Authors' Notes: Well everyone here is the next chapter in this epic adventure. Sorry this is late today I ended up working.

Now without further ado here is the next chapter.

ZR };-

Re-uploaded

Mystic Guardians: Hero's From Two Worlds

By

Zona Rose

Chapter Five

The fall knocked the breath from her lungs when she hit the frigid water below. Disoriented, she thrashed in the inky blackness, unable to tell which way was up. Her clothes dragged her down as she fought her way to the surface, gasping for air when she finally broke through.

Treading water, Suzuka blinked to clear her vision and get her bearings. She found herself in some kind of underground reservoir or aqueduct system, the crumbling stone walls slick with moisture and devoid of almost all light. The opening she had fallen through was too far above her to reach, even if she could find a handhold on the sheer walls.

Fear clutched at her heart as she realized she was trapped, with no way out that she could see. The chill of the water was already sapping her strength, and she knew if she didn't find a way out soon, she would succumb to hypothermia, drown, or both.

"Help!" She cried out, her voice echoing in the dark chamber. "Can anyone hear me? I'm trapped down here!"

Only silence answered her desperate pleas. As her eyes adjusted to the dim light, Suzuka could make out a tunnel branching off from the reservoir. She swam toward it, her sodden clothing continuing to weigh her down. The tunnel seemed to slope upward, giving her a spark of hope that it might lead to a way out.

Pulling herself from the water, Suzuka shivered uncontrollably as she sloshed down the tunnel. The cold was starting to make her limbs stiff and clumsy. She had to find a way out soon or she would freeze.

Rounding a bend, Suzuka saw faint light glimmering ahead. Hope leaped in her chest and she hurried forward, only to stop short as she realized the tunnel ended in a pile of rubble where part of the ceiling had caved in. Weak light filtered through tiny gaps in the rockfall, but there was no way through.

Despair washed over Suzuka as she realized she was trapped. The water was starting to rise rapidly in the tunnel as more poured in from the reservoir. In minutes it would be up to her waist. She was out of options, with no way to climb up and no way to go forward.

Exhausted and hopeless, Suzuka sank onto a rock, shivering. "Arisa..." She whispered through chattering teeth. "I wish I'd told you how much you mean to me." A single tear slid down her cheek as she realized she would likely die alone down here in the cold and dark before she ever got to share her true feelings with the friend she cherished most.

The water swirled around Suzuka's legs as she huddled there, rapidly rising. She knew her time was running out, but she was too cold and tried to try swimming back the way she'd come. Resting her head against the damp stone, she closed her eyes and sent up a silent prayer, hoping against hope for a miracle.

The light that was coming through tiny cracks slowly started disappearing as water trickled through those openings.

Suzuka heard a groan and creaking coming from the rubble. Water started springing from the holes in the rubble with even more force, even moving some of the small to medium debris out of its way. Now with the water swirling in the direction Suzuka came from, too weak to fight the water flow it began to drag her back the way she came, back into darkness.

"Please," She whispered, voice catching as water filled her mouth. "Someone help me."

Making her way over to the side wall, her hand came into contact with something lodged in a crevice. Desperate, she yanked it out just as she went underwater again. The device connected with Suzuka's ice powers, gloves wrapped around her hands and a wall of ice materialized lifting her out of the water. Suzuka, gasping for breath, sat on the ice and called out for help both aloud and in her mind.

"Please, I need help! I'm trapped!"

Hearing Suzuka's telepathic cries in different parts of the city, Nanoha and Fate sprang into action. Their devices hummed with energy as they pinpointed Suzuka's location. On their way to save her, they alerted the others about the danger Suzuka faced.

"Everyone, Suzuka's in trouble!" Nanoha said telepathically.

"I'm on my way," Fate added. A buzz of voices in confusion about where Suzuka was in their heads.

Nanoha and Fate raced through the dimly lit streets, following the directions provided by their devices. When they reached the spot above Suzuka, Nanoha saw a hole in the ground. Suzuka sitting on a slab of ice, trembling from fear and cold. But before relief could wash over them, they watched in horror as Suzuka began to slide off the icy platform.

"Grab her, Fate!" Nanoha cried out.

"Got it!" Fate responded, not missing a beat. She reaches into the hole for Suzuka but can't reach her.

Arisa came running around the corner and saw Fate trying to grab Suzuka. Seeing Fate fail, Arisa without thinking jumps into the water, gets a hold of Suzuka, and lifts her so she can breathe.

Nanoha and Fate point Raising Heart and Bardiche into the hole and sending binding chains to wrap around them and lift them to safety.

As her friends pulled her to safety, Suzuka's heart raced with gratitude and relief. She knew she owed them her life. The moment they reached solid ground again, she collapsed into Arisa's arms, both of them gasping and shaking from the ordeal.

"Thank you," Suzuka whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. "I thought I was going to die."

"Never," Arisa replied fiercely, holding her tighter. "We won't let that happen, ever."

With their hearts pounding in unison, Suzuka knew this harrowing experience had brought her and Arisa even closer together.

Arisa's protective instincts kicked in as she held Suzuka, her wet and shivering form pressed against her own. "We need to get you out of these soaked clothes," Arisa said, worry etching into her features.

"Right," Suzuka agreed weakly, clinging to Arisa for support.

Nanoha and Fate exchanged glances, understanding the urgency of the situation. "Come on," Nanoha said, "let's get back to the house and warm you both up."

On their way back to the house they ended up meeting the rest of the group on their way to help. Seeing everything was under control they all went back as a group.

As they made their way back, Suzuka couldn't help but replay the terrifying moments in her mind. The water engulfing her, the darkness closing in — it all felt like a nightmare she couldn't escape. But then there was Arisa, her light in the darkness, pulling her back from the brink.

Once inside, Arisa quickly guided Suzuka to her room, leaving Nanoha and Fate to manage the others. As soon as the door closed behind them, Arisa helped Suzuka shed her soaked clothes and put on some of Arisa's clothes. Next Arisa got out of her wet clothes and into dry ones.

"Here, let me hold you," Arisa murmured, opening her arms for Suzuka. She knew that physical touch would help calm her love's nerves, and having each other close would also provide much-needed warmth. Suzuka gratefully accepted the embrace, burying herself in Arisa's comforting warmth.

"Thank you, Arisa," Suzuka whispered, her breath hitching as residual fear still clung to her. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Hey," Arisa said softly, looking into Suzuka's eyes with a fierce determination. "Just remember, we're in this together. You're never alone, okay?"

Suzuka nodded, tears welling in her eyes.

"Come on," Arisa said with a small smile as she wiped away Suzuka's tears. "Let's get you into bed to continue to warm you up."

"Why? I'll be fine."

"Body heat," She said, a hint of concern in her tone.

Suzuka nodded, hesitating briefly before agreeing. "It makes sense."

"Alright," Arisa said, determination filling her voice. "To do this right, I think we need to have skin-to-skin contact."

The two girls exchanged nervous glances as they faced a new level of intimacy – one they had not experienced before. They stripped out of their clothes, leaving them in small piles on the floor.

"Get under the covers," Arisa instructed gently, her voice filled with care. Suzuka obeyed, climbing into bed and pulling the blanket tight around her shivering body. Arisa joined her, wrapping her arms around Suzuka protectively.

"Is this okay?" Arisa asked, feeling the warmth of their bodies pressed together to begin to work its magic.

"More than okay," Suzuka murmured, snuggling closer to Arisa. Her eyes fluttered closed as she breathed in the familiar scent of the woman she loved. She felt safe now, surrounded by Arisa's warmth and care.

Arisa held Suzuka close, soothing her lingering anxiety over nearly drowning. In those moments, she made a silent promise to herself to always be there for Suzuka.

"Sleep well," Arisa whispered.

"Goodnight, Arisa," Suzuka replied, her voice filled with contentment as they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's warmth.

The soft glow of the moons filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle light upon the two girls entwined in each other's arms. Arisa's heart raced as she felt Suzuka's steady breaths against her skin. The warmth of their bodies pressed together worked its magic, easing away the chill that had clung to Suzuka since her ordeal in the water.

"Hey, Suzuka," Arisa whispered, her voice barely audible in the quiet room. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you for a while now."

Suzuka shifted in Arisa's embrace, her violet eyes meeting Arisa's intense gaze. "What is it?"

Arisa hesitated, her throat suddenly dry. She had always been bold and fearless, but confessing her deeper feelings for Suzuka was uncharted territory. However, the terrifying near-miss they'd just experienced made her realize how important it was to share her true emotions with those she cared about most.

"Before today, I never really knew how to tell you how much you mean to me," Arisa began, her voice wavering with emotion. "I didn't want to ruin our friendship, so I kept how I felt to myself. However, the thought of losing you... it terrified me more than anything. I love you, Suzuka. More than I can put into words."

Tears welled up in Suzuka's eyes as she heard Arisa's heartfelt confession. Arisa steeled herself, prepared for any response Suzuka might have, but nothing could have prepared her for the joy that radiated from Suzuka's face.

"I love you too, Arisa," Suzuka whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I've felt this way for so long, but I never knew if I should say anything."

As their lips met, the world around them seemed to fade away.

"Promise me you'll always be by my side," Suzuka murmured between kisses, her fingers entwined in Arisa's hair.

"Always," Arisa promised, her voice infused with determination. "I'll protect you no matter what."

Without waiting Arisa kisses Suzuka with passion, sliding her leg in between Suzuka's legs and pushing against her apex. Arisa's hand looking for and finding a hill with a peek to pinch and need. Suzuka gasps in Arisa's mouth allowing Arisa's tongue to slide in and explore.

Suzuka moans her pleasure, but then remembers her secret and tries to stop Arisa before she hurts herself. "Ouch." Too late, Arise just cut her tongue on Suzuka's fang. "What is that?"

"Well you see, I have something I need to tell you before we continue." Suzuka closes her eyes and steals herself for the rejection she fears may come. "You see, my family is very old. So old that we can trace it back to Transylvania and Vlad Dracul."

Arisa looks at her in confusion, "Transylvania? Vlad Dracul?"

"Yes, my family moved to Japan over two centuries ago. Changing our name to a Japanese name to hide from the hunters." Suzuka looked Arisa in the eyes. "Vlad Dracul did horrible things to so many. That the church hunters came after him and the family. Grandfather knew if he did not move to a safe country the line would be wiped out. So he moved to Japan and fell in love. He took his wife's name and the rest is history."

"Suzuka, what are you trying to tell me?" Arisa asked.

"I'm trying to tell you that… I'm a vampire. A real vampire, not the kind you see on TV and in movies. I love being in the sun and love the taste of garlic in my food. Although I do need blood from time to time, I get that from undercooked beef mostly. I do need to get blood transfusions to help with the anemia we get. I have been a bit worried in this new world about how I can keep myself from getting the hunger to drink."

Arisa looks at Suzuka and closes her eyes, "Do you need to drink now?"

"No! I have been doing okay with the undercooked meat so far..." Suzuka looks away from Arisa's neck.

"If you need to drink, please let me know and we'll find someplace that you can drink from me," Arisa tells the love of her life and kisses her lips with tenderness.

"Do you know what you are asking me?" Suzuka asks.

"Yes, you will need to drink so you can live. I will help you and the only way I can think of right now is to offer myself to you." Arisa tells her.

Tears come to the corners of Suzuka's eyes and she hugs Arisa. In a whisper, "Make love to me."

Suzuka and Arisa lay entwined on the soft bed. Arisa started with kissing along the jawline and then down her neck and along her collarbone. Making her way in between two beautiful peaks. Lifting her head up she admires them, but can't stay away for long. As she takes a rosebud in her mouth and sucks hard and long, rolling her tongue around the little rosebud, Suzuka gasps at the sensation.

Once Arisa has had her fill she looks into Suzuka's eyes as she traces her fingers down Suzuka's stomach, feeling the muscles quiver beneath her touch. She dipped her fingers lower, slowly circling, rubbing, and teasing Suzuka's clit before sliding them inside. Suzuka gasped, her hips bucking as Arisa began to move her fingers in and out.

Arisa went back up and captured a rosebud in her mouth again, suckling as if she was starved. The combination of the fingers stroking the inside of Suzuka and Arisa's mouth on her nipple brought Suzuka to her first climax of the night.

After coming back to reality Suzuka reached up to cup Arisa's breast, her thumb flicking over the rosebud-like nipple. Arisa moaned, her hips grinding against Suzuka's thigh.

"I want to taste you," Suzuka whispered, her voice husky with desire.

Arisa nodded, her eyes dark with lust. She turned around and moved down Suzuka's body, her tongue tracing a path over Suzuka's stomach and down to her clit. Suzuka cried out as Arisa began to lick and suck, her hips bucking against Arisa's mouth.

Suzuka reached up to touch Arisa, her fingers sliding inside as Arisa continued to pleasure her. Suzuka moved her mouth up to find her lover's clit and started licking and sucking at it as her fingers continued to move in and out. They moved together, their bodies in perfect sync. Bring themselves to climax.

Arisa collapsed on top of Suzuka, her face resting on her thigh with Suzuka's fingers still inside of Arisa. Finally, they rolled over, and moving into position their legs intertwined as they scissored, their clits grinding against each other. They moved together, their breath coming in gasps as they climbed higher and higher.

With a final cry, they both came, their bodies shaking as they rode out the waves of pleasure. They lay together, their limbs tangled, as they caught their breath.

"I love you," Suzuka whispered, her voice filled with emotion.

"I love you too," Arisa replied, her voice filled with love and adoration.

They fell asleep in each other's arms, never seeing the light that glowed around their bodies as they became a bonded couple.

As they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over the room as Arisa and Suzuka stirred from their slumber. Entwined in each other's arms, they shared a tender smile before reluctantly disentangling themselves and getting dressed. As they emerged from the bedroom hand in hand, they couldn't help but radiate happiness.

"Good morning, you two," Nanoha greeted them with a playful grin. "You both look… cozy today."

Arisa and Suzuka blushed furiously at Nanoha's teasing, but seeing the genuine joy in their friends' eyes, they felt free to show their feelings for one another, if only to a small degree. They exchanged a loving glance, their hands remaining clasped together.

"Alright, everyone," Yuuno called out, his voice firm yet gentle. "Let's get started with today's training."

As the group began their exercises, Arisa and Suzuka quickly found themselves perfectly in sync. Their new bond seemed to enhance their teamwork, making them more aware of each other's movements and thoughts. The rest of the team couldn't help but be impressed by the seamless way they worked together.

"Wow," Fate whispered to Nanoha as they watched the duo. "They are incredible together."

"Yes, they are," Nanoha replied.

Later, as they sat down to dinner, Vita couldn't help but complain about the "mushy stuff" surrounding Arisa and Suzuka. "I'm happy for them and all, but can we tone it down just a little?" She grumbled, rolling her eyes.

Alicia noticed a longing glance from Vita as she said this and playfully nudged her. "Aw, come on, Vita. Don't tell me you don't have someone special in mind too?"

Vita's face turned beet red, and she snapped defensively, "Mind your own business, Alicia!" She stood up abruptly, knocking her chair over in the process, and stormed out of the room.

Realizing she may have pushed too far, Alicia sighed and got up to follow Vita, hoping to apologize and mend their new friendship.

The sun cast shadows on the training field as the group gathered, excitement rippling through them. Arisa and Suzuka stood side by side, ready for what came next.

"Alright, everyone," Yuuno called out, "We'll be testing these new devices today, so pay close attention to how they react with your powers."

Taking turns Arisa gripped her new saber she named Flame Eyes tightly, feeling the warmth of fire magic contained within. She glanced at Suzuka who held a gray staff with a blue stone at the top, Suzuka had named it Snow White securely in her hands.

"Ready?" Nanoha asked, looking between them.

"Definitely," Arisa replied, determination shining in her eyes.

"Let's do this," Suzuka agreed, her voice soft but steady.

"Alright then, Arisa, you're up first. Try focusing your energy into Flame Eyes and see if you can produce a controlled fireball," Yuuno instructed.

Arisa nodded, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath. She felt her magic surge within her, flowing into the device. With a flick of her wrist, a fireball burst forth, blazing brilliantly before dissipating harmlessly into the air.

"Wow, that was amazing!" Fate exclaimed, clapping her hands together in praise.

"Thanks," Arisa said, grinning as she caught her breath. "Alright, Suzuka, it's your turn."

Suzuka hesitated for a moment, biting her lip as she focused on Snow White. Remembering how when she found the device she was almost killed, she couldn't help but feel a little scared. Sensing her trepidation, Arisa placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"You've got this, Suzuka. I believe in you," She whispered, their eyes meeting in a moment of understanding.

With renewed determination, Suzuka took a deep breath and channeled her magic into the device. A shimmering ice wall materialized before them, its crystalline surface reflecting the sunlight in beautiful patterns.

"Excellent work, Suzuka!" Yuuno praised.

"Thank you," She replied, smiling warmly at Arisa as they shared a small victory.

Next was Nanoha's display of her new device, flying up into the air she fired off an attack that nearly blew everyone away. Thankfully, Nanoha pointed it into the air instead of at a target. When Nanoha landed everyone had a dumbfounded look on their faces at the sheer power that she had displayed.

Fate rounded up the demonstration with a large area attack destroying all of the targets that had been set up on the other side of the training field.

"You all did marvelously," Yuuno says, a little scared at the last two displays.

Deciding that they had done enough damage to the training field, they wrapped up the day's training. Arisa led Suzuka away from the others, wanting to have a private moment to talk.

"Hey, I wanted to give you something," Arisa said, reaching into her pocket and pulling out a delicate flower. Its petals were a soft lavender hue, reminiscent of the colors that now painted the sky. "I know it's not much, but I thought it symbolized the blossoming of our love."

Suzuka's eyes widened in surprise, and she gently took the flower from Arisa's hand. "It's beautiful, Arisa. Thank you," She whispered, tears welling up in her eyes.

Arisa leaned in and pressed her lips against Suzuka's, sealing their love with a tender kiss. The two girls stood there, wrapped up in each other's embrace, as the first day of the rest of their lives began.

Authors' Notes: Well everyone this takes us to the end of this chapter.

Please leave a review let me know what you think so far, and until next time, enjoy the read.

In Love & Light,

ZR };-