In an undisclosed location, within the heart of Adamatron's operations, Rito Rivian issued orders. The Imposter Kai and Miata were to deploy once more, their target: Midchilda.
At TSAB headquarters, Arc met with Shario and Mariel, leaving Raging Brando for maintenance after his intense sparring session with Fate. Shario and Mariel meticulously examined the device, analyzing the data from the spar. The results were astounding. Raging Brando had not only performed admirably, surpassing Soul Edge's capabilities, but it had nearly matched the performance of Raising Heart and Bardiche.
"Raging Brando has finally shown its true potential," Shario exclaimed. "The results are almost comparable to Bardiche Assault and Raising Heart Exelion!"
"He unlocked so many skills just from sparring with Nanoha-san and Fate-san," Mariel added. "And the device's performance is nearing Raising Heart and Bardiche. I'm surprised. Raging Brando is an excellent all-range device."
"His previous device was a Buster Sword, right?" Shario mused. "But it was mostly attack-oriented, with fewer skills than Raging Brando. And Raging Brando unlocked so many skills just from sparring! It's a shame I couldn't witness it firsthand."
"He hasn't been on a mission yet," Mariel reminded her. "He's been busy with investigations, and there haven't been any terrorist attacks since the incident at Battalion 255. But we can push his device to its maximum potential, to defeat his imposter," she added with a grin.
"You mean Full Drive mode?" Shario asked, grinning back.
Mariel nodded. As experienced device engineers, they knew exactly how to enhance personal devices. Together, they began fine-tuning Raging Brando, pushing it closer to the performance levels of Raising Heart and Bardiche.
Meanwhile, Arc arrived at the Commander's office to deliver the investigation documents. He knocked and Hayate granted him entry. Rein was also present.
"Here are the documents you requested, Commander," Arc said, handing them over.
"Ah, thank you," Hayate replied, taking the documents and reviewing them.
"By the way, Lieutenant Arc," Rein asked, "how are you finding your work here?"
"It's similar to my time in the Sailing Force, Commander Assistant Reinforce," Arc replied.
"Don't you find it hot wearing that helmet all the time?" Rein asked.
"I'm used to it," Arc said.
"Could you show us your face?" Rein pressed.
"I respectfully decline," Arc responded.
"Alright," Hayate said, finishing his review. "The documents are sufficient. You're dismissed, Lieutenant."
"I'll take my leave then," Arc said, exiting the office.
"Perhaps he isn't Izumi Kai after all, Hayate-chan," Rein mused. "But you said yesterday he seemed familiar when he sparred with Fate-chan, right?"
"Signum said so too," Hayate agreed, "but…I still feel like Archibald Enzo is Izumi Kai." She gazed out the window, lost in thought.
Hayate's mind drifted back to her time with Riot Force 6, after Nanoha and Fate's mock battle with Fuji, Renjou, and Kai, before Forward Phantom was established. Fuji was the leader, impressive in combat tactics and skill. Renjou was the attacker, a knight-type with light-speed attacks. Kai was the stealth specialist, relying on shadow-type skills for surprise hit-and-run tactics. Nanoha had been impressed by all three. Fuji, the tactical leader and father-figure; Renjou, the comedian who could be serious when needed; and Kai, the quiet, reserved one. Fate had also mentioned that Fuji and Renjou were popular with girls, while Kai preferred solitude.
Hayate and Rein had decided to investigate Kai. Nanoha and Fate's observations were accurate. Hayate, as commander, had made a conscious effort to connect with Kai, encouraging others to do the same. Before long, everyone was communicating with him, including Nanoha and Fate, and he had become quite popular. But after the JS Incident, Hayate was devastated to see Kai so heavily injured, having lost a significant amount of blood and fallen into a month-long coma. Archibald Enzo had been assigned to his duties while Izumi Kai received intensive medical treatment.
Arc arrived at the engineering room, where Shario and Mariel informed him that Raging Brando was ready. They explained the improvements they had made, bringing its performance close to Raising Heart Exelion and Bardiche Assault. They mentioned the Full Drive mode, still somewhat unstable, but Arc was unconcerned. Suddenly, the TSAB investigation team summoned Arc. They had identified the suspect who had distributed the device jumpers at the DSAA competition. In the investigation room, the suspect, a DSAA member, confessed to working for an unknown individual, driven by the demand for device jumpers among athletes seeking to cheat. She had received the device jumpers from this contact, whose identity remained private and unknown. She was to make contact again in five months. Further investigation was necessary to uncover the identity of this mysterious contact. Vita and Signum, as DSAA coaches, arrived to witness the interrogation.
Suddenly, the TSAB siren blared – a code red. It was another terrorist attack. The Imposter Kai had returned. Arc's moment had arrived. He had been waiting for this. TSAB officers mobilized, deploying in helicopters piloted by Alto Krauetta. Arc, Nanoha, and Vita were on board.
"Arc, are you nervous?" Vita asked.
"No," Arc replied, clenching his fist. "I've been waiting for this."
"Be careful," Nanoha cautioned. "This Imposter Kai is strong. I'll back you up."
"You too, Captain Vita, Captain Takamachi," Arc said. "But I'm not holding back. This is personal."
"We're approaching the target area, get ready!" Alto announced.
The helicopter hatch opened, and Nanoha, Vita, and Arc jumped out, transforming into their barrier jacket forms and flying towards the scene. It was a similar attack to the one at Battalion 255, but the Imposter Kai was there, waiting for his target: Arc. Nanoha noticed the anger and hatred radiating from Arc's hand as he gripped Raging Brando tightly. He suddenly accelerated, attacking the Imposter Kai before Vita could issue any orders. Nanoha decided to let him proceed, confident that Arc could handle the Imposter Kai. She instructed Vita to focus on evacuating civilians and neutralizing the humanoid and android attackers. The blades of Raging Brando and Soul Edge clashed, sending sparks flying.
"YOU'VE FINALLY ARRIVED!" the Imposter Kai shouted, laughter echoing. "I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR YOU!"
"YEAH!" Arc roared back, his voice filled with rage. "I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT, YOU BASTARD!"
Unbeknownst to both of them, Raging Brando had activated its Full Drive mode. The clash between Soul Edge and Raging Brando was deafening, photon projectiles scattering everywhere.
"Shadow Strike!" Arc yelled, Raging Brando glowing with dark energy. He unleashed a swift, shadow-infused strike, forcing the Imposter Kai to parry with Soul Edge, now manifested as a dark, pulsating blade.
"Karmic Slash!" The Imposter Kai countered, the dark blade of Soul Edge shimmering. He unleashed a massive, abyss-infused slash, tearing through both physical and magical defenses.
"Shadow Slip!" Arc vanished, reappearing behind the Imposter Kai. "Nightfall Slash!" He swung Raging Brando, creating a swirling vortex of shadows that slammed into the Imposter Kai.
"Binding Echoes!" The Imposter Kai roared, energy tendrils erupting from Soul Edge, now in a whip-like form. They formed a cage, echoing Arc's deepest fears and insecurities, trapping him momentarily.
"Shadow Mimic!" Arc, using the brief opening, countered. He manifested multiple phantom beasts formed from condensed Resonance Magic, each a shadowy mimic of himself, confusing the Imposter Kai. The real Arc used the distraction to land a powerful blow. "Brando Impact!"
The Imposter Kai staggered back, but before he could retaliate, Arc pressed the attack. "Nightmare Tether!" Shadowy tendrils erupted from Raging Brando, binding the Imposter Kai.
"Absolute Reflection!" The Imposter Kai, though partially bound, reacted. Soul Edge shifted to a shield form, reflecting Arc's Void Beam back at him with amplified force.
"Void Beam!" Arc barely managed to deflect his own attack, realizing the danger.
"Obliteration Blast!" The Imposter Kai, now free from the tether, shifted Soul Edge to cannon mode. He fired a condensed burst of creation and destruction energy.
"Raging Brando: Abyssal Blade!" Arc charged Raging Brando with an immense amount of dark energy. He unleashed a massive slash, a wave of pure darkness that consumed the remaining light and clashed with the Genesis Blast. The two attacks collided, creating a shockwave that rocked the area.
The Imposter Kai, weakened by the clash, faltered. Arc, breathing heavily, saw his chance. Soul Edge, now fragmented and unstable, reverted to a gauntlet on the Imposter Kai's arm. Arc, still in Full Drive, moved with a terrifying efficiency, striking with Raging Brando. The Imposter Kai, unable to fully utilize Soul Edge in its fragmented state, could only parry and evade. Finally, Arc landed a decisive blow, shattering the gauntlet and disabling Soul Edge completely.
The Imposter Kai crashed to the ground, his armor shattered. Arc, breathing heavily, stared at his fallen foe. The rage that had fueled him began to subside, replaced by a chilling silence. He had won.
Even as the flying droids and humanoids attempted to intervene, they were met with devastating force. Arc, still in Full Drive, moved with a terrifying efficiency, dispatching them with swift, brutal strikes.
"Ah, he's gone berserk," Vita observed while taking down a flying droid.
"Aha… He really wasn't holding back," Nanoha said nervously. "But it's too much."
Suddenly, Vita noticed Miata Azda approaching the fallen Imposter Kai. She watched as Miata carefully retrieved the Imposter Kai and the remaining fragments of Soul Edge, using some kind of spell. Nanoha and Vita tried to intervene, but Miata unleashed a powerful barrier, sending them flying. Arc, witnessing this, attempted to break through the barrier, but Miata repelled him as well, using some kind of pressure skill.
"Sigh, how persistent," Miata sighed.
"You... what are you doing with his body?" Nanoha demanded, struggling to get to her feet, with Vita helping her.
"Resurrecting him, of course," Miata replied matter-of-factly. "His Soul Edge and host are vital. And I'm afraid you can't have him."
"W-What's so important about him?" Vita asked, still trying to regain her footing.
"The power of Soul Edge, obviously," Miata explained. "I should thank Izumi Kai for acquiring it in the first place. Well, I suppose this is goodbye. Your reinforcements are arriving." She then vanished through a void portal.
Reinforcements from Battalion 108, including N2R members and Ginga Nakajima, arrived to deal with the remaining droids. Once the situation was under control, Vita, her anger finally cooling down, scolded Arc for his reckless actions. Nanoha, however, defended him, arguing that Arc's rage and determination were instrumental in defeating the Imposter Kai. While Nanoha and Vita argued with Arc, a familiar figure arrived on the scene: Subaru Nakajima, Star 03 of Riot Force 6, now working as a Disaster Prevention Officer.
"Nanoha-san, Vita-san! It's been a while!" Subaru greeted them cheerfully.
"Ah, Subaru! It's been a while," Nanoha replied.
"It's been a while, Subaru. As energetic as ever," Vita commented.
"Yes, I never expected to see you two here," Subaru admitted.
"Aha, me neither, Subaru," Nanoha chuckled.
Subaru then noticed Arc heading towards the spot where the Imposter Kai had fallen. "Um, who's that?" she asked.
"Ah, that's Archibald Enzo," Vita explained. "A Specialist Lieutenant working as an Investigator. He was transferred here by Admiral Chrono to replace Izumi Kai, who's currently receiving intensive medical treatment."
"...He seems mysterious," Subaru observed. "Why does he wear that helmet?"
"It's to cover severe facial injuries," Vita explained. "His face was badly damaged. The mask helps him in his investigations and conceals his wounds. I suppose his reckless attack on the Imposter Kai is understandable, given the circumstances."
Arc arrived at the scene of the battle, searching for clues. He found fragments of Soul Edge, but they turned to ash upon contact with his hand. It was impossible to retrieve them for research.
Later that evening, back at TSAB headquarters, with many members heading home or to the dormitories, Vita spotted Arc heading towards the rooftop. She followed him discreetly, peeking at him as he sat alone on a bench, looking exhausted.
"Raging Brando," Arc murmured, "was I berserk during the mission?"
"Yes, Master," Raging Brando confirmed. "You were in Full Drive mode for 20 minutes."
"Huh..." Arc sighed. "I never thought I'd unleash my rage like that. It's the first time I've ever gone berserk." He stared up at the sky.
"So, here you are," Vita's voice broke the silence.
"Captain Vita," Arc acknowledged.
"May I sit with you?" Vita asked.
Arc nodded, and Vita joined him on the bench. She explained that she understood his reckless actions when facing the Imposter Kai. Nanoha had told her about the injuries and trauma Arc had suffered during his time in the Sailing Force. She also admitted she was impressed by his sparring match with Nanoha and Fate, even though she hadn't been there to witness it. However, Vita was unaware that Archibald Enzo was actually Izumi Kai in disguise. Even Nanoha had kept that secret.
"So, Captain Vita," Arc began, "did you know Lieutenant Izumi Kai?"
"Yes," Vita replied. "He was a member of Riot Force 6 and Phantom 03. Why do you ask?"
"I'm just curious," Arc said. "Captain Signum mentioned that I resemble him. Is it true?"
"He was a quiet person," Vita recalled, "but he had potential. He was the only member who wielded a Buster Sword."
"Hmmm, I see..." Arc murmured.
"Well, Arc," Vita said, standing up. "That's all I wanted to say. See you later."
"See you later, Captain," Arc replied.
Arc leaned back on the bench, the word "potential" echoing in his mind, just like when he met a girl in white while a monster attacked Japan. He was surprised and pleased that Vita had seen potential in him. He watched the sunset, feeling exhausted but also strangely content. He was grateful that Vita didn't suspect his true identity.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Arc remained on the rooftop, lost in thought. He knew that the battle against Adamatron was far from over. They had managed to retrieve the Imposter Kai, but Rito Rivian was still out there, and her plans remained shrouded in mystery. He thought about his past, the pain and humiliation he had endured, and how it had shaped him into the person he was today. He thought about his future, the challenges that lay ahead, and the role he would play in protecting Midchilda. He knew that he would have to be strong, both physically and mentally, if he was to overcome the obstacles in his path. He also knew that he wouldn't be alone. He had his friends, his comrades, and his commander, all fighting alongside him. And with their support, he was confident that they would prevail.
The sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. At TSAB HQ, the day's chaos had subsided. Nanoha, changed back into her civilian clothes, was gathering her things, ready to head home. As she walked down the corridor, she saw Vita leaning against a window, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"Vita?" Nanoha called softly. "Heading home?"
Vita turned, a slight smile gracing her lips. "Almost. Just… thinking about today." Nanoha joined her at the window, gazing out at the city lights. "It was… intense," she agreed. "I'm glad it's over."
"Me too," Vita said. "Though… something's been bothering me."
Nanoha knew what was coming. "Arc?"
Vita nodded. "He reminds me so much of Izumi Kai. It's not just the way he fights, though that's definitely part of it. It's… something deeper. A feeling."
Nanoha feigned a look of innocent confusion. "Really? I didn't know him that well. He not hand picked by Hayate-chan to join Riot Force 6, wasn't he?" *I know exactly who he is, Vita. But it's not my secret to tell.*
Vita looked at her, a hint of suspicion in her eyes, but she seemed to accept Nanoha's apparent ignorance. "He was. Quiet guy. Kept to himself. But Signum said he had potential. And… well, Arc… he has that same… aura. That hidden strength."
"He's certainly powerful," Nanoha agreed. "And he was incredibly driven today. Almost… too driven."
"That's what worries me," Vita confessed. "That rage… it was so raw. So unlike anything I've never seen from him before. It makes me wonder what he's been through."
Nanoha shrugged slightly. "He's been through a lot, I imagine. He mentioned being injured in the past. Maybe that's why he wears the helmet."
"Maybe," Vita conceded. "But I still have this feeling… this connection. I can't shake it."
"He's a member of the TSAB now," Nanoha said gently. "If he wants to talk about his past, he will. We shouldn't pry."
Vita sighed. "You're right. I know. But… it's just… I can't help but wonder. What if there's something more to it? Something that could… affect things?"
"Like what?" Nanoha asked, carefully keeping her tone neutral.
"I don't know," Vita admitted. "Just a feeling. A hunch. But I've learned to trust my instincts. And my instincts tell me… this isn't the end of it."
Nanoha nodded slowly, meeting Vita's gaze. "I understand. But for now… let's focus on what we do know. Arc is a valuable member of the team. He's proven himself capable. We need to trust him, unless he gives us a reason not to."
Vita nodded in agreement, though her expression remained thoughtful. "You're right, Nanoha. You always are. But… I'll be keeping an eye on him."
"As will I," Nanoha thought to herself. *I know who you are, Arc-kun. Or rather, Kai. And I'll be watching. Not with suspicion, but with… concern. And with hope. Hope that one day, you'll be ready to share your truth.*
"Well," Vita said, breaking the silence, "I should get going. Long day tomorrow."
"Me too," Nanoha replied. "Good evening, Vita."
"Good evening, Nanoha."
They parted ways, each lost in their own thoughts. Nanoha walked towards the exit, her mind filled with the weight of her secret knowledge. She knew the truth about Arc, about Izumi Kai. But she also knew that some secrets were best kept, at least for a while. She could only hope that when the time was right, Arc would find the strength to reveal his true self. Until then, she would be there, as a friend, as a comrade, ready to support him, whatever the future might hold. The next day, Nanoha and Vita were in Nanoha's office, discussing the recent events.
"That was quite a battle yesterday," Nanoha commented, sipping her tea. "Arc was incredibly strong. I've never seen him fight like that before."
"He was definitely holding back during the spar," Vita agreed. "I knew he was strong, but I didn't realize just how powerful he was."
"He was like a different person," Nanoha said. "The rage…the hatred…it was consuming him."
"It's understandable," Vita replied. "He's been through a lot.
Device jumper…Adamatron …and now, soul edge…it's a lot for anyone to handle."
"I'm worried about him," Nanoha admitted. "He's been so focused on this investigation, on finding the Imposter Kai. It's like he's obsessed."
"He needs to let go of the anger," Vita said. "It's not healthy. It's eating him alive."
"I tried to talk to him," Nanoha said, "but he just brushed me off. He said it was personal."
"Maybe he needs some time," Vita suggested. "Time to process everything that's happened."
"Maybe," Nanoha said. "But I don't want him to isolate himself. He needs to know that we're here for him, that we'll support him."
"We'll find a way to reach him," Vita assured her. "We'll remind him that he's not alone."
"Thank you, Vita," Nanoha said. "I appreciate that."
"Of course," Vita replied. "We're a team. We'll get through this together."
They fell silent for a moment, both lost in thought. The threat of Adamatron loomed over them, a dark cloud on the horizon. They knew that they would have to face it together, as a team. And they knew that they would have to support
each other, through thick and thin.
"We should go see him," Nanoha said suddenly.
"See who?" Vita asked.
"Arc," Nanoha replied. "We should go check on him. Make sure he's okay."
"That's a good idea," Vita agreed. "Let's go."
They left Nanoha's office and headed towards the investigation room. They found Arc there, poring over documents and data.
"Arc," Nanoha said softly.
Arc looked up, startled. "Nanoha-san," he greeted. "Vita-san. What brings you here?"
"We wanted to check on you," Nanoha said. "Make sure you're okay."
"I'm fine," Arc replied. "Just busy with the investigation."
"We know you're going through a lot," Vita said. "We just want you to know that we're here for you."
Arc was silent for a moment. Then, he said, "Thank you."
"You don't have to go through this alone," Nanoha said.
"We're here to support you."
"I know," Arc replied. "Thank you."
They talked for a while longer, discussing the investigation and other matters. Nanoha and Vita tried to lighten the mood, sharing stories and jokes. They could see that Arc was starting to relax, to open up.
"We should get going," Nanoha said finally. "But we'll check in on you later, okay?"
"Okay," Arc agreed.
Nanoha and Vita left the investigation room, feeling relieved. They had managed to reach Arc, to let him know that they cared. They knew that he was still struggling, but they were confident that he would be okay. He had them, his friends, his comrades. And they would never let him down. As they walked back to Nanoha's office, they passed by the engineering room. They could hear Shario and Mariel talking inside.
"He's so focused on this investigation," Shario said. "He's not even thinking about his own well-being."
"He needs to take a break," Mariel said. "But he won't listen to us."
"Maybe we should talk to him," Nanoha said to Vita.
"That's a good idea," Vita agreed. "Let's go."
They entered the engineering room and approached Shario and Mariel.
"We overheard your conversation," Nanoha said. "We're worried about Arc too."
"He's been working non-stop," Shario said. "He's not taking care of himself."
"We've tried to talk to him," Mariel said, "but he just brushes us off."
"We'll talk to him," Nanoha said. "We'll make him take a break."
"Thank you," Shario said. "We appreciate it."
"Of course," Vita replied. "We're all worried about him."
Nanoha and Vita left the engineering room and headed back to Nanoha's office. They knew that they had to do something to help Arc. He was pushing himself too hard, and they were worried that he would break. They decided to talk to him again, to try to convince him to take a break. They would remind him that he was not alone, that he had friends who cared about him. And they would not give up on him. They would be there for him, no matter what.
(To be continue)