Episode 23
~ Frozen Teardrop (Final Part) ~
Resonance of Fate
Relena Peacecraft took a deep breath and sighed, as she stared at the brilliant white coloured sand dune and cobalt blue Martian sea from the glass window of her palace, as she once again couldn't help herself from having this sad feeling over the chaotic situation currently happened. As if the scarlet Martian sky reflected the blood that being spilled over the Martian soil, the political situation had been deteriorate ever since the very first day Lanigreen Republic declared the war of independence against Mars Federation, and such terrible day also happened on the very first day when she was ordained as the second president of Mars Federation.
Here alone by herself, Relena remembered about her past as well as her ancestors past uploaded into her mind via genetic memory implant during her long sleep within cryogenic chamber. She remembered and knew very well now about the origin of After Colony era, as well as OZ and Operation Meteor that all happened prior Break The World. In the end however, Relena always found herself being helpless, unable to do anything to prevent countless tragedies from being happening in the past. What happened now in Mars was somehow becoming another reflection for her inability to change everything. It was how such tragedies happened in the past somehow tormented her heart as the saddened Relena could only took another deep breath and sighed as she lamented alone by herself.
"Relena-sama…the preparation for the capital defense system is ready now…we only need to wait for your order to…Relena-sama?" a young fifteen years old female knight identified as the twin daughter of Zech Merquise and Lucrezia Noin; Naina Peacecraft entered the queen chamber in order to inform Relena about the completion of capital defense system installation progress. It was when Naina once again found Relena mopping alone in her tormented sadness as the younger girl (female knight) decided to stay for a bit longer in order to accompany her president/ queen that also happens to be her aunt from her father side, albeit Naina in the same time decided it would be wiser for her to remain silent unless being prompted to answer some questions by Relena herself.
"Ah, I'm sorry that I didn't notice your arrival Naina…please sit down and don't bow in front of me, since you're always be my lovely little niece first before being my loyal knight…" Relena greeted Naina back, as she smiled at the young girl/ female knight in front of her, meanwhile Naina only nodded back in affirmative toward Relena albeit still remain silent, as she took a seat after being prompted to do so by Relena herself. It was a momentary silence between Relena and her knight, before the female president of Mars Federation decided to begin the conversation by asking Naina certain question.
"Naina, what do you think about the situation happening at the moment?"
Naina was only remain silent for a moment, as she heard Relena's question. It was certainly a difficult question, since Naina herself understood over the delicate political friction happened out there, between Mars Federation and Lanigreen Republic that sought for independence from the said ESUN's controlled Mars Federation itself. Even though the final battle that brought down the old administration of Earth Federation and Chimera Corps known as the "Day of Courage" already long over, as well as Purge of Blood, the tension within Mars Federation's internal politics still exist as they care nothing about new administration of ESUN while instead still seeking for total independence from Earth's control, even until now.
Time-Space Administration Bureau so far always took non-aggression and neutral policy against the political conflicts happened post Day of Courage, at least on the signed agreement paper according to what Naina Peacecraft knew. In reality Celestial Being's Ptolemaios Team as well as Special Duty Section 6 were always given task to involve themselves into these conflicts where they were forced to make difficult choices in regards to in many situations, while in the end perhaps took the burden of blame and sin with them as well, similar to what happened during Purge of Blood where Celestial Being and Special Duty Section 6 were partially blamed for the death of many innocent people caused by World Liberation Front.
"People, no this world will always looking for someone or something to be blamed for many mistakes done by themselves, I believe Relena-sama…what happened in Mars is somehow caused by the same thing, since it always be easy to blame someone rather than reflect and introspect over their own mistake I believe…" Naina replied back, as Relena was only remain silent while intently stared at her beloved niece. Despite her young age, Naina somehow displayed maturity and wisdom far more than teenager around her age, even when being compared to her twin brother Milou Peacecraft.
After hearing Naina's answer and opinion in regards to the situation on Mars, Relena could only somehow pitying herself from being unable to stop such tragedy from happening. It was when she came into realization that unless she did something to those people who bind them under their shackles, nothing would change at all.
"Naina, no matter any kind of path I ended up choosing in the end…would you still be on my side and protect me?" Relena asked once again; after she took a deep breath and closed her eyes when remembering many painful memories inside her mind that originated from her own experiences as well as genetic memories of her twin ancestors Katrina and Sabrina Peacecraft implanted within her mind. It was when Naina kneeled in front Relena despite of the female president of Mars Federation's protest before she answered back at Relena's question.
"No matter what happened, I…Naina Peacecraft, my brother Milou Peacecraft and lady Katherine Oud Winner will always be on your side until the bitter end…I took this oath and promise you under the name of my father and my mother…" Naina calmly replied back, as she stared at Relena before smiled gently at her aunt, something that Naina rarely have done in the past thanks to her serious personality compared to her twin brother's easygoing personality.
Relena only stared back speechless at her younger female knight that happens to be her niece as well. It was after Relena heard Naina's answer, her mind filled with somehow mixed feeling of gratitude and regret, as deep down inside her heart she always hope that she could kept Naina away from any conflicts that might endanger her life. However, as the situation that was currently happening somehow already changed from bad to worse, Relena could do nothing to prevent Naina and even her twin brother Milou from entering the battlefield in order to protect Mars Federation's sovereignty. It was when Relena knew clearly, the only thing she could probably done for her beloved niece and nephew, as well as Katherine Oud Winner was to tell them the truth about what happened behind Mars Federation's political turmoil as well as gave those three her full support.
"Thank you very much Naina…" Relena thanked her young knight, as Naina smiled back one more time at her aunt/ queen/ president before bowed her head slightly. It was when the soft knock could be heard came from the presidential chamber's front door, as Relena let her visitors that happens to be Milou and Katherine to enter since she need to tell them as well as Naina the truth behind everything.
In the meantime, at LS class TSAB warship Wolfram's hangar area…
"With this latest data, it should be sufficient to improve the overall performance of both Strike Cannon and War Hammer while mass produce them efficiently…what do you think Shari?" the former wishful author asked, as he handed down paperwork containing schematic for both AEC armaments Strike Cannon and War Hammer improvements to device meister Shario Finieno. Shari herself only smiled back at the said former wishful author in front of her before replying back at his statement and question.
"Thank you for all the trouble and this compiled data should be more than enough Ave-kun…finally we can put AEC armaments into test run for limited mass production and slowly but surely both Cannon and Hammer will become standard alternative armaments for armed force mages in order to deal with non-mage opponents such as Eclipse infected enemies or other enemies from another realms post Break The World tee hee…" Shari replied back, as she smiled in satisfaction after skimming through the compiled data report given to her by the former wishful author himself.
"By the way Shari, I also have another good news in regards to Teana's AEC armament…" Ave paused his sentence, as he stared at Shari, which quickly turned her gaze from the compiled data report back to the former wishful author with eyes sparked in great interest and enthusiasm. "How is it? How is it? Is it finally being completed? Man! You're surely genius Ave-kun and like Mary-sempai said…non-mage meister like you rarely exist back when we work during Riot Six era, especially someone with genius talent!" Shari quickly replied with a very fast paced babbling, as Ave only sweatdropped and laughed sheepishly when he heard Shari's enthusiastic reply. It was when Ave coughed to get Shari's attention back before continuing his sentence.
"Uhm, well…all credit should go to Caledfwlch Techniques and professor Atenza, since I only performing further adjustment and final tuning with available data and other new data that could be incorporated to it…" Ave paused his sentence again, as he was showing the schematic hologram that being displayed from his S2U card device. Shari in the meantime adjusting her glasses as she stared at the new AEC armament displayed there with the shape of a pair long barrelled firearms that could be combined into long sniper rifle with double function as burst riot shotgun as well.
"CW-AEC09X-2 Oxtongue…the final adjustment was made from Cherudim Gundam's combat data, especially in regards to the functionality of its GN sniper rifle II…" the former wishful author finally finished his explanation, as the hologram screen faded away. "So, is it ready for combat use?" Shari asked; as her eyes still sparked with great interest meanwhile Ave only laughed before replying back.
"The schematic data and final adjustment already being made and trial mode already exist…at the moment, I still won't recommend it for field use just yet, since I rather enforcer Lanster to try Ochstan for combat simulation first instead…I believe that would be wiser to test overall performance of this new armament in case other improvements here and there need to be made…" the former wishful author replied back, as Shari that finally calmed down quickly smiled back at him before nodded in agreement as well. It was when Shari decided to ask the former wishful author in front of her another question that was already asked by others as well.
"Uhm, Ave-kun…have you ever thought about which area you would like to join in order to advance your rank within TSAB? You will definitely be welcomed at the Main Branch Engineering Division that currently being affiliated with Caledfwlch Techniques and Special Duty Section 6…or you rather have other places in your mind at the moment?" Shari finished her question; as Ave was only remain silent for a while in order to think on how he should properly answer Shari over her question. It wasn't took the former wishful author too long however in order to answer Shari's question, as he only smiled back at the female device meister in front of him before gave her the answer.
"Well, I haven't give a good thought over it myself, although second lieutenant Vita before asked me similar question and she quite adamant to put me under her wing as one of the instructor…well, I always before interested on the field of investigation done by special investigator as well as enforcer, although I have little confident myself that I would fit that role perfectly…" Ave finished his reply, as he leaned on the metal hull of Wolfram's hangar as he took a deep breath and sighed.
"Hmmm, so you still quite confused for making a decision on which division you would like to join…well, I believe you're a talented person Ave-kun…but I personally you better suited on Main Branch Engineering Division, although the final call will still be up to you…maybe you can juggle more than one role in the same time like me! Being an enforcer aide and device meister in the same time as well!" Shari replied back at the former wishful author in front of her, as she grinned before putting both her hands at Ave's shoulders. "Well, don't forget that you still need to make a decision as well over Nanoha-san's offer to adopt you as part of Takamachi family, and I think that offer really nice and would working completely fine for you…" Shari finished her second reply, as the former wishful author himself only took a deep breath and sighed before replying back at the female device meister in front of him.
"Well, I'm still unsure, since it wasn't easy to come to term with one's past Shari…I somehow understand fully on how Thoma's feel and why he took on a journey for self-discovery and coming in term with his own past back then…his situation was somehow similar to me, although mine might be nothing in comparison to those tragic past Thoma experienced…however, the essence is the same…that's why I want to complete my self-discovery journey I currently undertaking at the moment first before accepting the warmth offered by Nanoha-san and Vivio…I know I might sound selfish and indecisive here…" Ave paused his sentence, as he glanced at Shari who in return took a deep breath and sighed before she decided to gave another reply as well as lecture to the indecisive former wishful fanfic author in front of her.
"I believe Nanoha-san wouldn't mind for you to take a bit more time to come into term with your own past Ave-kun, although it seems to be wiser if you could make your decision as soon as possible, uhm, how to put it nice…I think it won't be nicer to let someone as kind and gentle as Nanoha-san to wait almost forever you know…" Shari finished her reply and lecture at the former wishful author in front of her, meanwhile Ave on the other hand could only nodded in agreement over Shari's reply. "After this case finally solved and we all back to Mid, I will definitely give Nanoha-san my answer…" the former wishful author Ave replied back at Shari's reply, before he continue on helping the female device meister with AEC armaments maintenance as well as a pair of AI-controlled "Intelligent Device" like tactical autonomous personal trooper units originally belongs to the former wishful fanfic author himself identified as azure Beowulf Alteisen "Nacht" and platinum Lucifer Weissritter "Abend".
Shari only took another deep breath and sighed as she began on the maintenance process for the Alteisen in metallic azure paintjob and Weissritter in platinum silver with metallic scarlet highlights in the oppose of the original manned Weissritter piloted by Excellence Browning that was having metallic cobalt blue highlights instead. Deep down inside her heart, Shari knew that she should not be interfering or even got involved over the indecisive disposition done by Ave over several circumstances. However, she was also as most of other people that knew the former wishful author ever since his sudden arrival at Special Duty Section 6 (SDS 6) wished for the best outcome and happiness not only for Ave's future, but for Nanoha, Vivio and everyone else as well.
In reality Shari also realized that she couldn't blame the former wishful author's indecisiveness, as she also fully understood the situation where someone would like to come into term with their past first before accepting the new future and warmth offered to them, in order to make themselves not seem on taking those offered future and warmth as something for granted. It was also what prompted Shari as well as most people in SDS 6 to fully understood and respect Ave's decision to postpone his answer until at least after this civil unrest on Mars and Operation Mythos were done and their return to Mid-Childa. In the end the female device meister decided to wait for the highly possible good outcome when she and the others finally return to Mid-Childa as she smiled alone, believing on the answer that the former wishful author would make on that time would definitely be the positive one, and Shari's prediction would definitely correct this time around, like always.
In the same time, at Ptolemaios 2's hangar area…
"Eh, so old man Ian finally completing these two Gundam units and manage to deliver them to us together with the repaired 00 Raiser…" Lockon made his remark as he stared at a pair of fifth generation Gundam units standing tall in front of him, as he didn't notice over Allelujah and Marie's arrival behind him. "GN-010 Gundam Zabanya and GN-011 Gundam Harute…we definitely should thank old man Ian for his hard work…" Allelujah muttered.
"Ah! Damn it Allelujah, you almost gave me a heart attack!" Lockon startled for a bit as he heard Allelujah's remark from his back, meanwhile Marie that accompany Allelujah only giggled as she saw both Lockon and Allelujah's reaction. "Sorry…" Allelujah replied sheepishly before his attention returned to both Gundam Zabanya and Gundam Harute in front of him. "Well, I'm glad these two made it on time before our final confrontation, since honestly outdated third generation Gundam units would be underpowered against those powerful Gundam from AC universe…" Lockon made his remark, as he shrugged meanwhile both Allelujah and Marie nodded in agreement over the sharpshooter's remark as well.
"Allelujah and Lockon-san, I heard Special Duty Section 6 also received another equipments as well for this final confrontation, are they true?" Marie asked, as both Allelujah and Lockon quickly nodded in affirmative. It was when Allelujah decided to explain a bit further at his girlfriend. "Special Duty Section 6 received experimental automaton humanoid Anti-Eclipse armaments identified as CW-AD X Raptor units, ten of them…as well as additional five Strike Cannon units and five War Hammer units…the other news I heard is also the reactivation of AI-controlled Gespenst Mk-III Alteisen and Gespenst Mk-IV Weissritter that previously used by Ave in the previous conflicts, meanwhile I also heard about enforcer Lanster's AEC armament finally ready for simulation field test as well…" Allelujah finished his explanation, as both Marie and Lockon only remain silent after nodded in understanding beforehand.
"Those two AI-controlled Alteisen and Weissritter if I remember correctly contain sophisticated AI on the same level with TSAB's Intelligent Device, as they could act independently in order to protect their designated master at anytime and anywhere while in the meantime could be commanded via Tink Erbel AI-system similar to the cancelled SEM units previously planned to be installed on Seravee Gundam…am I right?" Lockon asked, as he tried to gave Allelujah and Marie his analytical thought over Alteisen "Nacht" and Weissritter "Abend" meanwhile both Allelujah and Marie quickly nodded in agreement over Lockon's explanation before Marie decided to voice her thought as well.
"I think we personally quite lucky to have TSAB as well as Ave to be our faithful allies ever since the very first day of Break The World, of course we also help and contribute each other by exchanging information and technology while TSAB and The Church of the Saint King also becoming Celestial Being's sponsors after Wang Liu Mei unable to support us anymore…" Marie finished voicing her thought, as for some reason her expression was quite saddened over the mention of Wang Liu Mei name by herself. "It wasn't your fault Marie, Wang Liu Mei's ambition was too great for her own good and she was destroyed by her own personal ambition and agenda…I know it's quite sad but Wang Liu Mei herself already given numerous opportunity to change her way in which she never did until her very bitter end…" Allelujah made his remark, as Marie was still remain silent and only stared at her boyfriend's serious yet gentle expression.
"Some people never try to redeem themselves and keep on doing their evil way no matter how many chances are given to them…I'm sorry if I might sounds really cruel, however the only redemption they would get from their own action was perhaps only through death itself…" Lockon made his serious remark for all the sudden, as he stared at both Allelujah and Marie. Both Allelujah and Marie were only remain silent, as the two of them heard Lockon's remark, although in the end Marie decided to voice her thought as well. "However Lockon-san, such way of thinking is really sad and no matter how evil someone could be…I believe they should deserve another chance for forgiveness and redemption…" Marie finished her reply, as Lockon took a deep breath before smiled sadly at Allelujah's girlfriend in front of him and gave her his answer.
"I know it's sad…however, this is how life works and we could only accept that and live our life in the accordance of its will…"
Back at the commander quarter of TSAB LS class warship Wolfram…
Hayate was alone, as she read through literally pile of documents in front of her while in the same time signed some of them, in which include the amendment approval's support for allowing TSAB's combat mages to be armed with mass production version of AEC armament Strike Cannons and/ or War Hammers. The female commander of Special Duty Section 6 than leaned her head on the commander seat cushion as she took a deep breath and sighed. She already heard over the uproar caused by this daring proposal to include AEC armaments into the main force of TSAB, since by doing so, TSAB's supreme councils need to start on create another new constitution that charter the use of "mass weapons" previously banned at the old TSAB's charter.
Hayate personally decided to remain supportive for the new charter considering on how the situation in the past one year and three months already changed considerably thanks to Break The World, and the existences of countless "mass weapons" used by countless different dimensions/ worlds that now either merged or connected one another by Crossgate Paradigm portals. So far, Hayate as well as the rest of SDS 6's members realize on how AEC armaments proven to be more effective when they combat their new enemies, and based from the said experience, several senior admirals from TSAB that always being supportive to TSAB's SDS 6 as well as Hayate personally together with knight Carim Gracia began to propose the new charter, which so far still waiting for final approval from TSAB's supreme council while in the same time also causing controversy within TSAB's administered worlds.
In reality however, Hayate shouldn't be worried too much since most citizens within TSAB's administered worlds were either neutral or supportive with the new charter as long as strict regulation of the said "mass weapons" in which AEC armaments were placed after the said amendment being approved. The only controversy happened so far was usually directed at Hayate personally after all, since she was always someone that always being suspected for anything unusual that happened within TSAB's movement. Hayate personally could understand and accept such accusation, as long as everything in the end could save many others. She already signed for this path of redemption as the last Meister of the Night Sky, and deep down inside her heart, if she need to die in order to protect these countless multiple universes and redeem the past sins committed by her knights, she would gladly gave her life away for doing so.
"I want Hayate-san to think for her own happiness as well, for what she always want to do…and if Hayate-san said her burden were too heavy for her to do so…I would gladly carry half of them upon my shoulders!"
It was a strong determination or perhaps just an emotional burst, blurted out of nowhere in the middle of heated battle when she was injured, soon after Break The World occurred. The injured Hayate opened her eyes weakly, as she saw the very sad and concerned expression of her knights as well as more specially the former wishful fanfic author that recently joined Special Duty Section 6 as new assault/ non-commissioned personnel. She couldn't say anything since her injury was too painful for her to even opening her mouth in order to speak, as if her linker core was ripped away from her. However, even in the verge of losing consciousness, Hayate still somehow could hear on what the former wishful author Ave had spoken with strong determination in order to genuinely supporting her with all of his might, and she was really happy for hearing that.
"Hayate-chan, are you still busy?" Nanoha's cheerful voice could be heard coming from the intercom of her quarter's front door after accompanied by a soft buzz on her doorbell. "Ah, Nanoha-chan…please come in! I'm busy but if you don't mind to keep me company and chat with me while I finish my paperwork, I would be really happy na…" Hayate quickly replying back with her equally cheerful (and mischievous) voice and soon enough the legendary TSAB's ace of aces entered Hayate's quarter with a small blue folder in her left hand (Nanoha is being left-handed after all).
"Hayate-chan, this is the final report in regards to AEC armaments development from Shari, and she said Ave-kun also contributing a lot over the possibility of mass producing them in the most economical and efficient way possible tee hee, and oh…one more thing…Teana's AEC armament is also ready for simulation field test as well thanks to Shari and Ave-kun's continuous efforts!" Nanoha handed down the blue folder as Hayate accepted it before smiled back and nodded at the legendary ace of aces/ white devil of TSAB in front of her.
"Thanks na Nanoha-chan, I will see Ave and Shari later today to praise them for their hard work as well tee hee…" Hayate cutely giggled as she replying back. It was a momentary silence between Nanoha and Hayate, as the Meister of the Night Sky decided to start the conversation by asking the Ace of Aces certain question. "Nanoha-chan?" Hayate began her question. "Hai~!" Nanoha cheerfully replied back. "Uhm, what do you think about the state of our world up until now?" as Hayate finished her question, her facial expression was somehow becoming a bit more serious albeit still showing the gentle expression she always done at anytime. Nanoha was remain silent for a while, as she put her left hand to rub her chin and resuming her thinking expression before she was then smiled at Hayate and gave her reply back.
"I remembered on how Ave-kun said about our existences before only known by him as fictional works in his original world, and I thought previously we would be able to know what would be happening next base on his prior knowledge…and combined by knight Carim-san's Prophetin Schriften, we would be able to have perfect knowledge to plan our next moves…however as Ave-kun stated before, this state of ever changing world somehow render his ability to predict future events becoming even less and less accurate while in the same time he also decided to forbade himself from overusing that privilege and encourage himself as well as the rest of us including those he met in this past one year and three months to reshape their own destinies by using their own hands…" Nanoha finished her quite long reply as she smiled back at Hayate in the same time as well.
"I take it as the state of this world is somehow chaotic, am I right Nanoha-chan?" Hayate muttered back, as she closed the blue folder in front of her, while stared at her best friend that was still standing in front of her. "I won't deny such statement Hayate-chan, although I believe…as well as Ave-kun's…this chaotic world was somehow give us infinite number of possibilities and hopes over many other things previously would never be possible to be happening hence this phenomenon never occurred in the first time…" Nanoha paused her reply, as she smiled at Hayate that was somehow quite puzzled by the TSAB's ace of aces' reply.
"Do you think such change happened to our world would be a good thing or a bad thing Nanoha-chan? Especially the change created by Break The World?" Hayate asked once again, as Nanoha just took a deep breath before shrugged and replying back. "The answer would be varied depending on the people, by the way Hayate-chan…why all the sudden asking about the state of this newly created world?" as Nanoha replied back, she decided to ask Hayate out of curiosity. It was when Hayate startled for a bit before smiling back at Nanoha and gave her the answer for the question asked before by the legendary TSAB's ace of aces. It was when Hayate in the same time was also trying to assure Nanoha that she was definitely doing fine.
"I just remembered on so many different things happened as well as how many situations, policies and other things changed after this world was formed…" Hayate paused her reply, as she took a deep breath and stared at the familiar ceiling of her commander quarter. "Sometimes, I always wondering if such change would be leading us…I mean this new world into the proper path, as well as justifying many changes made by TSAB in accordance to meet the new needs created by the existence of these countless new worlds as well…" Hayate finished her reply as she glanced at Nanoha. In the meantime Nanoha only remain silent for a while before smiling back gently at Hayate and gave her usual reply at her best friend in front of her.
"I think the best way to deal with this problem is just to let the nature take it to the proper course…I mean, our ever changing timelines that still need to be fixed and will definitely be fixed by their guardians…Amitie-chan and Kyrie-chan, as well as those people we manage to save in the same time…I rather trying to think positively and be grateful for being able to live our life as well as helping many other life with our magic, including those we should never meet originally if this new timeline never been created…" Nanoha paused her sentence, as she grinned before asking Hayate another question in return. "Is it just your worry for this constantly changing world, or is it something related to Ave-kun?" Nanoha asked, as Hayate gulped and sweated.
"I think the later also play another major factor as well, am I right Hayate-chan?" Nanoha asked again, as this time Hayate was just laughing nervously before replying back. "Well, more and less…but how do you know about that Nanoha-chan?" Hayate asked her in return, as she laughed nervously after Nanoha referring her worried question over the state of this newly formed world or timeline was also contributed by the existence of the enigmatic former wishful fanfic author that Hayate somehow grew attached and liking ever since their first encounter one year and three months ago, or to be exact twelve hours before Break The World occurred.
"Hayate-chan, I have been your friend for at least fourteen years now, and Ave-kun is somehow like my own younger brother…moreover the two of you pretty obvious for somehow having this strong bond of attachment one to another…well, I remember correctly that Ave-kun was telling us honestly about his knowledge over our original universe as well as how he always admiring you ever since the first time he knew you back then in fictional world and after he met you personally…if I remember correctly…" Nanoha replied back calmly, as she explained the reason why she could quickly guessed Ave's factor within Hayate's mind and dilemma straightaway. The last Meister/ Mistress of the Night Sky on the other hand only laughed nervously before replying back at Nanoha's answer.
"Well, I think I should give you promotion into colonel rank as well as five gold medals for being able to guess that na…" Hayate laughed as she gave her reply to Nanoha, meanwhile Nanoha herself was still only smiled back at her best friend before continuing her reply/ answer. "Ave-kun is an honest person, and he always support us without any hesitation even though sometimes he doubted the situation happened in front of him…" Nanoha paused her reply, as Hayate gulped. "Also in this past almost one and half year, we knew him even better as well as his believes to create the better world where nobody would cry anymore…it might sounds really childish for someone with the title of Time Diver like Ave-kun, however he wasn't naïve about his ideal and in the opposite quite pragmatic about it…" Nanoha paused her reply once again, as this time she was only smiling at Hayate meanwhile the said Mistress of the Night Sky for some reason felt even more nervous than before.
"In another word, I also believe on what Ave-kun said from times to times that he really wished for you Hayate-chan to be happy and offering himself to carry half your burden away…well, he might be inheriting Takamachi name in the future, so you should know from me already since I would be doing the same as well ne Hayate-chan…" Nanoha finished her reply, as she winked at Hayate that only laughed nervously when she heard her best friend's answer really hitting the nail on her.
"Uhm, I suppose you're right na…Nanoha-chan, although I still feel it would be unfair for Ave to do so much on my behalf…especially by carrying half the burden of sin I…and my family committed during Book of Darkness incident in the past…" Hayate replied back, as she smiled slightly sadly at Nanoha. "Hayate-chan, nobody blame you for that…and TSAB even stated clearly over the entire incident wasn't your fault…so, there would be no need for you to burden yourself by walking on the path of redemption alone…moreover Fate-chan and myself, Subaru, Teana, Erio, Caro, and many others would also be doing the same…walking on the same path with you and always regard you as the same cheerful and mischievous Hayate-chan that genuinely kind toward everybody without any exception and prejudice…" Nanoha quickly countered back at Hayate's reply as another momentary silence between the two best friends happened once again.
Deep down inside her heart, Hayate knew that Nanoha was right about her and her way of life for taking the blame about what happened during the Book of Darkness incident all by herself. Hayate also knew that she wasn't at fault over the said incident since she was also the victim in that case. However being a gentle and kind girl, Hayate always consider everything that was happening during the Book of Darkness incident was all her responsibility. She always thought she need to take such responsibility ever since she was given a warm family namely her faithful knights to be on her side accompanying her forever, and she shouldn't took that for granted. In the same time the Mistress of the Night Sky also realized on the fact that it would be unfair for her to let her best friends such as Nanoha, Fate and the rest of people she knew including the former wishful author himself to help her carrying this burden of sins even only half of it and even if they were gladly willing to do so.
"Hayate-chan? Are you alright?" Nanoha's concerned question once again startled the Mistress of the Night Sky from her deep thought, as Hayate quickly smiled back at Nanoha before replying back. "Ah, I'm fine Nanoha-chan, and thank you very much for having a great concern over me…but I'm totally fine…well, including on what happened with Ave as well…as you said before, I think I should just let the nature take everything to the proper course I believe na…" Hayate replied back, as Nanoha even though still somehow worried over her best friend's wellbeing decided to only smile back and nodded in agreement.
"Regardless to what would be happening in the future Hayate-chan, please remember one thing…that you're not alone and you have the rest of us including Fate-chan, Ave-kun and myself to help you and support you as always…" Nanoha replied back with her usual gentle smile, as Hayate in return nodded in agreement while smiling back at her best friend; the legendary TSAB's ace of aces in front of her.
In the end Hayate might already made her personal determination to take the path of redemption alone by herself. Reinforce Eins and Reinforce Zwei might only be the one that would accompany her on this path, as deep down inside her heart she would rather her beloved Unison Devices as well as her knights having a happy life instead. However after hearing Nanoha's words today, the Mistress of the Night Sky came into realization that no matter how heavy the burden she need to carry for the rest of her life, as well as how determined she might be to walk on the path of redemption she already chose to walk on for her entire life, it might not be a bad idea to rely to other kind and gentle people that genuinely worried and concerned about her wellbeing and happiness. Moreover if those people are the very people she knew well and undoubtedly loves her dearly.
To start on thinking such way of life, and rely on her dear friends and comrades for just a little bit won't be a bad idea after all, as with renewed way of thinking and determination, the Mistress of the Night Sky once again face the unseen new future that awaits her, together with her faithful knights, friends and comrades she cherish and love dearly.
Eltria Federation's time-space Crossgate Paradigm portal, in the same time…
"I wish I could stay here for a bit longer in order to observe the construction progress for Eltria's defense system, although unfortunately until Eltria's timeline and our timeline could finally be synchronized…I need to leave for a little while…" Viktoria Dahlgrün apologized, as she smiled weakly at Dearche, Yuri and commander Flit Asuno, as she was getting ready to board her private transport via Crossgate Paradigm portal. "Hmmm…I'll make sure the progress for fixing and synchronizing this timeline be done as quickly as possible…but perhaps another twenty three years might would already be passed by the time we fix this timeline, and also there might be other part of this new Eltria originally merged with the old Eltria after Break The World incident might left unaffected…" Dearche finished her sentence, as she took a deep breath and sighed before groaned as well in slightly annoyance over the complicated timeline fixing progress Amitie, Kyrie, Yuri, Stern and herself currently undergo in order to find the correct timeline for this new Eltria.
"Viktor-san, please not too worry, I will take care Dahlgrün Foundation during your absence and ensure the other projects to protect Eltria from Vagan's invasion being taken care in serious manner in accordance to your wish…" this time Yuri added her words, as she stared at Viktoria with strong determination in her eyes. Viktoria herself only smiled as she patted the younger-looking and shorter Yuri on her head before replying back. "Thanks Yuri, I'm counting on you…" she replied back at Yuri before stared at Dearche and finally commander Flit Asuno. "I hope by the time Eltria's timeline finally being fixed, the situation would be better improving commander Asuno, and also please send my regards to your wife, ms. Yurin, as well as both Asemu and Yunoa…" Viktoria finished her farewell sentence, as she still elegantly smiled at the stoic commander Flit Asuno in front of her.
"I will tell my wife Emily, Yurin, as well as both Asemu and Yunoa that you say hi and good bye lady Viktoria, although my wife and children would be disappointed since they were expecting you to visit them at least once for family dinner…" Flit replied back, as he was still doing so with his stoic expression on his face. In the meantime Viktoria only shrugged and smiled back at Flit before apologizing. "I'm sorry and I hope they won't be angry to me…it might be taking quite a while but I will definitely make sure, the next time I visit Eltria, I will definitely stop by for dinner if I'm being invited…" Viktoria finished her formal apologize, as she glanced at her silver watch on her right wrist.
"It seems my flight will depart soon…I will be going commander Asuno, lady Dearche and ambassador Yuri, until our next meeting that hopefully not too far in the future…" Viktoria bowed her head slightly, as once again she bid her farewell before entering her gate to the inter-dimensional immigration section to board her flight across time-space dimensional nexus connected by Crossgate Paradigm portal. As soon as Viktoria disappeared from everyone's eyes, Dearche was the first one that made her remark.
"Well, it would be quite a while before we saw lady Viktor again…now it would be our turn to make sure this new Eltria would still exist by the time she visit during the correct century timeline…and also, there would be a higher chance for that Yagami girl and her friends will be visiting as well if Eltria Federation finally being admitted as part of ESUN…" Dearche made her remark; meanwhile Yuri only nodded in agreement as well.
"If we in the end becoming part of ESUN or TSAB's administered world…our fight against Vagan would enter another new page, and I would say we would be having enormous advantages in term of firepower…although I don't really like to rely too much over outsider to help our fight…except lady Viktoria and her Dahlgrün Foundation…" commander Asuno made his remark, as he stared at both Dearche and Yuri, meanwhile this time the Ambassador of the Purple Sky decided to reply back by giving her insight over commander Flit Asuno's remark.
"Commander Flit, at this moment I believe it would be wiser to accept as many extended helps as possible…since our fight against Vagan would only becoming intensify in the future…I believe Amita-san would also agree and think the same as well…" Yuri finished voicing her thought, meanwhile commander Flit Asuno reluctantly nodded in agreement over the Ambassador of the Purple Sky's remark.
In the end, commander Flit Asuno realized that Eltria Federation would always be indebted by Time-Space Administration Bureau as well as Celestial Being and ZEUTH during the early war against Vagan that was back then identified only by "UE" name. Even though deep down within his heart, the legendary Eltria's Gundam pilot still was somehow doubted the extend of help ESUN would be able to provide to Eltria by the time Eltria (Eltrian) Federation being admitted as its member, he was somehow certain that as long as ESUN remain as a close ally to TSAB and Celestial Being, the later two would be there to help him and Eltria without doubt.
"I suppose you're right ambassador Yuri Eberwein…in the end, we will be having this advantageous as well as combative edge if we accept these helps from both ESUN and TSAB…in the meantime, I wonder what are they doing at the moment really…our friends and comrades from those said organizations…" commander Flit Asuno replied back, as he was somehow manage to smile back by using his stoic face, in which startling Dearche to no end and delighted Yuri on the other hand.
To Be Continued…