Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
S1:EP05 – Collapse of the Starry Night
Genjuro and Sophia were currently surveying the footage that was available of both the Swordsmen Riders and Symphogear Wielders. It had been a full month since Hibiki and Touma had joined Section 2, and despite the numerous amount of Noise alongside the Megid incidents, it seemed to be a slow start.
Touma while progressing steadily seemed to be only using the powers of the Wonder Ride Books themselves over swordplay when in tight situations. Likewise while Hibiki was somewhat improving thanks to Rintaro and Touma helping, her fighting ability was still lacking heavily. And that also wasn't factoring in that Tsubasa had seemingly only tolerated Touma while both Rintaro and Hibiki were unable to truly get along with her.
"It's been a month, and they can just barely work together…" Genjuro sighed before rubbing the back of his head.
"These things take time," Sophia reminded though she also could only sigh despite trying to be optimistic. "Still, our slow progress alongside the fact that Desast is in play… and Calibur…"
Genjuro glanced at Sophia, "He was the one responsible for your side of things two years ago, correct?"
"Yes," Sophia gave a nod.
"This is troubling," Genjuro sighed, "Especially with what we're starting to pick up on. Perhaps a meeting is in order."
"That would probably be best," Sophia agreed.
It had taken a while to gather everyone necessary for the meeting Touma's distance from the Section 2 Base alongside Hibiki having to be careful of curfew. Rintaro, Daishinji, and Ryoko had joined the two commanders in the central command room on the couches. Unsurprisingly Hibiki was the first of the two, though she still felt the need to apologize.
"Sorry I'm late!" She called as she hurried over.
"No need to worry," Rintaro reassured. "We're still waiting on Touma."
"Huh, and for sure I thought I'd be the last one…" Hibiki admitted as she looked around the room before taking a seat.
"Such is the advantage of living right above us," Daishinji remarked.
It had taken a while but eventually everyone turned to the door when it started to open up.
"Sorry about being late," Touma entered finally. "You know how it is being far away from here and all."
"Now that we're all here, let's all be friends and talk," Ryoko called out, only to give a light twitch when she heard Daishinji scoff.
On the main monitor it wasn't long before map was shown, the area where Lydian Academy was being the most prominent as various smaller dots with large radiuses began showing up all around it.
Genjuro looked towards the two newcomers, "Any opinions?"
"Lots of blips," Hibiki answered simply.
"Isn't the center where we are though?" Touma noted.
Genjuro couldn't help but give a light laugh at both answers, "You got that right. These spots are all places where Noise outbreaks have occurred over the past month. Not to mention the Megid that show up alongside them," He then glanced over to Hibiki, "I know Touma runs a store and likes to read, so I want to hear what you know Hibiki. How much do you know about the Noise?"
"Just what they tell us on TV or in the school," Hibiki admitted as she started counting off her fingers as she listed facts. "They are emotionless, mechanical, and only go after humans. The people they attack turn into carbon dust. There is no pattern to the time and place of their appearances, and they attack indiscriminately. They are widely seen as a serious threat to mankind."
"You did your homework," Genjuro said with an impressed tone.
Hibiki could only rub the back of her head, "Yeah, literally! I'm writing a report on it."
Touma could only clear his throat a bit, "How's that going by the way?"
"Better thanks to the sources you helped me find," Hibiki replied before pumping both of her fists, "I think I've got a good streak going."
"That's a relief," Touma admitted, glad to see he could help Hibiki out just a bit.
"And I know for sure that you two have been given the information regarding the Megid," Sophia spoke up to which she received nods from both newer members.
"Yes, I remember informing them early on," Rintaro gave a nod.
"And despite being unrelated, that does lead back to the Noise," Ryoko started. "They were first recognized by the UN about 13 years ago, but they've been observed since long before that. There are countless records dating back to ancient times from all over the world."
"We suspect that many of the demons that appear in ancient legends and fables are in fact based on the Noise." Genjuro explained.
"In actuality, Noise outbreaks are very rare," Ryoko admitted, "The recent string of outbreaks alongside the individuals they appear with is extremely unusual no matter how you look at it. That means there must be some purpose behind them."
Hibiki could only stare a bit at those words, "Purpose? Do you mean someone's controlling them? Like the Megid, or that purple Rider… Calibur, I think?"
"It is possible," Rintaro admitted, "Especially with the pattern that's been shown."
"As Kamiyama mentioned, Lydian Music Academy's High School lies between all the outbreaks. The center is right above us." Tsubasa explained, finally pulling away from the drink she was having. "Someone, possibly this Calibur, or something else, is targeting this are for what lies in Sacrist D: Durandal."
Hibiki scratched her cheek, "Um, Durandal is-"
"Wait, we have Durandal?!" Touma questioned in surprise causing mostly everyone to stare at him, he gave a nervous chuckle. "Sorry, but I like to read… but the same Durandal that was said to be the sword of Sir Roland in various works about him?"
"Indeed," Ryoko gave a nod. "I figured you would have some clue."
"It's an almost complete relic which we keep below us on a level called the Abyss. We've been researching it under the supervision of the Japanese government." Aoi explained as she turned back from her control panel, "That's Durandal."
"Fragmented Relics such as Tsubasa's Ame no Habakiri or the shards of Gungnir in your chest alongside the Wonder Ride Books aren't able to work without outside sources activating them," Sakuya reminded. "Either by singing or utilizing as Daishinji mentioned one time, a user that wields a Sacred Sword. Our research indicates that undamaged relics, once activated maintain 100% of their power, and that others can wield them too, not just the activator."
"Of course while almost anyone can pick up the blades, they do resonate with certain individuals more than others," Daishinji spoke up, "Not to mention despite being able to pick up the sword, some sort of training is necessary to full wielding its power."
"And of course the non-Wonder Ride Book part is all 100% the Sakurai Theory devised!" Ryoko called out with pride, giving a light twitch once more when she heard Daishinji give a scoff. She cleared her throat before giving a shrug, "But to activate a Complete Relic, you need a significant amount of Phonic Gain. After all trying to use a proxy on the Great Book caused it to be split into a lot of unknown factors."
"Two years have passed since then," Genjuro spoke up as he stood. "Maybe now Tsubasa's voice will…"
"But will the government permit us to activate it?" Aoi reminded.
"There's a more basic problem," Sakuya added. "Based on our peace treaty, the United States is demanding that we hand over the treasure that is Durandal. We can't even consider activating it right now. We must take utmost care simply handling it, or this may turn into a diplomatic affair."
"The Americans have a hand in this as well?" Aoi asked.
"According to reports from Security, we have evidence that there have been tens of thousands of attempts to hack our systems over the last few months," Genjuro added. "Of course, we're not certain where these attacks are coming from, and we can't just accuse the Americans without hard evidence. However, we are investigating further. This is supposed to be oure specialty, after all"
"We do at least have a face to possibly put to this," Daishinji added as he kept facing away from everyone, "Calibur..."
"But we don't know his allegiance at the moment," Sakuya added. "Only that he's likely working with the Megid, and they have some part in the Noise attacks."
"That is true, while Calibur and the Megid are our enemies we're unsure of their motives or allies at the moment," Sophia replied before noticing Ogawa stepping into the room. "I suppose we'll need to wrap up soon."
"I see. Is it already time?" Genjuro asked.
"Tonight we need to sort out the finer details of your album," Ogawa told Tsubasa before noticing Hibiki's inquisitive expression. He soon put on a pair of black rimmed glasses, before handing out business cards to Touma and Hibiki, "To the public, I'm the singer Tsubasa Kazanari's manager."
Touma however was quiet as he was starting to finally put two and two together.
"This is the first time I've been given a business card!" Hibiki admitted. "I have to keep it. Thank you!"
While Touma was still putting all the information he had together, Ogawa and Tsubasa took their leave. Touma put a hand to his chin, "Wait…"
"Is something wrong?" Rintaro asked.
"Hold it, hold it… Tsubasa sings…" Touma trailed. "And Hibiki came to Lydian to… oh my goodness…" He looked up in horror before looking at HIbiki, "Tsubasa was that artist you started following after Zwei Wing two years ago?!"
"Uh you know Tsubasa was part of Zwei Wing too, right?" Hibiki asked.
"That too…" Touma trailed before grasping his head with both hands, "How did I not even make that connection at all?!"
"Wait Touma… were you not paying attention when Miku and I were talking about it?" Hibiki asked.
"No, because I was trying to work on ideas and drafting during the times you did," Touma explained. "You know I'm not that big into music too! I just thought Tsubasa was a regular customer who loved to read, but now you're telling me I've had a famous singer at my store this entire time?!"
"Wait, she's been to your shop?" Rintaro asked.
"She's been to your shop?!" Hibiki repeated the question with increased volume.
"Yeah, she's a regular," Touma replied. "She orders and grabs tons of obscure and rare books that I manage to order thanks to my family connections."
"Due to her career as a singer she has a bit of downtime between her packed schedules," Genjuro replied. "So she took up reading during her days in Zwei Wing to help pass the time."
"Okay for the sake of my sanity I need to pivot back to this job for a second," Touma took a deep breath as he couldn't believe how dense he had been all this time. "So basically between the Noise and the Megid it's likely someone is doing this all intentionally."
"Yes," Genjuro gave a nod.
"I'd hate to think someone is sending them against us intentionally," Hibiki admitted.
"Never fear!" Ryoko answered, "After all, this place is a stronghold of mankind, designed by the genius scientist Ryoko Sakurai who you'd normally only see on TV or in magazines. This whole structure mixes pagan and cutting-edge technology, so the enemy can't even get close."
"That puts me at ease," Hibiki gave a bow.
"We can only hope," Daishinji muttered, not having to turn to know that Ryoko was briefly glaring at him. He then stood up before taking his leave, "If this meeting is over then I shall be getting back to my work."
"I shall be taking my leave too if that is okay," Sophia said, being given a nod from her co-commander she exited the room right after Daishinji had.
"I suppose that's all we need for today," Genjuro admitted. "Who wants head out into the halls for some drinks?"
"Actually I could use something," Touma replied as he stood, figuring now would be the best time to put the machines in the hallways to use.
It seemed as though everyone else agreed as well, everyone heading to one of the lounge areas to continue a more casual discussion and wind down a bit.
"I'm still thinking on it…" Touma admitted.
"I'm honestly surprised," Genjuro replied. "She's pretty well known."
"I suppose sometimes people can be too oblivious to the most obvious things around them," Sakuya remarked.
"Well it finally makes sense," Touma realized. "Why she always managed to show up when there was no one else around. Why she would mostly be in and out with little conversation… and that also explains her reactions the first time she came in."
Rintaro raised an eyebrow, "How so?"
"Well I didn't realize it until now but she was pretty surprised but also tense by how casual I was with her," Touma said, taking a sip of his drink before continuing, "I guess she was surprised but questioning how I didn't know who she was and was prepared for anything I might spring on her."
"I wouldn't be surprised if that's why she frequented you more often," Genjuro said as he took a sip of his drink, "The fact that you didn't make a fuss over her."
"Probably," Touma gave a nod. "What do you think Hibiki?"
"Why do we… fight not only the Noise and Megid, but each other as well?" Hibiki asked, completely lost in her own thoughts. "And I mean… even the Megid were apparently human at one point too. Why don't we stop waging war?"
"I'm pretty sure mankind is cursed," Ryoko soon got uncomfortably close to Hibiki.
"Uh-huh, there are a lot of old texts on that," Touma nearly deadpanned as he was sitting next to Ryoko and grabbed her by the shoulder to pull her away.
"Oh you're no fun," Ryoko pouted. "I just maybe want to make her mine before someone else gets to… maybe you?"
Touma couldn't help but give a laugh, "Me? That's funny."
Ryoko raised an eyebrow, surprised her teasing didn't work, "Sounds like you aren't giving yourself enough credit."
"No, I just have a better sense of decorum than most," Touma admitted.
"Regardless, Hibiki, about your question on the Megid," Rintaro spoke up in a more serious tone, "You must understand that while they once were human from what research was done, they clearly no longer have a human conscious or mind. They simply go by what books they're based after and if not that are only malicious."
"Like that Desast guy?" Touma asked.
"Especially Desast," Rintaro gave a grim nod. "He is a dangerous foe you should never try to confront alone."
"From the way you talk it sounds like Tsubasa was lucky enough to come out alright," Hibiki mentioned.
In an old construction yard, a grunt could be heard from inside one of the large concrete tubes that had just been left there. Lying inside and relaxing was Desast who didn't seem to have a care in the world.
"Such a good spot…" Desast mused as he soon took out a red covered Wonder Ride Book, it having the title 'Storm Eage'. He gave a sigh, "Should probably make my move soon… doubt that he's going to let me rest much longer…"
The Next Day
Zooous gave a bored hum as he walked through the halls of his benefactor's estate before noticing Calibur wandering around as well.
Calibur in turn noticed Zooous and gave the Megid his full attention, "It's rare to see one of you out of the room."
"What can I say, I'm getting a bit restless," Zooous admitted. "I need to do something before I grow so bored I go insane…"
"What if I told you that I've got the perfect job for you?" Calibur asked but immediately regretted it as Zooous was now extremely close to him. "I take it you're interested?"
"Of course I am," Zooous gave a grin, a glint in his eye. "Who do I need to slaughter?"
"No one actually," Calibur remained where he was unflinching.
"Damn it!" Zooous yelled out as he turned and slammed his foot into the wall, managing to make it shake slightly. "Then what did you want?!"
"Tonight is an important night," Calibur explained calmly as he turned. "There is a particular person our benefactor wants and she already has her protégé heading the operation. She requested that we pull our weight and assist."
"It's just the one person right?" Zooous questioned, wanting to get some excitement in this mission. "Can I do whatever I want to anyone else?"
"Of course," Calibur replied. "The faster you take out the non-targets the faster you can complete your mission."
"I'll do it," Zooous grinned.
"Follow me then," Calibur said as he walked off, leading Zooous down a set of halls before stopping near the entrance.
At the entrance was a short girl wearing a maroon colored outfit with long lavender hair that fell to her knees, separated into twin-tails that split into three curly strands. She also seemed to have what seemed to be a staff in her left hand as well. She had glanced back and caught both Calibur and Zooous walking towards her, her purple eyes giving a mean glare.
"Just what do you freaks want?" She questioned.
"We've been ordered to cooperate," Calibur answered as he gestured to Zooous. "He'll be helping you on your mission."
"Just don't get in my way," The girl hissed out.
"So long as I get to have my fun I won't," Zooous remarked.
Touma gave a stretch, despite the meeting taking late into the evening he had managed to get a good night's rest after getting back to the shop. And despite the hectic nature of the job he found himself in, the new day had mostly passed without so much as a single incident occurring.
"Maybe one of these days I should just stay there if it gets too late," Touma mused as he glanced at the setting sun from his windows. He then heard his phone buzz as he got a text from Miku.
M: Thank you for helping Hibiki with the sources, she managed to turn it in just in time.
T: That's good to hear, tell her I said congrats.
M: I will, also hey did you want to go see the shooting stars tonight with us?
T: I would but I'm trying to fix my sleep schedule sorry. You and Hibiki have fun though.
M: That's fine so just make sure you rest up. I'll try to get a video to show you.
T: Thanks
Touma gave a chuckle as he was glad things had worked out, that was until a few beeps occurred, his face dropping.
'We need both you and Rintaro on standby for tonight. Hibiki and Tsubasa are being sent to deal with a sudden infestation of Noise in the subway system.'
"Poor Hibiki I'm sure this isn't going to be easy for her…" Touma trailed, realizing that she'd have to lie to Miku again. Unfortunately it was hard to really give Hibiki an alibi given that the school rules prevented anyone from taking a part-time job. Not like it mattered to Hibiki given her job, but that just meant she couldn't have an excuse, "I swear she's still making this harder on herself than she needs to."
The mission was supposed to be simple, deal with the Noise in the subway until Tsubasa got there. Touma and Rintaro were on standby and heading near the area to make sure things went well, and to intercept the Noise if they somehow made their way further in. There was one Noise that seemed to be the leader of the pack. It was a thin purple one with various purple balls all over its back, almost making it look like a grape.
Needless to say for Hibiki she wasn't in the best mood given that the Noise had interrupted her plans with Miku. So much so that she had apparently gotten so into defeating the Noise that she seemed to have blacked out for a few moments but was none the worse for wear. In fact it seemed as though she had dealt with most of the Noise despite the lapse in vision. The grape themed Noise however made its escape by using the balls on its body to blow a path upwards from the subway out into the surface.
Hibiki went to follow only to take note of something in the night sky, "A shooting… star?"
A blue streak shot downwards and instantly cleaved the escaping Noise in half, Hibiki jumping through the hole the Noise had made as Tsubasa soon landed nearby, having performed a Blue Flash to deal with the issue.
Despite not having the best start with Tsubasa, Hibiki tried again now that the two were alone, "I have things I want to protect, too!" She called out. "So…"
Silence remained between the two, Tsubasa simply adopting a more relaxed stance as she didn't spare Hibiki a glance while Hibiki stayed where she was.
"So? So what…?"
The new voice caught their attention as the clouds began to part, the moon illuminating the sky as two figures walked out from the shadows. The first was the girl that Calibur and Zooous had met with earlier, she was now wearing white body armor with green jewels and purple spiked whips that extended past her arms. The second was Zooous himself, his hands in his pockets and a grin on his face.
"Eh?" Hibiki stared at the two newcomers.
Tsubasa's eyes widened however as she recognized the armor the girl was wearing, "The Nehushtan armor?!"
{NEHUSHTAN}
"Impossible…" Genjuro stood up from his seat as he saw the code name for Nehushtan pop up alongside the visual of the girl in the armor beside Zooous.
"Sir, we're detecting a stronger signal similar to the one's we barely pick up when a Megid is in the area," Sakuya added, "I think that guy who's there is a Megid…"
"A Megid with a human form…" Sophia trailed before she put a hand over her mouth. "Oh no… that isn't an ordinary Megid."
Genjuro's eyes widened as he heard Sophia's words and quickly went to send orders, "Touma, Rintaro, I need you both at Tsubasa and Hibiki's location now! We'll need all hands on deck!"
"I'm on my way!" Rintaro's voice called out.
"Sir…" Touma's voice responded with a worrying trail. "I'm not going to be able to make it there. It's Desast."
"S-Should we send Rintaro over to Touma then?" Sakuya asked.
"That would be the best course of action, right?" Aoi asked.
"No, Blades needs to go to our Symphogear Wielders," Sophia answered firmly. "If that man is a Megid then it can only mean he's one of the leads of that group. They're even worse than Desast."
Ryoko looked over, "Oh dear… then what about poor Touma?"
"I'll deal with it," Sophia quickly turned to head out into the halls, a certain swordsmiths workshop being her destination.
"What a nice scent the Swordsman of Fire has…" Desast chuckled as he stood in Touma's path. "You got lucky the last time that the Wielder wanted to take your place… this time though…"
"He is a dangerous foe you should never try to confront alone."
"If you hear him call out Calamity Strike… it would be best to run if you already haven't."
"I don't have time for this," Touma hissed out as he readied his Swordriver. "So move!"
"Oh I know how precious your time is… after all it seems they're finally making their move," Desast chuckled as he stabbed his sword into the ground. He then took out the Storm Eagle Ride Book and flashed it a few times. "So I'll make it worth your while."
[BRAVE DRAGON! JACKUN-TO-DOMAMENOKI!]
Touma gritted his teeth as he quickly drew out his Wonder Ride Books, slotting them in and drawing his sword out, "Henshin!"
[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER!]
Vines shot out and around Touma's left side while the Brave Dragon circled around, in a burst of orange and green Touma had transformed straight into Saber Dragon Jackun.
[DRAGON! JACKUN-TO-DOMAMENOKI!]
"Oh…" Desast chuckled as he drew his sword and pointed at Saber
Saber began launching green-bean-like projectiles out from his forearm gauntlet as he began to run forward.
Desast could only laugh as he blocked against the projectiles by bracing with both hands. Seeing that his opponent was closing in to slash he raised his sword as soon as Saber stopped firing before bringing it down onto the Rider.
Saber gasped as he had to quickly block, giving a light yell as he was forced backwards by the swing. "That was a strong swing…"
"I do hope you make this interesting Swordsman of Flames…" Desast pointed his sword forward.
"I'm not just a Swordsman… I'm a Kamen Rider!" Saber called out as he extended the vine on his gauntlet, lashing out with several swings at the chimera Megid.
Desast gave a laugh as he quickly moved to block the swings with his own, managing to keep up fairly well.
SMACK!
That was until Saber had managed to shift his swings ever so slightly, managing to lash out and smack Desast directly against his left cheek. The Rider retracted his whip in surprise, especially by how Desast had just stopped after the hit.
Desast gave a hiss of surprise as he held his cheek, "Well now… maybe you have something going for you after all." His sly chuckle that turned into laugher as the air began to grow thicker around him.
Saber couldn't help but step as he felt a chill thanks to the intensity of Desast's presence increasing now, "W-What the…"
"Oh? So you know where this armor's from," The Nehushtan girl remarked as she kept her confident stance.
"I would never forget what was taken from me when my guard was down two years ago!" Tsubasa answered as she readied her blade. "Do you think I could forget the lives lost because of my failure?!"
'What a twist of fate that the reason Kanade lost her life and the shards of Gungnir she left behind would both come back to me, two years later,' Those were Tsubasa's thoughts as she recalled two years back. The Nehushtan Armor, the Noise showing up, the Swan Song, her partner becoming nothing but flickering flames and ashes scattered to the wind… 'It may be cruel, but I couldn't imagine a better time.'
"Two years ago huh…" Zooous remarked as he couldn't help but lick his lips a bit. "Now that brings back memories."
"Let me handle this," The Nehusthan girl told her ally before getting in a ready stance, bringing out the staff she had from before.
"Which one is it?" Zooous questioned.
"Not the sword," The armored girl replied.
"Then don't waste time with her, leave her to me," Zooous suggested as he shifted his right hand into more of a claw-like stance, holding it over his chest.
The armored girl could only scoff, "Shut it, you think she's going to ignore me right now?"
"Don't do it, Tsubasa! Those two are humans!"
The two suddenly stared at Hibiki trying to stop her ally from fighting. The girl gave a glare while Zooous gave an amused chuckle at seeing this.
"This is a battlefield! What's wrong with you?" Both the girl and Tsubasa snapped at the same time, the two ended up pausing in surprise at their like-mindedness.
"I think we're going to get along quite well," Tsubasa admitted with a dangerous smirk.
"Let's have some fun then," The girl replied before lashing out with one of her whips, Tsubasa dodging out of the way causing Hibiki to get blown back by the force of the attack hitting near her.
As the two girls began their fight Zooous began to make his way towards Hibiki. He had kept his arm raised and over his chest the entire time as he gave a grin, "Sounds like you want a monster to face down."
Hibiki stared at Zooous, "Huh?"
"I'll give you a monster!" Zooous gave a yell as he scratched along his chest, blue energy gathering around his hand as his body was engulfed in blue energy. He transformed into a white and blue accented bulky hellhound-like creature.
Hibiki gave a yelp as she backed up, "M-M-Megid?!"
Zooous gave a chuckle before quickly hopping back with a light gasp. The Nehushtan Girl had smacked away an energy attack from Tsubasa and sent it towards Zooous as a result, the deflected attack forcing him away from Hibiki.
"And what do you think you're doing idiot?" The girl asked.
"I wasn't going to rough her up that much!" Zooous growled out.
"Don't forget about me!" Tsubasa called out and jumped down, using her large blade to slash at the armored girl.
"Oh I really don't want to," The armored girl began dodging against Tsubasa's slashes before using her armor's whips to block the attack, lashing out to force Tsubasa to open herself up via a dodge. The armored girl then slammed her foot into Symphogear Wielders chest, sending her backwards. "But I've got to make sure Fido is on a leash."
"What did you call me?!" Zooous questioned.
"Just sit back and let me do the work!" The armored girl yelled as she began to use her whip to lash out at Tsubasa. While she missed and ended up hitting either the ground or trees, she had managed to keep the sword wielder on the defensive.
"U-Uh…" Hibiki managed to get up and assume a defensive stance.
"Listen how about I make this easier for you Zooous," The Nehushtan girl drew out her staff to fully use it, sending out green beams of energy towards the ground near the Gungnir wielder.
Surprisingly the beams weren't attacks but instead burst away to reveal that Noise had been brought out. They were large drinking bird styled Noise that towered above Hibiki.
Hibiki's eyes widened as she saw this, "Those are Noise! She summoned them?!"
The Noise began to approach as Hibiki tried to get away, however from their mouths they spit out a strange liquid substance that managed to ensnare and hold Hibiki in place.
"Gross… but I'll take it," Zooous chuckled as he began to make his way towards the captured Hibiki.
The Nehushtan Girl meanwhile went to block against another slash from Tsubasa, giving a chuckle.
"Forget about me while you were busy?" Tsubasa questioned and landed, managing to slightly trip up the girl with a swift kick to the ankle. She then spun, aiming a roundhouse kick to her head.
The girl gave an annoyed glare as she blocked the kick with her arm, suddenly showing off her great strength as she easily picked Tsubasa up by the leg, slamming the sword wielder across the ground. Though her strength wasn't the only thing that was great, her speed was great as well, easily catching up to the thrown wielder and slamming her foot on Tsubasa's face to pin her.
"Don't get your hopes up, you beast! Nobody would miss you!" The armored girl spat out. "You seem to think you're the main character here. You're wrong. Our goal was to abduct her from the beginning." She then pointed towards the captured Hibiki.
"Now hold still," Zooous said as he approached only to suddenly jump backwards.
[HISSATSU DOKUHA! NAGARE BATTOU!]
A familiar swordsman's voice broke through the action, "Hydro Stream!"
[LION! ISSATSU GIRI! WATER!]
Slashes of water sliced through the drinking bird Noise, slicing them in several pieces and causing them to dissolve as the liquid webbing over HIbiki ended up being washed off. Hibiki gave a yelp as she lost her balance from the sudden rescue.
"Hibiki, are you alright?" Blades quickly ran over towards his ally and caught her.
"Rintaro… thank goodness you're here," Hibiki sighed in relief as she managed to stand up straight. "I am."
"Good," Blades sighed in relief.
"Seriously…" The armored girl clicked her tongue.
"You lose focus too easily…" Tsubasa gave a glare as she managed to point her sword upward.
{Thousand Falling Tears}
The Nehushtan Girl's eyes widened as she saw a flash from the sky, quickly avoiding the rain of swords before going to dodge against a quickly recovered Tsubasa's slashes, "Zooous, take care of that Swordsman!"
"Oh finally," Zooous called out. "A guy I can maybe go all out against!"
Blades paused when he heard Zooous name and then voice, his breathing becoming heavier and shakier as his body began to shake. He slowly but surely turned and let out a light gasp as he saw the Megid leader. "You…"
"…Rintaro?" Hibiki asked, noticing his odd reaction.
"Huh?" Zooous tilted his head. "I'm pretty sure I killed the last one who wore that armor so… do I even know you?"
Blades gave a light laugh as he fully stood, raising his head up before staring directly at Zooous, "You… you were the one that day… two years ago… the one who killed my Master in front of my eyes…"
Zooous could only give a little chuckle as he looked to the side, "Huh, is that so?" He asked as he recalled that day, remembering the previous Blades also protecting a young swordsman in training that was with him. "Oh I remember now… that upstanding Swordsman with quite the backbone to be challenging me. He was also protecting you from all the chaos… so I was able to easily slaughter him."
Hibiki's eyes widened as she saw this exchange, "Rin-"
"I'll kill you!" Blades gave a yell as he rushed forward, slashing against Zooous who blocked with his arm, a geyser of water erupting from the slash as it sprayed against the two.
"We don't need you," Zooous hissed out. "So I'll slaughter you, take your Sacred Sword, Wonder Ride Books, and then head off with that girl!"
"I will strike you down where you stand!" Blades yelled as he tried to push further with his sword.
Saber yelled out as sparks flew, pieces of torn vines scattering around him as he staggered back and onto a knee. His attempt at using long range had only worked for so long, Desast easily cutting through the vines before hitting him with a heavy set of slashes.
"Don't tell me you're done," Desast called out.
"Not on your life!" Saber quickly took out Kobuta 3Kyoudai.
[KOBUTA 3KYOUDAI!]
[A story unfolds of a fight of three brothers to protect a house…]
"Oh that book the Wielder took…" Desast chuckled before charging forward.
[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER!]
Saber quickly slashed forward, unleashing a set of flaming strikes to force Desast back for a bit as his left side swapped.
[DRAGON! SANPIKI NO KOBUTA!]
In a flash of green Saber's left side had changed to gain green armoring and a coattail with a brick motif, three pig heads on his upper left chest and shoulder. Of course on his arm was a shield that looked like a straw house.
He quickly raised the shield and blocked against Desast's attack. Gritting his teeth he stabbed forward, the tip of his blade striking the chimera Megid in the stomach.
Desast gasped out as sparks flew, staggering back to get more breathing room, "Let's see how long this little trick lasts you." He dashed forward, leaning in before hopping to the right and stabbing.
Saber barely managed to raise his shield in time to block against it, he gritted his teeth however as he was having trouble holding back the blade. And living up to the material the shield was themed after, the shield broke after Desast applied enough pressure.
"Got you," Desast tried to jab further only for his sword to be quickly batted away by Saber's Kaenken Rekka. He then gave an annoyed click of the tongue when he saw the Rider back up. "Smart…"
Saber winced as he shook his left arm before seeing the house themed straw shield be replaced with a wooden shield.
"A second one…" Saber stared at the shield before giving a nod. "Just like the story."
"I'll break it in no time!" Desast called out as he ran forward, dragging his blade along the ground before he leapt into the air, raising his sword and slashing down.
Saber quickly blocked with his wooden shield, sparks flying as he jabbed forward, trying to skewer Desast once more. He was in shock when the Chimera grabbed the blade with a free hand. His shock was short lived as he soon felt pain, Desast having kicked with both feet directly against his stomach.
"Don't think I just swing around a sword!" Desast laughed out as he reeled his sword back and let go of his enemy's blade, watching Saber tumble backwards from the kick.
As Tsubasa was having her own intense fight, Blades was trying with all his might to land a hit on Zooous. The Swordsman gasped as he was smacked in the head before being kicked away. He retaliated with a swing that was easily batted away before he was clawed in the chest twice by the Megid Commander.
Hibiki was watching with worry as she saw that not only was Tsubasa in a stalemate but Blades was legitimately being beaten back, "R-Rintaro!" She began to step forward, "Do you…?"
"Do not!" Blades called out hastily. "I must be the one to strike him down!"
"Strike me down? That's a laugh," Zooous called out. "You aren't even forcing me to bring out my weapons."
"Shut it!" Blades yelled out as he charged forward, swinging down only for his swing to be blocked by both of the Megid's arms. He then gasped out as he was kicked in the gut before being tackled to the ground by Zooous.
Hibiki winced as she saw her friend like this and quickly looked at her arms, "Right! My Armed Gear!" She closed her eyes, trying to bring out something. "If I want to replace Kanade's, I need a weapon too!" She tried swinging her arms forward and doing different motions to bring out the spear that was always talked about. "If I had it… I could help Rintaro! Appear! Come out, Gungnir!" She tried listening for something but nothing was coming to her whatsoever, "Why won't it appear? Am I not listening hard enough?!"
Blades had gotten up and swung only to get his sword blocked before being punched in the stomach. He took a step back only for Zooous to claw him directly on the chest, sparks flying and forcing him to his knees as he dropped his sword.
"This is so boring," Zooous whined as he relaxed a bit, clearly being taken out of his fighting mood. He walked over and picked up Nagare before handing it to Blades who had weakly raised an arm in defense. He then playfully patted the side of Blades' helmet, "Go home and cry to mommy, alright? The adults have a job to do."
Blades could only give out a light gasp from the pain he was feeling as he watched Zooous stand up and walk away.
"Maybe you'll be more fun," Zooous smacked his lips as he began to approach. "I know she said we're here to capture you but if you resist then its fine, right?"
Hibiki went silent as she backed up in fear, "I… I…"
"Come on, where was all that spirit from earlier?" Zooous asked. "You were yapping pretty loudly."
Before he could approach any further a set of Noise appeared in a flash of green in front of him.
"Will you stop being bullheaded! We're not here to fight her!" The Nehushtan Girl yelled as she had unleashed various small sets of Noise to distract Tsubasa with. She was quickly forced to dodge against a slash of energy against Tsubasa who had easily dealt with the Noise in seconds.
Zooous yelled out as he grabbed a Noise with his two hands, tearing it in half, "Stop getting in my way girl!" He then grabbed another before slamming it into another one and in turn slamming both onto the ground. He then stomped at them with great strength and easily pulverized them into ashes. He then rushed off towards the other fight taking place, "You want to mess with me I'll mess with you!"
Hibiki yelped as the remaining Noises turned towards her, she thought quick and dodged before aiming a punch and managing to strike one that was coming for her.
Blades let out a might yell as he sheathed his sword and drew out Tenkuu no Pegasus. He then went to draw out Peter Fantasista when he realized it wasn't on his holster. That was when he remembered that the prior day Touma had bugged him to no end to borrow it for practice. "Damn it…" He hissed out before opening up his single Wonder Ride Book.
[TENKUU NO PEGASUS!]
[There once was a God Beast with pale wings that shined down from the sky…]
"I will avenge my master!" Blades yelled as he drew out his sword.
[NAGARE BATTOU!]
An almost crystal-like Pegasus shot forward, prancing around Blades as his right arm was bathed in light before it shattered into its new form.
[SEINARU LION PEGASUS~!]
Deep blue armoring with light blue stars streaking across covered his right arm, a Pegasus' head acting as the shoulder while also having the extra armoring on his helmets right side and a wing on his back.
[NAGARE NISATSU!]
[The leo constellation coloring the night sky pours down like a meteor!]
Blades gave a yell as he leapt forward, using the wing to help him fly as he slashed through the Noise chasing after Hibiki. He landed but didn't say another word as he leapt forward to rush after Zooous.
"Rintaro wait!" Hibiki called out.
Just as Tsubasa and the Nehushtan Girl rushed forward to clash, Zooous dropped between the two while brandishing twin short-swords. Allowing his arm to get caught by the Nehushtan's whip he blocked Tsubasa's massive cleaver with his smaller sword and kept it held back.
"Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" The Armored Girl questioned.
"Out of the way beast," Tsubasa growled out before gasping lightly as she was pushed back. "What?"
"Listen here girls I'm tired of having the boring job," Zooous said, "So if I'm going to have to fight both of you to have some fun then I'll do it!"
"Good, you both are in one place, Tsubasa step back because I will not hesitate any further!"
Blades' voice caused a surprised glance from Tsubasa as she quickly jumped back.
[TENKUU NO PEGASUS!]
Blades shot high into the air while gripping his sword in a reverse stance with his left hand. The stars on his right arm shined before they formed into energy around his arm. He gave a yell and launched out stars of light towards the entangled Zooous and Nehustan Girl.
"You idiot-"
The armored girl was cut off as explosions occurred as the stars crashed around both her and Zooous. Smoke enveloped the area they were in as Tsubasa gave a glare towards Blades who landed.
"Just what do you think you're doing?" Tsubasa questioned.
"You will not lay a hand on that Megid, for I'm the one who will kill him," Blades explained coldly, "It doesn't matter if the girl gets in the way I will still attack."
"I could say the same," Tsubasa remarked.
"That's it, I'm angry!" Zooous yelled out as he rushed out of the smoke towards Tsubasa, blades ready to strike. Tsubasa said nothing as she drew three knives, throwing them forward as Zooous smacked them away and forced them to spin in the air.
"Do not dare!" Blades rushed towards Zooous.
"You've gotten real annoying so you're going down now!" The Nehushtan Girl shot out from the smoke and raised her whip, a white sphere of energy with crackling black electricity inside forming at the tip. She then yelled and launched it straight towards Blades.
{NIRVANA GEDON}
Blades tried to jump back while bracing, yelling out as the sphere of energy slammed into the ground in front of him and exploded. He gasped out as he tumbled backwards, rolling on the ground before stopping.
Zooous meanwhile had slashed forward, launching out yellow-blue colored fireballs that slammed straight into Tsubasa. Despite having braced with her large blade she had been forced backwards, tumbling before managing to right her body and skid to a stop on one knee as her sword returned to its smaller state.
"What a bunch of failures," The Nehushtan Girl scoffed as she landed. "You manage to make this a free for all and you two still lose out."
"I was going to spare you out of pity but you really pissed me off," Zooous turned towards the fallen Blades. "So I'll just enjoy what comes next!"
"I will not… lose!" Blades gasped as he managed to fully stand in a shaky manner as he took a few steps back and forward to keep balance. "Not until I avenge my Master who you struck down in cold blood! I will not allow anyone else to have the pleasure… I trained so hard to become the next Swordsman of Water after that day... because I couldn't allow you all to get away with what you did!"
"I must admit that we are indeed failures," Tsubasa gasped as she began to rise, slowly standing up as she stabbed her sword into the ground to stand and lean forward in a hunched stance, "Although I see myself as nothing more than a weapon with a human shell, it shames me to admit I survived back then. A human weapon has come to know shame. But that will be dust on the wind. I will cleanse the stain from my name by taking Nehushtan back!"
Hibiki could only stare at the situation in slight horror as she saw both blue sword wielders go on miniature monologues. Their intent to fight despite their heavy injuries and their reasons for doing so…
"You really want to strike up a rivalry that bad huh?" Zooous questioned before giving a sudden grunt.
The Nehushtan Girl smirked, "Oh really? Give it your best-" She cut herself off when she suddenly couldn't move forward. "What?"
{Shadow Weaving}
Two of the three knives had embedded themselves into the ground after both enemies had landed, the knives ensnaring them via the shadows they casted.
"What the hell is this?!" Zooous gasped as he tried to move forward.
"She's paralyzed us!" The armored girl gritted through her teeth before her eyes widened at what she was seeing, "Are you planning to…?"
"Let's finish this while the moon is out," Tsubasa declared as she had an almost pleasurably look on her face, knowing exactly how she was ending this.
The Nehusthan Girl's eyes widened, "Are you going to sing your Swan Song?"
"Don't you dare," Blades hissed out as he sheathed his sword, "Don't you dare take this from me!"
"Then hurry up and finish him," Tsubasa said coldly.
"Tsubasa!" Hibiki called out.
"I will show you the extent of my determination!" Tsubasa called out to Hibiki as she pointed her sword towards her, "Burn it into your memory!"
Hibiki's eyes widened before she looked over towards the Swordsman of Water, "Rintaro, get out of there!"
"I'm sorry Hibiki…" Blades gave a light gasp as he tried to keep himself standing, needing to gather his strength. "But this is for my master… I must do this…"
"I won't!" The armored girl yelled as she struggled with all her might. "I won't let you do whatever you want!"
Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal
Tsubasa started to sing and had raised her sword as the entire area became bathed in a pink and purple hue. As the song commenced she lowered her sword and walking forward.
Emustolronzen Finé el balal zizzl
Blades gave a yell as he quickly initiated his Swordriver's finisher, not wanting to waste any time trying to draw the sword.
[HISATSU DOKUHA!]
Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal
The Nehushtan Girl struggled and struggled, becoming more panicked the closer that Tsubasa got. She managed to bring out the cane to summon more Noise but Tsubasa was already in close proximity.
Zooous meanwhile continued to yell and struggle, him being stuck like this meant the likelihood of Blades actually hitting him was high. And that also wasn't counting the Swan Song from Tsubasa.
Emustolronzen Finé el zizzl
Tsubasa put a hand on the white haired girls shoulder, giving a smirk as blood spilled from her closed mouth.
[PEGASUS! LION! NISATSU GEKI! W-W-WATER!]
Blades gave a yell as he found his strength ran forward despite the song finishing. He jumped up and kicked out at Zooous just as the Swan Song kicked into action.
"AAHHHHH!"
The armored girl was the first to feel its effects, the explosion of energy starting from Tsubasa and spreading out as it soon shot straight into Zooous and Blades alongside the surrounding Noise all around them.
Hibiki had just barely been on the edge of it to merely be blown away, having braced with her arms as she flew backwards.
Saber gasped out as he was thrown backwards, having taken a heavy slash from Desast despite having his stronger shield. The wood had shattered forcing him to bring out a final brick shield. He was ready to defend before glancing to the side after hearing an explosion of energy.
"That was…" Saber trailed.
Desast tilted his head, "A Swan Song?"
Saber's eyes widened as his head shot towards Desast, "I can't mess around anymore!"
"You're right… we need to be ending this now," Desast admitted.
"I couldn't agree more," Saber readied his sword in the Driver and removed his current Story Book before taking out Needle Hedgehog and Peter Fantasista.
[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER!]
In one swift draw Saber allowed the electrical and water based books to form their armor around him as he assumed his three book form.
[DRAGON! HEDGEHOG! PETER FAN!]
Desast chuckled as he dragged his sword backwards and raised it up, "Calamity Strike…"
"Not on my watch," Saber sheathed his sword before drawing it out again.
[HISATSU DOKUHA!]
Saber stabbed his sword into the ground, "Flame Infuriation!"
[DRAGON! HEDGEHOG! PETER FAN! SANSATSU GIRI! F-F-F-FIRE!]
A gust of blue wind and dust formed underneath Desast to try and force him up into the air. However the chimera Megid was too quick, launching forward as he began rapidly slashing forward as his sword shined a bright purple. His rapid slashes were so fast that they created a near perfect wall, the slashes countering a volley of yellow needles launched from Saber's forehead quills.
Saber yelled as a fiery dragon construct launched out and bit down on the approaching Desast. A flurry of flames engulfed the Megid only for the chimera to blow construct away. What was worse was he was still launching straight towards Saber. The Rider quickly blocked and braced with Rekka but winced as the strike was able to overpower his guard which forced him to skid back.
"It's over!" Desast yelled as he soon shot past Saber, purple slashes littering the Riders body as a result.
Saber yelled out as sparks erupted and spewed out from his suit. He gave a groan as he fell onto his knees before falling forward, losing his transformation as he hit the ground face first. Touma went still as he lost consciousness.
"Honestly… not half bad but you were stupid if you thought that only third book could best me," Desast scoffed as he began to walk towards the fallen Rider. Suddenly spotlights engulfed him which caused him to turn before yelling out as sparks flew heavily from his body. A multitude of bullets pounded him before he was thrown backwards, the Storm Eagle Book flying off his body in the process.
The culprit was Daishinji who had driven a Ride Gatriker over to assist Touma after having heard the news from Sophia.
Desast groaned out as he tried to get up only to fall, "Damn… between that and the wounds from the fight…" He hissed in pain before fading away.
Daishinji could only give a sigh of relief as he hurried over, picking up the Storm Eagle book and pocketing it. He then hurried over to Touma who was riddled with scuff and dirt on his outfit alongside his body being riddled with minor scuffs and scratches. Daishinji couldn't help but feel a bit of relief that Touma's injuries didn't seem too life threatening, it was likely the shock of Desast's final hits that knocked him out.
"This… isn't good," Daishinji sighed as he went to help Touma up despite the Riders unconscious nature. "Something needs to be done…"
Tsubasa's Swan Song had done a massive amount of damage as the Nehushtan Girl had been dragged through the ground, making a crater where she hit. The attack had also been powerful enough that her armor had been damaged. She began to gasp in pain as the armor seemed to be digging into her body from where it was broken.
"I suppose that's enough for tonight," Calibur's voice was heard as he walked out of a dark portal near the girl. He then held out a hand. "We need to get going."
The girl narrowed her eyes but relented to the armored man's words. She could just fly back but she knew time was of the essence, and Calibur's portals were more convenient. She grabbed the dark Riders arm before being pulled over by him and being dragged through the dark portal.
Zooous meanwhile had ended up being blown away having crashed against and toppled several trees. Thankfully they acted as cushions but that resulted in the debris from the last few to land on top of him once he stopped. He gave a growl as he was back in his human form, his body riddled with scratches and burn marks. He gave a yell as he tore through the debris and stood only to yell further as he warped away.
Rintaro had ended up being lucky, his finisher mostly protecting him with its energy. He was currently on the ground near Tsubasa, though knocked out of his transformation. Tsubasa meanwhile was still standing and in her Symphogear but was entirely still as her back faced everyone.
"Tsubasa, Rintaro!" Hibiki hurried over only to trip in her rush.
Tires screeching could be heard as a black car suddenly pulled over, Genjuro exiting the passenger side, "Are you two alright?!"
Rintaro could only cough out as he managed to roll onto his back. He tried to say something only to cough further.
"I am a guardian who has pledged to defend humanity," Tsubasa managed to speak before turning. Much to the horror of everyone present, Tsubasa was leaking blood from her eyes and mouth, it dripping down and staining her gear as it began to pool on the ground, "I am a sword. I will not break here."
Everyone could only watch as she then proceeded to collapse and fall unconscious.
Rintaro could only stare at her fallen body as he coughed further, putting an arm over his eyes as he managed out a raspy yell.
Hibiki meanwhile could only stare at the two in shock before screaming out at the sight before her.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: I suppose you could say that Sympho-Saber has now fulfilled the Rider requirement of having prime suffering during the holiday season. I just figured why not just let everything go to hell, Touma and Desast's first clash, Rintaro fighting his master's murderer, Tsubasa and her whole deal. The fun part about this was utilizing stuff that never made it in the show but you could easily see happening thanks to that Concept Art mix and match game they did. Lion Pegasus being relegated to that alongside Dragon Butasan and a whole bunch of others. Given I'm spreading out Riders and debuts a lot more I figured I had time to add some unique combinations for already present Riders in-between.
Also you might notice this is the first Chapter I've written where a particular term comes up. I'm going to say right now I have a reason for why I chose Swan Song instead of Superb Song. But the plan regarding that won't be revealed till way later so please be patient, just keep in mind that I did do this for a purpose.