Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
G: EP02 – A Thunderous Performance
"A second Gungnir…?" Sophia soon raised her eyebrow. She soon got an incoming transmission and answered it, being greeted by an older man with grey hair who was slurping on some noodles, "Vice Minister Shibata."
"Sounds like we're not the only ones who got hit," Shibata answered, "Though the last time was quite a while ago. There was another incident at a Relic research facility in America. They lost most of the research data they collected, as well as the relics they were keeping in the labs."
"Do you believe that incident was related to the one here?" Sophia asked.
"I'd say the odds of that are like these noodles," Shibata admitted, "Two parts wheat, eight parts buckwheat."
"We, the paramilitary organization known as Finé, hereby announce our demands to all countries around the world," Maria spoke into the mic before smirking, "Let's see. For now, simply cede all your territory to us!"
"Is she insane?" Tsubasa muttered.
"I… what are those kind of demands?!" Rintaro questioned.
"She's going all out at the start, huh?" Touma remarked.
"Touma…" Rintaro gripped his Swordriver tightly, "We need to…"
"No, not yet," Touma placed a hand on his friends arm, "If we arrive from the seats there'll be too many casualties. We need to slip away and approach from the stage."
Rintaro gritted his teeth before giving a nod, "Alright."
"If you do not meet our demands within the next 24 hours, Noise attacks will strike your major cities," Maria continued.
"How far are you willing to take this?" Tsubasa asked.
"I will become the supreme ruler, creating a paradise for us all to live in," Maria explained, "Doesn't that sound wonderful?"
"What do you hope to accomplish with this charade?" Tsubasa questioned.
"You think I'm a fraud, do you?" Maria asked.
"That's right!" Tsubasa called out as she pointed towards Maria, "I'll prove you can't possibly wield the true Gungnir Symphogear! Imyuteus Ame no-"
"Wait, Tsubasa!" Ogawa's voice called through her earpiece, "If you act now, the whole world will find out that Tsubasa Kazanari is a Symphogear user."
Tsubasa knew he was right however, "But what else can I-"
"Not all of Tsubasa Kazanari's songs are songs of battle," Ogawa explained, "Your songs also heal the wounded and ease their pain. Not to mention you have dependable allies in the wings."
"I suppose you're right…" Tsubasa relented for now.
"Why not test my strength, then? Why not find out for yourself if my words are true?" Maria asked, though upon receiving no answer she figured her next move, "Very well…"
What happened next was a surprise to everyone in the audience and watching the broadcast.
"I release the audience from this arena!" Maria spoke into her mic, "I won't let the Noise harm any of you. Leave this place immediately!"
"What are you trying to do?" Tsubasa asked.
"What are you trying to do?" Nastaaja repeated Tsubasa's words as she spoke into Maria's earpiece, "I don't believe the plan specified that we should give up our advantage. Care to explain yourself?"
"I'm the star of this stage," Maria answered, "Taking hostages isn't my style."
"Don't be afraid to stain your hands with blood!" Nastaaja called out, "I'll send Shirabe and Kirika there and the others are already placed in their spots. You should have no worries if the Riders show up now. Just don't forget about your objectives."
"Roger that Mom, thanks," Maria replied in a low voice.
"The terrorists who call themselves Finé demand rule over the world," Sophia mused as she sat in the Commanders seat, "And with their ability to control the Noise, those demands may be within their reach. There's also the off chance they're working with the Megid…"
Ogawa soon came up on voice call, "The evacuation of the hostages is progressing smoothly."
"Of course, Saber and Blades are likely preparing themselves to strike once the area is clear," Sophia answered, "But if possible I'd rather not have an extended fight broadcasted all over the world."
"Right, I'll make sure there are no worries on that front since Tsubasa is stuck at the moment," Ogawa said.
"This is becoming a mess," Sakuya sighed.
As the evacuations proceeded, the only ones truly left in the area were Miku and her friends alongside Touma, and Rintaro. The three were observing the situation as the only ones left in the stadium were Maria, Tsubasa and the Noise.
"Hina," Kuriyo said, "We'd just be in the way if we stayed."
"Tachibana might be running late, but she's coming," Shiori reassured.
"She won't let us down," Yumi added with a grin, "Plus backup's already here."
"You're right," Miku gave a nod before looking over at Touma and Rintaro.
"We'll be transforming in a more discreet location," Touma replied.
"For now we'll head with you before breaking off," Rintaro added.
The six began to head off through the halls, the two swordsman finding a bathroom on their way out before slowing down.
"You two make sure you make it out of there alright," Miku looked back towards the swordsman.
"We will, it's a promise," Touma gave a smile before heading for the bathroom, Rintaro doing the same.
The two readied their Swordrivers and opened up their Wonder Ride Books as they stared at themselves in the bathroom mirrors. Though the two slowly paused and looked at each other, while they had transformed many times together before this they usually never did so in this private of a place.
"Um…" Touma looked at Rintaro.
"This is a bit…" Rintaro trailed.
"Awkward? Yeah," Touma agreed before quickly rushing into a stall, Rintaro doing the same.
"Henshin!"
[REKKA BATTOU! BRAVE DRAGON~!]
[NAGARE BATTOU! LION SENKI!]
Splashes of fire and water erupted from the stalls as Brave Dragon and Lion Senki poked out from the top of the stalls briefly before diving back in. Soon enough Kamen Rider's Saber and Blades rushed out of the stalls before hurrying off.
Hibiki, Chris, Daishinji and Aoi were still in the helicopter on route to the stadium. The four were watching the live feed of the concert alongside having a call going with both Sophia and Sakuya.
"That's great! So the audience is safe?" Hibiki asked.
"We're still investigating the Aufwachen waveform generated by the relic," Sakuya explained, "I'm afraid it isn't a complete fake."
Hibiki closed her eyes and put a hand to her chest, "The Gungnir is still there in my heart."
"Then that concludes the possibility of a second piercing spear," Sophia guessed.
"There's only one way to find out," Daishinji spoke up, "Leave her to me if possible, I'll see if I can hear Gungnir's voice."
"Just don't try and hog it all to yourself now that you're back on the field," Chris remarked.
"A black Gungnir…" Hibiki muttered.
Desast was currently skulking around the halls backstage when he heard footsteps. He gave a sniff before suddenly stopping at what he smelled. He brought out Grudge Dent and slowly made his way forward when he saw two girls run past him, one with short blonde hair and the other with black long hair tied in pigtails. He sniffed again and smelled the scent again, now he could tell a Swordsman was coming closer by the minute. And he knew for sure those two girls didn't need to be skulking around like he was.
"You girls need to be more careful," Desast said as he walked over.
While the black haired girl remained silent, the blonde gave a glare, "What do you want, Dessast?"
"Ouch Kirika," Desast put a hand to his chest as if he was hurt, "Come on, aren't we best buddies?"
"Absolutely not dess," Kirika replied.
"We don't need your help for dealing with others, right Kiri?" The black haired girl said as she lifted up a pendant, "If worst comes to worst…"
"Hey, hey…" Kirika quickly lowered her friends hands down, "Can't you ever resolve things peacefully, Shirabe?"
"I don't know, I think I like her directness," Desast gave a chuckle.
"Yeah well she doesn't like you, dess," Kirika replied.
"Really now, let's test that," Desast said as he squatted down at Shirabe who was merely staring at him, the two staring for a good few seconds before Desast reeled away, "Jeez, too unflinching."
"Shouldn't you be somewhere else?" Shirabe asked as if the staring contest didn't even occur.
"Actually," Desast gave a few sniffs, "I'm right where I need to be. I've got a Swordsman I need to greet, so you two get on with your part of the mission."
"Yeah, whatever," Kirikia crossed her arms and turned the other way.
Desast simply scoffed and grabbed the railing nearby, leaping off of it and onto a lower area of the hallways.
Ogawa was currently running through the halls, case in hand 'The eyes of the world are now set on Tsubasa. To free her from those chains-'
He was cut off from his thoughts when he saw Desast leap in front of him.
"Well, well…" Desast chuckled as he recognized Ogawa, "It seems we meet again."
"Desast…" Ogawa narrowed his eyes, "I don't have time for you."
"Sorry to say but you're going to need to make time Swordsman of Wind," Desast answered as he rested his blade against his shoulder.
"I…" Ogawa paused and sighed as he realized that Desast wasn't likely to let him past without a fight. He lifted up the case and opened it up, removing the Wonder Ride Books from it before drawing out the Fuusouken Hayate.
"There we go…" Desast gave a chuckle, "Good job."
"Not like I have a choice," Ogawa then held up his primary Wonder Ride Book and opened it up.
[SARUTOBI NINJADEN!]
[A whirlwind hiding within the shadows! Now comes out with various techniques…]
Loading the Wonder Ride Book onto his blade, he gripped it with both hands. He then spread his hands outwards, splitting the blade into its dual wielding form.
[SOU TOU BUNDAN!]
Soon enough a gale of wind and leaves began to blow around Ogawa as the Sarutobi Ninjaden book landed behind him and opened up. He then began to spread his legs, holding one blade in front of him with his left arm while resting his other blade on his shoulder.
"Henshin!" Ogawa soon slashed outwards with both blades, creating a crescent of wind before spinning and slashing again to create another. Both wind blades formed into shuriken that spun around. Various Japanese Kanji flashed around him as he was covered in a gust of wind, the shuriken spinning around before slamming against his head to complete the helmet.
[ICHI NO TE, SHURIKEN! NI NO TE, NITOURYUU! FUUSOUKEN HAYATE!]
Ogawa's Rider Form was definitely one of the more drastic changes when it came to the other swordsmen. Unlike the armor all of them wore to various degrees, the only real armor was a chest plate that held a high collar that had a scarf sticking out from the back. The rest of the bodysuit was black with green padded armor, streaks of yellow all throughout. The helmet was primarily black with a silver mouth plate, a lopsided shuriken acting as the visor with the two blades of Hayate, sticking out on the other side to give the feeling of two horns. Just like Buster and Slash, he had a simple silver belt with a black buckle.
[HAYATE NO MAKI]
[The twin swords of the Kouga Wind Path defeat the enemy with godly speed ninjutsu!]
"Kamen Rider Kenzan at your service," Kenzan said as he raised his swords.
"Straight to the point… I like it!" Desast called out as he rushed forward, slamming his blade down. It was blocked briefly by one of Kenzan's blades. So he spun and slashed downwards again, it getting blocked again but this time he followed up with a kick.
Kenzan was able to block the kick thanks to using two blades, but quickly stepped back. He managed to just avoid a lunge from Desast before flipping backwards, kicking his legs outwards and keeping Desast away.
Desast closed in and slashed only to get his slash batted away by Kenzan's blades. He then gave a grunt as Kenzan spun and flipped, kicking him in the face. Desast gave a growl and stabbed forward, Kenzan's head shifted before Desast's swords were caught between both blades of Hayate, the Swordsman of Wind keeping a tight lock on them.
"So I take it the Megid are involved with Finé again," Kenzan said as he kept his blades pressed against Desast's.
"You're a strong guy, and smart, you figure it out," Desast remarked as he kicked Kenzan in the stomach, forcing the two to break away from each other.
"Jeez those two are intense… dess," Kirika gave a shiver as she peaked from where she was hiding, "And you wanted to confront the green one all willy nilly."
"I feel like we could have taken him…" Shirabe admitted as she glanced at the fight.
"…is that so?" Kirika asked as she gave a nervous chuckle, "It might be my duty to protect you and all, but I dunno how I'm gonna last like this."
"Thanks for everything, Kiri," Shirabe gave a smile.
"Anyway, let's get going, dess!" Kirika went to hurry Shirabe along.
The stadium was now empty, with only Tsubasa, Maria and the army of Noise remaining. Of course they weren't truly alone as everyone backstage was having their own occurrences going on. Not to mention the fact that the television broadcast was still on.
"I envy all those people who have somewhere to go home to," Maria admitted.
"Maria, what on Earth…" Tsubasa started.
"The audience has left," Maria turned and pointed her mic at Tsubasa, "There will be no casualties. Will you fight me now? Or are you more concerned about yourself? Is that really all the determination you have?"
Tsubasa had to bite her lip as she glanced around, the Noise slowly but surely beginning to approach the stage. She just had to trust in the others and hold out for just a bit longer.
Maria brandished her microphone sword, Tsubasa doing the same as the pink haired idol launched forward.
Tsubasa, while deflecting all the attempted swings at her was still pushed on the defensive. She could feel the raw power behind the swings and was forced to step back or stumble. She gave a gasp when Maria spun, the cape of the black Gungnir wielder becoming buzzsaw-like as it cut through Tsubasa's microphone sword, Tsubasa being forced to bend back to avoid getting cut before performing several back flips to gain more distance.
Maria retracted her cape while Tsubasa looked at and tossed away the now broken sword, both idols and wielders preparing themselves for what came next. Maria then kicked forward as she went for a stab.
"Not so fast!"
Saber soon landed between the two, blocking the microphone sword with the flat of Rekka. He then gave a yell and pushed Maria back. It wasn't long before Blades came into view and slashed at her, forcing Maria to block only for her makeshift weapon to snap in two from the attempt.
"So you've finally arrived," Maria quickly jumped back to gain more distance, "Kamen Riders."
"You…" Tsubasa trailed, she knew she couldn't just say anything but she was relieved that the cavalry arrived.
"Are you alright Ms. Kazanari?" Blades turned to look at his friend, being given a nod from the idol.
"You sure know how to make an entrance," Maria mentioned, "Just in time too."
"Now let me say this to start…" Saber lowered his weapon before pointing forward, "I hate modern architecture!"
"Eh?" Maria raised an eyebrow.
"Tou-er… Saber?" Blades asked, nearly slipping as his allies comment was too sudden.
"We would have gotten here sooner if I hadn't gotten lost trying to make it to the main stage," Saber admitted.
"Is now really the time to be giving such complaints?" Maria asked.
"I agree," Tsubasa crossed her arms, "Is now really the time?"
"Sorry, just needed to vent," Saber admitted as he raised his sword, "Now then, we'll give you a chance to stand down."
"I'm sorry to say that I have no battle with you," Maria said before looking towards Tsubasa, "Her on the other hand…"
"Please get to safety…" Blades glanced back as he raised his sword.
"Understood," Tsubasa gave a nod before making her way towards the back stage.
"No you don't!" Maria rushed forward only for Saber and Blades to do the same. She raised her forearms as they slashed down, blocking their Seiken with her gauntlets. She stepped away before spinning, her cape lashing out and striking at both Riders.
"W-What even is this?!" Saber gasped as he tried to push against the cape only to stumble back alongside Blades.
"I've never seen clothing turned into a weapon before!" Blades admitted.
"Don't think I'll go easy on you two!" Maria called out as she rushed forward again.
Tsubasa meanwhile breathed a sigh of relief as she made her way to the backstage, well that was until she suddenly saw two glowing red lines on top of each other, a familiar gold ridged blade being seen within the darkness.
"You…" Tsubasa gave a glare as she stood her ground, "Calibur…"
"Not going to transform back here?" Calibur questioned.
Tsubasa gripped her fists tightly as she knew that it was a risk to transform since she was still too close to the stage entrance. Regardless she charged forward, ready to sing, she just needed to keep the fight to backstage.
"Not so fast!" Calibur quickly slashed forward, unleashing a wave of darkness that impacted in front of Tsubasa.
Tsubasa gave a scream as she was thrown backwards, tumbling back on the stage with Calibur casually walking after her.
"Calibur…?" Blades asked as he glanced back.
"He's here too?!" Saber questioned.
"Pay attention!" Maria called out as she smacked both Saber and Blades away by spinning her cape, sparks flying from them as they were forced to stumble back, "Now then…"
"No you don't, Blades, let's use it!" Saber called out as he sheathed Rekka on his Hissatsuholder instead of his Driver.
"Understood," Blades gave a nod as he did the same.
[REKKA/NAGARE IAI!]
[DOKUGO ISSEN!]
"Crashing Fire Wave!" The two gathered red and blue energy in their blades before slashing forward, the respective energies launching out and clashing with each other, creating a cross slash that was hurled towards Maria.
[RAIMEIKEN IKAZUCHI!]
Suddenly blue lightning struck from the sky and landed in front of Maria. A blade just like Rekka and Nagare had blocked the slash, blue electricity emanating from it to hold back the attack as the runes in the center shined a bright yellow. The sword held a yellow emblem that was meant to evoke lightning.
Holding the sword was a primarily white armored individual, quickly giving a yell and slashing forward to disperse the attack.
The wielder held a body similar to both Saber and Blades, the center of his body being grey while the outer sides of his legs were white with gold lining. His right half was white with gold pointed accents and a high collar. While his left held a pure gold arm and a cape draping down from it, a genie lamp covering the left shoulder. The helmet was similar in that it had three pieces separated, right, left and top middle each piece matching the side it was on. The visor was a lightning bolt running through and forming a halo-like ring around his bladed horn. What sealed the deal on the similarities was the Driver, it was a Swordriver and it held a Wonder Ride Book on its story slot.
"A new Rider…?" Tsubasa asked.
"Finally," Calibur said.
"A golden Rider…?" Saber asked before noticing the sword, "Wait… it can't be."
"No way…" Blades trembled slightly as he saw the Rider before them.
"You made it just in time," Maria remarked with a smirk, "And you're as dramatic as usual."
"Pot calling kettle…" The Rider remarked before standing up straight and staring at both Saber and Blades, the grip of his weapon tightening.
"And you're sure you can do this?" Maria asked, glancing towards the Riders.
"Yes," The Rider gave a nod.
Back at the helicopter, everyone was in shock at what they were seeing.
"Wait a minute, is that a Kamen Rider?!" Hibiki called out.
"And he looks super similar to Touma and Rintaro's Rider Forms, just who is he?" Chris narrowed her eyes.
"Kamen Rider… Espada," Daishinji managed to speak up after finding his voice, but he still stared at the screen before him in disbelief.
"Espada…?" Aoi asked, "Wait a minute…"
"One of the three Riders that went MIA back during the Zwei Wing Incident," Sophia confirmed as she was still on the line alongside Sakuya, "And given we're also seeing that Calibur's on stage now…"
"This doesn't make any sense…" Chris hissed out, "Why wasn't this Rider around when Calibur was with Finé?"
"There's a chance that Calibur was holding him back as a trump card," Sophia suggested.
"But who could it be?" Sakuya asked, "Did he get someone in those two years?"
"That's a possibility… but given this is Calibur we're dealing with…" Daishinji trailed, "There's another devastating possibility."
"What do you mean?" Hibiki asked though she noticed the Swordsman of Sound had gone quiet.
"Can't we get there any faster?" Chris questioned.
"We'll be there in ten minutes," Aoi reassured.
Kenzan and Desast both gave low growls as they ran through the halls, their blades locked in a clash as Kenzan was trying to force Desast towards the main control room. Of course he had soon caught sight on one of the monitors of Espada's introduction and reveal.
"What?" Kenzan asked.
"Pay attention!" Desast kicked Kenzan in the stomach to send him staggering back before turning, "Oh, so the kid arrived on stage."
"Now's my chance…" Kenzan whispered with a hiss before rushing forward with great speed. He went for a leap to launch deeper into the hallways when his leg was grabbed. He looked back and gave a gasp as Desast had launched his scarf at him. He then yelled out as he was slammed into the wall before his leg was let go.
"We're not done yet," Desast called out, "So stop running and give me my fight…"
"Sorry but I have a duty to Tsubasa…" Kenzan gave a groan as he lifted himself up, combining his blades together as he readied Kobuta 3Kyoudai, "And you won't be getting in my way!"
"Let's see how far that determination takes you!" Desast gave a yell as he charged forward.
[KOBUTA 3KYOUDAI! NINNIN!]
Kenzan slotted the Wonder Ride book into Hayate's finisher slot, before turning and rushing down the hall at incredible speeds. He soon launched himself at a wall before bouncing from wall to wall, zigzagging through the hallway to move faster.
"No you don't!" Desast called out as he sped forward.
"That's my line!" Kenzan called out as he pressed his hands together into a hand sign. Soon enough the three Piglet summons from the Wonder Ride Book appeared in puffs of smoke.
[HAYATE SOKUDOKU GEKI! NINNIN!]
The piglet brothers gave mischievous grins as they got to work, one forming a small wall of brick right in front of Desast. Desast gave a gasp as he slammed head first into the brick wall, bouncing back.
"What?" Desat questioned before gathering energy in his sword and slashing through it, shattering it. But the piglet brother was gone and before him now was another giant brick wall that sealed off the hallway, "You… fine then, Calamity Strike!"
Desast leapt forward and slashed as energy erupted from his blade, tearing through the larger brick wall. He rushed forward only to yell out as he slammed into a third brick wall, giving a frustrated groan as he slammed his fist into it. By the time he'd break past this wall Kenzan would already be gone. Despite this he raised his sword, energy gathering in it before he brought it down against the blockage.
"Out of our way," Blades rushed forward to try and reach Maria.
"I'm your opponent!" Espada called out as he ran forward, lightning flashing as he was suddenly in front of Blades, slashing at him.
Blades gave a gasp as he held up his weapon with both hands, bracing against Espada's attack with Nagare, "Too fast…"
"It's impressive to think of how far you've come Blades," Espada admitted as he tried to push forward but was having trouble, "Even I can't break through easily."
Blades gritted his teeth before giving a yell and pushing forward, managing to force Espada stumbling back.
"Now's my chance," Saber began to run towards Maria.
"As I said, I'm your opponent!" Espada called out as he tapped his Wonder Ride Book.
[LAMP DO ALANGINA!]
Soon enough a golden genie, the Lamp Do Alangina, formed out of electricity. It gathered electrical energy in its fists before slamming them down towards Saber who was forced to back off. The familiar of lightning floated between Maria and Saber, raising its hands to keep the Rider in a defensive stance.
Saber gave a light hiss before turning towards Espada, "You… are you the Swordsman of Lightning from two years ago?"
"And if I am?" Espada asked.
"Then you have a lot of questions I need answered," Saber replied before rushing towards the Lamp Do Alangina.
"Now then," Maria turned towards her opponent.
"If you really think I'll play your game then you're sorely mistaken," Tsubasa gave a glare.
"Then we'll just have to force you to," Calibur said before grabbing Tsubasa by her shoulder, he gave a chuckle when he saw the idol grab his arm with both of hers to try and pry him off.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Maria narrowed her eyes.
"This is going on too long, I'm sure everyone can agree on that!" Calibur called out as he used his strength to get a firm grip on Tsubasa before lifting and tossing her backwards.
"Hey, wait a minute!" Espada called out before quickly blocking a slash from Blades.
"Don't stray from the plan!" Maria called out.
"No, wait!" Saber called out as he quickly jumped onto the Lamp do Alangina's arm before leaping forward to try and reach Tsubasa. Despite this he wasn't sure he'd be able to reach her before she'd hit the Noise.
Lamp do Alangina was ready to try and grab at Saber when it suddenly turned towards Espada who shook his head. The thunder familiar gave a nod and disappeared as a result.
'I bid farewell to my life as a singer,' Tsubasa thought as she closed her eyes and accepted her fate. If letting the whole world know was the only option to save herself then she'd go with it. She opened her eyes, steeling herself, "Hear now the song of a sentinel!"
"No wait, don't-!" Saber leap had been too short and he was forced to land. So he began running forward to reach Tsubasa before he cut his words off himself. As Tsubasa made that declaration the stadium grew dimmer and Saber could only look around in shock, the monitors all around showing the broadcast had gone to black 'No Signal' screens before shutting off.
"~Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri tron~"
In a bright spherical flash of light, Tsubasa had transformed and donned her Symphogear armor. She wasted no time in landing before quickly slashing through the Noise hordes with ease. Leaping up she transformed her sword into its large cleaver state before swinging downwards.
{Blue Flash}
A torrent of blue energy cut into the stadium floor, tearing apart the Noise and causing an explosion. She then shifted her sword back to normal before holstering it, landing on her hands and performed a spinning hand stand, her ankle blades extending as she cut through the Noise.
{Reverse Rakshasa}
[BRAVE DRAGON!]
Several Noise had leapt up to try and strike at Tsubasa only for the Brave Dragon to launch out, biting into one before swinging and slamming its body and tail into the rest, tearing through them all.
"I appreciate the assistance, Saber," Tsubasa gave a smirk as she stood.
"That was dangerous you know," Saber scolded as he walked over, "You seriously got lucky."
"I suppose I did," Tsubasa glanced towards the sides, noticing the blank monitors, she then readied her blade, "Shall we deal with the rest?"
"Yeah," Saber gave a nod as he raised Rekka.
"The broadcast was cut off?" Maria asked.
"Thank goodness," Blades gave a sigh of relief before yelping as he was pushed backwards by Espada.
"Hey," Espada had a hostile tone as turned towards Calibur, "What was that supposed to be?"
"Did you really expect me to wait?" Calibur asked, "We're supposed to keep a tight schedule."
"You…" Espada hissed before quickly blocking a strike from Blades.
"Do not think you can easily forget about me!" Blades declared.
Up in the main control booth, Kenzan was panting slightly as he had his hands on the various panels, with Hayate leaning against the console. He had kicked his speed into overdrive in order to gain enough distance on Desast.
"If the world found out that Tsubasa Kazanari was a Symphogear user, her time on stage would be over," Kenzan said between breaths, "As her manager, I cannot allow that."
"Well I hope you're happy," Desast spoke as he was now at the entrance.
"You're stubborn you know that," Kenzan quickly grabbed Hayate and split it, adopting a defensive stance.
"You better be ready," Desast said before rushing forward and raising his sword, "Because I'm not holding back anymore!"
Back on the stadium floor, it wasn't long before Saber and Tsubasa had cleared up the Noise that attempted to attack them. The two leapt back on stage, Saber turning his attention towards Calibur while Tsubasa raised her blade against Maria.
"Now we shall strike back!" Tsubasa declared before charging forward.
"Right," Saber gave a nod as he rushed towards Calibur and slashed at him numerous times.
Calibur simply held up his sword to block against the slashes, shifting his blade whenever Saber did as well. He then gripped his sword with both hands and slashed in order to lock Saber into a clash.
"Not bad," Calibur called out, "You've certainly improved… however!"
Saber gave a light gasp as he took a step back, surprised that Calibur was still managing to overpower him. He managed to find his footing before bringing out and scanning Needle Hedgehog.
[HEDGEHOG! MM-HM! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]
Rekka shined a bright yellow before Saber pushed forward against Calibur, yellow electrical spikes erupting from his blade and launching against Calibur at close range. The dark Rider gave a gasp as a few sparks flew, stepping backwards.
"I can't take you lightly," Saber admitted, "However, the stage is even. There are no cameras and there are three of us on both sides."
"Are you sure about that?" Calibur questioned before taking a few steps back.
"What?" Saber asked before looking back towards the others.
Blades and Espada kept slashing against each other, their attacks bouncing off each other's blade as they attempted to try and break even. Tsubasa meanwhile went for the offensive on Maria, the Black Gungnir user simply utilizing her cape as a defensive measure before lashing out with it to attack. With Tsubasa slightly distracted at fighting what seemed to be a real Gungnir, Maria went on the offensive, spinning her cape around her rapidly as she began a black tornado that would cut through anything in its path.
'Listen now, Maria. Phonic gain is currently around 21%,' Nastaaja spoke into Maria's earpiece.
'We still need another 79%?' Maria questioned as her attack soon faltered, allowing Tsubasa to easily back out of it causing her to stumble and nearly lose her footing.
"You cannot afford to waver while fighting me!" Tsubasa dismissed her katana before drawing out two long-swords, combining them into one at the hilts before spinning them around rapidly in her hands. Soon enough they erupted on fire as Tsubasa user her ankle blades as boosters, skating across the ground at high speeds while she spun her blade before slashing against Maria.
{Wind Ring's Fiery Blades}
"Maria!" Espada called out in concern before seeing a glint out of the corner of his eye.
Maria gritted her teeth as she managed to land and recover from the attack as she watched Tsubasa close in.
"You can tell me your story from bed!" Tsubasa rushed forward for another attack.
"H-Hey, is that really the appropriate phrasing?!" Blades stammered.
"Tsubasa, watch your back!" Saber suddenly called out as he began rushing forward, having noticed movement around them after Calibur suddenly backed off
Tsubasa's eyes widened as she quickly turned, spinning her blade rapidly and tearing through numerous projectiles that were launched towards her.
Two newcomers had joined the fray, the two being Kirika and Shirabe both garbed in their own black Symphogear armors. While it was unknown which Relics they were using their weapons were clear, Shirabe had armored twintails that launched hundreds of pink bladed saws outwards.
{Alpha Style: 100 Saṃsāra}
"Here we go, dess!" Kirika quickly leapt over Shirabe and turned towards where Blades and Espada were. Bringing out a black poled green bladed scythe, it suddenly grew two more blades before she swung downwards, unleashing the curved blades towards both Riders.
{Kill Juliet}
Espada quickly leapt out of the way, Blades turning before giving a yell as the blades struck against him. Sparks flew as he was thrown backwards, tumbling across the ground.
"Kento are you alright, dess?" Kirika asked as she landed near him.
"Yeah," Espada gave a nod, "Thank you."
"K-Kento…?" Blades coughed as he heard this loud and clear, his worst fears being confirmed.
[HISSATSU READ! JAAKU DRAGON!]
Calibur scanned his main Wonder Ride Book on Kurayami, gathering dark fiery energy before slashing forward, unleashing a purple dragon that snaked its way towards Tsubasa's back while she was defending from Shirabe's attack.
"Crap," Saber ran to intercept while drawing out Brave Dragon from its slot, scanning it on his weapon.
[KURAYAMI HISSATSU GEKI! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]
[DRAGON MH-HM! SHUUTOKU ISSEN!]
Saber unleashed several slashes of red energy against the purple fiery dragon, the attacks crashing against each other only for Calibur's to break through. The dark dragon roared and snaked downwards, slamming between Tsubasa and Saber, the two yelling out as they were thrown back from the attacks.
Blades could only give a gasp as he saw not only the three black Symphogear Wielders closing in on them, but Calibur as well. He tried to get up only to stop when he saw a blade at his neck, Espada keeping near Blades.
"Don't move," Espada said.
"Kento, why…?" Blades asked, giving a grimace when he received no answer.
"That was close," Shirabe admitted.
"Right in the nick of time, dess!" Kirika gave a smirk as she shouldered her weapon.
Tsubasa's eyes went wide as she went to sit up, "Three Gear users?!"
"Five on three, huh…" Saber got on one knee and raised Rekka in defense.
"Not that we need Kirika and Shirabe to save us from the likes of you," Maria gave a confident smirk.
"People like you always make the same grave mistake," Tsubasa gave a glare before it was her turn to grow confident, giving her own smirk, "In your posturing, you allow victory to slip from your grasp!"
[SUZUNE ONDOKU GEKI! YAY!]
Maria heard the announcement and looked upwards alongside the other Wielders and Riders, "Above us?!"
Chris and Hibiki dropped from the helicopter that they had been riding, transformed into their Symphogear armor. Joining them was Slash who had Suzune in its gunplay mode, prepping a finisher.
"Time to make it rain! It's a billion-bullet hailstorm!" Chris called out as she aimed her crossbows, transforming them into their chain-gun forms and letting loose.
{BILLION MAIDEN}
"Beat Lollipopper!" Slash took aim and fired at the same time, sending out thin spiraling red and blue beams of energy downwards.
Calibur and Espada were quick to leap away, allowing Blades to fully stand and rush forward. Kirika and Shirabe had also chosen to dodge out of the way, with Maria utilizing her cape as a shield to brace against the beams and bullets.
Hibiki gave a yell as she punched downwards, missing Maria as the black Gungnir Wielder had stepped back to avoid Hibiki's fist. The hand to hand Gungnir Wielder smashed her fist into the stage, causing a small crater to form as a result. She thought quickly especially since Maria lashed out with her cape, launching forward she grabbed Saber and Tsubasa before leaping off stage to get a bit of distance.
"You made it just in time," Saber gave a chuckle.
"I promised didn't I?" Hibiki asked as she gave a thumbs-up and a wink.
"Regroup, now!" Slash called out as he took aim and fired a few shots at Espada and Calibur, the duo blocking and bracing against them. He then took aim and fired at Kirika and Shirabe to force them back before running off the stage alongside Chris and Blades.
The three Riders and Symphogear Wielders soon stood together as their enemies regrouped, the black Symphogear users standing alongside Espada and Calibur.
"It appears as though we have better odds," Blades admitted.
"But they have the high ground," Saber added before bumping his allies arm, "Rintaro…"
Blades looked over towards Saber before giving a nod, reaching to his holster before discreetly handing Saber something.
Of course, there was another distraction ready to occur. Everyone's attention was caught by an explosion coming from the broadcasting tower that was facing the stage. Flying out of the smoke was Kenzan who flipped several times before landing nearby the Riders and Wielders of Section 2.
"Good to see you make it in time Kenzan," Slash remarked.
"Had a bit of trouble admittedly," Kenzan gave a nervous chuckle.
"Nice idea!" Desast's voice could be heard as he leapt from the smoking broadcast tower, landing nearby Maria and her group, "A lot more space and more people too! We're really getting the festival started today!"
"Shut up, dess," Kirika sighed.
"Desast is here too?" Tsubasa asked.
"Unfortunately," Kenzan said, "Sorry I cut it close with the cameras."
"Its fine, we have more important matters to deal with," Tsubasa said.
"Let's stop fighting, okay?" Hibiki called out to their opponents.
"Diplomacy might be good," Blades agreed, "Otherwise I see this turning into a mess."
"She's right," Saber spoke up, "I'm very curious to know why three Symphogear Wielders, especially a group named Finé, is working with Calibur."
"We only just met!" Hibiki called out, directing her attention to the three opposing Symphogear Wielders, "There's no reason for us to fight you!"
Shirabe gave a glare, "How naïve!"
"I could never trust someone who spouts such sentimental garbage, dess!" Kirika pointed her scythe forward.
"Eh?" Saber asked, "I mean is understanding you're reasoning really that sentimental?"
"Sorry to say but you aren't getting through to these three so easily!" Desast called out.
"No! If we just talk, we can understand each other!" Hibiki countered, "We don't have to figh-"
"You hypocrite! There are too many hypocrites like you in this world!" Shirabe called out in a tense voice, it bubbling with anger.
"Hey now," Saber started to raise his voice as he pointed forward, "There's no need to get harsh like that!"
Shirabe's answer was simply to launch more buzzsaws at the grouping of Wielders and Riders, all of them readying themselves except for Hibiki who was mulling over those words in a stunned silence.
[GEKIDO RANDOKUGEKI! DOGON!]
A large stone replica of Gekido suddenly slammed in front of the Riders and Wielders, the gaps in it being filled in as it acted like a shield. The resulting sudden defense had also caused smoke and dirt to kick up as well, causing a smoke screen.
"What?" Shirabe's eyes widened.
"Looks like I made it just in time!" Buster called out as he was standing on the hilt of the stone sword, Gekido resting against his shoulder.
Hibiki looked up as she was snapped out of her thoughts, "E-Eh?!"
Kirika's eyes widened, "Another rider, dess?!"
"I'll take care of Calibur!" Buster leapt downwards and slashed towards the dark Rider, Calibur blocking and holding Kurayami with both hands to brace against the slash. The attack had caused a small crater to form underneath Calibur as well.
The black Symphogear Wielders alongside Espada and Desast had quickly backed away from the two, realizing that they'd best not get in the way of that fight. The five then turned back towards the stone sword that covered their opponents, readying themselves for the next set of fights.
"Chris, we need them split, try and make sure that scythe wielder doesn't get close," Slash said as he switched his weapon to its blade mode, "Saber, you're with Hibiki, no doubt you know your target. Tsubasa, we're to face Maria together."
"On it," Saber said as he and Tsubasa both gave a nod.
"I doubt Desast is about to let me go," Ogawa admitted.
"Then that leaves me with… Espada," Blades trailed.
"Then it's go time!" Chris quickly dashed out of hiding before aiming her chain-guns, taking aim and firing at the remaining group of enemies. Maria, Shirabe, Desast and Espada all broke off in different directions, Kirika leaping upwards before spinning her scythe around rapidly, using it as a shield to block Chris' bullets as she closed in.
Chris gave a yelp as she leapt backwards, changing her guns back to their crossbow state before firing off a volley of arrows, "Too close!"
Kirika worked on batting away the arrows before rushing forward to slash with her scythe as the Ichaival User landed. Chris was forced to brace with her crossbows before jumping back to gain more space.
"Too damn close!" Chris hissed out as she jumped up in order to keep herself at a distance.
Meanwhile Desast and Kenzan were having a high speed battle, the two flipping and spinning in the air as they clashed blades. It wasn't long before they both performed a slash against each other while leaping, their attacks bouncing off the others swords and sending them away from each other.
"Let's see how you like this," Desast quickly turned and extended his scarf, it splitting and launching outwards to strike at Kenzan who had leapt into the air.
"Not bad," Kenzan admitted as he threw his swords out, the wind picking up and turning them into spinning saws that circled around and batted away the multiple scarves that had launched out. Kenzan himself had landed on one of the scarf, sliding on it before running forward and kicking off as his blades returned to him. He then threw one of his swords out towards Desast.
Desast simply gave a chuckle as he shifted his body to the side, the sword slamming into the ground near him. He then went to step forward only to grunt, "What?"
{Shadow Weaving}
The first blade of Hayate that was thrown had hit against Desast's shadow, thus allowing Kenzan a chance to perform the technique. Kenzan then gave a yell as he launched forward, slicing past Desast before grabbing the blade that was stuck in the ground. He turned and slashed at Desast who just barely got free, a cross-slash sending the chimera Megid backwards.
"How the hell…?" Desast coughed out.
"Come now, she had to learn that technique from somewhere," Kenzan gave a chuckle as he combined his blades together before twisting them and creating his swords third formation, the Shuriken Mode, "After all its unlike her other sword based techniques."
"How interesting, you really are something else," Desast chuckled as he raised his sword.
"And sorry to say but it's time to finally cut this short," Kenzan then withdrew his book from Hayate before pressing it against the finisher slot.
[SARUTOBI NINJADEN! NINNIN!]
"Hurricane Sword Dance: Spinning," Kenzan spun as a green tornado of energy engulfed him while green energy shined in his combined sword. He then slashed forward, several energy shuriken's launching towards Desast.
Desast gave a gasp as he began batting away energy shuriken before clashing against one of the stronger ones, gritting his teeth.
"It's over!" Kenzan leapt up into the air before spinning forward, becoming coated in energy as he became a shuriken himself, slicing against an open Desast who had just barely turned to intercept.
[HAYATE SOKUDOKU GEKI! NINNIN!]
Desast gave a yell as Kenzan cut through him, completely destroying him as he became a ghostly head, flying back towards where Calibur and Buster were, with the two standing and clashing blades to overpower each other. It wasn't long before Desast was sucked into his book once more.
Calibur noticed Desast had been defeated, but that had caused him to drop his guard slightly. Buster quickly raised his blade, flipping it before stabbing it into the ground in front of Calibur.
"What?" Calibur questioned as he stepped back to avoid the stab, "What are you-"
"Take this!" Buster quickly lunged forward, suddenly thrusting his right fist forward and nailing Calibur right in the gut.
Calibur coughed out as sparks flew, staggering back as he held his arms close to his stomach.
"I'm not done yet!" Buster yelled out as he leapt forward to punch at the dark Rider.
[KURAYAMI IAI! DOKUGO ISSEN!]
Calibur growled out before slashing forward just as Buster got near him. He had gone to clutch his stomach to use his Hissatsuholder to charge an attack. His slash unleashed a burst of darkness that stuck against Buster, sparks flying as the Commander of Section 2 was thrown back, slamming into Gekido.
"Not bad…" Calibur held his stomach, "But you won't be beating me that easily."
"I figured…" Buster gave a groan as he stood before drawing Gekido out of the ground,
Blades and Espada meanwhile were having their own duel, the two slashing past each other and usually only clashing blades as a result. It wasn't long before both got smarter, and both slashed against each other as they ran past, both gasping as sparks flew. They turned before gripping their Seiken's with both hands and clashing against each other.
"Why are you doing this?" Blades questioned as he tried to push forward, "Answer me, Kento! Why are you working with Calibur and the Megid?"
"You should already know exactly why I am," Espada answered as he held his ground before pushing forward. He had managed to force Blades to step back. He then slotted Ikazuchi into his Swordriver before readying his finisher, "Alangina Diablo."
[HISSATSU DOKUHA!]
"No you don't," Blades slotted his sword before drawing it out once more to initiate his own finisher, "Hydro Stream!"
[NAGARE BATTOU! LION! ISSATSU GIRI! WATER!]
Blades gave a yell as he gathered water elemental energy within Nagare before slashing forward towards Espada.
Espada leapt into the air, electricity gathering in his right boot as he kicked towards Blades. Despite Blades getting ready to strike again, Espada's speed suddenly picked up as he kicked through Blades at lightning speed.
[ALANGINA! ISSATSU GEKI! THUNDER!]
Blades gave a yell as electricity covered his body, sparks flying before he fell to the ground, the swordsman of water could only cough out as he punched the floor.
"Don't get up," Espada warned before quickly picking his head up, raising his sword and blocking a set of slashes from Kenzan who had come over, "Desast's done already?"
"Sorry to say but I try and clean up quickly," Kenzan insisted as he pressed the split blades of Hayate against Ikazuchi to try and overtake Espada.
"Very well," Espada said as he kept holding his ground.
Meanwhile both Slash and Tsubasa were attempting to break past Maria's defenses. The black Gungnir Wielder had yet to pull out any form of weapon, simply using her cape to deflect strikes from both the Rider and Wielder.
Tsubasa stepped back while splitting her combined blades, keeping a reverse grip as she leapt forward and slashed at Maria. The attempt had caused the same result, Maria simply throwing her cape forward to block the attack before it spiraled around her, lashing out and forcing Tsubasa to block and be forced back.
Slash gave a yell as he stepped forward, sending a few jabs before slashing at Maria. His attempts had ended up the same as Tsubasa's, his attacks being blocked. Before he could be lashed out at he leapt backwards and kept a steady stance.
"This is very much an annoyance," Tsubasa hissed out.
"Show me," Slash spoke up as he pointed his sword at Maria, stepping forward.
"What?" Maria raised an eyebrow, "Show you what?"
"Show me your full power and bring out your Armed Gear!" Slash called out as he kept approaching at a steady pace.
Maria simply gave a frown before spinning and spreading her arms out, both ends of her cape lashing out towards Slash.
"Suzune, let's go," Slash simply strummed his fingers across Suzune's blade gently before slashing forward twice, a riff being heard as two sets of musical strings formed and crossed together, forming a circular barrier that blocked the cape attack.
Maria was surprised to see her attack blocked, quickly reeling her cape backwards, "What was that?"
"Show it to me," Slash called out before pointing Suzune forward, "So that I can hear its voice."
"Daishinji…" Tsubasa trailed, soon realizing what the swordsmith Rider was trying to do.
Saber and Hibiki meanwhile were both dealing with Shirabe who managed to outclass both of them in regards to range. Her armored twintails had opened up, extending outwards into metal arms with two large buzzsaws to strike at them as she skated forward.
Saber gave a yelp as he dodged underneath one before slashing at another to deflect it slightly.
"I just want to help everyone who's in trouble!" Hibiki called out as she dodged back, despite Shirabe's words from earlier she still wanted to try and get through, "So…!"
"That's why you're a hypocrite!" Shirabe called out as she launched the two buzzsaws forward, "You have no idea what it means to suffer! So how can you talk about helping others?!"
{Gamma Style: Infinite Firewheels}
Hibiki had paused at these words, completely freezing up, so much so that she wasn't attempting to dodge in the slightest.
[REKKA BATTOU! WONDER RIDER!]
[DRAGON! HEDGEHOG! PETER FAN!]
The announcement roared against the sounds of the incoming buzzsaws as the hook and chain of the Peter Fan armor lashed out and wrapped around the buzzsaws. Saber had ended up powering up into a standard three book Wonder Rider form, Dragon Hedgehog Peter.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Saber yelled out as he slammed the saws into the ground to slow and restrict their movement, gripping the chain with his free hand and channeling electricity through it. The chain links binding the buzzsaws soon erupted with fiery electrical spikes, piercing and tearing through the buzzsaws.
The outburst and counterattack were both loud enough for everyone to stop their fights, all of them staring at what was going on.
"What?" Shirabe soon saw Saber leap forward and land between her and Hibiki.
"I can't say I understand what you've been through to warrant your attitude, so I won't say your pain is lesser than any others," Saber said in a calm voice but with a stern and serious tone attached, "However… you shouldn't dare judge others you barely know anything about. Especially her… don't talk to her like she doesn't know pain."
"T-Touma…" Blades trailed as he managed to get on his knees.
"You…" Espada trailed in a near mutter as he stared at Saber, "You're just the same as before, huh?"
Slash's head jolted slightly as he glanced towards Espada, having managed to catch that, "Hmm?"
"Hibiki, are you alright?" Saber asked as he turned towards his friend, "Don't go spacing out on me now of all times."
Hibiki snapped out of her thoughts and gave a nod, "Y-Yeah, I'm fine."
Nastassja could only stare at the screen before her, the Symphogear Waveforms being shown alongside the main Wonder Ride Books of the Riders present. The Phonic Gain output however was still only 28%.
"Not even the Riders there are making much of a difference. With these growth rates, the numbers won't be sufficient," Nastassja mused as she saw this, she then began typing in commands, "It's time to unleash our last resort."
As everyone was ready to continue their battles, a green flash appeared at the center of the arena. Soon enough an enormous green mound of Noise towered above everyone.
"Whoa, what's that huge warty thing?!" Hibiki called out.
"Eh?" Saber turned in surprise, "Eh?! What is that supposed to be?!"
"A replicator type," Shirabe said.
"No one told me about this, dess!" Kirika said as she went to regroup with Shirabe.
"We're bringing that out right now?" Espada questioned as he broke away from his own battle to join the two alongside Maria.
"Mom?" Maria spoke into her communications channel.
"All of you should withdraw," Nastassja answered.
"Very well," Maria answered before glancing back, "Calibur!"
"I suppose it's time to leave," Calibur said as flipped backwards, landing near the three Wielders and Rider of Thunder.
Maria clasped her hands together and raised them high, her gauntlets combining together and removing themselves from her arms, shifting and taking the shape of a black and gold bladed spear. She gripped it with both hands as she brandished the weapon of Gungnir.
"She really did keep back her Armed Gear until now?" Tsubasa asked.
"There it is," Slash said but stayed where he was, as he already knew that Maria wasn't bringing it out to continue the fight.
Maria took aim, the weapon opening up and charging energy before unleashing a purple beam outwards. However her target was the mound of Noise itself.
{HORIZON†SPEAR}
"Come on, you summoned that Noise yourself!" Chris called out.
The large Noise was struck and exploded, sending pieces of it all over the stadium. As that occurred Calibur quickly cut through the air, forming a dark corridor that Maria, Kirika, Shirabe, and Espada ran through.
"We'll be seeing each other soon enough," Calibur spoke to everyone before heading through the corridor, it soon closing up.
"They're pulling back?" Tsubasa questioned.
Chris gave an annoyed look, "Just after we got all warmed up, too!"
"Wait, the Noise!" Hibiki gave a gasp.
The scattered pieces of the Noise began to morph, merging back together and growing larger as a result. Tsubasa formed her cleaver sword before slashing through one of the mounds. But there was no effect as the Noise itself reformed instantly.
"Let's try this!" Saber called out as he tapped both his God Beast and Animal Books.
[BRAVE DRAGON! NEEDLE HEDGEHOG!]
Saber slashed forward twice, performing a flaming cross slash that erupted into fiery needles that struck against several mounds of the large Noise. Unfortunately, the same result had occurred as Tsubasa's attempt, it simply growing larger.
"High level regeneration…?" Saber asked before noticing everyone was regrouping and went to join them.
"No," Tsubasa answered as the Riders and Wielders grouped back together, "It can divide and replicate at incredible speeds."
"Which means it'll grow faster and faster," Chris said.
"No more unnecessary attacks," Buster ordered as he looked around, gripping Gekido with both of his hands.
"But if we don't do something quick it will burst out of here and overrun the city," Slash spoke up.
"We also have an issue. It's likely the evacuated audience members are still here, outside the arena," Kenzan added, "So we absolutely can't allow this Noise to break loose."
"The audience…?" Hibiki asked before realizing her friends had been in attendance, "Everyone…"
"If we attack carelessly any further, we'll just cause it to divide and replicate even faster," Tsubasa realized.
"What should we do, then?!" Chris questioned.
"Even if we went into our strongest forms and did simultaneous attacks, I doubt we'd be able to easily tear through it," Slash admitted.
"But…" Hibiki muttered before gaining a look of realization after thinking on it, "Our Superb Songs!"
"But that combination attack's still not finished!" Chris argued.
Despite this, Hibiki could only give a determined look towards her friend.
"Use the destructive power that exceeds their regenerative power to destroy them all at once," Tsubasa said, "That's just like you, Tachibana. It's logical."
"It's a risky gambit," Saber admitted, "But I agree that it might just be our best shot."
"Are you serious?!" Chris asked.
"I'm not sure we have many other options," Blades admitted as the mound of Noise began to burst a bit as it grew, "Commander?"
"I'll allow it," Buster gave a nod, "Now let's get to work!"
"Right," Saber gave a nod as he began to back away from the three Symphogear Wielders alongside the other four Riders.
The trio all gave each other a nod before clasping their hands together, Hibiki in the center with Chris and Tsubasa at her side.
"Let's do this," Hibiki called out, "S2CA Triburst!"
"Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal~"
"Emustolronzen Finé el balal zizzl~"
"Gatrandis babel ziggurat edenal~"
"Emustolronzen Finé el zizzl~"
A huge burst of multicolored energy erupted from the trio, tearing through any pieces of the replicator Noise that were nearby. The Riders all gasped out as the shielded themselves, despite backing away the energy output was intense.
"Get to higher ground!" Buster called out as he scanned Jackun-To Domamenoki on Gekido, slamming his sword into the ground and causing vines to erupt upwards from the cracks. Soon enough a bridge of vines formed for the Riders allowing them access to the balcony seats. The five Riders each gave nods before rushing up the makeshift bridge to get to safety.
"Superb Song!" Tsubasa yelled out.
"Combination Arts!" Chris yelled out next.
"Set Harmonics!" Hibiki ordered with a yell.
The energy from the combined Superb Songs expanded further, destroying any pieces of the replicator Noise in its immediate path. Of course it wasn't without its issues as Hibiki gritted her teeth, trying to fight through the strain.
"Hold out, Tachibana!" Tsubasa called out.
Chris looked over, "Just a little more!"
"Incredible…" Blades gasped out.
"Despite some straining they're resonating beautifully," Slash admitted.
"The S2CA Triburst…" Kenzan spoke up as he and the other Riders watched from the balcony seating, "Hibiki takes their three Superb Songs and tunes them into one single harmony. It is a power available to HIbiki alone, as only her Armed Gear allows her to join hands with others."
"But at the same time, she has to shoulder that immense burden all by herself," Saber added before giving a chuckle, "I suppose that's just like her though."
It wouldn't be long before the rainbow of explosive energy ripped through all of the mounds of the Replicator Noise, tearing it away into its most vulnerable and true form.
Tsubasa saw this, "Now!"
"Ready!" Hibiki shouted as he armor began to shift slightly as she raised her arms forward, combining her gauntlets together into one around her right forearm as it shifted in shape. All of the energy was sucked back towards Hibiki, entering her fist as her gauntlet armor popped open somewhat, revealing a turbine that began to spin as rainbow colored energy spiraled around.
Of course without the energy tearing through it, the Replicator Noise began to regenerate slowly but surely.
"Give 'em hell!" Chris shouted.
"This is our…" Hibiki launched herself forward with the boosters on her back, "SUPERB SONG!"
Hibiki slammed her fist against the head of the Replicator Noise via an uppercut, her gauntlet slamming further into it as it began to spin and unleash a spiral of energy. The huge burst of energy completely tore through and annihilated the Noise, the energy being expelled via a rainbow tornado that reached high and lit up the night sky.
Watching the lightshow were Maria, Shirabe and Kirika at the edge of a rooftop that was away from the stadium. Espada and Calibur were behind them as they watched what had occurred as well.
"What is that crazy lightshow, dess?!" Kirika asked.
"It's pretty," Shirabe admitted.
"This isn't the last time we'll have to fight those monsters," Maria admitted, a bit concerned given the output she was seeing before her eyes.
"That's exactly why we're around," Calibur spoke up as he walked towards them, "To assist wherever is needed, right Kento?"
"Right," Espada gave a nod as he walked over, "I promise to help you however I can."
"A promise huh?" Maria looked back before giving a smile, "I suppose I'll take you up on that."
Calibur meanwhile glanced to the side, noticing that they weren't the only ones watching the lightshow that erupted from the concert hall.
On a building nearby were Legeiel, Zooous, and Storious, the Megid Trio looking at the current display.
"What a beautiful way to end the battle," Storious gave a chuckle.
"I knew her power was monstrous but jeez," Zooous remarked with a growl, "How is this even more intense than when she used Durandal?"
"Because this one she's in full control of and it's not just her power alone," Legeiel said as he put a hand to his chin, "To think she's gained this much power in such short of a time. She really is similar to us."
"In some ways she is, however…" Storious trailed with a sly grin, "Her growth is unique in that hers likely comes with its limits."
At the stadium, the Riders began to make their way downwards, once landing the five dismissed their transformations. While Genjuro, Ogawa and Daishinji kept to the back in order to discuss what to do next, Rintaro and Touma went to meet with the others.
The other wielders had transformed back, though Hibiki was currently on her knees as she recalled Shirabe's words.
"How naïve! You have no idea what it means to suffer! How can you talk about helping others?!"
"Tachibana," Tsubasa called out as she ran over with Chris, she gave a concerned look, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Hibiki reassured as she turned to look at her two friends, "It's nothing."
Rintaro and Touma began to slow down alongside Tsubasa and Chris as they saw Hibiki turn. The four saw that despite their friend smiling, she was crying while trying to wipe the tears away.
"It's not nothing!" Chris called out, placing her hands on her friend's shoulders, "Does it hurt anywhere? Don't tell me the weight of the Superb Songs was too much to bear…"
Hibiki shook her head, "Am I really a hypocrite?" her voice becoming strained as she spoke up while terrible memories began to surface, "I know how much it can hurt."
Touma said nothing as he lowered his hat, it casting a shadow over his eyes as walked over and knelt down, placing a hand on Hibiki's shoulder to try and comfort her, staying silent while she began to cry.
"Hibiki…" Rintaro muttered as he saw the scene before him, Chris and Tsubasa staying silent as they watched in concern.
Unbeknownst to the Riders and Wielders, a man was hiding in the shadows, holding onto Solomon's Cane with a crazed grin.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: And so we get to the concert battle which was pretty packed this time around. After all I had the official unveiling of Espada and Kenzan to showcase. Plus I had to get the other Riders in there to show their stuff some more. It was very much a showcase of what both sides are working with in terms of arsenal for the most part. I also got to do some fun stuff like Dragon Hedgehog Peter getting shown off again since I wanted to give it a bit more spotlight.
Not much else to say though, so thanks for reading and I'll see you all next time.