A/N: Second and last chapter of this fanfic. Somehow this was hell to write, as i ended up spending enormous amounts of time on several parts in particular, and i am still not satisfied with how they turned out. Oh well - read and enjoy (hopefully).
Disclaimer: Nop, i still don't own Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha.
Scars of Time
Hallways of the ground force command center were unlit, despite it being completely dark outside. The huge building was lifeless, basking in the darkness of the cloudy night sky.. The eerie silence was contrasted by the shrieking wails of the sirens, tearing deeply in the silent night. Flashing emergency lights periodically lit up, forcing the darkness to draw back for short moments, giving way to the flickering crimson light.
These brief surges of light illuminated a shadowy figure of a person, standing in the middle of hallway. The girl was panting heavily, crouching slightly on her right leg. Her long, golden hair hung loosely around her shoulders, hiding her eyes behind the blonde bangs.
She was leaning heavily on the polearm in her right hand, using the weapon as means to support herself. Her left hand hung lifelessly by her side, blood trailing down the torn fabric of her barrier jacket. Small drops of the red liquid were dripping down to the floor, forming a miniature puddle by her feet. The white cloak hanging down her shoulders was torn, barely holding any semblance to the elegant piece of clothing it usually was.
The red lights flashed again, providing a brief moment of visibility in the otherwise impenetrable darkness. Three other silhouettes, clad in military uniforms, could be seen at the end of the corridor standing side by side, as if trying to cover the wooden door behind them. They had positioned themselves in a reverse triangle, holding up their spear shaped devices defensively. Their stance was firm, yet for some reason there was an aura of uneasiness surrounding them. All three stiffened immediately as the girl in front of them shifted slightly.
Fate took in a deep breath and swallowed hard, trying to regain her breath. Her saliva was sticky, forming a slimy ball at the back of her throat that refused to go down, almost making her choke for a second. Her legs trembled slightly, clearly showing her state of exhaustion. Every intake of breath made it seem her lungs were being attacked by thousands of tiny needles. Periodic stings of pain in her chest made it obvious to Fate her body was heavily strained from the constant cartridge use.
As she struggled to bring her breathing under control a new surge of pain stabbed her in the chest, making Fate wince slightly. A low groan escaped her lips.
How…did it come to this?
Pain…
Why…did she come here?
Kill…
What…would that achieve?
Revenge…
Would that… change anything?
Justice.
Is killing… justice ?
That is …
Why… am I here?
I…
Slowly, taking care not to lose focus on the three men facing her, Fate turned her head ever so slightly, taking a short glance over her shoulder. Body of a military mage was slumped against the wall a few meters behind her. His dark eyes were half open; flashing red light dancing on the surface of the glassy orbs. Small surge of blood was trailing down the corner of his mouth.
…At which point had she stopped caring whether her blows were lethal … ? Or was she simply past her physical limits where she could deliver her attacks with utmost precision?
Pain…
Is this … the right thing to …
She locked her red eyes on the three men before her, gathering all the strength she had left, ignoring the pain.
I … don't know.
But…
She tightened her grip on Bardiche and slowly brought the device up, holding it sideways, steadying herself on her own feet.
But…
That's fine.
It was fine if she was wrong. She was already past the point of no return.
Guilt. Pain. Uncertainty.
As long as she got to finish what she came here for … it was fine.
So…
Fate threw herself forward, instantly closing the distance between herself and the three guards. She swung Bardiche in a wide arc in order to increase the momentum. A reckless move that left her wide open. But she was in no condition to rely on her usual precision strikes. She felt like collapsing any second from exhaustion – it had to be finished as fast as she could, even if it meant relying on reckless power attacks.
Whether from fear or reflex, the middle guard leapt back the second Fate propelled herself forward, narrowing her immediate choice of targets to two. Bardiche came down in a heavy swing, crashing against the hilt of the Armed Device of the man to her right. The staff shattered under the impact, sending the man flying backwards, crashing in to his comrade who had taken stepped back just a second ago, knocking the two against the door behind them.
The man to her left, however, took advantage advantage of the small time it took of Fate to dispatch of his companions. He quickly moved to her left and then charged forward with his spear-like device. A grim thought flashed through Fate's head that she can not block the blow with her left hand disabled. She didn't have enough strength to dodge either, something which would have been a child's play in any other circumstances.
defensor
A flash of yellow lit up the hallway the instant these monotone words were spoken. The auto guard of her device flashed to life when it seemed almost too late, producing a whirlpool of energy between her left side and the attacker. Sparkles flew in the air; she could hear the man groan angrily as the tip of his device connected with the swirling circle of yellow light protecting her.
A perfect opportunity for a counterattack, yet Fate found herself to be lacking of the strength to move right now. Her left hand was trembling heavily, struggling to keep the grip on Bardiche. There was no way she had the strength to move the weapon to attack right now. In that case…
Barrier Burst.
The magical barrier protecting her lit up the moment Bardiche had said these words, illuminating the fear in the soldier's eyes. Not even a heartbeat later the magical circle exploded, hurling the man against the wall behind him with immense force. The soldier hit the wall with a bone crushing sound before collapsing lifelessly on the floor. The attack had knocked him out.
Panting rigidly Fate turned her attention to the two men in front of her. The one who had parried her attack was, apparently, unconscious, but the other one was slowly pulling himself up from the floor. Although he was visibly dazed, it was clear to Fate she was in a tight situation.
She found herself unable to move; the pounding in her temple was so heavy it seemed someone was working on it with a hammer. Her vision was unsteady, going blurry one moment and returning to normal the next. It was clear she had pushed herself well beyond her limits. But …
The door …
The large, wooden door just behind the recovering soldier …
There, behind that door …
If only she could make it past this door … then …
Sir?
The mechanical voice of her device felt like coming from somewhere far away, yet it provided an anchor for her fleeting consciousness.
"Bardiche …" she managed to stutter between her jerky breaths, battling her fatigue to remain standing "Cartridge… load…"
Yes Sir. Load cartridge
My last … she absently noted, as the blurry confirmation of Bardiche reached her ears. She could barely make out the sound of her device's barrel spinning, as it prepared to execute the command. A metallic clank, followed by a dull sound of an explosion that seemed to come from under water.
A second later it felt like someone had forcibly awoken her from the dreamy state of unconsciousness she had fallen in to. Rejuvenating energy rushed through her body, sharpening her senses and filling her limbs with new strength. A temporary effect that wouldn't last, so she had to act quickly. Given her miserable state the boost was unlikely to last more than a minute, if even that.
A yellow circle with magical sigils appeared under her feet, as Fate raised Bardiche and pointed it towards the soldier who had just finished gathering himself and turned his eyes upon her.
"Plasma …"
The soldier's eyes widened at the sight of the ball of lightning energies forming in front of the girl, yet fear had pinned him on the spot, rendering him incapable of reacting in time. Not that it would have made a difference.
"…Lancer!"
A surge of intense energy filled the corridor, washing over the soldier with thundering noise, dampening his screams and colliding against the door behind him. The wooden door turned to shambles instantly with a loud noise, revealing a large room behind it.
Fate took several wobbling steps forward and slumped heavily against the doorpost, trying to catch her breath once again. The room in front of her was extremely large. It was more of a hall than a room. It was empty for the most part. Bookcases stood aligned along the walls, giving the place a look of seriousness and importance. The high ceiling towering at least fifteen meters from the ground was made entirely from glass, allowing gentle moonlight to illuminate the contents of the room.
As soon as Fate focused her gaze on the far side of the room she halt in shock, various emotions circling through her heart, frantic thoughts rushing through her head. A moment later her features changed, displaying detest and anger.
There, behind a desk at the far end of the room, stood a bulky figure of a person. One of the pillars was casting a shadow on him, preventing moonlight to shine upon his face. Yet she knew. The cause of her loss and pain. The man whose ambitions had introduced her to a world of never-ending nightmares. Her red eyes narrowed; only one word escaped through her gritted teeth.
"Regius."
"There she is! Stop her!"
Fate jerked her head backwards, only to find two military mages at the far end of the hallway she had just battled through. Before she could do anything one of the two had positioned his device in a shooting manner and unleashed a beam of blue energy towards her.
The whole world around her seemed to come to a halt as Fate's mind franticly tried to find a way out of the situation. Yet she knew the answer even before she started to look for one. This was … the end. The effects of the cartridge had almost completely faded, leaving her completely drained. She had her back turned to the attack- there was no way she could turn around in time to face it, given the fact she was barely standing on her feet.
Even if she did, she lacked the energy required to cast a shielding spell. Bardiche had exhausted the last of its reserve energy during the previous stunt – there would be no auto guards this time. Her head sank, realizing the futility of her situation. She had been prepared for such an outcome …yet still … why did it hurt so much? She had failed… in everything. Be it avenging her friends or picking up her life from shambles – she had failed. She closed her eyes, faces of her friends flashed through her mind, producing a faint smile.
Everyone … forgive me…
A thundering noise came first, echoing deeply in her head. Even with closed eyelids she could tell a blue light was engulfing her figure. Loss of consciousness should have followed next. But for some she found herself still capable of thinking. Instead of bringing pain, the light seemed to be slightly warm. A pleasant, comforting feeling.
The noise had died down, so Fate slowly opened her eyes, still looking over her shoulder. The next moment she jerked her eyelids wide open, shock and disbelief overcoming her ability to think for a moment.
"Yuuno ?!"
The young man was standing just behind her, facing the opposite direction. His right hand was outstretched, a spinning, green circle of magical energies formed at his fingertips. Fate heard the two mages shouting, but she could not make out the words – her mind was focused solely on the boy in front of her. Another wave of blue energy smashed harmlessly against the shielding spell.
Confusion. Hope. Anger. Panic. Disbelief. Horror.
She wanted to scream.
Why? Yuuno … What was he doing here?
The answer to that was obvious. But … why ? Didn't he understand what this meant? She opened her mouth, but before she could say anything the boy turned his head and looked her in the eyes. Green orbs met red ones. At that moment all the complaints she had wanted to voice disappeared. He wasn't angry, confused or scared.
He looked sad, yet his green orbs showed nothing but understanding and worry. Just like always. He smiled at her sadly, making Fate wince inwardly.
"Yuuno … I …".
She stopped. She didn't know what to say, even though her heart was screaming. There were so many things she wanted to say on that very moment, yet no words seemed to come out.
The male simply nodded and turned his attention back to the hallway after grimacing slightly; another energy attack had just crashed in to his shield. He brought up his other hand and the magic circle before his fingertips lit up more brightly.
"Fate…"
The girl looked up at his back; her vision was cloudy, and it was her tears that had managed to sneak in to the corners of her eyes to blame. Again she found herself unable to say even a word although her mind was begging of her to scream out. "… go …"
That was the only thing he said before stepping further in to the hallway, continuing to block the passage for the attacking mages.
Go …
This one work kept echoing in Fate's head like a lingering presence. Did he understand what she … ... Didn't he understand what coming here…… there is no way he wouldn't understand. There is no way he wouldn't know. So why … ?
Go…
As if following this unconscious command she had started to move without realizing it herself. Slowly she moved further in to the large room, limping heavily on her left leg, dragging Bardiche along. Yet the pain did not register at all. Glass shards were scattered on the floor beneath a hole in the ceiling, creaking unpleasantly under her feet. Yet the only noise reaching her ears was the sound of battle behind her.
She wanted to stop and rush to Yuuno's aid, yet her body kept moving forward. Go…
Fear. Uncertainty. Panic. Anger.
Deep feeling of guilt washed over Fate, embracing her like a black fog. It was … her fault.
Again.
Once again her actions had caused trouble for Yuuno. Only this time there was no going back. She had fallen too deeply and had dragged the green eyed boy with her. Again … she had hurt the only person whom she cared about, because of her selfishness. Just like always.
But why … wasn't he angry? He smiled at her sadly with understanding eyes … why ?
Yuuno …
Guilt.
She was the one to blame for this …
No…
It was that man's fault. That man …
She stopped dragging her feet and lift her gaze upwards. She was standing a few feet in front of a desk. Her crimson eyes seemed to lit up with anger as she glared at the figure of a man behind it.
His fault …! Her fingers tightened around the hilt of her device as she almost growled in anger. The face of this man … the cause of her nightmares.
"Regius…". Her voice was dreadfully cold, and the man narrowed his eyes upon hearing his name escape her lips.
"Agent Testarossa … so I was right. One who has been a criminal always remains a criminal. Just like your…"
"Shut up!!"
The general was interrupted by her scream. Fate was trembling from anger, gripping Bardiche so tightly her fingers were turning white.
"Criminals?!
You are a murderer! It is your fault that … that…!"
She swallowed hard, trying to bite back her tears. Her urge to cut the man was rising every second.
So why was she hesitating?
It was what she came here to do. So why … ?
The large man raised an eyebrow, hands crossed behind his back. "Murderer? Do you have any proof?" Left corner of his mouth twitched up slightly as he saw the girl in front of him grit her teeth. "Do not blame me for the incompetence in handling Relics within your team. Certainly, it is unfortunate the Relic you were entrusted proved to be unstable, but … " his eyes narrowed "Blame yourself for your mistakes. Well, not like I would expect anything else from a team of former criminals and … "
His speech was interrupted, as Fate suddenly raised her right hand, pointing Bardiche towards him. Cold fire was burning deep within her crimson eyes. "Regius …" She quickly raised her right arm, holding Bardiche sideways.
"Go to …"
Scythe…
"… hell!"
Form…
The top of Bardiche moved upwards; a curved blade of yellow energy formed at the end of her device, giving it the semblance of a scythe. She took a swift step forward while raising the weapon above her head, aiming at the man in front of her.
Pain.
It was instantaneous. Starting in her stomach area, then bursting through her whole body in a flash, leaving her paralyzed in shock. She simply stood there for a couple of seconds without moving, shocked expression on her face. Seconds later the magical blade of energy faded and she let Bardiche fall out of her hand. Metallic sound echoed through the large hall as her device hit the ground, reverting back to its jewel form a moment later.
Slowly, she lowered her trembling hand and placed it upon her stomach, then looked at Regius with quivering eyes. The man placed an object he had just held in his arm inside his pocket, then slowly stepped forward and stood besides Fate without looking at her. "You don't understand. Sometimes justice needs to be forced upon people. I will do anything to this goal. Eventually everyone is going to understand".
With that he left her side, moving further away in the dark room. The sound of his footsteps echoed loudly within her head, while her vision seemed to darken.
"Re… gi … us …".
Strength left her body and Fate dropped down on her knees, trying to steady herself. Yet she felt her consciousness slipping away as she began to fall to a side. Why … did it turn out … like this?
Her senses were numb, but she was surprised she didn't feel the pain that should come from hitting the floor. In fact she felt the pain slowly fade away. A warm, pleasant feeling. She felt at peace. Am I … ?
Slowly, she opened her eyes, trying to take in her surroundings. The sudden realization she was still within the large room seemed to jump-start her thinking process again. She was still down on her knees, but instead of the cold floor she found herself being pressed against another person. His hand was placed upon her stomach, comforting warmth radiating from it, slowly spreading through her body and eating away the pain.
She smiled a faint, bitter smile. Again…
"Yuuno …" she whispered in a silent voice, noticing the boy visibly relaxing upon hearing her voice. His outfit was rather torn from the battle he waged just moments ago. His bright, green eyes were moist, making it seem he was on the verge of tears. She had never seen the male cry before.
"… Sorry …" she whispered "I … couldn't…". She didn't say any more – it hurt to talk. Yuuno simply shook his head slowly and looked at her with an expression clearly stating he understood. This understanding expression of his … she didn't like it. He should have been angry at her … yelled at her … she had created the mess they were in. Yet why did his face show no trace of anger?
How … had he found her? Fate smiled a sad smile inwardly. A useless question. He always seemed to know where to find her. Just like that day …
"Yuuno … why? … You mu … run away. I am … already …" She gasped sharply, overwhelmed by a sudden gash of pain that lasted for a heartbeat before fading away. Tears lingered at the corners of her eyes. "If you don't … you too …"
She stopped in surprise, noticing Yuuno's angry look. But before he could say anything a shattering sound caught their attention; three aerial mages had just burst through the glass ceiling and were taking aim. Fate could hear the voice of Regius shouting orders from the far side of the room, but she couldn't make anything out because a rain of glass shards crushed down upon them.
Apparently Yuuno had heard him though. Immediately he reached for something on the ground, then raised his hand upwards at the same time when the military mages unleashed their attacks. His palm lit up with green and yellow light, making Fate realize he had just picked up Bardiche.
Tri-shield.
The familiar voice announced, as a triple layer barrier surrounded the two just a heartbeat before the hostile spells managed to reach them. The bolts of energy clashed against the barrier with a thundering noise and Fate could see Yuuno wince at the impact. Then the boy quickly turned his head towards hers.
"Baka!"
This one, harsh word caught her off-guard. She could only stare at Yuuno's face in bewilderment.
"What do you mean "why" ? There is no way I could simply leave you! Don't you understand?!"
For the first time Yuuno was being harsh with her. Of course she understood. But … at this rate … Yuuno would also …
Pain stung her heart, but it was not physical. It was deeper than that. It hurt more.
It was too late now. But…
Why … had it turned out this way? Yuuno … the only person she held dear. Only him she didn't want to see hurt.
Only him …
…yet why ?
"But … you will also …" she averted her gaze, finding herself unable to finish the sentence. She came here prepared to what might happen to her … but, Yuuno was …
Another wave of energy smashed against the barrier, shattering the outer layer this time. Yuuno let a low groan escape his lips, obviously in pain.
protection down
It hurt Fate to see him like this – in pain, making a futile attempt to protect her. An attempt that is going to cost him … she averted her gaze, fining herself unable to look in his eyes anymore.
"Yuu …no ?"
Suddenly she found herself being embraced by the male – he had placed his head on her shoulder, holding her tightly. Her left hand hurt from the embrace, but complaining never crossed her mind.
"What are you … I …
… Fate, you are the only one left … without you, I wouldn't be able to …
Because … I …"
His last words faded in the wake of another thundering sound as another wave of attacks hit the barrier, shattering the second layer. His lips moved seemingly without a sound, yet Fate seemed to her them.
protection critical
Slowly, she brought her trembling hand up from the floor and placed it around Yuuno's back. He was sobbing on her shoulder, holding her tightly. Fate could feel small drops of water falling down on her skin. She could feel the warmth of Yuuno's breath on the back of her neck.
Tears were flowing freely from her crimson eyes. Regret, guilt and remorse were overflowing her heart. She felt like a veil had been torn away from her eyes. At this very moment the girl understood what she had sacrificed.
She had chosen to chase a painful dream instead of facing the present. Immersed in a nightmare of past, oblivious to things in front of her. Drowning in a bitter memory, not trying to extend a hand towards new ones. Why … hadn't se noticed sooner?
She clenched her right fist on Yuuno's back, gripping his shirt tightly. Why didn't I … notice it sooner?
Yuuno … I am sorry.
"I … too …"
She felt the embrace around her tighten, and Fate smiled a sad smile, allowing herself being immersed in this new dream. She could barely hear the roaring sound of the spells around her as they clashed against their flickering shield. It did not matter. The young enforcer felt like she had just woken up from a bad dream. It was a feeling she had long since forgotten. A feeling that time matters.
This very moment – embracing her childhood friend under their fragile shelter – it mattered. This very moment of two broken souls finding peace in each other's arms … time was moving for her once again. She gripped the boy's shirt more tightly and closed her eyes when another attack thundered loudly above them.
Barrier breached.