Author's Note: I really didn't intend for this to take so long. Got a little stuck, since I'm writing all this from the top of my head, but I pulled through. With this, I can really start moving. Please enjoy.

The Red Strings Encompassing Fate's Flower

Keiko Yanagiri

Chapter 2: Under The Crescent Moon

"Yo Fate-chan!" Hayate gave me a warm greeting when I opened the door and saw her disgustingly happy face. Even in the morning she was energetic; I envied her enthusiasm.

"Good Morning." I said, and let her in. We sat down and had breakfast together, with Mother humming as she set food on our plates.

From across the table, Hayate grinned, and I knew what was coming.

"So, ready for health exams, Fate-chan~?" I knew it.

"Just so you know, I'm not telling you a thing when its over." I knew that wouldn't make a difference, since one of her guardians was the school nurse; she would just squeeze the information out later anyway.

In the end I skipped on half of my breakfast, feeling uncomfortable under my best friend's watchful eyes.

The path to school was plain as usual, and it was also hot, even though it was still early in the morning. I hated days like this, but it couldn't be helped since I was a high schooler now.

"So Fate-chan, did you think about what I told you last night?"

"Yeah, and the answer is still no."

My sister Alicia was coming home from college in a few days, and Hayate wanted me to introduce them properly since she had a huge crush on the woman. They met once, and it was a insignificant encounter, but apparently Hayate was taken with her beauty, forgetting that despite being born in different years, I looked just like her.

"Its not the same," She told me, "Unlike you, your sister is mature."

"Whatever you say." And that was that. She pouted and I ignored it, instead deciding to worry about the impending doom that was health exams.

It was worse than I thought. I gained 10 pounds since last time, and I didn't grow any taller. To make it more dreadful, none of that fat went into my breasts, so there was nothing to feel good about. Regardless, Shamal patted me on the back, and promised not to tell Hayate, even though she would.

Sure even, when I was leaving, I saw Hayate and she saw me, smiling widely when she saw my downcast expression. I just quickly got out of there, wallowing all the way to my homeroom.

"Welcome home." Mother greeted me.

"I'm home." I said back, though I was tired. I just marched up to my room and fell flat on my bed, closing my eyes. It was so exhausting sometimes being around Hayate. But whatever the reason I enjoyed it, so despite her constant teasing, I was friends with her.

Somehow I lost track of time. I slipped in and out of consciousness. When I finally got a good grip again, hours had passed and night had fallen.

Dinner was ready but I declined for now. Rather than that, I decided to take an evening stroll first to work up an appetite. The fresh air was just was I needed, and the night brought down the temperature to tolerable levels.

The moon in the sky smiled down on me while I walked the streets, enjoying the quiet of the empty community. I probably should have been worried about strange people or criminals that could jump out at any time, but instead I skipped along, savoring these moments.

I passed by the nearby park, and nearly kept going, except I stopped and froze in place. A girl – the girl I knocked down before – was sitting on one of the swings, looking up at the moon. Even now she was pretty – actually, she probably looked even more beautiful than before, like a doll.

Captivated again, I stepped out into the park. She noticed, and her eyes blinked with a hint of surprise before becoming calm, a smile forming on her face.

"You know, its dangerous to be out at night by yourself." So I said, though I was one to talk.

"My house is right there, so its fine." She responded, pointing at one of the nearby homes.

I was nervous, but I saw on the swing beside her. At first the girl was quiet, but then she looked up again, and then to me.

"The moon is really pretty, I couldn't help myself, since I don't get out often." She flinched, and her face twisted with regret. "Do you live around here too?"

"Yes, I'm pretty close by." Our conversation thus far didn't seem to interesting, and yet, the girl continued to smile, as though she was truly enjoying it.

"I'm Nanoha by the way."

"Eh?" It was sudden, her name, so I was surprised.

"Nanoha Takamachi. This is the second time we've met, so I think its fine to introduce ourselves." Her eyes glowed brightly, staring into mine.

"I'm Fate Testarossa."

"Fate-chan . . . ." She twisted the words in her mouth, playing with them. "I like it, its kind of cool." She laughed and my face flushed bright red.

Nanoha rose from the swing to her feet, stretching.

"It was nice to meet you Fate-chan, but I have to go home now or everyone will worry. I sneaked out after all." She gave me a wave, and a feeling on unrest like none I've felt before washed over me.

"Nanoha." She stopped, looking at me with question. Even I didn't know really what to say, but I kind of knew what I wanted. "Would it . . . be all right to meet again?" Besides Hayate, I didn't have any other friends, so now was my chance, my only chance.

Nanoha seemed to be pleased, maybe even . . . happy if I had to guess.

"I love to. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?" She didn't specify a time or place, but somehow I knew as she was walking away, that she meant this place, and this time. I nodded, even though she couldn't see it.

And when she was gone, I looked up at the moon, admiring its beauty like she'd done before I arrived. A feeling of warmth flowed through me, and into my heart.

"Nanoha . . . ."