Hi guys…sorry for the long wait. I've been a bit busy with college and some classes. I've tried to fit in as much as I could in order to work on this and I've had to do quite a bit of editing on and off the computer in terms of how I wanted to approach the direction of this fanfic project. As I get closer to finishing part 1, the format for parts 2 and 3 are going to be the same in that there are going to be divided sections in which a certain number of chapters are going to be in each section. Also…after I finish the next chapter…the remaining chapters are going to be a while because of a language that I'm going to try and create with the help of a friend of mine.
Disclaimer: I don't own Nanoha or any of the characters, except for the ones I've created.
Chapter 7: Fangs and Misunderstandings
Kaname looked at Armandis for a brief moment before the tea was brought down by Cathos. As the two sat down, Kaname kept a close eye on a small necklace that Armandis wore around his neck. He couldn't clearly see it, but it was protruding from the dress shirt that the archivist was wearing.
"What was your relationship with Vercossa?" asked Kaname.
Armandis laughed for a bit before looking at Kaname briefly. "You are that eager to learn about my past are you?" he inquired.
"No…just how you knew Vercossa before she met…someone else," replied Kaname.
"If you are referring to someone that has…made a deal with a demon…I know a good deal," said Armandis. "However…if you want to know more details about her…why not just ask her yourself?"
"Because I need to know whether or not you can be trusted," he replied.
The two of them were silent for a moment as they drank their tea before Armandis broke his silence.
"Very well…I will tell you," he said.
"It was a long time ago during the Middle Ages and the humans both feared and respected the few vampirical political groups. Mind you, there have been attempts at trying to overthrow others from their seats of power by other families and at times…by humans, yet rarely have they ever succeeded. I served as both an advisor and as a personal guard to a certain family…these individuals happen to be relatives of yours. Of course…this was way before you were born, but let me get back to my story. There was talk of someone that was using humans to gain political support and rumors spreading about a certain individual that was trying to oust one of your relatives out of power. It was when I was doing some investigating of my own that I ran into someone that was willing to help me out. We both shared different viewpoints with regards to humans," he explained.
"Verossa," guessed Kaname, to which Armandis nodded.
"We eventually found out that one night something strange had happened to several humans that came across red fragments in a few rock quarries among other places," said the archivist. "I managed to get close to one of them but the effect it had on me…was nearly indescribable. As soon as I was in range of it, my senses were completely disfigured. Old friends that I once knew suddenly looked demonic and I panicked, the environment looked wavy and warped. The higher ups deemed me either unstable or insane. Verossa was the only one who believed me. She consulted with a hooded individual that handed her a small book with details as to what happened to those exposed."
"The Crimson Fangs," guessed Kaname again, and he received an acknowledged nod.
"It varied in terms of exposure…more precisely, how long the user was exposed to it; in the case of vampires, it went from increased bloodlust to unexplained fits of anger, to hysterics. There were some bits regarding humans and werewolves but I'm not sure if the book was kept or lost. You'd have to ask her," said Armandis. "However…things became a lot worse once someone found out about the shadow fragments and what they did when exposed. No one knew how to get rid of them and yet word spread of various individuals that had abilities that could destroy them."
"Mages," said Kaname. "I thought there weren't many of them."
"You're partially right. Paladins in particular had a slight disliking to them but a few in both the vampire factions as well as their own thought that there were some use to these crystals and tried to have mages use them. However, the result was opposite of what was expected. Instead of using them or destroying them, they imprisoned those that would use them by sealing them in. As a result, those imprisoned eventually became something much worse than any of us realized…and it would also be a terrible mistake on their part and despite the paladins attempts to fully seal them away…the mages realized it was only temporary. Verossa knew her father had one in his possession and tried to have it destroyed, but was found out from one of her closest friends and was about to be killed…until I stepped in. Several wars broke out after. We abandoned our positions, branded as traitors, and headed for the mountains. We eventually became close at this point; however, it was to be short lived. It was there that one night I found one particular mage talking with some dark being. When Verossa saw the individual, her mind suddenly became prisoner to the dark magic that the other possessed. I tried to stop her, but she encouraged me to live on and try to tell others what I had encountered," said Armandis.
"So both these Crimson and Shadow Fangs are of demonic origin and yet only mages can either seal something in or destroy them. What doesn't make sense is why they would seal someone inside a crystal that has demonic properties," said Kaname.
"The reason for what they did before was that they felt no individual should mess with items they don't understand. Yet once they realized what they did, they scattered. There was one I came across some years later that had developed a method of creating some strange item that would imbue upon the user magic abilities," said Armandis.
"Devices," guessed Kaname, to which he received a nod.
"There was something interesting that I was told about these things…one in particular. That some of these devices acted like it had a mind of its own and would only respond to certain individuals. I eventually decided to write these findings down and felt it important to pass on the knowledge. I went back after the latest war that had exhausted your relatives and was apprehended upon my arrival. However, your great grandfather saw some potential in me as an archivist after I explained what I came across and decided that there should be such individuals that would have access to these bits of information. That time came during one particular war that exhausted all the factions," he explained.
Kaname didn't have to guess long as to what war Armandis was referring to.
"I was told about a prophecy from my mother but that it's only a fragment of it…I had a feeling that you would probably help me…" began Kaname.
"Fill in the blanks," finished Armandis, taking a sip of his tea. "Perhaps it would be easier if you told me the fragment and then perhaps I might be of assistance."
After Kaname recited the fragment, Armandis was a bit surprised at first but then had a slight grin on his face, to which Kaname was confused at such a reaction.
"What is it that you find so amusing?" he asked.
"I had a feeling this would be the case," came the reply. "I presume that you've been told of a few demons yes?"
"Such as Belzangas?"
"Some of these demons are considered "lower demons"…in a sense, more like those of a lower military rank," he said.
"Do you have any clue as to what this Dark One is called?" asked Kaname.
"I'm afraid not…however, we archivists have our connections. There is one in Europe that serves as the second archivist for vampires. I can give you the name if you'd like," said Armandis.
"That would be greatly appreciated," he replied.
"I can tell you this though…it has seven of each," said Armandis, as he began writing down the name of the second archivist as well as the address and then handed the piece of paper to Kaname.
It was as Kaname got the paper that he saw a strange symbol on Armandis' left arm which looked almost like a tattoo. The picture showed a round circle that was divided into fours on the inside. Each section had a different symbol. The top left had a claw mark, the top right bat-like wings, the bottom left had a sword, and the bottom right had a wolf's paw print. In the center of the circle was a tower standing on a closed book.
Just as Kaname thanked Armandis for the information and was about to leave, he heard him clearly enough as he reached the top of the stairs mention of a warning.
"Just so you know…your interaction over at that school, is bound to attract some…unwanted attention when you least expect it. You should watch your back carefully," he said. By the time Kaname went back on his motorcycle, he then received a call which DATS tried to put through…but the signal was either garbled or distorted.
"Hello…hello?" he called out. Kaname could barely hear what was going on but he thought through the noise he heard something being smashed, like glass or pottery, and what almost sounded like several shots being fired.
"…cover…found…need…back…now…-epeat…blown…"
"DATS…can you try and triangulate where that transmission came from?" asked Kaname.
"Based on the strength of the signal, it will take some time to comb through and pinpoint the location," replied the software.
"I don't care what it takes…just do it. Send a copy of the transmission back to Philip if possible," ordered Kaname, as he rode through the early morning, despite it still being dark. He had a hunch that he knew where it was from and something was terribly wrong. Kaname just hoped he didn't arrive too late.
After letting her parents know that things were going OK, Nanoha was just about to go to sleep until she decided to check on what was happening elsewhere and turned on the TV.
"-reports of strange encounters throughout the city. Officials are not sure whether or not these claims are true or just the rants of some mentally ill person, while some are just placing the incident as a supernatural phenomenon."
'Despite what I experienced that one night…the events are all a blur. Ugh…that's the first and last time I head to a place like that,' thought Nanoha. 'What I don't get is why I'm able to see these things where others are not?'
She kept flipping through the channels, until she came across a silly game show with ridiculous antics that made her laugh a bit and lift her spirits up. Nanoha then checked her alarm clock and set the timer and watched the remainder of the show before turning it off and falling asleep.
The only thing that was going through her mind was that one time she spent with Fate…her blonde hair and red eyes…how it almost felt like she was hypnotized by them. Realizing this, Nanoha quickly sat up before blinking a few times.
'I've only just met her and yet I don't know much about her. I hope I'll see her again,' she thought, before going back to sleep.
However…just as she was about to close her eyes…the tree near her room began to shake a bit. Curiosity taking over, Nanoha slowly walked over and saw a hooded figure for a few seconds and looked around to see if anyone could be watching before heading back and going to sleep.
From a distance, Yunno watched as Nanoha fell asleep and saw next to her alarm clock the small red gem he had slipped into her bag next to it and had a content smile on her face, knowing that it would be in good hands.
'She's going to need that at some point…I just hope that my timing of handing it to her and her realizing her potential hasn't gone to waste. Now it's only a matter of when,' thought Yunno.
As Kaname sped through the small traffic back to Tokyo, his mind was racing as he struggled to keep his mental state stable while trying to follow the highlighted pathway DATS had provided on the visor. While the software managed to come up with a route as well as alternates to head back to his place, DATS managed to pinpoint the signal which revealed that Philip sent the distress signal but what puzzled Kaname was who had found out about his hideaway and more importantly, was the necessary precautions taken in the event someone managed to infiltrate and tap into their network.
Taking a hard left at the next intersection, he reached the nearby trash bin and input the sequence from the brick wall opening the garage and quickly dismounted, weapons at the ready and rushed inside. Despite being a hybrid, Kaname's eyes immediately adjusted to the darkness. He noticed the living quarters in complete disarray, several bullets had hit the monitors, the keyboard looked smashed, one of the chairs had slash marks from something sharp, either a knife or a sword, and there was a small trail of blood. Using his other senses, he was faintly able to hear the still-barely beating rhythm of someone's heart…clearly someone was wounded or was struggling to stay alive. Just as he was about to look for the source, a gloved hand was placed on his shoulder. Kaname whipped around and saw Reo and breathed a sigh of relief. Philip managed to find the emergency backup and turned on the lights. What Kaname saw was a lot worse than when he saw the details with just his eyes with the lights on. The rugs were torn to shreds, most of the chairs had huge tears, and there were a lot of cracks on the walls, the monitors were nearly trashed.
"What in blazes happened in here?" asked Kaname.
"Patrick…is what happened," said a labored voice.
Kaname looked as his friends parted and he saw a battered and wounded Jason propped up against some pillows.
"What is he talking about?" he asked.
"That traitor came in and literally trashed the place. Jason tried to stop him but it got pretty bad fast. He and his minions were too much for us," said Reo.
"There's more," said Subaru.
"What else?" asked Kaname.
"It has to do with your mother," said Chrono. "She was taken by Patrick."
At that moment, Kaname felt as if the wind was knocked out of him and leaned on the stone wall for support.
"What did that bastard want?" he asked, through clenched teeth.
"He was…trying to draw you out," said Jason.
"It could be a trap," said Philip.
"I don't have much of a choice, Philip," said Kaname. "Did he try to ask you anything else?"
"I didn't…tell him a damn thing," said Jason, his breathing getting more labored.
"His ways appear to be erratic. We need to try and figure out where he would strike next," said Chrono.
After Kaname had managed to regain his composure, he then looked at his wounded companion and then at his friends.
"There's one …other thing," said Jason, his breathing getting labored, until he went into a small coughing fit and was gasping for air.
"Try not to talk," said Capt. Lindy.
Kaname knelt by his side as Jason took out of his pocket what appeared to be a small black crystal fragment.
"Isn't that what he was wearing around his neck?" asked Kaname, to which Jason nodded.
"Whatever it was that was giving him those abilities…I think can be found from looking into these," said Jason. "Find out what he's planning…before…before…"
Just as Jason was about to continue, he succumbed to his injuries before finishing. Kaname felt anger rise through him but he fought the urge to vent realizing that a good friend has passed and that thoughts of vengeance wouldn't do any good.
"He did what he could…and fought hard. He deserves a proper burial," said Philip.
"That bastard Patrick won't get away with it," growled Reo, clenching his fist.
"I'll get to work with the arrangements," said Chrono.
"Speaking of which…did you manage to find what you're looking for Kaname?" asked Capt. Lindy.
"That all depends on you guys," he replied.
"Kaname…I need to talk to you for a bit," said a familiar voice.
The group turned and saw Yuuno standing at the top of the stairs that led to the house above it.
"How convenient…because I have some stuff that needs answers," said Kaname.
"Go…we'll take care of this," urged Philip.
As Kaname and Yuuno headed outside and up to the rooftop looking at the street below, Kaname held his suspicious glance at the archivist which caused Yuuno to be a bit uneasy.
"So far she hasn't suspected much…at the moment," said Yunno.
"You're referring to Nanoha, aren't you?" guessed Kaname, to which he nodded.
"How'd your research come along?" he asked.
"Before I get to that…there's something I need to know," replied Kaname. "Who are you really? More to the point…what the hell is really going on here?"
Yunno was silent for a brief moment before sighing and sat at the edge of the roof.
"I suppose you have the right to know. I did some digging regarding your family history…and…I'm more than just an archivist," said Yunno.
"You did…what?" growled Kaname, trying to control his anger that was starting to rise in him.
"I'm also a magus," he replied.
This sudden revelation caught Kaname completely off guard and he just stared at him. However…that anger was still around and hasn't left him yet.
"What other secrets are you keeping from me?" he demanded.
"It's not just me that's keeping secrets Kaname. Your mother is doing the exact same thing," said Yunno.
"What are you talking about?" asked Kaname. "She told me what happened."
"There were some bits that were actually false," he answered.
"Like what?" asked Kaname.
"Your father," replied Yunno.
"She said he was a hunter that worked for the paladins," said Kaname. When Yunno didn't reply, this raised Kaname's suspicions even further.
"He wasn't a hunter…and he only worked for the paladins for a short time," said Yunno. "There are a number of things that are forbidden among vampires. Your mother…committed one of the most atrocious acts that scarred her for life."
"Which is what?" asked Kaname.
"She betrayed her kind…not for a normal human…but a magus," said Yunno.
Kaname instantly froze at the news and felt his anger rise even faster.
"No…you're lying! That's not possible," he growled.
"How else do you explain the fast reflexes and being able to see things that most are not able to?" asked Yunno.
"What are you talking about?" asked Kaname.
"Paladins can see certain things…but a magus' power can distort that vision. For example…when a magus is using offensive magic…what they would see is a blast of light. If it was defensive…like a barrier, all they would see is an invisible barrier. Even with modern weapons, it would just bounce off of them. On top of that…they can almost move just as fast compared to a normal paladin. In the case of the captain that betrayed you, demonic powers work in a similar way…except they can't see whatever is with them," explained Yunno.
"Like a haze. They can't see them very well," said Kaname.
"Exactly; even with the lights on…they would only see the person casting it but not what is being cast," said Yunno.
Kaname thought about what Yunno said for a moment and then recalled the time when he saw a projection for a brief moment before it disappeared. As if sensing what he was thinking, Yunno added, "The same goes for those that are able to use magic. Very few vampires are capable of such feats…most of the ones here have the abilities that most vampires are born with, but very few can do magic."
"So how does that explain what that has to do with me?" asked Kaname.
"The rest…you'll have to ask your mother," said Yunno.
"How can I do that when she was kidnapped?" snapped Kaname.
"Perhaps I can be of assistance," said a voice, with a slight girlish giggle.
Kaname heard the flapping of wings and saw a gray bat with red eyes flying towards them.
"She followed me as I was heading back after checking Nanoha," explained Yunno.
"And who is she exactly?" asked Kaname.
"I'm a companion of your mother after she was exiled," she replied. "My name's Xelia. I saw her being carried off towards the harbor."
"How do you know this?" asked Kaname.
"As we were heading back, I spotted someone wearing black armor followed by two shadows carrying an unconscious woman at a pretty fast pace," replied the bat.
At this point Kaname managed to regain his composure and then contemplated as to what the archivist Armandis told him and wondered if Yuuno knew him.
"Are you familiar with an archivist by the name of Armandis?" he asked.
Yuuno's head snapped up for a brief moment and then asked, "How do you know of him?"
"A vampire by the name of Vercossa told me," answered Kaname.
"I've never heard of her," said Yuuno.
"Have you heard of creatures known as Devourers?" asked Kaname.
"A bit…though there's something about them I can't place," he replied.
"Such as what?"
"There's a hint of demonic energy within them but other than that…they can be killed," said Yuuno. "They appear to be creatures that were supposed to be something else but it didn't turn out that way. Like an experiment gone wrong."
Kaname thought about the last bit of information that Armandis told him about a school and then his eyes widened in worry and fear.
"Oh no…so that's what he meant," said Kaname. "Yuuno…what if those things are able to detect those with magic abilities?"
"For some reason…I think that's what those demonic energies allow it to do. Why?" he inquired.
"Jason managed to get a hold of that fragment around Patrick's neck. Can you possibly look up any properties that it might have?" asked Kaname.
"I suppose I could," said Yuuno. "Where are you going with this?"
Kaname then backtracked and told Yuuno the details that Armandis told him when they met; about his meeting with Vercossa, and how he came across the magus that made a pact with a demon. Yuuno looked away for a brief moment and Kaname took it as a sign that he was hiding something from him.
"You know something don't you?" inquired Kaname.
"I was the one that help start that society of archivists. They're quite secluded and usually difficult to reach. Myself…I tend to move around quite a bit…trying to not leave a pattern as I go. Each one has a distinct token that identifies them," explained Yuuno.
"I'm guessing that you don't have one," said Kaname, to which Yuuno nodded.
"I was told that the other fragments of a prophecy my mother uncovered could be with them."
"That's a likely possibility," said Yuuno. "However…until we know what we're dealing with here…we're pretty much left in the dark."
After Kaname vented out his frustrations, the three of them went back downstairs to the now ruined underground base. When Subaru saw the little bat that was following them, she pointed and asked, "Who's the pet belong to?"
"She was with my mother before…as for how she found Yuuno…I'm not sure," replied Kaname.
"How'd the family take the news Chrono?"
"You might be surprised to hear this but…his family was killed in a surprise raid several years before you joined the force," he replied.
"No other living relatives whatsoever?" asked Kaname.
"None that I was able to find," replied Chrono.
"You seem slightly distant today partner. Anything you want to tell us?" asked Philip.
Kaname looked around at his comrades and heaved a deep sigh before saying, "I was told of a possible attack at the school where Nanoha is at."
"What? How?" asked Yuuno.
"I'm not sure how Armandis knew…but my best bet is that he possibly has a connection that works inside the school and is undercover," he replied. "Notifying her would cause problems there can be no doubt of that."
"So what do you suggest?" asked Reo.
"I could try and keep an eye on her, being her classmate and all," said Yuuno.
"Yuuno and I should try and constantly keep in touch. There's a slight possibility that a barrier around the school grounds might not be enough. Whatever gets through could cause some serious problems and confusion. I don't think a mind wipe will even be enough at this point," explained Kaname.
"If any of them were to faint…it could necessitate a mind wipe," answered Yuuno.
"We could try and monitor you both from a distance. I spotted a nearby café during one of my runs before the attack that's not too far from the school grounds," said Capt. Lindy.
"That could work," said Yuuno.
Kaname at this point turned away from the others as his thoughts turned to his mother and began to ponder on what just occurred and what was said. He then turned back and asked Chrono, "What happened to most of the equipment?"
"The monitors are down, but luckily I managed to salvage the data onto this," answered Chrono, taking out a strange looking disc. "I had a feeling that as you were gone, there was a possibility of something happening to the data, so I had Philip transfer the data to this before the attack. We should be covered for now at least. The backup power still works…luckily. The computer is trashed though."
"What of the weapons?"
"We can try and move them tomorrow," said Reo.
"Medical equipment?"
"They're fine, for the most part" said Subaru.
"Emergency supplies?"
"We salvaged what we could," said Philip. "I tried to also save our personal belongings as well."
"Good. Is there a possibility that you guys have a functional base?" asked Kaname, turning to Chrono and Capt. Lindy.
"Luckily…we do. We can gather all the stuff here and then move them out in a couple of days," he answered.
"Alright. We should all get some sleep for now. We're going to need it for the next few days," said Kaname. "I'll bring down some futons, pillows, and blankets."
As he headed up, Yuuno decided to sit near the stairs and had an apprehensive look on his face, which didn't go unnoticed by Capt. Lindy, so she decided to sit next to him and try to coax out whatever was on his mind.
"I have a feeling this involves more than Kaname's familial background. There are some things that even I can't figure out," said Yuuno.
"All the more reason why it's better to try and lean on others for support when times get difficult," she replied.
The only part that Yuuno left out was that it might also have to do with what caused this strange string of events to occur…possibly with what was found with Kaname's team.
By the time Kaname came back down, Reo and Philip had already finished prepping Jason's body. Capt. Lindy decided to lend a hand and gave one out to everyone. However, Chrono had a stumped expression on his face after looking through the main database on a device that resembled that of a mini-laptop.
"Any next of kin?" asked Kaname.
"After looking through Commander Jason's background and files…it turns out he doesn't have," said Chrono.
"Why's that?" asked Reo.
"His family members were killed in an accident prior to him being transferred to this branch," replied Chrono.
"Any details on the accident?" asked Capt. Lindy.
"There have been a few reports but they were all a few years ago…roughly 5 years ago," said Amy, who was also at Chrono's side analyzing the given data.
"Odd…that was before I joined the Phoenix Fire Branch," said Kaname. He sat on the stairs for a while lost in thought, trying to piece together what could have caused such events to occur.
"The report that some of the investigators have gone by was a boating accident on some cruise liner," said Amy.
"Or…that's what someone wants us to believe," said Kaname.
Chrono stopped briefly for a moment as the others looked at Kaname from the statement he made.
"Are you implying that someone has had this planned out from the start?" asked Reo.
"It's possible. However, I won't know for sure until I get the information I need," he replied.
"How exactly do you plan on doing that?" asked Philip.
"I'll let you know when I do," answered Kaname, as he set up his futon near the armory.
"Do you really think that's such a good idea to sleep near there? Ever since the break-in, I don't think that's such a comfortable spot to sleep at," said Subaru.
"He prefers to actually sleep with a gun under his pillow," answered Philip.
"What? Occupational hazard?" inquired Reo.
"I guess you could put it that way," he replied.
As everyone began to settle in for the night, Xelia decided to stay close to Kaname considering that she was a friend of his mother…and, like any bat slept hanging upside down, perched on the railings, except she slept facing him.
Meanwhile, back at the lair where Precia and her cohorts resided…as Vercossa came back after talking with Kaname, she noticed Fate leaning against the entrance to her living quarters, as if she was waiting for her.
"You were talking with him…weren't you?" asked Fate.
"And what if I were?" she asked.
"I sent Arf out to report on anything out of the ordinary," replied Fate.
"He needed some information," said her mentor.
"Information on what?" she asked.
"A certain archivist."
"What do you think he could be looking for?" asked Fate.
"I'm not sure," replied Vercossa.
As Fate was walking past her, Vercossa couldn't help but ask, "Where are you off to?"
"It's feeling a bit drafty in here. I'm heading out to go clear my head a bit," replied Fate. "Don't tell Arf."
"Just watch yourself…you hear?"
"I will," said Fate, as she went off into the night sky.
However…what had just been revealed didn't go unnoticed by Precia as she slinked back into the shadows and into a room filled with various glass casings on shelves, and in the middle of the room a long tube with a young blonde girl inside…and right above her…a huge long black crystal. A magic circle formed beneath Precia, and she felt a portion of her life energy get sapped from her as the crystal thrummed with energy. In front of her stood three hooded figures donned with purple armor and had red eyes beneath their thick black hoods.
"Follow her…and then report back to me," she ordered.
After they disappeared, Precia looked once more longingly at her daughter before saying, "It won't be long Alicia…very soon…I'll have you back."
As Kaname struggled to sleep, his mother's companion, Xelia was able to hear the slight shifting around and had one eye open while the other one was closed. There were a lot of things flashing around in his mind that it almost became a blur. Something was heading to the school. He could hear the glass shattering, students screaming, and then he spotted something that caught him completely off guard. A pink aura of light within the gymnasium, Nanoha's classmates were out cold, yet when the light dissipated he wasn't able to make out the figure standing in front of him as his vision was clouded by darkness…and then they rushed towards the figure holding a staff that had a red orb.
Kaname then awoke with a start, his eyes widened and his breathing quick. Looking around, he then noticed the others still asleep until his eyes came to rest on Xelia, who was hanging upside down, and had one eye open. What happened next caught Kaname completely off guard. He could hear her voice inside his head.
'Can't sleep?' she inquired.
'You could tell?' he asked.
'From the way you kept shifting around in your sleeping bag…yeah,' she replied.
Kaname then took out his jacket that was lying next to him and then slowly went down and outside before climbing up to the roof. Once they were out of ears length, Xelia spoke.
"You had a vision," she guessed.
When Kaname didn't speak, it confirmed her suspicions. "You have nearly the same ability as your mother."
"What do you know of her?" inquired Kaname. He asked this because since she was her companion…he guessed for quite a while, she probably knew quite a bit…more than what his mother was willing to reveal.
"You mean besides being beautiful and royal?" inquired Xelia. "She…was once a bit…naïve, unlike your aunt. However…I'm…presuming she's told you of her…streak?"
"If you mean her naughty streak…then yes…I've heard," he replied.
"Then I guess you shouldn't be surprised if I told you this but…your so-called family tree…has a bit of twisted history behind it. Even more to the point…there's one tiny tidbit that your mother hasn't told you yet…but I'm sure you'll find out soon enough," replied Xelia.
"How bad is it?" asked Kaname.
"You'll have to find out on your own," she replied. "Although…I won't lie to you…she does care about you. After the recent attacks over in Europe…"
"What attacks?" asked Kaname, now a bit interested.
'Oops…I shouldn't have said that,' she thought.
Xelia sighed and looked at Kaname who was eyeing her with a stern look. "I guess the cat's out of the bag. There have been rogue paladins that have gotten into conflicts with the other factions and the same goes with vampires going on bloodlust sprees."
"What could possibly have gotten them to go out of control?" asked Kaname.
"I'm not sure. You see…before your mother was found by Chrono and his team, I was on my own little reconnaissance mission," explained Xelia.
Kaname thought about what she just mentioned before a smirk came on his face and he was able to find out something about his mother's companion that should have been obvious to him from the get-go.
'Uh-oh…he knows something,' thought Xelia, looking a bit worried.
"You're a Familiar…aren't you?" he guessed.
At that moment, Xelia turned various shades of red and almost froze and fell towards the roof.
"H-how…how in bl-b-blazes did you…" she stuttered.
"Believe it or not…you're not the first I've come across," said Kaname, trying to hold back a laugh. "It's alright…you can show me."
Xelia was a bit hesitant at first but then took a deep breath and closed her eyes before a purple orb of light engulfed her, causing Kaname to shield his eyes. When the light cleared, a young woman with long gray hair, red eyes, wearing a black dress with no shoulder support that had red lines running along the edges that had red roses that were 4-5 inches apart near the edge of the dress; the wings served as an illusion of a ribbon tied at the back of the dress completing it.
Kaname couldn't help but give a slight whistle in surprise and had an eyebrow arched up.
"I presume that's your normal appearance in that form?" he inquired.
"To not make myself obvious…yes," she replied.
As Kaname visually took in her stunning figure, there was a certain thought that lingered in his mind after hearing about his father's background.
"Xelia…there's something I must know. It has to do with my father," said Kaname.
"What is it?" she asked.
"How exactly do you know that my father was truly a mage and not what my mother told me before?" asked Kaname.
Xelia blushed slightly and looked down at the street below for a brief moment before looking back at Kaname.
"Because…I saw them…lying together…and saw his staff near the door. I was in my bat form and they hadn't noticed me. However…your uncle…on your mother's side…did notice them," she explained.
Kaname couldn't help but arch an eyebrow almost in disbelief.
"I didn't know you were into voyeurism, Xelia," said Kaname, trying to hide a smirk on his face…to no avail.
"I-I'm not…I wasn't…" she stuttered, feeling her face heat up quickly.
Kaname stared at her…this time, not hiding his smile.
"O-OK…I heard them and wanted to see what the noise was about. There…I said it," she spat out quickly. "I was only trying to keep an eye out for her. I wouldn't betray her…after all…she was the one who took care of me."
At that instant…Kaname's smile faded and he saw in front of him someone that looked hurt and concerned for a dear friend. However…reality gave him a quick slap on the face as he realized that he felt something was missing. If what Xelia said was true…it wouldn't hurt for him to try out his ability. Kaname walked up close to her and placed his right hand on her forehead and took her right hand and placed it on his.
What happened next astonished him. Everything occurred so quickly that Kaname thought if he blinked…he would miss some important detail. He could see from her point of view several feet into the sky a hooded figure running at a blurring speed towards the ruins of an old building near the mountains. However…what really surprised Kaname was that he was able to trace the route in his mind. As soon as the mental link was broken, both of them were gasping for breath. Xelia was the first to break the silence.
"You do have something quite similar to her ability," she said.
"Apparently…that seems to be the case…and a bit draining I might add," he replied.
"If they're just manifesting…you're going to need a lot more training in order to master it," she said.
At that moment, Kaname then decided to head back inside and catch up on some sleep while Xelia followed behind. However…what he didn't expect was his partner to be leaning near the entrance to the ruined ground base as he came back.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.
"How could you tell?" inquired Kaname.
"I heard the flapping of wings and then footsteps heading up. I figured it was you," replied Philip. "Who's the beauty behind you?"
"She's a Familiar," said Kaname.
"Really? I didn't know they had any during those times," said Philip.
"You'd be surprised as to how they can easily be mistaken for their beastmen counterparts," he answered.
"What happened?" asked Philip.
"You probably wouldn't believe me even if I told you," said Kaname.
"After what your mother did…I'm pretty sure I can take a bit more bizarre stuff than the other guys," said Philip.
Kaname shook his head and then sighed before walking up to his partner.
"Alright…but don't say I didn't warn you," he replied.
Repeating the same gesture he did with Xelia, Philip braced himself for the sudden rush of information. As Kaname narrated what he saw to his partner, Xelia watched from a distance surprised as to how quick he was able to handle his ability.
'This guy's quite impressive. I never thought he'd be able to tap into it so quickly and master it,' she thought, with a satisfied smirk.
"What…the heck…was that?" he asked, panting.
"Selendia's ability is called Memory Gaze, which is what you and the others experienced before. Kaname has something slightly similar called a Memory Shift , in which he gets a certain brief memory and replays every detail within that memory," explained Xelia. "As you have just witnessed…the experience can be a bit…tiring."
"No kidding," said Philip, leaning against the entrance to the ground base.
"I gave you fair warning, did I not?" asked Kaname.
"Yeah…now the question remains…are you going to go after her?" asked his partner.
"I'm still not sure about Patrick's intentions but something tells me that there could be something bigger afoot that neither of us have noticed," answered Kaname. "However…I'm more concerned about the school."
"You mean the school that Nanoha and her friends attend?" asked a familiar voice.
The trio turned and saw Yuuno coming up the steps.
"I could try and send an advanced notice by telepathy," suggested Yuuno.
"No…doing that can tip our hand to whoever our real enemy is," said Kaname.
"So what do you suggest?" asked Philip.
"We set up a barrier around the school, and then notify whoever would be in charge," said Kaname.
"Wouldn't that be tipping our hand anyway by setting up a barrier?" asked Xelia.
"Not if it was done in advance. People can come and go…however, anything that's…not human could possibly trigger the barrier," said Yuuno.
"If anyone saw what was going outside…it could cause problems," said Philip.
"We're going to have to be discreet. One of the faculty members there happens to have a relative that works in the Commune of Archivists," replied Yuuno.
"What is that exactly?" asked Kaname.
"You already saw the symbol from one of the members. The Commune of Archivists consist of twin towers; two for each of the four factions. One resides the archivist while the other resides the historian and researcher," explained Yuuno. "The one known as Armandis is the archivist in these parts. The other…lies farther north."
"So…you're saying that it takes 3 people to collect and record events as well as guard artifacts?" asked Philip.
"That would be the task yes," he replied.
"And you helped organize it?" asked Xelia.
"I did," said Yuuno. "Why?"
"It's just…we sort of find a bit difficult to believe that one person was able to form such an important work force," answered Philip.
"So…what's the plan?" asked Xelia.
"We place you undercover as a student over at the same school that girl goes to," said Yuuno.
"For what reason?" asked Kaname.
"Besides surveillance…I also happens to attend that school as well...as a fellow classmate," said Yuuno, handing Kaname a folder containing the details regarding the school as well as the classmate he was to keep an eye out for.
Kaname's eyes widened when he saw the young brunette and his hands shook slightly.
"Th-that's…that's impossible," he stuttered.
"What's wrong?" asked Philip.
Kaname looked a bit hesitant, before turning to Xelia.
"I suppose I should fill you guys in a bit on the details," she said. "As Kaname tried to sleep, I noticed something that appeared to be…stirring in his mind."
"Like what? A nightmare?" asked Philip.
"A vision," replied Xelia.
"It seemed hazy at first…but it was clear to me that what Armandis told me might come to pass," added Kaname.
"What would come to pass?" asked Yuuno.
"That…there would be an attack on that school," he replied.
"If that's true…we'll need to be on our guard," said Xelia.
"How long would the barrier last?" asked Philip.
"That depends. Unless I notify the principle and have Kaname explain the situation without causing a mass panic…it could be slightly taxing," answered Yuuno.
"I don't want you to be overexerting yourself to cause that girl some worry," said Kaname.
"Is there any other alternative?" asked Philip.
"Perhaps I could be of assistance?" said a familiar voice.
The four of them turned to the source and found a familiar blonde standing near the entrance to the house, with a device in her hand.
"You! What are you doing here?" asked Kaname.
"Who is this girl?" asked Philip.
"My name's Fate…Fate Testarossa," she replied. "I couldn't help but overhear what you guys were talking about. Also…on top of that…I come with information as well."
"What kind of information?" asked Yuuno.
"This concerns him only," said Fate, looking at Kaname.
"Why me?" he asked.
"It involves a prophecy," said Fate.
"My mother already told me a fragment of it," said Kaname.
"That was to throw you and your comrades…including your mother…off track," said Fate.
"What do you mean?" asked Xelia.
"Oh…a bat Familiar…that's an interesting one," said Fate.
"Not that I'm flattered but…how did you get this information?" asked Xelia.
"I have my methods," said Fate.
"I'm hoping you didn't kill anyone for it," said Kaname.
"Only if I had to in defense," said Fate. "So what was the fragment that your mother told you?"
"Before I answer that…let me ask you this…where did you get the information?" asked Kaname.
"From someone you might have crossed paths with," said Fate. "An archivist…named Armandis."
After Kaname retold the fragment and Fate silently analyzed it, her device then went back into a smaller form, in the palm of her hand.
"Whoever gave it did it deliberately," she said.
"How can you tell?" asked Yuuno.
"Because…he gave me this," said Fate, handing Yuuno an old worn out piece of paper.
As Yuuno unfolded the piece of paper, Xelia stood next to him and immediately recognized the writing. It consisted of curved shapes that had a mix of dashes and dots, with some dots inside of them.
"I know this language," said Xelia.
"What is it?" asked Philip.
"It's the language of Nargonath, an old language of the vampires. There's a small amount that speak it. Not that many left that know it," she explained.
"Can you translate it?" asked Yuuno.
"It's best for me not to speak it while the others are still asleep," she replied.
As the group sat down near the fireplace as Kaname lit it up, Xelia looked on a bit longer at the piece of paper she held in her hand and immediately became troubled.
"What is it?" asked Fate.
"I remember hearing about something in this a long time ago," said Xelia.
"What does it say in the common tongue?" asked Kaname.
Xelia turned and faced the group, but kept her eyes fixed on Kaname as she recited the first segment of the prophecy.
Blind ambition will lead one astray
The bond of four through conflict will fray
Three pillars house his dark presence
Each piece resides his influence
"Sounds like a riddle," said Fate.
"I appreciate you giving the information, however, I must ask…why are you really here?" asked Kaname.
"The girl that I saved over at the bar before the attack…her name is Takamachi Nanoha," she answered.
"She also happens to go to the school that Yuuno and Kaname are being sent to…particularly for undercover reasons," explained Philip.
"If you want in on this, we're going to…" began Kaname but suddenly stopped and looked away briefly as if something was different, and felt slightly disoriented.
"What is it?" asked Xelia.
Kaname's head snapped up for a split second before looking at Fate.
"Your cover's blown," he said. As soon as he whirled around, he could briefly make out three hooded figures that immediately ran after they were spotted. By the time he ran outside, they were gone.
"Who do you think sent them?" asked Philip.
"I'm not sure…but somehow…I've got the strangest feeling this have gotten a bit more…complicated," answered Kaname.