Fate's P.O.V.
"Then let's start learning," I mocked silently. Why does everyone here think they're at the top of the charts? If they all know who I am, then hell, surely I'm in the top three. Also, by the looks of it, this guy was probably at the bottom of the list. I mean come on, a knife? Who still uses that rubbish? My fist can do more damage than that thing! Yeah sure, you'll get a few cuts here and there but with my own two hands I can break an arm or leg. If you ask me, that's much more painful is it not?
Seeing as how this guy wasn't moving at all, I looked around curiously to see if he had anything (or rather anyone) up his sleeves. Within the large circle that formed I could tell a lot of people were looking forward to this while others were just curious. Whether they wanted to watch or not, I didn't care. I just wanted to know which of these guys would be willing to jump in. A couple of boys in the front had a strange outline on the side and front of their pants, obviously armed with a gun or two.
I cracked my neck and turned my head to the side. Now, on this side there were a few large guys, most likely the type that rely mainly on their strength. Not too hard handle but if they all attack at once then that can cause a small problem. And let's see... The area behind me had Nanoha and her friend so hopefully I won't have to worry about turning back every few seconds... But those guys from earlier... Where did they go?
"You should pay some attention!"
I sighed as my 'student' rushed at me at full speed. I simply grabbed his arm and made him go right pass me. I turned around with a grin on my face and watched as his eyes twitched with anger. I think I might have to give him a time out later on.
"Sorry my dear boy, but my attention lies elsewhere at the moment. Why don't you go back to your seat for a bit, hmm?"
"Maybe I don't want to."
"That tone is not nice," I sang.
My grin grew but as my gaze turned to the corner it disappeared in a flash. Nanoha and that girl, Hayate, were being pulled away by those guys from earlier. Only now it hit me, this guy must have been a distraction from the start. He wasn't the leader of any group but a mere follower, he had to be. Maybe he wasn't only a distraction, maybe someone wanted to test me, maybe they didn't know if I was the real Fate Testarossa or not and if they didn't, then what this guy said earlier was nothing but a pile of bull. Absolutely no one here knew about me, not even him.
Putting everything aside, I tried to catch up to Nanoha but someone was being a little persistent so they decided to block my path.
How annoying.
"Move," I said sternly.
"If you say that you'll do something, then you better do it."
"In that case, I'll kick your ass... Later."
"Oh? Are you tying to run away? Is that the real lesson?"
"Screw the lesson and screw you!" I shouted, my voice hinting that I was worried.
If this guy didn't stop getting in my way then there was going to be some serious damage made. As I approached him, he didn't budge.
"FATE!!"
My body tensed at hearing Nanoha's screaming voice so I started to clench my jaw, hoping those idiots weren't doing anything to her... Well, since she's yelling for help that pretty much means they are doing something. But I swear, if I find so much as a scratch-
"The all mighty Fate. What will you do in this situation?"
I growled.
Panic... Worry... I'm feeling so much of it...
"Shut the hell up already! You're nothing more than a distraction and a worthless piece of-"'
My body moved swiftly when I noticed a shine heading towards my ribs. I was able to grab the speeding knife with my bare hand but quite a bit of blood started to spill, obviously this was a deep cut, still, it didn't hurt that much. This was going to be nothing compared to the pain I would give to everyone who dared to mess with me or Nanoha.
Though I was worsening the wound, I kept a tight grip on the knife while glaring at the man before me. He looked irritated that he couldn't take the knife out of my hand but like him, I was stubborn.
"When I tell you to get out of my way, get the hell out of my way!"
I pulled him towards me by pulling the knife then gave him a strong punch to the face from my left. He fell and called me a "bitch" but I'm way passed that by now. I've been called that too many times already. And besides... He was the only bitch I noticed right now.
I turned away from him and was about to run to look for Nanoha until that is, I saw her and Hayate breathing heavily while looking at me. I stared, confused for a moment but decided to go over to them and forget that little punk from earlier but Nanoha screamed my name again even though no one was near her.
The hell?
Turning back around, I could see that boy with a gun that was perfectly aimed at me but, when I blinked everything became blurry and distorted. Was I shot? Hell no... I would've been in pain by- no. I did feel pain... But, in my... Neck?
The hell?!... I didn't hear a damn gun shot!
My hand raised to a stinging point in my neck and I could feel something sticking out. As I tried to see straight I pulled whatever it was that was in my neck out and I looked at it, trying to make out what it was. Staring at a few seconds... I finally figured it out.
"You... Drugged me!?" I yelled, throwing that damned needle wherever I could, though I don't think it went that far...
Laughter filled my head and it just wouldn't stop. Something told me it was the drug but then again... Maybe not. I probably looked like a fool right now, and if I didn't have this strong confusion that was taking over me, I'd be throwing punches everywhere... I'd probably kill someone... Innocent or not.
Damn...
Falling on my hands and knees, I closed my eyes tightly and reopened them to see things a little clearer... A little. I threw my head up so I could see that little bastard that was now standing. Even though things were slightly blurry, I knew he was grinning. He had to be.
"Having some trouble?"
No freaking duh!!
"...Not at all..." I said as I curled my hands into fists.
"Really? That's not what it looks like to me."
Of course that's not what it looks like you bastard! I'm drugged with god knows what!!
Suddenly I felt pressure on my back and I was slammed to the ground and for some reason it actually hurt... It hurt a lot...
"Get your damn feet off of me!" I yelled.
"That's not how you ask someone for something," He said, stomping on my back. Over and over and over again...
I swallowed hard and when he finally stopped the stomping on my back my hair was pulled, and I was suddenly looking him in face.
I feel like a god damn dog... I hate being controlled.... I had enough of that with Yokimoto!!
"Ask politely and I might let you off easy."
"No fucking thank you. Go somewhere and screw yourself."
"I'd rather screw you..."
In a flash his face was closer to mine and I could feel something against my lips before something was forced into my mouth.
He's kissing me!? This stupid son of a!...
I opened my mouth wide and bit down hard on his tongue and he let out a cry of pain before pulling away. Sadly, because of my action I had his filthy blood in my mouth but since I was happy that I could do some damage I simply spat it out with pride.
"That's what you get... You bastard." My voiced seemed a little softer than before and I could only guess it was because of the sudden grogginess I started to feel. But that became a lot worse when I got a sudden kick to the head. That's when everything started to become a hell of a lot more difficult to see. It was definitely worse than before...
"Nanoha!!"
Nanoha?
"Stop!!"
Stop what? What's that foolish girl doing?!
Even though my thoughts were quickening, my body was slowing and I was becoming more tired by the second.
Nanoha...
I tried lifting my head so I could see what was going on but it only fell back on the floor and for once, I couldn't feel anything. It was... Relaxing in a way...
Not a damn thing...
"Nanoha..." I said out loud this time, or at least, that's what I think I said... All the sounds I could hear were becoming far and faded, but I didn't want that... I wanted to know what was happening, I wanted to know that Nanoha was safe...
Don't do something stupid... I don't want you getting hurt....
I let out a small breath.
You're important... You're not...
Nanoha's P.O.V.
Holy damn was I pissed! Who did that guy think he was, kissing her like that?! He had some damn nerve!
"HEY YOU!" I yelled.
"Nanoha stop it!" Hayate yelled from behind.
I would have listened but anger got the best of me and I continued to walk towards the boy who looked at me, somewhat amused.
"Can I help you?" He asked as he looked at me.
I ignored him and looked down at Fate who was laying on the floor, unconscious I think, and bit my lower lip. Getting in a fight with this guy would definitely be a mistake... But if anything, I can have really bad control with my anger...
"I want you to stay the fuck away from us!"
"No can do... After what she did I'm definitely not through with her."
He was about to reach down to Fate but I stood in front of him and pushed him away.
"Do not touch her."
"Who are you to talk like that? Everyone wants your head so I'm pretty sure they'd be willing-"
"I'm Nanoha Takamachi! And you wanna know something? It's not me they want! It's that stupid safe!! If they kill me I hope they don't think they'll get the stupid thing because of that. You know why? Because my father would probably be like that old man and give it away! And if you kill my father then you'll have to deal with me! Or maybe instead of killing us seperately, you'll kill us at the same time which would be pretty damn sweet of you... Oh wait... There's one. More. Thing... You'll never find it. My father and I aren't so stupid as to leave it in our own god damn house so stop going there! No matter what any of you do you won't get it! So stop trying! Plus, if you have no idea what's inside the thing then you have no reason to look for it! Stop wasting your time!! LEAVE US THE HELL ALONE!!"
I was surprised that all went quiet but I only glared at him before moving to pick Fate up.
"Hey, I like your little speech and all but she's-"
"She's mine," I said as I carried Fate bridal style.
"No she's not! I'm not through with her!"
I closed my eyes shut when he rushed at me but after a few moments... Nothing came. I opened my eyes and could see a guy, about as tall as Fate, standing in front of me with dark gray hair, almost black.
"Well there's something that I can do."
In a quick move, my savior was able to put that guy down on the floor and sat on his back almost as if this was some kind of joke.
"Um... Thank you!" I managed to say, slightly confused.
"Ah, don't worry. I owe that girl for what I did to her yesterday."
"Oh... Oh! It's you! Saito, right?"
"Yeah that's me. How do you know my name?"
"I've heard some things..."
"I see... Well do you have a ride to the hospital?"
"Hospital?"
"Doesn't-"
"Don't act like I'm not here!"
"Fine," He said as he slammed the guys head to the floor with his hand. "As I was saying, don't you need to take her to the hospital? She's in pretty bad shape."
"Y-yeah..."
"We accept your offer!" Hayate suddenly said as she put a hand on my shoulder and made herself noticed.
"Huh?" Me and Saito replied.
"He was going to offer a ride. Isn't that right?"
"Well yeah but... I didn't ask yet..."
"You don't have to." Hayate grinned.
"Fine... Well, let's get going."
With a blow to the head, Saito snatched that idiots little gun and knife before walking away with me and Hayate close behind.
---
The car ride was... Ok I suppose. Saito and Hayate sat in the front, and made small chats here and there, but I sat in the back with Fate in my lap, resting peacefully like an innocent little girl that had nothing to do with violence... But of course, everyone knew that wasn't true.
Obviously...
"We're here." Saito said as he came to a slow stop.
I don't why I didn't answer right away, but something about the blond made me stare at her.
"Nanoha... NANOHA!" Yelled Hayate.
"Mm," was my small reply. "I know, we're here."
"Then let's get moving." She said as she opened the door, and me following soon after.
After I gave my thanks to Saito, he said he would wait for me and Hayate so that he could take us home, but I had a feeling Hayate would be the one going home tonight... Not me. I was able to hoist Fate onto my back and carry her into the hospital while Hayate did all the talking to the receptionist.
"Patient's name?"
"Fate... Um... Nanoha?" Asked Hayate.
"Testarossa. Fate Testarossa."
"Thank you... Please wait just a moment."
I gave a soft sigh while Hayate went to grab a quick snack. I looked around the hospital and noticed one of the doctors staring at me. I felt a little uncomfortable but stared back, which only made him approach me. Stupid move I suppose...
"Excuse me..."
"Yeah?" I asked, surprised by my own tone of voice.
"That wouldn't happen to be... Fate, would it?"
I took a step back and prepared myself to yell at Hayate and tell her to run but I think this strange doctor knew I was going to do something like that and only raised his hands in the air, as if the police were pointing guns at him.
"Hey... I'm not going to do anything to her. If anything, I'm her doctor, I should be taking care of her right now."
"You have no proof," I said as I lowered my eyes.
"If she told you what kind of work she does-"
"If you know then that still proves nothing. It only means you might be someone who wants her dead."
He sighed and shook his head.
"I'd never want something like that. And besides, if I wanted her dead, she'd be ten feet under already. After all, I take care of her, it's up to me to make sure she's all patched up... Now, would you mind if we take her to a room?"
"...No." I said as I figured he probably wouldn't be so stupid as to do something in a hospital.
"Good... Ms. Receptionist!" He called.
"Yes sir?" She asked, looking at him curiously.
"I'll be taking care of Fate Testarossa. I'm doctor Touma, Sugo. Be sure to take down that would you?"
"But-"
"That's an order."
"...Of course sir..."
"Alright... Follow-"
"Hey!!" Interupted Hayate as she ran up to me. "They got her a doctor already?"
"Um... Yeah... This is doctor Touma."
"Pleasure to meet you," He said as he bowed.
"We can do introductions and such later... Fate's the important one right now." I said glaring slightly, knowing that the stupid doctor wouldn't take his eyes off of Hayate.
"Yes, yes, of course."
Fate's so called doctor better not be some damned pervert... I hate people like that.
"Follow me." He said as he walked over to a door and opened it, waiting for us to walk through.
I think Hayate may have trusted him way too easily... Either that or she totally had the hots for him... I don't really know why... But Hayate has a thing for... Ok, Hayate has a thing for anyone... Heh... I guess maybe she likes this guy. But that doesn't mean I have to like him too.
By now we were in an elevator going up, and Touma was staring at Fate. He looked somewhat concerned and it was only a matter of time before he said something.
"How did she get like this?"
"She was drugged..." I said softly.
"Pill?"
"Needle."
"And her hand?"
"I think it was from a knife..."
"Anything else?"
"No."
"No?"
"No... I don't think so..."
Touma gave a big sigh and suddenly started laughing.
"What's so funny?" Hayate asked.
"She's gonna be angry at you guys..."
He suddenly stopped laughing as if he thought of something and furrowed his eyebrows.
"What?" I asked with strong worry.
"She'll probably..."
"What?!" I said louder, making Hayate jump.
"You're Nanoha right?"
"Yeah..." I said confused.
"Then I'll talk to you when we get Fate in bed..."
"Won't you take care of her first?"
"I'd like it if I could talk with you."
"And what about me?" Hayate butted in.
Touma hummed and looked up at the ceiling.
"Hmm... Could you be a... Darling and watch over Fate for me?" I hated the way his voice was but... Somehow he knew the right tone to make Hayate fall head over heals.
"Sure," she said with the blindest smile ever.
Ding!
The doors opened and Hayate and me followed Touma once again, to a room that was far down the hall. I was a little surprised he had to open the door with a key but when he opened it, it looked like a special made room. Almost like one in a house except there was medical equipment. The bed seemed a bit fancy and I even noticed a small working desk in the corner along with some very nice red curtains for the window.
"What a room..." Hayate said as her jaw dropped.
"You can place her on the bed."
I got so used to carrying Fate that I almost didn't notice she was still on my back.
"Here... I'll help you." Touma said as he grabbed Fate off of my back and helped me lay her on the bed.
"She's not so little anymore... I think she gained some weight..." He paused and put his hands on his waist and looked down at her. "Either that or she has more muscles..."
"Will she be alright?" I asked when he pushed up his glasses.
"For now..."
He looked at me strangely... And I could already tell. Now was the time he was going to talk to me.
"Come..." I looked over at Hayate who waved me off, showing me it was ok I left.
"I'll be right back..."
Hayate's P.O.V.
The moment I heard the door close I started digging into the cabinets. Sure... That doctor was pretty cute, I'll admit. But I know I've seen him before just can't remember where. That really wasn't why I was snooping around though, the real reason was that I wanted to help Fate. She seems a little strange to me... But I guess she's a friend of Nanoha's... So she's a friend of mine to.
"Found it..." I said as I grabbed some rubbing alcohol and gauze.
Holding everything in one hand, I used my free one to pull a chair next to the bed and sat down. Fate looked somewhat peaceful to me... A totally different girl from the one that was fighting. Looking at her now, I would think she couldn't hurt a fly. I used to think the same about Nanoha... Until today. When those guys grabbed us, we struggled at first. But then Nanoha landed a beautiful kick to a pair of jewels. After that she threw her first punch... I suddenly felt strength course through me at that moment. Usually, I'd fight Nanoha's fights but today, when she stood up for herself, I wasn't worried. I felt... Stronger. Then that's when I started fighting back. After that...
"We got you distracted..." I said with a sigh.
I looked at Fate once again and noticed her bruised and scratched face... Bloodied hand... And that reddened mark on her neck...
"What were you like before you got here? What makes you so strong?..." I asked, knowing I wouldn't get an answer.
I hummed softly and folded a large piece of gauze into a small square, then poured some alcohol on it before placing the bottle on the floor. I tried to softly place the gauze on her cheek but my hand just wouldn't go near her. I furrowed my brows and tried again, slowly inching forward to finally touch the girls delicate skin. Besides her chest raising and dropping from breathing, she didn't budge. She didn't move at all. I don't know why I expected her to move... But something just felt a little strange.
After I wiped down her face, I tried to wipe the reddened area on her neck but found myself stopping again.
"Hayate what's wrong with you!" I said to myself. "Get a grip..."
As if saying that made me get control of my hand again, I placed the gauze on her neck, to see red eyes snap open. With a yelp I found myself falling back on the chair and found yellow following suit. Opening my eyes, I could see red ones that glared down on me and suddenly found that I couldn't breathe. Was I caught by her beauty? No. She simply had one of her hands digging into my throat. But if her hands were somewhere else I'd probably be enjoying this...
"F...Fate!" I tried to say.
She gave no reply, and I found myself running out of air.
"I can't... FATE!" I managed to say louder.
Red eyes blinked a few times before her features turned into an expression that was confused.
"Ha...Hayate!...I'm HAYATE!!"
Her eyes widened and suddenly I could suddenly feel cold air enter me. Finally, I could breathe!
"Ha...Hayate..." She said, her face looking tired, and her eyes filling with guilt.
"It's ok... I probably surprised you huh?" I said with a small laugh.
"Yeah..." She said softly. "Are you... Ok?"
I nodded. "Oh yeah I'm fine. This happens all the time!"
"It does?"
"Um... No. I was joking..."
"Oh..."
I sighed and slid out from under her, then stood up to offer my hand.
"Here... Let me help you up."
Fate looked somewhat surprised and hesitant to grab my hand but slowly did so.
"Good girl." I said with a smile as I quickly pulled her up to her feet.
"Thank you..." She said, rocking from side to side.
"Hey... Fate maybe you should-" I suddenly felt weight fall on me and now I was pretty much holding Fate up.
"You didn't fall unconscious did you?"
"No..."
"That's good... I guess..."
"Sorry..."
"No, no... It's fine. Really. A friend of Nanoha's is a friend of mine."
Stupid moron... You just said that... Thought that... Gr... It's the same thing!
"Nanoha?... Nanoha!"
Fate suddenly jerked away and fell on the floor.
"Hey! Don't worry, she's fine. She's fine!"
Saying that calmed Fate down a little, so I sighed and offered my hand again.
"You fall again and I'm just going to carry you."
I think Fate actually caught onto my joke this time because she cracked a small smile, and took my hand a lot quicker than before. I pulled her up once again but didn't wait to push her on the bed which made her look at me strangely.
"You need to lay back down."
"But Nanoha-"
"Is fine."
"I need to be-"
"You can trust me."
"But!-"
"You can't win an argument with me Fate. So don't even try."
"..."
I bent down and picked up the chair and placed it back by the bed.
"Now give me your hand."
Fate looked at me then stared at her bloody hand.
"No..."
"Are you going to start again?"
"Look... You're Nanoha's friend. I'll take your word that she's alright... But I don't want you touching me you understand?"
"No not really." I said as I grabbed her hand, only for her to yank it away and push herself backwards to the wall. Almost as if... She was scared of me.
"Don't touch me!"
"Why the hell not?!" I retorted, climbing onto the bed so I could place myself between her legs and stare at her face to face.
"Because I don't want you to!"
"Like that sounds like a good answer!" I said sarcastically.
"I don't want to hurt you... Get off." She growled.
"Make me..." I said huskily, not even noticing that my lips were slowly moving towards her own.
"What are you... Doing?"
Feeling a smile tug at my lips, I pulled away and laughed.
"Nothing."
"That... Didn't seem like nothing..."
"Fate..." I said, my smile disapearing. "Do you really not know what I was trying to do?"
She averted her gaze so I simply sighed and changed my view too.
"You know..." I started off, not sure of what to say. "Nanoha..."
Nanoha...
"What about her?" Fate suddenly said, looking full of energy as if she could fight someone right now.
"Don't start getting worried... I just...." I sighed again. "I think she might like you a lot."
"What?"
"Na-No-Ha. I...Think.... She...Likes.... You." I spoke slowly, making it seem as if Fate was stupid.
… Ha... I say that yet...
"No one likes me. Least of all Nanoha."
"No one?... Fate if I, or Nanoha, didn't like you, we wouldn't have bothered to bring you here... You got Nanoha so damn worried earlier... If it wasn't for Saito, she'd probably be hurt..."
Fate furrowed her eyebrows and turned her head away.
"You care for Nanoha don't you?"
"That's... I can't answer that..."
"Why not? It's a yes or no question."
"I don't know what it feels like to care for someone..."
"You're kidding..."
Fate looked at me, disgust written all over her face.
"Sorry... I would think-"
"I'm not like other people. I don't have a family... I don't have... Friends..."
"That... Is incorrect."
"Why would I lie about something like that?!" She suddenly yelled.
I smiled tiredly and grabbed Fate's face.
"You're not very smart are you?... I didn't say you lied... What I'm trying to say is that... You haven't took notice that me and Nanoha are now your friends... You're not alone, Fate... Open your eyes."
"I... That's!..."
Since we hadn't bothered to move out of our position, I was still set between Fate, and I could feel her trembling while her mouth was in search of something to say. She looked so lost...
"You stop that..."
We stood silent, not moving at all. That is... Until we heard something slam into the wall outside.
"M-Move!"
I jumped at the sudden strong tone and did as Fate said and watched her fall to the floor, pick herself up, and whip the door open.
"Nanoha?"
"Fa... Fate?"
I blinked then jumped over to the door, poking my head out to see... Wow... To see Nanoha holding that doctor guy against the wall... Damn... I forgot his name already!
"What's going on?" I asked as I took notice at the anger on Nanoha's face and nervousness on the doctor. Suddenly I could feel my teeth clenching.
"You better not have done anything to her..." I said as I was about to walk past Fate until... God, she fell again... She doesn't take care of herself does she?
"Damn it... Fate, get up!"
"I told you not to touch me."
"You know, I just realized... Even though you say that, earlier you let me grab your hand to help you up... You didn't even bother to-"
"It's the damn drug! Leave me alone!"
"No can do..."
Whether she wanted my help or not I didn't care, I would help her anyway. Forcefully, I grabbed her arm and pulled her up then looked over at Nanoha who was glaring at the doctor.
"Don't forget what we talked about..." He said.
"Trust me... I won't forget... But I won't listen."
"You'll get her in trouble."
"Quite the opposite."
"If you won't listen-"
"You won't do a damned thing." Interrupted Fate.
The two turned to look at us and I suddenly felt as if I was on display... Not that, that would be bad thing...
"Go back in your room Fate." Ordered the doctor.
"I won't do anything you say... Not until you leave her alone."
"...Fine... But I can only do so if she lets me go."
"Nanoha..." Commanded Fate.
I thought I heard a growl from Nanoha when she let... Doctor guy go.
"Nanoha is becoming very aggressive lately..." I thought aloud, making her furrow her eyebrows and turn away with a slight blush.
"Leave me alone..."
"Gee.... What's with you and Fate and being alone?"
Ooh.... I just got a few ideas....
"I've got my reasons..." Fate replied.
"I'd like to know what those reasons are one day..." I said as I looked to her, and she at me, except she wore a dangerous look. One that... Made me wonder what she was thinking.
"Hey..." Nanoha suddenly said walking up to me and Fate.
"What's with you two?"
"Nothing much." I said with a grin.
"Your face shows that your lying Hayate."
"And what if I am? Does it really matter? I mean... Maybe you want Fate all to yourself... Nanoha you can be so sel-"
I suddenly felt pain in my side, signaling Nanoha just elbowed me... Really, really hard.
"That... That hurt!!"
"Well that's what you get for-"
"Speaking the truth? You know... You're changing... And pretty fast. Maybe you're becoming corrupted. Is Nanoha thinking about making love with Fate?"
I went over to knock on Nanoha's head but felt extreme pain in my face... And I mean... EXTREME.
"OW! MY NOSE!! NANOHA!!!"
"You should stop talking... Your mouth will get you in trouble."
"Honey, there is so many things I can do with this mouth..."
…
"OW!!!"