Chapter 11: The Lost Light! The Strongest Combo! False Bond?
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.
Sometimes there are lesson you learnt by the best teacher, Life, who teach you through trial and error. While the process is less than pleasant, it could shape up that person, prevent them from making the same mistake. For a student it might be forgetting the notebooks and have to listen to their teachers tirade, this could make the student remember to check his bag all the time in the future. Or an office worker who have forgot to set up the alarm clock and have to listen to their supervisor tirade, this would make them be more careful with their time. Life also taught a certain Medal Rider who top priority is keep a clean pair of boxer for tomorrow, but as expected this lesson isn't exactly a common one, in fact it kind of go like this:
"From now on I am not going anywhere without a backpack full of Octopus Candroid!" Kamen Rider OOO cried out, full of frustration.
For an unseal lesson, Life has an equally unusual teaching instrument. Rather than a displeased superior or teacher, for the Rider it come in a form of a building sized bug chasing close. OOO might have been too successful in his attempt to distract it, for while the Otoshibumi Yummy won't be coming close to the factory now, it also too relentless in its attempt to squash the Rider, ironically, like a bug, again.
Opening: Synchrogazer by Mizuki Nana
Cover Image: OOO, in Gatakiriba Combo, and Yukine Chris, in Ichaival Gear, shielded their eyes from the intense light released by Durandal wield by Tachibana Hibiki clad in Gungnir Gear, her eyes shine with a malicious red light.
Despite it size, the Yummy is quite nimble. That is part of the reason it is gaining onto OOO, the other is this monster don't have to worry about the everlasting headache for all superhero and government officer alike, also known as collateral damage. Building, bridge, vehicle, all are trampled without a second thought by the bug monster. It is like a child going through their old set of Lego house in search of the new toy they just got.
But just because he is the one being tag, doesn't mean OOO is out of option. Far from it, while the Yummy relentlessness have thrown him off course at first now that they are quite a distance away from the factory, the Rider can act now. With a sharp U turn, the Rider bring his bike around and charge straight at the Yummy! Instead of colliding though, the height of the Yummy would leave plenty of space for OOO to drive under its belly, thus this would make the Yummy momentarily unable to locate the Rider and give him time to choose an effective strategy to deal with this old foe.
Or rather, that's what the Medal Rider sure would have happened.
Instead, the Yummy didn't waste a second and slammed one of its limb right in front of OOO's path. The impact shaken the entire road, still, it didn't effect the Ride Vendor's stability much. But what truly troublesome is, given its size, the Otoshibumi's limb width and height is too big of an obstacle for OOO to maneuver through and continue under its belly. If he has more distance maybe, but currently that option just not viable, it more likely he will be squished by the Yummy's limb instead.
"It know I will try this?!" OOO thought, gritting his teeth.
So what would the Rider do? Change course and choose another path completely? But that would just put thing back in square one, with the Yummy in hot pursuit of him and he being unable to do anything else but avoid being crushed. So if continuing with his original plan and running away are both not possible now, OOO can only do one thing he learnt throughout his life as a Rider.
When out of option, first scream out your battle cry loudly, then run or in this case ride your bike head first into the source of the problem!
Of course, there are always that small sliver of chances the source of problem is so powerful, even this 'fool proof' tactic fail and said Rider get bat away like nothing. Thankfully, while more powerful than before, this Yummy is nowhere near that level of power to defy one of the most successful Rider's 'tactic'.
The bug monster, seeing OOO not stopping, had tried to stop him by release multiple bolt of green spark at him. The sparks hit the Rider, explosion surrounded him, but the force isn't strong enough to stop the Rider in his charge. Thus, he advanced unimpeded and ride onto the obstructing limb itself. The exceptional stability and speed of the Ride Vendor, as one would expect from a Rider's machine, along with the Kujaku wings that come with the armor, helped OOO ride upward and not get drag down by gravity.
Once again, the irony is clear, the Yummy tried to flick its limb back and forth, like how one would when they suddenly find a bug on their arms, to shake OOO off. But it is futile and too late. The Rider have reached the altitude he need, with another burst of speed, his bike leap upward, carrying him right to the eyes level of the Yummy. Not wasting a golden chance, the Multi-King brought out the Medaljalibur, loaded three Cell Medal, this make a blade of light extended from the sword and increasing its length tremendously.
With a roar, OOO swing the blade of light as he pass by the Yummy, slashing it right in the middle of its face. The result is a spark of explosion, with a huge amount of Cell Medals bleed out from the big gash on the Yummy's face. But OOO isn't anywhere done yet, he was able to land on the backside of the bug Yummy. Thus as he ride on it, he stabbed his sword down, dragging a big trail on the monster's back. All the while, the Otoshibumi Yummy screeched out in pain and irritation but having no way to shaken OOO off it.
Not like it need to, since the Ride eventually reach the end of the Yummy body and leap off it, skidding his bike sideway as he come to a stop before glance up at the wobbling Yummy. After a few second, it stopped screeching, then collapsed into the street. It fall cracked the pavement, kicked up dust and debris, filling out the entire city block.
Genjuro and the 2nd Division staff, watching from their respective location, seen the incredible sight of the giant monster, brought down by the human sized warrior.
"Damn it." Fujitaka Sakuya said, after a moment of silence, jealousy in his tone. "That actually kind of cool."
"Let me guess, it remind you of some anime moment that you wished you can recreate yourself but can't right?" Tomosato Aoi asked, with a knowing smile.
"Ack, don't call me out like that at work please." Sakuya said with a strained smile.
"It too late to take it easy you two." Genjuro said from the helicopter, unlike his two subordinate, the man narrowed his gaze. "Our pest problem haven't been resolve yet."
And the Commander is right, not just him but OOO himself also knew his attack isn't anywhere near strong enough to bring the massive bug down. Damaged it for sure but no way this Yummy would go down just like that, given how much stronger it has become. That didn't stop a sigh from escaping the Rider, when the screeching noises, like thousand of insect wings flapping, picked up again from the downed Yummy.
"I suspect this for a while now but it seems..." A limb crash down to an area right next to OOO, cutting off his thought momentarily and almost got him in the radius has he not veered his bike in time. "Yeah the Yummy didn't only look the same they somehow have their past memory of fighting against me, they are learning from their past defeat!"
The Rider is trying to find some space to gather enough time for a Scanning Charge. It wouldn't take long, at most he need only three to four seconds. However, such short time has now become a luxury that the Otobushimi Yummy just won't let the Rider have. Any time the Medal Rider gain some distance, the Yummy would leap forward trying to cut him off.
And it even worse when he does get too far.
"EEEKKKKK!"
Another shriek resembling thousand bugs buzzing, then a crackling noises of static, the result is the gathered green lightning from the top of the Yummy's head blasted right at OOO! The Rider weave through the explosions, feeling the ferocious force trying to knock him off course. It took all he has to hang on to his bike. Seeing no other choice, he reduce the bike's speed and slow down but still keep a margin of distance from the Yummy. Due to how limit it can tilt down its head, it seems the monster can't shoot the lightning at a closer target. But not like it matter, with the distance being reduced eventually the monster can just close the gap and flatten the Rider.
Once again, time is a crucible factor here. And if OOO can't find it then he will have to make the chance himself.
Playing Regret Nothin Tighten Up.
With his mind made up, he make a sharp turn and driving toward a nearby building. OOO didn't bother to look for an entrance, instead he entered by driving right through one of the wall. It is an action that by all mean quite asinine given the current situation, proven when the Otobushimi Yummy didn't even bother to give chase. Instead with a swing of its limb, the giant bug has toppled building bringing it down. All that concrete, steel pillars and debris no doubt will crash right onto OOO. But that isn't enough, the Yummy's memories and its master's order have drilled into its head that the Rider isn't someone who die just because a building or two drop on them. Thus the Yummy approached the ruined spot, and bring its limb up and then...
BAM! BAM! BAM!
The giant bug stomped nonstop, the city shook with each hit. The Otoshibumi Yummy is determined to flatten OOO under all this rubble, or if the impact didn't kill him it should still flush him out. Then that's when the Rider will get hit by a concentrated lighting blast. But, while its action is meticulous it still prove to be fruitless. Under all of this rubble, a human size tunnel have been dug by the Rider using his Zou leg. This allow him to avoid all the damage unscathed, and more importantly, it given him a chance...
End OST.
Playing Kamen Rider OOO Scanning Charge OST.
[TRIPLE SCANNING CHARGE!]
The announcement echo throughout the street, it was a sound that signaled this giant bug's destruction first time around. Thus the Yummy reacted with hostility, it looked around frantically trying to search for the source. But it is too late, the Otoshibumi Yummy only known where the sound come from when it saw the familiar wave of energy slash cutting through the very ground it stand on, splitting it in two, then continue uninterrupted toward the Yummy. Bisecting the giant bug to two even halves, not just the Yummy but the very space around it was also cut into two.
End OST.
"Well that something you don't see everyday." Genjuro commented blandly.
The man have given up trying to make sense of what he seeing, it like watching someone editing a video on reality itself.
"So not to thrown our friend under the bus...but if this thing doesn't fix itself then Hino should be able to handle the bill right?" Sakuya asked dryly.
"With a server salary? Oh yeah, sure." Aoi said, with matching tone.
Thankfully, the 2nd Division worry is for naught, after a few seconds the line of energy mended the space back together like nothing has happened. But while it connected the dimension back, the same can be said for the Yummy's body. It two halves now fall apart from each other, dropping into the ground, once again kicking up dust and debris for who known how many times today already.
"Whelp, if anything else, the construction crew will get a good paid that for sure." Genjuro thought, momentarily sighed in relief.
"I will have to leave this part for Eiji-kun, like it or not, the Durandal is the priority." Genjuro said to the earpiece. "You guys continue to keep track of the situations for the area."
The man then give one last glance at OOO with a frown.
"'Not trustworthy' they said. I hope whoever have that stupid idea is watching how hard OOO is fighting. Then again, what are the odds. If we want to convince the higher up, it faster to do something ourselves than wait for them. It the least we can do for what Hino Eiji already done for us." Genjuro thought.
The Commander then told the helicopter to head toward the factory.
Playing Gekisou Gungnir.
"Left, right, left, left, double backpedal, instantly follow by a forward roll, break a piece of the ground to use as makeshift shield to temporarily halt the bolts!"
Tachibana Hibiki thoughts and actions sync flawlessly as she stomped the ground, cracked it just right to lift up a fragment of concrete that take the brunt of Chris's hit. Of course, the girl has to channel the chi of Gungnir to said piece of concrete for it to even withstand few seconds under the intense fire power of the Ichaival. While those like Kazanari Tsubasa, Amou Kanade, and Yukine Chris would focus their energy onto their respective weapons, Hibiki without such options, have learnt under Genjuro on how to channel her energy directly into her fist.
The 2nd Division Commander is not a Gear User, but when it come to harness one own inner energy, the man is a master, possibly one of the best the world have to offer. Thus while Tachibana may lack the finesse the other Gear Users have with their Armed Gear, she make up for it with the explosive powers she possess, due to able to harness the power directly to her fist.
"However, it much easier said than done. There a reason the Relic provided Armed Gear to the one it chosen. Regardless how experienced they are or how long they have their Relic, had any other Gear Users tried this method, odds are the raw energy of the Relics would have cause unpredictable consequences to the Attuned...And yet...she wielding it so freely..." Sakurai Ryoko thought, an excited grin forming on her lips. "Good job Hibiki-chan, good job! You are taming the power of the Gods with your bare hands!"
"20 feet, 15 feet, ah duck!" Hibiki thought frantically. "Okay 10, five and now she in range! Focus and synchronize with the power flowing through my fist, then release it like roaring thunder!"
The moment the Gungnir User get this close, Chris has no choice but dismiss her set of guns and revert back to using her crossbows. While still powerful, obviously it would yield less destructive power compare to the guns. However, at such close distance, the heavy chain gun would be hard to maneuver, especially it is clear to Yukine that Tachibana's footwork have meet significant improvement. The girl has been able to weave through the wave of bullets up until now, even if the use of her firearm was limited due to the arena, the fact the cream haired girl can keep herself from being shot is still impressive. On the other hands, seeing the chain gun is being exchanged for the crossbow, filled Hibiki's mind with more confidence and vigor.
There are some lessons that can only be taught by the world best teacher, Life, that is one of the first lesson Genjuro has imparted into the girl. He has told her, training and real life battle have a distinct difference, there are many lessons the girl can't learnt with the former and only with the latter. And right now, his words are coming true. Feeling the taste of victory, Hibiki let it cloud her mind for a moment. Thus she didn't bother to consider the fact that the silver haired girl hasn't run out of option yet.
"What is that triumphant look you sporting there mean huh!?" Yukine Chris roared.
With a fluid motion, the silver haired girl flipped up the pair of crossbows then start to hold them on their fore-grip, the action took less than a second, followed by a blur aiming at the brawler's unguarded temple.
CRACK!
"Eh?" Hibiki thought in a daze, unable to mutter it in words.
The girl feel the world stand still for a moment, with a hollow ringing sound. Then, in a second her nerve registered the impact. The result is the numbing pain that make her groan as she grip her head. Chris have used the butt of her crossbows as a blunt object, coupled with her strength as a Gear User, it delivered a nasty hit. Even if the silver haired girl brute strength can't match that of Hibiki, it was made up by the fact she aimed at a weak spot. At the end of the day, the Gungnir User is still a human being, a hit to a temple would still disorientate her, it just a matter of an appropriate force. While a normal right hook wouldn't even faze someone with a protection of a Relic, a swing from a Relic weapons by a another Relic User would do just fine.
That said, Yukine known a single hit won't enough to put Tachibana down. Thus with the latter still in daze, the gunslinger repeated her actions. She delivered another swing, this time at the other side of the temple. Once again, the hit strike true. Spittle flying from Hibiki's lip, but the girl still manage to remain standing.
"The faster you take a nap, the easier it is for you." Chris grunted.
Just as she aim for another swing, the cream haired girl regained her sense. Ignoring the biggest headache she ever got, the brawler ducked down from another swing. The hits was more than effective enough to serve as a reminder for Hibiki, regarding the aforementioned lesson from Genjuro. The girl now have to consider her actions again, knowing victory wasn't as close as she thought. She put both her hands on the ground, coiled her body back and spring forth while aiming both of her feet at Chris's abdomen, who is leaving herself open due to still in mid swing. The girl didn't expect Tachibana to recover in time, hence she tried to finish this by putting all her force into this strike.
That said, it wasn't like the white haired girl is slow. Her speed far surpass what the best athlete in the world can offer, said opening is only a millisecond gap. It just that when her opponent also operate on the same level, hence said millisecond become invaluable opportunity. Thus the moment the double kick connected, the Ichaival's Wielder found herself get flung back like a ragdoll. Yukine dug her feet into the ground, dragging a trail until the force subsided, coming to a stop about 20 feet away from Tachibana.
Both of them look at each other, none make a movement as they quickly review over their head what just transpire. For Hibiki, she take this chances to nurse the excruciating pain wracking her brain, unable to suppress the painful groan. At least the headache has now subsided to a more minor one.
"One of my can easily crush a boulder, yet right after eating two of those to her temple, the brat can still retaliate! Either she is too much of a brute, or has one hell of a battle will. Maybe both." Chris thought, clicking her tongue. "Is this another side effect from having the damn Relic shove right into your chest?" The girl thought warily, considering if she should keep a distance or not. "No...just a single trick won't work. I have to pin her down then let it loose or she would just weave herself out of the way."
"She is strong. I might caught her surprise by chance, but she clearly have more experience than me, her reaction is also top notch. She is definitely someone who close to Tsubasa-san's level. So this is Chris-chan when she serious, not to her Relic firepower is the main problem. Uwah~ I can only see disastrous end for this fight!" Hibiki thought, feeling her heart beating rapidly to the ribcage while also having trouble steadying her breathing, a combination of adrenaline, fear and a bit of excitement would do that. "Hah~ none of that! Come on, focus hard-headed-me. If there one thing I can be good at is to be stubborn right? Think of Eiji-kun, think of Tsubasa-san, Miku and her dinner tonight. Think of Chris-chan! This is tough, but I just have to become tougher compare to it!"
With both of their minds settle on the next course of action, or in Hibiki's case, letting her instinct taking a front seat. Without any verbal agreement, the fight continue.
Though before the cream haired girl can dash forth, she noticed something. Is it just her or the sun going down too soon today? She notice the ray of sunlight seems to receded compare to moment ago, the once bright day now look like it will reach dusk soon. Not to mention the over looming shadow.
"Wait..." Hibiki paused, registering that the whole 'looming shadow' isn't quite natural.
"Something isn't right." Ryoko commented.
From outside perspective, Genjuro have a better view of what's going on.
"What on Earth?" The Commander muttered in astonishment.
After all, from his point of view, the surrounding of the battle have just been encased by Noises and Trash Yummy! The amount is ridiculous, but rather being used for attack and potentially damage the Durandal, what they did instead is created a big circle of rail guard. Linking limbs to each other, the grotesque mass of monster act as an arena with its height equal to an electric pillar.
End Song.
In contrast, the Ichaival's Wielder has a big grin on her face.
Play Makyu Ichaival.
"Finally! I was growing bored with waiting!" Chris declared confidently.
The girl then stretched out her hands as her chain-guns re-materialized.
BILLION MAIDENS!
This time, Yukine has no need to worry for any repercussion using her more destructive firearms, or at the very least the restricted area have been widened significantly for the silver haired girl. With the makeshift arena, this will reduce the chance of a stray bullets hitting one of the volatile factory construct, instead it will just hit some unlucky Noises or Trash Yummy.
"Wait! can I have a head star-Eep!"
Hibiki reacted right when she heard the sound of the chain-guns rotated, her body already in movement just as the shots start. Despite this, the girl barely made it in time. Just a split second after leaping away, the spot she stood on was instantly filled with bullets holes.
"I told you, I have already considered the chance this will be our battlefield." Chris said amidst the sound of her chain-gun spitting leads. "The move I used against you is just to stall time for all these guys to gather up, this is my real trump card Tachibana Hibiki! Now is when you actually start to have a bit of taste what Ichaival truly has to offer." The silver haired girl flashed a feral grin. "Let's dance."
Chris aimed her chain guns at the running figure of Hibiki and let loose, trail of destruction chased after the cream haired girl. If she slow down her speed, the trail of bullets will catch up and she will become beehive in no time. Blocking and avoiding the Ichaival Crossbows was already hard moment ago, now though it just hellish for Tachibana. In fact, despite keeping up her top speed, already the Gungnir's Wielder can feel some of the stray bullets managed to gaze at her. And while it isn't any noteworthy damage, this is a sign that eventually Chris will nail down Hibiki's running pace. The cream haired girl can't simply keep dodging, she need to do something quick.
Just at that moment, Tachibana's worry come true. Yukine's aiming finally caught up to the former's speed. Some bullets hit the ground right in front of Hibiki, and while it missed, the true purpose of it is to make the girl stumbled from the resulting shockwave. This is the real opening Chris needed, with her target momentarily halted, the real bombardment begin.
TA-TA-TA-TA-TA...!
The bullets finally hit true, the first dozen of them hit the cream haired girl's legs and knee, disabling her movement. The next series strike at tje girl's abdomen.
"Gah-Ack!?" Hibiki gagged from the pain, feeling all the air in lungs leaving her at once.
The force of the shots are strong enough to flung the girl back like a ragdoll. Spark shot out from the Gungnir, doing it best to protect it User from another Relic's relentless assault. Not wanting to deal permanent damage and satisfied with her advantage, Chris stopped firing. But still keeping her chain gun trained on Hibiki downed form just in case. The cream haired girl's prone form twitched but no other movement is make. Currently, her body is trying to sort through the pain assaulting her mind. The girl can only lie still, this happened to be a blessing in disguise when the she realize her opponent has stopped shooting.
While intense, the pain quickly subsided within few seconds. Tachibana could have got up right away, yet she continue to let out small groan while twitching, keeping up the appearance that the shots has managed to incapacitated her. The girl know it won't work long, at best she got few minutes only. But right now those precious minutes can be use to think of a way for Hibiki to turn this around, at least the girl hope her mind will come up with something during this time.
"I can't avoid damage here, this make shift arena have removed the one handicap Chris-chan has!" Hibiki thought nervously, she then try to steel her mind once more. "Come on! Calm that racing thoughts, breath in, breath out." As the girl follow her mental command she regained her focus and suppressed her nervous thoughts. "Alright, let's try the most obvious solution for me first then, if this battlefield is disadvantage for me then what if I tear it down?"
Back on Chris's side, she was relived, seeing her opponent groaning. The brat need to be alive after all, though said feeling of relief quickly took over by annoyance when Chris see that not only the girl is alive, it turn out her wound isn't as grievous given she just get up and running! The Survivor of Yukine's family let out an irritated sigh.
"Insufferable brat, you want to eat leads that much? This time I am not going to held back as much as before. It won't kill you but this next attack will cripple you for sure!" Chris shouted. The silver haired girl want to give Hibiki one last chance, yet when Chris see her words has no effect on the young brawler, with the girl keep on sprinting. The gunslinger can't suppress a small smile of respect. As she about to take aim though, the Ichaival's Wielder noticed something. Rather than moving around to avoid getting shot or charging straight at her, what Hibiki doing is charge straight to a section of the dome with her fist cocked back. "Hah! So that's what you going for? But do you think I would have set up such feeble arena?"
At least she hope Poseidon wouldn't or she going let him taste one of her missile, right at where the sun don't shine!
"Hah!" Hibiki roared, launching her fist toward the wall.
In response, the living construct twisted and morphed, shooting out a tendril to meet the Gungnir's fist. It a disgusting process to look at, a thought share by both Tachibana and Yukine. Of course, this doesn't deterrence the former one bit, fist meet tendril at full force. Resulting in a shockwave that blast out all the way to where Chris and Ryoko stood, both of them have to cover their face, hair fluttering from the force. The Ichaival's Wielder peer through and see that Hibiki's fist has managed to pierce through the tendril but instead of being destroyed completely, its mangled form now wrap around the offending limb, while multiple other extrude out from the 'wall', rushing straight at the cream haired girl.
Keeping her composure, the young brawler narrowed her gaze in concentration, she quickly roundhouse kick the grotesque masses holding her arms, breaking the already mangled form to pieces this time. But in the end, the wall itself is unharmed, sure it cracked but it quickly repaired itself with more Noises and Trash Yummy flesh moving around. With her arms free, Tachibana considered if she should try again. But the sound of chain gun rotating make her abandoned that thought, she quickly jumped to the side where hundred of bullets missed her and struck the wall instead. Just like before, while the bullets damaged it, the wall wasn't penetrated.
"Did you think I would just sit back and wait for you to take a break or something?" Chris said nonchalantly.
The silver haired girl is also impressed with the wall's durability. Technically speaking, if one want to break it, they have to strike the wall with a devastating attack strong enough to destroy the whole thing all at once. Otherwise the attack that thrown by both of them, while damaged it, wouldn't take it long to fix itself. As long as there is Noises and Trash Yummy around, and that is definitely not something Fine and Poseidon short on.
"I can't break out of the wall in time, I have no choice but to try to close the distance again. I just need one chance." Hibiki thought, she has also arrive at a similar conclusion regarding the wall's durability.
Suddenly, the girl remember the time she fought alongside OOO. Thus she quickly throw a punch at the ground she stood on, the exploding force kick up rock and debris as well as dust.
"Tch! This trick again!?" Of course, Chris also recognized this.
Not even a second later, a slab of pavement was throw through the dust and straight at the silver haired girl. She easily break it to pieces with few shots, but that reveal the figure of Hibiki dashing straight at her. At this distance, both of them are within arm length, Chris narrowed her gaze and send a straight kick at her opponent's abdomen. A move that would have sent the Gungnir's User tumbling back, if not for the fact she has reacted in time and grabbed Yukine's foot. The latter barely utter a gasp of surprise before Hibiki twist spun rapidly like a windmill, consequently carry silver haired girl along with the forces.
"Please try not to bite your tongue!" Hibiki shout out.
The cream haired girl sound very genuine for someone who has just thrown Chris away like a ragdoll, the distance is enough to cover a football field. Not that the silver haired girl really care, seeing she is being physic's plaything. The forces that throw her make her spiral around uncontrollably, forget aiming, Chris can't even tell which is up or down right now but she does know she want this to stop!
"To Hell with it!" Chris shout out angrily.
Just as she still flung around mid-air, the girl actually unloaded her mini rocket. The Gungnir's Wielder widened her eyes, seeing such a sight.
"S...She wouldn't in such position right?" Hibiki asked herself doubtfully.
The unexpected answer come in a form of Chris throwing cautious, along with herself to the wind, and let her missile loose, resulting in a barrage of explosions. The forces are powerful, their directions also random due to how the shooter was being flung, so Hibiki has no choices but to brace herself and tank the explosions filling her area. This also effected Yukine's momentum, hence the forces carry her waned before she found herself skidding to the ground in a heap of roll. If this hasn't happened, no doubt Hibiki's strength would have been enough send her flying at the wall.
End Song.
Meanwhile, silence befall the 2nd Division staffs who all keep their eyes on the monitor that live streaming the fight between Gungnir and Ichival Gear Users.
"Uhm...that worked?" Sakuya hesitantly confirmed/asked.
"I mean...how? The law of physics...gravity...center masses..." Aoi also has a hard time coming to terms with what she see.
"Great...she broke. Commander what do you think sir? Sir?" Sakuya asked but received no response.
After few seconds of silence, the man finally respond.
"Sakuya-kun, you manage to capture that fantastic moment just now, yes?" Genjuro asked with grave tones, a man who love actions movies have witness a moment that was dream like to him.
"Yes, yes I did." Sakuya said with resigned tone.
At least their boss is having fun.
"I know I'm bad at physics and all but I'm pretty sure that shouldn't have worked." Hibiki call out sheepishly to the smoke covered area.
An irritated voice snapped back.
"Like you the one to talk you brute! Who the f***k throw people while spinning like a goddamn chopper!?"
Saying Yukine Chris is enraged would be like saying the volcano sure is warm.
"Sorry. But we are fighting aren't we?" Hibiki sheepishly responded but perk up when she remember that tidbit, sure enough Chris gone silent hearing that. "Uhm...Ch..."
"Call my name like that once more and I will nuke this entire area, Durandal be damn, got it?" Chris, walking out of the smoke looking charred and bruised but unscathed, snapped with a snarky expression.
"R...Right." Hibiki said with a nod as she let out a light sigh. "Now then since we both take a breather...should we continue?"
Hibiki's conciliatory tone make Chris stare at her like she growth a second head.
"I really don't understand you. Just before you were a stumbling idiot who would be lucky enough if she can throw her punch right. Yet here you, taking wounds like an experienced fighter yet speaking like I am your damn roommate. Just what the Hell are you trying to pull? Were you just hiding your true strength or you actually growth this strong that shortly!?" Chris's caustic tone keep on rising.
In all honesty Yukine Chris has been a bit dismissive when Fine told her Tachibana Hibiki is pushing herself to master her Gear. Commendable and reasonable, that's what she thought back then, but assured herself the time for practice would be too short and the target wouldn't be able to yield any different results. Of course she still wary of the explosive powers the target possess, but busting out Ichaival has once again increase the distances between their strength once more. Chris can now use the Gear that truly in synch with her, as such she has envisioned her plan to go rather smoothly if she can distract OOO. Sure she didn't expect to go off without a hitch but for Hibiki herself to offer this much resistance was unthinkable.
In the first place, to increase the efficiency one can have with the Relic to a such degree in such short time was absurd. Even if one to chalk it up to the fragment in Tachibana Hibiki's heart, it actually would have been more dangerous for her since once mishap or carelessness and the fragment would prove too much for the body, so how?
"How was it that a novice like you now stand in equal to me?" Chris asked irritated, cautious and truthfully a small hint of fear.
Is this what Fine seek? A Chosen One who surpass Amou Kanade, Kazanari Tsubasa...and...Yukine Chris in a way to harness the Symphogear?
In response, Hibiki look surprised for a moment, then she smiled at Chris, it a genuine smile with no hint of deceit in it, surprising the silver haired girl.
"Because I know how strong you are due to your resolves so I think...it would be untruthful of me to want to help you yet didn't try hard enough myself." Hibiki responded animatedly, in complete contrast to her opponent's tone.
The young brawler has ready to brace herself for any explosive comeback from Chris, of course just by words Chris wouldn't trust her so easily, she hasn't really prove herself after all. As such Hibiki was surprised when Chris just look at her with a confused expression, no anger nor outburst...just confusion.
"You really don't belong here huh?"
Chris's ambiguous question confused Hibiki, but to the gunslinger, her mind is already replaying that scene. That night, when all three Gear Users gathered for the first time. How both her and Kazanari Tsubasa had regarded Tachibana as someone that didn't belong on battlefield. To Chris, that was enough for her to judge Hibiki's worth as nonexistent. Beside got the Gear log in her heart due to unexpected circumstances, there is nothing more to this girl. Yet here she is now fighting so hard not to defeat but to...understand her?
"That..."
Biting her inner cheeks tightly for second just enough to taste a tint of iron, Chris given Hibiki a gaze, not a glare anymore but rather a cautious yet respected gaze, one that reserve for those she consider dangerous but above all else worthy of her full strength.
"I...see...well then let's continue. I'm Tachibana Hibiki, as stated before I will reach out to you!" Hibiki announced compassionately, settled to her combat stances after once more.
"Hmph, Yukine Chris." The girl didn't expect Chris to response in kind, but she is happy for that fact. "You are someone I don't mind leaving my name behind, however it won't change the fact that by the end of this match you are coming with me!" Chris's tone also match the energy Hibiki has, the silver haired duel wield her crossbows in a combat stances. Suddenly, the girl fired her arrows but it pass through her opponent by hair inch and hit the offending limb, originated from the Noises/Yummy wall, behind the her and destroyed it. Ignoring the surprised expression Hibiki aiming at her, Chris bark at the dome. "I only going to accept the field you set up not interruption from you, got it?"
The girl know full well her messages must have been received by Poseidon, proven the dome cease any movement and once more fulfill its only function as the surrounding wall for the battle.
"Hahaha, to be so young." Sakurai Ryoko commented with an amused expression.
"Thank you." Hibiki said with a beaming smile.
"Would be pretty disappointing for me too for it to end like that with the mood you manage to rile me in." Chris responded arrogantly, flashing a fanged grin.
"Those two look like they having a pretty easy going conversation. Tachibana-kun, this is your moment now, go for it." Genjuro commented celebratory with a proud smile.
Despite the odds seemingly stacking against her, he still has lots of trust for his protégé.
Nonetheless to all those who watching know, the brief moment of words are over. These two will resume to let their Songs to converse once more, the Songs that sung in battle.
Play Synchrogazer
The one who make the first move was Hibiki, in a second she crouch down then kicked herself off against the ground, launching the brawler forward. However instead of throwing herself at Chris, Hibiki dash by the gunslinger, the wind pressure ruffled the silver haired girl, but she paid no heed. This time, it is the cream haired girl's turn to take advantage of the 'dome'. By kicking against the wall as platform, the girl is able to bounce around with speed faster than normal eyes could follow. In contrast to her opponent explosive movement though, Chris is still root in her spot, her gaze, filled with intensity and focus like a hawk, traced after Hibiki's wild trajectory. Both of them in their own way, is looking for an opening in their opponents.
After a whole minute of this routine, Tachibana land on a ceiling portion of the 'wall', from there she looked down at Yukine's figure. Steeling herself, Hibiki kicked off once more, but this time is different as the leg armor of her Gear suddenly exploded. More precisely it launched some kind of steel rod out, slamming against the 'wall' with such powerful forces that fragment of Noises and some Cell Medals can be seen falling out then promptly scattered away due to the wind pressure of the impact. This of course, launched the Gungnir's User toward her opponent. If her speed and momentum was like a cannonball before then Hibiki right now is like a rocket. With her fist cocked back, the Gear on her arm already being pulled back, Hibiki is ready to launch a devastating attack.
In response to this instead of being intimidated by the explosive forces that is the Gungnir's User, Chris sharpened her gaze even more as her lips curled upward.
"There!/Here!"
Their voices mixed together. Chris stared face to face at the speeding figure of Hibiki, not wasting any time the former decided to bring out the big guns, literally.
BILLION MAIDEN!
"This is bad, the momentum isn't enough to throw the Ichaival's Wielder off balance." Aoi remarked with a frown marred her lips.
"Hibiki-chan can't stop her momentum, at this rate will be shot down before even reaching her opponent." Sakuya add in with alarmed tone.
In contrast to his subordinate, Genjuro let out a ear splitting grin shared by Hibiki right now as their voices overlap.
"If presented with a pinch. JUST PUNCH RIGHT THROUGH IT!" The teacher/student duo both shout out.
Hibiki, undeterred, throw her punch forward with the accumulated force.
BOOM!
The forces of her punch unleashed a visible energy shock-wave. It collided with the hail of bullets, which it promptly scattered, then continue rushing forth uninterrupted at Chris, who is shocked at this development.
The spot where Chris stood exploded with dust of cloud and debris obscure the spot, Sakuya and Aoi could only stare in shock while Genjuro has a satisfied expression.
Sakurai Ryoko look mesmerized by the sight, one almost forgot her presence there as she quietly observe the match, she also spare a glance to look at the smoldering crater where Chris once stood with a passive expression.
The one who throw the attack herself, Hibiki landed on the ground a bit far away, she let out a breath as she approached the spot with a concerned expression, however it soon turn to shock that shared by everyone beside Ryoko.
Because standing there without a scratch is Yukine Chris who crossed her arms with a grin, not just herself but the very spot she stood on was unaffected by the damage. It almost like somehow the attack has hit everywhere in the crater radius except the epicenter where Chris stood.
"That's so cool...wait, no! I mean, Chris-chan, how are you completely unharmed like that!?" Hibiki asked completely flabbergasted.
The brawler was actually pretty proud of that strike just now, she sure that hit would have done serious damage to Chris. Of course, she didn't want the girl to critically wounded, that's the last thing from her mind. Knowing her opponent has survived attack from Kazanari Tsubasa and Hino Eiji, Hibiki sure the Ichaival would have done it job to protect Chris from being hurt too much. But that doesn't mean Hibiki expected her blow to be ignored completely like that.
"Was there more secret to the Ichaival beside it massive firepower? Damn, that girl sure know how to keep one hell of a trump card a secret." Sakuya nervously commented, also awed by the sight.
"You can be amaze all you want but it didn't change the fact things are going south for Hibiki-chan again." Aoi said with a frown.
"No, if it such a powerful abilities there was no reason she couldn't have use it sooner. There must be more to this, if Hibiki-kun can keep her focus then she still has her chances." Genjuro said confidently.
"Sure let me explain in detail how my abilities work and their weakness too, be sure to take note alright?" Chris deadpanned.
But her expression turned to irritation when she saw Hibiki actually standing there looking at her. Not bothering to response, Chris just pull out her gun again and start to shoot.
With a startled yelp, Hibiki rolled to the side then make for a sprint trying to outrun the line of fire chasing after her again.
"I didn't know you were being sarcasm! Your tone sound usually the same for me most of the time!" Hibiki tried to shout amidst the gunfire but if Chris heard anything she didn't response, though the firing rate did increase. "Gah! This isn't good for me! How about this then!?"
With a valiant cry, the brawler suddenly changed her trajectory. Now instead of running around to dodge the projectile, she is running headfirst at the gunslinger.
"Brave, but idiotic." Chris thought.
After all, charging straight into her like this just make it easier for the silver haired girl to take aim. Hundred of bullets shot toward Hibiki, whose figure moved in rapid quick movement, making it seems like she blurred in and out of existence all the while continue her advance. Then within few seconds, Yukine found her opponent is already within arm reach, shocking her.
"Impossible! You dodged it all!?" Chris exclaimed in surprise.
She was sure her aim was spot on, but in that split second before Hibiki's fist reach her abdomen, Chris manage to notice the fresh scars and scratches that is still bleeding on the cream haired girl body. True to the silver haired girl's skill, even with her rapid footwork, there is no way Tachibana could have avoided all the shots from the Ichaival's Wielder.
"She did get hit! She actually endured the force from Ichaival's attack!?" Chris thought.
"It hurt! It hurt! It hurt! Uwah~ it hurt so much! But it nothing compare to the wound in my chest!"
With that defiance and determination fueled thought, Hibiki found her distance with Chris reduced to just as an arm length now.
"DORA!" Hibiki shouted.
BAM!
Her fist slammed to Chris's guts, sending her flying. Despite this, Hibiki can feel the silver haired girl managed to lean back her body while also crossing her arms at the last second to minimize the damage, as expected really.
For Chris herself though, that really isn't a noteworthy accomplishment seeing how her body still wrecked with pain as she try to pick herself up. By now both of them look pretty beaten up, with Hibiki having various cuts and charred patch of wounds on her body while Chris looked like she just came out of a bar brawl.
"Damn it brat, what the Hell is wrong with you? Who just get shot by Ichaival and keep on charging? You have a death wish or something?" Chris asked in bewilderment, but also with a hint of respect.
To the girl it ridiculous that her opponent has the gall to look embarrassed as she rub the back of my head.
"I mean you keep saying you only want to capture me so I thought you would hold some punches but turn out it was really hurt!" Hibiki retorted embarrassingly. "But at least I managed to reach you, so how is it Chris-chan? Have I proven that I am serious of wanting to help you now? My strength isn't acquired to hurt you, I really just want for us to sit down and talk, to reach an understanding." Hibiki said with her head hang low, the girl's expression obviously torn with what she has to do but then her eyes steeled themselves, once more Chris was surprised by the strength those eyes held. "To show you that I am not so weak, no, I am weak but it doesn't mean I can't be strong for those I want to help, no matter what challenge or hardship I have to face!"
Being the one who receiving the intense gaze, Chris can said nothing but look at Hibiki with a shocked expression. By the side, Ryoko still paid rapt attention to what happening in front of her, the scientist unable to take her eyes away from the rare moment of the two Relics clash in such heated intense battle.
"If I were to be defeated by you, perhaps hearing you talk a bit wouldn't be too much of a waste of time, I can spare a few minutes I suppose." Chris said calmly.
Hibiki and Ryoko both look surprised to hear this, the former has a hopeful expression, at least something good can come out of all this senseless battle.
"Then..." Hibiki said, but she was cut off.
"If only though." Chris said, raising up her chain guns.
The message was clear, it is only a hypothetical statement, that's all. It no different than when someone saying what they would have buy or where they would travel if they ever win the biggest lottery.
"Don't worry Chris-chan, it is a possibility that I intend to make it happen!" Hibiki promised, slamming her fists together and got back to her martial arts stance.
"I still hold the advantage over the distance but she resourceful and unpredictable." Chris thought warily despite having her guns trained onto opponent's form. "Won't be hard for her to shorten the distance again if I am not careful. I managed to block the last attack using 'that' but not like I can spam the damn thing, then..."
But that's all the time Chris's mind can make for herself, for as fast as she try to think this through Hibiki already on the move. The silver haired girl decide to trade off firepower for better movement, hence she switched to her crossbows. And, as if not wanting to lose a silence dare, Yukine dashed forward. This momentarily caught Tachibana off guard, who was sure her opponent would want to keep the distance. Her eyesight also caught on the fact that the barrel of Chris's crossbows have dim red light concentrated at the tip, a telltale sign that the girl is charging her shots.
"Chris-chan isn't a sludge in close combat, far from it! But she haven't initiate close combats till now, only defense herself when I got too close, what she planning?"
Regardless, Hibiki will take the chance, closing the distance was what she trying to do the whole time. Thus both side didn't slow down their pace, the inevitable clash occurred when they are in arm length distance.
"DORA!" The Gungnir's Wielder throw a punch, coated in orange energy.
"ORA!" The Ichaival's Wielder replied by stab forth her crossbows, releasing the red energy she charged up.
Energized fist and arrows clashed point blank!
KA-BOOM!
The clash of energy was intense, the whole dome was shaken and cracked with some of the Noises and Trash Yummy got destroyed, the noises from the clash is deafening, no one can see what happened in the center of the arena where both of them are as it was covered by the bright light.
End Song.
"It's ending, we will know the victor soon." Genjuro said, narrowing his gaze.
"Commander, we need to prepare for the worst situation, if things come to shove we..." Aoi hesitation wasn't lost by anybody listening. "We obviously can't sacrifice Hibiki-chan or Ryoko-san, so we should consider destroying the Durandal, in the end it is too dangerous of a weapon to let it fall to the hand of the enemies."
"Have more faith in me Aoi-kun. I also know what I said but I am not such an irresponsible Commander to let the Durandal be taken nor would I forsake my student."
Genjuro's underline message was clear to both Aoi and Sakuya.
"Before you think of charging in Commander, I would want to remind you the Noises are still there, plus let's not be so grim yet. Eiji-kun is still out there, we can't count him out yet." Sakuya said, in hope of lighten the tension of the situation.
"The Yummy is giving him trouble, and while I also know he can defeat it. My instinct tell me a terrifying opponent is near, no doubt it is Poseidon. Whatever his goal is, he is hiding himself, watching things unfold." Genjuro said with an uncontrollable trepidation well up in his chest.
While the Noises abilities cause issue for him, he still has trust in his strength. But this presence, to said it is on a completely different level is an understatement. His warrior instinct have been honed through training, battle, life and death situation in his line of work. Hence he can feel a very dangerous presence around the area, one that eclipse all the threats present right now, be it the Gear Users, Noises or Yummy.
Aoi and Sakuya of course also known full well of their Commander's capabilities so they didn't bother to question him, but that also mean the situation just gotten worse.
As the dust cleared, the shadow outlines for two figures can be seen. However only one of them seems to be standing, the other figure is lying on the ground. Genjuro, Aoi, Sakuya and Ryoko all look on intently, seconds pass by like hours for them. Then finally, the smoke cleared, giving them the view of who the victor is. And that's when they wish the smoke to obscure their vision again, just so they can convince themselves it just a trick of eyes.
In front of the scientist, Tachibana Hibiki is lying face first to the ground. Yukine Chris, despite some labored breathing, is the one who still stand strong.
"Damn. She really knock all my strategy off the winds with her ridiculous strength and hardheadedness. To force me to response to you in kind, I will give you respect just for that Tachibana Hibiki." Chris thought wiping droplet of sweats and line of blood trailing from minor cuts on her face, which is minor wounds consider how intense the clash was. "Not to mention I used the Reflector Bits twice for the whole day, only one use left for the day but given the situation...it all worth it I suppose." Chris thought, looking at a piece of diamond shaped red crystal in her hand.
REFLECTOR BITS.
It slowly dematerialize to red particle before fade away completely.
The only arsenal of the Ichaival Relic that focus completely on defense rather than offense, capable of deflecting just about any destructive force known to mankind. However such powerful tool initially only available to Chris if she sing her Swan Songs, but with the intense training with Poseidon and finally accepting the Relic, the silver haired girl pushed her synch with it to the point she can summon a partial version of it. Of course it isn't as effective when used with the Swan Song, nonetheless Chris can still bring out the Reflector Bits for three uses each day, with each uses provide five minutes of protection, and this prove to be invaluable assets for her in battle.
After all, even Poseidon himself, who has throw one serious attack, can't destroy the Bits. And part of said attacks was deflected, destroying a portion of the forest itself, said size of portion was big enough to build a few more mansions. Regarding their durability, Poseidon has estimated that unless hit by couple of Swan Songs or by a barrage of a Full Combos Scanning Charge, which Chris has no intention to try anytime soon, he has doubts that these Reflector Bits will falter. And that not to take into account if push come to shove, Chris can still charge them up with her own Swan Song.
"I was able to easily nullify her attacks, if I have send it back at her though she would have been more cautious in approaching me. Her inexperience was the only reasons she go down so quick, if she was more experienced, no! If she was really fight with intent to kill, things could have very well gone differently." Chris thought as she walk toward Hibiki who groaning in pain and barely conscious. "I choose that moment of clash to reflect her own attack back at her along with my own charged shot and yet she can still keep some awareness, not bad." She thought with a ghost of a smile.
"So close, you were so close. But don't worry, you did your best Hibiki-kun." Genjuro said, gripping his fist.
After all, it isn't easy for the older man to watch Hibiki struggling to push herself up. But that too was denied from her as she slump back to the ground, her body obviously suffer too much damage and don't have any strength left to do what its mind want.
"It was a reversal in one moment, this is how a fight between two Gear Users is." Sakuya said, disheartened at the confirmed result.
"Commander, at this rate, we might have to sacrifice the Durandal. What important is getting everyone safely out of there first." Aoi said with trepidation in her tone.
"It seems like that really the only card left to play for us. Too bad for our silver haired friend, she won't be getting the prize." Genjuro said with a sigh.
The Commander already formulating the plan that prioritize getting Ryoko and Hibiki out of the factory first. Of course if he can get the Durandal that will be a great bonus, but that just wishful thinking. The Yummy and the Noises no doubt will surround the Relic now, in that case it is convenient it is surrounded by the factory, though it is a convenience that left a bitter taste for Genjuro. Regardless, it is the best options available for them right now.
That is, until the scientist show she has another idea.
"Hibiki-chan! Use the Durandal!" Ryoko shouted in excitement, holding up the case.
Her action make Chris seems to freeze in her spot.
At that moment, the suitcase that contain Durandal, a supposedly domain and rusted Relic, suddenly shot out of Ryoko's arm, electing a yelp of surprise from her. The Relic destroyed the suitcase, revealing itself to the world, hovering mid-air while releasing an intense bright light.
Such a sight halted everyone in their actions. Nearby, watching everything transpiring, Poseidon let out a wide grin.
Going back to when the dome of Trash Yummy/Noises was being formed, the situation also start to become unwarrantable on OOO's side as he stare at the evenly split halves of the once gigantic bug monster.
"How come...it didn't explode?" It might sound ridiculous to other, however it is something that OOO and most Rider tend to notice after their many battles. When a Rider concentrate his or her energy into their final attack and strike their opponents with it, said energy tend to overcharge and completely vaporize or destroy the unfortunate souls. Hence why each Rider's finishers visually might produce variety of result, but in the end it still reach the similar result of an explosions that kill off their foe completely. "At least I think that's what Philip-san told me."
OOO let his memory drift back to when he drop by the Narumi Detective Agency, a visit that for once was not out of the danger of the world being destroyed thankfully, but more of a friendly suggestion from his senpai, Kamen Rider W. There was the fun time from eating various food stands recommended by Hidari Shotaro, then help organized the always disheveled Narumi Detective Agency via suggestion, enforced by a green slipper, from its owner, Narumi Akiko. And as mentioned above, listened to a string of theory or knowledge that happened to pique Philip's interest. Some of it have to do with Riders, or something the interesting origin and fun facts related to curry dish. Quite educational, really.
Then of course, there also those days of helping W dealing with criminals armed with super-powered USB, actually those might have been half of the get together activity both the Riders did during OOO visit. But again, just usual local scale, no world wide mess, thankfully.
Snapping out of his initially-helpful-now-turn-distracted-musing, the Rider wasn't exactly surprise, though he still groan out loud when the supposed carcass of the Yummy twitched, both halves of it too. Though OOO only fully realize how things are getting worse when instead of putting itself back together like he expected it to, the two half pour more Cell Medals out of the cut wounds. Then the Cell Medals morphed to make up the missing half for both of the separate body, thus OOO doesn't has to bother with one enormous bug Yummy anymore. Instead, he now has to deal with TWO Otoshibumi Yummy setting its gaze down at him. Its bugs eyes twitch in various direction, most likely the its body still getting used to its new situation, before all those eyes settle on him. The Medal Rider admit, the sight does creep him out somewhat.
"Would it be too much to ask them for a head start?"
The Rider try to reach for the Ride Vendor, however he abandon that thought. There simply no time, not when the limb crashing right down on him!
Kamen Rider OOO braced himself, raising his Medaljalibur up. He feel the impact slam down to his body, shaking his entire being. His muscle instantly flare up in pain, at least it is a pain comparable to a human trying to lift a heavy weight, that beat being squished to pulp given the difference in sizes. OOO grit his teeth, counting on the Zou leg armor to keep his position. His Kujaku chest armor flare up, releasing wave of rainbow energy that help him handle the crushing weight. Had he been using Tajadoh, the energy would be more than enough to knock even a big weight like this Yummy off. While big, it certainly isn't Kamen Rider Core. And lastly, he released green lightning from the Kumagata head armor, shooting it directly at the oppressing limb.
This seems to do the trick as the Yummy screeched, lifting up its limb. Then it brought down the other ones, to crush the one that dared to give it so much trouble. However, OOO already take that split second to roll out of the way, saving himself what would be another tiring muscle test. He never really feel tired in his armor, pain from battle and exhaustion from a Combo? Yes. But a pure labor action that tire him out? Rarely, but this one does sure make him sweat.
"No other choice, got to do it now. I guess in this situation it got to be this one." OOO thought determined as he pick out three green colored Core Medals, if the backlash from the Scorching Combo was that bad then what would the Strongest Combo do? "Guess I am about to find out." He thought daringly, mentally prepare for the pain.
The Rider tilted his Driver back to horizontal position, quickly swiping out the occupying Core Medals, OOO slot in the three green Core Medals.
BZZT!
He was prepared for the pain to assault him, when he don the armor that is. The Rider certainly wasn't expecting the pain to already occur before he can even scan the Driver. Already green static shot out, wrapping around his body. The sensation of needles stabbing all of his cell make itself known, OOO can't help but let out pained growl. To make matter worse he found himself momentarily freeze up, the two Yummy seems to realize that too as they take time to charge up their lightning, with their aim focus on the one spot OOO stood. Surely if this attack is released and it hit, OOO will be vaporized without a trace.
SHING!
That is, if not for the golden column of light, it shot up and piercing the sky, gathering the two Yummy's attentions. OOO wondered where source of light come from, even more so when said column of light swing down and blasted both the Yummy, damaging them while also destroying the street. The sheer power was enough to blast OOO off his feet, rolling on the ground. Whether it coincidental or not, it was this moment too that OOO found the pain subsided and he can move again, however what matter more to him right now is that he realized the light's source of origin. It is right at the factory, where Hibiki, Chris and Ryoko are.
Both The Gungnir and Ichaival Wielders are equally shocked, albeit for slightly different reasons.
For Hibiki, Durandal is an important Relic it can be used to protect many life. Hence she can't let such a valuable sword be stolen because of her, especially when Ryoko trust her enough to bring out the Durandal. At that moment, strength that have been lost to her and even more that she didn't has before seems to rush to her body, it is like someone just instantly feed her full! Thus she stood up and reach out for the case, she can feel it now, the vibrating pulse like a heartbeat, not unlike when she channeling Gungnir. It seems like another Relic is also trying to synchronize with her heartbeat, further proven true when the case is reduced to ashes.
Thus the Durandal is revealed to the world, but there is a big difference. Before, the sword is cracked, rusted, and it seems to have been defeated by the passage of time. Yet now, it shine with brilliant golden light in pristine condition, hover in the air seemingly waiting for the cream haired girl to grasp it. It is as if one has turn the clock back into the time of myth and legend, when the holy sword has just been forged and still brimming with incredible power.
During this critical moment, Chris has more than enough chance to intervene and knock down Hibiki before she can reach the Durandal however...
"W...Why? How could this be? Why intervene!? Why help her!? I...I did everything...so how come she never look at me like that!" Chris scream inside her mind.
Strangely enough, the silver haired girl isn't focusing on the Durandal. While it is indeed a shocking sight, what captured her attention even more is the sight of Sakurai Ryoko, who seemingly captivated by the sight of Tachibana Hibiki and the Golden Relic. The scientist smile is a sight that Chris herself never get to see, one that is both proud and in awe. Chris were knocked out of her stupor when the light from Hibiki hit her eyes, seeing this make Chris even more frustrated.
"You b #ch! Stop showing off already!" Chris roar in anger.
The side of her armor extended itself, revealing multiple missiles hidden in it.
MEGA DETH PARTY!
It seems Chris has decided to throw all the restraint and cautious to the wind, no longer is she concern about the facility around them. Instead she go straight for a powerful attack that no doubt can wipe out everything within the factory vicinity.
And yet, Hibiki barely bash an eyelash. Instead, she still feeling the power pouring into her, courtesy of the Durandal. Not like she need to do anything, since the moment the missiles reach a 20 feet radius, a sphere of light formed around the Durandal's wielder instantly. The projectiles detonated against the barrier, seemingly drowned the cream haired girl in sea of explosions. However much to Chris's shock, the force of impact were all direct back at her. The silver haired girl crossed her arms but she wasn't able to defense in time against her own fire power nor was she able to summon any Reflector in time, not like the amount she can summon right now can deflect all this force of explosions anyway.
"GAH!"
With a painful scream Chris were launch back with her Gear charred and damaged, she try to stand up but found pain wrecked her body right now and she can't even lift a finger.
Seemingly oblivious to what happening around her, Hibiki's mind are fill only with the feeling of raw powers. It seems like it will overwhelm her own existence for sure. Her face was shrouded in shadow with her eyes glow the ominous red gleam. Genjuro, who watching from afar, can't make of head or tail of what happening in front of his eyes.
"The reading...it unbelievable! This is crazy!" Sakuya shout out frantically, trying to make sense of the numbers he seeing.
"At this rate the energy will explode and destroy the whole factory! We have to find a way to contain her quick!" Aoi also not faring any better, sweat drench her face in nervousness.
However, right now there seems to be no one who can stop Hibiki. Though while everyone seems to lose their calm, except for Ryoko, another individual is anticipating for what to come. Poseidon hand twitch uncontrollably in excitement, his face split with a grin as he look at the blinding light that is coming from Tachibana and Durandal.
"This is it, everything will be decided now!" Poseidon shout out in glee, spreading out his arms in celebration gesture.
Back to the cream haired girl, just when her mind seems to drown in the sword's power, her sense broaden unbelievably. She can see and hear much farther, despite it all jumbled up, but she can sense it, feel it. And far from their location she can somehow heard the grunt of pain from OOO, she can also feel the spike of energy fluctuating where he is, she can also see clearly the two building sized monsters rounding up on that same location. Has her mind been more clear she might has marveled at the incredible increased senses, but right now she barely cling on to her conscious with her barest desire and that is...
"..E...E...i...j..." Hibiki grunt out.
While the world seems to turn upside down for her, regardless a thought now prioritize in her head.
"I have to help him! My power is to help people! It's to help people I cherish!" The girl shout desperately not from her voice but through her soul.
And in that moment, the Golden Relic responded accordingly.
A radiate beam of golden light shot out from Durandal, piercing the sky. With a feral roar, Hibiki then swing down the sword, thus bring down that pillar of light toward where the two Otoshibumi Yummy are.
Thus we come back to OOO, who can only watch in shock at the display of that incredible power. The energy level is unreal, it wasn't hard for him to feel the raw power of the object releasing it. Not to mention, if the originator point isn't a enough hint already, then the trace of energy itself is unmistakably match what he feel from the Durandal. Except last time when OOO get to sense it the energy was like a fading candle light, while now it is like the blaring sun. However this also mean something drastic is occurring at the factory right now, and to the Medal Rider that's enough motivation for him to act fast and end this instantly.
"I can't waste anymore time with you guys. If it about numbers then I quite confident in my own!"
OOO, fueled by his concern for everyone near the Durandal, managed to overcome whatever bit of pain left that hinder his movement, tilted the OOO Driver to its diagonal position and swipe his Scanner across it.
[KUWAGATA-KAMAKIRI-BATTA! GATA-GATA-GATAKIRIBA-GATAKIRIBA!]
With the powerful roar accompany the jingle from the OOO Driver, OOO has donned the Strongest Combo as his armor, ready to once more fully demonstrate the reason this Combo got this moniker. But the Yummy themselves doesn't think a demonstration is needed, after seeing the change in armor and knowing full well the threat, the two Yummy waste no time slamming their limbs down at OOO. However at that exact moment his body split. Narrowly avoid the attack, and increase his numbers at the same time.
"Ahahaha. Today is such a treat for me, first Hibiki-chan and now Eiji-kun. You all show me such exciting view! It's like my birthday come early!" Ryoko cheered in ecstasy.
One might has to wonder though how did she know what happening over OOO's side.
"First is Hibiki with the Durandal and now Eiji went ahead and use that Combo of his! Goddamn it I am surrounded by reckless idiots." Genjuro growled with a sigh before setting his sight to the factory. "I will scold the older one later, but right now we need to see what we can do for my young pupil first."
The pilot who nodded as the helicopter make its way to the dome, still keeping the altitude high enough just in case.
"Hibiki is out of danger, if anything I sure she got this fight in the bag. But if she can't control the sword then I will hold her off while letting the other get to safety." Genjuro thought grimly but nonetheless readied.
Playing Gotta Keep it Real.
Two, among the countless OOOs that just spawned, dash forward then leap up sky high. When both of the Yummy try to swat them away, the two clones make another copy of themselves, all four Riders kicked their feet against each other pushing themselves out of the offending limb. While they are rolling airborne each of the OOO start to duplicate themselves again. From four to 10 more, then 30 more and finally 40. Soon the two giant bugs were swamped by an army of OOOs, just like how a bigger bug find itself swallow by an army of ant. They shriek and thrash in attempt to broke free, one of the Yummy raise it limb, trying to squash anybody. However when it bring its limb down, all the OOO combined their strength, easily hold it off then discharged a huge burst of green electricity knocking it back.
The Otoshibumi Yummy staggered, leaving itself open for all 20 gree Riders to leap on the Yummy as they deal a barrage of slashes and kick at it. The monster still futilely trying to swat them off but the clones dig their Kamakiri Swords to its hide, keeping themselves there while continuously let out discharge their electricity. The other Yummy didn't fare to well either consider it have to deal with the left over 20, they dashed around in a blur, confusing it. But they didn't just dodge the attack, dozen of those OOOs leap straight at the Yummy, their Kugawata Horn embedded their Kamakiri Swords with green electricity, when the OOOs got close to the face they start to swing wildly.
The monster screeched in pain, its eyes heavily damaged, without its sight the bug thrashed wildly in hope of at least a lucky hits. Meanwhile all the OOOs have regrouped safely. Then in unspoken agreement one of them start to grab the legs of another clones, then said clones grab another's. The actions repeated for few more times, till one OOO try to grab a pair of legs...only to realize he is the last one already.
"Oh this is going to hurt." Said clone bemoaned.
But he still brace for what to come as all the OOOs charge their electricity and sent it to him, along with an apologetic thought.
When the Yummy regain it sight, they was treat with the bizarre sight of OOOs start to spin themselves like a vortex. A deadly-electrified-razor-vortex, to be more precise, that rush at the two Otoshibumi Yummy who try to push them back by combined their electricity blast. However for all their efforts, said attack bounced off with the same intensity like splashing water at solid wall. Thus the two gigantic Yummy can't do nothing but brace for pain as the vortex shred them apart, damaging them severely and knocked them flat on the ground. All the OOOs regroup with the top one still seems to be at daze, after a quick confirmation between themselves that they all good, the literal-one-man-army once more in sync take out their OOO Scanners.
All at once countless voices overlap a single phrase repeatedly, not unlike how soccer team name is being chanted by the countless fan.
[SCANNING CHARGE!] [SCANNING CHARGE!] [SCANNING CHARGE!]...x40!
What come next should be no surprise.
A concentrate powerful burst of green electricity surrounded the OOO like a thunderstorm, each of them supercharged, letting out a roar before they leap up to the air, dive down for a barrage of Rider Kicks at the two Yummy who is too weak to avoid or counter.
BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM! BAM!
The whole city shook from the finisher moves, however not end there in the midst of the explosions they spun themselves like a top and rip through the Yummy shredding them to pieces before all the OOOs land back to the ground let out a collective exhale. Their sign of victory are the rain of Cell Medals surrounded them and the deep crater where the two Yummy once lie.
End Song.
OOO's clone disappeared one by one like they never there, leaving only the real one left. He look at all the Cell Medals lying in the deep crater, then back to the factory. He then glance at his hand, gripping it tightly, seemingly coming to some kind of decision.
Tachibana Hibiki start to lose her grip on her consciousness after she managed to swing down the Durandal toward the two giant Yummy. However, that doesn't mean she stopped moving. Rather the humane and reason part of the girl have now completely overwhelmed by the primal instinct and the surge of incredible powers coursing through her body, as a result the Hibiki who wielding the Durandal right now is drastically difference from the usual bright girl. Instead her eyes shine with malicious red energy, her body engulfed in a dark shadow mass, in her hand the Durandal release its light with no restraint.
The once indestructible dome of Yummy and Noises have been wiped out the instant the Durandal release its column of light, some of the remnant tried to rush at the Durandal's Wielder at all sight, but it was a fruitless action. The moment they reach a certain distance close to the girl, the sword released a circular slash wave that wiped out whatever monsters are left. All of this happened within seconds, it wasn't a battle, a fight, it is a one sided massacre. None can stand oppose to the Golden Relic in its full glory, just trying to approach it is already a death wish guaranteed.
Right now, in the facility the only living souls left that witness this display of power first hand are Sakurai Ryoko and Yukine Chris.
"Hm...would it be too on the nose to call this Berserk Hibiki, I wonder?" Ryoko asked coyly.
Unfortunately, the Durandal has registered one of them as a threat to its user.
Thus, Berserk Hibiki raise up the Durandal. The towel of light appeared again, this time the target is without a doubt the Ichaival's Wielder. With a growl, the cream haired girl swung, spelling certain doom for the person she has tried to reach out minutes prior.
Genjuro, watching from the helicopter, is about to leap down despite the protest from the staff.
"Leave this to me!"
That shout, along with his appearance, is what finally halted the red head Commander in his track.
Yukine Chris in her Ichaival Gear has no doubt, that it would do absolutely nothing to endure the incoming blast. At best she would be blow off and end up with her body torn to pieces but barely cling on to life, at worst she might as well be reduced to dust with no trace left behind. If she has been more focus in defense herself she might has been able to summon some Reflector to reduce whatever minimal damage she can. However at her current states of mind, all her focus is squarely on Ryoko, who is looking at Hibiki wielding Durandal with a sense of delight awe and pure bliss.
It was...it was...
"No." Chris said as a lone tear stray down her cheeks.
The girl barely turn her head and register the pillar of light crashing down on her, she didn't even notice a voice calling out to her.
"Out of the way!"
The voice screamed at her, but she didn't even notice, all of Chris's attention is understandably focused on her impending doom. Thus imagine the silver haired girl surprise when her vision shaken, that's when she realize she has been pushed away to a far distance. When Chris cleared out her daze, she saw OOO stood in the spot where she was, right before the column of light fall down on him, the intense light force the girl to avert her gaze lest she risk going blind.
"Why? Why would he..." Chris muttered in daze.
The girl would have questioned more, but the moment she saw Ryoko, once again her thought gone to disarray. Thus Ichaival Wielder stumbled her way out of there, and during this entire ordeal, Sakurai Ryoko remain unharmed. Even if she wasn't the direct target of the attack, the side effect of standing near such powerful energy source would have leave a normal human wounded if they didn't runaway. Yet if one look closely, it is like all the damaged avoided or spreaded out from where the scientist stood.
Thus the scientist get to have a front view uninterrupted, thus she the only one who noticed another figure repeated OOO's asinine action. It also leaped into the column of gold energy, taking the full brunt of it. And it the last individual one would expect, yet Sakurai have an amused grin seeing this.
"I have been waiting!"
Poseidon's roar somehow still pierce through the shredding sound of destruction from the pillar of light, he transformed to his Rider form and stood in front of the attack, as if welcoming it.
At that same moment when he transformed, the Purple Core Medals energy inside of him also flare up. The domain 'poison' reacted accordingly to the spike of Core Medals energy, and in a frenzy manner, start to eat away Poseidon. This would have resulted with Poseidon be destroyed inside out by his own powers, the violent mix of both the King of Galaxy and Purple Core Medals would ensure that. But this isn't an usual situation because of the incoming attack from Durandal, to let a single being endure the powers struggle from King of Galaxy, Purple Core Medals and the Durandal, no matter who, nothing good should have come out of it. These three world shaking powers alone can crush most existence easily, yet here he is being the center of it all.
And Poseidon let out a heartfelt satisfied, fulfilling laughter.
"Tachibana Hibiki! I will happily accept this gracious gift!"
Poseidon's roar once more can be heard clearly, before it was swallowed, along with him and OOO in the violent torrent of energy.
It seems to Hibiki this is also her limit as the column of light sizzled out of existence, so is the cloak that engulfed the girl. Then in flash of light, she was back to normal with her Gear canceled itself. As the girl falling back to the ground, no doubt the impact would do great harm to her current state. Yet before gravity can fulfill its purpose, Tachibana was halted mid-air, her form now outlined with pink energy line, clearly different from the Gungnir or Durandal. The cream haired girl who still maintain a hazy vision, barely caught a glimpse of Sakurai Ryoko's figure before passing out completely. Has she manage to maintain a bit more focus, she would see the woman have her hand outstretched, and it also lit up with the same outline of energy.
As the scientist slowly bring her hand down, so does Hibiki's form touch the ground with matching pace.
"I got you, sleeping beauty." Ryoko cooed with a motherly tone.
As the brown haired woman tending to Hibiki, she look at the destruction path created by said girl last attack. She nonchalantly watch on as a streak of aquatic light shot out from the crater, heading straight up the sky before disappeared to a random direction.
"What on Earth was that!? And how is everybody!? Ryoko-kun! Hibiki-kun! Eiji-kun! Can anyone hear me!?"
Genjuro's urgent voice shout through her earbud, now that make the woman flinched.
"Keep that up and I might need to use that medical insurance soon for my audiologist." Ryoko responded in a flippant tone, wiggling her ears in annoyance.
She can hear her Commander sigh in relief.
"Glad to hear you are safe, what of Hibiki-kun? Eiji-kun?" Genjuro asked.
"Well Hibiki-chan is sleeping soundly in my arms." Ryoko replied in chirpy tone, further reassuring the red haired man. "As for Eiji..." As such when her tone become uncharacteristically solemn, Genjuro also felt his heart dropped. But the woman perked up when she saw movement among the rubble, and a familiar figure crawled out. "Oh wait never mind! There he is." The scientist said, switched back to her chirpy tone.
This time the sigh Genjuro has is one of tiredness.
"Well...all that matter is everyone is fine." Genjuro groaned.
OOO himself manage to dig himself out, now in the Burakawani Combo. As the Rider let out labored breathing, he take a quick look around clearly lost as what happened.
"To take such an attack head on, man you are a bad-ass, Eiji-kun." Ryoko praised ardently.
"I...I didn't know I could myself either."
OOO was confused, even if he manage to make a quick Combo switch, he was sure there was no way for him to handle that attack like that with no dire consequences. Yet here he was, without so much as a broken bone or torn flesh beside some minor bruising. Just what had happened? And was his eyes playing trick on due to the intense bright light or was that Poseidon's figure jumped right in front of him in the last second? Regardless, there are more pressing matter for the Rider right now.
"So I guess you manage to save the city from a great pest problem eh?" Ryoko asked comically but OOO didn't response and instead focus on Hibiki, even in the armor she can easily tell from the posture how concerned he was. "Hm, little Hibiki-chan would have enjoyed the attentions more if you gave it to her when she isn't unconscious." Ryoko said, still with the same joking tone.
"Ryoko-san how is she?" OOO asked, agitated and worried.
"I think with how wildly the fluctuations of the energy reside in her is, you might have to suck it out by giving her CPR." Ryoko said, more passively this time, knowing the easygoing tone is not reassuring the Rider at all. "She just need some rest. It a simple reaction when one exert oneself too much, be it jogging, lifting or holding an artifact capable of leveling mountains for too long." She said matter-of-factly with a casual shrug.
This finally calmed OOO down as he nodded with relief, his body visibly relaxed.
"Could you tell me what happened here?" OOO requested.
He then quietly listen to brown haired scientist recounting the event that had transpired.
"You are incredible, Hibiki-chan." OOO said proudly with a forlorn gaze at the sleeping girl.
"So what do you plan to do now Eiji-kun?" Ryoko asked curiously. "Let me guess you can't wait to hit the sack eh?" She sighed somberly. "I wish I have that luxury, but nope we still have some clean up to do after this. Being an adult is so hard!" Ryoko whimpered.
"Yeah, some rest would be nice, but there still something I have to do." OOO said passively, looking at a certain direction.
Sakurai of course didn't miss the fact it the direction Chris disappeared to.
"Eiji-kun, as the one with multiple doctorate degree, I think my words have some merits when I said you need some rests, like five minutes ago rest." Ryoko advised, the whimsical tone give way for the more assertive one. Not giving the Rider a chances to reply, her visage softened as she spoke more soothingly this time. "Whether it is you or Hibiki-chan, both of you have give your best. No one, be they from the higher up or whoever, can said you didn't help us in protecting the Durandal. You don't need to try so hard anymore."
To so methodically switches her tone to get the desired reactions from her listener, just by that OOO was once again reminded behind her bubbly antic there a reason Sakurai Ryoko is so valuable to the 2nd Division, and this isn't even scratching her expertise with the Relic and her sharp mind. However even then, the genius inventor seems to misunderstood something.
"Ah right, the government is being wary of me right?" OOO said sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "Eh...If anything just tell them I run off on my own, okay? Oh and please tell Hibiki-chan as well as Boss Lady I will be back as soon as I can." OOO said, clapping his hand together in pleading gesture.
He then throw down the Ride Vendor as it took on its bike form.
"Eiji-kun." Ryoko said with a cautionary tone. "You understand how illogical your choices right now right? Hibiki-chan has tried and even then the Ichaival User still didn't change her mind. If you still go now, with your wounded states, you might not only fail in your endeavor but also going to lose your life." The woman stood up, bridal carrying Hibiki, as she approach OOO. "If that happened you can't fulfill what you set out to do, an avoidable and worst bad end. As a scientist, one must not only think of the currents moment, but also need to take in the foreseeable outcome to decide if this course of action is wise. If not there will be dire consequence."
"Well I did took some interest in science beside few other class back when I am in school, but I guess I wouldn't be good as a scientist after all." OOO admitted with a sheepish chuckle. "Beside Ryoko-san, this isn't about proving anything to the government. It just something I want to do." He said happily, if not outright relieved.
To the brown haired woman, she had always been very good at reading a person. Give her days or even hours, sometimes just few minutes and she can tell what make a person tick just by their behaviors and actions. Ryoko thought she had done the same with the man known as Hino Eiji as well, but right now, it feel like there something more going on with this man that she didn't realize.
"How incomprehensible, how dangerous. Yet, intriguing." Ryoko thought with a faint smile.
After all, what scientist don't enjoy a fun puzzle?
"Hah...You and Hibiki-chan both act so familiar with that girl despite her hostility toward the both of you. It's her foreign feature isn't?" Ryoko said, with a fake sad sigh. "Oh dear, and here I thought at least Eiji-kun himself wouldn't have idiotic urges of tasting the foreign flavor, alas something are still the same when it come to men I suppose."
Ryoko's teasingly complain aside, her somber smile was enough to let OOO know to take care of himself.
"Watch over Hibiki-chan for me, please." OOO requested.
"Pfft, worry yourselves boy, this genius is plenty capable of giving our adorable punching girl a five star treatment. It's you that I can't wait to see how you will spectacularly mess yourself up over this, so remember to come back and give me all the juicy detail." Ryoko giggled excitingly.
OOO can't held back a snort as he waved goodbye. Then the engine reeve and within seconds he reduced to a speckle of dust in a far distance to Ryoko's vision.
"Hm...He has a funny way to show how selfish he is, eh Hibiki-chan?" Ryoko asked playfully
The moment she look down at Hibiki's slumbering form, it seems as though the girl's lips slightly curled upward despite still being unconscious.
Truthfully, when Eiji decide to chase after Chris he sort of, okay completely, unclear where he is suppose to go. However base on what Ankh said, right now he must be in near vicinity of where the silver haired girl heading, is thus that leave the man only one course of action.
"Ankh pick up already or I am going to either melt all your ice cream or feed it to the neighbor's birds." Eiji said impatiently.
And alas as if he actually heard the threat Ankh voice can be heard on the other line.
"The Hell are you going to do again?" Ankh asked, living up to his element as one can actually detect heat in his tone like that of an erupting volcano.
"Wait you can actually heard me all the way from here?" Eiji can't help but sound incredulous.
"I don't know what you are talking about, I just suddenly have this nagging urge to grill you alive for some reason and it must involve my property." Ankh sound quizzically himself.
"Are you seriously developing a sixth sense over your ice cream?" Eiji deadpanned.
"So you do admit you were going to do something to it!" Ankh snapped back.
"Forget that, Ankh! Please tell me now where are you? There is only me right now and none of the 2nd Division is following so can you at least tell me the location?" Eiji asked desperately.
"Are you an idiot? Do you know if you alarm them now they would move their location? It will take us quite a while to find which Hell hole they hiding, not to mention they will be more cautious!" Ankh snapped back irritated.
"I know that but there is something I must confirm with that girl before I can do that, I don't want her to get caught up more on any of this." Eiji remain adhesive to his objective is not exactly a surprise to Ankh. "Before an all out battle happen I just want to personally hear it, to confirm that she will only be our enemy."
"I will regret asking this but why you suddenly so much more stubborn about this matter now?" Ankh asked less irritated and more of curiosity.
"Because I feel, no, I known for sure. Hibiki-chan's determination have affected Chris-chan already. I don't want to give up now and waste all of her effort!" Eiji remembered Ryoko recounting about the battle, how both of them clashed with both their strength and will fiercely. "If I let this chance slip now it mean we lose the chance to actually convince Chris-kun before we must use violence to resolve this. Beside! Remember? You yourself said I have a nag for desire! Right now I am picking up on Hibiki-chan's desire to help Chris-chan. Are you going to tell me now that you are wrong, Anhk?" Eiji asked heatedly.
"Trust me, there are so, so! Many more things I got wrong when it come to you, most of the times the fault lie in you of course." Ankh said irritated, the line then gone silent for seconds without any reply. One would wonder if Ankh simply thrown the device away but Eiji known better hence he patiently waited for few seconds. "Double the amount of ice cream and make sure you collect enough Cell Medal to make up for one Core Medals at least." Ankh said, leaving no room for argument.
"Deal, the latter I can even do for you right when we meet." Eiji said with relief.
"You brought a large amount of Cell Medals with you?" Ankh arched an eyebrow skeptically.
"You can said that, now would you just tell me the coordination already?" Eiji whined.
"Tch. Don't get carried away you fool."
Despite his words, Ankh still provided Eiji with the coordination.
True to its nature as a reclusive hide out, the location is faraway from the city. It have actually took Eiji an hour or so to make his way here, despite his bike's incredible speed. Not to mention the location is well hidden in the outskirt of a forest near the mountain side facing the sea, as expected they sure know where to put their base. Eiji has no doubt it would be hard to locate a mansion in such location unless you know what to look and where to look for.
But more important it is the form of the one who greeted him when the brown haired man arrived.
Rainbow colored feathers float around the area, Ankh using the human form just like when he possessed Shingo, descend down with his wings formed from his back flapping proudly. The sight is majestic, especially the hard frown Ankh spotted, making him not so different from how one would imagine a descending deity that humanity can't approach.
Of course to Eiji, this appearance just remind him again how easily ticked off this Greeed, that he consider friend, can be.
"But then it still better to see it face to face than guessing it just from the arm form I suppose."
"It's about time, you yourself must hate floating around as an arm the most right?" Eiji asked with a knowing grin.
"How come you didn't show this annoying attitude against anyone else beside me and those who try to kill you, huh?" Ankh asked or rather demanded with fire in his eyes.
His already thin patience being chirp off even more, not caring at all nor even seems to notice the fact his crude tone has diminished somewhat the divine image he manage to craft with his appearance. And it seems even Eiji realize he is pushing a bit far as he put up his arms in placating manner.
"Alright, alright. As promised, here are the Cell Medals. Just chill down would you?"
If Hino has hoped that pathetic attempt of a joke would help, it was proven how effective it is with Ankh already lit his right hand on fire. Hence in one swift movement Eiji reach out his palm as swirl of violet energy formed, then it spit out all the Cell Medals that he manage to gather from the battle against the Otoshibumi Yummy.
However instead of relish in the fact he has gained more Cell Medals than ten Yummy can normally provide, Ankh was too busy gawking/glaring to the palm that Eiji used to store the Cell Medals, he then move that blazing gaze right at the man eyes who has the decency to look sheepish.
"You wanted them in package I assume?" Eiji take a wild guess.
Seeing the Greeed's murderous glare however, that seems to be the wrong thing to ask consider how Ankh look like someone just shoved something down to his throat and he try to gag it out. In a blink of eyes, he grabbed Eiji by his shirt collar and the other hand blazing with flame as he growled.
"Medium or well done? Pick." Ankh said with finality in his tone.
Eiji has to pick his next words carefully or he is toasted, literally.
"Actually I prefer it fresh?" In the end it was so rare to see Ankh like this that Eiji can't help himself, he hate his mouth sometimes. Seeing Ankh is about to explode, literally, Hino wised up as he try to placate him once more. "Calm down alright? I'm sorry it just suddenly happen! Beside you already tell me this is inevitable with the way thing are already." Eiji said soothingly.
Unbeknown to himself, he is trying to cool down Ankh by subconsciously release a chilling aura himself. Seeing steam actually about to form, Ankh clicked his tongue, irritated, as he shoved Eiji away.
"That doesn't mean you should just-!" Ankh snapped but he bite on his words half way through, after playing some tug of war internally in his mind he just let out a sigh. "Forget it, waste of time."
Eiji of course understand the genuine concern his friend has, it also make him reminiscence how far both of them has gone.
From when they met as a Vagabond that lose his own desire and an Arm that lose its own body.
Till how both of them clash head to head as Eiji who has become OOO who care for Shingo and everyone else well-being, while Ankh taking Shingo's body only focus on Core Medals.
And after all of that they both have regard each other as the one who give each other what they yearn for, to Eiji it is the power of OOO and to Ankh it is a Life. In some roundabout way, they have fulfilled each other desire without knowing it themselves and now they are...
"By the way, you have used a Full Combo. You not going to lie in your own pool of blood anytime soon would you?" Ankh asked impatiently. cutting Eiji's line of thought. "If that's the case you might as well hold Poseidon down and I will disintegrate both of you, don't worry, your sacrifice will be missed."
"I managed to utilize the Soma's properties from the Burakawani, plus this is my second time so I think I am getting a bit more used to it. I won't mess it up, I told you." Eiji said dismissively but then he smiled in amusement. "Hah...you still need to learn a lot eh? How to express one concern for his friend."
"Are you an idiot?" Ankh deadpanned as he partially transform his arm into his Greeed form and absorb the Cell Medals, with such a large amount it took him few minutes until he completely take it in. "Hm, I admit that's a good fill." He said massaging the wrist.
Eiji walk past him looking forward to the direction of the mansion.
"So that's where they are staying huh?" Eiji asked narrowed his eyes.
Ankh scoffed.
"No that's the elderly care house while the mansion I talking about is actually a street ahead." Ankh said coldly.
Eiji give him a weird look.
"D...Did you accidentally eat a bad ice cream?" Eiji asked hesitantly, it is possible. "I mean you seems more grumpy than...well all the time?" And Eiji has all the reason to be worry if that's was the case.
"I bet you wouldn't know anything about that huh?" Ankh asked snappily as he walk past Eiji. "Screw subtlety, we hit them hard and make it count so do what you need to do first and preferably without another devastating side effect that would make you a total dead weight." Ankh said.
His wing spread forth and he suddenly dash upward to the sky with speed that ruffled the trees around Eiji who can only scratch his cheek awkwardly.
"Told you to be more honest." Eiji said, looking at his hand as it lit up with the Purple Core Medals energy before die down again, he held back a grunt of pain due to the repercussion from it, the pain is as annoying as he remember. "Thanks anyway." He said with a strained smile.
His gaze moved from Ankh direction toward the mansion. With an exhale, Eiji strapped on his OOO Driver for the second time ready to face a second uphill battle in a same day. All in a day work of a Kamen Riders, he think.
Chris herself has just made her way back into the manor, she panted, not only from physical fatigue but also from her frustration nagging her mind.
What happened? Just what has happened in that moment!? It was so close! It isn't an exaggeration to said victory was within Yukine Chris's palm, yet at the crucial moment that one person action changed the tide.
"Why was the Durandal throw to her? That...just...just what in the world is going on?" Chris thought confusedly.
Her mind is a jumbled mess, her purpose, her reason of fighting, her...everything. This is a moment when everything seems to collapse around her, just when she renew her determination to fight for that person, why did thing turn out like this?
"We are home, aren't you going to give her a greeting?" Poseidon asked casually.
He dropped down from the chandelier, in her stumbled mindset she didn't even bother to voice any protest when Poseidon grabbed her, it was now when he call for her that Chris turned her attention to him.
"Medals...that's right the Medals User...OOO...why did he save me?" Chris asked in a dazed tone.
After all, she hold no illusion of the fate that would have befall her if such an attack have hit her head on.
"Hmph, trust me, given his character it isn't exactly a puzzle." Poseidon said with a dismissive tone. "I'm more used to your snarky attitude though, it bring a bit more flare to this dull location." The Greeed sighed with a hand to his cheek. "Alright, let me show my gratitude by saying this." His tone suddenly take a sudden tone, he simply snapped. "Of f**king course the Durandal is handed to Tachibana Hibiki!" Chris flinched at his sudden sneer. "For both of them to come into contact, that's why Fine wasted so much efforts, then there also the farce that is your attempt to defeat someone you thought is inferior to you. That is also to push the Gungnir brat enough to the brink." Poseidon now cheered, laughing happily.
One have to wonder at this point if the fake Greeed himself know what is happening to him.
Chris who was still in shock can only stare at Poseidon, his words like hammer to her ear, she feel something is breaking inside of her. It just like back then, in that Hell. Meanwhile, it seems like the Hybrid Greeed have realized how spontaneous his actions are.
"Hah, minor distractions, soon I will organize the personalities." Poseidon said with a softly feminine tone. "And it will be fun for sure!" he suddenly cheer out loud like a preadolescence brat. "Ah-hem! Okay, now this is getting a bit out of hand." Poseidon coughed to his fist, looking surprisingly sheepish for once.
"Tachibana Hibiki, Tachibana Hibiki...so in the end it was like that after all." Chris chuckled hollowly, not caring for Poseidon's erratic behavior, her voice fill with sorrow that would ignite pity from most people. "Fine wasn't concern about the Gungnir's power, she wasn't trying to capture her to prevent it from being used...She is the one who craving for that power the most this whole time!" The silvernette suddenly exploded angrily, turning her hate filled glare at Poseidon. "And so do you! Why!? What's with that brat!? Is it because she can activate Durandal!?"
In face with Chris's outburst, Poseidon look like someone just told him today might be sunny.
"Don't you think you are aiming those questions at the wrong target?" Poseidon asked, jerking a thumb to the mansion.
With ragged breath, Chris stomped inside. While Poseidon paid more attention to a side of the forest that's about hundred miles from here, his mouth spread out a thin grin.
As Chris push open the large double door led to the main hall, another double door is the only thing now separate Chris from Fine's chamber. But before Chris can touch the door, the voice she want to hear the most resonated from inside.
"It seems the stress of the work indeed is too much for you, you have even forgot the basic of etiquette I have taught you, Chris."
Fine's disappointed tone echoed through the thick double door, effortlessly halted Chris in her actions. The moment of hesitation quickly passed though, while not kicking down the door the girl settled with slamming her fist to it. The action didn't even do justice to represent the frustration in her heart.
"Just answer me! All this time why lie to me!? Why never be honest to me what do you want from the start!? If it for you Fine I would have willingly do anything! Because I believe you will show me how to save this world! You who saved me! Why didn't you told me the truth instead lied to me like this!? You even told that damn monster but not me!?" Chris shouted it all out, it can't contain even fraction of what she feeling but she is pushing all the anger, sadness, betray she felt into her scream.
However facing with all that outburst the only response from Fine was simple, silence. Chris waited patiently given her position, she still held a fraction of hope after all. If she was given even a bit of an explanation, of a reason no matter how slim it maybe then she can find some peace in her heart. Because in the end she know at her side against this twisted world is only Fi-
"Then if I asked you to wipe out the humanity for me, you would have been fine with it?"
Fine's voice cut in that thought like a cold knife through flesh as Chris feel her world once more seems to crash down around her, more and more the memories of that accursed day filled Chris's mind. She feeling that same pressure from that day right now, she feeling the sense of about to losing something important.
"What?" Chris whispered faintly. "W...What are you talking about, Fine?" She whimpered in disbelief.
"Hah~ come now little girl, did the explosion affect your hearing that much?" Poseidon asked behind the girl, but she was too stunned to even acknowledge his presene. "Basically your dear Fine is the final boss, she need to end the world so she asking are you fine with helping out, simple right?" Poseidon asked casually.
"But...that...that's not it right?" Chris asked in denial. "We...we not doing this to...we...I don't want that...If the world can find a semblance of peace, if all human can stop hurting each other for good then I am ready to shoulder the sins and paid for it when we achieve our goal...ISN'T THAT WHAT WE AGREED ON FINE!?" Chris screamed to Heaven as her eyes unable to contain the tears anymore as it flow down unforgivably like a broken damp. It was now everything seems to crash down, the Noises, the Yummies, the life effected by it. The life lost by it...probably lots of them is similar to that Miku girl who talked to her, a normal but kind individual who tried to live their life. "J...Just what the Hell has it all been for?" Chris asked hoarsely, voices numb with pain she didn't even register from the shouting.
The girl slumped down to her knee, like a puppet with its string cut.
"Hah...it was a nice time with you Chris, as such I don't want to witness this pathetic sight of your, very well I will help you once last time. To reunite with your parents and experience that everlasting peace. Poseidon, you don't mind right?" Fine asked sweetly.
"All that grand speech and you leave the dirty work to me eh? Sure." Poseidon said with a shrug.
He snapped his finger and spear of ice launch forward at the back of Chris's head. The girl whether didn't hear any of this or simply didn't care in her state of mind, she just sit there as tear stream down her face.
CLANK!
Yet even in that state, she has to took notice when OOO crash through the roof and shattered the spear to fragments. The Rider then stood tall, protectively between her and Poseidon. Compare to the fact she about to be killed off, this action draw out a more notable reaction from the white haired girl, evidently by her widen eyes and agape mouth with a stalled gasp.
OOO was crouching atop the mansion see what happening inside of it, as such he was able to witness everything that happened. Thus the Poseidon snapped his finger, the Rider abandon all subtlety and crashed right through the roof to intercept the attack.
"Hm? It seems we have an unexpected VIP cameo." Fine said, amused by this development.
"You...You are alive!? But...why are you here then!?" Chris asked in bewilderment.
In response, there really not much he has to said except one.
"Because, I see a hand is reaching out for help." OOO said matter-of-factly.
Next Time on Kamen Rider OOO: Song of Desire.
"I don't care...I am just a discarded tools...but damn it I will be if I will be broken by you!" Chris roared.
"Now then, aren't this an interesting sight?" Poseidon commented with amusement.
OOO in Latoratah Combo are riding on the Ride Vedor, with Chris in her Ichaival sitting behind trying to outrun a big explosion.
Improbable Duo? Colliding Views! And the King's Selfishness!
