Note: Aoki Hagane No Arpeggio: Aris Nova, also known as Arpeggio of Blue Steel is based on a manga written by Ark Performance and was done by the studio Sanzigen.

Captain Gunzou was the Captain of a very special ship. Gunzou was one of the first, to be the Captain of a ship, that had a mental model. A mental model was a ship, that had a human form. Gunzou's ship's mental model was known as Iona. Iona had the physical appearance and attire, of a young woman, despite being a part of the ship.

Although Iona was meant to be an emotionless part of the ship, she had started feeling the emotions, of a human. This was mostly due to Gunzou, who treated her like a real person and showed her the type of respect and gratitude, that a non-human thing wouldn't normally receive.

To Gunzou's surprise, Iona was able to separate herself from the ship. If she wanted to, she could jump off the ship, go on a trip, and return back, without any trouble. However, Iona's home was the ship and she spent most of her time there, due to knowing so little, about how humans act and what they do. Gunzou often tried to take Iona places, so she could learn more about human culture and start feeling like a real human. However, Iona was opposed to this idea, because she wasn't comfortable, when thinking about it. Besides, Iona knew she better be by the ship, at all times, because the ship would barely work, without her.

One day, Gunzou entered the ship. Nobody else was in there, aside from Iona. He stepped inside and started looking around. A few minutes later, he came across Iona, who was sitting down, with a blank expression on her face. Gunzou looked at her face, while not liking how blank it looked. Iona had made so much progress, at becoming more human, that Gunzou didn't want her to become more robotic. He gently rubbed her forehead, while asking, "Are you okay?"

Iona answered, "That is the type of question, that I don't know how to answer. After all, I'm not human, so I don't have the type of feelings, that your kind does. If you're asking how the ship is doing, everything's going okay. The systems and all the tools are still working, so you don't need to worry about that."

Gunzou replied, "The ship isn't my primary concern. You're the main thing, that's making me feel worried." Despite claiming to be emotionless, Iona felt moved, by Gunzou's concern. Gunzou noticed that, so he said, "You do have human emotions. You may feel robotic, but the fact you feel anything proves, that you're not a part of the ship. You're a part of my life."

Iona hugged Gunzou and said, "I'm so confused. I'm just supposed to follow your orders and be a part of this ship, nothing else. However, I feel the desire, to do so much more, than just serve the ship."

Gunzou put his hand on Iona's shoulder, while replying, "That's a good thing. Humans have more desires and wishes, than just fulfilling there jobs. They have other things in mind, like bonding with allies, traveling the world, and having fun. Iona, I know the real you. You're not a blank slate, who just goes on, without a thought in her head. You're thoughtful, smart, caring, and cute."

Iona asked, "Cute?"

A light blush came upon Gunzou's face, which made Iona smile. Gunzou tried to retain his dignity, while saying, "I only called you cute, so I could get a reaction out of you and prove you have human emotions."

Iona replied, "Admirable goal, but you think I'm cute, don't you?"

Gunzou responded, "I could never deny something, that I feel so strongly about."

A blush came upon Iona's face. She started getting a little nervous, while asking, "Why is my face getting redder?"

Gunzou answered, "It's nothing you should worry about. It's called a blush. It happens, when you have sweet emotions."

Iona asked, "What is sweetness?"

Gunzou answered, "It's something, that a lot of generous people have. If I may be so bold, I think you have plenty of sweetness in you, along with a lot of other positive emotions."

Iona turned around, while feeling confused. She stood around, while being deep in thought. She said, "Gunzou, I believe I do have emotions, after all. I don't know if they're the type of emotions, that would be called human emotions, but they're strong feelings."

Gunzou replied, "Iona, don't you see it? You hav emotions, human ones. You have more heartfelt, meaningful emotions, than I've ever had."

Iona shook her head and responded, "Don't say such things. You're underestimating yourself."

Gunzou replied, "You're the one, who's underestimating yourself. You're more amazing, than you could ever realize."

Another blush came upon Iona's face, while saying, "Oh no, Gunzou. These blushes keep coming."

Gunzou replied, "Blushes may be a bit embarrassing, but they show how powerful your emotions are. I want you to leave the ship, for a few days and travel around. I will accompany you, for a majority of the time."

Iona looked nervous, while responding, "I'm not so sure about. That seems like the type of thing, that could lead to trouble. After all, I'm not the type of person, who can fit in with others. I don't really socialize with real humans, other than you."

Gunzou replied, "Don't worry, Iona. You're always there for me, on my ship-related adventures and I plan on accompanying you, on this adventure."

Iona responded, "Thank you."

Gunzou and Iona left the ship and started traveling around the ship. Gunzou took Iona, to a fast food place, so he could show her the best of food.

After that, he took her to the theater, so she could see what movies are like. He choose a movie, that was advertised as an action film. Although the film had a few action scenes, it was mostly a romantic comedy. Gunzou wasn't expecting that and started becoming embarrassed. Iona looked at Gunzou and became amused, by how flustered he was.

While watching the film, Iona noticed the film's female and male leads often held hands. Iona didn't understand the purpose of that, so she quietly asked Gunzou about it. He whispered, "It's a comforting thing, that close people do."

Iona whispered, "Then may I hold your hand?"

Gunzou answered, "Sure." Iona started holding hands with Gunzou. Gunzou was only expecting Iona to hold his hands, for a few seconds. However, a few minutes later, she was still holding it. Gunzou whispered, "You can let go of my hand, if you want."

Iona whispered, "I don't want to let go." She paused and asked, "Do you want me, to give your hand a break?"

Gunzou answered, "Not really."

After the film was over, Gunzou and Iona walked out, while still holding hands. Gunzou said, "I enjoyed holding your hand, but it's been about an hour, so my hand is tired."

Iona let go of his hand and replied, "I'm sorry."

Gunzou responded, "You shouldn't apologize, because holding your hand was a nice feeling."

Iona looked around and saw several people, who appeared to be doing nothing, aside from gazing at the sky. Iona asked, "What are those people doing? It doesn't seem like they're doing anything."

Gunzou replied, "People often stand around and look at the sky."

Iona asked, "Why would they do that?"

Gunzou answered, "The sky is considered to be a beautiful sight, so people like to stare at it. It's the same type of purpose, that museums have."

Iona replied, "There doesn't seem to be anything worthwhile, from just standing around and looking at something, no matter how beautiful it looks."

Gunzou jokingly responded, "Then I guess I'll have to stop looking at you, despite how beautiful you look." Gunzou could hardly believe what he just said. He was intending, on showing Iona what human emotions are like and give her a good time. However, it appeared he was flirting with her, which made him feel ashamed and embarrassed.

Iona looked at him, while saying, "Gunzou, you seem to have feelings for me, don't you?"

Gunzou asked, "What are you talking about?"

Iona answered, "Even though I'm not human and don't know much about emotions, I have heard what attraction is about. Perhaps my judgement and thinking is poor and if that's the case, I do apologize. However, it appears you have an attraction, to me. Is my guess correct?"

Gunzou was having a difficult moment. He had been intending, on helping Iona sort out her feelings, but his feelings were starting to become a jumbled mess. He was struggling, to think of a proper answer. He and Iona had a complicated relationship, that was hard to explain. Iona was originally just supposed to be a part of Gunzou's ship, but she had become much more than that. She had become Gunzou's closest ally and someone he had a personal bond with. He stood around, for a few minutes, while being silent.

Iona said, "I've heard about these types of moments. When someone asks a difficult question and the other person takes several minutes, to answer, there's two possibilities: You're attracted to me, but feel too uncomfortable, to answer it or you don't have feelings for me, but you don't want to hurt the feelings, that I'm not sure if I have."

Gunzou replied, "Iona, I do feel an attraction, towards you. It's weird feeling and our bond is so hard to describe, but I'm completely confident, that you're dear to my heart."

Iona responded, "I felt unsure, if I had emotions, but because of you, I know I do. I don't know how to name or describe these emotions, but I know they're passionate and they're about you."

Gunzou said, "Iona, do you know what love is?"

Iona replied, "Love is the only emotion I know I have, because I love you."

Gunzou responded, "I love you too."

Iona said, "In the film we watched, when the main characters admitted their love, they did a form of embracing, known as a kiss. Should we kiss?"

Gunzou blushed, while replying, "You shouldn't listen to everything, that the movies tell you. After all, movies are very fictional and have a wild imagination. There are some movies, that shouldn't be imitated."

Iona responded, "You're pretty reluctant, when it comes to kissing, aren't you?"

Gunzou replied, "You could say that. I've never kissed a girl, to be honest."

Iona responded, "Neither have I, which is why this is the perfect moment." She imitated a scene, from the movie she had watched, by pulling Gunzou to her and kissing his lips. Gunzou tried to resist the kiss, but after it happened, he felt his heart warm up. Although Iona was supposed to be emotionless, she felt the same thing.

A few days later, Gunzou returned to the ship. He had been letting Iona stay at his house and sleep in his living room, during their brief break, from the ship. Iona was supposed to come back, so Gunzou could continue his work, as the Captain of the ship. This was the first time, that he had to wait for her. He stood around and got things ready, while his crew members started coming in.

After several minutes of waiting, So Oribe looked at Gunzou and asked, "Where's Iona?"

Gunzou said, "I had her take a brief break from the ship, for her own benefit."

So Oribe replied, "No disrespect is intended, Captain Gunzou, but I don't understand what that means."

Gunzou responded, "You see, even though Iona is the ship's mental model, she's become much more. She's developed emotions and has started becoming a true human."

Shizuka Hazumi said, "If you say so, but how come she isn't here?"

Gunzou replied, "Since Iona isn't familiar with a lot of human things, she probably doesn't understand time. I told her the day and time. She probably understood the day part, but I doubt she knows time."

So Oribe responded, "We're supposed to be going on a mission, Captain Gunzou. If we don't start the ship and start heading to our destination, we're going to be in trouble."

Kyohei Kashihara said, "If Iona doesn't come soon, we should leave without her."

Iori Watanuki frowned at Kyohei and asked, "How dumb are you?" Kyohei shrugged his shoulders, while Iori said, "Without Iona, the ship isn't going to work. Without her around, we'll get in a lot of trouble."

It was hard for Gunzou, to not be concerned. After all, he had been hired by Kamikage, who was well-intentioned man, but he often acted intimidating and cold, when he didn't get what he wanted. However, Gunzou tried to be brave and optimistic, while facing his crew and saying, "I think Iona will be arriving, in a few minutes."

Iona took such a long time, to come back to the ship, that the crew had enough time to watch a movie. After the movie was over, Iona went into the ship. She was wearing a blue dress and purple shoes. Her hair had been neatly combed and she had cherry blossom in her hair. She approached the crew, while having a bigger smile and more of an emotional appearance, than Gunzou and the crew were used to. She gently said, "Hi guys. It's good to see you."

Shizuka replied, "With all due respect, you're rather late."

Iona had a confused look on her face, while asking, "What do you mean?"

Kyohei looked ticked-off, while saying, "You're late. You barely know anything, about human culture, but you know how to inconvenience your crew. If you know how to feel any emotion, you should be feeling shame."

So Oribe looked at Kyohei and said, "You should be cutting her some slack. After all, she doesn't have the same knowledge, about how humans act, that we do."

Kyohei said, "She doesn't deserve to have that knowledge. She should be acting like an emotionless piece of machinery, but she sure can't accomplish that. She must be a defunct product or something."

Gunzou angrily replied, "You're speaking out of line, Kyohei."

Kyohei whined, You're complaining to me, because I got angry at a machine? Some boss you are."

Gunzou looked at Iona, who looked sad and guilty. He put his hand on her shoulder, while saying, "Things are going to be okay."

A few moments later, Kamikage appeared on the ship's monitor screen. Gunzou tried to look friendly, while saying, "Greetings."

Kamikage gave Gunzou a disapproving look, while asking, "How come the ship hasn't started sailing, Captain Gunzou?"

Gunzou explained, "There were a few problems, concerning getting Iona here, at the correct time. Due to her lack of understanding, about what time is, she came late. However, you don't need to worry about that. I know plenty of short cuts, which will get us to our destination, at the correct time."

Kamikage sighed and said, "You've been trying to teach Iona human emotions, haven't you? Iona's feelings are as empty and hollow, as any machine. You're wasting your time, but more importantly, you're wasting the military's time."

After Kamikage got off the monitor screen, Gunzou's friends started giving Iona dirty looks, especially Kyohei, who shook his fist at her. Iona started heading, to the ship's balcony.

Gunzou started walking to the balcony. He walked to Iona, who had a few tears coming down her eyes. It was the first time she had ever cried. Gunzou tried to make her feel better, by saying, "Everything's going to be okay."

Iona replied, "Yeah right. By trying to be a human, I wasn't only attempting a foolish goal, I was also inconveniencing everybody. I should stop trying to be a human. I should accept my role, as the ship's emotionless form."

Gunzou shook his head and responded, "You have more emotions and personality, than you realize and you benefit my life more, than you could ever imagine. Iona, you did come here late, which upset the crew, but it wasn't your fault. It was my own. This morning, I should of helped you get ready and have walked you to the ship. I guess I didn't feel the need to, because you seem so much like a human, it's easy to forget where you came from."

Iona replied, "But I came from the ship. I'm not a human, no matter you try to say or do."

Gunzou responded, "Maybe, but no matter what you tell me, I'll still think of you, as a human. In fact, I'll think of you, as the best human my eyes have ever laid on."

Iona had a happy tear come down her cheek, while saying, "You're the best Captain, but more importantly, you're the best human, that I've ever seen."

Gunzou replied, "Iona, by becoming a human, you're not just benefitting yourself. You're benefitting a part of me, that needed a lot of help."

Iona asked, "What am I helping you with?"

Gunzou answered, "You're helping me, when it comes to happiness. Happiness was a feeling, that I hadn't been feeling, until you came into my life. As you became more and more human, my happiness kept growing. Getting off the ship and spending personal time with you made me more happy, than anything ever has." Gunzou lovingly held hands with Iona, while saying, "I want you, to admit you're a human, deep down. Also, I want you, to become my girlfriend."

Iona blushed, while replying, "I accept both things, Gunzou." She and Gunzou kissed each other. Iona was born emotionless, but it no longer mattered, because she had become the most loving person, that Gunzou had ever met.