Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN.

Author's Notes: Huge chunks of text in italics are flashbacks. Sentences found in 'insert words here' are thoughts. I hope its not too confusing.

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Two shadows darted into a dark alleyway. The faint light from the nearest street lamp a good five meters away, elongated the shadows to thin parallel lines of black before the darkness swallowed them. Two girls, aged no more that nine years old literally flew through the garbage strewn passage, their hands joined in intertwined fingers. Together, they dashed deeper into the depths of the side streets, leaping over any obstacles in their way that would cause an adult to falter. The pair made a sharp right turn down a narrower passage, slipping easily into the embracing blanket of darkness.

My Fate, Our Destiny

Chapter 3

My feet pumped furiously, propelling my lithe body forwards in fluid motions. Racing down the dark alley, I did not slow down as I made the ninety degree right turn into another alleyway and deeper into the maze of side streets. Steadily, I inhaled through my nose, drawing in the dank musky stench of decomposing garbage in bags of various shapes and sizes lining the alleyway. My feet barely touched the wet ground before they were lifted up again. I felt a gentle squeeze against my right hand and instinctively turned my head slightly to meet the fearful gaze of my companion. I gave her a reassuring squeeze in return, effectively lifting her fears.

Her beautiful azure eyes which were always so full of life were now filled with fear.

I hate myself for dragging her into this mess.

Most of all, it would kill me should I lose her.

Spotting a partially hidden metallic door ahead, I willed myself to speed up more. Reaching out my free hand, I twisted the cool metal knob and pushed the door inwards, dragging my companion in behind me and pushing the door shut. Glancing around, I spotted a discarded wooden plank by the closed door and picked it up to jam the knob. Satisfied, I turned to take in the enclosed area. A metal staircase climbed up the narrow passage. Not hesitating, I pulled my companion along and we ascended the stairs into a windowless room. Even in the dark, I could see my surroundings perfectly. My eyes darted around the bare room, noting piles of old blankets in the far corner and several discarded food packages littered around the cramped room.

"Nanoha."

I murmured in the darkness.

Her beautiful blue eyes met mine in the dark, holding my gaze as she called out softly.

"Fate…"

"I'm sorry, Nanoha…I promise, I will find you…"

The girl with the azure eyes, Nanoha; simply nodded in understanding.

Fate stepped towards her, reaching out both hands to caress the shorter girl's cheeks. Carefully, Fate leaned forwards, pressing her lips gently on the brunette's forehead. Nanoha simply closed her eyes at the contact, her lips pulled up in a sad smile. A faint yellow glow emitted from the blonde's palms lit up the room momentarily before a bigger circle of yellow scrawling spanned out beneath the two girl's feet. The double lines of the circle revolved slowly in opposite directions, the glow almost blinding in the confined room. The light intensity gradually increased and in a sudden burst of light, it faded out completely.

And Fate was left standing alone in the barren room.

"Be safe, Nanoha…"

Turning swiftly, she darted through the door and down the stairs without a sound. The wooden plank was propped against the wall and she was out in the alley way once more. A shadow darted before her immediately with the slight rustle of fabric.

"You cannot run, child."

A singsong voice called out mockingly.

"Whatever gave you the impression that I'm running?"

Fate replied coolly.

"Enough with the chit chat, Fate. We're leaving. Alicia is waiting for our return."

A glowing pink circle flickered to life, its circumference increasing as it grew beneath their feet. The unnatural lighting lit up the immediate vicinity, casting a soft glow against a pale face framed by long dark hair. The long fringe obscuring the woman's left eye. In the light, her amethyst iris appeared ruby red.

"I refuse."

Fate spoke softly, almost inaudible despite the still surroundings.

Amethyst orbs focused on her through the curtain of hair.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't quite catch that."

Fate simply repeated her words, though she was well aware that the other woman heard her the first time round.

"I refused."

She said with finality.

"You are not in a position to refuse, child. It is your fate. Oh the irony."

The woman chuckled.

Fate narrowed her eyes slightly at the comment.

"I'm not leaving with you okaa-san. Alicia will understand."

Raw energy burst forth from the woman in purple robes. The glowing purplish-pink circle increased in intensity as her eyes narrowed to slits.

"Have you ever wondered why you were named Fate? It's for this day, so you will never forget your place."

The woman sneered, her lips curling up mockingly.

"You never let me forget even for a second, Precia."

Cement cracked, the ground trembling slightly in what could have passed for an earthquake.

"Precia!"

A sultry voice chided from the darkness.

The owner of the voice stepped into the glow of the magical light.

Sea green hair was pulled up into a high pony tail with long fringe framing a heart-shaped face.

"Tch. Typical of you to interrupt as always, Lindy."

"I can't simply stand by and watch as you destroy this young lady here, Precia."

"What I do with my daughter is not your concern."

"It is when it affects the rest of us."

The two older women stood at a stand off. Amethyst eyes met emerald in a hard glare.

The corner of a lip twitch slightly before a smirk formed on the features of Precia.

The glowing circle beneath her feet started to diminish, the energy rechannelled to her opened right palm in a crackling pinkish sphere of energy. The smirk grew wider, marring her beautiful features.

Burgundy eyes widened in surprise.

Dark pupils narrowed into pinpricks.

A pinkish sphere of light reflected in constricted pupils grew larger.

The pinkish glow illuminated the young girl, causing her long golden locks to shimmer beneath the intensity.

The ball of raw energy hit her square in the face before she could process the imminent danger.

Fate's eyelids fluttered close.

The darkness swallowed her.

---

"Why is it that I don't remember a thing about that?"

Fate questioned.

Lindy sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of her nose in an attempt to ease the throbbing headache building up.

"Precia probably put a memory seal on you. At least that's what I think she did."

"What is it that she wants to hide then?"

"I'm sorry, Fate. But that is something only Precia, Alicia and yourself would know."

"Alicia is Precia's daughter? Alicia Testarossa?"

"Yes. Alicia Testarossa. Your older twin sister. No one has seen her around in the past 10 years."

Lindy gently massaged her temple with her thumbs, applying pressure in a circular motion.

Fate quirked an eyebrow, wordlessly prompting the continuation of the past.

"Investigations have shown that Alicia Testarossa was time sealed. Possibly on the same night that your memories were sealed as well."

Chrono interrupted.

For the past 10 minutes, he had sat with his legs crossed as he leaned back into the cushy sofa, simply listening as Lindy retold a past memory.

"Okay…I don't get it but is there any chance that you could lift the memory seal?"

Fate returned her attention to Lindy, meeting her emerald gaze.

"Yes. The probability of that is extremely high."

"Can you do it? Now?"

"Any time, Fate. But are you ready to face your past?"

At that, Fate fell silent as she mulled over the possible consequences.

'Surely it can't be that bad. In all my years, I have already witness so much. What could be worse?'

'I have killed, taken lives some of which are innocent. I have plundered and murdered. After everything that I have done, I would definitely have a permanent place in hell.'

'What more do I have to lose?'

Chrono watched with concern at the stoic expression on Fate's features. He knew she was weighing out her options. After all, they have known each other for years.

'The very person you tried to protect with your lost memories.'

A little voice spoke up from the back of her mind.

"I am ready."

She stated calmly.

'How can I protect someone whom I don't even remember?'

---

A half drunk tea cup was replaced on its saucer with a soft clink of china ware.

Lime green light burst forth from Lindy's fingertips. The five threads of energy merging into a sphere which crackled occasionally from the intensity. The sphere grew bigger as Lindy squeezed her eyes shut in concentration. Two orbiting circles with scrawling inscribed within sprang to life beneath Fate who was still seated.

Fate's eyelids fluttered closed as she leaned back into the cushioned back rest of the brown leather sofa.

"Ready?"

Lindy spoke softly.

"Whenever you are."

Fate replied.

The lime green sphere broke away from the invisible hold of Lindy's palm and drifted steadily towards Fate's head. At the same moment, a barrier formed around the blond, encasing her in a hemisphere of glowing green waves of light cascading downwards into the magic circle. The concentrated sphere of energy fused into the barrier and obscured the blond woman in a dazzling burst of green light.

Chrono averted his gaze quickly to prevent himself from being stunned by the bright intensity.

The barrier throbbed with the huge amount of energy trapped within. The barrier shell pulsating in a steady rhythm causing its greenish hue to fade then redoubled in intensity.

"It's up to her now…"

Lindy's tensed shoulders visibly relaxed and her eyelids fluttered open to reveal emerald orbs hazed with fatigue. She reached out a shaky hand to pick up her tea cup and lifted it to her lips. With a slight frown, she replaced the cup now containing cold tea.

---

She was sitting astride a tree branch, looking down at the girl with the chestnut hair and clear blue eyes gazing into her own. Standing carefully, Fate leapt down two meters and landed on her feet. The soft grass made a faint rustle as the brunette stepped towards her, reaching out to hold her hand. The wind picked up just then, creasing the white with black lined fabric in gentle waves and tossing twin pig-tailed chestnut hair into the air.

That scene faded into black.

She was standing on a bridge, looking out at the clear blue water stretching far beyond. It felt as if she was waiting for something to happen or for someone. The loneliness was unnerving as she stood alone. A gentle breeze lifted her twin-pigtails. The golden strands of hair floating gently in the wind with the ends of her black hair tie. Her heart started pounding for reasons that she could not fathom. Her attention was drawn to her left as her heart literally screamed for her to turn her head. She shifted her position and saw in the distance, that familiar shade of brown bobbing towards her. Soon, the brown hair was joined by clear azure eyes and gentle features. Moments later, a girl in a white with black trimmed uniform raced towards her. She could fill the sides of her lips twitching up into a smile. And she was rewarded with a dazzling one from the brunette who now stood before her.

Before she could see what happened next, that scene too faded off into nothingness.

The wind was pressing gently into her back. Her hair was drifting in the wind before her. But she did not feel the chill of the breeze. In her arms, she held the most beautiful angel. The warmth from the shorter girl flooded her body. A warm fuzzy feeling built up within her heart as the girl called out her name. Her eyes fluttered closed in contentment. She never wanted this moment to end.

Her mind roared in fury when the warmth disappeared.

Only to be replaced by the cold tendrils of loneliness engulfing her very soul.

Azure eyes filled with gentleness gazing into hers.

The soothing caress of the girl's fingertips against her forearm.

The comforting scent of soft chestnut hair filling her nostrils.

The silky threads of brown hair as she threaded her fingers through the strands.

The soft warmness in her arms as she held the other girl tight.

And that voice which calls out to her in her darkest hours.

That voice filled with adoration and above all else, love.

"Fate… Fate-chan… Wake up…"

---

"Fate…Fate-chan… Wake up…"

Lindy's gentle voice called out in the darkness.

"Nanoha!"

Fate's eyes snapped open as she hastily sat up.

The bed sheet fell from her shoulders into a heap pooling in her lap. Her burgundy eyes were filled with alarm as it darted around the room, taking in her surroundings. Even in the darkness, she could see the dresser across from her as clear as she could in the day.

She was sitting on a king-sized bed with the brown covers of golden autumn leaves flung back. Her eyes focused on the worried face of Lindy and she relaxed slightly.

"Fate. How are you feeling?"

"Confused."

"Ahh… That happens. Do you want to talk about it?"

Even without further prompting from Lindy, Fate knew her mother was asking if she had recovered her lost memories from that fated night.

"I was protecting her. Nanoha. I was protecting Nanoha from oka- no- Precia."

Fate corrected herself.

"Ahh… So you remembered that too… I'm sorry, Fate. For lying to you all these years…"

"Don't be, okaa-san. You are more of a mother to me than she ever was. Even if I have blood relations with her still."

"Thank you, Fate. Now, about this girl, Nanoha?"

Lindy's expression turned serious.

"She's one of us. If Precia finds out that she's a pure breed…"

"Why was Alicia sealed, Fate? All I know was that it would forever alter our lives should Precia manage to carry out whatever she was planning."

"Alicia… Alicia… I can't remember…"

Fate squeezed her eyes shut in concentration. Her hands clenching the covers in her fists.

"My powers…if Alicia had my powers, she could easily destroy half the city…"

Images from years past flooded Fate's mind.

Fate's wrists were bounded by metal shackles attached to heavy chains. Somewhere in the high ceiling, gears squeaked as its teeth caught on. The metal chain clanking as it was wound tightly. The chain shortened and Fate was lifted by her wrists and into the air. Her arms were spread out by her head as her feet left solid ground. The gears stopped squeaking in protest as it stopped turning.

Suspended in the air, Fate lifted her head slightly to take in her surroundings, particularly noting her bound wrists. From the darkness before her, a cracking sound rang out, followed shortly by the lashing of a whip. The crack it made as it snapped through the air was as startling as a gun shot. The end of the whip met with exposed flesh with a sickening smack accompanied by a small grunt of pain.

Fate winced slightly and squeezed her eyes shut for the next lash. The skin tight top that she was wearing was ripped in several areas. Each jagged edge of cloth framed an angry red swelling. She mentally prepared herself for the next crack of the whip and the flash of pain.

Neither came.

Instead, she felt twin pinpricks breaking the skin on her neck.

The pain was slight, just a wee bit uncomfortable.

But the onset of a fainting spell was something else altogether.

Her head felt heavy.

The nerves in her limbs were tingling.

The muscles of her limbs starting protesting before progressing to a mild spasm.

The taut muscles of her body were contracting rapidly, the muscles straining before relaxing. The cycle repeating like a broken tape player stuck on rewind.

Lactic acid was rapidly building up in her muscles as they demanded for more oxygen.

Her head drooped forwards, her body limp from the blood loss.

The pain from the twinned pinpricks was insignificant as compared to the repercussions her body was suffering from the blood loss.

She hardly felt the pointed fangs withdrawing from her broken skin.

Neither did she feel the warm wet tongue pressed against her neck, encouraging the wound to clot.

Nor the tickling of long blond hair on her neck.

All she felt was the relief that came with the loss of consciousness.

---

"What has that got to do with this Nanoha?"

Lindy questioned, puzzled by the chain of events.

"She's a pure breed. A first generation pure breed."

At the reply, Lindy's emerald eyes widened first in surprise then realization.

"A first generation…could she be…?"

The thought trailed off as another came to mind.

"If Alicia takes her powers…"

Lindy looked away.

"We must not let that happen. Right now, we have to find this Nanoha. Do you have any information on her, Fate?"

The ever analytical Chrono spoke up from the bedroom door way.

With his arms still crossed, he pushed himself off the door frame he was leaning on with his shoulder to stand beside Lindy.

"I know just where to find her."

Fate stated as her eyes followed Chrono's movements.

"Hurry. Chances are that Precia already knows where to find her as well."

Chrono urged.

Fate nodded once before sliding off the bed. She paused momentarily when Lindy reached out to give her hand a slight squeeze. Emerald eyes gaze at her with fondness and Fate returned a reassuring squeeze at Lindy's unspoken words.

'Be careful, Fate.'

The older woman watched as the young blond slipped out of the open bedroom door. Milliseconds later, the main door shut with a soft click.

"Is it wise to let her go alone?"

Lindy turned to regard her son who placed a warm hand on her shoulder.

"She has to. Precia had it all planned out. The only miscalculation on her part was her assumption that Fate would turn against us based on her words alone."

"Yes. Now, it's time for us to make our move too."

"Understood, okaa-san. I'll gather the rest."

Chrono left the room swiftly, leaving Lindy with her thoughts.

---

The white acrylic tag with a black border was flipped around. The words on the other side of the tag were reflected in the glass panelled door.

'Sorry, we are closed.'

Nanoha inhaled deeply. Another day at the café had drawn to a close. Turning away from the door, Nanoha hurried towards the switch box behind the counter. With the slight pull, the metal cover swung open and Nanoha proceeded to flip a series of switches. One by one, the lights flicked off. First the light of the sign board, followed closely by the interior lights of the café. Within seconds, only the dim yellowish fluorescent light from the sole bulb in the ceiling illuminated the main door.

"Nanoha!"

A deep male voice bellowed from the darkness of the kitchen.

"Opps…"

Grinning sheepishly even though she knew no one would see, Nanoha flipped one of the red coloured switches back into the on position. White light flooded the kitchen, spilling over into the dark interior of the seating area. Azure eyes scanned the switch board, checking for a switch that she might have missed. With a slight nod in satisfaction, the brunette flipped the metal lid closed with a flick of her wrists, humming a cheerful tune as she turned to pick up the stack of table cloth that she had left on the counter earlier.

The hair on the back of her neck stood on end.

Goosebumps graced her forearms.

A chill raced up her spine.

Nanoha let out a bloodcurdling scream as she caught sight of a dark figure standing at the edges of the weak pool of light.

A single amethyst orb at eye-level glimmered sinisterly in the weak lighting.

Author's Notes: The next one will take a while. Action scenes are not my forte…

My apologies in advance. A big thank you to those who took the time to review. I hope you will continue to inspire me. Thanks!