Disclaimer: Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha belongs to Seven Arcs and all respective license holders. The Persona Series belongs to ATLUS. I only own this fic and nothing else. I also own all the mistakes too.
Chapter 25: Preparing for a Storm
The sound of wind blew past Ren as the door to the rooftop opened. Vita and Signum continued on unperturbed, clearly used to the sudden gusts. Ren made no mention of it as he followed them out onto the roof. It wasn't the tallest building, but it only a couple of the other surrounding skyscrapers were taller. All things considered, it was a very ordinary roof for a high value apartment, save for the woman in the middle that Signum and Vita were walking towards.
"You're here," Shamal perked up as she looked up from whatever it was she was doing, a couple of things were scattered about. Some seemed magical in nature that Ren couldn't really describe, but the rest were… medical supplies, water, a towel, and a pillow?
"I said I would be," Ren answered as he heard a rustle from his shoulder.
"I'm here too… what are you doing by the way?" Morgana asked as he peered over to see what Shamal was doing.
"So that it is Mona…"
"Hm?" Morgana tilted his head.
"Nothing," Shamal said with a shake of her head. "Anyways, I was just making preparations in case something goes wrong. Just things to make the process more comfortable." That would explain the supplies, but Ren thought it was perhaps a bit much. "How are you feeling by the way? It's only been a couple of hours since we drained your core earlier."
"I'm already feeling fine," Ren replied with a hand wave. "Just needed to take a breather."
"You aren't lying right?" Ren looked down to see Vita wither her arms crossed, perusing his body to make sure nothing was out of place.
"I'm not."
Vita hung on his answer for a bit, giving him a couple more looks before sighing. "I can't see anything wrong, but if you are lying, you'll be sorry…" Despite her attempt to sound dismissive of his wellbeing, Ren could hear a bit of softness in her voice.
"We're just going to do a small test today," Signum jumped in to say. "We need to be completely sure that we can take more from your core, as well as formalize the process we'll be using if this does indeed continue to work. We… also want to avoid hurting you as much as we can."
Joker nodded before internally switching to Pixie. "So when do we get started?"
"Well, anytime you're ready," Shamal said with a twinge of trepidation. Joker nodded as he walked over, Signum and Vita at his flanks. "It's… still going to hurt by the way. It's impossible to get rid of the pain portion, but we'll monitor your condition as best we can. Take a seat." Shamal gestured to a pillow that was set out.
"I guess that's to be expected." Ren sat down placing his bag down.
Morgana jumped out of the bag sitting down near Ren. "Hope you don't mind me watching."
"Go ahead," Signum told him. Vita on the other had scowled.
"How long have you been able to talk?" She asked the cat. She saw Morgana's tail flit back and forth as he turned towards the girl.
"The whole time. Your baby talk voice is really cute by the way." Morgana let out a mewling laughter as he watched Vita squirm, trying to pull her pigtails in front of her face.
"Quiet please, we're about to begin," Shamal interrupted before Vita could fully recover. The spell was already shining, ready to be used. "Are you ready?" She asked one final time.
"As I'll ever be," Ren said before taking one last deep breath.
"Counting down…" Shamal started. "3… 2… 1…"
If Shamal had said anything on the zero count, Ren wouldn't have known as searing pain coursed through him again. He felt himself beginning to fade but grit his teeth. Maybe it was just because he expected it this time, or he was getting used it, but he was able to hang on more than the last two times. He looked down with as much willpower as he could muster, a small red and black light sitting in Shamal's hand going through his body. He steeled himself, as the pain continued to wrack his body, only for him to mentally trip when the spell stopped.
With pain fading from his body, he took in deep breaths he felt his heartbeat slowly coming down, sweat dripping off his face. He then realized that he hadn't fallen onto the ground yet, despite the fact that he couldn't put any energy into his body. He looked to the sides and found the answer why: Signum and Vita held him up, their expressions filled with worry.
"How are you holding up?" Signum asked him.
"Just… just give me a moment," Ren said as he continued to take in deep breaths.
"Deep breaths, Ren. Deep breaths," Morgana advised as he monitored Ren for anything wrong.
"Don't rush it. Take your time," Vita cautioned him. "Need some water?" Vita asked as she grabbed the nearby bottle without letting go of him.
"Yeah. I can do it myself. Thanks." Ren took the bottle from Vita, who finally let him go so he could use a free arm to drink. "Sorry about that you two."
"Do not mention it," Signum answered, while Vita just gave a huff while turning away.
With his message heard, Ren turned back towards Shamal. "Hey, that seemed to end a bit early. Was I imagining that or…"?
"Oh, yes… I did end the spell earlier than last time. That was the intention," Shamal explained. "We did say we wanted to avoid hurting you as much as possible."
"I see… and I assume the spell worked?" Ren asked to be sure.
Shamal grabbed and opened up a nearby bag, taking the Book of Darkness out before opening it up. "…Yes, it worked. I'm counting fifteen new pages."
"So it worked again." Signum mumbled to herself, though it was loud enough to still be heard. "If you don't mind my asking again, how many more times did you say you might be able to have your core taken?"
"I think at least a hundred more times," Ren gave a conservative estimate. He could probably say nearly two hundred, but not all of his Personas were as strong, so that might have an effect on the pages they could fill.
"So we have confirmed that it works, as well as a method for the process. We'll need to discuss a schedule after you've rested for a bit," Shamal said before catching herself. "Oh, but of course take your time. You've had your Linker Core drained twice in a single day. I can't imagine the exhaustion. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."
"I might be able to go for a third time," Ren said with a wry smile, only to be met with an emphatic-
"No!" Vita yelled at him. "We're stopping for the day."
"We're not going to risk your life, Ren," Signum said. "There will be no further drains of your Linker Core until at the very least tomorrow. And if you're still tired by then, we can always switch to hunting magical creatures until you recover."
"Come on Ren, give it a rest," Morgana said with as good a shrug a cat could give.
"Alright," Ren said as he relaxed himself into the cushion he was sitting on.
"Ren, Signum and I will go back downstairs to grab our phones so we can make a schedule to share with you. Vita, please stay here and watch over him while we're gone," Shamal asked as Signum walked over to her.
"Okay, but hurry back," Vita said as she sat down next to Ren and Morgana, propping her elbow on her leg, and her resting her head right on top. Ren remained quiet as he watched the other two knights exit the roof, leaving only him, Morgana, and Vita. Once they had closed the door behind them though, Vita immediately made to grab something in her back pocket. It took a couple of seconds, but she managed to grab what she was looking for.
"Huh?" Ren let out as a box of Pocky was shoved near his face.
"It's for you. I thought you might be hungry after having your Linker Core taken, so I grabbed some for you to have," Vita told him, but it was a bit difficult to hear since she was facing away from him.
"Wow, Vita offering someone else snacks? That's pretty generous coming from you," Morgana noted, his eyes wide in surprise.
"Shut up! Do you want it or not?" Vita yelled, her face visible and flushed red.
Ren's look of surprise settled into a simple smile as he took the snack from her. "Thanks Vita."
"Hmph…" was all he heard, but it sounded like a happy 'hmph' for what it was worth. He carefully opened the box, making sure to break it along the seams, grabbing a bag inside and opening it up. Taking the first stick he thought looked good, he held it up to the girl. "It's for you… I don't…"
"I can't finish it all, and Morgana certainly can't have chocolate. Doesn't exactly play nice with him." He neglected to mention it was because he was a cat, but he didn't want to ruin the mood. "Come on. Food's better when you share it after all." Vita's brow furrowed as she struggled between giving in to her impulses, or to maintain her dignity. "What do you say?"
"Mmrr… Fine," she finally gave in. One stick wouldn't hurt. She grabbed the snack on offer, bringing to her mouth for her to nibble on. "Ifu naifu fu hab ou bachh…" Ren wasn't sure what Vita had said.
"Did you say something?"
"I didn't say anything," Vita replied with her mouth empty before going back in for more.
"Sure…" Ren didn't press, knowing the girl's temper. He looked down to grab his own piece. Then-
"Vita! Ren! Come Quick! Hayate isn't responding!"
"Awoo!"
"Hurry, follow us!" Shamal, Zafira, and Signum rushed out onto the rooftop, their words so sudden that Ren had almost missed them. Ren placed the leftovers in his bag as Mona jumped right in. Before he could get up, Vita had already sprinted past her fellow knights back into the apartment.
"Hurry, Ren! Call an ambulance." Shamal yelled as Ren did his best to follow as he took out his phone and dialed the number.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"Well you seem to be coming along just fine. That's good to see," Ishida said as she looked at a seemingly recovered Hayate. It had already been a day since the girl had been admitted. Ren rushed over to the hospital with the knights, sans Zafira who was on look out, once he was out of class.
"Thanks, I'm feeling a lot better now, Ishida-sensei," Hayate told her doctor with a smile on her face.
"It's a relief to see you're alright," Shamal let out with a relieved sigh, though Signum and Vita looked far more worried. Ren stood quietly in the corner, continuing to eye Hayate for any giveaways.
"As I said, I just got a bit dizzy and pulled a few muscles in my chest area. You're all making this a much bigger deal than it has to be. You even got Ren involved." Hayate shot him an apologetic smile.
"I was in the area already talking with Vita since I ran into her. It's more a coincidence than anything else," Ren explained using his and the knights' agreed excuse. "Besides, according to Shamal you did hit your head on the way down, so I'd say it is a pretty big deal."
"Well I'm just glad your okay," Vita jumped into say, leaning over the bed. In time to Vita, Hayate reached over and pat Vita on the head. Despite what one would normally expect, the little spitfire of a redhead took it gracefully.
"Well, since you're here, might as well take the time to do a few tests. Just make yourself comfortable while I get them ready," Ishida said, though Ren's brow couldn't help but rise the slightest bit. He wondered what test she wanted to do, or why she felt the need to do them for something Hayate claimed to be minor. "Signum-san, Shamal-san, would you mind stepping outside with me?"
"Okay?" Shamal let out in a slightly worried tone.
"Would it be alright if Ren comes with us? He's… a close family friend," Signum asked, figuring that whatever they were going to be told, they'd tell him anyways, so it'd save time if he were with them.
"If you're fine with that, then sure…" Ishida relented, looking like she wanted to hurry up with something. The three of them followed Ishida out into the hall, leaving Hayate and Vita to their own devices. Once there, Ishida gestured them to come close as the sounds of a crying child and other patients filled the hall.
"So what is it?" Signum asked once they were settled.
"I've already run a few tests just earlier when Hayate first came in, and I couldn't find anything. Because of that though, I think we're looking at something a little more serious than just a few pulled muscles," Ishida explained in a mundane manner what they already knew.
"Yes… she was in a lot of pain when we found her," Signum corroborated, her arms crossed as she carefully thought over what she could and couldn't say.
"That's not a good sign," Ishida replied as she brought her hand to her chin to think. "It could be spreading again, but the symptoms are new aren't they? It's not like, she's been hiding them, at least not for the longest time."
"No, I don't think so, but it's hard to say. She's always been very good about hiding her pain," Shamal was the one to reply.
"She tries her best to not be a burden to others, but in this instance, it might not be such a good thing," Ren said his piece.
Ishida's face fell into a scowl before letting out a sigh. "There's no guarantee she won't fall into another seizure. I think the best way to proceed is to keep her here in the hospital for a little while so we can monitor her condition. Is that alright with you?"
Ren looked over to the two Knights, only to see Shamal, with a worried expression, turn to Signum.
Signum remained as hard to read as ever, but Ren could tell her mind was racing. Still, she made a quick decision without hesitation. "Yes, I believe that will be for the best."
"Then let's go break the news," Ishida made for Hayate's room without pause. The three of them followed right behind to find Vita and Hayate giggling over something, the sunset basking the room in an orange glow. It made it harder for the doctor to speak, but not impossible. Not by a long shot.
"Hm? What is it?" Hayate asked once she noticed that they had returned.
"Hayate, I've spoken with your guardians and it's been agreed that we're to have you stay in the hospital a little longer so that we can keep an on eye you to make sure you're really okay," Ishida explained, holding back on truly detailing the seriousness of it, especially when how serious it was, was still unknown.
"I have to stay?" Hayate asked, her expression falling into disappointment almost immediately the moment she registered what was being said to her. Vita also shared Hayate's sentiment, becoming just as visibly crestfallen.
"I know it's not ideal, but it's the doctor's orders," Shamal tried to lessen the blow. "It's just for some tests to be on the safe side."
"You know how hospitals can be. Need to make sure of things as much as possible," Ren added. "It's all to make sure you're really okay."
"That's right," Signum said as she poured water onto the flowers left by Hayate's bedside. "Need to be as careful as we can."
"Well… I guess there's nothing wrong with that…" Hayate didn't seem completely convinced, but she at least seemed resigned to accept the situation. "But if I'm stuck in the hospital… then Ren, I hate to ask you this, but can you take care of them while I'm in the hospital? I-it's just until I get better. I'm not asking for you to take care of everything, just some of it like cooking."
"No problem. I just hope you don't mind them getting nothing but curry every day until you're back," Ren joked a bit, hoping to ease Hayate's worries.
It seemed to work as Hayate let out a little girlish giggle. "I don't think that'll be an issue. Afterall, your curry's just the best, right everyone?"
"I have to admit it, but even after all those lessons, Ren's curry is still better," Shamal said with a resigned sigh.
"I'm sure we can manage in that case," Signum replied.
"I'll make sure to visit you every day!" Vita told Hayate. "You don't have to worry about a thing."
Hayate smiled as she put her hand on Vita's head again. "Oh Vita, you're such a good girl, but it doesn't have to be every day you know? Afterall, there's nothing to do here. You'd probably get bored pretty fast so don't feel like you have to visit."
"Aww…" was all Vita could let out since she couldn't refute a word.
"Besides it's not so bad. It'll be like a small vacation with complimentary meals… oh no! Suzuka!" Ren's ears perked as he heard Hayate yell a familiar name. "She might try to text me and stuff."
"Oh don't worry, I'll let her know what's happening as soon as I can," Shamal said, though Ren's mind raced on whether or not to pursue Suzuka's name being said out loud. Though the opportunity was lost when Signum, Vita and Shamal were already making their way to the room's exit. Ren made haste to follow.
"We'll head back right away to get you some clothes and a few books, alright? We'll try to be back before visitor hours are over." Signum said, the door already partially open. "We'll see you in just a bit."
"Okay, bye…" Hayate waved at them as they left the room. Once they'd all made their exit, Signum shut the door behind them and started down the hall right away.
"Ren…" the young man heard his name being called through magic by Signum. "As you can see… her condition is getting worse…"
"You said before that her condition was actually getting worse exponentially right?" Morgana popped into the conversation since it wasn't one being spoken out loud.
"Yeah… Perhaps we should speed up the schedule then?" Ren offered.
"No! Absolutely not!" Shamal emphatically refused, though she only let a bit of it show on her expression as they turned the corner.
"Shamal, unfortunately, we might not have the luxury to refrain," Signum rebuked her comrade. "We'll see about speeding up the schedule, only just a bit. Your safety is still paramount, Ren." The three of them made their way out of the hospital, replacing the stark white innards of the hospital for orange dayglow, for what little day there was left.
"That's fine by me. I keep saying I'll be alright," Ren said with his own voice rather than continuing through magic now that they were effectively alone. "Anyways, I'm going to go shopping. Anyone care to join me? I can't get into your apartment without help." He only received blank stares from his sudden shift in priorities. "I need ingredients to cook, and I don't have anything on me at the moment."
"Well I suppose that is true. Not only that but fresh ingredients would make it taste better too," Morgana added as he popped out of Ren's bag with a shake of his head.
"Oh right, Hayate-chan did ask you to cook for us…" Vita was the first to recover. "I'll go with you then. I have a spare key so I can help let you in."
"Then Shamal and I will go back first to get Hayate's things," Signum said with a nod.
"Don't let Vita bully you into buying Snacks okay Ren?"
"Hey! Shut up!" Vita yelled back at Shamal who was already walking with Signum back home, and summarily ignoring her diminutive ally.
"We'll buy one, but keep it a secret," Ren said as he also started down the walkway in the opposite direction.
"Only one? Well then…" Vita's voice died down as she began to think hard on just what snack she'd buy. Ren could swear she was more excited about the snack than the curry.
-0-0-25-0-0-
Ren closed the door to his home, adjusting the thermostat as he walked in. He hit the lights of the living room, and placed his bag on the sofa, whereby Morgana jumped out. After kneading a spot for a few seconds, the cat settled down as Ren relaxed into the cushions as well. Not for long however as a beeping sound came from his pocket. Without a moment to spare, he brought his phone out to see a message from the group chat.
"Yo! How's everyone holding up?" Ren saw Ryuji's text, then the others poured in if the 'read' message was any indication.
"Fine, but how are your finals going?" Makoto was first to respond, and with a very student council president like question.
"They're… they're fine. They'll be better than my summer midterms!" Ryuji seemed panicked in his message.
"Well I mean failing three of them is pretty bad even for you… Then again we also have prep for College exams too so it's getting pretty stuffed." Ann texted next.
"How are you all doing in regards to your College entrance exams?" Haru was the one to break the question.
"You know, I'm starting to regret texting you guys…" Ryuji sent, ignoring the question.
"It's been hard, especially when a new MonHun just came out…" Ann lamented. "I just sometimes end up playing that all night instead of studying. How about you Ren? How's it going on your end?"
"I've been looking around. Still a bit undecided," Ren typed, not wanting to give much.
"You're probably pretty spoiled for choice given your grades, huh? As for me, it's not that they're going to be hard, but that it's just going to be so frickin' boring…" Futaba's whiny voice coming through despite it only being text.
"Say where's Yusuke? He doesn't seem to have responded at all. Even when he's really deep into his paintings, he usually still picks up," Haru asked, prompting Ren to scroll back up to find that Yusuke really hadn't picked up at all.
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Inari's phones service is dead. Didn't pay it. He'll probably be fine though, he's been entering and winning more art competitions so the money's probably coming in soon for him to get it back up and running," Futaba was the one to answer.
"I'm not even going to ask how you know…" Makoto was probably sighing on the other end. "Come to think of it… it's been nearly a year huh?" A year… it took Ren a moment to realize what she meant.
"Oh yeah! It's December huh? I remember how Ren had to go into hiding around this time," Ann was the first to answer back.
"Can't believe it's been that long since we saved the world. I mean it's still a week or so off until Christmas, but still, it's been a while," Futaba mused.
"It was such a stressful time back then," Haru responded next. "That was when Mako-chan and I were making the rounds for our own college exams, on top of all the Phantom Thief stuff."
"Speaking of Ren though, how you holdin' up over there?" Ryuji asked, pivoting the conversation his way.
"Doing okay, just this talk makes me miss you guys," Ren texted honestly. He really did miss them. He did have new friends, and while they were great in their own right, it still wasn't a replacement for his fellow thieves.
"Aww… I miss you too buddy!" Ryuji texted back almost immediately.
"Yeah, it's just not the same without you," Ann was next to send.
"Don't forget, if there's anything you need, don't hesitate to let us know," Makoto told him.
"Yup, we'll drop whatever it is if you need us!" Haru affirmed what Makoto said.
"I'm sure Inari would talk about the beauty of companionship or something if he were here, though I can't say I'd disagree," Futaba was the last to respond. "Though I got to ask, how're Nanoha and the others holding up? Can't say I'm not curious about post-season Magical Girl going ons."
"They're doing fine. I already told you guys how Fate's now going to Nanoha's school. Since then she's fit right in, and things are looking up," Ren explained.
"That's great to hear! Ooh… wait, maybe we can invite them into the group chat?" Ann proposed.
"Maybe we can make a separate one. This one's kind of the Phantom Thief group chat, so having non-Thief members in it would kind of feel odd," Futaba pointed out to the rest of them. Ren neglected to add how Futaba muscled her way in before she joined.
"Either way," Ren replied. "I'll ask them when I get the chance."
"Hell yeah! The more the merrier. Honestly, I think they'd fit right in," Ryuji's text was as enthusiastic as could be. Ren thought on his words though… the more the merrier… should he tell them about Kasumi…
"Anyways, it's getting late, you all should get some rest. No late-night gaming okay," Makoto texted, clearly aiming that statement at their resident gamers.
"Fine…"
"Yeah…"
"Okay…" Ann, Ryuji, and Futaba all texted.
"Good luck everyone!" Haru sent one last time before getting off, followed by everyone else.
Ren turned off his phone and turned to Mona. "The next time we talk to them, we have to tell them what's going on. I know it sounds baseless, but my instincts tell me that things are going to get pretty rough soon. They really are the best though, offering to help even when they're so far away."
"There's a lot to unpack…" Ren went through recent events in his mind. "For now though, let's do as Makoto said and get some sleep. The next week or so is going to be rough."
"Right… need to be as rested as possible so your Core is as good to go as possible. Come on, let's get to bed," Morgana told him. With a nod, Ren did just that, going straight to sleep. Perhaps he was more tired than he realized, as he was out the moment his eyes closed.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"I assume there's something you want to tell me then?" Ren said as he walked over to the bars of his cell in the Velvet Room. Lavenza was already standing next to his cell, whilst Igor remained in his seat as ever.
"Yes. I must say, you've found an interesting solution to your dilemma. To offer one's own self, one's power, it not a decision made easily. I cannot vouch nor disparage the wisdom of such a decision, as I cannot recall any similar decision having been made in the past by any guest before. There was one other who perhaps was close, but situations are too different to make any true comparison. What I can say however is that if nothing else, it is a show of the kindness of your heart." Lavenza smiled before her master spoke up.
"For as much as we may praise such charity, to give one's soul, even just a part, may have great ramifications upon the direction with which your path may take. A soul, especially the soul of a Fool, can make great waves upon the world. As my assistant has said, we cannot say for certain the consequences your actions will have," Igor said, his long fingers rapping against the desk.
"Are you saying I should stop?"
"Not at all. We are not here to judge your actions nor sway you towards any particular decision. Our service entails us only to provide you the means with which to fulfill your contract. Whether or not you stop is entirely your decision. We only wish to advise you to remain vigilant, and to be prepared for what may come from your actions," Igor clarified, remaining calm as he did so.
Ren nodded before speaking. "Then I won't stop, but thanks for the warning, I guess." He wasn't sure what he'd have to be cautious of, but if they were getting involved, then it might have something to do with the metaverse. He'd need to be on the lookout then.
"Then stay firm to your decisions, Trickster," Lavenza told him with a clear voice. "Just remember that as you proceed, we will continue to provide you our services, no matter what. Speaking of, there are new fusions available, some from existing arcana, as well as some formed from your recent bonds. Would you like to peruse them before you go?" New options? That sounded promising, and if this warning from them was to be heeded, he probably should see what new power he could obtain.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"So this is what I've learned from my research thus far," Yuuno began his report. Aria was there with him in the library as the opened a comms to her sister Lotte who was with Chrono and Amy. "First of all, the Book of Darkness was not its original title. From what I can gather from our oldest records, its actual title is supposed to be the 'Tome of the Night Sky'. It was a storage tome meant to gather spells from far and wide in order to be used for research. My theory is that it's capacity as a weapon came about when one of the owners for the book altered its functionality"
"Goes to show that people recklessly using Lost Logia to grab power aren't anything new," Aria added. "History repeats I suppose."
"The alteration to the Tome's functionality has caused corruption in its data," Yuuno continued, "Particularly, it's automatic repair function, and travel functions are the most out of control."
"If it's those, then that would explain both the infinite cycle of reincarnation and random teleportation the book undergoes," Chrono mused upon hearing Yuuno's explanation.
"The worst part though is how the Book affects its master. If the master does not gather magical power into the book for a given length of time, it will instead begin to eat away at the master to satiate itself. Once the book is complete though, the magic power within the book can be used for indiscriminate destruction. At the very least, that seems to be what every owner of the book prior has done according to our records," Yuuno said as he checked again just to be sure, but not a single deviation of the pattern emerged from his double checking.
"And how about ways to stop or seal the book? Has any such thing appeared in your research?" Chrono asked.
"That's what's I'm working on at the moment," Yuuno answered as he swapped one book for another. "However I can at least say that stopping the completion of the book will probably be extremely difficult at this point."
"And why is that?" Chrono scowled upon hearing as such.
"Only someone recognized as the master has access to the book's administrative rights and could stop the programs peacefully. If a change in the system is forced from outside, there exists a secondary sub system. Apparently it will absorb its current master and repeat the reincarnation cycle," Yuuno explained.
"And that's why sealing the book is said to be impossible, because the very attempt will cause it to disappear and start things all over again," Aria capped off the report.
"Kind of sad, huh?" Lotte started, her arm resting on Amy's chair. "It started off as a research book, probably with the intention of trying to make the world a better place, but then here we are. Don't think they could've ever expected that."
"I can't help but feel a bit sorry for the tome in that case," Amy said with a bit of a forlorn expression as she rested her chin on her hands.
"Is that it Yuuno?" Chrono hoped that there would be a bit more, but the ferret boy could only shake his head.
"I'm afraid that's it, but I've got a couple of good angles I can pursue. The Infinity Library here basically has everything in it. It just takes a bit of work to find what you need," Yuuno replied, already diving deep back into research.
"Just a bit? I'd say it's pretty impressive how you're able to find what you need so easily. Anyone else would be lost," Aria complimented the boy.
"Well I'm going to need you to use that apparently impressive skill to go a bit further. Can you do that?" Chrono asked.
"Of course, I'm already on it," Yuuno said as he finished another book.
"Great, you too Aria, if you can keep helping Yuuno, that'd also be a big help."
"No problem. Lotte, you take care on your end okay?"
"Okay, Aria, good luck!" The twin sisters told each other before their connection cut off, leaving the three in the command room to themselves.
Without missing a beat, Chrono spoke once more. "Amy, are you sure we were unable to get any footage whatsoever of the most recent altercation with the Knights?"
"That again? Well as I said, I wasn't able to get any footage at all since our system got hacked. I tried restoring it as best as I could, but I can't get anything. Though…"
"What is it?" Chrono asked when Amy's voice trailed.
"I went through our logs and there wasn't just one hacking attempt. There were two," Amy's statement caused Chrono to tense up.
"Two attempts? You mean two separate attempts, or two attempts by the same person," Chrono asked, a bit unsure of what she meant.
"I mean two attempts by two people at the same time. The signature for the hacks were completely different. Anyways, the first one actually failed and was caught by Precia's systems. The second attempt was the one that got past," Amy explained to him as she looked through the logs.
"Two different people tried to hack at the same time, so does that mean there's another group?" Lotte asked, leaning down to get a better look at Amy's screen.
"Perhaps, but I can't really connect a motive. I guess though that the power of the Book is really enticing," Amy guessed, but that's all she could provide.
"I suppose so. Can you instead bring up Nanoha and Fate's report? I'd like to go over the masked man's abilities once more," Chrono steered the conversation.
"Of course, here!" Amy tapped a couple of keys and the report appeared on a different monitor for Chrono. "Go ahead."
"Thank you…" Chrono looked over the contents of the report regarding the masked man. "Hmm…" Chrono's brow furrowed as he went over the contents once more.
"What is it Chrono?" Lotte asked.
"If I remember correctly, you and Aria divided your abilities up correct?"
"That's right! I mean why are you asking? Aria trained you in long range magic while I trained you in close combat," Lotte answered Chrono's question with a light tone. "Of course we've been trying to make up for that since you never know."
"Right…" Chrono said as he continued to look over the report. Something felt off to him when he read the report, but what was it?
"Oh yeah! Don't forget, we're going someplace for dinner tonight with Ren-kun, and Nanoha-chan," Amy's sudden outburst caught Chrono off guard.
"Huh? Oh yeah that thing. Thanks, I did almost forget actually," Chrono scratched the back of his head along with giving Amy an apologetic look.
"So how is Ren-san doing? He seemed to be a bit forlorn recently," Lotte asked.
"Huh? What are you talking about? Ren-kun seems to be fine?" Amy tilted her head in confusion.
"That's weird… I could have sworn- I mean, I guess it's fine then," Lotte relented with a shrug.
"I didn't know you knew Ren-san," Chrono noted, as he couldn't remember if his instructor had ever met the young man.
"Oh! Well, I read the reports. Afterall he was a victim from an unadministrated world so it would be something to read to see how it would affect him."
"I see… that does make sense. Anyways, I've got something I need to take care of, so I'll be leaving," Chrono said as he started towards the exit.
"Oh? What is it?" Amy asked, leaning over from her seat.
"Just a lead of sorts. I'll let you know if something comes of it," was all Chrono said of the matter. He wasn't sure of the lead he had gotten, but perhaps it could tell him just a bit of what he was missing.
"Good luck!" Lotte waved the young boy goodbye as he walked out of the room.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"Senpai are you alright? You seem a bit more tired than usual? How about we stop things early today?" Yoshizawa asked, noticing that Ren seemed to be breathing harder than the usual.
"I… Yeah, I suppose I should," Ren agreed, realizing that he was having trouble standing.
"Right, don't push yourself when you're not feeling well. Doing so can actually make things even worse. I should know," Yoshizawa laughed a small bit, though if it was at the situation or herself, Ren couldn't tell. "Anyways what's up recently that's got you so tired?" Yoshizawa asked as they two of them rested on the nearby bench where their bags were.
"Just helping some friends with a few errands. I've been cooking for them as well as a few other things," Ren wasn't sure if should say everything, and so in that caution decided against it. They'd already been at it for about half a week now. Nanoha and Fate kept drilling him for details ever since.
"I see. That's just like you to help others, but don't overdo it okay? You have to remember to care for yourself as well… not that that means much coming from me, but I hope you'll take my advice to heart," Yoshizawa told him as she took a drink from her water bottle.
"No, I will, thank you," Ren said back as he drank from his own bottle.
"No problem… actually I have something I want to say today, if that's okay," Yoshizawa asked, placing the bottle down, and looking a little bashful.
"We've got time, today since we ended things early."
"Great! I well… how should I put this… I'm thinking of starting Gymnastics again. I mean for real, and not what we're doing in the park. I-I mean not that this isn't real in some way but-"
"Congratulations!" Ren said wholeheartedly, cutting off a stammering Yoshizawa.
"Huh? I… thank you!" Yoshizawa's panicked face gave way into a smile. "It means so much to hear you say that. I…" Ren noticed as Yoshizawa's eyes glistened before tears began to fall from them "Oh gosh… I just…"
"Are you okay, Yoshizawa-san?"
"N-no, don't worry. I'm just…" she struggled to continue through the tears. "I'm just so happy. It really feels like… like my life's coming back together. And to hear you congratulate me… I just… I guess that was sort of the last straw…" Ren remained silent as Yoshizawa continued to cry. The girl did her best, but it took a bit of time for her to collect herself. Even then, Ren could hear her sniffle a bit.
"Better?" Ren asked once it seemed like she was back to normal.
"Yes," she replied with a big smile. "I'm sorry about that. It's just, you're the first one that I've talked to about this, and not only that you've been such a great help to me."
"You did all the work. I just mooched."
"Don't say that. If not for your mooching, I probably wouldn't have done anything at all. You're really great at mooching Senpai!"
"Well it doesn't seem like I'll be able to mooch for much longer then, huh?" Ren took her teasing on the chin.
"Well, not once the new year starts. I still need to prepare for it but come the next year I'll be back on the floor for real," Yoshizawa said with a determined look in her eye. The meek girl from when he first met her seeming like a distant memory, even if it wasn't that long ago.
"Again, congratulations," Ren told her once more.
"Yes, thank you Senpai. Hopefully, I'll be able to show you a real gymnastics routine really soon. Just wait and see okay?" She replied with a nod, her thoughts already set on a new goal.
"I'm looking forward to it." At his words though, the world seemed to dim.
I am thou, thou at I…
Thou hast birthed a bond clad in the heart's strength.
This union, born and embraced by will unyielding,
Shall become the balefire that lights thy path,
Thou hast gained a glimpse of the Faith's truth,
Granting thee further power to tread the abyss…
Glimpse? What glimpse? Ren couldn't ask that voice as it faded before he could think on it any further and the world returned to light.
"Anyways, before then, I can still teach you a thing or two!" Yoshizawa started, only for a cool breeze to blow through. "Woah… it's really getting cold. I guess winter really is here now, huh? In fact Christmas is right around the corner…"
"It is isn't it…" Ren let out as he rubbed the back of his neck.
"Well even though you're still tired, I can still show you a couple of things if you don't mind?" Yoshizawa offered, though it was partially because she felt full of energy and wanted to keep moving.
"Go ahead," Ren accepted her offer as he relaxed back into the chair.
"Great! Well, here goes!"
Even though Ren was still an amateur, something felt different about her movements that day. There was just something better about them that he couldn't quite describe. Still, at the back of his mind, another worry piled on. What was that about just a glimpse of Faith's truth? What was she still hiding behind that now seemingly free smile?
-0-0-25-0-0-
"Alright everyone, just go ahead and get what you like. It's a buffet after all so don't feel the need to hold back," Lindy told everyone as she placed her jacket on the chair. Ren and Nanoha had been invited by Lindy to come to a buffet with them, though Arf volunteered to stay behind, and act as look out in case something went wrong. Looking at the place, Ren couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic.
"Come on Chrono! Let's go see the desserts!" Amy was already dragging the boy by the arm who put up only a token resistance.
"Amy we haven't even eaten yet. Shouldn't dessert come after?" Chrono pleaded, as they got further and further away.
"Nonsense! I need to know what they have so I can plan out everything else!" That was the last that Ren could hear of the two as they disappeared amongst the crowds. It was a bit sad to see the young boy already on a tight leash.
"I guess I'll have to make sure Chrono's diet is a bit more balanced. I'll be going on ahead then. I'll see you three later," Lindy waved as she too ventured into the hall.
"Ren, do you want to come with us?" Nanoha asked him as she and Fate both tugged at his arms to grab his attention.
"What are you waiting for Ren? Don't keep the ladies waiting," Morgana whispered to him with only his head popped out of the bag.
"Yeah, let's get going." Ren followed the two girls who gossiped with one another. Something to do with school or visiting someone, he wasn't sure as, combined with them facing away from him, the crowd drowned them out as well. When they finally reached the plates, Ren was the first grab some. "Here," he said as he handed them the plates.
"Thank you, Ren."
"Yes, thank you," Nanoha and Fate said to him, then right after they looked a bit confused, which in turn caused Ren to become confused as well. They seemed to be looking at something, or someone…
"Well isn't this a coincidence." Ren whipped around to see a familiar frumpy looking doctor. "Hey there Ren. Fancy meeting you here."
"I could say the same," Ren said, trying to contain his surprise to see Maruki, now sporting a casual dress shirt under a brown coat rather than his usual white coat.
"So you know him Ren?" Fate asked as she looked the doctor up and down.
"Yeah, this is Maruki-sensei. Maruki-sensei, these two are-"
"Ah, I'm Nanoha Takamachi!"
"And I'm Fate Testarossa," the two girls introduced themselves before Ren could.
"Nice to meet the two of you. Are you two his sisters or cousins…?" Maruki asked, trying to understand the connection between them.
"Oh no, it's-" Nanoha's stomach growled before she could give any further explanation.
"Ahaha… We can leave that aside. How about we grab something to eat first," Maruki offered while a now embarrassed Nanoha glared angrily at her own stomach. "Come on, let's go!" At his prompting, the three followed right after, smothered in a variety of smells and colors that just whet the appetite.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"Well it's nice to meet you Maruki-sensei. Any friend of Ren's is a friend of ours," Lindy said after introductions had been made. They all gathered together at the same table, though extra space had to be cobbled together to accommodate the unexpected addition. Ren had snuck a few pieces of fish into his bag to pacify a certain partner of his.
"Same to you. And thank you for allowing me to sit here with you," Maruki returned with a nod.
"Of course. So if you don't mind my asking, you said you were a doctor at a hospital, correct? How is it that you met Ren? I… can't think of a reason why he'd need to go to a hospital," Lindy said, making sure to keep certain things out of the ears of those uninvolved.
"Oh, well we didn't actually meet at the hospital. It was when I was checking up on a patient of mine outside of it. I managed to run into him by chance since he was with her. If you'll allow me to cut a few details here and there, I offered him my services as a counselor, and in return he helped me with a few things," Maruki tried to roughly explain.
"This sounds a bit familiar…" Fate mumbled to herself as she bit into the meatloaf. It was surprisingly sweet, which she didn't expect. She figured it was probably the sauce.
"Ren does somehow end up making deals and helping a lot of different people," Nanoha mused, remembering their meeting with Ren's friends back in Tokyo, the non-Phantom Thief ones to be specific.
"If you don't mind my asking," Amy spoke up. "How come you came to eat here today? I don't mean to be rude but… a buffet usually isn't somewhere you go by yourself."
"Well I actually wasn't planning on coming here to eat today," Maruki began to explain.
"Then why did you come here?" Nanoha asked as she forced herself to bite into a carrot slice.
"I came here in order to… scout it out, so to speak. I wanted to know how the place was in person. It's just that once I actually got here… well I hadn't eaten anything today yet. Busy day, sometimes you just don't have time to eat. My instincts ended up winning this one, and I decided to do a more… thorough investigation," Maruki admitted, his body sheepishly curling up a bit as he did so.
"What were you planning?" Lindy asked, her curiosity piqued as she took in the smell of a nice juicy looking slice of roast turkey. "Sounds like you were trying to whip up something special."
"I was… or I guess I am. I was actually planning to take Ren here."
"Me?" Ren pointed to himself with a head tilt.
"Yeah. I didn't expect to run into you today, but I guess now's as good a time as any. I'm finished with my paper," Maruki's words lit Ren's face up.
"Congratulations."
"Paper?" Nanoha let out, not sure why Ren seemed so elated.
"He probably means research paper," Fate whispered, though Nanoha still wasn't all that sure if that was something to be that happy about.
"If you hadn't shared your experience and insights with me, this paper would never have been completed," Maruki continued over the girl's whisperings. "So since you're here, allow me to express my gratitude, and let me pay for the meal today."
"I couldn't possibly do that. It's your accomplishment, let me pay for it," Lindy said with a warm smile.
"Thanks, but at the very least allow me to pay his portion. It really is thanks to him that I was able to complete my paper at all," Maruki continued to insist.
"Well… alright. I suppose I can't say no to that."
"What is this paper about, if you don't mind me asking?" Chrono asked, having been silently going at his steak the whole time prior.
"I don't want to get too technical since nobody wants to hear psience talk over a good meal. I mean the paper is titled: 'Interpreting reality through cognitive psience and the alteration of reality via external influence.'" Maruki broke into a small laugh at his own expense.
"That's… a lot of words," Amy had trouble trying to interpret just what the title was trying to convey.
"Yeah, I bet it does sound a bit confusing, huh? Well to sum it up, the paper is about using cognitive psience to heal people from their traumas, from the wounds in their hearts," Maruki tried to hold back from giving too deep an explanation. Afterall, most of his current audience didn't look older than thirteen.
"How does that work? And what's cognitive psience?" Nanoha asked, trying as hard as she could to keep up.
"Well to start, cognitive psience is just the study of our perception of reality, and ways to affect that perception. I suppose all that matters is that I want to try and use it to help people," Maruki tried to explain, but it was clear that the younger parts of the audience were still a bit confused. "It's alright if you don't get it. As I said before, I don't think anyone's in the mood for a psychology lecture during a meal"
"Speaking of, what did you two get?" Lindy asked, noticing that Ren and Maruki both had bowls that were covered up.
"Oh, we both got tempura bowls. They were offering them near the back, alongside some chawanmushi. I suppose we should actually open these up," Maruki said to Ren, who nodded back. At nearly the same time, the both of them uncovered their bowls and were hit by a strong smell that Ren had trouble describing outside of it just simply being amazing.
"Oh, that smells good!" Nanoha noted as her eyes practically glowed looking at Ren and Maruki's meal.
"The aroma has certainly whetted the appetite. Too bad I can't see anything right now…" Maruki shrugged, his eyes now obscured by fog, leaving him with a bit of a comical look. On the other side of the table, Ren looked very much the same.
"The life of a four eyes…" Though Ren couldn't see, he could still hear Nanoha and Fate giggling, as well as Amy trying to suppress a laugh. And if he concentrated, he thought he could hear something from Chrono as well, just a small huff of sorts. Ren ignored that though in favor of just digging right in, starting with the tempura. Only one bite in, and he decided that he'd be going for another.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"Hey, you got a second?" Ren walked out of the restroom to see Maruki walking over to him down the hall.
"Sure, what is it?" He replied, his voice far easier to hear as it was no longer surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the main dining room. Maruki looked over his shoulder, as if he were making sure the two of them were alone.
"I just… wanted to come clean about a few things that I couldn't talk about with the others around," Maruki admitted, as his eyes stopped looking to and fro and settled on Ren.
"Okay?"
"Well… you remember how you asked me why I was doing all of this? Why was I researching cognitive psience to begin with?" Maruki asked to which Ren first nodded in reply.
"Yeah, you told me that it was because you wanted to help people, to heal them," Ren summed up what he remembered of his answer. "That you wanted to do more than what we can now."
"That's basically what I said… but it's not the whole truth. I mean it is true that I want to help people, but it stems from a bit of a more selfish place than what I might have led you to believe," Maruki's voice faded a bit near the end.
"Go on," Ren said, unsure of what else to say aside from asking for him to continue.
"You see… I used to have a girlfriend, Rumi. She and I were actually engaged to if you can believe that." Ren almost couldn't, his eyes widening in surprise, but mostly because he had to wonder why he was talking about it in past tense. "She was so cheerful. I mean, she could get pretty aggressive- she was always kind of hot-headed- but always so kind too. I didn't deserve her, but if we we'd had our shot, my life would've been so much happier than it had ever been. At least I want to believe that."
"But you didn't get your shot…" Ren felt the need to point out.
"Yeah… You see, a burglar broke into her family's home." Again, Ren couldn't help but be a bit taken aback by the described events. "We were visiting, and by horrible, horrible chance, we saw what he'd done to them. But it didn't end there. Probably desperate, he attacked Rumi on his way out. I was right there with her… and I couldn't do anything. Haha… pathetic, right?" Ren hadn't seen Maruki look so defeated before. It was a bit off putting, but not so much that Ren couldn't say anything.
"I don't think anyone would blame you. Something like that… not everyone would be able to act in the moment," Ren tried his best to console him.
"Thanks… I've told myself that before, but hearing it from you, it feels like it might actually mean something. Anyways, at the very least Rumi's injuries weren't all that severe. Her physical ones, at least. No, what really broke was her mental state. The shock of the incident was just too much and she just broke down. Even after all this time, she's not ever really recovered. I… kind of lost myself too. She didn't deserve that… None of them did. None of them did anything wrong!" Maruki seemed to catch himself as he realized he had gotten too loud. "Sorry, I didn't mean to get so heated."
"No, it's alright. It would probably be weirder if you didn't."
"I guess it would, wouldn't it?" Maruki said with a weak smile before sighing. After a moment of silence to collect himself, he took one more deep breath before continuing. "When I saw Rumi in that hospital bed, I made a vow. I swore that I'd do all I could to fight back against the unfairness of reality. If someone suffered like that, I'd do all I could to help them."
"Though what about Rumi?" Ren asked, noticing how Maruki hadn't actually expounded on her fate.
"She's… in a better mental place now. She's happy. But that pain I felt back then, that's how my project was born. And now, thanks to you, the project has finally completed. With it, I'll make my dream come true, no matter how long it takes me. For Rumi's sake, and of course, for yours too."
"Thanks…" Ren let out as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Honestly, I can't express enough just how much the help you've given me means to me. But I can at least say this. Thank you… Thank you so much, because thanks to you, I've found my answer. Once it's all ready, I hope you'll let me use it to help you find the happiness you deserve."
"I'll think about it…" His happiness, what even was it going to be going forward? He shelved the thought back again, having already asked it so many times before. "So is that all?"
"Actually no. I have just one other thing I'd like to come clean to you about if that's alright, Mr. Phantom Thief?"
"What do you mean?" Ren asked, trying to put on his best poker face.
"Ah, so you're not denying it." Maruki took a moment to wait and see if Ren made any other response, only to be met with silence as Ren did the same. When it was clear to him that Ren was on guard, Maruki continued.
"If you'll entertain me, I'd like to explain my theory on the way the Phantom Thieves changed people's hearts. It's very much reminiscent of cognitive psience in practice. My guess is that they infiltrated a 'reality' that exists solely for their target, one that is wholly separated from the on that the public recognizes. By accessing that world, they gained the means to permanently alter their target's cognition. That is what I hypothesize as being the 'change of heart' you induced in your targets."
"… You know your stuff."
"Well to be honest, I kind of figured it out all the way back in April of the year you attended Shujin. Remember how I told you that I was there for talks about providing counseling for students? The one that didn't end up panning out. Well, as I was leaving, I actually saw you and two other students return from one of those separated realities, suddenly appearing in the back alley near the school."
Though vague, Ren did recall something like that happening, them coming out from the alley after Ann had awakened, to think someone had actually caught them so early into their escapades.
"When I saw on the news that Kamoshida had a change of heart, I was basically convinced that you and those other two students were the cause. But by then though, the opportunity to work at Shujin had closed, and I needed to find a different job in the meantime. Even so, I never did forget you, especially since the interview with the school had your name pop up every so often." Probably not for any reason Ren would have liked.
"Why didn't you say anything?" Ren asked, since Maruki had apparently just sat on this information for at least a year.
"Well, no one would believe me, and I was already prepping to come here to Uminari. It was by complete chance that I ran into you with Yoshizawa-san. When I saw you again, it took me everything I had to keep from jumping up and down with excitement. After that I hoped you would be of assistance to my research, which you most certainly were. I also kept quiet because I didn't want you to misunderstand my motives."
"I suppose that makes sense," Ren commented, noting how he probably would have been suspicious of him had been clear from the beginning.
"Yes, but that's the last of what I think I've kept from you… does that change your opinion of me?" Maruki asked, though he didn't seem nervous about the question. He wasn't confident either. He instead seemed resigned to whatever the answer would be and didn't have an expectation of it either way.
"Well we made a deal," Ren said without adornment. To him that was all the reason for his opinion to remain the same.
"A deal, eh? Well I'm awfully grateful you see it that way. In the spirit of that deal, I just want you to know that I have no intention of telling anyone about it either. Though if you don't believe me, you're free to change my heart as you like." Maruki offered, this time with a more confident smile.
"I think I'll pass."
"I see, well I suppose I'll have to be thankful for that as well."
"If you feel so strongly about it, you could always treat me to another meal," Ren told him with a shrug.
"Haha… maybe I will." Maruki walked closer to Ren before holding his hand out. "If you'll humor me one last time… This won't be the last time we'll see one another. Still, thank you for everything up to this point." Ren took Maruki's hand, giving it a solid and firm shake that Maruki returned in kind. "More than ever, I'm glad to have met a young man like yourself."
I am thou, thou at I…
Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath,
Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion,
And break the yoke of thy heart,
Though hast awakened to the ultimate secret
Of the Councilor, granting thee infinite power…
A surge of strength poured through Ren as familiar words rang through his head. The nostalgic feeling gave Ren a cacophony of feelings, but most of all was comfort for something familiar to have happened once more. All the more it reminded him how odd Yoshizawa's was. Before he could dwell on it more the world started to turn again.
"I'm going to follow the path that I believe in. I hope that at the end of that path, I'll be able to aid you as well," Maruki said as he and Ren let go of each other's hand.
"Don't slow me down then, okay?" Ren gave Maruki a wry smirk.
"I'll try not to. Anyways, we should be heading back. They're probably wondering what happened to us… Actually you go back first. I need to use the restroom." Maruki rushed past Ren, leaving the young man to return to their table alone. Without further delay, Ren walked briskly back, thinking of what he should have next before the night was over.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"That Maruki-sensei is a bit odd huh?" Nanoha asked Fate as she took another bite of her meal. Ren was currently away at the restroom, and Maruki had just left as well.
"Hmm? How so?" Fate asked, unsure by what Nanoha meant. "He seemed fairly normal to me. In fact he seemed like a really good person."
"Really? But he felt… off," Nanoha pouted to herself, trying to figure out what she was feeling.
"Well… what exactly do you mean by off?" Fate asked once more.
"I guess… he just seems like… he's trying too hard. I mean what he's doing is ultimately a good thing, but it feels like he's trying so hard that he might do more harm than good." Nanoha shook her head though before she could go any farther with that thought. "Maybe I'm just thinking too hard about it. I guess if there's anything you should try hard at, it's doing good and helping others."
"Hmm… if you say so, Nanoha. Still, I think I'd trust your instinct a bit more. Perhaps there is something to him that's more than meets the eye," Fate said, not wanting to dismiss Nanoha's feelings.
"Thanks Fate… though maybe we shouldn't tell Ren just yet about this. He seems to really trust him," Nanoha said as she glanced over to the hall where the bathroom was. Unfortunately, they couldn't really see if Ren were coming back or not due to the way it was built.
"I think he'd trust us if we said anything, but it would probably help if we had something more substantial. So I agree we shouldn't say anything," Fate ultimately agreed as she drank some water. "Speaking of, he's coming back."
"Okay, let's keep quiet then." The two nodded to each other before Nanoha waved at Ren as he walked back to their table.
-0-0-25-0-0-
"So how's it been going on your end?" Nanoha asked Ren. She, Ren, and Fate sat in the park that Nanoha and Ren ended up in the first time they had met. It was just them at the moment, having parted ways with Lindy, Chrono, and Amy after dinner. Maruki had left prior, stating he needed to go over his paper just a couple more times. With Morgana asleep from a food coma, they took the opportunity to grill Ren.
"Not bad. It's progressing at a steady pace. We'll be finished in one or two more sittings." They'd gone through basically a third of his compendium, taking it bit by bit so as not to overburden him. They'd even gotten some of the new ones he just recently fused together.
"That's good to hear. I'm glad that things are almost over," Fate sighed with relief.
"Yeah, when you first started going over there, I was worried something was going to happen," Nanoha also seemed to finally relax in her seat on the park bench. "I'm relieved that it all went well."
"Sorry to worry you," Ren apologized.
"It's okay. Afterall, you did keep your promise to keep us informed," Nanoha said.
"Mhmm, thanks to that, we weren't as worried as we might have been otherwise," Fate agreed as she also relaxed into the bench.
"I did make a promise after all."
"Thank you for keeping it," Nanoha said before sighing. "I just wish we could have done more. It's too bad in the end they didn't accept us giving them our Linker Cores."
"I feel the same. I can understand their caution, but it would have been nice if we could have lessened your burden," Fate added, only for Ren to shake his head ever so slightly.
"It's enough for the two of you to keep me in your thoughts." Before the two could rebuke him, he raised a hand to stop them. "I promise, we'll work together more closely."
"You better. If you don't, I'll have to put your own words into practice." What Fate said caused Ren to narrow in confusion as he tried to remember what exactly she was referring to. "Afterall, when you care about someone, you have to be willing to confront that person." Oh, now it was coming back.
"Oh yeah, you did say that didn't you Ren? Gosh that's amazing that you remember that." Nanoha almost felt the urge to clap but held back since it was night.
"I wouldn't say that. It's just that, those words that Ren said stuck with me. Actually, I think it was those words that really made me think that there was something special about you Ren, just like Nanoha," Fate said as she leaned over to look at her friend from across the bench.
"Fate…" Nanoha murmured when she heard her name.
"Every time I'm with the two of you, I feel so light. Like, even without magic, I'm about to fly straight into the sky. The two of you make me feel so… complete, in a way that's different from Mother, or Arf. There was a part of me that, even though everyone told me otherwise, I still felt different because of the way I was born."
"But Fate, you aren't any different because of that," Nanoha reassured the blonde girl.
Fate nodded in agreement as she continued. "That's right. I know that, but even so, I still felt that way somewhere deep in my heart. When I was at the TSAB for those first few months, I would get stares. People tried their best, but they still treated me differently. Lindy would do her best, and Mother treated me normally, but I could tell." Ren didn't know at all. Fate had kept it hidden from them the whole time. He couldn't tell at all that Fate had felt that way.
"That's… pretty surprising to hear," Ren vocalized his thoughts, with a bit of apprehension.
"I suppose it would, because I guess it's difficult to notice something that's not there anymore."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Nanoha asked, confused by why Fate was suddenly smiling. Ren was also a bit taken aback by her sudden shift in attitude.
"Remember back when we were discussing about whether or not the Knights were people? I already said it back then that everyone there made me feel normal. However I don't think that would have been true had it not been for you two. It's thanks to the two you that I feel like I have somewhere I really belong, again, in a different sense from being with Mother, and Arf," Fate was finally able to explain as she gave a carefree smile towards the two of them.
"I think I've felt kind of the same way sometimes," Nanoha replied. "I've always felt somewhat alone in my family. Mom and Dad had each other, and my older siblings along with their friends are all also pretty close. But even though they didn't mean to, it just seemed like there wasn't any place for me. Because of that, I always felt a bit alone too. But just like you Fate, when I'm with you and Ren, it just finally feels like I'm where I should be." The two of them looked towards Ren, but they didn't seem to be looking for an answer.
"Ren, you don't have to say anything if you don't want to," Fate told him, much to his relief and a bit of surprise given the flow of the moment before.
"Just forgive us for being a bit selfish and taking your time with us saying all of this," Nanoha said as she shot him a somewhat sad smile. Still, even when he was told not to, he felt like he had to say something.
"No matter what, we'll always be together. How that 'together' will shape itself, I can't say. However I'll always be there to support the two of you, no matter how it ends up," Ren told them his honest feelings. "I'll… I'll be waiting."
"Ren…" The two of them said at the same time, both their faces flushed and red.
"Thank you, Ren," Nanoha was first to recover.
"We promise we'll try not to keep you waiting for too long," Fate soon followed. The both of them leaned against him, silently taking in the sight of the stars above. It was warm. It was a very gentle warm.
I am thou, thou at I…
Thou hast turned a vow into a blood oath,
Thy bond shall become the wings of rebellion,
And break the yoke of thy heart,
Though hast awakened to the ultimate secret
Of the Aeon, granting thee infinite power…
Ren wondered if it was some sort of omen for his bonds to be strengthened so close to one another. He was happy, but he couldn't help but have errant thoughts on such an event. He needed to prepare, that's what he felt. He'd be visiting the Velvet Room before the night was over.
"By the way, tomorrow is Christmas Eve," Fate's words snapped Ren out of his own thoughts.
"Huh? Oh, so it is." Ren hadn't even noticed. Time had passed by so quickly that it didn't even register to him that it was tomorrow. So it was already almost one year, just a day off. It felt so far away to Ren, even though it was just one year.
"Are you thinking about something?" Nanoha asked, noting how Ren seemed a bit out of it.
"Just thinking about what the Phantom Thieves did last year at this time," Ren said, his vagueness only eliciting more questions from the girls. "Well specifically, we saved the world nearly a year ago to the day. Maybe when we're with the others again, we can tell you about it."
"Wow! Really? That sounds amazing," Nanoha looked on in awe. "Though hopefully it will be quieter this year. It would be sad for something bad to happen tomorrow."
"Ren…" Fate started, only to look at Nanoha, who after a moment, gave a silent nod. Ren's brow raised from their quiet coordination. "Nanoha, and I, as well as Alicia and Suzuka are going to see a friend who's in the hospital." Ren's mind already started making connections, but he figured that it was best to keep mum for the moment.
"We were wondering if you'd like to come with us. And then afterwards we can spend the day together," Nanoha asked him. Ren fell into thought. He wasn't planning on meeting the Knights tomorrow. Because of how stable her condition had become, they wanted to slow down for a bit to give him time to rest. Basically, that meant he was free.
"Sure, I don't see why not." Would be nice to surprise Hayate.
"Great! Then it's settled," Fate said, her words almost coming off her tongue faster than she could think.
"Don't be late okay?" Nanoha prodded him.
"Right, right. For now though, how about we get going. It's getting later after all."
"Just a bit more," Nanoha leaned in harder, as did Fate.
"Yeah, just a bit more," Nanoha and Fate didn't plead so much as command. Ren knew that that meant he had no chance of changing their minds on the matter. Scarily, it seemed he was getting used to that.
He sighed as he settled in. "Alright, just a bit more."
-0-0-25-0-0-
"So tomorrow, come celebrate Christmas Eve with us and have a twenty-piece bucket meal with your choice of sides for the whole family, all for just-"
"Vita! Dinner's ready! Turn the tv off and come eat!" Shamal called from the kitchen as she put the finishing touches on the leftover curry.
"Okay!" Vita did as she was told before getting up to walk to the table. "It smells good, even for leftovers."
"Goes to show just how good Ren's curry is. Even as leftovers it's amazing," Shamal said as she placed the pot down onto the table.
"Perhaps just as amazing is the fact we've had nothing but curry since Ren started cooking for us, and none of us seem to be tired of it," Signum mused as she placed the plates of curry down, while also putting a bowl down for Zafira who remained in Wolf form.
"Woof!" Zafira gave his thanks, his tail wagging at high speed, enough to visibly disturb the dust behind him. With everything set up, they all placed their hands together as Hayate had taught them.
"Itadakimasu!" They shouted in unison before they dug right into their meals. They still didn't really understand the reasoning behind such a ritual, but they'd become accustomed to doing so. At this point it would feel stranger if they didn't.
"Mmm… it's still so good…" Shamal beamed as she fought the urge between savoring what she was already chewing on or swallowing it down to grab another spoonful; a decision she'd have to make for the rest of mealtime.
"Woof!" was all Zafira barked out as he otherwise continued to eat in silence, though at least it didn't seem to be a bark of discontent.
Signum stared down at her curry. It took all she had to not fall into the cozy atmosphere and instead focus on that odd feeling she had felt at the back of her mind. "It all seems too easy," Signum said in a low voice, but was still picked up by the others.
"What's easy?" Vita asked as she licked her lips of errant curry sauce.
"Using Ren-san's core to gather pages exclusively I mean. I just feel that it seems to have gone as perfectly as we could have hoped," Signum clarified. "We're now in the final forty pages, and all without any more complications. Just two, maybe even one last session, and we'll have completed the Book of Darkness."
"I suppose it does feel like a bit of a dream come true," Shamal replied as she wiped her mouth. "Rather than having to struggle every waking moment to scrounge pages together, we've actually been able to safely accrue magic from Ren-kun in both quantity and quality. And to top it off, he's been cooking us curry almost every day."
"Yeah… it's almost finished," Vita said with a solemn expression. "Soon, we'll be able to bring Hayate home, and we won't have to put Ren through any more trouble."
"We'll have to do something for Ren-san as thanks for all the help," Signum proposed before taking another bite.
"Woof!" Zafira seemed to agree.
"Yes. I don't know what we would have done without him. In fact we might have failed a long time ago if he hadn't been around," Shamal couldn't help but think on the what ifs. "Though I suppose there's no use thinking on it too much."
"Yes, I can't imagine what that would have been like. Perhaps I've just been on edge from a lack of action… Anyways, remember to rest well tonight. We'll be visiting Hayate in the hospital tomorrow," Signum reminded the team, who all nodded back. "Hopefully, it will be her last hospital visit."
"Yeah!" Vita cried with her spoon held aloft.
"Yes," was all Shamal said, but her bright smile told the rest of her feelings.
"Woof!" Zafira was last to round out the replies.
The edges of Signum's lips rose ever slightly upward. She buried her worries away and focused on what was rather than what could. Soon, it would all be over, and they would be at peace. It would just take a little while longer, and just in time for Christmas Eve.
Author's Notes:
Next time, things will hit the fan. Nanoha A's dedicates the final 5 episodes to the climactic battle. I don't plan on making it take too long, but it's something to think about for the pacing I suppose. We're getting close to the things I really wanted to write for this season of the Nanoha anime, so stay tuned. I hope you've been thinking on what the Ultimate Persona for the Aeon is because that's going to be showing up pretty soon. I've already dropped a hint on who it might be way back, so if you can figure it out, good for you.
Aside from that, I also plan to make a few changes to the final battle, which I hope will turn out well. I always planned from the beginning for it to end up something like it does, but we'll see how it goes.
I've also finished a Merciless Mastered playthrough of P5Strikers. Lullaby, Soul Thief, Technicals is kind of busted, but hey it made the playthrough less painful. I've already started thinking how I'm going to approach it when the time comes.
Anyways, the next update will be in May, going to switch gears and focus on my other fic for April, so I'll see you guys then. As always, I hope you enjoyed yourself, let me know what you think, and have a wonderful day.
PS. This chapter would have gotten out faster, but I ended up doing runs of DMC3's Bloody Palace… I won, with both Dante and Vergil, but my hands hurt now… like really bad. I have to stop typing…