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2009-10-24, 13:41 | Link #17501 | |
Burst Mode
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Spoiler for Some Suzuka/Alisa:
“Come on, Tsukimura, we should go out sometime. What do you say?”
“I’m sorry. I appreciate your feelings, but I have to decline.” “Why? It’s not like you’re dating anyone! Let’s go, we’ll have lots of fun!” “Um, no, like I said…” It was happening again. Suzuka was never good at handling these persistent types. No matter how many times she politely declined, they would continue to insist on taking her out. Being super popular proved to be quite inconvenient at times. Of course she was flattered by all the attention, but it was still embarrassing. It certainly didn’t help that most of the eyes on her were focused on either her wallet or her chest. The boy in front of her was currently ogling the latter. “I’ll be sure to show you a good time…” His hand slowly outstretched towards her, causing Suzuka to back away a step. She braced for the contact, silently trying to work up the nerve to shout. She never got the chance, as another hand shot out and caught the boy’s wrist. “She said no, so back off!” A new voice growled. “Hey!” The boy cried, trying to pull his hand out of the vice. “Don’t get in my way! This has nothing to do with you!” “The hell it doesn’t! Now get lost before I kick the crap out of you!” To punctuate that point, the boy’s limb was being forced to bend in a way the joints wouldn’t allow under normal circumstances. “Ow! Ok! Ok! I get it!” As soon as his arm was free, he ran away faster than a long nosed pirate. “Guys like that are so pathetic…” “Thank you,” Suzuka turned to her saviour. “Alisa-chan. You helped me out again.” “No problem. But really, Suzuka, you need to be more assertive.” The blond huffed. “Well, you’re definitely a lot better at that then when we were kids, but still. Sometimes guys won’t take no for an answer unless you really drive it in.” “I try, but it’s not that easy…” A smile grace Suzuka’s lips. “I’m glad I have Alisa-chan here to protect me.” “Of course.” Alisa grinned. “I’ve always got your back. You’d save yourself a lot of trouble if you just picked a boyfriend, though. I’m sure not all the guys who ask you out are like that one.” “Well… some of them were really nice, but…” Suzuka glanced away. “I’m not looking for a boyfriend. I… I’m happy just as long as Alisa-chan is by my side.” It took a moment for that to sink into Alisa’s brain. When it did, her face could have stopped traffic. “D-Don’t worry! W-We’ve been together for so long now… I have no intention of leaving you anytime soon!” Suzuka just silently beamed at the flustered girl for a few moments before grabbing the foreigner’s hand. “W-What are you…?” “Being more assertive.” Suzuka glanced at her watch. “If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late for class.” “O-Oh, right. Yeah, let’s go.” “…” “…” “… Alisa-chan is a lot cooler than all the boys anyways.” “Yeah, I… Oi! Is that supposed to be a compliment?!” I've been wanting to do something for Suzuka for awhile now, since I felt bad about giving her the shaft in my one fic to let Alisa and Yuuno have time alone. It'd be too short to put up on FF.net alone, but now I can post it here! EDIT: Uh... this is when I'm supposed to do that page claim thing, right? So page claim for Suzuka, I guess. |
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2009-10-24, 13:50 | Link #17502 |
Worshipper of Nanoha...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: In my imagination...
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For the page claim...you did great!
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My stories can be found here:http://www.fanfiction.net/~alavon |
2009-10-24, 14:53 | Link #17503 |
Vividly Vivio
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AlternativeS Chapter 1 (AS rough draft)
Spoiler for Alternatives 2-1:
I was awake before Bardiche rang out his alarm to tell me it was time to get up. In fact, I had spent the last little while staring at the ceiling of what I knew to be a forward room. Nanoha had given me my room number and Hayate set it to accept me sometime last night when I was having dinner with my friend. Although they called it a 'special room for important guests', I still couldn't help but feel awkward. Here I am, in my home base, laying in a bed that didn't belong to me. I was still slightly in shock from everything that had happened, but I knew that I had to put it behind me and look for a solution rather than mope around. Alternatives II By: Satashi Fate walked down the hallway leading to Nanoha's room briskly. Having being given clothes to wear, the blonde found herself in a standard base uniform that didn't fit quite right but still felt better than her dirty enforcer attire. When she made it to Nanoha' door, she stopped herself from just entering now that she was stored in the device via password, and instead knocked. "Come in!" A perky voice came from inside. The door swished open and Fate looked around, spying Nanoha at her tiny kitchen. "Good morning, did you sleep well?" "No, but I rested enough." Fate told the truth, which got her a look that was mixed between sympathy and amusement. "Did you sleep okay? you didn't wake up too early did you?" The blonde smelt the freshly baked biscuits and bacon before she saw the pan on the stove and light in the oven. "I woke up on my own, don't worry." Nanoha waved her hand over her wheelchair control orb and went to the refrigerator. "How do you like your eggs?" "Scrambled... mind if I join in?" "Some hostess I am, letting my guest do all the work." "I like cooking." Fate moved by Nanoha and started cracking shells. "You want yours over easy with extra pepper, cooked in the bacon grease right?" "That's kind of creepy." Nanoha mused, not sure if she was enjoying this or was weirded out by it. "Tell me, how did I make the biscuits?" "If you're referring to adding in honey, I know your mother taught you to do that when you were young." Nanoha hummed and simply watched the girl cook. "I'd really like to meet me in your world. It must be nice having someone know so much about you." "You're about the same, from what I can tell..." "...I'm sorry, I was being selfish. We'll get you back, don't worry. I'm sure Hayate-chan will want us to meet with her first thing this morning." "What about your students?" "Vita-chan can handle them for the morning lessons, this is more important. We have to get you registered while you are here so you won't be in trouble. Last night's battle will be covered by the civilian collaborator contract, but you need to be in the records for now on." "Yeah..." Fate finished their breakfast while Nanoha removed the now cooked sides. "I just realized I won't have my rank anymore..." Her lips turned up into a small grin. "Should I salute you?" The joke made Nanoha giggle to herself and Fate took comfort in hearing the familiar sound. Spoiler for AlternativeS 2-2:
Just as soon as the two sat down together, A beeping sound came from Nanoha's wheelchair. "Raising Heart, connect please." The command allowed a monitor to appear in front of the girl and Hayate's image formed on it almost instantly. "Good morning, Hayate-chan." "Morning, Nanoha-chan." Hayate replied back in kind. "Could you please bring Fate-chan to my office this morning?" "Already planning on it." Reaching up, she tiled the screen to show Fate was next to her. The blonde smiled and gave a small wave which was returned. "Do you have any idea on what could have put her here?" Hayate shook her head. "I haven't had time to do anything other than talk to everyone in our room last night. Shamal seems to think she could have come through a dimensional rift, but the chances of that are so low its hard to believe. Anyway, I have some people on it. For now, I need her signed as a collaborator before the T.S.A.B swoop in and try to have her signed on. Is that okay, Fate-chan?" "Yes, that is fine." Fate nodded at the screen. "Nanoha was just telling me that." "I see," Hayate looked back over at Nanoha. "Well then, enjoy your breakfast. I'll ask Vita to train your students today for you." "Please." The two friends nodded at each other and the communication was cut off. "See? Hayate-chan is always on top of things." "She is." The blonde agreed and a small bit of silence passed over them as hey ate, interrupted only by raising Heart's update on the weather, Nanoha's schedule, and the sounds of utensils tapping their plates. Once breakfast was over, the two girls headed down out to take care of their business, stopping once they reached the front door. "Raising Heart wasn't kidding when she said high chances of rain today," Nanoha mused while looking out at the drizzling rain. "Seems so," Fate brought up Bardiche and the device answered her silent call to allow an umbrella to form, casting a translucent yellow barrier above them. "Shall we?" Nanoha gave Fate an amused look but still allowed girl to hold the shield over them both as they walked to the adjacent building. From there they went up to Hayate's office and the blonde found herself answering questions that both made her grin and sigh out at the same time. Once the paperwork was completed Hayate gave a satisfied nod and began ushering them downstairs once more so they could go give Fate her official ranking test. Their trip was interrupted just moments after they left the main building by Lexus standing in front of them, an umbrella held over his head by none other than a reluctant looking Teana. Lexus greeted them with a smirk and stepped forward to Fate, making Tea move along with him. "Hello there, Blondie. I did some research and it appeaser you aren't with the T.S.A.B. yet." "I am a civilian collaborator, and don't call me Blondie." Fate frowned at him but still let her eyes drift to Tea for a brief moment. "My assistant, Teana." Lexus pointed to the girl. "Not worth anything on the field but she's helpful when I need someone to carry something for me." His words made the girl with him bite down a growl. "Anyway, Hot Legs, why not join my battalion? I have much better resources then these clowns. What do you say?" "My name is Fate." The woman stated firmly. "Ooh, my destiny, I like that." Nanoha chose that moment to interrupt. "Don't hit on my friends." "Jealous I've never hit on you? Can't see what fun you'll be without moving your hips arou-" His words cut off when a palm connected firmly with his cheek. "Do not address my friends in such a manor." Fate told him, voice going from her usual soft tone to holding a faint edge to it. "I won't tolerate anyone insulting people I care for." Lexus licked his lips and looked at Fae with a new interest, left hand going to touch his slapped cheek. "I want you even more now. Have you taken your mage exam test yet?" "I have not," Fate answered simply. "Tell you what," stepping closer to her, he forced Teana to lean the umbrella to keep him dry, even though her back was now getting wet. "Let me review you. If I win, you join my battalion, in more ways than one." Fate felt her body grow stiff, red tinting her cheeks when she realized what the last part meant. Despite this, she still didn't move from him, and answered back calmly. "When I win, that girl with you will join our battalion, and you will address Hayate and Nanoha by their ranks." Lexus laughed loudly at her. "Well spoken! Fine then. Wingless, we will be using your training field. Lets go, Babe." Fate nodded and began walking as well, ignoring the astonished look on Tea's face at her sudden involvement with people she didn't even know. The training area, now free from its morning inhabitants, was quickly changed to form a fake city on it, leaving Fate standing on one building on the east side while Lexus was on the West. The blonde ran her thumb over Bardiche and felt her clothes shift and change around her before forming a barrier jacket to protect herself. 'I don't care if you harass me,' she thought bitterly as a monitor came up in front of her, informing her of how the ranking test would work. 'But I will never forgive anyone who insults my family or friends.' On the sidelines, Hayate stood with crossed arms. Monitors floated all around her and a firm frown was on her face. "This isn't what I had in mind for today." Nanoha nodded lightly, moving her hands out to make sure all the necessary information would be recorded and documented. "He is a triple-A plus mage. Fate-chan said she was S, but her performance last night would only suggest a double-A... Was she holding back so she could record for us?" "... For her sake, I hope so..." Her eyes moved to look at Tea standing next to them. 'And why did she bet that that girl would be transferred to me...? I'm getting too laid back in my old age.' Smirking at the inside joke, Hayate finally pushed the screen to confirm the battle to start. 'Good luck, Fate-chan.' Spoiler for Alternatives 2-3:
Fate looked out over the make-shift abandoned city from her position on top of a large office building. The screen by her stated that the test was now in progress and she gripped Bardiche a little tighter. "Bardiche?" "Scan complete, sir." He spoke back calmly. "Enemy is across the field, coming at running speed. ETA is three minutes." "How impatient, he should have waited for us to come to him." The blonde moved her hand out and placed several binding spells along the ground. "He isn't powerful enough to test us properly... Looks like we will have to be evaluated again once this is over." "Sir," Bardiche's tone made Fate hesitate leaving the building. "Our situation is weird, please do not be careless." "...You're right." Fate lifted her hand once more and focused, forming several daggers of energy around herself. "As weird as everything has been, I can not afford to be careless... Especially after he called Nanoha that." "Yes sir." Fate frowned to herself and leaped off the building, dropping down to the ground and darting forward. Lexus made it just as she expected and began dodging the sprung traps, twisting and jumping through the yellow binds. When the last one was sprung, his left leg was snared, making him look back in shock. Taking the opportunity, Fate engaged and swung her scythe down hard. Lexus yelled as his barrier jacket ripped open and barely managed to block the next attack, leaving himself open for several yellow energy daggers to break his auto barrier. The male broke the bind on himself and jumped back, recollecting himself and staring at the blonde who didn't press her advantage. "What's the matter!? Scared you won't do as well after a surprise attack!?" "Bardiche." "Yes sir." The device was lifted and circles appeared around them, forming small darts of yellow energy that burst forth, triggering several trap spells that were placed as Lexus retreated. "Che, you would be a smart one." Making a taunting motion, Lexus smirked at her. "I want you even more now. Tell you what, join me and I'll even let the whore come too." "Sir." Bardiche's voice made the blonde stop before she lunged at him. Taking a breath, Fate cooled down and spoke at the man again. "Why are you such a pervert?" Lexus shrugged. "Guess its in my DNA." Fate twirled Bardiche and walked in a half circle on the mostly destroyed road. Lexus made the other half as they circled each other slowly. Their eyes met and each ran forward. Lexus reacted faster, drawing his device and pointing a gun at Fate and shooting. The magical bullet met it's target and hit the blonde square in the chest before ripping through her back side. "What-the!?" Fate appeared behind the man as her after-image faded away. A small moment was taken to charge her attack before she slashed her scythe down, the blade pulsating larger than normal. As the man fell forward, Fate caught his collar and pulled him back so she could whisper into his ear firmly. "If you ever look at my wife in a perverted manor again, I won't hold back." When her words were done she let go of him and allowed him to fall onto the ground defeated. As monitors appeared around Fate, Lexus smirked to himself through the pain in his back. 'So, she does have a weakness...' Spoiler for AlternativeS 2-4:
~**~ "Fate-chan!" Nanoha's voice made the girl look up and smile at her. The blonde walked up the ramp leading to the instructor observatory and stood next to Nanoha, red eyes scanning the video image feeds all around her. "Sorry for having to run earlier. Hayate needed me to fill out paperwork and schedule another testing time." "No problem, she told me before she went to the field to get you. I had to deal with Teana's transfer anyway. Did you get an earful?" Fate felt a small smile come to her face. "Yes, Hayate scolded me for making that deal and was going to turn it down but Lexus expelled Tea from his base." "At least my work wasn't for nothing then. I already have her situated in my books." Fate licked her lips as the screen came up. "Hey...can I ask a favor?" "Mm?" Nanoha tapped the floating keyboards around herself to make the students training on the field have to swap tactics. "Can you place Tea with Subaru?" "Why?" Nanoha looked over at Fate curiously. "That would be a very awkward and inconvenient move for all of our parts. Subaru is a close combat mage while Teana seems to use a pistol. I need to consider Teana's points before I transfer away from where I placed her." "...Please?" Nanoha blinked and looked up at Fate once more. "...Why?" "Its just... in my time, they are forwards... placed directly under your personal training. They improved more than anyone I've ever seen and... well, Tea is my partner when I go on long distance missions." Nanoha leaned back in her wheelchair and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "The C-ranked mage you forced on me is now suddenly one of my best students who runs with a S ranked mage?" "Yes." "Hayate-chan was right, you're really annoying." With a grin, Nanoha glanced up at Fate before typing on her keyboards again. "However, your request will really throw me off. I can't justify this, it just doesn't make any sense." Fate leaned against the guard rail and looked out over the training field with distant eyes. "I know the feeling." The blue eyed girl stayed silent for a long moment before heaving out a long sigh. "Hayate-chan is going to yell at me for this." "Thank you. I will train them myself." "Nooooo, you're a civilian collaborator, not an instructor. Jeez, does the other Nanoha have to keep you on a leash as well?" Fate smirked, a playful tint coming to her eyes as she turned to look over her shoulder. "Yes, yes she does." 'What have I gotten into?' Nanoha thought while tapping away on her keyboards. 'I was fine with it when she was just affecting me, but now she's barged into my work and... Maybe Hayate-chan was right, maybe she is here to throw us off balance for some reason...' Eying the blonde looking out over the field, she felt a small tear at her heart. 'But nobody can pretend to be that sad and confused... Even with that smile on her face, I can tell she is about to cry. Just like that girl so long ago, her feelings pour out through her eyes... as if she's screaming for help but can't form the words...' "You're sighing an awful lot today," Fate told her softly before turning around completely to sit against the railing. "I'm sorry for being so selfish." "No... I just... I don't know." Nanoha shook her head. "Fate-chan, I'm sorry but can we meet up later? I need to focus on my students." "Yes, I'm sorry." Fate's tone turned sad almost at once. 'Aw, she probably came to me because she felt alone...' Before Nanoha could speak up again an new voice called Fate's attention. "Fate." Signum walked to the bottom of the ramp and met the blonde's eyes. "I need you to come with me for a moment." "Okay." walking down ramp, she gave Signum a curious look. "What is it, Signum?" Signum stopped to get a drink from a vending machine and waved her device over it again, putting in enough credits for Fate to get one as well. "Mistress Hayate requested for me to accompany you to the bank to set up an account, as well as try and get some more information from you regarding your situation." Fate picked her drink and smiled while bending over to get it. "You don't trust me." "I don't." "I understand." Fate fell into step beside her and walked along the sidewalk. "Later... Lets have a sparing match." "Why?" Signum eyed her without turning her head. "Because you and I both can feel someone's emotions when fighting them." "How do you know that?" "Because..." Fate whispered softly. "You're my role model. The one I always looked up to and sought advice from." "... Fine, we will spar later." "Thank you, Signum." "Don't thank me yet." A small giggle made her look at Fate curiously. "What?" "I'm just relieved... Everyone is the same." "...We can get lunch while we're out too." "Thank you."
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2009-10-24, 15:36 | Link #17505 | |
Beta by Accident
Author
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Maine
Age: 52
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*eyes your title* Good one! *thumbs up!* |
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2009-10-24, 15:57 | Link #17506 | |
Worshipper of Nanoha...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: In my imagination...
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Quote:
There, there. Satashi is is going to make everything better.... *laughs* Anyway, Animal Instincts Chapter 2: Melancholy Voices from Distant Memories is finished! XD Previous: Animal Instincts: Preface Animal Instincts: Chapter 1: The Girl from the City Spoiler for Animal Instincts-Chapter 2: Melancholy Voices from Distant Memories:
The music for Animal Instincts... :3 Animal Instincts By: Alavon Chapter 2: Melancholy Voices from Distant Memories The misty night reigned down upon all of the Alaskan wilderness, sharing it's throne with the bronze hue moon which gave the snow below my boots a bright, silvery and aeneous look. A howl pierced the silent night, its mournful cry echoing throughout the distant land. I felt a soft breeze brushed past me silently and caught some of the snowflakes that was swirling around slowly in the cold air. It was a real pity that Nanoha was in a deep slumber on my back and wasn't awake to see the spectacular beauty that was surrounding us. My log cabin was a thirty minute walk from the main town of Kiulk and Nanoha, bless her, was completely exhausted to walk the journey so here I am, carrying her on my back. Even though I'm still shaken from my ordeal not long ago, Nanoha being here with me made everything feel...all right. She really was indeed warm to the touch. Was it okay to feel like this? Do I have the right to feel like this? Is this feeling real or is it just...longing? Since I was arguing with myself, I didn't notice that in the far distant was my destination. My legs once again did the thinking for me. Noticing it myself a minute later, I began to walk a little faster, or as fast as Nanoha's weight and the hard snow beneath allowed me to. Ignoring my rapid heartbeat and gasps of breath, I climbed on top of a fallen log and, carefully that I wouldn't wake Nanoha up from her nap, arrived at my 'home'. Home. What an interesting word. My log cabin was not big but it was well kept; I definitely made sure of that. The previous owners and those before them were driven out by the towns people all throughout Kiulks history when Alaska was incorporated into the 'Union'. I guess, over the years, they couldn't handle the silent treatment. So this part of Kiulk is called, “Intruders Zone” and was was completely ignored. That was fine by me; I was used to being ignored much to the townsfolk's annoyance. Taking out my keys from my pocket, I climbed the steps of my porch and was about to insert the key into the keyhole when out of the blue, a loud howl erupted into the night....and...it sounded near... I gulped. The howl then turned to barks and this time, Nanoha woke up from the noises. “Wha-what's going on?” she yawned, climbing down from my back. “She's coming,” I answered, frantically trying to open the door to no avail; my hands were too cold. “And I was out all day!” Nanoha raised an eyebrow, a bemused look appearing on her sleepy face as she watch my fight with door. “Who's coming?” And on cue, my mixed-breed husky appeared from the woods and jumped on top of me, sending me flying down the steps and on to the snow. She then began to lick my face continuously, a whine escaping her throat. “N-no! Arf! Down girl, Down!” I yelled sternly but she just ignored me and continued on with her playful assault. Nanoha, who at first was worried that Arf was a stray animal, began to giggle. She jumped off from the porch and walked up to me and Arf. She smiled widely and said,”She's beautiful...” “Oh, she's beautiful alright.” I growled, finally standing up. “That is until she goes into heat!” Nanoha blushed a deep scarlet and averted her eyes from mine. Sensing that I might have said something insulting, I quickly added,”I was joking.” Nanoha shook her head very quickly but still did not make eye contact with me. I was starting to panic; me and my stupid mouth! I was about to say something when Arf walked up to Nanoha and began to sniff her. Nanoha kneeled down and began to pat Arf, who was enjoying the attention from someone other than me. “Aren't you a gorgeous animal?” cooed Nanoha, hugging Arf. Arf barked happily and licked Nanoha's cheeks. Nanoha giggled. “You really are very polite. Your owner trained you well.” I decided not to say anything at that moment; Nanoha looked too happy for me to make another mistake. Besides, just watching her was enough. After a few minutes passed by, I checked my watch; it was 10:47pm. It was this late already? “Uh, Nanoha?” I said, tentatively. Nanoha hummed to show that she was listening. “Why don't we go inside? It's getting really chilly out now.” Nanoha looked up at me, smiled and...my heart skipped a beat. What's happening to me? “Okay,” she said, standing up. After I calmed Arf down which took a great deal of time, I returned back to the porch with the key. After inserting it in the lock, I gave it a quick turn and the door swung open. As soon as the door was open, Arf rushed right past me and began to bark happily much to Nanoha's amusement. I turned on the light and said to her nervously,”Well, this is where I live.” Nanoha, after peeking behind my shoulder, smiled widely and stepped right into my home, looking around like a child arriving in a toy shop for the first time. I was really glad that I'm a neat freak. My living room and kitchen were in the same room with the hearth pretty much separating them. My bedroom was just above the living room on the right, a spiraling oak wood staircase leading to the exposed room which held the only expensive item other than my boat; a plasma T.V. My dwelling was small in Kiulk's standard but it was comfortable and that's what counts. The only thing I regret before leaving to fish this morning was not putting away all the fishing rods that was lying all over the living room at this very moment. Fortunately for me, Nanoha was not bothered by it at all. “Wow! This is really neat!” exclaimed Nanoha, running to the hearth and looking at the different rods with keen interest. “Um, be careful,” I said, walking up to her with a lopsided grin. “They're my livelihood.” Nanoha did not look up but nodded. She then sat down on my couch but not before removing two of my rods and placing them neatly beside a wall. A good ten minutes passed in silence which was due in part of my efforts in starting the fire. It was really lucky that it only took so little time to warm the area of my living which at this moment was actually important. After making sure that the fire was at the right temperature, I then sat at the opposite end of my leather couch, rubbing my hands nervously while Nanoha stared at me with an amuse look to her face. “Well,” I began, rubbing the back of my neck. “I guess we could, um, start with introductions again?” I couldn't help but notice that my heartbeat was beating out of control and for a moment I felt like I was going to throw up. Nanoha seemed to not have notice my fidgeting manner and replied back while looking down at her feet, ”I guess we should...” We both did not make eye contact but then, at the same time, we spoke. “You go-” “Maybe you-” We both stopped mid-sentence and after a long awkward silence, laughed. Arf, sensing our happiness, took that moment to bark happily and jump on my lap. “Arf!” I began to push her down but she began to whine, clawing at my thighs. I sighed. “I guess it can't be helped.” Nanoha, who was watching the one-on-one battle, smiled gently and said,”How old is she?” I looked up and answered while scratching the back of Arf's ear, ”Hmm...I don't know.” Nanoha looked taken aback by my answer. She scooted closer to me and after Arf placed her head on top of Nanoha's thigh, she asked,”But how can you not know?” I was really glad that we were having a conversation but I made a mental note to start it again with formal introduction. “Well, you see, I found her almost three years ago when I went to a stream to fish.” I then stole a glance and after seeing the interest in those slate blue eyes, I continued. “As I was walking to my usual spot, I heard some barking. And let me tell you, they weren't happy ones.” Arf seemed to understand what I was talking about and began to whine, licking my fingers. I patted her some more before continuing. “I then decided to check in on it. That was when I saw her trapped in a poachers catching instrument. I don't know what it was called but it looked like a Venus fly trap but made of iron.” As expected, Nanoha gasped, covering her mouth. Arf, sensing Nanoha's distressed, began to crawl towards her and licked her face. “Luckily, I was able to break off the chain because it was so rusty; I just used a rock. Unfortunately, I couldn't separate the 'mouth' from her leg because I was afraid that I was going to make her bleed to death.” I did not look at Nanoha because if I did, I might not be able to finish but I could tell that she was listening to me intently. “It was really fortunate that Arf was small; it was easy to carry her to my snowmobile. I drove all the way to the Veterinary clinic in Aleknagik and Arf was taken in without a second thought.” “Since Arf's here then I'm going to assume that everything went all right,” whispered Nanoha, still in stupefied shock. I nodded and stroke the bald spots on Arfs lower left leg where the spikes once were. “Yeah, it did,” I said smiling slightly at the memory. “The vets then said they were willing to buy Arf from me because of her beautiful red and orange coat. But Arf started barking so hard at me and I just couldn't say yes. So I brought her home and named her “Arf” because she barked too much.” At this, Nanoha laughed and I soon followed, both of us petting Arf much to her satisfaction. Some time passed and silence engulfed us again and I couldn't remember my home feeling so unbearably...quiet. I decided to look up at Nanoha and was shocked to see that she looked troubled. I needed to break this silence so I asked,”So...where are you from?” Nanoha's head snapped up so quickly that I was afraid she might have sprained her neck. Her eccentric blue eyes were wide-eyed and the image of her looking at the mayor shot right through me like a bullet. “Nanoha? Are you all right?” I asked, leaning towards her instinctively. Nanoha blinked a few times and seemed to have finally relaxed a bit. After shaking her head a few times, she answered in a croaked voice,”Yes. I'm fine.” I let out a sigh of relief and decided to speak before another wave of silence would crash on us. “Okay,” I laughed, rubbing my thighs. “I'll go first. Let's see. Um, I'm Fate. Fate Testarossa and I'm twenty-three years old. I was born in Fairfield, Maine on March 14, 1988 and-” I stopped. I never met this girl in my life. I don't know anything about her and I don't think I should just throw her my past life out like that. They're not exactly happy memories... “Uh, Fate?” I shook my head, smiled at Nanoha and said,”Sorry, I'm fine. Where was I? Oh! That's right. I then moved to Unalaska four years ago. Stayed there for about two years working in a fishing vessel and after saving enough money, I bought my own small boat and I became a fisherman-for-hire here in Kiulk.” After seeing the confused look on Nanoha's face, I added quickly,” I basically fish for restaurants in Alekgnaik.” Realization dawned upon Nanoha's face and she nodded slowly, not taking her eyes off of me. I pulled back a strand of hair from my face and then asked in what I hoped was an encouraging voice,”So...what about you?” Nanoha looked as though I just asked her how her sex life was because she literally jumped a foot in the air and stared at me with a reddening face that would have put a tomato to shame. I couldn't help myself and I began to laugh...hard. I doubled over and fell to the floor with Arf who left the leaving room in confusion. Nanoha pouted and said embarrassingly,”Mou, Fate! What's so funny?!” But then she started laughing too and she slid onto the floor along with me. She looked at me sideways since we were both on our sides and said,”I guess it's my turn?” I nodded. She sighed and turned over until she was facing the ceiling. She bit her lower lip and then said slowly,”My name...is Nanoha Takamachi. My parents came from Japan with my brother and sister some twenty-four years ago. I was born one year later in Los Angeles, California on February 29, 1988...oh, wow. You look surprise.” I was. “You were born in L.A.!” I sputtered, sitting up. “AND you're older then me?!” “I wouldn't be so sure about that...” I laughed disbelievingly. If she's from L.A. then no wonder she was attacked- Wait a minute... I turned to look at Nanoha who was smiling widely as if knowing what I was about to ask. “Did you say 'February 29'? Nanoha nodded, trying very hard not to laugh. Then I knew what the joke was about and my jaw dropped. “You were born during a leap year?” At this, Nanoha started to laugh. I just stared at her in awe and then I laughed too. “I can't believe this!” I said, pounding on the floor. “You're actually five years old?” “That's right,” replied Nanoha, wiping away tears of laughter from her eyes. “Next year I'll be six.” For almost three minutes, we laughed non-stop and every time we were about to calm down, one look at Nanoha and my laughing fits would re-emerge again, harder than ever. It felt really nice laughing along with another person; it felt really...good. Nanoha was the first one to regain her composure and said,”Yeah, I guess in legal terms, you're older then me but by birth year, I'm older than you.” We both laid right back down my fur rug and stared at the ceiling, not saying anything but I learned from pasts mistakes not to let it go too far. I cleared my throat to get Nanoha's attention and then asked carefully,”If you're from L.A. then why are you here in the middle of nowhere?” I turned to look at her, expecting a response but instead I saw that she was.... ….crying. I jolted right back up and said quickly,”I'm sorry, I-” “No,” said Nanoha, barely audible but firmly. She slowly looked up at me and something inside of me wanted me to go and hug her but a voice from the back of my head was telling me it would be a very bad idea. The bright colors of the fire was obscuring her face, making it appear quite lovely but mournful and I had to look away before her pain would slice my will in half without warning. “Fate,” pleaded Nanoha. “Don't be sorry. I'm just...not ready to tell my story...” And then she said something that completely caught me off guard. “It's also the same reason why you're not telling me yours.” My eyes went wide and I quickly looked her but she was staring at the fire with a distant look on her face. I rubbed my forehead to calm myself down and I concluded somberly that we were heading towards a minefield. Rubbing my hands together, I asked tentatively,”Do you have a place to stay?” Nanoha shook her head but she sat up and looked at me with the most serious look I had ever seen in my life. “I don't want anyone's pity,” she began, her face only inches away from mine and I couldn't help but notice the mango fragrance emitting from her hair. “I know I can take care of myself.” “I know you can,” I said, ignoring my erratic heartbeat that was beginning to bug me. “I was just wonder-” Nanoha cut me off. “Me living here in Kiulk, Fate, would only make matters worse for you.” I looked at my hands and I had to agree with everything she said...except for the last part. “My life would not get any worse. On the contrary, you being here made it better!” I realized too late what I said and looked away, anywhere but Nanoha's face. For the longest time, Nanoha and I did not say anything and for once, I was glad. Did I scare her? Ba-bump... What is this? Ba-bump... All I want is a friend; was it too much to ask? Ba-bump... It's too much... ...to much to bare. Nanoha was the first to break the silence and I didn't know if I should feel scared or relieved. I closed my eyes, waiting for what, I did not know; my body was doing everything for me. “Fate...” Please...don't do this to me... “Fate...look at me.” My will was shattered in a heartbeat and I obeyed and then, before I even knew what was happening, I was instantly and utterly...embraced. “Thank you Fate,” She said, tears mixing into mine. “That was the first time in my life that someone said those words to me. Thank you, Fate! Thank you so much!” Nanoha... She hugged me harder and...I hugged her back. Her slender body shivered under my touch and this new feeling was engulfing me so much that I couldn't hold back my tears anymore. This act...it felt...oh...so...right. “Fate?” she whispered. “Yes...Nanoha?” She hugged me even harder and uttered at my ears the three words that I always wanted to hear since I was a little girl,“Be my friend?” My hear skipped a beat and even though for some strange feeling I felt a little...sad...I couldn't help but be...happy. Happy... Tears still streaming down my face shamelessly, I whispered back,”Of course, Nanoha. Of course.” And at that moment, our destiny's were intertwined, forever setting us towards an unknown course that would ultimately decide...our fate. Spoiler for Author's Notes:
Please, please tell me what you guys think. It took a while to fix everything but I do know there are still a few mistakes left. It was a good thing that spawnofthejungle and RadiantBeam pointed out a flaw in my story so thanks! XD
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My stories can be found here:http://www.fanfiction.net/~alavon Last edited by Alavon; 2009-10-25 at 17:19. |
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2009-10-24, 16:41 | Link #17507 |
Vividly Vivio
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well I decided just to hop in the middle here and see what was going on. I read the part where Fate took Nanoha in and they were playing with Arf till the end of post. It was interesting :3
I'm not going to comment on things I don't know, since I didn't read the first bit. Instead, I'll just say this: They go through emotions like a train wreck. One second Fate is nervous, then scared, then she's happy, then she's sad, then she's laughing so hard she falls off the couch, then sad again, then happy, then crying, then......wow. Just wow. That's the only thing I noticed. Your writing is good, it flows well, and I didn't notice any grammar errors (though that's not much coming from me.) I would read this, but right now the only thing stopping me is that the characters seem a little to emotionally spastic. Like they're about to confess their deepest secrets, then hide from them, then laugh, ect. I can't really connect with the mood you're trying to put in. I'd pick one or two and stick with it. Awkward for sure, and the second mood would sad. You can connect all the sad parts to the awkwardness very easily, and little smiles along the way would transition between topics and stuff. Not saying you should re-write the scene, but toning down the emotional outburst would be a plus. Remember, the girls just met each other, there is plenty of time to work in their past and feelings. Take your time <3
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2009-10-24, 16:51 | Link #17508 | |
Worshipper of Nanoha...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: In my imagination...
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My stories can be found here:http://www.fanfiction.net/~alavon |
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2009-10-24, 16:59 | Link #17509 | |
Vividly Vivio
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2009-10-24, 20:52 | Link #17510 |
Vividly Vivio
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AlternativeS Chapter 1 (AS rough draft)
Spoiler for Alternatives 2-1:
I was awake before Bardiche rang out his alarm to tell me it was time to get up. In fact, I had spent the last little while staring at the ceiling of what I knew to be a forward room. Nanoha had given me my room number and Hayate set it to accept me sometime last night when I was having dinner with my friend. Although they called it a 'special room for important guests', I still couldn't help but feel awkward. Here I am, in my home base, laying in a bed that didn't belong to me. I was still slightly in shock from everything that had happened, but I knew that I had to put it behind me and look for a solution rather than mope around. Alternatives II By: Satashi Fate walked down the hallway leading to Nanoha's room briskly. Having being given clothes to wear, the blonde found herself in a standard base uniform that didn't fit quite right but still felt better than her dirty enforcer attire. When she made it to Nanoha' door, she stopped herself from just entering now that she was stored in the device via password, and instead knocked. "Come in!" A perky voice came from inside. The door swished open and Fate looked around, spying Nanoha at her tiny kitchen. "Good morning, did you sleep well?" "No, but I rested enough." Fate told the truth, which got her a look that was mixed between sympathy and amusement. "Did you sleep okay? you didn't wake up too early did you?" The blonde smelt the freshly baked biscuits and bacon before she saw the pan on the stove and light in the oven. "I woke up on my own, don't worry." Nanoha waved her hand over her wheelchair control orb and went to the refrigerator. "How do you like your eggs?" "Scrambled... mind if I join in?" "Some hostess I am, letting my guest do all the work." "I like cooking." Fate moved by Nanoha and started cracking shells. "You want yours over easy with extra pepper, cooked in the bacon grease right?" "That's kind of creepy." Nanoha mused, not sure if she was enjoying this or was weirded out by it. "Tell me, how did I make the biscuits?" "If you're referring to adding in honey, I know your mother taught you to do that when you were young." Nanoha hummed and simply watched the girl cook. "I'd really like to meet me in your world. It must be nice having someone know so much about you." "You're about the same, from what I can tell..." "...I'm sorry, I was being selfish. We'll get you back, don't worry. I'm sure Hayate-chan will want us to meet with her first thing this morning." "What about your students?" "Vita-chan can handle them for the morning lessons, this is more important. We have to get you registered while you are here so you won't be in trouble. Last night's battle will be covered by the civilian collaborator contract, but you need to be in the records for now on." "Yeah..." Fate finished their breakfast while Nanoha removed the now cooked sides. "I just realized I won't have my rank anymore..." Her lips turned up into a small grin. "Should I salute you?" The joke made Nanoha giggle to herself and Fate took comfort in hearing the familiar sound. Spoiler for AlternativeS 2-2:
Just as soon as the two sat down together, A beeping sound came from Nanoha's wheelchair. "Raising Heart, connect please." The command allowed a monitor to appear in front of the girl and Hayate's image formed on it almost instantly. "Good morning, Hayate-chan." "Morning, Nanoha-chan." Hayate replied back in kind. "Could you please bring Fate-chan to my office this morning?" "Already planning on it." Reaching up, she tiled the screen to show Fate was next to her. The blonde smiled and gave a small wave which was returned. "Do you have any idea on what could have put her here?" Hayate shook her head. "I haven't had time to do anything other than talk to everyone in our room last night. Shamal seems to think she could have come through a dimensional rift, but the chances of that are so low its hard to believe. Anyway, I have some people on it. For now, I need her signed as a collaborator before the T.S.A.B swoop in and try to have her signed on. Is that okay, Fate-chan?" "Yes, that is fine." Fate nodded at the screen. "Nanoha was just telling me that." "I see," Hayate looked back over at Nanoha. "Well then, enjoy your breakfast. I'll ask Vita to train your students today for you." "Please." The two friends nodded at each other and the communication was cut off. "See? Hayate-chan is always on top of things." "She is." The blonde agreed and a small bit of silence passed over them as hey ate, interrupted only by raising Heart's update on the weather, Nanoha's schedule, and the sounds of utensils tapping their plates. Once breakfast was over, the two girls headed down out to take care of their business, stopping once they reached the front door. "Raising Heart wasn't kidding when she said high chances of rain today," Nanoha mused while looking out at the drizzling rain. "Seems so," Fate brought up Bardiche and the device answered her silent call to allow an umbrella to form, casting a translucent yellow barrier above them. "Shall we?" Nanoha gave Fate an amused look but still allowed girl to hold the shield over them both as they walked to the adjacent building. From there they went up to Hayate's office and the blonde found herself answering questions that both made her grin and sigh out at the same time. Once the paperwork was completed Hayate gave a satisfied nod and began ushering them downstairs once more so they could go give Fate her official ranking test. Their trip was interrupted just moments after they left the main building by Lexus standing in front of them, an umbrella held over his head by none other than a reluctant looking Teana. Lexus greeted them with a smirk and stepped forward to Fate, making Tea move along with him. "Hello there, Blondie. I did some research and it appeaser you aren't with the T.S.A.B. yet." "I am a civilian collaborator, and don't call me Blondie." Fate frowned at him but still let her eyes drift to Tea for a brief moment. "My assistant, Teana." Lexus pointed to the girl. "Not worth anything on the field but she's helpful when I need someone to carry something for me." His words made the girl with him bite down a growl. "Anyway, Hot Legs, why not join my battalion? I have much better resources then these clowns. What do you say?" "My name is Fate." The woman stated firmly. "Ooh, my destiny, I like that." Nanoha chose that moment to interrupt. "Don't hit on my friends." "Jealous I've never hit on you? Can't see what fun you'll be without moving your hips arou-" His words cut off when a palm connected firmly with his cheek. "Do not address my friends in such a manor." Fate told him, voice going from her usual soft tone to holding a faint edge to it. "I won't tolerate anyone insulting people I care for." Lexus licked his lips and looked at Fae with a new interest, left hand going to touch his slapped cheek. "I want you even more now. Have you taken your mage exam test yet?" "I have not," Fate answered simply. "Tell you what," stepping closer to her, he forced Teana to lean the umbrella to keep him dry, even though her back was now getting wet. "Let me review you. If I win, you join my battalion, in more ways than one." Fate felt her body grow stiff, red tinting her cheeks when she realized what the last part meant. Despite this, she still didn't move from him, and answered back calmly. "When I win, that girl with you will join our battalion, and you will address Hayate and Nanoha by their ranks." Lexus laughed loudly at her. "Well spoken! Fine then. Wingless, we will be using your training field. Lets go, Babe." Fate nodded and began walking as well, ignoring the astonished look on Tea's face at her sudden involvement with people she didn't even know. The training area, now free from its morning inhabitants, was quickly changed to form a fake city on it, leaving Fate standing on one building on the east side while Lexus was on the West. The blonde ran her thumb over Bardiche and felt her clothes shift and change around her before forming a barrier jacket to protect herself. 'I don't care if you harass me,' she thought bitterly as a monitor came up in front of her, informing her of how the ranking test would work. 'But I will never forgive anyone who insults my family or friends.' On the sidelines, Hayate stood with crossed arms. Monitors floated all around her and a firm frown was on her face. "This isn't what I had in mind for today." Nanoha nodded lightly, moving her hands out to make sure all the necessary information would be recorded and documented. "He is a triple-A plus mage. Fate-chan said she was S, but her performance last night would only suggest a double-A... Was she holding back so she could record for us?" "... For her sake, I hope so..." Her eyes moved to look at Tea standing next to them. 'And why did she bet that that girl would be transferred to me...? I'm getting too laid back in my old age.' Smirking at the inside joke, Hayate finally pushed the screen to confirm the battle to start. 'Good luck, Fate-chan.' Spoiler for Alternatives 2-3:
Fate looked out over the make-shift abandoned city from her position on top of a large office building. The screen by her stated that the test was now in progress and she gripped Bardiche a little tighter. "Bardiche?" "Scan complete, sir." He spoke back calmly. "Enemy is across the field, coming at running speed. ETA is three minutes." "How impatient, he should have waited for us to come to him." The blonde moved her hand out and placed several binding spells along the ground. "He isn't powerful enough to test us properly... Looks like we will have to be evaluated again once this is over." "Sir," Bardiche's tone made Fate hesitate leaving the building. "Our situation is weird, please do not be careless." "...You're right." Fate lifted her hand once more and focused, forming several daggers of energy around herself. "As weird as everything has been, I can not afford to be careless... Especially after he called Nanoha that." "Yes sir." Fate frowned to herself and leaped off the building, dropping down to the ground and darting forward. Lexus made it just as she expected and began dodging the sprung traps, twisting and jumping through the yellow binds. When the last one was sprung, his left leg was snared, making him look back in shock. Taking the opportunity, Fate engaged and swung her scythe down hard. Lexus yelled as his barrier jacket ripped open and barely managed to block the next attack, leaving himself open for several yellow energy daggers to break his auto barrier. The male broke the bind on himself and jumped back, recollecting himself and staring at the blonde who didn't press her advantage. "What's the matter!? Scared you won't do as well after a surprise attack!?" "Bardiche." "Yes sir." The device was lifted and circles appeared around them, forming small darts of yellow energy that burst forth, triggering several trap spells that were placed as Lexus retreated. "Che, you would be a smart one." Making a taunting motion, Lexus smirked at her. "I want you even more now. Tell you what, join me and I'll even let the whore come too." "Sir." Bardiche's voice made the blonde stop before she lunged at him. Taking a breath, Fate cooled down and spoke at the man again. "Why are you such a pervert?" Lexus shrugged. "Guess its in my DNA." Fate twirled Bardiche and walked in a half circle on the mostly destroyed road. Lexus made the other half as they circled each other slowly. Their eyes met and each ran forward. Lexus reacted faster, drawing his device and pointing a gun at Fate and shooting. The magical bullet met it's target and hit the blonde square in the chest before ripping through her back side. "What-the!?" Fate appeared behind the man as her after-image faded away. A small moment was taken to charge her attack before she slashed her scythe down, the blade pulsating larger than normal. As the man fell forward, Fate caught his collar and pulled him back so she could whisper into his ear firmly. "If you ever look at my wife in a perverted manor again, I won't hold back." When her words were done she let go of him and allowed him to fall onto the ground defeated. As monitors appeared around Fate, Lexus smirked to himself through the pain in his back. 'So, she does have a weakness...' Spoiler for AlternativeS 2-4:
~**~ "Fate-chan!" Nanoha's voice made the girl look up and smile at her. The blonde walked up the ramp leading to the instructor observatory and stood next to Nanoha, red eyes scanning the video image feeds all around her. "Sorry for having to run earlier. Hayate needed me to fill out paperwork and schedule another testing time." "No problem, she told me before she went to the field to get you. I had to deal with Teana's transfer anyway. Did you get an earful?" Fate felt a small smile come to her face. "Yes, Hayate scolded me for making that deal and was going to turn it down but Lexus expelled Tea from his base." "At least my work wasn't for nothing then. I already have her situated in my books." Fate licked her lips as the screen came up. "Hey...can I ask a favor?" "Mm?" Nanoha tapped the floating keyboards around herself to make the students training on the field have to swap tactics. "Can you place Tea with Subaru?" "Why?" Nanoha looked over at Fate curiously. "That would be a very awkward and inconvenient move for all of our parts. Subaru is a close combat mage while Teana seems to use a pistol. I need to consider Teana's points before I transfer away from where I placed her." "...Please?" Nanoha blinked and looked up at Fate once more. "...Why?" "Its just... in my time, they are forwards... placed directly under your personal training. They improved more than anyone I've ever seen and... well, Tea is my partner when I go on long distance missions." Nanoha leaned back in her wheelchair and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "The C-ranked mage you forced on me is now suddenly one of my best students who runs with a S ranked mage?" "Yes." "Hayate-chan was right, you're really annoying." With a grin, Nanoha glanced up at Fate before typing on her keyboards again. "However, your request will really throw me off. I can't justify this, it just doesn't make any sense." Fate leaned against the guard rail and looked out over the training field with distant eyes. "I know the feeling." The blue eyed girl stayed silent for a long moment before heaving out a long sigh. "Hayate-chan is going to yell at me for this." "Thank you. I will train them myself." "Nooooo, you're a civilian collaborator, not an instructor. Jeez, does the other Nanoha have to keep you on a leash as well?" Fate smirked, a playful tint coming to her eyes as she turned to look over her shoulder. "Yes, yes she does." 'What have I gotten into?' Nanoha thought while tapping away on her keyboards. 'I was fine with it when she was just affecting me, but now she's barged into my work and... Maybe Hayate-chan was right, maybe she is here to throw us off balance for some reason...' Eying the blonde looking out over the field, she felt a small tear at her heart. 'But nobody can pretend to be that sad and confused... Even with that smile on her face, I can tell she is about to cry. Just like that girl so long ago, her feelings pour out through her eyes... as if she's screaming for help but can't form the words...' "You're sighing an awful lot today," Fate told her softly before turning around completely to sit against the railing. "I'm sorry for being so selfish." "No... I just... I don't know." Nanoha shook her head. "Fate-chan, I'm sorry but can we meet up later? I need to focus on my students." "Yes, I'm sorry." Fate's tone turned sad almost at once. 'Aw, she probably came to me because she felt alone...' Before Nanoha could speak up again an new voice called Fate's attention. "Fate." Signum walked to the bottom of the ramp and met the blonde's eyes. "I need you to come with me for a moment." "Okay." walking down ramp, she gave Signum a curious look. "What is it, Signum?" Signum stopped to get a drink from a vending machine and waved her device over it again, putting in enough credits for Fate to get one as well. "Mistress Hayate requested for me to accompany you to the bank to set up an account, as well as try and get some more information from you regarding your situation." Fate picked her drink and smiled while bending over to get it. "You don't trust me." "I don't." "I understand." Fate fell into step beside her and walked along the sidewalk. "Later... Lets have a sparing match." "Why?" Signum eyed her without turning her head. "Because you and I both can feel someone's emotions when fighting them." "How do you know that?" "Because..." Fate whispered softly. "You're my role model. The one I always looked up to and sought advice from." "... Fine, we will spar later." "Thank you, Signum." "Don't thank me yet." A small giggle made her look at Fate curiously. "What?" "I'm just relieved... Everyone is the same." "...We can get lunch while we're out too." "Thank you." Spoiler for AlternativeS 2-5:
~**~ "That was awkward." The understatement made Signum repress the urge to scoff at the blonde trailing her. "I'm sorry, really." "You could have at least come up with a story before we got inside the bank." Signum spoke back flatly, clearly annoyed at the embarrassing act. "I thought Hayate and you would have surely discussed what you would put down on the paper. I'm sure Nanoha is thrilled." "I can't help it, it was instinct!" "Writing down that you are married and live with the top instructor on this planet isn't something that comes as instinct. You're lucky Nanoha played along with it. I'm sure you saw how embarrassed she was." "...Yes." Fate sighed and sat in Signum's sports car, closing the door almost too softly to latch. "I've caused so much trouble since I showed up... I really don't know how to apologize for it all." "Start by thinking more." Signum started the engine and looked over her shoulder to back out of the parking space. "Am I really your role model? I expected better." "...You don't have to rub it in." Fate's tone made the older woman exhale a defeated breath. "Okay... Okay, I apologize for getting upset. Don't get all whiny on me... How do I normally deal with you when you do this?" "Honestly?" Fate inhaled deeply to calm herself down. "You ruffle my hair and tell me to get over it. If its really bad, you'll hold me and kiss my forehead." "I wouldn't be caught kissing someone's forehead." "I know." Fate felt a little of her energy come back. "You always hide the fact that you do it. Not even Vita knows, and you do it to her too." Signum stiffened slightly. "That's very creepy. Knowing things about me that I do not wish you to is very unnerving." "Yeah," Fate looked out the window. "I've been getting that all day. No matter how casual I try to be, it still freaks people out when I talk like I've known them forever... Tell me, Signum... If you were in my place, how would you handle it?" The swordsman hesitated her response, rolling the question over in her head as she drove them down the roads in the capital. Finally, after contemplating it for several long moments, she answered. "I would tell you something that there was no way you could know unless we were as close as you say. Having people support you and take you seriously without doubt would be the best way to stay stable." Fate nodded. "This is embarrassing." "Say it." "You have a cosplay fetish, and Shamal dresses you up when you make love. Hayate makes them for you, and you pose in them to satisfy her and not let her know what you two do with them... Also, you-" "Okay!" Signum interrupted her, cheeks splashed red. "Did you have to pick something sexual? Why not say something simple like..." "You have a mole on your inner thigh that looks like a star? Because anyone who bathes with you would know that." "...You impress me." Signum nodded to herself. "But might I ask... How did you get that information?" Fate grimaced. "When we were younger I caught you two doing it several times but I never understood it until after Nanoha and I made love the first time when we were sixteen... I couldn't look at you in the face for weeks." "So we don't...?" "No!" Fate almost shrieked, blushing herself now. "I'm dedicated to Nanoha! Fully!" "Good..." Signum felt a small grin come to her face. "Well then, Fate, how do you feel now?" "...Better." Looking at her lap, she played with her fingers. "I'm sure you will understand more when we spar tonight but... I'm glad you gave me a chance. I don't like it when you don't trust me." "We'll discuss that topic more over lunch, where do you want to eat?" "Well Fuji's isn't open yet so....." "Fuji's?" "Yes?" Fate thought about the bar. "Oh... That's right, I directly had an impact on that place... Since Nanoha isn't an Ace and I wasn't there to find it... Kuhn couldn't have opened his bar." Groaning, the blonde leaned back in her seat. "I don't know then, you pick." "Okay." The woman flicked her wrist and turned on the car's blinker, moving over to take a turn. "I know a good place." ~**~ Hayate looked up from her monitor when a knock came at her office door. "Come in." Her words granted Fate access and she smiled at the woman walking up to her. "Ah, special collaborator Fate." Standing, she walked over to the front of her desk and saluted. "Allow me to officially welcome you to my base." "Thank you," Fate saluted back before getting casual. "I'll do anything I can to help while I'm here. Thank you again for helping me as well." "I have people on your case already, investigating where you woke up and searching for anything that could be related. We don't have much to work with so the best I can say is that I'll contact you the moment we find out anything." "Thank you." Fate smiled lightly. "I really appreciate this, Hayate." The shorter girl leaned forward, inspecting the cut on Fate's cheek. "What happened to you?" "Signum got a lick in." rubbing the spot lightly, she smiled. "We had a little sparring match." "As long as you don't get hurt. Do you need to go to Shamal?" Fate shook her head. "I just need a bath. By the way, could I get a small advance on my pay? I need to buy a few things while I'm here." "I'm sorry, but you're only stationed here. I don't have any control over you except for your duties. Your pay comes from the T.S.A.B directly. I can loan you some of mine though." "Ah, I'd feel bad... Maybe I can just borrow some clothes from Nanoha until I get my first check." "If you change your mind, don't hesitate. By the way, did you really put down Nanoha as your wife on the bank application?" The embarrassed look on the girl's face made Hayate put a hand on her hip. "I'm sure Nanoha won't mind, but please don't get her upset okay?" "I won't." "Nanoha is... very weird in that area." Hayate thought about how to word what she was thinking. All the time growing up she felt like she wasn't part of her family. Same with the times I've known her as well. People love her, I love her, but she has never truely felt love before. You know what I mean?" "She desperatly wants someone to be in love with her. I know, she was like that with me as well." "But you were there... you weren't for my Nanoha. Do you get what I'm saying?" Fate nodded. "I love my Nanoha. I would never cheat on her, even if its with the same girl in another time line. She is Nanoha, but she's not my Nanoha." Hayate smiled and gave a relieved chuckle. "Thank you, that makes me feel so much better. I was worried that when you left... it might hurt her." Fate started walking with Hayate as she closed down her office and walked towards the door. "Don't worry, I don't think she'd fall for me that easily. Nanoha and I danced around each other for years before we started dating. In fact, it was you who brought us together." "Really?" She tilted her head curiously. "It was at a sleep over, you dared her to ask out her crush to the dance at school. You got her phone and called her crush and... my phone rang. I remember looking at it and slowly picking it up. I brought it to my ear and looked at Nanoha, who quickly turned away from me and looked down at her lap... Then she meekly told me hello and asked if I had a date yet. It was the cutest thing you would have ever seen. I thought she would pass out, her ears were so red." With a giggle, Hayate shook her head. "That would be so amusing. Nanoha is so independent it is hard to imagine her all shy blushy." "Blushy? Is that a word?" "Its a technical term." Hayate smiled as they walked to the residential area. "Nanoha normally takes a bath in her room so I'm sure she won't mind you taking one there as well. She doesn't like people offering to help her, gets really touchy about it." "Sounds like her." "I know, right? One time I offered to carry her to the bathtub and she got really upset. She never lets anyone carry her anywhere, its like her pet peeve." "Really?" Fate stopped walking and looked at her with a confused look. "I carried her to bed last night and she seemed rather pleased." "You carried her?" Hayate shook her head. "No, no, nobody carries Nanoha. They would lose their arms." Fate scratched her head before placing her hand on her hip. "Odd, maybe she was just too tired to say anything." "Must have been being polite," Hayate agreed. "Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow." "Okay," Fate nodded and left the elevator once it was on her floor. The short walk was made and she found herself standing in front of Nanoha's door. 'I hope she isn't upset about earlier...' Taking a breath to steady herself, Fate knocked on the door leading into Nanoha's loft. A call from inside bade her entrance and she made her way into the overly large room. "I'm back," she called testingly, seeing Nanoha move over from behind the kitchen cabinets and face her. "Welcome back," Nanoha smiled in greeting "So, you're registered here, miss Takamachi?" "I... didn't mean for it to turn out that way. I'm sorry..." "I don't mind." Nanoha mused, turning her chair around and going back to the kitchen to finish preparing her drink. "You could have told me beforehand, though. I was contacted in front of all my students as I was dismissing them. Now they are all asking me weird questions." "I'm sorry..." Fate looked down. "Don't get all pouty on me. Like I said, I don't mind. I'm your wife after all, that's kind of neat. I've never even been on a date and now I have a wife. I should call my parents." "Nanoha!" Fate felt herself blushing, a fact that the girl didn't miss. "A-anyway, um..." "Make yourself at home. Want anything to eat or drink?" "Uhm, a drink would be nice." Nanoha smiled. "What would you like?" "Don't suppose you have scotch?" The girl cocked an eyebrow at her. "I don't drink often, but I could use something to mellow me down right now." "Sorry, don't have any. I have some frozen daiquiri mix and some rum?" "Thanks but I can't handle the sweetness." Fate moved to the large couch and fell down on it. Nanoha moved over to her and lifted her arms. The wheelchair shifted and two bars came out for her to grab, allowing the girl to easily move so she was sitting on the couch as well. "So," Once she was set, the wheelchair moved away from them. "Other than looking like a nervous wreck, how was your day?" "Bad... Good... I'm not sure." Looking down, Fate moved her hands out in a helpless gesture. "I mean, everything is going okay and my day wasn't really that bad, it's just..." "You're not where you want to be." "Yeah... which is weird, because this is exactly where I want to be." "Tell me," Nanoha picked up a pillow from the couch and sat it on her lap. "What do I normally do when you're upset?" "Rub my back and make advances on me." Fate smiled at the thought. "You're really physical. I remember you telling me that you couldn't express how you felt with words so you tried to do it in a way that would show me." "Wow, that's interesting." Nanoha leaned forward to make Fate look at her. "So a massage?" "I- I couldn't-" "Its okay, you're my wife after all." Nanoha laughed at the statement. "That's so weird to say, I like it. Come on, lets go upstairs and I'll rub your back. Its the least I can do for you fighting for me this morning. Besides, I heard what you said to Lexus." "A-Ah, that was... Just instinct." Nanoha smiled more, asking a question fondly. "Am I always in your instinct?" "...Yeah, you could say that. Not a day goes by without me thinking about Nanoha." The girl leaned to Fate more. "Then let me help you out for a change. Lets go upstairs... Carry me?" Fate hesitated, blinking at the innocent eyes gazing at her.
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2009-10-24, 21:04 | Link #17511 | |
Worshipper of Nanoha...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: In my imagination...
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My stories can be found here:http://www.fanfiction.net/~alavon |
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2009-10-24, 21:05 | Link #17512 | |
Vividly Vivio
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[EDIT] Easymac=win
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2009-10-24, 21:07 | Link #17513 |
Banned
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This is a different story then my Crisis series, where I plan to go into some backstory on the Wolkenritter and the Tome of the Night Sky. Although it can be considered a bit of a sidestory to my Crisis story.
Currently a rough draft, looking for feedback: Spoiler for Recollections of a Lost Age, Chapter 1: Memory Reinforcement:
Recollections of a Lost Age
Chapter 1: Memory Reinforcement The laboratory was dark and somehow... fuzzy. Beakers on wooden tables bubbled, with various books and ancient tomes scattered about; some open to random pages and resting on pedestals or tables, with countless more in the shelves lining the stone walls. Shadows danced along the walls, in tune with the flickering flames of a blazing fireplace. As she looked around, she realized it must have been her own eyesight that was fuzzy. She could barely make out any details, although just enough to make-out the hunched-over form of a figure leaning one of the larger volumes, mumbling to himself. She opened her mouth to ask, “Who are you?” but no sound came out. And in fact, she found she couldn't even move. Growing desperate, she wanted to scream, to trash about, to do anything to regain some control over herself. Her other senses seemed to work; she felt herself resting on a cold, wood surface, the scent of pine and leather most potent with the acrid smells of various unknown substances permeating the rest. Her ears could make out the mumbling of the figure in the distance, growing in volume now, threatening to overtake the bubbling of the beakers and the rapid beating of her own heart. [Where am I?] she thought to herself, frantic now. Once more, she attempted to yell, or to call out to anyone. [Someone, help me!] And then she felt herself fall. She attempted to brace herself for impact, but there was surprisingly no pain upon striking the stone floor. It was if she was numb in a way. Whether she actually caused the fall, she didn't know, but she did succeed in getting the attention of the figure on the other side of the room. She could only stare in fright, as he came closer and closer. “Hmm, how did you fall off there?” he stated, his voice somewhat deep and soothing as he picked her up and placed her back where she was. “Can't have anything happen to you, my dear.” She got a good look at him now. His hair was short and brown, but there were white patches along his sideburns. His heavy round glasses amplified his silver eyes, nearly drawing her attention away from the slight wrinkles in his skin. His nose and chin made him appear somewhat hawkish and shrewd. His gray robes covered most of his body, and somehow she knew him to be a wizard of much power. He smiled, revealing a row of mostly-white teeth, except for the two metal ones. “After all, you will be my legacy, the greatest work this world has ever known!” He raised his hand, a sliver Belkan triangle appearing in it. “Into you, I shall impart power far greater than any one man has wielded.” She opened her mouth to speak again, but what came out wasn't her voice, although it sounded familiar. “Acknowledged, Doctor.” The magical triangle symbol flared bright red and her world exploded into noise and images, flowing too fast to comprehend. She was falling, tumbling, into a world of pure information, and she was out of phase. She could feel her grip on reality slipping. Then she saw his face floating there in the midst, staring at her, smiling, mouthing something. But the noise drowned out whatever he was trying to say. [I don't understand!] she cried in her head. [What's going on? Who are you? What are you trying to tell me!?] She focused all concentration on him, partially in order to drown out what was going on around her. At first it was barely a whisper: “..ein..” [What!? I don't understand!] “REIN!” Reinforce Zwei's eyes shot open; that shout was not the voice of an older man, but of a young woman. As her vision came into focus, she could make out the worried face of her mistress, Hayate Yagami, above her, barely lit by the rising sun peaking through the shades. “Rein!” the mistress of the Wolkenritter called again, shaking her slightly with her fingers. “Are you okay?” “I-I think so?” Rein offered, sitting up in her small bed on Hayate's nightstand. She then shivered as the blanket fell off her, her body covered in sweat. “I think I just had a bad dream.” [But it seemed so real...] “That's strange,” Hayate said, her eyebrows furrowing in through. “You haven't had bad dreams before, have you? Ever since you were created, I can't remember you ever calling out like that in your sleep.” Rein felt some of the color drain from her face. “C-calling out!?” Hayate let the blankets fall off her nightgown as she moved to sit on the edge of the bed. “You were moaning, tossing and turning, while mumbling 'Who are you?' and 'Help me!' I was really worried.” “Ah, heh heh, maybe I just had too much pizza last night!” Rein tried to joke and cover up her embarrassment. Her mistress tapped her finger to her lips. “Still, I think we should have Shari take a look at you later.” Rein frantically waved her hands in a warding maneuver. “N-no, that's okay! I'm fine now!” She tried to laugh it off. “Well, if you think so...” Hayate said after a few moments, briefly touching Rein's forehead to check for temperature. Rein smiled and nodded. For some strong reason, she didn't want anyone to know about her dream, at least until she could figure it out on her own. She didn't want anyone worrying about her. “Alright, well, let's take a shower,” Hayate continued, smiling and standing up. “We have a busy day today. We have a small intro class to teach today with Nanoha, on the subject of Unisons.” “Hai!” the little girl replied, shedding her clothes as her mistress did the same, heading for the washroom. Breakfast and the rest of the morning passed quickly, as Rein tried to busy herself with her work, preparing for the class. She wanted to avoid thinking about the dream, but couldn't quite put it out of her mind. Fortunately, the scheduled time for the class came quickly enough, that she could focus on that. “Nanoha!” Hayate called, waving as she approached the other girl. Rein floated up from where she was sitting on her mistress's shoulder, to salute the Ace-of-Aces. “Master Sergeant Rein, reporting for duty!” Nanoha giggled and saluted back. “And how are you two this morning?” “Well, Rein woke me up this morning with her moaning, but I slept well,” Hayate said wryly. Rein's face went red. “I DID NOT!” Then turned away and did a “hrmph” as the two girls shared a laugh. “How do the recruits look?” Hayate asked at last, after the laughter died down. Nanoha partially turned to wave her hand at the gathered men and women, chatting in low tones across the room. “We have about ten for this first batch. They all seemed skilled, and Shari gave the green light on the last unison device last night. They aren't as advanced as Rein, basic functionality really, but headquarters has really been pushing the creation of a unison unit for awhile.” Hayate nodded. “They've been wanting to make unison devices for a long time, ever since they saw me with Rein. I explained to them over and over, that I wasn't quite sure what I did. My magic reacted with the new device I was given, the Tome of the Night Sky, and Rein was born. I think it was mostly my feelings of wanting to see the original Reinforce again.” Rein was only half-listening, studying the new dolls floating near the recruits. They were about her size, but not quite as animate. They were more like a rudimentary AI with their own magic, and ability to fuse with their master like Rein possessed. But they didn't have near the function and capability that Rein herself did. Not even Shari had Rein quite figured out yet, although with Agito's nervous consent, she was able to finally make some progress lately. For all intents and purposes, to the TSAB, Reinforce Zwei was a lost logia they were attempting to duplicate to shore up their military forces. Which led to this introductory class to teach the first group. “Well, shall we get started?” Hayate suggested. Nanoha nodded, then proceeded to the front of the class, Hayate and Rein following. “Good morning everyone!” “Good morning Instructor Takamachi and Instructor Yagami!” came the seemingly well-rehearsed reply from the class as they lined up. “Hey, what about me!?” Rein demanded, steamed. Nanoha tried to hide her smile at the class's confusion, and mostly failed. “That's right, Sergeant Major Reinforce Zwei is a major part of this class. Perhaps you didn't realize it, because your own unison devices don't have quite the... personality she does. Yet. But hopefully with time, they will.” The class quickly apologized, which mollified Rein some. Hayate took over. “Each of you is here because you are some of the best of the regular forces, and also because your magic style is Belkan. For now, that magic style is more compatible with Unison devices.” “For instance, I use mid-childan magic style,” Nanoha continued. “So I can't unison with Rein at all. We haven't quite figured out the compatibility issues, but the good news is that your individual units have been tuned to your magic, so there shouldn't be any issues. Now, shall we begin?” The lesson proceeded well enough, at least Rein thought so. She actually found it rather boring, and as a result, her mind started to drift in between demonstrations of fusing with Hayate. Eventually, it came time for the class to try uniting, and one-by-one they stepped forward to attempt it. The first two went fine, but on the third, Rein found herself a bit hypnotized by the young man's silver Belkan triangle magic symbol. Images of the dream came back, clearer than before, of the older man and the similar silver Belkan triangle. On the edge of her vision, she could barely detect Hayate looking at her with concern. She wanted to turn and smile or something, but she found she couldn't move at all. And then the fourth trainee stepped out and activated her magic, a red Belkan magic triangle, and Rein felt herself falling, barely detecting Nanoha and Hayate turning and shouting at her, as her world went red... and then black. “How is she?” Vita asked, as her, Signum, and Zafiras entered Shari's lab. She turned to look at Rein, floating nude in a small jar, eyes closed. “Still unconscious,” Hayate said, not taking her eyes off her device and friend. She couldn't displace the feeling that something was very wrong. “Shari is still working on it.” She could hear the tapping of keys somewhere behind her where Shari, Shamal, Nanoha, and Raging Heart were engaged in low conversation. “She'll be alright,” Signum tried to assure her mistress. Hayate didn't say anything, but felt a firm hand on her shoulder, turning her head finally to see Zafiras in one of his rare moments in human form. “She may be small, but she possess strength greatly beyond her form,” he offered quietly. “I know,” Hayate replied just as softly, her gaze returning to the small jar. “But I should have taken her to get checked up earlier. Then maybe she wouldn't be in this state. But she said she was fine.” “That idiot would say that,” came the voice of Agito, floating over Signum's shoulder to land beside the jar. “When she gets out of there, I'm gonna fry her for making me, err, us worry like this!” The little demon's miss-speech didn't go unnoticed by the rest of the group. That gave the Mistress of the Night Sky a small smile. “Thank you, Agito.” Vita turned to the duo across the room. “Shari, Shamal, any news on what's wrong with her?” The Wolkenritter doctor came over to the group, bringing up a window of data as she studied Rein. “If she were human, I'd say she was just asleep. She has all the signs of REM sleep.” “She's dreaming?” Zafiras asked. Shamal nodded. “There also seems to be indications of conflict in her synaptic patterns, as if a suppressed memory were resurfacing. It's affecting her conscious mind and effecting a mental breakdown.” “But I've been with Rein since she was born, mostly,” Hayate protested. “She couldn't have any traumatic memories!” “It's not exactly that,” Shari stated, swiveling around in her chair to face the group. She brought up a display panel near them. “There seems to be a shell program in play here, attempting to rewrite her code. Rein's conscious mind seems to be in combat with that.” She pounded the table in frustration. “And I can't stop it!” “Isn't there anything we can do for her?” Signum voiced the question they all wanted to ask. “She is one of us; the Wolkenritter do not fight their battles alone.” Shari cast her gaze downwards as silence fell upon the room. Shamal turned back to her work, while Zafiras reverted to wolf form and moved into the corner to curl up and start his vigil. Hayate knew he would stay there until Rein was out of the woods. She knew all of them would stay there. Signum was right; the Wolkenritter, no, her family would always be together, and would never let one fight their battles alone. At that thought, Hayate's head came up. “I'll unison with her.” “Hayate-chan?” Nanoha said, surprised. “I'm not sure if-” Shamal started, but Hayate cut her off. “You said she's dreaming, and that her conscious mind is fighting it, right? Then I'll lend her some of my power to help fight, and if I go into REM sleep as well, I may be able to interface with her dreams and see what this is all about.” Shari sighed. “It's... possible, but risky. Whatever is wrong with her, could affect you negatively as well.” Hayate's determination didn't waver. “I would rather risk my life, then lose any of you. I know you all would do the same.” She didn't wait for a response, but went and laid down on the examination table. When no one moved, she added, “Please.” Shamal sighed, then half-smiled. “I think we all know you well enough by now, that you'd do it even without our help.” She started to attach sensors to various places on Hayate's body. “But if it looks like things are going bad, we'll pull you out of there.” Her mistress nodded firmly, determination still firing in her eyes, but understanding there, too. She watched Nanoha stand back with the others, concern evident across all their faces, as Shari placed Rein atop Hayate. Normally, it took a conscious effort on both parts to create a unison, so Shari was going to artificially induce it on Rein's part. The technician asked if Hayate was ready, and then started the connection. Hayate closed her eyes. For awhile, there was just the void; blackness swirled around her. Then dancing phases of green replaced it, reminding her of her of her first fusion with the Book of Darkness, all those years ago. Before she could think about what to do, a familiar voice startled her. “So you've come,” the soft female voice intoned. Hayate's breath caught in her chest as she turned to confirm what she heard. “Reinforce!” The figure that held the original Reinforce's visage shook her head. “I'm sorry, I'm just a failsafe program left in place by the original Reinforce before she left. But you can call me that if you wish. I was created to guide you, in case there was a problem with my descendant.” “But how did you place a program on Rein?” Hayate wondered, reaching out to touch the program's cheek. “Reinforce didn't,” she replied almost emotionlessly. “The program was placed on you, in your subconscious. I have been laying dormant there.” The SS rank mage blinked in surprise, never realizing she had such a thing floating around in the back of her mind. “Oh. Well, how do we help Rein?” “We'll have to venture into her mind, but it will be risky,” the Reinforce-program explained. “If Rein's mind mistakes you for an intruder, she could attack you. But if I hide your mind withing my program, you should be safe. I am similar enough that I shouldn't be regarded as foreign material.” “Okay, I'm ready, let's do this!” There was no hesitation in her voice. At least, she hoped there wasn't. Reinforce floated over to her, covering her like a protective coating, until only the former could be seen. Then the two rapidly seemed to descend. Images flew past, which Hayate assumed to be visual memories of Rein. Slowly, their speed seemed to decrease, and then there was a flash of light; Hayate found herself standing on solid ground. “[I am trying to pick up Rein's trail,]” came the voiceless mental contact. “[Her awareness has been moving all over, and it's hard to pin her down.]” The mistress of the Night Sky studied their surrounds, which appeared to be some sort of underground laboratory with a cobblestone floor. Light came from the fireplace, as well as a handful of torches. Despite the warmth from the flames, a chill brushed her skin that seemed to suggest she was standing in a very old place. “Well, isn't this a surprise,” an elderly voice called. “I didn't expect to see anyone for a long time.” The fused duo turned around to find an elderly man, of what Hayate guessed to be at least 70, clothed in a simple gray robe and rope belt. Short gray hair encircled his bald scalp, and he adjusted his weight slightly as he leaned on his gnarled wooden staff. He reminded the girl of the old wizards depicted in in her home planet's entertainment. “Probably why I appear this way to you,” he said, grinning and tapping his head with the head of his cane. “Yes, I can read your mind, and I know the real you is in there. Don't worry, I'm not sure any other denizen of this mind could detect you; but I'm special.” Hayate finally found her voice, but spoken with Reinforce's tone. “Who are you?” He laughed, but it came off as more of a cackle. “Let me show you, and you'll understand.” He hobbled across the laboratory, stopping to tap a book on a table. Of course, Hayate recognized it instantly. “The Tome of the Night Sky!” she breathed. “Are you one of the past masters?” Her question was met with more laughter. “In a way. I'm the first!” Her eyes widened. “You created it!? Who are you?” “That is a long story, and I'm sorry I don't have time to tell it to you fully right now,” he told her sadly, sitting into a comfy chair beside the book. “You shouldn't stay here long, not if you want to save the book. My name is Clarius. I am, or was, a refugee from Alhazard. One of the earliest settlers of Ancient Belka. I created the book as a way to document the emerging magics, as our scientific way of life had nearly been the end of us. Our people sought a different way.” “Clarius, do you know what's happening with Rein?” Hayate asked. She wanted to know more, but somehow she also knew this old man was right; she didn't have a whole lot of time. His gaze seemed to turn meloncholy. “The answer to that lies with one of the book's previous owners, I suspect. As you know, the book's program was corrupted over the years by some of the owners.” He pounded the floor with his staff. “My legacy was to document the rise of magic, hoping to avoid the mistakes of pure science. I was an arrogant fool. I should have realized there would be power-hungry mages who would break my protections. And now you and your Rein must pay the price.” Hayate kneeled down beside him, laying her hand over his. “It's not your fault; you couldn't have known what would happen. But can you tell me which owner and what they did?” He shook his head sadly. “I'm sorry, my dear. I am but a residual program in the book as well. I've hidden my existence, so I could be a guide of sorts to any who would come here. Perhaps it was my attempt at immortality. I can't see very well what goes on out there, without revealing my existence. But I do know there have been some major corruptions over the years.” “We ran into the defense program before,” Hayate agreed. A thought struck her. “But the original Reinforce sacrificed herself to destroy those corruptions. Why is this happening now?” “What you call Reinforce was merely the software,” he explained. “So whatever went wrong, has to do with the hardware, the book itself. I'm guessing a false page or two of programming was added. It looks like an ordinary page, but it's a place for a magical program to hide. However, removing it won't solve your current problem. The current software has been infected, so you would have to wipe that as well as fix the book itself.” The original Reinforce's sacrifice in the snow came to her mind; a virtual mindwipe would erase the Rein she knew and basically be the same thing. “No, I won't lose Rein the same way. There has to be a way to save her.” Clarius waved the end of his cane. “Then you have to venture out there. Find he root cause of the problem and destroy it. And before you use the Tome again, you have to find the right page and remove it. I'm sorry I can't help more, but I can't leave here without being detected.” The new mistress of the book smiled at him. “You've helped a lot, thank you.” He held out his hand, and Hayate helped him to his feet. “I can give you a headstart.” He hobbled over to the fireplace, ablaze and crackling. “Jump into the fire, here. Think of it like a shortcut; it should take you close to where Rein's conscious mind is. Don't worry, this is my place, so the fire won't hurt you. You'll have to be careful elsewhere, though, as not everything is what it appears to be. And be careful what you attack, or you could hurt Rein.” Hayate leaned down a bit to hug the old man. “Thank you very much for your help, Clarius.” He protested. “I'm not dead yet, and if you succeed in this, you can come back to talk again another time. Now go, time is short.” She nodded, then turned and leapt into the fire. Before it swallowed her up, she thought she could hear the old man whisper, “I should thank you, for allowing me to see my wife again, even if it was just a shell program.” The fire was warm, but it didn't burn or hurt at all. Hayate allowed herself a few moments to think of the old man, Clarius, then focused her thoughts ahead. The tunnel of flames flew past rapidly. “[Where are we headed now?]” she asked the Reinforce-program. “[I am unsure,]” came the reply. “[I wasn't programmed with too many specifics, and this is my first time delving into my descendant's mind.]” “[I guess we'll find out together,]” Hayate told her, smiling, then her gaze turned serious. “[Hold on Rein...]” The flame tunnel abruptly ended in another flash of white, depositing the fused pair in a forest clearing. The sky was overcast, cloudy, with thunder echoing in the distance. “[Hold on, scanning to determine direction,]” Reinforce sent. Hayate's visage hardened as she turned. “[I don't think you need to bother.]” Sitting on a hilltop on the horizon, gloomy-looking black castle served to further darken the skies. The lightning in the clouds surrounding the castle seemed to be the source of thunder as well. Hayate almost found the scene too cliché. She wondered off-hand if she would be attacked by flying monkeys en route. “[I believe you are correct,]” Reinforce replied after a moment. “[I seem to be getting the strongest disturbance readings in that direction.]” Mentally agreed, the fused pair took off, arriving at the black castle within a few minutes. There didn't appear to be any signs of life, but Hayate was sure that Rein was here, somewhere. While debating where in the castle to land, she figured that if this was all some sort of bad cliché, then her target should be somewhere in the central parapet, which should be the throne room. Finding a balcony, she landed and entered without hesitation or stealth. She figured it was a safe bet that if anyone inhabited this place, they would know she was here. In fact, if anyone was here, she wanted them out here now. She wasn't sure how much time Rein had. “Hello!” Hayate called in Reinforce's voice as she exited the room and into a stone hallway. Torches lined the walls, providing light. “[I am not sure that was wise,]” Reinforce communicated. “[I am not sure what we are up against here. I am only a shell program, and do not have the combat abilities the original Reinforce did. I can only provide minimal protection.]” “[It's okay,]” Hayate soothed. “[The sooner we find out what we are up against, the sooner we can move against it. Don't you have any memories of the original Reinforce?]” “[I do not,]” she replied. “[I am just a guide program here to assist you. I do not have memories nor feelings.]” “[That's sad,]” Hayate replied. “[I think you might. Perhaps I can ask Shari to help you with them, after this.]” “[If you wish.]” Her demeanor changed. “[It knows we are here.]” “Greetings to my unknown visitor!” a male voice called out, echoing throughout the hallway. “Had I known you were coming, I could have prepared for it. Even a simple knock at my door would have been helpful. But if you came all this way to meet me, you can find me down the hall, in the throne room!” “[This way,]” Reinforce sent, and the pair jogged down the hall, following Reinforce's sensor readings. “I apologize, I didn't realize this abode was occupied,” Hayate spoke, still using Reinforce's voice to hide her presence. She arrived at a large double door, which she naturally assumed to be the throne room. “That is understandable,” the voice replied back from the other side of the door. “It does seem quite empty, doesn't it?” Hayate pushed the door open and entered. She realized she probably could have guessed what the interior looked like, as it was similar to the black stone and torch motif outside. Only the figure on the throne took her a bit by surprise. Short ebony hair, long flowing black cape, but otherwise clad in grey knight's armor minus any helmet. Almost attractive. “Well now, I didn't expect to see you,” he stated in surprise, and giving Hayate a start that he might have seen through her 'disguise.' His next words allayed that fear, however. “I thought you had destroyed yourself to save your current master.” “If you know who I am, that means you are who I am looking for,” Hayate told him evenly, wishing she had her staff and Rein for aiming. “Where is she?” “[I can function as both,]” the Reinforce-program told her. “[But only here in this mental world. Prepare any spells you need.]” Hayate's magic triangle sprung up underneath her, black instead of white as the Reinforce-program covered it. She raised her hand, black energy gathering inside it as she formed her Diabolic Emission spell. “Well, we don't seem to be wasting anytime,” the man said, amused. He stood and spread his arms. “But you might want to ask yourself if you really want to cast that.” The Belkan mage froze, noticing for the first time the golden locket around his neck, that his previously crossed arms were hiding. The shining surface held the symbol of Rein's Azure Sky Tome on it. ------ Author's Notes: This should be about a 6 part series. Beginning and End chapters, with 4 chapters in the middle for each of the Wolkenritter. I haven't decided quite which order to use them in, but it will go into their backstory. Tentative schedule: Chapter 2: Knight's Honor (Signum) Chapter 3: Fangs and Shields (Zafiras) Chapter 4: Hippocratic Oath (Shamal) Chapter 5: Nothing They Can't Destroy (Vita) Chapter 6: Second Wind Edit: Fixed up some grammar errors and made a few parts easier reading. I think that draft was a bit too rough... Oh, also would appreciate if people let me know if this section felt too long or too short. I'm trying to get a feel for a decent chapter size. Last edited by Kaijo; 2009-10-24 at 21:34. |
2009-10-24, 21:11 | Link #17514 | |
Goat Herder
Author
Join Date: Jun 2008
Age: 36
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Quote:
Strangely, though, I can't really see Fate's Nanoha getting upset with alternate!Nanoha for falling for Fate.
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2009-10-24, 21:16 | Link #17515 | |||
Worshipper of Nanoha...
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: In my imagination...
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Spoiler for Comment for Kaijo's fic....:
It's looking good so far but it was surprising to see that it's about Rein. It IS about Rein...right? Well, I'm interested to see how this will turn out.
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My stories can be found here:http://www.fanfiction.net/~alavon |
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2009-10-24, 22:44 | Link #17517 | |
Left for TFF
Author
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... Still very good. Thanks, Satashi, I needed something to look at after working for 10 hours today. |
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2009-10-24, 23:05 | Link #17519 |
Beta by Accident
Author
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Maine
Age: 52
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Yes, it really seems like Nanoha's actually falling for Fate rather than accepting her per se. Maybe even that she sees in this Fate a second chance at everything that was lost when she failed (in her mind) her own reality's Fate.
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2009-10-24, 23:11 | Link #17520 | |
Vividly Vivio
Author
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Quote:
and suddenly it seems like an Angel was sent to Nanoha :3
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Tags |
authorshipping, befriending, fanfiction, interactive fanfiction, nanoha |
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