Magical Atoner Lyrical Alicia
Chapter 27
Olivia Fiat was sitting across from Nene Scaglietti at Arisugawa's Locket that night, both women more than a bit buzzed. "Did you tell her?" Qlivia asked tipsily. "About You Know Who," she added cheerfully.
Both knew they were discussing Vivio and Einhart, but didn't use the names. That much security was possibly a bit paranoid, but why take chances? "Oh hell no," Nene said, "I don't want Colonel Signum angry at me."
"She's not THAT bad," Olivia said loyally.
Nene just LOOKED at her. "She's a THOUSAND YEAR OLD UBER WARRIOR. She could crush me like a bug," Nene pointed out.
"You like her don't you?" Olivia realized.
Nene blushed pinkly, "DO NOT."
"You totally want her to order you around, huh?" Olivia teased.
"No, thank you. There's someone else that I'm interested in," Nene started to say, then she quickly shut up.
Olivia raised her eyebrow, "Oooh, Ms Aston-Martin?"
"Argh," Nene groaned. "PLEASE don't tell her," she sighed.
"Why? Olivia blinked.
"Embassy rules," Nene shook her head, "bosses can't date staff."
"I forgot," Olivia blinked owlishly.
"Besides, I don't think she's interested in me, anyway," Nene added.
Olivia offered, "You never know..."
Nene flagged down a staffer for more beer. "Are you on duty tomorrow?" she checked with the other woman.
"Nope. The Boss said she has errands to run," Olivia said cheerfully.
"Well, let's drink up then," Nene poured her another glass from the fresh pitcher, "hopefully nothing else happens..."
"Don't SAY that. You'll jinx us!" Olivia said.
"Yeah yeah," Nene shook her head. Then hiccuped.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Alicia Testrarossa's device Bardiche told her gruffly, "We have received a message from the Midchilde Embassy."
"Drat," Alicia muttered.
The Hinata Inn was quiet that morning, and Alicia had just gotten up and dressed. She had been debating using the hot springs, then maybe meeting up with Subaru later...
"Display message," Alicia ordered.
"Yes Sir," Bardiche responded, showing the text in a holograph.
It was a simple request to meet at Crystal Tokyo's Library, a time, and a note that there would be others there. "Probably Signum," Alicia sighed, shaking her head. "What do they want NOW?" she wondered aloud.
"Unknown," Bardiche paused, "Suggestion: Ask Subaru to accompany."
"Good idea," Alicia agreed. She didn't think Signum would try to grab her, and as far as she knew she was OK with Mid... but why take chances?
Later that afternoon, Subaru and Alicia were walking to the Library entrance. "I called Erika and the others," Subaru noted, "if something happens, they'll come."
"Thanks," Alicia said, "though I don't think they'll try anything again."
"I really don't trust Aston-Martin," Subaru said darkly.
"Hmm," Alicia nodded slightly.
"Miss Testarossa," one of the holographic guides for the Library popped in, "Miss Yagami. Your party is waiting in room 212B."
"Thank you," Subaru said.
Raising Heart chirped. "There are teleport blocks and scanner baffles in play," she noted.
"So our friends can't teleport in," Subaru didn't sound happy.
"True, but if something does comes up we can bust ourselves out if we have to," Alicia said to her firmly.
They reached the room, the door swishing open automatically revealing Signum, Veronica and two women they didn't know.
"Can I just point out the teleport and scanner blocks make me a bit nervous, considering you tried to jump me last year," Alicia noted to Signum forcefully.
Both Signum AND Veronica looked sheepish, while the other two looked faintly amused. The woman with long, light brown hair noted, "But you came anyway."
"I figure we can fight our way out if we have to," Alicia said dryly.
The silver haired woman smiled, "She reminds me of Fate."
Veronica QUICKLY jumped in, "The security measures were for our two friends here, not to entrap you."
"Oh?" Subaru looked dubious.
Signum then said, "Alicia, I'd like to introduce your niece, Vivio Takamachi-Stratos, and her wife, Einhart Stratos-Takamachi."
Alicia looked stunned, "WHAT."
"Please don't faint," Vivio said as she saw Alicia pale and sway a bit, stunned.
"Got you," Subaru grabbed Alicia's arm. She scowled at the others, "A little warning, maybe?!"
"Sorry," Einhart said sheepishly.
Alicia shook herself, "I'm okay." She looked at Vivio searchingly, "I tried to find you after I first arrived, but you disappeared."
"Long story," Vivio sighed.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Vivio decided she liked Alicia, though it was a bit of a weird experience. She knew from talking to Fate-momma that she had effectively started as a 'copy' of Alicia, so obviously they'd be similar. But the young woman was also different in various surprising ways.
Signum and Veronica had excused themselves, wanting to give them some time alone.
"So can I call you Auntie?" Vivio teased.
"Oh, this is SO strange," Alicia shook her head, laughing.
"Auntie-in-law," Einhart chuckled.
Alicia snorted.
They had, of course, skeptched in why both Vivio and Einhart had disappeared. The young woman seemed very understanding, though her friend was giving them a look.
"And you're Hayate-san's descendant?" Vivio asked curiously.
"Ah, yes," Subaru replied, then blinked. "I'm still digesting you KNEW our revered Great-something Grandmother." she admitted.
"It's a little odd, I admit," Einhart conceded.
"It's sad that Hayate gave up the Book to give Reinforce a separate existence," Vivio noted.
Subaru brightened, "I've met Reinforce-sama. She's surprisingly nice, actually."
"Can I admit I'm a bit irked you didn't contact me for a year?" Alicia admitted.
"That's fair," Vivio conceded willingly. "In my defence, I wasn't sure I should contact you, and it's a bit odd to us too, as you're a twin to Fate-momma."
"Point," Alicia conceded.
"I DID suggest this stick in the mud should contact you," Einhart noted and added, "she's stubborn though."
"Einhart," Vivio whined.
Alicia laughed warmly.
Subaru looked thoughtful, "Will contacting us put you in danger? I mean, assuming there are people looking for you."
Vivio shook her head, "It's a chance I'm willing to take, I think. Besides, we have the assistance of Usagi-chan, too."
"Usagi-chan?" Alicia blinked.
"You call the QUEEN that?" Subaru choked.
Vivio grinned and shrugged, "We have known her for nearly a thousand years, after all."
Alicia shook her head, "THAT is going to take some getting used to, too."
Einhart and Vivio exchanged glances then Vivio asked, "Would you like to grab dinner, or something? I'd like to talk a bit longer."
"I'd like that," Alicia agreed, "can Subaru come too?"
"Certainly," Einhart agreed.
To be continued...
Notes: As far as the 'canon' Nanoha stuff, I'm using all the anime series, but ignoring the manga FORCE. Because other than the art, it sucked. Sorry, FORCE fans.
At this point, I am assuming Nanoha, Fate and Hayate are long dead. ADMITTEDLY, I might change that if a story idea I like hits me. I also need to figure out if I want Reinforce to appear.
