Reviews:
Tigracho: I feel like Hajime was one of the only people who could have talked like that to Angelo. Since he is also a Bragard victim and suffered because of him, so he knows what he's feeling. But that never made him into a merciless murderer. Sure, it pushed him to the lowest he's ever been in his life, but he bounced back with the help of his friends. That's their whole philosophy, or at least, Angelo and Amy's. No one ever came to save them. And I think this is what could differentiate someone from taking the right path or the wrong one. Imagine if the world kicks you around constantly with no mercy. Wouldn't someone reaching out change something? Even just a little? That someone cares about you and wants to help you. Chris and Hibiki were rescued from their predicaments. Sure, Chris was then kidnapped by Fine, but they later reached out to her. Kanade saved Hibiki. Yes, trauma and pain can change a person, but also the amount of help they can get. One person is enough to make a difference. Like you said, Hajime wasn't exactly the best person before. But Hibiki turned him around and made him better. All it takes is the right person to meet. I think that as humans, we sometimes can't stand when people have something we don't. Amy hates Hibiki because they lived very different lives, despite being in the same accident. But Hibiki also suffered as we all know and she persevered. Honestly I'm glad you write this much because it really puts things into perspective and shows how a simple choice can change your life and those around you. Will you use your pain to try and help others from preventing from suffering the same? Or will use that as an excuse?
I think I had someone say this before, maybe Allister? Not sure. But Fudo isn't exactly thrilled that the fate of his country depends on a bunch of teenagers. Or that's the way I see it at least. I don't know if you watch Naruto, but he reminds me of Danzo a lot. Someone who cares about his nation but has no qualms in stepping over others to protect it. I think you hit the nail on the head when you say Fudo hates Yosuke because he sees him as weak, and he thinks that whatever offspring comes from him and Tsubasa would be as weak, therefore, probably ruining his "perfect lineage". It's never really clear what he planned for Tsubasa. Probably an arranged marriage, like you said. But that would come after she served her role as a sentinel for Japan. Yeah, feel free to DM me. I'm all ears.
Honestly, I'm glad people are catching on to this. There's a very big difference in those pairs of siblings. Setsuna and Hajime love each other dearly, whereas Despia seems to love Yomi but he does not return those feelings. You said it best. A toxic relationship. She thinks the world of him and wants him to love her, but we know what he's truly focusing on. Also, to answer your question, it's never really said flat-out. But it's HEAVILY implied that Yomi is the cause of why Despia can't talk. If you go back to their introduction chapter, he threatened her to finish frying her brain. And a few chapters ago, when he was talking to Wei, he said he knows about the brain and how to mess with someone's bioelectricity. So it's implied that yeah, probably electrocuted her so badly she just can't speak any more at some point in their lives.
Lord Ri The Husbu King: Would Takeru want Chris to kill Elsa in cold blood? Maybe kill Allister, but Elsa is pretty much innocent from what happened. And that's something Hajime has to talk to her about. But good luck with that. Yomi is either stupid or has a plan to fight Hajime. He seems pretty confident, so maybe he has something up his sleeve. Also, I based Despia on Lynette from Genshin Impact. Originally, Yomi would be too, but I ended up making some changes and this is the final product we have.
SoutaAmetsuchi: Oh, yes. They are the second oldest couple in the group but they limit themselves to just kissing at most. Mostly to keep the secret from Fudo, but also because Tsubasa is an idol and Yosuke doesn't want her career to be in jeopardy because of him.
Tenzalucard123: That's right. There was someone else. Dear Amy. Yes, hopefully, Hajime and the others can prevent Chris from making a big mistake. Takeru wouldn't want that for her.
nickseverino8: A lot of family drama going on. Poor Amy.
Chapter 119
All For One
Hazuki was leaning on the railing of the balcony of their penthouse, admiring the city lights. It was late at night, but no one in the house had any plans to sleep for the time being. He smiled to himself.
"I can hardly recognize you. You're truly on your way to becoming a great evil, Superstar."
Hazuki clicked his tongue."I thought you were asleep, Loki. Thought I could have some alone time."
"I figured I should say how much you've changed. I remember when you were struggling with your emotions and even almost doubting the plan back then. But now, you're willing to do what it takes for Ragnarok to go off. Even using these monsters we became acquainted with."
"I wouldn't say using them." Hazuki shrugged."More like putting their services to good use. We need them more than Fudo so this works out for us. Besides, I also do it for Allister-san's sake. He loves that Elsa girl very much. He's become quite...emotional."
"Do you think that'll become a problem?"
"He's awakened more to your powers than anyone else, except Chiaki. So I am not. He's invested to the cause. I don't see why it's a problem for him to spend the rest of his days in love. But it's fine. Once the new world is born, he will forever live his happy life with that girl. Speaking of girls, you're about to meet that old girl of yours."
"Calling her a girl is a bit too much. She'd kill you on the spot for such disrespect." Loki chuckled."But yes. I am looking forward to meeting her again and catching up. I'll introduce you. Hopefully, I won't have to take over if she does try to kill you."
"Haz."
Hazuki blinked, glancing over his shoulder to see his cousin, Wei, making his way over to him."Wei. I didn't know you were here."
"I came because I want answers."
"Answers." Hazuki turned around, resting his back on the railing."What answers?"
"Cut the bullshit! You know what I want!" He gritted his teeth, standing a few inches away from Hazuki."I want to know who the hell Nightmare is!"
"Oh?" Hazuki arched a brow, not at all disturbed that Wei was being so loud.
"Don't think I didn't notice the way you said it back then. You said that only Liangs can become vessels for the Divine Power properly. And Nightmare is meant to be Nidhogg's vessel. So again, who the hell is Nightmare? He has to be a Liang or at least related to them."
"As expected, you're sharp." Hazuki praised him with a smirk. Wei grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, bringing him closer.
"Who?! Who the hell is Nightmare?! It can't be a Liang! All of them are dead!"
"Are you sure you want to know?" Hazuki asked, grabbing Wei's arm."You might not like the answer I'm about to give you. I ask you again, do you really want to know?"
"It's not that I want to know or not." He released his hold on Hazuki."I deserve to know. I am the last remaining full-blooded Liang in the world. I must know who Nightmare is and what secrets he keeps."
"Very well..." Hazuki heaved a long sick, beckoning him closer. Wei obliged until Hazuki leaned closer to his face, whispering something in his ear. And Wei's eyes shot wide open to the point where they nearly bulged out of their sockets.
"No...y-you're lying...That's not..." Wei stook shaky steps back."It's impossible..."
"Do I look like I'm lying?" Hazuki asked, folding his arms."I'm dead serious. This is the truth you've been seeking. I told you you weren't going to like it."
"But why? How? I thought you-"
"Do you trust me?"
"Huh?"
"I said...do you trust me?" Hazuki asked, his voice calm and serene."Because this plan revolves around you guys trusting me. I know this is all confusing for you. But believe me when I say everything has a purpose. If we can cleanse the world of all evil and create a new world where we can be happy, it's worth it. Do you want to see your sister again?"
"Y-yes..." Wei nodded slowly."I want to see Chao and my family again...That's why I joined you..."
"Then believe in me. There is nothing more I'd like to do than to show you guys the future what you wish. I want to reunite you with your family. But I need you to trust me." Hazuki forged on."I can guide you to the life that you want. Back to where you were happy. And I can guarantee you that you can be with Shirabe."
"W-what-"
"I know you like her. But as it stands, you can't be together with her, right? Because we're on opposite sides." Hazuki placed a hand on his shoulder."But in the new world, you won't have to worry about it. And we need Nightmare and his services if we want that to happen. You, Yomi, Despia, Nightmare, and Setsuna are all vital parts of Ragnarok. So I ask you again, Wei, do you trust me?"
"I do." Wei found himself saying with resolution."I trust you."
"Good." Hazuki nodded in satisfaction."Then it's settled. Just try not to think about what I told you. Nothing bad will happen. Nightmare is just more muscle I got to help us. It's ironic he's a vital piece to save the world, isn't it?"
"Hazuki-kun." Allister came through the door, holding his phone."It's Fudo-san. We got a situation."
"What do you mean we have to sleep in this junkyard?!" Millaarc yelled, her voice echoing through the area."This is bullshit!"
"Well...our base of operations has been compromised, Milla." Angelo placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down."And we don't exactly have money to go around renting hotels. Not to mention we might attract unnecessary attention."
"Can't fucking Fudo provide us with lodging?! Also, stop calling me Milla!" Millarc huffed."I told you I hate that name!"
"But I prefer it better than Millie. I think Milla sounds much more elegant."
"God, you're so annoying sometimes, Mr. Mafioso." She wrapped her arms around his neck, stepping on her tippy toes and going in for a deep kiss.
"I have to keep my vampire entertained, don't I?" He nipped at her earlobe, earning a light moan from the girl.
"Heh. You're so honest, it's cute." She moved his shirt slightly, gently biting him with her fangs.
"Hey, easy, girlie. Last time you actually drew blood." He deadnapped, but she didn't seem to care about his warnings.
"Stop acting like you don't like it." She purred, and he didn't protest."Wanna go somewhere a bit more...secluded?"
"I don't know." He trailed off, staring at his friends from afar."I mean...we can't go too far. And you know how Reina is with us being together. Besides, we're out in the middle of nowhere. And it's cold as fuck for us to be getting naked."
"Aw, come that's the whole fun of it, isn't it?" She grinned."Besides, we haven't done it in a while. You can't keep me waiting for long like this, Angel."
"We can think about it when everyone falls asleep, okay?"
As the couple bickered, Elsa, Vanessa, Psykos, and Reina looked around the junkyard.
"I gotta say, not the worst place I've ever slept in," Reina commented.
"Me neither." Elsa nodded."I once had to sleep in a dark basement with my hands tied behind my back."
"Jesus Christ." Reina flinched."Talk about fucked up childhood. I had to sleep inside trashcans since it could get very fucking cold in Italy, especially during winter. Until I met my big brother."
"As for me, I slept inside of a tube. So there's that." P. Yosuke shrugged, inspecting various cars, trying to find one that could accommodate all of them.
"Yeah, but you're not a human or never have been so does that count?"
"Of course, it counts, moron!"
"This one seems okay." Vanessa grabbed their attention, standing in front of a rundown RV."We can sleep here for tonight. By the way, Psykos, what do you want to do? I mean, unlike us, you don't have a particular goal. So what's your endgame?"
"I just want to help you guys. You're my friends and freed me from my prison."
"But you don't want to become human?"
"I am already." He grinned, patting his chest."I pity you, humans. I can be whatever I want. But this body is alright. Yosuke and I are pretty compatible."
"Uh-huh." Reina grumbled, eyeing Millaarc and Angelo in the distance as they kissed."That bimbo..."
"Leave them alone, Reina-chan." Elsa pinched her cheeks.
"But I'm hungry!" The younger girl protested.
"We don't have any food, do we?" Vanessa glanced around, and no one answered."I expected as much..."
"You guys seem like you need some help."
The group gasped, not having expected anyone in the area, and prepared for battle. But they halted when they realized it was the DDV who had come through a portal.
"Yo." Hazuki waved at them, holding a few bags."I hope you're hungry. We brought some stuff. Sushi."
"And some drinks." Terunosuke was carrying a few cases of beer."You're all...not minors anymore, right?"
"Who cares?! You got any wine?!" Reina rushed to inspect the bags.
"What are you guys doing here?" Millaarc and Angelo made their way to the group.
"Fudo told us what happened," Hazuki responded.
"And he sent you to come help us?" The red-haired mafioso arched a skeptical brow.
"Not exactly...He didn't tell us anything. We figured we'd at least come to check how you guys were doing." Allister chuckled awkwardly. He eyed Elsa, who was shyly waving at him.
"Hi, Allie..." She blushed at the sight of her boyfriend.
"Hello, Ellie. Look who I brought." He stepped aside, allowing Mona to see Elsa. The little girl eagerly ran over to the wolf girl, giving a quick bow.
"Hello, Mother." She said, a little stiffly.
"Still not used to being called that-de-arimasu..." Elsa sighed, pulling the pinkette in for a hug."How are you, my dear?"
"I'm okay, Mother." The girl snuggled against her."I missed you a lot so I asked Father to let me come along."
"Is that so?" Elsa buried her face in her hair, gently kissing her."I'm glad you came too."
Allister made his way over to his girls, wrapping his arms around them.
"Ara, Ara." Vanessa intertwined her arm with Terunosuke's."We appreciate you coming to our rescue. I didn't know you wanted to see me this badly again, Teruno."
"Get off of me, woman," Terunosuke grumbled, trying to pry his arm free but Vanessa's grip was too strong.
A while later, the group had settled around in a makeshift campfire and were enjoying the sushi and drinks.
"Phew! I feel so good!" Millaarc cheered, bottle in hand.
"It has been a while since any of us had a decent meal like this." Angelo remarked."I wished you could enjoy this with us, Amy."
"It's fine. I don't so much mind the food." The girl trapped in the robot said."I am enjoying just spending time with you guys. Thank you, Hazuki-san."
"Don't mention it." Hazuki waved his hand dismisivally."We can't leave our allies hanging, can we? It just wouldn't feel right."
"You're a great leader." Angelo praised him."How long have you been Fudo's mercenaries?"
"About a year and a half." Hazuki easily answered."Allister-san introduced us. And well, we've been working for him ever since. A few odd jobs here and there. As for the leadership, I don't really do much. The 4 of us were meant to work together."
"4?"
"We had another one. Chiaki Nakahara. She died." Hazuki sighed."So now it's just the 3 of us. Plus Mona. But we try to keep her out of this stuff for Allister-san's sake."
"I see...sorry for your loss. I know what it's like to bear a loss like that." Angelo looked up at the sky."I was a little punk back in Italy. But the Don brought me in. I've seen a lot of people die in all sorts of ways. And surprisingly enough, I was lucked out."
"Mafia, huh..." Hazuki hummed, remembering his days of hunting down the Yakuza around Japan."Sounds like you had it rough. That sister of yours...did you join to be able to provide for her?"
"No. I met her when I was just an Associate in the Mafia. Found her when I got attacked by another group. I hid behind a restaurant and I found her, sitting outside of a garbage bin. So I hid inside and she lied in my stead. Ever since then, I vowed to protect her with my life and treat as like my little sister. She's very dear to me."
"I understand. I also have a sister that is dear to me."
"By the way." Amy earned his attention."Do you guys have a goal? Or are you just Fudo Kaazanari's mercenaries?"
"A goal...Well, I suppose you could say we wish to eradicate all evil from this world."
"All evils, huh?" Angelo chuckled at that."Well, I hope you can make that happen. This world is as fucked up as it is."
"I'm glad to count on your support."
Meanwhile, Vanessa chucked down another beer, leaning against Terunosuke, who couldn't shake her off.
"Can you get off of me, damn it?!"
"But I'm comfortable here." Vanessa slurred, giggling."Let me enjoy myself a little, big guy."
"Can you even get drunk with that body?" He asked.
"Ah...you caught me." Vanessa sat up straight, still holding a mischievous grin as her gaze fell on the young couple in front of them."So, Mr. Boyfriend. What's next for you guys? I mean, you have a kid already. An adorable one, might I add."
Allister hummed in thought."Not sure. First, we must get you guys back to being humans, right? And you want your revenge."
"We can ignore that for now. I want you to tell me what are your plans AFTER everything is said and done."
The two French youths looked at one another and then over to Mona, who was sitting between their embrace.
"Honestly...I don't mind having a child with Elsa, but...I think we can be happy. Just the 3 of us." Allister said, making Elsa's heart flutter."Maybe we can move somewhere quiet. Just live a normal life, you know? I have a lot of money saved up, so we can use that to get a decent house. I might have to get a new job, though?"
"Is that so? You'll quit being an assassin?" Terunosuked chimed in, curious.
"I only became one for Elsa."
Elsa shot him a sad look, but he smiled.
"I was stupid. It only drifted me away from her. But now that we're together, there's no need to keep doing that. I'll finish my last mission and call it quits."
"That last mission being killing Chris Yukine. A mission given to you by Fine." P. Yosuke recited.
"Huh. It's weird to see Yosuke-kun looking like this. So you did possess him, huh?" Allister mused."But yes. I have to complete the mission Fine entrusted to me before she died. And that is to kill Takeru Sakamoto and Chris Yukine."
Mona perked up at that, recalling her conversation with Chris a few days ago."But Father...you killed her beloved, did you not?"
"I did." He nodded grimly."We had a battle to the death and I walked away alive. It's just how Riders are. We fight to the death."
"But...maybe she is sad." Mona persisted, squirming."She lost her loved one...I don't think that is correct, right? For someone to suffer like that...by the loss of someone they love."
Elsa brought her head to her chest, gently brushing her head.
Allister said nothing, shifting his gaze to Terunosuke, who shrugged.
"Hurting people like that...is bad, right, Mother? People shouldn't have to suffer..."
Elsa comforted her to the best of her ability. Her parents never gave a damn about her, so she did her best to replicate how Vanessa and Millaarc would comfort her when they were captive."It's okay...Allister just...he's doing what's best for you. I'll talk to him, okay? We don't want to see you like this...I've seen enough people cry-de-arimasu."
"H-hey! What the hell are you doing?!" Terunosuke cried out, watching as Vanessa was taking off her jacket.
"It's hot, handsome. Just taking some load off." However, as she moved around, something fell off the pockets of her jacket."This is..."
"A tracker." Terunosuked snatched her from her hands.
"It must have been that pinked-haired woman when she hit me..."
"Oh, you mean Maria." Terunosuke chuckled, tossing the tracker over to Allister."Yeah. Sounds like her."
"So they're coming." Allister stated, eyeing the tracker curiously."Guess we'll have to settle things here and now."
"Hold on, I believe I have an idea." Elsa said, cupping his cheek."Would you be willing to listen-de-arimasu? First, I need you to get Mona and Amy out of here."
"Of course, darling."
"Are you okay, Hibiki?" Hajime waited for Hibiki to exit the girls' dressing room, changing back into her uniform.
"Oh. You didn't have to wait for me, Sunny." She bashfully chuckled, finding herself reaching for his hand as if seeking comfort."I'm okay. I was just thinking of what Vanessa-san and Reina-chan said."
"Yeah...rejection. They said the girl turned them into monsters. And their rage is focused on the hellspawn. I guess they want some form of revenge, even if they have to kill Bragard's son."
"There has to be a way we can talk to them, right?"
"You made it work so far. I'm sure you'll find a way." Hajime grinned."And if they don't listen, then we'll just have to open our fists and knock some sense into them. I think you can convince Amy-chan. I mean, you two went through the same experience. So if anyone can reach her heart, it's you."
"You're right. I just hope I can make it in time." Hibiki nodded, leaning closer to rest her head against his chest."I love you, Hajime."
"I love you too, Hibiki. Don't worry." Hajime gently brushed the back of her head."We'll find a way out of this mess. We always do."
A while later, they made it to the command center where everyone had already gathered around.
"I hope we're not late." Hajime bowed slightly.
"Nah. Just in time." Bragi sat on the computer next to Elfnein, much to her dismay.
"Would it kill you to take a seat, Bragi-chan? And not on my workspace?" She sighed but decided to just go with it."Okay, first, I need you guys to look at this."
The short blonde brought up a wavelength on screen.
"That's an Aufwachen waveform." Tsubasa easily recognized it."It's quite different from any of ours."
"So...they activated a Relic of some kind?" Hamaguchi hummed."Oh! Is one of them a Symphogear?!"
"Don't be stupid." Chris smacked him on the back of the head."It's probably that stolen bracer. Right, old man?"
"Yes." The red-haired man nodded."It seems they attempted to activate it. The pattern was almost lost amongst the Alca-Noise, but we were just barely able to detect it."
"It's possible that they performed the ritual from behind a powerful barrier." Aoi surmised."Similar to the opera house in Val Verde."
"And there was something else too." Elfnein continued."Listen to this."
A strange music could be heard from the audio feed Elfnein pulled up.
"W-what is this?" Shirabe cringed.
"Music? Or some kind of...noise?" Kirika tilted her head.
"Sounds like the type of music people usually put with creepypastas." Hamaguchi nodded sagely."It sets in the mood."
"I wouldn't go that far..." Hajime deadpanned."But it does sound like some distorted audio. It's... bizarre. Any idea what this is?"
"No clue." Bragi shook his head."But it's possible it's related to these...Custodians. Whatever this is for, we don't know. Maybe they're trying to call them down to Earth or something."
"You mean like when people try to set up radio frequencies to call aliens?" Kirika asked.
"Yeah. Something like that I guess."
"At any rate, it's time for us to strike." Genjuro prompted their full attention."Fortunately, we have a lead."
"A lead?"
"I was able to plant a transmitter on Vanessa during our last battle." Maria spoke up."Noble Red has been getting the jump on us recently, so it's time for us to return the favor and give them a surprise. It's all hands on deck this time."
"What do we do about Yanagi-san?" Hajime asked the question they were all wondering."Do we still not have something to get Psykos out of his body?"
"No, not yet." Tobias grimaced."So for now, it's best to capture him so we can bring him here."
"Alright." Hajime cracked his knuckles."Let's take the party over to them. What do you say, hellspawn? Think you can pull something off?"
"Who do you think you're talking to, Boy Wonder?" Bragi shot back with a smirk."Try not to fall behind, would you?"
A while later, the helicopters belonging to SONG flew over to their destination, carrying the Symphogear and Riders inside. As they got closer, Tsubasa spotted all 6 members of Noable Red, looking up at them from below.
"Good of them to come meet us," Tsubasa said, flinching when she saw P. Yosuke smiled at her.
"They probably knew the tracker was on them. So they were expecting this." Hajime glanced back to his friends."Alright! Let's go and rescue Yanagi-san!"
Everyone cheered in unison, jumping down from the helicopters and pulling out their Pendants and Decks.
"Seilen Coffin Airgetlam Tron..."
"Kilterr Ichaival Tron..."
"Various Shul Shagana Tron..."
"Zeios Igalima Raizen Tron..."
"Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron..."
"Balwisyall Nescell Gungnir Tron..."
"Henshin!"
In an instant, all 11 members of SONG landed on the ground, ready to fight, but as soon as they touched the ground, everything below them exploded.
"Hahahaha!" P. Yosuke cackled."Hey! It worked. Nice going, Elsa!"
"It was simple." The girl admired her handiwork."We revealed ourselves to control where they would land-de-arimasu. The rest was up to them. Guys. You know what to do."
"Of course." Angelo smirked."Satan, let's go with a full transformation!"
"To me, Leviathan!"
"Henshin!"
Angelo was now in his full demon form, releasing a powerful roar. As for Reina, her skin color turned slightly yellow, and was now covered in feathers. From her head, two wings protruded out and the tail on her back became larger, four tendrils sprouted from her back.
Angelo blasted himself with his hellfire, slamming his arms against Ryuki and Alternative. P. Knight activated a card, creating a tornado that engulfed both Raia and Abyss.
Tempest Vent
The tornado launched them into the air, separating them from the others.
"Hahahaha! I get this muscular man all to myself?! Come here, you sexy beast!" Reina cackled, slamming her tendrils on the ground and forcing Tiger to jump away.
"Guys!" Hibiki cried out.
"They separated them from us?" Tsubasa picked herself up from the floor, as did Chris.
"So the whole area is covered in minefields?"
An explosion went off behind them and Ryuki and Alternative were launched into the sky."Oh, crap."
"Even so, the one place we know is mine-free is where they already blew up-desu!"
All the girls jumped to the clearing from where the initial explosion went off, gathering together.
"You just keep falling into our traps, don't you?" Elsa shook her head.
"Shut up, bitch." Chris gritted her teeth.
"Make me, you whore." Elsa shot back.
"Easy, Elsa-chan." Vanessa chided her."Stick to the plan. Let's go!"
All three of them stood in a triangle-shaped position away from each other, thrusting their arms forward and creating a ring of blue cubes in the sky as they began to fall on the ground, surrounding the Symphogear.
"Like hell!" Chris snarled, shooting a barrage of missiles toward Elsa. But the cubes blocked the attacks with ease, continuing to fall around them and forming a giant structure to trap them.
"And there you have it." Vanessa smiled."The master artisan Daedalus' magnum opus; the Labyrinth where a monster lurks. The accumulated public awareness of millennia of myths, legends, and countless literary works is strong enough to alter reality itself and "let it be so". In other words, a conceptual weapon."
"Our plan was simple." Millaarc grinned sadistically."Our 3 combat-oriented members would distract the Riders and trap you in a conceptual labyrinth over 380,000 kilometers long. Nobody it swallows can escape! This is our..."
"Daedalus End!"
Angelo grabbed Ryuki by his face, slamming him against several trees before firing a fireball from his hands, shooting him away.
'Fuck! He's way stronger than before! It must be that Conceptual Weapon properties of his Relic!' Ryuki drew a card, sliding it into his visor.
Survive: Rekka
The demon lunged at Alternative, forcing the boy to leap back."Listen, I know you're upset-"
"Upset?! You think I'm upset?!" Angelo growled, flames erupting from the cracks of his body. Alternative swung his hand, creating countless wires that wrapped around Angelo, restraining him.
Angelo let out a mighty grunt, burning through the wires.
Zone Vent: Gravitational Dead Zone
Suddenly, he was slammed down onto the ground as they were now inside a black cage with intense gravity. Alternative had done training after their battle with the Bavarian Illuminati, so he was now able to withstand gravity increased by 6 times just fine.
"Listen, I know what the Second did. And trust me, I am just as enraged as you are. What he did was...completely unforgivable. He ruined so many lives."
"Shut the fuck up, you bastard! You would never understand what we feel! Because you're the son of the devil!" Angelo's power began to flare up, his anger feeding him with strength.
Strike Vent: Dragclawzwei
Ryuki concentrated on his gauntlet before releasing a volley of fireballs toward the sky, mimicking what S. Ryuki once did, and attacked the Zone Vent from the outside. And since the gravity increased the strength of the flames, they began bombarding Angelo, forcing him on his knees.
'We'll take him down before he gets stronger.' Ryuki thought, shooting more fireballs in the air.'He's already increased his strength this much. I guess wielding a Conceptual Weapon just puts you on a different level.'
"I will not...FALL HERE!" Angelo's aura grew in size, pure wrath consuming his being as he began to stand up."I have people that need me...that need me to win! And you!" He pointed at Bragi, who flinched."Your father ruined our lives! Took everything away from us! WE. WILL. MAKE. YOU. PAY FOR HIS SINS!"
Suddenly, Angelo was now sprinting toward Bragi, despite the gravity pulling him down.
"Are you kidding me?! He's so pissed off he's defying the laws of physics?!" Alternative didn't have time to increase the gravity before he received a punch to the face, the shockwave destroying the Zone Vent and slamming him into the ground.
Ryuki appeared from the skies, shooting more fireballs at him.
"Sever!" Angelo stretched out his right arm, shooting several slashes at the fireballs, countering them. He noticed a white orb coming toward him at high speeds, and he began to charge up his left hand.
"Boy Wonder! Move!"
Ryuki didn't argue and landed on a tree branch far away.
Positive Karma Harmony Orb
"Dissect!" Angelo let out his most powerful slash, colliding with the orb and causing it to explode. The shockwave of the attack and the positive pushing force decimated the part of the forest they were fighting on, shooting them several yards away from each other. Angelo landed inside of a lake, but his rage was not subsiding. It was increasing in fact, courtesy of Satan. He created a sphere of hellfire in his hands, completely evaporating the lake.
"Hellstorm!" He cried out, as the sphere began shooting countless fireballs in every direction, forcing the Riders to leap around to avoid them.
"Hellspawn! You're thinking what I'm thinking?!"
"I thought it first, but sure." He grunted. Both of them stood next to each other side to side, drawing a card from each other their Decks."My idea is about to give us the upper hand. I'm a genius, aren't I?"
"Just shut up and use the damn card, man..."
Both Riders activated their cards, a golden aura surrounding their bodies. Angelo stopped in his tracks, his eyes widening."What is that? It feels just like when we tried to activate the bracer!"
"Divine Power..." Satan grumbled under his breath."This is bad..."
"What?! Then I have to kill them here and now!" Angelo wasted no time in summoning another giant sphere of fire."HELLFIRE!"
Strike Vent: Soul Burner
Sword Vent: Karma Eclipse
Ryuki now had two gauntlets with two dragon heads at the end, covered in flames. For Alternative, he was now dual-wielding two blades. One black and another white, with positive and negative symbols respectively.
"ORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Ryuki lunged at the sphere, pulling back on his gauntlets and smashing his fists against the attack. The percussion hammers nailed down, and the fireball was sent back to Angelo at higher speeds. The devil could only receive the attack head-on as he was sent flying through the whole forest.
"Come on, guys! Try to hit me!" P. Knight cackled, dodging the Rider's fists with ease. He blocked Abyss's kick with one arm and Raia's punch with another. He grabbed them and pulled them together, smashing their hands before kicking them away.
Sword Vent: Winglancer
He rushed Abyss, but Raia intercepted him and blocked the lance with his visor."Oh? Saving your little friend? That's cute."
"Shut up, you disgusting worm!" Raia shoved him away, sliding a card into his visor.
Swing Vent: Evilwhip
He lashed out his whip, and Knight blocked it with his Winglancer."This trick again? You gonna try to pull me in?"
"Nope! I'm running up to you!" Abyss landed on the whip, running over to Knight as he activated an ability.
Sword Vent: Abyss Slashers
"Tch. Nice try!" P. Knight's other arm turned into silver before increasing in size and sending it out to Abyss. The shark-themed Rider jumped on top of it, sliding down the silver and hurling his swords at the Rider. He let go of his Winglancer, his hand morphing to form a silver drill, smacking the blades against it. But Abyss was already on top of him and focused every single ounce of courage he had.'I'm sorry for this, Yosuke-san!'
He kicked him across the face, sending the parasite rolling across the ground until he hit a wall.
Strike Vent: Abyssclaw
The Rider aimed his claw, summoning a tidal wave that was sent over to where P. Knight was, the water infested with piranhas.
Survive: Shippu
A whirlwind engulfed Knight, dispersing the water before it reached him as he entered his survive mode, immediately wasting no time in activating a card.
Advent: Metal Darkraider
Darkraider appeared from the skies, clad entirely in silver and releasing a powerful screech, paralyzing the Riders.
"F-fuck!" Abyss grunted, realizing they had to go all out to even stand a chance."To think even Darkwing is being possessed as well..."
"We can't let them keep suffering at the hands of this bastard. Let's go all out, Hamaguchi!"
Survive: Seishin
Survive: Nagare
"Finally." P. Knight smirked from ear to ear."Come on. Save your friend from my claws! Hahahaha!"
"Oh, we'll do more than just that." Raia shifted his gaze to Abyss."Let's try those cards, Hamaguchi."
"So we're actually going all out on him, huh?"
"He's strong, but there is one thing this parasite will never get right." Raia glared at the imposter before them."He doesn't know how to fully use Yosuke-san's strength! And we'll take advantage of that!"
Both boys opened their visors, and a powerful aura surrounded them and made P. Knight take a step back.
'What is this? I have no recollection of whatever they're about to do...' He gritted his teeth.'Is this some new power they got after I took over their friend?'
Sword Vent: Mind Slayer
Sword Vent: Soul Reaver
Two golden weapons appeared in their hands, clad in a white, majestic aura. For Raia, he had a pair of sickles, and Hamaguchi a long scythe. Both of them were golden and their blades pristine white.
"T-that's...!" P. Yosuke took a step back."Divine Weapons?!"
Abyss leaped into the air, twirling his scythe in his hands before releasing a slash of energy toward P. Knight.
Sword Vent: Darklancer
P. Knight parried the attack with great difficulty but was not ready for when Abyss descended and swung his scythe. He blocked, but he felt his whole body tremble upon impact."Wanna see some cool tricks Kirika taught me?!"
He jumped, swung his body on the pole of his scythe, and slammed his feet against Knight's face, sending him flying against a tree.
"So she taught you how to pole dance," Raia teased him."I didn't know you were into that. You're pretty good."
"W-what?! No way! Stop teasing me, man! It's perfectly normal!"
"Hey, you're the one that got her on that." Raia raised his hands in defense."So...ready to keep going?"
"Hell yeah. For Yosuke-san's sake, we'll hurt him a little bit."
"Let me sing for you, my beautiful and sexy beast of a man!" Reina prepared to sing, but Tiger was immediately in front of her, forcing her to leap away."Hey! Stop doing that and let me sing!"
"I can't let you sing. You'll just use me as a puppet." Tiger refuted the idea."And I can't let you use me against my friends."
"Aw, but you can be added to my harem! I'll take good care of you!" She pouted.
"You're a little young, but I'm flattered. I don't want to fight you. Is there any way for me to convince you not to fight?"
"Nah! I like it when they play hard to get!" Reina grinned maniacally, slamming her tendrils on the ground and creating a small earthquake.
Tiger gasped, noticing two tendrils coming his way.
Strike Vent: Destclaws
He tried to cut at the tendrils, but they became liquid upon contact, only to become solid again as they tangled around his body. The girl began smashing him up and down on the ground before throwing him into the sky. She lashed out her tendrils toward him, using the wings on her head to fly up. Tiger clicked his tongue. This girl was completely relying on her powers. She had zero combat experience to speak of, but her ability made up for the lack of experience. He decided not to mess around, summoning his axe and drawing upon his Survive card.
Survive: Fubuki
The frost forming around him froze her tendrils, much to her dismay. Tiger was now in his Survive form, descending to where Reina was. She broke free from the ice, lashing out her tendrils once more, but the man was faster than before, evading them with his. He was now in front of her, the girl freezing in place. Both due to shock and the intense cold emanating from Tiger. He flicked her forehead and she fell backward.
He sighed. He really didn't want to hurt her or her friends. Sometimes he wished life was as simple as Hibiki often put it.
"Big..."
"Huh?"
"BIG BROTHER! HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"
Her screams echoed through the whole valley. And in a few seconds, a blast of fire came from the forest, heading straight for Tiger. The Rider was quick on his feet, drawing a card from his Deck.
Strike Vent: Frostclaws
He formed a cross with his arms, using his claws to defend. But Angelo's strike was far stronger than he had anticipated, and destroyed his claws in one attack, launching him several yards away and landing back to where they started.
"Are you okay, Reina?" Angelo's flames subsided enough to approach the siren girl. The hiccuped, wiping her tears.
"I'm okay...You came to my rescue."
He smiled, rubbing her cheeks."Of course, I did. You're my sister. I'd do anything for you. No matter what. I promised you I wouldn't let any harm come to you, didn't I?"
"You did..." She giggled."Can you get me some boys, though? Some handsome ones and have some nice muscle!"
"Sure." He sighed, shaking his head."I'll get you some boys..."
"Angelo!"
Angelo tensed up, standing up and placing Reina behind him, glaring at Ryuki and Alternative.
"Come, man. Let's just stop this already." Ryuki tried pleading with him.
"The only way this stops is the moment that bastard next to you dies, you devil sympathizer." Angelo snarled."You suffered because of him too, right? His father."
"I did. But...I came to understand that what Bragard did has nothing to do with Dienheim." Ryuki said, taking Bragi by complete surprise upon hearing him say his surname."If I came to make peace with that, surely you can do the same."
"What are you even hoping to accomplish here? Talk me down? Get me to turn around and change my ways? Please. Nothing you say will take all of those years of pain away. We won't stop. Not until he's dead. And if you want to protect him, then you'll die as well."
"I learned one thing from my girlfriend. Not all conflicts have to be resolved with violence." Ryuki stared at his gauntlets."If you open your fists, you can join hands with people who don't understand each other. But by closing them, you can hold tight to what is dear to you. And protect your loved ones."
"More saccharine bullshit spouted by someone who pretends to be a hero. You disgust me." Angelo spat in disdain."Reina. Fall back to Vanessa and the others. I'll handle this."
Reina looked over to Tiger, who was walking over to the group."But all 3 of them?! It's too much for you!"
"Maybe. But we're so close to taking them down. And I have the bastard we're supposed to kill right in front of me. I'm not letting him get away-"
Suddenly, a loud explosion went off behind them as the first rays of sunlight illuminated the area.
"That came from..." Ryuki muttered.
"The girls!" Angelo picked up Reina and leaped over to where the others were. Ryuki, Alternative, and Tiger followed close behind. The other groups were also gathering around, curious to know what had caused the explosion.
"That's..." Alternative breathed when he looked down at the hole where the girls were. All of them were surrounded by golden barriers, and their outfits had changed to skin-tight suits with bits of armor around.
"What the hell is going on?" Angelo landed next to Vanessa, as their group crowded together to witness the intense golden lights.
"I...I don't know..." Vanessa shook her head in disbelief."They suddenly destroyed the labyrinth and broke out of it."
"What is that form?" Millaarc asked."That's not the Ignite Module, is it?"
"No...It's different." Angelo narrowed his eyes.
"I see. So that's the fusion between the Faust Robes and the Symphogear armors." Alternative spoke up, catching their attention.
"Fusion? You mean...?" Raia started, but the hybrid just nodded.
"That's...the Amalgam."
"That's some intense power." Abyss remarked, not hiding the fact he was checking out his girlfriend's outfit."Pretty cute too. So this is stronger than the Ignite Module?"
"Then they can win!" Ryuki grinned.
"Are you insinuating they're stronger than us now?" Alternative arched a brow, arms crossed.
"That's not a bad thing, is it?" Ryuki planted his hands on his hips."You're not jealous, are you?"
"Nonsense. As long as you don't surpass me, I don't mind."
Suddenly, Hibiki palmed her fist, and the plating on her knuckles glowed. She raised it and it grew in size, turning into a metallic golden flower. She punched it and the golden flower petals transformed, forming two massive golden fists that hovered at her arms. The rest of the golden plates formed a sleek armor around her arms, reaching up to her shoulders and her back to form a booster pack.
"I'm borrowing your idea, Hajime!" Hibiki said, referring to the extra pair of arms Ryuki would often use with his Ignite Vent.
"No problems here." He waved his gauntlets around.
"What the fuck do we do?!" P. Yosuke took a shake step back."Ain't no way we can fight that!"
"Maybe not. But we can."
A portal opened up above them, and Ryuga, Gai, and Ouja came out of them, already in their respective Survive forms.
"Y-you!" Ryuki glared at his half-brother.
"It's been a while, hasn't it, Hajime?" Ryuga tilted his head, his tone sweet yet carrying a hint of danger.
"Terunosuke..." Tiger's gaze softened upon seeing his brother.
"Long time no see, you fucker." Gai spat with venom.
"Hey, Chrissy. Missed me?" Ouja grinned under his helmet. The lavender-haired girl was about to open fire, but Tsubasa held her back.
"Hold on."
"What? Why?!"
"Because we also have a little surprise for you." Ryuga showed them a card and opened his visor, inserting it along with the others.
Dupe Vent: Femme
Dupe Vent: Scissors
Dupe Vent: Zolda
Dupe Vent: Imperer
Suddenly, the four deceased Riders emerged from the earth, all of them motionless.
"N-not this again!" Hibiki rushed toward them, but Zolda opened fire with his visor. The girl blocked the attack with her fists, prompting Femme to attack her from above, trying to kick her but Hibiki was far faster than before. She swatted the girl away, having no qualms about hurting her after everything she did. But the same couldn't be said for her other two friends.
She held Scissors' and Imperer's fists, grimacing."Goro-senpai...Andreas-kun..."
"Stop this! You cowards!" Tsubasa cried out, enraged."Fight us head-on!"
"Why do that, when we have the advantage?" With a snap of his fingers, Femme jolted awake, her helmet disappearing and her pupils appearing but keeping her sclera black.
"Ohhoho...Now this seems interesting." The undead girl grinned from ear to ear, scanning her surroundings."Hey! Hamaguchi-kun! You're alive! I figured you'd kicked the bucket by now! But hey, I have another chance to kill you properly!"
"Y-you psycho!" He sneered.
"Ah, flattery won't get you anywhere with me, you know?" She giggled sweetly, but her face remained twisted and demented.
"You won't get anywhere near him, you hear me?!" Kirika declared, tightening her grip on her evolved scythe.
"We'll see about that, girlfriend."
Now for Allister, he snapped his fingers, and Scissors and Zolda seemingly became alive again, their helmets disappearing.
"No...God, no..." Chris shook her head.
"Chris..." Takeru blinked, immediately realizing what was going on."Oh, no...I was summoned again, wasn't I?"
"Tsubasa...senpai?"
Tsubasa dropped her sword to the ground, covering her mouth as she let out a choked sob. Her other childhood friend was in front of her once again. A face she thought she'd never see again. Not after that horrible day.
"Where's Goro?" Tsubasa had asked Yosuke when they came back after fighting Odin the first time."Why isn't he here with you...?"
"I'm sorry." Yosuke had placed his hands on her shoulders. And she knew immediately what that meant.
It was horrible. Like reliving Kanade and Akira's deaths again. And it never got better. The people she visited at the cemetery only grew in size.
"Tsubasa-senpai...what's going on? Where are we?" Goro looked around, immediately noticing Ryuki and Hibiki among them."Oh. Hajime-kun and Hibiki-chan. But I don't recognize anyone else...What's going on? Weren't we just...?"
"You're dead, Goro-kun." Ouja's words cut Tsubasa's heart like butter, and even more so when she saw Goro's expression when he noticed Ouja behind him."I killed you, remember?"
Elsa observed the whole thing from a safe distance, frowning. She was aware they could summon the dead Riders they had collected. But she wasn't ready to see them talking and so unaware of what had transpired since they died.
"B-b-but...But I...How am I...?"
"You've been dead for a year and a half." Ouja briefly explained."All those people you see came after you. So it's normal you don't recognize them."
"A whole year...?" Goro gasped."W-where is my Dad? Is he okay? Wait, where is Yosuke-senpai?!"
"I'm right here." P. Yosuke raised his hand.
"Yosuke-senpai!" Goro beamed before confusion replaced his joy."Wait, why are you over there and not with Tsubasa-senpai?"
"That's not Yosuke!" Tsubasa cried, tears streaming down her face."A parasite...a parasite has..."
"Taken over his body." P. Knight removed his helmet, shooting Goro a wicked grin.
"Oh...Oh, God..." It was too much for the boy to handle. He started hyperventilating.
"This is too cruel...Too much..." Maria closed her eyes.
"A-a-and my Dad? Please tell me my Dad is okay!"
"He's fine! We're taking good care of him. We visit him almost daily and he's proud of you! I...I..." Tsubasa couldn't help it and collapsed to her knees, letting out a sorrowful scream. She had steeled herself over the years and vowed to be a sword. But this was too much. Way too much for anyone to bear.
"Tsubasa-senpai..." Goro managed a weak smile."I love you. So it's okay. No matter what happens, I love you and Yosuke-senpai a lot. So...I'm sorry...I'm sorry for making you suffer like this..."
"Goro...No...you...you..."
"Uh...excuse me..." Reina meekly raised her hand.
"Hmmm? Oh, right." Ryuga opened a Calamity Gate behind them."You guys can go. You've done your part."
"Oh, okay." Reina nodded. All of Noble Red decided to take this opportunity and leave. Elsa stared at Allister, who stared back.
"Can we talk? After you get back?"
"Of course, darling." Ouja nodded."I know how this seems, but I will explain everything. I just need you to trust me, okay? I love you."
"I love you too." She managed a smile before stepping inside the portal before it closed.
'Allister...you...' Takeru was at a loss for words at what he just saw.'Did you find love after all?'
"You can keep hiding that bich if you want, but eventually I'll put one between her eyes before I kill you too!" Chris snarled like a rabid animal.
"Chriss...!" Takeru gaped upon hearing his girlfriend speak that way."What are you...saying?"
"There's really no need to fight this, you know?" Ryuga sighed."Why do you guys keep resisting? Just lay down and die quietly. You won't even notice when the world ends. We will all be reunited in the new world. You'll be happy again. So why resist?"
"And what? You want to do that after we let you commit global genocide and wipe out the whole fucking planet?!" Ryuki snapped."Just so you can play to be a God?! Fuck no!"
"That's just the worst way to think about it. It hurts me to see you so defiant, brother. We should be able to understand one another."
"You're fucking delusional, that's what you are." Alternative took a step forward."And I'll fucking stop you right here and now!"
Advent: Slashdagger
Kicking the ground and using his gravity manipulation, Alternative shot towards Ryuga, aiming to kill him right there and there. However, Ouja intercepted him, blocking his attack with his sword.
Sword Vent: Venomblade
"If it isn't Bragard's son!" Ouja chuckled."You're stronger than before, aren't you?"
"Repel-"
Before he could activate his ability, Ouja punched him in the gut, earning a silent scream from the boy as he was shot like a rocket. Hibiki jumped in the air, catching him in her arms.
"Bragi-kun! Are you alright?!"
"Fuck...I should have known better. After absorbing the third beast from Takeru-dono, his power has increased way more..."
"What about you, Kuwana-san?" Ryuga glanced over to Gai."Don't you want your brother to join in on the fun?"
Gai glared at the dark Rider."I don't think there's a need for that. The shock value has already passed."
"But surely you want to inflict as much damage to your siblings as you can, right? After all, they never valued you. Never recognized your efforts and abandoned you. They deserve to suffer."
Gai clenched his fists upon hearing those words, the rage in his heart ignited once more. He was about to snap his fingers when Tiger screamed.
"Terunosuke! Stop!"
"Why should I?!"
"I'm sorry, okay?! Just...just don't! Don't make Andreas suffer any more than he has!"
"Sorry for what? Letting Serena die? Always being better than me and never allowing me to shine? Sorry buddy, that ship has sailed!"
"Serena didn't die because of that!" Maria protested."You keep blaming Jades but that wasn't his fault! He-"
"It wasn't supposed to be me."
"Huh?"
Tiger removed his helmet, allowing everyone to see his crestfallen expression."I was never meant to be Tiger. That day...you got the Deck. Not me. I knocked you out and asked Mom to suppress that memory. When we came out, I told the others I was the one who got it instead."
"Y-you what?" Shirabe gasped.
"No...that's..." Kirika was equally stunned.
"What are you talking about...?" Raia muttered in disbelief.
"I did it because...I wanted to protect you." Jades began to sob."I wanted to protect all of you and prevent you from having to carry that burden...It was already too much that Serena and Atticus were doing it. I...I wanted to spare all of you for that. But I was wrong. I made you into a monster. Maria, Kirika, and Shirabe turned into Symphogear, and the boys into Kamen Riders. Atticus died and you became what you are today because of my decision. I made you believe that you weren't good enough...because I wanted you to look away from that direction. To look somewhere else...to live happily. But all of that...all of that backfired. In the end, nothing I did ever mattered."
"Jesus Chris..." Hamaguchi ran a hand through his helmet.
"Jades-san..." Ryuki frowned."You...were keeping this to yourself all along?"
"I told Yosuke. But...Yes. I've been keeping this a secret from everyone else. But ever since Andreas died, it's become so unbearable to keep to myself. And I..."
"Jades...you...you lied to us? You kept this from us...from me?" Maria gave him a look of utter disbelief."Why? How could you...?"
"I'm sorry...I just thought it was the best decision at the time." He pinched the bridge of his nose."I-"
"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Raia broke his silence, his fists trembling."After what you said before, you're-"
"You fucking bastard! YOU!" Gai exploded after everything sunk in."YOU RUINED MY FUCKING LIFE! ALL OF THIS IS BECAUSE OF YOU! YOU DID THIS TO ME! YOU RUINED ME!"
"I know! And I'm sorry! But-"
"But what?! You thought it was for the best! Stop lying! You only did it because you're a selfish bastard who doesn't want to lose another fucking sibling! Yeah, that's right!" Gai chuckled bitterly."You're still fucking sore about your mother having a miscarriage, aren't you? That's why you've always been so damn paranoid. It's not because you gave a shit about these kids. You only did it for yourself!"
"Guess we'll have to fight after all." Bragi clicked his tongue.'This is bad. Everyone's emotions are all over the place. As it stands, we'll get annihilated.'
Suddenly an alarm reached everyone's ears as Genjuro's voice reached their communicators."Every member of SONG is to abandon the mission immediately. Return to the base at once."
"What?! We can't run now, Old man!" Chris shook her head, refusing the order."They're right there! We can end this! We can-"
"It's direct orders from the Japanese government. I'll explain later, Chris-kun. I promise."
"But...But Takeru is..." Chris locked eyes with her deceased boyfriend."I love you, Takeru, you hear me?! I'll get Magnugiga back, Takeru. I swear I'll make this bastard pay and make him suffer!"
"I love you too. Lieutenant, I'm leaving Chrissy in your care-" His body, along with all of the Phantom Riders went back to their inanimate state, resembling corpses once more.
"We're pulling out," Ryuga said.
"No."
"Kuwana-san-"
"Fuck you. I deserve to kill him right here and now and send him to hell!"
"Look. Right now, everyone will just get in the way." Ryuga flew closer to him, standing in front of him."And I know you want to settle things with him. Now more than ever. So wouldn't it be better to do it properly? Give it some time and I promise you you'll get the fight you want. I'm sure..." He looked back toward SONG."...he'll gladly accept. Do you trust me? Because I need you to trust me."
"I...trust you." He reluctantly nodded. Ryuga nodded, opening a portal behind them as all the Phantom Riders disappeared. But not before Terunosuke utter some final words to Jades."I swear I'll fucking kill you for what you did to me."
"We'll meet again. Either sooner or later. But we will meet again. Look forward to the Promised Day." With that, they vanished from the premises, leaving SONG behind in a very awkward pause.
"Let's go." Alternative broke the silence."We can talk about...this later."
They all started to head back, and Kirika and Shirabe spared Jades a worried look. He smiled sadly at them, giving them a nod. They grabbed each other's hands and continued walking.
Maria glanced at Jades and his smile vanished. She looked so betrayed. She went to help Tsubasa walk since the poor idol was still emotionally distraught. And Raiden...he still had his helmet on, but he could tell he was glaring at him.
"Let's go. We need to obey our orders." Ryuki grabbed his hand, dragging him along.
Jades was the only one left. He thought that telling the truth would have been refreshing. That he would stop feeling all the pressure on his shoulders. But all it did was hurt those around him. But perhaps...the damage was done the second he decided to make that decision all of those years ago.
"Man, that was intense, huh?" Reina yawned right after they exited the portal.
"No kidding. They had us on the ropes there." Angelo heaved a long sigh, his transformation disappearing."How are you girls doing?"
"We'll be fine. We might need more blood soon, though..." Vanessa trailed off, worried about their low blood supplies.
"For now, we can take it easy before we have to report to Fudo again." Angelo nodded."We have to go pick up Amy too. She'll want to hear our story."
"Hold on." Reina marched up to P. Yosuke and stood on her tippy toes to get a closer look at his face.
"What?"
"You okay, Psykos?"
"Uh, yeah? Why?"
"Because you're crying."
He blinked, his hand touching his cheeks and feeling the liquid coming from his eyes."Oh...I guess I am. I guess Yosuke is more aware of what's going on than I thought."
Yeah...this chapter was heavy. One of the heavier ones. Jades came out and told the truth to his family. How will this affect his relationship with them? What secrets did Hazuki reveal about Nightmare? Stay tuned for more!"