose, and said, “Then, let’s go.” Sharazad seemed reluctant, but followed without question. Grandia, after all, was their leader; the Magi gave him absolute command.

Vestrell was laughing happily, the prospect of being able to fight still lingering in her head, as they proceeded out the room, and the door was closed.

--------------------------------

[Saint Church, Head’s Office] [January 16th, MC 081] [1722 hours]

Carim was seated behind her desk, reading a document without actually registering it, when a projection started in front of her. It was Schach.

“Knight Carim,” she addressed.

“Yes, Sister Schach?” she said rather urgently. She had been trying to put away the morning’s incident from her mind, but it had lodged on like an insidious parasite, gnawing at the edges of her thoughts. “Do you bring news?”

“Yes, Knight Carim. I have followed your orders this morning, and made an arrangement for a meeting with the Admiral. He has agreed to have it on the 18th, at 0900 hours. He suggested it to be here before rushing off. Apparently, he is busy investigating something. As for the heads of the other two units, I have tried to contact them all day, but they are not around. I’ve placed a message with their officers to inform them of the meeting,” Schach said at length.

“I understand,” Carim replied. “Thank you, Sister Schach. I appreciate the hard work.”

“No problem,” Schach said. “If there are no other orders, I will attend to other duties now.”

“Yes, that will be all. Thanks again.” Schach smiled, and the projection closed. Carim's expression became grim. There was a mixture of desperation and anxiety in her face.

Profeitin Shrifti did not give a prediction this time, she thought bitterly.

She closed her eyes, trying to drink in the calming darkness, letting her mind settle slightly. However, her hands refused to obey, and they shivered despite the warmth of spring that permeated even into the room.

It gives a warning.

So, that's it for now. Although not as thrilling as it should be, I hope it's satisfying.

Rant: No! University awaits tomorrow. :cries:

Wow, very nice, yet very simple descriptive writing style, and off to a good start with Carim's prophecy and Sister Schach. And it seems our three new characters here will be following the Nanoha antagonist tradition, looking forward to how this, and the new warning plays out

Originally Posted by FlameSparkZ

Sure...


Not really


Well, just finished writting the last part of chapter 18, so here goes!

Spoiler for Resolve - Part 4:

As Koji talked to Cinque, Maren opened a holodisplay, "Enforcer Fate, this is Enforcer Maren."
[Yes...Maren? Why do you-] Fate blinked as she saw her with her fox ears.
"It's a bit of a long story..." She paused, "But I'm informing that we've secured two Sentoukijin."
[The same here, Scaglietti has also been apprehended. Investigator Acous and Sister Schach each captured one as well.] Fate reported.
"Then, we are to meet at the entrance?" Maren asked.
[You go on ahead, I still have something to do.] Fate replied.
"Understood, we'll be going then." Saying that, Maren closed the display.

As Maren turned around, she saw Koji kneeled as he looked at Cinque trying to get up.
"Is something wrong?" Maren asked.
"Well..." Koji turned to Maren.
"M-My legs are numb...I can't move them." She treid to get up again.

"It must have been from the battle." Koji said worried.
Treize looked at Cinque, "Onee-san..."
"Ah..." Cinque looked at her, then put her hand on Treize's head, "I'm okay, don't worry, my legs are just tired." She smiled.
"un..."Treize nodded.

Seeing that, Koji nodded to himself and turned his back to Cinque, "Here, I'll carry you."
"Eh? But..." She hesitated.
"Just do it." Koji insisted.
Cinque blinked."O-okay..."
Without anyone telling her, Treize helped Cinque climb Koji's back.
"Thanks." Cinque said, Treize replied with a nod.

Getting up, Koji turned to Maren, "What did Fate-senpai say?" He started walking.
"Enforcer Fate said that we go first, she still has matters to attend to." Maren followed him.
"ano..." Koji paused. "Fate-senpai saw you, didn't she?"
"Yes..." She nodded.
Koji sighed, "It't can't be helped..."
----------------------------

The group walks down the hall, passing by remains of Drones that were destroyed before meeting Treize and Cinque.
As they returned to the surface, the silence was...disturbing.
"This hallway didn't seem this long when we were fighting Drones..." Koji wondered are he walked with Cinque on his back.
"This is the deepest section of the lab, also the most secure because on going experiences..." Cinque explained.
"So it's isolated from the rest of the lab, in case of an accident." Maren speculated.
"Yes." Cinque confirmed. "Making it the longest route to the exit..." Cinque then remembered. "Wasn't this way supposed to be sealed?"
Koji giggled, "We knocked but no one answered. So we let ourselves in~" He grinned.
"I-I see..." Cinque blinked.

Treize walked at Koji's side, she looked at Maren, who was ahead of them.
She noticed her tails, her head tilted to the side as she blinked, then looked at Cinque...no tails.
And, just to be sure, looked behind her...no tails either.
She looked forward once more, blinked, and quicked her step.
"Treize?" Cinque saw her walk up to Maren.

Then, Treize grabbed one of her tails.
"Kya-!" Maren squealed as she felt her tail being grabbed.
"Eh?" Koji let out as he saw Maren reacting like that.
Maren looked behind her, "A-ano, what are you doing?" a hint of red could be seen on her cheeks.
"...fluffy..." Treize commented as she felt the tail.
"Thank you, but could you let go?" aren asked.

Then, Treize began stroking it.
"Trei..ze...p-please...stop." Maren tried to speak as Treize kept stroking the tail.
(K-kawaii...) Koji stood there watching Maren in that situation.
Since Koji wasn't doing anything to stop it Cinque decided to intervene, "Treize." She called her.
Treize looked at Cinque.
"I think it's better you let go of her tail..." Cinque asked her nicely.

Hearing her Onee-san's request, Treize nodded and stopped fiddling with Maren's tail, letting it go afterwards.
Relieved, Maren panted, "Th-thank you..." She replied with a flushed face.
"M-Maren...are you okay?" Koji asked.
"Yes...I was just surprised." She assured him.
----------------------------

It's been a while since Koji and the others have been walking in that long hall.
"We should be almost there..." Cinque noted.

Then, the ground started shaking and green barriers formed along the hallway.
"What's happening?" Koji looked around.
Cinque immedeatly knew what it was, "Someone must have activated the lab's self-destruction sequence. We better hurry!"
"Che..." Koji sneered, "Maren." He signaled her.
"Yes." Maren nodded, turned to the barrier blocking their path

Pulling back her fist, she charged it with a magical aura, "Barrier..." and punched the barrier, "Break!"
The barrier instantly shattered, Maren turned to them, "Let's go."

They all nodded, Maren went ahead to break any barriers that blocked their path, Treize followed her.
Koji looked behind him, "Cinque-san, hang on tight, it'll be a bumpy ride" He smirked.
"Ah...yes." She nodded and held onto him tigher.

As they ran, the ceiling began to crack and debris started falling.
"Honestly! Why must every single secret lab I go to end up blowing up?" Koji complained as he dodged the falling debris.
Cinque blinked as he complained.
----------------------------

Reaching the exit, Maren and Koji saw Sister Schach and Inspector Acous there, along with several Church Knights and Ground Forces Clerks.
"Good, you're here." Acous said relieved. "I was about to search for you."
Koji looked around, "Where's Fate-senpai?"
"Still inside, trying to stop the lab from exploding." Schach stepped forward.
"We have to go get her-" Koji was then interrupted.
"She said she'll be alright, give her some time." Acous asked him.
"O-okay..." Koji replied.

"More importanly...What of those two?" Acous meant Cinque and Treize.
"Uh...well." Koji hesitated.
"They-" Maren was interrupted by Cinque.
"I was captured by these two, I surrendered after being defeated." Cinque explined.

"And the little miss?" Acout turned to Treize.
"It seems she wasn't involved in any of the incidents..." Maren reported.
"Now that you mention it, my sources dont have information on her." Acous confessed.

Then it hit Acous, "Enforcer Maren...that look." Schach nodded.
Maren blinked, "Eh?"
"Ahhh~ Maren, you forgot about changing back." He pointed it out.
"I'm sorry, I'll explain later..." Maren replied.

"Anyway, where can we put these two for now?" Koji asked
"Over there, with the others." Schach stepped out of the way, showing Uno and Sein.
"Treize-chan, follow me." Koji looked down at the young Number.
She nodded and followed him.

As Koji walked up to the other Numbers, Sein raised her head, "Cinque-nee..." Then noticed the girl next to them, "Treize!"
"Onee-san." Treize walked up to Sein.
"Treize, thanks goodness you're okay." Sein was almost crying.
"Onee-san?" Treize blinked.
"It's ok, I'm just happy." Sein smiled.

Uno looked at Koji as he kneeled and gently set Cinque down, next to Treize and Sein.
(This boy...no doubt about it, it's him...) and then saw Cinque cooperating with him.
"Sorry, even though you agreed to cooperate, I'll have to bind your hands." He apologized.
Cinque shook her head, "I understand...I've done my fair share of crimes, I have to be arrested."
Koji nodded and bound her wrists together.

Uno then said, "Cinque, what is the meaning of this?"
Cinque turned to Uno, "It's over Uno, I will no longer follow your's or the Doctor's orders." She said it clearly.
"Are you betraying us?" Uno asked.
"No..." Cinque shook her head, "I'm following my own heart, to protect that which I hold dear."
Cinque looked at Sein and Treize, who were talking, "...for the sake of our younger sisters." and smiled.

As Koji backed off, Maren stepped forward and formally arrested them.
"You are under arrest for cooperating with the Wide-area dimensional criminal, Jail Scaglietti."
"If you recognize your crimes and seek shelter, you will be allowed to start anew."
"You will be given a fair trial and the statement in your defense will be listened to."
"After the trial, you will be sent to a correctional facility accordingly to your crimes, where you shall wait for the verdict."
----------------------------

Not too long after that, Freid landed, with Fate, Erio as well as Scalietti and Number 3 and 7.
Caro, along with Voltaire met up with the group, she ran to them and leapt to Fate's embrace, who hugged Caro and Erio.
Acous, Schach, Koji and Maren smiled at that 'family reunion'.

Maren's eyes met with Voltaire's, he nodded.
"Maren-san?" Caro blinked as she saw her walk up to Voltaire.
Then she and Erio noticed Maren's ears and tails, "Maren-san you have-" But were interrupted by Fate.
"She'll explain later, let her be." Fate smiled at them.
They simply nodded.

Maren looked up at Voltaire and bowed respectfully, (Greetings, Voltaire-sama. Forgive my rudeness, but I'd like to speak in this manner.)
(I understand. You must be the young lady Arkethus spoke of, the Divine Flame.) Voltaire replied
Maren kept her head low, showing respect, (Yes.)
(Raise your head, there's no need for formalities here. Besides, you have been appointed as one of the candidates to Ark's place.) Voltaire commented.
Her eyebrows arched with worry, (I...) She paused, (I'm too young for such a responsibility.)
(That might be true, but time is running short, rumors of Ark's condition are spreading amoung mystical beasts. Soon, every powerful beast will want a chance to claim his place.)

(If I may ask, have there been any news on the attacker that has been killing my kind?) Maren asked.
Voltaire folded his arms, (No...it conceals its aura quite well and flees after an attack, making it hard to locate.)
(I see...) She looks down.
(One thing we know...it targets only those born with the sign of the Golden Crest: golden eyes, the same eyes as Ark and you.)
(That title again...) Maren said to herself, clenching her fist. (Why must I be haunted by it?)
(The others that were killed were most likely trying to protect their friend from the attacker.) Voltaire explained. (So remember, even though you survived, you are still a target.)
(Yes, I'll be careful.) Maren nodded.

(Then, my I ask you a favor?) Voltaire asked.
(O-Of course! Anything.) Maren replied instantly.
Voltaire looked at Caro with Fate and Erio, (When I'm not around, look after my Summoner for me.)
Maren looked at Caro, nodded, and looked abt at Voltaire, (I will.)
(There aren't many humans like her these days...but seeing her, gives me hope.) Voltaire spoke gently.
(Yes...) Maren smiled, (I too have found someone like that...) She looks at Koji, he notices her gaze, and smiles back.
(Then go to his side, young one. Treasure him.) Voltaire said.
(Yes!) She said happily. (Excuse me...) She bowed and ran to them.
(*sigh* Cubs these days...) Voltaire said to himself as he saw her jump into Koji's arms.

"M-Maren? Why are you so suddenly happy?" Koji blinked.
"No reason...no reason at all." She hugged him tighter. (That's right, if I worry, Koji-sama will be worried as well, so...)
----------------------------

Sending Voltaire back, Caro walked to Fate's side.
"I see, everyone is okay, thank goodness." Fate said as she spoke with Shari through holodisplay.
[Yes.] Shari confirmed. [Alto will be there soon to pick you up.]
"Understood, we'll wait then." And Fate closed the display.

Fate turned to Koji, "What was is it that you wanted to talk about?" She asked.
"Yes, as Fate-senpai might know already, excluding Ginga-san, there were twelve known Sentoukijin, yet..."
Koji stepped aside, revealing Maren with Treize next to her. "We met this girl before capturing another Sentoukijin."
"Enforcer Fate has more experience with such cases, so we'd like to know what will be of her." Maren asked.
"I see." Fate approached Treize and bent over, "Hi, I'm Fate. What's your name?" She said gently.
"...Treize." She said calmly.
Fate smiled, "Treize, huh? That's a cute name."

"...Same eyes." Treize said.
"Eh?" Fate blinked.
"Hmm, now that she mentions it, Treize-chan's eyes and Fate-senpai's eyes look alike." Koji noticed.
Fate giggled, "I guess so." She then turned back, "Erio, Caro come here."
They nodded and walked to her, "This is Treize. Treize, these are Erio and Caro." She introduced them.
"I'm Erio Mondial." Erio introduced himself.
"Caro Ru Lushe, and this is Fried." She turned to the small flying dragon, "Kyuu~"
"...Treize." She blinked.
"Let's get along, okay, Trei-chan." Caro smiled.

Treize looked at Erio and Caro, then said, "Same eyes..."
Erio tittered. "Uh...I guess she's right, Caro and I have similar eyes."
"Sisters?" Treize asked.
Erio sweatdropped, "I-I'm a boy..."
Treize tilted her head, "Boy? ...What's that?"
Erio tittered again...
----------------------------

As Caro and Erio spoke to Treize, Koji and Maren talked to Fate about her.
"So, what do you think, Fate-senpai?" Koji asked.
"If she didn't participate in any incident caused by Scaglietti, then there's nothing to worry about."
"Then can we take her with us?" Koji asked. "If something happens I'll take full responsibility!"
"Me too!" Maren joined him.
Fate smiled, "I don't see any problem with it, you have my approval."
Koji and Maren looked at each other.

Then Maren asked, "But her sisters..." Maren noted.
"Yes..." Fate nodded, "The most dangerous ones, along with Scaglietti, will probably be sent to an off-world maximum security prison."
"And what of Cinque-san?" Koji asked.
Fate smiled, "Rest assured, with your statements, she'll stay in the same rehab facility as her younger sisters."

Koji sighed with relief, "Good, then I'll be able to keep my promise to Cinque-san."
"Promise?" Fate blinked.
"Well...All Cinque-san wants is to be with her sisters, so I promised I'd do everything I could to make that happen." He scratched the back of his head.
Fate giggled, "That's so like you."
Koji tittered.
"The heli is here." Maren said, looking at the sky.
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As Alto took them to the Arthra, Fate, Caro and Erio rested leaned on each other.
"So...Inspector Acous and Sister Schach will be escorting the captured Sentoukijin and Scaglietti, along with Church Knights and the Ground Forces."
"Yes." Maren nodded. "This incident is over." She sighed with relief, leaning onto Koji's shoulder.
"Tired?" Koji asked.
"A little..." She closed her eyes. "I just feel like staying like this for a while."
"Okay..." Koji replied softly.

Noticing Treize looking at them, Koji called her, "You don't need to sit there alone." He tapped on the free seat next to him.
Treize blinked, got up and walked to him, sitting by his side, then imitating Maren.
Koji tittered inward, "You'll be staying with us for a while your sisters are away, okay?" He asked.
Treize nodded silently.
"It'll be fun, there's lots of interesting people where we are going, I'm sure you'll get along with them...eh?"
As Koji looked down at Treize, she was already sleeping.
He raised an eyebrown as he smiled, "Maybe I too should rest a bit..." and closed his eyes.

The heli flew back to the Arthra, throught that blue sky, that is once more safe for everyone to fly in...
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Well, that's it for chapter 18, chapter 19 will be called, Calm Days, and I don't think there'll be much fighting for a while
This goes all the way to the first half of episode 26

Lots of things happening
And some character development

So, if you have some questions I'll answer them...if I can

And Resolve ends very nicely here, with some kawaii tail-pulling ( Go Treize ), a touching Numbers reunion, a rather unexpected discussion between Voltaire and Maren, and more Maren/Koji moments

Although hope future Sound Stages or Manga chapters train the Ion Canon on this awesome chapter