Arc I: Introduction
Chapter I: Gjallarhorn is Calling
Musutafu Municipal Hospital, Shizuoka Prefecture 09:34
Year 2495
Hibiki really thought it would be a regular day when she woke up.
But of course, when you had a supernatural relic linking parallel worlds together, she better than to trust the universe with her desires of peace.
Which is how she found herself in a hospital bed in who knows where with a splitting headache and the persistent itch on her neck.
Oh, and her right wrist was handcuffed to the bed.
She watched as the doorknob moved a few times before a man walked in. He was wearing your cliché detective cloak and hat. Behind him, a woman wearing a uniform, who Hibiki assumed was the nurse.
The detective's appearance explained why she was handcuffed. They always faced certain problems when crossing universes.
She watched as the nurse came closer to inspect the IV pole and other things. When she was done, she turned to the detective with an assuring nod before he spoke up.
"Make sure we get no interruptions, nurse." He turned to Hibiki with an unreadable look in his indigo eyes. "This is going to be an interrogation." He announced, totally expressionless.
Hibiki broke into a nervous sweat. She certainly wasn't good at lying. But she remembered the first rule Genjūrō had told her when crossing universes:
" Never reveal your Candidate status until you are fully aware of the situation." He had said.
She panicked internally. What could she possibly say? There was nothing she knew so far. She barely remembered what the date was before she left for this universe.
Kagami really thought it would be a regular day when he got to work.
He walked in the station and got to work alongside Tsukauchi-san and the rest of the station. There were a few cases that had to be solved, but that would just be all in a day's work.
But he knew better than to expect the peaceful morning to last. No, in a world where some of the 90% of the quirked individuals chose a path of crime, there would not be a day of true peace.
Which is why he found himself in a hospital room, ready for an interrogation.
The brunette, who was now awake, seemed to break into a nervous sweat when he had mentioned the questioning. If they were definitely suspicious before, her reaction just confirmed it.
He stared down at the clipboard in his hand, all the information the three girls which they could find.
NAME: ??
D.O.B: Undetermined
P.O.B: Undetermined
GENDER:
HEIGHT: 157cm (5'1")
HAIR: Light Brown EYES: Orange
QUIRK: Undetermined.
NAME: ??
D.O.B: Undetermined
P.O.B: Undetermined
GENDER:
HEIGHT: 167cm (5'4")
HAIR: Blue EYES: Indigo
QUIRK: Undetermined.
NAME: ??
D.O.B: Undetermined
P.O.B: Undetermined
GENDER:
HEIGHT: 153cm (5'0")
HAIR: White EYES: Violet
QUIRK: Undetermined.
NOTES: The captives appear to be armed with dangerous weapons (in a certain form) and highly skilled in combat. No identification was found on their person. Only items found were three backpacks, with items of clothing and other personal belongings. Most notable of these were the three uniforms labeled ' SONG'.
He could tell this would be a long day.
Hibiki played with her thumbs as the detective looked over his files. With a sigh, he finally broke the silence.
"Name?"
She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"Tachibana Hibiki."
She watched as he gave her a pointed look before he continued. "And, where are you from?"
That definitely left her with a problem. She couldn't reveal this information. Not only because of her code but the fact that the detective might not believe her. It wasn't everyday that someone told you that they were from another universe.
So she had to lie. But would she say? That she was from some secret government organization that took care of relics. Nope. Even though it was true, she couldn't risk revealing anything about SONG. She didn't know if they were still active in this universe, so would risk giving out their name.
A long silence passed as she thought over what she could say, but it was broken when the detective spoke again. "Look kid, we can't sit here all day. I've got a job to do and clean up the mess left by you and your friends."
He spoke in a more exasperated voice. "You three aren't exactly off the hook. It's better that you cooperate so that we can get back to work. So I'll ask again. Where are you from?"
She could sense that he was tired. She didn't even know what happened after she collapsed. The red mark on her neck from where the tranquilizer had shot her earlier, burned with an itch.
But then came the after events. He said that he had to clean their mess. Did they believe them to be the cause of the problem? They obviously had their own measures of defense against these disasters, If the people she'd met during the fight said anything about it. But that didn't mean that they knew what they were up against.
She had some questions of her own, but was soon interrupted from her thoughts when the door swung open abruptly and a woman stood in lab coat, blonde hair framing her face and teal eyes as icy as ever. The recognizable mole underneath her left eye.
Carol-chan.
The nurse from earlier stepped in after her. "Sorry, detective. But she didn't want to wait when I told her you were here." She apologized.
The detective pinched between his eyes in tiredness before answering. "It's alright, nurse." She left after his answer. The detective turned towards Carol in question.
"Detective Mastuoka, right?" She asked, stoic as ever. He nodded in answer. "I think it's better is you have a talk with me. I'll be able to explain everything you need to know."
Hibiki watched the interaction between the two. "So, you're saying you are aware of the situation that occurred?" The detective she now knew as Mastuoka asked.
"No. But I think it's better if you question these girls later. It'll be better to arrange a proper interrogation, where you can question all three at once. How does that sound?" Carol offered conversationally.
Mastuoka seemed to think it over for a second before giving out his answer. "Okay. I'll arrange theー"
"No." Carol interrupted him. "I think it's better if I arrange the time. I'll meet you at the station once the issue with the girls is settled. In the meantime, it's better for you to go on with the investigation."
The detective looked at her for a second before sighing out a tired sigh and walking towards the door. "Well, then if you'll have it like that. I'll see you in three days." He said over his shoulder before closing the door behind him, leaving Hibiki alone with Carol.
"So, Tachibana. What happened?"
Tokyo Metropolis, Tokyo Prefecture 15:04
Year 2045
A sigh could be heard if you were close enough to the Lydian.
"Sensei's gonna kill me." Tachibana Hibiki whined, laying her head against the desk with a thump. It was just after the final class and most of the school had filled out , except for those lingering around for extra-curricular activities.
"Well," Miku began. "It's your fault for not doing your homework. Again." She added for extra measure. The black-haired girl let out a sigh. "That and last week's assignment."
Hibiki groaned. "Don't remind me. I got a literal headache trying to figure out that stuff."
Miku placed her hand in her best friend's (girlfriend's?) hair. It was almost a year and a half after Yggdrasil and Shem-Ha's attempt at taking over humanity, and both her and Hibiki had finally sorted out their feelings. It was a pretty long emotional journey. What was suprising for them was that when they told their school friends, they didn't seem to be particularly suprised. Were they being that obvious?
Hibiki let out a breath of delight at the comforting feeling of Miku's hand in her hair. "You'll help me, right?" Her puppy dog eyes in full effect. She knew it didn't work the moment she saw the genuine disappointment cross the look of her best friend's face.
"Hibiki, you need to start learning how to take care of your responsibilities. We're already in our final year of school. Not once have you mentioned anything about a career choice."
The brunette sighed once more. "You sound like a nagging wife." She let out, absent-mindedly.
"EH?!" Miku cried out in suprise and embarrassment, a rosy blush spreading across her pale cheeks.
"Plus," Hibiki continued, oblivious to the reactions of her friend. "I'm already an agent at SONG. I feel like the salary I earn there is enough for the both of us once we graduate. Other than that, you know I like helping people with my Gungnir." She clutched the pendant hanging around her neck in memory.
Miku had already calmed down at Hibiki's earlier statement, though the blush was prominent on her cheeks. "Yeah." She looked out the large window of the classroom, the very familliar concert stadium in her periphal vision. The place where it all started.
"I just don't want to see you hurting yourself over others." She let out, not caring if she sounded selfish or not.
The brunette lifted her head from the desk, cheek slightly blotched from smushing it into the hard wood of the desk. "It will be fine, though. The Curse of Balal is gone and so are the Custodians." She sighed. "Besides that, Japan and the US still have tensions, but its nothing we can't mediate."
The black-haired girl let out a breath as she straighten herself, grabbing her bookbag from the desk. "Weren't we supposed to be meeting Chris-chan and the others." More of a statement than a question.
Hibiki stood up, copying Miku's actions and streching her arms out from her previous position. "Yeah. I haven't checked my phone though."
Speak of the devil.
Hibiki's smartphone rang at that moment, an upbeat tune of violins and drums. She had actually become quite fond of the genre her gear played for her battle songs. The love of it carrying into her everyday life. Celtic music had became one of her favourites besides the music of her favourite bands.
The brunette reached for her phone fron her pocket, swiping the green icon before bringing up to her ear.
" Where are you, dummy?!" She heard Chris' aggrivated voice on the other side of the line, though slightly hushed. Probably because of the noise complaint she would get.
"Er..." Hibiki trailed off. "I forgot actually. Miku and I got caught up in some stuff." She laughed nervously, while scratching the back of her head.
She heard the Ichaival user sighed on the other end. " Dummy."
The bell to the door rang, signaling the entrance of someone.
Chris turned her head to the door, annoyed looked appearing on her face once more at the dummy and her girlfriend.
"And why the fuck did you forget what I had told you?" A little harsh to be playful.
The brunette ignored her friend's foul mouth and answered. "I told you over the phone, Miku and I got caught up."
"She was complaining about her assignments again." Miku added.
Chris shook her head. "At least you made it. Senpai and Maria-san had an important announcement. They should be on their way by now." She playing with the udonin her bowl using the chopsticks.
Miku looked her with worry. She noticed the prominent dark circles under her eyes, and her aura and lethargy. Perhaps something was wrong.
"Hey, Chris-chan, are you okay?" The black-haired girl found herself asking.
The other girl, hummed in response and looked up from her bowl, and Miku could see just how dark the circles were. "Yeah. It's just school. You guys know about how I got accepted into university?"
Both girls nodded, now seated and focus on the white-haired girl.
"It's just been hard, trying to catch up with the years I've missed. I only have two years of high school left before I can go. But the work has only been gettin' harder. We have an upcoming test, and I've been studying non-stop. It's drivin' me nuts here." She sighed, finished with her vent.
Hibiki looked at her with an encouraging smile. "Don't worry, Chris-chan. If there's anyone who can do it, I know it's you."
Chris smiled, not one of her challenging smirks, but a small, satisfied smile, happy for the motivaton she was given. "Thanks." Her cheeks were slightly flushed. "Dummy." She added just because.
Soon enough, it was the seven of them sitting in a booth reserved by Ogawa. Chris had already finished her afternoon lunch, her sleepy appearance brighten up a bit as she joked around with Kirika, at the expense of Hibiki.
Maria and Tsubasa had arrived just about after Kirika and Shirabe arrived. Black SUV pulled in front of the fast food resturant before the two idols stepped out. The other people in the resturant watching as the two famous personalities took their seat at the booth. It was pretty common for Tsubasa to go out in public but she didn't really notice these things.
Maria on the other hand. After the events of their first joint concert, she had been recieving strange looks from people on the street. Not that she cared though, she would probably berate her past self as well.
Hibiki clapped her hands together, prompting everyone attention. "So, what's the big news, Tsubasa-san?"
The defender looked in confusion, before Chris called for her attention. "Ya know, what you told me yesterday."
Understanding seemed to come upon her, though she looked at Chris questionably. "Why did you tell them?"
The white-haired girl sighed, melancholic. "I know how hard it's been for you Senpai. But I think it's better to tell everyone so they can support you."
The swordswoman looked back at her kouhai with uncertainty, before letting out a breath. She felt the Chris place her manicured hand in support. "Ogawa managed to get overseas label to release my new album. I'll be going on tour in five months."
The coral-haired woman seated next to her, turning to her in cofusion. "Oh. You didn't tell me."
"I just got this news yesterday. Yukine was with me when I did." She explained, pointed at the Ichaival user next to her.
The short blonde sitting across was also kind of confused at how the atmosphere had changed. "I don't get it. What's wrong?"
"Kiri-chan." Shirabe scolded her. "You can't just be so blunt." She looked at the paladin pointedly, trying to get the point to her oblivious girlfriend.
Kirika shrugged her shoulders, before widening her eyes in realization. "Ohh... You mean your bad luck streak with concerts." She stated. Her girlfriend chopped her lightly across the back. "Kiri-chan!" She chided loudly.
"It's alright, Tsukuyomi. She's kind of right. Even when I toured in London last time, the Autoscorers came after us."
"Hey," Maria hand rested on her shoulder. "It'll be alright. Besides, you got us, and we're the best support you can have."
Tsubasa felt a smile tug at her lips. "Yeah." She placed her hand on top of Maria's it will be alright.
"Hey, guys! You know what would be great?!" Kirika suddenly spoke up, scaring the girl next to her, along with the Gungnir user with her loud exclaimation.
"What?" The black-haired girl asked.
"We could go to the amusement park, to celebrate. It's been a while since we all went out." She remarked.
"You do realize, it's the middle of the week, right? Who goes out on a day like this?" Chris asked.
This made the Igalima user sit down, seemingly sad. Chris watched her, deciding that she could put her studies aside.
"Alright," The white-haired girl crossed her elbows on top of the table. "I guess I can put my studies aside, but the final decision is up to Senpai, so..."
She turned back to the bluenette. "Whatcha' say, Tsubasa?"
The woman in question flushed at the use of her first name by Yukine, but ultimately, she decided, yes. They hadn't enjoyed themselves in a while.
Tsubasa gave a nod. "It's fine. We can go."
Kirika's eyes lit up in joy, forgeting her current location as she shouted out in celebration. "Dess!"
Meanwhile, between the interrupted peace, Tsubasa noticed Yukine giving her a fond look.
She smiled.
Heights Alliance (Class 1-A Dormitory), U.A High School 12:48
Year 2495
The elevator dinged, announcing its arrival to the common room. Ochako, in particular, turned her head to the green haired boy who stepped out, slightly hunched in on himself, and the circles under his eyes, not prominent, but still making an appearance.
"Deku-kun, are you okay? You seem kinda tired." The brown-haired girl found herself asking.
The boy in question made his way to couch and plopped down next to the brunette, sinking into it with his eyes closed. Though he'd just woken up, it was a if sleep hadn't meant to take if hold off him. It reminded her of Aizawa-sensei, if she was being honest.
"Yeah, just went through my notes, before I fell asleep." He wavered a bit with the yawn spilling from his lips.
His lashes were against his cheeks as he rested his eyes. She couldn't help but notice. Freckled cheeks with a rosy tint which wouldn't go away. Even after all they had been through, he still looked as innocent as the day they met for the entrance exam.
But it was only later she had realised her feelings. His determination had become her motivation, which she used to keep going forward. It wasn't even about the money anymore. She still loves her parents and wanted to help them, but being able to put save someone and put a smile on their face was also a great feeling. At one point, she came to understand why he never backed down, even if it was to save just one person. It made her feel a bit selfish, everyone she thought a about her reasons for becoming a hero. But Deku hadn't discredited her for it. So, it was all good for her.
"Uraraka-san, You're staring." Mina's voice broke her off from her thoughts. It was then when she noticed that some of the people on the common couch were staring at her. It made her flush, high upon her cheeks. She'd forgotten where she was as her mind went on.
She looked around, coming out of her embarrassment as she noticed that someone was missing. "Where's Bakugou-kun?" She was pretty sure he was sitting just next to Kirishima-kun just a few minutes ago.
"He went to the kitchen." The redhead answered, not looking away from his phone screen. He and Mina were sharing earphones. They hadn't taken their eyes off there even before Deku arrived. She wondered what they were watching.
The blonde in question poked his head out of the kitchen, before going back in, as if to get to something, before stepping out with a steaming bowl and chopsticks in his hand. Ochako watched as he made his over to the green-haired boy next to her, who still has his eyes closed.
"Hey, shitnerd." He called out. "Wake up."
The 'shitnerd', as Bakugou called him, made a humming sound, seemingly ignoring him in favour of sleep.
The explosive blonde scoffed at the display, before placing the bowl of what she was sure was katsudon on the table before proceeding to flick Izuku on the forehead.
This seemed to work as the greenette was bought out of his sleepy stupor, groaning at Bakugou's actions, before opening his eyes, attention on the blonde, who had already taken his seat next to Kirishima, reading glasses on and book in hand. It honestly surprised her that he wore glasses, but there wasn't a whole lot she knew about him. Could you blame her? They weren't particular close like he seemed to be with Kirishima or the rest of his friends.
"I made you a bowl," He said, not looking up from his book, finger pointed to the cooling katsudon on the table. "You looked like you fuckin' needed it."
This made Deku perk up as his attention went from the reading boy, to the bowl. A smile was bought to his face as he reached for it. Soon enough he was digging in, not minding at how hot it was. It really was his favourite food.
"Thanks, Kacchan." He said between bites.
The blonde grunted in response, still not looking away from his book. She wondered what he was reading.
"Aww, Kacchan did something nice for someone else." She hears the teasing voice of Kaminari from the dining table. He, along with Sero, Todoroki, Momo and seemed to be deeply invested in a game of poker, in which the prize was week's worth of food cooked by Bakugou. The blonde didn't agree to this.
Despite Iida's initial protests how it was 'unbecoming' of future pro-heroes to gamble, regardless of the prize, they all ignored him and continued to play on. Ochako was pretty sure Todoroki-kun had won the last five rounds.
"Do you want to die?!" Bakugou's threatening voice response to the electric blonde, the hand which was fisted in his lap already emitting smoke. She would admit that he had mellowed down a bit after his kidnapping. Not that it was a good thing. But, it certainly was a great opportunity for him to put his trust in others, or at least, that's the way she saw it. Even then, there were times where he would lose it and it would require a third party to calm him down. Old habits die hard, she guessed.
"Hey, don't let him get to you, Bakubro." Kirishima-kun's voice came from the couch opposite her's, prompting the blonde's attention. They were both facing each other and much closer into each other's personal space, and Ochako couldn't tell whether or not she was imagining the tips of his ears going pink.
An 'oof' sound came from the redhead as Bakugou elbowed him in the stomach before turning his attention back to his book. Ochako was definitely sure he was blushing.
"Don't call me that, Shitty hair." He mumbled, his ears now redder than before.
A chuckle escaped from Kirishima as he let go of her blonde's arm, which the redhead had held in reflex to his previous actions. He turned back to his phone, all sharp teeth and smiles.
The greenette next to her, who was watching the display, suddenly stood up and went to the kitchen, probably to put away his empty bowl. When he stood up, she noticed that he was barefoot. A faint scar line ran across the back of his calf, probably from the run in with Stain the previous year, she guessed.
He has pretty toes. The very random thought had her blushing up to her forehead. Why would she think that?! Sometimes, she just hated her randomised thoughts.
"Uraraka-san, are you okay?" The same question she had asked him earlier came from his lips. She whipped her head towards him, and she could still feel the blush which stained her cheeks.
"Er... Y-Yeah, I'm fine." She hated the way she stuttered. As she felt the couch sink in at the presence of her crush, she turned away, looking around for anything to distract her face from her overwhelming feelings. It was then, she noticed that Bakugou had turned slightly, allowing her to see the title of the book he was reading.
'The Great Kazanari War: My Experiences' by Kohinata Miku. She never really paid attention during Kayama-sensei's classes, but she was pretty that the Great Kazanari War was their current topic.
"Isn't that our current topic in Kayama-sensei's class?" Deku's voice came from her left. It seemed that the book had also caught his attention.
The greenette's question made the blonde perk up. He grunted in affirmation.
"I didn't know there was a book about it." Deku continued on, already lost in his thoughts. She could tell. "I was online yesterday and all the information I found couldn't be accessed. If it was classified, then why would the school put it as part of our curriculum. Unless, of course, It can only be accessed by heroes. But that wouldn't make any sense because I couldn't access it. Maybe only graduated heroes can access it, but that doesn't explainー"
"Ok, Ok. We get the idea, you damn nerd. Would you please just fuckin' shut up before the rest of us get a headache touo." Bakugou's voice, now annoyed at Deku's mumbling.
Deku winced. "Sorry, Kacchan."
The common room was silent again, paper from the low hum from upstairs. Ochako guessed that it was Jirou. She was always practicing her music and it could be heard throughout the dorm, whether low or high volume. She had been reprimanded by Aizawa-sensei once for noise complaint.
"WHAT?!" Kaminari again, voice now hysterical. "That's the sixth time, you've won with a royal flush!"
Ochako turning to the dining table where they were playing, attention now on them.
"What can I say? I'm just lucky like that." Todoroki's voice.
"By the way, Bakugou," He continued. "I want cold soba."
"I ain't cookin' you nothing, you icyhot piece of shit." Bakugou responded. Todoroki's teasing hum could be heard in the space that they were in. Bakugou thankfully decided to ignore him.
It was once again quiet in the common room. Ochako sunk back further into the couch, relaxing her tensed up muscles. She let out a sigh. Just another day at the 1-A dorms.
Musutafu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 12:57
Year 2495
The wind was mild against the city as spring sun shone its rays upon the rooftop she was standing on. They were just in the middle of the season and if she was correct, schools had returned from their break.
She could be totally sure though. But, could you blame her, being stuck four hundred years under an alchemic spell certainly had its drawbacks.
Karasumi Shikage's footsteps were light against the linoleum of the roof. She could feel herself getting closer to the relic, as if it was a second heartbeat.
Just at the edge of the roof, she felt another presence. It was non-threatening. Shikage found it suprising an assassin like her could give off such an aura.
"Adila Hafsah." Shikage spoke against the wind. "Or should I say Rashasa." She chuckled as she turned to the arabic woman. Her midnight blue hair was tied back in a high ponytail and she clad in black gear, which certainly standing out during the daytime.
The woman grunt affirmation to the redhead, who now had her foot perched up against the railing. Adila made her way next to her, taking solace in the few moments they had left.
"You know, you don't really seem like a killer. Though, I have heard your name on the news across the country." Shikage let out a breathe. "Before you get your hands stained red with the blood of innocents, I ask you now, whether or not you agree to be represented by our name."
The blunette raised an eyebrow, eyes slightly squinted because of the midday sun. "Our? I am suprised your willing to say that even though it's just us." Her accent was strong. "It's either that or you have been lying to me from the start."
Shikage gave off a deep chuckle, sinister smile upon her lips. "I'll admit, I have been manipulating you, to an extent. I will admit, you'd be an important asset if you were to join us."
She felt the other woman's presence draw closer, as her hand, rough with callus, was bought to the side of her forehead. Even with this action, Shikage wasn't threatened in the slightest.
Weak.
"What's in it for me, exactly." Not a question. Shikage feel the other woman's quirk at work. The muscles in her body ripping off bits and pieces to create another material. Lead. She felt her shoulders shake with laughter. Quirks truly were fascinating.
The bluenette must've been confused at the redhead's sudden actions, because she lowered her hand, defensive stance gone. "People are selfish. Always looking for some sort of reward. This is the reason we are here now. Four hundred years later and still, we only think for ourselves. It's as if their sacrifice was for nothing.
"Who do youー"
"You're a vigilante, no?" The alchemist interrupted, waving her off as she turned in the opposite direction, back now against the railing. "I thought your kind were the people who were looking to change the current society. Not looking for a reward."
The assassin sighed, seemingly tired. "I'm not that kind anymore. I realized how pointless it is to try and change the world. The Hero System is filled with fake heroes. The Politicians are corrupt and so are the Police departments."
To Shikage's suprise, the woman then smiled. A smile that seemed tired at the world's ideals. "I'm pretty sure you've already bought off some of those, huh." She accused, so sure of herself that it sounded like a statement. "If they were really the true heroes they claim, they would at least not label our kind as criminals, seeing as we supposedly do the exact same thing as them."
A steady hum came from Shikage's throat. "I take it you're joining us then. Seeing as you're tired of this selfish world."
The assassin gave a nod of confirmation.
This was something she found amusing. "So fast to join the other side, huh. And thought you stood for the right thing. For justice. Is that not the meaning of your name, Adila?" A teasing lilt along with the smile that crossed her lips.
"Don't patronize me." She said, definitely not amused.
The watched as the earth transitioned into the next hour. The wind was blowing fiercely now, as if in fear of what was inevitable.
"Come on, now. It's time to begin."
Heights Alliance (Class 1-A Dormitory), U.A High School 13:12
Year 2495
"You know what? I give up. I just can't. Ten times already!!" Kaminari was hysterical at this point.
Momo watched as the electricity user left his cards on the table and stood up and made his way to the kitchen. She genuinely thought he was angry about his loss.
"Hey, Kaminari. It's nothing to get cross over." She assured.
"Yeah." He hummed, non-commited. "Hey, Bakugou. You got any leftovers from yesterday?" His voice was muffled from the fridge.
"Fuck off." The blonde's response lacked any real bite as he kept his eyes glued to the content on his phone.
"Do you really think Bakugou of all people would you something for you?" Sero commented, oblivious to the murderous glare sent his way.
Momo let out a small chuckle at their antics, shuffling the deck of cards in her hands as Kaminari responded to the tape user's statement.
"Well, you are right aboutー" Kaminari was cut off when a very familiar alarm was heard from U.A's main building.
"What the hell?" Todoroki questioned in a rare display of concern.
"Something must've happened outside." Momo found herself saying.
The dual-colored boy's chair scraped against flooring as he stood up, making his way to the door. "I'm going to investigate." His tone was its usual seriousness.
"Oi, wait up, Icyhot." The blonde's hand was atop the other boy's shoulder, as he stood up as well, cellular device now forgotten on the couch. "I'm coming too." He stated it like it was a fact, taking his hands off Todoroki's shoulder and went to the door.
"Kacchan?"
Soon enough, all eyes were on the three boys' interaction. Midoriya had stood up from his previous spot on the couch, the unsaid question hanging in the air. Momo heard the blonde let out a sigh. "C'mon, let's go." He finally responded, opening the door to go outside, but was instead met with the sight of Aizawa-sensei, who was clad in what had to be pajamas. His usually-let-down hair was now tied up in a bun, exposing the stress lines on his forehead and making the dark bags around his eyes more noticible.
"No." His look was pointed towards the three boys which were currently standing.
"What?! Why the fuck not?!" Bakugou demanded.
"Because it's not your job to investigate. You don't just waltz into situations just because you 'feel like it'." Aizawa answered with a tired sigh.
"It's isn't about that and you know it." The blonde was pointing a shaky finger towards the scruffy man.
"Sensei, what exactly is going on?" Midoriya asked. The worry was evident in his voice.
Aizawa let out another sigh as he put his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants. It seemed like a habit. "Nedzu was overlooking security when he caught something troubling. It seems like something is headed this way specifically. Something big and dangerous."
"Something like what?" The explosion user now had his arms crossed over his chest.
"We couldn't determine that, but the most abnormal thing about it was that it had a high temperature. High enough to be on fire."
"Is it quirk generated?" The greenette now had his full attention on the teacher.
"Highly doubt it." He responded quickly. "Something else we could determine was that it was machinery of some sort. Whether or not it was programmed by someone is still unknown at this current moment."
"Where are the other teachers?" Midoriya pressed on for more information.
"Currently, no faculty memeber is available right now except for me."
The grind of Bakugou's teeth was evident as he clenched his fist at his side. "It's better if we take care of the problem."
"I already said no."
"As if I'd let you stop me, you hobo fucker. Outta my way." The blonde shoved past the black-haired man. "Are you guys comin' or what?" He called over his shoulder.
Todoroki looked like he was ready to follow the explosive blonde despite their differences, and Midoriya looked like he was torn between going outside with the two and break the rules, or stay behind. The same could be said for the rest of the common room.
The tired man let out a sigh before he spoke up once more. "Alright. I'll only let the three of you go. However..." His tone darkned as his gaze pierced through everyone present in the common area. "Just know that each of you will face the consequences once you have returned. Go get your gear." He finalized before walking outside the dorms, presumably back to the principal's office.
The awkward silence which hung in the air thereafter was prominent.
Tokyo Metropolis, Tokyo Prefecture 19:09
Year 2045
Hibiki stared up at the moon.
It was around 7pm (she honestly wasn't sure) and her the rest of the girls were at the the square, where they decided to celebrate Tsubasa's upcoming album, even though the swordswoman was reluctant to the idea.
The original idea had come from Kirika-chan, to which they all agreed to. After leaving the resturant, a SONG-owned SUV had picked them all up, driven by another agent, before they all found themselves at the square.
Maria and Tsubasa immediately got stormed by fans, leaving the other five girls to their own devices. Hibiki, Miku and Chris had all gone on the rollercoaster (which Chris got sick of after three times), meanwhile Kirika and Shirabe had basically gone on their own date.
After about an hour and a half, Tsubasa had texted the group chat to meet the two idols at the stands, at which they bought all sorts of things. Hibiki mostly bought things for her girlfriend.
It was near sunset when they all left the stands for the ferris wheel. The line was long, but they went for the sake of Kirika's insistance. It was definitely worth the wait, though. She could spot as the sun went down over the ocean's horizon, glistening like crystals.
She cherished moments like this.
After the ride, they had all gone to the food stands. Kirika and Chris had ordered a lot of food. (which they both refused to share. well, except for Kirika who shared with her girlfriend.) Maria and Tsubasa had shared Shijo Nikinikiand Hibiki and Miku enjoyed some Taiyaki.
Now, they were all at the docks, watching as the waves splashed against the rocks. Shirabe was currently trying to get Kirika away from the rocks, Maria and Tsubasa were engrossed in their conversation, and Hibiki was just staring at the sky, Miku and Chris on either side of her.
"What do you see?" The white-haired girl asked her. Her eyes were also on the starry sky.
Hibiki let out a sigh. "I see a new tomorrow. The one we created." The smile was evident on her face.
Chris let a small chuckle. "Don't get all sappy on me. But, you're right. I'm just glad we don't have fight to protect this world anymore." She sighed as well. "Hopefully, we can enjoy this peace. Even if it's for a little bit."
Too late.
Chris' phone rang in her pocket. A message notification. She dug into her shorts and bought it out, recognizing the number immediately. The old man. The swiped up, before typing in the password and pressing the notification.
Old man at 19:11: Get back at base. Urgent. Gjallarhorn.
She stared down at the screen, feeling slight anger. She'd fucking jinxed it.
"What is it, Chris-chan. Your phone is... er..." She looked back up to dummy, before at her phone, noticing the slight crack across the screen. It wasn't noticable and luckily she had already put a screen saver when she had bought it.
She let a shaky sigh. "Old man said we gotta get back to base." This took everyone's attention. "He said ' Gjallarhorn alert'."
Right there, on the road next to the wooden platform, a familiar vehicle pulled up. This time Ogawa was in the back seat.
"Come on, let's go. We'll be much quicker this way."
The girls all nodded, before making their way to the SUV. It was a little crowded with Ogawa as an extra passenger. But Kirika gladly accepted letting Shirabe sitting on her lap, even though the Shul Shagana user had initially disagreed, the luminescent blush present on her face.
About half an hour after the call, The candidates found themselves in the briefing room at SONG's HQ. Chris found herself standing in front of the large desk where Elfnein and Aoi were currently sitting.
"What's this about exactly? Gjallarhorn hasn't sounded in over a year." Their last major incident had been with the world snakes, which were threatening the parallel worlds. It wasn't exactly a pleasant experience.
"It's not like this stuff is on routine, Chris-san." Elfnein piped up, as if trying to calm the Ichaival user down. The anger was evident in her voice.
Chris crossed her arms infront of her chest, a serious expression of her face. "It must be something concerning if the Gjallarhorn's reaction say something."
Elfnein bought up the current security footage of the said relic, which was flashing red. The words at the bottom of the screen were also doing the same thing. A ' Crisis Alert' in squared font.
"We obviously don't know what is going on." Old man Genjūrō spoke up. "But I believe that Team PRIMARY can deal with this."
Chris uncrossed her arms, now against her sides. "That's what you're calling us?" The commander just shrugged his shoulders.
" Fuck."
Hibiki, who had noticed Chris' building anger earlier, finally decided to ask.
"Chris-chan, what's wrong? I noticed you at the docks earlier." She placed her hand on the gun slinger's shoulder.
Chris let out a shaky breathe, as if trying to calm herself down. "It's just that, I was really looking foward to being able to living normally." All eyes were on her now. "We haven't had a break these past three years, and Gjallarhorn's awakening just basically became an extra duty for us. We didn't even ask for it!" She said, much loudly and more exasperated.
The old man step forth in front of the girl and patted her head. She would admit, it was kind of comforting to have a parental figure like him. Not that she would say it out loud, though.
"Don't worry, Chris-kun," His gruff voice spoke in promise. "Besides, the sooner you guys deal with this, the sooner you can come back home."
Chris bought up her hand to his, which had stilled from its current place. She could feel the callous of the hands he used to protect her that day, and save from her confusion and misery. She was definitely thankful for that.
"Gee, thanks." Even though her voice sounded sarcastic, it showed grateful she was for his assurance.
The door behind them opened and Fujitaka walked in, the keycard which he used to open the door being stored to the confines of his pocket. "Your equipment is ready. You guys can go get dressed now." He informed as he went over to his usual seat.
"I'll establish a stable connection between the Gjallarhorn so I can open a portal. In the meantime, you can get ready." Elfnein said, typing away at the computer keyboard.
The three girls nodded in confirmation, and made for the door. But, Hibiki didn't make it far before she felt a familiar hand grab hers.
"Promise me you'll get back safe." Miku said, asking for assurance.
The brunette nodded, taking both of Miku's hands in hers. "Yes. Besides, I'd miss you home cooking if I went for go long." She smiled.
The black-haired girl smiled a bit, heart beating noticeably faster. "Yeah."
Suddenly, Hibiki leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. Miku's breathe hitched. The other girl lingered for a few seconds, so she could smell her scent of flowers and home. "Don't worry, I'll be okay." She said, before walking out the door to join Chris, who was waiting.
Miku felt her face warm up as her cheek still tingled with feeling of lips against them.
[ACCESSING CONNECTION TO R-274 ]
[... ]
[... ]
[.. ]
[CONNECT ESTABLISHED ]
[PREPARING ENTRANCEWAY... ]
[ENTER CARTESIAN COORDINATES - * ]
[COORDINATES IDENTIFIED ]
[BEGINNING PROCEDURE... ]
"Alright. It's set up." Elfnein's hands left the board and strectched out her fingers. She'd been busy for about four hours before the Gjallarhorn sounded. She felt for Chris' frustration earlier, about how their fight wasn't over, even with the Curse gone. But, it was honestly what they all signed up for once they joined SONG.
The four girls behind them watched as their teammates stood in front of the swirling portal in front of them. "It's done." Elfnein confirmed. The three were now dressed in their SONG uniforms, backpacks with them so they could have their own personal belongings.
"We're ready too." Confirmed Hibiki as the three girls stepped into the Gjallarhorn's display. It was still flashing, which made the room a bright red before alternating back to normal.
Elfnein's finger went back to board and not before long, the relic stopped flashing red and instead glowed in six different colors, a portal in its wake. Hibiki shielded her eyes away from the light, and so did the other two next to her.
"Okay, the portal is stable enough for you to step through. Be careful once you get there." Elfnein assured. The rest of the support staff did the same, wishing them a safe travel and goodbyes. Tsubasa turned to the two girls, a determined look on her face. "Are you guys ready?"
They both nodded, and that was all the confirmation she needed before stepping closer to the portal, and jumping through, but not before catching the eye of her partner, Maria. She felt herself smile.
Chris went through next, taking one last look at the control room before disappearing. Hibiki was the last one.
She caught Miku's eye and flashed a smile. "See you soon." She stepped through.
The portal closed.
Musutafu City, Shizuoka Prefecture 13:22
Year 2495
Not far from the flaming wheel of hell that was Wanyuudou, which was wreaking its havoc upon the formerly bustling streets of Musutafu, now scattered due to the destruction caused by hellfire, was Karasumi Shikage. A forgotten person that was vital to the turning point of humanity. But, unfortunately, no one remembered, and if they did, they refused to speak of it. Which pissed her off to no end. Who were they to forget something so trivial to their present. Their here and now.
Well, now they would pay.
"This isn't what I had in mind when you said we should make our point. This is just mindless destruction." 'It's stupid' is what she wasn't saying, and Shikage had to agree with her. This was indeed something so very stupid, but she wouldn't stop.
They must /burn/in the hell that they have created. The one that stay oblivious to every single day of their pathetic lives. The /sevant of hell/thirsts for the /blood of the wicked/. It travels along the /path of the hellflame/, searching for /corrupt souls/to drag back the /flaming abyss/so that judgement and damnation can be cast upon evil.
The was the task of Wanyuudou.
It's the middle of the day and Shouto finds himself staring another foe head-on.
Him, along with Midoriya and Bakugou, clad in their hero costumes, had caught the attention of the large fire wheel, which seemed like it was staring back at them intensely. The feeling was unnerving.
The wheel itself was mostly mechanical, like steel in color along with blue highlights, with metal spikes stuck out of its main body like a porcupine. The machine doesn't look like its being ridden by anyone. As far as Shouto can see, there isn't a space were a person fit inside. But, he could be wrong. The overwhelming sense of being watched is still there.
"Why the fuck are we just standing here?" Bakugou went to step forth but Midoriya held him back with one arm.
"Kacchan. We still don't know why it stopped. We don't have enough details about the situation." Midoriya explained.
"Oh, I thought all the damage surrounding us wasn't enough to say that damn thing is dangerous."
Shouto has to admit he's right. Where they're standing now, the damage is moderate. Several lamp posts have been knocked over and road itself is damaged from the spikes. About two cars are damaged, but that's about it. Apart from the small fires surrounding them, it's okay enough. But whose to say that it will stay that way.
"Bakugou is right actually." Both of them openly gape at him, to which he pays no attention to when he steps in front. "We don't know how long that thing will be on stand-by. It's better we take it out now."
"Todoroki-kun."
"Oh yeah. Let's fucking do this." Bakugou punched his fists together in a way that reminded too much of Kirishima.
"Um, guys. I don't--"
Shouto reacted instantly, diving for Midoriya meanwhile Bakugou jumped back. Once the smoke cleared, there was a giant spike imbedded in the road where they were previously standing.
Shouto turned his sight toward the giant wheel. he had no time to react when a thousand more of those came flying towards the three of them.
The blond next to him charged with war cry towards the metallic contraption, open hand raised and lighting up with an explosion. As soon as Bakugou came close, the wheel shifted, making the blond loose his balance. He was flung back into a street light with his own momentum.
"Kacchan!" Midoriya's voice shouted before Shouto felt wind pressure fly towards him. When he looked towards the green-haired boy, he had his right hand held out and his finger in his signature position of Delaware Smash: Air Force.
This was going to be a long fight. Shouto thought as he held out his right hand and unleashed a furry of ice growlers.
Tsubasa pulled back strands of indigo hair as the wind blew fiercely in her face. She could barely see anything distinct except for the navy blue of her comrades' uniforms.
"I'm still not fucking use that damned portal." Chris said before she audibly swallowed. The blue-haired girl assumed it was her motion sickness.
Hibiki looked back to the ground. It was becoming more clearer and clearer. Not far from them, Tsubasa could make out a giant building with several other facilities on a mountain. When she looked futher down, she could see a small town with medium-sized flames lit in several places.
"I assume that's where the danger is?" Chris said. It wasn't really a question.
Suddenly, a giant mass of ice rose from the ground. Yep. Definitely was.
"Alright guys. Let's do this."
Balwisyal nescell Gungnir tron
Imyuteus Ame-no-habakiri tron
Kiliter Ichaival tron
The three holy chants sounded before the Lapis Philosophorumshattered, prompting the three girls into the Transformation Circle. Systems were deemed operational, before their base weapons appeared. A final flash of their respective theme colors, and the two left the circle, now clad in the Symphonic armor.
Tsubasa heard the familiar instrumental of Gekishō Infinityplay on her headgear unit and she joined in on the trio as she unleashed a Heaven's Wrath. The three girls jumped on the giant sword as it plummeted towards the ground.
Through the smoke, the blue-haired girl could make out the menace. A giant monowheel in flames, about half the size of her sword. But, there was something else between ice and flames.
A person?
Tsubasa wasted no time in reacting. "Guys, get off! Now!"
The two other girls were confused, but they followed anyways. Tsubasa grabbed the handle of the sword and directed it downwards. The impact of the sword landing caused a giant of mass of dust to sweep those on the ground in it.
When the dust settled, Tsubasa found herself standing on the hilt of the blade, and her two friends on the crouched on the ground. In front of them was the giant metallic wheel and two boys dressed in strange gear.
"What the fuck is going on?" A voice rang below the blue-haired girl, but before she could respond, a flurry of spikes was released in all directions.
Yukine's war cry could be heard when her MEGA DEATH PARTYwas released, and with this, the battle began.
Hibiki charged in with her Spear's Violent Destructiontowards the wheel, aiming for its center, which she assumed was its weak spot. This enemy greatly reminded her of the Shem-Ha's coffin, with the spikes and all.
It seemed the plain-looking boy with the forest hair had the same idea as his axe kick struck at the same time as her attack. Hibiki jumped back before going in for the attack once more. This time a string of flame followed alongside her, only for both to be blown back by smaller spikes.
"Are you okay?" The boy asked while he wiped his gloved hand across his face. Hibiki nodded before they all attacked once but it proved futile with this thing's defenses.
She was certain the center was the weak spot.
Chris-chan's arrows flew over Hibiki's head and jumped back from the recoil of the explosion. She held back waiting for Chris' attack.
Chris morphed her standard pistols into her homing crossbows before shooting at Public Enemy No. 1. She didn't know who these people were, so she knew better than to shoot at them. But there was no mistaking that giant monstrosity.
She sang her line before going for the attack with a QUEEN'S INFERNOwhich countered against each of this thing's spikes.
The fire of spikes suddenly stopped, and Chris found herself confused for a second before she was pushed out the way. When she stood up, all she saw was the trail left by the wheel as it moved at lightning speed up the mountain.
"The school!" The boy next to her with spilt hair shouted, before the other burst into green lightning and ran off.
It's a fucking school?!Their problems couldn't get any worse. There were probably people there.
The white-haired girl watched as her senpai raised her armed gear, before the blades of One Thousand Tearscame crashing towards the metallic wheel.
Chris stood up, activating her Amalgam. With her long range weapon, she could easily take that thing down. She aimed her longbow towards the wheel. With a breath, she released an De Le Metallica towards the target, holding it back.
An explosion erupted from where the bow landed in the middle of the wheel, effectively disabling. It was done.
"Midoriya?" The boy next to her shouted, and got an answer in return. Chris noticed how his face softened.
"Chris-chan!" Hibiki's familiar cheery voice came close and before she knew it, she was enveloped in a hug. The white-haired girl tried to ignore her red face.
"Get off, dummy!" Apparently, this appeared to be no problem for the brunette as she sagged against her.
What?
Chris noticed the red dart sticking out from the other girl's neck, but before she could say anything, her vision blacked out.
Their problems definitely just got worse.
Shikage watched as the police department arrested the girls. And for illegal quirk use, it seemed. But that wasn't it. She knew what it was.
The Symphogear.
The woman threw her head back and let out a dry chuckle It seemed that the begins of a war was brewing. The stage was set and all that was left was for the Ensemble to arrive.
Shikage wouldn't yield. She was doing this for her master.
Chapter II: Connections
