Author's Note: This chapter will be addressing some things about Chris and Takeru's past and will contain a few delicate points that some people may find uncomfortable. So be advised of that. Chris has one of the most tragic backgrounds if not the most tragic in the series so it's a bit heavy in some aspects. I try not to go into too much detail but the point remains.
This chapter didn't have much action in comparison to the others but I wanted to expand more on the characters so we can grow more familiar with them and understand them better.
Reviews:
DCDGojira: Nice to see you again!
TheOkWriter:Right. The Zwei Wings attack left him with traumas and afraid of dying like his friends. We'll see more of him as the story progresses.
Caballero lector rojo: (In spanish) Hola de nuevo! Gracias por interes en la historia. Me motiva a seguirla y gracias por tus sugerencias. Para responder tu pregunta: La historia sera basa en un Hibiki x personaje propio. Claro, tratare de incluir romance para algunas chicas, como Chris y Takeru(Zolda). Pero claro, se que parte de la esencia mas adelante es todo el caso de Hibiki y Miku, pero tengo algo planeado para Miku y para no spoilear mucho, dire que sera similar como en canon pero con algunos retoques dado que si me pongo hacer todo igual que en la historia basicamente me estaria escribiendo el anime entero. Pero estoy seguro que te gustara.
One last note: I don't think I'll release a chapter this week so I wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving!
Chapter 7
Healing
In the busy streets of Tokyo, people cruised around as on any normal Friday night. They walked, talked to their friends, called cabs, and entered restaurants. Unbeknownst to them, in a large building that belonged to a Yakuza family, a massacre was taking place. Due to the bulletproof windows and walls they possessed, no one outside could hear the screams of terror and bullets being shot at a being hidden in the shadows. Its red, piercing eyes stared down a group of men who were running for their lives. Both from it and the fire that had started out of the blue.
Sword Vent
A diabolical voice announced as the figure inserted a car in its left arm. A sword appeared in the figure's hand, rushing at the man and resisting the bullets being fired. The masked figure slashed their throats, cutting them down as if they were butter. He slashed one of their throats after stabbing him in the gut, moving his sword up and almost cutting him in half, spraying blood all over their body. He wasn't bothered by the bloodbath in the slightest and marched into the dark halls of the near-destroyed Yakuza base. Kicking the door open, he heard the patriarch of the family pull out his handgun, hiding behind his chair.
"W-w-what are you?! You masked freak! You think you can burst into this family's business and get away with it?!"
The figure looked behind itself, signaling at the corpses proving he would most likely get away with this.
"I have connections...I have people that will hunt you down to the depths of hell! You will not disgrace our honor!" The man pointed the gun at his head, standing in front of his balcony. The flames downstairs eventually reached the gas tanks they had stored and caused an explosion that shook the building, finally alerting the passersby of what was going on. Black flames were fired from the shadows, calcinating the man's arm along with the gun and causing him to scream in pure agony. Before he could drop to the floor, a sword stabbed him right through his chest and he was face to face with the masked being. Before he could utter a word, the figure kicked him, breaking the glass and throwing his body onto the streets.
People screamed in panic, all of them either running or calling the police. There were those brave enough to pull out their phones and record. One of them manage to catch a glimpse of a black figure standing at the top of the building, along with a larger black silhouette circulating it before they vanished.
Genjuro stopped the video from continuing, leaving the image frozen still.
"What the fuck?" Hajime was the first one to break out of his shock."So that's what the whole buzz was about? I heard a ton of sirens in the middle of the night a few days ago."
"And the culprit is whoever or whatever this person is." Ryoko paced around the teenagers assigned with protecting mankind."Of course, the quality of the video leaves much to be desired, and the CCTV in that Yakuza's den was destroyed."
"It's not the first time this has happened." Aoi pulled up several articles relating to the same story. A group of Yakuza being annihilated by a black figure and leaving no trace behind."There have been several Yakuza families completely wiped out in a single night. At first, we thought it was some sort of conflict between them until we noticed that whoever was killing them didn't discriminate in their attacks."
"And that's not all. Our little vigilante here doesn't just target Yakuza." Sakuya pulled out several files containing news about gangs being taken down."Prostitution, human trafficking, drug empires, illegal gun trades. This person has stopped their schemes by themselves. Some people call it the hero that Japan needed."
"In actuality, he's more of a vigilante, taking justice into his own hands by taking criminals' lives." Genjuro folded his arms."They're playing to be judge, jury, and executioner. Of course, authorities are trying to stop him but no significant progress has been made."
"Naturally, we can't say he's all bad either." Ryoko chimed in."Just a few weeks ago, a group of young girls was saved from a boat that was going to ship them overseas for God knows what. If this vigilante didn't step in, they would have said goodbye to ever having a normal life. But still, no normal person would be capable of going against armed criminals. Which leads me to believe that-"
"It's got to be a Kamen Rider." Yosuke cut her off, his expression grim."So he's taken it upon himself to enforce justice by killing criminals. While I understand their intentions are pure, they shouldn't do that kind of stuff. It's wrong. We have a legal system for a reason."
"So another Kamen Rider." Goro rubbed his arms nervously."And just when we came across a really powerful one..."
"But if that person is...killing criminals." Hibiki swallowed the lump in her throat, a little disturbed by the Rider's actions."They can't be all that bad, right? Maybe we could talk to them and see if they can be calmed down."
"I agree." Hajime nodded, giving Hibiki a smirk."I mean, that Rider could be doing some other type of shit like killing innocent people or terrorizing the city. I'd say it could have been worse."
"I also agree, but we have to be analytical about this." Yosuke rubbed his chin in thought."We don't know what their intentions are. Zolda is the reason for the Noise attack, along with that girl with the stolen armor. And Gai is still out there."
"You don't think Gai is the Rider killing off criminals?" Hibiki asked, wanting to clear out her doubts and paint a clearer picture of the case.
"No, Gai said he only cares about his own benefit and does whatever he wants to live an easy and wealthy life." Yosuke responded."It can't be him. He wouldn't have a reason to suddenly go after criminals. His MO is killing off salarymen. Besides, you saw those black flames in the video. Gai can't do that. He's a rhinoceros."
"Whatever the case, be careful when engaging them." Genjuro addressed the group."Remember that they're most likely after a wish. A wish that can only be achieved by defeating other Riders and fighting Odin. Do not let your guard down. And remember to keep in contact with each other. If you find yourselves in trouble, don't hesitate to ask for backup."
"Yes, sir!" They responded. And with that, the meeting was adjourned.
"Yosuke-san!" Hibiki called the purple-haired young captain."How is Tsubasa-san?"
"She's still delicate and hasn't woken up." Yosuke pursed his lips."But she's out of danger. All we can do now is let her heal and await her return. She'll be okay."
"I want to go give her flowers!" Hibiki proposed."Would you please take me with you next time you go see her?"
"Sure." Yosuke smiled at her enthusiasm."I'm sure she'll be glad to see familiar faces when she wakes up. Anyway..." Clapping his hands, Yosuke grabbed the Riders' attention."I want to invite you guys out to eat. I know a really good BBQ place and it'll be my treat."
"Ah...well, thank you for the offer, Yosuke-san. But I promised my friend, Miku, to study with her today for our science test tomorrow."
"But we won't mind going at your expense, batsy." Hajime pulled Goro, who was sneaking away, closer."What do you say, crabby? Want to drain the workaholic's wallet dry with me?"
A growl coming from Goro's stomach was the answer they needed."I could eat..."
"Good. This'll be a good time for some Rider bonding experience." Yosuke gave them a firm nod."I wanted to bring Tachibana along, but a promise to a friend is always important. Enjoy your day."
"Thanks." Hibiki bowed, skipping over to Hajime and Goro."You boys don't give Yosuke-san a hard time, alright?"
"What are you, my mom?" Hajime rolled his eyes playfully, jabbing his finger in her stomach."You have some nerve thinking we'll misbehave!"
"S-stop that, Hajime-kun! It tickles." Hibiki recoiled back, holding back her laughter.
"This...brings back memories." Yosuke's mind went back to the days Kanade and Akira were there with them. Shaking his head and going back to the present, he led the way out of the facility, guiding his juniors. Since the restaurant was nearby, they walked all the way there. Yosuke hoped that this would give them enough time to get a conversation going. Or at least, time for him to think of how to apologize.
'I was really hard on Goro and made him feel terrible. Ryu-kid's been trying his best too and I've disregarded him, accusing him of not being worthy to have that deck.' He thought in his mind.'As a leader, I can't be having these kinds of fights anymore with them. I'm supposed to lead them and guide them on the right path so they don't get killed.'I have to do it right. No...I have to do it my way.'
Meanwhile, as he was having his internal monologue, Hajime walked beside Goro, leaning to the side.
"He's totally lost on how to apologize for going off on you the other day."
"Huh? You think so?" Goro rose a brow, staring at the purple-haired young man's back."I mean...he usually has a hard time apologizing. One time, he accidentally ate one of Kanade's puddings. And it was the last one. He bought her more, but we realized that he never apologized for it. It took him weeks before doing it."
"Must be a pride thing or something." Hajime shrugged."Or just has no social experience. I keep forgetting he's our student council president too."
"Yeah...but honestly, I don't blame him." Goro lowered his gaze."What he said is completely true. I'm the weakest link of us all. My Deck...no, I guess it's my fault I'm so weak. I cowered in front of Zolda the other day and couldn't fight alongside you guys."
"Hey, in your defense, you watched your friends die." Hajime frowned."So did he. I'm sure he feels the same way you do. Afraid of losing more people or dying himself. But he probably pushes forward because he's in charge of us. And because of Tsubasa."
"Huh. You seem to be giving him the benefit of doubt. Which is a bit out of character for you, Hajime-kun. Usually, you jump at the opportunity to antagonize him."
"I've been wrong about you guys. I guess it's more apt to say I knew I was wrong but I didn't stop. You are grieving over your friends. And I get that. I...also grieved for someone too. So I figured I had no right to be demanding things from you. We all cope differently."
"You lost someone important?"
"My mom. Long story."
"I see...I'm sorry." Goro offered his sympathies."I also lost my mom when I was a little boy. I've been living with my dad ever since. But he's rather sick nowadays. I use the money I get paid for his medicines and for someone to take care of him when I'm not home."
"What's wrong with your dad?" Hajime carefully asked.
"Parkinson's Disease."
"Oh. Sorry."
Goro shook his head."Honestly, I'm lucky I even became a Kamen Rider. It happened two and a half years ago. We were in desperate need of money and I wished with all my heart to find a way to improve our situation. That's when I found my deck."
"Odin gave it to you when the previous owner was killed by him during that death match Yagami mentioned." Hajime said, recalling the details of his first debriefing."Yeah, that's lucky."
"But it's not like I can even fight properly." Goro's shoulders slumped."I've never been a confrontational person. Not to mention that my deck is weak in comparison to yours or Yosuke-senpai's. But I had no choice. I don't want to die in the Rider war but I have to fight for my dad. Because I want to cure him. I want to go watch baseball games like we used to. And for that...I have to fight...But I can't use my wish even if that's the case."
"Huh? Why not?"
"We promised that if one of us won, we would use it to wish the Noise away permanently." He explained."Save the world. Prevent more people from dying at the cost of our wishes. That's why even if we wanted to, we can't revive Kanade and Akira."
"So you're forced to sacrifice your wish for something selfless, huh?" Hajime trailed off, deep in thought."I guess that now applies to me too. It sucks to do the right thing. Why can't we be a little selfish?"
"It's part of growing up." Goro patted him on the shoulder."One day you'll realize that there are things way bigger than us. And we have to make a decision based on what protects the most people."
"I doubt it," Hajime grumbled, pouting.
Pain, thirst, hunger, and an insane need to pee were all that invaded Takeru's mind as he groggily opened his eyes. Or his left eye in this case. He felt something around his right eye, presumably bandages, covering it. He tried opening it and could faintly see light, so he sighed in relief after confirming he hadn't lost it. He tried moving his right arm to touch it, but a sharp pain prevented him from doing so. He slowly moved his arm in front of it, noting that it was in a cast, allowing only his fingers to feel the fresh air.
His sides ache, probably a few broken ribs. He licked his teeth, counting them to make sure he hadn't lost any.
'They really beat the shit out of me.' He winced, sinking his head into the pillow. He was in the infirmary and the only light on was the lamp on the drawer next to the bed. After he was done inspecting the damage, he felt an extra weight on his side. Slowly turning his head to find out what it was, he noticed Chris was sitting on a wooden chair with her head on the bed, snoozing.
'Chrissy...' His first instinct was to throw his covers at her to keep her warm. The room was cold and he assumed her dress wouldn't keep her safe from the cold. He was used to the cold since he lived up in Russia for a year before for a mission.
"Now...to pee." He unceremoniously announced to himself, getting up the bed with great effort. Thankfully, his legs weren't harmed as the rest of his body, but every step caused his insides to tremble. He did his business in the bathroom, making a bit of a mess since he had to use one hand. Fortunately, he was still wearing his clothes aside from his jacket and his lock. He flinched at the sight of himself in the bathroom mirror. His body was covered in bruises and ugly blood blotches around his arms and torso."I got fucked up, huh?"
An attempt at a chuckle turn to pain, so he opted to just stay quiet and made his way back to his bed. He was surprised to see Chris, now wearing his jacket and awake, waiting for him.
"You could have woken me up." She sighed, the jacket a few sizes too big for her, making it look like she had a blanket on."I was going to give you a bottle."
"Good thing I didn't." Takeru mused, wobbling his way to the bed. He slowly sat down and went even slower when he went to lie down. Chris returned the favor and tucked him in to keep him warm."Why weren't you wearing my jacket before?"
"I wasn't that cold. But apparently, you thought I was. So instead of taking your sheets, I'll just use your jacket so you don't get all worried and shit. You're so cheesy, I swear."
"And yet...you're here." He pointed out, his eyes staring back at hers."You really care about me, huh?"
"As if!" Chris huffed, folding her arms under her chest."I only did this because you would have died if no one else treated you. Plus, you did save me when that girl used her Superb Song. So we're even."
"Ah...that's what happened." Takeru surmised, grabbing his bandaged head.
"You...forgot?"
"Not in the sense of the word. I can recall fragments but they're everywhere" Takeru sighed."Must have hit my head or something. But that Rider..."
"Kamen Rider Ouja." Chris elaborated."Fine hired him. He's an assassin that she got to help us with our mission."
"Help? He beat the fuck out of me." Takeru frowned, clenching his good hand."He got me with a cheap shot too. That bastard. I'm going to return the favor when I'm out of bed."
"No, you are not." Chris said with a matter-of-fact tone."You're staying there until you're healed."
"I'm fine, Chrissy, seriously." Takeru insisted, flexing his good arm with effort."I'm a fast healer. Just give me a few days and-"
"Takeru, you've been unconscious for a week."
"Huh?"
"I dragged you here while you were barely clinging to consciousness." Chris' scowl dissipated, leaving her with a sad look."You were babbling nonsense and I thought you were losing it because he hit you in the head so many times. You were bleeding badly too. I patched you up as best as I could, thanks to you teaching me first aid way back when. I've been keeping you here asleep due to the effects of the painkillers and other medicine I gave you."
"So that's why I'm not in total agony." He joked, closing his eye.
"Takeru, you almost died." Chris was upset at how nonchalant he was about it.
"No...Fine only got him to keep me in line." Takeru shook his head."She must have known eventually I would have found out what she...did to you. And tried to kill her as I did." A sudden look of realization washed over him."So that's what she meant when she said she was already punishing me...You knew that I would be devasted when if I saw you in that condition. And even offered torture for me as well, for good measure. He beat me enough to put me out of commission but not enough to kill me. That assassin knows what he's doing..."
"I see..." Chris trailed off, knowing what was coming.
"Why didn't you ever tell me she was hurting you?"
"Because I know you would react this way, dumbass. And the shocks are what keep the armor at bay." Chris sneered."You always act before you think when it comes to me. I didn't want you to butt in. I took the punishment instead of you. So be grateful."
"But I don't want that. I never wanted that." Takeru placed a hand on his chest."I'm part of this group as much as you are. I deserve to be punished as well. Not just you. I don't want you to suffer alone."
"I...I didn't ask you for your help." Chris stubbornly held her ground."Besides, if we ruin this chance...we won't have anything else. Fine is the only one that can help us. The only one that cares about us. No one else in this world gives a fuck about either you or me and you know that."
"Fine doesn't care about us, Chris." Takeru forged on."She never did and she never will. She only cares about how useful we are to her and nothing more."
"But that's still something. She still believes in our potential and power and trusts us to help her with her ambitions. She promised she'd help us put a stop to all conflict. Even if we are needed as simple tools, that's way better than not being needed at all."
"But that's just fucking toxic, don't you see! This isn't right!"
"And you're worried about that now?!" Chris snapped back."After everything, we've done?! All the lives we inadvertently took? That I..."
"Solomon's Cane was only activated because Fine made you do it." Takeru quickly corrected."Not because you wanted to do it. The Noise did it, not you."
"I still caused it. Because of my fucking singing" Chris closed her eyes, a single tear streaming down her cheek."It's too late to back down. We have to keep going. If we want to make sure all of this wasn't in vain...all those innocent deaths...we have no other choice."
"But still-"
"And what would be your big idea anyway? You make it sound so easy so go ahead! Spill it!"
"We could just...run away from this." Takeru lowered his voice to a raspy whisper.
Chris looked dumbfounded by his words."What? Go where? We have nowhere to go."
"I'm saying we could run now before things get out of hand." Takeru reiterated."We can run away from the pain. Start a new life. Just the two of us. I'm still a mercenary, so maybe I could continue being one or maybe get an honest job as a security guard or maybe a police officer. But my biggest dream is going to the army properly and becoming an actual soldier. You're plenty smart so I'm sure you won't have trouble finishing your education. You're a good teacher. Remember when you would teach new things in our spare time when we started here?"
"You didn't even know your multiplication table." Chris scoffed but smiled at the memory."What kind of mercenary doesn't know basic math?"
"You could be a teacher. You know, you look like a motherly type. I'm sure you'll love teaching kids everything they need. But honestly? I wanted to make sure you take it easy, but you're not that type of person. We'll start small but I have some saved-up money. We could rent an apartment and as time goes by maybe we can even buy a house."
"Takeru..." Chris continued listening to his rambling, her heart aching.
"I don't know how to cook but I'm sure we can learn together. We can do house chores together or take turns. Go out, have fun, enjoy ourselves and make up for the wasted time. And when we finally move on from this...we could maybe start a family together...I mean, if you ever fall in love with me! I do love you...but I know you don't feel the same about me...but hypothetically speaking...if we do start a family...I think I would like to have a girl. I know, I know. Girls are tough to raise but I wouldn't mind. But if it's a boy or a girl I'd love them all the same. I would probably spoil them to death and you would get on my case about it." He chucked sheepishly."You'd have to keep us in line. And then we'd see them leave the nest and start their own lives...maybe have grandkids and have one big happy family and live together forever. That...would be what I wish for. How can I make the world a happier and a better place if my own life is in shambles?"
"Takeru...do you think we could...get away from here?" Chris sounded unsure, lowering her gaze."We have nowhere to go. No one wants us back. Nowhere to turn. And Fine wouldn't just let us go either. And with Ouja around, we'd have to watch over our backs for who knows how long...this is all we know."
"That's true but I'll protect us." Takeru solemnly said."I won't let either of them harm us. I'm a Kamen Rider and a trained mercenary. I won't lose to an assassin."
"But he hurt you. Look at you."
"He got lucky, that's all." Takeru reassured her."Once I'm healed, we can think about our plan. We can-"
Takeru grabbed Chris' hand tenderly, but she instinctively pulled away, surprising both herself and him."I'm sorry, I-"
"No. I understand." Takeru clenched his hand, pulling back."I...I don't know what came over me. Saying all those sappy things. You must hate me and would never want to be with someone like me. I'm a piece of shit human being."
"What? No, I could never hate you."
"It was my family that ruined your life!" Takeru rose his voice, unable to contain his tears."It was my father the one in command of the insurgency! It was them who got your parents killed! And then made you...made you...those despicable things they made you do...treating you like a fucking toy. I was part of that too!"
Takeru forced himself to get up from his bed, nearly tripping over his own feet. Chris quickly rushed to his side and forcibly sat him back down."Why the hell am I saying all this stuff? What right do I have to want to love you? I...that's wrong. Am I just that heartless? Do I only think about myself?"
"I don't blame you." Chris grabbed him by the shoulders but not hard enough to hurt him."You didn't do anything wrong. It's...it's true I'm still going through that aftermath of...that. I didn't pull away from you because I hate you. I just...it reminds me of back then, is all. Whatever your old group did, it was out of your control. You were just a child soldier. What could you possibly have done, huh? Well, I guess us being here answers that."
Her words managed to calm his nervousness slightly. She grabbed a nearby towel and wiped his tears away."You did more than I could have asked for, honestly. You came to me when I was at my lowest. I know I'm always bitching about how much you talk, but I enjoyed it when you would tell me stories and stay with me so those men wouldn't come close. You kept me safe. Do you...miss them?"
"I think I told you before but my parents weren't actually my parents." Takeru said."My adoptive mom said they found me when they were scavenging for resources in a destroyed building. My parents were crushed under rocks but they made sure I was safe before they died. Ma acted like the best mom ever, taking care of me, and giving me love and warmth. Pa never wanted me. Hell, he never even gave me his last name. He only accepted to bring me along because my Ma was his current hussy. She was an immigrant from Japan. So he wanted to keep her on her good side. And because he thought I'd be a fine addition to his forces. When my Ma died, Pa changed. A lot. He was ruthless and stricter as if he was taking his anger out on me. The others were nice enough and taught me everything I know. While I do despise them for what they did, I'm still grateful they saved me from just dying there with my parents. And made me into who I am today. Regardless, I still killed them all. So I try not to think about it."
"Right...you always bring up the fact that I suffer because your old mercenary group caused them to die, but you forget that you had to kill them for us to escape. I can't imagine that wasn't hard."
"My Pa always said that a good mercenary would succeed his predecessors. I think he said he had to kill his dad just to prove a point. And after fighting countless wars for money, you eventually grow numb to some things. I guess overall we both had shitty lives, huh?"
"You can say that again." Chris found herself giggling with him. Her smile faded as quickly as it came."But you shouldn't be here. Why did you tell Fine that?"
"You mean after we were found and transported to Japan?" Takeru hummed to himself."What about it?"
"Don't be stupid! You told her about your powers and that you could win the Rider War to give her your wish just so she would take you along with me! If you hadn't done that like I told you to...you'd be spared from all this. You wouldn't be hurting like you are now."
"And you'd be alone. Are you retarded or something? Of course, I'd tell Fine that. And I'd do it again without question. This is the least I can do."
"Why? Because you feel sorry for me? Because you feel guilty for what happened to me? Don't give me that shit! You don't love me, you just feel bad for all that stuff and want to somehow make up for it! I didn't ask for your pity! I didn't ask you to jump into danger because you wanted to make up for your father's sins! I...I didn't want you to be dragged to hell with me!"
"That was my choice to make! And what do you mean I felt bad for you? I did, but...I didn't help you because of that! I genuinely thought we could be friends! And I do love you! From the bottom of my heart! I wanted to at least soothe your bleeding heart! "
"Well, nice fucking try, Takeru. But rape can't be undone by stupid jokes and stupid, pointless conversations!" Chris screamed in his face, panting for air after the fact.
"Chris, I-"
"No, I'm going to talk and you're going to listen." Chris jabbed her finger in his chest, earning a pained whimper."That dream of yours...about us being happy? It will never happen. Because this is what our lives are. Don't like it? Tough shit. But it would be best if you also understood how shitty the world is and how unfair all the adults are. We're simple kids in a game far above us. We can't run because we'll die. We're too deep in this shit to just run away and ignore everything that's happened. So I'm staying. Whether you do or not it's up to you, I don't care. But keep in mind that...Fine will most likely try to use Ouja again if you get out of hand."
Chris stood up, marching towards a table near the entrance with a bowl of chicken soup she had prepared for him. She removed Takeru's jacket and folded it neatly on the table next to the soup"I'll leave this here for you. Fine has a new mission for me and Ouja will be assisting me until you're healed up."
"Wait, Chris!" Takeru called after her, watching her as she froze by the door."If you go on like this...you'll have no choice but to use Ichaival. You can't keep using Nehushtan carelessly. Your body will..."
"I'm sorry. But I refuse to use it." Chris muttered, turning the handle and ready to leave.
"Chrissy, wait!" Takeru once more called after her, receiving an annoyed glare."I...I can't exactly eat soup like this."
Chris opened her mouth to utter something but ultimately sighed in exasperation. She grabbed the bowl, powerwalking to Takeru's bed and sitting next to him, stirring the soup with a spoon."Open your mouth and swallow. I won't do any of that "say ahh" stupid shit or anything like that. We'll continue that process until the bowl is empty."
Takeru nodded, opening his mouth and receiving the first spoonful of chicken soup."Chris, I-"
"Shut up and eat." Chris sternly said, shoving the spoon past his lips."Just be quiet. For once in your life."
Takeru had no choice but to remain silent as he was really hungry and had no choice but to accept her condition.'Chrissy...I'm so sorry...I'm sorry for everything...But I promise you..." He clenched his eyes with all his strength.'But I'll fix everything. No matter what it takes.'
Outside their door, Cypher stood leaning against it, listening in with a smile.'Seems like Fine has this woman in her clutches. I suppose her methods do work after all. And since she won't be leaving, that guy won't leave either. Interesting."
Cypher decided had eavesdropped enough and silently made his way down the corridor."I might see what kind of emotions those 2 can provide."
In the restaurant, Hajime, Goro, and Yosuke were sat down by a waiter, who went to get water for them.
"What a nice place this is." Hajime admired the atmosphere of the place. Dim lights with low music playing in the background and few customers. Just the way he liked it."Never been to this BBQ joint before. Is it good?"
"Oh, yeah." Yosuke nodded."Akira brought us here a lot, right, Goro?"
"Uh...yeah." Goro meekly confirmed."It's kind of expensive, isn't it, Yosuke-senpai?"
"Like I said, this is on me. You guys order what you want."
"Oh? Is that so?" Hajime grinned at him."Okay then. I'll hold you to that. But if you don't mind me asking...aren't you being too generous? This seems weird."
"Huh? Can't I treat you guys to some lunch." Yosuke deadpanned when he noticed his juniors giving him a blank expression."Fine. I just...wanted to relax with you guys. And...apologize to you. I've been unfair to you guys and not setting a good example. I realize that I can be overbearing sometimes but I'll do my best to be better. Not only for me but for you as well. Because I'm responsible for both of you now and I don't want any harm to come to you."
"Yosuke-senpai." Goro offered a warm smile."I understand. Ever since what happened, things have been difficult for us, haven't they? You weren't wrong about me. I'm the weakest of us. And I know I cowered against Zolda. But I won't run away again! I too promise to be better be protect my friends!"
"Goro..." Yosuke's expression brightened.
"You know...I know how you feel, Yagami. I've been in your shoes and I've pushed people close to me away because I warn mourning. I guess I projected myself on you guys and I thought that I was scolding myself back then. I know I started this as a way to entertain myself but...I think I have a reason to fight too. I want to protect Hibiki. She's in this as well and she's selflessly fighting to protect her loved ones. She comforted me when I felt sad and I owe it to her to protect her from feeling the same. So I'm in. But I also want to fight the other Riders. What can I say? I love to fight. I can't ignore the thrill. I won't try to replace Akira or be like him. I can't do that. So I'll be myself. Hajime Adachi, the new Ryuki."
"I was wrong about you. I'm starting to see a bit of Akira in you." Yosuke admitted."When you stood up to Zolda, I thought I was fighting with him again. But you're right. You can't be him. You are way too reckless. But your never give up attitude is what's truly outstanding about you. I know I can't force you to not enjoy a fight, but I also expect you to not get yourself killed."
"Of course not. I'll get stronger and stronger so I won't lose another fight." Hajime declared with enthusiasm."Who knows? Maybe I'll surpass you too."
"In your dreams, Ryu-kid." Yosuke scoffed."But you're not bad. We can start parring. The 3 of us. If the Symphogear are Valkyries, we are their Paladins. We'll have to be ready for what the other Riders have in store for us."
"We know Zolda and that girl are the ones controlling the Noise. We'll have to capture them if we want more answers." Goro surmised."But right now Tsubasa-senpai is hospitalized. Hibiki is the only Symphogear we have."
"But she's not alone. We'll fight with her." Hajime showed them his right fist."We'll bounce back from our defeat, stronger than ever! Bring it on!"
"You know...I didn't know you were that close to Tachibana." Yosuke folded his arms, giving him a knowing smile."Do you like her?"
"Oh...well, she's pretty cute." He bashfully said."And very nice and kind. But she's also tough as nails and determined. I like her? But I don't know if it's that kind of "like", you know? I never had a girlfriend before, so...I wouldn't know."
"Well, I suppose that's a better reason to fight than for the hell of it so I'll accept." Yosuke took out the rings he had around his neck and placed them on the table."It's funny. Akira and Kanade were a couple. And their powers have been passed down to you 2. I wonder if their feelings also were inherited. Whatever the case, just always remember the reason why you fight."
"Right. Hibiki and my family." Hajime placed his fist on his palm."I'll fight to protect them all!"
"Good. Keep that fire burning." Yosuke grabbed his glass of water, holding it out."Let's make a toast to surviving this war. The 3 of us. We'll see the end of this nightmare."
"We'll beat Odin and get our wish!" Hajime grabbed his glass.
"And protect the people we care about."
"Cheers!"
Once they finished their meal, the group returned to HQ and met up with Hibiki after finishing her study session with Miku.
"Yosuke-san, why are you looking so gloomy?" Hibiki asked when she took a glance at him.
Indeed, he looked defeated. Both mentally and physically. He dragged his feet inside the meeting room."These guys...eat a lot."
"Hey, you said to buy anything." Hajime excused himself, holding a back of food."Here, Hibiki-san. We got you some brownies. Filled with chocolate!"
"Oh, thank you!" Hibiki beamed, grabbing the bag before giving Hajime a quick hug. She skipped happily to the control room, leaving the raven-haired boy speechless.
"She seemed happy to me." Goro patted him on the back, dragging him along."She seems to have taken the initiative before us and started training with the Commander."
"Huh? She's training with him?!" Hajime's eyes nearly bulged out."I didn't expect her to do that. And the Commander must be a pretty strong guy, right? He gives off this vibe that he's a master of every martial art there is."
"It's not that complex. He just watches a lot of action movies." Goro responded.
Yosuke stopped in the middle of the door to the meeting room, halting their march."I hope you guys are ready for what's to come. All of you."
"What's the matter, Yosuke-san?" Hibiki tilted her head in curiosity.
"We'll hear the full explanation inside, but from what I gathered, we'll be transporting the Durandal. And this mission is of high priority. We can't fail."
A new mysterious Rider hides in the shadows killing criminals and exerting justice while another takes jobs to one day find his own emotions. Three Riders unite to fight for their friends and save the world from the Noise. Another Rider fights for the sake of his friend's happiness and another fights for his own selfish desires. Standing above them is the Gamemaster. What is his goal? Who will win the Rider War and earn that wish? Stay tuned to find out!
