Hello Fanfiction readers! I, Ahsbel Longhart, have returned for another exciting chapter of Faiz! Just a few more chapters' people and we'll be almost done with S1 of the story! I'm so excited that I just had to do another chapter! Now, like always, before we begin, cue disclaimer!
(Disclaimer: I do not own Senki Zesshou Symphogear or Kamen Rider Faiz. I also don't own any songs that appear here. They all belong to their respective owners. I just own this story and my OC's. Please enjoy.)
Now, like always, open your eyes for the next Faiz. Let's Ride!
Song 11: Protecting One's Song
(Last Time)
"Chris Yukine, 16 years old as of now. It says here that she was one of our potential Attuned who disappeared two years ago."
"We promised not to keep secrets from each other!"
"Miku, I'm sorry."
"I don't think I can be your friend anymore."
"My Kadingir is almost complete. I have no more use for what little strength you have to offer."
"Then I hope you don't mind if I take her off of your hands."
"Just who the hell are you?"
"I'm just your friendly passing through Kamen Rider, remember that."
"I'm really hopeless, aren't I? I always need help when I can't figure out something on my own."
"Just tell her how you feel. A friend of mine used to say that if you don't know what to say to a friend, then just tell them how you really feel. I'm sure if you tell her that, then you'll two will make up with one another."
"This is where it ends."
"Sorry I'm late, Chris."
"I see you have a bit of trouble on your hands."
"The Faiz Sounder and…what is this?"
"That right there is the SB-555G Faiz Guitar."
"I won't hesitate anymore!"
EXCEED CHARGE
"Cobalt Smash!"
"What's...Can you please tell me your name?"
"…Psyga. Kamen Rider Psyga."
"This is the end for you, Saito Wakui!"
(Now)
Ugh~! Stupid sun! Why can't you just stay behind the horizons!?
Reluctantly, I opened my eyes and slowly got up, yawning before I stretched and twisted to get the kinks out, and then scratch my head. Looking around, I found that I wasn't in my bed, but was on the floor.
"Oh yeah." I said, remembering last night. I looked to my right to see no Chris in bed, remembering that I had given Chris the bed for the night. Once my sleepiness was gone, I started to hear the sound of the showers being turned on. Guess I now know where she's at.
"Chris, I'm heading out." I called out as I put on my clothes. I'll take a shower when I get back. "There's some food in the fridge so help yourself."
"Okay!" I heard her from the bathroom.
Now, time to head to base to see if I can find any more info on Chris.
(Insert PSI-missing by Kawada Mami)
(Instrumental)We first see a blurry screen before it clears up a bit to reveal the face of Faiz. The screen becomes blurry again before Faiz's face is replaced with the face of Haru. After that, the title appears as the song begins.
(Koko ni ikiru sono wake mo)Getting off a train, we see Haru getting off and walking away to who knows where.
(Kono basho de deau subete mo)We then see Hibiki hanging out with Miku before she receives a phone call. Going to pick it up, she notices Haru passing by and just watches where Haru was going.
(Tatoe chigau sekai demo)We see Haru again walking past Tsubasa. Tsubasa seems to notice Haru as she stopped walking and stared back at him.
(Doko ni ite mo kono omoi ha yuruganai)Haru once again walks to who knows where. We then see Chris at a vending machine, getting a drink before noticing Haru walking by. Haru then walks by a hooded teen who looked towards Haru's direction.
(Mune wo CHIKURI to sasu itami)We then find ourselves within the Second Division Base. We then see Genjuro looking up at the surveillance camera before looking towards us.
(Sore wo warau shiawase na mono tachi he)Sakurai, who was looking at something on a clipboard, turned to us and then go see Kanade who smiles in our direction.
(Sei wo mukeyuku)Then suddenly, alarms go off, signaling that Noises are attacking.
(Touzen no kurushimi wo unmei ga sasou) We see both Hibiki and Tsubasa arriving at the scene, activating their Relic before going in to fight. Not far behind, can see Haru coming in, riding on the AutoVajin.
(Furuedasu ashi ga oboeteru.. kakushin ni)Haru then jumps off the AutoVajin and transforms into Faiz, running to go join the girls when suddenly, Orphnochs appear, stopping him from helping. Refusing to back down, Faiz charges at the Orphnochs, throwing a punch at them.
(Yume dake ja mamorenai)We then suddenly see Chris falling into a black void as Haru tries to reach and save her.
(Tayoranai chikara)We then see Haru on a hill top, overlooking the city as Haru seemed to enjoy the view. Hibiki, Kanade, and Tsubasa then appear out of nowhere and join Haru in looking at the city and Haru didn't seem to mind the new company.
(Ima kono te ga shiru kara mayowanai)We then go back to the fight in the city where we see Hibiki and Tsubasa about to send out their most powerful attack while Haru jumps and Rider Kicks towards the screen, his kicking feet glowing red, before the scene changes to the Faiz Gear lying next to a grave, rain pouring down as the song comes to an end.
(2nd Division Headquarters)
I walked through the hallways, trying to find Genjuro or anybody for that matter. Just how big is this place!?
"Whoa~!" Hm? Turning, I saw both Miku and Hibiki walking through the halls as Miku looked left and right at everything. Since Miku had already seen so much, Genjuro decided that Miku could help out, much to Hibiki's happiness. Guess Hibiki was showing Miku around and as I can already see from here, she was amazed.
"Who would have thought that there be a secret base right under our school?" Miku said.
"I know, right?" Hibiki said. "Me and Haru were pretty surprised when we found out."
"I'm still finding it hard to believe that Haru actually came from another world." Miku said, having been told about my 'special status.'
"I know what you mean. A part of me still can't believe him." Hibiki said until she saw me. "Ah! Haru!"
"Yo." I said, walking up to the two. "Showing Miku around?"
"Yep." Hibiki nodded as I joined the two in walking. "There's a lot Miku needs to know, so I'm showing her around to avoid her getting lost in the future."
"Just like how you got the both of us lost when you thought to sight see around the place." I asked, bring up the memory from a month ago.
"That was one time!" Hibiki said until she noticed two familiar faces. "Tsubasa! Kanade!
"Hm? Oh, yo." Kanade greeted casually.
"We meet again." Tsubasa said to Miku. "I don't think we've properly introduced ourselves. I'm Tsubasa Kazanari, but I bet you already knew that."
"Kanade Amou, former member of Zwei Wing, but considering you go to the same school as Tsubasa, you must know that already too."
Miku bowed before speaking. "It's nice to meet you two. I'm Miku Kohinata."
"She's my best friend." Hibiki said with pride.
"We already know that." I said.
"It's nice to have more help around here." Kanade said.
"I know Tachibana can be a handful, but it's nice to have some extra hands to help out." Tsubasa said.
"Oh, don't worry." Miku said. "I already know how much of a handful she is, so I've grown used to it."
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!?" Hibiki said.
"Looks like we three already have something we can agree on." I said with a small smirk.
"Grrrrr…Jerks." Hibiki said as she crossed her arms, pouting as Miku and Kanade laughed.
"Still, it's kind of weird to be down here with Miku." Hibiki said.
"The Commander pulled some strings to get Kohinata here registered as an external collaborator with the second division." Tsubasa explained. "However, you still might run into some inconvenience. Be careful."
"Don't worry." Miku said. "It's all been explained to me so I should be okay. I understand the full implications of my work here so there's no need to worry."
"Well, that's good to hear." Kanade said.
"By the way, where' the Commander?" Hibiki asked.
"He and Ryoko are doing check up's on the Delta Gear." Tsubasa explained. "They want to make sure there are no tracking devices in the Gear to make sure Smart Brain doesn't track us."
"Smart Brain? As in the number one company in the world?" Miku said. "Why would they come after us?"
"I'll explain later." I said, making a mental note to tell Miku about Smart Brain and the Orphnochs.
"Well, isn't this lovely." Turning around, I saw Ryoko walking towards us.
"Ryoko, weren't you looking at the Delta Gear with Genjuro?" I asked.
"We finished checking and we're sure that there are no tracking devices in the Gear so we're safe." Well, that's good to hear. "In any case, I couldn't help, but notice you five gathered around. I love me a bit of girl talk."
"Girl talk?" I repeated. "You do know that I'm right here, right?"
"So you're into that kind of thing as well, Ms. Ryoko?" Hibiki asked as she and Miku looked interested.
"Why of course." Ryoko said. "Why, just listen to my epic tale of love and you won't get a wink of sleep once I'm done." You can't be serious.
"Sounds more like a horror story." I couldn't agree with you more, Miku.
"Whoa! Ms. Ryoko's epic tale of love!?" Hibiki said, obviously excited. "It must be an amazing fairy tale of white knights and princess and-!" I then decided to stop Hibiki there by chopping her head. "Ite! Why'd you do that for?"
"Because you're exaggerating things." I said. Seriously? White knights and princesses? Didn't think Hibiki was still into those.
Ryoko's eyes seemed to gleam as she got lost in memories. "All right. It's a story from long ago. If you knew the depths of my passion back then, it would shock you." Wait, she was serious!?
"Wait, you were serious?" Kanade said, surprised as Hibiki and Miku had looks of awe and curiosity.
"Count me surprised." Tsubasa said. "I always thought that you'd be too busy with your research to look for love."
"You know what they say." Ryoko said. "'Life is short so you gotta make the most out of it!'" And the power of s girl's romance is truly amazing! Back in the day, the reason why I started researching the Relics was…"
"Was what?" Both Hibiki and Miku said at the same time.
Ryoko seemed stunned before she returned to normal. "Oh but, you know, there's just too much going on to stop and chat here."
"But you were the one who came here." I said which earned me a kick to the gut. Ow.
"In the end, it just comes down to the purity of your heart!" Ryoko said as she turned to leave. "You girls need to go out there and begin an epic tale of your own."
"A tale of our own…" Hibiki said as I saw her glance at me.
"What?" I asked, having recovered from Ryoko's kick.
"N-Nothing!" Hibiki said before avoiding meeting my eyes.
"Well then, bye-bye!" Ryoko said before leaving.
"I will never understand that woman." I said.
"We didn't even get to hear her story." Miku said.
"I won't lie, I was pretty curious too." Kanade said.
"It's tough dragging secrets out of that woman." Hibiki said. "But just you wait! I will get it out of her one day!"
"So, what were you two talking about?" I asked.
"We were just talking about Tsubasa getting back to her career." Kanade said.
"Are you back on assignment already?" Hibiki said.
"I've been holding back for long enough." Tsubasa said. "As of right now, I'm just trying to get back into it."
"I see." Hibiki said as she began to think to herself. "Then, I guess that means your schedule won't be too busy yet, right?"
"Huh? Uh, yes."
"In that case, let's all of us go on a date!" If I was drinking a bottle of water right now, I would have done a spit take.
"A date?" Tsubasa repeated, confused.
"Oi! Word that differently." I said, karate chopping Hibiki's head again. "She might get the wrong idea."
"Ow! I'm sorry!"
"I think I know what she's trying to say. "Kanade said. "She's saying let's all hang out, together."
"Hang out?"
"Yeah." Kanade nodded. "You still have some time until you're back on stage, so why don't we all hang out? It'll be fun."
"I don't know…" Tsubasa said, unsure.
"Come on. Who knows when we'll get another chance like this?" Kanade said.
"Well, okay, I guess."
"Then its' settled." Kanade said. "How about we all meet up at the park tomorrow morning?"
"Sounds good to me." I said. To tell you the truth, I really haven't had a chance to just hang out and just enjoy the day like a normal person ever since I came to this world. It was always work, patrol, and then sleep. "Well, I gotta go. There's something I need to check out."
"Okay. See you later." Hibiki said as I walked away.
Now, where the hell can I find a computer?
(Computer Room)
You know? It's confusing as to why they have a computer room consider they have state of the art technology as well as being under a school that has its own computer room, but I'm not complaining.
Alright, let's see here…Chris Yukine, daughter of Masanori Yukine, who was a famous violinist, and his wife, Sonette M. Yukine, a singer. Both Masanori and Sonette were members of an NGO and helped refugees from all over.
-"My parents loved to explore so they would usually travel the world any chance they get."-
'I guess that's what she meant.' I thought as I continued to read.
Both were killed during a civil war eight years ago. I guess this was when Chris went missing. Let's see…Around the time when the UN Army's Val Verde intervention changed, Chris was saved from a local gang and was thus transported to Japan.
"Hm?" I stopped reading when my eyes landed on something.
"Haru?" I turned around and saw none other than Genjuro entering the room. "What are you doing here?"
"Research." I said as I turned back to the screen. "It says here that you were supposed to be Chris' new guardian when she was transported to Japan, but suddenly went missing the moment she arrived."
"I see. So that's what why you're here." Genjuro said. "At the time, we panicked and the second branch tried to assist with the investigation, but most of the people who were involved ended up dead or went missing and the case was closed."
"It must have been the work of that Finé woman." I said.
"Haru, you know where Chris is currently at, don't you?" Genjuro said.
It wasn't a question, but a fact so I didn't bother lying when I said, "She's currently staying at my apartment room. Why do you ask?"
"If possible, I would like to speak with her." Genjuro asked. "It's an adult's duty to finish what he started. I want to help her."
"You can try, but she isn't very fond of adults." I said. "But knowing you, you'll try anyways. Go ahead, I won't stop you."
"Thank you, Haru." Genjuro said as he turned to leave, but soon stopped. "…Where is your apartment?"
"You don't even know?"
"You never told us where you now live and I don't want to waste time searching for it…Wow, Kanade was right. You are hard to get in touch with."
"Hey, I'm not the type of guy who grabs his phone and asks his friends, 'Hey man, want to, like, hang out and stuff?'" I said, probably offending a lot of guys out there with the voice I'm doing. I then gave him address which he thanked me for. "Anyway, I got what I came here for. Good luck with Chris, you'll need it."
He nodded before he left the room. Now then, time to think of what I should wear for this upcoming noon?
(Café)
At a random café sat two people…by appearance. The first was Mr. J, petting and feeding his pet, Chaco. Sitting across from him, drinking a nice cup of coffee was Murakami. He had taken some time off of his work to come and talk with Mr. J here.
Murakami finished his coffee before setting down the mug and looked straight at the Lucky Clover member who noticed his gaze.
"Two times." Murakami began, referring to Mr. J's deaths. "This is twice now that you've been defeated. This is surprising itself considering you are a lucky Clover member."
"I'm sorry." Mr. J apologized, bowing.
"Now, now, no need to do that. Our enemies are using the belts that were designed to protect the King, so it's understandable that you're having some trouble." Murakami said. "However, this does not change the fact that you only have one life left. I do not mean to put pressure on you, Mr. J, but this is your last chance to retrieve the belts. Now that the enemy has all three in their possession, we must now work harder to get them back. I do not expect you to get all three back just like that, but with Mr. Wakui now gone, it's up to you to finish what he started. If that is not enough reason for you…" Murakami then reached and scratched under Chaco's chin. "Then do it in order to stay with the one who you care most about."
Mr. J looked at the Smart Brain president before looking at his precious friend. After some thought, he nodded and got up, leaving. Tonight, he will finish his mission or die trying.
Murakami watched as Mr. J walked away before his phone rang. Picking it up, he answered, "Hello?"
-I have finished the assignment you've trusted me with.- The voice of Takuma spoke through the phone.
Murakami smirked at hearing the news. "That's good to hear. Did they have anything in their possession that might be useful to us?"
-Actually, there is one thing that I found. And I think you'll find it just as confusing, yet interesting as I did.-
Murakami raised an eyebrow in confusion until his phone beeped, signaling that he got an email. Checking, he saw that a photo was attached to it and what he saw made his eyes widen in surprise.
(With Genjuro)
Walking through the rain, holding an umbrella in one hand and a bag in the other, Genjuro arrived at Haru's new apartment. Walking up the stairs, he closed his umbrella and placed it right next to the door before he knocked.
Meanwhile, inside, Chris was keeping herself busy by watching whatever was on TV, mostly the news. She had hoped to get some kind of clue with some news on the Noise about Finé, but she got nothing, but info she already knew.
*Knock-Knock-Knock!*
"Hm?" Chris' instincts kicked in and she turned off the TV before running up against the wall. She knew that whoever was knocking wasn't Haru for Haru wouldn't need to knock on the door. With caution, she slowly approached the door before grabbing the door and swung it open, throwing a fist at whoever the intruder was only to have her fist blocked.
"Feisty, aren't you?" Genjuro said as he pushed back Chris and let himself in.
"Who are you?" Chris asked, jumping back and raising her fists.
"My name is Genjuro Kazanari." Genjuro introduced himself. "I don't know if you know this, but I was the man who was supposed to look after you."
"Huh?" Chris gave him a look of confusion before she remembered something. It was back when she was still young. She had been told that before she had landed to Japan that someone had volunteered to be her new guardian. "How do I know that you're not lying?"
Genjuro immediately got into it, not wasting a breath. "Chris Yukine, daughter of Masanori Chris and his wife, Sonette M. Yukine. They both died in a civil war eight years ago and then their daughter went missing until sometime later, she was found and was brought to Japan, but went missing when she arrived in Japan. Did I get all that right, or do I need to say more?"
"Well, looks like someone's been doing their homework." Chris said, but didn't drop her guard. "How did you find me?"
"Haru told me."
"He what?" Chris said in surprise.
"He lent me his address so I can come and talk to you." Genjuro explained before raising up the bag in his hand. "It's food. Want some?"
"No thanks." Chris said, having ate just a couple hours ago. "What do you want from me if you came all this way to come and see me?"
"I want to help you." Genjuro said.
"Excuse me?"
"As it stands, there isn't anyone left who can take care of you." Genjuro said. "And as an adult, it's my duty to finish what I started. I volunteered to become your guardian and still plan on doing that."
"Your duty as an adult? Don't make me laugh!" Chris said. "I never asked for that. And none of you adults ever helped me before!" In anger, Chris' only thought was to get out of here so she ran towards the nearest exit which was the window.
"Wait!" Genjuro said, but Chris ignored him as she crashed thought the window and sang.
"Killiter Ichaival Tron…"
Genjuro ran up to the broken window and looked down as a Chris appeared out of burst of light, jumping up high into the air before she started to jump away. Genjuro could do nothing as she got farther and farther away.
Chris had ran for who knows how long, but she stopped ata pole, landing at the top perfectly after she felt satisfied that she was now far enough.
"…What am I doing?" Chris said to herself as she gritted her teeth, feeling the urge to punch something.
*SLASH-SLASH-SPARK!*
"GRAAAAAGH!"
"Hm?" The sounds of battle reached her ears. Looking around below her, she saw some sparks fly out from an alleyway and went to investigate.
(Alleyway)
I dodged arrows from the Flyingfish Orphnoch and struck his hand with the Faiz Edge, making him drop the weapon as I gave him a quick X slash across his chest, making him fly back and roll on the ground, giving me the perfect time to open my Phone and end this as I pressed 'ENTER.'
EXCEED CHARGE
I ran towards the Orphnoch as the Faiz Edge was charged. The Orphnoch threw a punch in desperation, but I easily ducked under it and slashed the Orphnoch across the abdomen, blue flames later sporting from the Orphnoch before Faiz's insignia appeared as the Orphnoch disintegrated into ashes.
I breathed out some air I was holding in, cracking my neck before turning to head back to the Auto Vajin when suddenly; landing in front of me was Chris in her Symphogear.
"Chris? What are you doing here?" I asked. There were no sirens signaling a Noise attacked so why was she geared up?
"Haru…" Chris glared at me before she ran towards me and threw a punch which I caught with my free hand.
"Now what's got you so worked up?" I asked as I kept a hold of Chris' fist.
"Don't play dumb with me! I should have known you were like every other adult!" Hm…She must have just spoken with Genjuro if she's acting like this.
"Something tells me you spoke with Genjuro not too long ago." I said as I pushed Chris' fist back.
"You damn right I did!" Chris said, still glaring at me. "What makes you think I need his god damn help!?"
"He just wanted to talk with you." I said as I ended my transformation, letting the rain land on me. I need to buy me a god damn umbrella one of these days. "I just recently found out that he was supposed to be your guardian after what happened to your parents."
"So you've been snooping into my past too." Chris said, glaring at me harder, if that was even possible. "Who said I wanted your pity!?"
"It's not pity, but you can believe what you want to believe." I said as I walked past her to the Auto Vajin, returning the handle in my hand. "I may not know what your past was like for you, but Genjuro is a good man. Not all adults are bad."
"I'll believe it when I see it."
I simply shrugged. "Like I said, believe what you want to believe, but remember, you yourself will one day be an adult." What I said made her turn and glare at me again. "Glaring at me won't change that fact, Chris. Look, I gotta go. I have plans tomorrow. Are you coming with me or what?"
"I'm never going back!" Chris said as she ran off, throwing one last glare before she ran at full speed.
I sighed as I watched Chris run before I revved the engines. No bother putting on a helmet with all of me being wet and all.
(The Next Day)
"Where could those girls be?" Tsubasa thought out loud as she looked at her wristwatch.
"Who knows? Maybe Hibiki overslept or something?" Kanade said.
"Then explain why Haru isn't here yet." Tsubasa said which Kanade just answered with a shrug of her shoulders.
Not long after, both girls heard panting in the distance and turned to see Hibiki and Miku running towards them.
"Sorry we're late, Tsubasa, Kanade!" Hibiki said as she and Miku came to a stop, catching their breathes.
For the day, the group had decided that they would wear something casual. For Hibiki, she wore a white shirt with a light pink sundress over it. For Miku, she wore she wore a black shirt, a baby blue sleeveless top, finished with a white skirt with grey pokkadots as she carried a purse.
"About time you two got here." Kanade said.
"You're late." Tsubasa said.
"We're very sorry!" Miku said, gasp for breath. "I should have expected it, but Hibiki overslept again."
"I thought so." Kanade said.
After gaining enough air back into them, Hibiki and Miku looked at Tsubasa and Kanade and were surprised.
Kanade looked more casual between her and Tsubasa, wearing a green tank top and shorts that really showed off her legs.
Tsubasa on the other hand was a bit different. Light beige shorts, grey stockings, a white blouse shirt with a blue blazer over it, and a white newsboy cap on top of her head as she carried a purse. Honestly, to Miku and Hibiki, it looks like she was ready for a vacation or a fashion show or something.
'She seems really into this.' Both Miku and Hibiki thought.
"Alright, now all that's left is to wait for Haru." Kanade said.
"Where is he?" Tsubasa wondered, her patience running out as she started tapping her foot.
"Patience, my dear friend." Kanade said. "Or is it that you want Haru to show up so he could compliment you on your outfit?"
"T-That is not the reason! Stop teasing me!" Tsubasa said, blushing red.
"Mmm…" Hibiki made a noise that was hard to describe, but Miku saw this and decided to act upon it.
"Don't worry, Hibiki, I'm sure Haru will compliment you too."
"W-What!?" Hibiki cried out in surprise, blushing. "T-That's not what I was thinking about!"
"Then why are you stuttering?" Miku asked, but Hibiki chose not to answer.
"Oi! Sorry I'm late!" The voice of Haru got everyone's attention and they all turned to see the Rider in some new clothes that surprised them a bit.
"Oi! Sorry I'm late!" I called out to the group as I jogged up to them. When I got up to them, they all looked at me with a look of surprise. "What is it?"
"Sorry, it's just that we're surprised at your clothes." Kanade said.
I raised an eyebrow in confusion and looked down at myself. Black wool coat over a white T-Shirt, ripped blue jeans, and my regular brown dress shoes.
"What's wrong with my clothes?" I asked.
"Nothing's wrong with it." Miku said. "It's just, this is the first time we've seen you not wear your trench coat."
"Well, I can't help it if it's part of my only pair of clothes. I'm not exactly a shopping for clothes kinda person" I said. The clothes I had come with when I first came to this world got ruined during a fight a few days after I became Faiz so I was forced to buy new clothes and I didn't have a lot of money at the time so it was a miracle that I managed to buy anything at all. Hell, I should be glad that I managed to buy some god damn underwear!
"So, Haru's clothes aside," Kanade said as she grabbed Tsubasa's shoulders. "Haru, what do you think of Tsubasa's clothes?"
"K-Kanade!"
"I think they look good on her." I said with a small grin. "Nice hat."
"Th-Thank you…" Tsubasa said in a voice that was close to a whisper as she blushed red.
"Mmm…" I heard Hibiki made a noise and knowing her for two years now, I knew why.
"You look very cute in those clothes too, Hibiki." I said, making her blush.
"Uh, t-thank you!"
"Anyway, now that everyone's here, let's say we get started." Kanade said. "Let's not waste any more time standing around here."
"Right. Let's hurry." Tsubasa said as she took the lead.
"You seem to be looking forward to this." I said.
"I just want to get back the time because a certain someone was late!"
The girls flinched while I just shrugged and followed her, saying, "Hai, hai…"
Deciding to let the girls decide what we should do, I followed them into a store where they showed off some pretty weird things like a panda mug with lady lips and strange looking figurines.
After that, we went to the movies. The girls decided to watch a movie called 'Happy Love,' even thought I wanted to watch the one with the giant robots. When I expressed my opinion, they all looked at me surprisingly before they dragged me into the movie of their choice. Tears were shed from the girls as I've seen better, but as saying goes, 'Still a better love story than Twilight.'
After we left, we decided to get some ice cream. Hibiki got mint, Tsubasa got vanilla, Miku got strawberry, Kanade got cookie and cream, and I got chocolate.
Then we went to the clothing store, much to my annoyance as the girls kept on trying to buy me new clothes which I denied and said I was fine with what I have. Then, the girls decided to put on a little fashion show as Kanade insisted that I just watch and comment for some reason.
We then ran into some trouble when someone recognized Tsubasa and we barely escaped. After escaping, we couldn't help, but laugh about it later, but I wasn't in the laughing mood as Kanade made me carry all the bags. Typical.
Then things got interesting.
"Just you watch, Tsubasa! I'm gonna get the one you want!" Hibiki said. You see people, a stuffed toy from one of those claw crane games caught Tsubasa's eyes and now, Hibiki was determined to get it for her.
"That would be nice, but aren't you getting a bit too into these games?" Tsubasa said.
"I don't see what the problem is. Makes things more interesting." Kanade said as Hibiki scanned her phone to pay before slamming the button.
"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" What the hell!? What was that!?
"Do you have to yell like that?" Miku asked, covering her ears as me and Tsubasa looked surprised while Kanade just looked amused.
Hibiki guided the crane to the best of her abilities and got the one Tsubasa wanted, but it slipped out before it made it off the ground.
Hibiki looked surprised before yelling out, "This game is rigged! I think I'm cursed. If the machine's already broken then it's no problem of I damage it further, right!? I'll just summon my Symphogear…"
I gave her a chop to her head to stop her. "Baka. You can't use your powers for something as trivial as this."
"But you saw it, didn't you?" Hibiki asked, holding the place where I just chopped. "I had it within my grasp and then it slipped out. It's rigged I tell you! Rigged!"
"Of course it's rigged. Games like these are designed to be rigged. The games based more on luck than skill." I said as I grabbed Hibiki's phone and scanned it over to play. "Here, let me try."
"Avenge me, Haru! Do it for Tsubasa!" Hibiki yelled.
"Stop yelling!" Miku said as I guided the crane over to the toy. Releasing the button, the claw fell and grabbed the one I targeted. To my surprise, the toy left the ground and managed to make it to the exit box.
-WINNNER!-
"You did it, Haru!" Hibiki cheered as I grabbed the toy from the machine and handed it to Tsubasa.
"Here. This is what you wanted, right?"
"Y-Yes." Tsubasa said as she took the toy from my hands. "Th…Thank you."
"No problem." I shrugged as Kanade began to tease Tsubasa again, much to her annoyance. "So, what now?"
"Well, since Hibiki wants to scream her lung, I was thinking some karaoke." Miku said.
"Oh! That sounds like a fun idea!" Kanade said.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Hibiki said as she ran off.
"Hold on! You don't even know the way!" Miku said as she ran after her best friend.
"Yare, yare…" I said as me and the girls quickly followed the two.
(Karaoke Town)
I sat uncomfortably in the room that was part of the building dubbed 'Karaoke Town.' Not noticing my unease, Hibiki let out a cry of amazement.
"Amazing! This is amazing!" Hibiki said. "We're going to be singing karaoke with a real pop star!"
"I wish I could join you guys." Kanade said, reminding us of her lack of singing voice. She then noticed my unease and asked, "Haru, are you alright?"
"I'm fine. It's just…" I gave the room a quick look around. "Everything looks really expensive. I'm surprised we managed to pay to come in here."
"Don't worry, Tsubasa brought along enough money so we're good." Kanade said as the light dimmed and Tsubasa stood up
(Insert Koi no Okehazama)
I raised an eyebrow at the song choice as Tsubasa bowed and said through the microphone, "I've always wanted to try singing something like this one day."
"She performs…" Miku said.
"Well, this should be interesting." Kanade said as she laid back and enjoyed the show.
Kuchibiru ni nante koto suru no?
Tsumi no aji oshieta no anata warui hito
Tsubasa only just started sing and Miku and Hibiki were already entranced.
"She's so cool!" Hibiki commented.
Demo sou ne moshimo uragireba
Kirikizamimasu urami no yaiba de
Koi to ai no okehazama
Tsun to shitai o-toshigoro ne
Koyubi kanda yoizakura
O-yurushi kudasai shitto wa otome no hanabi
Harenchi yo konna suki ni shite
Urumu me ni tenjou ga boyakete setsunai
Omoide wa rakurui ni kaete
Rasetsu to gekirin ajiwai yukinasai
Koi to ai wa honnouji
Majiri moete chiri to naru no
Kishimu uta wa dou deshita...?
Owari ni shimashou sayonara itoshiki anata
Honoo ga maru de tori no you
Kiwamaru ai ga kakete yuku
Naite nanka imasen to
Tsuyogaru koe wo issen ni
Koi wa ranran okehazama
Nigitta yaiba dou shimashou...?
Ai wa boubou honnouji
Nigitta tsurugi...dou shimashou...?
Tsubomi datta ano hibi yo
Kaze ni yureta koi no hana yo
Hirari harari chiru haru yo
Kizuato nokoshi kisetsu wa sugiyuku
Koi to ai no okehazama
Rarara rarara rararararara
Koi to ai no honnouji
Rarara rarara rararararara
(Song End)
Once the song ended, the lights brightened and we all clapped for Tsubasa who bowed and returned to her seat.
"That was amazing, Tsubasa!" Hibiki said.
"An interesting song choice." Kanade said. "I wonder if you were thinking about someone while singing it."
"Kanade! I was not!" Tsubasa said with a blush as Kanade just laughed.
"Alright! I'm next!" Hibiki said, looking pumped.
"Actually, why don't we let Haru go instead?" Kanade said.
I looked left and right before pointing at myself.
"Yes, Haru. I'm talking about you."
"…No." I said.
"Oh come on! It'll be fun, right everyone?" Kanade asked everybody.
"It would be interesting to see Haru sing." Miku admitted.
"I agree with Miku." Hibiki said.
"I won't lie, it does sound interesting." Tsubasa said.
"Then it's decided." Kanade said as she handed me the microphone.
I resisted the urge to swat it out of her hands as I grabbed it. "Fine, if I'm going to do this, I'm singing a song only I know." I grabbed the tablet that was on the table and pressed 'Free Style.'
"A song you only know?" Kanade said.
"It must be a song from his world!" Hibiki said, excited.
The lights dimmed as I plugged my MP3 into the machine and pressed the song I was gonna sing.
(Insert Kamen Rider OST-Double Standard)
The instrumental kicked in as I took a deep breath. I looked at everyone and they were all paying real close attention. Might as well give them a show.
Doko e yuku no ka wakaranai mama
Doko e tsuku no ka wakaranai mama
Tabi wo tsuzuketeta
Rikai sareta furi sareru nara
Gokai sareteitai to negatta
Kokoro tozashiteta
Demo wa kimi wa chigau to iu
Taisetsu na mono wa ima koko ni aru to
Kaze no you ni nagareteitta
Jibun ga tsukutta rule nante
Sakimawari shita iiwake datte
Ushinau koto ga mata kowaku naru kedo
Koko wa mada tabi no tochuu
Doko ni datte isou na tori nara
Doko ni itatte ki ni naranai you ni
Tabi wo tsuzuketeta
Jibun ga dare demo ii to omotta
Eikyou nante shitaku mo nakatta
Hitori-kiri datta
Demo kimi wa chigau to iu
Taisetsu na mono wa zutto soba ni aru to
Kaze no you ni toorisugita
Jibun wa dare demo nakatta darou
Subete wa yume, sore demo ii, to
Ushinau yori mo saki ni mamoreru nara
Koko ga tabun tabi no owari
The minute the instrumental kicked in, I peeked at everyone and they were completely entranced. Was I that good?
Tameiki ni me wo tojite
Ashita wo shinjiru shinkokyuu ni kae
Kaze no you ni nagareteitta
Jibun ga tsukutta rule nante
Sakimawari shita iiwake datte
Ushinau koto ga mata kowaku naru kedo
Koko wa mada tabi no tochuu
(Song End)
Once the song ended, I opened my eyes which I had closed minutes ago and saw that everyone…was in tears.
"That…That was beautiful…" Hibiki said as she grabbed a tissue from a tissue box and wiped her eyes before blowing her nose.
"Glad you liked it." I said as I grabbed my drink and refreshed myself. "Now, who wants to go next?"
(Later)
"Tsubasa! Haru! Hurry up!" Hibiki called down to us.
"How do you three…have so much energy?" Tsubasa asked, breathing heavily as I decided to go at my own pace and walk up.
"You just tire too easily." Kanade said.
"It's all unusual for her." Miku said.
"I am but a sentinel, watching over the field of battle." Tsubasa said as she finally reached the top with me close behind.
When I made it to the top, I looked around and saw that we were at a playground.
"So, how do you feel?" Kanade asked her friend.
"I feel like I saw a whole new world I'd never seen before."
"That's not true." Hibiki said as she went and grabbed Tsubasa's hand and dragged her over to the look out.
"Oi! Tachibana, what are you doing!?" Tsubasa asked.
"Just look." Hibiki said.
Tsubasa did as told and her eyes widen at the spectacular view laid out before us. Even I found myself amazed.
"Look, that's the park where we all met up at." Hibiki pointed out, pointing over to the park in the distance. "Everywhere we've been and everywhere we haven't, that's the world you know! It's because you fought to protect this world that we can live in it. So don't say that you don't know it."
Tsubasa was completely speechless as she looked back towards the horizon. She then turned towards Kanade and asked, "Kanade…Is this the world you saw? The one you think awaits us after all the fighting?"
Kanade nodded and joined her at looking at the view. "While I was out jogging, back when I was still an Attuned, I happen to look at a view similar to this and realized that, after all the fighting's done, we can stop and finally enjoy this world. I fought to protect this world and I can still do that now thanks to the Kaixa Gear." She then turned towards her friend and said, "Tsubasa, let's work together to protect this world, so that everyone can enjoy it."
Tsubasa nodded before looking back to the horizon. I soon joined everyone and breathed in the air while enjoying the view. A day like this…isn't so bad after all.
(The Next Day)
"You're back on stage already?" I asked as I looked at the ticket in my hand. I was suddenly called by Tsubasa to meet her at a café and to my surprise; she had given me a ticket and said that she was participating at a musical event called the 'Popstar Music Festival.'
"The festival is only ten days from now, but I managed to make them fit me into the lineup." Tsubasa said as she sipped her glass of water she had ordered. "It's kind of a replacement show for the one that got canceled when I was hospitalized."
"I see." I said as I turned over the ticket to see where the event will be held. To my surprise, the place was at the place where the incident two years ago happened, back when Kanade was still an Attuned and a part of Zwei Wing. "Tsubasa, this is…"
"That place holds many painful memories for me, Kanade, Hibiki, and even you." Tsubasa said as she looked away in shame, probably thinking bad that she had brought up the incident two years ago. "I spoke to Hibiki and Miku and Hibiki said that she was alright and said that we should overcome the past together."
"I agree with her." I said. "The past is past. Sure, there are some things that could have been changed. Like Kanade still being an Attuned and Hibiki still being a normal girl, but we can't change the past no matter how much we want to. All we can do is move towards the future and hope for the best, right?"
Tsubasa nodded in agreement. "You're absolutely right. Thought, to be honest, I'm still a little nervous.
"Don't be." I said. "Just have confidence in yourself. Knowing you, you'll blow away the audience and look beautiful doing it."
"B-B-B-Beautiful!?"
I gave a small smile before getting up and setting down the appropriate pay for our drinks before I walked away. "I look for to ten days from now. Good luck."
"He…he called me b-beautiful again…"
(Ten Days Later, Nighttime)
EXCEED CHARGE
"Grand Impact!" I shouted my finisher before I slammed my charged fist down at the Centipede Orphnoch. He cried out in pain before he sprouted blue flames and later disintegrated into ashes as Faiz's insignia was shown before disappearing.
I let out a breath before I canceled my transformation and looked at my watch. I winced at the time it showed.
"I'm cutting it close, better get going." I said as I left the alleyway and hopped onto my Auto Vajin. However, before I could start the engine, my phone rang. "Hello?"
-Haru, it's Genjuro. We've just detected signs of Noise emerging.-
"Nani?" You can't be serious? Of all the days, why now!?
-I'm contacting Tsubasa and the others right now.-
"Don't."
-Huh?-
"Right now, Tsubasa is fighting her own battle tonight and everyone is there to support her. I would like it if you would let me handle this alone" I said. "I want Tsubasa's song…to ring out throughout that entire stadium."
-…Can you handle it?-
I smirked as I had the huge urge to put on some cool looking sunglasses. "Old man, just who the hell do you think I am?"
(Stadium)
The entire seats were filled out as the darkness of the lights blinded everyone. Amonst the crowd, both Miku and Hibiki waited for the show to start.
"Have you seen Haru? I haven't seen him." Hibiki asked as Tsubasa had told them that Haru was coming to attend the show. Wanting to support Tsubasa, she had Miku wake her up in time for the concert and used any means necessary to wake her up. She was glad she poured that bucket of cold water on her.
Miku shook her head. "I saw no signs of him anywhere. Maybe he's in a different seat then we are."
Hibiki had a feeling that wasn't true, but before she could think about it more, the lights on the stage started to light up, signaling that the show was about to start. Soon after that, spotlights focused on one person and that person was Tsubasa, dressed for the show as everyone cheered.
(Port)
Shots rang out as they barraged the small army of Noise. The source of these barrages of bullets was none other than Chris donned in her Symphogear. A small army light this was no trouble for her, but the bug one leading them was the one that was giving her trouble. Somehow, it was strong enough to defend against a barrage of energy bullets from her Billion Maiden and missiles from her Megadeth Party. Finé really wanted her dead.
Chris gritted her teeth in frustration as she fired barrage after barrage of energy bullets and while they took down the small fry, the big one took them like a tank and fired cannon shots. Seeing the coming, she ran to dodge and barely evaded as the resulting explosion sent her flying. Looking up, she saw another shot fired at her. But, before they could reach her…
"Henshin!"
COMPLETE
Riding on his motorcycle was Haru, destroying the cannon shots with his Faiz Edge as he skidded to a landing.
"Haru!"
"We have got to stop meeting like this." Haru said as he dismounted his bike.
(Insert FLIGHT FEATHERS)
I walked towards Chris as I made sure to not take my eyes off the Noise.
"You alright?" I asked.
"I'm fine." Chris said as she got back up, weapons in hand. "What are you doing here?"
"I got a call saying that Noise were here." I then sighed in annoyance. "And I was supposed to be at the concert listening to Tsubasa sing."
"Then why aren't you over there?" Chris asked.
"Because the concert would have been canceled if I let these things run around. Someone has to take care of them while Tsubasa does her thing tonight. It's just a coincidence that you're here." I said as I walked towards the Noise, brandishing the Faiz Edge. "You hear that Noise? It's your fault that I'm missing an important concert! So I'm going to enjoy slicing you all to bits! RRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
Chris dubbed today to be the worst day of her life. First, she had met Genjuro and he had to go on and talk about responsibility and duty, then she got into an argument with Haru, and hours later, she had to lead Noise away from the people which was why she was at the port. She couldn't have a moment to herself for a god damn minute, can she!?
Of course, knowing that people would be in danger if she ignored the Noise, she quickly transformed and fought, but that big Noise was quite annoying. And that's when Haru appeared and saved her again. Hopefully this won't be a habit, or else she was gonna be pissed.
But back to the matter at hand, Chris watched as with speed Chris didn't know Haru had, he charged at the army of Noise, his Faiz Edge raised and ready. In fact, he was so fast that he left cracks in the ground. But that wasn't what surprised her.
'What the hell is that?' Chris thought as she stared at the image of some sort of grey colored wolf creature overlapping Haru. It didn't help that Haru was also howling like a wolf.
With speed I didn't know I even had, I was instantly in front of the nearest Noise and sliced it in two. Planting my feet on the ground, I spun quickly and beheaded the Noise around me. I heard the sound of those motorcycle types so I quickly jumped, spun, and kicked one of the riders off before slamming my foot on its face. The bike quickly morph back into a somewhat human form before turning itself into a bullet along with others. To the normal human eye, they were coming in fast, but to me, they might as well have been in slow motion as I sliced and destroyed all the bullets coming at me. A shadow appeared above me so I quickly held up my hand and so after, I felt weight. As if I was holding a pillow, I threw the Noise over at another group before I charged and slashed in an arc, killing more Noise.
The noise of the motorcycle type Noises reached my ear again and I quickly jumped to avoid getting rammed by a Noise rider before I grabbed the head of the rider and landed on the back of the bike. Taking care of the rider, I slashed at the waist before stabbing the bike, quickly jumping off as it exploded, taking some Noise with it. I spun as I saw more riders. With a quickly swing, I took the head of a Rider before sweeping my foot as a Noise motorbike rammed into it and flipped over, giving me the chance to grabbed the rider and slam it down to the ground hard, crushing its head. The bike quickly turned into a bullet and tried to hit my back, but I turned around in time and grabbed it before throwing it to a random Noise where it pierced its chest, killing the both of them.
Suddenly, a group of Noise pounced at me. I caught one and threw it away, sliced another, kicked another, dodged another, stabbed another, but before I knew it, I was dog piled. I grabbed a Noise and tossed it away, stabbed an incoming one, but there was soon too many to move my arms.
"Get…OFF ME!" I shouted as a sudden burst of energy bursted from within me, blowing away all the Noise piling me and killing them. Huh, I'm suddenly reminded of the Kamen Rider Battride War series, but this is no time to be thinking about games!
Seeing as there were too many, only one thing left to do. Grabbing the Axel Mission Memory, it's time to go Axel!
COMPLETE
In seconds, the chest armor rose up and lay on my shoulders as I entered Axel mode.
Now, as Deadpool would say, "Guess its cutting time!"
START UP
I allowed the pulsing to ring in my ears before I dashed off. The world around me slowed down as I zoomed across the entire field, running into Noise and making a trail as I zoomed and zigzagged across the field and by the time the time limit was up, I was already at the other side of the port.
3, 2, 1
TIME OUT
DEFORMATION
I let out a breath as I felt the effects of Axel exhausting me. Looking back, the trail I made from being at Axel sent a huge shockwave that spreaded throughout the small army, spreading around like some sick plague as 3/4 of the army was now gone.
Gathering breath, I yelled out, "WHO ELSE WANTS SOME!?"
My yelling got an answer as a blast similar to cannon shots exploded behind me, sending me flying forward where I skidded across the ground. Looking up, I saw the giant Noise fire another shot at me. Before I could get up, bullets struck the shot, destroying it before it could hit me.
Getting back up, I saw Chris who shouted, "Don't get the wrong idea! We're even now!"
I smirked under helmet and shrugged. Such a tsundere.
(Song End)
(Stadium)
The entire crowd cheered once the song had ended. People had been waiting for Tsubasa to come back singing and they were not disappointed with her performance. Hibiki and Miku cheered from the crowd as Kanade back stage just clapped for her best friend.
Tsubasa stood under the light, microphone raised as a feeling of accomplishment overcame her. She had forgotten how fun, how enjoyable singing was.
Bring the microphone to her mouth, she spoke, "Thank you everyone! It was wonderful to once again be able to put all I have into my song!" The crowd cheered, waving their glow sticks as Tsubasa took a deep breath before speaking again. "It's been too long since I felt this way. I almost forgot what it was like. But now I remember how much I love to sing! I love to sing to everyone who comes to hear me! You may have heard that I received an offer to sing overseas. I once wasn't sure why I even sang at all…But now I know that I want my songs to reach as many people as possible! Even if they don't understand the words, if there's something I can convey with my songs, I want to sing to all of the people of the world!"
The crowd cheered once again, moved by Tsubasa's desire. Hibiki and Miku especially cheered and clapped for her as Tsubasa continued speaking.
"I kept on singing, believing that my songs could help others, but from now on, I want to sing for myself as well. I love singing so much! This is the one thing I want for myself, so please hear me out. Please allow me this."
The entire crowd was silent as Tsubasa waited for an answer.
From the backstage, Kanade smiled as she said, "Baka. Of course they'll allow you."
And as if on cue, the crowd cheered slowly before it erupted. Tsubasa was absolutely amazed that she almost failed to notice the tears falling from her eyes. Keyword, almost as she quickly wiped them away and continued.
"Thank you." That was all Tsubasa could say as she bowed once again before she left the stage as she felt more tears coming.
Once back stage, Tsubasa was met with Kanade who handed her a towel to wipe away the sweat and tears.
"You did great out there. You have everyone's support, so don't worry." Kanade said.
"Kanade…" Tsubasa accepted the towel and wiped her face of any sweat and tears on her face.
"Tsubasa!" Turning, the both of them saw Hibiki and Miku running to them as they waved. "Tsubasa! You were amazing out there! I was completely awestruck!"
Miku nodded in agreement. "Same here. You were great."
"Thank you, both of you." Tsubasa said before looking around. "Where's Haru?"
"You mean you haven't seen him?" Hibiki asked, but Tsubasa shook her head.
"We haven't seen him anywhere." Miku said.
Suddenly, Hibiki, Kanade, and Tsubasa got a call from base and quickly picked it up.
-Girls, it's Genjuro. Is the concert over?-
"Tsubasa just got finished." Kanade said. "Why do you ask, Old man?"
-Well, hours ago, we detected Noise at a nearby Port.-
"What!?" Tsubasa said. "Why didn't you inform us sooner?"
-Because Haru insisted that he could handle it alone.-
"Haru? You mean he's fighting all alone!?" Hibiki asked. "Why!?"
-Because he didn't want to cancel the concert. He wanted Tsubasa to sing with no worries.-
Tsubasa's eyes widen in surprise before he took off running. "That idiot!"
"Tsubasa! Wait!" Hibiki cried out as she and Kanade quickly followed her.
(Back with Haru)
I grabbed the nearest Noise by the head before throwing it to the ground, stabbing its head. Removing my weapon form the ground, I quickly blocked a strike from another Noise before kicking it away and slicing it in half. I turned and kicking a pouncing Noise before spinning around and rounding house kicking it.
Now that the small fries are gone, time to deal with the big one.
"Tch! So annoying!" Landing next to me was Chris who I guess already finished her side of the Noise. "My attacks can't even penetrate its armor. You got a plan?"
"Just one." I said as I removing the Mission Memory from the Faiz Edge and threw away the sword before I grabbed the Faiz Pointer and inserted the Mission Memory.
READY
"What are you doing?" Chris asked as I strapped the Pointer to the metal brace on my right leg.
"Doing the only thing I can do." I said as I removed the Axel Mission Memory from the Axel Watch. "All Kamen Riders have a job to do. Kuuga's is to protect smiles. Wizards' is to protect the hopes of people. As for Faiz, his job is to protect the dreams of the people and that's exactly what I'm gonna do."
COMPLETE
"Now watch as I cut away the darkness and return the light!" I said as I entered Axel mode once again.
"You do know what you just said was cheesy as hell, right?"
"I figured." I said as pressed the button on the Watch.
START UP
"Try not to blink or else you'll miss everything." I said before I dashed off. I knew I was taking a risk here. I've never used Axel twice in a single day before. Using it once exhausts me like I had just run a freakin' marathon, so I don't want to even know what I'll feel after two uses. But, if it's for Tsubasa's dream, then I'm willing to risk anything!
In a spam if five seconds, five cones of Photon Energy surrounded the Noise as I jumped into the air and shouted with all my might.
"Axel Crimson Smash!" I jumped into the first cone and was instantly at the other side, but I didn't stop there. I jumped again and entered the second cone. And then the third cone. And the forth cone. And finally, the fifth cone sealed the deal as I landed on my feet and flicked my wrist.
3, 2, 1
TIME OUT
DEFORMATION
Faiz's insignia was planted all over the Noise before it exploded into a ball of fire. I breathe out a sigh of relief before I lost the feeling in my legs and fell to my knees.
"Haru!" Chris cried out in worry and ran towards me.
"I'm fine. This is…nothing." I said between breathes as I slowly got back up.
"Haru! Behind you!" Huh?
"RRRAAAAAAAAAGH!"
*SLASH!*
"GAH!" Pain eruted from my back as I was sent flying and rolled on the ground to Chris who stopped me. What hit me?
"You!?" Chris said as I looked and saw none other than the Crocodile Orphnoch, Mr. J with his claymore in hand. Guess that answers who attack me.
"Give me the belt." Huh, Mr. J speaking while in Orphnoch form. That's a first. All he did was roar like an animal in the series.
"No can do, Mr. J" I said as I struggled to get up. I was exhausted, but I can't afford to lie down at a time like this.
"Stop, you idiot! You too tired to fight!" Chris said, but I pushed her aside and got back up.
"Mr. J, if you want my belt so badly…" I took big breathes of air before suddenly, I felt energy explode from within me. "Then you'll have to take it from my cold, dead ashes!"
"So be it! RRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH!"
"RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!"
(BGM: Dead or Alive by Shinichi Ishihara)
We both roared and howled as we charged towards one another, ready to finish this once and for all. Mr. J only has one life left, so he must be getting desperate in getting the belts back. Time I end him once and for all!
In a matter of one minute, we both met face to face. I threw a punch to his face, but he ducked and slashed my chest, causing sparks to fly. I reeled back, but I planted my foot firmly down, not allowing myself to fall. I will not allow myself to fall here!
Gritting my teeth, I took the next attack before I grabbed the blade, surprising Mr. J before I punched him in the face, making him reel back and letting go of his weapon as I took the handle and slashed his chest downward before delivering an upward slash, sending him flying back a few feet as he skidded across the ground. Throwing away his weapon, I flicked my wrist a few times before I ran and attempted to stomp on him, but he conjured up his clawed shields and blocked my stomp, pushing me back. Getting back up, he roared before he charged at me. I just flicked my wrist again before meeting his challenge.
I ducked under his first swing and punched his side, but it did little as he took the chance to strike my exposed back, making me stumble forward. I resisted the urge to cry out in pain as I spun and punched his chest, but that little as well as he struck my chest two times. I reeled back as he swung again, but I ducked in time raised my arm to block a backhanded strike. I quickly wrapped my arm around his arm and took the chance to punch his face a couple of times before I swung him around and sent him flying, one of his clawed shields slipping off as he rammed into a random crate where he left a dent.
I tossed the weapon away and ran towards him, sending a flying kick as he was getting up. He saw me just in time to duck as my foot made the dent bigger. He quickly grabbed me and slammed my face into the crate so many times until he made a hole before he threw me aside like a rag doll.
I rolled on the ground until I came to a stop. Shaking my head to get rid of the dizziness, I punched the ground in frustration before getting back up quickly only to meet Mr. J's next attack, his claw striking my chest. I cried out as I stumbled back. Okay, that's it. Now my angry!
Roaring in anger, I charged towards the Lucky Clover Member. He swung, but I ducked and punched his gut, this time my punch actually having an effect as he stumbled back. I didn't stop there as I punched his chest and again, gave him a right hook to his face, delivered a left haymaker to the head, a right uppercut that made him snap his head backward before I finished it off with kick to his chest. He flew back and skidded across the ground as I finally take a moment to breathe.
"What's wrong!? Is that all you got!?" I said.
Clearly angry, he punched the ground in anger as he roared like a beats and charged at me in blind rage. I flicked my wrist as I decided to take a page out of Kaixa's book and sent a kick to his chest which he caught, but that's what I wanted as I quickly opened my Phone and pressed 'ENTER.'
EXCEED CHARGE
Mr. J never expected the blast of Photon Energy to blast from my still equipped Faiz Pointer as he skidded back with the red Photon energy forming a cone directly on his chest. I quickly jumped and kicked out my kicking foot, ready to finally end Mr. J.
"Crimson Smash!" With that one shout, I entered the cone, drilling through Mr. J's chest as I appeared right behind him and Faiz's insignia appeared right in front of the Lucky Clover before blue flames exploded from within him before he disintegrated into ashes.
Finally…it's over.
"Huff…Huff…" Holy…crap! I have never fought that hard before!
"Haru!" I slowly turned to see Chris run up to me. "Are you…alright?"
"Never…better…" I said between breathes. "Now…if you…excuse me…I'm gonna black out now."
"Eh?" Was the last thing I heard from her before I closed my eyes and fell to the ground.
(Medical Room)
Mmm…Ugh…What hit me? Oh yeah, Mr. J hit me.
"He's waking up!" Hm? Was that Hibiki's voice? Where am I?
Slowly, I opened my eyes with whatever energy I had left in me as the first thing I saw was the face of Hibiki and the others.
"Everyone…"
"Haru!" Before I could react, Hibiki threw herself at me and embraced me in a tight, gripping hug. "You're alright!"
"Hibiki! Can't…breathe!" I managed to say as I felt my entire body ache.
"Oops! Sorry!" Hibiki quickly ended the hug and blushed from embarrassment.
"You gave us quite the scare, young man." Genjuro said.
"You idiot!" The one who said that was Tsubasa as she looked angrily at me. "How could you go face the Noise all by yourself!? From the amounts we saw, it's obvious you faced a small army!"
I blinked at her before I slowly sat up and looked directly at her. "I did it in order to protect your dream."
"My dream?"
I nodded and explained. "Faiz's duty as a Rider is to protect the dreams of others, that is of course if you want to get practical. I…have no dreams of my own really. But the least I can do is protect the dreams of others. As Faiz and as myself, I went and fought while you sand for everyone at that stage. It was the least I can do for you. Of course, I didn't count on Mr. J appearing."
"You ran into Mr. J!?" Hibiki asked in surprise, probably remembering that last time I fought and lost to him.
"Yeah. I managed to beat him so he won't be bothering us any longer." I said, getting a few sighs of relief. "Anyway, how was the concert?"
"Forget about the concert, what about you?" Tsubasa asked worriedly.
I blinked and then looked down at myself. White bandages were wrapped around my wrists and chest as I felt more bandages wrapped around my head. Was I that badly damaged from my fight with Mr. J?
"I'll be fine. This is nothing." I said, waving off my injuries as if they were nothing.
"Nothing!? Do you know how worried we were!?" Everyone jumped at Tsubasa's outburst. "You were bleeding all over when we canceled your transformation! How do you call that nothing!? We thought…I thought…"
I blinked in surprise before I smirked and reached out to wipe away the tears that were threatening to leave Tsubasa's eyes. "I never knew you cared so much about me."
She blushed suddenly and avoided making eye contact with me. "W-Well, of course! You're one of my p-precious friends after all!"
I chuckled to myself as I laid back down in the bed I was in. "Seriously thought, I'm fine, don't worry. After a good night sleep, I'll be back on my feet before you know it."
"But-!"
"Tsubasa, that's enough." Genjuro interrupted her. "The important thing here is that Haru is still alive and well. Let's give him some time to rest and get better. Beside, you've yet to change out of your stage clothes."
So that's why Tsubasa was dressed like that? Dang, what the hell did I miss at the concert?
"Okay." Tsubasa said as she and the others got up. "Haru, you better get better soon, got it?"
"Hai, hai…"
"Come on, Tsubasa, let's go get you changed out of those." Kanade said as she and the others left.
But first, "Tsubasa."
"Hm?"
With a smirk, I said, "You look very beautiful in those clothes. Like a pretty little star."
And like I expected, Tsubasa's entire face turned red as she soon rushed out of the room as Kanade laughed and chased after her along with everyone else.
I wait for a couple of minutes before I finally get out of bed. I wince as the ache in my body sent a wave of pain though me, but I ignored it as best I could as I took off the hospital gown and put on my clothes before leaving the room and heading back home.
(Apartment)
Okay, let's see. I learned more about Chris, went with the others on a day of being normal people, sang for everyone, took on an army of Noise by myself thus missing the concert, and finally, I took down one of the Lucky Clover members, Mr. J. Whew! What a day.
I groaned in pain as I stretched to hopefully get the aching out. A goodnight sleep should do me some good.
"Hm?" I blinked in confusion and then surprise when standing at the door was none other than Chris.
"About time you got here." Chris said as she turned and showed that she had something in her arms. That something was a Chihuahua dog.
I blinked in surprise before asking, "Chris, what's with the Chihuahua?"
"I don't know." Chris shrugged as she looked at it. "This little guy just suddenly appeared right after you killed Mr. J. He seemed sad for some reason when he stared at Mr. J's ashes. I saw your friends so without thinking, I took him and ran."
"Appeared after I killed Mr. J…It can't be." I walked up to the dog and looked at its collar which read 'Chaco.' "This is Mr. J's pet."
"It's what!?" Chris said in surprise. "What do we do with it?"
"Well, we can't just leave him by himself." I said as I grabbed the keys and opened the door. "Guess it can't be helped. I'll take care of him."
"You sure?"
"Yeah, it's fine." I said as I grabbed the little dog from her and gave him a scratch under his chin which he seemed to like. Guess this means I have another mouth to feed…Wow that came out wrong. "So, what are you doing here? I remember you saying that you were never going to come back here."
"Yeah, well." Chris' cheeks blushed red as she tried to think up an excuse. "I just thought you'd get lonely, cooped up in this place all by yourself."
"Wow. How considerate of you." I said as I grabbed a big enough pillow that would act for Chaco's bed for tonight. "Oh yeah, I just remembered something."
"What is it?"
I pointed to my broken window which I boarded up. "You're paying for that."
Chris winced, telling me she couldn't afford to fix the window. I set down Chaco and he went to the pillow, stepping in it and walked in a circle before he barked and settled himself down.
Sigh, how did things become like this?
And done! And may I say, holy shit! Haru's fight with Mr. J was epic! I can't believe how much I wrote in terms of fighting. Anyway, Mr. J has finally been defeated thanks to Haru who is now taking care of Mr. J's pet. What are the odds?
And did you all see what I did with Haru? I hope you all liked a little of the 'wolf' being released for this chapter. You can bet that the 'wolf' will be making an appearance near the end. With this chapter, I am now 3 chapters away from finishing S1 for this story! Stick with me people as I intend to bring this to the finish line! Until then, this has been Ashbel Longhart, signing out. Till the next ride!
