“… The author’s inability to abide by the rules of her own universe is the final nail in the proverbial coffin. If the younger generation grows up believing such trite is good literature, I fear for the future.”
Jail sat back as he studied what he had typed on the screen. One of the privileges he had gained through his cooperation was access to a computer for brief periods and he usually utilized this opportunity to upload literary reviews to his Spacebook account. His target this time was a certain four volume series he had the displeasure of forcing himself through.
“That’s the last time I listen to one of Quattro’s recommendations,” he said before he heard the door to his cell block open.
“Dr. Scaglietti, you have a visitor,” the guard said as he poked his head in.
“Send them right in, Barney.” Jail flashed a smile and settled himself down in his chair. His smile widened as the small girl walked in. “Cinque, how nice to see you again.”
“Greetings, Doctor.” Cinque nodded curtly. “I see you’re still doing well.”
“It seems the same can’t be said of the rest of the world. I saw his little announcement last week and frankly I’m surprised it took some one this long to come and see me.”
“The Bureau is currently busy with crowd control,” Cinque said. “So it took me far longer than usual to gain permission and make travel arrangements.”
“I see, I see. I won’t keep you then. What would you like to know?”
“It’s not me who wants to talk to you.” Cinque shook her head before turning towards the entrance. “Come in.”
Jail was not a man easily rattled, but even he couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping a little. “Oh my, I wasn’t expecting this.”
“It’s been awhile, Doctor.” Vivio bowed politely. “I’d like to speak with you.”
“The situation must be dire indeed for a young lady such as yourself to come all the way out here to seek help from a man you despise,” Jail said.
“Oh, I don’t hate you.” Vivio smiled. “You might have done some bad things to me and my family, but I forgive you. I know that if it weren’t for you I wouldn’t have been born and met my family in the first place, so I’m thankful to you for that.” Vivio bowed her head again.
“…You’ve certainly grown into a mature young lady.” Jail nodded wisely. “Perhaps I need not fear for the future after all.”
“Huh?” Vivio blinked.
“Don’t worry about it.” Jail smiled. “Your generous heart has moved me, and because of that I’ll tell you anything you want. So, how may I help you, your majesty?”
“I’m not her majesty.” Vivio shook her head. “But I am looking for something she left behind.”
X-X-X
“We’re really sorry, Nanoha-san.” Wendi and Nove both had their hands clasped in front of them as they looked at the woman on screen.
“No, you don’t have to apologise.” Nanoha waved it off.
“We know you’re about to head off on a big mission,” Nove said. “But Vivio’s been pulling all nighters recently and is only now getting some rest. While we want to let you talk to her, we also don’t want to disturb her…”
“Yeah, the shorty needs her sleep, so… Sorry,” Wendi said.
“No, I understand.” Nanoha smiled softly. “Just let her be. I’ll just have to see her when I come back. I want to thank you girls for looking after my daughter.”
“Don’t sweat it. We’re happy to do it.” Wendi grinned.
“Good luck on your mission.” Nove smiled.
“Bye, then.” Nanoha waved before the transmission cut.
Wendi and Nove held their expressions for several beats afterwards before letting out a pair of sighs.
“Looks like she bought it.” Wendi wiped her brow.
“I was worried she would see right through us.” Nove said.
“Well, we were only half lying…” Wendi chuckled nervously. “She really couldn’t talk to Vivio…”
“I don’t even want to think about what she’d do to us if she knew the truth.” Nove shivered.
“… The crater would be immense I’m sure…” Wendi mirrored her sister’s reaction.
“I survived it, so will you,” Dieci said simply as she flipped the page in the book she was reading.
X-X-X
Nanoha sighed after hanging up. She really wanted to speak to Vivio before she had to deploy, but some things couldn’t be helped.
“Nanoha-san!” Subaru said as she ran up to her. “How’s Vivio doing?”
“I wasn’t able to talk to her.” Nanoha smiled with a bit of sadness. “I hope she hasn’t caused too much trouble for your sisters.”
“If anything they’re the ones causing trouble for Vivio.” Subaru flashed a grin before putting on a more concerned expression. “Are you doing okay, Nanoha-san?”
“I’m just fine, Subaru. Thanks.” Nanoha patted the other girl on the shoulder. “We trained really hard this past week, didn’t we? I don’t think I’m quite back up to 100%, so I hope I’m ready for the upcoming battle. Unlike the time with Vivio, I’m worried I might not be able to get through to him…”
“You can definitely do it, I’m sure!” Subaru said. “If anyone can save Professor Yuuno, it’s Nanoha-san! It might not be easy, and I know how difficult it is to fight some one you care about when they’re like a completely different person… But! I was able to save Gin-nee so Nanoha-san can do it for sure!”
“Is that so?” Nanoha smiled before pulling the blue haired girl into a hug. She remembered her student trying to cheer her on in the past as well and figured she deserved it. “Thank you, Subaru. I know I can definitely do this now.”
“D-Don’t mention it.” Subaru flushed a bit when Nanoha let go. “I, I better go finish my preparations now. See you in a bit, Nanoha-san!”
“Okay.” Nanoha watched the younger girl dash off. So many people were looking out for her and if this incident had taught her anything it was that she should appreciate that more.
X-X-X
Fate sat idly in the break area, completely unsure how she should be feeling about the upcoming mission. She figured she ought to approach it like she did any other mission, but it was far too personal for that. Should she look forward to or dread the inevitable confrontation with that person? When it came down to it, could she really do what needed to be done?
“That’s quite the expression you have there, Fate.”
Fate jumped out of her seat and saw who had addressed her. “Mom!”
“Not very relaxed, are you?” Lindy smiled.
“Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind…”
“I know, I’ve read the reports and decided to come check up on you.” Lindy gently cupped a hand over Fate’s cheek. “Are you going to be okay?”
“I… I don’t know… What am I supposed to feel at a time like this?”
“Well, look at it as an opportunity to finally put things to rest. Once you do I know you’ll come out of this even stronger.”
“But…” Fate averted her eyes. “What if…”
“Don’t think about that and just do what you have to do. All you need to know is that no matter what happens, your family is here for you and we love you. Chrono, Amy, and Arf all send their regards and the twins just can’t wait to see their favourite aunt again.”
“I’m their only aunt…” Fate smiled slightly.
“That’s more like it.” Lindy brushed back a strand of Fate’s hair. “Just be sure to come back to us, okay?”
“I will, I promise.” Fate’s smile widened.
“But we can’t have you head out with your tie all crooked like this.” Lindy said as she began fiddling with it.”
“Mooom, I can do it myself…” Fate flushed.
“Oh hush, dear.” Lindy grinned. “No matter how old you get, fussing over you is a mom privilege that we never lose. Now stand still.”
“Yes m’am.” Fate couldn’t stifle a giggle.
X-X-X
“You have to take us with you!” Schach said as she and Verossa followed Hayate down the hall.
“You know I can’t do that, sister.” Hayate said bluntly. “We can only take ten people and I’ve already chosen who those will be.”
“I don’t mean to tell you how to do your job, Hayate,” Verossa said politely. “But I don’t see any reason to abide by the condition that man set. I’m sure he has something up his sleeve so it would be best to have more able bodies present to counteract it.”
Hayate stopped and turned around. “Listen, I know you want to save Carim but not listening to him might put her in even more danger. What if he kills her and pins the blame on us for not following the rules?”
“But…”
“I want to save Carim just as much as you do.” Hayate smiled sympathetically. “So please, leave it to me. I will bring her back, I promise. But I need you to stay behind just in case we do fail. Some one needs to lead the next attack against him.”
Schach opened her mouth to protest but Verossa put a hand on her shoulder.
“Schach, enough,” he said. “Well, Hayate, we’ll do things your way. I leave Carim in your hands.”
“Thanks, Rossa,” Hayate said. “I’ll do everything in my power to put an end to this so please be patient until then.”
“We will.” Verossa smiled. “You have my word.”
X-X-X
“What are you grinning about?” Teana raise an eyebrow as Subaru practically floated up to her. And to think Subaru was so worried a week ago.
“Ehehe, I actually managed to cheer up Nanoha-san this time!” Subaru said. “She even gave me a hug!”
“I guess you were bound to get it right one of these days.” Teana gave her a friendly shot to the arm. “All set for the mission, then?”
“I feel like I could take on an army!” Subaru pumped her fists.
“Yo, I see you never change.”
The girls turned to the new voice.
“Vice-sempai,” Teana said. “What are you doing here?”
“I hear you were all off to a fancy shindig so naturally you need some one to take you there in style.” Vice pointed to himself with his thumb, shot a wink, and flashed a grin.
“You don’t change either.” Subaru laughed.
“I thought we were only allowed ten people, though,” Teana said.
“I’m just the chauffeur so there shouldn’t be a problem.” His expression turned serious. “I wish I could help ya in some other way, but… Are you all ready?”
“As ready as we’ll ever be, I guess,” Teana said.
“Wonder what that guy’s trying to pull inviting you all like that…” Vice rubbed his chin. “Maybe he wants to stage his own version of the Inter Middle tournament, fighting each of you one by one until he’s beaten you all…”
“Huh?” Teana and Subaru both said.
“Ah, forget it,” Vice said as he flicked his wrist. “Not much longer until take off so if there’s something you need to do, better go do it.”
“I think we should decide what to have for dinner when we get back!” Subaru said, mouth watering slightly as she imagined the possibilities. “Something to celebrate saving the world again!”
“Sounds like a great idea!” Vice grinned. “I know some good places.”
Teana smiled widely. “I’m so not covering the bill.”
X-X-X
It wasn’t long until the squad was in the air and off to the enemy strong hold. Hayate surveyed her troops and was pleased to see all of them eager and determined. A lot had happened but she knew she could now count on everyone to give it their all.
“Okay everyone, listen up,” she said. “Right now we’re heading into unknown enemy territory so be on high alert. Volvo’s intentions are still unknown so we have to prepare for any manner of trap. I know you’ve all trained hard this past week but you can never be too careful. I don’t need to tell you what is at stake here so failure is not an option. We have three main objectives: to defeat Volvo, to save Carim and Yuuno-kun, and to all return safely. If you fail that last objective you’ll be punished by having to wear a nurse uniform for a month. Understood?”
“Yes, commander Yagami,” they all said in unison.
“Good.” Hayate smiled proudly. “Now let’s go show that wannabe king that it was a mistake to pick a fight with us!”
Everyone gave a cheer before Vice called back to inform them of their arrival. The helicopter landed on the roof of the fortress right in front of a corridor of robots and the mages and knights disembarked. Hayate felt a swell of emotions when she saw the robots weren’t the only ones to greet them.
“Carim, you’re okay!” Hayate made to go to her but she stopped when she noticed the vacant look in the other woman’s eyes.
“Welcome, honoured guests.” Carim said flatly while pulling at the sides of her apron covered black dress. “My master has been expecting you.”
“Carim, what’s wrong? What happened to you?”
“Please follow me and I shall take you to him,” Carim said as she turned.
“Carim!” Hayate reached out to her, but Signum put a hand on her shoulder.
“Mistress, I don’t think you are reaching her,” she said. “Please be calm. We can reverse whatever conditioning she has undergone after the battle is over.”
“You’re right, Signum.” Hayate took a deep breath. “I won’t let him get away with this.”
“Neither will any of us,” Signum said.
They all proceeded in silence down the spacious corridors of the building. Everything was a stark metallic white that had been polished to a mirror sheen. Except for the occasional robot guard the hall was completely empty.
Eventually they came to huge double doors that had sentries posted on each side. Carim knocked gently and the doors slowly swung open, revealing the expansive space beyond. Nanoha was struck by a sense of déjà vu, especially when she saw the throne up against the far wall. Upon the throne Volvo sat, armour clad and smiling brightly as his guests approached him.
“Welcome to my not so hidden above ground lair!” He said as he stood. “I trust you had a pleasant trip. Thank you for showing them here, Carim.”
Carim bowed deeply.
“What did you do to her?” Hayate said as calmly as possible.
“Just had some fun with her, is all.” He grinned wider when Hayate seethed. “Oh get your mind out of the gutter. The most demeaning thing I did was make her wear that maid outfit. Looks pretty damn good on her, doesn’t it?”
Hayate said nothing.
“Well, what can I say?” Volvo shrugged. “Carim just realized the inevitable and decided to pledge herself to the winning team. That’ll be all for now, Carim. Keep yourself out of danger until it’s over.”
“As you wish, master.” Carim bowed again and turned to leave. When she passed Hayate she whispered: “Do take care. I don’t want to clean this place anymore.”
Hayate masked a relieved smile. “I’ll try not to make too much of a mess.”
When Carim was gone Volvo spoke again.
“It’s really nice to see the ten of you here. Well…” He spied Reinforce Zwei as she floated by Shamal’s shoulder. “Ten and a quarter, I suppose, but that you’d bring your devices was a given.”
“So, what exactly did you call us here for?” Hayate asked.
“To decide the course of the future, naturally,” Volvo said. “If you beat me then it’s over. But if I win…”
“So you’re planning on fighting all of us?”
“What? Of course not! There’s only one suitable way to decide the fate of the world! We’re going to play a children’s card game!”
“Huh?!” Subaru nearly stumbled.
“On motorcycles!”
“Card games on motorcycles? He can’t be serious!” Subaru looked to the others.
“Don’t listen to him, Subaru,” Ginga said.
“He’s only trying to unsettle us,” Zafira said.
“What, no good?” Volvo shrugged. “Fine, fight to the death it is then.” With a snap of his fingers a large magic array appeared on the floor of the room.
“So it is a trap!” Fate said.
“Everyone, be sure to…” Hayate was cut off by a flash of light. When it subsided only Nanoha and Fate were left in the room.
“Hayate-chan! Vita-chan! Subaru!” Nanoha looked around frantically.
“They’re not responding to telepathy…” Fate said.
“What did you do to them?” Nanoha turned to Volvo.
“I got rid of them,” he said. “They’re fine… for now. I just sent them to meet their dance partners.”
“What about the two of us?” Nanoha asked.
“You and me have unfinished business. As for Fate…”
“… Where is she?” Fate asked.
“She’s waiting for you right through that door.” Volvo snapped his fingers again and a side door opened up to another hallway.
Fate looked from the door, to Nanoha, and then back again.
“Go on, Fate-chan.” Nanoha smiled as she took Fate’s hand with both of hers. “You have something you need to do, right?”
“Yes, but I don’t want to leave you here by yourself…”
“I’ll be fine, so please go.”
“Nanoha…” Fate looked into Nanoha’s eyes and saw the resolve in them. She was still worried, but she had to believe in her. “Okay.”
“… Are you two gonna kiss now? Cuz that would totally be hot.”
They ignored Volvo’s comment and bumped fists.
“Stay safe, Nanoha.”
“You too, Fate-chan.”
Fate activated Bardiche and flew down the hall in a streak of light.
“And then there were two,” Volvo said as he looked down at Nanoha. “Today we’ll settle this. Third time is the charm, after all.”
“I’m not the same as I was when we last fought,” Nanoha said.
“Yeah, I was wondering what kind of expression you’d be wearing when you came here. Hurt, sorrow, grief, you know, the stuff you expect to see from a person who’s been informed of how horrible she is. But here you are, eyes filled with confidence and… hope. I’m a little disappointed.” He frowned. “But that just means I get to beat those misguided emotions out of you.”
“I’ll admit my head hasn’t been on straight for the past few days but not anymore. I’m back to my old self which is why I have to ask…” She put on a soft smile. “Please tell me your story. If you cooperate we can find a way to compromise so no one else has to get hurt. We might even be able to become friends.”
Volvo just blinked a beat before scowling. “What, is this the part where I regale you with my tragic back story? Sorry, but that might make me somewhat sympathetic villain and we can’t have that. I will tell you that I won’t settle for anything less than total domination so take your compromise and friendship and shove it.”
“I see. That’s too bad.” Nanoha lowered her head for a moment before raising it again. “Then we’ll have to do this the hard way. I’ll defeat you and get Yuuno-kun back.”
“And how do you plan on doing that?”
“The same way I do everything else: by going all out, full power!”
“But Yuuno doesn’t want to go back!” Volvo grinned. “He hates your guts, remember? He’s happy here with me so to coerce him to do something against his will using force is something most people would consider evil, isn’t it?”
“Your lies won’t work on me anymore,” Nanoha said. “I know Yuuno-kun doesn’t hate me.”
“What?” Volvo frowned. “How do you know? Where’s your proof?”
“I know, because even now…” Nanoha closed her eyes as she was engulfed in light. When it subsided she now wore her barrier jacket, but her hair remained in its single tail. “He’s still wearing the ribbon I gave him.”
“Grr… Something so insignificant…” He reached back to his tail but his hand hesitated before dropping to his side. “That means nothing! He just didn’t bother buying a new one!”
“You also said it yourself,” Nanoha looked straight at him. “That the reason Yuuno-kun researched the Cradle and got taken over by you is because he wanted to help me with Vivio. He wouldn’t have done that if he hated me.”
“Tsk…” Volvo’s face twisted in a snarl. “Well he may not hate you right now, but it’s only a matter of time! The way you treated him, he would have gotten sick of it eventually!”
“You may be right about that,” Nanoha said. “So that’s why I’ll do anything to make it up to him later.”
“You…” Volvo gave a derisive laugh. “Don’t tell me, did you suddenly realise you’re in love with him too? What kind of crappy fanfic is this?!”
“To be honest I don’t know what these feelings are, but I do know one thing for sure!” Nanoha held Raising Heart at the ready. “Yuuno-kun is a very important person to me so I will do everything in my power to save him no matter what!”
“And you think you can reach him with half assed feelings like those?! Fine, I look forward to seeing you try!” Volvo assumed his stance. “Heaven or Hell, let’s rock!”
2011-08-02, 00:40
. 
If it is a black hole that cancels out all magic, then Auris would be sure that there are no mage-assassins waiting to off her! 
, would do that to even two jerk-asses. So yes, poetic justice, but it still seems cruel and immoral. I mean, those two recruiters could have been working from what they knew best, and laid it on thick to Lutecia to maximize their chance of getting an acceptance--since, well, they didn't know if Lutecia would have agreed or not otherwise? So it seems harsh that Chrono would condone screwing them over just because he didn't approve of their methods, in a profession like the NSIS 
. Slips him further down the dark end of the scale!)
Author
