Song of the Heart: Redux

Author's Notes: Welcome back to "Song of the Heart: Redux", and welcome to more of the actual main plot of Symphogear G! As usual, I would like to offer thanks to the author of the original "Song of the Heart", Aya1229, for allowing me to adopt this story and make it my own. Today, we continue the opening act in Symphogear G, as the "Queens of Music" Concert happens! There are some dark forces hanging around though. Got a lot of action to cover this chapter, so let's not waste too much more time. I would like to make one HUGE announcement: It's time to finally reveal the Parings for this story.

First off, we have something which is obvious, and is a canon pairing: Kirika x Shirabe.

The second pairing isn't really a pairing at all, and you started to get a glimpse of it last chapter I would think. In fact, it's more than a pairing: we're talking a triangle here, in Chris x Hibiki x Miku.

Finally, another Canon pairing (that is, if you look at GX): Tsubasa x Maria.

Some may wonder, what's my reasoning? Simply put, Hibiki having left for two years has, as already shown, caused a bit of an effect on the people she was close to. And as we go deeper into this fic and deeper into the season's storyline, the ripples caused by her decision will continue to gain momentum. The changes aren't necessarily physical. In this case, people's relationships and outlook on things have been affected. If you read, you'll see what I mean-the first major ripple is revealed this chapter. I am using the lyrics for the subbed version of "Fusichou no Flamme" in this chapter, unlike last. With that final note, let's get started. Showtime!

Disclaimer: I do not own Senki Zesshou Symphogear or Senki Zesshou Symphogear G. It is owned by those who own it. I also do not own any music used as insert songs here; they are owned by the respective songwriters and artists.

Acknowledgements: Once more, I would like to thank the author of the original "Song of the Heart", Aya1229, for her support in adopting this idea and making it my own. I would also like to thank a couple of friends of mine outside of (they know who they are) for acting as sounding boards when I have ideas for this that may seem a bit on the wild side.

'Insert thought here'=character thoughts

Flashback Is in Italics

-Song lyrics are shown in italics between dashes-

Chapter 3: Descending Storm (Part 2)

(Last Time…)

"No, Sora, no need to apologize. I was busy with final setup here most of today anyways, so we would have had to cut things short. More importantly though…how much did you hear?" Ogawa asked, while taking note of his surroundings to make sure that no one heard their conversation. At this, Hibiki nodded before speaking, an ominous tone in her voice.

"I heard almost all of it, but that's unimportant at this point. What is important is this: Try to watch the show from the control room; you never know what you could see, with all the different cameras…" she said, before leaving to head to her seat for the concert.

"Why the control room? What are you trying to tell me," Shinji muttered, before turning and heading towards his assigned spot in the manager's box. As he walked off, he didn't think there was anyone listening.

"What is going on here?" Tsubasa muttered, sliding out from her hiding spot en route to the stage. "I have to be ready, as they would want me to be…both Kanade and her…"

Outside the Concert Venue, Day of Concert, 5 minutes to Showtime

The sun was setting over Tokyo as showtime approached for the biggest music event of the year. This concert between Kazanari Tsubasa and Maria Cadenzavna Eve was expected to be broadcast around the world, with tens of millions of people seeing it live as it happened. A couple blocks away from the stadium though, a black bus sat. Inside, its occupant prepared to turn this momentous occasion from a joyful one into something else entirely.

"It's almost time,"she spoke, voice hoarse from age. She then turned to her right as a fresh message arrived on screen. "Si via pacem, para bellum. It looks like things are finally in place. I was getting tired of waiting for them to get here."

Behind her, hidden in the shadows, a pair of individuals stood, a ruby gleam hanging from each of their necks. And as the leader spoke, they nodded, before leaving the room. It was almost time for their debut, and it wouldn't do for them to be late.

Inside the Concert Venue, Day of Concert, 5 minutes to Showtime

The stadium was jumping, as the idol Maria took the stage and waved to the crowd. For most, this would be cause to erupt in excitement. However, for one Kohinata Miku, it felt almost hollow. Even two years later, she still felt as though a piece of her being had been ripped out of her. And so while her friends jumped out of excitement over the idol's appearance, Miku's reaction was rather muted.

"Where is she,"she said, looking out towards the hallway with worry. Kazanari Tsubasa had given both Miku and Yukine Chris tickets to attend the concert tonight, along with Miku's other friends. And while Chris had said that she had a mission to attend to first, she had stated that she would be able to make it to the show. Unfortunately for Miku, her thoughts were noticed.

"Miku, I'm sure she'll be here. Chris-chan had said that she wouldn't miss this, didn't she? So relax and come enjoy the concert with us," Andou Kuriyo said, before turning to look back out at the stage. "Besides, if you don't, then who is going to keep Yumi under control?"

Miku gave a sad smile, before her face fell slightly again. 'If only Hibiki was here…this would be something that I know she'd have enjoyed…' At that thought, she fought hard to try to keep composed. Tachibana Hibiki had been Miku's best friend, although some would say they were even more than that. They literally were almost inseparable, doing just about everything together. In fact, two years ago their bond had helped enable Hibiki, Chris, and Tsubasa to defeat Finé by unlocking the X Drive forms of the Symphogear. However, it was also that bond which was suddenly broken that day, two years ago.

"Miku…come on, cheer up. Would Bikky want you to be this depressed?" the blonde-haired Terashima Shiori asked, walking over and giving Miku a hug, rubbing her shoulders. "I'd think that she would want you to continue to enjoy life to the fullest, right?"

"Yeah, I guess…"Miku muttered, looking over at her third friend Itaba Yumi as she continually bounced around the box by the railing holding glow sticks in both hands. It had been a struggle for Miku over the past two years; she had been nearly catatonic for a month after Hibiki's death, and was still only now getting back to normal. The fact that the concert was taking place on the two-year anniversary was not helping at all; in fact, the previous year Miku, Tsubasa and Chris had gone to quietly visit the gravesite marked in memory of the fallen Hibiki.

That was then and this was now, however. And as Miku tried her best to banish the depressing thoughts from her mind, the second star of the show, Kazanari Tsubasa herself entered the scene, her platform rising up from below the stage to where she would start the show. Seconds later, the lights in the stadium went dark, quieting the audience before the music began to play.

(Insert song: "Fusichou no Flamme")

"Now, let me see you unsheathed on the battlefield!" Maria said to Tsubasa as the intro music played, the two rising from stances and grabbing their golden microphones as if they're swords. Tsubasa gave no reply, flipping the microphone to a reverse grip, before starting to sing.

-Whooo….Cold moon…Blue Shine…

Tonight the world will truly become one

Hear my voice, grant my wish,

And let's begin!

(3, 2, 1 Ready Go! Fly!)-

As the duo continued to sing, the video screen behind them flashed, showing the two in various action positions before showing an image of the moon above a temple, a phoenix rising from it. The crowd burst into high energy immediately, screaming in joy for the performers as they continued.

-This endless, strong emotion,

This strong emotion I'll never give up.

An immortal melody that can't be defeated!

Shine, true heart!-

Lights around the stadium flashed, the crowd going wild as the duo proceeded to dance on the center stage back-to-back. Everyone in the crowd was going crazy, even Miku, who was trying not to think about who was missing while the two idols continued to sing, balls of fire now appearing in hand. As she watched in awe, out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone in an orange hoodie looking over the performance almost with a trained eye. 'Why does that person seem familiar…I get the feeling that I should know them…' Miku thought, before shaking her head and returning her focus to the stage.

-The heartbeat, which gives life, slipped and fell from my hand.

What does the shattered moonlight ask those left behind?

Unite your sadness to form a sword, a blade…

In the name of justice.

Light an ember of the soul that will never disappear again!-

Hibiki, looking on from the outside area of the manager's box, nodded along with the beat, her foot tapping in time with it. Even Chris, on her flight to Tokyo, was amazed at the way the duet seemed to be in near-perfect synch. 'They almost look like mirror images, two halves…' she thought, straining to hear the song in her headphones over the sound of the helicopter. Then the duo tapped their microphones on the ground, causing jets of fire to erupt skywards from the sides of the walkway back towards the main stage as the blue haired heroine and the pink haired idol ran down it.

- (ignition.)

Burn…There is no such thing as destiny.

Fly! And rip apart your cage!

Go!

Flapping our wings passionately, and resounding to share.

Playing our music to share the bonds between us!

That's right, hold our tears in close.

Holding close all the burdens we bore.

We'll turn our immortal dreams into wings!

So will you fly to tomorrow with me?

Sing, Phoenix Song!-

(End "Fusichou no Flamme")

The duo finished their song on stage, a fiery phoenix displayed on the video wall behind them as laser feathers seemed to drift down towards the audience. And as the audience erupted into cheers, one person in the stadium smiled before looking out towards one of the singers on stage.

"Great job, Tsubasa-san, but still…you have to be careful," Hibiki whispered to herself, unable to be heard over the roar of the crowd, even from her vantage point. Almost as if on cue, the bluenette then stepped forwards, mic in hand.

"Thank you, everyone!" she said, the crowd raising their voices in response. "You've always given me so much strength, so much courage, even after my year off. And so today I wanted to return the favor and help give you some of that strength back to all of you who listen to my songs. It's all because of you that I'm able to stand here and do what I do. Thank you!" It was then Maria who stepped forwards, her microphone raised to her mouth as she spoke.

"Tonight I'll give my songs to the whole world! I'll never look back! I'll go forwards as fast as I can! You can all join me, but only if you can keep up," Maria called out, with millions around the world screaming in excitement and joy at what they were seeing. Maria then continued, after the fans quieted down slightly. "I'm thankful that I was able to participate in this concert here tonight on this second anniversary of the Kadingir incident, and also for the fact that I was able to sing with Japan's number one artist, Kazanari Tsubasa. It's a huge honor!"

The crowd erupted again, as Tsubasa nodded at her co-star before turning and approaching her. 'Maybe I have nothing to worry about at all tonight,' she though, before offering Maria her hand and starting to speak.

"And I'm honored to meet such an outstanding artist. Maria, you are one of a kind," the blue heroine said, as Maria took her hand and shook it. The crowd went wild at this, even as Maria got a sudden smirk onto her face.

"We have to tell the world just how much power songs can possess, Tsubasa-san," Maria said, a dangerous glint entering her eyes. Tsubasa nodded in agreement, before speaking once more.

"Songs have the power to change the world. It's true; we've all seen it here tonight," she said, not quite noticing the look in Maria's eyes. The rosette then closed her eyes, walking towards the opposite end of the stage, before sweeping an arm out and whispering into her microphone.

"There's just one more thing," she said, an edge added to her voice that caught Tsubasa off guard, eyes widening.

'What the…where'd this attitude come from?' she thought, almost speechless at those words. Her thoughts would soon be disrupted by the panicked cries of the audience. A bright green flash appeared all along the stage and around the lower bowl of the stadium, as hundreds of Noise appeared out of thin air in the crowd. Eyes widening in horror and anger, Tsubasa had one thought run through her mind: 'Was THIS what they were talking about before?'

The emergence of the Noise had sent the crowd into a panicked frenzy, viewers trying to scramble over each other to reach the exits. Amongst the chaos, Hibiki turned and prepared to walk into the indoor part of the manager's box, a determined look settling onto her face but hidden behind the mask of Sora. 'And so it begins. It doesn't look as though I'll be able to keep hidden for too much longer. Tsubasa-san…please, be careful down there…'

Out of the corner of her field of vision again, Miku had noticed Hibiki's actions, while getting a strange sense of déjà-vu all over again. 'Where have I seen that person before?' she thought, even as she tried her best to keep calm amongst her quasi-panicked friends.

"Everyone, please calm down. Tsubasa-san will have this under control soon," Miku said, her eyes showing a small focus settling in. Ever since the incident two years prior, Miku had done some additional work with the 2nd Division, continuing to work as an outside agent whenever Chris and Tsubasa had gone into battle. Her trio of friends nodded, before quieting down. Maria was having none of the panic though, as she spoke with conviction into the mic after a moment's pause.

"STAY CALM, ALL OF YOU," she called out, her arm sweeping across the stage dramatically. Back at 2nd Division HQ, it was a much more urgent scene, as Genjurou received the report.

"What did you just say?" he said, rising from his chair. 'This has to be related to the base incident earlier today…no other options at all. But, what does a pop star have to do with any of this,' he thought, before mulling over his next order. "Contact Ogawa at once; what the hell is going on up there?"

Outside the stadium

In the bus near the stadium, it was a different story, as the woman watching the news laughed darkly. 'They're late, but in the end it won't matter. The plan can now begin…' she thought, before the two girls behind her nodded and left the bus, their destination being the stadium.

"Maria, don't lose your composure now. Not when we're this close," she said, her hands folded underneath her chin.

Inside the stadium

"Ogawa-san, you need to get going if you're going to help Tsubasa-san," Hibiki said, as she entered the part of the room where Shinji had just gotten off the phone with HQ. Ogawa turned and looked at her, understanding dawning within. "Something isn't right about this whole situation."

"Hibiki, is this what you meant earlier? My role to play?"

The redhead only looked at him before pausing as she prepared to leave the box, her eyes narrowed in focus. 'Those eyes…a chill just ran down my spine just from looking at them…' Ogawa thought, the pressure in the air intensifying as he paused from the intensity of the Gungnir wielder's stare.

"Please, Ogawa-san. You know what you have to do already. Please do your part, and I'll do mine," she stated, before leaving the room and heading to a place it seemed that only she knew she had to be.

"Right," Ogawa said, before running out of the manager's box and racing towards the control room. "I hope I get there in time…"

In Helicopter, 40 minutes Outside of Tokyo

"Damnit, why did they have to appear there?" Chris asked, almost punching the screen she was watching on. A million thoughts were running through her brain at once, as she tried to process how it could have happened.

"This couldn't have been related to earlier, could it? There's no way it couldn't be…" a horrified Aoi said quietly, before her earpiece chimed in.

"Aoi, do you have an ETA yet for when you'll be at the stadium?" Genjurou asked, his voice clearly frustrated at the turn of events. For her part, Chris' escort looked at her tablet, before responding.

"It looks as though we'll be at the mission zone in approximately 40 minutes, taichou. I'm sure that we'll be able to get things under control from there," she said, before ending the call and looking back at Chris, who was staring at the screen in frustration. "You heard the man; it may be a third fight today, but we're counting on you, Chris-chan. Tsubasa-san isn't in a position to do anything right now, there's too many cameras."

Chris nodded, before staring at the scene on her screen. Her mind was racing, trying to connect the day's events. 'Is this why you're here, Hibiki? Did you know this would happen? Are you there already? What is going on? Please…don't let anything happen to them, Tsubasa-san. I wouldn't be able to look her in the eyes if something were to happen to them.'

Inside Stadium

Tsubasa's eyes narrowed. 'I can't just stand by here and let this go on. Both of them would never forgive me if I did,' she thought, reaching up and untying the miniature scarf wrapped around her neck to reveal her relic, Ame no Habakiri hanging from its necklace. Maria laughed softly before addressing her at this action.

"You're a scary girl, Kazanari-san. Even in this situation, where there are cameras focused on both of us at all times, you're still looking for a chance to jump me. However, aren't you being a little hasty? Do you really think that the Noise wouldn't attack the audience if you did anything? And also, while the Japanese government revealed the existence of Symphogear to the rest of the world, they conveniently left out the identities of their wielders. I wonder what would happen if you did transform. Are you really willing to throw away your dream to stop me here?" the pinkette asked, causing Tsubasa to freeze, features locked in anger. "Or do you WANT me to reveal who you are?"

"Don't think that you can insult me," Tsubasa responded, confidence entering her posture. "Do you really think that if you say that that it will keep me from being the protecting sword of these people?" At this, Maria scoffed, before smirking, a demonic gleam in her eyes. Her next comments would be heard around the stadium.

"It's too bad…I like that about you, Kazanari-san. If only everyone had the courage, the will power to stand up and fight to protect those weaker than themselves like you do. It's too bad that the few who do all pay such a high price. If there were more people like you, this world might have been a better place than it was," she said. At this, Tsubasa and Miku's eyes both shot wide, one name popping into their minds at the same time. 'Hibiki…' they thought, as Tsubasa's voice rose in anger, defiantly staring down the pinkette.

"Don't you DARE say that there aren't those who can protect. And don't you DARE say that those who paid the price that day two years ago did it for nothing. Their sacrifices…their sacrifices were NOT in vain!" Tsubasa cried out, her blood boiling as images of her, Chris, and Hibiki's fight with Finé flashed through her mind. "Just who are you to judge others?"

"Hibiki…" Tsubasa's response had shaken Miku's mind out of a dark place. As her friends looked at her in concern, she continued speaking in a hushed tone. "Your sacrifice…your attempt to connect people by saving them, was it all really for nothing? No, it couldn't have been…" she said, her eyes clenched shut and hands balled into fists.

Back on stage, however, Maria opened her eyes, before looking at Tsubasa threateningly. And as she tapped her microphone on the stage, an eerie sense of dread filled the air.

"I guess it's time then. Time for the curtain to rise," she said, before spinning her microphone and bringing it up to her face. "We have the power to control the Noise! And we have demands for every country on the face of the planet!"

Tsubasa looked stunned at this, before shaking her head.

"No way. Is she trying to turn the whole world into her enemy? This is a…"

On Helicopter

Chris looked at the screen, an angered snarl at the distance they were away from the venue, as Maria started her statement of power.

"This has to be a…"

In Stadium

"Declaration of war!" Tsubasa whispered with disbelief at what she's hearing in her voice.

"And that's not all…" Maria said, before tossing her microphone up into the air like a baton. Her next words were something that Tsubasa had never thought she'd hear.

"Granzizel bilfen Gungnir zizzl…"

With those words, a black sphere of energy surrounded Maria, as Tsubasa's eyes widened.

"Impossible…" she muttered, as the transformation occurred.

2nd Division Headquarters

Alarms flashed red everywhere as Maria transformed, the computers displaying the output on the wavelength and comparing it to others on file. The results appeared, leaving no doubt about it on screen; the wave pattern was identical to that of the lost Gungnir relic.

"What? Gungnir?" Genjurou stated, collapsing into his seat in disbelief.

On Helicopter

"No way…" Chris said, her mouth hanging open in disbelief at Maria's transformation. "No one should have that relic! That was hers, so how did she get that?"

In Stadium

As Maria finished her transformation, Tsubasa looked like she had seen a ghost. Another individual in the stadium narrowed her eyes at this as she continued through the hallway towards her destination, having stopped and looked at the stadium camera feed. The reason for her stopping was not Maria's transformation, but another thing she had seen on screen.

"Miku? Why is she here tonight? I can't…no, I WON'T let anything happen to her now, either. I have to protect her as much as I have to protect Tsubasa-san and Chris-chan," Hibiki said, her fists clenched in determination as she sprinted off, once again racing through the stadium to get to where she needed to be.

On Stage

The freshly transformed Maria standing in front of her, Tsubasa frowned as she took a guarded stance. Maria had other ideas however, as she caught the descending microphone before speaking.

"I am…no, WE are Finé. Yes…we are those who bear the name of the end of the world!" she called out, a challenging look on her face.

In Stadium

"You're stupid if you think that you'll get away with this, Maria," Hibiki said, eyes narrowed as she ran down a flight of stairs before leaping a railing and landing in a crouch and taking off once more. "I have to hurry..."

2nd Division Headquarters

To say that Kazanari Genjurou was having a bad day was an understatement. Between the attack on the train escorting the Staff of Solomon, the attack on the base it was delivered to, the staff itself going missing, and now the hostage situation at the biggest music event of the year, it felt like one big chain of negative events, each worse than the next.

"But this…this takes the cake," he said, pinching his nose and shaking his head in exasperation. "Who would have thought that there would be another Gungnir out there after she died?"

Just as he sat down though to try to think over his next move, a communication display appeared on his screen from the minister of defense.

"Undersecretary Shibata, is there anything you can tell me about this group calling themselves Finé? And why are you calling me while you're eating?" Genjurou asked, a tired look in his eyes as he looked for any positives. To his credit, the secretary nodded before putting his cup of noodles down.

"Lucky for you, I suppose that I just so happen to have a piece of information. It does look as though Japan isn't the only place those guys caused problems. About 3 months ago, there was an incident at an American relic research institute. They had been researching a way to use relics to enhance weaponry or something. Anyways, the laboratory was destroyed, and the relic they had on site was just gone, along with all the research data. You follow me so far?"

Genjurou nodded at this; it almost seemed too coincidental.

"Do you think that this incident is related, Minister?"

"It would seem stupid to assume otherwise, right? At least it's something to consider."

In Stadium, On Stage

Tsubasa also was not having the best day. Sure, she may have performed well when the concert was actually going on, but there were plenty of negatives to go with the positives. 'Like my manager apparently having some idea that this could occur, along with Sora…and that this whole situation is going on, with me being unable to do something about it without revealing myself to be a Symphogear wielder,' she thought, her right hand clenched around her relic pendant for Ame no Habakiri as she listened to the newly-transformed Maria speak.

"We, Finé, will start by demanding that every nation turn over all territory to us. If our demands are not met within twenty-four hours, every nation's capital will be flooded by Noise. Are you willing to risk the lives of millions of citizens over territory?" Maria asked, a sinister gleam in her eyes. This caused Tsubasa to have a look of complete disbelief, before she spoke up again.

"Is she crazy? Or is she serious? I can't get a read on her," the bluenette whispered, causing the black-armored girl to look over at her before speaking further.

"You don't believe that I'm serious? Kazanari-san, I will create a royal road that will lead those who follow it to paradise unlike any seen before!" she said, pointing her microphone at the blue-haired heroine like she would a sword. "What's wrong, do you not think that it's a wonderful idea? A world like that would prevent pain…" she trailed off in a mocking tone, causing Tsubasa to frown before replying.

"If you really expect the world to just bow to you and call you Queen Idol or something, then you really don't know how the world works, Maria-san. Those demands are not only unrealistic, but completely crazy as well," Tsubasa said, gripping her microphone more tightly. "I don't know why you're doing this or what the purpose of your lie is…"

Maria proceeded to cut Tsubasa off there.

"Do you really think that I'm lying to you? Look around you, Kazanari-san. I'm the one holding all the power right now."

"Yeah…you're deceiving everyone. The Gungnir Symphogear is not something that you have the right to wear! There was one person who had earned that right after Kanade, and I won't let you taint the memory others have of her! I'm going to expose your lies here! Imyuteus Ame no-" Tsubasa's earpiece then buzzed, irritating her noticeably, as Ogawa Shinji started to speak to her.

"Hold on a second, Tsubasa-san! If you transform here, the whole world will know that you're a Symphogear-wielder as well! Your songs…they aren't just for fighting, Tsubasa-san. They also help people heal the wounds that they've suffered! Remember how many out there are inspired by your works," Shinji said as he continued to head to the control room.

Maria then spoke up quickly, a challenge clear in her voice.

"If you're that convinced that I'm lying, then why not see for yourself, Kazanari-san?" she asked, eliciting no reply from the bluenette. Maria then turned towards the audience and spoke once more. "I am releasing the audience in the stadium now. The noise will not hurt you. Please leave, now."

Tsubasa couldn't believe her ears. 'Why would she just release all of these people? What is she trying to pull," she thought, before opening her mouth to reply.

"What are you doing with this, Maria," she asked, confused by the fellow idol's actions. All she got in reply was a smirk and silence, before finally Maria answered, a serious tone in her voice.

"I am the star of the show. I determine the rules. And taking hostages just isn't the way I want to do things here," she replied, before looking to the crowd as it filed out of the stadium. 'Besides, those two should be on their way. It won't be long now until we can move to the next phase of the plan, and not only take the relic from Kazanari Tsubasa, but possibly get back at her as well…'

In Stadium, Guest Suite

Miku looked over the now empty floor and seats of the stadium. Many of those in attendance had already left, but Miku and her friends were to be among the last to leave. Unfortunately, that meant having to watch one of her close friends be unable to do anything at all to stop things from occurring.

"Miku, we have to leave. If we stay here, it'll just make things worse for Tsubasa-san. And Chris-chan may be late, but no doubt she's coming too," Kuriyo said, a reassuring smile on her face in an attempt to counter out Miku's insecurity about the situation. This caused her to smile softly and nod in agreement before speaking.

"Yeah…you're right," the green-haired girl said, before taking one last look back at the situation. 'I'd feel a lot better if Hibiki were here though. Hibiki, is this really the world that you died to protect?'

In stadium, near Control Room

Ogawa Shinji had a mission to complete. Immediately after the Noise had appeared in stadium, Kazanari Genjurou had contacted him, requesting that he find some way to ensure that Tsubasa be able to transform without revealing her identity. Unfortunately, since the concert had been moved from its original venue to this stadium, it meant that the control room was taking a lot longer to get to. 'And yet again, Hibiki has been proven correct tonight. If this was at a standard venue, I'd be at the Control room already!' he thought, as he climbed another flight of stairs towards his destination.

"At least I'm almost there finally,"he said, a sign directing him towards the control room on the same level he was on. "The whole world is watching Tsubasa-san right now. If she transformed, her career as an idol would be ruined, and all her songs would serve meaning to is to fight. That's not her dream; I can't allow that to happen," he said as he rounded a corner. Just then, he saw a pair of girls disappear into a tunnel leading to the seats. "Hey, you two! Are you lost? Do you need help finding the exit?"

A blonde girl and a girl with two black twin tails looked in his direction, one chuckling nervously while the other looked almost bored. Before Ogawa could ask anything further, the blonde, wearing a black and green sweater, spoke up.

"Ah…uh…well…you see, she says that she really needs to use the bathroom, and we kinda had trouble finding one. What a problem, huh? Hahaha…" she laughed nervously, trying to avoid trouble. The girl with twin tails just kept staring at Ogawa, almost trying to peer into his soul.

"Well, if you need directions, I can tell you that there's one just a bit further down the hall to your left," Ogawa said, as the blonde chuckled nervously.

"No, no, it's fine, she'll just take care of it right here…" she said, a panicked look on her face.

"Okay...all right, if you say so. Just be careful and stay out of trouble, okay," Ogawa asked before heading off back down the hallway towards the control room. 'Almost there now…'

The blonde proceeded to sigh in relief, before turning to her partner.

"Shirabe, we barely managed to get out of that one, and your staring didn't help. At least we got rid of him, I guess," she said, letting out a breath she hadn't known she'd taken in.

"Kirika, I wouldn't even think about going in a place like this," the girl with twin tails, now known as Shirabe, said with a straight face, causing Kirika to sigh. "Still, thanks for everything you do for me, Kiri-chan." And with that, the two girls sprinted off the opposite way from where they last saw Ogawa headed.

In Stadium, On Stage

If one word could be used to describe Kazanari Tsubasa as she stood opposite Maria, tense would probably be it. She came into the night fully expecting to do nothing more than put on a concert to help heal those affected by the noise around the world. Instead, she got something completely different: the Spotlight in a high-drama hostage situation, with herself being the only hostage left.

'Well, myself and every country across the planet,' she thought, the glare etched on her face aimed at the pink-haired singer.

"I'm jealous of you, you know that? At least you have a place that you can call home, unlike me. The audience is gone now, so there will be no innocent victims. No excuses left, Kazanari-san. If you keep insisting that you won't fight…I wonder, will you do so if it means protecting yourself?" Maria asked, flipping her mic around so that the bottom end faced Tsubasa like the tip of a sword. "Or is that necklace of yours all that you care about?"

Tsubasa narrowed her eyes, before standing guard. 'Damnit…what do I do…' she thought, quickly bringing her microphone from its reverse-grip into a standard sword grip. Fortunately for her, she had done so; Maria gave her no more time to think, springing at her full-force and leading with an overhead slash. Tsubasa blocked quickly, stepping backwards to evade a series of follow-up stabs.

'Fast…' the Blue-haired heroine thought, parrying strike after strike, before Maria did something completely unexpected, spinning around as her black mantle spun like a saw blade. The blue-haired teen's eyes widened as she brought up her microphone to try to parry the cape, only for it to be sawed right through. 'How did that do that…?' The sword-wielder quickly bent backwards, allowing the cape to spin over her before back hand-springing away from danger as Maria's cape withdrew back to her.

"Damnit…This isn't the time to be playing around, Tsubasa," she whispered as she threw away her now useless microphone and took a self-defense stance. 'Can I really do it? Can I defeat her like this? I can't just stand here and let her pummel me…'

Maria wasn't about to let up, however, closing in fast once again swinging her microphone like a blade and causing Tsubasa to dodge repeatedly before she swung her left arm overhead detaching her black sleeve as a distraction. 'If I can just get off camera…' the bluenette thought, sprinting towards the entrance into the backstage part of the theater.

"Like I'll let you get away!" Maria cried, throwing her microphone like one would a spear. It was aimed too low however; Tsubasa was able to see the golden instrument coming out of the corner of her eye before hurdling over it as it passed beneath her harmlessly. Unfortunately, Tsubasa's luck started to run out, as her right shoe's heel snapped after landing on it, causing her to lose balance.

'Shit…' Tsubasa thought, eyes widening in horror as she could feel Maria catch up to her.

"And where do you think YOU'RE going," Maria asked the horrified Japanese idol, before spinning into a spin kick that caught Tsubasa right in the stomach, sending her flying into the air over where the audience had once occupied. Maria noticed the Noise starting to surround where it looked like Tsubasa would land, eyes widening in horror at what could happen next. "Don't you dare!" she called out, expecting the Noise to listen as others around the world and outside the stadium looked on in horror. It seemed that the top singer in Japan's fate was sealed.

"I guess I have no choice then, do I? This is my farewell to the life of a diva, to being anything but a sword. I wonder if Hibiki would approve of my decision," Tsubasa whispered, everything around her seemingly moving in slow motion as she closed her eyes, making a final decision as she began to fall towards seeming death. With that, Tsubasa's eyes snapped open as she made her declaration. "There's no going back now. I have no regrets. Now; listen to the song of a true protector! Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron…"

With those words, a blue sphere erupted to surround the bluenette, the light mesmerizing all watching across the world…that is, until their camera feeds cut off completely as news crews scrambled to try to get something back going. Back at the stadium and in the control booth, Ogawa Shinji gave a sad smile, his head hanging low.

"I was just a bit too late. I'm sorry, Tsubasa…I couldn't quite get there in time," he said, before punching a nearby desk in frustration. "If I would have listened, I could have kept your secret safe," he said, as he looked out the window as the blue sphere faded away, revealing the Symphogear-clad Tsubasa to the night.

Outside the Stadium

Miku and her friends shared a sad smile at the sight of Tsubasa beginning her transformation. While they were happy that she would be able to keep herself safe from the Noise within the stadium, it came at a price. And it was one that Miku honestly didn't know that Tsubasa would be willing to pay.

"Tsubasa-san...to be forced to throw away your songs that inspired so many people," Miku said softly, her friends looking up to her as she spoke. "It had to have been so hard for her…ever since Hibiki died, she's been trying so hard to be an inspiration to everyone…and now, she probably won't be able to do so anymore," she said, her eyes hidden from view by her bangs. "Please, Tsubasa-san…please, come back safely so that your songs can continue to inspire us all!"

In Stadium

Transformation complete, Tsubasa summoned forth her armed gear before landing in a crowd of Noise. 'These ones first, then I'll make my way to face her directly...' she thought, before running through the crowd, slicing Noise apart left and right. Arms, legs bodies of Noise all fell to the sacred sword and its wielder, who proceeded to leap into the air, blade changing shape as she rose into the cool air.

"AZURE FLASH!" Tsubasa cried, swinging her sword downwards in an arc and releasing a brilliant blue wave of energy on the gathered noise below. A brilliant explosion ensued, shaking the stadium and nearby area as numerous Noise were consumed by the wave and turned to ash. In the wake of the blast, she landed, before darting towards another group of Noise nearby, weaving from left to right to dodge the shooting Noise as they tried to stop her. After slicing through a few more noise, she began her next move as she sprung into a handstand, a pair of blades unfolding from her boots as she began to spin.

"All of you can taste my blade! REVERSE RASETSU!" The blue-haired idol cried as she spun like a top, slicing up tens more noise. Her victims falling to ash at her feet literally, Tsubasa returned to her feet before looking around the area, quickly spotting another group of Noise.

Maria, however, was nowhere near pleased at this.

"The broadcast's been cut off? Damnit," she spoke, disbelief entering her voice as she looked at the number of screens displaying nothing. Before she knew it though, another explosion ensued, more of the abominations being destroyed as her now-former hostage leapt onto the stage, landing in a crouch. "Kazanari Tsubasa…damn you!"

"Here I come," Tsubasa said, raising her sword and darting forwards, before unleashing a dance of slashes Maria's way. Left, right, up, down high, low they came, Maria dancing to dodge the strikes with her cape pulled tightly to her before leaping into the air and sending the mantle down at Tsubasa in a pointed strike, causing her eyes to widen.

"No time to dodge," she said, raising her holy blade and deflecting the cape, being forced back across the stage before her eyes widened in surprise. "No…her Gungnir is real?!"

"So you finally noticed, huh? Yes, this is MY Gungnir. MY invincible spear that can pierce through anyone and anything, including you!" the rosette called out before leaping forwards and swinging her cape vertically at Tsubasa, causing the bluenette to guard against her movement. Then Maria turned her cape into a seeming tornado surrounding her, raining blows upon Tsubasa's guard and knocking her further back.

"Your power doesn't mean that I'll just give up," the blue-haired warrior said, before causing a pair of swords to pop from her waist armor and into her hands. "I won't lose to you! Don't you EVER look down on me!" she cried out, combining the blades into a double-bladed staff and spinning it rapidly as it ignited in flames, before racing towards Maria and slashing across her armor. "Fuu Rin Ka Zan Shining Moon! I'll see you in hell!"

Maria winced, the impact having launched her backwards as the swordstress pursued her. However, she wouldn't get very far as a rain of fuchsia-colored discs approached from behind Tsubasa, causing her to turn her still flaming twin bladed staff and use it as a shield to defend against the barrage.

"Type Alpha 100 Samsara!" Shirabe called, as she proceeded to launch even more discs at Tsubasa, pushing her wards as Maria raced to the side of the stage that the twin-tailed girl had leapt to from above. 'Damn, where did she come from?' Tsubasa thought, continuing to deflect disc after disc, before another voice entered the equation, leaping up from behind Shirabe, a scythe held high in the air as it expanded into a trio of blades.

"You're done…KILL JULIET!" Kirika screamed, blades racing forth in a pinching movement towards Tsubasa and hitting her, one on each side, to send her skidding to the opposite edge of the stage from Maria as the blonde-haired girl landed next to the caped Symphogear-wielder, Shirabe joining her mere seconds later. "That was close, ne Maria? Good thing Shirabe and I were here," The green scythe user spoke, a bit of arrogance in her voice.

"Damn…Three Symphogear users…still, nothing I can't handle…" Tsubasa said, climbing to her feet and staring the trio down. Just as she was about to make a move to split the trio apart, another figure stepped out onto the stage from backstage in front of Tsubasa, causing her, along with the trio she was facing to stop.

Hood up covering her head and mask hiding her face from view, Hibiki turned her head towards Maria, Shirabe, and Kirika. The air seemed to crackle with anticipation as she considered her words, before she finally settled on what she needed to say.

"I cannot…no, I WILL NOT allow you to continue to do this. I won't allow you to hurt Tsubasa-san anymore," the now-redhead spoke, her voice carrying throughout the empty stadium. "This game of yours ends here, Maria." The sense of finality in her voice threw Tsubasa for a loop, but the tone of voice sounded strangely familiar to her.

"Sora? What are you doing here? Why didn't you leave when everyone else left?" Tsubasa said, as the hoodie-clad girl sighed and shook her head. Her next words were ones that would shock everyone left in the stadium, as well as those at the 2nd division who were watching on their cameras, to the core.

"I'm sorry, Tsubasa-san. I couldn't protect your songs. I couldn't protect you from having your secret revealed to the public. But it's fine now. It's all fine."

Tsubasa's eyes widened at a phrase used by a voice that she hadn't heard in two years. 'No…is it possible…' Shaking her head to clear her mind of the thought, she proceeded to speak.

"Sora, it's still too dangerous here. Maria, let her-" the blue haired sword wielder started, before a hoodie-clad arm rose up in a universally-known stop signal, her other hand rising towards her face.

"I guess there's no other choice now, is there? Tsubasa-san, I'm sorry for not saying anything sooner," Hibiki said, her voice returning to her normal tone for the first time in what felt like forever, causing Tsubasa to develop a sudden lump in her throat. "Sora isn't my name at all…but, you would know that, right, Tsubasa-san?"

"I can't hide anymore. There's no going back now, so I might as well go full throttle," the girl said, as she brought her hands to her hood, before pulling it back off of her head, revealing her scarlet red hair, kept in a ponytail. One hand then proceeded to her mask, removing it from her face and tossing it to the side. "I swore that day that I would protect everyone, including you, Tsubasa-san," Tachibana Hibiki spoke, her eyes a gleaming orange as she smiled. "I'm sorry I took so long to come back."

Tsubasa's swords clattered to the ground in shock, her eyes clearly not wanting what she was seeing to be a dream. "Hibiki…it's about time. Welcome home," the older girl said, a smile coming to her face from the sheer emotion she felt at her teammate, her partner, finally appearing in front of her after two long years.

"I'm glad to be home, Tsubasa-san. But, now it's my turn to protect you like you did me," Hibiki said, before reaching up to her neck and pulling out a pendant from under her hoodie. At this, Tsubasa's eyes widened in shock. 'Wait, I thought she only had fragments inside of her body…where and when did she get the completed relic?!' And then, Hibiki began to sing.

"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron..."

An orange sphere of light erupted from Hibiki's now revealed completed Gungnir, surrounding her in its energy, bright as the sun itself. Mere seconds later, Hibiki reappeared from within the sphere, fully garbed in her Gungnir armor (A/N: If you need a description of what this looks like, see chapter 2 for a description). And as she opened her eyes, an aura of power seemed to exude from within.

"Now...Maria, let's see how you do against me!"

End Chapter 3

Author's Postscript: At last we have it. Hibiki has finally revealed herself to Tsubasa. Next time, the final part of the concert. We also get to see the consequences of Tsubasa's actions. And also perhaps some more background. Lighter times in this story are coming soon, but we've gotta get through all this stuff first. See you next time.-ZBD15