II – Mobilization

"We made it" Touma said as they emerged from the woods. Lily, who was still hanging on his back, took the chance to look over his shoulder "Now, this is quite a sight!"

"Would you like to take a commemorative photo?" Steed asked, floating next to the pair.

The costal town bellow them was the size of a small city and had a very charming look. The wind carried the scent of the sea even up the hill, and the sun made the ocean appear like a giant blue jewel. The small compact buildings seem to mostly gather near the port, where there were many boats and ships of all sizes coming and going even that early in the morning.

Lily was completely absorbed by the view, trying to take it all in by twisting her neck in all directions, making Touma smile despite himself. It took them the entire night to leave the mountain pass, with barely a rest. Steed had pointed them here as the closest city, so he had walked here while avoiding the main road. With a bit of luck, they should be able to get some food and clothes for Lily.

"By the way, how are you feeling Lily? Everything ok?" Touma asked, starting to walk once more. "When we get to town, we should try to take a break and get something to eat"

"Alright, Touma"

"They say the seafood here is very delicious" Steed commented "The have fire roasted clams, crayfish in soup, and.."

"Stop it! I'm starving man!" Touma interrupted before the little device could continue what sounded like the beginning of a delicious, hunger inducing, list.

The jovial and carefree air was only a show. The young Avenir was considering his next course of action very carefully at the moment. He barely knew Lily, but he felt responsible for her. After all it was him who got her out of that strange facility and who was dragging her around without asking for her opinion. Truth be told Lily didn't voice any complains and just went along but that only made him feel more responsible.

His mind was flodded with questions, but last night he and Steed had talked and come to an agreement. The best course of action would be to enter the city and look for an inter-dimensional communication device. That way he could contact Su-chan and ask for her help and advice. Part of him didn't want to bother her but it would be the best for Lily. Su-chan worked for the TSAB, she could make sure Lily was safe. Not before giving him an earful for getting into something dangerous, again.

The boy let out a sigh. It wasn't his fault troubles seem to follow him around. Ever since he could remember Touma had a knack for getting himself caught in compromising situations. Unconsciously he looked towards the bracelet on his wrist. It seemed this particular event now involved him as well.

Almost as if she could read his mind, Lily put his hands around Touma's neck, leaning forward and closing her eyes. She had barely slept an hour last night, and she cried while doing so. It was the main reason Touma didn't felt like interrogating her. All he knew, or rather suspected, was that the facility in the mountain ruins was some kind of illegal operation and Lily was part of their experiments.

No doubt the girl had gone through a lot when she was locked up. From their brief conversations Touma deduced she suffer from amnesia or something like that. He asked her about her family, but other than her last name Lily didn't have any memories about them or her past. 'I wonder if it has something to do with what they did to her' Touma thought 'I wish I could know more, but that will have to wait. I will contact Su-chan and then we can talk all about it somewhere safe'.

Regardless of what they did to her, Lily seemed to be fine, or at least without any mayor sequels Touma could discern. Maybe thanks to her lack of memories. She acted almost like a little girl, and her innocent smile gave him hope that she could put all of this behind her. He knew firsthand what it was to live with a tragic story over your shoulders.

When they finally made it to the town Lily was totally dumbfounded. If the view from afar had been impressive for her, getting close was much more exiting. The now towering buildings were mostly constructed out of wood or old cobbled stone, with very light and vibrant colors. Most people were starting their morning routines, so the streets were packed, with all sorts of people going up and down the street, carrying products to sell, moving to get to work, or just being noisy in general. Even Touma found it incredibly refreshing.

As a cultural reserve planet, Ruwella was meant for people who enjoyed living life in the 'old style'. Other than some minor conveniences like electricity, most modern technology was very rare, so there were few motor vehicles, and the air was free of the usual pollution of most industrialize worlds. Touma was about to explain when suddenly his stomach started to rumble, reminding him of his original goal here.

"Hehehe… I am a bit hungrier than I expected" Touma said with a smile, blushing a bit "Sorry Lily, you might be jostled a bit but I am going to run a little. Dash!"

Lily answered him by hugging his neck, smiling and the boy rushed down the street, followed by Steed. Earning a few curious glances and smiles from the people who witness it.

Nanoha took her suitcase and left her room. She placed her coat over her blue and white Instructor's uniform. Vivio was waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, right next to the door, an innocent expression on her face even though she should have left for school already, or risk being late. Nanoha smiled despite herself and placed her luggage aside, kneeling in front of her daughter.

"I am really sorry Vivio, but I have some serious business to attend to" Nanoha said. She took one of her daughter's hands, putting another on her shoulder "You will stay with Grandma Lindy for a while. Be a good girl and don't give her too many troubles, alright?"

"Yes, mom" Vivio nodded and quickly moved in to hug her.

Nanoha returned the gesture. Part of her didn't want to go. Life up to now had been good and she would love to continue it, but she couldn't ignore what she had been hearing and sit this one out. Was this how her mother felt when she had to left her alone in her home all those years ago? With her heart splitting in half? Nanoha wished more than ever that she could be in two places at once, but even with magic some things remain impossible.

"Fate-mama and I should be back as soon as possible" she said, letting Vivio go at last "Take care."

"Don't worry, mama" Vivio replied, kissing her cheek "You also take her and do your best as always."

With that, both mother and daughter had said their goodbye. It would be the first time in years that Nanoha took a mission like this. She had kept herself in the Instructor Core precisely to take care of Vivio, something she did not regret, but now that she was about to go Nanoha also felt the thrill of adventure returning to her. She opened the door and both her and Vivio stepped out of the house. Outside Signum and Agito waited for her already inside their car.

"Good morning, Signum-san, Agito-san" Nanoha said taking the passenger seat and waving goodbye to Vivio a final time.

Signum nodded and the little Belkan Device smiled, taking her favorite seat on her Master's shoulder. The car took off and soon Nanoha lost sight of her home, leaving her staring out the window without looking at anything in particular. She let out a sigh and leaned back on her seat.

"You know you don't have to do this, right Takamachi?" Signum said suddenly

"Hm?" Nanoha blinked, taken by surprise "Of course I do. But like I said to Hayate-chan, I want to do it."

"I see. You didn't seem that certain a momment ago."

"Well… I am not that happy leaving Vivio alone, true, but this is what I decided" the white mage glanced out the window again "I am her mother. I can't avoid being a bit anxious about her."

"That is normal. Honestly, you handle it pretty will for a first timer" Signum said "The first long separation is always troublesome when they are young."

"I guess you are right… How do you know so much about it?"

"You would be surprised what you can learn over the years."

Agito giggled under her breath. Nanoha didn't answer but she wondered, not for the first time, how old Signum and the Wolkenritter were. They had been friends for a long time, but it was easy to forget they were very old, older than anyone else she knew. Enough to make you head spin if you really stop to think about it. Signum was right of course, but Nanoha also felt anxious about helping Fate and Hayate with the current situation. None ever said being a mother would be easy, and every day since she took it upon herself to be Vivio's mother had been its own challenge. She only hoped she could avoid calling her every 5 minutes. Fate was much better at handling these things, but she spent more time away.

A communication screen suddenly triggered in front of her, making Nanoha jump on her seat. She accepted the call once she saw who it was from.

"Hayate-chan, hello" she said, smiling to her superior officer and friend.

"Hi Nanoha, I see you are with Signum already. This will save us time"

Hayate's voice was stressed, so much Nanoha's smiled faded from her face.

"Something happen, Mistress?" Signum asked before she could get the chance.

"Not quite. Is about Fate, but she is perfectly fine" Hayate was kick to react when she saw Nanoha's expression "I mean her report on Fedikia's affair. There seems to be a new complication on the case, so we have decided to accelerate our timetable. Special Section Six will start functions tomorrow, and cancel the trial runs for the new equipment. We are deploying them as they are now."

"You want to bring the equipment to the field without proper testing?" Nanoha asked. The original plan was for her to go to Administrated World #03 Vaizen to start with the first field tests. They were barely out of the prototype stages and in to working models.

"I know is a bit hasty, but this was the conclusion Fate-chan and I reached when we spoke" Hayate rubbed her eyes. She looked incredibly tired, as if she had barely slept well in the past few days.

"What happen exactly?" Signum asked, trying to get back to the main topic.

"The details are still under investigation, but we may have another interested party after Eclipse. Also, another attack in Non-Administrated World #18, Easter, and an incident Ruwella's cultural reservation. Teanna is handling Easter but once you drop Nanoha, I will need you two to take the case in Ruwella. Signum, Agito, I am sorry to drop this on to you so suddenly but…"

"Is no big deal, we can handle it" Agito said, floating up to Hayate's face and giving her a confident smile "Just leave it to us."

"So glad I can count with you" Hayate cheered up with her enthusiasm and then looked back at Nanoha "This is how we are right now, barely catching up. I know you were hopping for some time to get familiar with the new weapons, but it can't be helped, we do need them yesterday."

"It can't be helped it seems" Nanoha let out a sigh "This job would be so much easier if things always went according to plan."

"You Unit 00 and Vita's 03 were already finished, but Unit 02 still needed some work, so as soon as you made it there you can give it the finishing touches. Subaru and the others are on their way. You should ran in to them there."

"What about Fate-chan?" Nanoha asked. She had been holding back that question from the start, having to leave Vivio behind she at least wanted to see her wife.

"Finishing the investigation on Fedikia, she will get to Vaizen so they can modify Bardiche as well" Hayate gave her a knowing smile "Not to worry, you will see each other soon. Rein and I will stay here for a little while longer, but we will join you as well. Vaizen will become our base of operations until further notice. Take care you three."

The screen turned off. So, they were already there, at the edge of another crisis. Nanoha clenched her fist, no, this time around they would stop things from going that far. This wasn't the JS Incident 6 years ago. She relaxed her hand and looked down at the red pendant of her Device, Raising Heart. The small jewel let out a brief shine to show her support, sensing her distress.

When Hayate had explained her plans to reactivate Section Six, and her reasons behind it, Nanoha had accepted and joined right away. She had been hoping that with a better preparation and quick action they could indeed make a difference. And yet everything was already in motion. Something big was about to happen. It wouldn't be the first big battle she was getting herself into, nor the last. 'I won't let things get so dire this time' Nanoha thought, still holding her beloved Device.

Frank Castle was a lot of things, but not a patient person and he knew it. He glanced at the bandages around his hand and wrist, holding his index and ring finger straight and immobile, resisting the impulse to just smash them against the wall to regain the dexterity back. Trying to eat or do anything with that was a chore, and the bandages around his torso made the very act of breathing a constant struggle between pain and not enough oxygen. Two broken fingers, three ribs, many smaller wounds had him this way. He turned the TV on and grabbed a beer, trying to take his mind off things.

[Good day, these are the news at MBN. In a last minute report the TSAB has informed the public about a terrorist attack in a remote region of Non-Administrated World #18 Easter, earlier this morning. The identity of the attackers remains a mystery but the authorities had been deployed and the investigation is ongoing. This is just the latest in a series of attacks perpetrated against small population centers in both Administrated and Non-Administrated worlds. Authorities have yet to…]

'I should be out there' Frank thought. The news presented the images from the attack. A small town of around 200 people, only two survivors were found in the ruins. His hand clench around the beer can, crushing it with half the liquid still inside. The only thing keeping him from leaving was his caution. His body was a tool, a weapon like his Device or the other guns he kept around, so he had to take care of it or it would fail him and give the enemy a chance. That was the rationalization anyway. Looking at the images on the screen, Frank was starting to find flaws with it.

He cleaned himself up and went for his Device. Soulbreaker was resting, in his sealed form as a cross, on top of a table. Castle felt more complete with the thing around his neck, and the cold on his chest was a good reminder that he wasn't unarmed anymore. He didn't have much to do. His condition kept him from training, and Microchip took the data away to decipher it. Basically, threaten him with deleting the whole data unit if he didn't took the chance to rest.

The problem was that his safehouse wasn't a hotel for leisure or pleasure. It was a small warehouse turn in to an armory, storehouse, and hideout, in that descending order of relevance. Castle didn't had access to high tech ships or pocket dimensions, so he had to make do with the basics: 4 walls and a roof. Everything had been reinforced, of course, the entire perimeter had an integrated surveillance system link to his Device, the windows were made of reinforced glass and the walls were quite thick. He had many safehouses across the Dimensional Sea in many different worlds.

The silent alarm triggered at that moment, turning all electronic devices inside the safehouse off. Castle activated a screen to watch the camera feed. Outside he could see a well dress man in a blue suit, just casually walking up to the building. He moved silently to grab one of the pistols from the wall, taking aim at the entrance and waiting. The door open and he heard some footsteps going up the stairs.

"It's me Frank, friendly incoming. Please lower the weapon and don't shoot me" Micro said. Still, Castle held the gun until he saw him properly "I swear one of these days you are going to get a bullet in me for real."

"Only if you get slow" Punisher placed the gun aside "Now, take these damn things off before I crack them open."

"Don't be impatient, Frank. We should have called someone. I am only a 'doctor' in theory, I never graduated" Microchip protested. He got closer and grabbed Castle's arm. His hands glowed when he used scanning magic, checking his body with a simple analyzing spell "I say you are healing well. Take it easy and you should be good as new in 4 days."

"Would be faster with more healing."

"You are not a Storage Device. I can't just stuff you with power and 'fix you'. Too much magic isn't good on the body. Even Healing Magic is a process."

"The body heals on its own. I once broke an arm and a leg. I healed in 7 days."

Mages had the power coursing around their bodies as a norm. Even for those of little talent it meant they could heal faster, and enjoy a more 'healthy' life. Training was just becoming aware and consciously taking over that aspect. Frank never got the hang of the finer points of magic, but got the basics.

"Is that true? And how long ago that was? I know you for 6 years, Frank, and it pains me to say it but you are not getting any younger" Microchip undid the bandages around the wrist, then pulled back to accommodate his glasses "You put too much strain on your body. Don't even get me started on your other health problems."

"I need you as intelligence support, not as a babysitter."

"With you one thing always leads to the other"

Microchip opened his mouth to add something else but shock his head and continue to treat him in silence. Castle could feel the weight of that. He wanted to say something.

"What is it?"

"I finish deciphering part of the data you gave me" Micro finished his job and went back to grab his things.

"Something on the Divider or the Silver Cross?"

"I don't have a location, but I think there might be information about other infected" Micro pulled a long Data Storage Device, in the form of a long tube, and pressed some buttons on it, making a series of screens appear around them "There had been more attacks recently."

"I know, I heard about Easter."

"Unsurprising but I meant somewhere else" The images on the screens showed what look like some ruins in the middle of some mountains "This attack happened in Ruwella's cultural reservation. According to the local police, the event took place roughly around the same time as your own little encounter at Saint Valerie. But there is something special about it."

"I don't see anything out of the ordinary" Punisher took his time looking at each screen. The place looked as if it had been hit with a powerful attack, from the inside, judging by the disposition of the debris, but other than that nothing stood out.

"There were cero fatal victims."

"None?"

Punisher frowned. That was strange. Eclipse Drivers were insane killing machines, and the people researching the virus also had no issues killing. Was this done by someone else?

"Authorities detected a massive pilar of light at the scene, but by the time they deployed all they found were a strange group in possession of curious materials. They talked with them and once the police realized this was about Eclipse, they informed the TSAB" Microchip took off his glasses cleaning them "Everything suggests the case has been assigned to Commander Hayate Yagami. She has organized everything to form another special task force with agents already on Fedikia, Easter and soon to be on Ruwella as well."

"They are letting her take charge again. I don't remember it working well during the JS Incident" Punisher scratched his chin, thinking.

"You know as well as I do that wasn't her fault. And this special task force is something you should keep in mind" He put on his glasses once more "If you go after Eclipse, they will too, and is only a matter of time before you clash with their mages."

Frank didn't answer. He had a point. Killing TSAB members was out of the question. They were on the same side, even if most of them would not see it that way. The problem was that avoiding local cops was one thing, dealing with an elite unit wouldn't be so straight forward. If he wasn't careful, they might capture him and that would not end well for anyone involve.

"You will have to heal me fast. Enough that I can move freely" He said at last "I will also have to take some guns with me. Just Soulbreaker was not good enough."

"… Alright, have it your way" Micro resigned himself. He lifted his hands, a green aura appearing around him. A magic circle was casted under Frank's feet, glowing with the other's mana and producing a warm sensation all over his body "I have a few ideas on what to do for your equipment. Might as well give them a try."

"Good. Get me everything as soon as you are done. I am leaving for Ruwella today."

"The cultural reservation? I thought you would follow the clue on Easter."

"Call it a hunch. There is something with Ruwella I do not like."

"… Are you sure this is about the case?"

"Shut up and finish your job" Punisher said dryly.

He glanced at the wall, memories returned to him for a brief moment. A house, a woman, the children… his hand closed into a fist. It was just a hunch, nothing else.

The communication window closed and the Enforcer Fate T. Harlaown was left with no other company than her own thoughts. In the passenger seat, Shari was typing away at her computer, while she drove them both towards the new base for the Special Section Six on Vaizen.

"Are there any news from Fedikia?" Fate asked.

"About what, Fate-san?" Shari said, taken by surprise.

"Sorry, I was just thinking out loud" The Enforcer replied. She had the habit of fall in deep thinking and then blurt out the last thing on her mind as if everyone had been following her line of reasoning "I meant about our survivor at Saint Valerie Airport."

"Ah, nothing yet. The doctors reported this morning she felt into a coma" Shari said. Her uncanny ability to remember and archive all manner of reports made her invaluable in all investigations "She had massive wounds, plus the loss of blood. It was a miracle she survived the explosion; they do not know how long she will last or if she will wake up."

"I see…"

The survivor was the only witness of what happen that night. The ruins provided very little material as most of it had been destroyed. Any computer system was fried beyond repair or any hope of data extraction. The same were true of all cameras or recording devices, including the systems built into the combat armor of the security personal at the scene. The fact the guards had such gear, plus heavy caliber weapons indicated their cargo had been very valuable and worth defending. Even if in the end their preparations didn't make a difference. Fate clenched her hand around the steering wheel.

"I think for now that avenue of investigation should be consider a dead end" Shari said "At least we could confirm the presence of Frank Castle thanks to the security recordings at the airport."

A blurry image of a man running away from the incident. It was far from definitive proof, but Fate was willing to take it for now.

"That is just part of the story" Fate pointed. She took the exit they needed, turning the black sport car to the left "What worries me more is the identity of the scientist. The people responsible for the Replica Dividers we found among the ashes."

"Teana mentioned the Huckebein family in her call. Is it possible they are the ones behind it?"

Fate considered that idea for a moment. There could be a connection between the Huckebein and the Eclipse Drivers that were appearing all over the Dimensional Sear, but something seem to be missing. In Teana's report, the two survivors of the attack, a mother and her daughter, were able to identify their attacker's weapon: a Divider, but not the attacker themselves. And the same was for every other attack. No witnesses or no useful witnesses.

"Is possible…" Fate agreed in the end "Until now we are aware that the Huckebein Family has conducted experiments with the Eclipse, but they have never sought to expand the virus to this degree. Nor would they have the resources to create the Replica Dividers. It appears to be the work of a massive organization, beyond a small criminal family."

"This means we might need to deal with the Huckebein, some unknow group, the infected Eclipse Drivers and…"

"The Punisher" Fate nodded, letting out a sigh "Yes, it looks as if this is growing in to a proper Incident. If we are not careful things might escalate quickly."

If they were not already out of their control. The idea sneaked their way inside Fate's mind. After all, there had been so many attacks to lonely villages and isolated towns already. How many little hamlets had been attacked already? How many distress calls did they answer only to arrive too late? Always a step or two behind, following clues but never able to catch up to the criminals.

Fate realized her hands were starting to hurt, so tight was she holding the steering wheel that her knuckles were completely white. She relaxed her grip and took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. What happened at Saint Valerie Airpot and Easter were tragedies, but she had to keep a cool, professional head. She wasn't sure if the fact she was struggling to do that should be a point of concern or pride.

"But this is the reason why Commander Yagami formed Special Section Six, is it not?" Shari said, all of the sudden "To handle crisis like this."

Fate blinked, surprised, but she relaxed visibly.

"Of course. You are right, Shari" The Enforcer nodded "In fact, we are supposed to meet today to test the AEC equipment, correct?"

"Commander Yagami informed me that Nanoha-san and the others will arrive this afternoon. The people of Caledfwlch Techniques have already deliver the Strike Cannons."

Fate looked down at the bright metallic triangle resting against her dashboard. Bardiche, her trusted Device, had also been modified by the people of the Institute into a 5th Generation Device, making it a perfect weapon to deal with Eclipse Drivers. But they had yet to perform the final adjustments.

"Good, then while Teana and Signum handle the crime scenes we will coordinate here in Vaizen" Fate tried to sound more enthusiastic "For now all we can do is wait. The criminals will move sooner or later."

They needed a fresh lead. The only one they had was Signum's investigation in Ruwella, but until Special Section Six officially started all investigators would be alone on the field. And even then, Fate was starting to realize they were putting their faith on some experimental equipment. If the AEC weapons failed, they would be left without anything capable of stopping the Eclipse Drivers.

And there was the matter of Frank Castle. She couldn't say why exactly, but she had the impression that, for better or worse, Punisher would have a role to play in this case. 'We are mobilizing, they are mobilizing. Now we just wait and see who gets there first' Fate thought as she kept driving.

"Interdimensional communication?" the old lady from the food stand repeated as she thought for a moment "No, we don't have anything that high tech here."

"Ah, as I suspected" Touma said, lowering his head.

"But if you want to send an interdimensional letter or electronic message, you can send one at the church on the other side of the mountain" the woman said, pulling the food out of the fire.

"Oh, I already knew that been there already."

"Then you won't need directions. And thank you for waiting, here are your broiled clam skewers" she handled him the two sticks with the clams impaled on them.

Touma thanked the old woman and paid for the food, taking one spit in each hand. Sadly, the conversation had only confirmed his original assumption.

"Is as you suspected?" Steed asked, from his position around his neck.

"Yeah, this is a cultural reservation after all" Touma walked back to the plaza "It changes nothing. We will just get some supplies, buy Lily some clothes and shoes, then head back to the church by the main road. It doesn't matter the world; the Saint Kaiser Churches are all the same."

"Sounds like a plan."

Touma walked back to where they had dropped Lily. He didn't like the idea of leaving her behind, but she insisted it would be easier for him to move around without having to carry her around, so they left her near a fountain at the plaza. Lily was still there, sitting and watching the town with a calm expression, guarding the few supplies he had already bought.

"Sorry for the wait Lily" Touma apologized, offering one of the clam skewers to her "Be careful, is a bit hot."

"Thank you" Lily took the food, blowing some air to cool it down a bit, then she took a bite. Her expression changed right away in to one of absolute enrapture "It is delicious!"

"I'm glad you like it" Touma scratched his cheek, smiling.

Lily proceeded to eat her clams as if they were the more exquisite food in the world. She enjoyed each bite, totally concentrated on her meal but without devouring, deciding to enjoy each bite. She looked adorable. Touma decided to not follow that line of thought further and instead focused on his own clams, which to be fair were quite good.

"By the way, were do you intend to stay the night?" Steed asked, breaking the silence.

"We will look for a place" Touma answered, he took another bite "It would be nice to sleep in a proper bed for once. But where can we get some clothes?"

"About that" Steed unlocked its strings and floated next to him, pointing to his left "There appears to be a flea market in that direction. I bet we can find all sort of things there."

After finishing their clams, and Touma gave the last of his own to Lily seeing the way she was eyeing them, the boy stood up and offer his back one more to pick the girl up. The flea market was a large street filled with all sorts of stalls and shops. Many vendors sat on the street or display the wares behind makeshift counters inviting all to trade and see what they got, trying with nice words and smiles to gain as much coin as possible.

They had barely started walking when he saw one stall that looked promessing. The owner was a young girl, around his age, with purple hair and golden eyes, she was wearing a black jacket with matching shorts. As soon as the vendor caught Touma's eyes checking her wares she stood up.

"Hey, you nice looking, I've got cute clothing over here" she said, grabbing a shirt from her stall and showing it to him.

"Um… I am looking for some clothes and shoes for her" Touma replied.

Lily poked her head from behind him to look at the other girl.

"Gotcha ya!" the vendor nodded and smiled "What are her shoe and cloth sizes?"

"Ah… well…" Touma realized just then that he had no idea. He was trying to come up with an excuse, but the vendor girl was faster.

"Oh, so we have a challenge here" the golden eye girl said, almost talking to herself. She turned around and pulled a measuring tape out of her things, waving it in the air like a lasso "In that case let me get her measurements!"

"Yes… that would be good" Touma was taken aback by the sudden burst of enthusiasm. Was it just him or did the other girl had starts in her eyes?

"Indeed!" the vendor pointed to a stool for Touma to drop Lily on "If you like I can give her a haircut too, as a bonus for buying my clothes!"

The boy wanted to answer but he was only able to watch as the vendor girl took a blanket around Lily's neck and started to work. Truth was Lily's hair was long, messy, and twisted, likely because of her imprisonment and a haircut did sound like a good idea. Touma decided to just step aside and wait while this went on.

"You think this is fine?" Steed asked.

"I think is easier than trying to stop her."

The girl looked like a nice person if a bit intense. As long as Lily didn't seem uncomfortable with her, Touma would say nothing. In fact, the two of them seem like they were getting along, as the tailor girl was talking to Lily about all sort of beauty products she should try on, to keep her hair in good shape. He waited for what seem like an hour until finally the other girl was done.

"Okay, finished!" the vendor girl announced with a singing voice. She gave Lily a mirror so she could see her handywork "So, what do you think? Must feel great, right?"

"It feels nice… what do you think, Touma?" Lily looked at him, putting the mirror down. The change was quite noticeable. Her hair was now straight, and it flow nicely down her shoulders and back, framing her face perfectly and making her look incredibly beautiful.

"I like it" Touma said, answering the first thing that pop on his mind. And the honest truth.

"Yes! And to pair that nice new haircut…" the tailor girl celebrated and then took the sheet covering Lily, removing it with a theatrical style "A new dress! Very cute, won't you say?"

Lily was now wearing a white blouse with long sleeves, a light blow bow around the neck with a flower shape brooch holding in in place. She had a long purple, and her legs were now clad with a nice black pantyhose. Lily smiled, a bit sheepishly, putting her hair behind her ear as he looked at her. The effect was indeed quite beautiful. He shocked his head to recover from the impression.

"Yes, very cute, very cute" Touma said, clapping softly. Lily smiled and clapped with him.

"Glad you like it" the tailor girl brought a pair of long boots for Lily, matching the color of her skirt. As she help Lily put on her new shoes, she gave Touma a piece of paper with the price of everything he had bought.

"Hey, about the money" Touma glanced at the number, scratching the back of his head. He had been expecting a much larger sum "Are you sure is alright to pay so cheaply?"

"Sure, besides I made it all myself as a hobby" the vendor girl explained. She started to put her things away.

"For a hobby you sure are skilled" Touma said. He pulled his wallet and started to count the money.

What he didn't noticed was that the sleeve of jacket felt down, revealing his wrist and the bracelet that was now locked there. However the tailor girl did noticed. Before Touma could said anything she took a hold of his arm, pulling his sleeve back to get a better look.

"Wow, what a beautiful bracelet!" the girl said, moving Touma's arm without any shame "Is this pure silver? Your girlfriend is wearing one too, right? Do you match each other?"

"Ah… I…" Touma tried to explain, but he wasn't able to come up with anything. Behind the exited tailor, Lily was looking at him with concern.

"Huh? It doesn't seem to have a latch on it" the purple haired girl started to poke at the bracelet "How do you get it off?"

'This is bad' Touma thought. The last thing he wanted was to explain himself and he couldn't figure a way out of the conversation, so he opted to just end things right then and there.

"Well, that's a secret" He said, pulling his arm back and handling the girl the coins he had taken from his wallet "Here is the money!"

The vendor girl blinked, confused by the sudden outburst of her client, but she turned around to put the money away and look for the change.

"There is a reason, eh?" she said, opening the box where she kept her money "If there is any way I can be of help to you then… Huh?" When she turned around her client had vanished from his spot. She turned her head and saw him at a good distance from her stall, with his girlfriend in arms, like he was trying to run away "Hey! You forgot you change!"

"Keep it!" Touma waved his hand goodbye. Lily did the same behind her "Little lady of the cloth shop, I hope we meet again. Thank you for everything!"

"You're welcome!" the tailor girl put the coins away and said her goodbyes. That had been a very strange couple.

Captain Signum was studying the room at the center of the ruins, examining the marks on the stone. Around her some members of the local police were talking and exploring the rest of the facility.

The room looked like a closed section, as if they wanted to keep whatever they were holding inside isolated. Of course, now it was just a mess of molten rock and metal, with scorched marks everywhere. Above her the planet's sky was already turning orange, signaling the sunset, which she could see thanks to the massive hole on the ceiling. It had been here where the lost objects had been held, under lock and key, before being stolen.

"This is a disaster" a voice said behind her.

Signum turned her head and saw Agito floating towards her. The Unison Device shock her head in disbelief.

"The attack happened last night according to the witnesses" Agito said, putting her hands on her hips "There are no fatal victims and yet the intruder waltzed into the facility without being detected, disabled the electronic locks, took a hold of the Divider and the Silver Cross, then just blows his way out? These guys are not taking this investigation seriously. What do you think, Signum?"

"You are right. Their story is lacking in details and the local police have not interrogate them properly" The Belkan warrior could guess the people at the facility did not want to tell what they were doing here. And officially she had not told them either. Only that there was some dangerous Lost Logia involved "What about the intruder? We got a description at least?"

"Yes. Right now, they are constructing a sketch and spreading it across the continent to start the search. They should find him very soon."

"From what we discovered, the attack on Fedikia was done by a known criminal, and Teana thinks the Huckebein Family might have been behind the one on Easter. But it looks like this one is the work of someone else."

"Even if the young man the witnesses described don't fit the Huckebeins, it doesn't mean he isn't working with them."

"I feel there is something ese we are missing" Signum turned around and started to walk back to the entrance "I don't like it."

"It doesn't matter. Whatever happens we will be able to stop the thief of the Divider" Agito hit her chest with her fist, smiling with confidence.

Signum nodded, thankful for her partner's enthusiasm. The two emerged back into the surface. There the technical team of the TSAB was already in the process of examining the crime scene, to complete the preliminary work done by the locals. Their frantic activity made them look as if they were certain they could find the answer of the case amidst the remains of the laboratory. Signum doubted that, but she had never been good at the cat and mouse game that these big cases required. She was a knight. Let her enemy step in front of her and she would deal with them, this type of work was better suited for someone like Testarossa.

"Captain Signum" A local police officer approached her, stopping to salute "It looks like we have found the suspect, ma'am."

"Where?" Signum asked. That had been much faster than she expected. Maybe too fast.

"Apparently, he has been spotted in a nearby costal city. We haven't been able to confirm it, but we are dispatching several units to the area."

"Tell your people to stay away, nobody must try to approach the thief until we are on the scene" Signum ordered "Try to locate him, but keep your distance."

She turned around and rushed towards one of the police cars. Flying would be faster, but also not subtle. Sometimes it was better to use what was available.

"You think we are going to have troubles?" Agito asked, landing on her shoulder.

"I don't know. If possible, I would want to avoid violence, but regardless of who the thief might be, our mission is to secure the Divider and the Silver Cross. Even if we must use force."

It had been a long day. Touma let Lily down on one of the beds and he then lay on the other right next to it. After their little trip to the flea market, they had kept looking but found out that indeed there was no way to make an interdimensional call anywhere in the city.

As a result, Touma decided to look for a place to stay night. They got some lodgings near the port, at an old two-story building. The place had creaky wooden floors, but the rooms were clean, and the beds felt comfortable. Lily was currently examining her own cushion, testing how soft it was.

"It will be best if we get some rest while we can" Touma said, removing his coat "Personally I want to make it to the church as soon as possible but if we leave now we will get there in the middle of the night anyway. Better to take the chance to rest up."

"You are amazing, Touma. You know so much." Lily said, looking at him.

"Well, I have been travelling on my own for a while now" He admitted.

"Always?" Lily tilted her head. She was just starting to realize she didn't know much about Touma. They barely had time to chat, and he seem more interested in learning about her. It didn't bother her, she felt comfortable around him. Touma looked like a nice and decent person, who had helped her escape that horrific place. But she wanted to know more about him. Like why, despite how warm and bright his eye looked, they appear to hide something dark and sad.

"This particular trip as been very long" Touma said, taking a seat to remove his shoes "I have been taking odd jobs on the side, selling things on the road."

"You are always alone?"

"I have my partner right here" He replied, pointing to Steed, who was hanging from his neck, the little Device emitted a shine of approval "And I do have a place to go home to. Right now I am on a journey to find myself."

"You are on a search?" Lily asked, not sure if she was understanding.

"Yes, of all kind of things" Touma scratched the back of his head "To be honest I am not sure what I am looking for nor what I will do if I do find it, but I want to keep searching. Anyways, I have always been comfortable travelling around."

Lily stood silent, digesting those words. Touma started to talk with Steed but she didn't paid attention. This confirmed something she suspected. It was very strange Touma just stumbled on to the laboratory that was holding her, it was clear he knew nothing of that place or the people behind it. Lily herself knew little as well, her head throbbed with pain each time she tried to remember, and all that she could conjure were the emotions: pain, cold, fear, loneliness, and sadness. Yet Touma had free her from that even when he was in the middle of a journey that meant so much to him. He even went out of his way to help her, dropping everything to assist her, when she was certain most people would have abandoned her or not get involved in the first place.

Lily knew she was a burden. She couldn't even stand on her own two feet, and yet that kind and caring boy had not complain even once. And then there was the bracelet. She looked down at the metal right on her left wrist. Lily knew this meant the two of them had formalized a contract and were now connected, but beyond that she ignored what that meant. It was maddening. She felt like the answers were right on the edge of her mind, so close she could touch them and yet forever out of reach. Lily looked at Touma once more and she could not take it anymore.

"Touma, sorry and thank you" Lily pushed herself off the bed, falling to the ground. She forced herself to stand on her knees. Touma seem shocked, but she wanted to explain herself "Even though you were in the middle of your journey you rescued me. You've gone through frightening things for my sake, and you have been so gentle with me. I… I just needed to thank you for it."

"Um, no is fine. I did it because I wanted to!" Touma said, taking aback by her words.

Lily lowered her head, but she then felt how Touma put his hands under her arms and pulled her up, helping her seat on the bed once more. The boy smiled, giving her that same kind and gentle look that he did when they meet at the ruins.

"Don't worry about any of that. And besides, I was also rescued by a very kind person, so its fine. I will do my best to keep you from being harm or feeling lonely, ok?"

"Yes, thank you Touma" Lily returned the smile, feeling much better already.

"You were quite a hit, little lady"

"Hehehe, thanks"

The young tailor smiled to the kind old woman and she finish packing the last of her unsold wares, which were not much. The flea market always closed with the sunset, so most vendors were already packing their stalls.

That had been a very good day indeed, at least regarding to sales. But the young girl could not forget that odd couple she had meet that morning. They seem to be roughly around her age, and she couldn't help to wonder what they would be up to. She was pounding this when she saw a group of police officers enter the market and starting to talk with some of the other vendors. Since it look serious she decided to investigate.

"Yo, mister police officer!" she said, touching one on the shoulder "What's up?"

"Are you a local?" the officer asked, turning around.

"I am a long time traveler" she replied shaking her head "To get founds for my travels I sell hand-made goods."

"I see…" the man allowed himself a small chuckle "Did you see a young boy today who's around your age? He is in a white coat and has brown hair, he might be with a young girl as well."

"Haaa" the girl remembered the couple right away, but tried to keep her face from showing it "What did they do?"

"He is a suspect for a robbery, there is a warrant for him. Looks like he stole something from a nearby ruin. Have you seen him?"

"Hmm… no, sorry. But if I do run across him I will let you know." The tailor girl said, getting away quickly.

So her mysterious client was a criminal suspect. That could explain why he and his girlfriend were in such a hurry, and the later with so little clothing. Now this was becoming quite interesting. The young girl went back for her things, picking them up and then running down the street, following the same route she saw her two mysterious clients take earlier that morning.

It was around midnight when someone knocked on the door. Touma open her eyes, unsure at first if he even heard something.

"Excuse me, good night. I am a patrol officer, I would like to talk to you about a recent robbery." Said a voice from the other side.

Sleepiness faded from Touma's mind, and he rouse fully. Steed activated and floated next to him. Lily also woke up, rubbing her eyes, confused. He gestured for her to stay silent, and he told Steed to stay back with her. He had been fearing something like this might happen, hence why he had been trying to contact Su-chan in the first place.

"I guess a talk wouldn't hurt…" the boy said out loud, opening the door carefully but then his jaw dropped when he saw who was on the other side "The girl from the cloth shop?! Why are you here?!"

"I got really important news for my costumer" the girl replied pushing past Touma and entering the room "Looks like you have been accused of robbery and the police is looking for you. But something tells me you knew they might be chasing you already, right?"

"Is not what it looks like. But you have got it mostly right" Touma replied. He was shocked the girl seem to be taking it so well, her friendly tone seem to indicate she wasn't accusing them of anything and despite having discover their location she had not informed anyone about it "We did nothing wrong."

"I see. Figure as much" the tailor girl replied, nodding to herself. She waved at Lily "You know, the police is going to come here soon, if you two are going to run, you better go now."

"Thanks you, but if this an extra service, I think you are going a bit too far for a cloth shop." Touma said, frowning.

"I guess you can say I am a pretty eccentric clothing shop girl" she replied, waving her finger at him "But now I am an escape route guide. How about it?"

"Touma, what should we do?" Steed asked.

"Why are you asking me?" Touma rubbed his eyes. He let out a defeated sigh, they didn't have much a choice.

They packed their things, paid their room, and left the guesthouse right then and there, following the clothing shop girl. The entire city appeared to be filled with police officers, but their guide seem to know the place and she guided them across many back alleys and secondary streets. Before Touma knew it they made it out of the city and were on the road to the mountains once more.

"Well, clothing shop girl, thanks a lot" Touma said, he adjusted his grip to keep Lily comfortable on his back "You can leave us now."

"Don't be like that. I will take you to your destination" the girl grinned and winked at him "Besides, is not 'girl', my name is Isis, 'kay?"

Touma was left without an answer. How did he ever get himself in this mess? Besdies, what was wrong with this girl? In his travels he had meet his fair share of odd people, but this girl definitely took the cake. She reminded him of some of Su-chan's sisters and the idea that they might be alike made him uncomfortable. On his back Lily smiled, trying to cheer him up.

"… Fine, I am Touma, this is Lily. And the little guy is Steed" He said at last, admitting defeat "Man, what's up with the world lately? Things have been too hectic today."

"At least we can't say is boring" Steed commented.

"You are not helping…"

"Well then, lets depart as great friends!"

As if guided by a sudden feeling, Doctor Lisa opened her eyes. At first she had troubles trying to focus where she was. It looked like a hospital room, or at that was what she could gather from her other senses: the scent of disinfectant, the sound of the heart monitor, the feeling of the IV needle stuck in her arm. The room was dark, illuminated only by the moonlight. Her entire body hurt and just breathing was a struggle. It was then she also realized there was an oxygen mask over her mouth and nose. How did she ever made it there?

Memories returned at that moment. The moving, the hangar, Punisher, the Eclipse Driver and then the explosion. From there everything was a confusing mix of shadows and lights. She remembered hearing voices and talking but not much else. How much time had pass? Impossible to know

A gush of wind enter the room, moving the curtains. That was odd. If she was in the hospital that meant the rescue teams found her. Lisa's mind was a mess but she was starting to recover and reorder her ideas. If the authorities had found her then she would be in custody, they would want to interrogate her. It should not be a problem. As soon as she got rid of them she should report back and… Another gush of wind. Who was the idiot that let the window open? She wished she would just closet he thing, but laying there thinking was already consuming all of her energy. Lisa figured they had given her something for the pain, as she felt many sensitive parts of her skin, burnt no doubt.

She clench her fists when a sudden burst of pain appeared in her left leg. What was that? Lisa tried to sit up, but could only trash on the bed. It felt as if someone had touched her. The shadows in the room didn't let her see much but she was certain there was no one else with her, and yet that feeling, maybe the same that had help her wake up, prevented her from relaxing.

"Dear Lord, how boring" a soft voice said.

Doctor Lisa tensed, hearing the voice right next to her ear. Her cardiac monitor started to beep faster, in unison with her heart. She turned her head and finally saw someone next to her bed, standing between her and the window. The shadows hiding its features.

"Having to do these things myself is a hassle, I assure you" the voice was that of a man. The tone was bored "I have a few simple questions, and I will appreciate your cooperation with the answers."

Doctor Lisa coughed. She could not speak, her throat had been burned and they had not yet fully healed her vocal cords. The stranger realized because he continued.

"Here is what we will do. I shall ask a question and you will say 'yes' or 'no' with your head" The man moved to the other side of the bed. Doctor Lisa wanted to scream as soon as she recognized him, when the moonlight illuminated his face "Calm down, we have not started just yet. Will you cooperate?"

She assented. It was all she could do.

"Excellent. Next question, the specimens and tools you were transporting. Were they destroyed?"

She nodded.

"The person who attacked you was Frank Castle?"

Another nod.

"Did anyone told him about the Divider or the Silver Cross."

She shocked her head.

"Do you believe he can find out by himself?"

Doctor Lisa remembered the data copy. Castle took it. She had to nod.

"… That isn't good."

The man extended one hand towards her, almost delicately, placing it over her chest. Doctor Lisa squirmed, trying to move out of the way, trying to scream. But she was not able. A small light illuminated the room, and the doctor went stiff before relaxing on the bed, her cardiac monitor showing a flatline.

"And that concludes our talk" The man adjusted his clothes, walking towards the window. As he did the sleeve of his robe felt back and for a moment his arm was visible, alongside a blue tribal tattoo he had going all the way into his shoulder.