Sonya Alisea Zonda, Commander of Battalion 454 and a high-born Noble Royal, was a woman who lived by a singular, unwavering creed: righteousness is found in strength, and society should be governed by meritocracy. She was notoriously unyielding, applying a standard of strict discipline to others and herself alike—a trait that often caused her to be perceived as cold and distant.
Despite her icy demeanor, she was widely known by the epithet "Gentildonna". While she possessed formidable mage skills, the name was largely a tribute to her striking beauty, which drew the admiration of many. However, Sonya cared little for such trifles. To her, strength was the only true form of justice, and she judged the worth of every individual based solely on their capabilities. Her uncompromising nature earned her a second, perhaps more fitting, nickname: "The Resolute Lady".
Ambitious and fiercely competitive, Sonya never rested on her laurels, always striving to be the absolute best. She took immense pride in her self-improvement, maintaining a rigorous muscle-training regimen to further hone her power. Yet, for all her might, she remained meticulously composed, valuing the absolute control she held over her own strength.
Her drive was rooted in her lineage. Born into a wealthy family, she was raised with the expectation that only the strongest child would inherit the family estate. Since childhood, Sonya had been locked in a fierce competition with her younger sister and brother for that very position. She held a deep respect for her father, a man she believed had achieved true greatness by living according to the principle that only the strong are fit to lead.
Even as the Commander of Battalion 454, she found herself the target of many suitors who sought her hand primarily for her family's wealth, particularly as Valentine's Day approached. Sonya, however, ignored these hollow offers, remaining entirely devoted to her duties as Commander.
Sonya viewed Hayate Yagami as her true rival. Their history began at a public conference where Hayate had formed "Lost Property Riot Force 6". At the time, Sonya, alongside others like Regiuz, had begun a secret inspection of the unit. Sonya's personal interest, however, was in observing how Hayate—a young commander with vast connections—would handle the elite personnel hand-picked to solve the Jail Scaglietti cases.
The morning sun began to filter through the windows of the Zonda estate. An elderly maid entered the room.
"Sonya-ojousama, the morning has arrived," Sayla announced.
Sonya was already awake, her gaze fixed on the window. "I am quite aware, Sayla. You have my gratitude for attending to me each morning".
"It is merely my duty as your maid, young lady," Sayla replied. "I have served your parents for a very long time".
"You may withdraw now, Sayla. I intend to take my morning ablutions".
After her shower and breakfast, Sonya prepared for the day. Despite her high rank, she eschewed the luxury cars provided by her family or the use of a private driver. Instead, she departed for Battalion 454 alone on her specialized bike, as was her custom.
At the base, she was greeted with profound respect—not for her beauty, but for her undisputed authority and capability as a Commander.
Upon entering her office, her female assistant stood ready.
"Good morning, Commander Sonya. I have the report regarding yesterday's incident".
"Proceed. What have we uncovered?" Sonya asked.
"The report indicates that the local gangsters have established a connection with Adamatron," the assistant explained. "It appears they coordinated while members of 'Avenger' gathered at various locations".
"And what of Archibald Enzo?" Sonya inquired.
"Regarding him... there are rumors that Archibald Enzo is actually Izumi Kai," the assistant noted hesitantly. "Some even suggest he is a machine from Darnaza, much like Zed Mercury. If I may ask, Commander, why does this case interest you so?".
Sonya rose from her chair and walked toward the window. "Initially, the notion that he was a Darnaza machine crossed my mind. However, the manner in which he moved when he rescued me suggested otherwise; those were the movements of a human. A machine's strength possesses no nuance, and there is no justice to be found in the mechanical. I simply wish to confirm the truth of his nature".
"Does that mean you intend to meet with him personally, Commander?" the assistant asked.
"Indeed. His presence piques my curiosity. I find myself quite eager to see what lies behind that mask".
Meanwhile, at the Saint Church, Hayate, Nanoha, and Kai—who had removed his visor as Arc—arrived to meet with Carim, Schach, and Fuji. Carim had requested the meeting because she was intrigued by Kai's nature; she wanted to determine if he was a beast tamer, or perhaps the "King" mentioned in ancient Belkan history who could summon nameless beasts—a suspicion fueled by the time Kai had gone berserk.
"I have been reflecting on your situation, Kai," Carim said. "I once thought you were a beast tamer of the old ways. But seeing you in that state... you reminded me of the King who summoned the Nameless Beast. I wonder, which are you?".
"Is that truly what you think, Knight Carim?" Kai asked.
"She mentioned as much before I brought you here," Hayate added, looking at Kai. "I also remember when you lost control while saving me. It was... truly terrifying".
Carim leaned forward. "Kai, when you first made a contract with your previous device, Soul Edge, did you notice any physical changes?".
"I felt nothing out of the ordinary," Kai replied. "I wasn't corrupted or consumed; the Soul Edge obeyed me.
It wasn't until the mission on the Saint Cradle that Soul Edge was forcibly altered into a horrific form by Regan Rivian, the one who kidnapped Hayate".
"And your magic system?" Schach asked. "Did it experience any shifts?".
"Originally, it was a Midchildan Maroon," Kai explained. "After the contract with Soul Edge, it turned pitch black".
While the conversation continued, Fuji invited Nanoha to the kitchen to help him prepare tea and have a private chat. As they walked through the church hallways, Fuji asked Nanoha for her assistance as a main instructor for the DSAA athletes in the upcoming tournament. He knew she was a SAFA instructor and believed her expertise was vital for the five new participants to see real improvement.
Nanoha agreed, noting she would need a perfect location and more people to make the training sufficiently challenging. Fuji assured her he already had a secured location and the necessary permits to allow the athletes to unleash the full power of their Intelligent Devices. He mentioned that while Renjou was available, Kai had declined. However, Fuji felt that with Nanoha and his own teacher, they would have enough staff for the summer holiday training.
Elsewhere, within the Sailing Force, Fate was in contact with Renjou, discussing the recent mission involving "mass-produced Soul Edges".
"I was surprised, Fate-chan," Renjou admitted. "I thought touching them would result in being consumed, but Subaru handled one with no ill effects because she's a cyborg".
"Kai let me touch one as well," Fate said. "I felt nothing, and neither did Nanoha. Kai explained that these mass-produced versions are incredibly weak compared to the original you encountered".
"So they are essentially generic devices with standard attack damage?" Renjou asked.
"Precisely," Fate confirmed. "But it seems Adamatron is moving to supply these to gangsters for acts of terrorism".
"I suspected as much," Renjou replied. "After Regan Rivian's death, Adamatron must be looking for new proxies".
By noon, Sonya arrived at the TSAB Headquarters. As she walked through the building, she encountered Signum, Shamal, and Reinforce. All three were visibly shocked; it was unprecedented for Commander Sonya to visit in person. Shamal informed her that Hayate was out, and Sonya chose to wait.
When Nanoha, Hayate, and Kai (now back in his Arc persona with his visor) returned, Reinforce approached them. "Hayate, you have a most unexpected guest. Commander Sonya Alisea Zonda is waiting in the front office".
Sonya walked forward to confront Hayate.
"It has been quite some time, Commander Hayate," Sonya said.
"Indeed it has, Commander Sonya. What brings you to our headquarters?" Hayate asked.
"My involvement in the recent gangster incidents has brought a certain individual to my attention," Sonya said, her eyes shifting to Arc. "I am here to speak with your Specialist Captain, Archibald Enzo".
"Me?" Arc asked, confused.
Sonya stepped closer, her face inches from his. "Yes, you, Archibald. I wish to test your prowess following our previous mission. I must determine for myself whether you are a man of flesh and blood or merely a machine. Furthermore, you are the sole bearer of the 'Specialist' rank; I find that... intriguing".
"Wait a moment, Commander Sonya!" Nanoha intervened. "Are you challenging Arc?".
"Your perception is as keen as ever, Nanoha Takamachi," Sonya replied.
"Indeed, I am. His strength is a riddle I intend to solve. I shall see if he is truly human".
Hayate tried to object. "Commander Sonya, I understand your curiosity, but he—".
"I do not mind, Commander Hayate," Arc interrupted.
"Arc, are you certain?" Hayate asked.
Kai used telepathy to reach Hayate. (Trust me, Hayate. I need to know why she is so focused on me. I want to understand her reasoning.).
Hayate sighed and nodded back. (Very well. But stay on your guard. She is exceptionally powerful.).
The challenge was set at the training ground. Word spread quickly; rumors claimed that Sonya was unbeatable, possessing superhuman strength that few dared to test. A crowd gathered to witness the duel. Sonya prepared her Intelligent Device, Congelation, which was similar in design to Nanoha's Raising Heart but cast in a chilling ice-blue.
"Let us begin. Congelation," Sonya commanded.
"Yes, Madam. Set up," the device responded.
"Raging Brando, I'm counting on you," Arc said.
"Authorized. Set up," Raging Brando replied.
Both combatants transformed into their Barrier Jackets. Arc reminded himself that Sonya's element was ice; one mistake could leave him frozen solid. Her weapon was a transformable gun that could shift into a laser blade, much like his own but built for speed and light movement.
The duel began with a flurry of shots, each gun deflecting the other's fire. Arc unleashed a "Nightfall Slash," but Sonya deflected it effortlessly and dashed forward with blinding speed. She shifted Congelation into blade mode, and the air filled with the screech of clashing steel and cascading sparks.
Arc was shocked; Sonya's raw strength was far beyond that of a normal human. He stepped back and attempted to bind her with a spell, but Sonya simply froze the binding into solid ice and shattered it with ease.
She then activated a Full Drive spell. "Cryo Shard Shell!" she cried. A barrage of heat-seeking ice shards surged toward Arc. He used "Shadow Mimic" to create a decoy, which was instantly frozen solid. He attempted a "Fear Strike," but Sonya seemed entirely immune to the psychological pressure, continuing her assault. She dodged his Smasher Mode shots with ease, forcing another blade clash.
(Such power!) Arc thought, reeling from the impact. (Is she even human?).
From the sidelines, Nanoha, Hayate, and Reinforce watched with concern. Sonya's record stated she was human, but her abilities were undeniably superhuman, her ice element surpassing even that of Chrono or Hayate. While Nanoha was worried, Hayate remained steadfast in her trust of Kai.
Arc searched for an opening, but Sonya's defense was flawless. He activated his U.O.B. system, attempting a surprise attack with his shadow mimic to trap her, but Sonya handled it all. She kept attacking until the entire training ground was shrouded in a thick, obscuring ice.
Finally, the U.O.B. system reached its limit. Arc fell to the ground, and Sonya pointed her laser blade at his throat.
"How quaint," Sonya remarked. "Did you truly believe I was so easily deceived, Archibald Enzo? I knew the one before me was a shadow; the true you is standing directly behind me".
She was correct. Arc had been hiding in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to strike from behind, but Sonya had sensed him all along.
"I am impressed, Commander Sonya," Arc said, deactivating the fake and lowering his gunblade. "You knew which was real".
"I simply allowed myself to fall into your 'trap' to see how you would react," Sonya said, her Congelation shifting back to gun mode. "You are quite remarkable, Archibald".
"I wasn't trying to trap you," Arc said. "I know why you've been testing me. It's because of the face behind this mask, isn't it?".
"Precisely. I was curious to see the countenance of the man who possessed such strength, even with the injuries you've sustained," Sonya admitted.
Arc holstered Raging Brando and removed his helmet, revealing his face to her. Sonya looked at him with an amused smile, showing no shock at his scars.
"Ara... so this is your true face. I knew it was you, Kai Izumi," she said.
"Archibald Enzo is my name for duty, but Izumi Kai is who I am," Kai explained. "General Lindy requested I keep my face hidden from the general personnel, but since we are shielded by your ice, I felt I could show you".
"I see. You may replace your mask, Captain. I have seen all I required," Sonya said, snapping her fingers.
The ice surrounding them shattered into a gentle rain of snow as they deactivated their Barrier Jackets. Nanoha, Reinforce, and Hayate approached. Sonya informed Hayate that she was satisfied; she had confirmed that Arc was indeed human.
However, the peace was short-lived.
"You know, Commander Hayate," Sonya said, a playful glint in her eye. "I find myself desiring Specialist Captain Archibald Enzo as an assistant for my own battalion".
Hayate bristled. "I beg your pardon? He is not a piece of equipment I can simply hand over. Why would you even ask?".
"I have never harbored an interest in romance," Sonya replied, fueling the fires of rivalry. "However, Archie's strength has piqued my interest. I believe I should like to make him mine".
"Make him yours?! 'Archie'?! I will not let go of the man who saved me!" Hayate shouted. "He belongs to my platoon! I shall never surrender him to anyone, least of all you!".
"My, my... is that so, Hayate?" Sonya taunted.
"Yes, it is, Sonya!".
As the debate escalated, Nanoha and Reinforce pulled a bewildered Arc away from the line of fire. The tension became so thick that the two Commanders decided to settle the matter with a match of their own. Kai, Nanoha, and Reinforce watched in stunned silence as the two women engaged in a brutal battle over him. Sonya weathered Hayate's Ragnarok spell, and Hayate refused to yield to Sonya's Cryo Shard Shell.
After the match, Sonya departed for her battalion, remarkably unscathed. Hayate, meanwhile, was left with light bruises and retreated to her office where Shamal began to heal her.
"The injuries are not severe, but she is covered in bruises," Shamal noted.
"Kai, you should be the one to comfort her," Vita suggested.
"Me?" Kai stammered.
"Of course," Signum added. "The rivalry between those two was sparked because of you".
Nanoha placed a hand on his shoulder. "Go on, Kai. She fought for you. She'll feel much better if you're there".
Shamal led Kai to the seat beside Hayate, encouraging Hayate to rest her head on Kai's shoulder before ushering everyone else out to give them privacy.
The room was quiet. "Hayate... are you alright?" Kai asked.
"Pat me," Hayate murmured.
"Eh?".
"Pat my head, Kai".
Kai smiled gently and stroked her hair. Hayate complained about how Sonya wouldn't stay down even after a Ragnarok attack, and Kai reminded her that Sonya's strength was far from normal.
Hayate hugged him tightly. "I won't let anyone take you away. You remind me so much of Reinforce Eins".
Kai laughed softly. "I'm not going anywhere, Hayate. This is my platoon. You're the one who broke my curse and changed my life".
Unbeknownst to them, the rest of the team was peeking through the door.
Back at Battalion 454, Sonya sat in her office, looking quite satisfied.
"You seem pleased, Commander," her assistant remarked. "How was your meeting with Archibald Enzo?".
"It was most enlightening. His strength is truly magnificent," Sonya replied.
"And did you learn who is behind the mask?".
"Indeed. He is human, as I suspected, and his strength provided me with quite the entertainment," Sonya said, though she refused to reveal his identity to the assistant.
That night, Kai returned home to find his personal maid, Schera, but he also had an unexpected visitor waiting on his balcony. It was Miata Azda, the Adamatron member who had previously given him information.
"Miata? What are you doing here?" Kai asked.
"I'm watching over you, Kai," she said. "I'm here to give you the final bullet—the last one. Don't worry, it won't harm your device". She placed a box containing 24 "Device Jumper" bullets for his "Dark Empowerment" spell on the table.
"Before you go," Kai said, "did you give those mass-produced Soul Edges to the gangsters?".
"We created them, yes," Miata admitted. "But they were made to order for someone else. Adamatron did not distribute them to the criminals".
"Then who did?".
"You will find out soon enough, though you may not believe it," Miata said, opening a portal. "And be careful, Kai. There is an imposter who intends to disguise themselves as you. Do not reveal your face too often. Farewell".
As she vanished, Kai was left with a new mystery: who had commissioned the Soul Edges, and who was this imposter?.
To be continued...