Reviews:
Guest: Me alegra que te haya gustado. Lo pensare. A ver si me animo. Tambien tenia pensado un top de cada temporada. Ya que si es toda la serie seria un poco mas complejo.
Tigracho: Yeah, it all adds up to a conflict of interests. As we know, Relics can be a pretty powerful thing to have. This was before the Decks were even a thing. Basically, they wanted insurance to protect their country. Their own nuke, if you would. Yeah, the plan kind of fell apart since many Liangs took a liking to Japan and some either married off to Japanese. Chao-Xing could have turned evil as you said. But then Bragard happened and things were left incomplete. Of course, she held her clan in high regard, which is why she hated Hajime and Setsuna. They were half-breeds. A "stain" to the clan. But of course, this was also a ploy. But no. They didn't know who Bragard was in terms of blood relations. He knew who the Liangs were since he knew the Chinese prince who married his sister back in his era. But to them, he was just a powerful person that could help them. In short, a big coincidence. And it ended up backfiring. Hazama saved the world but doomed the clan.
Fudo tried to get them killed, but all kinds of eyes were on him since he wasn't very subtle regarding his hate for them. And the Liangs were smart, so they made sure to keep an eye on Fudo as well. It was a blessing that Bragard killed them for him. He let Hajime live since he was with the government. So when he went "rogue" in AXZ, he told the DDV to kill him and just take his powers. That's why Chiaki knew so much and what buttons to push. All in all, like you said, Tsubasa and Hajime became close friends, despite their families' conflicts of the past. Tsubasa focuses on her duty as a sword, and Hajime doesn't care about Liang affairs. He respects them, but he was never in the clan so he has no obligation to follow their ideals.
Yomi/Narfi was just pushing Hajime to the very limit. He doesn't hate the Liangs. Maybe Yomi did, but Narfi doesn't care. All he cares about is spreading chaos and creating anarchy. He wanted to let Hajime know they were evil because Hajime and the others go around calling their group evil. In other words, Yomi was just arguing against his philosophy and saying that people don't need reasons to do what they do. But to be honest, Yomi is kind of right. The Liangs did try to take over Japan. And they could have succeeded. Also, if you think about it, the main enemies of the next season are turning out to be all Liangs or related to them since Terunosuke left and Allister is in between. So there is some truth to what he says. But then again, maybe they were just corrupted. Yomi and Despia's relationship will be shown bit by bit, but you're on the right track. And yes, Yumi lived! You guys better stop saying I only kill people off. That's not true at all! I also let others live. Like Garie. This is a family-friendly story. As for Wei...at this point, he has nothing left but to believe in Hazuki's ideal. It's like he doesn't want to accept his family's death, so he's grasping at whatever hope he can get.
FlameFireZero X: He was going to! But he couldn't do it with his transformation on. The lightning was protecting him from being burnt to a crisp. So Hajime, by instinct, just ripped off his arms, since that's where his runes are. No runes = no power. Ryuga came to get the children out of there probably. Yeah, guilt, among other things. Also, he fulfilled his objective. So now, he has no reason to be there. And yes, I'm aware. I won't fix it. I'm too lazy. But thank you.
Akira: Hajime defeated Yomi. And with that, he avenged a lot of innocent people that died because of him. Terunosuke will go do his thing. But Hazuki won't like it once he finds out. We'll see what happens to him.
Ryugen: It's a pretty awesome design. The fanart is also insane. Yomi isn't really making excuses. He knows what he's doing is right. He just doesn't care and wants to do it anyway. His speech is basically saying that all humans are not good or evil and we just live for our desires. Which is pretty fucking cynical. You're one of the only people who say that about Teru and Allister. Usually, they just want them dead. I'm glad they get some level of sympathy. There might be a rematch between Hajime and Yomi. We'll see what happens. As for Hajime's final form...that will have to wait. But for now, we have something else coming.
Lord Ri The Husbu King: Yeah, I get what you mean. I like hellraisers too. Yomi is just a villain. No sad background, no "I want peace". Just pure and utter chaos. I like them possessive too. Kirika and Hamaguchi are so fun to write. They're so good together and yeah, they're on my top list of couples. A little spoiler...yes, other Riders will use it too. Also, it's not like Yomi was afraid of losing. He wanted to lose. He kept telling Hajime he wanted to die in a combat of equals. A great fight. So when Dragreder/Hajime started beating the hell out of him, he started to freak out. Because it wasn't an equal fight anymore. He was losing pretty badly. Otherwise, he doesn't care. He's weird like that, almost suicidal but in a "good way".
primenidus: It's up there, that's for sure.
Anthony Galupo: Five Nights at Ryuga's.
SoutaAmetsuchi: The higher they are, the harder they fall. Hajime took this literally and took him almost to outer space before slamming him like a ragdoll.
nickseverino8: Thank you. I like those voice actors. I'll keep them in mind since I'm still writing the character sheets. His old acquaintance...we'll see next chapter.
Tenzalucard123: I love Yumi. Also, if you're wondering, yes, Yomi and Yumi have almost the same name. I made this mistake plenty of times. Now Ryuga is here to get his children.
Chapter 131
Ominous Date
"Hazuki...Why are you here...?" Hajime muttered in disbelief upon seeing his older brother across from them.
"Sorry to interrupt." Ryuga glanced over his shoulder toward Despia and Yomi."I didn't mean to intervene. But I can't let you kill him. He's a valued resource. I was going to intervene much sooner. That being said, I made the mistake of giving him too much freedom. So this works out for me. Sorry, Despia. But your brother is too much of a wildcard. This will tame him a little."
Despia gritted her teeth but said nothing.
"You have some fucking nerve showing your damn face here." Chris gritted her teeth.
"You bastard!" Kirika clenched her fists in anger, but Abyss held her back."YOU KILLED ANDREAS-DESU!"
"And you had Teru-nii kill Jades-onii-chan too!" Shirabe cried out, unable to hold her emotions.
"It's not like Kuwana-san didn't want to kill him. You want to blame someone, blame him. All I did was facilitate the fight. Besides, your brother is the true villain. Jades-san, I mean. He lied to all of you for so long and made Kuwana-san the way he is now. I'd say he got what he deserved. True justice at the hands of his own little brother."
"YOU!" Kirika was about to lunge at him, but Abyss wrapped his arms around him."Let me go! Let me go, Hamaguchi! I'm going to-"
"He's goating you!" Abyss tried to reason with her."It's too dangerous just to rush him without a plan!"
"Hazuki...what did you do to Setsuna?!" Hajime growled, prompting his brother to chuckle.
"She's safe. I promise you. I would never do anything to hurt our sister."
"She's not your sister!" Hajime snapped."You...You have NO right to call her that!"
"Why not?" Ryuga tilted his head."Is it because we have different mothers? Maybe because you grew up together while I was stuck on an island after I saw my whole life blow up in smithereens?"
Hajime flinched at his words, but Ryuga chuckled once more.
"Calm down. But seriously, she's fine. I'm taking good care of her. After all, she's my dear sister. And also, a vital piece to the plan."
"Vital...piece?" Kirika parroted.
"Things are moving up. We are the Disasters of Valhalla, however, there are divisions in our group. Kuwana-san, Allister, and Chiaki are the 3 Musketeers. While I, Despia, Yomi, Wei, and Nightmare...are the Calamities."
"Calamities..." Hajime frowned.
"That's right. The six of us will be the ones to bring about Ragnarok. We will bring salvation to this blasphemous land and purify it."
"Wait...six?" Shirabe furrowed her brow."But there's only 5 of you..."
"Our final member is not ready yet." Ryuga replied."She'll join in when she's ready."
"Wait...you don't mean-"
"You motherfucker..." Hajime muttered under his breath."YOU FUCKING BASTARD! YOU ARE NOT MAKING SETSUNA BE PART OF YOUR SICK GROUP!"
"Sick group?" Ryuga tilted his head."Why, we only want to save humanity from its impending doom. Ragnarok is a catastrophe brought to the entire planet to end all human life, like any other major disaster. So what difference does it make, really? Disasters will always exist and humans will always destroy each other, regardless of what we do. So isn't it merciful to end it all and purify them? By doing so, we're removing their ability to bear evil in them."
"And their free will!" Hamaguchi countered."You want them to be mindless puppets!"
"Wrong. All we're offering is the removal of the ego so they can be pure. And they'll be living their dreams. Their wildest fantasies. There won't be the need to be afraid anymore. All you have to do...is die. I guarantee you a place in the new Heaven. You won't have to fight anymore."
"And why is Setsuna so important to your plan?!" Hajime bared his teeth.
"You will know soon enough. But..." Ryuga adopted a sardonic smirk under his helmet."She will be the key to opening the gates of Helheim."
"BASTARD!" Hajime tried to rush toward Ryuga, but fell on the ground."My body...I can't move...! Am I all out of power?!"
However, Hibiki rushed past Hajime, heading for Ryuga as he pulled back on the piston of her gauntlet."GIVE SETSUNA-CHAN BACK!"
Ryuga opened a portal in front of her, but the girl kicked the ground, jumping to the side.
'She's faster than before.' Ryuga noted in amusement. She tried punching Ryuga, but Despia blocked her punch with her crystallized arm. Wei lunged at her, delivering a spiral kick that she blocked. She was solely focused on Ryuga."GIVE HER BACK! GIVE HER BACK TO US!"
Ryuga opened a portal in front of her, her punch going through another portal that had formed next to Hamaguchi, punching him square in the face.
"Hamaguchi!" Kirika gasped when her boyfriend was thrown to the ground.
"Hamaguchi-kun! I'm sorry-"
Nightmare grabbed Hibiki by her leg and hurled her away from the group.
"Jesus Chris...Hibiki-chan, you punch like the devil..." Hamaguchi slurred, his eyes spiraling around before collapsing on the ground again.
"Those portals are a fucking problem." Chris clicked her tongue."Not to mention we're all tired from fighting."
"Well then, I think we should-"
Final Vent: Hide Venom
Ryuga looked to the right, and raised his arms, grabbing onto Evildiver as it took him into the sky.
"YOU!" Raia bellowed, blinded by anger.
"It's Raiden-desu!" Kirika gasped, pointing at the sky.
"He's awake!" Shirabe smiled but immediately noticed the danger he was in.
"That dumbass..." Chris gritted her teeth, switching to her crossbows and aiming at Ryuga. However, the arrows were blocked by crystal projectiles shot in the air."You bitch!"
"You're fighting me." Despia glared at the Ichaival user. Nightmare and Wei stepped up, standing by her sides.
"Shirabe-chan..." Hibiki turned to the pink-eyed girl."I don't want to ask you to fight...could you watch over Yumi-chan and Hajime for me?"
"Of course." Shirabe nodded, sparing one last glance at Wei."Wei-kun..."
Meanwhile, Ryuga managed to wrestle out of Evildiver's attack, freefalling from the sky.
"MY BROTHERS ARE DEAD BECAUSE OF YOU!" Raia jumped off his Advent Beast, activating a card.
Copy Vent
Copying Kirika's scythe, his favorite weapon, Raia dived toward Ryuga, who activated an ability of his own.
Sword Vent: Wingslaher
Using Femme's bladed staff, Ryuga parried Raia's first strike, elbowing him in the chest and knocking the air out of him. He opened a portal behind Raia, a hand of darkness punching his back and launching him into Ryuga, who kneed him in the gut. However, Raia headbutted him in the face, knocking him down as Evildiver came by to carry him once more.
Wing Vent
A pair of pristine white wings appeared on Ryuga's back, contrasting his black armor, and watching Evildiver fly around toward him.
Ryuga parried the incoming slash, flapping his wings to fly above Raia. He flapped his wings, shooting white feathers as projectiles, forcing Raia to fly away as the feathers chased after him. Several portals opened around him, shadow hands emerging from them and stretching to follow the Rider. Raia roared, Evildiver flying upward as the hands followed them into the sky. He jumped off his beast, focusing on Ryuga, who observed him with indifference.
"YOU WILL ANSWER FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE!" He hurled his scythe toward him, prompting Ryuga to smack it away with his scythe. Raia descended toward him, attempting to kick him but Ryuga easily avoided it. He turned around going for an elbow, which was met by the dark Rider's forearm before punching him in his back, causing him to groan in pain. He bit his lower lip, suppressing the pain, and weaved his head to avoid an incoming punch from Ryuga. He grabbed onto his arm, using it to hold him in place and go for a horizontal kick.
Ryuga quickly pushed him away, the kick inches away from connecting with his face.
Psychic Vent
Raia lifted a huge amount of debris from the destroyed school, forming a dome around Ryuga as he began to throw rubble at him. Ryuga opened up his visor, sliding a card inside.
Shadow Vent
Ryuga raised his hand, conjuring a sphere of darkness that exploded into several branches of darkness around the area. He then formed two blades of darkness, swinging them rapidly as if he were a turbine, slashing through all the debris and turning it to dust. Raia was about to lift more debris, but the dark wires were closing in on him, forcing him to fly away.
Strike Vent: Dragclaw
Raia gasped, noticing Ryuga come out of a portal, slamming his fist against Raia's stomach, attempting to pierce his stomach. Luckily, he reinforced his body with his Psychic Vent, keeping Ryuga from piercing through him. However, he shot black flames from it, taking the shape of Dragblacker and biting onto him, crashing against the ground.
"RAIDEN!"
"Go!" Hamaguchi screamed, holding Nightmare off. Kirika ran over to Raia, kneeling as she helped him sit up."Are you okay?!"
"Damn it...I'm still banged up from taking that explosion the other day..." Raia cursed under his breath."I can't let him...get away with this..."
"Don't be reckless! I can't lose you too! Please, Raiden..." Kirika pleaded, tears streaming down her face."I don't want to lose another brother..."
"Relax...I'm not dying...Not until I get revenge for Andreas and Jades..." Raiden reassured his sister, gently rubbing her cheek.
"You guys okay?!" Hibiki asked in concern as everyone else followed after her. Ryuga landed on the ground, his comrades landing behind him.
"I'm surprised how much you've all grown." Ryuga mused, clapping slowly."I see SONG is as capable as always."
"We're not just mere pushovers." Chris spat."Don't think you have the upper hand on us."
"Maybe. But your forces have diminished, no?" Ryuga grinned, making Chris fume in anger."While you lost members, we've gained a few more. Moreover, we've opened up 5 out of the 7 Gates of Hell."
"Gates of Hell? What the fuck are you talking about?!" Hamaguchi demanded.
"Ragnarok is an event, rather than a state of the world." Ryuga opened a portal, pulling out a purple marble from inside."I've been preparing things. You see, preparations are needed to activate Ragnarok, as you may have already guessed. As such, I wanted to...have a little test."
"Test...?" Hajime breathed.
"Yes. The new era of humanity is approaching. It's only fitting to have a little taste before we get to the grand day, wouldn't you say?"
Ryuga cracked the marble in his hands, creating a rather large portal above him. He threw the dust of the marble in the air, mixing it with the portal.
"WAIT! HAZUKI! STOP!"
For five seconds, eldritch beasts emerged from the portal, quickly spreading around. They were of all sizes and shapes, each one more grotesque than the last.
"What is this?" Wei mumbled in awe.
"Is this...hell...?" Yumi covered her mouth, her eyes glued to the scene straight from nightmares.
"No. Not yet." Ryuga's left eye glowed in gold."Before Heaven is created, we must drag this world to the depths of Hell."
"There's too many..." Hibiki took a step back."And some of us are wounded...This is too dangerous..."
"If only I could move..." Hajime cursed his lack of power as Hamaguchi was now carrying him on his back.
"GRAVITON END!" Two voices shouted in unison, two black spheres suddenly hitting the ground where the creatures were, disintegrating them and creating a large explosion.
"What was that?!" Wei stood behind a dark matter wall created by Nightmare.
From the sky, Carol and Alternative descended, landing in front of the group.
"It's Carol-chan! And Bragi-kun!" Hibiki beamed.
"About fucking time we got some reinforcements..." Abyss sighed in relief.
"Bragi, go check over your friends," Carol ordered to her son.
"Right away, Mama." Alternative leaped over to where the others were."You guys alright?"
"Took your sweet time." Hajime managed a chuckle."Not very punctual, as always."
"You know, I'm starting to get used to seeing you half-dead." Bragi's left eye twitch. He focused his attention on the girls."Are any of you injured?"
"We're fine." Shirabe shook her head."What about you, Bragi-kun? Are you back to full strength?"
"Not really." Alternative shook his head."But the Commander sent us here. But Mama said...to leave it to her."
"Carol Malus Dienheim. And her little brat, Bragi Third Dienheim." Ryuga hummed."Now that's a pair I didn't anticipate seeing today. I didn't know you were back, Carol. It's been a while."
"I see you've been busy with your schemes, Hazuki Kaburagi." Carol said, her eyes focused on Nightmare then back to Hazuki."Even using Bragard as your puppet. You do not waste time it seems."
"Of course." Hazuki smirked, glancing at Nightmare."He's been extremely helpful. Who'd have thought I'd have him in my control after everything he did?"
"Ironic, I suppose." Carol folded her arms under her chest."That portal just now...you created a small gate to Helheim, did you not? Like Bragi did."
"To Helheim?" Hajime repeated in disbelief."Wait...he can do that now?!"
"I could. Not anymore. I only created a small shard that could open a small rift. I needed a test drive." Ryuga corrected."I didn't expect you two to swoop in like that, though."
"So...you're serious about ending all life on the planet."
"As serious as you were about dissecting it."
"It is true I once aimed to dissect the world itself." Carol began, glancing over her shoulder to Bragi."However, I was mistaken. My Father wanted me to explore the world. And I was foolish enough to misunderstand his message. That being said, I am aware I can't take back everything I've done. But I do believe that I can at least help guide the world to a better place. What I'm trying to say is, that perhaps your crusade to a new world is unfounded. Surely you haven't thought of all the possibilities yet. I'm positive that people can reach an understanding. I've bear witness to that already."
"You're naive. You let yourself be convinced by a bunch of children's naive ideals." Ryuga shook his head."Carol, surely a woman who's lived for centuries would understand how the world is. You've seen the worst of it too, haven't you? Can you truly say that people can understand each other?"
"If they managed to sway me, then yes." Carol responded promptly."The world is not as black and white as you think it is, Hazuki Kaburagi."
"Is it not? Because to me, it seems evil is just corrupting the world." Hazuki leaned forward."They defeated you and Bragard. And guess what happened? Adam and Lilith came to take your place. Then did Noble Red. Even if you somehow defeat us, who is to say another group won't show up to take our place? Because evil cannot be contained. It's in everyone's hearts the moment they are born. Everyone is capable of being able due to having the ability to choose to be evil."
"So you want to remove that choice?" Carol forged on."Then how are people supposed to know what they want to be? I agree, that being evil is a choice. Perhaps is a misguided choice for some. Or like your cousin over there, one they decided on their own. Are you implying you'll choose what you want people to be?"
"Indeed. Because I'll show them the light. The light to the world of peace they've been seeking. No one will have to choose anything. All they will have to do...is just exist. Because people just want to exist. Or do you think humans yearn to suffer? To lose? To know what pain is?"
"Still, this sounds to me like you just want to be a tyrannical God who dictates what's best according to your own judgment."
"That's the point. After all these years of human history, there is no way to trust humans to rule over each other again. They need a ruler. They need someone that can guide them toward the light. They need...the Ultimate Good."
"With these methods, you're no different than any other tyrant that exists." Carol closed her eyes."What you're doing is logical, in a way, because you want to remove the issue from the root. But it's impractical. Humanity cannot be called humanity without free will. Without that, they are mere husks. Even now, you want to change the world because YOU want to do it. So can you say free will is so bad if it's compelling you to do this?"
Ryuga narrowed his eyes at the small woman before releasing a low chuckle."As expected, you have an answer for everything, Carol-san. But further conversation is not going to get us anywhere. I'd fight you right now, but to be honest, I'd rather not risk any of my people from dying here. And you guys are wounded, so..."
Nightmare finished wrapping Yomi in a layer of dark matter, securing his burnt body to be able to carry without further damaging him.
"Wei-kun..." Shirabe muttered, a single tear streaming down her face. Wei avoided her gaze, standing behind Despia, who was focused on her brother.
"Do you really think..." Bragi manifested a black orb in his hand."...we'll just let you run away?!"
"Bragi, do not!" Carol shouted, stopping him."Your attacks have too much area of effect! You'll wind up hurting your friends and also the people that are still being evacuated!"
"But..." Bragi flinched, extinguishing his attack.
"Damn you...! Give her back...!" Hajime grumbled, extending his arm outward."Give my sister back!"
With a snap of his fingers, Ryuga opened a gate, allowing all the Calamities to go through, but Hazuki gave his brother a cold gaze."Give her back? Now you want to act like you care about how she feels?"
"What...?"
"She's talked, Hajime. To Despia. And to me." Hazuki narrowed his eyes."She says she's been suppressing her feelings. Her sadness, her anger, her impotence. All because she was busy taking care of you. While you were drowning in self-pity, while you were trying to kill yourself, while you were busy focusing on yourself...Setsuna was suffering even more than you. She's a little girl. And she had to swallow that bitter pill...for the sake of her brother. She stayed strong for so long...a poor 14-year-old girl. She's been through hell. And all because you weren't there for her. You say you love her, but did you ever see past your own pain? That gitl was suffering the whole time while you were being weak. But no more. From now on, I'll watch over her. She will never have to be afraid again."
"No...Setsuna...I..." Hajime shook his head.
"Don't listen to him, Hajime!" Hamaguchi yelled."He's just getting in your head."
"Am I? Then, Hajime...has Setsuna ever talked to you about her problems?" Hazuki challenged."Has she told you how she felt? What her problems were? No, right? She was too busy focusing on yourself. You are selfish. But don't worry. She will never have to be afraid anymore. I'll show her the truth..." The blonde stepped inside the portal."We'll settle everything when The Fall occurs. Mark your calendars. February 29th is the day the world ends. Until then...we'll settle the matter."
"NO! LEAVE MY SISTER ALONE!" Hajime jumped off Hamaguchi's back, ignoring the agonizing pain his body was in, and running toward Hazuki."GIVE SETSUNA BACK! HAZUKIIIIIIIIIII!"
"I'm afraid...she's MY sister now," Hazuki said, the portal closed moments before everyone rushed him in unison.
"Damn it!" Bragi sneered.
Hajime collapsed to his knees, banging his head on the ground and opening a gash on his forehead."Setsuna...Setsuna...I'm so sorry...if only I had noticed sooner..."
"Hajime..." Hibiki fell on her knees next to him, hugging him as they sobbed in unison."It's not your fault...you were suffering too."
"I lost her, Hibiki...I lost my sister...I'm so fucking useless..." Hajime lamented, wailing loudly."I'm so sorry, Grandma..."
"No! We haven't lost her!" Hibiki shook her head, tightening her grip on him to let him know she was there for him."We'll get her back, Hajime...Please, we need to be strong. And if you can't...I'll be strong with you...We'll rescue her..."
"Hibiki..." Hajime managed a weak smile."Thank you...I don't know what I'd do without you...I was so close to breaking again but...I can still save her. And...you're with me...You and Setsuna are the two people I love the most in the world. My Sunshine..."
"Sunny..." Hibiki held Hajime in her arms, calming him down."I love you too. I'm here for you."
"Shit..." Hamaguchi ran a hand through his head."What the fuck? What kind of asshole takes someone's sister like that...?"
"Soulless bastards, all of them." Chris spat in utter disgust.
Raia undid his transformation, falling on one knee since his body was at its limit.
"Raiden!" Both Kirika and Shirabe rushed to his side.
"Kirika...Shirabe..." Raiden was taken aback when they immediately fell to their knees, hugging him lovingly."Girls...I'm so sorry..."
"He's gone..." Kirika mumbled, sniffing against his chest."Onii-chan is gone..."
"I know..." Raiden cooed, brushing her hair."I know...We're all we got left..."
"It's not your fault." Shirabe looked at his eyes.
"I didn't say it was..."
"I know you." Shirabe shook her head."Even if you were there, he would have still gone after Teru-nii and told you to stay out of it."
"I...I should have talked to him." Raiden closed his eyes, trying to suppress his tears."He died thinking I hate him...Why couldn't I have looked past that and told him that I love him...?"
"He knew. This is Jades-onii-chan we're talking about." Shirabe smiled."We know he could never be mad at any of us..."
"I guess you have a point..." Raiden chuckled dryly.
"Raiden...can we convince you to stop fighting...?" Kirika pulled back slightly, her eyes puffy and red from crying."You're in danger-desu..."
Raiden shifted his eyes to the bluenette from afar, who kept a worried eye on the blonde girl."If you didn't convince your boyfriend, you're not convincing me."
"Well said!" Hamaguchi winked at his brother-in-law."I'll protect him too, Kirika. Don't worry."
"Hamaguchi..." Kirika muttered, touched by his words.
"Raiden!"
Raiden looked up to see Elfnein jogging to where he was. Kirika and Shirabe decided to step back and give the newest couple some space.
"Elfnein-"
Elfnein tackled him to the ground, crying in his chest."I'm so glad you're okay! I was so worried and I wanted to see you! But you were unconscious! Oh, gosh! I'm so sorry! I...I wanted to be with you during these hard times but...but I-"
Raiden gently sat up, sitting her on his lap. He leaned forward and kissed her lips gently, causing her to gasp in surprise."It's okay...Thank you...Just having you with me makes me feel better. Thank you, Elfnein...for giving me courage."
"Raiden...I love you, Raiden..." The blonde girl cried in his chest, and all the bespectacled young man could do was comfort her.
Bragi smiled at their interaction before focusing on the destruction of the school."So, how did Adachi beat Yomi? From what I heard from Tomosato-dono, he was on the losing end."
"Oh..." Yumi blinked, perplexed upon being suddenly talked to."W-well...it's a bit of a blur for me. But he...well, his armor changed. It was really weird. I saw a dragon of fire engulf him and then...he looked like a monster. I could hardly even keep up with that fight, but from what the others were saying, Hajime-kun went from losing that fight to completely obliterating Yomi. As if he got a power-up. Like in anime."
'He fused with Dragreder?' Bragi felt shivers down his spine. A fresh batch of memories filled his head. Ones where Bragard was facing the beast in the skies before dropping a makeshift meteor on him.'I see. In the report I read, that's what he used to fight the Second since Survive wasn't enough. Apparently, that unification is capable of magnifying a person's power several times. But the boost is never as big as during the fusion. That's how Adachi was so ahead back then.'
The hybrid shifted his attention to the sky.'Yomi was just the start of our problems. Like me, he was a mix between two things. I guess Adachi falls into that category as well. But to think he managed to push Adachi to such extremes...Maybe I wouldn't have fared any better. But...it's scary to think that Survive is not enough anymore. And our enemies are only getting stronger.'
Bragi then stared at Hajime's Deck, which was still equipped to his belt.'I wonder...'
Taking a deep breath, Bragi walked toward the couple of Godslayers sitting on the ground.
"Bragi-kun?" Hibiki looked up to her dichromatic-eye friend.
"Listen. I know how you feel right now. I was in a similar situation not too long ago when Auntie Elfnein, Tobias, and Miku-san got kidnapped. So it's not like I don't understand how stressed out you are." Bragi started, locking eyes with Hajime."But as it stands, you have two choices. Go back to being depressed and isolated. Or the second choice. Reconstruct yourself. Heal and get stronger. You either give up or keep fighting. I'll tell you this right now. Even if you don't come, I'll do it. I'll keep fighting. Not because I want to make amends or anything. But because I want to save the world and protect those I hold dear."
The monochrome-haired teen bucked his knees, a cocky grin plastered on his face."Though I don't mind if you stay down, Adachi. I can settle this with no problem. It's up to you. He gave us a date, so I'd say we have something to prepare for, no? Let's get back your little sister and end this. Once and for all."
"Dienheim..." Hajime muttered in disbelief at him saying that. He looked toward Hibiki, who gave him a nod. With a smile, he reached out for Bragi's hand, grasping it."You're right. I can't just break down anymore. This is much bigger than us. We have to stop it."
"What?!" Maria gasped upon hearing the news. They were currently on their way to the Kazanari mansion and Genjuro had briefed Maria on what had happened."Why wasn't I informed?!"
"We needed you here." Genjuro explained, his expression hardening."We don't know if things are going to go smoothly here tonight. We need you in top shape just in case."
Maria gritted her teeth, reading over the report."Mother of God...How many people were killed? And...all of the cult members killed themselves...? How is that even possible...?"
"They were more than likely deeply infatuated with what the Disasters are offering." Ogawa said, scanning through his tablet."There are many reports around the globe. And many websites of these cult members discussing their activities. It's...all over the world."
"Loki's influence is changing the world." Genjuro frowned."And what happens tonight...might change the status quo of Japan."
"What do you mean...?" Maria asked.
"I'm...not completely sure yet." Genjuro admitted."Hopefully, I'm wrong..."
"So SONG killed Psykos, Amy, and...my sister," Angel repeated, sitting on the ground of an abandoned warehouse they were using as a temporary base.
"That's right." Allister nodded, handing a few packs of blood to Vanessa.."It's confirmed. A lot has been happening on our end. We managed to kill one of them. Jades Demetrios. I didn't get you much blood. I couldn't find any. After the raid you guys did at that hospital, they hid all of this rare blood. I only managed to find some in very secluded places and asked for a few favors."
Angelo took a deep breath, staring at the ceiling.
"Darling..." Millaarc sat on the ground with him, leaning on him to soothe his broken heart.
"It's funny...back in the Mafia, the Don used to tell me that rival families would target Reina just to get to me..." Angelo reached for Milllarc's hand with his remaining arm."And he was right...I knew that I had to think of the worst-case scenario, even if I did my best to protect her. That my love for her would be my undoing. But...even if I hardened my heart...even I thought I'd be fine if she were to die, I-"
The demon boy couldn't even finish his sentence and broke into tears. His girlfriend hugged him, gently rubbing his back to soothe him.
"Psykos and Amy-chan are gone too..." Vanessa clenched her fists."Those bastards...they dare to discriminate against us, and yet they've killed 3 of our friends...!"
Elsa covered her face, crying silently. Allister wrapped his arms around her, and the wolf-girl started to cry in his chest.
"I'm aware of Fudo's betrayal too. Believe me, we weren't aware of his intentions to betray you." Allister pursed his lips as he caressed Elsa's back."That's why I'm here to help. Kuwana-san is wounded from his fight against his brother and Hazuki-kun has other things to do. So from now on, only I can help."
"How is Teruno-kun?" Vanessa asked in genuine concern."Killing your own brother, even if you hate him...I can't imagine it's easy."
"He's..." Allister paused. He couldn't say he just left."He's alive, at least. He'll pull through."
"Good. I wanted to ask him out on a date, but..." Vanessa glanced at her hands."I was really hoping this would work. Returning to be humans again and be accepted...but now it...seems like it's impossible..."
Allister frowned, kissing the top of Elsa's head.
"Protect them at all costs. You haven't lost them."
The black-haired assassin closed his eyes.'I could take Elsa right now. Take her and Mona out of here. Go to Russia and just hide there and wait for the end of it all...Like Kuwana-san said, I could just enjoy whatever days of peace we have left before the end of the world...I could take her away from this and give her a brief moment of happiness...'
He bit the inside of his cheek, staring at his brand on his hand.'No...if I were to leave too, Hazuki-kun would be alerted and hunt us down. I should at least give Kuwana-san enough time to go into hiding, since unlike me, he has no experience in disappearing. But...I suppose that as long as we bear these brands, there is no escape for us, is there?'
"Allie...do you still love me?" Elsa whispered, staring into his eyes."Even if I never go back to being a human...would you still hold me close and say you love me-de-arimasu?"
"What kind of question is that?" Allister smiled, kissing her on her nose."Of course, I'll continue to love you. It doesn't matter what shape you're in. I love you for who you are inside, Elsa. And Mona loves you too."
"For once in my life, I had hope for a brighter future...I wanted to be with you and Mona-chan...Be happy together forever...I wanted to be your wife and live our lives in peace, but..." Elsa sobbed, shaking her head."Now..."
'I'm sorry, Ellie. I was hoping to take you to Hazuki and have him give you Loki's power like me...But I couldn't bear to see you like that. Since, after all, we're just...means to an end. It hurts me that I can't tell you any of this...' Allister gritted his teeth as he observed the depressed members of Noble Red."Listen up. Not all hope is lost. Fudo has taken Shem-Ha to his mansion. I can tell you where it is. I'm also aware that SONG is on its way right now and they're sending only Maria since she's the only one who didn't show up to the attack on Lydian Academy. While they're raiding the place, you'll sneak in. I know the perfect place to enter without raising too many eyebrows. After that, you'll have to locate Shem-Ha."
"Wait..." Millaarc raised her head."Then we can still..."
"Use the Divine Power...?" Vanessa finished for her.
"To get our bodies back," Angelo muttered.
"That's right. If you act carefully and fast, you can make use of the blood I gave you and take the Divine Power." Allister informed them."I have some things to do first, but then I'll go in and see what I can do."
"Thank God..." Vanessa sighed in relief."So we can still get our human bodies back...then all of our fallen friends' deaths won't be in vain..."
"Woohoo!" Millaarc cheered, immediately grabbing Angelo's cheeks and going in for a kiss.
"Thank goodness..." Elsa felt the weight lift off her shoulders.
"What's wrong, love? Aren't you excited?" Millaarc tilted her head upon seeing Angelo's blank expression.
"Milla..." Angelo trailed off."It's best if only the 3 of you become human again."
"What?!" All the girls gasped, even Allister was taken aback.
"I lost everything I had...Sure, I have you, Millaarc. And you two are family to me, Vanessa...Elsa. But...The reason I'm even alive today was Reina. It's like...a piece of me died and slowly everything inside me deteriorated. But now...I want justice. And the justice I want can't be done by being a human. So Satan and I have decided we'll keep working together. I'll use the Divine Power to regrow my arm. But I can't just let this be. Not after everything. Not to the son of the bastard who ruined our lives or the fuckers who killed my sister and our friends."
"But Angelo..."
"It's fine. After all, I've grown accustomed to Satan." Angelo placed a hand on his chest."He's part of me. And I'm part of him. So I'm not exactly in a rush to get rid of him. And in this cruel world...I'll need him if I want to protect what I hold dear."
"That's...fair..." Vanessa slowly nodded."Well, it's up to your girlfriend, really."
"I guess...I don't see why not." Millaarc smiled tenderly."I love you all the same. And I agree. Satan is part of the family as well. So sure."
"Then it's decided. We're going to take the Divine Power for ourselves." Angelo declared, giving the assassin a thankful smile."We appreciate your help, Allister. Seriously."
"Don't mention it." Allister nodded."Well, I should get going. I also have some things to do. I'll meet up with you guys later."
The former assassin turned around to leave, but Elsa grabbed his arm."What's wrong, Ellie?"
"Are you okay?" Elsa asked, worried evident in her tone."You can tell me. You look a little concerned. Distressed, even. Is there something wrong?"
"Elsa...I'm just...scared."
"Scared?"
"Scared of losing myself. Sometimes...I feel like I don't even know who I am anymore. Or maybe...I've never even known who I was. And I'm just...scared...that now that I think I know who I am...I'll end up losing sight of that. That I'll just...become nothing. Zero."
"Allie..." Elsa gently grabbed his cheek, bringing him down to kiss his lips lovingly."Even if you feel lost, and you don't know what you want to be...I'll find you-de-arimasu. Just like how you found me! I'll go find you, no matter how far you go! Because I love you so very much. You make me feel alive...like all those years being tortured...were worth it, if it meant I could see you again."
Allister closed his eyes, resting his chin on her head as they both embraced.
'Ironic...in the end, I had to give up everything to get the single thing I've longed for all my life. I didn't know what I wanted. I thought I desired to see the strongest emotion aimed at the strongest goal. But I guess all I wanted was that spark. To feel that for myself. For me to once again remember what I've long forgotten. I found the girl I love but...in exchange, I ended up dooming myself. What a twist of fate.'
After saying his goodbyes, Allister exited the warehouse, staring at the dark skies.'Takeru...Goro...were you guys the ones who changed me? Or did you guide me toward that change? Maybe...maybe I should have listened to you...Akira...'
"Kohinata..." Tsubasa muttered upon seeing the unconscious body of Miku being constantly monitored and suppressed.
"No. Your friend is merely a vessel for the Divine Power that will serve our country." Fudo shook his head."The direct feedback system's mental override will soon be complete. When that time comes, we will no longer need those Rider terrorists to protect the country. I'll take back control of what was once lost."
"W-what?!" Tsubasa gasped."But...but what do you-"
"Tsubasa. Today marks the day when the Kazanari will take back Japan and place it on top of the world." The old man said."The Liangs have hindered us for years, but they're long gone now. All that's left are the handful of survivors. And once we can use the Divine Power to our will, there will be nothing left."
"Y-you can't! My friends are-"
"A Kazanari cannot be friends with a Liang." Fudo abruptly cut her off."It was already too much to allow that Liang girl to be part of Section Two. But those people are responsible for the ruin of our clan."
"What do you mean?"
"Long ago, in the Great War, China and Japan clashed. We Kazanaris were veterans of war and the first ones on the front lines. We were killing machines, merciless, and skilled. Our weapon of choice has always been swords. We were feared by the mere sight of our blades on our backs. However, the Liangs proved to be formidable opponents. Martial artists who made their fists into lethal weapons. We were defeated. And all of the Kazanari platoon had been wiped out. By the Liangs."
The patriarch of the Kazanaris glanced down at his granddaughter."Did you ever find it strange how there's so little of us? Me, my two sons, and you. It's because the Liangs drove us to extinction. The same extinction they faced. Now they're on the opposite end." A sardonic smile appeared on his face."But now, we will finally put an end to that retched clan and finish what Bragard couldn't once and for all."
Tsubasa covered her mouth, holding back her tears.'What have I done...? Did I condemn Adachi and his sister...?'
While Tsubasa cried in silence, Fudo glanced toward another area of the room where a black and red sword was displayed, which was connected to where Shem-Ha was.
'Using the Divine Power...I can do many things.' Fudo smirked upon seeing a dark aura emanating from the sword.'And I owe it all to the Liangs...I will use your bodies and souls to lay waste to what's left of your numbers.'
The next chapter may take a while. I have a test coming up. We'll see how it goes. We're past the halfway mark of XV!