Of Assassins, Samurai, and Magic
A/N: Sorry for the delay everyone. Thanks for your patience words of encouragement. Things should be back to normal now. From now on, I'll be making better use of my profile page. Any updates relating to this story and any other upcoming stories I may have will be found on there. So, the next time a chapter will be delayed, I won't post an Author's Notes chapter in the story. If the story does not update like normal, refer to my profile page for the details.
On a side note, holy cow! Over 100 reviews! D: Thanks so much! I'm glad you're all enjoying the story. ^^
For those of you who have left unsigned reviews, see my replies below:
[nameless reviewer] – Thanks for the comment! It's always nice to hear people are enjoying the story. Sometime in the future, I hope to increase the updates from every two weeks to weekly, but that will be some time yet. For now, know that I will continue to post every two weeks without fail. ^^
3 – Thanks for the review! You're not the only one who pointed out the comparison to Star Wars. Believe it or not, while I have seen those movies, I didn't realize it came out that way until someone else pointed that out. Whoops. Lol. Will Fate gather up the courage to tell Nanoha about her feelings? All I can say is keep reading my friend. XD
kris-tim – Thanks for your patience and understanding. Here's the next chapter for you! :3
I've tried to keep everyone as close as possible to their characters in the anime though I'm sure there will be a few OOC moments.
Disclaimer: The characters and the worlds I write in do not belong to me. The stories that I write are intended for entertainment purposes. I do not make any money from them.
*** ~ Chapter 19: Betrayal of the Heart ~ ***
"Kuso!"
Fate ran through the streets, her sun kissed hair streaming behind her in waves of gold. The sun was high in the sky, the majority of the city folk already out and about, attending to their daily errands. There was not a cloud in sight, and the air itself had a truly refreshing taste to it. But Fate could care less about such things. Because right now she was late.
"Baka Fate! Baka!"
The flaxen haired girl continued her speedy pace towards the ever familiar Midori-ya Café. Fate and Lindy had stayed up well into the night, discussing a variety of topics including, much to Fate's horror, her love life. Fate quickly learned of her adopted mother's sadistic side. The teal haired woman was relentless in her teasings about Fate's relationship with Nanoha. And as much as she tried to explain to her adopted mother that she and Nanoha were just friends, Lindy was persistent in her belief that that was not the case. Lindy adamantly insisted both of them had feelings for each other and it was only a matter of time before they connected. Lindy preferred for it to happen sooner rather than later.
Fate would not lie. Deep down, there was the desire to one day go beyond the boundary of friendship, to become something more than just friends. Maybe it would happen one day. Fate and Nanoha were practically inseparable already, and they were just friends. But today would not be that day, despite her adopted mother's shameless prodding, no matter how fast the eldest Harlaown wanted things to speed up.
"Ah Fate-san. Good morning."
Fate looked up at the sound of her name, catching sight of Largo Kiel and his wife Midget Crowbel a few steps ahead of her. They were a few of Midori-ya's most frequent customers, despite being nearly one hundred years old each. They were also one of the few couples who decided to keep their own names after marriage, something not too common for their era.
"Good morning Kiel-san, Crowbel-san." Fate gave the elderly couple a bow as she rushed past them but didn't slow her pace. "It's good to see the both of you!"
The older couple merely smiled, waving at Fate's retreating back. "She's such a wonderful child," Midget said.
"That she is my dear," Largo said, watching as Fate disappeared around the next corner.
Fate pushed herself to run faster, the Midori-ya slowly coming into view up ahead.
"Running late again Fate-san?"
A blur of brown suddenly appeared in front of Fate, causing her to stumble momentarily in surprise to avoid a collision. Fate hadn't even seen the person until after they sprung from the nearest alleyway, darting in front of her.
Lotte laughed, continuing her mad dash past Fate in the opposite direction. The brunette was one of the local messengers, often delivering packages of various sizes to the merchants all over the middle district. On occasion, she was known to deliver a few meals on behalf of the Midori-ya, free of charge, in exchange for snacking on Nanoha's famous pastries. It was always hard for Fate to tell the difference between her and her twin sister Aria. They were practically identical after all. The twins usually hung around Chrono, running messages back and forth for her brother on a daily basis.
"I'm not that late!" Fate huffed, cursing herself inwardly for staying up so late last night. She was supposed to meet Nanoha first thing this morning, yet it was close to lunch time at this point.
"Nanoha-san's waitin' for ya!" Lotte grinned at Fate, making her wonder if she had indeed mixed her up with Aria.
Burgundy eyes widened in surprise the moment they locked onto the package in Lotte's hand, a box that looked strikingly similar to the Midori-ya's take out boxes. But before Fate could say anything, the messenger disappeared around the corner and out of sight. Fate shook her head, pushing that thought out of her mind. There was no way Lotte was making a delivery for the Midori-ya. The Café had been closed since-
Fate skidded to a halt. "What in the…"
"Tea! The table in the back just opened up!" Subaru darted between tables with a stack of dirty dishes in her hands. The ceramics clattered noisily in her arms, something that couldn't be helped as she was rushing them to the kitchen to get a new batch for the next set of customers. Noisy as it may be, as long as she didn't drop any of them-
"Wah! Look out!"
CRASH!
Wine coloured eyes went wide as Subaru, arms filled with dishes, barrelled straight into Fate. The blonde had just squeezed her way past the line up already snaking out of the door of the Café, only to rush directly into the path of the navy haired server.
Subaru reluctantly opened her eyes, mentally noting that she was still upright. Her eyes quickly glanced down, relief loosening her tense muscles when she found all the dishes she held were still within her grasp and unbroken. Subaru looked up.
"Fate-san!" Subaru moved to hug the blonde, but quickly stopped as she remembered the dishes in her hand. "I didn't think you were working today."
"I'm… not," Fate said hesitantly. "At least…" Fate looked around at the packed Café. "Subaru, why is Midori-ya open?"
Navy eyebrows rose in confusion. "What do you mean why is it open?" Subaru blinked. "I thought you knew…"
Fate shook her head. "I didn't."
Subaru frowned. Both of them looked at the doorway to the kitchen.
"Subaru! I could use some help here!"
The navy haired server flinched. "Gotta run!" Subaru said before dashing off into the kitchen for some fresh dishes.
Fate took a look around the cafe one more time before reluctantly making her way into the back as well. Upon entering the kitchen, Fate found her breath taken away. There, in front of the oven, was Nanoha in all her cooking glory. A white apron covered her clothes, her brown locks of hair tied back with a white bandana. A layer of sweat ran down Nanoha's flushed cheeks, the brunette's face twisted in deep concentration as she opened the oven and pulled out a tray of freshly baked goodies. The smell of the fresh pastries made Fate's mouth water. A flush of their own also rose to Fate's cheeks. Kami-sama…Nanoha is so-
Fate shook her head, forcing those thoughts aside. "Nanoha."
Nanoha startled, jerking around to face Fate almost dropping her tray of steaming hot desserts. "F-F-Fate-chan!" she exclaimed, her heart pounding loudly in her chest. "You scared me!"
Fate quickly closed the distance between them, snatching the extra pair of oven mitts from the counter along the way. She soundlessly relieved Nanoha of her steaming burden and set the tray down safely on the counter before the brunette actually dropped it.
"Are you alright? I was expecting you sooner?"
Fate smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of her head. "I'm alright. I just… slept in…"
Nanoha giggled. Fate was just adorable when she was embarrassed. "Well I'm glad everything is alright then." Nanoha reached for the unbaked set of pastries waiting nearby to be put into the oven. "Do me a favor Fate-chan and-"
"Nanoha."
Violet eyes looked into burgundy ones. "Hmm?"
Fate pursed her lips. "Why is Midori-ya open?"
Nanoha tilted her head to the side and blinked at her. It was one of the cute things the brunette did often. "What do you mean Fate-chan? Why wouldn't it be open?"
Fate frowned, not fooled by Nanoha's innocent appearance in the least bit. "Nanoha, you know what I mean."
Nanoha swallowed, her innocent façade faltering momentarily. Fate knew her all too well. That was both a blessing and curse. She could never lie to Fate.
Fate's brows furled even further when Nanoha remained quiet. She didn't like that one bit. "Nano-"
"Nanoha-san, are those orders re-" Tea froze in the doorway of the kitchen. "Am I… interrupting something?" The redhead looked hesitantly between Fate and Nanoha.
"I-Ile!" Nanoha quickly said. "Fate-chan was just about to get them ready for you. Weren't you Fate-chan?"
The façade of innocence returned, much to Fate's dismay. Gritting her teeth, she turned to face Teana with a fake smile. "Hai! Just give me a few more seconds Teana-san and you can take them."
The blonde turned her attention to the freshly baked pastries Nanoha had pulled from the oven. All of them she recognized, only requiring a simple touch here and there before they were presentable and edible. Rolling up her sleeves, Fate got to work on the counter closest to the door, with her back facing the brunette. If that's how Nanoha wanted to play it, she would follow along. For now. But only until things quieted down. Then Nanoha would have to explain the reasons behind all of this.
"Nanoha."
The said brunette cringed at the sound of her name. It had been hours since Fate came in, the mid day rush finally satiated and well on their way for the rest of the day. It was now mid afternoon, still too early before the evening rush made their way through the doors to the Midori-ya Café. Throughout those gruelling few hours, both girls wore fake smiles and danced around each other with false camaraderie. Each of them silently thought of what they would say when this moment came. But Nanoha had still yet to find her words.
"Nanoha" Fate repeated, resting a hand on her friend's shoulder. Fate frowned when she felt Nanoha flinch at the touch. "Talk to me. Please?"
Nanoha reluctantly set down the clean dish she was drying and turned to face the blonde. "What did you want to talk about Fate-chan?" She feigned ignorance.
Fate made a fist with her free hand. "Why is the Midori-ya open?"
"Nyahaha, that's a silly question Fate-chan." Nanoha shook her head smiling, but the smile did not reach her eyes. "How else will Nii-san's Kusushi's bills be paid? Silvers don't appear out of thin air and neither does the food we eat."
Fate's fist clenched tighter. "What about the Empress' proposal? We had so much fun yesterday and the Empress-"
"I'm not taking it."
Fate blinked. "What?"
Nanoha chewed on her lip, looking away from Fate. "I said I'm not taking it Fate-chan. I've already turned her down. Aria delivered my message to the palace earlier."
"W-what? Why?" Fate could not hide the shock on her face. Nor in her voice.
"This is where I belong Fate-chan" Nanoha said sadly. "My place is here."
Fate fought for words. "What… do you mean? Nanoha, if you become the Empress' Shefu, you wouldn't have to worry about Kusushi bills anymore. Or working so hard for so little pay-"
"Fate-chan." Nanoha cut Fate off with the shake of her head.
The blonde looked at Nanoha in confusion. "I don't understand Nanoha. I just… please explain this to me."
Nanoha gritted her teeth. Fate looked so confused, hurt and betrayed. The beginnings of tears formed in the corners of Nanoha's eyes, a lump forming in her throat. But Nanoha would not break down here. She had to be strong. For Kyouya. For Miyuki.
"Is this what you truly want?"
"It doesn't matter what I want," Nanoha replied, a heart breaking smile forming on her lips. "I am needed here. Nii-san-"
"Did Kyouya-san say something to you?" Fate grabbed Nanoha's wrist, holding it tightly.
Nanoha swallowed nervously. She hadn't even seen when the blonde grabbed her wrist, only feeling it when she was pulled closer to Fate.
"Did he-"
"Fate-cha-"
"He said something. Didn't he?" Fate was livid. This was clearly not what Nanoha wanted. Fate could tell. She could see it in Nanoha's eyes. Misery. She didn't want to be here. Doing this. Which meant Kyouya must have said something. He must have.
"Fate-ch-"
"What did he say Nanoha?"
Fate didn't know the older Takamachi too well. Usually when Fate came over to meet with Nanoha, he'd be at the Takamachi dojo training students. And of the times she did see him when visiting the Café, all they ever shared were casual greetings and a few awkward smiles. Fate was still rather shy, and felt uncomfortable around those she didn't know so well. But to think that he would hold Nanoha here against her will, that was just-
"Fate-chan, he didn't-"
"Did he hit you?"
"What? Ile! Fate-chan, please just listen-"
"Nanoha, if he hurt you-"
"Fate-chan, that hurts."
"What did he say to you Nanoha? Tell me!"
"Fate-ch-"
"Stop protecting him!"
SLAP!
Fate stumbled back a few steps, a hand on her reddening cheek. Wine coloured eyes were wide in disbelief. Nanoha clutched her reddening palm to her chest, her head bowed and tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Na…noha…?"
"This is where I belong Fate" Nanoha said with a shaky voice. "I don't know how to convince you of that, but it's true. Nii-san didn't have to tell me that. I already knew." Nanoha shuddered, doing her best to suppress a sob.
"Nanoha…" Fate took a step forward.
"Ile Fate!" Nanoha took a step backwards. "Ile…" she shook her head. "I don't belong there. I don't deserve to be Shefu. Why do I get to be happy when everyone else is not?"
What? Fate was flabbergasted. This was not what she was expecting.
"My memories are here Fate-chan. My family is here. I grew up here." Tearful violet eyes looked up. "This is where I belong. This is all I have left now that Okaa-san and Otou-san are gone. The dojo is gone. Nii-san and Nee-san…" Nanoha sobbed, a hand covering her eyes in the feeble attempt to stop the tears from falling. "This is where I belong. I can't just leave it all."
"I'm so sorry Nanoha." Fate wrapped her arms around Nanoha tightly, allowing the brunette to cry into her shoulder. "I'm sorry."
Tears escaped from Fate's eyes, the blonde biting her lip to stop herself from sobbing too. "I'm so sorry."
Subaru made a fist. Her entire body shook with a rage that burned deep inside. Green eyes shut tightly as she gritted her teeth. Subaru had been on her way to the kitchen to get some clean dishes, only stopping just out of sight near the door at the sound of Fate and Nanoha's voices. She had half a mind to just rush in and rush out, but then the conversation started going downhill and the navy server couldn't but stand frozen listening to it.
Subaru was so angry! How could Nanoha blame herself for everything like that? It wasn't her fault! A tear rolled down Subaru's cheek. She jumped when she felt something brush her tear away. Green eyes snapped open to find a tearful looking Teana standing next to her. Her fellow server offered her a sad smile, Teana wrapping an arm around her shoulders before looking back to the kitchen door.
Subaru's fist clenched tighter. Nanoha would never get the retribution for the deaths of her parents and the wrongs done to her brother and sister. Not with how things were going now. The City Guard and Samurais simply couldn't keep up. There were just too many petty criminals out there getting their grubby hands on Spirit Seeds. If only there was a way!
Subaru blinked.
A way to help…
Subaru's gaze moved to the kitchen door once again. Yes, there was a way to help. It was risky, but well worth it if it meant no one else like Nanoha would get hurt again. And by the gods, Subaru vowed that Nanoha would never get hurt again. Not while she was around!
A/N: Phew, this was a tough chapter to write. I was getting all teary eyed writing the conversation between Fate and Nanoha at the end, my own heart aching painfully. Wow.
For those of you unfamiliar with the non-English words, I have translated them below.
Kuso = Damnit
Baka = Idiot
Ile = No
Hai = Yes
Otou-san = Father
Kaa-san/Okaa-san = Mother
Nii-san/Onii-san = Big Brother
Nee-san/Onee-san = Big Sister
Kusushi = Doctor
Shefu = Chef
For an explanation of Japanese honorifics (eg. [name]-sama), please check out: http:/en[dot]wikipedia[dot]org/wiki/Japanese_honorifics