Chapter 9: Unspoken Bonds! Lost Feelings! And Looming Danger!
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.
A new day is starting, it have just been an hour or so since the sun fully show itself.
"Genjuro-san!" Tachibana Hibiki called out.
"Oh? What's up Hibiki-kun? I didn't expect to get a visit from you?" Kazanari Genjuro said.
After all, he know right now thing must be awkward for the girl and her friend.
"The truth is...Can you teach me how to fight for real?" Hibiki asked.
Yeah, definitely didn't expect this after what happened.
"Hm...Can I ask first, are you sure this is what you want to do right now?" That's all Genjuro ask with no specification.
"Uhm, I am sure." Hibiki nodded, with no hesitation.
Of course she know what Genjuro mean, but right now there is nothing Hibiki can do with Miku. They both need times, so instead the girl decide to work on improvement for herself.
"Alright then, just once more questions." Genjuro asked with steeled glint, Hibiki once again nodded with determination. "Do you have a favorite martial arts movie?"
"...Pardon?"
Opening: Synchrogazer.
Cover Image: Kihunata Miku hold her hand together with a saddened expression, next to her is Yukine Chris, crossing her arms with a scowl.
"Hah, fresh air and freedom." Eiji said with a blissful smile as he stretch out his arms, walking out of the hospital. The discharge was given to him after few more days of observations and no problem arise. "Guess have to thank you for that." He said as he grabbed his chest feeling the familiar pulse of energy. "Though didn't thing escalate to this point in the first place all because of you anyway?" He asked himself with a tilt of his head.
"Keep spacing out like that and soon you will find yourself walk back in there." Ankh said to Eiji as he appeared while jerking his thumb at the hospital. "This time probably with lots of force and a straight jacket wrapped around you." He snorted.
"Ankh, if people think I am crazy I would go to an asylum, this is a hospital." Eiji said with a frown.
"That's the part you decide to correct me, of course." Ankh said with a tired voice. "I need some ice cream." He said looking around.
"Since when you don't need ice cream." Eiji said, despite his exasperated tone, he still look as well. "I remember there is a stand at the street near here."
"Eiji-kun, the doctor released you already?" Hibiki's voice call out gaining his attention, he can see the girl make her way to him, still in her school uniform. "Or did you sneak out?" She asked with a disapproving look.
"No, I convinced them that I am fine." Eiji said with a crooked smile.
He wonder just what sort of image Hibiki have about him now.
"Really?" Hibiki asked.
"Why do you sound so unconvinced?"
Now Eiji really, really want to know the image she has of him.
"The kid is learning, good for her. It will save her more headaches she will have dealing with you." Ankh remarked. "Now to what is truly matter right now." He said float ahead to the ice cream stand.
"Sometimes you are too single-minded you know that?" Eiji mumbled with a sigh. "Hibiki-chan, want to eat ice cream with us?"
A nod and few minutes later Ankh have a bar of chocolate ice cream, Hibiki go for pineapple and Eiji pick a green tea flavor.
"Eiji-kun, is Tsubasa-san also getting discharged soon?" Hibiki asked.
"The surgery have been deemed success and there will be no lasting damage. They should discharge Tsubasa-chan soon, they want to give it a few more days for her surgery wounds to be healed under Doctor's watches. The Doctor also want her to use this chance to relax and don't be stressed by her school, idol or Noises activities." Eiji said, Hibiki nodded in understanding. After all, beside the idol business she know just how tiresome the other two can be. "Though...I think she getting a bit to worked up right now." He said with a strained chuckle.
"Uhm...isn't Tsubasa-san like to be like that most of the time?" Hibiki said.
"Well for this particular case it meant to help her relax but..." Eiji said, leaving his words hanging.
"Eiji-kun what did you do?" Hibiki asked with a frown.
Really, Hino Eiji might be the only person making the girl feel older than she should be.
"Uhm...you know Fruit Ninja right?" He asked curiously, the cream haired girl nodded. "I think Tsubasa-chan might like the game and it could help her relax, at first she did have fun with it but then she start to see the score board online, and when she saw how lacking her score compare to the top players..."
(Flash Back)
"How shameful, clearly my skill still not up enough, as the protector of humanity this is unacceptable." Kazanari Tsubasa said, her tone full of regret and shame in them, while clenching her fist. "Clearly I need to improve myself!" She exclaimed with blue flame ignited in her eyes.
Behind her, Eiji didn't know how but he swore he could actually see it, the dramatic drawing of Susano wielding Ame no Habakiri with thunderstorm booming for a moment.
"But Tsubasa-chan, you are suppose to rest and relax right now. that was part of the reason I show you the game." Eiji point out with concern, and maybe a tidbit of amusement. "Also this is just a game about cutting up fruit." He also feel the need to point that out.
"Indeed, to complete this training while able to relax and keep my cool, treat it like a game, I see now." Tsubasa said to herself with a look of realization, she turn to Eiji with a confident expression and a grateful smile. "Thanks Hino-san."
"Ah...sure?"
(Flash Back End)
"So is she still playing the game right now?" Hibiki asked with a curious expression, Eiji nodded with his expression sheepish. Before he leave he has checked on the blue haired idol, with words of greeting exchanged he can clearly see the charging device next to her showing the game. "Can one get stress from playing game?" She asking putting her index finger to her chin.
"Only if one spend too much time continuously into it without break, but Tsubasa-chan is one with control." Eiji said with a twitched smile.
At least, he want to believe the girl is.
"I suppose you right." Meanwhile, Hibiki just agreed, while eating her ice cream, the duo sat in silent as Eiji smile become more and more forced. "I will check on her later myself." She said with a knowing sigh and smile.
"Ah, thanks Hibiki-chan. Genjuro-san probably wouldn't be happy if his niece stressed out because of a game out of all thing." Eiji has no doubt the man muscle isn't just for show. The cream haired girl hearing this giggled while Eiji look sheepish. "I messed up, my bad."
"It fine, it does make me see what Miku trying to tell me about myself sometimes."
The memory of Miku sometimes in fake annoyed tone told her how she try too hard to help other come to Hibiki's mind, but with it also remind her of their situation right now. Two days already and nothing seems to change yet, Miku and her barely talk outside of necessity, other than that is like there is an invisible wall between them.
Seeing the young girl halted in her eating and stare down the ground with an obvious somber mood, Eiji grew concerned.
"Hibiki-chan, something wrong?" Eiji asked as Hibiki look up at him and seems hesitated to speak, he himself try to think what could upset the girl like this when he remembered. "Miku-chan, how did she react to what happened to you?" He asked.
And seeing Hibiki flinched was all the answer he need.
"She isn't wrong to feel upset, you know? It simple really, if it was reverse I wouldn't be happy knowing Miku hid such a secret from me." Hibiki said staring at her dripping ice cream as she brought her knee to her chest.
Eiji munch on his ice cream while looking at her, Ankh himself is blissfully enjoying his and didn't seems to listen.
"But you wouldn't be upset with her forever would you?" Eiji asked, Hibiki glance at him before look back at her ice cream stick and nodded hesitantly. "Then I think the same would be for Miku, give her time, you can see this isn't something one can just take in easily."
"You are probably right..." Hibiki mused a bit more uplift in her mood now. "Thanks Eiji-kun, I guess I needed to hear that." Hibiki's eyes suddenly lit up in curiosity. "Said, with how experienced you are, things must go pretty well for you when you first become OOO right?"
"Eh? I mean...I suppose you can said that?" Eiji said hesitantly.
Of course it is this moment that Eiji's minds recall all the screw ups he has when he first got the OOO Driver. Sure, it not like Eiji have a clean win record nowadays, Riders rarely pick on a fight with opponent below their 'weight classes' after all, if anything their foes just get more and more ridiculous. But that doesn't mean Eiji didn't inwardly cringe, remembering some of the mistakes he make that now he look back, Eiji wonder how could he has been so oblivious to them.
"Great, I can't wait to hear more about it from you!" Hibiki said with a grin. "But first..." She said, turning toward her ice cream.
The girl take a large bite and chomp down the ice cream bar instantly finish it in seconds.
"Oi! That's a wrong! You have to thoroughly enjoy the flavor before go for the finishing bite!"
Ankh's wisdom of the way of eating ice cream was sadly ignored.
"Muu...brain freeze..." Hibiki said clutching her head before stand upright. "Yosh! Thanks for this Eiji-kun! I will go check on Tsubasa-san now! See you at the Sunflower soon, and no pushing yourself got it!?"
With those parting words Hibiki sprint to the hospital.
Eiji waved with a chuckle, now that's more like the Hibiki he used to.
"How envious, such energy is the wonder of being young huh?" Genjuro commented, walking out the tree near them.
"Genjuro-san, good morning." Eiji greeted.
"Morning, I just finished visiting Tsubasa, thanks for the game by the way, it refreshing to finally see her spend her concentration on something beside training once in a while. Usually it either training on stage or for battle. Though I guess even in game her habit catch up." Genjuro said with an amused chuckle.
"Well I'm glad you think so, I actually worry I might make her stress out in a different way." Eiji said, scratching the back of his head.
"Like I said it fine, with the game occupy her it might make her less impulsive to leave the hospital early and running around when her leg barely patch up." Genjuro said looking at the direction where Hibiki was. "Still, I expected this but for our line of work caused trouble for that girl's life..." He let out a disappointed sigh. "I really am a pathetic old man." He berated himself.
"Genjuro-san, Hibiki-chan herself is the one who decided to use the Symphogear to protect other from Noises. Whether you let her or not this would have been the path she choose." Eiji said finishing his ice cream. "Beside, spending time in the base I can see everyone look up to you, that alone show what kind of man you are." He said firmly.
"I got lucky with a good team." Genjuro said with a chuckle as he rub his head letting out a deep sigh. "Oi, Eiji-kun are your body really healed?" He asked as Eiji nodded and he grinned. "Well only one way to really confirm this, care to go with me to the 2nd Division? I have a small request if you don't mind."
Eiji look curious at first but he nodded nonetheless, thus the two make their way to the base.
"Chris. Do you have anything to said for yourself?" Fine asked with a cold tone.
The woman sat on a boss chair, staring at the pathetic form of Yukine Chris who stand there shakily.
"I...I just don't get it!" Chris snapped as she look up at Fine. "Just what need is there for that freak!? Her Gear's power is insane! Someone like that is best if be removed instead of capture!" She yelled.
But Chris instantly retracted her tone the moment she see Fine's gaze switched from calm boredom to a heated glare.
"I let you out of my sight for a few days and look at how insolent you have become." Fine said with a shook of her head, adopting a disappointed expression before she let out a cold smile. "Could it be you have forgotten?" She asked coyly.
And Chris know well enough what the golden haired woman is referring to. It bring Chris's mind back to the time she want to bury.
The fire, the destruction, the wasted village that isolated from the rest of the world.
Who is it that reach out for her in that Hell hole?
The terrorists who have their face hidden but she can hear the cruel laughter from them.
Who is it that take her in and show her the path to a world where beasts like that won't walk around the world again?
The cry of pain from herself and the kids who shared her fate.
Who is it given her a chance to make sure her parents didn't die for nothing?
Her parents covered in their own blood, slumping down in front of her.
Who helped her gain justice for those who dragged to the senseless conflict of those monster?
Her own cry of pain and fear.
And most importantly who given her the strength to start on the path where all of this is possible?
She hated it, that moment of weakness, when she lost everything she want to forget it but she can't, she won't she will never forget that hell she was put through because of the evil in human. Those bastard who worse than animal as they can slaughter their own race in glee, so long as they are satisfied they have no qualms of using, hurting, even kill and discard the young one who unfortunately found themselves stranded in that place. But she will also never forget, that because thanks to it, she can meet her. She meet the Savior of her life.
While she is forced to relive through that moment, Fine sit there watch in dispassionate at the crouching, shaky figure of Chris who gritting her teeth as she hold back a choke and refuse to let tear fall out.
"I'm sorry, don't abandon me. Help me correct this world, please Fine." Chris begged.
In response, the blond haired woman sighed.
"Honestly my child is such a hassle." Fine said.
But to Chris all she can heard is how Fine address her as 'her child', to Chris this bring to her a sense of joy that no praise can possibly give.
"Are the family drama over?" Poseidon voice cut in as he walk in the main hall, Chris instantly wiped her smile off her face as she turn around and give Poseidon a ticked off look. "Oh? Am I interrupting your fun of being chew out by your mistress? Apology then." He said with an amused giggle.
"I followed your damn advice, and look at that brat, she become even stronger than before!" Chris exclaimed pointing at him.
Fine arched an eyebrow hearing this.
"Chris, are you blaming him for your failure?" Fine asked testily.
Chris grit her teeth but she shook her head.
"This defeat is my fault, I lost against her because I let her aggravated me, however you!" Chris aimed a scorching glare at an amused looking Poseidon. "You knew this would happen! Admit it, you give me the fat cat just so you can see how strong is that brat going to become right?!"
"I knew you were a bright girl." Poseidon praised with a shrug before raised a finger. "But before you give so much fuss, ask your mistress, isn't this proven to her that Tachibana Hibiki is worth her trouble after all? Clashed in battle yourself you can tell her sync rate with the Symphogear are unlike anything you have seen, that is to said not many can be chosen to use these Gears in begin with." He said.
This effectively make Chris froze on her words.
It not because she disagree with Poseidon's words, but another uncomfortable feeling welling up inside her. Chris started to think what would Fine do with these information? Is this what attract her to the brat from beginning? But even if that's the case, it just to increase their fighting force right? Plus if it an all out battle with no interruption, Chris have no doubt her experience and training still make her a better Gear User than Tachibana Hibiki. She the Attuned for Ichaival after all, there is no way Fine would throw her away just like that!
"Chris, go tend to your wounds, you would do me no good return to battle with a crippled body." Fine said.
Chris simply limped away with a pale expression, still haunted by her thought and insecure.
Poseidon wait till the sound of door close is made before turn to Fine with an indifferent expression, knowing the room is soundproof and Chris isn't listening he pull out one of the chair and sit with crossed legs.
"Your way of handle your subordinate as always is too forceful, if not for her circumstances, I doubt she won't harbor murderous thought for you." Poseidon said in a gruff tone.
Fine merely giggled, a pure contrast to the stern expression she given Chris.
"You are an existence that despite all your power for battle have little to no skills of social, I am surprise you can have input for situation like this." Fine said in pure curiosity.
"I'm a chosen existence that when born already have a set of memories from my siblings, I suppose, and each of them are rather colorful in their way of living, thinking and behave." Poseidon replied, tapping his head. "Among it I remember the passive obsession from Mezool, devotion and carefree from Gamel, the impulsive from Uva, the manipulation of Kazari and the resourcefulness from Ankh." He listed off.
Among all those name, Fine recognized one.
"Is it really just observing though?" Fine thought.
"Those indeed sound like a colorful group, but are you going somewhere with this?" Fine asked casually, her tone betray no curiosity.
"They all reached their peak again at some point and they are around my level but eventually fell against OOO and his comrades." Poseidon said with an even tone.
"A warning then? I'm touch by the concern." Fine said unfazed.
"I wouldn't want my benefactor to meet an abrupt end, beside I just found a way for you to fulfill your share in this cooperation of us." Poseidon said, his eyes gleamed.
"And providing you a safe haven to hide isn't good enough? I must have been a very bad host." Fine said mockingly.
Poseidon merely snorted.
"In return isn't my info for you help you prepare for OOO? Isn't my Yummy increased your fighting force when you need? Not to mention you have a chance to take a look at the power of Core Medals? That last one by itself is a very generous move on my part if I may said, it is like how you human treat your souls, such is how Core Medals to me." Poseidon said, letting his aura briefly leak out.
Fine sighed as she waved at him, already used to this side of the Greeed.
"Fine, fine. Your type of man really stingy, woman don't like man who paid attention to small detail."
"Who ever said I am a man?" Poseidon asked rhetorically but look at the sly smile Fine have make him momentarily lose his composure. "I mean as in I am a Greeed." He growled.
"But you still have distinguish gender right?" Fine asked with a foxy smile, one that Poseidon really doesn't like. "Alright then what is it you have in mind?" She asked as the Greeed let out a sly grin as he show her a picture, seeing this Fine's eyes widened. "That...!"
"I will return it to you when I am done borrowing it, plus at the end of the day it push your plan faster too." Poseidon said as he drop the photo to the table.
If Fine was playful before, now all her attention is focus squarely on the Greeed in front of her.
"Go on."
The photo depict a spacious lab room through a looking glass, machinery and wire hooked around everywhere. Charts and numbers measuring unknown data can be show but what might attract more attention is what those machine and wire seems to be hooked up to. A rusted sword that seems to break any moment is put on the table in the middle of the room.
"The 2nd Division seems to have everything in their base." Eiji commented.
He is looking around the base training room, various exercise equipment such as jogging or bicycle machine, lift weights etc. are all available. Hino pretty sure he passed through some kind of practice range and swimming pool on his way here as well.
"This is the place for the Gear Users, or the officers themselves to practice and train, it obvious as the base for the fighter of humanity we would dedicate spaces for these kind of subject." Genjuro said with an excited smile, Eiji swear he can saw a burning spirit in his eyes. "Well then Eiji-kun, are you ready?" He asked.
Both him and Eiji are now in a middle of a big space with thin mattress lay out, a setting that one would expect for martial arts training ground.
"Ready?" Eiji asked dubiously before taking another glance around the room. "Wait..."
"You didn't think I just asked you to sight seeing the training room with me are you?" Genjuro asked with a doubtful look. "I really expect you to be more bright than that, young man."
"So you going to see if he is fully healed by try to beat him up." Ankh said with an incredulous tone. "Call me paranoid but what would you do if this might actually hurt him even more?" He asked sarcastically.
"Then we will just send him back to the hospital." Genjuro replied matter-of-factly.
"Eiji, better start counting your sins." Ankh said deadpanned.
He can already tell how Hibiki and Genjuro kick off nicely in their training what with the surprisingly similar way they act after all.
"Wait can I get a said in this?" Eiji asked hastily.
Genjuro keep his confident smile.
"Don't worry this old man rusted bone can still hold up some weight. If anything you might want to use your sword, trust me you might need it without the armor." Genjuro said as his aura flared.
Genjuro definitely misunderstood Eiji's words, he wasn't underestimating Genjuro. Rather he instantly feel it, the man in front of him definitely can't be consider normal. And this has nothing to do with his rank, rather it is the borderline superhuman pressure he exuding. Eiji sure he only feel those when he fighting foe with power level of Kaijin or other Riders.
"I hope you don't take this a wrong way, but are you really just a normal Commander?" Eiji asked with a strained smile.
The Rider know the match is inevitable, bring out his Medaljalibur.
"Just a man who love actions movies and know to always have 8 hours of good sleep." Genjuro said, Eiji's actions bring a smile to his face. "Now, let us have a fair and square duel!"
And instantly the man kicked off, launching himself toward Eiji. His leg force so powerful, Eiji already feel the wind hitting him. He barely got enough time to roll out of a straight jab by Genjuro, who quickly pivot on his foot to spun around for a side kick at Eiji. Who responded by raising his arm up to block the hit, then with a shift of said arm, Eiji fended the move away. Feeling the expectant sting from his arm from what he see of Genjuro's strength, Eiji become more alert.
At this moment whether it a rush from the battle or his own battle instinct, Hino decide to up the antic himself. He leaped back to create some distance, then closed his eyes while taking a deep breath. Now a powerful aura also start to swirl around Eiji.
"He using this chance to try that eh?" Ankh mused.
"Hoh...finally have a mind to go at it eh? However on battle every second count!" Genjuro shout out.
The Commander leap up and did a dive down kick at the younger man.
It was this moment that Eiji he snapped his eyes open, that have a purple hue surround the iris before quickly fading away.
Without hesitation Eiji throw a straight punch and intercept the kick, with it sending a big shock wave around them cracking the training ground. Genjuro narrowed his eyes before leaping back, he then landed back on the ground before quickly punching it. This send tremor around the area, making Eiji stumble for a moment letting Kazanari have a chance to rush forward. The man go for a leg sweep, making Eiji fall down. Genjuro throw down a punch aim at his face, seeing this Hino pushed the punch out of the way while using the momentum to also roll away from Genjuro. The mislead punch make a fist sized hole in the ground while Genjuro using this chance do a hand stand and pushed himself forward Eiji, aiming both his feet at him. Seeing no other choice Eiji send out both of his fists to intercept the hit.
Their aura clashed with Genjuro is pure red while Eiji is violet, this make a shock-wave blast out around the entire training ground. In the end, Eiji lose his ground and have to lean out of the way, barely avoided the kick while stumbled on the ground but he manage to recover.
"You using your power outside of your armor, isn't?" Genjuro asked in interest, taking a brief rest while dusting his shirt.
"Ah, I want to control the power flow in me even without the armor. But as you can see it still lackluster." Eiji said with a sheepish tired tone.
It was a bit a tense conversations but both Eiji and Ankh knew unless something drastic is done there is no stopping the Purple Medals to continue to bond with Eiji. But Eiji seeing this as a chance, something that Ankh doubted but can't stop it. Hino tried to seek advice from Ankh himself on how he harness his Greeed powers. Ankh have point out there is no way he can relay any useful experience to Eiji, just like one human being can't teach another how to breath. This isn't something given but rather all Greeed born with. Just because they disguise their look they are still Greeed, their power are like second nature to them if they have enough Cell or Core Medals.
Thus like the OOO armor there is only one choice for Eiji and that is practice, or be throw to battle and hope to gain some insight from it. However Eiji has't managed to find the time, he got his jobs. And when fighting the Noises, the safety of people come first. Meaning OOO always take out the beasts first, before thinking of trying anything new that could go wrong while fighting them. Thus in a sense the current situation can be view as a good opportunity for Eiji.
"That might not be the core of the issues here, you are forcefully trying to push down an enormous power from lashing out." Genjuro said with a hand to his chin. "However that might not be the way all the time, one don't force the wave on how to move when surfing yet they can still ride on it, to control it. I can see you want to use this powers but part of you are too concern what could happen to other when you use it. I suspect that's what truly hindering you from get in touch with your power, but remember in battle concerning for other without remembering oneself could lead to disastrous result." He advised with a stern tone, his carefree persona take a backstage for now. "Though this might not be the first time you heard similar lines from someone else eh?" The Commander asked with a knowing grin.
"Hah, yeah...all my friends have said something similar to a degree, I am grateful." Eiji said, panting.
He has one knee on the ground, trying to regain his breath to stood up. The exhaustion come from maintain the aura rather the fight itself. As the same time, what Genjuro has said given some pointer for Eiji to think about.
"I suppose old habit die hard?" Genjuro asked, Eiji shrugged apologetically. "Or is there more to it than just a good will? Something that push you to act like this?" He asked and narrowed his eyes, for a moment Eiji's eyes look so hollow to him. "Idle chat is over Eiji-kun, be prepare this will be nothing like my strike from before."
The red haired man inhaled while his aura keep raising, he then leap up high and let out a mighty roar while coming down on Eiji with his fist pulled back. Who has no other choice and bring up the Medaljalibur, pouring all his aura into it the blade shined dimly. Bt rather than counter, Eiji hold the side up, fully intent on taking the hit. Seeing this Genjuro narrowed his eyes but press on with his attack, the moment his punch come down the entire base shook, with dust and debris filled the training room.
"Hah, it seems the Commander is at it again." Tomosato Aoi said feeling the tremor. "You know maybe it will be good to take up his offer to spar, it will do well for your health." She idly said, typing on her computer.
"Maybe when I find life not worth living anymore." Fujitaka Sakuya replied with a deadpan expression, not taking his eyes off his own screen too. "And Ryoko-san?"
"Already on it." Aoi replied.
"Then here we go again."
Eiji now on both his knee breathing raggedly, despite this the guy have an exhausted smile as he look at the crater where Genjuro's fist landed. Hino consider himself barely managed to endure the hits but both his arms feel numb, his feet feel numb. In fact that apply to his entire body, and then there the soreness, can't forget the soreness.
"Alright, I believe you. You have completely recovered." Genjuro said with a grin while flicking his wrist, he walked out of the crater with not a speck of dust.
"Not anymore he is." Ankh commented dryly.
"Still that strength is crazy, it make that woman's strength look tame."
Ankh thought momentarily drift his memory back to the time he still use Shingo's body.
"With what he go through these small cuts are nothing right?" Genjuro asked giving a pat to Eiji making the poor guy flinched while shakily nodded. "Whelp now with that out of the way let's get out of here before..."
"GENJURO!"
Sakurai Ryoko's booming voice dwarf all the hits Genjuro himself has thrown out prior. It lack any humor or laid back tone that Eiji associate with, instead it is filled with pure rage.
"Ah crap." Genjuro eloquently said.
"I want a break." Eiji bemoaned.
"...Maybe before she come..." Cue Ryoko walk? Stomp? In. "Well, it is a good day to die." Genjuro finished quietly, in contrast with his usual boisterous voice.
It have a tone of acceptance in it, like a prisoner know his judgment is due.
"How many time do have I to tell you?" Contrast to Ryoko's loud entrance, her voice and face depict calmness beside that sick sweet smile. "Laid back on the practice ring, do you think I enjoy having to fix the the practice ring, one that is destroyed by this very base Commander, again and again huh?! That I enjoy hearing the higher up think I just try to sneak some fund for myself, since they think no normal human have the strength or in their right mind would go and destroy a training room with a size of a soccer field that many times in one month! Huh!?"
With each sentence the scientist, no wrath incarnate, stalk closer and closer. Her hair sway wildly behind her while her eyes glare daggers giving an image of nightmare, while Genjuro not so subtly shifted it so that his body is blocked by Eiji who also sweating profusely being face directly to the scientist's wrath.
Ankh, true to his loyal nature, can only do one thing.
"Ankh don't leave!" Eiji shout pointlessly in his mind.
He can only watch the disembodiment arm look an exit for itself, though can one even be surprised?
"Ryoko-kun, don't worry as the one who caused this..." Genjuro said confidently or as confident as he can right now, but the glare from Ryoko make the red haired man quickly put him behind Eiji again, much to the latter silent protest. "...Eh one of the two responsible, me and Eiji-kun will see it to ourselves to clean up the mess!" He spoke in a rushed tone.
While Eiji just whiz around and stared owlishly at the 2nd Division Commander. He then turn around and look at Ryoko who now shift her gaze to him, well what else can he do beside nodded.
"Whelp if that's the case you should have told me from beginning." Ryoko bright smile return with her angry demeanor seemingly never happen. "It nice to always keep your body up to shape right? As long as you two clean up after done playing like the big boys you are, well then I won't obstruct your work, make sure to clean everything up." Ryoko said with a closed eyes smile as she walk out of the training room, Eiji and Genjuro both release a breath they didn't even realize they holding. "Got it?" She suddenly poke her head back in and with that same demonic visage asked them one last time, seeing both of them blanch up and nodded furiously she once again revert to her bubbly persona. "Okay then, chaos boys."
"My bad for dragged you into this. Always get carried away when in training." Genjuro said sheepishly.
The man is cementing stacks of brick to one of the crack, Eiji, who is repainting the wall, just give carefree shrug.
"It fine, that spar was useful for me too, your words helped a lot."
"Practice make perfect, just like a pizza, simple but everyone love it." Genjuro said with a heartfelt laughter.
"And? Is there a specific reason for this match or are you really just that bore?" Ankh asked.
He is watching them work, having returned after making sure the melting point have really left.
Genjuro himself ceased his laughter, the mood in the room shifted along with his silence. Eiji glanced over Genjuro for a second before continue his work, waiting for the man next words.
"Actually, ever since Eiji-kun make his presence know, his existence have caused a stir to the world more than he know, the unknown power that can fight Noises beside the Symphogear, the government have once ordered us to find a way to make use of this power." Genjuro said with his stern tone now while continue work, Eiji did the same but he has a small frown. "Some of them afraid that the unknown power is dangerous, and one can't fault them to be cautious."
"Hm? What about the other?" Ankh asked.
"Other are hard headed old man who can't swallow the fact couples of teenage girls can fight the Noises better than the military." Genjuro deadpanned applying cement to one of the crack.
Ankh snorted snarkily while Eiji make an 'oh' sound before slamming another brick to the spot.
"Did my presence here troubled you, Genjuro-san?" Eiji asked asked applying the cement.
"Of course it did." Genjuro replied straightforwardly.
"I apologized for the trouble." Eiji said, giving a quick bow, before return to his work.
Genjuro chuckled with a shrug, while Ankh would have rolled his eyes if it were visible.
"To have a wild card like you dropped out of the sky, it took me awhile to explain thing to the higher up but I managed to convince them OOO isn't a threat. In this time of Noises disaster rather than make more enemies, isn't a presence of someone like you cooperate with 2nd Division a blessing? Of course they still have doubt but I think I make a right choice." Genjuro said with a grin glancing at the quiet figure of Eiji. "Don't worry boy, the older one have to look out for the younger one sometimes, I have faith when you helped Tsubasa with her problem, and my fight with you just make me more sure."
"The heck kind of logic is that? You seriously want a fight to figure out to trust him or not?" Ankh asked incredulously.
To the bird Greeed, this way of thinking is as comprehensive to him as how Gamel think all the time, if he did think at all.
"Your strength, isn't from the armor only, you yourselves have what it take to wield that power. It's what I want to see myself for once so what better way than to spar with you?" Genjuro asked with a shrug before continue. "Such a person rather to said not a bad person, is more like I myself don't want to believe someone like that is evil. Of course I could be wrong but when that happen I will deal with it myself."
Despite the way he said it like a trivial matter, the edge this Commander's tone is more than enough to show Eiji and Ankh how serious he is.
"Are you trying to scare us?" Ankh asked daringly.
But in response Genjuro match it with his fierce grin.
"I don't scare my comrades, just telling Eiji-kun if he is evil I will beat him up straight away." Genjuro said with a honest tone.
"That's how it is eh?" Ankh asked evenly.
At the very least, Ankh once again appreciate how straight to the point the Commander is. He really don't like those spineless cowards who just dance around an issue, if they are a nameless goon? Fine. But for those who suppose to lead, it just show Ankh they are a waste of time. Now he looking at Eiji with an expectant look, want to see the response he will give. Eiji himself paused in his work and turn around to meet Genjuro gaze.
"Genjuro-san." Eiji said with a blank tone making Genjuro curious for his response. "You sound so cool." He said with clear admiration.
Genjuro just stare at him owlishly before laughed loudly.
"Aren't I!? Stick around and you will see more of what a cool middle aged man I am!"
Ankh snorted at their idiocy decided to distance himself from the conversation to save breath.
"So, comrades eh?" Eiji asked with a whimsical tone, resuming his work.
"That's right! Until proven otherwise, isn't that the best words to describe you to us? Who fought with us against Noises? I don't care how you think, but to me right now you are comrade." Genjuro said with a grin.
"Uhm, I have no interest in joining the 2nd Division nor working for this world government." Eiji admitted sheepishly. "But to be called a comrade by you is great, Genjuro-san. I guess what I should said is, looking forward to working with you more in the future." He said with a carefree smile.
"Ah, I only known you for short duration of time but I could tell somewhat you just wouldn't fit the uniform. So let's settle with this." Genjuro said with a matching carefree tone before a thought occurred to him. "By the way Eiji-kun..."
"Good Afternoon, Tsubasa-san. How are you doing?" Hiiki asked walking in the room.
Just like Eiji said, the girl can see Tsubasa playing the game, she paused it and returned Hibiki greeting.
"I'm fine thank you for visiting, Hibiki." Tsubasa said gracefully yet also full of energy.
Hibiki do wonder how did the bluenette does it, she herself was told by her friend she is full of energy but no class after all.
"You must really like the game eh?" Hibiki asked, distracting herself from an internal dismay.
"Yes I would have never thought of such ingenious way of honing one self beside training, truly one can't underestimated Hino-san who have went through many life and death battles." Tsubasa praised with a humbled expression.
"Uhm...sure." Hibiki nodded with sweat-drop, she just can't said anything facing this sudden misplaced admiration. "I'm happy you don't feel too bored here Tsubasa-san." She said quickly in hope to lead to new topic. "I myself am starting to train everyday as well, I got Genjuro-san to be my mentor." Hibiki said much to Tsubasa's surprise. "So just take all the rest you need, and when you come back I can fight by your side for real this time!" She exclaimed pumping both her fist up.
Despite just being few days only, the training schedule Genjuro given Hibiki work really well. Plus the man have opened her eyes to the wonderful world of 'action movies'.
"It great if you can get Uncle's guidance, he is a formidable warrior. Even if I to use my Gear, he could defeat me without a doubt." Tsubasa said, now it Hibiki's turn to be surprised, she know her Shishou is strong but to that extend!? "Now true, your aptitude as a warrior still leave much to be desired. You are quite lucky up till now ever since you activated Gungnir, most of your enemies are run of the mill Noises and the fact you never alone." The bluenette nodded to herself as she criticized without holding back.
Hibiki visibly flinched with a sweat-drop feeling the words like arrow striking her feeble pride.
"I tried very hard to gather my courage to appear brave in front of her, uwah~ Tsubasa-san you can be so blunt even when you not mad at me anymore."
"And when you finally face a strong enemy like one who has Nehustant, you rush at the enemy with no will to fight, instead you focus on talking with them. Your naivety would cause us dearly on the battlefield, as one of the protector of humanity and my comrades you indeed have much to learn, both in techniques and in mindset of a protector." Tsubasa, unaware of Hibiki's thought, continued.
Hibiki nodded repeatedly with a dejected look.
"I know, as your comrade I...Huh?" Hibiki muttered in surprise looking at Tsubasa who has a thin smile with her eyes closed. "Tsubasa-san, just now?" She asked in surprise.
Sure they can be consider friend now, but for someone like Tsubasa who treat her duty seriously, officially call Hibiki her comrade? The cream haired girl know full well what that mean. It one thing for Tsubasa to accept Hibiki has received Gungnir, to accept the cream haired girl to be her comrades? Whole different matter, it just Tsubasa way of look out for Tachibana. How could the swordstress trust Hibiki to not get hurt when she so lacking? The girl burst of power is too random to be count on as an arsenal, she also can't summon her Armed Gear and she just barely learn martial arts from Genjuro after Tsubasa is hospitalized. So during the whole time, Hibiki is both grateful and sad that Tsubasa have to watch over her safety while fulfilling her own duty as a protector.
Tsubasa no doubt thought calling Hibiki a comrade, mean she putting an enourmous weight on the cream haired girl's shoulder. Just like she did with Kanade.
So Hibiki keep on training, working hard for the right to be acknowledge as Tsubasa partner. And then for it to suddenly happen...
"Eiji-kun never mentioned he has these interesting gadget." Tsubasa said while flung a red colored can to the air. "It seems he and Ankh call them Candroid." She noted absentmindedly.
Sure enough the red can unfold itself and become the Taka Candroid.
"It's cute." Hibiki commented, but her expression quickly turn to that of surprise.
The Candroid eyes twinkled before its eyes shot out hologram image, showing the record of the battle two days ago all the way till the interference of Poseidon. The whole time, Hibiki and Tsubasa quietly watch the video until it finished and the Candroid folded itself back to a can again.
"Not only is your stances full of opening, your movements are also very predictable. If the enemy got a chance to focus on you more, she could have utilized those flaws eventually." Tsubasa continue her blunt analyze. "But those are elements that can be improve eventually with more practice and battle experience." She said with her voice take a lighter tone. "What important is you clearly demonstrated your resolve. Tachibana Hibiki, I would be proud to have you as my comrade in fighting the Noises." She said in her dramatic but friendly voice while Hibiki sit there dumbfounded hearing that words before she slumped down. "What's wrong?" Tsubasa asked in concern.
"I, I...wow...I have hoped for this, but for Tsubasa-san to finally recognize me like this. It so shocking I feel the strength leaving my body." Hibiki said with an embarrassed smile, Tsubasa look at her for a moment before she chuckled in amusement. "Ah...please don't make fun of me." She pleaded somewhat childishly.
"My apologize, but indeed compare to Kanade you can be a bit reserved. Still it would help me if you can keep your strength you know?" Tsubasa asked with her smile still there and her tone is that of request. "Until I recovered and join you with Hino-san on battlefield again, I have to shamefully ask you two to protect us from Noises and other unknown threats for now." She said with a grateful nod.
"Stop that, Tsubasa-san!" Hibiki exclaimed, flailing her arms in embarrassment. "Like you said, you accept me as your partner now right? I think as partner this is all natural, really!" She convinced her with the excitement barely contained in her tone.
"True words, Tachibana. Then I have to bother you for now, Kouhai." Tsubasa said.
"Hai. Leave it to me, Senpai." Hibiki replied with a happy tone.
For the first time in this week, Hibiki can smile happily. In fact, the girl is on cloud nine right now.
In fact, Hibiki keep that bright smile all the way to the training ground in Genjuro's house. If one were to see it, they would no doubt find it a bit weird how Hibiki can carry herself through fifty sets of push ups, sits up, then proceed to stretch her limbs without hint of stress and instead just keep up that wide smile. Such warm up indeed would have leave some bodybuilder panting for fresh air.
if anything, the girl smile got even wider when she saw Eiji himself with an astonished look waving at her when he saw her go through that sets of workout, he also notice what she wear pretty much resemble Bruce Lee's yellow jump suit.
"Guess there are thing that stay consistent across different realities." Eiji thought with a sweat-drop.
Next to him Genjuro nod with a satisfied and proud expression, seeing Hibiki already getting used to the set of warm up he lay out for her.
"Shishou! Ankh-san, Eiji-kun, you two come to watch us train?!" Hibiki exclaimed fill with excitement.
"Yes, Genjuro-san invited me here after a spar. I was surprised to hear you asked him to train you." Eiji said, waving back.
Hearing this Tachibana's muscle feel escalated, it become more motivated and she feel like she could do double the amount of training of the usual basic with no sweat!
"Then prepare to be in awe Eiji-kun! I haven't let myself disappoint Shishou you know?" Hibiki asked with a grin as she flex her biceps to demonstrate. Before her expression faltered for a moment, turning to Genjuro she asked. "I haven't disappoint you yet right?"
Genjuro snorted as he shook his head returning Hibiki's confidence to roof top condition.
"Since that's the case, let's start now. I trust that you have already be done with the warm up?" A vigorous nod was the response Genjuro got. "Good! Then this time let's double the weight of the punching bag, remember the motto?" He asked with a grin, one that matched by his pupil.
"Yep! My fist will smack like the hammer...!"
"That struck the thunderbolt that strike you!"
As they shout out that motto Hibiki let her fist fly with a battle cry.
Before Ankh and Eiji can said a word, their ears were drowned with the booming sound of Hibiki's punch impact against the punching bag. By the sound alone, one would thought her fist is make out of steel or something, the girl's strength is further demonstrated when the force of the punch send the punching bag flying snapping of its chain connected to the branch of the tree. As the same time Eiji can see there is a fist size hole pierce through the punching bag, both him and Ankh are surprised by the demonstration.
"Uhm...just what was it that you guys shout out before?" Eiji asked, still in shock.
"I have no clue at all! But it help me focus easily, so how is it Eiji-kun?" Hibiki asked proudly.
Only now, Eiji get out of his stupor and clapped.
"It's not that impressive." Ankh grumbled.
Though the silence he give off moment prior betray that sentence.
"Genjuro-san is indeed an awesome teacher eh?" Eiji asked in amazement.
Genjuro fake coughed to his knuckle, his face has a proud smile.
"Your on the mark complement aside." Genjuro said as he close in to Eiji and spoke in lower volume. "This unnatural speed of development regarding her fighting strength, you can already tell where it is mostly coming from right?" He asked.
Eiji nodded with a contemplated expression, not to undermine Hibiki's determination and drive. Those are important factor as well, but no matter how one look at it the fact she can adapt to Genjuro's training within few days can only be explained by the fragments in her heart.
"I know it is fragment of Gungnir, but for its power to still show clearly even when she isn't transformed. How much stronger do you think Hibiki-chan can get in the near future?" Eiji asked.
Genjuro shook his head in a given up manner.
"She is literally the first of her case, even Ryoko-kun doesn't fully know what her growth limit is. Who know? Maybe we are looking at the upcoming of the most powerful Symphogear User there is. But with this strength what price there might be? That's also what we worrying about." Genjuro contemplated.
"Everyone! What are you waiting for? We are moving to the next training ground right?" Hibiki asked, waving her hand at them.
Eiji wave back as he nod and follow her but Genjuro's words remain in his mind.
"Hibiki-chan have make up her mind, I will just do my best to support her." Eiji said reassuringly.
"What one do for their friend eh?" Genjuro asked knowingly.
"That and I find Hibiki-chan's drive familiar I suppose." Eiji commented offhandedly with a small smile.
This make Genjuro pause in his track looking at Eiji, who keep on walking. Eventually Genjuro keep up with the pace not offering anymore words to the matter.
"Ah, that's right Shishou!" Hibiki exclaimed with her eyes lit up remembering an important issue. "So with Eiji-kun here will he join us in that too?"
"Ah! Of course. There is no way as friends we can leave him out of such joy! We will shame our friendship if we do!" Genjuro instantly agreed, with fierce passion burning in the background?
Both Eiji and Ankh right now found themselves have a rare instance of agreement, they both feel a bit intimidated with how high spirit these two are.
"Oi what the Hell are you two talking about?" Ankh asked.
And in the Greeed's own words, the response he got are two s# t eating grins.
It been two days since the truth was show to her and Kinuhata Miku hasn't even cracked a smile once. The girl's expression throughout these days are either forlorn or a frown, even when she around with her friends she can't seems to lighten up. Something they quickly notice, thus the gang decided to head to Sunflower store together in hope of cheering the girl up.
"But it so rare for Biki to pass on a trip to Sunflower." Ando Kuriyo commented, unable to hide the surprise in her tone.
"Totally, if anything she the one who keep urging us to come." Itaba Yumi added.
"Ah you didn't know Kuriyo but yesterday I heard from the Boss Lady that Hino-san got to some bike accident and is in the hospital now, since Hibiki caught news of it she been visiting him." Terashima Shiro said.
This surprised her two friends while Miku just listen silently, however her frown deepen.
"I see, it make sense for Biki to not be here then." Kuriyo said crossing her arms. "He is friend with her and you right Hina?"
Funny enough, Kuriyo is the only one who use nickname for Hibiki and Miku, and those two are also the only duo she give nickname to for some reason.
"Mm, although I am not so sure now." Miku said mysteriously.
This make the other three look at her in confusion.
"So is his injury serious?" Yumi asked.
"I don't think the Boss Lady would be able to open the shop if he is, she would run straight to the hospital to look after him you know? She said Hino-san himself has given her the phone call, beside a bruises and few cracked bones that took few days to moderate, he would be discharge soon." Shiori said.
"Yeah sometimes it seems like they are family." Yumi said, remember the causal atmosphere she saw between the two while they working.
"It not strange you know? Hino-san resemble Hibiki so much. He is mellow, helpful and while goofy sometimes he has a good heart. It didn't take long for usual customers to favor him. Boss Lady is so nice herself too, the two of them always working together I would said it won't be weird for her to treat him like her son." Shiori shrugged with a smile.
"But where did he come from?" Miku finally unable to help herself, suddenly blurt out. "I...I kn..think Eiji-san is a good person too but have we ever wonder where he come from? How did Boss Lady invite him to work for her when she has been fine running the store herself for so long?" Her voice has a hint of cautious.
And even though it seems small, to the trio who hear Miku use this tone it is unsettling.
"C...Calm down Hina, I mean he has been working here for few months, you and Biki also friends with him. What would he try to do in an eatery shop that he worked for so long? If said he is a thief don't you think he spending too much effort here?" Kuriyo reasoned trying to calm her friend down.
"But...who know?" Yumi said with a look of realization but to her friends they know it one of her 'moment'. "What if he is actually a secret agent who use a guise of seemingly gullible worker to spy on his enemies? Just like this anime...Ouch!" She yelped when Shiori elbowed her by the side and give her a sideways glance at Miku who still visibly distraught. "Eh...my bad." She said with an apologetic tone.
"Miku, you and Hibiki maintain a good relation with Hino-san right? Why the sudden question?" Shiori asked with worry. "Did you find out something? Did something happened between involving him?" She asked cautiously.
The way the blond haired girl asked, make it clear she thinking something unsavory may have happened.
"No, it not something like that believe me." Miku said with no doubt in her tone.
This make her three friends let go of the worry in their mind, but this still didn't make sense to them.
"Then what's brought this up, Hina?" Kuriyo asked looking lost, an expression shared by the other two.
While Miku herself just look down quietly unable to give a response.
Miku is surprised herself, she the one who bring up questions regard Eiji's background. Yet she still so surely defend his character, but then think about it again she find it natural to do so. Ignoring her new found knowledge about him, it never change how he act around them. Shiori described the feeling he give to other accurately, even the goofy part, not that Miku will said that out loud. Someone who beside helping out at the store, just like to hang around in park or by ice cream stand. Once a while will play video game with her and Hibiki, with Hibiki won most of the time. Throughout those time, there really nothing make Miku feel wary toward the man.
"And he was also there for Hibiki too, when that happen." Miku's mind drift to a particular sad event involve Hibiki right after her recovery from the incident at the Concert. "Everything spiral out of control because of that Concert, if I didn't ask Hibiki to go, no if I at least was with her..."
"Miku, we could went to eat somewhere else beside the Sunflower store if you want." Shiori offered.
The sudden question startled Miku, as she look at her friends again, she can clearly see how worried they all are from her behavior. Frowning slightly at this, the black haired girl shook her head apologetically.
"Everyone, sorry it just I need sometimes to think." Miku said hesitantly seeing the increased worry on her friends face. "I just need some time alone, I will go back to the dorm myself, you all don't have to worry about me, give me a day or two, I promise next time it will be my treat." She assured them with a forced smile as she turn and left not waiting a response.
"Wrong, it wrong, it not about Eiji-san. It all because of my petty thought of not knowing the danger Hibiki has to face, of not being able to do anything to help her!" Miku thought frustrated as she walked away.
"Just what's happening with Miku?" Shiori asked in concern.
"Did Biki said anything at all?" Kuriyo asked as the other two shrug. "So what? Do we just let her like this?" She asked, uncomfortable with said idea.
"Let her has the time she need for now, though we do need to check on her later." Shiori said as the other two nodded, leave it to her at time like these to make a sensible decision.
"Hopefully like an anime, Hibiki manage to do something to brighten Miku up." Yumi said before putting her hand to her chin in thought. "But wait, this sense of direction it could also be like that anime where series of event drive a pair of good friends apart and when they make up it was to...Hey wait you two!" She yelled out.
The girl frantically chasing after her two friends, who both leaving with a deadpanned expression on their face.
With Miku still confuse in her thought, she sprint all the way back to where her dorm is. The blach haired girl's labored breathing result from her sprint didn't make her stop, if anything it pushed her to run faster, wanting the rush of movements to help clear her head of all the jumbling thoughts. However in front of her there was a corner, and at that moment a group of man snickering and laughing at each other walk out, thus the result is clear.
"AH!"
"Hey! Did you watch where you going!?"
Her cry of surprise and the shouting voice from the man she bumped into overlap each other, while Miku stumbled back, the man barely feel anything.
However that didn't stop him to leer down at Miku with an intimidated look. Now that she got a look at him, his expression along with those of his friends really can't be called, well friendly. Of course it not due to their their natural feature, or their dress styles. It just normal hoodie, t-shirt, jeans here and there, rather it because of how the group carry themselves. They also seems to look only a bit older than her, if she has to guess they probably younger than Hino Eiji, might be around high school graduate?
"I...I'm sorry, I didn't meant for that to happen." Miku stand up apologized. The man look at his friends who all shared a grin before turn back to Miku, this make the girl uncomfortable. "Sorry for wasting your time, I will be on m..." Her words were cut off along with the step she took, when the man grab the hold of the girl's shoulder making her flinch. "Please let me go." She asked as politely as she can, despite the panic rising inside her.
"Now, now. You bumped into me and that's all I get, little miss? An apology? Come on aren't you being a bit too condescending?" The guy asked with a wicked smile.
Miku was afraid of this, she never want to judge a book by it cover, a line she love as an avid reader however as an avid reader she also know it not rare for the content of the book to correspond with its cover.
"Then what do you want?" Miku asked trying to keep her calm.
The girl give a quick glance at her surrounding, most people she saw either didn't notice what happening or some of them outright ignore it, none of them want to attract unwanted trouble.
"That uniform you are wearing, it that fancy school for girls with good voices right? How about hang out with us for some karaoke? It would be fun plus it would make up for what you did to me." He said with his friends laughed in agreement.
"I..."
Should Miku scream out for help? But that would drag people who didn't want trouble on themselves to this. And it could even piss these guys off, which again could endanger other.
"Hibiki..." The girl thought in panic.
What would her friend do? She wouldn't sit back and watch this happen, the cream haired girl definitely would protect her. "What would I do if Hibiki in trouble then?"
Unable to give a reply or said anything, Miku notice the group of teenagers surrounded her, with the one in front pulling and the one behind her give her nudge.
"Seriously? How goddamn disgustingly pathetic you bastards can be?"
A snapping voice halted all the movements from Miku and the gang who surround her. the voice undoubtedly female yet carry a rough edge, but not unwelcoming to one ear. As the same time the brimming confident in it is unmistakable, Miku and the group of teenagers all whip their head to where the source of the voice is, which just happen to be from the same corner the gang just walk out.
"Pretty." Miku can't help but noted.
The newcomer carry the foreign feature face that show she not Japanese, she also have a white, borderline silver, hair that is very eyes catching.
Miku quickly noted she wear a maroon colored dress, a bit too revealing in the chest for Miku, with stocking. The silver haired girl also seems to be somewhat close to her and Hibiki's age, she has a cocky if not somewhat cruel grin. On one of her hand is a market bag, with the content can be seen as some sweet snack like dorayaki and rice ball. Her purple eyes give a quick scan at all the guys, before letting out a disappointed sigh like they not even worth her time.
And that's precisely the thought that went through Yukine Chris's mind at that moment.
"What's this? Do you have something to said?" One of the guy, the one behind Miku said with a sneer.
"Ignore Komon here, he's doesn't know how to treat a lady at all." His friend said, tapping said Gomon on the head, while using the chance to scan the newcomer up and down, probably reach the same conclusion as Miku since he clearly like what he is seeing. "But this is fortunate for us, we get to meet two beauty today, how about it, miss? Want to join us on the fun?"
Before Miku can said anything to warn the newcomer of the danger, that person already answered for herself.
"So...pathetic, disgusting and dumb." Chris said while counting on her finger, ignoring the ticked off look most of the guys have. "You bunch of idiots have to crowd yourselves over one girl in hope of a date, then you didn't even register me insulting you and try to ask me out? Now I see it all." She said with a grin.
"And what's that suppose to mean exactly? We have been nice to you, you know? Don't push it just because your face is a bit cute." One of the guy growled out.
"What I mean is, turn out pigs can walk and talk after all." Chris said nonchalantly, if anything the pissed off look the guys sport now seems to amuse her even more. "But you right, perhaps we can have some fun out of this." She said, grinning darkly.
Then in a blink of an eyes, the silver haired girl already dash to one of the guy, grabbed him by his spiky hair and kneed him in the face.
CRACK!
And that, Miku pretty sure, is the sound when a kneecap impact against a nose.
"ARGH!"
"Why you bitch! Get her!"
With that the whole thing become chaotic, for about a minute.
Two of them went for a punch, but the silver haired girl easily caught both offending fist. With a quick hand movement, both of those wrist were twisted earing a painful shout from their owner. The girl's leg blurred then both of the guy find one of their kneecap have been kicked in, then the silver haired girl let out a vicious grin before proceed to nail both of them right in between their legs. The two whimper in high pitched scream, then slumped down.
Seeing this, the last three of the five man group all snarled at her, more of in fear than anger. however they still outnumber her and this time they won't be surprised, thus they all take out pocket knifes and prepare to stab her with it.
"You the one who want your pretty face cover in sca- GAH!"
The poor guy barely got a chance to finish his words before he choked, the silver haired girl aim for a precise kick right under his chin, the sound of his teeth smash hard against each other can be heard as he spit out some blood, she then did a sweep kick as he fall to the ground, another kick to the face knock him out for good.
Not waiting to see the other two reaction she turn around just in time for one of them to aim for a swipe, she raise her grocery bag up block the slash then let go of the it and punched him straight in the face. The blow break his nose disorientated him, add in a right hook and he is down. When she turn around the last guy literally shaking in his leg.
"I'm sorry...I'm sorry okay!? I won't dare to do this again! Please spare me!" He cry out desperately.
The guy, no the brat, throw his knife to the ground but the grin didn't leave Chris's face.
"Oh don't worry, you don't have to do anything, I will take care of all of it. Just sit back and enjoy, you bastard would like that wouldn't ya?" Chris said with a sweet voice that totally promise lots of pain, in return the guy can't help but shiver in fear, he instantly turn to bolt. "Running prey is even more fun." She said.
But before she can give chase, someone has stopped her in her track.
"Wait!" Miku call out with a frown making Chris turn to her in surprise. "L...Let him go, please. There is no need to give chase, I sure they already learn their lesson." She said.
This earn her an incredulous look from the silver haired girl.
"Are you a goddamn moron? Literally minutes ago they try to assault you, and now you asking mercy for them?" Chris asked in disbelief and anger making Miku took a step back but she held firm her decision as she nodded. "You..." She grunted holding back her words, as if unable to decide what's the next words would be. "Whatever, my mood is ruined anyway." She said with a huff as she turn around and walk away.
As the same time her eyes move the a certain spot on the ground, the same spot where her bag of foods are. When the grunt slash at her, he cut the bag away and it was then stepped on, thus all the foods are crushed. Seeing this the girl let out another irritated grunt as she left.
"Uhm, if you don't mind. Can I treat you to a meal for thanks?" Miku asked.
She already followed Chris when she make her way to the other side of the narrowed corner, she has also followed Chris's gaze and instantly understand the trouble the girl has got from helping her. Chris turn around, giving the green haired girl a sharp glare.
"I can take care of myself, don't you have somewhere to be instead?" Chris asked, clearly annoyed.
"I would have been in deep trouble if it weren't for you. It's not that I don't think you can buy your own food, this is just so I can repay you that's all." Miku quickly elaborated to avoid any misunderstanding.
Chris grumbled to herself, as much as she prefer to just walk away, she is kind of hungry.
After being dismissed, Yukine decided she need to get out of the mansion for moment. Unable to face Fine with her failure, and the fact she seems to put more trust in Poseidon than her now make the girl need a breather. Thus she decided roamed the street, in this crowed state she doesn't have to be afraid of being caught, she has more than one way to shrug off pursue if she needed. However when Fine's ward bought few snacks from the store to fill her hunger, she also use up all the money she just happen to has on her at that time. Normally Chris would spend meals with Fine and it not like she need much use of currency, so she didn't have much cash. So she either stay hungry for the night or return to the mansion, she isn't so low that she would need to steal some cash or food from other.
"Than again maybe I should grab the wallets of those losers just now? Nah, their money would make the food taste bad."
Reaching a decision, Chris turn to Miku who still looking at her with a nervous expression.
Later, in a fast food chain burger store.
"This feel familiar." Miku thought with an amused smile.
The black haired girl sitting on one side of the table, the girl is slowly munching on her burger with an order of fries and cup of soda on her tray. Sitting opposite of her with some of the ketchup sauce staind corner of her lips, Chris wolfishly gob down her third burgers with a satisfied look, other than that her tray content is similar to Miku. The silver haired girl continue to drown herself in bliss, after she finished her third burgers she let out a satisfied sigh. But when she look at Miku she saw the girl hasn't even finished her first burger yet, not that Miku intend to finish more than one.
"What's with you? You not hungry?" Chris asked, wiping off the sauce on her face with her sleeves.
"Ah, here's the napkin." Miku said, giving some to Chris who seems annoyed as she took it. "And well, I am. It just I am not in much of a hurry." She said with a polite smile.
Though now that she has witnessed Chris's appetite, Miku wonder if that bag of food would have even be enough in the first place.
"Well thanks for that." Chris said lazily as she stood up. "Now bye." She said with a backhand wave. However before the girl can leave, the two of them noticed something, it is currently pouring outside. "Seriously? What a pain." Chris muttered.
"Maybe you should wait a bit before going back home?" Miku asked in worry.
"Bit of water won't stop what I want to do." Chris said neutrally, she then narrowed her gaze at Miku. "And you? Have you got an umbrella or something like that?" She asked hesitantly, receiving a shook of head as a response.
"I would wait...right now I am not very rushed to go home anyway." Miku said.
Chris didn't miss how somber the girl's tone is.
The silver haired girl turn and look at the heavy rain from outside before turn back and look at Miku, who silently staring at her tray of food. Maybe it because of the rare gesture of good will she received, or because she herself isn't too excited to get back home now anyway, Chris let out a huff as she sit back down to her chair.
"Eh?" Miku muttered.
"I'm not in a rush either, it a pain to move right away after I just got my stomach full." Chris said with a gruff tone.
Miku have an impression that rather than describe her mood, that's just the tone that Chris like to use. With a grateful nod, Miku took another bite and the two descend to a comforting silence.
It strange, Miku just denied console from her friends, yet right now she is okay with someone she barely know offer her companion? But maybe that's why, a stranger who listen. They won't be too worry for her and she can get some of this off her mind, all of this is just courtesy from the silver haired girl who Miku treated to some food.
"Ah." Miku suddenly make a startled gasp remembered something. "I'm sorry but...uhm... I just realized, I didn't get your name." She said.
"I doubt we going to meet each other again nor am I interested in getting acquaintance." Chris responded, raising an eyebrow. "So don't mind too much about it." Chris waved it off.
"But then it would make it hard to hold a conversation right?" Miku pressed on. "If you don't mind, just a name to address you is fine. Ah, my name is Kohinata Miku, you can just call me Miku." She said with her polite tone.
Chris let out a sigh.
"Not like I intend on strike a conversation." Chris grumbled, looking at Miku half expectant half worried expression. "Tch...just call me Chris." She said taking a sip from her cup of soda.
"Okay then, Chris-san."
With that out of the way the two proceed to just wait for the rain to pass, with Chris sipping her soda with a bored expression and Miku finishing her meals.
Again maybe it because she bored? Or want something to fill her ear beside the constant splash of raindrop against the ground, against her better judgment, Chris asked in curiosity.
"Hey Miku, you didn't seems to be very thrilled to get home just now. Why?" Chris asked, when she saw Miku surprised look she decided to drop it. "Forget it, you don't want to said anything."
"It fine, Chris-san. I guess a quick answer would be disagreement with my friend." Miku said quietly with a somber look.
"So basically an argument." Chris bluntly said.
"That's...well no words were exchanged really, we just stay quiet from each other." Miku said as she gripped the burger wrapper. "Chris-san, can you tell me in your opinion, is it right to hide thing from the person you care for?" She asked with sudden vigor that make Chris draw back momentarily. "Sorry...it just...I could really use an outside opinion right now. Said if it someone important to you but for some reason they hide a big secret from you, how would that make you feel, when you ready to share everything with them?" She asked somewhat desperately.
Unknown to her that question strike a chord inside Chris too, it bring up thoughts that Chris tend to ignore involving her ties with Fine.
"How would I know something like that." Chris blew it off with a huff, looking irritated.
"Ah...Sorry I was being rude there." Miku flinched back feeling embarrassed.
"But..." Despite what Chris said, the words start to flow out from her. "If...it someone you trust that much...and someone that trust you just as much..." She began hesitantly before she scratched her head in a flustered manner. "Argh! Look! If that person and you treat each other so with such importance and care, then that just mean there a reason, a very damn good reason for them to do that. Sure I'm still pissed, but in the end...they are someone you treasure right? 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." She said with vigor but slowly her tone quiet down.
"Those words...just who the hell am I saying it to? Her or myself?" Chris thought.
Miku in return quietly absorb all of what Chris just said, she sit there looking pensive with a soft gaze before she let out a sigh.
"Thank you very much, Chris-san." Miku said with a closed eyes smile.
"Yeah whatever." Chris simply shrug off.
But she refuse to meet Miku's smile with a flushed expression on her face.
"I could have leave yet I choose to stay, I asked her things that shouldn't bother me. What the Hell is wrong with me? Did I hit my head too hard?" Chris thought irritated before glance at Miku, the girl now look less stressed while still seems a bit bothered she seems a bit more lax, seeing this Chris herself also softened a bit. "That's right, when is the last time I have a talk like this with someone else beside Fine?" She refuse to acknowledge Poseidon's presence in this thought. "A normal person, a normal conversation...it does ease my mind somewhat. And those words...only by saying it through her that I was able to remind myself..."
The silver haired girl sit there in silent for few seconds before she sighed, a faintest hint of smile on her face.
With the rain finally clear both Miku and Chris find themselves face to face outside of the restaurant, their destination are behind them.
"Once again, thanks for everything." Miku said gratefully with a bow. "I know it may not happen, but I would be glad to meet you again in the future."
The only response the girl got is an affirmative grunt from Chris as she glance away.
"Be a bit more decisive next time. You treated me so I won't call you a coward, but you don't have to be so reserved, grew a backbone, scream, call the cops, anything and those guys will be scarce." Chris said with pressure in her tone.
Miku was startled for a moment but quickly composed herself and smiled, knowing the advice is a worry gesture.
"I will keep it in mind." Miku said with a nod. "Well then, goodnight." With a soft smile, Miku turn around and leave.
"Thanks." Chris said hurriedly.
By the time Miku registered the word and turn around. Chris is already nowhere to be seen, with the crowd of people in front of her, Miku thought she properly mixed into them already. The black haired girl make her way back to the dorm, the words Chris spoke to her make her fully clear of her next course of actions.
While Chris herself from the roof of the building look down at the retreating figure of Miku, her time with the girl also make Yukine more sure of her next actions.
"I'm home." Hibiki said with a yawn.
"Welcome home." Miku replied, with what happened these past two days, the words are more of habit, so when she got a response, Hibiki look like deer caught in headlight. The black haired girl is sitting by their table sipping a cup of water. "Don't just stand there Hibiki, with how sweaty you are if you don't change your clothes soon you will catch a cold." She said disapprovingly.
"Ah...Hai!" Quickly snapping out of her stupor, Hibiki take off her clothes, take quick wash then dressed herself in her home clothes with record time. The girl hesitantly approached the table. "Uhm...Miku? Are you still...mad?" She asked hesitantly.
"Hibiki-chan got dragged in the battle against Noises, each days you come back from possible life and death situation. And all this time I remain clueless about how close I am of losing my best friend...of course I am not happy!" Miku exclaimed, slamming her fist to the table. For the first time Hibiki saw how outright pissed she is. After taking a deep breath from her outburst though, Miku slumped back down. "But as the same time...eve after battled the Noises everyday, even after you are exhausted from the fighting, you still come back to me putting on a normal façade to not worry me...of course I am still not happy but..." The girl seems to struggle with her words before she decide to just throw herself at Hibiki and hug the shocked cream haired girl. "J...Just trust me okay? Even if I can't fight with you..." Her voice broke as she sobbed a bit.
"Miku, I'm so sorry." Hibiki said with a pained tone.
None of the amount of practice or wounds the girl got from fighting, can make Tachibana feel this much pain when she heard her friend crying. But Miku sniffed once, held back her tears before she continue.
"To be able to worry for you while waiting for you. To be able to said 'welcome home' to you while knowing how hard it must be for you to get home...at least let me have the right to do that, that is my selfish request as your best friend." Miku said pulling herself away.
The girl smiled warmly at Hibiki, despite her tears stained eyes.
"...Uhm...I'm back, Miku." Hibiki said, her voice a bit broke as well.
"Ah...Welcome home, Hibiki." Miku said as she hugged Hibiki again. The two enjoyed the comfortable silent for about few minutes, to Hibiki this is the best relax remedy for another rough training she put herself through under the guide of Genjuro. "Now then..." Wait, that tone Miku using... "Since I know how little time you might have with schoolwork, it also a duty of me as your best friend to make sure you caught up no matter what. That way you can keep up your duty to fight the Noises, while also being efficient at school, right?" She said as she pulled herself off her friend.
"Could it be...you still feel mad, Miku?" Hibiki pretty sure the tone Miku using is proof enough, when Miku sound mischief, which is very rare much to Hibiki's relieve, it never mean well for her. And true enough, much to her horror, a stack of paper and notes being put on the table by Miku is her response. "Mercy?" She squeaked out.
"Don't worry, for starter we will just work on twenty questions." Miku said with a sweet, sweet smile.
Hibiki glanced and was sure that only one of it would took her an hour or so to understand. Well...at least Miku forgiven her...she think?
"Honestly Eiji, maybe you should just take the cab from now on? You almost give me a heart attack you know?" Boss Lady said with a light exasperated tone, a hand on her cheek.
"If I use the cab all the time I probably would use up all my saved up wages, but I'm sorry for worried you." Eiji said with a wry smile. "Though don't worry while I get myself hurt sometimes, I always bounce back." He said reassuringly.
"Saying it like that didn't reassure me at all you idiotic boy." Boss Lady chided, tapping him lightly on his head. "Think of this old lady too and watch over yourself got it?" She said.
Her tone make Eiji didn't dare to reply in any alternative, beside nodding his head nervously. After coming back just in time to help clean up and close the store, the Boss Lady whip up a few dishes for Eiji to celebrate his recovery. After having his fill and washing the dishes, plus taking a shower, he make his way to his room.
"I wonder how you would deal with her when she get used to your pattern." Ankh remarked.
"Please don't mention it so soon, I am feeling more pressure than in battle right now." Eiji pleaded with a sigh. "It not like I want to find a spot in hospital you know?" Deciding he didn't need to tread on this topic right now, Hino decided to switch. "But that was reassuring, Hibiki-chan is really improving and maybe I should have expected for Genjuro-san to have such interesting collection of movie." He said changing out his clothes getting ready for bed.
The movements, the application of techniques, each used in unique moments and environment that captured perfectly and can be re-watch over and over again. Thus one can eliminate unnecessary movements and recreated them easier, such is the beauty and magnificent that only movie in action genre can pull off!
...Or that was what both of the teacher-student duo keep telling Eiji and Ankh like some sort of mantra.
"An hour and a half of fighting and shouting, how is it different from what we see everyday again?" Ankh asked with a bored tone. "Also I doubt anyone can pull off those ridiculous stunt just by watching and applied them in fighting, otherwise the whole damn world would be filled with no one but martial artist."
"It certainly is entertaining to just watch it without worrying about the consequences of the battle we face everyday you know?" Eiji retorted in which Ankh has no response for that. "And well, yes of course one need to have a basic level of skills themselves to recreate it by watching, but this is Genjuro-san and Hibiki-chan we talking about here, I'm pretty sure they got that part covered." Eiji said dryly.
"Hm, point taken I suppose." Ankh muttered. "Though from what I see it isn't even about 'entertaining' to the brat and that Commander." Ankh deadpanned. "I'm pretty sure the way they are they could make a shrine out of it."
"That's a bit of exaggeration...I think." Eiji said hesitantly as he plop down to his bed. "Goodnight, Ankh. Ah~ I missed my bed." He said blissfully as he turn off the light.
"Right, better save your strength, I recently found where Poseidon is hiding after all." Ankh said, also starting to let his mind doze off.
"Mm-hm...Wait what?" Eiji blinked in the darkness, perfectly impersonate an owl.
Located in the outskirt of the city, a high class mansion lay in middle of a well cared garden along with a big lake. What separate it from outside is a long line of fences may out of steel, constructed beautifully with ornament decoration linking each fences together. The mansion the size is to be expected, but it is the design that catch one eyes. Not exaggerate but classic and beautiful enough for all to enjoy, right now another row of daily patrol is being conducted inside said mansion.
This mansion as one can guess is where a high status government officer live in, more evident by the timely routine patrol by all the guards inside and outside the house, one look and one can tell they are all peak physical condition, their face is that of alarm and concentration all the time. But that's to be expected when their job is to offer 24/7 protection for the Minister of Defense, Hiroki Taketsugu, himself.
"Everything normal, wait I spot something...a puddle? Is it a leak?" The man, well built, dress in suit asked himself while also report to the comm in his ear as he approached said puddle. However he instantly feel something is wrong when the puddle, for the lack of better term, shifted with no winds around whatsoever. "What the..."
"Boo." Poseidon simply said.
His figure emerge from the pool and before the man can reach for his gun multiple ice lance impaled him, splashing his blood through the floor, he was dead instantly when one of the lance pierce his heart.
Taketsugu is someone a lot of people should be thankful for even if they didn't even realize it, mainly because he is someone who has a hand in helping humanity have a chance to fight back the Noises. The man himself isn't a Symphogear Users of course, he isn't even a fighter. Yet for what he can't help with his strength, he used his wills and brain instead.
At first it wasn't Kazanari Genjuro that lead the 2nd Divisionl, rather it is his father, Kazanari Fudo who created it. The man who was labeled 'monster' because of his power in military and politic, none dared to make much of a fuss. However, with the loss of Ichaival Symphogear, the fault was pointed to Fudo who actually resigned without a scene. This leave the Division in Genjuro's hand, and those who didn't want the Division to be made before now has a chance to put more pressure on the new Commander. That's where Taketsugu come in, an old friend of Genjuro and one who believe he can use the Division much better than Fudo could to protect humanity, Taketsugu supported his friends all the way. Uncaring of the isolations he got for his politic career.
The funding and constructing of the Division, that too he has helped. So while the 2nd Division on the front line fight without humanity's knowledge to protect it from Noises, this man fought behind the scene in the government politics without humanity's knowledge to protect the 2nd Division. Even at this hour the man still found himself in his office, looking over an important info on the data chip that will be handing to the 2nd Division tomorrow by himself personally.
"The last Complete Relic in our possession, it hidden potential eclipse even that of other Complete Relic like Nehustan. If Genjuro and his 2nd Division get to use this, humanity take one step closer in reign victorious against the Noises." Taketsugu thought in relief, yet his expression stern. "But the troubles I have to went through to get this approve for them, they really are 'sore thumb' sometimes." He thought with a chuckle, remember the 'reputation' that the 2nd Division got for itself in the government. "But I almost got it, just a few more push and I should be able to get an approval for them." He thought.
The man let out a tired sigh, looking at the USB containing all the data.
Glancing at the clock and feel he need some shut eyes before he tackle the problem once more, the man about to turn off the computer and call it a day when a rumble, muffled voices, and most damning of all, few gunshots sounds alerted him something is wrong.
"What's happening out there? Someone report!" Taketsugu barked to his comm.
No response, that by itself already told the man all he need to know. He quickly pull the chip out of the computer, and take his personal handgun from the drawer, a precaution he thankfully listened from his bodyguards, then he quickly hide the chip in a safe spot in his room. Now he is checking the handgun, making sure it is load and ready.
BOOM!
Right at that moment , the wooden double door to his room blasted to splinters with few of it hit against him scratching his suit and skin, drawing some blood. The impact lift the man off his feet, sending him flying and crash against his wall. Hiroki shook his head dizzily trying to regain his bearing, he blink a few times and when the sight return to him, what he first saw is Poseidon, still in human guise, standing in front of him. It obvious what this man is doing here, thus the Minister instantly aimed his gun at the guy's head.
Instead of showing fear or worry, said young man sport a look of amusing when finding himself at the end of the barrel. He make a 'come on' gesture, Taketsugu narrowed his eyes and unhesitatingly fired three shots, all shots didn't aim at vital spot but rather spots that incapacitate like kneecap and the ankle. But Taketsugu quickly chided himself for that needless concern when he saw how the young man...no the being in front of him didn't even flinch or show any sign that the bullets hit their marks, that because they can't even penetrate his skin.
"So...a monster given me a visit." Despite visibly shaken, Hiroki didn't lose his composure or dignity. "You...you must he in the same league with those who control the Noises." He deduced.
While not getting all the detail yet, he has got a summarize of what been transpiring by Genjuro.
"Hmph! Not bad for a guy in a suit, you keep your nerve well. If you give me what I want, I would spare you. But be quick." Poseidon said in monotone, in contrast to when he interact with Chris or Fine. The response he got is a silent glare from Taketsugu plus a few more shots, this time aim right at his forehead which again bounce off harmlessly. "An admirable response, but futile nontheless."
That was all he said, then Poseidon toss a Cell Medal to Taketsugu.
Before the Minister could react, the Medal already slip into him. Not understanding what just happen, Hiroki's confusion only increase when a strange sensation overtook him. It feel like something wash over him, deep to his thought down to his very being, the strange sensation come and go in less than seconds. Before the man can make sense what just happen he find himself...unable to think anymore. His thought, worries and feelings have all left the man, just...shutdown.
Poseidon watch passively as the life leave the Ministry's eyes after a single ice lance impaled his heart, right after the Yummy spawn out from him. The Bison Yummy give Poseidon a lazy nod as it make it way to one of the bookshelf keep in the room. Then Poseidon heard the rushing footsteps, no doubt belong to the other guards making their way through the destruction and ruin he leave around the mansion. Seeing nothing better to do than wait while Bison Yummy do it work, Poseidon shrug as he make his way to the door, a bit of entertainment. Hopefully they can provide him that much.
The moment the Greeed took a first step to the ruined door, all the guards show themselves and already fired nonstop. The whole room is filled with smoke, the smell lace heavily with gunpowder. The guards already see the state of the Prime Minister is in and knowing who responsible, the guards waste no chance, whoever did all of this is dangerous and they need to take the first shot.
"I have some time to play." Poseidon said walking through the smoke, scoffing at the usual gaping face the men give him when their bullets did nothing to him. "Seems like you guys really like these stuff." The Greeed Hybrid hold up the bullets fired by the guards. "Is this how you use it?" He asked.
Poseidon lazily flicked all of the bullets at the guards with his index finger, the force behind it surpass a handgun power and all the guards fallen prey to their own ammunition. With more guards rushing in, Poseidon let out a bored groan. Already knowing this is a waste of time, the oceanic being decided to end this quick and snapped his finger.
Few minutes later, the peaceful mansion was in ruin, the structure falling apart with ice spikes erupt inside out from the house.
Poseidon didn't spare a glance at his handy work, rather he look at the USB now in his hand that the Bison Yummy, spawned from the Minister's desire, get for him. He pretty sure this is the first time that the Yummy used like this, small but useful ability. Since the Yummy is tie to the host after all, though now he wonder...Fine did said leaving a mess in the house you visit is bad manner right?
Nightfall is the same time Chris found herself back to the mansion, after taking some deep breath, her eyes regain a hint of determine steel she carried, proof of conviction she has for Fine and her own goal. The two failed attempt of acquire the Gungnir's inheritor for Fine has make her falter but that one talk with a stranger, a chance to reaffirm her resolve. That's right the reason she and Fine doing this, going against the world, being view as the villains, it all for a goal they all want in the end.
"For that goal, we both prepared ourselves, no matter what we will success." Chris thought, holding up the Gear Pendant she wearing. "No matter what we have to do! I was too feeble in my actions, this is a goal that I dedicate my whole life for. So what if I have to grit my teeth and do something I didn't like, surely...surely Fine have suffered the same if not greater."
With her mind reassured, the silver haired girl push open the double door lead to the big room of the mansion.
"Home already? You are much later than usual, decided to have some fun in the city?" Fine asked, her voice sound sweet and sensual without trying, a hint of motherly tone as well. But it also at time like this it hard to tell what her mood is. "You still remember to keep yourselves obscure right? It would be quite tedious to deal with some tails this late after all."
"You teach me better than that, Fine. There wasn't anyone follow me, I just feel like I could use a chance of space so I decide to hit the street for a bit of time." Chris said confidently, crossing her arms.
"Chris..." Fine said, making said girl flinch for a moment, is she upset? However contrary to her belief, this is one of those time Fine demonstrate a more tender side she naturally possess. "I know you and our new...acquaintance have a bad feud, I can't blame you either. His social etiquette leave much to desire sometimes." The blond haired woman sighed after saying so. "However, his presence right now is still beneficial to us, just as he found us still has some use to him, correct?" She asked.
Her question wasn't aiming at Chris alone.
"An honest collaboration is a successful one." Poseidon replied with an amused tone.
The man waved lazily at Chris, who ignored him, but she did have to point out something with a scowl.
"Where the Hell did you just come back from? A blood bath?" Chris asked in disgust.
Because right now, various spot on Poseidon's clothing have blood stain on it. She could tell it isn't his, the monster can't bleed after all. And beside she admit, even if he could bleed, whatever make him bleed would be as much of a monster and she could do well without that right now.
"My apology for my ruffled appearance, Ojou-chan." Again Poseidon addressed her with a humor tone, while Chris look like she want to drill a hole to his head with her glare alone. Then with a wave of his hand, the drop of bloods gathered to his palm then vaporized like it never there. "Before you ask, yes I could have avoid the blood but I merely want to have fun like everyone else once a while."
There so many thing wrong with that statement that Chris and even Fine didn't know where to start, nor did they want to even try. So instead they settle on sending a disturbed/disgusted gaze at Poseidon, who replied with a shrug.
"And? This mean you have it already or were you having too much fun and forget your own goal?" Fine asked, leaning on her knuckle.
Though judging from his good mood...
"Business first, Fine. I have a standard to uphold as your allies right?" Poseidon asked raising his hand up.
Waving his hand back and forth, one can see an object caught between his index and middle finger.
"An USB? What information do it contain?" Chris asked.
"Why, just a little secret that worth a few lives." Poseidon said, having a cruel grin.
"In the end, I let him has his way. With this, the event might slightly diverse from my initial planned scenario." Fine thought with narrowed gaze at the USB, before she let out a small sly smile. "But indeed, this by itself is quite exciting, and what matter is no matter how the game shift, the endgame will be as I envisioned." She thought before she shift her stare to the Moon, with a rare forlorn and reserved gaze from the mysterious woman. "Soon, wait for me, please."
Next time on Kamen Rider OOO: Song of Desire.
Reveal, the Golden Sword!
"Tsk. Tsk! Not just any Relic my dear arrogant boy. Behold! One of the greatest treasure that will protect Humanity from the Noise! Feast your mortal eyes on the great Complete Relic, the Durandal!" Ryoko announced excitingly like she is a host in some auction.
Clashing of Resolves!
"Thank you, my comrade. And now to get what is our." Chris said with steel return to her eyes as she confidently walk out of the mansion.
The meeting place is a chaotic battlefield.
Eiji on his Ride Vendor, while Ryoko is in her car with Hibiki in the passangers seat, both of them are driving through the street with the Noises burst out from the ground, pursuing them.
Golden Sword! Preparation! And Clash!
