Engine 7: Open Your Eyes! A Bond Is Forged!
"Are you sure you're okay, Madoka?" Kiriko asked as they were heading down to the Drive Pit.
It wasn't long when they left the emergency room and that Madoka was cured from the neurotoxin. However, Kiriko was still a little worried her partner might have some possible side effects from the toxin even though Mad Doctor healed him.
"Of course I am. Who the hell do you think you're dealing with?" Madoka answered, still annoyed because this is the fourth time she asked him that same question.
"Even so, you still need to rest. It's good for you to take a little break and relax once in a while." Mr. Belt told him.
"I'll rest when I'm dead." he replied, placing a hand on the handle only to hear someone typing on the keyboards of the computer inside. "What the hell…? Who's in there?"
"Don't worry, it's just our mechanic." Mr. Belt assured.
"Mechanic…?" he blinked before opening the door only to see a familiar face.
"Welcome back~!"
It was Rinna.
"You better start talking…" Madoka scowled.
(Play Believe by Nami Tamaki)
The music begins with Drive Pit lighting up as Tridoron is getting ready for takeoff. Drive slowly lifts his head up as his eyes glowed before taking off into the streets, along with the Symphogear users as the title appears.
(Kotoba mitsukeraezu omowazu fureta katasaki)
Madoka walks away from a ruined area of the city. Chris said walks away from Fine's mansion.
(Kimi wa nani mo iwazuni tsumetaku furihooku)
Tsubasa stares out in the distance while Kanade stands across from her looking sad. Hibiki and Miku are standing back to back with sad looks.
(Kono sasai na gokai kara osanai ai wa kuzureteku)
Genjuro and his colleagues of Second Division are working unaware of a dark force hovering over them. Madoka walks away from the girls as they all look at him.
(Sonna kanashii kao mitakunai)
Chris looks sad as she walks alone in the park before a hand reaches out to her, then looks up to see Madoka as the scene around them changes into space with the Shift Cars around them.
(Yume sae nakushitemo sono hohoemi dake sutenaibe)
Heart grins as a screen behind him shows his Roidmude form in action. Brain looks annoyed as the screen behind him demonstrates his Roidmude form abilities. Finally, Chase stands back to back with Mashin Chaser as the screen shows his battles with Drive.
(Kono mune kagayaiteite)
Mr. Belt appears in the night sky as Drive and Madoka stand back to back, along with Kiriko salutes in front of them. Drive and Chaser are seen pointing their weapons at each other.
The screen splits as we see both Second Division and Special Investigation Unit starting up their systems.
(Itsuka chikau boku wa kono te be kizuku mirai wa)
Chris is firing a bunch of Noise while Hibiki is sends various punches to them, and Tsubasa slashes them with her sword. Finally, Drive is clenching his fist as his friends and allies appear behind him.
(Kanarazu kono basho be kimi ga book ni ittatte)
Fine is seen commanding the Noise as the girls charges into action. Then we see Drive and Chaser duke it out as they clash fist before their human forms appear glaring at one another.
(Bakedo ima wa futari setsunaku sorashita hitomi)
Miku has her hands clasped together as she smiles before Drive and Hibiki appear not facing each other as they look out in the distance.
(Beaerukoto wo shinjite)
Drive is driving Tridoron through various explosions as the girls run to keep up, while firing song ends with Drive standing on top of tower and the girls are sitting underneath him.
"So, as you can see, Rinna has been our mechanic since the very beginning." Mr. Belt smiled, finishing his explanation.
"She's been on this the whole time?" Madoka frowned.
"Sure have!" cheered Rinna.
"Well that explains a lot." the different colored eye officer said.
"What do you mean?" Kiriko asked, curious.
"I mean the fact it had to be Rinna, because her designs and inventions are so goddamn ugly. Handle-Ken should've answered my question as to who made it. I was in denial hoping it was somebody else."
"Yeah…" Kiriko nodded in agreement.
"Hey! I put a lot of hard work and effort into those gadgets!" Rinna comically exclaimed now feeling offended.
"Not as much for their crappy designs." Madoka scoffed.
"Don't be like that, Madoka-chan!" Rinna began, wrapping her arm around his before grabbing Kiriko and placed her to his free side. "Public Security isn't after you anymore, you have a mechanic, and most of all…you have two beauties to liven up the Pit!"
Kiriko merely smiled hoping that would add the liveliness to the Pit their mechanic had mentioned.
Madoka simply walked towards the door ignoring their offended cries, then stole a glance at Mr. Belt before leaving.
"Madoka…" Mr. Belt uttered.
(Mansion)
"Who the hell are you!?" Chris demanded.
"What business do you have here…machines?" Fine began, carefully watching the newcomers. She knew full well about these robotic beings even before the police along with any other authorities.
"Calm yourselves, we're simply here to have a little chat. And possibly…make some new friends." Heart smiled, walking inside the mansion with Brain and Chase following.
"Friends…? With a bunch of cybernetic beings?" she mused slightly mocking them.
"You should be considered lucky that we even came to meet with such dull minded, insignificant, and vermin-calling peons such as yourselves." Brain condescendingly retorted.
"You better watch it! Or else I'll shove my fist down your throat!" Chris proclaimed.
"Déjà vu." murmured Brain.
He recalls the Kamen Rider saying something in a similar manner, though it was much more vulgar than what this human girl said. It still irked him that he lost to such a person.
"Now, now, let's not be hasty here." Heart said with raised hands, attempting to calm both sides. "Brain, please do not insult our new friends."
Brain scoffed in response.
"Why the hell should we cooperate with a bunch of machines like you!? That event five years ago tells us you're just villains trying to rule the world!" Chris barked, pointing a finger at them.
"Yes, I would have to agree. And certainly, neither of us knows what our intentions are." Fine smirked earning a chuckle from Heart.
"Then perhaps we should get right to the point." Heart said.
"Perhaps we should."
(Drive Pit)
The following day after Madoka defeated Crush, along with the arrest of Kirihara and Kuramochi; he was called into the Drive Pit by Mr. Belt who wanted to talk about something.
"What is that you wanted to talk about?" Madoka asked getting to the point.
"I want to apologize for my secrecy thus far, as well as the ones I'm still keeping to this point." Mr. Belt started. "I know you're not interested in hearing things like this, but please hear me out…"
Madoka nodded.
"There was once a scientist, who came up with an incredible invention that would benefit mankind. However his creation was used for evil and destruction instead." Mr. Belt said, recalling old memories.
"Well that explains your caution of all things…" Madoka began. "We're fighting fire with fire against the enemy, so trusting people with Drive's power makes it hard since it can cause a Slowdown as well. Also, I think it's safe to say that scientist wasn't you…right?"
"Correct. He created a noble prize in hopes of promoting world peace." Mr. Belt said.
"And that was the Roidmude." Madoka said, knowingly.
"…Yeah…"
"Tell me something, were they originally meant to fight the Noise or did they have some other purpose?"
"I honestly don't know." Mr. Belt said, honest.
"Well anyway, I already know we're going with this." Madoka said.
"I'm sorry, Madoka." Mr. Belt suddenly began with a sad face.
"About what?" he questioned.
"Not being able to call Tridoron to pick you up, or use Shift Speed to get Kiriko when you were poisoned." Mr. Belt said.
"Forget about it, that's all in the past." he waved off.
"Yes, but…after watching you struggle with the neurotoxin and seeing as that we were alone at the time with help so far away…I think we should try working with those Second Division people."
"What?" Madoka growled, narrowing his eyes.
"Please…" Mr. Belt began in a desperate tone. "I was devastated after losing Proto-Drive, because there was nothing I could so at the time. And we didn't have enough allies to fight alongside with, despite help from the Shift Cars. True, you are an extraordinary fighter but still…I don't want to feel that pain ever again. More importantly, I don't want to lose you."
Madoka fell silent after hearing this as his hair covered his eyes.
They remained quiet for about a minute until he spoke…
"Alright, I suppose trying to work with those people isn't a bad idea. It'll be easier to find Roidmude with their hidden cameras, their science departments should help, and I guess having an extra set of hands wouldn't hurt." Madoka said.
"Thank you." Mr. Belt smiled.
"Whatever."
Mr. Belt informed Kiriko and Rinna that all of them are going to give Second Division a chance for both their respective groups to work together. It came to a surprise to both women, since they knew he was very strict about trusting or involving others to work alongside them. Whatever caused him to change his mind must have been very serious.
It came to an even more surprise that Madoka agreed to this, since he threw one heck of a tantrum at the Second Division members a few nights ago. Apparently whatever they talked about must have changed their mindsets somewhat. And it was good to have a little change.
Rinna was confused about what they were talking about, until they explained Second Division being a secret organization that defends humanity against the Noise. Her interest piqued knowing there's a secret group with access to a high tech lab, which she can't wait to see and the two girls who use some kind of suit of armor to fight the Noise.
Madoka is still reluctant about meeting those people again. He was still pissed at the fact they spied on him, hacked into the Special Investigation Unit's files to learn his identity along with who is associated with Drive, and that they tried to handcuff an innocent girl who had nothing to do with any of this. However all of that doesn't seem to matter, since Hibiki is now a part of this due to wielding the same power as that Ice Queen.
"So, uh…how are we going to contact them?" Rinna asked.
"We already know their hideout is underneath Lydian Academy, so we can just go inside the school and use the elevator I guess." Madoka said.
"I'm sure the students and teachers have gone home by now, so it should be safe to go without being noticed." Kiriko said.
"It would be odd if the police were seen on school grounds." Mr. Belt commented.
"And once we get there, we'll ask an agent to escort us to where Genjuro-san is at." Kiriko said.
"Alright, let's go!" Rinna cheered as they walked out of the Pit.
"I seriously don't want to go back…" Madoka frowned.
(Second Division)
Madoka, Kiriko and Rinna were being escorted by one of the agents on guard. At first he demanded to know who they were and what business they had with Second Division, until Madoka claimed himself to be Drive earning an immediate reaction from him. He then called Genjuro to inform him of their arrival before offering to escort them.
As they entered the room, they can see that Genjuro was about to begin his lecture to Hibiki about her newfound power.
Tsubasa had out a jewel pendant around her neck.
"Tsubasa wields Ama-no-Habakiri, the First Relic." Genjuro began.
"Relic…?" questioned Mr. Belt, curious.
"Relics are crystals of myths and legends from across all ages. Each of them are created from arcane techniques used in ancient times, however the technology that was made to replicate them is long gone. So now they can only be found in ruins, but the decades have taken their toll on them. It's extremely rare to find one." Ryoko explained.
"This is very interesting, don't you think so?" Rinna whispered to her team.
"Indeed." Mr. Belt agreed. "I guess there were some things I wasn't aware of back in the day."
"Ama-no-Habakiri is only the same fragments of a sword." Genjuro verified.
"The key to amplifying a few specs of its power it still bears are waves of a particular amplitude." Ryoko said.
"Waves of a particular amplitude…?" Hibiki questioned.
"I suppose you mean someone who's compatible with these Relics' power." Mr. Belt began, catching their attention. "And that it would have to be through song in order to activate it, correct?"
"Yes. Only through song can a Relic be activated." Genjuro said a little surprised the talking belt got that off the bat. It must have been due to Tsubasa's encounter with Drive, thus showing an example beforehand.
"That's right! I did feel a song swelling up from within me!" Hibiki realized as the man nodded making everyone look at her.
"I think I'm starting to understand how it works." Rinna began catching everyone's attention. "If someone activates a Relic with a song, it'll send those waves of energy to generate those suits, right?"
"Yup!" smiled Ryoko.
"But the Relics don't work for anyone if they hum a tune!" Tsubasa pointed out.
Madoka caught the slight aggression in her tone.
"There are only a few people whose songs can activate the Relics and manifest a Symphogear known as the "Attuned". Tsubasa is one and so are you." Genjuro said before the screen changed to a videofeed of the medical center as they watched a comatose Kanade. "And so was Kanade."
"Pardon me…" Kiriko began. "If you don't mind me asking, why isn't Kanade an Attuned anymore?"
"It was back when Madoka-kun saved Kanade from finishing the Swan Song, a power that is only sung by a Symphogear user which utilizes their full power into the armor. However, it would cause a great deal of damage to the user depending on their synchronization. In short, she would have died if not for you." Genjuro said looking at the different color eyed officer.
Madoka remained silent as he continued to observe the conversation.
"So that's what it was…" Mr. Belt recalled sensing a huge surge of energy coming off the girl. "So I can presume thanks to us, she didn't finish the song enough to kill herself and that it only rendered her into a coma."
"It costed her singing voice as well." Genjuro added.
"Then how am I able to use a Relic and bring out a Symphogear?" Hibiki asked they very question that was on the Special Investigation Unit members' minds.
"Right here…!" Ryoko smiled, pointing to Hibiki's x-rays which showed something embedded in her chest. "You remember this, don't you?"
At this point everyone noticed there was something in Hibiki's chest area. It was soon revealed to be the small fragment of Gungnir that Kanade left inside her.
"That was my injury from back then!" Hibiki exclaimed in shock, looking at her scar.
"Those are scatterings of a shrapnel close to your heart that it had to be surgically removed. Our research indicated they were fragments of the Third Relic, Gungnir borne from Kanade-chan." Ryoko explained.
Tsubasa widened her eyes at this.
"That's well and all, but what are you planning to do now?" Madoka spoke making everyone look at him. "You have the answer to the questions that must've bothered you from the other night. And learn you now wield the power to take down the Noise through a freak accident. So where do you go from here? More importantly, what are you going to use that power for? Or will you use it all…?"
"I…don't know." Hibiki answered, unsure of what to do.
"She really has Kanade's armor!" Tsubasa thought, slightly narrowing her eyes at Hibiki.
The bluenette started to feel wobbly causing everyone to look at her.
"I'm fine…" she quietly answered. "I just need some air."
Tsubasa left the room while everyone else continued their conversation.
"Why do I feel like she's going to piss me off eve more?" Madoka increased his scowl at this. He could sense the anger from her.
Shift Speed came to Hibiki's side making her look at it.
"It's okay, you're still young. So you have plenty of time to think." Mr. Belt said.
"Thank you…" Hibiki said before turning to look at Mr. Belt, then back at the Shift Car. "Eh…!? Wait a minute! How are you there and over here!?"
"I suppose we should being our explanation now." Mr. Belt said.
"Yes, please do." Genjuro said.
Soon all of the Shift Cars came out as they traveled around the entire room.
"It's the mini cars!" Hibiki smiled remembering how they helped her against the Noise.
"How cute~!" Ryoko cooed.
"Allow me to introduce you to the Shift Cars." Mr. Belt said as the Shift Cars honked their horns as a sign of greeting. "And of course, you already know about Rinna."
"Nice to meet you all." she greeted with a smile.
"Likewise." nodded Genjuro. "We had you as a possible suspect of working alongside Drive, though with lack of evidence you were crossed out."
Rinna smirked at this.
"Now with introductions out of the way, let's begin!" Mr. Belt said as he projected a holographic screen from his speed meter face, showing a Roidmude. "First, we'll discuss about our other enemies. They are called Roidmude."
"Roidmude…?" Genjuro blinked.
"Roidmude are Mechanical Life Forms that caused the Global Freeze years ago." Mr. Belt explained.
"As you know, the Density Shift is actually caused by them meaning if there's any residual energy of a shift, it means one of them is acting up." Rinna added. "I've actually created a few gadgets that'll let us pick up on their energy surges, though it won't lead us to them."
"Wow! You must really be top notch scientist, Rinna-chan!" Ryoko complimented.
"Why thank you." Rinna smiled.
"I remember now! That Roidmude was attacking the school right before Madoka-kun came to save everyone!" Hibiki said, recalling when the Iron Roidmude attacked the school.
"Yeah…" Kiriko nodded.
"Wait, but that Roidmude looks different from this one on the screen. Why is that?" Genjuro asked, noticing the difference.
"It's because that Roidmude had evolved." spoke Madoka.
"Evolved?" questioned Ryoko.
"Roidmude can evolve into a new powerful body if they can fulfill what they desire most." Mr. Belt said.
"Fulfill what exactly?" Genjuro asked, curious.
"Roidmude are sometimes curious about human nature, so they set out to do things humans do. When they find something interesting, like cooking or trying out a new sport they begin to act on those individual activities before evolving once they've had enough of their fill." he explained.
"I see. So that's why that Roidmude was after Hibiki-kun and her friend, because they had something it wanted."
"That guy was only interested in their looks." Madoka scoffed. "Honestly, I can't see why though. To go after such average looking girls, along with other average looking people. He must have had bad taste."
"EHH!?" shouted Hibiki, shocked and offended. "What is that supposed to mean!? Are you saying Miku and I aren't pretty enough to be victims of that Roidmude at the time!? Better yet, are you calling us ugly!?"
"Well…you're short." he plainly said without a care.
"Madoka…" Mr. Belt sighed, wondering if there was something wrong with his partner.
"What does my height have to do with anything!?" Hibiki comically exclaimed, walking over to him only to get flickered on the forehead. "Owie…"
Kiriko and Rinna were on the same boat as Hibiki remembering how Madoka just brushed them off after the mechanic's claim about having two beauties to liven up the Pit.
"Anyway back to the main topic…" Madoka began, ignoring the girl.
"Hey!"
"There are three types of Roidmude: Spider-Type, Cobra-Type, and Bat-Type." Madoka listed as Mr. Belt showed them the individual Lower Class Roidmude. "As you can guess by their names each of them have particular abilities to their animal motifs."
"Roidmude can also disguise themselves into humans through a cortex, which allows their camouflage ability to be even more dangerous as they hide amongst humans." Mr. Belt added.
"I see." Genjuro nodded, beginning to understand the Roidmude a little more. He then stared at the Shift Cars as some of them were getting acquainted with the Second Division Members while others remained to themselves. "And what of the Shift Cars…?"
"Shift Cars are special helpers that allow Drive to change tires on his chest, granting him other forms, providing their own weapons and abilities. If you have one of them on your person, then you'll be able to freely move through a Density Shift. I usually have them on patrol to learn the enemy will do next."
"So with these little guys, we'll be able to move through a Slowdown. That's good to know." Hibiki said.
"And when you carry one of them, you can use their abilities against Roidmude and Noise alike." Kiriko said.
Genjuro simply nodded knowing this will be good information if they want to face any Roidmude as well. He then looked at the other group before speaking…
"Why don't you all stay here with us." Genjuro began. "I can only imagine how hard it must be to perform your duties as officers, while secretly working as Drive since I can assume your hideout is somewhere in the Special Investigation Unit. By working here, you won't have a hard time trying to hide your base."
"Thank you for the kind officer, Genjuro-san. But we have responsibilities at the SIU that are too important for us to leave behind, so we need our base of operations there in order to help other officers from behind the shadows and keep performing out duties to protect the people." Kiriko said.
"Protect the people…" Hibiki uttered.
Unbeknownst to them, Tsubasa was actually listening to their conversation knowing she would need to learn about the Roidmude as well.
"Some police officers you people are! You couldn't eve save Kanade! And worst of all…that guy to put her in a coma!" Tsubasa thought, tightening her fist to the point where a tranquil of blood leaked.
Hunter secretly watched the bluenette as he sensed the aggression within her, along with other deep emotions.
"We're still officers, after all. And I wouldn't doubt Mr. Belt would bitch about the fact we had to leave the Pit alone." Madoka said knowing the belt would scold them.
"I-I would never do that…!" Mr. Belt denied.
"Yeah, sure you wouldn't…" Madoka said not taking his word.
The alarms went off as everyone immediately ran into the command center. Tsubasa was already inside as she watched the screen.
"We have a Noise confirmation!" a technician cried.
"Tell First Division we'll handle it!" Genjuro commanded.
"Visual! Now putting it on screen! Range 200 meters from the school!"
"They're close…"
"I'll handle them!" Tsubasa announced, running out of the room.
"Let's go, Madoka-kun!" Hibiki said, grabbing his sleeve.
"Huh?" he blinked.
"Wait! You're not ready to take on the Noise yet!" Genjuro said making Hibiki look at him.
"You said my power can help people! Only a Symphogear user or a Kamen Rider can take on the Noise, right! So I'm going too!" Hibiki said before looking at the screen of the comatose Kanade. "And I won't let Kanade-san's gift be a waste!"
"Might as well tag along…" Madoka sighed, following behind Hibiki.
(Roadway)
Tsubasa stood before the Noise as they liquefied themselves merging together to become a larger being that soon roared at her.
"Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron!"
Tsubasa sang before transforming into her suit.
(Zettou Ame no Habakiri)
The Noise fired razor sharp disks of energy as Tsubasa leaped through the air to avoid the attacks. The blades on her legs opened as she sliced through said disks.
Tsubasa landed on her feet catching the Noise's attention.
"Tsubasa-san!" announced Hibiki, appearing out of nowhere with her armor on before kicking the Noise to the side.
"That was somewhat productive I guess." Maokda commented as he stood on the sidelines, watching the closing stages of the fight knowing he won't be needed.
Tsubasa jumps back into the air and slashes the Noise as it disintegrated.
(Song End)
"You really are crazy…" Madoka commented.
"Are you really saying that again!?" Hibiki comically exclaimed.
"Madoka, you shouldn't be saying things like that to a girl." Mr. Belt chided.
"What? I'm just stating the obvious. Besides, I think she could've done better than side kicking someone out of nowhere."
"Are you insulting me or encouraging me?" Hibiki exclaimed once more before changing the subject. "Anyway, why weren't you fighting alongside Tsubasa-san?"
"She had it under control. I wasn't going to get in the way of something that's already being handled." he told her. "Though I wasn't going to help in the first place…"
And he wasn't thinking that last part to be cold or anything. It was the fact he's still pissed and knows how to hold a grudge. Besides, if the Ice Queen were to be on the verge of death or something just as serious, then sure he's going to help despite not liking her.
"Even so, you shouldn't stand by while your friends are in danger." Hibiki sternly told him.
"She's right, Madoka. You should listen to her." Mr. Belt said.
Madoka scoffed in response.
"Let's start fighting together from now on!" she smiled.
Madoka sighed before narrowing his eyes at Tsubasa, glaring at her with his magenta colored eye as she pointed her sword at them.
"Yeah, you're right, we should fight."
"Eh?" Hibiki blinked, surprised by the sudden action.
Madoka quickly took action as he tried landing a kick on Tsubasa's abdomen, which she blocked using the backside of her sword. However the force put into the kick was enough to send her sliding back ten feet away from them.
"You took the words out of my mouth."
(Second Division)
"What are they doing?" Genjuro exclaimed, watching Madoka and Tsubasa about to engage in battle.
"Madoka-chan looks pretty fired up." Rinna noted.
"Just look at the flames of youth!" Ryoko smiled, amused.
"Are you two serious about this?" Kiriko questioned, looking at the two scientists as though they were crazy.
All of the Shift Cars left the control room to aid Madoka knowing he'll need their power to fight Tsubasa.
"I'll go stop them!" Genjuro said before Kiriko blocked his path making him blink. "Kiriko-kun…?"
"We should let Madoka handle this!" she suggested.
"Why…?" Genjuro asked, confused.
"You'll see…" Kiriko said knowing her partner will handle this.
"I've been waiting for round two ever since you suddenly attacked me for no reason that one time, remember? Now that we have what we want, let's settle this!" Madoka said, cracking his knuckles.
Tsubasa ignored his words before charging at him with her sword. She tried slashing him but the different color eyed officer managed to avoid her swings, though he did receive some tears on his clothing a little.
Madoka knew this girl was tough. If she wasn't then these cuts on his clothes wouldn't have mattered. Although if that blade of hers had cut him a little deeper, then he'd have some cuts right about now on his skin. He will have to transform soon to go toe-to-toe with her.
"Are you alright, Madoka?" Mr. Belt exclaimed.
"This is nothing." he answered.
Tsubasa, with impressive speed, managed to get behind Madoka causing him to growl as she swung her sword horizontally at him. Madoka quickly ducked underneath the blade and tried to leg sweep Tsubasa, but the bluenette leaped off the ground with her blade raised. As she was about to descend her blade towards the officer's head, he quickly decided to transform.
"Start Your Engine!"
"Henshin!"
"DRIVE-TYPE SPEED!"
Once he was donned in his armor, Drive raised his forearm to block the sword before pushing Tsubasa back as she got into a stance again.
"Might as well get serious!" announced Drive, cracking his neck. Handle-Ken then came into his hand as he gently placed his armored fingers against it, lightly traveling to the blade's tip. "I'm going to enjoy this."
"Tsubasa-san, please stop this! This isn't what I meant by fighting together!"Hibiki cried wanting her comrades to stop fighting.
"I know exactly what you meant. And I don't like it!" Tsubasa said, glaring at Hibiki.
"I ain't fond about the idea of working alongside you either, but you don't see my trying to take my anger out on my supposed comrades. Instead…try going after more Noise or perhaps a couple of thugs lurking in some dark alley, or a bad neighborhood in general. That's how I do it, anyway." Drive said.
"I worry about you, Madoka. I really do." Mr. Belt said with a small sweat drop.
"We don't want to fight you!" Hibiki said trying to reason with her.
"Speak for yourself." Drive mumbled.
Tsubasa fired Azure Slash towards Hibiki, who gasped while raising her hands in a defensive manner.
"SP-SP-SPEED!"
Drive appeared in front of Hibiki as he raised his sword to fend off against the attack. Once the crescent energy wave made contact with Drive's blade, it was a struggle of being pushed back against the attack while risking both of them getting harmed or deflecting the attacks. So Drive did the obvious thing and sent the crescent energy wave to the side, thus saving their necks.
"Alright then Hibiki, you tried it your way. So now we're going to do it my way!" Drive said before charging towards Tsubasa as their blades made contact.
They exchanged swings of their blades as sparks were flying out of both respective weapons. When it came to swordsmanship of any sort, it was clearly obvious that Drive was outclassed no questions asked. The only reason he's able to keep up with her is because he's adapting to the battle at a phenomenal rate, and due to mainly fighting hand-to-hand that gave him an edge albeit with some defense.
Tsubasa leaped back then got on her hands using Wight Slayer to become tornado as the blades on her ankles unfolded. Drive grimaced as he dug his sword onto the ground before calling for reinforcements.
"Vegas!"
Vegas soon came to his aid as Drive changed tires.
"TIRE KOUKAN!"
"DREAM VEGAS!"
Now equipped with Drum Shields, he used them to defend against the spinning girl as her bladed ankles mad contact with the shields not landing a single hit. Drive then pushed her as she back flipped while he charged towards her, trying to punch her with the shields.
Tsubasa placed her foot against one of the shields then leaped away from Drive.
Drive dropped the shields knowing they won't be much of help against her speed. It was clear Tsubasa is very agile and seems to use that as her advantage at times, though most of her skill is deep within her swordsmanship. It may be possible she some hand-to-hand experience without a sword in her hand, but who knows what she's capable of.
"Not that I care or anything, but what the fuck is your problem?" Drive began knowing he might as well learn what's behind her actions. Plus, he just doesn't like the feeling she's giving off.
"You…!" she yelled at him. "It's because of you Kanade is in a coma! Because of you, she can't sing anymore, fight alongside me, and can't be my partner anymore!"
Drive merely stared at her as she continued.
"There is no way I am going to accept that girl as Kanade's replacement!"
From afar, the Shift Cars were on standby if Drive should ever call on one of them for help. As they were watching the fight, they can sense Tsubasa's feelings and felt sorry for the bluenette. Vegas can understand what she feels, since he was apart from Cab for a long time.
(Second Division)
Everyone was listening to the conversation as they all looked at the comatose Kanade on another screen.
"What would you do, Kanade?" Genjuro questioned knowing she would be the only one to calm his niece out of this emotional state.
"Don't worry, Genjuro-san. I believe Madoka can help Tsubasa. So I ask that you believe in him the same way I do." Kiriko assured.
"Umm…?" Shinji began, approaching the officer. "Are you sure Madoka-kun intends to help Tsubasa? I have no question of your judgment and faith in him, but I do however question if he's willing follow through with it."
"You may not know him like we do, but yes, he will follow through."
(Flashback)
"I swear if I see that girl again, I am going to beat her into a damn pulp!" Madoka said as his scowl increased ten folds.
"You really wouldn't a hit a girl, would you?" Mr. Belt asked, worried if that's the case.
"Of course not…! I have morals, boundaries, and my pride as a guy!" Madoka proclaimed. Sure he may do A LOT of questionable things in his life, but that doesn't mean he can't draw the line somewhere.
"Well at least you know something normal…" Mr. Belt commented.
"What was that?" he glared at the belt.
"N-Nothing!" he quickly said out of fear before speaking. "Anyway, why are you so mad? Sure she attacked us without reason, but you can't hold a grudge."
"Oh yes it does! And let me tell you, I can hold as many grudges as I want for a LONG time to come until I payback my victims!" Madoka claimed.
"Why are you worked up over this?" Kiriko asked, walking into the room. "Sure you were attacked for now reason, but it could've been some misunderstanding."
"If it were a misunderstanding, then I would've let it go already. But I felt it; it was no misunderstanding."
"Felt it…?" Kiriko blinked.
"There was a feeling she kept giving off. I didn't like it." Madoka slightly narrowed his eyes.
"Feeling?" questioned Mr. Belt.
"Never mind." said Madoka, walking out of the room.
"He can only understand people through action and knows how to communicate with it. So if he makes a connection with Tsubasa through this battle, then he may be more of help than any of us." Kiriko said then looked at the screen.
Everyone remained silent as they continued to watch the fight.
"Is that all…?" Drive said in a somewhat bored tone.
Tsubasa glared daggers at him when he said it like that.
"If that's all you have to say, then I might as well tell you what's ticking me off. Well after I win of course." Drive declared his eyes brightly glowed.
The two glared at each other as they went at it again before vanishing in high speeds becoming blurs. Hibiki could see the two blurs, one red and one blue as she tried to keep up with them. However, she knew she didn't have that kind of power or experience to determine which of them is winning.
Drive was sent back with his feet sliding against the ground due to Tsubasa changing her sword into a bigger form. He gritted his teeth before spotting Handle-Ken, picking it up and dug the blade onto the ground trying to stop his momentum. Once he had done so, he noticed Tsubasa jumped in the air sending her One Thousand Tears attack towards him.
"Shadow!"
Shadow came to his aid as he changed tires.
"TIRE KOUKAN!"
"MIDNIGHT SHADOW!"
Once he was donned in his new tire, the rain of projectile swords were drawing closer as he activated Shadow's special ability.
"SH-SH-SHADOW!"
As the rain of swords hit the ground, Drive was enshrouded in smoke as Tsubasa narrowed her eyes knowing something was off. Then her instincts told her to get out of the way as she was greeted by two Drives that held energy projections of purple shurikens in their hands, as she was about to descend to the ground. Acting quickly, she pulled out another sword from her suit as she managed to deflect the shuriken attacks before landing.
Tsubasa thought she had evaded what Drive had up his sleeve, but then widened her eyes when she noticed another two Drives waiting for her with the same shuriken projectiles. As the other two clones fired their attacks, she quickly deflected them before all four had cornered her. Two Drives went in for close quarters combat as the other two gained distance, while throwing their projectile attacks at her.
It seemed to have kept her at bay, but she did extremely well to fend off against the two clones of Drive, while deflecting the other two Drives' shuriken attacks. And before they knew it, Tsubasa pushed through them as she furiously slashed all of four of them across the chest making each one grunt in pain. Soon all three clones of Drive phased into purple energy returning to the original's body.
He called Handle-Ken back into his hand before feeling something push against his feet. Looking down, Hunter was honking his horn at Drive as he chuckled in amusement.
"So you wann settle this too, huh?" Drive said, picking up Hunter. It only made sense he feels that way, since he fought alongside him when they first encountered the idol.
"TIRE KOUKAN!"
"JUSTICE HUNTER!"
Now equipped with Justice Cage and Handle-Ken, Drive charged towards the idol as they exchanged blows of their weapons. Said weapons clashed as they kept exchanging blows, neither one of them giving in as they simply kept going at it. Both took a step back as they tried to catch their breath.
Tsubasa fired another Azure Slash towards Drive, who immediately threw Justice Cage in the air before pushing the lever thrice.
"H-H-HUNTER!"
Justice Cage flew towards Tsubasa who simply knocked it aside not having enough time to notice Drive had gotten behind her. He then grabbed one of her arms, placed her over his shoulder, and slammed her against the ground.
Drive looked down at the bluenette.
"Are you done throwing your little fit?" Drive began. "Cuz if you are, then pick your ass up and stop pushing everyone away! That's only going to make things worse…!"
"Shut up! What the hell would you know!?" barked Tsubasa.
"I know a helluva lot more than you do!" snapped Drive. "All you're doing is throwing a tantrum, like a newborn infant and acting out because your partner is in a coma!"
"Damn you…!" Tsubasa growled.
"Tell me something, what is it that you live by? Just what goes through that so-called head of yours?" Drive asked, staring down at the girl.
"My purpose is to be an emotionless blade that will cut down any foe that stands before my path." Tsubasa said, slowly standing back on her feet.
"Yup, I knew there was something that pissed me off." Drive thought.
If this dump chick is proclaiming herself to be an emotionless blade, then he seriously has to beat that out of her. During this whole entire fight he's felt nothing but suppressed emotions albeit with some anger put into her attacks, even when they clashed swords that's all be been feeling! And that grinds his gears most of all! No…it was the fact she brining back old memories!
Tsubasa got on her feet before flipping back a safe distance, then quickly charges towards him, with a thrust of her sword hoping it would go through him only for the blade to get knocked by his own sword before kneeing her in the gut. This made her stumble back a little.
Drive brought out Type Wild deciding he'll end this now!
"M-Madoka! Are you really going to use that!?" Mr. Belt gasped.
"I know what I'm doing!" Drive said, changing forms.
"DRIVE-TYPE WILD!"
"I will strike you down! With everything I have!" Tsubasa declared.
"Cut that bullshit out already! Cuz you're pissing me off!" Drive yelled.
Tsubasa charges at Drive with her blade enlarged in hopes of dealing more damage. Drive simply twists his body to the right, using his dune buggy wheel to block the attack. And much to anyone's surprise, the wheel was actually quite durable against the large blade. Once the attack was blocked, Drive pushed the blade away before grabbing the girl's arm then sent a punch directly to her gut and right hooked her across the cheek.
Drive undid his transformation as he looked down at the idol.
Tsubasa was about to stand on her feet before feeling a pair of hands roughly grabbed her collar, pulling her up only for…
BAM!
A head butt…
Tsubasa winced in pain as she glared up at the different color eyed officer as he gritted her teeth.
"Cut it out already!" he yelled making her eyes widen. "Look, I don't care what issues or problems you have with either me, Hibiki, and within yourself but you can't push people away! If you do, then you'll be going down a road you won't survive from! I know what it's like to lose someone very important to you, and then go to a place where you feel nothing but anger and resentment!"
"Madoka…" Mr. Belt uttered.
"But there's a difference between you and me! You get to see your friend everyday and talk to her! Even though her eyes won't open and can't respond to what you're saying, at least be glad she's alive! I would give anything just to have what you have! If you keep going down this road, then…"
Tsubasa felt something wet against her cheek as she looks up to see tears forming out of Madoka's left, magenta colored eye as they lightly dripped on her face.
"YOU'LL END UP LIKE ME!"
Everyone gasped when he said that.
"Madoka-kun…" Hibiki uttered in awe not seeing this side of him.
"I may be crying out of one eye but that's all I've got! I can hardly feel anything else! That's what happens when you kill off almost all of your emotions, and decide to become something less than human! I did it! And because of that I feel dead inside! I don't like it! I don't like this feeling at all! The only things I feel are rage, regret, and emptiness! And that pisses me off most of all! I have no choice but to put up an act in front of people sometimes, and it's so sickening I can't even stand it! So please, don't go down that road and end up like me! Cherish whoever you have in your life and keep them close!"
Tsubasa immediately broke down into tears after realizing she had been acting so foolish all this time.
Madoka released her as he placed a hand over his eye when certain memories started to race through his head. It was so infuriating that his scar felt like it was burning!
"You have everyone here…" Madoka said.
(Second Division)
Mr. Belt felt relieved the fight was over now. However he was a little worried about Madoka, since he had never seen that side of him before.
No matter how much he wanted to say something, he knew it was best to leave him be for now.
After Genjuro helped comfort Tsubasa, while scolding her at the same time both girls were called to have their Symphogears checked out as the older man looked at Madoka.
"Thank you for helping her realize that she does have someone in her life, and preventing her from going down that path…" he said.
"I didn't do anything special…" he replied.
"No, you helped someone from going down a dangerous road and changed them for the better." Mr. Belt smiled.
"I agree." Kiriko nodded.
"Don't be shy, Madoka-chan~!" Rinna teased.
"Stop adding "chan" to my name, dammit!" Madoka growled.
"So, Madoka-chan…" Ryoko began with a sly smile earning a glare from the young officer.
"Oh hell no, you better not start doing that too!"
"…Are you going to work with us and protect our cute girls?"
"Of course he will! Madoka-chan will always be there to protect beautiful girls!" Rinna said.
"Don't put words in my mouth!" Madoka scowled increased. "Anyway, I gave Mr. Belt my word so I suppose we'll be seeing more of each other."
"And what about our lovely girls, won't you protect them?" Ryoko said.
"If you mean work alongside them, then yeah I'll do that too."
"Excellent! So…when are you going to make a move on them~?" Ryoko teasingly said only to earn a questionable brow from Madoka.
"What do you mean "make a move"? I'm not fighting them or at least the Ice Queen anymore." Madoka said, confused.
"Eh?" Ryoko blinked.
"Anyway, I'm outta here?" Madoka said before leaving the room.
"What just happened?" Ryoko asked.
"Oh wow, I wasn't expecting this." Rinna said.
"I never thought he was the type." Kiriko said.
Genjuro was somewhat glad that Madoka seems to be oblivious to these kinds of things, however he's a little worried that might get him in trouble somewhat.
Walking through the hallways of Second Division, Madoka was about to make his way towards the elevator until he spotted the emergency room. He spotted Tsubasa sadly looking at the comatose Kanade as she didn't seem to notice him.
Madoka inwardly sighed before walking into the room.
"I never meant put your friend in a coma…" he began catching the bluenette's attention.
"You…" Tsubasa uttered.
"So I guess you were right about it being my fault that she's like this." he continued.
"No." Tsubasa shook her head. "In a way, Kanade did put this on herself when she sang the Swan Song and knew the risks. I only put the blame on you, because I was angry at myself for not being more help at the time. And for that, I'm sorry."
"That's all behind us now." Madoka simply waved off.
Tsubasa looked at him with a surprised expression.
"And don't say you weren't helpful, because from what I've seen...you were plenty help in her eyes. I bet she would agree if she were awake and talking to you right now."
"Thank you…" Tsubasa said with a small smile.
"Anyway, I should get going now. So see you around." Madoka said about to leave.
"Wait…!" Tsubasa called out.
"Hmm...?" the different color eyed officer looked back at her.
"I, uh…I hope we work very well together and please watch my back in combat!" Tsubasa said with a bow.
"Same goes for me." Madoka said as he got closer to the idol.
Tsubasa looks up at him as she awed at the sight before her, then got flicked on the forehead.
"Later."
Tsubasa put a hand on her forehead as she watched Madoka leave with a light blush on her cheeks.
Madoka was walking back home as he finished drinking a can of cold coffee he got a nearby vending machine. Once he finished drinking his beverage, he was about to throw it away until…
"Hey there girlie, mind sparing us a few bucks?"
He could see two thugs cornering a girl with long white hair, purple eyes, and wore an odd maroon dress. She also seems to be a year younger than he is as well.
"Buzz off! I just spent what I had on these groceries!" she growled.
"Oh come on, we both know that's a lie. You wearing that pretty looking dress tells us you must be loaded in cash." the second guy said.
"That dress is considered pretty looking…?" Madoka thought before letting out a sigh. He might as well help the poor kid out knowing she won't survive in this neighborhood.
The different colored eye officer threw his can at one of the thugs' heads with a great deal of force that it was able to knock him the ground.
"Hey, you alright!" the first thug said to his friend before looking at the can. "Alright who threw that!?"
"You mean he wasn't the garbage?" Madoka began, walking over to them. "My mistake, he was just so ugly I couldn't tell the difference.
"Who the hell are you!?" he demanded.
Madoka simply walked over to him as he pulled out a pocket knife in attempts to stab him. However he didn't get a chance to use it as Madoka grabbed his arm before kneeing him in the gut, thus making him fall to his knees while saliva came out of his mouth.
"That doesn't matter, now does it?" he cracked his neck.
(Ten Seconds Later)
"My god those guys were annoying." Madoka sighed as he walked back to the vend machine with an annoyed expression. He seriously needed another drink.
"Who said I needed your help!?" the white haired girl yelled.
"You know, you shouldn't be wearing such an ugly dress out here in this neighborhood. Madoka said getting another drink.
"What was that!?"
"You heard me. With the way how you're dressed a lot of people out here will think you're some kind of rich girl, with a boatload of cash they'll preach their claws on."
"I can take care of myself!"
"Pfft! Yeah, right…"
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"I can tell that you aren't very psychical meaning you'll die within a minute in this place." Madoka said.
"Wanna bet!" she challenged.
"Alright then…" Madoka shrugged as he met her at eye level. "Punch me in the face as hard as you can."
"With pleasure!" the girl grinned before punching Madoka in the face. Once her fist met his face, she expected for him to cry in pain or at least back away from her. But he just simply stood there unfazed. "Wh-What…?"
"If that was best you have then I feel sorry for you."
"Shut up!"
Madoka flicks her forehead making her wince in slight pain.
"Ouch!"
"Well then have a safe trip back home or whatever." Madoka said, walking away.
"Hey, wait! I'm not done with you yet!" she barked.
Madoka continued to walk.
"Jerk!" she frowned.
Madoka knew he needed to get some sleep because this was a long and annoying day.