Chapter 3: On the Hunt
It had been just about five minutes since Reo's beastman girlfriend Subaru, was brought in by Kaname. Philip was at the monitors checking for anything out of the ordinary, even though it was daytime at the moment while Kaname was over in the sparring room practicing. Reo had been keeping an eye on Subaru ever since she was brought in and noticed that she slowly started to stir a bit.
"Mm…hmm…wh-where…am I?" wondered Subaru, slowly opening her eyes and was surprised to see Reo sitting beside her.
"Good to see you're awake, love," said Reo.
"R-Reo!" cried out Subaru with joy as she embraced him.
"I'm glad you're alright Su'ru," said Reo, calling her by her pet name.
Philip turned the chair slightly and saw the whole thing and gave a slight chuckle. Kaname had just finished practicing and walked over to where Philip was over at the monitors, wiping the sweat off his face.
"Have you managed to establish contact with headquarters?" asked Kaname.
"So far…no luck; I've been waiting for Captain Jason about 10 minutes now…he should have gotten my message about what you've discovered," said Philip.
"And the researchers and Dr. Reese?" inquired Kaname.
"Same result. Either they've been put under tight security or some of the guys just hate your guts," said Philip.
"I could say the feeling's mutual on them as well since Captain Patrick was being such a damn jerk. You'd think the guy could show at least a little appreciation," said Kaname.
"She looks a bit exhausted," said Philip.
"Probably just trying to get something to eat," guessed Kaname.
Seconds later, the computer started making some beeping noises which caught their attention.
"Incoming transmission," said the computer.
"Patch it through," said Kaname.
The monitor then revealed Commander Remington over at headquarters at his main office. Both Kaname and Philip gave a respective salute.
"What is it Commander?" asked Kaname.
"I just wanted to let you know that the artifact we recovered over at the ruins is safely in the researchers hands, but it's taking a while to figure out the contents," he said.
"That's a relief," said Philip.
"However...I'm curious about one thing," said Commander Remington.
"What is that sir?" asked Kaname.
"We've just received word that a couple of fugitives are probably within the area and are wondering if you've heard of their whereabouts," he replied.
"What branch did you hear this from?" asked Philip.
"We don't know many of the details but...it appears that one of them has gone rouge and we were notified by the European branch," answered the commander.
"Is that all you wanted to contact me about sir?" asked Kaname.
"Well...no...there is one more thing I wanted to tell you about," he said. "Although you may not like it."
"I'm willing to lend an ear sir," said Kaname.
After receiving word about a sudden vampire attack as well as rumors that the victim has potential for being a magus, Commander Remington filled Kaname in on the details as to what occurred and told him about the school the girl attends was a private one.
"Wait a minute sir...correct me if I'm wrong on this...you're telling me...to attend that same school...and keep an eye on her? Am I hearing this right?" inquired Kaname.
"You heard right. Until we receive further notice, you are to keep a low profile and don't let them know you work for this branch. I've sent a friend of Dr. Ross to send you the details and also the enrollment and the fees have already been taken care of," said the commander.
"Are you trying to pull my leg commander?" asked Kaname.
"No...I'm serious," he replied.
"Philip...until we find out the reason for this girl being targeted, you'll have to take up Kaname's share and also keep a low profile. We don't need a mass panic on our hands."
"Yes sir," replied Philip.
"Understood...sir," said Kaname, slightly turning red.
"I know this may appear to be...out of your comfort zone but...think of it as a new experience...an adventure," said Remginton, trying to soften the blow.
"Sir?" wondered Kaname.
"Anyway...I've got another meeting with some of the other generals in the war room. Best of luck you two," he replied.
After the monitors went off, Kaname cursed under his breath and groaned in annoyance.
"I can't BELIEVE this," he shouted, pounding his fists near the keyboard.
"If you think that's bad...I've been through worse," said Reo.
"Am I supposed to take that as your way of trying to console me or are you just trying to add more salt to the wound?" growled Kaname.
"Take it easy partner...at least you can get a bit of a break from all this. I could just act like I'm your cousin and that you're staying with me for a while," suggested Philip.
"I'll give this a try," said Kaname, sighing as he accepted his new fate.
Seconds later...Kaname faintly heard the doorbell ring upstairs and quickly went ahead to answer it.
"We'll leave you two for a bit to...catch up," said Philip, following his partner upstairs.
By the time Kaname reached the door, he took a quick glance at the peephole and saw a young female that had light green hair and purple eyes, was wearing glasses, and a paladin soldier uniform.
"Ah...you must be the friend of Dr. Ross," said Kaname.
"Yes...I am. My name's Minako Suzuki," she replied.
"Nice to meet you Ms. Suzuki," he answered, shaking her hand. "I'm Kaname Zenryuu."
"Nice to meet you Mr. Zenryuu," she said, returning the handshake. "Oh...and who's your accomplice?"
"My name's Philip, m'am," he said.
"Nice to meet you Philip," she said.
"Oh please...do come in," said Kaname, stepping aside. "Would you care for some tea?"
"Oh...of course...I'd love to," she said, setting her brown work bag near the table.
As Philip went to the kitchen to make tea, Kaname and Minako sat down as she pulled out the file containing the details of what his 'assignment' would entail. Kaname looked over the details with a not too enthusiastic reaction.
"Is something wrong?" she asked.
"Sort of," he answered. "How long exactly will I be there?"
"They'll let you know when something comes up," she replied.
"In other words...it's still undetermined," clarified Kaname, to which he received a slight nod, and sighed in annoyance.
"Sorry to keep you waiting," said Philip, as he returned with the tea and placed it in the middle.
"Thank you," she replied, as Philip poured some into the cups. She took a quick whiff of the aroma and sighed in content. "Jasmine I presume."
"Yes...it's Kaname's favorite," he said.
"Did you really have to mention that?" asked Kaname, with an arched eyebrow, causing Minako to chuckle.
"I'll go bring some downstairs to our visitors," said Philip, heading towards the living room and back downstairs.
Seconds after Philip had left, the doorbell rang again, causing Kaname to look out from the window to see a delivery truck pull up. He opened the door and saw two boxes lying near the delivery man's feet. After Kaname signed for the packages, he then brought them inside and set them near the living room. Looking at the long box, he slowly opened it and found a small letter among air filled bags which were supposed to cushion the content or contents in a package. The message was simple.
'Your father would have wanted you to have this...I found it only befitting that it should pass from father to son. Take good care of it.'
- Luke
"Who's Luke?" wondered Kaname, out loud.
"He was a good friend of your father...despite being what he was," said Minako.
"You've heard of him?" he inquired.
"Yes...he's still alive as well," she said.
"How do you know?" asked Kaname.
"He's a lycan...who also happens to be a pack leader in Europe," said Minako. "He also happens to be the younger brother of one who tried to protect your father from the King of the Crimson Quartet."
"How do you know all this?" he inquired.
"All will be revealed in due time," she said. "The other box contains your books. The girl happens to go to a private school and it happens to be co-ed."
"Have you received word as to her name?" asked Kaname.
"No...except we only know that she works at a bakery," answered Minako.
"Midori-ya cafe?" guessed Kaname.
"You know of it?" she asked.
"A friend of mine who works at a bar went there one time," he replied.
"They have some really good pastries there," she said.
"That's what he told me," replied Kaname.
After a few minutes, Minako checked her watch and said, "Oh...look at the time...I think I might have overstayed a bit."
"No worries...thanks for the information...and send my regards to Dr. Reese and Dr. Ross," said Kaname.
"Will do," she said, as she gave salute, with Kaname returning the gesture.
"Thanks for the tea...it was delicious," replied Minako, as Kaname saw her to the door.
After she left, Kaname stared at the other box that was unopened with a hint of apprehension at first...then headed upstairs and made his way to the room farthest leading to the front of the house and then opened the box.
Inside were the textbooks for his classes. There was one for English, another for Biology, one for Algebra, one for Japanese, and one for Chemistry. According to his schedule, he had those subjects plus a physical education class.
"General education I suppose," he said. Kaname then looked over the folder again, the details to him sounded a bit...awkward. Dr. Reese and Dr. Ross were to act as his parents, while Philip was his cousin.
After putting the first box aside and carrying the folder back downstairs, Kaname looked at the long box that contained whatever it was his father wanted him to have. Inside was a navy blue box with gold linings at the end and a lock. Kaname undid the lock and opened the container revealing a violin that was cushioned in what appeared to be sheep wool. He looked at the letter again and placed it within the violin's container. Kaname then took the box with the violin downstairs to where Reo and Subaru were. They were currently having tea while Philip filled them in on the details.
"So...when are you supposed to start?" asked Philip.
"From what I've read...it turns out tomorrow," he replied.
"What's in the box?" asked Subaru.
"Oh...this...according to the letter that was with it...it once belonged to my father," answered Kaname.
He then opened the box to reveal the violin.
"Wow...someone must have taken good care of it," said Subaru, looking at the design.
"According to the sender, Luke, he was a good friend of my father...and the younger brother of a very close friend of his," explained Kaname.
"Think you could place us a tune?" asked Reo.
"Not right now...it would probably take some time for something to go through my head," said Kaname. "Want to see what room you'll be staying in?"
"Sure," said Reo.
As the four of them went upstairs, Subaru was taken completely by surprise at the detail of the house interior. There were white marble tiles for the floor that covered the entire first floor, the walls of the living room, and the lounge room which they entered was colored light brown, while the kitchen and dining room were a sky blue color. There were several nature paintings adorned in both the living room and the dining room. Some of them depicted a forest, waterfall, or even a beach. One of the paintings in the dining room had a picture of a tiger lying on the grass. The wall on the staircase was painted a light red color, while the walls on the second floor were the same color as the ones in the kitchen and dining room.
"This is a nice place you guys have," said Subaru.
"I had some help," said Kaname.
Subaru and Reo followed Kaname upstairs leading to a study room near a small circular window and across from it a large bookshelf that then extended to the hallway which had seven rooms. Two on the left, three at the right and one leading straight and the other near it but at an angle.
"The one straight ahead is the master bedroom the one that's facing an angle is where Philip sleeps. The first one on the left is where you'll be staying Subaru and the bathroom is right next to it. The laundry room is the one in the middle of the three rooms on the right, the bathroom is at the middle left, and the middle right is where you'll be staying Reo," explained Kaname.
As they settled into their rooms, Kaname headed downstairs as Philip was putting away the dishes in the sink, until his eyes spotted a small envelope set between the door and the frame of the opening. As soon as he pulled it out and placed it in his pocket, Kaname turned around and from the corner of his left eye, spotted a black van parked near them.
"Philip...are we expecting anyone later tonight?" asked Kaname.
"No...why?" he inquired.
Kaname then went near the wall closest to the staircase and hit the wall with the ball of his fist, revealing a small compartment used to store blades and takes out two daggers.
"What is it?" asked Philip.
"Make sure our guests our safe and don't keep them out of your sight. I've got a bad feeling about this," said Kaname, slowly and cautiously walking towards the door.
Seconds later, one of the windows nearest the living room breaks as someone manages to get inside and starts firing with a M1911. Kaname did a roundhouse kick to knock away the guy's gun before he tries to throw a quick punch at him which gets blocked as the second asset just simply does a sweeping kick to knock Kaname down before he tries to hit him on the head with the heel of his shoe. Kaname manages to roll away to avoid being hit before getting back on his feet. He then realizes that this one was no push-over.
The two of them quickly began to exchange blows by throwing quick jabs here and there, each trying to outdo the other. The asset throws a quick punch to which Kaname grabs his fist, and then jabs his neck with his elbow before throwing him to the ground. He quickly gets back up and tries to strike the back of Kaname's head before he blocks the attempt and then gets jabbed at the chest from Kaname's right fist before he uses his elbow to nearly break the asset's nose and gets knocked down when Kaname knees him at the stomach before knocking him out with his elbow. After tying him up and bringing the assailant downstairs and securing him to a chair, Kaname heads back up and calls down Philip, with Reo and Subaru behind him.
"What the heck was all that about?" asked Reo.
"Probably a hitman trying to get to you guys," answered Kaname.
"Any idea who?" asked Philip.
"No...but I'm hoping to get to the bottom of it soon," he replied. "I'm going to head out for a bit to get some pastries. You guys want anything?"
"I'm OK," said Reo.
"I won't be gone long," said Kaname, as he placed his daggers on the dining table and then headed out.
It was currently 2 p.m. as he headed past a few neighborhoods, the only thought that went through his mind was 'Who could have sent that asset?'
Fixing his jacket as he waited at the stoplight, Kaname looked left and then right to make sure he wasn't being followed. After crossing and making a right at the next stoplight at the next intersection...Kaname finally came across the cafe and saw a familiar face sitting at one of the tables.
"Capt. Jason?" he inquired.
"Kaname...fancy seeing you here," he said, standing up.
The two gave a quick embrace before sitting down.
"You go here often?" asked Kaname.
"Once in a while," said Jason. "Money is a bit tight. Have to pay my daughter's tuition."
"You have a daughter?" he inquired.
"Yeah...going into nursing school," said the captain.
"I see," said Kaname.
Capt. Jason noticed the expression on Kaname's face and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Someone sent an asset at my place," he replied, looking a bit annoyed. "Do you know who?"
"Not that I would know of," said the captain.
"Whoever sent that asset was probably targeting my guests that I managed to come across several hours ago," said Kaname.
"Guests?" he inquired.
"I've received word somehow that there are a couple of fugitives that are on the run. One of them is a rouge and the other I've heard is a beastwoman," explained Kaname.
"Beastmen?" wondered the captain.
"You've never heard of them before?" inquired Kaname.
"I've heard a small amount about them but not much," said Jason. "What does this have to do with the current situation?"
"The artifact was that we recovered, both sides seem desperate to get it and tried to prevent one of them from getting the artifact," explained Kaname. "I haven't filled them in on the details but my partner has."
The captain took a quick glance at his watch and then said, "Now I need to take my leave."
"Alright," said Kaname, getting up.
"Good to see you," said Capt. Jason.
"Likewise sir," he replied, giving salute.
After Jason left, Kaname then made his way into Midori-ya café. A bell rang at the top left corner of the door and a young girl with brown hair in ponytails and blue eyes wearing a white apron came out. As soon as he saw her stumble slightly, Kaname let out a slight gasp as soon as he saw her.
'That couldn't have been her at the ruins. The one I saw had a small gem on the forehead...probably stumbled on something I guess,' thought Kaname.
"Welcome to Midori-ya café. How can I help you today?" she asked.
"Just here looking for some pastries. I'm expecting some company over at my place," explained Kaname.
"Well we have rolls, sticks, crescents, various kinds of breads, muffins, including chocolate covered ones, as well as -"
"Okay, okay…I'll ponder over the choices and let you know when I'm ready," said Kaname.
"Take your time," she said.
"A friend of mine recommended this place to me. You own this place?" asked Kaname.
"Well...it's a family-run business. I'm just taking my shift while going to school," she said.
"By any chance...is it a private school?" he asked.
"Yes...it is," she replied. "I'm Nanoha...Takamachi Nanoha."
"Kaname...Kaname Zenryuu," he said, introducing himself.
After Kaname placed his order, Nanoha then said that it would take about 15-20 minutes to get everything ready.
"In the meantime, would you like some samples or anything to drink?" offered Nanoha.
"Ah yes please…I'll probably try some milk tea if you have any," said Kaname.
"Sure…we have a few flavors," said Nanoha.
"I'll probably go with whatever's popular around here," said Kaname.
As Kaname was waiting for his drink over by one of the booths, he looked from one of the windows and then heaved a slight sigh from the people passing by going about their business.
'It's awkward that most people don't believe in the existence of either races, or how they've heard very little of paladins or even know what they are. How much has this world changed…or…more to the point, how little do they understand on what's going on?' wondered Kaname.
Several minutes later, the bell rang again and Kaname then turned his attention to the person walking at the door. The person that walked in had long blonde hair in a ponytail and was wearing a black cape with red on the inside. Kaname's eyes widened in surprise as he recalled seeing someone fly past him and realized that this girl matched the description perfectly.
'There's no doubt about it...she's definitely a vampire,' thought Kaname.
Fate stared at Nanoha for a brief moment before looking at Kaname and she suddenly grew a bit tense and had her right hand near her sword, Bardiche. Nanoha on the other hand couldn't tear her eyes away from the blonde.
"Is there a problem miss?" asked Kaname.
"No…no problem," she replied.
Nanoha eventually regained her composure and then gave the same greeting when Fate walked in and she decided just to go for a cheese Danish and some tea.
As Fate approached Kaname, she noticed that something was slightly different with him.
"If you're wondering if this spot is taken, you can have it," said Kaname.
"Here's your drink," said Nanoha, bringing Kaname his order.
"Thank you," he replied.
As Nanoha went back to get the other orders, Fate took a seat behind the booth that Kaname was at.
"I wanted to thank you...for helping Arf," she said.
"Friend of yours?" inquired Kaname, taking a sip of his milk tea.
"Yes...she was wounded as she was trying to get out of some ruins," replied Fate.
Kaname set his cup down and thought back to the fight and realized that whoever he helped must have belonged to the girl behind him.
"What is she?" asked Kaname.
"Excuse me?" wondered Fate.
"Your friend...the one that I helped bandage up?" asked Kaname. "Or are you just going to stay silent...vampire."
"You know of them?" she asked.
"I've fought a good amount...and from the looks of it...you can try and deceive me with your abilities but it won't work," he replied.
"Oh...and how can you be sure of that?" asked Fate.
"Because...I have a bit of vampire blood in me," answered Kaname.
"Then that would make you one of us," said Fate.
"Correction...I said I have a bit...but...I'm not entirely like you," said Kaname.
"What do you mean?" asked Fate.
"I'm sure one of your kind has the answer to that question," said Kaname. "You flew past me as you were heading somewhere and it seems like you dropped something."
"Yes…I did. How did you know?" asked Fate.
"As you flew past somehow it fell on my lap, but then…just as I caught sight of it, it fell from my lap and rolled down to the sewers," explained Kaname. "Was it important?"
"Very," she replied.
"Why are you really here?" asked Kaname.
"To see if you know where it went," answered Fate.
"Why do I get this awkward feeling that it entails so much more?" asked Kaname. "And I just told you what happened to it."
"Have you ever heard of the story called 'The Betrayal of the Twin Vampires'?" asked Fate.
"I have…once or twice," replied Kaname, as Nanoha came back with his order and placed it in front of him.
After giving Nanoha a tip and Kaname was about to take his leave, Fate then mentioned something that really caught his attention.
"You should tread carefully and be wary of who you keep around. They just might turn on you," said Fate.
"Kaname Zenryuu," he said, introducing himself briefly.
"Fate…Fate Testarossa," she replied, doing the same.
Slightly stunned and pondering on what she meant, Kaname took the same route he took earlier to get to the café and by the time he got home, Kaname then spotted the tea already set with Reo and Subaru already enjoying it.
"I was wondering what kept you," said Philip.
"I wasn't gone for that long," replied Kaname, putting down the box of pastries. "Help yourselves."
"Thanks," said Reo, taking a muffin.
"These look so good," said Subaru.
"I went over to the Midori-ya café," replied Kaname.
"Was there anything out of the ordinary while you were there?" inquired Philip.
"Perhaps," said Kaname. "Besides the fact that I just found out that the one who flew past us before when we brought Reo to our underground base was actually a vampire," explained Kaname.
"Whoa…hopefully nothing bad went down," said Reo.
"Nothing of the sort happened down there; however, the encounter was a bit…strange to say the least."
"In what way?" asked Subaru.
"The way they were looking at each other…it's like one of them was mesmerized by the other," answered Kaname.
"Perhaps curiosity," suggested Philip.
"It's possible," said Kaname. "She asked about the fragment that happened to be in our possession…however, I tried to tip her off by saying we lost it."
"Do you think she could trace as to where it was brought?" asked Reo.
Kaname was silent for a moment before giving a slight nod. "Some vampires have certain abilities that their fellow coven members envy. It's possible that one could trace it here," he explained.
"So then why bring it if they could possibly trace it?" asked Subaru.
"I said it was possible. I didn't say that they could," repeated Kaname. He then turned his attention to Reo.
"So…explain to me why you guys are in hiding/running."
He looked at Subaru for a brief moment before saying simply, "It's because of her."
Kaname and Philip looked at each other and then at Subaru for a brief second before Kaname continued asking.
"The branch that you were a part of…I'm guessing had the same ideals as paladins before," he inquired.
"Yes…they saw them as nothing more than beasts that were once human but had lost their human form," explained Reo.
"This sounds like people who were cursed," added Philip.
"That would be correct," said Subaru.
"When I went to visit the archivist Yunno Scrya, he said that there was a rare event that occurred that suddenly turned humans into half man and half beast, but were not like werewolves, yet a variety of animals that were bipeds," said Kaname.
"That's what they're generally classified as," said Philip.
"It was from that information that created the superstition," said Reo. "I had a feeling that not all of them were how they were perceived; that their means of self-defense was from a response on how they saw them."
"It's no different from how people see others. Most only look on the surface instead of what lies beneath," added Philip.
"So what happened when they found out about you protecting her?" asked Kaname.
"My home was ransacked, and Su'ru was reportedly "contained" by the paladin' corps, and I was detained and demoted to private," answered Reo.
Philip looked up and down at Reo for a brief moment before he spots him sporting nothing more than an M1Garand.
"Think that'll help you much?" asked Philip.
"I like guns such as these," he replied.
"Having a primary is one thing…but you won't be as versatile if you only have one weapon," said Kaname.
"How can you be sure?" asked Reo.
Kaname then took off his cloak revealing his longsword, Vanguard.
"I've seen them use blades. Guns are one thing…but if the enemy can block projectiles, they'd have to be really good, not only with speed, but also deception by utilizing their agility with their skills," explained Kaname.
"I came across a sword during our sudden ambush when we were sent to retrieve an artifact. It appears they have some sort of small compartment for small disc-like blades that can be launched when the wielder swings their sword forward," added Philip.
"Philip here is good at support magic, and can conjure up projections so real that the audience thinks it's real," explained Kaname.
"There have been times where they have caused slight injury though and have gotten me exhausted," added Philip. "It's quite draining at times."
"The Silver Gauntlet branch actually thinks that the beastmen are in league with either the werewolves or vampires. As I tried defending Subaru, they already labeled me as a traitor. After deciding to leave the branch, they probably decided to put a bounty on our heads," said Reo.
"That's ridiculous. They have nothing in common with either of them," said Philip.
"Except for the fact that they've been targeted by the paladins," added Kaname. "What happened to the asset?"
"Took some sort of poison. Died right after you left," said Philip.
"Damn...we're back to square one at this point," said Kaname.
"Not really," said Philip. "There appeared to be some sort of marking on the guy's neck."
"A mark...you mean like he was under the influence of something?" guessed Kaname.
"Something of that sort, yes," he replied.
"If you were able to draw that mark...could you make me a copy?" asked Kaname.
"What for?" asked Philip.
"To show it to the archivist Yunno and get some information," he replied.
"I already called and mentioned about the damage to headquarters and also managed to get a new window," said Philip.
"What would I do without you?" asked Kaname.
"Probably screw up royally," he replied.
"Why would they put a bounty on their heads?" wondered Kaname.
"Probably to try and prevent them from leaking any information that might expose the branches for anything that would be considered either blasphemous or out of line; whatever they know is putting them in harm's way," answered Philip. "This could get REAL ugly."
"All the more reason to try and solve this and hopefully convince the Holy Order Council to offer them asylum and protection," said Kaname.
"Do you think they would listen? Besides…we're freelancers and not exactly in league with them, despite the fact that we have been aiding them. They would probably think we're spies," said Philip.
"Not unless some people in the Phoenix branch has proof that we were there helping them. They would need evidence to support that," said Kaname.
"If this has to do with trying to prove that there's corruption within the branches, I'm more than willing to help you guys," said Reo.
Kaname and Philip looked at each other for a moment before Philip told Kaname,
"Can I have a word with you in private?"
"Of course," said Kaname. "Excuse us for a moment."
"Take your time," said Subaru.
As the two of them went downstairs in the underground portion of the house, Kaname could sense his partner's sense of doubt and hesitation.
"What are you so worried about?" asked Kaname.
"He may be from the Silver Gauntlet branch, but the fact that we're helping them in hiding would brand us as traitors as well," said Philip.
"So what do you suggest we do Philip? Turn a blind eye and hope this whole thing just blow over?" asked Kaname, with a hint of anger in his voice.
"They already know that we have them," countered Philip.
"Just because he has a beastman as a girlfriend doesn't mean they're dangerous," he shot back.
"Whoever hired that assassin to kill them probably already knows about us as well," retorted Philip.
"We have bigger things to worry about than just try to worry about our own hides!" yelled Kaname. "There are other forces at work here Philip and you know that. Whatever reason they're with us…whether good or bad, we should offer them our support. Now if you're too reluctant to lend a hand then you're more than welcome to leave."
He heaved a frustrated sight as Kaname combed through his hear with his left hand just infuriated. Rarely would they argue like this, even so much as yell at each other. After five minutes of agonizing silence, Kaname turned back to his partner.
"I'm sorry. I should have been more accepting," said Philip. "We'll need all the help we can get."
"Indeed," said Kaname. "Apology accepted."
"If only I was as open minded as you," said Philip.
"Sometimes I am. However, I'm not as reluctant to use force or other aggressive means when necessary," said Kaname. "Remember…injure, but don't…"
"Kill," finished Philip. "I know…I know."
Seconds later, the two of them heard footsteps as Reo and Subaru came downstairs.
"I'm sorry for eavesdropping but…I just wanted to thank you two for your hospitality," said Reo.
"You're very welcome," said Kaname. "I'll understand if you want to join, however…there are a few conditions that you must be willing to accept. First, do your best to follow orders from me or Philip, even when the situation looks grim without question, and second, if there are any personal reasons as to why you want to join, I advise you to throw those reasons out, because they'll only get you into more trouble than you ask for. Can you do that?"
"I'll do my best," said Subaru.
"Despite the fact that I feel betrayed from how my beliefs were different from the rest of them…I will do what I can," said Reo.
"Reo…there will always be those kinds of people who don't have the same beliefs as you and there's not much you can do to try and change their minds. Just try to accept the fact that there are those who support you, like your girlfriend," said Philip.
"Well said Philip," said Kaname.
"So…what exactly did you find from your visit with this archivist?" asked Reo.
Kaname then went over to the computer and placed his book in a small container which somehow scanned his entire notebook and put the information that was in it as scanned pages. It was around the tenth and eleventh pages that the data he got when over at the archives was made visible.
"Whatever I currently have in my possession, the vampires definitely seem to want it. I'm not sure about the reaction of the lycans, but…clearly someone knows something about it," said Kaname. "According to the notes I gathered, there appears to be a set of crystals known as Blood Fangs. Apparently, these crystals seem to act as a type of detector, and when I mean that, it seems to try and lead the wielder to the next one."
"Like a compass trying to show where to go," said Subaru.
"Something like that," said Kaname.
"And what happens if they're found?" asked Reo.
"That's what still baffles me. The fragments that I have form something that is called the Silver Eclipse. It's a key to something. As to what it unlocks is beyond me," said Kaname.
"The good news is that this underground area is well hidden so it would be a bit difficult to gain access," said Philip.
"So what do we do now?" asked Subaru.
"For now…we need to try and keep a low profile. Philip here can help teach you swordsmanship if you're interested. I can help with hand to hand combat," said Kaname. "When I'm not busy with schoolwork."
"You guys should get some rest. We have a long day ahead," said Philip.
"It's only 7:30 p.m.," said Subaru.
"All the more reason to get some sleep while you still can," said Kaname.
"We'll see you in the morning," said Reo.
"I'll go and get the security ready," said Philip, manning the monitors.
"Don't take too long," said Kaname.
"Easier said than done," said Philip. "Oh...good luck on your first day of school."
"Hey...that's not funny."
"It is to me," he replied, chuckling.
Outside, Fate had finished what she ordered over at the Midori-ya Café and went to an alley not too far from where the café was and found her teacher, Vercossa.
"What did you find out?" she asked.
"I came across that person with strange eyes. He apparently lost track of what I dropped and said it could probably be in the sewers," said Fate.
"That's not going to do us any good, unless one of them leads back to our lair and we just follow it," said Vercossa. "What was your impression of him?"
"His name is Kaname. Apparently, he knows of both our existence and our long time enemy," she replied.
"Anything else?" inquired Vercossa.
Fate was silent for a moment before Vercossa had to call her name again to snap her out of her thought process.
"I'm sorry. You asked if there was anything else I came across?" asked Fate.
"You seemed out of it for a bit. Was it from something you ate or drank? You didn't give away our existence did you?" asked Vercossa.
"There was…a young girl that was helping in the café," said Fate.
"What did she look like?" inquired her teacher.
"She was…really young. Brunette, blue eyes," she explained.
"Lycan?" asked Vercossa.
"No...otherwise I would have heard a growl escape her throat," she replied. 'Although I did help her after she was nearly forced upon.'
"There was something different about this one though," said Fate.
"What?" wondered Vercossa.
"She seemed…curious," said Fate.
"About you?" she asked.
"Yes," replied Fate.
Vercossa tried to hold back a laugh, which didn't go unnoticed by Fate. "What's so funny?"
"N-nothing," she replied, letting out a slight chuckle.
"Don't tell me you're interested in that…thing," said Vercossa, sounding a slight bit surprised.
"Don't be ridiculous. Let's just go," said Fate, getting annoyed as she took to the night sky.
The moon was a quarter and a half full and the sky was clear enough to see the stars. Nanoha then closed the café and was about to head home when she realized that she forgot something and went back to the kitchen and grabbed her bag. Once she double checked to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, Nanoha then locked the door to the café and walked over to her apartment which was several blocks away.
'Fate…I wonder if she really is one,' wondered Nanoha, as she turned a corner near a stoplight and walked towards the apartment complex, up the stairs and went to her room. She dropped her bag near the door, got into bed and tried to go to sleep, but found it a bit difficult as the events from today began to replay in her mind. One slight detail continued to replay in her mind as she overheard the slight conversation between Fate and Kaname.
'I wonder what she was looking for that could be so important,' thought Nanoha. 'Maybe if I see her again, I could try and help out.'
As Kaname headed to his room and opened the case containing the violin, he opened the window near the bed as cool air and the sounds from outside began to come through. Placing his chin on the rest pad of the violin, Kaname then began playing a tune that he didn't even recognize but was surprised as to how easily playing the violin came to him. It was a calm, soothing, and yet...happy tune. As he finished and slowly placed the violin on the bed, Kaname stared at it for a moment and thought, 'Wow...it's been a while since I've played...but, how?'
Placing the violin back in its case and closing it, Kaname then fixed himself up before heading to bed and the words that Fate had told him echoed in his head again.
'You should tread carefully and be wary of who you keep around. They just might turn on you.'
'Fate…Testarossa. Is she friend…or foe?' thought Kaname, as sleep slowly came to him.