Song of the Heart Redux (G Arc)

by zeroblackdragon15

(Story adopted from Ada1229) "Believe in the song of your heart." Finé's words on that day continue to drive Hibiki forwards. This is my view on how Symphogear G would have changed if Hibiki had been warned of the FIS' attack on the Queens of Music concert, as well as their plans for world domination. Pairings in Chapter 3; Interlude 2 uploaded 3/9/2018.

18. G Interlude 2: Bonds

Song of the Heart: Redux

Author's Notes: Welcome back to "Song of the Heart: Redux". Welcome to Interlude 2, everyone. This takes place six months after the end of Interlude 1's second part, and the wielders have had plenty of changes take place over that time. And this part represents a major step forwards for them in their lives as well-for this interlude covers Graduation from Lydian. That's right; moving forwards past this part, a number of the wielders will no longer be Lydian students. And of course, with Graduation comes an afterparty. So sit back, relax, and enjoy!

I'd like to once more thank the author of the original "Song of the Heart", Ada1229, for allowing me to adopt her story and idea and make it into my own from there. Also, I'd like to thank both solopy567 and StealthyTanub for being beta readers on this chapter, as well as being amazing with help sorting through ideas when needed. Let's go.

Disclaimer: I do not own Senki Zesshou Symphogear, Senki Zesshou Symphogear G, or Senki Zesshou Symphogear XD Unlimited. 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.

Please note; the record label used in this, Galactic Music Japan, is NOT a real music label as far as I know, but is a parody made solely for the purposes of this story. The same goes for JAM TV; as far as I know, it's not a real music channel on TV, again a parody made up for the purposes of this story.

Also, no music quoted within the story belongs to me. The rights to any and all pieces used belong to their artists and record labels. I did buy a copy of the single CDs that the songs are from though, so thank iTunes for most of that. In this chapter, "Gyakkou no Flugel" will make an appearance. Again, I do not own the rights to this song; it is the property of its original performers, songwriters, and music company. I just happen to have bought a copy of the single.

Acknowledgements: Once more, I would like to thank the author of the original "Song of the Heart", Ada1229, 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-

Interlude 2: Bonds

Tachibana Hibiki's Apartment, Shinjuku, Tokyo, Seven months after Frontier

"And that's the last of it," Hibiki said, standing up from the cardboard box. Turning to look at the room that she had been calling her bedroom for months, she let out a sigh before returning her focus to the box in front of her feet, the last of her clothes packed within. 'There have been a lot of memories here...most of them positive…' she thought, closing the box quickly. 'And hopefully there will be many more where I'm going…'

Standing up and taking a look around the room once more, she smiled softly before picking up the box at her feet and carrying it towards the door of the apartment. Placing it down next to the doorway alongside a group of similar boxes, she allowed herself to fall into thought, her mind drifting to what was to come.

'It's only been eight months, and we're already taking this step…' she thought, a smile coming onto her face at the thought. 'But I don't feel like we're rushing it. And from how Chris acts, I don't think she gets that feeling either.' Pulling out her phone from her pocket and taking note of the time, she smiled softly before speaking up, a happy smile coming across her face.

"I'm nervous though…" Hibiki whispered to herself, a nervous excitement popping up within herself at the thought of what was to come. "To move in with Chris at the place that Taichou passed down to her for her birthday last year is a big step, but it's one that I'm looking forward to." More than a couple times things had felt cramped around the apartment, the young couple wanting alone time but unable to obtain the same. 'I'm glad that Tsubasa's been so understanding…' the redhead thought, her mind reflecting back on the last time the young couple had went out on a date together. 'But at the same time, it'll be nice to be able to have date night without another person being there later on…'

"I wouldn't doubt it," a slightly more mature voice spoke up from behind her as her roommate walked through the door. Shooting her protege a small smile, she continued, the skirt of her school uniform sticking out from beneath her sky-blue blouse. "I'd be more surprised if you weren't nervous at all. But with how close the two of you are and how much you two love each other, I'm sure you'll be fine."

"Thanks, Tsubasa," the redhead replied, a small smile on her face as she spoke. "I'm gonna miss this place." Beside her, the bluenette smiled softly before placing a reassuring hand on her protege's shoulder, the master key to the apartment held in her hand.

"Don't worry about that. You have something really special ahead of you to look forward to." Taking a look back outside of the door, she continued, a teasing tone entering her voice. "Besides, I know that you two have been wanting some alone time lately. This way, you should be able to get that." Taking a look at where Hibiki stood, she continued, a quiet calm entering her voice. "It has been busy for you lately, hasn't it? You did just get back from tour yesterday."

"Yeah," Hibiki responded, a small sigh coming from her in response. "You should know; you were there for the first week of the tour." A knowing nod being her response, Hibiki continued, a small smile coming from her in response. "I was glad that Chris got to come see the last weekend of it. And the venues and crowds in Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Nagasaki, and Sapporo were amazing. I'm glad to be home though."

"I'm sure you are. I know that after I finished a tour, I always wanted to come back home and relax," Tsubasa replied, a teasing smile on her face. "But yet instead of relaxing, you get to pack your stuff and move in with your girlfriend. I'm sure that she'll be more than happy to help you relax when you get there."

"T-Tsubasa!" Hibiki responded, her face turning red as her hair at her roommate's words and causing the older girl to laugh. "We haven't gone anywhere near that far…" she trailed off, her mind reflecting on the time that she had spent with her girlfriend, happiness rising up within her as a content smile appeared on her face.

"I know, Hibiki. I was just teasing," the older girl replied, before making her way back over to where the redhead stood. "I'm going to miss having you around though. I owe you for everything you've done to help me after what the clan did. And...these last six months have been really fun."

"Tsubasa, it's fine. I told you the day I got out of the hospital that you could stay as long as you wanted, and I meant it," Hibiki replied, a warm smile across her face. "Besides, it's been fun to have a roommate."

"Hibiki…thanks." Wrapping the younger girl in a brief hug, she spoke up, pointing at the boxes near the door. "Ready to go? I'll be happy to help if you need it."

Silence, the redhead taking one last look around the room before she replied, pulling away from her roommate's hug.

"Yeah...I think I am."

At that, both roommates grabbed a box each before leaving out the door, Hibiki taking one last longing look towards the apartment she had called home for the previous months before turning away, eyes locked towards the future lying in front of her.

-SotHR-

Her future looked bleak.

"Hibiki, I love you," Chris began as she leaned against the doorway, taking a brief look at the small amount of training clothes her girlfriend had brought over from her old apartment. "You know that. But if the house smells like sweat all day because of you, you sleep on the couch. Understand?"

"...Yes ma'am." Hibiki acknowledged nervously before she stopped unpacking said training clothes. Making her way around the boxes to where her girlfriend stood, the redhead smiled softly before wrapping her girlfriend into a hug. "Well...to the next step," she trailed off, before leaning in closer, Chris wrapping her arms around her shoulders and leaning upwards, stopping just inches apart.

"To the next step," the snow-haired girl whispered in agreement, before closing the last bit of distance and capturing Hibiki's lips with her own, the duo engaging in a brief kiss that felt like minutes. Separating, the couple hovered inches apart before diving back in for another kiss, Chris' lips pressing against her girlfriend's own for another few seconds before pulling away, the shorter girl resting her head on her girlfriend's chest just below the shoulder as the young couple just enjoyed being in each other's company.

"Mmm...Hibiki?" Chris said, her face buried gently in her girlfriend's shoulder. "Welcome home."

"Glad to be home. And I'm especially glad to be here with you." Smiling softly as she turned to look at the bedroom she would be sharing with the shorter girl, she continued, her eyes going slightly distant as she took note of the boxes she had brought from her previous apartment. "I still can't believe this is happening though."

"Like how you couldn't believe it when I asked you if you wanted to come live with me before you left for your tour?" Chris replied, a content smile on her face as Hibiki nodded slowly, the memory of their dinner date a couple nights prior to the start of her tour coming to the front of her mind. "Hibiki...baka, I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want us to live together, you know that." Leaning up and briefly kissing the taller girl once again, she continued, a joyful happiness in her eyes as she pulled away. "I love you, Hibiki. Let's get the rest of this unpacked, then we can get dinner."

"I love you too, Chris. Let's get to it...and make this place ours." Releasing the shorter girl from the hug, she moved towards the nearest box. Opening it and taking a look at where Chris was unpacking another box, Hibiki couldn't help but smile, the thought of her life with her girlfriend moving forwards causing her heart rate to increase and a blush to appear on her face.

Maybe the future would be brighter than either of them expected.

Lydian Music Academy, East Classroom Building, Tokyo

"What's taking Kirika so long?" Shirabe asked quietly as she stood outside the door to the room the Photography club was meeting in. "She said she'd be ready by now." Taking a quick look at her watch, the twin-tailed girl let out a short sigh before the door beside her opened, most of the members of the club filing out before the dark-haired girl looked inside the room, where a pair of students remained.

"Kirika-san, don't worry about how the others are doing with their pictures," the brunette next to her said, an encouraging smile on her face as she spoke to the blonde. "Your photos are pretty good for someone who really just started." Besides her the blonde nodded, a slightly downcast look on her face even as Shirabe made her way over to join the duo, something that didn't go unnoticed by the older brunette. "Ah...Shirabe-chan!" she said as the shorter girl walked over, a confused look on her face.

"Hikari-san, what are you talking about?" the Shul Shagana wielder asked, a slightly confused look on her face as she stood next to her friend. Besides her, Kirika looked downcast, her eyes staring down at a small number of photos.

"Shirabe, do these pictures look any good to you?" Kirika asked, her voice quiet as she turned towards her friend, a questioning look in her eyes. "I just don't feel like I'm making all that much progress, but Hikari-san says they're good." Quickly looking through the pictures that the blonde had taken, Shirabe responded, a small smile on her face.

"Kirika, you're doing better," she said, her words causing the taller blonde to smile softly. "I know you haven't been at this for too long, but these look like you're doing better already."

"Shirabe, you always know what to say," the blonde said, hugging her friend briefly before letting go, the embarrassed blush on both girls' faces. "You really think that I'm getting better?"

An annoyed glare.

"I know...you wouldn't say that if you didn't mean it."

Besides them Hikari laughed softly, an amused look coming onto her face at the duo's antics. "The two of you act like you're married. It's kinda cute." Reaching down and picking up her pink backpack from where it rested next to the desk, she continued, her voice cheerful. "Kirika-san, don't worry. I know it doesn't look like it to you, but you're getting better. Hell, I wasn't any better than you are now when I'd been taking pictures for as long as you have."

"Yeah, but it doesn't look like it now, Hikari-san," Kirika replied, reaching down and grabbing her green messenger bag from where it leaned against the desk before slinging it over her shoulder.

"Hikari-san just has more experience, Kirika," Shirabe said, her voice level with her friend as the three students made their way towards the exit of the classroom, Kirika hanging a forest-green colored camera case around her neck as they walked. "Remember, you've only been doing this for a couple of months. You'll get there. You just have to be patient."

"Easier said than done. Some of the other people in the club are just so good at this, it makes me wonder if I'll ever be that good," Kirika replied, her words causing a knowing smile from her shorter friend as the trio made their way towards the door leading outside the building.

"Well, give it time, Kirika-san," Hikari said, her pink camera case hanging from her neck as she absentmindedly bit her lip silently. Opening the door, the three girls stepped out into the late afternoon daylight before stopping and looking over towards the nearby track. "Anyways, I'll see the two of you later. I promised Ayaka that I'd help her with the costume she was working on. Ja ne!" At that, the brunette walked off, leaving Shirabe and Kirika to themselves as they looked over the track, the stage for the academy's graduation ceremony coming into shape under the late afternoon air.

"It's been an amazing four months since we started here, hasn't it?" Kirika said, her words drawing the shorter girl's attention to her. Smiling softly as she took in the sight of the mostly-completed stage sitting in the middle of the track, she continued, sadness entering her smile. "And now Chris-san, Miku-san, and Tsubasa-san are all graduating already."

"Kirika, you make it sound like we don't have any other friends here," Shirabe replied, her eyes narrowing slightly before she smiled. "You're right though. The three of them really helped us fit in here quickly. And so did Miku-san's other friends." Thinking back to their first day at the school, the twin tailed girl smiled softly. "But we've also made other friends, I think. You and Hikari-san seem to get along well, and I've seen you talking with some of our other classmates too."

"That's true," Kirika replied, a quiet laugh coming from her as the duo started their walk down towards the gate, blending in quietly with the crowd. "I know you've been making friends in the cultural club, haven't you?" Besides her, Shirabe fell quiet, even as she stared straight ahead silently. "Shirabe?"

"I've...made some friends there," the shorter girl responded finally, her voice quiet as she spoke. "Kei-san's been really gracious with helping me meet the other club members, but...sometimes I feel like I don't fit in. Everyone else in the club is so chatty all the time."

"Shirabe, didn't you say you joined that club because of how it helped with the cooking for school functions?" Kirika asked, a warm smile on her face that caused the shorter girl to blush lightly. "I'm sure that once you do that and they see what you can do, they'll open up to you."

A silent stare, before a small smile appeared.

"I hope so, Kirika. I really hope so."

Following the crowd out of the school's front gate, the duo headed toward the nearby train station, a silence falling over them as they made their way with the crowd towards their destination. Splitting off from the crowd halfway to the train station and entering the apartment building that was their destination, the duo made their way back to their apartment before either of them spoke up.

"Hey, Shirabe?"

"Yes, Kirika?"

"Do you think...that we can go visit Mom sometime soon?"

Silence.

"I'm...sure that Kazanari-taichou wouldn't mind us doing so. But with how she's still in treatment, I don't think they'd want us to visit for too long."

"I hope she gets better soon…"

Silence once again.

"So do I, Kirika. So do I."

-SotHR-

"You're an anime protagonist, Miku." Yumi said completely out of nowhere.

The fork the dark-haired girl had raised to her mouth in order to take a bite of her admittedly late lunch stopped just before she could do so as her eyes widened, shocked at her friend's nonsensical declaration.

The fork lowered.

"I'm a what?"

"An anime protagonist, and a pretty popular one at that," The twin-tailed girl continued, smiling all the while. She couldn't help but notice that the last six months had been good to Miku, in more ways than one. "Seriously, I don't think you even understand how popular you are."

Shaking off the shock, Miku proceeded to take her much coveted bite, refusing to acknowledge Yumi's ridiculous words.

"I have no idea what you're talking about." She said after chewing, her eyes narrowing as she noticed that the smile on Yumi's face did not vanish, and in fact was growing that much larger.

"Oh come on, we're graduating in two days and you still haven't noticed? Did the mountain of letters in your mailbox mean absolutely nothing?" Yumi said, the grin not leaving her face for even a second. Miku simply stared at her in between bites, not answering back. "I mean, ever since you grew your hair out, people have been starting to gossip. You're turning heads, Miku."

"You're exaggerating." Miku replied. Since that day six months ago that she resolved to move on, she had decided on a whim to start growing her hair out despite her earlier aversion to doing so. If before it barely passed her ears, it now fell just a bit below her shoulders, and the big white ribbon she used to tie it with every morning was now missing, letting her now fairly long black hair flow freely.

"I'm not, believe me," Yumi said, leaning a bit closer to her friend over the table. "I'm the gossip queen after all. I hear all the talk that's been going around, and there's all these rumors that you're 'back on the market.'"

"I'm not a commodity," Miku said, frowning. "I've just been spending more time studying, that's all. I wasn't really thinking about anything else really. I want to apply to med school after all, and to do that I need to study hard every day you know. I don't know how people reached that conclusion." She said, taking another bite of her food. At her answer, Yumi leaned back in her seat, staring towards the ceiling.

"Med school huh? I'm shocked, Miku. I thought you were definitely going to keep on playing piano or something. You were really good at that." At this, Miku was the one who smiled, recalling her tumultuous experiences with the recently re-named S.O.N.G.

"I guess I had a flash of inspiration." She responded simply. She had been eternally grateful to the doctors and nurses at the hospital that took care of her after her whole incident way back then, and after that she resolved to help others just like they'd helped her. And if she could, she'd be glad to assist in S.O.N.G.'s operations one day, and provide support to Hibiki, Chris, and the others.

"Really? Man, I wish I had one like you did." Yumi said with a tinge of jealousy. Miku giggled and stabbed her fork into a cherry tomato.

"Believe me, you don't." She replied. Ever since the Ryoko she met in the parallel world had told her the name of the relic that she had found traces of in her body, Miku had been having what felt like flashbacks. Strange flashes of memory that she could not explain sometimes appeared in her mind, and she could never put her finger on what they meant. It was why she was sure Yumi wouldn't want something like that to serve as inspiration. It took missing memories and a heart wrenching trip to an alternate world for Miku to get to where she was now. And she wouldn't wish it upon anyone else.

It was then that Yumi lowered her eyes, catching sight of something behind Miku. All of a sudden her grin returned, and she placed her arm on the table, putting her face in her palm as she looked on.

"Speaking of inspiration," She began to say, and Miku looked at her in confusion. "Maybe this one will open your eyes."

Miku put down her fork, and suddenly noticed that someone was standing next to her. She looked up to see a brunette that she did not recognize staring at her, her face flushed and her hands behind her back. She seemed to be uncomfortable, and what seemed to be her friends stood a small distance behind her, smiling all the while. After gathering her courage for a moment, the nameless brunette spoke.

"Umm...umm," She murmured in embarrassment. "Kohinata-senpai, m-my name is Sosogu Yuri. I-I'm a sophomore in the light music club." She said nervously, glancing back to her friends who gave her the thumbs up. Miku looked at her strangely for a moment, and then smiled.

"Nice to meet you, Sosogu-san. How can I help you?" Miku replied kindly, causing the brunette's face to turn a deeper red. On the other side of the table, Yumi held her free hand over her mouth, holding back her laughter.

The blushing girl's face scrunched up more in embarrassment, and Miku could see how tense the younger girl was as she struggled with her nerves. Gathering the last bits of her courage, Yuri brought her hands forth, presenting a letter to the dark-haired girl.

"P-Please, accept this!" She let out in a squeaky voice, bowing to her senior. Miku's eyes widened, staring at the letter with a stupefied expression. She briefly glanced over to Yumi, who was now holding both hands over her mouth, desperate to keep her amusement in. She then looked back to the bowing girl, who suddenly spoke up again. "Y-You don't need to give an answer right now, just please accept it!"

Finding herself in unknown waters, Miku was unsure how to respond to the girl. However, she couldn't just push her away, not when she came all the way to meet her. The girl's two friends looked on with excitement, wondering what was going to happen.

Miku smiled, and with a delicate touch took the letter from the girl's extended hands. Feeling the weight removed from her hands, Yuri straightened her back and looked at Miku, a scarlet blush all over her face.

"T-Then, please e-excuse me!" She said hurriedly before bowing once more. She then scurried over to her friends, each one taking one of her hands and jumping excitedly. Miku watched them with a smile, and quickly the three girls disappeared, leaving the cafeteria in a hurry.

Once they vanished from her vision, Miku stared at the letter in her hand curiously. She turned it over several times, noticing the cute pink heart sticker that sealed it shut, as well as what seemed to be her own name written in a cursive, elegant font on the back.

There was only one thing Miku could say in response.

"People actually still do this?"

And then Yumi burst out laughing, causing several heads to turn in her direction in surprise. She did not let it bother her, slamming her hand against the table in her mirth. Miku narrowed her eyes and frowned.

"Oh man, the look on your face!" Yumi said loudly, trying to calm down. "What did I tell you? An anime protagonist!"

"It's not funny," Miku replied, looking at the letter once more. "I never put myself on display. It wasn't my intention to."

"Oh, I know, but it's still funny. Oh man, I'm gonna miss school so much, if not just for these kind of moments," She said. Suddenly, the volume of her voice dropped, becoming far gentler. "I guess that letting go of Bikki...did you a lot of good."

Miku's face fell at the thought. Six months had passed, and she could definitely say to herself that she had moved on. So much in fact, that when Hibiki came to her asking for advice after Chris asked her to move in with her, the dark-haired girl managed to keep her calm and told her that she should go ahead and do it. Of course, that was why Chris wasn't at school right now: she had just finished packing her things and moving them all to the new apartment, leaving Miku alone in the oversized room for the next few days.

"I'm serious, Miku," Yumi continued, causing Miku to look back to her. "You're sparkling now, as if all of your worries just seemed to vanish. You've been looking much better every day, and I'm not just talking about your appearance."

'Of course the anime nut would say that.' Miku thought to herself. But she wasn't wrong, she realized. She did indeed feel better, as if her heart was much lighter than before. She felt as though she could finally see the world, and notice things she never bothered to pay attention to. It was a new feeling to have, one she did not expect. She'd only ever loved Hibiki, and that love was a constant thing, something that had defined her completely for years. She still loved her, but the raging fire was now simply a small, tiny flame that she knew would eventually be snuffed out. It scared her initially, but now...she felt as though she was opening herself up to new possibilities. And if someone like Yumi could notice that fact...then maybe it wasn't all that bad.

Quickly changing the subject, Yumi leaned forward over the table.

"Well, what does it say?!" She asked excitedly. "Are you gonna accept?!"

"I didn't even open it yet, Yumi," Miku replied, trying to settle down her friend. "And I don't know...I need to think on it for a bit."

"Hehe, told you. You're more popular than you think. And I have to give the girl some credit, she came to you personally with it rather than just put it in your mailbox. That's gotta count for something, right?" Yumi said, and Miku found herself nodding.

"Yeah...I guess it does…"

Now that she thought about it...maybe giving it a try wouldn't be so bad. Just to see...just to figure out if the feelings she had towards Hibiki...could ever be given to someone else.

"Sosogu Yuri, huh?" Yumi murmured. "Can't say I know her, but she's cute. Sophomore light music club? I'm gonna have to do some digging. I'll give you all the juicy details so you can make the best decision you can."

Miku narrowed her eyes at her.

"Please don't."

"If you say so," Yumi said offhandedly. "By the way, Miku, are you gonna come to the party we're having after graduation?"

"I don't know," Miku replied, her expression evening. "It doesn't sound like my type of thing."

"Miku, we're graduating in two days. I know you're getting ready for med school, but you can live it up for one night, can't you? We already rented the place for the night, too."

A pause, the dark-haired girl mulling the idea in her mind before responding.

"...Fine, I'll go, but only if everyone else is going."

A cheer rang out from the brunette in front of her, causing Miku to smile shakily. As the twin tailed girl began speaking excitedly, she shook her head slowly before covering her face with her hand. She was beginning to have a weird feeling about what she had just said.

"Ooh, maybe you can invite Yuri as well!"

Miku groaned. Maybe next time, she'd have to make sure Yumi isn't around, just to make sure she doesn't get too excited.

'She really is an anime nut.'

S.O.N.G. Memorial Site, Choufu, Tokyo

"I'm sorry I haven't been here in a while," Tsubasa whispered as she kneeled in front of the memorial stone. Taking a moment to pour a small jar of water over the surface of the stone, she then placed a small brass vase in front of the stone before lighting a lone match. "It's just been hard to find a chance to stop by and visit lately." Lighting the small incense sticks inside of the brass container, she smiled softly as she fell silent for a moment, allowing herself to contemplate what she wanted to say.

"I'll be graduating from Lydian the day after tomorrow, and I'll be doing so along with some of the friends I've made. I'm...a bit nervous about it, but excited at the same time." A pause as she considered her words some more.

"I have really great memories of my time at Lydian, ones that I'll always hold really close to my heart of the friends I've made and the things that I've been a part of. And while you aren't here to see it, I know that you'd probably be happy for all of us. The graduating class president always gives a speech at graduation, which falls on me this year. Hopefully it goes well; I've been spending a decent amount of time at work and at home trying to get it right. Even when I was doing interviews, I wasn't the best at public speaking; you always said that 'this sword is too sharp a blade to talk'."

Taking a deep breath and remaining silent for a moment, she continued, the late afternoon winter air sending a small chill down her spine.

"I start university in a couple weeks, too," she said, smiling softly at the stone in front of her. "I don't know what I want to major in yet, but I'm thinking I might try for something business-related. In any case, it'll be a new experience, but one that I'm looking forward to. Maybe by doing this, I'll be able to figure out who I want to be in the future, not what the clan wanted me to be."

Taking a moment to pause, she fell silent, as if listening to a voice that only she could hear, the early summer evening air flowing around her gently.

"I might not be able to stop by again for a little while, so I'm sorry in advance," the bluenette whispered, her fingers reaching up and tracing the name etched into the stone lightly. "But I miss you, Kanade. I wish you were here to see me now. Please watch over me, both now and in the future."

Reaching over and grabbing the incense from where it rested in front of the stone, she blew it out, the thick scent of its smoke filling her nostrils gently as she turned to leave, the twilight sun reflecting off the marble stone where her former partner's name remained. Returning the rented incense vase and water jar to where they were stored, she walked to where her motorcycle waited, the vermillion sunset reflecting off of its white paint job before departing, the gravesite fading away slowly into her rearview mirror.

-SotHR-

Tsubasa let out a sigh as she walked through the door of her apartment, now devoid of any of its previous owner's possessions. Placing her motorcycle's keys on the small shelf next to the door and removing her shoes, she made her way into the partially empty room. 'It feels less lively here now…' she thought as she placed the takeout sushi she had obtained on the table. After Chris had asked Hibiki to move in with her and the redhead had accepted, Tsubasa and Hibiki had started the process of transferring ownership of the apartment to Tsubasa alone, the process wrapping up just days earlier. And while Tsubasa was happy for her former roommate, there was still a sense of something missing.

Shaking her head slightly, the bluenette sat down at the table, her mind focusing on what she knew was to come the day after tomorrow as she took a bite of the first piece of sushi she had bought. Looking over to her phone briefly as she prepared to take another bite of the California Roll she had purchased, a specific piece of news on screen caught her attention. 'Hmm? What's this?' she thought, biting into her sushi and chewing on it slowly. On her phone's screen, the image of a motorcycle race appeared. 'That's right...qualifying for the annual Memorial Grand Prix is coming up…'

As she read through the article, Tsubasa couldn't help but find herself intrigued. 'I've wanted to try to race in one of these…I just never had the time...' she thought, taking a smaller bite of her sushi. Held once per year, the Noise Victim Memorial Grand Prix, or NVMGP, was held as a charity event to raise funds for the families of those affected by the Noise. Last year, she had performed the national anthem before the event, a rousing success which only helped fuel her comeback after her year away. Finishing her piece of sushi as she read through the rest of the article, she smiled softly before pulling up the event's website.

"Maybe this year I can do more than just perform…" she whispered, the images of a dream she had experienced previously returning to the front of her head and causing any anxiety she may have felt to fade. Allowing her smile to widen into a small smirk, a single thought came to her mind before she pressed the submit button on her application for admittance into the event.

'Kanade used to laugh at me whenever I told her about how I wanted to try to race someday…' she thought, a saddened frown coming onto her face at the thought, even as she placed her phone back down onto the table in front of her. Leaning back in her chair and staring at the ceiling, the former idol fell into thought as she sat in the silence.

'I've grown up so much these past four years and have met so many people that have allowed me to do so...' she thought, the images of the memories she had and the friends she had made coming to the front of her mind. 'I wonder...if Kanade saw me now, would she be proud of who I've become?' Lingering on the question for a moment as she closed her eyes, one more thought popped into mind, bringing a small blush onto her face.

'If she saw me now...would she feel the same about me...as I felt about her while she was alive?'

Lydian Music Academy, Student Center, Tokyo, Graduation Day

A nervous energy filled the air as Lydian Academy's next graduation class waited in the student center. Amongst the chattering students, many of which were discussing topics like guys, girls, and even summer plans, Tsubasa sat in a booth in the back corner, a small black folder sitting on the table next to her. 'Where are they?' she thought, her sapphire eyes searching through the crowd for her friends before she noticed a small commotion on the right side of the room, a flash of light lavender making its way through the crowd.

'I guess that answers my question…' she thought, an amused smile on her face as Chris finally made her way through the small crowd of students, emerging from the crowd with a nervous grin on her face before meeting the bluenette and giving her a loose hug.

"Ready to go?" the snow-haired girl asked, her words drawing a slow nod from the older girl, Tsubasa's eyes still searching the crowd. "Looking for someone?"

"Was trying to see if your roommate has gotten here yet. But I'm about as ready as I'm going to be," Tsubasa replied, her voice barely audible above the din of the other soon-to-be graduates. "You two roomed together for almost two years, Chris. It's a surprise that she isn't with you right now."

"Miku's meeting up with her guests first," The Ichaival wielder said, tugging at the hem of her skirt as she spoke. "She said she'd meet up with us when she got through meeting them, so I'm not too worried." Taking note of the shorter girl's nervous expression Tsubasa spoke up, a knowing smile on her face.

"Everything okay? You seem nervous about something."

A brief knowing glance.

"I'm just...a bit anxious. Hibiki left early this morning, saying that she had something to take care of before the ceremony. And then I see all the other girls in our class' parents here. It's just…"

"Uncomfortable?"

"Yeah, but there's something else too." Falling silent for a moment, the duo stood, taking in the sound of the nervous chatter of the girls around them before Chris spoke up again. "I mean…most of these girls know what they're gonna do next, whether it's Uni like you and Miku, or something else, like Kuriyo, Yumi, and Shiori."

"And you?"

"I...was thinking I'd work more full time for S.O.N.G.," the shorter girl replied, an embarrassed blush on her face. "I don't really know what else I'd want to do, so I figured it'd be a good place to start, and I could go from there." Falling silent once again, the duo looked back out into the crowd as excited whispers filled the room before a small hole in the crowd opened up. "Ah...Miku!"

Looking towards where she had heard Chris' voice coming from and spotting the duo, the dark-haired girl started making her way through the crowd, the group of girls seemingly getting out of her way as she made her way over to join the duo, Chris and Tsubasa wrapping her in loose hugs as she arrived.

"Sorry I'm late," Miku said, her words drawing an amused look from her friends as the trio took a seat in the booth nearby, Tsubasa's folder resting on the table. "My mom's train was on time, but then the crowds were brutal getting over here." Besides her, Chris smiled shakily, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by the other two girls.

"A-At least they made it in safely," she asked, her words, drawing a short nod from her now-former roommate before she continued. "And at least you have people who are coming to see you walk. That...has to count for something, right?"

"Chris…" Miku whispered, her eyes widening slightly as the meaning behind her friend's words returned to the front of her mind.

"No, Miku, It's fine. It's...just another day, right?"

"Still…" Miku trailed off, the memory of when Chris had told her about what had happened to her parents coming to her mind. "I shouldn't have brought that up. Sorry." Across the table, Tsubasa nodded, looking up briefly from her now-open folder at the younger girl.

"I'm sure that if they were still here, they'd be proud of you, Chris."

"I-I-I know," Chris replied, a small blush on her cheeks as she smiled. Taking a moment to stare out into the crowd of students, she continued, her voice barely audible above the excited hum of the room. "I just...you two are going to university after this, and Hibiki's one of the fastest rising stars in the country. I just wonder what's next for me, that's all. And as much as I bet that my parents would be proud of me for graduating despite everything that's happened over the years, I still can't help but feel as though they'd be disappointed in me for not having that figured out."

Nodding slightly in response to their friend's words, Miku and Tsubasa shot a mutual glance towards each other before the bluenette replied, a warm smile on her face.

"Chris, I would think that they'd want you to be happy," she began, closing her folder and shooting a supportive glance the snow-haired girl's way. "I know that you're having a tough time deciding on what you want to do in the future, and that's okay; not everyone has that figured out. I know that I don't, at least not completely." Pausing slightly to consider her next words, she continued, her speech causing Chris to look at her with surprise written on her face.

"But even still, you've found happiness, Chris. That's not a minor little thing, and is something you should hold on to, no matter what happens."

Another pause from the bluenette, the memories of her time with Kanade coming to the front of her mind.

"I guess what I'm trying to say is that even though you don't know what the future holds for you, you have found something just as important. You've found happiness, love, and most importantly, you've found people who care about you greatly. You'll figure out what you want to do in the future soon enough." Nodding at Tsubasa's statement, Miku spoke up, a small smile on her face as she reached out, giving the snow-haired girl's hand a supportive squeeze.

"Tsubasa-san's right, Chris. Happiness is something that you can't undervalue."

Before any of the three could say anything more, the Lydian Staff member in charge of the ceremony entered the room, their voice ringing out over the din of the anxious students.

"Everyone here? If so, let's get ready and get lined up to head out to the ceremony site!"

Taking one last look at each other, the trio stood from their booth before Tsubasa spoke up, a small smile on her face.

"We'll talk more after the ceremony. Good luck, you two."

"Same to you, miss class president."

At that they separated before heading to their places in line, their minds not focused solely on the future ahead or on the ceremony in front of them. Instead, they found themselves reflecting on the people they've met and those they held dearest to them. As a result, a single thought was shared between all three girls as they took their places in the graduation line.

'Even after our time here is over...we'll still be here for each other. No matter what happens.'

-SotHR-

"Well, I'm off," Kirika said, a nervous smile on her face as she spoke, the larger camera than she was used to held with care in both hands. Smiling back at her friend from where she stood, Shirabe replied, her eyes locking onto the blonde's own. "I really hope that the pictures turn out well this time."

"Kirika, I'm sure they'll be fine," the twin-tailed girl replied before wrapping her in a brief hug, her presence causing the blonde to blush gently. Stepping back and away from the hug, Shirabe continued, a warm smile on her face as she spoke. "Just remember what Hikari-san showed you about the flash levels."

"Shirabe, I'm sure Kirika can remember to do that on her own," Maria said, her words drawing the younger girls' attention to her as she looked around the school's campus. "From what you told me, it sounds like Kirika's been getting a lot of practice."

"Thanks, Maria-nee." Kirika said, a warm smile having emerged on her face at the older girl's comments. "I'll catch up with you two after the ceremony ends!" At that, the blonde ran off to her assigned position, the two former members of FIS standing and watching her leave with smiles on their faces.

"Shirabe, didn't you say that the ceremony starts soon?" Maria asked, her teal colored-t-shirt fluttering slightly in the early summer wind. The older girl had returned to town late the night before, and her presence at home had been a pleasant surprise for the younger girls. "We should probably find some seats, shouldn't we?"

"Yeah, although you sound awfully excited for this," the younger girl replied, her school uniform's white t-shirt helping her to stay cool in the relatively warm air. Shooting a questioning look towards the young woman she viewed as a sister, Shirabe continued, a curiosity held inside of her voice. "Maria, you never really said just why you wanted to come to this ceremony. Neither of us are graduating, so...why?"

"Ah…" Maria began, her face flushing as she tried to figure out an answer. She had been overseas for the previous several months, splitting her focus between her public job as a singer and her role for SONG as another part of the newly-reorganized division's intelligence group. "Well, I was due for a bit of a break from work, first off. But...I guess I wanted to try to spend time with the two of you."

A silent stare.

"Fine…" Maria replied, eventually giving into the shorter girl's disbelieving stare as she sighed, her eyes staring towards the stage that the students would be strolling across shortly. "I wanted to see what one of these was like. Serena and I were home schooled by mom and some of the other scientists at the facility, and I was curious about what this would be like."

"I'm sure that's the only reason…" Shirabe shot back, her eyes still narrowed in disbelief. While she knew that what Maria said was the truth, she also knew the older girl well enough to know that she had another, more personal, reason for wanting to attend. "You know, you could just ask Tsubasa-san out."

"Sh-Sh-Shirabe! What are you talking about?" Maria replied, her face turning positively red at her friend's response. Letting out a sigh at the younger girl's stone-cold stare, she replied, her eyes turning back towards the stage on which the bluenette would be walking fairly shortly. "...It's not what you think, Shirabe. Yes, I'm here at least partially because of how I want to see her walk across that stage. But everything else I said earlier still stands."

"I don't believe a word you just said, Maria-nee," Shirabe said, a small smirk making its way onto her features as she took note of the older girl's reaction. While she normally wouldn't be able to poke fun at the girl she viewed as her older sister, the subject of the former idol had become a source of great entertainment for her and Kirika at Maria's expense. Taking note of the time via the clock nearby, she continued, dropping the subject as she spoke. "But you're right about how we should go find our seats."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Maria smiled softly, her heart still racing from what Shirabe had just said. The rosette hadn't really had much of a chance to stay in contact with the bluenette since joining what was known then as the 2nd Division. Smiling down at the shorter girl, she spoke up, her voice quiet as she stared back towards the stage, the memory of something she had heard from Ogawa the last time they had spoken causing her to frown in confusion.

"I wonder what he meant by that? That stage does look a bit big…" she said, her voice a low whisper that only barely caught Shirabe's ears. Shaking her head when the younger girl looked up at her in confusion, she spoke up once again, a small smile on her face. "Nothing. Just something for work, that's all."

At this, the former FIS duo made their way towards the seats allotted to students' friends and family, small talk about the younger girl's school life becoming the topic of their conversation as they walked. And as they talked, both girls couldn't help but feel the excitement in the air as the temporary stands began to fill.

-SotHR-

"Thanks for inviting me, Chinatsu-chan," Kasumi said as she walked towards the area for friends and family of students. "It's always nice to get away from the house for a day, and I'm sure you're excited for Miku-chan." Besides her, her friend smiled softly, shaking her head in response to the brunette's words before speaking.

"It's not a problem, Kasumi-san. You're practically family," she replied, a warm smile on her face. Looking around at the campus, she continued, her mind drifting slightly as she thought about her daughter's upcoming graduation. "I wonder where Hibiki-chan is, though."

"I don't know. She didn't tell me," the brunette replied, her white short-sleeved blouse fluttering lightly in the wind. "All she said was that she had something to do for work, but that she'll be here. She could have been held up."

"True…" Chinatsu replied, her shoulder-length black hair being blown gently in the wind. "It was a surprise to me when you told me that our daughters weren't dating. I could have sworn that they would eventually do so." Laughing softly, Kasumi replied, her mind flashing back to when she met her daughter's girlfriend.

"Maybe, but...sometimes it just doesn't work out the way we thought it would." Earning a nod from her friend as they made their way into the stands and quickly finding their seats, she continued, a fond smile coming onto her face. "I understand where you're coming from. I was surprised too. But Chris is really a cutie, and as long as she makes my daughter happy, that's what matters, right?"

"Yeah, I agree with you about that. And it does seem as though Miku is a lot happier than she has been for a long time." Letting out a small sigh, she continued, brushing her shoulder-length black hair back slightly over the shoulder of her red dress. "It just seems like she's grown up so quickly. One day she was thinking about becoming a pianist, then it seems like the next she had decided to go into med school and grow her hair out. I just wish I knew where the time went, and what led to the change."

"Chinatsu-chan, I'm the same way," Kasumi replied, her eyes closing softly as she thought back on the moment her daughter had asked her to go overseas, as well as the moment she saw her for the first time she came back after her time abroad. "But...if it helps, what we can do is be proud of them for what they've done, and for what they'll accomplish moving forward. And we can love them no matter what happens."

"Yeah…you're right," the dark-haired woman said in reply. Looking out over the stage as the stands around them started to fill up, she continued, a small smile on her face as she spoke. "The ceremony starts shortly, doesn't it?" At her friend's nod, she continued, pulling out the small program they had been given at the campus gate and looking inside, even as other parents and families filled in the section around them. "It's just too bad that Souji couldn't make it today. That case he's on just wouldn't let him get away, even for his own daughter's graduation."

"I'm sure he asked you to take plenty of pictures for him, right?" Kasumi asked, the dark-haired woman besides her nodding in agreement. "We'll just have to take plenty of good photos then, won't we?" Earning a nod in response, she smiled, turning her attention back to the stage as the first bell before the ceremony began.

"Excuse me, ladies," a deep voice spoke, catching both women's attention. "Do you mind if I join you? It's been hard to find a decent seat here today." Genjurou said, a small smile on his face as he spoke. Looking up at the smiling commander, Kasumi replied first, a small smile on her face.

"Ah...sure thing. Uh…I didn't catch your name," she said, the muscled commander catching on to the two mothers' uncertainty and chuckling slightly.

"Sorry about that. I'm Kazanari Genjurou. It's a pleasure to meet you," he responded, offering his hand to the two women in response. Reaching out and taking the redhead's hand and shaking it gently, the brunette spoke up, a knowing smile coming onto her face. 'That's right…'

"Tachibana Kasumi. It's nice to meet you as well, Genjurou-san."

"Kohinata Chinatsu. Pleased to meet you as well."

Smiling softly as he shook the hand of both women, Genjurou spoke up, even as he looked towards the stage in front of them.

"So...you're here in support of Miku-san, right?"

"Ah...yes," Chinatsu replied, her response causing the redhead to smile softly. "She's my daughter. Of course I'd be here to do so."

"And you, Tachibana-san?"

"Ah...well, I'm here to support Miku-chan, but I'm generally here to support the school as well," the brunette replied, the SONG commander raising an eyebrow slightly. "My daughter's friends are all on track to graduate today. How about you?"

"Ah...I see," Genjurou replied, nodding in response to the brunette's words. "I'm here because my ward and my niece are both graduating today."

"Your niece?" Kasumi responded, her mind quickly connecting the dots. "You don't mean Tsubasa-san, do you?" At Genjurou's nod, the brunette's smile widened, only to be interrupted by the sound of the final call bell for guests to get to their seats.

"We can talk more later on after the ceremony if you want," Kasumi replied, her words causing Genjurou to pause to consider his answer. "But before we can, let's cheer for who we're here to see!" Before the first few students started to enter the ceremony area, he responded, a small smile on his face.

"I think that sounds good to me."

-SotHR-

"And now I present to you the head of the senior class to give a reflection on what she learned this year. Kazanari-san, please come forward," The Dean of the academy said at the podium, a round of applause erupting from the stands and from the soon-to-be graduates. 'Here we go…' Tsubasa thought, standing from where she sat next to the stage and heading towards the nearby stairs. Making her way to the podium and bowing gently to the Dean as she stepped away from the podium, the bluenette taking her spot, the black folder placed in front of her with the speech she planned to give within.

"My fellow classmates," the bluenette began, her eyes looking out into the audience as her classmates looked up towards where she stood. "This year has been an amazing one, as has my entire time here at Lydian. Meeting all of you and getting to know you all, especially these past two years, has been an experience the likes of which I will never forget. For that, I have to thank all of you. For without you, this place would not be the special place that it is."

A pause, the bluenette taking a moment to look down at her notes before continuing.

"There are plenty of memories that we will all have that were spawned by our choices to come to Lydian. Whether it be from the clubs or sports that we have participated in, the people we've met, our interaction with the teachers we've had, or something else, those memories and experiences will help to shape us all as we move forwards. Each of us have different memories that have helped us shape our own perspective on our time here. But above all else, it's those unique memories that make our thoughts of this place what they are."

"Over the past few years, we've all gone through a number of changes. Whether they be from meeting new people or experiencing new things, we all grow and change as time goes on." Thinking about the first day she had met Hibiki, she continued, a small smile coming onto her face. "Sometimes, these changes come from the most...unexpected, incredible, and wonderful meetings. Most of which happen completely by coincidence. But as you think about those meetings and you allow the people you meet closer to you, you find yourself changing, becoming slowly different from what you thought you'd become."

Another pause, the images of what had happened over two years previously coming back to her mind. Taking a deep breath to gather herself, she continued, the images of the events of Kadingir appearing in her mind.

"Sometimes, we lose track of what's important to us. Over two and a half years ago now, we almost lost this school and the bonds that we had all built through none of our fault. But given time, those bonds were shown to only be made stronger as a result and are something that only make us stronger than we would be on our own. It's because of those bonds that the dreams that we all have remain in front of us today, out there in our future for us to all pursue."

Pausing again for a moment she smiled sadly, the images of what happened at the "Queens of Music" concert coming back into focus in her mind.

"But even with those dreams in front of us, sometimes they can be brought to an end, despite our best intentions. But even though that can happen, there can be a positive that comes out of it. Maybe you meet with someone you hadn't thought you would get to see again."

The image of Hibiki's return came to her mind, causing her to smile widely.

"Or maybe a new dream sprouts from the ashes of an old one, and you find yourself enjoying it just as much as you had your old one."

More images, her retirement from singing and her becoming an assistant manager, helping the girl she saw as her younger sister to develop her career.

"No matter what though, we all find our own path. And as we follow the paths that we lay out in front of us, the bonds that we have are tested. Sometimes they grow stronger. Sometimes, they change into something else. And sometimes, they're severed by things that happen which are out of our control."

"But even as people come and go from our lives and new bonds are made, there is one thing that's true."

Another pause as she took another look at the points she wanted to make.

"The bonds we've made are eternal. Even if they change shape, they're life's true constant."

Another pause, as she looked out to gather the reaction of the audience.

"And even though those bonds may sometimes lead us into conflict with each other, they still are an important part of who we are. And in the end, it could be because of those bonds that we can overcome an obstacle that may be too difficult to overcome on our own."

A final pause, as she reached towards the end of her speech.

"Therefore, I ask all of you think about this as we move forward past our time here at Lydian. While the paths that we all walk may not be the same, we'll always have our time here. I ask that you hold those bonds closely as you pursue those dreams and follow your paths. Never let go of those dreams and follow what your heart tells you. Because in the end, it's always the strength of your heart that allows for you to reach for those dreams and follow your path to the end."

Staring out into the audience, she prepared to give one final line.

"Believe in the song of the heart, no matter where it takes you. Thank you, and god bless each and every one of you as we head into the next steps in life, no matter what those steps may be."

At this, applause broke out as Tsubasa stepped away from the podium, her black folder closed in one hand. Looking over to the side of the stage where the dean stood waiting, she allowed herself to smile softly before leaving the stage, her eyes looking straight ahead even as she took her seat back amongst her fellow students, barely noticing the tear that slid down the side of her face.

-SotHR-

Hibiki couldn't help but smile as she stood just off stage, making sure to keep herself out of sight for everyone in the audience. But as she grinned at what Tsubasa was saying, she found herself thinking back to what Kanade's spirit had told her before she left more than two years ago. 'You two really were two wings of the same whole…' she thought, a small smile on her face. 'Then I guess it's only fitting that I picked that song for one of the pieces I wanted to do…' Behind her, Ogawa spoke up, his voice audible even as the Dean of Lydian gave a brief speech.

"Are you sure that you want to do this?" He asked, earning a brief nod from Hibiki in response. "Once you've removed that mask, there's no going back. You know that."

"Yeah, I know," Hibiki responded, the redhead turning and smiling back at her manager. "But this is something I want to do." Listening in to the words of the dean of the school some more, she continued, a small bit of anxiety in her stomach. "Can you put that song on when I ask for it?"

"I can do that...but, Hibiki, you need to be careful about this. You have the permission from the director for you to do this, and we have everything ready for afterwards, but...I have to ask one more time. Are you sure?"

Turning once more to look at her manager, she smiled softly while raising her right hand up, a small eye mask held within. Placing the mask into her manager's hand, she spoke up, even as she turned to look back at the stage.

"Positive, Ogawa-san. This is...the right thing to do. My heart's telling me it is."

Shaking his head slightly in response, Ogawa spoke one more time, taking the young star's shoulders in his hands.

"Then go out there and rock it, Sora...no...Hibiki."

-SotHR-

"Before we start calling you up here so that we can give you your diplomas, there's one last thing that we'd like to do," the dean of the academy said, her eyes drifting over towards the side of the stage where Hibiki stood waiting. "We have a special guest here for a…special performance."

As the surprise of the crowd began to rise, a buzz started to swell amongst the waiting graduates in anticipation. 'What is she talking about?' Tsubasa thought, her eyes wide in confusion. 'I wasn't aware of any guest performer…' Looking up on stage, her eyes widened as she saw a glimpse of something she hadn't expected to see. 'Wait…what…'

"Please welcome, fresh off the release of her new single, our special guest judge from last year's Fall Festival Karaoke contest...the rising star of Galactic Music Japan, Sora." And as she stepped away from the microphone on the podium, Hibiki stepped out onto the stage, microphone held loosely in one hand and a headset mic worn on one ear. Dressed in a sky blue and white dress with black trim whose color scheme reminded Tsubasa of an alternately colored Gungnir, the rising star singer made her way towards the center of the stage as the buzz in the crowd continued to build. Reaching up with her left hand and keying the microphone she wore over her ear, she began to speak, a relaxed tone to her voice.

"I'd like to start by saying thanks to the Lydian staff, who invited me back to this great place for this type of occasion. Before I sing, there's a few words that I'd like to say," the redhead said, her eyes scanning over the crowd from behind the mask she normally wore. "This place is very special. And while Tsubasa-san said a lot of what I would have thought could be said, there's still a little bit more that I want to say."

Taking a deep breath, she allowed her thoughts to focus on some of the experiences she'd had previously before speaking up, a nervous energy in her voice.

"Tsubasa-san mentioned how your bonds allow you to reach your dreams," she began, the nervous energy she was feeling bubbling up within her as she spoke. "She's completely right about that. Your dreams are something for you to aim towards, a sort of guiding star that you can look towards when you're unsure. You should always pursue those dreams of yours-you never know where they'll lead you."

A pause as she tried to gather herself, her mouth feeling dry as she continued to speak.

"But perhaps just as important is that you follow your heart, and where its song leads you. Even though it may not be the easiest path for you to follow, in the end the rewards are always worth it. The people you meet, the places you go, the things you see...all of them are things that are etched in your heart as they happen to enter your life. And it's your heart which allows you to truly be your best self. Your true self."

Pausing once again to stare out into the audience, her eyes locating Chris easily within the crowd as she searched. Smiling softly before continuing, her right hand reached up towards her face and came to a rest in front of the mask she wore.

"I guess that's why it's time for me to show it. My true self," she said, her words causing the crowd in the stands and on the field to murmur in confusion. "It's been a while, and I can see some faces here that I know and others I don't. I guess that makes this next part a little bit easier." Her heart racing a mile a minute but having steeled herself to see this through to the end, she grasped lightly at the bottom of her mask, preparing herself for the point of no return.

"You all know me as Sora, so I guess that you all know it isn't my real name…"

Taking a single calming breath, she moved, tearing the mask off of her face in a single swift motion and tossing it high into the air. The crowd fell dead silent as the mask fell back to earth, the only sound to be heard being the sound of the mask hitting the temporary stage beneath her with a muted thump. Standing silently in the center of the stage, the idol known as Sora vanished from the world, replaced by the true self that had been hidden just underneath. Smiling softly, she stared out into the crowd, watching as hundreds of pairs of eyes widened, many of the people in the crowd starting to put together the pieces.

"No...way…" a student whispered out, a sound that stood out amongst the silence around the area. Nodding slightly in response, her eyes looking towards where Chris sat, the redhead spoke up, her voice breaking the silence with minimal effort.

"It's been a while, everyone. I'm sorry if I made you all worried," She said, the mask resting at peace on the floor of the stage just behind her as she finally made her real self known to those outside her circle, something she had hidden for a long time.

"My name...is Tachibana Hibiki. It's nice to see you all again."

The crowd erupted, their shock to a magnitude beyond what anyone could have expected. Many in the audience were utterly confused by the redhead's revelation, but many others who had been with her before, gone to school with her before, and aided her in the last battle they had seen her were left completely stunned. And standing in the center of it all was Hibiki, her whole body shivering in adrenaline mixed with nerves.

"NO WAY! TACHIBANA?! I THOUGHT SHE DIED!"

"OH MY GOD! IT REALLY IS HER!"

"THERE'S NO WAY THIS IS REAL! SOMEONE TELL ME I'M NOT SEEING THINGS!"

"SHE WAS SORA THE WHOLE TIME?! IS THIS FOR REAL?!"

On and on it went, a veritable hurricane of people's reactions filling the area. Taking a deep, shuddering breath that did not go unnoticed by either Chris or Tsubasa, the redhead turned towards the side of the stage and nodded briefly, as if to send a signal to someone standing just offstage. Reaching up and keying her mic, Hibiki spoke up again, her voice filling the area and bringing the crowd to a manageable level, even as the sound of a familiar tune started to fill the air around her.

"I do have one more surprise," the redhead said, spinning the mic she held in hand before glancing towards where Tsubasa sat, orange eyes meting cobalt blue as she smiled gently. "Would a certain class president come up here?"

"What is she…" the bluenette muttered to herself, a veritable whirlwind of emotions swimming through her head before the sound of her fellow students encouraging her made its presence felt, their support helping her as she walked towards the stage. Climbing the steps to the stage she slowly made her way towards the center to join the newly revealed singer, she found anything she could have said escaping her as the tune behind them picked up in volume, sending shivers down the older girl's spine.

"Hibiki, what are you-"

"Tsubasa-san," the redhead spoke, making her way over to the bluenette before taking her hand lightly and placing the handheld mic into it. "Will you fly with me...just this once?"

At that, Tsubasa froze, her mind flashing back lightly to when she was a part of Zwei Wing alongside Kanade. And now to hear the girl she considered her protege asking her to fly just one final time was causing her to pause, something that didn't go unnoticed by the Gungnir wielder.

"Tsubasa-san?"

Looking back at the crowd of people awaiting her reply, and then back to where the redhead stood as the music started to pick up, the bluenette spoke, a small smile spreading across her face just as the music started to crescendo.

"Just this once."

(Insert song: "Gyakkou no Flugel" by Mizuki Nana and Takayama Minami)

-"Can you hear it...?" The dramatic music playing.

Let it sound out toward the sky!

Can you hear it...?" The pulsing heartbeat when a life starts.

Thrust your love into the air.-

Chris couldn't help but smile as she watched the two singers on stage during their duet. 'So, this was what you meant when you said you had something to take care of…Hibiki...' she thought, even as she found herself clapping along with the rest of the crowd. But even as she enjoyed the song, she couldn't help but find herself thinking about how the redhead had kept her plans secret from everyone again. Shaking her head, she tried to let herself fall into the pleasant embrace of the voices of the singers, their words intermingling perfectly. This wasn't the time for her to worry about what it could mean, after all.

-That day, in the distance, when the stars became music

The season when hair sways in the wind, let's you and I make our heartbeats into a song.

With that, our dreams opened

Into a brand new world…-

Miku found herself cheering on the impromptu duo on stage as they continued to work their way through the song. 'I haven't heard this song since the day of the Zwei Wing concert where it all started…' she thought, her eyes locking on to where Tsubasa and Hibiki were interacting in seemingly perfect sync as a single thought came to mind, one that she couldn't help but speak aloud as the two singers entered the chorus.

"So, you finally made peace with yourself, after all this time. I'm proud of you, Hibiki."

-Yes, just believe. Let's make history with a light the likes even God hasn't seen.

A future flooded with light

Won't you fly there with us?

Wings stained with tears of just feeling

When it feels like you can't flap those wings anymore, make a wish

I'll hold that hand and add my strength to yours

When we're together, our singing hearts become wings.-

"Hibiki-chan's really become an amazing singer, Kasumi-san," Chinatsu said as the two of them and Genjurou sat, enjoying the sight of the duet on stage. Turning to look over at the brunette, she found herself stunned at the sight of her friend, watching on as her daughter performed on stage with the former idol. "Kasumi-san? Is something wrong?"

"Ah…no, nothing's wrong," the brunette replied, a small smile coming onto her face. Listening as the duo of singers on stage made their way into the next verse, she continued, even as her mind drifted back to a time thought past. "I recognize this song. It was one of Hibiki's favorite songs...and after the incident at the Zwei Wing concert, I'd catch her listening to it over and over again, alongside Tsubasa-san's other songs. She must have listened to it over a thousand times at least." Reaching up and wiping the small tear that had made its way down her cheek, she continued, her voice showing a level of pride that made both Chinatsu and Genjurou smile. "It's just...so touching to see her up there now with Tsubasa-san, singing a song that helped carry her through that time alongside the singer who made it real for her."

"I'm sure that it's an honor for her," Genjurou said, his voice drawing both women's attention to himself. "And that's why I think she's putting everything she has into making this a performance to remember for both of them."

-The day when I understand will come, so

I will never... Forget.

And at that time, I will not forget

The way my heart was... When you smiled.

You and I can definitely, as one bird,

Holding hands like long ago,

Make a great leap across the big blue sky

So that's what I'm living for

Toward the light of a brand new day.-

"Wow...Hibiki's really good…" Kirika said as she zoomed in on the singing duo with her camera, taking a snapshot of the two singers. Quickly refocusing her camera in on the graduating class, she took another snapshot, the group of graduates-to-be clearly as into the song as she herself was. Before she could say anything else however, a familiar voice spoke up from beside her as Shirabe approached, a small bottle of water in hand.

"You say that like you didn't already know it, Kirika," the twin-tailed girl said as the blonde drank from her water bottle. Eyes locked onto the performance on stage, she continued, a small smile having made its way onto her face. "She looks like she's having fun up there. She did say that she wanted to sing alongside Tsubasa on stage someday, remember? It was a goal of hers."

"Did she?" the blonde replied, taking another snapshot with her camera as she spoke. "And now she's getting to live that dream out? Has to be nice."

The shorter girl couldn't help but let out a sigh, her palm resting on her forehead in response.

"Kirika...you're hopeless."

-Yes, just believe, a thousand years later or today, even if I'm reborn or change, I'll still want to sing

This warmth is so gentle

And I'll never let it go.

Just feeling. There's no such thing as fate.

This is my story, so I jump.

If you feel that you want to run away, just look at the stars.

Courage definitely shines bright, a singing star.

That day, in the distance, when the stars became music

When I met you, it probably was already woven into legend

I'm not afraid of anything.

Let's go to a brand new world…-

"She seems so...different up there," Maria muttered under her breath as she watched in enjoyment, the duet slowly coming to a close. Her eyes locked onto the now-former idol, she continued, a happy smile on her face. "Almost like...she's okay with the decision she's made, and this is a way to give one last sendoff…"

Voice trailing off, she continued, a sad smile on her face. "Tsubasa...you're going to do your best, aren't you? No matter what it is that you do, you'll give it all you have. I just wish…that we would have had more chances to perform together. Even though we're both Symphogear wielders for SONG, it's still not the same as singing together on stage."

In any case, Maria found herself smiling as the memory of her time spent with the bluenette came to mind, a small blush adorning her face at the thought. "In the end...as long as she's happy, that's what matters, isn't it?"

-Yes, just believe. Let's make history with a light the likes even God hasn't seen.

A future flooded with light

Won't you fly there with us?

Wings stained with tears of just feeling

When it feels like you can't flap those wings anymore, make a wish

Melodies fuse and become a symphony

When we're together, our singing hearts become wings.

Let's go higher, even higher than the Sun.-

(End Insert song: "Gyakkou no Flugel" by Mizuki Nana and Takayama Minami)

As the music slowly faded back into the background, the only thing the duo on stage could hear was the sound of the crowd, the cheers of the audience causing both girls to smile warmly. Turning towards where her mentor stood nearby, microphone held loosely in hand, Hibiki spoke up, having shut off her earpiece microphone to allow for some privacy.

"Thanks, Tsubasa," the redhead said, causing the older girl to look at her in confusion in response. "That was something I've wanted to do for a long time, even if it's just the once." Before the bluenette could say anything in response, Hibiki reached up, keying her mic one last time as she turned her attention back to the crowd in attendance.

"Thank you, everyone! I want to give a special thanks to Tsubasa-san as well, both for being someone I look up to, as well as for all the advice and help that she's provided me in my career and in the time that I was here at Lydian."

A pause, as she considered her next words carefully before settling on a single, meaningful phrase.

"Congratulations to all of you who are graduating today, and I hope to see you again soon!"

Turning and heading towards the side of the stage to a round of applause, Hibiki nodded towards the dean of the academy, her role in the ceremony now complete as she quickly made her way off stage beside Tsubasa, a contemplative look on the bluenette's face.

'It felt nice to sing that song again…' Tsubasa thought, a lightness to her thoughts as she made her way down the stairs at the edge of the stage. 'Kanade...even though it wasn't you who I was singing it with...it still felt special because the person who I sang it with was the one you left your legacy to.'

Stopping briefly to look as the redhead disappeared off stage, she smiled once again before returning to her seat before the dean began to speak again.

'And while your parting gift may be gone...I don't feel sad about it. Not anymore.'

Things moved quickly from there as the ceremonial march to receive their diplomas began for the soon-to-be graduates. Coming to the stage one by one as their names were called, the students each took their turns in the spotlight, shaking the hand of the dean before receiving their diploma in a small portfolio and heading back off of the stage to their seat to a small wave of cheers.

Soon it was Tsubasa's turn, and as she took the stage for a third time that day the crowd erupted. Stopping briefly and soaking it in, she made her way across the stage, shaking the dean's hand and receiving her diploma before heading off the stage to thunderous applause. Looking up into the stands, she smiled, before heading back to her seat.

Moments later Miku made her way up onto the stage to a louder round of applause than normal, most of it coming from her fellow classmates. Blushing slightly at the added attention, she made her way over to where the dean stood, a small smile on her face. Taking the diploma from the dean and offering a short bow in response, she made her way off the stage as well, her eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of a familiar face as she made it back to her seat, her attention turning back to the stage.

Another wait passed by, more students coming onto the stage and receiving their diplomas before it was finally Chris' turn. Making her way onto the stage as the applause picked up, the snow-haired girl felt her face heat up rapidly as she walked over to meet the dean and receive her diploma. Stopping for a moment to turn and look back at the crowd, she smiled gently before turning to head off the stage, diploma in hand and a hopeful mindset ahead. Moments later the dean stepped to the podium one last time, a sad smile on her face as she began to speak.

"It's been a great four years that I've known many of you, with some of you transferring in over that time. I'm proud of all of you, and so are the rest of the Lydian staff." Pausing to gather herself slightly, she continued, her smile growing wider. "Go forth and reach out for your dreams, all of you. With that said graduates, congratulations. This year's graduation ceremony is officially over!"

At her words the audience and students erupted into cheers, their combined voices filling the room in joy and applause. And where one chapter came to a close, another began.

-SotHR-

"So when were you planning on telling me that you were performing?" Chris asked as she and Hibiki returned to their apartment, a displeased look on the shorter girl's face as she spoke. Turning to look at her girlfriend with an agitated glare, she continued, her words echoing around the silent apartment. "And don't get me started about what you did by revealing yourself up there. I thought we said that there's no more secrets, Hibiki."

"Sorry," the redhead replied as she walked into their shared bedroom, Chris following her closely. "I told you...I wanted it to be a surprise for you, Tsubasa, and Miku that I was singing today. I figured that it would be a nice graduation present."

"B-b-baka…." Chris trailed off, a cherry blush appearing on her face as she spoke. taking a mental note as Hibiki started to get a particular set of clothes assembled, her yellow blouse fluttering gently. "It was a nice surprise, but that's not the point! You said that you were done keeping secrets from me...so what the hell gives?"

"I know, but…"

"No buts, Hibiki."

"Sorry," the redhead replied, turning away from where Chris stood. Standing in silence momentarily, her hands clenching the hem of her blouse lightly, she continued, a quietness to her voice. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything. I guess I just got so caught up in wanting to surprise you and everyone else that I forgot to say anything."

"Hibiki…" Chris trailed off, her anger somewhat dissipating at the taller girl's words. "I know that you wanted to do something special for the others, but you didn't need to do so for me."

"Maybe not, but I wanted to," the redhead replied, turning towards her girlfriend with a small smile as she walked over to join her just inside the room.

"Hibiki, you idiot, you know you don't need to do something so over the top…" Chris said, her voice trailing off as her girlfriend wrapped her arms around her, the shorter girl resting her head on the redhead's chest and closing her eyes. "Even something simple is fine with me, as long as it's from you."

"I know," the redhead replied, the smile she wore not dimming in the least. Falling into a comfortable silence the duo stood absorbed in their embrace, a silent understanding between them as they just enjoyed each other's company. Eventually, Chris reluctantly spoke up, her voice quiet but audible to the redhead.

"You still didn't explain why you revealed yourself to be Sora, you know."

"I just…" Hibiki began, pausing briefly to gather her words. "I'm just tired of hiding who I am from everyone else."

"Ohhhh, is that right?" Chris asked, opening her eyes and looking up at her girlfriend with a glare. "Then I guess that everyone in the audience was much more important than I am, huh?"

"Chris, that's not true and you know it," Hibiki replied, a nervous look appearing on her face at her girlfriend's words. Before she could say anything else, she felt a finger pressed to her lips as Chris spoke up again, a small smile on her face.

"I know," she whispered, before leaning up and replacing her finger with her lips for a brief kiss. Pulling away moments later, she continued, the smile she wore not shrinking at all. "I know that you don't want to have any secrets, not since what happened six months ago. I'm proud of you for that, Hibiki. Just...next time you do something like that, let me know first, okay?"

"Okay," the redhead replied, a small smile on her face before she leaned back against the doorframe, a small smile on her face as Chris rested her head on Hibiki's chest. "Hey Chris?"

"Mmm?"

"I love you," Hibiki said, the snow-haired girl leaning her head back up before replying.

"I know, Hibiki. I love you too." Before another word could be said, Hibiki leaned in, capturing Chris' lips in another brief kiss before both girls pulled away reluctantly, identical blushes on both of their faces.

"So, what's this party going on tonight that we're going to?"

"Ah…" Chris replied, the blush she had on her face growing slightly deeper. "It's a graduation party that the other girls in our graduating class thought would be fun to have. They went out and reserved some club for tonight, using money gathered from the entire senior class."

"Really? Since when have they gone to clubs?" Hibiki responded, a single eyebrow raised. Smiling softly, she looked over towards the jacket she had picked out on the bed before continuing. "Sounds like it'll be fun though."

"Yeah...I wasn't sure that I wanted to go, but Yumi talked me into it," Chris replied, reluctantly pulling free from her girlfriend's arms. "I don't know when they would have gone, outside of that one time for Yumi's birthday though..." Trailing off in her answer as Hibiki turned to look at her, Chris shrugged slightly to the unasked question, before continuing. "A few of the other girls went out for Yumi's birthday. The only thing I know is that they came back really late that night, and that half of them were talking about how fun it was the next day."

"Guess it was a blast for them then," Hibiki said, walking to the dresser and opening her drawer before picking out a shirt she thought would look good. Moving over to place it on their shared bed, she smiled before continuing, her voice filling up with excitement. "Hopefully this goes well tonight. Do you want the first shower, or do you want me to take it?"

"Ah…" Chris began, shaking herself from her thoughts before responding, a light blush on her face. "Y-Y-You can go first. You were on stage earlier and performing, so...it's only fair."

"Okay…" Hibiki said in response, before returning to where Chris stood and wrapping her in a brief hug. "I'll be done in a few." As the redhead entered the bathroom they shared only to shut the door behind her, Chris couldn't help but stare, the smile she wore only growing wider before she walked out of the room and back to their living area, closing their bedroom door behind her.

A short time later, Chris heard the sound of their bedroom door opening, and the familiar voice of the girl-no, the young woman-she loved exiting their bathroom.

"That felt good…" Hibiki said, the sound of her voice filling their apartment and causing Chris' heart to race slightly before she spoke up again, a level of curiosity in her voice. "Where are we meeting with the others again?"

"We're meeting them at Shibuya Crossing," Chris replied, walking towards their bedroom to find Hibiki in her outfit of choice for the evening: a pair of black Capri pants under a navy sleeveless top, along with a gray jacket. "A-ah…" the snow-haired girl managed to gasp out before her girlfriend smiled warmly.

"Chris? You okay?"

"Ah…yeah, I'm fine," she said, a nervous blush on her face. "I guess it's my turn, isn't it…" she trailed off, earning a small nod from the redhead.

"I guess so," Hibiki replied, a small smile on her face as she turned towards the door to the living room. "I'll see you when you're done, okay?"

"W-wait!" Chris said, her mind coming to a decision, albeit one regarding something the young couple had been working through for the previous six months. Taking a short breath, she shrugged off the school cardigan she was wearing, tossing it onto the bed, her tie following quickly behind it. "C-can you...get the shoebox down from the closet, the red one?"

Nodding silently, Hibiki turned to the closet, albeit reluctantly. Finding the box the shorter girl had requested, she reached up to grab it, pulling it from its spot, the turned around to find Chris unbuttoning the last button on her white dress shirt, a scarlet bra underneath. Unable to look away as her girlfriend threw the shirt onto the bed beside her school cardigan, Hibiki's face turned a brilliant red, her heart racing a million miles a second as a familiar fire stirred itself within her.

"Did you mean...these...shoes…?" She said, voice laced slightly with want as the image of Chris' nearly-topless form became engraved in her memory, something that didn't go unnoticed by the shorter girl.

"Yeah, those ones," Chris replied as she came over to take them from her girlfriend's hands. Taking the box and setting it on the bed ever so slowly, she wrapped her arms around Hibiki's neck before leaning up and capturing her lips in a brief kiss. Lingering briefly she pulled away, a quiet groan coming from the taller girl's lips as Chris spoke in a breathy tone. "Thanks for getting those."

"...Any time," Hibiki responded, her voice full of desire as she walked towards the door to the living area. "I'll be out here, Chris." As the redhead walked out of the room, Chris let out the breath she had been unwittingly holding, her face tinged a strawberry pink in a mix of desire and relief. Walking into the bathroom and shutting the door behind her, she allowed herself to focus on a single thought as she turned on the shower, the sound of the water running muting the single phrase that came from her lips.

Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya, Tokyo, That Night

"Where is everyone?" Maria asked as she leaned against the wall just outside of the station, the massive hordes of people going by as she waited for the others to meet up with her. "We had agreed to meet up just outside the station right about now, too. What is taking them so long?"

Pushing off of the wall briefly, her black skirt and silver blouse fluttering lightly in the early June evening air, a white jacket hanging over one arm, she narrowed her eyes, a tension entering her body as she stretched. 'This just seems like a bad idea…' she thought, her eyes scanning over the crowds of people passing by for any sign of anyone familiar before a familiar voice spoke up from nearby, catching the coral-haired woman's attention.

"Guess we're the only ones who showed up on time," Tsubasa said, black jacket hanging over her shoulder as she moved to join Maria by the station. Smiling softly and wearing a pair of white capris under a cobalt blue blouse, she continued, her eyes scanning over the crowd as she spoke. "What do you think about this whole party idea?"

"I'm...not really sure about this," Maria replied, thankful that the bluenette seemed to share in her concerns, even if only slightly. "Sticking a bunch of freshly graduated girls in a party environment, especially one like this? How on earth did they arrange for it without the staff finding out? It sounds like a recipe for disaster."

"They used the leftover money from the winter festival to pay for it. They also never mentioned it through the schools' communications," Tsubasa replied, an annoyed look on her face at the thought. Searching the crowd for any sign of the remaining wielders who would be attending, she continued, her smile turning into a slight frown. "I don't know that it will work out well either, but we'll just have to be careful. You, Hibiki, and I can't afford to end up in any compromising situations because of who we are, but neither can the rest of us in attendance."

"Speaking of…" Maria said, her eyes catching sight of Hibiki and Chris coming down from the platform nearby, a small smile making its way onto her face. Raising her arm into the air as she attempted to get the young couple's attention before they spotted her, she continued, her voice showing a bit of nerves. "There's the loving couple now."

"Maria, you didn't need to wave at us," Chris said, Hibiki beside her as they made their way over, her dress fluttering slightly in the warm night air. "We could see you from the platform. Has everyone else shown up yet?"

"No, not yet. I think we're just waiting on Miku-san and on Shirabe and Kirika," Maria said in response, her words drawing a nod from the others in response before she spoke up again, her eyes narrowed. "Look…I don't know about you two, but Tsubasa and I were just talking about this. I...don't feel entirely comfortable about this party tonight."

"You're not the only ones," Hibiki said, breaking her silence as she spoke, a concerned frown on her face. "Chris wasn't sure she wanted to go either, and after thinking about it I have a feeling that this is going to get...intense." At her words, the remaining three girls nodded their agreement before a pair of excited voices caused Maria to sigh.

"Kirika, are you sure that this is a good idea?" Shirabe asked as she approached the older girls, the normally hyper blonde at her side as usual. Smiling excitedly, Kirika replied, a wide smile gracing her features as they approached where the older girls were waiting.

"Shirabe, how often do you think we're going to get asked to things like this?" Kirika asked, her excitement evident. "Besides...it's a chance to get to know some of the other girls from school, and Maria's always talking about how we need to do so."

"Maybe I do say that to you, but I'm also not letting you two get into trouble tonight," Maria said as they approached, a nervous look on her face. "Look you two...where we're going is not a place that kids your age are normally allowed. And while I know that the Lydian graduates paid to rent the place out for tonight and there are going to be restrictions, I don't want you getting into trouble, got that?"

"We won't," Shirabe replied, shooting a glare towards the suddenly nervous Kirika. "Will we, Kirika?" At the twin-tailed girl's words, Kirika nodded before speaking, a nervousness in her voice that wasn't there beforehand.

"N-no, we'll behave ourselves, Maria-nee," she said, her tone drawing looks of disbelief from the other girls. Before she could say anything else however, a final voice spoke up, drawing the group's attention as Miku walked over to join them.

"Sorry I'm late," The dark-haired girl said, her lavender dress rustling gently in the evening air. Taking note of the tense atmosphere, she continued, a concerned look on her face. "Is...something wrong?"

"Ah…" Chris replied, a shaky smile on her face as she replied. "Nothing, really. Just...kinda a bit nervous, that's all."

"You're not the only ones," Miku replied, an understanding smile appearing on her face. "I haven't been out to a club before, so I don't know what to expect." Pausing to allow her words to sink in a bit, she continued, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

"But at the same time, we might as well relax and try to enjoy it, since we're already out here."

Nodding to each other in agreement, the group started to head in the direction of their destination for the evening, the dark-haired girl's words having quieted some of their concerns. Maybe it wouldn't be as bad as they thought.

Club Noise, Shibuya, Tokyo

"We should probably get in line," Miku said as the group arrived at their destination. The club was one of the more well-known among the younger crowd despite its unfortunate name; rumor had it that the staff was always cordial, and that its owner was an alumnus of Lydian Academy. Taking note of the bouncer at the front doors, the dark-haired girl walked over to the end of the line, the sound of the set being played by the DJ inside audible through the wall of the building. "I wasn't expecting it to be this packed tonight. Yumi said that they reserved it exclusively, didn't she?"

"I think she did," Chris said in response, remembering her last conversation with the energetic girl as she took her spot in line just behind Miku, Hibiki right next to her. "But then again, who knows. It's Yumi we're talking about here. She goes on and on about how everything's out of an anime."

"True…" Miku trailed off, a conversation from just a couple days prior coming back to mind as the line began moving towards the front at a decent pace. "I think there's a pretty good number of the other girls who came here, but I don't recognize everyone here."

"That's nothing out of the ordinary though," Maria said, her words drawing the attention of the other girls in their group. "Wh-what?"

"How do you know what's ordinary for a nightclub, Maria?" Hibiki asked, a single eyebrow raised in response to the older girl's statement, causing her to blush a bright red.

"A-ah…" she replied, her embarrassment showing through her words. "I had to have something to do on the rare times that I had a Friday night off. Sometimes I stayed in, but...I can't do that all the time, can I?"

"And you were telling us to not get in trouble…" Shirabe replied, her words causing Maria to blush a bright red. Shaking her head slightly, the pink-haired idol responded, even as she stared up at the sky above, the violet hues of sunset slowly fading into the blackness of night.

"Shirabe, you'll...get it when you're older," Maria said with a sigh, the memories of her previous trips to a nightclub coming back to mind and causing her face to flush. Before any additional comments could be made, a familiar voice was heard, drawing the group's attention to the front of the line.

"Oh…hey, you guys all made it!" Yumi called out, rushing over to catch up with the group of wielders before giving each one a brief hug before continuing. "You guys don't need to stand in line like this!"

"But Yumi, aren't we supposed to-" Miku began, her question being cut off as Yumi spoke up, a dismissive look on her face.

"No, it's fine. You're on the VIP list for tonight," the twin-tailed girl replied. "Seriously, come on! The party's just getting started!" Looking at each other with hesitant looks on their faces, the group hesitated, only for their decision to be made as Yumi grabbed Miku's wrist. "Come on Miku, she's here tonight, too. Don't you wanna see?"

"Ah…Yumi!" Miku replied before slipping under the rope and following the energetic girl. Shaking her head slightly before turning to follow, Hibiki spoke up, an amused smile on her face as she spoke.

"She hasn't changed at all, has she?"

"Not a bit," Chris replied, exasperation written on her face before taking Hibiki's hand in her own and squeezing it lightly, a reluctance in her voice as she continued to speak. "We should probably follow them."

"Might as well," Tsubasa said, turning from where she was observing more students arrive and get in line. "If we really are VIPs for this, there's no reason not to at least try."

At the bluenette's words the group slipped under the ropes before following where Yumi went towards, stepping around the side of the line and making their way to the front where their friend stood waiting by a sign saying "Lydian Students and Graduates get in free", Miku right next to her.

"Come on, Andre. Miku and her friends are on the VIP list for tonight. Can't you let them in already?" Yumi asked, a somewhat annoyed tone to her voice as she spoke to a figurative mountain of a man who stood in front of the door to enter the club. Listening to the twin tailed girl's question, the man took a look down at a clipboard in his hand before speaking into a headset mic, his words in somewhat broken Japanese that got all of the wielders' attention before an unwelcome voice made itself known.

"Well boys! Look what we got here!" An unknown, strange man shouted out of nowhere. The seven girls turned around to the source of the obnoxious voice, noticing a group of at least five or six men walking up to the club's entrance. "What a fine piece of ass we found ourselves tonight!"

The corners of Chris' mouth twitched as she stared at the uncouth bunch. They were all dressed pretty lavishly, sporting various golden accessories such as rings and piercings and chains that hung from their belts, looking like the typical punks she'd expect to find in such an area. Maria looked at them with her eyes narrowed, lightly pushing Kirika back behind her, who stared up at her in confusion. The leading man then apparently noticed the short white-haired girl, and his widened beneath his sunglasses.

"Oh man! What a nice pair of tits you got there lady! How about you ditch this shithole and come with us? I bet we could give you a damn fine night for a hottie like you!" He said, apparently unaware that the entire line standing outside the club was staring at him as if they were looking at a mosquito. "Yo, you guys go pick up some of the others! Looks like this place is filled with just chicks tonight," He continued, gesturing to his smiling comrades. "Yo, how about you get your friends to join us too? You all are pretty fucking hot I gotta say!"

Hibiki, up until that point, had stared at the men with an even expression on her face, not at all fazed by their blabbering. However, the manner with which they approached Chris suddenly lit a fuse in her mind, her shoulders tensing as she struggled to keep her composure. However, Chris was not at all amused, and spoke up, an annoyed glare on her face.

"Who the hell are you?" She said to him fiercely. "You come up to us and treat us like objects and you expect us to go with you? Get the fuck away from us, asshole." At her words, the man's friends cooed at her blatant cursing, and he was likewise unfazed by her.

"And she got spirit too! Damn, I like my chicks feisty like you," He said, putting a hand on the rope. "I bet you scream really fucking hard don't you."

He passed under the divider in a single motion and took a step forward towards the Ichaival wielder. Hibiki, now absolutely livid, placed herself between him and her girlfriend before the mountain of a man from before stepped between herself and him, blocking her vision of the intruder. Andre looked down at the punk with narrowed eyes, the clipboard still in his hand.

"Invitation?" He asked in broken and heavily accented Japanese. As the crowd looked between the two, the punk stared up at him with no fear, laughing all the while.

"Why the fuck do I need an invitation? I ain't going in. I just wanna have some fun, man, so get the fuck out of the way."

"No invitation, no cross line. Go away." Andre continued, completely unmoved by the man's bold declarations. Yet the punk and his friends did not budge, the leading man staring back at his friends with a smile.

"Listen big guy, you don't wanna mess with me-"

The crowd oohed as Andre's fist met the guy's face straight on, smashing his sunglasses apart with a single punch. He stumbled backwards, his back meeting the rope, causing him to fall over. His vision blurry and bloody, the punk looked up at the bouncer with rage in his eyes.

"What the fuck was that man?! You fucking crazy!"

"No invitation, no entry, no touch girls." Andre said calmly. Cheers erupted from the line outside the club, and the wielders looked on with eyes wide. Yumi walked up to stand by the mountain's side and crossed her arms, staring at the group of men.

"Yeah! Get lost punks! And don't come back! The girls here don't like men anyway!" She yelled with a grin, causing several members of their impromptu audience to cringe. She stared back at them with the smile still plastered on her face. "Hey! You know it's true!"

Nobody had an argument to give.

"Fuck, it's a club for dykes? What a turn off," The punk said, rising to his feet and cradling his face. "Let's go, these chicks are probably crazier than this guy."

And with that, the group of uninvited guests walked off away, disappearing back into the city. Andre and Yumi turned back to the group of seven, and the bouncer went back to his position in front of the entrance, eyeing the surroundings with the vigilance of a hawk. Yumi walked up to him and tapped his massive arm gratefully.

"Thanks Andre, you're great!" She said. She then turned back to the wielders, who met her gaze. She gestured to the door of the club with a smile. "Come on! Let's go in. Don't wanna deal with another group of these punks."

'This is too surreal.' Chris thought to herself. The group nodded, and together followed the brunette inside. As she passed by his massive frame, Chris stopped for a moment beside him and looked up to him.

"Thanks." She said, and proceeded to follow after Hibiki, missing the small smile that graced the bouncer's face.

-SotHR-

"Hey Maria-nee, what's a dyke?" Kirika asked out of nowhere, nearly causing the idol to falter in her step. She cleared her throat quickly to hide her astonishment.

"Nothing you need to worry about," Maria answered, facepalming mentally at her own answer. 'The night's only just started and it's already horrible...' she thought as they made their way into the main floor of the club, the obnoxiously loud techno music filling their ears as they entered, a number of girls from the school dancing to the beat in the middle of the room.

"Let's go get a table," Hibiki whispered to Chris, the snow-haired girl nodding before turning towards Miku, relaying the information to her before quickly returning her eyes to where Hibiki was going and following quickly behind her, the trio slowly weaving their way through the crowd on the dance floor. Watching their juniors head away, Maria turned to Tsubasa before speaking up, a small smile on her face as she spoke.

"I'm gonna go to the bar and get something. Do you...wanna come with me?" she said, her words snapping the bluenette's attention from where she was staring out at the dance floor. "Tsubasa?"

"A-ah…" the Bluenette replied, blushing out of embarrassment. "Sorry…"

"It's fine. I just said that I'm going to go get something at the bar. Do you wanna join me?"

Pausing for a moment to consider her options, Tsubasa shrugged before replying, her eyes tracking the three girls who had just left as she spoke.

"Might as well," she said, before heading over towards the bar, Maria watching her do so with a smile before turning back towards Shirabe and Kirika. Kneeling down slightly so as to speak with them on an eye-to-eye level, she spoke up, her voice barely audible above the vibrant electronica that blared throughout the club.

"Shirabe, keep an eye on Kirika for a few minutes, will you? I'm going to go get something to drink really quickly, but like I said earlier, I'm going to be keeping an eye on you two so that you don't get into trouble."

"And what are you going to do?" the twin-tailed girl replied, keeping an eye on Kirika as she stood, seemingly entranced by the girls dancing on the floor as a tinge of agitation flashed through her. "I saw you ask Tsubasa-san something. You finally ask her out?"

"Shirabe…." Maria replied, her eyes closing briefly before replying, an exasperation to her tone. "No, I haven't. But I did ask if she wanted to get something with me at the bar though."

"Alright, have fun." the shorter girl replied, her eyes not leaving where her blonde companion was staring at as Maria smiled softly before heading towards the bar, following the bluenette as she moved through the crowd. "I wish she'd just admit it already…" she trailed off, before tapping Kirika on the shoulder, her action getting the taller blonde's attention. "Kirika, what do you wanna do first?" she asked, her words causing the blonde to pause for a moment before replying, a mischievous smile on her face.

"Let's go dance for a bit, Shirabe!" she replied, grabbing the shorter girl's arm and dragging her towards the dance floor, Shirabe's mind running a million miles a second as she followed behind closely, joining her friend on the floor and allowing the beat to take control of them both, just like it seemed to have done for so many others in attendance.

-SotHR-

"Can I get you something to drink?" the bartender, a girl named Mimori, asked Tsubasa as she sat down at the bar, having finally found an empty seat after making her way through the crowd. Pausing and looking through the bar menu, she finally settled on an order before Maria walked over, a small smile on her face.

"Ah...can I get an appletini?" the bluenette said, the bartender taking note as Maria joined them, the pink-haired singer taking the now-vacated seat on Tsubasa's left.

"Sure thing, and you?"

"I'll have what she's having," Maria replied, causing the bartender to nod before turning back to prepare their order. Letting out a small sigh, Maria turned towards where the bluenette sat, her fingers drumming on the counter of the bar.

"Hey...you two sounded great up there today," she began, trying to start the conversation between them and drawing the bluenette's attention. "If I didn't know any better, I'd have thought that the two of you had practiced for years."

"Thanks," Tsubasa replied, turning towards where Maria sat, the small smile on her face causing the older girl's heart to flutter. "It was definitely a surprise, that's for sure." Laughing softly and shaking her head, she continued, her eyes drifting over to the dance floor in time to see Kirika drag Shirabe into the crowd. "Apparently that was something Hibiki had wanted to do for a while now."

"It looked like it," Maria said in reply, quickly falling silent as she sat next to the bluenette, who turned to look back at her before speaking once again.

"So how have things been in London?"

"Ah...It's been good," Maria replied, taking note as Mimori headed back to them, matching orders in hand before placing them on the counter. Grabbing the martini glass of the counter before taking a small sip, she continued, holding her drink lightly in one hand. "It's been busy, but kinda fun. They have me in studio a decent amount, and it seems like promotions for my next single are going to start soon."

"Sounds like you're enjoying yourself then," Tsubasa replied, absentmindedly stirring her drink without taking a sip.

"I am," Maria replied, taking another sip of her drink as the song played by the DJ changed over flawlessly, a more high-paced song starting to play. "I just wish I had someone there with me sometimes." Stopping to observe the bluenette, the party lighting giving a different point of view of the former idol, she continued.

"How about you, Tsubasa?"

"Wh-what about me?" The bluenette replied, an embarrassed blush visible despite the dark lighting of the club, something that caused Maria's heart to race. 'She's so…cute when she's flustered,' the pink-haired girl thought, before taking another sip from her drink and preparing to reply, a nervous knot in her stomach as she looked the bluenette in the eye.

"Well...you could-"

"HOLY CRAP IT'S TSUBASA!" A passerby called, her shout cutting Maria off as she stumbled over to the duo, her words having called attention to their presence for many of the people in attendance. "CAN I GET YOUR...AUTOGRAPH?" The inebriated girl cried out, latching onto the bluenette's arm and almost dragging her away from the bar before a group of partygoers surrounded her, Maria looking on in concern and annoyance before another group of students turned to her.

"Hey, aren't you...that one singer who was on stage with Tsubasa that one time?" one of them asked, causing her to hesitate before catching sight of the bluenette trying to slip away from the crowd. Taking a deep breath, she replied, a concerned look on her face.

"Yes, I am…" she trailed off, her eyes locking onto the scene around the bluenette. "How can I...help you?" she asked, her mind racing as she tried to process the scene. 'I was just about to…why did they have to notice us NOW of all times?'

"Can we get a picture with you?" Another girl asked, the small crowd encircling Maria before she could even respond, one of the girls pulling out a phone and holding it above the group, pressing an icon before a small flash was seen. Before Maria could say anything in response, the girl who took the photo put it back in her purse before the first girl spoke up, an excited tone to her voice. "Thanks again! Hey guys, let's go grab a booth or something…" she trailed off as the group walked out of earshot, leaving Maria to her thoughts.

'That...was a surprise…' she thought, a small frown coming onto her face as she grabbed her drink off of the bar, taking another sip of it as she looked towards the dance floor itself, eyes scanning over the crowd for signs of Shirabe and Kirika. Before she knew it, Tsubasa spoke up, having finally managed to slip free from the group of girls who had been surrounding her.

"Sorry about that, Maria," the girl said, clearly looking agitated by the experience as she took her seat back at the bar. "You were about to say something?"

A pause, Maria considering her words as her mind raced.

"Ah...never mind."

Shrugging in response, Tsubasa returned her focus to the dance floor before the duo fell into silence, the rhythm of the music filling the air around them and making the moment feel all the more bizarre, a single shared thought running through their minds.

'Tonight's already so surreal…what else could happen...'

-SotHR-

"So why are we here again?" Chris asked, her voice drowned out partially by the beat of the club's music as she took note of the small crowd around their older friends. Besides her, Hibiki and Miku both nodded, the redhead drumming her fingers on the table in time with the rhythm of the song being played. The three girls had been able to find a table easily enough, but now that they were there, the surreal feeling of the evening was settling in among them, something that did not go unnoticed as Hibiki spoke up, her voice barely audible over the sound of the beat.

"WHAT? I CAN'T HEAR YOU OVER THE MUSIC!"

"I SAID, WHY ARE WE HERE AGAIN!" Chris asked, leaning closer to her girlfriend before speaking, causing HIbiki to frown slightly, Miku moving over to hear the conversation as Chris continued. "I mean...this isn't something we'd normally do. It just feels weird, coming to a place like this."

"Yeah…" Hibiki replied, her voice trailing off slightly as the beat of the music shifted again, another song starting as the crowd on the dance floor continued to react to the rhythm. "I just don't have that good of a feeling about things here tonight. Between what happened earlier and seeing Tsubasa and Maria get mobbed like they were, it just...doesn't feel right at all to me." A small smile coming onto her face as she squeezed her girlfriend's hand, she turned her eyes back towards the dance floor as Miku spoke up, a reassuring tone to her voice as she spoke.

"It's not that bad, you two," she began, drumming her fingers on the table in response. "I mean, the music is nice at least. I know that what happened to Tsubasa-san and Maria-san is a bit...unusual, but otherwise it doesn't seem too bad." Letting out a small sigh, Chris replied, a small smile coming onto her face as she shared a look with her girlfriend.

"If you say so, Miku. Still, I'm glad to see that you're having fun. You've been studying almost constantly for the past few months, so it's nice to see you having some time for yourself."

Before anything else could be said between the trio, an unfamiliar voice spoke up, drawing their attention to a small group of girls making their way over to where they sat.

"...she really seemed kinda nervous," one girl said to a taller redhead, her white blouse shaded green by the lights of the club. "Still, at least Tsubasa-san seemed kinda okay with giving you that autograph." Nodding in agreement the taller redhead replied, the smile she wore beaming out towards the shorter girl as she spoke.

"I told ya, Fumi-chan," she said, her eyes turning in the general direction of the trio at the table. "Sometimes you gotta be a bit more...direct, especially to get what you want, even if it IS just an autograph."

"Hana-chan, you almost threw yourself at her," the shorter brunette said, before her eyes took note of where Hibiki, Chris, and Miku sat, a wide smile appearing onto her face, something that didn't go unnoticed by her friend.

"Oh? Fumi-chan, isn't that…?"

"Y-yeah…" the brunette replied, an anxiety appearing on her face that she thought wouldn't be there. As if sensing her friend's nerves, the taller girl grinned, before almost dragging the brunette over by the arm towards where the trio sat.

"Well, look who it is!" she called out, the nearby partygoers' attention being drawn to the area and sending a sense of dread down Hibiki's spine. "You're Hibiki, aren't you?"

"Ah...yeah, why?" the Gungnir wielder replied, her eyes regarding the group of girls cautiously, Chris and Miku doing the same. Before anything else could be said, Hana turned back to the shorter brunette, a small grin on her face as she whispered in the girl's ear.

"Holy shit guys, it's really her!" one of the group said, the girls surrounding the trio and placing Hibiki and Chris even further on edge than they had been previously. Within moments they were surrounded, requests for autographs and other things coming in a rapid-fire fashion and causing Hibiki to tense up further before one particular question came in.

"Hey, Hibiki-san, are you seeing anyone?" Hana asked, her words drawing a glare from Chris as she felt Hibiki tense up further. Standing from her seat, Chris spoke up, her glare aimed directly at the source of the question.

"Fuck off bitch, she's MINE," Chris said, her anger getting the better of her as she stood from her seat, her outburst earning stunned looks from both Hibiki and Miku. As if to emphasize her point, she leaned in and captured the Gungnir wielder's lips with her own, the brief kiss sending sparks through both girls before she pulled away, aiming another glare directly at the girls around them as she squeezed her girlfriend's hand supportively.

"Holy shit...so that's who Yukine was seeing…" Hana whispered out, having heard the rumors about the snow-haired girl in front of her before. Taking a moment to glance back towards where Fumi stood, a somewhat broken look on her face, she continued, a small smile on her face. "Come on, girls...let's go find somewhere else to sit at. Leave the lovebirds alone." Watching in silence as the group of girls walked away, Hibiki could only stare at her girlfriend in a mix of surprise and appreciation before Miku spoke up.

"What was that about, Chris?" she said, causing the snow-haired girl's face to flush. "You didn't need to do that. Hibiki would have eventually told them off, and you know that."

"Sorry...I don't know what came over me there…" the snow-haired girl replied, her blush growing deeper before Hibiki squeezed her hand reassuringly, sending a look her way that Chris caught, smiles on both girls' faces. "I just...didn't like the idea of anyone else asking my girlfriend out. I...I'm never that possessive, but I guess I just...snapped."

"It's fine," Hibiki said, a grateful smile on her face as she spoke. Before she could continue, another, smaller group started to make their way over to them, drawing the attention of the trio before the lead girl spoke up.

"Kohinata-senpai?" The girl said, looking towards Miku. "Wow! We didn't think you'd come here! I thought you'd find this place boring!" She continued. Miku blinked a few times in rapid succession, not recognizing who they were for a moment.

"Well, as a graduating student I figured I should at least attend," She said. "If I'm not mistaken, you are...Sosogu-san's friends?"

"Yes!" The girl answered cheerfully, looking towards her friend standing next to her. Miku couldn't see who was standing behind the two, but if these two were who they said they were, then…

"Come on! Just do it!" The girl said, turning around behind her. Together, the two friends pushed the third person forward, causing Miku's eyes to widen. The brunette from two days before known as Sosogu Yuri stood in front of her with a red face, fidgeting with her fingers as she struggled to meet Miku's gaze. From the side, ignored by the rest of the world, Hibiki and Chris stared in shock at what was happening in front of their eyes.

"Um...Kohinata...senpai?" Yuri mumbled, finally finding the courage to speak. Perhaps it was the lighting in the club, or perhaps it was the fact she was wearing far more casual clothes, but Miku found herself quite taken with the figure in front of her. Deciding to not say anything yet, she let the girl finish her sentence on her own. "I...um...was wondering if you'd like t-to...to join us…" She said nervously. Before Miku could even start giving her an answer, Yuri brought her hands up, waving them in front of her hurriedly. "I-I mean you don't have to! I wouldn't want to g-get in your time with your friends!"

Miku met her embarrassed gaze, causing the girl to turn to turn her head away as her friends looked between the two with grins on their faces.

The dark-haired girl found herself in quite a dilemma. Ever since she received the letter from the brunette in front of her, she had found herself deep in thought about its meaning, and what Yumi told her that day during lunch. As soon as she got home that day, she had read the letter, and its contents turned out to be exactly what she expected: a straight up love confession, one she had ignored from the many others who had sent letters to her. But as Yumi said, the fact that Yuri had the courage to give the letter to her in person already put her in a far more favorable light.

And if there was anything in the world that Miku liked, it was people who were courageous.

She looked back to Hibiki and Chris, who were still completely stupefied by the events taking place right in front of their eyes. Realizing she won't get even a small peep from them, she turned back to Yuri and once more smiled.

"Sure, why not," She said. Yuri's eyes widened, and she stared at Miku with her own amazed expression. The graduate turned back to her two friends and stood up from her seat. "I'll see you two later then."

Left without any articulate response to give, Hibiki and Chris could only watch in stunned silence as Miku disappeared into the crowd together with the brunette, her two friends following up behind her. It was Chris who gathered her senses first and finally spoke.

"What...just happened?" She murmured aloud, not at all expecting anyone to hear her over the music. Turning her head to Hibiki, she furrowed her brows as she noticed that her girlfriend's gaze still lingered on the spot Miku disappeared to, making her realize something was definitely off. "Hibiki? You okay?"

She put a hand on the redhead's shoulder, shaking her a bit to bring her back to reality, but it seemed to have no effect. Hibiki simply continued to stare, and stare, at that very same spot, the rest of the world having pretty much vanished as she tried to process exactly what just happened in front of her.

"Hibiki?" Chris repeated, her worry increasing tenfold. 'What's...what's wrong with her?' She wondered. 'Miku walking off with some other girl is kinda surprising, but nothing we didn't expect to happen eventually...right?'

"Oh my, you two look surprised." A voice that somehow carried itself above the music suddenly said, drawing their attention to the main dancing floor. Walking up to her in her own combination of blouse and skirt was Shiori, posing a stunning figure in their eyes in the artificial light of the club.

"Shiori?" Chris said. "How did you…"

"Fufufu," The blonde chuckled. "My, don't you know already Chris? I'm also a part of the team that made this night possible. I figured it would be a nice change from the norm after all, considering we are now entering our adult lives officially," She said. "How are you? You were quite brave to do what you did to chase those girls off."

Chris blushed, removing her hand from Hibiki's shoulder. The redhead remained as still as a statue, her brain having shut down completely.

"Looks like Hibiki is quite astonished," Shiori said, putting a hand on her cheek. "But I can't say I'm surprised. After all, this was to be expected eventually." She continued, somehow reading Chris' mind as she looked at her. The white-haired girl's eyes widened, feeling like a deer in the headlights for some reason. It was then however that Hibiki spoke, her tone of voice far removed from the norm.

"How...what...Miku...is…"

Chris looked at her girlfriend in total bewilderment, completely unsure what brought this sudden episode about. However, Shiori approached just a bit closer to them, making her voice much clearer than before.

"Oh, what did you expect, Hibiki?" She suddenly said, causing the mentioned girl to look to her. "Did you expect her to remain in your shadow forever?"

It was a question that hit much harder than she had expected. Having found herself in this strange place with strange things happening around her, Hibiki was not at all ready for such a scathing blow to come from someone she considered a friend.

"No, I didn't! But I just thought-" Hibiki began to try and say, but Shiori cut her off again.

"You know, you were really brave for revealing yourself in the ceremony like that, so in return I'll reveal to you a small secret of my own," Shiori began to say, her tone lower than expected. "I'm still quite angry with you for that stunt you pulled, the whole faking your own death thing. I thought it was quite cliché, and obviously you did not completely think it through at the time. But, that is not any of my business, even if you caused many ripples to happen in our lives due to it. However, you can't exactly expect for things to remain what they used to be, especially after so long. You should be happy for her, just like she was happy for you."

"I am happy for her! And I never thought they'd be the same! You don't understand, I-"

"Oh really?" Shiori asked, and Hibiki once again found herself speechless. "Life goes on, Hibiki. I believe it is time you finally understood that." She said, leaving the two with no room for argument. "Now then, if you'll excuse me, I just met a very lovely lady that I must return to, so I'll see you both later. Have a wonderful night, you two."

And with that said, she left, having come and gone like a summer storm. The two girls remained stunned once more, with Hibiki in particular having her eyes wide, staring down into her own lap.

"Hibiki?"

Chris' calling of her name however did not serve to shake Hibiki out of her stupor. She looked at herself, moving her hands into her vision. She opened and closed her palms as she stared into them.

And it was at that moment that everything began to feel alien. The colors, the music, her clothes, and even her own hands felt like they were something she had never seen before, a strange sort of feeling coming over her in that moment.

"Things really aren't the same, huh…?" She said to herself in a mix of confusion and realization. It wasn't as if she hadn't thought about it, but to hear it from someone else...and to see a proof of that with her own eyes...was definitely not what she had expected.

But if she already knew that, and accepted it...why was she being affected so much by it now?

"Hibiki…" Chris whispered, her girlfriend's shaken state bringing the memory of that night six months prior back to the front of her mind. Placing a single hand on her girlfriend's shoulder, she continued, a sad smile on her face. "Come on...let's get out of here." At the redhead's slow nod, they stood up from the table before making their way through the crowd towards the door, catching the eye of Tsubasa as they left.

Tachibana-Yukine Apartment, Chuuou, Tokyo

Silence had fallen over the duo their entire way back to the apartment the couple shared, Chris fully concerned for her girlfriend's mental state the whole way. Having seen the impact Shiori's words had on the redhead, Chris had decided that they should leave. Such a strange environment was not good for anyone's mental state, including her own. But it was still very odd for her to see Hibiki being left so speechless just from someone else's words. 'Well, she did come off a bit harsh…' she thought, eyes locked onto her girlfriend's own before they entered the common room with a sad smile on her face.

"Hey, we're home…" Chris said, drawing a hesitant nod from the redhead before Hibiki walked across the room, entering their shared bedroom and disappearing from Chris' view. 'Hibiki...whatever happened...I'm right here for you, you know that…' she thought, walking over to their shared table and setting her small purse on top of it before taking a seat on the nearby couch, phone in hand as she started to type a brief message.

"Whatever happened back there, I'm worried about you…" Chris whispered, sending the text message to the group chat she was part of with the other wielders. "Hibiki…please, stop being so hard on yourself…"

-SotHR-

Hibiki stood in front of the mirror, shaking as she stared towards the image she saw. Reaching up quietly she spoke, eyes scanning herself as she touched the glass surface, a sad smile on her face.

"Eyes?" she asked, her voice shaking as she spoke. "Yeah...same color. Face looks the same. Hair...why is it red...whose clothes are these?" Stopping as she looked in the mirror, Shiori's words echoing through her brain repeatedly along with the memories of the night six months ago that she had spoken with Miku, she continued, her voice barely audible even to herself.

"This mirror is different. The floor is different. This sink is different. The ceiling is different...but why is it different."

She blinked.

"If everything is different, then...who is this person I see in the mirror?"

'You already know the answer…' her rational mind said internally, the redhead blinking in response as she looked at herself in the mirror. 'You're still you. You're Tachibana Hibiki, just like you've always been.'

"But if I'm the same...then why do I feel so lost…"

Once again, her thoughts answered her.

'Everyone changes, even you,' her inner self said, its manifestation in the mirror not even blinking. 'It's been almost three years. And when you made up your mind to leave like you did, you didn't expect people to stay the same, did you?' Smiling softly as Hibiki shook her head in response, her inner self continued.

'I didn't think so...but, that doesn't make it any less normal of a thought to have. You've grown and matured so much...you should know better than that, Hibiki.'

"...Even if...I'm not really Hibiki anymore?"

'Not really Hibiki? Absurd.' The voice said. It was her own voice, she was aware of that, but why did it sound so much like...her old one?

"It's not absurd," She said back. "I...don't even look like I used to anymore. What I see in the mirror is strange to me sometimes."

'A mere change in hair color is not what determines the difference, Hibiki. It is the heart, or have you forgotten Kanade's words already? Words you have carried with you since the day she died, and since the day you saw her again, on the precipice of oblivion?'

Silence, her eyes said. The amber color reflected back at her shone in the dark, the rest of the bathroom- no, the rest of the world becoming meaningless save for herself and the mirror. 'Tachibana Hibiki is not an absolute. She is a process. A process that has gone through turmoil and hardships few would ever face in their lives. It is that path that brought you to this place, nothing else. This is the results of your choice.'

She put her hand on the mirror, covering the reflection of her face, making it blank.

"But...was it the right one?"

A laugh. 'Of all things to consider now. You tell me, Hibiki. You alone know the answer to that.'

She removed her hand, and what looked back at her was her own self from three years ago. Eyes that were filled with nothing but naivety and cluelessness. A smile that simply hid the damage within. Two red thunderbolt hairclips whose origin she had already forgotten, the iconic accessory having been lost at some point in her past. 'Do you wish to return to this moment?' The voice asked.

She wiped away at the mirror, trying to make this old reflection disappear. She wiped and wiped, and like condensation the image of her previous self was erased, restoring the image of her new one.

"No, I don't," She answered. "For more reasons than one."

'Then do away with doubt, Hibiki, for that is what shackles you. The Tachibana Hibiki of old no longer exists in this world, for she is you now, having grown and changed to bring forth the result that is you. What she is and what you are are two very different things...but the one thing that remains constant is this name, which is your own for eternity.'

"Then why...why was seeing Miku like that...so shocking?"

'Because you finally realized that time waits for no one, not even for you. Your story no longer belongs to you alone, Hibiki. Miku was a constant that is now no longer a part of the equation, for she is a prisoner of time just as you are. There is no avoiding this fact, Hibiki. Your fate that had been set in stone was changed by your own hands and no one else's. Perhaps in some other, distant world just like the one Miku had been in, you would have remained an absolute. But your own existence cannot be questioned: You are Tachibana Hibiki, a famous idol, and the one whose heart was captured by someone you did not expect. But...do you regret it?'

Her answer was immediate, the smiling image of the young woman waiting in the other room appearing in her mind.

"No."

'Then dwell no longer, for you have made an oath that you have sworn to uphold. Do so with all your strength, and with your own name that has been tempered with your own hands.'

-SotHR-

The sound of a closing door caused Chris to look up as Hibiki re-entered their common area, a small smile written on her face as she approached. Wrapping her arms around Chris and holding her closely, the redhead spoke, any trace of her earlier sadness seemingly nonexistent.

"Sorry about that," she whispered, her voice a more upbeat tone than it had been that night. Smiling softly in response, Chris spoke up, a level of relief in her voice that did not go unnoticed.

"It's fine," she began, a strawberry blush on her face. Leaning upwards, one hand stroking the taller girl's face, she continued, her voice quiet even as she spoke. "More importantly...are you okay? What was that?"

A small sigh, the taller redhead releasing her girlfriend from the hug before coming around to join Chris on the couch, the small smile she had been wearing shrinking slightly as she spoke up, a small amount of tension in her shoulders.

"Have you ever felt like...you didn't know who you are anymore?" Hibiki asked, her voice quiet as she began, her eyes staring at the other side of the room. Taking note of how her girlfriend was speaking, Chris looked at her with concern, the level of worry she had felt returning in force as the redhead continued. "I guess...I hadn't thought about just how much my leaving had changed things. And when Miku went with that one girl...how much has changed just hit me all at once."

"Hibiki…" Chris whispered out, her eyes closing as she laced her fingers in between the redhead's own. "You idiot...do you really think that you're the only one who's thought about something like that?"

"No, not really…" she replied, her small smile returning to her face. Turning towards where Chris was sitting, she continued, even as the distant look she had held earlier returned. "But that didn't stop me from kinda...losing myself, in a way. I guess that even though I didn't mean to, I may have thought that it wouldn't have changed. I was wrong...and I'm glad that I was."

"Well, do you regret it? Leaving like you did, I mean."

"No, I don't regret leaving. Maybe I would have said something first. But if I wouldn't have left, I don't think I'd be who I am today at all."

"I'm glad to hear that," Chris replied, her small smile widening slightly. Squeezing the redhead's hand gently with her own, she continued even as a sort of distant look of her own came onto her face. "Your leaving did change things, a lot more than you think. I'm a perfect example of it, too."

"Oh?" Hibiki asked, a tinge of surprise to her voice. Taking a moment to think about her next words, Chris responded, her eyes hardening slightly as she spoke.

"If you wouldn't have left, then I wouldn't have become as good of friends with Miku or the other girls as I have." A pause, Chris thinking about her next words carefully. "And your leaving...was part of what got me to learn to open up a bit."

A pause, as if Chris was pondering what else to say.

"But what you said about losing yourself...you're not the only one who's thought about that."

"Hmm?" Hibiki said in response, her attention fully on the snow-haired girl. Taking a deep breath, Chris spoke up again, voice quiet as she spoke.

"After everything ended with Finé, I felt almost...lost," the snow-haired girl said, untangling her fingers from her girlfriend's own before reaching up behind her head and fiddling with a scrunchie she wore to hold her hair in its twintails. "I didn't know what to do...and after Kadingir happened and you left, it just felt even worse." Finally managing to undo one of the scrunchies, she slid it off, allowing the hair held together by it to fall freely before moving onto the other. "But as time went on, I figured out that I'm a lot more than what she tried to peg me as."

"Yeah…" Hibiki replied, a smile on her face as she listened to her girlfriend continue to speak.

"I...I'm not the best in the world at these types of things," Chris said, finally managing to undo the second scrunchy and slowly removing it. "But...I think we all think about if we're really who we think we are at times. We wouldn't be who we are today if we didn't. As long as you can move forwards and keep doing so without regretting the choices you make…then that's what allows us to grow as people."

"You're right," Hibiki said, taking in the sight of her girlfriend in front of her, the snow-haired girl's hair flowing freely down her back in the well-lit room. "And if I wouldn't have made the choices I've made, I wouldn't have gotten to be here with you. That's something I wouldn't change, no matter what." At this, she smiled warmly as Chris spoke up, a small amount of anxiety to her voice.

"Yeah...and I'm glad for that," she began, fiddling nervously with her scrunchies before taking a calming breath. "Hey...Hibiki?"

"Mmm?" the redhead responded, shaking herself to attention.

"Do you...remember when we went to the lights the night after you got out of the hospital?"

At the redhead's silent nod, Chris continued, entangling her fingers with the redhead's own as her mind raced. 'I want this...I'm more sure of it now than I've been before...and I won't let my memories of Finé stop me…'

"After we got done at the festival, you remember what we did, right?"

"Yeah…" Hibiki said, her voice quiet as she remembered their make out session at Hibiki's former apartment, and the conversation that took place afterwards. Remembering the anger she had felt at what the priestess had done to her girlfriend, Hibiki's eyes narrowed slightly, something that didn't go unnoticed by Chris as she prepared to speak.

"Relax, Hibiki. I wasn't thinking about what Finé did." Standing up from her seat and walking around the couch, she continued, the images of their make out session and the image of her girlfriend's reaction from earlier in the day causing her heart to race. "I...think I'm ready now."

"Hmm?" Hibiki asked, before Chris stroked the side of her face and leaned in, capturing her lips with her own, pulling away after a few moments before speaking once again.

"I'm ready, Hibiki. To give you…all of me."

"Are you sure?" Hibiki said, standing up from her seat before turning towards where Chris stood, a strawberry blush on her face. "Chris...you don't need to push yourself to do this. I love you. I don't wanna do something you're not ready for."

"I know, and I love you too," the snow-haired girl replied as the redhead made her way over to join her, a loving smile on her face. Taking the taller girl's hands in her own, she continued, returning her girlfriend's gaze with one of her own, violet meeting amber. "But...I'm sure. I want this, Hibiki. I want you. All of you...and I want to give you all of me, too."

"I feel the same way..." the redhead replied, her voice quiet as she leaned in, capturing the snow-haired girl's lips with her own, sparks shooting down their spines at the contact. Pulling away moments later, Hibiki spoke up, a fire slowly burning within her that she could feel starting to spread. "Not out here though…" she whispered, her voice lacing itself lightly with desire as Chris nodded in agreement. Both girls' eyes then turned towards the door leading to their bedroom before they headed towards it, hands entwined as Chris opened the door to reveal their shared bedroom, the king-sized bed the young couple shared almost calling them towards itself as they stepped inside, door shutting behind them.

-SotHR-

"That was incredible…" Chris said, the snow-haired girl leaning in and capturing Hibiki's lips in a gentle kiss, her voice still clearly laced with desire as she laid next to Hibiki, both girls worn out from their activities.

"Yeah...that was…." Hibiki replied, staring into her girlfriend's eyes as she spoke. "Amazing. You're amazing, Chris. What you did with your tongue there…"

"What about what you did with yours?"

Both girls laughing softly in response, the two young women smiled as Chris leaned her head on her girlfriend's chest, listening to her heartbeat. Before either girl could say anything more, a familiar scent filled Chris' nose, causing her to laugh softly, something that didn't go unnoticed by the redhead.

"Hibiki…"

"Hm? Chris, what's up?" Hibiki asked, a slightly worried look coming onto her face as Chris looked up, a look of small annoyance on her face as she spoke.

"Remember what I said earlier, about how if the place smelled because of you, you'd have to sleep on the couch?"

A silence followed, Hibiki's mind freezing slightly as she realized the current state of their room, the shared scent of their lovemaking filling her nostrils and forcing her to choke back a moan. Taking a deep breath, she slowly removed herself from their hug, before going over to the nearby closet and grabbing the throw blanket she had received from her mother for Christmas the year before and speaking up.

"Yeah...I'll be out in the other room," the redhead replied, a loving smile on her face as she looked back towards the snow-haired girl in earnest. "Get some sleep. I love you, Chris." At that, she left the room, her hips swaying slightly in a way that Chris couldn't help but blush at as the door closed behind her.

"Hibiki...idiot, I love you too…"

-SotHR-

Hibiki smiled softly, her eyes staring up at the ceiling of the common room as she thought back on how her night had unfolded. 'Tonight's been…amazing…' she thought, the images of the events of the nightclub followed quickly by the images of her and Chris' first time together, the latter set causing her mouth to dry immediately, the lingering remnants of her arousal stirring back to life.

"Today as a whole has been so special…and weird," she trailed off, thinking back even further to the graduation ceremony, and her reveal of how she had been alive. "Hopefully tomorrow will be just as special..." Closing her eyes and attempting to fall asleep, the sound of the door to the bedroom opening got her attention. Eyes snapping open and turning towards her shared bedroom as quiet footsteps approached, her body tensed up slightly before the owner of those footsteps spoke up, voice quiet.

"Hey, Hibiki? You awake?" Chris asked, her snow-colored hair still sticking lightly to her face and back as the moonlight filtered in through the window. As Hibiki sat up, a small smile on her face, Chris continued, a happy smile on her face gracing her nude form. "Mind if I join you? I...just wanna be with you right now. Besides, you weren't the only reason our room smells like that. I'm pretty sure we both played a big part in that..." she trailed off, her face still flushed from their prior activities as the memory of their night together returned to the front of her mind.

"Chris...you can join me any time, you know that." Laying back down as Chris walked over to join her, Hibiki felt herself relax, a content feeling filling her heart as she felt Chris lay down on top of her, resting her head on Hibiki's chest. Pulling her blanket over the two of them and wrapping her arms around Chris, Hibiki spoke up, her voice a whisper as she kissed her forehead lightly.

"I didn't expect you to react like that…" she whispered, a content purr coming from her girlfriend as she continued, Chris' head and body resting at peace. "But, I'm glad that you enjoyed it…"

"Hibiki...of course I enjoyed it. I love you...and I told you, I want to give you everything about me. I just...didn't expect to react that well…"

A small laugh from the both of them, the duo just enjoying each other's company as they laid there under the blanket.

"Tell me about it. I'm covered...but, I don't mind it at all."

"Oh?" Chris asked, a curiosity in her voice as she whispered, looking up at her girlfriend with happiness in her eyes.

"Yeah...you're amazing. And I love everything about you, Chris. You're...beautiful, fun to be with, and have an amazing personality. Plus...you do taste great."

"Hibiki…" Chris trailed off, blushing at the redhead's words as she smiled widely. "Hentai. I love you too, Hibiki. Although...maybe we should take a shower."

"Maybe we should…" the redhead replied, her voice trailing off as she leaned in and kissed her girlfriend once again. Pulling away from the kiss moments later, Chris responded, returning her head to its resting place on the redhead's chest.

"Yeah...tomorrow. But Hibiki…" she trailed off, the smile she wore not shrinking. "Next time, we should grab some towels first."

Another small laugh between them, they settled in, enjoying their time together as they entered the land of their dreams.

S.O.N.G. Headquarters, Main Operations Room

"The commander took today off, and there's nothing going on. I'm amazed that we're still here this late," Fujitaka sat as he sat at his station, his display showing readings regarding Gjallarhorn. "It's not like there's been anything from Gjallarhorn since it activated six months ago. It's just been sitting there without doing anything the whole time."

"Don't forget that we have another reason to be here," his teammate said, walking over to join him with a thermos in her hand. Placing it next to the brunette at the station, Aoi continued, her eyes taking note of the readings on screen. "We still need to keep track of things regarding the Ver case, remember. But you're right; these readings look identical to what we've been seeing for months now."

"I almost forgot about him," Sakuya said, nodding in silent thanks to his teammate as he grabbed a hold of the thermos she had placed near him. Taking a sip of the fresh batch of liquid caffeine, he continued, a serious look coming onto his face. "His trial's in the next couple of days, isn't it?"

"Yeah, but they're moving him to a more secure storage facility first, one built specifically to store relics," Aoi replied, stepping back and looking back at her teammate. "It's hard to believe how it's been just a few months since Frontier, huh?"

"Yeah, but at the same time, we've all learned from it since then, at least I think," Sakuya replied, taking note as the door to the room slid open, the footsteps of their relief operators making themselves known as a fresh pair of operatives walked in. "And we've all changed since then, too. I mean...Tsubasa-san, Chris-san, and Miku-san all graduated from Lydian today, Hibiki-san's stardom is growing faster than anyone would have thought, and we've also had Maria-san, Shirabe-san, and Kirika-san join us officially."

"And that's all just for starters," Aoi said, nodding her agreement as the operator assigned to relieve her gave her a brief salute. Heading back to her station to log herself off of duty for the night, she continued, a sad smile written on her face. "I wish I could have taken the time off to go see them graduate today. Tsubasa, Chris, and Miku are like family to me."

"I'm sure there'll be plenty of pictures," Sakuya responded, finishing his tasks for the day and logging out of his station before saluting to the officer taking over for him for that night. "Anyways, I'm out for the night; tomorrow Ver gets moved, so we've gotta be on our toes."

Nodding in agreement, Aoi followed behind her teammate as they left the room. But even as they left into the early summer night, a sense of uncertainty settled over them, as if a prior chapter had closed, with no idea as to where the future would take them.

Unknown Location, Unknown Time

A thick fog filled the air as the giant gears turned, creaking loudly as they rotated slowly around in space. Before them a single platform floated in space, navy and goldenrod stone filling its floor in a gear motif as crimson carpet lined with golden vines streamed from both sides towards the center, meeting in a pool of crimson before running up the small ivory staircase at the platform's head. On its railings that were seemingly ripped from the ancient castles one would read about in storybooks, ominous spikes jutted out from the railings into the darkness above, an ominous vibe filling the air at the hands of its sole occupant.

At the top of the staircase sat a golden throne padded in crimson cushions, what looked to be golden pipes fanning out behind it and rising towards the heavens as a young woman sat upon it in silence. Her eyes closed in what appeared to be concentration as a dark cape and hat shrouded her from view, the young woman spoke up, images of a past long thought forgotten bringing a scowl to her face.

"This world still hasn't learned from how it destroyed my father…" she growled out, a dark fire rising within her similar to the flames she saw in her dreams. Standing from her seat on her throne, she smiled darkly before continuing as she lifted her hand upwards, a brilliant glow appearing before fading to reveal a translucent sphere, her eyes snapping open as she stared into it, her sky-blue orbs cold as ice as she took in the images within the sphere. "It's almost time for me to begin...and by the time I'm finished, this world will know the name Carol Malus Dienheim…"

She closed her hand around the sphere, the construct shattering in her palm and bursting into flames.

"And there will be nothing left but the ashes left behind in my wake!"

To Be Continued in...

"Song of the Heart Redux: GX Arc"

Author's Postscript: And with that, G arc finally comes to an end, albeit one that shouldn't surprise anyone. Yes, there will be a GX arc, as well as two other arcs beyond it, one for AXZ and another one that's fully original. As for the newly named "Symphogear XV", I can't really say at the moment; until there's more info about it, I can't give a good answer.

I'm sure that you noticed something missing here towards the end regarding Chris and Hibiki's activities. If you want to see that scene that was cut out, then don't worry; it will appear soon when this fic makes its appearance on Archive of Our Own. My Author name there is the same as on here, so it shouldn't be too hard to find, and I'll post a note regarding that when it goes up within the next couple days.

With all of that said, I'd like to take a moment to once again thank you, the readers. Without you all taking the time to read this story, who knows where we'd be? I want to make sure that I tell you that I truly appreciate every bit of support and feedback I get from each of you, regardless of if it's positive or negative feedback. Every ounce of it is appreciated, and I'm thankful to all of you.

I'd also like to thank, yet again, both StealthyTanub and solopy567 for being the beta readers on this, as well as for being some of the best idea help that I could have ever asked for. Without them, the story probably would not be where it is now. Check out solo's "My Sunshine"; it's a really good piece, and one that deserves as much support as we can give it.

Finally, I can't forget to thank Ada1229 for allowing me to adopt her original fic and for allowing me to make it into my own.

What's next? Well, GX arc will be coming soon. There is another project that I'll be working on in the short term as well as GX arc though, so we'll see how long it takes. But don't worry, it's coming.

Once again, I'd like to say thanks to all of you, and I'll see you in GX arc!

-ZBD15