Fate arrived home to find Nanoha waiting. "Nove has gone to the hospital. Vivio and Einhart are still asleep. Come in and tell me how bad it is."

Fate sighed and sat down in the living room. "It's bad. Genya is dead, as is Sieg. Nanoha..." She paused and searched for words before shaking her head. "It was an atrocity. I don't even want to think about it."

Nanoha put her hand on Fate shoulder. "Then don't. I'll read the reports while I'm busy with Rin tomorrow. You can rest if you want."

Fate shook her head. "No. If Sakura will be there as well, I'll come around."

"We have to tell the children." Fate cringed. "We'll do it together. Keep Artoria and Joan close too."

Joan politely stepped in at that moment. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop. How can I help?"

Fate looked at her with a touch of anger in her eyes. "Why are you still smiling?"

"Because if I became morose as well, it would not help. And I did not know the girl that well."

"How do you feel about this?" Nanoha asked her.

"In any fight, people, young and old, are going to die. Please understand that I don't mean any disrespect."

Nanoha sighed. "No, it's alright. I'm sorry to trouble you even more, but keep an extra close eye on the children."

"Of course."

Artoria arrived a few moments later and bowed. "Excuse my interruption."

Nanoha regarded the other blonde calmly. "Good, you're here. Tomorrow I want you and Joan to be extra careful with the children. I have work to do and Fate is coming with me."

Artoria nodded. "Understood. The children shall be kept safe."

"And one more thing. How are you?"

Artoria paused and took a moment to choose her words. "I do not wish to offend your grief with my own. I feel I like a foe slipped through and lives were lost needlessly. I regret the loss of life, but I cannot say that it gives me pause. No, rather it must not give me pause."

Nanoha nodded. "I understand. We'll see you tomorrow. And please, do not tell the children anything until we return."

"As you wish."

Moving into the room she and Joan shared with the children for the duration, Artoria approached her comrade gravely. "I must ask, did you have any premonitions?"

Joan shook her head, now wearing a neutral expression. "No, I did not know the girl that well."

Artoria sighed and Joan continued. "It's not your fault either. We both know how these things can fester."

Artoria growled. "It's shameful, putting such things on children. It is not worthy of a king."

Joan nodded. "Were it not for the fact that it's a genetic factor, I would call it a curse. But let's avoid talking about it for a while."

"Agreed. Now, which side do you want?"

Next morning, Fate and Nanoha were getting breakfast ready

"Thanks again for last night." Fate murmured to Nanoha, laying her head on her shoulder.

Nanoha kissed her tenderly. "It's alright. Let's get breakfast ready and get the day started."

Joan and Artoria brought the children to the table for breakfast after the morning routine. Wide awake and rather hungry, Vivio and Einhart sat down at the table flanked by the Joan and Artoria, Vivio smiling widely and Einhart keeping her usual stern look.

Nanoha and Fate came in with breakfast. "Good morning."

They sat down and ate in peace. Vivio looked around curiously. "Where is miss Nove?"

"She has some things to attend to." Nanoha answered calmly.

"Oh, is something wrong?"

"We'll speak after Fate mama and I get home, alright?"

Vivio nodded. "Alright."

"And don't force miss Artoria or miss Joan to spill anything. Either of you." Nanoha warned. Both children nodded.

The family finished dinner and Nanoha and Fate prepared to leave. "Be good today, children. We'll speak this evening." And with that, the two were off.

Joan stepped up. "Right, children. Come, let's exercise."

Traveling towards the training grounds the two spoke to each other, Fate asking with concern. "Think Artoria will say anything?"

Nanoha shook her head. "No. she's one to keep her word. I'm more worried about Hayate."

"Me too. We should check in on her."

Rin and Sakura turned up with Hayate and Rein in toe. "Morning. They wouldn't let me stay by myself in the office, so here I am." She was smiling but her eyes looked tired and she sat down in silence next to Fate and with Sakura on the other side.

Rin, getting ready for a day's training, turned to Nanoha with a concerned frown. "Everything alright?"

Nanoha's mouth curled up a bit. "No, but it'll pass. Thank you. Let's begin the training. Today you have 30 targets with the highest A.I. that will actively come after you if you let them. The environment is heavily wooded, with little infrastructure and very broken terrain. Good luck."

Gazing at the exercise, Hayate sighed as Fate, Sakura and Rein looked at her with some concern. Noticing, she started chuckled. "You three are annoying, but I don't mind. I'm gonna sulk for a bit, but I'll be fine."

Fate hugged her with her arm. "Feel free to sulk. I know how close you were to Genya."

Hayate sighed and hugged her back. "I cried enough last night, but thank you." Her other hand hugged Sakura. "Don't be embarrassed about your feelings sweetheart."

The response was a full frontal hug from a very emotional Sakura. "I am so sorry to have brought these things with us."

Hayate growled and flicked the younger girl's forehead. "You dummy! It's not your fault!"

"My mistress believes she is not allowed to say anything because of her past." Crimson Flight spoke up.

Hayate frowned in annoyance even as Sakura turned red. "Now listen up, you. What happened wasn't your fault and we're going to fix it. But we need time to grieve and your presence is invaluable."

Sakura hugged Hayate even tighter, pressing her chest into her, which made Hayate grin mischievously. "This is not bad at all."

Fate chuckled and shook her head but smiled with relief.

Hayate had a good feel for Sakura' chest and the girl began to sputter awkwardly. Hayate smiled much more relaxed now. "Thank you. We should talk about those matters when you feel you can. In the meantime, Verossa and I, most likely with Carim's help, will start lobbying the Bureau to properly ban intentional application of genetic memory due to the danger it can create. After last night, nothing will convince me otherwise."

Sakura, spoke with conviction. "Yes, that is the best possible thing to do. I did not want to say anything, because you, miss Fate and miss Nanoha do not practice it, but it reminds me of the mages from my world. Not as cruel and foolish, but just as dangerous."

Hayate nodded. "Yes. We shall speak of this another time. After we have grieved properly. For now, let's watch Rin work."

Sakura smiled. "Nee-san is really doing her best, isn't she?"

Fate spoke warmly. "I noticed. She's trying to show off to Nanoha and get her mind off things. But she's forcing herself. Yesterday she went through a lot of magical energy and now she's running low."

Sakura shook her head. "Nee-san likes to push herself. I'm sure miss Nanoha's noticed."

A drone was circling around Rin even as she pushed Emerald Fancy to produce one more attack to finish it off. "Come on!"

"I'm sorry mistress, but you have exhausted yourself."

Annoyed and frustrated, Rin started yelling at her device. "One more attack I said you dumb stick! Work!" The drone got in an attack that didn't do that much damage but served to annoy Rin even more. "Oh dammit! Work, you!"

"I cannot do that."

Another attack landed almost square on her torso and she fell back into a clump of trees.

"That's enough." Nanoha stopped the exercise and the environment returned to being a simple green area.

Rin picked herself up and groaned. "Darn it." To make things complete, her barrier jacket vanished completely.

"Mistress needs to rest for today."

Stuck only in her training outfit, Rin was reduced to sulking and pouting. Nanoha was not disturbed and crouched beside her. "Now, Rin, you have quite the abilities, but you've no idea how to be moderate. Instead of beams, try spheres and make them only as intense as needed to incapacitate your target. Try capturing it before launching an attack. We will work on this and balance starting tomorrow. For now, you hit the showers."

Rin could only nod. "Yes ma'am."

Rin limped over to a waiting Sakura who took her by the shoulder. "Easy there nee-san, don't strain yourself."

"Thanks, Sakura."

Rin turned to Nanoha. "We'll be back in just a bit. Sorry for making you wait"

Hayate waved her apology away with a smile. "No need for that, we'll keep you company."

Sakura smiled. "Sure, go right ahead."

As the sisters took to showering, Hayate's smile disappeared. "I can't say how much Genya and Sieg dying upsets me. You two are adorable and I'm not completely cheered up. Verossa is handling the paper work since he considers it his fault. So... thank you, again."

Fate spoke via her device from outside the shower room. "How do we tell the kids? Not just Einhart and Vivio but Victoria as well. I imagine they will be distressed by the news."

"The church will now officially take care of anyone who might have genetic memories of the Belkan era or previous eras. They will inform Victoria and her family of the loss and the danger. After that, we'll have to make sure Victoria doesn't have any surprises lined up. As for Vivio and Einhart, I'll trust you two with that." Hayate replied.

"There most likely aren't any more surprises. The girl has very little blood left from the old days." Sakura said with conviction, even as she was rinsing her hair.

Hayate nodded. "And almost no genetic memory. But we'll be safe just in case." Sakura hummed in approval.

Nanoha asked from beyond the door. "How are the others?"

"They've been stabilized. There's a lot of damage, but most of them are out of the woods. Subaru and Fabia were the worse off. I suspect Nove is going to be around the hospital for a while."

"I see, that is good news, such as they are."

Hayate chuckled. "Well, that's the serious talk done. Mind if I join you for some skin-ship?"

Sakura laughed. "No, not at all."

Rin was a bit flummoxed. "You two...?"

"Relax nee-san, you don't have to do anything you don't want."

Rin sighed. "Fine. Whatever keeps those smiles going." She did a twirl and giggled.

Fate and Nanoha looked at each other with slightly exasperated smiles. Hayate would be alright. But the hardest part had yet to come. Lunch became a quiet affair, a far cry from the usual playful banter they had become accustomed to.

In the end, Nanoha broke the silence. "How is everyone else doing?"

"Signum, Vita, Agito and Medusa are already chasing down any potential problems for Victoria. Shamal is at the hospital and she's keeping me informed of any developments." Hayate reported.

Sakura smiled. "Medusa also tells me it's unlikely we'll have any surprises."

"She's so protective of you, it's a miracle she let you join us for the training." Hayate quipped.

"She trusts you completely, miss Hayate. She may be reserved, but Medusa is very caring to those who really know her."

Even Rin was surprised by her sister's enthusiasm for Medusa. Hayate just chuckled merrily. "I've noticed for some time. She kind of holds back, but I can see she's lovely."

Rin sighed. "Oh boy."

"Give the kids time. If they want a break from school let them have for a long as they can after this." Fate said.

Nanoha spoke calmly. "Thank you Hayate. Do rest some more."

Hayate laughed. "Right back at you."

Once the two were back, Fate and Nanoha steeled themselves as they mentally prepared to break the news to Vivio and Einhart.

"I'll talk to them Nanoha. Stay by my side while I do." Fate said lowly.

"Alright."

They went in to find Artoria and Joan stoically watching over Vivio and Einhart, who were lightly sparing in the training gym.

"Hello everyone, we're home."

Vivio turned to greet them. "Mama, welcome home!" She exclaimed as she jumped in Nanoha's arms.

Einhart bowed. "Welcome back."

Fate gestured. "Let's sit on the couch, so we can speak properly."

Both girls knew them well enough to know the matter was serious, so they followed quietly. Artoria and Joan chose to wait outside the room. As they sat down, Fate drew a breath and Nanoha held her hand. "There is no good way to give such news. Last night, an undead creature slipped through and attacked the Nakajima residence. In the attack, Sieg and Genya were killed and everyone else present was badly injured."

Vivio's eyes grew wider with each word and sure enough tears began to well. "You're joking, right? I mean, you'd never let something like that get through." She paused for a moment, her eyes darting between Fate and Nanoha. "Please tell me you're lying!"

Fate's silence spoke far louder than words as she gently embraced Vivio. Einhart was desperately trying to remain composed, even though she was trembling with anguish and grief. "E-excuse me!" She got off the couch and tried leaving the room.

Nanoha wouldn't have it. "Wait! Artoria, could you please come in?"

The swordswoman came in with almost no sound and Einhart all but jumped on her, holding tightly onto her blue dress as she sobbed intensely. Artoria didn't move or didn't speak, keeping her expression composed throughout as she rubbed circles on Einhart's back with her hand. Nanoha joined Fate in embracing a still sobbing Vivio.

After a few long minutes, Einhart spoke between sobs. "Artoria. Tell me. Tell me if this is what a king goes through."

Artoria replied almost in a whisper. "Every day." Einhart sobbed even harder onto her dress.

After the girls calmed down enough, Fate and Nanoha directed to bed, knowing they were both physically and emotionally exhausted.

"What about the hospital, how are the others, can we see them?" Vivio asked in a low tone.

Nanoha shook her head. "Shamal will give us word when that is the case. Nove is staying there to help her siblings if they need it." She replied quietly.

The two were completely despondent and didn't protest at being shepherded onto the bed. But they wouldn't go to sleep without everyone else. So Nanoha and Fate prepared a short dinner, which was eaten in almost complete silence. Finally, the group went to bed with Vivio sheltered between Nanoha and Fate while Artoria and Joan cradled Einhart.

Back at the office, a much refreshed Hayate spoke with Verossa. "So, have you found anything?"

He looked quite tired but grimly satisfied. "I've spoken to the child's family. Seems my idea was close to the truth. Her name was Helena Blair. She was a young woman who'd planned to wed out of love. It was a rare event and she put all her efforts into it. We haven't found the name of the fiancee as of yet. In any case, she either had bad timing or bad luck since they left for the trip as a conflict was going on. Their group was caught up in a rout and the Jeremiah of their time was fighting the fleeing soldiers. The family got caught up. As soon as she realized what she'd done, Jeremiah stopped and helped the family get out of there. But Helena and most of her side of the family died. The Blair family understood it was an accident and held no grudge against the Jeremiah clan. They kept the ring more as a monument since no one found her body or the bodies of her company. No one ever expected something like this."

Verossa stopped and looked out the window for a moment as Hayate processed what he'd said.

"The good news is, Victoria is very unlikely to have anything like that in store. Her ancestor was kind of a moron, whose line fell to pieces from all the enemies he made. The grudges have all been settled."

Hayate gave a relieved sigh. "That's very good news. Please find out who the fiancee is and if he's buried properly. Then, if that's the case, we'll bury Helena too."

Verossa nodded. "I doubt anyone will oppose or even comment on that. And our idea to block intentional genetic memory had wide support, even before this. At least among the rank and file."

"I see. Then go and rest. I'll be doing the same today."

Verossa gave her a serious look. "Hayate, please don't be too harsh on yourself."

"Same goes for you. Don't beat yourself up."

He smiled bitterly. "I have enough years to know how to avoid that."

Hayate went home with the whole crew escorting her, neither Medusa nor Signum minding her idly caressing their breasts every now and then. At home, she found a very tired, but content Shamal, who wasted no time and embraced her.

"Oh Hayate."

Hayate returned the embrace tiredly. "I missed you too. How goes everything?"

Shamal's face was neutral as she spoke. "Everyone is on the path to recovery. Fabia will most likely take the longest, as even her device was badly damaged, but the sisters are doing just fine. Nove has helped a lot in that regard. I couldn't get her to leave. She's sleeping on a small bunk in the room with her sisters."

Hayate nodded. "Would you sleep with me tonight?"

Shamal smiled. "Anytime you want."

The Yagami family, Medusa, Sakura and Rin included had a quiet dinner prepared by the Tohsaka sisters.

At the end of it, Hayate spoke to Rein. "Starting tonight, you're gonna help out Rin and later Sakura with using magic."

Rein gave her a salute. "Yes ma'am."

Shamal and Hayate went on to take care of the dishes as the sisters went with Rein into the training room.

"Right. As you're still tired, Rin, tonight we'll only do a very basic exercise. Take out Emerald Flight and imagine a simple ball of magic."

Rin took out her wand and concentrated. An irregular green sphere of energy formed in front of her, stuttered, then vanished.

"Mistress is still very unused to this." Emerald Flight chirped.

Rein nodded. "Not a problem. Let's try it again. Do try and use the minimal amount of energy."

Rin, her face the very picture of intense focus, repeated the exercise, with similar, if more prolonged, results. Then she tried a third time.

"Stop for a moment Rin. The output is very strong. Too much so. It should be stable but you're putting too much into it."

Rin blushed with embarrassment. "I'm sorry, I'm not used to this kind of magic. I was trained to put every ounce of concentration into a magic spell."

Rein nodded. "I see. That explains the difficulty." She gave the brunette a smile. "However I'm sure you'll be able to master it. Maybe Emerald Flight could help."

"Mistress, you are trying to force a breath. Relax and let your natural magic flow through us."

Rin pondered the advice for a moment then nodded. "Let's try again."

This time the sphere was much more defined and stable. It got close to being perfect, then it dissipated.

Rin spoke with sad frustration. "Darn, I almost had it."

Rein spoke much more optimistically. "No worries, that was almost perfect. One more try."

Sakura spoke didactically. "Sis, don't think of it outside your vision. Think of it in front of you."

Rin took in her words and tried again, with her eyes widely open.

The sphere formed perfectly and stayed that way for as long as Rin looked at it. When Rein spoke and she looked away it dissipated in a moment.

"That was great, until just now. But work on your focus and you'll be fantastic. However, I believe that is enough for tonight. Any more, and you'll probably collapse."

After bidding Rein good night, the two went to their room and Rin gave Sakura a grateful look.

"Thank you. I couldn't have done it without your help."

Sakura smiled happily. "Yes, you would've. It would've taken more time, though, and I wanted us to rest."

"Whatever you say."

That night, Rin and Sakura fell asleep peacefully next to each other while Hayate dozed in Shamal's arms.