The Right Kind of Wrong
Chapter 10: It Starts Now
Perspectives in Bold.
Lyrics and time changes in Italics.
Music:
Come With Me by Phil Collins
Every Time You Go Away by Paul Young
Right Here Waiting by Richard Marx
Translations:
Pax vobiscum roughly means May peace be with you. (Plural)
Amor est vitae essentia means Love is the essence of life.
Amor caecus est means Love is blind.
Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN or the music.
Nanoha
Silence... awkward silence. Fate finished her song, but the both of us remain seated without a word to each other. I don't know if I should say anything or remain quiet as she stares at the flames. There are so many things I want to say... so many things I want to ask... but I don't say anything at all. Unable to continue the silent party I try...
A shrieking brat cut me off, "OH MY GOSH!"
"Why ya' runnin' Teana?" A wet, half clothed Subaru shouts while sprinting across the grass after her partner in crime.
"'Cause they can see us! Dumbass!" Teana yells back, running towards the house from the woods in her naked glory.
Beside me Fate rolls her eyes, "I can't believe this. Too much damn freedom." The purple-haired girl finally notices our presence, even stopping to look at us.
She waves, "Hehe... Sorry."
"Save it! Get that naked ass in the house! You're gonna make me lose my dinner."
Ignoring Fate's requests Subaru asks, "And just what were you two doin' in this romantic settin'? And I ain't naked." Completely shameless.
"I see a whole lot of white... that's naked enough!." Fate shouts back to her.
"Don't look then." In shock continue watching the argument. Subaru casually stands there in her blue panty and bra, hand on hip, talking back to Fate, "I didn't hear you accept my apology. Quite rude if I may say so."
Just hearing the large intake of breath I know Fate's patience is wearing thin, "Subaru," It isn't spoken loudly. Her voice was low and steady... but absolutely terrifying. The very air around us seemed to charge with electricity, "If you don't get in that house in three seconds. I WILL hurt you." The scary calm threat had Subaru seeking the safety of the house. As she ran away I heard Fate counting under her breath. Picking up a rock, she aims. As soon as Fate hit three, Subaru made it to the stairs. The blonde pitches the rock towards Subaru's behind. However instead of a cry of pain came a loud thwack. Fortunately the troublemaker made it into the house before the missile could hit her.
"Wow." Staring up at Fate, "Wasn't that a bit harsh? Lucky you missed, right?"
"Missed..." Fate looks at me as if I insulted her, "I don't miss. That was just a warning. Hopefully she'll think twice next time." She pauses, "But she probably won't. The hell with it."
"And you call me violent." Before another fight erupts I end it, "Never mind. I'm not saying anything."
"You already did. But, that's enough bickering for one day." Fate turns her back to me to look into the woods. "It's getting late. Let's go to sleep."
"You're right." I don't want to sleep yet, but I also can't ask my questions right now, so I surrender. Fate douses the fire as I walk to the house. Not hearing any footsteps behind me I turn around to see if the blonde is following only to be greeted by the most ethereal sight. Lit by the reflection of the moon off the lake's surface she truly appears to be an angel. Glowing golden locks creating a halo, even her skin has that same golden tint in the moonlight. Pulling myself out of the void I manage to say something, "Beautiful..." Oh good God I need to get in that house. But what is she doing? "Fate are you coming?" The Earth angel turns towards me however when her eyes initially meet mine they have this reflective quality to them. In a split second it was gone. It was almost like a cat or a dog when you shine the light in their eyes. I didn't even drink that much... I think.
"Yeah, right behind you."
"Okay." Turning to go up the stairs, footsteps quickly trailed behind me. "Do you always walk that fast?"
"Does my walking offend you?"
"No." I have a little too many things on my mind to play-fight tonight. Inside the house, I look over my shoulder to see Fate carrying Arf in one arm and gently placing her guitar against the wall. Moving towards my room I refuse to look into those wine-red eyes so over my shoulder I say, "Goodnight."
"Nanoha?" I stop, "Umm... never mind. Goodnight." Allowing myself one last glance I see her strained shoulders bearing the weight of more than I could fathom.
What in the world am I doing? Sighing as I find refuge behind the closed door. Am I... Could I have really fallen... Ohh... This isn't good. As I lay down one question repeats in my mind. I have the answer, but my mind won't allow it to be said. This isn't good.
Normal Perspective
Nanoha awakes to the slightest creaking of wooden floors at five o'clock in the morning. She hadn't anticipated anyone would be getting up, yet except for her who had been unable to sleep all night with dozens of questions plaguing her mind. Quietly exiting her bed she throws on a robe and stealthily exits her room.
At the same time Fate with Arf right behind her try to escape out the front door unnoticed. Briskly walking out the front door she heads towards the woods unaware of her stalker. Clothed in tennis shoes, black shorts and a black long-sleeve shirt she starts on the path until the cracking of a branch captures her attention along with a whisper, "Dammit!"
Immediately stopping she already knows who it is, "Step out from behind the tree... please." The follower remains silent, "Nanoha, I know it's you. Please come out." Nanoha reveals herself in a pink robe with pink bunny slippers and an innocent expression.
"...Sorry."
"Go back to the house."
"Where are you going?"
"It's none of your..." The golden blonde knows it's a battle she won't win so she pauses to reconsider, "Look you can't come with me in pajamas."
"So?" Nanoha ask, confused by change of heart.
"So... go change into hiking clothes and you can come." The brunette remains skeptical, "Don't worry. I'll wait. Go back." Near to begging, "Trust me I'll wait..." Reluctantly Fate admits, "I'd like to show you something, if you'll come with me?"
"Okay." Getting ready in record time Nanoha returns to Fate's side in the forest. "Where are we going?" Curiosity got the best of the blue-eyed girl.
"You'll just have to wait and see." Fate extends a hand to the brunette, guiding her through the dimmly lit woods. They begin their journey through the forest with intertwined hands.
I'll try to make the sun shine brighter for you
I will even play the fool if it makes you smile
I'll try to make you laugh if there's a tear in your eye
After all is said
After all is done
I'd do anything for you
Come with me, close your eyes
Hold my hand, it'll be alright
Don't be scared, don't be shy
Lift your head it's gonna be alright
"How can you even see the path?"
"Good question. Arf knows where we're going so I'm just following her."
"Lovely. So we're following a puppy?"
"A wolf." The brunette looked unconvinced by such logic while the Fate just smiled.
"A puppy." Nanoha mumbled under her breath.
"Heard that."
I'll try to make the stars shine brighter for you
And I'll take you on my shoulders, hold you way up high
I'll even chase the rainbow hanging in the sky
Cause after all is said
After all is done
I'd do anything for you
Come with me, close your eyes
Hold my hand, it'll be alright
Don't be scared, don't be shy
Lift your head it's gonna be alright
An hour later the sun had risen sending rays of light through the tall trees. The forest came alive with the sounds of chirping and scurrying of woodland creatures. Nanoha witnessed a squirrel carrying an acorn up into a hole in an oak tree along the journey. Breathing heavily she finally gives into her mounting curiosity,, "Are... we... there... yet?"
"No." Turing to check the condition of her companion Fate couldn't fight being concerned, "What's wrong? I thought you were a P.E. Instructor."
"Air... too... thin." Came the staggered response. "And... I... am... a... security... guard."
"I don't think I'd trust you protecting anything."
Finally regaining her breath, Nanoha glared at her guide, "I said the air is thin. You... you're some kind of... I don't know. But there's something wrong with you. I can't believe you're not even sweating."
Ignoring Nanoha's insinuations of being other-worldly, the blonde turns her attention to the cavern entrance before them. "We aren't there yet, but at least we're at the door." Fate walks into the beginning of the cave.
Through the eyes of innocence
You will find, you will see
There'll come a time it all makes sense
And you won't know, but it will show inside, deep inside
Come with me, close your eyes
Hold my hand, it'll be alright
Don't be scared, don't be shy
Lift your head it's gonna be alright
"Wait a minute!"
"What now?"
"Let me get this straight." Nanoha points out her problem with the situation, "You want me to go inside a dark, dingy cave. That probably has a bear in it. Simply... because... a red puffball is guiding us into it. Are you CRAZY?"
Raising her palms to calm the brunette, Fate tries to soothe her apprehension, "Two things." The golden girl raises one finger, "First we're not just going into the cave, we're going through it. And it's not that dark... well for me. Anyways, number two..." The guide smiles as she shares the good news, "There's probably more than one bear."
"Forget it. I'm out of here. I don't do bears." As Nanoha turns to leave red eyes turn desperate.
"Wait! Don't... don't go. Please." Maybe it is the desperation in the blonde's voice, but the brunette slowly turns around to hear her out, "Please come with me, Nanoha." She pauses to control her voice, "I'm not the very good at opening up to people. Always being around one person... it's different for me. But with you... it's easier... well not always." Pulling herself out of her musings she gets back to the point. "I want to show you who I am. So, please let me share this with you. And I promise it'll be worth it." Burgundy eyes fall to the pine needles on the forest floor reluctant to see the result of her pleas. Nanoha walks up to her angel knitting their hands together.
With a firm squeeze on Fate's hand, "Lead the way." Both girls felt the surge of warmth fill them as they began walking in the cave. As the outside light fades away, Nanoha stumbles over the uneven cave floor while Fate with her natural grace avoids all hazards. Even catching Nanoha before she fell completely.
I'll try to make the days last longer for you
From the daybreak, 'til the sunset, 'til the end of time
I'll keep you safe, away from the heartache
Cause when all is said
And when all is done
I'd do anything for you
Come with me, close your eyes
Hold my hand, it'll be alright
Don't be scared, don't be shy
Lift your head it's gonna be alright
Sighing heavily the blonde caves, "That's it. I can't have you covered in scraps and scratches by the time we reach."
"I can't help it. There's no light. And... and you've probably been here before so you're cheating."
"This isn't a competition... ugh... forget it. Come on just get on." Fate bent down to allow Nanoha to climb on her back.
"..."
"Just get on!"
"No. You're going to get the both of us injured... or worse."
"TRUST ME?"
"Mou... you didn't need to shout."
"I'm sorry. I can easily carry you... and we'll probably get there faster. Okay?" Fate had suffered through enough fighting with the headstrong woman. After a tense standoff Nanoha gives in and climbs onto Fate's back. Holding Nanoha's thighs firmly, but causing no pain to her. Fate begins to walk forward into the darkness without difficulty. The red-eyed woman's breathing steady and easy. Soon she increases her speed.
"You don't have to go so fast. We'll get there soon enough I'm sure."
Snickering at her passenger's comment, "Hold on tight..." Jogging, Fate continues to gain speed. The brunette held on as she was instructed while the cool wind hit her face. Her eyes shut praying the blonde escort wouldn't trip in the almost pitch black cave. Fate rounds a tight turn yet maintains control. However the thud of paws and deep breathing from an unknown source causes her passenger to tighten her grip.
The sound of rushing water captures the terrified brunette's attention along with the slowing pace of her steed. Eyes adjusting to the incoming light at the end of the tunnel. Nanoha manages to focus on the source of the noise. Sunlight streams through a wall of water. In front of the pair, a waterfall at the cave exit. Looking down Nanoha's jaw fell in awe as a waterway lie to their right. "No way... no way... let me down." Despite having to carry Nanoha and run through an underground maze Fate had a light sheen of sweat on her forehead and kept a steady pace to her breathing. Sapphire eyes fill with curiosity of what lay beyond the light blue curtain after watching Arf run through. Almost doing the same until Fate catches her arm.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Well Arf went thorough... so I thought."
"You thought wrong."
"We're suppose to follow the puppy."
"We followed her as far as possible."
"So we can't go through."
"It's not that. We just need to wait for..." At that moment two large shadows appeared behind the curtain. Two wolves glare threateningly at the pair as each creature stalks close to the sides of entranceway on the dry banks. Fate quickly positions herself in a defensive stance in front of Nanoha. "...that." Noticing a shifting Nanoha, Fate warns her, "Stand your ground." The grayish blue wolf in front of Fate releases a low, threatening growl.
"Right..." Nanoha clenched Fate's shoulder.
"Pax vobiscum." Fate smiles and kneels extending her hand to for the wolf to smell while the wolf with green fur jumps across the water to stand on the same side. After moment all the tension that had been building diminishes as the fierce creature turns soft. The blue wolf moves forward to attack Fate with licking. Ruffling the thick fur Fate giggles at the ticklish feeling, "Okay, okay. Enough Muco," Pushing the large wolf away, "Lead the way." With that the wolves turned to walk back through the curtain. During the exchange Nanoha stood in complete shock, jaw hanging open.
"What just happened? The wolf has a name?"
"We got clearance. Let's go." Fate nonchalantly points out as she walks toward the waterfall.
"Since when do wolves understand... whatever it is that you spoke."
"Oh that." Fate places her pointer finger to her chin as if to think about it. "I just thought it would look cool." Smiling she runs through the exit.
"FATE!" Nanoha follows her through. "Don't leave me in here..."
Nanoha
"HOLY... HOLY MOTHER! What is this place?" I'd ran through the water and into Fate's back. Before I could reprimand her sudden stop I caught sight of something so unique, so unbelievable I had lost my breath.
"Welcome to Arcadia." The two wolves had already vanished.
"Arcadia... What is Arcadia?"
"It used to be a volcano then it caved in to create this crater. As you can see its still quite high up since that fog above us never disappears." Looking up she was right a thick layer of mist blanketed the hidden paradise. "It stays fairly damp all year that's why everything is green." She was right. The huge trees were covered in moss and the open meadow completely green. When I looked over the field near some woods I saw various colored shapes moving around. Upon further scrutiny I noticed there were at least fifty wolves from adults to puppies all in one area.
"Are those..."
Noticing my line of sight, Fate smiled, "Yep. They're all wolves. This is their home. One of 'em at least." She stepped forward and took hold of my hand to lead me. "Come on. I'll show you the pack."
Like a kid in a candy store I absorbed every single sight into my memory. On the edges of the river we walked away from were flowers of different colors and several trees covered in pink and purple blossoms. "How did you find this?"
"I didn't. We were led here remember?"
"Yeah right." Without sarcasm of course.
"Hahaha." Fate laughed at my disbelief.
"It's like another world."
"Yeah... we're not in Kansas anymore."
"You were waiting say that?"
"Maybe."
"So lame." I laughed at the cute blush that adorned Fate's cheeks.
"Hey!"
"Okay now that I'm sort of over my shock about this place... HOW THE HELL DID YOU RUN THAT FAST?"
"I'm right next to you! Don't yell!" Taking a breath to compose herself. "I pass."
"What?"
"I pass on that question. I don't need to answer it."
"That's not fair."
"What's not fair is that you're always asking me questions but I never get to ask you any."
My eyes narrowed... because she was right. "Okay, ask away."
"I will, but I think you'll be a bit distracted." Fate said as she pointed to the wolf pack. There were at least twenty adults. Along with older wolves, groups of pups played together wrestling and chasing each other's tails.
"Their so cute. Can we really be this close?" I was suffering from an overwhelming cute dosage.
"If we couldn't get this close we would have already known. Watch." Fate walked up to the pups who turned their attention to the intruder. She looked each one in the eye, then quickly stepped towards them then backwards, arms flailing in the air all the while similar to a bear. The pups caught on to the antics of their new playmate and began to surround her. In a coordinated strike all the puppies jumped up in an attempt to tackle Fate to the ground. The blonde faked defeat and groaned as though injured as her attackers continued barking. At that moment I saw a red streak flying through the air and... WHAM! Landing paws firsts on Fate's chest the furry bullet with all of her momentum sent Fate backwards, "Ugh... Arf!" Said criminal finished off her victim with by slobbering on her face.
I didn't think it could get any cuter than a dozen puffballs but I was wrong. I was probably wearing a stupid 'oh my gosh this so cute' grin on my face but I couldn't resist. I sat down next to my defeated friend and plucked off her red leach. "So that's how to play with them, huh?"
"Something like that." Arf wriggled to get free so I released the mongrel. We watched as she began to play with her companions. "Well, looks like I'll have to get revenge." Fate and I chased and wrestled with the little rascals.
After officially tired ourselves out... or at least I was exhausted. I collapsed in the grass and released a long sigh. I was never this content in my life. Then again... remembering yesterday's events... snakes and such... I sat up quickly to look around. Unable to see any legless creatures around I gave up I laid down once more. My clothes were slightly damp from the waterfall, but that didn't bother me. Questions once again came to mind, "Tell me. How did you find this place?"
"Unfortunately, there aren't any snakes here... poisonous ones at least"
"You're avoiding the question." Fate laid down beside me.
"I told you. I was led here... but I do know the way." She paused, "This crater has sheer cliffs around it so you can't get in, especially with the fog. Climbing would be dangerous. A person could probably take a helicopter in but it would scare off all the wolves. The underground passages here a maze. So basically it's impossible to get here if you've never been to Arcadia before. Therefore, I was led here."
"There's no simple answer with you is there?" She chuckled at my response.
"Yep, and now I get my question."
"Go ahead."
"What was it like growing up in Uminari City?"
"I don't know. I mean... my parents own a bakery. Whenever I wasn't going to school I'd help out there. School was school. Nothing much to say about that." I thought about it, "I have two friends that keep my life interesting. Arisa Bannings and Suzuka Tsukimura. Arisa is a multimillionaire heiress." Ugh... I'm surrounded by rich people. "She loves dogs so she'd be on cloud nine if she was here. Umm... hates having things kept from her. Suzuka is rich too. Why do I have so many rich friends?"
"You're a moocher." Fate said it plainly.
"Fate!" I restrained myself from any physical punishment. "No I'm not. Anyways when we were younger Arisa used to bully Suzuka until I stood up to her."
"You fought with her didn't you?" I glared at my companion because she was right.
"Maybe."
"Knew it."
"Moving on. Suzuka is really nice and she has this mansion with an unknown number of cats." I saw Fate cringe at the mention of cats. "Don't like cats?"
"No... just I haven't had any positive experiences with cats."
"What happened?"
"Nothing."
"Fine." I paused to think about my friends, "Oh, they're going out." Fate didn't say anything so I continued, "They can get irritating when they through these 'your perfect in every way' moments when we go shopping." I thought of the many times I ended up shopping alone because they wouldn't come out of the dressing room for an hour. Of course Yunno wasn't there so I ended up wallowing in self-pity because I felt lonely. Fate probably detected my discomfort with the topic so she pressed onward.
"What about your family?" She asked while she twirled a blade of grass.
"My parents act like newlyweds... it can be overwhelming." I didn't want to say anything negative because there I was talking to a person without any parents... in a way. I guess I should feel lucky. "They're caring, but they work nonstop."
"Siblings?"
"Yeah my brother, Kyoya, and my sister, Miyuki. We're close but they spend most of their time together so... yeah."
"In other words, you were always the third wheel." It's nice to have someone understand for once.
"Yeah."
"I can understand that." It might be selfish but I was actually glad she did. Our conversation faded, but Fate renewed the line of questioning. "What about sports? Or clubs?"
"I did whatever I could. From martial arts to soccer. Anything to get away from working at the bakery. That's probably why I wanted to study kinesiology. I just... I just wanted to keep moving." Because maybe if I was always moving there wouldn't be anytime to think about how lonely I felt. Even as I was surrounded by friends.
"Keep moving?"
"Don't get swept up the current. I wanted to live... to feel alive. When I did sports, I'd always be running... always going someplace. The wind flying by feels makes it feel like you're going somewhere."
"I see."
"When I was twelve I just started to notice things were being planned for me. Everything laid out. Although they don't say it I know my parents want me to take over the business. Don't get me wrong I'm grateful I just don't think I can live up to their expectations. Running a bakery, being happily married, staying at home to take care of children. I don't know if I can do... that."
"I think you could do it, but the question is... do you want to?"
"No." It was so simple to say, but impossible to tell my parents.
"A lot easier said than done, right?"
"Are you mind reader?"
"I'm an observer of human nature." Fate said in a serious voice.
"Wow. I'm impressed." Both of us share a light-hearted laugh.
"So what is it that you really want from life... in general?" There was something that immediately came to mind, but I'd die of embarrassment if I told Fate. "Security guard can't be the job you want to have for the rest of your life. You can't hide behind a job like that forever." She can read me so easily its almost scary. I originally took my guard job escape working at the bakery, but I actually enjoy it for the most part.
"It's not that bad. I kind of like it." Thinking about it seriously, "But your right, I can't do it forever." I did like the weapons training part of it though. "Truthfully, I have no idea. After getting fired from teaching I kind of just gave up. What about you?"
"What about me?"
"Well is being a vet the profession you wanted?"
"Yes and no."
"Hm?"
"Similar to you, being a vet is my way of escaping."
"From what. I don't remember you talking about any family obligations."
"Hahaha." It was a laugh without humor, "I have too many obligations to speak of." She paused, "My father owned a business. Testarossa Electricity."
"That explains it all."
"Ah yes. The 'rich and perfect' image I believe you spoke of."
"Yeah, yeah."
"I own fifty-one percent of the shares in the company."
"How do you do it all?"
"I'm not human." Fate said in serious voice.
"Funny."
Released a sigh, "I know." Fate sighed again, "I just do it. I could've just run the company, but I didn't want to. I was afraid I wouldn't live up to my father's image. Even now I do the minimal amount of work. My father left behind these huge footsteps. I've always been afraid I wouldn't be able to fill them. Doing something different from him means no one can compare us."
"Understandable." We lay in silence.
"Who chose such sad questions?"
"Hahaha." Laughing at her attempt to break our gloomy mood I try my own method, "I don't know. Oh I have happier ones."
"Alright."
"Okay I already know what your favorite color is so I won't bother with that one but what is..." She cut me off.
"Whoa there. And what do you think my favorite color is?"
"Black."
"Okay maybe you do. And what's yours... pink?"
"Wrong. I used to like white and blue."
"What is it now?"
"Um..." Would she know if I said it, "It's a tight race between gold and dark red." Yes it was between those silky strands of hers that I wanted to run my fingers through and those eyes that I constantly get lost in.
"Hmm..."
"Anyways," I couldn't let her think about it, "Favorite food?"
"Steak... a juicy steak... Wrap it in bacon and it's even better."
"That's so unhealthy. Vegetarians around the world are crying right now because you."
"Ahem, you said FAVORITE food. No rules as to what kind of food. Now you. What is it... salad?"
"No. Pizza... pizza drowning in cheese. I mean it has ooze off the side."
"Hahaha... you're such a fatty!" Fate rolled over, laughing at my passionate declaration about cheese pizza.
"Shut up!" I sat up and punched her back.
"An abusive, hypocritical, fatty!" The blonde continued to laugh. So I resort to dirty tactics... I pull her hair. "Ahhhh... okay, okay."
"Good." After letting go, she massaged her scalp.
"Geez, I put my hair in front of me when I carried you to avoid getting my hair pulled. Only to have it pulled later." She returned to laying down.
"Let it be a lesson to you." Maybe I was a little to harsh. "Sorry."
"Whatever bipolar." I couldn't resist the urge to hit her in the stomach with my arm. "Aww... lesson learned." As Fate massaged her stomach, she asked, "Why do you love pizza? You're Japanese."
"Doesn't mean I wouldn't know what pizza is. I watch American movies." I confessed, "Hayate introduced me to it. It's the devil's food. I just... can't stop eating it."
"Don't worry. You're not the first Hayate has corrupted with pizza. I'm just surprised you're not rounder."
"Rounder? I'm surprised you haven't had a heart attack."
"Pfft. Here's a random one. Where'd you learn to shoot?"
"Pass. What about you?"
"Pass."
"You passed earlier." I had to know more about her.
"No, if you pass I get to pass." Fate explained her logic
"Fine."
"Fine." We're both stubborn... so I wouldn't find out... yet.
Among the many questions about the angel. One always came to mind, "How do you go from southern accent to something I can actually understand?"
"Hm... I consider it camouflage."
"What?"
"I'm a major shareholder in a company that bears my name. Of course I need to be able to properly communicate with others." She placed further thought on it, "Then, I return to this place. It's just a matter of blending in."
"I see." One question laid to rest... one hundred more to go. Before I could get out the next one Fate beat me to it.
"Favorite movie?"
"Don't laugh."
"Okay. Not laughing."
"Serendipity." Since there was no outburst I explained my chick flick choice, "It's romantic to me. One fateful night, two strangers find their soulmate." Fate simply smiled at my choice, "You?"
"Favorite movie... hmm... Pass."
"You CANNOT pass on that."
"Okay, but don't you dare laugh. Don't tell Signum too. I told her it was The Dark Knight."
"Agreed." However it's hard since I was already reeling over the adorable, embarrassed face she wore.
"The Notebook." I waited for her explanation, "You know... holding onto love for that long... and cherishing it your whole life. Never wanting to leave someone's side... ever again." I felt my heart tighten at her words. Never wanting to leave someone's side... I pictured Fate when she said those words.
"How I could ever laugh at that." Her gentle smile returned.
I reached down to hold her hand. Not with the desire to comfort her, not to tell her she isn't alone. No, in that moment I needed to hold onto some part of her because the moment seemed too perfect... too fragile. I was terrified that I'd blink and she'd be gone.
Each second that passed made the desire to be closer to her stronger. I turned over to lay my head upon her heart. I savored the sound of every beat. My eyes closed lost in her warmth as strong arms hold me close and traced slow circles on my back.
I thought about what brought me here. How I ended up in these arms? I don't understand it. Why her? Why now? Similar questions plagued me the night before. The answer. I've tried to refuse many times but in her arms, I didn't believe I had the strength to deny it any longer. In the private paradise we enjoyed each other's comfort and feared the end. But goodbye was necessary.
Fate whispered into my ear, "We better go," I wanted to fight to remain as we were, but time stops for no one. We both had lives to return to.
"Right." We stood up to clean off, then headed back to the cave. Fate's loyal follower at her heels. I wonder why, "Fate?"
"Hm?"
"Why doesn't Arf stay here with the others?"
"Trust me when I say I've tried to get her to stay here but she refuses every time. Always follows me back out."
"What happened to her mother?"
"She was the first wolf to be killed." Fate said without emotion, "We found Arf underneath her. Probably ran away from the location she was shot in and carried Arf to safety." Fate looked at Arf her burgundy eyes turn soft, "Arf only injured her paw when her mother collapsed, but... for while I thought she might die. Little rascal wouldn't eat or play. I took her home with me. Even then she did nothing for three days. Third night though... I um.. left steak out on the table and turned around to get something. When I came back she was already gnawing on the bone." Fate loved that troublesome puppy it was clear in her voice. "Tried releasing her because she'd be safe here. As you can see, she never stays." I knew why... I understood why.
"She loves you... so she'll never leave you." Fate stared at me in an attempt to decipher my words.
She gave up and turned her attention to the waterfall. On the other-side Fate bent down and I climbed on without an argument. Truthfully, I was exhausted and receiving a free ride didn't sound bad.
After the fast ride through the cave we were back in the the woods. Fate finally appeared to be worn from the physical activity of the day. I couldn't believe she ran through two miles of underground tunnels with me on her back. However there was no time to daydream as we began our trek back. The walk back to the house had been a silent as we were both lost in our thoughts. When we arrived at the house it was already three in the afternoon. No one said anything when we arrived together, they carried with their own business. I was thankful for that because if anything was said about our lone adventures together I think I'd have a full body blush.
In the house, Fate and I ate lunch. Soon after we went about packing up to go home. Everyone said their goodbyes and began to leave.
"That was fun." Amy announced, lifting herself into the truck. Fate and I nodded in agreement too lost in our own musings to carry-on conversation. Amy didn't miss this. She gave this curious look.
Sooner than expected the house appeared before us and with the thought of goodbye. I didn't want to leave... not yet. I noticed a midnight blue dodge, "The guys are back." Many things flashed through my mind. The first being... Yunno was home.
"Must've have shot somethin'." Amy guessed.
"I don't think so." A look of concern flashed across the angel's face. However it quickly faded into a more thoughtful gaze, "I'm sure the guys will be happy to see the both of you."
"Best be glad." Amy declared.
"Yeah." I was still in a daze.
Immediately after Fate parked, Amy hopped out and made a bee line for the house. I lingered in the cab with Fate for as long as possible. "Are you coming inside?"
"No." She kept her gaze averted from mine.
"Okay... well... thanks for today... For the weekend. Goodnight, Fate." Even as I said that I remained in the truck waiting for her to say something... say anything.
"Nanoha, I..." Before she could start Chrono popped up alongside the driver side window.
"Hey there." Blue bear had great timing. "Is Amy in the house?" Fate nodded in response, "Good. I need to talk to you." Blue-gray eyes noticed my presence, "Hey Nanoha. Yunno's in the house. He's been dyin' to see ya'. Won't shut up about it. You should go." I was being chased away.
I took the small hint and gathered my things, "Bye Chrono. Bye Fate."
Baby, if we can't solve any problems
Why do we lose so many tears?
Oh, so you go again
When the leading man appears
Always the same theme
But can't you see we've got everything going on and on and on
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
"Goodbye... Nanoha." Why did she have to say it like that. As I opened the door I checked to make sure my happy face was on. Although I don't know how convincing it looked because I felt horrible inside.
"There's my girl!" Yunno shouted while running down the stairway, "Oh, I missed you." He picked me up and kissed me with force.
"It's wasn't that long Yunno."
"No. It was too long. I can't being away from you for that long." There was so much love in his green eyes. What emotion lay in mine? Why did all of this have to be so difficult? "Let me help you. I'll carry your bag."
"You don't have to."
"Don't worry about it. Now tell me how was the lake?" How could I tell him about the lake when I spent all of my time with his worst enemy. As I thought about my time with her I could feel my smile fade... The loneliness slowly consumed me. I just prayed it didn't show.
Go on and go free
Maybe you're too close to see
I can feel your body move
But doesn't it mean that much to me
I can't go on singing the same theme
Can't you see we've got everything
Baby, even though you know
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
Ohhhhhhh oooohhhh,
Every time you go away
Fate
I know I couldn't follow her into that house, but she took a part of me with her. She had stolen so much of me and I didn't even realize it until the moment she walked away.
I can't go on singing the same theme
Baby, can't you see we've got everything going on and on and on
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
Every time you go away
You take a piece of me with you
Ohhh,
Every time you go away
Yeah,
You take a piece of me with you
Oooooh,
Every time you go away
Yeah,
You take a piece of me with you
Ohhhhhhh oooohhhh
"Hey Fate!" Chrono waved his hands in front of me, "I need you to focus. We've got big problems."
"Sorry Chrono. What's up?"
He spoke softly, but with a serious tone that most didn't expect to hear from Chrono outside of the clinic, "We came back early because we found a wolf that was killed." He paused to let the pain settle in, "Johnny and I found him, Yunno was still sleeping so I checked it out. Fate," Chrono closed his eyes and inhaled deeply before he started again, "Fate it was drained. I don't know how they did it exactly. But Johnny and I both think they trapped him, then cut his neck to drain the blood and dumped the body. I don't get it. It's almost like they want us to know what their doing. Giving us signs..."
"They want us to know what their after... and who their after." I shut my eyes. Only one person would know about the side effects of wolf blood. "She knows... she's the only one who would have told someone."
"I already checked the asylum. She hasn't had any outside contact. Definitely no visitors. She's locked up in a padded cell... in straight jacket. The only people she'd see would be her doctors and nurses who wouldn't put any stock in the ramblings of a mad woman."
"She's not insane, Chrono. Not completely at least." It's true that she was condemned crazy. Her crimes were planned like that of a psychopath, but I knew better. "Somebody believes her. I think someone always has. They want it. They've officially declared a desire for it when they took the blood of a wolf. Tell Amy to alert everyone. Things are going to get worse from here on out. I'm sure we'll see them soon... the blood will only fuel the thirst they have now." I couldn't sort out all the puzzle pieces here. There was too much on my mind, "Be careful brother. I'm not sure who we can trust."
"I understand."
"Be sure to have Amy place all security systems up. Keep 'em running. Use only secure lines to contact anyone about this."
"Feels like were stepping into a war, don't it?"
"Unfortunately..." I smiled at him, "We might have to push back the wedding."
"Let's not bring that up just yet okay. I need to hope for the best. Amy is scarier than anything we're about to face." Give him the biggest guy in the bar to fight and he'll do it. Tell him to warn Amy about a wedding delay and he's running away with his tail between his legs. "That woman is making me old... fast." I laughed at his hopelessness. I reminded him of words he once told me, "Amor est vitae essentia."
At that he chuckled. Joking with each other was just a means of cooling our nerves. Without humor we'd be too edgy to appear normal, which we intended to do. His crooked smile appeared, "You've given me something to think about. So here. Amor caecus est." Love is blind... he winked at me, then walked away. Bastard... what's that mean. How can he just walk away after saying that. What is he ... Oh crap! It can't be. I've known her for a week and... and how did he know? I Pulled out of the driveway a steady chant ran through my mind. Not good... not good... not good...
Three hours later...
Not good... Not good. The phone rang and broke my trance. I answered the phone to hear Amy whispering over the line. Once she finished I couldn't say a word, I couldn't even breath. I fell onto the couch the chant of 'Not good' echoing louder in my mind.
Nanoha
Half-an-hour earlier...
We just finished dinner when Yunno stopped all of us from leaving the room, "Wait everyone. I... I have something I'd like to say." Still in a Fate induced trance I didn't really listen to what Yunno said. "Nanoha, you've met my family and they all love you. This past week has had some challenges for me to overcome. And you've helped me through them." What challenges? "I know we've been separated as well and I've come to realize that I hate being away from you. I need you by my side. So," Oh good God! Yunno got down on one knee, "Nanoha please make me the happiest man alive. Will you marry me?" Forest green eyes begged me for that one word as he popped open the little velvet box. The diamond was beautiful. But... Oh so complicated. I had a hard time breathing and my mouth hung open.
Eyes closed to avoid everyone's stare I swallowed then quietly said, "Undecided."
"What?" Yunno asked.
"You know. There's three choices, yes, no, undecided. I'm undecided." Since it wasn't clear to him, "I need some time to... you know think."
"Um..." I saw him swallow his hurt and fear, "Okay." He realized his family was still watching, "I need some air." I agree with that statement.
"Well, that was interesting. Goodnight." Chrono announced as he hurriedly left the dining room.
"Um... good luck thinking. Bye." It was the first time I saw Amy lost for words.
"Wow." Lindy repeated the word as she walked out and mumbled g'night as she left.
I walked upstairs officially exhausted from the day. I still didn't quite accept what took place downstairs. It was so sudden, it was so... so much. Why now? I dropped face first into the pillows. The need to hit something, to release the tension that had built within in me. I closed my eyes knowing what I had to do. But I know she'll probably hate me because of this. With that thought I fell asleep.
Fate
The wait to find out her decision was killing me. It was just before dawn and I'd had a restless sleep. I watched the woods hoping that just maybe she'd walk through those trees and into my arms. I don't know the moment I'd fallen, but I was in too deep now. I needed her. I wanted her here with me... now.
Oceans apart day after day
And I slowly go insane
I hear your voice on the line
But it doesn't stop the pain
If I see you next to never Wherever you go I took for granted, all the times Oh, can't you see it baby
How can we say forever
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
That I though would last somehow
I hear the laughter, I taste the tears
But I can't get near you now
You've got me goin' crazy
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
What are you going to choose, Nanoha?
Nanoha
I walked up the stairs to her loft. I knew the golden blonde heard me even with her headphones on, but she continued to stack the bales of hay. "Fate..." I begged for her attention.
She paused with the task and removed her gloves, "Amy told me."
"I see." I really didn't know how to tell her this. Will she think it was all a lie. I hoped not.
I wonder how we can survive
This romance
But in the end if I'm with you
I'll take the chance
Oh, can't you see it baby
You've got me goin' crazy
Wherever you go
Whatever you do
I will be right here waiting for you
Whatever it takes
Or how my heart breaks
I will be right here waiting for you
The angel turned to face me, "Well, congratulations. I... I'm..." I didn't allow her to assume.
"No!"
She looked curiously at me, "What?"
"I said no." She still looked puzzled, "I told Yunno I couldn't marry him."
I saw realization wash over her features. In her eyes I could see relief. But soon her expression returned to confused, "Why?" At that moment I should have told her the real reason. The reason I stood before her, but my old fears rose to the surface. The words that should have been said didn't come out. It was the biggest mistake I'd ever make in my life I just didn't know it yet.
"Two reasons." More like first was second, but at least I could say this one. "First... I'm investigating Yunno."