I do not own Symphogear or High School DxD


He stood at the edge of eternity. With one more step, he would fade into oblivion. It was the end of time, space and all things, all due to some disaster that was beyond his capabilities of stopping. He looked down into the void and spat. "How many tries does this make, 'N?'" He asked, looking to the shifting blackness that took 'form' to his side.

"Frankly, I've lost count. I think it would be somewhere in the billions?" Said the crawling darkness as it shifted into a vaguely humanoid form. "What will we try this time, 'Y?'"

The one known as 'Y' simply let out some "Hmm..." and some "Hahh…" before finally turning to the one called 'N.' "Well, I know the next place they will strike. Unfortunately, they do not have the tools to stop them."

"And because of what 'A' ordered us to do, we cannot directly interfere, with the affairs of the world. Lazy bastard," cursed N, spitting some abomination of putrid black sludge into the voice. "Why won't he ever let us work to stop those?"

"You know damn well why, 'N.' But for now, you set up the arrangements. I have my eyes on a world that does have the tools to fight." Hummed 'Y' as he made a snapping sound, a tremendous circle made of color itself, began to take form. In the center, it displayed not just a moment, but a saga; the adventures of a group of girls, wearing relics of myth and legend to fight against all sorts of foes, from a Babylonian Priestess who harbored a grudge that lasted millennia, a group of well-intentioned but misguided terrorists and a self-proclaimed hero who tried to 'save the world,' or a lonely little girl who cried out for her father, as she dismantled the world that he loved so much.

'N' let out a disappointed laugh at the choice of 'Y.' "Really? Children are going to be the salvation we have been seeking?"

"Their power will be useful. At the very least, they will be more useful than that one emotionless boy who turned water into weapons that could rival nuclear bombs."

'N' nodded knowingly. "I did not know what I expected of that 'Elder Brother.'"

The two shared a laugh before staring at each other. For a moment that seemed to go on forever, their gaze went broken and a haunting silence filled the space between them. It was 'N' that broke it first, "You know that this might very well be the last chance we have to protect 'A,' correct?"

'Y' nodded as he conjured a gate. "I am well aware of that fact, 'N.' So let us make it count." He said with a smile. Looking up to the gate, 'Y' spoke out with a voice that seemed to echo through time itself.

"I am the mirror that distorts the world. Time and Space, obey my command!"

The gate whirred to life and 'Y' stepped through, leaving 'N' alone in this barren space. "I suppose it is time for me to get to work now." Said 'N' with a sigh, as it too stepped through the gate, feeling the familiar sensation of existence warping. The next words spoken as it traveled to its own destination carried an urgency and tone to it that seemed as though it had come from the nightmares of Lucifer himself.

"I am the mask that hides the truth. In the name of chaos, let my lies and whispers spread."

And with a cackle like a madman, 'N' dispersed into a black mist and vanished into the world. Though, if 'Y' could hear the last words of his cohort, a shiver of dread would go through his body.

"You handle things your way, 'Y.' I will do things in my own."


The sun was shining in a small Japanese town. It seemed to be the perfect weather, considering the situation that was currently taking place in front of a small house. On the yard, a young girl stood holding the hands of her beloved mother and estranged father, thinking that a happy life was in store for them. The girl in question was a lass by the name of Hibiki Tachibana, a sixteen year old girl and a second-year at Lydian Musical Academy. Currently (and ostensibly) single and living in the school dormitory with her best friend, Miku Koihinata, she had been reunited with her father after several years.

He left her. He walked out on her and her family. But now, her father was back. Even if it was off to a rocky start with her mother not wanting to take him back, things would surely get better, one step at a time.

Hibiki was a child who lived a happy life; she good friends, loving parents and a personality that warmed the hearts of strangers. That all changed on that fated day several years ago, when she decided to attend the concert of her favorite musical duo, Zwei Wing. During the event, monsters called 'Noise' attacked, massacring most of the attendants, reducing them to dust with their touch.

Outside of one of the heroes who fought against the Noise, Hibiki was the sole survivor. She had a scar and a piece of shrapnel to prove it

She had survived because of a miracle. Others however, did not see it that way. People, who lost their loved ones in that event, turned their hatred to the sole survivor. They needed someone to direct their pain to, after all. But Hibiki's entire family was affected. Their house was vandalized, their names were posted all over the internet and even Hibiki's father was let go from his job.

He didn't take it well and turned to alcohol to drown the pain out. It was either that, or violent words and actions on his own family as an outlet. He decided to take both options before walking out of their lives for a few years, until he saw a girl who looked like his daughter on TV saving the world.

A lot had happened to Hibiki since he left her. She joined a music academy in a new city, made new friends and even became a super hero who had saved the world several times. In fact, right now, she was on summer vacation after having just done that for the third time. The little miracle was a big hero!

Its fine, everything is alright.

And then her phone rang, ruining the moment she was having with her parents.

"Ah, sorry mom, dad… I'll just turn that off." She said, reaching into her pocket to grab the phone and turn it off. To her surprise, Hibiki's father, Akira, shook his head.

"It is alright, Hibiki. Give me and your mother a minute to talk. We'll be fine." He said, adding a nervous chuckle to his words.

The hero looked to her mother for permission, earning a nod. The expression she wore on her weary face was slightly apprehensive—a reaction that Hibiki was fully prepared to see. Even still, she wanted her parents to get back together or at least try. What kid in her situation wouldn't, after all?

Excusing herself, Hibiki went out onto the sidewalk in front of her house and quickly looked at who was calling; Genjuro Kazanari. The commanding officer of the organization she is in—SONG. "Wasn't this supposed to be my time off?" She wondered as she answered the phone. "Hello?"

"Hey, Tachibana," Came the gruff voice of her boss and sifu, Genjuro Kazanari. "I know this is sudden, but we need you at the base."

Letting out a bewildered gasp, Hibiki nearly dropped her phone in shock. Fumbling it around for a moment, she corrected herself and tried to keep her voice down, so as to not worry her family. "But I'm back home with my mom and dad! I can't just get there right now!"

There was a pause on his end. Hibiki wasn't sure how to respond to this strange silence. He always had a certain way of speaking, but silent pauses were not exactly moments that were common with him. Something had to be up.

"Someone is looking for you and the others… He said it is urgent and needs to talk to you now."

Hibiki frowned. Naturally she didn't want to refuse to help someone in need, but this was finally her chance to try and go back to her old home life. She couldn't exactly pass an opportunity like this up, even if someone was asking for her through SONG.

"Someone asked for me through you?" She asked, putting two and two together.

"That's right."

"Is he with the government?"

"Well… no, he claims he is a magician of sorts."

Hibiki just stared off into infinity for a few seconds before snapping into reality. "How does he know about us?"

"He claims he can see through time and space… Ah, hold on just a moment," Said Genjuro as he put his hand over the microphone of the phone to talk to someone in the background. It took a few seconds before he returned, his voice now sounding quite confused. "He says he'll pick you up in a minute."

It was at that point, that Hibiki thought there was some sort of joke being played on her. Laughing a bit at her commander's apparent sense of humor, she spoke back to him. I appreciate the joke, but this is kind of an important moment for me. So would it be a bit too much to ask if you could just let me have it?"

"He is not joking, little Tachibana." Came the voice of a strange man, who suddenly appeared behind her. Tapping her on the shoulder, Hibiki suddenly felt a wave of nausea wash over her as she found herself in SONG HQ, alongside her comrades and best friend.

Across from her, was the pair of internationally famous idols—the 'Queens of Music,' Tsubasa Kazanari and Maria Cadenzvana Eve. To the right of Tsubasa, was one of her good friends, the ever-feisty Chris Yukine, followed by her new juniors in school, Shirabe Tsukuyomi and Kirika Aktasuki. Finally, right beside her was Hibiki's best friend, Miku Koihinata.

Aside from Miku, all of these people were directly involved in the fight to save the world. They were the Valkyries that carried the hopes of the world in their songs; The Symphogears. To Hibiki's left, was the new Science Officer in SONG and one of the people who helped greatly in their latest world-saving endeavors, the former-homunculus the destructive alchemist Carol Maus Dienheim, Elfnein.

Genjuro looked at everyone with a look of worry and confusion, an expression he found himself wearing a bit too much lately. "I am sorry to have you all brought in like this," He said, pinching the brow of his nose in frustration. "But the… 'Client' is quite forceful, as you can probably tell."

"He pulled us from our flight." Muttered Tsubasa, her voice hiding her nerves better than Genjuro's face was managing to.

Kirika and Shirabe both nodded. "We were at the convenience store when this weird man in a trench coat asked for our help! When we tried to leave him, we wound up here!"

The newest member of their group, Elfnein was at a loss. Letting out a groan of bewilderment, she ruffled her hair trying to think of an explanation. "Maybe he used Alchemy? It does let you teleport people long distances almost instantaneously after all." She hypothesized, looking to the others for some input.

"If I used Alchemy, then time would still be moving outside of this room."

Everyone turned to the source of this new voice and their eyes widened when they saw a man floating in the air. He looked at everyone at the table before he decided to stand on the ceiling, gravity affecting neither his body, nor his clothes, which acted as though he were on the ground. "Pleasure to meet all of you," He greeted with a bow, his short hair bouncing slightly as it seemed to change color in the light and move to the non-existent wind. "I know who all of you are, but you can call me 'Y.'"

Chris was the first to speak up. "What the hell is going on? Are you holding hostage or something?" She shouted, pointing an accusatory finger at the bizarre man. "You think you'll get away with something like this?"

The one called 'Y' suddenly appeared behind Chris and put his hand on her shoulder, acting as though he had always been behind her. "Fortunately for all of you, I have nothing of the sort in mind. I actually have come to you all and brought you all together to simply ask for consent."

Maria and Genjuro sent 'Y' glares, clearly not approving of his word choice. "If you are trying to extort us, I won't let you do anything of the sort," Warned the Queen of Music, with a voice that demanded almost as much authority as Genjuro's, in addition to carrying the terrifying threat of motherly worry.

Genjuro nodded in agreement and stood up. "I do not know who you are, but to barge into here, kidnap these girls and threaten them like you are doing… I will notfor this!" He shouted, his manly lion's mane almost flaring up from rage.

It immediately died down when many pairs of hands emerged from the air and tried to pull him back into his seat. Everyone stared in horror at the impossible scenario that unfolded before them. They've witnessed an ancient Babylonian priestess try to blow up the moon, an island fly up into the sky from under the sea and people get turned to dust before them. But a sight like this however was a different type of horror.

This was the first time they saw something that could truly be called alien.

'Y' shook his head. "I am making no threats here, Commander Genjuro. I simply have an earnest request that I need you all to accept." He began before pointing to the main screen of the command room. With a snap of his fingers, it turned on and displayed a bizarre image.

Creatures of all shapes and sizes were attacking people. They had a passing resemblance to the Noise, but something about them just seemed off. Their coloration, their shapes, the way they moved… the Noise had always moved with knowledge, or with a purpose, being controlled by someone or something. These however, moved simply trying to cause as much destruction.

What truly surprised everyone though was how the Symphogears themselves appeared on the screen to fight them—even what appeared to be Carol herself, donning her Faust Robe seemed to be helping them fight these monsters. But nothing worked. Neither blade, nor fist, not bullet seemed to be causing any damage to these creatures. Genjuro appeared on the screen and threw one of his mighty punches, which only succeeded in knocking the monster he fought back a few steps.

Miku turned to 'Y,' her voice shaking as she asked him one simple question, "What in the world is going on here?"

'Y' began his explanation. The world will end because of those creatures and there is nothing that can be done in this world to stop it… Others have tried."

"What do you mean by 'others?'" Asked Hibiki, almost dreading the answer he was about to give.

"Naturally, I am speaking of what you would call 'Other Realities.' Whenever those beings appear, they adapt to the Reality they are present in. Nothing can harm them, once they take root and they will destroy everything in their path." He explained before turning off the screen. Turning back to them all, 'Y' let gave a solemn glare from his nearly obsidian-black eyes which seemed to show the wonders and horrors of the universe. "I am going to say this clearly; I need your help to stop them in another world. While I am more than powerful enough to wipe them out, circumstances prevent me from taking direct action. I need what you could call 'emissaries' to do so, which is where you girls all come in."

It took a second before Elfnein's mind put the pieces of his words together. "You are asking us all to go to another world to fight these things? But you just showed us that we can't fight back!" She shouted, trying her hardest to muster the courage to talk back.

'Y' then smiled an unsettling, but genuine smile. "That's correct. As you are all at this moment, you cannot fight back against the 'Punishment' as it will appear. But if I were to send you to the Reality that the will appear in next, then your talents and powers will not only let you fight them, but your very presence will change enough about that world, that its own residents can fight alongside you."

There was a silence around the room. Everyone looked at each other and took his words into consideration as they silently exchanged their thoughts with only glances.

Could this man be trusted?

How is he capable of doing this?

What if he is the cause of what was shown?

If we refused, what would he do to us?

All sorts of doubts began to crop up in their heads. That is until Hibiki stepped forward.

"You said other realities, but you chose us. Why is that?" She asked, staring 'Y' in the eyes.

The strange 'man' looked back, showing a small flash at surprise that she wasn't unnerved by his gaze—or at the very least, not enough to show it. "To be honest, it could have been any reality. I have found worlds realities where aliens fight to save the universe by using their spiritual energy, realities where demons rule Netherworlds which can be casually destroyed in a tantrum, or worlds where super heroes like what you would see in Western Comic Books roam the cities, not as vigilante, but as genuine guardians of the innocent, funded by others. But I chose you, because you are ones who have shown to be able to change the world not simply with fighting, but with your hearts." He explained, pointing at Hibiki's chest. "That heart of yours is what I was drawn to. While your powers are the main thing that might save that world, I can easily make copies of you to send there in my stead.

"But those copies lack your humanity. They carry the strength of your bodies, but not the strength of your soul to change those who I need you to fight alongside with… Due to circumstances, I cannot make you go against your will, but I can send those copies. I come here, asking for your permission to send you there." He explained, looking to them all. 'Y' then got down his knees and prostrated himself before everyone else. "So I ask of you, with my entire being, that you girls lend me your aid. For the sake of this reality and others, as well as the sake of my master, 'A,'I come to you all. Please, help me."

His words resounded with their cores, but there was one doubt in all of their minds. One last question that they had, that Genjuro brought to light. "If they agreed, how long would this take? These girls have lives of their own and I will not allow you to interfere with them by making them go missing for weeks."

'Y' shook his head and looked at them all. "I believe I already mentioned to you, Commander Genjuro, that I am can manipulate both space and time. No matter how much time passes in that world, only a moment will pass in this one. No one will even realize that it that they ever vanished. They'll be returned to their places of 'abduction' as if nothing had happened, once they succeed."

The last barrier in Genjuro's mind was broken. In truth, he still did not approve of this man, but his words, actions and desperation were more than enough to make him believe his story. God knows that his actions have shown that he is more than his initial appearance conveys. "What do you all think?"

Tsubasa looked down to her hands and clutched a fist, bringing it to her chest before she spoke. "The other world is in danger, from creatures like the Noise, right? She asked.

"They will take an appearance to match 'monsters' in the reality that they manifest in, but yes. The 'Punishment' is going to be threatening that world."

The idol nodded and clutched the relic necklace in her hands. "Then it's my duty to fight them. I'll go."

Maria too nodded in agreement and held her hand out. "It is our only chance, I suppose. I'll protect that world in order to save the world that ma'am gave her life for… and when we return, it isn't like we'll be missing anything, right Tsubasa?" She asked, winking to her partner on stage, earning a smirk from the former 'sword.'

The next to respond were the young relic users, Kirika and Shirabe. The two exchanged a quick glance and a nodded before raising their hands, Kirika proclaiming loudly, "We will go too! If we aren't with there, Maria will worry!"

"Yes. And someone needs to watch after Kiri-chan," Said the quieter twin-tailed Shirabe, looking at her 'friend,' firmly holding her hand in her own. The two smiled and leaned their heads in together in a display of affection.

Maria looked at the two with an expression of maternal pride, "Girls…"

"Ah, geez, you all worry too much," Groaned the passionate Chris, sending them all a confident look and pointing her finger gun back at 'Y.' "So we just have to kill these monsters to save the world? What do you think we've been doing for the last while? I had nothing to do this summer, so I'll go to make sure everyone else has a better chance."

'Y' tried to supress a laugh. "Your confidence is most reassuring."

Hibiki balled her fists. True, she was upset that the time that she had been given with her parents was taken away. True, she was a bit annoyed by the sudden intrusion on this potentially life-changing event. But someone here was coming to them with an earnest request, with matters that went beyond his control. He begged for their help to save countless others, protecting the existence of two different worlds.

Who was she to refuse this? She looked up at 'Y' and nodded. "Don't worry, everything will be fine, 'Y!' We'll help you!"

Miku looked to her friend, worried about her. Though Hibiki called Miku her 'sunshine,' she personally thought that it was the Relic-user who was the sun. They have known each other for most of their lives and she had come to know everything about Hibiki, be it her favorite foods, favorite songs, the amount of moles on her body, or even her favorite sayings. But she knew better than anyone about Hibiki's self-destructive selflessness.

"You brought me here too because I'm part of the group, right?" Asked Miku, looking to the man, her eyes showing resolve worthy of the company she was in. When the man gave her a nod, Miku took a deep breath and raised her hand. "Then count me in."

Everyone in the room looked shocked. "Miku?" Gasped Hibiki, looking terrified. This reaction is only natural though, seeing as how she nearly lost her best friend forever not too long ago. The very idea of putting her in danger was mortifying.

"Someone needs to make sure you don't do something stupid, Hibiki," She said, giving a warm, gentle smile as she flicked her friend playfully on the forehead. Though nothing was said, there was at least one person who thought that actions like that should be done behind closed doors when no one else was watching. Privately.

That just left Elfnein. Looking dejected, she looked to the sides and twiddled her fingers. "I'm not sure how I'd be of help. I've seen what Miku can do and I'm not as courageous as her. And everyone else here can fight… what good am I in situation like this?"

At this, 'Y' let out a tremendous laugh that seemed to shake the room. "That is amusing for you to say, Elfnein. To be honest, considering where you will be going, your own gift of knowledge is debatably one of the most important talent of all. I assure you, that if you went, your skills would be a tremendous asset, and a gift onto that world. Plus, understanding the world what your father wished was it not?"

The alchemist looked to the man, shocked by his words. How did he understand the meaning behind her father's request to her sister, Carol? It felt like a sting through the heart, but his words hit Elfnein's core. Any doubt she had with herself was blown away, even if just for a moment. "I… I will go." She said, mustering up the courage to agree.

'Y' let out a laugh of great joy, "Splendid! Then without further ado, I shall take you there." He said, as a strange gate appeared behind him. Slowly, it opened up and revealed a swirling light which shone down onto them. "Before we leave, there are a few things you must know." He warned, snapping his fingers and conjuring a list before everyone present.

1. Your memories will be mildly altered to give you an understanding of your 'backstory,' should someone ask about your past. These are not changing who you are and you will retain your memories of this world, these are merely to keep suspicions down.

2. You will no longer be human once you go through. You will be 'reincarnated' into a special species called 'Devil.' This will merely affect some words that you can speak and enhance your physical capabilities without using your Relics.

3. Your relics will not function as you are used to. They will become a type of powered equipment in that world, called 'Sacred Gears.' Their appearance and functions will be altered, but how is undetermined. Original function and powers might be restored

4. For some of you, your ages will be altered in order to put you close together. This is for the sake of keeping you all close together.

5. You will be part of a group ran by someone else. You will understand who they are upon seeing them.

6. Genjuro Kazanari will not be with you, however when he arrive. He will arrive when needed.

Genjuro raised an eyebrow. "How come I cannot watch over them?" He demanded.

'Y' shrugged and shook his head. "All will be revealed in due time. Now before we leave, are there any last questions you have?"

Hibiki raised her hands. "Do we really have to call you 'Y' all the time? Don't you have a name?"

The man laughed. "My true name is not something I can say in your company, though I have gone by many names before. 'The All-in-One,' 'The Lurker at the Threshold,' 'Opener of the Way,' 'The Gate and Key'… all of these are some of the nicknames I have been given over my life. However lately, I've taken a shine to this title.

The gate behind him began to suck them all into its vortex of color, nearly blinding them. Through their blurred vision, they could almost see 'Y' break into countless orbs of light, shining in colors that they never imagined possible. "I am the mirror that distorts the world," he proclaimed in a voice that echoed through the room. Reality began to crack at the seams as they were pulled through the gate by shining tendrils, causing them all to scream in shock, horror and fear. "Time and space, bend to my will! Guide these valiant warriors to a new battlefield!"

The screams stopped. The gate closed. The command room vanished to reveal a barren wasteland at the end of time. A new adventure awaited the members of SONG. And by 'its' name, they would succeed.

They had to.


The first few days of the new school year was off to a smashing start for one Issei Hyoudou. He has been beaten up for peeping on girls in the change rooms, fallen asleep at least three times in class so far, almost been late every day for one reason or another, and most recently, his mom found one of his dirty magazines lying around the house. Letting out a sigh of frustration, he hung his head as he dejectedly walked down the roads of Kuoh Town.

"Man," He began, ruffling his hands through his brown hair. "This sucks! How could I make a mistake like that?" He shouted, breaking out into a sprint. "She may not have found my entire collection, but to think I'd do something as dumb as leaving that out in my room when I was finished! I'm an idiot!"

There was no way that this day could get worse. Hell, there was no year that this week could possibly be worse than it has already been.

Right?


Pre-emptively warning you all that updates may be very frequent or that I may never update this story again. It is based on personal interests. Feedback is appreciated.