Midnight Knight
by xlheslydesux
Disclaimer: I don't own Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha or any of its characters.
Chapter 2
For as long as she remembers, she is not allowed to go outside. Her whole world has always been the four corners of her small room. Every night, she will always sit by her window and gaze at a huge land surrounded by trees. In the middle, a magnificent huge castle sat silently and yet shines brilliantly in the dark. She had been told about the stories surrounding the forest. About its wonders and dangers, but that isn't the reason why she was captivated by the sight of it. Ever since she had first laid eyes in that close yet faraway land, something inside of her knew instinctively that something important, something meant only for her exist inside that mysterious place. Without the knowledge of her family, every time a day comes that she feels strong enough to walk, she will always thread the path toward that enigmatic place. She will bear a half an hour of pain just to be close to that place that calls out strongly to her. It is one of those days that she finally discovered the reason of her existence.
Fate runs through the forest as silent as a ghost, following the foreign trail that will lead to her prey. She ran effortlessly, powerfully, covering ground in great leaping strides. Her heart beat with joy and exhalation, something she had not felt for so long. She was a Pure Blood, the leader and protector of her clan. She would always be their heart, as they were hers. But now she is alone. She was broken. She was hurt. The most important reason of her being was long gone and lost. Except for one. Nanoha. Fate has sworn that she will always protect Nanoha from her world, from the beings of her world. That is why she continues to go on living in her lonely and desolated world.
When they reach their destination, Fate sat on a branch of a large tree, a tree that mysteriously shines every full moon, while hiding her presence. Vampires cannot hide from their own kind but the Purebloods have a unique ability to do so. She observed the intruders of her land feeding and sexually abusing some humans without a care in the world. Not far from where the others lay were two unmoving humans, tied and separated in a corner. They are also in a weakened state because of being feed on too much. In front of them is a big tent that is being guarded by two big men, soldiers obviously. Fate suspects that the separated ones are for the Half-blood who is still hiding inside his small fortress.
"The humans are in a peril state." Signum said as she appeared beside Fate.
"I know. If we don't rescue them soon the next time those trash feed from them again they will die." Fate said with disgust. "What did you find out?"
"They are nine of them. Six Class X and Two Class A vampires with a Half-blood. Obviously it is the Half-blood who leads and brought them here with the humans. What a disgrace." Signum said with anger.
"We have known for a long time that many Half-bloods do things like this. Don't let your anger take a hold of you, General." Fate said.
Years ago, the life of Fate's clan changed because of the Half-bloods that wanted to invade their territory. Lives have been lost, humans and vampires alike. Hatred and greed has divided the different clans and now everything is a blur on what their future is.
"The Half-blood is inside the tent." Fate said. It is not a question but a statement.
"Yes, he is. If we attack, it is best if we do it now while the Half-blood is still unaware of your presence." Signum answered.
"Yeah, you're right." Fate said standing up. "Let's go."
"Master wait!" Signum shouted stopping Fate.
"What?" Fate asked confused.
"Forgive me for saying this but… I think it is best if you leave the fighting with us." Signum said without taking her eyes off Fate.
"Uh-huh… and why is that?" Fate said slowly.
"You are not in full power, Master. You haven't drink blood for a long time, and it may cause you to fight slower." Signum said.
Fate wanted to bring Signum to her knees and remind her who her master is but she knows that she is right. There is no use to act arrogantly in front her close warriors. They know the truth and have waited and supported her cowardly whims. She calmed herself and tried to re-organize her thoughts.
"You don't have to worry General, I'm fine… I have drunk the blood Hayate gave me earlier." Fate said.
"Really?! Are you telling the truth?" Signum said in an unusual burst of emotion.
Fate tried to act not to be surprised at her general's uncharacteristic reaction.
"I have indeed made them worry too much." Fate thought to herself. "Yes, it's true so stop worrying already. I'm fine and itching to fight. Are we going or not, General?"
"Of course we are! I've been waiting for six years to go on a hunt with you again." Signum said with a smile.
"Good, because we aren't waiting any longer." Fate said.
A deafening scream, a vivid trail of blood dazzling her vision, blinding her and a thick cold drop of sweat wash against her cheek. That was all that she could feel. She saw her self stumbling and falling. Her breath leaving from her chest. She saw her soul dying, cold and pale. She tried to run… to hold and grasp her heart but it is too late… It's gone… she is gone… She dropped in her knees, her head down as if pleading to be sacrificed, to be taken instead, and then she screamed.
Nanoha woke up gasping. She was so cold. So alone and drowning under the agony of her loss.
"Don't leave me…" Nanoha said to no one.
She couldn't stop her tears from streaking down her face. She didn't even bother trying to stop it. She needed to cry, she needed to let all her pain out but most importantly she needed to know why she had always felt this way. After a few minutes, she heard the door open and close but what came as a surprised was, she didn't hear any footsteps. She thought someone might have heard her crying and tried to enter but changed their mind. Nanoha was about to open her eyes when she felt something wipe her tears. When she open her eyes and turned her head, she saw a animal, who looked a lot more than a wolf like a dog, licking and nuzzling her face.
"Hey." Nanoha said weakly. "What are you doing here girl?"
The dog whined unhappily and nuzzled closer to her.
"I'm okay Arf, don't worry. I'm just having one of those days… you know… when I can't stop from being sad for no reason at all." Nanoha said petting the big animals head. "How did you get here? Does Shamal-sensei know you're here?"
As if remembering something, Arf's head whirled away from Nanoha's hand and bark at her.
"Woah! Take it easy girl, what is wrong?" Nanoha said sitting up. "Arf, calm down. Calm down girl, we are in a clinic; you can't be loud in here."
Arf stopped barking instead she grabs Nanoha's leg by biting her pants. She tried to pull Nanoha and didn't stop even when Nanoha almost fell off the bed.
"Okay, okay. Do you want to bring me somewhere? Is that it Arf?" Nanoha said as she stand and steady her body against Arf's relentless pulling.
Arf let go of Nanoha and bark at her once again. She run to the doors and bark at Nanoha, telling her to follow. Nanoha followed Arf, and after a few minutes she found herself running towards the forest. She doesn't understand why, but she knew that that is there destination. Arf will stop from time to time to wait for Nanoha, jumping from her side to the other, urging her to continue running. With her muscles starting to hurt and the air in her chest leaving her body, Nanoha tried her best to keep on running.
Arf has always been with Nanoha as long as she can remember. She can still remember that night six years ago. When she woke up disoriented, knowing and remembering no one, Arf was by her side comforting her. Arf have always protected her from anything without a second thought to herself. That is why she knew, that if Arf wanted to bring her somewhere… without a doubt she needs to be there.
"Something important is there… I need to be there, is that right Arf?" Nanoha asked her fateful friend.
Arf bark at her as a response and started running once again towards the forest. Nanoha followed her… her heart pounding not with tiredness, but with excitement.
"Something is there… something important to me is there." she thought to herself.
Fate looked up at the moon, hanging on the sky. Her skin tingled with heat that always accompanies the hunt. She has avoided hunting for a long time… not because of fear for herself but for fear that she might lose to the hatred that she is carrying inside her heart. She has always given the task of hunting for the rogues trespassing on their land to Signum and the others but not anymore. She will hunt to protect her clan and land… she will hunt to face the demons lurking around her world. It is the one thing that she can do right now to keep on living.
Signum walked towards Fate followed by a man holding a rifle, and two young women. One with blue and short hair, and the other with orange hair in pigtails.
"Welcome my brethren, are you ready to fight?" Fate said as her warriors crowded around her.
The four soldiers immediately dropped to one knee in front of Fate and gave respect.
"We are at your command, Master." the four answered with pride.
"It's good to hunt with you again, Fate." the man said.
"It's nice to see you again, Vice." Fate said as she gripped the shoulder of one of her old friends.
"Subaru. Teana. Welcome to the party, I have heard lots of good things about you too."
"Really?!"
The blue haired girl asked but before she can even say anything else, the girl with the pigtails elbowed her side.
"Forgive her rudeness, Master. Subaru is still taking her courtesy lessons." Teana said her head bowed even lower.
Fate urged the two young women up.
"Don't worry about it." Fate said smiling.
"The rogues are still unaware of your presence. The two who is guarding the tent are vigilant because they can sense us but they are not worried. I'm sure they still think that we are only observing their activities." Signum reported.
"Is their leader still inside the tent?" Fate asked.
"Yes, we saw him enter his tent and haven't seen him come out since then. Their leader is brave but stupid. To think that he will bring his crew in a land governed by a Pureblood. Every vampire knows the consequences of breaking the law." Vice said.
"Brave? Yes, he is. But stupid? I don't think so… I'm sure there is a reason why a Half-blood would do something like this." Fate said.
"Reason? What reason?" Subaru asked.
"It has nothing to do with a low ranked soldier like you." Signum answered as she glared at Subaru. "All you need to know is that we are going to hunt those rogues down to protect our land, our laws, our clan and our master. We are a warrior, that's the only reason we need to fight. Do you understand?"
"We do, General." Teana answered while pulling Subaru back.
Fate wanted to tell the two young soldiers the reason why other Half-blood vampires would want to try crossing their land but Signum is also right with her actions. Too many things have changed since six years ago. They need to keep the people who knew what happened in the past to a minimum to protect their clan… and too protect Nanoha.
"There will be a time when you two will know the things that we know. But for now, let it be enough that we fight with the same goal… and that is to protect our clan and to protect our laws. Because by doing that we also protect the people that we love." Fate said while looking at the two young warriors. "Are you ready to fight?"
The two looked at each other and answered with conviction. "We are, Master!"
"Come my warriors, it's time to hunt!"
The four warriors charged ahead of Fate and attacked the group of rogues. Startled, the rogues were slow and disoriented from feeding and sex. Teana and Vice didn't have any difficulty putting six of their enemies down using their guns packed with Ultraviolet bullets. The renegades who gave them difficulty were the two guards who Signum and Subaru fought. They were quick and strong. There is no doubt that they were the Half-blood's guardian. Weapons, Speed and Claws launched at each other, bringing its target to the floor. In the midst of the fight, a man emerges from the inside of the tent. With his sharp gaze and muscular frame, he strode towards Fate with confidence and ease.
"You must be the Pureblood who governs this land. It's an honor to finally make your acquaintance. We have been here for days and I thought you would never come." the Half-blood said in a mocking manner.
"I can see that you have managed to entertain yourself without any help from us." Fate said glancing at the humans.
The Half-blood laughed and leapt towards the unconscious humans who are tied in the corner.
"It's a gift. I wanted to give them to you as an offering before you retire. Someone told me that this land is deteriorating and if I defeat its leader, I can take it as my own."
"I see… but unfortunately I don't need them because I am not retiring." Fate said not showing any kind of emotion.
"That's a shame. They are very delicious you know." The Half-blood leaned closer to the neck of one of the humans and when he was about to take a bite, bullets rained towards him forcing him to leapt away.
"State your name and the name of the person who have spread false rumors about my clan." Fate said completely calm and composed.
"I can't tell you that. Because if I do, I won't be able to get what I came here for after defeating you."
In an instant the Half-blood attacked Fate, launching himself towards her body with a sword that suddenly appeared in his hand. But before his attacked connected, Fate was no longer standing in front of him. He hit thin air and within second something struck at his side. A golden sword penetrated his chest and when he looked where it came from. He saw Fate holding its hilt.
"You bitch!" the Half-blood said before dropping to his knees.
The Half-blood was in pain but his mind is still clear. Vampires other than a Pureblood can be killed when their heart has been struck but he is a Half-blood. He has the blood of a pureblood; he won't die as easily as the others.
Fate withdrew her sword and looked down at her prey.
"Tell me the name of the one who sent you here and I will spare your life." Fate said with contempt. "You know that a Half-blood like you has no chance of winning against a Pureblood, say it and I will let you leave my land with your life."
The Half-blood stared up at Fate, with eyes full of fury. He was about to insult Fate when he suddenly remembered something that was said to him before he left for this land.
"The Pureblood of that land have terribly weakened with the passage of time but when you find yourself in a pinch, used the humans to protect yourself."
At that time, he didn't understand the words of that person. How would a weak human protect him? He also didn't think that the Pureblood in front of him would be this quick and obviously strong, especially after hearing that she hasn't drink any blood for six years.
"Wait… she hasn't drink blood for six years. Why? Vampires need blood for it is the source of their power, especially Purebloods who has tremendous strength. A vampire won't be able to stop himself from drinking blood unless... if that is the case then I can win this fight." the Half-blood thought to himself.
The Half-blood stood up slowly with renewed courage. Fate watched him completely composed and without a hint of worry not noticing that a shadow is creeping behind her back inch by inch.
A sharp cry was heard inside the forest. When Fate looked at its source, she saw the humans who are lying on the ground hanging in the air with a black shadow shape like a blade pierced their hearts.
"No!"
Fate shouted as she tried to catch the humans when the shadow threw their limp bodies away. But before she can reach them, the shadows change direction and attacked the two who is tied on the tree. Fate focuses her strength on her speed and was able to catch the bodies of the humans and stop the shadows from killing the remaining two. She managed to block the blade but because she was too focused on saving the humans, she didn't notice her prey moving and ambushing her. Fate staggered to remain at her feet but when she withdrew the sword attached to her back, she feel on her knees with blood seeping from her wound.
"HAHAHA! I did it! I wounded a Pureblood!" the Half-blood laughed and screamed. "That person is right! There is nothing to be feared about you."
Fate gasped and tried to breath but her wound is worsening every second. Her blood is quickly flowing out of her and with it her strength.
"What a pathetic sight. A Pureblood who can't even heal a simple wound." the Half-blood said while tapping at his wound that is slowly healing. "Stop your attacked or I will kill your master!"
Signum and Subaru stopped their movements upon hearing the Half-blood's threat. The two guardians of the Half-blood quickly brought them down, bodies and blood rolling to the floor.
"Throw your guns and come down here." the Half-blood shouted at Teana and Vice's direction.
Teana and Vice threw their guns at the direction of the Half-Blood and slowly descended from their hiding position.
"Stay there! Don't move a muscle or I will kill this bitch." the Half-blood said while pointing his sword at Fate's head.
The two guardians of the Half-blood dragged Signum and Subaru to Teana and Vice's location and encircled them. When Vice tried to attacked when he saw a chance the unknown shadows appeared again and surrounded their bodies capturing and binding the, together.
"Don't even think about it. These things are like my hands, they will move according to my will. In a blink of an eye, I can kill all of you and your beloved master." the Half-blood said in a mocking manner.
Signum look at the arrogant Half-blood and her gasping Master. The wound of their enemy is indeed healing… slowly but healing while her master's wound, a wound that shouldn't affect a Pureblood is not healing at all. In addition to that it is also worsening. Something that shouldn't happen if she…
"You didn't drink it… You didn't drink any blood at all did you?!" Signum said in shocked. "Why did you lie?! Why did you do that Fate!"
Fate stared down and didn't respond at Signum. She can also feel Vice's questioning gaze, and Subaru and Teana's confused eyes.
"I'm sorry to interrupt your master and servant moment but I want to explore my new land soon. So die and never return again you weakling of a Pureblood." the Half-blood said as he raised his sword.
Fate tried to move but her body and mind won't listen anymore. She has no more strength and even though she knew she wanted and needed to fight… at the back of her mind and at a small place in her heart she had wanted this to happen in a long time. She wanted for everything to end already. Fate closed her eyes and prepared for the inevitable. She felt the Half-blood raised his sword and swing it at her direction. She heard her friends voice called out to her while she waits to feel the cold steel of her enemy weapon.
"No!"
For a second time that day, Fate heard a cry… but this is different. This cry is not from death, it's a cry full of worry and panic. Fate opened her eyes to see who would cry like that for her but when she did… she saw something that took all the remaining life in her soul. In front of her was the only person she loved more than her family and self. The only one and reason she has tried to live this long even though she had wanted to give up since a long time ago.
It was like time stopped. She saw Nanoha run in front of her… saw her get slashed by a sword… and dropped to her knees and falling.
"What the?! Where did this human come from?" the Half-blood said while dragging Nanoha away from Fate. When he was about to throw Nanoha's body, he was attacked by a big red wolf and crashed to the floor. Dragging, biting and restraining him. With his actions restricted the shadow binding Signum and the others disappeared. They took this chance to attacked and beat the Half-blood's guardians by fighting them 2 on 1.
Fate felt herself standing and running to catch Nanoha before she fell to the ground. She held and stared at her not believing… not understanding what's happening. Fate caressed Nanoha's pale cheek and traced her lips making sure she is real.
Nanoha opened her eyes and saw the most beautiful face she has ever seen. With long blond hair and eyes that draws her in, she held the face in front of her and gently stroked it.
"Hello there." Nanoha said weakly.
"Hi." Fate answered her eyes full of tears.
"I'm sorry about this." Nanoha said gesturing to her wound and their position. "When I saw you my body moved on its own… and then… here I am nyahaha. It's embarrassing."
Fate remained speechless and just held Nanoha closer. Nanoha stared at her, charmed and enchanted, to the point that she forgot that she is wounded. All her fear and worry disappeared and was replaced by an emotion she knew but couldn't recognize.
"I… I have… nyahaha… I don't know what to say. Seeing you personally… and not in a dream makes me forget all the things that I have always wanted to ask… I have always dreamed about you, you know. You're so beautiful." Nanoha said still amazed at the person in front of her.
"Nanoha! Nanoha! Nanoha!" Fate called out while nuzzling Nanoha's neck.
"Don't cry… please don't. I'm so happy right now… I can't explain why but when you call my name all my pain goes away. If I die now, I don't really mind because I'm in your arms. Nyahaha, sorry. I know it doesn't make sense. We don't know each other and yet I'm already feeling this way. I don't understand it myself." Nanoha said trying to express herself. She didn't think that it was weird that the blond knew her name. All she wants is to erase the pain that she sees in the blonds' eyes. It pained and tore her heart more than her physical pain.
"It's okay, it's okay Nanoha. You won't die! I won't let that happen. You… are… not… leaving me too." Fate said embracing Nanoha tighter.
"I like how that sound but I think it's too late." Nanoha said trying to hide her pain. "Hey… Can you tell me something?"
When she felt Fate nod, Nanoha continued.
"Can you tell me your name? I have always wanted to know your name?" Nanoha said, her consciousness starting to fade.
Fate looked up from Nanoha's neck and gazed at her.
"It's Fate. My name is Fate." Fate said her voice breaking.
"Fate… Fate… " Nanoha said repeatedly. "I finally… have your name."
Fate felt Nanoha's body went limp and saw her hands fell to the ground.
"What a stupid human. Sacrificing herself and jumping in like that. Serves her right! If she didn't do that, it should be you who is dead right now and not her." the Half-blood said while still trying to break free from Arf's grip.
"It should be you who is dead right now and not her."
Fate stiffened as the phrase ran repeatedly inside her head. Again… Nanoha sacrificed herself again to save her. Why is it that every time she do something to protect Nanoha, she ends up hurting Nanoha even more. But even if it's the truth, even though Nanoha might suffer in the future and she might endanger her even more because of what she have to do… she will do it. Because right now, the only important thing for Fate is for Nanoha to stay alive… well… and happy.
"She is not dead." Fate said in a muffled voice.
Everyone, including the Half-blood and his guardians felt something change in their surrounding. The sky became darker all of a sudden. Thunder can be heard from every direction above them. And a strong gust of wind blew around them. But what called their attention is the yellow light at the ground around Fate and the Full Moon that suddenly appeared amidst the clouds and thunder in the sky. The air vibrated with power and force, it was so tangible that they felt they can touch it if they tried.
Fate lifted Nanoha's body and walked towards a tree, the tree shines magically under the full moon. Fate sat under the tree with Nanoha lying on her lap, sheltering her from any danger. Fate played with Nanoha's auburn hair and gently touched her face down her neck. Fate felt no pulse in Nanoha's neck but felt the wild pounding of her veins.
"You have just recently taken some blood. I can still feel my blood flowing through your veins." Fate said tracing the veins in Nanoha's neck. "I don't know if this is luck or not… but because of it I can still call you back. Forgive me, Nanoha. But please come back."
Fate kissed Nanoha's mouth. All of a sudden her senses were suddenly filled with thoughts of Nanoha and how she wants her. Fighting to hold her reason and the lust and ecstasy of taking more, Fate gently pierced Nanoha's neck and buried her fangs through the muscle. The first taste of Nanoha for so long cause Fate's reason to slipped. She needed more, wanted more… more of the person who gave her a reason for living. The more blood she took, the more of her strength came back. Her wounds healed in an instant and her eyes changed into a more burning color.
Now with her true power unleashed, Fate drove deeper and reached Nanoha in the recesses of her mind.
"Nanoha… Nanoha, come back. Wake up… It's time to return from your long slumber my sweet princess." Fate called out to Nanoha.
She called and tried over and over again, and after a few minutes she felt Nanoha's hands encircling her shoulders.
"Fate." Nanoha said her eyes still close.
Now with Nanoha's warmth surrounding and entering her body, Fate unlocked a part of Nanoha's seal. When a pink light appeared beneath them, Fate pulled away from Nanoha.
"Oh…" Nanoha murmured her voice low and her chest heaving.
Fate watched Nanoha's body tightened and awakened in her arms. She licked the punctures she had made in Nanoha neck and sealed them before plunging into Nanoha again on the other side.
Nanoha cried out and her head thrown back. She clutched Fate's back and held onto her with every ounce of her strength.
"Oh God! Fate!" Nanoha whimpered.
Fate groaned and bite even deeper. She didn't take blood; instead she flooded Nanoha's body with her genes, transferring some of her power into her. Nanoha's wounds slowly healed and her pale skin returned to its cherry color. When Fate felt Nanoha slipped into sleep, she licked the punctures closed and held Nanoha for a long time before laying her down under the tree. She stood and gazed at Nanoha for a second before turning back at her enemies and friends.
"Arf let him go." Fate said to Arf.
The big wolf quickly lifted her paws on the Half-blood. But when the Half-blood tried to move, Arf growled and position to attack again.
"That's enough! Come here Arf." Fate called out to her fateful servant.
Arf slowly walked towards Fate. She was whining and a little wary. Fate knelt down and stretched her hands out.
"Don't worry girl, I'm not mad. It's not your fault Nanoha got injured. Come here, I'm not blaming you." Fate said in a kind voice.
When Arf finally came closer, Fate hugged the beast and petted her fur.
"Welcome home, Partner." Fate said.
Arf licked her face and nuzzled her neck. Laughing Fate tried to remain standing while the big beast tries to take her down. When Arf had settled down, she stood beside Fate and walked with her towards the Half-blood, who is still sitting on the ground.
"What are you? How come you have this power?" the Half-blood said his voice trembling.
Even before Fate came near him, he has felt her overwhelming power from the moment she has taken blood from the human who saved her. When her eyes turned even redder than what she originally has, he felt a fear he have never felt before. He has seen and fought other Purebloods before but never in his life did he felt like this. He has heard before that when an ancient Pureblood awakens he or she will be able to fill you with a tremendous fear that you have never felt before without them doing anything. That by only having a glimpse of them will make you tremble to your bones, right inside your soul.
"That human…" the Half-blood said looking at Nanoha. "She's the reason you're not drinking blood… and that healing power… No human, even with a help from a Pureblood can heal herself like that."
The Half-blood looked at Fate once again and realized the truth.
"I heard a rumor before. A rumor about a clan who got attacked by the Half-bloods because of their secret. A secret that they have guarded for centuries. You and that human… you two are the pro-"
Before the Half-blood finished his sentence, he was suddenly enveloped by a yellow light and turned to ash. When Signum and the others saw what happened they immediately searched for Fate but she wasn't at the place they last saw her anymore. Fate was now sitting beside Nanoha, her arms wrapped around Nanoha's waist and Nanoha's head was on Fate's shoulders. Even though Nanoha is asleep, She and Fate projects a royal aura. And with Arf guarding them, there is no one that will doubt how powerful they are. Signum and the others were brought back from their senses when they heard Fate speak.
"Kill those two and together with their leader's ashes make sure that every vampire outside our realm knows that we The Caelestis Clan will never let anyone who violates our land and laws to live in this world." Fate said her voice full of authority.
Signum and Vice's heart filled with pride, the master who they have pledge their life to have returned to her normal self. And their friend who have loved and treated them with kindness is finally backed at her home.
Signum drew her sword as Vice restrained one of the guardians. Teana pointed her gun at the other while Subaru prepares herself for the kill. Now that Fate's full power has been unleashed, they will be able to take some of her strength and boost their selves. And with the Half-blood dead, his guardians have no source of power that is why they have weakened.
Signum strike her target, slashing him into two. Subaru punched and kicked her target into the sky while Teana shot him into pieces, giving her the honor for the kill. The four warriors feel rejuvenated and their bodies are overflowing with power.
"Incredible! This is the first time that I feel this strong… Well, I know I'm strong but not this strong." Subaru said grinning like a fool.
"Idiot! This is not our strength; it's the strength of our Master." Teana said but she couldn't hide her own amazement.
"Don't put silly ideas inside your head. That will kill you in battle." Signum said reprimanding the young warriors.
"Hahaha. Let them be for a while Signum, it's their first time channeling our master's power. Even I can't control my urge to fight and used this power. It's been a while since we felt like this." Vice said while playing with his rifle.
With a shake of her head, Signum gave up and let the others enjoy the brief happiness. She somewhat understand what they are feeling but she also knows that this is not the end of their problems. She turned her gazed at the two people who she have once pledge to protect but she failed. But now, she will make sure that she won't. Signum walked towards Fate and Nanoha.
"How is the Mistress?" Signum asked kneeling in front of her master's.
"She is fine. I unlocked some of her powers and transferred some of mine to her to call her back. She is completely healed and will be healthy for the time being." Fate said.
Fate caressed Nanoha's face and kissed her on the forehead… and on the cheek. She kissed Nanoha's lips fleetingly before forcing herself away from her. Leaving Nanoha… Separating herself from Nanoha is like a knife cutting her into pieces, but she needs to do it. Because her personally pain is nothing compared to the pain that Nanoha will feel if she stays with her.
"Bring the humans to Shamal and take Nanoha and Arf back to Shiro and Momoko." Fate said while standing up. "Send for Hayate and tell her to take care of the rest."
"But!" Signum said not surprised with Fate's decision. "Wont' the Mistress asked for you? After what happened you can no longer hide from her."
"Just do what I asked Signum!" Fate shouted. "Hayate will know what to do."
Before Signum can answer, Fate disappeared from her sight. Arf lick Nanoha's hand and whined, as if crying for her master's sake. Signum petted Arf's head, understanding her feelings.
"Subaru. Teana." Signum called out.
"General?" Subaru and Teana answered.
"Bring our Mistress back at her parents' home. Make sure that nothing happens to her." Signum said standing up.
"Mistress?" The two young warriors said confused.
"What do you mean our Mistress? She is a human. Even though the master drank her blood, that won't be enough to… woah!" Subaru said feeling something from Nanoha.
"General, what is happening here?" Teana asked feeling the same thing that interrupted Subaru.
"I'll explain everything when you get back. You are now entitled to know everything after witnessing what happened earlier. For now trust what you are feeling and believe me when I say that this person is our Mistress. Someone who we need and sworn to protect under our laws." Signum said in a serious tone. "Can I trust you two to guard her with your life?"
It took a second but both Subaru and Teana kneeled and answered at the same time.
"You can! We trust you General and we trust our clan."
"Good." Signum said delighted at the response of the two. "Vice scatter those fools' ashes and announced to the other clans what happened. Tell them our Master's declaration."
"Sure, No problem." Vice answered. "What will you do?"
"I'm gonna bring the humans to Shamal and find Mistress Hayate. I need to tell her what happened. I just hope she can think of something to change what is happening." Signum said dispirited.
A/N: Finally I was able to update! I know that it took me a really long time to post a new chapter and I do apologize for that. But with my schedule right now, I can't really find time to write. I want to say ~Thank You!~ to XD47, SkyWing, Lance58, Kumino, Mine, Kuraa, Reka Takamachi, megamar, LexiLevine88 and FateKitty and to everyone else for giving comments and sending me messages asking for an update. I am honored that you guys like my story and that you are following it even though I still have a lot of things that I need to polished with my writing skills hehehe. Don't you worry even though I sucked at updating fast, I will finished this story and I will keep on trying to satisfy all of you who have liked it. Feel free to leave some comments or suggestions. Thank you… :)