Hearing Hibiki's cry, they all quickly ran over to see her, on her knees in a crater. Several Noise shot towards her.
"Hibiki!" Maia shouted, slashing a Noise in half. Rui ran forward, kicking away one of them.
"She's in your hands!" Chris shouted, as she rushed ahead, opening up her Symphogear to unleash an array of missiles that blew up several Noise. Jeanne stood underneath a tree, out of the way since she couldn't fight the Noise.
Little by little, things are becoming twisted. Becoming broken. Chris thought to herself, as she blasted apart more Noise. Something's trying to get between me and the place I call home! Who's the bastard behind this?!
"Was it you?!" She yelled, jumping over a Noise and blasting it to pieces. "Or you?!" She blasted several more behind her. The numbers seemed hopeless, thanks to the two large ones in the sky spawning more.
I was the one who activated Solomon's Cane… Does everything always end up being my fault? I…
"Chunnigure! Launch me up there!" She yelled.
Rui smashed another Noise to bits, before turning around. "The finale!"
Running towards Chris, she flipped forward, cartwheeling at her. Chris ran towards her as well, before jumping into the air. Rui kicked off the ground, flipping mid air so she was feet-up.
"SEI-HAAAAH!"
She kicked upwards, as Chris kicked off her feet, launching her up high.
"I… WON'T RUN ANYMORE!" Chris yelled, as two huge missiles formed on her shoulders.
MEGA DETH FUGA
The missiles rocketed off her shoulders, smashing right into the two largest Noise, unleashing a fiery explosion that engulfed every last one of them. Chris landed on the ground, breathing heavily from the attack. She felt a pair of arms help her up.
"You okay?" Rui asked her.
"Y-Yeah…" She said. "You should probably go to your sister."
Rui didn't say anything, before turning and running towards Hibiki. Chris deactivated her Relic, as she stared at the destruction around her.
The police had arrived on the scene, talking and helping the survivors. But they weren't the only ones, as Sector Two had arrived as well.
"The Americans?" Genjuro asked Ogawa.
"There's no doubt. They got in touch with the FIS and tried to negotiate." Ogawa said, reporting his investigation.
"And this disaster is the result?" Genjuro said. "Looks like the negotiations failed."
"But whatever they were scheming, neither party would want to draw attention like this." Ogawa said.
"So some third party didn't like the idea of the Americans and FIS teaming up, and decided to throw a spanner in the works?" Genjuro concluded.
"Annoying as that was, they ended up saving our lives."
Genjuro and Ogawa turned to see Jeanne walk up, surprisingly not in cuffs.
"Apologies if I caused any issues by knocking out those police officers." She said, fixing her wrist sleeve as she gestured to the unconscious men a short walk away. "But I simply had to talk to you, commander of Sector Two."
"And you are…?" Genjuro asked.
"Jeanne Roux." She answered. "I was a member of FIS. I can explain everything."
"How can we trust you?" Ogawa frowned.
"You probably can't, messieurs." Jeanne admitted. "But I can only ask that you hear me out. And besides."
Smirking, she reached into her coat and pulled out a data chip. It was a good thing that Mom had made a backup for her.
"This should be proof enough."
Hibiki sat in the back of a car, unresponsive. Rui sat next to her, looking at her with concern.
I should have never let go… I should have held on to Miku's hand…
"I brought you two something warm to drink."
The twins looked up to see Aoi holding out two cups of hot chocolate.
"It'll help calm you down, Hibiki-chan." She told her, as she handed the cups to the two.
Despite taking it, Hibiki's arms were trembling, as she tried to hold back her tears.
"Hibiki-chan?" Aoi asked.
"But the warmest thing I know… is gone." Hibiki said.
She started to cry. Aoi apologetically frowned, as she left. Rui stared at her own hot chocolate, recalling a memory from years ago.
Miku was running down the track at a steady, but fast pace. The sun was close to setting, but she hadn't finished the set amount of laps she had set for herself. She had probably passed her limit hours ago, but she didn't care. She was so into her routine, she didn't notice who had been watching her the whole time.
"Working hard, huh? I thought you quit track-and-field."
She stopped her run, and caught her breath. She looked to the side to see someone leaning against one of the soccer nets where she had left several water bottles.
"Hibiki?" Miku said, wiping her forehead.
"Sorry to disappoint." Rui said. "You got her sister instead."
"Rui?" Miku corrected herself. "What are you… what happened?!"
"Oh, this?" She pointed at the cut on her face, as well as a few bloodstains on her shirt. "Ah, it was nothing."
"That doesn't look like "nothing" to me!" Miku shouted. "Tell me what happened!"
"A couple of perverted bastards were harassing some of the girls downtown." Rui said. "One of them had a pretty sharp ring, that's all."
"Did they-?"
"Nah, they didn't go for me." Rui said, wiping some of the blood off her face. "But I made sure none of them would ever do it again. Just got a little cocky, that's all."
"Rui, this is the third time this week you got into a fight!" Miku said. "You can't keep putting yourself in danger like this!"
"Why's that?" Rui asked, raising a brow.
"How would Hibiki feel?" Miku asked her.
"And who are you to ask me of all people that?" Rui asked, walking up to her.
"I'm serious, Rui." Miku said. "How do you think-"
"Why don't you just back off?" Rui asked, pushing Miku's shoulder.
"I'm speaking as Hibiki's best friend." Miku said, undeterred.
"Can't see how that affects me." Rui said. "I know what I'm doing."
She turned around, about to leave before she felt Miku grab her shoulder.
"The hell do you-?"
SMACK
There was some blood on Miku's hand now, but she didn't care. Rui held her sore cheek, looking back at Miku with a glare in her eyes.
"What the fuck are you doing-?!"
"I'm also speaking as your friend, Rui!" Miku shouted at her. "It's not just Hibiki that cares; I care about you too!"
Rui was stunned at Miku's sudden slap and yelling.
"You're not just "Hibiki's sister," to me. You're Rui Tachibana, a dear friend!" Miku declared. "I wouldn't want to lose you either! It wouldn't just hurt Hibiki… it would hurt me too! So why can't you stop being reckless, for once in your life?!"
Finishing, she was left breathing heavily. Picking up her water bottle from the ground, she drank it all in one gulp. Turns out, yelling at one of your friends after sprinting for a while caused exhaustion. Who knew? After drinking it all down, she and Rui just stared at one-another in silence, neither backing down.
"...you know I'm not gonna stop, right?" Rui asked.
"I know."
"And you're not gonna stop telling me to quit, are you?"
"No, I'm not."
Rui sighed, scratching the back of her head.
"Fine." She said. "Don't stop telling me then. It'll at least help keep me down to Earth. Maybe I might actually stop, who knows?"
"Finally. Was that so hard?" Miku asked, smiling. "You really can be as dense as Hibiki sometimes, you know that?"
"What was that?!"
Miku just laughed, and Rui couldn't help but laugh as well. Friendship really was a nice feeling.
"Hey, you up for a quick race?" Rui asked, stretching. "One lap."
Miku raised an eyebrow, a competitive smirk on her face as she tossed aside her water bottle. "You are so going to lose."
"Well, you are tired and… 3-2-1 GO!"
Rui took off down the track, as Miku blinked several times before realizing and running after her. "No fair! That's cheating!"
"We never made any rules!" Rui shouted back with a grin.
"I'm still going to win!" Miku shouted, slowly overtaking Rui.
True to her word, Miku did win the race despite the head-start. Their competitive natures taking over, they kept on running more laps. After they had run around the course nearly twenty times, the two were left exhausted. They both fell down on the soccer field, laughing as the sun went down and sleep overtook them. It was quite a sight when Hibiki and her friends came across them the next morning, covered in dirt and sweat. The two received an earful from the teacher, but the two didn't seem to pay much attention to it.
Hibiki had to escort them back to their dorm, since the teacher had sent the two back to shower. When she did, she saw how much closer her best friend and twin sister had become, and smiled.
Ever since that day, Rui's number of fights had decreased dramatically. Before then, she was usually the one instigating them, to let off some steam. After her talk with Miku? She only fought those that really deserved it. When she came back to the dorm, Miku would always be there to help patch her up, no matter how little the scratches and bruises were.
The idea that one of her closest friends was gone… it infuriated her. She thought that she'd feel sad, but no. She felt angry. Angry at whoever had done it… and angry that she couldn't do anything about it. She was so furious with herself that she didn't realize that she was crushing the paper cup and burning hot chocolate was running all over her hand.
"Shit! Hot!" She yelped, though Hibiki didn't even notice.
With a frustrated groan, she threw the cup at the floor of the car, letting it spill and stain.
Whoever took Miku away from Hibiki… I'm gonna make them pay.
Maria slammed her fist into the airship's window, with so much force that her knuckles began to bleed.
"I have stained my hands with blood." Maria muttered, letting her own blood drip down the window. "What hope is left for me… Serena?!"
She screamed in despair, as Kirika and Shirabe watched in concern. Shirabe turned to Nastassja. "Tell us, Mom. What happened?"
"I believe I can elaborate on that." Ver said, walking in. "We believe that we should save as many lives as possible before the Moon falls in a decade, do we not? However, Nastassja tried to sell us out to the Americans."
"Mom…" Shirabe said.
"Is that true?" Kirika asked.
"And that's not all." Ver continued. "The story they told about Finé's soul residing in Maria was nothing more than a grand deception. A charade born from Nastassja and Maria's scheming."
The two turned to Maria, who was still staring at the window.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry, girls."
"But if you're not Finé, then-" Kirika started.
"They only told this tall tale to win my cooperation." Ver said, slamming Solomon's Cane into the ground, before pushing his hair back. "Don't you think that this betrayal of yours is going too far? We had only just retrieved the Nephilim's heart, and it was almost lost to us forever."
"This is some kind of joke, right?" Kirika asked in panic. "Jeanne can tell us more about-"
"That's not really an option." Ver chuckled. "Because the betrayal doesn't end with these two."
"What?" Maria raised her eyebrows. "What are you talking about?"
Ogawa was seen standing near a riverbank, as authorities were still within the vicinity of the ruined Sky Tower.
"What the…?"
"Find something?"
Jeanne was sitting on the steps that led down, her hands in cuffs this time. Genjuro had taken the data back to Sector Two to be analysed. After getting cuffed, she had expected to be taken into custody, but to her surprise, Genjuro told her to stay and help Ogawa. He said that they needed time to get a cell ready, but Jeanne could tell that there was another reason. Was this kindness, to repay for giving the information? That just seemed foolish.
"Call the Commander!" Ogawa told Jeanne. He was holding a device he fished from the river.
Unamused, Jeanne held up her cuffed hands. "I don't even own a phone, much less have his number."
"A-Ah, sorry." Ogawa apologized, before repeating the order to a different member of Sector Two. He turned back to Jeanne. "If you'd like, we could buy you a phone."
"Eh?" Jeanne said, blankly. "Why?"
"Well, everyone needs a phone, after all." Ogawa said.
"I… suppose that is true." Jeanne agreed. "I'm surprised that you're treating an enemy this nicely."
"That's just how we do things at Sector Two." He smiled.
"I see." Jeanne didn't smile back, but being treated with kindness… it was a lot better than how it was for them back at the FIS facility.
I'm starting to feel that this was the choice we should have made, Mom.
"Come on, order something. My treat." Chris said.
"Y'know, I never expected you of all people to be a sloppy eater." Maia sweatdropped.
The Kazanari and Yukine twins were sitting in a restaurant, as Chris was eating a plate of spaghetti. While Maia had ordered a soda, Tsubasa and Shuri had ordered nothing.
"I refrain from eating past 9 PM." Tsubasa said, looking out the window.
"See, this is why you're such a drag." Chris said through a mouthful of spaghetti.
"What are you talking about?!" Tsubasa yelled, slamming the table and standing up. "If that's all, I'm leaving!"
"L-Let's calm down, everyone…" Shuri said, holding up her hands.
"I'm always calm." Maia said, as she sipped her soda.
"That's a lie." Chris mumbled, before looking up at Tsubasa. "Are you angry?"
"How could I be calm?!" Tsubasa asked. "The FIS, the Tachibanas… and my own powerlessness when my comrades were in peril… it's unbearable."
She sat back down, tightening her fists. Maia gave her sister a reassuring pat on her back.
"I called you two because I wanted to have dinner with you guys for once." Chris said, swallowing the last mouthful and putting down her fork. "Thought we might be able to have a heart-to-heart over some food. I mean, it worked with one of you already."
"But there wasn't any food when we talked…" Maia said.
"When did we get like this?" Chris asked, flicking a toothpick around in her hand before using it. "We share the same goal, but we've split apart from each other. We should work together more and-"
"Yukine." Tsubasa said. "If you want to talk heart-to-heart, you could at least call me by my given name."
"Huuaah?!" The toothpick fell from her mouth. "Uh, well, you… hey, wait!"
Tsubasa had already gotten up and walked off.
"W-Wait, Tsubasa-san!" Shuri said, running after her.
"And there they go." Maia said, finishing her soda.
"So much for that heart-to-heart." Chris grumbled. "But maybe this is for the best."
"Is it really that hard for you to call my sis by name or something?" Maia asked. "You called me senpai, at least. Why can't you do it for her?"
"Well, I…"
"You'd think that you'd use it on me less since I'm not really the best role model." Maia chuckled.
"It's just… well… we really have grown apart, y'know? I don't know if she even considers me…"
"Hey." Maia tapped the table. "Tsubasa doesn't think that, okay? She's just stressed out right now. Give it some time. And if it means anything, I'm flattered that you consider us close enough."
"I guess…" Chris lifted her coffee mug and took a sip. "Ugh, how bitter."
Maia watched as a strand of spaghetti hit the table. She looked at Chris's face and saw the sauce stains all around her lips, with a mushroom sticking to her cheek.
"Y'know, I'm glad we didn't invite Rui." Maia said quietly. "I think she would've lost it seeing you eat like a slob."
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
Tsubasa started up her motorcycle, and was about to put on her helmet before she heard a voice.
"Tsubasa-san!"
Looking up, she saw Shuri running up to her.
"What do you want?" Tsubasa asked.
"Oneesama was just trying to do something nice for you, and you leave like that?" Shuri asked.
"I don't believe being insulted should count as "something nice."" Tsubasa said.
"That's just how oneesama always acts." Shuri said. "I thought you would know, since you're her friend."
Tsubasa sighed, placing her helmet down between the handlebars.
"I do, Shuri."
Shuri was surprised that Tsubasa used her first name. She probably guessed that it was for the same reasons she used Rui's first name. She pushed the thought to the side for now.
"I know that's how Yukine is, but… right now, I'd rather not deal with her natural attitude." Tsubasa said. "There's too much on my mind."
"...about Hibiki-san's condition, and Rui-san?" Shuri asked.
Tsubasa grit her teeth. "Tachibana's only a few steps away from death, and Rui is a devoted sister. I keep imagining the worst possibility…"
It was on replay constantly, burned into her mind. Hibiki dying or being no longer human, and Rui lashing out at everyone, blaming everyone, including herself.
"I think you need a little more faith in everyone, Tsubasa-san."
"What?"
Shuri put her hands over her chest.
"Everyone is trying their best… you don't need to shoulder it all by yourself, Tsubasa-san. You're not the only one suffering!"
Tsubasa widened her eyes at the last statement, as a surprisingly stern expression appeared on Shuri's face, akin to her sister.
"You're acting like you have to do it all alone, but we're all here to help, Tsubasa-san. We're your friends. Remember that."
Tsubasa was stunned at how Shuri was acting. But at the same time, she was also thankful. Letting out a breath, she had a small smile on her face.
"You and Yukine really are sisters, aren't you?" Tsubasa said. "Always succeeding at what you want in the end."
"Us Yukines don't do anything half-heartedly." Shuri smiled.
Tsubasa put on her helmet, before turning towards the road.
"I'll keep your words in mind, Shuri." Tsubasa said. "But before I leave, is it fine if I use your first name, to differentiate you from Yukine?"
"Of course, Tsubasa-san."
"Alright." Tsubasa nodded. "Tell Yukine I'll gladly have that heart-to-heart during better times."
"I'll be sure to mention it, Tsubasa-san." Shuri said as she drove off.
"Mom… Maria… What the doctor's saying is a lie, right?" Kirika asked.
Maria shook her head. "It's true. I am no host to Finé, and we have been having second thoughts about the plan to save mankind."
"But..." Shirabe said.
"Mom tried to get the Americans' help by sharing what we knew about the Frontier." Maria said.
"But didn't the Americans only care about saving themselves?" Shirabe asked.
"And we stood against the world so that we could save as many people as possible, dess!" Kirika added.
"If those negotiations succeeded, we would've lost the upper hand." Nastassja said, before looking at Ver. "That's why you summoned the Noise there and laid waste to our surroundings."
"Oh, please. I protected you from those wicket Americans…" He aimed Solomon's Cane at her. "...using Solomon's Cane."
Kirika and Shirabe got in front of Nastassja protectively, but to their surprise, Maria stood in between them and Ver, holding her arms out.
"Maria? Why?" Kirika asked as Ver lowered his arm.
Ver laughed. "I knew this would happen!"
"You can't protect the world with half-hearted devotion." Maria said. "We can't fulfill Serena's wishes like this. Only force… Only through brute force can we maintain justice. Only the doctor's way can change the world. So I'm with him!"
Ver chuckled at Maria's words, while Shirabe stepped forward.
"I don't want that." Shirabe said. "That very force would be used to oppress the weak. Is that really..."
"Very well."
Kirika and Shirabe turned to Nastassja, who had spoken up.
"This is the decision of Maria Cadenzavna Eve herself, and not the fales Finé, I trust?" Nastassja asked Maria.
Maria said nothing, but the silence spoke volumes. It was broken as Nastassja began to cough.
"Are you alright, dess?!" Kirika asked her, as she and Shirabe went to her side. Maria closed her eyes and turned away.
"Leave the rest to me. You should rest well, Nastassja." Ver said as he went to the door. He spoke not in a concerned tone, but rather a more mocking one of victory. "Well then, I must devote myself to preparing for our plan. I have a dear guest of ours to attend to, as well."
He left the room, as Maria looked out the window.
"Mom, why did Jeanne leave us?" Shirabe asked Nastassja.
Nastassja looked down, remembering the conversation the two had.
They were speaking to one-another outside the airship, some time after everyone else had gone to sleep.
"You know there's a good chance that the Americans might pull a Judas Iscariot, non?" Jeanne asked her.
"I'm well aware of that possibility." Nastassja said, grimly.
"Then I propose a backup plan." Jeanne said, holding up a chip. "This is the chip that we're handing over, correct?"
Nastassja raised an eyebrow, as Jeanne pulled out a second one.
"If things go South, I'll find Sector Two and give them this information." Jeanne said.
"Why?" Nastassja asked her. Not out of incredulity, but rather curiosity for Jeanne's decision.
"Mom… I observed them after Maria gave me that wake-up call." She said. "I saw Hibiki Tachibana fight, not for herself. Despite being enemies… despite the words Shirabe said to her… she saved their lives. Those aren't the actions of a weak person that uses only empty promises. They're the actions of someone strong."
"So does this mean you've made up your mind?" Nastassja asked.
"Y-Yes." She said, nervously. "I-"
"Then I won't stop you."
"Mom?"
"I was starting to consider it myself, to be honest. But I was always indecisive." Nastassja admitted. "Jeanne. You always were incredibly bright and insightful. I'll put my faith in you."
"But, this would mean that-"
"Yes, you'd be betraying us, but does that really matter considering what we're about to do?"
Looking down, she placed her hand on Nastassja's own.
"...don't tell any of the others about this." Jeanne said. "It's something I have to do on my own."
"I understand."
"That I cannot answer." Nastassja lied.
The other two looked saddened at this. Nastassja sighed, looking out the window.
I pray that success follows you, Jeanne.
In another room, there was a cage of pink lasers. Inside? Miku Kohinata, hugging her knees to her chest.
"Hibiki…" She said quietly, burying her face in her arms. "Rui…"
"What's this?" Hibiki asked, holding the device Ogawa retrieved.
"Miku's transmitter." Genjuro answered. "It was retrieved from a location some distance from the Sky Tower."
"Wait, away from the Sky Tower?" Maia asked.
"Before it was disposed of, it moved away from the Tower at a steady speed." Genjuro said.
"Then that means…!" Rui realized.
"Miku is not dead." Genjuro finished. "She was probably rescued by another party and is now being held hostage."
"But, Shisho, that means-!" Hibiki said.
"Time to stop feeling sorry for yourself and leap into action!" Genjuro said.
"Thank God…" Rui said, putting an arm over her eyes.
"...you crying, partner?" Maia asked.
"No."
"Now then!" Genjuro said, patting Hibiki on the head. "Nothing's better for a change of mood than some exercise!"
"Right!" Hibiki agreed.
"Training montage time!" Maia whooped.
It was the crack of dawn as Genjuro led the girls on an early morning run. The reactions were quite mixed. Hibiki was fired up. Rui and Tsubasa had calm expressions on their faces as they jogged. Maia was treating it more like a casual stroll, smile on her face as usual. Shuri was only second to Hibiki in motivation. As for Chris… she was struggling to keep up and wasn't really into it.
"A tall man strikes against slander with all his might~ For the sake of justice, I will even sweat blood~"
"Why is the geezer singing?" Chris asked, as Genjuro suddenly started. "What is this song, anyway? Did he hit his head?"
"Is that cantonese?" Rui asked.
"Eh, the old man knows a lot of stuff." Maia shrugged, as Tsubasa nodded.
"This is beyond me…" Chris groaned.
Hibiki barely paid any mind to the talking around her. He's right! It's time to leap into action! I'll save Miku! "-soul is strong like a lion~!"
"Wait, when the hell did you learn cantonese?!" Rui yelled in confusion.
"Advance! Without fear of what's to be lost~" Shuri joined in.
"Huh?!" Chris yelled, also confused. "How does Shuri know it too?!"
"I've just learned to stop questioning things." Maia said, as Tsubasa nodded in agreement. "Let's just hop into the training montage."
"WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Chris yelled, already reaching her breaking point.
"Have you never watched stuff like this?" Maia asked. "When the hero does their training arc, music plays over a few clips of their training. And if there are other characters there too, they get less scenes and then there's that one character that's messing up a lot. That's what we're basically doing."
"You sound like Yumi." Rui said.
"That's stupid." Chris said. "There's no way that-"
Hibiki was doing vertical sit ups, transferring water from pots to a bucket using cups while Genjuro watched her. Rui was at the side, striking several poses that required her to move her legs in rapid, strong movements.
Soon they were all using jump ropes. Hibiki kept a steady pace as she skipped. Rui and Maia also were at steady paces, but a bit sloppier in execution. Shuri had her eyes closed as she jumped the rope efficiently, and Tsubasa's rope was a complete blur. Chris was barely moving her arms, and it was almost like she was simply stepping over it instead of hopping.
The six of them were all in balanced squat positions, holding cups of water. Two on their upper legs, two on their arms and one on their head. Tsubasa and Maia both had perfect stances. Hibiki, Rui and Shuri were slightly shaking, but stayed strong. Chris fell over after ten seconds.
In a freezer room, Hibiki and Shuri slugged frozen meat like punching bags. Tsubasa did the same, though her punches didn't have the same amount of force as the other two. Rui eventually started cheating and just kicked the frozen meat instead. Maia just watched Chris, who was whining every time she punched the meat.
They all ran up a snowy mountain, while Chris lagged behind. Maia teased her, before getting a snowball in the face.
Hibiki, Tsubasa and Maia drank egg whites for protein. Chris did the same, but dropped the cup and was spitting it out in the sink. Rui was actually cooking her eggs on a stovetop, as Shuri watched to learn.
They had reached a temple at the top of the mountain after the run. Genjuro threw several practice punches, before lifting a cheering Hibiki and Shuri. Rui flicked her right wrist, before dusting her hands and striking a pose where she pointed to the sky. Tsubasa had one hand on her hip, while Maia had an arm around her shoulders.
They're all burning so fiercely. Chris thought, as she caught her breath and sat down. This place is just too warm for me.
Tsubasa and Rui looked at her as she sat down, before the latter held out a hand to Chris. While she was exhausted, she did take the hand. Rui helped her stand up so they could all watch as the sun set.
Maria leaned against a wall, holding the broken relic in her hand as she softly sang.
The apple floated in the sky…
The apple dropped to the ground…
The stars are born, and-
Maria looked up. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Miku said, from inside the cage. "Just… thank you."
Maria had broken through to her back on the tower, holding out her hand. She told Miku to go with her, if she wanted to live.
"Why did you save me?" Miku asked, as Maria pushed herself off the wall.
"Good question." Maria said. "I guess seeing you there reminded me of Serena, surrounded by flames."
"Serena?" Miku asked.
"Her late younger sister." Came another voice.
Miku looked over to see Ver walk into the room.
"Doctor?" Maria asked, as Ver observed Miku inside the cage. "I was the one who saved her, but you ordered me to bring her back here. To what end?"
"To further our plans, naturally." Ver answered, leaning down towards Miku with a friendly smile. "Please, don't look so afraid. How about we have a little chat? I'm sure I'll be able to help you."
Despite his words, Miku could tell that the man had a sinister intent behind that false smile.
Kirika was hanging towels to dry with Shirabe, but was hardly paying attention to her work.
If Maria's not Finé, then she must be within me. Kirika thought. I'm scared.
"What's wrong with Maria?" Shirabe suddenly asked. "I wanted to help Maria. Not Finé."
"Y-Yeah, that's right." Kirika said, agreeing and trying to ignore her fears.
"We were lonely crybabies. She was kind to us." Shirabe said. "She was the protector of the weak. But now..."
Only through brute force can we maintain justice.
"Aren't you scared, Shirabe?" Kirika asked.
Shirabe looked at her friend.
"If she's not Finé, one of us potential vessels might end up becoming her instead."
"...I'm not sure." Shirabe said. "I just remember what Jeanne told us when we asked her something like that before."
She thought back to a memory, years ago when they were still in the FIS facility.
Jeanne was gently stroking Mel's hair as her little sister laid her head in her lap. It was nearly time for curfew, and one of the rare breaks during experimentation.
"Jeanne?"
The sisters looked up to see Shirabe and Kirika, who both looked like they're about to cry.
"Qu'est-ce qui ne va pas?" Jeanne asked. "What's wrong?"
"We're… just scared, dess."
"That's how all of us feel, Kirika." Jeanne said.
"But what if one of us is Finé?" Shirabe asked. "I don't want to…"
She couldn't finish the sentence, and started to cry. Kirika did as well. Though the two stopped sniffling as they each felt a hand on their heads. They looked up to see Jeanne's smile, as well as Mel.
"Don't cry." Jeanne said softly.
"But Jeanne, aren't you scared too, dess?" Kirika asked.
"Yes, but I won't let the thought drag me down into despair." Jeanne said.
"If Finé possessed my grande soeur, I'd feel sorry for her." Mel said.
"We all would." Shirabe said. "To be the host would be-"
"You thought I was talking about Jeanne?" Mel asked. "No, I mean I'd feel bad for Finé."
"Eh?"
"Finé wouldn't get my soul without a fight." Jeanne said, flexing a bicep that her prepubescent body did not have.
"With how hard-headed my sister is, I doubt Finé would stay for long." Mel said cheerfully, as Jeanne playfully flicked her forehead for the light ribbing. "And if it was me, Jeanne would find one way or another to rip her soul out of my body."
"You two… aren't scared?" Shirabe asked.
"We are." Jeanne admitted. "But we don't live in fear of the future. And I'll be damned if I let such a fear overtake my desire to protect my family."
"Family?" Kirika asked, looking at Mel.
"Not just me." Mel said. "You two, and Maria and Serena too! It's like we're all sisters!"
"Tears don't suit you two." Jeanne smiled, wiping their faces. "Smiling is much better."
Trying not to cry for different reasons this time, the two hugged Jeanne and Mel. Soon after, Shirabe and Kirika also laid their heads in Jeanne's lap. Maria walked in, carrying Serena on her back. The two had a bit of dirt on their clothes, and Serena held a flower in her hand.
"Did we miss something?" Maria asked.
"Nothing much." Jeanne said.
"That looks comfy." Serena said, looking at the peaceful sleeping expressions on Mel, Shirabe and Kirika.
Jeanne simply chuckled.
"...how are you gonna carry those three to their beds?"
Jeanne stopped laughing once she realized it as well.
"Good luck." Maria said, walking off with Serena.
"W-Wait, don't leave me like this!" She begged her friend.
Mel, Shirabe and Kirika all smiled with their eyes closed. Truth to be told, they weren't actually sleeping, but just wanted to stay like that a little while longer.
Even though Jeanne had supposedly betrayed them, Shirabe couldn't help but smile at the small moment from happier times. "We really were crybabies…"
"Is that all, dess?" Kirika asked, voice raised slightly.
"What's wrong?" Shirabe asked.
Kirika just shut her eyes before running off.
"Kiri-chan?" Shirabe asked, as the wind blew through the trees.
Hibiki was lying down on one of the beds in the base, but she couldn't sleep. Rui was on a different bunk in the same room.
Just a little longer. Hibiki thought. Hold on just a little longer, Miku.
Hibiki winced and held her chest in pain, as she was starting to feel the pain. Rui subconsciously tightened her fist.
"How is Mom?" Kirika asked.
"She needs to rest." Maria said, piloting the airship. "Not only did she overexert herself, her sickness is getting worse too."
"That's… no…" Shirabe muttered.
"That means that we have no time to waste." Ver said, leaning on a wall. "We must unite and guide mankind to the new world before the Moon descends to Earth. That is the duty with which we have been entrusted."
The two just stared at him, frowning, before an alarm went off on their radar.
"What?" Maria said, as the image came into focus.
"An American carrier, dess?!" Kirika said, before the picture zoomed out to show an entire fleet of ships.
"No matter." Ver said, looking at the screen. "We can still use this to our advantage. How about we get the world's attention by sending them to Davy Jones's locker?"
"That's... the way of the strong who terrorize the weak." Shirabe said.
"Yes, we may need to conspicuously demonstrate our power to get the world's attention." Maria said, shocking Kirika and Shirabe.
"Maria-" Shirabe started.
"I… We are Finé." Maria said. "We will bring an end to this world where the strong oppress the weak. I will tread that path with no fear or hesitation."
Shirabe and Kirika could only watch her sadly. Did the woman they saw as an older sister truly become like this? Was this really her?
BANG BANG BANG
Jeanne took a heavy breath, lowering her firing arm. She looked at the paper target, which had been shredded by the bullets that peppered it.
"How does that feel?" Ogawa asked, as he stood to the side, arms crossed. The two of them were in the submarine's training ground, at the firing range.
"Rubber bullets." Jeanne observed, looking at her weapon. "Not as lethal, but just as effective."
Ogawa nodded. "I asked for several of these. Wasn't too hard to get them. While you were uncomfortable firing actual live rounds, I figured that using rubber bullets would be much easier for you."
"...can I ask something? Why are you doing all of this for me?"
"It's just how we do things-"
"No." Jeanne said. "I'm pretty sure there's a different reason."
She turned to face him. She was wearing a new beige button-up shirt over her white undershirt, and khaki trousers. Ogawa bought them for her when they went to get her a phone.
"You wouldn't just treat a former enemy like this with no reason." She said. "Why?"
"...well, it was at Rui-san's request."
"Her?" Jeanne raised her eyebrow.
"I can't exactly repeat her words, due to the erm… colorful language options she used." He said. "But she told us that we could trust you."
Jeanne remembered how she had saved Rui when the tower was falling apart.
"I could just be tricking you and gaining your trust-"
Ogawa shook his head. "Rui-san says that no one lying would risk their life to save someone that was trying to, erm, defeat them."
"..she said "kick their ass," didn't she?"
"Yes."
Jeanne breathed out, but Ogawa could have sworn he heard her chuckle. "I see."
"We're not trying to trust you." Ogawa said. "We're asking you to try and trust us."
Jeanne didn't say anything as she turned away. She was about to speak up, but Ogawa got a call from his phone.
"Yes, Ogawa here. … what?!"
Jeanne could tell that the alert was about FIS. But we didn't have any plans for today, unless they changed their plan of action… guess the information I gave them turned out to be useless, in the end.
"Noise detected!" Aoi said, reading the monitor.
"An American carrier is requesting assistance!" Sakuya added.
The visual appeared, as the Wielders gasped while their twins suited up.
"It's close by! Full speed ahead!" Genjuro shouted.
"So it's full-on war now, huh?" Maia asked, tightening her glove. "Let's go, Tsubasa."
"Right! I'll get ready to assist them!" Tsubasa said, running to the launch bay, with Maia right behind her.
"Tsubasa-san! Maia-san!" Hibiki said. "I-!"
"Do you want to die that badly?!" Chris yelled, grabbing Hibiki by her tie.
"Oneesama!" Shuri said, about to pull her sister off before Rui held out an arm.
"Stay here. Okay?" Chris said, voice and expression softer. "You mustn't leave this place."
Hibiki and Shuri were both stunned at how Chris had changed her attitude so quickly, while Rui smiled.
"Please…" Chris said, fixing Hibiki's tie, before running off to join Tsubasa and Maia.
"We'll be back soon, Hibiki-san." Shuri promised. "So just rest."
She left the room, leaving only Rui. The tougher Tachibana simply held up her wrist.
"Oneesan…"
"Leave this to us, alright, Hibiki?" She asked.
"...okay. Just stay safe."
She raised her own wrist and tapped it with Rui's, before her sister went to join the fray.
To say that the fight was one-sided was an understatement, as the Noise were slaughtering the American troops. Maria saw the carnage unfold as she piloted the ship, biting her lip so hard it began to bleed.
"Is this what you really want?" Shirabe asked, walking up to her. "Is this really necessary to protect the weak?"
Maria didn't respond, but that seemed to be all the information Shirabe needed as she rushed to the doors.
"Shirabe?!" Kirika called.
The girl was just about to jump out, before Kirika grabbed her shoulder.
"What are you doing, dess?!" Kirika yelled.
"If Maria is suffering, I will set her free." She simply answered, before jumping out.
"Shirabe!"
"Various Shul Shagana tron~"
Mid-air, Shirabe transformed into her Symphogear form, before swooping down onto the battlefield.
"Shirabe…" Kirika said, before feeling a hand on her shoulder to see Ver.
"If you want to bring her back, I know just the thing." Ver told her.
Back on the ship, Shirabe cut down the Noise with little effort. While most of the American soldiers were already long gone, the Noise horde remained. She had almost managed to thin out the crowd, before one snuck up behind her. She turned to try and slash it, but it was upon her and she braced herself.
"Hyah!"
The Noise went up in a burst of flames, and Shirabe widened her eyes. She had a good feeling about who had done that.
"Ore…" Rui Tachibana pointed at herself, before holding her arms out. "...sanjou!"
Shirabe grit her teeth as Rui announced her arrival.
I always did want to say that one. Rui thought, before dusting her hands.
"Why are you here?" She asked.
"Let's see…" Rui pretended to ponder. "A bunch of Noise attacks an American fleet out of nowhere? Yeah, that's not suspicious at all."
Shirabe's buzzsaws aimed carefully. "Where are your allies?"
"I came alone." Rui said.
Technically not wrong. When Tsubasa and Chris were getting ready, Rui had taken one of the smaller pods and surfaced quietly next to the carrier, getting on with ease.
"But to find you?" Rui said. "Guess it's my lucky day."
"What are you talking about?" Shirabe asked.
Rui took up a stance. "How about a rematch?"
"What?" Shirabe said, confused.
"It's only the two of us here." Rui said. "And the last of the Noise are done. So how about it? Unless you're a coward."
While Shirabe wasn't really insulted, that did light a bit of a spark within her. She still vividly remembered what had happened that day, as she briefly touched her stomach. Perhaps fighting Rui fairly would finally give her the closure that she needed. Shutting that mouth up really would be cathartic. Glaring at her, she raised her arms and fired several buzzsaws at Rui.
The Tachibana jumped and twisted her body mid-air, avoiding the saws as they narrowly missed her. Shirabe fired several more buzzsaws, but this time, Rui engulfed her leg in electricity and delivered a roundhouse kick, knocking the blades right back at her. Shirabe held up her arms and winced, as they sparked off her armor. As soon as she lowered her arms, she quickly rolled to the side to avoid a diving kick from Rui.
Rui ran towards her, unleashing punches and kicks that Shirabe dodged. She used the extensions on her head to push Rui back, before she spun around so fast that her skirt became a buzzsaw.
Delta Style: Charming Axel Killer
Rui couldn't react in time, and took the hit dead on. She was knocked into the steel wall, and clutched her head in dizziness. She looked up in time to jump to the right, as Shirabe tore right into the wall. Seeing that Rui was still holding onto the wall, she went along with it, cutting alongside the length to chase her.
But Rui thought quickly, before electricity crackled from her leg. She quickly kicked the wall, as it conducted electricity right into Shirabe, who cried out from the shock. Her skirt turned back to normal, as she stumbled back.
"Hraaaah!"
Shirabe quickly brought up a buzzsaw to block an ax kick from Rui. Sparks flew off of Rui's heel as the buzzsaw crashed against it. But Shirabe overpowered Rui, throwing her off balance as she fell to the ground. Rui quickly rolled to avoid a huge buzzsaw attempt to cut her in half as it tore up the steel they stood upon.
Shirabe continued her assault with her buzzsaws, as Rui kept on stepping back or backflipping out of the way of the weapons. Electricity sparked around her legs, but Shirabe realized what Rui was trying to do; send the electricity through them and right at her, just like in their very first fight at the stadium so long ago.
Instead of letting her kick the buzzsaws connected to her, she pretended to fall for the trick, before moving them out of the way at the last second. It worked as Rui made an unintended long step with the loss of her target, leaving her wide open as the two buzzsaws ground into her back and forced her to the ground. While the barrier stood strong, Shirabe kept up the pressure.
"Get… off me!"
The electricity increased in voltage. Shirabe quickly managed to pull off her buzzsaws, only receiving a minor shock this time. Rui stood up, sweat dripping down her brow. She wasn't the only one though, as Shirabe herself was being pushed to the limit with how furious Rui was fighting.
With one final shout, Shirabe aimed her weapons, and fired a massive storm of blades, with her two main buzzsaws backing them up.
Alpha Style: 100 Saṃsāra
But with her own willpower unrelenting, Rui rushed forward through the storm of blades. With her fists up, she shifted back and forth like a boxer, dodging the many saws. Occasionally, one nicked her, but her shield managed to block the minor attacks. Once she got past the storm Shirabe tried to bring both of her blades down on her.
Gamma Style: Friction Blades
Rui rolled forward, standing up… right in front of Shirabe.
No-!
Rui kicked her across the face, flames ignited on her foot. She delivered a knee to Shirabe's gut, before finishing with a powerful uppercut that sent her flying into the air. Shirabe landed painfully on the steel, slightly caving it in, dazed from the heavy hits.
"Time for the finale!" Rui said, as she pressed a button on Kagutsuchi that ignited her foot. She twirled around once, before running forward and cartwheeling, landing once before kicking herself into the air with a backflip.
Shirabe watched as Rui turned mid-air, and outstretched her leg as it was engulfed in flames.
So this is the strength of Rui Tachibana… Shirabe thought, as she saw her opponent dive at her. She closed her eyes to brace herself for the attack.
Though before Rui could deliver the finishing blow, they both saw a blur of green.
"Fu-!"
A scythe handle slammed into her chest, sending her rolling. Stopping herself from rolling further, Rui held the area that was struck and breathed heavily, winded from the hit. Kirika landed between the two of them, expression grim.
"Kiri-chan!" Shirabe said, standing up and rolling over to her friend. "What are you-?!"
Before either of them could react, Kirika injected some liquid into Shirabe's neck.
"Wh-What…?" Shirabe stumbled, feeling dizzy. "I can't… maintain my Gear…"
In a glow, she had transformed back to normal, still dazed and shaking from the effects.
Sorry about the Anti-LiNKER, Shirabe. Kirika thought. But this was the only way.
Infighting? Rui thought, slowly standing up. The hell is going on?
"I might cease to be myself at any time!" Kirika said. "I have to leave something behind before that happens, or even if you'll forget me one day!"
"Kiri-chan…?" Shirabe asked, confused.
"Cease to be…?" Rui muttered.
Kirika held out her hand to Shirabe. "Even if I should disappear, as long as this world remains, so shall the memories we share! That's why I'll protect the world as the doctor wishes! That's the only way-!"
"Man, you guys just love talking, huh?"
Kirika looked up and quickly brought up her scythe to defend herself, as Takemikazuchi flew right into it. It circled back towards Maia, who had landed next to Rui with Shuri.
"Held down the fort pretty well, partner." Maia said. "Enough time for the cavalry to arrive."
At her words, the surface of the ocean burst as a missile-like capsule pierced through. Breaking mid-air, Tsubasa and Chris jumped out of it, landing on the battlefield. Tsubasa went straight for Kirika with rapid sword slashes, and the two traded attacks, dodging with skill and speed. Chirs had quickly restrained Shirabe, who was too weak to fight, not to mention currently powerless.
"Don't butt in, dess!" Kirika yelled.
"Kiri-chan!" Shirabe called.
"Where's that damn Ver?!" Chris asked her, tightening her hold. "Where's the wielder of Solomon's Cane?!"
Kirika saw Shirabe captured, but that one moment of distraction was all Tsubasa needed for checkmate, as she held her blade an inch away from Kirika's neck.
"Well then." Maia clapped, getting Kirika's attention. "Now that we're all nice and comfy-"
"Oneesama, you're holding her neck too tight! She can't talk, much less breathe!" Shuri chided.
"Oh, whoops." Chris muttered, loosening up a bit, giving Shirabe air.
"-for the most part." Maia said with a chuckle. "I suppose you two won't mind if we ask a couple of questions."
"Kirika! Shirabe!" Maria called out, seeing the situation from the airship. Ver stood next to her, fixing his glasses.
"Now, let us tilt the scales back in our favor." Ver said, hints of amusement in his voice. "As dramatically, and as romantically as possible!"
He pressed several buttons on the dashboard, as the
"You don't mean…" Maria started.
The bay doors opened, and something… no, someone fell out.
"Rei Shénshòujìng rei zizzl~"
"No…" Rui's eyes widened as she heard the voice. "That's-!"
The person slammed into the carrier, tearing up steel and kicking up dust as they landed. Everyone could only stare in shock as it cleared to reveal who it was. She was clad in purple and white Symphogear armor that had a slightly bulkier appearance than the others. Her eyes stared for a thousand yards, but it was unmistakable who it was.
Everyone in Sector Two were shocked at what they were seeing. Ogawa and Jeanne ran in, and shared their reactions.
"Miku…" Hibiki said, seeing her best friend; now with the same power they all had.
A/N: Jeanne doesn't officially have a last name. I went with Roux, since it's a fairly common French last name, but not too much.
And oh boy, you all knew this part was coming, sooner or later. Pain.
A few more original scenes have been added, showing that Rui isn't just "Hibiki's sister" to Miku.
And an original scene of FIS. I felt that they heavily underutilized the backstories for them in canon.
Nothing much else to say here, but yeah. But next chapter? Hoo boy. That's all I'll say.
Feel free to leave a review. See you all next time.