Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS Sound Stage 4 – Episode 27

1. Fate's mail. Introduction by Fate, situating the events of SS04 as the follow-up to events (Relic and Jail Scaglieti incidents) after Episode 26 of the anime. Like Sound Stage 3, it is consistent with the anime and adds just a bit more information to it.

2. November Riot Force Six. End of newbie training session by Nanoha and Vita. Former tells them to prepare for night training simulation while latter comments that they still have a way to go. Signum remarks that the trainers are hard on the rookies as always. Shamal says that Zafira is back in the hospital, resting. Vice goes to visit Zafira. Some kids are fussing over the big dog-wolf.

3. 108 Battalion Ginga, Genya and Mary. They talk about sugar and milk in tea. Mary reports that ? are fine and that Subaru must be happy being with her friends at Riot Force Six.

4. Stars Squad's Vacation Plan. Tea is moaning about how she can't take the training anymore. The others nag/cheer her on. The four tuck in for chow. They discuss the latest mock battle. Erio and Caro remind Tea and Subaru that they have vacation time. They are *shokku* and go to talk to Vita who confirms it. Subaru plans to visit her mom's grave while Tea plans to visit her brother's grave. It turns out both graves are in the same Port Fall 19 memorial garden cemetery and are really close to each other (24 vs 16). Tea wonders why.

5. Nanoha-mama and Vivio. Shamal gives the all clear for Vivio's latest medical checkup. Nanoha says that her studies in Midchilda and Belkan magic are progressing well. Vivio says that she also can do (something else - summoning magic?) too. Well, she's still a Saint King clone after all. Vivio proudly announces that she is attending the St Hilda Magic School.

6. Hayate and Verossa. Verossa has brought Hayate tea to her work. Hayate teases Verossa for being a slacker while Verossa says she is too busy. Hayate says she needs to wrap up the loose ends and gives all the credit for the Relic/Scaglietti case to her Aces and Strikers, noting that she even had to be rescued by the rookies. Verossa reminds her that credit is still due to her, that she should take a good rest and that Carim and her oniichan, Chrono, are both worried about it.

7. Chrono and Genya. Teleconference, grumbles about the usual inter-service rivalry limiting cooperation between the Navy and Army. Genya says that it's worth it for their loved ones to carry on the good fight.

8. Lightning Squad. Erio and Caro complete their report to Fate. Comparison between Vivio and Nanoha with their relationship with Fate.

9. Ocean Detention Facility. Erio and Caro visit Lucetia there. Lucetia wonders about her future, they talk about her limiter and imminent move to a remote world. Erio and Caro are worried that she will be alone but Lucetia reveals that Alphino is awake and that she will be with her mom. She thanks them for saving her, her mom, and her summoned bugs.

10. Stars Squad, Heading Out. Vita holds the fort while Nanoha heads off on leave with Vivio. Rein has, apparently, been teaching Vivio new words. Tea (and Subaru) borrow the bike from Vice again; Tea promises to get souvenirs for Vice, Alto and everyone in Maintenance.

11. St Hilda Magic School. Nanoha and Vivio met Sister Schach who welcomes them to the Belkan mission school. They use 'gokigenyou' greetings! Schach introduces the new transfer student to the other students. Nanoha was a bit anxious about Vivio's first day but is relieved to see that she fits in among the other kids really well. Schach explains the escalator system. Carim calls to check in. Nanoha and Vivio chat, latter is keen to start school, Nanoha confesses that she'll be lonely while Vivio is at school. Vivio says that Nanoha-mama will be fine because Nanoha is a good girl LOL. They promise to enjoy their holiday.

12. Port Fall Memorial Garden. Subaru places flowers on the graves of Tea's family. While Subaru goes to place flowers on her mom's grave, Tea has a private moment reporting to her family. Likewise Subaru reports to her mom. Both acknowledge that they have a long way to go but are giving it their all.

13. Hayate and Vita. Hayate tease Vita, former ends up toppling on top of the latter (see cover image). Vita complains that Hayate is heavy, Hayate says that's so rude! They recount the danger on the Saint's Cradle; Hayate thanks Vita for her efforts and, likewise, Vita thanks Hayate and Rein for saving her.

14. Crimson Flower. Vita image song.

15. Agito and Signum. Vita and Hayate are sleeping when Signum returns and chats with Shamal. Signum places a call to Agito. She shows her old photos and data about Zest. Agito needs more time to think about Zest's last request. Hayate and Vita drop in and ask after Agito who thanks them. They welcome her to visit sometime.

16. Ocean Detention Facility ~Numbers~ Sisterly bonds are reaffirmed and they talk about a possible life and some freedom in the world outside.

17. End of Vacation. Stars One, Three and Four are back. Apparently the bike causes butts to hurt. LOL

18. Lindy, Erio and Caro. Lightning's turn for vacation. Lindy looks forward to seeing Fate, Erio and Caro. The latter two's reassignment is discussed.

19. The Two's New Assignments. Rein calls for Subaru and Tea on the intercom. Hayate briefs them; Tea has passed the first round for Enforcer training while Subaru has been accepted for Rescue Scout training. Subaru is happy but it's her first time to be separated from Tea who says they can still visit each other from time to time; also notes that Subaru will part with her admired Nanoha.

20. Scars. Nanoha's medical checkup by Shamal. Seems that she still suffers from pain from the use of Blaster. But Nanoha will manage and wants to pass on her techniques to the newbies: Starlight Breaker for Tea, Shooter for Caro, Charge Drive for Erio, and ACS as well as Divine Buster for Subaru. Nagging by Shamal who rightly notes that Nanoha will still do whatever she feels she needs to do regardless of what her friends say.

21. The Four's Thoughts. Training with the newbies assisted by Vita and Signum.

22. The Four's Resolution. Nanoha EXCEED vs Subaru Full Drive. Fate vs Caro. Vita vs Tea. Signum vs Erio. They are urged to grow stronger so that their teacher can pass more and higher level skills to them. Subaru breaks Nanoha's Protection with one strike; Nanoha is pleased and both charge up for another clash. Shamal and Hayate notes how happy Nanoha looks. Caro is in line for A while the other three are heading for AA rank.

23. To The Real. Newbie Four image song.

24. Blue Sky. Fate concludes with how everyone will remember their days in Riot Force Six. As she finishes composing her email (to Subaru) as Nanoha and Vivio arrive to pick her up for their family day out.

25. Endless Chain. FEITO image song.

Generally it was a nice listen though none of the drama tracks stood out in particular for me. Like the final episode, there wasn't much Nanoha x Fate love love, or Tea tsundere. Mai Nakahara's vocalization of Tea's complaining was great though. Overall, definitely felt like a concluding note, closing the StrikerS chapter.

Related posts:

1. Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS Sound Stage 03: Episode 18.5
2. Lyrical Nanoha StrikerS 14
3. Nanoha A’s Sound Stage 01