Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN but my girlfriend reckons she should!

Author's Notes: I apologise for taking so long in uploading this chapter.

A huge thank you to SapphoSensei; William Lockheart; Lance58; kurosunoiku; nanofatelicious; ZonaRose; nanofate here; Guest 1; Derka; Alia Ninfa; Kurayami ni; LC Rina ( I hope I haven't left anyone out) for your beautiful reviews and to all those following this story. You guys make my day :-) Thank you!

SapphoSensei: I hope you like this chapter. More cold and evil Precia and Jail ;-)

nanofate here: I will try make the chapters longer :-) Unfortunately Fate won't be so lucky this chapter but she will have Nanoha's help in the future ones to help her or confuse her more… ;-)

Derka: You will hate Precia and Jail even more after this… (may need the chainsaw again). Your reviews always make me laugh, thank you :-D –raises a glass of scotch (best alcohol ever)- cheers- takes a sip :-) Kahlua's a bit sweet for me but scotch is definitely a favourite.

WARNING: some violence!


Chapter 21

Punish

Fate's POV.

The click of the door that Linith gently closed made me acutely aware of the situation I was in. The only reason Mother and Jail are here is because I stuffed up. As if in confirmation Jail's hand on my shoulder clamps down even more. Nothing is said as we head out of the apartment complex and towards a car that I have never seen before.

I see one of the Project's personnel in chauffeur uniform open the backseat car door. Jail eases me into the vehicle. I can tell by his movements that he is trying hard to control his need to shove me in there. I steal a glance up to where Linith and I stay. I catch movement and see Nanoha looking down at me. I break eye contact and get in followed by Mother. The door slams shut. Jail gets into the vehicle next to the driver and the car starts up heading to the destination I had almost completely forgotten about: the Fortress.

I hear Jail humming a tune he has hummed since I can remember. I have come to recognise that he only hums when he is his version of happy meaning an Experiment gets put in their place or he gets to run some tests. It is safe to say that I should not expect to be ignored.

I look out the window and notice we are out of the city and almost at our destination. I turn to watch the city retreat from me in the background. Nanoha…

I deserve everything I get and more. I have allowed too much to happen but I can't stop this aching feeling in my chest. Why is it there? I dare not look at Mother. I close my eyes. Why am I so confused?

I notice the car pull into a dirt track. Oh God…my heart is beating faster in anticipation. I have let my emotions run a mock these last few days making me even weaker. Mother must be so disappointed in me.

Minutes later the car stops, dust engulfs it. The driver steps out and opens the door. Mother steps out followed by me. Jail is quickly behind me as I follow Mother into the Fortress.

We make it inside and I notice the main laboratory is almost empty bar one or two people typing on their computers. The driver bows to us and steps aside letting Mother lead the way. I follow close behind.

Mother opens a door and walks through a long corridor. There are several doors on either side of me. I have a feeling I know where we are going. Mother stops in front of a particular short looking door that I know all too well. She opens it and moves aside. Jail pushes me violently from the back into the darkness beyond the door. I stumble into in and crouch as the ceiling is very low. I watch as the light disappears as the door is being closed behind me.

"Enjoy." I hear Jail playfully say. The door shuts completely. I am submerged in complete and utter darkness. The reflection room as Jail and Mother call it. It isn't much of a room and shaped like a small rectangle with a low ceiling done on purpose so that you can not stand fully erect. There is absolutely no light penetrating this dark abyss with an overbearing smell of mould and piss. There are no windows. This room is designed to throw ones circadian rhythm completely off balance. One is usually placed here for an undisclosed period of time. Mother always said that it is a good time to reflect on how I let her down. The only contact with the outside comes in the form of a little hatch on the door so you may get food and water should you be in there for long periods.

I sigh. Oh God! I have messed up. How did I let it all get this far? I have been so selfish. Last night I let my heart and mouth run away with me. I was careless.

Nanoha…

Nanoha…

Nanoha…

I am so confused! Last night with her was… beyond words that could accurately convey the right feelings. But it was wrong, so very wrong because it doesn't help me make Mother happy. What was I thinking? I could have ruined the Project and Mother. I deserve to be punished for it. And here I was thinking that… No! I wasn't thinking and that is precisely the problem. I have let myself be seduced by external factors. This is what Mother wanted to prepare me for when she allowed me free reign in the city. I need to achieve total control again. I have let desires get the better of me. I need to reign in my emotions. But… it's so hard with Nanoha. I don't know what it is about her that makes me want to loose myself in the depths of her unjudging ocean coloured eyes. She weakens my resolve and makes me want to worship her body and soul.

I shake my head.

No Fate listen to yourself. This is exactly what got you into trouble. Your loyalty is to Mother! Your sole purpose is to make her happy. I have only managed in achieving the exact opposite. I am so pathetic. I can't even accomplish the only thing I must do, I have to do. I have let her down. I have let down the only person who cares for me, the monster that I am…

… How long have I been in here already? It feels like forever although mere seconds in absolute darkness can feel like an eternity. I remember the first time I encountered this room. I had been absolutely terrified. I hadn't paid enough attention to the details in a specific book on strategy and therefore couldn't answer Mother's questions properly. She was devastated by my lack of dedication in my studies and decided I needed time to reflect. Needless to say I got used to the dark pretty quickly…

… The deafening silence in the room is interrupted by the sound of the hatch being opened. For a split second a sliver a light invades the room as a plate of food and cup of water get shoved within my tiny prison. I am grateful to be able to eat and drink something…

… My mouth is so dry and I have a headache. I must be dehydrated. The smell of urine even more overpowering as I have had no choice but to relieve myself in the corner of this small enclosure. I drift off in an uneasy sleep.

I awaken to the sound of the lock from the door being turned. The door is opened. I immediately shield my eyes and squint from the brightness beyond.

"I believe I have given you ample time to reflect on your mistakes. Out!"

I crawl out of the suffocating space and try to stand. My legs are very unsteady and the light seems to be too bright. I place my hand against the wall to steady myself and turn to Mother.

"There is no rest for the wicked. I have a mission for you. One I am sure you will love." With that Mother turns and walks away. I will my legs to move and follow behind her. Mother heads outside were the all too familiar van is waiting for us. Jail stands at the open door of the van, arms folded and adorning his trademark smirk. I notice the sun has well and truly set but of which day does this night belong to? I am not sure how long I have been in the reflection room for.

"For old times sake." He says as he puts the black clothe over my head and pushes me inside the van. He shuts the door behind me and I hear him and Mother get in the driver and passenger side of the van.

The engine roars to life and we set off down the dirt road. I am confused. Normally in the past I would have been beaten for my mistakes but this time it is completely different. We drive for a time with no one saying anything when suddenly the van comes to a stop.

I hear the driver and passenger doors open again. I don't have to wait long until my door is opened. The bag on my head is ripped off letting me feel the cool breeze on my face.

I look up to Mother and Jail. They both seem a bit excited which obviously has me worried.

"Don't look so anxious my darling daughter you can start redeeming yourself with this mission if not at least provide us with some… entertainment." What does she mean by that? Entertainment?

Jail grabs my arm and roughly pulls me out of the van. I am quite unsteady on my feet. My dehydration isn't helping nor is the fact that I haven't eaten for a while or been briefed on this mission.

I look around. I see an old building with a sign that reads Harlaown dojo. It has a fence all around it. I look back at mother and Jail. Jail pulls something out of his back pocket and throws it at me. I catch it and look at what it is. Spray paint. It's golden spray paint. I look back at Mother confused.

"Your mission is to infiltrate this place and spray paint your signature butterfly across the wall that has the karate code of ethics for this dojo. Easy! Don't disappoint me Fate."

I look around again. I place the canister in the waist band of my jeans. There seems to be no one around. I decide to climb the fence. I stumble a few times but make it over. I make a dash for the building and arrive at its door. The door seems remarkably flimsy. I move side on and decide with my remaining strength to force it open using my shoulder. I brace myself, square my right shoulder, take a step back and lunge towards the door. Almost immediately upon contact with a sound of wet ply wood being torn the door gives way. I step inside.

I am surprised by the inside of this dojo. The state of the building from the outside is misleading. Inside it's immaculate. It is evident that it is well looked after and respected. Exactly the way a dojo should be. I scan the area and note the wall that I am to desecrate. In beautiful kanji all the rules of this dojo are neatly organised on banners adorning the wall. I feel shame.

Vandalising such a place goes against my values. At that I snort. What values? I am a puppet. I have only the values of Mother and the Project now. I do as they command. I remove the spray paint from my waist band and shake the canister. I hear the little ball bearings inside move up and down. I inhale deeply, remove the cap and start spray painting my signature golden butterfly. I remember when Mother made me do this a hundred times until I got it right. As a child I used to have to spray paint my own insignia at the scene of my crimes then as I got older Linith or Mother would do it for me as the crimes got a bit more complex. Today it is me again. I wonder why is it that Mother has made me do this again and forgone the normal punishment.

I spray over the banisters disrespecting the rules written and abided by in this dojo. It takes me about ten minutes, as it is a much larger butterfly, and I am finished. I take a step back and look at my work of art so to speak. I feel sick in the pit of my stomach. In front of me covering most of the wall is my golden butterfly. Mother loves butterflies. She always has. That is how she met Jail. I sigh. Life could have been different. I hear honking. I place the canister back in my waist band and make my way out of the building.

As I make it out I notice Mother leaning back against the van and Jail in it. He must have been the one to honk. I watch as the grin on his face gets wider as he presses down on the steering wheel making the van honk again and again. What is he doing? He will draw attention to us.

Then suddenly he stops and Mother casually points behind me. I turn around and see the worlds biggest Rottweiler appearing from behind the building. It takes a few steps towards me then stops and bares its teeth at me. This is what Jail was trying to wake. I finally understand. This is my punishment. The dog growls and takes a few more steps towards me.

My mind is going on overdrive at the possibilities of escaping in one piece. Unfortunately due to my limited amount of strength I fear the outcome will be messy. The fence is still a good four metres away. It's too far to outrun this animal that will be on me in seconds. Thoughts of Arf-kun flood my mind. I refuse to kill this animal that is simply doing its job besides it is probably someone's pet. This must be karma but then again Mother and Jail have had a big hand in this plan.

There is only one solution. I turn to face the animal. The dog noticing my change in demeanour crouches a little and seems to take a step back. I brace myself for the inevitable and raise my left hand to shield my face and neck. I must make sure the dog doesn't get to my throat. Then at what seems like the speed of light the dog lunges for me. It goes straight for my leg and sinks its teeth in. I yell in pain and as the dog pulls back I fall backwards. The dog then takes this opportunity to go for my throat. I ready myself for this and plunge my left arm directly in its jaws. The animal is one giant chunk of muscle and is heavy. I can feel the skin on my arm ripping open and I can't suppress the sounds of another strangled yell from escaping my throat. The burning pain is immediate and intense. Tears cloud my eyesight. I hold the animal on its neck and force my arm further in its mouth. The further I go the less damage it can do but keeping it there is a different matter. The dog is trying to shake its head making it harder for me to keep my hold on it all the while growling ferociously.

I need to think of something and fast or this beast will tear me to shreds. I briefly glance up and see Mother and Jail holding a video camera. They seem to be trying to contain their laughter. Seeing Mother look so happy at my obvious pain breaks something inside of me. Jail seems to be saying something to the camera. It is clear that they do not intend to help me.

I am running out of energy fast. The adrenaline in my body is fading. I have to act quickly. It is then that I remember the canister in my waist band. I release my right hand that is holding the beast's neck, lift my torso up and remove the canister from my jeans. I try and get my body to a crouching position and lean towards the massive dog. I try and push my left hand as far as it will go in the animal's mouth where the teeth cannot reach. It is a wonder that my arm hasn't been snapped in two already. The Rottweiler is still shaking its head from side to side with my arm in its mouth.

I have to act now!

In a matter of seconds I rip my left arm away and push the canister in its place. The dog's jaw closes around it. As the teeth puncture the can I hear a hiss. The sensation and taste of the paint surprises the dog. I take this opportunity to make a mad dash for the fence. I push the dizzy feeling I have aside and jump onto the fence and start climbing. The Rottweiler seems to have its teeth stuck in the can and is momentarily distracted trying to pry the can off by shaking its head. This gives me ample time to make it over and fall on the hard concrete on other side. The animal frees its jaw and runs madly towards me. With a loud sound it crashes into the fence making my body jerk in the process. The dog barks incessantly at my face.

My breathing is erratic and I am winded from the fall but before I have time to regain my breath someone lifts me up on my feet and a find myself in the back of the van again with the door closed.

Mother and Jail get in and start the engine. I take deep breaths and clutch my left arms. My entire body is shaking as the adrenaline finally leaves it. My head is spinning. My arm and leg are throbbing painfully. We drive for a little bit when suddenly the van stops.

"That was indeed entertaining, thank you Fate. I haven't laughed so hard in so long." Jail says as he turns towards me. Still as twisted as ever!

"I see you are still trapped by the memories of your weaknesses. Let this be a reminder for you that insubordination will not go unpunished. Let the scars of the dog remind you that you are truly a monster underneath. Do you think people will accept you once they know who you are? You are so naïve! You are a creation of the Project. You have no soul. What do you think that girl will think when she finds out about all the things you have done?"

She is right. She is always right. I am held captive by the memories of Arf-kun and all my crimes. Nanoha would be repulsed if she knew the real me, the monster. I lower my head in shame.

"You are right Mother."

"I know I am. You are foolish. Love and friendship don't exist for property like you. You exist to obey and serve me and my purpose. Your weaknesses still exudes from every pore of your body like a pungent stench. It's disgusting! Succumb Fate! Break completely and let the pieces fall where they will."

Listening to Mother I didn't hear Jail get out and open the van door. I look at him then back to Mother.

"Go!" I inch to the door and wince as I step out on the leg the dog bit into. "Oh and Fate, let tonight be a warning. Don't disappoint your poor Mother again." I nod and Jail closes the van door. I watch as he steps into the van and drives off leaving me in front of the apartment complex. I turn towards the building and hobble along inside. Somehow I make it in front of the apartment Linith and I share and knock softly so as not to draw attention from Nanoha's side.

I hear movement on the other side and the door is opened a fraction. Linith peers out and upon seeing me opens the door completely.

"Oh My God Fate are you alright?"

"Shhh" I whisper. At this Linith nods and ushers me inside.

To be continued…