Chapter 4: The Visit??

Inside a private plane.

"I wonder if Hime would understand my hurry." Said a short haired brunette as she sits worriedly in her chair.

"Nano-chi is my only niece. I have to protect her. I've sworn to take care of her in place of my departed sister. If she were alive, she would have already skinned me. If she knew that I let Nano-chi got hurt. "The girl then let a long sighed out.

"Momoko-nee, I promised that I'd take good care of her and I intend to keep it. She's closer than just a niece to me and I would give everything to make her live a better life. After all she had experience the worst the world can give so now she deserves the best life can offer."

She then waved her hand through the air and a transparent screen appeared. She pressed some button and pictures started to appear. She schemed through them till she found what she was searching for. In it, a long haired brunette was sitted. In her hands, a baby lay sleeping, at her side stood a black short haired man and in front of them stood a young boy holding onto her younger sister's hand. All of them have a brilliant smile on their faces like no trouble could break them apart. They were the perfect picture of a happy family.

"Momoko-nee, I'm sorry. I was careless. Nano-chi seems to have met trouble while I was away." The girl then looks sadly at the photo. She then let a sigh out once more.

"Momoko-nee…"

"I'm sorry."

Inside another private plane, at the same time.

"I really don't understand her. She as well as I, knew how strong Nanoha-chan is. Yet why is it that she still overreacts like this? What troublesome people the Takamachi's are?" A long black haired girl said angrily. Then she let out a sigh of resignation.

"I guess, this is what I got for falling in love with one of them."

"After all… I did fell in love with her stubborn yet overprotective side." She then let another sigh out.

"Takamachi's huh. I guess, its part of their charm to be overprotective of people they care about. As strong as they are, they truly are kind people thought their prone to overreact on certain situation. I'm still amazed at how they do that. Let them fight a war and they'll end it with such calm and ease. Let one of their relative got a little injured and they came back like someone's about to die." She let out another sigh.

"But really does that girl really have to be so reckless. I know how important Nanoha-chan is to her. Which she also is to me? But….She really is troublesome that Raven."

"Well, no use crying over spilt milk. I guess all I can do know is to prepare everything."

She then waved her hand and a transparent screen appeared. She clicked an icon on the transparent screen and a moment later another image appeared.

"Hello, Uminari Acade….Hime-sama." Shouted the girl from the screen.

"Good day, Miss Maria. I hope I was not interrupting you or anything."

"No…No… You just surprised me, either than that I'm fine. So why did you call? Are you coming back now?"

"Unfortunately…Yes." Hime sighed.

"Is it because of Raven-sama's niece?"

"Yes, unfortunately Raven heard about Nanoha-chan's hospitalization and she is currently fly back over there."

"I was just about to inform you about that, when you suddenly called."

"So how is she?"

"She's fine. The doctors that checked her said that she's recovering quickly and that her recovery rate was far from the normal which seems to mystify them."

"No doubt about that. She is a Takamachi after all. Anyway Raven would arrive there first and I ask you to do everything in your power to make her take over the administrative position. You know how stubborn she is. She'll probably stick to Nanoha-chan if we don't do anything about her."

"No problem Hime-sama, we've long prepared for something like this."

"Thank you, Ms. Maria and I'm sorry for the trouble."

"No problem, Hime-sama I hope for your safe return."

"Thank you."

And the girl cut the connection.

"We'll now that everything is settled. I've just got to relax and think of a way to punish her for this little stunt."

Inside the Uminari Academy affiliated hospital.

"Na…No…Ha TAKAMACHI!!!" boomed the blonde girl to the sweating Nanoha.

"A…..A…Arisa-chan..." Stuttered the frightened Nanoha.

Arisa entered the room fully, walking briskly towards Nanoha, who had gone paler than before.

"Arisa…chan w...w...wait!." panted a purple haired girl.

"Oh, don't stop me Suzuka. I'm gonna teach this girl how to properly treat her friends even if she ends up staying another week in here." Arisa stated through gritted teeth.

"S…stop it!. Arisa-chan, Nanoha-chan is still weak."

Arisa reached for the Naoha's gown ignoring Suzuka's plea. She then pulled Nanoha towards her in a threatening manner. Anger and worry mixing in her emerald green eyes.

Nanoha saw the swirling emotion within those orbs and she gasped. While a shock face registered on Suzuka's face. Arisa leaned her head closer.

"Do you know? How much you've made us worry? When we found out, that you were sent to the hospital last night?" Arisa whispered through gritted teeth.

Out of shock, Nanoha blurted out an apology. Arisa was about to break hell when Suzuka grab hold of her arm. Arisa looked at Suzuka and Suzuka shook her head.

"Arisa-chan! STOP IT NOW!"Suzuka stated with such seriousness that the blonde momentarily went to shock. She had never seen Suzuka raise or even shout like that ever since they've became friends. The girl was after all known for her calm and sound judgment of any situation.

Arisa then let go of the Nanoha's gown as she stare at Suzuka. Nanoha then gasped for air. Arisa started mumbling some curses as she slowly move away from Nanoha. Suzuka keep on staring at Arisa until the blonde was some meters away from the bed. Suzuka then looked at the still gasping Nanoha with apologetic eyes. It was not lost on Nanoha that the girl was also worried for her sake.

"Nanoha-chan are you okay? Did Arisa-chan hurt you?"

"No, I'm fine." Nanoha replied. The two then heard someone shouting in exasperation.

"Fine!!…Fine!…for the love of God! She says she's fine!" Arisa then pointed at Nanoha.

"If you truly are fine, then why in hell are you in a freaking hospital bed? Argggghhhh!" Arisa accused while she glare at Nanoha.

"Arisa-CHAN! that's enough."

Arisa then started to stomp around in rebellion.

"Nanoha, you found some very amusing friends." Zero said through their telepathic link while he smirks up at Nanoha.

"Mou, Zero-kun."

Suzuka then approach the stomping Arisa. She tried to calm the girl because she was causing trouble with her rampage.

"But I'm glad you found some nice friends. They genuinely care for your sake Nanoha." Zero then gave her a meaningful smile.

"Yeah, I know."

"…"

"But you got to admit, they truly are amusing specially the blonde."

"Mou Zero-kun." The two then smiled as they watch the scene between the other two girls.

Inside Uminari Academy.

"Yagami-san, I expect you and the other student council members to do your work properly."

"Yes Ms. Maria, you can count on us."

"Good then get on with the preparations. The principals would be arriving at around noon tomorrow. Everything should be ready by then."

"Yes, Ma'am." Hayate then replied with all the seriousness she could summon.

"Then I guess I'll leave for now. Don't disappoint me." And the old lady left.

Hayate then breathe out in relief. She then walks back towards the student council room.

"Hayate, is everything all right? Why did the board secretary call you?" Signum ask as she saw the brunette enter the room.

"Nothing much, she just told me that some preparations are needed and that the principal and vice-principal would be arriving soon. Apparently she needs the student council to help with the preparation."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, I guess that means we'll be busy. I should visit Nanoha-chan now. Because if I don't I might not be able to visit her at all." Hayate stated as she fix some paper at her table.

"If so I suggest we leave now. The paper works will have to wait until tomorrow or you could leave it to Rin. I know, she would be glad to do it. That girl loves paper works for some reason many of us failed to know about. I would also like to meet this Nanoha girl you've been talking about."

"Really, Signum are you really coming with me to visit Nanoha-chan?"

"Yes, that is if you would allow me to come?"

"Of course, now why would you even think I'd stop you from coming? And besides if you're with me, then I would be safe from any ambush I might suddenly come to met on the way to the hospital."

The two then walk side by side out the door as they talk about the preparation and the person that they are about to meet. Hayate smiled as brilliantly as she told Signum how she meet Nanoha. Signum remaining stoic as Hayate relate to her on how she had met Nanoha.

Inside Nanoha's hospital room.

Suzuka has managed to calm the raging Arisa. Arisa was now sitting near the door. Her arms were crossover her chest, her head was slightly turned and she was pouting. She would start to mumble some incoherent words but all the while she remained sitted on her appointed chair.

Suzuka on the other side was sitted near Nanoha's bed. She was asking Nanoha about the incident that evidently lead her to end up in the hospital.

"No, I don't recognize any of them. They did however tell me, they hated me. They told me that I was not supposed to have been accepted and that my acceptance to the school was nothing but a mistake."

"Is that all? Did they mention any name or group or anything that will lead us to them?"

"No, they didn't."

"Then do you know who the person that helped you. I heard from Shamal sensei that someone helped you. Do you know who she is?"

"I…" Nanoha was about to answer when the door suddenly opened.

"Nanoha~chan.." Hayate shouted as she entered the room.

All the people inside the room stared at the new comer.

"Hayate, don't be rude. Please excuse our intrusion."

"Mou, Signum. You're so stiff, loosen up would you?"

"No…way.." Arisa blurted out, making the new comers looked at her.

"Eh!..Are we not welcome…?" Hayate asked as she pouted cutely to the blonde girl.

"Arisa-chan, don't be rude." Suzuka then faced the new comers and smiled.

"I'm sorry about that Arisa-chan just got surprised. Of course you're welcome. Please make yourself at home."

"Will who wouldn't be surprise the ever busy student council president visiting a new transfer student is…like…practically unheard of."

"Mou would you stop that, I'm only here to visit a friend. Will you let that student council president think rest until were back at school. Really I just came to visit."

"Okay guy that's enough, please just remain calm." Nanoha intervened as she saw Hayate getting plastered by the minute.

Arisa and Suzuka then looked at Nanoha. They were curious as to how she ended up being friend with the student council president.

"Ahmm…you see…I sort of ended up being her friend when she called me last time to asked about my attack. You know that time you saved me."

The two nodded.

"It was not my intention to keep it from you. The truth is I was really about to tell you guy when I got ambushed…and…will…you know the rest." Nanoha scratch the back of her head in embarrassment."

"…"

"Mou enough with this tension, I've already had one before I came here and that's enough for one day. Anyway sorry for being rude, Nanoha-chan I want you to met a friend of mine." Hayate then gestured to the pinked haired girl who had remained silent through all the commotion earlier.

"Nanoha-chan met Signum, Signum met Nanoha-chan."

Signum nod in acknowledgement while Nanoha smiled at her gently.

"Nanoha-chan are both Arisa-chan and Suzuka-chan your friends? You sure know how to pick your friends." Hayate stated as she came near Nanoha's bed. Signum followed quietly from behind.

"Ehh…Hayate-chan, you know Arisa-chan and Suzuka-chan?"

"Well I am the student council president and besides who wouldn't know the rank 5 and 6 in the whole academy." Hayate stated with a grin.

Nanoha was momentarily stunned by the information. Hayate upon seeing Nanoha's reaction started to grin wider.

"I take it. They haven't told you about that yet."

Nanoha nod in agreement. Arisa and Suzuka then flushed. The two of them had indeed forgotten to tell her about that. Nanoha then looked back and forth between her two flustered friends. The two remained silent under their friends curious eyes after all it was their mistake for forgetting to mention that information. Sensing that her two friends were getting uncomfortable, Nanoha decided to let it go.

"Well whatever. I'll know that information sooner or later and besides it might have just slipped their minds. Either way it won't change the fact that we're all friends know." Nanoha then gave the two a gentle smile.

Suzuka and Arisa then relaxed. But then Arisa remembered Nanoha behavior toward them and she ended up snorting at her. None the less she has a smile on her face as she relaxes on her chair.

Then for the second time they heard the pink haired girl speak.

"I see now why Hayate had taken an immediate liking to you. You truly are kind, Nanoha."

Everyone inside the room was momentarily stunned except Nanoha. They all know that the pink haired girl who had for the past years taken the 2nd place in ranking never complement others easily. Her stoic attitude as well as her mastery in battle were truly known far and wide and are not in habit of complimenting strangers that she had just met. It was also because of this that the girl was given the nickname "Pink Knight".

Oblivious to the others reaction, Nanoha thanked the girl.

"Thank you, Signum-san"

"Signum is fine."

"Okay Signum." Nanoha then gave her a serene smile which to everyone's shock Signum returned with one of her tamed one.

"Signum/the pink knight just smiled!." The remaining one's simultaneously blurted out.

Nanoha looked at them curiously.

"Pink Knight?"Nanoha asked which Signum answered.

"That is the nickname they had given me."

Hayate recovered from the unexpected change.

"It seems like you've found yourself a good companion, Signum."

Signum replied with a nod.

The five then wasted the time talking about normal things and school affairs. Signum would join the group only to give comment either than that she remains mostly quiet. Then it was time for them to leave. They said their good byes and left.

The four were walking toward the lobby, when a short haired brunette passed them by. The four almost instinctively felt an enormous power wash over them. They looked back but they saw no one and they decided that it might have just been an illusion. Though for the rest of the trip home the four remained silent each of them thinking about the mysterious encounter.

Inside Nanoha's hospital room.

Nanoha was contemplating about the day's happening when Zero interrupted her.

"You look happy. Did you enjoy their visit that much?"

"Yes, they are pretty fun to be with."

"Yes, they are a pretty lively bunch if I have to say so myself."

"But was it alright for you to lie to them?"

"What do you mean?"

"You didn't tell them everything that happened, when you were attacked. I think you know more about the persons that had attacked you than you let them know."

"I need not include them in this. They will only get hurt." Nanoha then gave Zero a meaningful smile which also means the subject is at its end.

"Stubborn." Zero sighed out.

"Fine you win. Now you must res….."

Zero was interrupted when the door suddenly opened. The two looked at the open door and saw a short haired brunette bent over as she tries to catch her breath. Nanoha recognizing the bent over figure called out.

"Aunt Raven!?..But I thought you were in New York?" Nanoha asked wide eyed.

The brunette panted as she slowly looked up. Then the brunette straitened and walk towards Nanoha. When the brunette reached the bed, she pulled Nanoha into a tight hug. Zero looked on as the scene continues. He had a disinterested look in his face. This scene was normal for this household apparently.

"Thank God! you're alright. I was worried sick when the hospital called me. I rushed back here to see if you're fine. I'm so glad you're not as badly hurt as the doctor said. I almost had a heart attack!"

"Mou, Aunt Raven calm down. I'm fine. I'm not a kid anymore you know."

"Yes, I know that, but still you're my one and only niece. You can't take it out on me, not to worry about you. I also know that you're strong but really I still worry." She then smiled sadly at Nanoha.

Nanoha could only return the hug and sighed.

"I know that you worry for me but really I'll be fine and besides Zero-kun's with me."

A few minutes later Raven, let go of Nanoha. She then sit on the younger girl's bed and looked at her straight in the eyes.

"Nano-chi, why did you choose this place? You should have gone to midchildia instead."

Nanoha shook her head and smiled sadly.

"Because Aunt Raven, this is the place where I was born and this is also the place where they lost their lives." Raven saw the sadness in the younger girl's eyes as she answered her.

"I'm sorry. It was not my intention to sadden you Nano-chi."

Nanoha nod her head.

"It's fine. I know you didn't intend to make me sad. By the way where's Aunt Hime."

Raven stiffens at the mention of Hime's name. Nanoha then knew that her aunt had done something wrong again.

"Aunt Raven, did you do something wrong to Aunt Hime?"

Raven knocked on her head with a closed fist and let out her tongue in a cute way.

"Nyahaha, I sort of ditch her but you need not worry. I did leave her a note before I left."

"But Aunt Raven I know Aunt Hime would worry if you suddenly disappeared like that. I know for sure that Aunt Hime would be furious by now."

As if on command Hime appeared at the door.

"R.A.V.E.N…T.A.K.A.M.A.C.H.I!!" Hime called out.

Raven stiffened for a few second as Hime tap her shoes on the tiled floor. Slowly and ever so slowly Raven looked back. Hime stopped tapping her shoes and smiled sweetly. Right there and then Raven knew she's dead.

"Hi, Aunt Hime. Nice to see you please don't punish Aunt Raven too bad for what she did. " Nanoha stated with a gentle smile as Raven looked back and forth between the two.

"Why, hello to you too, Nanoha-chan. You need not worry about that. You know how much I love your Aunt to punish her inappropriately." Her smile never leaving her mouth.

Raven could almost see Hime as the grim reaper while a coffin with her name on it approaches her. Raven was so caught up with her musing that she failed to sense Hime's approach. When Hime had her hand on Raven's shoulder did she realize that Hime had approach her. She felt a shiver run down her spine at the sudden contact. She then looked at the hand on her shoulder up to Hime's smiling face and she knew that she's definitely screwed.

"Honey dear, you shouldn't be so stiff or you'll make Nanoha-chan worry. I suggest you talk to her NOW as I leave for a while I still need to call Ms Maria about some stuff. As for your PUNISHMENT that could wait until we reach home. I'll PUNISH you thoroughly for what you did." Hime purposely stressed the words to make it clear to Raven that she could not escape her and if she tries then it would be worst.

"Why does that sound so wrong yet feel so right and all so terribly frightening at the same time."

Raven then felt Hime squeeze her shoulder in an almost vice like grip that made her gasped.

"Ye…yes d…dear I…I…I understand." Raven answered with a trembling voice.

Then Hime let go of Raven's shoulder as she turn around and walk out the door. Raven let out a long breathe of relief when she felt Hime's presence left the room. Nanoha then spoke making Raven look up to her.

"Aunt Raven are you alright? You look pale all of the sudden." Nanoha ask innocently.

"I'm fine, don't worry about me. By the way Nano-chi have you told anyone in school about our relationship?"

"No, I haven't."

"I thought so. You certainly carry the stubbornness of a Takamachi. I guess this means you want to act independent on your own at school. I feel sad though because it means we won't get to spend more time together though were so near each other."

"Does that mean you're coming back to take over Uminari Academy?"

"Yes, which means I'll be seeing more of you but at the same time ignoring you. You really know how to work your Aunt up. Do you?" Nanoha giggled at her aunt's antics.

"Mou, Aunt Raven." The two then ended up giggling together.

Raven stop after a few minute and looked at Nanoha.

"Nano-chi have you met any good friends yet."

Nanoha who was still giggling stopped and looked at her Aunt.

"Yes, I have and their quiet a lively bunch according to Zero-kun. There fun to be with." Nanoha answered. Raven saw Nanoha smile brilliantly and it warmed her heart.

"I see. I wonder then when it is that you'll tell them about us. I would like to meet them face to face."

"Actually Aunt Raven I don't plan to tell them the truth yet. I don't want them to get involve in my quarrels."

"But surely you would have to tell them if you plan to truly be their friend."

"Yes that's true but not now. They must not now at least for now they must stay in the dark about who I truly am."

"I see. You truly are stubborn."

Nanoha just gave her aunt an apologetic smile.

"Thank you for understanding and for accepting my selfishness."

"No problem that's what Aunts are for. They worry and accept the selfishness of their nieces and nephews. Anyway I think I've taken more of your time. You should rest."Then Raven remembered Hime's threat.

"On second thought why don't we continue to chat some mor…."

Raven was interrupted when the door suddenly opened and Hime entered.

"Honey dear, I think it's TIME for us to LEAVE. Nanoha-chan needs her rest."

Raven had suddenly gone pale again. Seeing that Raven won't be moving anytime soon, Hime decided to drag the stunned girl out. Before Hime completely drag Raven out, she looked at Nanoha and offered her a simple smile that seems to mean everything yet nothing at the same time.

"Nanoha-chan I wish for you to recover faster and please don't end up like your Aunt." Hime then pointed at Raven.

"I'm sure you wouldn't wanna get your special someone worried all the time. And please take better care of yourself. I also get worried for you. You're like the little sister I never had and I like to keep you safe too."

Nanoha nodded her acceptance and waved her hand good bye with a smile on her face. When the two were gone and the room was once more shrouded in silence Zero spoke.

"Sometimes I wonder. Who the real adult is between you and your aunt?"

Nanoha only shrug. Then she yawned for the day had tired her out.

"You've had a long day. No wonder you're tired. Rest."

"Okay." Nanoha replied as she got comfortable.

"Zero-kun should also rest."

Zero nod. Nanoha found it easy to fall asleep because of the day's happenings. Zero watched as Nanoha's breathing got even. He then positioned himself for sleep.

A few hours later Zero was awakened by someone's presence. He stood alert as he tried to pin point the presence's position thinking that it is one of Nanoha's attacker.

"Who's there? Show yourself!."

Then out of shadowed part of the room a person emmerged. The person in question has long blonde hair tied at the bottom and the most striking ruby red eyes. Zero relaxed as he recognized the figure.

"Oh I see, I was wondering when you'd show up."

"How is she?" Come the soft tone of the figure.

"She's fine, thanks to you." Zero replied gratefully.

"It's fine."

"Why did you not come earlier? You could have met her other friends. By the way what is your name?"

"Fate, Fate Testarossa. I did not want to disturb you. I have come only to see if she is fine."

At that moment the moon which was hidden by the cloud peeked. The room was illuminated by the moon's light. Fate saw the brunette fully as the moonlight strikes her figure in bed. The brunette's serene face with the moonlights illumination looked that of an angel. Fate could not help but be stunned. Then a few minutes later melancholy could be seen in the blonde's face.

"Every time I see her I keep being reminded of the friend I lost long ago. They both look like an angel when they relax and smile." Fate absentmindedly blurted out. Sadness was lining her tone now.

Fate walked nearer towards the bed. She reached towards the brunette's face but then she stopped. Then she turned around. Zero watched in complete silence.

"Thank you for letting me see her. I'll take my leave now. I'm sorry if I disturb your rest."

"I see. Thank you."

Then Fate continued to walk toward the darkness which seems to welcome her. As the darkness engulf the blonde's figure. Zero looked on. When the blonde's presence vanishes, Zero looked at the sleeping Nanoha.

"You truly do attract all kinds of people be it good or bad."

Then Zero saw something glow on Nanoha's left shoulder.

"I see that you to are worried. I guess like me. You could no longer wait for the day she fulfilled her promise. Is that right Flameheart?"

As if to reply to Zero's question the glow brightened. Zero then felt a large amount of raw power pass through him. It gave him a large power boost.

"Thanks for the boost. I promise you that I'll protect her as you wait. I'll do my best. This time Flameheart, I won't fail in protecting her."

The light then disappeared. Zero then summoned a magic circle around Nanoha's bed and a white calming light engulf them. A few minutes later the light disappeared leaving only an exhausted Zero.

"With that everything should be alright." Zero whispered in exhaustion before he collapse in Nanoha's bed.