Hello guys welcome back. Hope you all had a great new year and all of that. Sorry this took a while but here is chapter 20. Hope you guys enjoy.

*Same disclaimer as before*

Drav and Anna were standing by the trees of their makeshift base in the faraway forest and looks at the skies awaiting someone. It was the afternoon so the sun was still shinning. Meaning that their guest had to be careful. A roar was heard in the air, allowing the two to scan with their eyes the location of the sound. It was revealed to by a pod, similar to the ones that they used, landing to a small spot.

Once the ship landed, Ixia stepped out of the door, greeted by his two subordinates. "So what is the status for you two?" the man asked.

"Doc, not much happened apart from this monster dragging me to her shopping 'mission' while I wanted to fight that dog and the bureau." spat Drav, glaring at Anna who only smiled. Ixia chuckled a bit while looking at Anna. "And you Anna?"

The drill haired woman shrugged. "Well Drav spoke the truth. Aside from my shopping, sending those drones after Shiro's friend, meeting the boy and Mrs. Testarossa and what you said yesterday, nothing else to report. We were just waiting for you."

"As you planned. So what do we do now doc?" Drav asked leading to Anna staring at their leader. Pink eyes scanned around their 'base' and within a few seconds, he closed his eyes and was deep in thought. After that, he opened them and told his members the plan. "I have a general idea of what to do for the bureau agents as well as the boy."

Eyebrows were raised as Drav scoffs. "Oh really then what is it?" The lead scientist smirked at them. "We will use the drones to locate Gaia's signal mostly the low level ones, to get a fix on their location. And if they don't work then we will use the high level ones. We find Gaia, we find the bureau members and the fool."

"Great finally a chance to fight!" Drav said with his fist striking his open palm as Anna has a cheeky grin on her face. "Oh calm down Drav. Our boss just got here and now you are itching to fight again? Would you want Shiro to embarrass you again?"

Drav could only growl at Anna who laughs leaving Ixia to contact Saika. From the other line, Saika appeared. "I see you have made it to Earth."

"Indeed I have. Now we will begin the operation. Saika, proceed with the plan. Send out some of the level 2 and 3 drones as well as many drones as possible. Send them to locate Gaia and we will do the rest."

Saika sighs and tries to once again tell the man off. "But Ixia it is a bad idea to send those drones to Earth. They are much too dangerous to use. Why not just send..."

However, his pleas go on deaf ears when the scientist with a firm tone, told him these words. "Saika that is an order. Send the drones down along with the drones still on Earth. You don't want to disobey me do you?"

"...No sir. I will get the drones up and running. The ones on Earth will start searching while the rest will come down as we speak." Then the transmission stopped leaving Saika to get the drones activated on Earth to begin looking and sending the ones to the planet in question. The plan was beginning to start its phase.

Meanwhile, Nanoha and the others were just done with another daily dose of training. After the exams which took the whole morning, the gang went back to the old grind. They left the teleport spot by the hidden area away from the commons area within the campus and were walking. She takes a look around along with Fate and Hayate, concerned regarding what happened yesterday. "We seem to be all right so far." the white mage said while her two friends look around.

"Yes, there is no sign of Drav or that woman from last time. We seem to be in the clear." Fate replied allowing Hayate to sigh. "Yep no drones or mages attacking us. But we should be on guard." She looks at Shiro and Hitoshi's direction. "Especially since Hitoshi has no means to defend himself."

"Right we should decide on what to do when a fight does start. Maybe we should..." From there, the three aces were discussing on what to do in regardless to Hitoshi. Speaking of which, he and Shiro were just waiting to hear what the girls were planing and stood. The long haired man grumbles a bit while looking at Shiro's direction. He was looking at Gaia, wondering about how this will go down. Before he came across a thought reaching in his head, a slap on his back hits him away from it and when he turns, his eyes are slanted seeing a smiling Hitoshi.

"Yes Hitoshi what is it?" the sword mage asked leaving Hitoshi to reply back. "That is what I want to know. Why are you staring at Gaia?" Shiro briefly looks at the three aces and then back at Hitoshi. He sighs and spoke to his friend. "Well I was just thinking about what Ixia said, about him coming to Earth." Nanoha, Fate and Hayate heard what the young man said as he continued on.

"I just... I am a bit on edge about this. He said he was coming down to Earth personally but he can't fight can he? That is what got me a bit concerned."

Nanoha turned to Fate and Hayate, each with a nod allowing her to explain to the two men. "Shiro if we have learned anything about scientists is that we do not underestimate them. They may not be able to fight but they also have enough tricks up their sleeves to compensate for that." She walks to the man and pets him on the head. "As long as you remember your training, follow everything down to the letter and give it your best, you will be fine."

"You sure?" Shiro asked leading Hayate to grin and follow up. "Of course. You have been getting better with your training. Just don't get a big head. Ok?"

"Yeah I know. I do not want to get blown up again." Shiro shuddered leaving the group to laugh even Hitoshi. "Well it seems Shiro is calm. So since there is no word on Ixia yet, how about we head back to the dorms and celebrate finishing up our exams?"

This made everyone smile as Hayate was about to lead the group back. Fate took a quick look at Shiro who was blushing at the act Nanoha did while Hitoshi was getting his friend to chill out. She was about to say something to the two until a barrier appeared around the general area. Everyone disappeared leaving only Nanoha, Fate, Hayate, Shiro and Hitoshi behind. While glancing around, it was obvious from the group that a barrier was put up and because of this, Hitoshi asked since he is not a mage. "So this happened last time the whole barrier and people disappear crap?"

"Yes." spoke the four mages still looking around the area. Rein flew out of the bag and placed herself on Hayate's shoulder. She looks as well and then turned to Hayate. "Yep there are no people around. You guys should get ready if a fight does happen." The three girls each nodded and Nanoha and Fate raised Raising Heart and Bardiche while Hayate did the same with her necklace and within seconds, the three are equipped with devices and barrier jackets. Shiro was about to join in until something stopped him from doing that.

In the distance away in the air, there were a handful of drones slowly approaching the group of mages, unison device and human. "Wow that is a small number of drones. And they don't seem that difficult." Rein scoffs at the small number. Fate, however took a closer look at the drones. She sees that in the midst of the drones, some of them did look more dangerous.

"Uhh Rein look again and this time more closer." Fate muttered causing the small girl to check again. This time, she got the message. While some of the drones look like the level 1's they were fighting, the rest were at least level 2's. Nanoha grips Raising Heart and spoke to her friends.

"These are either the ones that they send to Earth before we showed up or some fresh ones. And if that is the case then..."

Fate thought out loud with a glare. "Ixia is definitely here."

"So now we have some robots flying at us and some more most likely on the way. Any ideas guys?" Hayate asked all while readying her staff. So far, Nanoha and Fate were having a secret conference in what they could do. After a few seconds, they nodded allowing Nanoha to discuss the plan.

"For now let's divide the group. Since Hitoshi has no real way to protect himself, since he is a civilian he needs to be protected. Because of that, Shiro will protect Hitoshi, Fate will help me with fighting the drones and Hayate will search for wherever Ixia is. If you find him then report back. Got it?"

"Right!" Hayate and Fate responded leaving a smile from the white devil's face. Things were starting to look up and she was asking Shiro did he get all that. Unfortunately, no answer came up and so she turns around to see what was wrong. Her answer came in the from of two missing men now in their waiting spot. Eyes bulged out of her face as she saw no sign of Shiro and no sign of Hitoshi.

"Nanoha, what's wrong? You did not hear anything from the guys?" Fate asked and with the silent treatment, she wondered what was wrong. Then she quickly figures out and also turns to see nothing. She faceplamed leading to her and Nanoha say in unison. "Oh god not again."

Now Hayate was going to ask until she giggles and asks. "Let me guess the guys are gone?"

"Yes they are. They must have ran off somewhere with all of the drones." Fate muttered with a small frown. Nanoha meanwhile sighed and then puts her free hand over her hair. "Great now that the boys are gone, I have to change the plan a bit. Ok new plan: Fate you go and get Shiro back, Hayate while she is doing that, you contune looking for Ixia but also help in finding Hitoshi. If he is with Shiro, then they are together."

"But wait what about you Nanoha?" Rein asked knowing that she put herself out of the plan. The white mage smiles and replied "I will stay here and keep the drones busy."

"By yourself!?" Fate asked leaving Nanoha to grab her shoulder and still with that smile. "Fate, I will be all right. I will only be a decoy and bringing them to me. Besides I won't let these machines beat me that easily. Ok?"

"All right. But be careful." Fate painfully repiles back allowing her, Hayate and Rein to fly off leaving her all alone. The drones each land one by one and in minutes, a few of them were standing ready to fight the white devil. Gripping her staff, Nanoha stares at the machines and spoke. "Ready Raising Heart?"

'Yes my Master.' the jewel glowed and as the drones begins their slow approach, Nanoha readies, prepared to take them on.

However things were not only viewed by the group on Earth. Thing was the Arthra was also getting the signal of a barrier entering eclipsing over a certain spot on Earth. The woman crossed her arms and thought about the situation at hand.

"Ixia must have made his move. May as well call in some back up and send Yuuno in..." Then she grinned and snapped her fingers, just now thinking of someone else to join in the fight.

With a few button presses, she goes on ahead to contact someone who should not be busy at the time. God favored her as the person revealed on screen was none other then her pride and joy:her son Chrono looking more and more like his father everyday. She smiled as her son asked the question that was on his mind.

"Adirmal what seems to be the trouble?"

Lindy sipping her tea began to talk to her boy. "Can't a mother call her own son to see how he was doing?"

"Well no, but I am sure there is a reason." Chrono said with a sigh, knowing his mother well. "I just got back on the Claudia from an assignment and then Amy called a few minutes ago."

"Oh that Amy. She really does worry about her husband." the older admiral giggled while the younger one blushed a bit. After that, Lindy shifted to a serious personally and told Chrono the following. "Now about the reason why I called you. It is about the Ixia case." And from then, Lindy gave Chrono the 411 on what had happened. The short light blue haired man know about the case as did Yuuno but he had confidence that Nanoha and Fate would succeed given their track record before. However, as he heard more from his mother, the more he frowned on the inside.

It took only three minutes to bring the information to him, Shiro having the prototype, he training under Nanoha and even his own best friend finding out. Once all was said and done, Lindy cups her hands together and prayed. "And that what has been going on. Now I have no mistrust in Nanoha, Fate or Hayate but since the increase of drones as well as the threat of Ixia being on Earth now, we need some more hands. And you are not busy with a mission as you just finished so Chrono if you don't mind."

Chrono could only sigh heavily thinking in thought for a few seconds. His decision was reached as he looked at his crew on the ship, told them some things and then went back to his mother. With a stern look, he replied.

"I will head to the Arthra to support with the mission. Also, to help with the drone transport, some of my men will accompany me. Just give me a few minutes Admiral."

Lindy could only smile as with eyes shinning. "Oh thank you thank you Chrono. I knew I could count on you."

"Just don't make this a habit." Chrono responds with a light blush letting Lindy to laugh again and cuts the transmission. From there, she is about ready to contact Yuuno and warn him about the problem on Earth.

Back on Earth, Shiro and Hitoshi were running to where they believe the scientist could be at through some of the trees. The short haired man stared at the area ahead which was a big garden used by some students leading Hitoshi to smirk playfully at his friend. "So refresh my memory. Why are we running away from the girls?"

"We are not running," Shiro spoke with a sigh as they kept running. "you saw those robots. It seems obvious that Ixia is behind this. So I thought maybe while the girls are busy fighting the drones, I hunt down Ixia, get him to stop this and the mission will be a success!"

Hitoshi blankly stared at his friend, ran to him and smiled at him. Confused, Shiro asked what was up with the smile? Hitoshi responded. "Your plan. It sounds so not like you at all! Normally you would forever to think of something but now, you know of what you want to do and rush at it. But do you really think you can fight Ixia if you have to?"

"I..." Shiro thought for a few seconds leaving him to be concerned only for his friend to hit him on his back."Man just stick with your balls and go for it!" as he ran ahead, leaving the man to slow down a bit. While looking at his device, he grips his hand. So many things were spinning in his head and if this was the old Shiro, he would have went back to how he was before all of this. But now, with a raise of his arm, he transforms and followed his best friend, onyx eyes now burning with confidence. Hitoshi smiled as the two went on their way.

They reached the garden they were going to; an place with flowers around as well as some trees around. The person in the center was the last person they would see being there. Front and center was Drav already decked out in his device and barrier jacket. With a feral grin, he whispered. "Going as planned."

"Glad to see you again, Shiro." Drav spoke with a teasing tone forcing the man in question to grip his hand on his sword. "Drav..."

Drav looks to his left and spots Hitoshi glaring at the mage. "Oh now this will be fun, a fight between a mage, a beginner and a non mage. This should be an interesting hunt. Never hunted a normal person before."

"Screw you, asshole!" Hitoshi yelled at the sandy haired man. "If we were fighting normally, I will kick your ass so hard, you will be running back to Ixia." Then he smirked and hit a sour spot. "Just like when Shiro beat you. And if he could beat you, then I should have no problem."

In response, Drav readied his claws and was about attack Hitoshi for the insult until Shiro with sword raised, stops that. "No Drav. Your fight is with me. And if I win, you tell me where Ixia is. No questions asked."

"Tch as if you can beat me this time." Drav spoke with a rush now focusing on the sword mage. "Hitoshi I want you to stay back. I will handle this."

Hitoshi puts his hands on the back of his head and replied. "Ok fine. I will stay away but remember if it gets dicely, I am stepping in. Magic or not."

"Noted." Shiro sighs and from there, he runs to Drav and the two began their fight.

For the next few minutes, all Hitoshi saw was clashing Sword and claw. No spell was currently used at the moment and for a time, it was even. Drav pushed Shiro and vice versa. The sandy haired man would try to use a projectile spell but Shiro would stop him by getting close and blocking him from doing so. The short haired man smiled, happy that he was able to stop his opponent from shooting at him, therefore giving him some breathing room. At a time, he was doing well. Upset, Drav dug his claw into making Shiro immediately on the defense at what he was doing. He saw the circle underneath and was about to use the hoop bind to stop Drav but something shocking happened. The claw appeared from the ground and attacked Shiro's left leg, causing him to winch and kneed a bit.

"Ow the hell?" he muttered as Drav laughs all ready to charge his Grand Arc spell. Shiro looks up seeing the spell. "Ha ha you thought you had me? Too bad boy! You are not the only one with some new tricks. Hope you like my Serpent Tail. And now, you can't move and even if you could, your friend will be caught in the explosion and I know you don't want that?"

Shiro's eyes are widen as he turns to Hitoshi and then back to Drav. "You wouldn't."

"Try me. Grand Arc!" Then true to his word, he sends the spell at Shiro and he was thinking of what to do. If he tries Grand Tri-Shield, then he protects himself and Hitoshi but Drav would still attack Shiro the minute his guard was down and if he pushed Hitoshi away, then the attack will most likely destroy his barrier jacket due to his weaken leg. He was closing his eyes, trying to stand up not ready to quit and as Hitoshi was about jump in and get his friend out of there, a miracle happened. Suddenly, a black blur appeared and a voice rang out.

'Round Shield.' asa hand appeared revealing a yellow circle, able to protect Shiro. From Hitoshi's perspective, he sees a certain blond with her barrier jacket and device out and whistles. Shiro meanwhile opens his eyes and sees Fate with her back behind him. "Fate!?" he said with a shocked look.

"Whew, I made it just in time." Fate spoke with a sigh of relief. Drav could only smile as to him, another hunt has appeared. "So the doll came out to play huh? Prefect the more the merrier!" he spoke eager to fight Fate. However she turns to Shiro and gave him a very rare look: a look of rage.

'She looks pissed.' Shiro and Hitoshi thought in unison as she stared at Shiro. Then she entered mom mode. "Shiro what were you thinking!?"

"I was just thinking maybe that..."

Her red eyes glared back at Shiro's onyx ones and went on with her spiel. "Do you have any idea how worried we were when you two just up and left? Well Hitoshi, Shiro?"

"To be fair, there were a bunch of drones coming after us," shrugged the long haired man but then he smiled. "so Shiro here came up with the idea to catch Ixia himself while you guys were busy. You know to take the edge off of you. Right Shiro?"

Fate returned her glare to Shiro who turned away and spoke back to the woman in front of him. "It is true Fate. I said a while ago that I wanted to help and I meant it. I know you, Nanoha and Hayate are pissed at me and Hitoshi but I wanted to help you guys more. To do more then just training." He stares deep into Fate's red eyes and spoke with a resolve. "I wish to continue moving forward! I want to keep going! And I am not stopping now!"

Fate was taken a back by Shiro's words. The strength of his words, the conviction of his voice and a small show of difference between his old self and his current one. She thought is this the same Shiro she met? Just as she was thinking this, she felt a small ting, the same one as last time when the two were alone. But like last time, she shook the feeling away and a small blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Fate, are you..." Shiro asked but Fate just replied. "No no I am fine. If you are so sure about fighting, then go ahead Shiro."

Just from that, Shiro has a bright smile and Hitoshi could only smirk at the sight. 'Oh so THAT'S how it is.' Even if it was temperately, the air was at peace but only for a brief moment. Drav was just fuming at the mouth and was ready to a spell now at the two mages who ignored him. Suddenly in a weird move, before he even launched the spell at the two, who Shiro and Fate were ready to block it and counterattack, a random rock was thrown at Drav, directly at his head. This very act caused him to lose concentration and the spell vanished.

"Oh that is it! Who is the dead man who threw that!" uttered Drav now angry with rage. He hears a voice screaming out. "I did you sore loser!" as he turns to see Hitoshi grinning at him with his left arm reached out indicating that yes, he did throw a rock at a mage. Fate and Shiro looked on with blank stares with the blond mage trying to process what happened to which Shiro spoke. "That is just the way he is." If Drav was pissed the first time, then this time he was seething with rage. A rock was able to stop him!? From a normal human?

In an attempt to avenge his failed spell, he dashes at Hitoshi ready to kill him. Shiro and Fate were about to go and guard the man until he was saved by Hayate who flew in and picked him up in the air. Fate sighs as she spoke "Thanks Hayate. Now get Hitoshi away from here. I will help Shiro with Drav."

"Can do!" the short brunette replied as she left leaving a slightly miffed Hitoshi behind.

With that now done, Shiro and Fate both stared at Drav ready to fight. Drav readying his claws, Fate griping Bardiche and Shiro the same with Gaia. It was about to begin until a new voice rang out.

"Hold on a moment Drav. You seem to be at a disadvantage."

The man in question narrowed his eyes as he spoke to the voice. "I was not at a disadvantage doc. I was about to get rid of these two as well as that friend of Shiro."

The voice walked out of the trees revealing to be the man the bureau has been after, Ixia in the flesh and not from a hologram. He turns to the two mages and smiled at them. "Hello Mrs. Fate Testarossa Haralown and Mr. Shiro Nagase. So glad to finally meet face to face."

"Ixia..." Fate muttered as Shiro briefly stared at Gaia and then back at the man in front of them. "So this is the man who made Gaia." he whispered allowing the scientist to speak again. "Seems that everything is going as planned, so how about this:Drav you get to fight against the lovely Mrs. Testarossa and I get to fight the thief."

The comment made Shiro angry. "Thief? What do you mean thief!? Also, fight?"

"Oh but I can and I will show you." Ixia said with a sly grin as he takes a box out from his pocket and opens it. Inside was a faux replica of Gaia, the same device Shiro has only the color was a corrupted version of his and as he transforms, the only thing he had was the sword but keeping with the corrupted theme. Now Fate and Shiro knew that the man having a back up of his device is not too insane but the thought of fighting the man without knowing his strength was shocking to say the least.

"Shiro, I can't really say that we were not excepting this but...:

Shiro's hands were shaking a bit until he shook his fear off and smiles a warm smile at Fate. "I know but I am going to try and please trust me. I will not let you down Fate." The cute moment made Fate feel something again for the man but shocked it off, focusing on the matter at hand.

"All right. I will leave Ixia with you. But please be careful." the blond mage whispered that last part and with that, Drav dashes at Fate forcing her to be ready to fight while Shiro and Ixia were starting at the other, ready to begin the fight between scientist and beginner mage.

Soaring trough the air, Hayate was holding an upset Hitoshi all while smiling. She looks down briefly at the man. "We have to stop meeting like this. Hopefully Shiro and Fate will be able to fight against Drav and Ixia. In the meantime, you will safe with me."

"I was safer back there and I could have easily fought him," spoke Hitoshi glaring at Hayate. "even if you hadn't interfered. So why did you?"

"Because you have no means to defend yourself." the brunette told Hitoshi as she kept on flying. "Look Hitoshi I am not doubting your strength, none of us are. But we are fighting against people who use magic as a means to get things done. Even a scientist who you just saw can recreate a device so we can't take that risk of throwing a non mage into our fights."

Hitoshi was just about about to say something else to prove her wrong and that he could help until Rein interrupted.

'Hayate, I hate to interrupt but there is something coming right at us."

The very thought made Hayate freeze up a bit but still flying. Hitoshi saw this and is ready to ask her what was the problem until the answer came in the form of a dagger. The dagger was of a futuristic design with the jewel at the base of the handle. Looking up, the two see Anna floating in the air, obviously happy.

"Great the plan is in motion. Never thought that the third ace would be flying."

Then a smirk appeared on her lips. "Time to continue the game. Let's continue Mrs. Yagami."

Hayate holds Hitoshi tighter as she whispers to him. "I want you to hold on tight." And before he could even utter a word, Hayate starts flying the minute Anna sends her dagger at the two. She was dodging the dagger as best she could, the speed increasing with each passing second. Although Hayate was doing well, due to the added weight her speed was slowing down and Hitoshi knew this. So he sighs and with a push, he fails off and tries to reach a tree below. In a shock, Hayate in turn flies to match Hitoshi's failing speed, grabs him and then lands safely by the tree.

Hitoshi dusts himself off a bit only to be greeted by Hayate's hard stare. "What were you thinking jumping off like that!?" the mistress yelled. "You could have died!"

Hitoshi only shrugged and replied back. "Which is why I pushed you off of me and jumped. Plus you saved me. I don't see the problem. Now you can fight."

"But what about..."

Then Hitoshi points at Hayate's opponent and smiles at the brunette. "Look just deal with that bitch and don't worry about me. I will be fine." Hayate looked at the man and then back at Anna. She felt a bit conflicted but eventually she smiled back at Hitoshi and starts flying off but not before saying. "I will go and deal with her. While I do that, be safe."

"Bingo Hayate!" And with that, she flies off ready to battle with Anna. Taking advantage of this, Hitoshi jumped of the tree and ran. His location:the dorm rooms to get something to help the others. He may not have magic powers but damn it, he was sure as hell going to try. However if he stayed just a little while longer, he or Hayate would have spotted a blue blur flying through the air.

Back at the garden, Shiro was now clashing with Ixia completely in shock at the device the man was using. Now that he had a closer look, it did seem to resemble Gaia quite a bit only more darker in nature. Ixia saw Shiro's expression on his face and chuckled. "I can only assume you wish to know why I am using a device despite me not having a linker core?"

"It seems obviously, you made Gaia so the thought of you making another one does not surprise me, but what about anything else?" Shiro spoke as they broke the clash leading the young man to stare at the scientist, still with Gaia out. He raises his hand and screams "Shot Barret!" as the neo colored shot is set at the scientist. He thinks to himself that there is no way that Ixia could copy spells. Sadly, he could not be for from the truth as the scientist smirked, raised his own hand and a magic albit crudely designed triangle appeared forcing the shot to vanish.

Shiro could only look in awe as the scientist smirked still and laughed. "You fool! I know about the fact regarding me using magic was not easy to obtain. With using the data I have gathered, I was able to learn from the subjects here on Earth."

"By subjects you don't mean..." the short haired man speak allowing Ixia to continue his speech. "Yes I mean you. I will admit, losing Gaia was a heavy lost. My prototype in the hands of a beginner was not in my plans. However..." Then he gave off an unsettling vibe towards Shiro. "The fact that you were starting to learn magic thanks to Mrs. Takamachi and Mrs. Harlaown was very good data collection on my part. So by using my resources, I crafted a new Gaia using your data. Meaning, you have served your role. And I thank you."

Then something snapped in Shiro. It was small but it was screaming at him, wanting him to fight this guy and so he goes to the man sword in hand about to strike him. However, he blocks using the same shield as before, causing the two to stare at each other. "Oh have I made you angry? I am very sorry but I believe it is time to end this." The white haired man was ready to do some thing that would 'destroy' Shiro thus grating him the victory. Just then, a voice called out.

"Stinger Blade!" and in an instant, one shot that looked to be a sword, was heading directly at Ixia causing both him and Shiro to jump away from the shot. He was trying to found out where the shot was fired from. Shiro was also confused and then a figure floated next to the man revealing Chrono along with S2U. The young admiral looked at Shiro who was super confused as he spoke to him.

"I know you must be having questions right now but trust me. I am indeed here to help."

"Uhh ok. Well thank you but who are you?" Shiro just had to ask until Chrono readies his device ignoring him replying to him. "Later." as the two were ready to fight Ixia. The scientist meanwhile was very happy on the inside. Fighting the thief was one thing however also one of the admirals joining was making him very excited. All of the data in front of him greatly raised his chances for more research. Just as Chrono was about to fight with the new mage, Fate chimes in.

'Hello brother. You made it just in time.'

Chrono blushed a bit, fortunately was left unsee by the two men and spoke back. 'Don't call me that when we are working Fate!' After that, the three men fought leaving the young sword mage to question who is the person that is helping him?

Up in the air currently, the white devil was firing at a handful of drones that were after her. The plan from before was working. While the drones were focusing on her, the others are able to deal with the problems that they were facing at the time. Meaning she was able to hold them off as promised. That, unfortunately came with drawbacks.

The biggest one being that by fighting them off by herself and as she shot some down, more would take their place. Panting, Nanoha was feeling slightly fatigued. "Maybe it would have been better to have either Hayate or Fate help me with the rest and then look for the boys." Instantly, she shook her head of the thought that was invading her mind. "No, I trust my friends all of them. Even the two new friends I made. I know that they can handle it. Only one way to get rid of the drones in front of me."

At this declaration, the drones ready their cannons from inside the faceplates and were ready to fire at the mage. This was made her smirk and raised her staff in front of them. "And that is to beat you! Divine Buster!" Before the drones could counterattack the woman and start shooting, it was too late. The pink stream pierced through the drones from the ground. Small explosions occurred from the machines, indicting that Nanoha destroyed them and so she landed.

With a stretch of her arms, Nanoha was happy with the results. Nothing like a sea of destroyed machines to make a girl happy. "Well now that those are dealt with, let's go and help the others." However just as she was about to launch into the sky, some more drones appeared in the air making Nanoha to sigh. Once they landed, Nanoha was already to blast them to kingdom come. Then a giant drone appeared from the sky and to the shock of the auburn haired woman, ignored her and flew away.

'Well that is odd. Why would it just leave me alone? I know the level 2 drones are stronger but not like a level 3...' thought Nanoha until it hits her like a rock. "Unless it is after Shiro! He can't handle a level at least not now. I have to get rid of it." Nanoha was about to fire at the flying level 3, hoping to shoot at it. Then the drones proceed to fire at the mage but was distracted with firing at their giant adversary until two miracles happened.

"Nanoha look out!"

The first came in the form of familiar green chains surrounding the giant drone. Nanoha wondered who that was until her answer came in the form of Yuuno who lands net to her with his hands out. "Yuuno!?" Nanoha surprised by the arrive of the chief librarian. Green eyes determined to lock the machine in place. He spoke to the woman.

"Nanoha, hurry up and fire. I will hold it off."

"But the machine and the others..." Nanoha looked down, asking that question in regards to the machines below. Just then another miracle happened as the two end up hearing what seemed to be a pipe hitting at the drones. Now the two were at a loss for words and so Nanoha briefly looked down and eyes were widen:there was Hitoshi pushing back the drones all with the pipe. Obviously, since the drones were stronger, he was not doing much but the fact that he was here to push them away meant that something was going on. Now, his clothes were in tears along with his pants but that did not stop him. Not at all.

Afterward, he stumbles over while looking at the sky to see Yuuno chaining the big ass robot and Nanoha about to fire but looking at him. He screams. "Shoot at the damn robot Nanoha! Blow it up!" and with that, she used Divine Buster again only this time on one target: the level 3 drone. The shot pierced through the drone's body and it falls though surprisingly top of the other drones that Hitoshi 'fought'. In which an explosion occurred, causing Hitosh to roll on the ground and Nanoha and Yuuno to cover their eyes.

The fighting was over and the two mages land on the ground seeing the destruction around them. Nanoha looks at Yuuno and smiles at him. "Thank you for stopping by Yuuno."

"It was no trouble at all Nanoha," Yuuno smiled back while looking at the fallen drones. "I am just I came by when I did. Otherwise, that drone would have went after the others."

The auburn haired woman nodded in agreement. A groan was heard and that caused Nanoha and Yuuno to turn and see Hitoshi getting up after the explosion. She walks to the man and one question came to her head. "Hitoshi what are you doing here? And where did you get that pipe?"

"Wait wait wait a damn minute." Hitoshi pants a few breaths, trying to collect himself. When he was done, he looks at the two. "Well after Hayate dropped me off to fight that one girl mage from yesterday, I ran back to the dorms to get something. Sadly there was nothing in my room, so I walked outside and found a pipe." He grins as he continues. "Then I ran back to the commons area to help in some way. And shit, it was a good idea come back."

Nanoha just stared at Hitoshi and crossed her arms, Violet eyes narrowed. "So you ran off with Shiro, despite the fact that you can't use magic, when Hayate got you out of danger, you ran to get something to fight with!?"

"Yeah pretty much." Hitoshi said with a meh shrug. Nanoha was about to talk him off until a hand fell on her shoulder. It was Yuuno who spoke. "At the very least he is safe now. If Fate and Chrono were there on time, then Shiro will be all right. Plus like he said, Hayate is fighting with the woman from before so things will be fine."

Nanoha sighed as Hitoshi grinned at Yuuno, happy that he agreed. A thought entered the long haired libraian's head and he asked Hitoshi. "Hitoshi, did you see anyone in the sky after Hayate dropped you off?"

"Nope not a one, I was just busy with getting my pipe. Why?" the red long haired man raised an eyebrow in question. This leads to Nanoha looking over to the skies and saying. "Chrono should be there by now if what you said is true Yuuno."

"Wait a minute who is Chrono? Is he with the bureau also?" Hitoshi asked.

"That is putting it mildly." Yuuno smirked with Nanoha giggling. All Hitoshi did was look at the two and the three each putting in their belief that Fate, Hayate and Shiro will be a ok.

But that belief should be a lot stronger then normal because of the recent events. Hayate was soaring around in the air. Doing so, she was staring at her opponent's device. All she had was the one dagger. "Hmm, Rein let's try an long range spell, one that will throw her off guard and then we take her by surprise. That sound all right?"

'It does,' Rein saw from Hayate's eyes Anna coming in hot. 'but what other long range spell do you have? Most of them require chants.'

"Not all of them." smirked the brunette causing the mini unison device to tilt her head. Anna noticed the smirk and was equally as curious. From that, she flew at mach speed to Hayate, who was waiting for her chance. "Just to let you know little girl, whatever you planned will not work. So just give up."

To answer the woman, Hayate just stopped, turned to her and readied herself. Now Anna had zero idea of what Hayate was doing but she nothing to worry. Since the woman was not like Nanoha and Fate, she should be easy to defeat. But the book of darkness worried Anna because of rumors she heard when she was with the bureau. Though just saying the book was a threat is just obvious. Still, she rushes at Hayate. 'Just because the book is strong does not mean she is. But it is a pity.' she thought to herself while soaring at Hayate. But this was all part of her plan.

"Gotcha! Maneuver ACS!" The brunette all of a sudden was glowing white around her body and in an instant, dashes toward Anna. She hits the woman with the full force of the attack, causing Anna's eyes to widen. "Oh, I got you on the run now. That is not the end of our little 'game.'"

Before Anna could even utter a word, the power coming from the drive pushed her down on the ground and Hayate, taking initiative, raised her staff in the air and points it at the ground where Anna was lying. She yells. "Balmung!" and by her command, a few white sword like projectiles all start to attack Anna, creating a huge dust cloud. Hayate finished her attack and wipes her forehead. All with a cheerful grin on her face.

"And that's the end of that. She should not be moving after that."

'Oh so that is the long range spell you were talking about.' Rein said while facepalming jokingly. 'I forgot that you have that spell sometimes.'

Hayate shrugged. "I am not on the field as much so it would make sense that I would not use my spells a lot of times. But since I am, might as well use them. Including Maneuver ACS." After that, she slightly smiled thanking Nanoha for the spell.

'Right so you could catch her off guard and then finish her off with Balmung. Nice work Hayate.' the mini device praised her friend. Hayate rubbed the back of her head while sticking her tongue out. "Thanks Rein. Now let's go see about Nanoha and the others..."

"...Hold it right there."

The voice made Hayate slowly turn around and the sight made her gasp. Anna was getting up and with her device on her hand, a different look was etched on her face. "What but how did you survive though that?" questioned Hayate.

"Should or should not answer your question?" Anna giggled a bit before deciding to answer. "Ok I guess I should answer you. Fighting you in the beginning I thought would have been very boring. Gee, listen to me I sound like Drav." Lightly chucking at her joke, Anna continued with keeping that look. "But what you did, Hayate. The power, the strength of your attacks. Plus you took into account your weaken state and you fought. Combined that with what did you to my body it..."

"It what?" Hayate asked but the minute she did, Anna's face had a crazed look and with a jump to her step, she flew up and grabs Hayate by the throat, "It felt marvelous! Now I won't have to hold back! Eternal Queen, Crushing Needles!"

Hayate's eyes are widen as she sees a circle of a different form appears above, below and around her. She tries to push Anna away so she could fly off or even use Sleipnir but she needs more time. So Hayate is successful and starts to fly but Anna changed the circle's position and out came many needles all after Hayate. The brunette yells in a panic. "Rein Unison In! Sleipnir!" and with that, she transforms into Unison Hayate.

She starts to fly away from the needles as much as possible and thanks to the huge black wings, she was doing good...until a few of them attacks Hayate's right arm, causing her to winch and was about take the full attack. However, some of the needles got into the wings, forcing her to crash land into the ground. The young mage then slowly gets up and stared at the woman from the air all ready to repeat the process again. Hayate grits her teeth and Anna was more then happy to continue with the game.

"Arc Saber!" Fate yells as she sends an energy scythe at Drav who jumped from treetop to treetop dodging them. He then retaliates by shooting his own shots at Fate but she defends using her round shield. Smirking, Drav goes to her and the two clashed at they flew though the air. The only things that was still visible was the sparks from their weapons. Fate being faster then Drav was a given but what shocked her was the fact that he was keeping up inch by inch. She wondered how and why but could not think of a good answer and kept fighting.

As they broke, Fate was readying to fire another spell as was Drav each with circles on each side." You know you are not that bad for a bureau dog. Making it has far with THE project fate is an honor."

Just from the name he called her, the blond was upset. That name gave her nothing but bad memories and she glared at the man. The rouge mage was just done with his spell and so was Fate. Once the spells reached their zenith, they both shouted. "Jet Smasher/Grand Arc!" and the two spells collided with each other causing a huge explosion. It was here that Fate thought. 'Ok, due to the impact of our spells colliding, I'll use this as a chance to blindside him. After that, beating him should be no problem.' With her plan now set in her mind, the blond mage zipped through the dust cloud, attempting to catch Drav off guard but the plan soon fell on her face when she saw that he was not there. And just as she was about to question where he was, a small circle appeared underneath her feet. Fortunately she jumps away in time but it is was too late.

"Beast Knuckle!" yelled Drav as he punched Fate so hard in the stomach that she flew down to some trees below. "Sigh, really Fate and I thought you were better than this. That clash we had was fun as was the aerial dog fight." She slowly gets up and rushes at Drav with her arm glowing yellow. Even with this, Drav defends with one of his claws, leading the two to clash again.

"How were you able to get away?" Fate asked the man who grinned in return. "Lady, it is common knowledge to move away before a fight. You should know this since you do fight."

Fate fewer pushes Drav and spoke some more. "I may fight but my friends and I have a reason. You don't. You still follow Ixia despite the tings he did. Why!?"

"Oh you wish to know? Well Fate the answer is..." Then he screams "Serpent's Tail!" as a small circle appears and instead of attacking Fate's legs, the small claw wraps itself around Fate's neck, causing her to gag and Drav to smile at her while he readies his spell yet again. "None of your business! Grand Arc!" and then the huge sphere attacks Fate only this time, she could not get away from the blast. She now is on the ground, currently in pain as Drav lands. He smiles at his handwork and wants to do more to the blond mage. "Dirt looks better on you. Well this was fun. I will admit to that. Now to finish you off. "

Fate coughs a bit before slowly moving. Drav now starts to walk, ready to take the blond's life.

Meanwhile back on the ground on the opposite side, Shiro and Chrono were busy with fighting Ixia. The admiral would use shooting spells while Shiro oted to use Gaia to get up close and personal with the scientist. For Chrono, it was not hard due to him being used to fighting n opponent like this but for Shiro...it was a challenge. Mostly, it is because of Ixia's unpredictable style. The news became known when after Chrono was finished with firing, the young sword mage would try to attack from the blind side but that plan would fail as Ixia would grab Gaia and kick Shiro, forcing him to roll on the ground.

'This is not good. He is able to analyze Gaia's fighting pattern so well.' thought Chrono as he flew to Shiro's side. 'He built the device so it is natural that he would know how to counter it. But Shiro is another problem. His growing pains is showing really fast. We have to think of something.'

"Are you all right? Can you still fight?" the admiral asked the young sword mage. Shiro gets up and looks at Ixia. "Yeah I can but oww!" He cracks his neck in place. "For a guy who can't use magic, he is not bad. I can barely keep up. It scares me to be honest."

Chrono smirks at the man. 'If you can still fight, then I have a plan. But I need you to follow it. Can you do that?"

In response, the sword mage grips his sword and smiled back at the man next to him. 'I can...No I will get it done!' And the two proceeded to have a brief talk about the plan in motion. Ixia sighed and readied his faux sword. Pink eyes were drilled into the two men and after a while, the two stopped and Chrono flew up in the air. Scoffing, Ixia rushes at the sword mage who could not fly and spoke to him. "Oh, it looks as if your friend left you. Maybe he lost faith in you? I mean, no way you could beat me even with a higher rank mage on your side."

Shiro only stood as Ixia got closer and closer and when he did, he jumped away and before the white haired scientist known it, a voice called out. "Struggle Bind!" and from below, blue chains appear around the man, making him unable to move. "Now Shiro!" yelled Chrono letting the man to charge his mana into his blade, rushed at Ixia and screamed with pride.

"Cross Cutter!" Once the two sword swings hit Ixia, an explosion happened, creating a dust cloud. Chrono was impressed to see that the plan worked and patted Shiro's shoulder.

"Nicely done. The plan went well. Thank you." Chrono spoke as he looked at the dust cloud. Shiro just looked at the cloud waiting. However, before the two said anything more, the cloud cleared and the reveal shocked them. Ixia, now with the sword still out and with the last of his power, rushes to Shiro.

Chrono was ready to fire until Ixia and Shiro clashed again only now, Ixia had a plan. "It is over Ixia. You have lost. Now, just stop what you are planning and leave Gaia with me."

"Me? Lost!?" Ixia replied with a laugh. This laugh was very chilling to Shiro's core. "What the hell are you laughing about!?"

"You boy. Thief who took my prototype, choosing to play mage despite everything that has happened. While this is fun, believe me. It is time we end this. Your usefulness is done and it is time to say good bye."

'Good bye? What he mean by...oh no!' Chrono pieced together what Ixia was planning and was about to warn Shiro but sadly it was too late. Staring at Gaia, Ixia spoke to his prototype. "Gaia, activate destroying code 00038."

Then the jewel starts to glow really bright and Shiro was confused about the whole deal and asked. "Wait what!?"

'Understood.' the device spoke and just like that, the sword blew up along with the jewel, blade, handle, everything. Gaia, the device that Shiro used from the start was gone. Taking advantage of the situation, Ixia punches Shiro in the stomach but the shock of losing Gaia was too much for him. All he heard from the scientist was.

"You are useless Mr. Nagase. But I will give you credit, you are good for data. Nothing more." And the man falls, now knocked out. Now happy but bitter about getting rid of his prototype, Ixia turns away from Chrono. However, the man points his device in Ixia's general direction. "Don't move Ixia. You are under arrest."

"Sorry I don't have time to play Chrono but I am done here. So good day to you sir." The scientist walked away leaving Chrono to turn in Shiro's state. As he walked, Ixia called Anna and Drav using his com. "Anna, Drav I have dealt with the boy and destroyed Gaia. We are returning back to the moon base."

Anna then smiled and spoke. "Yes sir. Sorry to hear about Gaia." while Drav growled and puts his claws down and walked away from an unconscious Fate. "Oh come on, just let me kill the woman! Damn it..."

"You will have your chance Drav. Trust me." replied Ixia and he disappeared into the trees with the others leaving their targets behind.

While he left, Chrono was already contacting his men, reporting for them to get all unable battled mages up to the Arthra for treatment along with helping out in the part transfer. And with that done, he called Yuuno to see about the situation with him. "Yuuno, what happened on your end?"

"I made it on time." Yuuno said smiling at Nanoha and Hitoshi. "I had some help with the drones. How about you?"

"Well..." He looks at Shiro and the sky above. "I can't feel Fate or Hayate's mana but I know that they are alive. However, they were fighting Ixia's men. Which is why they will need treatment, just in case. And bad news, Gaia is destroyed."

This shocked Yuuno, Nanoha and Hitoshi as Chrono continued. "For now, wait until back up arrives. Once they do, we talk on the ship with Admiral Lindy about what to do next. Ok?"

"...Ok." Yuuno replied but more down about the news and the call ended leaving Yuuno and Nanoha currently for the backup. Hitoshi cursed as he punched the ground. Sure, they gave it their all but in the end, it felt like they still lost.

DONE and just in time too. I have some news. I will be working on the next chapter however it may not be released this month as planned. Personal things have come up so I will not be writing for a while. But don't worry, I will come back and when I do, I will have the chapter written as soon as possible. So now a lot of things have, some fights involed and even a taste of what Anna and Ixia could do. I hope you guys liked the fights as I worked really hard on those and so many edits and changes. I pray it was worth it and as always, if you guys see some issues let me know and thank you all for your time and support. Be seeing you when I am back!