Reviews:
Akira: Yosuke feels guilty since it was HIS body being used for bad things. The whole Carol-Hajime thing is weird. Because in a way, they are related because of Bragard, but it's still weird to explain.
Caballero lector rojo: Un gusto tenerte por aqui, caballero. Si lees esto antes que responda tus mensajes, los contestare pronto no te preocupes.
501awezome: To be honest, you summarized the Symphogear universe in a nutshell lol. The Noise were already terrorizing humanity for a good chunk of the story, the Fine destroys a city, more Noise show up, and the whole Frontier incident, Carol, Adam, and then Shem-Ha. It reminds me of One Punch Man with the amount of destroyed cities there are sometimes. I think they never mentioned what city they're in on purpose. We'll get that happy ending! Eventually...For now, we must travel through this foggy mist of pain and doubts. Yeah, lol. The funeral business is definitely booming. Taxpayers must be pissed by how much money must go into reconstructing the cities.
SoutaAmetsuchi: He'll be fine...I think.
primenidus: Fuck indeed
Lord Ri The Husby King: Right. Yosuke and Tsubasa are the second oldest couple. And have been a couple for a while. But they take things slow. Hopefully, this teaches them to just enjoy each other's company and be more intimate. Like everyone else. I'm surprised you have that theory about Loki. I had another reader mention that they think Loki is going to backstab Shem-Ha. He could backstab either say. He is the trickster God, after all. I agree with Carol's comment. But we have to remember that was baby Carol. The current Carol is pretty ruthless and with a hardened heart due to her pain and centuries of age. I feel like Elfnein is what Carol was. Kind and happy. And current Carol is grumpy but has her own way of showing kindness. Sometimes. So her being strict with Bragi is just her way of making sure he doesn't turn out like her or Bragard. Don't worry. Hazuki vs Bragi is going to happen in the near future.
nickseverino8: I think I added that theme last season...I might use it again. Not sure.
Tenzalucard123: Raiden saves his senpai and Yosuke kills Psykos, freeing himself. Shem-Ha is out. How will Bragi react?
Tigracho: Yosuke will probably take it better. He's older and wiser than Hajime. Not to mention, like you said, he won't have time to respite. Since we know what's coming up soon. Yeah, I was actually laughing when Maria said that in the anime. I know Symphoger takes place in 2046 or something. But the Chernobyl disaster wasn't like thousands of years ago even in our time lol. Everyone loves being theatrical there, apparently. The whole Hyperion/Liang family tree is weird. If we count Loki and Shem-Ha as the progenitors, due to having Narfi and him mixing with the original Liangs. Bragard and Carol having/created Bragi, hundreds of years after their time. So yeah, he's like their great-cousin or something. They're only related to Bragi because Bragard's sister, Lucine, married into the Liangs. Otherwise, they wouldn't, since Carol and Bragard never got married. That is true, Hajime and Maria are tied to the Custodians. Enki and Shem-Ha. Good thing they never tried to kill each other like they did. Well, I guess they did back in G. But it's water under the bridge. As for Nightmare...you're on the right track. But not quite there. You'll see what I mean in like 2 chapters from now.
Chapter 126
Everyone's Older Brother
Jades walked down the dark corridors of the former FIS facility in silence. It was eerie. Way more than he remembered. He vaguely remembered the last time he even set foot in the place. It was way back when the insurgence succeeded.
"We're running late, TeruTeru!"
Jades glanced up to his right, reminiscing of the past as he pictured their younger versions at different points in time.
"Because YOU decided to help those brats get dressed! Why haven't they learned already?!"
Another memory flashed in front of him, this time, of Terunosuke carrying a crying Serena and Maria and Jades walking next to them.
"I hate check-up day." Jades rubbed his arm."Those needles are scary, huh?"
"But necessary." Maria raised her index finger. The pinkette glanced at her sister, who continued crying on Terunosuke's back."Come on, Serena. It wasn't that bad..."
"I-it was! It hurt and my arm feels numb!" Serena whined.
"It'll be fine, Serena. I'll...give you my dessert today." Terunosuke meekly said."If it makes you feel better..."
"Really? Thank you so much!" She peered over and kissed his cheek, making him blush.
Maria giggled while Jades smiled knowingly.
The silver-haired man eventually reached the doors for the auditorium, the place where they would often be called for announcements and roll calls.
"So...you took him away from his parents when you guys came here?"
Jades remembered the time he told Terunosuke what happened when they left their home. They were waiting to be called in to determine who would be the ones to try and get a Deck.
"Yeah...You see, back then, our country was at war. They needed soldiers, so they were starting to draft everyone, even kids. When Atticus and I ran, we took Andreas away from his abusive household. It was horrible. They treated him so badly and abused him. It's why he's so jumpy when we have combat training."
"I see. So that's how it is." Terunosuke grinned."You have a nag for picking up strays, you know that? Even Shirabe and Kirika took a liking to you already."
"Same to you. Shirabe and Raiden are always following you around. And don't even get me started on Serena."
"S-shut up!
Jades opened the door, entered the auditorium, and glanced around, noticing the withered chairs.
"We're all family here." Atticus said to all 9 of them once."We must love each other and look after each other. We're all we have, after all."
'I wonder...had I been truthful to you since the beginning, would you have stayed with us, Terunosuke?' Jades closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. He imagined Terunosuke being part of them. A life where he didn't go rogue and stayed with them, growing together, joining SONG, helping them find the Noise and all the enemies they had faced. In a perfect world, they would have all been together.
'But this isn't that world.' Jades opened his eyes again, noticing a figure on the stage of the auditorium.'I made those mistakes. So today, I'll see this through to the very end with you."
"So you made it." Terunosuke was sitting down on a stool in the middle of the stage, legs crossed."Took you long enough."
"I was reminiscing. But it was a bit hard to do...since this is the Mirror World...isn't it?"
"You noticed."
"Hard not to." Jades continued walking slowly down the path leading to the stage."Everything is mirrored. I know this place like the back of my hand. I'm confused as to how I got here, though...I get you want to fight here because this is where it all started. But I never went through a mirror."
"It's because of Kaburagi-kun's portals. They are Hyperspace Gates. Meaning they can work, even in different dimensions." Terunosuke briefly explained."But you're right. I picked this place because...this is where it all began. Where we all met. Where our paths crossed and we became a family. Where we suffered and endured...The place that unites us. But also the perfect place where it all ends. Where I finally sever my ties with all of you after I kill you. I'm going to make you pay for what you did to me. And avenge Serena."
"Avenge Serena?" Jades folded his arms, unamused."You know that even if you were Tiger instead of me, you'd have lost to the Nephilim."
"That's true. But I would never have let her alone. If I had the power...I would have stayed with her to the bitter end." Terunosuke clenched his chest, his face scrunched up in sadness."She died...because she sacrificed her life to save us...And she did it without hesitation...because she loved us. That being said...she died alone. Because neither you nor Atticus could make a difference. Someone has to take the blame for all of this."
"Serena didn't want any of us to die, that's why she-"
"AND WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU KNOW?! HUH?!"
Terunosuke abruptly stood up from his tool, his voice booming in the auditorium.
"WHAT COULD YOU POSSIBLE NOW?! ABOUT SERENA?! ABOUT HOW SHE LIVED THE LAST MOMENTS OF HER LIFE?!" Terunosuke shouted angrily."SHE WAS THE ONLY PERSON WHO EVER CARED ABOUT ME! AND WHAT DID I DO?! NOTHING! BECAUSE YOU TOOK WHAT I DESERVED! YOU RUINED ME! SHE DIED ALONE!"
"Your parents love you," Jades said, quietly, in contrast to Terunosuke's tone.
"My...parents...?" Terunosuke began chuckling before erupting in maniacal laughter, holding his stomach."Oh, that's hilarious! I don't give a fuck about them! They never cared about me!"
"They worked tirelessly! 3 fucking jobs! Just so you could have a future!" Jades' tone changed completely, matching Terunosuke's."Unlike us, you had a family to go back to! Why wasn't that enough for you?! You could have lived the life you wanted!"
"I wanted to be special! For my efforts to be recognized!" Terunosuke sneered."No one ever saw me for what I was worth! No one even looked at me at recognized my hard work! I studied my ass off for years, got a stupid job at the bottom of a fucking company, and for what?! To be treated like garbage?! And that old bitch knew, didn't she? She stepped on my hard work...despite knowing I was the one who deserved to be Tiger! Serena was the only one who ever saw my value! Who treated me like a human being! Who never once looked down on me! Who loved me!"
Jades frowned, clenching his fists at his words.
"You two-faced bastard. Tell me, how you're sleeping easy? How you're only thinking of yourself?" Terunosuke began pacing around, hands behind his back."You only treated us like your siblings because you were coping. And all of that time, you were lying to my fucking face. So tell me, how do you justify telling all these lies like second nature? You will pay for what you did. You knew deep down that eventually, karma would come to collect your debt."
"And the time to pay what you've done has come. Today, everything will finally end." The dark-haired man took out his Deck."It's time to kill you and get back what was mine. I finally got what I wanted. The day I met Kaburagi-kun and Loki-sama..." He removed the glove covering the brand of the snake."They helped me get out of that boxed life I had. I was finally rewarded! They recognized me! Finally...I...became someone...But it's not done. Not until you're dead."
"Before we do that...I want to ask you a final question." Jades locked eyes with him.
"Really? And what could you possibly want to know now?" Terunosuke adopted a bored expression.
"Did you do it? Did you kill Atticus that day? Or was Andreas right?" Jades asked, his face remaining expressionless, which is something Terunosuke found humorous, as he chuckled.
(Play Lost Judgement - Unwavering Belief)
"And what would that do for you? How is knowing that going to make a difference?"
"Just answer it. Please."
Terunosuke regarded him for a little, studying his expression."Yeah. I killed him. With my own two hands. It's how I got this power. I don't know how the kid ever thought I didn't do it. Heh. Naive to the very end, I guess."
"Right...Terunosuke?"
"Yeah?"
"Goodbye," Jades muttered.
Terunoke's smile disappeared, adopting a similar solemn look."Right...Farewell, it is."
Both brothers had their Decks in their hands, their V-Buckles manifesting around their waists. Terunosuke let out a battle cry before Jades did the same, slipping their Decks into their belts. Energy versions of Destwilder and Metalgelas followed after their respective masters as they jumped into the air, winding their fists back and connecting their fists while their monsters entered their bodies. In an explosion of energy, Gai and Tiger were clad in their armors, the shockwave of their fists knocking them back.
Gai seethed, going for the right hook, but Tiger twisted his wrist, suddenly behind him and holding his arm. Gai went for an elbow, but Tiger stepped back, hurling him across the auditorium with his strength. Gai crashed against the wall, the wind being knocked out of him for a second.
'I forgot...this bastard's strength is on another level...' Gai drew a card from his Deck, showing it to Tiger before tossing it to his visor on his shoulder and closing it.
Strike Vent: Metalhorn
Tiger materialized his Destvisor, watching as Gai rushed at him in a straight line. He parried his Metalhorn with ease, reading his moves like an open book and thanks to his speed, he was able to not only parry but also deliver a few punches that made him stagger. Tiger kicked him into the chest, launching into a wall. Gai landed on his feet, rubbing his chest.
'Damn...' Gai was fuming now. He took a deep breath, realizing his emotions getting riled up wouldn't do him any good. He had to play smart. Jades was always superior to him in terms of combat experience, but he was dumber, at least by comparison.
'I'll have to be smart with this.' Gai raised his Metalhorn, carefully circling Tiger, who never left him out of sight. The rhino-themed Rider kicked the ground, breaking some of the floor and punching the debris toward Tiger. The SONG members twirled his axe. The debris created smoke, obscuring his vision for a bit, but that's what Gai needed to thrust his Metalhorn forward.
Tiger narrowly avoided it, grabbing Gai's arm, but before he could do anything, Gai shoved him away, making him lose his footing. Tiger swung his axe, but Gai blocked it with his Metalhorn. He then blocked Tiger's punch with his bicep, headbutting him away.
'He can do all he wants. He can be stronger and faster. But my defense is absolute.' Gai narrowed his eyes, taking a battle stance.'Unless...'
"You've gotten stronger," Tiger remarked.
Gai scoffed."Naturally. I accepted Loki-sama's power so I could fight for what I believe."
"And you really believe in this new world that he's trying to sell you?" Jades frowned."Do you think you'll see Serena again by wiping out all of humanity?"
"Take it from someone who's lost everything...What else is there but to believe in something? In anything. Without this, I have nothing. So I made a promise to help Kaburagi-kun see the new world. Where we will all be happy. Where I can give Serena the life she deserves. The life I deserved was taken from me. To that end, I'm going to kill you right here and now."
"Funny. I also have people I care about. Those whom I call family. SONG is my family. So I guess we both have promises to keep. But..."
"Only one of us can fulfill their promise." They said in unison.
"Those people you've killed...They are my burden to carry as well. But you never had to kill them! Why?! Why did you do it?!"
"Because I could! I had the power!" Gai shot back."I learned one thing...power is everything in this world. It gives you the freedom you need to do what you need to do. To accomplish your objectives. And there is no greater freedom than being able to take it from others! They pissed me off and crossed me. They deserved to die! That's how this world is. Freedom and power are everything!"
"Terunosuke...You..."
"Don't go lecturing me now, you waste of space!" Gai rushed at him, his Metalhorn close to the ground and creating sparks of light.
Tiger opened up his visor, sliding a card and rushing at Gai while his claws were equipped to his arms. Tiger blocked Gai's first strike, but he went for a kick, making Tiger grunt.
"Got you now!" Gai cackled.
"Not sure about that." Tiger grabbed onto his leg and spun around, flinging him to the ceiling. Gai drew yet another card, tossing it to his visor.
Shoot Vent: Metalshooter
A one-barreled shotgun gauntlet was quipped to Gai's left arm, and he immediately used it, firing a few bullets at Tiger. He blocked them with his claws, using them as defense as he ran around the room while Gai continued shooting. Tiger grabbed one of the chairs, throwing it at Gai, but he shot it and destroyed it. In a flash of blue light, Tiger dashed at full speed, raising his claws and going for a swing.
Gai raised his Metalhorn to block and aimed his shotgun at Tiger's face, but he kicked his arm up, accidentally shooting a hole through the roof. Gai, noticing the claws left a dent in his weapon, shot Tiger away.
"Kamen Rider Gai is known to have the highest defense out of all Riders. But Tiger...has the highest striking power. Meaning I can bypass your defenses." Tiger clapped his claws together, creating sparks in the process."Don't worry, Terunosuke. I'm with you to the end tonight."
"I'll send you straight to hell in Serena's name," Gai responded as they both prepared.
(Song End)
Meanwhile, the reanimated Chiaki was observing the battle from the sky, recording the fight with a camera that Hazuki had given her.
'Seems the fight is just getting started. And Oji-san is on the defensive, as expected.' Chiaki mused to herself.'Still, it won't be long before he's cornered and has to use Imperer's powers to help him. That brother of his is something else.'
The girl licked her lips viciously.'A shame. I'd have jumped at the opportunity to cut that mountain of muscles open and tear him apart, but I'm strictly instructed to just observe the fight and report my findings back to Hazuki.'
Her eyes widened slightly when the Riders drew two cards from their Decks.'Round 2 is starting...'
Advent: Destwilder
Advent: Metalgelas
The Advent Beasts were unleashed and rushed at each other, while their Riders clashed. Tiger swung his claws, forcing Gai to block his attacks and take steps back to avoid being slashed. True enough, he would attempt to shoot him whenever he could, but Tiger's speed was too much for Gai to ever get a clean shot. Tiger kicked him in the leg, the force bending his knee and allowing Tiger to kick him across the head. While the attack didn't do much damage due to his armor, he was still sent skidding across the ground. But as he slid, he continued shooting Tiger.
Meanwhile, Metalgelas and Destwilder were fighting close by. Both monsters were about the same as their Riders. Metalgelas was able to take more attacks from Destwilder while unable to land too many hits. While Destwilder attacked the most, Metalgelas stood like an iron wall in front of him.
Tiger kicked the ground, appearing in front of Gai and momentarily leaving him stunned due to the increase in speed. Gai raised his shotgun, but Tiger slashed it to pieces with his claws, leaving lacerations on his arms. Hissing in pain, Gai went in for several thrusts, but Tiger easily blocked them with his claws. Kicking Gai's legs, he caused him to trip over his feet and allow Tiger the chance to slam his elbow on his back, crashing him to the ground. Tiger prepared to stab him with his claws, forcing Gai to roll out of the way and attempt to kick Tiger. Unfortunately for Gai, he copied him, blocking with his bicep, and grabbed his foot, tossing him away.
"Piece of shit!" Gai growled, drawing a card from his Deck and activating it.
Metal Vent
Several metal spikes emerged from the ground, forcing Tiger to jump back to avoid them as they began to appear everywhere in the room.
"Got another surprise for you." Gai snickered, closing his visor.
Final Vent: Heavy Pressure
Metalgelas punched Destwilder back, responding to Gai's call and running up behind him as his Rider jumped, placing his feet on his shoulders and thrusting his Metalhorn forward.
In response, Tiger activated another card.
Freeze Vent
Metalgelas was frozen in place, causing Gai to fall flat on the ground.
Final Vent: Crystal Break
Destwilder grabbed Gai from behind and dragged him across the ground toward Tiger, who readied his claws. But Gai was not intimidated in the slightest.
Confine Vent
As soon as Destwilder lifted him for Tiger to stab, he vanished, allowing Gai to kick Tiger in the chin using his momentum, launching him in the air and landing his first direct hit of the fight.
"And now, for the follow-up!" Gai grabbed Imperer's Final Vent."The difference between us is that I have more than one Final Vent!"
Final Vent: Drive Divider
Suddenly, the place was plagued with different types of Zelle monsters jumping around the metal spikes. Next to Gai was Gigazelle. But it looked different. His body was darker and had a dark aura around him.
"Gigazelle!" Tiger got back on his feet, shaking his head."What happened to you?!"
"No much use in talking to him." Gai snickered, drawing a second card to use."After the shit Magnugiga pulled before, we came up with a countermeasure so they obeyed."
Spin Vent: Gazellestab
"Now...let's see if you can survive this!" Gai let the Zelles leap around and attack Tiger from all directions. Tiger was forced to watch his back every second, blocking their strikes as they jumped around him and grazed him with their weapons.
Tiger began running around, using the metal spikes as cover to avoid the barrage of monsters.
"You're indeed faster than me, but..."
Hop Vent
Using Imperer's springs, Gai bounced around the room as well, attacking Tiger from the side. Tiger blocked with his right arm, but the force behind it sent him flying into another Gazelle, who kicked him away. Gigazelle lunged toward Tiger, but he blocked the stab of his weapon with his claws.
"Gigazelle! It's me!" Tiger and Gigazelle were struggling as they tried to push the other away. Tiger had no time, noticing he wasn't responding, so he kicked him away and slashed the incoming Zelles coming at him. 'I'm sorry...'
Something switched inside of Tiger, and he was now moving faster than before, now successfully not only blocking their attacks but destroying them with his claws. He began using the metal spikes to his advantage, jumping around them and fighting the Zelles in their own terrain. His overwhelming strength proved too much for them, since with every strike, they were destroyed.
"Don't think you're better than me, Jades!" Gai was next to him on the neighboring spikes, chasing after him. Using his springs, he jumped back Tiger and circled around him, going straight toward him with his Metalhorn. Tiger blocked it with his claws but Gai stabbed them with his Gazellestab, narrowly missing impaling Tiger in the face. They landed on the ground and proceeded to clash with their weapons. This time, Gai was more on the offensive than he was originally.
Now Tiger had the ultimate spear to worry about. And as expected, his claws were kept at bay with the Gazellestab. It's why he always encouraged Andreas to train and become stronger. The Imperer Deck had the strongest piercing power. And if used correctly, it could have been used far better than Andreas did.
Gai grazed Tiger's side, drawing some blood after he started spacing out, drawing first blood. But Tiger retaliated and slashed him across the face, leaving claw marks on his mask. He went for a kick, but Gai swatted his foot away with Metalhorn, going for a stab with Gazellestab. Tiger did the same, swatting his arm away before they went for a headbutt. Tiger slashed Gai's hand, forcing him to drop Gazellestab, but his brother spun on his heels, smacking Metalhorn to his face. Both of them jumped back, gaining some distance. They both dropped their weapons, drawing a card from their Decks in unison.
Drill Vent
Frost Vent
Tiger unleashed a wave of ice, while Gai clasped his hands together, forming a drill made of energy and shooting it toward the ice. Much to Tiger's surprise, the drill was piercing through the ice, and engulfed his body completely.
"How does it feel feeling Andreas' power against you?! You caused this!"
"Fubuki..."
Gai gasped, noticing ice forming and creating a blizzard.
Survive: Fubuki
The ice was overpowering the drill, forcing Gai to shoot several more. But the ice completely consumed his attacks, forcing him to jump out of the way and through a wall that led to the shooting range area. He shook his head and noticed Tiger had entered survive form, wielding his now double-edged axe visor.
"So, we're finally taking things up a notch, huh?" Gai asked derisively."Didn't think I'd force you to Survive. You understimated me."
"I didn't underestimate you." Tiger responded."I knew I had to bring out my best to fight you. I'm going to respond to your feelings."
"How considerate of you." Gai clicked his tongue, drawing upon his own Survive card."But you're right. I also have no choice but to go all out. So let's kick things into high gear."
Survive: Hagane
Metal dust surrounded his body, covering him entirely before revealing his Survive form, wielding his sledgehammer visor.
"Remember this place?" Gai glanced around the giant field that was the shooting range area.
"Yeah. I remember how Atticus had to teach us how to properly shoot a gun." Tiger chuckled, entering the area.
"Can you blame it on us, though? The old hag wasn't exactly a good teacher." Gai snickered, shaking his head."Not patient either. Then teaching it to the brats was a whole new headache. Kirika kept dropping the fucking gun."
"You never seemed to complain with Serena, though. Or Shirabe, for that matter."
"Yeah, well...They were fast on the uptake. Same as Raiden."
"But it was rewarding, wasn't it? To help them grow."
"Heh. Once upon a time, maybe." Gai raised his visor, resting it on his shoulder."But all of that is meaningless now. All there is left is to end this little fight of ours."
"Then, come at me with all you have." Tiger beckoned him to come. And he did, running up to Tiger with his hammer. He slammed it on the ground, but Tiger had long since dodged out of the way and slashed his axe against his body. However, unlike before, he did not do any damage. He went for a punch to the face then a kick to his side. But Gai didn't budge. He took this opportunity to slam his hammer against his body, launching him through another wall leading to the corridor. Gai opened his visor, sliding a card inside.
Shoot Vent: Terazelledrillers
Two gauntlets equipped to Gai's arms, having two drills at the end of them. He shot the drills as they chased after Tiger, who ran down the corridor with the drills behind him. Gai saw an explosion in the distance, smiling to himself and thinking he got him.
Shoot Vent: Frost Bazooka
Several missiles were shot from the corridor, forcing Gai to reinforce his body to take the attacks.
Strike Vent: Frostclaws
Tiger wielded his new claws, surprising Gai and slashing at his chest. He grunted in pain, feeling the damage settling in.
'I should have known even in Survive, my defense was at risk against his claws.' Gai, activated another card as Steelgelas appeared in front of him.
Shock Vent
Steelgelas began stomping on the ground, causing an earthquake that had the whole FIS base shaking. Tiger wobbled around, trying not to lose his footing.
Strike Vent: Steelhorn
Summong Metalhorn's improved version, which now had 2 horns instead of one, Gai ran over to Tiger, who immediately fired a volley of missiles. He deflected the missiles with his new weapon, bouncing them off to the walls and causing the corridor to start caving in. Once he reached him, Gai activated another card, manifesting a double-barrelled version of his gauntlet shotgun.
Shoot Vent: Steelshooter
Tiger weaved his head, avoiding the two shotgun bullets. He threw Gai over his shoulder, unleashing a volley of missiles around as they circled around the two riders. Claws collided against the Steelhorn, and Gai shot the missiles that tried to attack him from behind. However, it was clear that Tiger had the upper hand, so when he blocked one of Tiger's claws, he shot at the ceiling, bringing it down. He shot a hole through the wall next to him, taking him to the testing rooms. A room he was all too familiar with. He glanced up at the wall, noticing the huge hole in it.
"That's right...Serena...used her Swan Song here when she suppressed the Nephilim..." Gai frowned, hearing Tiger walking behind him.
"Terunosuke..."
"I know what you all think." Terunosuke sighed, glaring at him."You all think I have an obsession with her, right? That it wasn't love but merely an illusion created by my mind. Because she was the only one who ever treated me with human decency."
"That's not-"
"But you're all wrong. I didn't fall in love with Serena because she was the only one who gave me the time of day. I...fell in love with her because of her tenacity. Her strong will and determination." He began listing, a fond smile present under his mask."She was my inspiration. What kept me going. Because she worked so hard and got the Airgetlam. Her smile was like the sun rising on the horizon. So full of hope and love. She...eventually became my whole reason to fight."
"Yeah...I noticed." Tiger nodded."At some point or another, you started working really hard. More than ever. And when you looked like you couldn't get up-"
"She was there, cheering me on." Terunosuked nodded, a tear streaming down his cheek."I...wanted to stand next to her. I felt so bad...not having a Deck. Because I couldn't protect her. I wanted to be her wall. To take all the pain she suffered and take it for me. I'm sure you understand that feeling. You must feel the same with Maria, right?'
He couldn't deny that. He did want to protect Maria. Ever since they were kids. He wanted to keep her safe. All of them. She was the woman he loved. And Serena was the girl Terunosuke loved. And he lost her.
"I gave her my heart that day. I confessed." Terunosuke continued."And she accepted. That day...for a small minute. I forgot my desire to get a Deck. I forgot my desire to be someone...to be special. I...wanted to spend my life with her. To be by her side forever. I was a dumb kid back then. Heh. I was even planning our wedding in my mind. I...wanted to escape with her. Go somewhere to hide and start a new life. Love each other...away from all this shit. Start a family, grow old together, and live our days in peace. Die together...That minute...I guess that's as far as my dreams ever got. Because then, I was called in. And you know the rest."
"Right." Jades nodded."You loved her...and when she died, your heart died with her."
"It was the moment everything became pointless. I'm not stupid, Jades. I wasn't delusional." Gai looked down at his Steelhorn."Even if I had been chosen as Tiger, nothing would have changed. But...I would have stayed with her to the very end. If I could have spent her last moments with her...I would have died happily, you know? All those years...I kept thinking that. How I lived but I was pretty much dead inside. It would have been far better if I could have just died alongside her and be with her. Even after death. I loved her that much."
"But that's not what she wanted." Tiger shook his head."She did that because she wanted us to live on. How sad do you think she would have been if you jumped in just to get killed?"
"You took that from me." Gai completely ignored him, reaching for his Deck and drawing a card."You ruined my life and my chance at happiness. I used to think Dr. Ver was insane for his hero ramblings. But now I see his point. The world needs a hero. I am that hero. And as a hero...I must slay the villain. You are my villain, Jades."
Spin Vent: Terazellestab
"The damage done will finally be repaid! YOU DIE HERE, JADES!" Gai lunged toward Tiger, thrusting his spear forward. Tiger blocked it with one of his claws, however, the ultimate spear that was Imperer's power pierced through it and his hand. He followed up with his Steelhorn, but Tiger managed to parry it with his other claw. They began trying to knee each other while they fought for dominance. Neither of them was willing to surrender.
'The ultimate spear and ultimate shield make Terunosuke a fearsome rival.' Tiger grimaced, pulling back and wincing when he felt the edges of the spear go out of his palm.'In that case, I have to do something about the spear.'
"Why are you backing down now?! Can't afford to man up and tell me the truth, you coward?!" Gai chased after Tiger, thrusting both of his weapons and forcing Tiger to defend. Tiger was stabbed in the thigh with the spear, but this was part of his plan. He grabbed the spear with his claws as it began to freeze.
'W-what?!' Gai gasped, receiving a headbutt to the face that stunned him. Tiger continued by slashing the frozen spear into pieces and slashing his brother around. His armor was beginning to crack slightly, as the bodysuit was cut around, leaving him with various lacerations."That's it!"
Gai threw a punch, which Tiger easily dodged and went past Gai, slashing his sides, and cutting him deeper than before. Terunosuke grunted, swinging his Steelhorn but Tiger jumped to avoid it, kicking him across the face and causing him to stagger. With a roar, Tiger tackled him, breaking through several walls before throwing him into another corridor.
"Give it up, Terunosuke. You can't beat me."
"D-damn it!" Gai snarled, drawing another card from his Deck.
Steel Vent
Suddenly, a black liquid formed on the ground before it began to levitate in the air as it turned to dust particles.
"What's that...?"
"Iron sand." Gai clapped his hands as the iron sand grew in size before it exploded, forming spikes as they began impaling everything in the vicinity. Tiger gasped, immediately making a run for it as he busted through a wall, the iron sand following close behind as it continued to destroy everything in sight.
Advent: Terazelle
Tiger noticed the zelles behind them, galloping after him. Unlike before, they resembled actual gazelles as they ran on all fours.
Hop Vent
Gai was now equipped with spring boots, chasing after Tiger as he hopped from column to column. He covered his arm in iron sand, creating a giant fist, and smashed it behind Tiger, launching him out of the facility. The iron sand continued chasing after him and the zelles quickly began swarming the area. Tiger opened his visor, quickly activating a card as a spike of iron dust was quickly closing in on him. Before it could pierce his head, the ability activated, freezing all the iron sand.
Blizzard Vent
Gai hopped from frozen spikes to frozen spikes, but his boots were frozen as well as his Steelhorn, leaving him vulnerable to Tiger. Jades slammed his fist against Gai's helmet, cracking part of it as he was launched back into the facility, the ice spikes breaking to pieces. However as he fell to the ground, he was surrounded by the zelles as they stamped over him.
Strike Vent: Frost Stripes
The stripes of his armor sprouted out, becoming sharp as blades as he began to twirl around at high speeds, mowing down through the horde of the zelles. To speed things up, he also called for his Advent Beast.
Advent: Frostwilder
Frostwilder roared, biting onto the Zelles's necks before pouncing onto the next group. Rider and monster made quick work of them and cleared the area. Tiger panted, feeling his wounds starting to affect him. Frostwilder purred, snuggling against his body.
"Thanks for having my back, buddy." Jades chuckled, petting his monster."I know you didn't like that. Gigazelle and the other Zelles...they were once our friends too..."
Gai emerged from the rubble, wobbling into the outside and holding his sides in pain. The left part of his mask was destroyed, revealing his pained expression as he gritted his teeth. He fell to his knees, gasping for air.
"It's over, Terunosuke. Let's stop this already." Tiger said, his weapons disappearing."It's not too late to turn things around. I know...I have no right to ask this of you. I know I ruined your life...But you can still turn around."
"Listen to yourself...do you realize how many people I've killed, dumbass?" Gai snickered derisively.
"I know...but you can atone for that. Dedicate your life to help people instead. It may take you a lifetime. I know that...but...let me shoulder your sins together with you." Tiger removed his mask.
"Didn't you come to kill me?" Terunosuke clicked his tongue."To put me out of my misery, as you said?"
"I did. But...I want to at least give you one more chance to stop. I don't want to kill my brother. Nor do I want you killing any more of us. We're family...if we end up killing each other, it will destroy our hearts. That's a burden you'll never be able to come back. It...will kill you slowly."
Gai clenched his fist, lowering his gaze to the ground.
(Play Nier Shadowlord OST)
"Hate me all you want. Focus your hate on me. But please...don't hate them. The kids and Maria...they had nothing to do with it. Neither did Atticus." Tiger continued pleading."I did that on my own. Because I thought I was doing the right thing. But it did the exact opposite...I know you can never forgive me for that. And you will hate me for the rest of your life, but...please, Terunosuke. Stop. What you guys are doing... global genocide to create a world of lies? It's wrong. We can still be happy...Serena wouldn't want to see you like this. She'd want you to move on and be happy. All of us. We're family. And that has to mean something, right? You care about them. That's why you haven't used Andreas yet, right? You're using his powers, but if you really wanted, you could have summoned him to torture me mentally."
"Why...?"
"Terunosuke...?"
"Why am I inferior to you?" Terunosuke bit his lower lip so hard it started to bleed."I worked so hard to be better. To be special. Even if I had gotten the Deck, you were always ahead of me. Every single one of those kids looked up to you...They considered you a role model. No one ever wanted me around. Except Serena...Serena was...no...is my everything! So why does a lowly piece of shit liar like you have things I don't?! How can such a waste of human space BE BETTER THAN ME?! ALWAYS GETTING IN MY WAY"
"That's not the case, Terunosuke..."
"Over...and over, and over, and over, and over, AND OVER, AND OVER!" Gai started to punch the ground hard."AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER, AND OVER AGAIN!" His brand began to glow as he glared down at his brother."JUST GIVE UP AND LET ME CUT YOU DOWN ALREADY!"
Suddenly, Gai perked up, shifting his gaze to the right. Tiger, confused, followed his gaze, seeing nothing but the darkness of the empty desert.
"Serena..."
For Terunosuke, Serena was standing a few meters away, her radiance enough to illuminate the darkness."I'm sorry, Serena...I wasn't there for you..."
"Terunosuke, there is no one there..." Tiger's face scrunched up in concern when he noticed the glow coming from his left wrist.'It's the snake brand...!'
His brother walked over to where Serena was as she smiled at him."You were watching me this whole time, weren't you?"
He tried to touch her, but his hand phased right through her. Serena closed her eyes, slowly dissipating.
"Serena...that's right...You can't be in this world just yet. You're too pure to be here...But one day, I'll bring you back. We'll be happy together and we can put all this behind us. So...wait for me a little longer..." A dark aura surrounded Terunosuke as the color of his skin turned grey, growing horns from his head. His sclera turned pitch black and his eyes and teeth crimson red."For I have to follow Loki-sama's will to see you again, my love."
Unite Vent
His armor changed once more, now the left side of his body resembling Imperer's armor as two skeletal black wings sprouted from his back.
Kamen Rider Gai - Dual Mode
"Serena is patiently waiting for the day of reckoning. For when salvation finally arrives. I shall not keep her waiting long." Gai glared at Tiger, drawing a new card from his Deck."Loki-sama entrusted me with this task, and I, as his loyal servant, will purify this land of liars like yourself! Watch me, Loki-sama! As I do your will!"
Sword Vent: Steelsabers
Two twin silver blades were equipped to Gai's hands, flapping his wings and taking off into the sky.
"Jades! Let's fight together in this hell!" Gai descended, swinging his blades and forcing Tiger to parry with his axe. However, this time, Tiger was overwhelmed as Gai slammed him through the facility while it crumbled to pieces.
"HAHAHAHAHA! COME ON! DON'T YOU BELIEVE IN SALVATION?!"
"What's wrong with you, Terunosuke?!" Tiger grabbed him by the face and threw him off of him. Gai landed on the ground, watching as Tiger had already activated an ability.
Sword Vent: Frostsaber
Wielding his double-edged greatsword, Tiger charged at Gai as they clashed once more. Gai's moves were more erratic than before and were faster. He was actually putting major pressure on Tiger, who could barely parry his strikes. He rolled out of the way, trying to attack Gai from behind, but the wings had a life of their own and swatted him away. He planted a sword on the ground, drawing a card from his Deck.
Hold Vent: Terarang
A boomerang shaped like Terazelle's horns appeared in his hand, immediately threw it at Tiger. The Rider tried to parry it with his blade, but the boomerang pushed him back as it flew past him, circling around to come from another direction. Tiger leaped away, dodging the attack, but Gai was behind him and slashed at his back, leaving two lacerations on his skin. He went for a stab, but Tiger quickly backhanded him away.
"The infidel resists...Do people not see the glory that is our salvation?" Gai sneered."Rejoice, as we will be saved from the burden that is known as free will! A pure world of good awaits us! All we must do is eradicate the evil in this world! Its people! To finally be free!"
"Listen to yourself! You're not even you anymore!" Tiger grunted as Gai kicked him away."What happened with wanting to be free?! You sold your soul to Loki! You lost your own identity! And for what?! An empty promise?"
"You're wrong, Jades." Terunosuke shook his head."I know who I am. I know I am scum and a murderer. A horrible person. But I was given a choice to help purify the world. To finally make my dream a reality. I know what I am perfectly well. A winner., But you? Do you know who you are? Can you safely say you know who Jades Demetrios is?"
Jades grimaced, watching as Terunosuke removed his helmet, displaying his demonic face and features to Jades."I'll tell you who I am...Oh, Loki-sama! Hear my words! I, Terunosuke Kuwana, offer up my Free Will, so that I may be cleansed from the evil within me! So that I can become part of your new world! I give up the ability to choose to be evil and become your subservient puppet! I SACRIFICE!"
"TERUNOSUKE! DON'T!"
But it was too late, his hair turned pitch black and his face was now switched by a black hole that seemed to be endless with two red dots representing his eyes.
(Play Date a Live - Ground Zero OST)
"I have now ascended further beyond any other human." Terunosuke's voice was even more distorted than before, sounds almost unrecognizable."I am no longer bound by Free Will...nor the Original Sin, the Curse of Balal. I am much more than that. I am a Demi-God. You are strong, but I am beyond strength. You may now refer to me...as Null."
Jades watched in horror as Null began flapping their wings, flying into the air.'Terunosuke...what have you done...?'
A few months ago, after the fall of the Bavarian Illuminati, SONG was discussing Hajime and Hamaguchi's misadventures in Okinawa as well as what Chiaki had done.
"I see...This is bad." Thor muttered, being in control of Tobias' body."Here's the thing. As we know, Loki's plan revolves around removing the ego from all humans, making them unable to possess free will."
"Yeah. That we know." Yosuke nodded."But what exactly happened to her?"
"I'm not sure about the details. It appears that they can gain a significant boost in power by sacrificing their Free Will to Loki. This means that they become pure, in a twisted way. Free of everything that makes a person. Including evil. The Divine Power in them grows stronger and changes their status as a whole. They go from being humans to Demi-Gods. At least, Ouja, Femme, and Gai. It may be different for Ryuga. However, while the power booster is huge, there is a big problem with that."
"Problem?" Bragi tilted his head.
"Yes...That person loses their individuality. Permanently. They become a concept. Absolute nothingness."
Jades frowned at that."So that's how Chiaki Nakahara turned into that ugly huge monster, right?'
"Not quite. You see, when this process is done, their hair turns pitch black. And the most obvious feature...or lack thereof, is their face. This is the point in time when the Divine Power is swelling up. The transformation to Demi-Gods is not yet completed. It's when they transform into those disgusting things that it's finished. And that's the point of no return. After that, they are lost completely."
The room fell silent, as they all shared uncomfortable glances.
"However, there is a way to stop the transformation. While you can't destroy the Divine Power in the 3 I mentioned, you can suppress it. And stop the transformation before it's completed. One of those ways, is death, of course. The other..."
Null flew toward Tiger, spiring around with his Steelsabers stretched out as if he were a turbine. Tiger parried with his blade, but it was completely shattered by the attack, slashing Tiger around his body and face.
"HAHAHAHAHA! How was that?! I never felt so happy in my life! The salvation that Loki-sama offers is nothing short of a miracle!"
"This is what you wanted to become?! You're not even yourself anymore!" Tiger swung his axe, but Null arched his back unnaturally, his bones cracking as tendrils emerged from the hole in his face. Tiger narrowly avoided being skewered alive by them as he jumped. However, Gai spun around, chasing after him as he cackled.
That's right. This...wasn't Terunosuke anymore. This was one of the Three Musketeers guarding the Qliphoth Tree. Null.
Strike Vent: Frost Stripes
The stripes in Tiger's armor sprouted out as he rushed toward Null. He spun around, forcing Null to parry his attacks with the tendrils from the hole in his face. Tiger went for a kick, but Null was unperturbed. He then kicked Tiger, breaking the strips on the right side of his body and launching him away. Null drew a card from his Deck, immediately activating it.
Advent: Bondbreaker
The fused version of Steelgelas and Terazelle emerged. It was huge, standing almost as tall as Magnugiganto. It had four arms, several eyes around its head, and two large horns alongside a set of razor-sharp teeth around its belly. Bondbreaker grumbled, its belly opening up, and began to spit out zelle monster from inside. Though these looked different. Instead of gazelles, they looked like rhinoceros with long legs and horns. They immediately began hopping around, surrounding the area in a heartbeat.
Tiger grimaced at the grotesque creatures as he prepared to fight. He swung his away, batting some away, but they quickly recuperated. They were more resilient than any version of the Zelles. Stronger and faster than before. Some of them began merging with each other, making stronger beasts as they tackled Tiger, sending him skidding on the ground. He noticed Null descending toward him, various Zelles merging to create an iron sand drill. Tiger kicked the ground and leaped out of the way, rushing in the opposite direction.
Frost Vent
Tiger clad his feet with ice, skating away, and created ice constructs to fend off the Zelles that were chasing after him.
"There's no escape!" Null cackled maniacally.
Steel Drill Vent
Null was surrounded by iron sand and clad in a golden aura, forming a gigant that chased after Tiger, piercing through the walls of ice he kept forming. Several smaller drills were shot from that giant drill, homing after Tiger next to the Zelles.
Shoot Vent: Frost Bazooka
A barrage of missiles was shot from Tiger's gauntlets, killing off a few Zelles and destroying a few drills, but there were too many. He raised his arms, forming two giant hands of ice and slamming it on the ground, creating a huge hole that contained the frozen broken parts of the unlucky Zelles caught in it and began forming more.
Shatter Vent
Suddenly, a shockwave dissipated the ice and Tiger's weapons, leaving him only with his Destvisorzwei. He slammed it against a group of Zelles, forced to fend his ground while looking for the giant drill that suddenly vanished. All he could see was Bondbreaker in the distance and no sign of Gai. Suddenly the ground beneath him shook, and Null came out of it, holding an iron sandclad drill in his right hand. He couldn't avoid the attack, feeling it slammed against his stomach, breaking through his armor and punching a hole through him, launching him spiraling away out of control.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA!" Null cackled maniacally, calling all the Zelles and merging them to form a giant drill attack."ALL THOSE WHO OPPOSE THE GREAT SALVATION SHALL DIE! BEGONE, HEATHEN!"
He shot the drill to where Tiger was, and a huge explosion of energy covered the whole area, illuminating the dark desert briefly.
Meanwhile, Chiaki continued observing from a safe distance, awestruck.
(Song End)
"What power...it's even stronger than what I had in Okinawa..." Chiaki smiled maliciously."As expected of Oji-san. He truly is rotten to the core. The power is reacting nicely to him. But...it's unfortunate that his personality will be lost soon. Once he merges with the Divine Power, he'll just be Null. But that's our part in this and it's fine. A nice sacrifice for the new world to be realized."
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Null continued laughing in delight, holding his head."FINALLY! EVERYTHING THAT WAS IN MY WAY IS GONE! AND I'LL GROW EVEN STRONGER THANKS TO YOU! SO HOW IS IT, JADES?! I FINALLY PROVED IT! I AM BETTER THAN YOU!"
"Is this how you imagine you would defeat me...?"
Null gasped, lifting his head to see the area starting to freeze in ice. Tiger was standing tall, glaring down at him."Without this, I would have been dead."
He noticed the wound he had inflicted on him was frozen in ice.'He froze his wound?! But...Impossible! I used Shatter Vent to cancel out his Frost Vent!'
"You really have...gotten stronger, brother. But this time, it's no-holds-barred anymore. I'm showing you my trump card." Tiger declared."My Zone Vent."
Zone Vent: Mourning Frost
"You have a damn Zone Vent?! You were holding back this whole time?!" Null seethed."Bastard! Why don't you just die already?!"
(Play Devil May Cry 3 - Vergil Theme 3)
"Not yet...I told you before, that I have a promise to keep. I'm fighting for my siblings and my friends. So I can't lose here. Terunosuke...I'll free you from that torment. One way or another."
"This will be the last time, do you understand?" Null readied his Steelsabers as a group of Zelles landed next to him. He sent them after him and the Zelles were more than happy to oblige. However, the area was now covered in ice, making it look like it was snowing. As soon as they got from within a few meters of Tiger, they froze in place, and spikes of ice emerged from the floor, destroying them.
"What?!"
"Anything in my Zone Vent...freezes the closer they are to me." Tiger pointed at his blades. And in effect, the tips were frozen.
"D-damn it!" Null lunged at him, throwing his blades but were frozen. Zelles went in his direction, merging and forming two giant iron sand arms that he immediately used to attack Tiger. However, they were frozen again, but Null pushed forward, aiming to at leash squash him to death. To his shock, two hands of ice stopped his attack and continued freezing him. He quickly pulled out, noticing his left hand was now covered in ice. Tiger jumped on top of the frozen arms, rushing toward Null, who unleashed the tendrils in his face, slashing at Tiger and taking his left arm. But he persisted and finally reached Null, punching him across the face and freezing the tendrils. When he landed on the ground, the tendrils broke into pieces, making him scream.
"KILL! KILL! KILL! KILL! I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU!" Null continued screaming as his body lifted up by itself, manifesting his Metalvisorzwei."SERENA! DON'T WORRY! I'LL MAKE QUICK WORK OF THIS SCUMBAG! WAIT FOR ME...IN THE NEW WORLD!"
Final Vent: Armageddon
Bondbreaker grumbled, turning into a giant wrecking ball as every single Zelle around combined with him, forming a giant Gazelle, holding a giant drill in his left hand.
"This attack can bypass any form of attack. No matter its nature." Null declared, jumping inside of his construct.
"There is a way to reverse the transformation aside from death. Before they go through the point of no return."
"What way is that?"
Sword Vent: Frost Mourn
A silver dagger made of ice appeared in his good hand, as his Zone Vent began becoming smaller and smaller until he formed a sabretooth made of ice. Both creatures lunged at each other, clashing in the middle and creating a huge shockwave that could be felt for kilometers on end. However, as Null had said, his attack was destroying the ice tiger, and Tiger was being sliced apart from within.
"It's over! It's my victory!"
"I don't think so!"
Tiger jumped through his tiger, and used the dagger to slice through Null's iron sand giant, entering the cockpit. Null was completely dumbfounded, and could only watch as Tiger drove his dagger against his head. However, at the last split second, he changed trajectories and impaled his arm cleanly through. Suddenly, their constructs exploded, sending both of them flying back to the entrance of FIS.
(Song End)
Null wheezed, sitting up, as the hole in his face disappeared and returned to normal, reverting to Terunosuke.
"W-what...? What just...?" Gai winced, reverting back from Survive. He noticed the dagger stabbed through his arm, and took it out."W-what did it do?"
'A Divine Weapon?' Chiaki noted.'They can suppress our Divine Power to the point of reverting the ascension? So, if Hajime and Hamaguchi had one back then, they could have taken me down sooner...But Oji-san is on his last legs. He can't even maintain Survive anymore.'
"Terunosuke...You're back..." Jades smiled in relief, coughing up blood. He wasn't doing any better than his brother.
"Shut up...Stop acting like you care." Terunosuke groaned, holding onto his wound tightly and trying to stop the bleeding.
"I do...I do care. I couldn't bear to watch you be that...thing anymore. You are you. I love you, Terunosuke."
"Stop. You have no right."
"I love you."
"YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO SAY THAT NOW!"
"I know..." Jades nodded."I'm sorry. I just..."
"It's funny. Even with all that power, you found a way to beat me." Terunosuke laughed dryly."Even if I sold my soul, I still couldn't surpass you. Even if I want to revive Serena so badly...my will can only take me so far. Maybe that's why things ended up like this. Because I gave up on life. Because I just wanted something...to believe in something."
He covered his face."But if I can't believe this, what else is there? Serena is the only person who ever loved me. Who ever showed me love and compassion. She was my everything..."
"Terunosuke!"
Teronosuke flinched at the scream coming from Tiger, who was back on his feet, despite his wounds.
"That's not true...Mom, Maria, Kirika, Shirabe, Andreas, Atticus, and Raiden loved you too. They put you first, always." Jades' tone softened, as did his gaze."Same for me. That day when the kids told me they saw you again...I was so overjoyed. So happy. So glad that you were alive. Because I love you too."
"Heh." Terunosuke spat on the ground."What is this? A lecture? A little too late for that, don't you think?"
"No. It's not a fucking lecture!" Jades scowled."Did you ever stop to think for even a little second why none of us ever gave up on you?! No matter what kind of shit you did?! Well, let me tell you! It was never easy, but we did it anyway! Because all of us are connected! Deep inside of hearts! Not by blood, but by our hearts! Our souls!"
Terunosuke grimaced, taking a step back.
"You're an extremist. You think life only gives you two choices, but it's never that simple. Neither is family. Do you think no one appreciated you for who you are?! I say bullshit! We all showed you appreciation! We all showed you love! And compassion! We were right there with you, no matter what?! So why?! Why can't you believe me when I say all of us loved you?! That we'd give anything up if it meant for your happiness!"
"Jades...You..."
Jades began slowly advancing toward him, tears streaming down his cheeks."You probably don't see me like this. But...You're my brother...I love you as if we were flesh and blood. That's why I couldn't stand seeing you like that...So please...let's go back." Jades stretched out his hand."Don't make me...see another sibling die, Teruno...Please...I'm begging you...I can't...I can't watch another one die..."
Terunosuke bit his lower lip, staring at Jades' hand, inches away from each other.
"Let's go back home...I'll shoulder your sins with you...I'll never leave you alone. You will never be alone..." Jades sobbed."Please...Let's stop...If Serena saw us now...she would be really sad."
Terunosuke's hand began to twitch, as he slowly raised it toward Jades'.
However, he slapped his hand away, shocking his brother.
"It's too late, Jades...It's just too late..." Terunosuke's confidence returned, glaring at his brother."There was never the option of turning back for me. Serena doesn't have her voice to say how she feels. It was robbed from her. So if I don't speak up for her, what justice prevails? 13 years. She was 13 years old when she was forced to give up her life to save us. Because she was the only one who could. I'm not a victim. I know damn well that I'm a monster. And I'll gladly go to hell if I can give her the life she deserves. I sold my soul to the devil so that I could have a chance at believing again. So that even if I die, I can ensure that the new world will come. And Serena may live again. I am not turning back to a life filled with suffering if I can fight for a future that's within sight. I'm not here fighting you as Kamen Rider Gai. I'm here...as a Divine Disaster of Valhalla!"
"So...no matter what I say...you won't listen, right?" Jades smiled, starting to take steps back."I see. I guess I was too naive...A guy like me doesn't deserve a happy ending either. Not after what I did too. I'm proud...you're strong. You were great. We're both down one arm. But I think it's about time that we..."
"...ended this..."
Strike Vent: Metalhorn
Strike Vent: Destclaws
(Play Devil May Cry 3 - Devils Never Cry)
Both brothers rushed at each other, watching their lives flash between their eyes.
"From this point on, we're family."
"Teru-nii! Can you teach me how to tie my shoes!"
"It's Andreas' birthday tomorrow. Let's do something nice for him."
"Terunosuke, what is your intention with my sister, exactly?"
"W-what does that mean?!"
Jades gritted his teeth, staring at Terunosuke's child version. For Terunosuke, Jades was also back in his child form. The place that watched them grow up bare witnessed their final duel. One was fighting to keep the status of the world. Another one was fighting for a new world. Two brothers from different families, united by something stronger than blood.
The silver-haired man thrust his arm forward, but Terunosuke weaved at the last second, only to have his cheek slashed open by the claws
"Say it again!"
"Say what?! I didn't say anything!"
"You called me brother, TeruTeru!"
"I did no such thing! You're imagining things!"
"Aw, come on. Don't be embarrassed!"
"D-don't let it get to your head! I just d-d-did because Serena made me do it!"
"Aw, I love you too, brother."
"Tch. Whatever...brother..."
"I love you."
Terunosuke stabbed through Jades' chest, right next to his heart, his Metalhorn piercing his body completely. Jades vomited blood, his body becoming limp and his head hanging.
"I did it...I won..." Terunosuke mumbled.
Suddenly, Tiger gasped for air, seemingly coming back to life. Terunosuke panicked, trying to pull his Metalhorn out, but it had gotten stuck in Jades."D-damn it! Why don't you just die already?!"
"Why...I'll tell you why." Jades managed a pained, bloody smile."Never forget this, Terunosuke. I love all of my siblings."
Terunosuke yelped, noticing Jades' arm began to rise alongside his claws.'I can't move! He's going to tear me apart!'
However, the unexpected happened. Tiger's claw fell to the ground. And instead, he wrapped his arm around Terunosuke, bringing him in for a hug.
(Play Gundam 002 Ending 2)
"I love all of my siblings. All of them. With no exceptions." Jades rested his chin on Terunosuke's shoulder, brushing his head."And that includes you."
"J-Jades...?"
Jades pulled back, smiling warmly at him, rubbing his cheek."Look at how much you've grown...I'm so proud of you, Terunosuke."
His body began to glow and break into particles.
"If I had been more honest with you...If I had trusted you...If I had given you a chance...maybe...things wouldn't have turned out the way they did." Jades lamented, closing his eyes."I made many mistakes in my life. Many more than I could ever count. So many that I can't take back. Many because I thought I was doing the right thing for you guys. I should have let you grow on your own...trust you to handle your problems. To handle yourselves fine. Instead, I pried too much...And on many occasions, it backfired. I'm sorry, Terunosuke...But for once in my life, I'll come to you and tell you the truth...I want you to know something. You don't ever have to forgive me. And whatever you do from here on out, know this..."
Jades placed his forehead against his, staring at his brother with nothing but love."No matter what, I will love you always."
Terunosuke's eyes started to water, feeling Jades hug him one last time, and gently rubbing his back.
'Maria...it's up to you now. Our siblings are foolish yet precious. They will need your guidance...so they know how to carve their own path. Please...watch over them...and be happy. End this cycle of hatred. I love you so much, Maria...It hurts me to leave you like this, but...I can finally say...I made amends for my mistakes.'
Jades' body began to dissipate, closing his eyes one last time.'This...is the last time, huh? Not a bad way to die. Atticus...in the end, I failed to guide them. But I know they'll do a better job than me.'
'Thank you, Mom. For taking care of us...and making us who we are today...I'll be there soon..with you and Serena.'
His mind shifted to his siblings, smiling fondly.'Andreas...Raiden...Kirika...Shirabe...Maria, Serena, Mom, Atticus...And you too, Terunosuke...Thank you all...Being able to live as your brother, made me...'
Terunosuke tried touching Jades, but his body exploded into particles, disappearing from view with a gust of wind.
'...happy.'
(Song End)
The Contract Card gained shined momentarily before becoming the Destwilder card. Terunosuke glanced down at it, an unreadable expression on his face. It was finally over.
"Oji-san!" Chiaki landed on the ground, jogging over to him."You did it. You crazy son of a bitch, you did it."
"Nakahara-chan...you were watching?" Terunosuke's voice was low and raspy, not turning around to face the girl.
"Yeah." She waved her hand dismisivally."But don't worry. I only came to observe and report. Had you lost, I was just simply going to live. To be honest, all of us thought you were going to die."
"I see...How reassuring."
"So...how does it feel? Killing your own brother in cold blood?"
"Atticus! Atticus! Don't die! Atticus!" A young Terunosuke wailed, kneeling next to a wounded Atticus. He had been shot by one of the soldiers sent after them and had pushed Terunosuke out of the way due to his being distracted. The bullet pierced a vital spot and was now sitting up against a tree, bleeding out.
"Sorry...TeruTeru..." Atticus smiled at him."I guess...this is as far as I go..."
"It's my fault! I...I should have...should have..."
"There's no time, Teru..." Atticus could hear the soldiers shout from afar. He handed him his Deck."As soon as I disappear, put that on. You know...how to use it, right? You'll instantly make a contract with Metalgelas the moment...you...transform..."
"Atticus! Don't! Don't die! Please!" Terunosuke screamed, shaking his body.
"It's up to you...Terunosuke...Please...live..."
With that, his body exploded into particles, leaving only his Deck behind.
The boy picked it up, staring at it with wide eyes, a V Buckle appearing around his waist.
"He's right there!"
"I killed him...I killed him..." Terunosuke began to laugh hysterically."I killed him! I'm...I'm a Kamen Rider now! Right?! My promise to Serena...is finally fulfilled! Hahahaha!"
He instantly slid his Deck into his belt, transforming into Kamen Rider Gai. Gai slowly turned around toward the soldiers, laughing maniacally nonstop."I killed him! And just like how I killed him! I'll slaughter you too! This is my freedom!"
"I...don't know." Terunosuke looked down at his wounded arm."It's a feeling that is hard to describe...Maybe I'm still in shock. But...I don't know..."
"So you can't even say whether you're sad or happy?" Chiaki huffed."You really are strange, Oji-san. I'd figured you'd be dancing around after killing the guy you've hated your whole life."
"Yeah...pretty pathetic, isn't it?" He chuckled bitterly, feeling extremely lightheaded."What a fucking joke..."
"Guess so. But hey, what do I know, right?" Chiaki shrugged, reviewing the footage in the camera, and noticed her hands beginning to flicker."Shit. I'm running out of time. We should get going before-Oji-san!"
Terunosuke had collapsed on the ground, unconscious. Chiaki got on one knee, turning him around, and gasped."Sheez...You do know how you feel, old man. You just don't understand it."
Tears were streaming down the man's cheeks, a clear indication that he had been crying. Crying for the brother he lost and killed.
Remaining Kamen Riders:
Ryuki: Hajime Adachi
Knight: Yosuke Yanagi
Raia: Raiden Amaterasu
Abyss: Hamaguchi Kuroiwa
Alternative: Bragi Third Dienheim
Odin: Hazama Liang
Ryuga: Hazuki Kaburagi
Gai: Terunosuke Kuwana
Ouja: Allister Albedo/Code Cypher
Defeated Riders:
Scissors: Goro Tanaka (Killed by Ouja)
Verde: Zeke Crowley(Killed by Zolda)
Alternative: Bragard Second Hyperion(Incapacitated)
Imperer: Andreas Kagatsuchi (Killed by Ryuga)
Zolda: Takeru Sakamoto (Killed by Ouja)
Femme: Chiaki Nakahara (Killed herself before succumbing to the effects of Swan Song)
Tiger: Jades Demetrios (Killed by Gai)