Hello Fanfiction readers! Ashbel Longheart here once again to bring you another chapter of Faiz Haru's adventures with the Singing Valkyries. Didn't think I'd be back so fast, did you? Last time, I was a bit rusty, but I'm confident about this one…kind of. Cue disclaimer!
(Disclaimer: I do not own Senki Zesshou Symphogear or Kamen Rider Faiz. I also don't own any songs that appear here.They all belong to their respective owners. I just own this story and my OC's. Please enjoy.)
Now readers, as always, Open Your Eyes For The Next Faiz and let's ride!
Song 9: Reaching out
(Last Time)
"Your fists ought to fly like hammers smashing the thunder of the bolt that struck you."
"You have to accept me without a shred of doubt. Otherwise, I'd have to hate you."
"Miss Finé, if you have the time, I would like to discuss some…business."
"You must be Defense Minister, Mr. Hiroki."
"Sorry, but I'm gonna need you to hand over that briefcase.
"Defense Minister Hiroki has just been assassinated!"
"This is a chip pertaining to the Durandal sword hidden beneath the base."
"So, that's Durandal?"
"Hibiki! Yamero!"
"Kanade! Where are you going!?"
"I'm going to help!"
STANDING BY
"I may not be able to sing anymore…But, I will fight to the bidder end!"
COMPLETE
"I think Kanade may have Orphnoch blood in her."
(Now)
In the unknown location that is Finé's mansion was now facing the morning. By the lake stood Chris, the Staff of Solomon in her hands as she thought back to her earlier battles.
'Finé said that a huge amount of phonic gain is required for the activation of completed Relics. I spent half a year just to use the Staff of Solomon yet that girl was able to use Durandal instantly. Not only that, but she made a crazy display of her power.
"That monster!" Chris said before looking at the Staff of Solomon in her hand. "Finé even detained me. Why is she so obsessed with that girl?" It was then she thought back to her past which was filled with nothing, but pain and horror.
As the sun rose over the mountains, Chris heard someone approaching and saw Finé dressed in black.
"I know." Chris said. "I know what you're expecting of me. I can do what you want without using stuff like this!" She then threw the Relic which Finé easily caught with one hand. "I'll prove to you that I'm better than her. I'll crush everyone who stands in my way with my own two hands! And no stupid masked Riders are going to stop me!"
(Insert PSI-missing by Kawada Mami)
(Instrumental)We first see a blurry screen before it clears up a bit to reveal the face of Faiz. The screen becomes blurry again before Faiz's face is replaced with the face of Haru. After that, the title appears as the song begins.
(Koko ni ikiru sono wake mo)Getting off a train, we see Haru getting off and walking away to who knows where.
(Kono basho de deau subete mo)We then see Hibiki hanging out with Miku before she receives a phone call. Going to pick it up, she notices Haru passing by and just watches where Haru was going.
(Tatoe chigau sekai demo)We see Haru again walking past Tsubasa. Tsubasa seems to notice Haru as she stopped walking and stared back at him.
(Doko ni ite mo kono omoi ha yuruganai)Haru once again walks to who knows where. We then see Chris at a vending machine, getting a drink before noticing Haru walking by. Haru then walks by a hooded teen who looked towards Haru's direction.
(Mune wo CHIKURI to sasu itami)We then find ourselves within the Second Division Base. We then see Genjuro looking up at the surveillance camera before looking towards us.
(Sore wo warau shiawase na mono tachi he)Sakurai, who was looking at something on a clipboard, turned to us and then go see Kanade who smiles in our direction.
(Sei wo mukeyuku)Then suddenly, alarms go off, signaling that Noises are attacking.
(Touzen no kurushimi wo unmei ga sasou) We see both Hibiki and Tsubasa arriving at the scene, activating their Relic before going in to fight. Not far behind, can see Haru coming in, riding on the Auto Vajin.
(Furuedasu ashi ga oboeteru.. kakushin ni)Haru then jumps off the AutoVajin and transforms into Faiz, running to go join the girls when suddenly, Orphnochs appear, stopping him from helping. Refusing to back down, Faiz charges at the Orphnochs, throwing a punch at them.
(Yume dake ja mamorenai)We then suddenly see Chris falling into a black void as Haru tries to reach and save her.
(Tayoranai chikara)We then see Haru on a hill top, overlooking the city as Haru seemed to enjoy the view. Hibiki, Kanade, and Tsubasa then appear out of nowhere and join Haru in looking at the city and Haru didn't seem to mind the new company.
(Ima kono te ga shiru kara mayowanai)We then go back to the fight in the city where we see Hibiki and Tsubasa about to send out their most powerful attack while Haru jumps and Rider Kicks towards the screen, his kicking feet glowing red, before the scene changes to the Faiz Gear lying next to a grave, rain pouring down as the song comes to an end.
(Medical Room)
I simply watched as the results of Kanade's blood test were shown on screen for everyone to see.
"I ran a blood test like you asked and I happen to find traces of a foreign blood flowing through Kanade." Ryoko said.
"Is this foreign blood harming her in anyway?" Genjuro asked.
"No. Quite the opposite actually." Ryoko said. "This blood is strengthening Kanade's cells so it's safe to say that's she's not going to be catching a cold or getting sick anytime soon." She then turned to me. "Haru, is this…"
I nodded. "Yep. No doubt about it. That's the Orphnoch blood." I then turned to Kanade who looked pretty shocked at the moment. "Kanade, think back. What happened when you were in Smart Brain?"
Kanade held her head as she tried to think back.
"I was…I was in a lab, and there were people all around me, scientist." Kanade said. "Some old guy said something and then…pain…and I think I passed out hours later. That's all I can remember."
"I see." Was all I said. "Well, don't worry Kanade."
"Don't worry? How can I not worry!?" Kanade said. "I literally have monster blood inside of me!"
"Don't say monster." I said. "Remember, despite appearances, Orphnoch's were once people. While I don't consider the ones working for Smart Brain people anymore, there are some who are still people on the inside. Just because you have their blood inside of you doesn't make you one of them. Remember that."
Kanade calmed down after that and smiled thankfully at me. "Thanks, Haru."
I simply shrugged. "Knowing you, you'd continue to use the armor to help me and the girls fight anyways so I might as well make sure you don't have any doubts. That aside, there's still a lot about the Gear that you don't know."
"Hey, at least I can use it without dying in the end." Kanade said.
"Yeah, about that…" What I said naturally caught everyone's attention.
"Haru, is there something you're not telling us?" Tsubasa asked, narrowing her eyes at me.
I mentally sighed. Might as well just drop the bomb.
"In a sense, the Gear is still killing Kande."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Hibiki asked.
"While Kanade can use the Kaixa Gear, she's still technically getting kill." I explained. "You see, every time Kanade uses the Kaixa Gear, it burns away some of her Orphnoch Blood. The more you use the Gear, the less Orphnoch Blood Kanade will have and when the Gear knows that she doesn't have enough Orphnoch Blood in her, that's when it'll kill her."
"That can't be." Tsubasa said as everyone looked horrified.
"Afraid not." I said. "You see, there was once a man like you, Kanade. His name was Masato Kusaka." Ugh! Just saying the bastard's name leaves a bad taste in my mouth. "Like you, he had Orphnoch Blood in him and could thus use the Kaixa Gear. However, he wasn't…very kind so to speak and in the end died when he ran out of Orphnoch Blood in him."
Everyone seemed a bit surprised to hear that there was another Kaixa like Kanade. "Kanade, know that to be Kaixa, one is to always walk with death. Do you have the courage to carry the mantle that is Kaixa?"
Everyone said nothing as I waited for Kanade's answer. After moments of silence, Kanade looked up at me with eyes of resolve and determination.
"Haru, even when I was still an Attuned, I've always walked alongside Death. Whether using a Symphogear or Rider Gear, it makes no difference to me. If I have power, I can use it to help. I don't care what form it takes."
I allowed a smirk to appear on my face. "Good to know. Remember to look out on how many times you use the Gear and only use it when you think it's necessary. We don't want a certain someone to cry." Both me and Kanade glanced at Tsubasa who noticed our glances.
"And what's that supposed to mean!?"
"Nothing." Both me and Kanade smirked.
"Anyway, I think it's time you go back and rest, Haru." Genjuro said.
"Haha, yeah, hell no." I said as I took off the hospital gown, leaving me in nothing but my boxers which were white and littered with small Dango pictures from Clannad.
"What are you doing!?" Hibiki asked as she and Tsubasa blushed.
"I'm getting out of here, that's what I'm doing." I said, grabbing my clothes which had been washed. "Do you know how much hospital bills cost? No way am I paying for that."
"Haru, you don't have to-"
"I'm not paying shit!" I interrupted Genjuro as I put on my shirt.
"Those are some nice boxers you have there." Kanade commented.
"Thanks. I take pride in them." I said as I put on my clothes and headed for the door. "Kanade, I'll explain about the Kaixa Gear in full to you later. Right now, I've got to get to sale that's happening in a few hours. See you guys later." And with that, I left.
(Store)
It's just as I thought…the anime on this boxer is not One Piece! How dare they sell this monstrosity!
Focus, Haru, focus. You're here to get food and new clothes for yourself. Can't spend too much too. Thankfully, I didn't go to the Soup store this time. Now, let's see what they have.
Oh! Korean beef! Haven't had those in a while. I reached for the packaged meet when my hand and another grabbed it at the same time. Looking to see who was grabbing, I was met with…oh you have got to be kidding me.
"You!" Both me and Chris pointed at one another in surprise.
"We have got to stop meeting like this." I said.
"My thoughts exactly." Chris said before she reached for the beef.
"Hold it." I grabbed the packaged uncooked meat before her.
"Hey! Give that to me!" Chris demanded.
"In case you didn't notice, this is the last Korean beef." I said. "Besides, I saw it first so it's mine."
"Says who!?" Chris said, looking like she was about to punch me.
"Says me." I said. "Besides, why would you want this?"
"That's none of your business!" Chris said until…
*Growl~!*
Her stomach growled.
I stared down at her stomach as Chris blushed madly. I then looked up at her and asked with a smirk, "You hungry?" She only blushed harder after I asked that question.
(2nd Division Base, Training Room)
"HAH!"
"YAH!"
Both Kanade and Tsubasa entered the deadlock, pushing their bokkens together as they tried to overwhelm one another. Seeing that they were getting nowhere, they pulled back before attacking again. Kanade was wielding her bokken in a reverse grip while Tsubasa held hers normally. Off to the side, Hibiki watched as the two continued to spar.
"I see those two are going all out." Turning, Hibiki saw Genjuro come in, having just returned from Hiroki's funeral.
"Yeah." Hibiki said as she looked back at the two. "Kanade wanted to get used to wielding the Blaygun so she asked Tsubasa if they could spar. Those two are amazing."
"Yeah, well they've been in this business longer than you have." Genjuro said. "In time, you'll catch up to them, don't worry."
Hibiki smiled at Genjuro's kind words as Kanade and Tsubasa stopped.
"Whew!" Kanade breathed out, wiping away some sweat. "How about a five minute break?"
"Sure." Tsubasa nodded as they went to the stands.
"You two seem to be working hard." Genjuro said, handing them their water bottles.
"Well, it's only natural." Kanade said before taking a sip of her water. "Now that back I'm the battlefield, I need to get my old reflexes back. The training simulators can only do so much for me and yesterday's fight with Delta showed me how much I need to improve."
"Well, don't overexert yourself." Genjuro said. "That includes you too, Tsubasa."
"Right." Tsubasa said as she took one last sip from her water. "Let's finish things up and head back. I don't want Haru to see the mess I made when he gets back."
"It still surprises me how messy you can be." Hibiki said, remembering one time where she went to visit and found the room in complete disarray. "My perception of you was someone who would do everything perfectly."
"You couldn't more far from the truth." Kanade said, laughing. "Anyway, how about joining us, Hibiki."
"Eh? Me?" Hibiki said, pointing to herself.
"Yeah. I've seen what you can do after training with Old Man Genjuro and I'm impressed." Kanade said.
"I'm glad that you think that." Hibiki said, blushing.
"Though, we must know something." Tsubasa said. "Tachibana, why do you fight?"
"Huh?"
"The battle against the Noise isn't a game. And that's especially true now that we have Orphnoch's to deal with." Kanade said, getting serious. "But you probably already knew that, having faced death once."
"I dunno, really." Hibiki admitted. "Helping others is kind of my hobby, so…"
"So? Is that it?" Tsubasa asked.
"Well, y'know how you want the best results in sports or studies; you have to compete with others." Hibiki said. "There's no competition when helping others. I really don't have any talents or things to be proud of, so I want to be useful to others, doing what I can." Hibiki nervously laughed a bit before speaking again, more serious. "The reason why I fight might have been because of that incident."
Everyone raised an eyebrow in confusion as Hibiki explained.
"You know, the show when Kanade and Tsubasa were still Zwei Wing two years ago and where Haru appeared and helped out. Seeing you guys risk your life to protect me, especially when Kanade attempted to burn away her life to save me really amazed me. Many people died that day, but I was allowed to live. And even today, I can eat and laugh. So I want to be of help to others at the very least. Cause I want others to be able to eat and laugh tomorrow like me. That's why I fight."
Kanade and the other smiled at her.
"An optimistic answer, as expected." Tsubasa said. "But that optimism may be suicide."
"Suicide!?"
"Oi, Tsubasa, don't you think that's a wee bit extreme?" Kanade said.
"It's no different than sacrificing yourself for others in order to be free from the pain of old wounds." Tsubasa said. "It might be just a way to punish yourself."
"Did I say something wrong?" Hibiki asked nervously, laughing to hide her nervousness.
"Wrong or not, it's not for any of us to decide." Genjuro said. "Think about it and decide for yourself."
"But no matter how much I think, I'm still so full of questions." Hibiki said. "When I touched Durandal, I immediately lost control of myself. Before I knew it, I was pointing that power at a person and ended up hurting a friend. If only I could use the Armed Gear, it wouldn't have to come to that."
"Knowledge on how to use your power means you've become a warrior." Tsubasa said, confusing Hibiki. "And that's all. It distances you from life. Are you determined to do that?"
Hibiki looked conflicted before looking up with determination. "I have things I want to protect. My uneventful, typical day life, I want to cherish those every day. But I'm just thinking, not actually doing anything."
"What do you think of while you fight?" Kanade asked.
"If the Noise or Orphnoch is attacking someone, I want to help them. As quickly, as shortly, as directly as possible!" Hibiki said. "And if the person isn't a Noise or Orphnoch, but a person, I want to make them understand the doubt in my heart over whether or not we really have to fight."
That got everyone to smile again.
"Focus on and express that feeling that's in your heart now as much as you can." Kanade said. "That, my little kouhai, is your Armed Gear."
Hibiki nodded at the advice.
"Now, let's finish training so we can get back and clean up." Tsubasa said.
"Right. Don't want Haru to see how much of a mess you are again." Kanade said teasing until she remembered something. "Oh yeah, that's right. Don't worry, Tsubasa. You don't have to worry about Haru seeing the mess."
"And why is that?" Tsubasa asked.
"Cause he moved out." That one sentence froze Tsubasa like stone.
"…He what?"
"Yeah. Right before we did the 'Personal Highway Plan' he packed all of his stuff, said he finally had enough money to rent himself an apartment, some food, and anything else he might need." Kanade said, secretly laughing at her friend's expression. "Wonder what he's doing right now?"
(Back with Haru)
Me and Chris waited as the rice was cooking in my newly bought rice cooker. We were now at my new apartment. Unlike the last one, this one didn't look like it was about to fall apart at any moment. Plus, the rent was cheap so how could I not take it?
"How much longer do we have to wait?" Chris asked for the fifth time.
"I told you, you can't rush cooking." I said as I slapped on another piece of beef onto the newly bought pan, the uncooked meat sizzling as the smell hit my nose.
*Growl~!*
Chris blushed again when her stomach growled again. Seems I wasn't the only one smelling this. Looking back at the rice cooker, I saw that it was now ready. I placed the pieces of meat that were on the pan onto the plate next to me before turning off the stove. I picked up the plate filled with beef and a smaller plate filled with chopped up veggies and laid it down on the newly bought kotatsu, yes I had enough money to buy me a god damn kotatsu. Being the photographer for someone as famous as Tsubasa really pays you well. I sat down and brought the rice cooker onto the table and opened it, letting the steam out as I handed Chris a small plate and bowl for her.
"Alright, dig in." I said, scooping myself some rice and getting some beef. Chris acted quickly and was soon eating hungrily in a matter of seconds. "Wow. You must have really been hungry. When was the last time you ate?"
"Two days ago." Chris said, looking like she had said it without meaning to.
"Two days? Geez, no wonder you're hungry." I said, taking a bite of rice and beef. "What kind of parents let's their own child food deprived for two days?"
Chris then suddenly stopped eating and glared angrily at me. "I have no parents."
My eyes widen in surprise as I stopped eating. "Oh…I'm sorry."
"Hmph! Save it. I don't want your pity." Chris said as she went back to eating. "What would you know about how I feel?"
I smiled sadly as I grabbed another piece of beef. "You'd be surprised. I lost my family too."
"What!?" Chris looked at me in surprise.
"Died in a car accident. I was away with friends so I wasn't with them." I said, eating a cucumber.
"Oh god, I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay." I stopped her. "We both didn't mean to bring up bad memories. So we're even."
At that point, we both ate in silence. Funny how the mood in the air can change in an instant.
"What were they like?"
"Hm?" I looked up from my bowl and looked at the girl.
"What were your parents like?" Chris asked, looking nervous for asking the question.
I finished chewing and swallowed before thinking back. "Well, my parents weren't what you could call normal. My dad used to be a police officer and my mom used to be in a biker gang."
"Your mom was in a what now?" Chris looked at me like I was crazy.
"Trust me, I not lying." I said. "My mom used to be called the Crimson Queen for how violent and brutal she was back then. But when she met my dad, she was straighten out, fell in love, and got married. Despite her past, she was the kindest mom anyone could have, if you leave out the fact that she could lift just about anything and get's really jealous when a woman tries to get close to dad. Although, dad's the same when men get too close to mom. They were always kind to me and my siblings. I had a twin brother named Natsu and a little sister named Kyoko. I was pretty protective of them. After what happened to them, I slowly started to lose friends and then, I was alone. I really loved my family and a small part of me wished I had been with them during the car accident." We both fell into silence again until I asked, "What about you? What were your parents like?"
Chris seemed reluctant to tell, but she spoke anyway, probably thinking it was unfair that I was the only one to talk about my dead family.
"My parents were good people. I was an only child, but it never bothered me. My parents loved to explore so they would usually travel the world any chance they get. They're more normal than your parents, that's for sure."
"Hey!" I cried out in anger as Chris just smirked and continued.
"Like I said, they loved to travel around the world and since they didn't want to leave me behind, they took me along with them. However, because of their love of traveling, I never got the chance to make any friends. My parents were halfway around the world when they were taken from me and I've been alone ever since."
"Guess we have a lot in common, you and I." I said.
"Yeah, I guess we do." Chris said as we continued to eat, but the mood was now much happier than it was before and I wasn't complaining. "I lost my parents when I was only 8. You?"
"10." I said. "Better finish eating or else the meat will get cold."
"Crap!" Chris then focused on eating again as I ate in silence.
(After Lunch)
"Thanks for the grub." Chris thanked Haru, standing outside.
"You're welcome." Haru said. "Hopefully next time, you won't be so hungry that I have to feed you."
"What am I? A dog?" Chris asked, angry at being compared to a dog.
"Take care of yourself." Haru said before he closed his door.
Chris stood there for a while before she turned and walked away. She certainly hadn't expected to be treated to the guy that had been getting on her nerves for a while now when she went to go get herself some food. After her failures in trying to kidnap Hibiki, she hadn't been getting food from Finé and couldn't fight on an empty stomach when she went to go face Hibiki. Of course, she was honestly surprised at how much they have in common. She was prepared to snap at him when he brought up her parents only to find out that he had no one to look after him either. Not only that, but the ages of when they lost their parents weren't that far apart, but considering he was older than her, she already figured that he's dealt with parent loss longer than she has. As much as she hates people trying to sympathize with her, she wouldn't wish for anyone's parents to die.
But right now, she's got a mission to accomplish. One she cannot fail. And no one is going to get in her way.
(Back with Haru)
"I can't believe you walked all the way here just so you can have some okonomiyaki." I said, cooking said Japanese pancake as Miku sat at my kotatsu. It was only a couple of hours since Chris had left when I had the unexpected visit from Miku.
"Well, I have a lot on my mind and I thought some food would help clear them." Miku said. "And I kinda miss the Flower's delicious okonomiyaki."
"So you only came to me because I'm the only one who knows how to make them just like how boss used to make them." I summarized as I gave the dish a quick flip.
"Can you say that without making me sound selfish?" Miku said, puffing her cheek cutely in anger.
I chuckled as I cracked an egg into another pan. Since I didn't have a grill, I had to improvise and switched between pans. "I think Hibiki's rubbing off on you. You're starting to sound like her. Speaking of Hibiki, where is she?"
"She said she had something to do so it's just me." Miku said. She hid it well, but I saw the sadness in her eyes as clear as day. Since there weren't any alarms going off signaling a Noise attack, that means Hibiki must be with the girls training.
"You know, boss used to tell me if you think about things while hungry, you'll start to have bad thoughts." I said.
"That…might be it." Miku said. "I don't know anything for sure what Hibiki could be doing. I'm probably just over thinking it. If I just talk to her, then maybe…"
"Why do you hesitate?" I asked as I brought the okonomiyaki on top of the eggs. "Hibiki's your friend. Just go and talk to her. There's nothing stopping you from doing that."
"You're right." Miku nodded. "Thank you, Haru."
"Don't thank me. Just speaking the boss' wise words." I said. "How about I give you a ride after we eat?"
"I appreciate it." Miku said.
Once I finished the okonomiyaki and we ate, we were now on the road as the sun was beginning to set. As I drove, my Phone began to ring so I quickly came to a stop and picked it up.
"Hello?"
-Haru, its Genjuro. Where are you at right now?-
"I'm at a parking lot near a park. Why do you ask?" I asked, trying to talk like I was talking to a friend. Don't want Miku to find out what me and Hibiki do.
-The sensors just picked up the girl with the Nehushtan armor. She's heading your way. We just notified the girls and they're on their way right now.-
My eyes widen surprise and horror. Miku's still with me. "Send them away! I have a friend of Hibiki's with me!"
-You have a civilian with you!? Hurry and evacuate the area!-
"Don't have to tell me twice." I said before ending the call and turning to Miku. "We're taking a shortcut. A…friend of mine needs some help with work."
"Okay." Miku bought the lie and I quickly turned around and took a right. I drove as fast as possible, but not too fast or else Miku might suspect something. I saw a red light up ahead and came to a stop, but when I did, to my right came Kanade riding the Side Basshur. Tsubasa was sitting behind her, arms wrapped around her waist as Hibiki rode in the side car. Fuck my luck.
"Oh! Hibiki!" Miku waved at her friend as the girls looked surprised at us.
"Miku!?" Hibiki said in surprise.
"I've got you!" That voice! Up to the left, we saw the mysterious girl throwing her whip at us. It struck the ground and sent us all flying.
I quickly grabbed Miku as she screamed in surprise and fright. We flew from the Auto Vajin and landed with a thud as my back hit the ground and I rolled for a a few seconds.
I shook my head to get rid of any dizziness and looked at Miku who had a bit of dirt all over her. "Miku, you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Miku said before her eyes widen in horror. "Haru! Behind you!"
I looked behind and saw a car was heading right for us. Again, fuck my luck.
"Was there someone else here!?" Chris said as she looked to see who was here and to say she was surprised was a surprise. She saw a girl she didn't recognize, but she immediately recognized Haru. "Haru!? Why the hell is he here!?" She didn't get think about it for long as she saw a car which had probably been nearby about to crush the two. Without even thinking, she was about to send her whip to stop the car when someone else did it for her.
"Balwisyall nescell Gungnir tron..."
(Insert Kimi to Iu Oto Kanade Tsukiru made)
In one quick burst of orange light, Hibiki appeared right in front of Haru and Miku and stopped the car, punching it away.
"H-Hibiki?" Miku couldn't believe her eyes.
"I'm…I'm sorry." Hibiki said as she took off running. "I'll lead her away! Get Miku out of here!"
"Are you trying to piss me off, you little bitch?" Chris said, already knowing that Hibiki was trying to lead her away from the area. But in the back of her mind, she was glad that Hibiki was leading her away. She didn't want Haru get caught into the crossfire…wait a minute, why did she care!?
'I-It's not like I c-care for him or anything!' Chris thought as she chased after Hibiki.
"Why is Hibiki…" Haru grabbed Miku and handed her to Kanade.
"Get her away from here." Haru said.
Kanade nodded and turned to Miku. "Get on, kid."
"Wait!" Miku turned to Haru. "Haru, just what is going on!? Why was Hibiki…"
"Miku, I promise I'll explain everything. But right now, you need to get to safety." Haru said, placing his hands on her shoulders as a reassuring gesture. "Don't worry about Hibiki. I'll make sure she's safe."
Miku just continued to look at Haru until she was taken away by Kanade.
"Come on. We need to go help Tachibana." Tsubasa said which Haru nodded in agreement.
Back with Hibiki, she landed somewhere in the woods as she turned to Chris who sent her whip to attack, but Hibiki blocked it by crossing her arms in front of her.
"I'm gonna beat you to a pulp, dumb little bitch!" Chris said as she pulled her whip back.
"That isn't my name!" Hibiki said, confusing Chris. "I'm Hibiki Tachibana, 15 years old! My birthday is September 13th, my blood type is O! According to the latest check up, I'm 157 cm tall! I'll tell you my weight if we get to know each other better! My hobby is helping others and I love food and more food! Also, I've never had a boyfriend before!"
"What the hell are you talking about?" Chris said, totally confused.
"Unlike the Noise, you can understand me!" Hibiki said. "I just want to talk to you!"
"This isn't the time or place to be so naïve!" Chris said, striking with her whip, but to her surprise Hibiki dodged it. She attacked again and again, but she dodged all of them. 'Her movements have changed! Is it determination!?'
"Let's talk!" Hibiki said. "We don't have to fight! We're both humans so we should-!"
"Urusai!" Chris screamed, stopping Hibiki as Chris looked pissed off. "Humans can't understand each other! We're not made like that! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you! I fucking hate you for blabbing about stuff you don't know shit about!" Chris took a moment to catch her breath as Hibiki was surprised at Chris' outburst. "I was ordered to kidnap you, but I don't care anymore. I'll beat the shit out of you with my own two hands! There'll be nothing but ashes left when I'm done with you!"
"I won't go down that easily!" Hibiki said.
"Then let's see if you can take this!" Chris said as she gathered energy at her whip and sent the attack at Hibiki. "Drop dead!"
Nirvana Gedon
Hibiki crossed her arms and stopped the attack, but Chris wasn't done yet.
"Have another!" Chris shouted as she sent another ball of energy at Hibiki. The minute the second energy ball struck the first, an explosion enveloped Hibiki. "Because of you, I'll be…" Chris stopped talking when she saw Hibiki, alright and a was gathering energy in her hands, but it exploded, sending her flying. "She's already trying to use her Armed Gear!?"
'This won't work.' Hibiki thought as she got back up and looked at her hands. 'I can't materialize the energy like Tsubasa can.' Hibiki then thought up of a different plan as she gathered energy into her hands. 'I have the energy. If I can't shape it into an Armed Gear, I should just pour all of that energy into my punch!'
"Don't get cocky!" Chris yelled as she sent her whips at Hibiki, but to her surprise, she caught them. "What!?"
'I just have to crush the thunder!' Chris thought as she used the whips to bring Chris over to her as thrusters propelled her towards Chris. 'Fast! Short! Straight! Direct!' Suddenly, Hibiki's gauntlet pulled back like a piston. 'To let you hear my feelings, the scream of my heart!' Letting out a roar, Hibiki punched Chris in the stomach as the piston released, releasing a small shockwave which caused cracks to appear on Chris' armor.
'No way…The Nehushtan armor…' Chris thought as her mask cracked. And then…
*BOOM!*
An explosion took place.
In the distance, Kanade drove as she and Miku saw the explosion.
"Hibiki…" Tears fell from Miku's eyes as extreme worry filled her heart.
"Don't worry about Hibiki." Kanade said as she focused on driving. "That kid's strong."
Back with Hibik and Chris, Hibiki kept singing as her attack has caused an explosion, sending Chris flying and crashing through trees until stopping at a brick wall.
'Damn! That hurt!' Chris thought as she lifted her head towards Hibiki. 'Why is using her power so easy for her? That punch was as strong as a Swan Song!' The Nehushtan armor soon got to work in healing Chris. 'I have to finish this quickly, no matter the cost!'
"Well, well, well. What do we have?" Chris turned and saw both Tsubasa and Haru, both donned in their armor, but she obviously didn't know it was Haru in Faiz's armor. "We came to help Hibiki, but it seems she's got everything under control." He turned to Hibiki and gave her a thumbs up. "Nice job."
Hibiki smiled as she lowered her fist and stopped singing.
(End Song)
I smiled under my helmet, happy and proud of how fast Hibiki has grown in combat before turning to the girl.
"I won't say this twice. Give up." I said.
"Please! We're both humans! We don't have to fight one another." Hibiki said. "If we can just talk-"
"You are really pissing me off!" The girl said as she glared at Hibiki. "Your lies and your naiveté is really pissing me off!"
Acting fast, I got in front of Hibiki and stopped a kick from the girl.
"Get the hell out of my way!"
"In your dreams!" I said as I pushed her back and threw a punch. She blocked it easily and kicked me in the gut, sending me flying. I rolled on the ground before quickly getting back up to see the girl throw a round house kick which I managed to block in time. Grabbing her leg, I swung her around and threw her through a tree. "You can't win! We have you outnumbered three to one!"
The girl got back up as the wound Hibiki had inflicted earlier was slowly closing up. That armor must give her regeneration, good to know. Tsubasa and Hibiki came to my side as got ready in case the girl attacked again. She looked at us one by one, not liking her odds.
"You bastards think you've won just because you outnumber me…I'll show you real power!" Suddenly, the armor on the girl glowed before broke into pieces and sped towards us.
"Cast Off!?" I shouted without thinking as I ducked under a piece of the armor. And then…
"Killiter Ichaival Tron…"
A song I didn't recognize rang out.
"What this song?" Hibiki wondered out loud.
The dust cleared a bit, showing us that the girl was now surrounded in a light that made it hard to knew what she looked like.
"I'll show you the strength of Ichii-Bal!"
(2nd Division Headquarters)
"Ichii-Bal!?" Genjuro said in surprised as everyone was surprised to see Chris wearing the Ichii-Bal Relic.
"We caught an Aufwachen signal!"
"Collation with records confirms its Ichii-Bal!"
ICHII-BAL
"So they even got their hands on lost Relic number two…" Genjuro said.
(Back With Haru)
"She's also like us?" Hibiki asked as we all gazed at the girl's new red and black armored appearance. But my attention was not on the armor, but on the girl's face.
"Chris?" I muttered in surprise. You mean to tell me that the girl was really Chris all along!? Now I feel like Takumi and Kiba when they both found out about each other.
"You made me sing." Chris said in an angry tone that I was all too familiar with. Yep, that's her alright. What the hell is with my luck today? "You made me sing my song! I'll show you guys why I hate singing!"
(Insert Makyuu Ichii-Bal)
The armor on Chris' arms transformed into a pair of crossbow-looking weapons and she fired energy arrows at us. Snapping out of my stupor, we all dodged the arrows as they exploded upon impact on the ground. Dodging these arrows were not easy as they actually had homing capabilities. Suddenly, Chris dashed in front of Hibiki and kicked her, sending her flying as her weapons transformed into a pair of…double tri-barrel gatling guns!? The fuck!?
Billion Maiden
"This is complete bullshit!" I yelled out as I ducked for cover. Looking over my cover, I saw her side armor open up, revealing a rack of 12 missiles on each side before they fired towards us.
Megadeth Party
I'm calling it right now, that girl's armor is combined with a freaking Gundam! Where else is she getting all this artillery!?
I dodged the missiles as best as I could, but the blast and shockwave of when the missiles exploded throwed me off balance. Luckily, I still had enough balance to dodge the rest, but I then saw more missiles headed towards Hibiki. I cursed loudly again and went to go help her, when Tsubasa came in and transformed her sword into the much bigger version and used it as a shield to shield all of us.
"Thanks for the save!" I yelled over the explosions as Chris had yet to stop firing. She must want us really dead.
Finally, after some time, Chris stopped firing and saw the sword.
"A shield?"
"A sword." Tsubasa said from on top.
"You again. Back for round two?" Chris asked.
"Instead of talking, why don't you look behind you?" Tsubasa said as she pointed behind Chris.
Confused, she looked back and was surprised to see 48 micro-missiles coming straight at her. Too surprised, she could only cross her weapons in front of her as the missiles struck, sending her skidding across the ground a good feet.
"Woohoo!" The voice of Kanade shouted in excitement as she soon appeared, donned in the Kaixa armor while on the Side Bassur in Battle Mode. "Did I ever mention how much I love my new bike?"
"You! You're that guy from last time!" Chris said, mistaking Kanade for the other Kiaxa user that appeared when she had help from Mr. J.
"Sorry, wrong guy." Kanade said as she jumped off, the Side Basshur returning to Vehicle Mode. "The name's Kanade Amou, former Gungnir user and now Kamen Rider Kaixa. Nice to meet you."
"Kanade Amou!?" Chris seemed surprised for some reason as Tsubasa reverted her sword back to normal size and dropped down behind her.
"Kanade, let's go!"
"Yeah! Just like old times!" Kanade said as she and Tsubasa engaged Chris.
(Insert Zetto-Ame no Habakiri)
Chris fought back with her gatling guns, shooting at both of them, but the two expertly dodged all the shots. Tsubasa struck first with a quick slash to Chris' head, making her jump back, but that gave Kanade a chance to kick her back. Chris turned around to shoot Kanade, but she was knocked back with a quick punch to her gut, making her skid back as she soon found herself behind Tsubasa, her sword right by her neck.
"Amazing…" Hibiki said, amazed by how quickly both Tsubasa and Kanade were overpowering Chris. And I won't lie; I was a bit impressed myself.
"Why you little-!" Chris went to turn around but found she couldn't.
"And they say the same trick doesn't work twice." Tsubasa said as right at Chris' shadow was a dagger.
Shadow Weaving
"Kanade! Now!"
EXCEED CHARGE
"Way ahead of you!" Kanade said, quipped with the Kaixa Shot as light traveled through her Photon Veins and into the Shot. "Take this!"
At the same time Kanade threw her Grand Impact, Tsubasa jumped as Kanade's punch connected, sending Chris flying, crashing through some trees before she skidded across the ground.
(End Song)
"And that takes care of that." Kanade said, taking off the Kaixa Shot.
"It's time we make up for losing lost Relic number two." Tsubasa said.
We all approached Chris as she was getting back up. She gritted her teeth and glared at all of us before raising her weapons. "Don't get cocky you bitches! I'm far from done!"
We got defensive, about to jump out of the way when suddenly, dropping from the sky were Noise, spiraling down…and hitting Chris' weapons!?
"Nani!?" I said in surprise and confusion. I saw a third one about to hit her and acting fast, I dashed and kicked the Noise before it even got a chance to hit her. "You alright?"
"Wha-!? I don't need your help!"
"Geez, I treated you to lunch and this is how you repay me?" I said, making her confused.
"It seems this mission was just too much for you." A voice I didn't recognize seemed to echo around the forest. "When did you plan to live up to my expectations?"
"Where is that voice coming from?" I wondered out loud.
"Over there!" Tsubasa said, pointing.
Not too far from us was a blond haired woman dressed in black and wielding that staff Chris used back in our earlier fights. Souring above her were more Noise, but they made no attempt to attack her. She must be the one controlling them.
"Finé!" Chris said.
"Finé?" Kanade said. "A woman called 'end?'"
"Even without her, I will extinguish the flames of war!" Chris said to the mysterious woman. "Then the curse on us will be broken and all those drifting about could return to where they belong!"
The woman named Finé just sighed. "I have no use for you anymore."
Chris seemed shell shocked at this. "What!? What the hell do you mean!?"
The woman said nothing as she raised her hand and it glowed, causing the pieces of the Nehushtan armor fell into into little light particles and gathered into her hand. She then turned towards us and raised the staff, commanding the Noise to spin like tops and head straight for us, but we weren't the least bit frightened as I kicked one, Kanade and Hibiki punched two, and Tsubasa took care of the last one with a single slash. During this, the woman jumped and seemed to just vanish.
"Wait! Finé!" Chris shouted before she went after the woman.
"Wait!" I called out, but it fell to deaf ears as Chris was soon gone. "Dammit! Who was that woman?"
"First time we've seen someone like her." Kanade said as she and I canceled our transformations.
"Let's head back to base." Tsubasa suggested as she and Hibiki went back to their civilian forms. "Now that we know the girls face, we can search for records on who she is."
"Her name's Chris Yukine." I said, making everyone look at me.
"Chris Yukine?" Hibiki repeated.
"You know her?" Kanade asked.
"Sort of." I said as I sighed. Looks like I've got some explaining to do.
And done! Now this I feel good about. I was tempted to combine the two episodes, but decided to just leave the rest for next time. Finally, we get to see Chris in her Ichii-Bal Relic armor and Haru finally knows who Chris really is. Not only that, but they had a little bonding time to themselves and Haru finally has a new place to stay at, much to Tsubasa's dismay. Anyway, I'm starting to feel my edge coming back so I hope you all liked today's chapter. This has been Ashbel Longhart, signing out. Until the next ride.