Kamen Rider OOO: Song of Desire

by PanickingNoob94

He saw what it mean to lose someone precious so he reach out for other. She saw what it mean to sacrifire for other so she reach out for other. Two person different world, different power but same goal. When OOO and Fourze defeat the Galaxy King, Hino Eiji will find a chance not only reach out for Ankh but also to Songtressess who for other will sing the song of warrior

10. Chapter 9

Phew! Finally! Ah-hem so here I am with the fitting Author name PanickingNoob94! \(^_^)/ (WILD CHEERS) Thank you! Thank you! You are all too kind!

Narrator: "Hey you still need to paid the hand clapping gallery later."

Ahahahaha...Shut the Hell up! Ah-hem anyway thank you once more, all this time it been a blast with all of your support, everyone who endure my horrible grammar, still is but improving I sincerely hope, my weird writing styles and my crappy plot. But you all supported me and I didn't get profit from this but just seeing your review is really great for me already. With that I decided to pick another Author name that make me feel more comfortable yet describe perfectly who I am, trust me that's help a lot, as well as get past some of my quirks, that sadly didn't involve me break down giant robots with a trade off being a broken finger, I decided with starting from this chapters I will make the most major changes in my writing. Everyone been asked for it, I stubbornly declined it since it still trouble me but now with some practice, something that should be so easy it is basic to someone who just pick up a pen or a computer to write. I hereby declare the first chapter where I officially start writing like a normal human! WOOHOO!

SILENT~ Ah crap hah hey! Give them another $15!

(WILD CHEERS!) Seriously I will go broke soon, ah-hem beside that for me own amusement I also integrating soundtrack into my stories. I decided to follow the simple way of posting first before each chapter the soundtrack I will use so the readers have easier time to prepare like I will do for this chapter. Hopefully my clumsy attempt of liven up the clumsy chapter if can't improve your mood it can still draw a laugh out of you due to the attempt (^_^;) Once more all this time thank you very much for all your support, readers and reviewers along with fellow writers who support me. If not I don't think I have the will to keep going I mean do you think my author name is just for show? NOW CHAPTER START! (WILD CHEERS!) WHAT DO YOU MEAN IT $30 NOW!? (0_0;)

Soundtrack: OOO OST 1-7, 8-13, 32-38. Hidamari no Kageri Naku. Yuku Kaze ni, Omoi Hasete. Yami no Oku, Apocalypse Now.

PS: I re-upload this chapter mainly due to some more detail want to stress out a bit, otherwise pretty much the same. Truly still have so many damn much to learn this writer (TT_TT).

Chapter 8: Golden Sword! Preparation! And Clashes!

Disclaimer: Kamen Rider created by Ishinomori Shotaro while Senki Zesshou Symphogear written by Akifumi Kaneko. I gain no profit from this and don't own any of the series or by now there would be a real crossover between them already.

---

The morning come with the peaceful sound of chirping birds, the calm gentle blow of morning winds mix with the warm ray of sunlight conjure a perfect morning to wake up readying for whatever the day has to offer.

"Can't sleep..." Eiji sighed staring up at the ceiling while blinking away ray of sunlight peeking into him from the windows, his arms folded beneath his head.

Of course some didn't have the luxury to experience these gift from nature, not when his mind is obscured with more dire thought. Thanks to that short-no-elaborate-careless-line Ankh dropped at him last night, Eiji has been plague with worry, excitement, and impatience from then till now while slept. At least he tried to close his eyes and waited for the sun to raise, it help to use those lesson of meditate he picked up once a while. While he could have leave right away yesterday night, Ankh has demanded he get one night of sleep, well technically he closed his eyes so the point count, not like the Greeed need to know the detail anyway.

"I feel like it won't end well for those who think Ankh developing compassion." Eiji muttered since he remember the exact words Ankh left behind for concern. He simply doesn't need a dozing off Rider on his side when fighting a stupidly overpower knock-off Greeed, a meat-shield that can't stand straight won't be too useful after all. "Is this what people call a tsundere?...Is it safe if I ask?" Part of his experience and instinct hone in battle seems to point out...no crap it will be a catastrophe, is it weird that actually make Eiji even more curious?

Other reasons Ankh also gave out though is even if Eiji is fine with charging straight to the enemy's stronghold right then and there, what of those like Hibiki? Tsubasa? They probably wouldn't let him went alone, and with Poseidon plus the unknown force not like going alone is a wise choice either, they would need the 2nd Division, along with the Gear Users in case thing go south. So with the conclusion of the usual session of Ankh-beat-Eiji-senselessly-with-logic, the Medal Rider reluctantly agree one more day of rest would be much needed. Not to mention there is one more important reason Ankh need more time and this one is more personal but it still add in to the argument their side need a bit more time to recuperate.

As Eiji open the faucet and brush his teeth, he has a moment to stare at his own reflection in the mirror. It moment of self-observe and the quiet atmosphere like these that make one dwell to their own thoughts easier, and the more Eiji dwell on his the more he tempted to just ignore all the points Ankh has made, almost. Given his nature though it not strange he still effected by what he learn of Yukine Chris the other day.

---

(Flash Back)

Right after she has finished her routine training, Hibiki unceremoniously dropped herself on her back as she sprawled out on the floor inside Genjuro's living room. Despite how flushed up and sweaty she look, Hibiki let out a victorious grin as she do a victory sign.

"Another day of training conquered! Yay me..." She cheered before she flop down her arm tiredly, this make Eiji chuckle in amusement at her antic as he pat her head with a nod.

"Yes that's some top training sections you go through, I am impressed you accomplished them so perfectly. Here for you to refresh yourselves." He said handing her a bottle of Candroid that's already cold.

"Oh? This is...can I really drink this?" Hibiki asked in both bewilderment and interest, something that shared with Genjuro as he eyed the mechanical looking can.

"I heard from Tsubasa this is one of your gadget right? Interesting so the look isn't mere cosmetic but rather they are real refreshment?" He asked as Eiji also handed him one, his is a green one while the one Hibiki got is an yellow one, Eiji himself got a red one as he already peel the seal open letting the sizzling sound pop out then take a gulp instead of answering. "Huh...neat I suppose." Genjuro said still a bit unsure nonetheless he and Hibiki both open and drink their can.

"Uwah! That's hit the spot! I think this is jasmine tea! Lucky!" Hibiki cheer this time with more vigor as the drink did it job.

"Hm...apple flavor...how normal." Genjuro said as if unsure what to think.

"While they act as gadget, Kougami-san really do distributed them out as a drink and people can buy it after all." Eiji said with a shrug. "It honestly amaze me how he even use the Can like this when they mechanical but ever since he give me the Medaljalibur I tend to not question whatever product come from his company." If that isn't a lesson by itself then the Ride Vendor and Birth System would also helpfully remind him how bizarre yet advance the creation of Kougami Foundation is, though to be fair the latter was also thanks to Cell Medals but the fact the company can manufacture it still spoke volume. If only Kougami would paid more attention when hiring someone so they don't happen to be...said an unstable genius who aim to bring the end to all life on Earth, though a part of Eiji got a feeling that might just make Kogami want to hire them even more.

"Now then." Genjuro said setting the can down, his serious tone instantly grab both Eiji and Hibiki's attention. "I at first admittedly hesitate on sharing this info. One is that if possible I thought to give you a chance to back out if you want, Hibiki-kun." He said looking at his apprentice before he snorted. "But that pretty much fly out of the window now, secondly is Eiji-kun to be honest I was still gauging how much I can trust you." He said with no hesitation looking at Eiji. Hibiki looking at them back and forth with a worried look but Eiji simply offered an understanding nod that Genjuro responded in kind as he took out a tabloid typing few keys before turning it to both Eiji and Hibiki.

Even the quiet Ankh turned his attention along with both of them when he saw what Genjuro has show them, on the tabloid show a folder of information with its content titled...

[2nd Division's Documentation of Ichaival Candidate: Yukine Chris.]

1st OP that can be read from Chapter 1-7.

---

Presently after cleaning himself up and change to his daily clothes, one of the few he has that those who see know him would see him switch back and forth, most of them usually is baggy pant with loose t-shirt that has mix of colors splash on it. With the comfortable attire put on, he make his way downstairs and get ready to open the shop with the Boss Lady again, a set of action he already found himself enjoy for his schedule. His experience with various mundane jobs aside it the similar setting to Cous Coussier no doubt that make him feel at peace. It these moment, surrounded with people like Boss Lady that Eiji found himself more at home than he would with his parents, ironically.

Such thought, and the tranquility he found himself in doing the routine actions of open the gate and set up utensils with chairs and tables for the customers, led his mind wandered to subjects Eiji tend to let aside namely the topics of his parents. He held no hatred for them or anything that drastic, but it would also be a lie if Eiji said he has found himself comfortable living under the same roof with them after that event. That the three of them could sit together smiling in joy happily eating breakfast and pass each other kind and warm words. Ignoring the fact his parents, with how busy they are with their jobs, probably have no time for such activities, Eiji know on his end he also wouldn't take much effort to participate in such activities. And then the tranquility he built up for himself seems to crumble slowly, from the thought of his own parents to her.

"I wonder, if he found himself home yet? Would Hibiki-chan be able to reconcile with him if he would? But surely if he himself really wanted it then Hibiki-chan would...ah..." Finding his thought has plague his mind to the point he has to mumble them out Eiji let out a frustrated sigh at himself. A rare sight to the person who manage to see this as she has a worried frown.

"You know Eiji-kun I was going to chastise you for back to work so soon, ignoring whatever excuse you probably already thought up, but now that expression is something I can't ignore." Boss Lady spoke up walking up to him snatching away the broom he holding despite his slight protest.

"Morning Boss Lady, today weather is great again eh?" Eiji's expression betray no sign of worry that was there second ago.

"Next Mahjong matches I bringing you with me." Boss Lady said seemingly impressed but not budging from her position in the conversation. "Now spill, Eiji-kun! What make an young man like you sigh like an old man in a day that has such a great weather?" She asked pointing the broom's handle at Eiji, her eyebrows suddenly rose. "Ah! Don't tell me, another housewife confessed to you? Trying to figure out how to reject her without losing a customer eh?"

"Boss Lady, you know very well that one time the woman just joking! Her husband was sitting right there too!" Eiji protested with a placating smile before he let out a chuckle. "Just thinking about home, that's all. Shouldn't we open the shop soon though Boss Lady? It's almost 8 AM, today is an early day schedule right?" He prompted her with a hopeful tone.

"You not lying, but not being completely truthful either." Boss Lady said with a frown. "If it simply a thought of family there's no reason you would want to gloss over it so quickly." She press on before her stern visage softened. "Eiji-kun, I may not be your family, but to me you are mine." She said truthfully, her tone calm but passionate. "I'm sorry if I am being nosy but you look so...distraught by it I can't help but feel concern." Seeing a surprised look from Eiji the Boss Lady added. "Also it won't do for me if my only employee didn't put his mind into it while working right?" She said with a mirthless smile.

"Thank you, Boss Lady. It helped me a lot to hear it from you, just saying that alone have helped me more than you know." Eiji's smile seems more convincing to the woman this time.

"I see." Boss Lady said resignedly but let out a relief chuckle. "You are such a hard-head sometimes you stupid child." She chided with a motherly tone as she playfully shove the broom back to Eiji. "Alright, get your feet moving then! Early schedule today, let's start fill up the guests stomachs and our budget at the same time!" She cheered energetically that was followed by Eiji highly enjoying her antics.

---

In contrast the mood in 2nd Division can only be describe as complete hectic. All the staffs are busy, if they not answering the calls from the higher up, or monitoring the situation then like Genjuro and Ryoko they are contemplating response to the disaster itself. It all begin with a shocking and horrifying news for them occurred yesterday midnight, to be more accurately just a few hours ago.

Playing Kamen Rider OOO OST 32-38 (0:00-1:25).

"What the Hell happened!?" Genjuro shout out in shock unable to hide it behind his calm exterior, but that's shock is shared by everyone so it is understandable. Simply because right now they are staring at the mansion belong to the Defense Ministry, which have now got an addition of various ice spikes over the place giving it a bizarre appearance. "This must be Poseidon...why did he attack the Ministry?"

"The reason is not yet clear however...there are no survivors, every bodyguards and the Ministry himself..." Aoi trailed off with her expression painted with sadness.

"Taketsugu-san..." Genjuro muttered the name in anguish as his fist shook, however before it seems he will punch a hole to the ground, the man inhale deeply with is eyes closed. When he open them again his gaze become sharp, focus. "Now isn't the time for grieve! Cry and scream as much as we want after we make sure justice is given for him, I want full report of everything the investigation team have right now. We need to know why the Ministry was targeted, is it because of his position or other reasons?"

"There is a lot of possibilities. However for an entity like Poseidon himself...just what is the reason for this action? He has been so seclude unless it involve Eiji-kun. What brought this sudden extreme action?" Ryoko questioned out loud as she look at the destruction of the mansion again. "Should we call for him along with the girls?" She asked hesitantly to Genjuro who after a second of debate shook his head.

"Right now they need rest. You are right about one thing, this sudden action is too out of place. And Poseidon have hid himself so long, there got to be some reason. While we can think about it, this also make me feel like a big battle coming up, calling the kids here now wouldn't do much. As such as it irk me, I feel like we will have to push them to the front line again soon, so the best our adults can do right now is let them have the rest they deserve while we do what we can." Genjuro said decisively as the other nodded.

End OST.

---

"Here is your order, ah yes here please take a sit. Just a moment okay sir? I just need to set these dishes back really quick!" Eiji responded accordingly to each customers as he move around their tables serving them whatever they need for their dining experience, all the while his face bear the usual friendly smile.

Playing Kamen Rider OOO OST 1-7 (3:24-5:36).

Watching him is none other than the cooking Boss Lady, the strangely quiet Hibiki and the faces that have been missing around here recently. Namely Miku along with Kuriyo, Yumi and Shiori.

"His abundance of energy is kind of radiating." Kuriyo commented while sipping her drink from a straw she also feel herself in a very good mood. Such is an effect watching him work.

"It certainly a bit out of place, rarely you seen someone like him work with such passion that really bring the mood up, or rather should I said..." Shiori left it hanging with a knowing smile as she glance at Hibiki who quietly eating.

"I got it! No doubt about it! Hibiki you should hurry up and reconcile with your long lost brother!" Yumi exclaimed dramatically expecting some embarrassing reaction from Hibiki, lord know how easy the girl get rile up when someone tease anything that have its nature involving Hibiki and Eiji, however instead all she got is a quiet Hibiki who seems snap out of her thought as she look at Yumi quizzically.

"Sorry, sorry I was thinking about something just now, what is it you were saying Yumi-chan?" Hibiki asked sheepishly, in response she got a worried look from her classmates.

"Hibiki is it your work assignment again?" Miku asked with a casual tone, it took Hibiki a moment to realize that since yesterday Miku has helped her with all the assignment, this is Miku own way of asking is this relate to her other 'work'.

"U...Uhm. You know how Math is my mortal enemies." Hibiki chuckle helplessly as she rub the back of her head. Seeing this the other three let out a breath they been holding.

"Is that all? Oh right this is you we are talking about, careful and don't get a swell up head Biki or Hina would worry even more." Kuriyo said with a shook of her head before she smile thinly at Miku. "Lord know how it torn her up with whatever argument forbid both of you to talk to each other eh?" She whispered teasingly to Miku who look rather guilty.

"It's not that bad really I was just being a bit immature to Hibiki." She objected getting a lively chuckle out from her other friends while she can only sigh.

"Still I'm glad." Shiori said with a relieved tone. "Eating together like this, our group have reconcile once more." She said happily with Yumi and Kuriyo nod in agreement.

"Ara? Did you guys get into an argument?" Hibiki asked in worry, but seeing the pointed look she received from her friends sans Miku who avoid her gaze embarrassingly make Hibiki remember her blunder. "Ah..I'm so sorry?" She offered weakly.

"You got guts making dear Hina down, Biki. Even if she forgiven you the great Kuriyo-sama haven't yet!" Kuriyo exclaimed giving Hibiki a head lock then playfully grind her head with her knuckle.

"I give! I give!" Hibiki tap at Kuriyo's arms in surrender gesture while the other just laughed.

"It's alright I have make sure Hibiki properly face the error of her actions and after a just repent I am sure we are good now, right Hibiki?" Miku asked with a radiant smile but all it remind Hibiki is those hellish moment of cramp study they did, needless to said the girl nod her head rapidly after Kuriyo let go of her.

Hibiki do have to agree that this really is nice, with Miku now in the know it seems so much weight have been taken off her heart. She doesn't know if she can ever tell her other three friends but right now Miku who live in the same room with her and also one of her best friend have realize and fully support Hibiki with her situation, what once serve as a dilemma to Hibiki about whether to let Miku in the know or not now become one of her pillar of mental support as Miku would always be there welcome Hibiki back after a tired days of fighting and would always ask how she has been in her battle while preparing good meals for her.

End OST.

Yet it is because of moment when she reminded how blissful her life is right now, it ironically also make Hibiki feel conflicted. For her to be able to do all this is because her life has been so good despite rocky situation here and there, so does that really mean it is because of opposite situation that driven Yukine Chris to commit her wrong actions? It has been what plague her mind from beginning of the day till now.

---

(Flash Back)

"This is...the 2nd Division know about Chris-chan?" Hibiki asked in surprise, in response Genjuro merely nod curtly.

"So you guys aware of the white hair brat before? How? I thought you were all surprised when she show up with the new Relic." Ankh asked in suspicion looking at the file and already skimming through it. "Never mind, so that's how it is."

"W...Wait Ankh-san." Hibiki try to stop him in hesitation. "If this is really all the info about Chris-chan I don't want to suddenly read this without her permission yet, I want to talk to her directly if I could." She said trying to avoid to even look at the tabloid. In response all she got is silent as she look at their expression both Genjuro and Eiji look conflicted but they said nothing however Ankh has no such issue.

"You really are an idiot aren't you?" Ankh deadpanned but Eiji, with a sigh, already grabbed him before whacked the floating arm send him momentarily off course and would have crashed to the wooden floor if he didn't right himself back in time. "Bastard! what the Hell!?"

"Find out the reason yourself." Eiji said disapprovingly with a visible frown, Hibiki once more notice how he seems to only behave like this around Ankh, as he turn to her his expression shift back to the softer nature she always used to though it now make her wonder how much accurate it is in depict what he feel. "I can't fault you for that mindset Hibiki-chan if that's your decision. But right now I feel like whether to help her or fight her...that's something I need to know more about her to decide thus I will read it." It was here that Eiji snickered. "Maybe if I can understand her more we have better chance to convince her, she properly would want to kick my ass for look at her past without permission so by then at least I can ask you to befriend her right? My kouhai tend to said friends can make your life better and I agree wholeheartedly you know? Well that along with a list of rare occasions may a man shed his tear." Eiji said with a sagely nod.

Hibiki confused expression finally dropped as she cracked a slight smile, seriously why can't Eiji ever keep his priority straight in front of her? But then she went back to her thought before she come to a conclusion. She then move next to Eiji and also take a look at the file while giving Eiji a resolute nod.

"If it come to it both of us will apologize and beg Chris-chan for forgiveness but for now I really want to help her and I also think this will help me more on that endeavor."

Despite how conflicted he felt, Genjuro decided to remain silent and watch both of them with a ghost of a smile. Scanning over the files, usually a quarter of the amount of these texts would have driven Hibiki nuts, but she now reading them with unblinking attention taking in every words written in it. And with each words it make her feel like a tighter knot is being form in the pit of her stomach, it keep twisting and twisting, she didn't turn to look but even if his expression said otherwise she know Eiji is feeling the same thing.

The file accounted of the happy, normal life of the young girl named Yukine Chris who were brought to the country plague with war along with her parents since they are working for a charitable non profit organization, offering help and support for civilian who has the misfortune of being caught up in it. Chris's parents do whatever they can to help with food, clothes and shelter most notably they used their talents with music to bring relief and joy to those who are saddened by the cruel reality of living in the war zone. Throughout it all, Chris also show talent with music since young age and have joined her parents in their small concert for the people there, she must have truly happy and believe her family music are lessening the pain of these people.

And that was when everything, for the lack of better terms, went to Hell for the Yukine's family with Chris being the only one come out from that tragedy alive but not without both mental and physical scars. Her family were killed in a crossfire happened near their home in that area, Chris was treated as a slave by the fighting force there and almost being sold off if not for the timely intervene from the Government set out to rescue children like her. The 2nd Division also noted her talent with music and have consider her a good candidate for the Symphogear Project that still in testing stage at that time, thus they taken responsible for her well being. However it was then thing once more take a turn for worse, Yukine Chris whose supposedly on her way to Japan and was going to be watch over by Genjuro, just suddenly vanished to thin air. No one know her whereabouts or how she disappeared under the watchful eyes of the Government but that was the truth.

Yukine Chris has been taken away right under the 2nd Division's nose and now here she is fighting against them with her goal unknown, however it is no doubt her flame of hatred against humanity is strong and justified.

They said nothing, after both Eiji and Hibiki finished reading the file they look at it in silent, though for Hibiki one can see she is shaking as she grip her knee tightly as if her nails could dug through her skin anytime, she also seems to be on verge of tears, the file have been very detailed. From the more public date of the pictures of the Yukine family in a press conference it show how happy young Chris look, to the more classified info with the photos of the ruined mansion with the corpses of both Chris's father and mother. It make her once again face with the harsh truth, there was no monster or otherworldly being involved here. If she has to call someone a monster for doing this, then the monster is none other fellow human who she has once told Chris that can converse with each other since they can understand each other words.

"The moment we lost track of her, I tried everything within the 2nd Division's capacity to found her whereabouts. But it was no use whoever did it has covered their track in an ingenious but also cruel method." Genjuro spoke grimly gripping his fist after Eiji and Hibiki done reading the file. "Everyone who might give us a clue were either suddenly got an 'unknown vacation' or just outright killed off, some of them were even government's staff. Regardless we didn't give up but we either hit dead-end or wander aimlessly with too much fake clues and when we verify them the chances of finding Chris become even slimmer." Genjuro let out a sigh as he let go of his grip. "Until she show up with the Nehustan and Ichaival."

"Just because we can talk and understand each other, don't mean we will listen to each other. It don't mean we can be kind to someone who we didn't know. Is that how it is? This is wrong...how come no one see how wrong it is, for someone to be hurt when that someone could very well be you, is that truth really that hard to understand!? A...Am I...the one who is wrong instead? I said that to Chris-chan but looking at this...again just like when it was with Kanade-sand and Tsubasa-san I know nothing." Hibiki with an anguish expression look like she about to break out in tear..

Genjuro would have said something, Eiji definitely would have said something but the one who Hibiki admit didn't think will answer her was the one who did just that.

"No s#$t the weird one is you." Ankh said making her turn to him, her eyes threaten to shed tears, her nose has snot leak out and she painfully biting her bottom lips. Yeah surely this is the sight that Ankh want to get involved with for sure, just peachy. "To cry over someone who want to capture you, to worry your head over anyone but yourselves, let alone someone who want you harm. You do not realize it, but that usually went against how most people live. Why worry for someone you never know? Why care about a total stranger happiness or well-being if it compromise your own in anyway? Paid attention and you will see it thanks to that self-preserve mindset that humanity existed till this day." He said curtly, just when it look like Hibiki struggling to find a retort Ankh continued. "So for that, become stronger if this is what you want."

"Eh?" Hibiki muttered, even Eiji himself look at Ankh with a surprised expression.

"What you want to do is to go against how the world is after all, you either be half ass about it or like how you are right now charge straight ahead. It not something just pretty words and bright attitude will help, ask that idiot he know better than anyone you will need a real strength to back it up." Ankh ignored the slight grimace on Eiji's face as he continued on. "Your idea and desire are moot if you don't have the strength for it, the greater it is the more power you need. Plain and simple, you seems to have realize it yourselves so you doing these ridiculous training that look like it come straight out of a battle manga right? All that left is to see if you can keep it up." Ankh then turn away clearly signify he has spoke all that he want.

For a moment everyone was stun to silence before Hibiki turn to Eiji who chuckled, by all mean a normal chuckle. It make Hibiki feel complicated to be honest, she has start to realize how most of the time Eiji not exactly forthcoming with what he really think or feeling to her, or anyone for that matter really. But right now she can tell, she feel like she can tell what he feel but she isn't happy about it, not with how hollow his chuckle sound to her.

"You...Honestly, Ankh what you just said, it so like you yet it so unlike you at the same time." Eiji said with a shake of his head, breath out a relaxed sigh he turn to Hibiki with a shrug. "He can't put it in more nice words but Hibiki-chan with this what is your decision?" Eiji asked waiting patiently for Hibiki's answer.

The girl take a look around the room, Genjuro looking at her with same patience, Ankh she can't tell but he might be waiting to hear it too. As such Hibiki can only search within herself, knowing all of this what is her decision? It is wrong, what happened to Chris she want to change it but she can't. That's how the reality is, the damage has been dealt with, she once again face an ugly truth about her very own race. That's right looking around all Hibiki can see is fact or event that seemingly can never change. So...

"Just as always, I will do what I can, I will...change what I can giving it my hundred percent all!" Hibiki exclaimed with vigor. "If hundred isn't enough then two hundred if that isn't enough then thousands until I get what I want I will keep going even if my body breakdown! If that's happen I will eat up, heal then keep trying again!"

An absurd answers, that's what they all think when they heard Hibiki's answer...but they also feel like if it isn't like this it wouldn't be the answer that Tachibana Hibiki would give.

"It might not work, at the end of this you might hurt yourselves. If that's the case Miku-chan, your mother, your grandmother, even him I am sure would be saddened." Eiji said with a cautious tone. He know such words would discourage her however he still has to said it. It is one thing if she ready to fight and treat Yukine Chris like an enemy but if she go to the front line and didn't treat Chris as an enemy it could be dangerous.

"Pot m-" Before Ankh could speak up Eiji already pull an ice cream bar out of nowhere and toss it at him, needless to said he didn't speak of another words for the next few hours.

"If it were you what would you do?" Hibiki asked back her determination still not waver.

"Me and you are different situation Hibiki-chan." Eiji said not unkindly. He know it is hypocrite but selfishly he didn't want Hibiki to set him as an example at all no matter how much Ankh said it a lost cause already.

"That's right...this is my own answer after all." Hibiki nodded to herself, her eyes still firm, unfounded confidence and determination before now flood in powerfully in her. Dark orange orbs stare back at brown without waver. After a second of stare down and knowing both of them wouldn't back down Eiji cracked a smile.

"Gotcha. Miku-chan did warn me all the time how stubborn you can be." He said jokingly with a 'what-can-you-do' shrug. He might not like it but he also has no right to stop her from this path she choose, guess he will watch over her a bit longer. "Eventually she will be able to stand by herself and follow her path...I don't know what future it would bring but...at this moment she didn't think it is wrong nor does she regret it." He look at Hibiki who has now calmed down as she wipe away her tears and start drinking from her can again.

A part of him nagged against this idea, how Hibiki's decision could lead to failure. His mind easily draw parallel with that event, how he thought he has what it take to change many life for the better without knowing the situation completely. Here is the same, just because she know the story this doesn't mean Hibiki can easily effect Chris, it would just leave her full of regrets and empty in the end if things go wrong. But seeing her determined expression that part was squash down instantly by another part of his mind that is more determined.

"I guess that's why I am here, my regret won't be her."

"Hmph. Alright you all have come to your decision." Genjuro suddenly cut in as he cross his arm and give a firm nod, his eyes scan over them sternly then a smirk appear. "Now then dear student are you prepare to introduce Eiji-kun to our activity after a hard day of training?" He asked challengingly while Hibiki nodded rapidly.

"Oh yeah you did mentioned something like that." Eiji said bopping his fist to his open palm.

"You will love it Eiji-kun! Shishou have all the best one!" Hibiki cheered passionately to the point Eiji swear he can see her eyes lit up.

"Best one?" Eiji repeated curiously and in response Genjuro open a closet to show it is stacked full of... "Movies?"

"Not just movie! But the best kind!" Hibiki interrupted with fire in her eyes before she and Genjuro joined together doing a fighting stance.

"ACTION!"

"O..Oh, well sure why not it sound fun." Eiji said with a shrug and thus he learn one crucible thing.

To these teacher-student pair you do not watch ACTION MOVIES just for FUN! Rather it is the path of LIFE!

(Flash Back End)

---

At that moment the words feel right to her, and she still hasn't changed from her decision of course. But moment of normalcy like this let Hibiki got a chance to muse over it more, what should she do? Just how should she approach this? When the girl is free she found those thought would come back and occupy her mind, decide to take a glance around to lift her minds off it momentarily while taking a sip of her drink she noticed the Boss Lady crunched up look. Following her gaze Hibiki found the target is none other than Eiji who putting a plate down for an elder customer, he must has said something quirky again judging from the amused giggle the old lady has. It seems Hibiki also not the only one who noticed Boss Lady's troubled expression.

"Boss Lady, are you alright?" Miku asked unsure making the trio also turn to the woman who waved it off with another chuckle that seems a bit forced.

"I'm fine, I'm fine. It just, hah maybe it just an old woman needless worry but that child. Sometimes I feel like he feel happy for other rather for himself a bit too much." Boss Lady said whimsically before she caught the stare the girls give her and wave it off. "Like I said it just me being senile, can't have that for a beautiful middle aged woman like me right?" She said with a more energized laughter this time. "Beside I'm sure to him there is no different anyway."

"Boss Lady, something wrong?" Eiji asked as he set down a tray having serve all the customers in the diner right now. It was like a mask being switch instantly since Boss Lady's expression become bright with not even a trace of her worry left as she grinned at Eiji.

"Eavesdropping on ladies conversation mean instant death in my shop." She said ominously with Eiji wisely back down.

"Greeting Hino Eiji-san!" Yumi's formal tone gain Eiji's attention as he in return waved at her.

"Hello." Eiji greet back, with Kuriyo and Shiori sharing an exasperate glance already knowing their friend.

"Now what do you think of if you see something invisible eating an apple?" Yumi asked.

"A hungry invisible man?"

"Huh? Okay then a lazy blue haired Goddess?" Another one Yumi sure he must get this one.

"Ah well everyone want to relax once a while right?" W...What? Blasphemy!

"H...How about the Drill that Pierce Heaven!?" Yumi is being generous enough already, this is his last chance!

"Huh...for some reasons I wonder how Gentarou doing." Eiji mused not notice how Yumi sighed as she put a hand on a bewilderment Hibiki's shoulder in a manner like how one ready to deliver a bad news.

"Sadly Hibiki he isn't the one, you need to pick them better next time." Yumi whispered gravely to Hibiki whose expression resemble someone who find out they are in the future.

"Please ignore her, her sense of humor tend to reside in a different plane of existence from the rest of humanities." Kuriyo said with a smile as she lightly bop Yumi on her head elect a small yelp of pain from the her. "Anyway name is Ando Kuriyo, the one who is our textbook ojo-sama here is Terashima Shiori-chan, the one you just sadly been subject to is Itaba Yumi." In a single breath she introduced herself and her other two friends, Shiori shook her head with an amused smile as she wave at Eiji, Yumi give a finger salute. In response Eiji once more give a quick greeting in return. "Been heard a lot about you from both Biki and Hina already, Biki is Hibiki while Hina is Miku." Kuriyo clarify quickly. "And got to said I heard quite a lot."

Kuriyo's foxy smile definitely show how much she enjoy how both Miku and Hibiki squirm because what her phrase could both accurately and inaccurately imply at the same time. Mainly for Miku is when she unintentionally paint a not so positive light so to said involving Eiji's characteristic to the trio, which thankfully Miku still aware enough to put a stop to it herself or she would have been too ashamed to stay in the same vicinity and rather dug a grave right here, let alone have a conversation with him now.

"Kuriyo-chan~!" They both whined due to their own reasons then simultaneously give each other surprised glances.

"I would like to believe we are good friends." Eiji nodded cheerfully didn't paid much mind on Hibiki and Miku's behavior.

"So you said but you didn't pass my tes-Youch!" The last of Yumi's sentence become high pitched may have been due to the fact she realize she getting a bit rude...either that or it could also attribute to the two digits pinching her thigh below the table courtesy of Shiori who still maintaining a polite smile.

"I don't think testing anime trivia would pass as a way to make friend." Hibiki chime in. "Beside just get to know him a bit longer! I guarantee you will find out what a great friend Eiji-kun can be!"

"Yes, of course." The way all three girls sync their voices and the Cheshire grin shared by Boss Lady and the trio make Hibiki a bit self aware, just a bit as she shuffled in her seat before she turn to Eiji for help.

"Help~, I am being picked on." Hibiki complained with Eiji pat her head with an amused chuckle.

"There, there." Eiji said soothingly painting a picture like a father pampering his daughter, that itself certainly already work to stop the teasing Hibiki get albeit in a different reasons. Now if anything she received four pitiful glances.

"Poor girl." She didn't know why but that make her want to burst in tear even more! Miku!? Why is she patting her back like that? Stop it! She really going to cry!

"Oh and for anime well I did watch Doraemon? Does that count?" Eiji asked, unaware of the internal dilemma Hibiki undergoing, surprising Yumi.

"Blue robotic cat from the future, have 4th Dimensions pocket full of goodies, always have to babysit an eternal useless, but heroic underdog in movie only, character?" Yumi asked for clarified with Eiji nodded enthusiastically. "Nope, never heard of it." The sight of him look so crestfallen make her feel a bit bad honestly, it like she just kicked a puppy but this is get back for earlier! This is personal to her no matter what everyone else said damn it!

"Don't listen to her, if there is an anime that she didn't heard of unless it because it didn't exist on Earth." Shiori said giggling.

"But come one among all references you pick such a cliché old title?" Yumi complained.

"I didn't get much chance to watch any new anime, I also sort of forgot to check them out nowadays." Eiji admittedly sheepishly in face of Yumi's excitement, seems like such is a wrong things to said judging by the frightened expression Kuriyo, Shiori, Miku. Most damning evidence of all is the face void of emotion Yumi is having right now.

"Forgot...about...Anime? You...just...forgot? UNACCEPTABLE! If you will be our friends or my friend's friend then is my duty to introduce to one of the many great pleasure of humanity that you have sadly been missing!" Yumi despite not display a physical appearance of someone with a strong lung was somehow able to finish that whole sentence in one breath much to Eiji's amazement, and admittedly a bit intimidated.

"I...I am starting to think everyone in this world have some sort of secret genre of fiction entertainment sources that they take much, much more serious than I ever would toward genre of fiction entertainment source." Eiji thought/wondered. "Any customers to serve?" Eiji would like to think this is not running away just retreating, but then he remember he never one care much to sugarcoat such topic so he will honestly accept he is scared and want to runaway.

"Ah look at that your break time I will go stack some flour, use your break wisely okay? Oh and have fun Stand the Bizarre of these ladies." Boss Lady said sneaking away with the smooth and grace of someone who known well the art of 'every souls for themselves', still...

"Ah. A Jojo's references." Eiji said without thinking, an act he instantly regret when he saw the gob-smacked expression of Yumi quickly shift to righteous fury again.

"Are you kidding me!? How did you miss the other then!? Argh!" Yumi shout out comically, to everyone that isn't Hino Eiji.

Hibiki held back a chuckle as she look at Eiji trying to placate the raging forces known as Yumi's love for Anime, she at least not that bad with Action Movie...yeah. Then she saw the sneaking glance Boss Lady send to Eiji, she look visibly relaxed as she watch Eiji's interact with her group of friends. It seem she realize Hibiki's gaze as she turn to her and put an index finger to her lips, taking a hint Hibiki said nothing as she turn away. The lighthearted scene now still draw a smile to Hibiki but it is much more somber in nature now. Feeling if she stare more she might somehow ruined this perfect mood, Hibiki took a glance around at the customers while what Boss Lady said before involving Eiji now resurface in her mind

"Happiness for other..." Hibiki thought as she look at a family with the kid brighten up while the father, she assume though the scene does make her feel a pang of sadness, pat the kid's head seemingly praising him about some subject.

---

After his shift per usual both Eiji and Hibiki make their way to the 2nd Division to see if any more info regard the Fine, Poseidon and most importantly to them Chris have been found. During the whole trip Hibiki would still find the thought back at the store nag at her mind this make her occasionally stole an unsure glance at Eiji now and then, it become so frequent that even the target of her supposed subtle glance has to speak out.

"Hibiki-chan, everything alright?" Eiji asked in slight concern.

"Buwah? Yes everything is fine! Why you suddenly asked!?" Hibiki might have use a bit more voice than she meant regardless Eiji decide to take her words for it.

"Well it just you have been staring for quite a while." Eiji not unkindly rather just pure curiosity but it didn't help Hibiki stop the flush on her cheeks being caught red handed like that.

"Honestly it's fine, it just that...ano..." Hibiki timidly struggle with her words but obviously! She never the most vocal expression person, simple and straight to the point never fail her, well sometimes but once again this is one of those rare instance that it does. As she struggle to find the words she looking for and Eiji grow concern with how the girl seems to stress out her mind as she looking at her imaginative dictionary, the pair was reminded by the sound of the especially long elevator that they have arrived at their destination.

Whatever was on Hibiki's mind it need to take a backseat since even she can see how tense the atmosphere is. Every staff she can see is running around frantically, if their hands aren't holding pieces of papers with too many complicated words for her to even try to comprehend then it is phone call with words again too roundabout and indirect that all she can sum up is 'business stuff' in her mind. Eiji have also let go of his relax posture and have switch to, what Hibiki can now confidently identify as, 'ready for things to go wrong' look. It does make her wonder how many times she has miss the grave indication of that posture back then before she get involved with the Noises. And the fact whenever he would abruptly leave with a rather convincing excuse there seems to be near the time when the Noises appear make it seems more obvious now, but in her defense even Miku didn't find anything strange back then and she was Miku!

Still that posture while make her more worry, it also allow her to focus easily. This is how it start to change now, she is grateful for all the help provided to her but at this point she want to take her own step so to said, not to be there and learn from him but rather to fight with him and Tsubasa. She take a deep breath calming her rapid beating heart before walk with him toward Genjuro.

Sadly while she has conviction that isn't enough to fully prepare the poor girl of what she saw on the monitor screen. What she can tell is once a luxury, elite-class mansion surrounded in a big yet still well preserved garden has been reduced to mess of rubble with the mansion being impaled with giant iceberg protrude it inside out. And that's not taking into account the other photo show the destruction inside, Hibiki gone pale seeing this, she almost want to throw up but she has grow somewhat familiar as horrifying that sound in her mind. But really even till now she still remember the death by the Noises she has to witness herself, especially the carnage back then in the concert. Sure as Hell doesn't mean she will has an easy sleep tonight though.

Some of the guards death come in a form of being frozen solid with part of their body break apart, their expression forever captured in that of pure shock and terror, while some was outright cut down cleanly as one can see their inside with some she can see their innards or brain tissue, some while simple make it no less horrifying with how their head are separate from their bodies.

"Ah crap I didn't meant for you to see this but...this is part of the job now kiddo, sorry." Genjuro said with a tired sigh as he give her a cup of water, Hibiki with a blink of an eye snatch it from him then gulp it down instantly.

"T...Thank you but...what..what is all this!?" Hibiki yelled out gesturing at the screen, Genjuro then stood in front of it probably want to block the view from the girl.

"Last night, one of our dear comrade Hiroku Taketsugu-san was attacked, him along everyone present in the mansion at that time lost their life to this attack." Genjuro spoke with a heavy tone, he seems torn whether he should tell Hibiki all of this but decided this is the right the girl has now.

"Taketsugu...I..I know that name." Hibiki mumbled in shock. "Isn't he..."

"He's the Ministry of Defense for this country." Eiji said with an acerbic tone as he stare blankly at the screen, the photo of the mansion already tell him who is responsible.

"Genjuro-san why didn't you call for me right away?!" Eiji asked urgently with a rare furious look, that look didn't shaken her more than the fact he clearly said only him.

Shaking her head to clear that thought Hibiki adopt a determined look as she grab hold of Eiji's sleeve strongly making him turn to her in surprise.

"You mean why didn't he call for us." Hibiki spoke with great emphasis on the word 'us', her intensity matched that of Eiji, something everyone noted. Eiji look conflicted and his words seems to caught in his throat as he didn't know what to do. She has a swirl of emotion about how she should feel that her words got that reaction out of Eiji. Satisfy, unsatisfied, apologetic, anger, sadness but she push all of it back. Now is simply not the time, but it seems Genjuro didn't agree with that thought.

"Yare, yare. The mood is all wrong right now, how the hell are we suppose to step into the battlefield like this? Alright me and these two going to wash our face first! Everyone prepare for briefing we will be back shortly!" Genjuro call out with his subordinates already executing his order.

All the while Eiji and Hibiki sporting equally disbelieve expression get dragged away by Genjuro.

"Today is going to be a long day, I can't wait till my days off." Ryoko whined with Aoi chime in.

"If that's the case you better work harder so that your days off won't be postponed because of this." And a second later Ryoko instantly feel herself rejuvenated as she rush off prepare the documents with astonish pace.

As for Genjuro true to his words after bring both Hibiki and Eiji to the restroom, leaving Hibiki in the female section and drag Eiji with him to the male section, both him and a reluctant Eiji washed their face with fresh cold water.

"Hah. That's hit the spot for now, barely got a sleep I tell you. No matter what paperwork is still one of humanities biggest threat." Genjuro complained while Eiji nodded with an awkward smile. "You know kid, sometimes if the baggage is too heavy, share it with your friends will make it less heavy." He said sagely while giving Eiji a pointed look, Eiji has a ghost of a frown that gone after a second, he then nodded at the Commander with a disarming smile. "I see." Genjuro said with a sigh as he dried his hand, it was easy for him to spot the stiffness in Eiji's movement.

"Thank you Genjuro-san, I will be sure to keep it in mind." Eiji replied in monotone. "But it really is fine, my apologies for my outburst just now but right now what's most important is we work toge.." His words were cut off when Genjuro, a bit too roughly, put his palm on Eiji's head. His towering figure make it easy to do. "Eh?"

"Listen boy. I pretty sure I got a few leeway being older, wiser and all that jazz so believe me when I said I am not exactly sucking my thumb when it come to burden and all that annoyance that life bring to you once a while. So I will said this, when you ready I am all ear but until then save this old man the pleasantry talk alright? I have enough of it from the higher up." Genjuro complained with an aggrieved tone but the intent behind it is very clear to Eiji as such he also keep quiet and didn't said anything else.

As he and Genjuro walk out, Hibiki herself a moment later also got out and it seems she has taken Genjuro's advice too and washed her face. The girl laughed apologetically as she rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.

"Shisho that indeed is very refreshing! I...well I still feel a bit troubled but it feel less troubled now!" Hibiki exclaimed making Genjuro have a bark of laughter.

"Dear apprentice, your dose of honesty is always refreshing. More so than the cold water, alright let's get our butt back to work now then!" Genjuro exclaimed slapping both Hibiki and Eiji's back as he walk forward in a faster pace already leaving Eiji and Hibiki by themselves.

"Uhm...sorry, you must have feel awkward but Eiji-kun like I said, count on me more. Alright?" Hibiki asked hopefully while Eiji nodded with as he try to give her a reassuring smile but to Hibiki it is clear how detached it is. "You still didn't put a lot into it." She pouted making Eiji inwardly flinched, has he always that transparent to Hibiki? Or is he just that easy to read? "But it's fine! I can't rush! I will definitely be there for you, I promised!" She vowed with Eiji's shocked look switch to that of a wry smile.

"Genjuro-san is right, your presence is always refreshing Hibiki-chan." Eiji said, this time more candid, with a cheerful tone. "It really unfair isn't? You trust me so much but...yes I indeed have selfishly shove you away, it just...even I get single minded when it involve what I desired I suppose..." He chide himself with a self admonished chuckle while Hibiki just tilted her head.

Playing Kamen Rider OOO OST 8-13 (0:00-1:39)

"Eiji-kun, you have something you want? That's make sense it normal for one to get rushed when they have something they want...tell me what it is after we deal with this okay? Like you said I share so much with you already let me know more about you too!" Hibiki's lively tone declared as she held up her fist while Eiji look surprised. "I won't ask you to said it now, I will wait! We will deal with this and then...we will eat together at Sunflower, then tell me okay? Share with me your friend whatever trouble you, what make you happy. That's what friends are for, got it!?" She asked in which Eiji didn't even has a chance to said anything but he just chuckled ruefully.

"I really have a hard time keep up with you sometimes." Eiji said fist bumped with her. "Thanks a lot Hibiki-chan, for being you." He said patting her head which she beamed as they both return. "Tell you what for that meal, is my treat."

"Baka Eiji-kun, even if you didn't said so I would make you treat me, it is woman's right to be treated to a meal by man after all!" Hibiki exclaimed proudly while Eiji sweat-drop.

"I wouldn't said it wrong but I surprise to hear it from you Hibiki-chan." Eiji hesitantly said.

"Eh? Mom and Boss Lady told me that all the time." Knew it. Eiji has a feeling in the end his wage would return completely back to his Boss, such frightening ladies he has in his life.

End OST.

With everyone now gathered, Genjuro officially fill in for Hibiki and Eiji of what happened.

"Now you two can see how his death impact greatly to the 2nd Division. The Ministry...Taketsugu-san was a great man. Much of what we did now wouldn't be possible without his aid." Genjuro said with a clipped tone but even Hibiki can tell he must be affected greatly from the Ministry's passing.

For Eiji he is even more surprise, while holding this pain the Commander still steel himself to resolve the issue that Eiji and Hibiki has first.

"Aren't you also the one who isn't honest Genjuro-san?" Eiji thought with both worry and gratitude as he let out a small sardonic chuckle.

"But...just why was he targeted?" Hibiki asked also feeling sadness creep into her, both for this man who has helped the 2nd Division so much without her even knowing and also for feeling Genjuro's pain.

"About that...we have got the answer when we look into the data left behind along with the testimony from the Ministry's aide." Ryoko said pushing her glass up with a sigh. The young man who has been the right hand man of the Ministry was safe and sound mainly because at that night he wasn't in the mansion but back in his own home, thanks to the aide himself is still alive, despite lots of data lost in the mansion they were still able to narrow down the motive after hearing it from the young aide himself.

As the same time Aoi typed on her keyboard and the screen zoom to focus on a camera feed of an old rusted sword, it has hook and wire linked to it, some of the scenes show many scientist scribble down various notes as they converse with each other while keeping a focus gaze on this seemingly worthless weapon that has lost its use. With another type various other images taking from different angle of the sword pop up on the screen, the date show none of this is live feed.

"This is...another Relic?" Eiji guessed but Ryoko look proud and excited at the same time as she waggled her index finger in front of him.

"Tsk. Tsk. Not just any Relic my dear arrogant boy! Behold! One of the prized possession for the Division that protect Humanity from the Noise! One of the rare Complete Relic we possess! Feast your eyes on the great Durandal itself!" Ryoko announced excitingly like she is a host in some auction, a familiar antic to lift up the room spirit that Genjuro is too used to but still welcome it.

However while Hibiki scratch her head trying to wrap herself around the enthusiastic that Ryoko displayed, all she can see is still just a rusted board sword. In contrast, Eiji look like a deer got caught in headlight.

"The sword of Roland? But how does the Division get hold of it? Shouldn't it be in some museum some sort in France if it is indeed the sword itself? Not to mention if it is indeed a Relic given its origin it shouldn't even be in Japan's hand in the first place right?" Eiji asked confused since to him it would have been like the Kusanagi-no-Tsurugi itself been held by Thailand or something.

"Is it really that big of a deal Eiji-kun?" Hibiki asked curiously.

"Uhm. While Gungnir and Ame no Habakiri is weapons have tie in to Gods, Durandal is said to belong to Roland, he is sort of a legendary figure in French literature and Durandal is a holy weapon he received that said to be indestructible, that's all I remember of the legend really." Eiji confessed not very well verse of the legend itself.

"You got the gist that's good enough. And yes usually the European Union wouldn't have been too thrilled letting this Relic in our hand." Genjuro admitted with a shrug. "However let's just said once a while politics brought a few good thing to us, to sum thing up the Relic is basically a repaid to an economic debt that they own the Japan government." He said and Hibiki just frowned.

"They didn't give us the Relic so we can protect Humanity?" Hibiki sigh as she pouted. "I just don't understand it all sometimes."

"You are just too naïve that's all." Ryoko teased leaning on Hibiki playfully.

"So I was told, sorry." Hibiki admitted without a hint of shame, probably already used to this statement. In response Ryoko snuggled close to Hibiki, somewhat ticklish her.

"And who said I hate that? Some call it naïve but I would also call it pure. And that's a good thing for a maiden, Hibiki-chan, right Eiji-kun?" Ryoko asked in a sing song tone and Eiji agree wholeheartedly. "Alright back to business." She said leaning up schooling her feature instantly. "So the Relic is in our hand, but due to how there is a lot we still didn't know about it. Not to mention what happened with Nehustan the higher up basically put a seal on it in the vault never to be opened." She said before she take a deep breath. "Until recently, they relate a message to the Ministry, it contain the code to open the vault along with the instruction of where to transport the sword since they don't think it wise to just leave it in the 2nd Division's vault."

"But wouldn't it be better to be leave here if it a Relic? We might need it to fight the Noises." Hibiki said confused while Aoi sighed of irritation. "Oops did I said something wrong?" She asked apologetically.

"No, no I think we all wholeheartedly agree but then once a while they get annoying idea." Aoi said diplomatically to Hibiki but it still didn't hide the obvious irritation in her tone.

"Don't remind me, with Taketsugu-san now gone, it will just get even more annoyance with them. Another troublesome matter is that after the attack, we have lots of sources claim responsible. Since we can't eliminate the theory Poseidon might be in same league with them it have give us quite a headache to sort through all the info." Sakuya said with matching irritation. "And to make the matter worse, many have pressure even more to authorize the use of Symphogear against human beings, on the surface they use the name terrorists as the front but if this authorization actually go through you can only bet that they will push it even more so eventually Symphogear will show up in the battlefield." He said with a dark look, no doubt that image is the worst possible scenario for most 2nd Division's staffs.

Playing Watashi Datte Dakara.

"Why? Why must everyone act like this? That isn't right! The Symphogear...our songs...it isn't meant to hurt people! We suppose to use it to protect everyone instead right?" Hibiki asked in frustration and confusion, this idea, the possible outcome that Sakuya described she just couldn't wrap her head around it nor does she ever want to.

"Because like Ankh said, desire that lead humanity prosper is also why we act selfishly most of the time." Eiji replied carefully to not further upset the usual friendly cream haired girl. This also remind Hibiki of Chris, isn't this why? The reason she has chose to be their enemies, to side with the Noises, to side with Poseidon and whoever behind the scene they don't know yet. Isn't because Chris herself has seen the dark ugly side of humanity that Hibiki herself has remain ignorant of? No, Hibiki herself know is just that part of her has always held back from acknowledge it, she herself has also seen that ugly side after all but... "But..." Eiji about to said but Hibiki cut him off.

"But that's not the whole truth! I care for Miku, Miku care for me! Tsubasa-san care for Kanade-san! Everyone here care for other that's why we are here fighting the Noises, sure we can be selfish but aren't we also equally good to other and care for them? Our desire didn't mean we can only think for ourselves in fact we care for other people desire and want to protect it and them." Hibiki determinedly said surprising everyone. "Isn't that right Eiji-kun?" She turn to him with her wills burn clearly in her eyes.

Eiji look at her in surprise for a few seconds before he let out an amused chuckle, delighted even, as he nodded.

"Ah, can't put it better myself, you one upped me there Hibiki-chan." Eiji agreed after holding back an urge to mussed her hair, they having a meeting after all plus Hibiki is having her moment, still the line 'they growth up so fast' perfectly describe how he feeling right now.

"An expected naïve thought from you." Genjuro seems to chide Hibiki with a frown before his expression also broke to a grin. "Which is just what this Division need sometimes with all the gloomy mood we get, let see if you can uphold that thought through actions even more. Still regardless we do receive the order and so according to it they give us permission to take Durandal out of the vault then transport it to the destination they have in mind." Genjuro said sardonically with a shrug.

End OST.

"Genjuro-san I know you have your order however, with the Gear Users and me here, plus being the base of Operation of 2nd Division. Where else would be safer?" Eiji asked curiously, in the end they didn't exactly elaborate why the higher up would go out of their way to do this after all. Since isn't risky for the priced Durandal to be taken out of the 2nd Division? Genjuro in response frowned as he stay silent while another voice replied.

"Indeed. We have determined that the target is Durandal base on the area of attack by the Noises." Ryoko said as the map on the screen show said affected area and it didn't take much to connect the dots with how close the attack is to the 2nd Division, it also reminded Hibiki too that when she first transformed the place that the Noises attack isn't all that far from her school, where back then she has no way of knowing is where the 2nd Division located. "The fact that the enemies didn't dare to attack us directly would have also reassure the higher up at first but due to some circumstances they change their mind and decide a transportation is still a better choice." She said apathetically which already seems a bit off.

"Ano, what circumstances?" Hibiki asked, Eiji notice how Sakuya and Aoi frowned and avoid his gaze, he focus a bit more, for some reasons as composed Genjuro try to look Eiji can see him grip his fists before relax it, even the usual robust Ryoko look oddly quiet, a somber mood radiate from her. Then it start to click to him, the one thing that could have changed in this 2nd Division recently that would lead to this decision from the Division's higher up.

"Ah, so that's it. My bad." Eiji said apologetically as he give a light bow.

"Urgh...you know you apologize too much sometimes, is not a good thing you know? Think about how we feel too. Great, now I feel like an even bigger dick." Sakuya groaned out sheepishly.

Seeing the lost look on Hibiki's expression and Eiji pretty much got it, Genjuro can't help but sigh. This young man either choose a perfect or worst time, something Genjuro can't decide on this particular occasion, to show how truly sharp he is.

"Here is the deal, while the higher up still have diversity when it concern opinion about us. When it come to Eiji-kun though it a different matter, their opinions are pretty...united so to said but sadly not in a positive light." Genjuro confessed to his pupil who already has a frown hearing this.

"As if those old farts ever come to an agreement of something positive." Ryoko fumed outright which everyone in the 2nd Division silently agree, Genjuro cleared his throat as he continue his explanation.

"I mean look from their perspective all they can see is a new source of powers come out of nowhere and right now that power is close to the 2nd Division, the Gear Users and then the Durandal? It didn't take much to think why they assume the worse. Still for that apology, I should be the one who make it instead, consider the 'gratitude' you get from us for fighting against the Noises." He said reverently to Eiji but he just shook his head in a placating manner.

"If everyone drop by and help promote Sunflower's business then it great enough already." Eiji said with a pleasantry smile and the other just scoff or chuckle.

"It a deal but remember to give promotion to acquaintance." Sakuya said jokingly with a light punch to Eiji's shoulder, Aoi said nothing however her look seems to appraise Eiji quietly but she did offer him a friendly nod. Almost everyone content with leaving discussion here, no matter what for the 2nd Division going against a government order in this moment when things are hectic would just give them more opening for the enemies to exploit as such they all about to move on and continue the discussion on how to transport the Durandal that is except for one person in the room who has gone quiet after Genjuro's explanation.

Hibiki look down to her feet and grumble to herself. It just so unfair, she can't bear Eiji someone who has been there for her, a person that like Miku outside of her families one of the closest person there is, being blame like this. Not when he has done nothing wrong, in contrast he silently fought for other. Back then before knowing who he is before the 2nd Division found out surely Eiji still continue to fight the Noises despite he has know nothing about this world. He still choose to get involved despite a powerful being like Poseidon was his enemies, she saw how hard he fought, how he bleed for other and even then the time she saw him fight hasn't been that long so needless to said he must have work much harder for other yet instead of graduation this is the treatment he received?

"Why is he being blame like this? Why can't they understand!?" Hibiki thought rarely fill with anger but right now she can't help but feel a flame is being boil up inside her heart and mind. And somewhere along that thought of line it also awaken something unpleasant that Hibiki thought for sure she has manage to bury deep in her heart, knowing that you are targeted for something you can't control. That other look at your existence like it is wrong without knowing you, without trying to understand your situation. Without considering that you yourselves also suffered because of the situation that happened...

("Why is she the one who survive?") Once more Hibiki got a slap from reality, it make her review and question once again can Yukine Chris really be blame for taking the action she did facing this ugly nature of human? Given her history she must have saw it more clearly than Hibiki ever could after all.

"Why is it that he get scorn on even when he did nothing wrong?"

("Did you hear? The upperclassmen of the next door class is dead in the attack, I also heard some relatives of our friends is also death and yet somehow she the only one who survive, is it luck or something fishy going on?") It certainly for a moment, a small moment only it make Hibiki wonder while she said she can fight for those she care for...what about other she doesn't know? From their point of view Chris might be fighting for someone she care for even if it mean going against the world...but isn't natural? What have this world done to her that make Chris think otherwise for it? Absolutely nothing, nothing but pain and grieve that no one should have endure.

"Stop looking at him...at me...like that! We...we didn't ask for anyone misfortune at all!" At somewhere along the line Hibiki start to see herself back in those time, in that seat, surround by look of pity, suspicious, alienating and outright hate, rock throw through her house, her grandmother and mother stood protectively in front of her embracing her all the while bracing for the scorn and hate that aimed only at her from beginning. But most damning of all is not what those outside her home did, but ironically is the one who is with them in their home, his action is much more painful than any scorns or rocks throw at her. It really hurt!...This pain is not physical but it is much worse, Hibiki doesn't know what might happen if she can't hold herself back, however before she has to find out for herself she feel a gentle and familiar pat on her head, it not unlike how he used to do it when that person was still in her life. As she look up with a baited breath she saw Eiji still giving her a carefree smile.

"Of course for Hibiki-chan during that meal I will have to paid for her, like I promised it is my treat after all." Eiji said ardently.

"Oh? He score the route for one already? Well consider it Hibiki-chan she is no doubt the one he would unlock the route the fastest! So it will be a date then!?" Ryoko asked with excited giggling.

"Sure whatever you said Ryoko-san." Eiji said with a laugh amused and acquaintance with the quirky but brilliant scientist strange rambling already.

Hibiki watch the interact and it seems that alone was enough for the rage to subside.

"That's right...as long as we don't care, as long as me, my friends, my families...and Eiji-kun is all together. It didn't matter at all, and if I am this happy to be with my friends and families...so do other people. I can't forget just as I have people waiting and love me so do everyone else in this world. Just as how Miku would feel sadden if something happen to me..." Hibiki thought feeling her determination come back to her, it might have been shaken, it might still be premature but this experience will strengthen it. "It's because I know it will be sad I don't want anyone else to experience it if I could help it...yes that's right just like Eiji-kun who probably fighting because he feel the same." It was here Hibiki can't help but let out a self admonishing chuckle. "Here I am wanting to help Chris-chan and just a bit of negative thought already make me sidetrack, come on keep calm, keep calm...calm..." Hibiki thought as she count one to ten silently in her head to calm her down vowing to not make the same mistake again in her head before she beam at Eiji. "Yep! It a good occasion after all! I won't let the free meal go to waste." She said with a bright smile.

While Hibiki's internal struggle might remain unknown to a few, to the girl herself these seemingly small moment of self-doubt and she manage to snap out from it. All of its will become a factor greatly help her in her road of being the Gear User she want that make her worthy to had inherit the Gungnir.

"He's...quite a simpleton...or is he?" Aoi asked, with an awkward smile occupy her lips, glancing at Genjuro.

"It just meant it didn't matter much to the young man. It a good thing too, it seems to affect Hibiki quite a bit. Did he also notice that or...heh. I do admit rarely I have trouble reading someone like this young man." Genjuro said casually without clarifying to Aoi is it a cautious warning or a compliment, but she does note he sure look amused if the grin is any indication. He then give a subtle glance back at the video of the mansion. "Taketsugu-san, watch over us. We won't waste your effort, once thing calm down a bit I will bring your favorite manju to visit you."

During the animated talk that shifted from a saddened mood, Ryoko keep an anticipating glance at Hibiki before she let a playful smile take over her lips.

After the meeting, the 2nd Division planned out the operation will begin in the third day counting from now at 5pm. With nothing to do till then both Eiji and Hibiki find themselves sitting by the coffee machine with Hibiki talking animatedly to Shinji through her communication device. A versatile piece of technology this world have that work as phone and wallets roll together from what Eiji know, of course money bills and coins can still be used but he did get more than one strange look by other when he admit he can only paid through bills or coins.

"Really? Okay I will tell Eiji-kun! Give our regard to Tsubasa-san okay? Goodbye Shinji-san." Hibiki said with a bright smile.

"Good news eh?" Eiji guessed with her bright smile shared by him feeling her positive mood.

"Yep! It will take only three to four days before Tsubasa-san will be discharged from the hospital, she will still need to use clutch but her wounds are alright now." Hibiki said excitingly. "This time I will introduce Miku-chan properly to Tsubasa-san I am sure both of them will like it!"

"Um. Both of them can trade story about you Hibiki-chan." Eiji said with a sagely nod though Hibiki flinched at this prospect of conversation.

"Well...I mean they can talk about something else you know? Like book or something since I sure both of them will have that same hobby?" Hibiki offered weakly but Eiji shook his head.

"But both of them practically watch over you in school and in the battlefield, I am sure they have much to chat about." Eiji said confidently while Hibiki pouted.

"Are you teasing me Eiji-kun?" Hibiki accused but Eiji look taken back.

"Wait why would you said that? I really just think they could help you more if they trade stories like that." Eiji said confused but her pout increased.

"You can be so mean sometimes." Hibiki huffed ignoring his troubled look as he try to realize his slip up. "Can't you understand a girl's heart sometimes? You always catch up on everything else." She complained to herself as she unfold a newspaper next to her that feature an article about Tsubasa's recovery, while it is good and all but...

Kamen Rider OOO OST 8-13 (3:26-4:52)

…..What caught her attention in a different and somewhat negative way is a small article printed in bold words as a typical fashion of advertising though the problem is the content of it advertisement.

WELCOME ALL GENTLEMENT! WITH REASONABLE PRICE FILL YOUR NIGHT WITH BLISS AND HAPPINESS ALONG WITH WARM COMPANY IN THE STRI...

END OST! NOW!

"Eep!" Hibiki yelped as she close the newspaper fast enough to leave wind pressure. Nope! She didn't need to finish it since the content is clear enough...the illustrative imagery of that lady and her outfit...or lack there of somewhat explain enough after all. "Isn't she embarrassed having to pose in only her swimsuit?" Is that even count as swimsuit? "But then...I guess that's what make the men excited right?" She asked timidly to herself glancing at Eiji who still seems to looking for an answer in his mind but he noticed her stare, this make her take her gaze away instantly and refuse to meet his gaze as she fold the newspaper and make sure to put it underneath all the other piles, in fact it lie in the last bottom.

"Hibiki-chan? Is something wrong?" Eiji asked reaching for the newspaper but in a swift movement Hibiki not only swat his hand away but also crumbled the newspaper before shove it to the garbage bin next to them, better safe than sorry after all.

"Nope! Nothing at all! Trust me! It just have a...well...uhm...mean article about Tsubasa-san! I don't like it so I throw it away!" Hibiki lied with the best poker face she could pull, albeit not very good but Eiji see no reason for her to lie so he just nodded understandingly to himself.

"That's true there are always news like that for any celebrity eh? As long as they can get viewer some of these news doesn't care if it the truth or not." Eiji said concerned.

"Indeed, that's unacceptable." Hibiki said with a visibly lighter tone while also nodding to herself, really she just didn't want Eiji to waste money in such thing that's why she didn't want him to see it, albeit she admit it hard to imagine him using his money for that but as a friend she still need to take care of him!...Right? "Still...it natural for men to take an interest in that right?"She thought uncomfortably.

Kamen Rider OOO OST 8-13 (1:43-3:23).

"By the way Hibiki-chan, how did school go recently? I mean Miku-chan is very serious of helping you out with the homework right?" Eiji asked harmlessly but Hibiki visibly flinched.

"Eh...why do you have to suddenly remind me? Uwah...it so terrifying." Hibiki whined, as she remember how Miku is like a drill sergeant, well not that bad, but still it was oppression! "But after the whole day studying I get to taste Miku-chan cooking so that's a plus." Hibiki smiled blissfully.

"Heh and your friends, Yumi-chan right? She sure give some interesting commendation for anime, got to said she as passionate as you and Genjuro-san for action movies." Eiji and Hibiki shared a chuckle at this, remember how the anime fan decided it was her duty to guide this 'lost sheep' as she called Eiji.

"Well sometimes she sure scare me with her surprise choice of anime. You never know when she sprung a surprise horror or mystery genre onto you! It thrilling but scary as the same time! Yet when we watched together it was indeed very fun." Hibiki smiled fondly at the memory of the quarters group spent weekend together like that, or at least when Yumi get to call the shot. The simple time work best to..."Eiji-kun...uhm could it be you noticed?" Hibiki asked in realization thinking back the outburst she almost unleash, honestly it is dangerous she can clearly feel the Gungnir seems to be waiting, eager to response to her raw emotions. In fact Hibiki might never notice or give much thought of it, but she has to wonder could the fragment in someway amplifying her emotions?

Eiji hummed seemingly searching for the answer himself before he shrugged.

"Powers are dangerous, it can't be helped if you feel overwhelmed sometimes especially mystical items like the Relic. But honestly I wasn't sure, really I just thought you look a bit too gloomy. So whether I am being too worrisome or not, if it help you liven up like how you usually are then it is fine. Sunflower can't lose its most liveliest customer now can it?" Eiji asked soothingly with his intention clear, his words confident but warm and caring. Facing this, Hibiki can't help but feel self conscious as she meekly looking down not wanting him to spot the growing red on her face. Though this make Eiji awkwardly wonder if he accidentally pressured the girl a bit too much? Though at that moment a voice call out to both of them.

"Eiji-kun, Hibiki-chan. You both sure look relaxed, as expected from our reliable force." Sakuya greeted them with a friendly smile.

"Sakuya-kun you really need to be more mindful sometimes, don't you see you disturbing the nicely set up atmosphere?" Aoi asked with a wink at Hibiki who already having a hard time control her expression is now failing even more keeping the blush from spreading, if anything she sure right now her face would give Kanade's hair a run for it color.

"Ah? You right! Well then excuse us." Sakuya said about to turn away with Aoi.

"Not at all! Stop teasing me already!" Hibiki proclaimed stopping both of them from leaving and of course leaving Eiji look utterly lost, or rather he decided now is a good time to checking another pieces of newspaper himself.

"Yosha! There is a sale for meats in the market, better get it note." Eiji said with a victorious smile, maybe the Boss Lady would want some too.

"Nice atmosphere?" One didn't need to look to see how large the grin Sakuya has.

"All the men I know are moron." Aoi sighed as she face palmed.

"With that said let just take a seat Aoi-kun." Sakuya said already plop down to the seat himself while stretching his back and manage to make a satisfying pop as he cracked his back. "Ah...that's good right there, man maybe I should go to the chiropractor or massage when I get my break again." Sakuya said dreamily.

"You must be tired...though if I may ask what exactly do you and Aoi-san do all the time?" Hibiki asked curiously if the question seems offensive Sakuya and Aoi sure didn't pick up on it, they look more amused yet tiring if anything.

"Well glad you interested in our side characters." Sakuya said jokingly but decide to stop teasing Hibiki when she start to sputtering denial and apology. "I'm joke, basically we run damage control be it physically or politically when it come to the 2nd Division including the Gear Users of course. Maintain secrecy, erase trait on the network, ensure no news involve the Gears or anything too sensitive involving our works to be leak to the public, those boring job so to said."

"So you mean...you are people who help protect my identity right? If that's the case I am grateful! No way such jobs are trivial!" Hibiki exclaimed her gratitude wholeheartedly that caught both Sakuya and Aoi off guard as they glance at each other.

"It's my job and the paid is good that's all, don't work up too much over it." Aoi said with a placating smile. "Compare to you, Eiji-kun, Tsubasa-chan who all have to face dangers everyday what we do is minimal."

"Is like a screw I think, even if they are small without them the would collapse right?" Eiji asked appreciatively. "Beside if you keep saying that Hibiki-chan won't let it go we might have to be here all day." He said jokingly despite Hibiki's protest.

"Huh you right, we are pretty important aren't we Aoi-kun?" Sakuya asked with a smug smile before he let out chuckle followed by Aoi. "This is refreshing to be appreciated like this, I mean seriously usually when it is dealing with other all we heard you know is basically complain from other branch of the Government. They want to take out their frustration due to all the secrecy the 2nd Division was granted and it also sort of our job to take the brunt of it...want to know what some of them called the 2nd Division straight to our face sometimes? It range from somewhat still polite like sore thumb, dog on the road, stick in the mud to something real honest like motherf..."

"I am sure your point has been made Sakuya-kun." Aoi with a deadpanned expression swatted the back of his head cutting him off. Both Hibiki and Eiji can only let out a strained chuckle.

"They really have it tough." And that an honest assessment from two front line fighters to those who behind them fight a more quiet, in a sense, yet nonetheless uphill hopeless battle everyday.

"That aside, Eiji-kun. If I may ask something." Aoi said gaining his attention, while a bit hesitant she decide to ask now better than latter. "I hope you don't mind me asking, but with the government distrust over you it won't be farfetched to speculate they might try to do something disadvantage to you in the future, given that scenario are you sure you still want to help us?" She asked cautionary while also being mindful of Hibiki's presence, as such she make double sure that her words while still get the point across won't paint a too grim picture for the girl.

She at first consider have a private talk but decide to approach it like this instead, she herself feeling it will be too awkward if it one on one plus in some way she feel like it will be too cruel too, to not let Hibiki know of this possibilities. And on the other hand while she could keep quiet and hope for the best that's a powerful ally will keep fighting with them, her conscience won't allow her to rest easy if she didn't at least said this. Sakuya himself, being the long time partner he is likely have trace all that thought from her as such he keep quiet and have an apathy look as he also wait for Eiji's response. Hibiki hearing the question look worried and have a clear nervous expression as she look at Eiji who look clearly contemplating the question that Aoi presented to him.

"Hm...my Grandfather told me before, one of the most important thing a man should worry about is a clean underwear for tomorrow." Eiji said after a moment of thoughtful look and if anything his face said he definitely satisfied with his answer.

End OST.

For both of the 2nd Division's staff members, they have all the right to look agape like they do. Because even Hibiki, someone who know Eiji longer than both of them look completely lost with the answer, if one could call it that, provided by Eiji.

"Seeing both of our ladies are probably froze for a moment, Eiji-kun as a fellow man it fall upon my duty as the representative of our gender to ask. First, what the Hell? Second, I will admit among all the answer I thought you would have given, that one rank...well let just said it wasn't even in the register book." Sakuya said candidly with a tired expression as he mimic Aoi's action a moment ago face palming himself.

"I don't understand anything at all, was this another thing that only grow up can understand?" Hibiki, the poor girl still look so lost that Sakuya torn between comfort her or destroy that horribly wrong impression she starting to have for adult.

"No, no to it all. First, please don't put us and him in the same category. Second, we also as lost as you." And the blue haired woman decided to do both at the same time.

"As reliable as ever." Sakuya thought with a grateful expression, his brain still numb after doing all it can to retort right away after hearing the exceptional response from Eiji.

"But it make sense you know?" The three in front of Eiji shook their head in perfect sync. "Well, at least I feel like it should be. I mean after my grandfather told me that, I keep thinking it back once a while and I always find reason in it. Tomorrow is so unpredictable, it part of why you can wake up all excited to the new day. But as the same time it is so unpredictable what can you do to completely prepare for it? In the end you can't prepare for it all right? So the best thing to do is to make sure you at least have a comfortable underwear, with that at least your mood would be ready for whatever life throw at you." He said sagely with a warm smile at them, if anything one can almost swear they see a light of enlightenment peak out behind Eiji in a totally not symbolic manner.

The confidence he held, the carefree in his tone yet accompany it is what seems to be experience and not ignorant, truly there is wisdom in this jumbled up logic indeed...

Playing Kamen Rider OOO OST 8-13 (4:52-6:10).

"I still don't get it."

"I would said I have something other than my undergarment that I would like to prepare."

"For example I would hang myself if my personal PC lose all of its data."

…Doesn't mean it make much more sense to Hibiki, Aoi and Sakuya who still look at Eiji with expression of bewilderment (the first) and deadpanned (the latter two). The three of them clearly wasn't swayed completely by that passionate, somewhat, speech from Eiji.

"E...Eh? You all don't think so? Huh did I explain it wrong?" Eiji asked putting his hand to his chin in thought with a troubled expression.

"I think I won't be wrong to point out it's not the explaining that you did wrong." Aoi deadpanned before she let out a sigh as she slump down to her sit decide to take a sip with her coffee that the machine finished brew for her. "And here I was worrying somewhat, have I know you would joke around like this I wouldn't bother."

"But I wasn't Aoi-san, I am very thankful for the thought but as I said..." Seeing the potential of another lecture of underwear Sakuya act without a second late.

"We got it Eiji-kun, your lesson is well appreciate but we don't need it a second time." Who would have thought this is what make someone like Eiji look dejected. "Still, in this way we really don't have to worry about it too much I guess. If you are like this, I somehow got a feeling you would brace it and get through it your own way. Just know, if you have something you can't solve try and ask me, I am sure me and Aoi-kun amazing minds will be able to offer some help." Sakuya said with a more relieved tone compare to when he and Aoi first pose the question.

And both he with Aoi almost didn't notice it themselves too, the tension it have been lifted unknowingly during their conversation. Hibiki herself still look lost as if trying to decipher the 'grand' life lesson in Eiji's words but she too has lost the worried look she has.

"Make me feel a bit idiotic to worry for this guy, so this is what the Commander meant." Aoi thought can be described as somewhat amused mix with curiosity as she saw Eiji looked slump and Hibiki still seems to be in thought but the air of easiness is comfortable for sure. "Well Ryoko-san did said to relax before the big load of work didn't she?"

"Hah...I can't help but feel if Ankh is here it would be worse..." Eiji said before he pause in his spot.

End OST.

No one seemed to notice but when he become silent a bit long Hibiki called out to him.

"Eiji-kun? Is everything alright?" Hibiki asked as he turn to her with a reassuring look, a bit too fast in her opinion.

"Nah I just thinking if I forgot to get Ankh his ice cream again." Eiji said comically terrified with a sigh as he rub the back of his head, Hibiki look at him for a second before burst out laughing. "It's a serious matter he will really burn me if I forgot you know?" That line only serve to make the girl cackling even more.

Both Aoi and Sakuya amusement increase even more with this scene, the issue they have involve Eiji become more distant than it seems at first for them.

That day end somewhat uneventfully, it was a quiet end. However as both of them depart from the 2nd Division, everyone in the Division especially Hibiki and Eiji know, this feeling of calmness is a prelude to the upcoming storm, the stage have been set, the battle will definitely come. All they can do right now is prepare themselves at the best and ready to face it.

---

Playing Hidamari no Kageri Naku.

"Put this in this, along with this equation, will give us the result of x which is...56!" She exclaimed write down her answer with all her hope before she look at the silent Miku who look criticized at her before she let out a proud smile.

"Ding-dong. Correct! Very good Hibiki." Miku clapped as Hibiki cheered, finally the two hours of Hell known as math homework is over! "Now with that pace let's move to the literature assignment!" Not missing a beat she brought out another notebook of said subject while the spirit that Hibiki show turn a complete one eighty and pummel down faster than a wet paper plane.

"Please, can we at least take a break?" Hibiki pleaded, facing these kind of enemies are the only time when the spirit of Tachibana Hibiki is nowhere to be seen.

"Alright but remember if you can't complete the assignment to hand them tomorrow, Sensei will chew you out again." She said teasingly while Hibiki whined as she put her head on the table.

Though after few minutes of bury her face down like that, Miku can hear snickering come from her friend as she look at Hibiki strangely, just when she about to ask Hibiki lift her face up and laughed happily.

"My bad, my bad. It just, ah...how I missed this. To be able to study so hard and have fun with you again, especially now that I don't have to hide anything from you. I really idiot for never appreciate how good it feel." Hibiki said blissfully as she do a stretch above her head with both of her hands, her conversation with Eiji once more played again in her mind.

Few months ago what would make her head swing would be the prospect that she once again didn't manage to turn her homework in on time. That she accidentally overslept and make Miku late to school along with her, or she has accidentally forgot her wallet at home and Eiji has to put on tab her bill with his own salary until she can paid him back, she always paid him back right away the next day by the way! But now? Noises, Relics, other world beings and then politics of all thing. Undoubtedly among all four, the last one is what she still can't believe that have somehow entangle with her life, she didn't want to said it make all worry in her life become so small, that is as same as belittling the life she has with her friends. Nonetheless it does leave her overwhelmed.

She take her training as serious as she can, she has mend her relation with Tsubasa and she has come to realize the weight of being the Symphogear User, the inheritor of Gungnir. And she know too what the consequences can be if she fail, life lost, property suffer great damage and if she might be a bit dramatic though not impossible the world can be harm by the Noises, yes Tsubasa and Eiji is here but never for that thought she let her slack rather it because she didn't want to drag them down that every moment of training of pushing her muscles to its utmost limit make it worth it.

'Yet to still be able to has moment like this despite all that craziness with my friends, I am so lucky.' Hibiki thought whimsically with a somewhat melancholy look as her thought from then on also drift back to this afternoon, the thought of what she learned from the government involving Eiji, the true but uncomfortable truth involving humanity sometimes, how it lead her back to her own scars she gained in that fateful concert, beside the one left by the Gungnir.

End OST.

"Hibiki...is something happen today?" Miku asked a bit worry, but she almost regret her words when she saw how Hibiki's mood falter slightly, but for her friend's safety she doesn't want to take a step back. She want to know too, any pain or trouble Hibiki is feeling, she want to be shared with no matter how little it is.

"As expected of Miku, I really can never keep anything from you." Hibiki said with a forced smile as she look ahead seemingly lost in her thought. "It just, ehm...hah...it really hard to said, I never good with stuff like this you know?" She admit sheepishly for a moment look embarrassed but her expression shift back to how it was. "I was just realize...no that's not it, I was reminded how it isn't the same for everyone. How sometimes we still hurt each other, maybe not directly but...it definitely not pleasant." She said somewhat lost in her thought while Miku subconsciously bit her inner cheek.

"Hibiki are you..." Miku left the words hanging but Hibiki know what she want to said as she smile gently.

"It not those time, well it does remind me a bit of it but I guess I just can't be ignorance when the facts stare me down I guess?" Hibiki asked scratched her cheek sheepishly. "I tried to ignore the side of other that isn't all good, I know it exist but I didn't want to admit it. However when it affect...my friends I just can't pretend it not there."

"Is...something happened to Eiji-kun?" Miku asked nervously, she can somewhat guess the purpose behind Hibiki's words and her silent pretty much confirm it. "Is he alright?"

"He...he is fine, but I just can't help it. It make me really angry, make me feel like something about to break. I...at that moment...I think I actually feel that hurting something would be...right. I'm somewhat scared." Hibiki confessed look at her hand with a confused look, she then clench it to fist tightly seemingly stuck in an inner turmoil with her conscience. Until Miku gently put her hands over that fist and massage it calming Hibiki down.

"Just like always, you only think about for other, what can I do with you, Hibiki?" Miku mock complained with a smile. "I don't know the detail but Hibiki you just want to protect Eiji-kun aren't you? You know the feeling, the feeling how other actions can hurt you so you didn't want him to also feel like that. I don't know about right or wrong but as your friend I can said that's just how you would react, just like I don't want you to hurt and hate for it to happen. I think if it was me, I not sure what I would feel myself if you were hurt. Maybe I would have the same thought as you." She said soothingly to Hibiki who let loose of her fist as she listen to Miku's words.

Hibiki while thankful for her friend's word and presence also notice the last line, she seems to debate to herself for a moment before she look at Miku with a determined gleam.

"Miku-chan...two days from now will be a tough day, it seems...a big fight will happen. Me and Eiji-kun helped by the 2nd Division we will fight! For you, for everyone we will fight a big battle against the Noises soon." Hibiki said as calm as she could, trying to convey in her voice how confidence she is, how she would not let anything happen to her.

Miku sit there taking the words and for a moment Hibiki didn't know what reaction her friend would have until Miku let out a deep breath, her hands shaken a bit but it slowed down.

"In that case you will be very tired after the whole thing, alright tomorrow let me handle dinner, what dishes would you like? Or should we have a bit feast in the Sunflower?" Miku asked as calm as she could but Hibiki can tell how hard she trying to keep it under control.

"Thanks a lot, Miku-chan." Hibiki said gratefully before her eyes lit up. "But don't worry Eiji-kun will give us a treat soon! So we don't need to go to Sunflower yet so tomorrow if I could would you please make me some hamburger stake with cheese in it? I really love that dish you make!" She pleaded cheerfully making Miku herself chuckle.

"Alright. But if you don't come back in time I might eat your share, like you said I make that dish rather splendidly if I may said so myself." Miku teased with Hibiki look distressed.

For Hibiki this is the best mental and physical relaxation and prepare she could have in turn to face tomorrow's challenge. Though while having fun with her friend, Hibiki's mind drifted back to that moment of converse with Eiji.

"I wonder what really was on his mind." It was somewhat easy for Hibiki now to spot that subtle difference in Eiji to tell he wasn't exactly honest when he told her what caught his mind. She somewhat put down again he didn't trust in her like how Miku is but decided against it, she know when the time come he would definitely tell her. "If not I will do what I believe and pry it out of him even if I must get a bit rough." And for moment like these Hibiki didn't feel much trouble of thinking a little harm to Eiji, it's for his own good after all. Still with the reminder the battle is coming Hibiki can't help but feel she is still lacking, she need some assurance, to make sure she can carry herself in battle. It was this moment Ankh's words come back to her. "The bigger the desire...the more power I need huh?" Hibiki thought somberly as she touch the scar on her chest, where the fragment is.

As she close her eyes she can feel it pulsing, slowly but surely it is synching with her, she isn't the brightest tool in the shed. Hibiki know that however rather than intellectual this is more spiritual so to said, she can't think of a better term, she can feel Gungnir. She for some reason can picture it clearly in her head, of how the fragment lodge itself near her heart the position, shape and everything yet it didn't scare her, not anymore. Her wills, her body already accepting the fact said fragment is merging and become part of her flesh and bone, how it will and had answered her call. It has given her power to grab hold of other hand but it still not enough, for the upcoming battle Hibiki would need something a bit more...

"Once more, please...no, I will draw you out myself. Gungnir I won't disappoint you, so don't hold yourselves back on me." Hibiki thought determinedly. The next two days will be busy but it would be needed for what she thinking about to be done. Hopefully Genjuro-shishou won't be too mad if she be a bit rough on his training ground.

---

Eiji after exchange greeting to the Boss Lady while suppressing a need to shudder for some reason, though he has a nagging feeling it related to Hibiki, went up to his room. As he opened it what greet him is as he expected, an empty room. Ever since the avian themed Greeed gone from his spot this morning, Eiji already suspect this will be the case. It is ever rarely Ankh would leave Eiji's side much to the own Greeed's chagrin sometimes. However with his current state he couldn't allow himself to be caught by the enemies, Ankh know he can hardly fight against a human being in this form let alone a Noises or a Yummy. Thus he need Eiji's protection, a fact that Eiji admittedly rub to Ankh's nonexistent face more than a few times, yes Eiji does has his petite moment, more for a moment of humor of course and more so because it is Ankh. So by this point for Ankh to finally leave his nest, he probably would burn Eiji if he heard this joke, that can only mean one thing.

On the other hand Eiji decided to use the free time to muse over some tidbits of thought Ankh has divulge while also never really explain, typical of the ice-cream devourer to let bread crumbs and see if Eiji 'fast' enough to caught on. So Ankh didn't hold back the information so much as because he need to be more ready, given his state now, rather it seems mean the Greeed didn't place his trust completely to the Division. Have it been a day before Eiji wouldn't have side with that thought, the difference for that and this Eiji is that he has also read the file of Yukine Chris. Much he loathe to admit it, but due to his lack of long term connection to the 2nd Division, he might still hold a more objective view, a factor that benefit yet also disturb him somewhat at the same time.

Still he hasn't completely understand what Ankh meant regarding the words Chris spoke and the behaviors of the hidden one who control the Noises, so letting the warmth water smooth his mind Eiji decide it also a good time to let his thought wonder.

"Hah...that hit the spot." Eiji turn out the hot water letting it wash over him as he scrub his body, letting the warm fresh liquid engulf him he continue to think. "Chris-chan...she didn't spoke a lot, and even when she does it either to provoke us or...ah...the concert...right..."

Hibiki and Tsubasa have both to them all, Chris known about the incident of the concert and claim to be responsible. However such notion is ridiculous when one taking account the fact that Chris was just rescued half a year before the concert. If timed the day till now then she has been missing roughly a year, while the event of the concert is about six months back, before the time Chris disappeared she has no prior training and still just a normal girl. So to said that she has just been taken away for six months or so and already participate in such big scale attack, it feel not very right. From what Genjuro has told him base on Tsubasa and Kanade, Gear Users need to take time to be efficient with their Relic, Hibiki was an exception due to her literally having pieces of it in her heart and even then she has taken weeks to learn step by step how to unlock the power.

Tsubasa, Kanade themselves has taken years to hone and master their Gears, put aside Kanade who need external medicine aid, Tsubasa is naturally attuned is also the same case. In other words if the one who kidnap Chris took so much effort to acquire a natural Gear Users, in just short times they wouldn't risk sending Chris out so soon.

That mean that the one who taken Chris, the elusive woman named Fine very likely, has told her about it...she orchestrate the attack that disrupted the testing for Nehustan then taken it from the Division, said woman also taken away the only children beside Tsubasa and Kanade at that time who has been qualified as the candidate for the Symphogear. One could said she seems to be one step ahead of the Division the whole time, however if one look at it another angle. An angle that no doubt Ankh already look at.

"She seems to know what step the Division would take." Eiji mused as he dried his hair while lay sprawled out to his bed with a tired sigh more from his thought than his physical body.

But then one of his Candroid vibrated in his pocket, as he take it out he know only one other person who would communicate with him via this way.

"Speak of the devil...or is it the bird?" Eiji pondered briefly before accept the call. "So do I need to ask the Boss Lady for one more bed or are you fine with a couch? I don't think you would appreciate the idea of both of us sharing the same bed." Eiji pondered curiously.

"Obviously we both got our priority straight." Ankh deadpanned tone is just subtle. "So have you caught on yet or are you already blabber it to the 2nd Division already?" He asked knowingly, of course he would call Eiji many negative name giving but stupid definitely isn't one of them, he learn how shrewd this 'harmless' idiot can be after all.

"We could compromise the relationship we established with the 2nd Division like this, they have put their trust into us despite they have no need to. It certainly didn't put them in better light for their already lacking relationship with other government branch." Eiji pointed out ambivalently.

"Hmph, you might bring up some good point there, however there are two points that you forgot." Ankh said.

"I did?" Eiji mutter surprised.

"First you assume I care, second is I don't care." Ankh said apathetically, Eiji sometimes can't help but entertain the thought to choke Ankh with a ice-cream stick, he really does. However Eiji also know he has himself to blame for falling for such an obvious line after knowing Ankh for so long, blame his nature to trying to assume the best from this Greeed most of the time, while in hindsight it only show in about twenty to forty percent of the cases. "Enough already I missing there for a day so how much crap could I miss? Did that old man rob you to another action movie marathon?"

Eiji would like to give himself credit that he wasn't so petty that he take some smug joy in the fact he can imagine Ankh's twitched expression of how much he could have missed in the one day he decided to sneak off, alas he know himself better than that especially when it involve Ankh. That not to said it last that long or anything when it reminded him of the bitter fact how a life of a great man was lost today because of them direct or indirect regardless.

"That bastard, what the Hell is he up to now pulling a stunt like that? And they decided when I am absent to pull out something like that? Well that might explain some traits of incredible energy I feel down there but I chalked it up to being some left over energy of the Relic the brats use." Ankh said aggrievedly while Eiji also ponder on that fact.

"The Durandal seems to be in some state of shutdown, yet...I don't know." Eiji admitted sheepishly and somewhat worried. "Something about the Durandal make me feel...uneasy? I don't think it like any Relic I have seen, I mean I know it incredible but what I mean is...I feel like it isn't as rusted as the 2nd Division seems to perceive."

"Well that didn't set off any alarm at all." Ankh said dryly. "Hmph, with how it is I wouldn't surprise if the 2nd Division found out how 'coincidental' it is that once again a Complete Relic seems to disappear while they were transporting it." Ankh commented with a clipped tone.

"This is serious Ankh if what you deduce is true, then there more reason I can't let it slip away. There is already the death of Hiroki-san I can't let things become worse." Eiji gritted his teeth in frustration.

"As always you take on unnecessary burden that has nothing to do with you." Ankh scoffed. "If that's the case get your act together, Eiji right now you are the Multi-King now it is a fact I can't deny anymore. With that power, die with your desire or fight with your desire, you will make the choice." Eiji has to look back at the device that has Ankh's voice coming out in shock, he didn't think he would heard Ankh spoke with a tone that somehow has admiring, accusatory, and ardent tone all mix match together like that yet the Greeed pulled it off.

"Gotcha." Eiji know it would sound very, very lame and lacking compare to Ankh's words but he didn't think it would be this bad! Still he really can't think of a better reply, then again at this point actions are much more needed than words.

"Anyway of course you could also drop dead and I could find another idiot to slap the Belt on, work for me too should be able to serve as human shield when I nuke that fake Greeed in the face." It seems even Ankh realize how out of character his last line is as this one fill with all the snappish attitude you would expect if you know Ankh long enough.

"Right, right. I need to pull myself together, so right now I will fully focus on protecting the transportation so until then be careful bird brain." Eiji said with a chuckle and before Ankh could retort to that insult with less than favorable words to put it mildly he was treated with another sting move.

"That bastard...his nerve getting worse each day for him to dare and hang up on me. Hm...still he always has a knack when it come to matter that has Medals in it. Multi-King...tch." Ankh clicked his tongue as he once again keep track of the mansion near the side of the cliff. With the distance he at and the way he carefully hid his energy he would be fine checking on them for two days, he didn't need to risk anything. True to his representation like a hawk hunting for its prey he can be as still as a statue when needed but when he strike...

None will saw it coming, provided that Eiji didn't screw anything up then no amount of ice-cream will protect him from the Greeed's flame.

His set of eyes from look over the row of tree of the forest. For other that might be the limit of their vision however to Ankh hundred of miles away he can easily pinpoint the mansion at the edge of the cliff on the other side of the forest. Oh yeah Eiji probably know but this will be annoyance waiting for him when he go back isn't? Consider the other especially how that damn scientist or the brat will react...joy.

"The reason Ankh wasn't so fond of giving the intel to the 2nd Division right away...the incident involve Nehustan and Ichival...the kidnapping of Yukine-chan...is that how it is." He muttered with a long sigh thinking about the Division that quickly become his allies of this world but that also might have make him subconsciously look away from a very big possibility, he is someone who easily attached yet he can also become detached from said connection if it for other sakes. But if one ask him to doubt those he come to know for his own well-being, then that is a hard task for him. "Still...this is about Hibiki-chan and Chris-chan's well-being." Eiji thought as he continue to stare at the ceiling in silent for a moment. "Ah , I wonder if I still have a clean underwear for tomorrow yet, better check." He said to himself more relaxed as he sprang up from the bed and went to his closet.

---

"Hah~." Fine stretched, whether she intent to or not, sensually on her chair as she let out a yawn.

"Long day at work, dear?" Poseidon asked...in a strangely feminine tone.

"Fufufu." Fine chuckled. "You want to try that again?" She asked teasingly.

"Ah-hem. I see you not that tired after all." Poseidon said more to his usual tone this time.

"Oh no I am completely beat." Fine said with a hum. "I'm sure now one other punishment dealt to humanities is 'paperwork'. I'm sure that's what must be waiting for those wicked souls when they go to Hell."

"Well then I guess you better treasure your life more." Poseidon said this time a bit more snarky.

"Thank you for your concern." Fine said with a smile as she watch Poseidon clear his throat a few more times looking a bit annoyed. "Ah those shiny coins of your, despite how entertaining they are, the imprinted personalities sometimes bleed out to you. This is what happen when you so simple-minded, see?" Fine said with concerned tone.

"While it may seems a liability to you, what this prove is that I am drawing more powers from the Core Medals than ever, hence why I susceptible to the personalities change." Poseidon said with a strained tone obviously struggling to keep his usual voices. "Of course this problem is short-term, soon I will be free from the restraint and then we can all get what we wish." Poseidon said with finality as he look out at the window, he then grinned excitingly "I think Ms. Trigger-Happy would want to hear concerned words from you more." Poseidon said less strained now as he watch the ongoing battle outside the mansion.

"Until you a bit more refined, my dear. Otherwise I afraid you don't know how special our bond is." Fine said standing up and bring out an antique film projector, the kind that run with film reel.

"Black and white movie again?" Poseidon whined childish, he then blinked once. "Not a word." He deadpanned.

"Well you will leave soon so I need another source of entertainment, like I said it was lots of paperwork." Fine flashed a Cheshire grin. "You need to broaden your life more Poseidon-kun, or you might forgot how to even speak properly." She said as she continue to dug through the collection of movie reel she has.

"Heh, the rush of a battle, that's all it need for me to remember who I am." Poseidon said with an assertive tone as he take his leave outside. "Which I think I will settle with the overly excited one outside for now, beside someone have to remember to feed your guard dog." He said with a ghost of a grin.

"And he act so composed before too, now he is like a teenager. Ah how cruel the current of Fate is." Fine sigh with a distressed tone. "Now where is my Charlie Chaplin's collection?"

Outside the mansion, sweeping her gaze through all the ice soldiers surrounding her, Chris narrowed her gaze as she scowled not bother to make a move instead she waiting for the ice soldiers to all leap at her. They were not hit by a whip, nor where they even get to approach Chris. Suddenly the air around them fill with the sound of gunpowder and bullets shot out from the barrels as one by one the ice soldiers were reduced to fragments due to being the target of Ichival. No matter what angle, what direction or how many surround her, Chris with a calm look in contrast to her usual outburst style and a feral grin turned, twisted, avoid and dodge while wasting no chance to aim her gun at target around her and take them all down with precise shot.

Few tried the aerial approach, four of them leap up before aim their swords at her as they shot downward. Chris closed her eyes calmly as she let loose her rockets, for these clone she didn't need a big one, only a few small one is enough. It instantly honing to the ice clone and blow them to bits while Chris turn her attention to another squad as she bring back her chain gun. When another dozen ice soldiers try to flank her, even while carrying the set of chain gun she move swiftly and jump on one of them, locking her legs around its head before spin her body and gun down its fellow ice soldier, but soon it also join its brethren as Chris switch her chain gun with her bow and fire few energy bolts at it.

She land gracefully like a deadly ballerina, the snow flakes coincidentally formed by the destroyed ice clones fall down around her paint a breathtaking image with her as the center.

"The term 'femme fatale' fit you perfectly, my lady." Poseidon said with an extravagant bow not unlike how one impression of a butler in movie is, though sensing the glare he got he merely chuckle. "But if I maybe so curious, I thought the action of using this Relic only reserve for very special occasion? To think you would give me the honor of seeing it in a mere training." Poseidon then turn his gaze to another fight or rather massacre happening on the other side.

A strange sight of a Yummy tearing down left and right hundred of Noises greet him. In contrast to Chris's display of controlled movement and preciseness, the Yummy bite, tore and claw through any Noises it can get its hand on and every time it does the Yummy seems pulsating with more energy. Its strange body is that of a standing lion with an eye-catching feature is its jellyfish-like right arm, those who know it would call it with the name of Lion-Kurage.

"Hm. Sad to said, it isn't something I can teach to this chap here." Poseidon said with a sigh before he turn back to Chris who narrowed her gaze at him before she turn her gaze back to the mansion.

"Heh, did you lose another verbal match with Fine?" Chris snarled with a grin, she herself has taken personal pleasure ever since few days ago when Poseidon start to exhibit strangely, if he ever act normal, behavior. And safe to said Fine take advantage of that change during their verbal exchange as if someone toss a basketball to Michael Jordan in an empty field and ask if he can make a shot. And Chris was right there silently enjoying every moment of it, speech wasn't her strong suit anyway. Was it petty? Yes. Does she still finish her popcorn happily? Yes.

"Now that just rude, however if I may guess I'm sure if Fine knew how much you pushing yourself, she would be happy." Poseidon said with a small smile that did nothing to hide the clear provocation in his voice, Chris narrow her gaze but her determined expression remain the same. "Very well, to this battle will I more than happy to oblige. Let's make sure you all prepared for the upcoming 'dance'." He said with a feral grin twirling his Harpoon as he walk toward her.

Yukine Chris in one of few rare moment involving Poseidon, more than happy to response by aiming both her chain gun at him and barrage him with a hail of bullets.

---

Tachibana Hibiki wake up in the early 7:00 AM despite the fact that this week it seems for a reconstruction of part of the school, a convenient excuse easily cook up the the Division, that school will close till next Tuesday. She waste no chance to get out of the bed, making sure not to wake Miku, getting herself ready then sprinted from her dorm to the 2nd Division. In the special training room for the Gear Users Hibiki easily go through a set of warm up that would have constitute as an intense work out for most people her age. With the preparation done she put a hand over her chest, feeling her beating heart and the ever pulsing Gungnir's fragment.

"Two days, I can do this, I will do this along with Gungnir." Hibiki muttered a mantra of determination as her eyes gleamed red shade of light briefly. This time clearly she can feel the wave of power from the Gungnir's fragment now. Almost like how one can feel the water go down from their throat to their body albeit a bit more...ticklish she suppose. But this is what she want, now that she can feel the wave of energy she can try to redirect it, to focus to an area rather let it distribute equally to her body, this is the sensation she feel. The unknown power she unknowingly activate sometimes when all that power went to her fists, Hibiki know to be ready for the upcoming battle she has to know how to redirect this flow.

---

At that same day, Eiji dropped by the forest where Hibiki and Chris has their duels, even now he can see the destruction aftermath is still here, but in this abandoned area in the forest there are many reasons one can come up with for this anyway. In fact all these preceding damage suit Eiji just fine, if he go a bit awry with his practice it won't look too out of place, he hope.

"Two days, alright." Eiji said as he closed his eyes before he open them again showing a hue of violet light in his eyes irises as the same time mist of ice start to manifest around him along with cackle of violet lightning spark out sporadically from Eiji's body. Eiji winced as he grit his teeth suppress the urge to scream in pain, he doesn't has time for that. He isn't here to be struggling with the Purple Medals, he is here to take back the power that was his.

---

"Things have become quite entertaining recently for you it seems." A rough male voice said in English through the phone that Fine putting lazily near her ear sitting on an elegant wooden chair with her feet hang on the table in front of her. She rock back and forth in disinterest, trying to suppress a yawn hearing the irritated voice on the other line.

As ever she didn't bother put on a shred of clothes simply put in this form she has no need to hide it, a proof of her origin of who she is. Just like how treasure is meant to be admire so is her body, of course just like a treasure all the same not many man can get to look at this treasure to appreciate it, not without paying it with their life at least. Exception wise here and there sometimes of course being her cute little follower and a being who didn't even classify as a living being much in her mind.

"Why yes I would said things have taken somewhat unexpected turn though still bore rather fruitful result for us don't you agree? The new breed of weapons know as Yummy, easy to carry around, completely impervious to any weapons detecting technology or techniques, and the powers it pack plus with icing on top is the Solomon Key that open up countless amount of Noises. At the end of the road I can only see a dazzling future for your country, of course if we can't share the same view I would gladly submit what I have on hand for you right now and you with your country can take care of the rest." Fine said sensually in English herself, as usual is the carrot and stick routine being play out here, of course those who really know how to play like her truly is know how to spice it up so each carrot stick still feel fresh and different.

"Save your words, Ms. Fine. It is precisely because we have saw these development that we still continue to pursue partnership with you, we even follow your whim and have throw in smokescreen for those who try to look into the death of Japan's Ministry of Defense haven't we?" The voice replied evenly however Fine have no doubt her words has once more took him in. Of course results were needed to be show it it and a few Cell Medals was too cheap for a price compare to the Solomon Cane.

"Don't be stingy with a lady now, such works are only child play for you isn't? Saying you even broke a sweat is already exaggeration." Fine said with a haughty tone but after a few seconds of silence she let out a sigh. "But I got it, such favor is still important to one as me, as such I am happy to still be in your country's care." Fine said with a smile that she sure the man didn't need to be here to picture it.

"What a terrifying woman you are, however still won't be as terrifying our anger and retribution if you slip up. We expect to receive the fully functional Solomon Cane soon, have a good day." With that the line gone dead as Fine spare the phone a disdainfully gaze before throw it back squarely on the dialer while letting out a soft yawn.

"A bland man for a bland country, I probably would swallow my shoe just the idea of his country's dirty hands all over my Solomon Cane." Fine said as she take out said object and run a finger over it all the while easily release dozen of Noises in the room. "Sorry dears I would return you back to your home but then is my new toy's snack time." Fine said with a goodbye wave, the Noises stand there unable to comprehend the words send to them however their basic instinct still know that it seems their expiration date have come just when they are just released.

"GGGRRRR!" That and the deafening roar also help as Fine look put off as she turn to the Lion-Kurage as it pounce on the Noises then start to munch on them just like how a dog would with its chew-toy. Seeing her disapproval gaze though the beast revert to whimpers and whine, again not unlike a hound, but still chewing on the Noises, who if could speak, Fine feel like would have pleaded for mercy.

"Hah, next time I am making Poseidon-kun teach you some table manner." Fine chided her's 'pet' before she look back to her monitor typing a few keys as set of images pop up putting her back in giddy mood like a young girl looking forward to her birthday party. "Ah, soon everything I have been long for would present itself to me, I just have to wait but oh~. Two days! What a crime to make a lady wait so long toward her date." Fine said giggling uncontrollably to herself.

The pictures that absorbing all of Fine's attention are the two that show Tachibana Hibiki, when she punched the Kamakiri Yummy with Gungnir's unexpected power, and the Durandal being kept at 2nd Division.

---

"Boss Lady, I going out for now I will be back soon." Eiji informed as he reaching the door.

"Eiji-kun wait a bit." Boss Lady stopped him in his track as she walk to him with a frown. "You..." She begin but hesitate in her words as she look intensively at Eiji who looking back curiously, seemingly didn't found what she looking for she merely let out a sigh. "Be careful when you out there got it?" Eiji smile as he nodded then turn back to the door, but before he reach for the handle he paused.

"Boss Lady, this weekend I thinking of using my wage to treat Hibiki-chan and my friends here, would it be bothersome to you?" Eiji asked her suddenly that taken her back a bit. After a second she shook her head in a given up manner with a chuckle.

"What did I said about tiring this old women bone and spirits you idiotic boy? Alright I never make exception when it come to the customers since every customers deserve the best, but for you boy I will put even more extra effort than normal so make sure to be grateful." Boss Lady said playfully as she tap her knuckle softly on his head as he chuckled. "Eiji whatever you do, this place will always be a home for you." She said warmly, after few seconds of silent Eiji nodded.

"Ah, it was very fortunate of me." With that Eiji walk out of the store and get on his bike.

Hibiki dressed in an orange t-shirt with a jean short look up to the clock seeing the time as she inhale deeply before smiling reassuringly as she prepare to step out of the door again, she make sure to turn around and give Miku a grin with a victory sign, Miku replied the same as she tied an apron and go to the kitchen.

"I am leaving for now."

"Uhm, be back soon." Not a hint of nervousness were show between them as Miku encouragingly send Hibiki off while making sure to prepare the best hamburger steak she could for Hibiki when she come back.

---

Chris glance up at the clock in the guest room as she made her way to the door, she turn around looking at the empty chair where Fine usually would be as her eyes steel themselves. She pull out the Gear Pendant around her neck that was hidden beneath her dress before looking at the Nehustan Armor grasp in her hand or rather the orb of light that contain the Gear, unlike other Symphogear that compact form is the Pendant for Nehustan the Complete Relic it hold no form unless its armor is unleashed. Chris tighten her brow before put her palm forward as the Nehustan Armor float away from her palm and lie contently in Fine's seat. The armor will not react to those that wasn't chosen, in this case Chris know there is no need to worry the Armor will be take away.

Playing Yuku Kaze ni, Omoi Hasete.

"Ever since that day, it all start for me when Fine given me this. The Symphogear that truly resonate with my heart, but because of that I hidden you away, precisely because you are my song, something I have hated but that was the past get the better of me!" Chris berated herself as she gripped her Pendant tightly. "Without her, I will never get hold of you, you might also not awaken. We both own it to her, not just that but we also with our own strength must open the way to our dream, this is all we can do to repaid Fine, and for ourselves and this world, I won't hide anymore! The world will hear my song! My cry for the new world loud and clear! Resonate with me Ichaival, I have wronged you by hide you away but now you are my true strength together we will blast holes to those who dare stand in our way to our goal!" She shout out passionately.

And the response she got is no lackluster in anyway either as the Pendant dimmer then let out a bright radiant before the light die down as Chris can feel her Symphogear pulsing in power anticipating the moment it will be unleashed, the white haired girl in response grinned confidently seeing this spectacle.

"Thank you, my comrade. And now to get what is our." Chris said with steel return to her eyes as she confidently walk out of the mansion, Poseidon with his arm crossed have an intrigue look when he saw the confident, in a very different sense, figure of Chris walk out of the mansion. She spare him no attention as she walk pass him.

"Well now..." Poseidon mutter impressed and quietly follow her but one can see how he barely contain the excitement in his expression, as if to reflect this his eyes start to flash with various colors contribute to the Core Medals he possess.

End OST.

---

When both Hibiki and Eiji make their way to the 2nd Division they instantly spot some bandages on each other for Hibiki it is on her cheek and the bridge of her nose while for Eiji it is on his chin and his forehead, not to mention they can see some minor scratches on each other too. For Eiji are his hands and for Hibiki are on her legs, for a moment there they both just stare at each other quietly before they both chuckled. Is not like they have any right to lecture the other anyway hence they settle for making way to where Ryoko is.

"Right on time you two. Wait a bit I am getting the main dish out." Ryoko said seeing them coming through the door but her eyes didn't take off the keyboard she typing on while Hibiki and Eiji attentions were draw to the glass screen showing the vault where Durandal is being keep. Though she does give both of their face a glance as she arched an eyebrow. "And mind telling me what did you two do?" She asked accusingly.

"Sorry." They synched sheepishly, Ryoko can only shake her head giving up seeing this.

With both of them watch the extracting of Durandal from it safe deep within the 2nd Division, they can't help themselves as they look astonished being once again reminded just how deep this base is.

"Magnificent right? This Division's depth is three time the height of the Tokyo Tower itself. The name Abyss isn't just for show you know?" Ryoko asked proudly.

"Abyss...when you stare at the Abyss..." Eiji mused over the name subconsciously but Ryoko heard him anyway.

"Yes it stare right back at ya. What better way to hidden our treasure than here right?" Ryoko asked with a beaming smile and her tone change to mysterious as if to add the effect of the eerie atmosphere that she trying to conjure.

"It sound a bit too scary for me to be honest." Hibiki admit shakily as she rub the back of her head, she can't punch ghost you know?! "But you all build this under the school and I have no clue at all." She said with astonishment, once more come with the fact this is literally under her school.

"That's thanks to the hard work of the constructor, the ever diligent information control team and of course your one and only! The great Sakurai Ryoko!" She announced with an even bigger grin relishing in the praise, at least she interpret so, from Hibiki. "On a serious note you all really need to be thankful to people like Sakuya-kun and Aoi-kun. They are the one making sure you can run around with your Symphogear like it your school uniform and have no one recognize you at all you know?" She said with a wink.

"So they are doing for us what Shinji-san do for Tsubasa-san...Alright! Eiji-kun when that meal come you should treat them too." Hibiki decided finding no problem with that solution.

"Boss Lady will accept overtime right?"

"Sound fun I look forward to that meal too, thanks for the treat in advance Eiji-kun." And just like that another name somehow slip into Eiji's very limited fund.

"Please accept!" If Eiji sound pressured before then he just outright desperate now.

"Alright Boy and Girl!" Ryoko enthusiastically announced in English. "It's showtime! Let's meet up outside the Division. Eiji-kun you have a ride right? You better go prepare first, me and Hibiki-chan here will ride on the car that have Durandal in its." She said with Eiji nod as he sprint off.

Hibiki share a nod with Ryoko and about to go their own way but then Hibiki's communication device rang. Taking it out she brighten up seeing who is the caller.

"Tsubasa-san. How are you doing?" Hibiki greeted and she can hear Tsubasa chuckle on the line.

"My wounds are stable, I will be discharge soon, however for such an important battle to occur and all I can give you is encouraging words. Forgive your senpai's blunder, Hibiki." She apologized but Hibiki grinned.

"That words of encouragement alone already give me a huge boost in energy!" Hibiki exclaimed happy how once again Tsubasa openly treat her as comrade now. "Ah but of course I also hope you will be able to fight with me too, not that I don't want you to be here or something like that." She hastily correct herself.

"Aw you both so equally social awkward it is so precious." Ryoko cooed wrapping her arms around Hibiki. "Don't worry Tsubasa-chan I am sure Eiji-kun will watch over your cute little kouhai until you come back." She said in sing song tone ignore the squirming Hibiki trying to get out of her grip.

"Hello to you too Ryoko-san." Tsubasa said calmly not surprise at all consider who is speaking. "Speaking of which I also tried to contact Eiji-kun but then I remember...I didn't have his number." She said sheepishly.

"Oh I take it back about that 'lack of social skill'. What a slide way to get a phone number, Tsubasa-chan nice." Ryoko said with grin and a thumb up despite no way for the blue haired sentinel to see the gesture..

"It's not like that! I am really not used to this!" Tsubasa denied with a flustered tone though in hindsight that tone really isn't very convincing though it does a good job drawing out more laughter from Ryoko

"Yeah I am just kidding a bit, I not sure what's she want but it true that Tsubasa-chan here is very shy to acquaintance with opposite sex, the only exception is Shinji-kun who has to help her clean up all the time." Ryoko said teasingly.

"RYOKO-SAN!" Tsubasa bellowed through the phone, her face by now must be red like her partner's hair while Hibiki just look conflicted between Tsubasa's predicament and trying to see if Ryoko is joking or not with the issue with phone number, but that also remind her.

"Oh right, Eiji-kun doesn't use the device. He even paid money with coins and bills all the time." Hibiki said confused herself.

"Hahaha...Wait you are serious. Who is he? Robinson?" Ryoko for once look flabbergasted. "I mean...no phone...such a life...oh..." And now she look like she in some kind of breakdown.

"Given his position it isn't strange for him to not register a device if you think about it." Tsubasa said in defense to the young man that isn't present, and to stop Ryoko to fall apart before the operation. The device is pretty much an ID Card, wallet and phone all throw to one after all and for someone like Eiji who didn't even exist in this world till few months ago to try and make it just sound unnecessary. But then such thought also lead to something that back then Tsubasa probably can't imagine she would be uncomfortable. "Does that also mean he didn't plan to stay long? Only after the threat of his world are dealt with he would leave? Then again this isn't his world right?"

"Who is Robinson again?" Hibiki asked gaining a look from Ryoko. "Uhm...I'm sorry?" Given the look reminded her of the one she usually get from her teacher, Hibiki's self-preserve instinct kick in.

"I'm driving you to the library after this." Ryoko said bluntly earning a yelp from the cream-haired girl. "Ain't no way to slack off in the educational department young lady especially when you work with me!" Ryoko declared with a grin.

"Hibiki's matter with literature aside." Tsubasa cut in somewhat amused before her tone shifted. "Hibiki, you has prepared yourself for this right?" The blue haired swordsman asked.

"Ah, I am still not getting much of the complicated stuff but I know right now how much everyone is depending on me, just your trust on me alone Tsubasa-san is already give me enough reason to finish this mission smoothly." Hibiki said, her energetic tone raising even higher but still didn't diminish the seriousness in it.

"Then I have not much words to give to you, but Hibiki." Tsubasa said with steel in her tone that Hibiki stood straight uncontrollably. "Be careful! I will not let you off easy if you suffer an injury due to you being too overconfident, I will also not forgive you if you doubt yourself and let your enemies get to you, did I make myself clear!?" She asked with Hibiki nodded vigorously forgot the fact Tsubasa can't see it.

"Yes madam! It's sound hard but I will do it!" Hibiki didn't know where that come from but man! Tsubasa's tone sound just like her Shishou right now.

"It hard yes, but I am talking about my comrade's safety after all, please Hibiki I didn't need to see my comrades hurt anymore." Tsubasa voice soften with worry in it, Hibiki gone silence before she chuckled.

"Tsubasa-san, I am glad that I can make you feel like that. Oh! That's right we will have a feast treated by Eiji-kun in Sunflower store soon, let's all go together okay?" The question throw Tsubasa off the loop but she smiled thinly as she response.

"Group dining? That legendary activity shared among masses of close individuals? Alright that's a promise Tachibana Hibiki." With the promise make the conversation ended.

"Eh...Tsubasa-san sure sound excited for a moment there." Hibiki said a bit confused.

"Hah that girl locked her own self up for so long, now she finally see things through she back to being interested in those kind of things." Ryoko said with a nostalgia smile. "Sure remind me back when Kanade always take the lead and drag her around, but she sure as Hell enjoyed it. Ah like that time with the chicken farm, heh I will tell you more when we come back, I am sure it will thoroughly destroy whatever image you have of Tsubasa-chan for sure!" Ryoko's smile, in Hibiki's opinion, is a bit too pure for someone who just said that.

"Right eh don't need to rush Ryoko-san. Right! We have to go or we will be late eh?" Hibiki asked as she sprint to the appointed location.

"Hibiki-chan's mental conditions are top notch right now, this will be good. But really her impulsiveness still need some work." Ryoko said not moving as she just stood there waiting.

"Sorry but where are we suppose to go again?" Hibiki asked sheepishly as she come back while Ryoko shook her head with a chuckle,

"Truly, what unique specim...eh...apprentice that I got." Ryoko said with a wide smile as she lead the way.

"You have an apprentice?" Hibiki curiously asked.

Outside the 2nd Division everyone is getting into their position. Eiji with his bike parked and ready, Ryoko pulling her car out of the garage, a chopper parked near them for Genjuro to survey the area, now all that left is to go over the set up of the operation.

"Alright! Now the street we need to take for the transportation have been vacated in advance, there will be no causalities caught in this battle! This also mean if the enemies want to bring the fight to us we have no need to be wary and can give them a grand welcome! However do not forget this is a transportation as well as protection mission, the priority is to make sure we can get the Durandal to the Parliament!" Genjuro didn't quite shout, more like his voice carry that booming powerful effect of not just physically but also mentally and psychologically that can rile up the people, a usual needed good quality for a Commander.

"No worry Shishou I would put my life on the line for the Durandal! Everyone working hard to protect it after all!" Hibiki response in equal passion to Genjuro however the man shook his head. "Eh?"

"Tsk, tsk, tsk." Genjuro waggled his index finger in disapprove. "Idiot! There is no reason to compare your life to the Durandal! Listen up for those who don't get it yet when it come down to it between your life and the top priority, your life always come on top! That's how it is around here! So what if the Durandal do get stolen? We can take it back! But if you lose your life? No amount of Relic will restore it! I don't want any of you to get any idiotic heroic idea got it? Better that I get chew by the higher up and probably unable to buy my favorite action movie than having to explain to your families and love one why you can't come back to them! Did I make myself clear!?" He asked but his gaze remain to Hibiki.

The girl look guilty but also thankful for Genjuro's kindness as she nod still looking as determined as ever.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen let's move out! Once we success we can make Eiji-kun treat us to his working place! I heard it sell great Okonomiyaki!" Genjuro shout with a grin match by Hibiki.

"Not great! But one of the best there is!" Hibiki cheered while Eiji titled his head.

"So exactly how many people am I treating now?" Eiji asked already resigned to his fate.

As everyone get in position, namely Eiji to his bike, Ryoko and Hibiki to the car lastly Genjuro on his helicopter the plan went into motion. During this time Genjuro relay few more message to Eiji.

"Eiji-kun this is too late but at this moment I want you to confirm you understand your role in this plan?" Genjuro asked gravely and Eiji give an affirmation hum.

"I understand this setting work right to me, you have nothing to worry Genjuro-san." Eiji said soothingly while Genjuro scoffed.

"Brat. I told you, stop trying to be the adult between the two of us, well then same line given to Hibiki-kun, priority is Durandal but forget Durandal if your life in danger." Genjuro said with finality in his tone.

On the other side in the car with Hibiki and Ryoko lock in their seat belt Hibiki give a curious glance at Ryoko who seems a bit strange to her...well stranger than even normal.

"You seems excited Ryoko-san." Hibiki commented seeing how erratic the scientist is with her wide grin.

"Of course! I really love my operation 'All the Road are Mine!'" Ryoko shout so loud that even Eiji and Genjuro heard, if one can see the face of all the staff of 2nd Division at that moment, then one would swear they share the same brain with how synchronized their face are as its turn deadly pale.

Kamen Rider OOO OST 1-7 (2:15-3:17).

"What do you..." VROOM! "...mean...oh." Eiji hastily start the engine and chase after the speeding car, it kind of easy too even if you happen to lose sight of it. Since there really no way one can miss the excited howl mix with terrified scream coming from the driver and passenger respectively in said car.

"Ryoko-kun let herself get carry away again." Genjuro sweat-drop as he observe from the air.

"It make me wonder if half the reason she vacant the street is so she can go nuts on the highway with no one to bother her." Aoi voice said from his earpiece with a sigh accompany it. Mostly all of the staff have know of Sakurai Ryoko's 'legendary' driving skill it a second thing she is know for in this Division beside her ingenious mind.

"Look on the bright side, at least it would deter anyone to think twice from approaching the car." Sakuya input with his voice containing a chuckle but then it shift to more serious one. "But Commander we have survey ahead and still detect to shift in the energy that suggest Noises or even Yummy might be ahead, how do you think the enemies will attack?"

The question is aimed at Genjuro but down there on the road keeping close to the car, Eiji himself also ponder with the same question.

"Would they wait for us to approach the destination? But there no reason to do that it easier to keep track with us starting from the 2nd Division right? The Noises already gathered around that spot so no reason for them to wait long when Durandal is brought out like this." Eiji thought following the car that admittedly for how down to Earth it look it sure giving some sport car a run for its money, literally.

"Commander the signal of Noises suddenly appear on the radar what is your view right now!?" Aoi asked urgently, Genjuro narrowed his eyes as he do a quick sweep across the view he taking in however not a single thing out of place seems to happen.

"The road ahead is clear, the air is clear too, sea battle is nonsense given how faraway it is..." Genjuro thought observing from above.

"So road, air and sea is out of the way. All that left is..." Eiji thought glancing down.

At that moment the road shook in tremor like a small earthquake.

"Underground!"

"Below you all!" Genjuro warned to his earpiece with Ryoko click her tongue in annoyance.

"The tremor kind of give it away! Hang on Hibiki-chan!" Ryoko urged the cream haired girl as she step on the gas even more while making a swift movement to change gear.

"I'm already hanging on for my dear life!" Hibiki scream back with a fear induced smile.

"Then careful not to bite your tongue!"

"AH! I know now! The Noises won't be what kill me!" Hibiki has never been so scared out of her mind when riding on a car like this moment right now, if she know this is the outcome she would rather walk, no why didn't she ask Eiji to give her a lift! She want a ride with Eiji!

"For your unanswered question apprentice, we need someone capable to sit in the car next to the Relic." Genjuro told her bluntly with a sympathized tone through her earpieces, anyone who sit with Ryoko when she is the driver has a pretty predictable thought process and after the 'scared out of my goddamn mind' step then it will be 'please let anybody else be my goddamn ride' step or 'I would walk and never get on another type of transportation again for the rest of my life' step.

Though Genjuro doubt Hibiki can hear him right now, regardless as he shift back down to the road he can see how from the tremor the road ahead of Ryoko are being shifted, crack forming and it seems something about to erupt from below.

"Eiji-kun, here come your part!" Eiji didn't response to Genjuro's words instead with a loud roar of engine he already reeving the bike to surpass Ryoko's car. "Huh nice engine, I didn't think there a day I actually see a ground vehicle caught up to Ryoko's car, well maybe a bullet train." He commented with an arched eyebrow.

To prevent the enemies from coming near the Durandal at all cost, Eiji will be the front line defense while Hibiki staying back guarding the Relic is the last resort, that was the role already distributed from beginning. A setting Genjuro has to swallow his pride to make, he isn't offended to rely on Eiji, no what make him feel like wanting to punch something is looking at it from Eiji's perspective there was no reason he need to take that position that basically asking the enemies to attack him first while stopping or weaken the wave of offense as much as possible. Seeing it was distrust toward Eiji that lead to the order of the transportation, Genjuro wouldn't be surprise if given anyone else they would hesitant that is if they aren't that polite and would just outright insult anyone who dare to ask that.

Knowing that he still asked it, knowing that he still offer the plan to Eiji and let him know how much safer it will be for the transportation team to proceed simply because he knew the young man would accept.

"Yare, yare, daze. Since when I start to hate a face with red facial hair so much." Genjuro muttered gripping his fist.

Back to the road below Eiji weave past the car before pull his bike up just in time for a crack in front of him exploded, this send his bike airborne but he still gaining control of it but seeing multiple limbs of Noises burst through the ground stretch up to him want to entangle him he already have his Driver ready, given the situation he quickly choose three Core Medals.

End OST.

"HENSHIN!" Eiji shout as he point his bike downward rush past all the limb and crash through them, the timing is perfect since...

[KUGAWATA! KUJAKU! ZOU!] The OOO Driver announced the mismatch Combo as the energy plate form in front of the bike repelling any strikes and transformed Eiji to OOO, his eyes blaze with power as he smashed the bike causing a crater smashing every Noises unfortunate enough to be underneath it, after that he pull the bike head up and reeve the engine again as it blast off the crater it make before slam itself to the road and continue onward.

"That bike so awesome! Wonder if Eiji-kun would let me try riding it once of these day?" Ryoko asked excited not seems to be a bit fazed by the enemies ambush.

"I...I...object.." Hibiki groaned weakly.

"Come on Hibiki-chan stop dazing around! You will lose point in front of Eiji-kun you know? Prepare for the enemies attack, isn't that what you promised Tsubasa-chan?!" Ryoko cheered as she skillfully, and mostly recklessly, spun the driving wheel avoiding a bumped crack before speed up again.

In front of her OOO make sure to lead the way, any Noises trying to go after the car didn't even make an inch pass him before his horn shine with electricity blast them to oblivion. A subtle hint of movement, usually would go unnoticed by most due to how chaotic the situation is, warned OOO to avoid the spot he on as he weave out of the way just in time to see a drill form Noises make itself know to the surface. OOO warmly welcome its appearance by proceed to aim his Spinner at the Noise and remove it from this world with an orb of fire. Already one can see the reason for this Mismatch Combo OOO is using.

While the enemies decide to use the underground to hide their presence with the Zou leg armor OOO would have easier time pick up precise movement underground to help him lessen the chance of being caught surprise, all that left is the elemental attack provided by the Kugawata and the Spinner would do well to take care of multiple Noises at once. However as suited for the situation this Combo is, OOO have to admit he doubt the numbers of Noises would reduce soon with how they seems to replace their fallen brethren easily, with one of them fall three or five more seems to take its place.

"The Noises never seems to show sign of having limit, they using this fact for a basic but effective infantry tactic at this rate even if the Noises can't defeat him, Eiji-kun will get overwhelmed and let a few Noises slip by, there got to be something..." Genjuro mused watching the map before he notice a destination ahead. "Ryoko-kun! There is an abandoned factory near there! Station yourselves there and held your ground!"

"Baka Genjuro-kun! Did you accidentally drunk yourself before going to work again!?" Ryoko asked with an angry grin. "Telling me to bring the valuable Durandal to a chemistry plant? What if the Noises cause the factory to explode then?"

"First of we agreed to never talk about that incident ever again." Genjuro for a rare moment sound weak compare to his usual boisterous tone. "Second that's precisely why, if the enemies want it to be destroyed they should have press on more or even use a Yummy to attack, the fact they only use the Noises to distract Eiji-kun and seal off our route instead of outright destroy the car show they want the Durandal intact." Genjuro spoke confidently as he once again glance at the route pattern of the Noises.

"So use that against them by luring them to a spot seemingly disadvantage to us but in reality to seal off some of their offense option." Ryoko mused instantly caught up. "Good plan, one problem the proof necessary to guarantee this plan has a high chance of success?" Ryoko asked testily.

"Hm. There is one good proof, my instinct! Something that can't simply be measured by number." Genjuro boasted.

"Are you really sure you aren't drunk right now?" Ryoko deadpanned.

"Ryoko-kun you should know no matter how many time you ask. My guts is the best proof I have right now." Genjuro said with a daring grin. "Of course if things come to shove, I still stake on your riding skills to weave your way out of there, but before that let's stake all we have and find victory in a pinch!" His words carry tons of confidence that seems much more than a decision base on instinct alone, however to be able to trust in one experience, intuition and then reach a success no other usually could is what make someone exceptional.

"Our Commander is such a slave driver sometimes, alright. This next move will check our enemies or put us in a checkmate, damn it you even drag me to the pace." Ryoko said with her excitement boiling, the corner of her lips twitch seemingly unable to decide between a frown or a smirk.

"I will keep the road open, this plan seems feasible, beside we have the great genius Ryoko-san with us here too right?" OOO asked with a chuckle despite the tense situation. More than anything despite what Genjuro's said, OOO has a feeling the man must have make this decision more than just instinct alone, even if it is instinct then it must be an instinct born from observing the enemies.

Simply put the Noises got what it take to be considered a disaster for this world, they move in synchronization, have no self regard and would accept the command of those that control it one can definitely compare it to a mass scale weapon however in exchange for that is the simplicity the Noises possess. Throw it at somebody the Noises will chase them down, order for destruction the Noises will spread out and devour everything on their path, protect and they won't hesitate to act as meat shield. In other words the more basic the command the more effective the Noises would be, however in that area of the factory to give a command like 'beware of your surrounding while get the briefcase at any cost.' Such a command OOO can already tell the Noises would have a hard time accomplish it, if anything the Noises might even ruined the enemy's plan themselves.

"You bet, my presence will bring down God's fortune to us." Ryoko said as she spun the wheel turning to the direction of said factory.

"The moment we stop I will get my Gear ready!" Hibiki input her own voice, gone was the delirious cream haired girl, knowing the time to fight is now she gathered her wits and stay as focus as she can, drawing all experience she got no matter how little they may be along with all the advice she got from Genjuro plus her own training, Hibiki feel all fiber in her body seems to be in sync with her, taking a few deep breaths the girl keep her gaze determined.

Meanwhile OOO with his Zou part send small tremor down the ground using it to determine where some Noises might be hiding thus react in time to destroy them before they even surface, this stop few but not all Noises who charge up in the ground behind or way ahead of them though with the destination in view OOO know he didn't need to hold up for any longer.

"They change their direction to the factory?" Chris wondered observe from few miles away. "The factory obstruct my view I can't control the Noises effectively from here, in other words they already pick the battlefield huh? Fine by me those Noises won't get any results alone anyway." She said as she take out her Pendant.

"Time for the contest of the one worthy of Durandal, who would be chosen by the sword? I really can't wait to see it happen the moment it is 'drawn' it will mark the beginning of the new world...Hm it seems I get a bit too carried away with Fine's way of fancy speech." Poseidon chuckled darkly as he look at his hand trying to shift to his armor form before shift back with purple crack of energy sting it. However instead of irritation like before he seems excited or rather thrilled by this. "Regardless of the outcome the time when the sword lets out its radiant is something we all look forward to." He said with his eyes flashed with variety of Core Medals colors.

"Killter Ichaival tron." Chris sung as she is encase in radiant orb of light before she push her feet and easily leap hundred of feet into the air, with few step like that she covered the distance from where she is to the factory in seconds, paying no heed to Poseidon and his rambling.

"Ankh still isn't here, but I have a feeling Poseidon might be close. What now? I still don't understand though why did he personally kill the Ministry of Defense? Is it what this Fine want? Why couldn't a Yummy do it? They won't leave signature trace like Noise. Why must Poseidon himself make sure the Ministry is death? Is he also interested in Durandal for himself?" His thought still plague by this question even as he clear the wave of Noises before finally make it to the factory.

And truth to Genjuro's speculation the moment they in the middle of the factory the Noises circled around them but make no move to approach, OOO keep on his guard with Hibiki step down to the car and run to his side ready for battle. Just in time when something drop down in front of them cracking the ground and created a small crater kicking up dust slightly. When the dust dispersed, Yukine Chris clad in Ichaival crossing her arm and stand tall with a look of determined and concentration set her gaze at OOO and Hibiki. Hibiki for once feel a bead of cold sweat. She know, her training have allow her to grow by seeing Genjuro, she can tell now the battle aura exuded by Chris is totally different from before.

OOO must have noticed that too since Hibiki noticed, something she probably would have miss before, his subtle action of tilting the head of the bike so that it somewhat shield Hibiki from Chris's gaze, an action that show OOO's reluctant of letting Hibiki fight Chris as she is now. Hibiki understand that, Yukine Chris in the end must be more experience than her just like how Tsubasa is. So if she is equipping her true Symphogear now and have already prepared herself, then Hibiki doubt she can aim for a fluke like last time. However...

"Eiji-kun." Hibiki said calmly. "Chris-chan look like she has make up her mind." Chris narrowed her eyes with how familiar Hibiki addressing her but otherwise her posture is still calm. "But so am I." She simply said but the strength in her words OOO have received clearly.

With that he moved the head of the bike away, Hibiki step up next to him side by side as they stare at Chris .

"Chris-" BANG! Whatever Hibiki about to said was cut off when a bullet pass by barely gaze her cheek, OOO almost bolt to action but he visibly held himself back he can tell that bullet is a warning shot anyway, but what impressed him more is how calm Hibiki is as she remain unfliched simply let the bullet pass by barely scratching her cheek. The Ichaival Wielder admit to herself, it satisfy her somewhat, like a sense of worthiness from her opponent when she saw the Gungnir Wielder's calmness, it was almost like facing a completely different person compare to the useless girl back then that can do nothing but get stuck by the Noises.

"You...your gaze isn't that idiotic anymore if somewhat slightly." Chris said before she closed her eyes. "I can never stand you but that conviction, I can't scoff at it nor can I underestimated it anymore, that's why to let you know right now. You are officially someone I will give it all to beat the sh#t out of her! So don't complain I cheap shot you or something." Her voice still carry fury but now it is like a bullet focus on a single target, a clear sense of purpose.

"Thanks, Chris-chan you are actually pretty honorable eh? Then I, Tachibana Hibiki accept your challenge and will face you with all I got too!" Hibiki declared getting into her combat stance. "Balwisyall nescell Gungnir tron." Her energy sphere kick up its own dust and when the orb of sphere disperse two Symphogear Users focus their gaze on each other, both bringing with them their ideal, belief, resolve. Will now lay it all on the table for a one final clash that will decide all.

Yukine Chris though spare a moment to admit to herself, this straightforwadness that Hibiki exude, she doesn't hate that trait if not somewhat find it endearing in her own way.

"They have focus their gaze and energy on each other completely, is like I'm not even here." OOO thought with a tilt of his head. "But...for herself...this is also what Hibiki-chan want to do. Guess I will watch then decide what course of actions to take." He decided however it seems fate or rather a certain Greeed has other plan for him when another tremor, this one with a magnitue that put all the other just now to shame, occured. Hibiki still keep her stance firm dart her eyes around in caution while Chris scoffed.

"It will be bad manner of us I suppose, to not give something for you to occupy yourselves with." Chris said pointing her finger behind OOO. "So, play with that." She said with clear cut tone before she turn back to Hibiki.

And not another words both of them sprint at each other leaving winds behind them due to their speed, the signal of battle begin start with Chris unleash hail of bullets on Hibiki who swiftly moved her forearm to block it. Spark filled her eyes but she keep them focus, the protection of the Gear also lessen any harm that would do to a pair of normal eyes.

OOO would have like to spectate the battle in case something go wrong but his attention drawn by where Chris pointed. As he turn around he was greet with a nostalgia but nonetheless not very welcoming memory.

Roaring with a force that leave buildings shaking, the gigantic bug, actually it seems to be double its size now, keep its glare focus solely on OOO who look at it blankly.

"What is that?" Hibiki muttered in shock that almost cost her leg has she not pull it back in time to avoid a shot from Chris.

"Fond memory I suppose?" OOO manage to croak out before he turn to Hibiki. "...I entrust this to you Hibiki-chan, I will be back as soon as possible then we...actually don't mind me and win if you can before I come back." He said trustingly and Hibiki offered a quick victory sign before she shift it to a fist and launch herself at Chris.

OOO didn't look anymore instead kick up the bike and make haste to get out of there wanting to draw the gigantic Otoshibumi Yummy attention away from where the fight is. He considered if the Noises would cause any trouble but ever since Chris arrived the Noises have sit back and observe making no sign of interrupting then again like Genjuro said they didn't want to risk the factory exploded so that probably one thing OOO can take off his mind.

Playing Yami no Oku, Apocalypse Now.

The sound of his bike's engine getting lower and lower until they can't even heard a whisper of its sound anymore, leaving only the Gungnir and Ichaival Symphogear Wielders to themselves with Ryoko wisely in the back to not get caught in any possible missfire, Chris and Hibiki continue to fix their gaze on each other, even as the rampaging Yummy not too far from them they didn't let it distract them from the opponent currently in front of them. Hibiki clench her fists by her side while Chris's fingers in contrast let loose in relaxed stances. The scene from Ryoko's point of view just need a tumbling weed out of nowhere to fulfill the perfect reenactment of a showdown between two western gunman portrayed in movies, though one of them prefer her fist over any firearms.

Despite how relaxed her fingers are, and how Hibiki keep her gaze upon it wonder how would Chris utilize her firearms in this disadvantage field, something Hibiki does feel complicated for but a lots is at stake here beside she held no illusion with defeat or subduing Chris if she can fully utilize her Gear, but all that thought was for naught since while Hibiki's focus has been squarely in her opponent's hands, it was Chris's feet that started the movement. Without any warning at bullet speed Chris make a quick dash straight at Hibiki.

"Close combat!?" Hibiki thought in disarray since she thought for sure Chris want to keep her range, despite that it still leave the cream haired girl no issue with setting up her stances teached by Genjuro with her right fist raise up ready along with her right knee put forward. She is confident enough that no matter what strike Chris decide to go for, her guard is still hard to breakthrough.

But then once more the Gungnir Inheritor was thrown off track since just as the White Haired Gunslinger about few feet away from reaching Hibiki, she leap up easily reaching inhumane height as she twist her body making herself poise directly above Hibiki with Chris's head facing the ground. Before the Cream Haired Brawler can question the meaning of such actions in her mind, Chris already give her the answer.

"BILLION MAIDENS!" Hibiki's eyes almost bulge out when Chris summoned her set of heavy chainguns right then and there as she unleash rains of leads upon Hibiki, the force of her chainguns are enough to keep Chris suspend in her position midair during her attacks . In matter of seconds the spot where Hibiki stood were destroyed with dust cloud kicked up. Halting in her attack Chris land back down on the other side keeping her eyes train on Hibiki, despite her successful attack Chris clicked her tongue in annoyances. "Your physical strengths are just damn annoying."

The smoke clear to reveal in a small radius just enough to fit where she crouching with her fist lodged to the ground, none of bullets hole can be seen it almost like when someone held an umbrella in middle of the rain and where they stood is clear from the raindrop. In some way Hibiki has done the same thing except her umbrella is none other than the force of her punch that she released on the ground where she stood, the explosive force was enough to create a barrier throwing all the bullets off course. She didn't know for sure if this could work yet but ever since she unlocked her Gear true purpose she find it easier to work with Gungnir, is almost...no it is her buddy in arms now willingly to provide her aide in its capacity to fulfill her desire.

"Thank you." Hibiki whispered a quick word of gratitude, both to Kanade and the Gungnir before she stood tall gazing at Chris, her cheek though has a minor scratch as blood leak from it but she paid it no heed as she give Chris an encouraging smile. "That was great Chris-chan! I thought it would be unfair to you to use this factory as our location however you find a way around it instantly."

"Hmph. It wasn't that hard to figure it out when one consider the route, when I take this factory into consideration then of course I need to think of a few backup plans." Chris said as she casually aim her guns back at Hibiki, she refrain from mention the fact while she indeed come up with some countermeasure, it was Poseidon who first listed the possibilities of this being their fighting ground, it was one of those moment she got a vibe that the Greeed just spontaneously mood swing since his matter of speech almost seems...chesire for a lack of better words.

"But it won't work the second time, if you can't make that action you can't risk using your firearms here!" Hibiki exclaimed as she once more settle in her stances however she was again reminded just how strong her opponent is when instead of worry Chris give her a ghost of a smirk.

"Now I wonder about that..." Despite their short time knowing each other and none of it in positive atmosphere sadly, but even Hibiki can tell the uncharacteristically way that Chris sound so giddy about that phrase send chill down her back. At that moment a thought cross her mind...

End OST.

It was also that moment that OOO who try to leap up to take a swing with his Medaljalibur got bat away like a bug, ironically enough, by the giant Yummy as he crash to the ground, and before he can truly savor how sore his body is, he has to hastily slam down his legs as the Zou part create a burst of gravity that send him flying away from the spot he crashed on, any seconds later and he would have been squashed by the Yummy.

"Uwah this battle will be one giant ironic joke." OOO complained as he get back on his bike it is at this moment a thought crossed his head...

"I sure hope over that side things are more advantageous for him/her."

---

Next time on Kamen Rider OOO: Song of Desire.

A radiate beam of golden light shot out from Durandal toward the sky, with a feral roar Hibiki then swing down Durandal thus bring down that pillar of light toward where the two Otoshibumi Yummy are.

The two OOOs dash forward then leap up using their Batta leg, when the two Yummy each trying to swat one OOO away, both OOO make another copy of themselves. All four OOOs put their feet together utilize the pulse from Batta pushed each other way and safely avoided the wild swipe from the two Yummy.

"...ISN'T THAT WHAT WE AGREED ON FINE!?" Chris screamed to Heaven as her eyes unable contain the tears now flow unforgivably like a broken damp.

The Lost Light! Strongest! False Bonds?