Sorry about that last one Fate, maybe it was a little bit too harsh.
Fate snarled, canines bared fiercely, ignoring the slight burn of the silver bullet that had grazed her side. She glanced from left to right, hunting for Hayate.
So Hayate, are you still taking those pills? Don't want to face me head on as a wolf?
Che, are you egging me on, Fate-chan?
The golden wolf's ear twitched in the darkness. She rolled to her side narrowly escaping a blur of brown fur and bared teeth. The dark brown wolf slowly got to her feet and stared challengingly at Fate, a playful glint in her eye. They circled each other eyes gleaming in the moonlight.
Fate-chan. . . do you want to fight me with claw and fang? Like last time?
Hayate, let me get to Nanoha. Please. She might be in danger right now.
Fate whined pleadingly, slowly straightening from her defensive crouch. A feral snarl stopped her.
Did I tell you to stand? I'm going to finish this tonight!
The brown wolf leaped forward and snapped at Fate's side. She yelped and the two rolled on the ground, a blur of fur and fangs. She winced as something sharp pierced the scruff of her neck. She ducked and slammed Hayate against a tree, snapping the small sapling in half.
Damn . . .
Fate gazed at the wolf whose eyes were glazed with pain. Hayate's head rocked from side to side in a daze.
Sorry.
The golden wolf turned and continued her journey. Fate felt the pain searing her side, throbbing with each step she took. But it was worth it. Nanoha was only a few minutes away. Suddenly her legs gave out and she collapsed. She shook her head in frustration and glanced at the wound. The scarlet blood gleamed black in the darkness. Tentatively she lapped at the liquid, wrinkling her nose at the bitter taste.
"Nikko?" Fate stiffened.
A brunette with curious slate-blue eyes rushed forward and knelt down beside Fate.
"Nikko, what happened, are you okay?" Nanoha burrowed her face in the wolf's fur. Ah that familiar warmth . . .
Then she remembered that scent. It was in the air again. Nanoha wasn't safe. Fate stumbled to her paws, nails scrabbling for a hold on the pavement.
"Mou, Nikko, you bad dog. Did you get in a fight again?" Nanoha fondly rubbed the top of Fate's head as the two started walking toward Midoriya cafe. Fate weakly wagged her tail in response.
"I was getting worried when you left yesterday Nikko. You didn't come back. Did you go protect the other neighborhood dogs?" Nanoha's eyes gleamed with amusement. She always liked to talk to Fate as if she were some great protecter. Really it was nothing like that. She just wanted to make sure Nanoha was safe. That was all.
"I'll get you some dinner. Only the best for my Nikko." The brunette grinned and opened the back door for Fate. Light splashed on the matted golden fur. She hobbled inside appraising the interior of the bright cafe. A few chairs and tables, a glass counter with sweets and pastries, a warm atmosphere. She sighed and followed Nanoha protectively toward the kitchen.
"I really should buy some dog food for you but I don't think you like it very much." Fate nodded her head rapidly when Nanoha turned her back. Acting as Nanoha's protective dog had been easy, but there were certain aspects of it that were hard to masquerade. Eating a gooey inedible jello that reeked of liver was one of them.
"Here, enjoy!" Nanoha squatted down and lightly placed a plate of leftover steak and vegetable in front of Fate. The girl shyly smiled as she kissed the wolf's nose.
"You're such a good dog, Nikko." If Fate could have blushed as a wolf she would have been a bright cherry red. Even though she was an animal it was difficult to stop her reaction to Nanoha's touch.
Eagerly she gobbled down the plate's contents, making content sounds as she finished her meal. She hadn't had dinner anyway so it was a fair compromise. Giving the saucer a few more licks she glanced over her shoulder at the burnette who leaned against the doorway. She was smiling, a light blush blanketing her cheeks. Her eyes were on her cellphone. Fate ambled toward her "master's" side, plopping down by her feet.
"Mou, Nikko!"
"Oh so Nikko is here again?" Nanoha's older sister Miyuki appeared next to her, glasses glinting in the light. She fondly scratched Fate behind the ears.
"Un," mumbled Nanoha, eyes focused on her fingers that were rapidly texting a message on the cellphone.
"Who is it?" Miyuki inquisitively peered over the younger girl's shoulder.
"Mou, onee-chan, stop!"
"Is it Yunno-kun? Tell him I said hi," the dark haired sister winked suggestively.
"Mou!" Nanoha pouted and turned away.
"Nikko let's go upstairs. We need to have some privacy." She crossed her arms childishly and stormed up the stairs, Fate obediently following at her heels. But she was only doing so instinctively. Her mind was still back on the words. Yunno . . . That damn good for nothing perfect, kind, and caring boy who ensnared Nanoha's heart. Fate growled angrily shaking her head in fury.
Without thinking she bumped into Nanoha's leg. Stepping back in surprise she became tangled in the brunette's legs and she fell to the floor.
"Oof!" Instantly Fate jumped to her paws and worriedly nosed Nanoha over. Was she hurt anywhere? A twisted ankle? A broken leg? A nervous whine escaped from Fate's throat.
"I'm fine, Nikko, I'm fine. You should stop being so protective, you remind me of Fate-chan, nyahaha." The wolf paused and stepped back. Was she really that protective?
"Since I finished all of my homework I want to give you a bath. I haven't done that for awhile, right?" Winking she sauntered towards the small white bathroom. Fate sighed and reluctantly followed. She hated baths as a wolf. Some subconscious instinct made her loathe them. They were just too . . . wet. She shook her head and huffed. The soothing sound of water lapping against the platic tub filled her ears. With a resigned sigh she lay down on the tile, eyes listlessly staring ahead. A soft hand absentmindedly stroked her back.
"Have I told you about Yunno-kun yet Nikko?" Fate didn't even have to look at her. She heard the warmth from her voice. Love. An emotion she had craved since Alicia's death.
"He's a boy at school. He's very kind and nice, and a good person. Sort of like Fate-chan." Fate wagged her tail, thumping it against the wall.
"Nyahaha, I should introduce you to her some time. You would like her a lot. She's my best friend. She's kind, sweet, gentle, beautiful, loving, caring- Oh no the water!" Nanoha jumped toward the bath tub and hastily turned off the knob. The water precariously rested near the edge of the plastic.
"Uh, how much do you weigh Nikko?" Fate just gazed at her skeptically.
"Sorry, I forget that you can't talk sometimes. Your eyes are just so expressive." Nanoha rolled up the sleeves of her baggy sweatshirt and let some water flow down the drain. Fate glanced at Nanoha's room in impatience through the open bathroom door. It was still a pink mess. If only a dog was allowed to clean.
"Alright Nikko, in you go." Fate whined as she took a tentative step forward.
"Mou Nikko!" Nanoha growled firmly. The wolf sighed and obediently trotted to the bath tub. Giving the brunette an imploring look she jumped in. Instantly she shivered as the hot water hit her skin. Nanoha hastily lathered shampoo into Fate's fur, sensing her strong dislike of baths. Fate made a soft sound of happiness, leaning into Nanoha's touch. A soft giggle tickled her ear.
"You're such a softie Nikko. I bet the other dogs wouldn't be so scared of you if they saw you like this." The girl lightly kissed Fate's tapered ear as she picked up a cup and poured sudsy water over the soapy fur. Fate gazed at the bubbles, nudging a few in interest. The stifling sensation they gave her made her sneeze. Bubbles sprayed over her and Nanoha, making the girl look like a half-bearded Santa Clause.
"Nikko! Stop, nyahaha." She hurriedly wiped the bubbles from the side of her face, giving Fate a playful shove. The wolf whimpered at the touch.
"What's wrong Nikko?" Nanoha asked in a concerned tone. She didn't need Fate to answer as she gazed at the bloody wound in her side.
"Bad girl Nikko, I told you not to get in any fights!" Nanoha clicked her tongue in disappointment as she walked toward the wooden cabinet under the sink, looking for antiseptic and white gauze.
I wish I could stop Nanoha. But you need to be safe. And if I get in a scuffle with Hayate or other werewolves I'll do it gladly because . . . it will be for you.
Fate watched Nanoha as she pulled out a dark brown bottle, a roll of gauze and a leather collar.
"Come here Nikko." Nanoha gestured with her hand. Fate shook off any excess water hastily and leaped out of the tub.
"Mou!" giggled the girl as she covered her face with her hands.
"I hate it when you do that." She grinned and lightly stroked the wound causing Fate to wince in pain.
"This will sting a little. Be a good girl, okay?" Tenderly Nanoha wet the gauze with the antiseptic and gently wrapped it around the bite. Fate whimpered but stood firm. Warm arms encircled the wolf's neck.
"You're such a good girl Nikko. Just don't do that again okay? You make me sad when I see you hurt." Nanoha gazed deeply into the piercing burgundy eyes. For a few seconds she was confused. Why did they look so familiar? Shaking her head she grabbed the collar and quickly put it on Fate's neck.
"I got this for you today at the mall. It's real leather. I thought it would look good on you." Nanoha smiled and massaged Fate's neck.
"You like this huh?" The wolf responded with a satisfied whine. The warm hands continued scratching and rubbing, making Fate loose track of time and place. All that mattered was she was near Nanoha. And Nanoha was safe.
Get out here.
Fate stiffened and flicked an ear, trying to hear where Hayate was. She was close. She had to be.
"Nikko?"
The wolf restlessly ran from the comforting arms, down the stairs, and to the front door. Anxiously she pawed the wood.
"You need to go out?" asked an exasperated Nanoha. Hesitantly she touch the cool knob, glancing down at the wolf.
"Promise not to get hurt again, alright?" Fate merely whined in response, burgundy eyes pleading.
"Mou, you know I can't say no when you give me those eyes!" The brunette sighed and threw open the door. Fate placed one paw out the door but hesitated. She glanced at Nanoha and sighed. She nuzzled the girl's ankle as a promise. Then she rushed out the door, a blur of gold.
Fate raced down the black street, past a line of generic trees, and across a grassy park. She paced, trying to pick up movement or some indicator of who was attacking first. There was a large group of wolves and they were circling her, trying to surround her. She couldn't expose her back to them. If she did it would be all over.
Fate-san.
The golden wolf stiffened at the familiar voice. It couldn't be. . .
Teana?
Somberly a dark red wolf appeared from the darkness, eyes downcast as if in shame. She dragged her paws reluctantly until she was in front of Fate.
Is it true Fate-san? That you are no longer with us?
Fate sighed and felt pain in her heart.
"Fate-san!" cried the little girl, running eagerly into the blonde's arms.
"It's true isn't it? That you're the strongest and fastest among us?" The innocent child's eyes widened in curiousity. Fate grinned and lightly tapped her nose.
"Of course. Fate-san is the strongest and fastest wolf. I have to be to protect Tea!" She twirled the child in her arms. Giggles filled the air.
Fate-san?
She clenched her teeth and sighed.
It's true Teana. I'm no longer with you. I'm sorry.
The fiery red wolf yelped as if she had been hurt.
I'm so sorry Tea. But I couldn't hurt others anymore. Can't you see that he's using you? He's using all of us! We're his pawns that he uses to play with!
You're wrong Fate-san. Very wrong.
The wolf's eyes narrowed in confusion. The way Teana had said it had been far too sure. Something was wrong.
His ideas are too revolutionary for us to wrap our minds around. You just didn't understand Fate-san. That's why you left two years ago.
Fate snarled. She was tiring of this! What had he done to Teana? Moonlight splashed Teana's fur as she took a step too close for Fate's liking.
I should actually be sorry Fate-san. I know you like that human girl but she's instrumental to his plans. We need her. I can't stop this. And neither can you.
Suddenly she felt herself being pinned down by two wolves.
Lutecia? Caro?
The uniquely colored magenta and pink wolves glanced away.
Fate howled as she saw a few dark streaks rush toward Midoriya cafe. Nanoha! She flung the two wolves off her back and tensed for the run but was blindsided by Teana. Fate flew through the air, hitting a tree hard with her head. Weakly she wheezed. A broken rib. Damnit! Slowly she rose to be only bombarded by Teana again. Fate dodged and scrabbled for an opening. Unfortunately the clearing was quickly filled. Teana stepped forward again a furious gleam in her eyes.
You have gotten weak Fate-san. You're that girl's pet now? Wearing a collar and being inferior to a human? Why are you doing this?
Fate bared her fangs. This was getting far too difficult. Those wolves were probably at Nanoha's house by now.
Please Fate-san. Stop this and come back.
Caro?
We miss you Fate-san. We really do.
Lutecia?
We need you Fate-san.
Erio?
Fate staggered in shock as the three wolves came to the front of the pack. Those three kids . . . she had protected them and cared for them. Why did she have to fight them? Her ears twitched as she heard paws desperately clawing at wood. The wolves were at her house. Unforgivable. A feral snarl ripped through her teeth. She forgot her humanity. She forgot the memories. The only thing she remembered was the smiling slate blue eyes and the warm hands. Before she realized it she was tearing out throats and clawing out stomachs. The familiar taste of blood was in her mouth. It made her sick.
Heh Fate-chan, you're having too much fun without me.
A high keening came from a wolf to her far right. So Hayate had arrived. The brown wolf effortlessly tore out one wolf's throat and scratched another's eyes.
I won't let these demons kill you Fate-chan. You're mine.
Fate's bloody lips twitched.
Thanks Hayate. Are the rest coming?
Yes but-
So she would have back-up to protect her. Quickly Fate dodged another attack and ran, barreling through any wolf obstructing her path. She was flying. Everything was a blur of darkness and the occasional street light.
You bastards! Fate snarled mentally at the three wolves who were madly trying to break into the house. Instantly they cowered at her fierce voice. Unluckily for them she wasn't in a very forgiving mood. She leaped at one wolf, pulled his legs from under him and flung him against a brick wall. She rolled to the side as one of the remaining two leaped at her and sank her sharp canines into his neck. She heard a crunch and opened her mouth, dropping the now limp wolf from her firm hold. Her burgundy eyes gleaming like the devil she glared at the last wolf. She didn't have to say anything. He ran and didn't look back.
Fate gasped in pain and limped toward the front door of Nanoha's home. Painfully she rubbed her bloody shoulder across the door. That should keep them away for now. Sighing she began her journey home leaving the carnage behind her. If she was later then sunrise there would be trouble.