When Fate and Nanoha got home, guests in toe, Vivio greeted them at the entrance.

"Mama!" She shouted gleefully as she hugged both of them. Then, she saw they had guests and bowed politely. "Good evening! I am Vivio Takamachi! Pleased to meet you!"

Rin returned her bow playfully. "Hello. I'm Rin Tohsaka. The pleasure is mutual."

Artoria looked at her, bowed seriously, then smiled with warmth. Vivio looked at her guest a bit harder then spoke with cheer as she pointed at the blond.

"Miss King!"

Artoria was at first taken by surprise then spoke warmly. "Artoria Pendragon, thank you."

"Alright!"

"Vivio!" Nanoha chided. "Don't be impolite!"

"Oh, no worries."

Artoria wanted to say more than that but, with difficulty, held her tongue.

"Come in please, have a seat. Nanoha will be with you in a moment." Fate said as directed the two inside.

Rin quietly remarked to herself just how warm the house was. A quiet neighborhood and a family home. It was actually very lovely. Maybe, had they been born here as well, she and her sister could've had a different life. Rin sat down next to Artoria at the living room table.

Fate joined them. "So, what brings you to Midchilda?" she asked warmly.

"A new friend and the hopes for a better life." Rin answered honestly.

"That's lovely. You and Artoria are here alone?"

Gloria's voice spoke in Rin and Artoria's minds.

"Please don't go into detail about myself."

Rin spoke honestly again. "There's our friend, who's very busy most of the time, my sister and two other women. We're all friends, though our circumstances are rather unexpected and new."

"Oh? And are you adapting well?"

"Frankly, it's a bit overwhelming. The park is one of the places where I don't feel like all the technology is going to drive me crazy."

"It is not a bad place at all." Artoria continued in her usual stern tone. "There is peace, prosperity and trade. Perhaps the ruling of the realm could be a little more proper, but otherwise this is a lovely place. The food is especially pleasant."

Rin wanted to laugh. Artoria was being formal again. She knew the King of Knights was only trying to be polite, but still. Fate seemed to have understood that too, as she didn't seem bothered.

"What do you think of the technology?" she asked the blond.

"It can be confusing sometimes. But it comes in handy very well."

"Well, I can imagine that, after only one week, you're still getting used to it."

Artoria nodded as Nanoha returned after changing her clothes to a casual home attire.

"Welcome, welcome." she said as she sat down and Fate went off to change as well.

"So, I've heard what you said before. You seemed to have had a hard time. What did you do before coming here?" Nanoha asked merrily.

As Artoria looked down in discomfort Rin went for bluntness, keeping her voice void of emotion.

"Me and my sister, we were mages. Or at least that's what I considered it. It turned out to be very ugly and cruel."

"I was tasked to defend my people, be a symbol and a model for them. I did all I could and it was not enough."

Artoria was biting her lip as she spoke. She hated the memory, and especially her failure to protect her people.

Nanoha, who had only asked for the sake of curiosity, was take aback that the mood has so swiftly changed from light to sour.

"It seems you've had a hard time." She said softly. "Do you have any plans?"

"No, not really." Rin shrugged. "Settle down, try and have a better life. Do some good. That describes all of us, I think."

Artoria nodded. Nanoha looked at her seriously.

"Can you really do a hundred laps without breaking a sweat?" She asked, trying to move the subject away.

"Of that distance, yes, easily."

"Have you considered working for the Bureau of Time and Space Administration? You could do a lot of good there."

"I have, actually. But, from what I've gathered, me and my companions wouldn't match so well with your system."

"Maybe you could look into it. I would help you."

"Indeed, maybe you could." Fate said as she came back in and sat down beside Nanoha. "Since I can't get you to sit still, maybe if you guide our new friends, you'll also rest."

"We could make sure she rests properly while you're at work." Rin proposed.

Artoria doubled down on the offer. "I give you my word to make sure she will not force herself."

Fate was taken a back a bit. Rin's own discomfort at her companion's answer made her reaction less severe and Nanoha started to laugh.

"That's very sweet, but I can't do it while I'm on leave anyway."

"I'm sorry. My friend can be awkward, but she means well." Rin said.

Nanoha wasn't bothered. "Oh no, I understand that. It's just that I really can't properly show you around on leave."

Fate let out a sigh of frustration. Rin could sympathize, and so quickly changed the subject.

"In any case I'm very thankful you invited us. I mean we've only been here a week and even we've heard of you."

Glad she was away from the subject, Fate smiled as she answered. "Yes well, we're famous, but people are respectful. And, frankly, our fame mostly makes us scary."

Artoria was puzzled. "Why? I mean, are you not saving people? Of course, people should have healthy respect, but outright fear seems exaggerated."

"Not really, when you consider that it involves forcefully incapacitating people and even destroying moon sized ships." Fate grimaced

"Oh. I see."

Rin still couldn't believe it was true completely, even though Gloria had shown them the recordings. No wonder some people feared them.

"Nanoha is also an instructor and she's easily one of the hardest." Fate said as she glanced at her friend.

"I'd rather be hard on the training field than have my pupils get in trouble once they're off it." Nanoha spoke candidly.

Artoria agreed emphatically."Indeed, a poorly trained man thrown into battle is a man thrown away."

Fate blinked at Artoria and then gave Rin a look of understanding and empathy. Nanoha didn't notice at first, but when she did she gave Fate a look of mock frustration as she pouted.

"Don't tease me, Fate."

Her partner laughed warmly then spoke to Rin. "Your friend seems to be very... dedicated."

"Oh yes she is. But she means very well." Then, her smile turned mischievous. "Ask her about lion cubs."

Artoria's expression changed radically. Where before she emanated dignity and sternness, when she smiled her whole demeanor changed. Her face lit up with dazzling elegance and beauty and her green eyes shone like stars. Even Rin, though it wasn't her first experience with that reaction, was still taken aback as Artoria shone like a true beauty from mythology.

Artoria, not noticing the effect her smile was having on the other women, spoke with warm nostalgia, her eyes distant.

"Someone gave me a lion cub once. I got very attached to it."

Nanoha coughed politely as she looked away. That smile was nothing short of dazzling.

"In any case, if a career in the Bureau does not work out, you could always go for modeling."

Rin started laughing. These two were good people. She couldn't imagine Artoria as a model, breathtaking beauty and all. Artoria however, took the compliment gracefully.

"Thank you. Though in truth, if you would show me and my companions, I believe all of us would want to do some good."

"Do you mean it?" Nanoha's tone was serious.

"Yes."

"Then meet us tomorrow at the park. We'll have a few friends that can help with us. Bring your group as well."

"Very well. We shall gladly meet you there. Right, Rin?"

Rin chuckled once again. "Yes, this was absolutely lovely. Thank you."

"Our pleasure." Fate answered with a smile.


After Rin and Artoria left and they had dinner with Vivio, Nanoha and Fate talked with each other.

"Well, you've found something to do. Just promise me you won't push yourself."

"Of course, Fate. I suspect the blonde one won't let me, anyway. By the way, could we ask the library about her name? What do you make of them?"

"Rin is a good child who looks like she's trying to put up a front. Artoria, on the other hand, is a whole other kind of person. She's more like Signum, but still very different. I think Vivio put it the best when said she was 'Miss King'. I will ask about her name, but I also think she's a very good person."

"Agreed, then. Now, let's talk to Hayate and the Infinite Library."

Hayate was more than happy to converse telepathically after the two had sent a request for info from the library.

"Her name does sound royal, but it doesn't sound Belkan or anything. Also, regarding what we talked about, I'm sorry to say I couldn't find anything."

"It's alright Hayate. At least Nanoha is doing better."

"Indeed. I'm happy she might've found something to do to keep her from thinking about work. I'll be more than glad to bring the kids with me tomorrow. The bureau can always use new hands."

Just as Hayate was about to end the discussion, the Infinite Library contacted them.

"Hello, Miss Fate. Regarding your query, the name you gave us refers to a mythological figure from non administered planet number 93 called King Arthur Pendragon of Britain. He was supposed to have been the king of knights, a true champion of virtue of nobility. Where did you come across it?"

Having both heard it, Fate and Nanoha exchanged a silent look before Fate answered politely.

"From a new friend. Thank you." she said before ending the communication.

"What do you suppose this means?" Nanoha spoke curiously.

"Weird parents perhaps. They expected a boy and had a girl so they gave her that name." Hayate replied.

"If that's the case they must've raised her that way too." Fate chimed in.

Nanoha spoke once more. "Here's a thought. What if that really is her name? Wouldn't that be something?"

Fate's expression held interest and Hayate hummed thoughtfully.

"That would really be something, indeed." Fate commented.


Rin was besides herself. They'd done it. "I can't believe that actually worked!"

"Rin, you're exaggerating." Artoria shook her head slowly.

Sakura laughed at her sister' disbelief. "Nee-san, you can be quite silly sometimes."

Gloria was also happy. She wanted these five to have some kind of happy life no matter what happened.

"Alright everyone. Tomorrow, you're meeting Nanoha and her friends. I'm sure you'll be able to get on well with them and stay close enough to keep her safe. I will keep out of it if I can help it."

"Why is that grandmother?" Joan asked with curiosity and some dejection.

"Because old people should not get involved in the affairs of the young." Gloria laughed at her own reply. "That, and because I want you to work on your own. You all need time to rest and heal, one way or another. Also, I need time for myself."

Gloria hesitated for an instant but, as she hated lying in any way, she continued. "If I get involved directly now, things would not go well. I shall keep an eye out for our enemy."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

"I am most grateful for the trust." Atoria thanked Gloria with a nod.

Medusa just smiled gently at her. "Thank you, old one."

Sakura and Joan gave Gloria a hug while Rin bowed.

"I can never repay the debt I owe you."

Gloria just sighed. "There is no debt, children."


Next day, Rin, Sakura, Artoria, Joan and Medusa were waiting in the park. Though all of them were dressed casually in red, light pink, blue, white and violet color schemes respectively, one could've forgiven the men and women in the park for thinking it was a model convention or something despite their casual clothes.

On the other side, Nanoha and Fate were now accompanied by Hayate, Signum, Vita, Reinforce and Agito. When Hayate caught sight of the group she was more than a little bit delighted.

"Oh wow, it looks like a beauty contest!"

Signum, on the other hand, had a completely different reaction. Seeing Artoria's usual pose and taking in her presence, she took a guarded and respectful stance by reflex. Artoria noticed the move and took up her own guarded stance.

Hayate, not even noticing the two sizing each other up, ignored the tension.

"Hello everyone! Such a pleasure to meet you!"

Signum dropped her stance, disarmed by Hayate's enthusiastic greeting. Artoria lowered hers in return when Hayate moved to shake her hand.

"Hello, Miss Artoria. I'm Hayate Yagami. It's so rare to meet someone who makes such an impression."

Artoria was unsure how to answer but went for an awkward, if gentle response. "Hello, Miss Yagami. I am Artoria Pendragon. It's a pleasure to meet you as well."

Hayate laughed and bowed to the others. "And hello to you as well, I am Yagami Hayate, please forgive my enthusiasm."

Though most of the group was taken a bit by surprise, they quickly recovered. Rin spoke politely.

"Nice to meet you. I am Tohsaka Rin. I hope we can all get along."

After that, her group made their own introductions.

"I am Tohsaka Sakura. Thank you for being kindly to my sister."

"I am Joan of Arc. Pleased to meet you."

"I am called Medusa. A pleasure."

Nanoha's group responded.

"Yagami Signum. I'm honored."

"Hello. I'm Yagami Vita. A pleasure to meet you."

"Reinforce, a great pleasure to meet you."

"Agito. Nice to meet you."

Once introductions were done. Hayate clapped her hand. "Right, now that that's settled, I suggest we move somewhere where we can sit down and not block the travel paths."

A huge table was set up at Nanoha's house and had more than enough room for everyone. Rin eyed it warily.

"I hope that if you've been nice enough to set up dinner, you can forgive Artoria and Joan for their appetite." she told Fate.

Fate had chuckled. "It's not a problem. Besides, we'll have dinner after the serious talk."

Hayate sat at he head of the table with her family and Nanoha to her right while the newcomers sat to the left.

"So, everyone, it seems Nanoha's found some new friends that may want to join the Bureau. Now, the bureau can always need more help and you seem to be quite a catch. But first, I have to make sure of your intentions."

She drew a breath. "Tell me, Miss Artoria, are you the real king Arthur Pendragon?"

Artoria, who had long decided honesty was the best course, answered candidly. "Yes, that was my title while I was entrusted with the position of king."

Rin grimaced internally. Of course they'd found out. However she sensed no hostility from them.

"Thank you for your honesty. I had Reinforce scan all of you while we walked home. She told me none of you are exactly human, but three of you are most definitely not."

"Please don't think we wanted to lie to you. But it's very hard to just come out and say such things." Sakura said, her expression one of apologetic concern.

"It's alright."Hayate reassured her. "I'm sure you didn't want to deceive, because miss Artoria gave her name right away. However, as you can imagine, we need to know as much as possible, since our main job is also defending the people."

Rin sighed. "Fine. Ask away. There are personal things we can't reveal, related to very dangerous things. But otherwise we will try and be as honest as possible."

"Very well."

Hayate did most of the questioning. She asked about their individual stories, experiences and reasons they came to Midchilda and left their former home. Even Artoria was careful not to go into any details that might endanger those present.

Fate, however, took Sakura's story none too lightly.

"That's unforgivable! Something like that! Just... Unforgivable!"

Sakura simply nodded in agreement.

"Yes, it was." Rin spoke, an angry frown on her face. "He and his progeny are gone now. As is their memory. I would not ask for a better punishment."

They spoke about Shirou and the grail war, which Rin still didn't like talking about at all, barely holding back her tears. Nanoha, noticing the black-haired young woman's mask was cracking, decided to interject.

"That is enough on that subject." She said sternly. "Apologies for bringing up fresh wounds."

With Joan, the one who got most interested was Signum.

"So you felt no resentment against those who left you to perish?"

"I did what the Lord commanded me to do. I knew where it would lead me eventually, so I had no reason to resent simple people. I had no regrets. The world was harsh and cruel to all."

"I see."

When Artoria told of her past and regrets, Vita, who had been quietly looking over everyone, spoke calmly.

"No wonder you like Nanoha. You pushed yourself so hard, your people thought you weren't human anymore."

Nanoha laughed awkwardly at that, though Artoria was still melancholic.

"I still wish I could've done more, but I did all I could."

"Don't sweat it. You did so much that you became a living legend. The people failed you, not the other way around."

When Medusa told her own story, Nanoha empathized with her.

"I'm sorry. You've had an unfair life. But I'm sure this time, you will do much better because you are a good person."

Agito was less diplomatic. "Doggone humans!"

All in all, it took a good few hours, Hayate sighed, tired, but satisfied.

"I do wish I could speak to that new friend of yours, but I understand she doesn't want to harm anyone or get involved too much."

"Grandmother works too hard and so she has to rest very often." Joan spoke warmly, making everyone chuckle.

"In any case, I think the bureau would be most happy to have you, with a few hiccups I suspect. But it's not every day we get to have five magic based lifeforms come visit."

Rin flinched a bit at Hayate' last remark.

"Apologies. Now, Nanoha is still on rest leave, no matter how well she might feel. But I know her, and she's restless even when told to take it easy. So I'll have one of us on active duty with her and one of you so you can get to know more about the Bureau, and the Bureau about you. I'd like you to tell me who's coming each time so I can have the best officer present. Otherwise, I'd actually like us to become friends regardless." Seeing that everyone agreed, she clapped her hands. "Now then, I insist you stay for dinner."

Rin sighed. Though she had warned Fate of Artoria's and Joan's appetite, she had her doubts the woman realized the true scope of what it entailed.

When she saw how enthusiastic and how much Artoria ate, Hayate understood why Rin had sighed. Having eaten two full courses, Artoria thanked her with a smile.

"Thank you, miss Hayate. Your food is very good."


Once the five were gone, Nanoha's group spoke among themselves.

"What does everyone think?" Vita asked first.

"They're good people and I don't think they'd keep things from us unless they have to. I think it'd be better to keep them close to us though." Fate commented

Hayate nodded. "I agree. Thank heavens for Nanoha's reputation or they might've been wandering aimlessly around Midchilda. There might've been a famine."

Signum backed Vita up. "If anything, Artoria and Joan are too well meaning. They might push themselves too hard. But all of them are good people."

"Very well. I don't think anyone disagrees with them being good people. I mean, Reinforce had a lie detection program going, and the thing only half reacted when they tried not telling us about that sixth person." Agito said as she looked at Reinforce, who snorted.

"Hah, don't need no program to tell those people were honest. The Medusa one especially. I know for sure she was honest." She replied.

"Of course you believe her. I couldn't scan them properly but I'm sure she's some kind of deity. Probably connected to the earth."

"She told us that."

Hayate cut the discussion. "Alright, we know they're not lying. Is everyone in agreement with my solution?"

"Yes." Was the answer from everyone.

"Then I'll call them in a moment to ask who's coming tomorrow. By the way, is this satisfactory for both of you?" She asked, looking at Fate and Nanoha, who nodded.

"Good, because I can keep an eye on you, Nanoha, and make sure you don't overdo it again. Also, I'll gather their data and then register them properly once it's done. I'd like to keep them close, if possible."

Nanoha pouted as Fate smiled from ear to ear.

"Thank you Hayate."


The five otherworldly guests arrived at their base and Rin sighed with relief.

"Oh God I thought that would never end. We wound up spilling most of the beans."

"We should inform Gloria." Artoria said and they moved in search of the enchantress.

Gloria was meditating quietly in her room, next to a body of water.

"Congratulations, everyone." She said as they entered. "Now, you must decide your course of action. I will only intervene when there is need to."

Rin took the decision in strides. "Alright, who's going first? I nominate myself."

The group disagreed.

"No way, nee-san. We know Nanoha and her group are good people, but not everyone in the TSAB might be. We need someone who can get away easily. So it's either Medusa or Artoria."

Artoria volunteered. "I shall be first, Joan can come after me and then Medusa. That way, we can be certain of their intentions."

Joan and Medusa agreed and Sakura clapped happily.

"I'll go after Medusa. I'm actually quite curious about the TSAB."

"You mean I'm last?" Rin said, taken aback.

"Yes, it's better this way, nee-san."

"Don't make fun of me you!" Rin replied, half in jest, half in anger. Then she hugged Sakura. "I have no objections, though. Now let's contact miss Hayate."

Rin gazed at the device like it contained the impenetrable secrets of the universe. Turning it every way she could, the magus began to get frustrated. Sakura gently took it away from her.

"Nee-san, let me do it."

Grimacing, Rin acquiesced, only too willing to let her sister handle that...thing.

They called Hayate who was happily waiting for their call.

"Good evening, have you decided who it's going to be?"

"Yes. Artoria volunteered." Sakura informed her.

"Very well, meet up with Nanoha at her home tomorrow at 9 in the morning. Vita will be waiting for her."

"I will be there." Artoria replied in her usual serious tone.


Hello dear readers. I hope you'll forgive me for being so late, despite my intention. Life's not been kind, but I hope people enjoy this new chapter.