Chronicle IV: The Truth

The party had gone just like any other of Alicia's birthday parties. The Yagami family along with Miura came to visit, Lindy, Arf, Chrono, Amy and Alicia's cousins arrived with Yuuno about three minutes later, some of Vivio's friends came over two minutes from then, Subaru and Teana were about five minutes late as usual, and the cake had only come out when the last of the guests had arrived. Everything seemed completely normal with the exception of an unusually quiet Nanoha, and a slightly stoic Fate. They cheered up whenever someone came to talk to them but those closest to them knew something was wrong.

Hayate took the initiative on confronting them about an hour after Alicia ate the cake. "Hey guys, I just wanted to say I'm-"

Nanoha stopped her. "It's fine. Did you happen to look at the status of certain members of that project?" Nanoha stressed the word certain, and Fate did not look in the slightest bit pleased.

Hayate nodded. "I'm actually fighting with them to change that but there are apparently certain members of the higher ups who refuse to budge on the manner."

Fate's features darkened. "It's not just him you know, I heard I, II as well as V were ordered for termination as well. I'm surprised you don't seem bothered yourself Hayate."

Hayate raised an eyebrow. "Of course I'm upset but why's that Fate-chan?"

Fate sighed. "They also ordered XI to be terminated as well."

Hayate's face became solemn, almost depressed. "I… saw that." Her voice became quiet. From that, Fate saw that maybe she had been a bit harsh.

Nanoha crossed her arms. "We're not getting anywhere like this. I suppose we talk it over tonight after Alicia opens her presents and goes to bed tonight. The disk is in my room after a-" Nanoha paused in panic. She looked to find the disk detailing Yuusei exactly where she had left it on the table. "…Crap."

Fate smiled nervously. "Don't worry, I don't think Vivio and Einhalt could have-"

"Erio and Caro are here remember? They could have opened the files." Nanoha interjected.

Hayate looked around to find Erio watching not how they were talking but instead their body language, and Vivio making poor attempts to try and eavesdrop with apparently no success judging by the look of struggle on her face. "I would… Say they saw it."

Fate sighed. "How about we open the presents now? We can talk after the presents. Everyone usually goes home after that anyway. Chrono and Lindy know already. But, Hayate, I think the knights have every right to know about this too. Signum and Vita have already seen one of them so there's no point in hiding it."

Hayate nodded. "Yeah, let's do that. I can have them stay a little late tonight. Mind if we crash here? Sounds like this is gonna be a long talk."

Nanoha smiled, her radiance returning. "Sure!" Walking out into the crowd, she waved her hands towards the couch. "Hey guys! Time for Alicia to open presents!"

"Presents!" A cheery Alicia yelled loudly. Dashing for her spot on the floor next to the presents she had amazingly managed to slide between Signum's legs.

Signum smiled nervously. "She may look like you Testarossa, but she's far more… energetic."

Fate smiled nervously, a sheepish laugh being her only reply.

Moments later everyone was seated and Alicia tore into the first box. It had come from the Yagami family specifically. Her eyes almost glowed. "Wah! Is this, a ground forces uniform?"

Hayate smiled. Poor Alicia, she didn't realize that all Hayate wanted was someone new to try on her outfits. Alicia unfortunately was all too willing to play along. "I'm glad you like it. I can't wait to see you try out the new costu- I mean, uniform."

Alicia cheered. "Thank you guys!" While she easily could have listed the entire clan, she felt it best to thank them collectively.

Signum smiled almost pitifully. 'She had no idea what evil she has just unleashed upon herself.' Signum thought to herself sympathetically.

Vita snickered. 'Ah well, at least you'll be off the hook for a while! Right Signum?'

Signum smirked. 'You have a point Vita.' She replied with rising excitement.

As Signum began to daydream of her short vacation from her beloved master's hobby, Alicia began to tear into her new present. This one was from Miura. Again she found fascination in the item but this time, curiosity overtook her rather than joy. 'Hey, these are leg guards! Hm, two presents that are parts to an armor… No way!' Eying the present from Fate and Nanoha to herself, Alicia's eyes gleamed with hope. "Thanks Miura-san!"

Miura giggled. "You're welcome Alicia-chan!"

The little girl wasted no time in moving onto the gift from Corona and Rio. It was a rectangular box with something clanging around inside. Alicia raised an eyebrow. 'This seems a tad too coordinated.' Opening the next box, she found a guard plate for her core, very similar to the one Vivio wears in her adult mode. 'I was right!' She mentally yelled. 'Now all we need is the jacket really and I'd be able to store this in a device for later. Maybe I'll use these for ideas for a barrier jacket!' Not wanting to waste time she moved on to her next present, this one was from Grandma Lindy and Arf. Opening it she beamed. The present was normal but it was one of the more childish things on her wish list. It was the new PlayStation Vita game system that had recently come out. She was so proud that it had been named after her aunt Vita. "Yay! Thank you Grandma Lindy! Aunt Arf!"

Lindy smiled and gave the little girl a pat on her head. "You're welcome dear."

Arf beamed. "You're welcome kid! Knock yourself out!"

Alicia giggled, hugging the large wolf girl. An "Awwwww" surged through the room as a horde of cameras swarmed in on the originally tender moment and lights flashed away at the pair, leaving Alicia dizzy and Arf completely blinded for a full minute.

Chrono stepped forward to ruffle his niece's hair. "Happy birthday kiddo." He said.

Alicia nodded, gratefully accepting the gift he held in his hands. Tearing into it she found yet another item on the wish list, an iPod. Alicia thought for a second she almost saw her mother face palm.

Vivio chuckled. It had taken forever for her to acquire an iPod but after using her cutesy side to appeal to Fate's motherly senses, she had easily gotten one of respectable gig count. It was a shame Nanoha had found out and "punished" Fate for it the following evening.

Indeed Vivio was right. Fate had very vivid memories of that night. It had been a long time since Nanoha had ever been annoyed with her like that. 'Chrono probably got that for her as a gag. Stupid Onii-chan.'

'No, it's your fault for being tricked by a little girl.' Fate almost gasped at the sudden message, looking over to a smirking Chrono, a giggling Nanoha, and a grinning Vivio, who quickly revealed the small item in question and placed it back into her pocket. As usual, Fate blushed a deep red and whined aloud.

Completely ignoring the scene before her, Alicia had gone on to accepting the next box, this time from Yuuno. She had been curious. Yuuno had hinted that she would obtain a device this year or that her chances of it were high. Maybe he got her something for it. Opening the box she couldn't have been more wrong. Her shock was replaced by awe as she pulled out of the much larger box a small, white jewelry box with green outlining.

The young librarian smiled. "Go on and open it, it won't bite."

The girl did as she was told, opening the box to find a small locket inside shaped like Bardiche but perhaps a tad larger than him. Opening the locket she found a small picture of the entire group at their picnic a few months ago. Shari had volunteered to take the picture for them. The only addition to the group was Nanoha's family who had sat right beside Nanoha, their smiles warm and glowing in the summer sun. Alicia gave Yuuno a hug. "Thank you Uncle Yuuno, I really love it. I'll take real good care of it. I promise."

Yuuno returned the hug. "You're welcome Alicia-chan." Again, flashes blurred the room, blinding the ferret changeling and the young blonde.

Alicia could barely contain her excitement, only two presents remained. She had decided to open the one from Subaru and Teana. This one was exactly what she had been anticipating: it was the main jacket to a barrier jacket. This one was actually styled very similar to Hayate's top jacket. However, the colors were exactly like that of Fate's original barrier jacket as a child. It wasn't too bulky but it had more protection than even her mother's at that age.

Subaru gave her a thumbs up. "We wanted to make sure you stayed safe while you fought! This oughta keep you intact just as well as Hayate-san's jacket does." She exclaimed in a cheery voice.

Teana smiled. "This jacket's made for bulk and speed. It will let you go as fast as your mom but you'll be able to take maybe one more hit than she can in the sonic form. Just be careful though, it's still a pretty fragile jacket. Nanoha's Divine Buster and Signum's Purple Lightning Flash can easily tear this thing open." She explained.

Alicia nodded. "Un! Thank you!" Hugging the two, she quickly slid the jacket on and took a picture between the two girls. Subaru held Teana around the waist as the picture was taken, causing the gunslinger to blush bright red as she tried to hold in her embarrassment.

After the moment had settled, the final present sat before Alicia. This one was from her mothers. She had waited for this all day. She was so excited she could barely breathe as she slowly, almost tensely took the wrapping paper off of the package. It revealed a steel colored canister. She was prompted to identify herself.

[Please place your dominant hand's thumb onto the blue screen to identify yourself.] Alicia did as she was told. The machine began to read off a few random facts. [User: Alicia Takamachi-Harlaown. Magic System: Mid-Childa. Confirm?]

Alicia nodded. "Yes!" She replied.

[Affirmative, releasing device, serial XGS-001: Caliburn to registered user Alicia Takamachi-Harlaown.] The canister's lid popped open, the lid slowly unscrewing as steam filled the room. Slowly as the smoke cleared, Alicia stood at the center of the room holding a small, navy blue and black sword pendant.

She stared in awe. "Th-This is?..."

Fate nodded. "Your own device. Shari and the crew made this special for you. Nanoha-mama and I requested it for you."

Nanoha smiled. "Vivio and Einhalt helped with the design while Erio and Caro chose the colors. You could say it's a little something from all six of us."

Alicia was far too pleased to express herself with words. She merely jumped up and down while frantically hugging her mother. "Thank you mamas! Thank you!"

Fate embraced her daughter and smiled. "You're welcome Alicia." Seeing the fun was over, and that Alicia was very excited to try her new things, all of the guests with the exception of Arf, Chrono, Lindy, the Yagami family, and Yuuno had left."

An hour later, after telepathically explaining the situation to Chrono, Hayate sighed. "We'll be down soon though, don't worry. But, I want you guys to watch Alicia for us, it may be awhile." Looking towards Vivio, Einhalt, Erio, and Caro, she added, "I don't think they are too pleased with not being informed about all of this."

Chrono crossed his arms. "To be honest, I'd be kind of mad too." He answered softly. "Look, we'll watch her you guys. Just go up and let them in on everything."

Looking to her knights for a brief second, Hayate quickly saluted Chrono. "Very well, sir."

Chrono laughed. "Very well."

With that the four teens, Nanoha, Fate, and the Yagami family made their way up the stairs and into Nanoha and Fate's bedroom not much had changed since they had first brought Vivio home except maybe the extra bed they had brought in during Alicia's terrible twos. There were several chairs and a lot of space on the bed. Everyone sort of took a spot and gathered around Hayate who had taken the center of the room with a chair of her own.

"Are we all here?" She asked first. Everyone nodded. She sighed. "Alright, for those who aren't entirely aware, we are here today to discuss a potentially dangerous matter. Now, who here is familiar with Project Photon?" Most hands were raised with the exception of the knights. "Well then, the basics of the project were simple: to utilize ideas from Project Fate in order to create genetically engineered soldiers for combat in the TSAB. Some of which were created with the DNA of some of the TSAB's greatest mages including Fate T. Harlaown, Takamachi Nanoha, and myself, Yagami Hayate." For a moment she thought Vita was going to burst out, but she seemed too shocked to speak.

Signum crossed her arms. "So someone in the TSAB was using Project Fate to not clone but actually make children with certain powers or abilities?"

Hayate nodded. "Exactly." She answered.

Erio's face twisted, his features revealing an unusual glint of anger. "So they're making kids like me, but just for the sole purpose of using them as war machines?"

Fate did not seem any more amused than Erio, her features slightly darkening at the mention of Project Fate.

Hayate nodded. "Unfortunately yes. Thankfully, the project was deemed unethical and was decided against."

Signum huffed. "Unethical indeed."

Hayate held her hand up. "That's not all. While it was initially declined, two months later the project was put back on rails. Nanoha, Fate, and Myself were first requested to donate blood at the local blood bank for what we were told was a blood drive hosted by the TSAB. We couldn't possibly have been anymore wrong."

The air in the room stiffened. Vivio looked around, she was still somewhat lost. "What? What happened Mama?" She looked towards Nanoha for answers. Nanoha only looked away, seeming almost too ashamed to answer.

"Then, they asked from something else: three egg cells from each of us for what they claimed was some form of new cell research using egg cells. It was never elaborated on as to what they would be used for but at that moment, we knew something was wrong." Hayate answered.

Einhalt raised an almost disturbed eyebrow, Erio's face went from angered to confused, while Shamal seemed to be piecing everything together.

"So they?" She began.

"Yes." Hayate answered. "From those three cells from each of us, one egg cell each had been converted into sperm through chromosomal-cell change, a new kind of science Mid-Childa's been working on to allow for same sex couples to have children. Obviously since it's done through machine, it's not exactly perfect. A week later, we had found out that one of Fate's eggs had been fertilized by one of Nanoha's well, 'sperm'."

Erio seemed too taken aback now. "So what you're trying to tell us is-"

"Yes Erio, Fate and Nanoha do have a biological daughter." Everyone stopped for a moment.

"Hayate-san, why did you not use Alicia-chan's name when you said that just now?" Einhalt asked quietly.

Everyone looked from Einhalt to Hayate. "Well, the best way I can answer that is because that particular child is not Alica."

Vita actually gasped, Signum's eyes widened somewhat, Erio seemed to be understanding something, while Caro raised her hand to ask a question. "W-Wait a second Captain! If Alicia-chan's not their daughter, then who is-"

"She is Fate's daughter but she is not their daughter." Hayate answered quickly. Caro ceased her questioning. "That first child, the first success using two above AAA rank mage's DNA to create a child with special talents had been a success. The child had been placed within Fate's womb a day after we had received that call. As you can guess it was born healthy, a young girl who could easily pass for Alicia's twin but with even from a young age, the Takamachi smile. She also had Nanoha's nose. Her name was Ivory, Ivory Takamachi-Harlaown. Or according to the project: Project Photon XII."

Nanoha still hadn't said a word. Caro didn't like where this was going. Neither did Vivio. "Ne, Mama, where did Ivory-chan go then? Mama?"

Nanoha finally spoke, her voice so grim it gave even Signum chills. "They… They took her away Vivio."

No one said anything to that. It was rare to hear the White Devil sound so… lost.

It was Signum's turn to question. "Testarossa, I hate to ask this of you but I want to know, where did they take the child?"

Fate looked down towards her shoes. "That's just it Signum-san, we just don't know. We even chased them through Mid-Childa, Hayate-chan even helped us but somehow they had escaped. We think they had an escape ship waiting for them somewhere on the outskirts of town. They picked a great time too. You and Vita were mobilized with the forwards that day, remember? I was also still recovering so I wasn't fast enough to do anything… I couldn't do anything." Fate's voice cracked just slightly on her last four words.

Erio clenched a fist. "How dare they do that to Fate-san… If I find these bastards they're toast!" Lightning began to surge from his body but he quickly received a chastising glance from Signum.

"Erio, you'd do well to calm down."

"But!"

"No buts! This is a delicate matter. Letting your emotions grasp control won't do you any good right now."

Erio looked away. He knew Signum was right but to see two people who meant so much to him in so much pain just churned something deep inside him. Whatever it was, he didn't like it.

Vivio said nothing. 'It all makes sense now.' She thought to herself. 'There was that one time Fate-mama took a yearlong trip to another planet. Nanoha-mama visited her at least once every month. So that's why…' Vivio was at a loss. She wanted to ask her mothers why. She wanted to know why no one told her. She wanted to know why she wasn't there to protect her baby sister. Suddenly, a thought rang out in her mind. 'Wait but then Nanoha-mama did the same exact thing a year later! So then-'

Hayate took the silence as the signal to go on. "A few months later, they somewhat employed Nanoha for the job. She accepted with the same results but this time, the baby was confiscated by the TSAB after a week for reasons they refused to disclose."

Signum cringed. "How cowardly."

Vita scowled. "Unforgiveable."

Hayate nodded. "But because we never had substantial evidence to prove anything, the TSAB's case won out and the child, Yuusei was taken to a local doctor for research."

Erio shivered. He remembered those dark days in the research facility. They were dark days, terribly dark days. He didn't want anyone to have to go through that. However, he finally started to get the idea. 'So then after Ivory and Yuusei, they tried again.'

"After the first two incidents, when Fate was called up again, this time having just Fate as the mother. They wanted to try the same experiment from before but Nanoha-chan at the moment was…" Looking sympathetically towards her dear friend, she continued, "in no condition to bear such stress. She had suffered more than enough. Fate-chan however was willing to try a last time. This time however, we were ready for them." She remembered that day so well, it was almost painful. "We had Yuuno seal the entire hospital with a barrier; we had Einhalt and Vivio waiting outside, Signum that was the day I had you outside of the hospital. Vita, if you remember we were with Nanoha and Fate at the time."

Vita nodded. "Yeah I remember. I had no idea Fate-san could scream so loud. It was incredible!" Fate flushed at the remark.

Hayate merely shook her head with a giggle. "Anyway, the child born as a result from that is the Alicia we all know and love today. Due to all of the legal processes I had Captain Chrono and former Captain Lindy set up prior to the birth, the baby was protected and we still have custody of the child to this day."

Erio crossed his arms. "What still confuses me is how they swindled Yuusei legally. I mean, can they seriously do that?"

Hayate frowned. "It was entirely under a fake medical record that claimed he had certain medical needs that were located only in a certain hospital and that his mothers were non-compliant in allowing him entry into that hospital. They claimed since he was not yet competent they as his health care providers had more authority and say over his family who supposedly didn't have his best interests in mind."

Einhalt frowned. "That's just… so cruel."

Nanoha and Fate said nothing. The room was actually dead quiet. Finally, a hand was raised. Surprisingly, it was Zafira's hand.

"Go ahead Zafira." Hayate answered.

Zafira nodded. "Mistress, you've mentioned a great deal of important information to us but you also mentioned that you had to give cells and blood too correct? If so, then why were you never called in? I'm sure they would easily have wanted to clone someone of your rank."

Signum nodded. "It makes sense."

Vita growled. "If they laid their dirty hands on Hayate I'll clobber em'!"

Shamal sighed. "As much as we'd all love for you to do that Vita we'd probably get in trouble."

Vita turned to Shamal. "Huh? Why? Look at what they're doing! They've torn an entire family apart and for what? A tricked out science experiment? They're kids! Not toys!"

Signum huffed. "That's correct but these ideas were obviously passed by higher ups. Meaning, someone in the higher ranks is letting all of this happen and covering his tracks very, very well. If it's someone in high standing, we could easily be detained for opposing him and then what?"

Vita let out another growl but slowly sank in her chair, sighing in defeat.

Hayate finally readied herself to speak. "You're right Zafira, I was called in and that was that ten month vacation I went on twelve years ago, remember? I too, delivered. I named my little girl Sora but she, just like Yuusei was taken away under the same pretense. Due to my status among many higher ups, it was hard for me to even argue. In the end, I lost and Sora was taken from me." Hayate did a better job of holding up but no one could deny the sheer amount of sorrow leaking from her eyes. The room was quiet. Everything seemed to pause for eons. It seemed as if the story was finally over.

Nanoha chuckled, almost darkly. "So, now you all know."

Signum nodded. "I… am very sorry to all three of you for what has transpired."

The room shifted back to silence. No one knew what to say. Finally, Vivio raised her fists, bringing them together as her mana built around her. "We're gonna get them back." She said lowly.

Einhalt nodded. "I would dishonor the Kaiser Arts if I didn't help Vivio recover these important people."

Hayate smiled. "I admire your courage but, we can't take this so lightly Vivio-chan, Einhalt-chan. We don't even know where to find them. It would take some luck to randomly run into them long enough for-"

*BOOM!*

The room shook. It felt like a dimensional tremor. Everyone in the room immediately stood from their seats.

"Wh-What the heck was that?" Caro yelled.

Erio readied Strada. "Sounds to me like we won't have to wait too long for that chance after all." Another tremor shook the room, knocking some of the group off of their feet. Chrono soon burst into the room with Arf and Lindy, Alicia following behind them.

"Is everyone alright?" Chrono yelled. Everyone nodded.

Alicia looked up to the taller adults. "What's happening?" She yelled.

"Dimensional tremor! Alicia, we need you to go to your room for now! We'll be home in about an hour!" Fate answered.

Alicia gaped. "What?" She yelled. "Aw man! I was going to show you my barrier jacket! I just finished everything!"

Fate gave her daughter a hug. "And we'll be right back to see it. Please be a good girl okay?"

Reluctantly, Alicia nodded. "Fine." With that settled, most of the group set out for the mission, with Chrono leading Alicia to her room. Little did the older mage know, Alicia had a plan…

In the streets of central Mid-Childa, crimson flames were sprouting up from beneath the ground at astonishing rates. At the center of it all was the young boy with blue eyes and the wild brown hair. Floating above him was the young grey haired man, seeming to be riding a three headed black dog. "Can I leave the rest to you, Yuusei? It seems I will be busy helping Pandora entertain the TSAB mages."

The boy nodded. "Yeah… Go right ahead Prometheus."

Prometheus laughed aloud. "Oh come on kid! You gotta lighten up a little! Let yourself go! Take any frustration you have out on the city! You have a whole hour to do so."

"…" Yuusei said nothing.

Prometheus scowled. "You're a real boring brat you know! It's no wonder your mother left y-" Prometheus halted his insults when a blade forged completely of magical fire was raised to his neck.

"Not. Another. Word." Yuusei threatened.

Prometheus grinned. "That's more I like it. See you around, kid!" As he performed Dimensional Transfer, he yelled, "Try not to get cornered this time! Pandora won't be able to bail you out. We'll be busy with our own fight!"

Yuusei looked towards the flames. "That's completely fine with me." A faint memory played in the depths of his mind, the vaguely familiar smile of a beautiful woman with long, flowing auburn hair and deep, blue eyes. Her warmth was greater than the sun. Beside her was a taller woman with long blonde hair with ruby, red eyes. Even from that image she gave him the image of gentle soul. Pushing it back to the corners of his mind, he muttered, "It's not like I have anyone to go home to." His fists lit aflame as he made his way towards the building, hoping to stir more fire in order to attract the bureau.

In the confines of her room, Alicia sat alone. Chrono had gone to make a phone call outside, but this is just what she had hoped for. Opening her window, she slowly floated down towards the grass, quickly ran several blocks down the street and hid in a bush. Looking at Caliburn, she asked, "You ready for this?"

[Yes ma'am!] Caliburn answered.

Alicia nodded. "Let's go, Caliburn! Seeeet UP!" A glowing, gold light engulfed her as she changed into her barrier jacket. Moments later she emerged, Caliburn turning out to be what looked like a real mass weapon long sword. When one looked at the hilt however, a revolver had been placed to utilize the cartridge system as well as holes for steam on the actual blade, also allowing for cooling for the plasma reactors stored beneath the blade's exterior. "Heard you were built from Ancient-Belkan Orichalcom. Let's put you to the test!"

[Ma'am!] Caliburn replied. With that, they were on their way towards the scene.

Moments later, Chrono opened her door, asking if she wanted a snack. He paled when he noted her absence as only a single thought crossed his mind: 'Fate's soooooo gonna kill me for this.'