Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
GX:EP12 – Approaching the Resolution
Saber was currently chasing after Calibur through the portal that had been summoned, using his flight abilities from Crimson Dragon to slowly but surely catch up. The inside of the portal was interesting as it was a swirling tunnel-like vortex of color though images of historical events, old and new could be seen the further in they went.
"What is this place…?" he asked in near awe as he looked around, "It looks like we're traveling through time."
"It is simply a gateway to my goal, a reflection of what is lying for me at the end," Calibur answered as he glanced back briefly.
At the end of the tunnel was a large book that was likely what remained of the Great Book. The cover opened to reveal that all but one of the pages had been completely torn out. That one singular page was the Table of Revelations.
"You really think I'll let you take that power?!" Saber questioned as he immediately exchanged Saiyuu Journey for King of Arthur.
[REKKA BATTOU! TATSUMAKI DRAGON EAGLE!]
The King of Arthur Book formed behind Saber and opened up, launching out the enlarged Kingexcalibur. Soon enough the Kingexcalibur transformed into its humanoid form of King of Arthur as Saber's left arm flashed and changed into the Arthur armor.
[ZOSATSU! ARTHUR OU!]
"I promise I will protect this world!" Saber shouted further as he slashed forward, the King of Arthur following his movements and slashing as well.
[KING SLASH!]
Two slashes of energy were unleashed from both Saber and the King of Arthur, the slashes combining into a cross-slash that struck the vortex they were in. The result caused energy to lash outwards as the entire vortex shattered away.
Calibur yelled out as he was thrown back by the vortex shattering, Saber giving a gasp as the feedback blew him away as well, the King of Arthur robot vanishing as it was hit by most of the feedback.
The resulting destruction of the vortex had forced them into an intermediary dimension. The two fell down into a beautiful forest in the middle of fall, leaves covering the ground. High above would be a bright starry night sky despite the area below being lit like it was still daytime.
Saber yelled out as he managed to land on the ground, tumbling as he just barely managed to keep his enhanced two-book form.
Calibur meanwhile landed on one knee, keeping his form of Jaou Dragon, "I'm so close to the truth, stay out of my way!"
"Like I said, I won't let you go any further!" Saber shouted as he held out both Rekka and the Kingexcalibur before charging forward.
Maria could only stare at the sight before her, "Kento…?"
Standing before her and the others was Kamen Rider Espada, though a notable difference was that the Rider didn't have a Swordriver on. It only had a buckle on like what Buster, Kenzan, and Slash would wear. Despite this it still held the Raimeiken Ikazuchi, the Seiken crackling with electricity.
"Do you not remember?" a familiar voice echoed through the halls, "Your hands have long been stained with blood. How can you delude yourself into thinking those hands can save the world?"
"Mom…?" Maria asked as she recognized Nastassja's voice and looked around before closing her eyes briefly, "Even so, I…"
"Yes, you wish to save the world because you hope for your own salvation through it."
"Maria! That's not mom's voice!" Kirika called out from where she was.
"We all saw Mom laid to rest!" Shirabe reminded, "It must be the castle playing tricks on us!"
"Exactly," Kirika nodded, "And we were there when Kento was consumed by darkness!"
"I know!" Maria shouted, knowing that this couldn't be the real Kento or even the real Espada due to where both Kurayami and Ikazuchi were, "I know they're not real! But those words are still true!"
"You wish to be saved by the silver radiance that is far too bright for you," Nastassja's voice called out.
Espada began to approach, raising Ikazuchi upwards only to suddenly leap backwards as several walls dropped down from the ceiling, creating a barrier between it and the Symphogear Wielders.
Shirabe took the chance and rushed over to Maria, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her along, "Kiri, Maria, let's go!"
Kirika wasted no time in following her friends, "What's going on, dess?!"
"I don't know!" Shirabe admitted, "But right now, this is all we can do!"
"This feels way, way too much like a trap!" Kirika spoke up as she ran alongside the two, "Dess!"
SONG HQ was continually monitoring the situation and despite the dissection being replaced by something else entirely, there was now a sense of unease and dread instead of panic.
"Carol… despite all this, you're still fighting?" Elfnein asked as she tried fully standing while bracing against a nearby console only to stumble and fall back.
Hansuke was quick to act, catching her, his eyes widening when he saw the blood seeping through the bandages she had on, "You're in no shape for this."
"Stopping Carol is my fight," Elfnein answered as she steeled herself despite the pain, "I have to see it through to the end."
"You know, as much as I'm glad the whole dissection thing isn't occurring, this is more unnerving…" Sakuya admitted as he monitored the situation, "Like, what's even going on in that book?"
"Have faith in Saber," Sophia said as she clasped her hands together, "If anyone can stop Calibur it's him."
"For now we need to work on mobilizing," Genjuro replied as he hoisted up Gekido's holster on his shoulder, "If we're to win against both Calibur and Carol we-"
"We've got a new signal!" Aoi called out as she soon began to isolate it, "It's coming from the Château de Tiffauges! It's… hold on a minute, isn't this…?"
{RAIMEIKEN IKAZUCHI}
"Raimeiken Ikazuchi…?" Daishinji questioned before turning, seeing that Miku still had the Seiken in her arms.
Miku looked down at the Seiken she held, "But how?"
"Actually, it's faint but we're picking up readings of Kaenken Rekka, Suiseiken Nagare, Dougouken Gekido, Fuusouken Hayate, and Onjuuken Suzune as well from the same area," Sakuya reported as he had begun to survey the situation, "The only strong reading right now is Ikazuchi's."
"Could it be the Château is somehow manifesting copies of the Seiken to defend itself?" Aoi asked.
"Considering the energies being released by the Château… defeating the Goblin Megid likely gave them replicas of our Seiken," Daishinji deduced, "Which is how they were able to open up the gateway to the Table of Revelations begin with."
"We need to get there immediately," Genjuro replied, "Especially if Maria and the others are facing Six Seiken and potentially their Wielders on their own."
"Can we even make it in time?" Daishinji asked.
"There is one idea," Ogawa said as he soon drew out a small zip bag out from his pocket, inside was the teleportation crystal he snagged from Phara.
Blades, Falchion and the remaining Symphogear Wielders began to group up, the five realizing they'd need a new strategy to defeat Carol.
"Okay, but seriously," Chris spoke up, "What's an alchemist doing singing?"
"Yeah," Falchion agreed, "Like I'm pretty sure a completed Relic doesn't need that part."
"Seven planets, seven musical scales," Carol spoke up, "The harmony of the universe that lies at the core of alchemy is the harmony of music. That harmony is the basis of all truths."
"I'm sorry?" Blades asked due to not knowing what Carol was even going on about.
"What are you trying to say?" Tsubasa asked.
"Seriously," Falchion admitted as she rubbed the back of her helmet, "All I'm hearing is some stupid lecture that doesn't' seem to be related to-"
"The roots are the same," Carol continued, "There is nothing strange about it at all. Back in the prehistoric era, the Curse of Balal robbed humanity of their mutual understanding. Many sought after the Great Book and resulted in its scattering, thus to overcome those failures they sought another way. Knowing all creation would make understanding possible, and that harmony with the universe is reached through alchemy. They tried to connect with the world through means beyond mere words."
Hibiki held a look of realization, "Singing?"
"Alchemy and songs were both created to fill the gap left by the lost universal language!" Carol called out.
"No way…" the five combatants spoke up in surprise.
"Their origin has been lost to history," Carol explained, "But you of all people should be able to guess."
Everyone didn't even have to second guess the origin Carol was referring to, all of them immediately coming to one conclusion… the priestess they clashed with in the past known as Finé.
"Let me ask you this…" Calibur spoke up as he clashed blades with Saber, the two dancing around each other as each got decent hits on each other, "What would you do if you found out the world you're trying to save was merely created on a whim? And that no matter what you do, the world's end had already been decided?"
"What?" Saber asked before gasping out, sparks flying from his gut as he was struck by Kurayami.
Calibur rushed forward with several more slashes, "Would you still fight even after knowing all of that?!"
Saber gave a gasp as he was slowly overwhelmed, noticing that Calibur's attacks were getting more intensive, "I… I…"
Calibur yelled out, the gold dragons on his shoulders shining out and launching forward, striking Saber to force the Rider of Flames back.
"If you can't muster your resolve in an instant here, then you've already lost!" Calibur answered as he slotted his sword onto his Hisatsu Holder.
[KURAYAMI ISAI! DOKUGO ISSEN!]
He rushed forward as a dark projection of the Jaou Dragon spiraled around him before entering his sword, soon bringing it down against Saber.
[JAKIN!]
Saber yelled out as he slashed with both Rekka and the Kingexcalibur, both weapons clashing against the attack only for Calibur to push further. The dark slash managed to force its way through both weapons and strike Saber in the chest.
"Now, sleep in darkness until you're ready!" Calibur shouted as he tried to engulf Saber with the darkness spewing out of his sword.
Saber could only yell out as he was struck, his vision beginning to flicker as the darkness began to overtake him. He could only give a light gasp as his grip on his weapons slacked while his vision was slowly engulfed by darkness…
"If we're running into a trap, this would be about time for them to spring it, dess," Kirika admitted as she ran through the Château with her friends, "But…"
She paused as the three stopped their advances upon rounding the corner.
"It could be something even worse than a trap," Shirabe finished.
"Were you leading us here, dess?" Kirika asked.
"Dr. Ver…" Maria said as she saw the man before them.
Ver winced as he began to move, causing the three to get on the defensive, though even then they saw how roughed up the man was.
"Just look at me, I don't have enough blood left to take full control of the Château," Ver remarked before holding up his monstrous hand, "Now, let us strike a deal, right here on the battlefield!"
Storious continued to view the events before him while at the main control console within the throne room of the Château. While he was unable to view what Calibur and Saber was up to, he was still able to view Carol's current status as well as the status of those within the castle itself.
"Now then…" Storious turned, a chuckle escaping his monstrous lips.
Maria, Shirabe and Kirika had landed, Kirika having carried Ver and tossing him to the floor as soon as they arrived. The trio of Wielders immediately got in defensive stances once they saw Storious however.
"Storious…" Maria said as she stared directly at the Megid Leader, "You're still here?"
"I figured I'd greet you all," Storious admitted as he held his hands behind his back.
"Well if it isn't the Megid who left me to fend for myself," Ver remarked as he held his wound while sitting up, "Here to stop my heroics?"
"Still with the hero story I see," Storious remarked before holding out a hand, "What exactly do you plan to do here?"
"We're disabling the Château de Tiffauges'," Maria answered, "So by destroying what I assume is the central controller behind you…"
"Someone should be quiet if they aren't aware of the intricacies," Ver scoffed as he looked over, "Your plan could potentially send this place out of control."
"It would make a fascinating ending however," Storious said before turning and holding his hand against the main console. He kept his hand on there for a while before he removed the Alter Ride Book he had placed on the console to begin with.
[NEPHILIM!]
The main console soon shorted out and dimmed as the pillars where the Wonder Ride Books were held began to shine brightly before erupting into pillars of light that lit up the entire area in a multitude of colors.
"What did you just do?!" Maria questioned.
"I've simply shorted out the main console of the Château," Storious replied, "While making sure all its functions can focus on the defense systems to give you the most beautiful ending should you choose."
"Sneaky… using a book out of the Relic I cultivated to wrest control away from her," Ver gritted his teeth as he fully stood up, "However I won't stand for that mockery!"
"The Château would normally be useless to Carol without the songs she seeks, however the tainted blades still remain and can potentially rip the world apart," Storious continued, "If you can destroy those tainted blades, then you'll stop Carol and Calibur."
"Why are you telling us all of this?" Shirabe asked.
"I am simply giving you a stable sense of direction!" Storius answered as he drew his sword and pointed it towards his adversaries, "A goal that you must complete should you wish to stop both of our plans at once!"
"If its stopping you want, we'll gladly oblige!" Genjuro's voice was suddenly heard.
[ITTOU RYODAN! DOGOUKEN GEKIDO!]
[SOU TOU BUNDAN! FUUSOUKEN HAYATE!]
[JUUKEN GEKIDAN! ONJUUKEN SUZUNE!]
A sudden pink teleportation circle appeared behind Storious, Kamen Riders Buster, Kenzan and Slash all leaping forward just as they had completed their transformations. The three brought down their blades against Storious who quickly turned and blocked with his sword. The Megid Leader gasped as he was sent stumbling back from the force of the attacks despite blocking.
"How did you get in here?" Storious questioned.
"That's something I'd like to know as well, dess," Kirika spoke up in surprise.
"It is good timing though," Shirabe pointed out.
"Wait…" Maria recalled the fight with Phara, her eyes widening as she remembered what Ogawa had held onto, "Then?"
"Just a small chance I took earlier that's bearing fruit now," Kenzan confirmed.
"Now then Megid," Slash pointed his sword forward, "We won't let you attain what you seek."
"Now that all of us are here and fighting, we can't lose!" Buster shouted.
Storious watched as the three Riders charged towards him, he glanced back to see the three Wielders charging for him.
"As much as I appreciate the dramatic entrance…" Storious spoke up as his eyes shined brightly, "You Riders will only get in the way of their perfect ending."
In an instant, Storious and the three Riders vanished into puffs of red smoke, Maria, Kirika and Shirabe stopping their advance.
"Where did they go?" Shirabe asked.
"Yeah, is he too chicken to fight all of us, dess?" Kirika asked.
"For now we should focus on trying to stop this machine," Maria said, "Doctor!"
"I'm on it, I'm on it!" Ver called out as he quickly rushed over to the main console to see if he could salvage what Storious had damaged.
[RAIMEIKEN IKAZUCHI!]
Lightning struck behind the group as Kamen Rider Espada soon appeared. However it no longer had the left Armoring of Lamp Do Alangina, the armoring bare on both sides. Instead its shoulders were covered by a familiar cape, the one that Maria utilized when she donned the Gungnir armor.
The three Wielders turned back in surprise to see Espada standing before them and quickly prepared themselves, realizing they were in for the fight of their lives.
Espada slotted Ikazuchi onto its Hissatsu Holder before holding out its hands, fire erupting from its right palm and wind gathering around its left.
[KAENKEN REKKA!]
[FUUSOUKEN HAYATE!]
The two Seiken appeared in its hands, it getting in a dual wielding stance before charging straight for the Symphogear Wielders.
Buster, Kenzan and Slash all gave gasps as they stumbled forward, soon finding themselves outside. Storious was with them and it appeared as though the Megid Leader had transported them onto a building overlooking the fight between Carol and the rest of SONG's Riders and Wielders.
"What's the big idea?" Buster asked.
"As I said, you'll only get in the way of their perfect ending," Storious answered, "Besides, when it comes to helping, you'll need everyone you can to face Carol."
"What?" Kenzan asked as he soon managed to catch sight of the battle.
"Why exactly are you doing this?" Buster asked, since the Megid leader could have easily taken them somewhere else.
"Simply biding time until Calibur claims his prize," Storious answered.
"Sorry to say but Touma will come out on top," Slash replied.
"Oh that would be wonderful if he does," Storious admitted as he turned around, much to the Riders' confusion, "He is my hero after all…"
The three could only watch as Storious vanished, all of them admittedly confused by what exactly the Megid Leader wanted. The three however turned their attention onto the short break that was happening between Carol and their allies.
"You wanted to use Songs to destroy the world?" Hibiki asked.
"Tokyo lies on the focal point of the ley lines that crisscross the planet," Carol answered, "Which made it the perfect place to send songs echoing throughout the world."
"Is that why you destroyed the keystones that formed the town's spiritual defenses?" Tsubasa questioned.
"Too bad your plan got hijacked by those Megid freaks," Chris pointed out, "You should really just give up."
"How dare you insinuate me doing anything of that sort," Carol called out in near anger as she held out a hand, "I'll end this here and now!"
"You'll find that a bit hard!"
Everyone heard Buster's voice as energy bolts and the Fuusouken Hayate came into view, the projectiles clashing against a shield Carol quickly created before she knocked them away. She then quickly formed more wires, managing to catch Buster mid-swing as he had dropped down from the building they were on.
Blades and the three Wielders' eyes widened, "Commander?!"
"Hey, Boss!" Falchion called out with a laugh, "Nice timing!"
"What?" Carol questioned before realizing she hadn't been checking in through Elfnein any further, "How did you all get here so fast?"
"You can thank your Autoscorer for that," Buster said before unleashing a large shout as he used his and Gekido's raw strength to snap the strings, slashing down at Carol who barely dodged to the side.
Buster managed to spin in mid-air despite missing and soon landed on one knee, Slash and Kenzan leaping down and landing nearby.
"What did you say?" Carol narrowed her eyes.
"I simply made sure that Phara could not return to base since she seemed so inclined to do so," Kenzan spoke up, "Now that we know your plan, I can see why she wanted to retreat."
"Of course there were some complications in regards to our arrival," Slash admitted, "But this might be the best place for us right now, regardless."
"You hold incredible power," Buster said, "So we will simply match that power with our combined strength."
"You really think I'll let you or the Megid continue to stall my plans?" Carol asked as she landed on the ground, "Don't make me laugh!"
"Oh trust us, I'm pretty sure we're going to unravel both yours and the Megid's plans," Falchion remarked as she rested her sword on her shoulder.
"We're not gonna let Elfnein down!" Hibiki agreed as she reached for her pendant.
"Wait a minute," Chris spoke up.
"If we use the Ignite Module now, there's a chance we could be helping her out later," Tsubasa warned.
"Everyone brace!" Blades shouted out.
Carol quickly unleashed a barrage of wires, tearing up the ground around the Riders and Wielders and launching them all backwards. The alchemist then added an extra set of harp-like wings to her back.
"I'll finish you now, up close and personal!" Carol shouted as she gathered energy into a massive explosion that engulfed the area.
Buster yelled out as he slammed Gekido in the ground while getting in front of everyone, the earth tearing itself up as it formed a massive shield in front of them. Despite this the shield began to crack before breaking apart, shattering against the energy.
Thankfully the defense was able to hold up, the Riders and Wielders simply skidding back as smoke covered the impact area, allowing them a chance to take a short breather.
Touma could feel himself endlessly drifting through darkness and despite this his mind was still on what Calibur had said.
'The world… created on a whim…?'
'It is already fated to end… so is it pointless?'
'Can I really fight against something like that…?'
'I couldn't save Kento… so was that also written…? Was he also meant to… wait a minute…?'
Touma's eyes opened in the darkness as he had a sudden realization, recalling Calibur's words.
…
"Now, sleep in darkness until you're ready!"
…
'This isn't death… and how Kento went out…'
"Touma…"
Touma suddenly felt himself stand up straight as he shifted his body, a warm light shining behind him as he could see someone fading into view.
"You can't give up now."
Touma's eyes widened, "Kento?"
Soon enough Kento was in full view, giving a smile, "We've still got promises to keep, remember?"
"That's right…" Touma chuckled as he began to back up, "Thank you Kento. Where there are endings, there are beginnings… and so long as someone wants to write that new beginning, it won't end… so I'll keep fighting alongside my friends and create a new story."
Kento smiled as the light behind Touma shined brighter, Touma soon turning and walking into the light.
Calibur yelled out as he continued to force the darkness to encroach on the unconscious Saber only for Kurayami to start sparking with purple electricity.
"What?" Calibur asked as he could feel Kurayami forcing itself to defy his commands, "What's-?!"
"I won't give up!" Saber shouted as he suddenly regained consciousness, fire erupting from his body before an explosive burst happened.
Both Riders yelled out, rolling along the ground and losing their transformations before managing to pick themselves up onto one knee each.
"Impossible," Kamijo called out, "How were you not consumed by the darkness?!"
"Because Kento… he saved me!" Touma called out as he placed a hand against his chest, "What did you really do with him?!"
"He's safe, more than safe if he managed to save you from what I was going to do," Kamijo remarked as he glanced at Kurayami, soon realizing why it had defied his command to engulf Saber in darkness, "You want answers, correct?"
"What?" Touma was caught off guard by the response, "What do you mean?"
"I'll tell you what happened during the Zwei Wing Concert," Kamijo replied before taking a photograph of himself, Hayato, and Sophia, staring at it long and hard as he spoke up again, "Two Years ago I fought not only to save as many people as I could, but also my friend. Kento's father, Hayato Fukamiya… he was a brother-in-arms, and a dear friend. We trained, laughed and shared our pain together. Until he betrayed us…"
Aftermath of the Zwei Wing Tragedy...
"Dad, dad, please stop this!" Kento cried out as he clashed against Calibur in the damaged and ruined stadium, "What made you betray us?!"
"My son, please!" Calibur called out, "Lay down your weapon and listen to me! This is the only way!"
"No! You're trying to hurt everyone!" Kento called out with tears streaming down his face, "I'll protect the world from you!"
"My son… I'm sorry," Calibur said as he forced Kento out of the clash before moving forward. He then yelled out and punched Kento in the gut, the force of his armored fist enough to send his son to the ground.
"F-Father…" Kento gasped out as he fell onto his side, fading in and out of consciousness.
"I'm sorry Kento, but this is the only way…" Calibur apologized.
"Fukamiya," Kamijo called out as he began to stumble into view, while he no longer had his transformation he still had Kaenken Rekka, "Attacking your own son… what are you even thinking?!"
"You fool, the real villainous group here is Section 2," Calibur called out, "One of their members has devastating plans for the world, and if we do nothing then… then all will be subjugated under her rule!"
"What?" Kamijo questioned, "What are you talking about?"
"I will gather all the Seiken and Ride Books, obtain the universal truth that lies dormant to us all… and use its power to save the world from its impending destruction," Calibur explained as he soon held out his free hand, "Kamijo it's not too late, please… help me."
"I'm sorry old friend… but I can't let you go through with this mistake," Kamijo said before yelling out and charging forward, Kaenken Rekka erupting with fire as he charged towards Calibur.
Calibur yelled out and slashed at Kamijo who ducked, gasping out as he was slashed through by the Swordsman of Flames. The dark Rider gasped out as he fell forward, his transformation breaking as he held his gut.
"Stop this," Kamijo pleaded.
"This is the only way to save the world," Hayato gritted his teeth as he stood up, not done fighting despite losing his transformation. He turned and yelled out, ready to fight to the death with his old friend.
"In the end I killed Hayato Fukamiya, Kento woke up not long after that and realized what I had done," Kamijo explained, "But by that point I foolishly realized I was mistaken in killing my friend, I now knew the truth, I saw what ruin would befall the world and I needed to take the same path."
"I've always wondered," Touma spoke up, staring at the man with a neutral expression, "Why would you isolate yourself from the others? Why work with the Megid to begin with?"
"Because this goes beyond Finé, Ver, and even Carol," Kamijo answered, "They're all smaller pieces in this game compared to the eventual doom that will befall us."
"What?" Touma asked.
"I renounced my title as the Swordsman of Flame and sealed Kaenken Rekka away in the darkness," Kamijo continued, "I assumed I'd come back for it one day but you ended up pulling it from the darkness on your own. It was a surprise for sure, but my path was set as I steeled my resolve. I renounced the Logos Sector and went to shoulder all the sins that Hayato committed and that I would commit."
"And Kento followed after you seeking revenge for his father," Touma said, recalling what Kento had said on the matter.
"Yes," Kamijo replied as he brought out Jaou Dragon, "I don't blame him for wishing death upon me either. After all I did kill his father and took up the mantle of Calibur to cause more destruction."
"What exactly is beyond our current enemies?" Touma asked, wanting to get back on track.
"Defeat me and you can witness it yourself," Kamijo answered as he scanned Jaou Dragon on his sword, "Henshin!"
[ANKOKUKEN KURAYAMI! JAOU DRAGON!]
Calibur yelled out and charged forward, slashing at Touma who began to duck and weave underneath his slashes.
"You're not giving me much of a choice," Touma muttered before readying his transformation, "Henshin!"
Calibur rushed in only to be blocked by a cross-slash of fire erupting from Touma's swings, forcing him back.
[REKKA BATTOU! BRAVE DRAGON~!]
The fire launched onto Touma's body, fully forming his base form of Saber Brave Dragon.
"I will gain the power to surpass all others," Calibur said as he began slashing at Saber as he kept up the pressure, "In order to secure humanity's future!"
"You'd sacrifice cities, countless people, even those like Kento and his father for that?!" Saber questioned as he was forced on the defensive but managed to just barely fight back.
"Exactly," Calibur answered as he clashed blades with Saber, "That is the extent of my resolve!"
"You're mistaken!" Saber called out as he leapt backwards to gain some space, soon bringing out Dragonic Knight and readying it, "No hope remains on the path you've chosen! You've fallen into despair and have let that control you all this time!"
[REKKA BATTOU! DON'T MISS IT! DRAGONIC KNIGHT~!]
Fire erupted around Saber as the Dragonic Knight Armor launched out and attached to his body, fully armoring him up as he held his sword forward.
"The only mistake I ever made…" Calibur took a step forward, "Was saving you at that concert!"
Shirabe began launching numerous buzzsaws at Espada who swung Hayate and sent gusts of wind to tear through them with ease. It then blocked with Rekka when Kirika swung at it, unleashing a burst of fire to force her to back away.
Maria yelled out as she swung her dagger forward, it elongating itself into its whip form, "I know you aren't Kento, nor is the voice you use truly Mom's!"
Espada braced with both blades, skidding backwards before jumping back. It then gathered fire, electricity and wind as it crossed its blades before spinning forward. Soon enough it unleashed the combined elements in a tornado-like blast against Maria.
Maria quickly formed a barrier with three daggers, trying to brace against the blast only to scream out as the barrier shattered, the blast slamming her against the ground.
"I am Finé! Yes, I am the one named "the end"!"
Maria heard her own voice echo out to her and punched the ground, "I see, so you're using me now. Standing before us is the culmination of our mistakes and missteps."
"But shameful pasts exist to be rewritten!" Kirika called out as she went to stand by Maria.
"We'll overcome our sins and stop the Château!" Shirabe agreed.
"Rousing speech girls, really," Ver remarked in slight frustration, "Especially since you're going to have to go full force against this foe to stop the Château! That damn Megid completely fried the console, I can't do anything!"
"Very well," Maria nodded as she held her dagger forward while Kirika and Shirabe prepared themselves.
Espada rushed forward, aiming to slash Hayate first to unleash its element from a distance. Just as it swung, everyone's eyes widened as a hand suddenly caught it. Espada was unable to react as it was quickly struck several times and forced to spin back.
"Huh?" Maria lowered her dagger at this.
"Wait a minute…" Shirabe muttered as she recognized who interrupted the attack.
Kirika's eyes widened, "Yuri, dess?!"
Yuri was the one who had intercepted Espada, holding up a finger, "Normally I wouldn't get involved so heavily… but Seiken being misused is something I cannot tolerate."
"Yuri…?" Maria turned towards Kirika, "You know him?"
"Sort of," Shirabe said.
[SEIKEN SAIKOU DRIVER!]
Yuri brought out a buckle that had a grey sword attached to it, the gold blade of the sword folded over the hilt that had a large gap in it, "I am the sword that protects the world."
He placed the buckle on his waist, it forming his strap as he brought out a crystal-like Ride Book, the cover having a man with hands held out, a gold and silver sword in each hand. The title…
[KIN NO BUKI GIN NO BUKI!]
[GOLD OR SILVER?]
Yuri unfolded the gold blade before slotting his book into the leftmost side of it, taking a firm grip of the sword before drawing it out.
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
Yuri held up the small sword beside his head, "Henshin!"
[WHO IS THE SHINING SWORD? SAIKOU ISSHO!]
Yuri's body faded into particles of light, all gathering within the small sword before the sword shined and grew in length. The sword itself swung forward in the air a few times before floating forward.
[The shining sword with the power of gold and silver!]
[SAIKOU!]
Soon enough it was made clear that Yuri was not the typical Kamen Rider, no he instead was the Seiken of Light itself, the Kougouken Saikou.
"He turned into a sword…?" Maria asked.
Kirika gasped, "No way, dess!"
"Just what is he?" Shirabe questioned.
"I am the sword, and the sword is I!" Saikou shouted as he launched forward to strike at Espada, his floating and wild movements allowing him the advantage as he slowly but surely forced the doppelganger back.
"Let there be light!" Saikou shouted as he began to shine brightly, spinning in the air rapidly before launching himself at Espada.
Espada slashed forward with Rekka and Hayate, trying to overtake the blade of light's attack only for its replicated Seiken to crack and soon shatter in bursts of fire and wind.
[SAIKOU HAKKOU! GOOD LUCK!]
The pillars containing the Story of Kaenken Rekka and Fuusouken Hayate Ride Books soon burst apart. However the result of destroying the Seiken could soon be seen, parts of the throne room combusting with various fires forming as a harsh wind began to be unleashed onto the area.
"Oh well this isn't good," Ver realized as he looked around, "It appears as though destroying the physical restraints unleash these Seikens respective elements upon the Château!"
"Then it's a risk we'll have to take," Shirabe said as Maria and Kirika nodded.
[DOUGOUKEN GEKIDO!]
Espada said nothing as Gekido erupted from the ground, grabbing it and swinging it to force Saikou back.
The Seiken of Light yelped as he was forced back by the swing. He floated back towards the Wielders, "It appears as though I cannot face him alone."
"Then we'll back you up," Maria said as she braced against the wind with the others.
Saikou turned towards Maria before holding himself out grip first, "Airgetlam Wielder, use me as you need to. We can better combine our power that way."
"Are you certain?" Maria asked.
"Normally I would only allow those who I've chosen in careful consideration to wield me," Saikou explained, "However because of that left arm of yours… I can make an exception."
"My arm…?" Maria asked before shaking her head, gripping Saikou with her left hand and preparing herself, "Very well… let's go girls!"
Calibur and Saber both shouted as they exchanged clashes with each other, both locking blades and arms with each other as they ran through the forest. They then found themselves in an area with broken pillars and rocks all around, soon breaking away from each other.
Calibur gathered dark energy in his blade before slashing forward, several slashes striking at Saber and kicking up dust. Calibur expected to see Saber on the ground only to hear whirring, and a pink round projection through the smoke.
"A shield…?" Calibur asked.
"No," Saber spoke up, "It's actually a saw."
[SHUL-SHAGANA! MM-HM! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]
The dust was blown away as Saber could be seen protected by a large projection of a pink circular saw blade. He had brought out the Ōkyo Shul Shagana Ride Book and scanned Rekka with it at the last second. Saber raised his sword as the buzzsaw followed his movements, swinging forward as the spinning blade launched out at Calibur. Oddly enough despite completing the finisher the outline of Rekka still held a soft pink glow.
Calibur held back the buzzsaw with Kurayami, using both hands to brace. He yelled and threw it to the side, it crashing into a pillar.
"If you had just believed in the others and fought alongside them…" Saber said as he brought out Zettō Ame no Habakiri, leaping up into the air as he scanned it on Rekka. Blue energy gathered into a large cleaver-like energy sword as Saber slashed downwards, "You could have faced the future to win against Finé without any regrets!"
[HABAKIRI! MM-HM! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]
All of the energy that comprised the blade was unleashed into one large energy slash. Calibur covered himself with his cape and held his arm up, bracing against the attack before yelling out as it managed to spread out and overtake him.
Calibur gasped as he staggered back, "Do you really believe that the solution would have been that simple?!"
The Kaenken Rekka's pink glow now shifted to that of a blue coloration as Saber held it in a reverse grip, bringing out Gokuren Igalima. Instead of scanning Rekka with it, he slotted it into his Dragonic Booster.
[ONE! READING! GOKUREN IGALIMA!]
A soft green glow appeared around the Dragonic Booster as he punched forward, green energy launching outwards towards Calibur who swung at it.
[FLAME SPICY!]
The green energy impacted against the blade of Kurayami only to suddenly change shape. It turned into energy ropes that wrapped around Kurayami and Calibur's right arm before the ropes dug themselves into the ground.
"What?" Calibur gasped as he realized he was now pinned.
[ONE! READING! GEKISŌ GUNGNIR!]
The Dragonic Booster ignited before unleashing fires that formed the shape of the Gungnir Symphogear's gauntlet. Saber rushed forward while reeling his left arm back.
Calibur quickly gathered darkness in his left arm, reeling it back as best he could before punching forward.
[FLAME SPICY!]
Their fire and darkness filled fists collided, an explosion of both elements occurring after a few seconds. Saber gave a gasp as he was thrown back from the force, just barely landing on a pillar before kicking off and landing on the ground.
Calibur meanwhile was sent staggering back thanks to the blast, though the attacks had managed to tear through the energy ropes that had pinned him down. The dark Rider growled as he pointed Kurayami forward, still not willing to back down.
Shirabe sped forward, extending her headgear with two buzzsaws to strike against Espada. The Rider blocked with Gekido, bracing with it only to quickly leap back as Kirika dropped down from above. The Igalima Wielder had slammed her scythe into the ground as a result.
Maria rushed in dual wielding her dagger and Saikou, performing several slashes against Espada who used the cape it was borrowing to shield itself. Despite its defense, Saikou's blade shined bright as Maria was able to cut through and bat the defensive cloth away with ease.
Maria shouted and then spun, slashing against Gekido with Saikou and shattering the copied Seiken. Espada staggered back as the area began to shake continuously, everyone being forced off balance.
[SUISEIKEN NAGARE!]
Espada however leapt up, bringing out Nagare as water swirled around it. It attempted to bring it down on Maria who was just getting her bearings straight only for someone else to suddenly rush between the two.
[SAIGO NO EIYU!]
Ver blocked by crossing both of his arms, having red armoring with white bone-like accents forming over them. He had similar armoring on his shins and feet, his armoring resembling a Megid's as a twisted skull-like mask formed over his face.
"Doctor…" Maria trailed, her eyes widening in surprise.
"If I can't go out as a man of science annoying my opposition," Ver said before shouting as he pushed forward and forced Espada back, "Then I'll go out as a hero fighting on the front lines!"
Espada gathered water in Nagare's blade and slashed forward, unleashing a pressurized stream of water against Maria.
Maria quickly brought out a barrier with three of her daggers to brace against it. She leapt up and spun before yelling out, slashing with Saikou and clashing blades with Espada once more. Just like before the copied Seiken cracked and shattered, Espada being forced to leap back as it held out its hand one last time.
[ONJUUKEN SUZUNE!]
As it summoned the second to last Seiken, rain began to fall but despite this it didn't interrupt the fires that were still erupting all around.
'I'll atone for the sins I committed,' Maria thought as she leapt back, "Shirabe, Kirika! Leave this to the rest of us and go help the others!"
Espada raised Suzune upwards, the formulas from Micha's and Leiur's banners becoming solid energy before flowing into the Seiken of Sound. The Seiken's blade shined brightly, flashing between pink, red and green before the copied Rider threw the fake Seiken towards her at high speeds.
Maria's eyes widened as she barely had a chance to react, but thankfully both Kirika and Shirabe got between her and the Seiken. The two used their scythe and saws to block the weapon before launching it up into the air.
Espada rushed forward to try and retrieve its weapon only to get punched in the face. It turned and blocked another punch as it was Ver who was striking it.
"Come now, did you forget about me?!" Ver questioned.
Shirabe looked back at Maria, "The three of us…"
"…have to overcome our sins together, dess!" KIrika finished.
Maria's eyes widened at the words of her friends, "Thank you… both of you…"
"How splendid," Saikou remarked before watching the Onjuuken Suzune fall towards the ground, "Excuse me!"
Saikou launched out of Maria's grip, shining brightly as he slashed through the copied Seiken, causing an explosion as he returned to Maria. The resulting destruction of Suzune had ended up causing reverberations to start pounding against the walls of the Château's throne room now.
"There we go, nearly done!" Ver shouted as he held up a fist before giving a grunt as electricity struck him, Espada having finally drawn out Ikazuchi to wield.
"The final Seiken," Maria said as she held up Saikou as Kirika and Shirabe both prepared their weapons.
Of course the effects of the copied Seiken's destruction could be seen from outside as well. Not only were the pillars of fire all around dispersing, the book gateway that had been opened was starting to shimmer and destabilize. Last but not least, the elemental effects of the Seiken were occurring on the outside, leaks of water were springing out, fires were starting to rage, the exterior began to shake and crack as winds lashed out from it.
"No…" Carol turned as she saw this, launching upwards to fly towards the Château, "Stop getting in my way!"
"You won't be going anywhere!"
Carol turned to see Blades rushing out of the smoke from the attack she had launched out, still in King Lion Daisenki.
Blades quickly withdrew his power-up book and pressed it against the mouth of the King Lion Booster.
[SPLASH! READING! KING LION!]
Blades coated his Seiken in water, twirling it in front of him before thrusting forward. The water launched out, forming a lion's mouth that opened up and bit down on Carol to hold her in place.
[LIONIC FULL BURST!]
Carol shouted out as she tried to break free, surprised by the how Blades was still able to keep on fighting. However that simply gave her the resolve to keep on fighting as well not wanting to be outdone by the Swordsman. She then gritted her teeth as she began to force her way out of the watery construct's jaws.
Calibur marched forward to try and force Saber into defensive tactics. He slashed forward, just barely missing Saber and slashing against a stone pillar, taking a chunk out of it.
Saber gave a gasp as he backed up into another pillar, quickly dodging out of the way of another slash that was too close for comfort. He then spun back once he realized he had space, bringing out the Ginwan Airgetlám book and scanning it at Rekka's tip.
[AIRGETLÁM! MM-HM! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]
Saber slid his hand across Rekka, it shining a bright white as he swung forward, the light extending out into a chain-whip that lashed at Calibur.
Calibur gave a few grunts as he slashed back against the whip of light, batting back a few strikes while he got struck by other attempts. Despite this he managed to just barely keep up, unleashing a pulse of darkness to knock back and disperse the whip.
"I'll do what you couldn't," Saber said, "I'll fight and forge my own path with everyone else!"
Calibur simply growled out and leapt into the air, planning on aiming for a powerful strike while falling towards Saber.
[ONE! READING! MAKYŪ ICHAIVAL!]
Saber gathered fire in his left hand before slamming his palm against the ground.
[FLAME SPICY!]
Soon enough spots of fire all began forming along the ground with a rapid assortment of missile shaped fire blasts all launching out towards Calibur. The Rider of Darkness attempted to block with Kurayami though the number of missiles were too great. Once they opened him up, one after the other began nailing him in the gut, launching him higher and higher until an explosive one sent him flying up right into the starry sky of the dimension.
Saber looked up before seeing a shining light near his body, he looked down to see Rekka switching between a pink, blue, and white glow around it while the Dragonic Booster's eyes were switching between green, orange, and red for its glow. Realizing what was going on he quickly scanned the tip of Rekka against the Dragonic Booster.
[SPECIAL! MM-HM-HMMM!]
Saber watched as the glows from the Dragonic Booster mixed with the glows from Rekka, a rainbow aura appearing around the blade. He slotted the blade into his Swordriver, the rainbow aura soon transferring to his whole body as he felt a boost in strength. Crouching down he soon leapt and launched into the sky after Calibur.
Calibur had begun to fall only to catch himself, forming dark energy beneath his feet as he began to float down slowly only to watch as Saber rose up, "It's pointless! The fate of the world has already been written!"
"It doesn't matter if fate has already been written," Saber called out as he clasped his hands together, spreading them apart to form a rainbow sphere of energy. He then grabbed and pulled at the sphere, morphing its shape into a multicolored energy spear. As he did this projections of all six Symphogear Wielders formed behind him, "We'll still decide how this story ends!"
Calibur said nothing as he initiated his finisher while Saber did the same.
[JAOU! HISSATSU DOKUHA!]
[DRAGONIC HISSATSU DOKUHA!]
Calibur gathered dark energy in his blade before slashing forward, unleashing the Jaou Dragon from its blade, the other four gold dragons erupting from his shoulders and following after.
[JAOU HISSATSU GEKI!]
Saber meanwhile took aim before tossing his spear forward, the Symphogear Wielder projections turning into spheres of light in their respective color. The spheres spiraled forward as beams, striking through all five dragons and causing them to explode.
The spear struck against Calibur's chest, the dark Rider gasping out as he grabbed at it to try and dislodge it from his armor. Saber meanwhile launched forward and kicked out, the multicolored aura gathering around his right leg before erupting into a multicolored flame.
"Symphonic Dragon's Steel Bullet!"
Saber launched forward, striking against the spear with his foot, digging it further into Calibur as he put enough force into the kick to send both of them towards the ground.
[DRAGONIC HISSATSU GEKI!]
Calibur was soon slammed against the ground, the spear digging into him even further as Saber kept up the assault, bright lights erupting from the energy weapon and engulfing the two alongside the entire dimension.
Maria yelled out as she dual wielded her dagger and Saikou, clashing several times with Espada before getting into a lock with him. The area had dimmed due to the lack of lights from the pillars, and the throne room itself was ready to fall apart. She closed her eyes briefly as she realized that there was a low chance of survival at this rate. So she could only do one thing and made sure the communications channels were open.
"I loved taking the stage with you, Tsubasa, if we get another opportunity I want us to sing together until morning," Maria spoke up, "And Kanade, take care of her alright?"
"Maria?" A shocked Tsubasa's voice came through, "What are you doing?"
"Hey now, don't get hasty here!" Falchion's voice shouted.
Kenzan soon spoke up, "Maria… why are you…?"
"I always thought it was amazing how you made friends with your mortal enemies, Chris. I admired that about you!" Kirika admitted as she interrupted their train of thought, rushing forward to force Espada back, "Also Daishinji, thanks for taking care of our equipment all this time!"
"You can do it too!" Chris called out, "You already have!"
"Hey now…" Slash spoke up, "What are you…?"
"I thought I told you to stop being reckless…" Buster responded in a low voice.
"I'm sorry," Shirabe said as she sped forward to help push Espada into a corner, "The day we met, I called you a hypocrite, even though I knew nothing about you. I know I should apologize in person, but…"
"I don't mind!" Hibiki called out, "Just-"
"Please stop talking like this!" Blades shouted, "You three… you're going to be alright! So please…"
Ver shouted out as he punched several times, Espada blocking it with its Seiken before lashing out. Ver however leapt backwards, dodging the lightning that struck out. He then stepped towards the side as Maria was right behind him, and once he was out of the way she threw her dagger forward.
Espada easily batted the dagger away only for Shirabe and Kirika to rush in from the sides, using their weapons to slash past Espada. The fake Rider began to spark as it armor slowly but surely cracked.
Maria meanwhile held up Saikou with her right hand, "Are you ready?"
"Let's end this," Saikou said as the eyes of the sword flashed before he launched out of Maria's hand, Airgetlam's left arm shining out as the back of the gauntlet began to shift in shape. Saikou flew around Maria before latching the hilt of his weapon body into the back of Airgetlam.
[SAIKOU HAKOU!]
"Let there be light!" Saikou shouted as his golden blade began to shine brightly as Maria launched into the air.
Espada held Ikazuchi pointing downwards, its armor cracking further and shattering to reveal Maria's little sister Serena behind the armor. It was one last trick to force Maria into lowering her guard so that it could complete its duty as the defense system.
Maria however didn't buy the trick in the slightest, shouting out as she swung around and slashed at the copy, "SERENA!"
{SAIKOU SERE†NADE}
Maria landed on the other side, having cut completely through the illusion of her sister and having also shattered the final copied Seiken.
[GOOD LUCK!]
The Château began to shine brightly as electricity began sparking and launching outwards. The final pillar had dispersed as the book portal suddenly shattered just as it was about to fully destabilize. Purple and red lights launched downwards past the Château and down into the city below.
Tsubasa's eyes widened, "Those lights!"
Hibiki looked up at those words, "Touma?"
"Did he do it?" Blades asked.
"I think we have bigger concerns," Slash admitted as he watched how the Château was starting to overload.
"Please stop!" Carol shouted as she managed to break through the water construct that Blades had trapped her in, hugging her arms as her voice grew more child-like for a moment, "Don't get between me and my father! STOP IT!"
Without even thinking she brought out all of her alchemic circles, combining them and unleashing a massive beam of energy that pierced straight through the Château. After the beam there was only silence… until a massive explosion erupted from the floating castle. Carol could only stare in shock as she was engulfed by the ensuing smoke while twisted and distorted chimes rung out.
The Riders and Wielders could only stare up in shock at this.
The Château itself fell onto the building it was hovering over, causing massive damage to it. However the building itself was sturdy enough to support the castle's weight, keeping it sitting on it as a result.
Watching from a nearby building was Storious, the Megid of Stories being joined by both Legeiel and Zooous as they all stared at the destroyed castle.
"It appears our coup has failed," Storious remarked, "Not like it makes any difference."
"So we're just drawing back then?" Legeiel asked as he clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Like we're going to help those brats," Zooous scoffed, "Right?"
"You two run along," Storious said as he stared up at the destroyed castle, "I've got one more place I need to be."
"Very well," Legeiel said as he turned to walk off with Zooous, the two soon vanishing.
The red and purple lights fell further and further before crashing onto a rooftop, both Calibur and Saber losing their transformations. While Touma had kept everything on him, Kamijo ended up losing his Jaku and Jaou Dragon Ride Books alongside Kurayami, the items scattering to the side.
"So that's the extent of your resolve…?" Kamijo asked as he began to get on one knee.
"Yes," Touma said as he went to fully stand, he was breathing heavily but he knew that even if Kamijo was defeated he couldn't rest.
"Perhaps I may have been wrong," Kamijo admitted as he managed to stand and hunch over, "Maybe if I had done as you said, and put my faith in my friends… things could have been different."
"Kamijo…" Touma muttered in surprise.
"Touma Kamiyama, know this…" Kamijo managed to gasp out as he held his chest, trying to fight back the pain he was feeling, "Fear over a future wrought with only despair is a powerful enemy, and only now do I realize that despair overtook me..."
"That doesn't exactly take away everything you did in that despair," Touma spoke up before remembering something, "That's right, I need answers now. What happened with Kento? And who exactly are the enemies beyond this battle?"
"I saw it many times despite the changing current events, the moon shattering, crashing down, the earth being dissected and torn apart…." Kamijo said as he seemingly began to ramble, lost in his own world, "Then beyond that were the red skies… the world shrouded and shackled… and then, her…"
"Her…?" Touma asked.
"I'm unsure of the details myself, however as for Kento…" Kamijo was about to speak before the splashing of waves were heard, soon gasping out as he was impaled through the chest from behind.
Touma's eyes widened as the blade was pulled out of Kamijo, the swordsman of Darkness' body falling to the ground as Ryoga Shindai was standing behind him. The resulting stab had ended up dislodging the picture that Kamijo had, it falling to the floor near him.
"Who are you?!" Touma questioned as he quickly drew out Rekka, not bothering with transforming as he charged forward.
Ryoga simply flicked his blade to remove the blood on his sword before grabbing the blade and pulling it out of the hilt. He then flipped it and shoved the tip of the blade in as water splashing was once again heard.
Touma suddenly felt like he had moved forward faster than he could imagine, having to stop as Ryoga was no longer in front of him, "What?"
"Swordsman of Flames, I have no quarrel with you," Ryoga said as he watched Touma turn towards him. He was now right next to the discarded Kurayami and Ride Books, "I simply must fulfill this mission."
"Who are you?" Touma glared.
"That is none of your concern," Ryoga answered, "However Calibur has long since outlived his use."
"You aren't getting away," Touma glared as he went to rush forward only to stumble as the passing of waves was heard again, he was further than he expected to be and Ryoga alongside Calibur's equipment was now gone, "What?"
Kamijo gave a gasp as he tried to reach out only for his arm to fall as his vision became blurry.
"Kamijo," Touma quickly hurried over to Kamijo, "Hey, you need to stay with me!"
"Take back the Ankokuken Kurayami…" Kamijo gasped out, "You must be the one to draw out…"
Touma was listening carefully only for his eyes to widen as the man before him fell limp. He could only gingerly pick up the old picture, staring at it for a while before looking back at where the main battle was taking place.
"The Château… My mission…" Carol stared in shock as she slowly floated down.
"Maria's team…" Kenzan spoke up.
Buster gripped his fist tightly, "Is it not possible to secure a bright future without sacrifices?"
"No way…" Slash muttered, "Did they really…?"
"Girls…" Hibiki muttered as her eyes began to water.
"Why…?!" Chris shouted as she started crying, "Goddamn it!"
"This can't be," Blades said as he fell to one knee, gripping his left hand tightly.
Falchion stared up in silence before glancing over at Tsubasa.
Tsubasa shouted out in grief, stabbing her sword into the ground, "Surrender at once!" she yelled as tears fell from her eyes, "The future you sought is now naught but ruins and rubble!"
Carol continued to stare up as she stopped moving downwards, now just floating as tears ran down her cheeks, "Future?"
"Just stop… Please, Carol…" Elfnein spoke through SONG's communications, "I'm sure this isn't what our father wanted," when Carol didn't respond, Elfnein continued, "When he told us to learn more about the world, flames licking at his feet, this isn't what he was asking for!"
"I know that!" Carol shouted, "But how else can I avenge his death?! How else can I overcome this grief?! He left us with this problem and never told us the answer!"
"But…" Elfnein spoke quietly.
"I think your father must've wanted to tell you something important," Hansuke spoke up, worried for Touma given the current situation but realizing he couldn't sit here and do nothing, "When people are close to death, they say what they most want to."
"What did our father, an alchemist, want to tell us more than anything?" Elfnein asked.
Carol used her connection to Elfnein to project herself at SONG HQ again, "It could be nothing short of the truth."
"The ultimate goal of alchemy is to understand all creation," Elfnein said, "And though that, each other, in perfect harmony with the world…"
Carol scoffed, "Harmony? Are you saying that Father told us to accept the world that rejected him?! Impossible! He'd never say that!"
"Then I'll answer it in his stead," Elfnein said, "The solution to his problem is forgiveness."
Carol could only stare in shock at this.
"Forgive the world's ignorance and what it brings," Elfnein continued, "That's what Father was trying to tell us!"
Hansuke's eyes could only widen as he saw Elfnein cough up blood, "Hey! Someone get some medical supplies here now!"
"I'm on it!" Miku shouted as she hurried to find a medical kit.
"The Château de Tiffauges lies in ruins, and with it, the future where I bring the Apocalypse of All Things." Carol spoke to herself, she could only chuckle in pity before closing her eyes, soon opening them wide as she shouted out, "Then I shall abandon the past and crush the present!"
The Riders and Wielders could only brace themselves as they saw Carol glow gold with energy.
"Don't! If you burn up any more memories, you'll forget our father!" Elfnein shouted.
"Does she mean to transmute all her memories into combat power?" Buster questioned, surprised to see the alchemist go this far.
Carol meanwhile ignored Elfnein's warnings, continuing to draw more power by burning away her memories.
Hibiki looked up in concern, "Carol, why are you doing this?!"
"Revenge!" Carol shouted out as she unleashed a series of glowing wires, tearing up the ground and launching all of the Riders and Wielders back, "Revenge is all I have left…"
"Will the flames of her enmity continue to rage until all her memories are consumed?" Tsubasa questioned as she picked herself up.
"Trust me as someone who sought out revenge in the first place…" Falchion spoke up as she recalled her own vendetta against the Noise, "It isn't all it's cracked up to be."
"Elfnein doesn't want revenge," Chris said.
"Yeah," Hibiki nodded, as she placed a hand on her pendant, "We carry her hopes right here."
"The Ignite Module?" Chris asked, "Are you serious? It's a hell of a risk."
"Given Saber isn't back yet and Rintaro's been going full power, we need to take that risk," Slash spoke up, "As it stands the Ride Gear forms aren't going to match the raw power Ignite gives you and only two of you have them."
"Then it's alright with me," Tsubasa nodded, "We don't have many options left."
"Elfnein gave us this power," HIbiki said, "So I'll put my faith in it!"
"Do it," Buster said as he held his sword at the ready, "All of us will back you up!"
"He's right," Kenzan nodded.
"Ignite Module! Double Bakken!"
The trio of Wielders all clicked their pendants twice before pulling them off and throwing them out.
{Dáin-Dáinsleif}
The sharpened pendants pierced their bodies and consumed them in darkness. The darkness was then ripped apart to reveal their standard Ignite Symphogears but with one change, a white Aura surrounding them.
Of course there wasn't much time to comment on it as the three leapt forward, Hibiki punching at Carol who formed a shield. Hibiki continued to push forward with Carol having to slide her shield and herself out of the way.
Carol was quick to unleash wires out to block against the barrage of bullets Chris was launching at her, extending out more wires once Blades began firing his cannon blasts alongside Slash who shot with Suzune.
Tsubasa and Falchion flew upwards together, the duo slashing at Carol's side only for her to bring out a barrier for them to clash with. The result was Carol forcing the two away from her.
Carol was ready to counter when she quickly turned, forming a large barrier that began to block a flurry of fireballs. The fireballs didn't falter however and began to merge as more fireballs impacted against the barrier.
[DRAGON! EAGLE! SAIYUU JA! SANSATSU GIRI! F-F-F-FIRE!]
Carol's eyes widened as a gigantic fireball was now clashing against her barrier as Saber fell into view, "Explosive Crimson Slash!"
Saber slashed at the fireball, causing a massive explosion that launched Carol back. She quickly turned and brought out another barrier after catching something out of the corner of her eye, Hibiki punching the barrier and cracking it. Carol was quick to fly to the side and avoid Hibiki punching through her defense.
Hibiki landed before watching Saber land, "Touma!"
"What took you so long?" Falchion questioned, "What happened?"
"I'll explain later," Saber said as he turned his attention towards Carol, "Because something tells me she's not going to let me give a full explanation."
"Kaenken Rekka and Crimson Dragon confirmed," Aoi called out, "Saber is back with us!"
"I knew he could do it," Sophia smiled.
"Thank goodness," Hansuke sighed in relief, glad that one worry of his was over. He looked down as he continued to try and stabilize Elfnein, Miku nearby as she had found the medical supplies he needed.
"They're definitely going to need his help," Sakuya agreed, "Two of the Ignite Module's three safety mechanisms have been disabled!"
"They've shifted from Phase Nigredo to Albedo," Aoi added.
The timer that was normally on screen for the Ignite Module began to drop at a more rapid pace than it did.
"The more their output increases, the more risk they face," Sophia said.
"They can do it," Hansuke said, "How this story ends is for them to decide."
"Right," Miku nodded.
Once the element of surprise was lost, and Carol was aware of their tactics she quickly went for an emboldened defense. Falchion, Hibiki, Saber, Kenzan and Buster all went for physical attacks at close range while Blades, Tsubasa, Chris, and Slash were shooting projectiles from a distance. All nine had surrounded Carol and she had simply brought up barriers to keep them from hitting her.
"Brute force with an overwhelming front from all sides, huh?" Carol remarked as she kept her arms crossed, chuckling, "Very much like you. Cute, even… but!"
The alchemist swung her arms out, increasing the barriers and knocking the physical attacks back once they all tried attacking again. Falchion had managed to spread her wings, shifting and going to catch Hibiki to gently set her down. Saber meanwhile used his flight to slow his descent and land while Kenzan and Buster rode the force of the backlash, flipping back and landing.
"No way," Chris shouted as she hurried over to regroup, "We even broke two of the three safeties!"
"Seriously you guys were fighting this the entire time?" Saber asked with a light gasp as he caught his breath, "She has way too much raw power!"
"Now it's my turn to sing," Carol said as she looked down on her opponents before starting to sing, the wind kicking up as her power began to increase even further.
"This song… it's strong…" Slash winced as he raised an arm against the wind.
"She's increasing her output even further?" Tsubasa questioned.
"Just how much phonic gain does she even command?"Chris said as she was a mix of impressed and annoyed.
"But this is just what I've been waiting for!" Hibiki said as she grasped her pendant, Tsubasa and Chris following her lead as they got in front of the Riders.
"Bakken! All safeties, release!"
The three clicked their pendants for a third time and released their own waves of energy to clash with Carol's.
"They've reached the final phase, Rubedo!" Sakuya's voice was heard on communications, the Riders bracing as they watched their friends unleash their powers.
Saber felt pulsations occur as he quickly reached and drew out a book he hadn't in a long time. It was Emotional Dragon, it reacting to the massive amounts of Phonic Gain being unleashed.
"Wait…" Saber said as he realized what they were planning on doing.
Chris spoke up, "We'll use Ignite's raw output to overpower her…"
"…then bring together this raging storm of Phonic Gain and release it!" Tsubasa finished.
Hibiki roared out, "S2CA Triburst!"
Despite their plan it was clear they were all struggling against the massive amounts of Phonic Gain that Carol was releasing.
"We can't hold it…!" Chris winced as she tried to keep holding strong.
"I know the Ignite Module's maximum output, that's why I threw that blade away. Didn't you realize?" Carol explained, "My song alone has the Phonic Gain of seven billion Superb Songs!"
With one final push, Carol unleashed more energy that broke and launched the Wielders away from where they were.
Carol laughed, "That was exquisite."
[STORM EAGLE! SAIYUU JOURNEY!]
A red tornado cleared the dust that kicked up from the blast's explosion, red clouds having caught the three Wielders and floated them safely down.
"Thanks for the catch," Hibiki said through heavy breaths as she hopped off the cloud once close enough to the ground.
"Yes, that was a much softer landing than I anticipated," Tsubasa admitted as she hopped of our cloud.
"We still didn't manage to do it," Chris gritted her teeth as she hopped down.
"No matter how many times you fail, you can always try once more…" Hibiki spoke up as she gritted her teeth.
Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal~
Emustolronzen Finé el balal zizzl~
"Huh?" Blades began to look around, "Superb Songs?"
"I was wondering when you'd all show up…" Saber admitted as he had only guessed what had happened given his rushed entrance.
The smoke cleared further to reveal that Maria, Kirika and Shirabe were all still alive, and the three were already in their Ignite Modules.
Hibiki looked over with wide eyes, full of relief, "Maria!"
Everyone else looked over in surprise and relief, soon relaxing their stances briefly as they saw their friends alive and well.
"Thank goodness," Blades admitted as his voice shuddered in sheer joy while he hunched over, "Thank goodness…"
Kirika and Shirabe both flashed apologetic smiles as they sang while Maria turned to look back at the ruins of the Château.
As the area collapsed, Saikou had enveloped the Wielders and Ver in his light, warping them to a safer part of the castle. Despite this Ver suddenly collapsed as his transformation vanished, the grievous stab wound as well as accessing the Megid power being too much for his body to handle.
Saikou had floated to the side before dismissing his transformation, a bright flash occurring as Yuri reappeared. He stayed silent as he began to back away, deciding to give the group some space as there was something he needed to attend to.
"Dr. Ver!" Maria called out as she hurried over.
"Looks like I helped saved the world," Ver chuckled weakly, "Though I didn't do too much in the end…"
"You…" Maria muttered.
"In the end I couldn't go out as a scientist so I simply fought despite my injury," Ver remarked, "The least you could do is tell the world about my heroic deeds," he was met with silence so he continued, "I suppose she was right… I was some side character in the end. Considering our track record that makes you the star, which means you've got to go out there and prove it! Or are you still the same useless woman you were back then?"
Maria was ready to speak up when she saw Ver hold something out, it was a data chip, "What…?"
"It's love, my dear," Ver explained.
"Why bring that up now?!" Maria questioned.
"There are no miracles involved in Symphogear compatibility," Ver explained as he struggled to keep his hand up while reaching out with the chip, "If you want to make that power your own, you have to keep reaching out for it."
Maria held out her palm, allowing Ver to place the chip inside it. She clenched her hand before pulling away and stepping back.
"Maria…" Ver said as his arm went limp, his eyes shaking as his vision blurred, "Was I able to become a hero?"
"Yeah," Maria turned away as she closed her eyes, "The worst hero ever."
Shirabe went to stand by Tsubasa, with Falchion and Kenzan doing the same. Blades, Slash and Kirika went to stand by Chris, while Maria, Saber, and Buster stood near Hibiki. As the Wielders sung, the emblems of each Seiken as well as Emotional Dragon began to resonate with the song.
Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal~
"You think you can stop me? Don't delude yourselves!" Carol yelled as she unleashed a massive burst of energy, "All of your lives will end here!"
Emustolronzen Finé el zizzl~
Carol's blast impacted against the Wielders and Riders, the Wielders holding out their arms as the Riders held their Seiken forward. The Phonic Gain released from the Wielders, combined with the Seiken resonating with them formed a barrier that helped block the attack from Carol's wave.
Hibiki shouted as she kept her hands held forward, "S2CA Dodeca-Conversion! I'll use Gungnir to bring the Phonic Gain together!"
"I'll use the Airgetlam to control and redistribute it!" Maria added.
"And Kyomu here will regulate all of the energy to give us the perfect results!" Falchion called out.
"Whoever of us can, prepare your strongest forms!" Slash called out to the Riders as he brought out Bremen no Rock Band.
Buster and Kenzan nodded, readying Jackun to Domamenoki and Kobuta 3Kyodai respectively. Blades went to initiate the Lion Mode of his form while Saber replaced his Wonder Combo with Emotional Dragon.
As the twelve of them took on the continuous stream of Phonic Gain, Hibiki and Maria's weapons changed in shape and size as Falchion's Seiken began to shine brightly. The Riders and Wielders shouted with all their might as they began to glow.
"This can't be…" Carol looked on in surprise, "Do they mean to use my own Phonic Gain against me?!"
Maria yelled, "GENERATOR…."
"…X-DRIIIIIIIVE!"
Hibiki screamed out as she punched skyward, the Phonic Gain being launched upwards in a massive tornado of multicolored energy that tore a hole through the clouds in the sky.
[ITTOU RYODAN! SOU TOU BUNDAN! JUUKEN GEKIDAN! BATTOU! NAGARE HOKOU! REKKA BATTOU!]
Carol could only stare in horror, "N-No…!"
[JACKUN TO DOMAMENOKI!]
[KOBUTA 3KYODAI!]
[BREMEN NO ROCK BAND!]
[ETERNAL PHOENIX!]
[KING LION DAI CHANGE!]
[AIJOU NO DRAGON! YUUKI NO DRAGON! HOKORITAKAKI DRAGON! EMOTIONAL DRAGON!]
The announcements echoed throughout the city as the tornado began to shrink and disperse, light shining from the hole in the clouds as twelve figures descended. Each Symphogear Wielder was clad in white armor, angelic wings forming from it allowing them to fly as they had entered X-Drive.
The Riders meanwhile were hovering behind them through various means. The most noticeable was Blades who had entered the Lion Mode of King Lion Daisenki though he was much larger than he normally would be in this form. Adding to this, each of his legs held a wing that allowed him to float with ease.
Standing on top of him were Buster, Kenzan and Slash, the three all in their strongest forms of Genbu Jackun, Ninja Butasan, and Hansel Bremen.
Floating near them was Falchion who now had bird-like wings made of orange energy, the constructs being much stronger than the fire she'd normally use. Finally was Saber who was now able to access his own variation of X-Drive via Emotional Dragon.
"How this story ends…" Saber started as he gripped his left fist tightly, raising his shield up, "Is for us to decide!"
Back at SONG, everyone was concerned given the second attempted clash with Carol after the first failure. Of course despite knowing the plan, everyone was still surprised at seeing the X-Drive forms again once more.
"Incredible…" Hansuke managed to speak up, "It's… it's…"
"Miracles… in the flesh," Elfnein said with a smile as she sat up to watch the battle, having prayed for one final miracle. Relief flowed through her in that moment as she closed her eyes and slumped forward.
"Huh?" Hansuke looked down before seeing tears drop from Elfnein's closed eyes, "Tears?"
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Oh man, this was a packed chapter for it not being the actual finale. Touma and Kamijo's final duel and everything around that definitely added to the length. But I did enjoy remixing the fight slightly due to already utilizing parts of it from the show for my take on Dragonic Knight's debut. Like how I had Saber utilize all the Gear Ride Books for a big final attack.
Of course I knew that if I was going to be somewhat following Saber Q1's finale, that I'd have to do something different on the FIS Trio's side. I figured that I'd get a bit creative and ended up making an Espada construct their final opponent, though it still had elements of how the fight went in canon. But folks we're here, just one more chapter left for GX's main story. We have six Riders and six Wielders, all of them ready to face down Carol in one final clash. Thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time.
