Rating went up to due to violence.


Chp. 8 Day of darkness

The dark sky slowly grew lighter as dawn broke through with the first rays of light. The air was thick and chilled but that could be due to Nanoha and Fate's own feelings than the weather itself. Both placed on their devices, Bardiche on Fate's gloved right hand and Raging Heart around Nanoha's neck in front of her phoenix necklace.

A melodious voice broke the silence "It's strange."

Nanoha looked at her curiously while fixing her hair.

"This isn't my first mission or the first time I've fought in battle and yet my stomach is full of butterflies." She stood up, glancing at Nanoha.

"I know what you mean, I feel the same way. I think it's because this is the first time we'll fight a whole battle without magic."

"mmm... Your right."

Knock. Knock.

Nanoha went to open the door.

"Are you guys ready?" Xena said after the door was opened.

"Yeah, we're just waiting for Lidea to come." Nanoha said.

Xena nodded before addressing them "Come to the village center when you're ready. We'll be leaving for the Centaur's village in an hour." Seeing they understood her, Xena left them and continued with her work.

Nanoha slung the bow and arrows the amazon's gave her, before they left for Athens, across her shoulder as Fate adjusted the sword around her waist.

"Fate-chan?" Nanoha's voice held a hint of worry as she called her name.

"mmm" Fate glanced up after securing the sword's belt.

"Is that all you'll be wearing?"

Fate looked down at herself: she wore her black with yellow trimmed toga, her sandals and sword. She didn't find anything missing. "Yeah. Why?"

"You're going to fight on the front-lines shouldn't you wear some armor?" Nanoha's troubled blue eyes stared at her.

Fate got the hint, "before we go to the village center I'll ask where I can borrow some. Okay?"

Tense muscles filled with worry relaxed with relief. This battle was no joke and she didn't want to see Fate hurt because of carelessness. Nanoha agreed.

Knock. Knock.

Nanoha went to open the door again.

"Hello Lidea come in." Nanoha stepped aside so that she could enter. "Vivio's still sleeping, but she should be up in a couple of hours."

"Okay." Guess I have some time to kill.

"Lidea, would you happen to know where I can borrow armor?" Fate asked coming up to stand beside Nanoha.

"I would check the blacksmith's or weapons hut." Lidea said.

They nodded and turned toward Vivio's room, leaving Lidea to wait in the main room.

Standing by the door frame, a maternal, soft and tender feeling surged forth at the sight of a peacefully sleeping Vivio hugging her teddy bear. Walking toward the blissfully sleeping girl, they each bent forward and kissed her softly on the forehead. Their unknowing daugther continued to sleep undisturbed.

At the door, they took one last glance at Vivio before leaving her room and soon the hut, leaving Lidea the responsibility of caring for her while they were away.

After having breakfast, they stopped by the blacksmith's hut since it was closer then the weapon's hut. Scattered around the hut were a few swords both finished and unfinished lying around on the floor and walls as well as many different types of armors, ranging from simple to complex in design. The hut itself was hot, almost baking, because of the raging fire towards the back of the hut that occasionally produced a popping sound as it ate the wood to fuel itself.

"Hello! Is anyone here?" Nanoha called upon seeing no one.

"Just a second." Came a muffled voice behind a wooden wall.

Pretty soon a well built muscular woman covered in sweat appeared before them. Quickly taking in the strangers, definitely non-amazon women, with curiosity "What can I do for you?"

"Do you have any spare armor I can borrow?" Fate asked.

The blacksmith's brown eyebrows scrunched in thought for a few moments before they relaxed and she seemed to almost bounce in excitement, although no such movement was made. "I do have this one set, I just finished making that should fit you. Would you like to see it?"

Fate nodded. So the blacksmith walked to another room and came back out with plainly designed, but functional, chest armor and gauntlets. "Would you like to try it on?"

Fate glanced at Nanoha seemingly asking for her approval. Receiving some answer, she turned back to the blacksmith. "Okay."

The blacksmith gave her the armor helping her get in. Now that she wore it, she felt it was light and allowed her to move her body in all types of ways. This suited her style of combat, which relied on agility and speed. The armor itself was silver and layered covering her whole torso while the gauntlets were placed on her thighs, near her biceps, and on her forearms.

Fate turned to Nanoha "So how do I look?"

Eyeing the armor that fit Fate like a glove, the silver color contrasting nicely with the underlying black toga, "Very handsome." Like my knight in shining armor the thought fluttered through her mind, making the bridge of her nose redden. Thankfully, Fate didn't notice her blush as she was preoccupied.

Fate looked at the blacksmith, who was admiring her handy work and finding the results quiet pleasing. "May I borrow it?"

"Yeah sure. So long as you tell me how it is in battle." The blacksmith smiled playfully and struck out her meaty hand.

"Sure" Fate smiled and shook the woman's hand amazon style, grasping her forearm in a firm hold before letting go.

Now prepared for battle, they left the hut for the village center where 200 or so amazons were gathered.

Gabrielle stood on the dais addressing her subjects. "Amazons! Today we march into battle to protect our home! Our children! From the destruction that Alti and her army brings. I know we'll fight with bravery and courage. May Artemis protect us!"

The amazons roared fists raised and pumped for battle as Gabrielle walked off the stage, Xena taking her place.

The amazons immediately quieted and listened intently for their orders.

"When we reach Centaur land we'll split up into two groups. All archers will follow Epinon, and the rest of you will come with me. Alright, let's move out!"

The amazons started marching toward the forest, which eventually led to Centaur land. Nanoha and Fate made their way to the front where Xena, Gabrielle, and Epinon stood.

Xena glanced at them as they kept on walking "Good to see you two." She then turned her gaze solely on Fate, who stood at attention treating her as she would her superiors at the TSAB. "I need to speak with you about the battle." She took a few long strides setting her apart from the others and creating a space for private conversation.

Fate glanced at Nanoha, who shrugged her shoulders before waving her off. Walking a bit faster Fate caught up with Xena, who noticed her presence before Fate could say anything- not that she would have for Fate had gotten to know her well enough to know Xena was always alert and aware of her surroundings making any gesture or other signs of alert a pointless endeavor.

"I am planning to break the ground assault into three groups: left, right, and center flanks. Gabrielle and I are each leading a flank, leaving me short one leader. Would you be interested in the position?" Seeing red eyes widen caused the corners of Xena's lips to twitch in concealed amusement.

A single thought ran through Fate's head that she voiced, "why are you asking me instead of an amazon? She would have the advantage of knowing her people and how to command them."

"True. But, Epinon told me you took charge and led your team, which was at a disadvantage, to victory without losing one member." Fate interrupted her before she could go on.

"We won because it was a team effort." Fate corrected her.

"No, you won because you're a good leader." Xena countered, but liked her modesty. "And I am looking for someone who can quickly assess the situation, take command, and keep their team alive against a larger foe while coming out with minimal causalities. You were the only one with the smallest count in yesterday's combat simulation despite not knowing your team members or growing up alongside them. The other few amazon leaders who were victorious had also lost a few of their members." Seeing her reluctance she continued, "I'm not asking you to save everyone that is being unrealistic. I am only asking for the least losses and according to Epinon you can do it, and I trust her judgment. So what do you say?"

Xena allowed her to think it over as they walked.

A few minutes of silence went by, Fate carefully mulling over Xena's proposal. Finally, she came to a conclusion she was satisfied with.

"Alright" her voice was strong and confident. This was like any other mission even the more challenging ones, and she would work through any and all disadvantages to complete it.

Xena nodded, pleased in knowing she could count on her. They slowed their pace and rejoined the rest of the group; Fate filled Nanoha in on her conversation while Xena told Gabrielle and Epinion the results.

The rest of the trip was spent in silence except for the sound of crunching boots, rustling leaves, and chirping birds keeping them company. Soon, they saw the bright unfiltered light that indicated the end of the forest and the start of open fields.

Xena stopped, the sound of marching gradually receding as the amazons came to a stop. She eyed Epinon who noticed her cue and turned toward the amazons.

"Archers to the trees and spread out." Epinon ordered before jumping into a tree.

Those who were archers bid good-bye and blessed safety to their companions before ascending to the trees. They ran on the branches moving from tree to tree till 50 amazons widely spanned the tree line.

Nanoha's concerned blue eyes met red before she embraced Fate, her head resting on the cool surface of Fate's new armor- if it wasn't for that she would have buried it in Fate's chest. "Be safe Fate-chan."

Fate held her tight "always." After a few moments, Fate moved her head slightly back. Placing her hand under Nanoha's chin she gently lifted her head so their eyes met, "Besides, I have you watching me. I know I'll be safe." She gave her a gentle smile.

Nanoha's eyes moistened her heart filled with love, "mmm. mmm."

They slowly broke apart, Nanoha giving Fate one last smile before jumping into the trees disappearing amongst the branches.

Fate turned back toward Xena, Gabrielle, and the rest of the amazons breaking into three groups on Xena's order.

Xena glanced at her, ice blue eyes asking if she was ready. Fate nodded and looked at her group of amazons. She recognized the amazons with the friendly smiles, although surprised looks, from sparring matches but the majority of them with distrusting glares, frowns, and looks bordering on anger were strangers; as she was to them.

She knew she had to win their favor now or they would surely lose before the battle had even begun. She projected her voice so that all 50 amazons in her care could hear her, "I may not know most of you, but we share something in common. We fight to protect. I may not be an amazon protecting my home, but I have left someone very precious to me in your home, which you have so kindly opened to my family." She could see the distrust and frowns diminish replaced by attentive listening. She inwardly smiled. It was a good start. "My daughter. Your own children and loved ones. We fight to protect them."

A few heads nodded.

Now lets see how they'll react to this. Her eyes hardened and her voice grew grave as she continued, "But know this only if we work together can we win. We are a team and must look after one another to survive." She saw their faces turn serious as they took note of her warning. Her voice gentled, "I don't want to lose any one of you, and I'll make sure I take care of you. So you can see your loved ones again. All I ask is that you take care of each other and treat me as one of your own."

Her heart felt speech moved the amazons enough to put aside any ill feelings and honestly follow her lead, some even feeling secure in her command.

Those that knew her yelled, "You have our support!"

And soon after, the rest of the amazons as one raised their fists in agreement.

A kind smile grew on Fate. I'll protect and guide you well She mentally promised feeling a bit of the affection she usually had for her comrades in arms.

She saw Xena's group start moving out and did the same. No longer beneath the comforting shade of the forest trees bright light mercilessly bombarded her eyes making them sting. She shielded her eyes with her hand and blinked a few times to adjust to the new lighting when they did she saw the awaiting group of Centaurs in three neat columns ahead.

Xena signaled for her to go toward the left so she made her way to the far left of the field next to a Centaur group, while Xena's team took center, and Gabrielle's team went to the right.

They waited. Their enemy on the other side of the field all dressed in black. Finally, they moved like a dark shadow descending upon them.


On a hill

Alti looked down at the awaiting Centaurs and Amazons surprised to see them ready for battle. No matter we outnumber them, and a struggling life is always more fun than merely taking one. She laughed darkly at their attempt to survive.

Her men waited in anticipation for her call, licking their lips at the sight of their prey.

"ATTACK!" A raspy voice screamed. The men ran forward hungry for battle.


Fate waited anxiously with the amazons and Centaurs. She heard the Centaur's hooves paw the ground in anticipation.

As the black plague ran, the air filled with the roar of screaming men pumped on adrenaline, which soon turned into screams of pain as some men were engulfed by the ground into Xena's traps. Those that survived continued forward and then a rain of arrows darkened the sky impaling some of the running men.

Undeterred by the loss of some men the others continued running forward not even hearing their comrades' screams of pain. All they saw was red. They wanted red blood flowing, and they hungrily ran for it like a pack of wolves hunting their prey.

They grew closer. Fate was able to make out their wild faces, their mouth frothing as if a meal was waiting for them.

Fate drew her sword the light glinting off the blade.

She raised it in the air and brought it down "MOVE!"

She started running forward the amazons following her as well as the Centaurs, who were faster and already ahead of her.

Then the first clash of blades happened with the Centaurs meeting the front rows of men. The other men continued running eventually colliding with the raised blades of the amazons. Until soon, everyone was fighting.

Fate ran forward slashing her sword at every man coming toward her felling them immediately. Some of the surrounding men tried to attack but she saw the glints of their swords and either spun or ducked to avoid their attacks, but never stopping. She was dancing the dance of war.

She heard the whistle of an arrow fly by impaling soldiers in front of her. For every man that went down there was another to replace him. It was a seemingly never-ending pattern.

Fate dodged and danced around the attacks of 5 men that ended up surrounding her. She noticed their eyes were wild from insanity, but their attacks were meant to maim or kill.

She held off three swords as she kicked a rushing man back. The men against her sword bore down on her, her leg moved back as she still clenched her sword in place. A nearby Centaur rushed forward impaling one from the side, the other two lost balance as the dead body fell toward them.

She looked gratefully at the Centaur, who bowed his head in acknowledgement before moving on. She looked over her team and saw them doing well. No one down yet.


In the trees

From Nanoha's vantage point the battle below seemed like a large brawl. If it weren't for the distinctive black color the enemy wore it would have been rather difficult to tell friend from foe at least for the amateur on looker and Nanoha was no amateur to the chaos of the battlefield. There were other indications she looked for other than color that told her who was ally and who an enemy.

She released two arrows aiming for the black men. The arrows sliced through the air and found their mark, felling two rushing men.

She continued to release arrow after arrow all finding their mark. As she did this she also kept track of Fate, even in the midst of the chaos she was able to find her, her eyes always able to gravitate to her blond haired red-eyed friend no matter where she was.

She's doing well, in her typical way of fighting. Nanoha reassured of her friend's safety returned her attention to the enemy.


On the hill

Alti had a psychotic smile. She seemed to take pleasure from the screams of pain and blood even if it was from her own men. After all they were replaceable why not enjoy their noble sacrifice? There is only one person, who'd do this… Xena. She thought of the name in ecstasy. She drew her horse forward deciding to join in the battle, Dahawk's stone resting around her neck glowed a deep red.


"AIAIAIAYYYHA" came the famed war cry as Xena somersaulted over the head of a man. Swinging her sword in mid air so the dangerous point was behind her, she landed and thrust it into the belly of a the man- who at her jump turned- rushing with sword raised to impel her from behind only to find it was his blood flowing and not hers. He fell to his knees, eyes already beginning to glass over. Xena quickly jerked her sword free, the man thudding to the ground dead. She paid no mind to him, this was war and her focus was on those alive and posing a threat. Bring her hand to her hip she unhooked her Chakram and let it fly. It hit 10 men felling them as it bounced off one and headed to another before returning to her hand.

There was a wide birth of fallen bodies and her next opponents due to her handiwork.


Fate swirled her sword in front of her, slashing the stomachs of four men, who encircled her. She then rushed forward to a struggling amazon, placing her back against hers as a man's sword descended only to be blocked by Fate's sword. She kicked the man aside before slashing his thigh, disabling him at least for a while from further combat.

She continued moving. Men falling to the ground as she danced around attacks and helped her team stay alive.


As Alti made her waydown the hill and into the thick of battle Dahawk's deep voice grabbed her attention.

"I sense a powerful presence."

"That could be Xena" Alti said off handedly. The stone darkened in anger before going back to normal red.

"No. This presence has power. A power that can house me." Dahawk said almost gleefully.

"Where?" Alti asked curiously, as she looked among the combatants.

"A long blond haired women in silver armor and black clothing."

Alti spotted her. A woman who danced in battle and disabled or felled every man in her way. I don't know if she has power, but she's a great fighter, almost like Xena.

"I was thinking of finding Xena's little brat, but I'll put that on hold to meet this special person" her raspy voice said.

**************

Fate spun and jumped to the side avoiding two attacks. A third man slashed for her head, but she avoided that as well, and kicked the sword out of the man's hand. It flew in the air before landing on the ground a couple feet away. The man undeterred continued to fight with his bare hands aiding his comrades against her.

However, she was fast and agile. Twirling and kicking, punching and blocking, ducking and dodging, she was like a tornado, a whirl wind of attacks. Her golden hair flew around in all directions as she continued moving in her deadly dance.

*****************

When Alti neared she was very much impressed with the girl. But, what really drew her was the deeply hidden pain locked away in a corner of her heart. Oh how delicious. She also felt an almost electric power emanating from her.

"I think she'll do nicely." Alti said.

"I know she will." Dahawk's cruel tone exclaimed. "All I need you to do is open her heart to me Alti. The rest leave up to me."

"Very well. I am interested to know of her pain anyway." Her mind then attacked entering the unsuspecting woman's mind.

Fate's punch paused before a man's head. The man took advantage and aimed to attack, but her body jerked back as if she were hit and it certainly wasn't because of him.

Huh? What's going on? She picked herself up from the floor and shook her head suddenly feeling weird. Then it happened.

Scenes passed through her mind. Scenes of her childhood; of her long gone black-haired mother.

Past:

A whip came crashing down the back of a young Fate, breaking skin. Her back burned, but her heart ached even worse.

Present:

Fate yelped in pain. The scarred skin on her back tore open from a whip that struck it. Her heart hurt, she wanted to see her mother smile, she didn't mean to disappoint her. Somewhere in her self-loathing and pain, her rational mind kicked in, why am I feeling like this?! Why does my back hurt?! What's wrong with me?!

Fate saw the same man approaching sword ready to strike. She tried to avoid the attack, but was bombarded again by another image. The man no longer in her field of view.

Past:

"I've always hated you Fate." The voice of her mother.

Her little body torn with Pain. Grief. Abandonment.

Present:

The man's sword swung down to an unseeing and unmoving Fate. His blade was inches away from Fate's neck when it stopped. A passing amazon interjected his attack. She swung her sword in rage dismembering his head from his body.

The reddish-brown haired Amazon looked at her leader, who didn't react at all to almost dying, or even noticed her presence.

What's wrong with her? "Hey! Wake up!" She slapped Fate, her face reddened but showed no indication of even feeling it.

Titian looked around and spotted Calla "Calla!" The amazon eyed her after finishing off her opponent. "Come here! Something's wrong with Fate!"

Fate's knees suddenly buckled. Her shins hit the ground as she sat on her legs. And then she screamed. A scream that seemed to cut through the battlefield in its intensity. It was an enraged, pain filled, wail of grief and agony. Many of the Amazons and Centaurs in the vicinity paused for a brief moment after hearing it before they continued their attack less they die.

Titian was taken aback. What's happening to her! Why'd she fall?! Why is she screaming?! She couldn't see anything physically wrong with her yet she fell and screamed.

Calla looked at Titian for answers.

"I can't find anything wrong with her. I don't know what's going on!" Titian yelled in outrage from not knowing, for not being able to help her comrade.

In Fate's mind the emotions she once felt as a child, all of a sudden resurfaced just like the day she felt them. No, worse. They were amplified, and her back hurt like hell, every single whipping she ever had as a child reopened and bled profusely.

But, her torment, her agony, and loss of control was caused by one terrifying moment.

Past:

A teenaged Fate saw Nanoha lying on the medical bed from a wound in her chest. The medics informed her that the extent of her injuries were grave. Her heart and linker core were grazed, her right lung punctured, and she might have some nerve damage in the middle of her back. They didn't think she was going to survive.

She felt like she was dying right along with her. And then the thought crossed her mind I'll kill them. I'll kill every one of them that hurt her.

Dark emotions coursed through her, as her face turned cold, her demander calm and collected. She went on a search party for the culprits. Her team found them beneath the ruins of an ancient civilization.

They were a group of 30 or so men. An underground organization, that was in the business of finding and smuggling lost logia for criminal groups.

Bardiche's yellow energy blade felt comforting in her hands. She ran forward at incredible speeds. They didn't even know what hit them. All they knew before they met their end was glowing yellow illuminating cold blood red eyes.

She, alone, had decimated over half the group; her teammates capturing those that had escaped her. When her task was complete all that lay on the ground were dead bodies.

Her teammates looked at her in surprise and a good dose of fear. They saw their usually forceful friend turn deadly; bringing instant death upon every poor soul that her blade touched. That day she earned the title Death's Servant.

Present:

Dahawk's stone was glowing brightly feeding off Fate's pain and suffering. He was practically in ecstasy. He then felt it, the moment when she was at her darkest. The darkness that was his dominion. It called to him, bridging a bond between them. The stone's red glow slowly dulled as the presence left in favor of a new body.

Alti was very much surprised by the world and power she was witnessing from Fate's memories. They were unlike anything she'd seen before. What is she? Her thoughts were interrupted. Her mind stopped an arrow in midair inches from impaling her head. It dropped to the dirt, harmless.


Earlier, Tree line

As Nanoha readied her next shot, she felt a twinge of pain contract in her heart. She almost winced. What was that? Subconsciously, she knew for she suddenly felt a foreboding feeling.

FATE! Her mind screamed at her. Her eyes quickly gazed over the battlefield. She found her, jerking back as some unforeseen force hit her. Is it magic? No. Fate wouldn't be caught off guard it's something else. But, she didn't know what. She then saw her fall to her knees and heard a howl of deep sorrow and pain.

Nanoha didn't even think twice. She dropped from the tree and ran forward, to Fate, who she felt needed her.

Precisely shot arrows lodged into men's bodies as a running brunette felled those that stood in her way. The surrounding Amazons and Centaurs who occasionally glanced around the battlefield or searched for a new opponent were surprised to see an archer on the ground, and the path of fallen bodies she cleaved with her arrows.


Fate's wail soon stopped. Titian and Calla sighed with relief, and went to grab her arms to lift her from the ground, but their hands wrenched back reflexively as a jolt passed through them.

Fate's body remained on moving save for the yellow colored sparks flowing from her shoulders and head, slowly growing to where the whole outline of her body blew sparks. The sparks soon became a wild and untamed crackle of surging electricity that seemed to do no damage to her. Occasionally, the electricity flared out in long whip like bolts. Titian and Calla had to step away from Fate, or be electrocuted.

"What's going on?!" Calla cried in confusion.

Then for a split second they saw an arrow pass by their eyes. They tracked the flight path back to a white clad running brunette, holding a bow.

She ran to the fallen blond unheeding the overflowing electricity that surrounded her.

"How's she able to endure it?" Titian said, as she saw Nanoha move toward Fate without crying out in pain from the erratically moving light.

Nanoha knelt down gently cupping the blond's face in her hands as she glanced into hollow red eyes. It was like nobody was home.

"Fate-chan wake up!" Dull eyes still looked back at her.

Nanoha moved her hands to her shoulders and tried shaking her awake. "WAKE-UP! It's me! Nanoha! You have to Wake-Up!" She cried desperate to get her attention.

The wildly running energy receded till it was gone, but she still made no move that she saw Nanoha. Then suddenly, eyelids fell closed slowly covering those unpleasant dull red eyes. Her body slumped forward, her head buried between Nanoha's soft breasts, completely drained. Nanoha held her gently slowly standing up with her in her arms.

Seeing that it was safe to approach Titian and Calla came up to Nanoha. "Let us help. We'll take her to the healer back in the amazon village."

Nanoha was reluctant to let her go, but knew she needed immediate medical attention, and so relented allowing them to take her.

Titian and Calla gently grasped Fate as they ran back to amazon land, leaving Nanoha with the source of the problem.

Nanoha had felt the strange power before but was too preoccupied with Fate to deal with her completely, her arrow was warning enough. So, she was not surprised to see the suede clad with bone ornaments and dears head dressed women still alive, after aiming for her head.

Nanoha's gaze narrowed at the smug smile on her face. "What did you do to Fate." She said in a low deadly voice.

"Nothing, she was just reliving past memories." The high-pitched raspy voice responded.

Nanoha conncected the dots and was able to determine who it was. So this is Alti.

"Tell your friend hello when she wakes up I have other engagements to attend to." She said before turning her horse and galloping away.

Nanoha let her go, as she had run out of arrows, and was more preoccupied with getting to Fate then dealing with her. I'll take care of you the next time we meet. The White Devil's blue eyes glinted with promise.


Alti's camp, nighttime

The day's battle had ended with 300 hundred or so of her men dead or dying and 100 injured. Of course it didn't matter to Alti at all; there were many men in the world who could replace them.

I was unable to snag Xena's little friend, but it's of no matter. The next few days should prove to be interesting anyway. She brought a glass of red wine to her lips, enjoying the burn as it went down her throat.

She listened to the silence before heading for bed, excitedly anticipating tomorrow's battle.


Healing hut. Same day. 1430 hours (2:30pm)

Nanoha was by Fate's side, who still hadn't awakened, holding her hand. She waited for the healer to come over from the other injured amazons lying in beds. She obviously wasn't checked for her armor was still on as she lay on her back, her face relaxed in blessed unconsciousness.

Soon, a middle-aged brown haired woman with kind blue-green eyes walked over eyeing her next patient. "how long has she been out?" She asked Nanoha, her eyes giving a preliminary run through checking for any obvious injuries.

"10 maybe 15 minutes."

"hmm, I don't see any head injuries. So it's not a coma. But, help me take off her armor, and I'll check what's going on."

Sliding her hand under Fate's neck and lower back, Nanoha sat her up and held her as the healer unclasped the armor and removed it from her torso. Armor free she gently lay Fate back down. When she removed her hands, she saw the one holding Fate's back drenched in blood, the black material of the toga effectively concealing her bleeding.

Worry immediately set in, concern for her friend's well being over running her. The healer turned Fate over onto her stomach, taking note of Nanoha's blood stained hands. "If you'd like there is a water basin on the left wall under the herbs. You could wash your hands there."

She wanted to wash off the blood, but was unable to leave Fate's side so she compromised. "Can I just borrow a towel for now? I don't want to leave her."

The healer nodded handing her the towel that lay on her shoulder. Nanoha took it and wiped away the blood, and placed the towel on the bed till its next use.

"We need to remove her clothing. Do you want to undress her or shall I?"

"I'll do it."

The healer nodded at the serious brunette.

Nanoha unbuttoned the two buttons at the shoulders that held Fate's toga together. She gently peeled back the material slowly revealing a torn and bloody back. Deep whip lines crisscrossed everywhere making her once smooth milk colored skin unrecognizable.

Nanoha was in shock, but tears streamed down her face. Remembered words came to her mind 'relieved the past.' Is this Fate's past. I knew her mother didn't treat her right, but I never realized it was like this. Nanoha felt sorrow and righteous indignation for Fate's painful relationship with her so-called mother. If she weren't already dead I would kill her. Her eyes burned with fury but it quickly receded, her mind focusing on Fate's healing.

She unhooked Fate's black bra that supported her breasts, allowing the healer full unhindered access to her back.

Eyeing the disaster that was suppose to be a back, the healer addressed Nanoha "I need to get supplies I'll be back soon." She left to the back of the room where she grabbed some things before heading back to her patient.

Nanoha ran her hand through Fate's soft golden tresses the action relaxing her. But, relaxation soon vanished as her emotions became oddly conflicted. On the one hand, she felt like she had to remain in contact with Fate otherwise she would lose her. On the other, she felt like cringing every time she did touch her. She sensed that there was something very wrong with her, but she couldn't explain what only that there was some unseen force at work.

The healer returned with a bowl filled with water, small towels, bandages and a jar. She placed the things down on the bed then dropped the towel into the bowl allowing it to soak up water before ringing out the excess. She dabbed Fate's back with the wet towel cleaning the blood.

Nanoha took another towel and helped clean. As she washed the blood away, she sensed tiny tremors of pulsing electricity emanating from the wounds, but they weren't intense enough to be noticed or felt by the healer. Nanoha didn't think much of it. It was normal for an injured mage to have magic leak from his/her wounds. It's what made them heal faster than a nonmage.

After cleaning away the blood her back didn't look as bad, but deep wounds and clearly defined crisscrossing lines of torn flesh were still noticeable.

The healer opened the jar. A pungent and mint smell wafted in the air. She placed two fingers in the cool cream removing a hefty amount of the greenish-brown material, and gently rubbed it in the wounds.

Nanoha heard Fate's breathing hitched when the salve touched her skin, and grasped her hand gently rubbing soothing circles on the back of her hand.

The healer explained the purpose of the ointment "This helps prevent infection while promoting quicker healing."

When she was done Fate's back was almost covered in the greenish-brown lotion.

"Alright she's done" the healer wiped her hands on a towel removing remnants of the cream from her fingers. "I'll bring you a change of clothes and we'll have hers washed."

Nanoha nodded, not taking her eyes off Fate. Her hand still ran through her hair even though the healer finished treating her.

She didn't wait long when the healer returned with a white linen and blanket. Before they moved Fate, they placed the blanket over her legs. The blanket's lining stopping where her lower back met her bottom, allowing some privacy from the other occupants of the room, even though they were all female.

Nanoha placed her hands on Fate's hip and shoulder and gently moved her onto her side while being careful of her back. She held her in place as the healer on the opposite side of the bed removed the toga exposing the front of Fate's black laced bra and taut stomach.

If the healer noticed the strange material let alone why it was covering her patients breasts she didn't mention it for she quickly covered her patient's front with the white linen and tied the linen's strings around her neck. The top done, she now had to secure the lower part of the L shaped linen. Moving the blanket lower and out of the way, she indicated Nanoha to raise Fate's hip and slipped the material through the gap then wrapped it around Fate's hips and buttoned the side.

Nanoha moved Fate back onto her belly. The cloth left all of Fate's back exposed while covering her front and bottom.

Fate not waking at any point of the treatment worried her. "Why is she still not awake?"

The healer's kind voice answered "it could be from shock. She'll wake soon enough. Her body is in a healing sleep." The healer left to treat her other patients, after checking Fate for any other injuries, which she didn't find.

Nanoha hoped the healer was right, and that Fate would soon wake up. She gave one last run through her hair, bending over to kiss her temple. "I'll be back soon Fate-chan. I need to check on our daughter" she whispered into the ear of the unconscious woman.


In Fate's mind

Fate was dressed in her barrier jacket with white cloak, black suit, armor from feet to knees, and one armored gloved right hand, which held Bardiche in his scythe form.

Fate didn't understand what happened. One moment she was on the battlefield with the amazons. The next bombarded by images and a myriad of painful emotions, and now she was here in complete darkness the glow from Bardich's blade her only source of light. Her head pounded. Her heart felt like someone repeatedly squeezed it before stabbing and tearing it to shreds, and she was exhausted.

A dark, seductive voice echoed in the void, "Your emotions are exquisite."

Fate showed no sign of fatigue when she addressed the voice calmly with a commanding tone, "Who are you?"

"I am a manifestation of darkness, its god and my dominion. You mortals have given me the name Dahawk."

The name rung a bell within Fate's mind. She continued in her calm demeanor "where are we?"

The voice chuckled darkly, the sound echoing, "You don't know." It mocked. "We are in your mind my dear Fate." He said her name like a lover.

A shiver of disgust went down Fate's spine. "If we are in my mind then why are you here?"

"You let me in."

Fate was confused. She wouldn't let an evil god into her mind.

"Your dark emotions that Alti helped unleash called to me. Allowed me entrance. Even now you are still run by them no matter how calmly you may act."

Fate clenched her jaw in defiance. "I would never let you in."

The voice gave off a deep dark chuckle. "But you did the moment you gave into rage and your fear of abandonment. Now I must cut this conversation short I have things to do."

She felt a dark wave from nowhere head toward her. A barrier of yellow crackling electricity went up trying to ward off the wave but it went right through it hitting her full force, suffocating her as she tried to repel it with electric shocks.

"Your struggle is pointless. Every action you take makes me stronger." And indeed another more intense wave rushed over her. All her attacks she threw were fruitless. Eventually the dark wave engulfed her. Her barrier jacket and presence disappearing.

The voice chortled evilly, pleased with the victory.

On the outside, the wounds on Fate's back healed much quicker than the mages normal healing even with the help of the ointment. Deep gashes became shallow, torn skin reconnected, till all that was left was the crisscrossing redness of new skin, which would soon disappear too.

____________________________________

The healer's hut was moved to the outskirts of the village and close to the forest to allow immediate medical care for the injured Amazons. Stepping out of that hut was a stranger, clearly not Amazon, for she wore a white toga instead of leather strips that revealed more than they concealed.

Blue eyes blinked adjusting to the light outside. When she could see clearly again, she noticed some of the amazons from the battlefield making their way back to the village. She turned walking toward her family's hut.

"I'm home" Nanoha called as she opened the door of the hut.

Vivio ran out of her room and jumped on Nanoha, who caught her and gave her a big hug.

Heterocromic eyes searched for her other mother. "Where's Fate-mama?"

"Fate-mama isn't feeling well so she's with the doctor now." Nanoha said gently.

"You mean she's hurt." It wasn't a question Vivio was a smart girl, who easily figured out what was going on.

"Yes. She is. But the doctor said she'll be alright." Nanoha said to sooth the worry in her daughter's eyes.

"Can I see her?"

Nanoha debated the idea with herself. I don't want her to see Fate the way she is now.

But she's a worried 10 year old, who wants to see her other parent.

No. Fate doesn't look good enough to see, and she is unconscious anyway. I don't need her getting even more worried or upset when she sees her.

She made up her mind. "Not now Vivio. Fate-mama needs to rest. But, when she feels better I'll let you visit her okay?"

Vivio looked disappointed, but agreed anyway. "Alright."

That moment Lidea walked out of Vivio's room and Nanoha spotted her.

"Thank you for watching Vivio for us."

Lidea shook her head. "No problem. She's a sweet girl. How was the battle?"

An image of bones and a deer's head followed by a bloody back came to mind, and Nanoha's eyes darkened before lightening back to normal. "Before I left we seemed to be holding them off."

Lidea nodded, and made her way to leave when Nanoha stopped her. "can you stay a little longer I need to go back to the Doctor's hut?"

Lidea looked at her confused "Doctor's hut?"

Why is she confused? "Yeah, you know where the injured go."

Realization dawned. "Oh! You mean the healer's hut."

Nanoha had a huh-expression. That's what I said.

"Yeah, sure I'll watch her."

"Thank you." Nanoha looked down at Vivio "you be good okay?"

Vivio nodded.

" I'll be back soon." Nanoha told them before she turned her back and left the hut.


Healer's hut

When Nanoha entered the hut, she was pleased to see Fate awake and sitting up on the bed. She ran over to her to give her a hug, but stopped in mid embrace. Her arms and body retracted away from her like a snake's bite. She didn't understand it, but she felt an ominous aura coming from her.

"Fate-chan are you okay?" She asked concerned.

Dark blood red eyes with a cruel glint in them gazed at innocent blue. Fate's nose inhaled a deeply smelling a hint of fear coming from Nanoha that evoked a smirk of satisfaction. "Of course never better." Her voice was still soft but deeper than usual.

"How about you? Nanoha." Fate's voice drawled out her name seductively.

Nanoha didn't like it. "I'm fine. But I think you should rest Fate-chan. You don't look alright." Her voice still held concern for her friend despite the weird vibes Fate was giving off.

"Oh. Is this better then." In a blink of an eye Fate held Nanoha beneath her on the bed. Her face centimeters away from Nanoha's. "Do I look better now?"

Nanoha's heart skipped a beat, she hadn't even seen Fate move, and her face was to close. Her stomach felt queasy as hot air blew over her face.

Lust filled eyes gazed at her. "You seem scared. Don't you like this." A hand worked its way up her waist stopping right below her breast, Nanoha's hand halting her progress.

Steel blue eyes met the cruel red glint. "I don't know what's wrong with you Fate. But I want you to stop. You're not acting like yourself. So, rest." She said the last part gently.

Fate's head went back as she laughed hysterically. The sound different from the tinkling of bells it was more like the mid-tones of a cello.

The other amazons in the room turned their attention in the direction of the loud laugh. They saw a blond woman lying over a brunette on the bed. Every Amazon had knowing looks in their eyes ah young love. Now, that they knew what was going on some averted their eyes, while the more perverted ones continued watching in excitement.

"You amuse me." Fate backed away from Nanoha.

She took a deep breath feeling better now that Fate was further away from her.

"But, I am fine see." Fate twirled in place.

Nanoha caught a glimpse of a completely healed back. What? She went up to Fate grabbed her shoulder, swallowing the urge to let go and distance herself from her- which confused her to know end, and spun her around. Nanoha's eyes held surprise I didn't imagine it. Her back really is fully healed. But how? I know we are naturally quick healers but it should have at least taken around a week to heal completely.

Fate felt the arms on her shoulders slackened, and decided to take the opportunity to glance at Nanoha's skeptic face. "Your back is completely healed." She said matter-of-factly.

Fate smirked. "Is it. I told you I was fine."

The healer entered the treatment room noticing the blond with the torn back up and about speaking to her brunette friend. She went over to them to check on her patient.

Meanwhile, Fate held a smug gaze while Nanoha continued to look at her suspiciously.

The healer cleared her throat breaking their staring contest.

Nanoha was the first to avert her eyes as her gaze landed on the healer.

"I hope I'm not interrupting." She said politely.

"No your not." Nanoha said dully.

"Good. Then let me check your friend's back." She eyed the blond, who still wore what Nanoha dubbed an annoying smirk.

"Can you turn around?" The healer directed her question to Fate, who obliged.

If it wasn't for a healer's constant professional mask of calm her mouth would have dropped open at the sight of smooth skin that only held faint scars, the only testament to having any injury. "You're healed." She said calmly, although they could hear the awe in her voice. When the shock wore off her spirits brightened "your body must heal quickly." Quicker than I've ever seen. She added in her head.

Fate turned to face the healer "well then doc. Can I leave?" It sounded almost mocking.

The healer didn't take notice, or if she did ignored it. She held a relaxed smile. "I see no reason for you to continue staying here."

"Good then I take that as a yes." Fate said as she placed one arm on Nanoha's shoulder and leaned on her as if she were an armrest. Nanoha's face held a cool expression on, and remained unmoving.

The healer saw the displeasure on Nanoha's face, maybe they got into a fight. That was her only explanation for she remembered the love and concerned gaze as well as the gentle treatment to the fair-haired girl's back that her friend gave.

"Thank you for your care" Nanoha bowed politely a custom of her heritage, which shocked the healer, who was unused to such a display.

Nanoha straightened her back.

"Your welcome."

Together Nanoha and Fate left the hut with Nanoha putting some distance between them.


Nanoha entered their shared hut first, leaving the door open. "We're home."

Vivio came out of her room, followed by Lidea. The young girl spotted Nanoha in the middle of the room, Fate just entering the hut.

Her face brightened upon seeing her blond mother feeling better. She ran toward her, passing Nanoha. Arms outstretched for a hug she suddenly stopped a few feet from the blond. She slowly backed away till she stood beside Nanoha. Her hand reached out to her mother. Feeling her mother's gentle squeeze relaxing her some.

Nanoha's face darkened in displeasure of the interaction. Vivio was clearly frightened by Fate, and Fate's face showed she didn't care. In fact, she smiled an unnervingly sweet smile, which was more from pleasure than concern of Vivio's reaction.

Vivio are you alright? Nanoha knew why she backed away, her reaction reinforcing Nanoha's earlier observation of something being seriously wrong with Fate.

Fate-mama feels funny. It's scary.

Nanoha's arm held Vivio close, her aura changing to a lioness protecting her cub from an unlikely threat; Fate. Her formerly gentle and caring friend.

"I think it would be better if you left for a while." She told Fate almost coldly.

The fear. Fate breathed it in. Sssoooo sweet. She acted as if she fed off Vivio's fear and Nanoha's fighting spirit.

"Awe. Do I displease you." Fate took a couple steps forward.

Nanoha nudged Vivio behind her.

Steel blue clashed with glinting red. Fate suddenly stopped a meter away from Nanoha. "See you tomorrow on the battlefield." She declared as a promise. She turned and left the hut.

Nanoha felt relief wash over her coupled with turmoil for kicking out her friend when she obviously wasn't well.

Her motherly instinct kicked in, But Vivio was scared. I had to protect her.

The side of her that loved Fate retaliated. From Fate! She would never harm Vivio or me. How can I even say I love her.

I never said I did. Denial spoke up.

Oh! Stop denying it already! You know you do. I wouldn't be here if you didn't! Love spoke.

Stop being blinded by love! Did you even see her face?! She enjoyed Vivio's fear, who says she wouldn't harm us. Cynicism interrupted.

Cynic! A person in love would never intentionally harm their loved ones! Love defended hotly.

You saying Fate loves you? Cynicism countered.

I'm not saying. I know. There has never been a time she wasn't gentle and caring. Love spoke passionately remembering all the sweet things the red-eyed woman did.

HHHeeellllooooo! What do you call what just happened?! Caring! Cynicism mocked.

She doesn't feel well. Love said in a futile attempt to convince Cynicism.

Nanoha rubbed her temples getting a migraine from all the yelling in her head.

ENOUGH! Reason cut through the argument between Cyicism and Love. Let's look at this rationally. Fate is emitting some bad vibes. She's been acting strangely since she woke up, even her healing rate isn't normal. It's safe to say since she's not herself there is no way of knowing what she would do. Sending her away was the best course of action for both Vivio's safety and our peace of mind.

When Nanoha came to, her head finally quite, she found herself hugging Vivio, who was petting her head to sooth her.

"Are you okay now Nanoha-mama?" A cute concerned voice whispered.

Nanoha pulled back and looked at Vivio. She still felt upset, but had a gentle smile on. "Yes. Thank-you Vivio." She looked around. "Where's Lidea?"

"She left already."

Nanoha nodded and stood up.

"What's wrong with Fate-mama?" Nanoha looked down as she heard the timid voice.

She knelt back down, lifting Vivio's head. Worried heterocromic eyes meet calm blue. "I don't know, but whatever it is Nanoha-mama will take care of it." Her eyes filled with determination, a promise to herself and Vivio. You hear that Fate. I'm not letting you go even if I have to Starlight Break you back to me.

Vivio relaxed. Knowing the look in Nanoha's eyes and being on the receiving end of it one time before when she was under the influence of the Saint Cradle. She had nothing to worry about when her Nanoha-mama was that serious. Fate-mama will be back soon. She inwardly smiled.


AN: I hope you all had a great new year and holidays!

First chapter of the year. And hopefully I'll finish this before the year's up. Oh! On my profile page I posted links to a map of Amazon and Centaur land, as well as the battle layout. Hopefully those will make it easier to visualize.

Hope you enjoyed it!