Nanoha FanFiction Discussion

[Kaix]

Originally Posted by TheShinySword

Satashi: I accept!

Spoiler for Coffee Zarf:

"Arf... have you ever considered... dating anyone?

The question came from out of the blue during one of the coffee meetings, that definitely weren't dates, Zafira and Arf had had for a while. One moment Zafira had been staring defectively into his coffee (Black, not that Arf had been paying attention) the next he was asking her odd questions.

Arf of course had to respond with an odd answer, "O-of course not! It's a familar's duty to look after her master anything that would distract from that isn't allowed."

"Mm." Zafira nodded solemnly. "Of course."

"R-right," Arf was growing redder and redder with each word. "Besides what good is romance anyway... I mean it's such a temporary thing and er... stuff."

Zafira chuckled softly, "could it be you've never been in love Arf?"

Arf scowled, this was so like Zafira, treating her like a little kid, just because he was a few hundred years older didn't give him the right. "I've been in love. I've been in love a lot."

"Mere crushes."

Arf growled silently, who was he to judge? The giant blue wall of stoicism had problem never even looked at a woman twice.

"I doubt you've ever kissed anyone."

...Something in Arf's brain broke. Perhaps it was Zafira, who's chances of having ever kissed anyone were even less than Arf's. "Hmm? Are you saying you have?"

Zafira merely shrugged and smirked, he was only ever like this around Arf as far as she was aware. "Perhaps I am."

"You can't prove I haven't. Maybe I've kissed dozens."

"Oh I can tell."

Was he... flirting? Holy shit! Zafira was flirting! The world would be ending soon, so Arf decided to enjoy the moment. "I'll need proof of that," and she was flirting back...

"Fine then," He leaned forward.

... Zafira...was inviting her... to kiss him. Arf's embarrassment, curiosity and well desire to accept were overwhelming so she leaned over and...

Zafira had kissed someone before. Most definitely.


Meanwhile just below the counter peering over Vivio, who had recently started working part time at the coffee establishment, grinned at her handiwork while her two best friends and cousins flailed beside her, well one flailed.

"You spiked his coffee!" Kalel's mouth fell open. "I thought we wanted them to naturally fall in love!"

"Zafira wouldn't make a move if Arf threw her self on him shouting 'Take me now big boy'," Riela ruffled her twin's hair. "All this is doing is providing a little motivation."

"A little too much! Look at him!"

Indeed Zafira was now halfway over the table.

"He looks like he's going to eat Arf!"

Vivio looked off to the side, "Side effect..."

"What?"

"It's just a side effect."

"Kal has a point, at the rate he's going I do believe there'll be public indecency charges soon," Riela pointed at the wolf who was now going for poor Arf's shirt. The wolf really did not hold his liquor well.

"EH?! Z-ZAFIRA!" They needn't have worried as Arf's cry alerted them to a new fact. Zafira had passed out on the table.

"Heh... they can now have a romantic ride to the hospital?"

Kalel and Riela are Chrono's twins for those who don't remember.

Zarf! Great! I read at first Vice instead of Vivio and really wondered why he kept following Zafira and why he was with Chrono's kids and not with Griffith. Made sense to see it was actually Vivio. It would have been too awkward for Zafira to act like that without external intervention however.

Originally Posted by Evil Rick

Spoiler for Opening theme: Eternal Darkness:

Spoiler for Chapter 5: Chase:

I left the store of the Mayor's house and ran upstairs, in the Mayor's office I looked for any sort of weapon, I found a pair of revolvers and a few cartridges inside a bureau.

With a belt, I placed the revolvers on my waist and kept the axe at hand, time was running out, I needed to find Karil. I ran out of the Mayor's house... the town... it was deserted, not a single soul... the once cheerful and lovely town of Sun's Hill was now a ghost town, trapped in the middle of the night's darkness and the mist that brought destruction and dead to it... everyone has gone, they were all dead... and me... the one who should die many years ago at the hands of these demons was spare once more from the massacre, could someone else be still alive? Hiding in the ruins with fear?... No... I was alone... once more I was alone...

“I though that the nightmare was over” I though

Suddenly I heard something, sounded like steps... fast steps at the distance... in that moment, the mist that was surrounding the town disappeared and I could see the moon and the stars of the night again... at the distance, I saw a figure, a male figure riding a horse and leaving the town... in his hands, I could see a female figure, resting on his shoulders.

“Karil!” I immediately though, that man, who ever he was, was the one who kidnapped Karil and the female figure he was taking out of the town was for sure Karil.

The figure disappeared at the distance, there was no way for me to reach it running, I needed a horse. I ran to the stable, hoping to find a horse inside it, when I entered, I just saw all the corpses of the animals slaughtered, ripped limbs and organs dropped on the floor, all covered with blood, these demons not even spared the animals.

I was going to leave the place when I heard something, a horse that was still alive, I ran inside the stable and looked for the animal, inside an individual section of the place, I spotted a beautiful black horse, the poor animal was really scared. I opened the gate and ran at him trying to calm him.

“Shhh.... shhhh.... it's okay, everything's okay, calm down, I'm not going to hurt you...”

I petted the animal's head and the horse slowly started to relax.

“I need your help, I need to find my friend, you will help me?”

The horse remained silent, but then he looked at me, his eyes told me that he was saying 'yes'.

I immediately jump at his back.

“Let's go!” I said, the horse immediately left the place, I ride him to the same direction in which the other ryder was heading.

I don't know for how many time I ride the horse, probably at least 3 hours, I didn't know where I was heading, I didn't knew who was the other ryder, hell, I didn't knew what was happening, the only thing I knew, was that Karil was missing and that I needed to find her.

“Buahahahahahahahahahaha!!!” I heard inside my head, it was this laugh again, this laugh that had being torturing me.

I heard an explosion at the sides, I turned and saw how 3 undead ryders spawned from the ground and started to chase me, the undead were riding horrible beast, similar to undead horses and were armed with revolvers.

Still riding, I turned over the horse and pulled out my revolvers, a gunfire immediately started between me and the undead ryders, their bullets passed at my side only with a few inches away of my face and body, my horse was doing an awesome job evading the bullets.

I was doing as possible to evade and fire back, after some tries, I finally hit one on the head, the undead fell and along with him his cursed horse, the remaining two keep firing, I took a shoot, the bullet hurt my left arm, it wasn't a big injure though, it was just a scratch, I tried to fire back but my horse jumped to evade a rock and one of my revolvers fell, it was hard to me to grab one revolver in each hand when I only had 2 fingers on my right hand.*

Even with this, I grabbed the revolver I had left with both hands and shoot against the undead, I managed to kill another one, only one undead left.

I suddenly spotted yellow light behind me, I turned and saw a mission ahead, being consumed by flames, something was wrong here, the undead kept shooting me, I was evading the shots and firing back, this last one was hard to hit, I needed other strategy, then I got an idea.

I turned and slowed down the horse, at the point of having the undead ryder really close to me, when he was at my side I grabbed my axe and with a single swing, his head was cut off.

The undead fell and the horse also (seems that when the ryders are dead, the undead horse loose power). I kept riding in direction to the mission. At something like 8 meters near to it, I stopped and jumped out of the horse. From were I was, I could hear the screams of the people and the sound of hellish beast, this mission, was under the attack of slaves also

“Run, it's dangerous for you to be here” I said to the horse, the animal stayed with me for a few seconds, but when I insisted him to run, the horse obeyed and walked away.

I then prepared myself to run inside the mission, somehow I knew that Karil was there... and the mysterious ryder also.


*Note: Remember that Abomination cut 3 fingers of Vivio's right hand when she faced him on the Colosseum at Rome on Vatican Knights 1.

Spoiler for Ending theme: Once Upon a December:

Spoiler for Undead Ryder:

-cut-

Wait, what? Vivio has only two fingers on her right hand? (completely forgot the small details from VK1, shame on me). Now, my only issue is, how did she manage to kill the Bag? I looked back at the events, in the drawings she was holding the axe in her right hand and even looked as if she had all five fingers. Even assuming she has her thumb and pointer finger, it looks insane for her to still be this effective. It just feels awkward that this gets mentioned just now, after we see how incredible Vivio still is after all these years. Not sure what you should do about it however.

Spoiler for chapter 5 typos:

the one who should die many years ago

die -> have died

demons was spare once more from the massacre,

spare-> spared

at the distance,

at -> in

who ever he was,

who ever -> whoever

The figure disappeared at the distance,

at -> in

I immediately jump at his back.

at -> on

I ride him to the same direction in which the other ryder was heading.

ride -> rode
to -> in
ryder -> rider

I don't know for how many time I ride the horse,

many -> much
ride -> rode

I didn't knew who was the other ryder,

ryder -> rider

I finally hit one on the head,

on -> in

the remaining two keep firing,

keep -> kept

it wasn't a big injure though,

injure -> injury

I turned and saw a mission ahead,

mission -> mansion

the undead kept shooting me,

shooting me -> shooting at me

I kept riding in direction to the mission.

mission -> mansion

this mission, was under the attack of slaves also

mission -> mansion

I then prepared myself to run inside the mission, somehow I knew that Karil was there... and the mysterious ryder also.

mission -> mansion
ryder -> rider

It should be rider instead of ryder, but I didn't quote it where the undead ryder was concerned taking it as the name of a species or creature. It would probably work better if it were written as rider everywhere where mentioned (a few times in the text and the scroll), but that's very much up to you.

Originally Posted by Satashi

not time to really do anything meaningful, so I present you with chibi Vivio funny moments.

Spoiler for At the zoo:

Vivio ran to the rails in front of the monkey exibit at the local zoo and grabbed the bars with both hands. With a few excited hops, she encouraged Nanoha to bend over and pick her up to balance on her hip so she could see better. "Mama!" The girl pointed happily as one monkey swung around on the trees inside the large cage. "Look, look, that one's swinging!"

Fate couldn't help but smile at her daughter as Nanoha struggled to keep the child still. "Fate-mama! Fate-mama!" Vivio called out, making the blonde move closer to her family. "Look!" She pointed to two monkies who were in the process of mating rather violently. "Those two are doing the same thing you and Nanoha-mama do when you wear that funny belt-type thingie!"

The area around the family went deathly silent while the two mothers felt their world stop for a few small seconds before sudden laughter erupted all around them. "Vi-Vivio!" Nanoha tried to stammer out while quickly walking away from the people wiping tears from their eyes as they chuckled. "Forget you ever saw that!"

"But why?" Vivio asked innocently.

Fate tugged on Nanoha's ear so she could whisper harshly into it. "I told you she was awake!"

Spoiler for aaaand a small prequel to my short:

"Mama!" Vivio ran into the house like a speeding bullet as soon as she got home from school. "Mama! Mama!"

"Vivio," Fate answered calmly as her daughter ran into her legs to hug them. "Remember to use your indoor voice, and take your shoes off at the door."

"Sorry," Vivio tried to calm down but perked right back up again when she held up a large paper. "Look what I drew in arts and craft class today!" She revealed a rather childish crayon drawing of Nanoha and Fate in a 'have a good day' kiss. "This is Nanoha-mama," she explained needlessly as the two mothers looked at each other with furiously blushing cheeks. "And this is Fate-mama!"

"I-It looks lovely." Nanoha praised her while glancing at Fate.

"Very nice, Vivio." Fate knelt down and accepted the picture, knowing she would have to put it on the refrigerator along with the other ones. "Um, why don't you run take your shoes off and put your books up?"

"Yes mama!" Vivio nodded happily and ran out of the kitchen.

Nanoha looked over at Fate, who was grinning in embarrassment. "Well," the brown haired mother spoke nervously. "It seems that Vivio really likes us."

"Y-yeah..." Fate nodded meekly. "Uhm..."

That's all for now

The hilarities that the innocence of small children can cause. And Vivio probably doesn't even understand what she did wrong.

Edit: Page claim for all the pages that haven't been claimed in a while.

[Satashi]

Originally Posted by BPHaru

Yeah! I knew it!!
What did I won?
:3


The fic isn't about a beetle xD But I think the atmosphere that scene transmit was great to set up the story. At least the author got my attention with her beautiful description of the scene, and I'm not an author, but I think she writes very, very well ^^
Thanks for giving it a chance, Sa-nyan, I didn't expect you to take your time doing that since you have always said that you prefer to write rather than to read (and it's not that me, as your reader, will be complaining for that xD).

Cuídense y sigan sonriendo

"What did I win" not won :3

I don't like reading 'cause my mind picks it apart too much. Thinking "I'd rather this happen" or something like that. Makes it not really enjoyable for me.

[Evil Rick]

Originally Posted by spawnofthejudge

Hi guys; happy to join you all in this; I've read DezoPenguin's fics and a few of Satashi's over at fanfiction.net. DezoPenguin pointed me over here when I was petulant about his silence on his Vivio set over there recently.

So here I am.

Welcome to the club!

Enjoy your stay, ask anything if you need to

Originally Posted by Kai the Reaper

Wait, what? Vivio has only two fingers on her right hand? (completely forgot the small details from VK1, shame on me). Now, my only issue is, how did she manage to kill the Bag? I looked back at the events, in the drawings she was holding the axe in her right hand and even looked as if she had all five fingers. Even assuming she has her thumb and pointer finger, it looks insane for her to still be this effective. It just feels awkward that this gets mentioned just now, after we see how incredible Vivio still is after all these years. Not sure what you should do about it however.

Spoiler for chapter 5 typos:

die -> have died
spare-> spared
at -> in
who ever -> whoever
at -> in
at -> on
ride -> rode
to -> in
ryder -> rider
many -> much
ride -> rode
ryder -> rider
on -> in
keep -> kept
injure -> injury
mission -> mansion
shooting me -> shooting at me
mission -> mansion
mission -> mansion
mission -> mansion
ryder -> rider

It should be rider instead of ryder, but I didn't quote it where the undead ryder was concerned taking it as the name of a species or creature. It would probably work better if it were written as rider everywhere where mentioned (a few times in the text and the scroll), but that's very much up to you.

Ahhhh... but here comes the detail my friend, in the event you never see Vivio's right hand open, do you? The fact that Abomination cut Vivio's fingers doesn't means that the fingers were cut since the palm, in other words, something like half of the fingers were cut.

Now, Vivio had been cultivating vegetables all this time, she has been forced to use objects like spades and hackles with only 2 fingers in the right hand, which mean that she get used to it (that's why she could use the Axe against the Bag so easy) but in the other hand, she has not used a gun in 10 years.

[Kaix]

Originally Posted by Evil Rick

Ahhhh... but here comes the detail my friend, in the event you never see Vivio's right hand open, do you? The fact that Abomination cut Vivio's fingers doesn't means that the fingers were cut since the palm, in other words, something like half of the fingers were cut.

Now, Vivio had been cultivating vegetables all this time, she has been forced to use objects like spades and hackles with only 2 fingers in the right hand, which mean that she get used to it (that's why she could use the Axe against the Bag so easy) but in the other hand, she has not used a gun in 10 years.

For a while I though her just fingers grew back on. Ah, that manages to make sense now. I should give more attention to details from now on. Thanks for the explanation.

[Evil Rick]

Originally Posted by Kai the Reaper

For a while I though her just fingers grew back on. Ah, that manages to make sense now. I should give more attention to details from now on. Thanks for the explanation.

I's actually my fault, I should explain all this since chapter 1 O.o

[DezoPenguin]

Brand spanking new one-shot!

(To be snarky: while it doesn't have a damn thing to do with the plot, there's NanoFate lurking all over the place in the background, so if the concept gives you hives or something, just pass on by, thank you?)

Driven by Rumor
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4827794/1/

"It was just a simple errand. Pick up Fate's car from the mechanic. So why does Nanoha find herself at the center of four hostile mages?"

Originally Posted by Satashi

I don't like reading 'cause my mind picks it apart too much. Thinking "I'd rather this happen" or something like that. Makes it not really enjoyable for me.

It's funny you should mention that, because it's exactly how I came up with the idea for this story:

Spoiler for How I thought of this one.:

I agreed to write another side-story for RadiantBeam to an event in "Daddy's Little Girl," so I was rereading that story to see what happened so I didn't mess up any details. When I got to the scene with Lutecia confronting Nanoha, I started wondering what would have happened had Lutecia panicked upon seeing the White Devil sitting there and immediately started summoning things. The next thing I knew, I was writing a story!

[Raging Heart]

Originally Posted by BPHaru

Wow, you're updating very fast, I hope that I can keep up with your pace.

Time for some constructive criticism: my English is far to be perfect, but I think you're making many typos per chapter, so maybe you can try checking them before uploading the chapters here if you can update this often. A concurrent mistake that you're doing is using "there" instead of "their" ("there" denotes a place, while "their" denotes belongings). Also, I think you're repeating the character's name too much, maybe it would be better if you replace them more often with pronouns or adjectives + nouns.

And as a random note: thanks to your fic I just learned what "wove" means o_O


Cuídense y sigan sonriendo

thanks for replaying BP Haru.
i do know i have gammer mistakes, i need to work on it, as i said before english is my second language. about repeating the name, i will make sure i never do that again, i will work with your advice.

lolz i know it's sound strange about Wove, but i read it before in a fiction, so it kinda stuck in my mind somewhere else.

speaking of which there a side of Haruko that Chikane will learn about it soon.
if you notice something my character Haruko that sounds... what to see scary or something else, or even anything else, feel free to tell me.

[Kaix]

Originally Posted by DezoPenguin

Brand spanking new one-shot!

(To be snarky: while it doesn't have a damn thing to do with the plot, there's NanoFate lurking all over the place in the background, so if the concept gives you hives or something, just pass on by, thank you?)

Driven by Rumor
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4827794/1/

"It was just a simple errand. Pick up Fate's car from the mechanic. So why does Nanoha find herself at the center of four hostile mages?"

It's funny you should mention that, because it's exactly how I came up with the idea for this story:

Spoiler for How I thought of this one.:

I agreed to write another side-story for RadiantBeam to an event in "Daddy's Little Girl," so I was rereading that story to see what happened so I didn't mess up any details. When I got to the scene with Lutecia confronting Nanoha, I started wondering what would have happened had Lutecia panicked upon seeing the White Devil sitting there and immediately started summoning things. The next thing I knew, I was writing a story!

I'll say, that was great! I'm still laughing from the whole incident. Raising Heart's reaction was pure gold at the end of the conflict. Nanoha's reputation really makes a mess out of things.

Oh, your link's broken by the way, it insists on taking us to an non-existing page.

[DezoPenguin]

Originally Posted by Kai the Reaper

I'll say, that was great! I'm still laughing from the whole incident. Raising Heart's reaction was pure gold at the end of the conflict. Nanoha's reputation really makes a mess out of things.

Oh, your link's broken by the way, it insists on taking us to an non-existing page.

Fixed!



Glad you liked Raising Heart, btw. When I gave the draft to my wife for proofreading, that line was the first one on a page. So she'd just gotten finished laughing at the mage's reaction, then turned the page and nearly fell off the couch.

[Seraph42]

Originally Posted by DezoPenguin

Brand spanking new one-shot!

(To be snarky: while it doesn't have a damn thing to do with the plot, there's NanoFate lurking all over the place in the background, so if the concept gives you hives or something, just pass on by, thank you?)

Driven by Rumor
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/4827794/1/

"It was just a simple errand. Pick up Fate's car from the mechanic. So why does Nanoha find herself at the center of four hostile mages?"

It's funny you should mention that, because it's exactly how I came up with the idea for this story:

Spoiler for How I thought of this one.:

I agreed to write another side-story for RadiantBeam to an event in "Daddy's Little Girl," so I was rereading that story to see what happened so I didn't mess up any details. When I got to the scene with Lutecia confronting Nanoha, I started wondering what would have happened had Lutecia panicked upon seeing the White Devil sitting there and immediately started summoning things. The next thing I knew, I was writing a story!

Lol! TEH WHITE DEVIL strikes again
RH's replay was priceless
Also for some reason I've got Nanoha using her "I guess I'll cool your head down a bit" line on the mechanics
... and Fate for laughing at her too much of course that will probably lead to mature content

[itanshi1]

Yeah, like white stuff spraying everywhere... milk milk from her nose

Anyways, great short there.

Meh, here's chapter 2. Past Chapters/OC profiles.

fixed continuity error

Spoiler for Animist and the Anarchist Chapter 2:

Sleep was not something Fury Tempest enjoyed, unless she was sleeping with someone else. Men, women, it didn't matter to her. She had nothing to hide when it came to sexuality. She also loved to eat and was proud of her metabolism. She tore from her bed and hit the floor hard once her alarm sounded. She laughed at her folly and started doing push-ups. She had to hit a hundred someday, but that goal was far away now.

Even so the military was many things to her. It was a place of order and rules which annoyed her to no end. Still, she also knew it was a place of power and fun. She heard rumors about some of the teachers and students around the base. She was good at getting rumors, she loved to flirt. She finished doing push-ups having forgotten what number she was on. Today was the day she would share quarters with her partner for the first time. She was going to have a blast.

--

Fury nearly tore off the door to their new quarters and was already in the bedroom before Hana could walk in. It wasn't a very large officer's quarters, but even so Hana had to sigh. She placed her small purse on the desk and looked around the room. She didn't like enclosed spaces. Then there was the bunk bed. Hana smiled, she was already imagining what could go wrong. She blinked and turned away from Fury as a blush warmed her cheeks.

"Fu-chan."

"Yes?" Fury had three tours of the quarters already. Hana had to wonder where all that energy came from.

"No sex. I'm not going to say it again."

Fury's eyes watered, but Hana walked over to the bunk bed and pulled it away from the wall. After an inch or so, she let it go. It recoiled and hit the wall with a bang. Fury blinked and grinned wolfishly.

"I'm not going to ask." Hana left the room. "Oh, Fury. First practice is 8 in the morning tomorrow. Second is at 1, so we'll share lunch together."

Fury was in front of her again, "You are asking me out to lunch?" she grinned.

"Yes, I'm asking you to have lunch with me in the mess hall." Hana smiled.

"Oh, not outside?" She had jumped beside her.

"How thoughtful of you. Now, I must unpack my bags and feed my summons in the courtyard. Would you like to watch?"

"Ah, I have other plans." Fury bared her teeth and closed her eyes. Hana knew the smile.

"Please, don't get into too much trouble."

Fury laughed.

--

The next morning. Hayate had decided to stay over night at her good friend's new quarters. It had been a long time since they all hung out together. Plus, the bed was huge. "I'm really happy you like it," she smiled. The new building would share a rich history of skilled mages to come, she knew it.

"Yeah, we love it!" Nanoha was in the bathroom unpacking her perfumes and the like. She was humming a familiar tune and wondering where to put the extra bar soap.

Fate closed a cupboard door in the kitchen and walked over. "Living together again after so long," she smiled.

Hayate thought she saw a blush and laughed out loud. Nanoha just kept quiet until it subsided, "You wanted to talk about something, Hayate-chan?"

"Oh, yes, I do."

Hayate sat up on the bed. Nanoha and Fate soon sat beside her. "So, what's on your mind?"

"A few things, to be honest. One you can guess, I was hesitant to put my vote on Tempest and Seabring's admittance."

Fate nodded, "I know, I'm s..." A finger was put to her lips.

"No, don't, if you are confident in your cadets, then so am I. There is always risk with new recruits, but you can never doubt them."

Nanoha smiled, "That's right! If you feel they step out of line, just knock them right back in!" she laughed. "Say, if Tempest doesn't make it, she could always go into demolition."

"That's the way." Hayate laughed. She took a breath and laid back on the bed. "Section 6 is coming together, isn't it?." Her friends regarded her. Despite her earlier advice, her eyes spoke of doubt.

--

"A wolf!" A female officer exclaimed. Rumors had quickly spread about Fenrir and his master, Private Hana Seabring. Soon, a crowd of officers and interns gathered in the courtyard around them. Hana had been busy grooming Fenrir with a large ornate brush while he drank water from a large bowl. They all asked her questions, but she decided to answer the questions just once. They started asking each other which suited her just fine. She smiled at the thought that her animals would bring her such joy and popularity. It would be fine if she had not joined the military and became a vet or a zoologist like her cousins, but she had her reasons.

A familiar voice reached her ears. She stood and turned to her, "Good morning Shamal-sensei. I thank you for your care."

"Ah, Hana Seabring, it is so good to meet you in person. I've heard so much about you and Fenrir. He's a magnificent wolf. Just don't tell Zafira I said that."

"Is he the jealous type?"

"You know, I have no idea." They shared a small laugh, "It is a good morning, isn't it?" She smiled, "Would you care to join me for tea?"

"I'd love to, but I will be eating with Fury for lunch. You may join us if you wish."

"I will be eating with Vita and Signum, but I will try to stop by. Have a good time at practice."

"I will. Have a wonderful day, Shamal-sensei."

--

Vita looked across the mess hall for fresh faces. She smiled and blinked. No smile today, she had pegs to knock down. "Signum, good morning."

"Morning." Signum sat down at an empty table nearby with a glass of orange juice and a piece of toast.

"Excuse me." Vita walked across the mess hall to one of the entrances. "Private Fury Tempest."

"Hello, ah, I like your hair, could I..." she felt her shirt being tugged on. "Yes?" she turned to Vita and then looked down to her. "Can I help you, kid?"

Vita's brow creased and a smile spread across her face, "You're new, but you are trying to ask every girl out in the room so I won't forgive you this time. Come with me, private." She made sure to enunciate her last word. Fury took it as a challenge and followed briskly. Signum watched them go and took a bite of her toast. It was not a good morning to be a Private Fury Tempest.

"My name is Vita, I outrank you, 'kid'. I'll be training you along side Fate in the coming months. So, I don't want you making our section look bad to the others!" She pointed at her. She noticed Fury was thoroughly distracted and might not have heard a single word she said. Vita growled and grabbed Fury's shirt collar and pulled her down to face her. "You hear me, private?"

"Oh, sorry, kid, I was looking for my partner."

Vita dropped her jaw. This girl was rated fit to join the military? "Look! YOU LISTEN TO ME!" She gripped Graf Eisen tightly in her other hand.

"Excuse me," Hana had walked up to them. Vita let go and glared at her.

"Ha-chan!"

"Practice will start soon. Please walk with me?" She cooed.

Fury gave Vita a thumbs up and started on ahead. Hana stayed back and bowed deeply. Vita blinked, "I'm still writing her up."

"I understand." Hana smiled.

"Hey! You said we'd walk together!" Fury shouted.

Vita rubbed her face. She knew she had to get used to this.

--

Fate was wearing a black shirt and khaki cargo pants. Her hair was tied back in a pony tail. She smiled as the two privates walked up the path together. "Welcome, Private Tempest, Private Seabring. I am your primary combat instructor, Fate T. Harlaown. Other instructors will be helping me in the coming days. Nanoha Takamachi will be covering defense from projectiles. Vita will be covering shields. She will join us in the second session today. I will be covering speed and assault." She could see she used too many words. Fury was tapping her foot repeatedly. "The first few practices won't be that exciting. We will be covering the basics so we know where you stand. Stay with it and you will have actual combat with the instructors." She smiled as the foot stopped tapping. Fury was almost drooling. "Any questions?"

"No, ma'am." Fury saluted.

Hana smiled, "I feel our skill disparity might become an issue."

Fate nodded, "You make sure she hits her targets. Fury, let's begin with that."

Fate walked over and picked up a large silver box. "Fury, I want you to break this." She placed it before her.

"Easy." Fury cracked her knuckles and put one hand on the object. "Detonate!" her gauntlet glowed and the area around her hand exploded. The box remained unfazed. Fury blinked and smirked, "Not easy." She went to try again with two hands. Fate didn't object. "Detonate!" a larger explosion blew their hair back a moment. The object remained. "OK, now I'm mad!" She started to climb on it so she could use her feet gauntlets. Fate blinked.

"Get off, I'll explain."

Fury relented, but she was still angry at the box. "What is this thing?" Fury kicked it hard and winced. She hopped on her other foot and growled, the box had to pay for this travesty. She then tried to pick it up. "What?" it didn't budge. She swore it was lighter.

Fate sighed. She decided ignoring this was better. "Its made of the same material in a ship's hull armor. It's quite heavy." She smiled and looked at Hana, "Please try the best way you can think of."

Hana closed her eyes and raised her right hand towards Fury. "Mother Gaia, I ask for your blessing. Might of Oaks." Her gems glowed and a green aura flashed around Fury's four gauntlets. Soon, a furverous red energy swirled around them. "Please try." She silently enchanted herself with a round shield.

Fate noticed it, "Fury, wait!" She put a hand in the way of the box.

"Aw, c'mon."

"Just stand over here." Fate repositioned her and walked behind Hana. "Begin."

"Alright!"

"One hand, Fu-chan." Hana requested.

"One hand! Detonate!" The box impacted into the ground and ruptured into a pool of metal. The explosion shook the area, but Hana's shield held fine. it only managed to block dirt and rocks. "Wow. I felt it fight back."

"I thought it would explode." Hana confessed.

"Its made up of nano fiber twisted and woven. The recipe is classified, of course." Fate smiled, "Now, Fury, what did you do wrong?"

"Eh?" Fury was dumbfounded. "I blew it up, didn't I?"

"I noticed from the training that you have a tendency to use arbitrary amounts of magic in your detonations." She called for Bardiche. She walked over and grabbed another box. "Hacken form. If you use just magic meant for wearing down an opponent's linker core, then a strike will hit like this." She vanished and reappeared a few feet away. The box rocked and steadied itself a moment later.

"No damage." Bardiche spoke.

"But if you strike to wound." Another flash. "Like so."

"Damage." Bardiche spoke. A long gash remained on the box.

"Ooh," Fury got a closer look.

Fate smiled, "You should have the idea. The first method would have given you a passing score and possibly a faster time. The second method would have destroyed the drones with more accuracy."

"What about the AMF?" Hana asked.

"That will be an important lesson to come." Fate smiled, she was confident now.

--

"Ha-chan!" Fury bounced around her. Hana tried not to laugh at how cheerful she was. She knew not to encourage her.

"Yes?"

"I asked people about eating lunch outside."

"When you were asking people out?" Hana crossed her arms.

"Oh, hehe, that kid ratted me out." Fury laughed.

"That kid is a high ranking officer and that kid is writing you up." Hana informed her.

"Really?"

"Yes, and she will be giving a short 'lecture' at practice this afternoon."

"Ah." Fury didn't get it. Hana sighed. "So, lunch?"

"Yes, let's eat. I made enough for both of us." She whistled and Hugin flew in. He dropped a basket into her arms and rested there on her shoulder. He was quite large for a falcon, but was no burden upon her shoulder.

"I'm not eating chicken!" She took a step back when Hugin cawed at her. Hana laughed softly.

--

Vita was sitting on a hull sample box. She had Graf Eisen out and a bad mood apparent on her face. She had been waiting hours for this, "They are late."

Fate frowned and called up a monitor, "Locate Private Fury Tempest and Private Hana Seabring." The map appeared and two small dots appeared inside the dorms. "I told them to come twenty minutes early..."

"Just make them do laps." Vita shrugged. She couldn't stay angry. Hell knew she tried. "They coming?"

"Yeah, give it another five minutes. Fury is breaking rules to get here faster."

"Five minutes? At that speed... oh." Vita watched the path they took.

"Speed without thinking equals long run."

"Make them do laps anyways." Vita grinned.

"Definitely." She smiled as they came into view. "So, where do I begin?"

"Fu-chan?" Hana asked.

"Ah, um," She hated apologizing. She wanted to just come up with a long list of silly lies, but she couldn't come up with any.

Fate smiled, "I'll have you know I can be quite hard on my students if I want to. Do laps."

Fury blinked, "How many?"

"Do laps." Vita grinned.

"..." Fury watched as Hana walked over to the track. "Wait up!" She ran to catch up and circled around her. She knew Hana hated to run. This bothered her much more than anything. She couldn't read that face of hers. She had to be upset.

Fate decided to catch up on field reports while Vita opted for a nap. It was going to be one of those days. Fate nudged her twenty minutes later. "Hana did ten laps, Fury got bored and did an extra ten. I finished today's field reports and told my secretary to take the day off if she chose to."

"I'm not angry anymore." Vita groaned. She sat up and looked at Fury.

"Angry now?"

"She was already punished for being late, but part of me still wants to hit her upside the head for calling me..." She growled.

"Now, now, they are rookies." Fate smiled.

"Pegs." Vita stood up and walked over to them. "I'm going to give a lesson now that you are tired out." She saw Hana visibly worn out. That girl really was petite and maybe this wasn't fair to her. No, it was fair. She had a lot of room for growth. "Hana, talk to Fate for now."

"Yes, Ma'am." Hana bowed slowly and walked over to the entrance. Fate tossed her a water bottle.

"Do you run every morning?"

"I walk Fenrir, but not every morning."

"Run every morning. I noticed you lack athleticism, so your scores could have been higher. When it comes to an actual battlefield, just enough is far too little."

"I will, thank you."

Vita walked back and forth trying to think up a good way to deal with this kid. "So, what now?" Fury asked.

"You have a shield?" Vita asked.

"I prefer to dodge."

"Oh? Nanoha is going to have fun with you tomorrow." Vita snickered. "But right now, you are all mine."

"You don't like me, do you, kid?" Fury's competitive edge was showing.

"Graf Eisen!"

"Jawhol!" the weapon enlarged.

"Missile form!"

"Ja! Missile form!" The weapon changed shape once more and the back of the hammer shot out flames. Vita jumped into the air and spun in a circle. She slammed the hammer into a scorched crater. Fury side stepped it with ease. Vita growled. She started slamming the hammer at Fury as fast as she could.

"Wack a mole?" Fate asked. Hana started laughing. "This won't end well." Fate and Hana conceded this point.

"Damn you!" Vita called forth her jacket and Fury started laughing at it. Vita's eyes flared red. "Giga form!"

"Jawhol! Giga Form!" The weapon grew in length and size. Fury stopped laughing and her gauntlets grew redder.

"Impact Detonation." Fury delighted in the words.

"Oh for." Fate was about to scold them both for this 'training'.

Vita combined her hammer attack with a sonic move and faked Fury out, "YAAAAH!" Graf Eisen cratered Fury into the ground. In an instant, the crater exploded and Graf Eisen bounded backwards and slammed its other end into the ground away from them. Vita spun end over end and banged her head into the head of her hammer. The lump on her head did nothing to sway her temper. It didn't take long for her to lift Graf Eisen once more. Fury climbed out of the crater laughing. All four of her gauntlets were cracked and she walked with a limp. The laughter could very well be hiding her fear.

"Ah mou, the whole base will be talking about this." Fate shook her head. "Vita, cool it, please?" She smiled. Vita looked at her and relented. She knew not to question a request like that. She'd make more sense of things later.

"Fury, what did you do wrong?"

"I have no idea." Fury was still laughing.

"Honesty." Hana smiled.

Fate walked up to her and handed over a water bottle and then tossed one to Vita. "Fury, I realize you can only attack using contact, but dodging won't cut it. I'm not the only one that uses Sonic Move." Fate smiled. "Still, deflecting the hammer using all four of your cores was an interesting solution. Was it a reflex?"

"No, I planned it." Fury smiled.

Fate wanted to doubt the girl ever planned in her life, but she relented. "Well, take a break. Hana, we will try your shields next. Vita, can you manage?"

"Sure." Vita cracked her neck and shoulders. Graf Eisen shrunk down and returned to its normal hammer form. "There's a few types of shields. Can you name them?"

"Physical Armor, barrier, shield, and area field."

"So, which one do you use for this attack?" Vita grinned. "Graf Eisen!"

"Ja! Missile Form!"

"Not again." Fate dropped her head.

--

"Fate, what's wrong?" Nanoha watched as her good friend stormed past her into the bedroom. "Fate..." she watched again as she stormed past her into the kitchen and opened the fridge. She poured a glass of juice and downed it. A hug from behind and she almost choked. "Practice go well?"

"No."

"Talk?"

Fate relented, they sat down at the table. "F..." she caught herself.

"Mm." Nanoha put a hand on hers and waited.

Fate gave in, "Private Tempest hit on me at the end of practice."

Nanoha blinked. She then tried not to laugh. Then she laughed. Fate sighed and waited for her to calm down. "Sorry, sorry."

"I just don't know how to react to this, I mean that's the worst thing that happened. Everything else I know how to deal with."

Nanoha scooted her chair closer, "So, what method did she use?"

"Method?" Fate blinked, "She was walking away with Private Seabring at the end of practice, she just up and said 'She's hot'"

Nanoha started laughing again, "You are hot."

"Mm... try harder."

"Nyaha... say I heard you requested hull samples. How'd that go?"

"Together, they can break them. I didn't say how impressive it was, tho. I think they thought I went easy on it when I scratched it." Fate laughed.

"Good, girl." Nanoha pecked her cheek.

"Better," Fate stretched and put an arm around her, "I felt if I complimented them too much, they will start to slack. Especially Tempest. Some day, she will be able to smash through a bulkhead on her own."

"Ooh, that confident?"

"Shari is designing her an I.D. She will be using primarily Mid-Childan technology. The name chosen was Loki. This way she won't have to rely upon Hana's support."

"Ooh, Norse, like Hayate's powers." She smiled.

"Hana's was also named, but she opted for just boost storage devices like her own. The new ones should allow her to summon more often. Also, there's Jörmungandr. She's pretty gifted for her age. They chose Freyja, the goddess of war and fertility."

"Both? Fitting." She smiled. "Get to race Hugin, yet?"

"You only want to drop the starting flag."

"Know me too well." She laughed.

Fate frowned, "Then there's Vita."

"Oh? I heard she was spotted walking around the base with smoke billowing from her ears or something. She didn't catch fire, did she?"

"Haha, no."

"It was Fury, right?"

"Whack a mole."

"Oh no," Nanoha smacked her face.

[Raging Heart]

Originally Posted by itanshi1

Yeah, like white stuff spraying everywhere... milk milk from her nose

Anyways, great short there.

Meh, here's chapter 2. Past Chapters/OC profiles.

Spoiler for Animist and the Anarchist Chapter 2:

Sleep was not something Fury Tempest enjoyed, unless she was sleeping with someone else. Men, women, it didn't matter to her. She had nothing to hide when it came to sexuality. She also loved to eat and was proud of her metabolism. She tore from her bed and hit the floor hard once her alarm sounded. She laughed at her folly and started doing push-ups. She had to hit a hundred someday, but that goal was far away now.

Even so the military was many things to her. It was a place of order and rules which annoyed her to no end. Still, she also knew it was a place of power and fun. She heard rumors about some of the teachers and students around the base. She was good at getting rumors, she loved to flirt. She finished doing push-ups having forgotten what number she was on. Today was the day she would share quarters with her partner for the first time. She was going to have a blast.

--

Fury nearly tore off the door to their new quarters and was already in the bedroom before Hana could walk in. It wasn't a very large officer's quarters, but even so Hana had to sigh. She placed her small purse on the desk and looked around the room. She didn't like enclosed spaces. Then there was the bunk bed. Hana smiled, she was already imagining what could go wrong. She blinked and turned away from Fury as a blush warmed her cheeks.

"Fu-chan."

"Yes?" Fury had three tours of the quarters already. Hana had to wonder where all that energy came from.

"No sex. I'm not going to say it again."

Fury's eyes watered, but Hana walked over to the bunk bed and pulled it away from the wall. After an inch or so, she let it go. It recoiled and hit the wall with a bang. Fury blinked and grinned wolfishly.

"I'm not going to ask." Hana left the room. "Oh, Fury. First practice is 8 in the morning tomorrow. Second is at 1, so we'll share lunch together."

Fury was in front of her again, "You are asking me out to lunch?" she grinned.

"Yes, I'm asking you to have lunch with me in the mess hall." Hana smiled.

"Oh, not outside?" She had jumped beside her.

"How thoughtful of you. Now, I must unpack my bags and feed my summons in the courtyard. Would you like to watch?"

"Ah, I have other plans." Fury bared her teeth and closed her eyes. Hana knew the smile.

"Please, don't get into too much trouble."

Fury laughed.

--

The next morning. Hayate had decided to stay over night at her good friend's new quarters. It had been a long time since they all hung out together. Plus, the bed was huge. "I'm really happy you like it," she smiled. The new building would share a rich history of skilled mages to come, she knew it.

"Yeah, we love it!" Nanoha was in the bathroom unpacking her perfumes and the like. She was humming a familiar tune and wondering where to put the extra bar soap.

Fate closed a cupboard door in the kitchen and walked over. "Living together again after so long," she smiled.

Hayate thought she saw a blush and laughed out loud. Nanoha just kept quiet until it subsided, "You wanted to talk about something, Hayate-chan?"

"Oh, yes, I do."

Hayate sat up on the bed. Nanoha and Fate soon sat beside her. "So, what's on your mind?"

"A few things, to be honest. One you can guess, I was hesitant to put my vote on Tempest and Seabring's admittance."

Fate nodded, "I know, I'm s..." A finger was put to her lips.

"No, don't, if you are confident in your cadets, then so am I. There is always risk with new recruits, but you can never doubt them."

Nanoha smiled, "That's right! If you feel they step out of line, just knock them right back in!" she laughed. "Say, if Tempest doesn't make it, she could always go into demolition."

"That's the way." Hayate laughed. She took a breath and laid back on the bed. "Section 6 is coming together, isn't it?." Her friends regarded her. Despite her earlier advice, her eyes spoke of doubt.

--

"A wolf!" A female officer exclaimed. Rumors had quickly spread about Fenrir and his master, Private Hana Seabring. Soon, a crowd of officers and interns gathered in the courtyard around them. Hana had been busy grooming Fenrir with a large ornate brush while he drank water from a large bowl. They all asked her questions, but she decided to answer the questions just once. They started asking each other which suited her just fine. She smiled at the thought that her animals would bring her such joy and popularity. It would be fine if she had not joined the military and became a vet or a zoologist like her cousins, but she had her reasons.

A familiar voice reached her ears. She stood and turned to her, "Good morning Shamal-sensei. I thank you for your care."

"Ah, Hana Seabring, it is so good to meet you in person. I've heard so much about you and Fenrir. He's a magnificent wolf. Just don't tell Zafira I said that."

"Is he the jealous type?"

"You know, I have no idea." They shared a small laugh, "It is a good morning, isn't it?" She smiled, "Would you care to join me for tea?"

"I'd love to, but I will be eating with Fury for lunch. You may join us if you wish."

"I will be eating with Vita and Signum, but I will try to stop by. Have a good time at practice."

"I will. Have a wonderful day, Shamal-sensei."

--

Vita looked across the mess hall for fresh faces. She smiled and blinked. No smile today, she had pegs to knock down. "Signum, good morning."

"Morning." Signum sat down at an empty table nearby with a glass of orange juice and a piece of toast.

"Excuse me." Vita walked across the mess hall to one of the entrances. "Private Fury Tempest."

"Hello, ah, I like your hair, could I..." she felt her shirt being tugged on. "Yes?" she turned to Vita and then looked down to her. "Can I help you, kid?"

Vita's brow creased and a smile spread across her face, "You're new, but you are trying to ask every girl out in the room so I won't forgive you this time. Come with me, private." She made sure to enunciate her last word. Fury took it as a challenge and followed briskly. Signum watched them go and took a bite of her toast. It was not a good morning to be a Private Fury Tempest.

"My name is Vita, I outrank you, 'kid'. I'll be training you along side Fate in the coming months. So, I don't want you making our section look bad to the others!" She pointed at her. She noticed Fury was thoroughly distracted and might not have heard a single word she said. Vita growled and grabbed Fury's shirt collar and pulled her down to face her. "You hear me, private?"

"Oh, sorry, kid, I was looking for my partner."

Vita dropped her jaw. This girl was rated fit to join the military? "Look! YOU LISTEN TO ME!" She gripped Graf Eisen tightly in her other hand.

"Excuse me," Hana had walked up to them. Vita let go and glared at her.

"Ha-chan!"

"Practice will start soon. Please walk with me?" She cooed.

Fury gave Vita a thumbs up and started on ahead. Hana stayed back and bowed deeply. Vita blinked, "I'm still writing her up."

"I understand." Hana smiled.

"Hey! You said we'd walk together!" Fury shouted.

Vita rubbed her face. She knew she had to get used to this.

--

Fate was wearing a black shirt and khaki cargo pants. Her hair was tied back in a pony tail. She smiled as the two privates walked up the path together. "Welcome, Private Tempest, Private Seabring. I am your primary combat instructor, Fate T. Harlaown. Other instructors will be helping me in the coming days. Nanoha Takamachi will be covering defense from projectiles. Vita will be covering shields. She will join us in the second session today. I will be covering speed and assault." She could see she used too many words. Fury was tapping her foot repeatedly. "The first few practices won't be that exciting. We will be covering the basics so we know where you stand. Stay with it and you will have actual combat with the instructors." She smiled as the foot stopped tapping. Fury was almost drooling. "Any questions?"

"No, ma'am." Fury saluted.

Hana smiled, "I feel our skill disparity might become an issue."

Fate nodded, "You make sure she hits her targets. Fury, let's begin with that."

Fate walked over and picked up a large silver box. "Fury, I want you to break this." She placed it before her.

"Easy." Fury cracked her knuckles and put one hand on the object. "Detonate!" her gauntlet glowed and the area around her hand exploded. The box remained unfazed. Fury blinked and smirked, "Not easy." She went to try again with two hands. Fate didn't object. "Detonate!" a larger explosion blew their hair back a moment. The object remained. "OK, now I'm mad!" She started to climb on it so she could use her feet gauntlets. Fate blinked.

"Get off, I'll explain."

Fury relented, but she was still angry at the box. "What is this thing?" Fury kicked it hard and winced. She hopped on her other foot and growled, the box had to pay for this travesty. She then tried to pick it up. "What?" it didn't budge. She swore it was lighter.

Fate sighed. She decided ignoring this was better. "Its made of the same material in a ship's hull armor. It's quite heavy." She smiled and looked at Hana, "Please try the best way you can think of."

Hana closed her eyes and raised her right hand towards Fury. "Mother Gaia, I ask for your blessing. Might of Oaks." Her gems glowed and a green aura flashed around Fury's four gauntlets. Soon, a furverous red energy swirled around them. "Please try." She silently enchanted herself with a round shield.

Fate noticed it, "Fury, wait!" She put a hand in the way of the box.

"Aw, c'mon."

"Just stand over here." Fate repositioned her and walked behind Hana. "Begin."

"Alright!"

"One hand, Fu-chan." Hana requested.

"One hand! Detonate!" The box impacted into the ground and ruptured into a pool of metal. The explosion shook the area, but Hana's shield held fine. it only managed to block dirt and rocks. "Wow. I felt it fight back."

"I thought it would explode." Hana confessed.

"Its made up of nano fiber twisted and woven. The recipe is classified, of course." Fate smiled, "Now, Fury, what did you do wrong?"

"Eh?" Fury was dumbfounded. "I blew it up, didn't I?"

"I noticed from the training that you have a tendency to use arbitrary amounts of magic in your detonations." She called for Bardiche. She walked over and grabbed another box. "Hacken form. If you use just magic meant for wearing down an opponent's linker core, then a strike will hit like this." She vanished and reappeared a few feet away. The box rocked and steadied itself a moment later.

"No damage." Bardiche spoke.

"But if you strike to wound." Another flash. "Like so."

"Damage." Bardiche spoke. A long gash remained on the box.

"Ooh," Fury got a closer look.

Fate smiled, "You should have the idea. The first method would have given you a passing score and possibly a faster time. The second method would have destroyed the drones with more accuracy."

"What about the AMF?" Hana asked.

"That will be an important lesson to come." Fate smiled, she was confident now.

--

"Ha-chan!" Fury bounced around her. Hana tried not to laugh at how cheerful she was. She knew not to encourage her.

"Yes?"

"I asked people about eating lunch outside."

"When you were asking people out?" Hana crossed her arms.

"Oh, hehe, that kid ratted me out." Fury laughed.

"That kid is a high ranking officer and that kid is writing you up." Hana informed her.

"Really?"

"Yes, and she will be giving a short 'lecture' at practice this afternoon."

"Ah." Fury didn't get it. Hana sighed. "So, lunch?"

"Yes, let's eat. I made enough for both of us." She whistled and Hugin flew in. He dropped a basket into her arms and rested there on her shoulder. He was quite large for a falcon, but was no burden upon her shoulder.

"I'm not eating chicken!" She took a step back when Hugin cawed at her. Hana laughed softly.

--

Vita was sitting on a hull sample box. She had Graf Eisen out and a bad mood apparent on her face. She had been waiting hours for this, "They are late."

Fate frowned and called up a monitor, "Locate Private Fury Tempest and Private Hana Seabring." The map appeared and two small dots appeared inside the dorms. "I told them to come twenty minutes early..."

"Just make them do laps." Vita shrugged. She couldn't stay angry. Hell knew she tried. "They coming?"

"Yeah, give it another five minutes. Fury is breaking rules to get here faster."

"Five minutes? At that speed... oh." Vita watched the path they took.

"Speed without thinking equals long run."

"Make them do laps anyways." Vita grinned.

"Definitely." She smiled as they came into view. "So, where do I begin?"

"Fu-chan?" Hana asked.

"Ah, um," She hated apologizing. She wanted to just come up with a long list of silly lies, but she couldn't come up with any.

Fate smiled, "I'll have you know I can be quite hard on my students if I want to. Do laps."

Fury blinked, "How many?"

"Do laps." Vita grinned.

"..." Fury watched as Hana walked over to the track. "Wait up!" She ran to catch up and circled around her. She knew Hana hated to run. This bothered her much more than anything. She couldn't read that face of hers. She had to be upset.

Fate decided to catch up on field reports while Vita opted for a nap. It was going to be one of those days. Fate nudged her twenty minutes later. "Hana did ten laps, Fury got bored and did an extra ten. I finished today's field reports and told my secretary to take the day off if she chose to."

"I'm not angry anymore." Vita groaned. She sat up and looked at Fury.

"Angry now?"

"She was already punished for being late, but part of me still wants to hit her upside the head for calling me..." She growled.

"Now, now, they are rookies." Fate smiled.

"Pegs." Vita stood up and walked over to them. "I'm going to give a lesson now that you are tired out." She saw Hana visibly worn out. That girl really was petite and maybe this wasn't fair to her. No, it was fair. She had a lot of room for growth. "Hana, talk to Fate for now."

"Yes, Ma'am." Hana bowed slowly and walked over to the entrance. Fate tossed her a water bottle.

"Do you run every morning?"

"I walk Fenrir, but not every morning."

"Run every morning. I noticed you lack athleticism, so your scores could have been higher. When it comes to an actual battlefield, just enough is far too little."

"I will, thank you."

Vita walked back and forth trying to think up a good way to deal with this kid. "So, what now?" Fury asked.

"You have a shield?" Vita asked.

"I prefer to dodge."

"Oh? Nanoha is going to have fun with you tomorrow." Vita snickered. "But right now, you are all mine."

"You don't like me, do you, kid?" Fury's competitive edge was showing.

"Graf Eisen!"

"Jawhol!" the weapon enlarged.

"Missile form!"

"Ja! Missile form!" The weapon changed shape once more and the back of the hammer shot out flames. Vita jumped into the air and spun in a circle. She slammed the hammer into a scorched crater. Fury side stepped it with ease. Vita growled. She started slamming the hammer at Fury as fast as she could.

"Wack a mole?" Fate asked. Hana started laughing. "This won't end well." Fate and Hana conceded this point.

"Damn you!" Vita called forth her jacket and Fury started laughing at it. Vita's eyes flared red. "Giga form!"

"Jawhol! Giga Form!" The weapon grew in length and size. Fury stopped laughing and her gauntlets grew redder.

"Impact Detonation." Fury delighted in the words.

"Oh for." Fate was about to scold them both for this 'training'.

Vita combined her hammer attack with a sonic move and faked Fury out, "YAAAAH!" Graf Eisen cratered Fury into the ground. In an instant, the crater exploded and Graf Eisen bounded backwards and slammed its other end into the ground away from them. Vita spun end over end and banged her head into the head of her hammer. The lump on her head did nothing to sway her temper. It didn't take long for her to lift Graf Eisen once more. Fury climbed out of the crater laughing. All four of her gauntlets were cracked and she walked with a limp. The laughter could very well be hiding her fear.

"Ah mou, the whole base will be talking about this." Fate shook her head. "Vita, cool it, please?" She smiled. Vita looked at her and relented. She knew not to question a request like that. She'd make more sense of things later.

"Fury, what did you do wrong?"

"I have no idea." Fury was still laughing.

"Honesty." Hana smiled.

Fate walked up to her and handed over a water bottle and then tossed one to Vita. "Fury, I realize you can only attack using contact, but dodging won't cut it. I'm not the only one that uses Sonic Move." Fate smiled. "Still, deflecting the hammer using all four of your cores was an interesting solution. Was it a reflex?"

"No, I planned it." Fury smiled.

Fate wanted to doubt the girl ever planned in her life, but she relented. "Well, take a break. Hana, we will try your shields next. Vita, can you manage?"

"Sure." Vita cracked her neck and shoulders. Graf Eisen shrunk down and returned to its normal hammer form. "There's a few types of shields. Can you name them?"

"Barrier jacket, area shield, and localized shield."

"So, which one do you use for this attack?" Vita grinned. "Graf Eisen!"

"Ja! Missile Form!"

"Not again." Fate dropped her head.

--

"Fate, what's wrong?" Nanoha watched as her good friend stormed past her into the bedroom. "Fate..." she watched again as she stormed past her into the kitchen and opened the fridge. She poured a glass of juice and downed it. A hug from behind and she almost choked. "Practice go well?"

"No."

"Talk?"

Fate relented, they sat down at the table. "F..." she caught herself.

"Mm." Nanoha put a hand on hers and waited.

Fate gave in, "Private Tempest hit on me at the end of practice."

Nanoha blinked. She then tried not to laugh. Then she laughed. Fate sighed and waited for her to calm down. "Sorry, sorry."

"I just don't know how to react to this, I mean that's the worst thing that happened. Everything else I know how to deal with."

Nanoha scooted her chair closer, "So, what method did she use?"

"Method?" Fate blinked, "She was walking away with Private Seabring at the end of practice, she just up and said 'She's hot'"

Nanoha started laughing again, "You are hot."

"Mm... try harder."

"Nyaha... say I heard you requested hull samples. How'd that go?"

"Together, they can break them. I didn't say how impressive it was, tho. I think they thought I went easy on it when I scratched it." Fate laughed.

"Good, girl." Nanoha pecked her cheek.

"Better," Fate stretched and put an arm around her, "I felt if I complimented them too much, they will start to slack. Especially Tempest. Some day, she will be able to smash through a bulkhead on her own."

"Ooh, that confident?"

"Shari is designing her an I.D. She will be using primarily Mid-Childan technology. The name chosen was Loki. This way she won't have to rely upon Hana's support."

"Ooh, Norse, like Hayate's powers." She smiled.

"Hana's was also named, but she opted for just boost storage devices like her own. The new ones should allow her to summon more often. Also, there's Jörmungandr. She's pretty gifted for her age. They chose Freyja, the goddess of war and fertility."

"Both? Fitting." She smiled. "Get to race Hugin, yet?"

"You only want to drop the starting flag."

"Know me too well." She laughed.

Fate frowned, "Then there's Vita."

"Oh? I heard she was spotted walking around the base with smoke billowing from her ears or something. She didn't catch fire, did she?"

"Haha, no."

"It was Fury, right?"

"Whack a mole."

"Oh no," Nanoha smacked her face.

"whack a mole."

Vita doing well kicking students' butts, about the characters; Hana seemed to be nice girl but Fury not.

oh my was Fury hitting on Fate, now that

lets see how Nanoha will act now, i can't wait for update.

[itanshi1]

Not eh? wonder what you mean by that, crafting is delicate sometimes. ty for the review.

All i saw was fury making them late to practice, but that's just a character flaw. She is careless and passionate :P so very Red aligned MtG wise.

[MeisterBabylon]

You using Planeswalkers to represent your OCs have me h4xx senses tingling... But I guess it's just representation. Just shooting $0.02.

[itanshi1]

Originally Posted by AtomicoX

They have been added to the wiki.
I'm planning on letting people PM me when the Wiki is released so I can add or change whatever they please.

looks like a great enterprise. i thought about doing this myself. I am so realizing late that was posted so long ago. wow

Originally Posted by MeisterBabylon

You using Planeswalkers to represent your OCs have me h4xx senses tingling... But I guess it's just representation. Just shooting $0.02.

go for it, i can help you if you need it ^_^. I actually have the full card art done with abilities etc.

Oh, for funnies, an abandoned story featuring MtG planeswalkers. (i did have 5 total)

Spoiler for Melancholy:

Fate stretched her arms out and yawned loudly. Her hair needed a brush pretty badly. She fought to get it out of her face and turned to find Nanoha sound asleep. This was unusual. This was also a unique opportunity. Fate sat up and tossed her hair being her. She had to be sure. She checked the clock and found she had in fact awoken shortly before the alarm again. This was good. The sky was still dark since they rescheduled around Vivio. It was a good morning, she had her all to herself. Also, Vivio had her own bed now. That was a far harder phase to go through for the mothers than it had been for the child. Fate smiled and hugged her tight. "Time to wake up." She cooed. Nanoha didn't stir. Fate frowned and found an ear to nibble on. Still nothing. It was time for drastic measures.

Fate blinked, was she losing her touch? "Nanoha, wake up!" The alarm sounded and Fate panicked. She reached over and stopped it. They'd have to share a shower to make it on time now. "Na..no...ha!" she hoped she hadn't woken Vivio. Even so, this came first.

The sleepy girl opened her eyes and groaned. The lights annoyed her so she closed her eyes again only to be shaken. She said nothing.

"Are you sick? You're sick, aren't you?" Fate rolled her onto her back and put her forehead against hers. "Nope." She frowned. A kiss, nothing. This was starting to scare her.

"Shamal-sensei." Fate spoke. Her face soon appeared on a screen beside them.

"Ah, good morning, oh, is Nanoha not well today?" Shamal was in high spirits. Her expression became serious as she took in the scene.

Fate stroked the hair out of the way and felt her pulse, she sighed, "I'm not sure, but I'll leave her in your hands. Thank you."

"Anytime." Shamal wondered just what the matter was. She only looked tired. She blinked. Nanoha was never only tired. This could be a long day.

The screen disappeared. Fate had gotten out of bed and picked up the sleepy girl. She carried her over to the bathroom. "Guess what, Nanoha? I'm pregnant!" Nanoha didn't react. Fate seriously wished to hear her teasing this morning. It almost made her wish for an argument. "You are going to owe me for this." Fate smiled weakly.

After that, Fate woke up Vivio in time for breakfast. Nanoha would have to sip it, feeding her was a whole other adventure. I.V. would be better. Still, She made sure Nanoha was in her uniform and seated at the table so not to worry Vivio. She even made coffee. Vivio was amazed Nanoha-mama was still tired. Even she knew something was wrong. Fate smiled, "Nanoha-mama is not feeling well. We will play with you tonight, so go have a good day with your friends and teachers." She patted her on the head and fixed her ribbons. "I made your lunch."

"Mm! Thank you!" The bus stopped outside and called up to the room.

"Have a great day!" Fate smiled. Vivio hugged them both and looked at Nanoha-mama with a sad face. Fate kneeled down before her, "Smile for her."

"Mm." She ran for the door and put her shoes on.

--

"Ah, is that rasberry?" Shamal smelled the shampoo.

"It is. I had to wash her and..." Fate trailed off.

Shamal understood, "Oh, wow, I'll do all I can." Nanoha was placed in a hospital gown and sat upon the bed. "Heart rate normal, blood pressure low, eyes dilating, throat normal. Nanoha can you speak?" Shamal asked. Nanoha groaned only showing that she was awake. "Did she eat something strange last night?"

Fate blinked, "Eh, no, not strange. I mean, nothing strange. Dinner was pasta. I mean, Italian." She chided herself for being embarrassed.

"Relax." Shamal smiled. "I can find nothing wrong with her."

"Shamal-sensei, I... how do I say this..."

"You groped her?" Shamal fancied a guess.

"Yes and this and that, but there was no reaction. I'm a bit scared, to be honest."

Shamal gave her a short hug, "I'll keep her here for the day. I have interns coming in after lunch, but other than that, my schedule is ordinary. So, I'll be watching her myself whenever I can."

"Thank you again for everything."

Shamal smiled, "I'm happy to help."

Fate bowed and departed. If Nanoha wasn't sick then leaving her here was best. Even so, she was getting more concerned with each step. Training all of the forwards alone would keep her mind off this, no doubt.

"Hayate," Shamal smiled, "Good morning."

"Good morning, Shamal-sensei," Hayate smiled, but she knew this greeting was only a formality. Something was always up when Shamal called at this hour.

"Nanoha is ill today, I will be keeping her in my care." She smiled, but the smile was easy to read.

Hayate frowned, "Ill?"

"Yes, I am sorry to say I do not yet know what with or why. She has only one symptom, lethargy. She has no will power, no energy, and she doesn't talk. She has no reaction to specific stimulants."

Hayate took in the words one at a time and blinked at the last one, "Specific stimulants..."

"Yes."

"Oh! Wow, that's.... She must be ill, then. I'll see to it her forwards are taken care of." Hayate tried to laugh it off. She soon stopped. "Sorry, keep me informed."

"Have a good day, Hayate." Shamal bowed and the communication ended. "Now, what am I going to do with you? You must have missed breakfast. I guess you won't complain if I hook up an I.V. Sadly, I wish you would as it breaks my heart to see you like this." She walked out of the room to get the needed supplies.

From within a mind's eye, darkness swirled around her. Nanoha clawed and fought against the shadows, but they were neither solid nor real. She screamed out with her mind, but no sound escaped her.

Shamal returned and set up the I.V. "Will I need that too?" she shook her head. "Nanoha, you are getting old." The joke was ignored. This only made herself more depressed. She took for granted how much energy the girl shared with everyone. Seeing her like this could bring many down, no doubt. She couldn't let it. She had to be cured for everyone's sake.

--

Fate walked into the training area with Vita close behind. Vita soon took over, "Listen up! Nanoha is not feeling well today so we wil be your instructors. We won't be going easy on you!"

Teana, Subaru, Elio and Caro looked happy. Fate couldn't wait for the new recruits to join them. Fate smiled, "Actually, I thought about doing speed tests."

"Awesome." Subaru couldn't hold herself back.

Vita added, "No devices."

They groaned. Vita stared at them and they stopped, "Good, now 100 meters, dash, dash!" She shooed them to the track field which was now displayed in the training area.

--

Hours passed by without change, Shamal by chance looked at the small red gem that rested on the table beside her. "Raising Heart, good morning."

"Good morning." it responded.

"What is your opinion towards Nanoha?"

"My master is not alright. Please scan linker core."

Shamal blinked, she couldn't believe it. "Clare Wind!" She called forth her device with a kiss of her ring. The pendulum device dropped down on its strings, "Scan her linker core."

Statistics flashed by her eyes, she read them aloud. "Her linker core is actively fighting against an unknown energy." Shamal observed. "She is under a spell. Hayate!"

A screen appeared beside her. Hayate was hard at work writing another report, but she was quickly distracted, "Yes?"

"Contact Yuuno-sensei, I will need his help. I suspect Nanoha is under a spell."

Hayate responded sharply, "Roger." She ended the communication. She then opened another one with the Infinite Library office.

"Hello."

"Good morning, Hayate." Yuuno smiled.

Hayate blinked and became serious once again. "Is there a spell on record that can deliberately cause lethargy?"

Yuuno was perplexed, "I had never heard of one."

"That's what I was afraid of."

"If there was such a spell, it would not be Midchildan nor Belkan."

Hayate sighed, "Is it new?"

"Unlikey."

"Could there be a magic older than Belkan?"

"It's not unthinkable. I will spend the day researching this. I should have something to report in one hour."

"Thank you, Yuuno-sensei."

"Has someone been inflicted with this?"

"Its Nanoha." Hayate couldn't lie.

"I'll do my best."

"I know you will."

--

The meeting began with everyone on edge. Even without knowing what was going on, they knew something was wrong. Vita spoke up, "Are we planning a surprise party for Nanoha?"

Fate almost laughed, "No, I wish we were, however."

Hayate sat down, "Thank you everyone for coming. I'll be frank, Nanoha has fallen ill as of this morning, possibly over night. I have spoken with Yuuno-sensei and Shamal-sensei through the course of the day. She has no energy, no will power, and won't even speak let alone." She turned to Fate. "Fate can also vouch for her symptoms."

Fate cleared her throat.

"Her linker core is fighting against it. She is not sick, but inflicted with a spell causing this lethargy." Everyone watched with baited breath. "The implications of this action are far graver than the illness itself. Someone has cast this spell on her. This spell is not in our books. Yuuno-sensei?"

The large screen behind her turned on, "Hello, everyone. I have concluded from my hour of research that the magic used on Nanoha was as I suspected. The spell predates El Hazard by centuries. This means two things. This came from another dimension and or it came from someone who knows this form of magic. If they know this form of magic, I am under the impression they know more."

"We have a rogue mage with possibly hostile intentions inflicting a debilitating spell on a triple S ranked mage without warning or provocation." Hayate's raised her voice. She had also risen from her seat with her hands flat on the table. "Without any indication the mage even exists. This... if this was just a fluke, then..." She sat down and adjusted her skirt. "I'm not sure what to think, but a lot comes to mind."

The others waited until they were given permission to speak, but Hayate spoke up again, "We can do nothing about this mage until he or she makes their presence known should he or she exist. So, more importantly, Nanoha must be cured. What she could tell us may prove invaluable and speaking freely, we need her. Feel free to comment."

"This, is a new conflict." Fate spoke. "Is this our jurisdiction?"

"Riot squad section 6 existed for a purpose that had been fullfilled. Disbandment is not only inevitable, but necessary given the quality of members and the necessity to give that quality to the other branches of the military. Yet, at this point we are still a team. We don't officially know what is wrong, so it will be investigated. Fate, you will make a team. Signum, Vita, Shari will see to the forwards. We will take care of our own until we are told otherwise."

"Yes, Ma'am!" They saluted, happily.

--

After practice, it had gotten late in the day. School ended for Vivio and Fate still had no idea how to break this to her.

"Did you hear?" Subaru ran over to Teana.

"Yes, I did, but go ahead." She sipped her drink.

"Nanoha is sick with some sort of spell. I didn't think that was possible."

"It's not, ordinarily." Teana frowned and stretched, "Want the rest of my drink?"

"Oh, sure." She took it and sat down on the bench. Teana got up and walked away. "Hey, wait up!"

"I'm going to see Nanoha."

Subaru grabbed onto her arm only to have it pulled away, "Are we allowed?"

"I'll try, wouldn't you?"

"Of course!" She smiled. Teana couldn't admit it, but at least someone was happy around her.

They found the other forwards in the waiting room. "Got here before us?" Teana joked.

"Yeah," Elio nodded, "Shamal-sensei said we couldn't go in. So, here we are."

"I'll try," Teana walked over to the room and knoced on the door.

"No admittance," Shamal sounded like she said it a dozen times.

"Private Teana Lanstar and Private Subaru Nakajima, may we enter at a later time?" she asked.

"Possibly, please wait in the waiting area."

Subaru thanked her and headed for the room, but Teana knew this was the same thing she told the others. They weren't going to see her, the rumors had to be true. This was almost quarentine. About an hour past them by. Subaru had left and returned with fast food. Fate walked up and patted Elio and Caro on the head. She had Vivio in her other arm. Subaru smiled and stood up. "Fate-san!"

"Hello, everyone. I brought Vivio, but all I can think of is to visit. I'm not sure what to say." She watched their expressions, "Were you able to?"

"No." Teana spoke. She looked to Fate and spoke with her mind privately, "Is it a quarentine?"

Fate's smile faded, "Not officially," she responded. She smiled again to assure the others, "I will see her now and put the good word in for you."

"Thank you, Fate-san." Elio, Caro and Subaru spoke in unison. Teana forced a smiled.

Vivio was glad to see everyone, but she was as concerned as her mother was even if she didn't know what it meant. "Fate-mama, will Nanoha-mama be alright?"

Fate smiled as she walked down the hall to the room, "She will. Shamal-sensei is a great doctor."

"I'm glad." Vivio smiled. Fate smiled back, she knew Vivio was only trying to cheer her up. She was being the big girl. She was too young, but then again she was so much like her mother. Nanoha had rubbed off on her so easily, just as she had on her long before. Now, they had to be happy for her sake.

"Shamal-sensei, I brought Vivio."

"Fate-san, You know that... come in." Shamal relented. The door opened and soon closed behind them. Vivio's eyes watered just a bit at the sight. Her mama was merely sleeping soundly on the bed. She knew this was bad.

"Shamal-sensei." Vivio looked to her.

"Vivio-chan, come here." Shamal took her from Fate and walked over beside the bed. "She is sleeping, her health is fine. I could wake her, but for now she should rest." For that was the only good news. It wasn't comatose, but it may as well have been. She talked to Fate, privately, "Fate-san, Yuuno-sensei has been researching spell removal. We have ways of removing certain kinds of spells, but there is no way to know what will work. You understand that removing a spell without knowing the nature has its risks."

Fate stood beside them and smiled. She stroked Nanoha's hair until Vivio got the idea in her head to take over, "She seems so peaceful, but deep down I know she's in pain," she shared the though.

"Yes." Shamal sighed inwardly.

"The field of magic was limited to prevent an arms race, but if mages exist that know no limits..." Shamal ventured.

"We may be obsolete, no matter how high ranking we are." Fate's voice became flat. She watched Vivio closely. "Vivio's future..." She swallowed, "If we learn these new magics..."

"We will manage somehow like we have countless times before," Shamal smiled warmly.

Vivio smiled and looked at them, "Nanoha-mama smells like rasberries!" She was even happier having gotten a laugh.

Nanoha stirred and blinked, "Vivio?" She hugged her tight. Laughter and tears once more. Subaru had been listening just outside.

"Hayate!" Shamal shouted. She smiled and motioned Subaru to come in. She coughed and lowered her voice, "Nano..."

"I see. Welcome back." Hayate smiled. She knew the spell ran its course or was removed. There was no escaping the nagging feeling of war.

--

"Was it a success?" A shadow.

"I wonder." A grin.

--

Hayate sat down at the table and folded her hands before her. "Nanoha, please explain."

"Fate and I had dinner, played... around and went to sleep. I was in great spirits last night. When I fell asleep; it was quite deep. I didn't dream at all. When Fate awoke me it was as if I never awoke. I dreamed while I was awake, but it wasn't a day dream. I had my complete attention on nothing. I mean it's not like I lost attention of everything for something. I mean." She scratched her head.

"What did you see?" Hayate asked.

"Shadows, I was scratching and clawing through walls of shadows. I couldn't see anyone or anything. I could hear muffled voices and thoughts. I screamed out to them, but no sound or thought escaped me." She smiled as a hand was placed on hers.

"Here is what we know." Hayate paused, "Someone placed a spell on you while you were asleep."

Nanoha blinked, "How?"

"We don't know. He or she does not exist according to our security." The words chilled them both at the thought. Vivio was only asleep in the next room over. "Whoever it is knows stealth tactics and is good at them. They also know magic not of any known dimension. They sought you out. I fear they could have picked anyone from our ranks. I do not like where these theories lead us, but we need to prepare for war."

"Hayate..." Nanoha tried to comfort, but Hayate just smiled.

"Nanoha, after the Scaglietti incident, I can not tread lightly in preparation for the worst. We will recruit the Numbers into our ranks. You will train them along side your forwards."

"Yes, Ma'am." Fate and Nanoha saluted.

"Go, spend time with Vivio, tomorrow will be a very productive day."

"Thank you." Nanoha smiled.

Spoiler for Puncture Bolt:

"Burn one person." A grin.

"One?"

"I will not allow more." He was stern.

"Damn it. Fine, one."

"Good." he handed over a piece of paper. "It must be this spell."

--

Shouts, orders, and people were rushed through the hall of the hospital. "Contact Dr. Tipton at once!" Shamal shout the order at nurse. "Contact all the burn specialists you can find! This is an emergency!" She looked down upon the gurney at the patient, "Hang in there, kid."

--

Hayate walked around the meeting table and sat down. She had a lot on her ind and her commanders were filing in one by one. "Fate, Nanoha, everyone, thank you for coming once again. I fear we will have many more meetings like this. A young child that attends the Mid-Childan Academy, the grade school affiliate. Same school as your daughter, was burned walking home. The wound has healed, but after treatment all healing stopped. The wound refuses to heal and has scarred the boy's arm possibly permanently." She knew what this meant. It was the unfathomable, "The boy has no linker core or at least had not developed one yet. He is presumed to be a random target. That's the good news. Bad news, the burn was not caused by physical means. It is another spell."

"A spell?" Nanoha gasped. "Mid-childan magic is incapable of bodily harm except for expending life force with excessive use." She blinked, "It is non lethal by nature."

"Which is why we feel who ever caused this is connected to the lethargy you underwent. Yuuno-sensei, I would appreciate your opinion." A large screen appeared behind her. Yuuno's face appeared, but he was reading a book. "Yuuno-sensei?"

"One second," he finished a sentence and closed the book, "The spell punctured the arm and burnt the surrounding area. It wasn't a powerful spell, but it had great meaning in its use. First, we have a spell that we can not as of yet, remove and then we have an injury we can not as of yet, heal. We are either being tested or intimidated by this unknown force."

Hayate nodded. She agreed completely, "How has training with the Numbers gone?"

Fate spoke up, "Prodding, scolding and a little tough love. They will be a great asset to the military." Fate smiled at Nanoha.

"I'm happy to hear that, but I'm afraid these incidents have reached the top. I have been requested to meet with the generals tonight. They may very well decide the fate of Section 6."

"Even if we are apart..." Vita offered.

"Vita, we are a family, but we need each other for more than that. We are a team that has trained and lived together. Splitting it up is not something I want, but I will accept it. We are training our replacements and you know well how much they mean to us."

Vita smiled, "I'll make sure they are worthy."

"Good."

--

Subaru stretched. She was ready for another sparring match with Teana, but it appeared that her partner was not ready. Something was on her mind. Something had to be done.

"SUBARU! I told you not to grope me!" Teana was flushed and holding her chest defensively.

"Aw, but you have great breasts!" She snickered.

"I can't thank you." Teana walked away, now angry at her.

Subaru quickly walked along side her, "You were distracted, what's wrong?"

"I... heard something." She slipped back into her distraction and sighed. "What if there was unrestricted magic. Magic that could do near anything a caster wanted within their power."

"I don't get it." Subaru smiled.

"I heard a young boy was burned, but Shamal-sensei could not heal the wound."

"Oh, wow. Then that means that..."

"Yes." She took a seat on a bench nearby.

"I have no idea where this is going." Subaru laughed and sat beside her. Teana dropped her head in defeat.

"It means that magic in another diension can cause biological harm. Even the embers of Signum's blade isn't enough to burn you. It just accelerates your decline in magic energy until you can no longer defend or fight."

Subaru nodded, "I never thought of it that way."

"Fate's lightning does not electricute you in any meaningful way. It is painful and serious, but afterwards you can walk it off."

Subaru nodded fast, she felt it before.

Teana continued, "The barrier jacket is the strongest part of your magic and it takes the brunt of all attacks you can not block. It is really hard to destroy one with just magic, but if such a fire spell existed, then I fear that might not stay true."

Subaru frowned, she hated being sad and she hated seeing her partner sad. "Let's go on a date tonight!"

"What!?" Teana blushed again.

"Ah, we havn't gone out in awhile. I know you want to ride that motorcycle again."

Teana scratched her chin and took interest in the grass, "Well, yeah, I do. On one condition."

"Then lets have a good time! Besides, it would only be for dinner. We get to spar with the Numbers tomorrow, right? Wait, condition?"

"That's right. Yes, we will have it tomorrow night."

"Ah, we can have a longer date then. Awesome!"

Signum had been watching patiently from behind the bench, "You say many interesting things, Lanstar."

"Signum!" Teana jumped from the bench and turned to her, "How long...?"

"Relax, none of that is classified, yet. I will have a talk with Hayate. I'll put the good word in for you." Signum gave a quick smile and walked off.

Teana blinked and realized she was being praised, "Thank you! Thank you so much."

"Tia... Signum left." Subaru laughed as the girl shook off another blush. She pouted and promptly sat down on the bench.

"Just for that, buy me a juice."

"Haha, alright."

--

Hayate walked down the main hall of headquarters. She was approaching the primary meeting room where the Generals awaited. Signum joined her and stopped. Hayate looked to her, "You have news?"

"In a way." She explained what she heard. "It is not something new, but I felt it was pertinent."

"It is, I'll talk with Teana another time. Unfortunately, we need to think the unthinkable. People will be put under spells we have no way to remove and injurred in ways we can not heal. With this in mind, we need to over come these obstacles before things become worse."

--

Fate awoke the next morning with Nanoha making coffee and Vivio snug in her own arms. "Good morning, Vivio." She kissed her forehead. This was a far better morning than the last. The look on Nanoha's face when she explained the morning from her point of view was more than enough. Even so, they promised each other a dinner together on their next day off.

Nanoha walked into the room wearing a robe, "I made coffee and breakfast. Vivio, you need to let Fate-mama get up, now."

"Aw, so warm." Vivio yawned, but was soon carried off the bed.

"Go get dressed for school, I'l be down shortly." Fate smiled.

"Mm!" Vivio stole a kiss and ran off to her bedroom.

"Fate."

"I know, she snuck in. The kid was from her school, no doubt word spread."

"Should they have an announcement to the student body?" Nanoha crossed her arms and thought about it.

"I don't know." Fate walked over and put a hand on Nanoha's side, "He will go to school again, the cast might not ever be removed, but he can live on. He is a good boy."

"You want a son, don't you?" Nanoha teased. She batted her eyelashes and tried not to laugh.

"Hehe, maybe." Fate ran a hand through her messy hair.

"So, how are we doing it this time? You or me?"

Fate blinked, now completely off guard, "Seriously?"

"As a paycheck," Nanoha stuck her tongue out.

"Then you."

"Mou!" Nanoha complained only to be chased out of the room. The door was closed on her. Fate had quickly torn off her clothes and grabbed the hanger from the closet. "Hey! No fair! I want to see that new pair I bought you!"

"Shush!" Fate scolded her. They both laughed.

--

"Is that all? I'm bored!"

"You are always bored, go on a date with her. No magic or I will not allow you to date tonight." He knew the logic made sense only to her.

"Fine. I will have a good date tonight and you won't!" She stuck her tongue out and left in a hurry.

--

Training with the numbers came and went. Hayate once again recalled the commanders into a meeting. All of the forwards knew now that a crisis was forming. Even so, they had more time to themselves. "So, Tia, where are we going tonight?"

"I feel like lobster."

"Aw, that's so expensive!" Subaru was drooling.

"We'll split it." Teana smiled and turned away. She could hear snickering behind her.

--

"Section 6 will remain unchanged for the interim. That's the word from the higher ups." Hayate smiled, "We are to head a city wide investigation into the possibility of a force of mages acting in secret. They are to be considered dangerous, but are not to be confronted. Long Arch will act as a spearhead where all information will be directed, collected and redistributed amongst field agents. Yuuno-sensei will act once again as head council. Form your teams. You will need all the forwards you have to scour the city." Hayate turned to a hand raised just a little above the table, "Nanoha."

"If they can act freely against us without our knowledge, then we can not assume they know nothing about our intel and actions."

"We take our security measures for granted, the higher ups told me to just do your best. To think they have such faith in me." Hayate sighed, "Please continue."

"If we act as if nothing is going on and investigate while we are going about our lives, then they will not react in haste. They will not be provoked." Nanoha winked at Fate. Hayate blinked.

"You just gave a great excuse for a date tonight, fine, you are all dismissed. Proceed as reccomended by Captain Nanoha." She shook her head. Nanoha was being sly, but she was right.

"Yes, Ma'am!" They saluted. Being ordered to work while off duty was a rare treat. Vita was already imagining ice cream in her future.

--

Nanoha gathered her forwards and smiled brightly, "I have been ordered to take you all on an investigation. You are to explore the city tonight in pairs of your choosing looking for suspicious activities. The local police are also looking, but we have an eye for trouble, don't we?" Despite the words, she was smiling happily.

"We'll do our best!" Elio saluted.

"You and Caro behave now." Nanoha was kicking herself for pulling this off. She could already smell the steak.

"Tia, is Nanoha, OK?"

"She's drooling, relax, its normal." Teana smiled. "Will dinner be paid for?"

"Yep." Nanoha chirped.

"Oh, boy." Teana nodded. "Subaru?" she looked at her partner whom had the same knowing, happy expression on her face as Nanoha.

--

"Ha-chan!" She whined.

She laughed as she gazed into another window. This time was cookware, "These are so pretty."

"You walk too slow!" She whined again.

She turned and walked off away from her, "Do not!" she teased.

"Hey!" She ran after her, "Ha-chan is mean!" She stuck her tongue out. "Say, this would be a great city to play music in. I'd love to hear you sing again!"

"Aw, that's so sweet." She smiled, "We can not do that." She looked at the expression on her friend's face, "Yet."

"AH! Ha-chan look at that display there!" She ran over to it. It had the latest fashions.

"Silly girl, I was just window shopping."

"Ah, sorry! Haha, but these jeans are great! I bet they won't burn too fast."

"The things you think about." She teased, "Fu-chan, let's have dinner."

"And afterwards we can have sex, right?"

"No."

"No? I always have sex after dinner!"

"No. You always have sex after breakfast, too."

"You're mean!" she stuck her tongue out again.

"I am chaste. You are not. I accept that." She smiled.

--

"Tia!" Subaru ran to another window and pointed. "Look, look!"

Teana sighed and looked at the display. They had decided to walk since they were people watching. Of course, people watching to Subaru was everything but. "Subaru, oh, that is neat." It was hopeless trying to put a leash on the girl.

They walked arm in arm after much insistance from Subaru that it was part of the 'act' they were performing. It didn't make sense to Teana, but she accepted the excuse. It was always fun to be around her partner, no matter how infuriating. "So, where do we eat? I know we wanted lobster, but if we are people watching, we should eat outside."

"Ah, right, well," Subaru tapped her foot and thought it over, "I asked Fate about that, there's this place up the street with tables outsode and good food. We might even run into Fate and Nanoha there."

"Ah, of course." It was just as she suspected. Their commanders were just school girls in love. "Let's do that."

"Yay!" Subaru jumped with a fist in the air. Teana had to laugh, "Can we get ice cream afterwards?"

"Yes, yes."

They soon arrived and hoped to get a seat outside at the Cafe del Sol. It was packed. It wasn't as high priced as it sounded, but the food was well reviewed. They had to show their I.D.'s to get preferential treatment. Once they walked over to the free table, two ladies were seated having a rather boisterous one sided conversation.

The waiter asked another about them and found they were not seated there. In fact, they were not even in line before. He regarded the fiery red head and the girl in the pretty green dress and dark green hair. He swallowed and walked over to them once more, "Excuse me, ladies, there is a line."

"Eh!? I'm not waiting in any line!" The fiery red head stood up. The other grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into the seat. "But..."

"Ssh."

The waiter adjusted his collar. It was getting hot outside, "I'm going to have to ask you two to leave."

"No way!" She was standing again and was out of reach of her friend's hand. She clenched her fists tightly. Her pretty friend stood up slowly and adjusted her dress. She walked around the chairs between the waiter and her friend. She stared into her eyes and waited. "Hana."

"Fu-chan."

Teana's eyes were wide, she could feel her aura enveloping the cafe. It was hot. Subaru looked back and forth and saw a situation getting out of hand. "No, wait, wait it's ok! We can all eat together. There is room for four here, right? Right?" She turned to Teana for support. Teana just shrugged.

The waiter couldn't argue with that. If the soldier said it was, OK, then the soldier could clean up and pay for whatever mess there was. "Very well."

They all sat at the table, "Well, sorry about that." Hana smiled, "My friend is a fuse, sometimes." She moved her chair back and curtsied, "I am Hana Meadowgrain."

"Fury." Fury spat and looked away.

"Teana, this is Subaru." Teana smiled. "We're on a date tonight, actually."

Fury lost her temper and looked at them, "You two? On a date? Wow, I thought you were sisters!" She started laughing until a gentle elbow poked her in the ribs. "Sorry, sorry."

A thought hit Teana, "Progress report." It was Nanoha. She assumed she was nearby and wanting to get it overwith. Teana didn't want to bother her too much. These two were just new faces, not a threat. "Negative. We are having dinner on the street as suggested." She responded. "Good. Nanoha out."

Subaru had been distracted by the menu, "They do have lobster!" Subaru was drooling again.

"Lobster?" Fury blinked, "That's some water creature, right?"

"Well, it's cooked, not raw." Teana offered.

"Bah, if it isnt cooked, I'll cook it myself!" she was elbowed again. "I know, I know." she rubbed her side, "Waiter!"

He almost jumped out of his skin, but soon regained his composure and walked over to them, "Yes?"

"I'll have your best steak, it better be burnt!"

"Excuse me?"

"She wishes to eat it very well done. She likes the skin charred."

"Ah, very well."

"Also, use whatever spices you have, tobasco, wasabi, garlic, whatever." Fury rattled off. Teana was perplexed by this.

"Are you sure?" The waiter stuck to his routine despite wanting to just walk away.

"Yeah!" Fury was angry again.

"I will do my best. Is everyone else ready? Maybe some drinks?"

"Have some energy drink?" Fury spoke up again.

"Fu-chan, you can have one on the way home." Hana smiled.

"Fine, just get me good coffee, and a plate of sugar."

Hana laughed.

Subaru and Teana were both watching, Fury had a tenacity to own the environment she was in. Maybe they shouldn't join. It was going to be a long date.

The waiter looked to the two privates as if to ask for help, "Your orders?"

"We'll split a lobster meal, also, two colas, and a shrimp appetizer."

"Ack, so much seafood." Fury complained. She was elbowed again. "Ha-chaaan." She whined and rubbed her side.

"I only do this to show you how much I care about you." She flirted.

"That's so sweet!" She went for a kiss only to have a finger block her lips.

"Not until you behave."

"I'll never get a kiss then!" Fury turned away and crossed her arms. "Oh waiter, salad for the salad girl." She was elbowed again.

Subaru started laughing. She couldn't take any more of this. Teana sighed. There was no helping it. She elbowed Subaru. Subaru stopped and thought for a second and started laughing again. Teana blinked and frowned. She crossed her arms and looked away. "Aw, haha, Tia!" Subaru wiped her eyes and calmed down.

"You know, you are pretty cute." Fury was looking at Subaru.

Teana did a doube take. "You..." She turned to Hana expecting another elbow, but nothing came of it. She blinked again.

"Heh, thank you, I love your hair. Is it dyed?"

"Ah, well, no. Haha, I actually had..." She was elbowed for this. "I never tell!" She looked to Hana whom was ignoring her.

"You two seem so close, have you've been dating long?" Teana thought to change the subject. It couldn't hurt learning more about them.

Hana regarded Teana and understood the situation. "You could say that. Fury and I have a long history. In fact, we are in a band together. I play the flute, and other small instruments." She stopped knowing well Fury would talk on this subject for an hour.

"You sing too! Oh, we all sing. Yeah! I play guitar. Oh, also drums when I'm allowed to. Haha, man that time I broke his drum set, that was hilarious!"

"I bet." Hana smiled.

"The smell was horrible, what were those things made of?" Fury turned to Hana whom was considering how to respond.

"Hide."

"Oh, right, man that guy is incredible, but his tastes are out there!"

"We are an eccentric sort. Bards, if you will. Five of us."

"Where are you from?" Subaru asked. Teana realised that was the most important question to ask.

"Here and there, we travel from city to city, until we reached here. It is a magnificent city, although I do love the parks more. You have a respect for nature that I can respect."

"She only talks as much as I do when its about trees." Fury laughed. She was elbowed again.

--

"Fate." Nanoha spoke. "Teana said she had nothing to report and then told me she was having dinner where you suggested."

"She's eating dinner across the street with two other girls their ages. One hasn't moved while the other can't sit still. Do you think?"

"Eccentric personalities make for eccentric mages. I can not call this a lead, but I want to follow through on this."

"Are we walking over?"

"After the steak." The plate arrived.

"Ah, that is divine." Fate put a hand upon her fork.

--

"Fury! Use a fork!" Hana scolded. She was also laughing.

"It's no fun! I'm on a date to have fun and I'm going to rip this steak apart myself!" Her fingers slipped on the layer of spices. "This is so good! You should try..."

"Don't offer me meat, Fury." Hana sounded angry for once.

"No, uh, you two should!"

"No, thank you." Teana grabbed another shrimp and dipped it in the sauce.

"Such boring sea critters." Fury grumbled and ripped off another small chunk of steak.

"Whale is eaten, sometimes shark. You would enjoy eating something that could eat you." Hana teased.

"Only if I can have sex with you!"

"Never mind." Hana dabbed her mouth with a napkin to hide a blush.

Teana dropped her half eaten shrimp on the table. Subaru swallowed and choked on her food.

What the hell. Teana was getting exhausted. Luckily her lobster arrived and it looked divine. The waiter insisted on their behalf it be done well. The tip was going to be appreciated. "Subaru, if you will."

"I will!" Subaru pulled off the tail and dug in. She put some on Teana's plate and then her own.

Fury looked over at Hana whom was slowly eating her salad. She went to say something, but Hana looked to her. Fury continued to gnaw on her steak.

Minutes passed in an aweful silence. Gnawing was not a silent activity, after all. Nanoha walked over when it seemed opportune to do so. She was wearing a beautiful blue dress which shown in light. Teana recognized it, but she was still stunning in it. "Hello, Teana, Subaru."

Hana looked up at her and stood. "Hello, my name is Hana Meadowgrain. My incomperable friend is Fury." She smiled.

"Incomp, what is that?" Fury blinked.

"Eat your steak, dear." Hana batted her eyelashes.

"Hello, My name is Nanoha Testarossa. I teach economics in fact, these two are my students."

"I'm happy to have met you."

Nanoha turned to Teana and asked her with absolute frankness if she suspected they were mages. Teana blinked and took another bite of her lobster.

Teana replied, "Fury has an aura of fire, but I could not ascertain if the aura was magical."

Nanoha smiled, "I will let you children finish eating. Have a good night."

"Have a good night, Miss Testarossa!" Teana smiled and waved as she walked away. Subaru was busy eating. Teana was thankful for that.

"She's hot." Fury added. Subaru almost choked again.

--

"Hana, you have much to tell."

"I ate dinner with two of her soldiers. She approached me and measured us. We were not discovered, but Private Teana has suspicions."

"Let her. This was merely a test for all of us. They saw of us as much as we saw of them. I have asked Pacifica to let us play in a club."

"That's good news." Hana smiled.

Spoiler for Orn's Mind Reading:

"I tell fortunes for fun." Orn smiled, may I give yours, pretty girl?" He smiled at Nanoha.

"Should I?" Nanoha laughed. Fate smiled back and gave a thumbs up. "Alright."

"Your hands," He took one hand in each of his and closed his eyes. He fought back a smile as he peered into her mind, "You are in love with a beautiful young girl with blond hair." Fate blushed. "She wasn't always a good little girl, but she found your way into your heart as yours was found in her." he smiled. "Her name... what was it...with a V"

"Vivio?" Nanoha blinked. Fate's eyes opened wide, she started laughing off the trick he pulled. Still, he was good. Orn smiled.

"I envisioned her young, but it appears that she is still young. To be fair, you ladies are all young to me and I am happy to be of service to you." He clasped his hands and turned away while Fate tried not to break out into either tears or laughter or both. The alcohol was no help, of course. Nanoha hugged and apologized for the silliness.

"Fate-san, might I read your mind next?" Orn winked at her. She smiled back. It was time for payback.

"Alright." Fate held her hands out and he took them softly. Fate stuck her tongue out at Nanoha.

"Hmm, yes, your name is as it suggests. I see red. Red is a good color on you, passionate, strong, fast, ruthless. You seem to favor black clothes, but your panties are another story." He turned away and walked back to the stage as Nanoha broke out into laughter.

"Damn you!" Fate was fully embarrassed now, she had just bought those. They were red silk, too.

Orn smiled seeing Elio and Caro talking with each other at a table. He looked to Hana and back to the kids. Hana smiled and walked to the table. A mere suggestion was enough.

"Hello." Hana bowed, "May I sit here with you?"

"Not at all, Caro-chan?"

"Please." She smiled.

"Thank you, both." Hana took the seat between them and collected her hands politely on her lap. "Did you enjoy my singing?"

"Very much so!" Elio was a little too excited for Caro's taste. Elio took note of her expression, but didn't know what it meant.

"Thank you, so much. Pacifica is such a glorious singer, but I'm glad I am able to sing now and then. I do love the flute. Its too bad I cannot do both." she frowned. Elio laughed.

"Ha-chan!" Fury grabbed a chair, spun it around and sat on it. She had her elbows on the table and a smart ass look on her face, "Hey kids, sup?"

"Just talking, Fu-chan. Won't you sit properly?"

"If I did that, I wouldn't be my sexy self now wouldn't I?" She laughed heartily.

"I guess not." Hana nodded.

"You think I'm sexy then?" She elbowed her.

"Someone does." Hana smiled.

"Oh? Who, who? C'mon!" She had her attention wholly on Hana now.

"Break is over." Dross spoke. Hana nearly fell out of her chair. She was sweating badly at the sound of the voice. Fury caught her and helped her up.

"We'll be right there!" Fury smiled, "I get to play guitar," she winked. "Think you can keep up?"

"No." Hana smiled. Her composure had returned.

--

"I recall our first encounter with the bards. Hana is deathly afraid of Dross. I always found that unusual." Teana explained. "Hana and Fury were pretty close. Dross and Fury are also close, but its a much different relationship." Tean turned to the group, "Orn and Hana don't talk. Orn talks alot with Pacifica and Dross. Pacifica talks primarily with Hana and Orn. She's scolds Dross and Fury more often than talks."

"Five different personalities. Five different magic styles. Friendly and unfriendly combinations making a balanced pentagram." Hayate thought aloud. "Nanoha, is this familir to you?"

"Old Earth mythos." Nanoha answered. "Five magics. Life, thought, death, passion, nature. Thought..." she blinked. "Orn did fortunes, but they were mind readings. Things we were thinking of that day, maybe sooner."

"He no doubt did a deep scan." Hayate frowned. "That's a violation of magical ethics and a chargeable offence."

"More like, we've been had." Fate nodded.

[Raging Heart]

Hey everyone, i have to say something here.

Crossing Hearts Part five may be up tonight or tomorrow.

i have to go out for few hours with friendsl BBQ outside at park-beach, that mean no laptop, well i will have to take pen and notebook with me and start writing there.

speaking of writing, i have a little suprise, And BP Haru you may like this one, i think.

[TerranReaper]

Spoiler for KOTR 24:

KOTR 24
Subaru looked out from the window of Angel Heart. She has survived there for a very long time after the Nuclear Armageddon and the excavation site entrance was blocked. Before the nuclear attack, she was sent by General Bernard to the dig site to investigate after Construct was seen attacking the people there, including Ginga, Subaru’s sister. Well, when she just entered the cave, a nuclear bomb exploded not far from the entrance of the cave, causing the cave entrance to be blocked by rubble. She found the entire working crew dead but her sister was no where to be seen along with Construct. 11 months she has been in there and she survived on rainwater that dripped into the cave and ate food supplies left by the crew. She longed to be rescued but until now, she seemed to have given up hope.

“11 long months with no chances of being rescued. What is the point living in this stupid dark cave with a stupid wreck?” she asked herself. Angel Heart was nothing more than a shelter but only a few lights lit up the wreck. It gave Subaru goosebumps just looking at it. Her food supplies now may only last her for another 2 days. After that, she might as well eat rocks. Mach Caliber was the only thing she can talk to but conversations were usually limited. Looking at her armor, she noticed it was getting tattered. Great, 11 months of hell is just the thing she needs to get away from it all. “If only Teana were here, she knows what to do,” Subaru mumbled and slumped onto a table, fatigued. Just as she was about to doze off, Subaru heard her radio crackle in static. A voice broke through it.

“The cave entrance is blocked. Blow it open!” a voice came out from it. Moments later, Subaru heard an explosion. One minute went by but she saw nothing. Then, a flash of light hit her face. She covered her eyes as the light was too bright. “Look, is that really Subaru?” someone asked. Subaru saw a towering figure stand before her. The figure held out her hand. “Subaru, get up,” she said. That voice was so familiar. Who was it again? Subaru focused on the face of the lady and saw a familiar trainer of hers. It was Nanoha. “Colonel, is that really you?” Subaru asked. “Of course it’s me, silly. Come, we better hurry back before our enemies arrive,” Nanoha said.

Nanoha gave Subaru power armor parts rather than a full power armor because it was rather cumbersome to carry about. It did not give Subaru total protection but it increased her strength. “Colonel, my sister…I wasn’t able to find her,” Subaru said. Nanoha looked at Subaru and nodded. “Don’t worry, we’ll find her,” she assured Subaru.

I’m sure you still remember Lance Valentine, right? The one that went missing for so long and hadn’t returned? Well, he was doing quite fine, living in comfort but not enjoying it. The anarchists claimed that he is the lost knight that was mind-erased 10 years ago when TSAB invaded Lilith. Whatever it is, he didn’t really believe them. They were lying…were they? “I am not a knight, I insisted that. How can they be so headstrong?” Lance asked himself. “Actually, you are the one that is headstrong, Joseph Andreas,” Lysenthia said as she entered his room. “I am not Joseph Andreas. I am Lance Valentine of the Terran army for Pete’s sake,” Lance argued. “That is your second life. In your first life, you were Joseph Andreas,” Lysenthia said lamely.

“I don’t believe you,” he whispered softly. “You can say what you like but the facts are there. I even have evidence to show that you were once of the Mid-Childan colony,” Lysenthia said. She handed him a data chip and some photos. “Look through these and you’ll believe,” Lysenthia said again. Lance kept quiet so Lysenthia exited his room. Lance looked through the video and stroked his chin.

Year 2013 on the Mid-Childan administrated planet Lilith. There was Arin, all cute and bubbly. She was waiting for someone as she had a parcel in her hand. She was smiling so brightly. It was her, there was no mistake. She has violet eyes and she still had her trademark violet long hair, untied but neat. She was waiting under a tall tree, getting impatient. Just then, a teen ran towards the tree, prompting her to get up. “Joseph, you’re here!” she cried out happily. The teen named Joseph, who was now called Lance, came up to her and smiled while patting her head. “Easy there, Arin. Move too fast and you’ll break a leg. So what is it that you wanted to give me?” he asked. Arin handed him the parcel. Joseph took it but he didn’t see Arin blush beet reed.

“Hmm, let me guess…you gave me another apple pie, right?” Joseph said. Arin shook her head. “No, it’s not but it’s close to an apple pie,” she said. Joseph shook the parcel and stroked his chin, the same style as the grown up self. “A pineapple pie?” he asked. “No, but you’re close,” Arin said cheekily. “I give up. What is in there anyway?” Joseph asked. Arin opened the parcel and beamed. “I made you your favorite! Pineapple with apple pie together!” she said happily. Joseph looked at the pie and smiled. “Just like mom used to make. Thank you, Arin. You really know how to make me happy,” he said. He sat down on the ground and crossed his legs. “I want to share with you,” he said. Before Arin said anything, there came a massive explosion and it came from the village. Moments later, the two were informed by a young Lysenthia that the TSAB had attacked the village. “How can this be?! What did we do to deserve this?!” Joseph said angrily. “I’m not sure but the TSAB just attacked us. I think they’re trying to liberate the underground resources that our village stands on,” she said.

“Is that even legal?” Joseph asked. “No, but I have a feeling that the Mid-Childan government gave some reasons and excuses to attack us. Last I heard, we were accused of assassinating Senator Ignatius,” Lysenthia said, her face full of nervousness. “Ignatius died from leukemia during his stay in our village and everyone knows that,” Joseph hissed. “The government will do whatever it takes to get what they want, even if it involves accusing us for something we didn’t do,” Lysenthia said. “We must help defend the village. Arin, stay somewhere safe,” Joseph said. The screen blurred and returned, this time showing the climax of the battle. Joseph was running away from the enemy when his weapon was broken by a female mage who was 5 times his power. “No, I must get Arin first before I leave Lilith,” he said quietly. The cameraman, whoever he was, followed. “Stay where you are, I’m looking for a friend of mine. You better get to safety,” he said to the cameraman. Suddenly, a mage burst from a corner and ambushed Joseph.

“Under the orders of the government, I must have you exiled to Earth,” the mage said. Her face was in the shadows. “Why must I go to a place like that? I am innocent and I have the right to defend my village by any means necessary. Now back off, lady,” Joseph threatened. The mage binded him and knocked him down to the ground. “Do not resist lest you get hurt,” she said. The mage looked up at the cameraman, who slowly backed away in fear. Out from the darkness came Nanoha, bleeding in the head but still going strong. “You are to be exiled too,” she said and after that, static. Lance couldn’t stomach down what he saw. No doubt that was him when he was younger but how come he can’t remember a thing? The people in that village were wrongly accused of something they didn’t do…the exact tactics used by the anarchists on Erio, Caro and Lutecia.

“I don’t believe it, if all of these are true, that makes Nanoha a villain, the whole TSAB villains,” he said to himself. Is there something the TSAB had been hiding that many don’t know? After the attack and the villagers either killed or mind-erased before exiled, the Mid-Childan government declared the village non-existent and they never appeared on the map of Lilith anymore. No one acknowledged that it existed and only a few knew about the truth behind the attack. The TSAB hides a dark secret that might turn the loyal Terrans against the Mid-Childan army if word ever gets out.

Bah, I finally get to use the com after so long in exile.

[itanshi1]

Spoiler for Teana's plan.:

"THAT WOMAN!" Fate shot up out of the rubble into the air at once, lighting sparking and convulsing all over her battle aura. Her eyes were wide and focused on their prey. All other thoughts left her mind.

Fury started laughing uncontrollably. She could not believe she just dropped a building on the poor girl. She soon fell onto her back and started smacking the ground with one hand.

"Bardiche! Load Cartridges! Zanber Form!" she shouted.

"Yes, Sir!" Bardiche changed shapes at once, five cartridges loaded into the device. The chamber opened and Fate shoved in another clip of bullets.

"Genocide Shift!" Fate shouted once more and brought the now enormous broad sword above her head.

Fury glanced up into the sky at all the lightning around the battlefield. "WOW! I love lightning!" she grabbed a charm from her pouch and it glowed in her palm. At once all the stored up lightning energy tore through the sky into the ground. The hill was vaporized leaving only silicate in a crater. Fate desprately searched the remains for any sign of the enemy, but Fury was nowhere to be seen.

A tap on her shoulder made her cease all movements. Her breathing stopped. She didn't blink. Another tap on her shoulder came, but didn't stop. The tapping was impatient and was all too obvious whose temperment it belonged to. "You." Fate growled a gutteral chord. She went into sonic move silently and slashed in a full merciless 360 degrees.

"Damn!" Fury laughed now pulling herself out of another crater in the ground. It was a clean hit, but blocked. Her armor was shattered. "Ok! Once more!"

"NO MORE!" Fate went full force with her blade sending it deep into the ground where Fury's after image had been before. Fury had leapt away and was dusting herself off.

"Ah, I gotta have Orn fix this for me again. Wonder if this little do hickey still works?" she shook the medallion.

Fate returned her sword back into a scythe mode. She was sweating badly and out of breath. She wasted too much energy on yet another finishing blow.

"Fate-chan!" a voice called in her mind. She squinted at it's volume and intensity. Her body was acheing as it became apparent how hurt she really was.

"Nanoha...chan."

"I managed to secure everyone, I'll be joining you shortly with the stars members. Im afraid the lightning members are unable to follow. Are you alright?"

Fate rubbed her face with one hand and coughed. The dust was clogging her vision and her lungs. "I'm...fine." She fell over into the dirt.

"Fate-chan!"

--

Soon Nanoha soared into the battlefield. Residents swore they heard a sonic boom shortly there after. "Fate...Fate..." Nanoha scanned the area. She tried to follow the debris. She found Fury knelt down in the dirt. "Wait up!" Subaru shouted, she had Tiana on her back as they shot into the area on Wing Road.

"Fu-chan!" Nanoha was not a moment away. She stopped before them.

"Nanoha!" Fury smiled brightly. "I think she passed out, I tried to give her mouth to mouth, but I think I was doing it wrong. She handed Fate over to her. "She needs a breath mint." she added.

Nanoha smacked Fury back into the dirt. A small clowd plumed around them. Subaru and Tiana arrived in short order. "Subaru, take her to the infirmary, hurry!"

Fate winced and slowly opened her eyes, "Na..."

"Don't" Nanoha shot back in her mind.

"Jea...lous?" Fate tried to joke, but began to cough badly.

"GO! Take Tiana!" She barked.

Tiana backed away from Subaru whom quickly looked at her and then Nanoha and then Fate. "Yes, Ma'am!" Subaru loaded cartidges and blasted back down the road with Fate tightly in her arms. Tiana could only stand there next to Nanoha, she had no idea what to do. She knew haste, hatred and power were weapons Fury loved. They would never work on her. She tried it before. She was thankful it never got this bad; sad that it did. "If I may speak freely." she began. Nanoha gave her a death glare. Fury pushed herself up from the ground slowly. She rubbed her reddened cheak, her eyes wide. She was about to react. Tiana knew she had to do something, something even Nanoha couldn't stop her from doing.

Any moment now, that amazing speed that even Fate couldn't match would erupt. Even the ground would flee from where she stepped. Tiana blushed.

"Fu-chan, you have crossed me more times than I can count. I wish Starlight Breaker was enough," she sighed. "Raging Heart," she called it by its other name, "Can you handle our last resort?"

"Yes, My Master."

"Good."

"Nano..." Tiana had put her weapons away. She was fidgeting with the bottom of her shirt.

Nanoha ignored her. Tiana was truthfully scared of her now. This was the White Devil. This was what took down the mightiest foes. This was what shortened her friend's lifespan. She couldn't bear to think what her last days would be like.

"HA!" Fury spat into the air as if the air itself was a traitor to her cause. A large blaze errupted and spun around her, soon it and tore into the sky.

"Set Up!" Nanoha blasted backwards into the sky. An enormous magical circle spun out from her. Multiple mini devices ooled ou of her own device and magical circles formed around them. Energy was sucke dout of the air. "Tiana, you might not be fast enough!" she shouted. Tiana's entire body winced at the thought. She knew that leaving Fury's side was a bad idea. The countdown behind her, the fire burning the ends of her hair before her. Her trembling hands at the base of her shirt. The red blush upon her face. "TIANA!" Nanoha screamed. Tiana almost booked it, reflexively.

Tiana pulled her shirt upwards at once. Her bra long ago forgotten at home. The fire stopped. The countdown ticked to zero.

--

Nothing. Fury laid on the ground in the dirt nearly unconcious. A slightly smaller hand print embedded itself within the one Nanoha left. Tiana covered herself, her face redder than the fire earlier. Nanoha remained there, awestruck in midair. A blue armored wizard floated between them, his back to her. "Raging Heart, status."

"Shot failed to shoot. Magic energy stopped by unknown energy. Energy used to fire shot exhausted. Your health was affected."

"I see." She panted. "Subaru, status."

"Enforcer Fate's safely in Shamal-sensei's care. Request return to battle!"

"Granted, thank you." Nanoha cut the transmission. "Explain yourself."

Orn remained floating in silence. His voice reverberated around him, "Your magic is a heresy that I cannot forgive."

"You stopped my blast!" Nanoha shot back.

"Canceled. It won't be the last." He floated down to where Fury laid. He knelt down beside her and picked her up. "The fool." he regarded Tiana, "Emotions are unnecesary in battle. Strategy on the other hand is commendable." They vanished from view.

Nanoha landed beside Tiana, soon Subaru arrived. "What happend, Tia-Tia, why are you blushing so much? Where is your bra!?"

--

Hayate swallowed an aspirin and finished off a water bottle. Another bottle was slid over to her by Signum a seat beside her. " Please explain to me once more what happened, Enforcer Fate."

"I charged forward and struck her, I missed. The video here shows the building landing on me from above."

"This was a nonurban district! Where did the building come from!?" Hayate had a hand placed on her shoulder. It was Shamal this time.

Nanoha spoke up, now everyone was safe and accounted for she could stay calm, "A spell replaced her position with what was in position 39delta 5380, otherwise known as main street and 45th. Its a small business known for cakes and costumes. Fury, Fate, and I went shopping there earlier in the week."

"That's 25 miles away." Hayate counted on her fingers to be sure, "She ran back using her own sonic move before Enforcer Fate could escape the rubble?"

Fate groaned, "Yes."

"I hate to say it, Fate-san, but she is twice as fast as you are. I'm not even sure transforming is faster if she's serious." She flipped through the report and changed the footage on the monitor before them. "Tiana-san, please report on your strategic disobeying of a direct order." she refused to call it a 'flash move'.

"She became enraged after the slap. I figured she would. She's quick to judge enemies, but even quicker to react to a given stimulous. Fire erupted around her. It would surely engulf me, but more so... Commander Nanoha wanted to end it there and then. I dont blame her, but that would be the same mistake Comander Fate made. Fury specializes in fire, anger makes her stronger, passion binds her. I decided to... show her my breasts." She blushed heavily and elbowed Subaru almost out of her chair when she smirked. "She ended her hostility and grabbed me. She... groped me... I.... slapped her once more. It may have... knocked her unconcious."

Signum decided to speak up as Hayate banged her forehead on her desk. The footage repeated again and again before them. "Enforcer Fate-san, would you flash the enemy next time?"

Fate swore the woman never joked around, "I..." she had no answer. She spotted Nanoha giving her a strangest look. "I'll do whatever it takes to win." she nodded.

"I'll...I...I need to lay down." Hayate stood up slowly, "If we have to fight naked to beat them when magic does nothing, what will that make us?" she shook her head.

"Cold?" Subaru was now back in her seat deciding to answer the rhetorical question. Hayate disregarded it and sulked away.

"Dissmissed, we will reconviene after dinner, please enjoy yourselves." Hayate tried to smile. Shamal-sensei helped her to the door.

--

The group minus SHamal-sensei and Hayate sat around a round table in the mess hall. Tiana tossed a juice to Subaru, while Nanoha had an arm around Fate's shoulders. Fate was grumbling abou this and that. Her injuries were mostly exhaustion, bruises and burns. Her pride was hurt worst of all.

"Orn." Nanoha muttered.

"What about him?" Fate asked.

"I was about to use excellion buster." Nanoha admitted.

"That's too powerful! To put your life at risk like this..." Fate pleaded.

"I know... You weren't hurt as bad as I feared. I wasted part of my lifespan and the shot never fired. He simply 'canceled' it as he put it."

Fate held her close, only to comfort themselves until the emotions subsided, "I'm sorry." Fate pulled away. Tiana and Subaru had finished their meals both trying not to stare. Signum and the others decided to sit at a table nearby. They had no words to offer.

Nanoha nodded and wiped a tear, "Tiana, please tell me what I did wrong."

Tiana looked up sharply at her commander and saw how afraid she was. "I won't say that I know I am right or know more than anyone here. I know I am not that smart." she lowerd her head. Nanoha laughed softly.

"You have the same position as I on the battlefield, I see myself in you sometimes. Please humor me."

"Okay," Tiana cleared her throat. "The five bards who we became aquainted with in the last month or so are presumably all enemies now. They are very different people, mages with incredible powers, but focussed techniques. Ony two have been seen in battle so far. Fury is to put it simply, insane. I don't believe fighting her directly will dent her no matter how much firepower we use. She's afraid of nothing and seems to get by on luck alone. Orn is like the polar opposite of her. I can't see how they get along at all. Calm, collected, he's a killer strategist. He even complimented me before he vanished with Fury." Nanoha looked over at her with a proud smile, her other hand massaging the nape of Fate's neck.

Hayate walked over to them having heard the conversation from the table over from them, "You described two magical philosophies from antique texts." Hayate blinked. "All along I swore they were from EL Hazard, but they aren't from there at all. They are older, more distant." she blinked again. "Team! Consider this the conclusion of today's meetings! You have the afternoon and evening off. New training will commence early in the morning!" she walked away and grabbed her 'children'. She had much to discuss with them and a long hot bath.

"What just happened?" Subaru asked.

--

Nanoha was pacing back and forth in her bedroom with a hand to her chin and the other upon her ebow. She had a long shirt on and a random pair of panties. Fate was laying on the bed with her eyes closed and her hands supporting her neck. "Nanoha, come to bed." she moaned.

Nanoha ignored her.

"Na..nooo..haaaaa." Fate moaned again.

Nanoha ignored her again and turned around once more. Fate puffed her cheeks and slammed her hands upon the bed. She stood up and tossed her legs over the side. She opened her shirt.

Nanoha stopped, "Uh..." she blinked.

"Thought so." Fate buttoned it up again. "Please come to bed."

"But..." she was lost for words, "Fine." she climbed into the bed and knocked her over. She pulled her close and nuzzled into Fate's neck. "Sorry."

"Hayate will think of something. I will say this much, though."

"Mm?"

"Magic alone won't solve this."

"Mm..." Nanoha closed her eyes.

Minutes passed and a question lingered, "Did you use CPR on me?"

"..."

"I felt a tongue."

Nanoha growled. Fate pulled her closer and kissed her. It was going to be along night.

--

Subaru finished doing her pushups and climbed into the top of her bunk bed, Tiana was siting at her desk reading a book. "Tia, what are you reading?"

"History." She answered without a thought.

"Of what?"

"Magic."

"How come Fury gets to see your breasts and I don't?"

Tia's hair frizzed and the book fell onto the floor, "SUBARU!" she shouted.

Subaru stuck her tongue out, but almost got it yanked on. "AAMMph!" She covered her mouth with a hand.

"Subaru, I explained this to you many times before." she began.

"I know I know, work work work." Subaru smiled and nodded.

"I do this for all of us, its not just work."

"You need sleep too! You can join me if you want!" She patted the bed beside her.

"No!" she walked back to the book and found the bookmark discarded. She stomped her foot and then tried to calm herself.

"Tia.."

"Yes?"

"I think you were right."

"About what?"

"You did become someone great." She burried herself in her covers to hide her laughter before Tia could react. Tia blushed, but soon had to smile. She set the book back upon the desk and clicked off the light.

--

"Explain to me, Orn, why did the fight fail?" Pacifica asked.

"Fury's behavior is her greatest strength and greatest weakness. She would have killed that white robed mage faster than I could have countered her attack. I refuse to truly calculate what she does, but in my calculations I have also faltered with the girl known as Tiana. I cannot say she is skillful but in her calmness she found an answer that eluded both of her superiors. Calmness that I find as commendable as the answer she found."

"Is she a threat?" Hana asked.

"She is no more or less a threat than all those who reside in this domain as mages."

Dross tapped his bladed fingers upon the table in silence. Hana scooted her chair back an inch or so. Pacifica put a hand on her shoulder to calm her. "Speak, Dross." Pacifica requested.

Dross remained silent, Orn picked up on his thoughts, "He wishes to enter the battle. Spying on their every move does not quench his blood thirst. I have a plan, but Fury will be needed once more."

"She is recovering" Pacifica smiled.

ran out of room woo

[itanshi1]

Spoiler for Black Days and Red Nights. (abandoned story, mtg crossover, nsfw for violence mostly):

"Nanoha, becareful, all of these battle are happening at the same time, i cannot follow them all too closely."

"Then don't follow mine." Nanoha smiled.

"Fate said the same thing! You two!" Hayate pouted, "This man is a black mage, he.... is a necromancer."

"A what?" Nanoha blinked. "Necro.."

"He has control over the dead."

"That's..."

"Not Midchildan or any allied world's magic. It's more ancient than El Hazard. Fate needs me, please be careful." Hayate's image vanished from beside her.

Nanoha landed. She looked around at the cemetery and knew she was in trouble. "Dross." The sounds and the shadows overtook her senses.

Drums echoed and pulsed, each beat bringing shadows within daylight. Cloaked men and women slammed scavenged human bones into the drums before them. The drums were taut with human skin. Their voices cried out, "Ohmmm, O, O, O, Ohmmmmm..... mmmm... Ohmmmmmm." It repeated and repeated. The sound intoxicating the senses. Each pause was given a strong beat. The shadows swirled, swayed and stirred with the music. The shadows were as if alive and soon Nanoha realized it was not the shadows, but the cemetery itself.

The shadows erupted and overtook the land. The pace of the chants and the music quickened into a violent crescendo. The chanting became shouts and soon screams. The day turned into night. "Bad Moon." One of the moons turned black in the sky. The sun vanished within the ink. Nanoha took a step back her eyes on the sky as bats crossed overhead in a swarm. They screeched and gave welcome to their master.

"My child, I know a man who wishes to speak to you. Raise Dead." His hands raised in front of him slowly, fingers out stretched and bent. He commanded the earth to do his bidding. "ARISE!" the beats stirred forth motion, the bass quaking the ground, the chants drowning all thoughts.

"No..." Nanoha took a step back her eyes wide with fear. Such magics were unthinkable not just forbidden. She knew she was a fool to believe such a man couldn't do this. No, he could do far more. The ground quivered and the dirt shifted and caved into the grave. An undead mage struggled and climbed out of the ground. He reached his feet and walked slowly towards Nanoha.

"Unholy strength." He cast again. The undead mage glowered in black shadows as a red scarred pentagram flashed and remained on his forehead. "Fear." He cast his last spell. "KILL HER!" he shouted. Once again the drums beat loudly. The undead mage charged towards her.

"Round Shield." Raising Heart cast for her. The zombie tackled Nanoha to the ground, the shield and her auto shield ignored. She fought to pull away, her instincts for survival flashed in her eyes. She beat back the undead mage with her staff. She stood gasping for breath cursing the smell. The zombie although powered up, was still weak to her. It was on the ground in pieces, but still grasping at the dirt. A hand grabbed her shin, but was quickly kicked away in reflex. Nanoha coughed and walked backwards a few steps.

"I command you, young mage, Regenerate!" Dross shouted. His voice echoed by the drums. The undead mage pulled itself back together and stood once more. "You are able to kill the dead, I was worried your morals were too pure." His clerics started shouting at Nanoha, their hate filled words lost in confusion of messages. Nanoha forced herself to ignore them. "I hate white mages, but you... what are you?"

"WHAT ARE YOU, WHAT ARE YOU, WHAT ARE YOU?" They echoed his words until he raised a hand to quiet them.

The white eyes that shown through the cloak kept her feet where they stood. She swallowed, but choked. The air itself wasn't just stale, the aura that filled the graveyard was death. "I will not let you do this."

"I will enjoy watching you writhe and choke trying. MY CHILDREN, ITS TIME FOR A FEAST!"

Nanoha clenched her fist, "Raising Heart, evade his summons. Concentrate fire on him."

"Yes, my master."

Dross walked forward with his arms outstretched. "That won't last." His aura swirled around him as he collected black mana. "Blood Funnel." His spells became easier to cast at another cost.

Nanoha ignored the spell and flew into the air. She raised her staff high. "Accel Shooter!" Hundreds of pink energy balls appeared around her. "Shoot!" she bombarded Dross. Layer after layer slammed into his position.

His form flickered and reformed numerous times as the blasts cratered the cemetery. "Look what you did." he mocked. "You made them mad. LIVING DEATH!" The undead mage he had raised screamed, contorted and turned inside out. It collapsed and sank into the dirt. The dead pulled the remains under as the entire cemetery became alive. Dross vanished amongst his army as they blocked the blasts and splattered. Some of them regenerated.

Nanoha fought to keep her lunch down. She recognized many of them. "Admiral..." She fought back tears. "Dross...I cannot forgive you for this, what you force me to do." She raised her staff again. Soon all emotion left her. Actions became clockwork. Dross smiled.

"Forgiveness? You should be thankful. You see, I brought back memories. They wish to play with you." He scoffed. The undead mages that could fly took to the sky in a swarm. They were blasted down immediately. Without a thought, she fired off another volley. The undead became dead once more as the decaying corpses rained down upon ground.

She evaded and weaved between them, she fired a charged shot towards Dross. Again his army jumped in front to block. He raised his right hand. "You enjoy this. Bodies exploding, writhing in agony. Soulless screams crying out for vengeance!" He raised his hand behind him. "SOULLESS ONE!" An entirely new sound from the ground drank in the surroundings. The drummers screamed out and doubled their speed on the drums. Faster and faster until their bodies were nearly exhausted. Dross raised a hand and they stopped. "I call thee out from the depths below, arise and defile all!" The drums pounded in Nanoha's ears. She shook her head. The clerics screamed out and banged the drums once more in unison. Silence.

Nanoha watched the scene with feigned interest. She looked for only targets.

The army of zombies convulsed and scattered away from the center. A single finger ten foot long reached out of the ground followed by more. Another hand broke through the dirt and the cemetery opened up. Nanoha watched with her mouth agape as the enormous zombie rose from the ground. It stood many stories high, had numerous arms and a looked as if it were made from all the zombies combined. Soulless One roared out in agony. Nanoha reflexively covered her ears.

"What will you do?" He beckoned her. "Distress." A zombie collapsed and sunk into the dirt. Nanoha sank lower in the sky. Her face was sweating.

"Master, fight!" Raising Heart encouraged her. Nanoha smiled faintly and fought back the fear overcoming her.

"Fill with Fright." Another zombie collapsed. Nanoha noticed it this time. She landed on the ground in the middle of the hoard. She couldn't fly anymore. The rest of her bombardment was also taken from her. She was running out of options.

"Master!"

"You're right, Raising Heart. I can't give up." She raised her staff and closed her eyes as the zombies marched towards her. Soulless One remained there standing and waiting.

--

Hayate's image watched Fate's face. She saw the sweat on her brow and the temperature reading was not good. "Fate, this woman is not Signum. I don't want you to throw your life away."

"If I listened to that, would it be insubordination?" Fate joked.

"Fate, as your close friend, I want you to be OK, but as your superior I want you to give it everything you have to stop her."

"How is Nanoha doing?"

"I'm not at liberty to tell you. She wants you to do your best."

"Thank you. I will." Fate smiled. It was best they not distract each other, but even so she was concerned. If indeed Dross was a necromancer, this was a fight Nanoha couldn't imagine. It was a fight Fate could not imagine.

Fury stood there with hands held in tight fists. Her armor was a simple mix of metals and noncombustible materials. She had a belt covered in talismans and small artifacts. Flames spun around her at a generous pace. The air itself burned twenty degrees hotter. Fate wiped her brow and watched from midair some distance away. The only breeze brought flickers of flame. Fury's bright red hair shot upwards as if aflame. Fate realized now that the flames were red mana energy flaring within her aura. The flames that spun around her were summoned. Her skin remained unaffected by the heat or the flame. The toothy smile on Fury's face grew wider. Fate swallowed and looked around. They were all alone on the scorched surface. This suited her just fine. There was no doubt this entire field would be molten by the end of this battle.

"Bardiche." Fate spoke. She wiped her brow again.

"Yes, Sir." it answered.

"Sonic Mode, Full Drive"

"Yes, Sir." Magic energy swirled around her and most of her barrier jacket vanished. Wearing little now, she was almost thankful to feel cooler. Her natural defenses had their limits. She would have to work fast and accurately.

"I wanted to show you this, Fate." Fury raised her voice above the burning rock around her. The footing below her boiled into a thick red soup. "They say you are the fastest, the smartest, and the most agile here. It would do no favor holding back. Would you agree?" She raised her eyes to the floating figure. Her eyes were aflame with red mana energy.

"Yes."

"Fervor!" Fury shouted.

"Riot Mode." Fate called. Her device became a sword and split into two joined together by an energy chain. "Flash Impact" she added. Both bodies vanished. In the moment, a fist slammed broadside against Fate's sword, the impact was blocked, but it spun her around nearly drilling her into the ground. Rocks shot in all directions as it gave way. Another moment the two bodies collided. The slash missed followed by the second at another angle. Fury grinned and flame burst around body.

Hayate frowned. Anti close range technique similar to a reactor purge. Fate knew how to dodge it, but this was an offensive spell, not defensive.

Fate retreated. She kicked her feet and blew out the flames on her jacket. "Flash Impact!"

Another assault forced Fury to defend. "Good, good, slow, but good." she smiled. "Time for the fun." The fire erupted around her into a column many yards high. "Elemental Blast!" she shouted.

Fate rose into the air, "Zanber!" her weapon became a huge broadsword. She struck the column of fire as hard and fast as it bore down on her. The column exploded. Her weapon became engulfed and grew too hot to hold. "Assault mode." Bardiche shrunk back into a scythe. She spun it around, using the vacuum to put it out. "How much longer?" She winced. Her limbs were burnt, maybe second degree. Her hair didn't matter.

"Five Minutes, 40 seconds, Sir." Bardiche answered. If a device could sound concerned, it did.

"That's enough." Fate called forth lightning. "Genocide Shift!" The area filled with magic circles.

"Ooh? Five minutes? I'll help you." She smiled, "Bloodshed Fever."

--

"Divine Buster!" Nanoha shouted. An enormous stream of energy shot from her device into the enormous beast. Soulless One slammed into the ground crushing most of the zombies below it. Raising Heart opened up expelling steam until the device cooled.

Nanoha looked up into the sky. A cry of distress had struck her telepathically. "Fate..."

"Go to her." Dross taunted. "Or you will die here." He raised his right hand. "This spell is one of my favorites. You might know what it does by the name. Consume Sp..."

Nanoha swallowed and blasted into the sky. Dross was not taking this battle seriously. He had to be a decoy.

Dross smiled. "Reprocess." Another Zombie collapsed and soon they all sank back into the ground. His clerics put their drums away and grabbed shovels. The battlefield was sacred and leaving it like this was not an option.

Hayate rubbed her eyes. "They destroy a cemetery and then restore it? Of course, its almost religious." Hayate blinked, "Those are the people who set up their equipment at the club." She had to confirm it, "Roadie clerics?"

--

Fate screamed as the spell washed over her. Her eyes became inflamed followed soon by her aura. It was no longer bright yellow, but a crimson red. As the shock subsided, insanity broke thrugh. Fury's right arm was nearly cleaved off in an instant. She smashed into the ground, laughing. Her armor blocked the next attack, the air stripped from her lungs. She shot out of her own crater and fought to regain her breath. She laughed having no time to laugh let alone breath as the rapid slashes over took her. Fate screamed with every attack. She blocked, exploded the area around her. The Genocide shift finished charging and rained lightning down upon her. Fury had forgotten that spell was active.

She burst from the ground, her hair frizzed and her armor was shattered. Her clothes were torn, but it didn't matter. She was visibly beaten, her right leg and left arm were numb. The look on her face was not defeat. Fury was infatuated. Fate screamed again and slashed out with Zanber. Fury disregarded her flames and licked her lips. She charged towards Fate and got inside the swing of the broad sword. She leapt into the air and grabbed her tight. She wrapped her legs around her and pulled on Fate's scorched hair. Fate's attack spun them around in a circle as Fury's lips found hers. Fate returned her blades into riot form and spun one around. She tried to decapitate her. Fury broke free. She laughed up a storm, toppelling end over end until she slammed into the ground n her feet. She fell over and punched the ground. Flames spun around her anew with passion. "No control, only overwhelming force! Game over!" Fury raised her hand. "Too bad you won't appreciate that kiss!" Fate charged towards her. "Incinerate!" The spell fizzled. "What?" Fate slammed into the ground where Fury once was. Fury looked at her hand and scratched her head. "I'll try another one, Blaze!" An enormous fire engulfed the area, the breadth of the blast covered for a square mile and reached high into the sky.

The fire left them. Fate had attacked Fury as the blaze errupted Fury laughed once more as her own blast had buried her in the rubble. Fate's barrier jacket nearly burned away, her limbs next. Bardiche blinked as energy depleted readily. "Time has elapsed. Ending Full Drive. Distress beacon sent. Master, retreat. You cannot take any more damage."

Fate didn't respond as the fever remained. She jumped into the air, her limbs were burnt badly. She couldn't stand and her eyes glowed red. Bardiche complained, but went unheard.

"Distress? You are in Distress? You don't look distressed!" Fury cackled as she climbed out of her own crater. "We're completely out of mana." She shrugged and cracked her knuckles and then moved her head around to crack her neck. "Let's go!"

Fate charged towards her as fast as she could. Their fists collided sending both reeling back in pain. Fury cursed and shook it off. Her gauntlet had broken and shattered from the impact, but the blood wasn't hers. "Ha!" She ran towards Fate with her other fist, this time she caught the punch and threw the girl through the rubble. She winced as the arm snapped upon impact. "I love this!" She laughed. She didn't notice her own arm had broken.

An enormous pink energy blast slammed into her. Fury hit the ground and created a trench with her face. She pushed herself up on one arm and spat out a tooth. She started hitting the ground being unable to stop laughing at her folly. "WOW! That was one hell of a blast!"

Nanoha soon arrived at the location. Her face was expressionless. Another divine buster charged on its own. "Master, Bardiche is not responding. Fate is not responding. Energy levels have neared zero."

"She is running on other energy." Nanoha answered. "This must stop, now." She took a deep breath and targeted Fury. "DIVINE BUSTER!"

Fate rose to her feet, her left arm hung limply. Her legs having little strength left to support her. She still ran forward with her broken right fist.

The blast hit empty dirt. The fist struck nothing at all. Fury stood there with her fist upon Fate's jaw. The battle was over. "Nanoha, I have a word for you from Dross."

Nanoha lost her composure as Fate's body hit the dirt behind Fury, unconscious and broken. The true extent of the injuries only now be coming apparent. She raised her weapon and dashed full speed at the laughing mage.

"He likes you. He's a black mage, so it might get rough. He may even want you for him..." she collapsed.

"I should have let you kill her." Dross's form erupted from nothingness drowning the battlefield in a pulsing aura of decay. The darkness dissipated revealing his fully armored body and cloaked skull. Fury laid unconscious upon his shoulder. He vanished into nothingness once more. Raising Heart forced her to pull up so she didn't slam into the ground.

Silence was a beauty oft forgotten in battle. Moans awoke Nanoha's fury which soon returned to shock and dispair.

Nanoha dashed to Fate's side and tried to find a way to touch her. She couldn't still be alive through all that, but she refused to believe she could die. The blood loss, her limbs were burnt to the bone in places, broken in others. Her hair was destroyed, her eyes still glowed red as part of her still wanted to fight. A part of her she could not stop. Her jaw was shattered and her neck looked broken. She knelt down before her and cried out.

"Nanoha! Leave her be!" Vita screamed into her mind. The shock knocked Nanoha on her butt. She cowered before her. Soon Shamal's imposing figure appeared beside her after a local area teleport. She grabbed her shoulder and pushed her away. She was a mother sometimes and now more than ever. Nanoha stood back up quickly and stepped forward only to be bound tightly.

"Struggle bind." Shamal spoke. Her voice sounded hurt. Othe rmedics arrived and they got to work. Soon Fate was carefully transported back to the medical center.

"Shamal-sensei." Nanoha cried out. The bind was removed and she fell into her arms.

--

Outside the door to the Intensive care unit.

"Everything we can do will be done, we all were ready for something like this."

"She...Please tell me everything."

"Her limbs... I cant make promises. Her defenses including auto shields failed sometime in the battle. Bardiche... It will take a lot to fix him, but Shari is the best."

"Please don't spare me anything!" Nanoha begged.

"Broken neck, shattered jaw, a severe concussion and internal bruising. Should she wake up, it won't be soon."

"She's not paralyzed, is she?" Nanoha's eyes strained to take this in.

"I don't know, but its worse than that. Her limbs were mostly destroyed by the fires, we will have to at least amp..." Shamal became choked up. " Her right leg is... there's too much damage." She changed the subject, "She is getting blood transfusions, but her blood type is hard to stock. We do have a supply."

"She'll need more?"

"She'll need whatever it takes. Please, trust me. Don't get revenge. Whatever you do, please do not throw your life away."

Nanoha nodded. "Good news?"

"Whatever spell was cast on her also kept her alive. She can't stop fighting, now she fights to live."

Nanoha tried to joke, but only managed to cough. Shamal rubbed her back.

"Now, run along."

"I want to see her."

"I know, I'll call you."

She nodded.

--

Nanoha walked back into the lobby where Subaru and Teana were seated. Vivio was bouncing on Subaru's knee. Nanoha couldn't stop from crying, but she wiped her face anyways. Vivio looked over at her and almost smiled. She knew right away something was wrong. She turned Subaru as if to ask what she could do. Subaru's smile faded as a thought was tossed to her. she smiled again, "Go to her, don't say anything, just hold her." She let her down and watched as the two hugged tightly. Teana regarded her close friend and watched uneasily as the crying ran its course.

"Nanoha-mama and Fate-mama are strong!" Vivio tried to comfort. "I believe in you!" she forced a smile.

An hour passed by. Ice Cream was purchased. Vivio insisted her mama eat hers, but she didn't reply. Teana looked to Subaru and spoke with telepathy, "I'm not good with this."

"Same... Signum should be here soon. Maybe..."

"Yeah."

"Nanoha-mama, then..." She thought, "I'll eat yours!" she grabbed it, but Nanoha reflexively pulled it away. "Then... " she ran off back to the ice cream and got another cone. She offered it to her, "Eat Fate-mama's!"

"Eat..." she turned to her and smiled for once. "Vivio..."

"Nanoha." Signum spoke from within her mind. "I will be frank with you."

"I know." Nanoha took the chocolate cone from Vivio and handed her own melting cone back to her. "I know I'm stronger than this."

"I'll make sure you are." Signum's voice remained stern.

Nanoha finished the cone and collected the garbage, "Vivio-chan, I will be in a meeting soon, please stay with Subaru-san and Teana-san until I return."

"Ok!" Vivio tried to be happy in her place. Nanoha patted her on the head and turned to the lobby. Her long range eyesight knew where Signum was. She sighed and walked.

--

Nanoha fell upon the ground outside. The grass staining her uniform as she slid across it. She held her cheek as the pain dulled. She looked up at Signum whom held out a hand to her. Nanoha stood up on her own an dusted herself off. "I'm sorry." Signum spoke softly.

"I'll accept it only if I get to hit back." Nanoha grinned, but relented. "I'm better now. Thank you, Signum." she lied.

They walked together in silence across the parking lot of the hospital, "I ever tell you about the time Fate kissed me?"

"What?" Nanoha stopped with her mouth agape.

"When you were both in High School, she was... curious..."

"Just curious?" Nanoha tapped her foot and almost laughed as a blush grew on the stoic night's face. "You are blushing."

"Am not." she turned away.

Nanoha laughed for once, but soon became serious, "Shamal told you everything."

"More than she told you."

"..."

"If she stabilizes, that's the only good news we can expect." Signum turned back to her, "To be brutally honest, Fury is not a killer. She would appear tomorrow expecting to fight Fate again."

"I... know..." she couldn't argue with that. She tried all she could. She held herself only to get a hug.

"You can't always be the strong one holding us all together." Signum smiled, "You also can't be a mess when an alert goes off again."

"Mm!" she hugged her tight.

"Another thing. I didn't hit you for being reckless. I saw the video. You were going to kill her."

"..."

"Think it over. This is your battle now." She turned away and walked back inside

Nanoha fell to her knees.

--

Hayate finished reading the battle report for the third time and sighed. "Her mana affinity is fire. So much so mana around her becomes fire, but she is not just taking in mana. She is taking in red mana from the ground and from the molten rock she creates in combat." she called up a scene after the blaze hit. "This spell uses all available mana for maximum damage. It was her last strike." She looked at the eyes. "Bloodshed Fever, it causes the victim to attack. That's it? No, it left her defenseless since all concentration was on attacking. When her energy ran out and Bardiche stopped, she started using her own life energy. This could have been worse, far worse." She thought for a moment, "If Fate wasn't so injured, if that spell was cast when we all attacked her... she would be using everything she could on full drive mode against her allies." She wiped her brow, "Shamal, status."

"Mou, you almost ask me more than Nanoha!"

"I give you permission to force her to ask me in your stead. Please, if you will."

"She... is on terminal life support. The machine is keeping her alive right now. I would not call it stable, but, we have a dozen trained healing mages working in shifts. It'd be a miracle if she came out of this."

"She will. I know it. I'll call in an hour. Thank you." she turned back to her report. She flipped on the pentagram chart. "Five magics, ancient yet in their world common place. Planeswalkers, they called themselves." she sighed, "White, healing, righteousness, order. Blue, counterspells, manipulation, knowledge. Black, death, shadows, desire. Red, passion, fire, chaos." she looked at the last one, "Green, nature, life, vigor." she blinked. "Vigor?"

--

"Dross, I read your mind." Orn smiled. He spoke the thought aloud for him "Nanoha will fall to my influence and become my slave."

Dross remained silent.

"Fury's pet broke it appears. It would be prudent I choose my own wisely." Orn smiled again, his blue lips spreading across his lighter blue skin.

Pacifica and Hana walked into the room, "Fury is healed completely and resting. The idiot didn't even know how broken and cut up she was. If that last strike hit her..."

"She'd be stupid enough to laugh more." Orn finished. "Leave her be, she turned Agent Fate into a noncombatant. With Dross's 'fun' one more will fall. Their magic is strong and their tactics are honed. Their technology is immature. The destruction of the TSAB will bring about the abolishment of the artifact known as Linker Core."

"You are confident a Linker Core is a technological artifact and not another term for a Planeswalker's Spark?" Pacifica asked.

"Yes. A Linker Core is so much more." He tapped his chin with a long skinny finger.

--

Vita stood vigil over Nanoha as she sat beside Fate's body. She slept for now, people were sent for more supplies even before the battle began, but they would not return so soon. Fate's life was fragile. The fever had passed which actually made it harder.

--

A soft sound echoed in Nanoha mind's eye. She closed her eyes and recalled the precious voice within as their hearts spoke to one another. Even if it was only telepathy, the closeness could be intoxicating. Now, it was only the bitter taste of remorse laden with anger. "Nanoha..."

"Fate." Nanoha couldn't smile. Fate was still in a coma, but the mind was active. They could speak.

"Hayate forbade you from combat. If you..." She had been listening in, before.

"You know how I feel now better than anyone."

"That is why I insist you follow orders. Signum spoke to me."

Nanoha sighed, she was almost convinced. "If I said I did this only for you..." She wouldn't be dissuaded now.

"It wouldn't be true."

Nanoha nearly smiled, "Yes. I need to protect everyone."

"Allow me to be selfish?"

"You can be anything right now, Fate." She turned to the girl laying in bed. Her arms and legs were in casts. Third degree burns covered her body and her jaw was wired shut. Her eyes were bandaged over. "You can be anything." she fought back a tear. Amputation was a hard fought option, but Hayate insisted they could regenerate the tissue. For now it was gracefully covered by a blanket.

"Stay with me."

"You only want to protect me, Fate."

"Yes. I also don't want to lose you. To yourself."

"I know, but if something happens to our forwards... to Hayate or her children... I couldn't live with that."

"... I can't stop you."

Nanoha knew what she meant, but the words still hurt her far more than they should. She leaned over and kissed the girl carefully. "I do what I must, no matter the cost. I thank you for protecting me, now its my turn."

Silence gathered for a long moment, "I love you, so.."

"I love you."

"Kick her ass."

Nanoha laughed despite her tears. Shamal had stood there watching them the whole time, but only now walked into the room. She gave no words to either as she checked Fate's vitals once more. She turned to Nanoha, but she was gone. She sighed, knowing well she could have another bed put in here soon. Shamal knew she'd be in trouble if she told Hayate nothing, but she had a job to do. A job she'd do for free without regret. "Fate" she spoke with her mind. "Don't give up."

"Stay strong, Shamal-sensei." Fate thought with as reassuring voice as she could.

--

Another day passed by, activity was reported at the location of the last battle. Fury had been burning random things and people for sport.

"HAHAA!" Fury fell to her knees. She couldn't stop laughing. She fought to breath, but only started laughing more realizing she could die from laughing. She fell over onto the ground.

Pink energy flowed chaotically far above her in the sky. Vita looked up from where she knelt. Graf Eisen was broken, but not out. Vita cursed and punched the ground. "White Devil. Nanoha, why?"

"Vita." Nanoha spoke to her mind, her tone was even and emotionless. "Take my children from here."

"You can't!" Vita cried out. "I can't let you throw your life away!"

"Vita, go."

"..." Vita wiped her eyes and struggled to her feet. "Fate..."

"We spoke. Thank you, Vita."

"Hayate..."

"She will understand, someday. Go to her."

"Nanoha!" Vita lost her resolve and blasted into the sky. She grabbed Teana and Subaru from the rubble, their injuries would heal much sooner. Elio and Caro had already retreated together with Signum's broken body in tow. The battle was far from over, but already their best forces were hurting.

"Fu-chan." Nanoha spoke. Fury stopped laughing and looked up at the mage in the white robe.

"Ah, It's Nanoha!" She jumped to her feet, "How are ya?"

"I'm well, yourself?" Nanoha's tone remained flat.

"I'm great! That Fate girl puts up one heck of a brawl!" she smacked her fists together. "Never heard a jaw break quite like that before." she laughed. "I coulda swore she'd dodge that with her sonic move." She neglected to notice that the energy around Nanoha took on a more fierce determination. "Think we could fight again sometime?"

"She is bed ridden." Nanoha slowly floated to the ground. "Raising Heart, can you do this?"

"It can be done, Master." The comforting voice answered.

Nanoha took out a small bag filled with clips. "I may never be forgiven for this." She sighed.

"Ooh, so you wish to fight me?" Fury laughed. "You aren't as fast as Fate, so... " she looked decidely unsure they should even fight at all.

"Lock On." Raising Heart spoke.

Nanoha shoved a new cartidge in, removed it, replaced it with another. Multiple small devices flew around her, an enormous pink magical circle spun under her and on each smaller device. Nanoha panted, but her resolve was firm.

"Nanoha-san!" Teana shouted in her mind. "Don't shoot! I have a plan!"

"..." Nanoha remained there, her device still charging. "I' wish I could mention insubordination."

"She's easy to distract!" Teana shouted, still within her mind.

"I cannot promise your safety." Nanoha smiled softly. "Please assist, Private Teana Lanstar."

"Thank you!"

Teana's image appeared before Fury once more, "I swore I took you down!" Fury summoned up two fireballs with her hands, "Fine! Taste me!" she fired the now enormous blasts which sucked the very oxygen from the air around them. The explosion cratered the ground where the image once stood and left a trench for nearly a mile each. Teana's double rolled aside and leapt to its feet. It fired shots which were real, planted there as if they were shot by the image itself.

Nanoha continued to charge, "Remove first limiter," she spoke calmly.

"Limiter removed."

"Damn you!" Fury spread her hands out and closed her eyes, the charged shots bounced off her armor without effect. The non lethal magic would damage barrier jackets, but her armor was reinforced magewear crafted by hand. "FIRE BRIMSTONE CHAOS!" she called forth, the ground around her erupted upwards as if a torrent of water. "MAGMA JETS!" she shouted once more and where the ground used to be, jets of fire tore straight into the sky.

"Orn." an ominous voice spoke from the shadows.

"You are, correct, dear friend. She is getting out of control, but that mage in the sky is tapping more than mana therein."

"She is tapping her life force." he grinned. "Black Magic."

"What will you do?" Orn asked even though he knew the answer. Dross left without a word.

"Remove second limiter." Nanoha commanded.

"NANOHA!" Hayate screamed. Surely Vita had met with her by now. Nanoha cut the communication. She apologized in silence.

"Limiter removed." Rasiing Heart spoke. Nanoha panted heavier now. The strain on her body grew stronger.

"Nanoha, please listen to me." Hayate used the emergency channel. It could not be cut off.

"I cannot back down from this, Hayate-chan."

"Nor can I." Hayate remained firm. "I'm not speaking to you as your superior!"

"I know, Hayate-chan." Nanoha wiped the sweat from her brow. "Remove third and last limiter."

Hayate froze where she stood. A knife now held to her neck. "Who?"

"Dross." the voice growled curled up and died within her mind. Hayate tried to swallow. "Give in to me."

"No." her vision blurred. Only darkness remained.

"Go, my slave." Dross cackled.

Nanoha pulled out another clip and slammed in one more. "Starlight..." she mouthed. Hayate in full transformation appeared in front of her. Her visage was inverted, her eyes a surreal empty white. "Raising Heart!"

"Cannot disengage spell now." Raising Heart answered.

Orn smiled.

"She is possessed..." Nanoha's calmness returned followed by a shakey fear. She regripped her staff and swallowed hard. "Hayate..."

"HAYATE!" Vita shouted and slammed her hammer into her auto shield. Hayate and she went rocketing towards the ground.

"Vita-chan..." Nanoha smiled.

"Fury, try that spell I showed you. It's fun." Orn spoke in her mind.

Teana couldn't do anything but concentrate on the illusions. Teana's image danced around as the rocks and magma did no effect. Fury threw everything she summoned at the image turning the ground into a crater filled with liquid rock. Fury cackled madly as the mana from the new land formation seeped into her being. The terrain was now ripe with red mana and no one else would claim it on this plane. "Everlasting Torment!"

"Oh no." Orn went wide eyed at the spell. "Time to leave. Dross, leave, this is an order. Even you cannot survive in this environment."

"As commanded, as followed, Orn." Dross's presence vanished from his senses. Hayate returned to normal having a master no longer. Vita wiped blood from her face and turned back to the other battle.

"How?"

Graf Eisen and Raising Heart warned their masters, "Master, life force is not replenishing. You can not heal."

"DAMN YOU, FURY!" Vita shot out towards her.

Nanoha ignored her device, "STARLIGHT BREAKER!" she roared. An enormous beam shot out down upon Fury's position.

"Wild Ricochet!" Fury raised her hand as the spell collided with her.

"BURST!"

"You are finished." Fury smiled as the blast bounced off of her hand into the ground. The recoiled knocked her high into the air. The entire area shook; windows broke in the dorms and the headquarters a long ways away. Nanoha's voice cried out Teana's name; a futile gesture as her own resolve slowly shattered. Teana's shield broke from the shockwave alone and soon she flew, tumbling and flailing powerlessly a long distance away. Teana knocked into a tree. She fell and coughed blood. "Status." she wiped her mouth in disgust with herself.

"Your wounds are not healing." her device replied.

"Nanoha!" Teana choked.

"She is sending the blast back at you, Master. Evade." Raising Heart readied itself.

Fury looked up at the now stunned Nanoha and raised her hand. "Have a copy." The same blast recoiled Fury deep into the dirt, her laugh almost louder than the shockwave itself.

"I cannot evade that." Nanoha shed a tear.

Vita slammed Graf Eisen, now in giga mode, into Fury's armor.

"Holy Day." a new voice sang out. The battle stopped. The pink energy drowned out by white. "Disenchant." Pacifica waved her hand and the field returned to grass.

Nanoha laid upon the ground exhausted. Her device blinking a distress call. Hayate walked over to her unable to fathom what happened let alone why she was here. Emergency workers took to the scene and swarmed the area.

Pacifica watched as the ants ran about. She picked up Fury and regarded the seething Vita below her. "I can not have my friend kill herself for fun just as you can not. My blessing to you for now. We will meet again." She walked away.

--

In the hospital now, Shamal was running back and forth between patients. "Fate, please talk some sense into that girl!" she begged as she strapped an IV to Teana.

"Nanoha." Fate shouted in her mind, "Where are you?"

"I think in the same room." Nanoha thought, "I drained my linker core again."

"YOU... no, of course you did, what happened?"

"Sorry, Fury somehow copied and redirected my blast."

The door opened and closed. Nanoha looked over at it and watched as the door locked itself.

"Who is it?" Fate asked.

"Just a nurse." Nanoha lied. She tried hard to hide her shaking. She swallowed hard and watched where she assumed the person to be standing. She directed her thoughts to the person, but no reply came. It was as if they were not received.

"Could you have her or him eh..." Fate blushed, "You know... like..."

"I will." Nanoha sent the thought back. "Shamal," she thought. "Please look after Vivio for us."

Black vapor filled the room. The lights in the ceiling faded away into nothing. Red eyes shown and glowed in the darkness. Nanoha took in the display of power as sweat poured down her face. Her breath became weak and her body quaked, "Nurse," she nearly choked on the word, "Could you change the bedpans?"

Dross laughed. Fate understood now, but bit her words back. Nanoha knew there was no turning back. "Kindred." He spoke. "Your body has weakened."

"My resolve has not." Nanoha spat venom. The aura became darker. Soon only the red eyes could be seen. Nanoha could feel the darkness thickly upon her skin. Fear became tangible and tasted of emptiness.

"You will act." He taunted.

"I..." Nanoha's breath escaped her.

--

"Nanoha!" Shamal shouted, tears rolled down her cheeks. Nanoha's vitals had all but disappeared. She began ressucitation once again.

Fate shouted for her within her mind without any progress. Shamal had warned her to calm down, but calm was not a trait they could share. Nanoha coughed. She stared blankly at nothing. "Nanoha!" Fate shouted to her mind. The voice in her head was feint, but soon she blinked and let out a belated scream. Shamal fell upon her butt on the floor.

Silence graced the room, Nanoha had feinted. "Shamal!" Hayate ran to the room, Rein was flying not far behind her. "Perform a full magical scan!"

"Hayate!" She got to her feet and called forth her device, "Please, scan her well, Claire Wind" she kissed it. The gems came apart into two long chimes on strings of energy.

Nearly an hour passed by, Shamal recalled her device and sighed. "The magic used here is unfamiliar."

"Is it a curse?"

"It might be." Shamal smiled weakily. "It might be a spell only they can undo, I will research..."

"No, you will watch over them and the other patience in this wing as you have, Shamal-sensei." Hayate smiled. "I will have research done and we will reconvene. Please, do what you do best." She thought to hug her, but she turned and left. Rein watched her leave. She turned to Shamal and bowed. She quickly flew to catch up with Hayate.

"Shamal." Fate thought.

"Yes?" she answered.

"You are wonderful. Please don't be afraid." Fate tried to smile, but nothing came of it.

"Thank you, Fate-san." Shamal wiped her eyes and turned back to Nanoha. She seemed to be sleeping well despite what she went through. Shamal gave word that she'd be putting them under close supervision personally. She knew she was being selfish. No one else could help them like she could, she thought. Nothing more than alerting her that something changed.

--

Subaru and Teana walked into the room, they held back comments as Fate's legs were cleaned. Normal skin speckled the surface now amidst the 3rrd degree burns. "Shamal-sensei." Teana spoke, but soon regretted it.

"Ah, Subaru-san, Teana-san. Please wait outside for a few minutes. I'll be right with you."

Subaru bowed and went to leave, but Teana grabbed her arm, "I wish to speak with Fate-san."

"She is sleeping, I'm afraid. She is exhausted from the earlier ordeal." Shamal's eyes grew distant, but Subaru put a hand on her shoulder.

Subaru smiled, "We'll wait here."

"Yes." Shamal smiled and turned to the two of them. "I'm putting you to work." She added.

"Anything!" Subaru crossed her arms and smiled confidently. Teana shook her head.

--

"Privates Subaru and Teana are assisting Shamal-sensei?" Hayate asked. Signum nodded. "I'd like to say I feel confidence knowing that, but for Dross to come and go as he pleases without ever detecting him is..."

"Wrong." Signum added.

"Do you think he was physically there? Magical projection? Maybe he was only in her mind." Hayate speculated. "Shamal saw nothing in the room when she ran in there."

"If he did not kill her, he sees her as a toy." Signum hated that thought. "We are dealing with mages that are not only relatively high ranked, but mages whose magic are not of any known world."

"They called themselves nomads, they have no home world, presumably." Hayate frowned. "Their allegiance is to each other."

"What can be done?" Signum asked.

"Formal negotiations." Hayate frowned. "We will demand a forum with the enemy."

Signum knew her well, "They aren't done playing with us, are they?"

Hayate closed her eyes and nodded.

Guess i ran out of room, heh so yeah that part is much more violent and takes place some unknown time after the others.

[Advent000]

Originally Posted by itanshi1

Spoiler for Black Days and Red Nights. (abandoned story, mtg crossover, nsfw for violence mostly):

"Nanoha, becareful, all of these battle are happening at the same time, i cannot follow them all too closely."

"Then don't follow mine." Nanoha smiled.

"Fate said the same thing! You two!" Hayate pouted, "This man is a black mage, he.... is a necromancer."

"A what?" Nanoha blinked. "Necro.."

"He has control over the dead."

"That's..."

"Not Midchildan or any allied world's magic. It's more ancient than El Hazard. Fate needs me, please be careful." Hayate's image vanished from beside her.

Nanoha landed. She looked around at the cemetery and knew she was in trouble. "Dross." The sounds and the shadows overtook her senses.

Drums echoed and pulsed, each beat bringing shadows within daylight. Cloaked men and women slammed scavenged human bones into the drums before them. The drums were taut with human skin. Their voices cried out, "Ohmmm, O, O, O, Ohmmmmm..... mmmm... Ohmmmmmm." It repeated and repeated. The sound intoxicating the senses. Each pause was given a strong beat. The shadows swirled, swayed and stirred with the music. The shadows were as if alive and soon Nanoha realized it was not the shadows, but the cemetery itself.

The shadows erupted and overtook the land. The pace of the chants and the music quickened into a violent crescendo. The chanting became shouts and soon screams. The day turned into night. "Bad Moon." One of the moons turned black in the sky. The sun vanished within the ink. Nanoha took a step back her eyes on the sky as bats crossed overhead in a swarm. They screeched and gave welcome to their master.

"My child, I know a man who wishes to speak to you. Raise Dead." His hands raised in front of him slowly, fingers out stretched and bent. He commanded the earth to do his bidding. "ARISE!" the beats stirred forth motion, the bass quaking the ground, the chants drowning all thoughts.

"No..." Nanoha took a step back her eyes wide with fear. Such magics were unthinkable not just forbidden. She knew she was a fool to believe such a man couldn't do this. No, he could do far more. The ground quivered and the dirt shifted and caved into the grave. An undead mage struggled and climbed out of the ground. He reached his feet and walked slowly towards Nanoha.

"Unholy strength." He cast again. The undead mage glowered in black shadows as a red scarred pentagram flashed and remained on his forehead. "Fear." He cast his last spell. "KILL HER!" he shouted. Once again the drums beat loudly. The undead mage charged towards her.

"Round Shield." Raising Heart cast for her. The zombie tackled Nanoha to the ground, the shield and her auto shield ignored. She fought to pull away, her instincts for survival flashed in her eyes. She beat back the undead mage with her staff. She stood gasping for breath cursing the smell. The zombie although powered up, was still weak to her. It was on the ground in pieces, but still grasping at the dirt. A hand grabbed her shin, but was quickly kicked away in reflex. Nanoha coughed and walked backwards a few steps.

"I command you, young mage, Regenerate!" Dross shouted. His voice echoed by the drums. The undead mage pulled itself back together and stood once more. "You are able to kill the dead, I was worried your morals were too pure." His clerics started shouting at Nanoha, their hate filled words lost in confusion of messages. Nanoha forced herself to ignore them. "I hate white mages, but you... what are you?"

"WHAT ARE YOU, WHAT ARE YOU, WHAT ARE YOU?" They echoed his words until he raised a hand to quiet them.

The white eyes that shown through the cloak kept her feet where they stood. She swallowed, but choked. The air itself wasn't just stale, the aura that filled the graveyard was death. "I will not let you do this."

"I will enjoy watching you writhe and choke trying. MY CHILDREN, ITS TIME FOR A FEAST!"

Nanoha clenched her fist, "Raising Heart, evade his summons. Concentrate fire on him."

"Yes, my master."

Dross walked forward with his arms outstretched. "That won't last." His aura swirled around him as he collected black mana. "Blood Funnel." His spells became easier to cast at another cost.

Nanoha ignored the spell and flew into the air. She raised her staff high. "Accel Shooter!" Hundreds of pink energy balls appeared around her. "Shoot!" she bombarded Dross. Layer after layer slammed into his position.

His form flickered and reformed numerous times as the blasts cratered the cemetery. "Look what you did." he mocked. "You made them mad. LIVING DEATH!" The undead mage he had raised screamed, contorted and turned inside out. It collapsed and sank into the dirt. The dead pulled the remains under as the entire cemetery became alive. Dross vanished amongst his army as they blocked the blasts and splattered. Some of them regenerated.

Nanoha fought to keep her lunch down. She recognized many of them. "Admiral..." She fought back tears. "Dross...I cannot forgive you for this, what you force me to do." She raised her staff again. Soon all emotion left her. Actions became clockwork. Dross smiled.

"Forgiveness? You should be thankful. You see, I brought back memories. They wish to play with you." He scoffed. The undead mages that could fly took to the sky in a swarm. They were blasted down immediately. Without a thought, she fired off another volley. The undead became dead once more as the decaying corpses rained down upon ground.

She evaded and weaved between them, she fired a charged shot towards Dross. Again his army jumped in front to block. He raised his right hand. "You enjoy this. Bodies exploding, writhing in agony. Soulless screams crying out for vengeance!" He raised his hand behind him. "SOULLESS ONE!" An entirely new sound from the ground drank in the surroundings. The drummers screamed out and doubled their speed on the drums. Faster and faster until their bodies were nearly exhausted. Dross raised a hand and they stopped. "I call thee out from the depths below, arise and defile all!" The drums pounded in Nanoha's ears. She shook her head. The clerics screamed out and banged the drums once more in unison. Silence.

Nanoha watched the scene with feigned interest. She looked for only targets.

The army of zombies convulsed and scattered away from the center. A single finger ten foot long reached out of the ground followed by more. Another hand broke through the dirt and the cemetery opened up. Nanoha watched with her mouth agape as the enormous zombie rose from the ground. It stood many stories high, had numerous arms and a looked as if it were made from all the zombies combined. Soulless One roared out in agony. Nanoha reflexively covered her ears.

"What will you do?" He beckoned her. "Distress." A zombie collapsed and sunk into the dirt. Nanoha sank lower in the sky. Her face was sweating.

"Master, fight!" Raising Heart encouraged her. Nanoha smiled faintly and fought back the fear overcoming her.

"Fill with Fright." Another zombie collapsed. Nanoha noticed it this time. She landed on the ground in the middle of the hoard. She couldn't fly anymore. The rest of her bombardment was also taken from her. She was running out of options.

"Master!"

"You're right, Raising Heart. I can't give up." She raised her staff and closed her eyes as the zombies marched towards her. Soulless One remained there standing and waiting.

--

Hayate's image watched Fate's face. She saw the sweat on her brow and the temperature reading was not good. "Fate, this woman is not Signum. I don't want you to throw your life away."

"If I listened to that, would it be insubordination?" Fate joked.

"Fate, as your close friend, I want you to be OK, but as your superior I want you to give it everything you have to stop her."

"How is Nanoha doing?"

"I'm not at liberty to tell you. She wants you to do your best."

"Thank you. I will." Fate smiled. It was best they not distract each other, but even so she was concerned. If indeed Dross was a necromancer, this was a fight Nanoha couldn't imagine. It was a fight Fate could not imagine.

Fury stood there with hands held in tight fists. Her armor was a simple mix of metals and noncombustible materials. She had a belt covered in talismans and small artifacts. Flames spun around her at a generous pace. The air itself burned twenty degrees hotter. Fate wiped her brow and watched from midair some distance away. The only breeze brought flickers of flame. Fury's bright red hair shot upwards as if aflame. Fate realized now that the flames were red mana energy flaring within her aura. The flames that spun around her were summoned. Her skin remained unaffected by the heat or the flame. The toothy smile on Fury's face grew wider. Fate swallowed and looked around. They were all alone on the scorched surface. This suited her just fine. There was no doubt this entire field would be molten by the end of this battle.

"Bardiche." Fate spoke. She wiped her brow again.

"Yes, Sir." it answered.

"Sonic Mode, Full Drive"

"Yes, Sir." Magic energy swirled around her and most of her barrier jacket vanished. Wearing little now, she was almost thankful to feel cooler. Her natural defenses had their limits. She would have to work fast and accurately.

"I wanted to show you this, Fate." Fury raised her voice above the burning rock around her. The footing below her boiled into a thick red soup. "They say you are the fastest, the smartest, and the most agile here. It would do no favor holding back. Would you agree?" She raised her eyes to the floating figure. Her eyes were aflame with red mana energy.

"Yes."

"Fervor!" Fury shouted.

"Riot Mode." Fate called. Her device became a sword and split into two joined together by an energy chain. "Flash Impact" she added. Both bodies vanished. In the moment, a fist slammed broadside against Fate's sword, the impact was blocked, but it spun her around nearly drilling her into the ground. Rocks shot in all directions as it gave way. Another moment the two bodies collided. The slash missed followed by the second at another angle. Fury grinned and flame burst around body.

Hayate frowned. Anti close range technique similar to a reactor purge. Fate knew how to dodge it, but this was an offensive spell, not defensive.

Fate retreated. She kicked her feet and blew out the flames on her jacket. "Flash Impact!"

Another assault forced Fury to defend. "Good, good, slow, but good." she smiled. "Time for the fun." The fire erupted around her into a column many yards high. "Elemental Blast!" she shouted.

Fate rose into the air, "Zanber!" her weapon became a huge broadsword. She struck the column of fire as hard and fast as it bore down on her. The column exploded. Her weapon became engulfed and grew too hot to hold. "Assault mode." Bardiche shrunk back into a scythe. She spun it around, using the vacuum to put it out. "How much longer?" She winced. Her limbs were burnt, maybe second degree. Her hair didn't matter.

"Five Minutes, 40 seconds, Sir." Bardiche answered. If a device could sound concerned, it did.

"That's enough." Fate called forth lightning. "Genocide Shift!" The area filled with magic circles.

"Ooh? Five minutes? I'll help you." She smiled, "Bloodshed Fever."

--

"Divine Buster!" Nanoha shouted. An enormous stream of energy shot from her device into the enormous beast. Soulless One slammed into the ground crushing most of the zombies below it. Raising Heart opened up expelling steam until the device cooled.

Nanoha looked up into the sky. A cry of distress had struck her telepathically. "Fate..."

"Go to her." Dross taunted. "Or you will die here." He raised his right hand. "This spell is one of my favorites. You might know what it does by the name. Consume Sp..."

Nanoha swallowed and blasted into the sky. Dross was not taking this battle seriously. He had to be a decoy.

Dross smiled. "Reprocess." Another Zombie collapsed and soon they all sank back into the ground. His clerics put their drums away and grabbed shovels. The battlefield was sacred and leaving it like this was not an option.

Hayate rubbed her eyes. "They destroy a cemetery and then restore it? Of course, its almost religious." Hayate blinked, "Those are the people who set up their equipment at the club." She had to confirm it, "Roadie clerics?"

--

Fate screamed as the spell washed over her. Her eyes became inflamed followed soon by her aura. It was no longer bright yellow, but a crimson red. As the shock subsided, insanity broke thrugh. Fury's right arm was nearly cleaved off in an instant. She smashed into the ground, laughing. Her armor blocked the next attack, the air stripped from her lungs. She shot out of her own crater and fought to regain her breath. She laughed having no time to laugh let alone breath as the rapid slashes over took her. Fate screamed with every attack. She blocked, exploded the area around her. The Genocide shift finished charging and rained lightning down upon her. Fury had forgotten that spell was active.

She burst from the ground, her hair frizzed and her armor was shattered. Her clothes were torn, but it didn't matter. She was visibly beaten, her right leg and left arm were numb. The look on her face was not defeat. Fury was infatuated. Fate screamed again and slashed out with Zanber. Fury disregarded her flames and licked her lips. She charged towards Fate and got inside the swing of the broad sword. She leapt into the air and grabbed her tight. She wrapped her legs around her and pulled on Fate's scorched hair. Fate's attack spun them around in a circle as Fury's lips found hers. Fate returned her blades into riot form and spun one around. She tried to decapitate her. Fury broke free. She laughed up a storm, toppelling end over end until she slammed into the ground n her feet. She fell over and punched the ground. Flames spun around her anew with passion. "No control, only overwhelming force! Game over!" Fury raised her hand. "Too bad you won't appreciate that kiss!" Fate charged towards her. "Incinerate!" The spell fizzled. "What?" Fate slammed into the ground where Fury once was. Fury looked at her hand and scratched her head. "I'll try another one, Blaze!" An enormous fire engulfed the area, the breadth of the blast covered for a square mile and reached high into the sky.

The fire left them. Fate had attacked Fury as the blaze errupted Fury laughed once more as her own blast had buried her in the rubble. Fate's barrier jacket nearly burned away, her limbs next. Bardiche blinked as energy depleted readily. "Time has elapsed. Ending Full Drive. Distress beacon sent. Master, retreat. You cannot take any more damage."

Fate didn't respond as the fever remained. She jumped into the air, her limbs were burnt badly. She couldn't stand and her eyes glowed red. Bardiche complained, but went unheard.

"Distress? You are in Distress? You don't look distressed!" Fury cackled as she climbed out of her own crater. "We're completely out of mana." She shrugged and cracked her knuckles and then moved her head around to crack her neck. "Let's go!"

Fate charged towards her as fast as she could. Their fists collided sending both reeling back in pain. Fury cursed and shook it off. Her gauntlet had broken and shattered from the impact, but the blood wasn't hers. "Ha!" She ran towards Fate with her other fist, this time she caught the punch and threw the girl through the rubble. She winced as the arm snapped upon impact. "I love this!" She laughed. She didn't notice her own arm had broken.

An enormous pink energy blast slammed into her. Fury hit the ground and created a trench with her face. She pushed herself up on one arm and spat out a tooth. She started hitting the ground being unable to stop laughing at her folly. "WOW! That was one hell of a blast!"

Nanoha soon arrived at the location. Her face was expressionless. Another divine buster charged on its own. "Master, Bardiche is not responding. Fate is not responding. Energy levels have neared zero."

"She is running on other energy." Nanoha answered. "This must stop, now." She took a deep breath and targeted Fury. "DIVINE BUSTER!"

Fate rose to her feet, her left arm hung limply. Her legs having little strength left to support her. She still ran forward with her broken right fist.

The blast hit empty dirt. The fist struck nothing at all. Fury stood there with her fist upon Fate's jaw. The battle was over. "Nanoha, I have a word for you from Dross."

Nanoha lost her composure as Fate's body hit the dirt behind Fury, unconscious and broken. The true extent of the injuries only now be coming apparent. She raised her weapon and dashed full speed at the laughing mage.

"He likes you. He's a black mage, so it might get rough. He may even want you for him..." she collapsed.

"I should have let you kill her." Dross's form erupted from nothingness drowning the battlefield in a pulsing aura of decay. The darkness dissipated revealing his fully armored body and cloaked skull. Fury laid unconscious upon his shoulder. He vanished into nothingness once more. Raising Heart forced her to pull up so she didn't slam into the ground.

Silence was a beauty oft forgotten in battle. Moans awoke Nanoha's fury which soon returned to shock and dispair.

Nanoha dashed to Fate's side and tried to find a way to touch her. She couldn't still be alive through all that, but she refused to believe she could die. The blood loss, her limbs were burnt to the bone in places, broken in others. Her hair was destroyed, her eyes still glowed red as part of her still wanted to fight. A part of her she could not stop. Her jaw was shattered and her neck looked broken. She knelt down before her and cried out.

"Nanoha! Leave her be!" Vita screamed into her mind. The shock knocked Nanoha on her butt. She cowered before her. Soon Shamal's imposing figure appeared beside her after a local area teleport. She grabbed her shoulder and pushed her away. She was a mother sometimes and now more than ever. Nanoha stood back up quickly and stepped forward only to be bound tightly.

"Struggle bind." Shamal spoke. Her voice sounded hurt. Othe rmedics arrived and they got to work. Soon Fate was carefully transported back to the medical center.

"Shamal-sensei." Nanoha cried out. The bind was removed and she fell into her arms.

--

Outside the door to the Intensive care unit.

"Everything we can do will be done, we all were ready for something like this."

"She...Please tell me everything."

"Her limbs... I cant make promises. Her defenses including auto shields failed sometime in the battle. Bardiche... It will take a lot to fix him, but Shari is the best."

"Please don't spare me anything!" Nanoha begged.

"Broken neck, shattered jaw, a severe concussion and internal bruising. Should she wake up, it won't be soon."

"She's not paralyzed, is she?" Nanoha's eyes strained to take this in.

"I don't know, but its worse than that. Her limbs were mostly destroyed by the fires, we will have to at least amp..." Shamal became choked up. " Her right leg is... there's too much damage." She changed the subject, "She is getting blood transfusions, but her blood type is hard to stock. We do have a supply."

"She'll need more?"

"She'll need whatever it takes. Please, trust me. Don't get revenge. Whatever you do, please do not throw your life away."

Nanoha nodded. "Good news?"

"Whatever spell was cast on her also kept her alive. She can't stop fighting, now she fights to live."

Nanoha tried to joke, but only managed to cough. Shamal rubbed her back.

"Now, run along."

"I want to see her."

"I know, I'll call you."

She nodded.

--

Nanoha walked back into the lobby where Subaru and Teana were seated. Vivio was bouncing on Subaru's knee. Nanoha couldn't stop from crying, but she wiped her face anyways. Vivio looked over at her and almost smiled. She knew right away something was wrong. She turned Subaru as if to ask what she could do. Subaru's smile faded as a thought was tossed to her. she smiled again, "Go to her, don't say anything, just hold her." She let her down and watched as the two hugged tightly. Teana regarded her close friend and watched uneasily as the crying ran its course.

"Nanoha-mama and Fate-mama are strong!" Vivio tried to comfort. "I believe in you!" she forced a smile.

An hour passed by. Ice Cream was purchased. Vivio insisted her mama eat hers, but she didn't reply. Teana looked to Subaru and spoke with telepathy, "I'm not good with this."

"Same... Signum should be here soon. Maybe..."

"Yeah."

"Nanoha-mama, then..." She thought, "I'll eat yours!" she grabbed it, but Nanoha reflexively pulled it away. "Then... " she ran off back to the ice cream and got another cone. She offered it to her, "Eat Fate-mama's!"

"Eat..." she turned to her and smiled for once. "Vivio..."

"Nanoha." Signum spoke from within her mind. "I will be frank with you."

"I know." Nanoha took the chocolate cone from Vivio and handed her own melting cone back to her. "I know I'm stronger than this."

"I'll make sure you are." Signum's voice remained stern.

Nanoha finished the cone and collected the garbage, "Vivio-chan, I will be in a meeting soon, please stay with Subaru-san and Teana-san until I return."

"Ok!" Vivio tried to be happy in her place. Nanoha patted her on the head and turned to the lobby. Her long range eyesight knew where Signum was. She sighed and walked.

--

Nanoha fell upon the ground outside. The grass staining her uniform as she slid across it. She held her cheek as the pain dulled. She looked up at Signum whom held out a hand to her. Nanoha stood up on her own an dusted herself off. "I'm sorry." Signum spoke softly.

"I'll accept it only if I get to hit back." Nanoha grinned, but relented. "I'm better now. Thank you, Signum." she lied.

They walked together in silence across the parking lot of the hospital, "I ever tell you about the time Fate kissed me?"

"What?" Nanoha stopped with her mouth agape.

"When you were both in High School, she was... curious..."

"Just curious?" Nanoha tapped her foot and almost laughed as a blush grew on the stoic night's face. "You are blushing."

"Am not." she turned away.

Nanoha laughed for once, but soon became serious, "Shamal told you everything."

"More than she told you."

"..."

"If she stabilizes, that's the only good news we can expect." Signum turned back to her, "To be brutally honest, Fury is not a killer. She would appear tomorrow expecting to fight Fate again."

"I... know..." she couldn't argue with that. She tried all she could. She held herself only to get a hug.

"You can't always be the strong one holding us all together." Signum smiled, "You also can't be a mess when an alert goes off again."

"Mm!" she hugged her tight.

"Another thing. I didn't hit you for being reckless. I saw the video. You were going to kill her."

"..."

"Think it over. This is your battle now." She turned away and walked back inside

Nanoha fell to her knees.

--

Hayate finished reading the battle report for the third time and sighed. "Her mana affinity is fire. So much so mana around her becomes fire, but she is not just taking in mana. She is taking in red mana from the ground and from the molten rock she creates in combat." she called up a scene after the blaze hit. "This spell uses all available mana for maximum damage. It was her last strike." She looked at the eyes. "Bloodshed Fever, it causes the victim to attack. That's it? No, it left her defenseless since all concentration was on attacking. When her energy ran out and Bardiche stopped, she started using her own life energy. This could have been worse, far worse." She thought for a moment, "If Fate wasn't so injured, if that spell was cast when we all attacked her... she would be using everything she could on full drive mode against her allies." She wiped her brow, "Shamal, status."

"Mou, you almost ask me more than Nanoha!"

"I give you permission to force her to ask me in your stead. Please, if you will."

"She... is on terminal life support. The machine is keeping her alive right now. I would not call it stable, but, we have a dozen trained healing mages working in shifts. It'd be a miracle if she came out of this."

"She will. I know it. I'll call in an hour. Thank you." she turned back to her report. She flipped on the pentagram chart. "Five magics, ancient yet in their world common place. Planeswalkers, they called themselves." she sighed, "White, healing, righteousness, order. Blue, counterspells, manipulation, knowledge. Black, death, shadows, desire. Red, passion, fire, chaos." she looked at the last one, "Green, nature, life, vigor." she blinked. "Vigor?"

--

"Dross, I read your mind." Orn smiled. He spoke the thought aloud for him "Nanoha will fall to my influence and become my slave."

Dross remained silent.

"Fury's pet broke it appears. It would be prudent I choose my own wisely." Orn smiled again, his blue lips spreading across his lighter blue skin.

Pacifica and Hana walked into the room, "Fury is healed completely and resting. The idiot didn't even know how broken and cut up she was. If that last strike hit her..."

"She'd be stupid enough to laugh more." Orn finished. "Leave her be, she turned Agent Fate into a noncombatant. With Dross's 'fun' one more will fall. Their magic is strong and their tactics are honed. Their technology is immature. The destruction of the TSAB will bring about the abolishment of the artifact known as Linker Core."

"You are confident a Linker Core is a technological artifact and not another term for a Planeswalker's Spark?" Pacifica asked.

"Yes. A Linker Core is so much more." He tapped his chin with a long skinny finger.

--

Vita stood vigil over Nanoha as she sat beside Fate's body. She slept for now, people were sent for more supplies even before the battle began, but they would not return so soon. Fate's life was fragile. The fever had passed which actually made it harder.

--

A soft sound echoed in Nanoha mind's eye. She closed her eyes and recalled the precious voice within as their hearts spoke to one another. Even if it was only telepathy, the closeness could be intoxicating. Now, it was only the bitter taste of remorse laden with anger. "Nanoha..."

"Fate." Nanoha couldn't smile. Fate was still in a coma, but the mind was active. They could speak.

"Hayate forbade you from combat. If you..." She had been listening in, before.

"You know how I feel now better than anyone."

"That is why I insist you follow orders. Signum spoke to me."

Nanoha sighed, she was almost convinced. "If I said I did this only for you..." She wouldn't be dissuaded now.

"It wouldn't be true."

Nanoha nearly smiled, "Yes. I need to protect everyone."

"Allow me to be selfish?"

"You can be anything right now, Fate." She turned to the girl laying in bed. Her arms and legs were in casts. Third degree burns covered her body and her jaw was wired shut. Her eyes were bandaged over. "You can be anything." she fought back a tear. Amputation was a hard fought option, but Hayate insisted they could regenerate the tissue. For now it was gracefully covered by a blanket.

"Stay with me."

"You only want to protect me, Fate."

"Yes. I also don't want to lose you. To yourself."

"I know, but if something happens to our forwards... to Hayate or her children... I couldn't live with that."

"... I can't stop you."

Nanoha knew what she meant, but the words still hurt her far more than they should. She leaned over and kissed the girl carefully. "I do what I must, no matter the cost. I thank you for protecting me, now its my turn."

Silence gathered for a long moment, "I love you, so.."

"I love you."

"Kick her ass."

Nanoha laughed despite her tears. Shamal had stood there watching them the whole time, but only now walked into the room. She gave no words to either as she checked Fate's vitals once more. She turned to Nanoha, but she was gone. She sighed, knowing well she could have another bed put in here soon. Shamal knew she'd be in trouble if she told Hayate nothing, but she had a job to do. A job she'd do for free without regret. "Fate" she spoke with her mind. "Don't give up."

"Stay strong, Shamal-sensei." Fate thought with as reassuring voice as she could.

--

Another day passed by, activity was reported at the location of the last battle. Fury had been burning random things and people for sport.

"HAHAA!" Fury fell to her knees. She couldn't stop laughing. She fought to breath, but only started laughing more realizing she could die from laughing. She fell over onto the ground.

Pink energy flowed chaotically far above her in the sky. Vita looked up from where she knelt. Graf Eisen was broken, but not out. Vita cursed and punched the ground. "White Devil. Nanoha, why?"

"Vita." Nanoha spoke to her mind, her tone was even and emotionless. "Take my children from here."

"You can't!" Vita cried out. "I can't let you throw your life away!"

"Vita, go."

"..." Vita wiped her eyes and struggled to her feet. "Fate..."

"We spoke. Thank you, Vita."

"Hayate..."

"She will understand, someday. Go to her."

"Nanoha!" Vita lost her resolve and blasted into the sky. She grabbed Teana and Subaru from the rubble, their injuries would heal much sooner. Elio and Caro had already retreated together with Signum's broken body in tow. The battle was far from over, but already their best forces were hurting.

"Fu-chan." Nanoha spoke. Fury stopped laughing and looked up at the mage in the white robe.

"Ah, It's Nanoha!" She jumped to her feet, "How are ya?"

"I'm well, yourself?" Nanoha's tone remained flat.

"I'm great! That Fate girl puts up one heck of a brawl!" she smacked her fists together. "Never heard a jaw break quite like that before." she laughed. "I coulda swore she'd dodge that with her sonic move." She neglected to notice that the energy around Nanoha took on a more fierce determination. "Think we could fight again sometime?"

"She is bed ridden." Nanoha slowly floated to the ground. "Raising Heart, can you do this?"

"It can be done, Master." The comforting voice answered.

Nanoha took out a small bag filled with clips. "I may never be forgiven for this." She sighed.

"Ooh, so you wish to fight me?" Fury laughed. "You aren't as fast as Fate, so... " she looked decidely unsure they should even fight at all.

"Lock On." Raising Heart spoke.

Nanoha shoved a new cartidge in, removed it, replaced it with another. Multiple small devices flew around her, an enormous pink magical circle spun under her and on each smaller device. Nanoha panted, but her resolve was firm.

"Nanoha-san!" Teana shouted in her mind. "Don't shoot! I have a plan!"

"..." Nanoha remained there, her device still charging. "I' wish I could mention insubordination."

"She's easy to distract!" Teana shouted, still within her mind.

"I cannot promise your safety." Nanoha smiled softly. "Please assist, Private Teana Lanstar."

"Thank you!"

Teana's image appeared before Fury once more, "I swore I took you down!" Fury summoned up two fireballs with her hands, "Fine! Taste me!" she fired the now enormous blasts which sucked the very oxygen from the air around them. The explosion cratered the ground where the image once stood and left a trench for nearly a mile each. Teana's double rolled aside and leapt to its feet. It fired shots which were real, planted there as if they were shot by the image itself.

Nanoha continued to charge, "Remove first limiter," she spoke calmly.

"Limiter removed."

"Damn you!" Fury spread her hands out and closed her eyes, the charged shots bounced off her armor without effect. The non lethal magic would damage barrier jackets, but her armor was reinforced magewear crafted by hand. "FIRE BRIMSTONE CHAOS!" she called forth, the ground around her erupted upwards as if a torrent of water. "MAGMA JETS!" she shouted once more and where the ground used to be, jets of fire tore straight into the sky.

"Orn." an ominous voice spoke from the shadows.

"You are, correct, dear friend. She is getting out of control, but that mage in the sky is tapping more than mana therein."

"She is tapping her life force." he grinned. "Black Magic."

"What will you do?" Orn asked even though he knew the answer. Dross left without a word.

"Remove second limiter." Nanoha commanded.

"NANOHA!" Hayate screamed. Surely Vita had met with her by now. Nanoha cut the communication. She apologized in silence.

"Limiter removed." Rasiing Heart spoke. Nanoha panted heavier now. The strain on her body grew stronger.

"Nanoha, please listen to me." Hayate used the emergency channel. It could not be cut off.

"I cannot back down from this, Hayate-chan."

"Nor can I." Hayate remained firm. "I'm not speaking to you as your superior!"

"I know, Hayate-chan." Nanoha wiped the sweat from her brow. "Remove third and last limiter."

Hayate froze where she stood. A knife now held to her neck. "Who?"

"Dross." the voice growled curled up and died within her mind. Hayate tried to swallow. "Give in to me."

"No." her vision blurred. Only darkness remained.

"Go, my slave." Dross cackled.

Nanoha pulled out another clip and slammed in one more. "Starlight..." she mouthed. Hayate in full transformation appeared in front of her. Her visage was inverted, her eyes a surreal empty white. "Raising Heart!"

"Cannot disengage spell now." Raising Heart answered.

Orn smiled.

"She is possessed..." Nanoha's calmness returned followed by a shakey fear. She regripped her staff and swallowed hard. "Hayate..."

"HAYATE!" Vita shouted and slammed her hammer into her auto shield. Hayate and she went rocketing towards the ground.

"Vita-chan..." Nanoha smiled.

"Fury, try that spell I showed you. It's fun." Orn spoke in her mind.

Teana couldn't do anything but concentrate on the illusions. Teana's image danced around as the rocks and magma did no effect. Fury threw everything she summoned at the image turning the ground into a crater filled with liquid rock. Fury cackled madly as the mana from the new land formation seeped into her being. The terrain was now ripe with red mana and no one else would claim it on this plane. "Everlasting Torment!"

"Oh no." Orn went wide eyed at the spell. "Time to leave. Dross, leave, this is an order. Even you cannot survive in this environment."

"As commanded, as followed, Orn." Dross's presence vanished from his senses. Hayate returned to normal having a master no longer. Vita wiped blood from her face and turned back to the other battle.

"How?"

Graf Eisen and Raising Heart warned their masters, "Master, life force is not replenishing. You can not heal."

"DAMN YOU, FURY!" Vita shot out towards her.

Nanoha ignored her device, "STARLIGHT BREAKER!" she roared. An enormous beam shot out down upon Fury's position.

"Wild Ricochet!" Fury raised her hand as the spell collided with her.

"BURST!"

"You are finished." Fury smiled as the blast bounced off of her hand into the ground. The recoiled knocked her high into the air. The entire area shook; windows broke in the dorms and the headquarters a long ways away. Nanoha's voice cried out Teana's name; a futile gesture as her own resolve slowly shattered. Teana's shield broke from the shockwave alone and soon she flew, tumbling and flailing powerlessly a long distance away. Teana knocked into a tree. She fell and coughed blood. "Status." she wiped her mouth in disgust with herself.

"Your wounds are not healing." her device replied.

"Nanoha!" Teana choked.

"She is sending the blast back at you, Master. Evade." Raising Heart readied itself.

Fury looked up at the now stunned Nanoha and raised her hand. "Have a copy." The same blast recoiled Fury deep into the dirt, her laugh almost louder than the shockwave itself.

"I cannot evade that." Nanoha shed a tear.

Vita slammed Graf Eisen, now in giga mode, into Fury's armor.

"Holy Day." a new voice sang out. The battle stopped. The pink energy drowned out by white. "Disenchant." Pacifica waved her hand and the field returned to grass.

Nanoha laid upon the ground exhausted. Her device blinking a distress call. Hayate walked over to her unable to fathom what happened let alone why she was here. Emergency workers took to the scene and swarmed the area.

Pacifica watched as the ants ran about. She picked up Fury and regarded the seething Vita below her. "I can not have my friend kill herself for fun just as you can not. My blessing to you for now. We will meet again." She walked away.

--

In the hospital now, Shamal was running back and forth between patients. "Fate, please talk some sense into that girl!" she begged as she strapped an IV to Teana.

"Nanoha." Fate shouted in her mind, "Where are you?"

"I think in the same room." Nanoha thought, "I drained my linker core again."

"YOU... no, of course you did, what happened?"

"Sorry, Fury somehow copied and redirected my blast."

The door opened and closed. Nanoha looked over at it and watched as the door locked itself.

"Who is it?" Fate asked.

"Just a nurse." Nanoha lied. She tried hard to hide her shaking. She swallowed hard and watched where she assumed the person to be standing. She directed her thoughts to the person, but no reply came. It was as if they were not received.

"Could you have her or him eh..." Fate blushed, "You know... like..."

"I will." Nanoha sent the thought back. "Shamal," she thought. "Please look after Vivio for us."

Black vapor filled the room. The lights in the ceiling faded away into nothing. Red eyes shown and glowed in the darkness. Nanoha took in the display of power as sweat poured down her face. Her breath became weak and her body quaked, "Nurse," she nearly choked on the word, "Could you change the bedpans?"

Dross laughed. Fate understood now, but bit her words back. Nanoha knew there was no turning back. "Kindred." He spoke. "Your body has weakened."

"My resolve has not." Nanoha spat venom. The aura became darker. Soon only the red eyes could be seen. Nanoha could feel the darkness thickly upon her skin. Fear became tangible and tasted of emptiness.

"You will act." He taunted.

"I..." Nanoha's breath escaped her.

--

"Nanoha!" Shamal shouted, tears rolled down her cheeks. Nanoha's vitals had all but disappeared. She began ressucitation once again.

Fate shouted for her within her mind without any progress. Shamal had warned her to calm down, but calm was not a trait they could share. Nanoha coughed. She stared blankly at nothing. "Nanoha!" Fate shouted to her mind. The voice in her head was feint, but soon she blinked and let out a belated scream. Shamal fell upon her butt on the floor.

Silence graced the room, Nanoha had feinted. "Shamal!" Hayate ran to the room, Rein was flying not far behind her. "Perform a full magical scan!"

"Hayate!" She got to her feet and called forth her device, "Please, scan her well, Claire Wind" she kissed it. The gems came apart into two long chimes on strings of energy.

Nearly an hour passed by, Shamal recalled her device and sighed. "The magic used here is unfamiliar."

"Is it a curse?"

"It might be." Shamal smiled weakily. "It might be a spell only they can undo, I will research..."

"No, you will watch over them and the other patience in this wing as you have, Shamal-sensei." Hayate smiled. "I will have research done and we will reconvene. Please, do what you do best." She thought to hug her, but she turned and left. Rein watched her leave. She turned to Shamal and bowed. She quickly flew to catch up with Hayate.

"Shamal." Fate thought.

"Yes?" she answered.

"You are wonderful. Please don't be afraid." Fate tried to smile, but nothing came of it.

"Thank you, Fate-san." Shamal wiped her eyes and turned back to Nanoha. She seemed to be sleeping well despite what she went through. Shamal gave word that she'd be putting them under close supervision personally. She knew she was being selfish. No one else could help them like she could, she thought. Nothing more than alerting her that something changed.

--

Subaru and Teana walked into the room, they held back comments as Fate's legs were cleaned. Normal skin speckled the surface now amidst the 3rrd degree burns. "Shamal-sensei." Teana spoke, but soon regretted it.

"Ah, Subaru-san, Teana-san. Please wait outside for a few minutes. I'll be right with you."

Subaru bowed and went to leave, but Teana grabbed her arm, "I wish to speak with Fate-san."

"She is sleeping, I'm afraid. She is exhausted from the earlier ordeal." Shamal's eyes grew distant, but Subaru put a hand on her shoulder.

Subaru smiled, "We'll wait here."

"Yes." Shamal smiled and turned to the two of them. "I'm putting you to work." She added.

"Anything!" Subaru crossed her arms and smiled confidently. Teana shook her head.

--

"Privates Subaru and Teana are assisting Shamal-sensei?" Hayate asked. Signum nodded. "I'd like to say I feel confidence knowing that, but for Dross to come and go as he pleases without ever detecting him is..."

"Wrong." Signum added.

"Do you think he was physically there? Magical projection? Maybe he was only in her mind." Hayate speculated. "Shamal saw nothing in the room when she ran in there."

"If he did not kill her, he sees her as a toy." Signum hated that thought. "We are dealing with mages that are not only relatively high ranked, but mages whose magic are not of any known world."

"They called themselves nomads, they have no home world, presumably." Hayate frowned. "Their allegiance is to each other."

"What can be done?" Signum asked.

"Formal negotiations." Hayate frowned. "We will demand a forum with the enemy."

Signum knew her well, "They aren't done playing with us, are they?"

Hayate closed her eyes and nodded.

Guess i ran out of room, heh so yeah that part is much more violent and takes place some unknown time after the others.

Very interesting, pity its abandoned.