Sonya Shulen: Difference between revisions

{{Lengthy Article}}{{Character

}}'''Sonya Shulen''' (ソニア・シューレン, ''Sonia Shūren'') is a supporting character in [[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]]. The former Admiral of the [[Scarlet Moon Empire]], Sonya Shulen was the last of the [[Great General|Great Generals]] to become a member of the [[Toran Liberation Army]].

Sonya is a strong warrior who became the Admiral of the [[Scarlet Moon Imperial Navy]] following the death of her mother, [[Kilauea Shulen]]. After her appointment, Sonya quickly grew close to [[Teo McDohl]], forming a personal relationship with him<ref>"Lady Sonya. I was always at Master Teo's side. So I understand how you feel. I also know about your personal relationship." - Cleo ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref> and was greatly worried and upset about Teo when he was was assigned to the northern border<ref>"Ever since she heard about General Teo's northern assignment, Lady Sonya has not looked well." - Maid ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref><ref>"I heard that Teo is going north. Since he is a soldier it's only natural, but still my heart is bleeding. I hope he returns unharmed." - Sonya's Diary ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>. Sonya and her fleet were originally stationed at [[Toran Castle]], but after the [[Floating Fortress of Shasarazade]] was completed, Sonya and her soldiers were relocated there. After they left, pirates began to use Toran Castle for their own ends; to prevent this, Sonya summoned a [[Zombie Dragon]] to guard the abandoned Toran Castle.  This was not the end of Sonya's troubles with pirates; [[Anji]], leader of a group of pirates, often taunted Sonya, even going so far as to pin a wedding dress to the walls of Shasarazade in order to make fun of Sonya's unmarried status.  

Sonya was extremely loyal to the [[Scarlet Moon Empire]] and to Teo McDohl. Following his death during the [[Gate Rune War]], Sonya wished to avenge him, even if it meant killing Teo's son, [[Tir McDohl|Tir]]. During the [[Battle at Floating Fortress Shasarazade]], Sonya was forced to defend Shasarazade against a surprise attack from the [[Toran Liberation Army]]. Unable to prevent a loss, Sonya Shulen apologized to Teo for being unable to keep the Toran Liberation Army at bay<ref>"I'm so sorry, Master Teo." - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>. As the Liberation Army entered Shasarazade, Sonya confronted Tir, asking why he had betrayed the empire as well as his father<ref>"I want to ask you, Tir. Why did you betray the Empire? Why did you betray your own father, Teo?" - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>. Sonya also demanded to know whether the rebellion was what Tir considered just<ref>Inciting rebellion, causing war, taking lives... is this what you call justice?" - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>. Seeing the oil lit, Sonya wondered if the flames were Tir's answer and, attacking Tir and his party, Sonya vowed that Tir would pay for taking Teo's life with his own<ref>"The all-consuming flame... is this your answer? Is this what you want? You raised your sword against Teo. You will pay. Now. With your life!" - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>.

Though unable to defeat Tir and his party, Sonya was unsurprised, as Tir had defeated Teo<ref>"As I thought. I cannot defeat you. After all, you beat Teo." - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref> and, unable to avenge him, Sonya swore she would not let the Toran Liberation Army defile her and moved to throw herself into the flames of Shasarazade<ref>"But I will not let you defile me. I am the Empire's... His Highness's...Teo's...." - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>. However, she was prevented in doing so by [[Viktor]], who decided to take Sonya prisoner instead<ref>"Can't let a pretty lady like you die. Besides, you seem to have your reasons. Tir, we'll take this woman general with us." - Viktor ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>.  

After being taken prisoner by the Toran Liberation Army, Sonya was taken to Toran Lake castle and placed into the dungeon there. Tir came to see her, and asked Sonya to join his forces. Sonya accepted, but said she only did so to be able to see Tir when he was killed<ref>"All right. I'll join you. But I won't help you fight. I'll stay by your side so I can watch you die." - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>. Previously, [[Cleo]], a servant of the McDohl household, also paid Sonya a visit and told her she should not hate Tir, as Teo had seemed happy for Tir when he had died<ref>"The expression on Master Teo's face when he died... was very peaceful. He seemed happy to have seen how his son grew up. Please remember that." - Cleo ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>, and told Sonya that she could have been Tir's mother<ref>"You are someone who may have become Master Tir's mother." - Cleo ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>. Sonya took these statements to heart, and realized that Tir was beginning to resemble his father<ref>"Tir.....you're beginning to resemble General Teo....." - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>.

 

Sonya fought for the Liberation Army for the remainder of the war, leading her own unit. After the [[The Last Battle (Suikoden)|last battle]], Sonya was present at [[Gregminster Palace]], where she expressed concern for Emperor Barbarosa<ref>"Emperor Barbarosa!" - Sonya Shulen ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref> and witnessed Barbarosa's leap from the top of the [[Floating Garden]] with [[Windy]]. Following the end of the Gate Rune War, Sonya continued on in her career as an Admiral, under the banner of the newly-founded [[Toran Republic]]<ref>"Became the Admiral of the Republican Navy." - Sonya Shulen's Ending Text ([[Suikoden (game)|Suikoden]])</ref>.

* Despite being the leader of the [[Soldier Beauties]] unit, Sonya can only be used as such in the [[The Last Battle (Suikoden)|last battle]]. [[Cleo]], one of her subordinates, will lead the Soldier Beauties for all other war battles.