A/N: Alright! That's another chapter down. Thanks everyone for waitng! And just a note, not a big change really but starting this chapter I wont put down preview anymore. While it is fun and all I stopped seeing the point of it and think it is a bit restrictive, perhaps if I finally make a real show then I will do preview for real Hahaha. With that said, next chapter is already being working on, thank you for everyone who read my story, wish you all have a nice day!
Chapter 12: Improbable Duo?! Views! And the King's selfishness!
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.
The initial shock, resulted from Kamen Rider OOO spectacular entrance, has subsided. This allow Yukine Chris to process what he just said. His words play over in her head, and while the prospect of someone saving you from your execution would have been more than appealing to most people, to Chris herself it just seems to drive her mind to the corner even more.
"Help? What kind of bull s# is this? For my enemy to said such stupid thing yet the one who I devote all I have to is..."
Chris's hallow words strike a chord within OOO, if his armor wasn't obscuring his expression, then the girl would have been one of the selected few that get treated to the rare sight of an angered scowl on Hino Eiji's face.
"Aren't you guys comrade? She is clearly fighting so hard for you, don't you feel anything from that?"
OOO keep his gaze at Poseidon, who scoffed, but it is clear at who his question was aimed at.
"First you rudely eavesdrop us then you question how our family work?" Fine asked mockingly.
The woman doesn't seems to see, nor care, how much more tense up Chris is hearing the word 'family'.
And that was also the last straw for OOO, without a warning, his sword-arm become a blur. Then a slash of light illuminate the mansion.
Opening: Synchrogazer by Mizuki Nana
Cover Images: Kamen Rider OOO (Latoratah Combo) and Yukine Chris, clad in her Ichaival Gear, are both riding on the Ichaival's missiles like surfing board. While OOO seems to be tilting back and forth trying not to fall, Chris leisurely crossed her arms while grinning confidently at the camera.
SWISH! BOOM!
Chris gasped, the girl instinctively raise up her arm as if she wanted to stop the Rider. However, that action paused mid-way as the girl's mind grab hold of her instinct and reminded the white haired girl what has transpired. As the same time, without interruption and with his gaze still lock on Poseidon, OOO swing the Medaljalibur with one hand, sending out an energy slash that easily cut through the doors, sending it unhinge then come crashing inside the room and kicked up cloud of dusts.
"Hah~ this is my favorite room you know? Between that door and the roof I will have to charge you heavily, I wonder if you can paid it off?"
Fine didn't even show a sign of worry. Her voice, with a fluid mix of regal and yet playful, can be heard coming from inside the dust uninterrupted.
As the dust cleared, the reasons for her composure is clear, because there isn't a single soul inside the room. Instead, Fine's face is being show through the wide screen, OOO finally get to see for the first time the woman behind all this.
Albeit the bang of her silky long hair obscured partial portion of her face, it still didn't hide the fact of how beautiful this women is. From the smooth skin without a single mark of flaws, to the beautiful oval shaped face, then to her tender lips that many would probably paid a hefty price just to feel it themselves. All in all, it isn't weird if an artist want to paint this woman like she is a goddess.
To the Kamen Rider himself though, all he can see is another rare case where he really can't contain the anger swelling up within him that is being directed at someone else. Not helping is the prickling sensation in his chest, a burst of primal energy, of devoid and hollow seems to be pushing him even more. But OOO focus on the safety of Chris's first, reminding himself why he is here and reign it in.
While for Chris, this seems to be the final nail in the coffin as her heart shattered. So after all that she done, this is it. The person she love issued an order of execution for her, not in person but just through a monitor screen. At this point thing can't be more clear, reality is slapping the white haired girl in the face and forcing her to see the truth. This is how much Yukine Chris's existence worth to Fine, the person the girl viewed as her last family, the last connection to this rotten world.
"You know she wasn't there this whole time yet you still act so rash. As always you let other conditions affect your thinking too much." Poseidon said with a disappointed sigh. "All from a single regret." The Greeed Hybrid huffed.
"It strange for you to sound like trying to understand me, usually all I got from you was the whole 'future Greeed that want to fight'." OOO admitted truthfully. "Not to mention...you really like to use Miharu-kun's face don't you?"
"Hm, it does pass for the eyes when needed." Poseidon said scratching his chin. "But if it upset you then...Henshin."
[SAME! KUJIRA! OOKAMIKUO!]
With the announcement boom to the air, the energy Poseidon release from his transformation make OOO buckle in his position but he held firm while stood protectively in front of Chris.
The form of Minato Miharu is then replaced with Kamen Rider Poseidon.
"I don't like you to use Miharu-kun's form, but this form is also no good...maybe you can transform to a normal looking salary man?" OOO suggested to ease the tension.
Already he can feel the familiar oppressive powers of Poseidon looming over him once more, this make the Medal Rider tense up and ready for battle.
But it seems his remark has managed to drawn a chuckle from Fine.
"So cute and so bright for a man! Dear, I would love to have you on my side you know? Provide a new atmosphere for the works and all that jazz. Wishful thinking on my part I know but wouldn't it still be so nice? Especially since I about to be short-staffed after all." Fine asked pleasingly.
Her voice so sweet and soft that make one momentarily forget the cruelty of the context of her words.
"Heh! So she already looking for a replacement, if you do accept the job then as your predecessor I would sincerely wish you has longer term of service than me." Chris said, chuckling hollowly.
This is definitely not a good sign for OOO.
The once proud, snarky yet explosive attitude he has contributed to be the characteristic of the silver haired girl have all but seems to faded away. The Yukine Chris in front of him right now sound so uncaring, her expression void of all emotion while second before at least it still show sign of grief, betrayed. Now it is so detached that it seems like if she stop talking, she might not be that much different from a corpse.
"Sorry, but it would be good if you don't show up in front of me, I really don't think I can hold myself back." OOO replied crisply.
"A shame, I was taking a liking to you too." Fine sighed, then the corner of her lips curled upward. "I suppose, this is goodbye to the two of you, well done all these time Chris. I suppose it would have been too wicked of me to make you go alone, but now you have a travel companion with you, give my best regard to your dear parents, yeah?" The woman said, waving her hand, then turn her attention to OOO. "Though I am indeed curious. Are you fully aware of how foolish your actions is right now? Instead of using your hidden status for a surprise attack or even avoid a confrontation that clearly out of your league, why choose such an asinine action for helping someone who you doesn't know?" Fine asked with a hand to her chin.
The golden haired woman eyes curiosity gleam is clear as day, gazing upon OOO. And Chris also share the same thought, his action is so foolish that it reminded her of Tachibana Hibiki.
"You kind of wrong there, I do known her. After all, for a while now she has aimed for my life as well as trying to kidnap Hibiki-chan." OOO said in a matter-of-factly manner.
For a moment, even Fine feel her own eyes twitched with that 'answer' she got. Hence, it is understandable of the gob smacked expression Chris has right now.
"You sure you didn't suffer from a concussion in the battle prior?" Fine actually seems genuinely concern.
Honestly, Chris pretty much is sharing the same thought.
"Don't worry, I am fine. This is normal for me really." OOO said a bit too casually for someone who easily admitted he has skewered thought process. "But due to those battle, I get a glimpse of what Chris-chan striving for, her own effort put into her goal. The way of life she hope to achieve. So you are wrong, Fine-san." OOO said with heavy punctuation of the name and for a moment Fine suppressed the sudden tingling traveled down her spine. "I do know of her and thus I have enough reason to help her when she need."
Silence reigned over the entire mansion for few seconds. It was palpable, even the outspoken Fine herself was seemingly rendered speechless by the respond that was too ludicrous to be truth. Yet the incredulous nature of his answer certainly make Fine feel intrigue. He hasn't wavered at all in his answer, not a moment too late, not a moment too soon. A second nature respond, crafted with words that deemed as that of a mad man. Why, if one has replaced his words with, 'the sky is blue of course!', and keep that same tone it wouldn't have make a difference.
Despite his gaze hasn't left Poseidon, and despite she should feel safe consider they just speaking through a monitor, Fine can feel it. A sense of danger traveled down her spine when she heard the Rider's quick response. The woman know the Medal Rider more than he know, hence she also understand Hino Eiji isn't someone who get angry easily, in fact Poseidon has mentioned being able to accomplish such a feat is praiseworthy.
"Beware of a gentle man's anger eh?" Fine thought, both in amusement and carefulness.
The screen faded to dark, however a second before it does, Fine waved her hand in a gesture. Seeing this, Poseidon let out a smile. And even if OOO can't see his expression, he can tell the Greeed Hybrid's change in demeanor.
Let the battle to survive begin.
On the other side, Fine let out a sigh when the video feed end. Her mind replayed the words the Rider have spoken.
And as maddening as his response is, this is one of the rare moment the golden haired woman found herself understood the Rider to some level. A rare occurence when two people on opposite side see eyes to eyes.
Kamen Rider OOO, or rather Hino Eiji love Yukine Chris.
Of course, love come in different form and can be interpreted in many different way. This isn't a form of love between lovers or relatives, it isn't even the type friends share with each other. The woman have come to a realization given what she known of this man, in a twisted way Hino Eiji love and treasure every life, much more than his own, and the silver haired girl is no exception.
And that's where Fine find herself understood.
After all, for 'love' one can do incredible things, one can do stupid things, and most of the time? Incredibly stupid thing. But that's where the similarity ends, for Fine, she can never imagine loving anyone more than Him, let alone a whole world.
And that's what make her love true, more real than the twisted version the Medal Rider has. Still, this does make the golden haired woman consider the interloper presence even more entertaining now, since she know he won't be able to do anything that will stop her plan, why not enjoy herself a bit more with this entertainment?
After all, the preparation have been set up for too long already. All the necessary pieces are almost in place, it is too late for any change to be made, for anyone to stop it. And then, lastly, there is one factor that make Fine truly believe in her success. The woman lips develop a sweet, melancholic smile looking at the sky, with the sun going down and the cloud pulling themselves together painting a tranquil, beautiful picture of the afternoon in Spring.
"In the end, true love will conquer all." Fine said as she take in the fresh air. "Oh right, also need to check my cute guard dog's eating habit." She said twirling the Solomon's Cane.
Of course, with all that said, she might being too hasty. After all, it debatable if Kamen Rider OOO can even get out of that mansion alive?
When the monitor turn off, a tense atmosphere covered the mansion.
It seems part of Chris's spirit also shutdown along with the screen, that is, if the girl still has any left after Fine ordered her execution. The silvernette realized that was basically the farewell line that she just received from Fine, just that one gesture like someone just dismissed a minor inconvenience before getting on with their life. And given what the girl now know, who to said that isn't further from the truth?
For his part, OOO's mind is in a much more alarm and much more worried state. After all, he can tell Poseidon is very excited. It was so palpable that he can almost picture it despite the armor. Honestly, the Rider doesn't know where this is going, he actually expected a no-greeting-slash-swing at his neck or an onslaught of ices and storm from Poseidon but he seems strangely in a talking mood, and if he being honest an instant attack might have work better. Since the attack would have been anticipated, this conversation though wasn't.
Knowing your enemies is already half a battle after all, that was what convinced the Medal Rider he has some chance against the powered up Greeed Hybrid. Now though, it might seems OOO didn't even has that slight advantage he thought he possessed.
But then he isn't here to defeat the Greeed now, is it?
"Defeating me, small chances." Poseidon spoke calmly running his finger, with a surprising amount of gentleness one wouldn't expect from him, across the edge of his Harpoon. His smile never left his face, it only become more refined, more focused. "Escape from me, slightly bigger chances. Escape with her though? Zero." He said with a cold gleam in his eyes.
However, OOO has already stopped listening few seconds ago. Instead, he quickly dashed behind Chris's back, where multiple ice shard formed mid-air, and swing his Medaljalibur, destroying them before they could impale the girl's brain.
"If I want to defeat you then bring her out of here then?!" OOO asked.
Not wasting for a response, the Rider aggressively charged straight at the Greeed Rider. As the same time, the gear in OOO's head also turning. Is it just him or the way of Poseidon's speech and behavior right now is a bit strange yet somehow also feel familiar?
"For a certain death, chance is meaningless." Poseidon replied, leaning back from a swing of Medaljalibur that miss his neck by an inch. "Strike one." He tilt his head, avoiding a stab. "Strike two, come on no weapon, there's a handicap. Your Majesty can do it." The future/artificial Greed cheered with a clap, true to his words, he has dismissed his Harpoon. "Strike Thr...Uhm!?"
Poseidon's words were interrupted, much to his brief startling and delight.
The Greeed had avoided that downward swing for sure, as easily as one would when avoiding a falling leaf. Poseidon had watched the blade smashed to the spot where he used to stood with a slightly bored attitude, but his mood quickly changed when he realized that hit was just a feint. OOO, using the Medaljalibur as a crutch, leaped up deliver a kick at the back of Poseidon's head.
The impact of the kick can be clearly felt by Chris, who, even in her dazed state, feel the winds pick up like a fan is directly in front of her face. A result of a kick that the Multi Combo Rider poured all his Batta's leg armor strength to.
And Poseidon grin can't become any wider, after all, his opponent managed to land a hit on him with the basic Tatoba Combo! OOO is really getting more accustomed to his 'Crown' with each day past. Just like how an easy setting in video game would eventually make one feel bored, The Greeed Hybrid's mindset is also effected by that common mentality. Except the game he play isn't what many dare to, it is where one use their own life for the round after all.
That is to said if there is any real risk for the fake Greeed in the first place, a fact that he easily demonstrated when he stand tall even while OOO's foot still grinding against the back of his head. The green electricity traveled from the Batta leg was completely dispersed when it come to contact with Poseidon, realizing the futility of his action, the trio colored Rider lifted his other foot off the ground and kicked against the blue Rider. But once again, the Greeed Hybrid didn't even flinch from the hit.
"My turn."
Poseidon's foot already move faster than his words, it kick up and nailed into OOO's back, drawing a pained grunt out of him.
The impact result from it pushed Chris off her feet, the silvernette almost felt the wind knock out of her lung just by standing close. If she hasn't instinctively throw herself to the ground to avoid the wave of impact, she could have very well been wounded just by standing close to the battle. When the girl opened her eyes, she subconsciously snapped her gaze toward OOO's direction, the girl herself probably wouldn't believe the concerned gaze she has right now.
The triple colored Rider was flung up to the roof of the mansion, but he didn't crash through it. With a wave of his hand, Poseidon created a blue energy web, catching OOO mid-flight then proceed to shock the Rider with high voltage of electricity.
"Argh!" OOO cried out in pain.
"An eye for an eye, two kicks given, two kicks taken, fair?" Poseidon asked with a smoothly, feline tone.
The energy web released OOO, letting the Rider drop down toward Poseidon who then gave a roundhouse kick at the airborne Rider, sending him flying and also gave him a quick forceful tour through the mansion. Which concluded with the triple colored Rider crashing straight into the large computer stationed at the end of Fine's room, wrecking it to wires and static.
"Oops, then again, she already done using it I'm sure." Poseidon commented with a shrug.
"O...Oi! You still kicking there?" Chris asked hesitantly.
The silver haired girl doesn't know what is going on with her right now, she feel tired, like she just want to close her eyes and shut out the world.
Yet a fact keep finding a way to dig itself into Chris's head, stopping her short from just letting it go completely. And that is the sound of this man who is getting a beat-down from her executioner, the Rider who is doing all of this for her sake. For her, he is here, just like that idiotic Gungnir's Wielder, Tachibana Hibiki. Both that girl and this man, for some reason that is beyond Chris, deemed it worthy to protect her, despite them being enemies.
"Why? What the Hell is wrong with these idiots? Why are they doing this for me?...How is it that they can do this for me but not Fine?"
That thought once more make Chris halted, she still can't come to term with what happening. How could she after all the trauma she has to suffer, one after another. As such, Chris can only weakly glance up when Poseidon walk toward with a strangely placed serene smile.
"Come now, Ojou-chan. It was so unsightly for you like this." Poseidon sighed femininely as he lean his chin on his knuckle. "I wanted to see the energetic and snarky you, you were a bit more fun like that back then!...You also quite mean though." The Greeed said, mumbling the last part to itself.
OOO, who managed to pull himself up after shaking the dizziness away, still managed heard the changes of tone from Poseidon.
"I wasn't just imagining it! Poseidon...something is not right with him!"
Before OOO can ponder more on what is going on, he saw Poseidon hold out his palm, with an orb of water formed, aiming at Chris. The orb exploded violently then shoot forward in a form of an aquatic drill toward the silver haired girl.
"It keep happening but I am more adjusted now, I can switch back to my old self forcefully." Poseidon thought impatiently. "But that's not enough I need to be in complete control! Me as myself!" The aquatic Rider's eyes shone with azure light as he scowled.
"Ojou-chan, let's use your death to spice things up even more, you don't m-argh...Just die you blinded fool." Poseidon said venomously.
Chris know something is causing him to be more focus here, yet as much as that thought adhere more the chances of her demise. The silver haired girl feel strangely complacent, even though the girl should still feel she should resist, that she should fight back. Yet face with such certain death, it instead make her feel easier to just accept it.
This is it then, the damn thing was right after all. Yukine Chris was blinded, she was never saved at all ever since that accursed day. All this time she has been wandering in this hellish world utterly alone, foolishly offering her songs for a lie. Then how much worse can it be? Surely wherever she is going can't be worse? Even if it is worse maybe it is fitting for her? Someone foolish enough to be used like her, does she has any right to face her parents? Does she want to face them? All of this...
"All of it...I...I am tired. I don't want to sing anymore...this meaningless song, just let it end. Beside...by dying, my last true good acts...I can make those two idiots stop wasting their efforts." Chris thought calmly.
The last thought in particular, make the girl feel more easier to embrace the inevitable. Chris closed her tears filled eyes, in the darkness she can hear the sound more clearly. The silvernette listen to the rotation of the drill heading straight at her, the sound that promise certain end is strangely soothing to her at this moment. Yet the next sound is more grating to her ears, so is the sudden droplets hitting her face, it is the sound of metal clashing? Tearing? And a wet squelching sound. Confused, Chris opened her eyes. She blinked once, then twice.
"Huh?" Chris muttered, unable to process her thought.
"Chris-chan, I really don't think now is a good time for a nap." OOO grunted out in concern.
Which is absolute asinine to Chris, considering the fact right now the drill that Poseidon has aimed at her, is now lodged right between his abdomen, crimson liquid mixed in with the aquatic drill. The clear liquid nature of the water drill allowed the silver haired girl to clearly see how it is piercing, damaging OOO's intestine, back muscles and more.
It was so surreal to her that she fall down to her butt, shakily pointing her fingers at him, yet try as she might she can't utter a single damn words.
The triple colored Rider gritted his teeth, the pain is second priority to him, right now he has someone right behind him who need someone to reach out to her. And he will be damned if even now, with all this power, he still let a hand slip away just because of some wound! His eyes stare straight at Poseidon, their armored expressions somehow didn't hide what the other is feeling from each other.
Amusement, rush, calmness, determination. In a split second, Poseidon push forth, seemingly determine to drill through his rival and strike Chris. In response, OOO gripped the drill even tighter as its clash against his palms. Feeling the drills still pushing through, the Tatoba Combo Rider throw a kick at Poseidon, who easily caught it with his other hand and not bulging even an inch.
OOO can tell with the nature of this drill, even if he hold down one part, Poseidon can just extend it from the tips. Hence again he has to rely on his Batta leg, however instead of striking it at Poseidon which is already proven to be fruitless, the Rider kicked behind him.
"Sorry Chris-chan!" OOO grunted out.
It actually hurt just to talk, not to mention the overbearing taste of iron in his mouth due to all the blood. But still, the Rider thought he need to apologize for his next action.
Yukine Chris who is still in her stupor was forcefully knocked out of her thought, quite literally when she felt an impact against her abdomen, pushing her away. At that very moment, just like OOO predicted, the drill has extended and pierced the spot she moved away from. Of course, OOO has controlled the force so that beyond pushing the girl out of the way, it wouldn't do any damage to Chris at all. The fact that even till now, when he is riddled with wound, the Rider clearly still vehement to keep her safe for whatever reasons, it seems to stir up something within the emotionally lost silver haired girl.
"Commendable, your stupidity that is." Poseidon taunted, not at all upset at the fact he missed his kill as his and OOO's visor reflected each other. "But that's what drive you isn't? I am torn right now, I can give you some time to improve from your incomplete current self." The Greeed Hybrid said, he then applied more force, earning a hiss from his opponent. "But I just want to test myself out right now, that feeling when an athlete finally take off his casts and can't wait to push his body to full capacity again. It such an irresistable urge." Poseidon said, with every words he sound more...jumpy.
"So is this the real you now? Or...is it Kagari or Gamel?" OOO painstakingly bit out the words.
He has managed to figure out why the weird way Poseidon acting seems a bit familiar, and the fact the Greeed twitched is what finally confirm the Rider's suspicion. Though it seems Poseidon isn't very happy of being found out, for no longer he interested in toying with his opponent and just outright increase the power of the drill ten-fold.
In response, Kamen Rider OOO abandon all attempt to hold the drill back and just let go. As the drill piercing inside his flesh with increased intensity, he let out a mix of a pained grunt and a battle cry. The Rider unfolded his Tora's claws and stabbed forth at Poseidon's temples. The hits strike its mark, and the aquatic Rider finally flinched. And yet, beside a few spark there was nothing. The drill, along with the splatter of blood, has stopped. Yet it seems to be more of Poseidon's conscious choice, rather than the result of OOO's attacks.
"You..." Poseidon jeered.
The Greeed gripped his Deepest Harpoon, the drill pulled itself out of OOO. The sudden action make the Rider jerked up in pain, but at the very least he is free. However, before the pain even subside, the water drill has morph to a ball of energy and exploded right in front of Kamen Rider.
"ARGH!" OOO cried out.
The pain was excruciating and worst yet, he can't experience it peacefully for the lack of better words. Not with him being blasted back like a rag-doll. Slowly, the tripple colored Rider pick himself back up while trying to regain his bearing through the pain.
Meanwhile, Poseidon pointed the Harpoon toward OOO as he walk menacingly toward the still dazed Rider.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
"What!?" Poseidon growled.
OOO's hearing was suddenly filled with the roar caused by a series of explosions, with the accompanying forces pushed him back down. He had thought Poseidon has something to do with it before hearing the Greeed surprised grunt. But that would just leave...
"Killter Ichaival tron."
That song was mixed along with the explosions yet OOO manage to pick up on it, hence imagine his surprise as he turn to Yukine Chris, who now has clad in her Ichaival Gear.
"Huh? W...Why am I...?"
The girl's bewildered expression and heavy panting show how much she herself is surprised by her own actions.
"Yukine Chris, indeed it is a logical choice." Poseidon said not at all startled by this development. "In situation like this, to clutch to your life, it is better to rely on OOO's strength. Well then, there you have it Hino Eiji. I have presented you a chances to...'reach out'-" His tone probably can't get anymore blatantly mocking "-to this discarded waste, shouldn't I expect a thank you?"
Chris want to rebuke Poseidon's statement, she really does but...is it wrong? Fine wanted her to die, how can she accept that? So is it fine to use OOO?
"D...Damn it all. Shut up! My head, I don't know what to think!" Chris gripped her head struggling with her thought.
"Chris-chan, Urgh." OOO grunted out, snapping the silvernette out of her stupor, she was expecting him to suggest some plan, a tactic. Basically a quick team up to face off against their impending doom, it reasonable. And such a suggestion could make her temporarily ignore this nagging feeling gnawing in her chest. "Why aren't you running away yet?"
"Huh?" Chris muttered as if someone just struck her physically.
"Don't be fooled, he...he won't kill me yet. I am his entertainment after all." OOO said with a chuckle. "But you, shouldn't you get out of here now? Surely you have something you want to resolve right? No way you can accept this situation, I may not know who is this Fine to you. But at the very least..." The Kamen Rider shakily stood up, facing Poseidon, who momentarily ignored Chris to focus on him entirely. "I think, you don't want to accept this is how you will part way with her. Because-"
OOO take a deep breath, he reign in the pain as he turn toward Chris. And yet despite the obscured visor, Chris can somehow tell the kind and understanding gaze that the Rider is giving her. It added a new feeling to her jumbling mess of emotions, but even then the girl can tell one thing, for once this isn't a bad feeling she been getting at all.
"-Isn't the Symphogear only respond to what your heart truly want? If you have really accepted this as your end, then your Gear wouldn't have been able to be manifest now is it?"
OOO's words carry a resolution toward a stranger, an enemy.
"Why? It pointless for you to...to go through all of this mess? So why?"
At least to Chris that was all there is to it. And it is utter bewilderment to her that this man is trying so hard in her stead.
"The reason, I already told it to you from beginning didn't I?" OOO responded with a tone too cheerful for someone in his situation.
"You want to reach out for me..."
Chris mumbled the answer OOO indeed has given right when he literally crashed in on them.
"Yes, I do. But for standing up and moving forward, that will have to be on you, Chris-chan! And you must known this already but let me reassure you. It is not pointless. Cause right now, you are still living, and that alone is enough. You can still accomplish what you want, things that you will never get a chance if you forfeit your life!" OOO declared confidently.
"You...just what is in this for you?" Chris asked, the girl look completely lost.
The Ichaival Wielder feel like everything is spinning around her. Can this be happening? Can she, who has just been abandoned from the person she trust most, now place her faith onto her enemy? This indecisive could be fatal for Yukine Chris at this moment, but it natural for her psych to still be shaken.
Hence OOO decided to add one last line he think will work for her.
"Very well then!" OOO exclaimed, surprising the silver haired girl. "Consider you own me a favor!" He said, raising up his hand to the bewildered girl. "Afterward when we all safe and sound, it will up to me to choose how you will return this debt, deal?" OOO asked with a more lighthearted tone.
And he can only hope that using this line will make more sense to Chris, to less confuse her. She view him as enemies, she lost her allies, then let's use the template of a deal to make her more easily accept the situation. Beside, the Rider doesn't think he got a chance to think more of what words to make her feel better. Not with Poseidon suddenly cackled with mocked amusement. Guess that's all the time OOO got for an on-the-spot-consulting-speech.
"Hehehehehe. You said the most amusing things sometimes, Hino Eiji. And while you right on the accord of being a decent entertainment." Poseidon slammed the Harpoon to the ground causing a small tremor. "However, if I just rough you up a bit I would also draw Ankh out. Isn't that also held some truth in it?" OOO visibly flinched at that. "Not a bad idea right? Then with you two together once more, surely I can thoroughly entertain myself. And if I bored I can kill Ankh first, then I will see how much that will push you more. Between that and wait for you to slowly regain your strength, that sound more appealing don't you think?"
This is bad, the more he talk, the more OOO really doesn't know what his next actions would be. With Chris now out of the way, he need to carefully consider his next step.
"So, I can't feel the Purple Core Medals power anymore. Is that what you were aiming for? The power of Durandal, I thought I was imagining it. But now I think I got it somewhat, you used the Golden Relic didn't you?" OOO asked.
Though mainly for distraction purpose, that doesn't mean he isn't genuinely curious about what transpired back then regarding Poseidon and the Golden Relic.
"Confused, I'm sure." Poseidon said with a nod, scratching his chin. "Honestly that woman is quite terrifying in her own way, she were able to tell what my goal was when I took interest in the Durandal and its power. The complete Relic carry in its unknown divine energy, activate by the songs fill with desire from those girls. But of course! They maybe chosen by their Relics, but to the Durandal their song is less of a wake up call and instead it is more of a lullaby." Poseidon said with a disappointed sigh. "Except for one that is..."
OOO feel like the invisible chain that tie all the event together just become more solidified from that one statement of the Greeed.
"That's right. Tachibana Hibiki." Poseidon said with a chuckle. "Is it because of her special situation that lead her to inherit Gungnir? Or she just a chosen one or something? Well that woman can explain it better than I." He shrugged before he pointed his Harpoon at OOO. "Regardless, I realized Hino Eiji. That girl, whether you realize it or not, is your antithesis." Poseidon said with a giddy tone.
OOO has to admit that line thrown him off for a moment.
"What would that even mean? Is this even Poseidon anymore? He has no need to throw me off guard...Well I am the one who want him to keep talking." OOO thought, trying to keep his composure and concentration, the armor already soothing down the pain for him.
"The song that signify the moment Tachibana Hibiki face her demise, it contain her burning passion to treasure her life, her wills to live through death! Such pure desire for life itself! Pitting the Durandal, fueled by such base but powerful desire, against those accursed Purple Medals of your that destroy desire! My body! Being the center stage for Hino Eiji's Putotyra against Tachibana Hibiki's Durandal! Either I would be vaporized or...here I am." Poseidon said blissfully, his delightful tone mix in with his blood-lust is quite unsettling for sure and for further demonstration his hand lit up in radiating energy in rainbow color. "A wonderful feeling, admittedly I needed Fine's calculations to reach this result, hence my gratefulness shown in the form of our still continuing partnership."
"Well, thanks for telling me all that, you are quite forward that for sure." OOO said, trying to appear lax.
He not sure how much longer he can keep the talk going, but any second is precious resource for Yukine Chris to use to get away from here.
Though thinking over what the Greeed said, OOO also start to see it now. Indeed Hibiki's ability to wield the Durandal might just be the opposite of his own power. In the first place, the Symphogear activated by the song of the Attuned from their own heart. It is not too farfetched to said that through their own song, the Gear Users are putting their existence into it, their wills, their desire. And Hibiki with her explosive power, having the fragment of Gungnir in her, might just be most attune with her Gear. Even OOO, who didn't know much about Symphogear, can tell her potential is staggering.
"Keeping this secrets to myself honestly just bugging me, you see? And I just want to see how your reaction would be when I show you the last fail-safe you rely on is gone. Right now you can barely use the Combos let alone that pesky one of your own, so you better think of some new entertaining strategies if you want to defeat me." Poseidon is practically oozing with excitement with each words he said. "To show my willfulness, I even indulged in your distractions, didn't I?" The aquatic Greeed Rider asked knowingly, feeling gleeful when he notice the subtle flinch in OOO's posture. "Now, break time is over my Liege. See if you can dodge this?" Poseidon asked pointing up.
His actions confused OOO. That was until his Rider enhanced senses kick in, his Taka's eyes activated as a defense mechanism and that's when OOO saw a sight obscured by the ceiling and wall of the mansions that make his blood cold. Not a second later, hundreds of ice shards punctured through the mansions like butter, all of them raining down on OOO.
"The attack was conjured outside of the mansion!" OOO thought frantically.
The triple colored Rider tried to reach for his Medaljalibur, whatever actions he planning to take however-
BILLION MAIDEN!
-become unnecessary. The hails of ice were intercepted by the blitz of leads, not stopping there, the line of bullets trained itself onto the Greeed.
Playing Makyu Ichaival.
Poseidon, if one can seen his eyes, merely glanced calmly at the incoming rain of leads. And just like raindrops, they splattered onto his armor then bounced off to other directions, further destroying the mansion but did no damage to the intended target himself.
"Hm? Now that look, you look like your usual tantrum self again." Poseidon noted with mild curiosity. "And here I thought you would have been on your way and cry out for your mistress or something."
Ignoring the jab, Chris didn't relent on her assault, the hail of bullets still furiously bite on to Poseidon. And somehow, her voices can be heard booming through all the gunfire.
"Oh, don't you just know me so well, f$*ker!?"
Chris exploded, quite metaphorically and literally, with a dangerous glint in her eyes.
Not only Poseidon, but OOO also found this behavior more fitting for the image he has in mind for Yukine Chris. But that doesn't change one questions in his mind.
"What are you still doing here!?" OOO asked.
"Yeah...like Hell I can accept this! None of this crap! TO HELL OF IT ALL! Fine and I...we have more to talk about! As if she can just cut me off like that! And if you think I will just sit there and wait for you to off me or running with my tail between my legs then you are more stupid than I gave credit for a pile of rusted coins!" Chris shouted furiously at Poseidon, the girl has definitely regained her spark. OOO would have been fine with that if she didn't suddenly turn her heated glare to him too. "AND YOU!"
Chris give our Rider one glance, and in that one moment her expression seems to undergone a variety of shifted mood. Is she angry? Grateful? Embarrassed? Eventually she settle for a blank glare.
"Ah...Yes?" OOO replied hesitantly.
Chris's glare intensified if that's possible. For a moment, the Rider wondered between her and Poseidon, who is the bigger danger here? No wait, it is definitely still the battle crazy, personalities splitting, Greeed Rider hybrid that take priority here. But that was still a very close contest there.
"Spare me your pity! I swear to God the day I need someone, who look like already throw half of his body to death door, like you to be concern for me? That's the day I might as well just spare myself a bullet and be done with it! Now sit back, and stop your damn bleeding while I take care of this bastard cause no way in Hell I letting you carve on your tombstone that you die for me! I don't need to own you that kind of favor, pal!"
With that the Billion Maiden finally stopped, Chris let out a huffed breath, whether it is exhaustion from her exploded episode, literally with the gunfire. Or the release of her bottled up feeling, only the gunslinger would know.
End Song.
"Feel better yet?" Poseidon asked before he turn to OOO. "Well good for you OOO-boy, now you have a tsundere on your hand." The Greeed practically grinning.
Ignoring that feminine tone teasing from an enemy that he pretty sure is meant to be more masculine in its nature, and also start to wonder has Mezool always been a tease but he just never notice with all the life and death situation back then, OOO shakily stood up. With his bleeding has stopped for now by the armor, he join his way with Chris. In response, the gunslinger's glare turn back full volume at the Rider. Knowing what she going to said, OOO hastily spoke up.
"The bleeding has stopped and just like how you are fighting for what you want, I am merely doing what I preach otherwise I would just be all talk, wouldn't I?" OOO smiled with a shrug. "So here I am, just like how you can't accept that conclusion. I still won't rest till I make sure I have reached out to you. Of course, that include make sure you are safe and sound."
Too light hearted, yet determined and experienced. Such is what Chris felt hearing OOO's words, she doesn't know how she missed it in his tone before. Or rather, perhaps the fact Chris can now tell the difference should be more concerning?! Hence, the silver haired girl was left staring at him in confusion, she struggle to find an appropriate responses. No, the girl know what an appropriate response is for what this man is doing for her, but it just not in her heart to act upon them right now. Such notion almost made the girl feel lesser with herself-
"...That and eh I think it will be more dangerous for me if you guys starting blasting everywhere and I lie in one spot." OOO admitted sheepishly.
-or the guy can make it easier for Chris to just disregard her confused emotions and just reminded herself, behind all his display of bravery and heroism, he is undoubtedly an idiot. By lord, has she really needed this guy to snap her out of her funk just few minutes prior!?
"If you can back up your words, you wouldn't be in this stage from beginning already." Chris said with a shook of her head, she then give OOO a subtle concerned glance. "Just carry your own weight, I will carry mine while might watch out your back once a while till we get out of here."
For an accepted alliance it might be ranking low in term of sincerity, but...
"Well it the thought that count." OOO chuckled.
The Medal Rider then brandished his Medaljalibur, Chris copied the actions for her chain guns. Together, the Vagabond King and the Rouge Gunslinger now stand side by side. Even if moments ago, they may have turned their sword and gun against each other for their own reasons. Now they have no trouble aiming it at the common enemy, especially more so when Chris, unknowingly, let a contemplated grin spread across her lips faintly.
"This is so cute." Poseidon folded his arms before he snapped his fingers, the hail of ices were countered instantly by sword slashes and bullets. "Yes, this will do too for some fun."
With a chuckle the aquatic Rider strode toward the duo, ignoring the stray shrapnel of bullets and beam slash attack that just deflected off his armor.
Playing Syncrhogazer -Instrumental.
Outside, the birds are peacefully landing on the branches of the tree, enjoying the bask of retreating sunlight and the cool wind. But their moment of peace was exchanged for a scare of their life when three figures break through the roof of the mansions. They all scattered with frightened chirp but it was drown out by the sound of combats, more specifically the sound of rockets impacted against ice-shard and sword clash against spear.
"Don't blame me if you get caught up in the blast!" Chris yelled.
MEGA DETH PARTY!
The fired missiles hone in on Kamen Rider OOO and Kamen Rider Poseidon, who both are clashing weapons against each other. The Ichaival Wielder would have love to shoot the Quartet instead, but it not like she has the luxury to charge it up right now. OOO, who heed her warning, pushed himself away from Poseidon, then using the missiles as stepping stone, he dashed away from the aquatic themed Rider, leaving the Greeed Hybrid face to face with the barrage of firepower. His responses is simple, with a wave of its hands all the missiles were encased in ice instantly. With another wave, said frozen missiles turned toward OOO and Chris.
OOO, who still airborne, barely has time to react before the missiles reached him, then a flashes of explosions filled his vision.
Chris, who is on the ground, has easier time to counter by deploying her chain gun to shoot down her own missile. The explosions also obscured her visions, not to mention the bigger issue which is throwing her momentum off balance. Hence, she barely has time to react, when ripping through the smoke is the glittering red steel of the Deepest Harpoon aiming right at her head.
"Damn it!" Chris cursed out loud.
The girl dismissed her chain gun in favor of freedom of movement. She then bended backward, watching the spear sailed above her face, it only a few centimeter from touching her nose. The pressure managed to lick a scratch on her forehead, along with a few strand of hairs from her bang. Not satisfied with that however, the spear freeze in its movement. The sudden change in motions was enough to create a pressure wave that washed against Chris's eyes making her winced, but the silvernette still keep her eyes peel open, knowing if she close its now she might as well never open it again.
With blinding speed, the Harpoon now swing down at the Ichaival Wielder, or it would have, if not for a few seconds before that the Medaljalibur stabbed at the side of the red spear, knocking it off course.
"You done hiding!?"
Chris taunted the Greeed while backpedaled, trying to get as far out of the Harpoon's range as possible. As the same time, Chris pull out her crossbows and fired multiple bolts at the direction of the smoke where the spear was thrown from. In response, with a swing Poseidon not only dispersed the smoke and debris but also deflected the bolts fired at him. But OOO was not far behind from Chris's attacks, already rushing forth and swing down the Medaljalibur. The Greeed casually lifted the Harpoon to counter his opponent's swing, all the while noting the lack of damage OOO should have sustained after that attack, especially since Poseidon poured more energy into the missile.
"I see, you created a vacuum with your swings to reduce the damage from a direct blast." Poseidon thought.
Still, some charred spots and scratches can be seen on triple colored Rider's armor. Add that with the fact he already utilize a Combo...
"Hah~ I can't help but feel you might be the first to drop out of this party, honestly a bit disappointed here. The offer still stand you know? If you leave now, let me take care of the loud mouth gun girl over there. Then we can arrange this fight again when you more up to it."
Poseidon's tone is completely calm and at ease, as if he not exerting much strength to held OOO's Medaljalibur at bay.
"Thanks, I would love to get some rest too, I can already imagine the soft mattress after making sure Chris-chan is safe." OOO retorted. "Beside, are you sure you are fine yourself? You received the attack from Durandal. Weren't you a bit concerned if you doesn't know what you were doing then you would have been destroyed by that attack?" OOO asked, grunted warningly. "Galaxy King's powers, Core Medals and now Durandal. All of them are volatile in their own right, just one of them go out of control and you could have been destroyed inside out!"
Taunting usually isn't OOO's style but it not below him either if it mean he can distract the Greeed Rider for a moment.
"Like I said, perks of knowing a mad genius I suppose. But you must be familiar with that, right?" Poseidon replied arrogantly.
A moment of flashbacks in the Kamen Rider's head reminded him one of the few humans he has consider enemy, but it will be pretty bad if a distraction move being turned against him so he kept quiet.
"See? Beside nothing venture nothing gained. And I don't think you appreciate how much of a binds you put me through." Poseidon finally snarled, once more abandon his haughty composure in favor of letting lose his masked anger. "The agony of that damn powers of your kept me at bay, unable to freely act! To you mortal I bet it feel like someone wrapped a chain of fire around your hearts! I suggest you don't remind me of that too much OOO, or I might slip and accidentally obliterate this whole forest on the spot!"
During his rant, with each words, Poseidon applied more and more force onto OOO, easily turning the weapons lock to his favor. But the aquatic Rider held back just enough to not break his opponent's guards, instead he enjoy watching the triple colored Rider feebly struggle with all his might, trying to hold back the Harpoon that edging closer to his face. And for some reason, OOO find this a good time to chime in some words.
"I suppose you right, I mean if you piss off even more it might be bad." OOO wheezed out. "Still, don't you think you counting me out a bit too soon?" He asked.
Right before he swiped the Scanner across his Medaljalibur.
[TRIPPLE SCANNING CHARGE!]
Poseidon, annoyed that he actually fall for this, watch as Medaljalibur shine brilliantly. The power of Cell Medals coated the blade of the sword, granting it the energy to sever space itself.
"SEIYAH!" OOO shouted out.
The Kamen Rider swing down the Medaljalibur with all his might.
Chris already known of this attack, cautiously watch as the damage take place with the space around Poseidon got cut in two, but that also when the sight in front of her become even more bizarre.
Poseidon and the space around him got cut in two by OOO Bash, or at least that seems to be what was occurring. But as the line of space being cut apart, Poseidon is the only being standing in the middle of it and remain unaffected. At that moment, his body start to exert a wave of rainbow colored energy that spread out to the severed space, patching its up, then forcefully pull the disheveled halves of the cut space back together like the OOO Bash never happened.
All in all, Chris feel like she is in a video or something that is undergoing heavy cut and edit.
"That rarely happened." OOO noted, clearly astonished himself.
"Really? What's the first clue?" Chris thought, and as crazy as the feast the Greed just accomplished was, there also that energy Poseidon exuded just now. It just crazy, that energy is a match if not surpass what Durandal unleashed back in the factory. She doesn't care if that is the full power of Durandal or not, the energy blast it release was enough to decimate the city easily and this monster in front of them could be stronger than that? How is the idiot next to her can still act so...idiotic? "Or is that his own sign of giving up?"
"Well then...Chris-chan do you have any idea?"
The Rider asked not with despair, much to Chris's bewilderment, but with genuine curiosity and liveliness that clearly show her his will to continue fighting.
"Who the Hell are you calling Chris-chan?!" Chris bark back. "Tch! As for idea, I don't see which part of 'turn him to a beehive' is bad enough for me to abandon it yet."
Yukine Chris will be damn if she start shaking in her boots while this guy can be so calm. Idiotic or not, she respect that aspect and also refuse to lose to him in that regard, though if it apply to herself she will call such attribute bravery of course.
"Then may I make a suggestion myself?" Poseidon asked, in a pretty good mood for someone who just got cut apart along with space, as he walk out of the embers and debris left over by the last attack. "Nine type of Core Medals, nine attacks. If in nine attacks both of you haven't fallen yet then it is your win." The Greeed said, his tone imply a smirk, while running his finger along the edge of Deepest Harpoon. "If you fall, well it will cut my fun a bit short but I sure Fine will be able to fill in with what she has in store."
"You two certainly getting along well, it seems?" OOO remarked curiously.
"Oh, the woman has quite a desire that for sure. It straight forward but damn if it isn't entertaining in its own nature." Poseidon said in an amused manner, like the aftermath of hearing a good joke. "Yet compare to her-" He sighed disappointingly, glancing at Chris who baring her teeth at him. The Greeed waved disdainfully at her. "-this one here is no good, no good."
"Heh, and here I thought you was a fan of mine or something. Well at least the feeling is mutual." Chris snapped back bitingly.
"Well you are fiery in nature so it was fun to see you drive yourself so hard." Poseidon titled his head, then shook it disappointingly. "But it empty, girl. To put it simply, you have no idea how to fight for what you want." His tone suddenly become icy cold, Chris visibly flinched at that. "You want to save the world? How childishly interesting, it would have been fine to see how you go at it. But nah, you have no idea how to accomplish it don't you?" The Greeed asked accusingly.
"Shut the f#$k up!"
Chris aimed her guns at him, she fired senselessly, frustratingly and angrily. Her bullets embedded with her songs, with her thoughts want to fulfill her wish and shut the Greeed up but the wall of ices formed between them rendered such actions useless. One can easily tell the telltale sign with how shakily Chris's trigger finger is, she want to continue shooting despite knowing how futile it is. But what does it mean if she want the Greeed to be quiet?
"Wouldn't that mean...I am agreeing with what he is saying?"
Ignoring or rather taking delight in her turmoil, Poseidon continue without a care.
"You blindly count on Fine, for she is the one who fetch you when you were lost. You just thrashing out blindly, wanting some payback for the pains you feel, for what you lost. And if follow Fine's words promise you what you want and more importantly to deal some pain back to this world, then it all the more convenience for you." Poseidon said while counting off his fingers with each sentence. "And that was it, isn't? Convenience, for you. No need to think, just leave it all to someone else while you follow orders blindly and wait for things to turn out to how you wish."
Poseidon's bored gaze drilled into her as he groaned out in disappointment.
"That...I..." Chris mumbled, that was as much as a vocal defense she manage to put up.
"See? Compare to Fine who proudly drown in her madness for what she want, to attain her own goal! Even Tachibana Hibiki know what she has to do for what she want, but you Yukine Chris, you really are pointless!" Poseidon shouted accusingly.
Chris felt like just the intense atmosphere itself could crush her and it not just due to the Greeed overbearing aura of power. It is the weight of his words that hit her harder than she ever thought Poseidon could. But then, she suppose the truth will always have that effect no matter who said it isn't? All she done till now, was just mindlessly follow Fine. She ignore the wounds, the fatigue she suffer and continue to push on. Yet..
"It wasn't because I am not scared of getting hurt...it was...it was because the idea of just standing there is even more terrifying to me. To be reminded back then where all I can do is watch. I am lost, if I don't do something to help serve Fine's cause then I don't know what I want to do, what can I do..." Chris uncontrollably let her arm aiming the gun hang limp, her expression reverting back to the hollow look like when Fine ordered her execution. "The pain I receive, the hellish effort I spent to fighting with the Symphogear make me feel I am fulfilling my purpose, fulfilling my role. Then with that Fine can change it to process that help save the world...Ah...damn it, goddamn it. That bastard is right. I...I don't know what to do at all."
"So she will get up."
OOO one simple line unknowingly cut off Chris's self-deprecating thought and Poseidon's words at the same time. Both of them turn toward him, as if they both just suddenly remember he was here the whole time again.
"She make a mistake, she lost. But that's fine, she is still alive. She can start over and when she does she will realize this world it not so unkind to all those who live in it. And I will prove it by being the second, out of the many, people who are willing to reach out a hand to her. And that is just today you known?" OOO said jovially.
The Rider raise his Medajalibur and pointed it straight at Poseidon, whose mood has diminished.
"Hah. Be a spoilsport wouldn't ya?" Poseidon faux yawned, his annoyance is clear.
"So Chris-chan, ready t-!? Yikes!" OOO barely dodged his head when a bullet whizzed past his head. "Uhm Chris-chan!?"
"Who told you to use my first name?" Chris asked with her bangs covering her eyes, as if realized his folly OOO covered his mouthpiece in a knee-jerk reaction. "...thankyou."
"What?"
OOO cupped his ear, Chris's mumbling is a bit too small and too fast even for his hearing.
"I SAID THANK YOU ALRIGHT?!" Chris snapped, clearly embarrassed.
OOO can still felt the ring in his ear, wish granted he suppose.
"Ah. You welcome." OOO said in daze as he massaged the earpiece.
"As expected from the vocal cord of an Attuned."
The silver haired girl then turned her intense gaze toward Poseidon. Despite still glisten with tears, her gaze has now carry the liveliness in them once more. It is indeed burning just like her song right now, the desire to live once more. And to think it was by a few cheesy quotes, with undeniable honesty and intensity in them, from...
"You hear this naïve idiot! I screwed up, I know that!" Chris inhaled then exhaled while closed then open her eyes making few droplets of stray tears fall off her eyes. "I don't care if I'm just a discard tools...but I'll be damned if I let my will be broken by you! I can't fall here, I will definitely settle my matters with Fine herself personally!" Chris roared decisively.
Her confusions is still there, so is that sharp pang of pain that linger in her chest. But...
"I don't feel so lost anymore." Chris thought.
"So now instead of Fine, you will clung onto OOO's words to save yourself some existential crisis huh?" Poseidon asked mockingly.
"Heh, you know? The more you try to taunt me, the more I have to wonder how much do you afraid to be made a beehive by me to deploy such desperate measure." Chris grinned challengingly. "Oh one last thing, my executioner." She said the title sarcastically. "You really shouldn't have bring a toothpick to a gunfight."
She taunted with a fanged grin while moving her gaze to the sea themed Rider's Deepest Harpoon. As Chris pointed her crossbow at him, her confident posture once more show itself to the world.
"Challenge accepted." Poseidon said curtly, so the girl got her bark back, how cute. "Remember OOO, nine moves. Here the first."
OOO only response is switch out his Core Medals while Poseidon raise his palm to the sky, the once clear weather now darkened due to the cloud obscuring the sun. Naturally what come next is lightning.
[KUGAWATA-UNAGI-ZOU!]
The first move draw power from the Uva's Core Medals hence the lightning is colored green, the flash obscured Chris's vision momentarily but OOO already finished changing his Combo.
OOO's horn gathered its own green spark, crackling to life, but nowhere near the intensity of the bolts that Poseidon conjured. The roars of electricity filled the forest, then the second green spark shot out to clash against it stronger brethren. There was no contest, the green spark was swallowed instantly, the green lightning bolts continue with no obstacle. OOO wasn't deterrent though, he focus his gaze on the arching bolt. His horn crackled once more, this time another electricity blast was send out to oppose the lightning bolt, though it look even less impressed than the last one.
"Idiot! It obviously useless!" Chris shout out.
She is genuinely concern at that moment, it matter not to her if Poseidon will uphold his promise, what matter to her is at this instance, OOO should be more self aware of his own safety. But then Chris was halted in her track when what happened in front of her defied both her and Poseidon's expected result. Despite clearly outmatched, OOO's second spark wasn't instantly swallowed this time. Instead, the two opposite current meet each other mid way and before they can even collided, the sparks and bolts swayed itself out of the confrontation and the lightning bolts strike the area around them, scorching up the ground and destroyed multiple trees. It was a dangerous yet eye catching sight for Chris as she shielded her eyes from the glaring flash of light that flare up just as quick as it fade away.
"Ah, so that's how it is."
Poseidon, instead of apply more pressure in his assault, leisurely watched the spectacle. Amused as his lightning was neutralized by a supposedly weaker spark.
"From the first clash he learned the charge of the lightning bolts, his second sparks carry the same charge so the electricity will repel each other naturally." Chris thought, she was reminded that despite how OOO carry himself, Poseidon has warned her and Fine back then about Rider's capabilities as a fighter. "But even those tricks won't last long, I knew that, both of them also knew that. Damn." Chris thought, furrowing her brown for ideas.
However, it not like time is a luxury she has right now.
"Second move." Poseidon said, his tone evidently more excited.
As if matched to his mood, the torrent of flame shaped like a whale rushing forth toward OOO and Chris, while let out an ungodly roar with its ember flaring wildly. An honest to God flaming whale is attacking them. Chris's brain is trying to decide whether this sight or that ridiculous movie about a tornado filled with shark, is more ludicrous.
Regardless, the sight of the whale roaring to life, made out of unholy flame, is impressive and certainly unnerving. But more importantly, it is how easygoing Poseidon is taking this battle that irked Chris the most. She gritted her teeth, banished all doubts of their chances in this battle, all the while putting herself between OOO and the incoming flaming whale. Admittedly, hour before, she would have shot anybody who tell her such a scenario could happen.
"My turn then!" Chris shout out full of vigor.
The girl doesn't want to lose to Poseidon in morale department. But her actions while driven by impulse, that doesn't mean they are foolish. She has saw the battle between Poseidon and Ankh, so she has expected a fire type attacks, if the indication of the Greeed now can use all the Core Medals abilities are anything to go by.
MEGA DETH QUARTET!
This move that OOO hasn't seen before translate to two GIGANTIC missiles formed from the Ichaival.
"Uwah~ That some big missiles." OOO noted in awe.
He is extremely grateful that Chris didn't brought out this move back when she fought against him and Hibiki, regardless of her reasons. His aching body back then probably would continue to stuck in the hospital's bed for days. But OOO has to wonder how does she intent to counter against a flame attack like this?
His answer arrived when the two missiles was launched straight at the raging flame. Just before it come into contact though, the two missiles shell peel itself open, revealing many smaller missiles inside of it. These smaller missiles amounts are like raindrops as they automatically fly off in many directions, as the same time, Chris leap back, pulling OOO with her.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!
Series of explosions quickly engulfed the fire attack, at first it seems to be unaffected but slowly the force of the explosions is clearly affecting the fire whale with how the flame is fluctuating. It almost look like the whale is having a hard time to maintain its shape.
"The force of explosions is effecting the flame eh?" Poseidon tapped his chin as he observe the firework. "How shrewd, and here I thought the only her chest and temper are big." Poseidon giggled. "Well then..."
Meanwhile Chris is enjoying the fact she clearly stopped this attack, for better measure she fired multiple energy bolts toward the whale. Her continuous attacks along with the explosions finally shred its to fragment of ember, this also set their surrounding up to flame, but ultimately brought no harm to her or OOO.
With a huff, Chris twirled her crossbows as she turn to OOO with a smug grin. She didn't need to see his face to tell he is impressed, rightly so after all. It isn't easy for her to charge to Mega Deth Quartet, not even if it isn't the full power version. Though admittedly, OOO, unknowingly, provided her the small time for a quick charge.
"Heh, how-ACK!?" Whatever Chris tried to said died in her throat when OOO grabbed her and spin her around then shoving her away. "What the heck!?" Chris's words died in her throat, this time voluntarily when she saw how OOO already getting crushed by a column of stone equal to a size of an old tree. "...Y..You idiot." She uttered.
The girl can't believe that not only the Rider has saved her again, but this time it seems he really paid with his life for it.
"That's second and third move, I suppose." Poseidon noted with a cold calculative chuckle.
"You sneaky bastard! That guy...THAT MORON'S LIFE WORTH MORE THAN MINE AND YOUR COMBINE!" Chris roared.
"Hm, I told you that your loyalty only worth depending on who is showing benefit to you, whether you realize it or not." Poseidon scoffed. "Regardless, no need to be so hostile, debating about the worth of his existence aside, I can definitely agree that pebble isn't worth his life." It said in a detached manner.
Yet it is such a tone that filled Chris with joy and baited breath as she whizzed her head to where the boulder is. For a moment, she forgot or perhaps even ignored the glaring fact that it make her open to Poseidon. But to the silvernette, it was worth it to see the boulder cracked then exploded to pieces of pebble. Before the dust even cleared, an arc of green lightning already slash toward Poseidon. The blue Rider in response given a backhand, shattered the offending sparks.
"So." OOO said as he panted labored breath. "Where are we on the counting?" He asked with the dust cleared, revealing a not so damaged Kamen Rider.
"You hear nothing, got it?" Chris growled as she took her spot beside him, elaborate no more as she saw OOO's confused expression. "I should have known you are too stubborn to let a rock crack your head."
"Don't said that, please." OOO whined. "I known it already look big, but even then, that column weight is even more ridiculous with the force of gravity put into it you know?" He complained, rolling his shoulder. "I really almost flattened by it."
"Oh geez, remind me to kiss the spot so it hurt less later." Chris deadpanned. "So, you hear the idiot." She ignored OOO's indignant protest. "What counts are we on?"
"Fourth? Sound about right." Poseidon shrugged as he stab the Harpoon to the ground.
Then what followed is a great tremor, OOO and Chris barely held on to their balances, but what worry them is the enlarging fissures making its way toward them like the ground is splitting itself apart to swallow them up. In fact, that seems to be exactly what happening, what with the fissure now taking shape of yellow energy lion's maw opening wide. Seemingly hungry to taste their flesh, like it is a real life predator that it imitating.
"Do you trust me?" OOO asked hurriedly.
"Do I have a choice?" Chris snarled back.
"Then let's go!"
"What-Oh for the love of!"
And that's the last lines the two shouted as following the triple colored Rider's cue, Chris and him jumped straight down the fissures itself. The girl will look back at this moment and vehemently denied that it was OOO, of all people, who managed to actually talked her into essentially jumping off a cliff.
As the fissures slammed it jaws shut, the tremor finally stopped.
[KUGAWATA-GORILLA-CHEETAH!]
For about five seconds that is.
The pair of bulky silver gauntlets shot straight out from the very same spot OOO and Chris jumped, followed by many energy bolts shot upward. This opened a hole in the ground for the Rider and the Ichaival User to leap out safely.
"Hah! See? I don't need fancy forms change to keep up." Chris exclaimed with a grin.
"Eh? Ah, yes, very impressive!" OOO agreed.
The Rider wondered when did they even begin to use this as a competition without him knowing.
"Oi! Few more moves and you done with your own game bastard!" Chris shouted in high spirit.
"Ah well. You see, there is a small issue here." Poseidon said with a raised index finger. "I am quite frankly, bored." He said with a sigh. "I mean I thought it would have been more fun but I guess throwing attack from afar like that is just so boring. So instead let's get more close and personal, how's that sound?" Poseidon said as he brandished his Deepest Harpoon.
For all intent and purpose, he sound just like how a child might be if he get his hand on a toy sword.
End Song.
"Is he serious?" Chris said with a twitched eyebrow. "Seriously, I expected him to lie, sure. But...in this manner, he is like multiple people shove into one being. He is truly mad now, we can't even predict what he will do next at this rate." She grumbled.
Things just getting peachy here isn't?
However in contrast, the Kamen Rider next to her seems to be seeing a different picture here.
"No, this might just be what we need right now." OOO said with a hopeful tone.
"Eh? So you also think close combats give you better chances right? Perfect! See little girl? Grown up like us don't like to throw stuff around."
Poseidon chastised teasingly much to Chris's ire.
"I didn't throw! I shoot! You stupid Split's rip-off!" Chris shot back.
"Ah...Boss Lady watched it, it is kind of scary." OOO said scratching the back of his helmet.
"Right!?" Chris instantly agreed.
It as if this is the moment she truly consider the fact OOO is her comrade. Seriously, why does Fine has to watch that movie? Thanks to that Chris has to went to sleep with one eye open that night and her Pendant close to her pillow.
Despite their light-hearten banter, they were more than ready when Poseidon suddenly appear right in front of them, a speed that make him seems like such. OOO in response, swing an upward kick right at the Harpoon's shaft to block the downward slash. Chris, for her part, aimed her crossbows at Poseidon opened side. However, Poseidon easily knocked away OOO's offending limb with a swing that packed enough pressure to generate gale of wind that blocked Chris's energy bolts. Not done yet, Poseidon instantly follow up with a wide swing. Despite OOO crossed his arm, Chris used her crossbows for makeshift guard, they were both blown back by the forces of the slash.
The impact shook the ground as Chris's crossbows break while OOO's gauntlets cracked, with trickle of bloods can be seen leaking out.
Not satisfied, Poseidon kicked off and once more zip forth in a blink of eyes. As he appear in front of the still airborne OOO and Chris, without giving them a chances to catch their breath, the Greeed abandoned his Harpoon and instead grabbed both of their necks then slamming them down to the ground. The force was strong enough to crack a crater and knock any little air the duo have left out of their lung, along with bits of blood.
"Ho...How is this suppose to be...a chance damn it!" Chris thought frustratingly.
The girl try to claw off the tight choke around her neck, when that obviously futile she thought of using her crossbows but the silvernette shots have no effect on Poseidon. The Greeed seems to hell bent on ending this right now. But at that moment, OOO did something that seems to worsen his condition, if that was even possible in Chris's opinion. All of the sudden his armor was gone, of course Hino Eiji feel the choke Poseidon has on him become even worse without the armor's protection.
Chris struggle even more, she can't just watch the idiot got his neck snapped like this. However, instead of that happening, the girl felt the hold on her neck loosen significantly, the same happened for Eiji as he take a deep inhale. Poseidon then proceed to let both of them, his gaze focus on the latter who still coughing.
"What are you doing? Why did you purposely cancel out your armor?" Poseidon asked.
"You what!?" Chris shrieked, despite her bruising throat, as Eiji flinched. "I thought your armor overload or some crap like that but you actually turn it off yourself!?"
That settled it, this guy is no better than Poseidon. Clearly he got more than a few screws loose.
"Well I mean, aren't you curious what I could be planning?" Eiji's chuckle mixed with raspy cough as he nursed his bruising neck. "I admit, right now I lack the powers to defeat you, but not like I lack the plan to." He said with a shrug. "I mean, you of all people know how crafty Ankh must be."
At the mention of said Greeed, Poseidon took a glance around.
"Now you mentioned it he hasn't joined the battle despite being here. In fact, I can't seems to detect him around here anymore...how interesting."
"I suppose?" Eiji responded questioningly.
This further increased the Greeed's curiosity.
"Well then? What plan do you have in store? Let me personally grade it." Poseidon said, crossing his arms.
"Ah! This sound a bit more like how you are originally now, so that's mean you are once more taking the rein right?" Eiji asked with a disarming smile.
"You should also know then, originally I am not that patience in battle." Poseidon growled.
"Ah right, of course. You see, it quite simple really." Eiji said, rubbing the back of his head, with an abashed look.
Meanwhile Chris can only gawk at the surreal situations. Is this guy for real? Is this the so called chances he talking about? That...crazily plausible really, now that she look at this from afar.
"With how unpredictable he is...Poseidon still seems to try to be himself...this man, Hino Eiji is his foe. Naturally he known how Poseidon was before, they both understood each other. So Eiji is openly baiting him...question is if he is biting off more than he can chew."
Under any other circumstances, Chris would have voice out how pointless this actions was and would rather resolve this with a straight up fight. However, she isn't so blind to not see the difference in powers. Hence, the girl resist the urge and control the twitch of her fingers. The girl denied the part of her mind that tell her to summon her firearms and feed more leads to Poseidon as he just stood there casually, not that hard really, since another part of Yukine's minds remind her a load of good that action has done.
"So here is what I will need, a vital part for the plan." Eiji said.
He then summoned the Ride Vendor, seemingly deliberately easygoing in his actions of loading the Cell Medals into it while watching it enlarge and take the form of the bike. It as if Hino isn't bothered by Poseidon's existence or the fact he can reduce him to ash instantly at all. And while worried, Chris has to admit, having seen the bike from afar is one thing, but to watching it close, how does that even work? And why does this idiot deliberately make this seems like some kind of cheap magic trick!?
"A bike attack? You dare to waste my time?" Poseidon growled.
But Eiji's raised palm signaled him to wait, still completely calm, he used his other hand to wipe off drips of blood from the corner of his mouth. Once more, it is Poseidon's curiosity and expectation that probe him to allow his opponent a chance to demonstrate his tactic. Eiji didn't known if he should feel honor or not and he also didn't care. He sort of understand, currently Poseidon only reserve such 'lenient' toward him alone, or rather it a form of expectation so to said. For an entertainment or test dummy so Poseidon can test his new powers.
"You misunderstood. Come on, you should realize it yourself, another obvious function I can pull off with this vehicle. Thinking to use it only for attack was your mistake, hence I am sure you will find this plan not bad." Eiji said as he approach the bike, Poseidon seems to be musing over the words the man said to him. "Oh right." He said, turning toward Chris. "I won't need this for the plan, here Chris-chan."
Eiji then removed his OOO Driver and toss it to the silvernette, who fumbled with its for a moment due to how ridiculous the move is.
"Confidence or arrogance, be sure to not mistake the two." Poseidon warned, but he himself known how much excitement is oozing out of his words of warning.
The Greeed's gaze land on Chris for a moment, taking in her stupefied expression as she held the OOO Driver, looking like she just being handed a piece of the moon or something. Though Poseidon can understand why, obviously she is lost in what Eiji is planning. And consider this also involve her own survivor, of course she would be overwhelmed. It is nothing short of being put in a car and trust someone, who blindfolded their eyes, to be your driver.
"I known, I known. Alright, here I go."
Eiji's instant response draw Poseidon's attention back to him, just in time to see the man reeve the engine. The bike roar to life, Eiji narrowed his gaze at Poseidon. Chris feel her breath halted, waiting to see what's happening next. Then the moment arrive, the man ride his bike straight at the Greeed Rider. He then proceed to ride past him then encircled Poseidon, both of their gaze locked onto each other. The tension between the two is clear, despite his clear disadvantage, the vagabond's gaze never yield against the Greeed's. Just by the atmosphere alone, it seems a titanic clash is about to take place right here right now!
That was until Eiji make a spin causing dirt to spit toward Poseidon, who consider it a pathetic attempt of a smokescreen.
"You idiot!"
Chris's expression is of disbelief because of indignation.
"We are flooring it Chris-chan!"
Eiji's expression of excitement is because this actually worked.
Only now do Poseidon realize what is his opponent intention is when Hino already drove his bike out of here. Oh, and he also use that chance to grab Chris. Literally dragging her along for the ride.
He took a second to marvel at the tactic Hino Eiji displayed. Immediately a second later, he bit back a snort at the tactic Hino Eiji employed.
"At the very least, you managed to draw a chuckle out of me." Poseidon said with a sneer.
The Greeed stabbed the end of his Harpoon to the ground and right away five towering column of vortex raise up, all in drilling motions. Then with a wave of his Harpoon, all of the water drill hone in on the escaping duo. Despite the neck-break speed the Ride Vendor is taking, all five vortex drills easily catch up to the duo and crashed down upon them with a great fury of a tidal wave. Each of the aquatic column can easily drill through thick steel like paper, thus imagine Poseidon's surprise when all five raging vortex suddenly halted in its charging momentum. What more, the momentum quickly reverse in its direction and crashed down upon the Greeed instead.
"Hah! Nothing feel more satisfied than forcing a bastard to swallow his own medicine!" Chris shouted with a satisfied grin.
The Reflector Bits, floating protectively around Chris and Eiji, are still shining brightly. The latter can only marvel at the carnage wrought upon Poseidon by his own deadly attack.
The damage of the vortex not only crashed upon Poseidon but it also pulverized the mansion near him to complete rubble. The impact demonstrated damage one would thought resulted from consecutive airstrike, not by a pool size amount of water. Nonetheless Eiji known, rather he can feel it. The pulsing of the Core Medals brimming with powers, like a beating of a heart or the closest things the Greeed has. It hasn't fluctuated at all from beginning of the battle till now.
In other words, they haven't manage to bring any damage close to endanger the fake Greeed. Thus Eiji can only hope what next would, still...
"That was amazing Chris-chan!" Eiji awed at her despite the tense situation, he can't help it after all. "I mean one of such attack was hard pressed enough but you managed to reflect all of them!?"
Chris feel her chest swell up with pride and satisfaction hearing this, there is nothing wrong to enjoy the just deserted praise for an individual exceptional capabilities after all. Needless to said, the silvernette think she has choose the perfect opportunity to utilize her last use for the Reflector Bit today.
"Hm, you are lucky I deem you and the brat not worthy enough for me to be serious back then!" Chris boasted. Okay so maybe she did more than just accept praise for her realistic capabilities, humanity lie sometimes, it call building confidence. That said the praise hasn't make her forget the irritation she feel. "Next time! Don't just scribble down a single word and expect someone to understand it completely! You are lucky my mind is as exceptional as my aim!"
Chris then handed Eiji, who chuckling sheepishly, his OOO Driver.
This itself might sound like another boast but Chris genuinely think she is entitled to this one. To just read the word, written from Eiji blood when he was holding it no doubt, RETREAT in the back of the OOO Driver when she caught it. Then actually caught on the oldest trick in the book, stalling, that the man is pulling out of his ass, without giving it away from her expression. Someone gave Yukine Chris a trophy, because the girl just totally aced it there.
"They grown up so fast." Poseidon callously remarked in the middle of the destroyed area, before he can even entertained the idea of pursuing though he noticed a sudden spike of energy source. "What the?-"
And it is above him, way above.
"The Hell is that?" Chris gawked at the sight.
-More precisely, it is dropping down on Poseidon in an alarming speed.
"Is that a goddamn meteor!?"
Eiji's response was simple.
"HENSHIN!"
[LION-TORA-CHEETAH! LATORATAH-LATORATAH!]
KABOOM!
"HOLD TIGHT!" OOO shouted with great urgent.
Chris didn't need to be told twice as she do as he told. At that moment, she notice he seems to activating something for his bike, then a force of unbelievable heat wave washed over her back. Following by another roar and a flash of light.
Her surrounding start to stretch, blurred, and before she realize it she has been to the far side of the forest with a sickly urge to release some content from her digestive system through her mouth but she held it back. That was quite fast for sure, she has no idea what it is but at least it helped them to avoid the fate of becoming a well-done steak.
BOOM!
For at that moment, a meteor size fire ball descend from the mesosphere with lightning speed. It strike the mansion, engulfed it in fiery explosions. The beginning of the impact is almost instantaneous, the whole forest shaking violently, as if a massive earthquake is happening. It is a testament of the power Ankh has regain and his determination to eliminate the threat known as Poseidon when the heat of the fire orb alone is enough to bring ember of flame to the forest, with many of the tree range from 50-100 feet away from the explosions yet still not safe from its effect. The temperature alone in the air around the ground zero match that of magma.
Luckily for OOO and Chris they don't have to test their limit to see how long they can survive in such environment, the duo watched the forming of Hell from a safe distance. They are about 10 miles away from the area yet even then they can still feel the heat in the air like it was summer, truly Ankh has hold nothing back in that blast. The blast radius itself might not be as big when compare to some of the best modern weapons, however what terrifying about that devastating attack isn't how far it expand but rather the epicenter where it was aimed that both OOO and Chris can seen clearly even at their distance.
The hill that the house was located on have been crudely carved off from the rest of the mountain, like a whole cake being scooped by a spoon with no delicacy. Such was the devastating destruction resulted from the fire blast. The damage didn't stop there however, as it continue to blast down to the ocean itself. As a result massive steam clouded the area due to the water vaporized, the ocean water crashed violently, urged by nature to refill the sudden crater.
It truly look like an act of divine punishment by an enraged fiery deity, though given how the Greeed were viewed back in 800 years ago as well as how Kougami Kousei seems to view them nowadays in their full power, that image might not be too far off.
Not that OOO will ever admit it to Ankh of course, his friend's ego is already big enough, he sure it doesn't require additional swelling.
"I also need to tell him to careful where he throw this thing." OOO thought deeply concerned. "He clearly being dismissive with how much destructive he would cause, Chris could have gotten hurt or worse!"
However, at that moment Chris herself paid no heed to any of that. All she can think of while looking at destruction, where the mansion was still stood till second ago, is that for a second time in her life she is forced to watch her home destroyed along with any sentimental and memory of family she had. But Chris already know, this time the feeling of family was already destroyed long before this 'home', or is it even exist in the first place? Looking at the burning crater from afar as it quickly fade from her view, Chris has a saddened look as she already known very well what the answer to that question is already.
"Ah...how familiar...a blindingly bright white ceiling." Tachibana Hibiki thought dizzily, she then blinked a few more times to adjust to the light in the room. The girl still lie in the bed, she doesn't want to get up yet. She glanced around to see where she is. "Ah, the medical room of 2nd Division...where Ryoko-san did her first 'check up' on me."
That thought alone was enough to sent shiver down Hibiki's spine, as well as helping her mind cleared up a bit more.
The ever smiley scientist sure is enthusiastic about the Symphogear that for sure, but Hibiki will always wonder is that all there is to how thoroughly Sakurai Ryoko examined her. Never be said the cream haired girl doubt the scientist, who despite her eccentric is still one of the smartest person she has met. Even if Hibiki know her view isn't exactly the most wide there is, the girl still doubt she will find many people as smart as the Symphogear's developer. As well as a very caring, loving doctor. Who, beside her antics, always show concern for Tachibana during her check up.
"Then again..." Hibiki thought with a sweat-drop.
The Cheshire grin Ryoko has when she asked Hibiki to undress show itself vividly in the girl's mind once more. And also the tone the scientist used to match her grin. So maybe, just maybe, Hibiki is right to wonder if it really just because of the Gungnir. Plus thinking back, Tachibana might just got too much of a first hand experience how a white mouse must feel, it make her send a condolence for the entire species.
The girl decide she has indulged herself in the soft pillow long enough, she would have indulge much longer if it was her home. The Gungnir's Wielder sat up, feeling some satisfied pop from her back and neck. Stretching out her sore muscles, the girl entire body feel better. All the fatigue have now bleed away, in fact right now the only sign of her exhaustion have flow away with the yawn she let out.
"Yep! Tachibana Hibiki is feeling hundred percent now!" Hibiki declared, feeling energized as she hop down the bed, only to shiver as a chill travel down her backside. "Oh right, hospital gown. Can never get use to it."
The girl frowned as she looked around, hoping to find her clothes. She sure hope it wasn't torn or anything, the last thing on her mind is the heavy damage she sustained and while Symphogear protect her, she never remember if it protect her normal clothing just as much.
"Sensei will have a fit if I turn the homework in late and without my uniform for sure." Hibiki thought sheepishly.
No matter what she encounter, none shall match the terror that is the homeroom teacher of Hibiki's class. Great teacher, still terrifying.
Though it was after these thought, everything start to surface for her jumbled mind once more. The battle, the shocked aftermath, then...
"Right, I saw it...Ryoko-san holding the briefcase. Durandal suddenly break out of the case, I...uhm...tried to grab it? Then...I fall asleep? T...That can't be all right?" Hibiki mumbled incoherently to herself.
The girl trying to shine light on the last piece of memory that is still elusive yet also most vital to her right now.
"And here I thought the explosive battle prior was the highlight of my day."
Sakurai Ryoko's teasing voice draw Hibiki's attention to the door, the scientist standing by the door holding a bag in her hand with a Cheshire grin.
It took Hibiki only a second to realize she is turning her exposed backside in the hospital's gown to the doorway where the scientist stood.
"Ryoko-san!" Hibiki yelped out.
The girl quickly turn around hiding herself, while Ryoko bark out with amused laughter.
"Here's your cloth, I am fine if you don't want to change though." Ryoko teased with a wink.
"Thanks." Hibiki shyly, and grumpily, responded as she grabbed the bag, making her way to the veil to give herself some private. After few seconds she walk out. Visibly more comfortable now that she finally garbed in full cloth, to think there is a day she is so happy to dressed in her school uniform. Truly an extraordinary life she is living in. "Where is Eiji-kun?" She asked.
The cream haired girl is concerned that like her, he also resting in a hospital wing if not worse, considering Hino just come out from one not too long ago.
Ryoko put a finger to her chin, seemingly pondering the girl's question.
"Well honestly if it were me after such a long day and if I wasn't hurt much, I probably would have gone back to my place and immerse myself in my bed, don't you think?" Ryoko replied with a longing sigh.
The convincing tone with the scientist lax expression leave no opening for one to doubt her words.
"Yes, that's make sense." Hibiki breath out a sigh of relief, only it didn't last very long. "So uhm...Can I assume the mission end with Chris-chan changed her mind about wanting to kidnap me and instead she now become our allies?" She asked in a rushed tone.
Her face has a hopeful expression despite knowing the chance is like expecting her test result to be a full mark.
"Sorry kiddo, a scientist don't lie." Ryoko replied candidly with a shrug. "Well we sometimes might hid the truth or keep it to ourselves when no one ask. Or at least that's how most zombie apocalypse start out, but yeah we don't lie...much!" She finished teasingly with a grin.
Though that smile faltered when Sakurai saw how little her attempt to lighten up the mood work on an obviously downed Tachibana.
"Well that work as well as my attempt for a breakfast-making-android using my broken toaster. Instead of a breakfast it was...what was that thing anyway? Ah damn! Focus, genius! Soon you will return to your dear, sweet, fluffy bed!"
Coughing to her hand, the brown haired woman give an assuring pat to Hibiki's back. The girl gave her a thankful smile, a rather forceful one, before she let out a tired sigh.
"It just...it was probably wishful thinking on my end. But I was so sure I could reach out to her, I...I put in all my effort and for a moment I thought I actually succeeded, only for it to..."
Hibiki's attempt to explain her feeling seems to be in vain, at least that's what the girl think as she stare at her gripped knuckle.
However, Ryoko suddenly took hold of said knuckle and brought it up to her chest. Her expression is full of sympathy, her eyes shone with warmth and acceptance that surprised the cream haired girl. Hibiki found herself lost in such an usual sight. Not to mention the raw emotions conveyed in Ryoko's gaze bring the girl's mind back to one of her memory.
A treasured memory, make in one of the darkest moment of her life. After all, despite the hardship those days bring to her, it is also the chance that lead Tachibana Hibiki to encounter Hino Eiji, not counting when she meet him as OOO, then that is the first time she meet him and it also when the two befriend each other.
"Oh believe me Hibiki-chan, that's a feeling I known too well." Ryoko somber admission snapped Hibiki out of her thought. The scientist eyes held a thousand yard stare. "To want to reach out for it, having its in your sight but for that goal, that only one goal you ask for, to be stripped away from you. It's truly a one of a kind agony." She chuckled wistfully, almost painfully to the younger girl. "Alas as a resident of this beautiful planet, one who are blessed and bounded by intelligence and determination. Naturally I will choose only one path." Ryoko spoke with endless passion, as if her anguish expression just a second ago didn't even exist. "I will keep on trying. When this life of mine still going and even beyond that. And as hard as it will be. I am happy." The brown haired woman said with a blissful smile. "I'm happy that I have this goal, for it meant the world to me and much more than that."
Ryoko then look down at Hibiki with a lopsided grin, though it didn't hinder the determine gaze the brown haired woman has.
"Ryoko-san, thank you." Hibiki smiled with admiration. "You are so cool! Those words really burn me up! I feel like I can rush straight to Shishou's house and get back to training instantly!" She cheered enthusiastically, even ignoring the flare of pain and soreness still lingering on her body after the whole ordeal, but then she suddenly froze. "Ah...wait...Miku-chan! Oh no! I promised to come back for dinner! She cooking her best burger steak!"
Hibiki frantically look around searching for something.
"It's currently Six Twenty." Ryoko helpfully provided the unvoiced question's answer.
The cream haired girl give the older woman a grateful nod as she realize she still has time, seeing the girl's expression Ryoko can't help but chuckle.
"The test all check out for now, I only have to worry whether you are exhausted or not but seeing you like this. Heh, don't let your date wait, I will need you to check in early tomorrow but for now, knock yourself out Hibiki-chan. You did a good job out there, enjoy the rest of the day, you earned it." Ryoko praised warmly with a clinical tone.
It remind Hibiki of how a teacher would praise a job well done, and as much as she struggle academically, the cream haired girl has experienced those moment before. It rare, but still happen, occasionally.
With a quick goodbye, the girl dash out of the infirmary. However, before she leave, Hibiki give one last glance at Ryoko with a soft smile.
"Ryoko-san, with your passion, I known you will definitely achieve what you strive for!" Hibiki declared with a fist pump. "Plus don't worry, you are not alone! If you ever need help I will be there, I am sure everyone will too." She said encouragingly. "Well then, I will see you tomorrow Ryoko-san!" Hibiki waved with a cheerful smile.
"A smile that show she cheered up but more importantly to encourage me eh?" Ryoko thought bemusedly, as she waved back in a more lax manner.
Watching Hibiki depart, the brown haired woman let out a chorus of melodious laughter.
"As I thought she is the puppy type! Don't worry Hibiki-chan, you already helped me plenty." Ryoko hummed happily to herself, but then she begin to cry in a comical manner. "As for me, ah~ reports, paper, seals of approval plus the fieldwork. Another all-nighter and it not even interesting life threatening experiment to satisfy my intellect! Mou!" Her cry of anguish echoed sadly throughout the 2nd Division. Sighing to herself, the scientist resign to her fate as she drag herself back to her office. "At least 8K screen playing Twilight Zone can ease my pain."
Watching her favorite TV series on the big screen won't erase her pain of being separated from her king sized mattress, but it will hurt less. Or so she hope.
"I'm home." Hibiki announced as she opened the door.
The black haired girl who been waiting, let out a sigh of relief.
"Welcome back, Hibiki-chan." Kinuhata Miku greeted back with a smile. "Now wash yourselves while I reheat the food. Honestly I can smell the stench all the way from here." She mock chided.
Hibiki scratched the back of her head embarrassingly, the girl's eyes darted everywhere around the room but her friend's eyes.
"Yes, mom."
"No thanks, Hibiki. I don't need gray hair before I even reach thirty."
Miku chuckled seeing Hibiki pouted, then the latter also burst out laughing.
The dinner as mentioned is hamburger steak, Miku cooking is as good as ever to Hibiki and she didn't think that just because they are friend, the black haired girl's cooking has received praise from the Boss Lady herself. And while it is just a normal dinner, both girls know it is what make it so great and they wouldn't want it any other way with all the craziness happening in their life recently.
"So Hibiki, what happened today?" Miku asked gently, with a bit trepidation in her voice.
"Um! A lot happened you know? Some is very strange and I have no way to make sure but..."
And thus Hibiki with an excited flair, recounted a-not-so-dangerous-life-or-death-battle she has.
Recently the topic over dinner changed, from planning field trip and discussing latest album of Zwei Wing, to Tachibana recount her works in the field as the Gear Users to Kohinata. It usually consist of the dark haired girl tirelessly chide the cream haired girl for her more reckless actions, who in return assure her friend she is okay. Nonetheless, it would end with some laughter. For Miku it is the fact her friend is alright and was able to live her dream by protecting people from the Noises. And for Hibiki, just the fact she can share all of this with her friend already make her happy.
One meal later and the dishes is being washed by Hibiki, much to Miku's chagrin.
"I told you, that you are tired." Miku said with a frown.
The girl is sitting on the sofa after her friend practically begged.
"That maybe but I like to share duties like this with you. Beside, no way my cooking can be better than you much as I try to practice." Hibiki reminiscence with a hollowed tone.
"Ah...right." Miku muttered with a forced smile as she remembered that time.
(Flash Back)
"Eiji-san...for Hibiki, you will go this far?" Miku asked with begrudging respect.
"It not that...doing this for her it natural you known?" Eiji said, flashing her an honest to God death flag smile. All he need now is some sparkle here and there, then he will look less like a human being and more of an inspiring image in the sky. "Here I go, Hibiki-chan!"
"Eiji-kun...Miku...You two are the best horrible persons I have known~!" Hibiki cried out comically.
Miku, who has given up from her second bite, watch on as Eiji bravely shove down the rest of the okonomiyaki, or at least that's the basis, that Hibiki had try to made for both of them.
(Flash Back End)
"My attempt of cooking careers thus also scatter with the wind." Hibiki said poetically with comical trail of tears down her eyes.
As for Miku, what else can she do but clap her hand and offer an apology to her friend. But wait, where is her apology? She pretty sure in some degree, Hibiki legitimately poisoned both her and Eiji. At least the dark haired girl learnt the valuable lesson of separate her friend from the kitchen at all costs.
Despite the fun atmosphere they having, Hibiki suddenly gone quiet. The girl still has a small smile on her face, but her expression look dazed as she silently scrub the bowl. Feeling concerned, Miku walked toward her as she gently put a hand on the cream haired girl's shoulder.
"Hibiki, something wrong? I told you, if you tired you don't have to do the dish."
Her friend shook her head in response.
"No, I'm fine. It just...Eiji-kun..." Hibiki's brows crunched up and the scrubbing stopped. "I don't think he really is back home right now."
"Huh? But didn't you said that's what the people at the 2nd Division told you?" Miku asked, also concerned as well.
Ryoko's words betray nothing, if it any other scenario, the cream haired girl would have no reasons to doubt the scientist words. However, the fact that this concern a person she know very well allowed Hibiki to detect some flaw in what Ryoko told her.
"Yeah, and I might just be thinking too much, but he didn't linger around when I still asleep." Hibiki said, sounding more sure with each words she spoke. "He usually would make sure I was fine, it just how he is. But now I didn't even see him at all." The girl said as she put the bowl down and put a hand on her scar. "Plus there is one thing that make me very sure Eiji-kun definitely not at home." She said with absolute clarity.
"And that is?" Miku asked worriedly.
"Like me...he definitely would want to help Chris-chan." Hibiki affirmed. "After all he..."
Hibiki struggled with her next words but Miku hugged her gently.
"Chris?"
A thought pop up in the dark haired girl's head when she heard the name, but it not important to her right now.
"Maybe you are right, but don't worry. I am sure he won't let anything happen to himself, if he does Boss Lady will be sad, so are us who are his friends." Miku said soothingly as she stroke Hibiki's hair. "You done all you can for now, you have to rest first if you still want to help. In fact, think, if you are not well wouldn't that worry him?" She reasoned with a firm yet gentle tone.
"I understand that! But Miku, I know very well now. The dangers that I have to face constantly as I fight to protect other." Hibiki said with her brows furrowing deeper, uncomfortable and unfortunate scenario involving his safety keep popping up in her mind. "And Eiji-kun has faced that danger long before me, he always has. I can't not help now that I have these power, especially when it involve those close to me like you or Eiji-kun, you understand right Miku?"
The dark haired girl has a worried frown etch on her face. How could she not? She understand very well the importance of Eiji's safety to Hibiki. Her friend who worry for a stranger, how could she not become even more worry for those she treasure? After all, Hino Eiji was there when another important person in Hibiki's life walked out on her.
It rare for Miku to harbor ill wills for somebody, especially someone she used to treat with respect and familiarity. But Tachibana Akira, Miku doesn't know how she will react if she see that person again. He who has leave such an emotional scar on Hibiki, one that run deeper than even the scar the young girl sustained from the Gungnir's fragments.
"No...Now not the time for such thought."
"Listen Hibiki, you told me everyone at the 2nd Division are great people right?" Miku asked soothingly. "You told me Kazanari-san is a nice Commander who care for everyone. Someone like him wouldn't hide from you if something happened to Eiji-kun now is he? Maybe you right about that he is doing something right now, but that doesn't change the fact you can't be much help right now with how exhausted you are. So believe me, give it till tomorrow morning. Take a rest right now, then when you all rejuvenated tomorrow, if you still hear nothing from him. At least then you can ask the 2nd Division to help you search for him. It was a long night so not only you are tired after all, plus maybe by then, Eiji-san would contact you himself?"
Admittedly, Miku didn't know how true her words were. But for Hibiki's sake she has to make it sound convincing. Part of her do feel conflicted of course, for make it seems like she is sidelining Eiji's safety for this. The dark haired girl try to convince herself that this is what the man would want for Hibiki too.
"You right." Hibiki nodded to herself. "Alright I will rest for now, Miku-chan. Then tomorrow I will definitely find out where Eiji-kun is and I will help him." She said determined.
And just as Miku expected, the thought Eiji might not want Hibiki to come didn't even crossed the cream haired girl mind.
"Now then about the homework assignment..." Miku trailed off purposefully as she saw Hibiki's determined expression morphed to that of dread, this time thankfully of more comical nature. "Hm~ It's alright. Remember? Because of the excuse that make the school closed down, we only have review work. Beside tomorrow also a day off." She said with a wink.
Her friend in response, let out a sigh of relief.
"Thanks Miku...you always know what to do and what to said to help me." Hibiki said with a grateful smile.
The sidetracked topic make her feel somewhat easier to sit down. Facing such a radiant smile though, Miku become more determined, she want to protect that smile.
"Eiji-san...you care for Hibiki's safety very much too don't you? Then please understand how relieved I feel when she doesn't go to help you right away. Today Hibiki has faced a lot already." Miku thought apologetically.
The girl is hoping her own words hold as much merit as she managed to convince her friend. If it didn't, Miku doesn't know. But what matter is for tonight, Hibiki returned home safely from a dangerous battle. Even if her actions and thoughts can be perceive as selfish in some degree, then she will readily embrace such selfishness for her precious friend.
Kazanari Genjuro feel his eyes twitched at the sight in front of him. No matter how capable an individual is, the sight in front of the man still give him a feeling that person is being rather irresponsible in regard to the important matters entrusted to them. Sure he known there will be no mistake in the reports, but that doesn't mean it alright now does it?
"Hah! And that's why I need to have laser surgery soon so I don't have to rely on my glasses." Ryoko said with a shook of her head, having finished another episode of famous series, though the same process can't be said for her work, yet. Not that the scientist think herself is slacking, it just because how goddamn huge the amount of work is! Any lesser genius would have runaway screaming for sure. "Oh but they make me so much more irresistible." She contemplated, decided this thought process is what she need right now rather than the dejecting pile of paperwork.
And yet here the brilliant scientist, still watching her series on one hand, while on the other hand, jogging down the note to her paperwork in a lax manner. One would assumed the report of an incident, regarding the protection of a Relic that could cause world wide catastrophe, as well as the report of multiple forces that terrorize humanity would require more focus out of respect and diligent if nothing else.
Right, he is talking about Sakurai Ryoko. Foolish, Genjuro, foolish.
"Actually I heard a woman who fulfill her duty diligently is the popular type right now." Genjuro interjected with a dull tone.
And response the leading scientist of humanity's last hope against the Noise responded appropriately.
"BLEH!" Ryoko used Raspberry.
"And once more you exceed my expectation in the most unwanted direction." Genjuro sighed, these routine between them probably never going to change, sometimes he want to laugh, other days cry, at such prospect. "Well then, are you-" He look down at his offering hand that is now grabbing air.
"The signature eel rice dish from Unaen where you have to line up an hour!? YES!" Ryoko cheered. "Thanks for the meal!"
"-hungry. Well you welcome." Genjuro said as he sat down to another chair, getting ready to eat his own portion.
The room is filled with the sound of Ryoko's hungrily devouring her food without a care and Genjuro more steady eating. All in all, the duo get to enjoy a nice peaceful meal, while not rarity per say, they do get their fair share of meals interrupted more than most people for sure. What with government paperwork hassling and Noises terrorizing tend to lack respect for meal times it seems. Ironically, with the former case being even more audacious. Hence, they both appreciated the fact they can finish their meals with no interruption.
"Ah that hit the spot." Ryoko patted her fulfilled stomach with great satisfaction, she then flashed Genjuro a grin. "Now then! With the offering accepted, the great Ryoko-sama is ready to bestow her knowledge upon you lost lamb!" She declared then gulp down the can of grape soda.
"I would like to remind you that I have treated you many times, most of it without needing you to coerce me into it." Genjuro point out calmly then taking a sip from his orange soda.
"Yes but when you are this quiet during our meal, especially one we known we won't be interrupted at that?" Ryoko asked as she snorted. "Our normal meals would then proceed five minutes in and you would initiate a movies matches, then inevitably accept defeat since Back to the Future always beat Rush Hour." Ryoko said right before taking another gulp.
"Now you just making thing up, I will never accept defeat simply because your movie just don't have it in them to beat mine." Genjuro retorted with a grin himself, but then he dropped the expression and settled for a light frown. "However, it is indeed your win to read my intention again."
"You are topnotch in field work with that crazy kung-fu of your." Ryoko winked at him as she playfully poked his muscular biceps. "But here?" She then tapped her temple to emphasize her point. "There is still much to learn, young one. Now speak, I already feel drowsy after such a meal." She ordered chirpily.
"It unhealthy habit like that that make you feel sleepy though?"
Genjuro thought with amusement but held back his comment, they have relaxed in their sidetrack conversation long enough.
"It about the Yummy and Tsubasa."
"Of course." Ryoko nodded to herself as if that one sentence alone can be substitution for an elaboration, her gaze shifted to one that of concentration. "With so many situations happening around us we would have overlook this, however as expected, Commander you noticed it too eh? The way Eiji and Ankh explained the Yummy and how they work make it safe to assume Tsubasa herself must have been exposed to a Cell Medals, the question is how and where since I can't imagine she would let anyone suspicious approached her without knowing."
Genjuro is always impressed with how Ryoko can list all the ideas in her head without the percussion of a lack of air. Even for him who has superhuman level controlled breathing, a natural requirement for someone with his caliber, he still find the demonstration amazing in its own right. Not to mention it was quite overwhelming with how the scientist just throw out her ideas without a care until she is satisfied herself, regardless of the listener's state of mind. Still it is best to wait, she should be done soon and then he would have the opinion, and hopefully answer, he seek from the enthusiastic scientist.
"...Thus we might consider maybe Tsubasa's memories was altered during the process of implanting the Cell Medals in that case it certainly worrisome since that mean without knowing anyone can be a host of the Yummy and it will be Alien all over again."
Of course that didn't mean she couldn't go too far sometimes, too frequently in fact. But that's part of his duty as the Commander isn't?
"It not that bad." Genjuro suppressed the shudder remembering that terrifying movie, he just has to lose that bet against Ryoko and end up watching both of those movies with her didn't he? There was suppose to be a third but the scientist denied its existence vehemently, not that Kazanari is complaining. "Like Eiji assured us, he and Ankh have a way to tell when the Yummy will spawn. While indeed it might be harder to look for a host, the moment the Yummy show sign of emerge though they will recognize instantly in close proximity."
Hearing what the red haired Commander said, the brown haired scientist actually look deflated.
"Was she actually looking forward to the scenario?"
Knowing the love she has for the movie, Kazanari dare not to ask.
"But what trouble me is of course they targeted Tsubasa." Genjuro said, frowning.
Ryoko nodded with a sigh, her mind already contemplated the situations enough times for her to grasp on the problems.
"Tsubasa is a very disciplined young girl. Her dedication to being the protector fortified ever since what happened to Kanade. Honestly it was part of my blunder too, as the one who oversee the Attuned, I should have recognize that even for the trauma leave behind by that incident, it still weird how she is so openly hostile toward Hibiki and Eiji." Ryoko take off her glass for once showing a vulnerable expression, a sight that only Genjuro get to see out of the whole Division. "There was no reasons for such severe negative reaction. It understandable if she harbor some contempt, not that it would be right but it normal for a human mind look for an outlet for a traumatized situation. But not to the point she would have draw her sword, at the very least not someone like Tsubasa. After all, Kanade is still alive and despite her comatose stage, she is still stable."
Genjuro patiently listened to Ryoko's tirade, can't said he didn't understand. After all, it was the same song and dance he has pondered to his own self after the ordeal with Tsubasa was resolved, thankfully with positive result. No, considered the situations, it was the best result to had happened for sure. Yet...
"How could I not?" Genjuro berated with anger all aimed at himself in his mind, but outwardly not a sign show on his stoic expression.
As an uncle, to not notice his niece's pain...no he noticed. He just doesn't know what to do to help her. He understand better than anyone in the Division of the burden Tsubasa bear, he also has been entrusted by his brother too. And yet...
"Hello? Class still in session Genjuro-kun! Could you not space out like that? I fairly sure anybody else would be honored to hear lecture from me you know?"
Ryoko snapped her finger in front of the Commander, snapping him out of his daze.
"I am still listening intently Ryoko-kun." Genjuro responded formally.
"Hm you two might seems opposite at first glance, but once a while it easy to see how you and Tsubasa is cut from the same clothe eh?" Ryoko said with a wink. Seeing Genjuro has no retort but simply scratched the side of his cheek, her smile widened. "That expression suit your better Genjuro-kun, what happened happened. If you dwell in it you will miss the current chances you have and then you will regret even more, then rinse and repeat! Can't have such pathetic cycle befall our high leader of the pristine 2nd Division now can we?" She asked with a knowing smile.
Kazanari shook his head then let out a bemused chuckle.
"Lecture received, Sensei." Genjuro said as he took a sip of his drink, afterward he let out a satisfied sigh. "So right now Eiji should be with Yukine Chris eh?"
"Worried about your potential family member?" Ryoko asked teasingly as she waggled her eyebrow.
"Aren't you?" Genjuro asked back, unfazed.
For the Commander and the Scientist of the 2nd Division relationship, it isn't one way regarding to who can see through who it seems. Instead of instant reply, she also settle for a gulp of her drink. As she licked her own lips, deliberately enjoy the actions, her eyes shone with calculation and thought that Genjuro known better than to disturb her.
Once more, he patiently waited for her as she drown in her contemplation and this time it didn't took that long for the scientist to respond.
"He is opening a can of worm onto himself for sure. But nonetheless that raw determination he display, I like it. Despite how illogical he may act, his daring side is something I enjoy." Ryoko said with a closed eyes grin. "So I will see where it take him. And don't lie to me Genjuro-kun, you are also drawn by his personality and good deeds." She said with a knowing smirk as her elbow nudged his rib playfully. "After all, beside the confirmation to the Cabinet that you established an alliance with OOO, you feigned innocence regarding his real identity right?" Ryoko asked knowingly.
"You are exaggerating, I did tell Taketsugu-san." Genjuro said forlornly.
"True, but he as tight lip as you are. Especially if you asked him for it." Ryoko said with matching expression. "He was way too dependable to just...sorry." She said disheartened.
"It's alright, I am sure he watching over us even now." Genjuro said with a thin smile as a small smile escape his lips. "Anyway, I am ready to offer whatever assistance I can to Eiji, no matter the consequences I have to paid." He proclaimed resolutely.
Partially because he didn't want the grieving to settling again, not yet.
"But I just knew, in the process we will also gain justice for your death, Taketsugu-san. We will make the mastermind behind this pay. Not just Poseidon but whoever pulling the damn string."
"Hm. Quite a dedication for the young man." Ryoko mused.
Like Genjuro, she also want to leave the topic regarding to the death of the late Minister of Defense.
"It is the least I can do for the debt I own, beside at this rate, concealing his identity would be the least I can do." Genjuro said gravely as he crossed his arms, a clear sight of him feeling some pressure.
"Seems like someone from the military or the ministries pressured on you again." Ryoko said with a sigh as she removed her glass and wipe it, her own version of crossing the arms, Genjuro noted. "Even the blind can see it, this is a perfect chance for them to brand OOO as the target. Geez, even if you going to drool at least bother to hide it. Those guys are like hungry wolf for his powers." She grumbled. "Don't worry if it help you need, my mind should have spades to spare and more." Ryoko said confidently with a wink.
But Genjuro shook his head, it isn't because he is doubting Ryoko's ingenuity or capabilities. Total opposite in fact.
The Commander known very well what his friend can offer with just her knowledge alone, it is priceless that for sure if all the attention her Symphogear creations has gathered is anything to go by. It definitely not a stretch to said if one can buy her cooperation, they wouldn't hesitate to waste a huge amount of moneys and resources. So Eiji indeed would have better chance, considering it might be harder to get the help the young man might need from the 2nd Division right now.
But as the same time, her knowledge and capabilities is what will help the 2nd Division running.
"No...if it come down to it, this Division need you more Ryoko-kun. While another Commander who sympathize with our cause isn't as hard to find." Genjuro replied thoughtfully.
At this rate, there is a good chances despite his reassurance, the disappearance of OOO will be used as an excuse to set up a military task force against him. The young man didn't need such attention, not if Genjuro can do anything about it. Even if the government have no clue who is under the armor, just the fact someone, either a way too ambitious politician or a general or perhaps both types, want to make a move against OOO whenever he appear from now would be a hinder to Eiji for sure.
As such, Genjuro is ready to stake his own reputation and position to stop that from happening. One might find it excessive for someone he barely known, but it is simple to him.
After all, by that same logic, Hino Eiji has no need to trouble himself so far for Kazanari Tsubasa. He could have defended himself against her, if all he wanted was to protect his friend. Beside, Kazanari think it is natural to repay a debt, like a rental movie. A great movie brighten up your day, helped your life then you return it right on time. Never let it be late.
Not to mention beside said debt for what Eiji did for Tsubasa, there is also the chance of giving Yukine Chris the help Genjuro was too late to give back then. But not the 2nd Division, it is the defender of humanity against the Noises. He won't let this Division be compromised because of him, hence the Commander make sure to set up precaution so the Division can still go on running.
Not as a tool for war and bloodshed, not as a weapons and bargain chips in politic corruption. But as a force of hope that will provide aide to those in needs, as those that will protect the dreams and hopes of humanity.
Genjuro doesn't care how it was run during the time his father was in charge, but right now, under his and his comrade in this Division efforts, this is the true nature of the 2nd Division. And he know that also what Tachibana Hibiki, Kazanari Tsubasa and Amou Kanade would want for their songs.
With those goal keep in mind, Genjuro found his actions reasonable to himself as long as it didn't compromise the 2nd Division. Beside that, what there is to a life with less wages? A dojo would be sure to bring food to the table and actions movies to weekend night. He definitely won't teach how to punch a boulder to dusts to everyone randomly, but a few moves that will keep the heart pumping will always be good for all ages. Maybe if she agree to, Hibiki can be the eldest disciple of the classes.
While Genjuro is taking an easy going thought at the prospect of being jobless, Ryoko quietly watched him with a knowing look. She let out a dejected sigh but make no objection.
"Alright, alright. No need to be so tense. You really hate to be indebted to somebody don't you? As for the thought of a dojo, with your 'training' some students might runaway screaming." Ryoko teased with a knowing smile as she stretch herself. "All this talk, and my work load still won't lessen. If anything I am the real suffering heroine here." She said with crocodile tear.
"Heh, my bad. Don't worry, if we finish the work load together I am sure you can sleep in late tomorrow. Personal favor from your boss." Genjuro said as he tap his fist to his chest.
The expert martial artist has an easy going smile as he more than welcome Ryoko's blatant effort to make the conversation lighter.
Though his reassurance just cause her to sulk even more.
"Tomorrow there is a charity event I must attend." Ryoko said, borderline whining.
Her friend can only wince in pity.
"If you really want maybe you can decline?" Genjuro hesitantly asked, it is quite rare for him to use such a tone.
"It is hosted by Shinra."
Hearing this, Genjuro can only clap his hand in front of himself and wish Ryoko with best of luck. After all, the scientist can hardly said no to one of the biggest financial backing for her project, when it was still a pipe dream.
"Neh, Genjuro-kun. Is it alright if I just close my eyes and rest now?" Ryoko asked with a thousand yard stare.
"Ack...not good. She losing it." Genjuro thought sheepishly.
"Ah-hem! Ryoko-kun! I promise to approve of your next month raise okay? Just hang in there! I known I said it like that but really, I feel more than ever we at the point where we can use all the help we can get! You know how stingy the higher up who still irritate with us can be about their budget!"
Genjuro practically begged the scientist as he gently shake her back and forth.
"Muuu! You men all have silver tongue but in the end just want to think for yourself! Uwah! You nothing like my true love!" Ryoko might as well just bawl her eyes out at this point.
This not going to do well for Genjuro's manly image to be seen making a woman cry now is it?
"Trust me Ryoko-kun. At this moment, it isn't just the enemies in front of us that are dangerous. But also those lurking in the shadows watching how the matches play out for their advantage. Whether he realize it or not, I believe Eiji-kun's appearing in our world have set off an unimaginable chain reaction." Genjuro said with urgency in his tone.
His stone faced visage convey to the brown haired scientist how serious the situation is.
"Alright then. What is your proof?"
"Not much. Mostly it is mine intuition."
Needless to said it took a few more promise of a hot spring trip as well as a 5 Stars meals from Genjuro, pay by his own money, to Ryoko, as well as an hour of calming and soothing for the whining to stop somewhat.
Ankh let out a satisfied grunt. How could he not? He finally get to experienced it again now! The wonderful feeling of soaring through the sky in his Greeed form. Truly, he has taken this experience for granted back then when he was first created. He certainly enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as he should, now that Ankh has understand more the meaning of living.
And more importantly now that he has lived through two occasions of being an arm.
The avian Greeed doubt many can understand the uncomfortableness of existing as just an arm. A goddamn arm! And while his arm is as great as his body, to just exist as that body part alone, it just wrong.
Hence with his full capacity now returning, why shouldn't he indulge himself? The chilly wind that serve to cool him off like an air conditioner, the night sky with views of the beautiful stars. And of course the total freedom of nothing can restrain you as you roam the sky with your own wings, unless Ankh get careless enough to let an airplane sideline him of course, which is highly unlikely if not impossible.
The Greeed could have return to the Sunflower store much quicker, but what's the rush? Beside if he return right now, he would need to sneak around, the hassle of dealing with the Boss Lady to explain why there suddenly a guy sneaking into her employer room is just too much hassle for Ankh. He will just wait till she sleep or something then return, then Eiji can handle all the explanation to find an excuse to introduce Ankh properly to the woman.
Speaking of that idiot, of course Hino Eiji found a way to diminish Ankh's enjoyment from his heavenly experience, whether the man knew it or not. Leave it to the that guy to be a busybody and assure the Greeed it is totally a good idea to babysit a girl who, to the Greeed's assessment, is about as stable as Gamel without Mezool around.
Isn't that just a great idea?
Still, just like how Ankh revel in moment like this, he know all to well, how it almost the same for Eiji. He can't leave that girl alone, just like how the Greeed right now can't contain himself from taking flight. But Ankh did it for his own pleasure, that guy did it for the girl's sake. Then again, to Eiji's own perception of reality, there are probably no distinction here. A simple comparison for a complicatedly simplistic moron.
Yes, Ankh quite proud of himself for that one if he allowed to be honest. And really whenever he isn't?
"Well whatever. It make it easier to lead him around the nose from time to time, so I don't need to care...much. Damn it Eiji, you better keep your eyes open."
Ankh thought, he then proceed to do another dive nose maneuver across the night sky. He didn't want anymore interruption after all and like he thought, the sky has no limits for him, just as he wanted.
Back to the unlikely duo right after they getaway from Fine's manor.
They have get out of their respective Gear and armor. After Chris's insistent, in other words threatening, for them to stop. Eiji decided to settle on the local park, the same location where he first met Boss Lady. Or more precisely, where she found his unconscious body. Needless to said, it is one of the location in this foreign world that held a warm spot in his heart. Hino has hoped it would also help the silvernette calm down, is not like she was objecting to the idea either. The park isn't too faraway and girl seems more focus on the fact they have a clear destination in mind, rather than just continue on aimlessly.
It didn't really occur to Chris yet that she has no reason to follow Eiji and could have jumped off the bike, was the after effect of fighting together for their life and the man selflessness still fresh in her mind? Maybe the girl herself doesn't know the answers.
But the ending result is that it lead to her and Eiji both now sitting at the opposite end of a bench in the park. Though if one look closely, they can see latter's posture is a bit slumped down, leaning back toward the bench like he is out of breath, a fact that clear to the girl too. With a wordless sigh, she stood up, walking over toward Eiji. She has a complicated expression, as if unsure what to do. In the end the white haired girl settled for a neutral frown, she lowered herself to Hino's level, down to his slumped form.
"You are wounded." Chris pointed out with a hint of worry despite how much she want to drown it out in her tone. "That's your reward for being a busybody." She remarked callously.
"Well...that and the fact we are all safe." Eiji chuckled.
Or rather attempted to, but instead a hiss come out of him. Hard to laugh when the deep cut to his abdomen still flaring up.
"Never took you for the smart-ass kind." Chris dryly remarked.
Despite this, a small concerned frown passed her face for a second, as she watch the man in front of her winced with a conflicted expression.
With another sigh and a gentleness hard to detect in her seemingly rough movement, Chris pulled Eiji toward her so she can look over his whole body. First of, there are bruises and small lacerations on the man's forearm. However, much to her amazement, those wounds are already closing themselves up. They not fading away like it was never there, but it is still a very fast process. Given the girl's experience with injury, both in training and Fine's 'bonding moment', she know these minors cuts still normally take at least two or three days before reach the stage of closing and new skins start to form. Yet here it is, this man injury look like it about to reach that step within few hours.
"Is this guy even human?"
A side effect of bonding with a Core Medals on a personal level, but not like Chris is aware of that. Plus, the girl reminded herself she isn't exactly a template for normal either. Pretty sure not many normal teenage girl would stroll around the city with enough arsenal to put a military battalion to shame.
Still, if he can heal from such wounds, then clearly the problem must be somewhere else. And as she look around more, the girl quickly find it. The patch of red staining the front and back of his shirt work well as clue.
Pulling up Eiji's shirt a bit and Chris can see a pierce wound around his abdomen, the wound went through from his chest to his back. Chris's mind replayed many instance where he blocked deadly attacks for her, specifically the one involved a nasty water drill. The girl's expression grimaced, especially when she realize as fast as his healing was, it not fast enough for more grievous wound like this. Granted it not bleeding to the point where he should have been dead right back at that mansion, which she suspect would have been the case for other normal human, but it didn't change the fact that the wound still bleeding, so some treatment is still needed.
"Is something wrong?" Eiji asked when he notice the sudden quietness from Chris. Following her gaze, he realize she stared at his arm where the wound already closing. "Well that was..."
Whatever he tried to said was cut off when the girl waved him off.
"Forget it, we didn't own each other anything so no need to explain to me." Chris said as she crossed her arms, her expression soured. "Beside, I am the one who needed you to put your neck on the line back then."
She mumbled the last part disdainfully but Eiji still manage to hear it, her prior jumbling thoughts now once more wrestled her mind about the debt she obviously own him.
"Oh and the fact he has just been mine's target hours prior is just the damn icing on the freaking cake." Chris thought, suppressing a tired sigh from escaping her lips.
The girl look at Eiji's wounds again, given it should be healing soon. Perhaps all she has to do is get lots of bandage for him? It still easier then a procedure that would usually warranted for these types of injury.
"Sit still." Chris said blankly, or more like commanded, after that moment of mulling.
"Eh but..."
Eiji about to protest as he force himself to sit up but found an index finger pointed to his face, despite it just a single digit, Hino somehow can still imagine a gun going off from this white haired girl.
"Sit. I will be back." Chris said more forceful this time.
The man is wise enough to realize arguing is not exactly the best idea.
"Be careful."
Eiji said quickly enough for Chris to hear in time.
A needless reminder to Chris, but such moment of showing concern, while simple, admittedly make the girl feel complicated with how delighted it make her feel deep down. Especially with the rush of events revolved around her today. Hence the silvernette decided to response to him with a simple wave of the back of her hand without even turning around, not trusting what kind of expression she showing right now.
Ignorant of the girl's thought, Hino let out a sigh, half worried half relief, as he watch the subtle movement of the Taka Candroid flying above Chris.
"Better be safe than sorry." Eiji said scratching the side of his cheek.
No doubt Yukine will be livid if she know will show but that sure beat unable to be notify in time if that woman, Fine somehow catches up. Given what happening, she is cunning. Possibly the level of Kazari or Dr. Maki combined and that not accounting the fact he didn't known much of this hidden individual yet. Eiji got a feeling if he known more it will only reassure his worry, that conversation back at the mansion alone is enough to show how composed the woman is, her tone alone make him feel cautious. Not to mention during that brief exchange, despite his anger toward her dismissal of Chris, he can't ignore some foreign feeling invaded his sense. Further warning Eiji this woman, Fine, isn't normal, not counting her role as someone who control the Noises.
But there is another problem the man has ignored up till now. Today he has already exhausted himself using one of the most taxing Combo, follow up by the uphill battle against Poseidon. Not to mention the oppressive aura of Durandal, despite not receive a direct hit, Eiji felt like his own existence was threatened being face to face with such power. Further adding credit to what Poseidon said, perhaps that weapon is more dangerous toward Eiji than he first realize. Thus, the man is now completely drained, and thus he can't help but closed his eyes uncontrollably.
Yukine Chris probably didn't realize this herself, but she has a tendency to browse through the colorful sections of the sweets and junk food displayed in the store. It is quite a mind soothing activity for the girl, while she has her love for the art of artillery and good food, this is more of a less serious alternative for positive mood bringer. Something about the display of these unhealthy objects and their variety lit Chris's mood up in a harmless, innocent way.
To the silvernette, it feel like somewhat of a guilty pleasure. To everyone else, it just mean you love junk food.
Regardless, even at time like this, it still help stabilized Chris's mood, calming her somewhat and bring a small upward tug to her lips. It helped her more than she thought too, allow her once again able to look back what happened with less negative impact. Not by a large margin, but enough for her to bring herself to view all that happened again and properly assess the situations.
Not to said Chris is changing in what she plan to do though, the girl has already decided, probably during that moment when she hung on to OO- Hino Eiji, as her life depend on it. She decided he is trustworthy, he is someone who protected her during one of the most dangerous moment of her life up till date.
And for that Chris vow to herself she will leave him behind as soon as she make certain the guy won't die on her, it better for all party involved that way.
"I don't need a good soul to waste their time with me. And DEFINITELY don't need a good soul risk their life for me." Chris thought, with as much clarity she feel her mood has managed to bring her.
Not to mention, with what she plan to do this is the best course of actions. She want the freedom of movement, so that's mean no need for anyone to tag along and get drag to her mess.
"Thanks for the purchases." The clerk said happily.
What he thought is another boring weekday turned slightly better, with such a cute foreign girl drop by a convenient store. A foreign beauty with problems the young clerk, can never guess or comprehend.
As Chris walked out of the store, she glanced around, subtly enough to not be noticeable, to see if there any eyes that are way too curious to be normal. It is a habit that has been drilled into her, given her position as one who worked with Fine. This is another reason Chris know she has to be alone, as the silvernette herself understand her position very well. She a terrorist, humanity's enemies who sided with the Noises. And as of now, Yukine known such notion isn't justified anymore on her part but rather she is deserve of all accusation thrown at her due to her past crime.
Killer, terrorist, fugitive, criminal. She is all that. If it not Fine who want her death then properly one of those who operate to the laws like the 2nd Division who want to apprehend her and then there are worse alternative as well. One of the thing she know Fine hasn't lie to her are the proof the woman have shown her, how countless organization run by by those who are monster in human skins. Their influence have deep connection to government over the world, in some country they might even be the government themselves! And some are just outright terrorist known by public, the girl have no illusion of her chance if she screw up enough to let any of them capture her.
After all, now that Yukine Chris lacked the protection of Fine, she would probably be pretty high up there in the list of targets for many. Whether she known anything or not, they will view her as source of information to gain about Fine. The mysterious woman who has the most knowledge of the lost dark arts in the world, then there is the silvernette's own value for being an Ichaival's wielder. And many more reasons, while just one of them would have been enough to hunt her down.
"I am now a target marks for other...an Ichaival User...Fate still love to f#$k me around even now eh?" Chris snorted bitterly as such thought crossed her mind.
Her mood has once more pummeled, these mood swing just seems so natural to her now. Now she feeling so bitter, angry and all in all just want to wreck something. The girl really hope some fools would just try to grab her, then she can give that poor souls a big thank you for volunteer to be Yukine Chris's venting target.
Yet at that moment, a devil's advocate thought seems to present itself to Chris. Hino Eiji if by chance known of her turmoil would try to help her, by this point, she can be so sure of that now despite their time together is short.
And such a thought make Chris uncomfortable in a whole new different levels, the more she think about it. Worse come to worst, Yukine might lose the wills to confront her own sins alone. And the silver hair girl remind herself, how that will be the biggest sin she can commit.
"Tachibana Hibiki, Hino Eiji. Those two are the only individuals who have show me how they ready to go through hardship to try and help someone like me...so they are the signs for me to take that there still hopes even in the lowest pit?" Chris thought honestly to herself. Her mind go through those shorts interacts, bickers, battles she experienced with those two. It motivated her in some way, make her more determined in her decision. "Like Hell I will let them be drag along with my sins."
As she return to the park, she open and rummage through the content in the bags to get the items she need.
One one hand is the bag filled with red bean breads and drinks, all 'nutritious and delicious' packed together, not even Fine has succeeded in convincing Chris otherwise. On her other hand, held a bag of a more medicate nature which consist of roll of bandage, medical tape and few basic remedy for closing wounds. Given how he faring, such medication surely is enough to help right?
"It would be troublesome but I will just dump him to a nearby hospital if he show sign of croaking anyway." Chris thought.
However, all her thought become second priority when she noticed Eiji's slumped form against leaning to the back of the bench.
"Hey! Hang on! Speak to me damn it!" Chris shout as she run toward him and shook him gently, she just want him to wake up, not make his conditions worsen. "Oi! Do you-Wait are you seriously sleeping?"
Whatever urgency was there died in her throat and was instead replaced with utter deadpan.
Hardly faulty considering Hino, in response to her shout, just stretched and let out a yawn as he rubbed his eyes tiredly.
"Ah, my bad it was a bit tiring for me today it seems." Eiji apologized, obviously still dazed from being roused awake. "Did you call me just now Chr-uff!" His sentence was interrupted by the bag of anpan bread and bandage thrown to him by Chris who wordlessly sit back to her spot before, on the opposite of the bench. She then process to rip the wrapping of another anpan bread and ate it with a jumpy expression. "Thanks for the bandage." Eiji said.
He then start to apply the remedy and bandages to his wounds, his fluid movement that come with practice reminded Chris of how she herself has gotten used to patch her own wounds.
"Guess he is used to it." Chris thought out of minor curiosity.
The girl proceed to take another large bite of her anpan, followed by a gulp of strawberry milk.
"Thanks for the meal." Eiji said, he then proceed to unwrap his bread.
While eating, he notice the more vigor pace Chris shown compare to his.
"Guess she must really like eating this." Eiji thought to himself, taking a gulp of chocolate milk.
With their stomach refilled, the man once more thanked the silvernette but she just scoffed as she waved him off.
"If you feel gratitude that mean I have repay bit of what I own you, the sooner I repay you in full the better."
Chris said with a haughty tone, a bit too exaggerate, that make Eiji wonder if she is trying to hard. But he decide to keep such thought to himself.
As Eiji stand up for a stretch, he was suddenly made aware of a tinkling sensation of a cold metallic object press to the back of his head.
"Maybe I was a bit too assuming." Eiji thought to himself sheepishly.
The man stood still, not like he leave with many option.
"That said, I don't have time to waste around. And if I stop a wounded individual like you from follow a criminal like me...well that mean I repay you in full, no?"
Chris said, her tone now notably more colder, as she press her gun more firmly to Eiji's head.
