Chapter 3: The Joining of Reaper and Devil

Location: Adventus

Nanoha Takamachi found herself at the top of some sort of tower, but she certainly didn't remember climbing one. One moment she was in one type of location, and the next she was somewhere completely different. The disconnect between each area of the world was starting to get to her. It made the very idea of just flying around in this world feel like a dangerous prospect so she avoided taking flight for the time being.

The woman soon noticed a man in the middle of the area. She saw that he had white hair, wore a red coat and carried a large sword on his back.

The person was staring up the massive stone monolith with a glowing weird looking symbol seemingly engraved in it. She felt strange and almost entranced while staring, like there was some sort of power emanating from it.

As she traced her eyes upward of the object, she noticed something else above the monolith.

A dark blue sphere with what seemed like multiple dark wings surrounding it.

Nanoha quirked an eyebrow at the sight. It was some interesting imagery if nothing else.

"Umm, excuse me..." Nanoha decided to speak up and get the man's attention.

He turned to his side to meet the sound of her voice. His hand went back to grip the handle of the sword, ready to draw at a moment's notice. Nanoha gripped Raising Heart as she saw the movement. She let out a small gasp when she saw the colour of his eyes.

They were red and green. Just like her beloved daughter.

The man narrowed his eyes at Nanoha. "Who are you?"

"Nanoha Takamachi. Please I don't want to fight. I only want to talk."

Feeling that Nanoha's words were indeed genuine, the man let go of the sword and took a more relaxed stance.

"I'm Ragna. Ragna The Bloodedge."

Nanoha tilted her head to one side in response. "Blood...edge?"

"Never heard of me huh? I guess you're from another world too. " Ragna shrugged his shoulders, while internally grateful that he didn't have to deal with someone attacking him because he was The Grim Reaper.

"Oh are you famous?"

"More like infamous."

Ragna seemed to smile a little before turning his head back towards the strange spherical object above them. "Hey, have you met anyone named "Noel" in this world? She's got long blonde hair, green eyes and carries two big guns with her."

Nanoha shook her head. "Sorry, but I haven't seen anyone like that."

"Figures, I guess I'll keep looking for her. Thanks anyway." Ragna turned away from staring at the spherical winged object and started to walk away in the opposite direction.

The mage decided to prob a little about her. "Is she someone important to you?"

It took a moment before Ragna responded. "Yeah she is. I hope she's okay."

He turned to face the auburn haired girl once more. "Actually do you mind if I ask you some more things? Like if you know anything about what's going here."

Nanoha could only shake her head again. "Not much, unfortunately."

The woman took out the pink Keystone for Ragna to see. "All I know is that I have to take this Keystone to the end in order to get back home."

The Grim Reaper widened his eyes in surprise. "You have one too?"

"Huh?"

Ragna responded by taking out his own Keystone, the only difference from Nanoha's was the fact that it was coloured blue.

Nanoha felt the gears begin to turn in her head. While she was no Enforcer, being around Fate who was one, meant that some of the investigative tendencies the blonde had inevitably rubbed off on Nanoha. "So there's more than one Keystone..."

Ragna narrowed his eyes. "Now that's suspicious, the voice didn't mention that there would be more than one."

"But does that mean anything?"

The two thought it over for a moment but could draw no solid conclusion from the fact that two Keystones existed.

"Damnit, this is getting us nowhere." Ragna placed the Keystone back in a pocket as Nanoha did the same.

The two of them immediately heard metallic footsteps. Someone was approaching them. Nanoha turned around saw what looked like a man covered in some strange white armour walking towards her.

She felt fear while in his presence. Nanoha jumped back as far as she could and landed at Ragna's side.

"I have found you, Dark One." The armoured unknown spoke with a voice that emanated killing intent.

Ragna wasted no time taking out his sword and preparing for a fight. "Masked freak."

Nanoha stared at the two of them confused. "You know him Ragna-san?"

"Unfortunately. His name is Hakumen, and he's an asshole who keeps trying to kill me."

The armoured man did not audibly retort, but instead gripped the handle of the long blade on his back. He turned his attention to Nanoha. "Girl, if you do not wish to die, then step away. That man is a danger to everyone he meets. I will cut him down here."

"What?"

While Nanoha did think Ragna looked a little intimidating, she didn't think he was a bad person. At least that was the vibe she got from her brief talk with him.

There was almost no time to dwell on that thought as another voice could be heard.

"Hey now, let me have some fun too!"

Soon after a rather punkish looking redhead male appeared behind Hakumen.

"Looks a fight is about to break out, so I want in."

[Oh and would you look at that? Suddenly we have enough contestants for a tag battle! It's almost like divine intervention wouldn't you say?]

Ragna visibly winced and audibly groaned at the sudden sound of the voice. He clearly did not like her, and Nanoha couldn't say she had dissimilar feelings.

[Okay so Carmine and Hakumen, you'll be a team.]

Carmine immediately objected to that idea. "Team? Sorry lady, but I don't team up with anyone."

[Yeah well too bad, I told you before that this is a tag battle tournament so them's the rules.]

"Grr, fine. Listen here Hakumen, you better not get in the way of my prey."

"That is fine. I have but only one target. Don't interfere, then there will be no problems."

[Looks like they're ready go. What about you Team Death?]

"Team Death?"

"Team Death?"

[Well you are both The Grim Reaper and White Devil respectively so what else should I call you?]

Nanoha wondered how it knew her one of her titles, but then she remembered how it mentioned that Fate was an Enforcer before. So it was clear that whoever this voice was clearly knew personal details about them. Which brings up a question, just how much did it exactly know? Did it only have information that was publicly available or did the voice have access to confidential information as well? Was there a security breach in the TSAB somewhere?

The mage soon realised something else and turned towards Ragna. "You're called "The Grim Reaper" huh?"

"It's a long story and besides, "White Devil", what did you do to get that?" He raised an eyebrow at her.

"...long story?" Nanoha sheepishly said in response.

[Okay okay now that's enough chit chat and lets get this show on the road!]

Nanoha refocused herself and readied Raising Heart. She didn't like being forced into fights like this, but the Ace of Aces wasn't going to hold back.

[Ready? Get set, fight!]

[Accel Shooter]

Nanoha wasted no time in having the first attack. However Hakumen had already drawn his blade the moment she fired.

She didn't know how it happened exactly, but the armoured man nullified her magic attacks with his overly long sword easily.

Carmine threw out something red at Nanoha. Before she could react, Ragna had destroyed the red projectile with his sword.

It splashed onto the ground, and let out a very raw smell. One that was familiar to both Nanoha and Ragna. The smell of blood.

"Dead Spike!"

Ragna swung his sword to unleash what Nanoha saw as some demonic creature's head formed from darkness. The thing charged right at Hakumen but his sword cut it away without issue.

"Listen, I've fought Hakumen before so let me handle him and you can take out that blood bath freak."

"Okay Ragna-san, I'll trust you."

The white haired man nodded and charged towards Hakumen and clashed swords with him. That left Nanoha and Carmine.

The redhead jumped into the air and threw out more crystallised blood at Nanoha.

[Protection]

She shielded herself from the attack as Carmine launched forward and punched the shield as hard as he could. He threw out more punches that that seemed ineffective.

Blood started to form at Nanoha's feet. She noticed it just in time to jump back away but the moment she did, the blood on the ground shot up and crystallised mid air into the shape of a spear like object. It struck her left shoulder, piercing through the Barrier Jacket.

"Argh!"

Nanoha cried out as she felt a sharp pain come from the point of impact. She managed to land on her feet as the blood spear dissolved away, leaving an open wound in her shoulder.

This guy isn't kidding around. Fine then. I'll give him a fight.

[Bind]

Carmine found his arms and legs locked in place and started struggling to get out of them while shouting curse words. Nanoha pointed Raising Heart at him and began to charge up her next attack. She used up one cartridge.

"Hyperion Smasher!"

The redhead summoned crystallised blood in front of himself to block the attack but it was almost instantly broken by the sheer force of the magical blast.

The attack was so strong that the binds that held his body in place broke and he was blown back right to near the edge of the tower.

"Goddamnit..."

He was on his back and still conscious, but only barely. Carmine was in no clear condition to continue fighting.

Nanoha breathed in and out deeply and held onto her shoulder wound as she began to heal it with magic.

She had to be honest she didn't expect something to pierce her Barrier Jacket like that. This world was filled with strong people from different worlds, Nanoha reminded herself to be mindful of that fact.

Speaking of, she turned her attention to Ragna's battle.

His movements were impressive. The way he was holding off Hakumen's precise strikes told her that he wasn't lying about having fought him before. Nanoha could also tell just by looking at the way he fought that Ragna had lived a life filled with battle.

However, he was showing signs of slowing down while Hakumen didn't show any indication that he was getting tired. He was slowly getting overpowered by his opponent. Nanoha had to help Ragna.

She rose to air and began to charge her bombardment.

"Ragna-san! Move out of the way!"

"Huh?"

He turned his head toward her voice and saw Nanoha floating high up as a pink sphere began to form in front of her.

In that moment, Hakumen tackled Ragna's chest with his shoulder which sent him stumbling back. Nanoha saw her chance. She expelled two cartridges.

"Exelion Buster!"

She fired the bombardment and watched Hakumen become consumed by the blast. A massive explosion was created by the attack which Ragna found to be pretty impressive. He didn't think the woman held that much power in her. The people in his own world were tough, but the ones from others could be something else.

A long sword cut through the smoke. As it dissolved Nanoha and Ragna could see that Hakumen remained mostly uninjured by the bombardment.

"I am the white void..."

Hakumen almost blitzed Ragna with a horizontal strike. He only just barely blocked the attack with his own blade. Nanoha could see that Ragna's reaction time was slowing down. She had to do something and fast.

"...I am the cold steel..."

The long blade pushed Ragna back as Hakumen continued his brutal assault.

Nanoha's mind went through multiple options. She considered a Starlight Breaker, but dismissed the thought immediately. The battle hadn't gone on for nearly long enough for it to have any significant power.

"...I am the just sword..."

She thought maybe she could simply use every cartridge she had, but then again that only seemed like a short term solution.

"...with blade in hand..."

Ragna swung his blade for an overhead strike but Hakumen deflected the swing and counterattacked afterward.

"...shall I reap the sins of this world..."

Nanoha's mind eventually landed on an option she could take. She needed lots of power as soon as possible, so there was only one choice left.

"...and cleanse it in the fires of destruction!"

"Fortress Mode!"

Nanoha's Barrier Jacket started to shift and morph as a pink light covered her body. The shield units began to appear floating around her body as Raising Heart changed into it's solo flight mode that hovered next to Nanoha. In her left hand appeared the Strike Cannon as her transformation was complete.

"ACE00 "Fortress". Drive Ignition!"

Ragna deflected a strike and shifted his sword into the scythe form and swung horizontally but Hakumen easily blocked the attack. He then swung his blade with enough force to cause Ragna to become unarmed as the sword clattered on the ground.

"Hell's Fang!"

Ragna covered his fist in darkness and tried to punch Hakumen but was blocked by the side of the long sword. The Grim Reaper jumped back just before he could get counter attacked.

Nanoha detached two of her shield units and had them fly right above Hakumen as they aimed right at him. The third one attached itself to her right arm as it took aim at her target.

Hakumen shifted his body into a pose that showed he was getting ready to charge at Ragna.

"I am Hakumen! The end has-"

"Excellence Cannon Variable Raid! Shoot!"

Raising Heart, the Strike Cannon and the shield units all fired directly upon Hakumen from above. Nanoha was careful not to hit Ragna but he was still caught in the explosion shockwaves which sent him flying far back. Luckily he still landed on his feet and watched Hakumen be caught on the receiving end of what looked like a bombing.

The bombardment finally ended as Nanoha started to pant while relieved that the weapons worked fairly well. The Fortress and Strike Cannon weren't at a stage where they could be considered the most stable weapons to use. Both armaments were still in the testing phase actually. This was the first time Nanoha even used it out in the field, which all things considered seemed like a success.

"Thanks for the assist Raising Heart."

[No problem, Master.]

The smoke cleared and revealed a large crater that Nanoha created. Ragna made a mental note that he should definitely not to get on this woman's bad side.

"A minor setback."

Hakumen's voice was heard as all the smoke cleared away. He was on one knee but was already trying to get up again.

Ragna picked up his sword and sighed. "Masked freak doesn't know when to quit."

He then raised his right arm and took a deep breath. "Restriction 666-"

[Sorry about this Six Hero, but you and Carmine lost. And the losers must exit the stage.]

It was difficult for Nanoha to tell what happened next, but it almost felt like time froze for a moment. The next thing she knew happened was that both Hakumen and Carmine disappeared from sight.

The Grim Reaper lowered his weapon and raised an eyebrow in confusion. "What the hell just happened?"

[Oh I only teleported them to another location. Can't have sore losers drag a fight on forever now can I? This is still a tournament after all.]

"Just who or what are you?"

[Oh my dear Ragna the Bloodedge, surely you of all people must know by now that you don't get answers to a question like that until the climax. So be sure to keep advancing in this tournament. I'm sure you'll make it to the end.]

The SS ranked criminal sighed as he placed the sword on his back again. He turned around to face Nanoha as she landed back on the ground near her ally.

"Thanks for the save by the way, that's quite some firepower you got there."

He looked over her new armaments. The high tech looking cannon and shields gave off the impression that she was a walking weapon of mass destruction. Ragna had a feeling that Kokonoe would love to inspect her.

"Thank you, and you've got some interesting power yourself Ragna-san."

"Drop the "-san". Just Ragna is fine."

"Oh okay, then you can just call me "Nanoha" then."

The mage smiled as she released her transformation. She figured that with Ragna around, she didn't need to keep her Barrier Jacket on constantly. Nanoha was back to wearing her TSAB uniform and Raising Heart returned into a little flying red sphere with pink wings.

"Oh I almost forgot, allow me to introduce my friend. Say hello to Raising Heart."

[It is a pleasure to meet you.]

Ragna stared in surprise at the little ball. He knew he heard another voice during the battle but he didn't think it came from that.

"Hello there. You seem a lot more polite than some other floating red thing I know."

Nanoha quirked an eyebrow at his wording.

How very specific...

[I appreciate the compliment.]

Nanoha walked up to Ragna and extended her hand to him. "Ragna, what do you think about teaming up? I think we stand a better chance at getting to the bottom of this incident if we work together."

Ragna scratched the back of his head and closed his eyes for a moment to think. He wasn't exactly great when it came to working together with other people, and the fact that they both held a Keystone could spell more trouble than usual. However it with two Keystones it could mean they'll find the truth easier. Ragna also knew first hand that Nanoha was strong. It couldn't hurt to have an ally like that. It helped that she didn't seem to judge him too harshly.

He then opened his eyes and nodded.

The Grim Reaper shook the White Devil's hand. "Sure, I certainly wouldn't say no to your firepower."

Location: Cathedral -Silent-

"Phantom Field? Seithr? I'm sorry but I don't follow exactly."

Hayate Yagami just finished listening to an explanation about this world by Rachel Alucard but a lot of the terms the little girl used went right over the Lieutenant Colonel's head.

Rachel sighed. "To put it simpler terms, this world where we all reside is an enclosed space that has been artificially created by something your world clearly lacks."

The brunette had an easier time understanding that at least. "Alright, do you know why has this happened?"

Rachel seemed to take a moment before responding.

"...I'm still not completely sure about that yet. You remember the instructions given when entering this world?"

Hayate nodded. "Yeah, a voice said something about getting a Keystone in order to get home."

"Right, well I've left care of one of the Keystones in someone I know and-"

Rachel couldn't continue because at that moment she felt teleportation magic in effect. She wasn't the one being teleported, but someone was being sent to her location.

The next moment, Rachel saw Hakumen appear on the ground in between herself and Hayate.

"Well now, what a shock to see Mr. Hero here as well."

Hayate and Rein would say they were more than shocked to see an armoured man show up out of nowhere. The two got ready to transform and unison at a moment's notice if things got dicey.

"Harlequin... I shouldn't be surprised to see you involved however."" Hakumen rose from the ground and placed his sword back in the sheath.

"So what happened to you?"

He seemed to take his time to respond to the inquiry. "A battle with the Dark One."

Rachel let out a small sigh. It was almost the most predictable answer he could've given. "And you lost? Hakumen you must be slipping, well considering the rules of this world Ragna must've had a partner."

"...I believe it was a woman from another world, named "Nanoha" if I recall."

Hayate gasped. Nanoha was involved in this mess too? Her mind went to her other friends and wondered if they had also been somehow taken to this world.

The man turned around at the sound and Hayate was forced to face this "Mr. Hero".

Now that she had a chance to take in his presence, Hayate could sense mana particles around him. Specifically it felt like Nanoha's magic. So she was indeed fighting this man, and from the sounds of it she won.

"Darkness..." Hakumen suddenly spoke up as he stared at her.

"Huh?"

"You are not the Dark One and yet I feel..."

Hayate's thoughts went to the only thing he could be talking about.

Is it The Tome of the Night Sky? Can he sense it?

Hakumen turned his gaze to Reinforce Zwei, which caused the Unity Knight to hide behind Hayate.

Rachel interjected in the conversation. "Come now Mr. Hero, surely you must've learned that that is not how one treats a lady."

He did not give a direct response but instead turned away from Hayate and began to walk off.

"And just where do you think you're going?" Rachel called out.

"To end this world. Surely you must know that we cannot remain here for long. We must return to our own world."

"...yes I am aware."

Hakumen continued walking away and Hayate felt a cold silence fall over the scene. That didn't sound like any normal desire to return home. She wondered if their world was in any sort of danger.

The red eyed blonde sighed and finally broke the silence. "Well, I apologise for such a rude man."

Hayate shook her head. "No it's fine. I'm used to worse actually. I think he kinda had the right idea anyway. We should start investigating this place find out the truth here."

And I have to find my friends...

Rachel nodded in agreement. "I don't disagree. Well then lets get moving."

[Gameplay Dialog Section]

Nanoha and Ragna Interaction

INTRO

*Ragna scratches his head*

Ragna: I don't know how well we can work together to be honest

*Nanoha points Raising Heart forward for battle*

Nanoha: Don't worry Ragna, I know how to work with melee focused fighters

OUTRO

*Ragna stabs his sword into the ground*

Ragna: Well that turned out better than expected. You're pretty good Nanoha.

*Nanoha giggles*

Nanoha: Thanks, and you've got some nice moves yourself.

WINNER SCREEN

Nanoha: You know, despite your reputation as a high ranked criminal in your world, I think you're a good person Ragna.

Ragna: Well you would be one of the few people who's ever said that, and thanks. I appreciate it.

Author's Note: This chapter originally was going to have a lot more perspectives around, catching up on the characters previously as well as including all the Knights. However I felt like that would've been way too much to jump around so much in one chapter so I'm saving it for later, but maybe you guys would've preferred it all at once?

Let me know in a review if you would prefer to see more perspectives in a single chapter. Thanks in advance.