Reviews:

Akira: Honestly, I got pretty sad when I was writing that Chris part. Hajime is going to join in the fight soon. Don't worry about that.

Lord Ri The Husbu King: Honestly, be happy for the couples that are still standing. Which...some of them may or may not be destroyed later on in the series...Just saying. Chris and Takeru are the couple that's been together the longest. Or something like that. They weren't dating back when they were with Fine, but they might as well have since they had a deep care for each other. Yeah, things will get tense in XV. It's going to be crazy. You'll see.

SoutaAmetsuchi: Me too. I was counting the chapters before I could write these 2 talking again. And I'm happy with how it came out. It was torture to not write them together for like 20 chapters. I can't imagine how you guys felt. We'll see what life has in store for our dragon boy.

primenidus: Yes, sir. HajimexHibiki is back.

Tenzalucard123: I'm so happy for them. They deserve to be happy. Yes, lying to Bragi is bad. And we will see why later.

FlameFireZero X: Thank you, I appreciate your words. I'm glad you liked it. I have some ideas for their final forms. But I can't say much yet for obvious reasons. Not everyone is going to get it. But I like the idea of the katana. I'll keep it in mind. What weapons do you think will suit the other Riders?

Chapter 101
Life's Pleasures

"Life is so dull. Everything around can be such a letdown and boring. I wonder...when did I start to think this way?"

The Kugisakis stood in front of the stage, waving at the crowds of people gathered around to witness their performance. Yomi would often go solo to perform dangerous acts, but when Despia accompanied him, he had no choice but to resort to being less open. So he relied on his trusty hat, which was a Philosophical Weapon of its own, a hat that belonged to the great Houdini once in the past. Alongside his cape, which his sister donned with her leotard. His hat was capable of creating anything that he or someone could think of, but it had to be smaller than the hat itself. So he had no problem summoning countless bunnies that ran around, much to the delight of the audience.

Yomi mustered a fake smile, unable to comprehend why they were laughing and clapping. To him, this was simple. He didn't find it enjoyable whatsoever. A meaningless task in the long run.

"People misinterpret what life is really about. We don't look for companionship, understanding, or love. People don't look for a place to live, surrounded by the people they love. People look for a place to die. A place where they can say for certain their deaths weren't meaningless."

Despia, on the other hand, had a big smile on her face. A sunny smile as she swayed her hips, hiding her face behind her cape, which similar to Yomi's hat, could create something the same size as the cape. So she pulled out a large bubble that exploded into confetti. She pulled on her sleep, revealing her red magic runes as she created a rose made entirely of ruby, earning a deafening round of applause.

"Life is so fragile. It's gone in an instant. You can be the richest man in the world or the poorest man in the world. But against death, all of that is completely meaningless. Life is not about worrying about the past or the future. But to enjoy the moment. Savor the delicious treat that life can hand you. Or you can get it yourself. The never-ending dessert that you can't help but yearn for when you see it."

After their performance was over, the twins stood in the middle of the stage, their hands intertwined as they bowed and waved at the audience. The boy looked at his sister with a smile and she did the same. They stepped off stage as more of their peers went to take their turn to mesmerize the audience with their skills. Yomi's smile disappeared, hands in his pockets and Despia trailed behind him.

"To me, the greatest thing about life is the people. Or to be precise, the entertainment they can provide. You see, for me, life is one big spectacle. A play that has countless characters in the form of the people around you. Everyone is different. Not one person is the same as the next one. Not even twins. Their personalities, their appearances, their likes and dislikes. Everything about them is so different. I love to fight. Everyone around me knows that. I fight whoever I want at any time. Even if I have to fight a crowd of people. The battle is part of this play we call life. In battle, true personalities can be seen and the purest reactions can be achieved. To fight is to live. And even if I'm losing a fight, that only motivates me even more. Which is why I took his invitation..."

"Save the world?" Yomi asked, his attention piqued when Wei had approached him and his sister after a performance.

"That's right. Like you, the person who can achieve this is also a half-Liang. He's the monster that can change the world as it is." Wei said, removing the glove from his hand and showing them the tattoo of the snake."You can have power like this if you help us save humanity from destruction."

"The people I fight are mediocre at best. Sure, some of them give me a hard time a few times, but that's all it takes for me to adapt to their styles. And once that happens, they are nothing. I have always wanted to fight the strongest person around. To prove my power and increase my skills. But that never came to happen. I often dreamed of meeting the people that showed up on TV. The ones who fought against the Noise and those monsters from the mirrors. Symphogear and Kamen Rider, they called them. It seemed so unfair to me that they got to have so much fun, fighting such great battles and I was stuck here, rotting away. Perhaps that's why I accepted."

"Fine. We're in. Should be fun." Yomi grinned cockily, much to Despia's dismay."And we'll get to fight anyone we want, right?"

"That's right. Our enemies are S.O.N.G. I'm sure you've heard of them on TV." Wei nodded."One of them, in particular, is the strongest person I know."

"Yeah? And who might that be?"

"Hajime Adachi. Our cousin."

Yomi and Despia entered an RV where the circus Ringmaster was ironing some clothes since it was his day off. After the death of their father, and the disappearance of their mother, which turned out to be because of the Liang extermination, the Ringmaster had adopted them. Often he would join his children in performing, but today, he decided to let them have their fun.

"Just who I wanted to see!" Masato Naegi, the adoptive father of Yomi and Despia, stood up from his chair, marching toward his children and bringing them in for a bear hug. Despia happily returned the hug while Yomi clicked his tongue, looking annoyed."Great work as always, you two. You had the audience captivated! Your father would be proud of you. I just know it."

Despia made some hand gestures, making her Dad pay close attention as he translated in his head."We made them happy. Just like how you taught us, sir."

"Aw, Despia. You're so sweet. But really, you have nothing to thank me for. I taught you the basics of entertainment. You implemented your own style." He chuckled, taking a seat. Yomi leaned against one of the windows, crossing his arms, uninterested.

"I can't believe we won't be having you around anymore. But I'm proud you decided to attend Lydian Academy and focus on your studies. It's always good to continue your studies. And you're both still young. I believe it's important to spread your wings and meet new people. I'm glad that not everyone from the Liang clan are pretentious jerks. Well, whatever is left. Just Wei-kun and those other cousins he has."

Masato lowered his head. "It's hard to believe that a monster was the reason why your mother never came back. I used to think she was a horrible person because she never came back after your father passed away. But to think she was killed... I never liked her side of the family, but I never wished death upon them. Still, now more than ever, family is important. That boy lost his family and I believe he can truly connect with you two."

"I believe so too, sir. Wei is very nice and kind." Despia waved her hands.

"We're leaving in a few days." Yomi finally spoke up, his eyes glued to the outside.

Masato smiled fondly at the boy."You're excited, aren't you?"

"Hmmm?"

"I can see that glint in your eyes. I don't see it anymore, so I'm glad that you found something to be passionate about."

"It should be found what the great city has to offer." Yomi waved dismisivally, exiting the RV and walking down the pavement, smiling and waving at the people walking by.

"Nothing satisfied me. All of these people were meaningless to me. Because they didn't bring me the entertainment I desired. They were content with my entertainment. But that ultimately was fruitless if I didn't get any enjoyment from it."

"Um, excuse me?"

Yomi halted, glancing to his side to see a teenage girl, probably around his age or younger, fidgeting with a notebook in front of her."I'm a huge fan, Yomi-san...! I was wondering if...you could give me your autograph...?"

"Sure!" Yomi beamed, grabbing the notebook and pen from her, and scribbling his signature. The girl gushed over it, jumping up and down in glee."I'm glad to have such a faithful fan. You can tell your boyfriend that I can give him my autograph too. Hopefully, he doesn't get jealous."

"N-no...I don't have a boyfriend..." She meekly said.

"Really? What about your friends?"

"N-not today..." She lowered her gaze in shame."Well, to be honest, I don't have many friends at school...They make fun of me because of the things I like. Such as watching you guys perform. They think your phonies and that magic isn't real. But I tell them magic does exist! That you guys are the real deal! That's why I come to every performance. Because I think magic exists and being here makes me feel like I'm entering a new world! So thank you so much for always doing such a great work!"

Yomi hummed to himself as the girl bowed to him. A smile crossed his lips, bending his knees and lifting her head by her chin, looking into her eyes. The girl immediately blushed intensely, her eyes sparkling in joy upon seeing her idol so close to her.

"As I said, I appreciate your loyalty. I have to say, you're probably the best fan I ever had. But don't worry. You don't need to prove anything to anybody. Magic is real. No tricks. No smoke and no mirrors. And that's been proven, hasn't it?"

"It...has?"

"Yes. Because I can show you more." He leaned forward, whispering in her ear."Think of it as...a behind-the-scenes special. Just you and me. What do you say?"

She melted to his touch, feeling his hands around her body. To her, this was a dream come true. So she wrapped her arms around him, latching onto him as if her life depended on it.

Yomi smiled darkly, gently stroking the back of her head. He guided her to a room no one visited, closing the door behind them. Unbeknownst to him, Despia had been watching everything unfold, following from a safe distance.

"I got you another one, Harukawa-san," Yomi announced, tossing the lifeless body of the same girl he had slept with onto the cold ground of a warehouse. Her body was covered in bruises her face completely covered in blood and swollen. She was completely naked and had purple spots all over her body, but the most notable thing about her was the hole that went through her forehead."I had some fun with her, but she wasn't that great. Oh, but she's clean."

"So you did, Yomi-kun." An old, obese man approached them, examining the goods. He was a fellow worker at the circus, known to be able to juggle everything and anything he got his hands on. He knelt beside her, flipping her over and cupped her breasts, examining the hole in her head."You've gotten quite good with the holes. In comparison to before, you don't leave their faces unrecognizable with that lightning of yours."

"I practice my magic every now and then." He shrugged, electricity sparking between his fingers."So, what do you think?"

"Originally, I was going to sell her body. But on second thought, I'm running low on meat. And you've beaten her up pretty good. It's important to tenderize the meat."

"I have to punch someone to build up my charges, after all. Not like I'm into hitting women. So I guess you'll keep the body for yourself. I won't ask what you'll do with it." He said, his attention shifted to a table in the far wall with something served on a platter."Were you having dinner?"

"It's good. It tastes just like chicken, but somehow more...sentient. Want some?"

"I already ate, thanks. You do what you want. I don't judge."

"You kill people and you draw the line on cannibalism?" Harukawa rose a brow in amusement.

"Not my style to do that sort of thing. But life is all about doing what you want as long as it pleasures you." Yomi shrugged, genuinely not caring about the man's questionable taste.

"Well, that's fine. That's why we get along so well, Yomi-kun. We're both men who enjoy the finer things in life. But I'm rambling." He fetched for a handful of yen from his pocket."Here's your payment. And of course, the juice information I've collected for you. There's this fighting ring in Osaka where plenty of powerful people around Japan-"

"That's fine, Harukawa-san." Yomi cut him off, taking the bills and counting them."I'm only taking the money this time."

"Oh? How bizarre." Harukawa mused, taken aback by the boy's response."I thought you wanted to fight all kinds of people. I even got info on an exclusive fighting ring for you, like usual."

"The thing is, this is our last business together. My sister and I are going to Tokyo to attend school. So this is goodbye."

"Ah. So the rumors were true. I thought the others were just making things up. But knowing you, I take it something piqued your interest in Tokyo?"

"That's right. There are plenty of strong people there who are just begging to be challenged to a battle to the death. If it's not to the death, what's the point of a fight, right? So we're going there to meet these people and battle them. But the most interesting one is someone special. The one rumored to be the strongest. And who knows? Maybe there will be more waiting for me there."

"Heheheh. Sounds just like you to get excited about that. It's sad to see you go. We've been working together for so many years, I actually grew fond of you."

"I didn't. But it's alright. We had a good run." Yomi began walking toward the exit, hands in his pockets.

"Yomi-kun, what is your end goal? We've known each other since you were a toddler. But I never got a read on you. Do you want to be the strongest in the world?"

"Funny you should say that." Yomi glanced over his shoulder."Being the strongest there is...that's my biggest fear. I'm here in this world for a good time. Not a long time."

Finally, came the day of their departure. Yomi and Despia were walking outside of the circus, carrying a bag containing their clothes and other personal items. It was early in the morning, around 5:00 am and they had to walk for a while before they reached the bus stop. Yomi's eyes were glued to his phone as he read an article regarding the disappearance of Harukawa. Ever since that day, he had vanished from the face of the earth. And they found the body of the girl, among the remains of others in the warehouse. It was a whole mess. But nothing was ever linked to Yomi.

"I can't believe Harukawa-san has gone missing." He began, breaking the silence, surprising Despia."Can't believe he was a sick cannibal. Cut his victims to pieces and everything. Now that's disgusting, huh?!"

Despia remained quiet. Or in her case, didn't do anything and chose to listen, a cold sweat dripping down her forehead.

"All the victims, at least the ones he had in his freezer, had a hole going through their heads. Whatever it was burnt the inside of their heads and killed them instantly upon destroying the brain." He stopped in his tracks, Despia stopping a few meters behind him."Did you do it?"

She rose a brow, confused.

"Are you the reason why he disappeared? Did you kill him? Don't lie to me, Despia."

She nodded.

"Ah. I knew it was you. I guess there's no chance his body will ever be recovered. You must have followed me after I had some fun with that girl. You probably suspected something was off. After all, plenty of girls who had attended our performances have gone missing over the years. You meddled with my business. I told you countless times not to get in my way, you dumb bitch."

The blonde girl dropped her bags, walking to her brother as she began toward him, waving her hands frantically."I did it for you! That putrid man was using you! He had you rape and kill all those girls-"

Suddenly, Yomi backhanded Despia in the face, nearly dislocating her jaw by the force behind his attack. She felt her body going numb, a sharp pain coursing through her body. And this only intensified as he began to beat her up mercilessly. His runes and his magic allowed him to be in a constant state of electrification when he turned them on. It was basically the bioelectrogenesis all humans had, but taken to a whole new level. So each of his punches had a double effect. The impact of the punch and the feeling of being electrocuted. An unavoidable attack, even if blocked. He received a knee to the gut, causing her to release a scream that never came out. He grabbed her by the hair, pulling her up as he focused his charged-up electricity between his index finger, middle finger, and thumb, forming an orb of electricity.

Photoelectric Impact

"Should I finish frying your brain for good? What's it gonna take for you to shut the fuck up, huh? You're a mute. What, should your arms stop working too, then?" He asked in a dark tone, pressing his lightning against her forehead, causing a burning sensation."Stay in your lane, Despia. I do whatever the fuck I want. It's not of your fucking business who I talk to. Guess what? I killed those girls for money and for information on fighting rings throughout Japan. I did it because I wanted to. Fighting is what I live for. So if you get in the way of what I want, I'll cut you down without a second thought. Or who knows? Maybe I'll put one between the old man's eyes if that's not good enough for you."

Despia shook her head frantically, tears streaming down her face as she clasped her hands in a pleading manner.

"Good." Yomi smiled, slamming her head onto the ground."Get up."

Groaning in pain, Despia looked up, only to receive her brother's boot shoved inside of her mouth.

"You can't talk but I swear you say the dumbest shit." He shot off his lightning attack toward a nearby tree, cutting it in half. He removed his boot from her mouth, and she gasped for air, crying in silence."Come, smile a little. It's a circus after all. A place to be happy. You're souring the atmosphere."

He squatted in front of her, tilting his head."Get up, Despia."

She slowly rose her head, her nose bloody. She flinched when he felt him caressing her cheek lovingly.

"You're my baby sister. I love you. You know I hate having to hurt you." He cooed."But you make me do it. I don't want to have to beat you up, but you make me do it. I don't want to hurt you, Despia. I really don't. So can you do me a favor and not make me hurt you? It tears me apart when I do it. So please...for me?"

Despia slowly allowed herself to smile, nodding at her brother as she smiled warmly at her."That's my sister. Always reliable."

"To be, nothing but fighting was ever fulfilling. Every time I try is easy. No matter how complex it is. I can learn it in a second."

With a sardonic grin on his face, Yomi picked up his bag and proceeded to walk as Despia slowly began to pick herself up from the ground.

"This will be so much fun. I can't wait. That place is waiting for us." He smiled like a kid in a candy store, splaying his hands and his brand shining."The Land of the Strongest."

"So...how's Hajime-kun?" Jades asked Hibiki once the girls exited the shower and dressed up. They were currently having lunch after a gruesome morning in the mud trying to find the stone.

"He's okay. Just...I'm glad he's alive and well." Hibiki set her chopsticks down, smiling."They will perform some analysis and see if he's better. Or at least, if he's okay to come back. Also, he starting his sessions with his psychiatrist."

"It leaves a bad taste in my mouth to have him coming back after what happened." Yosuke sighed."I don't want him to feel obligated."

"That's true." Maria nodded."We need him, but if he doesn't have the right mentality..."

"After what happened to him..." Shirabe instinctively flinched, rubbing her neck.

"Man, don't worry. He's good. Trust me." Hamaguchi grinned with a wink.

"Define good," Yosuke said.

"Look, he saved my life. And kept his word."

"Kept his word?" Shirabe wondered.

"He said he'd go see a psychiatrist. And seems like he'll do it." Hamaguchi placed his hands behind his back in a carefree manner."He'll be fine. He's my best friend, after all."

"I'm sure that's what Takeru would have said too." Jades muttered with a small smile."He'd be happy that Hajime was able to come back."

"I wonder about that." Chris closed her eyes.

"Yukine?"

"Chris-chan." Aoi approached the group with a friendly smile."The Foreign Affairs Ministry contacted us to set up a meeting. Stephan and Sonya were hoping to see you before they left back to Val Verde."

"They want to see me?" Chris glanced down at her and Takeru's rings."After everything that happened?"

"I'm sure they want to express their gratitude." Jades chimed in."I mean, you both saved their lives, after all."

"I shot off Stephan's leg."

"Takeru asked you to. There was no other choice. It was either that or that kid died." Yosuke said, trying to offer some comfort."Look, I know the sister doesn't like Takeru because he was a mercenary in Val Verde and all, but he did save their lives. Just hear what they have to say. This might be the last chance you get. Think of it as closure. He'd want you to move on with your life."

"Right. Right...I'll think about it." Chris nodded.

"Very well. Do let me know." Aoi nodded back before walking away.

"Yosuke-senpai...I don't think I can move on without him." Chris clenched her fists, biting her lower lip."Not as long as that snake bastard is still alive!"

"We'll catch him. I promise you that. I know how you feel. I have a score to settle with him for what he did to Goro."

"Shouldn't be too hard to fight them, right?" Hamaguchi asked."I mean, Chiaki Nakahara is dead. So that just leaves 3 of them."

"Except Albedo has 3 Advent Beasts and Kuwana 2. I assume Nakara's Deck was never found because it returned to Kaburagi, so he has another monster. Not to mention they have Loki on their side and have Bragard as the fuel source to the Mirror World. They are a tricky opponent. Do not underestimate them, Kuroiwa."

"Got it...But then-"

"I see you're all here." Genjuro boomed, addressing his subordinates."Good. Come meet me in the training room when you're all done."

"Training? Now?" Chris arched a brow."But we just found the Fool's Stone."

"If this were a movie, do you think they'd cut straight from finding some rock to a happy ending?" Genjuro asked with a serious tone.

"The fuck is he talking about...?" Raiden muttered to no one specifically.

"I agree." Yosuke sighed, rubbing the back of his nape."We're not strong enough yet. Sure, we got Adachi and Dienheim as our powerhouses. But we need to be able to compete as well. We can't fall behind. Not against our current enemies."

"That's the spirit." Genjuro gave him a thumbs up."And don't worry. I have a special treat for today's training."

"Special treat?" Everyone wondered in unison.

"I'm going to kill them." Raphael cursed under his breath as he knelt next to an unconscious Prelati, who was being slowly healed up by Alchemy. He grasped her hand, squeezing it."I'm going to fucking kill them for what they did to her."

"Calm down." Cagliostro placed a hand on his shoulder."It's unlike you to get this upset."

"They hurt her. And I was unable to save her. She's one of my dearest friends and yet..." He clenched his fists in impotence."I should have used Excalibur fully."

"And we prohibited you from doing that. Unless absolutely nece-"

"It was necessary."

"She didn't die. I could still fight but we had to pull back." Cagliostro placed a hand on his shoulder."She'll be fine. She's strong."

"Right. That's true. And stubborn too. Whatever Prelati wants, she will get, huh?"

"How is she?" St. Germain came through the door, her expression blank but her eyes were filled with concern.

"All good. She just needs more time." Cagliostro explained as the white-haired woman walked to the small table next to Prelati, observing the many different gems.

"We all share the same dream. So if they hurt one of us, they hurt all of us. We'll make them pay. And we'll use the remaining Shadow Riders."

"We have Zolda, Imperer, Knight, Raia, Gai, Tiger, and Ryuki." Raphael said."The gems are registered under Prelati, but I've customized them so all of us can use them."

"Imperer is relatively weaker than the rest, but his ability to summon an army is useful." St. Germain stated."Shadow Gai is stuck at his level since we couldn't properly use the Shadow Riders when we fought the Disasters of Valhalla. The real Zolda is dead, so Shadow Zolda won't get stronger, but he's still formidable with his firepower. I don't-"

Suddenly, Shadow Ryuki's gem began to glow, a blinding light flashing inside the room and forcing them to look away. When the light died down, S. Ryuki was standing in front of him, holding S. Imperer and S. Gai's gems.

"What the-Who summoned you?!" Cagliostro huffed.

"What happened? Why is he here...?" Raphael blinked, bewildered.

"You should already know, I'm something of an anomaly. You can't measure me by low standards like the other Shadow Riders. I'm literally built differently. You made me different. Naturally, I can come out to play whenever I please."

"You got it wrong." St. Germain reached for her jacket, about to pull out her Spellcaster, but S. Ryuki raised a finger and aimed it at Prelati."What are you doing?!"

"We can settle our differences right here and now. It'd be no problem to beat all three of you. You're nothing to what I am. However...I tend to heat up too much during a fight. Especially at the beginning. And we're too close to Prelati, no?"

"How dare you?!" Raphael sneered.

"You will address her properly as Master Prelati! Just like all of us! You're a pawn!" Cagliostro berated him, but he just chuckled.

"I find it strange to address someone weaker than me as master." S. Ryuki shook his head."Here's how things are going to work. Since you are incapable of getting the job done properly, I will officially assist you. On my terms. And don't worry, the Lodgemaster and the Mistress know of this arrangement."

"Is this what he meant by modifications?" St. Germain wondered.

"Don't worry. Work with me, and I'll work with you. We don't have to step on each other's toes." He said, shoving the two gems in his hand inside of his mouth and chewing on them."Huh. Tastes like bubblegum."

"What the fuck are you doing?!" Cagliostro's face turned pale.

"Gai and Imperer are useless. The real Gai is only fast because he has Imperer's abilities. But we Shadow Riders don't have the luxury of doing that. So I decided to put their powers to better use. Besides, I am the ace in the hole, no? If the Messiah shows up, I'll kill him and get it over with. So how about it? Do we have a deal? I'll intervene when I find it convenient and you stay out of my way. I'll even go back to calling you masters if it helps your fragile ego."

'The Lodgemaster...did he plan this? Is he threatening me to make a choice or he will do it for me?'

Cagliostro, who had listened in secret to their conversation, kept a serious expression.

"Very well." St. Germain nodded slowly."What are your demands?"

"Just carry me around. Don't worry. It's not like things will change between the four of you. Just when I want to come out, I'll do what I want. Whoever survives the other Shadow Riders...will be my victim. And then, once I kill the Messiah, I will finally be a real human!"

"Keep your guard up, Dienheim!" Knight commanded as he swung his Darklancer, forcing Alternative to parry it as best as he could. While the girls trained against some Alca Noise, the boys were sparring with each other. Knight and Alternative had been going for quite some time while the others decided to watch,

"Watch your surroundings!"

Alternative huffed, taking several steps back as Knight continued his relentless attacks. He twirled his lance, going for a thrust that stabbed into Alternative's stomach."Fuck!"

"What the hell?! Why aren't you dodging more?!" Knight chastised him, as the pseudo-Rider's wounds began to regenerate."You're faster than me. Surely you could have seen that attack!"

"Bad habit..." Alternative muttered, taking a battle stance.

"You know, if I could regenerate from any wound, I would not even bother dodging most things." Abyss commented."Then again, maybe that's why he isn't dodging much."

"Yeah, but his regeneration takes its toll on him. It's not an absolute thing." Tiger chimed in."Look at him. He's been cut all around and lost a few limbs and he's tired. Yosuke is trying to break him out of that habit. It will go a long way."

"Oh, fuck!" Abyss yelled, earning their attention as he pointed to where the girls were."No way...the Commander is jumping in?!"

"What?" Alternative and Knight immediately paused their fight, their attention focused on the girls.

"Alright! This time, I'll join in on the training. Let's see what you girls have." Genjuro said, stretching and preparing himself.

The first one to go down was Maria, effortlessly thrown away like a ragdoll. Then Hibiki rushed to fight him, all too eager to prove herself to her master. But Genjuro parried her attacks with one hand and threw her away as well. But he easily dispatched her and proceeded to beat Tsubasa as well. Chris, panicking to see she was one of the last ones standing, unleashed a volley of missiles. But to her shock, he grabbed them with his bare hands and threw them back at her. Kirika and Shirabe were fortunate enough to just be sent flying by him stepping on the ground and breaking the ground beneath them.

"Holy fucking shit..." Abyss's jaw dropped to the floor, as did the others after seeing all Symphogear singlehandedly defeated by their Commander."Did you guys see that?!"

"I felt that..." Raia flinched.

Genjuro turned toward them, folding his arms under his chest."You boys stopped training to watch the girls struggle? Don't get too comfortable. You're up next."

The group tensed up, immediately adopting their battle positions as Yosuke took command."Guys, keep it together! We can-"

"Fuck no! I am not fighting him!" Abyss charged the opposite way, running for dear life.

"Goddamn it, Kuroiwa!" Knight groaned in exasperation."Alright, whatever!"

Sword Vent: Winglancer

Knight was the first to dash at Genjuro, thrusting his lance forward. The man grabbed the tip of his weapon, much to his shock. He pulled him to him, bending his knees and lifting Knight over his shoulder, slamming him onto the ground.

Genjuro turned to see Tiger sprinting at him and copied him as both men rushed to tackle each other.

Abyss, who was observing from afar, gasped."Oh, yeah! Jades-san is super strong too, isn't he? The physically strongest out of all of us. So maybe he can push the Commander-"

His hopes were crushed when Tiger was not only tackled with ease but launched several meters into the air, landing on a tree.

"Oh...no..."

Knight clicked his tongue, picking himself up from the ground and trying to blindside Genjuro. The man sidestepped, forcing Knight to swing his weapon to try and strike him, but Genjuro blocked his arm and twisted his arm, forcing him to drop his weapon.

Swing Vent: Evilwhip

Raia lashed out his whip, only for Genjuro to grab it with his bare hand while holding Knight. He began spinning around, taking both Knight and Raia for a spin. Both Riders screamed as Genjuro increased his velocity. He released Knight, throwing him onto a building. But he kept his grip on the whip, forming a tornado before finally releasing it, sending Raia crashing into Tiger, who was attempting to rush at the man but had his brother slammed into him.

Like a predator sensing its prey, Genjuro's eyes instantly locked onto Abyss before dashing toward him. Abyss began running away but Genjuro was quickly catching up to him.

"W-w-w-w-w-wait a second please-" He did not finish his sentence as he was sent flying into the sky, screaming for his life.

"You're all too independent when you fight." Genjuro shook his head."Think like a team. Synchronize with each other. Right, Bragi-kun?"

Bragi landed in front of Genjuro, hands on his hips."Yeah. It's how Link Vent works. Or in our case, Co-Link."

"Want to give it a go?"

"It'll be an experience. One that I sorely need!" Alternative began making a beeline toward Genjuro, amping his speed by decreasing his gravity. He began skating onto the ground, pushing himself with his gravity. Genjuro felt himself being pulled by something as his body began to move on his own.

He looked at Bragi's right hand, noticing it covered in a dark aura.'I see. So he's pulling him toward him and pushing his fist toward me. I see he's getting more creative with his powers.'

Genjuro threw his punch, both of their fists colliding. Bragi was immediately on the offensive, increasing the weight of his punches and forcing Genjuro to block. He tried to sweep him off his feet with a kick, but the hybrid jumped just in time and went for a horizontal kick against the red-haired man's side. He grabbed his leg upon impact and hurled him away. Before he could get up, Genjuro slammed his foot onto the ground, destroying the concrete beneath him and punching a boulder at the teenage hybrid. And the last thing he saw before darkness engulfed him was a giant rock coming in his direction at insane speeds.

"I was expecting you to last longer, you know," Hamaguchi said to Bragi as everyone lay on the ground, completely exhausted. The monochrome-haired boy just gave him a tired glare.

"Weren't you the one who was ducking the fight while we were busting our asses out there? You're a fucking pussy, dude."

"Language." Maria groaned, too tired to move.

"Whatever."

"Bro, he was grabbing Chris-san's missiles with his fucking bare hands. What the hell did you want me to do?"

"I can't believe I'm trusting my sister to you..."

"Relax. Not everyone is built like a tank like the Commander. I can take everyone else. Except him."

"Let this be a lesson that while we have the Fool's Stone, you still need to train your bodies." Genjuro addressed all of the teenagers there, receiving a collective groan.

Raiden had a bag next to him, puking inside of it every few minutes due to his still dizzy state.

"Yuck! Stop barfing already, Raiden!" Shirabe scooted away from him.

"You're the one who sat next to him, genius." The brown-haired teen scoffed.

"Man, I thought I was tough. Commander, I stood no chance to your strength." Jades commented.

"Give it a few years and you'll be rivaling me in raw strength. You got the build."

As they conversed, Hamaguchi caught sight of Hibiki, who was in a compromising position with her butt in the air. He was about to comment on it but realized his situation. He moved closer to Bragi and leaned closer to him."Hey. Doesn't Hibiki-chan have a big ass?"

"Huh?!" Bragi hissed, giving him a puzzled look."Why are you telling me that?! I don't see her that way!"

"Ah, so you know about a girl's good attributes." He winked, much to the hybrid's chagrin.

"Can't you comment on a girl's appearance with someone else? Also, you're in a relationship with Kirika-dono."

"Yeah, but it's not like I'm cheating on her or anything. I'm just...commenting on a girl's appearance, that's all. Besides, who else am I going to talk to? Jades-san and Raiden-kun would murder me. Yosuke-san makes me think he's asexual sometimes and Hajime is not here. So realistically, you're the only one who I can check girls out with."

"I refuse to partake in this. Not to mention if the Boy Wonder would kill you if he were to find out you were ogling his girlfriend."

"Oh? Then what about you? I know I'd get cooked in a fight against him, but do you think you could beat him?"

"Of course. I'm not losing to that deserter." He scoffed indignantly.

'Ah, so they still hate each other, huh? Frankly, I was busy staring at Hibiki-chan but I want to make the most out of this situation.'

"Why? Is it because of your programming or do you genuinely dislike him?"

"He's a deserter. Frankly, I don't know why there's so much hype behind him. We're doing just fine without him. I'll prove that by destroying Shadow Ryuki. Listen, I have a plan. I don't know if you were briefed, but we'll be implementing the Symphoger Unison function based on the Link Vent. More than likely I'll be fighting alone. The rest of you need to learn to synchronize with each other. Kind of like how you and the Boy Wonder did in Okinawa."

"Oh, yeah. The Abyssal Dragon!"

"Except that probably won't take the shape of a monster. It'll be like when you four fought against Shadow Ryuki. A combined attack, if you will. Just trust me. I know what I'm doing."

"Alright, then. I'll trust ya." Hamaguchi held out his fist. Bragi blinked, puzzled."Are you gonna leave me hanging, man? You're cold."

"Oh, right. Sorry." Bragi quickly fist-bumped him, but since he was caught off guard, he hit him a little too hard."

"Shit, your punches hurt! Are you sure you're not increasing your gravity or whatever?"

"Of course not..."

"Alright, everyone!" Genjuro clapped his hands."Enough resting! It's time for the real deal!"

Again, the group broke into a chorus of groans as Genjuro brought out a stereo and pressed the button to put training montage music.

"How are you doing, Lingyun? Wei took a seat next to Hajime's bed, handing him a box of chocolates."I brought you a gift. Sorry. I can't stay for long."

"Thanks, Wei. You didn't have to..." He muttered. accepting the gift.

"It's fine. Sorry, I couldn't visit sooner. I heard of what happened. I found out recently since I was out roaming Japan. Things got rough in Okinawa, huh?"

"Yeah...A lot of people died..." Hajime lowered his gaze at his blankets."I couldn't save them all. But I saved those I could. I wish...I could have saved Chao-Xing and your Father as well. I'm sorry, Wei. I have no words to express how distraught I am, but-"

"It's true. You failed to save them. You were too weak." Wei said cooly, his eyes devoid of emotion for a split second."But it's to be expected. You were up against a monster. It's surprising to me how much the world has been close to being destroyed now. I think that was the fourth time, huh? I guess monsters do have the power to be able to do what they want and shape the world to how they see fit. It's just how it is."

Hajime was left speechless. He covered his face in shame."I'm truly sorry...I know apologies won't bring any of them back, but..."

"Listen, Lingyun..." He rubbed the back of his nape."I don't blame you for what happened. Bragard killed them. Not you. You just didn't beat him and he killed them. I hate Bragard. Not you. But I talked to Shirabe-san the other day. She said that she believes that you guys can make a difference in the world. To make it a better place. But I wonder...do you think you can always do that? How many more threats must the world see before peace can happen?"

Wei grabbed his jacket and bowed before heading for the door."Can you truly look me in the eyes and tell me what you and my sister strived for can be achieved? Or will the world continue to plunder into darkness? I believe in Shirabe-san's words. Perhaps...you can make a difference. We will see, I suppose. It's getting late, so I'll take my leave and let you rest. You must be tired from all of those exams, huh?"

"Yeah...I could use a nap. Thanks for the visit, Wei. I really appreciate it. I...Again, I'm sorry. I want to make things right. So please feel free to come by at any time. We're family, after all. We're all we have."

"Yeah. We're all we have. Crazy. I never thought that I'd be the sole survivor of my clan alongside half-Liangs. Life can be quite humorous when it wants to. See you around, Lingyun. Say hi to Xiangling for me."

"Wei...I know how hard it is. You're not alone." Hajime said, earning the full-blooded Liang's attention."But...I learned that you're never truly alone. There are people around you, who always want to help you. I was lost not too long ago but I had people supporting me and helping me. So I want to help you too."

"I'll hold you to that." Wei waved his hand, closing the door behind him and bowing to the nurse who had come to check up with Hajime. The boy walked a few meters before he stumbled upon two familiar faces.

"Man, you're like the king of guilt-tripping, aren't you? You were going too hard on the kid." Yomi grinned, leaned against the wall, and Despia next to him, who had an expressionless look on her face.

"I wouldn't call it that. I don't blame him for what happened. But he did fail to save my sister." Wei sighed."Didn't you guys want to meet him? Only family can enter but you're family too."

"I believe first impressions are important." Yomi placed his hands on his hips."I only want to meet him when I'm breaking his jaw while we fight. Not when he's all puny in a hospital. That's just boring. But we're not really family, per se. Your Dad and his were brothers, right? But for all we know, our mother could have never even met them. So we're like super distant relatives to you both."

"Perhaps, but in the end, us three, him, and Xianglin are the last Liangs alive. At this point, we might as well be family."

"Yeah, whatever. But honestly, whether we're cousins or not, I don't really care. I just wanna fight him. Do you know how painful it is to have this supposed strongest a few meters away and not be able to fight him? It's painful, I'll tell you that. You owe me a fight after this."

"You and your fights." Wei deadpanned, taking out his phone and holding it out for him.

"Tch. What am I, your personal charger?" Yomi begrudgingly took the cell phone from his hands, electricity sparking through his fingers, and handed it back."Here."

Wei nodded, satisfied to see his phone back to full battery."You lounge around in my house. This is the least you can do."

"Please, not like you have anyone to come to visit you. That house is quite lonely with just you, isn't it?"

"Careful, Yomi..." Wei growled, narrowing his eyes dangerously.

"Relax, I'm just messing with you." Yomi let out a hearty laugh, turning on his heels."Come on, let's go out. I'm bored as fuck."

"Where are we going?"

"It's fucking Tokyo. Let's go out and conquer the night." Yomi glanced over his shoulder as he waved around his wallet."I wanna blow through my savings by the end of tonight. Let's have some fun."

Yomi proceeded to walk ahead of them, hands in his pockets. Wei glanced over to Despia, who had her head lowered and her gaze glued to the ground. He then shifted his attention back to Yomi."Yomi, what's your end goal?"

"Huh. That's the second time I've heard someone ask me that question in the past month. What do ya mean?"

"You're obviously not helping Hazuki and Loki-sama because you believe in their ideals like the rest of us. So why are you doing this?"

"Who could say?" Yomi chortled."But then again, I suppose for someone like you, an answer like that is not good enough."

The male blonde stopped in his tracks, fully turning around to face his cousin with a sly smile."You gotta have some excitement in life. Otherwise...things get boring really fast. And for me...I just want to fight the strongest."