Red Hair A fan fiction by Adrian Doom
A conflict, like any other. The Time Space Administration Bureau intervened to stop two factions from annihilating each other. Nothing special in fact. Someone found a trinket and the other side found another. Things moved by themselves once people properly hated each other. Alas, enforcers intervened and put things to rest. No matter, the more the conflict was put off, the worse it would be. Always welcome. Scouring one place where the enforcers stopped the conflict he saw a picture. Taken as the owner was graduating, no doubt. The instructor was interesting. That hair and the expression. It was interesting. Worth looking into if permission was given.
Sitting at a table chatting merrily Teana and Fate were enjoying a peaceful breakfast. Though still technically on duty, no major incidents required their presence. Both were quite thankful.
"So how are things? You fitting in well?"
Teana nodded. "Pretty much. It's more monotonous than you'd expect. Then again I am used to the atmosphere the old riot 6 unit."
Fate laughed awkwardly. "Well, I do hope things will stay peaceful from now on. Tournaments and Vivio are all the excitement we need."
Teana laughed with less reserve. "That and being and Enforcer. Had any interesting cases?"
"No. Just the standard. People trying to use things they don't understand. Thirst for power making adults act like spoiled children."
"Guess it's been that way forever right?"
"I don't know. But the less there is, the better."
It was Teana turn to laugh awkwardly. Fate realized her tone was too serious and started laughing as well.
"The usual routine then. Enforcer Fate saving everyone."
The blonde mage all but blushed, even thought it was very true.
"And how is miss Nanoha?"
Fate finished her drink. "Her usual self. Training recruits and Vivio good and hard."
"Still smiling while she does it?"
"Always. She does it so they'll be strong in the future and lead a proper life."
"When I think back, she was a little scary."
"Just a little?" Both mages laughed.
The Takamachi household was as lively as ever, with Vivio getting ready for school and Nanoha for work.
"Have everything?"
"Yes!"
"Be good and have a lovely day."
"Is Fate mama coming home today?"
"Yes she is. So be a good girl."
"Hooray!" Vivio raised her arms into the air then hugged Nanoha mama.
"Bye now sweetheart. Be a good girl."
"I will!" Vivio skipped away towards school as Nanoha got properly ready to report to the headquarters once more.
Just as the day' instruction was about to begin, the line of new recruits sweating bullets under the smile of their merciless instructor, officer Yagamy Hayate appeared and spoke in her usual cheery manner.
"Instructor Takamachi, may I have a word? In private."
"Of course."
They entered the administrative office nearby and Hayate dropped the formalities. "I'm sorry for calling you in an awkward moment Nanoha. Something important came up with Carim and she told me before telling anyone else."
"Carim? Is this something to do with her Book of Prophecy ability?"
"You guessed it. Your name came up related to something big. She can't tell if it's good or bad yet, but it's big."
"Thanks for the heads up. You think there's going to be a problem?"
"Hopefully not. The higher ups are a little jittery with Carim' predictions ever since that incident. But if it's as vague as usual, there shouldn't be. We'll talk more once Carim has a better grasp on things."
"Thanks again. Don't overdo it." "I should be the one saying that. Make sure you don't scare the recruits too much today!" They laughed merrily together.
That evening Fate got home and was greeted by a huge hug from Vivio, who all but jumped on her.
"Fate mama!"
"Ah I've missed you too sweetheart!"
Nanoha came up.
"Vivio! You're troubling Fate mama."
"No she isn't it's alright. I've missed her too."
Fate hugged Vivio for a while then sent her off.
"Fate mama needs to get freshened up and talk with Nanoha mama. Alright?"
"Yes." Vivio all but hopped away happily.
Nanoha and Fate kissed briefly and the blonde mage spoke with yearning. "I've missed you."
"Missed you too."
After freshening up, the Takamachi household sat down for a lovely dinner. Vivio ate with glee as she looked at Nanoha and Fate, both smiling ear to ear at each other. Nanoha sent Vivio off to do her homework and joined Fate for the night in their bedroom. After a frantic and tender session of lovemaking came another. After the that, the two aces talked while they cuddled lovingly.
"Had a hard assignment?"
"Nothing special. Harder being away."
"Don't overdo it."
"I should say the same for you. Any news?"
"Yes. Hayate told me this morning Carim got some sort of reading with her ability and it mentioned me."
Fate all but jumped. "Nanoha that's very serious!"
"It could be. But it isn't clear yet, Carim was being nice and warned us. I'm sure everything's going to be fine now that enforcer Fate is here." Before Fate could retort, Nanoha embraced her softly. "Everything's going to be alright."
Her tension melting away, Fate spoke with mock frustration. "You're unbelievable!" They kissed tenderly. "I love you Nanoha!"
"I love you too. With all my heart!"
The two got ready to properly sleep. "We'll be alright, you'll see."
Nanoha and Fate went to put Vivio into bed after that. As she lay in the bed, Fate and Nanoha kissed her forehead and tucked her in for the night.
"Good night Vivio."
"Good night Nanoha mama. Good night Fate mama."
Two days later Nanoha and Fate were having tea at the Yagami residence. The official reason was a visit between friends. Unofficially, Carim and Verossa were also there to discuss the news. As if to confirm the gravity of the situation, the entirety of the Yagami family was present. Vita, Signum, Shamal and Zafira sat around Hayate while Reinforce Zwei and Agito sat on Hayate' and Signum' shoulder' respectively.
Hayate opened the ceremony. "Right. Carim, would you fill us all in properly?"
"Of course. About a month ago I received the yearly prophecy. It's hard as usual to decipher it, but I noticed Nanoha' name among the first things. It's really very rare to see someone named so specifically. Usually it comes in very old Belkan, but now it was ancient outright. Took us a good while to even discern the name. We finally found the best way to read and interpret it a few days ago. It's a warning. A very dire one at that. It can be read in a number of ways, but the most consistent is. Nanoha shall bring seas of flames, blood and darkness."
The room went silent for a moment. Fate was the most affected of the group, though Vita growled menacingly next to Hayate.
Verossa broke the silence. "Having heard that, and knowing the history, you can understand we were very concerned. The words can also mean attract, draw, or summon. Since I'm sure Nanoha is no threat to the TSAB, I lean towards using those meanings. The big higher ups tend to agree with me. But, we can't just sit on our hands and wait for whatever's coming. This is still being kept on a need to know basis, but the army higher ups definitely needed to know. Since we're now, again, dedicating resources to this, they're none too happy. And with Nanoha being named clearly, she is drawing even more bitter comments. The army is still bitter about the incident from a while ago. And there you have it."
Nanoha immediately cut in. "Can I help in any way?"
Fate followed swiftly. "Nanoha. Don't joke around. This might be a threat directed at you."
"All the more if it is. I know I can rely on everyone here to fight with me and protect my back. But I won't endanger anyone needlessly."
Vita roared with frustration.
"Damn it Nanoha, you always do that. Even after everything you're as selfless as ever. If something happened to you we'd all be heartbroken!"
Nanoha smiled at the small knight and Signum drew her back. "Calm down Vita. Nanoha knows that very well. She's actually worried about us, but doesn't want to offend."
Hayate now spoke. "I thought you'd be like that Nanoha. That's why I asked that in case this does become something important, I be put in charge. Until then I want you to carry on as usual. And that's not an order. I am asking you this as a friend."
"That's not fair Hayate."
The brown haired mage giggled. "I know. But humor me."
Nanoha sighed playfully. "Alright then."
"Good. Now let's start. Rein, Agito, I want you two to think very seriously if you've ever heard about something like this before. Verossa, I want you to be Nanoha' shadow."
"Of course."
The two unison devices floated in front of Hayate as Nanoha asked playfully. "I thought this wasn't a serious case yet."
Hayate replied in a similar tone. "Pays to be prepared."
Everyone smiled. "You already have one of the best guardians anyone could ever ask for. And with Verossa hanging around, you should be perfectly safe."
Fate blushed slightly while Nanoha giggled. "Thank you everyone. But now I'd like to ask one thing. Despite the prediction, I know you too well to think this is a proper reaction."
Hayate sighed in resignation. "Nothing gets past you."
Vita spoke up. "We have a bad feeling about this. I can't even put my finger on it and it makes me mad as hell, but it's there. Signum and Zafira feel it too."
Signum confirmed grimly. "I don't usually like Vita being so upset. But this time I can't blame her. Please, Nanoha, be careful. Hayate and Carim can deal with the Bureau, but this can be a threat against you."
Her smile now radiating determination and strength Nanoha spoke once more. "I understand. It is serious then."
Hayate sighed, "Indeed. I don't think I need to tell you not to do anything rash. But just in case, Fate will be posted to Mid for the time being."
The blonde mage smiled and spoke with relief. "Thank you Hayate."
Hayate giggled. "Just don't let each other go."
Thus the meeting ended and Nanoha and Fate left to arrange things at home.
"Is Nove up to speed?"
"I told her about it this morning. She's walking Vivio home till this play over."
"Should we tell her?"
"Vivio is too smart not to know. Course we'll tell her. Speaking of which, here they come now."
Nove was happily escorting Vivio to their home. "Evening all. Everything alright?"
"Best as can be."
Nanoha spoke to Vivio. "Been a good girl?"
"Yes. Miss Nove says she'll walk me home for a bit."
"That she will. Until a work problem gets resolved."
"Can Vivio help?"
Fate spoke warmly. "You can help by being a good girl still. Fate mama and Nanoha mama love you from the bottom of our hearts."
Vivio jumped up and hugged Fate with joy. Nanoha laughed happily. "You're going to spoil her. But right now let's go and have some dinner. Care to join us Nove?"
The red pink haired cyborg laughed awkwardly. "Thank you, but my folks are expecting me as well. If you ever need us, the Nakajima family is at your disposal."
"Thank you. Good night."
A few days passed. No security breaches, no emergencies. Nothing. Nanoha kept on training the recruit class and Fate was posted at home, partnering with Nanoha to help her train the cadets. Verossa kept watch over the household and it' members, but neither saw nor detected anything suspicious. Things were indeed, quite normal. A month into the event and the ground forces simply decreed they would have no part of it anymore and threatened to make a row if pressured into helping. No one bothered. Nevertheless, the church did have a second mage use a direct prophecy technique, less reliable, but useable every day, to try and confirm the prediction. It was even more vague and for all intents and purposes, useless. Two months in and nothing.
Verossa sat down and spoke with Nanoha. "Nothing. Nothing concrete at least. I've had this feeling in the back of my neck, like a snake's somewhere hidden, ready to bite me at any false move. That's not something I've felt since I was a trainee. Honestly, I'm a snake myself, so that makes it even worse. But there's nothing else besides. Absolutely nothing. Not even suspicious passers by. It's way too quiet."
"So what do you think?"
"I think there's something awful about. I don't know what. But my instincts say it's focused on you."
"Thanks for being honest."
"I wish I could do more."
"You're doing plenty."
"Well then. I'm going back to work."
Nanoha joked with Fate that evening while they had dinner. "It's nice being protected from time to time. Especially when you're around Fate." Vivio giggled and Fate all but blushed.
General Ludwig Ford was a tall, powerfully built man, with dark hair and dark, piercing eyes. All his life he'd been a soldier. Clean shaved, spic and span, he was a disciplinarian and very hard to please. Honest to the core, he held himself up to the same standards he demanded of his soldiers. He was mediocre at best as a mage and had always been a ground soldier. After the Cradle incident he had been shocked by the level of corruption inside the ground forces. It was intolerable. His intransigence won him some enemies, but many admirers. More importantly he was completely dedicated to the ground forces. Whatever feats the navy and air force accomplished, it meant nothing without boots on the ground.
Right now he was sitting across from Hayate, listening as she explained their defending Nanoha. "Sounds like favoritism any way you put."
"Sir, she's an invaluable asset to the Bureau. Modest as she is, Nanoha is a true ace. She has provided incredible services."
"She's working for the bureau. Doing your duty is tantamount."
"Nanoha went above and beyond, sir. As she would do if it was asked of her again. That is why we owe her this."
Ludwig laughed. "My dear, she is owed nothing. No soldier is owed anything for doing their duty. It is an honor to serve. You'd best remember that."
"General we're not asking you for support, just understanding."
"And I am asking you to do your duty. No favorites. No special cases. An army relies on every member to do their duty, from the smallest to the greatest. Without that it is nothing. Good day to you."
Outside Hayate sighed as rein and Shamal waited for her. "How bad?"
"Stubborn as a mule. He's well meaning so he won't block us, long as we're proper. But we can't expect support from him."
"Good enough I suppose."
"For now."
Inside Ford' office, the general sighed and called for his aid. A tall, lean but solid man walked in. Cleanly shaved, short dark hair and shallow dark eyes. "yes sir?" A sharp alert voice.
"Get together a report on what that bunch is doing. We can't tell them what to do but we'll keep them on their toes."
"Understood. What about the church?"
"As dubious as their predictions are, they can't raise objections."
"Very well then. Good day sir." He turned around and left quickly.
"Good man."
The next day, the aid brought in the report.
"What do you think?"
"They've circled the wagons around their beloved friend. Obviously. Not very fitting, but understandable."
"Any proper military reasons?"
"Nothing official."
"Typical."
"What are your orders?"
Ludwig sighed after a pause. "I want you to go and talk with her directly. Tell her the army will not tolerate things like this. See what kind of person she really is. Dismissed."
"Sir, yes Sir."
A figure stood at the entrance to the Takamachi residence. The general' aid, his dark eyes looking forward, so still one could be forgiven if they thought he wasn't breathing. He had already announced his arrival. The door opened.
"Good afternoon. Come in."
"Thank you."
"I'm sorry for the trouble. But I'd like to stay ready."
"Well, it is a soldier' duty to be ready at any time."
They sat facing one another, Fate by Nanoha' side, in the living room.
"So, you are convinced there is a threat against you?"
"People who I trust have told me that is the case. Even if it isn't, a threat has been predicted, so we are ready for it."
"Very well. However, don't you consider this a form of special treatment? You are, after all, only an instructor."
Fate raised an eyebrow but Nanoha was unperturbed. "It's quite possible. But I would rather keep my capable friends close to the headquarters, just in case."
"Do you think the Bureau is slow in responding to emergencies?"
"No, but it is better to keep important assets close in times of possible danger."
"So would you consider yourself an important asset? So important as to keep at least ten vital officers busy around you?"
Fate was about to reply but Nanoha gripped her hand gently. "I consider the people around me to be precious and value their judgment greatly. If they want to do something for my sake, I cannot ask them to do otherwise."
"This is not a matter of asking them. This is a matter of receiving special treatment, for whatever reason. No member, no matter the rank, status or ability, should be entitled to favoritism like this. Especially on such flimsy excuses. A prediction with the value of a horoscope? The ground forces won't stand for it. You can continue this little charade for as long as you want, but we will take no part, or blame for any incidents that might follow."
He got up. "Good day to you."
The door slammed behind him. Fate barely kept herself from shouting. "What's wrong with him? Talking to you like that!"
Nanoha shrugged it off. "He's just doing what his superior told him too."
"But saying those things."
"They don't mean anything. If they had anything real, they'd move. The ground forces have never really forgiven us for Regius."
"Still after all this time?"
"There's no washing away dishonor for people like Ludwig. Now relax, we'll be alright. And thank you."
"Oh Nanoha."
Later, Verossa spoke with them about the earlier meeting. "That character that visited earlier, strange one he was."
"In what way?"
"I couldn't read him at all, Nanoha. Or rather, it was like there was nothing to read. Even his file is so bland it's milk toast. I can't get anything from him. Not because he's using any strange technique. It's like he's transparent."
"Strange. I thought he was just nondescript. What was his name again?"
"John Smith. That's my point really. He's a blank slate. No transgressions, always does what he's told, no remarkable qualities. Nothing. Even his background is all but nonexistent. He joined as Ludwig aide about five months ago, been serving that boar slavishly since then."
"So he is nondescript then. Too nondescript. Think he could be trouble?"
"My instincts tell me yes."
Fate spoke up as well. "I don't know how you didn't notice how hostile he was to you Nanoha. I mean, he all but insulted you outright."
"He was fishing. That's just doing what Ludwig wants."
Verossa agreed. "No doubt. The man is very dedicated if nothing else. Whatever Ludwig tells him to do, he does it. And that's besides the inane training schedule the man has all his subordinates engage in."
Sighing, he continued. "Want me to shadow him too?"
"No. Ludwig wants us to slip up. Let's do everything by the book."
Verossa laughed. "You and Hayate think alike. I just like letting him operate freely."
"I understand but we have no choice. He's in the Bureau."
"Fine. I'll keep you up to speed."
"Nanoha Takamachi considers herself an invaluable asset to the Bureau. She hides behind respecting the wishes of her friends, but undoubtedly is influencing them. Nothing unlawful, just influence. She is smart and strategic, undoubtedly a fearsome opponent. It would be all but impossible to prove anything if we take her to court."
Ludwig nodded. "Indeed. Can I ask what you thought about her?"
"Only what I have said, Sir. She is smart and thoughtful. Nevertheless she is also self serving and in my opinion her status encourages dangerous imbalances with the Bureau. That is all."
"Special treatment can't be tolerated. It led us to disaster almost. Therefore, I want you to work on her, 24/7. Go at her from any angle you find credible. Look for anything. Do it by the book and above board! I will personally see you kicked out if anything is done in a shady manner!"
"And those around her?"
"Everything!"
"Very well, Sir!"
"I've got requests and inspections from agencies I didn't even know existed."
"Same, how's it going?"
"First they order me back into deployment then they ground me. I must've filled a mountain of papers this last month. Get any sleep?"
"Not much. Thanks to you guys I've been able to finish quite quicker than we expected."
"Without you Hayate, we wouldn't be here. But this needs to end. How's Nanoha doing?"
"Nanoha is as clean as a whistle. This guy even sent the children department after her. Vivio's so happy and developed they were amazed. The family could win awards. The school backed her up. But you're right. I've called Nanoha over. We need to talk to Ludwig."
Vita came in, followed by Nanoha and Fate. "We're here Hayate. She already agreed."
Nanoha sat in front of Hayate with Vita to the left and Fate to the right. "You know, this is getting embarrassing. I do feel like a V.I.P. or something."
"Shut up, that's because you are one."
"Now, now Vita. I know you hate the paperwork the most."
"I'd rather be snorting glass!"
Hayate laughed awkwardly and Fate backed her up. "After this month. Give me fights any day."
The whole room laughed, releasing tension.
"Alright. Ludwig has agreed to talk to us. I think we can sort this thing out properly."
"Always trustworthy Hayate. You have any idea what he's after in all of this?"
"He's after just what he says. The man is mediocre, but very honest. He thinks this favoritism is a short cut to corruption. That's why he had every agency down our throats."
Vita snorted and Fate sighed.
"I know. Like I said, the man is a broken clock. The brass put him there to clear the field after Regius. He did exactly what he was supposed to do."
"I've no ill will towards the man then. He just sounds a bit, uptight. Shy actually."
Shamal giggled. "You're cruel Nanoha."
"No she's not. She's just fair." The room laughed merrily.
The door opened and Signum, with Agito walked in. She was followed by Ludwig Ford and his aid, with Verossa bringing up the rear.
The room stood up but Ludwig waved his hand. "It's alright. I've come here to talk to you all."
The bulky, muscular figure bowed at a sharp angle. "My apologies for this last month. Your results have not only shown you, miss Takamachi as a model for the bureau. Even the things that could be easily and harmlessly overlooked weren't."
Nanoha got up and also bowed. "General Ludwig, sir. It's all thanks to the efforts and help of those around me, especially Hayate and Signum Yagami."
Ludwig' eyes shined with admiration. "Once again, our apologies."
"General, if you would sit here with us and speak, as comrades and fellow members of the Bureau, perhaps we could forge better relations."
"It would be an honor." The general and his aid sat down with martial postures.
Hayate spoke first. "I take it the inspections are over."
"I've ordered my aid to cease. Every day for the past two weeks we've gotten reports on everyone in this room. Everyone and a few members of the Nakajima family. The reports were so shining, I am embarrassed to have put you through this ordeal. Nevertheless, for the Bureau, it was necessary."
"Please go on sir."
"Ever since the JS incident, the Bureau has had me try and clean up the massive problems inside the ground forces and the headquarters. The lax attitude promoted and caused a labyrinth of corruption to spring up. A favor, an agreement, a transport, a shipment. Thousands upon thousands of weapons, equipment, and artifacts. A lot have been traced to the less savory parts of Midchilda. But a great quantity have been taken off."
Fate spoke now. "The navy and air force have recovered most of them. They were quite a few. I took part in a few missions related to that. I can't believe how much there was in just a few months."
"Indeed. The people in the ground forces Headquarters acted shamefully. Behind Regius, they profited with no remorse. Not even the higher ups had a proper idea how bad it was. That is why I reacted so harshly miss Takamachi. My aid was only doing what I told him to do."
"I understand that general, there are no hard feelings. However, you would not have come here just for that."
"Yes. The first reason is that I have only recently found out that you have been serving even after sustaining a grave injury. One that would have given you the right to a more than comfortable life wherever you wanted in Bureau administrated space. Instead you stayed on and risked everything for the Bureau. That is more than enough to warrant an apology."
Ludwig drew a breath and Nanoha laughed awkwardly. Fate leaned on her affectionately.
"The second is that in this month I've become truly convinced of your qualities. I wish to ask for your aid. Not just through the official channels, but you personally. We, and the Bureau, needs someone they can absolutely trust. I won't ask you, given your previous injuries, but I would like it if some of your noble circle helped us."
"I won't hear about it. I would never send my comrades and friends somewhere I wouldn't go myself!"
Ludwig looked on with admiration. Hayate sighed and Signum spoke calmly. "Don't give her the opportunity general. She'll push herself so hard you won't believe."
The room laughed in good spirits and Ludwig joined in as well. "A true beacon. Once again, I apologize."
"Don't dwell on it general. Now, may I ask for more details?"
"Of course. Is everyone of your circle here?"
"Fate' familiar Arf is looking after Vivio, together with Zafira. They both insisted. We're keeping them up to speed as we speak."
"Very well. The reason I ask for your help is quite grave. A few months ago, some of the shipments of stolen goods simply vanished. Our sources were silenced."
Verossa spoke up. "Vanished, what do you mean?"
"Just that, vanished. Without a trace. I couldn't tell you how. I had to tell some of their families myself."
"Any ideas what this is connected to?"
"The sources we had all told us the shipments were all connected somehow for Urartu."
Both men groaned, and everyone raised an eyebrow. "That Urartu?"
Ludwig' aid cut in. "I've never heard of such a place." The general spoke up.
"The new administered world. Number 103 I think."
"It isn't really administered. The locals asked to be admitted, the Bureau said no, but others said yes." "Like the ones who smuggled the weapons and artifacts there. We were trying to track them down. But all those related to Urartu, vanished without a trace a few months ago."
"How much?"
"We estimated about 3.5 trillion Bureau credits worth."
"For one planet, that's a doozie. However that kind of money has to go somewhere. Can't just vanish."
"Normally I'd agree, office Yagami. But in this case, nothing. Not even the smallest trace. What's worse, the reports we do have from the planet, indicate that our supporters are being squeezed into a corner by the other factions. Our offers to mediate have been rejected, strongly."
"For the Bureau it isn't much, overall. But even if split, such a quantity would make a splash. To hear nothing of it."
Signum spoke gravely. "The Bureau can't try and avoid this problem any longer, can it?"
"No, it can't."
"But you can't really trust the ground forces, after months of prosecutions against officers that led them." Ludwig stood silent. "It's alright. If the general would allow it, I shall have the men in order with no trouble at all."
"I would."
Hayate spoke again. "Then, general, it would be best for the entire Bureau to prepare for a massive intervention. If I've learned anything from my dear friend, Verossa, what weapons you know of, are just the tip of the iceberg."
"And I would not dream of leaving my friends to go out there by themselves. Takamachi Nanoha shall be among the pacifying forces!"
Ludwig stood up and saluted with respect. "The bureau is most fortunate to have you!"
The general bowed once again. "Thank you. Tomorrow, we shall start the initial preparations."
"Good evening general."
Hayate sighed as Ludwig and his aide left.
"We have gotten into a new adventure, haven't we."
"Least we have time to prepare."
"True, we'll get started right away. Let's decide who's going. Besides myself and Nanoha."
Vita snorted in amusement. "You've gotta be kidding. You know we'd never let you go without us."
"He he, that's true."
"So what do we do?"
Zafira cut in. "I'm afraid we have to postpone those talks. Fabia, of Vivio' group has something rather important to tell us."
"Can she speak to us mentally?"
"She'd rather speak in person. It's important."
"Tell her to come here."
Hayate sighed and Nanoha spoke this time. "Wonder what Fabia wants to tell us. Knowing that shy little one, this must be pretty serious."
"She's on her way."
The blonde haired witch arrived and bowed to everyone present in the room. "Excuse my request. I wouldn't normally impose. But this is vital. I'm happy miss Nanoha Takamachi is here."
The ace of aces looked right at her. "Thank you Fabia. Now tell us, what brings you here."
The witch sighed and spoke gravely, a strange sight, considering her stature. "I had a prophetic dream last night. I know that as a witch. And it was about you." Her voice began to echo. "A great dark and bloody snake came from the abyss and spit venom at you. It could not harm you. Then it tried to coil around you, but you kept it away. But after that it melted into a shapeless mass and from that, innumerable hands appeared and lunged for your. The smell of blood and burned flesh was everywhere."
Fabia almost collapsed and Fate jumped to catch her. "I'm sorry. This isn't something that comes easy."
"It's alright, take it easy."
"Thank you. But it's important. Whatever this horrible thing is, it's incredibly determined and strong. And it's fixated on you, miss Nanoha. I don't why, but it is."
Nanoha asked calmly. "Could this thing affect prophecies?"
The girl shuddered. "Yes. Whatever this is, it is very powerful, and old."
"Old enough to know how to influence ancient Belkan skills. Without the user noticing anything."
Fabia regained her composure. "That's enough sweetheart. You've been very helpful." Fate made sure the girl was alright and accompanied her to the door.
"Hayate, I'd like to ask you to have Zafira watch over Vivio while we're gone. He and Arf get along nicely anyway."
"You don't need to ask."
"I'm humbled by the trust you place in me Nanoha. Until this is over, I shall guard Vivio, and her friends, with my life."
"Thank you, I'll ask Nove to join you as well."
"Don't need to Nanoha. I was eaves dropping. I'll guard the kids till my last breath."
"Thank you!" She turned to the rest in the room. "And there you have it. Everyone, a new adventure lies before us."
