Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
RXU:EP03 – The King's Deception
It was a lovely summer afternoon, especially when it came to those wanting to enjoy a nice view from one of the many cafés. One café in particular had the most interesting pair of customers at the moment. Though that was unknown to everyone there as most people simply minded their own business and the two patrons didn't really do anything to stand out.
They were Storious and Saint-Germain, the two currently enjoying some coffee together and not much else aside from their company. Neither had really spoken to the other, and the only reason they were here was because Saint-Germain requested Storious to join her for some coffee as their plan began to approach its start.
"I'm surprised you can be out and about so casually," Saint-Germain admitted, "Isn't SONG aware of what you look like?"
"They know my face, but that doesn't mean much unless there's constant surveillance," Storious replied, "And even then someone as devious as I am has a few tricks to utilize."
"Fair enough," Saint-Germain said as she took a sip before lowering her cup, "It's nearly here, you're sure you can handle this?"
"You approached me, did you not?" Storious asked with a courteous smile as he went to pick up his cup and take a sip, savoring it before staring at his business partner, "I am a storyteller at my core, so I plan on letting a fun and distracting tale play out that will allow you the cover you need."
A faint but still fairly loud sound of a ship's horn rang through the area. Despite the distance and the windows preventing the sound from fully getting through, the two heard it.
"I suppose it's time," Saint-Germain said as she closed her eyes, setting her cup down fully before opening her eyes only to be greeted by an empty seat in front of her, "He's taken his leave, I should head out soon then."
The Megid Hideout was rather sparse and quiet for the moment. Or rather it would have been the latter had Legeiel not been yelling out in frustration constantly. Zooous held a bored look as he stared at the Megid Leader of Phantom Beasts, who was simply stomping against the wall in frustration.
"The book was already finished!" Legeiel yelled out.
"How's that gonna help us if it's destroyed?" Zooous asked, he hated the prideful Megid, but in this case he just wanted to hit Legeiel with the hard truth.
"Will you just shut up?!" Legeiel turned with a glare.
"Just make another one, man," Zooous said, in his seat while hunched over, not planning on making eye contact with his fellow Megid at all, "Why not just head out of town like Storious and I have? You're going to find better luck there."
"And how many of them have you been able to claim yet?" Legeiel asked.
"None… because they're not ripe," Zooous said with a smug grin, "But given the most people can go on are disappearances and random acts of vandalism, as well as the distance… SONG isn't going to give us any issues when we go outside of our supposed boundaries."
"Maybe I will…" Legeiel said as he pondered this while calming down, "London does seem nice this time of year…"
"London's never good at any time of year," Zooous scoffed, "Anyway apparently Storious is going to make a big show of this next one here."
"What do you mean?" Legeiel asked.
"An old acquaintance of ours stopped by to ask him for some help," Zooous replied.
"Wait, you mean her?" Legeiel turned in surprise, "She must be pretty desperate if she's coming to us."
"Storious didn't make it sound like that admittedly," Zooous remarked, "Though I'm excited to see what he cooks up."
"I might as well see if it's worth getting in on then," Legeiel said as he looked at his hand before gripping it tightly, "If we're making a big distraction here, maybe I can pay Saber back."
"You're really still bitter about that, huh?" Zooous asked.
"You're really asking that?" Legeiel questioned with a glare as Zooous simply turned and held his hands up with a shrug, "I had him where I wanted him. I was ready to show him how worthless he was against our new power and then he just completely shows me up!"
"Whatever you say man," Zooous replied.
At Tokyo Bay, the luxury liner known as the Alexandria was currently making its way to fully and carefully dock. Once it was done, everyone on the bridge was congratulating themselves as they had made another successful docking. The captain, a man in his late 30's chose to stay behind though.
Of course there was one other person that had stayed behind and that was his main assistant, a younger man who seemed to just be getting into his twenties.
"Another successful voyage, King of the Seas," the assistant remarked.
"Now, now, you don't have to call me that all the time Ono," the captain laughed a bit, "Minoru will do just fine."
"Oh come on," Ono said, "It's pretty fitting, right?"
"Maybe," Minoru laughed, "But it's just another title my kids have come up with."
"Well that just means your kids love you a lot," Ono remarked with a light laugh.
"They really do," Minoru smiled as he pulled out his wallet and drew out a family photo of his wife and two kids, a son and a daughter, "Honestly if I could be King of anything though I'd rather be King of Parenting."
"The King of Parenting," Ono mused, "That title sounds like it has a nice ring to it."
"Oh but you can become a king of so much more…"
The two men suddenly quieted at the voice they heard around them, the lights turning off suddenly as a light began emanating from the floor. The two turned towards the door to see Storious leaning on it.
"Who are you?!" Minoru questioned as he got in a defensive stance while Ono began to back away in fear.
"No one of concern," Storious smiled as he walked over towards the two, one hand behind his back as he held a hand forward, "Just someone who can bestow upon you the power to become a true king."
"…what?" Minoru questioned with a confused look on his face, "Look buddy, it's just a tit-AH!"
Ono's eyes widened, "Captain!"
Storious was hiding a blank Alter Ride Book until he was close enough, shoving it into Minoru's chest as a purple glow and bright light occurred.
[HADASHI NO OUSAMA!]
Soon enough a new Megid formed, its lower body was the same Megid base as usual though its arms, chest resembled its namesake, holding a castle theme alongside having humanoid facial features and a beard with a crown adorning its helmet.
Ono gasped as he fell to the floor in surprise, "C-Captain?!"
"How exquisite," the Ousama Megid remarked as it nodded, holding a long red scepter with a yellow jewel at the end of it, "The king has arrived!"
"Now then, let us begin," Storious smiled as they were already in position to initiate the plan.
"So the Commander won't be joining us today?" Rintaro asked.
"He's currently busy finishing things up with Mrs. Kamiyama's registration," Sophia explained.
"Ah, that makes sense," Touma realized as he currently tapped his fingers against his Wonder Story book that he had brought from the store.
The three were currently with Hibiki, Chris, and Yuri in the lounge of SONG's submarine headquarters.
"So what exactly are we talking about?" Hibiki asked.
"And we couldn't wait for everyone… why?" Chris asked as she looked over at Yuri.
"I do not believe it's important to tell everyone all at once," Yuri replied, "Presenting the information as efficiently as possible should suffice."
"You say that…" Touma trailed off, "But need I remind you of the incident with my mom?"
"You're still taking issue with that?" Yuri asked.
"He kind of has every right to," Chris huffed as she crossed her arms, "But seriously, what is it we need to talk about?"
"The Megid aren't the only group we need to worry about," Yuri replied, "As I was being caught up on everything, there is another group you all still haven't taken care of yet because of the way they hide themselves."
"You're referring to the group belonging to Master Logos," Rintaro guessed as he glanced over, "Correct?"
"A man going by that title, but yes," Yuri replied, "The Sword of Logos from my understanding had been disbanded after a while. This is why the Logos Sector existed before its merger into Section 2, now known as SONG."
"Correct," Sophia replied, "He appears to be holding onto the title that was once used by the main head of the organization."
"How disrespectful," Rintaro spoke up.
"He really needs a kick in the ass," Chris replied, "Can't stand pompous guys like that."
"Well you'll have to get in line," Touma spoke up, "Kanade probably has first dibs."
"She can share," Chris remarked.
"Ah right," Hibiki realized, "Kanade used to be a part of that group, huh?"
"Yes," Sophia replied, "So far we have no official term for them so it is simply known as Master Logos' group. We currently know that they have three Seiken's, the Eneiken Noroshi, Jikokuken Kaiji, and now the Ankokuken Kurayami."
"They do?" Hibiki asked.
"Some guy in a red coat and a strange sword stole Kurayami before I could get it back during our final fight with Carol," Touma explained, "I can only assume he's the owner of Jikokuken Kaiji."
"Master Logos' group will be relentless in their pursuit of your swords and books now that I've confirmed my existence," Yuri replied, "It is only a matter of time before they start on plans to retrieve them."
"Wait, why exactly do they want them again?" Hibiki asked.
"They likely have their own plan to utilize the Great Book," Yuri noted as he recalled prior plans to cease the Great Book's power for their own, "19 particular Wonder Ride Books are needed to attain resonance with the 11 Seiken. That will in turn gather all of the Wonder Ride Books, regardless of location, and allow the Great Book to be revived."
Hibiki's eyes widened, "S-Seriously?!"
"We can't let that happen," Rintaro said.
"Indeed," Yuri agreed, "The Great Book's power would give one the ability to rewrite the world as they see fit. Depending on how they wish to use it, the world could very well be in grave danger. Defeating the Megid is one thing, but Master Logos' group is also one factor we can't underestimate."
"Of course," Sophia nodded, "There's also the potential of Gjallarhorn activating and us needing to put our attention there."
"There's a lot of us," Chris pointed out before sighing, "But it's still going to be a lot of work…"
"Yuri," Touma spoke up suddenly, realizing that he now had a chance to ask something that had been on his mind but too much was going on all at once for him to truly figure it out, "I have a question…"
"What would that be?" Yuri asked.
"What do you know about a girl named Luna?" Touma asked.
"Eh?" Rintaro asked.
"Wait…" Hibiki paused before her eyes widened at what Touma was implying, "What?!"
"Huh?" Chris and Sophia simply stared at Touma.
"I take it you're aware then," Yuri said, "Or partially…"
"Partially would be correct," Touma said as he held up his Wonder Story Book, "I met Kento and Luna when I was little and Luna gave me this book. But then she vanished at the same time as Kento did. Then when I became Saber, a page was added to the many blank pages in this book."
"…" Yuri stared silent as he looked over at Touma.
"Then there's when Dragonic Knight appeared to me, I could hear her voice," Touma replied, "But it sounded just like she did back then, as if she was trying to make sure I recognized it."
"Luna is a special existence," Yuri admitted, "However given she chose you by giving you that book… that is her tale to tell."
"So you know where she is?" Touma asked with a hopeful smile.
"I don't," Yuri shook his head, "I haven't been able to find her since your fight against Carol and Calibur."
"Given she sounds important…" Chris trailed off, noticing Touma's mood start to drop, "Maybe she's hiding? I mean if she's important and Yuri knows about her, it makes sense that she would."
"True," Touma said as he recomposed himself, stomping his foot lightly as he realized he was still somewhat in the same place when it came to Luna. He shook his head though, "Well, at the very least I know she's still around."
"Yeah," Hibiki smiled as she stood up and walked over to Touma, "You'll reunite with her in no time!"
"Thanks Hibiki," Touma smiled.
The group however looked up suddenly when they heard the alarm start to blare.
Rintaro's eyes widened, "An alarm?"
"Well great," Chris hissed out.
"Let us head to the bridge immediately," Sophia said before leading the way, everyone else heading off after her.
It didn't take long for everyone to make their way to the bridge, the group seeing Sakuya and Aoi typing away while Elfnein was currently observing the situation. The three had been trying to make progress on the data chip that Ver had left behind only to be interrupted by the current situation.
"Ah, Commander," Sakuya turned back when he heard the door open, "And everyone else onboard too, good."
"What's the situation?" Sophia asked.
"About ten minutes ago, there was an accident onboard the luxury liner, the Alexandria, that had just successfully docked in Tokyo Bay," Sakuya explained.
"Just an accident…?" Touma asked, a bit suspicious.
"Would it not fall to the coast guard to deal with that then?" Rintaro questioned.
"The Ministry of Defense has sent a request to SONG," Aoi added, "We're to investigate the accident site."
"So they contacted SONG and asked for an investigation, not a rescue operation," Chris said as she put her hands on her hips, "So in other words we've got someone wanting to cause trouble?"
"More like something we're all too familiar with," Sakuya said, "A quick witness testimony from the Captain's second in command says that there was a monster involved."
"Ah, it must be the Megid!" Hibiki's eyes widened at the mention of a monster.
"If it's a Megid it's more than likely the new type," Yuri noted before looking over at Touma, "I trust you know what to do."
"Of course," Touma nodded, "Now that I know how this can be solved I won't hesitate."
"That's if it's a Megid," Chris reminded, "We don't know what it could be except the term 'monster'. For all we know it could be Alca-Noise and the guy was too scared to say the right term."
"That would be a simpler task to deal with," Rintaro noted.
"Let's see if we can work on a full and formal status report so we won't be blind the entire time," Sophia said as she went to sit down in her usual seat, "We'll also send all available Riders and Wielders to deal with it."
"Roger," Sakuya said, "I'll start contacting Kanade, Kirika, and Shirabe to brief them on the situation. Given they're likely not near the docks, they'll be our backup while those here will be our initial investigation crew."
"Caution is of the utmost importance but so is time," Sophia said to the Riders and Wielders present, "So head out at once."
"Yes, please be careful," Elfnein finally spoke up, "I can't help but feel something is off about this situation even if it is a Megid."
"Don't worry," Hibiki held a fist up with a confident smile, "We have each other's backs and Yuri's with us. We'll be fine."
"I suppose so," Elfnein nodded.
"I've got a transport prepared for you all," Aoi called out, "It will be here in a few minutes!"
The Riders and Wielders nodded, all five heading out of the bridge to make their way outside.
"Just great," Kanade groaned as she began rushing through whatever shortcuts she could, "New Megid attack, and likely one that involves that new type."
She had to come to a sudden halt however when a sudden burst of smoke impacted in front of her before spreading out, the smoke rising and spreading as anyone nearby began to scream and run off. Of course the wielder of Kyomu could only narrow her eyes as she saw Reika in front of her once the smoke dispersed enough.
The resulting smoke dispersing had caused a haze/fog-like effect, obscuring the two Riders from easy viewing as well as working as a deterrent to keep any average person from approaching.
"Kanade," Reika said as she kept a neutral expression, Noroshi at her side while her Ride Book was already in her hand.
"Reika," Kanade said as she brought out her Bladriver and attached it to her waist before bringing out her personal Ride Book, "I take it you aren't here to talk?"
"Do I really have to answer an obvious question?" Reika asked before lightly glaring, "It's time you return what doesn't belong to you."
"Pretty sure these belong to me more than anyone else given I'm tied so heavily to them," Kanade remarked as she prepared her transformation alongside Reika, "Henshin!"
Reika glared further as she initiated her transformation, "Henshin!"
[BATTOU! ETERNAL PHOENIX!]
[NOROSHI KAISEN! FLYING! SMOG! STING! STEAM! KONCHUU DAI~HYAKKA~!]
Their transformations completed, both combatants shouting out and rushing towards each other, both reeling their Seiken back before swinging forward and clashing against each other.
"Well someone's angry," Falchion remarked as she kept her ground, "Given what Boss and Daishinji told me, I figured you'd be a bit trickier."
"Shut it, traitor," Sabela hissed out as she pushed further.
"Ah, that's what this is about," Falchion took a step back as she gritted her teeth briefly, "Can't betray something I never believed in!"
Sabela gave a gasp as she felt Falchion push forward further, quickly withdrawing her attack and dispersing into smoke to avoid Kanade's slash. She then reformed off to the side in a crouching stance before launching forward as soon as she reformed, stabbing at Falchion who barely managed to block with the flat of Kyomu.
The group sent to investigate the Alexandria arrived with little trouble, most of them in awe at the massive ship upon seeing it up close. They had quickly met with the SONG agents already dispatched, finding out that evacuation had been completed though oddly enough the Captain was still missing.
The group of five entered the ship with ease and made their way through the main entrance hall of the ship. Of course when it came to figuring out where the monster was, the group immediately heard loud horns coming from the lower decks of the ship, which led them to the cargo compartment.
To everyone's surprise the cargo area was surprisingly spacious and held quite a lot of crates and boxes. That was until more horns sounded off, the crates vanishing alongside the contents that were inside.
"Alrighty!" the Ousama Megid called out as it spun into view while waving its scepter around, horns erupting from it as more crates vanished, "Megid Magic Babideboo!"
"Ah, it was a Megid after all!" Rintaro shouted as he pointed forward.
"Come on, come on," Ousama began to dance around, doing a small jig, "Bippity boppity, kingity hoppity!"
"W-What the heck is it even doing?!" Hibiki questioned, "Its stealing boxes?!"
"More like what's inside them," Chris glared, figuring that the Megid before them had some kind of ulterior motive.
"Marvelous, all this treasure for me," Ousama remarked before scratching its stomach, "My tummy's tingly with excitement!"
"You're not going any further!" Touma called out, as he brought out his Swordriver alongside Rintaro, "Yuri, everyone, let's go!"
"Right," The others nodded as they all went to prepare their transformations.
"Huh?" Ousama turned before giving a gasp and pointing his scepter forward hastily, "Halt where you stand!"
The Riders and Wielders could only yelp as they suddenly backed away, a black car suddenly materializing in front of them.
"Eh?" Hibiki asked, "A car?!"
"Wait, isn't that one of ours?!" Rintaro questioned, noticing the style of car was that of what SONG used.
"Who cares," Chris said with a glare as she quickly ran forward before hopping over the hood of the car, "We need to stop that-" she cut herself off as she stood in silence, her eye twitching, "Did it just leave?!"
Despite being in front of them mere moments ago, as soon as it had distracted them with the car, the Megid made sure to vanish entirely.
"Huh?" Yuri stared in slight boredom, "What a cowardly fellow."
"Is he a king or a magician?" Touma questioned as he looked around, "It doesn't seem like he's trying to hide and attack us either…" he said as he noticed just how spacious the cargo compartment was even with the lack of boxes stacked about, "Huh… dim and eerie… a very haunting atmosphere…"
"Ooh, ooh," Hibiki looked over, "Like ghosts?"
"G-Ghosts…?" Chris stammered slightly at that word as she looked over, with the adrenaline rush gone she was only now just starting to realize how creepy the room they in was, "Don't be ridiculous, either way we have more important things to worry about than getting ideas, bookworm!"
"Ah, you're right!" Touma realized as he turned back for the exit, "We should report in."
"Right," Rintaro nodded, "We can't leave that Megid alone for too long."
"Exactly," Chris said as she quickly hurried after Touma before taking the lead, glad they could avoid that conversation altogether, "We're wasting daylight."
The group walked out, unaware that they were being watched by Storious who was hiding behind a stack of boxes that were near one of the shadowed edges of the room.
"Nicely done," Storious remarked in a low voice as he peered around the corner of the boxes, "There's no need for a direct confrontation immediately."
[TOWA NO FUSHICHO!]
Falchion yelled out as she swung Kyomu forward, an orange slash of energy launching forward before morphing into a phoenix that sped towards Sabela.
[MUGEN ITTOTSU!]
[CHOU NOROSHI MUCHUU!]
Sabela initiated her own finisher, her body evaporating into grey smoke which spread outwards through the area as Falchion's attack missed her entirely. Falchion already figured the tactic at hand however, turning and raising Kyomu to block and incoming slash from Sabela.
"You're not that varied in how you use those powers, huh?" Falchion taunted.
"You talk too much," Sabela said as she shifted her blade, it now pointing directly at the phoenix Rider before electrified webbing shot out.
Falchion gasped as she was ensnared by the webbing, wincing as the electrical charge it held forced her back further due to the consistent shocks.
[KONCHUU ENBU ISSEN!]
Eight mechanical spider legs began forming out from behind Sabela, all the tips enveloped in pink energy. The Rider of Smoke said nothing as the legs all lunged forward at once, striking Falchion dead center and causing an explosive burst as a result.
Falchion yelled out as she was sent rolling across the ground before stopping on her back. She was ready to get up and keep fighting when she saw Noroshi's tip pointed directly at her helmet.
"Stop resisting," Sabela said as she stared directly at Falchion, "Just because your group surprised me last time, doesn't mean it's easy to beat me."
"That's true," Falchion replied, "Though I never planned on underestimating you."
"Yet you sound confident despite your situation," Sabela noted.
"Well you mentioned SONG," Falchion said, "And really, if I can't beat you by myself…"
"Get away from her, dess!"
"Falchion, are you alright?"
Sabela quickly turned to see Kirika and Shirabe arriving on the scene. She stared at the two for a short while before looking down at Falchion and withdrawing her sword.
"I was hoping to do this without interruptions," Sabela admitted quietly before unleashing a smokescreen from her sword, the smoke enveloping her before thinning out and showing that she had vanished.
"Eh, she just left?!" Kirika asked.
"But why did she?" Shirabe asked as she hurried over to Falchion alongside Kirika.
"Not sure, but you guys really spooked her," Falchion remarked as she dismissed her transformation, "But shouldn't you be with the others? We got those orders remember?"
"We did, dess," Kirika nodded, "But once Noroshi was activated and found alongside Kyomu, Sophia asked us to back you up."
"So we hurried over as fast as possible," Shirabe added.
"It's too bad though," Kirika admitted as she drew out the Sakurani Wars Ride Book, "We just got these and I was hoping to test them out, dess."
Shirabe meanwhile took her own Ride Book out, Tsuki no Hime Kaguyan, "Daishinji mentioned that we're likely to get new forms from these."
"Oh so they finally found some matching pairs for Igalima and Shul Shagana," Kanade said as she looked the Ride Books over, "Well hey, I'm sure you'll get a good chance to use them sometime soon, like with whatever's going on with that cruise ship."
"True, dess," Kirika said before hearing her communicator ring alongside Kanade's and Shirabe's.
"Looks like that's them," Kanade said as she went to answer the call.
The incident with the Alexandria however wasn't the only mission that SONG was dealing with. Though while that was a more recent investigation, a more long-form investigation was currently taking place in London thanks to Yatsuhiro Kazanari. It was more covert than normal missions, as there were only two people clued in on the full details of it. Those were Ogawa and Maria, the latter of which was the lead for the mission.
Maria had used journeying with Tsubasa to London as an excuse to head a covert operation in finding out more about the Bavarian Illuminati. The group was involved in the Frontier Incident due to backing the FIS, alongside the Magical Girl incident with their resources being put towards Carol's endgame. There was also the chance that Master Logos was also in league with them, and any hints towards him and his groups' true motives would be greatly appreciated.
Her search had currently led her to tailing a man who was very obviously a part of some sort of secret society. The man wore a black cloak that hid most of his appearance and that just made him stick out a lot more. Her pursuit had led her to some of the older areas of London, going through various back alleyways while keeping her distance. Thankfully she had her usual disguise of a sunhat and sunglasses alongside more casual attire to keep from being recognized either by him or any potential fans that could ruin the operation.
'I must admit this is nerve-wracking,' Maria thought to herself as she continued to follow the robed man while staying discreet. She froze in place and had to keep from making noise when she saw the man suddenly tense up, 'did… did he notice me?'
The robed man relaxed before continuing towards an old abandoned tunnel entrance, seemingly unaware of Maria's presence.
'Okay, good…' Maria let out a silent breath of relief as she continued her pursuit. Admittedly she was curious as to what time it was and checked her phone, her eyes widening at how much time she had wasted just trying to tail the robed man, 'Talk about being as careful as possible… he goes any slower and I'll have to cancel the plans for dinner I made with Tsubasa.'
The robed man glanced back, seemingly taking notice of Maria but keeping his movements subtle to not reveal that he knew. He quickly hurried up in his pace, heading for a seemingly normal wall.
'No wait, this isn't the time to be distracted,' Maria shook her head before looking back up, her eyes widening as she saw the robed man near a wall, though the dim lighting of the area made it seem as if he had vanished into pure darkness, "What…" she muttered, "What was that?"
She quickly hurried over and began checking the wall, trying to find something that could give her an explanation for what had just happened. Until she noticed something off about the wall upon closer inspection, moving near it and pressing against it a clicking sound was heard, the wall opening up to reveal a hidden passageway.
"A hidden passageway activated by an unseen switch," Maria mused in a low voice as she stared at the now open hidden entrance. She brought out her phone and was glad there was at least some kind of signal, sending a message to Ogawa that she had found an entrance to a potential enemy base before activating her communicators tracking feature and heading inside.
Of course Maria herself was unaware that she also being tailed. Her pursuer was none other than Ryoga Shindai who held a neutral expression as he walked towards the secret entrance, "Maria Candenzavna Eve… you will be purged."
Sophia was still taking lead of the current mission, Sakuya and Aoi typing away as she had contacted everyone that had been assigned to the Alexandria Investigation, the Riders and Wielders all chiming in through communications.
"Alright, I think we've got a grasp on the situation," Sophia noted as she looked at all the combined data.
"What exactly is our situation?" Chris questioned, "You know, other than the likely human turned Megid."
"Less likely and more for sure," Sakuya said, "We've gotten further testimony from the Captain's second in command, Ono. He mentioned a strange man had appeared and shoved a book inside the Captain's chest. Then just like that, a king-like monster took the Captain's place."
"So our King is actually a Captain?" Hibiki questioned.
"I'm not sure if that's our main point of concern…" Rintaro chuckled sheepishly.
"That matches the description you all gave of what we're classifying as the Ousama Megid," Aoi added, "And we think we've got a match on his goals as well."
"The Alexandria was transporting a hefty sum of priceless art and artifacts for a Greek Egypt Exhibit that's set to open next week," Sophia continued, "More than likely our King Megid is after ancient and priceless items."
"That's likely the goal it's working towards to complete itself," Touma said, recalling how the Yeti Megid was trying to rampage and freeze everything in its path, "We have to cut it off before it goes any further."
"Of course it appears as if we've got interference," Sakuya replied, "Sabela showed up again to confront Kanade."
"Ah, are you alright Kanade?" Hibiki asked with worry.
"Don't worry about me," Kanade brushed the concern off, "I had it handled plus Kirika and Shirabe broke off to help me once SONG was aware of the attack. They managed to spook our Smokey the Moth so well that she ran."
"…that was lame," Chris remarked in a dry tone at Sabela's nickname, "And you should feel bad for that."
"Is she even a moth, dess?" Kirika asked.
"She's certainly insect themed," Shirabe replied, "But it doesn't seem to be a singular type either."
"Yeah, when we were just getting there I saw like spider legs coming out of her, dess!" Kirika recalled.
"I feel like we're losing focus here," Touma spoke up, "So we've got to watch out for Sabela while searching for our Ousama Megid. Do we have a potential pattern yet?"
"Well given its stealing treasured items, we should try and-" Sakuya cut himself off as he started receiving emergency reports, his eyes widening, "What even?!"
"What's wrong?" Aoi asked before the reports were shared, "No way…" She trailed before bringing them up on screen, "We're receiving reports of vehicles vanishing only to be stacked up in a wall-like fashion nearby."
"Huh?" Rintaro asked, "Is there another Megid working alongside the Ousama Megid?"
"That's just what we need, huh?" Chris asked.
"It could be the same Megid though," Kanade pointed out.
"But why would one that wants treasure try and steal cars?" Hibiki asked before gasping, "Wait, didn't that Ousama Megid use a car against us?!"
"He did!" Touma called out in agreement, "We need to try and find the Megid now."
"Going through surveillance…" Sakuya said as he found the latest set of cars being stacked into a wall. Soon enough he found Ousama nearby, "I've got a lock on the-!" he paused when the Megid vanished from sight, "Never mind…"
"It's vanishing too fast for us to get a proper lock," Aoi realized, "This isn't good… why is it making walls with cars?"
"We'll have to figure it out as we go," Rintaro suggested, "Our best bet is splitting up into different groups and spreading out. We'll report in when we find the Ousama Megid and try and keep it distracted until everyone can converge in and Yuri deals the decisive blow."
"We're counting on you all," Sophia said, "So move out!"
"Yes ma'am!" was the resounding response from everyone as communications were ended.
"Ah, aren't Daishinji and Miku out and about too?" Sakuya realized.
"We should probably let them know as well just in case," Aoi added.
"You're right, I'll make the call," Sophia said as she went to contact Daishinji on his Gattrike Phone.
Maria was still on her pursuit mission in London, walking down a fairly well lit hidden tunnel.
"Just how much longer am I going to keep walking…?" Maria muttered as she glanced around, there was enough light to where she knew she had to be extra careful from being spotted, especially if there was any hidden surveillance.
That was until she heard glass shattering, the familiar pink glow of a summoning gate forming as a small group of Alca-Noise appeared in front of her.
"Not good," Maria's eyes widened as she backed away, quickly drawing out her pendant, "~Seilien coffin A-"
The Alca-Noise immediately closed in, extending their arms to strike at Maria who quickly leapt backwards, flipping a few times as her hat and sunglasses fell off. She could only glare as the Alca-Noise began to approach at a faster rate.
"Damn it, they're closing the distance too fast," Maria realized, "I can't transform if they don't let up on the pressure…" she trailed before realizing she did have something that could help her out of this situation, "But…"
"Don't waste your time," the robed man soon came into view with a smirk, "With how little space there is, my pets will be on top of you faster than you can sing."
"You," Maria narrowed her eyes.
"I knew a dog was sniffing around," the robed man noted, "But I never expected the famed Maria Cadenzavna Eve. Though given you work for SONG now, I shouldn't be surprised. Why are you here?"
"If I tell you the truth, will you let me off the hook?" Maria asked with a smirk as she began reaching for something in her pockets.
"Well that depends on how lengthy and detailed that truth your mentioning is," the robed man remarked, buying into Maria's conversation.
"Sorry to say but I'd rather not waste too much of my time," Maria admitted as she took grip of what she was looking for.
"Well then you should only blame yourself for not being willing to talk," the robed man said with a shrug before raising a hand forward, "Attack, kill her!"
The Alca-Noise launched their tendrils out, trying to strike Maria all at once. Maria herself simply held up a Wonder Ride Book. It was a light green book with the cover showing a pink hare and a green tortoise riding in mechanical animal-like vehicles themed after themselves. The title of the book was…
[BAKUSOU USAGI TO KAME!]
Upon opening the book, a green turtle shell-like projection formed and blocked the attacks before releasing a burst of energy that forced the tendrils back.
The robed man stepped forward, "What?!"
"Now's my chance," Maria said as she quickly stood while gripping her pendant tightly, "~Seilien coffin Airgetlám tron~"
{SG-x00:Airgetlám}
The robed man gave a gasp and stepped back in fear as he watched a bright white light envelop the tunnel. When the light faded, Maria was in her Airgetlam Symphogear, the Wielder brandishing her armor's blade before charging towards the Alca-Noise.
"Right, alright," Daishinji said as he had answered Sophia's call, currently in a grassy lot behind a few buildings as he watched Miku practice sword stances and strikes with a wooden sword, "Understood, we'll keep an eye out and try and be careful."
"Did something come up?" Miku asked as she kept on the routine the Swordsman of Sound had drilled into her.
"New Megid, we're just to keep an eye out in case it comes our way," Daishinji said as he pocketed his Gattrike Phone, "This one seems to be more slippery than the Yeti."
"Well hopefully they'll catch it," Miku said before stopping the routine and catching her breath.
"We can break for now," Daishinji said as he grabbed a water bottle and tossed it over towards Miku, "You're definitely putting your all into this while maintaining every other part of your life."
"Well I always make sure to get my work done for school as early as possible," Miku admitted as she caught the water bottle before unscrewing it to take a sip, "But considering its summer and we get a lot more free time, it feels nice to work on something rather than just lazing about."
"Fair," Daishinji said before his ears twitched, "Huh?"
"Is something wrong?" Miku asked.
"It's just… I thought I heard…" Daishinji quickly turned towards some bushes as his eyes widened. The missing Captain of the Alexandria, Minoru, was stumbling around nearby and falling onto the ground, "Someone…"
"Oh dear," Miku said as she began to approach.
"Hold it Miku," Daishinji hurried over before putting an arm in front of her, "Call Touma immediately, this guy…"
"Stop it… just stop it…" Minoru groaned out as he held his chest and stomach before yelling out and spreading his arms, "Stop it!"
[HADASHI NO OUSAMA!]
It wasn't long before the Ousama Megid fully formed, "No, no, there's no stopping this!"
"Ah, he's the Megid we're looking for?" Miku gave a gasp.
"Yes," Daishinji quickly withdrew Suzune from his holster before readying his transformation, "Just call Touma… Henshin!"
"Right," Miku quickly pulled back and pulled out her phone while dialing Touma.
[JUUKEN GEKIDAN! ONJUUKEN SUZUNE!]
With a flash of pink, Kamen Rider Slash was on the scene as he ran directly towards the Ousama Megid.
"Let's get building, lippity, dippity, clingity kingity!" the Ousama Megid shouted as the sound of horns erupted from its scepter, cars from nearby vanishing before being stacked into a wall formation nearby. It chuckled and began to spin around before stopping when it saw Slash approach, "Hey no, shoo, shoo! Go away!"
"Sorry but I won't let you escape!" Slash shouted as he leapt forward and slashed at the Ousama Megid which blocked his strike with its cane.
"No, but I must continue to build my kingdom!" the Ousama Megid shouted as it released a yellow pulse from the gem on its scepter, forcing Slash back before it pointed its scepter forward, "Now go boom!"
Slash gave a gasp as he quickly rolled along the ground, blasts erupting from the scepter and striking at the ground near and around him.
"Very well, I didn't want to hurt you too much…" Slash quickly switched Suzune to its Gun Play mode, taking aim and firing at the Ousama Megid, "But!"
"Marvelous, marvelous," the Ousama Megid chuckled before gasping as sparks flew from the counter attack, "Ah, that hurt!"
"Alright," Slash took this chance to aim again only to gasp out as a few small energy blasts struck him, forcing him to let go of Suzune, "Gah, what?"
Storious walked out from behind one of the buildings, his hand glowing briefly before that glow faded, "Let's not get in the way now, shall we?"
"Storious…" Slash muttered as he quickly picked up Suzune before taking aim and firing at the Megid Leader.
Storious surrounded himself in energy, his body shifting into that of his more monstrous state. He brought out his sword and easily deflected the shots before red energy formed in front of him, creating two clones that began to approach Slash.
"Ah, Daishinji…" Miku gasped as she realized that her friend was at a disadvantage, and the Ousama Megid likely had a better chance at getting away now.
[KAENKEN REKKA!]
[KOUGOUKEN SAIKOU!]
Saber gave a yell as he landed between Storious and his clones in Crimson Dragon. He held Rekka in one hand with Saikou in the other, spinning and unleashing slashes of fire and light that erupted out.
Storious and his clones gasped out, staggering back from the attacks. The three however growled out and gathered energy in their swords before spinning and swinging, launching out three slashes that converged into one.
"Saber, watch out!" Slash called out.
"Don't worry, I've got this!" Saber shouted as he crossed Rekka and Saikou together, their elements erupting as he blocked against the massive slash. He yelled out as he tried to push forward only to feel the power from it overwhelm him, "No way… it's stronger than I-"
BOOM!
Miku's eyes widened, "Touma!"
Saber yelled out as the energy slash had erupted against him and exploded, sending him sprawling back as Saikou was sent out of his hand.
"What a troublesome power," Saikou remarked as he floated upwards, "Good thing I can deal with it easily… so let there be light!"
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
Saikou unleashed a wave of concentrated light from his sword body, the two Storious clones gasping out as they were dispersed into red smoke.
"Fascinating," Storious said in near awe, "So this is yet another power of the Sword of Light?"
Slash shouted as he leapt forward, switching his weapon back to Sword Board mode and slashing at Storious who was forced to block.
"Touma," Slash called out as he kept up the pressure, "Separate the Megid, now!"
"On it," Saber called out as he began to get up, "Yuri, let's go."
"Very well," Saikou said as he began shining light onto the ground.
[WHO IS THIS? SAIKOU NISHOU! SHADOW!]
Shadow was formed and took grip of Saikou, both Saber and Shadow rushing past Storious and Slash towards the Ousama Megid.
"Keep on piling, yeah, yeah!" the Ousama Megid shouted before giving a yelp as it saw the two approaching, "No, no, stay back!"
"I won't allow you all to win so easily," Storious remarked as he held up his free hand, it closed into a fist before he swung forward.
Glass shattering was heard as Alca-Noise suddenly formed between Saber, Shadow, and the Ousama Megid.
"Alca-Noise…?" Saber questioned, "But how?"
"Carol had quite the stockpile leftover that I helped myself to before her finale," Storious replied.
"We'll need to deal with these first," Saber said, realizing Miku was still in the area and he couldn't let the Alca-Noise run rampant and escape.
"Very well," Saikou sighed as he had Shadow charge forward, the construct slashing through the Alca-Noise to slice them apart.
The two were making quick work, and their assault forced the Alca-Noise's attention all on them.
"Come on," Miku muttered as she saw the multiple fights taking place before noticing that the cars had stopped being stacked, "Oh no…" she realized before turning towards the fight, "Touma!"
"Huh?" Saber looked over before giving a gasp at the wall.
"All done, all done," The Ousama Megid proclaimed before swinging his scepter forward, "Now bow like the peasants you are!"
Saber and Saikou gave gasps as bursts of energy were launched all around them, explosions kicking up dirt and smoke. Saber ended up ducking and rolling away while Saikou had Shadow do the same, not wanting to be blown away by the attacks.
"Shadow is definitely more limiting than I first thought," Saikou noted.
"Then just let me wield you like normal," Saber said as he held out a hand, "That's not a problem, right?"
"Of course not," Saikou said as Shadow held him forward while vanishing.
Just as Saber was ready to grab at Saikou, Storious leapt at him, having forced Slash back briefly to continue his disruptions. The Megid Leader swung his sword, forcing both Saber and Saikou away from each other as a result.
"I'd prefer if you didn't do anything too hasty," Storious remarked as he stood between the Swordsman of Flames and the Sword of Light.
"We're not done!" Slash yelled out as he leapt in and slashed at Storious, forcing the Megid leader into a clash once more. He then slammed his palm against the base of his sword, reverberations being heard as multicolored energy bursts shined out, forcing Storious back.
Storious quickly raised his blade, coating it in energy as he began to block and brace against Slash's next set of attacks. The Swordsman of Sound had begun unleashing stronger sound-like bursts in his attacks, strings of music notes erupting from the strikes as the Megid Leader was put on the backfoot.
"You can't just rush a story's climax," Storious hissed out as he quickly ducked underneath a swing from Slash before vanishing in a puff of red smoke. He reappeared next to the Ousama Megid, grasping it by the shoulder before vanishing with it.
Everyone took a few steps forward as they saw this.
"Damn," Slash hissed out.
"They're gone," Miku said as she began to look around.
"He's desperate to keep that Megid intact," Saber noted, "Otherwise he wouldn't have left like that."
"We'll need to find it then," Saikou said.
"Right," Saber said, ready to dismiss his transformation when he felt a hand grab his wrist, "Huh?"
"Touma," Slash said as he was the one who stopped Saber, "You'll likely be facing Storious again, there's something I want to teach you, just in case."
"Teach me…?" Saber asked.
"Is now really the time?" Saikou asked as he dismissed his transformation, a bright flash occurring as Yuri reformed.
"Trust me," Slash said, "Storious is not going to make this easy for any of us, and if I'm not there and he pulls out a powerful attack like before, you need someone who can counter it."
"Fine then," Saber nodded before looking over at Yuri, "Our first priority is separating the Megid from its host, and you're able to do that by yourself. So we can split up for now."
"Very well," Yuri nodded before walking off, once he walked past Miku he glanced back at her. He stared for a short while but said nothing and walked off to try and find the Ousama Megid.
"Now then…" Saber said as he began to back away from Slash, "How exactly do we do this?"
"Go on the offensive, hit me with your strongest attacks," Slash replied, "And I'll show you all it takes is a little ingenuity to turn a battle around."
"Very well…" Saber said as he began to enter a fighting stance alongside Slash.
Miku could only stare at the two in slight awe, despite it clearly being a quick practice session, the two were concentrating heavily. The two Swordsmen had yet to even make their moves, and yet she could feel a chill run up her in anticipation.
Back in London, Maria was currently cutting her way through the Alca-Noise that had been sent against her. Despite their numbers, she easily cut through their ranks. But more were summoned in their place as the robed man before her continued to bring out more and more.
"I suppose your continued use of Alca-Noise fairly frivolously points to you being an alchemist," Maria said as she punched a smaller Alca-Noise away before slicing through one that was trying to strike her from the side, "Though you're throwing out them carelessly given the damage that they're capable of, even if this is an unused tunnel."
"All the more reason for you to not make too many hasty movements," the alchemist chuckled, "They're all trained on you, so you better play it safe."
"Damn it," Maria cursed as she realized the alchemist had a point, wincing as she got shoved by one Alca-Noise and barely blocking another's attack, "This limiting fighting style isn't exactly my thing."
"Perfect," the alchemist remarked, "Keep at it boys! Show her who… huh?" he squinted slightly as he saw a bright light at the end of the tunnel they were in, "Is that a subway train?!" he gave a gasp before realizing something, "No wait, this is a secret passage connected to an old tunnel, why would one be in here?!"
"Wait…" Maria listened closely, hearing the roar of a peculiar engine, "That engine!"
"~Imyuteus Ame no Habakiri tron~"
A blue flash occurred from the light at the end of the tunnel as the mechanical sounding announcement blared out and echoed through the tunnel.
{SG-r01: Amenohabakiri}
Tsubasa let out a consistent yell as she sped forward on her motorcycle, her ankle blades shifting and forming a blade in front of the tire, "Maria! Back away!"
"On it," Maria quickly leapt back from the horde of Alca-Noise that she was facing.
The alchemist meanwhile gave a yelp as he quickly went to duck out of the way as well.
Tsubasa yelled out as she pierced through most of the Noise, spinning around once she had cut through them once. She then pushed against the ground, forcing her vehicle briefly into the air as she leapt off of it, her motorcycle crashing against the rest of the Alca-Noise and engulfing them in an explosive burst.
{Flash of the Rider's Blade – Final Lightning}
"And there goes another one…" Maria muttered in a slight bored tone, she had been made aware of this quirk of Tsubasa by the others. But even this couldn't stop her from questioning Tsubasa's spending habits.
"No way, SONG reinforcements…?" the alchemist questioned, "You were just stalling for time?"
"Yes and no," Maria said, "I was stalling to grab the Wonder Ride Book I could use to give me time to transform. I was hoping to deal with you quickly but that wasn't able to happen. Of course, the backup isn't unappreciated."
"Sorry I'm late," Tsubasa apologized as she brought out her sword.
"You definitely picked the perfect time to make an entrance though," Maria admitted.
"I suppose so," Tsubasa said as she kept her eyes trained on the alchemist, "I was surprised when I heard that you were deep into a mission. I knew that one of our agents was acting in secret, but I didn't think it was you, Maria."
"Of course," Maria scoffed, "Why else do you think I was sent to London?"
"Oh," Tsubasa held a look of realization, though continued on her innocent assumption, "I assumed it was because Tsukuyomi and Akatsuki have been busy with schoolwork recently, and that you were feeling lonely as a result."
"E-Excuse me…?" Maria turned in surprise, "What is that supposed to mean?!"
"Still, I'm surprised you chose to make plans for dinner if you were going to be busy," Tsubasa added.
"It was a very spur of the moment situation," Maria defended her actions, "Once I saw this alchemist I knew I couldn't let him go. Admittedly I'm surprised Ogawa sent you and didn't come himself."
"I was closer than he was when it came to the signal you kept transmitting," Tsubasa replied, "So he asked me to assist."
"Well I suppose I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth," Maria said as she held up her knife, "Now then…"
"Damn it," the alchemist backed away, "One Symphogear is bad enough, but two?!"
"My, my, how the tables have turned," Maria taunted.
"We have a lot of questions for you," Tsubasa said as she kept her eyes on the alchemist, "Will you come quietly?"
"You really think I plan on doing that?!" The alchemist asked as he reached into his pockets.
"Not so fast!" Tsubasa quickly launched a knife out of her thigh armor, catching it and flicking it forward in one swift motion. The knife embedded itself into the alchemist's shadow, forcing him to freeze as a result.
{Shadow Weaving}
"Not bad," Maria said as she began to move forward, "Looks like we've won."
"Indeed," Tsubasa nodded as she walked forward as well.
The two suddenly paused as a gold edged blade suddenly entered their view, the two raising their weapons as they blocked against a sudden slash. Both Wielders quickly backed up to see Ryoga, the brother of Reika holding his sword out as he stared at the two.
"What a nuisance you girls have become," Ryoga said as he turned towards the alchemist and walked past, grabbing the knife before tossing it aside, disrupting the Shadow Weaving.
The alchemist gave a gasp as he fell to his knees in relief.
"Who are you?" Maria asked.
"Wait a minute…" Tsubasa's eyes widened as she saw the sword that Ryoga was holding, "That sword matches Kamiyama's description…" she soon glared at the man before them, "You're the one who killed Daichi Kamijo."
"He served his purpose well," Ryoga replied, "But he couldn't be allowed to run along any further than he already had."
"So one of the remaining Seiken Wielders under Master Logos comes to confront us," Maria noted, "Going by our guesses and Kanade's words… you must be Ryoga Shindai, correct?"
"I am," Ryoga replied as he stayed where he was.
"Why are you here?" Tsubasa asked.
"Simple, it would do you no good to find out more about the Bavarian Illuminati," Ryoga said as he brought out a white paged and black covered book with various ocean animals on it labeled Ocean History, "And given my master has no need for Symphogear Wielders… you will be purged."
[OCEAN HISTORY!]
[A still-engraved history of this sinking ultramarine life.]
He slotted Ocean History onto the slot on Jikokuken Kaiji, splitting the blade from the handle and guard and spreading his arms out as a sonar ping could be heard echoing throughout the tunnel. He moved his arms clockwise to where they were above and below his chest, to where the blade of his sword was now pointing down at the hilt and grip of the sword.
Without another word he slammed both together, a flash of blue occurring as a large Ocean History Book appeared behind him. When the flash of color faded, it could be seen that the Jikokuken Kaiji had been converted into a trident.
[KAIJI GYAKKAI!]
"Henshin…" he twirled his trident around before slashing forward, a large school of fish erupting from the enlarged Ride Book before circling around him. The slashes that erupted from the trident launched back and slammed into him alongside the fish.
[TOKI WA… TOKI WA… TOKI WA TOKI WA TOKI WA TOKI WA! WARENAI! OCEAN HISTORY!]
Standing before Tsubasa and Maria was a primarily black colored Rider with white patches and blue lines all spread out throughout the armor. The armor held a marine/wave theme to it, and one would think that he could be considered a water elemental Rider given his aesthetic.
[OCEAN BASSHAN! BASSHAN!]
"I am Ryoga Shinda," the Rider declared as he brandished his trident, "Kamen Rider… Durendal."
Tsubasa and Maria's eyes widened at the use of that title, "Durendal…?"
Durendal said nothing as he withdrew his trident blade from the base of his Seiken, pressing down on the trigger on the hilt.
Both Tsubasa and Maria's eyes narrowed at this as they both rushed forward, brandishing their blades as they closed in.
[KAIJI MASSHOU!]
Tsubasa and Maria only heard the crashing of waves as Durendal disappeared from their sight with a splash. Both stumbled forward as they were suddenly in the process of finishing swinging their blades forward. Both were confused due to the fact that they didn't even recall ever starting their attacks in the slightest.
[SAI KAIJI!]
The two felt a chill run down their spines, barely turning as Durendal was already behind them, swinging to strike at them with his trident.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: Decided to go for a bit of a modified version of the Ousama Megid plot this time around by adding in a couple of elements from Symphogear 3.5 from XDU. Adding in that there is no splintering group like in Saber and we get a semi-standard look at how SONG handles this new Megid type. I say semi purely because they're dealing with a lot of interference. Though, they're likely to have it better than Tsubasa and Maria who now have to deal with Durendal. That said I will once again remind people that this story does have a TV Tropes page. It's still new-ish so there hasn't been a lot added to it, so anyone taking a look and adding to it is appreciated! With that out of the way, thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.