A/N: Hey Guys, long time no update huh? How long has it been since I last updated, a year? I am really sorry. I have to admit, I don't exactly have a good reason for my absence other than being lazy and school occupying my time, not to mention the number of games and fanfics and books I've read during my absence tehe~ *dodges tomato*.

But hey, I finally updated right? I promise you all, I will finish this story, it just takes time for my muse to encourage me to write. Damned muse of mine left me, but at least I manage to re-create the plot after my hard-drive deleted my folder containing all the stories and chapters I've written while my muse was away on a vacation. OTL.

Seriously, I promise to finish this, and my other story, since I have another NanoFate story to write. One I'm super excited to write about.

Now then, hope you enjoy this chap. I apologize for any mistakes errors, I sort of rushed on this and took little time to edit. If anyone is willing to volunteer as a proofreader to this story, please PM me.

Also A big warning. This story contains a high amount of blasphemy, violence, (possibly sex), and other M-rated stuff, so before you smack me and flame me for the horrendous amount of blasphemy, don't say I didn't warn you. Turn around now if you are sensitive to religious things. There's a reason behind why I picked this topic beyond everything else. The topic screams good forbidden love.

Disclaimer: I do not own MGLN... but I can dream right? *w*


-Chapter 2-

Sitting high above the pedestal of the throne room, the King gazed upon a kneeling blonde knight with apathetic eyes. Leaning on one side of his rosewood throne chair and right arm propped on an armrest and having his chin resting on a loosely clenched hand, he rested his right ankle on his left knee and chuckled at the frozen knight whose aura seem to radiate with annoyance.

'Defiant as ever, I see'

The King shifted and drummed his right fingers on the arm rest.

"Do you know why you have been summoned, Captain Harlaown?" The King's deep voice held amusement in it, but retain the seriousness of the situation.

"No, my Lord…" Fate answered. Her head tilted low enough that the King couldn't see her expression.

"I see." The King suddenly stood up and sauntered down the stairs. He circled Fate with his hands clasped behind his back, observing her with a small grin on his face.

"I have received testaments from the other captains who saw your transgression by allowing the enemies escape… do you have anything to say to defend your actions?"

Fate clenched her jaws and balled her fists tightly against her chest. She willed her breathing to stay normal and counted to three before replying to her lord.

"They were civilians, my Lord. Unarmed and helpless women, children, and the elderly. Is it not our creed as Royal Guards to show mercy towards the unarmed and protect the weak?"

The King let a low 'hmm' as if pondering the words of his young knight. He continued on his prowls around the blond, watching the knight with interest and wonder how strong the blonde's will is. He could bend it easily, like all the Knights that swore loyalty to him, but he knew that he couldn't afford losing his favorite knight knowing that the blonde would rather die first than submit to him in absolute obedience.

'All I have to do is have faith in her… like father' The King gazed up, hiding his annoyance from anyone who could see his face and mentally growled, '… tch, I can do more…'

He turned around quickly, trying to dispel his jealousy, and went back to his throne.

"Weak…. Did I not made it clear to take no prisoners and leave none alive? Did I not made it clear to rid even those who flee?"

Fate remained silent, seething in anger. She could just blurt out her opinions, how the villagers they massacred were just ordinary people who were unfortunately targeted for no reason other than cleansing the land from evil, but she was a soldier. An knight. Although her opinions would matter if she was a civilian, the King was known to be blind over a minor soldier's opinions other than his advisors. Unfortunately, although she may have been knighted by the King, she was still a second-rate in his eyes.

But before she could submit and apologize to her lord, the King accused the blonde, "Because of your actions, those sinners are free to start their plague."

'Sinners…' Fate growled and glared at the King, "Sinners…. are we not the sinners… are you not one?"

The King scowled and rose up from his seat. He unsheathes his sword from his scabbard on his left waist and pointed the blade towards the knight's throat.

"Know your place… Captain… you are speaking to your King…"

The knight ignored the threat and defiantly glares at the King with her burgundy eyes that seem to blaze with anger.

"We massacred a village all for the sake of your twisted belief…" Fate chuckled and stood up from her spot, the tip of the sword still kissing her neck drawing out small prickles of pain and blood.

"Forgive my transgression, but after that battle, my belief in God vanished. All I know now is a greedy King with a lust for blood."

The King let out a feral growl and smack the hilt of his sword against the side of Fate's head. He watched with satisfaction as the knight fell to her side, her temple bleeding from the blunt attack.

"How dare you speak such blasphemy, you heathen!" The King grasps his sword tightly and raise it up above Fate'shead. His angry red eyes boring through the knight's fiery burgundy ones.

"I would have you killed for your crimes." The King growled but deep within his mind he wondered why the knight didn't unsheathe her own sword and retaliate. He studied her eyes, noting submission within her angry orbs, and growled. He brought his sword down and sheathes it, "But… I have another use for your skill. I will ignore this heinous event, once you succeed your mission."

"What makes you think that after today, I would obey you?" Fate scoffed and crossed her arms, finally shredding her fake loyalty to the King she never saw as her lord. Since the day she first met the King, who knighted her and intiated her into the Order, she couldn't help but shudder in apprehension, anger, and fear. It wasn't because the King had the same shade of blonde hair as her, or that he had eyes of almost the same hue as her own burgundy ones, but the aura she saw for a split second nearly overwhelmed her senses and almost causes her to faint. It was something about the aura that was both familiar and powerful, something that she noted would nearly take over her senses and she would suddenly submit to him. If it weren't for her strong will, she would have submitted to the King in absolute obedience.

"Because if you don't, I'll have your family pay for your crimes instead."

Fate froze and stared at the King in shock. She then growled and curses the King before kneeling down once again in a show of obedience. The King smirked at this and tapped his fingers against his arm rest.

"Because of your actions, the heathens you spared have gathered at the southern border-town of Belnuv. They are gathering arms in rebellion as we speak, and the head of this gathering is a little girl."

The King threw a thick folder towards Fate, its contents flying from the folder and scattering around the floor. Fate tore her eyes from the floor and glared at the nearest paper in front of her. Her blood turned cold at what she saw. It was a picture of a little girl no more than the age of nine. She had dirty blonde hair with red and green eyes. Her pale cherub face had an eerie smile as she addressed towards the crowd that gathered below the make-shift platform were she stood. Fate brought a shaky hand towards her mouth as her stomach lurched.

'That little girl…'

"H-how?" Fate whispered, feeling her voice shake with shock and fear.

The King had a stoic face as he watches the knight grab the picture with shaking hands and gape at it with mortified eyes. It was as if the knight was looking at a ghost.

"Do you now understand why I had you massacre that village, Fate?"

Fate slowly brought her head up to stare at the King when he addressed her in her given name and shook her head, her face remain deadly pale. She was in denial. That girl in the picture couldn't possibly be her. After all…

"I had our army kill those heathens…. Because they want to renew the Plague… That girl you see, is the key to starting another Holy War."

Fate gazed at the picture in her hands once again and whispered, "… I killed her."

She remembered it clearly, like flashes of the event replaying before her eyes as she continues to stare at the picture in her hands. The little girl's body in her arms, limp and cold, as she drove her knife towards the little girl's chest and pierces her small heart. The little girl had a smile so genuine and content, it was as if she was at peace with herself. Fate stares at the picture of the same girl who held a ghostly smile on her face,

"And those heathens you spared resurrected her through dark means…" The King accused.

Fate shook her head and sobbed.

"Now Fate, I will ask you this. Will you repent and accept this mission?"

Fate laughed through her sobs and glared at the King, "Like I have any choice in the matter…"

She gave the picture one long look and nodded, "If it is to save this child… I will do what you wish…"

The King gave Fate one genuine smile before looking at her with indifference.

"Gather five of your best men at the barracks. You will be briefed by a very good friend of mine… one who I consider my brother. I already told him what to do. Good luck Fate" The King stood up and walked towards a hidden door behind the curtains at the corner of the room. The King opens the door and stop. He turns his head to look at the solemn knight who was gathering all the pictures on the floor.

"… And be safe." The King disappeared behind the door, leaving a surprised Fate behind.


Shiro Takamachi laughs along with his long time friends in the tavern right beside the barracks as he entertains a small group of soldiers clad in little bits of armor. Soldiers around the tavern watch in mild bewilderment as the revered knight made silly gestures and faces as he told his story.

"… and then before I knew it, my cute daughter had this pout on her face and lowered her head. I thought she was going to cry, so I came to her to apologize, but that sensitive daughter of mine suddenly plastered a grin so similar to my lovely wife that before I knew it, I was on the floor with cream all over my face. If I had paid any attention, I would have noticed her hand next to a cream pie. That conniving daughter of mine wasn't done and offered to help me up, only to let go of my hand and watch me fall to a disgraceful path towards another cream pie. I don't know how she manages to sneak one behind me, but I ended up with a behind full of cream pie."

The soldiers around the table all guffawed, one large burly man pounding on the table as he desperately tried to contain his laughter.

"Your daughter would make a fine addition to the Order, Shiro. It would really make the dull knights lively." A woman commented as she giggled and wipe a tear from her eyes.

"Ha! That's the last thing I want her to do. I don't want her to end up like Captain Harlaown." Shiro scoffed.

As if on cue, the doors to the tavern opened revealing a blonde haired woman clad in standard uniform of the Royal Guards. Knights who noticed gave a quick greeting to the Knight Captain as she nodded at them and walk towards the bar where the bartender tipped his head low in greeting.

"Ah! Cap'n Harlaown, long time no see! I jus' hada new shipment of ale from the Alps. I call it the 'Grizzly Bear'." The Bartender whisks a clean mug from under the bar and quickly filled it with dark ale. He handed it to the knight, who had a small but amused smile on her usually grinning face whenever she steps foot in the tavern. "Somethin' in yer mind, Cap'n?"

The blonde shook her head and accepts the mug. She took a small sip and put it down, causing the bartender look at her with one cocked eyebrow at the uncharacteristic way she was drinking. Usually she would take three massive gulps of any ale before giving the bartender a smirk. "Somethin's in yer mind, ja…"

Fate laughed and waves her hand in dismissal, "I just got a new mission. I've been told at the barracks that Lord Shiro Takamachi is here. Could you point me to him? I kind of don't have time to spend around looking for one knight in this crowded place." Fate cocked her to the right, pointing out the incredible amount of merry knights in armor around the tavern.

"Yer just bein' lazy. Fer a famous knight known fer yer speed, power, and brains, ye sure're blind." The Bartender jerked his head upwards while looking straight ahead. Fate turns around and nearly face palmed. How she didn't notice was beyond her. At the very corner of the tavern, along the walls of the entrance, was a table occupied by six knights. One of the knights was a man adorned in decorated silver armor and a cape bearing the Royal Guards crest. He was standing and waving his hands around, obviously telling a story. Fate thanked the bartender and quickly finished the ale before walking towards the group.

Shiro had a supposedly somber look on his face as he told the worst part of his married life to the listening knights when he noticed Fate walking towards him. He stood straight and open his arms wide in acceptance as he flash a bright smile at the suddenly nervous blonde.

"Knight Captain Fate T. Harlaown." Shiro announced each word slowly as he rounded the table and walk towards the blonde with open arms. The blonde in return, gave the man a nervous grin and immediately saluted at the retired knight. Shiro had none of it and immediately took the Blonde into his arms in a bear hug.

"Oh how much you've grown since I last saw you!" He studied the blonde in his arms up and down and ruffles her hair, "You were just a little lieutenant back then, too young to be one. Always so cute running around dragging that long sword of your lazy brother." Shiro laughs and released the stunned blonde, guiding her towards his fellow knights.

"Everyone, I'm sure you know Fate Harlaown, a Knight Captain of the Royal Guards?"

The knights in the table nodded and roared their greeting, surprising the blonde even further.

The only female of the group smiled at the bewildered blonde and chuckled, "Ignore them, they're men."

Fate chuckled with the woman and turn to face Shiro with a frown, "It's an honor to meet you, Lord Shiro Takamachi. Your contribution to the Order has always been revered to in my generation."

Shiro laughed and patted Fate's back hard, "Don't be like that! We've met once before!"

Fate winced at the hard pat and gave Shiro a confused look, "I think you're mistaken, my Lord. This is the first time I've met you."

Shiro stood straight and stared at the blonde, "So you don't remember my youngest daughter?"

Fate shook her head, "No, my Lord. I don't recall ever meeting any of your family…"

The retired knight continued to stare at the blonde, noting the genuine truth in her eyes.

'She clearly does not remember, Nanoha. What happened?'

The retired knight studied the blonde, wondering what happened that made the blonde lose that precious memory that his daughter and this knight shared. It may have been two years since they met, not too long to forget something memorable. The knight was only 13 and Lindy had taken the young then-Knight Lieutenant to the Takamachi household to visit Lindy's former mentor, the retired Grand Knight of the Royal Guards. Fate was a shy girl back then, but very determined and devoted at what she does. He was rather surprised that a mere 13 year-old would exhaust his oldest son in a single spar until the young blonde lost. She was fast, he noted, and very intelligent able to change tactics and make decisions quickly in the middle of a fight. She would have changed that day from a rest day, as it's suppose to be, into another lesson had it not been for his youngest daughter who came to the blonde with a mighty hug, surprising the blonde tremendously. After that, the two became inseparable that when it came the time to leave, the blonde nearly acted her age by nearly throwing a small tantrum.

Fate shifted in her spot when the intense glare Shiro directed at her later morphed into a silly grin and cleared her throat.

"My Lord, shall we take our leave?"

This broke Shiro from his memories and blinked at Fate in confusion, but then realize why he was back in the tavern, one that is made specifically for the knights in the castle, and why he was once again in his armor and with the knights in the table. He nodded and then grinned at the blonde knight who shifted uncomfortable in her spot.

"Impatient… just like your brother." Shiro laughs at the small blush and appalled face of the blonde Captain and turn around to face his knights.

"It's time, ladies!" The knights roared and followed Shiro and Fate out from the Tavern and towards the barracks. The knights hand-picked by Fate shortly followed the group when they saw their captain motion for them to follow. Shiro nodded towards the knights who noticed the famous grand master and lead everyone to the briefing room.

The knights quickly occupied the empty seats near the platform and watched as Shiro grab a piece of chalk and drew on the black board. With a final tap on the board, he turns around and slaps his hands on the desk where the folder of the mission lay.

"Alright ladies, the King has tasked us a classified mission. No one in this room shall tell a soul about what we are about to do. Not your mother, your lover, your kids… not even a whore or a plant." This brought a small set of laughter around the room, but when Shiro slap his armored hand on the desk again, the laughter died quickly.

"As knights, you are bound by your loyalty and obedience towards the King and God, therefore if anyone tells a soul, I will personally end your life. Understood?"

"Yes, sir!"

"Good! Our task is to eliminate a group of rebels who are controlled by a witch." Shiro taped a picture of the little girl that haunted Fate's dreams on the board. Fate clenched her fists and jaws, willing herself to not tear her eyes from the picture.

"Just like before, don't be fooled by the witch's charms. We've dealt with this before and we all know the consequences of allowing ourselves to be charmed." Shiro eyed a beard man who glared rebelliously at the retired grand master. The retired knight then shifted his eyes to a pair of confused burgundy eyes.

"Well… some of us, at least. I'm sure you are all aware of 'The Plague' which became widely known 11 years ago?" The confused knights in the room nodded and Shiro continued, "You'll be surprised at how much 'The Plague' plays a key role to their goals". Shiro tapped his finger on the little girl's picture on the board and lock eyes with Fate, who look down in shame, knowing well the reason why Shiro gazed at her. He wasn't accusing her like the King, but she knew the retired man held the same views as the King about the massacre.

Shiro then pointed at his drawing of what looks to be the county map.

"We will gather at the rally point located at the southern walls tomorrow at dawn. From there, we will take the road leading to Fort Crox located south from here."

He traced his pointed finger from the location of the capital and along the measly drawn trail until it stops on a dot south of the capital.

"It will take us a full day to reach the town if we don't pull stops. We will pull stops only when it is necessary. We will continue on and complete this mission as quickly as possible. Time is against us."

The knights nodded and Shiro tapped on the dot, "In Crox, we will rendezvous with the informant who provided us the information about the witch and the heathens. We will take him with us since he is the only informant alive who can lead us to the location of witch, so his safety is also our utmost priority."

"What happened to the rest of the informants?" Fate couldn't help but ask, although she had a hunch on what happened to them.

"Gutted and devoured." Shiro growled and clenched his fists. Fate swallowed and closed her eyes, feeling sick to her stomach. She could hardly believe that the people she spared – those helpless children who cried in fear, and mothers who clung to their babies as they beg for mercy – would do something so revoltingly atrocious.

"The informant was scarred enough that he would scream at anyone who showed a tiny bit of genuine concern towards him. We had no choice but to put him in the most secluded but safest place nearby. Fort Crox is obviously it, since its location is also near where the witch and her heathens are."

Shiro turned back to the board and pointed at Crox, then tracing his finger along the trail until it reaches another dot.

"We will resupply at Crox and travel South-East towards the border-town of Belnuv, which will take us two days to arrive."

The retired knight tapped on the dot and turn to face the knights gathered in the briefing room.

"From there, we will have the informant lead us to a camp where the heathens are taking refuge. Remember, Belnuv is a border-town neighboring the Kingdom of Mid-Childa. There's a possibility that we may have renegades and criminals there, so take any opportunities you have to capture them if you see any. Since this mission is highly classified, the king has taken us from our retirement to make sure that we end the heathens as quickly as possible before they succeed in their goal to expand The Plague. He has put all his trust in us."

Shiro nodded towards Fate, "So we have gathered the most experienced and skilled knights in this room. Get to know each other, ladies, because we'll be each other's family during this mission."

The knights nodded and glance at each other in curiosity. Fate noted how her unit felt subdued in the presence of Shiro's men, and hope her unit will learn a valuable lesson from the veterans.

"Tomorrow at dawn, we will meet at the rally point in the southern gate. Use this time to spend with your families. Who knows what this week will bring to us, especially when it involves The Plague. Dismissed and enjoy the rest of the day to the fullest."

Everyone stood up and saluted to the retired Grand Master before taking their leave. Fate waited for everyone to file out before following their lead when a hand stopped her in her tracks. She turn to see Shiro smiling down at her.

"Fate, I would like to invite you to dinner with my family."

Fate was about to reject the offer, but the sudden increase in Shiro's smile sent a shiver down her spine. She had a feeling that if she was to reject the offer, it would end with her being forced to have dinner with his family. Having no choice in the matter, Fate mentally sighed and accepted his offer.


Fate stood in front of the door of the Takamachi residence, fumbling with the belt around her waist that secured her vest. After Shiro gave her the address to his home and made her promise to be early for dinner, she had immediately gone to her apartment and rummage through her closet for a suitable attire. She would have gone in her standard uniform, but then it would seem inappropriate for dinner. She thought about wearing her old dresses, but realized her dresses wouldn't fit her anymore. When she was finally promoted from being a Paige to being a Squire to her own brother at age 9, she practically quit wearing anything remotely feminine and opted for the usual pants and shirt since they were more comfortable for training. Sighing in defeat, she dug through her closet and finally found what she deemed suitable for dinner.

Now Standing in front of the entrance in a dark navy blue padded full sleeved shirt with the collar propped up, gold lace secured the opening on the upper chest area, and decorative stitching on the sleeves. A black leather vest secured her upper body, and a dark grey belt with gold-pleated buckle around her waist kept her upper attire in place. Dark navy blue pants tucked under a pair of black leather boots covered her legs, completed her attire. Fate shifted from one foot to another, and contemplated knocking on the door or running back to her apartment to find a better attire. She was early, as promised. The sun was beginning to set, but it was still way too early for dinner or even remotely close to dinner time, she had enough time to run back and change clothes.

Fate took a deep breath and exhaled before picking up the bouquet of white lilies one the floor, which she planned to give to the matriarch as a sign of good grace and gratitude. Feeling confident enough that she won't trip on air and fall, she knock on the door and waited for whoever is going to greet her.

A few seconds later, she heard a melodious voice coming from the other side of the door.

"Coming~"

The wooden barrier clicked and the knob turned, opening the door from the inside revealing a beautiful woman with long auburn hair and vibrant lavender eyes. Her eyes seem to shine brighter when she realized who the visitor was.

"Ara~ you must be Captain Harlaown." The woman beamed as she open the door wider, ushering the blonde inside, "Come in, Come in!"

The woman closed the door behind her and gently pushed the nervous blonde deeper inside the house and towards the living room.

"My husband has spoken volumes of you. He was really excited when he announced that you'll be having dinner with. Please, have a seat."

The woman gestured to the loveseat and smiled at the blushing blonde who nodded and sat down.

"I'll get my husband."

Before Fate could give the woman the lilies she bought, the Auburn haired matriarch quickly left the room to gather her family.

Fate looked around the living room, feeling as if she just jumped into the unknown. The living room was large, enough to fit a large family. There was a grand piano on a corner, a few sofas, and a large painting of a beautiful landscape perched on the wall above the fireplace. She studied the painting of a grassy plain with a lake and rushing river that falls towards the unknown, but when she looked closer, there clouds around it. It didn't take her long to realize that it was an island floating in the heavens. Birds were flying in the clear blue sky and the sun blazed enough to make the lake sparkle.

"Wow" The blonde awed and wondered who painted such beautiful work. She unconsciously moved closer towards the artwork and felt as though she was standing on its fields, basking on its beauty.

"That painting is called The Guardians' Paradise. And as for who painted it, it was my mother."

Fate turned around from where she stood observing the painting to see a familiar brunette.

"Good evening, Fate. Surprised?" The brunette grinned and winked at the surprised knight.

"Kyouya, good evening." The blonde smiled warmly, but then smirked, "And not as surprised as to know that your mother made this." She jerked her head towards the painting and pointing at it with her thumb.

Kyouya chuckled and grinned, "You'd be surprised at what other things she can do."

"You're father is a lucky guy." Fate laughed as she went back to the loveseat. Kyouya chuckled and sat on the long sofa opposite to where Fate sat on the loveseat.

"Tell that in front of him, and he'll smother my mom with kisses in front of us." Kyouya made a face and shook his head.

"Please don't." A feminine voice piped in. Another familiar brunette came from the foyer and sat down next to Kyouya. "It's not pleasing to see our parents smooching each other in front of us."

Fate let out a small laugh and agreed. Although she never had a father, she could only imagine how horrible it would be to see how deep her parents' affection would get right in front of her. The closest to seeing parents kissing each other off would be when she first saw her own brother and his fiancée making out in front of her. She never felt so disgusted over something affectionate in her whole life.

"Evening Fate." The female brunette winked at Fate, causing the brunette to blush. The brunette giggled and teased the blonde, "Miss me?"

The blonde sputtered and blushed, looking at Kyouya for help while wondering if he told his sister about how her traitorous eyes glued themselves on a certain bottom the day before. The male only slapped his knee and laughed hard, causing the blonde to blush even harder.

"I'll take that as a yes." Miyuki winked at the blushing blonde when she noticed the bouquet in the knight's hands.

"Who's that bouquet for, Fate?" The brunette smirked.

The blonde look down on her lap and brought the lilies up, "Oh these? These are suppose to be for your mother, but then she left before I could give it to her"

Miyuki studied the flowers and giggled, "White lilies huh?"

Fate glanced at the flowers and tilted her head at Miyuki, "Yes they are. Is there anything wrong with white lilies? I hope she's not allergic to it."

Miyuki shook her, her smile never leaving her face, "She's not allergic to lilies, but it would be better if -"

Suddenly, the front door burst open and a cheerful, "I'm home!" echoed around the house. Scuffles of feet could be heard in the foyer.

"Ah, it seems baby sister is home." Miyuki smiled and called for Nanoha, "Nanoha, in the living room!"

"Hey Miyuki." An auburn haired girl walked in from the foyer and greeted her older siblings, but when her eyes landed on the blonde seating on the loveseat, she froze and let out a small gasp.

Sapphire met Burgundy as the blonde froze in her spot and gawked at the auburn haired girl across from her in wonder. She couldn't tear her eyes from the girl. Something about the girl had Fate melting on the spot as she stared breathless at the equally surprised auburn haired girl.

"Nanoha, this is-" Miyuki's introduction was cut off when Nanoha whispered the blonde's name.

"Fate-chan?" Nanoha walk up towards the blonde slowly, as if not believing that the blonde before was real.

"I-is that really you." Sapphire eyes watered as she covered her mouth with her hand. Her free hand extended towards the blonde as if reaching for the knight.

Fate reached up and caught the extended hand with her own. She stood up, not minding that the flowers fell from her lap, and walk closer to the auburn haired girl.

The siblings on the couch watch in silence as the two girls slowly came closer until their fronts were only a feet away from each other. Not liking that someone is being too close to his little baby sister, he coughed, snapping the two girls from their trance. Miyuki growled lowly and elbowed her meddling brother, who stared incredulously at Miyuki.

Fate coughed and released the small hand she grasped. She picked up the flower on the floor and gave Nanoha a smile.

"Good Evening, Nanoha. It's a pleasure to meet you." Not seeing the hurt within those sapphire eyes, Fate bowed and offered the lilies to Nanoha. "A bouquet for the lovely lady."

Miyuki let out a small squeak and tried to contain a growing urge to awe as she gushed at the absolutely cute interaction between her little sister and the blonde knight.

"Actually, those flowers ar- ophf!" Miyuki quickly elbowed her brother on his ribs when he tried to ruin the moment once again. She gripped her brother around the neck with her arms and pulled him closer to her before hissing in a low voice. Loud enough for only Kyouya to hear, "Don't ruin it, dammit!"

"Ruin what?" Kyouya growled low, "Ruin something that could possibly taint Nanoha?"

"Taint? What the hell? Don't group her like those boys you've rightfully driven away."

"She's only 11! She's too young for this kind of things! Besides, Fate's 15! She's too old!"

While Kyouya and Miyuki argued, Nanoha gasped and blushed while looking at Fate's charming smile and the flower presented towards her. She brought a hand up to her heart in hopes that it would ease her pounding heart.

"Good evening, Fate-chan." Although it was clear to Nanoha that the blonde did not remember the blue-eyed girl, that didn't stop Nanoha from giving Fate a bright and happy smile as she accepted the bouquet of lilies. She took a whiff of the bouquet and wondered if Fate knew the language of flowers.


A/N: There ya have it. Next chapter will have a short NanoFate fluff followed by violence and godsmacked moments. We will go in depth about the plague and Fate's reason for leaving the Order and turning into a bounty/demon hunter with a huge bounty on her head. Please note that the previous chapter, this chapter, and the next are in the same timeline, which is set 2 years before the prologue. After that, we'll go back to the present.

Until next time! I'll try to update as soon as I can.