Sympho-Saber: Song of Swords
RXU:EP02 – A Desperate Burning Gamble!
"Why do we have to do this again?" Kirika groaned out.
"Stay strong Kiri, we can do this together," Shirabe reassured as she patted her friends back.
The two were currently at Chris' house, their Senpai having convinced them to frontload their summer homework so they could have the rest of the vacation free from work.
"Think of it this way," Chris said as she spoke from her apartment's kitchen, currently snacking on an apple. She took a bite before swallowing and continuing, "I'm making sure you all can enjoy your last days stress free. It'll also make sure you won't be like the dummy and have loads upon loads of homework waiting for you at the end."
"I suppose that is true, dess," Kirika realized.
"If that's the case we should work extra hard and finish up soon," Shirabe smiled.
"That's the spirit," Chris smirked before hearing knocks coming from her kitchen window. She sighed when she could see who was through it and opened it up only to quickly dodge a Manga that flopped onto the nearby counter, "What do you want Desast?"
"I finished the volume you gave me," Desast said as he held out his hand, "I want the next one."
"Listen that's the latest one I have," Chris replied, "Just wait till I buy and read through a couple more alright?"
"Ugh… you humans and buying…" Desast remarked as he leaned through the window, "Sometimes I feel like you should just take what you want."
"Yeah, how about no…" Chris gave a deadpan stare.
"This is still so weird, dess," Kirika whispered to Shirabe, the two a bit surprised by how casual both Chris and Desast were with each other.
Shirabe couldn't help but nod and whisper back, "Agreed."
"Then can I come in and…" Desast stopped himself mid-sentence only to sniff a bit as he pulled out of the window and glanced around, "That's a foul stench…"
"What?" Chris asked.
"Hey, you want to check out something with me?" Desast asked.
"You know I have guests over, right?" Chris asked as she gestured towards Kirika and Shirabe.
"They're big kids. They can take care of themselves for a bit," Desast said before hopping away from the window, "Come on!"
"Hey, think you two can hold down the fort for a bit?" Chris asked as she looked over, making sure she had her Symphogear Pendant on her, "I need to make sure that Megid doesn't do anything stupid."
Kirika and Shirabe both looked at each other before nodding.
"Good," Chris said before narrowing her eyes, "Just don't slack off… am I clear?"
Kirika yelped and backed up slightly, "Very clear, dess!"
"We'll try and get as much work done as we can," Shirabe said.
"Good," Chris said before rushing out the door.
Touma, Hibiki and Yuri had currently reconvened at SONG's cafeteria, though Yuri was distracted and fascinated by a vending machine as he stared at all the different options inside in curiosity. Touma was currently in deep thought, while Hibiki looked over at her friend in worry.
Joining them was Genjuro and Miku, with Daishinji and Elfnein currently at the bridge alongside Sophia to try and go through any records they could to find a solution to their Yeti Megid problem.
"Listen Yuri, I understand you have certain ways of doing things," Genjuro said as he crossed his arms, "But we need you to-"
"Huh, so many different drinks with varying flavors have erupted since my days as a Swordsman," Yuri interrupted as he stared at his soda, "How splendid!"
"I don't think he's listening to you," Miku sighed.
"Come on," Genjuro said as he walked over and turned Yuri around to face him, "This is serious."
"And I am being serious," Yuri answered, "It's the responsibility of a swordsman to strike her down and I am the only one who can strike her down."
"But that's not going to save my mom!" Touma shouted as he stood up, slamming his hands on the table he was at, the result startling Hibiki.
"Your methods thus far have found you no success," Yuri replied, "Or did you forget?"
Touma gritted his teeth before speaking up, "Still!"
"You desire to save the world and protect its people, correct?" Yuri asked, "But your concern over those you care about will only hold you back. You are much too naïve."
Touma simply shifted his hat, the shadows covering his eyes as he began to walk off.
"Touma…?" Hibiki asked.
"Where are Daishinji and Elfnein?" Touma asked.
"They're at the bridge trying to find a solution," Genjuro replied, "Why?"
"Good, I need some time alone," Touma admitted as he walked off.
"Touma…" Miku muttered as she gripped her fists tightly before looking over at Yuri, "How can you be so cold to him? That's his mother you're talking so carelessly about."
Yuri turned in slight surprise towards Miku before watching as she immediately walked out of the cafeteria.
"A-Ah Miku…" Hibiki stammered as she took a few steps forward before sighing, figuring she'd give Miku some space.
"I swear," Genjuro sighed as he went to rub his temples. In all his years of dealing with a variety of people, he had never truly dealt with someone like Yuri before.
The Swordsman was blunt and vague in being informative, though that seemed more like Yuri was expecting them to figure out an obvious answer that wasn't obvious in the slightest. All he could hope for was that Yuri would fight alongside Touma, SONG acquiring the Kougouken Saikou would be important in the long run.
At the Megid Hideout, the organ was on full blast as Legeiel was playing to his heart's content with a smile on his face.
"You seem to be in quite the good mood," Zooous remarked.
"Seeing Saber completely helpless to do anything while falling further into despair is such a wonderful sight," Legeiel smiled as he continued to play, soon laughing out.
"It would be wise to not celebrate too early," Storious said, while the story unfolding was amusing to him he couldn't help but be cautious as he stood up and paced around, "We have the Swordsman of Light to deal with now. And we know not what that sword is capable of. Let your guard down too long… and it may come back to bite you."
"I'll deal with it before it gets the chance," Legeiel answered in a tone that was dripping with arrogance.
Touma was currently in the Workshop of SONG HQ, glad that no one was inside as he was currently sitting in one of the chairs, holding Ikazuchi in his hands.
"What should I do…?" Touma muttered as he stared at the Seiken.
"Touma…?" Miku asked as she peaked through before entering.
"Oh uh Miku…" Touma looked over, "How did you…?"
"Given you asked about where Daishinji and Elfnein were I figured you were coming here to check on Ikazuchi," Miku said as she walked over.
"I just… I'm not sure what to do right now," Touma admitted as he stood up and went to set Ikazuchi on the sword rack it had been on, "The only option can't be cutting her down…"
"This is you we're talking about," Miku said before giving a smile, "The ending is for you to decide."
"I suppose so…" Touma chuckled a bit.
"That's the sacred Sword that was entrusted to you by your dear friend, correct?"
Touma and Miku looked up to see Yuri entering the workshop, the Swordsman of Light looking around in curiosity but stopping near them.
"How do you know that?" Miku asked.
"I've been watching all of you this entire time," Yuri answered, "From Frontier, to Ignite's Activation, to my brief assistance in collecting the Ride Books that Storious had acquired."
"So you're the one who took them," Touma said with a light gasp.
"I gave them to an old friend for safekeeping," Yuri explained.
"So I was right to assume you were the guy I met in Avalon," Touma realized.
"I was the one who sealed Arthur's power within Avalon," Yuri explained as he went to pick up one of the books lying around to read it.
"Wait, then what exactly are you?" Touma asked, assuming that Avalon didn't have any time distortion properties, "What exactly was that trial with that strange knight you put me through?"
"That was an ally who entered alongside me in case things went south," Yuri admitted, "Of course he wasn't able to last long but left his armor and will behind to help guard King of Arthur with me."
"That doesn't exactly answer who you are though," Miku spoke up.
"I was once a Swordsman who protected the world," Yuri answered as he set the book down before going to pace around the lab, "The first of the swords to exist were Light and Darkness. When those two swords come together, they grant incredible power. But in order to prevent evil forces from gaining that power, I had to merge with the Sword of Light… and leave my humanity behind."
"You fused with a Seiken…?" Touma asked in near shock.
Miku shook her head, "But how?"
"The Swords of Light and Darkness have a lot more in common with Relics than the ones that came after," Yuri explained, "I'm also sure you all are aware of Relic Fusion…"
Touma and Miku paused, the two recalling people like Finé, Ver, but most especially Hibiki during the Frontier incident.
"And you never regretted it?" Touma finally spoke up.
"I simply did what was necessary of me as a swordsman," Yuri replied as he went to sit down, "If anything, it was splendid!" he sighed however, "But now the world is facing the same danger again. No, this situation is even direr than before. More ancient Relics are being unearthed, more individuals from the past are resurfacing to claim the various great powers that lie dormant in this world… the threat is not just limited to the Megid."
"So Carol wasn't the last?" Touma asked.
"Not in the slightest," Yuri answered, "You have obtained the power from Avalon. Which means… whether you like it or not, the safety of the world now rests in your hands, do you have the resolve to use that power to save the world?"
Touma looked over, "The resolve?"
"Yes," Yuri said before grasping at his cloak, "The resolve necessary to wield me."
Before Touma could answer however, the alerts began sounding off through the base. Both Touma and Miku looked at each other before rushing out, Yuri looking as the two left before following after them.
"I must admit this is rather nice," Rintaro admitted as he was currently sitting on a bench with Kanade, the two drinking some Ramune, "Though are you sure you're fine?"
"I mean this disguise has worked so far, right?" Kanade asked as she was currently in 'disguise mode' which consisted of sunglasses and her hair tied up in a ponytail. Adding that to her black coat allowed her to somehow remain inconspicuous, "I feel you're being a bit paranoid."
"It's less your disguising prowess and more how comfortable you are given we're in the middle of summer…" Rintaro admitted.
"I don't know, I think I look cool enough to beat the heat," Kanade smirked.
"Run! The Yeti has arrived from the mountains to deliver its icy revenge!"
Rintaro and Kanade tilted their heads as they saw what looked like a conspiracy theorist fall flat in front of them before scrambling to his feet and running off.
"A Yeti…?" Rintaro asked with a light chuckle.
"Who'd be fooled by that?" Kanade questioned with a scoff before they suddenly felt a chill run over them.
The two Riders looked over towards where the cold wind was coming from, both of their eyes widening as they saw the Yeti Megid lumbering around, it having frozen the area around it. It turned to look at the two Riders that were shouting and pointing at it, yelling back and pointing at them as well.
"It does exist!" Rintaro exclaimed with a hint of excitement before realizing something, "No wait…"
"That's a Megid!" Kanade finished Rintaro's thought for him as she noticed the open book on its chest alongside its lower body.
"I'm not sure what they're up to but I swear by Suiseiken Nagare… we'll protect this world!" Rintaro called out as he prepared his Swordriver while Kanade prepared her Bladriver.
"Right, let's do this," Kanade said as she gripped the hilt of her Driver tightly.
"Henshin!"
[NAGARE BATTOU! LION SENKI!]
[BATTOU! ETERNAL PHOENIX!]
The two slashed forward, transforming into Kamen Rider Blades and Falchion. Brandishing their Seiken they both let out a shout before rushing for the Yeti Megid who charged at them. The two slashed forward only for the Megid to easily block their swings with its arms. It then pushed them away before unleashing an icy wind from its mouth, both Riders quickly rolling away from it.
Blades gathered water around his blade before sending out several quick slices of water. They didn't get far as the Yeti Megid unleashed a mist to freeze them, the frozen slashes falling and shattering against the ground.
Falchion used this distraction to close in, jumping in and slashing against the Megid's back several times before flipping away from the Megid countering by swinging its arms.
The Yeti Megid yelled out, ready to move forward when it heard the whistling of rockets zooming closer and closer. It turned only to witness dozens of missiles ready to impact against it.
{MEGA DETH PARTY}
The Yeti Megid yelled out as it was bombarded with missiles, explosions occurring as it was sent rolling out of it.
"Looks like I was right!" Desast called out as he was perched on a nearby fence, "That was totally a new Megid."
"Yeah but it'll go down like all the rest!" Chris called out as she stepped into view, already in her Symphogear.
"Hey, nice of you to join us," Falchion gave a salute by flicking her fingers.
"Ah Chris," Blades said before getting in a defensive stance, "And Desast?!"
"Relax Swordsman I'm just here cause this new Megid's got me curious," Desast admitted as he put a hand on his chin, "Just what the heck is this stench? It almost smells like fear hidden under rage…"
"The hell does that mean?" Chris tilted her head before holding up a hand at Blades, "He's cool right now."
"He is…?" Blades asked.
"Whatever, so long as he doesn't get in the way," Falchion said as she held her blade before starting to crouch forward, "Now let's-"
"ALL OF YOU STAND DOWN!" Genjuro's voice shouted through their communications channel.
"What?" Falchion stumbled as she held her helmet, "B-Boss?"
"C-Commander Kazanari, what's wrong?" Blades stammered out as he held his helmet.
"What do you mean stand down?" Chris asked before gesturing towards the Yeti Megid which was starting to run away due to the amount of opponents it was facing, "It's getting away old man!"
"Just stay calm and listen," Genjuro lowered his voice, "That is a new type of Megid, born from implanting a human with an Alter Ride Book. And the human in this case is Touma's mother."
A silence struck the Riders and Wielders, Desast tilting his head as he was curious what they had just heard.
"His… his…" Blades let out a shaky, "That can't be… humans can be turned into Megid now?"
"Seriously…?" Falchion asked as she looked back towards the Yeti Megid which had nearly managed to fully run off by this point.
"That thing is the bookworm's mom…?" Chris asked in near horror as she glanced at the fleeing Megid before looking at one of her hands, it shaking before she tightened it into a fist to keep it steady, "I almost…"
"We're currently trying to figure out a solution but we've yet to come up with any results and we're running out of time," Sophia finally spoke up, "For now meet up with Saber at his bookstore. He alongside Hibiki and our new ally are heading there to try and come up with a plan of attack."
"Alright," Blades gave a nod.
"We'll get there pronto," Falchion spoke up.
"I'll leave that all to you, I've got guests at my apartment," Chris said as she turned around and didn't even walk away, quickly leaping onto the nearest building she could before heading off that way.
"What a dour party," Desast shook his head before leaping off the fence and heading off before vanishing, "I'll leave you all to it."
"Chris…" Blades muttered.
"We should probably head over to Touma's place," Falchion suggested as she dismissed her transformation alongside Blades.
"Right," Rintaro nodded, "That would be best."
Chris had yet to head back to her apartment, dropping into an alleyway and dismissing her transformation. She pounded her fist against the wall as she stared and began to breathe heavily.
"I almost… I almost killed…" she muttered as she tried to calm herself down, "If I had done that then…"
"Hey, you look pretty shaken up," Desast said as he was now leaning on the wall nearby, "What's wrong?"
"What's wrong?" Chris asked as she turned with a glare towards Desast, "I almost killed Touma's mom, that's what's wrong!"
"You don't know her though," Desast replied, "Why are you making such a big deal about it?"
"I may not know her but that's still his mom!" Chris shouted, "And if I was somehow responsible for taking her away from him… then I… I…!"
"Okay, I get it," Desast said, though he didn't really get it since he was still trying to figure out the importance of those not related to oneself. After all that was why he was interested in Tsubasa, mostly because of her rekindled friendship with Kanade. But he decided not to press the issue since Chris was growing more upset, "So what are you going to do?"
"I'm just going to head back and let the others deal with it," Chris said as she began to walk out of the alleyway in order to get back to her apartment, "My firepower isn't exactly helpful in this situation."
It didn't take long for Rintaro and Kanade to make it to Fantastic Bookstore Kamiyama, though they were surprised to see both Hibiki and Touma appear in a burst of light with Yuri. After a few quick introductions and moving inside, everyone was fully brought up to the situation at hand.
"Poor Chris…" Hibiki muttered after hearing what had happened with Rintaro and Kanade.
"She shouldn't be blaming herself," Touma shook his head.
"The Megid…" Rintaro hissed out as he held his fist, "What a despicable plan they've concocted this time…"
"So that's how they decided to up their game," Kanade said as she rubbed the back of her hair, shaking it a bit as she had gotten it out of its ponytail and tossed her glasses onto one of the couches, "Pretty scummy if you ask me."
"There's no point in whining over the situation," Yuri said as he was currently messing with the Gashapon Machines that Touma had set up in the storefront, he gave a light gasp as he opened the capsule and saw a toy bear inside, "A bear…"
"There has to be a way," Touma shook his head as he began to pace around, Hibiki watching in worry, "There just has to be…"
"What are you even trying to do?" Yuri questioned as he kept his focus on the capsule machines, getting a new one as he observed what was inside.
"I want to save my mom," Touma said as he walked over towards the Swordsman of Light.
"Then strike her down," Yuri answered as he absentmindedly tossed the capsule he had away, it opening up as it hit Touma and dropping to the floor revealing a sitting elephant inside.
"What kind of cruel joke is that?" Rintaro questioned.
"Yeah, not funny," Kanade narrowed her eyes.
"I know she's just a total stranger to a lot of us… but… Michiko is so kind," Hibiki spoke up as she held her hands near her chest, "Her, Hansuke… the whole Kamiyama family was there for me in my time of need back after the Zwei Wing Incident."
Rintaro and Kanade looked over at Hibiki as she said this while Touma gave a soft frown.
"I still remember what she told me when I was having a rough time," Hibiki admitted as she began to recall the words that Michiko had told her.
"Books should create worlds that bring happiness to the people who read them. But that also applies to your own life story. No matter what happens you should count your blessings and write them down somewhere. That way you can always have a reminder that the world isn't as bad as it seems right now."
"Ever since that day I kept a small journal to myself, always writing down everything nice that happened from time to time," Hibiki said with a smile as she began to pace around, "The world can be ugly and even cruel at times… but that won't stop me from continuing on. I've got to keep living."
"Hibiki…" Kanade's eyes widened as she heard her successor repeat the phrase she had last told her.
"It's thanks to your words Kanade, the motto my dad gave me, and Michiko's advice that I was able to turn out how I did today," Hibiki smiled before giving a hardened more determined stare, "So we can't just give up on her. I understand how hard and important our jobs as heroes are… but… I want to save her no matter what."
Touma slowly but surely gripped his shaking hands, taking a deep breath as he realized he was letting his fear overtake him. Thankfully Hibiki reminded him that he wasn't just the only one who had a connection to his mom.
"Well said," Rintaro said softly as he wiped his eyes a bit, having gotten teary eyed.
"I'll save her, I promise," Touma said with a smile as he looked over, everyone looking at him as his voice wasn't shaky and panic filled anymore. He then looked over at Yuri, "Listen here…" he spoke up, managing to grab Yuri's attention as he went to pick up the opened up capsule and elephant toy, "The world is made up of so many different people, and those people living their lives to the fullest make up this world. When I say I want to protect this world… I also mean protecting the people living in it."
"The people make the world?" Yuri asked as he was handed back the capsule before taking it as he mused on Touma's words, "Intriguing…" he muttered as he placed his hands behind his back, soon catching sight of the Sword X Man comic and picking it up, "I see… it appears the meaning behind "protecting the world" has changed since I was last around."
"It's called getting with the times," Kanade chuckled, "Old man."
"Is that really appropriate?" Rintaro asked.
"I mean he's like… how many years old?" Kanade asked, "Pretty old, right?"
"1152," Yuri commented before looking over at Touma, "I want you to show me. Show me what it means to protect both the world and its people."
"Of course," Touma smiled confidently.
Yuri returned the confident smile with his own before going to put the Sword X Man book back, his eye suddenly catching sight of some of the toys on one of the tables.
"But…" Hibiki spoke up in a curious voice, "How are we going to separate your mom from the Megid?"
"Good question…" Touma gave a curious look now as he crossed his arms, trying to wrap his head around how to save his mom now that he wasn't panicking.
"You really don't have a plan?" Kanade asked in near deadpan, "After that rousing speech?"
"Not really," Touma said with a sheepish grin, "I'm kind of playing this by ear."
"A bit worrisome though very much true to your methods," Rintaro admitted as he had to keep himself from falling to the ground in shock.
Yuri meanwhile had found a toy toaster, trying to figure out how it worked before accidentally popping the plastic toast within it out. Surprisingly however, this small moment was all that Touma needed to get inspiration as his eyes had wandered over towards Yuri in his thinking.
"Wait…" Touma began to think a bit before putting together everything they knew, "They want to create new Alter Books… so they'd want to claim them to fully control the Megid… meaning…" he paused as he knew this was a risky gamble but it made the most sense in terms of the mechanics presented to him, "I've got it!"
Hibiki, Kanade and Rintaro all nodded agreement before suddenly turning towards their friend.
"YOU DO?!"
"We're going to need Chris' help though," Touma said as he quickly pulled out his phone and called Chris' number, patiently tapping his foot before he got through, giving a smile, "Chris, I managed to get through, good."
"Listen Touma…" Chris spoke up, "I'm sorry."
"Huh?" Touma asked.
"I didn't know that Megid was your mom and I might've gone overboard," Chris said, "I'm sorry."
"Chris it's not your fault," Touma replied, "Rintaro and Kanade already told me you stopped once you found out. It's not like you were knowingly trying to do it."
"But still… listen if you're calling cause you need me then forget it," Chris replied, "My specialty is heavy artillery, I'm not suited for trying to save someone."
"You and I both know that's not true on both accounts," Touma said, "Especially because I need your help to save my mom since you're the only one who can do what I need."
"Wait, really?" Chris asked in genuine surprise, "You aren't just buttering me up?"
"Your skills are absolutely necessary for what I have in mind," Touma nodded, smiling as the plan was starting to fully come together.
"I'm heading back to my apartment right now," Chris said, "I'll let my juniors know they can head home from their study session and then I'll meet up with you all."
"Sounds good, I'll only need a few people for this plan anyway," Touma admitted, already getting an idea of how many people he needed to come with him and who would play what role.
It had taken a while for the Yeti Megid to show up on radar again, mostly because they couldn't truly track it. SONG however was able to track whatever sudden cold spots had kicked up, the latest one being an open warehouse in the middle of the city.
Touma had already explained his plan to Genjuro and Sophia, the two while skeptical and worried given how slim the success rate was, relented and let him lead the mission due to having no other choice.
It didn't take long for Touma, Hibiki and Yuri to make it to the warehouse, the three running inside and looking around the area.
Touma began to look around, "Mom?"
"Where are you, Michiko?" Hibiki asked as she looked around.
"Mom," Touma spoke up again.
"Help me!"
The trio turned to see Michiko leaning on a pillar, snow falling from it as the pillar was heavily frosted over with patches of snow on it.
Touma turned, his face dropping at seeing his own mother in clear pain, "Mom…"
"Please… help me…!" Michiko called out in a strained voice before choking as she clutched her chest. She began to stagger forward before yelling out as her transformation into her Megid form began.
[SHIRAYUKI YETI!]
The Yeti Megid yelled out as it fully formed, staring down the three that were in front of it.
Hibiki, Touma and Yuri all prepared their transformations, but paused when they heard laughing.
"You're too late," Legeiel began to walk over, clearly delighted to see the three, "A new book will soon be complete. And once that happens this human will be no more."
"Not on my watch," Touma said as he placed his Swordriver, it locking itself to his waist.
"Leave Legeiel to Hibiki and I," Yuri said as he locked his Saikou Driver to his waist, "Go and save your precious family."
"We can handle it," Hibiki agreed as she went to time herself with the two Riders who prepared their Wonder Ride Books for their transformations.
Yuri removed the Kougouken Saikou from his Driver while Touma drew out Rekka, initiating his Wonder Combo transformation.
"Henshin!"
"Balwisyall nescell Gungnir tron~"
[WHO IS THIS? SHADOW!]
[REKKA BATTOU! CRIMSON DRAGON!]
{SG-r03': Gungnir}
Hibiki stood alongside Saikou and Kamen Rider Saber, Saikou having instantly brought out Shadow to use as it began to hold him and walk forward.
The Yeti Megid yelled out and ran forward only for Saber to do the same, the two crashing and grappling against each other as Saber tried to drag the Yeti Megid away.
Hibiki yelled out as she leapt up, punching at Legeiel who transformed and swung his blade to clash with and force her back. The Megid Leader then brought his sword back near him, blocking a slash from Shadow who easily forced him into a lock.
Saber gasped as he was thrown off of the grapple by the Yeti Megid. The Megid then began to punch and kick at full force as Saber was just barely reacting, getting beaten down easily by the Megid.
Shadow ended up being fairly tricky even for Legeiel, the Phantom Beast leader also making the mistake of assuming Shadow was a physical being. His attacks merely passed through Shadow as the construct solidified its body to kick Legeiel back before slashing and sending him back further.
"Take this!" Hibiki flipped into the air before kicking out, striking Legeiel and forcing the Megid leader backwards.
"Don't think you can win!" Legeiel slammed his sword into the ground, summoning small boulders that he launched at both Hibiki and Shadow.
Hibiki yelped and dodged out of the way while Shadow simply walked forward while raising Saikou up. The rocks passed harmlessly through it as Saikou began charging up with light energy. Once Shadow was close enough it swung down, dealing heavy damage to Legeiel.
The Yeti Megid kicked at Saber who gave a grunt, the Rider staggering back and falling to his knees.
"Huh?" Hibiki looked over, "Touma, are you alright?!"
"I'm fine," Saber insisted as he was seemingly distracted, giving a gasp as he was kicked before he could get up by the Yeti Megid, soon grunting as he was continually stomped on, "This is nothing…!"
"Guess he's giving up!" Legeiel remarked only to gasp out as he was slashed by Saikou, being sent tumbling backwards.
"What's he planning?" Saikou asked as Shadow held him in the direction where Saber was fighting. Truth be told, all he knew was that Touma had an idea, he was too busy being enamored by the Rider's bookstore to learn the details however.
The Yeti Megid growled as it lifted up Saber before smacking the Rider away, howling out.
"Not yet…" Saber gasped as he landed on his back.
"It won't be long now," Legeiel chuckled as he saw what was going on, "One more strike and the book within the Megid will be mine to claim!"
Saber went to reach for his Ride Books just as the Yeti Megid began spewing out a stream of icy wind towards him. The cold attack was a devastating one, being too strong for Saber and freezing him over.
The Yeti Megid yelled out and pounded its chest as the open book on its chest began to glow a sickly maroon coloration, "And now…" the Yeti Megid finally spoke up, as a large maroon colored book launched outwards, the title holding 'Shirayuki Yeti' as it shined a bright red, just about to be fully completed…
{RED HOT BLAZE}
…that was until a beam of red energy instantly struck the nearly completed book. It shattered as a red mist was expelled and immediately dropped to the floor, revealing Michiko Kamiyama safe and sound.
"What?" the Yeti Megid looked over in surprise only to hear cracking, it turned only to back up once the icy prison around Saber shattered. The Rider had leapt towards it in an instant and slashed through, sparks flying as it let out a pained gasp, "What have you done?!"
"Shut it!" Saber shouted as he turned and coated his blade in fire before slashing again, sparks flying as the Megid was sent rolling back.
Hibiki gave a smile and quickly ran over, "Michiko!"
"Huh?" Michiko began to look around as she regained her bearings, "Where am I?"
"Are you alright?" Hibiki asked as she knelt down.
"H-Hibiki, is that you?" Michiko asked in surprise as she saw Hibiki in the Gungnir Armor. She looked around before giving a light squeal at seeing Saber, Shadow, the Yeti Megid, and Legeiel all nearby, "W-What's going on?"
"We'll explain later mom," Saber reassured as he glanced back at her, "Hibiki get her out of here, I'll clean up."
"Wait, Touma?" Michiko stared in near shock at this, "Touma is that you?"
"We'll answer everything soon," Hibiki smiled as she easily lifted up Michiko much to the older woman's surprise before hurrying away from the fight, "Don't worry, you'll be fine."
"So you risked taking that attack in order to complete the book?" Saikou asked, unsure if he should be impressed by the Swordsman's luck or worried by the recklessness he just witnessed, "I suppose you possess both luck and courage."
"You broke out of my ice?!" The Yeti Megid questioned before pounding its head, "No wait, what was that beam just now?!"
"That would be me monkey brain."
The combatants all turned to see Chris lifting herself up from behind several crates and barrels that were in the area while holding a sniper rifle.
"The bookworm could've easily broken out of the ice and destroyed the book, but even he wasn't going to risk the time that took," Chris said before smirking, "So he called a reliable sniper to have his back."
"As for how I broke out, moments before you froze me I enveloped myself in a flaming tornado," Saber explained as he gestured towards Brave Dragon and Storm Eagle, "It didn't stop the freeze but it did weaken the ice's full hold on me so that I could break out with ease."
"You slimy little…!" the Yeti Megid began to seethe only to shout out as energy arrows began striking against it courtesy of Chris who had shifted her sniper rifle back into its dual crossbow state.
"Truly splendid," Saikou remarked before dismissing Shadow and without missing a beat, striking at Legeiel who had come charging in at him. He slashed against the Megid General a few more times before launching at the Yeti Megid, slashing against it a few times before floating around Saber.
"Huh?" Saber looked at Saikou circling him, "What are you…?"
"I admire your resolve," Saikou stated.
Saber gave a soft chuckle, "I won't give up, because I'll keep fighting till the bitter end."
"Perhaps you are truly worth of harnessing my power after all," Saikou mused as he kept where he was, "Go on and wield me as you will!"
"You got it," Saber said as he swapped out his Wonder Combo for Dragonic Knight before initiating his form change.
[REKKA BATTOU! DON'T MISS IT! DRAGONIC KNIGHT~!]
The Armor for Dragonic Knight formed around Saber before latching onto his body and fully forming the sterling silver armor for his upgraded form. Saikou floated around as Saber switched Rekka out from his right hand to his left, holding his right hand out and grasping Saikou within it.
[KOUGOUKEN SAIKOU!]
"Chris," Saber spoke up with a calm intensity in his voice as he glanced at his friend, "Mind leaving these two to me?"
"Go ahead," Chris said as she retracted her weapons and crossed her arms before backing off, "You've more than earned it."
"Don't think you can take us both on!" Legeiel shouted as he charged at Saber's left.
"Yeah, we'll crush you!" The Yeti Megid yelled out as it charged at Saber's right.
Saber brandished both Seiken before blocking the Yeti's attack with Saikou and Legeiel's slash with Rekka. He then forced them away before slicing through each one with Saikou, the blade of light shining as sparks flew from both the incomplete Megid and Megid Leader.
Saber didn't give them any chance at a reprieve, continually slashing and forcing the Yeti Megid back turning and blocking Legeiel's attempts to counter. He then forced Legeiel back before tossing Saikou at the Megid Leader, "Yuri!"
Saikou complied, flying forward and swinging out wildly to force Legeiel back with his unpredictable strikes. He gave a yelp as a counter slash sent him flying back but he corrected himself as he got near Saber, allowing the Swordsman of Flames to catch him.
Saber held out Saikou's tip, forcing the Yeti Megid to stop mid charge before he spun and slashed with both weapons, slicing through the Megid and sending it to the floor.
"We'll decide how this story ends!" Saber called out as he held Saikou up before tapping the finisher button on him with Rekka's hilt.
[SAIKOU HAKKOU!]
Legeiel rushed towards Saber to try and strike him from behind only to get blocked by Rekka, gasping out as he was slashed through in an instant by Saikou who was beginning to charge up energy. He could only cry out in pain as he was sent rolling back from the powerful slash.
Saber meanwhile began flourishing Saikou around as the Seiken of Light shined with a bright whitish yellow energy while Rekka erupted with bright red energy, "Light Dragon's Breaker Slash!"
Saber unleashed two slashes forward, a slash filled with bright red energy and a second filled with whitish yellow light. Both slashes struck against the Yeti Megid one after another, the attacks being too much for the Megid to defend against as it was soon sliced through.
[GOOD LUCK!]
The Yeti Megid could only yell out as he fell backwards, exploding in a bright display as Saber turned away and brandished his swords.
"I'll remember this…!" Legeiel hissed out before turning and vanishing.
"Not bad," Chris let out a whistle at the explosion before walking over and dismissing her transformation, "So how do you feel?"
"Better," Saber admitted as he dismissed his transformation as Saikou did the same.
"Good to hear," Chris said as she gave a sigh of relief.
"Again, thank you Chris," Touma smiled as he went to put a hand on his friend's shoulder, "I know you didn't try to do it on purpose."
"Don't worry I'm good now," Chris said as she pushed Touma's hand off of her shoulder, flashing a smile, "But thanks for the reassurance anyway."
"Any time," Touma kept his smile.
Yuri watched as Touma gave a stretch and began to head off, "You seem to have finally found relief."
"I won't doubt myself anymore," Touma said as he began to walk out of the warehouse, Chris and Yuri following after him, "I'll keep on fighting, so no one shares the fate that almost befell my mom."
"Damn right we will," Chris said as she held up a fist.
"I will fight alongside you," Yuri reaffirmed as he looked over at Touma, "However, let me caution you on something. Your method was inefficient."
"Oh boy…" Chris groaned as she heard that second part.
"What method?" Touma asked.
"How you separated your mother from the Megid was way too dangerous," Yuri replied, clearly a bit displeased by Touma's stunt.
"Yeah, I guess so…" Touma admitted.
"You say that like I wasn't there," Chris huffed, "Are you doubting my-"
"If you had used me, I could have separated them instantly," Yuri explained.
"Yeah, very true…" Touma agreed.
"Huh," Chris paused instead of continuing further, "That does seem more efficient…"
…
…
…
The two however finally registered what Yuri had just told them.
"…WHAT!?"
Chris suddenly grabbed Yuri by his arms, "Why didn't you say so sooner?!"
"I told him from the very beginning!" Yuri called out, "But he and the others kept stopping me."
Chris turned towards Touma with a dangerous stare, "What?"
"He literally said that I needed to cut her down!" Touma called out in defense, "Cut her down does not automatically register as 'I can separate her from the Megid' in someone's head! Even saying 'Use me to attack the Megid' would've clued me into realizing Saikou could do something the other swords couldn't!"
"I assumed it was quite obvious," Yuri remarked.
"Seriously though, had I known you could do that I would've cut straight to the chase almost immediately," Touma called out in frustration, "I wouldn't have done that risky plan to begin with!"
"How are you a bigger dummy than the dummy?!" Chris turned back to Yuri before shoving him back, "Seriously?!"
"I'm not a dummy," Yuri frowned, "I am a sword, is it not obvious?"
"Do not start on that mantra that Senpai does!" Chris pointed at Yuri.
"Unlike her I am not a self-proclaimed sword," Yuri scoffed, "After all you saw what form I take in battle."
"I uh…" Chris lowered her finger in realization, "Oh… oh no…"
"Exactly," Yuri crossed his arms and gave a smug smile.
"This is going to be a long summer…" Touma sighed as he began to rub the back of his neck, "Well at least…"
"Touma…"
Touma turned to see Michiko approaching with Hibiki who had dismissed her transformation by this point as well.
"Mom…" Touma muttered as his eyes began to grow misty, he quickly rubbed them before quickly running over and embracing his mother in a hug, "Thank goodness! Thank goodness you're alright…"
Michiko hugged back, giving a shaky breath as she rubbed her hands along Touma's back, "What… what even happened? I was just getting out from my flight when this man in black showed up and…"
"Don't worry, you're safe, you're safe," Touma repeated and reassured as he kept his mom in his arms, not wanting to let go, "And I promise I'll explain everything. I was already planning on doing that anyway…" he held his mom tighter however as tears began to fall, "But just… just let me hold you a bit longer…"
"Of course dear," Michiko agreed with a soft smile as she hugged back just as tight.
Hibiki meanwhile gave a soft smile as she sniffled a bit, glad to see that Touma was able to save his mom.
Chris smiled at this before turning away, "Well I suppose I'm not needed anymore. I'll be seeing you guys around."
"Alright, stay safe Chris!" Hibiki said as she waved Chris off who held her hand up for a simple wave as she walked off.
Yuri meanwhile crossed his arms, looking on at the scene in front of him and realizing that things truly had changed in the years since he had been sealed away.
"Well that was a lovely story. My hero definitely knows how to make things dramatic…" Storious mused to himself as he had finished observing the battle against the Yeti Megid from the safety of the Megid Hideout. Legeiel was likely not to come back immediately and Zooous was already getting started on the next Megid.
"I must admit this was fairly hard to find, but I believe it was worth it."
Storious looked over towards the entrance, watching as the woman that was spying on Touma, Hibiki and Yuri from earlier walked into the main room.
"Well now… this is a surprise," Storious smiled, "It's been a while Saint-Germain."
"Storious," the woman now known as Saint-Germain spoke up as she had her arms crossed, "I see you've decided to take the center stage instead of leeching off of another's goals."
"We've hit a comfortable point to be able to do that now," Storious admitted, "I am curious though… why are you here?"
"As I said, you've decided to take center stage," Saint-Germain said as she kept her gaze on Storious, "Which is perfect for my needs."
"Oh…" Storious hummed as he had a curious look on his face, "I take it you all are to start soon on your plans."
"Hopefully, and I know that you have no qualms with what we plan to do," Saint-Germain said before raising a brow, "Correct?"
"By all means go ahead, we could even consider it a race of sorts as we help each other," Storious replied before gesturing by holding his hand out, "So what exactly do you need of me?"
"A distraction," Saint-Geriman answered.
"That's all?" Storious asked with a raised brow.
"I'll give you all the details you need but there's something particular I'll need that's arriving here soon," Saint-Germain answered, "While I did have a plan saved up, using you all will make a better diversion given the current situation. If there's anyone can create a fantastical distraction, well… I'd say that would be you."
"Very well," Storious said as sly smile crept on his face, "I accept."
It had taken a while to get back, and night had already fallen as Touma, Michiko, Hibiki and Yuri had returned to SONG's mobile headquarters in order to explain the situation. The four were in the lounge with Sophia and Genjuro taking the lead on explanations, Aoi showing up to give everyone some drinks after the harrowing rescue mission that took place.
"Interesting…" Yuri was currently staring at a cup of hot chocolate he was given, "Just what is this?"
"Hot chocolate," Aoi said, "Even though it's summer a hot drink every now and again is always nice."
"Hot… chocolate…" Yuri trailed as he stared at his cup, "So this is the knowledge amassed by modern humanity," he paused before shaking his head, "But I am a sword. Swords cannot drink."
Aoi gave a sheepish chuckle at this, "I mean… while that is true, you have a human form which you're in right now, correct?"
"…" Yuri stayed silent at this.
"And I mean it looks like you wanted to drink it, meaning you can still taste I assume," Aoi pointed out.
"Huh, I suppose that's true," Yuri relented on his argument before deciding to take a sip, his eyes lighting up in surprise, "Oh… warm and sweet… so this is hot chocolate."
"Glad you like it," Aoi smiled before looking over at the main discussion taking place.
"And that's the gist of it," Genjuro said as he kept he crossed his arms.
"We were hoping to ease you into this tomorrow after you got to spend some time with Touma," Sophia admitted, "We weren't expecting the Megid to target you."
"This… this is a lot to take in…" Michiko admitted as she was currently staring at the floor from where she was sitting. She looked over to see Hibiki and Touma sitting next to her, "So that Zwei Wing Concert…"
"That was when everything changed, yes," Touma nodded, "But nothing immediately happened until two years after."
"I know it seems dangerous but well… we have a lot of experience," Hibiki said as she tried to reassure Michiko. She pumped her fists, "We've saved so many people thanks to our new powers."
"That's very much like you two," Michiko cracked a small smile as she looked away, "Always promising to help others and wanting to make the world a better place, right?"
"You hit the nail on the head," Touma chuckled.
"I suppose moonlighting as a superhero but working for the government explains how you've been able to keep Fantastic Bookstore Kamiyama running despite being busy," Michiko added, "Right?"
"Very much so," Touma admitted with a sheepish chuckle.
"I suppose I only have one more question…" Michiko admitted before looking over at Genjuro and Sophia, "How can I help?"
"Wait, what?" Hibiki tilted her head.
Touma looked at his mother in surprise, "EH?!"
"Excuse me?" Sophia asked while blinking a few times as this wasn't a response she was expecting.
"You want to help us?" Genjuro asked.
"Well just judging from the explanations you're dealing with a lot of ancient artifacts before our time," Michiko explained as she crossed her arms while a grin began to form from her lips, "And well… your lead Kamen Rider's mother just so happens to be a famed researcher who's always trying to find the next new ancient artifact or ruins to study."
"What exactly are you saying…?" Touma asked.
"If at all possible I'd like to join SONG as a researcher to help you all out when it comes to undiscovered Relics and related items," Michiko explained and though many people would think she was joking, her expression showed that she wasn't in the slightest, "Especially since I'm sure you could use someone reliable who can be away from home base that has the expertise needed."
"I was not expecting this kind of response," Sophia admitted.
"Well now, this is unexpected…" Genjuro said with a bit of surprise before cracking a smirk, "I suppose I know where he gets that go-getting attitude from."
"Well?" Michiko asked as she stood up to face the two Commanders on equal footing as she soon held a more serious expression, "Think we can work out a deal?"
"It'll take a bit but I suppose we can," Genjuro said as he held out a hand, "If you truly believe you can help us out then I'll gladly accept it."
"Of course," Michiko said as she took Genjuro's hand before giving a firm shake.
"Uh… what just happened?" Hibiki asked.
"I think my mom just brute forced her way into working with SONG," Touma hung his head with a sigh but still smiled, just glad that he had managed to save her before it was too late.
To Be Continued…
Author's Note: The Yeti Megid plot was fun to modify, due to the victim being Touma's mom in this story I was able to make it a lot more personal than in the show. Of course when it came to the Megid victims in general, I knew I'd have to basically make full changes to all of them. This was mostly because of how I structured Sympho-Saber alongside looking at the plots each one in the show had. That's also not mentioning that I plan on buffering the ranks of what human turned Megid show up because of all the Super Alter Ride Books we see the titles for.
Of course though there's the early appearance of Saint-Germain, mostly here to initiate my own variant of the Symphogear 3.5 story from XDU. But that'll be more for next time, so thanks for reading and I'll see you then.