Fate's P.O.V.

As I arrived into town I couldn't help but notice how happy everyone looked. Too bad over half of the people here were nothing but fakes. There's no way there could be a town this happy and friendly and that's how I know, most of these people already knew the location of the safe. At times like these I wonder why Yokimoto didn't send me sooner. He probably wanted me to go through hell.

Walking up to my new home I couldn't help but stare. I guess Yokimoto really meant it when he said I had to live near Takamachi. But geez... I don't need a two story house. That's just way too much, I like my small apartment much more than this! As if on cue my phone started ringing and I answered it even though I didn't want to.

"This is Fate."

"Have you reached your new home for the next few months?"

"Yeah. And I think it's too much."

"Too much?"

"Too much! As in there's too much room! I don't need a house like this!"

"Why are you making this such a big deal? It's not like you're staying here permanently."

"Well it's not like I'm staying here for a day either!"

Dropping my bag in front of the door I turned around towards the town to find a few people staring at me. I only replied with a cold, "What?" before tuning back to the conversation I was having with Yokimoto.

"Hating the people in town already? That's good."

"Look, I already know half of these guys are fakes, it's just so obvious..."

"But can you tell the reals from the fakes?"

I took a moment to look back at the people of the town and growled.

"No."

"Do you know why that is?"

I growled another no except slightly louder.

"It's because you don't associate with people enough. I have to say that, that is a mistake on my part."

"Oh really?" I said as I grabbed the keys out of my jacket pocket and opened the plain brown door. It looked pretty old and I started to wonder if this house of mine was worth absolutely nothing.

"Yes, after all, I raised you for most of your life."

"You have nothing to do with it," I replied while picking up my suitcase then entering the house.

"What's this? You're saying it's not my fault?"

"No. I'm saying you had nothing to do with it. In other words, you have nothing to do with my life. Everything I've done has been by my choice. Not yours, therefore, I haven't associated with others because I never wanted to. And you raised me because I let you."

After a moment of silence I could tell I hit something in the guy and at that I smiled. I guess he really does think of me as his daughter, too bad I don't think of him as a father.

"By the way, thanks for the furniture," I said before I hung up. I really did mean that part, I thought this house would be completely empty. Now that I found all this nice furniture did I feel bad for hitting a soft spot on Yokimoto? No. Why? Because I've always wished I never met him. My life has been pure hell because of him. And it's because of him that I have to go on life risking missions. If he didn't have any strings to pull I would probably be one of the most wanted people in the world. I've killed, stole, deceived, and I myself have tortured people. But... All those I hurt have hurt others on purpose. I can honestly say that I have never hurt an innocent person. Even though at times it would be part of some of my missions I have always found some way around it and if there ever be a time where I can't find a way, then I'll just suffer the consequences. But still... I can't help but think that maybe I will hurt the innocent ones as I get older and... Colder...

Just as I sat down on my brand new couch my phone started to ring once again. Why doesn't he just give up? I know he knows I don't like him.

"What?"

"I forgot to mention that you start going to school tomorrow... Your uniform needs to be picked up today... So-"

"Fine."

"Well... Bye..."

Closing my phone I grinned. It's nice to know I have some effect on the man like how he has some effect on me. Now he has some hint as to what I feel every now and then.

With all the thoughts running in my head I made myself comfortable on the couch and stared at the ceiling. I couldn't stop thinking about how I was going to deal with all the people around me. Plus I would have to be going to school and face a bunch of idiots I probably wouldn't like. Not to mention the school had a uniform. I guess I'll keep to myself like I always have, but even so... I can't help but think I'll be here for a very long time...

--

You know, I have to admit, the school itself looks pretty nice but the students not so much. All the guys here look like they want a fight or want to get up some girls skirt while the girls look like kiss ups or whores... And that shouldn't even be possible since the school has a damn uniform! But as the saying goes, if there's a will then there's definitely a way. Anyway, besides those losers I found there were a few good kids by the way they talked and acted. I could tell they had some kind of class whether it was being polite or kind to the dumb asses that picked on them. Even some of the seniors were being picked on by the 'mighty' freshman. If you ask me, this school needs a huge attitude adjustment and a bit of a cleanup. Heh, and even though I'm saying all these things the fact is I probably look like a complete outsider. Here I am, walking through the halls with a black skin-tight t-shirt along with my favorite black pants... Yeah ok, I like the color black. So what? At least I didn't let some random guy look down my shirt.

As I started to walk over to the office I caught several stares a few guys were giving me and all I could think was that they were nothing but filthy rats. They weren't even worth a second of my time, that is... Until one of them decided to feel me up from behind. As I turned to look at the culprit I saw that he wore a disgusting smile. I slapped his hand away and stared at him for a few seconds before he came out with the words, "Come now, don't be like that. I just wanted to say hello." His smile grew larger and I did not feel amused... At all.

"I'd gladly say goodbye but I think it's against the rules to beat up filth such as yourself. Don't bother me again or you'll wish you never dared to touch me."

As I watched his smile fade away I simply turned around to get back on my way to the office but as luck turned out, I got pulled back by that mongrel. What am I to these people? Am I one of those girls that are suppose to run away or yell for help? Who do they think I am?

"Let go-" I tried to speak and give this fool a shot but he had to go and slap me. Now people were starting to crowd around me and the fat head and I couldn't help but let out a laugh. "Boy... You have no idea who you're messing with."

I saw his face twitch and he readied himself to slap me again only this time I stopped him. I held his arm with a death like grip and that's when he tried to hit me with his other hand. I moved slightly to the side, just enough to dodge the attack and then I kneed him hard in the stomach, the idiot fell on the ground, but was I done with him? For now I would have to be, there were too many people crowded around us and besides that, I didn't even start school yet and I was probably already in trouble. Great. Just great.

When I grabbed a fistful of hair I bent down to his level, "I told you not to bother me again. Let this be your final warning." The look in his eyes told me he understood and I simply stood up, letting go of that hair full of filth. When I looked into the crowd all fell silent, the only thing I could hear was the security trying to get through. I knew the fool on the floor heard them too because he froze. I looked at him with a raised eyebrow, telling him that I better not be the one at fault here.

I took another look at the crowd and a girl slightly shorter than me caught my attention. She looked surprised when she noticed I was looking at her but she kept staring at me anyway. Something looked a little off though, I just couldn't put my finger on what.

Finally reaching the scene, the security moved the girl I had my eyes on to the side. When they spotted me with my arms crossed and the guy standing a few feet away, he held his arm over his stomach. I heard one of them ask, "What the hell happened here?" I simply cocked my head towards the boy making him speak.

"I-Its my fault! I-" Before the idiot could finish I interrupted with a simple, "I used self defense."

The security looked at us awkwardly before telling us to go to the office. I sighed. I did however give a smile at how the fool tried to explain himself. He just showed me how weak he really was with that shaking voice. Well, at least now I know that most of the guys here are probably show offs and nothing more.

"Thanks but I was on my way there anyway."

When I started walking towards the office I had a strange urge to look back, for what reason, I don't know. Maybe I wanted to see- No. I don't want to associate with these people, I didn't come here for friends, I came here for a mission. That was all.

--

Sitting in the office was rather calming. It was air conditioned too, all the better. As I watched the guy that hit me earlier walk out of the office I noticed he didn't even bother to look at me. I felt accomplished at that.

"Testarossa."

As I sat up and walked towards the office I found a lady walking in with me as well. I couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable, it's almost as if she came out of no where. Sitting down, I found the lady sitting in a chair a few feet away from me. Getting a good glance at her, a box in her lap caught my attention. The principal distracted me and started his little speech.

"Fate Testarossa, new student, age 18, senior year. You start tomorrow isn't that right?"

"Yes sir."

As I watched him go through paperwork that was probably mine I could only think how he might be one of the people after the safe. From here on out I know that I have to be careful with who I communicate with because for all I know, the teachers here are all after the safe. No matter what I do, I'd have to be careful and observe my surroundings as best I can.

"Tell me why it is you're already in trouble when you haven't even started school yet."

"That guy earlier groped me and at first all I did was tell him not to bother me but I guess he didn't have enough and slapped me soon after. When he tried to hit me again I simply kneed him in the stomach for my defense. I honestly think that I have done nothing wrong here sir."

The principal raised an eyebrow and I raised one as well.

"Did you cause a lot of trouble back at your old school?"

"No. I did everything I was told to do."

"Good. Listen Testarossa, there's a lot of kids here that will attack you for no reason, much like today. And as long as you're defending yourself, you won't get into any trouble at all. But I warn you, don't be fooled by a warm smile or kind gesture."

"I understand."

"Ms. Vierra."

The lady I was wondering about earlier stood up and set the box on the desk.

"Here is your uniform Testarossa."

I stood up and gave a small bow to both the principal and Ms. Vierra then grabbed the box to ready my leave.

"Good day Testarossa."

"Good day sir, Ms. Vierra."

--

The moment I reached home I tossed my uniform somewhere on the floor. I didn't really care where, it wasn't important to me. I think I may have knocked something over though... Oh well. The next thing I tossed was my shirt leaving me in nothing more than a sports bra (black of course) and the pants I had on from earlier today.

"So I have to start school tomorrow..." I said in the empty room. I stood in one place for a few seconds before walking over to my window to see if one of the Takamachi's were home. As far as I could tell someone was in the living room watching TV and someone else was in the room above with a single lamp on.

I pulled away from the window and sat on my bed. How exactly was I suppose to protect these people? That was the only thing I've been thinking about for a while now. A bigger question I needed to start asking myself was if I would be able to keep them alive. I know I'm strong but the thing is, I'm not the strongest person in the world. Where the hell did my confidence go...

Putting my elbows on my knees and my hands on my face I kept thinking hard about how I could protect them and what would I do if I got hurt on the job. Usually life or death missions only have those choices. Life. Or death. But the thing is, if I die there's a chance the Takamachi family will die too. And even in death I don't want that sort of thing on my conscience. I can't allow it. I won't allow it. Ever.

Nanoha's P.O.V.

"Nanoha!"

Jumping off my bed and running down the stairs, I stopped in front of my father.

"Is something wrong? Did someone break in again?!" I said, my voice getting higher with each word.

He patted my head and that's when I knew everything was alright. Lately though, so many people have been causing trouble for us whether it's at my school or dads bakery, or even here at home. People have been threatening me and my father since that old man gave us that stupid safe! I'm always telling dad we should give it away but he says no and never explains why. We don't even know what's inside the damn thing...

"There's nothing wrong. But have you heard about our new neighbor?"

"New... Neighbor?" I repeated.

I didn't know whether I should take this as bad or good news. This new neighbor might cause trouble for us and if he does... If he does! Then... There's nothing I can do. I'm not strong so I would easily get beaten. It's happened before but whenever I came home dad would lose it and go after whoever it was that hurt me. He would get hurt sometimes too but when he returned he would always smile and hug me, making me go in a fit of tears that won't stop until I fall asleep.

"That's right, I want you to greet them. Welcome them to the neighborhood!"

"But dad... What if-"

"Don't worry, I'll be right here! I'll know if anything goes wrong."

"But dad!"

"Come on Nanoha, are you my chicken or are you my daughter?"

I gave a smile. "I'm your daughter."

"That's right! Now go in the kitchen and get the basket of sweets I made then go and deliver it to our new neighbor."

I nodded and retrieved the basket as told. I started to wonder why dad wouldn't go and give it to them but then again, he's probably trying to tell me that not everyone is the same and that I can actually get along with people other than my childhood friends. Honestly though, I think he takes people too lightly like how I used to. I loved making friends and all but I learned that people just use you so they can get what they want. I had to learn the hard way, when dad almost died to save my life. That's when I became more careful of who I associated with. In fact, I think that scary is what made me seperate from some of my friends too.

"Alright dad, I'm gonna go."

"Be nice!"

"Yeah, I know!"

I smiled and walked outside, it was a nice night. If this town wasn't full of goons I would probably sleep in the yard while watching the stars. Yeah, that would be a lovely thing to do. I just hope I can do that one day when there's nothing to worry about.

Walking up to the door I took a deep breath then sighed. I knocked a few times then awaited for the door to open. Several seconds passed and I was about to turn back home but dad was signaling for me to try again. I hesitantly knocked on the door again and waited for a few seconds longer.

Finally! I heard someone opening the door and I forced myself to smile but the moment the door opened I felt my jaw drop to the floor. There, before me, stood the girl I saw at school earlier today in the fight! Except now she was wearing less clothing that showed her beautiful- Whoa!! Would you look at the time?! I gotta give her this basket!!

"What do you want?"

"I-I came to... Um... Hi!"

"Hi?" She said, a little confused.

I mentally slapped myself and tried to pull things together.

"I wanted. To welcome. You. To the. Neighborhood," I said slowly as if I was saying these words for the first time in my LIFE! I have no idea what was starting to make me sound so stupid but I know this girl had to be the cause. If I have to blame something then I blame her!

"Thank you? Um... I don't know your name."

Great, I forgot an introduction! I tried to look up at the girl without making a strange face.

"Na...Na-Nanoha! Takamachi!!"

"Nanananoha?"

"No! I-I... I meant Nanoha!!"

"Oh. Well thank you for the strange welcome, Nanoha."

I knew I was blushing and the way she was smiling and looking at me... I knew I was getting redder and redder by the second. To cover my growing blush I held the basket I had in front of my face, I didn't know what else to do! This was the only cover I had at the moment!

"Uh... W-whats your name?"

"Fate Testarossa... Is that suppose to be for me?" I heard her ask.

"Yes... It's a welcoming gift..."

As she took the basket from me I stared at the floor not knowing much of what else to say. I mean... Did she know she had no shirt on?! I'm not saying it's a bad thing but... You know... It's just... Ugh... I need to stop thinking already!!

"Thank you Nanoha."

"Your welcome... I hope you enjoy the snacks..."

"I know I will."

I looked at her once more and finally smiled at her.

"Well Fate, I should probably go home now. If you need anything... Just ask."

"You too."

"T-thank you!" I said with a larger smile.

"Goodnight, Nanoha."

"G-Goodnight!" I almost yelled as I walked away, trying not to trip.

Mmmhmm... Second chapter. Had to rush a little bit since I have a bunch of homework to do and a brother that's always on when I'm not xD Anyway, If I can I'll probably change some things later on since I totally changed the way this chapter went, Nanoha and Fate were suppose to meet in a completely different way but I choose something else instead D: Don't know why though... Guess the other version was too... Dramatic? Idk I think definetly will change it though... Argg... Enough of my procrastinating! I'm gonna go to bed. Now remember people, reviews are awesome! So don't forget to do that :D (Tell me if you want the different version of how they meet!)