I know it has been a long time since I posted the last chapter but let's just say that things have been happening as of late. Of course I will explain after this chapter so without further ado, enjoy this chapter.

*Same disclaimer as before*

Currently in Earth's orbit, a small ship is slowly but surely advancing to the planet. The man known as Drav was tipping his left foot while on the ship awaiting his chance to touch down onto the Earth and 'test' the strength of the person who now has Ixia's prototype device. He blows a breath of hot air as the ship was inching closer and closer to the blue sphere and with a press of a button and a smile, the ship was now coming closer to it's target.

"I know that we should wait, bide our time and all of that but it would just be easier to cut the guy off from those bureau dogs. Plus..." As the planet came in full view, Drav smiled a feral grin."I just can't resist the joy to fight some idiot who has Gaia in their possession. Once I land, find a place to hide the ship, take the information that was on the last file from the drone that fought those three and begin the hunt. Simple and fast." Then as he said this, the man just sat on his seat leaving the ship to lock on to the location of Gaia from the drone.

Meanwhile on topside, it was night time a few hours later as everyone was currently asleep in their beds. That includes Shiro as well since after his daily training, he got to his dorm room and slept awaiting the next day of school work and training with Nanoha. Upon his sleeping form, he slept soundly and tries to close his eyes as to be calm and more relaxed. Unfortunately, something in his brain was nagging at him to open his eyes, something was almost forcing him to wake up. With all of his will power, Shiro tried to ignore the thought in his head, tossing and turning every which way but the thought beat the man and he gets up, sits on the bed and think to himself.

'Damn why can't I sleep? I slept fine every other night since I started training so why can't I sleep now?'

He thought of this for a while as he rubs his head with his left hand, angry and upset over his problem but as he did so, he looked at his right hand and saw Gaia still on his right hand. He stares at the jewel, gets up and spoke to himself. "Maybe just maybe it is because I want to be stronger as fast as I can so I could be ready for whatever lies ahead. I mean we have been training for a while and the girls did say that if I was attacked then I should be ready. Nanoha did also say that I should practice some training on my own. Yeah that might be nerves from earlier. All right!" Now with that thought in mind, Shiro hastily throws on pants, his shoes and his jacket as he sneaks out of his dorm room from the front door, silently walks up the stairs and in a short time, got up to the roof. The air was briefly cold due to the night air so Shiro shivered a bit and rubs his hands to keep himself warm. "All right this should be the right spot to start my training. The cold air should keep me up for a bit and if I somewhat succeed in my training, I can become stronger and help Nanoha and Fate more. So let's get started." He begins by holding his hands out and focused his mind to tap into his linker core to produce the shield and within 2 minutes, it appeared in front of him. Happy with the results, he decides to continue with this well into the rest of the night.

As the sun rises, Shiro continued his shield training now with the added effect in him moving around the same way as if Nanoha was blasting him in training. Throughout the night and leading into the morning, he was moving his feet and his hands almost like a dance, imaging if he was being attacked and he had to move around. Only times he will take a break was if he had to stop with a few minutes, keyword being 3 minutes until he went back to train again. With each passing minute, he kept going and going in practice until he heard footsteps coming up the stairs, making him stop his training and turn around to see who was coming up the stairs. The door opens to reveal Hitoshi who was a bit confused.

He spoke to his best friend. "Shiro where the hell were you? I checked in your room and you were not there. I checked in the front room you were not there and finally what were you doing up here?"

"Oh right that, well I woke up a bit early so I thought I would just step out the room to get some air and take in the nature you know? Also the reason why I am up here on the roof is well..." spoke the young man looking away leaving Hitoshi to tap his foot and cross his arms.

Hitoshi glares at Shiro deeply causing the man in question to step back. "Well Shiro I am waiting. Tick tock. Tick tock."

While still looking away, the young mage was thinking of a new lie to throw Hitoshi off his trail but due to the long and night to day training he just did, he was really stumped and could not think of anything. He grips his fists and tries to think of something anything at all and then like a lightbulb, he has a plan.

"Well Hitoshi you see the reason why I was up on the roof top was not only to get some air but also it was to see this very awesome view of the campus." spoke Shiro with a smile, hoping that his friend would buy it so they could move on. Hitoshi in return just looks at Shiro and then at the huge view of the campus. He looks at the site for 7 seconds and looks back at Shiro with a sigh. Smirking, he said while patting Shiro's shoulder. "All right all right, I guess the view is pretty nice. And the nature does look great so I will leave you alone. Just this once." Shiro sighs a sigh of relief and the two walk back down stairs with Shiro moving behind a bit thinking in his mind for a brief moment.

'Thank god Hitoshi bought it. I was about to have a heart attack if he found out the real reason why. Just have to keep this up until Nanoha and Fate's big mission is over. Hopefully.'

As the duo walked to the main building for their first class like always, Hitoshi took a look back at Shiro and saw that he looked a bit tired then usual. 'Hmm he seems all right and he looks ok. But why is it that he looks like he is tired? Come to think of it, why was he on the roof? Hmm.' thought the young man who sat on his desk with Shiro following suit sitting on his desk. Next Nanoha and Fate walked to their desks as well and within time, the professor shows up right after, signaling the students to be ready for the lesson of the day. Once the class started, only the sounds of writing on paper to take notes, some were asking questions and the rest were just paying attention as usual. Things for the most were running smoothly except for one thing.

While listening to the lesson, Shiro like everyone else in the lecture was writing dignity and whenever possible, he looked up to pay close attention to the lesson in hand. Sadly, this act would soon prove to be useless as he felt that his eyes were going lower and lower with each passing second and his hands, following suit were about to gave out as well. Knowing this, he tries his hardest to keep his eyes open and his hands focusing on taking notes and even saying with a whisper. "Come on come on Nagase focus focus!" as the time passes but unfortunately, the lack of strength won and the young mage lied his head down with his pencil down eyes shut.

Hitoshi was writing meanwhile and took a brief look at Shiro only to find him completely knocked out and snoozing like a baby. Shocked by this, he decides to push Shiro's shoulder to wake him up but he did not move or even winch.

"What the hell Shiro! Come on man wake up!" whispers an agitated Hitoshi, trying the same thing as before but much like last time does not work. Left with no other options, Hitoshi tried one more sure fire way to wake Shiro up: he raised his left foot from under the two spots of their desks and stomped on Shiro's right foot prompting the dark haired young man to open his eyes and was about to scream. That was until he stopped himself from screaming by holding his mouth and still sitting on his chair. Shiro glares at Hitoshi who only shrugged in response leaving the young man to try to stay focused. However, Nanoha and Fate both saw what had happened and wondered what was going on as a look of worry is shown on their faces.

A few more hours passed and class was over, allowing the students to leave and head for their next classes if they had any. However, for some students on some days they would have some free time after certain classes. For Shiro, Nanoha, Fate and Hitoshi this was a good thing as with that time, it could be used sparsely. Nanoha and Fate had already left to get things straight for the training later on in the day while Hitoshi would try to spend some time with Shiro. He walks out the room and sees Shiro about to walk away from the building and start his training. Then Hitoshi wraps his arm playfully around Shiro's neck, causing the young man to turn around with a frown.

"Hitoshi what are you doing?"

"Oh nothing just seeing what is up with you. I mean we do have some free time so why don't we just hang? You know like when we were kids before I moved." spoke Hitoshi with a smile hoping that his friend would take the offer.

But Shiro, in response removed Hitoshi's arm from his neck bows regrettable and spoke in a sad tone. "Sorry Hitoshi but I am a bit busy with something. Something that is very important to me. I hope you can understand."

"Oh sure sure I do understand. Just good luck with your 'secret mission.'" teased the long haired man allowing Shiro to smile and run off while waving good bye to Hitoshi who waved back. When he was out of range, Hitoshi waved back but a confused look is on his face. He walks in the other direction and tries to think. "Did something happen with Shiro? I don't know why but something about him feels...different. Maybe it is the college life. If it is, he should at least..." Before he could finish, he shakes his head to erase the thought to instead keep moving, walking to get something to drink.

Meanwhile with Shiro, he was walking to a closed off area around the campus. A small area with grass on the ground and just far away so people would not see him training in using his mana. Relaxed, he takes off his bag, jacket and with a few stretches began to start his shield training. As he focused again, like before his shield appeared in his hands and he smiled, now ready to continue his secret training. For the pass few minutes, Shiro used as much mana as he could along with his movement practice to keep his arms up to try and keep the barrier up, each more draining then the last. As he pushed and pushed, Shiro failed to notice that his mana reserves were running dangerously low and before he was about found out, his cell phone rang forcing him to stop. Panting and moving the sweat from his eyes, he picks up his phone and answers it. "Hello this is Shiro Nagase."

"Hello Shi-chan! This is your lovely sister! Now guess who it is?"

The young short haired man could only sigh and speak in an slightly annoyed tone. "Let me guess...Saeko?"

The voice on the other end smiles and continues to speak. "Bingo! You got it Shiro this is your big sister Saeko calling. Just checking up on you since mom is busy with work much like dad is. So how are you?"

"Oh me well I am fine just got finished with my class today and I am currently just relaxing." told Shiro as he sat down.

Saeko from the other line, crossed her arms and smirks. "Really Shiro? You are not lying?"

Rubbing his head, the young man told his older sister. "No no I am not lying. You have my word. I promise and my other classes are ok for the most part if you were wondering. So how about you Saeko?"

"Well just like you I am fine. Just doing small work at an office so nothing special or huge apart from people stealing my pencils for work. Those bastards..."

Shiro could only imagine a black aura around his sister and he gulped in trying to change the topic. "So anyway I got to see Hitoshi again and he is doing fine. He is my roommate."

"Really? Oh that is wonderful. I knew you would find a friend there at that school dad sent you to. I guess good things can happen. Well I should leave you alone Shi-chan. Good luck with your studies!" replied Saeko with a blow kiss causing her brother to blush.

Blushing, the man screamed while getting up "Don't call me that Saeko! You know that I do not like that nickname!"

"Oh come on. I called you that all the time when you were little. At least it helps in giving you something that is not dad..."

Saeko stopped talking making Shiro just not speak for a few seconds. The Nagase siblings both realized that their father was a very difficult man to talk with about things, more with Shiro. As such talking about him would only bring memories that neither of them would want to bring up. After those few seconds were up, Shiro was about to hang up his phone until Saeko stopped him with a motherly tone.

"Shiro listen to me. Just try to find out who you are out there in college ok? Just be you, not our father. I think being around more people and making more friends would let you open up more. Hitoshi can help you with that and just do good in your studies. Can you do that Shiro?"

Shiro nods and replied back to his sister. "Yes I think I can."

After a quick good bye, they both hang up and Shiro looked at Gaia on his arm. He sees that the jewel was still on his arm and thought about maybe taking a break since he trained so hard. But then a brief thought ran in his head, stopping now would equal failure and that would not do for someone who would be next in line to take over the family line. Then Shiro whispers to himself. "A Nagase must keep going, even if it means that the person is hurt in the process." And with that, he raises his hands up and went on training again. However, Gaia glowed to reply.

'My Lord, your mana levels are dangerously low. Your training from before has limited your power. I recommend a break.'

"No Gaia I need to get better. Way better then I was in the last few days. Way better so I can be of use. So I can..."

Then Shiro falls on the grass and tries to get back up, panting while trying to raise his arms again and moving his legs. 'But My Lord your linker core just woke up anymore like this and you...'

However instead of listening to his device's warnings, Shiro just continued on training repeating the same mantra that he had before, almost become like a drone or maybe something else in the long run. Then after a while, his arms began to give out again, allowing Shiro to fall on his legs and panting heavily now out of breath.

'Oh god this is more harder then I thought. In the span of a few minutes my arms feel like rubber. What can I do now?' thought Shiro as he was trying to think what else he could do for the remain of his free time. Just then, a thought walked through his mind of what Hitoshi did when they were kids. "I think he said it was meditation? Training with your mind...Great! And I have just enough time for that before my next classes and before I meet with Nanoha and Fate. All right let's get to work." With that now in mind, Shiro crossed his legs, closed his eyes and concentrated his mind to feel his mana coming from his linker core and in a few short seconds, his linker core got up causing him to smile and trying to kept his mana more open for the next few minutes. And for the final few minutes, Shiro got up really drained and then preceded to walk and finish off the rest of his day.

And so the school day was over and everyone has left their classes to either goof off or do homework. Hitoshi had left Shiro so he could work on a note for his music class while Shiro left to meet Nanoha and Fate to continue his training. At the training site currently Nanoha and Fate were waiting for Shiro like always but the duo were thinking about what happened within the first class of the day hence what happened with Shiro. Nanoha crosses her arms and lend back to a tree thinking about what had happened while Fate was doing the same as her friend.

"Hmm Fate do you see something odd about Shiro or is that just me?"

Fate shook her head and replied. "No it is not just you. He did look a bit strange in class. Almost like he was doing something but what he would do to make him that tired?"

It was then the two looked at each other and slowly piece two and two together as Nanoha spoke. "Fate you don't think that he seriously..."

Just as the instructor was about to finish her hunch, Shiro appeared while the two just split and acted normal as the young man puts his backpack back and waves at the two women. However the wave, as seen by the two felt a bit off and not much life was shown in the wave meaning that Nanoha's hunch just might be correct. Nanoha and Fate could only smile as the two then began their lesson for the day.

"All right Shiro now that you are here, we will begin the next part of your training:the use of your device and barrier jacket. With your device, if you remembered when you used it a few days ago can be used to fight back but it is used as a conductor for your magic."

"You mean like a wizard who uses his wand to cast spells?" questioned the young man leaving the two women to smile and Nanoha to say. "Correct Shiro. Although I don't think a wizard would use a sword to fight. Maybe a staff. Anyway by using the device with your mana, you can use spells and create a stronger shield. Lastly, I did explain how a barrier jacket works. Can you remember Shiro?"

Shiro like a child raised his hand and spoke back to the intructor in question. "Oh oh I know. It is used as protective armour against some spells. Right Nanoha?"

Nanoha turns to the blond mage who smiled leaving the brunette to smile back causing Shiro to tilt his head while rubbing his eyes. "He definitely still remembers that." spoke Fate leaving Nanoha to shift her focus back to Shiro. "Perfect you at least remember the basics of that. Now as for today, I need you to mimic how Fate and I transformed when we first met. Then once we do that, you copy it and we will start. Ok?" Shiro responds with a nod allowing Nanoha to raise her device in the air. She shouts. "Raising Heart set up!" and in a flash of pink, Nanoha's body is wrapped in that light, blinding Shiro and Fate.

The lightshow ends as Nanoha is revealed to be her barrier jacket and staff like before and smiles. "There now ready Shiro?"

"Yeah I am." spoke the young mage as he raises his right arm open in the sky to scream the words. "Gaia set up!" Just then, the jewel glowed a bright light and much like with Nanoha and Fate before, Shiro is engulfed in the light of the jewel and in a matter of seconds, Shiro is shown with the barrier jacket and sword from a few days ago. Happy and excited, Shiro jumped for joy but immediately stopped and looked at Nanoha ready to start the training. However just as Nanoha was about to fly in the air to be in position, she hears soft snoring somewhere. Fate also starts to hear the snoring and sees to reveal that it was Shiro who, using Gaia as a crutch slept with his eyes closed while standing up but briefly. Fate sighs while Nanoha just walks up to Shiro and claps her hands forcing him to wake up. He rubs his eyes and spoke. "Oh my god Nanoha I am so sorry. I guess I was so happy that I fell asleep. But I am awake now so lets get started." Nanoha, however did not look so sure of the young man but choose to not harp any further and flew into the air, summoning her pink balls around like always.

"Shiro try to take everything you learned for the past few days and use your device to strengthen your mana. Are you ready now?" spoke the instructor at the sword mage at the bottom. Shiro could only nod as Nanoha sends her spheres at Shiro and like normal starts his training.

Three spheres starts to fly at Shiro and he in turn jumped away from one sphere. Then the next sphere was coming closer and closer and the man for the next one was using his right and left foot to move away from the sphere and as the third sphere came after him, he ran away from it and as it got closer, Shiro used his free hand to create a shield which had just enough mana in the linker core to block the attack. After that, he sighed but not before more of them came in view leaving Shiro to dodge the shots as like last time leaving him more room to move away from them. Smiling, Nanoha then sends more spheres at the sword mage, allowing him to jump and use his shield to not only jump away from the spheres but also better dodge them. And with that, Shiro lands but begins to pant more and more as the session continues, leaving him to accidentally close his eyes. Sadly by doing so, he gets blindsided by a sphere from behind and another from the front which not only caused him to wake up a moment but also be headfirst on the ground.

Watching this, Fate could figure out that something was indeed wrong with Shiro. She looks up at the sky and sees Nanoha already summoning more spheres. "She might have known the issue. That would make sense as to why this is happening...Wait then that means..." Fate turns to Shiro who was slowly getting back up as Nanoha sends her spheres back at Shiro only this time...

'Axel Shooter.'

Many spheres came around Nanoha and she sends them at Shiro leaving him to try and dodge like many times before only this time the shots are much faster then the other ones and Shiro is blasted every which way forcing him to fall to the ground again. He tries to use his shield again as to lessen the pain but unfortunate for him, it does not work leaving him to run again and try the dodge plan. But that came with a new problem as due to all of the running mixed with his self training, his legs give out and he once again takes several shots like last time only these ones hurt way more even more then usual. In a move, as he got up but just barely, Shiro tries to raise his free hand again and make a shield again but shocking to him, it does not work and all he sees are many many many shots coming at him. He uses the sword as a barrier but much like last time, it does not work with him screaming. "WHAT THE HELL!" as the shots rain down on him like raining hell fire and with each shot, he is pushed away from Nanoha and Fate, crashing at some trees behind him and lies by some trees that were destroyed by Nanoha. Shiro could only think to himself. 'What just happened? Why couldn't my shield work? What happened to my legs and why do I feel a hell of a lot weaker then yesterday? What happened to me?' However he did not get that answer as he looks up to see something that will strike his heart with fear: Nanoha now with a darken look on her face, points Raising Heart in mid-air. Panicking, Shiro tries to move but is stopped by pink binds around him making the man unable to move. He struggles to break free but can't move allowing Nanoha to speak her piece.

"Shiro what happened to you? What were you doing after training yesterday? Well?"

Shiro now slowly showing fear only spoke this. "You have to understand Nanoha I only did this to be stronger. You have to believe me please!"

"I see. If that is the case then it is oblivious then why are you this weak? Well Shiro?"

Shiro could not say anything giving Nanoha the answer she wanted and absorbs all of the mana in the air to create a huge pink ball leaving both Shiro and Fate to be shocked. Shiro in the sense that he was scarred and Fate in that before this was going on, Nanoha had asked Fate to request barriers around the training area just once. 'So this is why she wanted these barriers around to do this...But this is too much even for her!'

Meanwhile with all of the mana gathered, Nanoha said in a cold tone. "Divine Buster." as she sends the stream at Shiro who while scarred had a brief look at his father in his mind:'You are a waste of my time boy. I never want to see your face again. Leave.' Shiro tries to say something but can't as he then immediately a huge pink stream of mana blasted at the man, leaving the sound of him screaming in pain and agony over the sky. The attack leaves a dust cloud where Shiro was and Raising Heart blows steam out of its system and Nanoha lands, waiting to see what happened to Shiro. The dust clears to reveal the young man completely damaged, his barrier jacket in tears, his eyes vacant and his sword having disappeared. And with that he fell leaving Fate to glare at her best friend a bit having some choice words. Nanoha instead just lands back on the ground, changes back to normal and just stares at Shiro's fallen body. Fate continues her glare at Nanoha and began to speak.

"Nanoha what was that about? Why would you use that powerful spell on someone like Shiro? Just what made you do that?"

"You saw it too didn't you Fate:the limiting movement of his footwork, the sloppy but more sloppy use of his sword, the fact that he could not summon his barrier while movement. Even you should know that by him closing his eyes that something was wrong." spoke the brunette instructor with her arms crossed while looking at Shiro. However, not wanting to give up, Fate points at the fallen new mage with a sadden look.

"I know that but really though using Divine Buster!? Was it really necessary to use that spell of yours? Look I understand how important it is for you to train him so he could be prepared if he gets attacked I get that. I also understand that this is how your training works. But using a high level spell against a civilian of all things? He is not a solider so something like this is uncalled for even for you."

This made Nanoha to stare back at her best friend and was prepared to say something back in retaliation to her training methods and how despite the 'extreme methods' she displayed, they do work. The auburn haired woman responds back. "But we both know that we don't have time for him to act like very reckless. Shiro may be attacked at any moment and he can't do this. If he won't listen then he needs to learn the hard way."

"But still he is not from the bureau like the rest of us. He is a civilian first and foremost. And I don't think blowing him up with Divine Buster is a good idea!" responded Fate while still glaring at Nanoha. However just as she was about to say her piece a bit more, the two women hear a small groan in the air and the sounds of someone in an attempt of getting up. Nanoha and Fate both turn and sees Shiro trying to get back up after the whole Divine Buster blast issue although due to the overwhelming strength of the attack, mixed in with his body aching all over his arms and legs, he could not move and so he just settled for putting his hands on the grass and his legs kneeling while looking down. Wondering what could be wrong with him, Nanoha and Fate both nodded allowing the instructor to walk to him while hearing him say something in a whisper. The auburn haired woman got to him, knelled next to him and asked a simple question.

"Shiro what is wrong?"

The young man only spoke in a crestfallen tone. "I am so sorry. I am very sorry Nanoha. I don't know what I did to make you...No that is wrong I know what I did was stupid. But the thing is I...I wanted to become better, a lot better then I was when we first met. So yesterday when you wanted me to further my training, I took it too close to heart."

"Hmm, go on." told Nanoha, urging the young man to continue on with his story again.

"However I was too far gone to notice what had happened to me and ignored Gaia's warning. The end result was what had happened just now. I was an idiot and I am asking you to please forgive me and I know that it was wrong. So please Nanoha I can do better then this I promise you. So please don't give up on me!"

After this, Shiro closes his eyes and grips his hands on the grass, angry that in his eyes a Nagase has failed and if this was his father, it would be a disgrace that someone like him failed when he may have succeeded. As this went on, Fate could only watch on, wondering what would Nanoha do in this situation and in response, Nanoha just hugged the young mage and began to rub his back. Shiro in question is surprised by the act allowing the white mage to say her words.

"Shiro now why would I give up on you? What you did was reckless, thoughtless and overall not a very good idea..."

Shiro winched at that as Nanoha continued on with what she said. "However, you did understand that what you did was wrong and are willing to change that problem. You are slowly understanding your limits and want to get better. I have been there before with other students of mine and even I overexerted myself at times. The point is I only ask that you pace yourself better and give it your all." She broke away from Shiro and gives him a warm smile and with that smile, asked him. "Ok Shiro?" The man could only look at the smile, deciding on what to say next. He looks over to Fate who also smiles at the two leaving him to look back at Nanoha and so with a smile all his own, he spoke. "All right I promise. Thank you Nanoha."

Then as a shock to him, Nanoha pats Shiro's shoulders and with her smile still on her face proclaim to the man. "And with that we are now friends."

"Wait what friends? You and me?" questioned a confused Shiro letting Fate to walk in and elaborate to the young man.

"Well you see Shiro, in order for anyone to be friends with Nanoha, she has to blast you with a high level spell of any kind and by the end of the attack, you will become friends with her. It was like that when Nanoha and I first met."

"Hey I don't blow everyone up with a high level spell to be my friend! Come on Fate!" spoke the white mage with an adorable pout.

Fate just giggles at the cute act as Shiro stared at Nanoha again and moved his head down once again leaving the two women to glance at the young mage. In his head, Shiro was thinking about this:a new chance to make a new friend. A new possibility opening up for him and most of all, a step forward. With that in mind, he lifts his head back up and said while laughing a bit. "You make friends by blowing them up huh? That is a unique way to make friends Nanoha. Ok if you say so, we are friends." Then as Nanoha stared at Shiro with a pout as well, the three of them just laughing together as Nanoha and Fate both grabs a side of Shiro and gently walked with him slowly away from the training area. As they walked pass one of the barrier spots, Fate spoke to Nanoha using telepathy. 'Well you still went a bit too far Nanoha but I will admit, the plan worked.'

'Yeah it did. Hopefully Shiro will not push himself way harder then he needs to. He is still learning and as long as he takes his time, he will get better.' told Nanoha with a smile allowing Fate to smile as well.

But then with a smirk, Fate jokingly told Nanoha. 'Right. Once we get the barrier generators back to the Athra, things should be normal by tomorrow. I mean we don't want Shiro to be another Nanoha and overexert himself now do we?'

The very thought that Shiro would be like that made the two glare at Fate and both say at the same time. "Hey what do you mean another Nanoha!?" Then Nanoha stared at Shiro and then asked the man. "Wait Shiro did you hear that?"

"Every single word. You did teach me how telepathy works and you two were deep in thought so I thought why not? But really barrier generators? That is why you blew me up!?"

The young man could only growl a bit at the two women letting them giggle at the man. "Well it was a safely measure as we can't have anyone see any high level spells you know. Plus you learned your lesson so no problem right?" In response, Shiro sighs and nods his head as the three continued their trek away from the forest and due to the mistakes and a lesson learned, Shiro now has a new friend but of a different way.

Currently on the hidden base, Saika is walking to the direction of the hanger bay to do some maintenance and checks on the pods in the case the professor and the others were to go to Earth to take Gaia back. Since Ixia chose to bide their time so they could decide together on a plan to get Gaia, two members, Saika and one other agreed to await further instructions. However while investigating he saw that one pod was missing, prompting him to stop and think deeply in thought. 'Hmm one of the pods is missing. I know that one of them is not being rebuilt for repairs. If they were, then we would have being told that. Plus Ixia may have ordered us to repair it but that is not the case. Unless...oh no.' In a brisk pace, he runs to the screen next to the hanger to look at the footage and see if anyone took the pod. One quick glance at the footage made him frown and immediately ran to report the situation to Ixia.

Saika ran to the main room and sees the man, already seated in his chair and spoke to him. "Sir, we have a problem. It would seem that one of the pods was missing for the past few days without our knowledge."

"Really? Then who would be so reckless as to take our pods? Not one of the drones I hope." spoke Ixia with a raised eyebrow leaving Saika to move on to his report.

He heavily sighs as he replied to Ixia. "Due to the footage I saw, Drav took one of the pods and knowing him he may be on Earth as we speak. By your orders, let me either recall him back to the base to take punishment or let Anna and I deal with it."

But then right as Saika was about to get Anne, Ixia raise his hand and motioned him to stop what he was about to do leaving the second in command to be confused. The scientist then took a thinking pose and began to respond to Saika. "Wait a moment. This could be good data for research."

Saika only looked at him confused as Ixia went on with the plan. "Hear me out:instead of sending all 3 of you down to Earth, we let Drav fight the person who now has my prototype. This person from the last footage we had from the level 2 drone that was there shows that this person is not a very strong mage. However, Gaia was able to respond to the small magical power from the linker core which like I said would be good data from my research."

"I see. It would make sense but two problems, we both know how Drav is when he fights someone and what of the two officers sent to Earth?" questioned Saika allowing Ixia to only chuckle a small amount and to turn to look at the stars. "Drav may be a bit difficult but he is good at what he does despite his shall we say problems. And yes about those two...we will do a little divide and conquer."

As the idea slowly but surely forming in his mind, Saika immediately bowed to Ixia, turns away and starts to walk away. But not before asking Ixia one question."Ixia, you wish to have Drav fight the person and if possible, bring Gaia back while also splitting up the person from the other two am I right?"

The scientist in response, smiles a bit and closed his eyes in order to speak. "Make it so Saika. Have some drones programmed to stall them and let Drav do the rest." And with the plan in motion, Saika walked back to prepare some of the drones while Ixia on his end just sat down looking at some of the data from Shiro's first outing with Gaia, awaiting the up and coming day.

All right now to explain: I have had some things happen over the past few weeks and months. First my birthday passed so I was celebrating that, a grandmother passed away and job hunting. Plus my beta reader was super busy so I had to talk to a friend to see how the chapter went. If there are any issues with this one that I may have missed, please inform me so I can make changes. But I will try to be more active in posting chapters so I thank anyone who was understanding during the long wait.

In any case now for the next two chapters, I will do a two parter for the next event involving a fight and I hope I can do that well. So until then thank you guys for the support and I will see you again next time.