THE CIRCLE OF FATE
By: Infinite Fate
Note: Ah, Good to be back. The next week will also a a week full of exams T_T. So I'll only update weekly on Saturday, sorry for this inconvenience, every one .. And I happen to read some HP and Nanoha crossovers. Damn, they're good, and they make me want to write a crossover too.
To Nyaaahhh: The past will slowly reveal, and you will know what happened with the "kind-mother" of Alicia of Fate ^^. Oh, and don't worry about Vincent, he just loves to play with Signum =))
To Xenoverse: it's okay, knowing you still follow my fic is enough for me ^^.
To Honulicious: Well, according to Nanoha universe, devices need the energy comes from Linker Core of their users to cast spell, without a user, devices can't be activated. And Nanoha was healing, unfortunately, couldn't use Raising Heart if she wanted to be normal quickly. And of course lucky for the bullies, Fate could control herself well, and Hayate was too stunned with her's declaration. =)) One more thing, Vivio aren't the queen.
To Dark-Key0: I agree with you, reviewing at midnight is not good at all. Um, for the way Fate acted, if she didn't have much self-control, I think there would be murder at school. And certainly, I don't want our favorite blonde to be arrested before she even confessed to Nanoha ^^.
To Cleide: haters can certainly do something as bad as this .. And about Vincent, his favorite hobby is to mess with our Knight of Sword.
To ElementalMiko12: I know, thank you very much :d
To onimini: oh, thank you so much.
Disclaimer: I don't own Nanoha. If I really owned, Nanofate would be the canon couple in the anime.
The weather was cold, and the forest had been covered with snow. She shivered slightly, scolding herself for not bringing a thicker cloak, the white one on her body was more suitable for autumn than a cold winter night like this.
"I'm so clumsy…"
"But I like your clumsiness.." The voice was warm, and loving. She felt her heart beating faster in any second. An old feeling but still existed.
Standing before her, was her beautiful lover, whose black prince-liked clothes were under a cloak that had the same color as her, pure white. Silvery gold hair looked so perfect, and the golden eyes she loved so much lightened with happiness and adoration.
"You really wear white?" She surprised, knowing too well that her love was not fond of white clothes.
"White represent you, love." A smile lit up the whole world with its presence. "It reminds me of your beautiful hair, so, why not? Am I right, my princess.."
"Flatterer.." She giggled, blushing, as a soft hand caressed her white hair.
"Only to you…" Gold met Violet. And lips met lips in a passionate embrace. White feathers mixed with black ones..
The snow continued to fall, but they didn't care..They had each other, nothing was important anymore.
Chapter 6
Feelings
Tired burgundy eyes looked through the window to get a glimpse of the gray sky outside. It was abnormal, for snow falling this early in Mid-Childa. Usually, it would be November until the winter came, but in this cold morning of October, the white color of falling snow had covered the whole view of the houses and street in the blonde's eyes. Those winter flower, to Fate, was a refresh. But actually, she preferred autumn, the season of silent as people always called it, than the coldness of ice and snow.
Besides, she also like the sea, the calm but sometimes wild sea. It reminded her of something else…or rather, after meeting a certain brunette, it made Fate think of her again. Azure eyes, not only looked like the peaceful blue sky, but also the deep sea. Nanoha….Nanoha…
Suddenly, it hit Fate's head. The accident with those ridiculous (as she wouldn't want to be rude) haters. If she hadn't restrained herself (unconsciously leaving Bardiche pierce her hand), the worst could have happened. Such as using Hakken Saber to tear off someone head, or having some to be her Photon Lancer's practicing human targets, and even,…. At this, she practically, felt very ill. The thought of killing people, it was just…too out of her usual character.
What if I really hurt them…just like what I did to her?
Her heart beat fast… Vision became blur as her legs weakened, sweats trailed slowly along her pale cheeks. Out of nowhere, pain shot through her feeble and unstable mind, making everything turn red. Rubbing her temples, Fate tried to sit down on the couch, hoping to ease the headache but her eyes dazzled dangerously, feeling greatly dizzy.
Must get…..pain-killers….
Fate felt her body lose its ability to prop up her own weight. Soon, her face would be flat on the ground for sure. Before anything could happen, a pair of small hands gripped her, pulling the half-conscious girl close, fingers carefully caressed her hair in loving manner.
"You okay? Need pain-killers?"
"No…it's fine.." She smiled gently into the hug, closing her eyes and let the person comfort her.
Seconds turned into minutes, as the pain slowly passed, leaving Fate breathing heavily, and was glad that it had disappeared. She opened her burgundy orbs, only to meet with the familiar crimson ones, staring so intensely at her, worry and anger was clearly visible as the brows knitted iton a disapproved frown.
Oh no…
"You really need to see the doctor, Fate-chan.." Alicia scolded "Your headaches has come very often, and your face had showed that this was one of the most painful headaches you've ever had…I'm not sure if you could really stand the next.."
"I'm fine, nee-san…Nothing is wrong, I was tired, of course the headache would hurt me more than usual. You don't need to worry too much.." She tried to reason but this could never make Alicia believe, not in her health. Crimson eyes filled with serious emotions, the normal light of the "happy-go-lucky" girl vanished, replaced with crystal-liked teardrops.
"Don't you dare to protest, you'll come with me to the hospital.."
"Nee-san…it doesn't necessary..I'm okay, need some pain-killers though.." Fate never could lie well, as her face betrayed her completely.
"Are you lying to me?"
"…..Nee-san…"
"I said are you lying to me, Fate-chan!?"
"….."
"For god's sake, Fate-chan! Could you be less selfless!? I know you don't want me to worry, but hiding your pain!? Are you seriously seeing me as your sister, or just some kind of person you took pity for!? An useless girl who has no skills to support herself, so she has to depend on her sister and adopted family forever!? Who do you think I work so much for!" Fate winced at this, guiltily looking away, her sister was crying and it was because of her. "I love you, Fate-chan. I don't care what she said, or what people think! So what? You are an artificial mage, it doesn't mean you're not a human! You have feelings, and you're still my sister! Do you know how much I was in pain when I saw your being hurt? And mom and nii-chan, too. What will they think if they know their daughter and sister fighting her pain alone!" The older blonde's feet stomped, tears falling freely, throat choked by the rapid speech she just made. "Please…don't do that…I can't lose you…."
The hands that had supported her gripping the blonde's shirt hard, knuckles even turned white as the pressure was so great, showing her anger and sadness…. Fate's own tears was also trailing from her eyes, dropping on the golden tresses of her shorter twin, the guilt in her burgundy eyes became bigger each time Alicia sobbed.
"Seeing you in pain remind me a lot of things, Fate-chan…those memories, when I couldn't protect you….Do you know that I almost thought I had lost you forever..You idiot..Always putting the others' safety above yourself…"
"I'm sorry…nee-san….I am…really sorry…."
"Never hide your pain again…Fate-chan…or else.."
"Or else you will torture me with those horrible films, right?" Fate chuckled while Alicia pouted. "It's not that bad, you're making that sound like a horror movie.."
"Spending hours watching two people arguing then making up with cheesy lines isn't something interesting to do, nee-san.."
"You said like you actually watched, if I remembered correctly, you fell asleep as soon as the movie started.."
"That was because it was too boring..i mean..falling in love with someone after watching her cleaning her glasses? Don't you think it's too blame.."
Said the girl who unconsciously falls in love with another girl after seeing her sleeping in the rain even though she never saw her face.. Alicia thought mentally. But didn't I just the same as her..Except for the part "never saw".
A short haired brunette appeared in her head, who patiently fed a newborn cat.
"You're very lacking vitamin R, you know, sister dear.." Her voice was neutral, maybe a little mocking.
"Vitamin….R?" Fate widened her eyes, she had never heard of that kind of vitamin before. "Are you sure, nee-san, because I'd never heard of Vitamin R until now…"
Alicia smirked at her sister's confused face "It's vitamin R-O-M-A-N-T-I-C.."
"Nee-san, stop teasing me.."
"I never tease you, Fate-chan.." Alicia cleaned her tears, Fate smiled along with her as she also wiped away her ones.
"Nee-san.."
"Humm?"
"Thank you…"
"Silly girl, I'm your sister after all.."
They silently enjoyed the peaceful air, leaning against each other shoulders. The snow was falling thickly now, making the view before them dye in white. Alicia stared a little, snow and white…just like that person…
"Fate-chan…You really care for Nanoha-chan, don't you..?"
"Nanoha…" At this question, Fate's cheeks went red. "Of course, I care for her, she is my…!"
My what? Acquaintance? "Newly-met"? Friend? Or..
"She is your what?" Alicia amused.
"My…"
"Ha…my sister is stuttering." She beamed "Fate-chan…even though you're the Ace in academic, you're just too dense in this aspect."
"Nee-san…" Fate whined. "By the way, you were the one bringing her to the infirmary, right?"
"Eh!?"
"So that's mean you knew about the bullies.." Fate frowned, facing Alicia's innocent smile.
"What do you mean "bullies"..? Nanoha-chan said that she was tired, so I helped her to go to the infirmary, nothing really happened at all.."
"….." Fate sighed, knowing that her sister was too stubborn to speak out the truth. "Anyway, thank you.."
"Why did you thank me for? It's my responsibility too." To my sister in-law of course
"Eh?" But before Fate could ask the meaning of "responsibility", Bardiche's mechanical voice echoed in the room.
"Sir, upcoming call."
"Who is it, Bardiche?" The younger blonde narrowed, there weren't much people knew her contacting code.
"It's your brother, Sir Chrono.."
"Connect, please."
The monitor popped up in front of the twins, as soon as it appeared, Chrono's face showed up, with annoyance written in his eyes. And his blue haired, which always neat, had a messy look, probably because of the lack of sleep. Deep blue eyes managed to lighten up when they met the twins' faces.
"Hello there, Alicia, Fate.."
"Hi, nii-chan/san.."
"How is your work?" Alicia said worriedly, while Fate shot him a concerned glance.
"Not very good…" He sighed, looking troubled "They assigned Scrya to help me." His sisters nodded, knowing the true reason why he stressed like that, after all, he had always despised that ferret. "Anyway, we managed to find something about the case."
"You're investigating the GRAY Incident, aren't you?"
"Yes..The culprit seems to be an ancient- type mage. According to our newest meeting, he said something about The Great Sheol and his queen. And he even knew the Wolkenritter, stating that they once worked for the queen. What do you think?"
"Hm..There're two explanations for this, I think. One, his statements are true, there's actually a place called Sheol.." Sheol, I think I heard that name before "And a ruler, or queen as he said, rules that country, may be the Wolkenritter really worked for them before, as a system of the Book of Darkness." Fate frowned, the thought of Signum serving someone else besides Hayate was kind of strange, seeing the pink haired woman was so loyal to her friend. "Two, all of the things he said are wrong, as he tried to trick us with those excuses of him, he can work for the the terrorists, you know."
"We have thought about it, but his magic is so real." Chrono rubbed his hair.
"Wait, you mean those Sheol things are real?" Alicia rolled her eyes.
"There aren't any evidences yet, we still have to search more.."
"Why are you telling us this, nii-san?" Fate's voice was calm, almost knowing what he would say.
"I need your help, Enforcer Harlaown." Her brother turned into the proud Admiral he was within a second, making her slightly smile. "We really need some enforcers right now, as you know, the researcher is useless in this matter with his low magic abilities."
Another way to mock Scrya, good job, nii-chan. Alicia smirked. "Can I go with you two?"
"NO!" They yelled at the same time "The last time you went with us, it had become a mess, and I was blamed by mother." Chrono sweated, remembering the accident.
"Well, it wasn't my fault, he was the one who started it first!"
"And you practically broke all his ribs with your bare hands."
"Enhancing magic is my best." The second child of Harlaown family grinned innocently, making her brother and sister shiver. "And I can be your Medic, after all, my healing magic is good enough for this."
"I'll…think about that…But anyway, after the school, you must come here, Fate. I'll let the principal know about your…absence. See you later, imouto-chan."
Did nii-san just tease me? The youngest Harlaown chuckled, earning her sister attention.
"Tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow..And, nee-san.."
"Yeah?"
"You ruined my favorite shirt."
"Where is Hayate-chan and Nanoha-chan?" Shamal asked Zafira, who was laying on the floor in his wolf form, worriedly.
"They're outside.." The wolf glanced at the large crystal window, outside, there were two girls, one was cheering quite happily, and the other was trying to walk on her feet, only to fall after a few seconds.
"Nanoha-chan, I've told her not to stress herself and she is doing rehab at home? Hayate-chan doesn't even try to stop her." The woman sighed, at this, Zafira kept his calm tone but with some amusement in it.
"You know Nanoha, she'll probably do all her best to walk again, always a determined girl since we first met her."
It was rare, to hear Zafira praising someone, but Nanoha was special, she was the one who saved Hayate, their master, even though she had to fight against one of the most powerful person in the whole universe. She gave them a new chance, to have a normal life, without harming Hayate. They owed her, that kind-hearted girl. For that, the Wolkenritter respected her, and they were willing to help her. She was their friend, after all.
Shamal giggled slightly, but then a figure caught her eyes, Signum. The pink haired woman always looked tired and deep in thought after attending the previous mission, too much different from her usual cool and cold self. This, actually, was the first time Shamal had seen her at home, for she had been that mission until now. This was not good. She sighed. That person, a knight as she was, always hid away her emotions, making everyone confused many times. Even Zafira could relax his mind with his friend (Arf), why couldn't Signum do that? Didn't she trust them? They had been together for centuries for Saint Kaiser's sake!
"Signum."
"Shamal, you're home?" the knight was obviously forcing herself to smile at Shamal, which made the healer disappointed a bit.
"I'm always home." Her uncharacterist cold voice left Signum stun, before turning away to avoid her eyes. "Vita and you just returned?"
"A few minutes ago…Where's everyone?"
"Hayate-chan and Nanoha-chan are in the garden, Zafira's watching them." She then looked deep at the blue eyes before her. "How about you and Vita-chan?"
"Vita actually sleeps at the same moment we returned.."
"And you?"
"I'm fine.." This made the blonde bite her lips.
"Are you sure, I can…."
"Yes, I'm fine.." The person answered with her cold tone and Shamal flinch, never heard Signum talking like that before. Especially, with me…
"I understand….I still have to cook, you should take a rest now, Signum.."
"Shamal…" Signum said while the blonde making her way to the kitchen "I'm…really okay…no need to worry.."
"Okay.."
Signum let herself fell on the sofa as Shama's figure faded in distance. She held out her hand, trying to reach the image, but caught nothing.
"What did I just do..? Talking with her like that.." She face-palmed, feeling more tired than ever, Vincent's words echoed in her mind, leaving her more stressed than minutes ago.
A possibility hit her head, what if everything he said was right? Then…
"No…" The knight almost lost in her thought when she heard a booming sound coming from the direction Shamal just went to. Immediately, she stood up, running with all her human speed, only to find a crest-fallen Shamal kneeling on the ground as the soup spilling everywhere.
"Shamal." She knelt down, shaking the woman slightly.
"Ouch." The knight of the lake quickly held her hand, like she just remember her fingers were hurt, they were a little red, showing that the woman had had some soup falling on her hand when the pot dropped.
"Are you-…?" Signum hesitatingly asked, concern filled in her blue eyes.
"I can heal it." Shamal said almost too fast, as green light surrounded her, easily healing her burn.
Shamal then continued to clean the mess, despite the pinkette's help, simply said that she could do it herself. Signum rubbed her head, it seemed like she was becoming more and more like a certain blonde haired sparring partner, worrying over the smallest thing. Na, Testarossa would only like that when it concerned her family, but for Signum, Shamal was her love, the only one she had ever loved. Knight of The lake, Shamal..
"-um…-ignum…Signum.."
"hm?" She faced the other woman once more.
"You can go to the living room now."
"Shamal."
"Yes?"
"May I help you to cook?"
"?" Shamal widened her eyes. "But I.."
"It has been a long time since I ever cooked, practicing will not harm anything.."
"Alright." Shamal mentally prayed, her cooking skills were something you could call "good", but Signum's were...This would not end well at all.
At the same time, the garden.
"Hayate-chan?" Nanoha asked when her friend suddenly shivered out of blue.
Why did I have this feeling?
"Anyway, don't try to stress your body, okay? It takes time to heal after all."
"I know.." Nanoha hesitated. I don't want to be useless.
"Oh look, it's snowing!" Hayate grinned as she caught a snow flower, eyes lightened by a happy gleam. "But a little soon, right, Nanoha-chan?"
"Yeah, a little too soon for my taste." The girl said, azure orbs surprised with the news. "The weather seems to be strange these days."
"It's October now.." The shorter one said "So it's only 1 month until the ranking test huh..?"
This had Nanoha nervous, the ranking test, hardly anyone wanted to be her partner, except for Hayate and Subaru, of course. But Hayate was a Long Range like her, and the rule only allowed different classes to co-operate (The principal said that would help both classes improve more) so that left Subaru from Melee. Unfortunately, she knew the girl would ask Teana Lanster to be her partner. Actually, Nanoha could do fine without a partner (she did it last year), however, with her condition right now, she was afraid that the academy wouldn't let her take part in, let alone finding a partner.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Nanoha mentally cursed her slow healing ability.
I'm so dead.
"Don't worry, Nanoha-chan." Hayate's voice was full of humor. "There will be someone you can ask to be your partner, a blonde, may be…"
Ba-dump..
"W-What are you talking about!?"
Ba-dump..
"Your skills are not good enough to pass my predator's eyes, miss I-Will-Blow-Up-Anything..Now, tell me, you want her right?"
"Want her" is too heavy, Hayate-chan!
"Eto…I…"
"It's fun, to see you lose your Soldier's aura, Nanoha-chan.." Hayate laughed.
"Mou, stop your teasing, Hayate-chan." Nanoha pouted, looked like a puppy with her I-Am-Innocent eyes. "Don't make fun of Fate-chan and me."
"Who said I was talking about Fate-chan, it could be Alicia, too." The Mistress of the Night Sky smirked, but mentally feeling jealous of the thought Nanoha being close to her crush. "Your reaction is too negative."
Negative?
"She is important to you, isn't she?" The knowing smile on Hayate face made Nanoha blush and start to playing with her fingers nervously.
"Why-Why did you ask?"
"Just curious, but it always a mystery to me, Fate-chan and your display of affection."
Thump!
Nanoha's heart beats fastened, unknowingly to her mind. Images of a blonde haired beauty interrupted the existence of everything around her. That smile, that face, that burgundy eyes, that gentle touch..She….didn't want….to lose them.. to someone else, someone that wasn't….her. Wait! Fate didn't belong to her! That girl, she…
What if….I really lost Fate-chan….?
No, that thought was too painful, even compared to her legs, much more painful. She couldn't stand seeing the blonde being with anyone! It was like Nanoha knew, the day that wonderful person left her, would be her death.
Fate-chan…What have you done to me…I can't let you go anymore..
"Nanoha-chan…you look pale.." Hayate said worriedly, making the girl flinch, snapping out of her thought.
"I'm…fine…" Her own voice sounded broken, without its usual tone.
"You know…I'll only say this once.." The shorter girl smiled, sadness took over the light in her sapphire-liked eyes "Don't give up..or you'll lose the sight of your most precious thing.."
"Hayate-chan.." The brunette bowed, noticing her best friend's words filled with regret.
Reinforce…
"Ha.." She wiped away the almost-falling tears "Sorry, I'm a little sensitive..After all the things that had happened.."
"I'm sorry.."
"Why would you be sorry…I should be the one who said it…" For failing to save her and you… "Wow, it's almost dinner's time, let get inside, Nanoha-chan.."
"Um.." Was Nanoha's answer, knowing to well that her friend was trying to cover her pain. "Hayate-chan.."
"Hum?"
"We're here, with you. And she always exists, in your heart." The girl smiled, as her azure's orbs shined with caring light.
"Shouldn't I be the one who comfort you?" Hayate chuckled "Thank you, Nanoha-chan.." Thank you, for saving me.
"You're welcome, Nyahaha.."
Even if the world turned against you, I, your best friend, would stand beside you, even after you have someone to love. For you, who gave me a new life.
Mistress of The Night Sky then stared at the falling snow, as she slowly remembered one of the members of her family, the one that had satisfied herself for everyone's happiness, for protecting Hayate, Reinforce. Another piece of memories appeared along with that one, the moment she laid her eyes on that girl, the girl who stole her heart.
Do you think I should confess to her? She mentally asked.
Vincent trailed across the walls of the castle to the main hall, where he knew, the queen was waiting with his comrades.
Comrades? Such a high word.. He smirked, those idiots were not deserve to be called his comrades. They were just a bunch of flatterers, who tried to speak high of the queen, and he thought, they didn't even being loyal to her. A knight as he was, this was a disgrace. To have such fools in this holy place.
From a far, he could hear his fake praises to her majesty. A high-pitched voice, filling with such sweetness and loyalty that made Vincent sick in the stomach. Only Gerrand Ford could have that kind of voice.
Stepping inside, and bowing to the queen with respect, he met the mocking gaze of that guy, a young man with long red hair and a pair of blackest orbs.
"Your majesty, you called me?"
"Vincent, I see you've done your job well." The queen said in her usual boring tone. "Good work."
"Thank you, your majesty."
"But I have another mission for you." She looked at Gerrand "Show him."
"Basically, you need to find this artifact and bring it back..According to the researchers, it locates in the old palace ruin of our enemy kingdom.." Gerrand then turned on a monitor, which had a picture of the artifact on its screen and Vincent immediately realized what it was through his emerald eyes. "I take that you've seen this before." The red haired man chuckled like a girl, much to Vincent's annoyance.
"The treasure of Eden.. And where is it?"
"Impatient huh?" Gerrand grinned while the green-haired man growled under his voice. "The location is, Lacrimis Academy."
"?"
Although he belonged to the dark kingdom, Vincent Duccati was a knight, and a knight would never hurt innocent people. And this academy, it contained of hundreds of people. He slightly hissed, glaring so intensely at Gerrand, knowing that the man had used this to mock and insult him.
"What? It's not my fault that it's in that stupid school!"
"You wont make me disappointed, will you, Vincent?" The queen words echoed in his mind, making the man bite his lips in frustration.
"Yes, my queen."
"Gerrand'll go with you, so that the mission will go well."
He nodded, then bowed his head once more, slowly exited the hall with Gerrand behind him. The red head smirked, as he saw Vincent grumbling.
"What's with the long face. At least, you'll meet someone you know there.."
"Someone?"
"Like….Knight of the Lake or even, her majesty."
"Who?"
"Her majesty, you know.." Gerrand chuckled "I don't think you'll forget her that soon, after 1600 years.."
"There're a lot of her majesties.." Vincent faked his sentence, of course he knew who it was..Only one person could hold that special place in Gerrand and his mind.
"You're no fun at all, Vin~"
"Shut up, you idiot.."
"Ha, I can't wait to meet Knight of Iron Hammer again, she's always easy to tease.." Black eyes beamed.
"Yeah right, the last time you teased her , your house almost turned into ashes.."
Speaking of that, Signum's stunned face is so funny.
"So, what's the plan?"
"Cause ruckus, blow up things and steal the artifact, easy.."
"You know, the artifact is inside the earth."
This time, Vincent stared at Gerrand in disbelief. "You're kidding, wanting to drill through the earth is ridiculous, I'm a smart destructor, not a stupid bastard."
"Are you scared, Duccati? Then why don't you just stand and watch me do it?"
Sometimes, I really want to tear off that guy's head.
Maybe the next time I'll update a side story :d Gomen ne, Cleide
