[ ] = Device Talking
Italic = Thoughts, Telepathy
Bold = Spell's name
My grammar sucks, deal with it.
Chapter 4:
"I...I…" Signum muttered.
"Take it… now…" The masked man ordered.
[Wormhole open. Shadow Claw.]
"Tch!" The masked man has no choice but to retract his hand from Fate's chest as a dark claw slashes down towards his hand.
"Fate… you are alright now…" Shu muttered as he gently carries Fate with his left hand.
"You again…" The masked man muttered as he prepares to attack.
"Signum-san… You are a knight, can I ask you to look after my friend?" Shu asked with a neutral tone while carrying Fate towards her.
"Shirakawa…. Fine…" Signum said as she gently holds Fate in upright position.
"You are lucky Testarossa… My pride as a knight wins this time…" Signum said as she rests on her knees.
"You will pay dearly for this…" Shu said coldly as a dark purple aura swirl around him.
*Insert BGM: Super Robot Taisen Original Generation: Dark Prison*
"You are still weak, you cannot hope to win against me." The masked man rushes forward.
"Let's see about that…" Shu extended his claw towards the masked man.
"Like I said, you are weak…" The masked man suddenly disappeared and reappeared behind Shu, his fist rushes towards the boy's back.
"Do you really think I would be that naïve to fight you head on?" The masked man stopped abruptly as the Shu he is about to punch disperse into tiny particles.
"Are you looking for me?" The masked man turned around and kicks toward that direction, but there is no one there.
"Perhaps I'm here?" The voice comes from the right side. The masked man turned right and left, but no sign of the boy.
"Now, receive your punishment…" Shu said coldly.
"!?" The masked man looks up.
"Giga Blasters, Fire!" Two large purple beams discharge rapidly towards the masked man.
The explosions are enormous as some sands in the area have been vaporized due to intense energy.
"My control is now better, same as my stability in casting spells." Shu said.
"Tch…" The masked man struggles to get up as he has smokes rising up from his entire body.
"You tried to harm my friend… I will forgive no such thing…" Shu said coldly as he prepares to use another spell. Multiple wormholes are stacked in front of each other.
"Teleportation…" The masked man thought as he silently prepares his teleportation spell.
[Wormholes are stable. Energy expansions are confirmed.] Granzon blinked.
"Now… Try and live from this…" Shu said coldly as he thrusts his right hand forward.
"Distorion Break!" Bright gold-color beam is fired towards through the wormhole towards the masked man. The energy beam shrank down a bit, but it violently expands itself rapidly into an enormous pillar of light. Shu has to forcefully manipulate his own mass to not be pushed back from the intense pressure.
"Uof!" Signum has to shields her face from intense wind pressure.
"No…." The masked man thought before the beam hits him directly. A large pillar of flames erupted at his position as all the sands are blown away. The skies turned dark as the sands blocked the sunlight, the pillar of flames stood menacingly.
"…" Shu said nothing as his hair flows backward freely because of the wind.
"Impossible… how did he gain so much control in such a short time?!" Signum thought while watching the fire pillar.
[Master, he successfully got away.] Granzon reported.
"Too bad…" Shu muttered as the wind dies down. The pillar disappeared while a lot of smokes rise from the target area.
*End of the BGM*
Shu walked towards Signum as Granzon released the steam from the backside of his hand.
"Thank you, Signum." Shu said as he gently carries Fate bridal-style.
"… Don't be… I have no excuse for what happened…I'm sorry." Signum said as she got up on her feet and flew away.
"…"
[Master, won't you try to capture her?]
"No… she looked after Fate, even for a short moment, I owe her that much." Shu said as he let Signum go.
"Fate!" Shu turned around and see Arf flew hastily towards him.
"She's fine… Luckily I came here in time…" Shu sighed.
"The scanner that we set up doesn't pick up the masked man's presence… Amy told us manually so…" Arf looked at Fate with a concern.
"She's fine, her linker core is still intact. She's just unconscious because of the pain." Shu said as he prepares his own Dimensional Portal.
"I see…" Arf said as the portal opens.
"Let's go back… At least let the doctor check that she's fine…" Shu said as he steps through the portal, Arf turned around for a bit but follows Shu through the portal.
Location: TSAB HQ Dimensional Sea
"She is fine. The pain from having her linker core physically manifested just causes her to become unconscious. One night sleep, and she'll be fine." The doctor said.
"I see…" Nanoha muttered.
"All of you need to be careful, it's like the tenth times that you are here in sickbay." The doctor smiled as he left the room.
"Arf, can you take care of Fate-san? We have to hold an emergency meeting, but not for long." Lindy requested.
"Alright." Arf said as she grabbed a chair and sit next to Fate's bed.
Everyone left the room with semi-sad expression.
-Meeting Room-
"Haa… where should we even start." Lindy sighed.
"It is fortunate that I arrived at the scene in time, thanks to my unique abilities. Why is the scanner doesn't pick up the masked man's presence?" Shu questioned.
"I'm sorry… after everyone was sent out, the station's control security was cracked… because of that I couldn't issue any reinforcements in time. Luckily, Shu walked into the control center so I explained everything to him." Amy said with a sad expression.
"It's not anyone's fault… I just heard from Yuuno that we have some situation so I went there to get some answers…" Shu said.
"It's not your fault Amy." Aria said.
"By the way Aria, where is Lotte?" Chrono asked, but he successfully hides the suspicious tone.
"She's sick from overworking… She trained the Ground Forces HQ trainees non-stop so…" Aria answered.
"… She's hiding something" Shu thought silently.
"I tried to find Lotte but I only found you, where was she at that time?" Chrono questioned.
"I don't know… she might be working on the special cases from the Bureau." Aria replied.
"Definitely hiding something." Chrono's eyes narrowed.
"It seems like we were hacked from the outside…" Lindy said.
"Yes, that seems like it. The system got shut down after the alarm went off…" Amy frowned.
"Does that mean, someone with incredible technological skills is out there?" Nanoha asked warily.
"Maybe…" Chrono muttered.
"Alex! There's no trouble with Arthra's flight controls right?" Lindy asked her second-in-command.
"Correct, ma'am." Alex answered.
"Good… it might be earlier than planned, but we will reposition Arthra at the outer orbit as the main base of operation." Lindy ordered.
"Roger!" Everyone replied simultaneously.
"Let's also move Fate-san to Arthra's cabin, we can take care of her easier that way." Lindy said.
Location: Arthra, Earth's outer orbit
Arf gently placed Fate down on her bed.
"Fate…" Arf muttered as she gently gripped her master's hand.
-Arthra's Command Center-
"Reinforce our scanner! Be on guard at all times!" Lindy ordered.
"Yes ma'am!" Arthra's crew replied.
"So… Nanoha-san, you can go home now if you want. Same to you Shu-san." Lindy said.
"Yes… but…" Nanoha muttered.
"You are worry about Fate-san?" Lindy asked.
Nanoha nodded meekly.
"If you really want to, you can stay in her cabin for tonight." Lindy smiled.
"Ah! Thank you very much, Lindy-san." Nanoha bowed as she left the command quickly. Lindy just waved at Nanoha as she left.
"…" Shu is looking out in the space. No one knows what he is thinking, but he has some troubled expression on his face.
"Shu-san?" Lindy said with a little bit of concern.
"It's nothing, Admiral Lindy…" Shu smiled as he also left the command.
Shu is walking slowly, he has no destination in mind right now.
"Chrono…" Shu silently contacted Chrono.
"What is it?" Chrono asked with a little annoyed tone.
"Do you suspect anything from Lotte or Aria?" Shu asked seriously.
"You noticed it too?" Chrono completely changes his tone.
"They are hiding something…" Shu said as he looked out the window.
"Yes… what will you do?" Chrono asked.
"… I will try and spy on Admiral Graham…" Shu said with all seriousness.
"I will not stop you, because if you want to do it then you will anyway. But be careful." Chrono said as he terminated the communication.
"… Of course, I will." Shu thought to himself.
-Next day- (22nd December)
"Uuuu~" Fate stirred awake.
"Ah! You're awake Fate-san."
"Um? Admiral Lindy?" Fate slowly opened her eyes and blinked rapidly.
"It's good that you are alright." Lindy helped Fate to sit up on the upright position.
"Uh, what happened? I can't remember much..." Fate muttered softly. She looked at Arf, who is sleeping at the end of the bed.
"Arf…" Fate thought.
"Arf's been watching over you since last night. Along with few of your friends too it seems." Admiral Lindy said as she pointed at Nanoha who is sleeping on the small couch.
"Nanoha…" Fate smiled slightly, to know that someone cares about her makes her happy.
"Eh.. Huh? Where am-" Fate asked softly.
"You're aboard the Arthra, you were attacked from behind in the desert yesterday, remember?" Lindy said.
"Ah…" Fate remembers now, the masked man attacked her.
"Luckily, your linker core is still intact thanks to your friend there." Lindy pointed at the opposite side of her own position.
"Eh? Shu?" Shu is asleep while leaning against the wall.
"Yes, he arrived in time and successfully scared the masked man away." Lindy smiled.
Fate suddenly got pulled into her own thought as flashbacks are appearing faintly.
"Fate, I promise you. When I'm strong, when you need my help, I will be there for you." Shu's face popped up in Fate's mind.
"Shu… you baka…" Fate thought as she smiled and blushed faintly.
"I don't know why, but the scanners couldn't catch the masked man, there was no way to avoid it." Lindy said as she put her hands over Fate's.
Fate blushed lightly, because for a second she thought Lindy is so alike to her mother before she went insane. It is from Alicia's memory, that her mother would usually hold her hands whenever something goes wrong.
"Ah! I'm sorry, you don't like that?" Lindy apologized.
"E-Er, it's fine! I'm just not used to it…" Fate smiled faintly.
"I'm glad that you are alright Fate-san. I already told the school that you are sick so take the time and rest up." Lindy smiled as she stands up.
"Yes, thank you Admiral Lindy."
"You should be very hungry, I'll bring something for you. What do you want?" Lindy asked.
"Uh, you don't really have to-"
"It's fine!" Lindy smiled.
"Ano… I'll let you decide on that then…" Fate muttered softly.
"Ok!" Lindy replied as she left the room.
Fate then slowly stands up as she approaches Nanoha and put a blanket around the brunette.
Fate smiled faintly as Nanoha stirred a bit but went back to sleep.
"Shu…" Fate approaches the purple-haired boy who is sleeping on the ground, leaning against the wall to support his weight.
"Thank you…" For a split second, Fate kissed the boy on his cheek.
Fate failed to notice that Arf is awake in time to see her little event. "Hmm?~ Fate…" Arf smiled deviously before closing her eyes again.
Location: Hayate's House
"What is that guy planning to do…" Signum gritted her teeth.
"He clearly wants to see the Book of Darkness completed… Why?" Shamal questioned.
"Maybe he wanted the power for himself…" Zafira muttered.
"That's impossible! When the book is complete, no one except the master can command it isn't that right?!" Vita half-shouted.
"Yeah, but we have to be sure… I already reinforce the house with extra security, we should be fine…" Shamal said.
"Yes, but for safety, it is best if you stay with mistress from now on, Shamal." Zafira said.
"Understood." Shamal replied.
Suddenly…
CRASH!
"!?" The sound came from upstairs, that means!?
"Hayate!" Vita shouted as she hurriedly ran upstairs.
"Hayate-chan!" Shamal followed Vita with equal speed. Signum and Zafira look at each other briefly and follow Shamal.
Hayate is in her room, currently on the floor with her wheelchair lying next to her, clearly in a lot of pain. She is gripping her chest very tightly as her body is all stiffed up.
"Hayate! Hayate! Get her to the hospital! Call an ambulance!" Vita shouted as she gently shook Hayate's shoulders.
"Alright!" Signum ran downstairs to get the phone.
"Don't move her! Leave her right where she is!" Zafira ordered. If they move her now, it might worsen her condition.
"Y-Yeah…" Vita answered meekly.
Location: Uminari University Hospital
"Yes, it looks like you're all right. Thank goodness…" Doctor Ishida said.
"Yes, thank you very much." Hayate smiled.
"I am so relieved…" Shamal sighed.
"I told you, I just felt a little dizzy and my hand cramped up on my chest! Really… they're always making something out of nothing." Hayate said teasingly.
"But… you did hit your head…" Shamal argued a little.
"And it would be problematic if something happened to you…" Signum said with a sad face.
"Hayate, you are all right… thank goodness…" Vita said as Hayate pet her head.
"Since you are here, I would like to conduct some more tests okay?" Doctor Ishida smiled at Hayate.
"Yes!"
"May I talk to you two in private for a minute?" Doctor Ishida said to Signum and Shamal.
"Ah, yes?" Signum and Shamal followed the doctor out of the room.
-Outside Hayate's Room-
"From today's examination, I don't see anything new, but it is impossible that her hand would just cramp up like that." Doctor Ishida looked at her clipboard.
"Yes, she seems to be in a lot of pain…" Signum explained.
"This might be a sign of the paralysis spreading, there haven't been any previous symptoms from what you all have seen right?" Doctor Ishida asked with a serious expression.
"I don't think so, but… Hayate-chan hides her pain from us very frequently." Shamal said with a sad face.
"Just because this incident is not fatal, doesn't mean it won't happen again…" The doctor looked out the window.
"To be on the safe side, I think we should keep her in the hospital for a while… is that alright with you?"
Shamal look at Signum as the said knight closed her eyes.
"Yes…" Signum replied.
"Okay… I will always be prepared for anything that will happen, so don't worry." Doctor Ishida said as she walks away.
Signum decided to go and get fresh bunch of flowers for Hayate as Shamal return to Hayate's room.
"Eh?! Hospitalization?!" Hayate half-shouted.
"Ah, yes! That's how it is…" Shamal answered.
Vita and Hayate look at each other. Hayate clearly doesn't want to stay in the hospital, she wants to cook and stay with her knights at home.
"But it's only for some examinations just in case something goes wrong, so don't be concern about it! Right?" Shamal asked Signum as she came in.
"Yes, definitely." Signum smiled as she set down the flowers next to Hayate's bed.
"Uuu… That's fine but… If I'm hospitalized here, then who will make your meals?" Hayate asked sadly.
"Urk!" Vita muttered softly. They do not want anymore horrifying cooking lesson from Shamal.
"W-We'll do something about that, so don't worry!" Signum waved nervously.
"Yeah… we'll be fine… probably…" Shamal said nervously.
Hayate looked at Shamal with concerned expression.
"We'll come to see you every day! So… don't worry. Vita smiled.
"Hehe, Vita is such a good girl! But it doesn't have to be every day. There's nothing for you to do here, you'll just be bored." Hayate pat Vita's head.
"Y-Yeah…" Vita answered meekly. She doesn't really care if she's bored, she just want to be with Hayate.
"I'll just get a lot of rest here, so you guys don't worry!" Hayate smiled as she snuggled inside the blanket.
"Well, we'll go get new clothes for you, if you want something then just ask us." Signum said as she is getting ready to leave.
"Okay… Oh! Suzuka-chan might e-mail me something, I totally forgot about that!" Hayate exclaimed.
"Ah, I'll contact her for you!" Shamal smiled.
"Sorry for that Shamal, please do." Hayate smiled apologetically.
"We'll be back shortly, please take some rest." Signum said as everyone follows her out of the room.
The group walked out of the hospital, it is quite late now, they need to hurry and get Hayate's clothes before the sun goes down.
"Ugh….. Mmph….." Hayate gripped her chest tightly. She is in so much pain but she doesn't want anyone of them to worry about her.
Location: Arthra
"So, what did you found out Yuuno?" Chrono asked.
"The original purpose of the Tome of the Night Sky" Yuuno answered through video transmissions.
"It was created to record every spell the master seen or known, it had travelled along with its master all the time, and if it is destroyed it will recreate itself again." Yuuno explained.
"So, are you saying that currently it is corrupted?" Chrono said.
"You can say that, looks like someone changed the system so that it will use its power to indiscriminately destroy everything once all the pages are complete. The cruelest part is that, it will also absorb its own master's magical power until he or she dies…" Yuuno explained.
"What?!" Chrono exclaimed.
"If the master is still alive, then it will pull out every single bit of magical power that is left to cast the spell that will destroy everything, that's why every master of the Book of Darkness dies when it is completed." Yuuno said with a sad expression.
"Relay all of those informations to everyone." Chrono said to Amy.
"Roger!" Amy replied.
"What else?" Chrono demanded more information.
"If the Tome is destroyed or the master is not accepted by the system, it will consume the master and reappeared elsewhere… anywhere…" Yuuno sighed.
"Does that mean it can just reincarnate eternally anywhere?!" Chrono shouted.
"Yep…" Yuuno closed one of his books.
"What about the documents on how to seal it?" Chrono asked.
"I'm still investigating that right now, but to stop it before it is complete will probably be very difficult."
"Why?"
"It is impossible to stop or alter the program if the master does not have the full administrative power of the book." Yuuno explained with a dark look.
"The master can only have full administrative power only when the book is complete… which means-"
"We have to wait until the book is complete, and then hope that the master of the book doesn't die when it is completed." Yuuno sighed loudly.
"Damn it!" Chrono smashed his hand on the surface next to the keyboard.
"I'll still investigate more… if something comes up, then I'll tell you when something comes up." Yuuno said as he terminated the connection.
"I'll take a little break…" Chrono said as he walks out of the command center.
"Okay!" Amy shouted as she continues to work.
-Next Morning- (23rd December)
Nanoha and Fate is walking to school. The order from Lindy is to continue their normal routines until they are called back.
The thing is, they are dragging Shu to school. The purple haired boy struggle at first, saying that his mother already told the headmaster that he'll be absent for some time. But it seems like he has to attend the school for today per the headmaster's request.
"Shu-kun, aren't you excited for school?" Nanoha asked as she drags Shu by his right arm.
"No offense Nanoha, but do I look like I want to go to school?" Shu deadpanned.
"Come on, it's not that bad. You can hang out with us, Arisa, and Suzuka if you are that bored." Fate suggested.
"I am tired of my teacher's lectures… so much that I am tempted to send him to an alien planet." Shu mentioned his teacher, who is the embodiment of boringness.
"Aww~ don't be like that! Tell you what, why don't you try and submit a petition to transfer to our class?" Nanoha suggested.
"Nanoha, you're a genius!" Shu hugged Nanoha briefly as he starts to think of his excuse for the petition.
"…" Fate's eyes twitched as she felt a brief pang of jealousy.
"Y-Your welcome…" Nanoha turns a little red.
"I'll try to talk to the headmaster, but I don't think he will allow me to transfer today." Shu sighed.
"Let's meet at the rooftop at break time." Fate suggested.
"Fingers crossed for today's lecture." Shu shook his head.
The two girls giggled lightly at his antics as they arrived at the school. Shu waved goodbye at his two friends as he set his course towards the headmaster's office.
Shu knocked the door and receive the call to enter the room.
"Excuse me sir." Shu bowed politely.
"Ah, Shu Shirakawa, are you alright son?" The headmaster asked because the boy's mother said that he has to be absent from certain problems.
"Uh, yes sir. It's just some family problems, I'll be able to attend school like normal really soon." Shu said while trying really hard to hide the grumble tone.
"I see I see! So, what do you need of me today son?" The headmaster asked as he nurtured his long white beard.
"I want to request to be transfer to class 3-B sir." Shu requested.
"Ho? Why?" The headmaster piqued at the boy's request.
"I'll be honest, I have some good friends learning in that class sir." Shu said.
"I would have to decline that request." The headmaster picked up a piece of paper.
"I see…" Shu said sadly.
Shu bowed and turned around to leave the room.
"In a normal case, that is." The headmaster continued as he set down the transfer petition form on his desk.
"Pardon?" Shu turned around.
"I am old Shirakawa-kun, but I'm not stupid. I know that many students in your class tended to avoid interacting with you." The headmaster smiled as he lightly strokes his own beard.
"How did you know sir? I never tell anyone about this?" Shu questioned.
"Most of the time, the eyes never lie, Shirakawa-kun." The headmaster passed the form over to Shu.
"Very interesting, he is very wise… Physical appearance doesn't mean everything huh?" Shu thought silently as he took the petition form.
"Oh, one request though Shirakawa-kun."
"Sir?"
"Please do not sleep in class." The headmaster smiled as he grabbed his pipe.
"A-Ah… Yes sir." Shu stuttered as he finish filling out the form.
The headmaster teared out a small piece of paper from the form, and lightly stamps the school approval sign on it.
"Hand this to your current class teacher, and then proceed to the class 3-B with the same approval paper. Have fun in your new class Shirakawa-kun." The headmaster smiled.
"Thank you very much sir!" Shu bowed as he hastily leaves the room.
"Hahaha! Ah~ to be young." The headmaster slowly stands up and takes a puff of the pipe.
Shu quickly get to his class and wait for his teacher to enter the room. About another 15 minutes, the teacher arrived at the class.
"Excuse me…" Shu said with a neutral tone.
"Yeah, what is it?" The teacher replied boringly.
Shu handed over the paper from the headmaster. The teacher's eye widened for a second but he returns to his usual expression as he hands the paper back to the boy.
"If it is the headmaster's order, then there is nothing I can do about it. Hurry to your new class." The teacher ordered. He doesn't really like Shu because the boy always slept in his class.
"Good riddance, embodiment of boringness." Shu nodded while smirking almost evilly. Some of his classmates waved him farewell but they didn't say anything. Some of them can hardly contain their excitement that the pariah is about to leave their class.
"Well then… farewell." Shu directed the message at the group that usually hated him. He gave them the evilest and most trolling face he could ever muster at them. He hummed to himself happily as he is walking towards his destination. In front of the class, the teacher is standing there waiting for him.
"Ah, you must be Shu Shirakawa yes?" The teacher said.
"Yes ma'am." Shu bowed.
"Nice to meet you, the headmaster told me about you. Please give me the approval paper."
Shu handed over the approval paper, the teacher smiled as she put it on her clipboard.
"Welcome to the class 3-B, let me tell my students first. If you are nervous about introducing yourself, this might be a good time to pray." The teacher smiled teasingly as she returns inside the classroom.
"Heh, it won't be a problem at all." Shu smirked to himself.
"Alright everyone listen up! We are having a new classmate." Teacher's voice can be heard from outside the classroom. Shu heard some mumblings from inside the classroom.
"Please come in!" The teacher shouted.
"Oh well, here goes nothing." Shu thought as he opened the door and step inside the class.
Nanoha, Fate, Arisa, and Suzuka have the wide-eyed expression.
"That's fast…" Fate mumbled.
"Ahahaha… he sure is lucky…" Nanoha laughed dryly. She doesn't expect that he'll be transferred to her class today.
"My name is Shu Shirakawa, hopefully we'll get along." Shu bowed lightly. The class claps at Shu's introduction.
"Okay, Shirakawa-san, please choose your seat." The teacher said.
Shu walked over to his friends' location and smirk teasingly.
"I hope this seat is unoccupied sempai?" Shu pointed at the seat next to Nanoha's which is beside the window.
"Mou~ how many times did I tell you not to call me that…" Nanoha pouted but nodded nonetheless.
"Sorry, I can't help it." Shu smiled as he sat down.
"Shu, I thought you won't be transferred in our today." Fate muttered.
"The headmaster is very kind apparently." Shu explained.
"Alright class! If you have something to ask our new classmate then please do it now! You got 5 minutes, begin!" The teacher shouted.
"Wait, what?" Shu suddenly got swarmed by everyone who is trying to ask 10 questions at once.
"Hey! You're from another class right?!"
"Are you really 7 years old?!"
"Is that hair color natural?"
"I heard that you are very smart! Can you be my tutor?!"
"I remember you in the chess club! Are you on friendly terms with the President?!"
Shu tried the best he could to answer all question, but it is getting too troublesome.
"Ehehe, it's just like when you got transferred here Fate-chan." Nanoha laughed dryly as she sweatdropped at the scene.
"Well, this class is very lively?" Fate sweatdropped.
"Bah, he'll be fine! But why you guys didn't tell us about him coming here?" Arisa questioned.
"We wanted to surprise you guys, but I guess that backfired…" Nanoha laughed dryly.
"Alright! Everyone stop swarming Shirakawa-san!" The teacher shouted. The students return to their seats as Shu facepalmed.
"How can people in the same school, but in different class be so… different?" Shu thought while attempting to get his focus back.
"Um, Shu, are you alright?" Fate asked.
"I'm fine, just… overwhelmed I guess?" Shu sighed.
"Don't worry, that happened to Fate-chan when she just got transferred here." Nanoha patted Shu on the back.
"Alright! Bring out your books, time for a lecture!" The teacher grabbed her chalk and proceeds to write things down on the board.
"I have something that I want to talk to you guys later." Suzuka said. The four nodded as they start to pay attention to the class.
-Lunch Break-
"Eh? Hayate-chan?" Nanoha asked.
"She is your friend that is currently being hospitalized right?" Arisa asked.
"Yes, I just got an e-mail from her that she is staying in the hospital now for sudden urgent medical examination. She looked fine the last time I saw her though…" Suzuka said with a downcast expression.
"I see… then do you wanna go visit her after school?" Arisa suggests with a smile.
"R-Really?" Suzuka stuttered.
"She's your friend, right? And you did say you would introduce us to her! Since we're going to visit her in the hospital, the more the merrier right?" Arisa explained.
"Yeah… but I'm not too sure about barging in like that…" Nanoha laughed nervously.
"But I think it will be alright, right?" Fate asked while smiling.
"Yes! She will be very happy!" Suzuka smiled.
"…"
"Shu?" Fate is looking at Shu who is currently spacing out.
"Shu-kun!" Nanoha called.
"A-Ah?" Shu stuttered.
"Do you want to visit Hayate-chan with us?" Suzuka asked.
"Uh, sure!" Shu smiled.
"Shu-kun, don't you have training with Chrono-kun?" Nanoha asked curiously.
"Nah, he ordered me to take the day off." Shu scratched his head.
"I'll send her caretaker a message that we'll go visit her!" Suzuka got her phone out and starts texting.
"Alright! On the way let's buy something for her!" Arisa suggest excitedly.
"Okay!" Everyone replied.
Location: Hayate's House
"Hmm Hmm~" Shamal is humming as she is preparing dinner for her friends.
Beep Beep!
"Oh? Message from Suzuka-chan?" Shamal flipped her phone.
"Dear Shamal-san, Tsukimura Suzuka here. After school today, I'd like to go visit Hayate-chan in the hospital with my friends! Would that be alright?" Shamal read the message.
"Suzuka-chan, you're such a good girl." Shamal smiled as she sent back her approval.
"HUH?" Shamal eyes widened as she scrolls down and see the attached picture.
The image is the photo of Suzuka and her friends which are Nanoha, Fate, Arisa, even Shu who is crossing his arms in the background. They are smiling as they are holding the sign that says: Get well soon! From Suzuka & friends.
"This is bad!" Shamal exclaimed as she hastily establish connection with Signum and Vita.
"Signum! Vita!" Shamal called out desperately.
"Huh? What is it Shamal?" Signum is currently in the other world trying collect more linker cores, but unfortunately there are no monsters there.
Shamal explained everything with panic. Signum can barely understand everything she is saying but she got the main ideas.
"What did you say Testarossa and the others are doing?" Signum asked.
"Like I've been saying! Testarossa-chan, Nanoha-cha, and Shirakawa-kun, they are going to see Hayate-chan today, because they are Suzuka-chan's friend!" Shamal explained with a lot of concern in her voice.
"What'll we do? What'll we do?!" Shamal is panicking.
"Hold on. Calm down, Shamal! It's fine." Signum tried to convince Shamal.
"Thankfully, most of Mistress Hayate's magical potential is held within the Book of Darkness, unless they perform a very deep scan, she won't be found out." Signum explained.
"Y-You may be right, but…"
"In other words, she will be fine as long as they don't run into us." Signum sighed.
"It was our mistakes for showing our faces when we attacked… I should've use transformation magic…" Shamal muttered.
"No use regretting that now, when her friends are visiting, we will withdraw."
"Alright…"
"Make sure that Dr. Ishida and Hayate don't say our name!" Vita exclaimed.
"We will return today to make sure everything is alright. Just go with the plan for now." Signum said.
"I hope Hayate-chan won't think too much of that…" Shamal sighed.
"We have no choice, we're counting on you." Signum and Vita said simultaneously.
"Mhmm…" Shamal has no choice but to go with their plan.
Location: Uminari University Hospital
Hayate is sitting on the bed while waiting for Suzuka to come. She received the call from Shamal saying that Suzuka would visit her as usual.
Knock Knock!
"Yes? Please come in!" Hayate said.
"Hello!" Many voices said simultaneously.
Hayate is really surprised. Suzuka is standing there with a bouquet of flowers, along with four of her friends who are holding bunch of snacks.
"Hello! Welcome!" Hayate smiled brightly.
"Sorry for the sudden intrusion." Shu said.
"Hayate-chan, are you alright?" Suzuka asked with a concern.
"Yeah, I'm fine! Everyone please, have a seat!" Hayate said.
"Thank you!" Everyone replied.
"Hayate-chan, these are my friends! Nanoha, Fate, Arisa, and Shu." Suzuka introduced her friends.
"Ahh! It's nice to meet all of you! I'm Hayate Yagami, just call me Hayate!" Hayate smiled.
"I'm Nanoha Takamachi, please call me Nanoha!" Nanoha exclaimed.
"Fate Testarossa here, nice to meet you Hayate." Fate smiled.
"I'm Arisa! Nice to meet ya!" Arisa puffed up her chest.
"Shu Shirakawa here, pleased to meet you Hayate-san." Shu smiled faintly.
"Thank you for visiting me today! I'm so happy!" Hayate laughed happily.
"Here Hayate-chan, try this cake! It's made by the coffee shop my family runs!" Nanoha gave the cake to Hayate.
"Really?!" Hayate softly unveil the package and sees a beautiful made cake. She takes a small spoon and try a piece of the cake.
"Mhmm~ it's so good!" Hayate blushed while smiling.
"I'm glad you like it, here! There are many things we bought for you!" Nanoha said as Arisa and Fate gently set down the snacks on the table.
"Thank you everyone, I'm so happy." Hayate successfully held back her tears.
Outside the room, Shamal is in her long jackets with sunglasses, standing there trying to listen to the conversation.
"Uhm… Shamal-san, what are you doing?" Dr. Ishida smiled dryly.
"E-Eh?! U-Uh, it's nothing! I'm just wondering who came over, so…" Shamal waved nervously.
"Then why don't you just go inside? Unless you are out here for other reason?" Dr. Ishida smiled curiously but she kinds of understand Shamal's current position.
"Ummm… that's er…." Shamal smiled nervously.
Dr. Ishida just giggled softly as she invited Shamal to follow her to the hospital's cafeteria.
Both are currently sitting in the cafeteria, Shamal is holding a cup of cold coffee while Dr. Ishida is having a mix fruit drink.
"This may sound a little strange… but as Hayate-chan's physician, I'm really grateful to you all." Dr. Ishida smiled softly.
"Eh?"
"Ever since she's started living with all of you, Hayate-chan's really seemed happy."
"…" Shamal don't know what to respond. She just sit there looking at the ground while having a concern face.
"Honestly, Hayate-chan's illness is a very complex one… but we're fighting it with all the science we have." Dr. Ishida said with a sad face.
"Yes…" Shamal replied sadly.
"Hayate-chan is the one who's hurting the most… but with the support from everyone around her, I think she'll become much more lively and courageous." Dr. Ishida looked at Shamal with a serious face.
"Please continue to support her, so Hayate-chan can fight off this illness." Dr. Ishida said with pleading eyes.
"Yes…" Shamal replied while holding back her tears, but she failed miserably. Shamal begins to cry, but Dr. Ishida says nothing as she just gripped Shamal's hand tightly.
-Back to Hayate's room-
"I hope you'll get better soon Hayate-chan!" Nanoha said brightly. All of them are preparing to leave since it is quite late.
"For sure I will!" Hayate replied.
"…" Shu is looking at Hayate intently.
"Mm? Shu, what's wrong?" Fate asked.
"Granzon, please perform quick analysis on her. Something doesn't feel right."
[Alright. Scanning… complete. Hayate Yagami, linker core severely damaged from unknown cause. Estimation time left: One month.]
"Only one month…? What happened to her?" Shu thought with a serious face.
"Shu-kun!" Nanoha shouted.
"Huh?"
"You are spacing out again, what's wrong?" Nanoha asked with a concern.
"It's nothing, you guys can go on ahead. I would like to discuss something with Hayate-san." Shu said.
Arisa and Suzuka didn't see it, but Nanoha and Fate see the serious-request look from him.
"Alright, we'll be waiting at the exit. Don't be late!" Arisa said as she left with everyone else.
"Eh? What is it Shu-kun?" Hayate asked curiously.
"Hayate-san, do you feel instant pain from time to time?" Shu asked seriously.
"No, none of sorts, and I said it's okay to just call me Hayate you know." Hayate pouted, but she is obviously lying.
"I see… can I see your hand for a bit?"
"Uh? Okay?" Hayate extended her hand. Shu hold on to Hayate's hand and secretly transfer some of his mana to Hayate.
"The extra mana from me should lessen your pain for now… but really… what happened?" Shu thought as he is still holding her hand.
"Uhm… Shu-kun?" Hayate begins to blush.
"Oh, sorry, I'm just trying to check your pulse." Shu lied dismissingly.
"Ahaha, I see." Hayate laughed.
"Well then, I'm off. Stay strong Hayate." Shu smiled and waved at the sick girl.
"Yes, have a safe trip!" Hayate waved back as Shu left.
"I have my speculation… but I need to make sure…" Shu thought as he walks towards his friends.
The group is walking home, Arisa and Suzuka waved them a goodbye as they went on separate ways.
"Shu, what happened back there?" Fate asked suspiciously.
"I have some predictions, I'll tell you guys about it tomorrow. I need to confirm something first." Shu said apologetically.
"Why tomorrow?" Nanoha questioned.
"Because I might be wrong, don't worry about it. I'll tell you guys tomorrow I promise." Shu smiled faintly.
"… Alright then, see you tomorrow Shu-kun." Nanoha said as Fate decided to hang out at Nanoha's house for a while.
"Okay, be safe you two." Shu waved as he silently prepares a dimensional portal.
Location: Hayate's House
Shamal is inspecting the Book of Darkness, and discovered that the Book itself is devouring Hayate faster than ever before.
"Everyone, we need to hurry! It looks like the Book of Darkness is devouring Hayate-chan more quickly than before… at this rate… she'll only last another month or less." Shamal stuttered.
Signum is panting, behind her are the corpse of four dragons, she only gain 5-6 pages from them.
Zafira is in his human form, tearing apart the creatures that are hiding under the sands.
Vita is flying over the ocean trying to find mythical monsters that have large linker cores to collect.
"I wouldn't be able to stand it… if Hayate-chan wasn't able to smile… or if she dies!" Vita thought while crying as she is flying over a maelstrom. A huge monster appeared, its jaws are horrifying large with four or more rows of teeth.
"Let's do this, Eisen!"
[Yes! Explosion!] Graf Eisen transformed into its Giant Hammer form.
"YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Vita let out a huge warcry as she rushes towards the monster.
Location: TSAB HQ Dimensional Sea
Graham is preparing the final phase of his plan. He is looking at Durandal, the Freeze staff that will eternally seal the Book of Darkness, at least in his opinion.
"Hm?" Graham perked up as his two familiars enter the room.
"Father, straining your brain like this isn't good for you." Aria said
"Yeah…" Lotte agreed.
"The Liese twins? How are things?" Graham asked.
"Everything is ready, we already tapped into the scanner system so they would not notice that the Wolkenritter is collecting linker cores at the moment." Aria explained.
"Tomorrow, the Book should be complete, then we can commence to seal it forever." Lotte added.
"I see… I'm sorry everyone…" Graham muttered sadly.
"Father, don't be sad! It has to be done… for everyone." Aria commented.
"Yeah…" Graham replied softly.
Outside the room, there is one person standing there while crossing his arms.
"… So my speculations are correct. And what I heard from Yuuno, Hayate is the one who is suitable to be the master of the Book of Darkness considering her linker core's damage." Shu thought as he silently disappears inside his portal.
"Graham… Lotte… Aria… why?"
End of Chapter 4