Well, I already did this via PM, but I feel I should publicly apologise to darkvalk as well. Upon looking back through my fics, I never said in any of the notes that I identified with Yuuno. I had only said so in a PM convo with BPHaru. As such, when an anonymous reviewer mentions as much, I immediately think it's the only person who knows such things. However, Haru had actually said it in one of her reviews, so the fact that I do identify with Yuuno is public knowledge. So, again, I'm sorry for jumping the gun on you, darkvalk.

Moving right along, this chapter is mostly just set up, introducing the characters I'll be using and whatnot. There's a lot of scene changes, and this is mostly due to my mental processing. I run stories through my head like episodes of anime, as such I use structure more fitting for visual medium rather than literature. That's just how I roll.


For being an evil overlord, her recently acquired partner sure was a slob. Upon entering his chambers, she saw his armour scattered across the floor. She nearly tripped over the helmet as she approached the man who was sprawled out on a couch, pressing at a button pad while he watched a screen.

"You should clean up your mess." She said.

"Whatever you say, mom." His red eye glanced up at the woman who preferred to veil her body with a hooded cloak. He'd rather she ditched it, as he considered her to be pretty good eye candy. He allowed it, though, because it did add to the atmosphere.

"So, what's up, Doc?" He asked, returning his gaze to the screen.

"The new batch of machines is ready." She said. "We can proceed with the next attack… At your leisure, of course."

"Quick work."

"The facilities here are quite amazing. The mass production process is going swiftly."

"This was my main stronghold during the war. We needed stuff by the bulk back then. That new stuff we stole helps out too… Hold on a sec… Hah! Eat lava you lizard! Now to get the princess and I'll… What do you mean she's in another castle? What the hell! This is worse than the time I got the Bad End because I didn't trigger enough flags! Entertainment has gotten so frustrating since I was sealed away."

Sometimes she wondered if he was serious about this taking over the world business. Well, so long as he held up his end of the bargain, she didn't care what he did.

"Screw this." Volvo tossed his controller aside. "How are the super mooks coming along?"

"They're in their last stages of development. Each has been built per your instructions."

"Wonderful." He rose and snapped his fingers. The armour on the floor disappeared and reappeared on his body. "Keep up the good work and your wish will soon become a reality."

"I'm counting on that."

"Well, it's time to make my world debut. Be sure to tape it for me."

X-X-X

When Nanoha surfaced from the abyss, she found herself in a setting that had become far too familiar to her over the years. Surrounding her was the stark white existence of a hospital room.

She immediately recalled the events prior. The fieldtrip, the attack…

That man.

Every glimmering black armour plate of him was clear in her mind. The way he had landed blows with ease, the way he would taunt her, the way he had so casually revealed that he had killed her friend, and threatened to do the same to her daughter.

She had recklessly attacked him, then. She had lost herself in her anger, something she had never done before. Fate had shown up, causing the man to leave. Volvo. That's what he said his name was.

"I see you've finally woken up, Nanoha-chan." Nanoha titled her head towards the woman with the short blonde hair.

"Shamal-san…" Nanoha sat up quickly. "The attack… What happened? Where's Vivio? Is everyone else all right?"

"Calm down." Shamal pushed on the girl's shoulders to make her lay back down. "Everyone's just fine. Vivio's right here." Nanoha looked down to see the girl's face resting on the bed. Vivio slept soundly. "She never left your side."

"I'm so glad…" Nanoha smiled softly, reaching down to pat her daughter's head. "How long have I been out?"

"Almost a day." Shamal said. "After the enemy retreated, Fate-chan brought you in."

"I see…" So that guy only wanted the data, nothing more. "Where is Fate-chan?"

"She's taking part in the investigation right now."

"Oh."

"I doubt I really have to explain what happened to you, but…" Shamal sighed as she pulled up a chair. "You pushed your body too much too quickly. The years you took off have helped your body recover substantially, but it couldn't handle the shock. You need to let it readjust to high levels of magic gradually."

"I'm sorry, I just…"

"Hayate-chan will want you to report what happened when she gets here." Shamal explained. "But just rest for now, ok?"

"Sorry, but there's no time for that. I'm already here." Hayate said as she walked in. "How are you feeling, Nanoha-chan?"

"I feel fine. It doesn't hurt or anything."

"That's good." Hayate also took a seat. "Now, what the heck happened out there? Fate-chan filled me in on some of it. Who was this guy that you were fighting?"

"He said his name was Volvo." Nanoha answered. "He… he was the one…" She squeezed her eyes shut to suppress her emotions and keep her composure. "From what he said, he's from ancient Belka. He was sealed away by the Cradle of the Saint Kaiser and freed when… Yuuno-kun found him."

"… So that's what you meant when you said he was the one who killed Yuuno-kun…" Hayate said, remembering what Fate had told her. Nanoha nodded in response.

"Yeah… He was quite pleased with himself about it. Said he was going to hurt Vivio next, so I…"

"Lost it." Hayate finished with a nod. "Why did he attack the training center in the first place?"

"He accessed the facility's database and took combat related data. Had some one named 'Doc' upload it to his 'mooks', as he called them."

"Those robots, huh…?" That would explain the reported increase in performance.

"I fought with him," Nanoha continued. "But he was strong. I managed to drive him back a little with Exceed mode, but…"

"Nanoha-chan." Hayate said sternly. "Here's the deal. I've been put in charge of this case. I'm debating whether or not to bring you in on this."

Nanoha sat up again. "Please, Hayate-chan! You have to let me help! I, for Yuuno-kun, I want…"

"Revenge?" Hayate cut in. "That's a word no one would have ever associated with you." Nanoha looked away like a child being scolded by her teacher.

"It's not that, but… I… I want to bring him to justice. I… I owe Yuuno-kun that much."

"Believe me when I say this Nanoha-chan, but you're not the only one." Hayate said. "Yuuno-kun was a good friend to all of us. We all want to see his killer taken down." Shamal nodded in agreement. "But I can't have you flying off the handle and putting yourself in danger."

"I promise that won't happen again." Nanoha met her friend's eyes. "Now that I've cooled my head, I won't lose control next time."

Hayate held her gaze for a beat before smiling. "That's all I needed to hear. Shamal will be coming as well to keep an eye on you."

"I'll help too!" The three adults looked down at the little girl who had woken up.

"It's too dangerous for you, Vivio." Nanoha said. "That guy might come after you and…"

"That bad man was hurting Nanoha-mama! He's also the one who hurt Yuuno-san, right? I'm going to help!" She insisted.

"I understand your feelings, Vivio." Hayate said calmly. "But how do you propose to help?"

"I am a librarian at the Infinity Library! I'll use what Yuuno-san taught me and research the bad guy."

"But Vivio…" Nanoha wanted to keep her daughter close to ensure her safety.

"That's a good idea." Hayate decided. "Bureau HQ is definitely the safest place to be. And learning all we can about this Volvo guy is a necessity."

"But…"

"It's ok, mama." Vivio said, taking Nanoha's hand. "I know this will help you, so I'll do it."

Nanoha was always amazed at how mature her daughter could be at times. Sometimes it wasn't clear who the child was. Nanoha finally nodded her consent.

"Don't worry, Nanoha-chan." Hayate said. "I'll arrange to have guards on her at all times."

"You don't have to do that." Vivio interjected. "I know just who to ask."

X-X-X

"I don't suppose we'll get lucky and find that whoever built these things wrote their names on them, will we?" Shari commented as she shifted through piles of scrap metal.

"Unfortunately, the only one who would do something like that is confirmed to still be in lock up." Fate noted, looking across the stretch of land she had been fighting on many hours before. "Then again, this Volvo character doesn't seem to care about being discreet."

"Well, these are pretty simple, all things considered." Shari said. "Equipment consisting only of a beam cutter and a blaster cannon, basic flight system… These really are nothing more than disposable tools meant for mass production. Quantity over quality. Heck, they don't even have paint jobs!"

"Well, even so. With all that data loaded into them, they're a force to be reckoned with." Fate was bothered by something. She couldn't explain it, but the feeling she got from these machines were somehow familiar.

"Excuse me, Fate-san." Fate turned to the new arrival. "Enforcer Teana Lanster, reporting for duty."

"I appreciate you coming." Fate smiled apologetically. "Sorry for dragging you into another case."

"Not at all." Teana shook her head. "This is a priority assignment. Besides, I wanted a chance to work under Commander Yagami again."

"Oh, so Teana being brought in too?" Shari clapped her hands together. "That's awesome! It's been such a long time since the three of us worked together!"

"I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more familiar faces before this is over." Fate said. "We'll need all the help we can get."

And if she had to ask that man for help, she would.

X-X-X

"So you've recruited Teana as well." Nanoha said as she walked down the hallway with Hayate. After running a few tests, Shamal had given her the ok, so Nanoha didn't have to stay in the hospital.

"Yeah. I'm bringing in Subaru and Ginga as well. They were happy to accept. The environmental protection agency can't afford to spare Erio and Caro, though. The basilisks are laying their eggs, so it's prime season for poachers." Hayate explained. "Fate-chan was a little happy to hear that. I don't think she wanted those two to get involved this time."

"I agree." Nanoha nodded, frowning. "Having fought Volvo, I got a pretty firm grasp of his character. I don't think he'd show any mercy, no matter who his opponent was. He enjoyed inflicting pain. He may give off a carefree attitude, but that doesn't reflect his threat level."

"Well, I can't imagine some random push over being sealed by the Cradle… The main question now is what his next move will be."

"He might come after me." Nanoha suggested. "He said we'd be seeing each other again."

"We should probably put some guards on you too, in that case. At least until you go through the program Shamal gave you. You'll need to be at 100%."

"For that, I have a favour I need to ask Subaru and Ginga."

"Well, speak of the devil."

At that point they had reached the hospital lobby. There they saw Subaru talking with the nurse behind the counter, apparently asking for Nanoha's room number.

"Subaru!" Nanoha called. The blue haired girl's ear twitched and turned around. Her eyes lit up and she bounded over like a little puppy.

"Nanoha-san! Commander Yagami!" She greeted. "How are you feeling?" She addressed her idol.

"I'm doing just fine." Nanoha smiled. "Thanks for coming to visit."

"It's no problem at all."

"Ginga didn't come with you?" Hayate asked.

"Gin-nee went on ahead to the base."

"Which base?" Nanoha asked.

"The old Riot Force 6 building, of course." Hayate smiled. "Sure has been awhile since it last saw use."

"It's like Riot Force 6 has been re-established." Nanoha noted. Memories of that unit were a mix of fondness and bitter sweetness, but over all it was an unforgettable experience.

"It might as well be." Hayate laughed as they exited the hospital.

"Hayate-chan! Hayate-chan!" An urgent call rang from the mouth of a tiny girl that had flown up to them when they stepped outside.

"Rein, what's wrong?" Hayate asked quickly.

"The Saint Church is under attack!" The device cried.

X-X-X

Carim sat at her desk and watched through her monitor as her forces engaged the army of automatons that had amassed at the church's perimeter. The holy warriors had been briefed on the possible threat, but even armed with that knowledge, it was a tough fight. The enemy had the numerical advantage, and even if they were using text book attack patterns, the machines could use that info to predict the mages' movements as well.

"Knight Carim, you should evacuate to a safe place." Schach suggested. Aside from the two of them, present was also Verossa, Otto, and Deed.

"Have the non-combatants been moved?" The blonde ignored the suggestion.

"Sister Sein is moving Ixpellia." Rossa explained. "She's the last one."

"Good. All we have to do is hold our position until reinforcements from the Bureau arrive." Carim's steeled eyes looked at her monitor. "We won't let the enemy through."

"Boy, being able to teleport anywhere really makes things easier."

Before anyone could react to the sixth presence in the room, a chop connected with the back of Verossa's neck. The green haired man crumpled to the floor. Schach, Otto, and Deed moved to attack, but their foe threw his hand in their direction. They found themselves encased in a tight dome.

"What the?" The Sister managed to gasp. She went for her device, but Volvo's voice stopped her.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you." He warned. "That barrier's not only keeping you in, but it's keeping the air out. If you don't struggle, I give you three five minutes before you suffocate." He whirled around to Carim. "So you're head of this snake?"

Carim grit her teeth. She wasn't expecting this surprise attack. Her skills were not of the combat variety. There was no way she could take this man on. She could only try to buy some time. Hopefully Shach could think of a way out. "How did you get in here?" She asked. "In order to teleport in, you'd need exact coordinates and the layout of this room to be able to do the necessary calculations."

"You have this thing called 'the internet' now." He answered plainly. "You can find just about anything on it…" He frowned. "Including pornography involving humanoid animals… Seriously, what the hell is wrong with people?"

"Just who are you, anyways? What do you want?"

"Hm, let's see…" Volvo rounded Carim's desk and met her face to face. "To you people who worship the Sankt Kaiser as a god, I would be the devil." He looked thoughtful for a moment. "Yes, I guess you could call me the Daemon Kaiser."

"Daemon Kaiser?"

"Yes, I like the sound of that." Volvo grinned. "As for what I want…" His eyes went up and down the woman that sat before him. The beauty stiffened as he ran a hand through her long, golden locks. "I guess my princess was in another castle… Ok, I've decided. I want you."

"Excuse me?" Carim blinked.

"That's right. How about we make a deal, Carim, I believe it is. If you come with me and order your people to retreat, I'll call off my grunts and let your subordinates here go unharmed. How's that sound?"

Carim glanced at the women in the barrier. The three of them were pounding their fists against it, their mouths moving but no noise escaping. Apparently the sound had been blocked out as well. The banging become increasingly weaker and their faces started becoming blue. There wasn't any time left.

"… Do I have your word that you'll set them free?" Carim asked.

"I swear on my pride as a king." He said, putting a hand over his chest for emphasis.

"Then I'll submit myself to you." Carim said, bowing her head.

"You're a smart woman who cares for those under her. I like you even more." Volvo snapped his fingers and the barrier disappeared. The three girls were on their knees, attempting to catch their breath.

"Carim!" Schach wheezed, getting to her feet. She assumed an attack stance.

"Schach, stand down. That's an order." Carim said. "Tell the others to retreat as well."

"But…"

"Go."

"If some one needs to be the hostage," Schach pleaded. "Use me instead!"

"Sorry. I'm not into short hair."

"Please, Schach." Carim whispered. "You have to take care of the others."

"… As you wish." Schach spat out. She despised herself for failing her mistress. She went over to Rossa and picked up his unconscious form. "Otto, Deed, let's go." The two cyborgs reluctantly made to leave.

"Oh, one more thing." Volvo said. His hand shot behind him, grabbing Sein by the collar as she jumped out of the floor. He casually flung the girl forward, where she was caught by her sisters. "Take her with you."

"Damn it!" Sein cursed as she was carried out. Volvo waved at her with a cheery grin. Carim glanced at her monitor again. She saw no signs of robots.

"See, I kept my word." He said. "But I have one more thing to do here."

"And what would that be?"

X-X-X

It took all of Hayate's will power not to hop in her car and speed off to the church. Carim and Verossa had become family to her over the years. She wanted to go help them, but rushing off without a strategy would be suicidal. She had to believe her brother and sister could handle themselves.

"Hayate-chan?" Nanoha put a hand on her friend's shoulder.

"They won't go down that easily." She said, mostly to herself. "Let's head back to base and get a report on the situation…"

Just then, a large view screen appeared in front of them. On it was a masked face that Nanoha would recognise anywhere.

"Volvo!"

"Ladies and gentleman of the universe." Volvo declared. "Don't change that channel! It won't do you any good anyways. I'm on all of them. My name is Volvo. Remember it, as it shall be the name you'll be cursing in the near future."

"Something's overridden the system!" Rein explained. "This broadcast is being received everywhere throughout Mid Childa!"

"You may choose to refer to me as the Daemon Kaiser if you wish." Volvo's address continued. "I am a man from the era of Belka. Though your history has no record of this, it was I who faced the mighty Saint Kaiser in battle, and it was I who killed her. I may have been sealed away afterwards, but now I'm back. For those of you who doubt my power, I'm actually talking to you all from the main office of the Saint Church, which I just gained control of mere moments ago."

The camera zoomed out to show him sitting behind a desk that Hayate knew belonged to Carim. She clenched her fist. "That bastard…"

"Next, I shall crush the Time Space Administration Bureau, thus cementing my kingship. I, who has surpassed your god, am certainly fit to rule you. Soon my reign of terror shall commence. Pray as much as you like. It won't help you while I make you suffer. I look forward to hearing your screams of horror. Bye bye."

With a grin, his image vanished.


I made up some excuse not to have Erio and Caro in there. It's not that I don't like them or anything, but the cast is big enough as it is. Just trying to keep things a little more manageable.

Basically what I'm trying to do with Volvo is have as much fun as possible. So far, it's working. I'm having a blast writing his antics. He was inspired by villains like the Dark Knight's Joker, and, more specifically, Ji Adel Banel, the final boss of Super Robot Wars Z. They're people who just have so much fun being total bastards. They may seem like goofs, but you know not to mess with them. Ji Adel's BGM 'Chimera' (youtube it) is really awesome. I usually listen to it when writing a chapter. Consider it Volvo's unofficial theme music.