Welcome back everyone! Our Guest in the Hollow Night this time is Aria H. Kanzaki, the feisty S-Rank Butei (which means Armed Detective) from Aria the Scarlet Ammo.

It's unfortunate that only one season of the main series was made while it's Prequel, Aria the Scarlet Ammo AA, got animated for the 'next' season. The Light Novel's and Manga's are still ongoing, where most of the good stuff is. Anyway, Aria is an enjoyable character and I l personally ike to see her as the Media Factory counterpart to Shana.

So, what exactly brings our little Butei girl of the Holmes family into the Hollow Night? Let's find out...

Oh, and there may be Spoilers from Volume 21 of the Light Novel onward, so Spoiler Alert!


Aria Holmes Kanzaki

Scarlet Ammo

Sex: Female

D.O.B.: September 23

Height: 148 cm/4'10"

Weight: 37 kg/81 lbs.

Blood Type: O

Ability: The "EXS" of Hihiirokane: Scarlet Ammo

Weapon: Twin Custom, Colt Government Model M1911 and Twin Kodachi


Orginal Series: Aria the Scarlet Ammo (Light Novel/Anime) from Media Factory.

Aria VA: Rie Kugimiya

Kinji VA: Junji Majima

Character Appearance: Aria wears the Tokyo Butei High School female uniform, complete with thigh high stockings and wears two gun holsters on her thighs. She also wears her long pink hair in twin tails, held together by red horn shaped hairpins.


Animations

Intro 1: Lands into her starting position with her parachute. Aria then unbuckles the harness and lets the parachute fly off screen as she pulls out her guns.

Intro 2: Aria's back is turned to the opponent before she turns her head and pulls out her guns, aiming one at the opponent before getting into her fighting stance.

Round Loss: After being knocked out, Aria gets onto one knee, pushing on of her guns into the grond to push herself up while keeping her other gun at the ready.

Time Over Loss: Falls back onto her rear, with Aria upset and flustered all the while.

Round Victory: Closes her eyes in disappointment while raising her guns in a hand shrug motion before opening her eyes and smiling confidently at the opponent while pointing her guns at them.

Match Victory: Aria walks over to her unconscious opponent and as soon as she's near them, she puts her guns into their holsters and pulls out a pair of handcuffs, ready to apprehend the opponent.

Victory Screen Quotes

Victory Portrait: Aria has both her guns in a cross arm position while she has a haughty smile.

Generic 1: "If you keep interfering with my mission here, I'll pump you full of holes!"

Generic 2: "You should be greatful your fighting me instead of Shirayuki. She specializes in supernatural powers and she would have beaten you down much faster than I did."

Generic 3: "I know I can be a little overbearing, but this is for your own protection, as well for everyone else's safety."

Generic 4: "You better stop while you're ahead. Don't make a fuss, come quietly and surrender peacefully."

Generic 5: "There are three words that I absolutely despise: "tired", "exhausted", "impossible". Those are the three words that keep everyone on this stupid planet from reaching their full potential. Never say any of those words in front of me again. Are we clear?"

Vs. Hyde: "You're no Kinji, that's for sure. Just watch yourself and we won't have any problems im the future, okay?"

Vs. Linne: "Self-sacrifice is only praiseworthy in fairy tales. In reality, it's just running away from your problems."

Vs. Waldstein, Gordeau and Enkidu: "What is up with men running around without putting a shirt on!? You're just another pervert!"

Vs. Nanase: "So this "Hyde Kido" defiled you!? Tell me where he is! I'll be sure to pump that pervert full of holes!"

Vs. Orie: "I have some suspicions that the leader of the Licht Kries might be deranged. I can't explain it, but you should leave the group for your own good..."

Vs. Wagner: "I can appreciate your work ethic, but without morals and restraint, you're no better than a serial killer. I'm placing you under arrest."

Vs. Merkava: "I don't know what drove you to become this, but at least we can restrain you until we can find a way to restore your humanity."

Vs. Seth: "Your under arrest for multiple accounts of murder. You should have chosen your target wisely, 'assassin'."

Vs. Hilda: "Your little game is over Paradox. Unfortunately for you, the only thing you'll be in charge of from now on is a prison cell."

Vs. Eltnum: "H-how do you know about me and everyone else!? You better start explaining right now or I'll pump you full of holes, you stalker!"

Vs. Akatsuki: "Phew! That was some expert fighting you displayed! As expected of an Imperial Soldier. Let's have another mock battle sometime."

Victory Screen Quotes Against Aria

Hyde: "So, let me get this straight? You attend a school that also teaches you how to fight and apprehend criminals? Well, it wouldn't be the first strange thing I heard all day..."

Linne: "Sorry "detective", I don't have time to waste on you. I suggest you go back to where you came from and forget you ever got involved."

Waldstein: "Tch! Those puny little firearms and swords meant nothing against me! You should have trained your body some more!"

Gordeau: "Sorry miss, but last time I checked, I haven't exactly done anything to warrant a "Butei" to try and arrest me."

Enkidu: "Vale Tudo and Baritsu... those are interesting forms of martial arts you practice. Continue to hone those skills, as you need them more than your weapons."

Nanase: "So, your like a police officer in a way? First of all, that is so cool! Secondly, there's this creep I'd like your help in bringing to justice..."

Orie: "So you're a Butei, an Armed Detective? I apologize, but you should understand that the Licht Kries have this situation under control. Please leave this matter to us."

Wagner: "Looks like you being an S-Rank Butei wasn't all talk, but trying to arrest me is uncalled for. I suggest saving those handcuffs for real criminals."

Merkava: "This scarlet glow... I have never seen anything like this in any human I encountered before. What exactly are you?"

Seth: "It looks like you made the mistake of crossing my path. No one can be allowed to reveal my fate as an assassin, so I must make sure you're labeled as K.I.A."

Hilda: "Looks like I got myself a nice little prize tonight. Now, it's time I extracted that Scarlet Bullet from your back and don't worry... your death will benefit me and all of Amnesia. For all eternity."

Eltnum: "I don't get it. Your story should have concluded with the Blazing Scarlet Goddess' defeat, yet it's still ongoing after that! Why doesn't Media Factory just make you kiss Kinji and get together as an official couple already!?"

Akatsuki: "I'm surprised that there's a school that teaches it's students to combat against crime. Would it be okay if... I could visit as a guest combat instructor sometime?"

Super Attacks

EXS Attack - Rapid Fire: Aria holds both guns out and fires a stream of bullets forward.

Infinite Worth - Blade Assult: Leaps forward with her swords with a single slash before using a dual to send the opponent flying. If the last hit connects, Aria proceeds to charge forward slashing through them before rolling and turning around toward the opponent again. She then jumps over their head letting go of her swords before landing on the ground and unleashing a rising kick, sending the opponent flying before catching her swords.

Infinite Worth EXS - Scarlet Ballet: Once the Flash Field connects, Aria pulls out her swors and performs a lunging duel overhead slash before tossing her swords up into the air before pulling out her pistols. She then pirouettes in place while firing her guns rapidly before throwing them up into the air and follows up with a backflip kick on the opponent. After landing, Aria is on one knee with eyes closed and her hand over her heart as Scarlet Energy flows up from around her with time freezing as her swords and guns fall close to her in mid air. After a moment, her snap open revealing a bright scarlet glow as brief flashes of Aria shooting her guns and slashing her swords in rapid succession through the opponent. It then shows Aria with her eyes closed, holding her guns in a cross arm position as her swords land and plant themselves in the ground nearby her as the opponent collapses.

Unique Traits

Double Jump: Like Linne and Akatsuki, Aria can do a second jump.

Stance Change: Aria wields both guns and swords. Depending on the special move used, Aria will switch between her guns and swords automatically. These will change the range and strength of her normal attacks depending if she hits the opponent with her guns or her swords. Additionally, using a simple command move will switch between her weapons.

Scarlet Charge: Using a Special Move, Aria can charge up her guns or sword swings with Scarlet Power for a single use. Once used, Aria will need to perform the Move again for another charge.


Hilda Arcade Story Interaction

*Hilda arrives at a new location, only to find a young girl pointing a gun at her*

Aria: "Halt! Don't move a single step, Paradox!"

Hilda: "Well now? What do we have a here? A little girl trying to play cops and robbers with me? How funn-"

*Aria then shoots a warning shot, letting Hilda know she's not playing around*

Hilda: "Wha!? That gun is REAL!? How old are you!?"

Aria: "I been through this before, but I'm 17 years old just so you know!"

Hilda: "No way! Why do you look like a middle schooler then?"

"But, I sense a strange power coming from your back. It's not EXS, but it's powerful."

Aria: "So you can sense the Scarlet Bullet's energy? Unfortunately for you, getting it will be impossible for you."

"I'm been made well aware what you In-Births are capable of, including you Paradox. You've been causing problems for both civillians and other In-Births, so I'm going to have to bring you in."

Hilda: "What gives you the right to do that?"

Aria: "I am an S-Rank Butei in the Assult Division as well as Vice-Captain of Team Baskerville. My name is Aria H. Kanzaki and you under arrest for disturbing the peace, assult, murder and attempted murder!"

Hilda: "Butei? Oh, those high school students that also learn to fight crime. I vaguely heard about you."

"But now that I know that you have a special power I can extract from you, I'm not going to pass this up. Surely, your team will be fine without you...

Aria: "Even if I fall, the others will eventually come for you! Including Kinji, even though he's no longer a Butei!"

"If you try to resist, I'll pump you full of holes Paradox!"

Hilda: "Not if I slice you to ribbons first, my little "bullet casing"!"

*The scene transitions to the fight*


Aria Holmes Kanzaki Arcade Story

Prologue [Location: Skyscraper's Rooftop]

*Aria has landed on a building in Kanzakai, overlooking the city that her recent mission took her to*

Aria: "So this is Kanzakai? Who would have thought this town remained unknown in Japan due to being near a group of mountains. Good thing Riko dug up the information about this place."

"Kanzakai is also known as "The Nightless City", most likely to the recent high influx on beings know as "In-Births", people who gain supernatural powers due to being bitten by Voids, former humans who have been transformed into vicious man eating monsters."

"Only S-Rank Butei are allowed to take this assignment, meaning either me or Reki could take this mission. Unfortunately, Reki is currently taking on another mission while Riko and Shirayuki hold everything down back in Tokyo."

"And even though Kinji is no longer a Butei, he said that will will try and come help me out when he can."

"Argh, why is it so hard for me to be honest with him? I know I said I didn't care about love back then, but now that Mom's innocence is proven and with the Blazing Scarlet Goddess banished into space, why are things still complicated! It feels like fate intends to drag this out or something!"

"Oh, umm! I'll worry about that later! Anyway, I came here because of one particular In-Birth known as Paradox, who intends to start some crazy ritual to obtain some kind of crazy power. The assigned mission is to apprehend Paradox and bring her in."

"Additionally, I am also to apprehend any In-Birth that's considered dangerous and capture any Void to prevent civilian casualties. I think I can manage that."

"Okay, time to get going! If Paradox thinks she can get away with this kind of thing without the Butei not noticing, she's got another thing coming!"

*Aria leaves the area as the 1st stage, with the first randomized opponent, loads up*


Stage 3

Vs. Phonon [Location: Abandoned Building]

*Aria arrives at an abandoned and broken down building, where she has come across a middle school girl with green hair and a snake like family*

Aria: "Another In-Birth, I assume?"

Phonon: "Huh? Who are you supposed to be?"

"I don't sense any EXS powers from you? Did you just wander into this night?"

Aria: "I came here actually. It's an assignment I took from the Butei Request Board."

Phonon: "Butei...? I never heard of that before."

Aria: "Can't blame you, considering Kanzakai isn't known to that many people. Butei means "Armed Detective" and it was formed to deal with the worsening crime rate. They're not only comprised of adults, but also students studying to become one too."

Phonon: "N-no way. That almost sounds like the EFG..."

Aria: "EFG?"

Phonon: "Never mind that. What exactly brings a regular person like you here in the Hollow Night?"

Aria: "I'm here to deal with an In-Birth known as Paradox, in addition to capturing In-Births that are considered dangerous. I've even been given the okay to capture and bring in Voids."

Phonen: "Okay, In-Births I get, but why Voids?"

Aria: "Manly to understand how people become Voids and hopefully find a way to reverse the transformations if we can."

"But enough about me, what are you doing out here? I hope you aren't causing trouble for anyone..."

Phonon: "I'm manly just enjoying my freedom and powers. I left the EFG as they're just a bunch of goodie-two-shoes holding me back. It was a pain leaving them."

Aria: "So basically, you went AWOL on them..."

Phonon: "These new powers are a manifestation of my true self, for I am Phonon the Chemeti!"

Aria: "Look, you're probably going through a phase right now, so how about we just sit down and discuss this..."

Phonon: "I don't think so! If you think I'm gonna let you slap the cuffs on me, think again! Besides, I'm not out to kill anybody to begin, but I will give you the whipping of a lifetime if you won't do as I please! OHOHOHO!"

Aria: "..."

(To herself) 'Yeah... she's trying WAY too hard to act like one of those 'dominatrix' like people. She doesn't appear to be that kind of girl or a bad person for that matter, but if she's recklessly using her powers for selfish reasons...'

(To Phonon) "Sorry, but I can't have you going around doing what you like. I want you to come peacefully or else I'm going to need to be aggressive in bringing in you."

Phonon: "Let's see you try it! I'll whip you into submission before you know it!"

Aria: "I never fought people with whips, but I have you know this. I don't submit to people like you."

*The scene transitions to the fight*


Stage 6

Vs. Seth [Location: The Freeway: Lower Area]

*Aria shows up underneath a Freeway structure*

Aria: "Well, that's a few more In-Births incapacitated. Hopefully once the all clears been given, they'll be given with nothing more than a slap on the wrist."

"Wouldn't you agree? I may not see you, but I can tell when I'm being followed."

*Seth then descends from his hiding spot now that his target located him*

Seth: "To think you would notice me? I must be getting rusty in that regard."

Aria: "You wouldn't be the first one that was gunning for me. I take it you want something from me?"

Seth: "Let's just say that my client considers you to be a threat, Aria Holmes Kanzaki."

Aria: "So you know who I am? I'm guessing you work for Paradox?"

Seth: "No, in fact Paradox is a target of my own violation. No client in regards to her."

"You on the other hand, are someone my client wants eliminated."

Aria: "So, you're the legendary "Assassin' I heard about in regards to some of the more dangerous In-Births."

"You come as quickly as you appear, silencing anyone you've bent sent to kill."

"So why am I being targeted? I may as well know the reason before I pump you full of holes."

Seth: "I think you got that backwards, for this will be your last night in this world."

"But if you must know, it has to do with that strange power you process in addition to your relationship and ties with Sherlock Holmes, the world's greatest detective."

"I was told to dispose of you and claim the bullet embedded in your back."

Aria: "Well, you wouldn't be the first. However, for a High School Student to be an assassin, that's unheard of."

Seth: "Says the one studying to become an Armed Detective."

Aria: "You got me there, but now I have a reason to arrest you beyond defending myself. That reason being the fact you must have murdered countless other people. I know assassins have their reasons, but I won't let this slide."

Seth: "Well, you appear to be brave. Unfortunately, bravery will end up with my blades over your throat. If it makes you feel any better, I'll be sure to make it quick and painless."

Aria: "Not gonna happen, especially after I recently exonerated my Mom for crimes she didn't commit and banishing the Blazing Scarlet Goddess."

"Now you better prepare yourself, because once you've been ridden with holes, you'll be wearing some white with that black you have on."

*The scene transitions to the fight*


Stage 9

Vs. Merkava [Location: Beneath the Overpass of Amber]

*Aria continues making her way to Paradox through a rotary pathway before coming face to face with a humanoid looking creature*

Aria: "What the!? This creature... isn't this the rumored Void that Riko said exists outside the Hollow Night compared to other Voids?"

Merkava: "Whatever these rumors you may have heard about from your companion, you are told correct..."

Aria: "!? The Void... spoke!? No... this is telepathy. You're projecting your voice into my head, aren't you?"

Merkava: "That is correct, yet you are an unusual human yourself. Not an In-Birth, yet you possess powers to rival one. Does it have to do with that strange power that I'm sensing from your back?"

Aria: "So you can somehow sense the Scarlet Hihiirokane that's embedded in my back? If that's what you are getting at, you're correct as well."

Merkava: "Interesting, yet the beast within me isn't all too eager to devour that energy. What exactly is that power?"

Aria: "This isn't about me, but if you want to know, it has to do with the Blazing Scarlet Goddess, which has been taken care of. Now, the bullet has just given me some unique powers."

"Now it's my turn to ask something, are there other Voids who retained their sentience? Or are you the only one?"

Merkava: "That... is a difficult question. There may be others, but none to my knowledge. I may well be the only Void to still have a human conscience.

Aria: "Is that so? Regardless, you may be a potential key to see and find a way to restore Voids back to a human form. At least this way, you won't hurt anymore innocent people and you'll be free of the madness your current form has bound you too."

Merkava: "To think that after hearing my voice, you would consider giving me salvation?"

Aria: "I was going to capture you anyway, but after hearing your voice, I want to believe there's hope for you at least."

Merkava: "Unfortunately, the beast within me will soon hunger, so I must apologize for what I am about to do, but I still must thank you for not viewing me as a mindless beast."

Aria: "I can't fault you for what the nature of Voids are, but I'm not gonna sit down and become your dinner. I'll just feed you some bullets instead before I restrain you."

"If we do find a way to restore your humanity, I'll be seeing you on the other side."

Merkava: "If you do prevail and if it is possible, I will have something to look forward too in that case..."

Aria: "Right. Let's get this over with."

*The scene transitions to the fight*


Final Stage

Vs. Hilda [Location: Altar of Light and Dark]

*Aria arrives at the door leading into the room where Hilda is at*

Aria: "It took quite a while, but I'm here now. It'll be a while before Riko, Reki and Shirayuki arrive, now that Reki finished up her mission and I can now receive backup. I even heard Kinji is coming as well, despite not being a Butei anymore. Shirayuki must have pulled a couple of strings to get him involved..."

"Well, I may as well gift wrap Paradox for when they arrive. Besides, even if I did lose, I know I can count of them to finish this."

"Okay, it's time to end this!"

*Aria kicks down the door leading to the Gate of the Abyss where Hilda is currently waiting, having pointing her guns at the leader of Amnesia*

Aria: "Paradox! Stay right where you are! Turn around slowly!"

Hilda: "Oh? What have we here now? A middle schooler in my humble abode?"

Aria: "I'll have you know that i'm not a middle schooler, you jerkhole. I'm IN High School."

Hilda: "What!? You're in High School!? With that body!?"

Aria: "That"s right. I also happen to be an S-Rank Butei from the Assult Division in addition to being Vice-Captain of Team Baskerville. My name is Aria H. Kanzaki and I'm placing you under arrest for assult, murder, attempted murder and disturbing the peace!"

Hilda: "Butei? That's right! I've heard about your little school from Joker and Uzuki's reports. Their job is to train High School students like you to combat against the supposedly worsening crime rate around the planet. I say that's a waste of tax paying dollars."

Aria: "You really don't watch the news or get out much, do you?"

Hilda: "I resent that second part. I don't watch the news, but I do get out of the house every so often, including tonight, but I can't seem to find the little Insulator Boy."

Aria: "So does this person have what you need for your ritual to happen?"

Hilda: "I may as well tell you, considering you got this far with no EXS Powers. I intend to use the Insulator along with entering the Gate to the Abyss to become a Re-Birth. With that, the Hollow Night will be freed from the Night Blade and the Licht Kries!"

Aria: "Re-Birth? According to Riko, that's the term for..."

"Your intending to become immortal! Aren't you!?"

Hilda: "And what are you going to do about?"

Aria: "No one wants an insane mad women to become immortal! That's why I'm going to take you down! Not to mention your plans won't succeed without this person!"

Hilda: "While it's true that my plans received a minor set back, I think you may be a decent substitute. I sense a strange power coming from your back. It's not EXS, but it's power is staggering."

Aria: "That... would be the Scarlet Bullet. Unfortunately for you, getting it out would be impossible without putting my life at risk, not that it would matter to you."

Hilda: "While I would have loved to keep you around, that bullet could work with my plans, so you dying won't cost me any sleep. All I have to do is pry you open and take that bullet for myself!"

Aria: "That won't happen! I have faith that even if I fall here, the rest of my team... no, my friends will stop you!"

"Besides, I'm still gonna live up to the title my great grandfather, Sherlock Holmes, gave me!"

Hilda: "Sherlock!? The great detective!? So that means!?"

Aria: "I'm Aria Holmes Kanzaki, The Scarlet Ammo! I hope you're prepared Paradox, because I'm going to pump you full of holes!"

*The scene transitions to the final fight*


Aftermatch

[Location: Altar of Light and Dark]

*Aria has defeated and captured Hilda, with the leader of Amnesia toed up and restrained*

Aria: "It's over, Paradox! You lost!

Hilda: "No! Impossible! How could I have been defeated!?"

*Hilda tries to use her powers in a last attempt to kill Aria, but can't use them*

Hilda: "What!?"

Aria: "Special handcuffs and binding ropes, courtesy of the SSR and Amdo Divisions. Their knowledge of the supernatural and equipment customization allowed me to apprehend eight In-Births and a Void in one night! You're the the ninth!"

"Like I said, it's over Paradox. All that's left for me to do is to take this thing out!"

Hilda: "No! Stay away from that!"

Aria: "My mission is to capture you, but I also won't allow this thing to stand. If destroying this gate will ensure your plans are permanently foiled, I'll do it."

*Aria then charges up a surge of Scarlet Energy around her finger tip and prepares to fire it*

Hilda: "What the? What is that!?"

Aria: "This is... the Scarlet Ammo!"

*The screen turns scarlet pink as Aria destroys the Gate to the Abyss, ending the Hollow Night*


Ending

[Location: Street of Office Buildings]

*Aria arrives outside with an unconscious Hilda in tow as she meets up with Kinji Tohyama, her friend and partner*

Kinji: "Well Aria, it would seem you did well by yourself tonight."

Aria: "Kinji! W-well, of course I did, although it would've been a lot easier if I had backup."

Kinji: "It's kind of rare for you to admit that to anyone, let alone me."

Aria: "Butei Law Number 1. Believe in your comrades and help each other. Isn't that right?"

Kinji: "You could say that again."

"By the way, I'm guessing that lady is Hilda the Paradox?"

Aria: "Yeah, and the others?"

Kinji: "Riko, Shirayuki and Reki managed to apprehend the Assassin and the talking Void, however they let that whip cracking girl off with a warning while the others are currently being determined to either be brought in or let off with a warning as well."

Aria: "I see. Well, I had a feeling not all of them are bad to begin with, but I can say that this is a job well done. Now all that's left to do is go home."

Kinji: "Right, good job, Aria."

*Aria is at a café back in Tokyo with Kinji, Shirayuki, Riko and Reki along with Reki's pet wolf, Haimaki, and Aria's mom, Kanae Kanzaki*

Aria: (To herself) 'I have a feeling that Kinji will be involved in more battles until everything's been resolved on his end, even without us there being with him.'

'But even so, I want to help him out, just as he helped me and the others out many times before. I'm sure Riko, Shirayuki and Reki would agree.'

'It's more then because Kinji's my partner, it's because I... love him...'

'I hope that once any major conflict has been resolved, we can talk about where out future leads, but until then...'

'I'm just happy to have you and the others with me. I'll believe in all of you, as you believed in me.'

*The credits roll as "Camellia Eyes" plays*

Translated Lyrics:

Camellia Eyes

Our Distance was up to the very edge of the limit. I always ran alone

Do I get in your way? If you think so

Then there's still time; you should turn back now

I was used to goodbyes, until I met you on that day

"I want to protect you"– It's the first time I've heard those words

I felt like I'd waited forever and ever for you, so I want to believe in you

What will be the final? With camellia eyes.


Aria's mission is the Hollow Night has been completed! Let's all gove a roaring round of applause for our little kitten. In all honesty, Aria should've gotten more anime adaptations beyond season 1 and the AA Spin-Off. Maybe someday hopefully. Wishing thinking, yes.

But, at least we get translated manga chapters at least outside of the Light Novels to show more of the story.

With Aria's mission complete, next time when we peer into the Hollow Night, we go from a volatile yet good hearted agent of justice to a morally ambiguous Code Breaker who won't be AS merciful.

See you next time everyone and keep an eye out for a blue flame or it will be your last my friends...

Where's a scarlet night light when you need it?