Early the next morning as the Takamachi family was starting to wake up, Nove called in a tired, but urgent tone.

"Nanoha, are you awake?"

Rousing almost in one breath, Nanoha blinked at her. "I am now. What is it Nove?"

"Fabia has regained consciousness and she wants to see Vivio and Einhart, as well as yourselves. I've already called doctor Shamal."

"We'll be there as soon as we can."

With a serious air about her person, Nanoha began rousing the children. Fate, Joan and Artoria were already awake, watching their charges alertedly.

The family was at the hospital in less than an hour, where Shamal ushered them inside.

"How is she?" Fate asked with concern.

"Stable, but still tired. I would have her rest for another day but she won't hear about it." Shamal replied.

Nanoha nodded. "Let's go then."

Fabia was sitting on the bed, patched up as best as could be in the short time she'd been there, in a hospital gown. She was clearly hurting all over but smiled as they entered.

When Vivio and Einhart came in they immediately rushed to her side. "Fabia! Are you alright?"

Getting a closer look they swallowed their words as the damage was quite visible, even with most of her body covered by the gown and bandages.

"Not really, but I wanted to see you guys."

Everyone looked with concern, but also admiration for her determination.

"Remember how my ancestor used to live in a forest? The memories of that time came back to me. The end of that time, I mean."

"Don't force yourself." Fate spoke with care, seeing that Fabia was visibly distressed.

Fabia shook her head. "I must. I'll tell you guys all I know, on the promise that I may join you once I get better."

This didn't sit well with either Fate or Shamal, but Nanoha wasn't phased. She pondered Fabia's words, then turned to Joan. "How old were you when you started your journey?"

"I was twelve when I first heard the call. I lead the armies when I was seventeen." The Saint replied.

She turned to Fabia again. "Are you serious about this? Do you realize what you're getting into?"

Fabia didn't hesitate. "Absolutely."

"Very well. Then your first order is to get well and recover. We shall speak more after that." Nanoha took a more gentle expression. "In the meanwhile, I think Einhart and Vivio want to spend some time with you."

Fabia smiled. "Thank you."

The adults left the children to talk among themselves as they went outside the room to converse.

"How much do you think it'll take for her to recover?" Fate asked Shamal.

"Injuries like that? At least a month of healing every day. She's lucky she's young." The medic replied, frowning at her. "You're not thinking of accepting her offer are you?"

"Can her magic harm the undead?"

Shamal's eyes narrowed further. "Yes, it most likely can. But you haven't answered my question."

Joan stepped in. "It's better if we properly train the girl than just leave her be. She knows she can hurt the undead. So if we reject her, she's gonna go at it alone."

Shamal groaned. "I don't like this at all. Hayate was younger, it's true. But that almost cost us all our lives."

"Yes, but we also cannot leave her alone. I understand your aprehension, but she made her decision." Nanoha spoke calmly.

Fate sighed glumly. "I don't like it either, but Nanoha's right. If she gets into proper training, her idea might go away on its own."

With a sigh of her own, Shamal relented. "You'll have to speak with Hayate."

Inside, Vivio and Einhart, mostly Vivio, spoke with Fabia. "How are you really? Are you alright?"

Fabia groaned. "No, I hurt all over. But I wanted to see you guys. See that you're safe. And apologize."

Vivio gave her a confused blink. "Apologize?"

"Yeah. Back when we met, I talked about grudges and curses. That was foolish. I see that now."

Vivio just smiled at her. "Don't worry about that. It's alright."

Fabia grimaced. "You won't like what I have to say next."

Vivio and Einhart looked at her with some apprehension.

"Neither you nor Heidi can take part in this."

While Vivio was taken aback, Einhart nodded. "I understand."

Noticing how confused Vivio was, Fabia spoke again. "I'll explain when I'm better, Vivio. Just... trust me, you're not fit to take part in this."

Vivio wasn't exactly happy but nodded nonetheless.

"Thank you. I'm saying this so you stay safe." Fabia said with a relieved smile before wincing. "I need to rest. I promise I'll get better soon."

Sad, but understanding, Vivio nodded. "Alright."

She and Einhart wished Fabia a speedy recovery before leaving to rejoin the others.

Shamal came back in to check on Fabia once the two left. She looked at her patient, who was taking deep and careful breath. "Are you sure about this?"

Though in considerable pain, Fabia smiled. "Yes, thank you."

Joan and Artoria were escorting Vivio and Einhart home, as had become common. Today, however, Vivio and Einhart weren't their usual selves. Vivio, especially, was sullen and in not good spirits. Inwardly, Einhart wasn't that different.

As they walked, Einhart turned to Artoria. "Is what she said true?" She asked quietly.

Artoria nodded calmly. "Yes. Though your style is honest and would be formidable against most opponents taken to perfection, the foe we face now would simply shrug it off."

Einhart just nodded.

"Though you won't need those fists, you'll probably need your words and heart." Joan added with a small smile.

Even Artoria was confused. "What does that mean?"

"She needs to come to terms with the past. And she will." Joan said mysteriously

Vivio wasn't amused. "Maybe you could speak in less riddles sometimes."

Joan wasn't phased. "You words and heart will help her too."

"Still doesn't help Fabia." Vivio groaned.

This time Joan stopped, turned around and hugged both of them, an act which gave them pause. Einhart was blushing so hard her ears turned red. "Children shouldn't be playing at war. And they shouldn't be thinking about it at all, if it can be helped. This time, I was careless. But I promise you, no further harm will come to those who renege war."

For a moment, Artoria frowned thoughtfully. Then, understanding what Joan mean, she turned to the children and spoke in her best formal voice. "I agree entirely. Young ones should see to the new, peaceful life. The past, no matter how painful, must be left in peace and respect. I'm sorry I did not make it clearer before something like this happened."

Finally, Einhart looked down and spoke sullenly with tears already in her eyes. "Can we... talk when we get home? Please."

Without hesitating, Joan grabbed up Vivio and spoke with a smile. "Then let's get home quickly."

Artoria followed suite and picked up Einhart. "As soon as we can."

The former servants moved so fast and so efficiently that neither girl had time to protest and, in just a few swift movements punctuated only by bewildered stares from people walking on the street, they were home.

Once inside, they put the girls down and closed the door and Joan spoke kindly. "Now child, what's really making you so sad."

Einhart burst into tears and hugged Artoria. "The loss! I can't tell you much Klaus felt it and how much I do! He hated seeing Olivie die like that, trying to win somehow but still loosing, in the end. But the worst is I see those who died. I see poor Sieg! What was the meaning of all that death?! Maybe I could've given it one, through strength! But I was lying to myself, just like Klaus! He felt terrible, and I feel terrible, all the time! Only Vivio and her friends really cheered me up, but now I put them in danger!" The girl continued to sob and hiccup with tears.

Artoria embraced the girl back. "It is not your fault, child." She spoke softly, her presence a steady comfort. "I know what images might haunt a failed king, for I myself am one. But you, are not. I have not said my proper peace on this genetic memory matter. Even if it was for a true king, I find it abhorrent. For the burden of a single king is enough to break or corrupt most. But to lay the burden of several, upon a child no less, I cannot see how this could lead to anything good."

"Does this include our tournament?" Vivio asked sadly.

"Yes." Joan said bluntly

"But we'd have never met so many friends without it."

"I'm not saying you can't have friendly spars, I'm saying avoid the prizes."

"Why?"

Joan made a face as if she'd eaten something foul. "It's in bad taste. Artoria and I actually killed people and we don't like seeing kids, or anybody, play fighting for prizes."

"If the common people wish to partake, that is fine. But it isn't well for those with a past to encourage viewing it lightly." Artoria chimed in.

Joan gave her a sharp look. "Please elaborate, your majesty."

"It's not right for people who've inherited talents meant for real battle to make a spectacle out of it. Be it combat styles, magical abilities, whatever. They're meant to fight, to kill. It is fair to use them in defense, but never in spectacle." Artoria had worked up an edge in her voice by the time she stopped talking.

Vivio now took Artoria by surprise and joined Einhart in hugging her. "I'm sorry. I was being selfish. You must've seen so many things."

Artoria sighed. "Grieve for your friend. There's no shame in that."She said gently.

The girls cried their eyes out as Artoria and Joan held them.

Nanoha and Fate had, meanwhile, gone to the training grounds, on which Rin and Sakura were waiting.

"Good morning. Sorry if we're late, we had to check on how everyone was doing in the hospital."

Rin nodded. "We know, everything alright?"

Best sighed. "Best as can be, you may get a new colleague in a few months."

"The more the merrier." Sakura said, in an effort to appear positive.

Nanoha gave her a small smile. "Alright. Rin, same exercise as yesterday. This time in a heavily urban setting. Good luck!"

Rin nooded. "Emerald Flight, let's go."

"Very well mistress."

Ready and able, Rin spoke to her device. "Listen, I need help with this. Maybe I can create a sphere and you'll help me find the drones and crush them with it?"

"A workable idea. Scanning area."

The drones were already maneuvering to attack and Rin had to keep moving. "Please hurry!"

"I suggest we target the ones attacking us first."

"Good idea, go!"

She flung her orb of green energy right at an incoming attacker. The drone dodged at the last moment and launched a counterattack. Rin flew back into a wall, stunned from the impact.

"From the right"

Rin raised her arm. "Please form a shield!" She said urgently.

Her green energy took the shape of a heater shield. The drone's attack bounced off and it moved to another position before firing again. Rin managed to move the shield to protect herself from the attack once more. The other drone moved in and peppered her with sharp, short attacks which she couldn't block. She guided the sphere behind the drone attacking her and rammed it through. Then swung it around to strike against the second drone, catching it this time.

Almost exhausted, Rin panted from the exertion. "Damn it all. I thought I had more in me."

Three drones lined up before Nanoha put a stop to the exercise. "That's enough. Rest."

"Raising Heart?" Fate asked.

"Numbers indicate she has consumed almost all her magical reserves. It is advised magic exercises cease for today."

"Very well, that's all for today then." Nanoha said. "Rin, we'll go with something more basic tomorrow. Take a shower and go keep Hayate company. That's an order. Sakura as well."

"I think Sakura might want to stay with us a bit more." Fate said, raising an eyebrow at the plum-haired young woman.

Sakura smiled at her. "I do want to spend more time with you, miss Fate, but right now I think we both have places to be. We have Hayate, and you have the two little angels."

Fate nodded. "Very well then. Don't let dear Hayate be too dirty."

Sakura laughe. "I think I'll manage, thank you."

Hayate was in fact debriefing Agito, Signum, Medusa and Vita.

"So no other problems for Victoria?"

"None." Medusa replied.

"And you are certain?"

"Completely. I have the impression her ancestor was sort of a meat head. Annoying, but not malignant."

"Signum?"

"I concur with Medusa."

Agito chimed in. "Look, the guy was a big brawler type. He didn't care about anything else, so he'd never hurt anyone who didn't get in a proper fight with him. So much so his army was kind of inefficient."

"So Victoria is safe?" Hayate clarified.

"Pretty much."

Hayate breathed a sigh of relief. "And we made sure Vivio's other close friends don't have any kind of old Belkan connection. Good. That is a big relief. Now, we can properly focus on the funeral."

"When is it taking place?" Medusa asked calmly.

"Two days from now. We're all going."

"Of course. What about Helena Blair?"

Hayate sighed. "She'll get a proper funeral too, at last. Verossa will update me on any other details. Anything else, everyone?"

"Nothing Hayate, we've made sure everything's alright."

"Thank you."

Rin and Sakura came in to her office as the meeting concluded.

"Now I'll have a chat with these two lovely ladies. Everyone else has the day off. Go and rest."

Medusa gave a smiling nod towards Sakura as she left, who returned it with an equally happy smile.

"Come in you two. How was the training?" Hayate asked as she stretched.

Rin groaned. "Terrible. I barely lasted half an hour."

"Don't worry about it. You're barely getting started. Tonight I'll have Reinforce teach you some more and Nanoha will make the training proper. How about you Sakura, feeling ready?"

Sakura gave her an uncomfortable, if honest, smile. "I wanted to try today, but Crimson Fancy won't let me."

"Mistress still requires rest, to keep herself and those around her safe."

Sakura shrugged. "I still don't really understand myself, but maybe I'm still really angry."

Hayate nodded. "I wouldn't be surprised. Take your time."

"By the way, Nanoha told us we might get a colleague in the training program?" Rin said.

"Ah, yes. Fabia wants to join us properly after she's done recovering."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "Is that wise?"

"Not particularly, but she says she's remembered something important, and her magic can harm the undead, so it would be even more unwise to refuse her."

Sakura agreed with her. "It would be a loss indeed to just let her seek revenge like that."

Hayate now looked with a wry smile at Sakura. "Speaking from experience?"

"Yes." Sakura replied honestly.

The two had a good chuckle. "Well, every recruit matters." Hayate said as she looked over her papers for that day. "Good, everything is done and in order. Nanoha told me Rin has completely exhausted her magic supply. So today, I'd like you two to keep me company, if you don't mind."

Rin sighed before giving her a smile. "Sure. where to?"

"Home, I want you two to help me cook something delicious."

"Fantastic." Sakura clapped her hands together

Hayate's smile became a grin. "And after that I'll have you lovely ladies try on some sexy clothes and then maybe have some more fun."

Rin snorted. "Figures."

Sakura, on the other hand, looked excited. "I like having fun with Hayate."

Rin gave her sister a baffled look, which made Sakura laugh.

"Come on sis, it's just a bit of harmless fun."

Hayate just grinned at them. "Come on you two, let's go. Joking aside, I want to give my kids a nice big meal after they worked so hard. And I want you to help me."

"Our pleasure." Sakura said with a gentle smile.

Just as they were leaving, Hayate received some news from Shamal. Teana had arrived from her mission and went to see Subaru in the hospital. Her spirits were as such lifted very much, as were those of her sisters.

Nanoha and Fate came home to find Vivio waiting for them up front to give them a tearful hug.

"Mama, I'm so sorry I was holding back."

"Held back from what, sweetheart?" Fate asked her in a concerned tone.

"From telling you just how angry and sad we are!" Vivio burst into tears again and Fate picked her up properly in her arms, stroking her hair gently.

"I know sweetheart, it's okay. Let it all out."

Nanoha smiled kindly and nodded as Vivio cried on Fate's shoulder.

Joan discretely came to greet them. "Welcome home."

Nanoha smiled warmly at her. "Where's Einhart?"

"With Artoria."

She nodded. "That's good then. It's better if they don't repress grief."

"Yes." Joan agreed.

Nanoha turned to Fate. "Can you please take care of Vivio and Einhart for a bit. I'd like to speak to Artoria and Joan for a bit."

Fate nodded. "Of course."

A few minutes later, a somewhat awkward Artoria and a far more relaxed Joan sat in the living room, waiting for Nanoha to speak.

"Alright you two, it's time we talked properly. I take it your position on what happened with Sieg hasn't changed?"

Artoria shook her head and Joan shrugged.

"Even after seeing how sad her passing made her friends?"

Artoria spoke candidly. "It does sadden me to see them so upset. And it makes me respect them for caring about their friend."

Joan sighed. "Majesty, Nanoha isn't asking about that. She's asking why the death of a child isn't upsetting us. And I'll answer her. Because to us that was an every day thing. Where I was born, nearly half the kids were dead before they could talk properly."

Artoria looked like she'd been given a revelation. Then she turned and bowed to Nanoha.

"My deepest apologies! Habits die hard. Though neither of us condones the killing of children, we are not from a time when their death was mourned any more intensely than that of an adult. If anything, it tended to be less so."

Seeing Artoria react like that Nanoha spoke quickly.

"I don't take offense, I'm worried you're just pushing yourself to not show any kind of grief. In fact, if something like this doesn't make you somewhat sad, your lives must've been very harsh indeed."

Artoria was surprised but Joan just smiled.

"Thank you, mama bear. That's one area we aren't too nostalgic about."

Nanoha's expression became sad. "I see. I may have taken you two for granted."

At this, Artoria reacted. "No, Nanoha, you haven't!" She denied.

Nanoha was taken by surprise. "Excuse me?"

Artoria spoke with almost a sense of panic in her voice. "We do not want to add yet another burden!"

At that point Nanoha started to laugh and Joan joined in as Artoria looked at both with confusion.

"I'm sorry. I thought you were being dishonest, even with yourself. But I realize now that you're just a strong person in more ways than just magic."

Relieved Artoria smiled in her unique, breathtaking way. "Thank heavens."

Nanoha stuttered for a moment. "I will never get used to that."

Joan had another good laugh. "Majesty, you are a treasure."

Retaking her usual expression Artoria blinked at them. "Excuse me?"

"She means you're a very precious person, Artoria. And you are. True knight in shining armor, and a breath taking beauty in one package." Nanoha said merrily.

Artoria looked down. "You praise me too much."

Resisting the temptation to take her chin and make her look up, Nanoha spoke seriously. "Thank you Artoria. You've put me at ease. But please, don't hesitate to reach out."

Artoria almost blushed. "Thank you."

Joan, smiling gently also spoke up. "Thank you Nanoha. We're lucky to have become friends with you."

Nanoha smiled warmly. "Thank you, I am lucky as well."

Joan's smile became enigmatic. "And that's why that thing is so interested in you."

Catching the remark, Nanoha gave the Saint a sharp look. "Please elaborate."

"You're a purifying agent, Nanoha. By that, I mean that you can bring things back into the natural order. Just look at all of us. There's very few people who are like you in any era."

Nanoha blinked at her. "That's all?"

"I'm afraid so. But it's a testament to you. So don't worry about it."

Nanoha nodded slowly. "Fine. Thanks again. Now, I'll get some food for all of us, then we can rest for today, if that's alright."

"Perfect!"

"Okay, the temperature is just right, put in the ingredients."

Rin filled the pot carefully as Sakura busied herself with another pan.

Hayate looked over the main pot with satisfaction. "Wonderful. The children are going to eat well tonight."

Sakura smiled warmly at her. "You sure do love taking care of people."

Hayate laughed. "Cooking is one of my hobbies. So this is really just relaxing for me."

"You really are like a mother Hayate." Rin chuckled.

"Yup."

One large dish turned into two, then three, as Hayate decided her children deserved to have a feast. By the end, even Medusa was starting to look with hungry eyes towards the kitchen.

As everyone dug in to the meal, Sakura looked at Hayate, then at the others at the table, including Rin. She joined Hayate in smiling.

"Thank you Hayate. That was wonderful." Signum sighed in satisfaction once their plates were emptied.

Vita nodded with enthusiasm. "Awesome is the word. Delicious!"

Agito and Reinforce made agreeing noises, busy as they were with leftovers.

"The meal was indeed delicious." Medusa added her own praise.

This only made Sakura's smile become wider, prompting Medusa's own mouth to quirk upside.

Shamal got up and went to hug Hayate. "Group hug for Hayate!" Everyone at the table joined on the gesture.

Even Hayate started blushing. "Come on you guys, is this really necessary?" The room was filled with laughter.

After clearing the table and cleaning everything, a task accomplished by Rin, Sakura and Hayate together, the mistress of the night sky grinned playfully. "So, you two up for some fun?"

"I am." Sakura replied energetically.

Rin followed suit, if a bit more hesitantly. "Ditto."

Hayate nooded. "Come on then."

So Hayate had them accompany her to her hobby room, which consisted of a large clothes deposit and design area.

"Right, what sexy outfits should I start with?"

"Whatever you like." Sakura said, her eyes gleaming with enthusiasm.

Rin snorted but smiled nonetheless. "Same."

"I wouldn't mind a sexy ball dress though." Sakura added.

Hayate's eyes lit up. "Done."

She found a lovely white dress for Sakura with a plunging neckline and back and ending just bellow the top of her thighs. It showed quite a lot of skin and displayed her glorious chest.

Sakura laughed and twirled around happily. "I could dance the night away in this."

"Somehow I think you'd need to stop often." Rin quipped as she looked her sister up and down.

Sakura noticed that that her whole breasts had slipped out and feigned distress. "Oh dear."

Hayate laughed. "That really isn't suited for dancing too hard. Let me tuck those in nicely." She tucked in the young woman's breasts with the care and the attention a lover would making Sakura blush pleasantly. "All better."

"Thank you."

Both of them turned to the other person in the room.

"Your turn Rin/Nee-san."

Rin hummed thoughtfully. "I'd like a red one if you can."

"Right away." Hayate nodded

She found Rin a beautiful backless dress that ended right bellow the base of her back, exposing some of her rear.

Sakura was impressed. "Wow nee-san, you're gorgeous."

Rin didn't know how to react at first, unused to wearing such a garment, before she calmed down and spoke warmly. "Thanks Sakura. I must say I love how this feels."

She also did a twirl and Hayate grinned mischievously. "You know, you don't have them as big as Sakura but yours are nothing to scoff at."

The dress also had a low cut front, so Rin wasn't surprised by the remark. "Thank you. I've always take care of how I look and thanks to you I can really be proud of that."

Hayate giggled. "Mid is very nice about that. There's nudist beaches, clubs and all sorts of places one can have consensual adult fun. No one judges."

Sakura chuckled. "So I've noticed."

Hayate moved closer to Rin, enjoying the sight and feel of her rear as she massaged it expertly.

Rin moaned with delight for a moment. "Damn it, Hayate. I don't want either of us to lead you on. You're fantastic, but we can't."

Before she could finish Hayate let out a laugh. "Oh but you are sweet, Rin. I do this with all the kids who let me."

Rin breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh thank Heavens."

Hayate caressed her rear once again, making Rin mewl. "You are very sweet. Still, I consider this precious bonding time spent with my family and those I care about."

Rin breathed heavily. "You're amazing Hayate."

Sakura moved in closer and spoke mischievously. "Hayate, could you show me how to use my touch like you do."

Hayate grinned at her. "Sure." She said as she resumed her ministrations. "First, you have to remember you want to feel and caress, not just grab. Gentle but firm." She demonstrated on Rin's now almost completely exposed bottom. Rin moaned, confirming her skill. "Like that. Remember, don't put anymore pressure than you need and than you'd like."

Sakura tenderly caressed Rin's bum, making her sister cry out. "Oh Root, please! I need a break." She stopped and let Rin draw a breath of relief.

Hayate moved in to hug both sisters. "Thanks for indulging me, you two." They eagerly returned her hug. "Now I get to choose the dresses, alright?" She gave them a wide smile.

They laughed. "Sure."

"I do have one request though. Join us, and if they want have the others too. This is very fun." Rin said.

Hayate burst into laughter. "You're too sweet for words. I'll go ahead and ask them. By the way, I want us to try some sexy carnival costumes."

Rin replied with a cheeky smile. "Then let's have a dancing contest while we're at it. It would be a shame to waste the costumes and effort."

Hayate smiled from eat to ear. "That is a fantastic idea!" She became serious. "Which we'll do after the funeral procession. With Nanoha, Fate, Artoria and Joan." She grinned again. "Call me greedy!"

Rin nodded with an understanding smile. "These dresses really are very sexy. You have a good eye Hayate."

"Thank you, it's one of my passions. I do love sexy ladies." Hayate grinned like a true pervert, but Rin and Sakura only laughed.

Seeing this Hayate smiled radiantly. "Let's dance to some music before hitting the shower."

Hayate put some energetic dance music on the three danced for almost an hour before going for a very well earned shower.

That night, the Yagami family slept well.