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2010-02-28, 03:00
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Link #23401 |
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Overgrown Kid
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Under a rock...
Age: 43
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Sorry for the double post. But here goes nothing.
DECISIONS Chapter 3 - Friends Spoiler for Chapter 3:
"Yo!" The blue haired girl sat upright on her bed, as her roommate entered the door. "How bad was it?"
The twintailed girl closed the door and walked to her nightstand. "Not as bad as the pain would suggest, according to Shamal-sensei." She took off her jacket, and undid the cufflinks of the shirt. "I just need to take it easy for a week, drink a good deal of milk, not do anything rash, and visit her everyday." Subaru jumped from her top bunk and walked to her friend. "I know how you felt. Vice-Captain Vita has a mean arm, right?" "Tell me about it..." Teana answered, while selecting a sweatpants and a shirt to use as pajamas. Subaru noticed the girl writhing about to catch the items that were on the bottom drawer. "Are you really okay?" "Yes. I am! Don't worry!" The girl answered, voice upping a notch. "I took my shower alone, why wouldn't I be able to change my own clothes." "Okay, sorry." Subaru said, as the gunslinger took off her shirt, showing the other girl the bandages that were covered until that moment. She undid her skirt and when the mechanical movement to unclasp her bra kicked in she winced as the pain reminded her that she couldn't do it. "Hey, calm down." Subaru walked over to her. "Here, let me." She released it for her friend. "Did you really took a shower alone?" Teana turned to her friend, face bright red, as she used both arms to hold the unclasped bra in place. "O-O-Of course." She stammered, then turned her back once again, and whispered, more to herself than to the other. "Caro just helped me get dressed." Subaru heard what she said, but decided not to probe, as teasing the girl now could enrage her and she would hurt herself. "Okay." Seeing the girl obviously troubled in how to put her pants on, she pushed it upwards till the fabric was at arms lenght from her friend's hands. "I can do that, you know?" Teana fumed, slapping Subaru's hand. The blue eyes girl didn't even flinch from her spot till the other got hold of it. "I know you can." She smiled. "I'm just meddling." Teana put her baggy shirt, untied her ribbons, and then she sat on her bed. Subaru followed suit and jumped back to the top bunk. Shifting herself in bed, the orange haired girl lay down and tried to find a comfortable position, while murmuring. "Thank you." "You're welcome." The other answered. ---- "I'm back!" Fate called as soon as she entered the room. When no answer came to her she walked around the pillar and found both mother and daughter sleeping against each other. Nanoha was obviously trying to review reports, as the screens were still in front of her, but she had fallen asleep. Carefully to not wake both of them she climbed the four steps to the bed and prepared it, then climbed back and craddled the little girl to it. After making sure she wasn't going to wake, she walked back to her friend. "Nanoha." She called softly, while gentling stirring the other. "You have to sleep in bed, you know?" "Hmmm..." The brunette groggily woke and realized that she had fallen asleep in the couch. She felt her legs starting to tense the muscles to pull her up, but then decided that the couch was comfortable enough to continue there. She closed her eyes again. "No, no, no." The blonde shook her friend again. "You're not going to sleep there, missy!" Nanoha, eyes still closed, smiled fondly. "Please, let me?" "No way." Fate too laughed softly. "You're not gonna sleep there today." And started to shake the girl a little harder. "Okay, okay. You win." Nanoha said, despite not moving at all from her spot. "Then go already." The blonde standed, hands on her waist. Nanoha lifted both arms to the other, eyes still closed. "Carry me?" "What?" "Pleaassse!" The brunette opened her eyes and grinned at the blonde. "Alright, alright." Fate gave up, and caught the girl, in a bridal position. "You owe me one. Nanoha snuggled against her friend during the short walk before feeling the coldness of the sheets. She let go of the other neck and adjusted herself in bed, seemingly asleep again even before Fate covered her with the sheet. The blonde walked to her nightstand and took a nightgown from it. "You know, Fate-chan?" Nanoha started, with her eyes still closed, which made the blonde wonder if the other was sleeptalking. "You'll have to be careful when you marry." The brunette yawned. "Otherwise will be you carrying the groom instead of the other way around." "Why's that?" "You're too good at it." Nanoha laughed softly. "Why you." Fate said, mocking angry. "Go to sleep already." ---- "There you are." The blonde said, finally finding her friend after searching half the base. "Oh. Hi, Shamal. What's up?" Vita asked, sitting on the edge of the training center, barefeet playing in the water. "You didn't show up at the mess hall, neither did Hayate-chan. We we're worried since neither of you answered our calls." "Ah, sorry. I guess I'm having a little too much on my mind at the moment." The little girl mumbled. "Let me guess, Teana right?" Shamal said, sitting beside the girl "No... Yes..." She sighed. "I don't know... maybe." She leaned back, putting her hands behind her head. "Earlier today, I said to Nanoha that Teana needed more work on her shields and protections, but during the mock battle, I... I forgot that..." "And put too much strength in the attack." The blonde finished. "Yeah." Vita said, closing her eyes. "It was an accident. It's normal. Accidents happen, you know that right?" "Yeah, but it still doesn't help that it could be avoided, if I had just paid attention more in teaching and less in beating them." "Vita-chan..." "I promissed that I would protect everyone... That I would make sure that all of us stayed safe at all times... It doesn't help when I'm the one putting them in unnecessary danger, you know?" She took her feet out of the water and put on her boots. "Let's go get something to eat." And started walking away from the blonde. "What do you think?" A solemn voice was heard behind the blonde, few seconds after the little one had disappeared from view. "She's troubled. That's a given, but she's always like this. No need to worry too much. I'm sure that by tomorrow she'll be as good as new." "Yes." Signum offered her hand and helped the other get to her feet. "I'll take care of her." ---- The Commander didn't notice the time passing after she got to the base. The room was dark, except for the lightposts' light that came through the windows. Reinforce had tried countless times to make the older girl say something to no avail. Hayate was still browsing the photo album, even though the light wasn't enough for her to see almost anything in the images. Her mind wasn't there. She was reminiscing about the past, namely the time where she had accompanied Nanoha from Lopes to MidChilda. Until yesterday she had wondered why not even her and Fate had managed to make Nanoha break her rules of not wanting to see anyone during those months. It managed to get even the usually calm and collected Signum to snap at Nanoha's videoletter image one time. Now she knew that wasn't really Nanoha in the image and some things started to fall into place. The way she acted during those unbearable months was just the tip of the iceberg. The facts that were deemed as normal at the time, now she could see the hidden motives. How they had to convince Fate to go in the training mission at that time, because they thought that Nanoha wouldn't like to know that she was the reason why her friend had lost such a great opportunity. Hayate sighed, thinking how unwittingly she had helped them with that. How she and the rest of her team accompanied the Three Admirals in that long trip. The way they acted towards them. Mizetto seemed to truly had taken a liking to her and Vita, but now, with the information that she has, the actions of the older woman seemed to be perverted in her memories, as if every action and every word from them screamed 'lie'. She flipped another page. The photo in that gloomy light shows the face of the woman she looked up to. She streched her fingers then curled them in a fist, trying to regain some composure by releasing the anger with the gesture. She breathed slowly, taking her time intaking and exalling. The image of the woman smiling tenderly at the camera, while embracing her and Vita. Her smile seemed vile and dark. Hayate started to feel like a puppet being controlled by those people. She forcefully turned the page again. The photo now was almost invisible in the darkness and she makes out only some blurs of colours in it. Purple, yellow, a darker yellow, brown and brown. She realizes that it's a photo of a sleepover at Suzuka's house when they where in high school. Hayate remembers that during that night, when they were in the bath, everyone got curious around the scars Nanoha had on her body. Two on the back, one large, high, in the middle of the ribcage, one smaller at the right side, about a hand or two from her waist. Other two smaller scars were on her front. One a little below her breasts, the other on her waist. At the time, Hayate was the one that explained that those were from where the blades entered and got out from her body. Now she knew. Now she knew that only three of those scars were from the stabs. One of them was from the section they made in her to give birth to her baby. Nanoha's baby. Vivio. Hayate tries to imagine the sadness of a mother who could never hold her child, never heard his cry, nor felt his warmth. The thought made her close her eyes. Tears were starting to swell up again, but she decided to hold them in. She was amazed that she still had tears in her, despite the way she being crying the whole day. She flip another page, it's another photo of the same sleepover and Hayate starts to remember again. That night Nanoha was moaning in her sleep and everyone was awakened by it. By morning they were teasing the girl, saying things like how nice of a dream she must had, ensuing and trying to figure out who was the stud that made the girl sweat and moan through the night. Was it Yuuno, or that hot teacher in-training that ministered classes for them through that week? Giggles and laughs at her expense, but she never revealed who it was. She couldn't, actually. It was only years later that Fate told her that Nanoha had nightmares. Repeatedly. They weren't always the same, but they always ended the same, with the girl feeling empty. The description of her dreams now fit like a glove in Hayate's mind, and she feels a little bad for teasing the girl back then. Another photo, taken in the Arthra. Even in the darkness she could remember that one. It was of Chrono's and Amy's wedding. Until today they didn't reveal the reason why they decided to hold the ceremony in the ship and even thought it was mostly hidden by the wedding dress, you could already see the woman's womb was a little swollen. No one ever said anything against their marriage since they obviously cared about each other, and the babies that were on their way were proof of that. Hayate smiled at the memory of the two of them in the nursery with a blushing Chrono holding the twins, while Nanoha and Fate both teased him and the babies. She remembers the smile of her friend and savior while looking at the babies. The image was burned in her mind. Hayate looked at the reports on her table. Mixed with the reports of the normal day of Riot 6 were the papers she brought with her from the Saint Church. She picked up a description of the video files, but before she tried to start to read, she realized that the lights in the room wouldn't allow her to do that. She lifted her head and looked to her couch where Rein was sleeping. Apparently the little one gave up on trying to persuade her and fell asleep while waiting. Hayate lifted her hand to form a display and turn on the lights but she's beaten to it when someone else entered the room and the light from the corridor flooded the office. "Hayate, are you there?" The voice came along with the brightness. "Ye.." Hayate started but stopped midway to clear her throat. "Yes, Vita-chan. What is it?" "Why are you here in the dark?" Was the obvious question the Belkan knight had to ask her mistress while turning the lights on. The brightness hurt Hayate's eyes for a moment before she could focus her eyes again. "I lost track of time, I guess." Vita took a few steps in her direction when Hayate raised her head. Immediatly she spun her chair and looked out the window. "Were you... crying?" The red haired walked to the other. When she was two steps from her she raised her hand, but Hayate quickly spun her chair again and pulled the little one in a tight hug, burying her face on the other's shoulder. "Wha..." Vita was taken by surprise, and stumbled forward, but managed to stay on her feet. She embraced the woman and patted her head. "What happened?" "Please, Vita. Just let me stay like this a little while longer, okay? Don't ask me anything. Just..." She trailled off. "Shush. Okay, okay. Don't worry. I'm here for you. We all are." She said as she noticed Signum, Shamal and Zafira on the door. They were about to enter the door, but decided to stay there. "We're family." As she said this, she felt Hayate stiffen on her shoulder, then a small sob. "Oi? What..." She started but bit her lip. The others hurriedly walked over to their mistress. Shamal kneeled beside her and soothingly stroked her back, Zafira put his head on her lap and Signum watched the scene for a few seconds before leaving the room. Hayate was clearly hiding in Vita's shoulder by this point. She didn't want the others to look at her face. The blonde turned to the red haired asked what was happening through body language, but Vita only shrugged. She was as clueless as the Lady of the Lakes. "Hayate-chan." The girl stopped sobbing for a moment to show that she got her attention. "Did you eat anything?" The question threw Hayate off, and she instinctively looked up to her. Shamal could now see her eyes. Red. She opened her mouth to ask again what happened but changed her sentence before it reached her tongue. "Let's go to the dorm. I'll fix something up for you since the cafeteria is already closed." Signum came back in that moment, with a bottle of water and a few paper cups. The commander looked around, to each face on the room, everyone with concerned faces, then accepted the cup that the pink haired offered. She patted the wolf guardian's head, and while drinking, ruffled his fur. "Thanks, Signum." She got up. "Let's get some sleep." She walked a few steps, feeling the soreness on her limbs, to the couch, and gently picked up the little sleeping girl before putting her on her makeshift 'room' inside the her bag. "But before that..." She summoned a holoscreen and typed a few commands. "There. Now we can go." In a room, in Riot's 6 dormitory, a triangular device blinked. ---- "You didn't go to Shamal yesterday." The blonde stated to her roommate. "You promised." "Nyahahaha." Nanoha, still walking forward, turned her head to her friend some steps behind. "I'm okay. You don't need to worry. It was just a normal bad dream, it wasn't like those ones." Fate picked up her pace and lined up with her friend. "Even so, you're working yourself too much lately. Don't think I didn't realized that you were looking at reports yesterday when I got back." "You're really a worrywart, you know that?" The brunette put a hand on Fate's shoulder. "I'll go today, okay? Happy?" "No. I'll only be after I see you in her office." Fate looked at her friend, eyes pleading and commanding at the same time. "I'll be there after lunch then. You can come with me." She smiled. "No." She grabbed the girl by the wrist. "You're going right now." And proceeded to pretty much drag her to the doctor's office. A few minutes later, and they were in front of it, with Shamal answering the door. "Good morning, Nanoha-chan, Fate-chan. What can I do to help you today? If it's about Teana, then..." "No, it's about this blockhead here." Fate cut the other blonde. "Wait, what about Teana?" Nanoha asked. Anything to cut that meeting short was valid. "She got injured yesterday during training. Nothing too serious, she'll just need to take a break from physical training." "Where's she now? Is she on her room?" Nanoha said, trying to backtrack a step, but having Fate forcefully pulling her back. "Oh, no. No, no, no." She pulled the girl and wraped a arm around her waist. "You're not getting out of this so easily." Shamal understood. "Don't worry, she's okay, I tell you. Now what can I do to help you?" She got the other side of the brunette, lacing an arm around her shoulders. "There's nothing. Fate-chan is being a worrywart, that's all." "Oh, really." The blonde glanced at Fate. "Then you don't mind that we have a little consult just to take her worries away, do you?" "But Shamal..." Nanoha whined. "No buts." She smiled, entering the office. "You have been postponing your exams for way too long." Fate stood there, waiting for them to disappear inside the office, before turning and going her way. "Bardiche." "Yes, sir." The metallic voice of her device answered. "Show me what's on the agenda for the day." She said still walking in the direction of her office. A display appeared on her side. "All your appointments for the morning were cancelled, sir." Fate blinked then stopped and examined the screen. "When did this happen?" She browsed through it and only seeing a meeting with Hayate was scheduled. "Yesterday, at twenty-three-thirty-four, sir." The device blinked. "Okay, thank you." "No problem, sir." Fate changed destinations, and walked in the general direction of Hayate's office. "What could have happened?" She voiced her toughts. If it was something urgent, Hayate would have emitted an emergency alert, so she brushed the idea away. A few minutes later and she was knocking on her commander's door. "Come in." Fate stepped inside and saluted, waiting to see if there was someone else there. "Don't worry, it's just us here." She turned to her Aide. "Rein, these are yesterday's reports and today's orders for everyone. Can you handle them for me?" "But..." The little silverhaired looked at her mistress a moment, not really understanding the order. These things could be issued through other means, not needing to be personally delivered. She looked at Fate and then remembered the way Hayate was acting the day before. "Yes, Hayate-chan..." She took the information and stored it away on screens that popped in front of her. "Please, lock the door when you leave." Hayate ordered the little device, that obeyed as soon as she was out of the door. That was weird, the blonde tought to herself. Fate was starting to feel restless, and it didn't help when Hayate decided to close the blinds behind her desk as well. "Umm... What was so urgent?" She managed to ask before anything. Hayate took a deep breath, and started to handle some papers on her desk as if they were made of nitroglicerin. She was hoping that a sudden burst of inspiration would hit her and she could take care of whole situation better, but nothing came to her, so she simply handed Fate a package. When the blonde made mention to open it, the commander cleared her throat. "Fate-chan, before you look at those, can you answer something for me?" Fate looked up from the envelope. "Yes?" "What do you think of Nanoha-chan?" Realizing that her question could be taken the wrong way, she corrected herself. "Better yet, what do you think of her relationship with Vivio?" Fate frowned, puzzled. "I don't... I don't think I understand... They're like mother and daughter. Nanoha is Nanoha. Strict, sometimes harsh, but caring and kind to her. Vivio is very much like any six year old, curious, going from laughing to crying instantly..." Hayate grimmaced. "You know what?" She started, which made Fate look even more clueless. "I can't do this. I'm not cut to act this way." She slumped on her chair. "Take a look at those papers, and you'll understand." Fate was confused, but took the papers on hand started to browse through it. Hayate used this moment to get up from her seat and walked to the side of her friend. The blonde's expression began to change, ever so slowly, from confused to disbelief. After she passed through it all, she looked up to Hayate, and browsed them one more time, reading every word as if something wasn't right. It had to be some kind of mistake. It couldn't be possible. Then all of sudden she stopped reading. Calmly, she put the papers on the table again, fiddling with it, neatly arranging them in a pile. Hayate put a hand on her shoulder, but it seemed that was the light for the fuse of the redeyed girl because she immediately tried to shot up and the commander had trouble in keeping the girl in the seat. "And what you think you're going to do?" She asked, smiling at her. "I... I... I... I'm... going... I'm going... I'll..." Fate tried again and again but everything was blank. The only thing that was on her mind was her friend and her surrogate daughter. "You're not going anywhere." Hayate said, commanding. "Not without calming down first, at least." "But I... This..." Fate couldn't calm down enough to make a complete sentence. Hayate saw all the emotions coursing through her expression, ranged from joy to rage, and it seemed that it would take some time until it eased on the redeyed's mind. All of a sudden the blonde simply stopped. Head up, looking Hayate in the face, completely expressionless. The brown haired caressed her hair, trying to soothe the girl, but she didn't respond. She was like a empty doll looking up at her friend. All the emotions that were passing through her eyes a moment before weren't there. If she didn't blinked from time to time, the other could be fooled that what was in her arms wasn't her friend but some kind of life sized doll. Then a solitary tear formed itself and carressed her face, while rolling down. Then another. Then her eyes regained the emotion that it had lost moments before. Her expression changed too, but it wasn't what Hayate was expecting. "Um... Are you okay... Fate-chan?" The girl was... happy? "Okay?" She sobbed. "How can I not be okay?" Another sob and a smile came to her face. "She's her daughter. Vivio is Nanoha daughter!" She pushed the other into a tight hug, making the brown haired wince. "Oh god, she's her real daughter. Oh, god! Oh, god! I have to tell her. We have to tell her. Did you already tell her? No you didn't, if you had she wouldn't be acting normal. This is incredible." She released her friend. "Where is she now?" She got up from her seat. "In the training center, right? She should be there, of course." She started to pace around in the room. "We need to go get Vivio." She stopped in her tracks. "Oh, god. Now we know when Vivio's real birthday is. We can start planning her birthday party." Hayate was stupefied with how the other was taking all this. She herself didn't understand. "Wait, Fate-chan." The girl continued ranting, not listening. "Fate-chan." She tried again. "Enforcer Fate Testarossa Harlaown." Hayate said at last, finally getting her attention. "Calm down." "But, it's a such a wonderful moment." She put a hand on her chest and seated again. That was definitely not the reaction Hayate was expecting. She was way too hyper. "Listen. Did you think about the consequences? What'll happen when she hears about everything?" "Of course she'll be overjoyed." Fate was trying hard not to jump around in the room. "But the Admirals... And Scaglietti..." The commander thought about every type of reaction possible that her friend would have over the news, but that wasn't one of them. "Of course I'm angry at them. I want to go right now and rip Scaglietti a new one. And Mizetto too." Fate beamed, which contradict with she was saying. "But that doesn't change the fact that Vivio is Nanoha's daughter! She's really her daughter!" "What I'm worried is what Nanoha will do to them." Hayate stated flatly. "She'll... She'll..." Fate trailed off. The adrenaline rush finally settling. What will she do with them? She looked at the brown haired, hoping for an answer. "I don't know either." Hayate answered, as if reading the other's mind. "That's why I decided to talk to you about this." ---- Chrono was silent. His wife had come several times to check on him since the day before, but nothing seemed to faze the man. The day before he had gotten home, sat on his desk at his home office, and frowned. Amy didn't know what to make of it. He was a silent person as per norm, but the way the Admiral was acting at the moment was beyond what she ever seen him do before, and that was from a person who knew him for more than half of his life. She knew that something wasn't right, and that he didn't want to talk to her about it didn't help either. He had passed all night sitting in the same position, which kind of scared her. She had to go check on him several times to make sure he was even blinking. She had just gotten back from grocery shopping that morning and half-expected that her husband would be still rolled up in his chair, and sure enough he was still there. What she didn't expect was that he was browsing through some holoscreens. She watched him a few moments, before entering the office, hoping that he would at least talk to her. "Anything interesting?" Amy knew she needed to act normal around him, else he would either chalk up and chase her out, or ignore her completely again. He changed his focus from the screen to his wife, feeling the pain in his eyes from changing focus after so long. "Some things." The woman took that reply as an okay for her to get close. "And what would that be?" She sat on his lap, lacing an arm around his neck, while shifting position enough to see what was on the screens. She saw reports on one, a search website on other and photos of the recent JS incident on a third, where Vivio and Nanoha were battling. "Did something happened? Wasn't this case already closed?" "Yes." He grimmaced. "But apparently, things never are what they seem." He said while closing the windows. "I need to go to central today." Amy got up from his lap, before kissing his temple. "Okay, but first you need to eat something. You haven't eaten anything since you got home and I really don't want my hubby fainting because he was hungry. Lindy would eat me alive." "I doubt that." Chrono caressed her back, trying his best to smile, but for any other person aside from his wife, it would look like he was about to yell at her. "Don't worry, I'm not that weak but I'll eat something." About an hour later, he was already in the corridors of the Claudia. While receiving salutes from his subbordinates he walked to the bridge. After sitting on his chair, he asked about the conditions of the ship and mission schedules. When he got the information, he decided that he still had time before the ship had to actually take part in any of the missions that were ongoing. The enforcers stationed on the Claudia were all in missions on MidChilda or other planets close by. He got up from his seat. "I'll be in my office if anything comes up." Upon hearing answers and salutes he walked to the door of the bridge. A few minutes later and he was sitting on one of the guests couches in his ship office, still processing the information of the day before. Vivio. Nanoha. Scaglietti. Mizetto. Ralgo. Fils. Gaiz. Del Deppio. He summoned a screen and after a few keys he found a handful of information on them. Vivio and Nanoha were still in Riot's 6 base, Scaglietti was still pretty much locked up in his cell on a dimensional penal colony, and the three admirals were the easiest to know whereabouts. They were always in the news, be it about some new commentary, covenant, reunion, or just a gossip show. And Gaiz and Del Deppio continued in the same place too, six feet under. They didn't even have the decency of taking off the charges on the lieutenant, tranforming him in some sort of criminal after his death. He sighed and got up, summoning another screen. "Set a teleportation for the Infinity Library." "Yes, sir." One of the operator answered. "I'll be gone for a few hours, but communication channel will remain open." "Understood, sir." He started walking to the telepods area while dialing his friend. After a few seconds, a familiar face popped on the screen. "Hey there, ferret." "Good to see you too, Chrono." The archeologist smiled, but two or three veins popped in the back of his head. "What can I do for you today?" "I'm going there right now. Can you look into some information for me?" "Sure. About what?" "Clones. Anything and everything you can think of it. I'll be there in about thirty minutes. Don't make me wait." The librarian sighed. "You really are a slavedriver, you know that?" Chrono shrugged and closed the com window, then stepped on the cylinder of faint green light that would transport him to his destination. Spoiler for Author Notes:
1 - Some people may think that Fate is too OOC in this chapter, but to be honest, I think that Fate would really react somewhere along those lines. In my mind, she's the type of person that take her friends happiness as her happiness, so if something good happens to them, she would be overjoyed.
2- This got to be the longest chapter I have ever wrote. Spoiler for Omake - What will she do?:
"They did this?"
"Yes, but please Nanoha, calm down." Fate pleaded. "Don't worry, I'm calm." She reached for her red orb on her neck. "No you're not." Fate placed both hands on the girls cheeks, to force her to look at her. "I am. Really." Her barrier jacket formed itself around her. "Nanohaaa..." Fate whined. "Don't do it." "Do what?" She looked at herself. "Ah, this? Don't worry about it." "Restrict Lock." Raising Heart declared as various pink strings tied the blonde. "NANOHA!!!" "Blaster three set, Master." "Don't worry, Fate-chan. I'm just going to befriend them a little." Edit: Page claim for RadiantBeam Edit2: Big thanks again for Raiser for correcting things for me. Last edited by sniperk; 2010-02-28 at 17:22. Reason: Omake |
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2010-02-28, 03:43
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Link #23402 |
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Goat Herder
 Author
Join Date: Jun 2008
Age: 36
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About the note... yeah, it did seem like Fate was OOC in that chapter, but not at the revelation about Vivio. Rather, it was at the scene where she was putting Nanoha to bed that seemed slightly off to me. Maybe its just for the life of me, I can't picture Fate calling anyone "Missy". I can see her being pushy when it comes to Nanoha, but I think her dialogue was maybe a bit unsuited to Fate in that scene.
On the other hand, Fate during the revelation seemed fine to me concerning her character.
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2010-02-28, 09:19
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Link #23403 | |||
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Explodes when thrown
IT Support
Join Date: Jan 2009
Age: 37
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Quote:
 ).Quote:
 (Sharp edges = spikes of villainy!)Quote:
 Some big-wig clearly thought she was the lady for the job, consequences be damned.
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2010-02-28, 11:33
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Link #23404 |
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The Interstellar Medium
Author
Join Date: May 2008
Location: [SWE]
Age: 34
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 Spoiler for Prologue; Depths of Isolation:
Above the dark blue atmosphere of Mid-Childa was a peculiar space installation orbiting slowly around the planet. From the black background of space against the brightness of the planet, one could make out its silhouette, consisting of towers, disks and external connection bridges, forming an obscure architecture unlike anything on Mid-Childa itself.
This installation, this isolated structure of drifting metal in space, only accompanied by its sister station at the other side of the planet, was Archangel Station; a SuperMax prison facility under the supervision of the TSAB. Under its thick, protective exterior there was an impenetrable wall of security cameras, alarms, guards and movement sensors. Nothing moved inside without anyone knowing. Nothing could enter or leave without proper authorization. It even kept its own security fleet, as a countermeasure against attempted escapes with shuttles from the docking bay. The fleet, in similarity to the guards inside, worked under a constant free-to-engage policy. The layout of Archangel was simple, yet technologically advanced. Several levels ran through the massive body, separated into various sections and sub-sections, each with their specific sets of restrictions and processes. Twenty-four hour surveillance and total isolation was a common trait for those on the Alpha level, with no entertainment to pass the time. They were given only the most basic of necessities, unlike those on the Beta level. Here the inmates were still subjected to similar conditions, but were allowed to leave their cells one hour per day. On the other levels, despite the same around-the-clock surveillance, prisoners were allowed a few more privileges, depending on the level of their mental stability. Supervising the entire installation, and setting the rules for it, was Simon McClusky. A former veteran Enforcer, he was the first choice for the TSAB when they appointed Archangel's "Warden". Knowing about his ruthless behavior, dutiful persona and personal rules, they do everything they can to keep a lid on potential leaks that the media could sniff up and cause a ruckus about. It wasn't that McClusky was some vile psychopath enjoying the torment of those under his mercy; even he could show some humanity, or pity, but his rules were meant to be followed, not broken. Those who did not play by the rules, answered to the real McClusky; an inhumane monster, on the same level as the inmates Archangel itself was meant to contain. It was the rumors of what McClusky could dish out when provoked that gave the TSAB so much publicity nightmares, which made them even the more convinced that the media and the general public did not need to know about the supermax prison, or at least, what was going on in there. As such, the reputation of Archangel, and its Warden, had never reached the ears of a certain criminal contained in cell seven, in Sector F, on the Beta Level, when she was apprehended two years ago. How could she, considering that the general public barely knew of its existence. Earning the nickname Bloody Seven pretty quickly, she broke several of the Warden's rules on her initiation onto the station. This had caught his attention and he treated her with an extraordinary different focus than he usually did to other inmates, to the extent of giving her a "welcome" as he had never done before. What he did back then, only Bloody Seven knows. Even after two years, after she learned not to mess with the Warden, or at least, not openly, he had not taken his eye off her. Among the inmates, Bloody Seven was feared, but far from respected. Even though they rarely met, she had already made a whole lot of enemies, with no known allies to compensate. A fact that, much to the enjoyment of the Warden, caused her a lot of annoyance and pain. Luckily for her though, a series of events had been set into motion that would result in an unexpected situation for all of the station's inhabitants. Welcome to Archangel Station. The dark side of the law. * 78, 79, 80... Sweat dripped from her brow onto the cold iron floor. The dull bodysuit prison attire she wore was sticking to her skin, and her hair, which had grown quite long and thick after these two years, clogged itself to her face. She had refused to cut it, going as far as to attack the staff when she had been forced to a few months ago. They hadn't tried again after that. A wise choice. 81, 82, 83... Her body heaved up and down, propelled by her arms. She had never liked push-ups very much, but had grown accustomed to doing them every evening, regardless of how tired she was. Not that she knew what time it actually was. The only indication was the light flicking off at night and on in the morning. It had helped her get into a routine, to organize her river of thoughts. 84, 85, 8- The blue shimmer of the double barrier inches from her head opened a small hole in itself and a tray with food was shoved inside, piercing her ears with metal grinding metal. It broke her concentration, causing a moment's hesitation. Her balance broke and she collapsed on the floor, breathing at a heavy, but steady pace. With an exhausted arm, feeling like a weight made out of flesh, she grabbed the tray and dragged it towards her. The hole in the barrier sealed itself behind it. She dragged herself up and sat cross-legged on the floor, poking at the food on the tray. It was typical prison food. A mess of meat, vegetables and bread, mashed into a shapeless form that'd probably taste like it always did. Dry and disgusting. She took a small piece of the blob with the fork and shoved it into her mouth. She munched on it for a fraction of a second before swallowing it quickly. The taste wasn't a surprise. She didn't even have the motivation to grimace at it anymore. Even that had gone into routine. Routine. Always routine. Always the same thing, at the same time, for two years. She forced herself to eat at least half of the filth on the tray. It was the only nourishment she would get for the next twelve hours and she knew what would happen if she threw it away. Her throat became dry as the chunks of bread was chewed down. There wasn't any liquid this time. Even that was "rationed". Meat. I want blood, flesh, fresh meat. Dammit... She finished her meal eventually, her stomach disgusted and her throat dry as a desert, and flopped down on her bed. At her side lay an old book she'd borrowed a few days before, in the same genre as the other two-hundred she had read. Fantasy mixing supernatural. Predators of the night, vampires. It was something about them that intrigued her, and she couldn't get enough of their lore. After all, in the stories they drank blood, just as she did. And she was fascinated by their appearance and prideful personas... She imagined the smell of flesh, the taste of blood. A craving grew larger inside her, but she suppressed it. If it grew too big in here she'd soon enough crawl on the walls. Again. She let her head rest against the soft pillow. She tossed a disinterested glance at the frosty walls of her small, cube-shaped cell that seemed to get smaller every month. The camera mounted in a corner followed her at all times with slow, dumb movements, monitoring her every move. A glare of hate lashed against it, with a sarcastic smile on her lips to get the point across. Deciding to ignore it, she flopped over to her side, staring into the wall and sneaked a hand up her pillow. From this angle all the camera could see was a girl resting on the bed. In reality, Bloody Seven pulled out a rough note, evident of having been read many times. How it had managed to slip its way past Archangel's airtight security, she didn't know, nor did she care. It came to her, weeks ago, tucked neatly within one of her precious books. She opened it with one hand, careful not to do any weird movements that might alert the observer, and read the contents once again. "Soon, Seven, when all are in place. It's when we meet again." She embraced the note to her chest as if holding a child and a vague sob echoed in the cell, allowing her body a tiny shudder at the emotion welling up. Silly girl. Ambient was naive and so easily manipulated... but the note had always felt real, as had the ones before it. The love she expressed might not be artificial and they had met once before. The time when she had gained control of Ambient's mind... She grinned at the memory and fell back on the bed. She laughed inside her, a horrible laugh of joy at what was to come. Outwards only a giggle escaped as she glanced at the old book. Vampires and immortality. An odd combination of grace, pride and evil. She didn't give a dime about the camera anymore and enjoyed her sudden outburst of happiness. To hell with them all. Let them come. She'll be my princess of darkness. And by my side, we'll rule together the void of eternity. Two years ago, in that horrible city of Cranagan, the Blood Maiden's life had not ended in defeat. Rather, a seed had been planted and it had now come to growth. The Blood Angel had bloomed. Spoiler for Author's Notes:
- My aim with the Blood Angel arc is to further develop Wallachia and improve my writing in a new setting, while at the same time mixing in a few new OCs.
- CCs are still excluded. - While I haven't used "arcs" per se, this will be the last of the two (first being Blood Maiden). - Darker, if even possible, and pushing the limits further. - The entire arc inspired by (and existing references from); Silence of the Lambs, Natural Born Killers, The Shield, Event Horizon, 28 Days Later, Dracula
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2010-02-28, 12:30
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Link #23405 |
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Age: 41
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Ok, darkness and grittiness turned up to 11 in this fic, I see...
So to make sure I have the intent correctly here, this is strictly a transplant of your own characters into the Nanoha universe rather than using the previously provided set? If so, it's your call, but I personally wonder why you would bother rather than put together a setting of your own to play in. |
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2010-02-28, 13:14
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Link #23406 | |
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The Interstellar Medium
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: [SWE]
Age: 34
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As to why I don't make my own setting, it's because I established myself within this community two years ago and as such I have my readers and betas. I like the verse, but don't like the characters. Hence, I never use CCs (anymore) because I, for one, suck at keeping them IC, and two, they are basically high on drugs with constant pink roses on fluff with rainbows in a world where anything dark is toned down. There is no way I can utilize any of them for what I have in mind and as such do my own thing. (I have written original stuff but have a hard time to find a good community for them. I don't write often enough to "break through".) It's a balance act. Oh and I love to write gore in otherwise fluffy settings.
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2010-02-28, 15:22
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Test Drive
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Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA
Age: 33
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 It's a combination of reasons that led to me making this decision, so don't worry about it.
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2010-02-28, 17:11
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Link #23408 |
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Burst Mode
Author
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Windsor, Ontario
Age: 37
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Yeah, there are some issues with Fate in this chapter. She wouldn't so forcibly drag Nanoha to Shamal's office, and she wouldn't use such harsh wording. I think she'd give Nanoha puppy dog eyes until she gave in rather than push her there. As for her reaction to the revelation, it's kinda mixed. Her eventually deciding its a good thing could be an interesting angle to explore. Perhaps the news was too much for her, so she's blocking out all the bad implications and focusing on the good? Otherwise I figure she'd be less happy about it and more depressed that Nanoha had gone through such a thing and Fate was completely unaware of it (much like Hayate's reaction).
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2010-02-28, 17:37
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Link #23409 |
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Banned
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow, in a house dropped on an ugly, old woman.
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Whew, finally finished this.. hopefully, if there are no major kinks to work out.
Recollections of a Lost Age Chapter 6: Second Wind Previous parts, along with my other fanfiction, can be found here. Spoiler for Recollections of a Lost Age, Chapter 6: Second Wind:
Recollections of a Lost Age
Chapter 6: Second Wind "Hayate!" Vita shouted, as her bind spell faded, torn as to her course of action. She couldn't attack Zanth, not while he had Hayate's body, but she couldn't just float here and do nothing! Especially after the way Hayate had save her from her own grief and madness; there had to be a way, if only she could just think of it... The hammer knight and the two unison devices continued to stare at Hayate's red eyes, then were further stunned as her hand shot into the pouch and pulled out a collar, activating it and snapping it onto her neck. Almost immediately, her levitation was canceled, and she began a free-fall drop to the ground below. "Hayate!" Rein screamed as Vita dove, catching her mistress. "Shit, what did that bitch do!?" Hayate demanded in that strange dual-voice similar to the one Vita used earlier. "Why can't I gather any magic!?" Vita raised an eyebrow in confusion as she landed and set Hayate down, realizing she couldn't detect the woman giving off any mana. "That collar is one of Shari's magical devices," Rein explained. "It's a special AMF lock for locking down dangerous mages; the AMF is fairly powerful, but short range and directed specifically to disrupt the control of mana flowing out of the linker core. Hayate planned to use it like this." "So she's harmless now?" Agito wondered, looking over the unisoned Mistress of the Wolkenritter. "Wait, an AMF cancels a unison, doesn't it?" Rein smiled slowly. "Normally, yes. But Shari made adjustments to it, due to her work on the unison devices, in case they were ever needed against a unisoned target.. It locks the unison device inside the body, making it work like sort of a prison." Zanth/Hayate forced herself out of Vita's arms, reaching up to try and take the collar off, but it was obviously not that simple. "Damn damn damn! Get this thing off me!" "I don't know how," Rein insisted despairingly. "I think only Shari and maybe Hayate know." The collared and unisoned mage pointed at Vita. "You, get this off! I know you can do it, because as you claim so much, you can destroy anything. Do it, or I kill your mistress here and now!" "Alright!" Vita growled, moving around behind to look at it. "But I have to do this carefully. I won't hurt Hayate." "Fine, but make it quick," Zanth/Hayate snapped. Hayate's eyes slowly opened as she floated in a familiar shifting green void, recognizing being here before. This was part of her hastily-formed plan, and although risky, she felt it was worth a shot, based on what Rein had told her. She righted herself and looked around, wondering how to proceed, but the choice was made for her. "How do you get this collar!?" Zanth demanded, his voice echoing from everywhere. She allowed herself a small smile. "Whatever do you mean? I promised you my body. I didn't say what condition it was going to be in." "Don't toy with me, woman!" he snarled back, materializing in front of her. "I could kill you with a thought!" She crossed her arms over her chest and dared him. "Do it. With the collar in place, you wouldn't be able to cancel the unison; you'd die in here with me." His fast twisted in calm anger, but he got her point. "Fine, stay in here. I'll get the collar off, and then enjoy picking off your precious knights, one by one." He turned to leave. “Is that what you really want?” she asked, her voice changing to something more soothing and warm. “That's probably what Zanth would want, but what about you?” He paused for a moment. “I don't know what you're talking about.” Hayate sighed as he disappeared; this wasn't going to be as easy as she thought. Hayate's now-red eyes flashed open, and she growled with anger as she sat up, taking note of her state. "You still haven't removed it." "I could smash it right now, but it would take out you and Hayate at the same time," Vita informed him, hefting Graf Eisen, then smiled grimly. "But you know I won't do that. We have to get the collar off in a slightly gentler way." "Or you could just let Hayate go," Rein beseeched her possessed mistress. "I know how lonely it must have been for you in there." "Shut up!" Zanth/Hayate spat at her. "Let's just get going back to your technician so she can remove this damn thing." Agito's look of disbelief was obvious. "What the hell do you mean, lonely!? The bastard tried to kill you and the rest!" "Clarius told me that he actually isn't Zanth," Rein explained. "Shut up!" Hayate nearly screamed, jumping forward to grab the device, but Rein dodged and floated up higher. "I think you absorbed a part of him when the real Zanth was in the book," Rein continued, sadly. "Most of him was wiped when Reinforce sacrificed herself, but she didn't take everything. What was left behind in Hayate's Linker Core, which was later transferred back into the book along with the spells that remained. Hayate created me from the remnants of Reinforce's personality, but not everything was used." "STOP IT!" Hayate cried, trying to jump up to grab Rein. "So who is that?" Vita asked, confused. "Parts of Reinforce and Zanth?" "And mainly one other," Rein said sadly. Without warning, Hayate howled in anger and frustration, and suddenly took off across the top of the building, catching the three girls by surprise. They started after her, but they were too late to stop her as Hayate scooped up a broken piece of pipe, and began jamming it on the collar. Before the trio could reach her, the collar cracked, and then broke as Hayate pulled it off, then took to the air, staff and book appearing in her hands. "Resound, horn of judgment!" she chanted, then pointing her staff. "Ragnarok!" The blue beam of magic impacted the spatial barrier upward at a 45 degree angle, and at first it seemed like it was going to hold. Then cracks appeared, and it shattered, causing Vita to curse; making the barrier so wide gave them a good fighting space, but also made it weak enough for Hayate to punch through it. "We have to stop her from getting back to the city!" Vita shouted, forming a couple of steel balls between her fingers; she might not be not be able to directly harm Hayate, but she could alter her path with some well-guided shots. Rein realized what Vita was planning, and prepared her own spells, coordinating with Agito; Hayate could do a lot of damage if she got back to the city. Plus, she had to have faith in her mistress's plan; Hayate would accomplish what she had to, they just needed to give her more time! "I know you can hear me," Hayate remarked loudly, still floating in the green void. "You must be wondering why I'm not fighting you, and letting you have full control of my body." "If it's about the collar, you can forget it!" came the deriding voice. "I've destroyed it, so I can now use your magic to destroy your knights!" "I know you don't really want to do that," Hayate replied, crossing her arms over her chest. "Rein told me before I came over here." She paused to see if he'd respond, but he didn't. "I can't imagine how long you were in here, locked away. And I don't know your story, but I'd like to learn." There was another long pause, before the voice laughed. "And what do you think you know about me?" "You want a family," she said softly. "Because you lost yours. Your mother died when you were young, and you felt your father was too busy on his project. You became sickly, and there was nothing he could do for you, except one thing: give you life in the book, hoping one day he could bring you back." "You're speaking nonsense!" he spat back. "You're just guessing and making up things up!" Hayate shook her head sadly. "We're joined, so I can read your feelings; and now that Rein has shown me what too look for, I've been spending my time in here probing some of your thoughts. The real Zanth must have locked you away, and erased all memory of you from Reinforce and the rest of the Wolkenritter. You were useless to him, but he couldn't or wouldn't delete you." He finally materialized in front of her, but it was no longer a dark-haired older male in front of her, but a younger boy of about 15 in a plain, faded, blue robe, his head completely shaved. There was anger there, but now Hayate could detect a trace of sadness in his facial expression. "It no longer matters what you think of me," he said, his voice now sounding younger, his pitch-black eyes beginning to leak "Father condemned me to a life of solitude in this book. I suffered while I was alive, and then suffered in a different way within in this book! He ignored me in life, and couldn't even let me die in peace!" Hayate held out her arms and began to kneel down in front of him. "I know. My own life wasn't very fair to me, either, and sometimes I wondered how I could go on. But I found friends who helped me, just as they can help you." "Forget it!" he spat at her, slapping her hands away and morphing back to the older version with black mustache and long hair. "I'll kill the knights and that miniature abomination you created. I'll completely eliminate what father worked to build!" "And then what?" Hayate asked him softly. He didn't respond, but disappeared in anger again, opening up a large screen showcasing what was going on outside through his eyes, and Hayate instantly knew his intentions: he was going to allow her to watch as he destroyed the knights one-by-one. Rein let loose a blizzard of ice and snow, managing to slow Hayate and divert her path, but they were still coming too close to the city. If they ever let up, the unisoned mage could probably fire off a shot and do a lot of damage; in that case, the Bureau would have no choice but to order them to take her down. Shamal had apparently already contacted the Bureau to explain what was going on, so there were enforcers gathering to contain the situation, but Rein had received assurances they wouldn't interfere just yet, unless Hayate got too close. Then they would take her out at any cost. Vita flew in with her hammer again, swinging and impacting Hayate's black barrier, but didn't stay connected long. Those black shields Hayate was putting up had some sort of damaging effect, that ate away at magic and physical objects that collided with them. Still, they had to keep up the attacks and slowly whittle away at Hayate's huge mana reserves; once depleted, Hayate would be a lot easier to deal with and the enforcers wouldn't have to get involved to stop her permanently. "[She's getting too close!]" Agito cursed telepathically to the other two while launching more fireballs. "[We're not gonna stop her in time unless we attack more forcefully! We have to stop her!]" Rein could see Vita grip her hammer tighter; Agito was probably the only one who could say that, because she wasn't originally part of the Wolkenritter. "[We can't, we have to give Hayate more time!]" "[Agito may be right,]" Vita seethed, tears forming in her eyes as she launched a half dozen more steel orbs. "[Hayate wouldn't want more blood on her hands, which is what will happen when she reaches the city; her wide area spells will do too much damage. It's only the fact that we're keeping constant pressure on her, that keeps her from working up Hraesvelgr.]" "[Vita, you can't!]" Rein begged, horrified. "[It's my fault!]" Vita cried, diving to attack point blank again, her hammer growing in size. "Graf Eisen!" "Zerstörungform!" the hammer announced, forming the large drill that was he strongest attack. "I was waiting for that!" Hayate's dual voice shouted, pausing in mid-air and thrusting out both hands. "Bloody Dagger Storm!" "Vita, look out!" Rein called, but it was too late. Dozens of crimson daggers exploded from Hayate's hands as Vita began her swing. The little hammer knight twisted as the first few went past, tearing the shoulders of her barrier jacket, then put up a triangular shield to block a dozen others. But even more had arced away from Hayate and come in at Vita from all angles; in horrific slow motion, the two smaller girls watched Vita's body get struck from multiple sides, then begin to fall backwards as Graf Eisen shrunk back to normal. Rein prepared to go after her, but stopped as Agito told her telepathically that she'd get Vita, and to stop Hayate instead. Rein recognized the logic in the statement, as she was currently between Hayate and the city, and thus in the better position to stop her. Bracing herself, she began to ready her next spell. "Think you can stop me alone, little one?" Hayate sneered at her. "All by yourself?" "She's not alone," came Signum's voice as she flew up to Rein's right side. "None of us is ever alone." "The Wolkenritter fight as one," Zafira declared, floating up on Rein's left in wolf form. "As it has been since the beginning." Rein's eyes widened, then noted they still looked injured. "Signum! Zafira! Why did you two come?" Signum lifted Levantine into a horizontal position and smiled grimly. "You don't have to fight this battle by yourself." "This fight is important to all of us," Zafira added, baring his teeth. "We'll save her." The unisoned Hayate grinned with teeth bared, as dozens of crimson daggers formed around her. "Suit yourself; I was planning to come after you next anyway." Hayate's hand clenched as she watched the screen showing Signum and Zafira dodging the attacks, but their movements were slowed by their earlier injuries, and they were obviously reluctant to attack her directly. She began to doubt her plan; was she wrong for what she was attempting to do? It seemed like the right thing, but if she failed, it wouldn't be just her family that paid the price. "One down," the taunting voice came. "Which one will be next: the Blazing Fool, or the Guardian Mutt?" "How about you join our family instead?" Hayate offered. "You don't have to be alone anymore. Your father is gone; even if you kill the knights, what then? What will that accomplish? The true answer is that you don't want to kill them. Even from the beginning, you wanted them on your side, that's why you used the remnants of Zanth to corrupt them, so you'd have a family again, after a fashion." "Shut up!" he cried back, his voice reverting to that of the young teenage boy. "I'll really kill them! You saw it with Vita, and now I'll take out the rest!" Hayate's heart rose into her chest as she saw Zafira dodge a bit too slowly, and several red daggers graze his body. Signum was counterattacking, but Hayate could tell they were also not going full out; despite the easing of the "master" programming, they were still devoted to her as close as any family she had ever had, but that also gave her an idea. She could struggle against him to take control, but that wouldn't solve the underlying issue; she needed to do this a certain way. "Normally, you wouldn't stand a chance against them, even with the book," Hayate told him. "You know they are holding back; in fact, you're counting on it. Why is that?" The voice barked out a short laugh. "Don't toy with me; your precious knights still think they can save you. You believe that kind of bond will make everything better, but it doesn't! You're just hoping it does. Sometimes that idealism really can't save you!" "And sometimes it can," Hayate replied softly. "You don't know until you give it a chance. Wouldn't you like someone to care enough about you, the way my family does about me?" She held out her arms again as she spoke to the void. "You have proof of it in front of you; you just need to take my hands." There was no response. "Signum, look out!" Rein cried, throwing all her magic into Signum's barrier to block the powerful Ragnarok beam. Miraculously, it held, but Rein knew it was only because she was unisoned with Signum at the moment. Hayate's spells had an added edge to them that worked to dissolve shields and barriers, and only her magic could seemingly counter it. Still, Signum wasn't in the best of shape, although she was trying not to show it; her speed was slower, and she was rationing her magic. "He's going after Zafira again!" Rein noted with alarm. The Guardian Beast had maneuvered behind Hayate during that last attack and had switched to human form, in an attempt to physically grab her from behind to prevent more casting, but the unisoned target had seen it coming and put up another stinging barrier then repelled him. In his weakened state, he was easily repulsed and knocked away. Signum and Rein dove for him, while sending Levantine out in snake form, creating a bladed tornado around Hayate to keep her in place for a short while. But they realized they wouldn't reach Zafira in time. However, Shamal did, grabbing him in mid-air and attending to his wounds while smiling grimly. "I thought you guys could use some backup." "Why!?" Hayate's unnatural voice demanded with fierce anger. "Why won't you pathetic morons just go away or die!?" "You don't know us too well," Signum, lips turned upwards slightly, but her face firm as she confronted the possessed Hayate. "We are the Guardian Knights who gather before our mistress, she of the Night Sky." Shamal released her patient as he came back around, and took up a posture at the 3 o'clock position from Signum, with Hayate in the center. "As long as our mistress exists, our souls will never extinguish." Zafira floated up behind Hayate, on the opposite side of Signum. "As long as we have life in our bodies, we will stand by each other." "We will always exist before our mistress, Queen of the Night Sky, Yagami Hayate!" Vita exclaimed, her hair crimson red and her barrier jacket orange with red highlights to indicate she was unisoned with Agito at the moment. She flew up to complete the four-way formation that surrounded their target. "Ah, that's right!" Agito added eagerly. "He can't stop all of us!" "Why you do you keep struggling!?" Hayate's dual voiced strained, tears appearing in her eyes as her right hand went up. "Is that master service program so strong, that you can't help but be puppets to this girl? Just leave me alone or die already!" "[Look up!]" Rein cried out in alarm telepathically to the rest of the Wolkenritter, noting the black ball of crackling magic above them and how close they had drifted to the actual populated city. "[If he releases that Diabolic Emission spell here, it'll take out a decent chunk of Clanagan!]" She canceled the unison and floated out of Signum. "Stop! You don't have to do this! I was shown you are, and I know you probably felt Clarius abandoned you, but he was only concerned about you. He couldn't heal your sickly body, and he couldn't bear to lose you, that's why he placed you within the book. He really did care about you! Your mother's death, and your sickness, hurt him greatly." An obvious struggle was taking place on Hayate's face as it lowered, then came back up, still tear streaked, but angry. "NO! I should have died! We should have all died! I can correct that now! DIABOLIC EMISSION!" "NO!" Rein screamed as the spell was released. He appeared before her as the child in faded blue robes again, his eyes haunting and somewhat empty. "There, I've done it. They can't stop it, and they'll die if they try. That's what it wanted, and what I wanted, so it's done. I don't care anymore." Hayate glanced at the screens in worry as the ebony ball of her strongest area effect spell was released, with all it's destructive power enhanced by the unison. But she'd have to trust that to her knights to deal with, as she turned back towards the boy and noted that, somehow, the fight seemed to have gone out of him; what changed? She wasn't quite sure, but she felt she had an opportunity here. She knelt in front of him and placed her hands on his shoulders to look him in the eyes, then leaned forward to wrap her arms around him, hugging him. "Why?" his voice croaked. "Your knights are as good as done, and we will soon be as well." "They'll fight to the last to protect both me and you, along with each other and everyone else," she told him. "Because you're a part of our family now." "My family is dead!" he cried. "Everyone I knew is dead! The knights and I are just programs, fake people!" "Shh, I can see it all now," she told him, actually visualizing his memories more clearly, now that he wasn't actively fighting her attempts. She finally understood everything. Rein flew rapidly towards Shamal, sending her plan to the rest of the Wolkenritter. The Belkan doctor met her halfway and they merged, then threw up her shields to try her best to deflect the sphere from expanding northwards into the city. Vita nodded as she heard her part, and rapidly descended to the ground directly below the expanding ebony sphere while popping several cartridges. "Agito, let's do it!" "I'll put every last bit of flame I have into this!" she declared forcefully, her hands burning. "Gigantform!" Graf Eisen called, growing to many times it size as it also burst into flame. "Megaton Hammer!" Vita cried as she slammed Graf Eisen into the ground, her whole body covered with a protective magical blaze. The impact point exploded into light and flame, a spherical burning inferno of orange and red growing upwards to meet the expanding ball of dark magical energy coming down. Signum flew between them, grabbing the hysterical Hayate and tackling her out of the way a second before the two powerful forces met and shoved against each other. Vita's flame shield held just long enough for her to get out out of the blast zone, then she could only watch helplessly as her fiery explosion was fought a slow losing battle against the more powerful Diabolic Emission spell. Shamal continued to struggle to hold back the wave with her large green shields, but they were slowly pushed back. "It's too much!" "We have to hold out!" Rein encouraged her from inside, also straining to enhance Shamal's shields and keep them intact. "We can't let it reach the city!" "I'm here!" Zafira, yelled, then roared, sending up dozens of white spikes from the ground to impede it's path, trying to hold it back. Most of them fizzled after a few moments of contact, but their added impedance was just enough. "It's working!" Rein cried with joy. Sure enough, the combination was halting the explosion, and even causing it to start to shrink, as the powerful magic behind the spell was spent. Vita's explosion under it was also withering, dissolving upwards, and in a few more moments, both spells had faded to near nothingness. Shamal and Zafira smiled and nodded at each other, then took off after Vita, who was heading for Signum. When they landed on the street, they saw Signum kneeling, holding an unconscious Hayate's head in her lap. They spoke no words, but watched over their mistress in worry as Shamal began to run scans and call for medical backup. He was a young boy, born to two loving parents, however the birth was difficult. It crippled the mother, and left the child sickly, but still, they loved him and tried their best to raise him. The father spent most of his time researching magic, trying to find a way to cure both his wife and his son, so much so, that sometimes the other two hardly saw him. The son grew a bit depressed over this, and even grew to resent him when the complications eventually killed his mother several years later. The father tried his best to raise him alone, splitting his time between that and research. He even created a magical construct that looked much like his mother to help, and although it resembled her physically, it didn't have her personality. He had kept her body in magical stasis, working on transferring memories and personality, but it wasn't too successful. The new being began to develop it's own thoughts and feelings, but not as their mother. The boy grew worse, and on his deathbed, his father lamented what had transpired and shared his breakthrough: a storage device in the shape of a book. Not just any storage device, but one that could incorporate a living person within, where they could live forever. The father transferred him in, along with his mother, to be the caretakers of the newly named Tome of the Night Sky. In time, he added four others, and the while the woman wasn't his mother, he was also no longer sickly, and he began to love his new family. But then Zanth Le Ronne happened, an extremely talented pupil of his father's. He was designated to take the book next, but Clarius found out about his heart was dark, and sent him away to learn to temper it. Zanth, in anger, put himself into stasis. He couldn't match Clarius in magic, but he knew of the book's powerful reincarnation program, and thus he merely waited for Clarius to die, and for some time to pass. Then he awoke and claimed it. In horror, the boy watched as his family was beaten, violated, and twisted to the whims of Zanth. Their memories of him were wiped and he was locked into the book, hidden and forever alone, unable to die and unable to escape. It was a form of revenge; Zanth wanted Clarius's only son to suffer, by watching the works he would perform using the renamed Book of Darkness. At the end of his life Zanth even incorporated himself into the book as a program before he died. Ages passed, as he witnessed horror after horror committed by following masters, and the atrocities the knight's and the Book were ordered to commit. Then a young woman named Hayate Yagami became master of the book. The boy witnessed the knight's slowly return to humanity, vestiges of the kindness and caring that he knew from them re-emerging. But he was still locked in, and try as he might, he couldn't reach anyone. He could only watch them enjoy the life that should have been his, watching as they cared for the girl that should have been him. Then something happened: the girl renamed the one that bore his mother's face as "Reinforce" and the corruption was temporarily halted. The defense program mostly destroyed, he again watched in horror as Reinforce sacrificed herself to take the corruption with her; but it also took most of the Zanth program with her, although unwittingly a small part of it managed to survive. For a time, there was nothing else, as the rest of the book's programming had been incorporated into Hayate's Linker Core, including him, still locked in his hidden prison. Only once the new book was completed from the old vessel and everything re-downloaded, did the old shell personality program of the old Zanth approach him. It lacked power, but it could break his prison in return for his help in their shared goal: revenge. They were both doomed to rot in here, but together they could make everything theirs again; they could make everyone pay for abandoning them. The boy agreed, and the two merged and waited, then saw their chance in a new being born from the book: Reinforce Zwei, made from remnants of the personality of the old Reinforce. They manged to get a small link opened between the book and her mind, as they worked over the years to increase their power, gathering up the unused remnants of the original Reinforce's personality. But the new combined being noticed there were complications, as Rein's mind seemed to be too well-protected for him to take over; he couldn't get in. Then she was injured while unisoned with the hammer knight, and the protections briefly went offline. He went in and spent the next few years sneaking around, setting up his revenge. But despite everything, the boy still remained, and a part of him still longed for a family. "Your name is-" Hayate started to say with realization. "NO!" he screamed, sniffling through his tears. "That's not my name anymore! I'm not him! He died all those years ago!" Surprised, she pulled back a bit to look into his face, meeting his red eyes, cupping his face in her hands wiping his tears with her thumbs. "Then I'll give you a new name..." "A n-new name?" he nearly stammered, surprised. "W-why? Just let me die, I'm useless." "You're not useless, and you're part of our family now," Hayate told him, her white belkan triangle flaring underneath them as the green void around them faded to black. "You have a sad heart now, but you also have power and will, and so in the name of the Mistress of the Night Sky, I grant you a new name. One who breaks down any barriers or obstacles in our path from those that seeks to harm those under your protection, to erode the danger that casts a dark shadow, and to walk the dark places when no one else can... Enervate." The black had faded from the boy's teary wide eyes, changing to red irises, as he stared at her in awe and wonder. Then he abruptly and suddenly clutched his head in pain. Hayate wasn't expecting that, as she grabbed his shoulders again. "What's wrong? What's happening?" He knocked her hands away and took several steps back, panting. "I still have... pieces within me... they don't like... this and want... to take control!" "Your family is here, we'll fight it together!" she told him firmly, but with pleading in her voice, because she could sense what was coming. "No, you can't!" he grunted through clenched teeth, seemingly getting it under control for a moment. "You tried once before, with Rein, which led to all this! I have to deal with this on my own!" His gaze softened a bit. "But... with luck... maybe I'll be back sometime soon to experience my new family..." She took a step forward in distress. "But-" He thrust his open palm at her and snarled: "GO!" The Mistress of the Night Sky felt a pain in her gut, as he faded from sight. "Well, how is he?" Hayate asked eagerly, not taking her eyes off the small nude form floating in the jar. Rein stood on the table, looking at the small boy; could he technically be considered her brother? She didn't know, and was still waiting for Hayate to explain. He had emerged from Hayate a moment before she awoke, then she had rushed back to the lab so that Shamal and Shari could fully examine him. The Belkan doctor didn't look up, as she continued to have Klarer Wind run scans while interfaced with the lab computers. "I'm not entirely sure, but... he seems to be in something resembling a coma; there's no telling when he could come out of it. There appears to be some strange brain activity, almost as if..." "What?" Hayate prompted, concerned. Shamal finally looked up. "If he were one of my human patients, I'd think he had multiple personalities." "You're not entirely off," Shari added quietly. "There are definitely at least two distinct brain patterns there now. I'm not sure why it's like that; I double-checked my earlier readings, and they only showed one." Hayate finally sat back in a chair and exhaled. "I thought as much." "I don't get it," Agito said, confused floated down to take a look at him. "Isn't he the bad guy? Can't we get rid of him now?" Hayate shook her head. "We need to take care of him now, because he's one of us." "Don't tell me you're thinking of trying to dive back into a subconscious again!" Shamal pleaded. "It was bad enough the first time!" The Mistress of the Wolkenritter allowed herself a small smile. "No, a much I'd like to, the upper brass has vetoed that idea based on what happened; they don't want him taking over a powerful mage again. They actually wanted to destroy him, but I talked them into just keeping him locked up and under observation for now, saying that the data could be valuable for the Bureau's own unison device program. But really, I made a promise to myself, and to him, to take care of him from now on." "Hayate, was I right, then?" Rein asked hesitantly, her eyes full of wonder.. "Will someone please explain what's going on!?" Vita demanded in exasperation, finally losing it. "I thought we went through all of this to destroy the little annoying bugger!" "It's a long story," Hayate told her, sitting up, then gestured to the small male unison device in the jar. "But for now, I'd all like you to meet someone. Or perhaps it's more appropriate to say, get reacquainted with a member of our family." "Reacquainted?" Signum inquired. "I do not understand. I don't recognize him; who is he?" Hayate thought for a moment. "Well, we can get to that later. For now, his name is Enervate..." Spoiler for Author's notes:
Author's notes: Whew, finally done! When I started this, I actually didn't have much of a plot outline. Just a vague idea to create backstories for the Wolkenritter, explore some of the history of Book, it's creator, and its later corruption. Also, to do a chapter for each of the original members, but that was it. So, my lack of comprehensive notes made this a bit difficult for me, and had me run up against certain issues that I had to think about how to work around. One of the main ones being the collar Hayate uses here. I had kinda planned to have her use it, but after writing it out, I remembered the end of strikers, where the Cradle AMF seemed to forcibly cancel Hayate's unison with Rein. Oops. So I kinda cheated with the plot device and modified it's function, and also didn't have it last too long. Also, in talks with others, I got a better idea of the circumstances of Rein's creation, and the details of the device Reinforce left behind. While it seems to kinda counter some of the concepts I did in this fic, I felt I had some wiggle room to play around with. Hope it entertained a bit! If you're curious about Enervate, and what will happen to him, you'll have to tune into "MGLN: Through a Mirror, Darkly." As I said, this can be read as a standalone, but I'm also placing it in my Crisis universe, so he'll come back into play in that sequel. Until next time, and thanks for reading! Now I can concentrate on just two fics, instead of three! Next Red Jewel Diaries chapter is "Vivio and Corona's Excellent Adventure." I'll be working on that, and Unexpected Expectations chapter 8, so no telling which will come out next. |
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2010-02-28, 21:33
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Link #23410 |
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A Drifter...
Author
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Brampton
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A quick shout out to each contributing author on this thread:
I'm a long time reader and lurker who just recently signed up to AS forums and I just wanted to drop by to say hello and thanks for continuing to write up these fics. For the record: Not much of a big Nanoha fan since I only took a look at some of the manga and never watched any season. Only got into this because of some other fanfics that involved Nanoha, the strong comparisons between this series and Gundam which I like and the big fat TV Tropes Nanoha index which I found amusing enough. |
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2010-02-28, 22:09
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Link #23411 |
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blinded by blood
Author
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oakland, CA
Age: 40
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Wow, I go away for a little while and the place just blows up, huh?
It'll take me weeks to break this backlog... =/ Altered Course is on indefinite hiatus while I continue to wrestle with my muses and make them actually give me good ideas. Fortunately, our resident Harem Mistress set loose a plotbunny upon me that is currently gnawing on my foot. Looks like everyone's borrowing the Shadows/NSIS setting these days... Keep an eye out in the OC thread over the next few hours, and this one + my FF.net page over the next few days.
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Indie science fiction author and all-around weirdo:
Check out my original fiction here! Read an excerpt from my sci-fi novel Binary System! |
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2010-02-28, 22:27
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Link #23412 | |
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Burst Mode
Author
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Windsor, Ontario
Age: 37
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Quote:
Well, take your time. If it's one thing I'm good at, it's waiting patiently!
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2010-03-01, 00:52
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Link #23413 | |
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Poetic Stargazer
Join Date: Jul 2009
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Quote:
Although...one thing I've noticed is that the more chapters I add, the harder it becomes to write. (I plan to have a total of 26 chapters plus an epilogue). Just wondering if that's true for most of you guys. |
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2010-03-01, 01:29
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Link #23414 | |
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Burst Mode
Author
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Windsor, Ontario
Age: 37
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Quote:
But in the end you have to remind yourself of the purpose of your writing. For example, so far I have gotten no reviews for my new ViCia chapter. What could be the reason for this? Perhaps since there's no troll to defend me from, people are keeping silent. Perhaps it's so horrible that everyone felt it didn't even deserve to be bashed. Perhaps I turned everyone away by having Vivio ship Fate/Yuuno. Whatever the case may be, the sole purpose of the fic is to make RadiantBeam happy, so it doesn't matter so long as she likes it. She says she does, so its serving its purpose, thus there's no reason to pull the plug on it. So if the purpose of your story is for you to have fun, if you're having fun don't stop, even if you're the only one who is having fun.
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2010-03-01, 01:51
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Link #23415 |
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blinded by blood
Author
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oakland, CA
Age: 40
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New fic's main character profile is up in OCT, if anyone's interested in taking a peek.
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Indie science fiction author and all-around weirdo:
Check out my original fiction here! Read an excerpt from my sci-fi novel Binary System! |
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2010-03-01, 12:54
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Link #23417 |
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blinded by blood
Author
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Oakland, CA
Age: 40
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More converts for the cult of ViCia!
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Indie science fiction author and all-around weirdo:
Check out my original fiction here! Read an excerpt from my sci-fi novel Binary System! |
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2010-03-01, 13:35
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Link #23418 |
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Vividly Vivio
Author
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Over there
Age: 40
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AlternativeS 1 AlternativeS 2 AlternativeS 3a AlternativeS 3b AlternativeS 4 AlternativeS 5 AlternativeS 6 AlternativeS 7
Spoiler for 8-1 to 8-6:
Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-1:
Normally I was a rational person, being able to sit in a meeting for hours on end while juggling many different topics without so much as looking at my notes... My current situation, however, was giving me mixed signals. On one hand, I finally had my sister... On the other, I missed my family back home. I wanted to return so desperately that it was driving me crazy now that we were so close, but when Alicia smiles at me I feel a family love from her so great that it makes me want to break down and cry at the thought of leaving her. These feelings made the past three days exceedingly difficult, and I couldn't make up my mind if I wanted Hayate to hurry up or to take her time. AlternativeS VIII By: Satashi Fate smiled as she walked into Nanoha's room during their lunch break. The instructor was currently laying on her back on the couch with a sleeping Vivio curled on her stomach. Out of habit, the blond brought up her hands to form a monitor so she could take a picture of the scene. 'Seeing Vivio so young really brings back memories.' The target of her thoughts seemed to stir at that moment, sleepily lifting her head. Fate tried her best not to fawn over the half asleep eyes and slightly parted mouth paired with the confused face of the child. Instead, she walked over to the girls and leaned over, offering her arms. Vivio took the silent request to be picked up and layed against the woman while trying to wake up. "Sleepy?" Fate asked softly, looking past Vivio and to Nanoha. "Mmn aunt Fate..." Vivio's reply was stifled by a face-splitting open mouthed yawn. "Aahhhhhwwwnnnn..." Nanoha interrupted Fate's silent cursing for not taking a picture of that scene by running a hand along her stomach in an attempt to find out why the warm child was no longer sleeping on her. The blonde knelt down by the woman and took her hand to show that someone was still there. "Fate...-chan..." Nanoha whispered while slowly waking up. Her hand gripped Fate's softly and the blond watched in amazement as Nanoha brought it to her mouth to kiss a finger. " love you..." Her half mumbled words were barely audible, but slate blue eyes slowly fluttered open. Looking up at a bewildered Fate holding Vivio, she smiled fondly. As her mind woke up more, her expression changed and she sat up quickly, holding a hand to her chest. "Fweh-chyan!?" Fate looked at her with sparkling eyes. "Vivio said my name perfectly when she woke up." The comment made Nanoha blush darkly and look away. "Lunch time is almost over," The woman continued. "I came to make sure you woke up for afternoon training like you asked." "A-ah..." Nanoha nodded. "Thank you..." She watched Fate sit Vivio onto her feet and move closer to her. "Fate-chan? Kyan!" She held onto the blonde when she was suddenly lifted up off the couch. "Should I just carry you?" Fate asked curiously. "I don't see your chair." "Pendant form," Nanoha revealed, showing her necklace. "I was scared Vivio might roll off of me so I didn't want her to hit the chair if I had to make a grab for her..." Nanoha's words slowly trailed off, and she looked down at her lap, embarrassed. "Uhm..." She was taken to an opening in the room without being asked so she could toss the small gem to the floor, where it glowed brightly before changing into her smart chair. "Hayate would have loved to have a device like that in the past," Fate mused while setting Nanoha into it. "Y-yeah... This model was specially build for me. It allows me to do so much more than the normal models." Nanoha lifted herself slightly with her arms and adjusted herself to sit comfortably. "Mama?" Vivio's voice made them both turn to the girl. "Why do you always sit in that chair?" Fate felt her heart break at the question, but Nanoha simply smiled at it. " Mama's legs don't move like yours do," She explained simply. "So this chair helps me get around." "Oh," Vivio looked sad at the answer. "...Ne, mama?" "Yes?" "If you ever need something, I'll get it for you, okay?" Vivio put her hands on Nanoha's knees and peered up at her. "Okay?" The mother smiled down at her, leaning over to pick up the girl to sit on her lap. "Mmn. Thank you, Vivio." Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-2:
~**~
Fate and Alicia entered the briefing room together, seeing others already there. Nanoha and Yuuno were off to one side, along with Teana and Subaru next to them. Across from the small group stood Lexus along with two people in standard military attire. From what Fate could remember, she assumed they were the triple-A ranked air and sea mages that had been mentioned earlier. "About time," Lexus spoke up at once. "When you're in my battalion, I won't let you be tardy when summoned." He hesitated when he saw Alicia as well. "Oh, you have a twin do you?" "Shut it before I do it for you," Alicia shot at him with narrowed eyes. Hayate cut them off before an argument could break out by clearing her throat. "Okay everyone, since we are all gathered now, I would like to go over the plan for this mission." She motioned for everyone to gather around the table in the middle of the room and brought up a transparent blueprint of a building and the surrounding area. "Our sources tell us that this building is where Jail Scaglietti is currently staying. He has an interest with Alicia, and will talk to her-" "-Why?" Lexus interrupted, looking over at the blonde. "What connection does she have with Jail?" Alicia smirked at him pointedly and then turned back to Hayate, who continued where she left off. "Since Fate-chan is Alicia's twin, we will have her confront Scaglietti in her sister's place. With the main threat being taken care of by Fate-chan, we can easily slip in the other entrances to his base here, here, and here." She pointed with each word, making the areas light up. "We will be split into groups as follows: Lightning Unit will be Fate-chan alone. Stars will consist of Nanoha and Alicia, who will go after the relic." "Wait a moment, please," Fate cut in apologetically. "Nanoha will be going inside the building?" Nanoha looked a little offended. "Of course I will be. I may be in a wheelchair, but I have ways to enter into battle. Raising Heart has a flight mode that will give me almost two hours of mobile time without starting to effect my combat." Fate looked skeptical, so Hayate confirmed it. "I don't know about your world, Fate-chan, but in ours, Yuuno-kun made specific additions to Nanoha-chan's device to ensure her safety. Also, no offense Alicia, but I can't have you alone in the target zone." The girl shrugged and smiled over at Nanoha with a nod. Lexus snorted. "So what are we here for?" "You will follow Stars unit and ensure that they can reach their target. If they are targeted beforehand, you will engage instead." "Works for me," Lexus crossed his arms. " Saving your butts seems to be a full time job anyway." His remark made his two men smirk and the rest of the room repress a growl. "And don't forget, Fate, you're mine after this is over." Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-3:
Fate glared but nodded anyway. "I haven't forgotten." "People, please." Hayate spoke firmly, tapping her hands on the table displaying the information before them. "Focus." When all eyes turned to her again, she continued. "Subaru, Teana, you will be with me in the Snow group. We will be stationed in a van nearby." Her moved her hands, rotating the map displaying on the table so she could point at a building nearby where the mission would take place. "This will be where we start the mission and where I will be stationed to oversee it. My group will be for back up purposes only and will not deploy unless there is an emergency." She looked at the two nervous soldiers before her and nodded at them. "I'll be counting on you two to protect the van in-case we're discovered." Both of them saluted, although not as crisp as they normally would. "Any questions?" Lexus moved his hands out in a shrugging manor. "So basically we're walking in, Fate takes on Jail, we protect these two girls, and find a relic? You called us in for that?" Hayate turned to face him directly. "Scaglietti is highly dangerous, and he has the trinity as his personal bodyguards. That alone would warrant caution, and that's not including any extra guards he may have. We are trying to bring him down once and for all; underestimation him at this point is not an option. Any more questions?" When none came, she nodded to herself. "Right then. We deploy tomorrow at one, be ready. Dismissed." With that word, the group dispersed, going their own ways. 'Let's just hope this goes smoothly.' "Fate-chan," Nanoha's voice made the woman stop and turn back to look at her. "Want to eat dinner with me tonight? Please?" The red eyed girl hesitated just a moment before agreeing. "Sure, I'd love to." Nanoha beamed up at her friend. "Great! I'll have it ready in about an hour so come by when you're ready okay?" ~**~ Nanoha glanced over her shoulder when she heard knocking at her door. "Come in!" She called out cheerfully. "Excuse the intrusion," Fate sang out in her normal soft tone. "Oh, something smells really good." bending over, she plucked up Vivio when the child came to greet her and balanced the girl onto her hip. "Hi there, Vivio." "Hello, Aunt Fate." She replied back with a giggle at being carried. "Almost ready," Nanoha informed while pulling a roast from the oven. "Shall I set the table?" Fate asked curiously while looking at the half prepared dining table. "Ah, I can get it!" "Its okay," Fate insisted. "Vivio will help me, won't you Vivio?" "Un!" The girl cheered at being involved. "Thank you," Nanoha gave in at the happy look on her 'daughter's' face. Fate sat Vivio on the floor and got the plates down, making sure Vivio could carry all three of them safely. "Put them on the table, but be careful because they can break, okay?" She got a hum and then was graced with the sight of Vivio carefully carrying the plates with both hands as if she were balancing marbles on top of them. Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-4:
"Tomorrow's the big day, huh?" Nanoha breathed out while putting her side dishes in serving platters. " Hard to beleive its already been over a month since you arrived." "Yeah," Fate agreed slowly, catching the sadness in Nanoha's voice. "I really appreciate everything that you have done for me during this." "Hey, you'd do the same for me, right?" Nanoha handed Fate a platter to take to the table. "Thank you." "Of course," Fate answered at once, moving around Vivio who was still carefully arranging the plates. "But still, thank you. You made this bearable." Nanoha felt a small blush come to her cheeks at the praise. "Thank you..." When Fate got next to her, she looked up at teh girl nervously. "Hey... again, I'm sorry about before." "Stop," Fate bent over and put her arms around Nanoha and hugged her from behind. "It wasn't completely your fault. You thought it was me and you weren't thinking right. I understand, okay? Stop beating yourself up over this." "You being so understanding," Nanoha whispered, looking down in the embrace. "Kind of makes this harder on me..." Fate felt a small smile come when a teardrop hit her arms. "I'm sorry, but that's how I am." Squeezing Nanoha once more, she whispered into her ear. "Now dry those pretty eyes and smile, okay? Here, look." turning Nanoha's chair around in the hug, she made the girl watch Vivio holding the last plate with a deathgrip while acting as if it would break if she slid it across the table too fast. "She's scared she might break them." Nanoha felt a laugh come at once and she covered her mouth to hold it down. When Vivio was done, she turned around and ran over to Nanoha proudly. "Mama, I did it!" "Good job, Vivio," both adults answered at the same time with a smile. ~**~ Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-5:
Fate awoke the next morning to her sister's soft snoring against her neck. Blinking to clear her eyes, she looked up at the ceiling while enjoying the peaceful morning. Alicia was half ontop of her, arm and legs sprawled across her body while using her chest as a make-shift pillow. Fate's right arm was numb from the weight on it, sending tingles through her shoulder when she tried to move it. Instead, she moved her left hand and rubbed her sister's back gently to wake her. "Alicia... Sis?" "Five more minutes," she groaned out. "I need to get up," Fate insisted softly. Her twin shifted groggily, moving off of her, but grabbed the covers in the process, pulling them up to her nose as she got comfortable again. "I'll wake you in a bit." Only the sounds of her sister breathing steadily came to her, making her grin to herself. Getting out of bed, Fate put on her uniform quickly and left the room in favor of heading to Nanoha's. Once there, she greeted the struggling temporary-mother as she tried to dress Vivio and make breakfast at the same time. Coming to her rescue, she properly prettied Vivio up and did her hair while Nanoha finished cooking. Breakfast was served and, after an insistence from Nanoha, the three sat down together to enjoy it. Almost two hours later, Fate found herself in the prep room, sitting patiently while the others slowly started coming in. Teana and Subaru were already there, having come before anyone else. Watching them shift nervously in their seats, Fate couldn't help but recall back to their first mission in her world. "Nervous?" She asked calmly, getting their attention. "Yes," Subaru answered honestly. "I can't help but feel as if everyone expects so much from me..." "We do," Fate replied simply. "You and Teana were given those devices because we can see a potential in you both that far exceeds that of the normal people training under Nanoha right now. That's why we are counting on you to watch over the van with Hayate and act if anything needs your attention. You may not even engage any enemies today, but it will be a good experience for you none the less." "Ma'am." Teana nodded in agreement. "Thank you for this opportunity to prove myself." Before Fate could reply, Hayate came into the room and looked around. "You girls are here early." "I told Fate that we could wait," Alicia complained, leaning her chair back to balance on the back two legs. "But she said it was best to be here early in case we needed to change any plans." Hayate nodded to herself. "Good idea, Fate-chan, but so far everything seems just fine. Alicia, are you sure that you don't need to contact Jail before hand?" "I show up whenever I feel like it, and leave just the same," Alicia mused while balancing. "If I made an appointment, it would probably set off a flag. Best to just go with it." With a small sigh, Hayate reluctantly agreed. "Okay." Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-6:
~**~ "Okay, lets go over this one more time." Nanoha got everyone's attention as their van parked at the predetermined location. "Fate-chan will go and meet Jail in place of Alicia. During this time Alicia and I will hunt for the relic we're after while Lexus and his group support us. The number one goal is to get the relic at all costs." Lexus broke in, leaning forward while checking the lace on his boots. "Why not just zerg Jail and ensure that he is captured?" Hayate sighed. "Again, we are after the relic more than Jail this time. We want to capture him, but priorities are priorities. The relic is what we are after." Lexus frowned but nodded anyway. "This is your run, even if that is stupid." The man missed the glances towards Fate, who looked down slightly. "Subaru, Teana," Nanoha went on, getting their attention again. "You two will remain here in case we need backup. If anyone is injured inside, you will be needed to retrieve, understood?" "Ma'am," both replied at the same time with a nod. "Right then," Nanoha nodded. "Any questions?" When nothing came to her, she looked over at Fate. "You're up." "Right," Fate moved to open the van, smiling back over at the group. "Good luck everyone." Hopping out, she adjusted her casual outfit and tossed her pigtails over her shoulders. 'Here we go,' Walking the two blocks, she reflected back on the prepping Alicia had given her earlier. 'Just be cocky, act like I own the place, and don't take crap from anyone if they stop me...' The door to the building was opened casually and she noted that a silent alarm went off due to a blinking red light that her trained eye caught. Ignoring this, she put her hands into her pockets and kept walking, looking around curiously. Before long she entered a long hallway with life capsules on both sides, housing what she knew to be the Numbers. 'They're not activated yet...' Her mind thought curiously. 'I wonder if he's holding back for some reason...' "Nice of you to arrive!" Jail's voice made Fate's attention snap to the side, where the man was sitting on a desk. "I'm glad you could make it, Fate-san." Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-7:
"Sorry, but I'd have to split the money with Sis if I involved her," Fate put a hand on her hip in annoyance. "If you want her, it'd cost extra." Jail stood up from his desk and walked over to the girl, passing by a complex lab area and moving out into the large area of the room. Walking around the girl, he eyed her. "Well, this is strange," he mused. "Normally I can tell the difference between two people, but you two..." Jail laughed and moved to stand in front of her. "I see, I see, how amusing. You came from another time, but it turns out you are a fake as well." Fate's eyes widened slightly, something that Jail didn't miss. "Thank you for confirming it, Fate-san." "What do you mean by "as well"?" Fate asked, giving up on tricking him and falling back into just keeping him distracted long enough for the mission to go through before she made her move. "You can't tell? Your sister is a clone, the same as you." Crossing his arms, he observed her more. "I found her in a life pod when I was doing some research on a past experiment that failed. I had stumbled upon the home of someone who had tried to perfect the project Fate series. I'm sure you know who I'm talking about." "Precia," Fate breathed out. "So Alicia..." "Is simply another experiment," Jail finished for her. "No more than you." "Does she know?" Jail shrugged. "If she figured it out or not isn't of any concern to me. What I want to know, however, is how you crossed time lines." This time Fate smirked at him. "You honestly expect me to tell you that?" Not willingly, of course." Jail shifted, his hand moving behind him to press a button on the computer, but was launched forward when the console blew up. Fate flexed her hand, the yellow magic circle in front of her fingertips spinning quickly as more energy daggers appeared. "I won't let you activate them." With those words, she launched more attacks, destroying the machines around her and making the deep greenish blue lights on the life pods fade. "Not that it matters, as they are no threat to me." Fate looked at Jail's snarling face. "Surrender quietly." The purple haired man stood slowly, looking down at the ground steadily before a sick grin came to his face. "Interesting..." ~**~ "Let's move," Nanoha spoke up after sitting in the van long enough to give Fate time. "Raising Heart, please." Her device answered while Nanoha's wheelchair went down the ramp on the side of the can. Once there the chair started to glow, shifting around to form a type of golden armor around the girl. Nanoha's legs were covered completely, joints covered with a red crystal. The metal went up her thighs and waist, forming cloth over her skin then covering it with the alloy as well. Her hair flew up into twin pigtails and her arms were graced with the same protection as her lower body. Blue and white accents went over the gold armor, adding decoration to signify her position and call sign. Finally, two transparent pink wings of magic flew from her back and lifted the girl up just enough off the ground so she was hovering. A deep exhale came from Nanoha's lips and she looked back at the group of people behind her. "Remember, Nanoha-chan," Hayate warned her with a serious tone. "The exceed mode draws power directly from your linker core. If you-" "I know, I know," Nanoha tried to ease her friend's fear. "If I start to feel weak, then pull out immediately. I know how to use this form, Hayate-chan." With a small salute, she hovered in place for a moment more before turning to Alica. "Ready?" "Steady," the woman replied back, hopping out of the van before Lexus and his group. "You look pretty hot in that." Nanoha felt her cheeks color slightly. Choosing to ignore the comment, she nodded at the rest of her group and began flying before them at a walking pace. Hanging just a few inches above the ground, she bit back a bad feeling in her stomach and opened the door leading into another area of the large building they were invading. At once the group could see their breath, skin tingling as bitter cold flashed around them with a small snow flurry. The door slammed shut behind them and the group glanced back a moment before looking forward, seeing three people standing before them along with a dragon the size of a large dog. "Welcome," Erio spoke to them casually. "Glad you could make it." Lexus snorted. "The Trinity, huh? Looks like this will be worth my time after all!" Caro frowned at the man. "We would prefer not to fight you." When the man before her drew his weapon, she sighed softly. "Shiva... Please." A loud roar came from the dragon and the room dropped several more degrees as a bright flash blinded everyone. When they could see again, Erio stood in the middle of the room holding a spear and covered in a transparent set of armor that seemed to be dragon scales made of ice. "Bring it," the boy challenged, using his hand to make a taunting motion. Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-8:
Lexus attacked at once, running forward in the snow and raising his fist up to strike Erio. Instead, he found the kid sidestep him easily and slam the end of his spear against his back. The older man grunted and turned to attack again but found nobody there. Looking around himself, he saw Erio already by the other two people once more, fighting his partner. "Pathetic!" Alicia complained, running up to him with Nanoha floating next to her. "I thought you were supposed to be better than this?" "Don't mock me," Lexus snorted while standing properly. "I'll handle this, you two get out of here." Nanoha hesitated slightly. "Will you be able to-?" "Leave, Instructor!" Lexus shouted at her harshly. "This isn't a job for those who can't fight!" With that, he ran into the mix once more, yelling out a battle cry as Lutecia turned to greet him with an outstretched hand and a magic circle formed beneath her feet. "Forget him," Alicia told Nanoha, grabbing her hand and pulling her away. "Lets get out of here while they are distracted." Nanoha nodded and allowed herself to be dragged though the air, blocking several ranged shots taken at them as they made their escape. Once the large area was left, warmth rushed over them immediatly. The snow was gone and they found themselves back in the warmth of hallways. "How's that reader looking?" She asked, looking around to make sure the coast was clear. "I'm getting a faint signal," Alicia replied, looking at a small monitor floating above her hand. "I think its up ahead." Pointing, she blinked when two shots were fired down the hallway and was about to ask what they were for when two people rounded the corner and were struck down cleanly. Letting out a sharp whistle, Alicia grinned. "Wow, you're pretty good at this." "I don't want to waste time," Nanoha informed her softly. "This mode takes a lot out of me; the longer I am in it, the weaker I get. " "I see," Alicia nodded to herself and began running now. "Shouldn't be too much farther..." ~**~ Fate cursed mentally as she dodged another attack from Jail, rolling across the ground and kicking back up almost at once as the area she was at blew up underneath her. Moving forward again, she set her eyes on the wounded man and dashed quickly, getting up in his face and grabbing his neck. A fast jerk of her body allowed him to slam him into the ground hard enough to make him blank for a moment. Taking the chance, she formed several binds to hold him down and panted hard after making sure he wouldn't be able to move anymore. "You are under arrest," she told him while reinforcing the binds. When the man started laughing, Fate instantly started blasting anything electronic she could find in the room. Her last shot made Jail go silent, and Fate sighed out in relief when nothing came out of the large life pod tubes near the walls. "Don't worry, they will be activated later, after we have had time to ensure their personalities and remove any plans you have on impregnating them with your offspring." Jail's head fell back to lay on the ground, laughing at his situation. "Simply amazing... To be beaten so easily by someone from the future! I must know!" Ignoring him, Fate brought up a monitor before her. "Hayate?" "Yes, Lightning?" Hayate asked back, her face appearing. "The whole disguise thing didn't work, I had to subdue Jail. Send Teana and Subaru to my current location to pick him up. He is restrained." Pointing Bardiche at the man, she formed a barrier over him to prevent anyone from getting close to the man and t make sure he couldn't leave even if he managed to somehow break the binds. "I'm proceeding with the mission objectives." "Roger." The screen cut off and Fate stood. Looking around, Fate was about to make her way to a side exit but a loud explosion made her change courses and run as fast as she could to the sounds of battle that were now getting louder. By the time she reached a re-enforced door, the noise had gone silent. Several slashes with Bardiche granted her entry to a new room and she felt the bitter sting of cold wash over her body. Walking in, she took in the situation at once, red eyes scanning. Lexus, along with his two men, were all laying down at various locations in the room. Red was smeared near them, as well as around the three people who were not unconscious. "Erio! Caro! Lutecia!" Fate ran forward, but stopped when the male shakingly rose his spear to point at her. "I won't let you hurt them," he declared seriously. Despite his threatening words, he still collapsed to one knee and was held onto by both summoners. Blood was leaking over his right eye and he seemed to have trouble keeping his weapon at the ready. Caro was holding him tightly, also hurt, and Lutecia was on the other side, seemingly better than the rest and only showed a few cuts and bruises. Fate swallowed and looked at the group, seeing desperation in Erio's eyes, along with the fierce determination to protect those next to him, even if it meant killing her to do so. Spoiler for AlternativeS 8-9:
"Erio," Fate spoke softly while resisting the urge to run to the group to see if they were okay. "I'm not going to attack you..." The boy gripped his spear harder when she took a step forward. "Really... I just want to make sure you are okay." "Liar!" Erio shouted back at her harshly. "Don't come any closer!" Standing, he took a weak step towards Fate and prepared himself. "I won't let anyone hurt them!" Fate held up both her hands. "Erio, calm down." Taking one more tentative step closer, she tried to make the lad lower his spear. "Just put down your weapon and-" Her red eyes caught the motion that others would normally miss. Lightning arced from Erio's boots and launched him forward. Acting on impulse, Fate blurred as well, side stepping the attack and wrapping him in binds at the same time. As their speed slowed down and they became visible again, Erio hit the ground and slid, yelling in pain as he rolled a few times. Fate landed on her knees and instantly pointed her scythe at Lutecia and Caro. "Don't move!" she warned loudly. The blonde slowly walked backwards towards the panting Erio and crouched down next to him, keeping her eyes on the girls while talking to him. "Are you okay, Erio?" She got a grunt in reply so she put a hand on his shoulder. "Stop struggling, you'll make it worse." "What do you care?" Erio asked angrily, looking up at her. "I told you, I'm your sister." Fate answered softly. "I'm going to take your weapon now," She gently pried his hand off of Strada and it immediately went into watch form once it was out of his grasp. Pocketing it, she looked back at the girls to make sure they didn't advance. "I'm going to undo your binds... Don't try to escape, okay?" Erio glared at her but nodded, staying still when he was released. "Lutecia, Caro, come over here." Fate requested softly. "Erio, where are you hurt at?" The red head slowly sat up with Fate's help. "Why are you doing this? You could be put in prison for helping an enemy." "You're not my enemy," Fate told him gently. "I'm sorry I can't prove it other than telling you that I was born the same way you were: Project F." "Impossible," Erio countered. "The doctor would have told us." "I'm sorry, but its true," Fate's hand went to block an insect from stinging her neck by making a barrier. "Lutecia, stop that." "How did you...?" The purple haired girl opened her palm and allowed the unharmed insect to land on her. "I help train you, in my world." Fate looked at the group sadly, knowing that there would be no way for them to compromise after all she's heard them do. "Listen... I won't turn you in, on one condition." Caro blinked at her, but still spoke up. "What do you mean?" Fate softened her gaze. "I know you are all good people... Promise me you won't do anything wrong anymore." "Like I could," Erio told her while standing up with the girl's help. "We're wanted all over this planet." "There is a planet nearby, a wildlife conservative... you can get a job there protecting the animals from poachers... Its what you do in my world. The land is beautiful, and I'm sure they'll provide you with a house." Erio looked at the woman once more. "You're really going to let us go... aren't you?" "Be safe..." Fate told him softly. "Caro, Lutecia... Take care of him for me." "Of course!" Caro answered at once, eyes wide. Lutecia looked at Fate once more. "There isn't any other catch?" "One," Fate replied simply. " I want to hug Erio." She opened her arms. "Why?" Erio asked, skeptical. "Please," Fate asked again, remembering the first time she held the boy in her world. Erio stayed silent for a while longer before reluctantly limping to her. "Fine." He allowed Fate to wrap her arms around him and hold him against her body. Her hands ran along his back gently and words went into his ear so only he could hear them. "Be safe, Erio. I trust you to do what's right and to take care of them..." She gave him a small squeeze and pulled back, kissing his forehead much to his surprise. "Okay?" She placed Strada back into his hand and closed his fingers around it. "... Okay." Erio nodded to her and stepped back away from the hold. "Girls, let's go." With that, he put his arms around Lutecia and Caro, supporting each of them as they held him up. "Good job, Sir." Bardiche's metallic voice told her. "I believe in them..." Her red eyes looked at the beaten, unconscious figures of Lexus and his men. "...Am I a bad person for thinking they got what was coming to them?" "Yes sir," Bardiche answered again. "But I agree." The words made Fate smile. "Now to contact Hayate and find my sister and Nanoha." On this note, AlternativeS is completely finished. I have the rest of chapter 8 and all of chapter 9 in a wordpad at home. I'll post them tonight when I get home :3 Sorry for this story taking so long! ^_^
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Last edited by Satashi; 2010-03-01 at 16:07. |
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2010-03-01, 13:45
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Explodes when thrown
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Join Date: Jan 2009
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*cackles* and Satashi, the wait is always worth it for your fics.
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