Chapter 4: Revived Song! Gungnir Again! And Unveiled King!
Disclaimer: Kamen Rider created by Ishinomori Shotaro while Senki Zesshou Symphogear is licensed by Discotek Media. I gain no profit from this and don't own any of the series, the proof is the lack of official crossover.
In the next day after OOO and Ankh battle against Poseidon, Eiji groggily get up he notice that his wounds have mostly been bandaged, he also lying on a bed in a small room, it actually not that different then the room he used to stay at International Cuisine Restaurant Cous Coussier.
As he look around in confusion he heard the Greeed voice call out to him.
"We are in some kind of family dining restaurant called Sunflower." Ankh scoffed. "Seriously, what is with you and rundown store owned by eccentric woman?" Ankh remarked.
Eiji hasn't meet his savior yet, but he already feel a migraine from the way Ankh talk.
"Don't be rude would y..." Eiji trailed off as he take in the condition of the Greeed. "You are a hand again." He remarked blandly.
"Really? Now it suddenly become so clear to me why I can't feel the rest of my everything." Ankh said with an acerbic tone.
Well that explain Ankh more-sour-than-his-usual-sourness mood.
"But why!?"
"Obviously from the battle with Poseidon, that bastard damaged me so much that I basically can't conjure up my form right now due to the 'injury' he dealt to even my Cores." Ankh's tone filled with both frustration and a barely concealed dread. "To think he got such an unfair upgrade, just wait till my strength return. Then we make sure we hit him before he has a chance to react. A strike that will demolish the faker once and for all." Ankh vowed, growled.
Yes, he can already see it. The result of his masterful tactic, crafted from a 'precious desire', a new one Ankh now harbor, an oh so simple but priceless one.
"Surprise bombardment, burning hell on Earth, the sight of that walking fish finally become a fish stick."
Ankh didn't cackle but he sure damn well look like he about to. If only one can read his thought right now to let him know he has pretty much tried that tactic, and watch it fail spectacularly.
Eiji, while lack the particularly useful mind reading abilities in his already large bag of tricks, still sweat-dropped, after all he has seen it enough to recognize some telltale sign. Granted he almost forgot (and how he wish it keep that way) of how diabolical a sight of a scheming arm can be with how many times it have show itself to him. A sentence that surely no sane person should bother to utter. Exception probably involve the use of substance, comedians, or probably Riders related.
Eiji can count on his hand when Ankh is pissed off, not sour mood, but legitimately in a bad mood and it have mixed result. Not that he disagree a head on confrontation isn't wise give the clear gap they are against Poseidon. But Ankh can sometimes make rash decision in contrast to his more planned move when he pushed against the corner.
The Kougami's share of Cell Medals from whenever Eiji defeat a Yummy is one such example.
Eiji just hope it the end result wouldn't make the news as an aftermath of a bombing attack that may link to a terrorist event. No, he need to put a bit more faith to Ankh. The Greeed have growth to be much more responsible than that, even when he lose his cool.
"Just in case I should stack up more ice cream..." Eiji thought.
After all, it can't hurt to have some 'calm buttons' around for Ankh. Not because Eiji worry or doubt the limit of Ankh's restraint. Nope. Not a chance.
Right when Eiji and Ankh are in the middle of their respective plot, the door creaked open.
Eiji is a bit surprised that Ankh didn't bother hiding at all. Could the person who helped him already saw Ankh?
But before he could ponder more the Boss Lady already step in with a small plastic wash-basin contain hot water and a tower in it. The women let out a surprise gasp as she see Eiji.
"My...you are up already? Thank goodness, you don't known how bad you look last night when I found you. I was so worried, I couldn't just leave you in the bush like that but there are no paper or anything on you to tell me who you are so I can only bring you back here." The woman said with a sigh of relief as she put down the basin next to Eiji's bed. "Plus when i consider of bringing you to hospital, you were so against it you even try your hardest to speak."
Having no collection of such thing though Eiji cast a glance toward Ankh, who he now notice the lady didn't even seem to notice his presence at all, in return the arm just make a wave it off movement, which pretty much confirm Eiji's thought. But he also didn't forget this lady just go through lots of trouble to help a stranger like him.
"Thanks a lot for all your trouble, I apologize for inconvenience you with my problem." Eiji said.
He try to give the woman a small bow but she held him back with a quick shook of her head.
"Is this really a time to keep your manner? Boy you sure are a different one aren't you? Eh..." Boss Lady said in amusement before she trailed off.
Eiji quickly introduce himself.
"Oh right. My name is Eiji, Hino Eiji. May I known your name?"
"Don't need to be so formal, you can just call me Boss Lady, that's how everyone call me around here. I am the owner of this Okonomiyaki dining place called Sun Flower." The woman now Eiji can identify introduced herself. He also noticed of how proud she sound when it come to her store. "By the way Eiji-kun, what happened to you that make you so wounded?" The Boss Lady asked with a worried expression.
"Eh? Well...uhm I got involved to a scuffle you see. A friend of my was in a bit of a pinch." Eiji replied a bit vaguely.
Ankh can't help but snort, in term of understatement go this one must be the top of a century. Meanwhile the Boss Lady though seem to look at Eiji in surprise.
"So you get this wounded because you protect your friend? You two must be very close eh?"
Eiji is amused at how Ankh's snort quickly change to gagged sound, speaking of which how is a hand even gagged anyway?
"Then again he did devour that ice cream with his palm that one time..."
"By the way where is this friend of your now?"
The Boss Lady's question once more brought Eiji's focus back to her.
"We have to split up when we were getting out of the mess." Eiji hastily responded.
"I see...still he shouldn't has abandon you when you are this wounded." Boss Lady said with a small frown. "Honestly gutless friend like that deserve a slap upon the head!" She chided slapping her hand together.
Eiji held back a chuckle, to see Ankh, for a split second, actually jolted is a sight he won't forget.
"Ah no. It was my idea really. Not only it easier to diverse the attention, plus if one of us get caught then the other can find some way to help." Eiji said.
The Greeed snorted at the blatant lie Eiji is telling with a straight face. Like Eiji would expect or want someone to return to danger to help him.
"You said that...but I got a feeling you are the one who would risk his life for his friend, while don't like it if the other do the same for you huh?"
Well the Greeed will be damned. The woman actually said what Ankh has in mind, maybe this women is more sharper than the Greeed thought after all.
"Ahahaha..." Eiji himself can only laughed bashfully as he scratch his hair, he then made a stretching motion as he prepare to stand up. "Well then I shouldn't bother you much longer, I will leave now."
But before he could stand up the Boss Lady quickly push him back down gently yet firmly.
"Now hold on a minute here, I don't known about anyone else but I can't let someone wounded like you to just limp out there like this." Boss Lady said with a stern voice.
"Eh? But...I might not have enough money. It just barely enough for me to get some meal and new pair of underwear."
"Well...in that case...Eiji-kun are you good with working in restaurant?" Boss Lady asked as a thought, one Ankh feel familiar, form in her mind.
"Well I did have experience working in one before but..."
The Boss Lady cut him off just when he was sounding hesitate.
"That's great then! When you get well enough work for me as a staff member, I will give you a place to stay and paid for you too. How's that?" Boss Lady asked happily.
Eiji seem like he want to reject the offer, it feel like he taking advantage of this lady plus there also Poseidon he need to worry about but Ankh cut him off again with his own opinion.
"It's not a bad deal, we are basically alone in this world, I known you worry about Poseidon but trust me I can tell after your suicide attack he take quite a damage even for a Greeed. So right now he must using this time to recover, we should also use this chance for us to heal and ready for our big battle, if we charge recklessly we might be the one who will lose and then no one can stop that fake Greeed. Plus to find a place to crash and a job stable for you to work is also a good thing for you." Said as he seem supportive of the idea but Eiji's knowning glance made him add the main reason a bit reluctantly. "And of course this also give you money to buy ice cream for me."
Yeah Eiji expect that much already.
And so with an acceptance sigh, he let out a smile and nod.
"Thank you so much. But please promise me, that my paid will in the future will be deducted for the fee you used to nurse me back to health."
The woman eyes widened hearing Eiji's word.
"What a stubborn kid you are." The Boss Lady said with a sigh before she let out a grin. "But I like it! Fine, with this you got a place to stay, and I got a good worker with a discount for first few months, why not?" She said, without missing a beat, extending her hand . "Well then as the Boss Lady of the Sunflower Store, welcome Hino Eiji-kun, I looking forward to ordering you around." Boss Lady grinned as she shook hand with Eiji. "Oh one more question." Boss Lady said with a chirpy tone.
"Of course, what is it, Boss Lady?" Eiji asked.
"Exactly how long can you hold on with an empty stomach?"
"Eh?" Eiji muttered, wondering what could she me-
GROWL~~
"Oh...I did exert a bit too much strength." Eiji thought.
"Want to join me in a meal? You can also experience your boss's cooking yourself." Boss Lady said with a proud grin.
"P...Please do." Eiji chuckled sheepishly.
With how confident she is in her store, the food must be delicious, just that thought alone make Eiji's stomach grumble once more much to his dismay.
And that is how the mysterious OOO sought out by the 2nd Division become an employee for the Sunflower Store near the Lydian Academy. This decision act of good will from a normal Restaurant Owner would be another step that set things into motion. Setting up the meeting, clashes, and unison of the Songstresses and the King.
Opening: Synchrogazer!
Image: Hibiki clad in Gungnir hug a young girl protectively, behind them is the phantom image of Kanade in her Gungnir smiling in content.
Time then passed since his employment, Eiji continue to use his power to help this world against the Noises. Have a surprise encounter with familiar face before befriended her, and settle in to the life of this new world with Ankh.
Thus six months drift by for them.
Boss Lady never regretted her choice to hire Eiji, in fact she feel quite a shame that Eiji didn't come by sooner, it would have make her job much more easier. He know his way around the kitchenAnd whether if he asked them or not, Eiji tendencies to help out not just in the shop, but around the neighbor whenever he could earn him good grades with the elder here making some who hasn't before finally visit her shop. And while Eiji's cooking is not exceptional but his cheerful demeanor has a way to brighten the mood of the eater here, further increase his value for the store. After all, a happy customers mean a happy restaurant, and that is always what Boss Lady view as priorities for her dining place, to make their customer full and also have a spot to rest from the busy daily life.
Of course, financially speaking, a satisfied and happy customer also mean more guest as well. Who is she to turn away increased income.
As Boss Lady hum a cheery tune to such thought she noticed the bag in her hand is empty?
"Hey Eiji-kun, I think we run out of flour. You mind go get some back?" The Boss Lady asked.
Just in time, seeing Eiji already finished setting up the table and chair.
"Alright, I will be back right away." Eiji nodded, folding his apron.
A plain one of course, Boss Lady isn't a sort to play prank like making a young man wear a fluffy flowery apron while serving the customers all day. Plus is not like it will increase the sell or anything.
"But if by some humorous logic it did...hehehe...Eiji-kun is nice, he won't mind. Wonder if I should run a poll for that? Hm..."
Let it be said, the Boss Lady at the end of the day is still a determined woman who will keep her shop running as long as the cost don't overstep the moral boundary...much. The same apply for increasing the revenue of said shop too of course.
Eiji walked out the store and feel a brief ticklish sensation, shrugging it off at some dust rather than perhaps a sort of sixth sense instance (which he should).
After bought enough flour, Eiji ride his way back to the restaurant. And that was when he noticed a familiar face on a sidewalk looking up to one of the tree.
"Good morning, Hibiki-chan." Eiji called out as he stopped his bike at the sidewalk.
As she heard her name being called, the cream haired girl turn around and has a smile on her face as she saw who it is.
"Ah, Eiji-kun. Good morning. What are you doing here?" Hibiki greeted.
"Just restocking some flour, I see you are up to rescue kitten from the tree again eh?" Eiji asked, looking up and saw said feline on a tall branch.
"Hahaha, you know me. I was on my way to school when I see it stuck on the tree like that." Hibiki replied, already rolling up her sleeve.
"Yosh! Here I go." Eiji though already started climbing.
"Eh?"
"Hibiki-chan, if you dirty your uniform this early in the morning again, you will upset Miku-chan you know?" Eiji reminded the cream haired girl, making her freeze in her track, sure enough Eiji reach the kitty easily, but the frightened animal accidentally scratched his hand. "Ouch...you must be quite afraid eh? Don't worry I am here to get you down." Eiji said soothingly as he pet the kitty.
The cat finally settle down and let Eiji carry it. He then drop himself and land to the ground easily.
"Nice Eiji-kun." Hibiki praised with a clap but then she saw Eiji bleeding wound. "Oh no, wait a sec." Hibiki said, fishing out a band aide from her pocket.
"Ah, it just a small wound don't worry about it Hibiki-chan." Eiji said, setting the kitty down.
"No way, it could get infected you known? Now stay still." Hibiki insisted. "There, all done." Hibiki said proudly with a beaming smile, staring at her work.
The girl adopt a soft smile, looking at Eiji playing with the cat with an amused chuckle. Only when she with Eiji like this she somewhat understand what Miku feel like when dealing with her antic. It make Hibiki treasure Miku all the more if that is possible with how close the two of them already is.
Of course poor Miku just wish her friend adopt less antic, that would have been all the thanks she need but alas the Sun will raise on the West before Hibiki behave differently.
And then there is Eiji, granted the way Hibiki call him 'Eiji-kun' seems a bit strange to other. In some way it could have been interpret as disrespectful but not that Eiji mind nor is anyone who know these two. To Hibiki she just happy she can address him that way, it was another selfish request she made to him, after all he has done for her. Of course he gladly accepted.
"I doubt Eiji-kun understand how much it mean for me, being able to call him so casually." Hibiki released a sigh while still keeping her smile.
"Thank you, Hibiki-chan. Though I surprise you keep a Band-Aid with you like that."
Eiji words snapped Hibiki out of her thought. He then proceed to pet the cat, an action copied by Hibiki who look a bit bashful.
"Well...actually Miku is the one who give them to me since she known I get hurt a lot whenever I being a busybody." Hibiki admitted with an embarrassed pout. "Really she doesn't has to put it like that." Hibiki said.
"Well is not wrong to help out other but you should look after yourself too Hibiki-chan."
Eiji's words, partly from him and partly from Miku who isn't here to defend herself. After all, he is too use to how much Hibiki worry about other more than her own wellbeing now.
If only someone will also spoke for Ankh here, they would have ask is the Pot done catching up with the Kettle yet?
During his six months staying here, a series of incident lead to Eiji encountered Tachibana Hibiki. Then by offering some assistance in said incidents, he become acquaintance with Hibiki, her families and Kohinata Miku, to the point one can said they are friends now. Of course Hibiki has no recollection of him prior to said meeting, or so Eiji assumed.
The vagabond also learn that the two of them study in the same school at the two other girls involved in the Zwei Wing event, Kazanari Tsubasa and Amou Kanade. With the latter still in a coma, Tsubasa is the only one of the pair still enroll in said school...
"Hm?" Eiji hummed.
"Hibiki-chan...isn't it already past the time your class started?"
And that one question make a Hibiki petting the cat froze like a statue...she then slowly turn toward Eiji with a comical expression with trail of anime tears flow from her eyes.
"Crap...I'm late."
Standing in front of the gate, stood a young woman with such menacing aura, it would make even a hardened thug quiver. She is the homeroom teacher of a certain cream hair girl's class and the reason for her bad mood is also because very same cream haired girl. Once again she was late to class. Not only did that girl always late and sometimes sleep in class but she get distracted easily too, of course that doesn't mean she doesn't known where the girl's heart lie. She can see this particular student have a good heart, but still it would do her lots of good if she paid even a bit of attention to class.
"Five minutes, I am giving you five more minutes Tachibana Hibiki-kun, if you do not show up, Noises help you or I wi-"
Right at that moment the sound of an engine can be heard as a bike headed to her way with two people on it, since they wear helmets she can't see their faces but there is no way she can't recognize the school uniform the girl in the backseat is wearing. Not to mention this isn't the first time she saw this strange model of a bike. Right when the bike skid to a stop, a frantic Hibiki jumped down taking her helmet off.
"Tachibana-kun...I see you manage to make a new record of your tardiness today eh?" The Teacher said with deliberate pause.
"Well...you see..." As Hibiki seem to dread with sweat.
Eiji decided to give her a hand.
"Uhm...excuse me, Sensei. That was actually kind of my fault there. Sorry but I got hurt a bit and Hibiki-chan who was near by helped me hence she has to rush to class now." Eiji said sheepishly giving a low bow of apology.
He also subtly waved his hand behind his back, signal Hibiki to not said anything. Now someone who didn't want to bother other like Hibiki would have protest! But...
Hibiki take one more glance at the fire dance in her teacher's eyes.
"Nope! Nope! Nope! It not bad to accept help from other once a while! Not bad at all!"
Let's be honest, Hibiki's teacher can be downright terrifying.
"Really...Eiji-san. this isn't the first time you cover for her like this...is not like I have anything against her but she can't keep being tardy all the time." The Teacher said sternly.
But inwardly she feel bewildered seeing the two have a same downed expression, she expect that reaction from her student but seeing it from Eiji too...
"What are they? Kids? Wait one of them are, but the other...hah...." The Teacher release a sigh.
"Alright we waste enough time already, just get to class Tachibana-kun, we will talk about your punishment later."
The Teacher shook her head seeing this make both of them turn their expression upside down.
"Thanks Sensei!" Hibiki happily as she bow to her teacher.
"Well then have a good day Sensei, Hibiki-chan."
"Thanks for giving me a ride Eiji-kun!"
Hibiki give him a playful salute in which the older male returned with a nod, she then follow her teacher to go to class.
With no eyes on him, Eiji's gaze ever shifted slightly to a more somber tone watching the girl's retreating form.
"I'm back." Eiji said as he walk in the store. "Here Boss Lady." said as he hand her the flour.
"Thanks, Eiji-kun. Did you use the coupon?"
"Yes! Save quite an amount of Yen."
The boss and the employee giddily flashed a victory sign at each other.
"With this it another Yen add to your bonus, it will be a huge saving for your at the end of the month again Eiji-kun." The Boss Lady said with a happy clap.
"It best if you use those saving for your shop more, you have paid me enough for my work. I have all the underwear I need out of it." Eiji said before he paused for a bit. "Right and ice cream too."
"Ah hush you. Youngster like you should just accept your senior's generosity." Boss Lady said with a no argument tone. "Whether you think so or not, by giving you these bonus, your mood will improve, and if your move improve during work it mean you will work more efficiently. So it benefit me in the end." The woman then flash him a wink. "With that there's no problem since we all benefit right?"
"That is...quite calculative, as expected of my Boss." Eiji chuckled. "Give me just a minutes, I will be back to open the shop soon."
Eiji then make his way to the very same room that was used to nurse him back to health, it have now officially become his resident in this world.
"Eiji, make sure you accept the bonus." Ankh said, barely inches away.
"Woah! Ankh do you have to said that while floating so close?" Eiji asked, carefully distancing himself away.
"Hm. Blame yourself for letting your guards down, at least you still keep your head." Ankh said judgingly. "More importantly, there is no draw back receive the bonus from that woman, don't dilly daily around and just take what rightfully yours."
Eiji meanwhile just scratch his hair in a give up manner.
"Hah~ I thought we have enough for your stack of ice cream already?" Eiji asked, hitting squarely at the heart of the matter.
In response the Greeed devour one of the cold treat he taken from somewhere, definitely down at the fridge but when Eiji will never know.
"It is always good to have more, that mean you are living properly." Ankh said matter-of-factly.
"Even though you criticize other for drowning in their desire?" Eiji asked with doubt.
"Hah, as if a Greeed will let a desire control him, I am the one that control my desire!"
Ankh's dramatic declaration was rendered somewhat moot when he choose that moment to bite of another chunk of the ice cream. Eiji let out a sigh, decide a more important questions need to be asked while the Greeed is getting blissful with the treat.
"Ankh, how is your progress right now?" Eiji asked.
"Hmph. It progressing normally I suppose, it not like I have a reference for my situation. But I can feel it, anytime now and I can regain my body, now if only there are Cell Medals to speed up the process." Ankh take an angry bite before he continue. "But seems like that seafood is keeping a low profile after the stunt he pull, how troublesome."
Eiji nod in agreement, the lack of activities have been a surprise. He actually expected a horde of invasion by Yummies lead by the Greeed himself within these past few months actually but surprisingly everything have been quite, not counting the few Noises attack Eiji has intercepted, there was no activity of a Yummy or a Greeed, not even a Trash Yummy can be found tumbling around.
And it is that lack of activity that make both of them on edge even more. Sure Eiji and Ankh have pondered if the attack dealt by the Purple Medals having such big of effect on Poseidon but they not optimistic to believe it was such a heavy wound that would render the Greeed so quiet. Rather this is a sign of something big to come.
And it is for that reason, Eiji have once proposed an idea, with interesting reaction from Ankh, which involve Eiji prevented a fire from almost break out.
"I still think you could have tried my method." Eiji began hesitantly, like always when this idea is involved, .
"Oi, Eiji. What part of, 'have your brain finally been replaced by an underwear for real?', don't you get?"
Eiji have once propose to see if he can create Cell Medals for Ankh to use. After looking at Eiji like he has actually put his underwear on his head, the Greeed shot down the idea instantly, in his own words a move like that have unknown consequence for Eiji and instead of risking complication to both of them. Having Eiji in his normal condition while Ankh slowly healing is a much more preferable situation.
"It show you care?" Eiji asked 'innocently'.
"A shame, I was starting to get use to the roof." Ankh said, spark of flame lit up around him.
"Ah, learn to take a joke, Ankh!" The Greeed in response just give Eiji a silent stare, after a full minute under its effect, Eiji sighed. He frown a bit as he clutch his chest, despite even an X-Ray wasn't able to scan anything, Eiji knew that is where his Core Medals located. "The Purple Medals...they still quite restless." If Ankh have no reference for how fast his healing will take, then Eiji don't even have a reference to how potentially built like a Greeed is like. "I guess the fact I manage to draw their powers out during the clash against Poseidon was already asking a bit much." Eiji admit honestly.
The energy inside of him honestly make him feel like a full cup with no cap, it is contain for now but if too many movement, the content will spill.
"Who would have thought you would see a situation like this." Ankh spoke with a tone that indicate he would have shook his head if he still has it. "Eiji, the Medals are bonding with you in an unbelievable level, we don't known how it will affect you now so I will said this again don't use any Full Combo. We don't known what kind of backlash might happen, wait until your Purple Medals are fully stable then we will work out something from there." Ankh said seriously with no room for argument and while Eiji nodded, the Greeed known him too well, it just a matter of how many people are in trouble and it will result in another idiotic stunt by Eiji. Ankh decided a switch in topic would cull his rising headache. "Hm, I see you have an interesting choice for Band-Aid."
"Hm, Oh. The Band-Aid was from Hibiki-chan, a cat scratched me by accident." Eiji said.
As he look at the bandage again he noticed, cartoon bunny. How fitting.
"Ah, the female carbon copy of you eh?"
"Would you stop saying that Ankh? We are not that alike." Eiji sighed, this is already the uptenth times he heard this comparison.
"Hm, not counting the same annoying trait of putting others before yourselves, always smiling like the world around you is made of rainbow or something and the complete disregard for your own wellbeing. You right I can't see any resemblance there." Ankh sarcastically listed off, thankfully he got just the right number of digits.
"You sure let it out eh?" Eiji sweat-dropped.
But when being compare like that...
"And to think she is one of the girls you saved, should have expect such odds from you. And the other one also in that school right? That Tsubaru." Ankh asked uncaringly.
"It's Kazanari Tsubasa, Ankh. Don't pretend like you don't remember." Eiji said annoyed.
After all Eiji knew, Ankh already heard all the news there is involve the attack of Zwei Wing.
"And you should stop thinking that you could have come sooner, Eiji." Ankh replied coldly.
"I already accepted that..."
Call him crazy but for some reason Ankh don't find Eiji's sour expression convincing.
"Tch! Wrong. You known it, not accept it. Every time you heard of anything relate to the Zwei Wing from that orange hair girl you look like somebody just got their heart surgery money stolen and you couldn't do anything about it." Ankh said, taking another bite from a new ice cream bar.
"Then why are you bothering to ask, just like I won't try to change your ice cream habit, you won't judge my way of life eh?" Eiji asked with a fleeting smile. "I think among all my friends...you are the only one I can outright ask this." Eiji said, his smile turn forlone.
After all, to Ankh who can truthfully said the desire he want and has achieved, Eiji feel like he has no reason to not be honest with his in front of the Greeed. If anything he feel like it something he own the Greeed consider it was Ankh's help that he came to this realization.
Though wonder if Ankh share the same sentiment consider the wrapper he just throw at Eiji.
"Enough already this make me unable to enjoy my treat, don't you have to get back to work for the woman? Like I said, we need the wage for important matter." The phantom arm said, turning away.
Eiji hearing that just smile softly, this one really never good with speaking his mind.
"Hai...hai..." Eiji chuckled as he stand up and go to the door, but just when he outside and almost close it he said few last work. "I think this is what they call a tsundere Ankh." Eiji said jokingly, quickly duck behind the door slamming its shut.
The string of curses and death threats that promise great suffering for him following it is totally worth it.
Now to work on the food, he sure Hibiki would come with Miku again today, that girl love food as much as Ankh love ice cream, he can just imagine her stuffing down food cutely until her tummy become as big as a Neko Yummy stomach...and then proceed to flat down again... It is even dubbed as one of the Academy Seven Mystery, according to Miku which Hibiki denied with all her might. But yes, Eiji can just imagine it...
"Hah~ I don't even feel my appetite anymore." Hibiki said dejectedly as she slump down on the table.
"Eh?" That was all Eiji could mutter in bewilderment, Hibiki have no appetize equal Ankh reject ice cream...and that was just...inconceivable. "Uhm...Is something wrong Hibiki-chan?" Eiji asked worriedly.
In contrast, Miku who sit next to her friend, just giggled to her hand as she answer the question for her friend.
"Eiji-san, Hibiki-chan is down because the encounter with her idol ended badly." Miku said still can't contain her chuckling.
"Eh?" Eiji asked once again and so Miku retell the encounter between Tachibana Hibiki and Kazanari Tsubasa, how short it was and how Hibiki left an unforgettable impression, if only in a positive light. "Ah...So that's what happen..." Eiji said with a nod of understanding, his amused tone now match Miku. "Don't worry Hibiki-chan, I am sure it not that bad, given Kazanari Tsubasa experience as an idol she must have weirder encounter." Eiji said nonchalantly.
"Mou..." Hibiki pouted as she move her face to look at Eiji while still put her head on the table. "Eiji-kun, that doesn't reassure me at all! I bet you never have to face your idol with rice stuck on your mouth eh? She probably think I'm weird now!" Hibiki groaned in distress.
"Isn't that how you are though?" Miku asked teasingly.
"That so mean Miku-chan." Hibiki said with comical tear now stream down her face.
"Well...to be fair I did show up in front of the police force, ambulance and some firefighters in just an underwear." Eiji confessed as he rub the back of his head sheepishly but then dead silent follow as he look back and see both girls look at him with wide comical eyes. "Eh...it a long story." Eiji said quickly but the girls still stare at him, guess is time for some distraction. "Uhm...Hibiki-chan, isn't today the day that the new album for Kazanari to come out?"
Hibiki instantly snapped her head up.
"Oh right! I forgot! Crap if I don't go now it may sold out! I have to go now see you later Eiji-kun! Miku-chan! Boss Lady!" Hibiki call out hastily as she quickly run out of the door.
"Have a safe trip." All three of them call out.
Eiji let out a small sigh of relief but he see Miku give him a knowing look with a small smile as she resume her meal. Facing with such a look, Eiji can only chuckle weakly in defeat. A sight that is too familiar to Miku, after all she see her friend wear the same expression more than she could count.
"Really, is this what they mean by 'birds of feather flock together'?" Miku asked with a teasing smile.
"Nah, this is what they call fate." The Boss Lady said in sing song voice, the gleams in her eyes is like that of an excited parent.
The burning spirit of a woman who love a good pairing burn as bright as ever.
"Fate?" Eiji asked with a sweat-drop.
Though it a whole different matter if it can 'burn' through this man thick headed skull.
"Uhm, look like you will have to wait a bit longer." Miku said, giving the older woman a weak smile.
"It will happen, do not underestimate my intuition!"
Ankh from the corner of the room watched the interaction, he simply scoffed as he float up to the room.
"Idiot." Ankh commented to himself. "But...you better treasure it Eiji, no matter what, enjoy the fruit of your labor."
It was noon when Hibiki left the shop, on her way to the music shop though, she noticed something strange. Given the hour, one can expect housewives gathering for grocery shopping, employees returning from their office works, kids cheering and yelling as they race to the parks after school. Instead all Hibiki can hear is an eerie silence that starting to put her on edge. The girl step become more awared, as she tentavively walk forth, she found the reason for the unusual quietness in the form of a big amount of ashes on the ground in front of her. A sign that the government make sure to be included in all education programs and school programs so that everyone can tell the sign when they see it.
The carbon dust left behind by human got touched by the Noises.
"I have to get out of here." Hibiki said fearfully.
Thus the girl pushed all her strength to her leg and sprinted right out of there, given her good track record in her exercise class, she was sure she could dash all the way back to the shop and let everyone know so they can go to the safe bunker.
But as fate would will it, just at that moment Hibiki saw a little girl crying in the middle of the street with ashes of the death surrounding her.
At the same time, in the 2nd Division Headquarter, all the staff are on high alert. Procedure already been followed, the alarm have been rung, evacuation process been planned, the shelters are all ready, all that left...
"Tell me about the situation." Tsubasa said as she rushed to the commander room.
"We have located the Noise!" One of the staff reported.
Is for them to send in their specialist.
The moment the alarm for the Noises rang, everyone in the shop freeze in their track. It doesn't matter where, as long as it is in the effected area, one will heard the alarm, it have become the stable safety meassure build into each cities just like traffic light.
"Oh dear, Eiji-kun we have to evacuate now." Boss Lady said with a frightened tone.
But both Eiji and Miku looked into each other with widened gaze, with their thought resemble to the point of in sync.
"Hibiki-chan!" Miku call out in worry.
That's all she has to said, as Eiji already break into a sprint out of the door and to his bike.
"Don't worry, I will use my bike to get her, we will be able to make it to the shelter in time!" Eiji replied urgently.
He then reeve up the engine, make a 360 turn and then ride down the road to the direction where he known Hibiki is going, all the while ignored his Boss calling out for him.
"Ah there he go." Boss Lady sighed. "We should went to the shelter first Miku-chan." She said turning to her customer. Seeing the girl's worried frown the older woman smiled. "Come now, are you doubting he can't make it?"
In response the dark green haired girl shook her head lightly.
"No...if it Eiji-san then just like before, he will definitely..." Miku said, both as a response and self assuring.
Ankh from the window seeing this just click his tongue, but then this isn't anything the Multi-King can't handle anyway. Provided that Eiji didn't land himself in a bigger mess.
This is going to be a long night for them isn't?
Playing Shinwa Sekai Kara no Kyoushuu
Back to Hibiki, the girl is currently in a tight spot. Despite her good athletic abilities, even she can't run with her normal speed while carrying the little girl on her back. The girl let out quick paced breathings, feeling her back aching, her feet getting sores. Regardless, she pushed on, determined to make sure the little girl is safe. A goal that getting further away from her reach despite how hard Hibiki is trying. Beside the handicap Hibiki is in right now, another factor is the number of the Noises is increasing with an alarm rate. Eventually every corner Hibiki turn to just result in her backpedal quickly, seeing the outline of a Noises and then turn tail to run to another direction.
Of course that courses of actions prove fruitless when Hibiki and the girl find themselves cornered by the Noises to the bank of the river, with no open space for Hibiki to run back, seeing as the Noises pretty much cut off their escape, worse yet, they quickly advance toward the duo.
"Big sis!...I...I'm afraid." The little girl sniffled, despite her young age, she understand how dangerous the situation is.
"Don't worry. It will be fine, you will be okay." Hibiki said, chanting the words as if to reassure herself as well.
Looking back to the river, seeing the current isn't too strong, Hibiki gain a resolute glint as she give the girl one last reassuring look before hugging her tightly and jumped to the moving water. Hibiki then proceed to swim with one hand, thankfully the girl in hear arm also helped in swimming through the water. Finally crossed the river, the duo find themselves at an abandoned factory. Just as Hibiki about to resume carrying the girl though, her legs finally give out, exhaustion caught up to the cream haired girl as she find herself fallen flat on her stomach.
The impact knocked all the wind out of her chest, the pain make her squirmed, but that was the moment the image of Amou Kanade appear in her head. The replay of what happened in that day, despite how hazy her mind was Hibiki can clearly see that moment, the moment with her blood stained lips, the passionate Kanade was looking at her with eyes burning with determination. Telling her to do just one thing.
"Live."
Decided to do just that, Hibiki struggled to stand up.
"Big sis...I...I'm sorry." The girl said, tearing up.
Seeing this, Hibiki shook her head giving the girl a grin and thumbs up.
"It's alright! We almost there, I can feel it, just hold tight okay? Big sis will get us there." Hibiki said firing up, carrying the girl on her back once more.
Hibiki continue to run, no matter how much her heart thump to her ribcage, no matter how short her breath feel, she continue to run like there is no tomorrow. After a while, the Noises finally catcing up, that is when Hibiki saw a ladder to one of the factory tower. Without any hesitation she climbed it, all the while ignoring the burning muscle screaming out in her arms and legs. Finally, she reach the top, deciding it was finally time to break, she settled the girl down before lying flat on her back and taking precious gulp of air.
"Big sis, thank you so much." The girl said in timid gratitude.
Hibiki stood up looking at the girl while give her a weak kind smile. But before she could said anything, she widened her eyes to the size of a saucers. The reason for this reaction is the fact that she has underestimated the time needed for the Noises to catch up. By the time she has caught her breath, the Noises have found them, they crept up to the top of the tower either by flying for airborne variety or simply crawled/slided up by other ground type Noises. The path Hibiki took to get a safe hiding spot have ironically become the most dangerous spot for her and the little girl to be in.
Hibiki tighten her grip on the girl's hand as if to assure her the last moment will be painless in this hopeless situation. After all, what else can the cream haired girl do? She had pushed herself beyond her physical capability, she has done all she could to protect the little girl behind her despite the odds against them, never once entertain the idea of leaving the little girl behind and escape herself. Hibiki honestly about to accept the cruel truth, take solemn in the fact she has stick to her idea to help other in the end, despite there was nothing that can stop the Noises!
"Except when...Kanade-san did, she fought the Noises in front of me...to protect me...she and Tsubasa-san...and the warm flame..."
Such was a sudden thought awakened in Hibiki's mind, this make the girl posture straighten up. Her eyes regain their resolution, and even a glint of literal crimson light in them unknown to Hibiki and the little girl.
But the Noises saw, they recognize the sign of a natural counter force to their beings, and for a brief moment, they pause as if to observe and understand what the sign could mean.
For Hibiki though that's all the moment she need, the sight imprinted to her hazy mind of Amou Kanade's proud figure that had risked her life to protect her, the image of the radiant phoenix that appear and shine at that desperate moment. It was the signal, couple with the life and death situation, that awoke something asleep within Tachibana Hibiki.
The proof of that is the cross scar on her chest shine brightly at that moment. The scar that unknown to Hibiki yet, has the piece of the Allfather's Spear, Gungnir resting in there.
Hibiki let out a feral growl, then behind her back long big wing made of machine spread out starling the little girl and the Noise the same time. The wings spread out then retract, spread out then retract. Each time this process happen, a piece of armor is formed on Hibiki. And by the third, the process has been complete, a Symphogear thought to have been lost to this world have been recreated at this very night.
End OST.
At the 2nd Division Head Quarter the commander room everyone is surprised when they receive signal from a Symphogear and even more so when the signal is identified to be Gungnir.
"But…but how? Kanade is still in the coma and the Gungnir was already destroyed!" Tsubasa outburst along with her shocked expression is understandable to everyone here.
The confusion only increased for them when the screen show an image of a familiar cream haired girl, cladded in said Relic's Symphogear armor.
Though that isn't very accurate description either, for the armor she gained is similar to Amou Kanade's Gungnir, but for the 2nd Division who have seen both, they can definitely tell Hibiki's version is like an incomplete recreation, with the armor pieces on her arms and legs shown to be smaller, the same apply to the headphone that Hibiki has which have a shorter antenna then Kanade's version.
Despite this the signal and the appearance of the Gear make it indisputable, that what Hibiki wearing is an authentic Symphogear: Gungnir!
"And of all, people, she is the one who has it...What are the odds?" Genjuro muttered grimly.
Back to the center of attention, Hibiki finally got a chance to look at herself after the sudden light show and she was understandably stunned.
"What is happening to me?" Hibiki asked feeling woozy from the sudden turn of event.
The fact she can recognize this armor didn't help as well. But no matter how overwhelmed she was, Hibiki didn't stumble, if anything she feel incredible. Like someone just feed her a whole cart of energy drink but without the heart rushing side effect. Energy swell up inside her, soreness from second ago fade away like a dream. Instead her muscle feel like it is constantly soaked in warm water or something, so comfortable yet so full of strength!
"Big sis you look cool."
The little girl cheered innocently, not knowing the bigger change happening from the inside, which was what the armor did to Hibiki's physiology.
But to Hibiki that's not important, what matter is the girl's voice manage to snap her out of her funk and focus on the situation again. Hibiki then hold out her hand for the young girl to grasp on it once more, she is still confused that for sure, nothing make sense for Hibiki but there is one thing she know as fact.
"That's right I don't know what happen but I know one thing for sure... right now...I can protect this girl!"
Playing Gekishou Ganguniru.
With the young girl now climbed onto her arms, Hibiki make a jump and was surprise to see the height she reached. She didn't even push that much effort to it really, and already the ground is 20 to 30 feet away from her even when there is a girl in her hand! But Hibiki's exhilarating feeling didn't even get a chance to settle before it was replaced by sense of panic.
Mainly due to the fact gravity is pulling her down, but once again her new found power surprised her. The height altitude plus the weight of her armor and the child in her arm and the result is an impacted against the ground creating a small crater. And yet Gungnir's Inheritor felt no pain at all and it definitely not because her life has been extinguished. She and the young girl are both very well alive like nothing happened. But before Hibiki could marvel more at her new power, she remembered that she is still very much being surrounded by the Noises.
As she considering her next choices of actions, a familiar roar of engine greeted her ear, then to her confirmation, a familiar voice called out to her.
End Song.
"Hibiki-chan!" Eiji called as he rode his bike toward the duo.
"Eiji-kun! What are you doing here?" Hibiki asked with surprise and worry.
Couldn't he see the Noises are around here? Of course Hibiki would be lying if she said she isn't somewhat relieve to see him here in this dire situation but still!
"Looking for you of course! By the way, why do you look like a mini version of Amou?" Eiji asked with a title of his head as he take off his helmet, he then look at Hibiki's companion as he gave her a friendly smile. "And hello there, are you Hibiki-chan's friend?"
"Mini Amou-san? I suppose? But how do you...Oh and this little girl is someone I b- Wait! No! That's not matter! You have to take her out of here Eiji-kun!" Hibiki urged.
But the Noises that catch up to them definitely have a different ideas, as they already surrounded the trio with no opening for Eiji to drive off without touching the Noises.
To Hibiki this is clearly a dire situation. To Eiji, it must have been Tuesday.
"Look like that plan is out of the window. Not like I can leave you here anyway, Hibiki-chan. Miku-chan wouldn't forgive me if I did." Eiji said with a serious expression that Hibiki rarely saw on the employer. Beside her dangers being his concern, it also due to how Eiji also saw the ashes of the unfortunate victims of the Noises that was too late for him to save. "And now all the Noise are gathering here, good thing Boss Lady already evacuate, but that also leave you two. I guess there is no other choice eh Hibiki-chan?"
Eiji's words, along with his smile etched on a calm expression surprised Hibiki. Surrounded by all these Noise, Eiji was still able to keep such an expression?
"It...make me feel reassured somehow but what are we going to do?" Hibiki thought as she glanced around seeing their situation still didn't change. But then looked down at her gauntlet clad arms she realized she can use this powers to- "Wait...How did Eiji-kun know about Amou-san and the armor in the first place?" Hibiki thought, with widened gaze at Eiji.
Just in time to see an object that seems foreign but just linger at the back of Hibiki's mind, held in the hand of Eiji.
With the OOO Driver in his hand, Eiji attached to his waist and form the Driver earning a curious look from the young girl and a different reaction from Hibiki.
"Oh! By the way I almost forgot, sorry! Little girl, what your name?" Eiji asked with a sheepish smile as he slot in the Taka Core Medal.
"Uhm...My name is Yuko."
Despite the Noises drawing closer, Yuko feel safe enough for some reasons to tell the young man, the nice big sis acquaintance she sure, her name.
"Yuko huh? That's a nice name." Eiji said, knowing the girl is too young to said the full name, as he slot in the Batta Core Medal. "Now Yuko, don't be scare okay? I will bring you and Hibiki-chan back safely, you didn't know this but I work at a very great dining place, I think you will like to give it a try after this is over." Eiji said cheerfully.
The girl nodded seems to be excited while Hibiki still give him a strange look that only intensify as he slot in his Tora Core Medal. He then titled his belt slightly and take out his Medal Scanner and swipe through it.
"HENSHIN!"
[TAKA! TORA! BATTA! TATOBA -TATOBA -TATOBA!]
As the Driver's announcement, multiple of plate made of energy with different colors form around Eiji and slammed into him, transforming him to Kamen Rider OOO.
While the young girl look as excited as when Hibiki undergo her change, the cream haired girl herself adopted a gobsmacked expression.
"Eiji-kun...is OOO! OOO was real! Just like the armor Kanade-san wore when she fought to save me! It is not a dream!" Hibiki exclaimed unable to hide the excitement, surprises and confusion she felt.
Since the proof she need for that vital moment back then in her life, that she can't recall completely, has finally presented himself to her and he was right by her side all this time.
While the armored figure with three different colors of red, yellow and green from head to toe is different a little bit from back then, there is no doubt he is the same armored figure that alongside Amou Kanade and Kazanari Tsubasa fought to protect her. And while she has a phantom memory of the latter two, she never knew who is behind the armor, yet now she knew it was someone who most of the time seems like the only worry he has is his tomorrow underwear.
"So...this make it three times now, three times you had reached out to me." Hibiki thought.
The girl watch in stunned silence as OOO settle to a battle stance, a smile of disbelief linger on her lips.
Playing Regret Nothing Tighten Up.
OOO unfold both of his claws as he charge toward the Noises and slashes through them like grass, he then make a high jump to the sky as green electricity gather in his foot, the traffic light colored Rider stomp back down the ground releasing said energy in shockwave form, knocking the Noises off balance. As the same time he swipe his hand to deflect some of the projectile attacks from the Noises, who turned themselves into tendril and launched at him. With more similar projectiles shot toward him, OOO make a back flip just as the spot he stood were impaled. When he regained his footing, the Medal Rider executed his trademark bicycle kick, with the impact scattering the Noises gathered around him if not outright destroy some of them.
Hibiki watched with clear fascination as the amount of Noises that outnumbered them, enough to surrounded the abandoned factor, is being reduced enough to count in one head.
Poseidon, sitting at the edge of a different factory's tower, also observing the fight. As he spare a glance to OOO he felt there nothing worth noted to a one sided massacre, hence he spare a glance at Hibiki in her incomplete Gungnir.
"Things seem to be in motion now, OOO. How will our presence affect this world? I can't wait to see how our battle decide it. "Poseidon said as he bring his fist up, crackled with purple static, seeing this he let out a small grunt. "But it seem it will have to wait for now, show me young King, how will you fare against the machinary of the ghost of this world..."
With that, Poseidon form diluted like it is liquid before he vaporized out of thin air.
Before the smoke kicked up due to his own attacks even cleared, OOO dashed out with his sword in his right hand and the left hand have his claw fold out. With a swing, a line of energy that cut through all the Noises was followed by the Rider right behind it as he use his Tora claw to shred through all the Noise that haven't been completely destroy by the slash.
"Amazing..." Hibiki muttered.
She was too out of it during the first time, but now she get to clearly see how OOO is taking down so much Noises without any trouble, something not even a military force been able to do against a small group of Noises.
"Woah...Big Bro is so strong!" The little girl also cheered in awe and happiness of the threat being put away.
This make Hibiki pondered as she look down at the Gear clad to her body, now more or less understand the roles of this strange armor even if she didn't understand how she received it.
"Do I have such powers too? To protect people from the Noises?" Hibiki muttered.
The cream haired girl looked at her hand then at the girl who now has no more worry, yet moment prior her expression still struck with fear despite Hibiki tried her best to protect her.
Just then, another group of Noise gathered in the opposite direction where OOO was fighting and ready to join the fight. They are determined to use their sheer numbers to take out this threat, but before those Noise could make their way to the battle another sound of motorcycle was heard.
And while this engine is less familiar to Hibiki, the driver is someone she known very well.
End song.
"Tsubasa-san?" Hibiki muttered in startled tone.
Then again, given the validation of her memory few second prior, Hibiki more or less can harbor a guess what Kazanari Tsubasa is doing here.
The blue haired songstress herself proceed to leap off her bike, having no qualm letting the vehicle continue its course and crash against the Noises causing a small explosion and while no damage was dealt it created the distraction Tsubasa needed. The blue haired Gear User casted a glance to Hibiki, her gaze linger on the incomplete Gungnir rather than the girl herself, then turned moved her focus to OOO. Her eyes narrowed sharply the moment she saw his figure.
The Noises distracted is also a good thing for OOO, who used this chance to cut them down left and right. This leave the amount of Noises to be around 50 or more left, a manageable number, especially with Tsubasa joining the fray. OOO have got a glimpse of how skillful she is with that blue armor of her and while there many thing he doesn't get yet, one thing clear is that Kazanari Tsubasa will not tolerate the Noises existence.
Thus OOO turned to Tsubasa and meet her gaze.
"This shouldn't take long." OOO said with a nod.
The Rider dash forth, on one hand the claw unfold, the other wield Medaljalibur. He swing his sword multiple times with each swing release an energy slash before rushing past them, leaving behind claws swipes, an effective combo that take down more than dozens of the Noises.
Tsubasa narrow her eyes as she saw this, as she walk toward the ensuring battle, she leave a few lines to Hibiki.
"Careful. You could lose your life. Just stay here and protect the little girl. Someone like you have no idea what she is getting into." Tsubasa said with a chilling warning tone.
After that she start to sprint toward the Noise while sing the song that activate her Symphogear.
"Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri Tron."
The energy orb of light then engulfed her, shrinking until it wrap around her body. When it burst to glitter of light, it reveal Tsubasa clad in Ame no Habakiri Symphogear as she increase her speed and dash toward the Noises with her sword brandished.
Playing Zetto-Ame no Habakiri.
In a few feet distance, the sword in Tsubasa's hand enlarged to a giant size as she swing down with blue lightning crackle from the blade.
CERULEAN FLASH!
The energy slash with such color fly straight toward the Noises bisecting the front line one, before the explosions resulted from it proceed to take out multiple more Noises.
Tsubasa then leaped up avoiding the Noises who rushed to her location.
THOUSAND TEAR!
The rain of blue energy swords diminished the number of Noises further with Tsubasa now landed gracefully to the ground before proceed to rush in the number of Noises surrounding her.
As both her and OOO from two sides quickly clean up the Noises, only one of them still standing, one that just happen to be as tall as the tower that Hibiki climbed, it loom down over everyone present, raising its arms up threatening to flatten them all.
In response to this, OOO turn toward Tsubasa as he call out to her.
"We should take this one down together."
Tsubasa didn't really expect to hear this from OOO, but nonetheless she still spared a glance at him before back at the giant Noises. She then throw her sword high up to the sky then jump up along with it. The sword once more changed size, except now it enlarge to the size not even reasonably for any human to wield. She then kick at the hilt and push the truck sized sword flying straight at the Noises.
HEAVEN'S WRATH!
"An interesting way to said yes." OOO proceed to swipe his Scanner across his Driver.
[SCANNING CHARGE!]
As the Driver announcement, OOO's legs shifted much to Hibiki and the little girl surprise.
"I...It's like a human sized grasshopper's leg!" Hibiki pointed out, obviously a bit disturbed by the sight.
OOO then jumped high to the sky with impressive speed, as the same time three rings of energy colored red, yellow and green lined up between him and the Noise.
"Seiyahhhhh!" OOO shout out.
He then aim his kick through the rings as red wing of energy appear on his back while the colorful energy engulf his leg as he execute his Tatoba Kick.
Both the Tatoba Kick and Heaven's Wrath hit the Noise at the same time death in the center, creating a big explosions with the symbol of OOO appear for a moment before disappear as both OOO and Tsubasa land back to the ground. With Tsubasa landed with grace as she swing her sword before proceed to sheathed it, while OOO landed to a simple crouch position before stood up with a relieved sigh as the battle is over.
End song.
Both OOO and Tsubasa, with their enemies now decimated, both look at each other silently. With OOO in a mask, Tsubasa's expression convey no emotion, it hard to tell what are the thought of these two after their first official cooperate battle.
Hibiki, also watched both of them quietly, her expression is that of lost, trepidation but also a hint of hope.
This mark the first official meeting between the Multi-King and the Songstresses.
Afterward, the 2nd Division arrived and sealed the area that was attacked by the Noises. Right now they are cleaning up the mess of the battle and the damage the Noises caused in the area.
OOO this time actually remained behind, due to the fact he need to ensure Hibiki's safety and can tell how lost the girl is. Plus with his identity revealed to her he feel no need to rush.
The girl herself who still clad in the Gungnir, not knowing how to make it awesomely dissipate to particle of light like Tsubasa, is being offered a cup of tea by one of the core member of the Division, Tomosato Aoi.
The fact she keeping her eyes subtly trained on him as if on guard, was not missed by OOO who made no comment about it.
For the girl herself, she has been safely returned to her mother, who by procedure was sworn to secrecy of what happened here by signing the official documentation. The woman who got her daughter back despite being hunted by the Noises was more than happy to comply, not to mention she understand she has little choice in matter, while not understand everything, the woman easily got the impression this is some classified info of the government. She has no wish of invite trouble to her family, not when she nearly lose her daughter forever.
"Thank you and goodbye, Big Bro, Big Sis!" Yuko waved happily as she left with her mom.
It was also this moment that the armor decided to leave Hibiki and turn to particle of lights much to the girl's relief and shock.
"Woah~~woah!"
Hibiki stumbled from the surprise of the jolt of energy burst out of existence. She almost fall flat on her rear if not for the feeling of leaning into a hard metallic surface, but with a gentle movement, help her keep steady.
"You alright, Hibiki-chan?" OOO asked with concern.
"Yeah I'm okay. Thank you very much for saving me." Hibiki said with a soft smile. "Now and at that time, this make it three times in total." Hibiki said with a somber smile.
The occasions mentioned by Hibiki, one of it still make OOO wince.
"So you really remember what happened huh? You are welcome Hibiki-chan, if I could I should help out isn't that what I said?" OOO said the quote as if it meant something more.
He then pat the cream haired girl head gently which made Hibiki who giggled with a comfortable expression as she lean to his patting. Somehow even with the gauntlet she still like it, though that was until Hibiki noticed how Aoi is deliberately divert her gaze from them with a small smile.
"Ack!" Hibiki chortled as she dashed away from the comforting limb as she try to compose herself. "Any…anyway, I guess I should return now! Miku is no doubt worried about me. See you tomorrow, Eiji-kun." Hibiki waved almost too quickly as she turn away from OOO and about to leave. Just then, she noticed a lot of men in black suit and wear sun glass, despite it being nightfall, that she somehow missed despite how stand out they are, already surrounded her and OOO. "Eh?" Such was all she could said at the sight of this.
"Ah, right, I don't think it will be that easy. I kind of forgot to tell you but having unsusual power is a sure way to attract attention from unknown people." OOO said as he crossed his arms and nodded to himself for momentarily forgotten such trivia, all the while he also remembered a certain cake lover/company president ally.
"How could you forget something like that?" Hibiki thought with a sweat-drop.
"You can't leave just yet. Under the order of 2nd Division, you are hereby required to follow us back to headquarter." Tsubasa said coldly in regard to Hibiki who flinched, she then turned her gaze to the Rider. "The same goes for you OOO we have a lot of questions we need to ask you." Tsubasa said sternly, obviously leaving no room for alternative.
Just when OOO thinking how he should approach this situation, he saw an agent with brown hair come toward them. The agent's attention is more on Hibiki as he has a cuff on his hand.
"Sorry. But it is procedure also you will need to be cuffed too." Ogawa Shinji said with a disarming smile.
But before he could put the cuff on her, the yellow gauntlet clad arm reached out and stopped him.
The other agents in sight of this, seems to ready to reach for something under their jacket, which everyone could already guess, even Hibiki.
The girl looked at OOO in worry despite somewhat known that gun couldn't do much against him, but the idea of him having to fight human, not Noises, for her somehow trouble her even more.
OOO not noticing this, started to speak.
Shinji actually expected a more rough line or attitude being send his way, which is understandable given the situation.
"Uhm~ Excuse me. But don't you think that's a bit rough? Hibiki-chan is just a 14 years old girl, plus like her friend said she is as harmless as a hamster, most of the time." OOO asked politely as he rubbed the back of his helmet, in a polite gesture.
"Hamster? Eiji-kun are you insulting me?" Hibiki mumbled with a tilt of her head.
"Ah. Of course not! Everyone love hamster, they are just so great." OOO vocally waved the girl's worry away.
"Even you? You like hamster?" Hibiki asked with a hopeful glint.
"Uhm, sure?"
Despite OOO's unsure response, it mattered little to Hibiki who pump fist behind her back.
Facing the duo admittedly entertaining antic, Shinji honestly is at loss for words with how to response to them.
"Well...about that..." Shinji muttered as he also nervously scratched his cheek.
Who would have thought he easily related to the fabled OOO just by the way he speak? Honestly it like the role he always assume as the polite manager who speak with the big shot in the studio for Tsubasa, one of the time make Shinji miss the field work despite the risk encountering the Noises. But before Shinji could said anything else OOO raised his hand up like he is in a classroom.
"Okay, I will go with you guys, but please let Hibiki-chan follow by my side. And of course, no cuffing please?" OOO asked nicely, yet somehow it carry a certain tone that resemble Tsubasa moment prior, showing no room for argument.
Hibiki feel like she should be used to this somewhat, despite how surprising it may seems. How many times has he demonstrate to help other, Eiji will go to many length and can be quite different to how he usually present himself despite his manner not changing much? With a relieved sigh she feel like at the very least she can navigate through these strange events with much more ease than it could have been.
In opposite to the cream haired girl's relaxed attitude, the other Gear User's gaze would have killed OOO if her Gear contain the power of heat vision, which it thankfully did not.
"Do you think this is a joke?" Tsubasa, much to Shinji's surprise, actually snarled.
Her tone shocked Hibiki as well, already used to the passive, cool if somewhat dismissing attitude of Tsubasa, never did she feel this intensity from her and for it to suddenly aim at OOO? It make Hibiki worried. Of course being the one who receive the glare directly, OOO can't help but startled, wonder what he has done to gain such response from the girl, was what he asking really that overstepping?
"Now, now Tsubasa-kun. I think what he suggesting isn't too unreasaonble." Shinji thankfully intervened, still keeping his placating smile. "Given how confused the young lady is and with OOO clearly known her..." Shinji said with a knowing smile, though he feel a bit apologetic seeing Hibiki so crestfallen when the girl clearly tried to keep it a secret for the armored warrior, though that's was what make it so easy to tell. She must be a honest individual, a fine trait if nothing else. "I think we should give them benefit of doubts if we expect them to listen to us, isn't that right?" Shinji asked.
He didn't push or take charge of the idea, rather he want Tsubasa to come to the conclusion herself, he has faith she would have seen reasons. Despite what happened, Tsubasa's calm when it come to assest a situation still hold true. Which is why it concern him even more it taking Tsubasa few minutes, which is already too long for her, to said anything, her gaze didn't diminish in its intensity.
It was only when Tsubasa make a movement of pressing to her ear, a telltale sign for OOO that she speaking to someone through a comm line, did the girl finally relent, albeit clearly begrudgingly.
"Just known, we know who that girl is, her data has been recorded by us, there is no where for Tachibana Hibiki to run, OOO." Tsubasa said as she turn abruptly and leave.
Uncaring of the reaction from Hibiki for hearing such words from her idol, the blue haired sentinel turn around and leave.
Shinji, still trying to process the abnormal behavior he seeing from the girl he managing, turned to OOO and Hibiki, shooting both of them a genuine apologetic look as he give them a low bow.
"Please understand, it have been a long day for her." Shinji said, half truth, but not like he convinced himself.
"No, no is fine. Tsubasa-san have been fighting the Noises and continue her career, it understandable...I'm sure." Hibiki said understandingly.
Bless the girl's heart, Shinji honestly don't know how to feel the fact she about to get dragged to something much bigger than she can guess.
OOO also give a nod of understanding though he still give a side glance at Tsubasa's retreating figure, with many thought going through his head.
For Tsubasa herself, despite how intense her gaze was, truthfully her mind feel a sense of...satisfaction.
"With the way OOO fret for this thief, it could become a good leverage for me to use against him...wait...that thought just now...is it too much...but for Kanade?" Tsubasa subtly winced, feeling such thought make her feel somewhat confidence but also uncomfortable at the same time.
The blue haired girl ultimately brush it off, decide to contribute the feeling to a long day of practice both for combat and for music not to mention academic work. Nothing a mediation and some sleep couldn't fix. She has more urgent matter to focus on right now.
With that the groups departed with OOO ride on his Ride Vendor with Hibiki sat in the back, already gave a spare helmet as she hug him from behind. And despite the armor clad his body, Hibiki didn't mind the close proximity. Rather it helped her be at ease to prepare for what she might find.
As for OOO, his current dilemma is the vivid image of how Ankh would berate him for letting his heart think for his brain again.
"ACHOO! What the hell?!" Ankh asked in bewilderment as even he can't comprehend how a hand can sneeze!
If it is a Greeed things, then this is his first time hearing it.
Poseidon destination is a cliff side at the end of an old forest, lying at the outskirt of the city. The moment he materialized, instead of his armored form, he opt to went with the familiar face of Minato Michal.
"It seem the host leave the place again eh?" Poseidon asked as he push through the double door entrance of the mansion.
"Fine is busy with her plan. What about you? Where have you been?"
A young, lively yet snarky tone of a young girl responded to the Greeed's inquiry.
"Just out to get some fresh air Ojou-chan." The Deepest Harpoon's wielder replied with a chuckle. "As the same time...to see how the one who hold my desire have been."
"Tch. As always, you know how to creep someone else in the fastest way possible."
"I could said the same for your host...but then I have already gotten use to the biased view you have." Poseidon said with a visible mocking shrug.
"Why you!?"
The hostile voice now turn to full blown growl but Poseidon already turned away.
"Excuse me, but I need to rest." Poseidon said as silence was his response, the distrusting glance the girl is giving him isn't hard to imagine. "Of course that's a lie but it better to be here and incur your wrath right?"
With that he retreated to the room prepared for him, hospitality wise, he surely can't complain to the host given the luxury she has set up for his room. But then again, to the Greeed is not like expensive mattress and expensive portrait would do him any good. He suppose the TV can be used to pass time, as well as a game console of all things, seems like the host can enjoy both antique and modern taste. But while the young girl enjoy it much more than he would, he again only find small distraction from it. Amusing, but minor distraction nonetheless. That said, right now he can certainly make use of the alcoholic beverage, a welcoming minor distraction come in the form of the alcohol, nothing that can effect him by any duration but it certainly have an amusing buzz.
Still, if anything, what truly provide him with entertaining right now is how things are unfolding, how the events are leading up that he know will give him what he want. And then, to add the cherry to the top, it is the owner of the snarky tone that lead to him retreat to his room.
"If you could only see her, OOO. No, Hino Eiji, a perfect example of someone no doubt you can't leave alone...but for me this is quite entertaining. Put a show worth of my time...Fine." Poseidon said as he close his eyes.
Already, he can feel the grow of one of his recent spawned, he can't wait to see Hino Eiji's expression when he saw it. Indeed right now the best entertainment source for him will come from the future.
Next time on Kamen Rider OOO Song of Desire
"If my power could help out everybody, then I would gladly help. I want to use my second chance, to give everyone else their own second chance!" Hibiki said with determination.
Tsubasa regarded Hibiki with a cold smile as she swing down her sword.
"That is a Yummy." OOO identified.
"I want to clash our weapons and prove to you just how unworthy you are to even dare to touch the Gungnir Relic." Tsubasa said as she point her sword at the girl.
"Tsubasa-san's desire is..." Hibiki muttered in shock.
The Resolve of New Gungnir! Yummy Resonance! And Twisted Wish!
