Interesting chapter RD. You did a great job with the action scenes, and I'm curious as to where you're going with the story.
Although... I'm a bit curious as to the "green-haired girl". Law of Conservation of Detail; you wouldn't bother with a description of any kind if she isn't going to show up later in some capacity, right?
Spoiler for Reply:
Well now, you're just going to have to wait and see if Kia's anything special, aren't you? :k
After some debate, I've chosen to upload chapter 1 of The Collared to fanfiction.net. You can all thank Tiresias for convincing me. :V
Oh, neat, you attended AX? Anything fun/interesting occur?
Here's a little something that was going to be a "Vivio's Magical Omake Theater!" extra for another story, but kind of grew.
Spoiler for A Strict Policy Benefits Everyone:
A/N: This is a Magic Librarian!Vivio omake set in RadiantBeam's Shadowverse...not that it particularly matters.
~X X X~
Vanidas Opel cursed under his breath as he sprinted through the corridors of the Infinity Library. This was definitely not how he'd planned for this job to go! As one of the greatest acquisition specialists in all of dimensional space (he detested the term "thief"), he had not expected stealing a book from a library would be any kind of big deal. And indeed, locating the book and slipping it into his special stealth peek which blocked scrying spells as well as conventional alarm scanning had gone off well.
At that point the job had gone to hell in a handbasket.
Security staff had come after him. There had been shouts, pointed fingers, and even magical attacks fired! His primary and secondary routes of escape both had been cut off, which was why he found himself sprinting towards the reading room.
It's all right, he told himself. There were always quite a number of people in the reading room. I'm not in line-of-sight of any of the people after me. I'll use my transformation magic to become someone else entirely, and since they can't scry the book, they'll lose me in the crowd.
The tall, lanky man who strolled out among the softly lit tables and racks of hardbound volumes did not look a thing like Opel had while he'd been slipping through the data-storage collection. He was completely safe from prying eyes and scrying magic.
He thought.
The red-haired woman in green library-staff uniform didn't seem to think so. She lowered her softly glowing hands and pointed directly at him.
"That one, Vivio!"
"Thanks, Vanya!"
Even as the blonde next to her leveled a cross-tipped staff towards him and he heard the sharp detonation of a cartridge loading did Opel realize his mistake. Scrying magic couldn't locate the book, true—but it could detect the magic of his disguise. It was a transformation, not an illusion, so they couldn't see the underlying reality, but they didn't have to. It wasn't like anyone else in the reading room was going around transformed.
"Sacred Heart."
The buster spell was a thunderous roar swallowing Opel's senses and carrying him down into unconsciousness.
Vivio walked over to the sprawled figure and began to check him for the stolen book.
"I'm sorry for the interruption," Vanya Trabant said to the other readers, "but I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the Infinity Library does require prompt payment of all late charges."
Four people scrambled towards the service desk as she smiled beatifically.
I mostly attended industry panels and wandered around the dealer's room; nothing outright amazing other than only one Nanoha cosplay (a pair of girls as Nanoha and Fate). Hearing loss never felt so good at the Mikunopolis concert, and I learned about a few future localizations that I will look forward to. I helped out at a few dealer booths, and got some nice freebies as a result.
All the while, I pondered things to write. Unfortunately, very few ideas could be used for Nanoha-related fics.
Miyuki grunted as she gripped Gorun Nova. Whatever the hell Shabranigdo did, it really... "Urgh." She grimaced and felt herself suddenly heaving. Quickly bending over, she expelled the contents of her stomach onto the ground at her feet. "Yuck, what was..."
"Miasma." Amelia supplied for her as she cast a quick healing spell on Miyuki. "It makes anything living sick."
"You're not affected by it." Miyuki pointed out as she stood up and noticed that the others were in similar conditions as she was. She nearly jumped as Yuuno landed near her. "So, now what?" She blinked as Amelia's hands started to glow.
"Now? Now we fight from a distance and hope that we can take him down." Amelia was trembling slightly and Miyuki didn't blame her. As powerful as Shabranigdo was, could any of them take him out?
"Boss, bad news, his power's increasing."
Yuuno stared at Thoth. "Are you serious?!"
"His power's increasing as much as Vita's breasts did in the past year."
Yuuno grimaced, that wasn't good. 'At this rate, I don't think any of us are going to win.' Still, he had to try something.
(---)
On the ship...
Leti looked at him and shook her head. "Remember, we can't drop you down right onto the zone, you'll need to make your way there on your own."
He nodded and looked at the weapon that she gave him. "This is..."
"I know it probably won't be too useful to you, but get it to Fate when you see her. You do know what she looks like right?"
He nodded. "Of course I do. She's the blonde girl with the red eyes and the really neat sword weapon."
Leti nodded grimly. "Whatever aura he's putting out is screwing with our landing sensors. We'll drop you off a couple hundred meters away. Move as fast as you can."
He smirked at her. "Don't worry about that. After all, the hero needs to have a dramatic entrance."
Leti just rolled her eyes as he was transported down to the surface. "Well, whatever, good luck." She turned and walked to the medical bay. Somehow they had gotten Nanoha to that room. Shivering, she fought back the urge to throw up. That energy was just too crazy.
And she wasn't even in the room. She couldn't imagine how bad it was now.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!"
Leti winced as she heard Nanoha's scream of pain. 'It's times like this I'm glad I'm normal compared to the rest.' Still, they weren't going to have much time at the current rate.
(---)
He touched down at the base of a mountain to the North of Seiryuun and gulped slightly as he saw Shabranigdo to the distance, firing various spells and blocking nearly everything that came his way. "Alright, guess this isn't going to be easy at all." Putting his hand over his shoulder, he nodded as he felt his sword there. "Let's go."
Running down the mountain, he grimaced as he really wished that he could fly, if even for a short distance. His eyes widened as his legs hit something that came out of a bush, causing him to tumble end over end for a few feet before sliding on his face a bit further. "Nnngh... That hurt." Standing up, he turned to see what it was that tripped him.
He came face-to-face with a large body. Taking a step back, he looked up and stared at the large man that looked back at him with curiosity. The strangest part was, he actually felt that he knew this guy.
Well, that and the feelings he was feeling for the guy were enough to make him queasy. "Who..?" His eyes widened as the man grabbed him by his shoulders and lifted him up to look at him closer.
"Sorry, got you confused for someone else." The man dropped him down and turned to look at Shabranigdo, his eyes narrow. "You better hurry, unless you want your friends to die."
He nodded and took off running. Who was that guy? Why was he familiar?
And why did seeing him cause feelings he wasn't used to feeling outside of seeing women on the beach?
(---)
A little later...
Zafira grimaced and slammed the base of Nezzard into the ground as more Steel Yolk came rushing up through the ground, snapping into the constructed Dragon-looking creatures. "Look out!" He yelled at Amelia, who had her back to another one.
The Dragon thing was stopped a moment later as a large stone fist punched it into the ground.
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO! You think I'll let you harm my little sister as long as I can summon my golems, you have another thing coming!" Naga smirked as she stook on her golem's head, directing it and several others to keep Seiryuun as safe as possible.
To anyone that knew her, it would come as a shock that she could actually control the golems as well as she was.
"As if I care." Shabranigdo pointed his finger at the golem she was on, and a light purple beam of energy rushed out, slamming through the golem and causing it to crumble. "You will all die soon."
As he walked forward, he chuckled as he saw that metal-clad redhead, the blond boy and that fast blonde girl with the red armor in front of him. "You can all be crushed together."
"Voller Ehrgeiz."
Shabranigdo let out a cry as half of his hand was sliced in half. "Who?" He took a step back as a large man with a spear and a metallic coat stood to face him.
"My name is Zest."
Shabranigdo chuckled as Zest suddenly stumbled and fell to a knee. "It's too bad. It looks like you've pushed yourself beyond what you can do." Several Dragon-shaped creatures shot out from Shabranigdo at that moment, heading for them, before they were sliced into pieces.
"Gourry!" Yuuno gasped as he saw the man. He was bruised and bloodied, but still standing.
"I'm fine." He smirked at Shabranigdo while holding the Blast sword. "Still, we're going to need a miracle."
Shabranigdo chuckled as the other humans stood in front of him, most of them looking worse for wear, but still willing to fight. "You won't find any gods to help you here."
Yuuno frowned and blinked as he caught something out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he stared. "A... Dragon?"
"What?" Shabranigdo turned and stared as a giant blue and white serpentine Dragon that was as large as he was rushed at him, mouth open and roaring loudly. Shabranigdo growled and put his hands out, catching the Dragon's jaws and sliding across the ground for several meters before he squeezed down and ripped the Dragon in half, causing the body to fall apart.
"Water... And ice?" Chrono blinked in confusion. "Wait, where have I..?"
"Sorry I'm late!" A new voice spoke up, causing the others to turn and look. "Was out of the country when this happened. That ship of yours was really helpful for getting me here."
"Mr. Lyos!" Amelia smiled as the Knight of the Aqua Lord grinned at her.
Looking at Fate, he pulled a second weapon from his shoulder and tossed it to her. "Fate! Catch!"
Blinking, the blonde caught the weapon and stared. "This is... Galveria..." She looked at him and Lyos nodded to her.
"You mom wanted you to have it for this fight." Lyos frowned as he looked at Shabranigdo, who was recovered and walking towards them slowly.
"Well, well, well... Ragradia's power still lives." Shabranigdo chuckled as he stood tall above them all. "I should stop holding back then." His aura flashed as he started to gather even more power than before. "Come, humans and knights of the gods, let's see if you can stand against my true power!"
__________________
My fics Due to certain things, I am not here, find me over on TFF.
Miyuki grunted as she gripped Gorun Nova. Whatever the hell Shabranigdo did, it really... "Urgh." She grimaced and felt herself suddenly heaving. Quickly bending over, she expelled the contents of her stomach onto the ground at her feet. "Yuck, what was..."
"Miasma." Amelia supplied for her as she cast a quick healing spell on Miyuki. "It makes anything living sick."
"You're not affected by it." Miyuki pointed out as she stood up and noticed that the others were in similar conditions as she was. She nearly jumped as Yuuno landed near her. "So, now what?" She blinked as Amelia's hands started to glow.
"Now? Now we fight from a distance and hope that we can take him down." Amelia was trembling slightly and Miyuki didn't blame her. As powerful as Shabranigdo was, could any of them take him out?
"Boss, bad news, his power's increasing."
Yuuno stared at Thoth. "Are you serious?!"
"His power's increasing as much as Vita's breasts did in the past year."
Yuuno grimaced, that wasn't good. 'At this rate, I don't think any of us are going to win.' Still, he had to try something.
(---)
On the ship...
Leti looked at him and shook her head. "Remember, we can't drop you down right onto the zone, you'll need to make your way there on your own."
He nodded and looked at the weapon that she gave him. "This is..."
"I know it probably won't be too useful to you, but get it to Fate when you see her. You do know what she looks like right?"
He nodded. "Of course I do. She's the blonde girl with the red eyes and the really neat sword weapon."
Leti nodded grimly. "Whatever aura he's putting out is screwing with our landing sensors. We'll drop you off a couple hundred meters away. Move as fast as you can."
He smirked at her. "Don't worry about that. After all, the hero needs to have a dramatic entrance."
Leti just rolled her eyes as he was transported down to the surface. "Well, whatever, good luck." She turned and walked to the medical bay. Somehow they had gotten Nanoha to that room. Shivering, she fought back the urge to throw up. That energy was just too crazy.
And she wasn't even in the room. She couldn't imagine how bad it was now.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!"
Leti winced as she heard Nanoha's scream of pain. 'It's times like this I'm glad I'm normal compared to the rest.' Still, they weren't going to have much time at the current rate.
(---)
He touched down at the base of a mountain to the North of Seiryuun and gulped slightly as he saw Shabranigdo to the distance, firing various spells and blocking nearly everything that came his way. "Alright, guess this isn't going to be easy at all." Putting his hand over his shoulder, he nodded as he felt his sword there. "Let's go."
Running down the mountain, he grimaced as he really wished that he could fly, if even for a short distance. His eyes widened as his legs hit something that came out of a bush, causing him to tumble end over end for a few feet before sliding on his face a bit further. "Nnngh... That hurt." Standing up, he turned to see what it was that tripped him.
He came face-to-face with a large body. Taking a step back, he looked up and stared at the large man that looked back at him with curiosity. The strangest part was, he actually felt that he knew this guy.
Well, that and the feelings he was feeling for the guy were enough to make him queasy. "Who..?" His eyes widened as the man grabbed him by his shoulders and lifted him up to look at him closer.
"Sorry, got you confused for someone else." The man dropped him down and turned to look at Shabranigdo, his eyes narrow. "You better hurry, unless you want your friends to die."
He nodded and took off running. Who was that guy? Why was he familiar?
And why did seeing him cause feelings he wasn't used to feeling outside of seeing women on the beach?
(---)
A little later...
Zafira grimaced and slammed the base of Nezzard into the ground as more Steel Yolk came rushing up through the ground, snapping into the constructed Dragon-looking creatures. "Look out!" He yelled at Amelia, who had her back to another one.
The Dragon thing was stopped a moment later as a large stone fist punched it into the ground.
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO! You think I'll let you harm my little sister as long as I can summon my golems, you have another thing coming!" Naga smirked as she stook on her golem's head, directing it and several others to keep Seiryuun as safe as possible.
To anyone that knew her, it would come as a shock that she could actually control the golems as well as she was.
"As if I care." Shabranigdo pointed his finger at the golem she was on, and a light purple beam of energy rushed out, slamming through the golem and causing it to crumble. "You will all die soon."
As he walked forward, he chuckled as he saw that metal-clad redhead, the blond boy and that fast blonde girl with the red armor in front of him. "You can all be crushed together."
"Voller Ehrgeiz."
Shabranigdo let out a cry as half of his hand was sliced in half. "Who?" He took a step back as a large man with a spear and a metallic coat stood to face him.
"My name is Zest."
Shabranigdo chuckled as Zest suddenly stumbled and fell to a knee. "It's too bad. It looks like you've pushed yourself beyond what you can do." Several Dragon-shaped creatures shot out from Shabranigdo at that moment, heading for them, before they were sliced into pieces.
"Gourry!" Yuuno gasped as he saw the man. He was bruised and bloodied, but still standing.
"I'm fine." He smirked at Shabranigdo while holding the Blast sword. "Still, we're going to need a miracle."
Shabranigdo chuckled as the other humans stood in front of him, most of them looking worse for wear, but still willing to fight. "You won't find any gods to help you here."
Yuuno frowned and blinked as he caught something out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he stared. "A... Dragon?"
"What?" Shabranigdo turned and stared as a giant blue and white serpentine Dragon that was as large as he was rushed at him, mouth open and roaring loudly. Shabranigdo growled and put his hands out, catching the Dragon's jaws and sliding across the ground for several meters before he squeezed down and ripped the Dragon in half, causing the body to fall apart.
"Water... And ice?" Chrono blinked in confusion. "Wait, where have I..?"
"Sorry I'm late!" A new voice spoke up, causing the others to turn and look. "Was out of the country when this happened. That ship of yours was really helpful for getting me here."
"Mr. Lyos!" Amelia smiled as the Knight of the Aqua Lord grinned at her.
Looking at Fate, he pulled a second weapon from his shoulder and tossed it to her. "Fate! Catch!"
Blinking, the blonde caught the weapon and stared. "This is... Galveria..." She looked at him and Lyos nodded to her.
"You mom wanted you to have it for this fight." Lyos frowned as he looked at Shabranigdo, who was recovered and walking towards them slowly.
"Well, well, well... Ragradia's power still lives." Shabranigdo chuckled as he stood tall above them all. "I should stop holding back then." His aura flashed as he started to gather even more power than before. "Come, humans and knights of the gods, let's see if you can stand against my true power!"
The final push... looks like we need JAM Project's Gong/Machine Soul/Rocks/Ryuusie Lovers in the next few chapters for a Rally song... XD
Just die you dumb old Mundus-wannabe!!! *Started firing a new portable beam rifle combo(in w-mode)*
__________________
Darwin's nominee are best for laughs.
MGLN "Befriending" shows love thru superior firepower (Zenryokou Zenkai!)
Gundams are your worst nightmare in the battlefield.
SRW beats all foes.
JAM Project pwns all!!!
And I can't still make fanfic without restarting from the start when new ideas comes in...
Miyuki grunted as she gripped Gorun Nova. Whatever the hell Shabranigdo did, it really... "Urgh." She grimaced and felt herself suddenly heaving. Quickly bending over, she expelled the contents of her stomach onto the ground at her feet. "Yuck, what was..."
"Miasma." Amelia supplied for her as she cast a quick healing spell on Miyuki. "It makes anything living sick."
"You're not affected by it." Miyuki pointed out as she stood up and noticed that the others were in similar conditions as she was. She nearly jumped as Yuuno landed near her. "So, now what?" She blinked as Amelia's hands started to glow.
"Now? Now we fight from a distance and hope that we can take him down." Amelia was trembling slightly and Miyuki didn't blame her. As powerful as Shabranigdo was, could any of them take him out?
"Boss, bad news, his power's increasing."
Yuuno stared at Thoth. "Are you serious?!"
"His power's increasing as much as Vita's breasts did in the past year."
Yuuno grimaced, that wasn't good. 'At this rate, I don't think any of us are going to win.' Still, he had to try something.
(---)
On the ship...
Leti looked at him and shook her head. "Remember, we can't drop you down right onto the zone, you'll need to make your way there on your own."
He nodded and looked at the weapon that she gave him. "This is..."
"I know it probably won't be too useful to you, but get it to Fate when you see her. You do know what she looks like right?"
He nodded. "Of course I do. She's the blonde girl with the red eyes and the really neat sword weapon."
Leti nodded grimly. "Whatever aura he's putting out is screwing with our landing sensors. We'll drop you off a couple hundred meters away. Move as fast as you can."
He smirked at her. "Don't worry about that. After all, the hero needs to have a dramatic entrance."
Leti just rolled her eyes as he was transported down to the surface. "Well, whatever, good luck." She turned and walked to the medical bay. Somehow they had gotten Nanoha to that room. Shivering, she fought back the urge to throw up. That energy was just too crazy.
And she wasn't even in the room. She couldn't imagine how bad it was now.
"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!"
Leti winced as she heard Nanoha's scream of pain. 'It's times like this I'm glad I'm normal compared to the rest.' Still, they weren't going to have much time at the current rate.
(---)
He touched down at the base of a mountain to the North of Seiryuun and gulped slightly as he saw Shabranigdo to the distance, firing various spells and blocking nearly everything that came his way. "Alright, guess this isn't going to be easy at all." Putting his hand over his shoulder, he nodded as he felt his sword there. "Let's go."
Running down the mountain, he grimaced as he really wished that he could fly, if even for a short distance. His eyes widened as his legs hit something that came out of a bush, causing him to tumble end over end for a few feet before sliding on his face a bit further. "Nnngh... That hurt." Standing up, he turned to see what it was that tripped him.
He came face-to-face with a large body. Taking a step back, he looked up and stared at the large man that looked back at him with curiosity. The strangest part was, he actually felt that he knew this guy.
Well, that and the feelings he was feeling for the guy were enough to make him queasy. "Who..?" His eyes widened as the man grabbed him by his shoulders and lifted him up to look at him closer.
"Sorry, got you confused for someone else." The man dropped him down and turned to look at Shabranigdo, his eyes narrow. "You better hurry, unless you want your friends to die."
He nodded and took off running. Who was that guy? Why was he familiar?
And why did seeing him cause feelings he wasn't used to feeling outside of seeing women on the beach?
(---)
A little later...
Zafira grimaced and slammed the base of Nezzard into the ground as more Steel Yolk came rushing up through the ground, snapping into the constructed Dragon-looking creatures. "Look out!" He yelled at Amelia, who had her back to another one.
The Dragon thing was stopped a moment later as a large stone fist punched it into the ground.
"OHOHOHOHOHOHOHO! You think I'll let you harm my little sister as long as I can summon my golems, you have another thing coming!" Naga smirked as she stook on her golem's head, directing it and several others to keep Seiryuun as safe as possible.
To anyone that knew her, it would come as a shock that she could actually control the golems as well as she was.
"As if I care." Shabranigdo pointed his finger at the golem she was on, and a light purple beam of energy rushed out, slamming through the golem and causing it to crumble. "You will all die soon."
As he walked forward, he chuckled as he saw that metal-clad redhead, the blond boy and that fast blonde girl with the red armor in front of him. "You can all be crushed together."
"Voller Ehrgeiz."
Shabranigdo let out a cry as half of his hand was sliced in half. "Who?" He took a step back as a large man with a spear and a metallic coat stood to face him.
"My name is Zest."
Shabranigdo chuckled as Zest suddenly stumbled and fell to a knee. "It's too bad. It looks like you've pushed yourself beyond what you can do." Several Dragon-shaped creatures shot out from Shabranigdo at that moment, heading for them, before they were sliced into pieces.
"Gourry!" Yuuno gasped as he saw the man. He was bruised and bloodied, but still standing.
"I'm fine." He smirked at Shabranigdo while holding the Blast sword. "Still, we're going to need a miracle."
Shabranigdo chuckled as the other humans stood in front of him, most of them looking worse for wear, but still willing to fight. "You won't find any gods to help you here."
Yuuno frowned and blinked as he caught something out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he stared. "A... Dragon?"
"What?" Shabranigdo turned and stared as a giant blue and white serpentine Dragon that was as large as he was rushed at him, mouth open and roaring loudly. Shabranigdo growled and put his hands out, catching the Dragon's jaws and sliding across the ground for several meters before he squeezed down and ripped the Dragon in half, causing the body to fall apart.
"Water... And ice?" Chrono blinked in confusion. "Wait, where have I..?"
"Sorry I'm late!" A new voice spoke up, causing the others to turn and look. "Was out of the country when this happened. That ship of yours was really helpful for getting me here."
"Mr. Lyos!" Amelia smiled as the Knight of the Aqua Lord grinned at her.
Looking at Fate, he pulled a second weapon from his shoulder and tossed it to her. "Fate! Catch!"
Blinking, the blonde caught the weapon and stared. "This is... Galveria..." She looked at him and Lyos nodded to her.
"You mom wanted you to have it for this fight." Lyos frowned as he looked at Shabranigdo, who was recovered and walking towards them slowly.
"Well, well, well... Ragradia's power still lives." Shabranigdo chuckled as he stood tall above them all. "I should stop holding back then." His aura flashed as he started to gather even more power than before. "Come, humans and knights of the gods, let's see if you can stand against my true power!"
Now we can really get this party started, everyone's here and ready to fight. Let this be the first and only final true battle... and that everyone survives of course.
__________________
"The eyes are the windows that let us gaze upon the soul"
"When desperate there are two choices: Lock shields for the last stand or draw your sword for the final charge"
"There are no winners or losers, there are only the living and the dead."
Now we can really get this party started, everyone's here and ready to fight. Let this be the first and only final true battle... and that everyone survives of course.
At least everyone important xD
__________________
May 29 2010-2019
...9 years ago, the day after never would be the same
Now we can really get this party started, everyone's here and ready to fight. Let this be the first and only final true battle... and that everyone survives of course.
Oh, neat, you attended AX? Anything fun/interesting occur?
Here's a little something that was going to be a "Vivio's Magical Omake Theater!" extra for another story, but kind of grew.
Spoiler for A Strict Policy Benefits Everyone:
A/N: This is a Magic Librarian!Vivio omake set in RadiantBeam's Shadowverse...not that it particularly matters.
~X X X~
Vanidas Opel cursed under his breath as he sprinted through the corridors of the Infinity Library. This was definitely not how he'd planned for this job to go! As one of the greatest acquisition specialists in all of dimensional space (he detested the term "thief"), he had not expected stealing a book from a library would be any kind of big deal. And indeed, locating the book and slipping it into his special stealth peek which blocked scrying spells as well as conventional alarm scanning had gone off well.
At that point the job had gone to hell in a handbasket.
Security staff had come after him. There had been shouts, pointed fingers, and even magical attacks fired! His primary and secondary routes of escape both had been cut off, which was why he found himself sprinting towards the reading room.
It's all right, he told himself. There were always quite a number of people in the reading room. I'm not in line-of-sight of any of the people after me. I'll use my transformation magic to become someone else entirely, and since they can't scry the book, they'll lose me in the crowd.
The tall, lanky man who strolled out among the softly lit tables and racks of hardbound volumes did not look a thing like Opel had while he'd been slipping through the data-storage collection. He was completely safe from prying eyes and scrying magic.
He thought.
The red-haired woman in green library-staff uniform didn't seem to think so. She lowered her softly glowing hands and pointed directly at him.
"That one, Vivio!"
"Thanks, Vanya!"
Even as the blonde next to her leveled a cross-tipped staff towards him and he heard the sharp detonation of a cartridge loading did Opel realize his mistake. Scrying magic couldn't locate the book, true—but it could detect the magic of his disguise. It was a transformation, not an illusion, so they couldn't see the underlying reality, but they didn't have to. It wasn't like anyone else in the reading room was going around transformed.
"Sacred Heart."
The buster spell was a thunderous roar swallowing Opel's senses and carrying him down into unconsciousness.
Vivio walked over to the sprawled figure and began to check him for the stolen book.
"I'm sorry for the interruption," Vanya Trabant said to the other readers, "but I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the Infinity Library does require prompt payment of all late charges."
Four people scrambled towards the service desk as she smiled beatifically.
"Anyone got a plan?" Lyos asked as water spun around his sword. "Yuuno and I can use our Holy magic from two different sides, he's pretty much weak to that, right?"
Zelgadis nodded and looked at the five weapons that they had. "While you do that, we can attack with the Dark Star weapons." He looked at Vita, Amelia, Gourry, Zest, who was standing up again, and Naga. "Can you four do your best to distract him?" They nodded and Zelgadis turned to Chrono. "We'll be casting our strongest spells with the Weapons of Light. If I'm right, then these should be enough to take him down."
"Are you done?" Shabranigdo called out as a burst of his aura erupted from him and towards them. "You will not win this fight!"
Yuuno created several strong barriers and gaped as they started to crack under the pressure. "You've gotta be kidding me!"
"MOVE!" Chrono and Zelgadis yelled at the same time as everyone got out of the way of the bombardment attack.
"Hey, boss, care to do what Lyos did?"
Yuuno smirked as a data circle was formed in mid air. "Thanks, Thoth."
"No problem."
Yuuno flew along the sides of the castle while Lyos ran to the other side of Shabranigdo. "Take..."
"THIS!" Lyos yelled out as the two Holy magic users lashed out with attacks that struck out at the Demon King from his left and right sides.
Shabranigdo grunted as the two attacks pushed into his hands and started to slowly push him back. "You..." He growled and let loose a cry as he started to force the magic down. His eyes widened as he saw the five Weapons of Light glowing as the users stood in a circle, the Bow of Light in the center. "This is..."
"Taste the power of the Dark Star weapons!" The blonde girl yelled out as all five of the weapons attacked him at the same time. The five beams of energy formed together before becoming a giant spear that soared, straight and true towards Shabranigdo's center.
On the ground, Fate stared as the giant spear head continued on. "Did we get him?"
Her question was answered a moment later when the spear head broke into pieces. "That wasn't too bad, humans." Shabranigdo chuckled as he revealed two more arms and hands. "Not too bad at all. You almost had me."
"He grew extra arms?!" Miyuki gaped. "That's cheating!"
"We moved beyond fighting fair when you brought in all the Dark Star weapons, metal that can hurt me and magic that can hurt me." Letting out a grunt, Shabranigdo balled his hands into fists, destroying the Holy magic attacks that were hitting him. "For Shabranigdo... It's MORPHING TIME!" He slammed his fists together as he stepped towards them.
"I admit, for humans, you really are troublesome." Shabranigdo said as he continued to step forward, before he started to chuckle. "Even though none of you shall live to see the end of today, I will remember all of you as valiant fighters. None have ever given the Demon King Shabranigdo such a challenge in a long, long time."
Miyuki growled as she gripped Gorun Nova tightly. Even with all of their power, were they really helpless against such a creature?
"Excuse me." Miyuki's eyes widened and she spun around, only to get punched in the gut, knocking the air out of her and causing her to drop the Sword of Light. "I believe that I'll be using this."
"Y...You..." Miyuki groaned as she tried to stop him. "Do...Don't..." She punched the ground when he disappeared with Gorun Nova.
Shabranigdo blinked as he saw who appeared in front of him. "Gaav, I see you have Gorun Nova now."
Lyos stared as the one known as Gaav chuckled and turned to face the group. "I take it he's really strong?"
Amelia gulped. It was bad enough when they had to fight Gaav when he was alone, now he had Shabranigdo behind him and Gorun Nova?! "He's at least as strong as Shabranigdo is right now."
"I told you humans, didn't I?" Gaav smirked as the sword began to glow and the edge became serrated. "That you should see how a Mazoku wields Gorun Nova."
"Where's your sword?" Shabranigdo asked and Gaav just chuckled.
"They broke it. This is a suitable replacement, I think..."
Shabranigdo chuckled. "Then do it, Gaav. Show them the true power of the Demon Dragon King."
"Oh, I will..." Gaav's eyes flashed. "Lord Ruby Eye Shabranigdo!"
The next thing anyone knew, Gaav had spun around and was stabbing Gorun Nova into Shabranigdo's body.
"What?!" The Demon King stared as Gaav's aura erupted from him, becoming a multi-headed Dragon that lashed out, the heads snapping and grabbing his limbs, shoulder horns and even his neck.
"I made a vow, a thousand years ago, when you and Hellmaster forced me to fight Ragradia, that I would never forgive you two for making me fight my lover!" Gaav let loose a howl as Shabranigdo's aura tried to overpower his. "HUMANS!" He bellowed. "FOCUS YOUR ATTACKS ONTO ME!! SHOOT SHABRANIGDO THROUGH ME!!"
"You won't get awa," there was an explosion on Shabranigdo's head and he snapped back, yelling in pain, "WHAT?!"
"Again!" Hayate's voice was heard and Vita turned, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Hayate!" The girl was there, her hair, eyes and wings were all gold-tinted as her Belkan triangle spun around under her feet.
Hayate panted as she channeled another spell. 'Reinforce, will this work?'
'Yes. But remember, when this is over...'
'I know, I'll be completely helpless again.'
'At least until you recover properly.' Reinforce sent back as the two channeled more and more magic into a giant ball in front of them while a Belkan triangle appeared between them and the ball. 'We're combining the Ragnarok Breaker and Diabolic Emission with Chaos magic, we need a name for this.'
Hayate smiled, even as she was sweating and panting. 'I've got an idea...' Lightning crackled around her hands as the spell neared completion.
"HURRY!!" Gaav yelled. "ATTACK ME!! USE MY BODY AS A FOCAL POINT FOR HIM!!"
"How..." Shabranigdo grunted as he fell to a knee. "How can you betray me?!"
"Because," Gaav smirked at him, "I'm still partially human." Gaav let out a powerful scream as several Ra Tilts slammed into him. Groaning, he focused the energy through his body and amplified it with his own as he poured it into Shabranigdo.
"You..." Shabranigdo let out a groan as the four Weapons of Light, and one copy of the sword that was in him, blasted his body. "I... ARRRRAAAAAAHHHH!!" That pain didn't compare to the pain of the Chaos spell that blasted his body.
His screams were drowned out by the massive explosion that was brighter than the sun and many times louder than a bomb going off. A massive wave of power erupted from Shabranigdo's body, forcing everyone back as the ground was torn up under Shabranigdo and Gaav in all directions, destroying most of the Northern and Eastern parts of Seiryuun and even clipping the castle before the power started to ebb.
"Did... Did we do it?" Hayate asked as Reinforce held her close. The two were looking towards the center of the explosion and gaped as Shabranigdo stood there, seemingly unharmed. "No way!"
"To think... Humans could wield such power against me..." He raised his head to the sky and raised his hands. "You have no reason to despair anymore..." His body turned white and started to crack and fall apart. "To think that my plan would turn against me like so... Marvelous job, defeating the Demon King."
As they watched him crumble to dust, Amelia looked around and frowned. "Where did Miss Miyuki end up?"
(---)
Miyuki groaned and blinked as she realized that she wasn't as hurt as she should have been. "What?" Her eyes widened as she saw Gaav standing above her. "Y...You..."
"Thank you." He smirked at her, dropping Gorun Nova onto the ground next to her. "For lending me that thing. Tell that boy..." He grimaced as the hand print on his chest opened up again and black tendrils of energy started to leak out of his body and mouth. "Tell that boy with the water Holy power thanks... For making me remember who I was."
"You're dying." Miyuki blinked and Gaav laughed at her. "What's so funny?"
"Ultimately, all Mazoku want destruction. Even of ourselves. But we can take our time. Shabranigdo and Hellmaster forgot that we can just wait. That's why I hated them so much, forcing us to fight..." Gaav fell to his knees and smirked as his body started to fall apart. "I loved Ragradia... I wish... I had told her that..."
Miyuki stared as his body slowly faded away. "How the? Come on!"
"That much... Power... I let... Myself... Die... To stop... Shab...ra...nig...do..." Gaav's voice faded away again, leaving Miyuki to blink in confusion as she stared at where he was a moment ago.
Standing up, she picked up Gorun Nova and started to walk towards the blast zone. "...Man, Nanoha's going to be upset that she didn't cause all of this." She chuckled, grimacing as her body hurt from that punch Gaav landed on her. "Cheap shot, you dead bastard."
__________________
My fics Due to certain things, I am not here, find me over on TFF.
"Anyone got a plan?" Lyos asked as water spun around his sword. "Yuuno and I can use our Holy magic from two different sides, he's pretty much weak to that, right?"
Zelgadis nodded and looked at the five weapons that they had. "While you do that, we can attack with the Dark Star weapons." He looked at Vita, Amelia, Gourry, Zest, who was standing up again, and Naga. "Can you four do your best to distract him?" They nodded and Zelgadis turned to Chrono. "We'll be casting our strongest spells with the Weapons of Light. If I'm right, then these should be enough to take him down."
"Are you done?" Shabranigdo called out as a burst of his aura erupted from him and towards them. "You will not win this fight!"
Yuuno created several strong barriers and gaped as they started to crack under the pressure. "You've gotta be kidding me!"
"MOVE!" Chrono and Zelgadis yelled at the same time as everyone got out of the way of the bombardment attack.
"Hey, boss, care to do what Lyos did?"
Yuuno smirked as a data circle was formed in mid air. "Thanks, Thoth."
"No problem."
Yuuno flew along the sides of the castle while Lyos ran to the other side of Shabranigdo. "Take..."
"THIS!" Lyos yelled out as the two Holy magic users lashed out with attacks that struck out at the Demon King from his left and right sides.
Shabranigdo grunted as the two attacks pushed into his hands and started to slowly push him back. "You..." He growled and let loose a cry as he started to force the magic down. His eyes widened as he saw the five Weapons of Light glowing as the users stood in a circle, the Bow of Light in the center. "This is..."
"Taste the power of the Dark Star weapons!" The blonde girl yelled out as all five of the weapons attacked him at the same time. The five beams of energy formed together before becoming a giant spear that soared, straight and true towards Shabranigdo's center.
On the ground, Fate stared as the giant spear head continued on. "Did we get him?"
Her question was answered a moment later when the spear head broke into pieces. "That wasn't too bad, humans." Shabranigdo chuckled as he revealed two more arms and hands. "Not too bad at all. You almost had me."
"He grew extra arms?!" Miyuki gaped. "That's cheating!"
"We moved beyond fighting fair when you brought in all the Dark Star weapons, metal that can hurt me and magic that can hurt me." Letting out a grunt, Shabranigdo balled his hands into fists, destroying the Holy magic attacks that were hitting him. "For Shabranigdo... It's MORPHING TIME!" He slammed his fists together as he stepped towards them.
"I admit, for humans, you really are troublesome." Shabranigdo said as he continued to step forward, before he started to chuckle. "Even though none of you shall live to see the end of today, I will remember all of you as valiant fighters. None have ever given the Demon King Shabranigdo such a challenge in a long, long time."
Miyuki growled as she gripped Gorun Nova tightly. Even with all of their power, were they really helpless against such a creature?
"Excuse me." Miyuki's eyes widened and she spun around, only to get punched in the gut, knocking the air out of her and causing her to drop the Sword of Light. "I believe that I'll be using this."
"Y...You..." Miyuki groaned as she tried to stop him. "Do...Don't..." She punched the ground when he disappeared with Gorun Nova.
Shabranigdo blinked as he saw who appeared in front of him. "Gaav, I see you have Gorun Nova now."
Lyos stared as the one known as Gaav chuckled and turned to face the group. "I take it he's really strong?"
Amelia gulped. It was bad enough when they had to fight Gaav when he was alone, now he had Shabranigdo behind him and Gorun Nova?! "He's at least as strong as Shabranigdo is right now."
"I told you humans, didn't I?" Gaav smirked as the sword began to glow and the edge became serrated. "That you should see how a Mazoku wields Gorun Nova."
"Where's your sword?" Shabranigdo asked and Gaav just chuckled.
"They broke it. This is a suitable replacement, I think..."
Shabranigdo chuckled. "Then do it, Gaav. Show them the true power of the Demon Dragon King."
"Oh, I will..." Gaav's eyes flashed. "Lord Ruby Eye Shabranigdo!"
The next thing anyone knew, Gaav had spun around and was stabbing Gorun Nova into Shabranigdo's body.
"What?!" The Demon King stared as Gaav's aura erupted from him, becoming a multi-headed Dragon that lashed out, the heads snapping and grabbing his limbs, shoulder horns and even his neck.
"I made a vow, a thousand years ago, when you and Hellmaster forced me to fight Ragradia, that I would never forgive you two for making me fight my lover!" Gaav let loose a howl as Shabranigdo's aura tried to overpower his. "HUMANS!" He bellowed. "FOCUS YOUR ATTACKS ONTO ME!! SHOOT SHABRANIGDO THROUGH ME!!"
"You won't get awa," there was an explosion on Shabranigdo's head and he snapped back, yelling in pain, "WHAT?!"
"Again!" Hayate's voice was heard and Vita turned, her eyes sparkling with happiness.
"Hayate!" The girl was there, her hair, eyes and wings were all gold-tinted as her Belkan triangle spun around under her feet.
Hayate panted as she channeled another spell. 'Reinforce, will this work?'
'Yes. But remember, when this is over...'
'I know, I'll be completely helpless again.'
'At least until you recover properly.' Reinforce sent back as the two channeled more and more magic into a giant ball in front of them while a Belkan triangle appeared between them and the ball. 'We're combining the Ragnarok Breaker and Diabolic Emission with Chaos magic, we need a name for this.'
Hayate smiled, even as she was sweating and panting. 'I've got an idea...' Lightning crackled around her hands as the spell neared completion.
"HURRY!!" Gaav yelled. "ATTACK ME!! USE MY BODY AS A FOCAL POINT FOR HIM!!"
"How..." Shabranigdo grunted as he fell to a knee. "How can you betray me?!"
"Because," Gaav smirked at him, "I'm still partially human." Gaav let out a powerful scream as several Ra Tilts slammed into him. Groaning, he focused the energy through his body and amplified it with his own as he poured it into Shabranigdo.
"You..." Shabranigdo let out a groan as the four Weapons of Light, and one copy of the sword that was in him, blasted his body. "I... ARRRRAAAAAAHHHH!!" That pain didn't compare to the pain of the Chaos spell that blasted his body.
His screams were drowned out by the massive explosion that was brighter than the sun and many times louder than a bomb going off. A massive wave of power erupted from Shabranigdo's body, forcing everyone back as the ground was torn up under Shabranigdo and Gaav in all directions, destroying most of the Northern and Eastern parts of Seiryuun and even clipping the castle before the power started to ebb.
"Did... Did we do it?" Hayate asked as Reinforce held her close. The two were looking towards the center of the explosion and gaped as Shabranigdo stood there, seemingly unharmed. "No way!"
"To think... Humans could wield such power against me..." He raised his head to the sky and raised his hands. "You have no reason to despair anymore..." His body turned white and started to crack and fall apart. "To think that my plan would turn against me like so... Marvelous job, defeating the Demon King."
As they watched him crumble to dust, Amelia looked around and frowned. "Where did Miss Miyuki end up?"
(---)
Miyuki groaned and blinked as she realized that she wasn't as hurt as she should have been. "What?" Her eyes widened as she saw Gaav standing above her. "Y...You..."
"Thank you." He smirked at her, dropping Gorun Nova onto the ground next to her. "For lending me that thing. Tell that boy..." He grimaced as the hand print on his chest opened up again and black tendrils of energy started to leak out of his body and mouth. "Tell that boy with the water Holy power thanks... For making me remember who I was."
"You're dying." Miyuki blinked and Gaav laughed at her. "What's so funny?"
"Ultimately, all Mazoku want destruction. Even of ourselves. But we can take our time. Shabranigdo and Hellmaster forgot that we can just wait. That's why I hated them so much, forcing us to fight..." Gaav fell to his knees and smirked as his body started to fall apart. "I loved Ragradia... I wish... I had told her that..."
Miyuki stared as his body slowly faded away. "How the? Come on!"
"That much... Power... I let... Myself... Die... To stop... Shab...ra...nig...do..." Gaav's voice faded away again, leaving Miyuki to blink in confusion as she stared at where he was a moment ago.
Standing up, she picked up Gorun Nova and started to walk towards the blast zone. "...Man, Nanoha's going to be upset that she didn't cause all of this." She chuckled, grimacing as her body hurt from that punch Gaav landed on her. "Cheap shot, you dead bastard."
Hayate opened her eyes. They were misty, but she made no move to rub them. The world of white looked prettier that way, she imagined a kaleidoscope and a blue butterfly and saw them spinning. One circle, two circle. Stop.
The game of focus treated her well, and Hayate was fully awake. Her gaze floated downwards, and it was a maple chair that she sat upon; its Japanese style somehow reminded Hayate of Lindy Harlaown. She was a strong and gentle mother to Fate, but that peculiarity of hers has always befuddled her friends and family. Hayate remembered the few lessons she had with Lindy, and wondered if she learned more about the structure and history of TSAB, or the art of teasing people. Perhaps, the latter.
She looked up. Her mirror self smiled softly and pushed a cup of red tea to Hayate’s front. She picked up the tea and peered at its rippling surface, then took a sip. She grimaced.
“It’s too bitter. Could I add some sugar?”
“Really? Oh well, here you go then.” Out of nowhere a bag of sugar popped between Hayate’s fingers, and she split the paper and poured it in. Another sip.
“Mm, much better.”
“I would assume so, number two.”
“I would not be baited, Two.”
They glared defiantly at each other for one second, and then laughed at the same time. Her mirror image stopped first, and she put up her hands and consented, “Fine, I’ll be Two. You’ll forgive me for calling you Hayate then; I find it really weird to call my other self One.”
“Whatever, we have an infinity of time here anyway.” Hayate took another sip and paused. What did she just say?
Two confirmed her suspicions, “I’m inclined to think otherwise. If you really wanted to stay here though, then be my guest and enjoy your eternity.”
Hayate placed down the cup and thought deeply, but her memories seemed scrambled and inaccurate. She couldn’t remember the reason why she was here. Two leaned forward with a kind smile on her face, “You can’t remember, can you? Need my help?”
Hayate took a moment more to think, then nodded her head and sighed, “Okay. Otherwise it might be a waste of time. Somehow, I think we’re running short of it.”
“Even though you just said we have an infinity of time?” A playful grin, index finger almost wagging. That was so like herself. She sighed again.
“Yes, yes. Now would you please…?”
Two leaned back at her sofa. Hayate’s eyes narrowed; that she did not notice before. If they’re equal selves, then why did she get a better seat? She sighed again. Her thoughts were not cheerful today.
“So, where do I start?” Two clasped her hands and began to speak, “If you do recall a boy you – Well we actually – picked up on June 3rd?”
“Ah, yes. Reunion. I remember. The troublemaker.”
A smirk. Not again.
“And you’re not?”
“Look, I want to finish this quick…”
Two held up both her hands in appeasement, “Fine, fine. I’ll skip straight to the point; neither you nor I want to remember how that kid made hell for us that morning.”
Two winked, and Hayate almost slapped a palm on her own face. Am I really such an annoying person? Her double continued on innocently,
“We had dinner later on, appointed Vita as the cook, and she was happy. Really happy. It was really good to see her smiling. Nothing much later on, until –”
Hayate turned pale. The memories flooded through and drained blood from her face. Even Two looked somber.
“Reunion.”
“Yes.”
They went silent for a while. Hayate took her time to scan her surroundings, but she could see, as expected, nothing but pure white.
She should speak. Two cut in first before she could try.
“Have you figured out the boy’s powers?” It was a hard question to answer. During that one week her life had been turned around from shambles of despair to something better. Normal. What would have been if Nanoha hadn’t died. But there was something more than just that, something nostalgic. It was the feeling of being young, carefree, innocent.
It was as if her heart was whole again.
“… I think so. If my suspicions were correct, then his Rare Skill should be one that affects a person’s mind, heart, soul, something like that. I also noticed that the knights seemed happier than usual, it could be because they shared a connection with me.”
Two was silent. Listening.
“It made sense. It was absolutely weird that I felt better after meeting him.” She looked at her own hands, and saw through her mind the blood of her dearest friend.
“I refused to feel better. I wanted to punish myself for failing to save Nanoha, for not suspecting her excuse, for not stopping her in time, for making that stupid, stupid promise with her.”
Hayate dragged in a weary breath, and forcefully pulled her stare away, “I could not even bear to meet her clone. I feel that if I meet and admit her as Nanoha, it would deny the existence of that lonely grave. Just a single grave near that cliff, with only a few people to visit her. Fate doesn’t know, Vivio doesn’t know, no one knows except me. She doesn’t deserve this. Nanoha doesn’t deserve any of this… shit.”
She pointed at herself and laughed in self-derision, “Look at me! I can’t believe I just used a profanity, and yet I did. But why am I feeling disbelief? I wanted to lose my mind. Rules, regulations, protocols; who cares? I skipped my duties, I ignored my friends, I was intentionally rude and insulting… I even hurt Vita.”
Drip. Hayate wondered why her eyes were blurry, and realized that she was crying. But the words kept on going, and she cannot stop, “And for what I did all of these for, if I kept on holding back? I could have just listened to those whispers and it’ll be all over, but I held back. Worse, I tried to patch things up after those terrible things I did, because I was scared. Coward. Coward.”
Two stared quietly at Hayate, her eyes neither accusing nor sympathizing. She simply watched over Hayate as the latter tried to calm her ragged breathing, and it took several minutes that seemed like eternity. Two judged it appropriate to finally speak.
“Hayate… Have you forgotten who you are?”
“…”
Two closed her eyes and opened her arms, a tranquil smile on her face, “Once upon a time, you were an orphan. You don’t remember much of your parents, and you didn’t have much to live. With half your body paralyzed and no cure in sight, there really wasn’t anything to live for except to fulfill Dr. Ishida’s hope. Do you remember?”
Hayate nodded stoically, “Ah. She didn’t give up on me, so how could I?”
Two continued, “Later, the Book of Darkness awakened, and for the first time you have a real family. Felt real happiness. But even then, you already knew that happiness comes with a price. Everything does. Your condition was worsening every day, so you were already expecting death. But at the very least, you wanted everyone else to be happy. You willingly used the remaining days of your life to buy someone else’s happiness, because you understood just how precious it is.”
“And that hasn’t changed even now, has it? If someone else has to get hurt, it might as well be me... That was your belief. However twisted or painful that logic might be, you swore that as long as there is one person out there who is unhappy, you will do whatever in your power to change that. No matter the cost on yourself. Have you already forgotten?”
Hayate didn’t answer, but Two’s withering gaze was unrelenting. Finally a soft whisper escaped her lips, “… I remember.”
“Then tell me this: What was Nanoha’s wish?”
“… The same as mine.”
“And?”
Hayate hesitated, but she answered, “She hopes that no one else will be lonely, that she would always be there to be a friend.”
Two leaned forwards, and Hayate found it straining to keep from shrinking away, “And do you remember why did she go after Fate? Why did she save you?”
She remembered.
“I’ll defeat you. Raising Heart is giving me all of its power! With its life and heart on the line, it’s answering to my plea!”
“I asked it to save this crying girl!”
“It was just a simple wish, not for anyone else to cry… Me, Fate, Reinforce… Anyone.” Strength entered her legs, and suddenly Hayate wanted to be anywhere else but here. There was something she needed to do.
Hayate stood up.
“Two… I was weak. Am weak. The confidence I once wore is but a shadow, and I am so scared my hands just won’t stop shaking. But even so,”
She tightened her fists, and willed them to be still.
“Right now… She is out there alone and crying, isn’t it?”
Two smiled in satisfaction, “And therein lies your answer. Now go.”
“Go…?” Go where? The world was still pure white.
Two suddenly slammed her fist on the table, and Hayate leaped two feet high from where she stood, utterly startled. The former grinned slyly and said, “As much as I would like to test my dictionary of jokes on you, there is a wish waiting for you to fulfill. Reunion’s method was a bit crude, but to see myself turning into such a useless crybaby is absolutely terrifying.”
Something hot shot up her face, and Hayate wasn’t sure whether she wanted to explode in anger or embarrassment. Deciding that abusing Two would only reflect back at herself, she abruptly turned backwards and walked away. She went as far as two steps before stopping.
“… Two. Just who are you?”
The white world flickered and faded, and the voice behind her grew quieter by the second. But Hayate caught on to every word, and smiled. She started running.
“When the scars faded and your wounds healed, a broken heart mended whole again… you tell me.”
The world shattered.
-
Utter darkness. It was a color she was getting pretty familiar with. Her magic bore a light of white after all. It was only fitting that the strongest light would give birth to the darkest black.
Not today.
Hayate crawled her consciousness outwards, and was rewarded with heart wrenching misery. The sudden and exceeding outflow of emotions before must have indirectly affected her body system as well. She wondered briefly whether Reunion ever considered the possibility that she might very well have died of shock, and decided it wasn’t worth thinking about.
Anyway, this was good news. Pain meant awakening. Discomfort meant living. She would have chosen the opposite any other time but today, just for today, it was fine.
“Hayate?!”
Vita. Good, her hearing’s functioning. Now to get her tongue rolling so she could talk. Her eyes were too tired to open more than barely a slit, but a slit it was, and light dropped in. She could see. Very good. Oh right, she nearly forgot that she needed to speak.
“Vi… ta…”
“Hayate! Just wait right here, I’ll call the doctor –“
Pa! Bull eye. She thanked herself to have good womanly instincts, and made sure her arm stay latched on to Vita’s. Her red knight was obviously puzzled and worried, not sure whether she should pull away or just stay. Hayate tried speaking once more.
“Wa.. it. Time… Date.” Her throat felt hoarse and broken; her voice barely above a whisper. So she did scream out after all? From the sound and feeling of it, the possibility that she screamed out blood wasn’t farfetched at all.
“Er wait, let me think… Today is July 5th, one fifteen in the afternoon. And Hayate, can you… I want to call…?”
A week. She was out for a whole week? No, forget about that, more importantly, was Nanoha on an assignment now? Think! The last time she checked on the brunette’s schedule she remembered that... today was a public holiday. Nanoha was free, but tomorrow she’ll be sent to another world for a reconnaissance mission. Hayate was short on time, even if she’s feeling like a soccer ball kicked sore all over the place. She needed to move.
“Vita… Help me up.”
“Eh?” Now her voice sounded almost normal. It would’ve taken months on Earth if she were treated through science instead of magic.
“I need your help. We’re leaving for… wherever Nanoha is. Now.”
“What are you talking about? And why suddenly about Nanoha? Anyway, you just stay – right – here –“
Vita pried at her fingers and pulled a little harder, and Hayate swore she could hear some part of her bones breaking. For a second she almost let go, then her stubbornness finally caught up and she thought, Fine then! I’ve been through much worse! Hayate imagined her own hand as some sort of a flesh rope – which wasn’t really encouraging, but still – and imagined it to be not part of her. Her own fingers had been willed to harden as unbendable as steel, with each attempt to pull free only made Hayate clenched tighter. It wasn’t long before Vita gave up and almost begged, “Hayate, please let go off my hand, it really hurts!”
Hayate paused. Her grip slackened a little, and she almost gave away the weakness in her palm. Her face softened as she tried the gentle approach, “Vita, please. You must take me to Nanoha. If we don’t find her today it would be too late.”
“What is it? What’s so important? Can’t we just send her a message and be done with it?”
It was a good point, except that there was a little problem. Hayate shook her head and said, “No. I’m sure she won’t mind, but I do. This time, at least… I must be the one to meet her. Please help me, Vita.”
“But you’re injured! You can’t even move your legs, can you?” Vita wasn’t blind to her wriggling even under blankets.
Hayate conceded, “That may be true, but it would be in a minute. If not, you can always carry me behind your back.”
“B – But!”
Vita spluttered. On one hand every cell in her body wanted Hayate to stay put every time she was reminded by her Mistress’ torturous scream and mad flailing that day. On the other… There was a gleam of fiery determination in Hayate’s eyes that Vita has not seen for a very long time. Should she really stop her?
“Please, Vita… I don’t want to have any regrets.”
Hayate meant every word she said. She got a feeling that if she delayed it to some other time, she would lose something important. She would let Nanoha hear her feelings today, even if it meant crawling the entire distance by herself.
Hayate looked at Vita. The little knight was silent, but still unrelenting. Perhaps she was hoping that Hayate would give up the insane idea. I guess I have no choice but to use a trick. She inwardly sighed and apologized to her knight. Abruptly she let go of Vita’s hand, causing the little knight to fall back a little in surprise. She then immediately turned to the other side of the bed and reached for the floor, carefully balancing herself so that she wouldn’t accidentally bump a head and faint till morning –
“Stop, stop! I’ll do it! I’ll carry you, just don’t move, you’re injured!” Vita panicked and leaped to hold her Mistress lest she fell from her bed. With a deftness that neither of them expected, Hayate circled her arms around Vita’s back and locked them tight. With a playful tone she singsong into her little knight’s ear, “You promised, then. Off we go!”
Vita heaved a deep sigh. There was a resigned look in her eyes, and she held Hayate tightly with one arm and headed towards the door with a grunt. Her Mistress’ wish was absolute as usual.
“Fine. Where can we find her?”
“Try the Takamachi household; she should be with Vivio now. Oh, and one more thing,” Hayate grinned sweetly, “Use the window.”
-
She wasn’t there.
They had landed softly just before the door when Hayate urged Vita to let her down so that she could stand. It was impossible to hide her weakness, but she didn’t want to worry Vivio too much and perhaps, god forbid, phone up the others. The thought of Signum hunting them down like a bloodhound was terrifying. Then there was Rein’s wrath to behold as well; Hayate only remembered too well how freezing cold it was every time the unison device touched her with a radiant smile on her face. She was lucky not to get frostbites. And Shamal…
A chill blew over the duo, and every hair on their body stood stiff.
“Let’s make a hundred percent sure Shamal never hears anything about this.”
“Should I put up a jammer?”
“Please do.”
Once Vita was done with her preparations, Hayate drew in a deep breath and pressed the doorbell. Almost immediately a loud ‘Yes!’ sounded down from above followed by some thunderous stomps of footsteps, and the door burst open. She had to lean partially on Vita just to stop her legs from shaking, but she greeted a wide-eyed Vivio with a calm demeanor.
“Long time no see, Vivio.”
“Yo.”
“Aunt Vita, Aunt Hayate! But I thought you were in the hospital! Are you alright now?”
“Still weak, but yes,” she smiled and patted the now teenager’s head affectionately, “I’m okay. So, how were things going between you and Einhart?”
Vivio blushed red as Hayate grinned with growing warmth in her heart. It doesn’t matter how many years have passed; Vivio would always be Vivio.
“Mou! Why do you always ask that the first thing we meet? I told you, we are just –“
“Hmm? So who was it, Vivio? Ah…” From out of nowhere, a twin tail popped out from behind a corner and the blonde was muted. Hayate nodded meaningfully with a ‘I totally understand’ look on her face and faced Einhart, pretending not to notice Vivio’s failed attempts to explain, “Good afternoon, Einhart. How are you doing?”
The latter bowed politely and replied, “I’m fine, thank you. Hmm…” She glanced casually at her shivering legs, and Hayate caught on the message immediately. Deciding not to dilly dally any longer, she asked them, “Actually, I came here to see Nanoha. Is she here?”
“No, she went out this morning. She said that there’s a place she wanted to visit, and asked Einhart to keep me company. Like I told you, it’s not what you think!” Vivio was still flustered over Hayate’s teasing, and did not notice the troubled looks on the duo’s face. Hayate looked at Vita for direction, but the red knight simply shrugged helplessly. She tried again, “Okay. Did she mention exactly where she’s going?”
Vivio shook her head, “No. I wanted to follow, but she refused. she said it was a sad place that I shouldn’t go.”
The sadness was evident on her face. She held timidly onto Hayate’s sleeves and asked, “Aunt Hayate, do you know what’s going on with Nanoha-mama? She’s been acting weird lately… I think it’s because that Fate-mama was…”
Gone. Hayate felt a deep pang of sadness in her chest, but she put on a brave face and smiled reassuringly, “I will find your Fate-mama back no matter what, don’t you worry. And Nanoha… I think I know where she is. I’ll bring her back before dinner, okay?”
She wiped a trickle of tear off the emotional girl’s cheek. From behind, Einhart hugged Vivio gently and rubbed her hands, soothing her sorrow. Hayate motioned Vita to carry her once more, not wanting to disturb the duo any longer. Before they left though, the mischievous commander turned around and said solemnly to Einhart, “I’ll be leaving Vivio in your care. I trust that you would make her happy while I go and get Nanoha’s permission?”
The innocent girl was at first confused, “Sure, of course I’ll take care of her…? Eh?!” and then realization caught up, and her face puffed crimson like a tomato. Einhart was no longer a child, but right now she looked like she could faint in embarrassment. Hayate glanced downwards.
Despite the teasing, Einhart hands wrapped firm around Vivio. The latter too leaned comfortably against Einhart, her face down to hide a permanent blush on her cheeks.
They’ll do just fine. I’m proud.
They waved goodbye as they took to the skies. When Vita gained sufficient height, Hayate whispered a name into her ear and pointed at a direction. The red knight looked dumbfounded for a second, but did not waste time to think. As lashes of wind whipped strongly against their faces, dark thoughts inevitably crept sneakily into her mind. She prayed, not for herself but for a dearest friend. Be strong, Hayate thought worriedly of Nanoha as they rapidly approached the hill behind Aeris Hospital.
I’m coming.
-
“This place is so… beautiful.” Vita murmured breathlessly. It was a rare praise from the knight, and Hayate would have agreed wholeheartedly if that day never happened. Fading sunlight dyed the world with shades of orange, yellow shadows growing darker by the minute. Night was coming, and soon this little world would be covered a blanket of darkness as black as ink.
There stood a nameless slab of stone at the edges of a jutted cliff, wholly unnatural to its environment and utterly alone except for the light’s warmth and few occasional visitors. Hayate’s attention was caught by one such visitor; a first timer without flowers in her hand. Of course there wasn’t. The familiar ponytail was missing. Instead her hair was let loose to run wild against the wind, fluttering and dancing ever so gracefully at the flow of air. And yet she stood so still, ignorant to the phenomenon that could not shake her.
There was Nanoha, sleeping eternally under that lonely grave on a lonely cliff. There was Nanoha, living and staring at the grave she slept, almost breathing.
Hayate could not bear it. She would not bear it.
“Stay here, Vita. Don’t worry,” She held her protector’s hand briefly, reassuringly, and then let go, “I’ll be fine. Keep a lookout for us, okay?”
There were some serious doubts in Vita’s eyes. She didn’t understand this place, she didn’t recognize that grave, she didn’t know why Nanoha was here. She especially hated the icy cold dread that crept up her spine like a million warning bells; it swept clean whatever positive feelings she held when they flew up this place.
But she trusted Hayate, and she trusted Nanoha. Okay, the latter was wrong in the head lately, but who in the world wouldn’t be after Grey Christmas? She wasn’t there during Nanoha’s and Fate’s encounter with the ‘enemy’ – it was utterly chaotic just trying to evacuate the fleeing citizens – but ever since then, her friends broke. Vita could see that clearly now. She regretted terribly for not noticing the emptiness eating away at Nanoha’s heart.
That’s why, if even I don’t trust her, then Nanoha would really be…
She cocked Eisen onto her shoulders and walked away. She would show whoever stupid enough to interfere a glimpse of hell, “Ah. See you later. And Hayate…”
Save her.
-
“Nanoha.”
The twenty two steps to the brunette’s side proved to be very enduring. She barely had enough breath left to speak when she poked tiredly at the brunette, and the latter wasn’t responding.
“Nanoha.” One of her knees wobbled, and she hastily grabbed on to Nanoha to steady herself. A chill ran up her hands and she nearly retracted in shock. Her palm was so cold. Just how long has she been standing here?
“… Hayate?” The familiar voice rang, but it sounded so broken, so sad. She gazed into those purple orbs, and they looked as if they were about to cry. But then Nanoha clenched her teeth tightly, and her face became stern, “Why are you here? I heard that you were admitted into a hospital.”
Heard. I was unconscious for a whole week, and she didn’t visit me once. Hayate felt needles piercing her heart, but she suppressed the pain and avoided the question, “I was, and now I’m out. Why are you here?”
Nanoha eyed her coldly, and for a moment the silence was stifling. Then the brunette finally relaxed and removed her gaze for the distant sunset, “I’m sorry… That was a terrible question. I shouldn’t have said that.”
There was another gust of wind, and Hayate shivered despite holding herself close to Nanoha. She looked at the simple grave, and then at her best friend. She couldn’t imagine how Nanoha felt to visit her own grave. Even if so. The very thought gave her the strength to speak, “It was, but that doesn’t matter. I promised Vivio to bring you back before dinner.”
She easily trapped the brunette’s attention. Nanoha had a frown on her face as she replied, “You went to see Vivio? But I thought… I see,” she glanced at Hayate coolly, “You slipped out of the hospital.”
Normally Hayate would’ve denied or threw in a playful joke, but time was limited. Her body was rapidly running out of juice. Besides, she was getting irritated with Nanoha’s uncaring attitude, “Maybe I did, but it doesn’t matter. I’ve flown long and far to meet you.”
“You’ve found me then. What is it you want to talk about?” She replied without feelings, impersonal.
“Nanoha.”
Hayate could barely contain her fury, but she was totally unprepared for what happened next. Nanoha abruptly threw off her arm, and she fell backwards with a frightened yell lodged in her throat. By some miracle she found herself still standing and a few feet away from the brunette, but then Nanoha shot her one of the most terrifying stares she’s ever seen and nearly screamed, “Don’t call me that.”
Hayate laughed. Nanoha looked taken aback, and it sounded amazing even to herself, but she trusted her instincts and didn’t stop, “What else should I call you then? Ace of Aces? Miss Flight Instructor? What do you propose then, Nanoha?”
The brunette shuddered violently and took one step forwards, but she immediately stopped herself and closed her eyes, “Say whatever you want. I’m going home.” Her knees began to bent.
Sheer desperation ran through Hayate’s veins as she thought frantically of a way to stop Nanoha. She couldn’t understand her friend’s attitude at all, it was as if they’ve never reconciled –
Then a stunning revelation struck her, and Hayate knew exactly why Nanoha was acting so strange. She didn’t wait for the shock to fade and yelled, “You don’t remember, do you?”
Nanoha froze, and Hayate knew she got it right. She forced her feet to move as quickly as they can while she continued to speak, “I’ve read the reports. It’s at the back of my mind for some time, but it seems like you’re missing about three weeks of your memories, am I right? No wonder you’re acting like this… You don’t remember.” Those last few words came out softly.
“No… I don’t. I really don’t.” Nanoha stopped moving, and there a mixture of despair and resignation etched into her face. She suddenly looked utterly weary, and the pretense from before was all but dropped down. Hayate wouldn’t have cared even if it was otherwise; she rushed finally to Nanoha’s side and grabbed her hands.
“Tell me.”
She was at first reluctant, pulling back, but Hayate held on stubbornly and refused to show how much that little effort strained her body. Finally Nanoha relented, and a sigh escaped her lips, “I’m scared.”
“Scared. Why?”
“Because I don't remember. Twenty four days, Hayate. Those are memories that I’ll never get back. Those are memories I decided not to let myself know,” Her head sank further, “I must have found a clue about the enemy, but I chose to hide everything. Why? Because I’m not enough. That I’m defective. I must be.”
Hayate stared incredulously at her friend. What did she just say? She heard that some people could be blind to themselves, but this was her first time seeing it, most of all Nanoha.
“You’re not joking, right?”
“Huh?”
“Never mind, continue.” Hayate waved her hand dismissively, ignoring the puzzled frown on the brunette’s face. Nanoha herself was too drowned in misery to bother about the comment as she continued, “... What I’m worried the most was the enemy, and the possibility of another Grey Christmas.”
“It can’t be. You defeated him.” Hayate didn’t mention how she knew.
“Maybe I did… but it sounds too good to be true,” Nanoha looked at her hand and clenched, “Blaster One and Two won’t even scratch him. I was prepared to go past the limit, but the chances are at best fifty fifty. And right now, I don’t even remember beating him. How am I supposed to believe that the enemy I pursued for so long was finally… dead?”
Nanoha smiled wryly at the last comment. The anonymous anger was rising again within Hayate, but she kept her face cool and quiet.
“And even if I did beat him, there was still the possibility of another Grey Christmas. We don’t know if it would happen again, whether the enemy was even related to it in the first place. What if it’s still not over? Could I stop it? I….“ Nanoha trailed off, shivered. She had to press both her hands into her laps to stop them shaking. While Hayate wasn’t strong enough to stop them either, her hands never left Nanoha’s for warmth.
The brunette spun to look at Hayate, wild desperation peeking out of her eyes as her words grew increasingly frantic, “Why did I hide my memories? If I had even the slightest clue on the enemy then maybe we would have something to predict on, devise some measures to prevent it, anything. But I have nothing at all. I know I’m weak, that even I can’t trust myself, but I must do something! If I don’t then – I can’t, I don’t want to see it again, I must –“
“I think,” Hayate said quietly, “That is quite enough. Now shut up.”
She raised her hand, and slapped Nanoha as hard as she could.
Pak!
Her hand stung. It really did. But her immediate impulse was to throw another slap, and then another, until the burning heat inside her heart completely dissipated away. It took a great deal of energy just to calm down, to remind herself that she was running on thin gas. The brunette did not help much; Nanoha looked totally stunned, and yet she wore a face that looked almost satisfied.
It infuriated her more. She threw off Nanoha’s hand, and her tone turned icy cold, “Don’t you start thinking that you totally deserved this, or I’ll jump off this cliff right here right now.”
This time the near-smile faded completely from Nanoha’s face, alarmed, “Wha –“
“You wouldn’t care what happen to yourself, so it would be pointless to threaten you,” She took a step backwards, then another, “But my life, I would like to believe it a better bargaining chip. Now then, I wonder if your claim before is still true?”
With every step Nanoha took, Hayate moved one step backwards. It wasn’t long before Nanoha stood utterly still and helpless as she begged Hayate to stop with her eyes.
“Hayate… Stop…”
To which she ignored totally and said, “Not claiming? Fine, I’ll start asking some questions. Each time you stutter, refuse to answer, or got the answer wrong I’ll be taking one step backwards. You should know what I would do if you even try to use magic. Number one,”
“Hayate! Don’t –“
One step. It shut her right up, the confusion and fear was causing Nanoha to completely lose her composure.
“You said that you were defective. Flawed. Do you still think so now?”
“But I – I don’t understand! I guess I am, but –“
“Wrong. You were never defective. You’re living, breathing, and you’re a human being just like any of us. So don’t call yourself defective like a tool!” Hayate screamed out the last sentence; she didn’t know where the strength came from but she was grateful for it. Nanoha looked down again and stuttered, “B – But my memories! Why else would I –“
She didn’t forget to back up one step. Hayate could count maybe four or five before she stood side by side with the grave. Another one and she would tumble downwards like a broken bird, but she didn’t care.
“That is not a reason. And I am not you, so I can’t claim to know. But I do know you, Nanoha. If given a choice you would never impose on anyone like the idiot you are, even if that other is yourself. That is what I believe,” She paused, and continued on a calmer note, “Would you have passed the clue to Fate if you have them? Me? Signum?”
“No! He’s too dangerous –“
She held up her hand and cut Nanoha off, “I’ve made my point. Next question. Let’s say Caro was killed by someone. Erio intends to kill him as revenge. Would you support him?”
“Hayate! That’s a terrible comparison –“
“You are not answering,” She spoke casually and planted one foot backwards. Nanoha bit her lips in frustration, but there wasn’t anything she could do but reply, “I would not. Of course I’ll stop him, killing isn’t right at all!”
Hayate cocked one head thoughtfully and said, “Hmm? Is that so? I happen to remember you wishing to remember killing the enemy, am I wrong?”
“I… I didn’t wish for that, I just…” Nanoha trembled visibly to Hayate’s eyes, even from a distance, “I didn’t. If there was the slightest chance that I could bring him in, I will. But –“
“Then why did you say it? Let me answer that for you. You said it because you were too busy wallowing in your self-pity, and that you’re trying to justify just how bad you are compared to the original, even if there is no difference between the two of you.”
“But!” Nanoha interrupted, “But I’ve already made up my mind to defeat him. To not hold back. Even if I had to kill, to go against everything I stand for, I would stop him and prevent Grey Christmas. I was going to die anyway, so why did it matter…?”
“I was here when you passed away. Right – here.”
The brunette froze.
“Why did it matter, you say?” Hayate seethed with fury, tears streaming down her cheek without her noticing, “I tried my best to save you, but I couldn’t. There was so much blood; but I couldn’t even lift you because one of my arms was broken. None of my healing spells are working, and I could only watch you die. I –“ She clutched at her heart; it was pounding too fast and her head terrifyingly dizzy, but she couldn’t go down yet. Not yet.
“– I felt so pathetic and useless that I wish I was dead. If it wasn’t for Reunion I would’ve really lost it, threw away everything I cared about. All those pain, those sadness, and you ask me why you mattered…”
She stumbled back, almost falling. There was a cry of alarm, and it was pure luck that her right hand caught the gravestone just before she plummets god knows how many thousands of feet below. But even then Hayate sensed that Nanoha had thrown all caution to the wind and was closing in fast. What should she do?
“Wrong move, Nanoha.” Hayate muttered under her breath, and she laughed out breathlessly to gain one final second of time, “You said that your life isn’t important, do you Nanoha?!” The brunette stopped, hesitated for just a fraction. And that was all she needed.
“Well guess what – I don’t think mine mattered as well!”
Hayate jumped. She could no longer differentiate between up and down, left and right, only that she was falling backwards and that the world felt weightless. In a sense it was like flying, but there was an impossible feeling of freedom that she never felt before.
So this is what it meant to fall. Not bad at all, Hayate thought idly, but it would be bad if I grew fond of it. So where the heck is that idiot –
“Hayate!” Her body fell heavily against something warm, and the deadly descent stopped. She couldn’t see already, her vision was pitch black for some reason. Then she felt something wet dripping on to her neck. Nanoha was crying.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, it’s all my fault so don’t… Please don’t do this, Hayate, I’m sorry…”
“I jumped myself... Didn’t I? So how is it your fault?” Her speech was surprisingly clear, but Hayate knew she was seconds away from fainting. So she tried to squeeze in as much words as she could.
“Nanoha… You’re not the only who wants to prevent Grey Christmas. To stop that monster. We all shared the same wish, to protect everyone’s smiles… So don’t shoulder all the responsibility by yourself. You’re not alone… I’m your friend, so rely on me, damn it… To hear you say… ‘I’ all the time is really… irritating…”
Nanoha sobbed even harder, “I know, I know, I’m sorry… Hayate? Can you hear me? Hayate!”
I’m so tired. Exhaustion was shutting down her consciousness quick as lightning, but there was one last thing she hasn’t said. She struggled in every ounce of strength to raise one hand, to which Nanoha grabbed on instinctively as she flew to a safer place.
“Remember, Nanoha… This hand, no matter what… I will… never… let go…”
Sound grew distant, and she missed the reply. But Hayate smiled in satisfaction and allowed oblivion to take her away.
I kept my promise, Vivio.
[Playback complete. Saving record to permanent memory, event designated codename ‘To Save You’. Next selected time year 0086 month 7 day 19 1104. Begin playback.]
To put it very shortly, Hayate's spanking a spoiled girl's ass. Or should I say woman, but well, that sounds kinda weird so...
One more chapter left before I stop, as the Chapters after 10 will be the end. They're still in progress, and I had my hands full trying to write the epic card cheating war between Lutecia and Hayate. I'm sure the end product would sound lame (Like trying to write with a Death Star aiming at you), but I'm trying. =.="
I'm currently reading 'Kara no Shoujo' just to beef up some inspiration and to remind myself my favorite writing style: Gore and Torture. I enjoy nothing more but presenting body parts in creative ways, and the victims must be innocent idiots who are so full of confidence and hope and young and... Ah, sorry, here's your leg. Watch me stepping it flat and squishy, and oh, don't faint just yet, we're just halfway pulling out your intestines from your a***. AHAHAHAHA!
Jokes aside, I do hope my imagination of a unique, One and Only disaster does not fall short of expectation. A disaster as natural as body splitting disease...
Location: Place of rocks and trees, and trees and rocks...and water.
Age: 33
Random comment: It's tough to be in all "happy fluffy romance" mode so that I can write upcoming chapters when I've been hit with many "angst tragic drama" ideas ....
Quote:
Originally Posted by DezoPenguin
Oh, neat, you attended AX? Anything fun/interesting occur?
Here's a little something that was going to be a "Vivio's Magical Omake Theater!" extra for another story, but kind of grew.
Spoiler for A Strict Policy Benefits Everyone:
A/N: This is a Magic Librarian!Vivio omake set in RadiantBeam's Shadowverse...not that it particularly matters.
~X X X~
Vanidas Opel cursed under his breath as he sprinted through the corridors of the Infinity Library. This was definitely not how he'd planned for this job to go! As one of the greatest acquisition specialists in all of dimensional space (he detested the term "thief"), he had not expected stealing a book from a library would be any kind of big deal. And indeed, locating the book and slipping it into his special stealth peek which blocked scrying spells as well as conventional alarm scanning had gone off well.
At that point the job had gone to hell in a handbasket.
Security staff had come after him. There had been shouts, pointed fingers, and even magical attacks fired! His primary and secondary routes of escape both had been cut off, which was why he found himself sprinting towards the reading room.
It's all right, he told himself. There were always quite a number of people in the reading room. I'm not in line-of-sight of any of the people after me. I'll use my transformation magic to become someone else entirely, and since they can't scry the book, they'll lose me in the crowd.
The tall, lanky man who strolled out among the softly lit tables and racks of hardbound volumes did not look a thing like Opel had while he'd been slipping through the data-storage collection. He was completely safe from prying eyes and scrying magic.
He thought.
The red-haired woman in green library-staff uniform didn't seem to think so. She lowered her softly glowing hands and pointed directly at him.
"That one, Vivio!"
"Thanks, Vanya!"
Even as the blonde next to her leveled a cross-tipped staff towards him and he heard the sharp detonation of a cartridge loading did Opel realize his mistake. Scrying magic couldn't locate the book, true—but it could detect the magic of his disguise. It was a transformation, not an illusion, so they couldn't see the underlying reality, but they didn't have to. It wasn't like anyone else in the reading room was going around transformed.
"Sacred Heart."
The buster spell was a thunderous roar swallowing Opel's senses and carrying him down into unconsciousness.
Vivio walked over to the sprawled figure and began to check him for the stolen book.
"I'm sorry for the interruption," Vanya Trabant said to the other readers, "but I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that the Infinity Library does require prompt payment of all late charges."
Four people scrambled towards the service desk as she smiled beatifically.
I love how clever your villains are, and yet how much cleverer the librarians are!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Craxuan
I had my hands full trying to write the epic card cheating war between Lutecia and Hayate.
I don't care if this is an Author's Note, this sounds so awesome. Er, that is, if they were actually playing cards...and both of them were cheating....and it was all war-like.....
2011-07-05, 12:17
Author
