Hello readers! Come again in new chapter of my story! It takes quite some time to update it because I was waiting for my beta-reader while writting other chapter. For not waiting of long, let's start the story!

And thanks once again for my beta-reader!

(Disclaimer: I don't own Senki Zesshou Symphogear or Kamen Rider Ex-Aid characters. I just own idea and OC's)

(Note: Depend on what is in my mind, some chapters would be cut into several part or come in one long chapter)


Stage 3: Crack the Sword! The First Move of the Piece?


(Insert EXCITE by Daichi Miura)

(I gotta believe...)

(Instrumental)

The scene shows Shira in Genm Lv.2 form wielding Gasachon Bugvisor standing still as camera shot from different angle. Then, Shira notices before spread shot to screen as the title appeared on screen: Kamen Rider GENM: A Symphony of Anti-Hero.

I don't wanna know heta na shinjitsu nara

Then, proto-Mighty Action X gashat turn and fly toward Shira in human form before he catch it and brought it near his face.

I don't wanna know shiranai kurai ga ii noni

The scene change to where Hibiki in human form looking back and small computer screen on right-below showing the same thing only with Hibiki in Symphogear suit. Then, the scene turn back again to Shira who looking around flying screen showing every news regarding Bugster and Noise before Shira looks shocked and turn into light particle when Kanade and Hibiki just arrived to meet him, only to see him disappear.

Why? Why? Why? Why? kizukeba I came too far

The scene shows Bugster virus activated and spreading around. Then, the scene is back to Shira who meet Hibiki and Miku and chat with them with bright smile before cross paths with Kanade and Tsubasa who discuss something. Before it focused on the nearby computer screen that shows Shira from side, who then smirking.

Tomaranai kanjiru kono yokan wa

The scene change to Shira who walking forward with background of several black-white daily activities of city behind him and also Hiro, Taiga and Kiriya walking forward while backing Shira.

The new beginning

Then, it shows each of them brought out their respective Rider Gashat with matching background color, along with Dan Kuroto without showing a Rider Gashat and Kanade showing her Relic in orange background. Last is empty blood-red static background.

Michi no ryouiki ima wo kirihirakun da

The scene is change where Shira activate his Gashat. Then change into Tsubasa in school uniform turning her back and ready to leave for something with another computer screen shows her with her Symphogear suit. The next scene shows Sakurai beside the computer screen that shows all 2nd Division personnel along with Genjuro, before quickly shows the scene where Shira do transformation pose.

I gotta believe!

Then, it shows some kind of virtual arena where each Kamen Rider transform into their level 1 form, before it focused on Shira who turn the lever on Gamer Driver and activated level 2.

(Turn it on!) Soutou EXCITE! EXCITE! Takanaru EXCITE! EXCITE! kokoro ga michibiku ano basho e kakenukete ikudake

The scene then shows Shira in Genm level 2 form using Bugvisor chainsaw-mode to strike down other Kamen Rider. Then, Brave seems counter with his Gasachon sword while Snipe also do the same as he shoots several time before scene engulf in explosion. The scene change where Tsubasa coming with Lazer level 2 form coming to destroy Noises but got cornered, before she's saved by orange laser come from nowhere and destroy them, as Tsubasa saw her savior showed as silhouette of orange kamen rider. Then the scene change again shows Shira raise his head in day time, then Parad doing the same in night time before turning around and looks spreading Bugster virus.

(Hey!) I'm on a mission right now (Hey!) I'm on a mission right now

Then it shows all Kamen Rider (Genm riding Lazer, Brave, Snipe and mysterious orange kamen rider) stand side by side with their weapon ready, backing all Symphogear user (Hibiki and Tsubasa) who readied their armed gear. The Symphogears faced the mysterious relic user ready to fight, where the Kamen Riders facing a Kamen Rider that can't be seen his appearance except the silhouette and a flame devil-like aura behind him.

EXCITE! EXCITE! kotae wa EXCITE! EXCITE! kotae wa

It shows Genm rushed toward the mysterious Kamen Rider as he does the same to Genm with intent to kill each other. The scene getting smaller into smaller screen images together with various other scenes that flying around Genm who has standing still while turning, before two line of Bugster DNA line coming in and getting closer to Genm and suddenly focused into scene where there's Shira who raise his hand and merge before revealing Kamen Rider Genm.

(One!) kono te no naka (Two!) susumu beki life (Three!) ikite iku dake

Finally, it shows Genm's taking battle stance, then when he snaps his hand and takes battle stance again. For last, the title appeared once again before Shira punch the screen, cracking and falling down, showing only a dark place with only one light shine to a worn out proto-Mighty Action X gashat and broken Gamer Driver on ground.


(On top of an apartment rooftop) (Shira's POV)

"HA! HA! ORAA!"

After what happened that day, I knew that now it could potentially come back and bite me in the ass. With people from government aware of my identity, it wouldn't be long before the government asks me to cooperate due to my possession of a device that is not only capable of beating Bugsters but also beating the Noise too. I knew Genjuro said that he and his people would keep my identity a secret, but it's only matter of time until this whole situation becomes even complicated than it already is.

"HYA! HA! HA! TORYAA!"

And so, my routines of exercise also change to not only keep my body in shape, but also strengthen it for any upcoming events. No one knows what they will facing in the future, including me. That's why... I must come prepared—

So I wouldn't need to become him again.

"Huuf... Maybe that's all for today," I said before taking a sop of an energy drink that I was saving for later. After such a long time of me not ding any proper training, it made me realize that I was getting kinda rusty at it, "Let's hit the cold shower!"

I walked to my apartment room after I taking my towel to clean off some of my sweat. But just when I was near the vicinity of my room, I see two familiar figures at the front of my door.

"Hibiki? Kanade?"

"Eh? Shira!?" Hibiki said in surprise, "What are you doing outside?"

"Exercise, as you can see," I said while showing my sweaty body making Hibiki's face redden when she saw it, "Anyway, what are you two doing here at my place?"

"Well, I was asked to bring you to headquarters," I see, that means there's something important going on, "But when I left, I realized I had no idea where you lived, so I asked Hibiki here," Ah right, they don't know where I live... wait, why did she think Hibiki would know where I live?, "So I asked her where you live, but she also doesn't have a clue," of course she doesn't, "then we're asked your boss," my boss too? Am I some kind of wanted person now? "But she also don't know so we—"

"Ok stop, just tell me how the hell you found where I live to begin with?"

"I was about to get there. So I asked headquarters to locate your location and here we are," And the intelligent part of the secret division ended up getting used like that, what a waste. Wait... I'm also in the wrong since I didn't tell you too? Dammit...

They both looked into my apartment for a while before Hibiki said, "your place looks... nice."

"As long as it is cheap and comes with a shower, I'm fine with it," I said honestly.

To tell the truth, my apartment isn't that good in appearance. There're some holes here and there and the wall paint is chipped too. At least, the water still runs smoothly and the electricity is still in good condition. Plus the payment and rent is cheap enough for me to handle. It was pretty much a steal.

"I'm already gotten accustomed to living anywhere," I said from my own experience, "Anyway, let me get ready before we go. You two can wait inside if you want."

"Ah… no. We're fine outside," Kanade said.

"If you say so," I said before getting in.

After showered and dried myself, I got dressed with my usual clothes and my jacket on as well. I also didn't forget my Gamer Driver and Gashat, including the new Gashat that was sent to me the night before with a note saying "You better give me a good explanation of what happened to the Bugster", from obviously Dan Kuroto. He seems still think I'm valuable asset to him so he isn't that mad at what I've done, I think. I stepped out from my room and locked it before going down stairs due to my apartment being on the third floor. I saw the girls already waiting for me beside a motorcycle that was parked next to mine.

"Ready?" Kanade asked.

I nod before putting my helmet and getting on my bike. Kanade and Hibiki do the same before they both got on Kanade's bike and we both drove off. We drove for quite a while, passing by a few neighborhoods before we suddenly stopped as a man stepped out onto the street, looking like he was in pain.

"Hey, are you okay?" Hibiki asked.

"H-help me... I don't feel well...please help..."

Hibiki was about to get off the bike to see what's wrong with the man, but I stopped her suspecting something was not right, "Hibiki, hold yourself!" and my guess was right as the man's eyes turned red and glob of orange started to cover him, turning him into an orange behemoth.

"What the hell!?" Kanade said, nearly falling off from her bike.

"W-what's that thing!?" Hibiki surprised as well.

"Bugster..." I said as I get off from my bike.

"Bugster?" said Kanade and Hibiki in question.

I saw the giant orange thing ready to wreck havoc, something that I can't allow to happen, "Hibiki, Kanade, stay still. I'll handle this," I said before put my Gamer Driver on my waist and press the gashat.

[MIGHTY ACTION X!]

As always, the dark purple energy spread to surrounding with a hologram image behind me after I activated the gashat. Then, I swung the gashat to the side, like a swordsman slashing his sword to the side before I said the magic word, "Henshin!" I then insert the gashat into the driver.

[GASHAT!]

[Let's Game! Metcha Game! Mutcha Game! What's your name? I'm a Kamen Rider!]

As the images of characters hover and rotate around me, I choose the image of Genm before it came toward me as a purple light engulfs me. Then, I transform into a chubby white armored form with an oversized head (helmet) without a neck. Of course, my form surprised both Hibiki and Kanade as they haven't seen it before.

"S-Shira?" Hibiki said, "What's with that form!?"

"I can only safely save that man in this form," I said to her. As much as I don't like this form due its impractical appearance, I must use it or I'll hurt both the Bugster and the victim. I summoned my Bugvisor and readied myself for a fight.

Speaking of which, where does my Gasachon Bugvisor go when not in use? Last time I used it was when I had it with me physically before I knew I could transform, but now I only see it after I summon it. I once tried to call it without transforming and it suddenly appeared already in my hands. I found it kind of complicated.

"Let's end this fast," I said before shooting the Bugtser. For it having a giant body, it sure moves pretty fast. However even with its speed, it isn't enough to go against me. "Come at me you piece of shit!" I taunted and it seemed to take the bait as it charges towards me. With my Bugvisor already switched to chainsaw mode, I timed it perfectly and slashed the leg of the Bugster before sending another slash that sent it up to the sky before exploding. I saw the man falling down so I caught him before he could hit the ground.

"Now, where is that Bugster?" I scanned my surroundings but to no avail. Damn tactical retreat. I took out the gashat and reverted back to my civilian form.

[GASHUN...]

"Shira! Is he okay?" I saw Hibiki call out to me as she and Kanade ran towards me.

"He'll be fine, but we'll need to get him to hospital soon," and with that Bugster still running around, the patient is still in danger. I better search for it after I done with this.

"What the hell was that!?" Kanade asked me, I know she will ask me.

"A Bugster, the sentient form of a game virus," I gave her a short explanation, "I myself don't really know much about them, except the way to deal with them. For now we better get this guy an ambulance.

I then called for an ambulance while also secretly giving the code "game virus" indirectly on my call. After a while, an ambulance came and takes the man to hospital while we continued driving off to headquarters.


(Later, on 2nd Division Headquarters)

After we're arrived at headquarters, Sakurai gave Hibiki the results on her medical examination, where there were no notable abnormalities except for the shocks after her first transformation which I was relieved for. Hibiki then asked Sakurai about her powers which I was also curious about.

Genjuro nodded to Tsubasa as she took out something. He then told us that Tsubasa is the bearer of the first Relic, Ame no Habakiri, which from my studies from school was the legendary sword from the legendary story of Susanoo which was used to kill Orochi.

"What's a Relic?"I asked.

"Relics are ancients artifacts documented in legends from all around the world," Sakurai explained, "They were created in ancients times, yet are beyond our current technology. Relics can be found in ruins, but the ravages of time have stripped them of their incredible power. It's extremely rare to find one with any power left," So that must mean that even if you found one from the ruins, they're pretty much worth nothing in terms of power and usage.

"Ama no Habakiri is actually a small fragment of a blade," Genjuro explained.

"The key to amplifying the few flickers of power it still bears are waves of particular amplitude," Sakurai explained. Now that's the type of science that I've never heard about.

"Waves of particular amplitude?" Hibiki asked.

"Are you talking about compatibility?" I said from what I managed to come up with.

Genjuro nodded,"Yes, or in this case, song."

"Song?" Hibiki muttered.

"Yes, song. The Relics are activated through the power of song," I see. So that explains why Hibiki and Tsubasa were singing while fighting. Wait, doesn't that mean that they make their weakness obvious?

"That's right! The song welled up inside of me!"Now then you realize it Hibiki? I can't get why she wasn't suspicious when she suddenly started singing when she transformed.

"The Relics, activated by the song and pulse with energy will generate the anti-Noise armor, the Symphogear which is what you and Tsubasa wear," Sakura explained. Wow, the name already explains the basic work of the Relic mechanism itself. Hm... Should I calling my armor the Gamegear since it uses games as its main source of power? I think not and somehow I felt like that name was already used.

"But the Relics just don't turn on as soon as someone hums a tune!" Tsubasa pointed out suddenly, making me and everyone turn to her. Oi-oi, I don't think Hibiki is humming a tune... or is she? If it is, why can she transform then? But before I could even give it any more thought, Genjuro got up and continued his explanation.

"The few whose song could acivate the Relics and manifest a Symphogear are the 'Attuned'. Tsubasa is one and Hibiki as well, Kande was one."

Me and Hibiki looked to Kanade, "Was?"

"I'm not an Attuned anymore," Kanade clarified.

"Hm... does this have to do with that stupid self-sacrifice thing you tried back then in the concert to save us all?" I asked.

"Again, way to be blunt."

"I already said it before, right? I don't like someone that thinks self-sacrifice as the only option," I told her.

"Anyway, to put it simple I was trying to do something called the Swan Song," Kanade explained, "Basically, it's a song sung by a Symphogear user in order to release the full power of the armor. However, it would damage the user depending on their compatibility with the Relic. In my case, I would have died that day."

"But, you're still alive," Hibiki pointed out.

"I stopped her before she could finish the song," I said.

"Yes, he did but what I did was enough to destroy my Symphogear," Kanade explained.

"So that's why you retired?" Hibiki asked, while Kanade answered her by nodding

Sakurai then took our attention by bringing out Hibiki's X-Rays on the monitor. What was laid out was a scan of Hibiki's skeleton but there was also something extra included as well. She explained that those were fragments of Kanade's Relic, Gungnir. It seemed that Kanade thought that what she did before had completely cost her Relic but instead turned out to be transferred to Hibiki. She began to ask Hibiki about what she will do with it. But Hibki answered with a simple "I don't know."

"Take your time," I said which made her turn to me, "There will be always a reason when something happens, including what happened to you now. All you need to do is find that reason and then you could figure out what to do next."

I then spotted Tsubasa trying to regain her balance, as if she was unhealthy for some reason. Kanade came to her to comfort her before she excuses herself out of the room and says that she just needs some fresh air as she left the room, but I could tell she wouldn't wander too far as she's still wanted to listen to what we're discussing.

"Now, I believe it's time for you to tell your story," Genjuro said to me, turning everyone's eyes towards me. It can't be helped.

"Before I tell you, I wouldn't be able to explain everthing so forgive me if there's a question that I can't answer," I said while getting multiple nods in response, "Then, to put it simply, I'm not from this world."

Everyone became silent as I expected.

"I-I'm sorry, what did you just say?" Genjuro asked.

"I said, I'm not from this world," I repeated. It's not that I don't like hiding the truth, but keeping it to myself will just get me into more trouble in the future.

"Does that mean you're an alien!?" Hibiki asked. Oi, do I look like some grey-skin humanoid with big black eyes or some ten feet black creature with a teethed tongue!?

"Ugh... No. How can I explain it," I think for a while, "It's like another dimension, somewhere, I come from a planet called Earth."

"Earth? You mean, like ours?" Genjuro asked.

"Exactly," I said, "Except there's no Noise threat there. However, there are still problems even without the threat of the Noise.

"Say... if we believe with your story," Sakurai said, "How in the world did you come to this place?"

"Ugh... that's the difficult part," I said, "You see, I was just having a calm night walk but suddenly everything became blank. I tried to find out how I ended up here, but nothing came to mind as I thought about it," I said while keeping hidden the fact that I got hit by truck and just got sent here.

"Okay then, could you care to explain about those things you use to transform?" Sakurai pointed over to my Game Driver and Rider Gashat as I took it out for her question, "We, even government have not found a way besides the Symphogears to hurt or even kill the Noise. How do you do it?"

"Hm... for short, this thing," I raise up the Gamer Driver, "is called a Gamer Driver, and this is a Rider Gashat," I raise up the Rider Gashat, "Both of these allow me to turn into Kamen Rider Genm," I explained.

"What's a Kamen Rider?" Genjuro asked.

"To put it simply, a Kamen Rider is someone who protects people, their hopes, smiles and freedom from any kind of threat," I said, even though some Kamen Rider I know use their power for their own selfish needs. My answer however, brought a few smiles to everyone's faces. Now I feel guilty for not telling them everything in detail.

She then continues, "How does one make this Driver?" It would be really helpful for everyone—"

"Ah stop there," I interrupted her, "First off, I don't know how to make it, but I know who can, however for personal reasons I can't tell you right now," I stated, "Secondly, not everyone can use it."

"Wait, you mean only some people are able to use it?" Genjuro asked.

"Yes. To tell the truth, it almost like Symphogears as only the 'attuned' ones can use it, only ones that undergo a special surgery would be able to use the Gamer Driver and Rider Gashat."

"Surgery?" Kanade said, "What kind of surgery?"

"Believe me, you wouldn't want to know," I said. Actually, it's just normal surgery but also involves injecting something into the person which I rather not say to them.

"So you also had that surgery?"

"No. Up till now I've never had any surgery as I've always been healthy for some reason," Which I also wanted to know why, "At worst it would just be the common cold or fever but never something which requires surgery."

"Then how you can use it?"

"That's... I don't know either."

*ALARM!*

Suddenly, the alarm went off and we rushed out from the room and towards the command room, where Tsubasa was already present.

"What's the situation!?" Genjuro asked.

"We have a Noise confirmation!" one of technicians said.

"Tell the 1st Division that we'll handle it!" Genjuro ordered.

"We have visual, putting it on screen," then an image appeared on screen, "Target is 200 meters from campus."

"That's not too far from here," I pointed.

"I'll take them on!" Tsubasa declared before running off.'

I saw Hibiki wanting to do the same, but I stopped her by grabbed her hand, "And where the heck are you going?"

"My powers can help people right?" Hibiki asked, "Only a Symphogear user or a Kamen Rider can fight the Noise, right? Then you and I have to go and help—"

*SLAP!*

A hard slap echoed through the command room as I slapped Hibiki's face. I brought her face closer to me, "We maybe have the power, but don't forget that you've only got it recently. Let me ask you, do you have any experience in any sort of combat other than the Noise where life is on the line?" I asked her, where she only shook her head while I held her face. Sorry if I caused any pain. "And here you try to do something, without thinking that you had nothing in the first place! Even with your power, you should know as a person that jumping into the face of danger is stupid without preparation!"

"But we can't just let this happen!" Hibiki shouts back at me before managing to somehow escape from my grip. She then turned towards Kanade before running off, "I won't let your gift be wasted!"

"Damn that girl...!"

"Tsubasa... Hibiki..." Kanade muttered.

"She's knows of the dangers and yet she still wants to help. She's kind hearted girl, isn't she?" One of technicians said.

"Sadly, people like her are the ones whom get killed first if no one looks after them," I stated, honestly. I have seen a lot of people like Hibiki, people who want to help without thinking about the risks. They end up hurting themselves badly or dying for some stupid reason, "Which is why it's up to me to look after her or she'll end up lying on her death bed," I said before running after Hibiki.


(Nighttime, on Noise location) (3rd POV)

Tsubasa had arrived at the location, facing a small army of Noise. Then, right before her eyes, all Noises started to merge together before letting out a violent roar once the merger was complete. However, Tsubasa didn't flinch too much, having dealt with Noise before, regardless of size or power, she wasn't afraid as she sang to activate her Relic.

"Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron..."

In the flash of light, Tsubasa was already donned in her anti-Noise armor, causing the color of the Noise change.

(Play song: Zetto-Ame no Habakiri)

The Noise attack Tsubasa by lauching disks, but she easily evades them by jumping. Then she begins the counterattack by cutting and destroying the disk with her ankle blades once she landed. Next, she prepared to face the Noise that roared as she enlarged her sword to use Azura Flash, however something unexpected happens—

Hibiki, donned in her own anti-Noise armor came down and kicks the Noise to the side, stunning it.

"Tsubasa!"

Gaining her sense from stupor, she passed Hibiki by jumping and unleashed her attack.

[Azure Flash]

Her attacks slice straight through the Noise like it was nothing. Hibiki smiled in amazement, not noticing that she was about to fall from the damaged road.

[Mighty Jump! Mighty Kick! Migh~ty Acti~on X!]

However, before she fell, Shira now as Genm appeared and grabbed her back up

"Liitle Girl, trouble always follows you wherever you go doesn't it?" I said.


(Song End) (Back to Shira's POV)

I lifted her back onto the road as Tsubasa was busy staring at the burning remains of the Noise.

"You're so reckless," I said as I flick her forehead, getting an 'ow!' from Hibiki, "I recommend you think before you act next time."

"I'm sorry," Hibiki apologized while still touching her forehead, "but if we're gonna protect the people, then we need to start fighting together," Just as when she finished her sentence, I saw Tsubasa turn towards us.

"You're right, we should start fighting."

Suddenly my instinct started ringing like crazy. I instinctively put myself in front of Hibiki as I used my hand to stop a sword from going straight for her.

"What the hell are you doing!?" I yelled as my nerve suddenly increased.

She didn't answer me as she just kicked me, making me stumble back. Looking up, I saw her ready for another attack.

"..." then something snapped inside me.


(2nd Division Headquarters) (3rd POV)

"What is that idiot think she's doing?!" Kanade said as she and everyone in the room watched in horror as Tsubasa was fighting against Hibiki and Genm.

Genjuro was about to leave when he saw Kanade about to run past him, so he quickly grabbed her hand.

"Wait! Kanade, where are you going?"

"Someone has to stop that idiot before she does something really stupid," Kanade said.

"But you don't have Gungnir anymore!" Genjuro protested.

However, Kanade manages to escape from Genjuro's grasp and turns to him, "If I don't do this... I won't be able to face Tsubasa," with that, Kanade ran for the elevator.


(Back to location) (Shira's POV)

Shit just got real as I evade Tsubasa's energy slash before dodging another attack from the swing of her sword.

"Stop this shit! What do you think you're doing?!" I asked.

She then pointed her sword towards Hibiki, " I'll never accept hat girl as Kanade's replacement!"

"She tried to protect her you idiot!" I defended.

"You have no right to say that!"Has she gone insane!? What the hell is with her!? I blocked her overhead slash with my hands crossed and thanks to my body's sturdy enough armor, it was able to block it but not for long as I started to feel the pain such through my arms. "Especially you, Kamen Rider! You say that you protect the people, but all you do is cause pain to them!"

"The hell are you talking about!?"

Tsubasa's ankle blade opened and she uses them to slash my chest, making me fly back as some of my rider gauge started depleting. I got back up only to see Tsubasa already in front of me! Damn she's faster than I thought!

"It's because of you..." She slashed my chest, "...that Kanade can't sing anymore!" she slashed my chest again, "She can't sing anymore," another one, "She can't fight anymore," and another one, "And she can't be my partner anymore!" She then used her ankle blades again and slashed me multiple times before it sent me flying, "You've stripped her of a lot of things. I don't know what actually happen before, but all I know is that if you were there to save her on time, then none of this would have happened! What do you have to say for yourself!?"

*SNAP!*

I was lying on the ground when Tsubasa had finished her little speech. After giving it some thought, I made the conclusion—

That was dumbest thing I had ever heard.

And most of all, her behavior... made me sick to hell!

*SNAP!*

Okay, that's the third snap. Prepare yourself Tsubasa, because I'm not gonna take any responsibility for what I'm about to do.

Hibiki was about to come towards us when I saw Kanade run over to where we were.

Perfect…

I suddenly sprung out from ground and instantly disarmed Tsubasa. But before she could even retaliate, I quickly pinned her to the ground with her hands held on her back by my left hand and her head pinned to the floor by my right while she lay down defenseless.

"Shira!?" Hibiki said in shock.

"Hibiki... stay… away…from…this," I ordered her. She does as she was told as she got a little scared from hearing my tone change so suddenly. I looked down at Tsubasa who was struggling to get up.

"Is that all?" I mocked, "Is that all you can say? Crying over something so stupid like she not being able sing anymore, she can't fight anymore and can't be your partner anymore! I saved her and yet you still bitch about such trivial things when you should grateful that your friend lived through that day!"

"You don't know the pain I felt!" she said, still struggling.

"Pain eh... I see," I summoned my Bugvisor's beamgun mode, "You talk about pain, right? Well, how about I show what the REAL PAIN IS TO LOSE SOMEONE YOU CARE ABOUT!"

I lifted her up before kicking her to the side. Then, I do something they wouldn't have expected—

I aimed my Bugvisor towards Kanade.

"Eh?" Kanade thought before she tried to run for cover from the barrage of shots fired at her.

"Shira, stop!" I hear Hibiki trying to stop me, but I ignored her pleas and just kept shooting Kanade while moving closer and closer to her.

"STOP!" I saw Tsubasa lunge at me; trying to stop me. But with my other hand, I parried her sword slash before sending her rolling on the ground as I continue to attack Kanade.

Tsubasa tries to stop me time and time again but to not avail as I parried all her of attacks, sending her rolling again and again. As for Kanade, at first she thought that I became crazy but I can see that she realizes my intention and just went along with it. Now that that all pieces are set, it should happen in three…two…one…

"Stop... please stop," Tsubasa begged whom was battered from my repeated beatings, "Please stop! I beg of you, please stop! You will kill her!" even battered, she still tried to stop me with her remaining strength.

I instead ignored her pleas and just kept attacking Kanade. Tsubasa watched totally useless as he friend was about to meet her death.

"Sorry" I muttered as I aimed at Kanade at point blank range. I don't like to do this, but I need to teach this crybaby a lesson, a harsh lesson.

I walked towards Kanade, who was still holding her left right in pain. Now, I was very close to her. I relaxed my fingers and my hands first before I aimed toward Kanade. With this range, I can actually kill Kanade instantly if I wanted. As I aimed, I saw Tsubasa eyes widened and she immediately rushed to us. Then she stood between me and Kanade.

"Please stop, I beg you," Tsubasa pleaded, "Stop it... I've felt enough. This pain... please, I don't want to feel it again! It's hurts more than before! Please... just stop," and she still pleaded as I slowly readied my shot, "I admit... I was wrong. I was stupid, becoming such a crybaby, trying to turn myself into a sword just to make myself stronger, but in truth I just trying to run away from reality!" she admitted, "Kanade lost her singing voice and can't fight alongside with me, but I'm truly glad that she's still alive! I'm such a selfish person to hope that everything will go forever like I though. So, please stop..."

I think I had just about enough of this. I prepared to shoot as I saw Tsubasa panic and went to hug Kanade to protect her blocking my aim. But I released my shot regardless—

*PEW!*


(Switch to 3rd POV)

Tsubasa was hugging Kanade to protect her from being shot by Shira. As she heard a sound of the bullet being shot out, she braced herself as she closed her eyes for the incoming demise.

5 seconds... 10 seconds... 15 seconds passed. She expected to open her eyes to see the gates of heaven before her, but she instead sees Kanade before her with a smile on her face.

"Don't worry, it's done" she softly replies. Then she took a glance at Kanade's body to see if there were any wounds. Except the graze on her left leg, she wasn't found anything being hit in Kanade body. Next, she checks herself and except for the bruise from before, nothing was found on her as well. She could hear something sizzling beside her and when she turned to see what it was, she was shocked.

A two perfectly burned spots marked on the ground, as if something like a bullet hit it and left those beside her and Kanade.

Looking at this, Tsubasa can't help to begin to break down crying from she was just experienced. Kanade wrapped her arms around the crying bluenette to comfort her. Shira quietly walked away not wanting to ruin the moment. He saw Hibiki walk up towards him angrily. Hibiki then slapped him square on the cheek or rather his helmet's cheek.

"You deserved that."

"I know," Shira laughed. Yes, for the extreme stunt he did, Hibiki nearly got a heart attack. He then look at his rider gauge and glad it wasn't left too low, "I better prepare myself too, those two over there may come for me later."

Kanade with the help of Tsubasa, walked over to them. I wasn't sure what's to come but knew that I had to face them.

"Shira... I'm sorry for what I said before," Tsubasa apologizes already learning from her mistake.

"Well... I'm also sorry for taking such drastic measures," Shira apologizes back.

"Well... about that," Kanade gestured him to come closer. Shira didn't knowshe meant but decided to go along with it but once he got in—

Shira felt the force of Kanade's fist swing right at his face though he wasn't the one feeling the pain.

"Ouch..." Kanade muttered as she felt like she just punched titanium. Shira's helmet was quite resistant.

"Oh sorry," Shira closed the lever and took out the gashat reverting him back to his civilian form.

[GASHUN...]

"Okay, you can do it now—

But before he could even the finish, he found himself lying on the ground with a huge bruise plastered on his left cheek. The punch from Kanade was brutal, he was about to lose consciousness.

"I deserved that didn't I…" He muttered before actually passing out.

"Um... did I hit him too hard?" Kanade jokingly asked.

"You should know that your fist is unbearable Kanade," Tsubasa said reminiscing about their past.

"Oi-Oi, don't bring up my dark past just like that!" Kanade said while pouting.

"Hahaha! It can't be helped," Tsubasa laughed.

Seeing her best friend finally smile brightly after becoming a cold heartless person for so long, Kanade can't help but laugh along in that bright atmosphere. Hibiki also smiled, seeing that everything was over and no one got hurt...actually, there is one casualty…

"Should I wake up now or pretend to faint a little longer?" Shira thought will still on ground, finally awake but kept up the act. Also, he noticed that it started to rain as well, "Shit..." was the last thing he muttered before people from the 2nd division arrived.


(Meanwhile, somewhere else)

[BANG BANG CRITICAL FINISH!]

"GYAAAAAGH!" screamed the Bugster as it was exploded.

"Mission complete," said Kamen Rider Snipe as he finished defeating the Bugster that came from a recent patient that got diagnosed with the Bugster Virus. Though the way he knew about the patient was strange. There was a phone call at the hospital which the caller somehow knew about the Bugster Virus as he asked for his call to be forwarded to CR. As a result, he was dispatched to take out that Bugster.

"But how does that caller know about the Bugster virus? Only people from CR and government should know about the virus. Hm?" Snipe notices the remains of the virus wasn't destroyed but started flying somewhere in a pack as if it was being absorbed. He followed the trail of remains through his eyes leading him to the source who was standing before him.

"Who are you!?" he demands as he points his Gasachon Magnum at the mysterious figure who was standing not too far away from him. He was donned in a blood-red colored Genm Zombie Gamer form and was holding the Bugvisor as it absorbed the remains of the Bugster. After he was done, he attaches it back on to his belt.

"I'm gonna ask one more time before I shoot, who are you!?" Snipe demanded once more raising his voice. From what the person's looks, he was obviously a Kamen Rider like him though he has heard that he was the only rider candidate currently and that there's no other rider besides him and the black rider.

"... I'm... Kamen Rider Gore," he introduces himself, "I don't have any business with you."

"But I do," he said shooting him which hit Gore even though he could have dodged it easily. However, Gore's body only tilted a little to the side before standing back straight up like nothing happened, "How can you—"

"..." he jumps off and disappears before Snipe could finish.

"Dammit," Snipe cursed, "First that black rider and now him, what the hell is happening here!? Forget it, I better ask Dan Kuroto later," He then leaves to go report the success of the operation.


(2nd Division Headquarters) (Shira's POV)

As we headed back to headquarters, I pretended to just wake up from my punch coma I got from Kanade. As I expected after being comforted a little, Tsubasa got a long lecture for her actions by Genjuro. He did thank me for what I've done even though it was pretty harsh as I did hurt Kanade a little. Though I hated doing it, what's done is done. So to make up for it, I helped Kanade by bandaging her leg that got grazed by my shot while she dried herself with a towel.

"Thank you Shira," Kanade said.

"It's nothing."

"No, not about the bandage but about Tsubasa," she cleared up. "For breaking her out from her shell. I was just on my way to teach her a lesson then but you did it for me."

"... I have my own reasons," This caught Kanade attention.

"Reasons?" she asked.

"How can I explain it…" I said while finishing her bandage, "When I see her like that, it's... it's just feels like I'm seeing myself."

"What's that mean?"

"Hah..." I sighed, "Forget it," I stood up after bandaging Kanade's leg as I saw Tsubasa walking towards me.

"Is there something I can help you with?" I asked.

"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for how I acted back there," she apologized with a sign of regret on her face. "From now on, I hope we can work together."

I see her eyes. I can tell she wasn't like herself before and probably would turn into her own true self.

"Apology accepted and of course we can, as long you don't become like that again," I answer her, "Hm... just as I thought of it, you look more beautiful like this."

"B-B-B-Beautiful!?" Tsubasa stuttered and blushed after I said it. Wait... why the hell did I say that?!

"Oh my, if I didn't know better, I would say that you were trying to woo Tsubasa here," Sakurai said.

"Dammit, please don't make it worst..." I said while looking away.

"Language!" Sakurai warned before chuckling. Damn this woman loves to tease.

I decided to ignore her along with the talk between Kanade and Tsubasa not wanting to know about it. Remembering that Hibiki was here as well, I went over to talk to her instead, "Well, aside from what I was doing, are you ok? After all of this?"

"It's a lot to take in," Hibiki said. I know how her feels about this, "But if this power can be used to save people, then I'll do what I can do to help!"

"Well, that's the spirit!" I said before saying something important for her, "Anyway, I checked my phone and Miku has messaged me to tell you about some essay or something."

"Yikes! I totally forgot about it!" she said before leaving in a hurry.

"Same old Hibiki," I also take my leave. There was a certain person I was wanting to meet, "I hope Kuroto is still there."


(Later, on CEO room of GENM Corp) (Shira's POV)

"I see that you have arrived," he said to me as I walked into his room, "Now, can you tell me about what actually happened to that Bugster, Graphite."

I began to explain what I know and saw that day. I told him about how I saved Graphite even though it wasn't necessary, before he was killed by some unknown rider. This caught Kuroto's attention.

"A mysterious rider eh?" he said as he nodded, "From what I know other than you, there's two more people who became candidates for the rider project," I see, I already meet one and I need to know who is the other, "And you said something about that rider's gashat that looks strange, is it?"

"Yes, I don't know why but I've got feeling that it was similar to the white gashat you showed me before," I said to him.

"Similar? It isn't even complete yet," he said.

"Just feeling. I'm not sure myself," I tell him what is on my mind, "Anyway, since there're two riders, can you told me about what you're planning with government?"

"I have planned to join hand with government to exterminate the Bugster as I think you're not enough," he said but I know he's lying, "There's two, three including you who become Kamen Rider and I have two more Gamer Driver to be used for other candidate later," he said making it obvious to Shira that Kuroto was hiding something.

"Quit hiding and tell me what went wrong."

"One of the Gamer Drivers was stolen by someone, who also threatened me to reveal the Bugster problem to public, destroying my entire attempt with the government to keep situation under control aside from the Noise problem," he admitted. Well-well, looks like someone or probably Kiriya Kujo just left his trace here, "Now, I know that I don't have rights since you're not exactly work with me, but can you help to deal with this guy?"

"Meaning you want me to keep his mouth shut?" I said as I answered by nod from him, "Sorry, I can't do that. He's not my problem as I've got nothing to do your or even government's problems," Before Kuroto could even respond I just interrupted him, "However, if what he ever gets in my way, I'll deal with him with or without your regard."

"I… I understand," he nodded, "I'll inform you if anything else comes up that I'd need your help for."

"No promises," I said before taking my leave.

"Ah, wait. Here!" he said as he throws something for me catch it in my hands.

It was a magenta colored gashat. This gashat... I know it.

"That's the Mighty Action X gashat, the complete version of the one you currently own," he explains to me, "Take it as a sign of gratitude."

"Well, thanks then," I thanked him before taking my leave.


(Switch to 3rd POV)

Dan Kuroto looked outside of window as he was thought about what Shira said about the mysterious other rider, "There's another rider that both me and Shira don't know. This is serious problem if I don't take care of it."

"Hee... what problem are you talking about?" Parad said, suddenly appearing in the room out of nowhere.

"Parad," Kuroto looks at him, "Do you know about this unknown new player?"

"I don't," Parad said, "But from what I said, he's a piece of the puzzle, which will break the puzzle itself."

"Any chance he's on our side?"

"That's makes it more exciting!" He said with smile, "An unknown player, who's unknown whether he is an ally or an enemy. A forbidden move."

"Let's hope whoever the rider is, he wouldn't become hindrance for our plan."

Meanwhile, not far from the GENM Corp building, the man in question was looking towards the window at Kuroto and Parad.

"The piece is moving..."he mutters before disappearing.


Okay, that's all for this chapter and finally the clue about the OC riders I insert! You probably wonder who's one inside that Kamen Rider Gore suit, right? Well... guess by yourself as the story will give you some clue about it.

Anyway, about the beta-reader thing. I felt bad that my beta-reader help me alone because I don't have any other beta-reader, so I open up again for anyone who can become my beta-reader with this requirement: Have a good grammar skill.

Thanks for all my readers that was reading my story. See you again in next chapter! Asharoth out!