Episode 03 - Reunion, Then Moving!
At TSAB headquarters, the Arthra has been placed in drydock for long-scheduled maintenance. Amy gives Lindy a report on Nanoha's condition: her physical injuries aren't serious, but her linker core — the magical 'organ' unique to mages — has been drained of most of its power. Lindy notes that other, similar, attacks on mages have been reported recently, and predicts that the Arthra will be assigned to deal with this new threat.
In the infirmary, Nanoha gets a clean bill of health, but is told she won't be able to use magic until her linker core recovers. Fate comes in and the two of them finally reunite properly. Shortly after, Chrono takes them to where Arf and Yuuno are inspecting the damage to Raising Heart and Bardiche. Both devices will need extensive repairs, including replacement parts. They discuss the unusual magic used by their opponents, which Chrono identifies as Belka-type — an old form of magic specializing in close-range combat. One of its distinctive features is the highly dangerous "Cartridge System", where cartridges of compressed magic are loaded into the wielder's device for explosive power boosts.
Next, Chrono takes Fate and Nanoha for an interview with Admiral Gil Graham: the fleet commander, and Chrono's former teacher. Graham greets Nanoha with interest, and reveals that he too is from Earth — specifically, Britain. He also tells Fate that there won't be any restrictions on her so long as she never betrays those who depend on her. Chrono informs Graham that he's been placed in charge of the investigation into the Book of Darkness. Graham tells him to be careful, but as they leave he looks slightly troubled.
On Earth, it's bath time at Hayate's house. Signum excuses herself, having been slightly injured while fighting Fate and not wanting Hayate to notice. She tells Zafira that Fate has excellent combat skills, adding that she could have been in trouble had her sword not been superior to Bardiche. She says they must uphold their pride as Wolkenritter.
Back at headquarters, Amy tells Nanoha that Lindy wants to adopt Fate as her daughter, although they're giving Fate time to sort out her feelings first. After thinking about it, Nanoha decides she likes the idea. Meanwhile, Chrono meets with Lindy and Fate to discuss their next mission, which will be centred on Earth. Fate confirms that she wants to take part, even though she's not technically part of the Arthra's crew.
Lindy holds a mission briefing to announce that they're taking charge of the Book of Darkness case and the related attacks on mages. Because the Arthra will be undergoing maintenance for several weeks, they will be establishing a temporary base on Earth, near Nanoha's house.
The next day, the Arthra's crew moves into a condominium in Uminari City. The better to blend in, Arf modifies her wolf form to look like a small puppy, and Yuuno goes back to his ferret mode. Nanoha introduces Fate — properly, at last — to Suzuka and Alisa, and they head to Midori-ya for some tea. Lindy takes the opportunity to go along and meet with Nanoha's parents. While there, a crew member brings Fate a package containing a Seishou Elementary School uniform, and Lindy reveals that she's enrolled Fate in Nanoha's class at school.
At their new base, Amy and Chrono review what they know about the Book of Darkness. A legendary Class One Lost Logia, it feeds itself by devouring the linker cores of mages in order to fill its pages. Once every page is filled, the Book becomes complete; Amy asks what will happen then, and Chrono replies that it's unlikely to be anything good.
The Wolkenritter sneak out of the house that night after Hayate goes to sleep. They note that the Book is now more than halfway complete, thanks in no small part to Nanoha's energy. With the TSAB now focusing its attention on Earth, they decide to start hunting linker cores on other worlds instead. Once the book is complete, they look forward to living peacefully with Hayate forever...
Working late, Amy is contacted by Mari, an engineer from headquarters, who reports a problem with Raising Heart and Bardiche. The repairs are complete, but both devices are reporting an error, saying they need another part. Amy looks at the error diagnostic and realizes the two devices are asking — in fact, pleading — to be upgraded with part number CVK-792... the Belkan Cartridge System.
Tropes
- Call-Back: When Alisa meets Arf in puppy form, she says she feels like she's seen this dog somewhere before.
- Insignificant Little Blue Planet: Admiral Graham says that most people from Earth lack magical power — he and Nanoha are rare exceptions. This is presumably one reason it's not administered by the TSAB.
- Junior Counterpart: Graham notes that Nanoha is this to him, as their backstories are very similar. He was once a normal boy from England who found an injured TSAB soldier in a forest and helped him. This introduced the young Graham to the world of magic, and he eventually became a TSAB officer himself.
- Only Known by Their Nickname: The maintenance engineer who contacts Amy is just called "Mari" here. Her full name, Mariel Atenza, isn't used until Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS.
- Reasonable Authority Figure: Admiral Graham takes care to put Nanoha, who is clearly nervous at meeting him, at ease. He also tells Fate she has his support, in spite of her probationary status. Amy tells Arf and Yuuno that he's a kind and able commander who is admired and respected throughout the whole TSAB.
- Worthy Opponent: Signum clearly considers Fate one, and tells Zafira as much.
