Through the fog, Nanoha was aware of the punch as it connected with her jaw, throwing her backwards - though the wings on her heels kept her upright - and knew it should have hurt. But it didn't; it felt muted. Everything felt quiet, as though the her that was experiencing things was not the her in the flesh of her body. Was this how she dissociated herself from the grief of losing her world? Was the energy surging through her, the desire to fight - was it now in control instead of the other way around?

She righted herself as she hit the ground, and a dark red shield interposed itself between her and the newcomer. And then, Nanoha squeezed her fist shut.

"Barrier Burst."

The shield exploded outward in a blast of energy directed toward her attacker.