A/N: When writing this chapter, i was having my exams... in other words, i was desperate and nuts. I can only write a lot when I'm under stress. I was also aiming to complete this fic soon. What does that mean? It means it wasn't written properly. Do i care? Not really.
Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha
5ive
chapter 11
Shadow of my Blood
"I'm guessing it's because of the device she was using."
Teana explained, after the group had extracted the unconscious Tre from the forest. The damage was extensive, going further than just the surface. The Enforcer showed the group pieces of the shattered device Tre had been using.
"Some sort of magic was placed on the device, slowly changing the user. I'm guessing that whoever gave this device to her, must have wanted her to go berserk. But the amount and type of magic needed to change a personality of a cyborg this much in such a short amount of time is massive and rare. In addition, i cannot sense that much magic being placed into this device."
"So some sort of external force was influencing the effects?"
Ginga asked, and Teana nodded.
"Exactly. It would also explain this ridiculous AMF."
"You are right, it is far more draining than normal."
Subaru added.
"It would be more effective for you and Ginga to rely on your IS more than your magic."
Nanoha suggested, and the two sisters nodded. The ace of aces then turned to Cinque, who was conscious and resting on Wendi's board.
"Cinque-chan, you may need to sit out of this."
"No... There is something here that is important to both me... and Einzelganger."
Cinque looked to her device. The ancient Belkan device simply stayed silent.
"Is that item the Word of Time?"
Nanoha asked. Cinque nodded.
"It should be the cause of this huge disturbance, and the centre of it is the doctor."
"But who knows what effects this Lost Logia has? If you're not careful you might end up like Tre."
Teana warned. Cinque was well aware of the dangers of being this close to the powerful artefact, but it was still something she needed to do.
"I know... but only Einzelganger is capable of dealing with that artefact. As such, I must go."
"But your wounds-"
"Einzelganger."
Cinque turned to her device.
'Ja wohl, mein Souveran. Gleipnir form'
The blade transformed, becoming a thin and long string that coiled itself loosely around Cinque.
'Sanktvertrauen [Faith in Saint]'
The string glowed faintly, and soon all of Cinque's wounds closed by themselves.
"... That's convenient."
Sein said after blinking a couple of times to make sure she wasn't dreaming. Cinque struggled to her feet, swaying slightly but was supported by Nove.
"I'm alright, Nove."
She said, before turning to Nanoha.
"I can still fight. And i will not let this case go on any longer than it should."
Nanoha considered what Cinque said, and sighed.
"Fine. I don't think I can say anything more to change your mind. But you would have to abide by my instructions."
"... Alright."
The group stayed just outside the detection range of the base that they were going to assault. Each member checked their own equipments to make sure that they were ready for anything inside. Subaru and Ginga switched over to use their IS, something that Cinque knew the two of them detested to use often. Their pupils changed coloured to the combat cyborg colour of gold. Nove was in-charge of watching Tre with Wendi, Nove being injured and Wendi acting as a fall back line and immediate action medic with her ability to go into fire zones at high speeds to retrieve injured people. Sein had gone ahead to scout the base with her IS deep diver.
Dieci checked her cannon, setting it up on a mound with a clear view of the base. Sein would also act as a spotter for Dieci to aim her device at. Nanoha checked Raising Heart, as well as Vivio, who had used her device, Sacred Heart, to transform into her adult form. The moment Einzelganger saw Vivio in her adult form, it immediately started up. Startling everyone, light emitted from the pendant, projecting an image of a young woman with long flowing white hair. She looked like Cinque, but taller and with two whole sky blue eyes. Dressed in metal armour, the image went down on one knee before Vivio.
'Mein Sankt Kaiser.'
"A-ah? T-the image spoke!"
Vivio was slightly frightened, using her mother as a hiding place even though Vivio and Nanoha were around the same height with her in her adult form. The image blinked, before smiling sadly.
'I see. You are not my lord. I should have known, but yet I still fail to see it.'
The image got back to its feet.
'I apologize, young lady, for surprising you. I am merely surprised by how much you remind me of someone dear to me.'
Vivio peeped over her mother's shoulder, slightly nervous about the whole thing.
"Y-you mean... Sankt Kaiser Olivie Segbrecht?"
When Vivio mentioned that name, the image seemed to brighten up. Literally.
'Yes, the name of my lord.'
Cinque noticed that Vivio was feeling rather nervous about explaining, so Cinque decided to step in.
"Serena Avenir. Olivie Segbrecht died in the war of the Saint Kings many years ago."
The image turned to Cinque and smiled.
'I know. I saw the fall of the cradle from the sacred tomb where I guarded the Word of Time.'
"... Takamachi Vivio, the girl here, is an artificial mage, made from the genes of Olivie."
The image took a moment to understand what was said, then turned to Vivio.
'... I see. Indeed, it appears that she does hold the same countenance and presence as my lord. I would not question whether it is right for your existence, as it seems the new owner of my legacy is one who is born from my blood yet isn't of my family.'
The image turned back to Cinque.
'I can understand how much you want to live, even being a mere shadow of a person. I admire your valour and determination. Such traits would make you a Knight under Olivie no matter the circumstances of your birth. But she is gone, and so has the time of our glory.'
"But there is still one more unfinished business."
'Yes. The sacred power, the Word of Time. I have sealed a large portion of its power, but with the presence of the pretender the Word of Time had begun its countdown.'
That word was troubling, making everyone fear the worst.
"What is the countdown?"
'Because it has been sealed up for so long, the power within it has increased to an exponential amount. The Word of Time would not recognize the pretender and the seal would be undone in such a manner that all of the energy would cause an explosion large enough to destroy five worlds.'
That wasn't good. Not good at all. Cinque was determined to not let that happen.
"Then we must find another way."
'Yes. As I was the one who placed the seal, Einzelganger would be sufficient. But one more key would be necessary to be present as well.'
"Key?"
The image nodded, pointing to Vivio.
'It may be a blessing in disguise, lady Takamachi. You carry the second key. You carry the blood of the Saint Kings.'
"And that is the second key?"
'Yes. In order to prevent either the Guardian or the ruler to abuse the power, two keys were used to seal the power. It was also because only using one seal would be insufficient to contain the power of the Word of Time. As such, both the guardian and the ruler must be there to unleash the seal. The energy contained would disperse calmly and not cause any disturbance, though since there isn't any successor to the throne, the Word of Time would disappear.'
"Disappear?"
'Yes. In a way, the only thing keeping the Word of Time being bound to this dimension is the with the successions of rulers and their guardians. But perhaps it is for the best. People should not be ruled by a symbol of power that cannot be defined. Words can control people, but it can never control their lives. Same can be said for lady Takamachi, and you, shadow of my blood. You are both people who should not exist but yet you do. Fought for your own right to live and found happiness within those lives. I entrust my all to the two of you. End this nightmare and the legacy of the Saint Kings.'
Omake:
Hayate: Hmm... this really looks good. Vita!
Vita: What is it, Hayate- Geh!... H-Hayate... what is with that frilly looking outfit?
Hayate: What, you say? Isn't it obvious? It's your new-
Vita: GAAAAHH! NOOO!
Hayate suddenly takes out a harisen (paper fan used to hit people) and whacks Vita with it with such force that Vita is sent into the ground
Hayate: Listen to me, Vita... bad girls get hit, you know.
FW: ... isn't it better to say that before actually doing it?
Omake 2:
Cinque: What is with that doujin? Magical girl, Cinkuru?
FW: Ah, that one is mainly based on you becoming a magical girl. Pink frilly clothes an a childish opening line.
Cinque: ... do i even want to know what that line is?
FW: ... no, not really.
Cinque: I see... then i won't ask.
FW: Ah, it is better for you to accept that idea.
Cinque: HUH? What do you mean by that?
FW: ... do you want a repeat of the first chapter's Omake?
Cinque: Geh... no, not really.
FW: That's what i thought. Oh, the uniform was supplied by Hayate.
Cinque: WHAT? Since when did she get my measurements?
FW: ... Did she feel you up too?
Cinque: Not that i recall-... wait, Ane-ue did say that Hayate-san dropped by to see Chichi-ue last night while i was asleep... you don't mean-
FW: ... isn't that considered sexual assault?
Cinque: GGAAAHHHH! I've been assaulted! Now i can't get married!
FW: ... I'll take you.
Cinque: You would? But wait... why such a long pause?
FW: Ah... well, after you grow a bit more.
Cinque: ... you seriously have death wish, don't you?
Genya: NOOO! I WON'T LET ANY GUY TOUCH MY DAUGHTERS!
FW: Just go away. Hey Nanoha! There's a large bug here who wants to go after Vivio.
Nanoha: BLASTER 3, LOAD CARTRIDGE, STARLIGHT BREAK!
RH: I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!
Genya was soon nothing more than a speck of dust
Vivio: Eh? did someone say my name?
FW: No, not really.