Hey all, here is Noob with another chapter. Thanks again for sticking with me through THREE rewrite! (^_^;) That's all I can ever said, really appreciate it dear readers. Now to go over some review I can answer first! Then after that, Chapter Start!

Caballero lector rojo: (I used Google Translate so my bad if I got something wrong). Really thank you for the good words you given, that's also why I think of putting OOO x Symphogear as my first story. At first I thought of Kamen Rider Hibiki but while I love the series, I can't think of much of matching theme beyond they being music, though that kind of a stretch, and we have two protagonists sharing same name with different spellings. Perhaps another writers can make this work but not me, so upon thinking more I found Tachibana Hibiki and Hino Eiji have quite a similaries with their own different ways to tackle their issues that I decided on this stories. Here hope you will continue enjoy the story.

danielrafaelreyesmaria: True, Eiji definitely is no stranger to his Combo anymore. Though the issue I making here is more how Eiji have to start all over with his Purple Core Medals, arguably the one Eiji can truly call his own. I feel like that Medals have been giving Eiji all till the end of OOO and then it was lost to him until the event of OOO x Fourze, so Eiji really didn't get a chance to truly tame the Purple Core Medals yet. He can wield it now, yes but not truly control it with no backlash. And now he basically have to start all over because the Medals are binding itself to him again. At least that's how I see it so that Eiji won't spasm any high level Combo yet, until the girls unlock their X-Drive and some upgrade for their Gears in later season at least (^_^;).

Gaim no Kaze: Good questions, I would said yes given the fact he can't switch Combo as easily as he did in OOO x Fourze. So raw power, he is weaker with limited options. But this also mean we have a post-series Eiji who now utilize what each Combo have to offer down to the bone, including Random Combos, seeing he can't just change to Full Combos recklessly, which in beginning already taxing as they are.

GEStorm: Thanks for the kind words, really appreciate it. I update as fast as I can, and also I am determined to see this story finish.


Chapter 8: Realization! The Fist that pierce through all! The Shield that protect all!

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.

Though given the crossover the Symphogear mobile have that itself might not be a viable proof soon.


At the 2nd Division's hospital, located just across Lydia Academy, Genjuro along with Hibiki and Shinji are sitting at the hospital hall. A heavy atmosphere surround everybody here.

It have been two hours since they manage to get Eiji and Tsubasa here, the doctors and nurses waste no time to rush both of them to emergency room. For Tsubasa's, the doctors have to sew back her leg wounds while making sure her muscles, nerves and bones will heal properly. For Eiji, his case is a bit more tricky because beside the bruises and cut he sustained from the battle, which are easy to treat, the doctors can't pinpoint what pushed him to shock. But at the very least, his conditions has subsided for now.

Ryoko herself has go back to the base as someone need to direct the staff in the process of tracking down the Nehustan Armor, finally there is Ankh who just lying on the armchair quietly with no one able to tell what the incomplete Greeed is thinking.

Shinji set down a cup of water in front of Hibiki, the girl eyes lose all its luster as she keep her gaze to the floor.

"I haven't heard a full detail yet, but it seems both of Tsubasa-kun and Hino-kun conditions are under control for now." Shinji spoke softly to the cream haired girl. "The doctors here were enlisted to the 2nd Division for a reasons, they have experience and expertise hard to find anywhere else. Have faith in them, Hibiki-kun."

"There was so much blood." Hibiki muttered in anguish, seems she didn't register Shinji's words at all. "Eiji-kun didn't response to me at all, he seems to be in so much pain and I didn't do anything to help him." She took a shaky breath looking at her tremblin hands. "My hand didn't reach out to him." Hibiki muttered. "I haven't change at all from back then. When I saw Kanade-san and Tsubasa-san fight, when Eiji-kun first came to this world. While everyone is fighting, risking their life, I am just a dead weight making other hurt because of me..." Her voice start to quiver as tear fall from her eyes. "First is Kanade-san...now even Eiji-kun..." The cream haired girl said with a choked voice.

Genjuro has a pensive expression, while Shinji look concerned for the girl.

"So you going to change that by sulking?" Ankh asked.

The words was spoke in an uncaring tone, Hibiki flinched as if it was a slap.

Shinji seems a bit surprised the Greeed decide to speak now while Genjuro merely raised an eyebrow, curious of where this is going.

"Human want a lots, but they also easily falter when facing an obstacles." The Greeed said in a waving manner. "That I have no doubt, But once in a while I will meet some idiots who seems to just move forward no matter what. Are they too obsessive? Too idiotic? Regardless, it troublesome. Some of them turn out to be a maniac who want to end all existence for his own deluded goal without a care." He said with a disdainful tone.

Shinji and Genjuro look curious about who could Ankh mean in the last sentence while Hibiki seems like still trying to figure out what the Greeed getting at.

"As the same time, the same applied to a certain idiot who risked all he has not for a personal gain but for the sake of other. I stopped to count how many times that idiot risk his life, do everything he could to reach a good end for other while forget to include himself in it. Admittedly that kind of idiot piss me off more because I can't even fathom where the satisfactory in that." Ankh said wistfully.

Hibiki widen her eyes at this.

"Isn't that..."

Hibiki want to ask but the Greeed ignore her and continued.

"Like recently that same idiot wasn't bother about an enemy who could easily kill him has revived. What on his mind is a certain girl who he thought were forced to fight because he wasn't there in time." Ankh said as he look at the clearly stunned Hibiki. "He know her type, it like a mirror. Someone who underwent a scarring experience, yet still worry for other instead of herself. He know she would choose to protect other with the power she inherited, so the least he could do is be there for her till she is ready and become someone who reach out for other in help." He said with that same stoic tone as Hibiki feel his gaze bore on her. "It natural for you to be afraid, you not a warrior nor a King, you not someone who born to fight or conquer. Without that fragment in your heart you are no different than any little brat in my eyes, Tachibana Hibiki."

At that moment all three of the human there saw it. Not an incomplete figure but an image of a bird-like creature, with wings painted in rainbow light spread out on it back and powerful flame surround it seemingly waiting for it command to burn all those that dare to oppose it. All three of them can only stare at the figure in silence since they can feel no killing threat from it they still amaze by the sheer power they feel.

"Yet while you are using your time to sulk and doubt yourself, you might also want to remember this. The one you considered your hero?" Ankh snorted as if to prove his point. "He believe in you. That is why he is lying in there right now, he risked his life because yours is that valuable to him. Now, the question is what are you gonna do after being saved again?"

With that Ankh said nothing more and leaved all three of them as he disappeared down the hall way.

While the three of them was sure the Greeed still stuck in his arms form, they sure the image they saw isn't a hallucination.


Opening: Synchrogazer.

Cover Image: OOO in Burakawani Combo slamming his shield together. Standing back to back is Tachibana Hibiki clad in Gungnir, her right fist pull back ready to strike with a determined expression.


The day after, half an hour after the classes have ended.

Hibiki walk in a hurried pace through the hall of the hospital, despite how hurried she was, running in the hospital is a big no no. It is a fact that Hibiki herself was reminded the most during her frequent visits to other facilities in the past.

The cream haired girl feel her heart beat rapidly against her chest. Right after the classes finished, she receive a call from Shinji informing her both Eiji and Tsubasa condition is stabllized. With Tsubasa still sleeping from the anesthesia used for the operations, that leave Eiji who has showed sign of regaining consciousness.

She would have been there the moment he wake up too if Genjuro have allowed her to stay, but the fact he bring up how worried Miku might be if Hibiki didn't come home much less skipped class have sealed the deal. At least the man keep his promise and keep her informed the moment Eiji or Tsubasa is okay.


Hino Eiji was sure today today is Tuesday, or is it Friday?...Actually, it probably not a reliable way to tell which days of the week it is base on the fact he woke up staring at a hospital white ceiling. It have less to do with the fact how rare the occasion is, but rather how frequently it happen that make it moot to use this as an impromptu day mark.

Though this make Eiji worried, if he keep taking days off how can he save enough money for the next pair of boxer?!

His friends can sigh in relief if they see him now, Hino Eiji is in complete normal condition.

But speaking of priority, the young Rider mind for some reason brought to him the image of yesterday night, the close battle between three Yummy, how a Full Combo just almost kill him...

("Yet humanity still wasted more life than that for their selfish need!")

"Ah...that's right."

Eiji knew he was remembering something important, mainly was that girl's reaction.

"That was...the enemy?" Eiji pondered with a sigh. Of course there also another important matter. As the doctor and nurse who check on him relieved from seeing his condition is stable now he use this chance to asked them. "Excuse me, but is there any patient name Tachibana Hibiki and Kazanari Tsubasa here?" Eiji asked in concern.

"Tachibana Hibiki didn't get a bed, she suffer no injuries. Though Kazanari Tsubasa is in here, both her legs suffer heavy injuries but thankfully we managed to treat her in time. The danger have passed, her walking capabilities shouldn't be a problem but she would need a long rest before she can use them for any strenuous purpose. If anything, I think we should focus on your conditions more, Hino-san. We still have no idea what send your body into shock, your wounds while not light shouldn't have cause such a reaction." The doctor explained calmly.

It clear to Eiji the medical staff here are all part of the 2nd Division, given how they clearly understand the circumstances of the battle that lead to Eiji and Tsubasa's injuries. Eiji then noted with interest how the doctors can always sound so calm, then again from what Date Akira has told him that also part of their jobs. After all nothing unnerve a patient more than the fact their own doctors look nervous or hopeless.

Not like the vagabond himself was worried though. The only reason the hospital is scratching their head metaphorically was because their technologies couldn't pick up on the Core Medals powers acting up, other than that Eiji himself feel fine.

In the end, the Doctor decide Eiji need two more days of rest in the hospital to see if there any more surprises, if not then he is good to be discharged. With that the doctor leave as the nurse remain to ask if Eiji has any need. And just in that moment a certain part of his body decided to answer that question for him.

~Growl~

He hasn't eat anything since yesterday lunch has he?

The nurse in response take this matter very seriously and moment later Eiji found a tray of meal in front of him.

It was a typical Japanese lunch meal with rice, grilled fish and a bowl of miso soup. After giving the nurse words of gratitude, Eiji begin to dig into his meal. It taste is a bit bland but it seems to be a stable of hospital food, nutrients over taste. Plus he feel so hungry right now he could careless, he always burn more energy after he canceled out a Full Combo armor after all. After the meal he would go and pay a visit to Tsubasa also call to see how Hibiki is, with such thought, he increase his eating pace. This cause him choke on some grain of rice, it was nothing more than some light cough.

Right at that moment though his door swung open and in a blur a cream haired girl is by his side with a panic look.


When Hibiki got in front of door to Eiji's room, the cream haired girl suddenly become conscious of how she should look. As much as she want to put on the cheerful smile and greet him like usual, the image of the vagabond lying there in the pool of his own blood haunted her mind again. Such was the thought that stopped her hand from turning the knob of the door, she isn't so sure she can keep control of her expression if she see him right now.

"Maybe I should wait for few minutes to prepare myself?"

Let it be know Hibiki is not one who usually put much thought in her actions, a fact she herself know too well. Most of her actions are spurred by her emotions and impulsiveness, which make her more grateful for Miku's presence.

Of course when Hibiki heard the sound of Eiji's coughing from inside the room, her nature took hold again. All thoughts responsible for her hesitation moment prior was like never there, she instantly opened the door and rush in, with Eiji's safety the only thought she has.

"Eiji-kun!" Hibiki cried out worriedly.

Only to see him completely fine, hand holding a bowl of rice, a chopstick on the other hand, with a piece of fish still stick out of his mouth.

.

.

.

"Uhm...Hibiki-chan?" Eiji asked hesitantly after he swallowed the piece of fish.

The silent look our Legend Rider receiving from the usual upbeat girl definitely unnerved him to said the least.

"Eiji-kun, are you done chewing?" Hibiki receive a nod as a response. "Did you properly swallow your food?" Another nod. "Good."

BAM!

"Urk!?"

Hibiki select Upper Cut. It was Super Effective.

After executing a technique that would make a certain traveling martial artist with red headband proud, Hibiki continue to glare at Eiji with the best intimidated look in her mind.

Though to Eiji it help him answer an important question...What happen if a teddy bear try to glare? Doesn't make the upper cut he got any less painful though.

"Eh...Nice hit Hibiki-chan..." Eiji groaned as he rubbed his chin. The girl herself though seems to finally realize her action as she fidget in her spot with her gaze shooting around the room nervously before she close her eyes tightly. When she open them again, seemingly made up her mind, she settle with continue glaring at him. "Uhm...is something wrong?"

"Something wrong?" Hibiki parroted his words with a teary eyes before she balled her fist up and beat him on his shoulder repeatedly, though this time there is no force behind it. "Something wrong!? How could you even ask something like that!? Did you even consider me your friend at all!?" Her voice choked as she keep on beating him while Eiji can only let it happen, his eyes widened at the girl robust reaction. "Am I asking too much!? I just want you to be more thoughtful of your own safety! You hypocrite! You always tell me to be careful with the smallest thing yet you go around and put yourself through harm like this!"

She finally stopped her punching as she just grip his shirt tightly while bury her face into it.

Eiji feel a sense of guilt, as if he was who did the uppercut just now instead of received it. He slowly wrap an arm around the brawling girl who make no movement to stop him, he then slowly patted her back without saying anything. He also wave his palm in a gesture to stop the nurse, while giving her an apologetic smile, who came to check on the noise. The nurse just let out a sigh before give him a nod as she closed the door. Eiji then return his gaze down at the cream haired girl who still bury her face into his chest. He continue to pat the girl's back and after few minutes she seems to calm down as she push herself away from him.

Her expression look bit sheepish with trail of tears still go down on her eyes, the girl frantically wipe them away along with her snots. Eiji expression is torn from apologetic and amused. Hibiki seeing this send a small cute glare at him again, Eiji in response hand the box of tissue with an apologetic smile.

"How are you feeling now, Hibiki-chan?" Eiji asked soothingly.

"Urgh...You don't have the right to ask that Eiji-kun." Hibiki mumbled.

The girl wiped her eyes, it was then that she realized how she look right now as she turn her face away from Eiji. Hibiki feel betrayed, movies always glorify the 'romantic level' of a scene where a girl crying in front their love one. Well Hibiki sure as Hell doesn't feel so at all when she standing here blowing off her nose in front of Eiji. And please don't even remind her how his shirt is stained with her tears and snot.

"I know that but...still I am okay now you know? In fact this is quite normal really..." Eiji know he made another blunder, seeing Hibiki's glare intensified. "Not being in the hospital of course! It just sometimes using all same color Core Medals make me exhausted and because of some complication this time it took a bit of a heavier toll, but really when I get some rest it will go away." Eiji said hastily with a waving gesture to placate the wrath of the young girl in front of him. Judging by the way Hibiki's gaze softened it seems to have worked. "So uhm...is Tsubasa-chan doing okay?" Eiji asked.

It is not distraction if he really care for the blue hair girl well being.

Hibiki in turn let out a small sigh.

"It have been a while since the operation. I'm guessing she should be waking up from the anesthesia now." Hibiki said, drawing from her own experience dealing with the drug, as she just slump down to a chair. "I was planning to visit her right after I make sure you are okay." The girl admitted sheepishly.

Partially because the she feel somewhat guilty, it took her no time to dash straight to Eiji's room after hearing of his recovery and just asked in passing about Tsubasa's condition. Sure, one can said it because Tsubasa is still resting, and Hibiki is indeed worried for her idol. But the cream haired girl know at that moment the safety of the Rider was in the front and foremost of her mind.

Hibiki then slumped to a chair, it seems the waiting and her short episode of emotion explode make the girl feel bit tired. Not to mention she hasn't really eat anything yet, being too worried tend to make one lose her appetite. Miku was so worried when she see how little Hibiki ate in lunch, almost on the brink of escorting Hibiki to the nurse office until the cream haired girl convinced her friend she was just worried about her school grade to eat. Though that just motivated Miku to make sure she tutor Hibiki later, a bridge the cream haired girl resolved to cross.

Growl~

Though Miku can rest easy now, Hibiki's appetites have returned. The girl look a bit sheepish while Eiji just look at her in concern.

"Hibiki-chan, I am already full. The lunch I haven't touched much beside few bite off the fish, would you want some?" Eiji offered with a concerned look.

"...Sure." Hibiki said as she take the tray offered to her, she too tired to mind.

She will be embarrass about it later when her stomach get what it want, as the same time if she think clearly she isn't very bothered about it. Plus Eiji has joined meal at her household before, so she doesn't feel too shy at the thought of sharing a meal with him. Though even then that usually extend to sharing the same utensils so the cream haired girl feel her cheek heated a bit when she take a bite into the fish that was eaten. It certainly distract her from the bland taste of the food but then again, Hibiki know that never change for a hospital meal.

"Sorry. You must have worried a lot to not even eat anything yet eh?"

Eiji commented while watching Hibiki eating the tray of food. He can't exactly call the nurse to bring another tray of food when it isn't for him and Hibiki just look too burn out to go and get something herself, so the only thing left to do is just offer her the food he has right now.

Hibiki sipped the last drops of the miso soup, she set the empty bowl down with a satisfied smile and a content sigh. Clearly food is a great remedy to this girl, whether it is mental or physical purpose.

"Thanks for the meal." Hibiki said before giving Eiji a look. "This doesn't mean I forgiven you, you know?"

That not to said she is forgetful of course.

"I know." Eiji said with an exasperated expression as he rub the back of his head. "I will be sure to look after myself more. So please don't be so mad okay?" Eiji pleaded.

Before Hibiki can reply another voice cut in.

"Hm. That promise is about as valid as me swear off ice cream." Ankh said as he make his presence know by flowing inside the room.

Hibiki seems tense for a moment before she relaxed and waved at the Greeed.

"Morning Ankh-san!" Hibiki greeted.

The Greeed meanwhile just look at her eyes for a short moment, it was an appraisal gaze, such was the feeling Eiji got but for what he has no clue. This leave him looking between the two of them curiously.

"The usual greeting eh?" Ankh simply commented.

The Greeed then literally drift off to the window, saying nothing else he simply content to just observe the sight outside the window.

"You won't even deny Ankh-san's words eh?" Hibiki said, snapping Eiji out of his thought as he turn toward the girl who crossed her arms, her pout returned full force. "Oh well...I decided." Hibiki said with her face giving way to a determined smile. "Just like how Miku watch over me to prevent me doing anything reckless! I will do the same for you!" Hibiki declared as she point her index finger at him dramatically.

Eiji could only look at her wide eyed with a startled expression as her sudden shift of mood.

"Heh." Ankh simply remarked.

"I am sad for sure. But it is useless to keep crying cause Eiji-kun is a meanie and doesn't care if he make a girl shed tear." Hibiki said without a care, while Eiji flinched, feeling her words stab him straight to the heart. She then smiled at him. "So that's why I will be there to remind you, I care for you and it totally okay for you to share your burden with me." Hibiki said.

She then raise up her fist at Eiji, who looked at her in surprise. The girl's action unknowingly reminded him of the new comrade, his Kouhai so to said, he meet right before come to this world. His face then broke into a smile as he bumped her fist with his.

"Well...thank you for your concern Hibiki-chan...but it also mean you have to look out for yourself or Miku-chan won't be happy." Eiji said, with the girl nodded understandingly. "Alright...I feel like I am on this bed long enough, how about we see how Tsubasa-chan doing?" Eiji suggested.

"Yes, let's go!" Hibiki agreed.

Eiji nodded as he get out of his bed, after confirm with his nurse who agreed, the trio make way to the blue haired girl.


(Flash Back)

"That was an interesting speech you gave Hibiki back there." Genjuro commented.

He stood behind the incomplete Greeed, both of them silently gaze at the night sky.

"Do you have any idea how irritating it is to hear a brat crying?" Ankh replied with an even tone.

"Certainly, with the way you carry yourself I can see why other doubt your intention of being on our side." Genjuro said with a snort.

"And you don't?" Ankh asked, his tone challenging.

Genjuro closed his eyes and let out a hum.

"I don't think you are someone who would waste his breath on those he didn't think worth his time. If anything you will just ignore their presence entirely and leave." Genjuro answered calmly.

"Congrats, it seems if you ever tired of being a Commander, you can always aim to be a psychiatrist." Ankh remarked blankly before let out an irritated grunt. "The kid has power in her, even a fool can notice it. But having powers and can actually use it fully are two different things."

"But you see in her, like Eiji, what she would use it for."

"Hmph. It would be best for her to not be like that idiot too much though."

Hearing this Genjuro can't help but be curious.

"But don't you yourself respect his strength? How he used the power that you granted him." Genjuro pointed out.

The Greeed remain silent before he start to float away, turning invisible while he do so.

"Hm, if he had used it the way I planned for, thing would have been easier."

His voice echoed as his form disappeared while Genjuro's gaze remain where the Greeed's last seen.

(Flash Back End)


As Genjuro open his eyes again, his surrounding replaced from the open rooftop to the underground base of 2nd Division. After hearing Tsubasa's condition is stabled, he has returned to the base, wanting to focus all his frustration and agitation to more productive activities. Plus, not like he has much of the choice, with the Nehustan remerge, the Division need him to be here more than ever.

His team currently trying to look over what they found in hope of detect even a smallest trait of lead to the whereabouts of the Complete Relic, but even now to said there is progress would be generous for them.

"Have our men report anything from the site that Nehustan Armor last pinpointed?" Genjuro asked, Ryoko can only shook her head in a troubled manner. If even the ever joyous scientist of the Division has that expression than it mean their chance of finding the armor now is close to zero. Still... "At least we know for some reason Hibiki is the target." Genjuro mused in thought.

It not much but it is something crucial for sure.

"Maybe we should secure Hibiki?" Ryoko asked with a serious expression.

Genjuro think over the idea before he shook his head.

"With the Noises, Yummy and now the Nehustan Armor join in the fray, there is little to no point of hiding her. At the very least I think she is at the safest place she could be right now." Genjuro replied.

The red haired commander as he sit down his chair while letting out a small sigh.

"So Eiji will have to be our knight in shining armor as expected?" Ryoko asked with a playful smile, albeit it was strained. "Still, given his condition will he be up for the task?"

"Even if we don't ask him, when something happen he will definitely come running anyway." Genjuro said, with a sigh, rolling his shoulder.

"Is there something wrong? Wouldn't that be beneficial for our situation?" Aoi asked.

Her curious expression was shared by Sakuya.

"As the 2nd Division Commander I can't complain to have someone like him fight for us." Genjuro said with a strained smile. "But...as Kazanari Genjuro all I see beneath that armor is a young man who seems locked in his own dilemma but still trying to help other to the point of his body breaking down without care." Genjuro said tiredly as everyone stay quiet, seems like with his words they all now reminded of the clashing image of OOO they perceived before they know Hino Eiji. "It is a naïve thought, but one that I can't help but think of...look like I still have lots to learn as the one who lead." Genjuro then chuckled mirthfully.

"I don't know...I think a snide Commander might be too much for me." Aoi said with a small smile.

"Me included, if he is too stiff it will just pressure me even more and make me screw up the passwords input." Sakuya added.

Genjuro hearing this just shook his head with an amused expression as he focused again on the task at hand while Ryoko just has her usual closed eyes smile.

"Alright! If I let this deter me, I wouldn't be the great Sakurai Ryoko! Let's take a look at the map again where Nehustan's signal last detected!"

Ryoko's energetically declared, others nodded in agreement.


To be able to avoid the pursue from the 2nd Division is no small feat. First off, they are equipped with some of the best technologies the world have to offer. Second is the fact they have Sakurai Ryoko, meaning the Division is currently one of the organization with most knowledge in regard to Relic. And that not even taking into account the ridiculous manpower they have all handpicked among the elite that work for the government.

However for the one who accomplished such feat, she herself can only feel the weight of crushing defeat.

Yukine Chris gritted her teeth in pain, her eyes snap open as she lie in her bed. She had already wrapped layer of bandage around her torso, right arm, left leg. While the Nehustan Armor is responsible for protecting her body from the fatal wounds, it is also a very taxing and painful process. Hence, even if it heal her wounds the process would leave her incapacitate for too long. When this happen all she could do is curl up inside her bed, wrapped in blanket and brace through the pains, it is a reminder, a lessons as Fine put it, all for Chris's improvement so she will success next time. So whenever the wounds become more manageable she would apply some basic medical dress and bandaging herself. Then the girl would drift off through physical and mental exhaustion, hoping the sleep will bury the pain.

Except this time the wounds still aching to the point it actually hinder her peaceful sleep instead. Knowing she can't get more rest at this rate, Chris decide to just wake up and go get some painkillers.

Walking through the empty hallway, Chris's mind wonder to the disastrous battle occurred few hours ago. Just when she thought she got all bases covered, that damn bluenette unexpected calmness in battle along with OOO sudden power up throw a wreck in her plans. Just think about it agitate her more, which drew another hiss from the white haired girl due to her wounds.

This repeated pain finally brought Chris's mind to the Nehustan Armor she used. Personally she never like that Relic much, it just didn't fit her style. She can learn how to fight in it but if she is honest, the white haired girl prefer ranged attack more than close and personal. After all it was proved when that resonated with her. Maybe if she used it back then...

"No, those opponents aren't enough to force me to sing!" Chris thought with an inward growl. "OOO already have the Yummies to counter...I can take the other two by myself just fine." The girl continue to convince herself as she swallowed couple painkiller tablet with a big gulp of water. Eventually Fine would be back, and then... "I would have to tell her how I failed her." Chris thought, her expression filled with shame.

"Hoh Ojou-chan, you don't seems to be in a good mood. But then consider how the battle yesterday went, it can't be helped." Poseidon's voice can be heard from behind Chris, she instantly whip her head around while also twisting her body into combat stance, ignoring the still flaring pain in her body since the painkiller hasn't kick in yet, this reaction draw a chuckle of approval out of the artificial Greeed. "Nice reflex, if it other I doubt they can get close to you without your notice."

If anything the compliment only seems to annoy Chris further.

"Stop with the childish game! You are here about my total failure right!?" Chris growled.

The Greeed who merely shrugged in face of her anger.

"Failure? What are you talking about?" Poseidon asked with a curious expression much to the white haired girl bewilderment, his face then twist to a vicious grin. "If anything I would said you just helped Fine achieve her goals easier."

"What ARE you talking about?" Chris retorted with wariness in her tone.

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion though the fact she didn't immediately turn around and walk away is already an improvement to Poseidon.

"After the battle you lost all three Yummies along with more than a hundred of Noises." Poseidon said, waving his hand around in so-so gesture making Chris feel annoyed. "However...Noises you can unleash thousands, no if you want I think ten of thousands more is of no issue." Poseidon said, this make Chris widen her eyes. "As for Yummies? Worry not my dear, I can easily supply you with more, in fact one is already standing in front of you."

Is it just Chris or is the Greeed's voice become more...mellow out?

With that the Greeed outstretch his palm, a yellow light lit up from it as pile of Cell Medals fly out and swirled around before concentrated in one spot, forming a humanoid shape, in a sense given the abnormal body outline, before solidified as the Neko Yummy.

"The hell is this fat thing going to do?" Chris can't help but asked.

The damn thing look like nothing more than a human sized overweight cat after all.

Instead of a reply, Poseidon just conjured a large spiked ice lance about the size of the Yummy itself. The action make Chris step back in alarm and before she can question his intention, with a flick of his hand the lance fly straight at the Yummy. Chris can only describe the noise resemble a sound affect of something stretching, like a band of rubber being pulled as the Yummy didn't even flinch from the attack. If anything the lance failed to penetrated it and instead being bounce back to her and Poseidon's direction, but with a snap of his finger the ice lance broken apart, scattered to snowflakes.

"For an oversized cat that is not too bad right?" Poseidon asked, his voice suddenly seems like growling.

Chris already wary of the Greeed enough, his suddent change of tones from time to time sure didn't help. Still she couldn't disagree with him, when it come down to it the Yummy possess more battle powers and endurance than the Noises could ever hope to match. However that make it even more reason for her to be wary of him despite what Fine say about their partnership, one that need to be accentuate on its temporarily nature.

"And what are you implying?" Chris asked with narrowed gaze at the smirking Poseidon.

"Don't ask question that would make me question your intelligence girl." Poseidon promptly ignore the growl from the girl, his voice now cold and calculative. "With your side suffer near nonexistent damage, beside from your minor injury, and the other side having more than half of their main fighting force crippled. What there to stop you from getting Tachibana Hibiki then take care of Kazanari Tsubasa and OOO permanently?" Poseidon asked.

Chris look to be in thought before she set her gaze on the Greeed again.

"Isn't OOO suppose to be someone you need to defeat or something? What if I kill him before you can?" Chris asked with justified suspicion.

Poseidon merely snorted.

"If this will kill him then there is no point for me to wait for the battle." Poseidon replied calmly.

"So you do think he can still defeat me in his state?" Chris asked evenly.

Poseidon just shrugged.

"I trust you are smart enough to know when you are completely outclass. The issue with Kazanari Tsubasa is one thing, I honestly surprised myself how resolved she was after the Yummy infect her, so I will admit my partial responsibility for that blunder too." Poseidon said with an apologetic tone that didn't sound very sincere to Chris at all. "Still with this I believe you have already decided what your next course of action would be right?" He asked with unreadable tone. "Who know, if you do manage to kill OOO, I will merely settle with you as my ultimate rival." Poseidon said with a grin.

"Hm, as if I have time to entertain your pointless actions, if you want to die so bad just blow yourself up or something." Chris said without fear.

Though inwardly, Chris can't help but seething, it is clear the bastard didn't perceive her as a threat. Still, the white haired girl held no delusion regarding the gap of powers between her and Poseidon, but she still has room to improve. Beside if Fine have taught her anything, is that this world is not so straightforward that having overwhelming strength alone will guarantee every victories.

Chris then look at the Yummy in contemplate before adopting a resolved gaze, something that make Poseidon's corner of mouth twitch upward.

"You have make up your mind, good. Do what your desire lead you to do girl, now if you excuse me." Poseidon calmly said, making his way to the main room.

Chris have noticed him doing that a lot recently now, look up the info that Fine hand to him as part of the collaboration deal.

"You have put your face into the info a lot recently, is the battle maniac also a book worm?" Chris asked, already turning to leave herself.

"In warfare, information could also be a dangerous weapons, and I might just found the right one for me." Poseidon said with a barely contained grin.

His mind going to a recent info he come across.

"The Complete Golden Relic."


As Eiji, Hibiki and Ankh make their way to the hallway where Tsubasa's room is, they bump into Ogawa Shinji first.

"Hino-kun, Hibiki-chan, Ankh-san. Good morning." The hidden ninja/manager smiled as he greet the trio.

"Likewise Ogawa-san. Ah also, thanks to you and the Division for giving me a room in their hospital." Eiji said, remember the bill already been taken care of.

"Don't think we are so stingy as we can't spare at least that much to our ally, Hino-kun." Shinji said with an amused smile.

"Good morning Shinji-san, we heard Tsubasa-san's condition is safe now, can we visit her?" Hibiki asked.

"You guys might have heard already, but the tough part is already past, now Tsubasa-kun would need time to recover. Of course, having you guys visit her wouldn't hinder that." Shinji said with a smile.

"If anything, for Tsubasa having friends visit her would help more. God know she only really have Kanade-kun to count as one." Shinji thought wryly.

That not to said Tsubasa didn't have interaction with her classmates, before with Kanade it still a usual occurrence. But then after the incident, Tsubasa pretty much shut herself off from other. And while she is at peace with herself now, the cool and aloof reputation the bluenette build up still make it hard for other to approach her. Anybody else though, well they are just fans, and as appreciated as their support are, having fans visit Tsubasa's hospital room is a big no no.

And that not even counting the fact how many of them truly comprehend Tsubasa's burden as an Attuned.

"...In fact, let me clarify that. Please by all means visit Tsubasa-kun, she definitely need it." Shinji said, with a subtle vigor added to his tone, which is urgent for those who know him.

After all, he was again reminded how the blue haired idol under his management could definitely use more friends.

"That quite a fast recovery given her wounds though. Is that the capability of your Division's medical team? Or is the Gear also play part of it?" Ankh asked.

"Well now, it unfair if only you can keep secret right, Ankh-san." Shinji said, his smile unchanged. "And what about you Eiji-kun?"

If Shinji is bothered by floating hand glaring at him, he sure not showing it on his expression.

Eiji make a humming noise in response.

"I'm fine, a good night sleep fix everything I guess?" Eiji asked jokingly.

"Pardon me for not taking your words at face value, given what happened." Shinji said with a light accusing tone making Eiji look a bit sheepish, seeing this the agent has a thin smile. "Just remember to reduce the amount of worry you give Hibiki-chan please?" Shinji said with that same tone.

Eiji can only hung his head sheepishly.

"I...I know already...I will try."

"And I keep saying that- "

"Double the amount of ice cream next time."

"-He will be fine."

Both Shinji and Hibiki sweat-drop a bit at the quick exchange between the two, so ice cream is the key against the feared Greeed with unimaginable power?

"Oh and Hibiki-chan, please remember to watch after yourself more. The Noises are not the only threat, sometimes it might be easier for you to have an open foe you can deal with."

"Excuse me?" Hibiki asked, clearly weird out by the warning.

"Since the Symphogear's technologies are still unique, other organization be it associate with other nations officially or not, is not exactly subtle in their attempt to get it by any mean necessary." Shinji said with a cautious gleam in his eyes.

Even Hibiki understood the message, this remind her of the reason Genjuro said that she should keep secret the fact she can use Symphogear herself.

"I will be sure to take note of this, thanks Shinji-san, the 2nd Division would also keep watch right?" Eiji asked back, both to reassure Hibiki and to confirm for himself.

"Indeed, though, you yourself also not an exception, OOO is gaining quite a reputation to the underground network already." Shinji said.

Eiji can only shrug helplessly.

"Humanity attracted to power...now didn't I heard this from somewhere before?" Ankh asked sarcastically.

"Sadly that's the truth." Shinji said, nodded grimly. "Instead of seeing us as the organization protecting humanity from the Noises, other nations powers and even our own simply see a potential for a new weapons that surpass conventional one. They would spare no attempt to get their hand on a Gear even if it mean by force and harming those who are best hope against the Noises." Shinji said, his expression torn. "And that's why it is our job to do all we can to prevent that, we can't fight with you girls against the Noises but we will fight our own battles to protect the Gear Users."

Hibiki look at Shinji in awe, the girl feel she still has much to learn. She never realize how far the 2nd Division is going for her.

Eiji give the man a somber look, after all he understood the feeling of watching on the sideline, powerless and unable to help.

"Tsubasa-chan really have lots of good people around her." Eiji said with a small smile.

"You said it like we will ignore your well being or something, what I said apply for you too, OOO-kun." Shinji said with a chuckle. "Thanks to both of you cooperating, we will put our systems to test. We hoping it work on Yummy and Medals as well as on Noises and Greeed. This way we can keep a look out for you guys as well."

"Then, I'm in your care." Eiji said with a grateful nod.

"It going to take more than that, believe me." The Ankh thought dryly.

"Just make sure you didn't waste our time and trust showing you the sample of Cell Medals." The Greeed simply said, keeping his thought to himself.

While Ankh have prevented Ryoko from having some 'alone time' with the Core Medals as the latter like to put it, she was able to get some limited access to it. Mainly to make their detecting equipment can get attuned to the energy wave of the Medals. An idea that sound beneficial to Ankh as well, thus currently the 2nd Division have a way to detect if a Yummy or anything Core Medals related appear in vicinity. Theoretically that is, the system have just finished right after the last battle. And with no sighting of the Yummy or the Noises since then, the new feature haven't been tested in the field yet.

"Now that the adult talk is over, I will be out of your hair now, take care." Shinji said, his expression softened like usual.

As the trio walk past him, Shinji turn his attention back to Eiji.

"Ah, that's right, Eiji-kun." Shinji said gaining the other man attention. "Thank you." He simply said.

But the serious expression he has was enough to give Eiji pause.

"You welcome.." Eiji said. "...Though what have I done?" He asked, slightly tilting his head.

Shinji blinked, before his expression frowned.

"While it an admirable trait to not seek compensation, it also not very good to forget what you do for other all the time. You have done a lot for us, known that I own you one, whenever you need I will be sure to return the favor." Shinji said without further elaboration.

The man said nothing else, he just turn around and continue his walk while fishing out his phone and engage in a conversation discreetly.


When the trio make their way to the room, Hibiki knocked the door a few times with no response. That's when she realize the door isn't even fully close, and while she respect the privacy of her comrade, the sight she accidentally see through the creek make the cream haired girl push open the door in shock.

Eiji can understand the lack of mannerism isn't matter here, not when how messy the room is. Personal items like tower, clothes, make-up, magazine and even...worn undergarment, are all scattered around.

The scene that inspire a struggling or an act of ransacking, plus the warning words Ogawa Shinji leave behind all point to one possibility.

"It couldn't be..." Hibiki mutter with a distressed tone.

"But the hospital is under the watchful eyes of the 2nd Division." Eiji said in disbelief.

"Tch. That just mean this is how much someone would want their hand on the Gears." Ankh grumbled.

Eiji already in the middle of reaching for his Driver, a habit of always carrying it has been ingrained to him, for Hibiki is not like she can part way with her power.

However before any of them can make an epic change of their attire...

"Everyone? Eiji-kun!? You are out of bed already!?" Tsubasa exclaimed in concern but the blue haired singer didn't expect the reaction she got.

The trio seems startled before they whip their head, finger in Ankh's case, toward her direction with Hibiki and Eiji have a an expression of relief. The duo was instantly by her side with their expression shift to concern.

"Tsubasa-san! I'm so glad you are alright!"

Hibiki cried out happily and the way she hug Tsubasa like she will disappear any moment.

"It good to see you unharmed."

And then there is Eiji said such words warmly to Tsubasa, making her stutter in embarrassment.

Safe to said the duo isn't helping Tsubasa alleviate her confusions with their actions, the bluenette is just so lost.

Tsubasa has woke up to a horrible sting for her legs this morning, it didn't take long for the occurred battle to replay in her mind again. When she heard about Eiji's condition she is concerned but calmed down a bit when the doctors confirm he is recovering without much trouble, she decided she would come to visit him later.

Then to sort out some thought, the blue haired girl take a stroll with her wheelchair around the hospital yards, her thought mainly involved the Nehustan Armor. Remembering that brought her mind to more memory involving Kanade. Some were shocking, some with grief and most importantly of joy. Such were the impact Amou Kanade have on everyone especially Kazanari Tsubasa. Then decide she has enough fresh air, the swordstress return to her room to prepare and go see Eiji.

Instead, Tsubasa find herself under a reception like she just come back from a warzone or something.

"Hold on! What is going on right now!? Are we under attack!?" Tsubasa asked in alarm.

Hibiki frantically waved her arms and shake her head as she see how worked up the idol is.

"No, no. We just worried you were in danger, Tsubasa-san." Seeing the confused expression from Tsubasa, Hibiki continue to elaborate. "Just now we heard Shinji-san warn us about how Symphogear Users are being targeted for our powers, then we come and check on you we see how messy the room is." At this moment Tsubasa flinched before she lowered her head and keep her gaze to the ground. "So we thought someone broke in your room, a fight broke out and you were kidnapped." The cream haired girl then inhale and exhale deeply.

Eiji and even Ankh feel impressed how much she can said in one breath like that.

At this point Tsubasa look like she want to push all her face to her palms permanently and avoid eye contact with all of them. This draw a confusing look from Eiji, while Hibiki herself slowly widen her eyes as some kind of realization dawn on her.

"Eh? Could it be…? Hahaha….Tsubasa-san could it be this is how you…?" Hibiki asked, leaving her words unfinished.

One can tell Tsubasa is a thought away from digging up a hole and bury herself in it.

"Eh?...Did I miss something?" Eiji asked curiously as he look at both of the girls, Hibiki look like having trouble of explaining to him while Tsubasa continue her sulking. Eiji take a glance at Tsubasa then back at her room, 5 seconds pass by before the same look of realization appear on him. "Ah...Don't worry Tsubasa-chan, it not rare for someone to forgot to clean their room, not to mention you were injured as well. It totally natural." Eiji said.

Tsubasa look at the trusting smile he has for a second before bury her face into her hand again, the crushing sense of humiliation return 10 fold!

"I swear! On my honor as the protector, I can't let him know this is a normal occurrence for me!"

"Eiji-kun, you are making Tsubasa-san feel worse about how chaotic her room is!" Hibiki berated.

As if to drive her point, the girl shook Eiji back and forth like a ragdoll comically.

"You know you not exactly the definition of silence either right?" Ankh's comment went ignored.

"J...Just give me few minutes." Tsubasa said in a surprisingly timid tone.

She about to wheel herself in her room but Hibiki stopped her.

"It's fine Tsubasa-san, l and only I will take care of this for you, no worry." Hibiki assured said with a smile and somehow also an imposing glance toward Eiji who raise his hands in defeat, she then whisper to Tsubasa. "And don't worry about Eiji-kun, I will told him which spot he can't look or be near." Hibiki said with a wink.

But Tsubasa shook her head much to the cream haired girl bewilderment.

"No I don't mind, Ogawa-san help me with the cleaning all the time." Tsubasa admitted without a care.

Though that relaxed feeling quickly crumbled, given the startled look Hibiki giving the bluenette.

"Eh? You just let Shinji-san go over your stuff without a care?" Hibiki squeaked out.

Oh she trust Shinji alright, in fact it easier to count the nonexistent amount of people she doesn't trust but Hibiki still has a personal line. And letting another man handle her undergarment is obviously a big no-no.

"It...It because I am busy and Ogawa-san is my manager, not to mention the rush of the schedule...ah...forget it..." Tsubasa decided she just want to get back to her bed and bury her face to her pillow.

Ankh himself already find a comfortable chair inside the room to settle for a nap.

It took fifteen minutes for the room to be organized, after all it not like hospital ward is where one put a lots of their personal belongings. Eiji find himself occupied with some minor clean up here and there, enough that it passed under Hibiki's 'no push yourself' radar.

Tsubasa now make herself comfortable on her bed, look at them with a small nostalgia smile. The sight remind her of Shinji and Kanade, the latter keep on berating her, both of them also help her clean up her mess like this literally. But right now there are two more person, two more friends who added to that list.

"Yosh...All done." Hibiki said as she admire her handy work.

Honestly, Miku should feel proud how organized she make the room look.

"My apologize for troubling both of you." Tsubasa said with a slight bow.

"Don't worry about it, for this girl to be able to clean her idol room. It probably something she enjoy more than you know." Ankh remarked dryly.

This earn an embarrassing yelp from Hibiki while looking at Tsubasa, embarrassment clear on the girl's face. In response Tsubasa just smiled in amusement. This is it, the interaction she hoped for when she finally got to talk with her idol, the cream haired girl feel like she could fly with how happy she is.

"But...to fight the Noises and being an idol at the same time, as I expected it must be quite tough?" Eiji asked curiously.

Both him and Hibiki found themselves a spot to sat near Tsubasa's bed.

"It took a lot of effort and patience for sure." Tsubasa nodded with a tired but content sigh. "But Zwei Wing in the end is the embodiment of Kanade and my dreams, so there is no way I will feel overwhelm by it. Especially with Kanade not here right now I have to work for her share too, so when she wake up she can see...Zwei Wing is still flying high." She said with a fond smile.

Hibiki realize for the first time she can see Tsubasa mentioned Kanade with such a content expression.

"Uhm...May I ask how the Zwei Wing was formed?" Hibiki asked in interest.

Tsubasa closed her eyes in thought, seemingly lost in her memory for seconds before she open them again with a thin smile as she nod at the cream haired girl.

"Very well. But...for that I also want to start from how I and Kanade become partner, is that okay?" Tsubasa asked.

To Hibiki this is getting even more than she can ask for, she nodded excitingly, the other two occupants in the room also see no reasons to refuse.

"It was a moment I remember vividly, already three years have passed..."


"Oi, oi. Ryoko-san, the party just barely begun, let's keep going."

Amou Kanade who is 14 years old at that time, smiled daringly if not maniacally, despite her mouth spewing blood. The reasons is the injection gun in her hand that contain a dangerous serum known as Linker. It is a drug that forcefully increase the synchronization rate between an individual and a Relic. In other words, even if Kanade doesn't has a natural aptitude to be an Attuned like Tsubasa, that can be changed by artifically increase her aptitude. As for why this was deemed dangerous, the reasons is demonstrated when Kanade started to spasm before she vomit more blood after injecting another doses.


"Any other sane souls would have retreat, to protect their life and continue living. But not her, I always feel within that moment, taking a step back and death would have make no different to Kanade. And then, the medicine worked." Tsubasa said with a faraway look before she shook her head. "No, Gungnir itself must have acknowledged her unbreakable will. And a self-made miracle happened for her."


A familiar orb of light shine within the lab room where Kanade is.

"Heh...HAHAHAHAHAHA! Here it is, my own Symphogear!" Kanade laughed wildly within the orb.

When the light die down, garbed in Gungnir, the Spear of the Allfather, the red haired girl look at herself with a satisfied grin despite the blood still flooding out of her mouth and nose.


"I was scared at first, seeing her lust for power." Tsubasa said in reminiscence tone. "But once I learn how she lost her family because of Noises, that fear turn to astonishment. Then without realizing, I start to admire that tenacity, that drive and determination. Someone who with her own hand grab hold of power from the Relic, unlike me who was chosen by the Relic simply due to my voice wavelength matching it better than other people. It is an advantage fate given to me, but as the same time it make me feel Kanade is on a whole different level I can't reach." Tsubasa chuckled.

Hibiki look stunned, Eiji seems to lost in thought while Ankh just silently listening. Tsubasa then recount another memories.


Many months after Kanade gained Gungnir and was paired up with Tsubasa, the duo went through various training and officially deployed as Defender against the Noises. Today is another battle, the duo find themselves in a city overrun by the Noises.

"I GOT YOU NOW BASTARD!" Kanade roared with vigor.

The orange haired girl charged forward the Noises before spin her spear and swing it down.

LAST METEOR!

Her spear release a stream of vortex swallowed and shred the Noises to pieces.

Later both Kanade and Tsubasa rescued some soldier. Her expression, in contrast to the feral expression in battle, is that of stunned with a mix of happiness when she heard the soldiers held on to their will to stay alive, long enough to be rescued. All because they heard her and Tsubasa singing.


"She is wild, totally unladylike, there is no grace to her fighting style at all." Tsubasa said with a sigh but her smile still stay in place. "But it fine, that's how Kanade is, to her as long as Noises is defeated and everyone can go back to their family safely, she is content. Especially that moment when her eyes lit up like a kid in candy store, the pure joy she has seeing how her song is protecting people from Noises, but of course Kanade don't want that to be the only way her songs can help."


Both of them run along the road leading up the mountain, then they will proceed to run back down. This is both their way to add more to their endurance trainings and a way to relax among all the training they undergo.

"Hey, Tsubasa." Kanade called gaining the blue hair girl attention as both of them wipe their sweats and chug down water after a long jog. "Having people listen to your song itself is great too you know?" She asked with a satisfied smile making Tsubasa look curious. "Not just to fight Noises but to sing with you forever for everyone to listen to, to bring smile to their face. I just can't help but feel excited the more I think about it."

Eventually Tsubasa was infected by her friend's grin as well, she nodded with a smile.


"When we propose the ideas, Uncle allowed us, with the excuse to the higher up that we are doing this to increase the efficiency of the Gear Users and this might prove to be a good income." Tsubasa said looking out to the window, gazing at the flying birds as she continue. "We were training with our Gears, now we also have to prepare for the concert, however with her by my side I feel invincible." Tsubasa said with a satisfied sigh. "And quickly I know what she mean, the irreplaceable joy to use my song for other to be happy and not just for the battle. If not for Kanade, Zwei Wing would have never spread its wing and fly, carrying its song all over the world."

Eiji and Ankh stay silent hearing the story while Hibiki looked down with a somber mood.

"Hibiki-chan something wrong?" Eiji, noticing her expression, asked.

The cream haired girl just shook her head as she forced a smile.

"I...I never have a chance to know Kanade-san personally." Hibiki spoke with hesitation. "I know she is a very good person but to hear her life, the obstacles that she endured. It make me feel really naïve what I said to Tsubasa-san, it sound like I can replace Kanade-san easily. Thinking back if.." She paused with strain in her tone. "If somehow it was me and someone said they could replace Miku easily I would feel upset too." Hibiki said, gripping her fist tightly.

"But that's not your intention, you were just trying to cover for the duty of Kanade that you thought was left empty because of you. Do not blame yourself because of my moment of weakness." Tsubasa said sternly.

"But even now I still can't be like Kanade-san at all." Hibiki said with a furrowed brow.

"I think that's for the best." Eiji said with a carefree smile, gaining both of the girls attention. "Did Amou-kun want you to be a perfect copy of her? Or live your life in your own way as Tachibana Hibiki? I mean it is Hibiki-chan's life that she saved right? Then it would kind of weird if she want you to be just like her." He spoke with no hesitation in his voice. "Amou Kanade is the best person to be herself, the same for Tachibana Hibiki right?"

Hibiki look down in contemplation of his words.

"Thanks Eiji-kun." Hibiki mumbled shyly, she then stare down at her hands and grip it with determined gaze.

"Surprisingly despite how.." Tsubasa paused deliberately. "...'carefree' you may act. You sure have some moment of showing your wisdom." Tsubasa said in amusement.

Eiji scratched his cheek with a complicated expression.

"For some reason I think you were teasing me when you said it like that." Tsubasa's chuckle was the response he got. "Well it a surprise to see Tsubasa-chan crack a joke, so it was worth it I guess?" Eiji shrugged.

But Tsubasa's expression is far from amused.

"That...! I can have normal conversation too you know?" Tsubasa retorted in embarrassment.

"Isn't this nice, Eiji? You have talented with handling youngster. If anything you could consider being a babysitter for a living." Ankh remarked dryly.

Before Eiji have a chance to respond, Hibiki already move in a blur, that would make a certain red rhinoceros themed Rider approve, and already start to shaking the floating hand.

"Anhk-san! Are you calling me a kid?! I'm 14 already you know!?" Hibiki whined as she keep shaking the incomplete Greeed.

"Let...go...now...damn...it...Ei...ji...pull...her...off..."

Ankh struggled each words as Hibiki keep on shaking him, Tsubasa watching the scene with a sweat-drop while Eiji has an amused smile.

Ankh admittedly is one of the few he won't mind to get stuck in not so pleasant situation, if he is in danger then no need to said Eiji will step in. Now though...yeah give it some time. Though with Hibiki now 'occupied' with Ankh this give Eiji chance to ask Tsubasa something.

"Tsubasa-san if I may ask, about this Nehustan Armor and how it is loss." Eiji asked carefully knowing this could be a sore subject.

Sure enough, Tsubasa's expression hardened.


Kohinata Miku's feeling right now can be summed up in one word, anxious.

Recently Hibiki seems to, no she must has, encounter some kind of problems that she wouldn't share with anyone. Despite Miku asked her few times, Hibiki just wave it off. The dark green hair girl was even more worried when Hibiki start to have these night where she would come back very late, she barely got her homework done with Miku's help, then proceed to crash to bed and snore away. This always leave Hibiki tired in the morning and barely awake in classes, making school even more difficult for her.

Worse yet is yesterday when Hibiki come back with a haunted expression despite her attempt to hide it. When Miku try to be more forceful, all she got was...


"Miku, is fine, I just have some thoughts about what I should do, that's all."


One can interpret that line in a mundane way, especially for someone who is in high school like Hibiki. It is a time period where one would think about their choice for major or maybe even what's their path of career in life should be. But Miku can tell it what plagued her friend mind is something more than that, thus she know it not something she can just push Hibiki to tell her. Yet that's what make her even more anxious, more and more it seems like Hibiki is getting farther out of her reach. Despite the fact they still go to the same school, living in the same dorm but their life isn't intertwining together like it use to be anymore.

"Just when is it...that there is an invisible wall between us?" Miku muttered with a sigh.

The girl absentmindedly take out the book, that is required for her class, from the library.

As she leave the library and walking through the hallway, she coincidentally catch the sight of one of the window from the hospital located right beside her school. The window show Hibiki, Eiji and even the famous singer Kazanari Tsubasa conversing with each other in a friendly manner.

Seeing Hibiki with Eiji is no surprise, after the help he provided during those horrible moments, he has quickly become someone who is considered a close friend if not family members by the Tachibana household. A feeling shared by Miku, but what about the famous idol of Zwei Wing!?

"Hibiki...she chatting so normally with Kazanari-san...and Eiji-san is also there, what's going on? Hibiki never said anything about this to me. If it was before she would have be all exciting and told me how she get to talk to Kazanari-san like that." Miku thought with a troubled expression as she grip her book tightly. "But this is good...Hibiki is enjoying herself, I should be happy for her."

Miku hurried her pace and run back to her dorm, completely missing the sight of Ankh due to the distance and her own troubled thought.


"Don't worry Tsubasa-san. Just focus on your recovery, leave it to me and Eiji-kun to stop the Noises." Hibiki said in an assuring manner.

"Allow me to test that determination in our next spar." Tsubasa replied with a small smile.

Hibiki nodded nervously but she made no protest. Eiji himself wonder if everything is fine, given how Hibiki seems more driven now? But not like that's a bad thing right?

Ankh keep his gaze on Hibiki, her reason might be something he couldn't hang on but the desire swelling up from this girl isn't half bad, but how can she hold on to this mindset the next time the enemy come? That's the answer he want to see from Tachibana Hibiki.

"I suppose this is one feel when realize his younger sister already grow up huh?" Eiji commented offhandedly during the walk back to his room.

"Eh? What is that supposed to mean?" Hibiki asked in confusion.

"No is nothing, just that Hibiki-chan...you look more focused, I think." Eiji said.

"Ah really? Thanks Eiji-kun." Hibiki smile bashfully as she rub the back of her head. "Wait...what about before then?"

And sure enough that smile turn to a frown.

"Ah...it wasn't meant to be an insult, I swear Hibiki-chan." Eiji said with a strained smile.

"That isn't very convincing, I am not that gullible you know? Yet Eiji-kun still treat me like I am a kid." Hibiki pouted.

"Well you are 14 years old." Eiji wisely keep that thought to himself of course.

"Eiji-kun also need to rest too, I already told you, I will not hesitate anymore. Seeing how hard you and Tsubasa-chan fought." Hibiki said gripping her fist in front of her chest. "This is the least I can do." She said before turn to the quiet arm. "Also Ankh-san?" As the Greeed turn to her she let out a small smile and give him a quick bow. "Thank you very much!"

With that declaration Hibiki waved goodbye to the duo and dashed off, or she would have if not due to the withering glare from the nurses that slowed her speed down.

"Ankh-kun, I'm so proud." Eiji said giddily.

"Shut up. I don't know what that brat on about. She only few level below you when it come to the weirdness department." Ankh remarked dryly.

"Hai, hai. Ah! I haven't call for Boss Lady for my sick leave yet." Eiji mused with a troubled expression.

"The Commander already have someone inform her about how you get to a small accident to avoid her getting worry and make unnecessary commotion." Ankh informed with a bored tone, he has way past the point of criticize Eiji's abnormal priority sense. "That aside, Eiji right now how are you feeling?" The Greeed's tone suddenly turned heavy.

"Well normal activity is fine for me now." EIji said with a stretch of his arms. "So it should be fine, shouldn't be too much a problem too if I need to don the armor." Eiji guessed.

"Eiji, the time almost come for me. So don't let yourself fall behind." Ankh said.

Eiji widened his eyes before a happy grin broke off from his face.

"That's great." Eiji said with relief.

In response the Greeed become unresponsive as he turn away.

"With this we once again has more chance against that sea food. So make sure you stay in your top game, Eiji." Ankh said.

"Thanks for the concern Ankh." Eiji said with a teasing grin.

"I wonder how much flame it took for the hospital alarm to activate?" Ankh suddenly asked.

Eiji actually feel the temperature rise for what he hope is a joke.

"Well I guess I need more rest in prepare then." Eiji said in a hurried tone matched by his pace.

The Greeed merely grunted before the temperature dropped back to normal.


"Miku~ I'm sorry for making you worry alright? But I am fine! Honest!"

Hibiki practically begged for forgiveness from her friend, the two of them walking through the road next to the forest of the city.

After classes they agreed to go to Sunflower, but the downtrodden expression Miku worn would require one to be physically blind to miss it. Hibiki was sure the reasons must be how she keep coming back late and always look so exhausted. And while she partially correct, Hibiki couldn't have known part of other reasons come from Miku caught sight of her being so friendly with Kazanari Tsubasa.

"If that's what you insist, then I have no reason to doubt your words." Miku said halfheartedly, making Hibiki winced inwardly. "Just forget it." She said, adopting a more excited expression. "Hibiki, you know there is another meteor shower next month, this time we will definitely go together right?"

Hibiki, glad to move past the somber mood not to mention her genuine love for the event, quickly brighten up.

"Of course we will Miku! This time I will make sure nothing stand in our promise!"

Hearing Hibiki's declaration make Miku has a softened expression as she nodded.

"This is something that we share between us, not just the meteor shower, no matter what, be it good or bad we will always share it with each other." Miku paused a bit with her expression hidden before she look straight to Hibiki's eyes. "Right Hibiki?" She asked with expectancy in her voice.

This surprised Hibiki for a moment before she nodded with a smile.

"Of course! No matter what I don't like keeping secret from my friend, it is really painful you know? Not to mention I will be horrible at it!" Hibiki declared with a laugh.

Miku chuckled as she nodded, an expression of relief wash over her face as she walk forward with Hibiki lagging few step behind.

"That's right, it very painful and I am indeed terrible at it."

BOOM!

The sudden explosion shaken the road they were on, Miku stumbled slightly trying to hold her balance. And yet Hibiki held her stance easily as she quickly look around for the source and instantly spotted the thin column of smoke, as the same time the signal alarm around the city sounded off. This can only mean one thing.

"Noises! Miku hurry up and run! I will be right behind you!" Hibiki yelled out as she run off.

Miku obviously can't follow her friend's advice, not when said friend is charging into the danger herself. Hence Miku decided to run after her, but by then Hibiki already run so far ahead that Miku can barely catch up to keep her friend's figure in sight. This surprised Miku, it is no hidden fact that between the two of them, Hibiki is the one excel in physical capabilities, but the difference shouldn't be this great.

Suddenly though one of the Noises jumped down right in front of Hibiki, the girl without even flinching already begin to sing.

"Balwisyall nescell Gungnir tron."

BAM!

The Noises slammed into the light orb engulfing Hibiki, before they can react, said orb exploded to fragment of light sending all the Noises flying.

Hibiki now clad in her Gungnir, punched the staggering Noises right in its face. The monster instantly reduced to ash and Hibiki was about to leap forward where the destruction is...

"What is this?" Until Miku's words stopped the cream haired girl action as she turn behind her with shocked look. Standing there with an equally shocked expression is Miku, who breathing raggedly while looking at Hibiki with wide eye. "Just now...that Noise...you...Hibiki-chan, what is going on?" Miku asked, sound so lost.

Hibiki gritted her teeth, her anger aim at no one but herself for making her friend like this.

"Miku, I'm sorry!" Hibiki shouted as she give her friend a bow. "I swear I will explain it to you later. But right now..." She said as she closed her eyes before snapping them open, her orange orbs shine with determination. "My song is needed." Hibiki said quietly.

The Gungnir User then turn around and continue her action as she leap away.

Miku herself collapsed to her knee in shock, she can only watch Hibiki making one inhuman leap follow by anothers, all the way to where the explosion is with the column of smoke still raising.


Chris herself stood there in the middle of the forest, her expression in contrast to her usual attitude is that of calmness and concentration with both of her eyes closed. Already, she is clad in the Nehustan Armor, she know the kind of naïve idiot that cream haired brat is. The moment she make a ruckus with Noises she would come running without any need of coaxing so now all she has to do is wait. Speaking of which...

"Took you long enough." Chris said with a grin.

She has spotted the form of Tachibana Hibiki in her Gear leaping toward her direction.


Back at the hospital, Eiji suddenly stood up with his eyes flashed purple for a split second, while Ankh also jolted up. Eiji then make a call using the communication device he got from Genjuro, after a few beeping sound, the voice of Genjuro himself greet him.

"Eiji-kun aren't you resting right now?" Genjuro asked in concern.

Eiji also noticed the impatient in his tone which further proven his suspicion.

"Was the Nehustan's signature detected around here?" Eiji asked abruptly

"How do you...?" Genjuro asked evenly, despite the hint of surprise.

"It quite easy to remember the Nehustan's signature aura, not to mention the amount of energy release by a Complete Relic is quite huge after all." Eiji said.

"I feel like you just casually admitted to something quite incredible there." Genjuro deadpanned.

What so 'easy' for a normal human to detect a Symphogear's energy?

On the other hand, Ankh who understand the situation inwardly cursed. The process has started again, this time will they be able to stop it? Do Eiji even care enough to stop it if he keep using his powers like this?

"Anyway you are right. Our radar also just pick up on the Nehustan's signal, Hibiki is already on the move. She even asked me to not disturb you and Tsubasa." Genjuro chuckled. "I know it reckless, but the girl said you two have done enough for now and it is time for her to do something. The girl spoke with such conviction I was caught off guard for a moment, I was actually hesitant whether or not to follow along with her request." Genjuro said with a sigh. "Not that it matter now that you find out, that by itself is a good thing too."

Eiji has a surprised expression, wondering what pushed Hibiki to change her mind in facing the Nehustan's wielder.

"Will Hibiki-chan fought another person...or..." Eiji wondered.

"That girl, so she make her decision eh?" Ankh thought.

"What now Eiji, that girl want to prove to not just everyone but herself the conviction she has, with such determination would you interfere?" Ankh asked.

Eiji who still has a contemplate expression just stood up and leave but not before turn to the Greeed.

"Ankh, I need you to give something to Tsubasa-chan." Eiji said.


Back to the two Gear Users, they stood face to face.

Chris sport a nasty snarl. In contrast, Hibiki has a friendly smile on her face.

"What's wrong? This time you don't have that stone face idol nor that walking traffic light to babysit you, you think putting up a strong front is going to change the fact that you will lose?" Chris taunted.

She was hoping to see a sign of falter, a chink into the armor made of the cream haired girl's confident posture.

Instead Hibiki just inhaled deeply with her right hand on her chest, her eyes closed and her expression is that of at ease. Chris dropped her antagonizing mindset for a moment just to wonder what is her target doing. It look like she is trying to calm herself down, for what? A fight? Despite how idiotic it sound that's the only plausible reason because what else...

"Good afternoon! My name is Tachibana Hibiki! I am currently 14 years old. My favorite food is rice. My current dream is to eat lot of food and make lots more happy memory with my love one! I haven't date anybody yet but I hope to change that soon! With that said may I know your name too!?"

The cream haired girl then exhaled after shot out the entire sentence without a break, her expression is a mixture of relief and nervousness, fitting for one who managed to bit out the words she want to said.

But for the one who received all that...

"What. The. Hell!?" Chris grind out each words with fury in her tone.

Still glaring at Hibiki, the white haired girl wonder if the brat has suffered some head trauma, given how green she was in a battle, there simply too many opportunities.

"Eh? That is my introduction speech." Hibiki replied without missing a beat. "I actually thought of it recently though, like I tried my best to be as frank as I cab about myself you know?" By now Hibiki has poked her index fingers together in shyness. "Was it not good enou...Waah!"

Hibiki suddenly yelped as she roll out of the way right before the Nehustan's morning star smashed that very spot.

Chris's murderous expression could have scared a lion in its track.

"That's not what I mean you idiot! I mean what the Hell do you think you are doing to your enemy!" Chris yelled out furiously.

Hibiki just pulled herself up with a confused expression.

"Enemy? But I don't see you as one." Hibiki said in a matter-of-fact manner that just make Chris look at her in disbelief. "You are a person, like me. We can understand each other so there is no reason for us to be enemy. I remembered you told us that there is something you want to accomplish." She said with a smile, further surprising Chris. "Though I am upset because of how you try to reach it, I still believe if we talk it out then there is another way you could achieve your goal peacefully."

Hibiki then extended a handshake to Chris.

"You..." Chris growled with her head hung low before she glared at the girl and swing down her chain. "What the Hell do you know!?" She yelled out in anger.

Hibiki roll out of the way clumsily and try to tackle Chris only to receive a backhand slap for her effort, despite this the cream haired girl still latch on to Chris's arm.

"Not just me." Hibiki grunt out. "I'm sure everyone, Genjuro-san, Tsubasa-san, Eiji-kun would listen to you now. Because despite how you act back then...you didn't realize how sad you sound when you said those words do you?" The Gungnir's User asked, her tone is that of sadness but determined.

For Chris she just lowered her head, her bangs blocked her eyes. Her body is stiff as she just stand there without uttering a single word. Hibiki's serious expression, after a few seconds of quiet, faltered and she gave Chris a concerned look.

"Uhm...You alr-"

"DON'T F# *& WITH ME!"

The sudden outburst make Hibiki startled in her step, due to her surprise she has also been a second slower to react to Chris's punch. The blow staggered her, but she keep her ground and decide to meet the fist fight heads on, if it could be called that.

The instance the two crossed fist, Hibiki's inferiority in strength, speed and most of all experience was as clear as day. With each precise punches, kicks and strike Chris send at Hibiki, the girl can only crossed her arms and take all the hits. All the while letting out painful grunt and gasp with few strike that get pass her guards and impacted at her lungs. Chris herself attacked without mercy with an enraged expression, it is clear her attack has no purpose beside inflicting maximum amount of pain to Hibiki. Rather than a battle that fought with reason, right now the Nehustan's User only want to vent her anger.

"Talk to me!?" Chris send a backhanded slap to Hibiki's face. "Help me!?" A knee strike to her opponent's guts. "I would rather die before I become so pathetic!" She shout out at the top of her lung.

Chris then swing the chain whips with all her might right at the staggering Hibiki.

BOOM!

Dust and dirt filled the air, and the spot where Hibiki once stood no doubt is a crater now.

Chris exhaled deeply, trying to rein in her emotions.

"Damn it...it was pathetic of me to lose control like that."

Fine would no doubt be displeased to know Chris lose her cool like this, but her target's words just strike a chord inside her and before the white hair girl realize it, she already throwing everything she has at Tachibana Hibiki.

"Tch! The Gear should at least keep her alive, if I drag her back to the mansion now, Fine shouldn't have much problem keeping the brat alive until she serve her purpose." Chris reassured herself.

Until she realize she can't pull her chain whip back.

Playing Gekisou Gungnir.

"ARGHHHH!" Hibiki shout vibrated through the forest.

The girl herself bursting through the smoke, with her right arm wrapped around the chain whip.

"What the f...OUF!?"

Chris didn't get a chance to finish her words, with a yank, Hibiki pulled her closer. Then the Gungnir's User fist strike right at the white haired girl abdomen.

The impact send Chris flying before crashing through several tree, the effect of the punch only stop after she skid through the ground for few more feet.

"This power! It like an Armed Gear!?"

That's the only thought Chris has before the pain shot through her mind, making her knee buckled as she spit out some saliva mix with blood.

As Chris is groaning in pain, Hibiki also let out tired breath, she then look at her fist that now is glowing brightly, the girl held a forlorn smile.

"I guess thinking really isn't my fort." Hibiki said as she take a deep breath while slapping both her palms to her face in a self encouraging manner. "But at least I can still believe in my heart and push forward, I don't care what happen to me as long as this help me protect everyone." Hibiki said as she stood up tall.

"Naïve...naïve! I won't lose to an idiot like you!" Chris shout out, struggling to pull herself up.

"Stop it please, if you force yourself like that your body will..."

"Shut up! As if something like this will put down Yukine Chris! I didn't go through that bastard punishment for naught!" Chris yelled out.

The white haired girl, with a show of will, forced her body to stood up, ignoring the scream of pain from her muscle, bones, everything.

"Yukine...Chris..." Hibiki said testing out the name before once more smile softly at the white haired girl. "I see so Chris-chan then."

"That is! I'm wiping that damn smile off your face, seeing idiot like you who know nothing smiling like that just piss me off!" Chris roared.

In a fluid movement she used the chain to grabbed a broken tree, Chris then throw it at Hibiki who once again throw her fist forward and smashed the wood to piece, as splinter of wood fly past her though, Hibiki has to widen her eyes.

Since right now she is staring face to face of the Neko Yummy, who throw a punch of it own at her forcing Hibiki to cross her arm to block the hit, this send her flying back as she crash through several tree before smashed the ground leaving a dirt trail.

End Song.

"Bastard...Who the Hell told you to interfere!?" Chris growled angrily.

She stomp toward the Yummy and give a punch to its belly, despite knowing it feel nothing nor does the hit even affect it at all.

"It would be quite bad if you get carried away. We mustn't damage the goods your master want, am I wrong? If I haven't interfere you might have go too far." Poseidon's voice go off in her head. "Well more than you already did."

"Yes because your way is certainly what 'handle with care' is referring to." Chris snap back.

The way the Yummy send Hibiki crashing to the ground was all she need as proof, how dare the Greeed judge her method given what his pawn just done?

"Like you said, the Gear can handle certain damage. use this chance to...hah too late."

His thought cut off from her just when Chris herself feel it, be it the sound of wind tearing, the pressure of an energy spike, Chris knew it was there before she has to turn her eyes to its direction

"From above!" Chris exclaimed.

She quickly roll out of the way while the bulky Yummy was too slow to react. Thus it received a full serving of Batta kick straight to it face making it roll back on it rounded body.

OOO Tatoba Combo used the impact as a sprint and leap backward to where Hibiki is, who shaking her head with a groan as she try to stand up. OOO instantly grabbed her and dash to the denser, not yet destroyed part of the forest, resulting a shout of profanity from Chris.

Behind one of the bushes, OOO decide it time to shake Hibiki back up.

"Hibiki-chan, how many fingers I am holding?" OOO asked in concern.

The Gungnir User groggily looking at the Rider who raising two digits.

"Silly Eiji, your finger suppose to be on your hand." Yeah it best if he give her a minute. Finally the girl shook out of her daze, her expression now turn to one of panic. "Ah! Eiji-kun! Why aren't you..."

Whatever she about to said die in her throat when OOO put a finger to his lips.

"Shhh." Remembering their position of hiding, Hibiki fought down the urge to shout. OOO chuckled as he explain. "I want to see for myself, the resolve you have grab hold of, I will take care of the Yummy, while you do what you need, what you want to do."

"Geez...you are always like this Eiji-kun, what am I going to do with you?" Hibiki asked with a soft smile.

Of course that's all the moment they got, both of them instantly roll out of the way as the bush they hiding behind got crushed instantly.

Walking through the clearing, seeing Chris's murderous expression? OOO admit he feel a yelp coming from himself too.. She definitely is not in a good mood.

"Good luck Hibiki-chan." OOO thought.

"A guy who barely crawl back from death's door. I would like to see you try pulling something like the other night again, that is your equivalent of a Swan Song, isn't OOO?" Chris taunted, OOO stay silent while Hibiki can't stop flinching slightly, remembering that haunting sight. "Heh. Your silent is a good reply there, go take care of him, you can do that at least right? The brat is mine." She said to the Yummy, it didn't waste a second and launch itself forward like a cannonball. "Got to admit, he is a good kitty." Chris muttered under her breath.

With the distraction dealt with, Chris turn her gaze on Hibiki who reluctantly removed her worried gaze from OOO. The girl then also focus her gaze on Chris.

Hibiki have faith in Eiji that he can handle it, but more importantly if she want to help, Hibiki know she must do something to the one who stood in front of her. With this she decide to move to a standard stance, putting her fists up in front of her in guarding position.

"Here I come!" Hibiki declared while sprint forth.

Chris seeing this, grinned.

"Finally decide to move your fist instead of your mouth huh!?" Chris shout out in excitement.

The girl do a rotation movement with both of her arms, the whips follow her movement like a snake and sprang toward Hibiki.

"Right now the only way I can make you listen is to hold you down! I can't just stand and watch anymore while my friends are fighting, sorry!" Hibiki shout back in response.

The cream haired girl backhanded one of the chain away with her gauntlet, her right hand shot out and wrapped the other chain around her, with a strong pull she easily overpowered Chris and pull the white haired girl toward her.

"I only interest in hearing you scream in pain!" Chris roared as she follow the momentum and knee strike Hibiki, who crossed her arms to block. However this give the white haired girl a chance to wrap her chains around Hibiki's waist. "You like my chain so much I can give you the whole set." The white haired girl grinned as she send a pulse of energy that shocked Hibiki, who let out a pained grunt. "If you think just because you are more of a brute than me and can act all mighty, now you know how it cost you." Chris said coldly.

The Nehustan User then wrapped the chain around her fist before proceed to slug Hibiki across the face with it repeatedly, the first few strike make Hibiki lose all focus, her mind is in daze for a split second before the pain quickly followed. The girl wobbled on her feet before she slumped down, this opened her up for a high kick from Chris, sending Hibiki airborne before crash down few feet away.

"She is so strong. She was able to hold herself against Tsubasa-san! Compare to both of their experience and skills, my strength alone can't close the gap." Hibiki thought, wincing from the lingering pain, while trying to pick herself up. "But not yet. Definitely not yet! I'm not aiming to defeat her! I just want a chance for us to talk! Kanade-san! Gungnir! I definitely can't fail!"

With that thought in mind, the Gungnir User calmed her breath as she stood up and gaze determined at Chris who growled.

"The one who want the rough treatment is you little brat, if you so tough, this should be enough to not kill you, if it did it mean you not worth it." Chris said.

The girl swung the chair in circle above her as the same time the tip of the chain created an orb of energy, an attack Hibiki saw before and know how devastating it can be.

NIRVANA GERDON!

Hibiki can feel the powerful pressure from the energy orb before it even reach her, surely if she can't get her Gungnir to work, she will die!

And it is this split second of life and death that Hibiki has a epiphany of a sort so to said.

She has always wondered, why is it that despite how hard she try an Armed Gear never come? Then Tsubasa's words rang back in her mind, perhaps Hibiki has realized it herself as well. But in truth as much as she want to protect other from the Noises, the idea of wielding a weapons in her hand have always feel foreign to the girl. She does not detest other from using it, her friends have show how one can use a weapon to protect. But Hibiki can't trust herself to make that decision, maybe doesn't even want to. Wielding a weapons, hurting other, giving them the same pain she went through, it seems that has been the subconscious fear that Hibiki has.

It might be akin to the thought of someone has when they trust a policeman or guards carrying a firearms, but afraid if they themselves hold it, a misfire would happen.

Now that she has realize the mindset she has, perhaps if she address it with her friends and comrades, in time she will be able to settle the thought better. But now, in this instance, Hibiki doesn't has such luxury. So instead she need to find a different answers, an answer that is fitting for Tachibana Hibiki as she is now. And in her mind, she heard the response from Gungnir.

"Thank you, for following my selfish wish." Hibiki whispered gratefully.

The girl put both her hands forward, just in time to catch the energy orb as it crash down at her destroying the spot she stood on.

From other side Chris clicked her tongue despite what she said she wonder if she go overboard a bit, to expect that brat to survive this without knowing anything about her Relic yet might be impossible anyway. However her thought were all gone in replace of pure shock when the orb of energy instead of completely crashed to the spot actually a few feet above the ground, like something...or someone is keeping it from moving forward. As the same time steam and wave of energy pulsed from that spot.

"No goddamn way." Chris muttered in disbelief.

Replay: Gekisou no Gungnir.

On other side, both of Hibiki palms pushing toward the orb of destruction. Her gauntlets release mechanical noise as part of it pulled back to her shoulder, this seems to increase the strength and defense of her palms. Thus Hibiki only wince in pain despite the constant buzz of energy clashing against her hands instead of losing both of her arms completely. With one palm struggling to hold it in place Hibiki cock back her right fist, before punch it forward. As the same time the right gauntlet part that was pulled back automatically slam back to the rest of the gauntlet, power up the Gungnir's User punch even mor.

Thus when her strike connected, it send a shock wave around hundred feet and more before the punch destroyed the energy orb with the backlash energy felt clearly by Chris herself, sending her skidding back as some of the debris and dust hit her. Feeling only insult and anger instead of any real pain or damage, the white haired girl let out a growl as she glare at Hibiki who only look at her in worry.

"Chris-chan you alright?" Hibiki asked in concern.

"Enough already...How dare you make fun of me like that!? A weakling who know nothing like you dare to mess around with me...I will just pump you full of hole!" Chris roared.

The girl whole body shined before an energy orb covered her, an energy orb Hibiki all to familiar with whenever she activate her Symphogear.

End Song.

While Hibiki and Chris were engaged in battle the same thing happened for OOO and the Neko Yummy, so far OOO have seen nothing different yet about this Yummy, while it strength and durability have increased somewhat the overall difference in speed and agility are still a good advantage the Rider has. Even in his state with the Tatoba Combo, OOO sure he can finish this thing up quickly without straining his body too much. As he somersault over the chubby Yummy's attempt to swing it claw at him, OOO also deliver a quick Batta charged kick while he was above the Yummy during his roll. The impact knock the Yummy making it stumble forward, as he land to his feet OOO quickly leap for a back kick at the back of the Yummy further push it to the ground as it fall flat on it stomach.

OOO seeing the good chance take out Medajalibur and loaded three Cell Medals to the sword as he swipe through it.

[TRIPPLE SCANNING CHARGE!]

"Seiyah!"

OOO swung his sword at the downed Yummy, the attack would caught the monster and cut it to half.

Or at least it should have.

Instead, right before the hint connect, the Yummy rolled to itself and somehow, transformed into a ball with the same size and color scheme of the Yummy. Then like a beach ball, bounced itself above the OOO Bash, the attack cutting the space where the Yummy used to be. Not expecting such an evasive maneuver, OOO hastily brought his sword up as the Yummy bounce right at him. The impact was so strong a shock wave with the color of the Noises can clearly be seen, pushing OOO back and send him crashing through several tree. The force of the Yummy relent, resulted in OOO who rolled to the ground with a pained grunt.

The Yummy untangled itself to its humanoid form leaping for a claw slash but OOO blocked the swipe with a sword swing before give it a straight kick, but it quickly morphed back to the ball form and bounced out of the way.

"Ouch, it definitely learnt some new trick." OOO muttered in midst of grunting.

The Yummy in his memory that slow and yet durable have now become a fast yet durable opponent, just great.

The Yummy ball bounce around a few trees increase it momentum, cracking said trees as a result. Beside the increasing speed, this also make OOO unable to predict the Yummy's movement trajectory. Few times he manage to roll out of the way when it seems to come too close to him, however eventually it crashed to the ground with enough force to make a fissure. This caused OOO to stumbled, it was this moment the Yummy bounced up and hit OOO squarely in the chest knocking the wind out of him while also make the Rider fall on his back, the ground beneath him cracked from the force of the hit.

"Kuh! It bounce like a tennis ball yet hit like a cannonball." OOO thought in alarm.

The Medal Rider try to stood up but the aching of his body from both the old and the new wounds isn't helping the case. That also when OOO noticed Chris is singing, of course he also surprised since he already understand what it mean.

"Killiter Ichaival tron."

The lyrics she sang sound so begrudging and sad at the same time, such is what OOO noted. However he instantly have to move in when the light orb shielded Chris disperse and the Nehustan armor fragments shot out from it.

"She just like us!?" Hibiki squealed in surprise.

The girl rolled away, dodging the fragments, they destroyed the ground when they hit. OOO managed to deflected some with his Medaljalibur.


"Impossible! Not only Nehustan but also Ichaival?" Genjuro narrowed his eyes. "For those two Relics to be in the same hand of the one able to control the Noises."

"Something definitely at work here." Aoi said, glancing worriedly at the screen.

"Hibiki-chan just only learn how to use the Gungnir too, Hino-kun is still wounded and the Yummy he fought is powerful, this situation is dire." Sakuya said.

"True but Eiji-kun haven't disappoint us yet, he is a like a jack in the box, I have a feeling that he will pull through, and my intuition never wrong." Ryoko said winked at Genjuro who cant help but twitch his eyes. "Also the unnatural strength of Gungnir in the hand of Hibiki." She whispered the last part to herself.


Playing Makyui Ichaival.

Two things caught the duo attention, first of, is it really a surprise the song give off a rock vibe?

Second, that's way too much firepower. Is what can describe the Armed Gear of Yukine Chris, Ichaival. Without waiting for the barrage of armor to end, the white haired girl pull out a pair of chain guns with each hand holding one as it was connected to both of her side.

BILLION MAIDEN!

The second the chain guns start to rotate, OOO already tackled Hibiki to dodge the line of fire fly through their head. With no time to pause, the duo hastily get to their feet and start running with said line of fire chasing after time.

OOO quickly stabbed Medajalibur to the ground and pull it up ripping a slab of ground with it momentarily blocking some of the shot, but it won't hold for long.

"Hibiki-chan punch forward please!" OOO shouted.

However before the slab can be destroy completely by the bullet, Hibiki do it herself by following OOO's words. The punch destroy the slab of ground blasting dust and debris everywhere, momentarily hindered Chris's line of vision. The girl gritted her teeth, as she about to fire again OOO sprint through the smoke, striking the Medaljlabur upward hitting the barrels of the gun. This imbalanced Chris, making her stumbled. The Rider used this chance to push her down.

"Please calm down, none of us want to be your enemies." OOO pleaded.

End Song.

"Be quiet! You liars who act high and mighty, hiding behind the powers you have more than other! Who do you think you are!? You know nothing about me!"

Chris struggled thrashed, the fact there is a man so close to her brought back a series of traumatized memories the white haired girl want to bur- no, want to erase completely.

"I know, Hibiki-chan also know. You are someone who we could reach our hand out to help." OOO said.

"You disgusting pig get off me! First you all make me sing the song I hate now you dare to touch me!? Let go!" Chris screamed.

The girl tried to move her chain guns but her hand is held tight by OOO, he try to avoid hurting the girl as best as he can.

"Her reaction...she really terrified! What have happened to her?" OOO thought in concern, slightly loosened his grip.

This created a window of moment for Chris to push her feet up and kicked the Rider back. And it also when the Neko Yummy slammed on to OOO from above, knocking the wind out of him. The Yummy then bounced away, Chris use this chance to bring out a pair of crossbows loaded with red energy arrows which she unleashed on OOO.

"How dare you touch me!?" Chris shouted in rage, not once relent on her barrage.

The gunslinger was about to summoned her chain guns again, however before she can Hibiki rush forward. And in a movement that surprise both Chris and OOO, she punched Chris at the abdomen pushing her back.

"I'm sorry, but please don't harm Eiji-kun! he just trying to help you." Hibiki said with a torn expression.

At that moment the fat cat monster bounced at the cream haired girl, who in retaliate throw another punch. Of course given this time it a Yummy, there is no hesitation for Hibiki. However the beast shifted back to humanoid form, dodging the punch while swinging it claw down at her. Hibiki grit her teeth as her forearm is scratched, she didn't expect such a heavy looking cat can still be so flexible. The girl quickly dive in behind the Yummy before stood up and throw a punch at the back of the cat monster, the strike hit true and one can see the shockwave vibrated across the Yummy's body. However it thick body allowed the Neko Yummy to tank this hit, doesn't mean it didn't damage the monster. So in retaliation it swatted at Hibiki, throwing her back.

Meanwhile, OOO still have one knee on the ground and having trouble standing up.

"Hah...Hah...Hah...My body can't hang on longer, if I use Sagohzo or Ratatorah I could catch up or overpower it but I doubt I can use them."

Suddenly, OOO remember there is one Combo he can use in this situation.

"Right there is that eh?" OOO said between heavy pant.

The Rider reach out his arm, caught Hibiki mid-flight and hold her in place, the girl didn't have to suffer from any impact damage.

"Eiji-kun, the Yummy is tough, then there also Chris-chan constantly firing at us. We are in a pinch aren't we?" Hibiki asked in worry.

"Yeah." OOO nodded. "But this pinch I will turn it around." OOO said confidently despite his exhausted tone.

Suddenly he found Hibiki latching onto his right hand with a worried gaze.

"Are you trying to use a Combo? No! I won't let you! Your body won't last!" Hibiki exclaimed.

"If it so troublesome then surrender yourself and I will let him live for another day." Chris said.

The white haired girl aiming her chain guns at the two of them with the Yummy sharpened claw look ready to skewer something, indeed it paint a disadvantage picture for the Rider and the Gungnir User. But before Hibiki can reply, OOO gripped her hand in return.

"She is my dear customer, I don't want to lose her, nor do I want to lose my friend. So sorry but I have to decline." OOO said leaving no room for argument, he then turned to Hibiki. "You should know how I stubborn about letting go of the hand I can reach." OOO said.

Hibiki looked at the Rider in surprise before smiling softly.

"Of course I know. It is one of many thing I really like about Eiji-kun." Hibiki said.

"How sweet, that will do for farewell words right?" Chris snarled.

The Yummy rush forward OOO, transform to it ball form, this time spikes formed from the Noises covered it body. Chris also bring out her chain guns again for one of her signature attack.

BILLION MAIDENS.

"This is a promise between us not farewell words." OOO said as he already slipped three different Core Medals.

Just in time as the bullets strike the spot where the Rider stood, covering the area in an explosion.

"The Yummy will grab the brat out of OOO's death hand." Chris said confidently looking at the smoke and fire. Until said Yummy repelled out of the smoke blasting pass her, missing the girl only for a few feet. "What?" She asked, stunned.

[COBRA-KAME-WANI! BURAKAWANI!]

Playing Kamen Rider OOO Burakawani Combo BGM.

The announcement come with hissing sounds of a snake, no not just one. The sound is so loud, for a moment Chris and the Yummy actually startled. It like right at this moment, a giant serpent have encircled the entire forest, watching its prey.

The smoke finally cleared, revealing OOO and Hibiki covered in dome of orange energy that fashioned after turtle shell. OOO now clad in the only Combo that doesn't effect him in stamina due to its special characteristic, the Orange or one could call Reptile Combo.

"What the hell? You can't fight back so you become a freaking turtle and hide in your shell!?" Chris said, her confidence quickly returning.

"Well there is Cobra and Crocodile?" OOO asked.

"Beside turtle the other two spook me." Hibiki said with a shiver, before looking at OOO in worry. "But are you really alright Eiji-kun?"

OOO nodded in response, and he isn't lying, Hibiki can see he really is fine if not more relaxed the moment he switched to this armor.

"One of the passive ability I got from this Combo is Soma Venom, a substance that constantly heal my wounds and strengthen my muscle." OOO explained.

"That's so useful!...Why didn't you use it more then?" Hibiki asked, tilting her head.

OOO gain a sheepish look at this, not that anyone can tell because of the mask.

"Well you see..."

Before OOO can admit to his fear, he was interrupted by the white haired girl.

"Kuh! It a bluff, you can't recover that quick yet. Oi! Pick yourself up! We will penetrate that little shell of his!" Chris barked out.

Hearing this, the Yummy stood up, rush forward and repeatedly swipe it claw at the dome trying to break it down. While Chris herself pull out another arsenal as she dismiss her chain guns, the round part of her waist armor open on both side reveal.

MEGADETH PARTY!

"Uhm...that's a lot of missile." Hibiki point out nervously.

But, that was the response OOO expected, there is a reason he purposefully letting Chris hear him too when he explain the Combo's ability after all. The Rider whispered, this time low enough for only Hibiki to hear, the girl blinked twice before nodded.

The Yummy turned back to it spiked ball mode and grind against the barrier while the missiles head straight at the duo.

But before it reach them OOO opened two side of the barrier allowing him and Hibiki roll out of it, then the side that the Yummy was grinding again suddenly disappeared. The moment the Yummy stumbled inside the barrier, OOO instantly close it back sealing the Yummy inside. The monster clearly didn't caught up with the situation, it turned back to its humanoid form with confused gesture. However Chris already realized what's OOO planning but it was too late to stop her attack, and sure enough the missiles strike the barrier with the Yummy inside of it. Of course, OOO dismissed the barrier completely the moment the missiles hit.

"Gotcha! Sorry Chris-chan!" As the same time Hibiki already slipped Chris and using her superior strength to hold down the white haired girl, not to mention the girl herself is still a bit winded after unleash a powerful attack. "Now Eiji-kun!" The cream haired girl shouted out.

In response, OOO nodded, slammed his shields together. This created a squared barrier around Hibiki and Chris, the cream haired girl leaped back just before the barrier closed completely. The room is just enough for Chris to stand inside of it, the tight space didn't give her chance pull out her chain guns and it foolish to try and use missile on this tight space. After all, the white haired girl admit not knowing if her firepower can to penetrate the shield completely so she can leap out before the explosions engulf her as well.

It time like this, Chris admittedly regret her hesitation of practing her true Gear more.

With Chris incapacitate for moment OOO swiftly take out Burahngi and played a tune on it, in response the Cappello Brush is released from the Cobra helmet. In other words, to those who watching, OOO just have a giant snake come out from the top of his head. Said snake chomp on the Yummy, who tried to defense itself, but the biting of the powerful snake tear through the attempt and bite off part of the spikes from the Neko Yummy before throw it to the ground.

"He summoned a snake from his head." Hibiki commented with a sweat-drop.

Not missing the chance OOO take out the OOO Scanner and swiped it.

[SCANNING CHARGE!]

"Seiyah!" OOO skid feet first toward the downed Yummy like a snake before his leg covered in orange energy crocodile head, three rings of the energy sharing the same color appeared in front of the Rider. As he pass through them the crocodile head become bigger and bigger, with one cross swing of both his feet it chomp and bite through the Yummy as it crackle in energy and static before exploded to rain of Cell Medals while OOO crouched to a stance. "Hah...now I need another meals then a nap." He said tiredly.

End BGM.

As the Rider stood up, he tensed before quickly turn toward Hibiki. He about to shout some warnings to the girl, but the words die in his throat when he realize the futility of it.

Hibiki is frozen in her spot, her eyes widened and sweat can be seen dripping down her face. The girl have a shocked expression, because standing in front of her is Poseidon with his index finger lifting her chin up and gaze at her eyes like someone who appraising an art piece, to decide if it worth a penny or not. Even for a novice like Hibiki, who just learn the basic of handling Gungnir, she can feel the overwhelming presence of Poseidon. And it is absolutely crushing, it make her feel like the existence in front of her can make everything disappear if he so wish.

"Not bad at all little girl, your desire, your strength. It could use more work but...how do you human put it? Diamond in a rough right?" Poseidon commented and seems even more delight when Hibiki reel in her fear and stare at him in defiant. The girl aim for a punch which he caught easily while smirking, with the same ease he also avoided a snake strike from OOO. The Rider use this chance to rush toward Hibiki and stood in front of her protectively. "You have something quite interesting by your side there, OOO. Watch her closely, you don't want to be in that spot again right? Stood there uselessly scream in vain to those you failed." Poseidon said, his tone make it obviously he is grinning.

OOO of course, is riled up when Poseidon considered Hibiki to be 'something'. But the Greeed paid it no heed, right now the Rider in front of him isn't even a fraction of the one who once bested the Greeed Rider.

Instead, Poseidon look at the growling Chris. The hybrid sighed at her pride, but he get to see what interested Fine so much. With a tap of his Harpoon it slowly drill through the barrier before he rip it out, breaking the barrier completely much to Hibiki's surprise.

"Eiji-kun barrier...so easily." Hibiki said.

"You have your fun Little Lady and you did good, I have seen what I need. Fine will surely be proud." Poseidon said.

For a moment, Chris can't help herself, a small smile of happiness bloom on her face. But the moment she realize the stares she got from OOO and Hibiki, it quickly giveaway to her scowl again.

"I lost, I admit that." Chris said as she close her eyes. "But only this battle, not the war itself." She said with determination burn in her gaze.

Poseidon snap his finger as torrent of water rotate around them, before it disappeared along with those it wrapped up.

After a few minutes of silence, it seems the battle for today have indeed concluded. Eiji and Hibiki canceled their respective transformation while both let out a sigh of relieve, the duo slump down with their back to each other.

"Sorry I froze during important moment...is that Poseidon?" Hibiki asked hesitantly.

Eiji nodded.

"Yes but forget such thought Hibiki, I have seen your resolve. You are amazing, Amou-kun would be proud." Eiji said with a smile.

"Really?" Hibiki brighten up before her smile dimmed a bit. "I'm glad. But Chris-chan..."

"She will come looking for us again, that also mean we can have a chance to talk to her again...if we can avoid her wrath." Eiji chuckled.

"So many, many bullet and explosion." Hibiki muttered with a shiver. "Eh? Eiji-kun what are you doing?"

She only saw him fidget something with his back turned to her, before a sound of a flapping wing can be heard?

"Nothing much, just want to show Tsubasa-chan something." Eiji said with a grin before it turned to a frown. "Ah! I forgot about the Cell Medals! Oh no, Ankh will chew me out." He muttered in distressed look.

Sure enough, the spot where the Cell Medals used to be after the Neko Yummy was destroyed is now empty.


Meanwhile laying back to her pillow letting out a sigh after watching everything the Taka Candroid recorded then transfer to the one dropped to her by Ankh, she can't help but smiled at the recklessness, naivety yet passionate spirit of Tachibana Hibiki.

"Really...so alike yet so different, they are all such troublesome protectors. Guess I can't afford to fall behind now." Tsubasa whispered with a calm smile.


At the 2nd Division, just because the fight is over, doesn't mean it over yet for the staffs here.

"Well...that was fun." Fujikata Sakuya said dryly. "Anyone else can't wait for lunch?" He asked.

Tomosato Aoi let out a a sigh half relieved, half exasperated.

"No use trying to escape from work now, honestly I can't believe that...thing, just left like that." Aoi said with a bit of shiver in her voice.

Around them, the machine is descending into chaos.

"Ahahahaha, look! Look! Genjuro-kun, that thing is so crazy that our machine is going haywire just trying to detect it." Ryoko said with a smile that is too bright for the situation.

"At least someone is enjoying this." Sakuya said with a groan.

"Still, this mean our equipment can now detect the energy of these Core Medals." Genjuro said taking another glance at the technology chaos around him before letting out a sigh. "Though our department might have done too good of a job, they are too sensitive to the energy."

"Nah, our equipment calibrate set just right. The reaction it give toward the Yummy is within expectation." Ryoko wave off Genjuro concern with a smile. "It just mean that thing just now is a class all of it own."

"But really, recklessness is contaminate right? We have to put Eiji-kun back to his room." Aoi said with tired sigh.

"Would he just sneak out when something happen again?"

"I would personally watch over the room if I could, he need rest after this anyway." Shinji said as he walk into the room. "Commander, this time Ichaival also appeared, but sadly no way of keeping track with Poseidon." He said with a grim look.

"A terrifying being with a fitting name." Ryoko commented as she look at the record of his appearance. "Eiji-kun and Ankh-kun need to hurry up and get back to their ace game." She said with a lazy grin.


With that both Hibiki and Eiji support each other return meanwhile another face occur to Hibiki, her friend Miku.

"Miku-chan saw me transform." Hibiki said with saddened tone

"I see...you must have done it to protect her, for now let's return she has been brought back to the Division already." Eiji said.

Hibiki nodded relieve to hear her friend is safe.

Meanwhile Miku herself surround by men in black suit and glass lead her through the hallway of Division while occasionally glancing at the unbelievable construction that been under the school all this time, she keep her thought on one thing.

"Nothing hidden between two of us..." Miku muttered with a saddened look.


"Hah..." Hibiki sighed, probably the tenth within the hour.

But of course a much more prioritized thought is lingering in the girl's mind right now.

It have been about two hours since the clash against Chris, the Yummy and encounter Poseidon. After they come back, Eiji have been instantly dragged back to his room despite his weak attempt to placate the ire of the nurses and doctor who in charge of him.

Such humorous sight only help to relieve the cream haired girl's mind for few minutes before her thought go back to Miku. Genjuro have assured her that Miku have been informed of the basic of what happening, since the cat is out of the bag the best solution the 2nd Division do is to make sure Miku understand the scale of the situation along with the vow of secrecy to keep quiet of what she witnessed. The 2nd Division have the right to monitor the involved citizen for a duration of time to ensure the secrecy is kept.

Though Genjuro once more assured her Miku wont be given such treatment, he himself doesn't want to intrude on the life of other and most of the time this is just empty line to make sure the citizen keep quiet. The whole 'line of men dressed in black that so obviously belong to branch of government' is also to install this idea to the citizen's mind, so they won't carelessly reveal what they know. With Miku of course it will be an even more special case, she know letting this secret out will make Hibiki's life in trouble so no doubt she will keep quiet.

"That's right, Miku always look after me, but I tried to look after her too." Hibiki thought to herself reassuringly but it failed instantly with the next thought. "By lying to her." This make her frown return deeper than before, it also didn't help the fact she already stand in front of her and Miku room. "I have manage to steel my resolve involving Noises and Symphogear, I can do this..." She thought momentarily before her expression faltered. "...Probably."

With one last sigh, Hibiki opened the door.

"Miku-chan, I'm back."

The cream haired girl tried to sound as cheerful, upbeat just like how it always it between them and hope she would at least get a semblance of a response similar to how a cheerful Miku greet her.

"Just remember the homework assignment is due tomorrow. And don't worry, what you can't said have been told to me by other. I know my position, you just do what you have to do."

The response she received in return though, is so stale and blank that it make Hibiki feel like for a moment this room she walk in is not the same room she share with her teammate anymore despite nothing changed. Yet Hibiki still walk in, though her gaze unable to meet Miku. The cream haired girl just fall to her bed once last tired sigh, closed her eyes and hope when she open it again, everything will be back to how she remember it.

Looking at Hibiki tired form, Miku chew her lips as her eyes glistened with tears that she quietly wipe away.

"The first day she start to return with this tired expression is when she first have to fight. I understand what happening but Hibiki, we would share any burdens we have between each other, isn't that what we promised?"

With one feel distanced, and the other don't know if her frustration is to herself or to her friend, the usually cheerful dorm room passed the night quietly without a word pass between the two occupants.


Next Time Kamen Rider OOO: Song of Desire

The Unexpected Encounter!

"Seriously. How goddamn pathetic you bastard can be?"

The question asked by the silver haired girl in front of a group of man surrounding another girl.

Mirrored Feelings?

"Isn't it worth it? To understand the reason they have for doing what they do, maybe that person don't like it anymore than you." Chris said with a confused expression.

The Complex Feelings One Have for those They Cherish.

"For that goal, we both prepared ourselves, no matter what we will success."

The scene show a blood soaked Poseidon with an ecstatic grin as he held a chip between his index and middle finger.

Unspoken Bonds! Lost Feelings! And Looming Challenge!