I had the original intention of it being a Shadow who killed him for knowing too much and, since he's now been forgotten by everyone, is safe to eliminate without repercussion. Now that you put it that way, though, I would not put it against an in-universe Yuunoha hater to do so... OR an in-universe Yuunoha hater who's also a Shadow!
I'll point out again that in Shadowverse, at least, there's no good reason to kill Yuuno and to use a Shadow to do it; on top of that, killing him would leave way too many holes with Nanoha and Chrono, as friends and as people in general. The chances of Yuuno dying in Shadowverse are slim to none.
Also, Miyuki would totally track Chrono's ass down and kill him.
Spoiler:
Also, maybe I'm just touchy, but next time you want to do something linked to the Shadows, can you please run it by me first so I can get a feel for what you're doing? It's a little weird to see someone run with my universe without permission.
I did raise questions of a similar nature earlier on in this thread, just so you know.
I would also like to offer my response:
A) I did not explicitly say it was a part of the Shadowsverse, "authorised" or otherwise. It was inspired by discussion on the Shadowsverse, but Yuuno's killer was not explicitly identified in the text as a Shadow.
B) I recognise that it would, at least in theory, be unwise to neutralise Yuuno; however, the scenario I had in mind for Death of a Nobody was based on taking Yuuno's demotion to extra in canon, including being absent from his library, to its illogical conclusion: One man, forgotten by all friends, is not just extra... he is expendable. No one will miss him.
C) The Celica Conundrum proves that the Shadows aren't all firmly in Chrono's grasp anyway. I honestly doubt that the pre-selection psychological profile covers such things as a hatred for Yuuno. It doesn't take a master criminal to carry out simple precautions like wearing gloves and not leaving usably large amounts of DNA traces behind - not like finding said traces is as easy or reliable as much fiction mistakenly has it - much less a trained operative. If (s)he was a Shadow, which as mentioned in point A is meant to be up in the air.
I doubt I'll be dipping my toes into the Shadowsverse waters often anyway. I wuvvies my Reinno stuff, which is incompatible with Shadowsverse. So I don't believe we need to or should cross swords over this matter.
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow, in a house dropped on an ugly, old woman.
Posted Chapter 3 of Future Tense to ff.net; you can find it here.
And as a side note, it's nearly impossible to control what people do with something you release into the wild. Considering that we ourselves are creating works of fiction using a universe created by someone else, it leaves little room for us to complain when someone does the same to us.
On that note, I've had a few people ask about using concepts, settings, and characters I've developed, so I'll state in advance if anyone else wants to use them, or write a story in the universe I've created, feel free. I can help with any concepts or ideas you have, but if you want to write something to surprise me, feel free, heh.
I did raise questions of a similar nature earlier on in this thread, just so you know.
I would also like to offer my response:
A) I did not explicitly say it was a part of the Shadowsverse, "authorised" or otherwise. It was inspired by discussion on the Shadowsverse, but Yuuno's killer was not explicitly identified in the text as a Shadow.
B) I recognise that it would, at least in theory, be unwise to neutralise Yuuno; however, the scenario I had in mind for Death of a Nobody was based on taking Yuuno's demotion to extra in canon, including being absent from his library, to its illogical conclusion: One man, forgotten by all friends, is not just extra... he is expendable. No one will miss him.
C) The Celica Conundrum proves that the Shadows aren't all firmly in Chrono's grasp anyway. I honestly doubt that the pre-selection psychological profile covers such things as a hatred for Yuuno. It doesn't take a master criminal to carry out simple precautions like wearing gloves and not leaving usably large amounts of DNA traces behind - not like finding said traces is as easy or reliable as much fiction mistakenly has it - much less a trained operative. If (s)he was a Shadow, which as mentioned in point A is meant to be up in the air.
I doubt I'll be dipping my toes into the Shadowsverse waters often anyway. I wuvvies my Reinno stuff, which is incompatible with Shadowsverse. So I don't believe we need to or should cross swords over this matter.
Ah, sorry, I got confused. You threw me for a loop by saying to Raiser that it was a Shadow (or a Yuunoha-hater Shadow) who killed Yuuno, so I mistakenly thought you had based it off my Shadowverse. Sorry for the misunderstanding. So, sorry about that.
Sorry for the double post, but I didn't feel like editing my post for this; plus, it's not really related to what I already posted. Next chapter of "Shadowfire" is up and running: Winter Wind.
I woke up easily enough, rolling over to look at my mother's smiling face as she gently shook my shoulder. "Good morning, sleepy head," She told me, getting a smile for it. "I'll have breakfast ready soon so come on down when you can."
I nodded and sat up in bed, giving a large stretch. Nanoha-mama left the room and I contently swung my feet over so I could stand. Kris turned on my radio so I could listen to my favorite talk show while getting dressed.
A new style school uniform was hung on my closet door handle and I couldn't help but feel a little proud of putting it on. I was finally in the same school as Einhart now, and it felt good to know all of us would be wearing the same uniform.
Pulling off my pajamas, I slid on my camisole and shifted a little uncomfortably when the uniform went over it. My chest had started developing a little more recently, and I realized that I actually started feeling my breasts wiggle when jogging. Putting this aside to think about later, I finished dressing myself and patted Kris on the head before heading downstairs.
Fate-mama was here this morning and I happily gave her a hug for the surprise visit. "I'm glad you could make it!" I told her, getting a pat on the head. Fate-mama was here a lot more than usual lately, and I was happy for it. Even if she wasn't my real mother, I still thought of her as so, and not seeing her for a while made me feel uneasy.
Sitting at the table, I began munching the pancakes placed before me, happy to see all my favorites there as well. A few berries were on the side of the plate along with some scrambled eggs. I loved fruits, and generally had them as often as I could. I much preferred blackberries over chips for snacks and I even had string cheese when bored instead of Nanoha-mama's famous cookies. I guess that attributed to my lean figure which was just starting to develop. Speaking of...
Spoiler for Part 2:
"Ne," I spoke, getting both Nanoha-mama and Fate-mama to look at me. I generally referred to Nanoha as mama and Fate as 'mom' when not calling their names, so this time they both gave me their attention. "I kind of... need a favor."
"What is it?" Fate asked me curiously.
"Well..." I fidgeted a little. "Lately... I think I've been... uhm.. 'jiggling' when training."
"Jig..." Nanoha's eyes widened slightly after a small pause. "Oh!" To my surprise she covered a small giggle. "I see." Nanoha nudged Fate playfully. "See? I told you."
I blushed as Fate smiled at me. "You just have the opening ceremony today, right? How about I pick you up after class and we go shopping?"
Nanoha agreed. "Best you get some before you start changing at school. I have work today so I can't go with you unless you want to wait?"
"No, today is fine." I nodded to myself. "The other girls all have them already so..."
At that moment I noticed the time and yelped slightly. "I might be late!" I quickly started eating my breakfast while they leasurly sipped their morning coffee. Once done, I stood up and grabbed my empty briefcase for class and gave them each a hug in turn. "Bye-bye mama, mom!" I cheerfully ran from the house and made my way down the sidewalk.
The morning was a little warm, as it was still summer time, and by the time I made it to the usual meeting place I was already sweating a little bit. "Rio, Corona, Einhart-san, good morning!"
"Mornin'!" Rio was overly cheerful as usual.
"Good morning," Corona bowed lightly to me, smiling brightly.
"Good morning, Vivio-san." Einhart told me with a little bow as well.
We wasted most of the time walking to school chatting about nothing in general. At the school entrance, Einhart showed us where out classroom was after we found out what home room we were all in. With that, we waved goodbye to her as she went to the stairs to go up a level to her classroom.
After home room we assembled in the stadium for an exceedingly long introduction to the school. I was used standing during things like this, so I was pleasantly surprised to find chairs for all of us.
The meeting finally ended and we were dismissed back to home room, where our teacher told us how things would work. I was handed a syllabus and looked over it with the teacher. There were a few school trips planned, as well as events and festivals that I was really looking forward to after we went to Einhart's classroom for her festival last year.
Once we were dismissed, we went into the hallway and then met with Einhart at the gates. "Finally," I complained lightly. "If we're in school, we should at least talk about more interesting things."
Rio laughed at my statement. "I agree, but I'm sure a lot of people are glad for that."
Corona shook her head. "But learning new things is really interesting..."
"Nerd," I accused, knowing I was almost just as bad.
"Yup," Corona agreed readily, smiling.
"What are your plans?" Einhart asked all of us.
At that moment, Fate pulled by and honked, getting my attention as well as the attention of a lot of the upperclassmen. Granted, Fate's car was a little on the expensive, flashy side, but I thought it was normal by now. "I have to go early today, sorry." I waved at them all before trotting over to the car and greeting Fate. "Mom, hi!" Getting in, I waved to my friends one more time before being driven off. "Thank you so much."
"Anytime," Fate's soft voice always seemed to sooth me for some reason. "Don't tell her I told, but Nanoha was really jealous I get to buy you your first bras."
I blushed lightly at hearing that. Nanoha had the role of mother down to an art form it seemed. Then again, she was my mom, so I was a little biased. Fate seemed to try extra hard as well, actually.
A: Ask Fate about how she feels about being your godmother
B:Ask Fate how long she will be staying this time
I woke up easily enough, rolling over to look at my mother's smiling face as she gently shook my shoulder. "Good morning, sleepy head," She told me, getting a smile for it. "I'll have breakfast ready soon so come on down when you can."
I nodded and sat up in bed, giving a large stretch. Nanoha-mama left the room and I contently swung my feet over so I could stand. Kris turned on my radio so I could listen to my favorite talk show while getting dressed.
A new style school uniform was hung on my closet door handle and I couldn't help but feel a little proud of putting it on. I was finally in the same school as Einhart now, and it felt good to know all of us would be wearing the same uniform.
Pulling off my pajamas, I slid on my camisole and shifted a little uncomfortably when the uniform went over it. My chest had started developing a little more recently, and I realized that I actually started feeling my breasts wiggle when jogging. Putting this aside to think about later, I finished dressing myself and patted Kris on the head before heading downstairs.
Fate-mama was here this morning and I happily gave her a hug for the surprise visit. "I'm glad you could make it!" I told her, getting a pat on the head. Fate-mama was here a lot more than usual lately, and I was happy for it. Even if she wasn't my real mother, I still thought of her as so, and not seeing her for a while made me feel uneasy.
Sitting at the table, I began munching the pancakes placed before me, happy to see all my favorites there as well. A few berries were on the side of the plate along with some scrambled eggs. I loved fruits, and generally had them as often as I could. I much preferred blackberries over chips for snacks and I even had string cheese when bored instead of Nanoha-mama's famous cookies. I guess that attributed to my lean figure which was just starting to develop. Speaking of...
Spoiler for Part 2:
"Ne," I spoke, getting both Nanoha-mama and Fate-mama to look at me. I generally referred to Nanoha as mama and Fate as 'mom' when not calling their names, so this time they both gave me their attention. "I kind of... need a favor."
"What is it?" Fate asked me curiously.
"Well..." I fidgeted a little. "Lately... I think I've been... uhm.. 'jiggling' when training."
"Jig..." Nanoha's eyes widened slightly after a small pause. "Oh!" To my surprise she covered a small giggle. "I see." Nanoha nudged Fate playfully. "See? I told you."
I blushed as Fate smiled at me. "You just have the opening ceremony today, right? How about I pick you up after class and we go shopping?"
Nanoha agreed. "Best you get some before you start changing at school. I have work today so I can't go with you unless you want to wait?"
"No, today is fine." I nodded to myself. "The other girls all have them already so..."
At that moment I noticed the time and yelped slightly. "I might be late!" I quickly started eating my breakfast while they leasurly sipped their morning coffee. Once done, I stood up and grabbed my empty briefcase for class and gave them each a hug in turn. "Bye-bye mama, mom!" I cheerfully ran from the house and made my way down the sidewalk.
The morning was a little warm, as it was still summer time, and by the time I made it to the usual meeting place I was already sweating a little bit. "Rio, Corona, Einhart-san, good morning!"
"Mornin'!" Rio was overly cheerful as usual.
"Good morning," Corona bowed lightly to me, smiling brightly.
"Good morning, Vivio-san." Einhart told me with a little bow as well.
We wasted most of the time walking to school chatting about nothing in general. At the school entrance, Einhart showed us where out classroom was after we found out what home room we were all in. With that, we waved goodbye to her as she went to the stairs to go up a level to her classroom.
After home room we assembled in the stadium for an exceedingly long introduction to the school. I was used standing during things like this, so I was pleasantly surprised to find chairs for all of us.
The meeting finally ended and we were dismissed back to home room, where our teacher told us how things would work. I was handed a syllabus and looked over it with the teacher. There were a few school trips planned, as well as events and festivals that I was really looking forward to after we went to Einhart's classroom for her festival last year.
Once we were dismissed, we went into the hallway and then met with Einhart at the gates. "Finally," I complained lightly. "If we're in school, we should at least talk about more interesting things."
Rio laughed at my statement. "I agree, but I'm sure a lot of people are glad for that."
Corona shook her head. "But learning new things is really interesting..."
"Nerd," I accused, knowing I was almost just as bad.
"Yup," Corona agreed readily, smiling.
"What are your plans?" Einhart asked all of us.
At that moment, Fate pulled by and honked, getting my attention as well as the attention of a lot of the upperclassmen. Granted, Fate's car was a little on the expensive, flashy side, but I thought it was normal by now. "I have to go early today, sorry." I waved at them all before trotting over to the car and greeting Fate. "Mom, hi!" Getting in, I waved to my friends one more time before being driven off. "Thank you so much."
"Anytime," Fate's soft voice always seemed to sooth me for some reason. "Don't tell her I told, but Nanoha was really jealous I get to buy you your first bras."
Spoiler for Part 3:
I blushed lightly at hearing that. Nanoha had the role of mother down to an art form it seemed. Then again, she was my mom, so I was a little biased. Fate seemed to try extra hard as well, actually, even though she wasn't really my mother...
Come to think about it, Fate has always been there with me, ever since I could remember. Back when Nanoha-mama first started looking after me, I mistook her as my mother. She talked with Fate and asked her for help and the next thing I knew, I was calling them both mama. I was young then and didn't understand anything other than Nanoha-mama and Fate-mama.
As I grew up, Fate was there with me at my parent's day at school, took me shopping, and listened to any fears I had. But she wasn't actually my mother, I had learned that somewhere along the way. I could remember the feelings I had then, and I don't like recalling them. Eventually I just accepted that Fate was Fate-mama because I was still young and didn't want to let go of that. Now, however, I was older and more accepting...
"Vivio?" Fate looked over at me curiously. "You're awfully quiet today, is something wrong?"
"Ah, I just..." I hesitated a moment. I had overheard Nanoha-mama and Aunt Hayate talking before, about how Fate had tried to distance herself form me in the past before. I knew it was because of her work and that Nanoha-mama was my mother and not her, but... Fate-mama...
"Vivio?" Fate put her hand on my forehead while still trying to keep an eye on the road. "You don't feel hot..."
"I don't feel sick," I told her while reaching up to remove the hand from my forehead and hold it. I noticed how much larger it was than mine and took a little comfort in the protection it could offer me. "Ne... Fate-mama?"
"Yes?" She seemed to pick up on my mood and got serious.
"I have a question that has been bothering me for a while... but I've been kind of scared to ask."
"What is it, Darling?"
"Well..." I looked over at her and held onto her hand with both of mine. "Does it bother you that I call you mama?"
"...What?" I could tell she was shocked at my question and I looked down into my lap to avoid meeting her eyes. Several long moments went by in silence, making me start to want to cry at the feeling in my chest. "Actually..." Fate began, making my chest feel even more tight. "I think it would bother me more if you stopped..."
"...Really?" I finally looked over at her.
"Mmn..." Fate was trying to keep looking forward instead of at me, but I had to accept that because she was still driving to the mall. "In the past I was worried how you would feel when you realized I wasn't actually your mother. Even though we constantly said I was your godmother back then, you didn't differentiate between their meanings. I kind of felt like I was trying to take Nanoha's child away from her."
"...Really?" I repeated my last question, not really sure what to think right now.
"... Yeah." Fate squeezed my hand. "I was really hurt from where Caro and Erio left to live on their own... and I kind of took refuge in you and Nanoha."
"Is that why you went away for so long?"
Fate nodded sadly. "Yeah... But when I came back, you still called me 'mama', even though Nanoha assured me you knew the difference."
"Because....Fate-mama was Fate-mama... Even if you were just my godmother, you... were my mother too."
"...Thank you." She rubbed the top of my hand with her thumb a little hard. I could tell she was scared right now so I placed my other hand ontop of hers to try and comfort her as well.
"So I am just a little scared..." I began softly. "That one day you would ask me to stop calling you that... Since everyone seems to think that you and Nanoha-mama..."
Fate smiled at that. "My relationship with Nanoha is complicated. We gave up on what other people thought a long, long time ago. More so than that, however," She parked the car in the mall parking lot and looked over at me. "I don't mind being known as your mother, and Nanoha doesn't either."
The words took me by surprise. "You talked to Nanoha-mama about it?"
"Of course," Fate assured me. "It wasn't nearly as awkward as you would imagine. She was smiling the entire time and told me that I was your mother as well, even if it wasn't on the adoption papers. Nanoha is your legal guardian, but family isn't just blood or paper. You're my daughter because we chose each other. I don't need a sheet of paper to say that, or have to marry Nanoha to get the title by default. I am your god mother officially, but if it is okay with you, I'd like you to continue thinking of me as your mother as well." Reaching over to me, she gave me an awkwardly positioned hug. "Nanoha feels the same, so what do you think, Vivio?"
"I... I'd like to keep you as my mom," I hugged her back tightly, trying not to cry. "Thank you..."
Fate pulled back and kissed my forehead. "It hurts to know you kept this inside for so long... Please, for now on, if you ever have anything you are worried about, please ask us, okay? That's what it means to be your mother."
"Yes," I nodded and wiped my eyes. "Thank you."
Fate rubbed her own eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Is there anything else you want to ask while we're here?"
I shook my head. "Later, there are a few things, but right now I just want to shop with my mom."
"Okay," her word broke lightly but after a few more breaths she smiled at me lovingly and we each got out of the car.
"Uhm," I reached to take her hand and walked with Fate-mama to the mall entrance. "Where do we buy stuff like this at in the mall?"
A.) Let Fate pick the store
B.) you pick the store
Heh, considering Fate's taste in underwear, it'll be interesting to see Nanoha's reaction, so A!
This part was really well done, effectively voicing my own thoughts on the matter: Vivio sees Fate as her mom, but that doesn't mean Fate is married to Nanoha and is legally her mother. StrikerS establishes Fate as Vivio's god mother, and it's never been said that her title has changed any.
I've never picked anything out, cothing wise, that I've actually worn so A.
On a different note, I didn't know Fate was Vivio's Godmother officialy. I just thought that she was like a second parent.
Sorta, there aren't really clear cut boundaries with this sort of thing. When the whole 'mama' thing started, Fate said "I'll be your god mother, so in a way I'm like your mama too" or something along those lines. Since Fate has experience with kids, it was her job to help Nanoha and Vivio settle in to their new relationship. Later Fate distances herself from them to let them grow as parent and child on their own. Of course since Fate did have a big hand in raising Vivio, the girl does view her as a mother figure and treats her as such.
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow, in a house dropped on an ugly, old woman.
Nanoha in general has always been about different types of family units, and familial love and relationships. To the point that romantic entanglements themselves are virtually eliminated. It's showing us that families can form in many different ways, and end up looking very different. But they are no less a family, of people who care about each other.
Adoption, in particular, is strongly pushed. People who aren't blood-related, deciding to become family, or joining a part of another family. Like the Yagamis, or the Harlaowns, or the Nakajimas... the latter has a father with initially two children who aren't technically his, and he ends up adopting four more.
It's a way to say, "Hey, you can have a family without the standard or traditional family roles." Indeed, romantic attachments would mangle the main message, so I can see why Seven Arcs won't ever go there. Initiating romantic attachments would destroy the message that you can't have a family without some kind of romantic love in there.
I woke up easily enough, rolling over to look at my mother's smiling face as she gently shook my shoulder. "Good morning, sleepy head," She told me, getting a smile for it. "I'll have breakfast ready soon so come on down when you can."
I nodded and sat up in bed, giving a large stretch. Nanoha-mama left the room and I contently swung my feet over so I could stand. Kris turned on my radio so I could listen to my favorite talk show while getting dressed.
A new style school uniform was hung on my closet door handle and I couldn't help but feel a little proud of putting it on. I was finally in the same school as Einhart now, and it felt good to know all of us would be wearing the same uniform.
Pulling off my pajamas, I slid on my camisole and shifted a little uncomfortably when the uniform went over it. My chest had started developing a little more recently, and I realized that I actually started feeling my breasts wiggle when jogging. Putting this aside to think about later, I finished dressing myself and patted Kris on the head before heading downstairs.
Fate-mama was here this morning and I happily gave her a hug for the surprise visit. "I'm glad you could make it!" I told her, getting a pat on the head. Fate-mama was here a lot more than usual lately, and I was happy for it. Even if she wasn't my real mother, I still thought of her as so, and not seeing her for a while made me feel uneasy.
Sitting at the table, I began munching the pancakes placed before me, happy to see all my favorites there as well. A few berries were on the side of the plate along with some scrambled eggs. I loved fruits, and generally had them as often as I could. I much preferred blackberries over chips for snacks and I even had string cheese when bored instead of Nanoha-mama's famous cookies. I guess that attributed to my lean figure which was just starting to develop. Speaking of...
Spoiler for Part 2:
"Ne," I spoke, getting both Nanoha-mama and Fate-mama to look at me. I generally referred to Nanoha as mama and Fate as 'mom' when not calling their names, so this time they both gave me their attention. "I kind of... need a favor."
"What is it?" Fate asked me curiously.
"Well..." I fidgeted a little. "Lately... I think I've been... uhm.. 'jiggling' when training."
"Jig..." Nanoha's eyes widened slightly after a small pause. "Oh!" To my surprise she covered a small giggle. "I see." Nanoha nudged Fate playfully. "See? I told you."
I blushed as Fate smiled at me. "You just have the opening ceremony today, right? How about I pick you up after class and we go shopping?"
Nanoha agreed. "Best you get some before you start changing at school. I have work today so I can't go with you unless you want to wait?"
"No, today is fine." I nodded to myself. "The other girls all have them already so..."
At that moment I noticed the time and yelped slightly. "I might be late!" I quickly started eating my breakfast while they leasurly sipped their morning coffee. Once done, I stood up and grabbed my empty briefcase for class and gave them each a hug in turn. "Bye-bye mama, mom!" I cheerfully ran from the house and made my way down the sidewalk.
The morning was a little warm, as it was still summer time, and by the time I made it to the usual meeting place I was already sweating a little bit. "Rio, Corona, Einhart-san, good morning!"
"Mornin'!" Rio was overly cheerful as usual.
"Good morning," Corona bowed lightly to me, smiling brightly.
"Good morning, Vivio-san." Einhart told me with a little bow as well.
We wasted most of the time walking to school chatting about nothing in general. At the school entrance, Einhart showed us where out classroom was after we found out what home room we were all in. With that, we waved goodbye to her as she went to the stairs to go up a level to her classroom.
After home room we assembled in the stadium for an exceedingly long introduction to the school. I was used standing during things like this, so I was pleasantly surprised to find chairs for all of us.
The meeting finally ended and we were dismissed back to home room, where our teacher told us how things would work. I was handed a syllabus and looked over it with the teacher. There were a few school trips planned, as well as events and festivals that I was really looking forward to after we went to Einhart's classroom for her festival last year.
Once we were dismissed, we went into the hallway and then met with Einhart at the gates. "Finally," I complained lightly. "If we're in school, we should at least talk about more interesting things."
Rio laughed at my statement. "I agree, but I'm sure a lot of people are glad for that."
Corona shook her head. "But learning new things is really interesting..."
"Nerd," I accused, knowing I was almost just as bad.
"Yup," Corona agreed readily, smiling.
"What are your plans?" Einhart asked all of us.
At that moment, Fate pulled by and honked, getting my attention as well as the attention of a lot of the upperclassmen. Granted, Fate's car was a little on the expensive, flashy side, but I thought it was normal by now. "I have to go early today, sorry." I waved at them all before trotting over to the car and greeting Fate. "Mom, hi!" Getting in, I waved to my friends one more time before being driven off. "Thank you so much."
"Anytime," Fate's soft voice always seemed to sooth me for some reason. "Don't tell her I told, but Nanoha was really jealous I get to buy you your first bras."
Spoiler for Part 3:
I blushed lightly at hearing that. Nanoha had the role of mother down to an art form it seemed. Then again, she was my mom, so I was a little biased. Fate seemed to try extra hard as well, actually, even though she wasn't really my mother...
Come to think about it, Fate has always been there with me, ever since I could remember. Back when Nanoha-mama first started looking after me, I mistook her as my mother. She talked with Fate and asked her for help and the next thing I knew, I was calling them both mama. I was young then and didn't understand anything other than Nanoha-mama and Fate-mama.
As I grew up, Fate was there with me at my parent's day at school, took me shopping, and listened to any fears I had. But she wasn't actually my mother, I had learned that somewhere along the way. I could remember the feelings I had then, and I don't like recalling them. Eventually I just accepted that Fate was Fate-mama because I was still young and didn't want to let go of that. Now, however, I was older and more accepting...
"Vivio?" Fate looked over at me curiously. "You're awfully quiet today, is something wrong?"
"Ah, I just..." I hesitated a moment. I had overheard Nanoha-mama and Aunt Hayate talking before, about how Fate had tried to distance herself form me in the past before. I knew it was because of her work and that Nanoha-mama was my mother and not her, but... Fate-mama...
"Vivio?" Fate put her hand on my forehead while still trying to keep an eye on the road. "You don't feel hot..."
"I don't feel sick," I told her while reaching up to remove the hand from my forehead and hold it. I noticed how much larger it was than mine and took a little comfort in the protection it could offer me. "Ne... Fate-mama?"
"Yes?" She seemed to pick up on my mood and got serious.
"I have a question that has been bothering me for a while... but I've been kind of scared to ask."
"What is it, Darling?"
"Well..." I looked over at her and held onto her hand with both of mine. "Does it bother you that I call you mama?"
"...What?" I could tell she was shocked at my question and I looked down into my lap to avoid meeting her eyes. Several long moments went by in silence, making me start to want to cry at the feeling in my chest. "Actually..." Fate began, making my chest feel even more tight. "I think it would bother me more if you stopped..."
"...Really?" I finally looked over at her.
"Mmn..." Fate was trying to keep looking forward instead of at me, but I had to accept that because she was still driving to the mall. "In the past I was worried how you would feel when you realized I wasn't actually your mother. Even though we constantly said I was your godmother back then, you didn't differentiate between their meanings. I kind of felt like I was trying to take Nanoha's child away from her."
"...Really?" I repeated my last question, not really sure what to think right now.
"... Yeah." Fate squeezed my hand. "I was really hurt from where Caro and Erio left to live on their own... and I kind of took refuge in you and Nanoha."
"Is that why you went away for so long?"
Fate nodded sadly. "Yeah... But when I came back, you still called me 'mama', even though Nanoha assured me you knew the difference."
"Because....Fate-mama was Fate-mama... Even if you were just my godmother, you... were my mother too."
"...Thank you." She rubbed the top of my hand with her thumb a little hard. I could tell she was scared right now so I placed my other hand ontop of hers to try and comfort her as well.
"So I am just a little scared..." I began softly. "That one day you would ask me to stop calling you that... Since everyone seems to think that you and Nanoha-mama..."
Fate smiled at that. "My relationship with Nanoha is complicated. We gave up on what other people thought a long, long time ago. More so than that, however," She parked the car in the mall parking lot and looked over at me. "I don't mind being known as your mother, and Nanoha doesn't either."
The words took me by surprise. "You talked to Nanoha-mama about it?"
"Of course," Fate assured me. "It wasn't nearly as awkward as you would imagine. She was smiling the entire time and told me that I was your mother as well, even if it wasn't on the adoption papers. Nanoha is your legal guardian, but family isn't just blood or paper. You're my daughter because we chose each other. I don't need a sheet of paper to say that, or have to marry Nanoha to get the title by default. I am your god mother officially, but if it is okay with you, I'd like you to continue thinking of me as your mother as well." Reaching over to me, she gave me an awkwardly positioned hug. "Nanoha feels the same, so what do you think, Vivio?"
"I... I'd like to keep you as my mom," I hugged her back tightly, trying not to cry. "Thank you..."
Fate pulled back and kissed my forehead. "It hurts to know you kept this inside for so long... Please, for now on, if you ever have anything you are worried about, please ask us, okay? That's what it means to be your mother."
"Yes," I nodded and wiped my eyes. "Thank you."
Fate rubbed her own eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Is there anything else you want to ask while we're here?"
I shook my head. "Later, there are a few things, but right now I just want to shop with my mom."
"Okay," her word broke lightly but after a few more breaths she smiled at me lovingly and we each got out of the car.
"Uhm," I reached to take her hand and walked with Fate-mama to the mall entrance. "Where do we buy stuff like this at in the mall?"
Spoiler for Part 4:
"Victoria, of course." Fate-mama informed me as the cool air of the mall washed over us. The sounds of chatter came at once and I walked beside my mother nervously now. I knew that store, and I was a little nervous about going into it.
"Are you sure? Isn't that like... Grown up stuff?"
"Well there are some like that, but it's just a regular store." Fate-mama giggled at me and I held her hand tighter when we went inside the store. At once my cheeks colored, looking around at all the different types of underwear on display. To my horror, Fate-mama didn't lead me over to some secluded area of the store, but instead got a clerk to come over to us. "Hello," Fate told her cheerfully. "My little girl needs to be measured, please."
I almost fainted when the store clerk nodded and whipped out some type of flexible tape measure. After a reassuring nod from my mom, I submitted myself to being measured. After learning my sizes, I felt a little bit of embarrassment leave just before I Fate-mama came back to me holding up different size bras. "I have to try them on too!?"
"Of course," she mused, putting different ones against my chest, making me grab them. Moments later, I was basically pushed into a changing room and I was joined by Fate-mama, who began unclasping the bras from the hanger. "You don't seem to be any smaller than an A-cup, maybe AA."
"D-don't the double numbers mean bigger?"
"Not for A," Fate-mama revealed to me, handing me a bra after I stripped my top. She watched my fumble for a bit before trying to cover a giggle and failing. My hands were behind my back, struggling to clasp the tiny little hooks that I could swear were making fun of me. After having her fill of embarrassing me, Fate-mama took the clothing off me, went around my back and looped it around me. "Like that, now turn, put arms through."
I blushed hard and did as I was told, feeling suddenly uncomfortable. "It's... awkward." I removed the article of clothing and replaced it with an other and then another. Finally I found one that seemed to fit me properly and I hopped in place, pleased at how I didn't feel the weird sensation anymore. "Oh this isn't that bad... But it feels a little odd."
"How so?"
"Here," I ran fingers along the hard section of the bra just under my chest.
"That's the under wire."
"Are there some without it?"
"Well, yes, but there isn't really a point in wearing them since they don't really support you... but I guess you're small enough to not worry about that."
I was subjected to being forced into many, many different styles and types before I decided on a kind that I really liked. It wasn't tight on my chest like other styles, and the straps weren't as thick as the first few I tried on. After that, I was able to leave the changing room and was lead over to a section that had the style I liked all on hangers. "Mom...?"
"Yes?" Fate leaned over.
I blushed and looked through the selection. "They're all so..."
Fate seemed to just realize something. "Oh, did you want something more simple?"
I blushed and turned from my mother, recalling that Corona had simple white cotton bras and Rio had cotton with prints all over them, matching her panties. Einhart-san had some that looked elegant, but were still a simple emerald green. What was in front of me were made of... I wasn't really sure, but it wasn't like theirs. They had frills and lace, complete with flower pattern designs sewn on them.
Mom seemed to be worrying now, so I shook my head and started picking out different kinds. "N-no, these are nice! Really pretty!"
Fate sighed out in relief and helped me pick out a handful of styles and colors ranging from pitch black to a fire red and a bright baby blue one that I really loved. To my surprise, Fate picked out matching panties for each color bra I had, ranging from her recommended lace and silk ones to my chosen cotton side ties.
After selecting them all, I as made to go into the changing room once more and try on the black bra so I could walk around the store. It felt really strange on me, and after about a minute of blushing and stammering, I was finally drug around behind Fate while she shopped a little for herself. My hands were popped more times than I could count when I tried to tug at my bra to adjust it and I finally gave up, head down and accepting the fact that they were no where near as comfortable as I had expected them to be.
Almost half an hour passed before we were done shopping and Fate-mama plucked the tag from the bra I was wearing instead of me changing out of it. "Mom!?"
"You can wear it out and get used to it," she told me calmly.
"I-I can't!" I tried to stop her as she opened the door to the changing room, but was too late. I followed her to the check out register and hid behind her when all my underwear was rang up. 'Oh my god, he's knows I'm going to wear those!' I hid behind Fate-mama more when she let the male clerk scan the tag that was plucked from me. The name brand of my bra and style appeared on the register and my heart was pounding so hard in my chest I was sure my mom could feel it against her back. 'He knows what bra I'm wearing!!!'
I felt a stab of guilt as well as shock rip through me when the total was given and I couldn't believe that we just spent almost four months of my allowance on clothing all at once. When we left the store, I was still looking at the floor, cheeks stained a dark crimson while I carried a bright pink and white striped bag in my hands. Even though Fate-mama was perfectly calm, I could swear that everyone looked at me and knew I had just bought underwear from that store thanks to my bags...
When we finally made it home, I felt a lot better about the ordeal and even the tight feeling around my chest seemed to be almost not there anymore. Running into the house happily, I was actually looking forward to changing in the locker room tomorrow so my friends could see the pretty things I bought. I knew Einhart-san would compliment me and I could just feel that Rio would be insanely jealous over them.
"Welcome home!" Nanoha's voice made me dart into the kitchen. "How was shopping?"
"Was fun!" I told her, setting my bags down. "I even got one like Fate-mama has, look." I pulled the bottom of my shirt up fully to show my mom the frilly black bra with see-through lace designs on it. Not a second later, I heard the sound of a spit take and coughing. My body froze and I looked to the side to see Yuuno sitting at our dining table, eyes looking away and cheeks a dark red. "Ah....ahhhnnn....."
Nanoha scratched her cheek. "Er, Yuuno-kun is staying with us for dinner..."
I ran from the room as quickly as I could, dodging Fate-mama and running up the stairs into my room so I could close and lock my door. As I fell face first onto my bed, I buried my face into a pillow and felt like it would be okay if I sank into my bed, never to be seen again.
A.) Call Rio for comfort
B.) Call Corona for comfort
C.) Call Einhart-san for comfort
2010-06-19, 09:57
Author
So, sorry about that.
