Episode 21
~ Eternal Crimson Christmas (Part II) ~
Awakening
"So, what did Hayate's errand boy said just now…?" asked Vita, as she took a mouthful bite of her favourite ice cream. "Nothing is particularly important Vita-san. Ave-san was only asking on whether we have found anything, since he as well as Nanoha-san has not yet find any clues behind mana flow disturbances across United States of Japan as well as Academy City and Far East region's ley lines in general desu…" replied Reinforce Zwei back while taking a small sip of her favourite almond milk tea in the meantime. It was when Vita decided let another exasperated sigh out; as she found the lack of progress on her part as well as Reinforce Zwei's have somehow been irritating after all. In reality, She never has guessed that investigating mana flow disturbances could be proven difficult, demanding and exhausting, as Vita previously thought such investigation must be quite simple and easy.
It was when the Knight of the Iron Hammer made a mistake, as she never has expected such investigation would give her as well as Reinforce Zwei a trouble after all. The lack of progress for such investigation might be common for veteran Time-Space Administrative Bureau's executive officer or Enforcer such as Fate Testarossa Harlaown, Teana Lanster or even her beloved meister's errand boy eeer younger boyfriend, Ave J.C Takamachi. For someone with short temper, impulsive and impatient such as first lieutenant Vita Yagami however, the lack of progress for what supposedly happen to be a simple investigation have definitely made the said Knight of the Iron Hammer herself feel irritated in the end. Unfortunately, no matter how much she wished that she could find any clues that might help her with this investigation as quickly as possible, Vita as well as Reinforce Zwei were in the end unable to find even a smallest clue that would help them after all. It was when Vita decided to ask Reinforce Zwei on whether Ave and Nanoha has actually made any progress on their side of investigation using her usual Vita-centric voice tone in return.
"Meh, I wonder if Hayate's errand boy and Nanoha have made any progress with their own investigation…?" asked Vita while giving Reinforce Zwei her sardonic smile as well, in return. "I believe both Ave-san and Nanoha-san were also encountering the same problem in their own investigation desu. Nevertheless, I personally believe that sooner or later, we will definitely find something Vita-san, since those mana flow disturbances across United States of Japan's ley lines have been detected and accurately documented by Time-Space Administrative Bureau after all…" replied Reinforce Zwei back, as she explained on how this current investigation was actually base on an accurately documented report that Time-Space Administrative Bureau's has received from veteran Enforcer Teana Lanster and her current aide Runessa Magnus instead of a mere rumour or baseless suspicion. "I see…it seems tonight would become the longest night for all of us…" responded Vita back while frowning upon a catastrophic event that most likely would soon fell upon this third newborn world itself.
Vita remembered very well on how her beloved meister's younger boyfriend that she sometimes refer as Hayate's errand boy has done so much for this third newborn world's peace and prosperity, ever since Break The World occurred one and half year ago. She knew very well on how Ave in particular has treasured this third newborn world more than his old world, as he was more than willing to fight together with Vita and the rest of Taskforce 108th, an Experimental Yagami Ordnance Division in order to assist ZEUTH, Celestial Being's Ptolemaios Team and everyone else against the rebelling Coalition of Old Governments sponsored World Liberation Front during those final months of First Defensive War that led into a short yet bloody incident known as Purge of Blood.
Combined with a decade or more worth of accumulated timelines, Vita as well as the rest of her other fellow Wolkenritter have accompany this young Time Diver in his journey and fight side by side with him. It was during her interaction with Ave, Vita learnt on how sincere his wish truly are, as this young Time Diver wished nothing more than her beloved meister, Hayate Yagami's happiness above anything else after all. He was even more than willing to take and shoulder half of Hayate's burden with him, as Vita couldn't help herself from letting a small chuckle out when remembering over how happy her beloved meister, Hayate was, as she let the petite Knight of the Iron Hammer know about the love confession that Ave made for her on that fateful night, one and half month after Frozen Teardrop Incident has been concluded.
Vita was slightly jealous when she heard those happy stories in which her beloved meister, Hayate Yagami were experiencing together with Ave. Nevertheless, the Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami was also happy for them, as she knew very well on how both Hayate and Ave deserve to be happy after everything that they have face together during the First Defensive War back then. This endless eternal reality in which countless thread of fates have been converge and diverge were something that Hayate and Ave treasured dearly deep within them, as only through this particular chance, the young Time Diver, Ave J.C Takamachi could finally reunited with his beloved Queen of the Night Sky, Hayate Yagami after all. Because of that, Vita as well as the rest of Yagami family's members could somehow understand over how important and precious this third newborn world is for their beloved meister and her younger boyfriend, as in the end, they have decided to also protect this brave new world together, for the sake of their beloved meister, Hayate Yagami and her younger boyfriend, Ave.
"Vita-san! Vita-san! Are you okay…? You seem to be spacing out…?" asked Reinforce Zwei, as Vita in return was only letting another small sigh out before calmly replying back at the younger Reinforce's question just now. "Just remembering about something that happen in the past Rein. More importantly, we should resume our investigation now, since we won't find anything if we are not trying harder than before. Am I right…?" answered Vita back with a surprisingly calmer voice tone, as she finished the last bit of the spoonful ice cream in front of her right afterward. "Hai desu…!" answered Reinforce Zwei back in enthusiasm, as she also finished the last sip of her favourite almond milk tea before acknowledging the said Knight of the Iron Hammer's statement just now.
Vita and Reinforce Zwei were about to leave when they have noticed a group of young people that have just entered decided to occupy their table right afterward. The Crimson Iron Rider, Vita in particular was ignoring these young patrons while Reinforce Zwei on the other hand found them to be quite interesting somehow. Four young women in their late teens or early twenties were currently occupying their tables, as Reinforce Zwei couldn't help herself from noticing over how familiar those four young women's appearances somehow to her. "Did I ever meet them before…? For some reason, those four seem familiar to me desu…" muttered Reinforce Zwei alone under her breath, as she decided to follow Vita instead of trying to find those four newly arrived young female patrons in which happen to be somehow familiar to her.
"Did you know them…?" asked Vita, as the two of them exited the small café in which they have visited previously. "Uhn…although for some reason, those four young women look somehow really familiar to me desu…" replied Reinforce Zwei back, as she shook her head, indicating that she might or might not know those aforementioned four women that have arrived just when both Reinforce Zwei and Vita were about to leave. "I never met those people before. However, I could tell that those four were not just your ordinary United States of Japan's citizens for some reason…" remarked Vita back while informing Reinforce Zwei over what she truly thought about those four newly arrived young female patrons just now. Reinforce Zwei this time around gave Vita an affirmative nod before she also decided to properly respond at the said Knight of the Iron Hammer's remark just now as well, in return.
"You're right desu. I could also feel and notice something special coming from them Vita-san…" replied Reinforce Zwei back before she decided to change the subject of their conversation soon afterward. "Anyway, we should actually be investigating the second and third sectors of this area, since according to the report that Hayate-chama has told both Ave-san and I, ley lines underneath the second and third sectors of this area are happen to be the one in which mana flow disturbances were frequently detected desu…" added Reinforce Zwei, as she reminded Vita to investigate the second and third sectors of Shibuya's northern business district area. "Meh! I doubt that we would find anything there…" responded Vita back with her slightly cynical Vita-centric voice tone, as she was actually feel pessimistic over the prospect of actually finding anything related to mana flow disturbances across United States of Japan's ley line structures. It was when Reinforce Zwei decided to argue back while reaffirming her statement just now toward the said Knight of the Iron Hammer as well, in return.
"I think…we will actually find something Vita-san…! Since, the only sectors we all have not yet investigated are second and third sectors of Shibuya's northern business district desu. I believe both Ave-san and Nanoha-san would also think the same, as they have not find anything up until this point desu…" argued Reinforce Zwei back, as she decided to also give Vita an explanation behind her argument in the same time as well. "Still, the fact that we haven't find anything up until now indicating a possibility that none of these mana flow disturbances would be taking place on the same exact spot that they have been taking place previously Rein…" responded Vita with another rebuttal at Reinforce Zwei's argument just now. Reinforce Zwei herself in the meantime decided to also quietly ponder over the petite Knight of the Iron Hammer's rebuttal, as it was actually happen to be quite logical for her to think that way after all.
"Always think the unthinkable, as only by doing so, you will find any crucial fact that have been hidden away from your eyes previously…" muttered Reinforce Zwei alone under her breath, as she remembered the very advise that her beloved meister's younger boyfriend said in the past. From that aforementioned advise alone, Reinforce Zwei started to actually realize on how everything that she has perceived previously might actually different from the reality that actually was happening out there. For instance, the case in which mana flow across multiple ley lines underneath this third newborn world have been disturbed almost simultaneously in these past three months might be related to a certain vast interconnected labyrinth structures that stretched all over this aforementioned newborn world itself. In the same time however, when Reinforce Zwei decided to put everything that took place in Sighişoara into a consideration, she could actually suspect that the Great Holy Grail War ritual that Darnic Prestone Yggdmillennia have been secretly trying to put into motion as a main cause behind these entire mana flow disturbances across the entire third newborn world's ley lines as well, in the same time.
Vita's rebuttal as well as Ave's advise has reminded Reinforce Zwei on how important for her to actually look and investigate everything from multiple different perspectives after all. Instead of using one or two officially written reports as one and only references, Reinforce Zwei decided to actually investigate this case from a totally different angle of perspective, as only by doing so, she could truly understand and solve the mystery behind everything that actually took place in this third newborn world presently. Because of that, she decided to accept Vita's rebuttal as another reference to investigate this case from a totally different point of view, as only by doing so, Reinforce Zwei could at the very least arriving a step closer to the hidden truth that he sought currently after all.
Not long afterward, both Reinforce Zwei and Vita finally arrived at the second sector of Shibuya's northern business district area. Vita decided to enter the said second sector of Shibuya's northern business district area without worrying too much over the fact that it was happen to be empty, barren, devoid from any living creatures for some unknown reason. Reinforce Zwei on the other hand however decided to halt her step, as she began to hear strange noise echoing inside her mind, vaguely. "Vita-san, did you hear anything…?" asked Reinforce Zwei, as she began to slowly shake her head in order to make the said noise to disappear. "Nope. I don't hear anything Rein…" replied Vita back before she turned her head and glared at the younger Reinforce for some obvious reason right afterward.
"Don't you dare to scare me with your ghost story Rein! I'm not scared at all…!" declared Vita while in the same time still glaring at Reinforce as well. "I am not trying to scare you at all Vita-san. I truly hear this strange voice in my mind and after carefully listen to it…it sounds like a sound of crying baby desu…" argued Reinforce Zwei back, as she decided to elaborate more about the characteristic of the said voice that she just heard, in return. It was when Vita's face instantly went pale, as she knew that Reinforce Zwei was not trying to scare her or joking around when she mentioned it after all. "Seriously, Rein! I didn't hear anything at all! This is starting to sound ridiculous, as I don't believe in ghost or anything like that! T-t-they didn't exists…!" retorted Vita back, as her slightly trembled voice almost instantly made Reinforce Zwei realize over how currently frightened Vita is actually.
Unfortunately however, Reinforce Zwei wasn't trying to joke around or even scare Vita when she mentioned the crying baby voice in which still happen to echo in her mind, as she truly was hearing it after all. Because of that, Reinforce Zwei decided to once again told Vita on how she was indeed hear the said echoing cry of baby in her mind while reminding the petite Knight of the Iron Hammer on how ghosts and vengeful spirits were indeed exist and real after all. "Ghosts are actually real Vita-san! Don't you remember those vengeful spirits that haunt the decrepit and accursed hallways of Heavenly Host when we investigate those disappearance cases in the past…? I believe Ave-san and Hayate-chama could also testify that fact alone to you desu. On the other hand, this crying voice is also real and I believe, we might have been stumbling across something that could also be proven crucial as well desu…" replied Reinforce Zwei back, as she decided to also remind Vita over a certain incident that she as well as her beloved meister, Hayate Yagami, Ave and the rest of fellow Wolkenritter have been involved in the past, within one particular parallel timeline that Othinus has created using lance of Gungnir.
Blood Drive Incident was the very name of that aforementioned incident in which many middle and high school students across Japan have been mysteriously disappeared. Hayate in which have just graduated from Time-Space Administrative Bureau's academy as an accredited 1st Ground Captain and hold first lieutenant rank decided to investigate this incident together with Reinforce Eins, Reinforce Zwei and the rest of her family, the Wolkenritter as per-admiral Leti Lowran's request. Ave, an enigmatic young Chronophantasma in which also happen to be Hayate's kōhai in both middle school and Time-Space Administrative Bureau's academy has been recruited to provide the young special investigator, first lieutenant Hayate Yagami any necessary support while acting as her adjutant as well, in the same time.
Vita remembered very well on how Ave's particular weapon finesse has been tested personally by Signum in Brave Duel simulation program, as the said enigmatic young Chronophantasma in which also happen to also be another Time Diver candidate have been proving himself to be capable enough to fight Signum in stalemate after all. Signum in particular has also mentioned over Ave's unique style that switched from one-handed sword to dual wielding two swords simultaneously and flawlessly using both hands. A unique style that Ave has dubbed with Aincrad-style name was proven to be fast and powerful enough to match Signum's Old Belkan style swordplay, as he skilfully wield a pair of legendary one-handed swords from the long forgotten era of another dimension, Elucidator and Dark Repulser respectfully against Signum's equally powerful Armed Device, Lævatein. It wasn't until she met the well-renowned "Black Swordsman" Kazuto "Kirito" Kirigaya that Vita learnt about both Elucidator and Dark Repulser's identities as a pair of swords that Kirito himself has been wielding previously when he conquered the first seventy-five floors of a massive legendary floating castle, Aincrad together with his dearest wife, Asuna Yūki and other trusted friends in another alternative timeline parallel to the third newborn world's very own timeline itself.
Using a certain triple-A Lost Logia relic that Time-Space Administrative Bureau have been acquired in the past, Vita together with Hayate, Ave, Reinforce Eins, Reinforce Zwei and the rest of Wolkenritter decided to enter a pocket dimension in which Heavenly Host existed currently, as they investigate this mysterious disappearance case together. Vita and the others found few survivors across these accursed corridors of Heavenly Host, as she in particular decided to steel her courage for having to face any of Heavenly Host's inhabitants in which also happen to be no other than vengeful spirit of homicide victims that took place more than two decades ago in the past. To make the whole matter became even more complicated, a thin layer of temporal dimension rift that a mysterious dark force has created separated Vita and the others completely. Vita and Zafira were stranded in one of these dimensional layers, as Signum, Agito and Shamal were in the other layer completely different from them. Hayate and Reinforce Eins were also separated from Ave and Reinforce Zwei, as each of them tried to make their way back to each other while assisting any survivors that they found along the way. It was also when Vita and everyone else learnt about Heavenly Host's true nature, as after they have successfully escaped these haunted corridors of Heavenly Host, Hayate decided to personally investigate and hunt down a certain Lost Logia in which previously used to fuel this accursed pocket dimension to begin with.
It was when Vita started to speculate if Reinforce Zwei was in fact could actually detect any unusual anomaly that she personally unable to do so. Perhaps, what have actually been happening were indeed related to any supernatural phenomenon that took place in the past, during some occasions that they have been experiencing after all. Heavenly Host, Nehan, Night of the Hunt, Dream Refuge, and any of those surreal nightmarish realms that Vita have been visiting in the past has once again reminded her about how any of these ghosts and vengeful spirits were indeed real after all. Because of that, she should trust Reinforce Zwei's argument and respond just now, as the said younger Reinforce was telling her the truth. This place, the second sector of Shibuya's northern district has actually been trapped within a thin veiled pocket dimension, as it took Vita long enough to recognize it unfortunately. Because of that, as soon as she realize over what have been happening in front of her, the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami decided to summon her knight garb and wield her personally customized CW-AEC02M-2C Strike Cannon "Mass Production" type AEC armament in which also have been painted in metallic magma red and black sapphire colour scheme right afterward.
"Rein, you should get ready as well…" reminded Vita using her usual Vita-centric voice, as Reinforce Zwei in return was only nodding back affirmatively while activating her own knight garb as well, in the same time. "Hai desu…! Shall we perform unison Vita-san…?" replied Reinforce Zwei back, as she decided to ask Vita a question as well, in return. "Surely it would be a good idea to do so…" responded Vita back at Reinforce Zwei's suggestion just now before she decided to initiate a unison with the said younger Reinforce as well, in return. It was when both Vita and Reinforce Zwei initiated their unison that ultimately alter the signature colour schemes of Vita's knight garb from magma red and black sapphire to shiny white and black sapphire instead. Vita's supposedly dark scarlet hair colour was also becoming a little bit lighter due to the unison process, as her darker blue sapphire irises has also becoming lighter as well in the same time.
"This colour is actually Ave-san's signature colour desu. Did you know that Vita-san…?" telepathically asked Reinforce Zwei, as Vita simply just gave the said younger Reinforce an acknowledging nod in return. "Tsche! His barrier jacket is basically a male alternative version of Nanoha Takamachi's barrier jacket with black sapphire colour replacing its stratos blue colour instead. Although I need to admit that the upgraded version of his barrier jacket…what is it again…? Eternal Sacred Argent Mode looks a lot closer to Old Belkan-style knight garb instead of Mid-style barrier jacket…" telepathically replied Vita back, as she remembered on how those arm bracers that Ave's Eternal Sacred Argent Mode barrier jacket had on the top of its protective gloves somehow reminded the said Knight of the Iron Hammer herself with Signum's knight garb for some reason.
"Hai desu…" telepathically responded Reinforce Zwei, as she decided to also send Vita a mental image of her cheerfully smiling face as well, in return. After taking another long deep breath and letting a small sigh out as well, Vita decided to return her attention back on the extremely quiet surrounding area within the second sector of Shibuya's northern business district while Reinforce Zwei use her spell to enhance Vita's Strike Cannon AEC armament with ice elemental property as well, in the same time. It was through her unison with Reinforce Zwei, Vita could also hear the echoing noise of crying baby that the said younger Reinforce has previously mentioned, as she involuntarily tighten her grip on her Strike Cannon AEC armament as well, in return.
"Vita-san! Something is approaching us! Please be careful desu!" warned Reinforce Zwei telepathically, as she decided to also fortify the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer's knight garb and shield-type defensive spell Panzerschild in the same time as well. "I can sense it Rein. It might or might not the main source of this annoying crying voice that we heard. Regardless, I will destroy it for what it had done before…!" declared Vita while referring to the fact on how this whatsoever creature that most likely also happens to be the main cause behind this crying baby voice has been held responsible for scaring her not long ago. It was when a mysterious gigantic creature has suddenly land right in front the unison-ed Vita and Reinforce Zwei while being accompanied by a loud crashing noise as well, in the same time.
Through this mysterious gigantic creature's horrid appearance alone, Reinforce Zwei could identify it as a infant of certain Great One that she previously fought together with her beloved meister's younger boyfriend, Signum and Agito when they all have been mysteriously teleported and trapped within a pocket dimension that have been created through collective individuals' memory fragments and residual fears. This mysterious dimension in which later on happens to be officially named as Nightmare Frontier by Time-Space Administrative Bureau's Expeditionary Taskforce 108th would continuously feed upon humanity's fears until someone destroy its very source and put the said nightmare into its ultimate ends. In the end, it was through defeating the one that host this nightmarish "Nightmare Frontier" realm alone, Reinforce Zwei together with Ave, Signum and Agito could free humanity's dreamscapes from any possible perpetual fears for the time being.
"Signum-san, Agito, Ave-san and I have previously face as well as defeated the bigger version of this creature before, Vita-san. This creature is also known as one of those Great Ones, Amygdala and even if we are currently facing the infant Amygdala, please still be really careful desu…" telepathically reminded Reinforce Zwei, as she decided to also inform Vita over the identity of this infant Great One in which happen to be menacingly standing right in front of her (them). Vita on the other hand quickly spun her Strike Cannon AEC armament and kept it in "Close Mode" configuration instead. Her eyes sharply glaring at the said infant Amygdala in front of her (them), as Vita has made her ultimate decision to actually crush this infant Great One completely before it could cause any harm toward both this third newborn world and its inhabitants that Hayate happens to love and cherish dearly.
Letting out a loud roar for all the sudden, this infant Amygdala raised both of its arms and tried to crush Vita completely under them. Vita on the other hand decided to dodge the incoming attack, as her petite stature has been proven advantageous for her after all. Right after she dodge the incoming infant Amygdala's attack, Vita use both of her hands to wield her Strike Cannon AEC armament in "Close Mode" configuration, as she decided to swung it vertically upward in order to cut one of the said infant Amygdala's arm completely, in return. Using her Strike Cannon AEC armament as a two-handed lance and claymore hybrid, the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami successfully land an uppercut-style move that completely cut the said infant Amygdala arm completely in the process, as that aforementioned move was also happen to be identified as a variation from one of her signature move as well, the "Tödlichschlag" that could also be translated in Mid-Childan language as "Deadly Blow" respectively.
"Vita-san! Another incoming attack! Watch out…!" telepathically warned Reinforce Zwei, as the infant Amygdala in front of her (them) decided to use its second arm to slam Vita's petite body away toward the nearby empty building, in return. This time around, instead of dodging the incoming attack, Vita decided to use her Strike Cannon AEC armament to block the incoming giant fist before she found her petite body has been completely thrown away due to the massive centrifugal force that the said infant Amygdala's second arm have been created through its incoming attack. Vita's petite body was instantly crashing into a nearby building, as for some reason, the said building began to crumble as well after the said Knight of the Iron Hammer's petite body inadvertently destroy its main foundations during the crash.
"Vita-san, are you alright…?" telepathically asked Reinforce Zwei, as Vita shook her head slightly and stood back on her feet right afterward. "Tsche! I am fine Rein. Although, how dare that monster hit me like that…!" cursed Vita telepathically in her reply, as she was miraculously left unharmed after getting hit by such massive blow just now. It was thanks to her constantly active shield-type defensive spell "Panzerschild" and knight garb that also have been fortified by Reinforce Zwei that Vita was left unharmed even after getting hit by the said infant Amygdala's arm before. Unfortunately, it could not be said the same to her prized large hat that she received from her beloved meister, Hayate as a present in the past, as the said hat had been completely disintegrated for suffering higher damage threshold more than what it could actually sustain. It was when Vita's expression instantly becoming enraged, as she never took anyone that indeed happen to be foolish enough to destroy her aforementioned cherished hat lightly after all.
"You bastard…!" screamed Vita in anger, as she charged toward her opponent in reckless abandon immediately. She spun her Strike Cannon AEC armament in order to create a huge horizontal arc followed by another vertical arc almost right away, as the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer sliced a pair of other infant Amygdala's arms in the process while injuring the said lesser Great One's forehead as well, right afterward. The said infant Amygdala was only letting a painful loud inhuman shriek in which strangely enough sounds like a crying baby before it began to randomly shoot multiple plasma beams from its eyes almost simultaneously. "Tsche! Trying to struggle in vain eh, monster…! You won't be able to beat me (us) since you are not belong to this world…!" provoked Vita, as she spun her Strike Cannon AEC armament repeatedly in order to not only deflect the incoming multiple plasma laser beams that the lesser Amygdala has been randomly shooting at her but also to taunt it as well in same time.
"Vita-san, please be careful and don't get carried away desu…!" telepathically reminded Reinforce Zwei, as she once again started to fortify the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer's Strike Cannon AEC armament with ice elemental affinity in order to effectively deal an extra damage from each attack that she would soon be performing. "Tsche! Thanks Rein. Although I am confident enough to completely crush it using my raw ability alone…" retorted Vita back with her usual Vita-centric voice tone, as she decided to also remind Reinforce Zwei on how her raw power alone would be more than enough to defeat this infant Amygdala completely, even without the said younger Reinforce's help. Reinforce Zwei in return was about to argue back at Vita's respond just now, as another tremor suddenly took place before another three infant Amygdala have been crash landed right in front of her as well as Vita without any prior sign or warning.
"Four against one or to be exact the two of us eh…! It seems, our enemies have been desperately trying to even the odd here Rein…" remarked Vita, as she decided to point out the irony fact over how this supposedly unbeatable eldritch gods known as Great Ones were unable to defeat her unless they decide to simultaneously overwhelm her (them) with their numbers. The Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami however was only letting her excited grin out, as she found this odd to be somehow interesting and challenging for her after all. Since in the past, it took a combined effort of the unison-ed Ave and Reinforce Zwei together with the unison-ed Signum and Agito to defeat a single matured Amygdala in order to put Nightmare Frontier into its ultimate end, once and for all.
This time around however, Vita and Reinforce Zwei were alone, as they need to face those four infant Amygdala altogether by themselves. Even if these four infant Amygdala were happen to be smaller in size compared to the matured Amygdala that her beloved meister's younger boyfriend together with Reinforce Zwei, Signum and Agito have been facing in the past, the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami knew very well on how they were not by any mean less dangerous while being compared to their matured counterpart. Because of that, both Vita and Reinforce Zwei were also realizing any difficulty that they most likely would face in this upcoming battle, as those four infant Amygdala would also definitely proven to be dangerous enough for her (them) as well.
The currently unison-ed Vita and Reinforce Zwei were about to welcome those four infant Amygdala in which happen to simultaneously leap at her (them) using her Strike Cannon AEC armament in its "Close Mode" configuration, as she as well as Reinforce Zwei have somehow been unaware of a temporal dimension fissure that took place not far from their current location. It was also when a gigantic sword came out from the rift that the aforementioned temporal dimension fissure has been creating, as it instantly impale one of those four infant Amygdala creatures without prejudice. It was also after the impaled infant Amygdala has been completely killed in the process, a familiar young female figure dressed in blue Symphogear relic armour, Ame-no-Habakiri emerged from the rift that the aforementioned temporal dimension fissure has created together with three damaged albeit still functional and battle ready F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki units in the same time.
"Eh! This is strange! Mami never actually guessing that we will end up back in Shibuya…" playfully remarked the younger twin of famous idol-Eishi, second lieutenant Mami Futami while trying to scan her surrounding area in the same time. "Uhn, Ami also found this kind of outcome to be actually weird, since we have travelled across multiple different dimensions and for all the sudden returned back to our world as if we were all lucky enough to pick the right portal to enter…" added the older Futami twin, second lieutenant Ami Futami affirmatively in return, as she was currently arming her damaged F-16C Fighting Falcon with a pair of CIWS-1B close combat knives instead of AMWS-21 Combat System. It was when the third F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki in which also happen to be piloted by second lieutenant Makoto Kikuchi approached both Mami and Ami Futami's respective F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki units before reminding them to not letting their guard down.
"You two! Moon Child 10 and Moon Child 08! We are currently still in the middle of battlefield! Don't let your guard down…!" reminded second lieutenant Makoto Kikuchi, as she warned both Mami and Ami Futami on how they were still currently in the middle of battlefield while aiming her F-16C Fighting Falcon's half-empty AMWS-21 Combat System at the three infant Amygdala that have already distanced themselves from Makoto and the others. "We won't let our guard down Makochin! Geeez!" pouted Mami Futami back, as she took an initiative to shoot one of the infant Amygdala using her F-16C Fighting Falcon's AMWS-21 Combat System in the same time. It was also when Vita's eyes instantly went wide in shock and disbelief, as she yelled at the younger Futami twins in which currently happen to be carelessly initiating her assault toward one of those three infant Amygdala in front of her (them).
"Stop! You idiot! What the hell are you doing!?" yelled Vita, as she tried to warn Mami Futami from continuing her careless attack just now. Unfortunately, the said Knight of the Iron Hammer's warning came a little bit too late, as that one particular infant Amygdala in which Mami Futami tried to defeat using her F-16C Fighting Falcon's AMWS-21 Combat System decided to leap away in order to dodge the incoming hail of 36mm high-velocity armour-piercing ammunitions while returning fire with highly accurate plasma laser beam from one of its eyes. Mami's face instantly went pale, as she realize on how this strange looking creature in front of her was also capable on replicating the exact same terror that she experienced previously from both Laser and Heavy Laser-Class BETA in the past. It was also when Mami could only close both of her eyes while waiting for her ultimate demise, as soon enough, the said plasma laser beam that one of those three Amygdala has launched just now would burn her F-16C Fighting Falcon's cockpit block in which also happen to be well protected by fortified E-carbon armour plates with anti-laser coating on it completely.
Fortunately for second lieutenant Mami Futami however, Ame-no-Habakiri's Attuned, Tsubasa Kazanari in which also happen to be one of the surviving duo of Zwei Wing's vocalists decided to use her Symphogear's sword module, Totsuka-no-Tsurugi and block the incoming plasma laser beam away while singing the said blue Symphogear Relic armour's newest personal activation image song "Beyond the BLADE" in order to increase the versatility of Ame-no-Habakiri ten if not hundred folds, in return. "Whoaaaa…!" remarked Makoto Kikuchi and Ami Futami in disbelief, as they witness the true power of Tsubasa Kazanari's Ame-no-Habakiri that had been activated through her song, "Beyond the BLADE" just now. Using Ame-no-Habakiri's sword module, Totsuka-no-Tsurugi alone, Tsubasa successfully blocked the incoming plasma laser beam that one of those three infant Amygdala has launched toward Mami Futami's F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki unit just now before she decided to let the petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami in particular know, that she could also initiating her assault together, in the same time.
"First lieutenant Vita! Now!" signalled Tsubasa Kazanari while blocking the incoming plasma laser beam that one of the three infant Amygdala has previously aimed at second lieutenant Mami Futami's F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki unit. "Tsche! I know that…!" answered Vita with her usual sharp Vita-centric voice tone, as she decided to activate her Strike Cannon AEC armament's "Open Mode" configuration this time around. Together with Reinforce Zwei's help, Vita carefully aimed at the said infant Amygdala in which currently happen to be completely preoccupied with Tsubasa Kazanari before she pulled the said Strike Cannon AEC armament's trigger and initiating her assault. By initiating an instant conversion of its user's mana into physical effects, such as solid cannon projectiles, Vita's Strike Cannon AEC armament has started to initiate its assault by taking a function of medium-to-long range railgun. Because of that, the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, first lieutenant Vita Yagami together with Reinforce Zwei's assistance could finally took the aforementioned infant Amygdala down with a single shot, as her Strike Cannon AEC armament's physical projectile that travel at three times the speed of sound could easily took down its target completely. In the end, only two infant Amygdala were currently remain alive as they started to initiate the exact same tactic that their fallen kin has done not so long ago.
"Vita-san, those two infant Great Ones have now been trying to shoot us down together with Tsubasa-san! We should engage one of them in close-quarter-combat in order to perform our assault from one of its blind spot desu…!" telepathically suggested Reinforce Zwei, as she decided to once again fortify Vita's knight garb and shield-type defensive spell as well, in the same time. "Meh! Don't you worry too much about me Rein, since I know very well on what I should've be doing…!" replied Vita back with a slightly bored look on her face before she decided to revert her Strike Cannon AEC armament back to its "Close Mode" configuration right afterward. Once again the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami decided to initiate her assault by flying toward one of the last remaining pair of infant Amygdala in which also happen to be standing not too far from her current location while using her Strike Cannon AEC armament's "Close Mode" configuration as a makeshift lance and claymore hybrid in the same time.
The said infant Amygdala in front of Vita decided to block her Strike Cannon AEC armament's vertical slash using four of its gigantic arms simultaneously and caught the said Knight of the Iron Hammer's petite body using its fifth gigantic arm. "Not so fast buddy…!" shouted second lieutenant Makoto Kikuchi as she decided to empty her previously already half-empty AMWS-21 Combat System of her F-16C Fighting Falcon before successfully tore the said infant Amygdala's fifth gigantic arm with hails of 36mm high-velocity armour piercing ammunitions in the meantime. Soon enough, after getting away from the deadly grip of the said infant Amygdala's fifth gigantic arm, Vita wasted no time to slice the aforementioned arm as well using her Strike Cannon AEC armament's "Close Mode" configuration. At the end of her assault, the said petite Knight of the Iron Hammer, Vita Yagami stabbed the said infant Amygdala in front of her using Strike Cannon AEC armament's "Close Mode" configuration, as it could easily penetrate through the aforementioned infant Great One's thick skull, ending its struggle completely.
The other surviving infant Amygdala was trying to rush over its fallen fellow kin in order to help it. Unfortunately however, the Futami twins together with Tsubasa Kazanari were happen to be fast enough to prevent it from getting close to the currently unison-ed Vita and Reinforce Zwei as well as second lieutenant Makoto Kikuchi. It was when Mami Futami began to empty her already half-empty F-16C Fighting Falcon senjutsuki's AMWS-21 Combat System while Ami Futami performed her signature "dancing blades" move by repeatedly manoeuvring and slashing the said surviving infant Amygdala in front of her using both of her own F-16C Fighting Falcon's CIWS-1B combat knives. While letting out another painful inhuman roar, the said infant Amygdala was trying to attack both Mami and Ami Futami without any success. It has tried to randomly shoot its deadly plasma laser beams from each of its eyes, as those aforementioned plasma laser beams destroy quite a number of empty buildings nearby.
"I won't let you to do that…!" declared Tsubasa Kazanari, as she threw Ame-no-Habakiri's sword module, Totsuka-no-Tsurugi at the last surviving infant Amygdala in front of her. It was when Totsuka-no-Tsurugi began to grow and becoming bigger and bigger as it approached the said last surviving infant Amygdala before soon enough completely impaling it with extreme prejudice. Mami and Ami Futami have already moved away when Totsuka-no-Tsurugi began to approach its target and grew bigger, as the two of them knew very well on how dangerous Tsubasa Kazanari's Symphogear, Ame-no-Habakiri truly is, especially when they got caught in the middle of it. Right after every single infant Amygdala in the premise have been completely neutralized, both Vita and Reinforce Zwei decided to greet Tsubasa, Mami, Ami and Makoto after deactivating their unison.
"Tsubasa-san, Mami-san, Ami-san, and also Makoto-san…where have you been…? I heard that all of you were suddenly and completely vanished without any trace desu…" greeted Reinforce Zwei, as Vita decided to remain quiet for a moment while observing how this entire event begin to unfold. "It would definitely be quite a long story to tell sergeant major Zwei and first lieutenant Vita. One thing for certain however, we have visited various different worlds together before randomly returned back to this third newborn world via one random Crossgate Paradigm Portal that exist in one of those different worlds out there…" replied Tsubasa back, as she decided to return Reinforce Zwei's greeting while answering her question as well, in return. "How about your fellow Symphogear Attuned, Hibiki Tachibana and Chris Yukine…? Are they with you as well or you four have got separated from them…?" asked Vita this time around, as she for some reason was glaring at Tsubasa, Mami, Ami and Makoto for some reason.
Both Mami and Ami were in particular started to shift their bodies uncomfortably, as they found Vita's glare to be absolutely intimidating. Makoto on the other hand decided to remain quiet, as it would definitely be wiser for her to do so and left Tsubasa to answer the said petite and short-tempered Knight of the Iron Hammer's question just now. It was also when Tsubasa decided to answer Vita's question after she inhaled deeply in order to calm herself down. "Unfortunately we got separated from Tachibana and Yukine when we tried to investigate a certain rural farming village over a supernatural phenomenon that inadvertently creating temporal dimensional fissure have been detected. We believe, this supernatural phenomenon has somehow related to a mass disappearance cases that plagued Empire of Japan far before her inception into United States of Japan post-Break The World. Unfortunately for us, after we decide to enter an abandoned storehouse within Shinozaki's property, an unseen portal similar to Crossgate has suddenly teleport and separated us from one another. That was also when I met second lieutenant Makoto Kikuchi, second lieutenant Ami Futami and second lieutenant Mami Futami from ESUN's 765th Tactical Armoured Battalion's the Mondenkind Squadron, as we work together to find our way back to this newborn world…" answered Tsubasa back, as she gave both Reinforce Zwei and Vita her sad smile as well, in return.
Vita was about to ask Tsubasa another question, as for all the sudden a massive earth-shattering explosion rocked from a direction in which both Vita and Reinforce Zwei happen to visit just a while ago. "V-V-Vita-san…! What was that…?" asked Reinforce Zwei, as she was worrying over what have happened. "Tsche! One after another! This going to be a long and interesting night after all…!" sarcastically remarked Vita, as she grinned before giving her faithful partner, Reinforce Zwei a signal to once again performing unison together. "Let me accompany you as well first lieutenant Vita and sergeant major Zwei…! I believe, we can leave second lieutenant Kikuchi together with both second lieutenant Ami and Mami Futami here to take care the rest…" proposed Tsubasa, as she decided to also offering her assistance to accompany both Vita and Reinforce Zwei in the same time. "We will gladly accept and appreciate your help Tsubasa-san…! It would be reassuring to have you here with us than just Vita-san and I, myself desu…" telepathically replied Reinforce Zwei back, as she gladly accept Tsubasa Kazanari's offer just now.
"Thanks for your help I suppose…however, don't let your guard down Kazanari. Since we still have yet to actually understand about what happened after all…" thanked Vita with her usual Vita-centric voice tone, as she decided to also warn the younger Ame-no-Habakiri's Attuned to be careful. "I will first lieutenant Vita. Now, we better move before our enemies could done anything worse than what have already happened…" responded Tsubasa back, as the unison-ed Vita and Reinforce Zwei quickly gave her an affirmative nod in return, right afterward. It was after she gave Makoto, Ami and Mami a quick briefing over the task that they should be performing, Tsubasa decided to follow the unison-ed Vita and Reinforce Zwei, as the three of them fly toward the direction in which the aforementioned earth-shattering explosion took place.
Unbeknownst to Tsubasa, as well as Vita, Reinforce Zwei, Makoto, Ami and Mami Futami however, a mysterious figure has secretly been watching over every single move that they have made from far away, as he or she was letting a small chuckle before moving away from his or her current hiding spot. It was also when he or she decided to fix his or her somehow beautifully ornate Hunter garb while whispering soft-spoken nonsensical words in the meantime.
"Curse those fiends, their children too…"
"And their children forever true…"
"I call to the bloodless wherever they be…"
ED Theme Song: Phosphorescence (Sung By: Ayano Mashiro)
"So, are you saying that you are from another world…?" asked Rika Shinozaki, as her eyes were completely fixed at Lucina in which happen to be nervously taking a small sip from her ice milk tea. "Are you trying to scare her Lis…I mean Rika…?" asked Asada, as she was also taking a small sip of her hot milk coffee while using her free left hand to adjust her glasses in the same time. It was when Rika gave Asada a threatening glare while pouting at the said younger yet a lot more matured girl in which happen to be seated right next to Lucina as well, in the same time. "I'm not trying to threaten her! It just that I am somehow curious after listening at her story! Think about it Shino, if this other world is truly exist, don't you think either ESUN or Time-Space Administrative Bureau would already found them a while back ago…? During this third newborn world's first inception…?" argued Rika back, as she decided to also voicing her doubt over Lucina's claim just now, for being originally came from another world.
"Uhm, Rika-san…I think Lucina-san is telling us the truth…" added Keiko, as she decided to also letting her older friend, Rika Shinozaki know about what she truly thought about Lucina's story just now. "Well, it would never actually be easy to convince Rika, especially after everything that happened during Break The World, Keiko. I, however in the meantime also agree on what you have said just now, as well…" responded Asada while letting Keiko knew on how she was also happen agree to her as well. It was when Rika inhaled deeply as she took another sip from her honey flavoured mint tea and decided to argue at both Keiko and Asada's remark just now. "It can't be helped, since you two know on how difficult to accept another world's existence as real, especially after ESUN's official declaration on how most if not all alternative realities from different time and space continuities have fused into one single newborn world in which we currently are living in. Moreover, after the First Defensive War, Asuna told us to always remain vigilant for any discrepancy that someone might have deliberately trying to tell us. Don't you two agree about that…?" argued Rika back, as both Asada and Keiko were only shrugging both of their shoulders right after they heard such argument that the legendary Álfheimr's female blacksmith gave them just now.
"Uhm, may I say something…Shinozaki-san…?" asked Lucina, as she slowly raised her right hand in order to draw the said young female blacksmith's attention. "Yes…?" asked Rika right after she turned her gaze from both Asada and Keiko back to Lucina almost instantly, as her action was somehow made Lucina feel slightly intimidated for some reason. It was after she inhaled deeply in order to calm herself down, Lucina decided to respond at Rika's argument just now, on Asada and Keiko's behalf.
"S-similar incident that fused multiple different worlds with our world was also taking place in the past Shinozaki-san. Because of that, I could attest that this world would in reality never be the only world that experienced Break The World, as my own world was also experiencing the same thing as well. The only thing that our world has failed to achieve is an ability to rally its new inhabitants together under a single banner and protecting the said newborn world's peace and stability in the same time. Because of that, I'm here to humbly ask your assistance on liberating our world. Please, help us…" responded Lucina back, as she decided to once again let Rika knew over her world as well as her kingdom's plight in the same time. "I-I knew that! Unfortunately, it is not up to me to decide…!" argued Rika back for one more time, as she decided to let Lucina knew on how impossible for her alone to make such important decision in the first place after all.
"We can still ask Asuna-san's permission to act independently together Rika-san. Please remember that our Girls Ops always operate independently from Álfheimr's main military force in order to solve any cases similar to this one…" reminded Keiko, as she tried to argue back at Rika's argument just now. "Still, in order to help Lucina, we should first obtain a proper permission that both Álfheimr and Time-Space Administrative Bureau's high councils has officially sanctioned and contact Girls Ops' leader, Lux…I mean Hiyori for proper preparation and authorization. Because of that, we should never act carelessly based on our emotional feeling alone and preparing ourselves for any challenges that we might face if we decide to accept Lucina's request…" calmly responded Asada back while in the same time reminding Keiko on how acting carelessly would most likely backfire on them after all. It was when Keiko pouted and took another sip from her iced almond tea, as she found Shino Asada's respond to be actually valid after all, even when she actually hates to admit it after all.
"Hmmm…see…! Even Shino is agreed with my argument just now, Keiko…! Remember, we should determine if Lucina's story can actually be trusted and…" added Rika, as she was about to give Keiko an earful scolding as well as lecturing before an earth-shattering explosion rocked nearby and immediately cut her sentence short. "What was that…? Rika-san…?" asked Keiko, as she definitely panicked after knowing such massive explosion happen to take place closer to their current location after all. "How could I possibly know that…!? Man! Tonight will definitely be hectic and chaotic since we have no choice except from investigating that explosion…!" answered Rika back half-complaining, as she was truly never look forward to get involved in another incident at this particular moment. Asada was about to respond at Rika's half-complaining remark just now, as Lucina has already giving the said Álfheimr's young female blacksmith from her respond instead.
"Let me help you to investigate! I am sure that my skill with blade would be a great help Shinozaki-san…!" responded Lucina, as she decided to offer her help as well in the same time. "Hmmm…" muttered Rika, as she decided to use her Casting Assistant Device or CAD to activate a small hologram screen and pressed one of three buttons that have been displayed on it. Out of nowhere, a single one-handed long sword in which happen to be neatly sheathed on its scabbard appeared within both of Rika's hands, as she handed the said one-handed long sword at Lucina while smiling in the same time. "You can have it Lucina. It might not be my best creation, but I believe, you will find this sword handy with your skill…" replied Rika, as she in the same time gave Lucina the said one-handed long sword for her to use. Lucina was only staring at the said one-handed long sword that she received from Rika for a moment, as she decided to also in the same time analyse and gauge the aforementioned blade's true quality and potential after all.
"The blade's grip is simple and well made, allowing its user to wield it with one or both hands similar to Falchion. It's cross-guard and pommel was also simple and well made, as they were geared more toward better functionality rather than fancy and ornate factors alone. The blade's length is about the same with Falchion, as I could definitely handle it effectively and efficiently. This sword's name is…" muttered Lucina alone under her breath, as she studied her newly acquired sword until Rika decided to let the said Holy Kingdom of Iris' crown princess know about the said one-handed long sword's name right away. "This sword's name is Anneal Blade, as it was also happen to be the very first decent quality blade that I made back in Aincrad. This Anneal Blade however is already enhanced to have a better sharpness and durability in comparison to its original counterpart. Because of that, you will definitely find this blade to be useful and live up to your expectation Lucina…" responded Rika while smiling at Lucina, as the said Holy Kingdom of Iris' crown princess was only blushing slightly in embarrassment after knowing that Rika, the legendary female blacksmith of Álfheimr could somehow read her mind after all.
"I know that you actually want to talk more about your creation Rika. Unfortunately, we really need to start our investigation before innocent bystanders were victimized by anyone or anything that have caused that explosion in the first place…" reminded Asada while removing her glasses and activating her CAD in the same time, transforming her normal human appearance into blue haired Cait Sith avatar "Sinon" that she always used when the fairy realm of Álfheimr was still a VRMMORPG known as Álfheimr Online or ALO. Ignoring other café's patrons that were happen to be shocked by her action just now, Asada or Sinon to be exactly decided to summon her prized Divine Instrument in which also happen to be identified as Shekinah, the legendary bow of light before utilizing her Cait Sith's speed to run toward the direction in which the said explosion has been originated. "W-we should follow Sinon-san, since we never know if she would encounter anything dangerous over there…?" reminded Keiko, as she gave Rika and Lucina her suggestion while transforming into her ALO avatar in which also happens to be another Cait Sith as well. Unlike Sinon however, Keiko's ALO avatar in which also happen to be identified by Silica name was a beast tamer, as her faithful feathered little dragon, Pina instantly appeared from out of nowhere in order to accompany Silica in this particularly unexpected quest.
"Hey! Don't take all the glory among you two! Let me show my cool side to our readers as well…!" protested Rika, as she decided to also transformed into her ALO avatar in which happens to be a female Leprechaun instead of Cait Sith. "Well, since I am happen to be an expert mace master as well as blacksmith after all…!" proudly declared Rika, as her shiny pink hair had been signifying Rika's successful transformation into her other persona "Lisbeth", the famous cute blacksmith and mace master of Álfheimr. It was before Lisbeth decided to case Sinon and Silica that have already went off by themselves, she turned her attention at Lucina and asked the young Holy Kingdom of Iris' crown princess another question. "Uhm, just wondering…can you fly Lucina…?" asked Lisbeth, as Lucina instantly shook her head repeatedly before letting the said young female Leprechaun blacksmith know that she could not fly. Letting out sheepish laugh after she listened at Lucina's reply just now, Lisbeth decided to gently pull Lucina's right hand in order to carry her toward the moonless and starry night sky using her surprisingly strong arms.
"Well, hang in there. Since this would definitely be one hell long night after all…" declared Lisbeth with her usual half-joking remark, as she bridal carry Lucina using both of her strong arms while following Sinon and Silica right afterward. Lucina on the other hand, was only blushing slightly in embarrassment as she found herself to be carried in bridal carry style by someone that Lucina herself has just met a while ago. It was after knowing that she has actually met a couple of newfound dependable friends in this brave new world, Lucina silently renewed her promise under her breath while fixing her gaze at the moonless and starry night sky in front of her. "Wait for me Cynthia. I will save you no matter what! So, just wait for me for a little longer…" muttered Lucina alone under her breath, as she promised Cynthia, her younger twin sister that she would definitely save her, regardless.
It was under this moonless and starry night sky, Lucina's new journey has truly started, as everything has once again returned back to the very fateful day of the "awakening". The day when she as well as Cynthia's true power has finally awaken, as unbeknownst to Lucina, that very power that she and Cynthia have successfully awaken within them on that fateful day of the "awakening" were also happen to be the main reason behind Gimurē's return that led their beloved newborn into its ultimate demise after all.
To Be Continued…
