Nanoha FanFiction Discussion

[Shigan]

So the ball's in my court? This might be no three-pointer, but hey, butter!Yui needs to be buttered. Slowly and patiently.

Aaaand we're here! The finale! This finishes my first contribution to the Hayate x Vivio Files. This was a nice story to write, mostly because I got to write what I really enjoyed while deathcurse plunged into the stuff I would have had enourmous difficulties writing. Thanks mate! *writer-fist*

What more to say? I'll be writing more, no point in jumping ship now when I've helped to set so many things in motion. Also, I do recommend you to re-read Part 5: One Mama Laughs Best if you cannot recall what happened. Things We Tame were written to be read as a one-shot to begin with and I think that it generally flows better if you read two or three parts in one go.

Now, onwards! To brave new skies!

The Things We Tame
By Shigan

'Men have forgotten this truth,' said the fox. 'But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.'
Antoine de Saint-Exupery


Previous parts:

Prelude: Not Today
Part 1: Team Takamachi
Part 2: When I Get Home There had Better Be Kisses
part 3: Headbands
part 4: Mama Knows Best
Part 5: The Other Mama Laughs Best

Spoiler for Duty's Call:

The next three week passed in a blur.

Vivio divided her time the best she could between her family, Hayate and preparations for her next deployment. The Navy had requested the STG’s assistance for a counter-strike measure against a conglomerate of interplanetary criminal organisations dealing in arms, rare Logias and restricted pharmaceutics. Enforcer intelligence had located several key bases of their operations and needed firepower for the ground-work. Vivio didn’t need numbers to know that it was going to be ugly, not with this kind of money involved.

She balanced her team, considered their specialities and strengths before sending preparation recommendations to Rhen, Kvick and Harley. They needed to be ready as she doubted communications would be good once they touched down, especially Kvick’s security slicing skills would be invaluable.

Hayate was busy and remained so during the last days of Vivio’s leave. They spent the nights together, alternating between having late dinners, making love or just cuddled and talked. While Vivio lacked the insight or grasp of the larger picture of Mid-Childa’s political situation, she could give smaller advice, words that balanced Hayate’s sense of peace and self when the high games grew to weary to bear. It gave Vivio a sense of deep satisfaction when they rested together.

Vita and Signum, having heard the news, engaged her in a fourteen days long training program where the captains mercilessly drilled her through the more advanced infiltration strategies. They trained night and day, finishing with a continual multi-field exercise spanning ninety-six hours. The pair was harsh, but Signum’s tactical shrewdness was a good balance to Vita’s brute strength and Vivio found it difficult to not appreciate the challenge. When they were finally done, she all but crashed in her bed and was ready to sleep for months.

Shamal gave her a batch of modified cartridges, reminding her sternly to use them only in moderation while Zafira, who rarely left Hayate’s side, came by and gave Vivio an upgraded wristband for Sacred Heart. Her mothers’ mood was dampened over her early departure. They were quiet at times, cheerful at others. Fate made sure to cook her favourite foods while Nanoha stubbornly refused to treat her any different. They were small things, tiny details to the passing of days, but Vivio saw the love in their actions and would carry them all deeply.

It was hard to believe that she once had been a lonely child in a madman’s scheme. Vivio could barely remember Jail and the events that had thrown her into Nanoha’s path, and while she couldn’t find it in herself to quite be grateful, she acknowledged his contribution to her life. In her darkest dreams, she would sometimes remember the soft whispers of a raspy voice and the cool feeling of her small hands hitting against glass. She had been so frightened and mama was not there.

That was in the past. Vivio knew this once she grew tall and her limbs grew stronger. She knew it in every scar on her body and every bite of delicious food. It was hard not to when you were constantly surrounded by the unyielding, determined love of the Takamachi-Harlaown and Yagami families. Erio’s and Caro’s child would be born into a good world and Vivio’s mind boggled at the thought of becoming an aunt.

The days passed and she found herself standing on the loading bay of The Guardia.

It was a nice ship, an Arbiter class with the sleek design of a smaller cruising vessel. The hull was polished and even the lower decks seemed without a speck of rust, the whole ship smelled of oil and sharp ozone. Vivio admired her uncle’s ship and felt right at home. Admiral Chrono Harlaown was known to many for his unlikeness of enjoying speedy space vessels. Of course, those same people had probably never met the other Harlaown sibling or familiarized themselves with her “modest” interest in sport cars.

Vivio was double checking a crate containing their surface gear when the rest of her team arrived. The three of them looked well, rested and in good spirits, Vivio nodded her greetings as they exchanged salutes.

Harley threw himself atop a metallic box, pulling out his device, a rifle with range-adjustable upgrades and started dismantle it for maintenance. He looked to be in a good mood, though none of them dared to ask why. Kvick was reading up on the technical details on the systems they expected to force through a pair of tech-boosted specs, an odd, bordering wicked smile plastered on her hawkish face. Vivio liked the security expert despite her manic tendencies; Kvick was fun, surgical in field and certainly lacked no skill with her spellwork.

Rhen joined her and they fell in work.

“Ho, kid.” He greeted.

“Ho, Rhen.” She returned with a smile, meaning it. “How’s your wife?”

“Fat and jolly, bless her. How’s your dirty, secret hush-hush affair?” Both Kvick and Harley chuckled at this.

Vivio shot him a glare over the crate, somehow managing to simultaneously look embarrassed and happy at once. Rhen raised an eyebrow.

“That good, huh? Just give us the steam, woman. We need a topic while burning space.”

The blonde threw him a package with rations in friendly humour, aiming for his head. “One of these days, I will.”

“I’m glad. I freshened up my arsonist skills as you recommended by the way, brushed up the explosives stuff too when I was at it.” He continued conversationally.

“Good, it never hurts if there’re two of us.” She replied. “I’m expecting a few pure sabotage missions together with regular hit-and-run ones.”

“What’s the Navy’s take on this?”

“Infiltration mostly, I’m expecting they’ll be handling intelligence while the STG do the damage.”

Harley looked up from his rifle, face wry. “We’ll have one hell of a run then. Say what you want about those pretty-capes, but they do know their spells and data.”

“The hot uniforms had to be for something, right?” Kvick added absentmindedly.

Vivio sometimes wondered if the Navy indeed employed their own fashion designer, anyone could see the bordering comical difference.

Harley guffawed. “Poofs, I tell you.”

They all snickered and fell back to their individual preparations. Vivio found herself a spot and booted up Sacred Heart’s configuration panel, eager to see the new calibrations Shari had performed. She had put in a request to have her limiter modified since the algorithms conflicted with her more powerful offensive spells. The scientist spent two days working on it and had sworn on the white of her lab coat that the problem would be no more. She was happily scrolling away on her holo, completely engrossed by the task when Harley spoke up.

“Hey, would you look at that.” He whistled.

Kvick joined in a moment later. “That’s a lot of brass, yah. Why do you reckon she’s down here?”

“Lost probably, I doubt that one’s ever been outside a command deck.” The large man answered. Vivio didn’t bother to look. People got lost in the lower decks all the time, that’s why ships like this had intercoms installed.

“Well, what rank do you figure she is?”

“Judging by the stripes I would say general. She’s lost alright.” Harley said while leering goofily. “You don’t reckon she would appreciate some help, do you? Pretty thing like that.”

Rhen spoke last, his tune curious. “I don’t think so. She’s seems to be looking for something.”

His words made Vivio look up. She froze.

Hayate stood in the middle of the loading bay, dressed in the dark-blue uniform issued to high command and carrying her portfolio. She looked as striking as ever, though slightly out of breath. They had said their good-byes the night before since the general was supposed to oversee the proceedings of a juridical case and Rein had almost cried when she reviewed the number of related meetings. Hayate’s eyes lit up when she saw Vivio.

“Hoo yeah, she’s smiling at me.”

“It’s not you she’s looking at, idiot. It’s…”

Vivio ignored them as she jumped up and ran over, happy that the other had found the time to see her off, but worried as well. Hayate had an unhealthy habit of skipping lunch which no one but her waistline endorsed.

“Hey,” Hayate greeted softly. “Your uncle let me on.”

Vivio smiled. “He’s a handy guy to have around.”

They stood silently for a while, looking at each other. It was not an uncomfortable silence but a loaded one nonetheless. Vivio thought there must be a pocket in space between them, sucking out and spitting forth what she had been dreading to feel for weeks. She thought of the long days when Hayate would not be there and all the things they could have talked about, she thought of the smiles she would miss and the touch of ashen hair beneath her fingers. Most of all, she thought of the presence, the person of Yagami Hayate who had become so irrecoverably integrate to her life.

Vivio didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t one for long good-byes and there were things no words could do real justice. Hayate observed her calmly, her eyes unusually stormy in contemplation.

“Six months,” she spoke. Hayate drew a long breath, as if she wanted to confirm her own words.

“It sounds scarier than it probably really is.” Vivio tried meekly, unsure if her own voice would hold up.

“You might be half-way to become an aunt when you get back.”

She nodded happily at the mention of her foster siblings.

Somewhere, in a far corner of her mind, Vivio was aware of Rhen and the others’ curious looks. She saw them for the brawny, good soldiers they were and decided to take a leap of faith. After all, Hounds ran in packs and she was their leader.

She thought of Nanoha and Fate and the boundless love in their actions and words, and how much she valued their consult. She thought of the world in general, and how things would always be difficult. Falling in love had been so easy when she was a girl, a flutter in her steps and the desire for the other’s attention. It was the keeping of the emotion, nurturing it through time and life that was the truly hard part. It was a task of a lifetime and one that took courage.

Did she want to spend her life with Hayate?

Did she want the burdens their hearts and careers would undoubtedly place upon them? Could she endure the grievance and heartbreaks of the differences that would always be there?

The answers came ridiculously easy and with great relief.

She stepped forwards like her fifteen-years-old self once had done with a rose in hand, her hands clutching nothing but the weight of her decisions. Hayate met her halfway, no doubt carrying her own fears.

They embraced tightly and stayed that way. Hayate cradled Vivio against her, trembling as her hands moved along the blonde’s back. Vivio kissed her. Not passionately, not desperately but gently, moving her lips against Hayate’s in patient, soft caress. It was not a kiss of parting lovers but a pledge, an uncompromised promise of return and dedication.

They broke apart as quietly as they had begun, arms still encircled.

“I must go back.” Hayate said after a while.

“Mnh.”

“Fight well and be safe.” Her eyes were wet. “Please, promise me to be safe.”

“If you promise to take care of yourself, or at least let Shamal do it.”

Hayate pinched her arm. “You’re in no position to negotiate, officer Takamachi.”

“No ma’m.” Vivio answered jokingly and rested her forehead against the other. “I will miss you.”

Oh Vivio. The reply came telepathically, because Hayate was a general and it would not do to cry in front of Vivio’s men. I shall miss you too. I love you so much, so promise me you’ll be careful.

The lieutenant nodded. I promise. And I love you too.

They spoke no more as they parted. Vivio watched Hayate leave; she watched the beautiful, retreating back and tried to measure the impact of what the woman was to her. Had her fifteen-years-old self foreseen the depths her feelings one day would have? Probably not. She looked to Hayate and appreciated her for everything she was.

The rest of the Hounds came up behind her, all with varying expression of sly grins and smug smirks.

“Cock and balls, Takamachi.” Harley exclaimed, staring at her. Kvick groaned and rolled her eyes while Vivio raised an eyebrow in honest puzzlement.

“It means he is impressed.” Rhen filled in helpfully while he looked after the general, bemused. “So that’s your steam, huh? No wonder you kept it under lids. That’s way too brassy to not cause a stink.”

“Well played kid,” Kvick shrugged and grinned while she tapped at her specs quickly. “There’s only one general in the whole bureau with those characteristics. She’s the deal isn’t she? Yagami Hayate, the genius tactician, legendary ace, decorated general and City Defence Commander. The woman is our freaking boss.”

To their surprise, Vivio did not seem embarrassed but stood proudly, eyeing them in challenge. “She is.” And what of it? Her silent question hung in the air.

“Well, that came not a day to early.” Rhen remarked. He smiled and clapped Vivio on the shoulder. The three of them seemed oddly at peace with this new information.

“What now?” Vivio asked, nonplussed at their behaviour. “I thought you were all gonna string me up and milk me for dirt.”

Rhen laughed. “Naw. We’re glad you’re aiming for the high scores.”

“Dirt no, extra munitions hell yeah.” Kvick commented.

“Chill Takamachi,” Harley said in a merry, rumbling voice. “We’re Hounds remember? Boss, general or whatever, if Yagami’s your bitch then she’s pack. We look after our own.”

It wasn’t the most beautiful of declarations but Vivio couldn’t argue as her soldiers laughed. After all, it made perfectly sense.

**-fin-**

Spoiler for Author's Notes:

*high fives Deathcurse and Extriniscal*

Looking back at it, I really like the first half of this last part most. I think this is where Vivio really comes through as an adult compared to dc's young, teenaged (and adorable) take on her in Prerogative. Viv's growing up to become a contributing part in her society and she's doing this by being a good soldier, a considerate leader, a good daughter and finally slowly becoming a more mature companion for Hayate (who I'm afraid, will never outgrow french maid uniforms. Cranagan should be very afraid if we one day indeed make her a High Marshal.). I'll be looking forward to write more of those two in the future! x)

And finally, thanks to deathcurse for inspiring this whole thing. Without her, this story would never have been. Without Extriniscal, this ball would never have started rolling.

Last but never, ever least: Thank you, anamatics, for being a patient beta-reader through my storms of writing schizophrenia, a support and a ear for my creative woes.

Go H x V!

[RadiantBeam]

Originally Posted by deathcurse

You may swear now and later if you wish?

So many options.

Originally Posted by yuiseppe

Spoiler for Playing with Fire:

My imagination thanks you for the image, and has no problem figuring out what happens next.

Originally Posted by Shigan

So the ball's in my court? This might be no three-pointer, but hey, butter!Yui needs to be buttered. Slowly and patiently.

Aaaand we're here! The finale! This finishes my first contribution to the Hayate x Vivio Files. This was a nice story to write, mostly because I got to write what I really enjoyed while deathcurse plunged into the stuff I would have had enourmous difficulties writing. Thanks mate! *writer-fist*

What more to say? I'll be writing more, no point in jumping ship now when I've helped to set so many things in motion. Also, I do recommend you to re-read Part 5: One Mama Laughs Best if you cannot recall what happened. Things We Tame were written to be read as a one-shot to begin with and I think that it generally flows better if you read two or three parts in one go.

Now, onwards! To brave new skies!

The Things We Tame
By Shigan

'Men have forgotten this truth,' said the fox. 'But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.'
Antoine de Saint-Exupery


Previous parts:

Prelude: Not Today
Part 1: Team Takamachi
Part 2: When I Get Home There had Better Be Kisses
part 3: Headbands
Part 5: One Mama Laughs Best

Spoiler for Duty's Call:

The next three week passed in a blur.

Vivio divided her time the best she could between her family, Hayate and preparations for her next deployment. The Navy had requested the STG’s assistance for a counter-strike measure against a conglomerate of interplanetary criminal organisations dealing in arms, rare Logias and restricted pharmaceutics. Enforcer intelligence had located several key bases of their operations and needed firepower for the ground-work. Vivio didn’t need numbers to know that it was going to be ugly, not with this kind of money involved.

She balanced her team, considered their specialities and strengths before sending preparation recommendations to Rhen, Kvick and Harley. They needed to be ready as she doubted communications would be good once they touched down, especially Kvick’s security slicing skills would be invaluable.

Hayate was busy and remained so during the last days of Vivio’s leave. They spent the nights together, alternating between having late dinners, making love or just cuddled and talked. While Vivio lacked the insight or grasp of the larger picture of Mid-Childa’s political situation, she could give smaller advice, words that balanced Hayate’s sense of peace and self when the high games grew to weary to bear. It gave Vivio a sense of deep satisfaction when they rested together.

Vita and Signum, having heard the news, engaged her in a fourteen days long training program where the captains mercilessly drilled her through the more advanced infiltration strategies. They trained night and day, finishing with a continual multi-field exercise spanning ninety-six hours. The pair was harsh, but Signum’s tactical shrewdness was a good balance to Vita’s brute strength and Vivio found it difficult to not appreciate the challenge. When they were finally done, she all but crashed in her bed and was ready to sleep for months.

Shamal gave her a batch of modified cartridges, reminding her sternly to use them only in moderation while Zafira, who rarely left Hayate’s side, came by and gave Vivio an upgraded wristband for Sacred Heart. Her mothers’ mood was dampened over her early departure. They were quiet at times, cheerful at others. Fate made sure to cook her favourite foods while Nanoha stubbornly refused to treat her any different. They were small things, tiny details to the passing of days, but Vivio saw the love in their actions and would carry them all deeply.

It was hard to believe that she once had been a lonely child in a madman’s scheme. Vivio could barely remember Jail and the events that had thrown her into Nanoha’s path, and while she couldn’t find it in herself to quite be grateful, she acknowledged his contribution to her life. In her darkest dreams, she would sometimes remember the soft whispers of a raspy voice and the cool feeling of her small hands hitting against glass. She had been so frightened and mama was not there.

That was in the past. Vivio knew this once she grew tall and her limbs grew stronger. She knew it in every scar on her body and every bite of delicious food. It was hard not to when you were constantly surrounded by the unyielding, determined love of the Takamachi-Harlaown and Yagami families. Erio’s and Caro’s child would be born into a good world and Vivio’s mind boggled at the thought of becoming an aunt.

The days passed and she found herself standing on the loading bay of The Guardia.

It was a nice ship, an Arbiter class with the sleek design of a smaller cruising vessel. The hull was polished and even the lower decks seemed without a speck of rust, the whole ship smelled of oil and sharp ozone. Vivio admired her uncle’s ship and felt right at home. Admiral Chrono Harlaown was known to many for his unlikeness of enjoying speedy space vessels. Of course, those same people had probably never met the other Harlaown sibling or familiarized themselves with her “modest” interest in sport cars.

Vivio was double checking a crate containing their surface gear when the rest of her team arrived. The three of them looked well, rested and in good spirits, Vivio nodded her greetings as they exchanged salutes.

Harley threw himself atop a metallic box, pulling out his device, a rifle with range-adjustable upgrades and started dismantle it for maintenance. He looked to be in a good mood, though none of them dared to ask why. Kvick was reading up on the technical details on the systems they expected to force through a pair of tech-boosted specs, an odd, bordering wicked smile plastered on her hawkish face. Vivio liked the security expert despite her manic tendencies; Kvick was fun, surgical in field and certainly lacked no skill with her spellwork.

Rhen joined her and they fell in work.

“Ho, kid.” He greeted.

“Ho, Rhen.” She returned with a smile, meaning it. “How’s your wife?”

“Fat and jolly, bless her. How’s your dirty, secret hush-hush affair?” Both Kvick and Harley chuckled at this.

Vivio shot him a glare over the crate, somehow managing to simultaneously look embarrassed and happy at once. Rhen raised an eyebrow.

“That good, huh? Just give us the steam, woman. We need a topic while burning space.”

The blonde threw him a package with rations in friendly humour, aiming for his head. “One of these days, I will.”

“I’m glad. I freshened up my arsonist skills as you recommended by the way, brushed up the explosives stuff too when I was at it.” He continued conversationally.

“Good, it never hurts if there’re two of us.” She replied. “I’m expecting a few pure sabotage missions together with regular hit-and-run ones.”

“What’s the Navy’s take on this?”

“Infiltration mostly, I’m expecting they’ll be handling intelligence while the STG do the damage.”

Harley looked up from his rifle, face wry. “We’ll have one hell of a run then. Say what you want about those pretty-capes, but they do know their spells and data.”

“The hot uniforms had to be for something, right?” Kvick added absentmindedly.

Vivio sometimes wondered if the Navy indeed employed their own fashion designer, anyone could see the bordering comical difference.

Harley guffawed. “Poofs, I tell you.”

They all snickered and fell back to their individual preparations. Vivio found herself a spot and booted up Sacred Heart’s configuration panel, eager to see the new calibrations Shari had performed. She had put in a request to have her limiter modified since the algorithms conflicted with her more powerful offensive spells. The scientist spent two days working on it and had sworn on the white of her lab coat that the problem would be no more. She was happily scrolling away on her holo, completely engrossed by the task when Harley spoke up.

“Hey, would you look at that.” He whistled.

Kvick joined in a moment later. “That’s a lot of brass, yah. Why do you reckon she’s down here?”

“Lost probably, I doubt that one’s ever been outside a command deck.” The large man answered. Vivio didn’t bother to look. People got lost in the lower decks all the time, that’s why ships like this had intercoms installed.

“Well, what rank do you figure she is?”

“Judging by the stripes I would say general. She’s lost alright.” Harley said while leering goofily. “You don’t reckon she would appreciate some help, do you? Pretty thing like that.”

Rhen spoke last, his tune curious. “I don’t think so. She’s seems to be looking for something.”

His words made Vivio look up. She froze.

Hayate stood in the middle of the loading bay, dressed in the dark-blue uniform issued to high command and carrying her portfolio. She looked as striking as ever, though slightly out of breath. They had said their good-byes the night before since the general was supposed to oversee the proceedings of a juridical case and Rein had almost cried when she reviewed the number of related meetings. Hayate’s eyes lit up when she saw Vivio.

“Hoo yeah, she’s smiling at me.”

“It’s not you she’s looking at, idiot. It’s…”

Vivio ignored them as she jumped up and ran over, happy that the other had found the time to see her off, but worried as well. Hayate had an unhealthy habit of skipping lunch which no one but her waistline endorsed.

“Hey,” Hayate greeted softly. “Your uncle let me on.”

Vivio smiled. “He’s a handy guy to have around.”

They stood silently for a while, looking at each other. It was not an uncomfortable silence but a loaded one nonetheless. Vivio thought there must be a pocket in space between them, sucking out and spitting forth what she had been dreading to feel for weeks. She thought of the long days when Hayate would not be there and all the things they could have talked about, she thought of the smiles she would miss and the touch of ashen hair beneath her fingers. Most of all, she thought of the presence, the person of Yagami Hayate who had become so irrecoverably integrate to her life.

Vivio didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t one for long good-byes and there were things no words could do real justice. Hayate observed her calmly, her eyes unusually stormy in contemplation.

“Six months,” she spoke. Hayate drew a long breath, as if she wanted to confirm her own words.

“It sounds scarier than it probably really is.” Vivio tried meekly, unsure if her own voice would hold up.

“You might be half-way to become an aunt when you get back.”

She nodded happily at the mention of her foster siblings.

Somewhere, in a far corner of her mind, Vivio was aware of Rhen and the others’ curious looks. She saw them for the brawny, good soldiers they were and decided to take a leap of faith. After all, Hounds ran in packs and she was their leader.

She thought of Nanoha and Fate and the boundless love in their actions and words, and how much she valued their consult. She thought of the world in general, and how things would always be difficult. Falling in love had been so easy when she was a girl, a flutter in her steps and the desire for the other’s attention. It was the keeping of the emotion, nurturing it through time and life that was the truly hard part. It was a task of a lifetime and one that took courage.

Did she want to spend her life with Hayate?

Did she want the burdens their hearts and careers would undoubtedly place upon them? Could she endure the grievance and heartbreaks of the differences that would always be there?

The answers came ridiculously easy and with great relief.

She stepped forwards like her fifteen-years-old self once had done with a rose in hand, her hands clutching nothing but the weight of her decisions. Hayate met her halfway, no doubt carrying her own fears.

They embraced tightly and stayed that way. Hayate cradled Vivio against her, trembling as her hands moved along the blonde’s back. Vivio kissed her. Not passionately, not desperately but gently, moving her lips against Hayate’s in patient, soft caress. It was not a kiss of parting lovers but a pledge, an uncompromised promise of return and dedication.

They broke apart as quietly as they had begun, arms still encircled.

“I must go back.” Hayate said after a while.

“Mnh.”

“Fight well and be safe.” Her eyes were wet. “Please, promise me to be safe.”

“If you promise to take care of yourself, or at least let Shamal do it.”

Hayate pinched her arm. “You’re in no position to negotiate, officer Takamachi.”

“No ma’m.” Vivio answered jokingly and rested her forehead against the other. “I will miss you.”

Oh Vivio. The reply came telepathically, because Hayate was a general and it would not do to cry in front of Vivio’s men. I shall miss you too. I love you so much, so promise me you’ll be careful.

The lieutenant nodded. I promise. And I love you too.

They spoke no more as they parted. Vivio watched Hayate leave; she watched the beautiful, retreating back and tried to measure the impact of what the woman was to her. Had her fifteen-years-old self foreseen the depths her feelings one day would have? Probably not. She looked to Hayate and appreciated her for everything she was.

The rest of the Hounds came up behind her, all with varying expression of sly grins and smug smirks.

“Cock and balls, Takamachi.” Harley exclaimed, staring at her. Kvick groaned and rolled her eyes while Vivio raised an eyebrow in honest puzzlement.

“It means he is impressed.” Rhen filled in helpfully while he looked after the general, bemused. “So that’s your steam, huh? No wonder you kept it under lids. That’s way too brassy to not cause a stink.”

“Well played kid,” Kvick shrugged and grinned while she tapped at her specs quickly. “There’s only one general in the whole bureau with those characteristics. She’s the deal isn’t she? Yagami Hayate, the genius tactician, legendary ace, decorated general and City Defence Commander. The woman is our freaking boss.”

To their surprise, Vivio did not seem embarrassed but stood proudly, eyeing them in challenge. “She is.” And what of it? Her silent question hung in the air.

“Well, that came not a day to early.” Rhen remarked. He smiled and clapped Vivio on the shoulder. The three of them seemed oddly at peace with this new information.

“What now?” Vivio asked, nonplussed at their behaviour. “I thought you were all gonna string me up and milk me for dirt.”

Rhen laughed. “Naw. We’re glad you’re aiming for the high scores.”

“Dirt no, extra munitions hell yeah.” Kvick commented.

“Chill Takamachi,” Harley said in a merry, rumbling voice. “We’re Hounds remember? Boss, general or whatever, if Yagami’s your bitch then she’s pack. We look after our own.”

It wasn’t the most beautiful of declarations but Vivio couldn’t argue as her soldiers laughed. After all, it made perfectly sense.

**-fin-**

Spoiler for Author's Notes:

*high fives Deathcurse and Extriniscal*

Looking back at it, I really like the first half of this last part most. I think this is where Vivio really comes through as an adult compared to dc's young, teenaged (and adorable) take on her in Prerogative. Viv's growing up to become a contributing part in her society and she's doing this by being a good soldier, a considerate leader, a good daughter and finally slowly becoming a more mature companion for Hayate (who I'm afraid, will never outgrow french maid uniforms. Cranagan should be very afraid if we one day indeed make her a High Marshal.). I'll be looking forward to write more of those two in the future! x)

And finally, thanks to deathcurse for inspiring this whole thing. Without her, this story would never have been. Without Extriniscal, this ball would never have started rolling.

Last but never, ever least: Thank you, anamatics, for being a patient beta-reader through my storms of writing schizophrenia, a support and a ear for my creative woes.

Go H x V!

A good ending for an excellent story. I liked how in the end, Hayate came to see Vivio off, and how Vivio had all of the answers she needed; also liked the nice touch of her team finally finding out who she was with, and simply accepting it as it was. It shows just how much they trust and care about Vivio, to not let it bother them. Will we be seeing more of them? I rather liked them.

Also, I now demand a short where Hayate actually gets Vivio into a French maid uniform, because it would be hilarious.

[shiroi mahotsukai]

Originally Posted by Nanya01

Hey guys! You miss me?

*Crickets chirp*

...Huh, guess not.

Red

Yagami

Spoiler for Blood That Flows - Peak - Mid Start:

It was early morning on Mid-Childa and Zest took a deep breath as he stood in front of the door. It had been a couple of years. He wondered how his friends had been doing since he last saw them. Not to mention that he had to deal with a couple of hanger-ons that came to Mid-Childa. 'Not really.' He reminded himself, but he still wanted to check on them and make sure that they were where they were supposed to be.

After all, they were comrades of his on Non-Administered World 500.

"Morning." Zest nodded to the woman, who didn't even look up. "If you," she looked up and gasped, "Zest! You're back!"

"Good to see you too, Auris." Zest nodded to her and let a small smile grace his lips. "You've grown rather pretty since I saw you last."

The girl blushed heavily. "Oh, thanks. Anyway, yeah, he's here." Zest nodded as he walked in. Even if it had been a couple of years and an office change, Zest oddly felt comfortable about being here.

Though, when he walked in and saw just a bare desk and Regius stand at the window with his back to the door, Zest wondered if there was a new Ground Forces HQ built soon. "Regius?"

The man turned and raised an eyebrow at what he saw. "Zest, it's been a long time." Zest nodded as he walked forward. "I take it you found what you were looking for?"

Zest shrugged as he stood in front of the desk. "I managed to get my mind off of things. Why is your office so empty?"

Regius smirked softly. "We have a new HQ building ready to go. We're just finishing moving our stuff there."

Zest nodded. "I'm surprised it took so long."

Regius shrugged at that. "It's been going slow, between finding a good place for the new building and all the tech the R&D guys have come up with have kept us pretty busy and out of any new buildings until just now."

"New tech?" Zest raised an eyebrow before noticing something clipped to Regius' belt. "What the..?"

"A new toy that they came up with. It's called the Shine Sword."

"Looks like the Sword of Light." Zest noted and Regius nodded. "...They created a copy of the Sword of Light?"

"Yes. The upper limits aren't fully tested yet, but this thing is strong." He patted his belt and nodded. "More and more of these things are being made every day. I find it a little odd that you recognized it so quickly."

Zest shook his head. "No. Just yesterday, I was fighting alongside several people against several high-powered Mazoku on the world that I was on." Regius' blinked at that. "I would have died had it not been for a healer named Sylphiel and her husband Gourry.

"So, how..." Regius started and Zest nodded to him.

"Let's get some chairs, this is going to take awhile." Regius nodded and told Auris to get them what they needed. "You know, she can listen in." Regius blinked at Zest. "Something like this, it's important to know the details."

Regius nodded. A couple of years was enough to change anyone. "Just remember to visit Quint when you're done here." When Zest raised an eyebrow, he chuckled. "She said, 'I don't care if I still can't walk, I'm going to get out of this wheelchair and kick both your asses if he doesn't visit'."

Zest actually laughed at that. "I don't doubt it." Quint was always creative when she wanted to be.

If Regius still dies I see a massive roaring rampage of revenge just a few minutes after. Relationships are becoming stronger, mere allies are becoming friends and an unbeatable fighting force is being slowy forged and tempered in the firece flames of war.

[Craxuan]

Hard to imagine that it all started from one, simple story. Not even Vivio/Hayate, just a joke on the idea, and now it actually grew solid. Wow.You and dc make an amazing pair for the V/H files; care to start ringing wedding bells? xD

[blissfullyunaware]

yuiseppe- great picture as always.


shigan-very nice end. You managed to show Vivio's maturity, and a little bit of Hayate's vulnerability (not the word I want, but thanks to numerous birthday shots I can't think of a better one at the moment). Anyways, it was a good read.

[DezoPenguin]

Originally Posted by yuiseppe

This. The clone of the most revered Sankt Kaiser is the normal one of the bunch.



Do not apologise. It didn't last long. My inner-pervert-old-man won out pretty easily after all. Granted, this had been boiling for weeks now... thanks to you guys here... *glares*

Spoiler for Playing with Fire:

So Vivio's teasing went a little too far and Hayate ... reacted. You can fill in allllllll the blanks ;D

(sorry, no time to shade, maybe in a few weeks' time )

Shigan, the ball is officially in your court now.

Originally Posted by Shigan

So the ball's in my court? This might be no three-pointer, but hey, butter!Yui needs to be buttered. Slowly and patiently.

Aaaand we're here! The finale! This finishes my first contribution to the Hayate x Vivio Files. This was a nice story to write, mostly because I got to write what I really enjoyed while deathcurse plunged into the stuff I would have had enourmous difficulties writing. Thanks mate! *writer-fist*

What more to say? I'll be writing more, no point in jumping ship now when I've helped to set so many things in motion. Also, I do recommend you to re-read Part 5: One Mama Laughs Best if you cannot recall what happened. Things We Tame were written to be read as a one-shot to begin with and I think that it generally flows better if you read two or three parts in one go.

Now, onwards! To brave new skies!

The Things We Tame
By Shigan

'Men have forgotten this truth,' said the fox. 'But you must not forget it. You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.'
Antoine de Saint-Exupery


Previous parts:

Prelude: Not Today
Part 1: Team Takamachi
Part 2: When I Get Home There had Better Be Kisses
part 3: Headbands
Part 5: One Mama Laughs Best

Spoiler for Duty's Call:

The next three week passed in a blur.

Vivio divided her time the best she could between her family, Hayate and preparations for her next deployment. The Navy had requested the STG’s assistance for a counter-strike measure against a conglomerate of interplanetary criminal organisations dealing in arms, rare Logias and restricted pharmaceutics. Enforcer intelligence had located several key bases of their operations and needed firepower for the ground-work. Vivio didn’t need numbers to know that it was going to be ugly, not with this kind of money involved.

She balanced her team, considered their specialities and strengths before sending preparation recommendations to Rhen, Kvick and Harley. They needed to be ready as she doubted communications would be good once they touched down, especially Kvick’s security slicing skills would be invaluable.

Hayate was busy and remained so during the last days of Vivio’s leave. They spent the nights together, alternating between having late dinners, making love or just cuddled and talked. While Vivio lacked the insight or grasp of the larger picture of Mid-Childa’s political situation, she could give smaller advice, words that balanced Hayate’s sense of peace and self when the high games grew to weary to bear. It gave Vivio a sense of deep satisfaction when they rested together.

Vita and Signum, having heard the news, engaged her in a fourteen days long training program where the captains mercilessly drilled her through the more advanced infiltration strategies. They trained night and day, finishing with a continual multi-field exercise spanning ninety-six hours. The pair was harsh, but Signum’s tactical shrewdness was a good balance to Vita’s brute strength and Vivio found it difficult to not appreciate the challenge. When they were finally done, she all but crashed in her bed and was ready to sleep for months.

Shamal gave her a batch of modified cartridges, reminding her sternly to use them only in moderation while Zafira, who rarely left Hayate’s side, came by and gave Vivio an upgraded wristband for Sacred Heart. Her mothers’ mood was dampened over her early departure. They were quiet at times, cheerful at others. Fate made sure to cook her favourite foods while Nanoha stubbornly refused to treat her any different. They were small things, tiny details to the passing of days, but Vivio saw the love in their actions and would carry them all deeply.

It was hard to believe that she once had been a lonely child in a madman’s scheme. Vivio could barely remember Jail and the events that had thrown her into Nanoha’s path, and while she couldn’t find it in herself to quite be grateful, she acknowledged his contribution to her life. In her darkest dreams, she would sometimes remember the soft whispers of a raspy voice and the cool feeling of her small hands hitting against glass. She had been so frightened and mama was not there.

That was in the past. Vivio knew this once she grew tall and her limbs grew stronger. She knew it in every scar on her body and every bite of delicious food. It was hard not to when you were constantly surrounded by the unyielding, determined love of the Takamachi-Harlaown and Yagami families. Erio’s and Caro’s child would be born into a good world and Vivio’s mind boggled at the thought of becoming an aunt.

The days passed and she found herself standing on the loading bay of The Guardia.

It was a nice ship, an Arbiter class with the sleek design of a smaller cruising vessel. The hull was polished and even the lower decks seemed without a speck of rust, the whole ship smelled of oil and sharp ozone. Vivio admired her uncle’s ship and felt right at home. Admiral Chrono Harlaown was known to many for his unlikeness of enjoying speedy space vessels. Of course, those same people had probably never met the other Harlaown sibling or familiarized themselves with her “modest” interest in sport cars.

Vivio was double checking a crate containing their surface gear when the rest of her team arrived. The three of them looked well, rested and in good spirits, Vivio nodded her greetings as they exchanged salutes.

Harley threw himself atop a metallic box, pulling out his device, a rifle with range-adjustable upgrades and started dismantle it for maintenance. He looked to be in a good mood, though none of them dared to ask why. Kvick was reading up on the technical details on the systems they expected to force through a pair of tech-boosted specs, an odd, bordering wicked smile plastered on her hawkish face. Vivio liked the security expert despite her manic tendencies; Kvick was fun, surgical in field and certainly lacked no skill with her spellwork.

Rhen joined her and they fell in work.

“Ho, kid.” He greeted.

“Ho, Rhen.” She returned with a smile, meaning it. “How’s your wife?”

“Fat and jolly, bless her. How’s your dirty, secret hush-hush affair?” Both Kvick and Harley chuckled at this.

Vivio shot him a glare over the crate, somehow managing to simultaneously look embarrassed and happy at once. Rhen raised an eyebrow.

“That good, huh? Just give us the steam, woman. We need a topic while burning space.”

The blonde threw him a package with rations in friendly humour, aiming for his head. “One of these days, I will.”

“I’m glad. I freshened up my arsonist skills as you recommended by the way, brushed up the explosives stuff too when I was at it.” He continued conversationally.

“Good, it never hurts if there’re two of us.” She replied. “I’m expecting a few pure sabotage missions together with regular hit-and-run ones.”

“What’s the Navy’s take on this?”

“Infiltration mostly, I’m expecting they’ll be handling intelligence while the STG do the damage.”

Harley looked up from his rifle, face wry. “We’ll have one hell of a run then. Say what you want about those pretty-capes, but they do know their spells and data.”

“The hot uniforms had to be for something, right?” Kvick added absentmindedly.

Vivio sometimes wondered if the Navy indeed employed their own fashion designer, anyone could see the bordering comical difference.

Harley guffawed. “Poofs, I tell you.”

They all snickered and fell back to their individual preparations. Vivio found herself a spot and booted up Sacred Heart’s configuration panel, eager to see the new calibrations Shari had performed. She had put in a request to have her limiter modified since the algorithms conflicted with her more powerful offensive spells. The scientist spent two days working on it and had sworn on the white of her lab coat that the problem would be no more. She was happily scrolling away on her holo, completely engrossed by the task when Harley spoke up.

“Hey, would you look at that.” He whistled.

Kvick joined in a moment later. “That’s a lot of brass, yah. Why do you reckon she’s down here?”

“Lost probably, I doubt that one’s ever been outside a command deck.” The large man answered. Vivio didn’t bother to look. People got lost in the lower decks all the time, that’s why ships like this had intercoms installed.

“Well, what rank do you figure she is?”

“Judging by the stripes I would say general. She’s lost alright.” Harley said while leering goofily. “You don’t reckon she would appreciate some help, do you? Pretty thing like that.”

Rhen spoke last, his tune curious. “I don’t think so. She’s seems to be looking for something.”

His words made Vivio look up. She froze.

Hayate stood in the middle of the loading bay, dressed in the dark-blue uniform issued to high command and carrying her portfolio. She looked as striking as ever, though slightly out of breath. They had said their good-byes the night before since the general was supposed to oversee the proceedings of a juridical case and Rein had almost cried when she reviewed the number of related meetings. Hayate’s eyes lit up when she saw Vivio.

“Hoo yeah, she’s smiling at me.”

“It’s not you she’s looking at, idiot. It’s…”

Vivio ignored them as she jumped up and ran over, happy that the other had found the time to see her off, but worried as well. Hayate had an unhealthy habit of skipping lunch which no one but her waistline endorsed.

“Hey,” Hayate greeted softly. “Your uncle let me on.”

Vivio smiled. “He’s a handy guy to have around.”

They stood silently for a while, looking at each other. It was not an uncomfortable silence but a loaded one nonetheless. Vivio thought there must be a pocket in space between them, sucking out and spitting forth what she had been dreading to feel for weeks. She thought of the long days when Hayate would not be there and all the things they could have talked about, she thought of the smiles she would miss and the touch of ashen hair beneath her fingers. Most of all, she thought of the presence, the person of Yagami Hayate who had become so irrecoverably integrate to her life.

Vivio didn’t know what to say. She wasn’t one for long good-byes and there were things no words could do real justice. Hayate observed her calmly, her eyes unusually stormy in contemplation.

“Six months,” she spoke. Hayate drew a long breath, as if she wanted to confirm her own words.

“It sounds scarier than it probably really is.” Vivio tried meekly, unsure if her own voice would hold up.

“You might be half-way to become an aunt when you get back.”

She nodded happily at the mention of her foster siblings.

Somewhere, in a far corner of her mind, Vivio was aware of Rhen and the others’ curious looks. She saw them for the brawny, good soldiers they were and decided to take a leap of faith. After all, Hounds ran in packs and she was their leader.

She thought of Nanoha and Fate and the boundless love in their actions and words, and how much she valued their consult. She thought of the world in general, and how things would always be difficult. Falling in love had been so easy when she was a girl, a flutter in her steps and the desire for the other’s attention. It was the keeping of the emotion, nurturing it through time and life that was the truly hard part. It was a task of a lifetime and one that took courage.

Did she want to spend her life with Hayate?

Did she want the burdens their hearts and careers would undoubtedly place upon them? Could she endure the grievance and heartbreaks of the differences that would always be there?

The answers came ridiculously easy and with great relief.

She stepped forwards like her fifteen-years-old self once had done with a rose in hand, her hands clutching nothing but the weight of her decisions. Hayate met her halfway, no doubt carrying her own fears.

They embraced tightly and stayed that way. Hayate cradled Vivio against her, trembling as her hands moved along the blonde’s back. Vivio kissed her. Not passionately, not desperately but gently, moving her lips against Hayate’s in patient, soft caress. It was not a kiss of parting lovers but a pledge, an uncompromised promise of return and dedication.

They broke apart as quietly as they had begun, arms still encircled.

“I must go back.” Hayate said after a while.

“Mnh.”

“Fight well and be safe.” Her eyes were wet. “Please, promise me to be safe.”

“If you promise to take care of yourself, or at least let Shamal do it.”

Hayate pinched her arm. “You’re in no position to negotiate, officer Takamachi.”

“No ma’m.” Vivio answered jokingly and rested her forehead against the other. “I will miss you.”

Oh Vivio. The reply came telepathically, because Hayate was a general and it would not do to cry in front of Vivio’s men. I shall miss you too. I love you so much, so promise me you’ll be careful.

The lieutenant nodded. I promise. And I love you too.

They spoke no more as they parted. Vivio watched Hayate leave; she watched the beautiful, retreating back and tried to measure the impact of what the woman was to her. Had her fifteen-years-old self foreseen the depths her feelings one day would have? Probably not. She looked to Hayate and appreciated her for everything she was.

The rest of the Hounds came up behind her, all with varying expression of sly grins and smug smirks.

“Cock and balls, Takamachi.” Harley exclaimed, staring at her. Kvick groaned and rolled her eyes while Vivio raised an eyebrow in honest puzzlement.

“It means he is impressed.” Rhen filled in helpfully while he looked after the general, bemused. “So that’s your steam, huh? No wonder you kept it under lids. That’s way too brassy to not cause a stink.”

“Well played kid,” Kvick shrugged and grinned while she tapped at her specs quickly. “There’s only one general in the whole bureau with those characteristics. She’s the deal isn’t she? Yagami Hayate, the genius tactician, legendary ace, decorated general and City Defence Commander. The woman is our freaking boss.”

To their surprise, Vivio did not seem embarrassed but stood proudly, eyeing them in challenge. “She is.” And what of it? Her silent question hung in the air.

“Well, that came not a day to early.” Rhen remarked. He smiled and clapped Vivio on the shoulder. The three of them seemed oddly at peace with this new information.

“What now?” Vivio asked, nonplussed at their behaviour. “I thought you were all gonna string me up and milk me for dirt.”

Rhen laughed. “Naw. We’re glad you’re aiming for the high scores.”

“Dirt no, extra munitions hell yeah.” Kvick commented.

“Chill Takamachi,” Harley said in a merry, rumbling voice. “We’re Hounds remember? Boss, general or whatever, if Yagami’s your bitch then she’s pack. We look after our own.”

It wasn’t the most beautiful of declarations but Vivio couldn’t argue as her soldiers laughed. After all, it made perfectly sense.

**-fin-**

Spoiler for Author's Notes:

*high fives Deathcurse and Extriniscal*

Looking back at it, I really like the first half of this last part most. I think this is where Vivio really comes through as an adult compared to dc's young, teenaged (and adorable) take on her in Prerogative. Viv's growing up to become a contributing part in her society and she's doing this by being a good soldier, a considerate leader, a good daughter and finally slowly becoming a more mature companion for Hayate (who I'm afraid, will never outgrow french maid uniforms. Cranagan should be very afraid if we one day indeed make her a High Marshal.). I'll be looking forward to write more of those two in the future! x)

And finally, thanks to deathcurse for inspiring this whole thing. Without her, this story would never have been. Without Extriniscal, this ball would never have started rolling.

Last but never, ever least: Thank you, anamatics, for being a patient beta-reader through my storms of writing schizophrenia, a support and a ear for my creative woes.

Go H x V!

It is officially a good day for fans of this series! Yui's art is, as always, and that was a nice wrap-up to this segment of the series, Shigan. I especially like that you spent considerable time inside Vivio's head for this story, which itself makes a nice balance for deathcurse's story since that one centers around Hayate as POV character.

[Kagerou]

Not to be rude, and I'm not, but I just don't like Vivio as a character. I dunno maybe she becomes better in Vivid but by the end of StrikerS I felt about the same for Vivio as I do for any other character I find annoying: I want them out of the story. I understand that Vivio was integral to the plot of StrikerS, but I just can't bring myself to like her at all; her character design seems nothing more to me than an intentional way to try and cash in on the moeblob craze at the time.

That said, everyone has their own opinions; if you like Vivio, that's great!

I bring this up because of all the Hayate/Vivio going on right now. Reading it... I dunno I'm still not sold on her. The stories are fine as they are, but I think I would just like them better if it was someone else other than Vivio.

I'm not bashing any of you for writing it, though, so please don't take this the wrong way. Different strokes, yeah? Heh. If you like what you're writing , then by all means write it! Love what you're writing, that's most important of all! I'm not going to read your story and go "omg fail HayaVivio trolololol". That's not my style after all

But this is coming from the guy who's convinced that Nanoha is straight, Hayate is bi, and Fate is only gay for Nanoha , so take anything I say how you will.

EDIT: For all of you that do like Vivio, help me not hate her? :3

[Craxuan]

I just like the story; for characters I've always liked they are Nanoha (For her monologues in the original series, and since then I grew kinda attached to her) and Hayate (The heck with the low screen time she's getting, how unfair!), Fate for the art (Yes I'm not too impressed with her after A, and even before she's feels kinda... floaty. Lack of sufficient focus on the character) and Vita for destroying everything. The others hold no special place.

If you try to ignore Vivio in the original series and just focus on these stories, it should work. Vivio's character to me seems like an attempt to return to the old style Magical Girl (Or just imagine cartoons for kids below 10) where the MCs are hyper cheerful, optimistic, innocent (Considering dear Vivio beats up her mama and most people would never do that unto our deaths, not so much, but still), possess superhuman powers transcending humanity and monsters etc etc.

Perhaps the writer found too much angst in almost every main characters and tried to balance it with Vivio. Who knows.

[Moczo]

Originally Posted by Kagerou

Not to be rude, and I'm not, but I just don't like Vivio as a character. I dunno maybe she becomes better in Vivid but by the end of StrikerS I felt about the same for Vivio as I do for any other character I find annoying: I want them out of the story. I understand that Vivio was integral to the plot of StrikerS, but I just can't bring myself to like her at all; her character design seems nothing more to me than an intentional way to try and cash in on the moeblob craze at the time.

That said, everyone has their own opinions; if you like Vivio, that's great!

I bring this up because of all the Hayate/Vivio going on right now. Reading it... I dunno I'm still not sold on her. The stories are fine as they are, but I think I would just like them better if it was someone else other than Vivio.

I'm not bashing any of you for writing it, though, so please don't take this the wrong way. Different strokes, yeah? Heh. If you like what you're writing , then by all means write it! Love what you're writing, that's most important of all! I'm not going to read your story and go "omg fail HayaVivio trolololol". That's not my style after all

But this is coming from the guy who's convinced that Nanoha is straight, Hayate is bi, and Fate is only gay for Nanoha , so take anything I say how you will.

EDIT: For all of you that do like Vivio, help me not hate her? :3

... actually, I've never cared for Vivio either. I always got the uncomfortable impression you could replace her in the plot of StrikerS with a Lost Logia without really changing the plot significantly, and that's never good in my book.

That said, I really like what some of the authors on this forum have done with Vivio (Dezo's 'Steel Queen' series being the eternal front-runner. Amazing writing. ). I just don't find the character herself appealing.

[Tiresias]

Well I once wrote in the Vivid manga thread that Vivio is one of the least interesting character there (despite it being her series ), aaand...well I must confess she never really interest me here either. I guess whether it's fanon or canon, what's interesting for me are those who interact with her (and how!) instead of Vivio herself

Originally Posted by spawnofthejudge

"You either die a hero, or live long enough to become the villain." Most pick option A.

Well that certainly seems to be what had happened with Clyde and Graham

Uh oh. *casts suspecting glances at Lindy, Leti and Genya*

[RadiantBeam]

...

Admittedly, I find Vivio daunting to write simply because I don't really care about her either way. I like her as a character and I think she has a lot of potential to develop and grow with the right person handling her, I just don't tend to think I do her very well at all. It's part of the reason why Lutecia is more or less the main character of Shadowverse and why I'm dreading having to develop Vivio further once "Ascension" kicks off.

[Shigan]

Vivio -is- a bit of a wildcard. She literally has no personality in StrikerS so if you want to keep the characterization canon, well, good luck. I found the HxV Files a rather easy write mostly due to that deathcurse handled a superb characterization of her in her two initial shorts, all I did was move on from there.

On the other hand, looking at Vivio's canon characterization is never truly a good way to write her. Most of the people who've done longer works on her have cast her in an age of approximately 15, give or take a few years. In my case here, she's 19. The age difference compared to the crybaby we see in StrikerS demands a little imagination from both the writer and the reader's part. ^_^ The good thing is you can write Vivio in very different way, and depending on your skill as a writer, can still make her work.

[RadiantBeam]

Originally Posted by Shigan

Vivio -is- a bit of a wildcard. She literally has no personality in StrikerS so if you want to keep the characterization canon, well, good luck. I found the HxV Files a rather easy write mostly due to that deathcurse handled a superb characterization of her in her two initial shorts, all I did was move on from there.

On the other hand, looking at Vivio's canon characterization is never truly a good way to write her. Most of the people who've done longer works on her have cast her in an age of approximately 15, give or take a few years. In my case here, she's 19. The age difference compared to the crybaby we see in StrikerS demands a little imagination from both the writer and the reader's part. ^_^ The good thing is you can write Vivio in very different way, and depending on your skill as a writer, can still make her work.

Unless you're me, where I just make her a side character.

[00-Raiser]

Then the question is why did you use her at all? If you don't care about someone no one will blame you for ignoring them. There's plenty of characters I haven't written about because I feel no need to.

[Rising Dragon]

Ironically enough, Nanoha somewhat suffers the same effect. I mean, hell, she didn't get any actual character development or personal crisis until StrikerS.

Sorta like Vivio is right now.

[RadiantBeam]

Originally Posted by Rising Dragon

Ironically enough, Nanoha somewhat suffers the same effect. I mean, hell, she didn't get any actual character development or personal crisis until StrikerS.

Well, she did have that life-threatening injury that apparently crippled her somewhat, but we actually don't see much of that except for when it's relevant to Teana's character development, if I remember correctly. Honestly, sometimes I feel like Nanoha's strongest character trait is that, well, she supports other characters.

[Shigan]

Originally Posted by RadiantBeam

I feel like Nanoha's strongest character trait is that, well, she supports other characters.

This ^_^. Funny, I always thought Subaru was the main character in StrikerS and not Nanoha. She just sorta ninja'd the show.

[RadiantBeam]

Originally Posted by Shigan

This ^_^. Funny, I always thought Subaru was the main character in StrikerS and not Nanoha. She just sorta ninja'd the show.

Well, Subaru and Teana did get the most focus and/or character development of StrikerS, when compared to all of the new characters who showed up.

[Justin_Brett]

Well, Vivio was like 6 in StrikerS, and had been basically engineered to be a weapon and nothing else, so her having little personality sort of makes sense. Even after Nanoha first meets her, they're together what, a couple days? Can't exactly get much there. Probably why she's the main character of ViVid, really.

And I mentioned this before, but Nanoha can be considered a Supporting Protagonist (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.ph...ingProtagonist), since most of her purpose in the series is affecting other people with her actions.

[Tiresias]

Originally Posted by Rising Dragon

Ironically enough, Nanoha somewhat suffers the same effect. I mean, hell, she didn't get any actual character development or personal crisis until StrikerS.

Sorta like Vivio is right now.

Ah, but even Nanoha had one trait, her virtue as well as vice, that made her more memorable than her adopted daughter: her chronic hero syndrome . For the sake of helping others she would go to the extremes whether it be training or actual combat.

Vivio doesn't even have that.

Spoiler for Spoiler for Vivid:

Canon wise, I blame the genre (genre? I don't even know what the genre is). Nanoha's story was about saving the world and helping troubled people. Vivio's story is...well whatever it is it lacked the sense of urgency of her mother's.