Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
RXU:EP07 – Wielder Wrapped in Shadows
Main World:
"What's going on?" Touma asked as Miku and Daishinji walked over to meet with him, "Miku, why do you have…"
"I have Ikazuchi because I'm training to become its next user," Miku explained as she held up Ikazuchi with both of her hands, "Daishinji's been training me not that long after the Magical Girl Incident."
"You've been training for that long?" Touma asked in surprise, "Then all the errands and you spending more time with Daishinji…"
"Was for my training," Miku nodded.
"Why though?" Touma asked.
"Simply put, and something you should take to heart," Daishinji spoke up instead, "You shouldn't be bearing everything alone."
"It's not like I'm trying to work on my own," Touma narrowed his eyes at the accusation, "I know I can't save everyone on my own, that's why I'll use whatever resources SONG has to-"
"Your teamwork and willingness to work with everyone is not under question," Daishinji interrupted in complete seriousness as he narrowed his eyes as well in response, "What I'm talking about is you bearing your burdens."
"What?" Touma asked, caught off guard by this spin, "What are you talking about?"
"It's quite simple," Daishinji held a frustrated look as he grabbed Touma by the collar and pulled him close, "You're crushing yourself under the weight of not being able to save everyone from the clutches of the Megid."
"Yuri only allows so many people to wield him, and at the moment I'm his chosen wielder," Touma replied with a light wince, not expecting Daishinji to get confrontational, "So are you saying I shouldn't feel guilty that I failed to save so many different people?"
"Touma…" Miku muttered.
"I understand that you want to help anyone you can with your power," Daishinji called out as he shoved Touma away before looking down despite still addressing the Swordsman of Flame, "It's easy to say that, but it's near impossible to do! You know that feeling well enough, but what you don't seem to get is that we swing our swords while bearing the burden of those we could not save. The more we fight… the more weight we have on our shoulders. That's what it means to be a hero in our line of work."
"But…" Touma spoke up though Daishinji met his gaze which caused him to stop.
"The fact that all of us can work together as a big team like this… it's wonderful," Daishinji admitted in a smile, "No one burden is too much for someone so long as we share it. That's why Miku is training her hardest right now."
"I…" Touma muttered.
"This is also the lesson I want to impart on you," Daishiniji said as he held up Suzune, "I brought you here so that you could learn from both my words and actions. And maybe in the process I'll learn why exactly the Kaenken Rekka chose you by asking it directly."
Touma stared at Daishinji for a while before nodding, "Alright then."
"Not checking in on your hunt?" Storious asked as he walked into the Megid base.
"Nope," Zooous said as he leaned back in his seat, his legs resting on a table that held a large pile of Enhanced Alter Ride Books, "Figured I could relax a bit given we have a lot."
"While I appreciate the confidence we should still try and make some progress here in the city," Storious reminded.
"If you're that concerned Storious, why not go out yourself?" Legeiel asked, in a corner with Amanojaku who he was currently giving books to read.
"I'm surprised to see he's still out," Storious admitted, "Taking a liking to your successful project?"
"Considering how good Amanojaku got Saber, yeah," Legeiel said as he patted the Megid on the back, "I think he'll be a good asset to us if we let him grow."
"Oh thank you Master Legeiel," Amanojaku said with a light giggle as he clasped his hands and bowed slightly.
"I suppose," Storious nodded, figuring that this favoritism was likely due to how Amanojaku was pivotal in striking a heavy blow to SONG, "Shall we send Amanojaku out then? The Riders and Wielders are trying to confront Zooous' Megid and I'd rather not make it too easy."
"Ooh, a new mission?" Amanojaku asked, "I'd love-"
"Is Saber one of them?" Legeiel asked as he put a hand in front of Amanojaku to keep the Megid from talking further.
Storious stayed silent at that because he knew the reaction Legeiel would give. But he knew he couldn't exactly lie since it'd be more annoying in the long run.
"He is."
"Then I'll go out and make sure that Megid gets completed," Legeiel said with a grin, "I want to keep crushing the Swordsman of Flame's spirit."
"Master Legeiel, you don't have to bother yourself," Amanojaku spoke up, "I'm more than capable."
"When it comes to this, I'll gladly get my hands dirty," Legeiel looked over with a grin, "You've got to learn to savor the feelings of despair your opponents give."
"I see…" Amanojaku trailed with a nod.
"Just remember you're not just dealing with Saber," Zooous reminded, not exactly liking the confidence that Legeiel was exuding.
"I'll be careful," Legeiel reassured, "The only one who will give me some trouble is Saikou. He's real tricky especially with that Shadow of his."
"Actually," Amanojaku spoke up as he raised a hand, "I felt like going over some of the fights to get an idea of our opponents. And I figured something interesting out about that Shadow it creates, it's actually a bit amusing to be honest."
"What do you mean?" Legeiel asked.
Parallel World:
Hebi-O stared curiously at Calibur who held up Kurayami, the Rider's visor flashing as the Seiken of Darkness began leaking out dark energy. A dark aura appeared around Calibur before the dark Rider stabbed downwards, a line of darkness launching outwards and forming a dark portal beneath Hebi-O.
Hebi-O leapt up only for dark spikes to suddenly impale its body, dark smoke leaking off of the spikes and coating Hebi-O.
"W-What… is this?" Hebi-O gasped out as the spikes grew and dug in further, the wounds expanding and staying open as the smoke fully engulfed it.
Calibur yelled out, their modulated voice causing everyone to pause due to the familiarity of the yell despite the filter. It wasn't long before the spikes retracted back into the dark portal, dragging Hebi-O with them as the portal closed soon after.
"What the hell was that?!" Chris questioned.
"I think they sealed that Hebi-O thing with the power of Kurayami," Buster guessed, "It might be similar to what they did with Finé."
Falchion looked over, "Seriously?"
"Incredible," Blades admitted with a gasp, "I did not think Calibur could do something like that…"
Calibur slowly stood up only to gasp as sparks flew from their body, the sealing of Hebi-O having taken more of a toll than they thought. The Rider fell forward, stabbing Kurayami into the ground while grasping at their face as their transformation faded into wisps of darkness.
To say everyone was shocked at the current turn of events was an understatement.
Before the Riders and Wielder was a female in a black long coat similar to Kanade's though more tattered. Underneath it she wore black slacks, brown boots, black gloves and a dark blue button-up shirt with a loose collar. Her most identifying feature was unkempt long blue hair, a single long ponytail in the back being used to wrangle it. Despite her hand clasping her face and the glare they were able to see from one of her eyes between her fingers, they knew who she was. Before everyone was…
"…TSUBASA?!"
Buster, Blades, Falchion and Chris could only shout in shock. While the latter three knew that this wasn't their Tsubasa, they weren't expecting to see someone that they were told was dead like this.
"Do not follow me," Tsubasa hissed out as she managed to stand, turning further with a glare to reveal faded indigo eyes. She turned away before running off, clearly not having enough energy for a quick escape.
"Like hell I'm doing that," Falchion muttered as she leapt up into the air, her body bursting into fire as she became a fiery phoenix construct before flying off.
"Those two girls…" Buster muttered before dismissing his transformation alongside Blades and Chris. He looked over at the two, "Head back to base, I'll make sure those two stay out of trouble."
"Are you certain?" Rintaro asked.
"Yeah, you didn't seem to be doing so hot earlier," Chris noted, "And didn't she take your ally's sword?"
"I should be fine," Kamikawa smiled as he waved off the concerns before walking in the direction Tsubasa and Falchion had gone in, "We won't be fighting."
Chris and Rintaro watched as Kamikawa walked off, the two looking at each other before heading off.
It didn't take long for Chris and Rintaro to get back to Section 2 Headquarters, Genjuro having met with them to take them back down since they didn't have the proper clearance. It was a quiet trip to Section 2's main command bridge.
"So how exactly are you taking this?" Chris asked, "You saw what we saw, right?"
"I can only imagine it's rather shocking," Rintaro spoke up.
"It is," Genjuro admitted with a shaky breath, "I never thought I'd see her again… but I can't imagine why she'd very much become an enemy towards us."
"Maybe she just thinks it's better to work on her own," Chris shrugged, "Admittedly that is an odd habit…"
"What do you mean?" Genjuro asked.
"Well if we're being honest, Kento's father and Kamijo were also kind of like that," Rintaro replied, "But… they were a lot more destructive in how they handled it."
"Which makes me wonder what's so different for Tsubasa here," Chris added, "But that's not our current issue."
"Right, the Phantom Megid," Genjuro guessed, "Do you think it will return?"
"We were barely putting dents in it, and it has Nehushtan," Chris listed as she thought on the situation, "Something tells me a base form Calibur of all things isn't going to put it down forever."
"It did look like she smothered it in darkness and not that she killed it," Rintaro nodded.
"Right, well for now we'll just have to keep on our toes while we wait for Kamikawa and your Kanade to come back," Genjuro said as he made it to the doors of the bridge, "Let's hope we'll be prepared."
Upon opening the doors the three were greeted with Kenshin who was discussing the situation with Ver.
"Do you think she could be back?" Kenshin asked.
"Doubtful," Ver replied, "You recall how she reacted when we finally confronted her. She was clearly frustrated she didn't have the Nehushtan to use against us."
"True," Kenshin nodded, "Still this is worry, especially since I can't transform."
"Yes that is unfortunate," Ver replied, "Thankfully we have other temporary allies to help with that…" he turned with a smile as he wasn't as distracted as Kenshin was, "Speaking of, welcome back."
"Huh?" Kenshin asked before turning and pausing.
"Surprised you aren't asking where the others are," Chris said.
"Well from what footage we could get as well as Kamikawa's audio, it was easy to figure out," Ver said with a shrug before looking back and forth as he saw both Kenshin and Rintaro were as quiet as could be, "That being said, if we're to successfully counter this Hebi-O, we should maybe try and gain a better understanding with each other."
"Do you really think it will be that simple?" Kenshin asked as he glanced at Ver.
"T-There's no need to worry," Rintaro said as he stepped up, "I'm sure we can handle-"
"If you keep going on like this you'll get yourself killed again!" Kenshin snapped at Rintaro before realizing what he had said, he shook his head before quickly rushing out of the bridge.
Rintaro stayed silent as he glanced down, taking a step back.
"Seems that wound is still fresh," Ver remarked.
"I'm sorry about Nagamine," Genjuro sighed as he walked forward, "He just hasn't been the same since our Rintaro ended up…"
"No I understand," Rintaro nodded before turning towards the exit, "I'm going to go talk with him."
"You sure that's a good idea?" Chris asked.
"He deserves some kind of closure," Rintaro replied as he walked off. He had said that though in his own mind, he did want some kind of closure as well. Whether this alternate Kenshin would give it to him was up in the air, but he still felt the need to want to help despite this.
Main World:
Miku was currently staring at the fight about to take place, Touma and Daishinji staring each other down as they had their Seiken out and ready for their transformations.
[HANSELNUTS TO GRETEL!]
"Give me your all," Daishinji said as he stared down Touma, slotting his Wonder Ride Book into Suzune.
[BRAVE DRAGON!]
"Fine," Touma said as he slotted his Wonder Ride Book into his Swordriver before gripping the hilt of Kaenken Rekka.
The two stared each other down, initiating their transformations before slashing forward.
"Henshin!"
[REKKA BATTOU! BRAVE DRAGON!]
[JUUKEN GEKIDAN! ONJUUKEN SUZUNE!]
Slashes of fire and sound crashed against each other before launching backwards and striking their respective Rider to form their helmet's mask as their transformation completed. Saber and Slash stared each other down, slowly but surely raising their blades.
The two got in their stances before charging towards each other and clashing blades. While Slash would normally go for a rather calm fighting style, this one was aggressive and controlling. This was apparent as he quickly worked on pushing Saber back, the Swordsman of Flame being forced into the open warehouse they were fighting near.
Saber gasped as he stumbled into the warehouse, getting on one knee, "What was that just now?"
"Stand up," Slash said as he entered the warehouse, "On your feet!"
Miku quickly hurried over to a broken window, giving her a clear view of the fight as well as a wall of sorts so that she wouldn't get in the way.
[HISSATSU DOKUHA! REKKA BATTOU!]
Saber initiated his finisher, his sword being coated in fire before swinging it outwards and unleashing a burst of fire towards Slash.
[DRAGON ISATSU GIRI! FIRE!]
The attack exploded on contact, engulfing Slash only for the Swordsman of Sound to run out of it immediately. Slash swung forward, clashing with Saber who raised Rekka to block. Despite this, Saber was dragged back as Slash pushed forward, keeping his momentum going.
Saber quickly ducked and rolled to the side, getting distance between him and Slash. He then stood up and swung, meeting Slash's blade in a brief clash. He stepped back and went for another clash, and then another. He was slowly but surely starting to keep pace with Slash now. But there was also something that Saber noticed within those clashes.
'His sword… every one of his strikes is so powerful!'
Slash seemed to notice that Saber was taking an interest in his sword, and smirked beneath his mask. Despite this he yelled out and kept up the pressure, pushing Saber back on the defensive.
"Suzune…" Miku muttered, recalling that she had picked up and examined Daishinji's sword several times during their training, "It's heavy… it carries so much with it…" she closed her eyes though, recalling what she considered her own burdens, alongside what she could only imagine what Touma was feeling, "Touma has his own… so that's why…"
[REKKA BATTOU! CRIMSON DRAGON!]
Saber unleashed his second strongest form, Crimson Dragon, tapping all of his Wonder Ride Books before thrusting his left arm forward.
[SAIYUU JOURNEY!]
The Saiyuu armor's pole extended outwards, striking at Slash who spun back and managed to bat away the extended pole strikes with ease. Saber reeled his left arm back before swinging it out again and unleashing a tornado of red wind.
[STORM EAGLE!]
Slash had brought out Bremen no Rock Band and pressed it against the finisher slot, musical energy gathering as he used it to easily disperse the tornado of wind.
[BREMEN NO ROCK BAND!]
[BRAVE DRAGON!]
Saber switched Rekka's grip to his left hand, thrusting out his right palm and unleashing a stream of flames forward. The flames however were met with a burst of musical energy that Slash had released thanks to Bremen no Rock Band. The result caused Saber to let out a light gasp as he switched back to his standard grip.
"You're definitely good at drawing out power from your books, and while your sword skills are of a decent level… they're still lacking," Slash answered calmly as he stayed where he was before suddenly rushing forward while keeping Suzune close to him.
Saber began trying to spot what exactly Slash was trying to do, keeping his sword raised as he couldn't read what kind of attack Slash was going to go for. He stabbed forward only for Slash to duck and move to the side, slashing past his gut as sparks flew.
"When I said give it your all I wasn't talking about the Ride Books!" Slash shouted in near disappointment though there was a clear loud passion filling his voice, "I want to hear what your sword is saying! Show us how heavy your burdens are, so that we can share them with you!"
"All I want… all I want…" Saber began to pick himself up as he began to flash back to the Zwei Wing Concert, and his own feelings of helplessness before and after it, and what that did to him, "All I want is to never see anyone suffer ever again!"
Slash nodded as he steeled himself, "Then come!"
Saber yelled out as he dismissed Crimson Dragon, reverting back into Brave Dragon and swinging at Slash who blocked his attack. He was shoved back by Slash but kept going, swinging and clashing again with the Swordsman of Sound again.
There were no fancy movements or dancing around for the two Swordsmen. The two were right next to each other, trying to overwhelm each other as they simply pushed, spun, and swung their swords.
As they fought, Saber recalled how despite everything he and his family did alongside Miku, that Hibiki still suffered backlash and ridicule after surviving the Zwei Wing concert. They did help, but the pain never truly went away. He and Miku had lost so many friends because of their dedication to Hibiki, and it was rough on them just as much as it was on Hibiki. But they weren't the only ones who had suffered as there were those like Rintaro and Tsubasa who carried deep scars of that day. There were those like Kento and Kamijo, both dedicating themselves wholeheartedly towards their own individual goals, both of which were unable to be saved. He recalled the pain that Maria, Shirabe, and Kirika felt after Kento had been lost to darkness…
The further Saber fought, his feelings and emotions leaked out… and a strange red light began to envelop the Kaenken Rekka. Sparks began to fly out each time Saber clashed with Slash. The light began to shine brighter with each swing, the sparks growing more and more. The sparks soon erupted further, the Kaenken Rekka's blade becoming a blazing inferno as he clashed with Slash's Suzune.
'The Seiken that will lead the story to its finale shall be born!'
'If such a swordsman were ever to appear, you must fight alongside them.'
Slash remembered his grandfather's words in that moment, as while he was still in the clash, he was awestruck by the resonance he was witnessing.
Saber let out a loud yell and pushed further, Kaenken Rekka still burning bright as he disarmed Slash entirely, Suzune sliding off to the side. The resulting swing however had also forced Saber's transformation off, Touma panting heavily as he held the burning Kaenken Rekka.
Miku let out a light gasp as this and quickly hurried inside the warehouse to meet with the two.
Slash stared at the hand that once held Suzune, it shaking as he clasped it tightly.
"What… what did I just…?" Touma asked with a light gasp as he went to stare at Kaenken Rekka, the flames dying down as he felt something different in it. Though it wasn't just the sword that felt different, but he felt different as well. He wasn't sure why, but the anxiety and fear that had been pressuring him ever since London had lessened.
Slash had dismissed his transformation, the swordsmith walking over to Suzune to retrieve it.
"Daishinji," Touma spoke up as he lowered his weapon, "Thank you."
"That one echoed… just a little," Daishinji glanced back, sounding satisfied as he let out a small smirk. He held up his arm, dragging the flat of Suzune across his jacket to clean it before he went to holster it. He then went to pass Miku, "Give me a bit of a break before we continue, alright?"
"Alright," Miku bowed before hurrying over to Touma, "That was incredible, Touma."
"I felt something coming from Rekka," Touma admitted as he managed to catch his breath, "I think I'm feeling better now."
Saikou was currently traveling through the sky, trying to spot the Chameleon Megid from high up in the sky while using his powers of light to hide his form from anyone looking at the sky. While he searched however he recalled his argument with Touma.
"Even if she wasn't real, I can't bring myself to strike Hibiki down."
"Is your resolve that weak?"
"Of course my resolve isn't weak!"
That argument and his recent spacing out when he saw Kanade as Falchion up close had brought back old memories. They were pleasant ones oddly enough as the Swordsman turned Sword recalled two close friends of his back before he became one with Saikou and sealed himself away. They trained, laughed, and sought to protect the world together.
That was until one betrayed the other by killing his family, the swordsman striking down the traitor in cold blood to avenge his family. But the tragedy didn't end there as the vengeful swordsman grew disillusioned to the point where he attempted to claim the power of the Mumeiken Kyomu.
By that point Saikou had held both the Seiken of Light and Darkness, and he could have used both to simply seal the vengeful swordsman away. But he weighed his options… sealing was only a temporary measure, especially when it came to the curiosity of the world around them. He steeled himself and realized what he had to do, he struck down the vengeful swordsman who was once his friend.
"Touma…" Saikou muttered as despite steeling himself and knowing that it needed to be done, it still felt awful to him. It was one of the many reasons he chose to fuse with Saikou and seal himself away.
Before he could continue on his thoughts he heard screams, quickly looking over in one direction before launching towards it.
Parallel World:
Tsubasa had currently made her way to a rooftop, this one being rather peculiar in that it had a small stage on it, a few random items like stools and an inflatable globe being strewn about. It was a rooftop she'd frequent quite often while keeping her identity concealed. She wasn't sure why, but this particular rooftop felt the best to mull over her thoughts.
She walked over to the white metal railing, going to lean on it as she let out a soft hum, Kurayami holstered at her side. She simply stared off into the city for minutes on end in silence.
"Why did you follow me?" she finally asked, clasping her hands together as she glanced back.
"Color me curious," Kanade said as she was currently leaning near the doorway that led up to the rooftop, hands in her coat pockets, "Why exactly did you become Calibur?"
"I see no reason to tell you," Tsubasa replied, "Especially when you aren't her."
"So you know I'm not the Kanade of this world," Kanade said, though didn't seem too surprised by this, "How'd you figure it out? Some super secret dark technique?"
"I was visiting Kanade when I was alerted to that strange creature you and the others dealt with at the warehouse district," Tsubasa answered but didn't fully turn.
"Huh," Kanade nearly fell over at that response. Despite this Tsubasa being in a likely rougher state than the prime counterpart, there was still a soft spot, "Also it's called a Phantom Megid…" she paused when her mind backtracked, "Wait, how did you visit your Kanade without getting caught?"
"If you've faced a Calibur before in your own world then you should know how hard to track we make ourselves," Tsubasa answered, "Now then, leave me be."
"Can't do that," Kanade replied as she went to cross her arms, "When it comes to the two of us, we're pretty similar."
Tsubasa was curious, "How so?"
"I died too," Kanade's answer was blunt as she let loose a light smirk when Tsubasa almost fully turned towards her in surprise, "Had a malicious guy named Master Logos take advantage of my death to make me into his own weapon. Thankfully I was able to claw my way out of that kind of situation with some help."
"Master Logos…" Tsubasa muttered.
"You know him?" Kanade asked, "If you don't then you should be careful given I'm not sure if he's active in this world."
"I don't, but I appreciate the warning," Tsubasa replied, "However it was not the same for me."
"What do you mean?" Kanade asked, curious if this Tsubasa would let it all out.
"I'm sure you're well aware of what's happened to me if you've met with Section 2," Tsubasa replied, "That Phantom Megid attacked and absorbed the Nehushtan, turning the Zwei Wing Concert into a veritable hellscape."
"And you gave your life to destroy it," Kanade added.
"Or so I thought," Tsubasa said as she turned towards Kanade, "But at the time I thought I had managed to rid the world of what could have been a catastrophic enemy."
"What happened after that?" Kanade asked.
"It's hard to recall," Tsubasa admitted as she shook her head, "But…"
The Zwei Wing Concert stadium was a complete wreck, ashes floating in the sky from the Noise and their victims as various bodies littered the floor from the Nehushtan Phantom Megid's assault. Tsubasa herself was lying on her back, still in her Symphogear armor but her pendant was cracked and her armor was nearly falling apart.
She could barely see, the corners of her visions being blurred to near extreme extents. Despite this she could still focus the center of her eyes, and upon turning her head she was greeted with the sight of her unconscious partner, Kanade. Despite how the situation was, she was relieved that Kanade seemed to have made it out alright despite taking a heavy blow from the Phantom Megid.
Her vision began to blur further but she shifted once she heard staggered footsteps and the sound of something wet hitting the ground. She turned over to see a man with long hair and a goatee, blood streaming down his face as he held a strange gold bladed sword with a purple hilt.
"I failed… I couldn't stop her… but you… you still have life within you despite its dwindling fast… at least more compared to me..."
"What…?"
"For now just rest in the comfort of darkness… this is the least I could do for my failure…"
Tsubasa could say nothing as she felt herself enveloped in a purple fog, her vision going black.
"That must've been Hayato Fukamiya…" Kanade muttered before realizing something, "So wait, he saved you via Kurayami's darkness?"
"It's one of the sword's abilities," Tsubasa nodded, "Have you not come across that yourself?"
"I must have not been paying much attention to certain conversations," Kanade said, recalling a few theories she had heard floating about though she had yet to really talk about it with anyone, "So wait, did you get out on your own?"
"After enough time healing, I emerged," Tsubasa said simply, "And so I knew my mission, to stand against the threats this world will face."
"Okay, but by yourself?" Kanade asked, "Why fight against Section 2?"
"I couldn't allow myself to be manipulated by Finé," Tsubasa answered.
"Okay but you… you dealt with her," Kanade reminded, trying to figure out what Tsubasa was trying to get at, "So why not join after that?"
"There is still one individual I am still wary of," Tsubasa admitted as she looked down, "Section 2 is generously connected to the Kazanari Clan… and I'm sure you're well aware of who is at the top of said clan…"
"Oh, right…" Kanade said, realizing that this Tsubasa for one reason or another was likely wary of her grandfather.
"Even without all those other factors, leaving the Seiken around is too dangerous," Tsubasa continued, "Which is why I've started claiming them."
"Are they really that dangerous?" Kanade asked.
"If used by the wrong people, yes," Tsubasa answered.
"Well in that case," Kanade said as she drew out her Bladriver, "What about mine?"
"It's not of this world, and I doubt your stay is permanent," Tsubasa replied as she turned away, "There's no need."
"Is that so," Kanade remarked with a chuckle.
Rintaro walked through the halls of Section 2, already having a feeling of where Kenshin was. It was a simple matter of making sure he had kept enough distance, and also recalling the layout of Section 2 to begin with. It didn't take long for him to arrive at his destination, the training room.
He stared at the door for a long while, hearing the sounds of shouts and yells behind the doorway. He could already tell that they were Kenshin's, and he could tell this alternate version of his mentor was working hard. Taking a deep breath he opened the door, entering the training room.
Kenshin let out another shout, swinging a wooden sword in a very forceful and tense manner. He continued this for a while, his movements rigid and stiff, rough and less restrained. It was an interesting sight for Rintaro to behold, as he recalled his master having a looser but held together style.
"Excuse me," Rintaro spoke up.
Kenshin stopped and turned before looking away, "Did you need the training room? I can leave."
"No," Rintaro shook his head, "I wanted to talk to you."
"There's nothing to talk about," Kenshin said as he fully turned away, "So I don't see why you'd seek me out."
"There is however," Rintaro said as he tried to be polite about this, "Simply put, we're opposites when it comes to our positions in our respective worlds."
"Wait," Kenshin turned in shock, "You don't mean to say…"
"Yes," Rintaro looked down, "In my world, you lost your life defending me."
"To think another version of me was strong enough to do that," Kenshin let out a pitiful sounding chuckle, "Meanwhile I could only watch as you… or he rather… at the hands of that damn Zooous…"
"I see, so it really is the opposite of what happened," Rintaro closed his eyes, he had a feeling, especially given Kanade and Tsubasa's mostly reversed fates.
"I don't see the point in bringing this up nor dwelling on it," Kenshin spoke up again, "Do you expect to reach out to me and gain some sort of closure?"
"I am a bit selfish in thinking that might happen," Rintaro admitted, "But at the same time I know you aren't him, and I know I'm not your Rintaro."
"Then why bring any of this up?" Kenshin asked, more confused than anything else.
"Because it's clear that while you don't want to dwell on it, seeing me has brought up those memories," Rintaro replied, "Even if I can't gain any closure from this, I'd like to help you out for causing that."
"Selfless to the very end…" Kenshin hung his head before walking for the exit, "I'll be fine. I've come to terms with being useless. I couldn't save my student, and finally that karma has caught up with me, resulting in me losing my ability to transform."
Rintaro glanced back before gripping his fists tightly, wanting to help out this alternate version of his master but unsure on even how.
"Ugh, I still can't believe there was a version of myself acted like that," Ver admitted with slight disgust.
"Well believe it," Chris replied, "At the very least you're shaping up to be better."
"I suppose there's some solace in that," Ver remarked.
The two were currently going over the data that they could gather on Hebi-O, as well as the Relic that it had fused with. Of course that was a slow process so it left enough time for Ver to still think on the stories told to him.
"How has it been going?" Genjuro asked as he walked over.
"Aside from Chris here giving us details on what the fully activated Nehushtan is capable of, not much," Ver admitted, "We don't have much footage to gather data on Hebi-O aside from its monstrous power."
"Is there any way to beat its regeneration?" Genjuro asked.
"A longer more drawn out battle than the usual Phantom Megid one I'd assume," Ver replied, "Though with the Nehushtan's regeneration… there's no telling if it gained limitless regenerative properties."
"That'll be hell to deal with," Chris admitted.
"Hell or not, these creatures are honestly fascinating," Ver added, "Especially when looking at them on their own and not connected to the Megid, with what little connection there is via appearance."
"Why do you say that?" Chris asked.
"An anomaly given physical form with the ability to absorb any Relic or Relic-like being such as the Megid," Ver explained, "Though it makes one wonder if a strong enough will could override the assimilation."
"Don't be getting any funny ideas," Chris glared.
"Oh please, like I'd be as stupid as my other counterpart who fused with a Relic," Ver scoffed, "I may enjoy studying them and seeing what benefits they could provide to us. But permanently fusing and altering my own structure? I'll pass."
"And my respect for you in particular grows," Chris remarked before tensing up as the alarm began to sound off, "What's going on now?"
"I need a status report!" Genjuro called out as the lights dimmed in the command bridge.
"We've got a pillar of darkness erupting in the center of the city!"
"We're also picking up Nehushtan's signal!"
"Damn it, it'll take too long to grab anyone else," Chris hissed out as she began to run out of the room only to run into Rintaro, "Hey, Hebi-O's likely back, we need to move."
"Of course," Rintaro said as he quickly followed after Chris who had ran off, "But are you sure we should be going for a direct confrontation?"
"Listen, as much as these guys are strangers to us, leaving them alone with that Phantom Megid is a death sentence," Chris answered, "We'll figure out a way to stall it with the others and then get help, alright?"
"Alright," Rintaro nodded.
Kenshin was wandering the halls as the two passed by. He wondered what kind of rush they were in before picking up his pace and entering the command bridge, "What's going on?"
"Hebi-O's back," Genjuro replied, "Chris and Rintaro are going to face it."
"I'll work on contacting Kamikawa," Ver said, pushing his glasses up before he began to type away at his console.
"I see," Kenshin saw the visual of the dark pillar of fire erupting in the middle of the city while also seeing that the Nehushtan Relic had been identified. Without another word he turned and walked off, and once out of sight he immediately ran off.
Kanade and Tsubasa were broken out of their silence by the sudden eruption of a pillar of purple fire.
Tsubasa immediately drew out Kurayami, the red lines at the guard flashing brightly several times, "It broke free?"
"Considering how strong it is, I'm not surprised," Kanade said, already having had a feeling that Tsubasa didn't truly get rid of Hebi-O, "Looks like it's time for Round 2."
"I'll make sure it can never return this time," Tsubasa glared as she gripped Kurayami tightly, taking a step forward only to have her shoulder grabbed, "What?"
"Hey now, just sealing it for not that long took a toll on you," Kanade said with clear concern in her voice, the worry on her face apparent, "You'd kill yourself if you pushed any farther."
"Then perhaps that is my purpose," Tsubasa said as she turned to face Kanade, "It rampaged 2 years ago and took so many lives… it's been living in hiding for so long because I failed to truly kill it. This is my responsibility."
"And you shouldn't think so lowly of your own life!" Kanade called out as she shoved Tsubasa back, "Are you really going to give up on living after you were given a second chance?!"
"I don't plan on giving up on anything," Tsubasa glared as she walked forward, "But I will not let that monster destroy this world."
"Then let's fight together," Kanade's suggested in a calmer manner, "You don't have to do this alone."
"Maybe you're right…" Tsubasa said suddenly as she glanced towards the side while getting closer.
"There we go," Kanade let out a soft smile as she moved closer only to wince and cough as she felt a powerful blow to her gut. She looked down and saw that Tsubasa had struck her hard with the end of Kurayami's hilt, "Tsubasa…?"
"If our roles truly are reversed then your Tsubasa likely survived," Tsubasa answered solemnly as she walked around Kanade, stopping at her back, "I won't let her go through the pain of losing you again."
Kanade was only able to feel a chop to the back of her neck as she quickly fell over, losing consciousness, "Tsubasa…"
Tsubasa said nothing as she opened up a dark portal with Kurayami, walking through it before it vanished.
Watching the scene was Kamikawa who had just emerged from the doorway that led up to the rooftop. He walked over to Kanade and knelt next to her, bringing out his Gatrike Phone when he heard it ring and answered it, "This is Kamikawa speaking, as I'm sure you're aware we've got a situation…"
Main World:
Touma was currently sitting with Miku outside the warehouse he had fought Daishinji in, the two having some sodas they had gotten from a nearby vending machine. With the secret out, Miku had gone on to explain to Touma how exactly her becoming the next Espada came about.
"So you were given a choice huh…" Touma muttered.
"Yes," Miku nodded, "I decided to take it."
Touma was silent for a bit before taking a deep breath, "Why?"
"Huh?" Miku asked.
"Why did you decide to become the next Espada?" Touma asked, though it was more inquisitive in tone than anything else, "I had assumed after the Frontier Incident that…"
"Shenshoujing is one of the reasons why," Miku admitted to Touma's surprise, "Even if what I did was good for Hibiki… the fact that I was used like a puppet and had to fight her to even help her and even then she was the one who did it…"
"I see…" Touma nodded as he went to take a sip of his soda.
"I invited two of my dearest friends to a concert, one that changed the very scope of their lives forever," Miku spoke up suddenly before sipping her soda and continuing, "Both of them have suffered in so many different ways because of me, and I don't think I'll ever forgive myself for essentially abandoning those two to a new fate. I always held back the "sorry" I wanted to say, because I knew I'd only trouble them more."
"You're not troubling us at all like you think you are," Touma replied much to Miku's surprise, "And honestly considering what happened, I'm sure both Hibiki and I can agree that you shouldn't have been there. You shouldn't have experienced that."
Miku looked over, "But…"
"I understand your regret, I regret so much for not being able to be there for Hibiki properly," Touma admitted as he looked over at his friend, "So with what you've said… I get why you've decided to take up this mantle. And I know it wasn't an easy decision to make. You've seen what we've gone through, experienced a bit of it yourself. You wouldn't make a decision like this without some kind of deep conviction."
"Of course," Miku nodded, "So then…"
"I'll gladly fight alongside you once you're ready," Touma smiled.
"Thank you Touma," Miku smiled as she looked ahead and pumped a fist, "Alright, I think I can do this."
"So who else knows?" Touma asked.
"Well SONG's higher ups, alongside Daishinji and Elfnein," Miku listed off, "Aside from Yuri, you're the only other one who knows."
"I see," Touma said before chuckling a bit, "You know, Hibiki's not exactly…"
"I know she's not going to take it that well at first," Miku chuckled a bit, "That's why I plan on completing my training before it's announced to everyone else. And even then there might be some cases like Tsubasa and Ogawa in which we'll have to inform them."
"Right," Touma said before hearing his communicator beep, quickly answering it, "Hello?"
"Saber we've located the Chameleon Megid, and it's fighting Saikou right now," Sophia called through.
"The others have been called and are on their way," Genjuro replied, "I take it everything is in order for you?"
"I'm feeling better than ever commanders," Touma smiled as he stood up, "I'll be there ASAP."
"That's what I like to hear!" Genjuro called out, "Get moving!"
"On it," Touma hung up before chugging the rest of his drink. He then began to hurry off, "Sorry to be ditching you like this Miku but I've got to get going."
"Stay safe," Miku called out before watching as Daishinji walked back, noticing his chipper mood, "You seem really pleased."
"When the power dormant within the Kaenken Rekka is unleashed, the Seiken that will lead us all shall be born," Daishinji recited briefly before speaking with a wide smile, "2000 years, for a little over 2000 years my clan/family has been waiting for the ones who will draw out that power. And I've just glimpsed upon that potential within Touma!"
"I don't think I've ever seen you smile that much before," Miku giggled.
"Eh?" Daishinji held an amused look as he put a hand to his face, "I suppose so."
"I think it suits you," Miku replied, "Though I can only imagine you're fired up now."
"Of course," Daishinji said as he kept his smile, "A spark has been lit inside of me thanks to this battle. One I suppose was just as much for me as it was for Touma."
Parallel World:
Lighting struck all around and against Hebi-O as it charged forward, parts of its body being torn through as a result. Despite this it kept walking forward, much to Legeiel's annoyance.
"Is it seriously healing despite that?!" Legeiel questioned as he watched Hebi-O's regeneration take effect, soon yelling and unleashing razor sharp gusts of wind outwards.
"It's useless," Hebi-O said despite getting cut into by the wind, healing its wounds with ease, "Out of my way, corrupt beings."
"Like I'll let you mock us!" Zooous roared out before crouching and leaping high into the air.
Hebi-O looked upwards as it watched Zooous drop downwards, gathering the tendrils that made up its cape into glowing pink drills before stabbing upwards with both. In an instant a large boulder had been summoned courtesy of Legeiel, crashing into the drills and breaking as a result.
"What?" Hebi-O questioned before grunting as it was slammed into by Zooous, a crater forming as energy erupted from Zooous' blades.
"Don't talk down on us," Zooous scoffed, having torn open a large gash in the center of Hebi-O with his blades. He could only stare at Hebi-O for a long while, the wounds not healing as well as its body being completely still. He then stood up and went to remove his blades, "Looks like we can call this over-"
"It's not over…" Hebi-O rasped out as it immediately grabbed Zooous by the wrists and pulled the Megid general inwards, the gaping hole that was its wound morphing and growing as its tendrils began to rise before stabbing into their prey.
Legeiel gagged, holding his monstrous mouth as he began to back away before quickly turning and vanishing. Normally he'd try and interfere, whether to show his strength or even gloat at who was rescued. But this primal devouring he was witness to… it was something that made him fear for his own life.
Zooous' screams began to echo out through the area, monstrous yells of desperation with no hope at salvation being heard.
[NAGARE BATTOU! KING LION DAISENKI!]
{Ride Change: Ichaival Sanjo!}
Blades and Chris leapt in with their upgraded forms from the start, the two immediately stopping once they saw the sight before them. They could only just stare in shock as they watched the final moments of Zooous being absorbed into Hebi-O.
A bright flash of blue light occurred, the light dying down to reveal Hebi-O had a more muscular appearance, the face underneath the Nehushtan helmet resembling skeletal version of Zooous' now.
"For a corrupt being… that was rather fulfilling…" Hebi-O admitted as it cracked its neck while flexing its fingers. Energy began crackling between its fingertips before it swiped forward, sending several swipes of energy forward.
Blades quickly stepped forward, unleashing a twin burst of energy from his cannons, the energies colliding with each other and exploding. The smoke and fire of the explosion was torn through, Hebi-O launching through it to pounce at the two only to get struck several times in the face by energy arrows.
The result sent the anomaly to the ground, it holding its face as it began to heal from its wounds.
"I thought it would be a bit of a struggle to stall it," Chris hissed out, "But those stupid Megid got here first and made it stronger…"
"Chris, can you keep him in one spot?" Blades questioned, "I might have a way to buy us some time."
"Oh hell no," Chris narrowed her eyes, already figuring that Blades had a stupid idea in mind, "You are not-!"
"Please!" Blades nearly begged as he turned towards her and put a hand on his chest, "I'm our strongest fighter right now, and I doubt that thing will let us run easily!"
{Hissatsu Dokuha!}
"Fine," Chris said as she shoved past Blades and initiated her finisher, holding her hands together to where she formed a peach with her fingers.
{Ichaival Sanjo! Issatsu Geki!}
Hebi-O had recovered and moved forward only to bounce back against a strong barrier. It soon began to take in its surroundings, it being trapped in a peach-shaped energy field courtesy of Chris. It simply growled out, clawing at the barrier and managing to do some damage against it. It continued to claw against the barrier, cracks slowly but surely forming.
"Do it you dummy… do it now!" Chris winced as she kept her concentration up, using all of her finisher's energy simply on the trapping step of her usual finisher.
[KING LION DAISENKI! SPLASH READING!]
Blades loaded his enhanced Ride Book into the King Lion Booster, water erupting from Nagare as he went to scan the grip of the Lion Booster against the tip of the Suiseiken Nagare.
[SPECIAL MM-HM-HMMM!]
Even more water erupted from the blade, the Rider of Water holding the blade forward as he ran towards the trapped Hebi-O with a yell.
Hebi-O howled out as it shattered the energy peach it was trapped within, Chris wincing from the feedback of the breakout.
[LIONIC FULL BURST!]
[KANZEN DOKUHA ISSEN!]
Blades yelled as he slashed down against Hebi-O who snarled out in response, the blade and rapidly gathering water slowly starting to burn through the anomaly. Hebi-O however grabbed onto Blades despite the finisher still going off, the tendrils of its cape beginning to creep around in order to strike.
[KING LION HISSATSU DOKUHA!]
Blades let one of his hands go free in order to boost his finisher with his enhanced Ride Book, only to gasp as the tendrils struck against his armor, piercing through and starting to dig in.
Chris' eyes widened, "Rintaro!"
"I'll gladly absorb you next…" Hebi-O hissed out as it kept a hold on Blades despite the pain. Of course it began to wince once its tendrils began getting shot at, Chris throwing caution to the wind and firing off several homing arrows towards the tendrils embedded in Blades. The minute the arrows struck they morphed into dog heads, gnawing and biting down on the tendrils and breaking them apart.
This reprieve was enough as Blades had wanted the energy he was unleashing to charge and stack up even further.
[KING LION HISSATSU GEKI!]
With a mighty screaming yell, Blades slashed further as the energy reached its peak. A blue explosion occurred in an instant between the two, water splashing everywhere as Blades was sent tumbling away from the explosion while Hebi-O was slammed into a building at high speeds.
Chris quickly ran over towards the Rider who immediately lost his transformation, "Hey! Say something!"
"I'm… I'm alright," Rintaro coughed out though the bruising, scratches and stab wounds all over his body showed otherwise, Hebi-O having managed to pierce his armor, "Just a bit tired…"
"Idiot," Chris muttered before sighing in relief, recalling the damage she had seen done to Hebi-O, "At least you gave it hell."
"That hurt…"
Both Wielder and Rider froze when they heard Hebi-O's voice, watching as its armored hand gripped the edge of the hole in the building it crashed through. The smoke from the impact began to clear as the two could only stare in shock. The only thing that remained of Hebi-O's body was its upper right half, only an upper stump of the left side of its body remained as its lower portions alongside its legs were completely eradicated.
The only reason its body was lifted upwards was because of what was left of its tendrils. Its eyes shined a bright red as its stub of a body began to bubble, its body, left arm and legs starting to reform.
[HISSATSU READ!]
Hebi-O was struck in the back, falling over as it was sent to the ground while recovering, Calibur stepping out of the darkness of the building, Jaaku Dragon near the Ankokuken Kurayami as she had just scanned it.
"T-Tsubasa…?" Rintaro asked before passing out.
"Hey, hey Rintaro, don't fall asleep now!" Chris called out, shaking Rintaro to try and wake him up only for nothing to happen. She quickly looked over at Calibur, "Hey, what happened to the rooster?!"
[HISSATSU READ!]
Calibur remained silent, dark energy gathering in Kurayami's blade as she struck against the downed Hebi-O to halt its regeneration further.
[HISSATSU READ! JAAKU DRAGON!]
"Leave, I will finish this," Calibur said as the blade of her Seiken turned a bright purple as the dark energy gathering within had reached its peak.
"As much as I dislike her, she has a point!"
Chris turned at the sound of tires screeching, soon seeing as Kenshin had arrived on a Ride Gatriker. It didn't take long for the former Swordsman of Water to dismount his vehicle and hurry over, taking hold of Rintaro.
"Why are you here?" Chris questioned.
"I'm not about to let him die again," Kenshin called out as he began to lift up the alternate version of his deceased pupil, "There are more of you where you came from, right? I'll make sure Rintaro recovers, you get your allies."
"Alright," Chris said as she reluctantly looked away, soon turning before leaping into the air.
Kenshin meanwhile hurried over to the Gattriker, making sure Rintaro was settled behind him before taking off on it.
[KURAYAMI HISSATSU GEKI! SHUUTOKU SANSEN!]
The sound of Calibur's finisher announcement was heard as a bright flash of purple enveloped the area, darkness exploding outwards.
Kanade let out a groan as she began to wake up, "How long was I…?"
"It's only been a little over 10 minutes," Kamikawa spoke up, sitting next to Kanade, "If you're waking up now then I can assume she didn't hit you too hard."
"Huh?" Kanade immediately shot up, quickly getting in a sitting position, "Old man?"
"I followed after you two and got here right when Tsubasa took off," Kamikawa replied, "You alright?"
"Not really," Kanade admitted with a sigh, "I couldn't stop her, granted… considering how Tsubasa was in my world for a while it's not surprising she's stubborn. But…"
"But…?" Kamikawa raised an eyebrow.
"I wonder if it was because my words were halfhearted," Kanade said, she wasn't sure why exactly she was saying this now. Especially when considering the situation, and the fact that she wouldn't talk to anyone else about this. But something about Kamikawa and him being a parallel world resident caused her to just let the words form more easily, "I talk about not thinking lowly on one's life, not wasting it… and yet even I'm not sure what I'm doing with my new lease on life…"
"I can only imagine," Kamikawa nodded, recalling what Kanade and the others had told him about their world, "For all intents and purposes, you should have died that day."
"But I didn't, so I've always wondered why I was brought back?" Kanade asked, "If it was to be a tool… why didn't I stay that way? Why am I here right now? What good am I too? I'm not exactly the strongest even after getting new powers…"
"Our purpose in life," Kamikawa said as he stared up at the sky before standing up, "It's said we all have one and I'd like to think you do too even with your rebirth. But, if you don't know what it is right now, that's fine."
"You really think so?" Kanade asked.
"It'll come in time," Kamikawa smiled as he offered a hand.
"Thanks," Kanade said as she grabbed the hand to lift herself up, "So what's the situation?"
"Section 2 confirmed the return of Hebi-O correlating to the pillar," Kamikawa explained, "We need to get moving, and fast."
Main World:
"Will you stay still?!"
"Nope, I'm not going to take a talking sword's advice!"
Saikou was currently trying to slash at the Chameleon Megid, it vanishing and moving before it could be hit to disorient the Seiken of Light. Of course the Chameleon Megid had also shifted out of its camouflage in order to keep Saikou from constantly bringing out light bursts.
"Let's see you try this on for size," Saikou called out.
[WHO IS THIS? SAIKOU NISHOU! SHADOW!]
Shadow emerged from behind the Megid, it turning and yelping at Shadow's appearance. Saikou used this to launch past, striking the Megid as Shadow gripped the Seiken of Light.
The Chameleon Megid gasped out, managing to recover and punching at Shadow only to stumble through. It let out another gasp as it turned and was struck by a slash from Shadow, staggering back.
"Let's finish this," Saikou called out as Shadow moved forward before swinging.
That was until Saikou's blade met the familiar blade of Legeiel's Bolhessed, the Megid leader already transformed into his Phantom Beast form. He let out a chuckle as lightning struck directly at Saikou's hilt, dispersing Shadow as Saikou was flung away and clattered against the ground.
"What?" Saikou asked as he lifted himself up, "Legeiel?"
"That Shadow's an annoying trick," Legeiel admitted as he lowered his blade, "But luckily we've got our own trickster now to make it less annoying."
"Ah, thank goodness," the Chameleon Megid fell to its knees in relief.
"Well that's annoying," Saikou admitted, realizing that Amanojaku had somehow managed to figure out his Shadow technique, "Why are you here?"
"We can't just get relaxed even with your plummeting morale," Legeiel admitted as he gathered fire in his blade before launching it towards Saikou, "Which is why you won't be messing with that Megid any longer!"
The blast impacted and caused a large explosion, at least until the smoke began to clear faster than normal. The smoke was being pushed away by something that was rapidly spinning and generating air, two black and pink rimmed circular items being the culprit.
"Huh?" Legeiel let out a hum of confusion, "Shields?"
{SG-i01: Shul Shagana}
"Actually they're saws," Shirabe said as the saws split to reveal her in front of Saikou.
"DESS!"
A shining green energy saw was launched towards Legeiel, the Megid leader bracing against it as he winced, "Another saw?!"
{SG-i02: Igalima}
"Actually," Kirika leapt in, grabbing at the energy saw and revealing that it was her scythe that was rapidly spinning. She then leapt past while striking against Legeiel which sent sparks flying, "It's a scythe, dess!"
{Judgement Execution: Gretel}
"Backup has arrived," Kirika gave a salute as she backed away and aimed her scythe forward.
Shirabe meanwhile brought out her yo-yos, "We can take care of Legeiel."
"You little brats," Legeiel hissed out, "Do you really think the two of you can handle me?"
"Of course we can," Kirika said with a nod, "As long as we fight together."
"We've also read the reports," Shirabe added as she and Kirika removed their Pendants, "We know we can match you."
"Ignite Module, Bakken (Dess)!"
{Dáinsleif}
Legeiel winced as the force from the two entering their Ignite Modules caused him to step back, despite this he began to gather electricity around his blade as the two's transformations completed.
"I'm not afraid," he called out with a growl, "Come!"
The Chameleon Megid meanwhile was glad to see that everyone's attention was on Amanojaku, only to feel a heavy presence above it. It looked up and yelled out as it quickly dodged out of the way, Hibiki smashing into the ground with a punch.
{SG-r03': Gungnir}
"You aren't going anywhere," Hibiki called out as she held her fists out.
"Fine then, I'll simply do this!" the Chameleon Megid called out as it shifted into Hibiki's appearance before launching towards her.
Hibiki let out a light gasp before glaring, recalling what had happened the last time that the Chameleon Megid did this. She launched forward, the two Hibikis punching at each other and kicking up a cloud of smoke.
It wasn't long before both Hibikis launched out of the smoke before launching at each other again, soon grappling with each other.
"You might know everything I'm going to do," the first Hibiki called out, "But that's not going to help you because I know everything you're going to do!"
"That's a bit of a strange way to put it!" the second Hibiki admitted, "Right?!"
The two Hibikis pushed away from each other before rushing forward, punching and kicking at each other in order to try and force the other away.
[REKKA BATTOU! BRAVE DRAGON!]
It wasn't long before Saber leapt into the battle, landing as he surveyed what was going on. Kirika and Shirabe were busy dealing with Amanojaku while Hibiki was fighting Hibiki? He shook his head as he realized what was going on just as Saikou floated over.
"You seem well," Saikou remarked.
"A friend helped put things in perspective for me," Saber admitted, "I think I can finally see this through, even with the losses we receive…"
"I understand," Saikou replied, "That being said I should apologize."
"Wait, for what?" Saber asked, a bit surprised by his ally's words.
"I shouldn't have pushed at you given what the Megid did," Saikou replied, "I know all too well how hard it is trying to strike down a dear friend."
"Yuri…" Saber muttered before nodding, "Apology accepted."
"Then let us deal with this Megid," Saikou suggested as he and Saber looked over at the two Hibikis fighting, "I can use my power to easily reveal the truth."
"True, but I'd rather you not waste too much energy on something simple like this," Saber said as he put a hand on his chin, his eye soon catching the battle between Legeiel, Shirabe, and Kirika before stepping forward, "Hibiki!"
"Huh?" the two Hibikis looked over at the same time.
"Ignite!" Saber shouted.
"Wait how does setting me on fire help?" the Hibiki on the right tilted her head.
"Ah that's right, it probably can't copy that," the Hibiki on the left called out as she removed her pendant, "Ignite Module, Bakken!"
{Dáinsleif}
The Hibiki that initiated the transformation into Ignite yelled out as a dark burst of energy was unleashed.
The burst of energy forced the other Hibiki to yelp as she was sent rolling due to being so close. Her form shifted as she was revealed to be the Chameleon Megid who stammered out in shock.
"W-What is that scary form?!" Chameleon questioned.
"Nice thinking Touma," Hibiki called out as she pumped her fist.
"Let's get going!" Saber called out as he rushed forward, not even waiting for Saikou as he slashed with Rekka, the Chameleon Megid blocking with its arms, "I will save that person trapped in there!"
"Touma, wait up," Saikou sighed in near exasperation before perking up, "Huh?"
"I'd like to see you-!" Chameleon started only to gasp out as it felt a strange sensation coming over it.
A bright red light began to overtake Kaenken Rekka's blade as a burst of sparks occurred. A burning red hole appeared in the Megid's side as what looked to be a plain looking man emerged from it.
"Wait," Hibiki's eyes widened as she paused her rush, "What?!"
Saber could only yell out in surprise as well, "Huh?!"
Kirika, Shirabe and Legeiel all turned when they heard Hibiki's yell, all three of them staring in surprise at what they were seeing.
"Saber, there's no way I'm letting you win!" Legeiel called out as he raised up his blade only for it to get suddenly tugged at and forced back, "Huh?!"
"You're not doing anything," Shirabe said as she had wrapped her yo-yos around the blade, using Ignite's extra boost in strength to force the blade down.
"That's right, we'll fight alongside Touma and help him as much as we can," Kirika called out as she dropped down from above with a yell as she swung her scythe downward, "DESS!"
"His Seiken is separating the person from the Megid?" Saikou questioned as his full attention was now on Saber.
Despite this seeming to be the case, Rekka's glow faded as the plain man was absorbed back into the Chameleon Megid. Before the Megid could do anything else, Saikou rushed in and struck from its side before forcing his way into Saber's free hand.
"Touma, do it now!" Saikou called out.
"Right," Saber said, shaking off his shock and initiating the finisher, "Dragon's Gleaming Slash!"
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
A burst of light occurred as Saber slashed against the Megid's gut, a burst of purple occurring as the plain man that was the Chameleon Megid's host was now freed from the Megid.
"No," Chameleon gasped out as it was knocked away, "I haven't done enough yet!"
"You've done more than enough," Saber said as he quickly hurried over to catch the man and get him away.
"Hibiki Style…" Hibiki let out a low breath as she gripped her right gauntlet, the armor shifting and extending as she began gathering energy within it. She then punched forward, streams of yellow energy launching outwards, "Phoenix's Double Swallow Opposition!"
The streams of energy struck against the Chameleon Megid, trapping it in place as Hibiki launched forward and punched at high speeds, an explosion occurring. It didn't take long for Hibiki to slide out of the explosion before giving a thumbs-up as the Megid was no more.
"And that takes care of that," Saber said as he loosened his grip so that Saikou could move away.
"Indeed, quite splendid," Saikou said, the sword tilting as if nodding his head.
Legeiel let out a yell as he managed to force Kirika and Shirabe away. He then turned to try and see if he could slip away and interrupt the fight only to gasp.
"No!" the Megid Leader yelled out, "This wasn't supposed to happen! You were supposed to be broken! You shouldn't have been able to win!"
"I'm not going to falter anymore," Saber called out defiantly, "No matter what happens I will keep fighting alongside my friends to keep you all from creating more Megid."
"That's right, dess!" Kirika called out as she began twirling her scythe rapidly above her head, a bright light shining before she moved her spinning weapon in front of her. The light shined brightly before unleashing a green vortex of wind that forced Legeiel up and into the air, "So how about you just leave now!"
{Cruel Vortex: Dormouse}
Legeiel let out a defiant yell as he tried to force himself through the winds, starting to unleash his own to disperse it when he suddenly gasped. Enlarged buzzsaws struck against him numerous times before flying higher than him and combining together into gigantic buzzsaw.
Shirabe was the one controlling them, pink energy leaking off from her hands like string as she raised her hands up while clasping them together, soon bringing them downwards, "Take this!"
The result was the gigantic saw crashing down on Legeiel who swung out while unleashing fire and lightning to disperse the attack. Unfortunately he didn't have enough momentum behind his counter, the elements being broken apart as the saw crashed down against him before exploding.
{Beta Style: Violent Helixs Collision}
Legeiel's yell could be heard before a sudden burst exited the smoke, a trail of smoke being seen as the the Megid Leader landed on a nearby building.
"Don't think I'll forget this!" Legeiel shouted out as he disappeared, "Don't think I will!"
"Good work you two," Hibiki said as she hurried over to Kirika and Shirabe.
"Yeah," Saber said as he walked over, "You really sent him packing."
"Quite splendid," Saikou agreed as he floated over.
"Ah, thanks dess," Kirika blushed as she waved the compliments off.
"We were just doing what we could," Shirabe said as she bowed, "Though… I'll admit that was a tough fight, even with Ignite."
"Still, what matters was we drove Legeiel off and we saved someone from becoming a sacrifice to the Megid," Saber replied, "So I'd say that's a mission success."
"Yeah," Hibiki nodded with everyone else agreeing, the group unaware they were being watched.
Watching the fights play out was Sabela who had been tempted to step in but decided not to for the moment. This was mostly because while Saber and Saikou were high priority targets, with everyone there it wouldn't be wise to go for a frontal conversation. Not to mention she still had a score she wanted to settle with Kanade. So the wielder of the Eneiken Noroshi simply turned away, smoke covering her and causing her to vanish.
Parallel World:
Calibur was currently staring at the slowly recovering body of Hebi-O, having managed to tear off most of its remaining arm and body. She watched as its regeneration had stalled, its stub of a body just barely starting to bubble to try and recover.
"It's over," Calibur said as she raised Kurayami upwards, ready to stab downwards when she was suddenly grabbed by both arms. She gasped as she began to get dragged back, quickly throwing her arms forward and spinning. As she spun she slashed outwards, sparks flying as she hit her attackers.
Her eyes could only widen as she saw two of modified Phantom Megid before her, these being just like the one that Kanade, Rintaro, and Chris first faced on this world. They had the same pink spikes jutting out of their shoulders alongside the pink blades sticking out of their arms.
"I… I was split for so long…" Hebi-O gasped out as it was lifted up by several more of the modified Phantom Megids leaping out from the shadows. It didn't take long for the Phantom Megid's holding onto Hebi-O to start morphing and shifting, their bodies slowly start merging with it, "I was blown into pieces… but those pieces would grow into more while I recovered…"
Calibur yelled and swung her sword against both of the Phantom Megid that were continually attacking her, causing more gashes in their bodies. The Phantom Megid staggered back, running forward only to yell out as a fireball impacted between them.
The fireball spread out to reveal it was a fiery phoenix, screeching out before dispersing as Falchion and Buster had been within it. Both of the Phantom Megid screeched out as the fires burnt their bodies, charring them as they rolled along the ground.
"You damn idiot!" Falchion called out as she marched towards Calibur and grabbed the Rider of darkness by the collar, "Why did you do that?!"
"I told you exactly why," Calibur said, staying where she was, "Regardless, we don't have time for this."
"Like hell we don't!" Falchion shouted.
"Hey, hey," Buster hurried over and pried the two away from each other, "Tsubasa's right, we need to keep these things from-"
"No!" Calibur shouted suddenly and shoved both Buster and Falchion to her sides as she brandished Kurayami before slashing horizontally.
The Phantom Megid duo that had been blown away by Falchion's entrance had attempted to get the drop on her and Buster. Thankfully Calibur was just in time, slicing directly into their stomachs. Or at least it would be a good situation had Calibur not noticed something very strange about the Phantom Megid she had cut into.
They had yet to actually use their regeneration…
The Phantom Megid used their close proximity to Calibur to grab onto the Rider of darkness, their wounds still open and fresh. It didn't take long for their bodies to contort and become malleable, suddenly ensnaring and mixing with Calibur's armor who yelled out defiantly.
Falchion let out a gasp, "Tsubasa!"
"What's going on?" Buster questioned before raising Gekido up, ready to move when he heard static in his helmet, "Huh?"
"Kamikawa, do not engage!" Genjuro's voice shouted, "I repeat, do not engage!"
"What?" Buster let out a light gasp of shock, "Commander, they've got Tsubasa though!"
"I know that, but you'll only get caught in the absorption itself if you get close before it completes!" Genjuro called out, "We can't risk that!"
"Then what do we do?!" Buster questioned.
"Return to base this instant," Genjuro ordered, "Rintaro's hurt badly and Chris is going to get reinforcements. As much as I despise giving this order, we need to think about this tactfully."
"Understood," Buster said shakily as he holstered his Seiken on his back before yelling and rushing towards Falchion who began to move towards Calibur and the Phantom Megid. With a shout he tackled Falchion and lifted her upwards, hoisting her over his shoulder before he pivoted to run away, "I'm sorry about this!"
"What the hell are you doing old man?!" Falchion shouted as she tried to break out of Buster's grip only for it to tighten as she let out a gasp, "We can't leave Tsubasa like this!"
"We'll find a way to rescue her!" Buster called out, "But we're completely outmatched!"
"Damn it," Falchion hissed out as she reached outwards, "Tsubasa!"
Calibur could only let out a choked gasp as she was consumed by the Phantom Megid duo, their bodies wrapping around her armor.
Hebi-O could only chuckle as his body began to reform, it being less muscular than before but still retaining some of the changes after it had absorbed Zooous, "Go ahead and run… we'll consume you soon…"
It didn't take long for the Phantom Megid absorbed Calibur to fully form. The Phantom Megid kept its usual appearance, but this time had a black tattered skirt that dropped down to its ankles and went all around its waist. The armoring on the chest and shoulders resembled Calibur's armoring, a hornless version of Calibur's front mask replacing the mask a Phantom Megid usually wore. Its forearms, shins, and forehead had crystal-like protrusions embedded into them, the crystals being pink. In its hand it held a more monstrous white and black variant of the Ankokuken Kurayami.
"Not a full change like me, but still rather nice," Hebi-O said as he looked the new Phantom Megid, "How about Phantom-C?"
"Phantom-C..." the newly born Phantom Megid said as it brandished its blade, "Yes, I will cut through everything..."
Main World:
While Kirika and Shirabe had decided to head home for the day, Hibiki, Touma and Yuri had gone back to SONG Headquarters. This was mostly to see if Chris, Rintaro and Kanade were back. Though once they found out the three were still in a parallel world, they decided to simply relax in the lounge area of the submersible base.
"Touma, I'm curious," Yuri spoke up as he looked over to Touma and Hibiki who were sitting on one of the couches, "How did you nearly separate that human from the Megid? What did you do between the two fights?"
"Well… Daishinji ended up helping me out," Touma admitted, "Though not in the way you'd think…"
"What do you mean?" Hibiki asked.
"Daishinji wanted me to duel him," Touma explained, much to Hibiki's and Yuri's surprise, "It was honestly just what I needed. But I don't think we did anything too special… even if Rekka reacted oddly during it all."
"Hmm…" Yuri hummed, "Perhaps..."
"What?" Touma asked.
Yuri was ready to speak when they heard the alarm sound, Hibiki and Touma standing up as the speakers in the lounge began to crackle.
"We've got an alert occurring in the Gjallarhorn containment room," Genjuro called out on the intercom, "But we're still picking up the anomalies in the parallel world we've connected to."
"Oh no…" Hibiki gasped, "Do you think…"
"I hope not," Touma interrupted Hibiki, not wanting her to speak up about the worst case scenario before rushing off, Hibiki and Yuri following after him.
It didn't take long for the three to meet with Sophia and Elfnein, the two having gone to meet up with the others as they made their way to the Gjallarhorn containment room.
Upon opening the door they were greeted with a bright flash of light, the light dying down to reveal Chris in her base Symphogear.
"Damn it that took forever," Chris hissed out as she was in a kneeling stance before picking herself up.
"Chris, are you alright?!" Hibiki asked.
"Yeah, just fine," Chris dusted herself off before looking everyone straight in the eyes, "But we've got big issues with this parallel world trip."
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: This was a pretty eventful chapter as Touma gets his groove back thanks to Daishinji and the Chameleon Megid is taken care of. Of course not everything is going well in the Parallel World, what with Hebi-O growing stronger despite its near defeat. Though of course that isn't the biggest thing to talk about since well, I've revealed who the Calibur of this world is, that being Tsubasa. Funnily enough this Tsubasa wasn't going to survive originally. It wasn't until I saw some fan art of Tsubasa in a Calibur-themed Symphogear that I got inspired to make her this world's Calibur.
Before Tsubasa became Calibur and I focused on her alongside Kenshin and Rintaro's issues, I was going to have Kanade interact with her alternate counterpart. There were also plans to have Finé as an ally and there would be some stuff with Chris but at that point there was already too much going on that I had to cut that idea so the arc wasn't bloated. It's why I ended up bringing in Dr. Ver as well, to keep the idea of an old enemy working with Section 2 but without the baggage that Finé has. That said, we've hit the climax of this arc so thanks for reading and I'll see you next time.