Nanoha FanFiction Discussion

[deathcurse]

Originally Posted by NeoSlicerZ

It's not my first foray into Nanoha fanfiction but... finished exams for this period and felt like writing this drabble. No betaing etc done.

Spoiler for Drabble:

She could feel the setting sun gently bathing her in its radiance, its warmth welcome and light visible through her closed eyelids. Silently she and her companion leaned against the railing encompassing the roof. Her thoughts turned to the building beneath them. The now rebuilt building had once housed Riot Force 6, her pet project and pride for a short while. Wryly she mused on what had been her dreams then. A soft mocking sound elicited from her lips. The taller woman beside her didn’t move, indeed no reaction came at all.

Hayate shook her head once minutely before opening her eyes to look at the sunset. A weave of mana protecting her from the still strong light, the petite woman stiffened slightly at the sound of the rooftop door smoothly sliding shut. A half smile graced her lips at the click of heels coming closer before she banished it. Midnight blue eyes half lidded as she pretended to not notice the approach. She was good at that, pretending.

“Hayate, can we talk?”

The words eased across the distance between them. Briefly she remembered the taste of cinnamon interspersed with ozone, a heady mixture to be sure, beguiling and seductive. But not today, a quick flurry of telepathy reassured her companion and without an aside from the white haired woman she disappeared. Hayate ignored the small gasp as she turned to face the encroacher.

“You’ve heard,” she murmured evenly.

“Chrono is my brother,” Fate returned, one fine eyebrow arching in emphasis.

“Whipped,” the brunette spat out disgustedly.

“He’s just worried about you.”

“There’s nothing to discuss, my choice is made.”

Hayate pushed off the railing behind her and made for the exit only to be blocked by Fate’s taller form.

“That’s it?!” she heard the obstruction snarl at her. “You’re leaving, just as you were about to get what you’ve been working towards your entire life! Years of work, you’re throwing it all away, just like that?”

“Yes.” The deadpan response served to stoke the blonde’s anger further and she grasped her childhood friend by the shoulders, crimson eyes staring searchingly for any sign, any hint.

“Were you even going to tell us? Or was Chrono going to have to tell us for you?” she asked despairingly.

“Chrono doesn’t have to do anything. He’s already accepted my resignation.” Hayate winced slightly when the slender powerful hands tightened their hold her. “The Wolkenritter know, they don’t agree with what I’m doing but they know.” An understatement to say the least, oddly enough Shamal had been the most supportive. Then again she was the most perceptive of her guardian knights.

“Why?” the inevitable question came, as if tortured from a strangling throat.

“Why should I stay?” the immediate response rocked the blonde, her grip slackened.

“But, we’re your friends, we’re here! Aren’t we enough of a reason? Your job’s here, the Wolkenritter.” Flustered, Fate scrambled for anything that came to mind. She stared at the stoic woman in her hold, the even expression. She inwardly cursed the brunette for being so good at hiding what she felt, wait.

“This isn’t about the Tome of the Night Sky is it?” she delivered shrewdly. The very minute tightening of the skin around Hayate’s eyes only confirmed her angle, the slightest of tells only noticeable to one who had known her for over a decade. “This isn’t about Vivio, about the Bureau or anything else except...” She left the rest of her sentence unfinished, knowing that they both could fill in the blanks.

Hayate tore her gaze away and shouldered roughly away from Fate. The blonde froze suddenly stunned before whirling about and clamping onto the retreating brunette’s wrist, stubbornly holding on. The action spun the smaller woman about and she was shocked to see the emotion staring back at her nakedly.

“Hayate,” she pleaded “we’re best friends, please, talk to me.”

Her hopes rose momentarily when Hayate appeared to consider the offer before she dashed them.

“I think we stopped being best friends the moment you called me your mistake.”

Fate froze, the metaphorical floor yanked out from beneath her. A memory flowed unbidden to the forefront of her mind, one she had forbidden herself from thinking of, one of shortened breath, tightly shut eyes and prayer formed of unintelligible gasps. The wind swooshed bringing with it the clean crisp smell of winter’s chill. Forcibly she refocused her attention, memory bleeding into reality when she noticed Hayate deep into her personal space.

“So tell me honestly Fate-chan. Do I have a reason to stay?” The question writ accusation slammed into her. She opened her mouth, took a breath then balked. Four words rising to her lips then fleeing, Hayate blinked slowly, the small sad smile she showed twisted her heart strings further.

“I thought not, strange that one who had been gained happiness because of change is so afraid of it now,” Hayate whispered mournfully before turning away.

“Goodbye Miss Testarossa.”

Fate stared at her retreating back, one hand still half outstretched from where the brunette’s slender wrist had slipped out of her grasp. Her mind slowly processed her friend’s last sentence to her. The blonde slid to the floor, legs capable of carrying her faster than the eye could track robbed of strength. The slow steady trail of tears glistened in the fading light. She didn’t make a sound but just knelt there until Nanoha found her, when the sun had long set. She barely heard her gasp or felt the encompassing embrace.

She allowed herself to be hauled upright. Her friend’s disapproving expression going unnoticed. Quickly she diverted her gaze downwards, so she wouldn’t be reminded of three days, three days spent in joy, in laughter, in ecstasy. Three days spent under the night sky.

Hayate love!

Wow...I was pretty conflicted by this one. I liked how fast paced it was, plowing through the beginning to get to the point where Hayate challenges Fate without losing detail in the background. Pretty hefty lines from Hayate, I liked how curt she's being, since in an argument you're either curt or ranting.

On the other hand, it seems a tad overly melodramatic....couldn't Hayate just transfer stations? Send Fate back to the Navy? I don't see how resigning would get her anywhere, except for the drama value. Hayate's character comes off to me as someone who persists in her efforts, no matter what kind of setback, as she showed in A's...so to have her throw it all away from troubles with Fate seems a bit too far-fetched for me to believe . It seems incredibly selfish from such a selfless person.

Other than that, I really liked small details that showed how Fate and Hayate are old friends, noticing little things about each other and stuff like that. And the last line is awesome, love the play on words!

Nice short, despite being a little hard to swallow the major handwave on Hayate's character. Great work!

[Satashi]

AlternativeS Chapter 1 (AS rough draft)

Spoiler for Alternatives 2-1:

I was awake before Bardiche rang out his alarm to tell me it was time to get up. In fact, I had spent the last little while staring at the ceiling of what I knew to be a forward room. Nanoha had given me my room number and Hayate set it to accept me sometime last night when I was having dinner with my friend. Although they called it a 'special room for important guests', I still couldn't help but feel awkward. Here I am, in my home base, laying in a bed that didn't belong to me. I was still slightly in shock from everything that had happened, but I knew that I had to put it behind me and look for a solution rather than mope around.

Alternatives II
By: Satashi

Fate walked down the hallway leading to Nanoha's room briskly. Having being given clothes to wear, the blonde found herself in a standard base uniform that didn't fit quite right but still felt better than her dirty enforcer attire. When she made it to Nanoha' door, she stopped herself from just entering now that she was stored in the device via password, and instead knocked.

"Come in!" A perky voice came from inside. The door swished open and Fate looked around, spying Nanoha at her tiny kitchen. "Good morning, did you sleep well?"

"No, but I rested enough." Fate told the truth, which got her a look that was mixed between sympathy and amusement. "Did you sleep okay? you didn't wake up too early did you?" The blonde smelt the freshly baked biscuits and bacon before she saw the pan on the stove and light in the oven.

"I woke up on my own, don't worry." Nanoha waved her hand over her wheelchair control orb and went to the refrigerator. "How do you like your eggs?"

"Scrambled... mind if I join in?"

"Some hostess I am, letting my guest do all the work."

"I like cooking." Fate moved by Nanoha and started cracking shells. "You want yours over easy with extra pepper, cooked in the bacon grease right?"

"That's kind of creepy." Nanoha mused, not sure if she was enjoying this or was weirded out by it. "Tell me, how did I make the biscuits?"

"If you're referring to adding in honey, I know your mother taught you to do that when you were young."

Nanoha hummed and simply watched the girl cook. "I'd really like to meet me in your world. It must be nice having someone know so much about you."

"You're about the same, from what I can tell..."

"...I'm sorry, I was being selfish. We'll get you back, don't worry. I'm sure Hayate-chan will want us to meet with her first thing this morning."

"What about your students?"

"Vita-chan can handle them for the morning lessons, this is more important. We have to get you registered while you are here so you won't be in trouble. Last night's battle will be covered by the civilian collaborator contract, but you need to be in the records for now on."

"Yeah..." Fate finished their breakfast while Nanoha removed the now cooked sides. "I just realized I won't have my rank anymore..." Her lips turned up into a small grin. "Should I salute you?" The joke made Nanoha giggle to herself and Fate took comfort in hearing the familiar sound.

Spoiler for AlternativeS 2-2:

Just as soon as the two sat down together, A beeping sound came from Nanoha's wheelchair. "Raising Heart, connect please." The command allowed a monitor to appear in front of the girl and Hayate's image formed on it almost instantly. "Good morning, Hayate-chan."

"Morning, Nanoha-chan." Hayate replied back in kind. "Could you please bring Fate-chan to my office this morning?"

"Already planning on it." Reaching up, she tiled the screen to show Fate was next to her. The blonde smiled and gave a small wave which was returned. "Do you have any idea on what could have put her here?"

Hayate shook her head. "I haven't had time to do anything other than talk to everyone in our room last night. Shamal seems to think she could have come through a dimensional rift, but the chances of that are so low its hard to believe. Anyway, I have some people on it. For now, I need her signed as a collaborator before the T.S.A.B swoop in and try to have her signed on. Is that okay, Fate-chan?"

"Yes, that is fine." Fate nodded at the screen. "Nanoha was just telling me that."

"I see," Hayate looked back over at Nanoha. "Well then, enjoy your breakfast. I'll ask Vita to train your students today for you."

"Please." The two friends nodded at each other and the communication was cut off. "See? Hayate-chan is always on top of things."

"She is." The blonde agreed and a small bit of silence passed over them as hey ate, interrupted only by raising Heart's update on the weather, Nanoha's schedule, and the sounds of utensils tapping their plates.

Once breakfast was over, the two girls headed down out to take care of their business, stopping once they reached the front door. "Raising Heart wasn't kidding when she said high chances of rain today," Nanoha mused while looking out at the drizzling rain.

"Seems so," Fate brought up Bardiche and the device answered her silent call to allow an umbrella to form, casting a translucent yellow barrier above them. "Shall we?"

Nanoha gave Fate an amused look but still allowed girl to hold the shield over them both as they walked to the adjacent building. From there they went up to Hayate's office and the blonde found herself answering questions that both made her grin and sigh out at the same time. Once the paperwork was completed Hayate gave a satisfied nod and began ushering them downstairs once more so they could go give Fate her official ranking test. Their trip was interrupted just moments after they left the main building by Lexus standing in front of them, an umbrella held over his head by none other than a reluctant looking Teana.

Lexus greeted them with a smirk and stepped forward to Fate, making Tea move along with him. "Hello there, Blondie. I did some research and it appeaser you aren't with the T.S.A.B. yet."

"I am a civilian collaborator, and don't call me Blondie." Fate frowned at him but still let her eyes drift to Tea for a brief moment.

"My assistant, Teana." Lexus pointed to the girl. "Not worth anything on the field but she's helpful when I need someone to carry something for me." His words made the girl with him bite down a growl. "Anyway, Hot Legs, why not join my battalion? I have much better resources then these clowns. What do you say?"

"My name is Fate." The woman stated firmly.

"Ooh, my destiny, I like that."

Nanoha chose that moment to interrupt. "Don't hit on my friends."

"Jealous I've never hit on you? Can't see what fun you'll be without moving your hips arou-" His words cut off when a palm connected firmly with his cheek.

"Do not address my friends in such a manor." Fate told him, voice going from her usual soft tone to holding a faint edge to it. "I won't tolerate anyone insulting people I care for."

Lexus licked his lips and looked at Fae with a new interest, left hand going to touch his slapped cheek. "I want you even more now. Have you taken your mage exam test yet?"

"I have not," Fate answered simply.

"Tell you what," stepping closer to her, he forced Teana to lean the umbrella to keep him dry, even though her back was now getting wet. "Let me review you. If I win, you join my battalion, in more ways than one."

Fate felt her body grow stiff, red tinting her cheeks when she realized what the last part meant. Despite this, she still didn't move from him, and answered back calmly. "When I win, that girl with you will join our battalion, and you will address Hayate and Nanoha by their ranks."

Lexus laughed loudly at her. "Well spoken! Fine then. Wingless, we will be using your training field. Lets go, Babe."

Fate nodded and began walking as well, ignoring the astonished look on Tea's face at her sudden involvement with people she didn't even know.

The training area, now free from its morning inhabitants, was quickly changed to form a fake city on it, leaving Fate standing on one building on the east side while Lexus was on the West. The blonde ran her thumb over Bardiche and felt her clothes shift and change around her before forming a barrier jacket to protect herself. 'I don't care if you harass me,' she thought bitterly as a monitor came up in front of her, informing her of how the ranking test would work. 'But I will never forgive anyone who insults my family or friends.'

On the sidelines, Hayate stood with crossed arms. Monitors floated all around her and a firm frown was on her face. "This isn't what I had in mind for today."

Nanoha nodded lightly, moving her hands out to make sure all the necessary information would be recorded and documented. "He is a triple-A plus mage. Fate-chan said she was S, but her performance last night would only suggest a double-A... Was she holding back so she could record for us?"

"... For her sake, I hope so..." Her eyes moved to look at Tea standing next to them. 'And why did she bet that that girl would be transferred to me...? I'm getting too laid back in my old age.' Smirking at the inside joke, Hayate finally pushed the screen to confirm the battle to start. 'Good luck, Fate-chan.'

Spoiler for Alternatives 2-3:

Fate looked out over the make-shift abandoned city from her position on top of a large office building. The screen by her stated that the test was now in progress and she gripped Bardiche a little tighter. "Bardiche?"

"Scan complete, sir." He spoke back calmly. "Enemy is across the field, coming at running speed. ETA is three minutes."

"How impatient, he should have waited for us to come to him." The blonde moved her hand out and placed several binding spells along the ground. "He isn't powerful enough to test us properly... Looks like we will have to be evaluated again once this is over."

"Sir," Bardiche's tone made Fate hesitate leaving the building. "Our situation is weird, please do not be careless."

"...You're right." Fate lifted her hand once more and focused, forming several daggers of energy around herself. "As weird as everything has been, I can not afford to be careless... Especially after he called Nanoha that."

"Yes sir."

Fate frowned to herself and leaped off the building, dropping down to the ground and darting forward. Lexus made it just as she expected and began dodging the sprung traps, twisting and jumping through the yellow binds. When the last one was sprung, his left leg was snared, making him look back in shock. Taking the opportunity, Fate engaged and swung her scythe down hard.

Lexus yelled as his barrier jacket ripped open and barely managed to block the next attack, leaving himself open for several yellow energy daggers to break his auto barrier. The male broke the bind on himself and jumped back, recollecting himself and staring at the blonde who didn't press her advantage. "What's the matter!? Scared you won't do as well after a surprise attack!?"

"Bardiche."

"Yes sir." The device was lifted and circles appeared around them, forming small darts of yellow energy that burst forth, triggering several trap spells that were placed as Lexus retreated.

"Che, you would be a smart one." Making a taunting motion, Lexus smirked at her. "I want you even more now. Tell you what, join me and I'll even let the whore come too."

"Sir." Bardiche's voice made the blonde stop before she lunged at him.

Taking a breath, Fate cooled down and spoke at the man again. "Why are you such a pervert?"

Lexus shrugged. "Guess its in my DNA." Fate twirled Bardiche and walked in a half circle on the mostly destroyed road. Lexus made the other half as they circled each other slowly. Their eyes met and each ran forward. Lexus reacted faster, drawing his device and pointing a gun at Fate and shooting. The magical bullet met it's target and hit the blonde square in the chest before ripping through her back side. "What-the!?"

Fate appeared behind the man as her after-image faded away. A small moment was taken to charge her attack before she slashed her scythe down, the blade pulsating larger than normal. As the man fell forward, Fate caught his collar and pulled him back so she could whisper into his ear firmly. "If you ever look at my wife in a perverted manor again, I won't hold back." When her words were done she let go of him and allowed him to fall onto the ground defeated.

As monitors appeared around Fate, Lexus smirked to himself through the pain in his back. 'So, she does have a weakness...'

[00-Raiser]

Originally Posted by NeoSlicerZ

It's not my first foray into Nanoha fanfiction but... finished exams for this period and felt like writing this drabble. No betaing etc done.

Spoiler for Drabble:

She could feel the setting sun gently bathing her in its radiance, its warmth welcome and light visible through her closed eyelids. Silently she and her companion leaned against the railing encompassing the roof. Her thoughts turned to the building beneath them. The now rebuilt building had once housed Riot Force 6, her pet project and pride for a short while. Wryly she mused on what had been her dreams then. A soft mocking sound elicited from her lips. The taller woman beside her didn’t move, indeed no reaction came at all.

Hayate shook her head once minutely before opening her eyes to look at the sunset. A weave of mana protecting her from the still strong light, the petite woman stiffened slightly at the sound of the rooftop door smoothly sliding shut. A half smile graced her lips at the click of heels coming closer before she banished it. Midnight blue eyes half lidded as she pretended to not notice the approach. She was good at that, pretending.

“Hayate, can we talk?”

The words eased across the distance between them. Briefly she remembered the taste of cinnamon interspersed with ozone, a heady mixture to be sure, beguiling and seductive. But not today, a quick flurry of telepathy reassured her companion and without an aside from the white haired woman she disappeared. Hayate ignored the small gasp as she turned to face the encroacher.

“You’ve heard,” she murmured evenly.

“Chrono is my brother,” Fate returned, one fine eyebrow arching in emphasis.

“Whipped,” the brunette spat out disgustedly.

“He’s just worried about you.”

“There’s nothing to discuss, my choice is made.”

Hayate pushed off the railing behind her and made for the exit only to be blocked by Fate’s taller form.

“That’s it?!” she heard the obstruction snarl at her. “You’re leaving, just as you were about to get what you’ve been working towards your entire life! Years of work, you’re throwing it all away, just like that?”

“Yes.” The deadpan response served to stoke the blonde’s anger further and she grasped her childhood friend by the shoulders, crimson eyes staring searchingly for any sign, any hint.

“Were you even going to tell us? Or was Chrono going to have to tell us for you?” she asked despairingly.

“Chrono doesn’t have to do anything. He’s already accepted my resignation.” Hayate winced slightly when the slender powerful hands tightened their hold her. “The Wolkenritter know, they don’t agree with what I’m doing but they know.” An understatement to say the least, oddly enough Shamal had been the most supportive. Then again she was the most perceptive of her guardian knights.

“Why?” the inevitable question came, as if tortured from a strangling throat.

“Why should I stay?” the immediate response rocked the blonde, her grip slackened.

“But, we’re your friends, we’re here! Aren’t we enough of a reason? Your job’s here, the Wolkenritter.” Flustered, Fate scrambled for anything that came to mind. She stared at the stoic woman in her hold, the even expression. She inwardly cursed the brunette for being so good at hiding what she felt, wait.

“This isn’t about the Tome of the Night Sky is it?” she delivered shrewdly. The very minute tightening of the skin around Hayate’s eyes only confirmed her angle, the slightest of tells only noticeable to one who had known her for over a decade. “This isn’t about Vivio, about the Bureau or anything else except...” She left the rest of her sentence unfinished, knowing that they both could fill in the blanks.

Hayate tore her gaze away and shouldered roughly away from Fate. The blonde froze suddenly stunned before whirling about and clamping onto the retreating brunette’s wrist, stubbornly holding on. The action spun the smaller woman about and she was shocked to see the emotion staring back at her nakedly.

“Hayate,” she pleaded “we’re best friends, please, talk to me.”

Her hopes rose momentarily when Hayate appeared to consider the offer before she dashed them.

“I think we stopped being best friends the moment you called me your mistake.”

Fate froze, the metaphorical floor yanked out from beneath her. A memory flowed unbidden to the forefront of her mind, one she had forbidden herself from thinking of, one of shortened breath, tightly shut eyes and prayer formed of unintelligible gasps. The wind swooshed bringing with it the clean crisp smell of winter’s chill. Forcibly she refocused her attention, memory bleeding into reality when she noticed Hayate deep into her personal space.

“So tell me honestly Fate-chan. Do I have a reason to stay?” The question writ accusation slammed into her. She opened her mouth, took a breath then balked. Four words rising to her lips then fleeing, Hayate blinked slowly, the small sad smile she showed twisted her heart strings further.

“I thought not, strange that one who had been gained happiness because of change is so afraid of it now,” Hayate whispered mournfully before turning away.

“Goodbye Miss Testarossa.”

Fate stared at her retreating back, one hand still half outstretched from where the brunette’s slender wrist had slipped out of her grasp. Her mind slowly processed her friend’s last sentence to her. The blonde slid to the floor, legs capable of carrying her faster than the eye could track robbed of strength. The slow steady trail of tears glistened in the fading light. She didn’t make a sound but just knelt there until Nanoha found her, when the sun had long set. She barely heard her gasp or felt the encompassing embrace.

She allowed herself to be hauled upright. Her friend’s disapproving expression going unnoticed. Quickly she diverted her gaze downwards, so she wouldn’t be reminded of three days, three days spent in joy, in laughter, in ecstasy. Three days spent under the night sky.

Sorry, but I have no idea what was happening here. Is this connected to something you've written previously?

[NeoSlicerZ]

Originally Posted by deathcurse

Hayate love!

Wow...I was pretty conflicted by this one. I liked how fast paced it was, plowing through the beginning to get to the point where Hayate challenges Fate without losing detail in the background. Pretty hefty lines from Hayate, I liked how curt she's being, since in an argument you're either curt or ranting.

On the other hand, it seems a tad overly melodramatic....couldn't Hayate just transfer stations? Send Fate back to the Navy? I don't see how resigning would get her anywhere, except for the drama value. Hayate's character comes off to me as someone who persists in her efforts, no matter what kind of setback, as she showed in A's...so to have her throw it all away from troubles with Fate seems a bit too far-fetched for me to believe . It seems incredibly selfish from such a selfless person.

Other than that, I really liked small details that showed how Fate and Hayate are old friends, noticing little things about each other and stuff like that. And the last line is awesome, love the play on words!

Nice short, despite being a little hard to swallow the major handwave on Hayate's character. Great work!

Thanks

Originally Posted by 00-Raiser

Sorry, but I have no idea what was happening here. Is this connected to something you've written previously?

It's only very very loosely connected to something I wrote before. It's only a drabble, not even a one shot. Though I might expand on it in future

[BPHaru]

Originally Posted by Satashi

"If you ever look at my wife in a perverted manor again, I won't hold back."[/SPOILER]

Wife? That's our Fate xD

Thanks for the update, Satashi.

[Satashi]

Originally Posted by BPHaru

Wife? That's our Fate xD

Thanks for the update, Satashi.

Its hard to adjust, especially when the woman in question looks and acts just like your wife.

Poor Fate has some hard times in front of her.

[Nanya01]

Originally Posted by NeoSlicerZ

It's not my first foray into Nanoha fanfiction but... finished exams for this period and felt like writing this drabble. No betaing etc done.

Spoiler for Drabble:

She could feel the setting sun gently bathing her in its radiance, its warmth welcome and light visible through her closed eyelids. Silently she and her companion leaned against the railing encompassing the roof. Her thoughts turned to the building beneath them. The now rebuilt building had once housed Riot Force 6, her pet project and pride for a short while. Wryly she mused on what had been her dreams then. A soft mocking sound elicited from her lips. The taller woman beside her didn’t move, indeed no reaction came at all.

Hayate shook her head once minutely before opening her eyes to look at the sunset. A weave of mana protecting her from the still strong light, the petite woman stiffened slightly at the sound of the rooftop door smoothly sliding shut. A half smile graced her lips at the click of heels coming closer before she banished it. Midnight blue eyes half lidded as she pretended to not notice the approach. She was good at that, pretending.

“Hayate, can we talk?”

The words eased across the distance between them. Briefly she remembered the taste of cinnamon interspersed with ozone, a heady mixture to be sure, beguiling and seductive. But not today, a quick flurry of telepathy reassured her companion and without an aside from the white haired woman she disappeared. Hayate ignored the small gasp as she turned to face the encroacher.

“You’ve heard,” she murmured evenly.

“Chrono is my brother,” Fate returned, one fine eyebrow arching in emphasis.

“Whipped,” the brunette spat out disgustedly.

“He’s just worried about you.”

“There’s nothing to discuss, my choice is made.”

Hayate pushed off the railing behind her and made for the exit only to be blocked by Fate’s taller form.

“That’s it?!” she heard the obstruction snarl at her. “You’re leaving, just as you were about to get what you’ve been working towards your entire life! Years of work, you’re throwing it all away, just like that?”

“Yes.” The deadpan response served to stoke the blonde’s anger further and she grasped her childhood friend by the shoulders, crimson eyes staring searchingly for any sign, any hint.

“Were you even going to tell us? Or was Chrono going to have to tell us for you?” she asked despairingly.

“Chrono doesn’t have to do anything. He’s already accepted my resignation.” Hayate winced slightly when the slender powerful hands tightened their hold her. “The Wolkenritter know, they don’t agree with what I’m doing but they know.” An understatement to say the least, oddly enough Shamal had been the most supportive. Then again she was the most perceptive of her guardian knights.

“Why?” the inevitable question came, as if tortured from a strangling throat.

“Why should I stay?” the immediate response rocked the blonde, her grip slackened.

“But, we’re your friends, we’re here! Aren’t we enough of a reason? Your job’s here, the Wolkenritter.” Flustered, Fate scrambled for anything that came to mind. She stared at the stoic woman in her hold, the even expression. She inwardly cursed the brunette for being so good at hiding what she felt, wait.

“This isn’t about the Tome of the Night Sky is it?” she delivered shrewdly. The very minute tightening of the skin around Hayate’s eyes only confirmed her angle, the slightest of tells only noticeable to one who had known her for over a decade. “This isn’t about Vivio, about the Bureau or anything else except...” She left the rest of her sentence unfinished, knowing that they both could fill in the blanks.

Hayate tore her gaze away and shouldered roughly away from Fate. The blonde froze suddenly stunned before whirling about and clamping onto the retreating brunette’s wrist, stubbornly holding on. The action spun the smaller woman about and she was shocked to see the emotion staring back at her nakedly.

“Hayate,” she pleaded “we’re best friends, please, talk to me.”

Her hopes rose momentarily when Hayate appeared to consider the offer before she dashed them.

“I think we stopped being best friends the moment you called me your mistake.”

Fate froze, the metaphorical floor yanked out from beneath her. A memory flowed unbidden to the forefront of her mind, one she had forbidden herself from thinking of, one of shortened breath, tightly shut eyes and prayer formed of unintelligible gasps. The wind swooshed bringing with it the clean crisp smell of winter’s chill. Forcibly she refocused her attention, memory bleeding into reality when she noticed Hayate deep into her personal space.

“So tell me honestly Fate-chan. Do I have a reason to stay?” The question writ accusation slammed into her. She opened her mouth, took a breath then balked. Four words rising to her lips then fleeing, Hayate blinked slowly, the small sad smile she showed twisted her heart strings further.

“I thought not, strange that one who had been gained happiness because of change is so afraid of it now,” Hayate whispered mournfully before turning away.

“Goodbye Miss Testarossa.”

Fate stared at her retreating back, one hand still half outstretched from where the brunette’s slender wrist had slipped out of her grasp. Her mind slowly processed her friend’s last sentence to her. The blonde slid to the floor, legs capable of carrying her faster than the eye could track robbed of strength. The slow steady trail of tears glistened in the fading light. She didn’t make a sound but just knelt there until Nanoha found her, when the sun had long set. She barely heard her gasp or felt the encompassing embrace.

She allowed herself to be hauled upright. Her friend’s disapproving expression going unnoticed. Quickly she diverted her gaze downwards, so she wouldn’t be reminded of three days, three days spent in joy, in laughter, in ecstasy. Three days spent under the night sky.

...I think... I know you! *Shakes a finger at you.* I was wondering what happened to you while waiting for updates from you.

[NeoSlicerZ]

Originally Posted by Nanya01

...I think... I know you! *Shakes a finger at you.* I was wondering what happened to you while waiting for updates from you.

Umm... dropped fic is well, dead fic. :P Just writing one shots whenever the mood takes me. Probably going to do them out of order and very loosely knit.

[Nanya01]

Originally Posted by NeoSlicerZ

Umm... dropped fic is well, dead fic. :P Just writing one shots whenever the mood takes me. Probably going to do them out of order and very loosely knit.

*Pouts* Damn. I really liked that one too.

[Nijiru]

@Satashi: Why do I have the feeling Fate just shot herself in the foot with that comment?

[Satashi]

Originally Posted by Nijiru

@Satashi: Why do I have the feeling Fate just shot herself in the foot with that comment?

Because she's leaving a trail of blood behind her that everyone can follow?

[RadiantBeam]

Originally Posted by Nijiru

@Satashi: Why do I have the feeling Fate just shot herself in the foot with that comment?

Because she probably just did?

[Nijiru]

Well, I've gone over this again, fiddling with some of the wording and grammar. I can see spots which I know could be improved, I just can't figure out how. I've also realized I suck at making titles. If I do use a title for my shorts and it's part of the main plot I have in mind I'll likely just use the date and/or month and year of when the story takes place.

Anyway, Satashi said I should give some back story on this before I post it. This would be part of Johannes' back story, taking place roughly six months after his discovery of magic, which would place it at two years before The Book of Darkness Incident.

Spoiler for Winter MC 063:

Removed due to being rewritten.

Questions will be answered to the best of my ability. Comments will be used to improve the quality of my work. Flames will be used to help keep me warm through a nice Canadian winter.

[Hiria]

Hey guys~ I know I've been gone for a looong looooong while and I don't know if people here still remembers me but it's good to be back. Hiria is back.

I have lots to catch up to and I'm really happy to be back here. I went MIA for a long time and I missed the people here. ^^

Hope to see you guys around more now.

[Jimmy C]

Originally Posted by Nijiru

"Aria had a problem with who I picked as the mage.”

“Because she's seven years old!”

Critical error. The Tome chooses its Master, no one else, certainly not Graham. He was lucky to even be able to find the Tome and Hayate while it was still dormant.
Another point, the Tome had been with Hayate since her birth. It's the reason she was crippled and dying by A's.

[Nijiru]

@JimmyC: Thank you. *headdesk* And that's why I post stuff here first, so people can point out when I make mistakes like that. I can't see a way of simply editing the story to fix that, so it looks like I'll be rewriting it tomorrow.

[Jimmy C]

That's the spirit. I have to ask, how much of A's have you watched and when was the last time you watched it?

[Satashi]

Originally Posted by Hiria

Hey guys~ I know I've been gone for a looong looooong while and I don't know if people here still remembers me but it's good to be back. Hiria is back.

I have lots to catch up to and I'm really happy to be back here. I went MIA for a long time and I missed the people here. ^^

Hope to see you guys around more now.

Welcome back :3 Good to see you around again! We have a looooooooot of new people since you last came around hehe

[RadiantBeam]

Originally Posted by Hiria

Hey guys~ I know I've been gone for a looong looooong while and I don't know if people here still remembers me but it's good to be back. Hiria is back.

I have lots to catch up to and I'm really happy to be back here. I went MIA for a long time and I missed the people here. ^^

Hope to see you guys around more now.

Hiria!

Welcome back! You really missed a lot, but it's great to see you active again! I missed you. ^^

[Alavon]

Originally Posted by Satashi

AlternativeS Chapter 1 (AS rough draft)

Spoiler for Alternatives 2-1:

I was awake before Bardiche rang out his alarm to tell me it was time to get up. In fact, I had spent the last little while staring at the ceiling of what I knew to be a forward room. Nanoha had given me my room number and Hayate set it to accept me sometime last night when I was having dinner with my friend. Although they called it a 'special room for important guests', I still couldn't help but feel awkward. Here I am, in my home base, laying in a bed that didn't belong to me. I was still slightly in shock from everything that had happened, but I knew that I had to put it behind me and look for a solution rather than mope around.

Alternatives II
By: Satashi

Fate walked down the hallway leading to Nanoha's room briskly. Having being given clothes to wear, the blonde found herself in a standard base uniform that didn't fit quite right but still felt better than her dirty enforcer attire. When she made it to Nanoha' door, she stopped herself from just entering now that she was stored in the device via password, and instead knocked.

"Come in!" A perky voice came from inside. The door swished open and Fate looked around, spying Nanoha at her tiny kitchen. "Good morning, did you sleep well?"

"No, but I rested enough." Fate told the truth, which got her a look that was mixed between sympathy and amusement. "Did you sleep okay? you didn't wake up too early did you?" The blonde smelt the freshly baked biscuits and bacon before she saw the pan on the stove and light in the oven.

"I woke up on my own, don't worry." Nanoha waved her hand over her wheelchair control orb and went to the refrigerator. "How do you like your eggs?"

"Scrambled... mind if I join in?"

"Some hostess I am, letting my guest do all the work."

"I like cooking." Fate moved by Nanoha and started cracking shells. "You want yours over easy with extra pepper, cooked in the bacon grease right?"

"That's kind of creepy." Nanoha mused, not sure if she was enjoying this or was weirded out by it. "Tell me, how did I make the biscuits?"

"If you're referring to adding in honey, I know your mother taught you to do that when you were young."

Nanoha hummed and simply watched the girl cook. "I'd really like to meet me in your world. It must be nice having someone know so much about you."

"You're about the same, from what I can tell..."

"...I'm sorry, I was being selfish. We'll get you back, don't worry. I'm sure Hayate-chan will want us to meet with her first thing this morning."

"What about your students?"

"Vita-chan can handle them for the morning lessons, this is more important. We have to get you registered while you are here so you won't be in trouble. Last night's battle will be covered by the civilian collaborator contract, but you need to be in the records for now on."

"Yeah..." Fate finished their breakfast while Nanoha removed the now cooked sides. "I just realized I won't have my rank anymore..." Her lips turned up into a small grin. "Should I salute you?" The joke made Nanoha giggle to herself and Fate took comfort in hearing the familiar sound.

Spoiler for AlternativeS 2-2:

Just as soon as the two sat down together, A beeping sound came from Nanoha's wheelchair. "Raising Heart, connect please." The command allowed a monitor to appear in front of the girl and Hayate's image formed on it almost instantly. "Good morning, Hayate-chan."

"Morning, Nanoha-chan." Hayate replied back in kind. "Could you please bring Fate-chan to my office this morning?"

"Already planning on it." Reaching up, she tiled the screen to show Fate was next to her. The blonde smiled and gave a small wave which was returned. "Do you have any idea on what could have put her here?"

Hayate shook her head. "I haven't had time to do anything other than talk to everyone in our room last night. Shamal seems to think she could have come through a dimensional rift, but the chances of that are so low its hard to believe. Anyway, I have some people on it. For now, I need her signed as a collaborator before the T.S.A.B swoop in and try to have her signed on. Is that okay, Fate-chan?"

"Yes, that is fine." Fate nodded at the screen. "Nanoha was just telling me that."

"I see," Hayate looked back over at Nanoha. "Well then, enjoy your breakfast. I'll ask Vita to train your students today for you."

"Please." The two friends nodded at each other and the communication was cut off. "See? Hayate-chan is always on top of things."

"She is." The blonde agreed and a small bit of silence passed over them as hey ate, interrupted only by raising Heart's update on the weather, Nanoha's schedule, and the sounds of utensils tapping their plates.

Once breakfast was over, the two girls headed down out to take care of their business, stopping once they reached the front door. "Raising Heart wasn't kidding when she said high chances of rain today," Nanoha mused while looking out at the drizzling rain.

"Seems so," Fate brought up Bardiche and the device answered her silent call to allow an umbrella to form, casting a translucent yellow barrier above them. "Shall we?"

Nanoha gave Fate an amused look but still allowed girl to hold the shield over them both as they walked to the adjacent building. From there they went up to Hayate's office and the blonde found herself answering questions that both made her grin and sigh out at the same time. Once the paperwork was completed Hayate gave a satisfied nod and began ushering them downstairs once more so they could go give Fate her official ranking test. Their trip was interrupted just moments after they left the main building by Lexus standing in front of them, an umbrella held over his head by none other than a reluctant looking Teana.

Lexus greeted them with a smirk and stepped forward to Fate, making Tea move along with him. "Hello there, Blondie. I did some research and it appeaser you aren't with the T.S.A.B. yet."

"I am a civilian collaborator, and don't call me Blondie." Fate frowned at him but still let her eyes drift to Tea for a brief moment.

"My assistant, Teana." Lexus pointed to the girl. "Not worth anything on the field but she's helpful when I need someone to carry something for me." His words made the girl with him bite down a growl. "Anyway, Hot Legs, why not join my battalion? I have much better resources then these clowns. What do you say?"

"My name is Fate." The woman stated firmly.

"Ooh, my destiny, I like that."

Nanoha chose that moment to interrupt. "Don't hit on my friends."

"Jealous I've never hit on you? Can't see what fun you'll be without moving your hips arou-" His words cut off when a palm connected firmly with his cheek.

"Do not address my friends in such a manor." Fate told him, voice going from her usual soft tone to holding a faint edge to it. "I won't tolerate anyone insulting people I care for."

Lexus licked his lips and looked at Fae with a new interest, left hand going to touch his slapped cheek. "I want you even more now. Have you taken your mage exam test yet?"

"I have not," Fate answered simply.

"Tell you what," stepping closer to her, he forced Teana to lean the umbrella to keep him dry, even though her back was now getting wet. "Let me review you. If I win, you join my battalion, in more ways than one."

Fate felt her body grow stiff, red tinting her cheeks when she realized what the last part meant. Despite this, she still didn't move from him, and answered back calmly. "When I win, that girl with you will join our battalion, and you will address Hayate and Nanoha by their ranks."

Lexus laughed loudly at her. "Well spoken! Fine then. Wingless, we will be using your training field. Lets go, Babe."

Fate nodded and began walking as well, ignoring the astonished look on Tea's face at her sudden involvement with people she didn't even know.

The training area, now free from its morning inhabitants, was quickly changed to form a fake city on it, leaving Fate standing on one building on the east side while Lexus was on the West. The blonde ran her thumb over Bardiche and felt her clothes shift and change around her before forming a barrier jacket to protect herself. 'I don't care if you harass me,' she thought bitterly as a monitor came up in front of her, informing her of how the ranking test would work. 'But I will never forgive anyone who insults my family or friends.'

On the sidelines, Hayate stood with crossed arms. Monitors floated all around her and a firm frown was on her face. "This isn't what I had in mind for today."

Nanoha nodded lightly, moving her hands out to make sure all the necessary information would be recorded and documented. "He is a triple-A plus mage. Fate-chan said she was S, but her performance last night would only suggest a double-A... Was she holding back so she could record for us?"

"... For her sake, I hope so..." Her eyes moved to look at Tea standing next to them. 'And why did she bet that that girl would be transferred to me...? I'm getting too laid back in my old age.' Smirking at the inside joke, Hayate finally pushed the screen to confirm the battle to start. 'Good luck, Fate-chan.'

Spoiler for Alternatives 2-3:

Fate looked out over the make-shift abandoned city from her position on top of a large office building. The screen by her stated that the test was now in progress and she gripped Bardiche a little tighter. "Bardiche?"

"Scan complete, sir." He spoke back calmly. "Enemy is across the field, coming at running speed. ETA is three minutes."

"How impatient, he should have waited for us to come to him." The blonde moved her hand out and placed several binding spells along the ground. "He isn't powerful enough to test us properly... Looks like we will have to be evaluated again once this is over."

"Sir," Bardiche's tone made Fate hesitate leaving the building. "Our situation is weird, please do not be careless."

"...You're right." Fate lifted her hand once more and focused, forming several daggers of energy around herself. "As weird as everything has been, I can not afford to be careless... Especially after he called Nanoha that."

"Yes sir."

Fate frowned to herself and leaped off the building, dropping down to the ground and darting forward. Lexus made it just as she expected and began dodging the sprung traps, twisting and jumping through the yellow binds. When the last one was sprung, his left leg was snared, making him look back in shock. Taking the opportunity, Fate engaged and swung her scythe down hard.

Lexus yelled as his barrier jacket ripped open and barely managed to block the next attack, leaving himself open for several yellow energy daggers to break his auto barrier. The male broke the bind on himself and jumped back, recollecting himself and staring at the blonde who didn't press her advantage. "What's the matter!? Scared you won't do as well after a surprise attack!?"

"Bardiche."

"Yes sir." The device was lifted and circles appeared around them, forming small darts of yellow energy that burst forth, triggering several trap spells that were placed as Lexus retreated.

"Che, you would be a smart one." Making a taunting motion, Lexus smirked at her. "I want you even more now. Tell you what, join me and I'll even let the whore come too."

"Sir." Bardiche's voice made the blonde stop before she lunged at him.

Taking a breath, Fate cooled down and spoke at the man again. "Why are you such a pervert?"

Lexus shrugged. "Guess its in my DNA." Fate twirled Bardiche and walked in a half circle on the mostly destroyed road. Lexus made the other half as they circled each other slowly. Their eyes met and each ran forward. Lexus reacted faster, drawing his device and pointing a gun at Fate and shooting. The magical bullet met it's target and hit the blonde square in the chest before ripping through her back side. "What-the!?"

Fate appeared behind the man as her after-image faded away. A small moment was taken to charge her attack before she slashed her scythe down, the blade pulsating larger than normal. As the man fell forward, Fate caught his collar and pulled him back so she could whisper into his ear firmly. "If you ever look at my wife in a perverted manor again, I won't hold back." When her words were done she let go of him and allowed him to fall onto the ground defeated.

As monitors appeared around Fate, Lexus smirked to himself through the pain in his back. 'So, she does have a weakness...'

Poor Fate...now Nanoha will be used against her...

SHAME ON YOU SATASHI FOR ENDING IT LIKE THAT!!!!!! UPDATE SOOOOON IF NOT MY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE WILL GET IT!!

'nuff said...