"It's man's first step towards the cracked road. It shall be seen if that man will continue to walk even if they shall trip and fall; or falter and die in the middle of the road."
-/-/-/-/-
"We mean no harm from you nor your friends. We just want you to come with us for questioning." Hikaru courageously said as she hid her fear in a stoic facade. It send her to an edge when Ginga released a threatening aura around him.
Ginga then sighed as his aura calmed down. He unwrapped his friends from his wings as it folds by his back.
"Ginga, are you sure about this?" Madoka asked.
Ginga had been skeptical about Hikaru's statement and promise of no harm. But he scanned Hikaru once more and showed no signs of trickery or lie.
"She isn't lying. I know it seems stupid, but I think that her and the others might know the situation within us. We need answers guys." Ginga said.
Kenta sighed, "Alright."
Madoka also agreed.
Ginga faced Hikaru, "Alright, we'll go with you. But no tricks."
Hikaru smiled, "I give you my word. But, hand us your phones first."
Ginga then glowed brightly as his fusion form disappeared. The lights dissipated and revealed his tattered uniform back as his clothing. His wings were still visible, but he focused on it and it disappeared. He took his phone from his pocket and used it as a makeshift mirror. He saw that his eyes were still hetero-chromatic, blue at the right and hazel at the left.
The three of them reluctantly gave their phones to Hikaru.
Madoka and Kenta rode at the other car. But Ginga rode at the car where Hikaru is in.
'I guess, this marks the end of our normal life.'
-/-/-/-/-/-/-
-Madoka and Kenta-
The ride towards their base was pretty long. Kenta and Madoka's hands were bounded as their cellphones are on the soldier's case. They are quite worried since Ginga isn't with them.
It's just a good thing that there's a soundproof glass covering between the driver's seat and the back seat.
The two of them spoke softly.
"I wonder what they wanted from us?"
"I don't know, Kenta."
Kenta sighed, "They separated us from Ginga."
"Ginga also said to cooperate with them for answers too."
The two of them looked down.
"I'm worried. Didn't you see their look towards Ginga?"
"I saw it too, Kenta. It looks like they needed Ginga for something."
Kenta shivered, "Ugh, this gives me the shivers."
"Chill guys, I'm still alive."
Kenta and Madoka sighed in relief.
"Yeah."
"Yeah.
"..."
"..."
"Eh?"
"E-eh?"
"Um, pals...?"
"EEEEHHHHHHHHHH!?"
"SHHHHHHHH!"
The sliding window by the driver's seat opened suddenly. They stopped their shrieks as they saw the man giving them a glare.
"What's with all the ruckus?"
Madoka nervously chuckled, "We kinda saw a flying cockroach by the window. Hehehehe, sorry sir."
The man sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Keep it down."
The window closed with a loud bang. Madoka and Kenta sighed in relief. But they glared at their surroundings (Ginga) for suddenly speaking in their heads.
"I should have known that these are your reactions."
"No joke, Sherlock." Madoka said as they heard Ginga sigh.
"Anyhow, how did you manage to talk to us... Um...Telepathically?" Kenta asked.
"Check the palms of your right hand."
They raise both their bounded hands. As their right hand opened, they both saw a dim white magic circle within their palms.
"I manage to use Record Manipulation. Before we got in separate cars gave you two temporary Telepathy ability. We can talk for a little while we're not there yet. Neat huh?"
Kenta grinned, "To put it that way, it is kinda cool."
Madoka sighed, "Is there a reason for talking to us?"
"Oh yeah, by the time I am finished, the magic circle will disappear and so as your Telepathy ability. From what Hikaru said to me, the SSF or known as the Spiritual Summoner Foundation is a secret government agency which focuses on the supernatural dangers that is beyond human comprehension."
"What else can we know?" Kenta asked.
"That's what Hikaru can only tell me. The rest will be at HQ with her boss."
"Can we trust them?" Madoka asked.
"They won't hurt us. Hikaru reassured it. I'm also having doubts about it. But from what happened a few hours ago, I'm kinda disturbed... Especially for your sakes."
"Ginga..."
"Ginga..."
"I just want to protect you two."
They blushed at Ginga's straightforward statement. But silently smiled as they take it as Ginga's reassurance.
"I'm ending our talk for the mean time. We are only 5 minutes away and I could feel some sort of energy that may disturb our connection. Let's talk later okay?"
"Be careful, Ginga." Madoka looked at Kenta worriedly.
"Yeah, don't do anything stupid." Kenta chuckled, but deep inside, he's quite worried for his best friend.
They heard Ginga chuckle.
"I will. Take care also, pals."
They looked onto their palms and saw the mark fading. It dissolves into a white pixel, signalling the end of their ability.
Five minutes later, truth to what Ginga told them, they have arrived on their destination. By the secluded forest lies an observatory. The two cars stopped for the mean time.
"What are they doing?" Kenta asked.
"I don't know Kenta."
The two men opened their phones and typed something on their screens. Suddenly, the ground below them shook. A path appeared in front of them which leads it underground. The cars move and went inside. The path then sunk and closed as they reached farther from it.
"An underground path?" The two of them wondered.
A bright light blinded them all of a sudden. But as they opened their eyes, they were hit with awestruck by the size of their base.
In the middle is a large golden clock. But the designs of every bars of it were gods and different demons or spirits. They looked at the window and saw a lot of energy flowing from the floor and up to the ceiling.
The two men got out of the driver's seat. They gently got Madoka and Kenta out of the car.
They look up and saw a magnificent chandelier which produces a bright white color.
"Like the view?"
The two turned and saw Hikaru leaning at the car she rode.
"What you see up there is the energy that connects these seals. It camouflages the base so enemies and spiritual entities don't get to see and attack HQ." Hikaru explained.
The case that Hikaru was holding glowed. Two tiny sparkles got out and went towards the two humans.
A tiny Kimiko and Sagittario appeared on Madoka and Kenta's shoulders.
"You said that you'll examine our master's phones, Hasama-san." Kimiko said.
"So we took the liberty of staying by our master's side, Hikaru." Sagittario said.
Hikaru sighed, "Fair enough."
They suddenly heard a loud bang which came from the other side of Hikaru's car. The door flew out as a winged girl with sky blue hair came out. She stood 5'6 tall and seemed to look threatening by now.
"WHERE IS HE HUMAN?!" The girl asked but by the looks of it, she's ready for the kill. Her voice echoed throughout the hall.
"Oy Miki, calm down!" Kimiko shouted as her height changed into 5'4 ft tall.
"TELL ME WHERE HE IS OR I'LL STRIKE ALL OF YOU!"
"MIKI!"
Miki turned and saw Ginga breathing heavily. She noticed that Ginga's hands and neck are covered with seals.
"Calm down, Miki. I'm okay and these seals are just for precautions. I'll be fine."
Hikaru cleared her throat which caught Miki's attention.
"We're just gonna ask him some questions. We already promised no harm to them."
Miki sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.
"Fine... But I'm coming with you in my human height form. No one is tying me with seals and I'll stay beside Ginga-kun no MATTER WHAT."
Miki flew down and her wings disappeared. She ran towards Ginga's side as her facial expression changed.
"Nothing happened to you right?"
Ginga smiled, "I just ran here when I heard the ruckus."
The two men quickly appeared and grabbed Ginga's arm. Miki glared at them.
"Calm down, Miki." Ginga reassured his spirit partner.
As the two were out of sight, Hikaru cleared her throat which caught Madoka and Kenta's attention.
"For now, we shall escort you to one room first. When your friend comes back, we'll assign separate rooms for the three of you. You'll be under observation for now."
The two men who were with them grabbed their arms and escort them and their spirits to their rooms.
"Just make sure that you're spirits won't do anything." Hikaru said.
-/-/-/-/-/-/-
Ginga and Miki continued to walk at the front with the men tailing them. Miki kept her guard up for the thought of surprise attacks isn't something she always likes.
Ginga on the other hand looked down. He stares at the seal that binds his hands. He noticed the tear in it a few moments ago when he ran towards Miki. He knew that he could break the seal anytime, but he doesn't want to do any dirty trick or it may lead into something worse.
'The disaster... Nicaea... Spirit summoning and fusion... A lot happened in just a few hours.'
He recalled the death experience and meeting Miki, his new spirit partner. He looked at Miki who seemed to glare the men at the back. He looked forward when he saw a large purple door.
'I could sense a powerful aura inside that room. Two people... It seemed that my Record Reading ability is getting good, I guess. I wonder about their Chief.'
"Miki." Ginga whispered, calling the attention of the sky blue haired spirit. "Can you feel it too?"
Miki nodded, "Yeah... I don't like it but let's keep our guard up."
Ginga nodded. He clenched his fist as his gaze hardened.
"I want to tell you something later, Ginga."
Ginga gasped at the voice in his head and looked towards Miki. She smiled and winked at him.
"Let's show our faces first ~"
Ginga smiled, "Grand appearance, huh?"
Miki smirked.
They stopped at their tracks as they reach the door. The two men went at the front and pushed the door open. Inside is a large meeting room with a giant screen infront, lights, and weapons.
'Training room maybe?' Ginga thought.
The two went inside and observed their area. The only sound it produced was the door closing. Ginga's hazel and electric blue eyes shined because of the lights. Miki narrowed her eyes and looked everywhere. Ginga looked at his upper right and caught a glimpse of violet orbs.
[Dynamis Hogosha , age 23. Chief of SSF.
Successfully fused with the Roman god of lighting, Jupiter.]
His eyes widened. He quickly snapped the seal in his hands and neck as he ran towards Miki.
"Miki!"
Miki didn't have any time to reponds as Ginga pulled her towards his embrace. A purple lightning went towards the place where Miki once stood. It left a burn mark and the two of them glared at the direction of the lightning.
Above is a man wearing a white trench coat, purple polo with black tie, black khaki pants and purple shoes. He has lavender hair and light blue eyes. Beside him is his spirit who has gray back length hair (tied in a ponytail), white toga, black khaki pants and sandals. The spirit wore shoulder and leg armors with a crown made of lightning bolts.
(A/N: Imagine a younger version of Zeus without a long beard xD. Around the age of 28 maybe)
"Long time no see, Miki." Jaden greeted happily.
Miki felt disgusted, "Ugh... Jaden, you still show that disgusting smile of yours."
"Being serious is soooo borinng~~~ Blindly attacking you is soooo fun~"
Miki had a tick mark, "SHUT UP! I'M GONNA KILL YOU!"
'She's currently pissed.' Ginga sweat dropped.
"You know, you could stop hugging your boyfriend, Miki-chan~"
Ginga and Miki quickly distanced each other. But their blush turned red.
"H-he's my chosen, you douche!"
Jaden waved his hand lazily, "Yeah, yeah... Silly hag.."
"COME DOWN SO I CAN KILL YOU!" Her wings appeared.
"Is your cycle synced up? You're being a cranky old hag again~"
"YOU NO GOOD DWARF!"
"DWARF!?"
Ginga heard an amused chuckle and looked up. Dynamis gently smiled and clapped at Ginga.
"I never thought that you could break Yuki's seal."
'Yuki? Another colleague of his?'
"No one, not even Hikaru can break the seal placed by Yuki." He jumped out of the fence of the second floor and managed to land gracefully.
Ginga stepped back a bit. Dynamis saw it and gently smiled.
"No need to be on the edge. I am Dynamis Hogosha, leader of the SSF. As you can see, this is my spirit, Jaden. He's also known as the Roman god, Jupiter"
Jaden appeared beside Dynamis with a peace sign, "Yo~"
"I'm G-Ginga Hagane. This is my spirit partner, Miki. She's the winged-horse of the galactical heavens, Pegasus."
Miki waved her hands, "Hello Dynamis-san. Hello Jadine."
"Harsh, it's Jaden!" Jaden cried crocodile tears.
Ginga looked at Dynamis, "Why did you call us in here? I know there is something more that this introduction."
Dynamis smiled, "Very sharp, Ginga."
'First name basis already?'
Dynamis gestured his hand to follow, "Come, I'll explain on the way. We first must go to the main control room."
-/-/-/-/-/-/-
Kenta paced around the room as Madoka is sitting at the chair while having deep thoughts. It's been three hours since they were separated to Ginga.
They were given dinner an hour ago. But they still ate in discomfort. Even if it's just a few hours, they feel anxious about their best friend.
The room they stayed in is normal sized. It has two beds, a window which overlooked the giant clocks, t.v, cabinets amd drawers, and their bathroom.
They were given new clothes since their uniform is covered with dirt and a tiny drops of blood with some torn pieces.
The two tiny spirits just sat at the bed watching their masters waiting for the red haired boy to come.
(A/N: Madoka and Kenta's clothes are set in Metal Fury)
"What's taking it so long?" Kenta asked as he clenched his fist.
"Are they threatening him...?"
Kenta's eyes widened, "N-no need to go that far." He nervously chuckled.
They heard a knock from their door, "Kenta, Madoka, are you still both awake?"
"Hikaru-san?" Madoka wondered what Hikaru would tell them this time.
"Come in, Hikaru-san." Kenta called out.
Hikaru entered the room. Within her left hand are both Kenta and Madoka's cellphones. She's also carrying two books at her right hand. "I brought both your phones. We just examined them. Also, here's a book containing information about the SSF and other crucial things."
Kenta and Madoka grabbed their phones and books.
"It's a very different book. Just press your hand and let the book feel the energy within you. It not just let you read it, you'll also experience what's inside that book." Hikaru informed the awstrucked teens.
"Can we also come with them?" Kimiko asked as she sat on Madoka's shoulder.
Hikaru nodded.
"By the way, where's Aquario?" Sagittario asked.
"Aquario? She's just eating her ice cream somewhere. She'll meet you later." Hikaru said.
She was about to leave the room when Madoka grabbed her hand.
"Amano?"
"About Ginga, where is he?" Madoka asked.
Hikaru patted Madoka's shoulder, "He's fine. Chief and him are just talking about all of these. But sadly, you won't get to see him for two days."
"Two days!?" Kenta exclaimed.
"I'm sorry, but Chief Dynamis said that he needs Ginga for something important. Rest assured that Hagane already agreed to it."
The two teens looked down.
"But... He asked me to send a message.."
-/-/-/-
"Tell them that whatever might come... Through my own decision... I won't force them to be with me... From what's happening I don't want to drag them into their despair."
-/-/-/-
Madoka and Kenta's eyes widened.
"It's like... He's asking us to leave..." Madoka said it softly.
But Kenta and Hikaru heard it clearly.
Kenta punched the wall, "That selfless jerk...!"
Hikaru closed her eyes, "I wouldn't blame him. From what happened todat, I doubt that you want to be in this mess. Dynamis chose Hagane to be with the SSF. He said that he's one of them."
"O-one of them?" Kenta asked.
"The season of age, Autumn. Better yet, he is chosen as the Autumnal knight."
-/-/-/-/-
Ginga's eyes widened at their main control room. It's filled with computers of different locations. People below were all typing onto their respective computer and reporting their status.
"Here is where we observe every location of the world. We see any signs of supernatural activities and take quick action." Dynamis said as he looked towards Ginga.
"So, there are branches from every parts of the world?"
"Correct, Ginga."
Ginga turned to his left and saw a boy who is pretty much smaller than him. The boy eyed him and Ginga took the chance of scanning him.
[Yuki Mizusawa, age 17. Information specialist of the SSF.
Successfully fused with Egyptian god, Anubis.]
"Dynamis, is he the one with that strong spiritual power?"
Dynamis nodded, "He's the one we saw and just witnessed the power he has. Meet Ginga Hagane."
Ginga timidly waved his hand.
Yuki quickly walked towards Ginga and grabbed both his hands. It seems that Yuki has stars in both his eyes.
"It's truly an honor to meet our newest knight! I just can't believe the power you posses! Did you get any training? Are you part of some powerful clan? Did you-"
Ginga nervously chuckled. He doesn't need his record reading ability to know that this boy truly admired his skills.
"I-It's my first time fighting, I guess."
"Sooo coool~!"
Ginga then turned serious, "What is this knight that Yuki is talking about? Hikaru explained to me that you wanted me to be part of the SSF. I agreed to it but I need answers first."
Dynamis smiled, "Glad you seem to be interesred. Yuki, scan him."
Yuki nodded as he took a safe distance towards Ginga.
"I should take a safe distance first, Ginga-kun." Miki said as Ginga nodded.
She flew towards Dynamis' side.
"He fits the criteria too much, Miki. No wonder you chose him."
Miki glared at Dynamis, "There is more than his power, Dynamis. Don't think so lowly of me."
Yuki chanted an ancient language as a blue magic circle appeared below Ginga. By that, he was raised up as his inner energy covered him. Ginga transformed into his fusion form and his wings spread wide, showing its majestic beauty.
Ginga saw this, "I thought that I need Miki to transfom?"
"When the two of you fused for the first time and formed a contract, you can now transform at your free will without fusing with your familiar. It's because hers and your power are now fused into each other's body. You are now familiar with it." Dynamis explained.
Ginga nodded as his eyes became droopy. He succumbed from keeping his eyes open and accepted the darkness.
Yuki then stopped the chant and opened his eyes. He held out his hand and Ginga let out a bright whitish-blue aura. It blinded all the staff inside the room. Their eyes widened when they saw what happened.
Ginga opened his eyes once more as colorful leaves started to appear within magic circle. The shape of the autumnal leaves, but with an array pf different colors.
"Amazing..." Miki stared at her partner in awe.
"The colors of the leaves represent different elements, yet it is in the shape of autumn leaves." Yuki said as he stopped what he's doing and is looking at Ginga in awe.
"Impressive. He is both light and darkness itself. The season of age, Autumn." Dynamis smiled as he too was awestrucked and amazed by the sheer raw power.
Ginga saw the colorful leaves circling him. It's like it was truly dancing towards the red haired teen. The array of colors was able to amaze him by it's beauty.
'I could feel it.' Ginga said as he too spun around and dance with the leaves.
He touched every leaf, bright or dull in color.
'I could hear it... See through it...'
He looked up as the leaves surround him.
'The balance of light and dark... The time of age... Acceptance of the impermanence...'
He closed his eyes as the leaves started to glow within their respective color.
'Knowing that it won't last and the end shall arrive...'
He slowly got down and his wings folded at his back.
'A sign of the importance of life...'
His feet landed on the ground and the magic circle disappeared.
He closed his eyes once more and focused on returning back to normal. His fusion clothes change back to his tattered ones and his wings disappeared.
He opened his eyes and saw numerous eyes staring at him.
[Amazed by your power]
[You're strong they said]
[Dangerous they say]]
Ginga heard Dynamis clap as he walks towards him.
"Amazing indeed, such raw power. It truly is shocking that you don't get any training from it."
Ginga eyed Dynamis and saw another text box.
[Almighty: Lighting]
'His element?' Ginga thought. 'Wait, I can see through their power type now?'
"Ginga-san, you're truly amazing!" Yuki exclaimed.
Miki ran towards his side and smiled, "Of course he is."
Yuki fixed his glasses, "From what I sawf in the magic circle, I would guess that he's an all element Almighty type."
'I heard it though.'
"Interesting, no specific type? No wonder you beat Saika easily." Dynamis said.
A female staff ran towards them and gave Dynamis a book.
Dynamis hands the book to Ginga.
"This contains all the crucial information about us and the SSF. You'll find it interesting and also shocking."
"You'll just fuse a bit of energy onto the book then you'll be able to also see what's in it." Yuki said.
"And, you'll find out about the knights that the Administrator had chosen in today's dark times."
Ginga stared at the book.
"Also, before you leave, there is something I would like you to solve." Dynamis said as two men carried what seemed to be a stone tablet.
They put it down, but Ginga didn't know why he felt a tug. It urges him to get near it.
"Miki, can you hold the book?"
Miki held the book as Ginga went near the tablet. The tablet glowed as Ginga's eyes became dull. Without any thought or control, he touched the tablet.
His eyes widened.
Numerous images appeared within his mind. Both dark and happy times.
"I'm sorry everyone... This is how it needs to be."
'That's my voice...'
Ginga heard his voice from his head. He removed his hand from the tablet and kneeled down in pain. His head throbbed and his stomach churned.
"Ginga!" Miki ran towards Ginga's side as she supported him.
Miki amd Ginga looked at the tablet and saw that it's now translated.
"So the Administrator used you as a conduit to send us a sign..." Dynamis read the tablet out loud.
Within the times of demise
Dark times shall bring the end of time
They shall create a world of suffering
With the power of the Akashi Record.
My chosen knights, find all my clues
It will lead you to that ancient script
Once it falls into the wrong hands
It shall be the end of you
This will be a trial for humanity
To test your wills of heart
Find my important piece
The Akashic Record.
"The Akashic Record." Dynamis said. "So they're also planning on using it."
"We need to find it fast." Yuki said.
Dynamis turn towards Ginga, "So, what is your decision, Ginga Hagane."
Ginga stood up, "It is indeed serious. I know that I have no experience in this... But I'll join this Knight rank of yours. I'll carry out my duty and help you."
Dynamis smiled.
"I.. Just need to understand everything first." Ginga said.
"Of course. Yuki will show you to your room."
Yuki then grabbed Ginga's hand. Miki waved her hand, "I'll catch up to you in a moment."
Ginga nodded as they left the room.
"I'm surprised to see the Administrator's sword being Ginga's partner."
Miki looked away, "It's none of your concern to who I chose, Dynamis."
Dynamis arched an eyebrow, "But still, why would you chose another when you are the right hand and sword of our Administrator?"
Miki put her finger by her lips and smiled, "It is something that you'll figure out soon. I've sworn secrecy to her to be silent about it."
'Though I'll tell Ginga soon.'
"Also, Dynamis." She went near him and whispered something in his ear.
Dynamis' eyes widened.
With a smile she walked away. As she left the room, Dynamis secretly smiled.
"Let's see if he shall..."
-/-/-/-/-/-
"Here's your room, Ginga-san."
Ginga entered his room and his eyes widened. It looked more like a condo than a room.
It contains a living room, beside is a beatiful kitchen, and three rooms.
"I-is this really my room?" Ginga stuttered from shock and awe.
Yuki nodded, "Also, Madoka and Kenta will be stationed beside your room. Our men just need to fix it."
"I see..."
Ginga eyed Yuki for a bit.
[Almighty: Aura]
Yuki then looked away and smiled, "Thank you... I'm sure that you'll lead everyone to victory. You'll definitely help us."
Ginga timidly smiled back, "I'll do my best.", he bowed.
Yuki nodded, "You'll also find some spare clothes in the closet of your room. Those tattered clothes might make you feel uncomfortable."
Ginga blushed, "Y-yeah... Thanks..."
"Get some rest, Ginga-san." Yuki left the room.
Ginga waited for Yuki's footsteps to go farther. He quickly went to the sofa and lied down.
Ginga put the book in his chest and let out some of his spiritual energy. He could feel himself being sleepy.
He gave up and let darkness take him.
'Time to see and know about them.'