[PhoenixFlare]

:3

Well, this will come as a little surprise, but this chapter is supposedly combined together with Chapter 8. A little review separated them, though, because I think dropping another Bluecheese Nuke rivaling Chapter 6 (which was capped at 26K words, combined Chapter 7-8 probably slightly more than that) is going to make a lot of people go bonkers and start screaming for my skin .

Nothing big here, really, just a lot of information dump. And I think I got some of the characters OOC (Out-of-Character) and some things OOC (Out-of-Canon) .

Anyway ...

*drops nuke and runs*

Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha GuardianS

Chapter Seven—A Tale from the Past

Spoiler for Scene I:

[Unknown Location] [February 6th, MC 081] [1017 hours]

// Score: Sadame (Piano Version) / Composer: Naoki Sato / Anime: X/1999 //

Darkness.

A blackness so whole and total it veiled everything else away in its shadows.

And yet, deep within the heart of the darkness, he could make out a glow, soft and tiny, but present nevertheless. In the cold and loneliness brought about by unrelenting darkness, the single point of light warmed him.

He reached out a hand to touch the glow, but it fled from him, floating farther away with each passing second.

Desperately, he grappled forward to get close to it, his lungs screaming for air in the black atmosphere. Whether they received what they wanted, he could care less, for his desire for the light overwhelmed all other needs.

Forever had his hand remained as such, suspended in the inertia of time, the fingers stretched to grasp what was not meant to be his. And he feared his failure to do so would bring about disasters he could not imagine.

As his fatigue finally begun to take its toll, he felt the feather-like lightness of Death’s chilling touch upon his heart, gently caressing the finality of life out from his existence. The touch felt blissful, welcome even, and he was on the verge of yielding himself to eternity’s embrace when …

… the light he sought for so long rushed back at him, bright, dazzling, and the darkness quailed before its divine radiance.

Within the blazing whiteness, he could see the figure that he had longed to be reunited with smiling, her silver-blue hair silky and lustrous, her perfectly-shaped eyes compassionate. Her hallowed wings were spread wide as she flew towards him, and glorious rays of rainbow shimmered around her majestic being, banishing the darkness that choked this unknown realm.

Princess …

He opened his arms to embrace her, to seal the reunion. But, she did not stop, and, where the contact would have been physically felt, she continued in her flight past and through him, as if she were the air itself, a phantom of the mists.

His shock was indescribable, but more so because of what happened next.

In the single moment when she soared through him, there was a shift in the panorama. Perhaps it was a trick of her spectral lights, or perhaps something else, he did not know, but the vista changed, and the light and darkness melded to form a crimson horizon, where smoke and fire danced upon the winds.

There were people around, running, screaming, in a blood-soaked land, the earth blasted into barrens by some catastrophic force. And there were people chasing after the fleeing ones, their hands wielding fire and lightning as weapons. One by one, the escapees fell, consumed by the carnage and devastation, and the pursuers continued with their march. Again, they marched through him as though he were air and proceeded with their slaughter.

He turned around, and sorrow filled his heart. What little sanity that was left in the realm was devoured by cataclysm unlike anything he had seen before, yet it had pervaded in his mind and now tainted his eyes. Strangely, it had a faint familiarity that he could not quite place, as if the scene was actually depicting one of his past experiences. But, he was sure he had not been here before. Surely, he had not been here before …

There was a sharp cry, a bellow of outrage, and his attention turned to regard the source. From a clearing to the north, there was a congregation of people who were struggling against a group of five. Though overwhelmed by sheer number, the five gave them a ferocious fight, and their rage charged the air.

He strode forward as quickly as he could to get a better view of the confrontation. Somehow, he was more attracted to this battle than the other fights being waged over the world, though he could not explain the reason behind it. Regardless, he moved forward, his body flying upon the drafts of the unfelt wind.

Moments before he reached them, however, the five issued a tremendous battle-cry, and promptly after, their entire bodies were bathed in a brilliant, five-colored light. It became so intense that it washed away all other colors, and the congregation fell back.

But, it was too late.

There was a great surge of power that shattered everything in its path, an elemental fury that rippled forward in seething vengeance, and it struck out at the congregation like a wild, ancient beast. Nothing could be saved from its destructive rage, a rampant force forged from their very life-force …

And then, the clouds opened. As if the gods had become enraged with the pointless war, the dark, smoke-stained clouds were pulled back to reveal star-strewn skies. And from within each opening came a light brighter than the stars.

Truly, nothing prepared him for this.

The wrath of the heavens was a terrible sight to behold. The shafts of light fell like hammers of judgment, and where they smote was a great explosion that consumed all existence. The rays fell, and fell again, each time devouring a portion of the world.

And when a beam of light came in his direction, he had nowhere to escape. He raised his hands up in a futile effort to block it. There was an explosion – pure and white – and then …

Just when he thought he was as good as good, blown to pieces when caught involuntarily in an unfortunate situation, the panorama ended, and he was once again in the previous realm.

Yet, the difference he felt now was vast.

Where there was brightness before, there was none now. The rainbow hues had vanished, and blackness reigned once more. Now, though, there was another presence. A deep, dark shadow presided in the realm, similar when the glow had been here originally. It was a shade that manifested qualities far more sinister and dangerous than the realm of the dead could ever be.

And it had defined features that were apparent to his eyes, which bulged in horror and disbelief.

Skin as pale as slivers of moonlight …

No …

Long, lustrous hair the color of twilight …

No … no …

Wings as deep and as shadowed as a raven’s own …

No! This cannot … be …

Cruel eyes made of flaming rubies …

No! I would not believe this!

She looked at him with those blood-red eyes, sucking all warmth that was left in him, a visage more terrible than death itself … And yet, there was something about her that was strange …

I know her … how could this be …?

She moved a languid finger, upon which the darkness around her opened, as if she was a master more supreme than the realm. Points of white light began to form within the darkness.

He wept openly now. I do not believe this …

And as she pulled her finger down, the lights fell in motion, just as they had fallen previously from the skies, rushing towards him …

And, in that one instance before the lights struck him, he saw then, what was wrong …

That she, too, was weeping …

And her tears were not fire but pure pearls …

He screamed her name, but there was no answer …

Princess!

* * * * *

Grandia awoke with a jolt, and he immediately regretted it.

Agony lanced through his chest, a sharp, brilliant spear of fire that shot upwards. He gave a grunt of pain, and his muscles, in an attempt to ease the pain, forced him to lie back down on the bed. His forehead was beaded with cold perspiration, and his loose, white shirt was sweat-stained, clinging to him in crumpled folds. When the pain finally subsided, Grandia rubbed his temples gently and wiped some of the sweat from his forehead.

He groaned.

His whole body felt sore and lethargic. His muscles answered his mental command grudgingly. And his lips were dry and cracked.

What happened to me …?

And then, it came back to him, each and every piece as vivid as the pureness of the sun’s ray. The clearing … the battle … the ruse … the attack … and … and …

He was supposed to be dead.

The dark silhouette of a person’s face formed within his mind’s eye, cowled and shrouded in shadow. A gloved hand flashed before his eyes, and then … he could remember no more.

Lazarus Exoradeon …

Grandia tried to raise himself up, but the effort put more strain on his body than he anticipated as pain flared through his body once more. Grimacing, he laid back on the bed. He gently touched the wounded area on his chest, and it sent a small tingling jolt of protest that could be felt screaming across every nerve fiber on his body. Not wanting to aggravate it anymore, he relented to just remain on the bed.

“You shouldn’t be moving around too much,” came a voice from across his prone position.

Grandia looked towards the source of the voice, and found that the speaker was Trystahn. The tall, lean man came in carrying a copper basin with a towel at its side. He placed it on a side-table, and promptly wetted the towel.

For as long as Grandia had known Trystahn, he had seen the tanned man smile only rarely, and even so, it was always a small, humble smile. Though socially a recluse, Trystahn was perhaps the calmest person in the group, the most perceptive, and the ablest in technicalities, negotiations, and support. Most of all, he cared, even if he did not show it outwardly.

All those qualities made him a suitable candidate for leadership, but Grandia had never understood why he detested it. He vehemently rejected the position when Grandia offered it to him, back when the Saint was incarcerated and deposed. True, skill-wise, he was a level or two higher than Trystahn, but that was all that differentiated them. He disliked hierarchy, and choosing a leader by positional ranking and seniority was erroneous, in his opinion. Regardless, the Magi appointed him as leader over Trystahn, and though he personally disapproved of the arrangement, he had to live with it. The Magi were a stubborn group, and nothing could be done to change their mind.

Regardless, Trystahn continued to be a reliable Templar, managing the affairs between them and the Magi with a cool demeanor and responsibility. Most of the support in their missions came from him, including the success of their infiltration, data and information gathering, escape route and methods, and early warnings of enemy approach. His surveillance in the shadows had helped them a lot, though he rarely took credits for them. He always excused those by saying that he was not in front-line at all, and that their efforts were much more than his own. Trystahn was humble. Too humble, perhaps …

Though that’s probably why Sharazad has fallen for him …

“What are you thinking?” Trystahn asked suddenly without turning to face him. He rubbed the cloth a few times and then squeezed the water out, which pattered lightly back into the basin. His deep, almond-colored eyes were bright as he brought the damp cloth to wipe away the sweat on Grandia’s face gently.

“Nothing much,” Grandia said afterwards. He looked around the room, and then asked, “How long have I been comatose?”

“Two weeks, give and take a little,” Trystahn answered.

Grandia was surprised. “It had been that long?” It was no wonder that his entire body felt sore and corpse-like, having not moved at all for a fortnight. His body needed to readapt to the surroundings, to once again feel the vigor of life.

Trystahn nodded, and washed the cloth silently. “You almost …” he stopped himself there, then continued in a slightly more level tone. “Archmagus Lazarus managed to heal you in time.”

Grandia’s expression was odd when the name was mentioned. Slowly, he said grudgingly, “And I’ll thank him in due time.”

Trystahn glanced at him curiously. “You still haven’t gotten over it, have you?”

“It’s a matter of principle,” Grandia said wearily. “Right on the outset, I’ve already mentioned that we Templars would carry out our duties and missions as required. The least they should do is give us what we’re due, even if we do make mistakes. Not only did they interfere without informing us, but they ... they … committed atrocity and murder.” Grandia’s face was hard and disgusted. “I’ll never forget that.”

Trystahn gave a small shrug. “It’s your choice. I wouldn’t say that I don’t understand what you feel, but I think it will be much easier should you decide to let it go. What’s done is done, anyway. If compensation is necessary, then perhaps amendments on our part may be more realistic than holding grudges over what you can never change, unless time turns in on itself.”

Grandia looked at his comrade wonderingly. “Sometimes, I really do wonder why the Magi chose me over you as the leader.” He smiled. “You may be just a Baron, but your disposition is impeccable.”

Trystahn gave him an amused look. “And I thought we’ve gone over this for the last time.”

Grandia laughed. “I could always try.”

“And why bother when you know the end result will not change?” He turned to Grandia, and asked, “I’ll have to undress you.”

Grandia nodded. Slowly, the tanned man began to remove the stained article of clothing, and what was seen was truly a horrifying sight. Numerous lacerations and scars marked the muscled contours of his body, and one particularly nasty, long cut that ran the length of his right shoulder-blade to his hip. On the location where Signum’s Sturm Falke struck, soft pink flesh could be seen that was entirely different from the rest of the toned body. What could have happened that Grandia would suffer from so many wounds of the past?

Gently, Trystahn cleaned the wound area. “Does it hurt?” he asked slowly.

“Not particularly, though I’ve been better,” Grandia replied.

“The wound was really deep,” Grandia remarked critically. “Archmagus Lazarus took almost half an hour to completely heal it.”

“A testament of our opponents’ incredible powers,” Grandia said wryly. “We underestimated them, even if we succeeded in our mission.”

“Are they really that strong?” Trystahn asked.

“Stronger perhaps than what we believe them to be,” Grandia affirmed. “If they had but gotten information about us, I’d reckon that they would be indeed formidable foes.”

“That is the point of the entire mission,” Trystahn said. “The Magi had already known that they would surpass us, and therefore secrecy and speed are our allies.”

Grandia was silent for a moment. “I think there is more to it than meets the eye.”

At that, Trystahn stopped his administration and looked at the Master of the Sword. “What do you mean by that?”

Grandia did not answer immediately. Instead, he seemed to be in deep contemplation, closing his eyes momentarily before he opened them again. He looked at Trystahn and said, “After the incident with the Topaz Star, it’s gotten me thinking. Why would the Magi send us after the Jewels, when they can already obtain them by their own? Their powers, either alone or combined, would be more than sufficient for them to tackle them head-on. And since most information we have is from them, they wouldn’t face much problems in the undertaking.”

“Provost Zakharov is instrumental in the information,” Trystahn corrected, “but I understand what you mean.” He frowned a little.

“What do you think?” Grandia asked, his eyes intent.

“If you’re asking my honest opinion, I’d share your point of view. Something does seem suspicious. But, suspicions remain as suspicions without evidence. Plus, there’s no reason for them to try to harm us, since we’ve basically done them nothing wrong.”

“Of course,” Grandia acceded. “I’ve thought of that point as well. Still …”

“Let’s keep that in mind, but don’t dwell on it too much. Right now, what’s important is that you recover your full strength. Sharazad and Vestrell are very worried ever since you went comatose.” Trystahn smiled warmly. “It’ll surely gladden them to see you well again.”

Grandia nodded. He looked around, and then, as if remembering something, turned to Trystahn. “Speaking of which, where are they?”

Trystahn hesitated for a brief instant before replying. “Archmagus Lazarus returned earlier this morning and has requested them to follow him. It appears that we’ll have another mission soon, and that he wants to make sure that we’re well-prepared for it.”

Grandia’s frown returned, and his eyes narrowed. “It does get more interesting every time,” he noted dryly.

Spoiler for Scene II:

[Escutcheon, Cranagan City] [February 8th, MC 081] [1246 hours]

The sun shone bright in the clear, blue sky, and birds danced contentedly in the air and flitted nimbly among the branches of trees. White clouds streaked lazily across the blue canvas of the sky in puffy ribbons. Two squirrels chattered excitedly from one tree, apparently savoring the last of their meals stored during the previous year’s winter.

From the opposite direction of the Escutcheon, three figures could be seen approaching the large whitewashed building slowly. They trudged along the gravel road leading to the Escutcheon unhurriedly, though a younger girl between the two adults seemed unable to contain her excitement as she literally skipped all the way until now. Bright orange hair tied neatly in a single-sided ponytail waved in the spring-rich air, and her face was exuberant even as her smile was radiant. She hummed herself a small tune happily.

“Be careful, young girl,” chided the man from the side, though not unkindly. “You might trip and fall.” His round glasses glinted as they caught the sun’s dazzling rays. The tall man wore a nondescript white shirt and a deep-brown slack, and his long golden hair was bound near the nape with a simple ribbon.

The girl stopped in her track, and turned around liquidly. “You’re no fun, Yuuno-san,” she said a little unhappily.

“C’mon, Yuuno, just let her be,” the woman walking beside them spoke. “After all, it’s been quite some time since she’s met with Nanoha-san, so it’s understandable that she’s excited.” She smiled, and a small canine tooth could be seen protruding from the corner of her mouth. She brushed her hair with one hand, and absently scratched one furry ear. For those who did not know her origin, they would have thought that she was a beast at first sight. But, the familiar had long been in service of the Bureau, and such sights were not uncommon in the organization. She swished her beautiful, orange-brown tail that was tipped snow-white at the end as she said, “Besides, whatever wounds she’ll get would be no problem for either one of us, wouldn’t it?” She winked mischievously, twirling a finger suggestively in the air.

The girl nodded enthusiastically, glad that someone had come to her defense. “See, onee-chan is more understanding than you are. You should learn from her, Yuuno-san,” she said, then stuck her tongue playfully out before running away as quickly as she could lest the man decided to do something to her.

“You’re spoiling her, Arf,” said the man, helpless on his own against the two. But, he did smile as the girl sped off before he could retort. “She has a sharp tongue and wit, hasn’t she?”

“From her parentage, it isn’t impossible to see how she develops those,” the fox familiar called Arf replied.

“And under your pampering, she grows even more so,” Yuuno remarked.

“Playing the blaming game now, are we?” Arf replied, raising an eyebrow.

“Not that it’s bad,” Yuuno said defensively. “It’s just that she would need to learn restraint under certain circumstances.”

Arf laughed. “Restraint, you say? Of course, dear Professor, of course, under certain circumstances.” She looked roguishly at Yuuno. “Though, if she ended up being like you, one would have to wonder if she was Nanoha’s or yours …”

At that, Yuuno went pink in the cheeks, which he deftly covered in what was an attempt to wipe sweat from the face. “She’s Nanoha’s, all right.”

“A double parentage wouldn’t be too bad, you know. It makes her education wholesome,” Arf said suggestively.

“It looks like we’re late. Guess we’ll speed up after her, before she does trip and fall,” Yuuno countered evasively. “Wait up!” he cried, and promptly bolted after the girl.

“Clever,” Arf mused, smiling to herself. Then, she, too, ran after them.

* * * * *

The automatic door slid silently aside as they entered the lobby. Personnel walked past them, casting curious glances now and then, but they were largely ignored.

Yuuno stepped forward and stopped one of the brown-uniformed staff. “Excuse me, but where may I find Commander Harlaown?”

The man looked him up and down, before asking, “Who are you?”

“Oh, I’m very sorry for not introducing myself first,” Yuuno apologized. “My name is Yuuno Scrya, and I am here to see the Commander.”

“Professor Scrya?” gasped the staff. “From the Infinite Library?”

“I believe some do call me by that name,” Yuuno replied, smiling.

“I’m sorry, Professor,” the man quickly said, bowing. “I didn’t know that you’ll be here.”

“It’s quite all right,” Yuuno said. Though his reputation as renowned archaeologist and historian from the Scrya tribe, and also the current Chief Librarian of the Infinite Library, preceded him, Yuuno’s fame was also established partly because he was a decent supportive mage and one of those who were instrumental in solving the Book of Darkness incident. “In any case,” he continued, “do you know where I can find the Commander?”

“Yes, Professor. The Commander will be in his—”

“Yuuno-kun!” a female voice called him. A side-door to an antechamber was open, and three figures stood at the threshold. One of them, a cheerful-looking young woman with long brown hair tied in a single-sided ponytail, was waving cheerily at him, even as the three of them made their way towards him.

Yuuno was surprised, and even more so when someone rushed past him towards the trio before he could even reply. A gleam of lush brown hair was all he saw before a great squeal erupted in the three women’s midst. “Nanoha-mama!” the girl who came with Yuuno and Arf cried joyfully, her face beaming with a wide smile.

Apparently, Nanoha was even more flustered than he was that she blinked at who she cradled in her arms. Her violet eyes met with heterochromic ones, whose curious depths twinkled and shone like beacons from within the girl. “Vivio?” Nanoha said incredulously.

“Mm!” Vivio nodded vigorously, still smiling.

Fate and Hayate giggled. “Of course she is Vivio, Nanoha,” Fate said, smiling motherly at the young girl while ruffling her hair. “Who else did you think she is?”

“I-I … I mean …” Nanoha said defensively, blushing as embarrassment crept up her cheeks.

If one were to take a cursory glance at the two, there was no mistaking the similarity between the two. The demeanor, the air about them, it was like looking at a mirror of the same person reflecting only a difference in age. Even their ponytail was tied at the same position. Yet, they were different, and different blood ran in their veins. Biological dissimilarity, however, held no significance in their lives, and the walls that were supposed to separate strengthened instead.

“No need to be awkward, Nanoha-chan,” Hayate said gently. “We all didn’t expect her to be here as well.” She looked at the girl who had wrapped her arms around the captain. “Hello, Vivio-chan, have you been well?”

“Yes! Definitely, Hayate-san!” Vivio answered energetically, and her enthusiasm was so infectious it made Nanoha forgot her shock and smile. Vivio, however, turned back to Nanoha and pouted darkly. “Only that … Nanoha-mama doesn’t seem happy to see me …” Her face was crestfallen.

“Oh, no, no, not at all, Vivio!” Nanoha said quickly, her voice panicky. She could not bear to see Vivio upset. “I-I just didn’t expect to see you around here. Weren’t you supposed to be having classes?” Her fluster increased again, and she put her arms around Vivio slightly tighter in case she decided to run away.

Vivio was silent, and she averted her eyes from Nanoha. Grief-stricken, Nanoha looked pleadingly at the girl, “Vivio … are you angry …?”

“What do you think?” Vivio asked coldly.

Nanoha was flabbergasted. Softly, she coaxed Vivio to look at her, but the girl firmly refused. “Vivio, I … I’m sorry … I didn’t mean to upset you …”

Vivio did not respond.

“Vivio …”

Still no answer.

“Vivio, please …”

The girl turned with a flourish, and then grinned. “Gotcha!” Then, she laughed so hard her tears were streaming down her cheeks.

Nanoha was utterly confounded by her sudden change, but Fate and Hayate (as well as others who happened to be around them, including Yuuno and Arf) could not help but join in Vivio’s uncontrollable paroxysms of joy.

“Y-you tricked me!” Nanoha cried, aghast. Her cheeks went red and felt hot as blood flushed her face at the unexpected turn of event.

Vivio’s grin widened. “Well, you started it,” she said, sticking an impudent tongue out at Nanoha. Fate and Hayate giggled beside them.

“But, really, how is it that you could come? Shouldn’t you still be having classes? And semester break is not until some time later around April,” Nanoha countered.

“Don’t be such a spoilsport, Mama,” Vivio replied calmly. “I am given permission for this break until school reopens.”

“Permission? What sort of permission? Why am I not informed about this?” Nanoha asked rapidly.

“Calm down, Nanoha,” Fate said gently. “Let her explain.” Hayate nodded encouragingly.

“Oh … right, I suppose so …” Nanoha muttered. “But, you better don’t let me find out you’ve been skiving!” she continued, her tone sharp and serious.

Vivio managed to assume a rather realistic mock cringe that drew more laughter from the rest.

“Nanoha, Fate, Hayate-chan,” Yuuno said. He and Arf had moved closer since the exchange between Nanoha and Vivio. “I see you three are well.”

“Nanoha, Fate-chan, Hayate,” Arf greeted them, smiling. Since Arf was Fate’s familiar, her affection towards the golden-haired Ace was always closer.

“Yuuno-kun, Arf,” the three returned the greeting, smiling as well. “How are you two doing? It’s been quite some time since we’ve last met,” Fate asked genially.

“Dust-covered and travel-worn, but otherwise hale and hearty,” Yuuno said, grinning. His eyes fell on Nanoha, who smiled cheerfully at him, and he quickly averted his gaze awkwardly. Arf rolled her eyes beside him, while Vivio giggled.

“Just say we’re fine, Professor. The drama can wait until later,” Arf said, giving him a light rap on the head. “It’s not like we’ve been through a bloody battlefield littered with corpses and nearly met with death.” Yuuno winced, partly because of the pain he was experiencing on the head and also the reprimand he received from the familiar.

“Has there been trouble?” Nanoha asked, her voice lightly tinted with concern. “You were scheduled to arrive earlier yesterday.”

“Not particularly,” Yuuno answered. “There had been a little … complication, that’s all,” he continued, scratching his cheek sheepishly.

“Complication? What was it?” It was Hayate’s turn to ask as she motioned them to a nearby resting area with a square wooden table and a number of chairs upon which they took their seats.

“Well, it’s … Vivio-chan,” Arf replied.

At the mention of the girl’s name, Nanoha looked up sharply at Arf before shifting her grave violet eyes at her adopted daughter. “What have you done this time, Vivio?”

Before the Vivio could reply, Arf answered on her behalf. “Calm down, Nanoha, it’s nothing serious. It’s just a small arrangement with her school, that’s all.”

“What?” Nanoha asked, bewildered. “What arrangement? And why does she need it?”

“Well, Vivio heard that we’re coming down to the Escutcheon, and she wanted to come with us,” Yuuno explained. “However, she still has classes until summer break, so it won’t be easy to excuse her absence until then. She managed to make some arrangement with the school’s administrating committee, though, and so we waited until she finished what she was supposed to do to be pardoned for the absence.”

Arf nodded in emphasis. “She finished everything just yesterday, and we had to help her pack. That’s why we weren’t able to arrive yesterday. Vivio-chan doesn’t need to return to school until summer break is over, in any case.”

Fate, Hayate, and especially Nanoha listened with amazement as Yuuno and Arf recounted the event. Nanoha looked at her eleven-year-old daughter, who was grinning from ear to ear, then turned her gaze to Yuuno and Arf, before looking at Vivio again. She appeared completely stunned.

“Wha– I mean … How did you … What were you supposed to do?” Nanoha asked falteringly, still incredulous.

“Yes, I wonder, too. What did you do to get the permission?” Hayate asked curiously. Fate nodded her assent. “It’s not usual for the Church committee to be this lenient.”

Vivio beamed happily when the question was fielded. Looking rather proud of herself, she answered succinctly, “I finished everything in the syllabus that’s scheduled until summer break.”

Silence.

The Aces blinked in unison, before Hayate let out a disbelieving exclamation: “WHAT?”

Vivio nodded and grinned even more, but did not elaborate.

“Are you saying that … you completed the entire syllabus … before it’s planned to end?” Fate phrased her question slowly.

“Mm!” Vivio nodded vigorously, smiling.

“It’s true,” Arf said, an amused smile on her lips. “I don’t believe it myself, but she really did finish everything that’s planned by the school. My initial reaction when I heard this was not much different from the three of you.”

“Six examinations, two short reports, and one assignment,” Yuuno added. “These are supposed to at least two more months before the break, but she drove them down in mere two weeks.” Yuuno shook his head as he continued, “Amazing, really. So amazing I am lost for words.” He gave a small but proud smile, which Vivio noticed and she grinned toothily in return.

It took them several moments to consider the enormity of the revelation, but Nanoha could be seen smiling quite happily already despite her initial doubts. She ruffled Vivio’s rich hair fondly. “Vivio …” she whispered softly. Vivio turned to look at her mother, and beamed.

“What was your assignment, Vivio?” Fate asked, her curiosity piqued. “If I remember correctly, it should be an essay, isn’t it?”

“Yup,” Vivio said. “I wrote a twelve-page essay on the ‘Critique of the Horfeclavian Principles’.”

Silence again, and the same dubious looks were exchanged between the Aces.

Coughing slightly and casting awkward glances at the other two, Fate asked, “What are these principles? It sounds strangely familiar, but I don’t think any of us could remember.”

“You don’t?” Vivio asked, her eyes wide with disbelief. “It’s rudimentary!”

“Well, we didn’t particularly go through everything …” Hayate disclaimed in a small voice, feeling a little embarrassed. Tactfully, she steered the subject back on track, “Anyway, what are these Horfeclavian Principles? Since you’ve done a small research on them, you should be able to enlighten us.”

Before Vivio could answer, however, another voice—a masculine one—spoke: “Horfeclavian Principles argue that the force of a magic spell is proportional to the amount of magical energy, that is, Mana, spent to cast the spell. The more Mana you channel to cast a spell, the stronger the effect.”

Everyone turned. The door from which the Aces had emerged had opened up again, and two figures—a male with rust-colored hair and a beautiful young lady with silvery-blue hair—walked side-by-side to their location. Apparently, the one who briefly spoke about the issue at hand was Gabriel, and he was smiling.

“Gabriel, Leona-chan!” Nanoha called them over, waving her hand.

But, Vivio’s reaction was perhaps the least expected. There was a short moment during which her mouth opened and closed repeatedly, and her eyes were wide, incredulity written all over her face. She was pointing a single shaking finger at the woman walking beside Gabriel. Vivio seemed to want to say something desperately.

“Vivio-chan?” Arf said, sounding concerned at her peculiar behavior. Yuuno and the Aces, too, were confused by her change. Gabriel and Leona noticed it as well, but Leona merely smiled and continued to walk towards them.

When they reached them, Leona knelt down beside the young girl, and said, “Hello, Vivio-chan. It’s been quite some time.” She ruffled the girl’s hair affectionately.

This time, Yuuno, Arf, the Aces, and Gabriel were the ones who were surprised. “You two knew each other?” Fate asked, her voice sounding louder than normal.

“Yes, we do,” Leona said.

Vivio finally recovered from her shock. She found her voice, and, whilst nodding energetically, said, “Yeah, definitely!” She beamed at Leona. “How are you, Leraphiel onee-chan?”

“I’m fine, Vivio-chan. It’s sweet of you to ask,” Leona replied, smiling in return.

“I’ve missed you, Leraphiel onee-chan,” Vivio continued.

“So do I, Vivio-chan. So do I …” she replied. Her expression was glum. “I’m sorry that I had to leave so quickly before we’ve gotten a chance to know each other better.”

“It’s all right, we’ve met again, after four years!” the little girl said cheerfully. “We’ve got plenty of time to do that, mm!” Leona gave a small smile at the girl’s unquenchable enthusiasm.

The rest of them, who had been watching closely, had been silent for the duration of the cordial exchange. Then, clearing her throat slightly, Nanoha said, “Leraphiel onee-chan? Would someone care to explain to us just what happened?”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Leona said, looking abashed. Standing up, she explained, “I met Vivio-chan about three years ago, back when I visited the Saint Church. I was looking for Inspector Acous, but being not familiar with the layout, I soon lost my way. Luckily, I spotted Vivio-chan sitting beneath a tree, reading. I asked her for direction, but she kindly offered to accompany me to the location.”

“Yup!” Vivio said, smiling. “Leraphiel onee-chan was very nice, too, and we chatted for some time while we were looking for the inspector. Eventually, we found Inspector Acous, but at one time or another, she returned to the Church for assignment. That’s when we got closer, before she had to go away. In any case, she’s extremely knowledgeable and explained fascinating things to me, especially about magic!”

“Not very,” Leona said modestly. “Vivio-chan has an extraordinary aptitude in understanding concepts, so explaining wasn’t that difficult.”

“My assignment was inspired by her ideas,” Vivio added. “Clairsentient resonance, wasn’t it? I remember you saying that you first explored the idea during your training and had produced a paper to the Magitech Research Division. You seemed quite happy with the result!” Her smile widened, revealing rows of perfectly white teeth.

“What?” Hayate was taken aback. “You mean, you’re actually the person who came up with the idea of clairsentient resonance, Leona-chan?”

Leona looked awkward. “Well … yes …” she mumbled, “… it wasn’t anything significant, though …”

“Nonsense!” Vivio countered. “The Matriarch took a look at my assignment and was astonished beyond words about what I wrote in there. Of course, at my level, we’re supposed to be perusing the Principles extensively until we go more in-depths in magic, but I guess I surprised her.” She grinned. “She had a most amusing expression when reading through clairsentient resonance, though. She kept mumbling something to herself, saying ‘Yes, hmm …’ and ‘True, but …’ now and then, with her frown deepening every passing moment until it seemed that her eyebrows were joined together.”

“Vivio!” Nanoha chided her.

“Sorry,” Vivio said half-heartedly. “Still, I think she was mighty satisfied with my work, though it needed her some time to adjust her perception, since she, like most others, is still uncomfortable with these factors and their implication in spellcasting. I find them refreshing and widely applicable over the Horfeclavian Principles, in any case.”

“Of course,” Gabriel said then. “While Horfeclavian Principles are still useful in the fundamental explanation of magic, continuing research has proven that the Principles are inapplicable in some cases already. The force of a magic spell is not static, after all. The new discoveries are still budding, however, and some time will be needed for adjustments to take place.”

“What I’m most interested to know right now,” interjected Fate, ending the technical discussion taking place, “is why are you calling Leona-chan as Leraphiel?”

“I thought it’s obvious,” Vivio replied.

“What is?” Fate asked.

“Her name, of course,” she said, looking impish. “Haven’t any of you guessed it?”

“Don’t be coy, Vivio-chan,” Leona said. “I was just as confused as they were the first time you called me this.”

Vivio laughed. “All right, all right. Leona Aurora Seraphina Tyriel is a little difficult to call, so I mixed and matched the names together and came up with ‘Leraphiel onee-chan’.”

“Why didn’t you just call her as ‘Leona onee-chan’?” Nanoha asked.

“I dunno,” Vivio said. “No particular reason, I just like the name better.” She smirked mischievously. Leona shrugged helplessly, while the Aces laughed.

Gabriel’s reaction, however, was entirely different. “The girl is pert, to mangle Milady’s name …” he muttered whisper-like under his breath.

Vivio’s ears perked up, and she looked indignantly at Gabriel. “Perv?” she said hotly, her hands on her hips. “Perv? You call me a pervert, you mud-colored ape?” she yelled, pointing an accusatory finger and stamping her foot angrily.

Silence for the third time. Everyone’s eyes were locked at the girl, whose outburst was rather unexpected, moreso because of her unsettling vehemence.

“Vivio-chan, he said ‘pert’ … as in pertinent …” Hayate said slowly. “… Not pervert …”

At the clarification, Vivio’s mouth went into a perfect ‘O’ shape even as blood climbed up her neck and flushed her face a beet-red, such that if one were to be close enough to her, the heat could be felt emanating from the skin. She was silent, her embarrassment palpable for several long moments, before she finally let out a sheepish laughter, retracted the finger to scratch her cheek absently, and said, “Oh …”

Gabriel’s face fell in dismay, fearing that he had indeed spoken the wrong word and invoked her wrath. A sympathetic and understanding Leona patted him on the back consolingly, though it did little to alleviate his mood. Yuuno, Arf, Hayate, and Fate had difficulty containing their giggle.

“Vivio,” Nanoha said, her voice stern and her eyes piercing, “I should think that we will have a long talk right after this.”

“Ow …” Vivio mumbled sadly. “Oh-kay …”

“Oh, Nanoha, do forgive her,” Fate said, trying to placate her. “It’s just an accidental slip of the tongue. Besides, she did put in a lot of effort to come here. We all know why she did what she did, don’t we?”

“True,” Nanoha said, sighing. “I know full well why she did that.” She looked at Vivio, who appeared crestfallen, and her expression softened. “Despite that, I have to teach her. She still has a lot to learn.”

“Just don’t be too tough on her,” Hayate cautioned.

“I won’t,” Nanoha promised. “It’ll be just a talk.”

Fate placed her arms around Vivio. “You heard that, Vivio-chan?” she said coaxingly. “Nanoha-mama just wants to talk with you.”

Vivio turned around to regard the golden-haired captain, who winked. Brightening up, she said, “Okay.”

“Before that, Nanoha,” Yuuno said, “do you know where we can find Commander Harlaown? We’re supposed to meet him.”

“Oh, I’m terribly sorry, Yuuno-kun,” Nanoha said apologetically. “We forgot about your reason for coming here with the distractions and all.”

“The Commander isn’t here, though,” Fate said.

“He isn’t?” Arf asked. “Where did he go?”

“He went with Rossa to the Saint Church,” Hayate explained. “He said he needed to discuss something with Knight Carim and Sister Schach.”

“Ah, is that so?” Yuuno said. “Then, I guess we’ll wait until he returns.”

“Shouldn’t be too long. He’ll probably return by tomorrow,” Nanoha said. “In any case, I should show the way to your rooms, Yuuno-kun, Arf.” She looked at Vivio, and smiled. “The little one sleeps with us, no doubt.”

Vivio puffed up her face. “I’m not little anymore.”

“Yes, little darling,” Nanoha cooed, still smiling. Then, she turned and led Yuuno and Arf out of the lobby. “We still have an appointment, Vivio, do remember that,” she called out before vanishing behind a door. Yuuno cast a final, peculiar glance at the five, and then he, too, disappeared in Nanoha’s wake.

“She has a very sharp memory, doesn’t she?” Vivio said and sighed theatrically, which drew laughter from the rest who remained in the lobby.

“That, she does,” Fate and Hayate agreed at the same time.

“She needs someone to control her,” Vivio said, suddenly deep in contemplation.

“What do you mean?” Fate asked curiously. Hayate, Leona, and Gabriel’s interest were piqued as well.

Vivio took a moment to finalize her pronouncement. Looking around shiftily and casting surreptitious glances every now and then, she tiptoed to reach their hearing range. With a very serious expression and highly conspiratorial tone, she whispered something.

“I think Yuuno-san has fallen for Nanoha-mama. But, since one is as dense as a rock and the other as straight as a log, nobody gets anywhere. They need a little … encouragement.”

Silence.

Then, there erupted an uproarious laughter in their midst that brought curious glances from other personnel in their vicinity. Their eyes teared and their faces burned from the laughter. And Leona could only smile serenely, shaking her head helplessly.

Vivio-chan, the clone of the Sankt Kaiser and adopted daughter of Nanoha-san … Arf, Fate-san’s familiar … and Yuuno-san, the ferret changeling and Chief Librarian of the Infinite Library … A very nostalgic reunion indeed … Leona thought to herself. Then, she cast her eyes at the doorway through which Nanoha, Yuuno, and Arf had gone, her thoughts reflective.

Those deep emerald eyes. Eyes that probe and evaluate. Eyes that doubt and distrust …

… And he has already begun to suspect me …

Edit: I don't know how to use the youtube tag, it doesn't seem to work ... The song will have to link, then.